December 15th - December 5th, 2019
AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali Elizabeth: 256-468-9425
See Our Listings Inside this edition... Pages 25 - 32
Special Feature Tammy’s Fine Jewelry: A Dream Come True, Because Of You... It is hard to believe that Tammy’s Fine Jewelry is now a year old... Page 5
Special Feature
Cotton Row Interiors Black Friday Sale: Just In Time For The Holidays By Ali Elizabeth Turner About five months ago, three local businessmen decided to pool their talents and form a unique corporation called Cotton Row Companies. The three men are Zach Walker, real estate Continued on page 15
T & T Plumbing And Mechanical: Looking Forward To Serving More Friends And Valued Customers... Greg and Beverly Tarpley met in the 6th grade and have been sweethearts ever since. Greg was born in East Limestone, and was a... Page 7
The 33rd Annual Chamber Christmas Open House And Merry Market November 22-24
Horse Whispering Timely Transitions... As many of you know, my mother, Phyllis Williams, has been transitioning for the past six months. Mother was born on December 3, 1930. In June, we were called by Hospice... Page 13
November 15 - December 5, 2019
By Ali Elizabeth Turner There is a chill in the air and it’s time to begin thinking about your plans for the Christmas season. The Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and Athens Main Street are exContinued on page 17
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November 15 - December 5, 2019
Publisher’s Point
Gobsmackin’ Gratitude
Publisher / Editor Ali Turner
Copy Editor
Yvonne Dempsey
Graphic Design
Jonathan Hamilton
Web Design Teddy Wolcott
Contributing Writers D. A. Slinkard Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Anna Hamilton Jackie Warner Wanda Campbell Deb Kitchenmaster Nick Thomas Roy Williams Rosemary Dewar Tim Lambert
Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3
The word “gobsmack” is one of my favorites. Its etymology is a touch uncertain, but it seems to have arisen in the ‘80s, and is the combination of, wait for it, gob and smack. The idea of “gobs and gobs” has always meant “a lot,” and smack is what you do reflexively to your mouth or forehead when you are astonished. So, “gobsmack” is essentially being super-amazed, and the good news about what gratitude does to your brain and the rest of your health is truly gobsmacking. If we can resist the siren song that Black Friday actually begins in July, or “don’t wait ‘til Black Friday, act like it now,” as if people getting killed over Cabbage Patch dolls is a worthy personal goal, and let Thanksgiving be Thanksgiving and not just
All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4
the run up to a “Material Christmas,” it is now a scientifically proven fact that the chemical makeup of expressed gratitude actually changes your brain for the better. What’s more, America has a unique holiday that is set aside for just that purpose. I chafe at the use of the words “Turkey Day” as the description; ladies and gentlemen, it is Thanksgiving Day. The original beauty and purity of the holiday has been under assault in recent years; kids dressing up in native American garb or pilgrim’s costumes to spiritually commemorate something as fragile as survival and life itself in the 1600s has been relegated to the “racist” rubbish heap, and perhaps we’ll tackle that another year. But for this edition of Athens Now, we are going to discover why cultivating
gratitude might be one of the best things you can do for yourself and others. So, what do “gobs and gobs” of gratitude do to your brain? It turns out, several things, but the chief one is that gratitude causes the release of dopamine, which is one of the “feel good” neurotransmitters, and humans cannot function without it. Without dopamine, we would literally be catatonic. Gratitude helps with the battle against depression because it plays off the brain’s “confirmation bias.” That means that if you have cultivated a mindset that things are going to go well, and to see possibilities in the midst of undeniable difficulty, the brain looks for that to be the case and homes in on the good stuff. If you are of the
Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 PlayAction Sports . . . . . . . 10
general persuasion that life always gives you a raw deal, well, that is in fact what will happen because your brain and other factors will see to it.
Gratitude’s role with the release of dopamine helps with circulation, it helps provide better sleep (which is probably why writing down five things for which you are thankful just before you turn in may be as good as a sleeping pill without the better side effects), and opens you up spiritually. As believers we are commanded to “come into His gates with thanksgiving.” Why is that? Is God somehow insecure and needs you to come into His presence with some phony smile plastered on your face? Obviously not. But to wrestle past the truly difficult things that are in your life and insist on giving thanks in and for the difficulties puts you in the best possible place to change and be changed, starting with your brain. As that profound philosopher Willie Nelson said in a song, “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” Happy Thanksgiving
Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Millennial Mind . . . . . . . 14
Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com
Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health And Fitness . . . . . . 16 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 View From The Bridge . . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Alternative Approach . . . 22
November 15 - December 5, 2019
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All Things Soldier
The Boot Campaign Ten Years Later by Ali Elizabeth Turner
In 2007, former Navy SEAL and native Texan Marcus Luttrell published the monster hit memoir, Lone Survivor. It was the moving story of a man who faced down the Taliban in Afghanistan, and Marcus was the only one of his squad that survived. In 2013, it was made into a movie starring Mark Wahlberg. I think it’s safe to say that in the post-9/11 era, Lone Survivor and American Sniper served to give us an idea of just what our SEALS as well as all who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe go through to get the job done. In 2009, five Texan women were so moved by Mar-
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cus’s story that they decided to band together to say thank you as well as serve those who have served. It started with the formation of a not-for-profit organization named Boot Campaign, a simple way to start a conversation by purchasing and wearing the desert boots associated with the Global War on Terror. The battle cry was and is, “Lace Up, America,” and in ten years, the Boot Campaign has raised millions of dollars to help vets with a number of needs. Can you imagine showing up in your Sundaygo-to-meetin’ clothes on Thanksgiving sporting desert combat boots? How easy would it be to
say, “It’s time to lace up and say thanks.” Pictures abound of The Boot Campaign becoming a movement and the boots being worn by celebrities, sports stars, musicians, politicians, and just regular folk from all over. More importantly, the Boot Campaign has been successful in uniting several hospital systems and doctors in combining treatment plans for vets who have come back from the Great Sandbox suffering from the five “biggies,” which are sleep disorders, addiction, PTSD, chronic pain, and traumatic brain injury. Some of the approaches are allopathic, some are alternative, some
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are neuroscientific, and I am pleased that they also emphasize exercise and nutrition. They are getting tangible results, like guys getting a solid night’s sleep for the first time in years. There are Reboot Boot Camps for vets who are in need of intense therapy in an outdoor setting, and unlike other groups, vets who have been through hell are the ones running point on bringing vets who are stuck in their own private hell to come on home. In other words, someone in a white coat is not going to be given the chance to say, “I know just how you feel,” when the hardest thing they have had to
face is a lousy commute or a bad hair day. Another of the Boot Campaign’s givebacks is called Santa Boots, which surprises deserving military families with gifts at Christmas time to help those with parents are who deployed or who are taking care of a catastrophically wounded family member. The Boot Campaign started in Texas and has spread to 31 states. From what I could tell, there is not yet a chapter here in Alabama, and I hope it won’t be long until there is. Perhaps “the Boot” is calling you to scoot on over to their website to see how you can get involved. If so, go to www. bootcampaign.org.
