October 18, 2013

October 18 - 31, 2013

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature

Prairie Child Design Boutique And Consignment...

Donna Brown, owner of Prairie Child Design, is an Athens native and graduate of Tanner High...

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Cooking with Shelley Pretzel Bark...

This tasty treat can be cooked up and ready in no time.

Ms. Tammy from Arabella’s Cakes and Catering just dropped some by...

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Special Feature Serendipity Of The Summer Arts Stroll...

More exciting art news is in the works downtown as the Athens Arts League, which is a branch of Spirit of Athens, partners with....

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October 18 - October 31, 2013

A New Kind Of Health Care

By Seth Williams Herbs and More has opened a new store in Athens in the Dollar Tree shopping center, and with the opening of the new store, also has set forth to show Athens the NEW KIND OF HEALTH CARE! We all know the old health care system of getting sick and going to the doctor is failing, not only monetarily but on merit. Of all the industrialized nations, the U.S. spends more money on health care than the other top 5 combined, and ranks 13 in longevity and is at the bottom of the list in quality of life.

Herbs and More has found a NEW and BETTER way. The NEW HEALTH CARE system will be one of self care, one where Continued on pages 16-17

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Citgo Touchless Car Wash 1404 US Hwy 72 E • Athens, AL 35611 256-221-5354 Mon-Sat 7 am-7pm • Sun 8-5:30 If It Don’t Shine, It Ain’t Mine!

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October 18 - October 31, 2013

Publisher’s Point

Prada Marfa, Whimsical or Wacked?

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales / Editing Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Teresa Todd Janet Hunt Jim Doyle Deb Kitchenmaster Melissa Kirby Seth Williams Pam Hartmann Brandi Parris Donna Brown Jerry Barksdale

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Uncommon Sense . . . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

My husband has been over the road for more than a decade, and it is due to the blessing of technology that we are able to talk each day for at least an hour, which is perhaps more than many couples do who come home to each other after close of business. We send pictures, jokes, texts, and now that we both have IPhones, sometimes we do Face Time, which lets us see each other as though we were on Skype. Face Time at times is painful, because the camera’s view of yours truly is not exactly kind, but getting a chance to see my honey’s beard that threatens to take over the planet, as well as his twinkling blue eyes that swept me off my feet long ago make the harsh reality of what is captured by the camera on his end more than worth it.

Recently he was in El Paso, and snapped a picture of the orphanage on the Ciudad Juarez, Mexico side where we used to live and work.

On the top of the mesa where the orphanage is located were two tiny bumps that would be indistinguishable to the eyes of most, but

I knew they were some of the buildings he had helped to construct while we lived there. I texted him and said, “Makes me miss it and you, all in a good way.” “Me too you,” he texted back.

of the building, and two guys across the road taking pictures.” On his way back he was able to snap a pic, and when it was safe to do so, sent it to me.

Not much later we were

“Good night nurse,” I thought, and decided to

talking on the phone as he was further on down a two lane, (or “skinny road,” in Trucker Speak,) out in the middle of absolute nowhere, heading toward Marfa, TX, when I heard him say, “What the heck is that? Hon, I just drove by this building that is out on the edge of the desert with the word Prada on the front, about 12 shoes (not pairs) in the window, a woman in a white burqa who got out of her car to look at the front

see if there was any trace of it on the Internet. Sure enough, Prada Marfa has been there since 2005, is a commissioned piece of pop art, cost 80,000 dollars to produce, has been vandalized, restored, and the subject of litigation. Not bad for a few shoes! It is the proof that you are getting close to Marfa, where there is now new life blood flowing in the town’s veins because some artists decided that this would be just the

place to make a new Taos or Santa Fe. Oh, and did I mention that the project was privately funded, and not the red headed step child of the National Endowment for the Arts?

What makes this even more fun is that the townspeople are mostly grizzled old ranchers that have been slugging it out in the desert for generations, and now they are peacefully coexisting with the artists. Strange bedfellows, no doubt, but the point is that someone came up with a wacky, whimsical idea, paid for it themselves, revitalized a town, brought unity between the “un-likelies,” and now there is a whole new reason to endure the infernal question, “Are we there yet?” Not bad, not bad at all.

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

What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Cover Story . . . . . . . . . 16 - 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . . . . 20 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . 23 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . . 23

October 18 - October 31, 2013

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All Things Soldier

Protecting Our Troops And Ourselves From Religious Prejudice

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

When I was a kid growing up in the Civil Rights movement, the worst thing you could say about a person was that they were “prejudiced.”

Being a prejudiced person in that era meant that you pre-judged someone based on the content of melanin in their skin, certainly not a wise proposition, and we are seeing an unprecedented level of prejudice against our soldiers who happen to be Christian, the chaplains who are endeavoring to give them the best possible spiritual care, and ultimately, against anyone one who believes that Jesus is the Messiah. Some days I feel like I am in pre-WWII Germany, and history reminds us that it wasn’t

only Jews who were the objects of Hitler’s hate.

Athens Now has made a concerted effort to expose situations and trends that can demoralize our troops and thus make them less effective on the battle field.

In the past few months we have discussed assaults on the chaplaincy and first amendment rights of our soldiers to express their faith, whether it be in sermons, prayers, essays, or taking a stand against something they believe is immoral.

During the beginning days of the shutdown it

was even made clear to chaplains that they could face disciplinary action if they engaged in any religious activity at all,

son Dixon line know that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life?

Maybe not.

and could even risk being arrested! It is amazing that legislators had to get involved by insisting through a resolution that chaplains be allowed to be chaplains during the shutdown, but thankfully Congress moved quickly, and the bill passed handily.

sippi was recently exposed to what can only be described as a classic propaganda technique: guilt by association. If you want to lump a good group in with a bad one in order to vilify the former, all you have to do is find some point upon which they agree, make up a bunch of stuff where they don’t, and voila´, you have guilt by association.

Coming Soon to a Senior Center near you!!

KOREA: The Forgotten War Remembered, A Jackie Greenhaw Fundraising Production for the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives

Sunday, October 20th, 2pm

Show will be held at Limestone Co. Sr Center 912 W Pryor, Athens Tickets $10.00 on Sale now at the Alabama Veterans Museum 100 W. Pryor St. Athens, AL

Tickets also on sale for a chance to win this awesome painting “Korea: The Forgotten War Remembered” donated by Karen Middleton, $5.00...Drawing will be held day of the show, need not be present to win

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However, it appears that things have sunk to a new low, and it always fascinates me when hard core hate against Christians manages to surface on a camp or a base that is in the Deep South. After all, aren’t we in the Bible Belt?

And doesn’t every recruit from south of the Ma-

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Camp Shelby in Missis-

I think it is safe to say that most of us, whether we are Baptist or not, are offended by the actions of the Westboro Baptist Church. These folks are the ones who show up at the funerals of soldiers with horrible placards that disgrace the memory of the one by whom the ultimate sacrifice has been made, and subsequently wound the friends and families of the fallen. However,

recently on Camp Shelby there was a “training” session in which soldiers were shown pictures of one of the events “crashed” by Westboro, and then right alongside showed a picture of the logo of the American Family Association. What is the common denominator? Both believe that gay marriage is immoral, as do the majority of Americans, but that is where the similarity ends. Unbelievably, our soldiers were told to “avoid the AFA at all costs.”

