Athens Now June 21, 2019

June 21st - July 4th, 2019

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

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Special Feature Athens says ‘Willkommen’ to couple renovating Downtown Athens building for German restaurant...

Downtown Athens is welcoming a German restaurant that Eric and Amy Miller plan...

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From The Vets' Museum

Vollara: Bringing The Power Of Nature Inside

By Ali Elizabeth Turner In 1988, Robin Gerrish was a young mother with a chronically ill child. Her daughter struggled with allergies, continual sickness, ear infections, and more. At the time, Robin came across an appliance which treated air in the home and made it smell just like an Continued on page 15

Athens-Limestone Hospital: A 4-Star Rating And The Reasons Why

Honoring Korean War Veterans...

We welcomed some special guests at our June Coffee Call.

Sam and K.C. Bertling joined us to present a long overdue medal to ...

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Horse Whispering Come! Let Us Read Together...

Horses are especially good at jump-starting intuition in human beings. Another word for intuition is “perception,” and perception...

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June 21 - July 4, 2019

Robin Gerrish, independent business owner with the Vollara Company

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Athens-Limestone Hospital staff receiving GOLD level Team Showcase Award recently in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

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In February of 2019, Athens-Limestone Hospital received the welcomed news that they had been awarded a 4-star rating from Hospital Compare, a national

Continued on page 17

www.JuicePlus.com

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June 21 - July 4, 2019

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers D. A. Slinkard Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Anna Hamilton Sandra Thompson Rosemary Dewar Jackie Warner Roy Williams Deb Kitchenmaster Nick Thomas Wanda Campbell Holly Hollman Tim Lambert

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4

Celebrating The Legacy Of Judge James E. Horton, Jr. On June 22, it will have been 86 years since bornand-bred Limestone County resident and Circuit Court Judge James E. Horton, Jr. made one of the most important decisions in the history of American law. He set aside a murder conviction couched in unabashed racism, and sounded one of the first trumpets to signal the death of Jim Crow.

I have stated many times

that I grew up learning about the Scottsboro Boys’ case in early ‘60s Seattle public education, but I had assumed that the entire matter had occurred as well as had been tried in Scottsboro, not Athens. One day while attending a reception in the southwest second floor of the Limestone County Courthouse, I saw a tiny historical plaque on the wall commemorating the decision. In my surprise I nearly spat out my strawberry, and as an adopted Athenian, I swelled up with what I trust was reasonable pride to be living in the same town where a man demonstrated that the pen can indeed be mightier than the sword.

Speaking of pens, Judge Horton kept all the Scottsboro memorabilia in a lard bucket, including the pen he used to change history.

Judge Jimmy Woodruff,

Limestone County Archivist Rebekah Davis, and others began to raise funds to have a statue of Judge Horton commissioned to stand at the foot of the steps of the courtroom where it all happened, and in October of 2017, it was unveiled.

In December of 2018, President Trump signed a bill approving the naming of our Athens United States Postal Service office on West Market Street after Judge Horton. Again, several Athens residents as well as Congressman Mo Brooks worked to bring the bill regarding the Horton history to the U.S. House floor, and then on to the Oval Office where such an honor could be signed into law.

In April of 2019, I had the privilege of attending the renaming ceremony held outside the post office. There, several speakers, including Congressman, recounted

Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 From The Vets' Museum . . . 10 PlayAction Sports . . . . . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12

the history of the case and celebrated Horton’s courage. Young and old, blacks, whites, the Horton family, and several officials listened on a day that was unseasonably warm. The plaque was unveiled, the band played, and all in all it was a great day in Athens, Alabama.

The plaque that documents the name change is up above the counter where one sorts one’s mail collected from one’s post office box. But my favorite feature is a plaque with a picture of His Honor which is literally and happily “in your face” every time you put a piece of mail in the outbox on the wall. Each time I read it, I am inspired all over again.

It says, in part, “The world at this time and in many lands is showing intolerance and hate. It seems sometimes that love has almost deserted the human bosom. It seems that only hate has taken its place. It is only for a time gentlemen, because it is the great things in life, God's great principles, matters of eternal right, that alone live. Wrong dies and truth forever lasts, and we should have faith in that.'” Fitting words, these, and they could not be more timely. Happy Judge Horton Day, dear Athenians!

Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 The Millennial Mind . . . . . 14

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

Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health & Fitness . . . . . . . 16 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 View From The Bridge . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Alternative Approach . . . . 22

June 21 - July 4, 2019

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All Things Soldier

Voices Of Service Helps Audiences Heal

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

On the evening of Tuesday, June 18, I was working on Athens Now articles and had the TV on in the background.

It was just that -- background, and the program was America’s Got Talent. Then all at once my attention was riveted to the sounds of some of the finest musical warriors I have ever heard, a quartet of three men and a woman. The group goes by the name of Voices of Service, and they had all served in Afghanistan and/or Iraq on multiple deployments. Each had suffered loss, and I presume also grapple with what is known

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as Survivor’s Syndrome, the complex blend of relief at having survived a war and guilt over the fact that someone else didn’t. To cope with that loss while they were still in country, they would sing, and that is how the group was born.

PTSD is something at which Voices of Service is taking aim using the power of music, and their message is described as follows: “We want to spread a message of love and hope for everyone in America who is coping with any challenge in life to show what music can do.”

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The members of Voices of Service are their founder, Master Sgt. (Ret) Caleb Green; Sgt. Major (Active Duty) Crystal Rheams; Staff Sgt. (Retired) Ron Henry; and Sgt. First Class Jason Hanna.

The song they selected was Katy Perry’s “Rise” and the performance was flawless.

Ron Henry said, “We would sit around and, you know, just start singing, and that would help us get over what we went through that day, you know, just bring a sense of hope to the loss that we dealt with.” Then he smiled and said, “The bond of music got us through it all.”

Crystal Rheams led off the singing with an opening line that sounded positively angelic, and the guys blended perfectly with her and each other. It was not long before the whole crowd and the judges were on their feet. She particularly got to me when they showed the video of the group’s back story prior to the performance. Each of the members told about their tours of duty, some of their struggles and losses, their dreams, and what an honor it was to be able to sing to America, especially service members. Crystal said, “To have this opportunity, it reminds you what a great country we do live in. And it’s for those people, those men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice that I stand on the stage and sing tonight.”

In spite of what they have been through, their intention to serve is unwavering, and their love for their country is unshaken. Caleb said, “We all have a common bond, to serve our country. Crystal said, “It is what gives us the power, the fire to do what it is we do.”

A visibly moved Terry Crews, who has been everything from an NFL player to comedian and film star said, “I could feel the healing.” And Simon Cowell, who is not exactly famous for being warm and fuzzy said, “This is what we need right now.” Voices of Service got four yeses from the judges and are advancing to the next round, and I believe there is nothing but good in store for them and anyone who will listen.

June 21 - July 4, 2019

Special Feature

Athens Says ‘Willkommen’ To Couple Renovating Downtown Athens Building For German Restaurant

by Holly Hollman - City of Athens Communications Specialist Downtown Athens is welcoming a German restaurant that Eric and Amy Miller plan to open next year on Marion Street.

