May 2, 2014

May 2 - May 15, 2014

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

Seibert For State Senate, District One

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

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Publisher’s Point Athens In The Aftermath...

I have a hate-love relationship with storms. I hate it when anything or anyone is harmed, and I love being reminded of the raw power of weather. It makes me feel blessedly and necessarily small... Page 3

Special Feature Snazzy Turtle Designs: The Perfect Blend Of Creativity And Cyber Technology...

In the ‘90s, when homeschooler Lena Wright was 15, she started her first business, (which is not at all uncommon with homeschoolers), called Rasterburn...

Page 7

Special Feature

Re-elect Dan Williams For Alabama State Senate, District 5...

District 5 State Representative Dan Williams has been involved in public service all his adult life...

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May 2 - May 15, 2014

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Chris and Tiffany Seibert

I became acquainted with Chris Seibert when he was running for a position on the Athens City Council in 2012. We met at Starbuck’s and in one conversation “fixed the world.” He went on to run a successful campaign and win the election. Since then, I have

Continued on pages 15

Vickers Chosen As 32nd Sheriff’s Rodeo Grand Marshall

By Paul Cain Lifelong Limestone County resident and professional horse breeder Morris Vickers, has graciously accepted our invitation to serve as this year’s Rodeo Continued on page 17

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Sheriff Mike Blakely and rodeo Grand Marshall Morris Vickers

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May 2 - May 15, 2014

Publisher’s Point

Athens In The Aftermath

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales

Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers

I have a hate-love relationship with storms. I hate it when anything or anyone is harmed, and I love being reminded of the raw power of weather. It makes me feel blessedly and necessarily small. I hate the fear and the loss, and I love how the com-

get to an elderly couple near Lucy’s Branch, but Hwy 72 was unmanageable. Their son had come down from Tennessee, and had walked a good while to get to them. Although their property was damaged, they were fine and in the shelter of

the chance to go to their proms.

Perhaps in the eternal scheme of things, going to the prom is not going to change the world, but to be thought of in a tangible way in such chaos warmed the hearts of more than 150 teenage girls who endured that storm. In

Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Teresa Todd Brian Black Jerry Barksdale Rachel Clark Paul Cain

“Si Robertson” tackles one of several trees that fell against the house of a friend munity springs into life and love by beginning to help those in need the moment the last siren is silent.

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 7

As is always the case when we take a hit, (or several, for that matter,) there are untold stories of heroism, dogged dedication to service, simple kindnesses, and restorative reassurance.

On our street, we came out and called out to each other.

Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

“You ok?”

What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 10

“Yep, we’re fine.”

Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories. . . . . . . . . . 15, 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . 23 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . 24

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“You need anything?”

“Nope, going to go see what I can do to help. Thanks for asking.”

My husband Steve went to take a chainsaw to some trees that had fallen against the roof of a friend who lives a few miles away from us. Neighbors were dragging branches off the property and into a pile. I tried to

the kindness of neighbors.

City of Athens Communication Specialist, Holly Hollman, had stayed up til midnight the night of the storm to help keep us updated, went home for a bit of rest, and then let us know that she was going to see if there was anything she could do at the site of Coxey Church of Christ, which was destroyed.

It was also her home church, and more importantly, it was the Body of Christ taking care of the Body of Christ.

Deputy Sheriff Paul Cain had also been up all night and had gone home for a nap, not knowing if the second day of storms was going to compound an already difficult situation.

Classic Closet owner Lori Ish was busy gathering up clothes to donate. It was after the 2011 storms that her store gave away prom dresses to girls who would have not otherwise had

this current situation, women and children would be receiving more practical care, and all of it comes from the heart of a woman who simply loves to serve. Athens is full of people like this, and it is one of the reasons I love this city so.

There will never be enough

Athens Limestone Ministerial Alliance member Greg Patrick

words to express our gratitude to all of the crews who have been on duty cleaning up, restoring power, directing traffic, protecting us, and even imposing a curfew. However, today as we were assembled at the Courthouse steps for the annual National Day of Prayer gathering, there was a much smaller number of people present, simply because, as Jaina Anderson, of 1st United Methodist Church pointed out, “people are out helping.”

Back when I was in theological school, that was called “putting legs to your prayers.”

Different ministers prayed for various areas of need in our nation, for leadership, our soldiers, the government, the emergency responders, communities, schools, the medical community, churches and families. All prayers were heartfelt, and all scriptures pertinent, but it was the prayer of Greg Patrick that touched me the most. He and his family had been trapped in a shelter that had been struck by trees. He told through the tears in his throat of the relief of the sound of the voice of a fire fighter that they would get them out soon. They were unharmed and deeply grateful, and he was unashamed in his expression of thanks. So, my hate-love relationship with storms has deepened, our community is shining, and my gratitude to God for being a citizen of Athens, Alabama has grown once again.

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

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All Things Soldier

The Beast That Is Benghazi

by Ali Elizabeth Turner When I was a kid growing up in the Cold War, we used to figuratively roll our eyes whenever we would hear a reference made to the Russian “news system” known as Pravda. The word “pravda” in the Russian language means “truth,” and let’s just say that this paper didn’t tell it. One of Pravda’s main purposes was to make the Soviet leadership look good, and when it comes to the latest disclosures regarding the White House’s role in confusing us and covering up what happened in Benghazi, it feels like the Cold War is on again. However, this time it is contained within our own borders and perpetrated in part by our “media mouthpieces.”

Thanks to the suit filed by Justice Watch under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, scores of new Benghazi-related documents have come to light, and several are nothing short of damning. On the surface, some would be a touch amusing if the buffoonery weren’t connected

to the deaths of 4 Americans, including some Navy SEALS who gave their lives to protect Americans under attack.

My favorite was an email that was circulated amongst inner circle White House staff members prior to the five infamous “Sunday Talk Show” appearances of Susan Rice, the former UN Ambassador who was the official spokes-

With reference to making the President look good, the purpose of the email was to “to reinforce the President and Administration’s strength and steadiness in dealing with difficult challenges.” Strength and steadiness? Good night, Nurse! They claim to not even know where he was when it was going down. One scenario was that he had gone

egorically proven that the obscure video that allegedly sparked the attack had nothing whatsoever to do with the protests that were going on at various embassies in the Middle East, let alone the attacks on Benghazi. Yet, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney once again seems to be the Dutch boy with his finger in the dike. Even the

woman to the media right after the attack. The email to which I refer was written

by Ben Rhodes, an assistant to the President and deputy national security adviser for strategic communications.

to bed! The other purpose of the email was “to underscore that these protests are rooted in an Internet video, and not a broader failure of policy.”

casual observer can determine that the pressure is going to cause the whole thing to give away sooner rather than later.

Since then, it has been cat-

His recent maddening ex-

change with ABC News correspondent John Karl over the lies told would have been tragically comic if it weren’t so treacherous. What was sad was that Karl was the only one of the White House press corps present in the room who called him on it.

