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May 1st - May 14th, 2020

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

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

Special Feature The God Prescription: A Doc Talks Total Health... On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, my dear friend Jerry Barksdale left us for fairer shores, and one week later.. Page 5

Roger’s Portraits: Save The Date And Save The Memories By Ali Elizabeth Turner Since 1972, Roger Bedingfield has built a reputation as an award-winning photographer, owning Roger’s Portrait Studio on the Square since 1984. He spent his pre-retirement career at 115 W. Washington St, and then Continued on page 15

Special Feature

Honoring The Athens-Limestone Hospital Heroes

City Of Athens Updates Local Protocols Based On Alabama’s Safer-AtHome Health Order... The State of Alabama is preparing to reopen in phases, and the City of Athens is updating its... Page 7

By Ali Elizabeth Turner Since she was 18, Athens-Limestone Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Traci Collins has been doing the job she knows she was born to do: helping at a hospital, and making a difference in the lives of Continued on page 17

Tourism Barn Quilts Driving Tour: An Escape To The Country... A grand reawakened tradition of rural life across America is the adorning of local barns with quilts... Page 11

May 1 - May 14, 2020

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www.JuicePlus.com Page 2

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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 Cayce Lee Anna Hamilton Joel Allen Nick Thomas Holly Hollman Amanda Winter Moore Wanda Campbell Roy Williams

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Amanda, Absolutely . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health And Fitness . . . . . . 16 Lifelong Learning . . . . . . 18 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Alternative Approach . . . 22

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Corona Moments Or Crowning Moments, Part 4 I am hoping that this is the last of a series that has been kind of a personal journal as we have collectively written our COVID Chronicles. For the past two months, we have heard the stories of individuals, families, cities, states, and nations. They have been hilarious as well as heartbreaking, fabulous and frustrating, aggravating and invigorating. And while I realize that we are starting a new phase, the “re-opening” phase, I am thinking that we need to take one more run at this format. We have been in the middle of unprecedented challenges, and unique history. Now that the “curve has been flattened,” we are anticipating celebrating in small ways and great. For the Corona Moments, I think the accusation that the President of the United States was actually suggesting that we inject Lysol into our lungs or drink Drano as a way to kill COVID is just bizarre, and wins the prize. And, just as bizarre in its level of tastelessness is the notion that when 22 million people are out of work it is helpful or encouraging to pose in front of your cushy Sub-Zero refrigeration unit discussing your twelve dollar a pint designer ice cream. I won’t grace the Corona

moments by identifying the perp. My only hope is that thinking folks will see through it all. As always, the Crowning Moments are the best, and what I have experienced as the publisher of Athens Now has been how the community has rallied around delivering the paper for me. Because about half of our delivery drops have been closed or curbside only, our distribution process has been a challenge. So, people have called me to ask if they can take some

bundles and deliver them to neighbors. Some restaurateurs have included a copy of the paper with each curbside delivery. To all of you, thank you so much! I guess my favorite restaurant story would be the three young men who work at the Subway on Jefferson Street on Athens. Prior to restaurants being closed for dining, on Thursdays I would drop off the latest edition. These guys still took a bundle and handed out papers with the drive-through orders.

Covid compliant thanks to Athens Athletics

What was better was that they peppered me with questions about writing, publishing, distribution, advertising, and more. They have made me wonder if one day they might be colleagues.

It has also been so good to laugh. Lynne Hart sent me a spoof video on making COVID masks that made me laugh so hard while I was getting gas that I nearly fell out of my truck. I shared it with many, and the response I have gotten from people I haven’t heard from for a long time has been gratifying. I attended an online conference sponsored by the Juice Plus company that was truly inspirational, I have had my own custom-made COVID mask made for me by Athens Athletics, and have had the blessing of hearing stories such as those featured about our hospital heroes on the front page. What do I miss the most? Giving and receiving hugs. I will never take that for granted again, and two months into this adventure, I still believe the Crowning Moments are nailin’ it, thank God.

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

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All Things Soldier

Flyovers For COVID Fighters by Ali Elizabeth Turner

By way of history, the Blue Angels were formed in 1946, and their purpose was was to keep up post-WWII

morale and an ongoing sense of victory and aerial prowess. Their original title was the Navy Flight Exhibition Team, and through the years they have utilized many different types of aircraft. Their current “bird” of choice is the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, which was unveiled in 1986. The Thunderbirds were formed in 1953, and have appeared before more than 300 million people. They serve two-year tours, with new pilots being rotated in for training every six months so that the rotation out is smooth, having been supervised by more experienced pilots until they can “fill the wings” of their mentors. They fly F-16s and sport an image of a Thunderbird on the belly of the craft. Both the Blue Angels

Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cody Hendrix/US Navy

As the daughter of a WWII Naval Air Corps aviator who worked as an engineer for Boeing when I was growing up, let’s just say that few things give me more of a visual thrill than the sight of the Navy’s Blue Angels or the Air Force’s Thunderbirds flying in formation or doing stunts. Each summer in Seattle, there was an annual all-city festival called Seafair, and each year at the finale of Seafair, the I-90 floating bridge would be shut down so that people could walk on the bridge to watch the Angels’ aerial display. It was worth braving the sun and the crowds, and I have been a fan ever since.

and the Thunderbirds can be called upon to serve in combat if need be, and the Blue Angels have “carrierquals,” meaning they can land and take off from the deck of an aircraft carrier. The possibility of both teams being able to be called into literal combat seemed like a particularly fitting piece

of trivia that would be suitable to illustrate this version of Soldier. You see, both squadrons were called into the battle against COVID in the form of what was called the America Strong multicity flyover, which was held on Monday, April 28, 2020. The purpose of the fly-over was to show medical first

responders the appreciation of the American people for all the ways they have given sacrificially while being on the front lines fighting in the pandemic war. Most of the time the squadrons don’t fly at the same event, but this is an unprecedented type of war, with an invisible enemy, and many things that have never been done before make coming together all the more important.

Both demonstration squads showed up at noon and flew over New York and Newark. Then they moved on to Trenton, New Jersey, and ended up in Philadelphia. The commanding officer of the Blue Angels, Navy Cmdr. Brian Kesselring, said about the operation, “We are incredibly honored to have the opportunity to salute those working on the frontline of the COVID-19 response; we are in awe of your strength and resilience. Thank you to all of those in essential industries keeping our nation moving forward. We will get through this. We are all in this together.” Indeed we are, and I am glad that the “Birds” made it more bearable, for our hospital heroes and us.