The couple owns Hildegard’s German Cuisine in Huntsville. They purchased the former Diesel and Lola building across from the Limestone County Courthouse and are renovating for a Hildegard’s in Athens.

“It is wonderful to see new restaurants like Panera Bread and Hildegard’s locate in Athens and offer options for our growing community,” Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said.

The Millers announced their

new restaurant Monday night.

Panera Bread held its ribbon cutting on May 28.

“We are experiencing growth across our city, so the more options like these we can offer in our various commercial districts, the more we can keep people dining and shopping locally,” Marks said.

The couple said they plan to expose the original brick, wooden floors and ceilings.

“We want to restore it and make it a showcase,” Amy Miller said.

They want to add back the three original windows on the third floor, paint the exterior, create room for some outdoor dining and utilize the first and

second floor for the restaurant. The first floor would be for dining and the second floor would be a lounge area. The third floor might serve

June 21 - July 4, 2019

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as a loft apartment.

The couple said the Athens restaurant will offer the same menu as the Huntsville restaurant.

“We will be rotating in spe-

cials such as a German burger or other dishes Athenians may crave,” Amy Miller said.

Plans are to serve lunch and dinner. The couple hopes to open by March or April 2020.

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Calendar of Events Cornhole Tournament June 22

Second Sundays On The Square

Businesses will be open from 12pm-4pm on these Sunday afternoons for local residents and out-of-towners alike to come enjoy what downtown Athens has to offer during the weekends. For more information contact Merritt Malone at 256-777-7519 or merritt5485@gmail.com

With Piney Chapel Fire Department at the Smokin' Railroad Street BBQ Cookoff starting at 9:00AM. Double-elimination tournament. Pre-registration: $30; Day of: $40. Registation closes ta 8:30AM. Contact: Ryan Pylant 256-777-6930.

Houston Memorial Library and Museum SUMMER HOURS

Free HIV/HepC Testing June 26

101 North Houston Street in Athens. Tuesday, 9am-6pm • Wednesday and Thursday 9am-2pm • Friday - Closed • First Saturdays - 9am-12pm. Antiques mingle with new book releases to create an inviting atmosphere for both book lovers and historians alike. We have all genres for all ages! The Governor's home displays Athens and Limestone County history while maintaining a fully functioning lending library.

We invite you to stop by for a visit. Call 256-233-8770 for any questions.

Elkmont Lions Club Smokin Railroad BBQ Cook-off Jun 21 - 22

Downtown Elkmont. 18890 Upper Fort Hampton Road in Elkmont. Backyard Division Teams will come to compete as part of this Kansas City Barbeque sanctioned event.

Categories: Chicken, Ribs, Pork. Live music, vendors and more. For more information or request registration: Larry 256-777-3364; Ryan 256-777-6930; Susan 256-431-0277 or email ldpylant25902@yahoo.com

One Voice at Summer Concert Series June 21

Singing on the Square on the Marion Street side of the Limestone County Courthouse in downtown Athens from 7:00PM-9:00PM. Come early and enjoy the shops and eateries, then kick back in your camp or lawn chair for an evening of music hosted by Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association. Sponsored by Jimmy Smith Buick GMC. Free and open to the public. For more information: 256-232-5411 or VisitAthensAL.com/singing-on-the-square

Spaghetti Meal at the Vietnam Veterans ofIMPORTANT America Building 3rd Monday Monthly ANNOUNCEMENT!

17915 W. Elm St. in Athens. 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and There will NO Spaghetti forProfits the 5:00-7:00 p.m.be Cost is $8.

Eat in orDinner carry-out. month of July. We 3rd Monday fund scholarships for will localresume students.the Please call ahead for carry-outs 256-431-3213. in group August!

Sorry or formore anyinfo inconvenience.

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THRIVE Alabama will be at ALC-Family Resource Center from 10-1 for free, confidential HIV/HepC testing. The event is on June 26 in recognition of National HIV Testing Day. 406 S Jefferson St next to Dub’s Burgers.

Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival June 27 - 29

309 East Forrest Street. Corner of Beaty and Forrest Street across from Athens Middle School. 6:30-9:30PM. Tickets are 50 cents, 1 ticket for each ride. Concessions available.

Red, White & Boom - Athens Fireworks Show July 4

At the Athens Stadium. 100 U.S. Highway 31N in Athens. No stadium seating. Viewable from adjacent properties including Central Church of Christ, Swan Creek Park, Athens Shopping Center, Athens High School. Please respect private property and traffic right of ways. Bring your camp chair, lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the firework show after dark provided

by Athens-Limestone County Tourism, City of Athens and Limestone County Commission. For more info: 256-232-5411.

Blanche Freedom Festival ​July 4

Blanche School. 1649 Ardmore Highway in Taft, TN approximately 12 miles from Ardmore AL/TN on TN-110.

4:00PM-10:00PM with games, food, music, door prizes, and firework show. Free admission.

Heidi Burson Band July 5th

Lucy's Branch Marina presents the Heidi Burson Band Nashville Soul Music. Lucy's Barge. 6049 Bay Village Road, Athens. 7pm.

Fourth of July Celebration July 4

Central Church of Christ. 320 U.S. Highway 31N in Athens.

Cornhole, food, live music and great viewing of the Red, White & Boom Fireworks Show. Activities starting at 7PM. Free and open to the public. www.athensnowal.com

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June 21 - July 4, 2019

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Shining The Light On Local Electricity

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Mayor Ronnie and I had both been at the Flag Day ceremony held at Athens State University on June 14, and as always, we wished that more people had been there. The presentations

by Representative Crawford, Dr. Durm, and Dr. Wright were excellent, and as Danny Crawford spoke about the symbolism of the 13 folds of the American flag, we both learned something new. I was reminded in a whole new way that the Judeo-Christian foundation of our nation is historically inarguable, and all you have to do to control a population

is to disconnect them from their history.

We moved on to the topic of the electrical budget, and once again, I learned something new. According to Alabama State law, all of the electricity produced in Limestone County comes under the utility umbrella of the City of Athens. So, it becomes the City’s responsibility to put together an annual budget for electricity for both the City and the County, and with the historic growth that is forecast for our area, that is no small task.

Thankfully, the deadlines

for preparing the department budgets for Athens come at different times. The electric budget year goes from July 1-June 30, and is somewhat more complicated because of the need to tie in with the TVA. The total proposed electricity budget for the City of Athens that is going to be voted on by the Council is for $ 124,864,000. We both buy from and sell to the TVA, so about 99 million is in terms of expense, and the rest is revenue. While the budget request is up 5.1%, it needs to be remembered that already in anticipation of over 19% projected

growth, over 2,000 units for houses and apartments have been approved. It is sort of a chicken/egg dilemma, in that some would argue that the City should wait until the new population arrives to be sure they are coming, and some feel that being responsible looks like getting ready for the transplants before they get here. One of the things that everyone who is part of the TVA system agrees to is to provide reciprocal care whenever there is a disaster. In other words, when we had historic storms, other cities came to help us, and we are bound by our agreement with TVA to do the same. We have one or two teams that are ready to help, and that’s an important part of the budget.

“I want to make sure that the people of Athens-Limestone County understand what a great relationship we have with the TVA. They work very hard to supply us with the electricity we need,” the mayor said. He told me that we have built three new substations, and some of the new businesses coming in are going to be so large that they will need their own.