But here’s the kicker: it is now apparent that what the Administration was endeavoring to hide is that it was involved in running guns to our enemies, Al-Qaeda, and that is where this train does far more than leave its tracks. In an operation called “No Footprint,” the mechanics of running guns through a middle man, (reminiscent of “Fast and Furious,”) have become public knowledge.

What we have is something far worse than trying to make an Administration look good. We have aiding and abetting the enemy, and there are no words for that kind of treachery. Our soldiers, (as are we,) are in danger, and the beast that is Benghazi is still on the loose.

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Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapt 511) 17915 W Elm St, Athens, Alabama (Call (256) 232Ͳ0029 for additional information) Page 4

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May 2 - May 15, 2014

May 2 - May 15, 2014

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Calendar of Events “Athens Jobs” Up And Ready For Postings

A Facebook page has been created to help others find jobs in Athens.

We all hear of jobs and can now share that info with those looking. I hope you will go LIKE the page and help local people find local jobs.

If you know of a job, just post it in the page. Our first 100 “Likes”, or friends will have a chance to win a gift card to Chick-Fil-A or Lawler’s BBQ. Just go to www.AthensJobs.US

Sponsors needed

Athens High School Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students are Nationals Bound!

Seeking Cooperate Sponsorships and Donations. If interested, please contact Casie Barksdale at Casie.Barksdale@ahs-k12.org.

more information, contact Jeff Gentilcore 256-233-8708 or visit athensalabama.us/police-department

2nd Annual Habitat for Humanity Bass Tournament May 10th

Joe Wheeler State Park 4403 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL Anglers are invited to join Habitat for Humanity of AthensLimestone County for a little bass fishing from safe light - 3:00PM. Registration fee $80.00 per boat/team until April 11th, after April 11th $100.00. For more information, contact Amanda Garlen 256374-9815 oramanda@habitatalc.org. Registration forms can be found at the Habitat Bass Tournament Page.

Free Health Seminar May 2nd - 4th

May 2, 3 & 4 located at 1207 E. Pryor St.; Athens, AL 35611. / Friday, May 2: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. / Saturday, May 3: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. & 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. / Sunday, May 4: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. / Keynote speaker: Lidia Seda, Saving Health Seminars. Come check out this lifestyle transformation program designed to help people live life to the fullest!

For more information call 256-886-6424.

Flag Raising Ceremony for Gary Elmore May 3rd

10am. The Limestone County Burial Detail will host a flag raising ceremony in honor of Gary Elmore, the first local man to die in Vietnam. It will be held at Rose Lawn Cemetery, located at 270 Hwy 31 N, Athens, 35611, at the corner of Forrest and Hwy 31. For more information, please call Tink Haney at 256-233-0834

Celebrate World Music May 4th

Black Box Theatre, Fine Arts Building Calhoun Community College 6250 U.S. Highway 31 North, Tanner, AL. Hear some of Calhoun’s most talented students sing, play Ukelele, Mandolin, bass and guitar. Special Guest include Alum Phil Weaver and others. $5.00 admission.

Mother’s Day Craft and Vendor Day May 9th

124 Cloverleaf Drive, Athens, AL 35611 3PM-7PM Crafters and vendors will be set up with spring selections and many gifts for Mother’s Day. Door prizes and cash giveaways. Fun Room for the kids to create Mother’s Day gifts while mom, dad, grandmother shop.

For more information, call 256-698-8127.

Athens Police Reserves 4 Man Scramble Golf Tournament May 9th

The Red Caboose 25483 Railroad Street, Elkmont AL Join The Red Caboose for night of music (artist to be announced). Doors open at 6:00PM, show starts at 7:00PM For reservations, contact Gary Compton at 256-306-6201 or gcompton@ardmore.net

DAR Meeting May 10th

NSDAR, John Wade Keyes Chapter DAR, will meet at 9:30am at the First Presbyterian Church Rodgers Center. For more information contact Judy Rew, 256-230-2105, or Brenda Winter, 256-771-3536

Meet and Eat with Eric Smith May 16th

Meet and Eat with Eric Smith, your Republican candidate for Sheriff of Limestone County. 11am to 2pm at Lil Dottie’s Lunch Affair & Deli located at the intersection of Lucas Ferry & Nuclear Plant Rd.

Spring tour of “Timeless Gardens - Traditional to Modern” June 7th

10am until 2pm. The tour includes traditional gardens in downtown Athens, including three church prayer gardens, a country garden, and four modern-day landscaped gardens in the Canebrake Subdivision. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Athens Limestone County Public Library. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at Athens Limestone Public Library, Pablo’s, Pimento’s, Trinity’s and Crawford’s on the square. They may also be purchased from members of the Friends of the Library.

Mother’s Day Buffet May 11th

Southern Gayles Golf Course 22230 Mooresville Road, Athens, AL Check-in at 11:30AM, shotgun start at 1:00PM. $70.00 per person or $280.00 per team - includes green fees, cart and lunch. All players receive $200.00 Gift Certificate from Warrior Custom Golf. For

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Variety Show at The Red Caboose May 10th

Daniella’s In The Park at Joe Wheeler State Park Lodge, 4403 McLean Drive, Rogersville AL. Skip the cooking and treat Mom to a meal over looking the water at Daniella’s from 11AM-2PM For more information or to make reservations: 256-247-5461

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May 2 - May 15, 2014

Special Feature

Snazzy Turtle Designs: The Perfect Blend Of Creativity And Cyber Technology

by Ali Elizabeth Turner In the ‘90s, when homeschooler Lena Wright was 15, she started her first business, (which is not at all uncommon with homeschoolers), called Rasterburn.

“Rasterburn,” I was told, was the term that sprang up for the glazed look that people were beginning to exhibit when they had been in front of a computer for way too long. Lena parlayed her willingness to get a bit “burned” while in the process of designing websites and stationery for people into a snappy little stream of income which has never stopped flowing, and is getting wider and stronger.

She completely taught herself desktop publishing and graphic design, and following graduation from high school, Lena got her degree in computer software programming.

She thought that this would be her career path, and she liked

it. However, Lena has a fierce creative streak that would not “go quietly into that good night,” and she knew that she needed to branch out some.

May 2 - May 15, 2014

Lena is anything but.

“One of the things I am known for is being able to do a good job quickly,” she told me.

When she is in “rasterburn” mode, it is not unusual for her to be able to design attractive, professional business cards “in a couple of hours.” Web sites, of course take a bit longer, de-

ity are usually “just the ticket,” and Lena loves to excel at both.

“My company is small, and because of our lifestyle I am able to meet with clients and serve their needs quickly and efficiently,” she says.