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Special Feature

The God Prescription: A Doc Talks Total Health by Ali Elizabeth Turner This past Monday I had the privilege and joy of interviewing Dr. Avery Jackson III, MD on the Tennessee Valley Spotlight radio show on WKAC 1080 AM. Avery is a neurosurgeon who has been interviewed on TV, is a conference speaker, a researcher and also the author of The God Prescription: Our Heavenly Father’s Plan for Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Health. I had seen Dr. Jackson first on TV, and then got to know him at a conference on brain science that was held in Dallas last December. He is a colleague of Dr. Caroline Leaf, a

cognitive neuroscientist who hosted the event, and Avery was one of the speakers. In addition to all the categories that are part of the title of his book, one of the things Dr. Jackson discussed was the role of humor in brain health and battling disease. He will tell you that he makes sure that he gets in 10 belly laughs a day as part of his own self-care regimen, and we have traded funny videos back and forth that have inspired much-needed laughter, especially in this present era of COVID. Dr. Jackson’s story in ways reminds me of that of Dr. Ben Carson, in that he felt a calling to

be a doctor at a young age; in Avery’s case, the age of eight. He didn’t even know what a neurosurgeon was, he just knew he was going to be a brain doctor, and he has become a fine one. He is also a man of faith, a regular guy who loves his wife and kids, and someone who has enjoyed being at home with his family. They have played more Monopoly than any of them ever would have dreamed, and have made sure they have done lots of laughing, which by the way, strengthens the immune system against all kinds of disease.

God Prescription is pretty simple: we are fiercely loved, we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and we were designed to heal and be well even into old age. In Avery’s words from the introduction to the

The premise of The

book: “God’s intricate design of every individual includes three major components: 1. Spirit - We are spirit beings because we are made in the image and likeness of God, and He is a Spirit. 2. Soul - Mind, will, and emotions 3. Body - Brain, blood, bones, muscles, etc. Yet in medical school, we are taught only to investigate the pathology of illnesses and diseases—in other words, the structural and functional deviations from the normal that constitute disease or characterize a particular disease. The impact of spiritual and mental/emotional health on physical health is typically not investigated. In my opinion, this approach only addresses onethird of the human condition.” Dr. Jackson covers the “rest of the story,” and makes a wonderful and understandable case for the why behind our needs as well as our God-given ability to choose to heal effectively.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Avery M Jackson III, MD

May 1 - May 14, 2020

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The God Prescription carefully and unapologetically lays out a plan for wholeness that rests solidly on the foundation of science and scripture, and it is a comforting, hope-filled read. Get your copy today!

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Amanda, Absolutely!

On Turning 40 by Amanda Winter Moore

“Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” I am not sure who said this, but it resonates with me today more than ever. It was on this day forty years ago, in a small hospital in southwestern England, that a little girl came into the world, born to a United States Marine and his young wife. As labor and delivery go, it was routine. My mom had delivered my older brother a few years earlier and felt prepared for her second child’s arrival. She went into labor some time during the early morning hours; and as my dad drove her to the hospital, they argued about what to name me if I was born a boy. “If we have another boy, I want to name him after me,” my dad had said. I know my mom well enough to know that there was probably at least one eye roll (between contractions, of course) as she informed him that their firstborn child was a boy and they’d opted to name him something other than “Junior.” My poor dad had missed the proverbial boat when it came to carrying on the family name. That argument went out the window several hours later as the doctor announced, “Congratulations, it’s a girl!” Their lives (and the lives of many others) would never be the same.

plication just prior to delivery, and because of that, delivery was slightly delayed. Morning had dawned, and my dad was hungry. She told him to go to the hospital’s cafeteria and get something to eat. He was happy to oblige her. He had not been gone long when the slight delay turned into an imminent delivery. She could hear one of her nurses in the hallway outside of the delivery room yelling for my dad to run. That same nurse later told my mom that she had witnessed my dad as he tried to run and eat a sandwich at the same time. Multitasking at its finest, I suppose. Semper fi, Dad. Later that day in coastal South Carolina, the phone rang at my maternal grandparents’ home. My grandmother answered the call and became worried when she heard my dad’s voice on the other end of the line. “Jane, Melia’s had the baby. How much money do you have set aside?”

“Why Bill? wrong?”

What’s

“Nothing’s wrong. You’ve got a granddaughter. You need to get busy buying her some baby clothes.” Any annoyance that my grandmother had felt towards my dad for causing her to worry disappeared quickly as she excitedly got ready to go shopping. I was her third grandchild and her first granddaughter. Growing up, she referred to me as her “special-order baby.” This was a sentiment that she shared with me on my birthday every year. Even in the days leading up to her death on a cold, rainy day in February last year, she reminded me that I was her special-order baby. I had a special bond with my maternal grandparents. We returned from England a few months after my birth. My dad stayed behind for a few days so that he could pack up and finish a few work-related tasks. This meant that my mom, at the age of twenty-two, was left to fend for

My dad almost missed my grand entrance. According to my mom, there was a minor com-

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herself with a toddler and an infant on a transatlantic flight. She had placed me in an infant carrier of some sort and strapped me across her chest. At one point during the flight, she thought she had smothered me (thanks, Mom). However, I was alive and well by the time we arrived at the airport. My grandparents were waiting for us. My grandmother ran to greet my mom and to take me from my mother’s arms. She had waited several months to see her new granddaughter. I had not been in her arms very long, however, before my diaper leaked down the front of her favorite dress. What was once light blue in color, was now stained with the remnants of my lunch. Dementia would later take her from us, but some of her memories remained, and the story of how I stained her dress on that first day she met me stayed with her until she died. After my father’s death in Beirut in 1983, my mom and brother and I

lived with my grandparents for several years. Because of this, I had a special bond with them. My grandfather was a combat-wounded, retired Marine who had achieved the rank of major prior to retiring. He was also a Purple Heart recipient who had completed one tour of duty in Korea and two tours of duty in Vietnam. At six feet, two inches tall, he reminded me of a cross between John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. He had a presence about him, and if you were lucky enough to meet him, you never forgot him. As fate would have it, he left this world on the same day that I came into it, thirty-two years later. I consider the days leading up to his passing, along with my grandmother’s, as some of the most difficult times I have ever faced. It was a great blessing to me as well as an honor and privilege to be at each of their sides, holding their hands when they drew their last breaths. As I reflect on the first forty years of my life, I think of things that I have accomplished and other things that I hope to accomplish in the next forty years. I have seen life begin, and I have seen it end. As far as my own life goes, well, I am working on filling it with love and laughter so that I might leave a legacy for my children and my children’s children. May the trip over the hill be even better than the trip going up the hill!

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Special Feature

City Of Athens Updates Local Protocols Based On Alabama’s Safer-At-Home Health Order by Holly Hollman - City of Athens Communications Specialist The State of Alabama is preparing to re-open in phases, and the City of Athens is updating its local COVID-19 protocols in coordination with the Safer-At-Home Health Order. Gov. Kay Ivey and State Public Health Officer Scott Harris said the Safer-At-Home Health Order will start April 30 at 5 p.m. and go to May 15 at 5 p.m. The order relaxes some of the stringent requirements of the April 3 order but not all of them. A copy of the order can be found at: https://governor.alabama. gov/assets/2020/04/Safer-AtHome-Order-Signed-4.28.20. pdf Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks discussed the new order with city attorney Shane Black and

department heads and updated protocols for the City of Athens.

customers to pay what they can on their bills to help keep their balances low.