Thankfully, other conservative groups have come to the aid of the AFA, which is headquartered in Mississippi, and have sounded the alarm, again. To be clear, to respectfully disagree with someone’s lifestyle does not equal hate, in case anyone needs to be reminded, and our troops need to be protected from propaganda that is itself hateful. Perhaps more importantly, they need to have the chance to learn to recognize it when it comes their way. If you are interested in being a watchman (or woman) for those who watch for us, go to the Family Research Council’s website at www.frcpub@frc.org to sign the petition that would force the DOD to cease and desist with their prejudice and bigotry, and uphold the 1st Amendment rights of our troops.

October 18 - October 31, 2013

Uncommon Sense Law And Politics: The Gen Y Perspective waywwords.com

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uncommonsenselaw.blogspot.com

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beyondmymountaintop.blogspot.com

Balancing Uncle Sam, Not the Budget

by Melissa Kirby By now, you’ve probably heard that the federal government has shut down. Of course, going into this, we could probably have guessed that the IRS and the EPA would close, and Yosemite National Park wouldn’t be staffed. We didn’t exactly expect an error message when trying to locate abducted children and the criminals who kidnapped them, but that’s beside the point. And given that most computers don’t have an elephant key, we’ll assume White House keyboards are still intact.

In case you haven’t been keeping up, a quick history lesson: the House of Representatives - currently Republican controlled - proposed a budget in the days leading up to October 1st. Unfortunately, they were selective about what they funded. In other words, healthcare wasn’t on the agenda, which was problematic, since that’s the president’s new toy, and taking away politicians’ new toys is generally a bad idea.

A second proposal suggested delaying healthcare for another year.

In a conversation about the hiccups on the brand new website, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer seemed to agree. “If they had three years to get this ready,” he said; “if they weren’t fully ready, they should accept the advice that a lot of Republicans are giving them, delay it another year, get it ready,

or wrong, that means they’re doing exactly what they were organized to do: create balance.

want, to remedy a problem American insurance can’t fix.

Pointing fingers at a legislative branch that can’t “get it together”

Well, like I said. Just because government and efficiency have been

Oh, yeah. That’s what we’re doing.

and make sure it works.”

Given that we’re talking about a site that provides propaganda and a calculator, I’m going to suggest that it might also take some extra time to implement a healthcare plan that covers 314 million people. But then, the government may turn out to be wildly efficient on this one. You never know.

The Affordable Care Act is law, they say. It can’t be changed.

Like the Medes and the Persians, we’ll stand here and be eaten by lions, ‘cuz that’s how this works.

(I wouldn’t mention the implemented delays for businesses, or the fourteen wording changes, that have occurred since it was “signed into law.”

It’s a sore point.)

As Thomas Sowell wisely reminds us, this was the reason for a government with three sepa-

October 18 - October 31, 2013

rate branches. They are checks and balances for each other. Our executive branch has decided that we need healthcare.

Our judicial branch has upheld the validity of a legal requirement to enforce the purchase of healthcare.

And our legislative branch just stood up and said, “No.” Right

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is like a pilot who blames his plane’s reaction to turbulence on the spinning instruments.

Or like a political opportunist who sees widespread disease in other countries, and blames it on the absence of an agenda that coerces healthy people into buying a product they don’t

mutually exclusive in the past is no guarantee that they won’t settle their differences before federal workers start perishing in the street.

After all, at this point, adding money to the Affordable Care Act to pay for starvation treatment would be practically impossible.

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Calendar of Events The 3rd Annual Ully Fest Oct 19

10AM-4PM Music, Games, Food, Prizes. Enjoy live Bluegrass, Pumpkin Carving, Red Ryder BB Gun Challenge, Product and Craftsman Demonstrations, Prizes and lots more good old fashioned fun.

Hispanic Heritage Festival Oct 19th

Swan Creek in Athens from 1-5PM. Games, Dances, Food Sampling, Salsa Lessons, Face Painting and lots of fun. Music by DJ Ed. At 2PM there will be an “Arroz Con Pollo Contest”. This event is for the whole community to come together and learn about each other’s cultures and customs. www.athensplus.com/HispanicHeritageMonth2013.htm

“The Flashbacks” Classic Showband Dinner Show Oct 19th

For more information contact info@yesterdaysevents.com (256) 2322506 or go to www.yesterdaysevents.com

KOREA: The Forgotten War REMEMBERED Oct 20th

2:00PM. A Jackie Greenhaw Fundraising Production for the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives Sunday, Show will be held at Limestone County Senior Center 912 W Pryor, Athens - Tickets for the show are $10.00 & on Sale now at the Alabama Veterans Museum 100 W. Pryor St. Athens, AL.

4:30-7:30 www.friendshipumc.org/harvestfest

Customer Appreciation Day Oct 29

Customer Appreciation Day at the Habitat ReStore in Athens. The past two months have been some of the best and we want to show our appreciation. The public is welcome to come take advantage of specials and free hot dogs, chips and drinks. The ReStore is open from 8:30 – 5pm with the grill firing up at 10:30.

Sherri Lovell Memorial 5K Nov 2nd

Sherri Lovell Memorial 5K race @ 9:00am. This race honors the memory of Sherri Adams and all those who lost their fight with breast cancer. Money raised will benefit the Athens-Limestone Hospital Pink Elephant Mammogram Scholarship Fund. This program allows women in Limestone county without insurance or sufficient insurance to receive annual mammograms. Race begins at the Waddell Center 902 W. Washington Street, Athens, AL

Elkmont’s 1st Hilltop Arts Festival Nov 2

Over 30 booths of Tennessee Valley Artist’s arts and crafts including paintings, photography, handmade jewelry, henna, pottery, candles and much more. Art Market is free to the public. Admission is $10.00.

Visit www.facebook.com/hilltoparts.

Local Tellers’ Competition Oct 22nd

Storytelling starts off with our Local Tall Tellers giving their best stretch of the truth. The winner of this juried competition will join the professional tellers on Thursday Night Olio. Tickets are $5 and $2.50 for children. Pre-register pricing at www.AthensStorytellingFestival. com till Oct 9th. Call 256-777-4525 for more info.

Athens Storytelling Festival Oct 22-26

It’s going to be an exciting weekend. Check out the website - www. athensstorytellingfestival.com for more information. Contact: 256232-0400.

Rails to Trails Fall Color Ride or Walk Oct 26 & 27

This is the perfect time to see the fall colors on the Rails to Trails.

Leaves should be at peak and they are really beautiful. Come and take a nice walk or bring your bicycles or horses and enjoy the ride.

You can start at Veto Methodist Church north entrance or Mitchell Coffman Park on Piney Chapel Road at the south entrance. You can also park in downtown Elkmont and enjoy the beauty of the trail.

Contact: 256-732-4211.

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Friendship Harvest Fest October 27th

Veterans’ Day Parade Nov 9th

The Annual Athens Veterans’ Day Parade will be Nov 9th at 11:00 AM. Grand Marshalls this year will be honoring Ms. Alice Rogers, WWII Cadet Nurse; Ms. Carmen Montgomery, WWII Army Nurse Corps and Ms. Louise Steele of DAR will be the honorary Grand Marshall.