More about budgets and the way they are done. In the

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fall, the budgets for water, gas, waste water, and the General Fund are proposed.

For all budgets, every cent has to be justified, and again, according to Alabama law, it has to be balanced. I laughed out loud when Mayor Ronnie told me that… what a concept! We should see if anyone in Washington, D.C. would take a hint and follow suit. The mayor acknowledged that talking about the need for money before the revenue is there is difficult, which is why they try to be so careful with their requests.

When the City of Athens works on budgets, they take every single line item from the last five years, and compare everything to what is being currently requested.

This includes the purchase of power, employee salaries and benefits, and maintenance for each department.

They are making the final tweaks to the electricity budget now and will be ready by the end of June.

Mayor Ronnie had to prepare for a conference call with TVA, so with my having been “enlightened re: the electricity” we prayed, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll.

June 21 - July 4, 2019

Slinkard On Success

This One Is For Mom

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 flooded with so many memories from years past, but I knew I couldn’t speak with her about them because she simply didn’t have the ability to remember that far back. 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 under-

stand 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 the shell of who she was really tugged on an emotional string for me. It made me realize that I want to live my life to the fullest because there may come a day when the only thing to hold on to is the memories that others have of my past.

Though I write this article today, there is a chance that my mom has no recollection of my visit or me telling her that I love her.

Instantly, the Latin words “carpe diem” (seize the day) are prevalent to me as I 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 it was the biggest lie we told ourselves that day? Why continue the strings 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 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 come a time in which we will be unable to recall how things used to be, but we can impact how things are for us today. How do we make this impact? We must cut out 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 know, hours have passed by. Maybe you think you’re 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 that we will 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 pursue our dreams and accomplish 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 till tomorrow. Tomorrow may be too late.

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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Honoring Korean War Veterans

by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum

We welcomed some special guests at our June Coffee Call. Sam and K.C. Bertling joined us to present a long overdue medal to several of our Korean Veterans.

Sam and K.C. are the co-founders of the “Legacy 4 Korean War Veterans Foundation,” and their main goal is to honor the Korean veterans who they feel have been forgotten about. They are also responsible for presenting the Ambassador Peace Medal. This medal is for Korean War veterans who sacrificed for Korea's democracy and freedom, and is aimed at expressing the Korean government's gratitude and respect to them.

K.C. has a very special reason why this program is so dear to her heart; she has had a calling for a very long time. As a child growing up in Korea, K.C. knew a Korean War veteran who was homeless and did not have anything; although poor and sometimes hungry herself, K.C. would share what little food she had with this man.

Upon learning that this man had passed away and still had nothing, not even a loving family, K.C. made a vow that if she could ever afford it, she would share a hot meal with a Korean War veteran.

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K.C. and Sam Bertling with Korean War veterans

Ambassador for Peace Medal K.C. met her husband, Sam, when he came to Korea with the U.S. Army, and they have been together for over 45 years. He retired in 1996. In 2006, as K.C.

puts it: “My husband, Sam, and I had a golden opportunity to host our first luncheon at a local restaurant with six Korean War veterans; two wives also attended.

This luncheon has grown beyond even their imaginations.

They continued to host annual lunches, paying for them out of their own pockets, until January 2011 when the Legacy 4 Korean War Veterans Foundation became a 501 (c)(3), nonprofit organization.

In November 2012, Sam and K.C. sponsored nine Korean War veterans and three guardians to “Revisit Korea” with all expenses paid.

All nine veterans who took this Revisit Korea

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trip shared their testimonies on how this trip profoundly impacted their lives and brought healing to the war-torn memories carried for more than six decades.

In 2020, the Legacy 4 Korean War Veterans Foundation will celebrate their 15th year honoring the Korean War veterans, and they are working on details to make this event the most memorable event ever.

To be eligible for the Ambassador Peace Medal, the veteran must have served on land, in the air, or on the sea from June 25, 1950 through October 25, 1954. However, if a Korean War veteran visits Korea and is out of the parameters, that veteran will receive the medal from Korean government officials regard-

less of time period. To receive the medal, veterans may submit their request directly to Alabama Veterans Affairs Office, and they will receive it in the mail.

Korean War veterans can also apply through the foundation’s website at https://www. legacy4koreanwarveterans.org, and the foundation will process it through the Korean Consul General’s office, obtain the medals, and present them to veterans. Family members of deceased Korean War veterans may also apply for this medal. Along with the application, the family member must provide a DD Form 214; in lieu of this document, any document proving that the veteran was in Korea during this time will suffice.

June 21 - July 4, 2019

PlayAction Sports

Spring High School Wrap-Up And Post-Season Honors

by Tim Lambert

Tune in for the PlayAction Sports Update, three times each weekday on 1080 AM WKAC. Visit us online at www.pasnetwork.net! email: playactionsports@hotmail.com

We’ve got a little spring (sports) cleaning to do in this month’s edition.

Ardmore’s softball team made it to the Class 5A state softball tournament where they defeated Shelby County 12-4 in the first round. A 10-6 loss to Hayden then sent the Lady Tigers to the losers’ bracket. They were eliminated by Mortimer Jordan 5-0.

James Clemens' Cadence Huntsinger finished third in the state heptathlon, while teammate Audriana Blakely was eighth.

Trevor Hunziker also came in eighth in the decathlon.

Local players are invited to the first Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association's Basketball Showcase this Saturday.

The event will allow student-athletes to participate in the camp also open to college coaches.

The boys' showcase will be at Hoover, while the girls' will be at Spain Park. East Limestone's Austin Harvell and Jirah Rogers, Lindsay Lane's Tommy Murr, Athens High's Alaina Taylor and Nahriyah Timmons, and James Clemens' Tamia Yancey and Makiyah Parker are the local athletes invited.

Scholarships have been signed recently: James Clemens’ baseball players Ben Bolden and Jackson Reece will continue at Faulkner University and Montevallo respectively; the Jets’ Taiga Koyama will go to Fair-

June 21 - July 4, 2019

leigh Dickinson University on a tennis scholarship. West Limestone’s Savannah McConnell will take her basketball game to the next level at Wallace State. Clements’ Emrey McGill will also play softball for the Lady Lions. Athens High's Gracie Green signed a softball scholarship with UAH.

ens High's Gracie Green was 6A honorable mention. Ardmore's Sydney Hall was on the 5A first team while East Limestone's Olivia Crouch made honorable mention. Elkmont's Haven Kirby was a 4A first team selection with West Limestone's Raegan Clem on the honorablemention list.

Danny Petty retired as James Clemens boys’ basketball coach. The school announced that Frankie Sullivan will replace him. West Limestone hired former Waterloo softball coach Molly Fenn to lead the Lady Wildcats starting next season. Clements baseball coach Kirk Murphy resigned his position at the last school board meeting. Also stepping down at previous meetings were Clements girls' basketball coach Zach Meadows, Tanner volleyball coach Laci Ham, and West Limestone track coach Greg Skipworth.

Local players also made it to All-State soccer teams including Tanner's Manuel Felipe, Richard Rosas, Gonzalo Rubio, Luis Garcia, Cristian Nolasco, and Emanuel Gonzalez; Athens' Kevin Jurado and John David Mathews; West Limestone's Ritchie Grimes and Shane James; and Ardmore's Saul Rodriguez on the boys' team.