City of Athens COVID-19 updated protocols

• The spring sports season at Athens Parks and Recreation is canceled. The SaferAt-Home Order continues to prohibit sport activities such as baseball and softball, the use of playground equipment, rental of pavilions, etc. Cemetery/Parks/Recreation Director Bert Bradford said his staff is preparing for volleyball season in June and planning small summer camps in various sports. He is coordinating these efforts with his staff and will announce a more detailed plan soon.

• City of Athens facilities will remain closed to the public through at least May 15. Several facilities are undergoing changes to limit exposure between employees and citizens, such as installing plexiglass windows at counters. “We also want to ensure we have a reliable supply of personal protection equipment, sanitizer, and cleaners before we open back up to the public,” Marks said. • Athens Utilities will suspend the practice of disconnecting utilities for non-payment until May 15. Customers will be responsible for the full bill amount accrued until payment is made. Customer Accounts Manager Bill Vaughn urges

• Municipal Court – Municipal Court staff are waiting to see if there is an update in the Supreme Court mandate, which currently suspends in-person court hearings through April 30. Driving school will not be held in May. Those who planned to attend need to make sure court staff have their correct contact information. To update contact information or for other court-related questions or to make court-related payments, call 256-233-8733 or email court@athensal.us during these hours: • Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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still are suspended. Sanitation Director Earl Glaze said he has not received a date for the return of state inmates who help operate the facility in Decatur that processes our recycling. • Per the updated state health order, Senior Centers remain closed. • Athens employees will continue working and offering ways for citizens to remotely access employees, information, and forms. The City’s website is www.athensal.us which lists contact information for each department as well as information on payments, forms, and services. Each city building has a note on the door listing contact information for that department. City of Athens phone numbers

Sanitation 256-233-8747

Department

Street Department 256-233-8747 Way to make payments to Athens Utilities • Drive-thru at 508 S. Jefferson Street. Lane is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. • Pay online at www.athensutilities.com. The online company that provides this service does charge a fee. • Mail bill stub with payment to City of Athens Utilities, P.O. Box 830200, Birmingham, AL, 35283-0200. • Place bill stub with payment in the night box at the facility at 508 S. Jefferson Street.

Water Services 256-232-1440

• Pay by phone by calling toll free 1-855-760-0921. The company that provides this service does charge a fee.

Gas Department 1440

• Pay by bank draft (no fee). Forms are available:

Utilities Customer Accounts 256-233-8750 256-232-

Electric Dept 256-232-1440 One Stop Shop 256-262-1525 Athens Municipal 256-233-8733

Court

Building 256-233-8715

Department

Cemetery 256-233-8743

Department

City Clerk 256-233-8720

• The City will continue to encourage citizens to participate in public meetings such as Athens City Council, Athens Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustments by watching the live stream on the City’s YouTube channel at CityofAthensAla and calling in comments on the phone number provided at each meeting.

E&CD 256-233-2224

• The City’s recycling services

Police Department

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256-233-8700

Fire & Rescue 256-233-8710 Fire Prevention Bureau 256233-8723 GIS

256-233-2224

Human Resources 256-2338737 Mayor's Office 256-233-8730 Parks & Recreation 256-233-8740

- Online at www.athens-utilities.com - By calling 256-233-8750 - By emailing customeraccounts@athens-utilities.com Citizens can stay updated on City of Athens protocols related to the Limestone County Pandemic Standard Operating Guidelines through these options: • City of Athens, Alabama (Public Relations) on Facebook. • City of Athens website at www.athensal.us and look for the updates link on the homepage under “Athens News.” • Sign up for Nixle alerts at https://local.nixle.com/register/ and follow “City of Athens and Utilities.”

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

The Trip Back To “Normal” by Ali Elizabeth Turner It was the day before Governor Ivey gave her press conference that signaled the official beginning of the trip back to “Normal.” It would be hopefully our very last phone interview between Mayor Ronnie and myself, and in two weeks we will either be able to sit six feet apart across from each other at the round table in his office, or we will holler from either end of the meeting room table at City Hall. Either way, being in the same room again is going to be most welcome! The first thing on the agenda was the celebration of Ronnie Marks being married to Sandra Marks for 52 years. “Way to go, Mr. Mayor!” I exclaimed. He countered with, “She has put up with me all these years, which is saying a lot.” These days, a morethan-golden anniversary is a major accomplishment, and no doubt when restaurants re-open, there will be a real, live dinner out. We discussed the media update that had been held on April 24, and just how proud we were of the city and county leaders representing government,

education, and medicine. “Our leaders have done so well during this time, and you also have the utility guys who are out taking of the community during COVID and storms at the same time,” he said. We both commented on the letter that Limestone County Commission Chair Colin Daly read to the media group assembled at City Hall. It was an odd scene, with the chairs set six feet apart and people with masks on. Chairman Daly’s young-

est son had received a hand-written letter from his teacher, who poured out her heart about how much she missed their class. She made a point of talking about his character traits, how hard he had worked, how much she would have loved to have finished out the year with him, and how she will never forget him. All of us had to swallow hard to fight tears, and I must admit, I would have loved to have had a teacher like that. I think we all would have! “We have been working on a plan for re-opening, and it will be tweaked after the Governor makes her announcements,” said the mayor. “We need to use common sense, and stick to the plan because it is working. The next two weeks are critical. It is a time for heavy prayer,” he added.

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We continued our discussion about the kids, especially the seniors who had had to miss so much of what we take for granted. The mayor had been in constant contact with mayors from all over Alabama, and marveled about the plans of one high school that is planning on having an online graduation. “They will have all of the students on one page, and when they read their name, a large of photo of them will be shown on the screen,” he said. “Technology has been our friend for sure,” I replied. Someone recently told the mayor, “I never thought I’d miss the sound of kids hollerin’ on the baseball field so much.” “Amen,” I said, and then he added, “People are antsy, and want to get back to ‘normal.’

And, no matter what we we do to re-open carefully, if there are any deaths, that is going to be blamed on re-opening. We have to prepare for that.” Mayor Ronnie went on to talk about the fact that the bridge on Forrest Street is nearing completion, in spite of the fact that a major piece of machinery has broken twice in two weeks. Amazingly, that project is on time, and it will be one of the many things we celebrate as we begin the trip back to “Normal.” We finished our time with the assurance that just like after 9/11, we will never go back to the old normal, but the new one is full of possibilities. Then we prayed, and it was time for Ronnie to roll.