November 15 - December 5, 2019
Special Feature
Tammy’s Fine Jewelry: A Dream Come True, Because Of You by Ali Elizabeth Turner It is hard to believe that Tammy’s Fine Jewelry, which is located on the north side of the Courthouse Square at 206 Market Street W in Athens, is now a year old. To celebrate a most remarkable year, owner Tammy Raney and her lovely colleagues will host a special Anniversary Party/ Black Friday Bash from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, November 29, and you are invited! They are only going to be open for those few hours on that day. Tammy knew that after more than a quarter of a century in the retail fine jewelry business she was ready for the next season of her life, but she had no idea what she wanted to do. She had absolutely no intention of opening a jewelry store; but during a family cruise, the idea bit hard and just would not let go. She spent days on the deck of the cruise ship fleshing out every aspect of her dream shop, from layout to lines of jewelry to location, and when she got back home, she went to work to make it happen. Tammy will be very quick to thank her customers and to give the glory to God for the success of the shop, and basically the take-away from our most recent time together was a happy and heartfelt, “Whew, what a year!” It is said that the mark of a successful entrepreneur is that they surround themselves with talented people who reflect their values, and as the boss, to not be afraid of how brightly they shine. Tammy has done that, and her relationships with her staff go way back and are deep. Susan Cornelison and Tammy worked together for decades and fit together “like peas and carrots,” as the saying goes. By contrast, Lauren
Brunson, a young wife and mother, worked with Tammy while studying psychology at Athens State, and re-joined “Team Tammy” this past August. Julie Rogers has also known Tammy a long time, and both Julie and her husband Brian have custom piec-
Team Tammy: from left, Lauren Brunson, Tammy Raney, Susan Cornelison, and Julie Rogers expensive.
1.5 carat total weight 14K rose gold black diamond ring is the grand prize at Tammy's party
es they have created for sale in the shop. Each staff member brings a specific gift to the team—Lauren says she is a good listener, and as such is skilled in helping clients find exactly what they are looking for in their price range. She especially loves working with members of our military who have brought back stones from overseas and has helped them find the perfect setting. Julie is the owner of Pennycuff Designs, and works largely with metal and leather. Her husband, Brian, makes handmade pens and wine stoppers, amongst other custom items. Julie pointed out that people are looking for honesty, including how a piece actually looks on them, and she will hold to that. If the client wants her opinion regarding a choice, Julie will give it respectfully, even if the best piece is less
November 15 - December 5, 2019
Since Tammy’s Fine Jewelry opened, I have noticed that everyone, including me, is treated like royalty, and Tammy has made it a point to have everyone who works for her feel like family. They spoofed Susan on her birthday, made up a reason for her to come to the shop, and surprised
Enso rings, which are trending in the industry, even though they are not technically considered “fine jewelry” because they are made out of silicone. The creators wanted to make something that was safe and beautiful for every activity or job situation, and they have become a hot item. Enso is also involved in a number of “give-backs,” or charitable
Julie's custom creations are part of the Pennycuff Designs collection her. Lauren’s hours are very flexible to work around her kids’ needs, and Julie’s work has a place of prominence in the shop. Tammy also exhibits books written by local authors, which I greatly appreciate. In terms of jewelry lines, they are widely varied both in style and price point. Imagine Bridal is their wedding line, and Earth Grace has a Boho flavor to it. Tammy’s also carries
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causes, and the rings can be engraved. There is a case of select estate pieces, and Tammy’s also offers repair and appraisal services, of which I shall take advantage soon. It seems that every few months there are stand-out stories of customer service and satisfaction that go above and beyond. One has to be kept vague because the person who will re-
ceive the gift at Christmas is a raving fan reader of Athens Now. The lengths the staff went to in order to get the perfect item and keep it a secret is what makes gift giving so fun. Another is a touching story of soon-to-be parents who have waited a long time for the “blessed arrival.” The father wanted to show his appreciation to his wife for all that she has gone through for them to get to this place; and when the baby gets here, he will give the ring so carefully selected with help from the staff. Tammy said that the family is going to come in to the store for pictures once baby is able to go out in public. Everyone is genuinely excited about this special arrival, and it shows. For the Anniversary/Black Friday celebration, the store will be closed all day, and will only be open for the hours of 4-8. There will be a party with marvelous food and drawings for door prizes at 5, 6, and 7 p.m. The grand prize drawing for the black diamond ring will be held at 8 p.m. The 1.5 carat total weight ring is set in 14 karat rose gold, and is truly gorgeous. So, make your plans to come and enjoy being a part of Tammy’s dream-come-true. As she says with her signature smile, “It’s about the people, not the jewelry.”
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Calendar of Events Second Sundays On The Square
Businesses will be open from 12pm-4pm on these Sunday afternoons for local residents and out-of-towners alike to come enjoy what downtown Athens has to offer during the weekends. For more information contact Merritt Malone at 256-777-7519 or merritt5485@gmail.com
Houston Memorial Library and Museum FALL HOURS
101 North Houston Street in Athens. Tue - Thurs 10am-4pm • Fri 10am-1pm • First Saturdays - 10am-1pm. Antiques mingle with new book releases to create an inviting atmosphere for both book lovers and historians alike. We have all genres for all ages! The Governor's home displays local history while maintaining a fully functioning lending library. We invite you to stop by for a visit. 256-233-8770.
Santa Picture Day November 16
With Oak Grove Thach Volunteer Fire Department. 26850 Thach Road in Athens from 2PM-5PM. Take Home 4"x6" Print for $5 and packages available. Book your time slot: 256423-8144. No sitting fee. Benefits Oak Grove Thach VFD.
Bake Sale November 17
With the Presbyterian Women at First Presbyterian Church "on the Square." 112 South Jefferson Street in Athens. 9:00AM12:00PM with fresh baked goodies to purchase and enjoy.
"Vaping Me Crazy! Parent Academy November 18
With Steered Straight. APAC, Athens High School, 655 U.S. Highway 31N. (follow the perimeter drive around to the rear of the school). 5:30PM-7PM. Presentation by Michael DeLeon that will help parents gain more knowledge about the drug nicotine, long term effects of drugs especially nicotine, a look at how tobacco/nicotine and marijuana have drastically changed in nature and substance as well as marketing. Free and open to the public.
Christmas Open House November 21
Limestone County Churches Involved [LCCI] Food Bank. Just drive up and someone will unload your contributions for you. Items needed: Pancake Mix; Pancake Syrup; Jelly; Peanut Butter; Boxed Potatoes; Tuna Helper; Dried Beans; Canned Soups; Boxed Cereals; Toilet Tissue, Bar Soap; Personal Hygiene Items; Canned Fruits; Spaghetti Sauce; Canned Meats; Canned Tuna; Packaged Rice; Canned Vegetables; StoveTop Stuffing; Sweet Potatoes; Macaroni and Cheese; Beef Stew; Ravioli; Chili; Boxed Crackers; Cranberry Sauce; Complete Meal Boxes.
Thanh Du'o'ng Boyer Book Signing November 23
Houston Memorial Library and Museum is hosting Thanh Du'o'ng Boyer, author of The Ground Kisser, for a book signing from 10am-2pm. A story of family, faith, and freedom, through the eyes of a thankful Vietnamese girl who saw and heard things no little girl should ever see or hear in her homeland, and now enjoys freedom in the USA. Her story inspired legendary radio talk show host Barry Farber to dub her “Ground Kisser.” She wrote this book to honor Jesus, and with great gratitude to the US military, especially those who served in Vietnam. Copies of her book will be available for purchase. Houston Memorial Library and Museum is open November 23rd from 10am-3pm. Our regular hours are Tuesday thru Thursday 10am-4pm and Friday from 10am-1pm. 101 North Houston Street in Athens. Please call 256-233-8770 with questions.
Pococurante Big Band Christmas Nov 24
Athens Performing Art Center [APAC]. Athens High School, 655 U.S. Highway 31N in Athens. 2:00PM-4:00PM. Tickets are $15.00 in advance or $20.00 at the door. For more information or tickets: Pococurantebigband@gmail.com
Heroes for the Homeless: Homeless Vets Ride to Tent City November 24
Starting at Redstone Harley-Davidson. 15100 AL-20 or Greenbrier Exit 3 on I-565. 11AM-2PM. Items needed: tarps, tapes, plastic, gloves, coats, blankets, sleeping bags or anything that can be used outside. Kick stands up at 11AM and enjoy the ride and lending a helping hand by handing out supplies.