Clements' Alexandria Estrada, Leslie Gonzalez and Rosa Hernandez; James Clemens' Hannah Smid and Emma Houssain; and Athens Bible School's Sophie Glover were girl's team members.

Honors: All-State baseball teams featured several local names: Ardmore's Hogan Whitt was Class 5A honorable mention, Athens Bible School's Cade Abernathy was on the 1A first team, teammate Gage Johns was second team, and Matthew Usery was honorable mention. All-State softball teams were also determined: James Clements' Emily and Katie Simon and Lila Young made 7A honorable mention. Ath-

urday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the new gym.

Proceeds will go towards improving the weight training equipment and conditioning facilities at the school.

July 15-17 from 9 a.m. till noon for grades 1 through 6. Cost is $50.

For more information, contact Coach Andrew Smith at andrew.smith@ lcsk12.org.

The Athens Recreation Center has several registrations going on: youth tennis signups continue through July 10 for ages 5 through 12. Cost is $30 per player. Youth fall soccer registration is going on through July 20 for ages 5 through 14.

Cost is $50. For more information, call 2338740.

James Clemens is conducting various sports camps over the summer. Go online to www. jamesclemensathletics. com.

The Ardmore Tiger baseball camp will be

UNA is having basketball and softball camps over the summer. For more information on basketball camps, go online to www.unagirlsbasketballcamp.com; for softball, go to www.unasoftballcamp.com.

James Clemens' Ashlee Osaji was named as part of the Super All-State girls' track team as a triple jumper. She had the state's best indoor and outdoor leaps and won the Class 7A indoor and outdoor state titles.

Announcements: The Clements Athletic Association is hosting a community yard sale on Sat-

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East Limestone's T.J. Tyson eludes a Columbia defender in the Indians' spring game. Picture credit: Dean Baucom

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Clean and Green

Be Responsible For What Passes Through Your Hands

by Lynne Hart - Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Every day our hands come in contact with the world.

If we actually pay attention to what passes through our hands every day, we would be amazed. The touch of a baby’s skin, the soap and water we wash with, the cooking utensils and food we use to prepare meals, newspapers and magazines, fast-food wrappers, boxes and bags. We touch flowers and weeds. We pet our dogs, cats, horses, and other furry and feathered companions.

The items that find their way into and out of our hands are endless.

What we do with what we touch is our responsibility. We can choose to be gentle or rough when touching living things. We can give consideration to the other objects with which we come in contact or we can treat them with total disregard. Do we gently pet the dog?

Do we handle food with

love and care?

How do we handle things that pass through our hands and then are to be discarded? We make a decision for every bottle, can, plastic bag, junk mail item, cigarette filter, and candy wrapper we handle.

It is our choice to make every single time.

Do we flick the cigarette butt out of the car window or onto the ground, or do we dispose of it properly, keeping in mind the poisons added to the environment when carelessly flicked? Do we leave the empty nachos container and drink cup under the bleacher when we leave a track meet or football game? What do we do with the candy wrapper once that chocolate bar is eaten? Do we put it in our pocket until we find a trash can, or do we drop it where we are? Do we toss the aluminum can into the trash can because it is easier, or do we make an effort to recycle and preserve

our natural resources for future generations?

Every choice we make impacts our world. It is a hefty responsibility to which we may give little thought.

We are all aware of what litter looks like. We see it on nearly every road we travel. Do we give any consideration to

how that litter affects our property values, or what it does to our ground water, or how it could injure living creatures?

It is your choice and your responsibility to accept the consequences for the choices you make. If you choose to toss that litter or send recyclable materials to the landfill, then you must accept the responsibility for the damage caused. You have to own it.

can dispose of it properly, celebrate your choice!

When you take the extra few minutes to separate recycling from your trash, congratulate yourself for your concern for the environment and future generations!

Take responsibility for everything that passes through your hands.

It is your choice. It is your responsibility.

When you choose to hold onto that trash until you

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com Page 12

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June 21 - July 4, 2019

Cooking with Anna

Perception Can Become Your Reality

by Anna Hamilton

Webster’s dictionary defines perception as a result of observation; a mental image or concept of someone or something. What is your perception of yourself? How do you think others perceive you?

How you decide to see yourself can either make or break your journey to a better you.

Whether you are trying to lose weight, quit smoking, save money, look for a new job…perception of self plays a HUGE part of your success. According to Psychology Today: “As far as your brain, every thought releases brain chemicals.

Being focused on negative thoughts effectively saps the brain of its positive forcefulness, slows it down, and can go as far as dimming your brain's ability to function, even creating depression. On the flip side, thinking positive, happy, hopeful, optimistic, joyful thoughts decreases cortisol and produces serotonin, which creates a sense of well-being. This helps your brain function at peak capacity. Happy thoughts and positive thinking, in general, support brain growth, as well as the generation and reinforcement of new synapses, especially in your prefrontal cortex (PFC), which serves as the integration center of all of your brain-mind functions.”

In my own personal journey to health, I have had moments of doubt, moments of negative self-perception. When those thoughts creep into my mind, I find myself not wanting to strive to do better.

I begin to wallow in self-pity and in return begin to have negative thoughts. Constantly having negative thoughts can lead to selfsabotaging behaviors. This is why it is so important to keep a positive outlook. Positive thinking can increase your motivation and will help increase your energy level.

Learning not to focus on what you “can’t have” or on what you feel you are “giving up” can be hard in the beginning of your journey.

You have to retrain your mind to focus on what you can have. The recipe this week is a Mexican food classic. Almost everyone loves burritos, but they aren’t always the most figure flattering. This lettuce wrapped burrito doesn’t skimp on flavor and will leave you and your family feeling satisfied and not deprived at all!

Let’s make a deal. Let’s commit to seeing ourselves in a positive light. Let’s commit to thinking positively about our journey to health and learning to reward all of our victories. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

Recipe #12 Fajita Burrito Lettuce Wrap

What You Need: Meat Marinade:

¼ cup olive oil 2 Tbsp. lime juice 2 cloves garlic, crushed ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp cumin ¼ tsp oregano 1 lb. beef steak, cut into thin strips

Directions:

Lettuce Wraps:

1 onion, sliced 2 cups bell peppers, sliced 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp chili powder ¾ cup shredded cheese 1 avocado, thinly sliced 18 leaves iceberg lettuce Salt and pepper to taste

For best results, allow the meat to marinate overnight. Mix all marinade ingredients well. Add strips of steak to a large Ziploc bag. Pour marinade over meat making sure all the meat is covered.

After the meat has marinated, add the oil to a large sauté pan and heat on medium high heat. Add the meat mixture and cook for about 10 minutes or until meat is browned. While meat is browning, add chili powder, salt and pepper.

Once meat is browned, add onions and peppers. Cook until desired tenderness.

To make your lettuce burrito, overlap 3 large lettuce leaves. Add

June 21 - July 4, 2019

the meat mixture to the middle of the lettuce. Top with avocado and cheese. Start rolling up by tucking the bottom first and then the sides.

Cut your lettuce burrito in half and enjoy!