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Slinkard On Success

This Slowdown Has Made Me Realize… by D. A. Slinkard God is good; all the time and all the time, God is good. This is a sentence I love in my heart. As I write these words, I have a smile upon my face. I know that God is in control, and because of this knowledge I have some peace. I have peace in knowing where my Eternity lies, I have peace in knowing I am on the winning side, and I have peace in knowing that God can do anything but fail. This peace I have has helped me realize how grateful and thankful I am for several things and for several people. Sometimes with the hustle and bustle of life we forget to slow down and smell the roses; but the jokes on us – we are forced to slow down right now. You may have even planted some roses just so you could be outside! This slowdown has made me realize how fortunate I am to have the wife that I have. She shows me unconditional love that I do not always deserve; and she is a tremendous helpmeet for me. I am quickly approaching graduation with Madison Baptist Theological Seminary, and I am proud to say she has been there (and supported me) along the way. She helps be my voice of reason when I want to handle things in a different way; she helps balance me out. I am thankful to have a wife that prepares

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home-cooked meals, holds my hand, wants to be a good mother, reads her King James Bible, and prays to God. She does all of this while having a career in the medical industry; again, I say I am fortunate to have the wife that I have. This slowdown has made me realize how fortunate I am to have the girls that I have. God has blessed me with two girls that are precious to me, more valuable than silver or gold. I realize how quickly life passes by, and this slowdown has enabled me to make some memories with my girls, because who is seriously going to forget the Quarantine of 2020? Our life will forever be changed from this slowdown, but I am appreciative for the time I have been able to have with my girls. One day they will be out of the house and have their own families. What I realize is that I have one shot at raising them, and I pray to God I do them justice. I am thankful for this slowdown because I get to enjoy being around my girls.

have it; and I can tell you I miss the fellowship of my fellow church members. I cannot wait for this shutdown to be over because I cannot wait to be back in God’s house hearing God’s Word being preached. The Bible tells us, “Great peace have they which love thy law…” -- which brings me to the final thought. This slowdown has made me realize how fortunate I am to have my salvation settled. There are a lot of people who are worried about dying; they are worried about their Eternity. And

if I did not have my salvation settled, I would probably join in the hysteria too. I am thankful I am a child of God because I know where I am headed when I die. I may succumb to COVID-19 and I may not; but God knows, and I know He is in control. I am thankful I cannot lose my salvation because God, who cannot lie, says it is forever. I hear about people doing a lot of binge watching of television shows and movies. I urge anyone to stop and take the time to reflect on this

slowdown. Take out a piece of paper and complete the following sentence: “This slowdown has made me realize how fortunate I am to have…” Write your answers down. We have one life to live and when it is over, it is over. What are you going to do with yours? I know I have hopes and I have dreams, but this slowdown has made realize some things I took for granted before. I am fortunate to have my wife, my girls, my church, my salvation.

This slowdown has made me realize how fortunate I am to have a church family. My family is extremely fortunate to have found Madison Baptist Church and Pastor Mike Allison. You do not realize how much you enjoy something until you no longer

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Tourism

Barn Quilts Driving Tour: An Escape To The Country by Cayce Lee

Social Media Specialist, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association A grand reawakened tradition of rural life across America is the adorning of local barns with quilts. Sometimes the colors have meaning, sometimes it’s the pattern, but one outstanding aspect is the pride each family places in displaying these uniquely crafted treasure. Originally, it’s believed barn quilts came to Colonial America with the settling of the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers from the Rhine region of Germany. They brought with them their brightly colored quilt patterns from their homeland as they fled to Colonial America in search of religious freedom. During their free time, the Pennsylvania Dutch Settlers would paint on the small ends of the barns to display their pride and heritage as well as to attract good luck and blessing to the farm. The quilt patterns from their homeland and families in the shapes of the Compass Rose, stylized stars or birds from their folk art traditions.

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The modern rendition of the barn quilt is attributed to Donna Sue Groves of Adams County, Ohio. She wanted to honor her mother’s memory by hanging a colorfully painted quilt square on her barn. As things usually happen, one quilt square begot another, and a community project featuring twenty quilts were displayed along a driving trail to encourage visitors to travel through the countryside. This renewed interest in this Colonial-era treasure and art form led to the revived tradition of farmers, urbanites, and suburbanites decking their barns, sheds, and even their homes with a barn quilt square. The growing collection of barn quilt squares throughout communities lead to trails being developed all over the United States, including New Jersey, New York, Iowa, Minnesota and Alabama – drawing visitors through the countryside like Grove’s original trail.

Isom's Orchard is renowned for its produce, and their barn quilt square demonstrates their pride in their product and roots The modern barn quilts are usually created on 8-by-8-ft. sections of plywood and painted with intricate patterns or traditional quilt patterns like Bear Claw, Ohio Star, Log Cabin Blocks, or Wedding Ring. Some barn quilt squares incorporate monograms or logos of the family farm operation -- like sheep, cows, bulls, or horses. You may find smaller sized barn quilt squares

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decking sheds, front doors, fence rows, and even mailboxes as the popularity grows. A recent addition to Athens-Limestone County Tourism’s collection of trails, tracks, and treks for exploring is centered around Limestone County’s barn quilts in trail format. The circular trek kicks off with the beautifully crafted design at Isom’s Orchard

and winds through the rolling countryside visiting four other familyowned farms and their bedecked barns, as well as small communities with roots deep in agriculture. If you’d like to explore the Athens-Limestone County Barn Quilt Driving Trail, a brochure featuring a map and addresses is available at the AthensLimestone Visitors Center at 100 North Beaty Street in Athens. For more information on other trails and outdoor options, please call 256-232-5411 or visit VisitAthensAL. com and look under our new and growing section, “Plan Your Visit.”

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Clean and Green

It’s Never To Late To Thank Great Volunteers by Lynne Hart - Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful waterways.

On Saturday, March 14, KALB held our annual Trash Attack and Waterway Cleanup.

We are so very grateful to everyone who came out, braved the weather, and worked so hard!

It was a drizzly morning and people were talking about the possibility of the novel coronavirus becoming a pandemic. It would be the last gathering KALB would have this spring. The very next week, everything turned upside down and life changed. There were so many decisions to be made and things to take care of to protect our employees and our organization while honoring the stay-at-home order. Like many other businesses and organizations, we will have an uphill climb to rebuild the losses we will have suffered. Because of all of these concerns, I never shared the results of our Trash Attack with the community, and it is my intent to correct that now.

How I wish everyone would have the opportunity to pick up other people’s trash. It is definitely an eye-opening experience that makes most people who do it much more conscious of how they handle their own trash. That

ets, and instructions, they all set out to work on cleaning litter from roadways and waterways in Limestone County. At the end of the event, those 71 volunteers had worked 284 hours and removed 5,355 lbs. of trash from Limestone County roadways and

Although it was a damp morning and a threat of a pandemic loomed over us, 71 volunteers arrived at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens, Jones Drugs in Ardmore, and at the Elk River boat launch off Hatchery Rd. in West Limestone.

includes securing bags of garbage under a tightly placed trash can lid, using a litter bag to hold vehicle trash until it can be properly thrown away, and having a greater understanding of the amount

Thanks to the Tennessee Valley Authority, the premier sponsor of this event, all volunteers enjoyed donuts and coffee before setting off to work. Once everyone had their safety vests, gloves, trash bags, litter grabbers, Lowe’s buck-

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of litter that is out there. Thank you to all who respect others and the environment by handling their own trash correctly. Although COVID-19 has caused many troubles, we have also seen people come together to help. I love this quote from Mr. Rogers as he tried to help children cope with tragedy: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world." Thank you to all of the helpers out there. Thank you to all of the essential workers who take care of us in so many ways. And thank you to the volunteers who came out on a rainy morning to pick up trash because they wanted to help make our community a healthier place for all living things.

