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October 21st - November 3rd, 2016

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

Kristi Valls For Limestone County District Attorney: Prosecution Above Politics

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

From The vets' Museum Elvis Is Coming To Town... OK, Ladies (and Gentlemen!) Get ready...Elvis is coming to town! Join us on Nov 12 at 6:00pm for Michael Dean and Memphis! This show, benefitting the Alabama Veterans Museum in honor of Veterans Day... Page 5

Special Feature Re-elect Ben Harrison As Limestone County Commissioner, District 4... In 2012, when I interviewed Ben Harrison during his successful campaign for Limestone County District 4 Commissioner, I was intrigued by his blend of... Page 19

Special Feature Re-Elect Brian C.T. Jones As Limestone County District Attorney... As a former Eagle Scout, Brian Christopher Templeman Jones learned early in life to always give back and help others... Page 21

October 21 - November 3, 2016

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Former Limestone County District Attorney Kristi Valls served Alabama as a prosecutor for over 20 years, several of which were from the DA’s office located in the basement of the courthouse. The election in Novem-

Continued on page 15

Snapdragon Kids: A Charming Children’s Shop On The Square By Ali Elizabeth Turner It has been three years since Tiffany Seibert and her family opened Snapdragon Kids, a truly charming children’s apparel and gift Continued on pages 17

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October 21 - November 3, 2016

Publisher’s Point

Casting A Ballot With A Pinched Nostril

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Copy Editor Rachel Clark

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers Janet Hunt Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Paul Foreman Shelley Underhill Jackie Warner Sandra Thompson Rosemary Dewar Deb Kitchenmaster Rachel Clark, RN

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 From The Vets' Museum . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 The Millennial Mind . . . . . . 9 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Shelley . . . . 13 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 The View From The Bridge . . 16 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . 20

This particular Publisher’s Point really is not intended for the people of North Alabama or Southern Tennessee, but for the national and international folks who read the online version at www. athensnowal.com. There is no doubt that Trump will carry Alabama, and I don’t think there are many in our fair state that could be swayed at this point to change their minds when it comes to who should be the 45th President of the United States of America. But just in case there are those elsewhere who are on the fence, I am going to wade into the poo and doo and put in my two shekels as to why I think the Donald is the only reasonable choice for POTUS. And, let the record reflect, I do so reluctantly. Do I like him? Nope. Am I going to vote for him? Yep. Have I lost my mind? Hopefully not. Then, why would I vote for someone who at this point seems to be a bull in the china shop, and is on steroids? Because, from my point of view, he is the only one with the mettle, the money, and the moxie to stop the Clintons, and if we have a snowball’s chance in a very hot place of surviving as a culture, that is Job One. It took an inarguably boorish Winston Churchill to overcome the damage of dilettante caused by the supposedly superior statesmanship of Neville Chamberlain. Neville, however, was no match for Adolph Hitler,

Special Feature . . . . . . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Foreman's Forum . . . . . . . . 23

October 21 - November 3, 2016

just as Hillary is no match for Ayman Al-Zawahiri, let alone any heavy hitters from ISIS. And, I don’t believe it’s ugly to say that her health is not strong enough to “bow up” (pronounced bō, Southern slang for “resist”) to the beheaders. But, leaving the Land of Nuance for a moment, let us remember that Hillary,

in her own words, is “in awe” of Margaret Sanger, who founded Planned Parenthood 100 years ago. In addition, Hillary was the recipient of their Margaret Sanger Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. What did Margaret believe, by her own admission? Well, for starters, here’s a sampling: “Colored people are like weeds and are to be exterminated.” “We don’t want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population.” “Slavs, Latin, and Hebrew immigrants are human weeds…a deadweight of human waste. Blacks,

soldiers and Jews are a menace to the race.” Ok, no one would ever call me a math maven, but even I remember some of my Algebra from close to 50 years ago: “If A equals B, and B equals C, then A equals C.” So, applied to this piece, if Hillary is in awe of Margaret, and Margaret unapologetically wants to eradicate

blacks, Slavs, Latins, Hebrews, soldiers and Jews, then should someone ask Hillary what it is that she truly wants, besides the Presidency? And while I would like to give Donald a piece of my mind for his completely inappropriate comments, I am not so sure that the words of the women who are currently coming out of the woodwork as his accusers are to be trusted. And here I am, one who is trained at the graduate level in ministerial counseling, with years of experience dealing with victims of sexual abuse, having to take a hard look at the inviolate rule of therapy: always believe a child or a

woman when they say they have been abused. To not believe in the absence of actual proof comes close to violating my conscience, and I am not at all happy about the prospect of considering the possibility that these women are lying about something so sacred. Here is what I do know: what goes around comes around, and that applies to both Donald and Hillary. And here’s what else I know: on Donald’s watch there have been really embarrassing things said, and on Hillary’s watch people have died. But, if she truly admires Margaret, and Margaret thinks soldiers are a menace to the race, then the only reasonable thing to do is cast your ballot for Donald, even if you have to multi-task by pinching one of your nostrils while you fill in your black circles on the ballot at the polling station. Maybe you will have to full on hold your nose, but as the saying goes, “Just do it,” and trust that “What don’t come out in the wash, will most certainly come out in the rinse.” Until then, “Keep calm and carry on.” You’ll do Winston proud, and your vote might just save America as founded.

