Issuu

May 15th - June 4th, 2020

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

Unsung Heroes: The Vietnam War Casualties And The Facts We Forgot To Remember

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

Amanda, Absolutely! A Gold Star Mother’s Love... This edition of Amanda, Absolutely! is written for my brave friend, Annette Hall. Having the title “Gold Star Mother”... Page 5

From The Vets Museum Meet MSgt Eric M. Hertzig... MSgt Hertzig was born in Wallace, Idaho, in 1960 and grew up in Brigham City, Utah. While going to school during the Cold War, Eric had a... Page 10

Clean And Green Beautification Award Update... One of the projects our Athens-Limestone Beautification Board enjoys each year is the judging of properties and presentation of... Page 12

May 15 - June 4, 2020

By Ali Elizabeth Turner In December of this past year, Morgan County resident and award-winning author Lisa Worthey Smith had an encounter that she unapologetically calls “divine,” and which gave her chill bumps. She met with Bill and Heather Collins, who had

Continued on page 15

Frame Gallery Off The Square: Save June 25 For A Grand Re-opening And Local Art Exhibition By Ali Elizabeth Turner For the past 37 years, Athens-Limestone County has been blessed with a custom framing shop that has done a superb job of preserving and protecting some of our dearest and most important memories. Tracie Spain and Dennis Martin

Continued on page 17

www.athensnowal.com

www.JuicePlus.com Page 2

www.athensnowal.com

May 15 - June 4, 2020

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Corona Crankiness

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design

Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers D. A. Slinkard Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Sandra Tompson Anna Hamilton Deb Kitchenmaster Nick Thomas Amanda Winter Moore Wanda Campbell Roy Williams Jackie Warner Tim Lambert

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

It’s official: we are now in the “re-opening-of-society” phase of the COVID Capers with regard to the nation, state, county, and city. For two months, Americans have experienced variations on a generally innocent and endearing theme of gratitude along with “party on, dudes” all over TV, radio, and social media. That has been contrasted with a few neighbors sometimes acting like the Thought Police; literally tracking peoples’ every move with more prowess than Gladys Kravitz keeping an eye on her neighbors in Bewitched. George Orwell could not have come up with stuff like this. And, a few governors have followed suit with what has seemed like nothing short of power-tripping. Let me be clear. I have had some truly wonderful things happen since the middle of March, and I would like to think that

the uncertainty of the times caused some folks to drop some of their barriers and quit practicing long-standing “emotional distancing.” I have laughed harder with more people than since I was in Iraq. I have seen touching expressions of generosity, kindness, bravery, selflessness, and straight- up love that have moved me. And throughout it all, what seemed to prevail was a sense of adventure and unity. However, I think it needs to be said that unity that is largely based on the family of Man, as opposed to the love of God is at best fickle. We are starting to see the emergence of what I have come to call “COVID crankiness,” and it is something that Chuck Norris early on said would happen. I would define “COVID crankiness” as a somewhat sudden, invasive irritability that is like a non-life threatening, low-grade fever. It doesn’t stop you in

your tracks, and it certainly is no cause for alarm. But, it needs to be managed, and managed well. Why? Because as quickly as we have come together, we could fall apart; and squandering what has been built over the course of the last two months over stupid stuff is, well, stupid. I’ll give you an example of something I experienced earlier this week -- my first brush with this malaise. Since “Safer At Home” began, I have tried to make a point of frequenting a local restaurant at least one time a week, and decided to patronize one that I had not been in for years. I found myself getting irritated with what seemed like overkill in the “distancing directives,” and I did not feel I was being treated like a valued customer. Now, I didn’t blow up, I only emitted an irritated sigh, got my food, and started to leave the parking area. And then, I felt that “nudge.” You know what I am talking

Amanda, Absolutely . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 From The Vets' Museum . . . 10 PlayAction Sports . . . . . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12

about, that “ahem” from Heaven that lets you know that you need to go make it right.

So, I went back and from 20 feet, I apologized to the manager for my irritation. This man comes from a culture where repentance does not readily occur; it is far more common to fume until you forget why you were annoyed, and then go back to acting the way you did before you got mad. As a result, things fester and offences are not often confronted or dealt with. Not a healthy way to live, and I was accurate in thinking that the manager would be a little taken aback when he saw me a few minutes later.

I apologized, and we actually talked. I know it surprised him, and we had a nice chat. “Please come back again,” he said. “I will,” I said, and added, “Thank you for accepting my apology.” What is the cure for “COVID crankiness?” The same thing as when there are no weird bugs floating around that attack your pocketbook as well as your sense of autonomy: if you mess up, you need to fess up. The Good Book promises that when you do, you’ll be healed. And I can say from recent experience, the Good Book is right.

Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com

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

May 15 - June 4, 2020

athensnowal.com www.athensnowal.com

Page 3

All Things Soldier

A KIA In The Time Of COVID by Ali Elizabeth Turner The Israeli Defense Force has just had to bury one of its own. A member of the legendary Golani Brigade was killed in the West Bank when someone threw a stone and hit him in the head. His name was Sgt. Amit Ben-Yagl, and he was due to finish his mandatory service in the IDF in a month. His funeral was typical of what happens in Israel when they lose a soldier: residents from one end to the other of the tiny country, which is the size of New Jersey, line the streets as the funeral procession rolls through. A country that is surrounded by nations who make no attempt to mask their desire to destroy them takes the death of one of its soldiers very seriously, and they turn out as if they have lost one of their own sons, literally. I contrast that with the

way things came to be during the end of the Vietnam War, the evidence having been painstakingly researched by Lisa Worthey Smith in her book, Unsung Heroes: The Vietnam War Casualties And The Facts We Forgot To Remember. Her article is on the front cover, and the saddest thing is that 50 years ago, because of people who were the way I used to be, there would not have been streets lined to honor our fallen anywhere in America. This is because Americans had been tricked into being ashamed of the very people who had sworn to protect them, even if it meant that soldiers had to pay the ultimate price. Add to that the strangeness of a funeral where everyone is in a mask to prevent COVID, and you see that people instinctively move closer than six feet when they are in extreme

pain. I tried to imagine what it would be like to deal with the grief of the violent death of a young soldier whose whole life was ahead of him, being totally surrounded by hostile nations who think you are the lesser Satan, and doing so in the middle of

a pandemic that no one seems to really understand. One thing that is clear is the cost of freedom for fathers and mothers, whether or not it is in the era of Corona. In Israel, if you are an only child, you have to get special

photo courtesy thejerusalemconnection.us

permission from your parents to join one of the elite teams, and the Golani Brigade is named after a legendary IDF general who made history during the Yom Kippur War. Golani pulled off a stunt that closely resembled that of Gideon in Old Testament times, and Amit’s father gave the needed permission to walk in that honor. At the funeral, Baruch Ben-Ygal said the following: “Amit isn’t an only child. He has millions of other siblings who are sad, who admire, and who know our lives in the Land of Israel depend on the courage of Amit and his friends.” I am glad that at least for now, the youth of Israel know that freedom’s cost at times is paid in blood, and my prayer is that they never lose sight of that. For our part, with Memorial Day in a few weeks, may we find a way to solemnly remember, even if we need to stay six feet apart and wear masks to do so.