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(256) 233-8000 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com www.athensnowal.com

May 1 - May 14, 2020

Cooking with Anna

You Are Not Fat! by Anna Hamilton

How many times have you described yourself as fat…chubby…pleasantly plump…fluffy? Ladies and gentleman, I’m here to tell you a little secret. Are you ready for this? You are not fat. You have fat. You also have toes. You are not toes. It sounds silly when you describe it that way doesn’t it? We must stop this constant description of ourselves and others as fat, skinny, thin, heavy-set. Instead, let’s focus on things that are tangible, things that are true and noble. Instead of describing someone by their physical appearance, I am challenging you to describe all their wonderful qualities. While the scale still has a high number on it, I would like someone to describe me as kind or honest or genuine. Wouldn’t you like the same when someone was describing you? All my life, I prayed for God to send me a Prince Charming. He must be good looking, sweet, gentle, love dogs, love family, love children, be able to sweep me off my feet -- you know, basically every prince in any classic children’s story. I had dated people that I thought fit that description only to find out that they were good at playing pretend, much like those cartoon characters on the screen we watched as children. One day, I decided to change my prayer from God send me a husband to God let me

see people the way you see them. I promise, the very next week, I met my husband. He is my Prince Charming; he is perfect in every way. So, for the next month, I am challenging you to look at people from the inside out. Look at their true character, not their physical appearance and see how it changes your life. I think you will find yourself much more aware of how the world should look and will never go back to seeing people only on the surface. This week’s recipe is a great summer salad. Fresh succulent shrimp and cauliflower in a great dressing. This dish is sure to be a winner with your family. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Shrimp & Cauliflower Salad

Ingredients:

1 head of cauliflower 1 lb. medium raw shrimp 1 Tbsp. olive oil 2 cucumbers 3 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp. grated lemon zest Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Peel & clean your shrimp, also removing the tails. Place the shrimp on a cookie sheet, drizzle with 1 Tbsp. of olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Roast in a 350 degree oven for 8 – 10 minutes or until opaque. For a shortcut, you can always buy pre-cooked shrimp from your local supermarket and toss them straight into your salad. Meanwhile, cut all of the florets off the cauliflower. Chop the cauliflower into small pieces. Put the cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave for about 5 minutes. You want it to be

May 1 - May 14, 2020

softened but not mushy – you might have to do it in two batches to make sure it cooks evenly. While your shrimp and cauliflower are cooling, peel, seed, and chop your cucumbers into about 1/2 inch pieces. Combine your shrimp, cauliflower, and cucumber in a medium bowl. Then add your lemon zest and chopped dill. Pour in your olive oil and lemon juice and toss to coat. Taste and then season with salt and pepper as desired.

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May 1 - May 14, 2020

Cover Story

Roger’s Portraits: Save The Date And Save The Memories by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

heartbreak hit in 2016 when his wife, Vicki lost her battle to cancer. Roger thought he would retire; however, that didn’t last too long, and while he is not in the shop full time, he is still “at it.” In 2019, local artist and photographer Tanje Nash came on as a partner in the studio, and then this spring COVID struck. One of the things for which Roger is best known is the work he does with day care centers when they have their graduation ceremonies, and he had several “shoots” on the books when the coronavirus shut down non-essential businesses. Just like most local businesses, Roger had to figure out what his next step would be, and hunkered down to ride out the storm, both in terms of the virus itself, and the impact it had on his business. He also really loves working with kids, and thought he would have

to miss what had become a yearly tradition that captured the memory of an important rite of passage. Roger calls himself the “children’s portrait specialist,” and gets great joy out of capturing childhood on camera and converting it into a priceless memory. “I have kids who walk by the studio and start crying if they can’t come in, because we have so much fun,” he told me. Thankfully, the phased re-opening of the State of Alabama came at a perfect time, both for Roger as well the families of the Athens-Limestone County. On May 15 and 16, Roger’s Portrait Studio is going to have a ‘Save the Memories’ event so that graduation pictures can be taken for “littles” clear up to high school seniors and college graduates. While Roger’s Portraits sincerely hopes that formal portraits were already taken of older students before the quarantine, they want to

help in any way they can to make up for lost time. For the kindergarten classes, Roger has been able to get a hold of caps and gowns, which will be put on the young grads by their parent(s). “If you do have your own cap and gown for your child, we really want you to use that one,” Roger told me. Every precaution will be taken for

a “safe shoot” that stays within the guidelines recently issued by the State of Alabama. First of all, the sessions will be by appointment only, and Tanje and Roger have been working out the logistics to keep a safe distance. Tanje will take all the information from clients so that no one else will be touching a pen. Roger said that they will be taking what they call “time-ish” appointments. “We are going to do our best to be timely, but we have never done this before; so we are going to have to work together to make this happen,” he said. The older kids will need to furnish their own caps and gowns. If the Save the Memories event takes off, Roger will schedule a second one. Also, sometime between 10 days and two weeks after the May 15-16 shoot, there will be a “drive-by pick-up” for customers to come to the studio to get the orders. The hours

May 1 - May 14, 2020

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for both days will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will be closed each day between noon and 1 p.m. for lunch. There will be several packages starting at $35 from which to choose. Call Roger today at 256431-6332 to make your “time-ish” appointment to capture a most important event in a young person’s life -- graduation. He and his staff will do all they can to make your appointment safe, timely, and professional.

Roger’s Portrait Studio 115 W Washington St, Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256) 233-4443 May 15-16 event hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed for lunch from noon - 1 p.m. both days Page 15

Health and Fitness

No Holding Back

by Nick Thomas, owner of Prime Performance Training, and Certified Sports Nutritionist

As a certified general and sports nutritionist, I get to meet a variety of people of all ages from all walks of life. We discuss their goals; I take any food allergies into consideration and create a personalized meal plan which I know will help them best achieve their goals. This inevitably leads to a conversation about what foods to avoid in order to be successful. I always suggest avoiding sugar and processed foods, and there are a few other items on my list typically depending on each individual case. However, the number one thing which seems to get the most reaction from adults is when I say it’s best to consume NO ALCOHOL!

about cutting the alcohol when it comes to living a truly healthy, all-natural whole-food lifestyle due to my extensive education in nutrition and how the body works. However, being someone who likes to stay relevant, I recently decided it was time to do some digging in order to really get the details on what current statistics are when it comes to alcohol consumption in the average American adult and the effects it not only has on the body but on life as a whole. I was shocked by what I found. According to The Washington Post, sixty percent

of Americans 18 years or older consume zero or less than one drink on average each week. However, the top 10 percent of American adults (24 million) consume an average of 74 drinks per week or a little more than 10 drinks per day. This is absolutely staggering! From a basic nutrition standpoint, alcohol tanks anything you are doing. The sugar and carbohydrates alone destroy the hard work you may do in daily workouts and/or in your daily diet. Yes, this is true NO MATTER WHAT FORM of alcohol you

choose to consume. I think most all of us know this, so let’s move on to some of the lesser known facts. Put aside the fact that alcohol is a major contributing factor in pancreatitis, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, breast cancer, and oral cancer, and let’s dig into some of the not-so-talked-about effects it has on your body. The central nervous system can be affected with long-term changes such as pain; odd sensations; numbness in the hands and feet; and due to the same vascular issues, the retina in the eyes can be compromised. The diges-

tive system can be affected with symptoms ranging from distorted taste, tooth decay, and esophageal and stomach ulcers. Finally, and maybe most importantly in today’s society, alcohol intake can severely weaken the immune system. Now, I say again, NO ALCOHOL is best! I know this advice doesn’t make me the life of the party, but I guarantee it will make you feel better, achieve your goals, and live a longer life. So, which do you value more, some fun drinks or a long, heathy life?

