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June 19 - July 2, 2015

AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali: 256-468-9425 Deborah: 256-309-9399

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

Special Feature Top Job Roofing And Construction: Putting “More Than A Roof” Over Our Community... When I interviewed Top Job Roofing and Construction co-owners Steve Ridinger and Zeb Lewter last September, they already had... Page 7

The 9th Annual Elk River Boat Party: Truly Family Friendly By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Nine years ago, Mike Jackson (of Mike Jackson Home Builders) and his adult kids, Beth and Brian, came up with the idea that

Clean And Green Let’s Talk About The Bats And The Bees... Recently, a story appeared in a local newspaper about bats in Limestone County testing positive for... Page 12

Continued on pages 15

“My180” Health: Where Less Is More

Athens Rehab Spotlight Spotlight On “Doc” Thompson... “Doc” Thompson was born at home in West Limestone County on July 16th, 1920. He had 2 sisters and one brother, and has nearly nonstop... Page 19

By Ali Elizabeth Turner It’s been nine months since I first walked into the My180 Health center (located in the Publix shopping center on County Line Road,) and I am still a raving fan member. I am as intrigued now by the technology as I was then, and I am pleased to be able once again to tell their story. Continued on page 17

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Josh Brigadier helps set up a Whole Body Vibration machine session for a client at My180 Health

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Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales

Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Deb Kitchenmaster Sandra Thompson Lynne Hart Jackie Warner

The Silly Shallowness Of “Self-Identification” When I was in theological school in the ‘70s, I remember coming across the warning in 2 Timothy that one of the signs of the last of the Last Days would be that essentially people would be “off the charts” when it came to completely distorted self love, obsession with pleasure, treachery, lack of self control, egomania, hatred for parents, lack of love for God, and the list goes on. Several things of late have made me think about that warning once more. As we wrestle in the grip of social media, and media of all types, for that matter, we find ourselves surrounded by stuff that is so goofy that even back in the heyday of the rebellion of the ‘60s we would have said, “Man, that’s messed up.”

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . 7 From The Vets’ Museum . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Shelley . . . . . . . . 13 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 Athens Rehab Spotlight . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . 20 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 The View From The Bridge . . 23

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We have a new term to illustrate this malady, fairly recently coined, and no doubt a candidate to win the annual “new dictionary word” award. It’s called “self-identification.” It defies reason, logic, common sense, and couldn’t get any traction if we didn’t have the ability to just about take “selfies” on time lapse in our sleep. Bruce Jenner, arguably one of the greatest Olympic athletes of all time, now wants to be known as Caitlyn, and “shis” picture is everywhere. I do feel sorry for “shim,” I do,

sars and the Pharaohs, but times of hardship and war have tended to keep it at bay. You don’t have time for “transanity” when Pearl Harbor is being attacked or the Twin Towers are coming down, or Katrina is turning the French Quarter into “K-ville.” And

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because I cannot imagine how empty his soul must be, to tolerate such levels of pain and abuse to have his body mutilated in the process of being “transformed,” and no amount of surgery or airbrushed photos can fix that. Rachel Dolezal, who was born blond and with fair skin, could have been a poster child as an “Aryan” in Hitler’s Germany. She radically changed her appearance, “self identified” as a black woman, and finally her parents exposed the fact that their daughter was not who she said she was to those in her world. She resigned from the NAACP, lost her African studies teaching job, and ended up on all the morning shows. When asked by Matt Lauer if she is African-American, she said, “I identify as black.” Rush Limbaugh decided for the sake of satire to “self-identify” as a “skinny guy.” He has had a well-publicized life long battle with his weight, and to illustrate how selfabsorbed we as a culture have become, Rush is tak-

ing the position that we should see him as skinny. Thankfully, he is not serious. Saddam Hussein, according to one of his mistresses, used to stand in front of a mirror in his skivvies, wearing cowboy boots, a cowboy hat, and with a cigar clenched in his teeth, would vigorously holler, “Heil Hitler!” I guess my question in that example is, was Saddam “selfidentifying” as a cowboy, der Fuhrer, a model for Fruit of the Loom, or all three? This kind of stuff has always existed, as illustrated especially by the Cae-

don’t want to see calamity come to our great nation, I have started to wonder if it’s the only thing that will get our heads screwed back on straight. I would hope that if Caitlyn Jenner is anywhere near a flood or a fire, “shis” decision will be to use “shis” legendary athletic prowess to pull people to safety. We shall see.

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

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All Things Soldier

Back To Iraq

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Four hundred and fifty US troops have been sent by their Commander-in-Chief back to Iraq, and I am sure it must have galled POTUS to do so. Why? Because he declared the war in Iraq to be over. I know that there are those who will take issue with me, saying that this is what should have happened, but I lived amongst Iraqis for three years, and this was their fear: that the Coalition would leave before they could handle things on their own. That is exactly what has happened, and it is heartbreaking. It did not help at all that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid pushed through a resolution to announce their intent to see to it that the US withdraw by a certain date, which was a truly idiotic if not treacherous move. “Hey, let’s just announce that we are out of here, let our enemies bide their time (which they did,) and they can

is not defeated, then 2 million Iraqi Christians, (let alone Muslims who are not considered to be fervent enough believers) will be slaughtered. It is indeed a portending holocaust.

wait ‘til we’re gone, take over, and we can go back and finish the job! Sounds like a plan!” History tells us that the same thing happened in Vietnam. The Viet Cong knew they were losing, even though our media said otherwise and were very close to surrendering.

Then we left, and millions were slaughtered. To have our President assure us that effectively bold and resolved leadership is in fact present by having a news conference that announces that we still don’t have a plan as to how to defeat ISIS is past pathetic, and utterly

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

predictable. Truly, if I were not aware of the Scriptural promises to Iraq, I would have no reason to have any hope at all. And, I am intrigued by the number of troops chosen to go back. 450. What will they be able to do? Then I think about the history of the 1973 Yom Kippur War in Israel, where true miracles happened, along the lines of the Gideon’s 300 story in the Bible. Insanely outnumbered, the IDF had documented Divine intervention on a number of occasions, and the Syrians fled. Could we see something similar? It is estimated that if ISIS

Yet, there are tales emerging of ISIS members who have had dreams of Jesus appearing to them and telling them, “Stop killing my people.” One of these secret ISIS converts had a Christian believer look at him shortly before he was martyred say, “I know you are going to kill me, here is my Bible.” It was through that experience and the subsequent dreams he had that turned him upside down, and he is not alone.