If your family prefers chicken, feel free to swap the chicken for steak. If you are feeling adventurous, try making these yummy burritos with shrimp or fish. This marinade works great on all meats!

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Page 13

The Millennial Mind

Is Donald Trump Oliver Warbucks?

by Rosemary Dewar

Our introduction to Oliver Warbucks is astringent. Soon after Annie has been plucked out of poverty and carried to his estate, Warbucks’ arrival is met with strict attention and snappy energy. His secretary, Grace Farrell, begins listing off the provisos of the day, and says, “President Roosevelt called three times. He said it was urgent.” He responds, “Everything's urgent to a Democrat.”

Much hasn’t changed from the mid-1930s,

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in that regard.

Annie has some trouble acclimating to Warbucks’ estate and can’t sleep. She runs to Oliver’s office while the team is working well into the night. Annie’s dog, Sandy will not stop barking. Suddenly a bomb is thrown into the office. A man is captured

by Sandy while Punjab and Asp subdue him. Annie asks, “Who'd want to kill Mr. Warbucks?”

Grace Farrell replies, “The Bolsheviks. He's proof that the American system works, and the Bolsheviks don't want anyone to know.” Now, compared to dealing with Antifa, the constant altercations promoted by the Social Democratic movement is difficult to ignore. President Trump, his staff, and his supporters often are met with animus and verbal harassment.

As the story continues, once Annie has warmed the heart he always had,

Oliver wishes to adopt her. Annie is grateful, but refuses for the moment, in order to find her birth parents. In an effort to help, Warbucks finally has a meeting with President Roosevelt and takes Annie with him. Warbucks arrives at the White House in a private helicopter.

President Roosevelt says, “Aren't Republicans ostentatious?”

While President Roosevelt attempts, again, to sell The New Deal, Warbucks stops him by saying, “The New Deal is badly planned, badly organized, and administered. You don't think your programs through.

Think what you're going to do to the economy in the long run!” Roosevelt replies, “I want to feed them and pay them.

Not much, but enough so they can be proud to be Americans.” Warbucks responds, “It's mistaken foolishness.

Big-hearted and emptyheaded…Who's going

to run it?” Roosevelt says, “I was hoping you would.” Well, Donald Trump didn’t just “run a program,” he decided to run the whole country by becoming president.

Could you imagine how better off we’d be if Oliver Warbucks was President during the Great Depression instead of FDR? It would have been marvelous.

Not an ill word was shared between FDR and Oliver Warbucks, and they committed to find a way to work together. Could you imagine Annie’s life if Oliver never made his millions? She’d be stuck in a fatherless, motherless hole, and oppressed by a bitter woman. The entire scenario would have been disastrous.

Because President Trump is combative, boisterous, and unseemly, our culture is doing everything within its grasp to make certain he irrevocably fails. I

could not imagine a drearier fate for our nation. If Oliver Warbucks can manage to do some good by the people around him, can we not be inspired to do the same with the few people around us?

Although President Trump’s presentation is not as polished and appropriate as I would prefer him to be, I can muster gratefulness for what he has been able to accomplish thus far. President Trump ought to take a few more economic cues from Oliver Warbucks.

Other than that, Trump should avoid failure at the hands of his foes in any way he can. His effectiveness not only depends on it, it demands it.

For some, I may have ruined this musical by making this comparison. As for me, I can’t help but observe the similarities, lift up my chin, and grin.

© Columbia Pictures, 1982

As cheeky as it sounds, it is quite accurate.

Donald Trump is Oliver Warbucks with very few exceptions.

The entire cast of the film Annie may take this as an insult, but they shouldn’t. In 1982 Annie was a smash hit, and the ideals of diversity, self-determination, family, and American exceptionalism are affirmed throughout the film. Oliver Warbucks is a patriarch of sorts. He is loud, confrontational, and stubborn, while surrounding himself with some highly competent people. He trusts them with his life, no matter their gender or ethnicity. Donald Trump is all those things with the exception of his previous open philandering, tariff hiking, and infrastructure plan. Like it or not, the parallels are entertaining and inspire reflection.

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June 21 - July 4, 2019

Cover Story

Vollara: Bringing The Power Of Nature Inside

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

electrical storm had finished passing through. She knew the “thunder-in-a-box” machine could have made a difference in her daughter’s life by providing pure air, but at the time didn’t buy one. With passion Robin exclaimed, “When I think of all the money we spent trying to get her well, and it didn’t work!”

Fast forward to 2018, and history was repeating itself in the form of chronically ill grandkids, but this time Robin, a successful real es-

tate agent, was in a position to purchase a FreshAir Surround box. She saw an immediate difference in their health. They were not getting the usual bugs that were going around, and when one grandchild did get sick while being away, she came home to an “air bath” of purified air that shortened her down time in a sick bed. In addition, no one else in the family caught the offending bug. “I thought about when my daughter was sick, and how much money we spent on trying to get her well. I realized that I want

people to be well,” she said.

So she decided to become an independent business owner with the Vollara Company. “I took all the ‘plug-in smellgoods’ out of my house, and now my house smells good,” she said. “Mine does, too,” I added.

The FreshAir Surround system uses several technologies that were developed for the International Space Station and are referred to as “Certified Space Technologies.” They include: high intensity UVC light which replicates the purifying power of sunlight and utilizes charged ions (both positive and negative). When the ions are combined with peroxides and activated oxygen, all serve to reduce dust particles in the air, as well as eliminate smoke, odors, and surface contaminants. It makes everything smell deeply pure and fresh because it truly is and all without artificial fragrances or any dangerous chemicals!

Step two for Robin was the water purification system.

The scientific understanding of the dangers to our health of drinking acidic water and beverages is increasing every day. It is not enough to drink enough water; it has to be wellness-supporting water, and all the more so as we age and lose our ability to stay dehydrated. Vollara’s system is called LivingWater, and can be calibrated to be strongly acidic for first aid, slightly alkaline for drinking and cooking water, and ranges up to a powerful alkaline level that naturally removes pesticides from fruits and vegetables and can be used for cleaning.

The last of the Vollara appliances is the LaundryPure system. I know this sounds hard to believe, but you can get soft, perfectly clean laundry washed in cold water and without the use of any detergent or

June 21 - July 4, 2019

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bleach. In fact, LaundryPure is used to wash MLB uniforms, has been proven to kill MRSA (one of the worst antibiotic-resistant super-bugs), and I have friends who have accidentally left their wet wash overnight without it becoming sour.

LaundryPure technology is used in hotels, hospitals, and laundromats. The system utilizes cold water, hydrogen, and oxidizers to lift grime and dirt away from individual threads, and clothes are brighter. Because regular detergent leaves a residue, towels in particular regain their fluffiness after a few washings. Let’s talk about the money saved when you use LaundryPure. A family which does 392 loads a year using an electric water heater, detergent, and softeners spends about $1.42 per load equaling $556.64 annually. By contrast, the same 392 loads using the LaundryPure system costs $0.24 per load or $94.08 per year.

Finally, Vollara has several supplements and products which provide vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, antioxidants and friendly flora with a proprietary delivery system to help you improve your health from the inside out, and on June 27, you will have an opportunity to learn about all that Vollara has to offer.