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

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All Things Soldier

Operation Gratitude by Ali Elizabeth Turner

One of my favorite memories from my time in Iraq was when the American people would “take the time and spend the dime” to send care packages to soldiers, especially around the holidays. It was my great pleasure to dispense them, and I will never forget the gratitude of our Joes and Janes when something special had been sent from home, even if it was from a stranger. It seems as though we have been at war for so long that we have forgotten we are at war. Yes, it’s been 15 years, and while we no longer are being subjected to daily casualty reports or hand wringing on the part of those who never did seem to be “in it to win it,” we cannot allow

ter gave me a smile. I wonder why we didn’t do things like this when I was younger as well. Thank you to everyone once again. ITSN J. And here is one that nailed it: ourselves to forget those who are fighting for us in the Great Sandbox, whether we agree with them still being there or not. While there are a number of wonderful organizations who have never let their commitment to our troops waver, one that I think does an outstanding job is Operation Gratitude. At the time we went to press, Operation Gratitude had sent 1, 616,557 packages to our troops, and have a whole new campaign to

hit the 2,000,000 mark. Here are some of the letters of gratitude received by Operation Gratitude. As one who has only begun to understand the power of gratitude, I can say from experience that there is nothing like being thanked by ones to whom I myself owe an un-payable debt of gratitude. It is marvelous and, yes, even mystical. I am currently deployed over seas and received an unexpect-

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

November 21st

11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm

Musical Entertainment • 5-7pm 17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4

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ed gift made by you. The handmade scarf will definitely come in handy as we roll into the cooler temperatures. I am very grateful for the time you took to create this beautiful gift and to ensure we have a piece of home to help get us through the days. Every time I wear the scarf, I will definitely think of you. Humbly honored, V/r, D.N.B. , SMSgt, USAF

Hello Operation Gratitude, From all of us here in **** , we would like to sincerely thank you for the generous care packages! It was a great boost to our morale, and everyone is enjoying the snacks and comforts you’ve given us. It is always great to know there’s folks thinking of us. Thank you again, and we hope to pay it forward in the future as well. Sincerely,

Operation Gratitude, I really appreciate the care package you all sent as well as everyone else in my division. We are all wearing the scarves and hats. It’s pretty awesome that each one was hand knit and knowing it took people a lot of time and effort to finish. The beanie babies are also a big hit here. Some people have them on their shoulder while walking around, haha. I haven’t been in the service very long but I feel very proud to be here and serving for our country. Each let-

Dave, Christopher, Paul, David, Jerame, Walter, Ryan, Jonathan, Kevin, Michael, Rob and Matthew Are you getting this? These guys who are already paying dearly for our freedom want to “pay it forward!” If you want to get in on the givin’, then go to www. operationgratitude.com, and help them hit the 2,000,000 mark. You need to get a move on, though, because in order for packages to arrive in time, they need to be assembled by the end of this month. You will be forever glad that you did, and so will they.

October 21 - November 3, 2016

From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Elvis Is Coming To Town by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum

OK, Ladies (and Gentlemen!) Get ready...Elvis is coming to town! Join us on Nov 12 at 6:00pm for Michael Dean and Memphis! This show, benefitting the Alabama Veterans Museum in honor of Veterans Day, will be held at the Limestone County Senior Center at 912 W. Pryor Street in Athens.

must pay attention to all aspects of the show, including the detailed elaborate costumes, the movements, and of course his voice to truly appreciate the show. Michael has played in Branson as well as performed with Percy Sledge, The Platters, The Stamps Quartet and many other great entertainers.

Michael Dean started out at a young age singing back-up harmony for his family’s gospel group. At a party in 1989, someone mentioned he sounded like Elvis; so he had a few cheap suits made, won a few contests, and as they say, the rest is history. Michael considers himself a tribute artist instead of an impersonator; he feels Elvis is truly one of a kind, and pays tribute to “The King” with every show. Unlike other tribute artists, Michael Dean does not lip sync the words to prerecorded sound tracks. Michael Dean and Memphis put on a live performance every time. One

What started out as Michael’s wife Gayle and one other singer providing backup for his “Tribute to Elvis” show in 1998, has now turned into a full back-up group. In addition to Gayle Dean Root, the group includes Michele Bradford, Van Stisher and Doug “J.D.” Moss, all on vocals. Dennis Thrasher is the Sound Technician and Ricky Bartlett does the lighting. A night with Memphis can include Gayle Dean performing hits from stars such as Patsy Cline, Connie Francis or Brenda Lee, while Michele’s taste leans towards Reba McEntire and Martina McBride. Van brings classic country with hits from Linda Ronstadt, Loretta Lynn and Tanya Tucker. The bass singer in the group, J.D., brings tunes from Jim Reeves and Brooks Benton, while Michael performs hits from The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Jimmy Buffet, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley. With such a wide variety of talent, they can provide a concert style show or a more laid back

October 21 - November 3, 2016

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atmosphere for dances and special events. Elvis Aaron Presley, who was born on January 8, 1935, went from a smalltown boy in Tupelo, MS to a music legend whose impact has carried on long after his death. Elvis was also a veteran. He was drafted on January 8, 1957 and went to Ft. Hood for Basic Training; there he was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division’s “Hell on Wheels” unit. Later, Elvis was assigned to the 3rd Armored “Spearhead” Division and stationed in Germany. Elvis was promoted

to E-5 in 1960 and after finishing his assignment in Germany in March of that year, he was honorably discharged from active duty on March 5, 1960. Elvis was afraid that his time in the military would have a negative effect on his music career, but as we all know, he need not have worried because he is still the “King of Rock & Roll!” Contact the Veterans Museum at 256-771-7578 for tickets which are $15.00 in advance or $20.00 at the door! Tickets are limited, get yours today!