Another thing to consider is the role of the Kurds. They typically have had resolve when it comes to resisting. Certainly that was the case when Saddam was in power, and the situation just may cause Iraqis, whether they be Sunni, Shia or Kurdish to be forced to come together. Or not. All I know from experience is that there are Iraqis who will do anything to be free, and may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob grant them peace.

July 21st

11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm

17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4

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Calendar of Events Smoking Railroad Street BBQ Cook-off June 19th - 20th

Downtown Elkmont, AL. Come join the Elkmont Lions Club as they fire up the grills for the Smoking Railroad Street BBQ Cook-off. Competitors’ entry fee is $140.00 and covers all the categories - ribs, chicken and pulled pork. This sanctioned cooked off offers tastings and entertainment. Music will start at 6: 30 pm Friday; Saturday at 8:00 am Vendors open. People’s Choice Tickets go on sale at 10:30AM for $1.00 each with the tasting to start at 11:00 am. Concessions available on Saturday. Winners will be announced 3:30PM or as soon as possible. http://www.elkmontlionsclub.com.

Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament Jun 19th

Southern Gayles Golf Course. 22230 Mooresville Road, Athens, AL. This four-man scramble will start at 1:00PM. Registration is $60.00per player, $240.00 per team with more than $1,000 dollars in cash prizes to be split with the top three teams. Proceeds from the tournament go to funding scholarships for Limestone County High School students. For more information, Barry Devine 256-233-8277 or 256-777-3810.

Senior Rehab & Recovery Center Swamp Johns Dinner Jun 22nd

Light Up the Night 5K Run/Walk Jun 27th

Athens Bible School. 507 Hoffman Street, Athens, AL . Join Bankston Motor Home and Athens Bible School for a run that weaves through the historic districts lit by luminaries to mark the course. Runners are encouraged to wear anything that glows. 5K registration: $30.00; 1-mile Fun Run: $5.00 no shirt included, $20.00 with shirt. Fun Run starts at 7:30PM; 5K starts at 8:00PM. For information or to register: athensbibleschool.org/lightupthenight5K.com

Family Fun Day Jun 28th

Humble Heart Farms. 25235 Mooresville Road, Elkmont, AL. Enjoy a day on the farm with free farm tours, bottle feeding baby goats, free cheese tasting. A variety of local producers and vendors with fresh produce, goat cheesecakes, goat cheese macaroons, goat cheese salsa and goat milk ice cream. For more information: 256-777-9268.

Athens Saturday Market Jul 4th

Athens-Limestone Farmers Market. 409 West Green Street Athens, AL. Come peruse the wares of local artisans, farmers and small businesses from 8:00AM-12:00PM. athenssaturdaymarket.com

10th Annual Cruz-In Jul 16th

Senior Rehab and Recovery Center. 1600 West Hobbs Street, Athens, AL. Enjoy dinner from 3:00PM-6:00PM with a selection of Shrimp, Fish and Chicken plus all the sides. Eat in or carryout. Plates are $10.00. Proceeds to benefit Limestone Co. Council on Aging.

Ardmore Sonic Drive-In. 26909 Main Street Ardmore, AL. Join the Ardmore Boys and Girls Club from 6:00PM-8:00PM and share the nostalgia of yesterday. Bring your unique collectible car or truck. No Fee. No Judging. Donations appreciated.

Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival Jun 25th - Aug 1st

Jul 17th Blue Handel Band

Kiddie Carnival Grounds. 309 East Forrest Street, Athens, AL. Open every Thursday, Friday & Saturday night, 6:30pm-9:30pm except July 4th. There are 10 rides for kids including a small ferris wheel, rocket ships, swings, carousel, train, roller coaster, parachute rides, bigger swings and the scrambler. For big kids and kids at heart, there is bingo, and delicious concessions are available, including: sandwiches, french fries, popcorn, sno cones, funnel cakes and drinks. We also have the crowd favorite that makes the Kiddie Carnival complete-cotton candy.

Minor Hill Rodeo Jun 26th & 27th

Minor Hill Ag-Grounds. 166 Wray Branch Road, Minor Hill, TN. 4.8 Miles from Lester, AL The dust will fly and bucking will start when the Minor Hill Rodeo kicks off at 8:00PM each night. Adults: $10.00; Children $5.00. For more information, Minor Hill City Hall, 931-565-3113.

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Hickory Barn BBQ. 12250 U.S. Highway 72, Athens, AL. Come early and get a good seat and good bbq and good music mix of Blues, Rock and Soul with Blue Handel Band. Information: 256-729-9600

4th Annual Sam Gibbons Walking Horse Show Jul 18th

Limestone Sheriff’s Arena. Alabama Highway 99, Athens, AL. Join the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives for their annual fundraiser benefitting the expansion of the museum. For more information contact the Veterans Museum at 256-771-7578.

CASA Mud Volleyball 2015 Jul 18th

Athens Swan Creek Park. 100 U.S. 31, Athens, AL. Up to 100 teams come to sling a little mud and have a little fun as they raise funds for CASA starting at 9:00AM. For information or individual/ team registration: www.active.com/athens-al/volleyball/casa-mudvolleyball-2015?cmp=39-28