To participate in this year’s parade contact Roxanne Haggermaker at 256-374-2073 or Sandy Thompson at 256-771-7578

Ardmore Veterans’ Day Ceremony and Stew Nov 11

11:00 AM Ardmore Veterans’ Organization will hold their annual Veterans Day Ceremony and chicken stew November 12th at 10:30 AM at the Ardmore, TN Annex building located at 26349 Main Street.

Contact 931-427-2124.

ONGOING EVENTS The Friends of the Athens-Limestone Public Library hold used book sales on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and on the 1st Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The sale is held at the library, 405 E. South St. For further information, please call (256) 232-1233.

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October 18 - October 31, 2013

Special Feature

Prairie Child Design Boutique And Consignment

by Donna Brown and Ali Elizabeth Turner

Donna Brown, owner of Prairie Child Design, is an Athens native and graduate of Tanner High. She has done everything from floral design to interiors, painting to sculpture, and in 2011 started her line of inarguably whimsical clothing. She also makes jewelry, has several consigners with the same “vibe,” and is looking for vendors who have Art Deco furniture, homemade clothing, genuine vintage pieces, quilts, rugs, antiques, and more. Donna is a commissioned artist, having painted a mural for the Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, KY. Her sign on the outside of the cabin that says, “Shoes optional, Cash only” made me laugh, and off came my shoes as we chatted outside on the porch.The following is her story, and I know you will enjoy her tale and her terrifically fun creations.

Shop a little boutique in an authentic log cabin. Location: 1221 Kelli Drive #A Athens, AL 35611, (behind the Cracker Barrel). Before I start, I would just like to say I love creating new fashion by “up-cycling” old clothes. It is one of my favorite things to do. Every piece is different because every blouse is different. I can add bits and pieces of vintage lace, or just tattered fabric. It is a creation of love because I love what I do. All my pieces are one of a kind—no two will ever be alike.

I am constantly searching for unique blouses, vintage doilies, old buttons, handmade laces, and silk and satin ribbons so the finished piece is a wearable piece of art. I use a 1919 Singer treadle sewing machine that has been electrified. It has a single stitch and no reverse, but I love it. I sew barefoot with an old radio

coordinating pieces to create a whole new item.

Blouses, skirts and even totes all have a wonderful look when a brocade, a wool and a cotton come together in colors of plum, black and plaid in a finished item. Mixing fabrics for the texture and color, (and for the aesthetics,) is so much fun! So, do keep an eye out to see what I have created next.

I DO NOT USE A PATTERN, and all sizes are approximate.

My clothes for the most part are meant to be worn loosely so they can be layered over camisoles and tanks, or skirt

playing and a little antique fan blowing gently over my shoulder. I spread things on the worn wood floor, then stand back and look at all the pieces in order to decide how I may put them together.

Welcome to my little part of the world!

I enjoy taking a dress, blouse, shirt or skirt, and just ripping it apart. I may add vintage crochet doilies, mother of pearl buttons, handmade lace, old rhinestones, pieces of tattered ribbon, bits of other blouses, most anything that I think will bring the piece together. Each one has its own simple beauty.

Now after all that creating, I may leave it white, give the piece a tea bath, or give it a color of age, causing each and every piece to have a truly unique look, and giving you wearable art. Tea can create dark stains in a piece, but it just gives it more character.

There may be an imperfection in the fabric, such as a little

October 18 - October 31, 2013

hole or stain. If I don’t like it, I’ll cover it with a piece of lace or tattered fabric.

My BOHEMIAN PRAIRIE line is created in the same way as the tea dyed line, only many colors are used to create this colorful line! I like to use several different

over skirt, or a pair of pantaloons under a skirt. The sky is the limit on how to wear my clothing. They can be dressed up or down. Think--your favorite faded jeans and boots with old rhinestones or black

leggings, flats and pearls. A touch of red lipstick, and you are ready to go!

SIZE: Most of my pieces do not have a size. I want YOU to try on the piece YOU like.

You won’t have to worry about what size it is. Remember, if you want to layer, go one size up so that it hangs the way I designed it to hang.

Here is a small example of my work on a real person. The photographer is Tori Lawrence. http://animoto.com/play/ h501qAewZ10XvOe1Zypeag PUBLICATION: Altered Couture Magazine I hope you’ll come to the cabin soon, wander around in my world, and join the ones who say that they “come in smiling and leave laughing!”

Prairie Child

Boutique and Consignment 1221 Kelli Drive #A, Athens, AL (behind the Cracker Barrel on 72) HOURS: Wed-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3 PHONE: 256-206-5347 prairiechilddesign.blogspot.com prairie.child.design@gmail.com

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Tourism

What A Difference A Year Makes!

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

Our 2012-2013 year has come to an end. What an unbelievable year for Tourism and for myself! This time last year, I had no idea I would be promoting all of Limestone County’s community tourism activities.

I’m really looking forward to 2014...from Car Shows to Rodeos, Beauty Pageants to themed Festivals, and I’ll be telling you all about them!

As always, October is one of our busiest months. Not only is it beautiful with the many captivating fall colors, but Mother Nature generally allows us to enjoy the cooperation of the cooler, drier weather, too.

October began with an exceptional attendance to Fiddlers’, sold out Haunts Walks, Relay for Life Fit as a Fiddle 5K, and the last Cruise In for this year. The up-coming events are the Hispanic Heritage Festival, Ully Fest, Pink Elephant Luncheon, “KOREA: The Forgotten War REMEMBERED,” and the month will close out with the Storytelling Festival.

This past weekend we watched as a ‘Reinvention of the South’ took place.

Goat Cheese has never made such an impression on a town as Belle Chevre and Tasia Malakasis has in Elkmont, AL. On Saturday, October 12th, 2013, it was as if the whole town of Elkmont had come out for the “Southern Reinvention” and Grand Opening of Belle Chevre’s

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new creamery. However, the majority of the guests were not from Elkmont, they had come from surrounding communities to welcome the award winning cheese maker and to enjoy the festivities.

A ‘hands on’ cheese making activity was very popular. I was delighted to be the first guest to make goat cheese in the new creamery! I produced a pure white 3 oz. tube of goat cheese made fresh in the new Belle Chevre 8000 sq. ft. creamery. The Creamery itself has been reinvented from a century year old cotton warehouse.

Now looking ahead, we are putting a new twist this year on the Storytelling Festival.

We are blessed in Limestone County to have some really great speakers. Some may say we even have some fine orators, then others would just call them “Tall Tellers”.

So, in honor or all those who like to stretch the truth, puff it up, embellish or just flat out lie, Tuesday night, October 22nd is just for you.

This will be the first time for “Amateur Night” at Storytelling.

cal Polk Sallet actor, dancer, director and sometimes he impersonates Dr. Seuss. Yes, Mr. Frank Travis will be a competitor.

suspense and drama. He is very accomplished as a Polk Sallet actor, a Cemetery Stroll character and as a

The line up or ‘lie up’ will be Athens finest.

● We know this first teller as the person who started the Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo.