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Calendar of Events Athens Storytelling Festival Oct 21st - 22nd

for the Arts, Second Avenue Theatre in downtown Decatur. Both sessions are free and open to the public.

Downtown Athens, AL. Imagine a crisp fall weekend spent listening to stories of adventure and excitement... a place where memories and magic are captured and spun into tales that make you laugh and cry. Stories will be told on the Courthouse Square in Athens, Alabama within close proximity of an eclectic mix of shops offering a wide variety of antiques, gifts, gourmet foods, clothing and hardware. The Courthouse Square boasts several warm and inviting restaurants, and food vendors will be present for good old-fashioned festival fare. Featured artist include Three on A String, Donald Davis, Andy Offut Irwin, Michael Reno Harrell, and. Delores Hydock. Tuesday night will be the 4th Annual Dan Williams Storyteller Night (Amateur Night).

Rails to Trails Fall Color Ride or Walk Oct 22nd - 23rd

Elkmont, AL. Come to Elkmont, AL and enjoy all the beautiful fall colors by horseback, bicycle or foot. For more information about the event call 256-732-4211.

12th Annual Rails to Trails 10K Oct 22nd

Elkmont Church of Christ, 18890 Upper Fort Hampton Road, Elkmont, AL. Join the Elkmont High School Cross Country/ Track & Field Teams on this certified course (AL 06026JD). The course will wind north on Veto Road for approximately 3 miles before heading south on the old L&N Railroad and finishing in downtown Elkmont. The 10K will start promptly at 8:00AM and the 1-Mile Fun Run will start promptly at 9:30AM. Cost to register is $20.00 and registration closes October 20 at 11:59PM. If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at railstotrails10K@gmail.com

VMC Racing Frames National Dirt Track Series Oct 22nd

Veterans Day Parade Nov 5th

Roxanne Haggermaker along with area veteran's organizations invites the public to come recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of all veteran and active duty military personnel. To learn about registering a float, marching band, group or individual participant, please call Roxanne at 256-206-6702.

3rd Annual Sherri Adams Pink Ribbon Run/Walk Nov 5th

Join the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation for this memorial run of Sherri Adams, a dedicated nurse at the Limestone Health Facility that fought cancer and succumbed to complications in 2011. In the spirit of Sherri's giving to others and desire for more cancer awareness and prevention -- money from the run is used to update mammography equipment and offer opportunities for early detection to women and men in the Limestone community. Team cost and goals may vary. For more details sherriadamsrun.com

Elkmont Fire Department Chicken Stew and Cornhole Tournament Nov 5th

Elkmont Fire Department. 19667 Sandlin Road. Elkmont FD will be having a fundraiser! Cornhole is $30 per team and will start at 9:00AM. Prize for 1st and 2nd place. Stew will be ready to serve 11:00AM and we will have eat in or carryout but you must have your own container for carryout. Stew will be $25.00 per gallon; $13.00 per half gallon; $7.00 per quart and $5.00 a bowl with dessert and drink.

Senior Lunch Matinee Show Nov 17th

Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo Arena, AL-99 Athens, AL. Tennessee Valley Flat Trackers host the VMC Specialty Frames national dirt track series as it comes to Athens, AL. Gates open: 1:00PM; Sign-up: 3:00PM-5:00PM; Practice: 5:30PM; Race to follow Gate Fee: $10.00; Kids 6 and Under: Free.

Yesterdays Event Center, 15631 Brownsferry Road. Join Yesterdays for a complete lunch including drink and dessert for $11.00, and entertainment featuring Replay in an inspirational production. Doors open 10:30AM, Event begins 11:00AM and showtime 12:00PM with a show length 60-75 minutes. Groups of all size welcome. Bus parking available.

Calhoun Community College's 16th Annual Writer's Conference Oct 24th

Rivalry Run 5K Nov 19th

Has the art of conversation become lost? Find out how one-onone conversation has changed in the digital age. The conference will be held in two sessions - 9:30am at Calhoun's Health Sciences Building, Decatur Campus, and at 7:00pm at the Alabama Center Page 6

Cowart Elementary, 1701 West Hobbs Street. Chip-timed USATF Certified 5K Course (AL14071JD). Registration and packet pick starts at 7:00AM; registration closes at 7:50AM. 5K Starts 8:00AM and awards at 9:15AM. Overall Top Male/Female, Top Male/Female in each age group: 0‐9, 10‐14, 15‐19, 20‐29, 30‐39, 40‐49, 50‐59, 60‐69, 70 and up. Entry: $25.

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October 21 - November 3, 2016

The Millennial Mind

Blessings of Liberty by Rosemary Dewar The only reason one would attempt to cheat death is to escape judgment. Without a desire for a heaven to gain, and a hell to avoid, our standard of morality is without true reason. The Judeo-Christian perspective urges mankind to crave life in a way that allows man to experience heaven in the present. Death has the potential to cause torment to the point it can feel like hell on earth. To curb one’s impulse to commit a violation of natural law, there must be a consequence. A punishment ought to be comparable to the violation, but not to the grievance. Such as in the practice of law, proportionate punishment is more essential than the gratifica-

tion of social justice. One’s God-given rights are sacred institutions, and mankind is to protect and preserve those rights. The documents on which the United States of America is founded – The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights – are precepts prescribed not by man, but by God. Once violated, punishment ought to be imminent, impartial, and prudent. The 6th Amendment grants the right to a speedy trial by an impartial jury within the district where the incident occurred, and the accused is promised a rigorous defense. Regardless of the ruling, the ‘due-process’ achieved is more vital. Laws, standards,