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Special Feature

Top Job Roofing And Construction: Putting “More Than A Roof” Over Our Community by Ali Elizabeth Turner When I interviewed Top Job Roofing and Construction coowners Steve Ridinger and Zeb Lewter last September, they already had experience with “community building” that went beyond putting physical roofs on people’s homes or businesses. They understood the value of giving back, (or paying it forward, depending on your frame of reference,) and early on demonstrated that commitment to their hometown. In 2014, after what then had been our most recent round of damaging twisters, Top Job was putting tarps on peoples’ houses whether or not the homeowner signed a contract with them to have their roof or property repaired. Why? “We love Athens and Limestone County,” they said, “and that’s just what you do.” They have made their presence known in the area through both the outstanding service they give their customers, as well as their level of community involvement. Top Job was a Silver Sponsor of the 2015 Home and Garden Show. They are members of the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. They are part of Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful. They also joined the ranks of local businesses who have invested in our local schools

and students. When Steve and Zeb talk about the importance of producing and shopping locally, they are pleased to have their customers know that every shingle they bring to the job is made here in Alabama. They are also sponsors of a local legend, WKAC’s Sick Call, heard every morning from 8-8:30 on AM 1080. I learned about the history of Sick Call from Jay Hudson, who cohosts the show with his son, Corey. Sick Call has been heard in our area continuously since 1953, and Jay has been on the air as a host since 1973. It is the kind of radio talk show that normally would only be popular in a small town, except that it has an industry documented listening audience of over 200,000, reaching well beyond Athens. It covers everything from obituaries, anniversaries, birthdays, community calendar events, and makes folks aware of those who are sick and need prayer. They also mention the menu for the day at various service outlets that have meals available. It is not at all uncommon to hear Jay say, “Sponsored by our good buddies down at…,” and many

of the sponsors have been a part of the program for 3040 years. Jay says Sick Call is a lifeline for shut-ins, and Zeb and Steve say they have gotten a lot of jobs through advertising on the program. Another way Top Job serves our community is through the efforts to which it has gone in order to get the best possible industry ratings and finance options for its customers. This spring, Athens Now announced that Top Job was awarded the Master Elite certification by GAF, the largest roofing manufacturer in America. Only 2% of all contracting and roofing firms have been granted this certification, and in Lime-

Zeb Lewter and Steve Ridinger, owners of Top Job Roofing and Construction, Inc. can offer the Golden Pledge Warranty on certain materials as well as the job itself, all of which is good for 25 years. In addition, the warranty on some roofing systems lasts for 50 years.

stone County, Top Job is the first and only. It is an “invitation only” designation, subject to strict scrutiny, investigation and guidelines, and one of the highest awards in the industry. With the Master Elite classification, Top Job

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“GAF looked at our work record, checked our supply companies, credit, and made sure we never cut any corners,” said Steve. Zeb also mentioned that Top Job is now in a position to offer financing for jobs up to 55 thousand dollars. “One company does not run a credit score, and one company does. The interest rate is 12%,” he said. Steve was quick to add that “12 months is same as cash.” My husband and I knew when we moved into our house that it would not be long until the roof would need to be replaced, and that time is now. After our interview, I

explained our situation to Steve, and was truly impressed with his knowledge of our area, the year and type of construction of our house, and his ability to explain our options for getting the job completed. We set up an appointment to do an estimate, and very soon the Top Job crew is coming to my place. I’m sure it will go well, and would like to say thank you to Top Job for “putting more than a roof” over our community.

Top Job Roofing and Construction 803 South Jefferson St Athens, AL, 35611 256-232-5559 www.topjobroofing.com They are also on Facebook and Twitter Page 7

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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

You’re A Grand Old Flag by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum

It seems no one truly knows for certain who designed our nation’s first flag. It is thought to have been New Jersey Congressman Francis Hopkinson, a patriot, lawyer, artist, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Of course we have all heard of Betsy Ross, who is credited with sewing the first flag. While reading up on our nations “symbol of freedom” I ran across some interesting facts that are not well known. •The United States is the only country in the world that has a national Pledge of Allegiance to its flag, a National Anthem that venerates its flag, a national song (John Philip Souza’s

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“The Stars and Stripes Forever”) that honors its flag, and a highly detailed federal law (the U.S. Flag Code) that sets out proper flag procedures.

cial United States Flag Display, which belongs to local historian Ron Pettus. The display will be here from June 22nd – July 3rd, 2015.

•“Old Glory” was a pet name Captain William Driver gave his personal flag. While in Tennessee during the Civil War, Driver hid his flag in between the seams of a bed quilt. He only revealed “Old Glory” when Union soldiers captured Nashville.

In order to help his students make a connection to the past, Ron Pettus collected military memorabilia and American Flags. “I had this idea that I can make history a little more interesting by bringing in some items from the period that I was teaching about,” said Pettus. He chronicled the growth of the country through the designs of the flags.

•All state and federal flag desecration laws were declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1989. (I find this personally shocking!) In celebration of the coming 4th of July holiday, we are happy to have once again with us a spe-

He is most proud of one designed by an 11th grade student named Robert Heft, for a history class project. “He came up with this wild idea that

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he would create a flag with 50 stars,” said Pettus. “And he did that the night before his project was due, turned it in the next day and the teacher gave him a B-minus on it because he wasn’t impressed at all with it.” Pettus loves to tell how the teacher told Heft he would bump up his grade if Heft got the federal government to adopt his flag. “To make a long story short, the United States adopted his 50-star design,” said Pettus. “Other people had introduced the same design, but his was turned in first.” Pettus says Heft’s teacher changed his B-minus to an A, and it’s the design of Old Glory we fly to this day. Pettus also has

a Civil War flag with 34 stars, another flag with 38 stars and one with 48 stars. On this day, Pettus has a specific message he wants his display to communicate: “We owe so much to veterans that we can’t do enough to celebrate what they’ve done for us.” Mr. Pettus promises some new flags not seen in his previous collection. In keeping with the Flag theme, Isom’s Orchard has decided that anyone who purchases a spot on the “Threads of Honor” flag quilt between June 27 and July 4 can use their receipt as a $5 coupon of their total purchase at the orchard during those dates. All you have to do is bring in the dated receipt.

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Clean and Green

Let’s Talk About The Bats And The Bees by Lynne Hart

Recently, a story appeared in a local newspaper about bats in Limestone County testing positive for a disease called white-nose syndrome, which can be devastating to bat populations. We have also heard for some time now that our bee populations are declining. According to the Ecological Society of America (ESA), the wild honeybee populations have dropped 25% since 1990. A loss of pollinators and insect eaters will result in higher food costs and increased use of insecticides in agriculture. It is a problem that will affect everyone. BATS Bats are very misunderstood and extremely important to our natural world. There are 16 species of bats in Alabama, all of which are insect-eating mammals. According to the Alabama Bat Working Group, one small colony of 150 bats can eat up to 33 million crop pests in a single summer. I would hate to think of the amount of pesticides needed if not for the bats!

blood! They just want to fill their bellies and go home to take a nap. If a bat flies close to you, it is most likely targeting insects that are flying near you. Although bats can carry rabies, the incidence of infected bats is low. It is still recommended that you do not handle bats, especially if they are found on the ground. Bats have very few predators. It is humans that are the biggest factor in the decline in bat populations. Factors such as destruction of habitats, direct killing, vandalism, disturbance of hibernating colonies, and use of pesticides and other chemicals all affect bat population. Remember, they eat the bugs we spray with poisons. Another huge problem facing bats is white-nose syndrome, a fungus that grows in the caves in which bats hibernate. The following

is a link to a video that explains white-nose syndrome and attempts being made to contain the spread of the fungus to other bat caves. It is sad to learn that Limestone County has now seen evidence of this disease. https://vimeo.com/4894773 BEES Just like bats, many people fear bees and kill them when they can. We must remember that honeybees are our most important pollinators. These bees help pollinate more than 150 different crops in the United Stated. Just about every fruit, vegetable, and grain must be pollinated in order to produce a crop.