Page 4

www.athensnowal.com

May 15 - June 4, 2020

www.athensnowal.com

Page 5

Amanda, Absolutely!

A Gold Star Mother’s Love by Amanda Winter Moore

This edition of Amanda, Absolutely! is written for my brave friend, Annette Hall. Having the title “Gold Star Mother” bestowed upon you is an honor that no one wants to receive. Annette is the embodiment of perseverance. Her light shines as a beacon of hope for those who, like her, have made sacrifices in the form of a beloved child’s life given while in service to our country. Her hero son, Jeffrey, was born a leader because he was born to a leader. God bless you, Annette. It was on a cold day in November 2009 when Annette Hall realized her life’s destiny. Five and a half months earlier, her only son, Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Alan Hall, had been killed while on patrol in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Because of this, her family had been invited to participate as special guests in the annual Veteran’s Day parade in nearby Huntsville. For all intents and purposes, the parade had been a success, but as she observed its participants, Annette became painfully aware that the parade was lacking one very important detail -- there was no representation of the country’s fallen heroes or their surviving Gold Star family members. With this awareness, came the realization that she had an obligation to stand not only for Jeffrey but for all of the fallen warriors of the country. Aware of her life’s destiny, she made a prom-

Page 6

ise to herself and her son that she would do all that she could to stand for the fallen so that their service, honor, and sacrifice would not be forgotten. Jeffrey Hall had realized his life’s destiny at an early age. He was only three years old when he began playing “Army.” Annette said he loved to dress up in camouflage clothing and would pretend to be a soldier for hours at a time. His dream of becoming a soldier became a reality when, upon gradua-

tion from high school, he joined the United States Army. He was a naturalborn leader. Soldiers that served with him described him as “the best leader, soldier, and mentor that a soldier could have.” He embraced life with zest, enthusiasm, curiosity, courage, honor, and love of God. Shortly after his death, Jeffrey’s company commander shared with Annette a quote from Steven Pressfield’s Gates of Fire. Having known and served with Jeffrey, he felt that it personified who Jeffrey was as a soldier, leader, and man. Annette, who

sis. The main goals of the group are to serve as a support system for each other; initiate and participate in programs and events that honor the memory, service, and sacrifice of our fallen warriors; and support military service members and their “When a warrior fights families, active and not for himself, but veteran. Each year, for his brothers, when the chapter’s memhis most passionately bers select projects sought goal is neither that they believe will glory nor his own life’s be most beneficial in preservation, but to achieving the goals of the groups. One of this year’s projects includes participatAnnette Hall pictured with her son, ing with the organizStaff Sergeant Jeffrey Alan Hall ers of the annual CotStaff Sergeant Jeffrey ton Row Run race in Alan Hall gave his life Huntsville to place phodoing what he loved and tographs of local fallen was surrounded by those service members on all who had the utmost re- runner’s number bibs for spect for him. the 2020 race. Normally A few years ago, Annette held each year on Mehappened to make the ac- morial Day, this year’s quaintance of the presi- event has been rescheddent of the Birmingham uled for Labor Day, due Area Chapter of Ameri- to the coronavirus. In spend his substance for addition, for families them, his comrades, not can Gold Star Mothers. within the service area of She learned about that to abandon them, not to Redstone Arsenal’s Surgroup’s activities and prove unworthy of them, vivor Outreach Service programs and knew that then his heart truly has program, the chapter achieved contempt for she wanted to organize will also be sponsoring a a chapter for Gold Star death, and with that he summer outing event for mothers in the eighteen transcends himself and Gold Star children and a counties that comprise his actions touch the subthe northern region of the holiday outreach event lime.” state. Driven by the prom- for Gold Star families. Annette shared with me ise that she had made to Anyone who wishes to that, even though there is herself and to Jeffrey, and support the efforts of nothing that can ease the with hard work and deterour local chapter or who sorrow in their hearts, mination, the North Alawould like additional inher family finds comfort bama Chapter of Ameriformation regarding the in the knowledge that, in can Gold Star Mothers North Alabama Chapthe blink of an eye, Jef- received its official charfrey was in the hands of ter in May 2018. They are ter of American Gold Star Mothers may conGod. A devoted husband, a small group of mothers tact Annette Hall at netfather, brother, and son, who meet on a regular batie5455@gmail.com. had always thought of Jeffrey as one of God’s warriors, was so moved by the words that she and her husband chose to have them included on the monument that marks the location of Jeffrey’s grave. The inscription on the monument reads:

www.athensnowal.com

May 15 - June 4, 2020

www.athensnowal.com

Page 7

What Makes Ronnie Roll

The “Lights” Of Athens by Ali Elizabeth Turner It was the first time in two months that Mayor Ronnie and I were able to sit down at the round table that is in his office. “Man, it feels good to be back here, Mr. Mayor!” I said. Being able to walk down the hall and greet people felt like a big, positive “step back,” as well as forward, to the “Great Re-opening.” “March 13 was the first case of COVID in the State,” he said. I then added, “And in Limestone County we have had no fatalities.” The mayor then told me about his adventures with Quinton (his grandson) the previous day, which had also been Mother’s Day. Quinton had been so excited about what he was going to give his grandmother to celebrate in her honor that he could hardly wait until Sunday. On Sunday, Ronnie and Quinton had gone for a bike ride, and at one point when they were headed back, the mayor said to passersby, with his trademark dry humor, “Would you please call me an Uber?” We then moved to the topic of how we need to proceed with the new phase of re-opening Alabama. “We have to have