He has been a State Trooper, served in the US Marine Reserves and has been our favorite sheriff for the past 30 years, Sheriff Mike Blakely.

● This next person is the former Mayor of Athens and now a member of the Alabama House of Representatives, Dan Williams. I’m sure he has a few tall tales he can share!

● A man dear to my heart is known as “Coach” to many Athens High graduates. He is currently known for being a ‘player’ all over town.

Our local Athens Dulcimer Group player, and Limestone County Hall of Fame member, Jerry Todd will be tough to beat.

Haunts Walks Tour Guide. ● And last but not at all least is Charlie Hughes.

Charlie has been the MC for Storytelling, Car Shows and our local Festivals. He really knows how to keep the show going, plus he works at UG White, where I’m sure Bob White has been coaching him for weeks.

So come out on Tuesday night, pay your $5 and have a ton of laughs. The 7th Annual Athens Storytelling Festival is October 22th – 26th. The school children will get to attend free on October 23rd & 24th thanks to our local legislators.

● Someone you don’t want to meet in the courtroom is Athens City Attorney, Shane Black. Shane is flawless when it comes to building

For information about the above events and other Athens-Limestone County events call 256-2325411/256-867-1438 or visit our website www.Visit AthensAL.com.

● This smooth talker is a triple threat. He is a lo-

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October 18 - October 31, 2013

7950 Hwy 72 Suite A Madison, AL

October 18 - October 31, 2013

Clothing • Shoes • Jewelry • Costumes • Books • Toys • CD's • Videos

• Software • Furniture • Home Decor • Bedding • Glassware • Appliances • Antiques

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

The Wonders Of Our Water Supply

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

When Mayor Marks and I get together every two weeks for his interview, often we spend time thinking about and discussing the things for which we are grateful.

The Mayor is just back from the 66th annual American Water Works Association (AWWA) conference which was held in Memphis, and he is grateful, both for having had the chance to learn about what is involved in producing our water, as well as the people that are “on the wall” distributing and keeping watch over our water.

The AWWA is the largest organization of folks associated with producing safe, clean, affordable water for cities and municipalities in America,

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and has over 50,000 members. They include techs, scientists, operators, administrators, and all who are involved in a gigantic undertaking that we often take for granted. Mayor Marks was accompanied by Councilman Jimmie Gill, John Stockton, and others from our water department. This was a regional convention, being attended by water workers and city governments from Alabama and Mississippi, and representing about 4,000 local utility companies.

“We take water seriously,” he told me, “and we always have, but now I understand

much more about what is involved in keeping

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Athens supplied with an abundance of good water.” He went on to tell me some of the things he learned. “John (Stockton) certifies his employees, and they have to know how to deal with everything from chlorine levels, corrosion in pipes, and making watersheds.”

He continued, “But the most critical thing is that there is no contamination.”

Contamination can come from backflow as well as sewage seeping in to the supply.

“Our water department works hard, and they are one of the wide range of services supplied by the City of Athens to its citizens. But, people need to understand that we have a whole system of 100 year old pipes under our city, and they are going to need to be replaced soon.”

On an average day in Athens, we go through about 4.5 million gallons of water, and have the capacity at present to produce up to 13.5 million per day. Given how we are growing, that will hold us for awhile, but we have to prepare as a city for the fact that the attractiveness of our town is drawing people from all over the country, and while growth may be uncomfortable, it is one of the things that proves that our city is not just a city, it is a community, and a great place to live.

I asked him how our water department interacts with those who have their own water supply, pump or otherwise. “We will come and test for safety, make suggestions and act in an advisory capacity,” he said. “We are dedicated to having safe drinking water for everybody,” he added.

We then chatted about the upcoming events in Athens, i.e. Storytellers’ and the Korean War memorial event that is being produced by Jackie Greenhaw, and is going to be held this Sunday, October 20th at the Senior Center. And then it was time to go, but not before we prayed, always my favorite part. Water and worship are blessings indeed, and they are some of the things that make Ronnie roll.

October 18 - October 31, 2013

October 18 - October 31, 2013

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SOUTHERN SATELLITES 256-232-6445 26978 US HWY 72 #A ATHENS, AL 35613

Clean and Green

Tips To Have A Creatively Green Halloween

by Lynne Hart

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year.

The night air is cool, the leaves dance in the wind as they fall from the trees, and the kitchen is filled with the wonderful smells of chili on the stove, apple pies, and at my house, homemade chicken soup.

bounty. Decorate with fall leaves, pumpkins, and gourds.

fun!

● Choose to decorate an uncarved pumpkin.

It will hold up much longer and, after washing it thoroughly, you can use

“Pumpkin Uncarved Decorations”

It is also the time when we prepare for fall festivals and Thanksgiving. I really do wish the Christmas decorations would stay in the stock rooms at least until after Halloween!

Here are some tips to add some creativity to your earth-friendly celebrations. ● Choose high-quality decorations that will hold up to many years of use rather than disposable decorations.

Better yet...use fall’s

Photo: Alexandra Vietti

“Halloween quality décor”

Photo: Etsy user TheCharmingCart it to make baked pumpkin seeds and pumpkin pie.

Check out this link for a Pumpkin Seed Brittle

recipe: www.joyofbaking.com/candy/PumpkinSeedBrittle.html ● Use your uncarved

pumpkin to celebrate TWO holidays by using removable decorations: Decorate your pumpkin as a ghost with a piece of a white sheet and draw a face with black marker, then switch to a Thanksgiving theme . Let the kids use their imaginations! ● Create costumes with items you already have.

Purchasing a costume can be very expensive and they rarely hold up for reuse. ● Let your children walk from door to door, and consider walking with them if you can. Driving behind your children wastes gas. Walking is the best exercise and you will be right with your children to enjoy their

● Hand out healthy treats, or forget the candy altogether! Kids love fun-colored pencils, boxes of crayons, and other useful items that can be found at your local stores. ● Use Halloween as a teaching moment by instructing your children to keep their candy wrappers off the ground. Take an extra bag with you to hold trash until you return home. ● Provide reusable plates and utensils at your holiday parties.

Disposable plates can’t be recycled and end up in the landfill.

Most importantly, enjoy the holidays with your children. The best way to keep your children safe is to be with them as they enjoy Fall Festivals and Trick-or-Treating. Have fun and create memories that will last much longer than the candy in their bags.

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com Page 12

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October 18 - October 31, 2013

Cooking with Shelley

Pretzel Bark

by Shelley Underhill

This tasty treat can be cooked up and ready in no time. Ms. Tammy from Arabella’s Cakes and Catering just dropped some by.

What a tasty treat it was for my family and me.

Try some and let me know what you think! You can contact me at shelleysdesk@gmail.com.

Enjoy!

What you will need: 8 oz. white almond bark - melted 1/2 cup mini pretzels 1/2 cup candy corn 1/2 cup dried cranberries Line an 8-inch baking pan with foil. Melt almond bark in the microwave; once melted, pour onto foil and spread evenly. Sprinkle pretzels, candy corn and cranberries onto melted bark; place into freezer until firm.

Break into pieces and serve.