Frame Gallery & Art. 701 North Jefferson Street in Athens. 2:00PM-8:00PM for shopping the latest art, sports collectibles.
Stuff-A-Truck for LCCI November 23
Jingle Bell Jog 5K December 7
With the Athens High School JROTC at Athens High School. 100 U.S. Highway 31N in Athens. Day of race registration starting at 6:45AM, ending 7:30PM. Race starts at 8:00AM.
With First United Methodist Athens at the First National Bank. 1804 U.S. Highway 72E in Athens. 8:00PM-4:00PM. For Page 6
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November 15 - December 5, 2019
Special Feature
T & T Plumbing And Mechanical: Looking Forward To Serving More Friends And Valued Customers by Ali Elizabeth Turner Greg and Beverly Tarpley met in the 6th grade and have been sweethearts ever since. Greg was born in East Limestone, and was a “transplant,” his family settling in Anderson. Greg and Bev graduated in 1985. They married right out of high school, and their firstborn son, Kyle, came along three years later, followed by Jesse. The Tarpleys have always been hard workers, built their lives, went to church and raised their kids. For several years, Greg worked in the auto body repair business, and then began to learn and do the often thankless but crucial “art” of plumbing. Greg went on to become a certified master plumber and knows every aspect of the mechanical plumbing side of poultry processing plants. For fourteen years, he was on the road taking care of the plants, Bev worked locally in logistics, and the family all greatly missed Greg. Greg and Bev came to a place where they knew it was time to make some huge shifts on several fronts, and Greg quit his job in order to start his own plumbing business in 2017. Bev joined him in the business a year later, and in talking to her, I could tell that all the risks, changes, and hard work both without and within are paying off. For one thing, both Greg and Bev are getting a chance to help take care of their grandson, and that little guy just lights them right up. “Greg is home,” said Bev with a smile, and they are
can say from experience that I know what it is like to be unsure what to do, and remember how grateful I was for a good plumber who did not take advantage of my state or my ignorance. I think that’s why I feel so honored to tell the “Tarpley Tale.” Bev told me with sweetness and humility, “We just want to honor God, be affordable, support our families, and support the families of our employees.”
Team Tarpley: from left, Steve Davis, owner Greg Tarpley, Jesse Tarpley and Adam McKinney
all glad. I first met Bev when she joined our BNI chapter a few months ago, along with their son, Jesse, who works with them in the business. Two words describe the Tarpleys: good people. Greg had a number of things he wanted the people of North Alabama to know about T & T Plumbing and Mechanical, and so the following is what he would tell you in a face-to-face meeting. This is what the Tarpleys bring to the table and why they are a good choice for any type of plumbing need, whether it’s mechanical, repair, or as a part of new construction: “We are a family owned and operated business out of Anderson, AL. We strive to supply each and every customer with the best support and expertise to fix any problems or concerns they may have. Not only do we fix the problem at hand, we also try to educate each customer as to how to
November 15 - December 5, 2019
The Tarpley menfolk: Greg, Jesse and Kyle prevent the problem from happening again. Not everything is preventable, but some things are. Our work speaks for itself, whether it’s a dripping sink or a new construction home, no job is too big or small. We offer full service and emergency service around the clock to help out with those pesky late night mishaps to “get you going back” as quickly as possible. We have 25 years combined experience in this business; a master plumber and two journeymen plumbers. We at T & T Plumbing and Mechanical look forward to serving you and our friends, neighbors and valued customers.” T & T Plumbing and Mechanical is available throughout North Alabama, and it’s easy to tell that they genuinely care
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about Alabamians. We have just celebrated Veterans’ Day, a time to say thank you to our military service members, and are heading toward Thanksgiving, a time to thank God for our innumerable blessings. Vets are some of the folks on their list of people they love to serve. One of Greg’s dreams is to someday be able to be on the construction team of a house that is built and donated to a catastrophically injured veteran as a way of tangibly expressing his gratitude for being an American. Bev also told me that T & T Plumbing and Mechanical’s “list” of people toward whom they feel protective includes the elderly as well as single moms. Having been a single mom myself a long time ago, I
Adam McKinney going after the problem I finished our interview time by asking Bev if T & T had what could be called a “dream customer.” She thought for a moment and then replied, “Someone who is loyal and long-term, and someone we can have a relationship with.” If this sounds like what you are looking for to meet your plumbing needs, then give T & T Plumbing and Mechanical a call today.
T & T Plumbing and Mechanical P.O. Box 22 Anderson, Alabama 35610 (256) 710-3411 Facebook: T & T Plumbing and Mechanical
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What Makes Ronnie Roll
Charrettes Come To Our Community by Ali Elizabeth Turner
The City of Athens has just experienced something that is alleged to have begun in Paris in the 19th century: a charrette. The word is French for “little cart,” and as the story goes, architecture students at L’Ecole des Beaux Arts would be down to the wire with finishing their drawings for their assignments, and their professors would send a charrette through the midst of feverish, last minute creativity to collect their drawings. In our time, charrette has come most often to mean a community meeting where proposed land use projects can be discussed between the citizens and the designers. However, its model has been used to deal with controversial issues where there is a lot of emotion and polarization, as seen in the excellent 2019 film, The Best of Enemies, which is based on a true story. Professional
design and consulting firms tout the power of a charrette by saying things such as: Design charrettes inspire design sketches and ideas, include more people in the design process, explore and expose goals and objectives of colleagues in multiple functional roles, and drive off designer’s block. Bottom line, the City of
Huntsville or Providence in Madison, but that is yet to be determined.
Athens held four days of meetings earlier this month where the citizens
could talk with the design team that has been hired by the city about what they would like to see happen with the Pilgrim’s Pride project. They could ask questions, submit ideas, hear the ideas of the professionals, see the maps, consider the ups and downs of various proposals, and in short, have a hand in what happens there and know that their voice mattered. This is not the last time the charrette format is going to be used before the City Council votes next spring. Mayor Marks explained what seems at the present to be the three basic ways it could go: Option # 1 -Have all 32 acres be a park, with a stream running through
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it and no residential or mixed-use buildings at all. The challenge with that would be ongoing maintenance, which would be shouldered by the city. You have a stream, 7 acres in a flood way, and 5 acres in a flood plane on that property. Option #2 - Mixed-use, which would include housing, retail shops, and the park Option #3 - Mixed-use, similar to option #2, but with the addition of an approximately 60-room hotel and event venue. The hope is that there will be enough growth in our area to justify private investment to support a development along the lines of Bridge Street in
“This is a process with many phases, but the real priority of the moment is to get Jimmy Gill Park moved and back up and running. Our focus is that, and we just closed the deal on the old Woodland Golf course for the park’s new location,” said the mayor. When TBAKI won the contract to build the seats for the new ToyotaMazda plant, they were requesting the use of the land that has been the site of the park. The mayor went to several members of the community as well as Jimmy’s widow, Deborah, to get their take on it. “She said, ‘Don’t you lose those jobs, Mr. Mayor. Move the park.’” The city requested $300K from TBAKI for the project, and the request was granted. The mayor went on to say, “This is our highest priority, and we will hopefully be moved to the new site by late summer 2020.” It was a wild day with a shortened work week due to Veterans’ Day, and now time to “get after it.” So we prayed, and then Ronnie rolled.