Page 8

wisdom and patience,” he said. “That seems in short supply with some folks,” I responded. We talked about the things which had opened back up— barber shops, hair salons, the tennis courts, restaurants, and he added, “Everybody is learning to do more with less.” One of the things that always brings joy on a Monday morning is to talk about the special things that “make Athens, Athens.” Mayor Ronnie told of the Relay for Life event that had been held at the Courthouse on Friday night. It involved hundreds of luminarias lit

in honor of those who had finished their battle with cancer. “The courthouse was lit up, everyone was spread out, and there was a parade,” he said. Speaking of parades, on Wednesday, the mayor and Holly Hollman went to Limestone Health Facility to celebrate in the parade that drove by the residents, who had all been brought outside. What made the event so special is that each resident had been interviewed and asked for words of wisdom and secrets to success. They made placards that said things like, “Speak kindly,” “Love everybody,” and “Remember God.” One of my favorites was, “Be honest, be loyal, be truthful, and be a good friend.” One woman was dancing and wanted to dance with the mayor as he drove by. The whole parade can be seen on Facebook at the City of Athens Public Relations

www.athensnowal.com

site. The mayor then told me a story that served to seal the theme of “lights” for the title. Someone had painted truly dreadful graffiti on the back alley wall of Sweetest Things. They asked the mayor if there was something he could do. He said he would look into it, and then had to head to a TV interview near the Athens Bicentennial mural. There happened to be a painting crew across the street, and the mayor asked if it would be possible for them to see if

they could do something about what happened to Sweetest Things. The painter checked with his boss, the boss was all over it, and as soon as the crew was finished, they headed down the alley. You had people of three colors and two genders solving the problem, and once again Athens shined brightly. I was a bit misty when the mayor told me this, and grateful that I live here. Our hour had flown, as it always does, and it was time to pray. So we did, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll.

May 15 - June 4, 2020

Slinkard On Success

Pick Yourself Back Up by D. A. Slinkard

Recently I was asked, “What separates those who have success versus those who seem to draw the short end of the stick in business?” My immediate kneejerk reaction was to answer the individual by giving a short statement about hard work and a positive attitude. However, the more I thought about this question, the more I realized what is prevalent in someone who is successful. This one ingredient can be used in various aspects of life and it comes down to the word “selfdiscipline.” The definition of selfdiscipline is, “The ability to control one’s feelings and overcome one’s weaknesses; the ability to pursue what one thinks is right despite temptations to abandon it.” The more I reflected upon this definition, it became apparent to me what separates someone from success, and failure boils down to the amount of self-discipline a person has. Think about the number of New Year’s resolutions that people write down at the beginning of the year. Yet, by this time of year, you find most people have already “abandoned” the resolutions they were so ambitious about months earlier.

health and someone who lacks self-discipline; life is much easier for someone who sits back on the couch compared to someone getting their body in motion. I’ve written in the past about people waiting to go after their dreams. Why? Self-discipline or a lack thereof is what becomes the downfall of many people. In the world of business, it is not easy to have the ability to keep fighting when the odds are stacked against you. When the world has your back against the wall, one of the hardest feats known to man is picking yourself back up when life has beat you down. This proverbial “beatdown” could be a job from which you were

fired, a promotion for which you were overlooked, or even a person turning you down for a date. It took me asking my wife out 13 times before she reluctantly agreed to a first date! We all face obstacles and struggles in our lives. If you have a heartbeat, you’re going to have problems. The answer to these problems lies in how we respond to these struggles. This is where having self-discipline comes into play. Having the ability to be in control of your feelings and your actions make the disappointing times a lot easier to handle, as opposed to when you feel out-ofbalance with life. You may be asking yourself, “How does a person find

The first is “Goal Setting” and making sure you are writing out your goals on a daily basis. Who has a better shot of hitting their goal the person who writes their goal once in a New Year’s resolution or the person who writes their goal down every day? The obvious answer is the person continuously writing out their goals. If you’re not doing this, start today. The second is “Time Management” and your ability to control the hours you have. Everyone has 168 hours per week. No one can create more time or less time, as we are all guaranteed the same hours. What’s

important is what we do with the time we have. The biggest lie people repeat is they do not have enough time. If it’s important to you, you’ll find a way. If it’s not, then you’ll find an excuse. I am a believer in the written to-do list. I learned this special skill set from my wife who has helped educate and domesticate me in so many ways! This list is simple to do and takes what you want to get accomplished and assigns an importance to the tasks you want to complete. There will be days you hit it out of the park with your todo list, and other days it will look like you barely touched it. Regardless of the good or bad, keep making your daily list of what you want to get done. The final word is “Persistence.” You must be obsessed or persistent in achieving self-discipline. In life, you’re going to face obstacles, but you’ve got to build self-discipline in your life to find success. There’s a quote I love that states, “Persistence beats resistance,” and I point this out because if I wouldn’t have been persistent with my wife, we wouldn’t be married today. I urge you to work on your self-discipline and create the life you’ve always wanted. Don’t abandon your dreams.

Take someone who is focusing on their

May 15 - June 4, 2020

self-discipline?” I narrow this response down to three things.

www.athensnowal.com

Page 9

From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Meet MSgt Eric M. Hertzig by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum

MSgt Hertzig was born in Wallace, Idaho, in 1960 and grew up in Brigham City, Utah. While going to school during the Cold War, Eric had a different perspective of the military and war because many of his teachers were prior military. “My junior high and high school teachers were all World War II, Korea, and Vietnam veterans. These people instilled a sense of service along with a desire to take a stand against totalitarianism, in some capacity, as a duty to the community I was growing up in.” At age 19, he found himself in a series of dead-end jobs; feeling rebellious he was ready to get out on his own. He decided to join the Air Force in March 1979. “I walked into the recruitment offices and asked who could get me into basic training the quickest. Every recruiter except one told me I could join but there was a waiting period of 30 - 180 days for a training slot. The Air Force recruiter said he could get me a training slot in less than 30 days if I entered service in an open general position. I chose to do so; and the Air Force recruiter was able to process my enlistment, and I entered basic training 6 days later.” About a week into basic training, he was told it was time for him to decide what career field he would like to enter. He was offered 6 different

Page 10

jobs, but only one offered an immediate opportunity to work overseas. He chose to join the Security Police career field as a Security Specialist as opposed to a Law Enforcement Specialist. He completed basic training and technical school at Lackland AFB and then went to Camp Bullis to complete Air Base Ground Defense (ABGD) training. Eric’s first duty station was at Davis Monthan, AFB in Arizona, where he supported the Titan missile operations. While there he also received a nuclear security identifier, so with an ABDG identifier he was also assigned to the mobility cell to support contingency operations. Eighteen months later he was reassigned to Osan AB, Republic of Korea (ROK). While there he participated in an exchange program with the Korean Army, serving as liaison between US and Korean Forces;

this lasted for a year. He would serve 2 more 1-year tours in Korea, one year at Kunsan Air Base, where he worked with the Korean Coastal Defense Battalion. Upon returning to the US, he was assigned to Strategic Air Command serving at Plattsburgh AFB, NY; Ellsworth AFB, SD; and Malmstrom AFB, MT. During his 23-year career, he was also assigned to Sembach AFB, Germany, for a 4-year tour; Muscat, Oman, for 13 months; and Oranjestad, Aruba, for 9 months. “Along with too many deployments to detail, suffice it to say, I deployed to nearly every hot spot in the world during my career spending more time with Army and Marine infantry than with Air Force Security Police.” Some of Eric’s most memorable moments in his career include being deployed to Egypt to secure a dirt airstrip

www.athensnowal.com

to Sarejvo as a patrol leader. “The patrol was heading back to base when we happened upon two Air Force members taking pictures near a minefield marker. I halted the patrol and approached them asking them if they knew they were in a minefield. They assured me they knew of the minefield. When I asked them if they were aware they were on the wrong side of the marker and in the actual minefield, they both nearly passed out. I called EOD, and everyone got home in one piece!”