and ethics must not waver in order to gain justice. When an accusation is inaccurate or excessive, a plea can be presented. That is the mercy; furthermore, if the conviction is unsatisfactory, one can levy an appeal. Many ask about conviction errors. The truth is that they rarely occur in felony cases. The infrequency is so great that the margin-of-error was last calculated to be less than .03%. Within that margin, wrongful executions are calculated to be less than .1%. Should that be ignored? No. Is that unfortunate? Yes. Is that just? Absolutely, and here’s why: the system did not fail, society did. The left asserts that mankind

made the society that crafted the law. They are wrong. God fashioned the law to govern a society in which man continues to fail to exercise self-control, period. To insist that one would rather see 97 guilty murderers, rapists, and/or thieves live without reprimand in order to keep 3 innocent persons out of jail is not an argument for compassion, but is a declaration of an immoral and unjust lunacy. Recently, California voted to allow felons to vote from prison. Leftist politicians expressed that voting is a civic right. They have chosen to ignore the unequivocal fact that once one violates the rights God gave their victims, many of their

own rights are lawfully reduced or even lost. The left argues that felons did not intend to lose certain civic rights. However, their conviction proves intent to break the law. For example, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When one drives under the influence and strikes and kills a human being, the driver is rightfully accused of killing, whether they intended to or not. The fact remains that they have deprived a person of life, when their intent was only to drive while intoxicated. John Adams, one of the Founding Fathers, stated, “But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.” Villains and heroes alike portrayed in the Bible did not get to choose the level of suffering their sin caused. Pharaoh did not intend to lose his first born when he refused to free the Hebrews from slavery. Saul did not intend to become insane while attempting to murder David. David did not intend for his sons to assassinate one another when he killed a man to cover up his own infidelity. Violators do not get to choose the amount of agony their act of lawlessness generates, even unto themselves. Once one infringes even one law, one will suffer judgment. God is steadfast, and His law resolute; therefore, govern yourself justly in order to discover justice and liberty.

October 21 - November 3, 2016

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Find Your Season And Live It by Ali Elizabeth Turner The mayor had emerged refreshed and inspired from the weekend, and heard a message at church given by a man by the name of Craig Jutila. Craig has a website and “brand” that caught my eye, and it is www.whowillyouempower.com. The theme of “empowering” is something that is certainly near and dear to the mayor’s heart, as is evidenced in the Youth Commission. Craig’s message on Sunday morning had to do with what he called the “time-starved family,” and posed the question, “What should I feed my time-starved kids?” Craig asked the question: “Is it easier to raise kids now, or 25 years ago?” I would have to say 25 years ago because social media had not yet become a set point for cultural definition. Mayor Ronnie laughed as

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he told me one of Craig’s tales about the combination of having too many choices and too many “devices.” Craig, who is from California, had taken his family out for what he thought would be a fairly straightforward family outing, going to a movie. He was standing in line to buy tickets, while the family was off to the side, out of earshot, all absorbed in keeping up with what was on their phones. The viewing choices had to do with IMAX, Surround Sound, or just regular, and because Craig couldn’t get the attention of his family, even by texting, he chose IMAX. The four tickets cost him $98.00! And while Craig sees the value of technology and even social media, he acknowledges that we are hurrying ever faster to get

through life, and our kids are suffering. Using Scripture to seal his points, he said, “Feed your kids a healthy lifestyle, moments of rest, and uninterrupted time together.” That means that there have to be times when everyone’s cell phone is off, with no exceptions. There is simply no other way to defeat “the tyranny of the urgent.” Mayor Ronnie’s first experience with texting was at an Alabama basketball game about ten years ago, where a girl showed him her text sent to another girl about a cute boy at the game, and he assumed one of the girls was not present. He had a chance to chat with her further, and to his surprise, both of them were just a few feet away from each other. The reason for texting rather than sitting togeth-

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er and talking was simply explained as, “I like it this way.” He, like the rest of us, has to manage what comes through on his phones and his email, and there are days he feels like he’ll never get to the end of the electronic to-do list. However, the other part of Craig’s message was one that we all need to take to heart, whether we are Facebook fanatics or not: learn to recognize the seasons, and live each season well. “We are just in too much of a rush, all the way through life,” he said. “We want to get married and have kids, and then we are anxious to have them leave. Then we are impatient about them coming back with grandkids, and on it goes.” One of the solutions Craig gave was to recognize what season

you are in, and live it to the fullest. “Don’t rush through it!” “The season we are in is fast growth in Limestone County, and we must build the foundation that can handle growth and be a support for families,” the mayor said. It was then time to pray, and it was a mutual “Lord, help us” prayer. On this particular day he was dealing with potholes along with projects that could garner several million dollars in economic growth for our city and county, and he needed help from on high, without apology. Then, as the time had flown by once again, and our phones chirped demandingly, it was time for Ronnie to roll.