Regarding local customers who have experienced the benefit of connecting a human face to the

pending on how many pages and features the client desires. Lena says, “I can take an existing logo and personalize it for you, or design a whole new one based on who you are.” She also says, “All my work is customized to you. I don’t use any generic, cookie cutter designs.” During the design process she makes proofs, and she and her client work together to get it to where it’s “snazzy.” She puts up a test site, giving her clients the ability to follow along with their project’s progress.

As is always the case with a highly competitive market, there needs to be a niche or a “special slot,” that a sole proprietor needs to find in order to both survive and thrive.

Customer service and creativ-

service, she recently completed a website for Lucy’s Branch RV Park in Athens, in addition to several governmental agencies in Marshall County, Tennessee.

“I will be there after the sale,” she said, and I asked her what that meant by that. As far as the website side of the house is concerned, she offers 30 days of service after the site is up in case there are any additional tweaks that need to be made. After that,

Lena Wright, owner of Snazzy Turtle Designs

She married Marty Wright, who was in the construction business and now owns ATH Home Sevices, and settled down in Tennessee. About a year ago, they chose to radically change their lifestyle by selling their house, most of their possessions, and become full time RV-ers. They scouted around North Alabama and decided to call Athens home when they are not travelling, and through the beauty of technology, Snazzy Turtle is

able to serve clients all over the country. The term Snazzy Turtle evokes the idea of being mobile and carrying your interesting and attractive house with you.

However, while turtles are slow,

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changes and additions can be made for a very fair price, and she offers individual long term maintenance contracts for each site she creates.

In regard to her prices, Lena says, “I am not the cheapest, and I am not the most expensive.” I have found in my travels that this particular statement is most often a sign of high quality, great service, and a hunger to keep building. “You get what you pay for” is no more often the case than when it comes to building sites. “I want to be your one stop shop for your design needs,” she says. She does not do web hosting, and has no plans to have her own server, but she does make sure to point her customers in the right direction for that particular service.

The “old school” part of Lena, who is “30-something” (and with a great sense of humor, by the way,) is drawing as well as stationery design. She spent several years involved exclusively with technology, and then rediscovered her love for art, and, as she says with confidence, “began to flourish.” If the client is interested, she loves to use recycled paper, and will do everything from elegant wedding invitations to pen and ink drawings for note cards. If personal care, hard work and the entrepreneurial spirit are what you are looking for, then Snazzy Turtle Designs is the service for you.

Lena Wright, Snazzy Turtle Designs

Phone: 931-637-1775 Email: lena@snazzyturtle.com Website: www.snazzyturtle.com Page 7

Tourism

May Is Alabama Tourism Month

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association 100 Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611 Any time is a great time to visit Alabama. North Alabama appreciates a yearround tourist season due to its four distinct seasons and mild winters. Rich in outdoor tourism such as camping, boating, fishing and hunting, Athens also boasts 32 miles of canoe and kayak trails, 89 miles of bike and motorcycling trails and many walking trails.

The popular ‘Richard Martin Rails to Trails,’ which travels over a 10-mile stretch from Piney Chapel to Veto, allows hiking, biking and horseback riding. The Rails to Trails also has a historic value preserved by the efforts of Martin. The ‘Battle of Sulphur Creek Trussell’ was fought on September 25, 1864. After defeating the Union forces in Athens, Nathan Bedford Forrest moved north along the railroad with the intent to destroy the strategic trestle at Sulphur Creek, located six miles north of Athens.

Athens also enjoys cultural attractions such as the expanding Alabama Veteran’s Museum & Archives. Soon the Trinity Museum will be underway to provide the Limestone County history from antebellum times through the Trinity School years.

There is no shortage of sports

activities in Limestone County. We have 8 fields for baseball & softball, soccer fields, golf courses, tennis courts, a disk golf field, basketball & volleyball courts, an archery field and swimming pools. This year Athens Parks & Recreation was awarded the opportunity to host the 2014 ARPA State Softball Tournament. An estimated 35 teams will be hosted at the Athens Sportsplex July 11-13, 2014.

Being in an agriculture area, Limestone County relishes the large number of equines and equestrian events. Horses of every breed are found in this area, which allows for year round riding and competitions.

Tasting Room. They will also have the opportunity to visit the Paper Trail Antique Shop, Kindred Spirits, the Elkmont Depot and The Red Caboose.

May 10th will begin our first rodeo event for the year. The

Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo is in its 32nd year. The Sheriff’s Rodeo is a weeklong event beginning with the traditional Rodeo Parade

route around the downtown square. Merchants welcome the annual rodeo with special decorations to make the out of town visitors feel at home. The Rodeo Street Dance and Western Fashion Show begin at 6 PM on May 13th at the downtown

square, with Jeff Whitlow & the Old Barn Band performing. The Rodeo will be held at the Sheriff’s arena on May 16th and 17th; gates open at 6 PM. The crowning of the Miss Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo Queen will be held Saturday May 17th at the rodeo arena.

May 16th & 17th Athens will be host to the Sons of Confederate Veterans Alabama Division Reunion held at Athens State University. The SCV reunion will bring close to 200 members and their spouses to Limestone County for the weekend. They will tour Elkmont’s Belle Chevre Creamery and visit Belle Chevre’s

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Tourism Month will conclude on May 30th with a celebration at the Ardmore Welcome Center. Alabama’s tourism industry partners participate in the salute to our southbound visitors traveling through our state as they stop off at the Ardmore Welcome Center during the day of celebration. The tourism partners promote their attractions and hotels with discounted offers, their restaurants with food samples and coupons and their destinations with promotional items. We will have entertainment, free cake and soft drinks, ice cream and a whole lot of fun!

Don’t be left out; come by the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Office & Visitor Center to learn more about the many activities we have to offer this summer.

For more information on events, outdoor activities, restaurants, hotels and attractions go to www.VisitAthensAL.com or call 256-2325411.

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

The Seamless City And Sidewalks

by Ali Elizabeth Turner We met Monday morning a few hours before the storms hit.

Next to the Mayor’s office, in the adjacent conference room, the weather briefing was going on with the department heads and support staff. The radios and walkie-talkies were being dispensed, and Mayor Ronnie and I got right down to business in terms of the interview so we could each get to our next responsibility before the weather got deadly.

What brought me comfort, (besides the fact that it is always assuring to know that someone with genuine combat experience is “on the wall” when it comes to watching over our town during a disaster,) was the knowledge that the utilities teams, fire, police, sheriff’s department, EMA, hospital, and first responders of all kinds were ready to roll. Please pardon the obvious reference to the press release on the first page of this edition of Athens Now, but, when it comes to storms, “this ain’t our first rodeo.” Much has been learned since 2011.

I will at this point take the risk of “putting words in the mouth of the Mayor,” because I know that he continually expresses gratitude for all the service personnel in Athens-Limestone County. I am sure that his column in two weeks will reflect that, but I’ll be cheeky and say “thank you” in his stead here and now.

tion for this is the blessing of God, coupled with good local government.