in the middle of the desert. “Duty was miserable, rumors were rampant, and everyone was on edge. I lived in a hole manning a machinegun. One night, illumination flares started going off. There was something in the wire, and about 10 minutes after the flares started going off, I received orders to fire on our FPL. I fired about 2 belts when the cease fire order was given. In the morning, I found out I had been firing on a pack of jackals!” Eric was also deployed

Eric was ready to retire in 2001; unfortunately, 9/11 happened. He got caught in what the military calls “stop loss’ where no one can retire or separate from the military. Finally in 2002, he was able to retire. After retirement he moved to St. Louis, MO, where he says “I was Mr. Mom for about 6 months until I completed all the selfhelp projects around the house, after which I worked as a security supervisor for a year or so. Finally, I started working for the Missile Defense Agency in the security department assisting in security system design.” Eric currently resides in Elkmont, with his son Andrew. He also has a son Elden; a daughterin-law, Misty; and a daughter Erin. He has one grandchild named Darien.

May 15 - June 4, 2020

PlayAction Sports

Bridging The Gap Between The Action by Tim Lambert

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

Local sports have, in effect, gone into an early summer vacation since the state’s stay-at-home order took effect April 2. We’re now under a new safer-at-home decree, but we’re still faced with bringing you the “news between the news.” West Limestone coach Justin Taylor will be a coach of the North boys' team for the North-South All-Star game scheduled for July 14 in Montgomery. East Limestone's Jirah Rogers is also a member of the North girls' team along with her Class 5A second team All-State honor. The Indians’ Xavier Griffith was named to the first team of the 5A boys’ AllState basketball team with teammate Austin Harvell on the second team. West Limestone's River Helms was named 4A honorable mention. Tanner's J.J. Jones was on the 2A second team; teammate Malik Atkins made the third team. Lindsay Lane's Tommy Murr was a 1A first team selection; Athens High's Caroline Bachus was on the 6A girls’ second team. Alabama defeated Mississippi 118-97 in their annual All-Star basketball game. East Limestone's Austin Harvell scored 12 points. Athens High boys' basketball coach Stace Tedford stepped down from his position, but will remain with the system. Tedford has been the Golden Eagles' coach since 2009.

May 15 - June 4, 2020

The Alabama High School Athletic Association Central Board ratified a record eleven proposals at their spring meeting. Among them were legislative proposal #6, which allows all transfer students competing below varsity level to be immediately eligible if all other eligibility requirements are met, and proposal #19 allows dependent children of full-time classroom teachers or administrators who accept a position in another school attendance zone to transfer to the new school and be eligible to participate in athletics at the new school if all other eligibility requirements are met. Other recommendations approved included three regular season wrestling tournaments specifically for girls and the basketball mercy rule had an addition of stopping the clock for free throws during the fourth quarter except during state semifinals and finals. Fall sports will now have the option of having a spring evaluation period or starting official practice a week early. Area basketball tournaments with five or three teams would play the first round games at the site of the fourth and second seeds respectively with the remaining games played at the top seed schools. The annual Alabama North-South Football game featuring seniors from the Class of 2021 will be moved to December starting this

fall. It will be played the week following the yearly AlabamaMississippi All-Star game. This year's game scheduled for July with 2020 seniors is still on the calendar.

The National Federation of State High School Associations made changes to wrestling rules. One addressed the weigh-in protocol. Rule 4-5-7 was rewritten to require that a legal uniform West Limestone's Justin Taylor will be a coach of the be worn during North boys' team in the annual North-South All-Star weigh-in. Female basketball game (Picture credit: Dean Baucom) wrestlers will be versity. Athens High's Wildcat Diamond Club permitted to wear a form-fitted compression Josh Simmons and Park- has scheduled their first shirt in addition to a one- er Willoughby signed annual bass tournament piece singlet and a suit- their baseball scholar- for June 6 at First Creek able undergarment. Also, ships with the schools Boat Ramp at Joe Wheelno additional weight al- to which they had previ- er State Park. Proceeds lowance will be granted, ously committed; Sim- will go toward their new including prohibiting mons inked with Martin baseball/softball indoor shoes and ear guards Methodist while Wil- practice facility. Social during weigh-in. The loughby will be going to distancing protocols will hair-length requirement UAH. James Clemens' be in place. For more inCory Hagood also made formation, call 256-874was also removed. it official to play with 4480 James Clemens grad and the Chargers. Tanner's former Kentucky offen- Richard Rosas and Luis Calhoun will be hostsive guard Logan Sten- Garcia received soc- ing a variety of summer berg was selected by cer offers recently from sports camps including the Detroit Lions in the Carl Sandburg College. youth baseball, softball, fourth round of the NFL West Limestone's River and golf; a high school Draft. Former Athens Helms also got football softball prospect camp; and Southern Missis- offers from Coastal Car- and a baseball uncomsippi wide receiver Quez olina, Georgia Tech, and mitted showcase. For a list of camps, go online Watkins was picked in UAB. to calhoun.edu/overthe sixth round by the view/summer-camps. The West Limestone Philadelphia Eagles. Congratulations to East Limestone's James Oliver for signing a soccer scholarship with Bryan College. East Limestone's Alex Robinson accepted a track scholarship from Troy Uni-

www.athensnowal.com

Page 11

Clean and Green

Beautification Award Update by Lynne Hart - Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful

One of the projects our Athens-Limestone Beautification Board enjoys each year is the judging of properties and presentation of Beautification Awards to area businesses, churches, and government buildings. Each spring, the Beautification Board asks for nominations of businesses to be judged for possible receipt of one of these coveted awards. Judges selected by the board then use written criteria to judge each nominated property to determine where the award signs will be placed. COVID-19 has created quite a problem for the board this year. First, there are several signs that are being painted and updated by students at the Limestone County Technical School. With all the schools being closed, our signs are not accessible and may not have been completed. Second, due to the need for social distancing, the board has been unable to meet, and judging could also pose a problem. Difficult Decisions After a great deal of consideration by board leadership, it was decided that judging will not take place this year. It was also decided that all businesses who received Beautification Award signs in 2019 may keep them for another year, as long as the properties are maintained.