Dr. Troy Sanford, CN, ND

and certified nutritionist, and has been with Vollara since 2010. From 2-6:30 p.m., the Vollara team will offer free Zyto Health scans that demonstrate with pin-point accuracy the presence of a number of physical conditions (often caused by dehydration), with which you may not know you are struggling. Then you will have the opportunity to learn from a true expert all the ways you can rebuild your health.

First National Bank, which is located at the corner of Hwy 72 and Lindsey Lane in Athens, has a community room on the second floor. The entrance is on the west side of the building. The address is 1880 US Hwy 72, Athens, AL 35613. For more information, please contact Robin Gerrish at 256-374-9139, robin.gerrish@charter.net or go to her website at www. myvollara.com/robingerrish

Dr. Troy Sanford will be speaking at the First National Bank in Athens on June 27 at 6:30 p.m. He is a naturopath

Page 15

Health and Fitness

One Simple Word…

by Nick Thomas, owner of Prime Performance Training, and Certified Sports Nutritionist Discipline – train oneself to do something in a controlled habitual way Such a simple word that holds so much meaning, far more than the definition even states, maybe more than words can even express. Perhaps this word is more a state of mind.

When it comes to attaining any goal in your life discipline is key, and not just in one area, but in all facets of life. There are certain steps that have to be taken each and every day all day in order to reach big goals.

This is especially true with health and fitness goals. If you want to lose weight, get stronger, and/or have more energy, it takes a total lifestyle change and an incredible amount of discipline.

down the cake more often than not, having sore muscles when you move each day, and waking up earlier each morning are just a few choices you make to improve your overall health and lifestyle. The thing is, these things are not something you always are looking forward to or will enjoy.

It takes a commitment to be disciplined and make yourself consistently stick to the choices which bring your closer to attaining your goals.

It is a mindset. Pushing

yourself mentally will always overrule what your body is telling you it can do.

In order to make lasting change and truly become disciplined in a daily lifestyle, it takes forming new habits. Approximately thirty days of consistency and discipline doing something new will create a new habit. This doesn’t mean that it becomes easy, but it does mean that your discipline will pay off and your consistency will become routine,

It’s been said that discipline is doing what you need to do even when you don’t want to do it.

I see a lot of truth in this statement. Change is rarely easy, and it takes being uncomfortable to make a noticeable and sustainable difference in your life. Turning

making it harder to be swayed off track. Results will also soon follow if they have not already begun at this point.

Something that can also really aid in the process of forming new disciplined, fitness habits is accountability. Have one or maybe even a few people in your life that are passionate and disciplined in the same ways you want to be and you can encourage, push, and challenge each other daily. This also makes it more fun, and we all

know that we are more apt to do something when we are having a good time. Another element to having a trainer, friend, team, etc. when it comes to fitness is it brings in some competition and challenge to consistently step it up and take yourself to the next level. Always improving, setting new goals, crushing them, and setting more keeps things new and interesting so you don’t get complacent and slip into old habits.

Making fitness and nutrition a discipline in your life will completely change every portion of your life for the better.

The trickle effect of fueling your body with the right foods and getting in physically challenging activity each week will give you more energy and confidence. You will notice that you wake up earlier and are more productive in all areas of your life. The discipline learned in these areas will increase your quality of life in its entirety.

For information regarding a personalized general or sports nutrition plan contact me at Prime Performance 423-8050870.

256-434-7532 423-805-0870 www.getprimednow.com Page 16

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June 21 - July 4, 2019

Cover Story

Athens-Limestone Hospital: A 4-Star Rating And The Reasons Why

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

assessment firm. Their purpose is to give prospective patients an opportunity to see how well the hospitals in the area are functioning, so they can make an informed decision as to where they will seek out-patient or in-patient medical care. Hospital Compare uses a 1- to 5-star rating, and the fact that ALH is at a solid 4 is a feather in the cap of their entire staff.

Not long ago, the idea of “customer satisfaction” when it came to hospitals was somewhat of an anomaly, but now has become an important part of what makes hospitals “tick.” If a hospital has a poor reputation, just like in any business, word gets around and people go elsewhere.

Hospital Compare compiles patient feedback from several categories and updates those findings twice a year. Those findings are made public and can be accessed at www. medicare.gov/hospitalcompare.

Sixty-seven years ago, Athens Limestone Hospital was a small community hospital with just 50 beds. While it has worked very hard to maintain the “feel” of a small-town facility, it now boasts the first-of-its-kind outpatient

June 21 - July 4, 2019

surgery facility in the State of Alabama. Located on Hwy 72, the beautiful new building has several things about which it can boast. The level of technology used in operating suites is matched by the music system and video choices made available to each patient. The videos utilize images of waterfalls, marine life, mountain scenes, and others that provide an extra “layer of calm” before and while the anesthesia is taking effect. These services are part of a bundle entitled the Olympus EasySuite Patient Greeting Systems. Patients who have been admitted to the surgical tower also appreciate that there is a pharmacy right there in the facility. It makes for one less place to have to

stop on the way home, and there is also another pharmacy located in the hospital on West Market Street.

In addition to Hospital Compare criteria published in their findings, the hospital itself surveys recently discharged patients with specific reference to the unit in which they were treated. It takes a 75% patient satisfaction quotient in order for a team to receive the ALH Patient Experience Award.

In the first part of 2019, the ICU, Sleep Center, Mother& Baby, 3 West, and Wound Care units all received a 100% rating. Other high-level contenders were Radiology, the Lab, and Operating Department.

As a result, Athens-Limestone Hospital is now recognized as

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a Level-One Recipient from Alabama Performance Excellence, who recently gave ALH a GOLD designation for their performance and commitment in preventing falls.

Speaking of mothers and babies, Athens-Limestone Hospital is enormously proud of what they call “The Baby Place.” Gone are the days of pacing fathers relegated to the waiting room and babies whisked away to the nursery; now the intent, according to Jody Wofford, Nurse Manager of The Baby Place, is to “focus on the wishes of the parents and attempt to meet all their needs, including birth plans and skinto-skin contact after delivery.” Research has shown that immediate contact between

mother and baby helps stabilize infant body temperature, glucose, respiratory function, as well as the transition from the womb to the outside world. In addition, mothers bond more readily and powerfully with their newborns.

In most cases, mothers in The Baby Place are able to labor, deliver, and recover in the same room, which reduces stress for everyone involved, especially the mother. ALH also is prepared to help mothers who, with the support and approval of their attending physician, wish to attempt a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). If a cesarean is needed, the staff is ready. The Baby Place offers free breastfeeding classes which are taught by certified lactation specialists. Staff members are certified in emergency respiration practices especially designed for newborns, and in the rare event that parents lose a child, ALH has nurses trained in the delicate and difficult task of walking parents through bereavement.

All in all, The Baby Place is one more feature of ALH that has blended “hometown feel” with latest technology, and is what contributed to the 4-star rating.

Athens-Limestone Hospital is affiliated with the Huntsville Hospital Health System, the nation’s third largest publicly-owned hospital system. The 71-bed hospital has grown to more than 700 employees and more than 150 physicians. ALH’s mission is “to provide each patient with the exceptional quality care, service and compassion we want for our loved ones.” Finally, their vision is “to be the first choice for health care.”

And that is what will make Athens-Limestone Hospital continue to shine.