These days, Mayor Ronnie, (as did Mayor Rick,) continually has to look at the balance of something like economic growth vs. dealing with debris on the road. Now that we have had the storm, both will be demanding our full attention.

The topic of our interview is the beginning of a new series on community building based on the book, The Seamless City by the former Mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida, Rick

Baker. Interestingly enough, the subject is as something as simple as sidewalks. However, before we began to explore the role of sidewalks in community

building, there was good news in the face of bad weather. We are courting and being courted by three more industries who are interested in being based in our area. The only explana-

City Councilman Jimmie Gill organized the cleanup of the Ft. Henderson/Trinity project, and has district meetings for the City of Athens scheduled for the fall to further tackle the problem of debris. We have also been given a grant to build sidewalks in Athens, which will serve to improve our quality of life. “Sidewalks connect neighborhoods and help build memories,” said Ronnie. How well I remember using sidewalks for roller skating (with the kinds of skates that used a skate key,) and skateboarding (on the early version of skateboards that consisted of a 2x4 or a piece of plywood bolted to a skate which had been cut in two.) Fond memories, indeed.

The first project which has been approved will be near 5th Avenue, and between the grant and what the city has been able to earmark in part due to the 1 cent increase in sales tax, $50K is going toward repair of existing sidewalks, and $50K is going toward building new ones. “This is the first time in the history of the city that we have been able to do a sidewalk project of this size,” said Mayor Ronnie. “To be a pedestrian-friendly city is so important to making our community a positive place to live,” he added. Then he said something that is as somber as the skies were becoming as the storm approached. “If we don’t continue to build quality of life, we will be subject to ‘annexation encroachment’ from other cities.” In a word, some of what makes Ronnie roll is “keeping Athens ‘Athens,’” and not some other city that may not be so “seamless.”

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Special Feature

Re-elect Dan Williams For Alabama State Senate, District 5

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

District 5 State Representative Dan Williams has been involved in public service all his adult life, whether it has been in his current position, serving on Athens City Council, as the Mayor of Athens, on the Athens City School Board of Education, or as part of the National Guard.

Dan graduated from Athens High School and Auburn University. He served for 26 years in the 1343rd Engineering Battalion based in Athens, and finished his military service in the Guard with the rank of First Sergeant.

He served on the Athens City Board of Education from 1979 until 1984, was on the Athens City Council from 1984 until 1992, and then was Mayor of Athens until 2010 when he was elected to the House.

He also spent 25 years working for the State of Alabama in Human Resources. He is married to Kay, has four children and seven grandchildren.

One of his grandchildren is adopted, and is African American. Earlier this year, when Representative Alvin Holmes of Montgomery made the inflammatory statement that “99 percent of the whites who are sitting in here now, if their daughter got pregnant by a black man, they are going to make their daughter have an abortion,” Dan stood up and challenged him by saying, “I have a black grandchild running around my house, and I love him just like I love the rest of my grandkids.” I would have loved to have been there for that, and am proud both that he supported his son and daughter-in-law in their decision to adopt the child, and standing up for the truth that all kids are worth loving.

He has been no stranger to controversy while serving in the House. He voted for Carly’s Law, the bill that would

May 2 - May 15, 2014

allow for the medical use of an oil form of marijuana to help reduce seizures experienced by children with a rare form of epilepsy. He was not for the bill at first, but it was spending 20 minutes face to face with a mother whose child suffered from up to 300 seizures per month that changed his mind.

I learned something from Dan about being a legislator, and that is that it is as important to make sure that bad legislation never sees the light of day as it is to make sure that good legislation gets passed. He is committed to doing both. One of the things that has been tough about his time in the House has been the partisan politics. Both of his positions on the City Coun-

cil and as Mayor were nonpartisan, and he, a lifelong Republican in a Democratic county found a way to work with people of both parties.

He felt that Carly’s Law was a good example of both parties working together to get something done.

He also told me that he “wants to take more burdens off small businesses,” in the form of taxes and regulations. He has been involved in recruiting for economic development, and knows what is involved. “If we could have 4,000 small businesses expand by just two people each, we would have 8,000 new jobs.” Then he added something interesting: “Jobs are therapeutic.” He’s right, they are. People just do better when they are working than when they are not. He is also determined to do all he can to keep from having the State legislature raise taxes.

In regard to education, something he spent several years involved with as a school board member, he wants to see “our kids getting more dual education, where they can get technical training while still in high school.” He added, “When taxpayers send kids to school, they deserve a good product, and not leave kids in failing schools.”

He agrees that the controversy surrounding the potential implementation of the Common

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Dan and Kay Williams and their 7 grandchildren Core curriculum is understandable, and that Common Core needs to be much more closely examined.

He is personally interested in what local governments want, and to fight for those interests.

I also learned that anytime a county in the State of Alabama wants to raise taxes, it has to be approved on a state wide level.

That is not the case with cities.

He wonders if it is time to bring

some changes to the Constitution of our state, and is looking for a constitutionally sound way to make it easier to get things done, as well as for local governments to function more smoothly. “There are so many rules and regulations that are just unnecessary,” he said.

I was encouraged to know that he supports the decriminalization of Certified Practical Midwives facilitating home births. “If a woman wants to have a midwife, and have her baby at home, she should be able to, and a trained midwife should be able to practice,” he said. “Perhaps there needs to be some licensing, but home birth is a choice that needs to be protected,” he added.

His three most important areas of focus are “jobs, education, and values,” and if re-elected, will do all he can to fight for them. If you want to join his fight, then vote for Representative Dan Williams on June 3rd.

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Clean and Green

Earth Day & Outdoor Expo: Fun + Information = Knowledge by Lynne Hart 3

4 2

1 We at KALB could not have been more pleased with the beautiful, wonderful day everyone had on Saturday, April 26th!

KALB’s 5th Annual Earth Day & Outdoor Expo brought nearly 50 exhibitors, excellent speakers, over 40 door prizes, games, fun, contests, music, bats, snakes, owls, in addition free hot dogs, chips, and Pepsi and so much more!

The goal of our event was to sneak education into a wonderful family day at the park. We estimate about 1,200 people came through.

Many had their Education Station Passports stamped at the special exhibitor locations to receive free

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ice cream. Hundreds answered environmental questions to earn free door prize tickets.

6

Sneaky, aren’t we?

If each of our guests left with just one more piece of knowledge than they had when they arrived, then we deem this a huge success!

8

Visit the Keep AthensLimestone Beautiful Fa-

9 cebook page to see more event photos. Like our page while you’re there!