Page 12

Here is a list of the properties that received awards in 2019. They are each very deserving, and we are pleased that they will be maintaining their awards for another year: Highest Scores The following six properties received top honors by scoring 98 or above out of 100 possible points. • Clayton Homes – 100 pts. •

American

Leakless

Company – 99 pts. • Limestone Health Facility – 98 pts. • Chick-fil-A – 98 pts. • Calhoun Community College – 98 pts. • First Presbyterian Church – 98 pts. Additional Award Recipients: • Ardmore Center

Welcome

• Fairfield Inn & Suites • Athens-Limestone Hospital • Steelcase, Inc.

Suites

• Athens State University

• Bojangles

• Town and Country Animal Hospital

• First Baptist Church

• Limestone Chiropractic Health Center • First National Bank • Burger King

• Garner Auction We are all hoping that our schools and businesses will be operating under more normal circum-

stances very soon. Our Beautification Board, the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center, and the KALB staff and board members are ready to get back to business as usual!

• Athens Police Department • Persell Lumber and Mill Shop • Traditions Senior Living • Holiday Inn Express •

Hampton

Inn

and

www.athensnowal.com

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8000 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com May 15 - June 4, 2020

Cooking with Anna

Stress Of The Unknown by Anna Hamilton

So, how are you guys all doing? Are you able to stay focused on healthy choices? Have you let yourself fall back into old habits? I know this “safer-at-home” order has done a number on my path to a healthier me. I have been working from home since the order was issued by our governor, and while I love staying home for work, it also is been incredibly difficult for me not to just sit down with a bag of chips and pig out while I report sales for the company. I am on the struggle bus you guys. I know the good I should do, but still do not do it! Are you the same way? Please, tell me I’m not alone in this. Not only have I not been feeding my body with good nutrition, I have been fighting sickness. This week I have been a pincushion at the doctor’s office. They are trying desperately to determine what is going on with my body. They are testing me for all kinds of auto-immune diseases, and I hope to have the results soon. The stress of the unknown has added to my stress eating for sure. It’s a mindless way to just completely veg out for a moment and not obsess over things out of my control. I’m struggling to find a healthy balance between concern and total mayhem. The only

thing I know for sure is that God has promised to take care of his children, and my faith is firm that He will. I may be struggling now, but it is for a purpose and everything will work together in the end. This week’s recipe is a great summer “pasta” salad. It truly is delicious and doesn’t feel like you are eating something healthy. Kids love it, husbands love it, and your cousin Karen will love it! Trust me; this one is a keeper. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

Antipasto Zucchini Noodle “Pasta” Salad Ingredients: 2 packs of zucchini noodles (found in fresh produce) 1 cup diced artichoke hearts 1/4 cup diced mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup diced salami 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup olives, halved 1 heaping tablespoon capers 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon white balsamic or red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a large bowl combine zucchini noodles, artichoke hearts, diced mozzarella, diced salami, halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, and Greek seasoning. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the zucchini salad. Toss to combine. Season salad with salt and pepper to taste. Cover salad and let

May 15 - June 4, 2020

refrigerate 4-6 hours and up to over night before serving. I love everything in this salad except artichoke hearts. If you love artichokes, make the recipes as is. I like to take a baked chicken breast and dice it up in place of the artichoke hearts. It bumps up the protein and is delicious.

www.athensnowal.com

Page 13

Page 14

www.athensnowal.com

May 15 - June 4, 2020

Cover Story

Unsung Heroes: The Vietnam War Casualties And The Facts We Forgot To Remember by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

undertaken the task of finding the graves of 23 Morgan County men who died in Vietnam. They had also dedicated themselves to making sure that these brave, fallen ones received the honor they were due, even if it had been a half-century in coming. Bill said the following to Lisa, and she knew right away that this book had to be her next project. “They fought under the US flag, and they came home in coffins draped with the US flag. They deserve to have a US flag flying over their final resting place.” As I interviewed Lisa via Zoom, I had to take several minutes to regain my composure when she conveyed Bill’s words to me. The gravity of the above statement for me was great, especially when you consider that 50 years ago, I was someone who had been seduced by socialism and thought of soldiers as “baby killers.” There are no words

to describe the redemptive honor I feel at being able to commend Lisa’s work to our readers, and my fond hope is that you will devour this book. It is life-changing, and I don’t use that word lightly. In the early days of the war in Vietnam, those who had been killed in action came home to a nation which both revered them and buried them with full military honors. Sadly though, as time went on and our nation reeled under the singular oppression which comes from abandoning God (and putting a man, whether

it was Castro, Mao, or Ho Chi Minh, in His place), honoring the casualties of war eventually became passé and even inappropriate. Lisa painstakingly dived deeply into the “facts of the matter” as to the cause of the craziness that was unique to the era and provides ten full pages of end notes. It becomes clear within the pages of Unsung Heroes that the media convinced our culture to buy into a giant lie, the result being that the fabric of that culture came perilously close to unraveling completely and irreparably. We were brought to the brink, and if we are not careful, we could get there again without a whole lot of effort. What Lisa came to realize as a result of her research is that Hitler took a position in the hearts of Germans that rightfully belongs to God alone, and as “der Führer,” he saw

Army Pfc Tommy Lee Nicholas Born March 3, 1944 Died February 23. 1966 (aged 21) Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam

Around December 15th, 2019 at a campground ceremony with families and the North Alabama Patriot Guard present. We then left on our journey to deliver wreaths to the graves of all 23 Unsung Heroes of Morgan County. We traveled a little over 100 miles round trip to get to all of them, and it was truly a blessing.

May 15 - June 4, 2020

www.athensnowal.com

Lisa Worthey Smith worked together with Bill and Heather Collins to faithfully tell the stories of local Unsung Heroes of the Vietnam War. himself as “the ultimate leader” or “the guide” (as his name means), who alone would get Germany where they needed to go. The Kims of North Korea traditionally get referred to as “the Dear Leader,” Ho Chi Minh means “He who enlightens,” Mao means “true center,” and what they all have in common is that untold millions died under their “leadership.” Lisa shows inarguably that socialism was and still is a real global threat; that China would have taken Vietnam; and speaking anecdotally, I personally know a Vietnam vet who, when he was in the infantry, found caches of weapons that sported either the Chinese or Russian red star. The often-mocked “domino theory” was in fact nothing to joke about, and to this day the people of Vietnam are grateful that we wanted to help them while we protected ourselves. CBS legend Walter Cronkite reported on the war while he was in theatre. His opinion of an apparent stalemate caused us to lose our re-

solve, and that “fake news” convinced LBJ that the war was lost. The result was the drawdown that ultimately doomed Saigon and all of South Vietnam. What became apparent was that the cost of freedom was too high in the minds of Americans, especially the youth. Unlike their parents, they had never faced down a Great Depression or a despot, and had no skin in the game when it came to preserving true liberty. Yet, they insisted on the benefits of freedom continuing uninterrupted, and now we face nearly unbridled entitlement nearly everywhere we turn. Is there good news in all of this? Yes! We can’t go back and change what happened or how we got deceived, but we can honor the fallen and educate anyone who is willing to get to the bottom of what happened and learn from it. And everything you need to start that process is contained in this gem of a book entitled Unsung Heroes, by Lisa Worthey Smith. Get yours today, and let the healing begin.