•Use as few pesticides as possible in and around your home, and seek those that are the least harmful to the environment.

The collapse of our honeybee colonies and bat populations is a serious threat to food production. Increased need for insecticides due to lack of bats and a need to use managed honeybees for pollination due to a lack of native pollinators will increase costs significantly. The negative impact of increased use of insecticides

•Educate yourself on these topics. Get in touch with and support local organizations working toward solving these problems.

would take a separate article to discuss. How Can You Help? •Plant a variety of native flowering plants which are inviting to pollinators. Encourage the use of native flowers in area landscaping.

According to the Alabama Bat Working Group website, bats are gentle and won’t attack you. They are not interested in getting tangled in your hair, and they won’t suck your

•Help local clubs or school groups build butterfly gardens, bat houses, and bee boxes.

For more information, visit: Alabama Bat Working Group Facebook Page. Ecological Society of America: www.esa. org Agriculture Research Service, USDA: www.ars.usda.gov

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists more than 50 pollinator species as threatened or endangered. Honeybees are on that list. One of the

Of course, bats don’t just fly over farmland. They also eat mosquitoes and other insects in our own back yards. One bat can eat 36,000 insects in a month! That is a lot of insects that won’t be bugging you and me!

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greatest mysteries is Colony Collapse Disorder which, according to the USDA, is defined as a colony with no adult bees and no bodies, and a live queen, honey, and immature bees present. A scientific cause has yet to be proven.

“Predicting the effects of the loss of a particular pollinator is extremely difficult, but it is important to remember that no species exists in isolation. Each is part of an ecological web, and as we lose more and more pieces of that web, the remaining structure must eventually collapse.” Carol A. Kearns and David Inouye

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Cooking with Shelley

Memphis Chicken by Shelley Underhill Blazin’ Blends Memphis Style BBQ Seasoning! That’s what it said on the bottle. My Mother (known as MeMe in the Athens Now world) saw it at the Dollar Tree and decided to give it a try. She bought one for herself and one for me. I have since gone back to Dollar Tree and bought several more for friends and family. We have really enjoyed

it. I used mine on chicken and plan to prepare some pork the same way. I also grilled my chicken, but I plan on cooking the pork in the oven. It’s so easy to prepare and to maintain. I hope that you will try it!! You can send your questions and Emails to shelleysdesk@gmail. com You can use this seasoning on any type of animal or fowl.

What you will need: Blazin’ Blends Memphis Style BBQ Seasoning Meat of your choice Wash and clean meat, then pat dry. In a bowl place meat or fowl. Cover meat generously with The Memphis Seasoning. Place on grill and begin cooking. When meat is almost done, wrap in aluminum foil. Place it on the low side of the grill where it can finish cooking slowly. When done, serve with your favorite sauce and ENJOY!

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Health and Fitness

Eggs And The Claim Game by Janet Hunt

Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. Frequently I am asked questions about foods and nutrition as well as exercise. Not too long ago, someone asked me questions about organic eggs. Since that time, I have read a great article on eggs, from the June 2015 Nutrition Action Health Letter which is published by The Center for Science in the Public Interest. Below is what they have to say about the claims on eggs. Some egg claims are certified by independent organizations. For others, you have to trust the hens’ owners. Still others mean nothing.

Certified Claims: •USDA Organic: Hens must be uncaged and have outdoor access (how much is not specified). Hens must be fed an organic, all-vegetarian diet that is free of antibiotics and pesticides. Beak cutting is allowed. Hens cannot have been given antibiotics after they were two days old. •Certified Humane: Hens must be uncaged. They may or may not have outdoor access. Beak cutting is allowed. •United Egg Producers Certified: Meets minimum

voluntary industry standards, which, according to the Humane Society, “permits factory farmers to intensively confine hens in barren, wire ‘battery cages’ so small the birds can barely move”. •Animal Welfare Approved: Hens are raised by family farmers in flocks of no more than 500 birds that have “continuous access to an outside area for foraging and ranging.” Beak cutting is banned. The animals are fed no animal byproducts. Uncertified Claims: •Cage-Free: Hens live outside cages, but usually have no access to the outdoors. •Free-Range or FreeRoaming: Hens are cagefree and have some outdoor access. How much? It is up to the hens’ owners. •Pasture-Raised or Pastured: Hens spend at least some time outside foraging for plants and bugs.

bels often say things that are misleading, and the consumer thinks they are eating something that is healthier or better for them. Many times these claims are meaningless, but the producers are charging more because many of us think we are buying a healthier product.

Always make sure you educate yourself and take responsibility for your own health.

For more questions about fitness and general nutrition, contact Janet Hunt at 256614-3530 or visit Janet’s Fitness Facebook page.