November 15 - December 5, 2019
Slinkard On Success
3 Ps To Achieving Life Balance by D. A. Slinkard
Do you ever feel like the world is flying past you and you are just hanging on for dear life? I have to admit that sometimes I feel like I am bouncing from week to week; life is just hitting the accelerator and time is not slowing down. It is during times like this I feel out of sync, and I know my life is missing the balance I desperately need. So as I write this article, I want you to know it is just as much for me, the writer, as it is for you, the reader. How does one slow down life when it seems we are about becoming as efficient as possible. Think about all of the gadgets we have that are supposed to make us more efficient, but what happens is we become easily distracted. Our phones distract us, our computers distract us, and who would have thought we would ever say, our watches distract
us. We live in a time that Dick Tracy would be proud of; and sadly, as I write the name Dick Tracy, there will be several readers who will not have a clue who I am writing about. For those young readers, AFTER you finish reading this article THEN you can Google who Dick Tracy is. Until then, be prepared to take back your time, take back your days, and take control of your life. The first step in taking back control is to understand what your purpose is. If you do not know what you are working for or working towards, then you are going to struggle. Once you are able to define what your purpose is going to be in life, you will have a better understanding of what you need to do in life in order to obtain success and ultimately regain control over your life.
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I am amazed how many people go about living their lives waiting for it to happen to them instead of living their life purposely and being intentional with their lives. After you have defined your purpose, the next step is to sit down and prioritize what is important in your life. You will be surprised how often we get our lives out of balance because we lose focus on what is important and what is not important. We need to look at the activities we have going on in our lives and simply give them a number. We need to rank the activities based on priority, and this can be tricky. You need to make sure as you prioritize that you do not allow your #4s to outrank your #1s. Even more important is that some activities or time wasters will need to be thrown out. Yep, sometimes we lose balance in our lives be-
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cause we get sucked into distractions, such as social media and status updates. Eliminate these and gain control back of your life. So we have to have a Purpose and we have to Prioritize. The final “P” in our journey to regaining our balance in life is to have Persistence. Too often in life when things get tough, we see a lot of people who give up on their dreams and just quit. As you start to turn the tide in regaining your life balance, you must be willing to keep persisting. I love the saying, “Persistence beats resistance.” This is a truthful statement prevalent in a successful person’s life. We see someone successful and we automatically think it is an overnight success; yet what we fail to see is their persistence in pushing through when facing adversity. You will not be any different. Something is go-
ing to come up that is going to make you want to slide back into your old distracted ways, and you must learn how to limit these distractions. This is where having the right attitude is going to be most important for you because when you have an attitude of persistence, there will not be many things that will stop you along your way to finding the life balance you desperately seek. Once you regain your life balance, however, you must be adaptable and ready to readjust as life happens to you. The formula for achieving life balance comes down to the 3 Ps: Purpose; Prioritize; Persistence. If you can remember this simple formula, there are no distractions in life that can hold you back from maintaining the balance we all desperately seek. Time to get your life back.
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PlayAction Sports
Better Late Than Never... I Hope by Tim Lambert
Tune in for the PlayAction Sports Update, three times each weekday on 1080 AM WKAC. Visit us online at www.pasnetwork.net! email: playactionsports@hotmail.com
We apologize for the interruption in our monthly run. Personal circumstances called us away, but now we're back trying to play some catch-up with our local sports. If this was an old radio serial, maybe we'd be saying, "When we last left our heroes . . ."
two games of the season, James Clemens went undefeated throughout the remainder of their regular season and had a lastminute 21-20 victory over Vestavia Hills in their first playoff game to set up a second round matchup with Hoover.
Football:
Athens Bible School coach E. A. Winland got her 150th win during the season. Her Lady Trojans and Lindsay Lane were both area champions and advanced to the Super Regional tournament. Topranked ABS eliminated the #2 Lady Lions before falling in the first round of the state tournament to Westminster-Oak Mountain. Athens High School also made it as far as the state tournament but were knocked out in the first round by Spanish Fort.
Athens, Clements, and James Clemens were the only local teams to make it into the postseason. The Golden Eagles finished their regular season at 7-3 overall and won their first round playoff game against Buckhorn 62-14 to advance to the second round at Clay-Chalkville. Clements had their first winning season in ten years and second straight year of making the playoffs, but lost in the first round to Geraldine 4916. After losing their first
Volleyball:
Cross Country:
Athens Bible School's Nic Ulrich racked up first place finishes at the Hartselle Tiger Invitational, the Warriors Invitational, the ABS Invitational, and the 1A-2A state meet. James Clemens' Kristin Day won the 4A-7A girls division at the Kudzu Hills Invitational and the Huntsville Metro Cross Country Championships. Swimming/Diving: The James Clemens girls took first place at the Big Four Invitational against Bob Jones, Grissom, and Huntsville. Anna Mead and the 400 freestyle relay team recorded top finishes. They followed up by winning North Alabama Championships; the boys were runners-up. Another top-place came at the North Alabama High School Swim League Championship at the Huntsville Aquatic Center; the boys again came in second. Ashley Ahrens was first in the 1-meter diving competition and broke the school record with a score of 361.15. Anna Mead had a personal best time in her first place in the 200 freestyle. The girls' 200 medley, 200 freestyle, and 400 freestyle relay teams also won their events. Basketball: Just before the start of the season, Lindsay Lane basketball standout Tommy Murr made known his decision to continue his career at Lipscomb University. Murr is the nation's leading high school scorer.
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Athens Bible School's Nic Ulrich wins 1A-2A state cross country meet. Courtesy photo Teams tipped off their seasons last week. The Clements girls got by Falkville 44-38, Athens' girls defeated Danville and Pinson Valley in their own tournament 60-39 and 66-32 respectively. The ABS varsity boys started their new gym off right with a 41-38 victory over St. Bernard; the varsity girls weren't as fortunate as they fell 4929. Lindsay Lane's boys
thumped Clements 95-74. Elkmont's varsity boys topped Danville 57-53; the Lady Red Devils suffered a 60-40 loss. West Limestone's varsity boys defeated Lexington 58-41 while the Lady Wildcats were on the short end 4941. East Limestone's varsity boys came up short to Bob Jones 64-61, but the Lady Indians got a 45-43 win.
November 15 - December 5, 2019
Caleb Doughty, age 17, a Vanderbilt University student from Athens, Alabama, plays in a Limestone County cotton field for the global music project called #iPlay4Peace. The video of Caleb playing will post on the City of Athens, Alabama (public relations) page on Nov. 11 at 7 a.m. Caleb learned of the Armistice Day project through the City of Athens and its Sister City partnership with the Stonehaven & NE Scotland Twinning Group with assistance from University of Aberdeen professor Neil McLennan. As part of the project, musicians from around the world join together to play in harmony for Armistice Day. Caleb played this summer in Italy with the Rome Music Festival Orchestra, and will perform locally at High Cotton Arts on Nov. 24 as part of Christmas Open House. Learn more about Play4Peace at: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1943453119253628/
from Holly Hollman - City of Athens Communications Specialist
November 15 - December 5, 2019
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Clean and Green
Household Hazardous Waste Collection A Go For 2020 by Lynne Hart - Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful KALB Says Thank You On Behalf Of Wynken And Nod In August, four very young kittens and their mother were injured when oil-based paint and lacquer thinner were illegally poured down a storm drain in which they were taking shelter. Three of the kittens and the mama cat were captured and treated for chemical burns. The woman caring for them named the kittens Wynken, Blynken, and Nod after a children’s poem written by Eugene Field. Sadly, Blynken passed away within 48 hours of rescue due to her injuries. Wynken and Nod have fully recovered, thanks to the loving care they received, and have become beautiful, loving kittens enjoying their new forever homes. Wynken and Nod will never understand how much their plight contributed to the attention brought to the household hazardous waste (HHW) situation in Limestone County. Those of us who represent KALB understand very well. There has only been one HHW collection for Limestone County residents and
it was 11 years ago. On behalf of Wynken and Nod, we say THANK YOU to the Limestone County Commission and the City of Athens for securing funding to hold a collection in 2020, which will be held Saturday, March 28. Why is this important? The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has guidelines in place for handling household chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. When these HHW items are placed in regular trash, burned, or poured down sink or storm drains, they can be very harmful. Just because they can’t be seen doesn’t mean they have gone away. They may have disappeared from view; however, collectively they pollute our ground water, our soil, and our air. These are the things we humans rely on for survival! The problem in Limestone County has been that there is no appropriate outlet for these HHWs; therefore, many people have admitted to disposing of them improperly. The Good News: KALB was recently informed that money has been
Nod earmarked for an HHW collection for Limestone County residents which will take place Saturday, March 28. We hope this will encourage residents to begin gathering items in preparation for this collection so they can rid their homes of potentially dangerous items and dispose of them properly and legally. Examples Of Acceptable Household Hazardous Wastes: • Paint and paint related products such as mineral spirits, turpentine, furniture strippers, paint removers, stains • Automotive products such as transmission and brake fluid, anti-freeze, gasoline • Lawn and garden poisons such as weed killers, herbicides, pesticides, rodent poisons, roach and flea powder • Household cleaners and chemicals such as oven and toilet cleaners, disinfectants, drain clean-
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Wynken
ers, rug shampoo, polishes, ammonia, bleachbased products, pool chemicals If you have an item you are unsure about, please give us a call and we will get an answer for you. Prevention Is Best Here are a few hints for reducing the chemical clutter in your home: • When buying a product, think ahead about what precautions will be required for disposal. Read labels for cautions and dangers. Try to purchase environmentallyfriendly products.