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Clean and Green

Making Your Fall Festivities Less Frightening by Lynne Hart

It is October and time to prepare for fall festivities. Decorations, candy, costumes, and party supplies may be on your shopping list. Before we all rush out to purchase these holi-

day supplies, let’s take a few minutes to think about doing some things a bit differently this year. There are so many things we have done for years not realizing the impact they have on our environment and sometimes

even our health. Here are some tips to help you celebrate more environmentally-friendly fall festivities: •Be sure your trick-ortreaters carry reusable shopping bags or even pillowcases instead of

plastic bags or containers that are discarded after they are used. Reusable bags are stronger and will hold lots more treats! •Make your own costume from natural materials you have around the house, or swap costumes

with other families. You can also find great deals on used costumes at resale shops. Leave the new, throw-away costumes on the rack. •Know what is in your Halloween face paint. Some of these paints can

contain metals and other toxic materials. Look for organic, non-toxic face paints or search the web to find recipes for making your own. •Make fall or Halloween decorations for your yard from recycled materials. There are so many easy and fun ideas on the web. Make it a family project. Buying decorations from the store is easy, but making them with your children makes memories. •Give treats that are healthier than standard candy, or avoid candy completely. That sounds ghoulish, but “better” can still be fun. Consider giving colorful pencils, boxes of crayons, or the Halloween coupons available at local restaurants. •Walk the trick-or-treat trail with your children rather than follow them in your car. It is healthier for you and for the environment. If you are visiting another neighborhood,

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park your car and walk. •Bake pies or roast pumpkin seeds using pumpkins after the holidays have passed. •Keep Halloween clean by teaching your children to keep candy wrappers in their bags for proper disposal once they return home. Take an extra bag along and pick up litter along the way. You might want to reward your children with an extra treat if

they find and pick up litter. •Use reusable plates and utensils for your holiday parties to reduce waste. Continue to think green throughout the year by taking reusable bags to the grocery store, walking whenever you can, avoiding “throw-away” items, recycling as much as possible, and keeping litter in its place. Together, we can make our piece of the world a better place.

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com October 21 - November 3, 2016

Cooking with Shelley

Meaty Rice Cakes by Shelley Underhill

As always I’ve been in the kitchen cooking with my family. Have you? I used to challenge my readers to do so ... you really don’t know what you’re missing or what you will learn. This past week my mother shared this recipe with me. It didn't have a name, so I pinned this one on it. Give it a try. You can email your questions and answers to shelleysdesk@gmail.com

Meaty Rice Cakes 2 lb. lean ground beef 1 cup cooked rice 1 egg 1/2 cup milk Season to your taste Mix all ingredients together, press out into small patties. pan fry..... ENJOY!

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Health and Fitness

Childhood Obesity and Exercise by Janet Hunt

Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. According to the CDC, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and increased fourfold in adolescents in the past 30 years. The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in this country who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012. The percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to nearly 21% over the same period. In 2012, more than one-third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors (that we mostly associate with adults) for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Obese adolescents are also more likely to have prediabetes or

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even diabetes. Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems, such as poor self-esteem. Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are therefore more at risk for adult health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Healthy lifestyle habits that kids learn at home, school, social media, etc. including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese. For this article, let’s focus on physical activity. Just a couple of generations ago, kids spent hours playing outside,

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making up fun games. It was during these fun play sessions that we developed the lifelong skills of fitness and being active for fun. Today it seems we rely on youth sports for daily physical activity. Unfortunately, not all kids have the opportunity to play sports or even want to play sports. Daily play and physical games were once merely an outlet for fun; it is now primarily a prestige and a possible a college scholarship.

If parents are concerned about their kids’ health and want their kids to be active, parents need to be active as well. Parents’ attitudes toward exercise are revealed by the ways they speak and act. “Daddy has to go to the gym to lose weight” or “Mommy has to exercise because she ate cookies yesterday” give the perception of punishment. Therefore, kids see exercise as punishment rather than fun. We should make exercise as something to be enjoyed and embraced as a lifestyle. Encourage kids to be creative and physical with their play time. Think of the things we did as children: hide and seek, kick the can, tag, race to the end of the block. For more information about exercise for children and adolescents, call Janet Hunt at 256-6143530 or jhunt1@pclnet. net.

October 21 - November 3, 2016

Cover Story

Kristi Valls For Limestone County District Attorney: Prosecution Above Politics by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

ber of 2010 saw Mrs. Valls having to re-think her career ’ path, as well as her future, and find a new niche. In June of 2011, she opened a beautiful office located at 205 West Washington Street in Athens, right across the street from the courthouse. For the past five years, Kristi has been handling criminal cases, divorce and child custody, as well as wills and estates. She is running for the DA position at the urging of law enforcement, victims, and social workers. Kristi is also running as an Independent because she wants to take politics out of the courtroom. Kristi grew up on an egg farm, and learned all the irreplaceable life lessons that a rural farm-based lifestyle can afford. She went to Birmingham-Southern College, and graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law. While at Alabama, she was a member of the National Trial Advocacy Team. She clerked for Madison County Circuit Judge William Page, and worked in private practice before joining the Limestone County District Attorney’s office. After almost 10 years as an Assistant District

Attorney, Kristi was appointed as the Limestone County District Attorney in February of 1999, and was then elected as District Attorney in 2004. She remained in that position until January of 2011. She served as secretary/treasurer, vicepresident and president of the Alabama District Attorney’s Association, and was named the 2009 Alabama District Attorney of the Year. While in office, Kristi was a conservative manager who believed that the DA's office should do all that it could to assist law enforcement in their fight against crime. She knew they were in the fight together and needed every tool available. Therefore, due to several seizures made by law enforcement and her conservative management of those funds, Kristi was fortunate to be able to award grants to law enforcement agencies throughout our county, as well as partnering agencies. Upon leaving office, over $1,000,000 remained in the bank for the District Attorney's office. Kristi is well known for her commitment to victims, as well as her work ethic, and while interviewing others who know her, I was told that she takes the time to listen to victims, and will put in the work

October 21 - November 3, 2016

necessary to see to it that justice is served. No stranger to making difficult decisions, Kristi has at times called for the death penalty when she felt it was warranted. As DA, it was not at all uncommon for her to be called by law enforcement in the middle of the night when there had been a homicide, arriving on the scene before it had been processed. She was seeing it just as the officers were seeing it. I asked her why she did that, and she said, “I wanted to look around for myself at what happened, and get a feel for the victim. I did not want to only look at