10 Page 12

Become a Fan

PHOTOS: 1. T. Nelson Woodworks 2. Jim Swanner and Rosie 3. Sponsors 4. Door Prizes: Lynne Hart and Eric Patterson carrying some of the door prizes to stage. 5. Kids learning about recycling plastic at the Custom Polymers PET Exhibit 6. Ali Turner and Rachel Clark- Juice Plus and Tower Garden 7. Diane Risdon picking out a flower for a child to plant.

8. Alpaca: Young Alpaca from Stone Oaks Alpacas -- was recently sheared. 9. Barbara Harrison and Loralei Head, Barbara’s great, great niece. 10. AMS Drum Line: Luke Haymon, Mr. Ryan Nix, Isaac Neidzweicki, and Charles Harris

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

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May 2 - May 15, 2014

Cooking with Shelley

Fresh Apple Cake

by Shelley Underhill

This fall when the apples are in season, grab yourself a bunch and try this recipe. Super moist and tasty, I promise you will not be disappointed!

You can email me at shelleysdesk@ gmail.com and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

What you will need: 2 eggs 2 cups sugar 2 sticks butter, softened ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 3 cups plain flour 3 cups apples, chopped fine 1½ cups pecans chopped Mix the first 6 ingredients thoroughly, then mix in flour. Add in apples and nuts. Spray Bundt pan with flour baking spray. Spoon mixture evenly into pan and bake at 350 degrees for one hour. You should be able to test with toothpick, which should come out clean when the cake is thoroughly baked.

The Greatest Show On Dirt !! ** 32nd Annual **

Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo May 16-17, 2014 8 P.M. Sheriff’s Arena Hwy 99 Athens, AL ——————————————— Advance Tickets At the Gate Children—$8.00 Children—$10.00 Adults—$10.00 Adults—$15.00 ———————————————

Grand Marshal’s Rodeo Parade Saturday—May 11—2 P.M. Line up 1 P.M. at the Arena ———————————————

Free Pony Rides Monday—May 13—5 P.M. Preston’s Western Wear Hwy 72 East of I-65 ———————————————

Street Dance & Fashion Show Courthouse Square Tuesday—May 14—6 P.M. Featuring Jeff Whitlow Country ———————————————

Special Needs Rodeo Friday—May 17—10 am—1 pm ———————————————

www.LimestoneSheriffRodeo.com

May 2 - May 15, 2014

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Page 13

Learning As A Lifestyle

Growing And Using Herbs

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 This past Saturday I spent the morning buying plants at the Farmers Co-Op and gardening supplies at Lowe’s. I wanted tomatoes and cucumbers, maybe some green peppers. My son, Ben, went with me and he wanted to pick up some herbs. I don’t know much about herbs and I am not that good at gardening. I only have two years experience.

The first year we grew plants, we did not do so well. Last year, Ben grew

our garden hydroponically.

He set up a bucket system that watered itself on a timer and drained into a reservoir so he could reuse the water. He put the fertilizer in the reservoir so the plants were fertilized easily and watered regularly. We had tons of tomatoes last year. Since Ben is the cook in my house, he knows more about herbs that I do.

He picked dill, parsley, and basil for his first effort for herbs.

If you don’t know much

about herbs either, you can come to the Center for Lifelong Learning for a class called Growing and Using Herbs. In this class, we’ll discuss growing herbs such as parsley, chives, rosemary and basil. We will also talk about how to use herbs in crafts. At the end of the class we will have an herbal tea tasting. Class is scheduled Tuesday, May 27, from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm. The fee for this class is $35 per person.

This class will be taught

by Marilyn Jones. Marilyn holds a Masters of Education in Adult and Higher Education and a Bachelors Degree in Vocational Home Economics. She is originally from Florence, Alabama. Her husband is a retired Army officer. She

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well attended. “She is so easy to understand and a great teacher,” said Kate Madsen, a student in the last class.

has experience teaching with Park University and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College. Marilyn is currently teaching classes through the Continuing Studies and Outreach program of the University of North Alabama. Additionally, she is a fitness instructor at the YMCA of the Shoals.

Marilyn also teaches a sewing class for us. Her Beginning Sewing class was been

We keep our class sizes small so there is lots of individual attention for participants. Marilyn’s next sewing class will focus on mending using the sewing machine. The class will be scheduled in late July – watch the website for more information.

You can find out more about these classes and more this summer at the Center for Lifelong Learning, call 256-233-8260 or check out the webpage – www.athens. edu/CLL.

Hope to see you this summer at CLL, where learning is easy.

May 2 - May 15, 2014

Cover Story

Seibert For State Senate, District One

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

observed his hard work in business, with his family, with his community, and am glad the city of Athens has him as one of the “elders at the gates.”

He was an officer in the Air Force during 9/11, is strongly pro-life, and regarding the 2nd Amendment, his six-year-old bagged his first duck last fall.

Chris is a coach, a Sunday school teacher, a member of Rotary, serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity, and played football for Alabama as a walk-on.

Chris and his wife Tiffany prayed and sought counsel about his running for the new state Senate position when it was announced last August that the boundaries were going to be reorganized. For those that are not aware, the District One Senate seat now includes northern parts of Lauderdale, Limestone and Madison counties.

Because jobs are the number

one concern of people in District One, if elected, Chris wants to build better alignment between the Governor’s office, the leadership of the House and Senate, and businesses who are interested in either building in or relocating to North Alabama. He is one of several who worked to forge the deal that brought the Remington Company to Madison and Limestone counties.

He particularly wants to help Lauderdale County reach similar arrangements to help create jobs. Lauderdale has lost approximately 3,000 jobs due to the closure of Hillshire Farms and International Paper. “It has a ripple effect throughout the district,” he said, “and that concerns me.”

I took the adversarial position with him regarding local government getting involved in free market enterprise, and he was quick to point out that “this is not a bailout, not

‘welfare’for companies.’When Limestone County invested in Remington coming here, it was completely understood that government overreach is not part of the equation, and Remington did not agree to any control on our part.” I asked him, “What do you say to people who think we gave up too much for them to come here?” “We will get it back in tax revenue, and government gets a higher number of taxpaying citizens,” he answered. Chris understands that if we are going to be competitive with other states and bring business here,

governmental involvement has to be prudent and minimal, and “at the end of the day, 85% of the people believe that government needs to be business friendly.” Basically, that means government getting out of the way and letting the market do its work.

So, does he have the experience to forge such alliances and keep government “in its lane?” As an Air Force Officer, he dealt with logistics, particularly in regard to transportation. That meant dealing with suppliers and making sure things got in country on time and within budget. He then went on to get his MBA from USA in Mobile.

For the past several years,

May 2 - May 15, 2014

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he has worked for a medical equipment company called Stereotaxis, (pronounced like taxes,) and he handles sales as well as mentors reps from the West Coast to Florida. He has been part of three successful startup companies, so I would say, yes, he has what it takes.

What else is important to him?

“Repealing Obamacare,” he said. “I want to make the case to the federal legislators that Obamacare is simply not in the best interest of the

people of Alabama. We are hearing from constituents that it is not sustainable,” he added.