a reasonable amount of time. Check product labels to determine proper usage.
• Use all of the product according to the label instructions. Rinse the EMPTY container three times before placing the container in your household trash. NEVER pour leftover products down a drain.
• Offer leftover products to others who might need what you have.
Please feel free to contact KALB with any questions you may have. If we don’t have the answer, we can find one for you!
• Purchase only the amount of a product you will use in
Become a Fan
(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com November 15 - December 5, 2019
Cooking with Anna
Are You Lying To Yourself? by Anna Hamilton
Do you always tell yourself the truth? I’m going to guess that if most of you are like me, we can become good liars to ourselves. Over the past two months, I have tricked myself, I have told myself a lie. Last month, I lost 3 pounds. It wasn’t as much as I had hoped for, but I was pleased with 3 pounds. You see, I had become lackadaisical in my approach to food. I had been diligent for so many months that I thought I could let myself not keep track of the food going into my body. I had done so well, that surely I didn’t need to remain on the straight and narrow. I had gone from one cheat day a month, to every weekend becoming a food free-for-all. During the week, I stuck with the plan, I ate good healthy food, but on the weekends all plans went out the window. Friday night through Sunday I was on the “See food Diet”; any food that my eyes might “see” I ate. So when I went to the doctor this Monday, I was foolishly expecting to have lost a pound or so. I stepped on to the scales and much to my dismay, I had in reality gained 5 pounds. Have you ever picked up a 5 pound bag of sugar? That stuff’s heavy! My heart sank all the way to my toes. My eyes filled with tears, but I held it together. I slapped that fake smile on and made it all the way to the end of my doctor’s appointment. As soon as I shut the door to my car, the tears flowed down my checks. I was so disappointed in myself. I had tricked myself into believing I could be only partially committed and still win. The whole evening I felt like such failure. I was so upset with myself. I cried and sulked all evening. I’m sure I was a pure joy to be around, just ask my husband. I knew that eating whatever I wanted had gotten
me to the shape I was back in February; so why did I think that this time would be different? I told myself the lie that if I only did the right thing partially, I would be fine. I didn’t really have to account for everything that went in my mouth… just cheat a little bit…that one piece of cake won’t hurt you…eat the rolls, it’s fine. Full commitment to change is just that, it takes full commitment. There is no halfway in life. You can’t walk on both sides of the path. You can’t serve two masters. You have to make a choice to determine which way you want to go. When you lie to yourself and allow yourself to continue to only make good choices 70 percent of the time, you can’t expect the results to be good. So I’m back on the straight and narrow. I am not sure how I’m going to navigate the next two months. I have three Thanksgiving dinners to attend in November and four different Christmas celebrations. It’s going to be hard, but I know I can do it. I’m going to be committed to bringing food to the parties that I can enjoy and won’t make me feel guilty afterwards. I’m going to try and be happy and healthy through the holiday season. I hope you all can do the same. The recipe this week is a version of cornbread that is delicious and feels super indulgent. It’s a great dish to bring to any Thanksgiving celebration without feeling deprived of the holiday food. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Recipe #22: No-Guilt Cornbread What You Need: 2 cup almond flour 1 ½ cup buttermilk 4 eggs 2 tsp. baking powder 1 stick butter, melted
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil an iron skillet and place in oven to warm while you mix the cornbread. In a large bowl combine almond flour and baking powder, stir well. In a separate bowl combine buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter Combine the flour mixture and milk mixture, stirring until combined. Take hot skillet out of the oven and carefully pour the cornbread batter into the skillet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until done.
November 15 - December 5, 2019
For a spicy twist, try adding diced jalapenos and sharp cheddar cheese for a great Mexican cornbread. If you are wanting something a little milder, add steam chopped broccoli and mild cheddar. Both are delicious!
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The Millennial Mind
The Sound of Silence by Rosemary Dewar
Last week, conservative female commentator, Elisha Krauss was invited, then disinvited, and now reinvited to speak at the University of Mississippi. The consistent trend of conservatives being shunned from academia is not going away. The University of Mississippi acted in a manner that few campuses do in these situations.
be Curtis Wilkie who is currently serving as a professor in the School of Journalism and New Media. Mr. Wilkie was a reporter for the Boston Globe.
After getting to the bottom of the reasoning for ‘why’ the invitation was revoked, Ole Miss officially stated, “… This decision was made unilaterally by two individuals on our campus without consulting with members of the university administration.” One of those individuals happened to
That’s more than could be said of Curtis Wilkie.
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The University of Mississippi went on to state that, “[It] is committed to promoting freedom of speech, assembly and respectful discourse, which are pillars of a healthy and inclusive learning environment.”
Elisha Krauss graciously responded by saying, “[I] appreciate this! I spoke with Noel Wilkin soon after this tweet (while burping the babe and before making dinner) and am thankful the school is working with the [Young Americans for Freedom] chapter
leaders to make this happen.” If there ever was a time to accentuate womanliness, motherhood, and loveliness, this was it. The University of Mississippi’s action to put the quality of their academic experience over the deafening silence of an overzealous minority is a lesson all universities and academic campuses need to heed. Exposure to nuanced ideas and simple truths are integral to the critical learning experience. Censoring students from those discussions limits their capacity to choose and change.
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American journalist, speaker and radio talk show host, Elisha Krauss When you would think women and their viewpoints would be highlighted in the current state of culture, some have continued to be ostracized in recent years. Commentator Ann Coulter’s scheduled event was canceled from UC Berkley in 2017. Heather MacDonald was protested at the University of Pennsylvania and Claremont McKenna. Renowned feminist Christina Hoff Sommers was protested
on countless campuses for the past three years. Students’ right to voice dissent does not and will not override an individual speaker’s right to voice their opinions. The contentious movement to drown out the expressions of those with whom they disagree will eventually become the force that will, one day, silence them if they continue on as they have chosen to do so.