Page 15

Health and Fitness

Routine In The Midst Of Uncertainty

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

The past few weeks have been hard for so many reasons, and I would venture to say that no two situations are really the same. The Covid-19 quarantine has affected all of us differently. For some of you, your job became more intense and risky, some others were sent home indefinitely or with reduced hours, and then some have transitioned to homeschooling and working from home. This type of sudden and drastic change has a profound effect on us mentally, emotionally, and even physically. Change is not easy, even when it is minimal, so coping with this has proven to have many challenges. Stressful doesn’t even seem to describe the depth of what is happening.

tines totally shifting while sheltering in place, you may have allowed yourself to sleep in more or stay up later; while this is understandable, if not regulated, you will begin to feel sluggish, and it will add to feelings of depression and lack of motivation. Another component for functioning at a higher level is good nutrition. You have heard me say it week after week here, but I can’t stress it enough. Good daily nutrition is vital to feeling your best. You should

have an eating schedule just as you did before quarantine. Try to eat a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily with some minimal, reasonable snacks thrown in between as needed. Yes, what you eat is important, but the timing is what keeps the body regulated and fueled, as well as providing the energy to sustain you throughout the day. Also, just a little reminder that excess sugar and/or alcohol intake will not only add extra pounds but will make you feel more mentally and physically tired.

Finally, stay active. Staying inside for days on end is not good for any of us. Get outside in the sunshine; breathe in some fresh air. Play ball with your children, go on a run, find a place to hike and explore as a family, and keep it fun and interesting. Try to find a way to be outside daily if at all possible, even if you just take a walk around your yard for a few minutes. As we begin to go out again, things will inevitably be different. A new nor-

mal will be developed as our world will be forever changed with social interactions from schools and childcare facilities, to the workplace, to simple shopping and restaurant dining. My advice to you is to focus on developing a routine which works best for you and your family. Be dedicated to creating time for an all-around healthy lifestyle, incorporating these things I’ve mentioned in your schedule each day. You will not only feel better but will lower your chances of becoming sick.

As humans, we all function much better in a regular routine. That doesn’t mean that every single day looks exactly the same, but it means within a week and day there is a basic schedule which is maintained. Simple things like going to bed and waking up at about the same time each day keeps our bodies operating at a higher level. Getting plenty of sleep each night provides the rest and predictable pattern which allows the body to thrive. With schedules and rou-

Page 16

www.athensnowal.com

May 15 - June 4, 2020

Cover Story

Frame Gallery Off The Square: Save June 25 For A Grand Re-opening And Local Art Exhibition by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Dennis Martin utilizing decades of woodworking and custom framing experience

continued from page 1

have been long-time employees at Frame Gallery, and at the end of 2019, they, along with their spouses Chris Spain and Terry Martin, formed a partnership that jumped at the chance to purchase the business. Between them, Tracie and Dennis have close to 20 years of experience in the framing business, and they also bring to the table time in the Army, accounting, woodworking, the legal profession, as well as designing the robotic arm on the Space Shuttle. Terry handles the books, and Chris remodeled the shop, which boasts an extensive display of frame samples along with places for local artists to exhibit their paintings. The new location of Frame Gallery Off The Square is 125 North Marion Street in Athens, between the Courthouse and City Hall. This is your invitation to their Grand Re-opening Celebration and Art Exhibition, which will be held on June 25 all day until 8 p.m. Like so many of us, Frame Gallery was just getting into the rhythm of what started out as a successful spring season when Corona took us somewhat captive, and they were able to stay open through the initial shut down operating curbside service. The moment Governor Ivey announced phase one of the re-opening of Alabama, as Tracie puts it, “We were slammed.” So, why was that? Simply

May 15 - June 4, 2020

Tracie Spain discussing custom framing options

put, it is all about the care, craftsmanship, and beauty that go into each piece, and the excellent customer service. I have been a raving fan customer for years, and have always been pleased with everything Frame Gallery has ever framed for me. What sets Frame Gallery apart, and why should you invest in custom framing rather than purchase a ready-made frame? First of all, Dennis will tell you that each framing job he completes, he does as though it is for Terry. In addition, they guarantee that every aspect of the project is acid-free. Recently, I heard Tracie give a presentation on framing where she told us firmly, “If you have a picture that has a cardboard piece as part of the frame backing, get it out of there immediately.” She then showed how acid in either the frame or matting of a ready-made piece can li-

terally destroy your picture or painting. Another important feature of quality custom framing is the use of what is known as conservation glass. “Every piece of glass that we cut and use is designed to protect the framed piece from discoloration and fading,” she said. There are several kinds from which to choose: conservation glass for standard needs, museum quality for things that are perhaps antique or more fragile, and a super-strong acrylic that truly looks invisible. Frame Gallery carries 14 lines of frames, four lines of glass, and one line of acrylic. They also carry Roma and Fotio, which are two high-end lines of imported, handmade molding pieces from Italy. At the moment they have a small selection of ready-made ornate frames, and they can resize an existing frame to fit a new or

www.athensnowal.com

different piece of art. Frame Gallery will often take extra pieces of solid wood “frame sticks” and make them into ready-made frames which they sell at a discount. They recycle, repurpose, and make shadow boxes, which are currently quite popular. Everything from baby clothes to baseball mitts can find a happy home in a frame or shadow box. They are also certified dealers of Daniel Moore and Greg Gamble sports prints. They can do repairs, cut mirrors, and can cut some replacement glass for windows. They are able to do specialized restoration work, and have a drymount machine that can take the wrinkles out of an existing piece. Every custom-framed piece produced by Frame Gallery has a foam core backing and is guaranteed to be acidfree. They also carry art books from which custom prints can be ordered, and will allow customers to check out the books

so they can get an idea of how a print will look in their home or office. In addition, Frame Gallery believes in local artists to the point that they have made space in the shop to display their works. They have an “Artist of the Month” program with various packages that can include a reception as well as opportunity to advertise in Athens Now, and on the night of June 25, they will be featuring the work of Sue Carson-Chasteen. You don’t have to wait until then to see what a beautiful job the Spains and the Martins have done by “reframing” Frame Gallery. They are now open for business in a shop that both satisfies the COVID requirements and provides an abundant selection from which to choose just what you desire for your next framing project.