•Raised without Antibiotics: Hens were never fed antibiotics. (If a hen requires antibiotics to treat illness, its eggs cannot carry this claim.) Meaningless Claims: •Hormone-Free: It is illegal for egg producers to feed hormones to their hens. •Natural: It can mean anything I recommend that you always read labels and do not allow yourself to be misled. Food producers are excellent at marketing their products whether it is eggs, meat, bread, cereal, etc. La-

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Cover Story

The 9th Annual Elk River Boat Party: Truly Family Friendly by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

we raised money for a local boy who was battling cancer, and all the proceeds went to him.” The list of sponsors has grown every year, and is shown on the flier. This year there are several new sponsors that the organizers wanted to make sure felt welcome. They include: Giles County Furniture, Elk River Market & Beverage, Fat Cat’s Seafood Restaurant, D& D Marine, 72 Roadhouse and J. J. Brindley.

boat owners on the Elk River should get together in the summer and party on the water in a way that is truly family friendly. Like most good ideas, it started small. Word began to get around, the party became more and more popular, and now the annual Elk River Boat Party is a highlight of each summer in North Alabama. Mike has a beautiful, custom built home on the river, known as the General Jackson. He, his kids, and his girlfriend, Bridgett Browning, enjoy making the party happen for the community. So do the sponsors, whom we’ll talk about in a bit. When Mike first built the two-story boat pier for the General Jackson, he knew the upper floor was the perfect place to have a band play live music. The sound carried across the water, and was its own best advertising. They found a great Huntsville based band called Kozmic Mama to come play for the inaugural event, and “Mama” has been coming to the party ever since. Kozmic Mama is not just a cool, well-known local band. They have opened for such legendary artists as Bob Dylan and Gladys Knight for performances held at the Von Braun Center. They have been featured annually at the W.C. Handy Festival for years, and are considered one of the best bands in North Alabama. Their genre is everything from blues to rock to R&B, and do songs made famous by everyone from Janis Joplin to James Brown to the Staple Singers. They also have a solid repertoire of original music, all of which gets woven into the playlist for the evening’s concert. At the end of the concert, Mike and Bridgett get on jet skis, go out to each boat, thank the

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in the river party from the beginning, originally just for the fun of it, and she told me “There’s nothing like it. There’s lots of fun all day, watching the concert, and seeing all the boats. The second year of the party,

guests for coming, and give out koozies. Planning for the party begins in earnest in February. As the date gets closer, custom made banners which advertise the event get hung off the pier, and people from all over the river stop by on their boats to tell Mike and Bridgett that they are coming. Mike has estimated that close to 3,500 people have attended in more than 300 boats, and this year the number is expected to go higher, perhaps reaching as much as 4,000. “It’s getting bigger and bigger every year,” he told me, and added, “This year, with it being right on the 4th of July, there will be people arriving on Friday night and staying through til Sunday. People are starting to plan their vacations around this.”

The only way to get to the party is by boat, and the directions are as follows: from the Tennessee River, go north on the Elk River and under Lee Hi Bridge (U.S. 72 bridge). Turn left into Anderson Creek and the party is on the right. The nearest boat launch is the Lee Hi Bridge boat launch. Mike doesn’t want anyone to be left out. He said, “If you don’t own a boat, hitch a ride with someone who does, and come on out!”

Kids can go water skiing, ski boarding, and have a blast all afternoon from 3pm til dark. The AL Marine Police as well as the Rescue Squad will be on duty, watching out for folks. There have been questions as to whether or not there will be fireworks, especially seeing as the party falls squarely on the 4th of July. The answer is no. However, many other people on the river have their own fireworks displays, which are readily visible from the boats that are out in the water. Putting on an event of this size takes several sponsors, and I had the chance to talk with Sharon Moore, co-owner of Twice the Ice, the ice kiosks seen at several locations throughout Athens and Limestone County. She told me they were involved

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Cover Story

“My180” Health: Where Less Is More by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

In regard to Whole Body Vibration, or WBV, recently I became aware that the technology has been used by European Olympic teams for decades. A Russian doctor by the name of Vladimir Nazarov, who himself had been a member of the Russian Men’s Gymnastics Team, was the first to apply the concept of WBV to athletes, and also found that cosmonauts returning from extended periods of time in space were being able to recover their bone density and muscle mass with surprising speed. The applications have exploded, and the FDA has deemed WBV machines as Class 1 medical devices. They are now used in nursing homes, rehab centers, sports training centers and universities around the world. While I understand the “if it sounds too good to be true, it is” reaction of some, I have personally seen too many profound changes in the quality of life of people who range from being elderly and needing a walker, to young, in their prime, and out of shape. My180 Health manager Josh Brigadier is one of the younger guys who functions as a “walking billboard” for how well it works. It was his sister

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who first told him about My180, and in January of 2015 he walked in, determined to keep his New Year’s resolution to get back in shape. At first he was skeptical, but then, the more he listened, the more the idea made sense. In the past he had done a good deal of bodybuilding, but was now was sporting a beer belly, so he knew he had some serious work to do. However, what had caused him to give up before was how much his joints would start to hurt when he began to build some bulk, and for obvious reasons he was expecting to have to face that again. To his surprise and delight, Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (or DOMS) was virtually non-existent. He lost his beer belly, regained his muscle mass, and was so enthusiastic that he and his family decided to get involved in the “My180 Health Community.” Josh’s other job is to help his dad with his father’s government contract consulting business, and Josh is in the process of completing a training certification program for fitness center staff and professionals who use WBV as their primary means of helping clients. As a result of his studies, he was able to help explain to me in laymen’s terms how WBV technology

works. The human body basically has two types of muscle fibers that it uses to enable us to do everything from standing still to doing back handsprings. They are called slow twitch and fast twitch muscle fibers. I asked him why I hardly got sore after working out, and he explained, “WBV helps the body release more proanabolic hormones, (which help with growth and repair,) and modulates the cell signaling effect of cytokines, which are small proteins. Because the cells are therefore now communicating differently with the Swiss balls and hand weights can be groups of muscle incorporated into a WBV workout fibers, the body does levels of fitness who have not react with nearly the same level of soreness.” tried the gym, and swear by That certainly has been my WBV. Yoga can be applied experience, and is one of to WBV, as well as the use the things that keeps me of weights and bands. There are other important going back. at My180 Josh found that 10 minutes amenities Health. For a small fee, of properly applied effort members can get Vitamin felt like a 60-minute workout, and has the results B-12 shots administered to prove it. There are others, by an RN. There are now too, who are doing things group classes on Tue they never could; a young nights, called ReVibe for woman with Fredrick’s beginners, and FitVibe for ataxia is walking, as is an more advanced students. Athens doctor who has a And finally, members can different type of ataxia. A pay for hourly Thera-Gem Vietnam vet has discarded treatments. The Therahis walker, and there are Gem system uses light others from hugely varying refracted through various

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gemstones to help the body strengthen itself in overcoming all manner of conditions. Freshly made alkaline water of varying pH levels is available at no charge during work outs, and members are encouraged to take water home with them. The alkaline water machine is made by Kangen, and is top rated in the industry. There are now three infrared saunas, something I use regularly in my fight against Lyme’s disease. And the best part: there is a community of likeminded people who have one goal, and that is, as co-founder Chip Wilson would say, to “Stay STRONG Through Technology.” Free 2-day passes are available, and I would encourage you to come and see what is causing all the “buzz.”