November 15 - December 5, 2019
Cover Story
Cotton Row Interiors Black Friday Sale: Just In Time For The Holidays by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1
investor and owner of Revolved Realty; Keith Rowe, a local farmer and real estate investor; and Dr. Scott Fitts, a dentist at East Limestone Family Dental and a homebuilder. Last year, Zach purchased the old Gray & Holt building on Market Street, which has been used for a number of things, including Revolved’s office, pop-up shops, a completely wired worship music venue for local teens, a place to record and film podcasts, and other private events. On the weekend of November 22-24, Santa is going to set up shop in the Gray & Holt building where Cotton Row Interiors now lives. Cotton Row is the sponsor of this year’s Santa’s Workshop as well as the Merry Market. The rest of the portended plans of the portly elf are explained in much more detail below in the Chamber’s article on the Open House. The “Interiors” part of Cotton Row Companies came about somewhat by accident, I learned from Zach. He and Keith have had years of experience staging houses to get ready for open houses, showings, and, hopefully, an eventual sale; thus creating living spaces that help cast a vision for how a potential buyer can make a house into a home. Over time, Zach has built a number of relationships in the interior design business, and a way recently opened up for Cotton Row to get truckloads of quality overstocked and returned furniture for a fraction of the cost. They decided to make it possible for the people of North Alabama to get solid furniture and defining accesso-
Cotton Row Interior's Courthouse Square location is at 214 Market St ries that they might not otherwise be able to acquire. And all of these savings could not have come at a better time, with this being the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Zach hopes to increase the type and amount of furniture for the warehouse sales to include dining room sets and more.
November 15 - December 5, 2019
The warehouse is at 1620 Lindsay Lane in Athens
Last month, Cotton Row had their first warehouse sale at the nearly 7,000-square foot building located at 1620 Lindsay Lane, Athens, which is in the former Yellowhammer Roofing building. This past weekend they had their second sale, and I went in order to check it out. I was surprised at how reasonable the prices were, as well as how extensive was the selection. The event was well attended, and Zach told me when we chatted that he was pleased with the sales. We talked about Cotton Row’s plans to have more warehouse sales, and Zach indicated that they
an additional 3,000 sq feet of display space, and both the warehouse and the tents will be full. Come early to make your selection, because when it is gone, it is gone!
will have a once-a-month event on the 3rd weekend of the month. Please note: There will be no warehouse sale during the month of December, but it will resume in January.
Cotton Row Interiors
On Friday, November 28, Cotton Row Interiors is holding a Black Friday Sale at the Lindsay Lane location from 8-until. The sale will start again on Saturday at the same time. There will be outdoor tents set up which will create
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Cotton Row offers interior design and staging services, and the group has a number of ideas for other projects that will be a boon to our local economy, as well as ways to give back. But for now, save the date starting with November 29, and give yourself the gift of getting comfy with the people and the goods for sale at Cotton Row Interiors.
Warehouse: 1620 Lindsay Lane Athens, AL 35613 Gray & Holt Building: 214 Market St W, Athens, AL 35611 256-BUY-SELL www.cottonrow.com Facebook: Cotton Row Interiors Page 15
Health and Fitness
Stay Focused
by Nick Thomas, owner of Prime Performance Training, and Certified Sports Nutritionist
If you want to surpass the masses and achieve your big dreams, it takes discipline and focus DAILY! I addressed discipline a few weeks ago, so now it is time to talk about its counterpart -- focus. What is focus? Focus is your center of interest, the state or quality of having or producing clear visual definition. Let that sink in. Read it again.
do this, you must stay focused on having a set plan of attack each day, even putting pen to paper and writing down the steps you will take every morning so that it truly stays your focus. These simple actions will get you closer to your dreams. Having
a proactive approach gives you an edge and clear positive outlook, instead of just reacting to what’s happening to you each day; you have enough control to be ahead of the majority of events, keeping you in an offensive mindset as opposed to a defensive,
When it comes to what keeps you going, what allows you to achieve the goals which you set forth and sets you apart from everyone else, focus is a huge factor. You get what you focus on, so it is important to focus on what you want. The world we live in is full of distractions and fast-paced changes daily. Everyone has their own life and most are doing well just to keep up, staying in a constant state of survival. I believe you can defy this norm!
follow. After figuring out the right course of action, the key is to follow it consistently until you achieve success. This takes patience, discipline, and a positive attitude which is unaffected by the world around you. It also takes an incredible amount of self-awareness and evaluation to remain on the course and make any minor corrections needed along the way because let’s be real, no one is perfect and adjustments will be needed. Be bold, take risks, and be willing to learn from your mistakes. Put your blinders on and stay on your path, looking dead ahead at your goals. By focusing on YOUR path it removes the element of competition, remember your only competition is you! Let your passion fuel you; do not be dependent on others. No one will have the desire or ability to achieve your goals more than you!
You should enjoy your journey and even the grind along the way because you have clear, defined focus driven by your passion which will never cease to keep you fighting to improve. To
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more negative, mindset. Cut out any interaction or task which is not positively supporting your goals; it doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing. Starve your distraction and feed your focus. Where your focus goes, your energy will
For more information regarding a personalized general/sports nutrition plan or personal training contact me at Prime Performance 423-8050870.
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November 15 - December 5, 2019
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e -
Cover Story
The 33rd Annual Chamber Christmas Open House And Merry Market November 22-24 by Ali Elizabeth Turner
continued from page 1
cited to host the annual Athens Christmas Open House coming up November 22-24. This is a wonderful Christmas event you don’t want to miss. Our local merchants are geared up and ready for the holiday shopping season and are ready to help you tackle your Christmas list. And, several merchants will be serving holiday refreshments and offering holiday discounts and specials in honor of the Christmas Open House weekend. Thanks to our wonderful partnership with the City of Athens and the Limestone County Commission, Christmas Open House will also once again feature Skating on the Square and the Blizzard Bash located on Marion Street, directly in front of the Limestone County Courthouse. Skating on the Square hours are Friday, November 22 from 4-8 p.m., Saturday, November 23, 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 24, 1-4 p.m. Skating costs $5 per skater. The Blizzard Bash will take place periodically during skating hours, and a special thanks to Delmore Mortgage for their sponsorship of the Blizzard Bash. There is an exciting new addition to Christmas Open House this year, Santa’s Workshop, located in the Gray & Holt building on Market Street. Thanks to a wonderful partnership with Cotton Row Companies, Santa’s Workshop will feature several holiday activities throughout the weekend. Activities include photos with Santa, a visit with Mrs. Claus, and a meet and greet with holiday characters. Photos with Santa will take place Saturday from 1-3
p.m. and Sunday 1-3 p.m. and the cost for photos is $10. Cookies and Storytime with Mrs. Claus will take place on Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Space is limited, so please keep this in mind if you are planning to attend this event. Character meet and greets will take place Saturday from noon-1 p.m. and from 5-6 p.m. Also taking place at Santa’s Workshop is
ping available for all Christmas Open House shoppers. Any purchases made during Christmas Open House with a participating merchant will be eligible for complimentary gift wrapping courtesy of Pimentos. Other entertainment activities during Christmas Open House weekend include local carolers and musicians who will be strolling around
downtown and popping into stores singing classic carols and holiday jingles for all to enjoy while they shop. Christmas Open House would not be Christmas in the 21st century without the chance to see a beautiful light show on the Limestone County Courthouse synchronized to Christmas music on Friday and Saturday evening at 8 p.m. You can also enjoy local merchants’ Christmas window decorations as many of the merchants will be competing in a decorating contest sponsored by Athens Main Street. This year’s window decorating theme is “Your Favorite Christmas Song.” The winner of the window decorating contest will be announced following the Sippin’ Cider event held later in December. And, we
the Merry Market, featuring local home-based businesses with their holiday popup shop. The Merry Market is a popular part of the Open House, and provides a way for shoppers to find items that are unique, and for vendors to build relationships with their customers while displaying their wares. There will also be complimentary gift wrap-
November 15 - December 5, 2019
can’t forget to talk about the beloved Athens Lions Club train. Our local Lions Club is a wonderful partner of Christmas Open House and offers free train rides for the little kiddos. The Lions Club train will be located at Jingle Bell Junction on Marion Street, right beside the skating rink. We also have several
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merchants participating in Christmas Open House who are not located in downtown. Those merchants still get in on the holiday fun by participating in “Elf On The STORE Shelf.” Each merchant off the Square will have an elf hidden in their shop. If you find it, bring your elf to the Chamber on Monday, November 25 to receive a special prize. This year Hobbs Jewelers will be the sponsor of the Grand Prize, and the drawing will be on Sunday, November 24. Each Open House participant will be able to fill out a registration form for the drawing at each of the participating Christmas Open House merchants. Come join the Chamber, Main Street, and our wonderful merchants of Athens on the weekend of November 22-24, and start off your holiday in an atmosphere that is cozy, friendly, and relaxed. Christmas Open House is a great way to support our local businesses. They are the heart and soul of this community. Always remember to shop local first! See you there! For more information, please call the Chamber at 256-2322600, or email them at info@ tourathens.com.