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pictures of the scene taken by others, as important as those pictures are.” Kristi had a 99% conviction rate for all cases tried. It was high because law enforcement worked hard to investigate the cases and make the arrests, and she worked hard to diligently prepare the case for trial. Kristi had an excellent staff and assistants who were as committed as she was to see justice done. “I treated each case as though I was fighting for justice for someone I knew personally, whether I did or not. I fought for others the way I would want them to fight for me or my family,” she said. Speaking of family, Kristi is married to Robert Valls, retired Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for Limestone County, and they have one son, Kevin (20) who is a sophomore at the University of Alabama; a step-daughter, Ashley Valls Schrimsher; and son-in-law, Jacob Schrimsher. I asked Kristi what she was most proud of, and she said, “Being a wife and mom. That really is the most important thing to me.” I then asked, “What about professionally?” She answered, “I'm most proud of the success the DA’s office had while I was in office due to my great working relationship with law enforce-

ment, and the fact that six years later, law enforcement continues to support me.” In closing, here is what Kristi had to say she will do as Limestone County District Attorney: “Since 85-90% of all cases arise due to illegal drug use, my focus will be on those who sell, distribute, or make drugs. I plan to use all resources to bring those cases to trial and see that repeat offenders are not released back onto our streets. Drug Court, which my office established in 2009, will be utilized to assist those who are drug users and abusers. “I will listen to all victims and keep them informed about each stage of the criminal process. Justice is what the victim says that it is. I will work with law enforcement and social workers to see that those who sexually molest our children are brought to trial swiftly without unnecessary delays. Finally, I will again be a hands-on District Attorney who will be in the courtroom taking care of business.” If independent, conservative leadership is what you are looking for in a District Attorney, then Kristi Valls would appreciate your vote on November 8th.

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The View From The Bridge

What’s Your Impact? by Jackie Warner Jackie Warner

Community Outreach “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

Live simply that others might simply live. ― Elizabeth Ann Seton I recently celebrated my birthday and it was such a blessing to just be able to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of this life. Our purpose in this life, I believe, is to serve and I enjoyed moments doing what I love and spent precious time with my family and commu-

nity. No, I did not go anywhere fancy in most people’s eyes but rather chose to spend much needed time at home enjoying being off from the hustle and bustle of the workday. Often, we get so caught up in the day to day routine of work and paying bills that we miss out on what we truly have (Our Life- In This Very Moment). I took time to breathe and take in the cares of this world seeking to under-

stand how best to impact in the most positive way looking beyond myself. I benefited from time to be thankful. Thanking God for allowing us to have another day to share his word with others. I used time to walk outside and enjoy God’s masterpiece, the space we occupy. A friend invited me to go on a walking trail and, oh, how serene and calming it was for us to just walk

and talk without interruptions of cell phones and the busyness of life. I took time to love on my family and give them a since of Hope that only comes from Him who truly sustains us and allow us to thrive if we so desire. 1 Peter 3:1516 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. Yes it was definitely restful and it was peaceful. It was quiet and I enjoyed every second. “Time waits for no man” we have heard, but liv-

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ing in the moment and enjoying the time we are in makes life so much more exciting and fulfilling. It is hard to imagine we are less than 75 days to the end of 2016. How have you spent this year? As we look at our lives in “Rewind” mode, what are the real impacts to those around us? “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” ― Jackie Robinson Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional Jackie Warner, Community Outreach Specialist Email: thebridge.us@gmail.com Check out upcoming events: http://thebridgeus.yolasite.com/

October 21 - November 3, 2016

Cover Story

Snapdragon Kids: A Charming Children’s Shop On The Square by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

shop located on Washington Street within a stone’s throw of the courthouse. Much has happened since then, and when we spoke, Tiffany was just back from market in Atlanta, and especially excited about the gifts she had found to feature in the store for this upcoming holiday season. Snapdragon’s is the only store on the Square that is exclusively devoted to kid’s clothes, and I love going in there. It reminds me of the kinds of places my grandmother used to take me to shop for clothing when I was very young, and the outstanding customer service is a definite throwback to a bygone era. Tiffany started Snapdragon’s originally as an online shopping service, before she and her husband, city councilman Chris Seibert, along with their sons Brock and Ben, moved back home to Athens. “When the owner of Kids’ World retired, I knew we needed another option for children’s clothes. I wanted a store that was fun for both the parents and the kids to come to for a special outfit, a birthday or baby gift, or a place for grandparents to bring their grandkids.” The whole Seibert clan came together, along with Tiffany’s mother, Debi Davis, and renovated the shop as well as the loft. The result is a wonderful place to shop or just visit, even if there aren’t any kids in your life. Snapdragon Kids features girls’ clothing for infants to size 16. The “tween” sizes, from 10-16, are displayed up in the loft. They also have a selection of girls’ sandals in the summer, and dressier shoes all year round. Brock and Ben have both worn the boys’ clothing that is available at Snapdragon’s, and