Frame Gallery Off The Square

125 North Marion St Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (256)232-2302 Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9-5:30, Saturday 9-3 Closed Sunday and Monday Facebook: Frame Gallery Off The Square Instagram: framegallerysquare

Page 17

Learning As A Lifestyle

Short-Term Classes, Long-Term Benefits by Wanda Campbell

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

Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning is offering virtual classes this summer for kids and adults. There is something for everyone. Classes and camps will be offered via Zoom. A link to access the class or camp will be emailed to students one week prior to the beginning of the camp. You can get more information about our classes and camps on our website – www.athens.edu/CLL - or call us at 256-233-8260. Our summer classes for adults will provide an opportunity to earn a certificate this summer. A little investment now will have long term benefits for your career or personal life. The Leadership Certificate Series will help you become a more effective leader,

manager, or supervisor, through practical skillbased learning. Develop leadership skills that can benefit you both personally and professionally by enhancing your knowledge of communication, collaboration, ethics, strategic planning, and innovation. Classes will start June 2. Also being offered this summer are Excel for Business, First Time Manager, and Navigating Social Media. Do you feel overwhelmed by a growing list of tasks? Do you have back-to-back work days begin busy but are not get closer to completing important projects? In the Time Management Certificate course, you’ll learn ways to take control of your workload by setting priorities and eliminating common obstacles

that stand in the way of increased efficiency and productivity. Class will be June 17. Our summer camps for kids will begin June 1 with Hands Up! American Sign Language Camp.

This camp will have kids putting their “hands up” exploring American Sign Language (ASL) and learning the official language of the Deaf. We will be using stories and other activities to learn vocabulary and communication skills

in sign language – which will help kids have a better understanding of deaf culture. By the end of the week you will learn many different signs, tell stories and jokes in ASL, and even sign some songs. Yoga for Teens also starts on June 1. Teens will practice beginner level yoga movements to help them physically and mentally. Relaxation techniques help to clear the mind and deal with day-to-day stress. No previous experience required. There is a Yoga for Kids starting June 8. Camps will run through July. Watch for Words Alive! Adventures in Writing and Illustrating Short Stories, Photography for Kids, Hip Hop, and Game Coding Camp. You can get the full list of camps on our website – www.athens.edu/CLL or give us a call at 256233-8260. This summer may seem different, but it is still filled with fun camps and great offerings for adults.

Page 18

www.athensnowal.com

May 15 - June 4, 2020

The View From The Bridge

Safer At Home… There Is Plenty To Do! by Jackie Warner Career Development Facilitator “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

1. Focus on your goals. 2. Take a free online course. 3. Try a new recipe. 4. Learn a new language. 5. Deep room.

clean

your

6. Declutter, declutter, and then get rid of even more stuff you will never use. 7. Start a garden. 8. Read a book.

May 15 - June 4, 2020

9. Walk and talk virtually with your friends or with just yourself. 10. Play a board game. 11. Try yoga. 12. Treat your family to an indoor picnic - We did a cookout on the patio to celebrate my daughter on what would have been her prom night! 13. Make homemade greeting cards.

14. Put together a puzzle. 15. Redesign your room layouts. 16. Treat yourself to a spa night. 17. Create a scrapbook of those pictures you haven’t seen in a while. Enjoy the memories. 18. Host a girls-night-in via Zoom - I did and it was really fun!

www.athensnowal.com

19. Repaint your lawn furniture a really cool color…no need to buy new stuff 20. Love yourself…Be in the moment with just you! Check out these Links: https://liveboldandbloom.com/09/lifestyle/fun-things-to-doat-home https://gentwenty.com/ things-to-do-while-

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

Page 19

Horse Whispering

Received by Deb Kitchenmaster

Have you ever received from a horse? I have had the absolute pleasure to be able to help out and work with horses recently. I work a desk job during the week, so getting out to do some old-fashion, manual labor on the weekend feels really good. Especially when it’s with horses! I usually like going out to help with the horses when I’m in a bit of a funk. Not knowing what else to do, I tell myself, “You know what. I’m going to go see the horses; they usually help me out.” One week I had a lot of stress and worry in my world at the time. Anything from dealing with legal matters, changing jobs/careers, finances, etc. I was thinking I wasn’t doing enough to be productive, and well, just feeling that sense of satisfaction with myself. I figured if I was just able to DO more, I would feel so much better. Little did I know that the more I did, the less I felt better with myself and about everything, but I kept moving forward and saw the horses. As I was there mucking stalls and saying ‘Hi’ to all the horses, there came a time where we needed to take the horses out of their stalls one by one to get the Bobcat lift in there to help rake up the stalls. So, I took the horses out one by one so we could do

Page 20

that easily. Eventually, it came to one stall that had two horses in it, Chip and Tootsie. I took the two horses out and to the front of the barn; we hung out there for a while since their stall was one of the largest there. As I was standing there with the horses, they just kept moving and being very antsy. I started to get annoyed that the horses just weren’t being still, and started to feel a little embarrassed that I wasn’t able to keep the horses settled while they were outside their stall. After 15-20 minutes of restlessness, I asked

them a question. I asked, “Hey! What do I need to DO for you guys to settle down and just hang out with me?” Chip looked at me, and what went through my head was, “There is nothing else you need to DO, what about try receiving?” Right there I stopped what I had been choosing to do up to that point -- all the ‘DOing’ I’d been trying to… well, DO! I looked back at him and said, “You’re right, I’ll try receiving.” So I stood there, placed my hand on him, took a deep breath in and out, and got real present with them. I started to notice

www.athensnowal.com

the nature around us, and the earth beneath our feet/hooves. And to the best of my ability, I just received -- from the horses, from the trees, from the earth, and most of all from me!

just fine. As I started to just be with that, the horses calmed down and were just hanging out with me. Through this one weekend, the horses showed me that the ‘satisfactory feeling’ I’d been searching for didn’t come from DOing something, it came from receiving everything.