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Learning As A Lifestyle
Business Etiquette by Wanda Campbell
Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 Today I want to talk with you about business etiquette and business ethics. You are probably sitting there thinking this is going to be so boring. But this subject is not about “Please” and “Thank you.” It is not as easy as it seem. As adults, you will spend more than half of your life at the office. Business etiquette is all about making those hours as pleasant and productive as possible. Ethics is about the process of learning what is right or wrong then doing the right thing. All business is people business – no matter where you work, you will be involved with people. In the people business, everyone is your customer. Sometimes you are selling something to your customer, and sometimes you are selling yourself to a boss, co-worker, or client. Good salesmanship is empathetic. Empathy means you can identify the feelings, thoughts, and attitudes of others. If I am watching television or reading a book and really getting into it, the character throws a
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punch and I stand up and throw a punch too, that’s empathy. This is not to be confused with sympathy. Sympathy is agreeing with the feelings of others. When someone gets hurt and we feel sorry about it, that is sympathy. Let’s start with the basics – “Please” and “Thank you” are important. Remember to use them in your everyday meetings and encounters. A sincere smile, a sincere hand-
shake, and a kind word all provide important introductions and reminders of encounters. Schmoozing (to chat idly) a little is the first step to building rapport. And listening is the secret to successful schmoozing. These basics tell others you are interested in them and value them. A little small talk can give you increased visibility in the workplace and this is how it starts. Let’s start with your boss.
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Common courtesy means that you treat everyone with an equal measure of politeness. This applies to your boss as well. The difference is no surprises. Your boss needs to know what you’re doing. He/ she needs to know as soon as possible about problems, conflicts, or opportunities related to what you are doing. Avoid interrupting, always ask, “Is this a good time?” When dealing with coworkers, treat others as being valuable even when
you don’t need them. Always greet everyone and be the good host. Remember the “Golden Rule,” and treat others as you would be treated. Good business etiquette makes meetings more productive and allows people to disagree without being disagreeable. With proper etiquette, you can be as effective as speaking face-toface in phone calls and emails. All business is people business, and good business etiquette is a strategy for making good in the people business. In the short run, ethics and business are often incompatible. But business is conducted with the long run in mind and good business means good ethics.
November 15 - December 5, 2019
The View From The Bridge
Make Room For The Increase! by Jackie Warner
Career Development Facilitator “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters Spiritual growth is our focus this month. Growing is hard and it takes time and effort, allowing the strength of our Savior to dwell within us. Our first personal assessment.
step
is self-
• Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?— unless indeed you fail to meet the test! – 2 Corinthians 13:5 • Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! – Psalm 139:23-24 Once you understand that growth starts with you and only you, then there comes… DESIRE - The desire to know HIM, to know his word, and to want his presence in your life. We desire a lot of things and spend a great deal of time trying to get what we desire… right? Think for a moment about what you are desiring today. We spend a lot of our time, money, and strength to get it. Desire must be there first for you to get to spiritual growth. Scripture tells us to desire - to crave the pure spiritual milk …That by it you may grow up into
salvation 1 Peter 2:2. In our understanding, we must rid ourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Too many times we have an abundance of stuff crowding our space, the very space meant for God in our lives. Spiritual growth does not just happen. Real spiritual maturity requires we do something. We must take action in our life. Yes, we desire the sincere spiritual milk, but we don’t need to just stay at this stage in our journey. We can’t just desire and get stuck on the journey with no movement. When we are going through, we should really be “Growing Through!” Make room for God’s growth in you. It is easy and comfortable to stay with what we know. To stop when things become unfamiliar, to turn around when there is no road map. To get mad and blame everyone else because you can’t see what’s coming next. Cultivate your soil for
November 15 - December 5, 2019
growth? Crops, trees, and flowers do not grow well when crowded. Our spiritual growth is hindered when we allow things to crowd out our journey. Jesus warned about the danger of interference - If we desire a healthy spiritual crop, we may need to "weed out" some things
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in our lives. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Mark 4:18-19 (KJV)
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/
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Horse Whispering
Timely Transitions by Deb Kitchenmaster As many of you know, my mother, Phyllis Williams, has been transitioning for the past six months. Mother was born on December 3, 1930. In June, we were called by Hospice, who gave her seventy-two hours according to her vitals at that time. Mother would come in and out of consciousness. We gathered around her, offering her the one thing each of us had -our presence. Some of the things we heard out of our mother’s lips were: “Oh! A white horse”… “What a cute little boy”…“Your eyes! You have such beautiful eyes!” One day at a time was our “rhythm,” and in that rhythm, Mother bounced out and back to consciousness and conversations. She had gotten down to 104 pounds and was putting on some weight, with the loving care of the Hospice workers. When September rolled around, Mother’s condition declined to non-verbal and deep sleep. I flew back and
spent some time with her, interrupting her silence with stories and expressions of loving gratitude as memories would come to mind. I was aware upon leaving her room that this possibly would be the last time I saw her alive. Monday, September 30, Hospice called saying that Mother wasn’t going to be with us much longer. I questioned whether to catch a flight and join my siblings who were at her side. Peace directed me to “wait,” so I did. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday we were in touch with each other over the phone and THEN something happened! It was 2:00 in the morning and I woke to a strong presence in my room. I “knew in my knower” it was Mother. I heard (not audibly), “I need you to come.” I said, “OK, Mom. OK.” Friday morning, October 4, I was on a Southwest plane heading to Des Moines, Iowa, arriving at Mother’s room at 1:10 p.m. I joined my siblings who were all
stroom and in that moment a foal was birthed. What about the transition between a walk and a canter? Timing is crucial. The nose of the horse and the front leg of the horse, which set your horse up for success, are all about timing to bring about transition. The more transitions you make when you’re riding, the more responsive and engaged your horse will become. He’ll also become physically stronger, especially through his back and hindquarters, which only make the transitions better.
Phyllis Williams there--one older sister and my two younger brothers. In the five hours we were together, I mentioned that I had had no intentions of coming back UNTIL Mother “showed up” again Thursday morning at two o’clock. Each of my siblings’ heads whipped around in astonishment, which told me that each of them had had the
exact same experience. Two o’clock Thursday morning! I listened as each shared where they were when Mother came to them and how aware they were of her presence. At 6:10 p.m., we were with our mother when she took her last breath and then exhaled. It was October 4, or 10/4. “Ten-four” was one of Mother’s frequent responses instead of “Okay,” or “Sure.” She had been a CB woman back in the day. Mother wanted her four children to be with her when she stepped out of her physical body. We were.