Ben still fits in a size 12. They are involved in selecting what Tiffany is going to feature. “Brock and Ben ok every item of every boy line and Ben is one of our best advertisers,” Tiffany told me with a properly proud smile. The clothing for boys goes up to size 12. There is an adorable display of Calico Critters, which are miniature animal families that to me look like they were inspired by the Beatrix Potter books. Snapdragon’s also carries Madame Alexander dolls, which were certainly some

here,” she said. “Sometimes they come in to spend their tooth fairy money. We also have had parents come in with their kids supposedly just to window shop, but the parents stand behind their children, out of sight, and indicate that they want to purchase something desired by their child by pointing to it. We wait until they leave, gift wrap it, and let them come back to pick it up.” That is certainly not a service you are going to find at a big-box store, and gift wrapping is free all year round. “We also offer layaway service,” she said. We talked about a popular holiday favorite, and that’s match-

of my favorites when I was a girl. There are stuffed animals by Mary Meyer and Douglas, and Tiffany says, “We try to carry classic toys, because the quality is just better.” There is going to be a great selection of small stocking stuffers for Christmas, clear up to beautiful holiday dresses. “We try to be a fun one-stop shop,” she told me, “with a variety of price points.” Tiffany is also committed to carrying clothing that is age appropriate and doesn’t make girls look like they are growing up too quickly. “There are stories about the kids that come in

October 21 - November 3, 2016

ing pajamas for all the kids. Holiday PJs are available for both girls and boys, and some families have even had formal portraits taken in their ‘jammies. Having special PJs certainly adds to the fun of Christmas morning! The holiday dresses are classically styled in Christmas colors, and some are floor length. Even the gold threaded dresses featured on the cover, which obviously have a bit more glitz, are perfect for a fancy holiday party without making the girls look older than they are. There are accessories of all kinds-- hair bows, jewelry, and more, and again, they are classic, understated, and lovely. The whole flavor of the shop is one where you can find high-quality clothing that is balanced between classic and trendy, with the result being that your kids will look great, and you won’t have to break the bank. Stop by and enjoy the sight of good taste and carefully selected merchandise.

Snapdragon Kids

113 W Washington Street Athens, AL 35611 256-232-1572 Hours: Tue-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 10-2 snapdragonkids@yahoo.com facebook.com/ snapdragonkids

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Learning As A Lifestyle

A Nobel Prize in Literature – Bob Dylan by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 Alfred Nobel (October 21, 1833 – December 10, 1896) was a Swedish chemist, engineer, inventor, businessman, and philanthropist. He was best known for inventing dynamite. He held 355 different patents for inventions during his lifetime. He is also known for the Nobel Prizes given each year. These prizes recognize five categories regardless of country of origin. Three of the prizes awarded are Physical Science, Chemistry and Medicine. Another prize given is Literature and the fifth prize is given for the furtherance of Peace.

and dancing in my seat. It was too exciting. I understand that some people think that he should not have been awarded such a distinguished prize. His nasally, mumble voice is very difficult to understand at times. But, the lyrics are “work in an ideal direction.” And, I love to read the lyrics – the poetry. The songs are full of imagery and symbolism. Dylan has been around for five decades. Since 1994, Dylan has published six

books of drawings and paintings, and his work has been exhibited in major art galleries. As a musician, Dylan has sold more than 100 million records, making him one of the bestselling artists of all time. He has also received numerous awards. He won eleven Grammy Awards for songs that included “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Mr. Tamborine Man,” “Like a Rollin’ Stone,” and “Highway 61 Revisited.” He won a Golden

Globe Award and an Oscar for the song “Things Have Changed” from Wonder Boys. Dylan has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame. The Pulitzer Prize jury in 2008 awarded him a special citation for "his profound impact on popular music and American culture, marked by lyrical compositions of

extraordinary poetic power." In May 2012, Dylan received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama. If you have never listened to (or read) the works of Bob Dylan, I recommend you surf the web and check out this talented word master. You will not regret it. If you would like to hear Bob Dylan locally, you can try to get tickets to the Von Braun Center on October 29th.

In The Nobel Prize: The First 100 Years, Kjell Espmark states that “[a] mong the five prizes provided for in Alfred Nobel's will (1895), one was intended for the person who, in the literary field, had produced ‘the most outstanding work in an ideal direction’.” I tell you all of this because Bob Dylan (born Robert Zimmerman May 24, 1941), singer, songwriter, author, and artist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Professor Sara Danius, Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy, announced that the Nobel Prize in Literature 2016 was awarded to Bob Dylan "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition". When I heard the announcement last week, I was jumping up and down

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October 21 - November 3, 2016

Special Feature

Re-elect Ben Harrison As Limestone County Commissioner, District 4 by Ali Elizabeth Turner In 2012, when I interviewed Ben Harrison during his successful campaign for Limestone County District 4 Commissioner, I was intrigued by his blend of career experience in corporate America, as well as that of a small businessman. Ben grew up on his family's farm in rural West Limestone County. He is married to Beth McGuire Harrison, and together they have 4 children, Erin, Caleb, Olivia and Emily, as well as two grandchildren. Family and traditional values have always been central to the way Ben does things. This is one of the many reasons why he's so concerned about the direction our country is headed. “It really makes me sad when I think about the Government debt and burdens we are leaving for future generations,” he said. Fighting for our community and children's futures is one of the main reasons he got involved in politics, and was a deciding factor in his decision to run for political office. “I'm not a politician and sometimes that gets me in trouble, but I am going to stand for what I believe in and not back down just because it's politically correct,” he stated with conviction. Ben's conservative world view and his experience in the business world make him an excellent watchman over county spending. He knows how to spot and eliminate wasteful expenditures without curtailing services. A recent example was the Grigsby Ferry bridge project in West Limestone County. Grigsby Ferry Road had a one lane bridge which

solvency has been relegated to the realm of suggestion rather than necessity.

was old and needed to be upgraded. Ben was told the only option was a new bridge at a cost of 250K. That seemed exorbitant and unnecessary, so he looked for alternatives that would be safe, and also save money. He found a solution by changing designs and utilizing round culverts instead of a traditional box bridge design. The upgrade cost only 32K, and saved us (the taxpayers) a whopping 218 thousand dollars.