This is not a statement which is meant to inflict torture or take away from the enjoyment of downtime. It simply comes from my nutrition experience and desire to see my clients not only achieve their goals but be the absolute healthiest possible. Even one glass of wine or beer each night can have a drastically negative affect on your health. Just a few social drinks each weekend can prevent you from achieving your goals as fast or maybe even at all. I have always felt strongly

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May 1 - May 14, 2020

Cover Story

Honoring The AthensLimestone Hospital Heroes by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

patients and staff. She started out right after graduating high school, working on the business office side of the house. She worked in Insurance, Information Services, as well as Patient Accounts. Then someone correctly discerned that she needed to be nursing patients, showed true belief in her, and she was on her way. She got her nursing degree at Calhoun, and then went on to get her BSN and her MSN, all while she continued to work at ALH. Traci has now been at ALH for a total of 30 years, and has a guiding passion: patient safety and care. So, she is quick to point out that during the COVID crisis the hospital staff has “been amazing.” Here is the story of how the hospital “squared off” against corona back in March, and what has happened since. Traci told me, “On March 15, the senior staff had a meeting, and while we have trained often for all kinds of events, that was when we put the plan together. Thankfully, Dr. Matt Hanserd be-

May 1 - May 14, 2020

gan doing specific research on COVID back in January, which helped so much.” They went on to reconfigure the hospital for isolation, and also reached out to the community for possible field hospital sites. Thankfully, since then, it is looking like the curve has been flattened successfully, and out of around 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Limestone County, there have been no fatalities. “We split up the ICU into what we call ‘clean’ (meaning anything that is not related to COVID) and ‘dirty’ (meaning everything that is connected to the coronavirus).” Traci wanted me to make sure that our readers understood that ALL of the hospital is kept at the highest level of cleanliness, and that the terms “dirty” and “clean” are just hospital jargon for dealing with a pandemic. I asked Traci what has been the toughest thing about the last couple of months, and she told me, “Not knowing is the hardest part. We’re in unchartered territory, and we really don’t know what we are up against. It’s eerie to have whole wings empty. Knowing that there are

people who have had to put off surgeries or other treatments because of this isn’t easy, either. We want to take care of all or our community, not just a part of it, and we can’t until we get the all-clear.” Traci went on to tell me that the staff, which has always been close, is like family. “We have cried and prayed together, and we have also had a COVID miracle. One of our employees got it, and was in intensive care for three weeks. She was really, really sick, and we almost lost her. Our staff took care of one of our own, and there are no words to describe what it means to all of us that she is going to make it. She was discharged home on Monday and it was emotional for all of our staff! The great care she received from our ICU staff truly saved her life. It’s one of those ‘intangible’ things,” she said. “Tell me about the good stuff,” I said. We had to do the interview by phone, and I could hear Traci get choked up. I imagined her going through a long list of memories that won’t leave her or her crew anytime soon. “The outpouring of love and support from the community has been unbelievable. People have brought us food. We have had churches, restaurants, businesses, and families checking on us to see what we need, and then they’ve gotten it for us. Then there have been the parkand-prays. A church did a parade to say thank you. They’ve played music on a loudspeaker, sent us letters. All of it has made us stronger and better. And, other hospitals reached out to us to ask what they can do to help us,” she said. Being a part of the Huntsville Hospital Health System is also a huge advantage for ALH. They have

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been supportive in procuring PPE and supplies throughout this pandemic. “What else do you want people to know?” I asked. “Don’t be afraid to come see us when we re-open,” Traci said. As Governor Ivey re-opens Alabama in stages, people will need to go to the hospital for care, and people who love and care for

them will want to come visit. The question on the minds of the hospital leadership is how to best meet the needs of patients and their families, and in that regard, nothing has changed. And when the doors re-open, Traci Collins and the entire staff will be there to take care of our community with excellence.

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Getting Back To Normal? by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262

According to Dictionary.com, “normal” is conforming to a standard, typical, usual, average state or condition. For the past month, our standard has been to “stay at home, stay six feet apart, and stay safe.” Hopefully, very soon, we will have a new “normal.” Since we are not sure about the timing of the new normal at the Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning, we are looking at alternate options for our “new normal.” This summer, we will offer innovative, interesting camps through online learning options. Using Zoom, our instructors will conduct live, person-to-person camps and classes.

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We will be offering Summer Camps via Zoom. Check out the website – www.athens.edu/ CLL – for information about days and times. We are offering Hands Up American Sign Language Camp, Yoga for 8-12 year olds and teens, Words Alive (a writing camp), Photography for Kids, Hip Hop, Game Coding, Computer Keyboarding Camp, and Art Explorers (an arts & craft camp). There will also be CSI for Kids, Jazz Fusion, and 3-D Special Art. Call us at 256-233-8260 or visit our website to register. This summer, we are offering courses for adults as well. Our instructors will be using Zoom for live, interactive courses

to develop professional skills and enhance personal interests. Our summer offerings for adults who want to polish their career skills include Excel Skills for Business, Leadership Certificate Series, Time Management Certificate, First-Time Manager Certificate, Front-Line Supervisor Certificate, and Navigating Social Media/ Digital Marketing Certificate. If you have questions regarding our professional programs call 256-233-8260. For those who just want to learn or experience something new, we are offer several personal interest courses. Check out the Yoga for Adults

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program. Dana Waldrop will lead you in breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to help relieve the day-to-day stress. In the Biblical Leadership Certificate, Dr. Robert White will apply new leadership skills and principles for your ministry or everyday life. This certificate equips you to lead in church while assessing cultural ministry challenges. You can join me on July 12 for a lunchtime Virtual Tour of Israel. I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Israel in 2016, and I took lots of pictures. In this course, I will also share the tips and tidbits from

our Tour Guide. On July 31, I will share stories and pictures for the Virtual Tour of Iceland. It was an amazing trip, and the culture was very interesting. At Athens State’s Center for Lifelong Learning, we are looking forward to summer programming. We are excited about the new options for classes and are looking forward to seeing you back at the Center when it is safe to return. Remember our website – Athens. edu/CLL. You can also check us out on Facebook at Center for Lifelong Learning - Athens State University or on Instagram at CLLatathensstate.