My180 Health

12090 County Line Road, Suite N, Madison, AL 35756 256-232-8153 Hours: M-F 8-7, Sat 8-2 Sun 12-4 www.my180health.com Facebook: My180 Health

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Heirlooms by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 An heirloom is a family possession handed down from generation to generation. Sometimes that heirloom is not a possession, but a treasure of memories and experiences. This past week-end I drove my mother, Sarah McElyea, and my aunts, Jean and Anne Chittam, to Elberta, Alabama to visit mom’s sister, Myrion Babcock (My), who was celebrating her 80th birthday.

check out our spaces for rent. Our bright and open 2,500 square foot mezzanine area is designed to accommodate all types of events, both large and small, from 12 to 200 guests. The space is perfect for conferences, receptions, luncheons and dinners, recitals, and wedding rehearsal dinners and receptions. The Loft area,

to 20, and privacy for your event. Our training room will accommodate up to 12. This room may be configured in a number of styles to suit your needs… be that classroom, theater, or boardroom.

The trip down was filled with laughter, stories, and memories. Before we knew it, we were there. Since we expected 200 guests at My’s party on Sunday, there were errands and set-up to complete. Because most of the food was already cooked, we had plenty of time to talk about family and friends and enjoy each other’s company.

overlooking the Lobby, offers an intimate setting for small groups. Schedule your next board meeting, formal training, or business luncheon in our Executive Conference room. The conference room offers comfortable seating for up

Anytime you get a bunch of Chittams together, there is a lot of laughter; huge belly laughs that make your stomach muscles ache. My had lots of stories about Mom, Herbert (Jean’s husband) and Paisley (Anne’s husband). Most were happy but some were sad. All of my aunts and uncles were good storytellers. Each one is a treasure to me, heirlooms from my mother.

Our lobby area offers a comfortable and casual atmosphere in which to relax while taking advantage of our free WiFi and laptop loan. Enjoy a latte and freshly baked desserts from the Square Clock coffee shop and catch up on some reading, check your email, or just visit with friends. This 415 square foot area is available to host small parties or gatherings up to 75 guests. The lobby may be configured to accommodate 40 to 50 people for more formal presentations. Catering services may be provided in any room. We have a long list of preferred caterers and can accommodate you dining choices.

When you are getting ready to plan your next family gathering, stop by the Center for Lifelong Learning and

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A small area of the Center located outside of the conference room may be used as a break out area for seminars/ board meetings, receptions, and small group meetings of up to eight people.

Whether you are hosting a formal or informal event, the Center for Lifelong Learning is the place for you.

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June 19 - July 2, 2015

Athens Rehabilitation And Senior Care Center Spotlight On “Doc” Thompson by Ali Elizabeth Turner “Doc” Thompson was born at home in West Limestone County on July 16th, 1920. He had 2 sisters and one brother, and has nearly nonstop interesting stories from a lifetime of adventure. During WWII he was in the Navy, and had to get special permission from his parents to enlist at the age of 17. He was in the Pacific theatre from 1942-45, and spent a good portion of his naval service in China. When he came home, he

finished high school, and played football for Athens High School as a running back and a tackle. His given name is Charles, but a family friend called his older brother “Big Doc,” and Doc was “Little Doc.” After awhile, he was just “Doc.” After high school he told me he built a dairy farm and had 25 cows, mostly Jerseys and a couple of Holsteins. While his daughter, Janet Poole, mentioned to me that he had many

sweethearts, he was finally and permanently smitten by a ticket taker at the Princess movie theatre in Decatur. Her name was Judy, and she became his bride on September 15, 1951. They had two daughters, Janet and Kay, who were both cheerleaders at Athens High. Doc farmed for awhile, and then sold the farm to start a landscaping business. Thompson Landscaping is still going strong, and is run by Janet’s son, Jamie.

He helped dig the basement of 1st Presbyterian Church by hand, and many of the buildings in our area were dug by Thompson Landscaping. As a Presbyterian, he was a deacon, elder, and chosen by the denomination as the Presbyterian Man of the Year. His grandfather built the historical Presbyterian Church in West Limestone on Highway 72, and hand carved the pulpit. As hard as Doc worked, his family will tell you he also knows how to play. He loves Glenn Miller music, and would dance with his kids. He proudly said he could do the Twist, the Monkey, the Swim, as well as ballroom dancing, and apparently was good on the trampoline. He also loved to play cards, bowl, water ski, and go deep sea fishing. His best friend was Harold Smith, who owned L&S on North Jefferson. The men and their families spent a great deal of time together, and were inseparable. We moved on to the topic of favorites, and the first “fave” was football. There is no team other than Alabama. Favorite color: Crimson Favorite food: All kinds of seafood, especially shrimp Favorite song: The Old Rugged Cross Favorite scripture: The whole Bible, which he has read many times. Janet says she has never

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known a man who knew the Word better than her dad. Favorite President: JFK

The biggest change in his lifetime: 9/11 and its aftermath

He has a dog named Lucy, a lovable mutt who is waiting for him at home when he finishes his physical rehab regimen at the Center. Lucy is spoiled, loves lemon pepper chicken, and while Judy was still alive, she would make chicken for Lucy.

Doc loves the tender treatment he gets at Athens Rehab and Senior Care, and while I was there, a cup of coffee was brought to him, complete with three sugars, just the way he likes it. He has been at the Center a total of 4 times for rehab, and each time has been given the best of care. He was involved in digging the foundation of the Center when it was built more than 50 years ago, and still remembers the length of the halls! He also volunteered his services to dig the foundation for several Habitat for Humanity homes as well as the Hospice building. Christ, his family, friends, fun and volunteerism have been his lifelong passions.

What is his advice to young people? “Put Christ first, and try to do the right thing at all times.” He then added, “Volunteer!” Words of wisdom from a man who has lived a full and blessed life, Charles “Doc” Thompson.