Page 17

Learning As A Lifestyle

Community Breakfast – Science Meets Faith

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 Join us at Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning on June 28 for the presentation, Science Meets Faith-One Small Look at God's Vast Universe, by Jim Odom. Mr. Odom is retired from a very distinguished career at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center where, among other responsibilities, he was the Director of Science and Engineering, Project Manager of the Hubble Space Telescope, and also served on the Space Shuttle Team and Apollo Project. In this discussion of “Science Meets Faith,” Mr. Odom vividly outlines the ways in which the laws of astrophysics merge with God’s laws in an expansive universe from which we are still learning.

See actual NASA photographs from parts of the universe yet to be explored, and hear how those extragalactic components tie in with Creation.

Breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. in the mezzanine of the Center for Lifelong Learning, followed by Mr. Odom’s presentation. The event is free and open to the public. If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please contact us at cll@athens.edu or via phone at (256) 233-8260.

We still have openings in

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camps. Coming up next week at the Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning is The Great Brick Adventure and Stop Motion Animation. Fire It Up! Pottery and Art Explorers will be offered at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur.

transportation and entrance fees. Snack and water will be provided.

Information about all our programs is listed on our website – www.athens.

edu/CLL. You can call us with questions at 256-2338260.

Starting July 8, we have Keyboarding Kamp, and How Sweet It Is! Junior Baking Camp. The week of July 15, we are offering Tee Time! Golf Camp, and Slime Academy. The week of July 22, we are offering camps for Art Explorers and CSI for Kids. Art Explorers will have two sessions – one for 5-7 year olds, and one for 8-12 year olds.

For our final week of camps, July 29 we will be offering two art Camps in Decatur at the Alabama Center for the Arts. The first is 3-D Art for Mommy and Me, for 5-7 year olds. The second is Creative Geniuses 3-D Art for 8-12 year olds.

We also have scheduled a trip for adults and children accompanied by adults, to the Tennessee Aquarium on Friday, July 19. Everyone will gather at the Center for Lifelong Learning by 8:00 a.m. and we plan to return by 5:00 p.m. This trip is limited to 10, so register early. The fee is $79, which includes

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June 21 - July 4, 2019

The View From The Bridge

Elegant, Ageless, Classic Women…

by Jackie Warner

Career Development Facilitator “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters Listen up girls, ladies, and you so-called divas out there! trendy, Some say fashionable, stylish; while others would say flossing or on fleek…

But the above is nothing in comparison to the ageless, never going-out-of-style The classic woman.

Authentic YOU: Walking in or out of the room --Yes, a woman of class!

It’s not the clothes, the hair, or even the shoes. Honey, they are mere accessories.

So, let’s take a personal assessment to see if you own the characteristics for this role call: 1. Confidence you must possess - It is not cocky or arrogant! You don’t seek the approval or the attention of others. You carry your own sense of self-worth and know “anything is possible” 2. Originality - You innovate, initiate…Yes! No need to copy anyone else. You are the authentic uniqueness.

3. Class - It’s not that you are a snob, you just know how to conduct yourself appropriately at all times.

June 21 - July 4, 2019

4. Intellect - Be humble, but study to show yourself approved and knowledgeable in your walk of life. Street smarts are essential as well.

5. Loyalty - You are no fair-weather friend! You are there rain or shine, through thick and thin, for better or worse!

6. Honesty - No time for anything but intentional real talk!

7. Refinement - Daily polishing and casting out the coarse…to get to the brilliance and shine.

Psalms 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Classic - Having lasting significance, worth; enduring.

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/

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Page 19

Horse Whispering

Come! Let Us Read Together

by Deb Kitchenmaster Horses are especially good at jump-starting intuition in human beings. Another word for intuition is “perception,” and perception requires imagination, as well as creativity and reflection.

For the first time since founding Abba’s Lad Riding Camp, to offering ‘oneon-one’ sessions and round-

pen group sessions, through creating Corral Connections, I have not once had the idea that came to me a few weeks ago, prior to a horse session with one of our younger handlers. I chose to go with the flow of this idea, and I’m sure glad I did.

So, what was this idea? I was to select five different books I had in my library, put them in a bag, and let the handler choose a book to read during some point in our session. After encouraging “connecting” moments

Page 20

between horse and human in the round pen (involving varied groundwork communications), we headed outside the round pen to a chair located under the branches of an outstretched shade tree. Out of the books, You’re Here For A Reason by Nancy Tillman was the first choice. Dropping the lead rope to the ground

you’re here! Thank goodness times two! I just can’t imagine a world without you.”

We transitioned from the chair to the back of the horse where exercises (breathing and phys-

so both hands could hold and turn the pages to her book, what happened with the horse and human connection was absolutely beautiful to witness. The horse, as you will see in the pictures, was all about being close as she read: “A piece of the world that is precious and dear would surely be missing if you weren’t here. If not for your smile and your laugh and your heart, this place we call home would be minus a part. Thank goodness

ical) were practiced. I so enjoy working with this young leader. The two horses she has connected with listen quite intently to her. Who needs cable TV, right?

So, being the “what iftype” of person I am, after riding, I asked the handler to return to the chair and select one more book to read out loud. Since this was the first time this horse had EVER been read to, I thought perhaps all interest would be gone and the horse would chose to wander off.

Not so! The second book chosen was God Is Really Good,

by Bill Johnson with Seth Dahl and Lamont Hunt. Sparrow, squirrel, owl, puppy, goat, and cat hear what Lily (an actual lily in the garden) has to say about the goodness of God. Her message brings a letting go of worries that have been held on to. A song fills the air from sparrow about how GOOD, GOD REALLY IS! The horse was REALLY into this story also! What fun!

than the brain’s magnetic field and can be detected a number of feet away from the body in all directions. When you’re communicating with others, particularly non-verbally, you’re broadcasting a stronger signal through your heart than your head.

I am aware of dog therapy where children, in particular, read to a dog to build self-esteem, confidence, and relaxation in reading out loud in an environment that does not mock, taunt, shame, or judge.

Needless to say, that would be more than likely a humanfree environment, right? It’s quite effective. I was not aware of horses being read to until after that session, and I went online out of curiosity. I came across a program called R.E.A.D. It talks about the benefits of reading to animals. Do you remember The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley? The first book was called The Black Stallion; the second was called The Black Stallion Returns (1945). Mr. Farley’s son created a reading program where his dad’s books are read to a horse. The youngster will read about grooming a horse, the autonomy of a horse, and other topics pertaining to horses.

How cool is that!

It was obvious this young reader was reading from her heart or what is re- Do the math. Open your heart ferred to as HeartMath, and let the unforced rhythms (IMH) where extensive of grace electrify your surstudies on cardio-elec- roundings. tromagnetic communication have been done.

The heart’s electrical field is about sixty times Your NEIGHbor, greater than the electriDeb Kitchenmaster cal activity generated by Corral Connections the brain. The magnetic 256-426-7947 field produced by the heart is more than five Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner thousand times stronger horsinaround188@gmail.com

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June 21 - July 4, 2019

Mental Health Minute

Gaslighting

by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor

“If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes accepted as the truth.”