Transitions are the ultimate exercise for training the horse to be better at balance and collection. Transitions can be used to increase or decrease speed, and to keep the horse paying attention to the rider. A horse that is feeling a little energetic can be helped to focus on frequent changes of transitions. A horse that is being a bit lazy can be motivated by working through transitions. Getting a smooth transition requires developing “feel.” When you are going for an upward transition (walk/trot), you will need to be sitting balanced. Use your mind to envision exactly what you want to do. Drive the horse forward with your seat and legs. Exhale as you give the cue. And in this breath, I’d like to wish each of you a lovely Thanksgiving.
Timing is relevant. Transition is life; a life of changing, shifting, moving, and switching. When it comes to our horses, timing is so important when it comes to transition. Some mares Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster want you present when they foal. Some mares don’t. I’ve Corral Connections heard numerous stories of 256-426-7947 how someone stepped out Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner just for a moment to get a cup of coffee or use the re- horsinaround188@gmail.com
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November 15 - December 5, 2019
Mental Health Minute
Irrational vs. Rational Thinking by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor
“The most dangerous liars are those who think they are telling the truth.” - Jim Rose Telling lies is a common feature of social interactions among humans, and even some animals, like monkeys. The purpose of lies often leads to some benefit. For example, a person may lie to avoid some type of social embarrassment. Some people lie more than others, but this fact alone is not typically a sign of a mental health condition. Pathological lying is different in that it may be a sign of an underlying mental health issue, such as a personality disorder. A pathological liar is someone who lies compulsively and without any clear benefit to themselves. In other words, it is usually possible to determine why someone has lied, but pathological lying occurs for no reason and does not seem to benefit the individual. It is unclear whether the pathological liars are aware of their deceit and/or even capable of thinking rationally about their lies. As you may have experienced, the pathological liar can make socializing difficult and creates interpersonal problems with family and friends. Compulsive lying is a feature of several other conditions, which we will explore here.
sen’s syndrome by proxy, which is when someone lies about another person’s illness, most commonly occurring in mothers who feign illness in their child, and then lie to a doctor about it. The causes of this disorder are unclear but may be attributed to childhood abuse or neglect, low self-esteem, a personality disorder, substance abuse, and/or depression. Another condition associated with pathological lying is frontotemporal dementia. Frontotemporal dementia is a form of dementia that affects these two brain regions and causes changes in behaviors and language. The changes in this type of dementia include inappropriate social behaviors, lack of empathy, compulsive behaviors, loss of insight into one’s self, and agitation. Pathological lying is a possible symptom of certain personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a condition that makes it dif-
ficult for people to regulate their emotions. People with BPD may experience severe mood swings, feel increased instability or insecurity, and just not have a solid sense of self. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is characterized by fantasies of immense importance and the need for admiration and special treatment. Antisocial personality disorder (APD) is a mental condition in which a person has a long term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others without any remorse. While researchers argue that pathological lying may occur in people with APD, those with this condition lie for personal gain or pleasure. A person with BPD or BPD may lie to distort reality into something that fits with the emotions they are feeling, rather than the facts. Pathological liars are compulsive and may start small. Their lies can gradually become more elaborate and dramatic, especially if they are necessary to cover up a previous lie. The lies then become more and more
complicated by unnecessary amounts of detail. People who lie frequently are not necessarily pathological liars. The most distinguishing feature of a pathological lie is that it does not appear to have a motive. Pathological lying is not a formal diagnosis, but doctors and therapists are trained to recognize the behavior as a sign of another underlying condition, such as a personality disorder. It is possible for pathological lying to be an independent symptom, as some people will pathologically lie without an apparent medical condition. Pathological lies do not lead to any lasting benefit for the person who tells them, and unfortunately they can be harmful to others. It is important to remember that the lying is a compulsion and that those who pathologically lie do not intend to harm others or better themselves. Knowing a pathological liar can be deeply frustrating because the lying appears to be pointless. So how can you handle a conversation with a pathological liar?
1. Don’t lose your temper. Try to be supportive but firm in your statements. 2. Expect denial. If you confront them about their lying, chances are they will deny it. 3. Remember that it’s not about you. I know it’s hard not to take being lied to personally. 4. Be supportive. When talking to them about their lies, remind them that they don’t need to try to impress you. 5. Don’t engage them. You can question what they are saying, which may encourage them to stop. If the characteristics of the pathological liar sound like you or someone you know, there is help out there through your doctor or therapist. 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.
Factitious disorder is sometimes called Munchausen’s syndrome. This is a condition in which a person acts as though they are physically or mentally ill when they are not. There is also Munchau-
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The Alternative Approach
Proof That Exercise Can Be Made Easier by Roy Williams We all know how important it is to exercise, so I am not going to waste your time trying to convince you that you should be in the gym, walking, or even swimming. You know the benefits have been proven repeatedly, but knowing the facts will not force you to take the time or give the effort that is necessary. What I am going to do is tell you about a revolutionary way to get the benefits of a one-hour aerobic workout in under 15 minutes a day. What you should know is that almost anyone can become leaner, stronger, and more flexible without extreme sweating, sore muscles, or buying a gym membership. According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of this discovery are remarkable. The list of benefits includes fat loss, improved balance, coordination, circulation, muscle toning, bone strengthening, and stamina. It strengthens muscle, ligaments, tendons, and improves stamina so well that many sports organizations, including 23 pro-football teams, now use them as part of their training pro-
words, it can improve bone mineral density, improve circulation, and help your body move and look years younger than it really is.
grams. This program is so easy and can be done in as little as 15 minutes a day, three days a week. It has proven to melt away twice as much belly fat as a onehour aerobic workout. Belly fat may be more dangerous than you think. Fat around your abdomen is linked to metabolic syndrome and may increase insulin resistance, not to mention the likelihood of high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease. WHOLE BODY VIBRATION What I’m talking about is a power plate you stand on called the Whole-Body
Vibration Machine. You may ask how you can receive so many benefits in such a short time. Because each vibration causes your body to perform reflexive muscle actions, hundreds of times each second, these actions engage about 95 percent of your muscle fibers at once. Even when you are lifting weights, you are only engaging about 20 percent of your muscles. The result is an incredible improvement in strength, balance, and flexibility without the stress of long, drawn-out exercise programs. Those wishing to lose belly fat tell us that it works and that it makes it easy to keep the fat off. People with circulatory issues, such as neuropathy, are getting amazing results. It is also proven to improve bone mineral density faster than almost any other form of exercise, and all you do is stand on it. It is ideal for those
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who don’t have time to spend in the gym, who are not physically able to exercise, or who are too weak. No special clothing or extended training is necessary. Whole Body Vibration is ideal for our aging population. In one study, researchers recruited 710 women aged 60 or older. Half of the women used the vibration technology for just 20 minutes a day, five days a week for 18 months. The other half did not. The women who used vibration technology reported 35% fewer falls and 52% fewer fractures, thanks to its bone building characteristics. A year later, the researchers tested 50 of the women who used the vibration technology. One full year after stopping the vibration technology, their muscle performance remained significantly better than the control group. It may very well prove to be a wonderful antiaging advantage. In other
Whole Body Vibration also decreases the stress hormone cortisol, which is why so many explain that they feel better for hours after doing it. Another part of that is the vibrations also boost brain hormones and neurotransmitter production, which can lead to better mood, attitude, memory, and an overall sense of well-being. If you would like to regain the toned muscles, trim waistline, sturdy bones, feelings of wellbeing, and flexible joints you enjoyed years ago, and if you would like to instantly improve your flexibility and range of motion, then maybe the Whole Body Vibration machine is right for you. Introductory Offer: Go by Herbs & More at 622 S Jefferson in Athens with this article and your first visit to try this incredible discovery is free. If you decide to continue, you can pay as you come for only $5 a day or if you decide to stay with it month to month you can receive 30% off the regular monthly fee. To learn more, you may call 256-233-0073 or go by Herbs & More in Athens Alabama and your first session will be free with this article. Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams
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