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Horse Whispering

“Common Sense” by Deb Kitchenmaster New faces, new names, new friendships, and new connections are happening at Corral Connections. In each session, I purpose to create a pathway for each individual that will be exciting to follow in the arena of connecting with horses and humans. An elder can teach ‘proper’ manners, such as saying ‘thank you’, but gratitude comes from within the heart of the person. Someone can provide a piano for a student and teach timing and notes and keys, however, the music comes from within. An individual can mount a horse and be instructed on certain techniques, but the riding comes from within. Within each person is a leader, and through the horsepower of ‘common sense’, I desire to excavate, awaken (that can be alarming), and improve leadership, with the hopes that ‘corral connectors’ will think beyond themselves. Why? Because

when you think beyond yourself, you enter into the zone of “considering.” That, dear reader, is a mega amount of horsepower! When we consider someone or something, we ‘soften’ inside, and connect with the power to understand the person or the situation. What a learning process! It’s like a spiral. You go over the same steps again and again, each time at a different level, with new perspectives and insights. This type of spiraling is not regression. Each spiral represents growth.

ily be one of a horse and rider. Common sense reveals the difference between aggressive and assertive. Common sense encourages you to be as gentle as you can and to be as firm as you need to be with your horse or a human. How to be gentle without being timid is another spiral in the learning process. Common sense shows you what it looks like to be firm without being mean or mad.

Isn’t the learning process amazing! Even though our classroom is held outside in an arena of different sizes and shapes, and our teachers have four legs instead of two, we are learning! A precious equine student blessed me with a mug that reads, “In teaching others we teach ourselves.” Two sisters from Arizona came to visit their Grandparents in Tennessee. They chose to come to Corral

Common sense is about being consistent, sound, reasonable, valid and rational. Being consistent in training, whether horses or humans, is one of the most effective tools used. We have to be effective to be understood. We have to be understood to be effective. If you were drawing a symbol of these past two statements, it could eas-

Connections, and I am so glad they did! I received emails regarding what their first time experience was like for them. I would like to share some of their comments with you.

was so amazing. I actually got to connect with my favorite animal……. horses. I got to walk and trot on bareback. It was the most awesome experience I have ever had with horses. Horses are like humans, they need water and food. They also need respect and honor too. They need to be treated fairly too. Just like people do. Horses are beautiful on the outside and on the inside. I learned you can’t expect the horses to do everything so fast. We learned how to get them to trust us and how to get their permission to ride. We learned how to groom and brush them properly I will never forget how amazing this day was.”

What common denominator word shows up in these two quotes? The word “trust.” Whew! You see, “trust” is a major building block for a healthy identity. Learning to trust begins in infancy, and is the foundation for the toddler to learn about autonomy (independence) versus shame (inadequacy).

“My experience was ‘sooooooo’ amazing! I NEVER thought I could Thank you, Michaela and trust a horse as much as Chelsea! that. The horses were very Your NEIGHbor, well trained and so beauDeb Kitchenmaster tiful If you are scared of Corral Connections horses, then Mrs. Deb is www.corralconnections.com the “Horse Whisperer” ‘A church of great heart’ that you can trust to get 256-426-7947 out of that fear.” “My experience at your Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner farm and horse ranch dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com

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June 19 - July 2, 2015

What Makes Ronnie Roll

4-3-2-1 Leadership

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Friday, June 12th, our town celebrated Flag Day at an annual gathering hosted by Athens State University, and Mayor Ronnie was there. I have seen him inspired on several occasions by various patriotic, motivational or religious presentations, but rarely have I seen him so “jazzed.” He had heard US Army Brigadier General (Ret) Vincent Boles speak at the gathering, and immediately downloaded Boles’ book, entitled, 4-3-2-1 Leadership: What America’s Sons and Daughters Taught Me on the Road from 2d Lieutenant to 2 Star General.

Boles retired from his position at Redstone and decided to stay in the area. He started a consulting and leadership training business, and Dr. Tom Sisk, Limestone County Public Schools Superintendent shares the Mayor’s enthusiasm re: the effectiveness of 4-3-2-1. Dr. Sisk told me he sat down and talked at length with MG Boles to see if they shared the same philosophy of leadership, and they did. Dr. Sisk then hired MG Boles to do some intensive training with principals in the County system. “We selected Gen Boles because of his proven record in teaching leadership principles. He spoke to all our principals, and has done some individual training as well. I am pleased,” said Dr. Sisk as he was heading to an educational conference.

proved quality of life. Mayor Ronnie told me that Gen Boles, like so many of us, never planned on settling in Alabama. He also said that “Vinnie” has a great sense of humor, and is “so glad he has continued to serve in our area.” 4-3-2-1 also had another quote, attributed to Thomas Pynchon- “If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they d o n ’t Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq veteran decided to retire here in 2009. While the principles outlined in his book had their proving ground in his illustrious military career, they are transferable to any situation, whether it be running a business, a school, or a town. The “three legged stool” for his operational and philosophical premise is: 1. What’s the standard? 2. What’s the system to attain the standard? 3. Who’s in charge of the pieces of the system? Then comes the most important part: “Remember, I said ask AND answer.” That is crucial, because both leaders and those they are leading must be

held accountable to the results of the inquiry, and therein exists the potential for healthy internal growth that manifests itself as im-

have to worry about answers.” I own a decent collection

of books, tapes, CDs and DVDs on leadership and personal development, and rarely have I had a statement grab me as did Pynchon’s. It was an “aha moment” for me if there ever was one, and it had struck the Mayor as profound, as well.

So, I think it’s safe to say that General Boles’ “invasion” has begun in Athens and Limestone County, and I am looking forward to what I am hoping will be an extensive series on his treatment of the leadership topic, because all of us can improve our leadership skills. The Mayor’s schedule was not quite as tight as it often is on Mondays, so we had time to explore the book more, and then we prayed. On Wednesday, he called and said, “Guess what arrived in the mail today? An autographed copy of the book, and a separate, hand written note from General Boles!” It was a delightful surprise, and no doubt, like all his books, it will be lovingly abused, filled with dog eared, highlighted, and folded pages, proof of what makes Ronnie roll.