May 1 - May 14, 2020

Financial

Sound Financial Tips During COVID-19 Uncertainty courtesy BrandPoint Content (BPT) - The current COVID-19 financial landscape is unpredictable, causing anxiety for people of all ages. With layoffs, unexpected medical expenses, and an ever-changing and uncertain economy, it's easy to worry. "Now more than ever is the time to take an active approach with your finances to position yourself for success," says Danielle Seurkamp, CFP. "Knowledge is power during unpredictable times." Andy Mardock, CFP, agrees. "Emotions are running high with coronavirus concerns. Being informed helps you resist gut reactions driven by emotion so you don't make a move you later regret." Both Seurkamp and Mardock are members of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), an association of fee-only financial advisors who adhere to a fiduciary

standard. Together they offer important financial tips to empower you to make wise financial decisions today and in the future: Budget and be proactive Create a budget and identify which bills are locked-in and which are discretionary. Then decide what can and can't be cut. For those who have lost significant income, contact providers as soon as possible to explore options. "Many companies are waiving late fees, establishing payment plans or deferring payments," says Mardock. Foreclosures and evictions have been suspended in many cases. Contact your financial institution for relief on mortgages and other loans in the form of payment deferrals or forbearance to ease the pressure. For business owners, review the rules of CARES Act loans as well as the requirements for loan

forgiveness to ensure you're taking care of both your employees and your company. Manage medical costs Medical costs including overthe-counter drugs and menstrual care items are now considered a deductible medical expense. Seurkamp says you should consider using money in your flexible spending account on these items to reduce the burden on your monthly income. COBRA insurance premiums can also be paid using money in an HSA. Get your stimulus check "If you haven't filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, file one as soon as possible to qualify for a stimulus check provided by the federal government as part of the CARES Act," says Seurkamp. "If your 2019 income was lower than 2018 or you added a child to your family last year, file your 2019 return now to potentially qualify for a

higher stimulus check." Access emergency funds If needed, use emergency cash or sell bonds to fund your living expenses. Now is also a good time to use low-interest debt like a home equity line of credit for cash needs if necessary. "Try to avoid selling stock to create cash right now since values are down," advises Mardock. Use retirement savings cautiously The CARES Act stimulus package makes it easier to dip into retirement savings to fund shortterm living expenses. The 10% penalty on early IRA distributions has been suspended for up to $100,000 of COVID-related withdrawals. The amount that can be borrowed from a 401(k) has been doubled from $50,000 to $100,000 and the repayment terms have been relaxed.

"You can use these resources to cover essential expenses but resist the urge to use retirement savings for discretionary spending," says Seurkamp. "Remember, you will either have to pay back what you borrowed or eventually pay tax on the withdrawals. Furthermore, to create cash in a 401(k) to withdraw, you will almost inevitably have to sell stocks when values are depressed, locking in losses." Limit media time

It's important to be informed, but easy to become fatigued by watching negative financial news over and over. Once you're informed, turn off the financial news, suggests Mardock. It will always be there when you come back. Moments to recharge and refocus are a necessary component of making smart financial decisions. Consider virtual guidance

"If you're feeling overwhelmed or have questions, set up a virtual meeting with a financial advisor," says Seurkamp. "There are a variety of fee models for financial planning, including hourly, project-based and subscription offerings." Most advisory fees are based on the complexity of the client's financial situation, which alleviates issues around affordability.

In addition, as part of the group's community response, some members of NAPFA are offering pro-bono assistance to those whose incomes are in jeopardy. This includes access to basic information about unemployment, tax waivers, lender moratoriums and more.

Even one hour with a financial advisor can help bring you peace of mind and some tangible next steps.

Visit www.napfa.org for more consumer tips and resources.

May 1 - May 14, 2020

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Dog Barker

How Is Everyone Holding Up? by Joel Allen

Hello, folks! So, how is everyone doing? I just want to share part of my everyday routine to make y’all smile. In my small world, my pack thinks me being home is an everyday normal. I mean, I am home a lot anyway, even before this “lockdown.” Every day my routine consists of getting up in the morning at 0330 and preparing my crew’s first meal. They eat at approximately 0400 and, yes, everyone sits for their meals. My old girl, Ollie Girl, is a Merle Great Dane who dances excitedly for every meal she gets. Her nails start clicking on the floor when she dances, and my imagination always thinks of her as one of those Spanish women dancing back and forth

clicking those castanets. There she is dancing, snorting, and when she sits, she is just ashakin’. That always makes me smile. Then there is my service dog, Zoey, a Border Collie/Heeler mix, who is quite bossy toward the others at home. She always does a low rumble toward those that would dance and drift close to the area she is in. That rumble of hers starts low, and when she gets more worked up, she sounds almost like a weed eater, LOL. Then she sits for her meal, with those liquid brown eyes gleaming with anticipation up at me for her meal. I give her the “OK” and she eats her meal. Next in line is Woodrow (aka “Woo Woo” or

Woody), who is a Black Great Dane and always excited at meal times. Our mornings consist of him being very vocal and waving a paw at me sounding “Woo Woo Woo,” hence is nickname. Then he sits and waits for his meal to be placed and given the “OK.” Then there is Minnie, my foster pit mix, who looks like she might have part Boxer because of how her jaw seems to square, and she looks like a miniature Woodrow. When she is sleeping, the way her jaw sits causes her tongue to stick out. Seeing that makes me laugh at times, and I have a few pictures of her sleeping with her tongue sticking out. She is quite stout, and when she sees me coming with

her meal, she runs to her crate and sits. I place her bowl down for her, and she will look at me waiting for her “OK” to eat. Minnie is also my driveway alarm and doorbell. She barks sometimes, but she will mostly do a low “burrrrrr” rumble as she is watching what or who is approaching the house. When she is playing “watchdog” she is always looking between the slats of my blinds. One more thing I will add is Minnie is also nicknamed “Minnie Prints” by my Mom because Minnie will leave prints on her sometimes by jumping and saying “Hello.” Lastly, there is my other service dog Houston, a Black and Mantle Great Dane, who will sit at

feeding time and wait. He does not like it if I leave the room while he is eating. He will stop and look for me and then return to his bowl once he has seen I am still here. Then he will repeat what he did again. I think next time I will hide from him just to try and desensitize his need for my presence. It’s bad enough if Zoey gets a turn to go to work and I leave him at home; he is howling and crying like it’s the last time he will see me! Don’t get me started about the sleeping arrangements either. I am always swamped with all of them, and they are all jockeying for who can get the closest to me. I get shoved around a lot. If that happens too much, Zoey starts her “weed-eater” sound toward the others, LOL. I just wanted to share this with everyone to make y’all smile during this difficult time. I hope y’all enjoyed a brief glimpse of my everyday life with my “Loves.” I hope all who read this are keeping busy and sane during these times. We will all get through this. “Remember to love your dogs because they love you. Maybe not the way you want them to, like chewing up your favorite shoes or what not, but that is just love chewing. Be thankful for the time you have with them always.”