October 18 - October 31, 2013

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Page 13

Learning As A Lifestyle

Granny’s Afghans

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 This past weekend we had a yard sale. Every time I finish a yard sale, I say I will never do that again. But before I know what is happening, there is more junk in the closet and no more room to put the new junk in, so it is time to do another one.

Part of the fun of yard sales is going though the stuff that you want to discard. Most of the time, you just pile up your stuff, stick a price on it and let it go to its new home. But sometimes it is hard to decide to let it go.

In going though closets, I found two boxes I had not unpacked since I moved to Athens. Since I had not used the stuff in three years, it could obviously go to the yard

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sale. One box was of full of curtains. When you move regularly, you tend to keep curtains in case they will go with your next house. They never do! Measure, label, stick a price on it – good to go.

The second box was full of afghans. At first I wanted to get rid of them because they have not been used in about 20 years. But. . . they were hand crafted by my children’s Great-Grandmother. You can’t give afghans made by Granny away and no one would pay the price you would put on them.

Edith Godwin was a midwife in Homerville, Georgia until she was well into her 60’s. She was one of the nicest peo-

ple I ever met. She was always kind, and welcomed me into her family like I was born into it.

She always made me feel like she was really glad to see me.

Her afghans were hand made with each person in mind. Mine was red because I always wore red.

Ben’s was blue because he was the first born son.

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Shannon’s was pink – at the time everything she owned was pink. Everyone had their personal color and the design was open or tight, depending on your preference. Crocheting is a vanishing skill, but I am pleased to announce that all is not lost.

At the Center for Lifelong Learning we are bringing back the basics.

We offer classes in sewing, crocheting and knitting. The next crochet basics class will be October 22-29 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. This class will include making a chain, single and double crochet, and other basic crochet stitches. You will learn how to follow a pattern and where to find patterns on the internet.

The fee is $45, which includes all supplies.

November 2nd will bring classes in Making Gingerbread Houses and a Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration. In the Dutch Oven class, anything you can cook in your oven or crock pot, you can cook in a Dutch oven in less time.

Whether you are cooking a meal or something sweet, a Dutch oven will make it taste great.

Join Miles Duncan as he demonstrates Dutch oven cooking the easy way. Lunch is included in the fee.

You can get ready for the holidays in the Making Gingerbread House class. Nothing makes a more impressive centerpiece during the holidays than a homemade gingerbread house, and they are not as hard to make as they might seem. Join Suzanne Schrimsher as she puts together a gingerbread house, and shows you the tips and tricks to make it easy.

Class is open to ages 11 and up. Students will take home their project.

All supplies included in fee.

Learning is both easy and enjoyable at the Center for Lifelong Learning, and yes, even practical!

October 18 - October 31, 2013

October 18 - October 31, 2013

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Page 15

Cover Story

A New Kind Of Health Care

continued from page 1

the patient focuses on prevention of disease, instead of just waiting to see which disease will come to claim his life, then hoping the doctors will be able to give him a few more years.

This simple idea of prevention, through providing the body with the nutrients it needs at the onset or before disease arises, will change health care FOREVER! The way it works is quite simple. If a person has high cholesterol, there are certain supplements the person will need to help the cardiovascular system to heal. Instead of drugging the patient, we believe in giving the body what it needs to heal and the most miraculous thing happens: IT DOES! In the case of high cholesterol, we can take John J. as an example.

John says, “I came to Herbs and More about 6 months ago with high cholesterol.

My doctor said I will have to take Zocor if I cannot get my cholesterol down in the next few months.

I did not want to take a drug with so many side effects, so I decided I would take a trip to Herbs and More to see if there were natural ways to lower it.

Page 16

After speaking with Seth Williams for about 5 or

10 minutes, and telling him what was going on, he recommended I take 3 products: Plaqterol, MSM+C and Dieters’ DeLite (since I needed to lose a few lbs) and make a few changes to my diet. I am happy to report that in the last 6 months my cholesterol went down by 38 points, good cholesterol has gone up also, and I have lost 32lbs! I feel like a new man with a new lease on life!”

it was recommended I start taking G-Factor, Feminine Factors and Dieters’ DeLite. In about a month I noticed I was having many more happy moments than sad, and by the end of 2 months, I had dropped 15lbs, was back to my old self, and my knees have stopped hurting all together!

I just can’t thank the helpful people at Herbs and More enough!”

TESTOSTERONE James says, “I went to Herbs and More because

by Seth Williams

increasing testosterone to help you to feel better, and thought I could use some “feel better.” I got some Muscle Test, and WOW, man, it was like super juice!!! In about 5 days I noticed when I got up in the mornings, I had slept like a baby, and had energy all day.

No “2pm feeling” and my brain seemed to be working for the first time in 10 years! In 2 weeks, I was laughing and cutting up with everyone, and my buddies at work were asking me what had happened. I just told

and my knees still hurt.

He put me on stronger medication and my knees hurt, and I was constipated and I could not think. Seth gave me a CD on MSM+C and told me about the studies that had been done on it; about how it lubricated joints, increased healing time, helped digestion and all kinds of stuff.

Since taking that I have stopped taking pain medication all together, I am regular and my knees are 90% better. They don’t even hurt at all, (unless I do something crazy,) and I think they will just get better from here.”

HEART DISEASE

HORMONES Donna says, “I went to Herbs and More because my hormones were getting the best of me and my family. I would just sit and cry sometimes for no reason at all. I needed

I had lost all energy.

I just felt tired all the time, and my get up and go just got up and left!

them to go to Herbs and More and ask them about boosting testosterone! I have energy now, I have also lost about 12lbs and I am 55 years old and feel like I am 25!”

ARTHRITIS

to lose about 20lbs, and my knees were grinding.

After talking about this,

I didn’t have any drive for anything anymore, and I had heard about

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Steve says, “My knees hurt. That is why I went there, plain and simple.

The doctor had put me on pain medications,

Joseph says, “When I had a heart attack, I knew things had to change. I could not get my breath, was out of energy, I was on blood pressure medication, cholesterol medication, a pain killer for my arthritis, and I just felt like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. I worried about my health and how much longer I could last like this. One day I saw an ad about Dieters’ DeLite and thought maybe that would help me, but

October 18 - October 31, 2013

after talking to Seth for a while, he gave me a CD about the heart to listen to, and told me that may be more important than weight loss at this time. I was impressed that he didn’t just try to sell me something, so I listened to his CD, and when I got home, I found myself sitting in my driveway, waiting for the end of that CD. Before it ended, I turned my car around and went back to Herbs and More.

I am so glad I did. Since then my blood pressure is normal without drugs, my cholesterol is almost normal, I can walk where I want without being winded any longer, and my energy is back! That Heart and Dieters’ DeLite is an amazing combination of products!!!”

MASSAGE Last week, a new study found that massage really does work to ease those sore muscles after a tough workout. Just 10 minutes can reduce inflammation, which can help your body recover.

However,

the

health

benefits of touch extend beyond simply soothing aches and pains. Of course, the stressed-out have been proponents of the anxiety-busting

procedure for decades.

But a growing body of research suggests that a rubdown is even better for you than you think. It now looks like massage may help with managing anxiety and stress, decreasing stiffness and pain, improving sleep, boosting the immune system, helping with the bloating and irritability of PMS, raising alertness, curbing headaches, improving lymphatic drainage for better looking, fuller skin, and may ease cancer treatment. Herbs and

More utilizes massage therapy with the help of Jason Mitchell for these and many other ailments.