Just taking a quick first look at Mayor Ronnie’s tablet version, I could see why they are so excited. Boles, who is a Desert

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Medical Update

Summer Safety Tips by Rachel Clark, RN, BSN After a long, cold winter and a humid, rainy spring, summer has finally arrived in full force. The days are longer, with the sun being up well before 6AM and not going down until past 8PM in the evenings. When I was a kid, I loved this time of year. It meant no school and playing outside all day. June is National Safety Month, and below you’ll find some tips to keep you and your kids safe this summer as you enjoy the break from school or work. Tick Bites: One of the major things to be on the lookout for this summer is ticks. They are everywhere, especially if you live in rural areas like Limestone County where fields and forests abound. Ticks carry a variety of illnesses such as Lyme’s Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, both of which can have serious lasting effects if not recognized and treated early on.

wooded or rural areas. Check heads, armpits, and any fold/creases, as these are prime areas for ticks to hide.

wreak havoc in your body if it isn’t accustomed to high temperatures.

•Be aware of signs and symptoms with tick-born illness, and call your healthcare practitioner for any questions or concerns. Some signs and symptoms are so subtle that they can be missed or may mimic other conditions. For more information, check out the Centers for Disease Control website.

•Keep yourself hydrated. Drink more water in the summer months. Stay away from sodas, caffeine, and sugary drinks as these increase the risk of dehydration. Offer fluids BEFORE someone complains of thirst because they are already dehydrated at that

Remember to:

•If you get bitten by a tick, use fine tipped tweezers and grab the tick as close to the

tions for making your own that is a safer alternative to commercial ones that can be harmful. Water Safety:

T i y a s e t Keep in mind: •No one, including adults, is drown a t proof. p •Always wear life jackets when on a W boat, jet ski, or any other watercraft. m •NO DISTRACTIONS! Looking T away for even a moment can have di- a sastrous effects. e •Practice touch supervision, meaning c that a supervising adult d who can swim is within c arms reach at all times p when children are in or c near water. Water sports are a big hit, especially in this area where pools, rivers, and streams abound. Adult supervision is mandatory for your enjoyment of water activities.

To keep the ticks away: •Wear protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeves, tucking pants into socks if you are going to be doing any hiking or playing in wooded areas where ticks are common. •Use tick or bug repellent. There are many different brands available, and it is important to find the best fit for you and your family. Any repellent containing DEET can be extremely hazardous to your health. Some families choose to make their own insect repellents using essential oils like peppermint, lavender, pennyroyal, geranium, lemongrass, eucalyptus, or lemon oil in a witch hazel base. My personal favorite recipe uses Young Living Essential Oils, though any therapeutic grade oil will work. It calls for 14oz of Witch Hazel, 12 drops of lavender, 15 drops of citronella, and 15 drops of lemongrass. •Perform tick checks on a daily basis, especially if you have been in

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ter.

•Children can drown in many different places including bathtubs, buckets, swimming pools, baby pools, streams, creeks, lakes, and rivers. It doesn’t take much wa-

Fireworks Safety: point. skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, gentle pressure and DO NOT twist or jerk as you can leave pieces of the insect behind. After removing the tick, clean the area well with rubbing alcohol, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorhexidine. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching any other part of the body, especially mucus membranes. Dispose of the tick by either flushing it down the toilet or drowning it in alcohol; NEVER crush a tick with your fingers. Beat the Heat: In states like Alabama where the heat index is high, it is extremely important to be aware of how heat can

•NEVER leave anyone unattended in a vehicle during the summer. The heat inside a vehicle is much greater than outside and can cause severe or fatal consequences. Children, animals, and the elderly are at the highest risk for negative outcomes associated with heat. •Cover skin and/or use sunscreen to prevent sun damage that can lead to skin cancer. Some sun is necessary for the body to be able to absorb Vitamin D and can help fight off symptoms of mild depression. Make sure to get sun on bare skin in the early morning or late evening when the suns rays aren’t at their peak. If you choose to use sunscreen, there are op-

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The 4th of July is right around the corner. Many children enjoy fireworks displays and want to play with sparklers, firecrackers, and other fireworks. Make sure you: •Supervise children with any fireworks at all times. Even sparklers can reach temperatures in excess of 1000 degrees. •Attend displays put on by professionals who are experienced and have access to emergency medical equipment and personnel. •If you or a child experiences burns, seek immediate emergency medical treatment. The chemicals in fireworks can linger and burn longer and hotter than a normal burn. Enjoy a safe, fun summer.

June 19 - July 2, 2015

The View From The Bridge

ATM or Financial Preparer? by Jackie Warner Jackie Warner

Community Outreach “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

This year is my 10th year in real estate and over the years, I have been blessed and had the pleasure to assist many new homebuyers. Recently I was given the opportunity to assist a client that was just over the age of 20 with the purchase of a new home. What a great accomplishment! Teaching our children at a young age to value the earnings they make and to choose wisely what they decide to purchase is very critical to their long-term personal and financial success. My client could have

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used the money on items that depreciate in value but thought more wisely and made an awesome investment for the future with wealth appreciation in mind. Are we really preparing our children for a sound financial future or are we actually setting ourselves up to be their bank and ATM of choice? Let’s face it: in our society today, we give more and more to our children when it comes to money. Yes, we want to give them a “little” more than what we had growing up, but we have crossed the line and now give them our checkbooks on a silver platter.

In our minds we say, “But they need it.” But do they really need it? Do they in fact see the value? More so, are we teaching our children to value what we provide for them? Truthfully, in many cases unfortunately, we are not. We rationalize to ourselves how we are going to handle this fee or the cost for that event to make our darling loved ones able to be included in this club, or participate in that event. Many times, if not almost all, we nearly break the bank trying to do it.

sign chores and hold them accountable, or they don’t get it.

and false promises advertisers use to entice them.

2. Teach them to stick to the budget, and parents please model the behavior! Remember, you are the role model.

7. Clip coupons, price match and take time to find “real” saving opportunities when making a purchase.

3. Explain your spending decisions. Why it is important to pay the mortgage before we decide spend money at the mall?

8. Use cash and leave the credit cards behind.

4. Instill a savings habit. When they get money, always require that at portion of it go to savings.

Let’s get back to the basics….

5. Reduce, reuse and recycle. Stop throwing everything away.

1. If they want it…they need to work for it. As-

6. Help your kids to understand the gimmicks

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Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional Jackie Warner, Community Outreach Specialist Email: thebridge.us@gmail.com Check out upcoming events: Website: http://thebridge-us. yolasite.com/

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