Joel Allen 256-651-2211

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May 1 - May 14, 2020

Mental Health Minute

Dexter’s Life Lessons by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor

“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.” - Orhan Pamuk There will never be another Dexter. On March 11, 2020, our sweet boy passed away from complications of mast cell cancer. In October 2019, I wrote an Athens Now article about Dexter -- sharing his life, cancer diagnosis, and prognosis. The mast cell tumors were discovered in Dexter’s liver in June 2019, and he was given three months to live. But Dexter loved life and defied the odds for the next nine months. Our home has been so quiet and empty without his huge presence. These are just a few of the many life lessons I learned from the gift of sharing my life with the one and only Dexter: 1. Take time to play. Dexter

loved his ropes and was always looking for someone to try to take one from him. The game was that he would come up to you and show you his rope, and the moment you reached for it, he would take off looking back at you with a grin on his face. It’s so easy to settle into a rut of taking everything so seriously. Playing energizes your spirit and mind, allowing all sorts of new ideas and creativity to emerge. 2. Jump for joy when you are happy. I have a picture of Dexter by the gate in our backyard. He is in mid-air, twisting his body toward me, with a look of pure joy at the thought of our upcoming neighborhood walk together. When was the last time you shared your joy outwardly? We live our lives so focused sometimes that we forget to get excited and fully experience the good times. The world is miraculous and beautiful. Dexter reminded

me every day to celebrate with joy. 3. It’s about the journey. When Dexter went for car rides, he would stick his head out the window, smell the air, and watch the world go by. He didn’t seem to care about where we were going. It was all about the adventure. I know it’s important to set goals, but we often forget that it’s the journey that matters most. Getting attached to the outcome can set us up for frustration or depression if the expectations are not met. For Dexter the goal was the trip itself…enjoying the moments of excitement and fun. 4. Let go of grudges. Dexter was a stray, possibly a junkyard dog, who had probably been mistreated by our human counterparts before we met. But Dexter was never aggressive or wary with us because someone else was mean to him. He gave us a second chance. He didn’t allow past mistreatment to keep him from moving forward with life. (Side note: Humans are probably the only species that hold a grudge.) Let grudges go and you’ll be able to open up a world of possibilities. 5. Live in the moment. How I admired Dexter’s ability to be present! Whether he was eating, picking out his favorite rope from the toy bucket, or hopping up on his favorite chair to look out the window, Dexter was all about the present moment. Dogs only access information when they need it…in that instant. The past is gone, and the future is unknown. The only thing you can really enjoy and affect is what is happen-

May 1 - May 14, 2020

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ing right now.

to live up to.

6. Be loyal and dependable. Dogs are pack animals. Dexter loved being in our “pack.” He followed us, played with us, and protected us. Dexter was so in tune with us, that he would often sense our moods and provide comfort without conditions. What a great reminder for all of us to be reliable and trustworthy members of our human pack.

8. Take risks. When we first brought Dexter home, he was wild. The world was an adventure, and Dexter lived in it with total abandon. He loved to swim. If we put a raft in the pool, he would jump off the side onto the raft and then float around or let one of us pull him. He wanted to be human and wasn’t afraid to try. His enthusiasm for life was contagious.

7. Love unconditionally. Dexter loved everyone and never met a stranger. One of the things I miss most about Dexie is seeing him at the back door when I come home. He would be waiting for me, wagging his tail, so happy to see me, no matter what kind of mood I was in. His expression was one of admiration and total devotion, which I continue to try

Thank you, Dexter, for being in my life. I am a better human for having known you.

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

Truth And Corona by Roy Williams Are you sick and tired of hearing about corona 24/7? Have they scared you into shutting down your normal lifestyle? Are you afraid to go to the grocery store? Are you ready to face the truth about COVID-19? Talk radio host Rush Limbaugh said, “New data suggests that the lockdowns may have been unnecessary because the coronavirus infection rates were far higher than previously reported, meaning it was not nearly as much a threat to life as feared.” On the surface you might think, if infection rates were higher, shouldn’t we be more concerned? Rush goes on to point out that the Associated Press reported: “A flood of new research suggests that far more people have had the coronavirus without any symptoms, fueling hope that it will turn out to be much less lethal than originally feared.” Remember all the models that said upwards of two million Americans could be affected and as many as 200 thousand could die? New estimates are now saying that between 50 and 60 thousand may die; and it may even be

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less than that…no more than the common flu. How could their models have missed the true numbers so badly? Or, should we ask a different question? Why did the so-called experts use their models to scare us into isolation, social distancing, into shutting down the best economy in 60 years? Who is actually behind the models? Do they have an agenda other than to protect the citizens? More evidence is coming to light about what may actually be behind this whole scheme, and I don’t use the term “scheme” loosely. Everyone knows that almost all elected officials are probably going to be reelected if the economy is good. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, a proven and effective businessman, the economy has soared. Some explain that before the coronavirus, the U.S. had the best economy in 60 years. Is it possible that the leaders of the Democratic Party, including those put in power during the Clinton and Obama administrations, are working together to blow the COVOD-19 pandemic out of proportion? Take a close look at

those drawing up the models, the so-called experts who are scaring the public into submission and destroying the economy.

dye, E. coli, human embryonic (aborted baby tissue) lung cultures and aborted human diploid cell cultures (WI-38 & MRC-5).

Even Dr. Fauci was hired by the Clintons and has been entrenched with the Democratic Party for years. Even better known, Bill Gates has been a longtime supporter of mandatory vaccines, and everyone knows he is helping blow the pandemic out of proportion. He has also been tied directly to the medical profession and a group that holds the patents to specific vaccines including the ones being developed specifically for the coronavirus, COVID-19.

Who is really going to benefit from the shutdown? An analysis by a Stanford researcher concluded the fatality rate for the coronavirus appeared to be between 0.1 and 0.2. That makes it no worse than the common flu and may even be no more dangerous than the common cold.

If they can destroy the economy, remove President Trump from office, and install a Democrat, no one will stand in the way of passing legislation for mandatory vaccines for everyone. Remember what is well known to be in the vaccines, including thimerosal (mercury), ethanol (anti-freeze) aluminum

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When the models started that gave us the lockdown and began destroying the economy, they were predicting four to one dying per hundred not four per thousand, which is still higher than is actually happening. So, ask yourself what is really going on with these models and who is really behind the scare tactics. What is even more important is that we maintain our freedoms in America. We need to demand that legislation be enacted that all medical treatments are

voluntary and never mandatory. All of us should be able to learn the truth about every part of our lives and make our own decisions. A woman can decide if she aborts a baby, after all it is her body. Shouldn’t the same apply to all Americans when it comes to vaccines, drugs, or surgeries? After all, it is our body. Included in those freedoms is the right to decide how we are going to support our health and no government agency or legislation should ever be written that interferes with our ability to make those decisions. Seek the truth, take responsibility for your own health, and don’t let them take our freedoms. Do it God’s way using His creations instead of man’s way using his concoctions. Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams

May 1 - May 14, 2020

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Mondays at 10am 1080 AM WKAC May 1 - May 14, 2020

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May 1 - May 14, 2020