We talked about the disaster it has been so far, and that the same applies to Medicare and Medicaid. “Other solutions have to be found,” he said, and although they won’t come overnight, good ones must be sought out and implemented.

Chris strongly considered going to law school and has a passion for the Constitution.

As a pro-life family man, he is greatly encouraged by the recent decision of the Alabama Supreme Court to uphold the chemical endangerment statute and apply it to the unborn. This statute typically calls for the prosecution of parents who, for example, let their kids be around a meth lab. However, in an 8-1 decision it was applied to a woman who gave birth to a child who was addicted to drugs. As we talked, we explored the ramifications of the decision, and this is one that has the potential to utterly undo Roe v. Wade.

He was glad it happened in Alabama, as am I. The primary election season will end in a little more than a month, and then the election season will intensify. It is time for you to become familiar with all of the candidates, and if Chris Seibert meets your expectations of a good leader, he would appreciate your vote on June 3rd.

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Brad Pullum for Sheriff Paid Political Advertisement by Friends of Brad Pullum

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May 2 - May 15, 2014

Cover Story

Vickers Chosen As 32nd Sheriff’s Rodeo Grand Marshall

by Paul Cain

continued from page 1

Grand Marshal. Sheriff Mike Blakely describes Vickers as a “real cowboy’s, cowboy”.

Mr. Vickers, 72, of Toney, AL, was born and raised near Ardmore and graduated from Ardmore High School.

He has one daughter, Tina, from Florence, MS, two granddaughters, and two great-granddaughters.

He remains near Ardmore on AL Hwy 251 where he maintains his residence and stables, and still breeds horses today.

He began training and showing quarter horses at a very young age, and won numerous State Championships showing studs, including several appaloosas. His greatest bloodline was from a Texas sire, “Blondys Dude” that produced “Dude’s Silver Son”. Dude’s Silver Son sired more than 200 colts through the years. At one time, he had 7 stallions standing at stud, and an average of 55 boarded horses. He also shoed horses and trained horses and riders.

During the good times, Mr. Vickers would average breeding 100 horses a year.

Now, mostly because of the economy, he only has 5 to 10 a year, but the interest is beginning to pick up again.

When Mr. Vickers was a senior at Ardmore High, he began learning and practicing rodeo skills with some of his friends on weekends. He roped and bull-dogged and even tried bull riding, but that didn’t last long. Because he was tall and slender, his best fit was steer wrestling or bulldogging. He was extremely quick sliding off his horse, grabbing the steer’s horns, and throwing it followed in short order. Before long, he was competing in rodeos in

May 2 - May 15, 2014

Athens, as well as Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia.

During this time, the wellknown barn and stables near Ardmore caught fire and burned, destroying 21 horses.

The barn was re-built in 1969, and in 1971 Mr. Vickers bought the property and began his dream job of working with horses full time.

One of his favorite memories was winning the Alabama State Championship Steer Wrestling event in 1967 at the age of 25, with a record time of 3.8 seconds. The Athens Rodeo was held each year at the old Veterans’ Fairgrounds.

He was presented his buckle by then Miss Rodeo USA Sandra Polovkas from Texas, L.C. Terry and Ed Shelton, promoters of the local rodeo.

After he had made a name for himself as a competitor, and had many friends riding

the rodeo circuit each week, he got a call from Preston Fowlkes, owner of Lone Star Rodeo. Preston was producing a rodeo in Franklin, TN, and he needed a steer wrestler to enter the event. Morris told him he was working midnights at Chemstrand in Decatur, and

Left to right: L.C. Terry, Ed Shelton, Morris Vickers, Miss Rodeo USA Sandra Polovkas, and three unidentified winners during the 1967 Alabama State Championship Rodeo at the Limestone County Veterans Fairgrounds at the corner of West Market and Hines Streets. Mr. Terry and Mr. Shelton are presenting the Champions Buckle to Morris Vickers after winning the ‘Bulldogging’ or Steer Wrestling championship with a record time of 3.8 seconds.

he couldn’t miss work. Preston told him to just show up and he would loan him a horse, he could compete and still be at work on time. Morris made the trek to Franklin and when he arrived, Preston starting warning him about the horse he was to ride. He told Morris to keep a close rein on the

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horse because he tended to take off on his own and he would throw the rider in short order if he didn’t keep control of him. Mr. Vickers made it about 2 steps out of the gate and he was airborne. After hitting the ground hard and when he came to himself, one of the first faces he recognized was a rodeo judge that he had known for years. Once they realized he would recover, the judge said “I would have known this imprint in the dirt anywhere cause it’s ugly as Morris Vickers”. Mr. Vickers climbed out of the imprint and had a long, sore ride to Chemstrand.

Mr. Vickers is quick to remind you that Athens and Limestone County has always been a strong rodeo community. “I think that’s partly because we all still have strong values and traditions and remember our parents’ teachings. You

see all those things around a rodeo and a bunch of humble competitors. We went for six years without a rodeo around here. When Mike Blakely was elected, he brought it all back.

Now it’s huge and it’s great of this whole community. I’m humbled to be a part of this,” added Vickers.

“I have known Morris Vickers for many years and grew up knowing what great horses he produced.

He is truly a real cowboy’s, cowboy who has walked the walk. He knows firsthand, the hardships that many of our competitors face and he has a genuine appreciation for their dedication and for the sport of rodeo. We are honored to have him represent us as Grand Marshal and we hope that everyone will come out and congratulate him during the parade on May 10th,” added Blakely.

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Health and Fitness

Vitamin D

by Janet Hunt

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

tive form.

•Mushrooms provide some vitamin D

•People with dark skin because their skin has less ability to produce vitamin D from the sun.

•Almost all of our milk is fortified with 400 IU (International Units) of vitamin D per quart, however foods made from milk, like cheese and ice cream, are usually not fortified.

Vitamin D is a necessary vitamin for your health. It helps your body absorb calcium from food and supplements. People who get too little vitamin D may develop soft, thin, and brittle bones.

Vitamin D is also important in other ways. Muscles need it to move, nerves need it to carry messages between the brain

and every body part, and the immune system needs vitamin D to fight off bacteria and viruses. Together with calcium, vitamin D helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.

What foods provide vitamin D? •Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel.

•Beef liver, cheese, and egg

•People with disorders such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease who don’t handle fat properly as vitamin D is a fatsoluble vitamin.

•Vitamin D is added to many breakfast cereals and to some brands of orange juice, yogurt, margarine, and soy beverages; check the labels for specific amounts.

•Obese people because their body fat binds to some vitamin D and prevents it from getting into the blood.

Can I get vitamin D from the sun?

Vitamin D is still being studied for its possible connections to several diseases and medical problems, including diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune conditions. Two medical problems already associated with low vitamin D are bone disorders (such as osteoporosis) and some forms of cancer.