VIBERROBICS Muscles With Whole Body Vibration, you may expect similar strength gains to conventional resistance/ gym training in a fraction of the time. Scientific studies have proven these rapid strength gains.

A 10 minute Vibration workout may give similar benefits to a one hour gym session!

Accelerated Loss

Weight

The way we look, feel, and function all rely on strong muscles. Even at rest, our muscles burn calories at a rate based on our metabolism. The more lean muscle mass we have - the more calories we burn!

Vibration Training may give a sluggish metabolism just the boost it needs...up to an 18% increase from 10 minute sessions, just 3 times a week over 6 weeks. (Bonner Physical Therapy, 2003).

So even when relaxing, you may be burning through considerably more calories with Vibration Training!

October 18 - October 31, 2013

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Combined with a cardio workout, you have the complete package, firming and toning and optimum weight loss!

machine at our Grand Opening on Saturday, October 19th from 10am to 2pm! Come see us!

Firming & Toning

Preventive health is the NEW HEALTH CARE, fully 90% of all disease can be prevented by proper nutrition according to Dr. Mercola, and we at Herbs and More are here to provide you the BEST supplements catered to your specific needs.

They cover nutrition for autoimmune disorders, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cancer, and fibromyalgia, to low testosterone, low energy, poor sex drive, hormone imbalance, chronic fatigue, low immune system and weight loss. It is our belief that God made the human body to heal itself provided it has the raw materials to do so, and we intend to give your body those materials so you can live a long healthy, happy, energetic life with the greatest quality and quantity of life possible.

Lost a lot of weight?

Then you’ll know how difficult it is to maintain muscle tone. The fact is...weight loss does not discriminate between fat and muscle. So if you lose 10 lbs/kgs of fat, you may lose 1 lb/kg of muscle, and lean muscle is very hard to replace. The best way to preserve muscle is through resistance exercise. With WBV, this may be accomplished far more efficiently than conventional weight training in the gym.

Beauty What woman wouldn’t appreciate a beauty treatment 3-5 times a week? Using Vibration Training may improve circulation, carry vital oxygen to your cells and tissues, assist in flushing toxins, while increasing your production of collagen.

This may result in firmer, smoother skin and significantly REDUCE cellulite!!!

Research shows that with just 3 sessions a week (11 hours total over 24 weeks), it may be possible to reduce cellulite on your thighs and buttocks by a massive 25.7%! (Sanaderm. Anti Cellulite Untersuchung, 2003) More benefits may include but are not limited to increased circulation, (great for diabetics) stronger bones and simply feeling good! The great thing is it is easy and fast! Come by Herbs and More and check it out! We will be unveiling the VIBERROBICS

These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.

Herbs and More 935 B Hwy 72 Athens, AL 256-233-0073 (In the Dollar Tree Shopping Center) Facebook: herbsandmoreathens

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Health and Fitness

What Is A Rotator Cuff?

by Janet Hunt

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

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles in the shoulder, connecting the upper arm called the humerus to the shoulder blade called the scapula. The rotator cuff tendons provide stability to the shoulder; and the muscles allow the shoulder to rotate.

helps relieve pain.

● Physical therapy: Various exercises can improve flexibility and strength of the other muscles in the rotator cuff. This increased strength can help compensate for a rotator cuff problem.

● Occupational therapy: Similar to physical therapy, occupational therapy for rotator cuff injuries focuses on daily tasks that require shoulder movements.

The muscles in the rotator cuff include: ● Teres minor ● Infraspinatus ● Supraspinatus ● Subscapularis Each muscle of the rotator cuff inserts at the shoulder blade (scapula), and has a tendon that attaches to the humerus. Together, they form a cuff around the humerus.

Rotator Cuff Conditions

● Rotator cuff tear: An injury tears a rotator

cuff tendon that has been weakened by age or overuse. Symptoms include pain and weakness in the arm.

painting or throwing) causes a painful strain injury. Rest, ice, and pain relievers are usually effective treatments.

● Rotator cuff tendonitis: Repetitive overhead use of the arms (such as

● Rotator cuff impingement: The tendons of the rotator cuff are squeezed between the humerus and part of the scapula called the acromion. Symptoms and treatment of impingement are similar to tendinitis.

tory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, or other medicines can be used to relieve the pain. ● Corticosteroid injections: Cortisone or another anti-inflammatory steroid medicine is injected into the shoulder. The reduction in inflammation

● Arthroscopic surgery: A surgeon operates through small incisions, using an arthroscope (a tube with a camera and tools on its end). The torn rotator cuff tendon is reattached to the bone.

● Traditional surgery: Through a larger incision, a surgeon cuts through the muscles and other tissues to reach a torn rotator cuff tendon.

The tendon can then be reattached to the bone.

● Frozen shoulder: The humerus adheres to the shoulder blade, causing shoulder pain and stiffness. Symptoms usually resolve with time and exercise, or steroid injections.

Complete Property Maintenance, LLC

256-497-6447

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● Bursitis: Inflammation of the small sac of fluid (bursa) that cushions the rotator cuff tendons from the acromion of the scapula.

Rotator Cuff Treatments ● Pain medicines: Nonsteroidal anti-inflamma-

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October 18 - October 31, 2013

Special Feature

The Serendipity Of The Summer Arts Stroll

by Pam Hartmann

The Arts League is actively planning children’s art camps, special art events and extensive educational and entertainment opportunities that will continue to advance the arts in the local community. Always eager to share their passion for art with children, the League provided an art station in the Kid’s Activities area at the recent Athens Grease Festival. Recycled plastic bottles and other materials became whimsical birds and fish at the hands of the delighted children and Arts League volunteers. The bright animals were strung up on mobiles and could be seen swinging happily in the wind throughout the festival.

Sunny afternoons in Athens got a little sweeter in 2013 with the introduction of the Summer Arts Strolls held on Fourth Fridays. Athens Arts League, formerly Art on the Square, offered art and music on The Limestone County Courthouse lawn with the hopes of bringing people out to enjoy the shops, restaurants and ambience of our historic downtown. With the group’s reputation for

Photos courtesy Sonya Gordon

More exciting art news is in the works downtown as the Athens Arts League, which is a branch of Spirit of Athens, partners with art benefactor Jim Batson of the HC Blake Company in order to offer a studio arts center to this community. The league will begin work on High Cotton Arts in November and hopes to be in an early operational phase within four to six month. Athens Arts League will occupy the storefront of the WE Estes building. They will oversee and direct the progress of this arts center that will include several studio rental spaces, indoor and outdoor class rooms and gallery space. excellence and dedication to arts and downtown revitalization, come out they did! From art aficianados to sweethearts young and old,, walking hand in hand, the sidewalks on the square were full of smiling folks enjoying the colorful bounty from the many local and regional artists. Children frolicked with hoola-hoops while shoppers enjoyed the sultry strains of live music drifting through the square.

A variety of media was presented, from ceramics, to jewelry, to fabric art and more.