As Chip looked at me, I got the sense that I’d been doing the best d___ job I could be doing up until that point. It was time to put the -Michael Barranco hustle-and-bustle down and receive from evYour NEIGHbor, erything that was there Deb Kitchenmaster waiting to contribute to Corral Connections me. I knew right there 256-426-7947 that everything that had been going on in my Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner world was going to be horsinaround188@gmail.com

May 15 - June 4, 2020

Mental Health Minute

The Ties Of Codependence by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor

“You have to learn to get up from the table when love is no longer being served.” - Nina Simone I have been seeing a pattern recently in the issues being presented in my private practice. And I’m not sure whether it is causal or just related to the effects of the pandemic. This phenomenon is called codependency, and I thought it might be helpful to share some information with you on this topic. The term gets thrown around without much explanation or clarification. First a little background: Codependency is a learned behavior that can be passed down from one generation to another. It is an emotional and behavioral condition that affects your ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. Codependency is also known as relationship addiction, because those in a codependent relationship often form or maintain that relationship in a one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive way. Codependent behavior is learned by watching and imitating family members or partners who display this type of behavior.

with addictions, physical or emotional abuse, and/ or someone suffering from a chronic mental or physical illness. These families do not acknowledge that problems exist. They don’t talk about them or confront them. This causes family members to learn to repress emotions and disregard their own needs. They describe themselves as survivors and develop behaviors that help them to deny, ignore, or avoid difficult emotions. They will detach by not talking, not touching, not confronting, not feeling, and not trusting. The co-dependent person will typically sacrifice his or her own needs to care for others in the family who are ill or addicted. When this happens the codependent person will lose contact with his or her own needs, desires, and sense of self. Codependents have low self-esteem and look for

anything outside of themselves to make them feel better. They end up finding it hard to “be” themselves. They have good intentions (usually) by taking care of the family member who is struggling, but the caretaking becomes compulsive and defeating. The codependent person often takes on a martyr’s role. For example, the wife may cover for an alcoholic husband, a mother may make excuses for a defiant child, or a father may “pull some strings” to keep a child from being punished. These repeated rescue attempts allow the cared-for individual to continue either on a destructive path or to become even more dependent on the unhealthy caretaker. As the reliance increases, the co-dependent develops a sense of satisfaction from being “needed.” Taken to the extreme, when the caretaking becomes com-

Here are some characteristics of codependent people: Exaggerated sense of responsibility for the actions of others A tendency to confuse love and pity (loving someone they feel sorry for then rescue) Doing more than share all the time

their

Unhealthy dependence on relationships (doing anything to stay in that relationship to avoid feeling abandoned) Extreme need for approval and recognition A compelling desire to control others Difficulty identifying feelings Problems with intimacy/

boundaries Lack of trust in self or others

Here are some questions to help identify signs of codependency:

Do you keep quiet to avoid arguments?

Are the opinions of others more important than your own? Do you doubt your ability to be who you want to be?

Are you uncomfortable expressing your true feelings to others? Do you feel like a bad person when you make a mistake?

Do you think family/ friends would be unable to survive without your constant efforts?

Are you confused about who you are or where you are going with your life?

Do you have trouble asking for help? Do you have difficulty talking to people in authority? Do you have so many things going at once that you can’t do justice to any of them?

If you identify with several of the above characteristics or are dissatisfied with yourself or your relationships, stay tuned for my next article on how to treat codependency.

Let’s take a look at the dysfunctional family and how that might lead to codependency. A dysfunctional family is one whose members suffer from fear, anger, pain, shame, or guilt that is ignored or denied. Often these families struggle

May 15 - June 4, 2020

pulsive, the codependent feels trapped in the relationship, unable to break away from the cycle of behavior that causes it.

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.

www.athensnowal.com

Page 21

The Alternative Approach

Want To Change Your Life? by Roy Williams

With over 30 years in the studies of nutrition, I am often asked if there was only one supplement I could take, what would it be? My response is always the same, MSM+C. This one supplement has helped change more peopleâ€™s lives than any other supplement in our history. It is an inexpensive, easyto-use, truly safe supplement that has the ability to support the health of every cell in your body. MSM is basically organic sulfur with the right amount of vitamin C to help your body manufacture collagen. The combination of nutrients in this patented blend is often referred to as the youth supplement. As we age, our bodies lose the ability to manufacture collagen and it shows -- dryer skin, wrinkles, crowâ€™s feet around our eyes, stretch marks, and even sagging skin, especially under the arms. Our joints lose their lubrication and their ability to manufacture cartilage. Over time, as the cartilage deteriorates, our joints hurt and grind when we squat. Our shoulders hurt when we raise our hands

Page 22

above our heads, and we lose range of motion. Running may become a thing of the past, and even walking can cause pain. Many people develop heartburn or acid reflux, indigestion, or even hiatal hernia with age. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar is often associated with aging. Fingernails become brittle, hair thins, we bruise easier, and energy levels wane. Over the years, with thousands of hours of studies, I began to realize that every one of those aging disorders can be caused by a decline of collagen production. With that knowledge, I set out to develop a simple and inexpensive supplement that everyone could take, no matter how young or old or what medications they may be on, that could help the human body manufacture more collagen. Twenty years ago, my formulator and I developed a product with a special blend of MSM and vitamin C that we believed would help the

young maintain collagen production and for the aged, return production to those of a twentyyear-old. In a few months we had the formula that is now patented, and the success stories keep coming in. MSM+C has the same toxicity levels as water, is water soluble, can be taken with or without food, is safe for all age groups, and seems to work miracles in the body, especially for those who are over the age of forty. Thousands report that after just three weeks, taken as suggested, they no longer depend on over the counter medications or prescriptions for most of their digestive issues, including acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, or hiatal hernia. It helps balance the pH in the entire digestive system, which decreases the likelihood of polyps in the colon, reduces the occurrence of hemorrhoids, and removes caked-on fecal matter from the small intestine and colon. Some research indicates that it makes the lining of the colon as slick as Tef-

www.athensnowal.com

lon, which may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. When your body can manufacture collagen, the material that binds all soft-cell tissue together, the veins, arteries, and capillaries become more flexible, which may decrease risk of heart attack or stroke. For that same reason, almost everyone taking MSM+C reports softer, smoother, prettier skin in just three weeks. They also talk about stronger fingernails and thicker prettier hair. MSM is the beauty mineral. Because of MSM+Câ€™s ability to lubricate the joints, thousands report reduced inflammation and pain, full range of motion in their shoulders, the ability to squat and stand up without help, lowered back pain, and sleeping better. It is such a powerful antiinflammatory, that many report lower CRP levels after just two months on the supplement. Another down side of aging is that our energy levels seem to drop, which makes MSM+C

even more appealing. Thousands, and when I say thousands I am not kidding, report so much more energy and stamina that their friends are having trouble keeping up with them. We believe that this is due to its detoxifying abilities. MSM+C makes all soft cells more permeable, which means your cells can absorb more water, oxygen, nutrition, and hormones while expelling more toxins. Now you understand why I believe that everyone, from birth to death, should be taking MSM+C. It is so safe that if a child ate the whole bottle you would not even have to take them to the doctor. Let me encourage you to go by Herbs & More in Athens or NHC Herb Shop in Killen and ask for the free CD called MSM+C and Healing. It is free and so interesting that many tell us they have listened to it ten or twelve times. Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams

May 15 - June 4, 2020

www.JuicePlus.com

Mondays at 10am 1080 AM WKAC May 15 - June 4, 2020

www.athensnowal.com

Page 23

Page 24

www.athensnowal.com

May 15 - June 4, 2020