- attributed to various sources I will admit that several months after completing my master’s degree program in counseling and human services, I had forgotten about the term, gaslighting. So, when I began working with severely mentally ill adults, one of my clients reminded me exactly what it meant.

That’s right, my client educated me about gaslighting from her personal experiences. (And I continue to learn something new from my clients every day.) The Psychology Today defini-

tion of gaslighting is “a form of persistent manipulation and brainwashing that causes the victim to doubt herself or himself, and ultimately lose her or his own sense of perception, identity, and selfworth.”

If you have never seen the 1944 Ingrid Bergman film Gaslight, it is worth your time. In the movie, a husband purposefully drives his wife insane by flickering lights, making noises in the attic, and then claiming that the very real experiences were all in her head. Thus, gaslighting is a tactic in which someone, in order to gain more power or control, makes the victim question reality. Anyone is susceptible to this manipulation tactic, which is commonly used

by abusers, dictators, cult leaders, and narcissists.

The process is done slowly over time, so the victim is unaware of having been brainwashed.

Let’s look at some of the characteristics of gaslighting. Gaslighters’ actions do not match their words.

What they are saying is just talk, so look at what they are doing. Words are for manipulation and mean nothing to them. In fact, they can’t help but tell outright lies. Once you are told a huge lie, which you discover is a huge lie, you can’t be sure if anything they say is the truth. The gaslighter’s goal is to keep you unsure and off balance. Add to this the fact that some gaslighters will deny they ever said something, even if you have

proof they did. Again this makes you start questioning your reality…maybe they really never said that.

And the more they do this, the more you question yourself and what is real, and begin to accept their reality. The frightening thing about gaslighting is that it is done gradually over time. One lie here, then another lie there, then questioning what you said or they said. The best analogy I have heard is the frog in the boiling water. If you turn up the heat slowly, the frog never realizes what’s happening.

The client I mentioned who introduced me to gaslighting was in a divorce situation. Gaslighters know how important your kids are to you. And they recognize the impor-

tance of your identity. Her ex-husband had been using her daughter as ammunition both in terms of questioning her abilities as a mother and in questioning her sanity. This leads me to the most effective tool of gaslighters…telling you or others that you are crazy. If people doubt your sanity, they may stop believing you when you tell them what is going on.

Gaslighters appears as the “calm” ones, explaining how you are the one out of control. Then you end up having to defend yourself!

Often, too, gaslighters will throw in positive comments to confuse you. Just when they spent the last 20 minutes cutting you down or telling you that you are useless, they will throw in a praise (usually for something that was of benefit to them.) You think, “Maybe they aren’t so bad.” Yes, they really are.

© MGM Studios, 1944

Finally, gaslighters tell you that everyone (your family, friends, the media) is a liar.

Again this is to force you to question what is real. It’s designed to make you turn to the gaslighter for the “right” information, which of course, isn’t correct at all. The more aware you are of these techniques, the better you will be at identifying and avoiding the gaslighter’s snare.

June 21 - July 4, 2019

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Lisa Philippart is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who divides her time between her own private practice in Huntsville and providing personal counseling services at Athens State University.

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The Alternative Approach

Stop The Aging Process…

by Roy Williams

As impossible as that may sound, the beginning of the end of aging, as most of us have learned to accept it, may very well be closer than ever before. So, let me ask you a question. What if aging was preventable?

As incredible as it may seem, the slow decline in appearance and function that we call aging may not be fixed in our genes as part of human destiny. Slowing down and in some cases reversal of aging is now possible. This is not just hype; it is based on scientific studies, including double-blind-placebo studies.

Age Reversal?

If you learned that you could live over a hundred years while maintaining the health and vitality of a 25 or 30 year old, would you be interested? And what if you learned that even if you are already suffering from the effects of aging, you could turn back the clock twenty years and stay that way until you were a hundred years of age…would you want to know how?

If those two questions have piqued your interest, then read on because this information may change your life. Incredible as it sounds, scientific studies are showing that the slow decline in

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appearance and function that we call aging may not be fixed in our genes, after all.

In fact, since the early seventies, experiments have proven that there is a way to help your body maintain its youthful appearance, stamina, weight, memory, blood pressure, bone mass, healing abilities, and sexual performance that you had in your thirties. Even then it was recognized as the cutting edge of anti-aging science.

It’s Not New! What I am talking about has been used for years, but there were two problems -- it had to be injected daily by prescription only and it was very expensive. Today I am going to go over the list of results, which are impressive to say the least.

Just to give you a heads up, I will say, thanks to a breakthrough in transdermal delivery and the technology behind it, the average individual can not only use it, they can afford it. Those who take advantage of this new scientific breakthrough are reporting amazing results verified by their medical reports.

Keep in mind that this substance has been shown to cause the human body to lose unwanted body fat, build muscle, regrow or-

gans, improve heart and lung activity, increase sexual pleasure in men and women, and give one a sense of well-being without any negative side effects. By now, I’m sure you are asking, what is this substance and how can I get it?

What we are talking about is human growth hormone. HGH is produced by your pituitary gland, which shrinks with age.

As a result, HGH production also decreases. At age 20, the normal level of HGH circulating through the body is about 10 milligrams per deciliter of blood. By age 60, it has dropped to only 2 milligrams per deciliter – a decrease of 80 percent.

It is growth hormone that grows the cells, bones, muscles, and organs of young children, and it is the falling levels of growth hormone, after age thirty, that slowly rob us of our youth. By age seventy, 38 percent of the population is as deficient in growth hormone as children who fail to grow normally because of their hormonal deficiencies.

Adults using hormone replacement therapy have revealed that most of the age-related features associated with growth hormone deficiency can be reversed.

In the book Grow Young With HGH, Dr. Klatz writes on page 8, and I quote, that “HGH is the ultimate antiaging therapy. It affects almost every cell in the body, rejuvenating the skin and bones, regenerating the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys, bringing organ and tissue function back to

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youthful levels.”

10) Lowered blood pressure

And if that weren’t enough, it is an anti-disease hormone that revitalizes the immune system, lowers the risk factors for heart attack and stroke, improves oxygen uptake in emphysema patients, and prevents osteoporosis.

11) Improved cholesterol profile, with higher HDL and lower LDL

In the book it states, “The list of benefits seems to grow with each new study. They now include:

16) Wrinkle removal

1) 8.8 percent increase in muscle mass on average after six months, without exercise 2) 14.4 percent loss of body fat on average after six months, without dieting 3) Higher energy levels 4) Enhanced sexual performance 5) Regrowth of heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, and other organs that shrink with age 6) Greater cardiac output 7) Superior immune function 8) Increased exercise performance 9) Better kidney function

12) Stronger bones 13) Faster wound healing 14) Younger, tighter, thicker skin 15) Hair regrowth 17) Elimination of cellulite 18) Sharper vision 19) Mood elevation 20) Increased memory retention 21) Improved sleep" After 4 Months on this gel, Gwen and I Report Amazing Results!

To learn more, go by Herbs &More or NHC Herb Shop or call 800-745-4408 and pick up the FREE CD that goes into detail about this powerful homeopathic gel that does virtually the same thing the injections do without a prescription.

Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams

June 21 - July 4, 2019

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Mondays at 10am 1080 AM WKAC June 21 - July 4, 2019

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