Your body makes vitamin D when your skin is directly exposed to the sun, and most people meet at least some of their vitamin D requirements this way. Skin exposed to the sun through a window will not produce vitamin D. Cloudy days, shade, and having darkcolored skin also cut down on the amount of vitamin D the skin makes. However, it is wise to limit your exposure to the sun to lower your risk for skin cancer. Those who avoid the sun or cover their bodies with sunscreen or clothing need to include good sources of vitamin D in their diets or take a supplement.

What are some effects of vitamin D on health?

Can vitamin D be harmful?

Yes. When amounts in the blood become too high vitamin D can be toxic. Signs of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weak-

ness, and weight loss. Excess vitamin D can also damage the kidneys.

The safe upper limit for vitamin D is 1,000 to 1,500 IU/ day for infants, 2,500 to 3,000 IU/day for children 1-8 years, and 4,000 IU/day for children 9 years and older, adults, and pregnant and lactating women.

Vitamin D toxicity almost always occurs from overuse of supplements. Too much sun exposure does not cause vitamin D poisoning because the body limits the amount of this vitamin it produces.

Are there any interactions with vitamin D that I should know about?

Like most dietary supplements, vitamin D may interact or interfere with other medicines or supplements you might be taking. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any dietary supplements and medicines you take. They can tell you if those dietary supplements might interact or interfere with your prescription or other over-thecounter medicines.

Am I getting enough vitamin D? The best way to measure of one’s vitamin D status is a blood test.

Below are groups that may not get enough vitamin D: •Breastfed infants, since human milk is a poor source Vitamin D. •Older adults, since their skin doesn’t make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight as efficiently as when they were young, and their kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D to its ac-

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May 2 - May 15, 2014

Our new spring flowers have arrived and we’re busting at the seams with inventory!

Come pick your flowers while they are fresh! Cemetery Vase Inserts starting at $25.00 Cemetery Saddles starting at $18.00 Funeral Sprays starting at $35.00

Bushes starting at .79 cents

See us for all your memorial needs! We keep hundreds of vase insert, saddles, sprays and palls in stock for you to chose from. You can also pick out your flowers and we can custom design your arrangement to your liking (please allow plenty of time for us to do your customs).

Wide Mesh Ribbon 21" x 10yd $7.88

Come check us out! We have something for everyone!

Come see the tool side, we now carry everything for welding, including the gases!

14535 US Hwy 72 • Athens • 256-232-6695

HOURS: 9am-5pm Mon-Sat. • CLOSED SUNDAY We’re only a short five miles out 72 West and county taxes are only 6%!

Check us out at facebook.com/jandgvariety May 2 - May 15, 2014

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Medical Update

Hospital Performance Surveys: HCAHPS

By Rachel Clark, RN, BSN If you have been admitted to the hospital in the last few years, you may have received a phone call after you were discharged asking you questions about your recent hospital stay. Some questions that may have been asked include if your nurses and/or doctors ALWAYS communicated well with you, if you ALWAYS received help as soon ask it was asked for, if your pain was ALWAYS controlled, if staff ALWAYS communicated well about medications before they were given, if your room and/or bathroom was ALWAYS clean, and if your environment was ALWAYS quiet.

These questions are part of a survey called “Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems.”

At first glance, this seems like a great idea, right? A rating system for your healthcare team so that they have an idea of either how well they are doing, or what areas they can improve upon, not so much.

Just like with anything else, there are hidden terms and conditions, things you as the consumer may or may not know about these surveys.

retain a portion of the money they allot for specific procedures rather than pay the full amount to the hospital system giving care to that patient.

When these surveys are done, only those hospitals who score perfectly across the board are paid the portion that was initially withheld. Many times, this is the only payment that hospital is going to receive from those patients.

The stated goal of these surveys is to improve safety as well as patient satisfaction. Here’s the drawback in all of that: we are making it a performancebased system. We are depending on people saying yes, they were ALWAYS satisfied with everything that went on during their admission. If patients aren’t ALWAYS satisfied, that negatively impacts the care hospitals can provide in a very direct way. No one I know, myself included, answers a survey and says ALWAYS across the board. That’s just part of our culture. And there are always ways in which one can im-

prove. No one is perfect, including healthcare providers.

I work for a large metropolitan healthcare system in Nashville. We have begun a campaign to improve our patient satisfaction scores so that we can continue to provide very important services to patients and families across the Tennessee Valley. Last year, we had to make some hefty budget cuts that eliminated a lot of staffing positions. When I was initially

before nurses were responsible for 4 patients who all had CNAs, we are now responsible for 5 patients, and only 3 having CNAs to assist us.

Part of the reasoning behind these budget cuts was related to patient satisfaction and our reimbursement due to those scores. What this type of performance-based payment for hospitals does is eliminate jobs and sometimes cut out the smaller hospitals in competition with larger systems.

What does this mean for our communities in and around Limestone County? Should Athens-Limestone Hospital, Decatur General, and Madison Hospital not “measure up” in comparison to other larger systems and be unable to compete with them, they are in danger of closing their doors or becoming part of larger systems that will monopolize the healthcare system. There must be some type of accountability for hospitals and healthcare providers, however tying funding to questions that are solely based on patient’s perception of happiness and satisfaction is not the answer. It puts unrealistic demands on an already taxed system that needs relief, not more regulation.

A company called Press Ganey, whose sole focus is improving patient satisfaction, conducts these surveys for a governmental agency called the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These patient satisfaction surveys determine in part if the hospital will get paid for the services they have already provided. They also allow patients to see how well hospitals in their area compare with each other and hospitals across the nation.

These all sound like noble goals, but here’s the thing.

These surveys allow CMS to

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hired for the position on the busy medical unit where I currently work, nurse to patient ratios were 1:4 with 3 Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).

Shortly after I arrived, the budget cuts occurred. Our ratios changed overnight to 1:5 with 2 CNAs. You would be surprised at the difference adding only one complex patient to an already difficult patient assignment can make, especially when you cut CNAs. Where

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May 2 - May 15, 2014

Security Savvy

Whose Responsibility Is It Anyway?

by Brian Black, Operations Manager of Madison Security Group 203 Us Highway 31 S, Athens, AL 35611 safety issues. It is not the Fire Department’s responsibility to make sure you do not leave your iron on so why do people think it is the Police Department’s responsibility to keep you safe?

It’s dark, it’s late and you’re walking to your car. You see a person pull a driver out of their car at gun point. What should you do? Call the police. But then what?

What is your responsibility at this point?

This is a scene we see way too often and nothing seems to be done.

The best thing you can do at this point is to be the best witness that the police can have. First, make sure you are in a safe area. Then get a good description of the criminal. Things that you need to report are size, sex, any distinguishing features the perpetrator may have, which way the person went, and how the victim is doing. These situations are always hard to get involved in. Also, we’ve been told not to get involved for too long.