A newcomer to the Athens arts scene, although not new to Athens herself, was Dana Hickman and her unique Knot Sew New Aprons & More. A natural born designer and selftaught seamstress, Hickman has always loved sewing and design, even making her own clothes with whatever was on hand as a young girl and still today. Her true passion is taking old clothes and make something completely new.

Inspired by color and because she’s sentimental, Hickman is drawn to cotton and vintage fabrics and and feels that each

October 18 - October 31, 2013

piece holds a unique story.

Nostalgia is a big factor and Hickman incorporates retro skirts, dresses, handkerchiefs and scarves into the designs.

She searches for finds at estate sales, thrift stores, yard sales and often receives donations of old quilts and clothes from friends.

Hickman reports “I’m just looking for fabric that’s looking to have a second chance.“ She coined the term “Kitchen Lingerie” to describe her pieces and quips “You don’t have to know how to cook, you just have to look like you do.”

life. “Cooking and sewing are not just a way to survive, but a way to express yourself,” Hickman said as she recounted vivid memories of standing on a chair at the stove, stirring and watching her grandmother’s every move. Raised in Lauderdale County, Dana shopped in downtown Athens as a child and has fond remembrances of visiting several of the stores still open on the square today. Dana relocated 10 years ago back to Athens and “Got a second chance to fall in love with Athens all over again.”

Hickman loves being southern and was greatly inspired by observing her grandmother’s simple, day-to-day

Married to Jim Hickman, accountant and former City Council Member, Dana was surprised to be invited to pres-

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ent at the Summer Arts Stroll.

She hadn’t looked at her textile work as art prior to that, but now recognizes that “Art is not just traditional media and I can use my designs, my sewing machine and my scissors to create art. Art is being original and creative and it is the basis of so much joy that we all need to experience.”

Dana set up a special display for the July stroll dedicated to the women of the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service Home Demonstration Clubs, fondly known as “The Tomato Clubs.”

The group of innovative women, including her grandmother, went out into rural areas and demonstrated the art of canning tomatoes. Hickman incorporated a vintage canner and other canning memorabilia as she displayed her specially-designed line of aprons for the display called “The Ladies of Summer.” As a nod to the Home Demonstration Clubs, each apron was named after an actual member of her grandmother’s club.

Dana goes on to say that “Being part of the Arts Stroll allowed me to meet other artists and helped me to discover who I really am. We networked and drew inspiration from one another. Anyone that didn’t make it to any of the Strolls this summer really missed out on a lot of talented artists we have in the area.”

Dana’s creative designs have also been featured in local Trunk Shows, All South Appliance’s regular Girl’s Night Out promotions in Madison and on her Knot Sew New Facebook page. Her email is theaprongirl@yahoo.com.

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Horse Whispering

Not For Sale

by Deb Kitchenmaster

Have you heard the statement, “Anything’s for sale if the price is right!”? I want to talk to you, dear readers, about a couple of things that must NOT be for sale in the hearts of individuals.

In June, I made a decision to fill out an application to attend an informational clinic at a horse ranch in Bend, Oregon.

My application was accepted and preparations were under way.

prayed over. Prayer is a way of life for this ranch. Why pray if you do not KNOW you are being heard? Faith is not for sale, therefore it cannot be bought! Faith works by love.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. With checkbook in hand to cover the expenses of putting a roof over one of the corrals on this ranch, this individual was kindly told, “No thank you.”

What? What is the logic behind that? Only the logic that the economy of God is different than the economy of man, and a leaky roof is better than a fettered soul.

Over one hundred of us gathered together on the site of a converted nine acre cinder pit to talk about dreams of rescuing horses and humans. I represented our beautiful state of Alabama!

Out of the thirty horses present on the ranch we were introduced to seven, hearing their rescue stories, and what message each brings to the humans that connect with them in one of the three corrals on the ranch. One of the horses rescued was from Louisiana when hurricane Katrina visited us with such force. When the levees broke, the water currents carried many away.

Days after, in the aftermath of this horrific storm, a horse was spotted alive, surrounded by water and debris on all sides.

Using chainsaws from their boat, men made an opening to free the horse. Upon investigation they discovered that the horse, while being swept away in the currents, found there was

a solid mound of dirt underneath his front hooves. When his hind legs reached that spot, the horse shifted all his weight and anchored down; waiting for help. The message: “Having done all, stand; help/hope is on its way.”

horses, mentoring staff, and providing a safe place for all who step foot on the land, I realized that on this ranch there are two specific things that are NOT FOR SALE. Horses cost money; youth

I heard some amazing true stories of some remarkable horses with a will to live and live! And, there were stories of humans who have suffered some huge traumas in life being touched with hope and healing, purpose and meaning, self-esteem capsulated with dignity, value and worth, as they in turn touched these incredible animals in a Christ centered environment.

from someone who has followed this proven ministry outreach for years.

In the midst of rescuing

don’t have any or much.

To successfully operate this type of outreach, support comes in from willing, giving souls, grants, fund raising cook-outs, etc. You can imagine how awesome it would have been for the ranch owner to be presented with an offer of a sizeable annual contribution

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I’m sure I was not the only one thinking, “Wow!” How generous, how kind, how caring, right? There was just one single, tiny, little, stipulation: don’t do the “God thing.” You know, like, pray, the Bible, that whole faith thing. In tenderness of heart and a living, breathing relationship with Christ Jesus, gratitude was expressed for the generous offer extended, along with, “I can’t accept.” How come?

The ranch’s ministry leader had an understanding of the value of rest. On rainy days they do board games, visit one-on-one, things like that.

On hot days they dunk their head in a water trough before they ride. Though serving is the lifestyle on this ranch, equally important is resting.

Rest is the other thing that cannot be bought.

Well meaning people come into our lives with their agendas and wants. Know what you’re about and stay true!

Surround yourself with people who know you and what your mission and vision are. Ask meaningful questions and decide if the answers are in line with what keeps you from being bought. Then, ride on!

Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster Corral Connections: Connecting with LIFE through a horse You see, each of the horses is prayed over. Each child, par- Animal B.E.S.T practitioner ent, youth, staff member is dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com

October 18 - October 31, 2013

October 18 - October 31, 2013

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Page 21

Medical Update

Impacting the Oral Health of Alabama’s Children

by Brandi Parris, Sarrell Dental

Sarrell Dental is a nonprofit in Alabama which treats children with Medicaid or ALLKids insurance. Founded in 2004, Sarrell Dental has grown to encompass 14 offices throughout the state along with a mobile dental bus which travels to schools across Alabama.

Since opening, Sarrell Dental has treated over 400,000 patients and has been nationally acknowledged for pioneering new methods as an oral health care provider in the non-profit

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realm. While many nonprofits have difficulty sustaining over long periods of time due to lack of donations or volunteer efforts, Sarrell Dental has proven that a selfsustaining non-profit is a reality.

With no long term debt

and over 200 employees, Sarrell Dental has taken dentistry to the next level - achieving a functional business model which is focused on treating the underserved. In addition, the Sarrell model has actually lowered the cost of care for the government. A prime example of this is Sarrell Dental’s

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reimbursement rate per patient in 2005, which was $328. In 2012, their reimbursement rate had dropped to $125 per patient. This proves that Sarrell Dental has had a significant impact in the oral health of Alabama’s children.

With the impact Sarrell Dental has had in the oral

health sector, they have received national attention from PBS Frontline and The Center for Public Integrity in the documentary “Dollars for Dentists.” Sarrell Dental was also recently recognized in the Ashoka Changemakers Transforming Health Systems: Game Changing Business Models in which they won second place out of this worldwide competition.

While Sarrell Dental is proud of their proven business model, they are more proud of what it has resulted in - the ability to treat children on a larger scale and have a lasting impact on the oral health of Alabama’s children.

October 18 - October 31, 2013

Security Savvy

Parking Lot Precautions

by Jim Doyle, owner of Madison Security Group 203 Us Highway 31 S, Athens, AL 35611 It is a Saturday morning, and you jump out of bed looking forward to a couple days off from work.

Good time to pick up a few things at the retail store, or hardware store.

Then it hits you that you have to survive the parking lot before you hit the shopping mall. For openers, you need to be aware of other drivers. Everyone is looking for that exclusive, convenient parking spot in the front by the entrance. As you drive down each lane, you come across the driver that goes against the arrow; why, nobody knows ,and then you have the teen driver, or the distracted parent on the phone, backing out without looking because they are on the phone, or texting and not paying attention.

Then there is that driver that will cause a jam up because they think that a customer is loading up their car in what would be the perfect parking spot, and they will wait until who knows when to get it. This really is no joke, I have seen children jump out of a car and run into the traffic lane and almost get hit because a driver is looking for a parking spot, and not paying attention. Children also will jump from a vehicle playing with their siblings, again not paying attention to a vehicle that had been parked next to them and has now started to move.

Then we have the food carriages (buggies to the Southern folk). I love it

when I see people empty their buggy and then push it into a parking space.

Along comes Mr./Mrs. Shopper as they turn into

considerate of others.

Now let us talk about the new rage called “sliding.� This is a situation

where people wait to see if a vehicle is left open or the window is down.

They park next to that vehicle, if possible, or they

walk by the vehicle and quickly remove any items of worth and slide away.

So please lock up your car, even if you are just a minute in the store or you are returning a buggy. The holiday season is close, so please be more vigilant in your awareness of your safety and that of your family. Remember, not all people are kind or honest, so using a little common sense will go a long way toward having a happy holiday season.

I have stressed in the past articles: do not flaunt cash while shopping. If possible, use a debit card, as this way you won’t have someone wanting your purse. As always, stay alert and stay safe.

a parking spot, and bang!

They hit that buggy, or it goes into another car or a person. Shopping parking lots have corrals that people should use to bring their buggies to, (normally not more than 15 feet away from their vehicles,) but they leave them in some of the worst places.

I have even seen Handicap areas loaded up with buggies. This is not fair to those people that need those spaces, and it forces them to move the buggies. In addition, I have witnessed buggies roll across a parking lot during a windy day and they can go pretty fast, hitting a vehicle or even worse, a person. So let take those few extra moments it takes to put the buggie in the proper place and be

October 18 - October 31, 2013

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Jerry’s Journal

Lady Luck Strikes Again

by Jerry Barksdale

Recently, I got lucky. It was back in the winter of 1948 when I was 7 years old. We lived on Bean Road in the Piney Chapel Community where we share-cropped cotton on Mr. Henry Binford’s place, and lived in a ratty old farmhouse with a tin roof and no insulation. It was heated by a wood-burning stove in one bedroom, which doubled for a living room. The rest of the house was closed off.

We drew water from a dug well located on the back porch and the outhouse was close by, which was a great convenience in the winter time. I was a 2nd grader at Piney Chapel where Miss Exie Holt was my teacher. The only thing I liked about school was getting to ride the yellow bus, where I learned to “match pennies” with older boys. Mama said it was gambling and a sin. I guess that’s the reason I liked to do it.

desk and I learned to write, (not very good,) but at least I was starting on the left margin.

A terrifying event occurred at school when a health department nurse came out to give shots.

We fell in line like ducks, rolled up our sleeves and some of the boys bragged about how they “weren’t afraid of a ‘li’l ole’ shot.”

The sight of the needle set off whimpering, and then crying, which spread like wildfire. Soon, all of us were crying and begging, even the braggarts.

That was only the beginning. Following our shot, someone said, “I’m sick.”

This caused the others to be ill. Pretty soon everybody was sick. Miss.

Exie put us on pallets until the hysteria passed.

That’s another reason I didn’t like school.

Then a bully shoved me off the porch steps into

prickly bushes. It was a girl. Other kids teased me, “Ha, ha, ha, he’s afraid of a girrrll, he’s afraid of a girrrll.” That’s another reason I didn’t like school.

That winter the dirt and gravel roads froze, then thawed, creating deep muddy ruts which made it impossible to travel, including the school bus.

That’s when my luck began to change. I didn’t have to attend school.

A hard freeze followed, making the roads again passable.

Mama got lucky also. She slipped on ice on the back porch and severely injured her back. She said she was the luckiest person in the world, that her back could have been broken.

Now that’s real luck!

I slept on a feather bed in an unheated north room where the slightest breeze caused the wall-

At school, I sat in a right-handed desk and had to twist around and crook my left arm in order to write. This caused me to begin my sentences on the right margin of the tablet and write backwards. Other kids were writing, but I couldn’t get the hang of it. Mama had birthed a moron. On the other hand, I was unique – the only kid in class who could write backward.

Finally, Miss. Exie obtained a left-handed

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paper to flap and pop.

Each night the water in the glass beside my bed froze solid. One cold night Mama stacked several quilts on top me and wrapped a heated brick in a towel and placed it at my feet. She said my prayers and kissed me on the forehead. “Good night punk’n, sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite.” The last thing I remember before falling asleep was hearing the cold north wind howling beneath the eaves of the house and rattling the tin. I woke early next morning, hot, sweaty and itchy. When I didn’t appear in the kitchen at my usual time and warm by the stove while Mama cooked breakfast, she came and checked on me.

“What’s wrong punk’n?”

“I don’t feel good,” I said.

She placed her hand on my forehead and wrinkled

her brow. “Young’un, you’re burning up with fever. You can’t go to school.”

That was wonderful news.

My condition worsened during the day.

Mama and Daddy hovered over the bed with worry on their faces.

“I think you need to get Dr. Darby out here,” Mama said to Daddy.

He walked to a neighbor’s house and called Dr. Darby in Athens.

That afternoon, Dr. Darby showed up with a red nose and carrying a black bag. He took my temperature, then pulled back the covers and placed a cold stethoscope to my chest and announced his diagnosis.

“Well, he has measles. I recommend that he drink a ‘Dr. Peppers’ twice a day until he recovers.”

Daddy walked down the frozen dirt road to Roy Hargrove’s store on Elkton Road and returned with a carton of ‘Dr. Peppers.’ I took my time recovering and managed to drink another carton of Dr. Pepper before my health improved.

Imagine, propped up in a warm feather bed, skipping school and drinking ‘Dr. Peppers.’ How lucky can a kid get?

Lady Luck was smiling on me. I immediately began planning on getting chicken pox, the mumps and the itch…

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