I say it’s time for those days to go away.

We now live in a world where we must constantly be aware of our surroundings because of criminals and we are becoming outnumbered.

We need to watch out for each other. The first thing people will want to point out is that’s why we pay the police officers. The police cannot be everywhere and rarely, (through no fault of

I am in no way saying that the police aren’t doing their job, but there is a limit as to what they can do and when they can arrive to help. These men and women work long hard hours and put their lives

their own) can they do anything to prevent a crime. The responsibility for your safety and security is yours.

Not only is it your responsibility to protect yourself, you should take on the responsibility for helping protect those around you. If you saw a child playing on the swings and they fell, wouldn’t you go and help? What if you saw an auto accident? Wouldn’t you stop to help? All I am saying is to extend your sphere of protection.

on the line every day. Yet, some people think that the police are there to take care of every little thing. We laugh when we hear the 9-1-1 calls that come from the person waiting in line because the restaurant ran out of a menu item. Let’s quit depending on our police officers for our security. It’s time to take responsibility for yourself and your family.

the necessary moves to protect yourself. It comes down to this simple question: are you prepared? Are you prepared to defend your home against anything? I do mean anything: fire, intruders, and

We hear commercials for home security systems. We hear people advocating for the safe use of guns in the home. None of these matter if you don’t take matters into your own hands and make

Visit smart.athens.edu to get started.

May 2 - May 15, 2014

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Jerry’s Journal

Gary Elmore, American Hero - Part 2

by Jerry Barksdale

Gary Lewis Elmore was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 26, 1942 to Lawrence and Mildred Lancaster Elmore. Like many Limestone Countians, his parents had gone north seeking employment. After his mother became deathly ill, he and his younger sister, Diane, were sent to live with their maternal grandparents, Coffman and Elvie Hargrave, near Jones Crossroads in Limestone County, Alabama.

Gary attended Wheeler Elementary School and later Tanner High School where he was manager of the Tanner Rattlers football team.

“Tink” Haney, quarterback of the team and a wounded combat veteran of Vietnam, remembers Gary with fondness. “We call ‘im ‘Winky Dink,’ a name given him by my cousin, Horace (Haney). He was smaller than most of us, but he was real tough,” says Tink. “The players picked on ‘im - some people might call it bullying nowadays - but Gary was tough and could take it. It didn’t bother him. He enjoyed it. He was fun to be around. He didn’t have a ride to football practice; he’d be walking and we’d pick ‘im up.”

Elmore, hazel-eyed, brown headed and standing at 5 feet 5 inches, was a firecracker in a small package. “He was small,” says his sister, Diane Mefford of Athens.

“Gary and I were coming home from work and ran out of gas. He took a can and started walking toward the gas station. Well, a tow truck came by and pulled me to the gas station. I was sitting in the back seat with the window rolled down when we passed Gary walking, I yelled loud as I could ‘Hey Winky Dink!’ He stopped, his nostrils wide and open and I could read his lips.”

“Gary was happy-go-lucky and full of mischief,” remembers

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classmate Gary Carter. “He’d get a paddling and laugh it off. We had this math teacher, S.A. Thomas, an ex highway patrolman from

Illinois. He wouldn’t allow chewing gum. Gary tested him a number of times.

He’d cut his eyes at Gary and holler, ‘Elmore out!’ He ran Gary out of classroom many times.” One day Gary walked into Mr. Thomas’s math class chewing gum.

“OUT THE WINDOW AND OUT THE DOOR!” shouted the teacher, meaning, throw your gum out the window and go stand in the hallway.

“Gary throwed his gum out in the hall and jumped out the window,” says Carter, chuckling.

Horace Haney, who played football at Tanner, smiles when he remembers Gary. “He was little bitty, a good agitator, and liked to be around football players.”

On another occasion, the students were supposed to be attending a pep rally on the football field.

“Gary and Brenda Marsh sneaked

back inside the classroom and found teacher Barney Pressnell’s jacket hanging on the back of his chair,” says sister Diane, smiling.

“Gary put an arm in one sleeve and Brenda put an arm in the other sleeve. They were just huddled together walking down the hallway and Mr. Pressnell caught ‘em with

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his coat on.”

When Gary turned 16, he quit Tanner High School in the 10th grade and went to work at Charlie Jones Cotton Gin at Jones Crossroads.

He was a strong-headed boy and full of mischief. His grandmother Hargrave was exasperated with him. She called his father in Detroit. “Come down here and get ‘im,” she said. “He won’t listen to me anymore.” Gary moved to Detroit and worked several years with Service Sales Gasket Company. When he turned 18, he came back to Athens and registered for the draft. He was drafted in March, 1965 and quickly enlisted in the Army. It was the month that the first American combat troops

form.”

three of us and we were really tight,” remembers Huey, a plain spoken former paratrooper of the 173rd Brigade who saw combat in Vietnam and now lives in Huntsville, Alabama. “We had a lot in common,” said Huey.

“We were poor white boys, in the Army and away from home.”

“Gary was cotton-top headed and mean’er a snake and don’t think he wouldn’t fight,” added Huey. “He was a good guy and we called ‘im ‘Dennis the Menace.’ I thought his real name was Dennis.” Huey joined the paratroopers and was sent to Ft. Benning, Georgia for three weeks of jump school where he ran into Elmore again. “We were in the same training platoon but didn’t get to see each other much,” says Huey. “I heard that Gary broke his leg on his last jump and that is the last contact I ever had with him.”

Gary went to visit his family in Athens just before shipping off to Vietnam. His sister, Diane, married and working in Michigan, drove down to visit with him. He asked Diane to borrow her Judy (sister), Diane car. “He was little rough on (sister), Gary and their cars,” says Diane, “and I mother, Vivian had to have it to get back to Michigan to go back to work. landed in Vietnam.

I wouldn’t let him have it.”

On July 4, 1964, Gary “You are not my sister anymore!” went to Michigan to visit exclaimed Gary and stomped off. with his dad and sisters. “He would always do that to me “He had his uniform to get what he wanted,” she says. laying on the bed and I Diane returned to Michigan and touched it,” remembers quickly realized the seriousness Diane. “He got really of Gary’s forthcoming tour in upset about it. I thought Vietnam. Her sister and friends ‘Well that is really nice.’ in Michigan organized a goingHe was proud of that uni- away party for Gary. Gary called

Following eight weeks of basic training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, Gary volunteered for Airborne and was placed in a holding company for a couple of months. That’s when he met Shelby Huey, an Arkansas farm boy from the tiny town of Newport. “There were

Diane. “Are you coming to my party?”

“Who is this?” she asked. “It’s your brother,” replied Gary. “Remember, I don’t have a brother and don’t know who you are,” she said and hung up the phone.

To Be Continued . . .

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