Ben says his desire is to always be a wise steward of taxpayers’ money, and be attentive to the needs of the community. He feels it's been an honor to serve as County Commissioner, and enjoys working with the people of District 4. Ben believes, “We live in a blessed area,” and he says he wants to “keep it that way.” As County Commissioner, Ben's biggest concerns are centered around road maintenance and improvement, i.e. improving the quality and safety of our roads while reducing costs. His priority is to do the job right, taking care of the base and drainage before he resurfaces current roads. He is investigating a different way to chip seal roads that

will result in a smoother and longer lasting surface. During his first term, Ben has been a strong supporter of eliminating unnecessary government projects and diverting that revenue to our road system. With District 4 getting less money per road mile compared to the other districts, these issues are especially important to him. If re-elected, he will continue to be an advocate for better roads, not only in District 4, but throughout Limestone County. Transparency is also something that is important to citizens of our county as well as those of our nation as a whole. Ben has been talking about government transparency since he took office, and if it were up to him, he would post the county books online for easy review by citizens. By that, Ben means, “every transaction, who wrote what check,

and from what account”. Baldwin County already does it and Ben believes it would be a good move for us. He would also like to have Limestone County Commission’s work sessions recorded. “We currently record our regular meetings, but adding the work sessions would give people an added level of background as to what we are voting on during those meetings”. While many think of County Commissioners as being only “the road guys,” Ben says with a passion, “Our job is also to protect the liberties and freedoms of citizens,” and that means public safety as well as their pocket books. He has been a consistent supporter of private property rights, and opposing tax increases on the hard working people of Limestone County. Now that he is a grandfather, he is even more passionate about building a lasting foundation for his grandkids’ future that starts with roads and goes from there. If this is what you are looking for in a Limestone County Commissioner, then Ben Harrison would appreciate your voting to return him to his "watch" over District 4 on November 8th.

In addition, when Ben took over as District 4 Commissioner, the District was over 200,000.00 dollars in debt, and the entirety of that debt has now been paid off under Ben's leadership. That is no small accomplishment in an era when measurable fiscal

October 21 - November 3, 2016

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Horse Whispering

Collect – Connect – Canter by Deb Kitchenmaster “I’d really like to have more confidence to canter. Can you help me?” After being on a horse’s back, enjoying the four-beat of a walk, and having experiencing the two-beat of a trot safely, your confidence builds. This is so much fun! The desire to canter comes alive, and for some (not all), there are some concerns or uncertainties that need to be addressed. The canter is a three-beat dance, whereas the fourbeat walk is where your body is relaxed, you’re receiving a chiropractic adjustment whether you are aware of that or not, and more than likely you’re enjoying your ride with a friend and nature. The twobeat trot is where two feet of your horse are up and two are down. Your body responds to this movement in your hips. ‘ O n e - Tw o - O n e - Tw o ’ is the rhythm in which you move. You have just moved from your spinal column (walk) to your hips (trot). If you tend to be stiff in your hips, get a hoola-hoop and play around with that. This will help you loosen up and more likely enjoy your horse’s trot, and your horse will enjoy partnering, with you in this two-beat dance. The canter is a threebeat movement/dance. Your pelvis is engaged in this movement. My Morgan mare, Annie, had the most delightful canter ever! I felt like I was sitting in a glider chair, simply gliding!

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As your pelvis moves in this three-beat rhythm, your body definitely does experience a gliding/ sliding/forward/back-

horse’s neck and head, provide better balance for your horse. In simplicity, this is what it means to collect your horse. When

and head. When the neck is high, the horse’s head then takes on a vertical position. This is collection. I do want to point

with your horse. You’re ready to canter. YOOOHOO! Without going into explanation, there is a right lead and a left lead in your canter. If you want left lead, that simply means you want to lead out with your horse’s left front leg in your three-beat rhythm. Using your right rein, tip your horse’s head gently to the right. In doing so, the left front leg will come forward. Apply your heel to the barrel of your horse as a cue to begin the canter. It’s a one-two set up. One: tip head. Two: cue

ward movement. This is where “collect” comes in. What does it mean to “collect” a horse? Collection and balance are closely related. An instructor may say to you, “Gather your horse” or “Put your horse together.” Commonly, what is being asked here is to set your horse up to be balanced under you. This allows energy to flow and moves your horse from the position where the hind leg is pushing off the ground, energizing the loins, flowing through the back, onto the whole front end of your horse. Yes! Horses are like Volkswagens. The engine is in the back. The angles in the joints of the hind legs, connected with the angle of the

the hind legs are jointed under your horse (meaning the angle where the hind hooves are slightly tucked under the barrel [belly] of your horse) your horse’s neck and head are stretched forward. Your horse is in a ‘natural’ balance that works safely for your horse, without someone on its back wanting to increase movement. It is from this position that you move into another position to enhance a balanced level, one where your horse is not abused or injured when asked to push forward with you on its back. More lowering of hind leg joints and setting the hind legs under your horse will change the angle of your horse’s neck

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out that higher neck is horse. Relax. Enjoy. different than a stretched Have Fun. neck. Angle(s) is a key word in understanding I hope this helps. collection. When the hind leg joint is lowered Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster and angled under, and the neck is elevated with Corral Connections the head vertical, your www.corralconnections.com horse is balanced and en‘A church of great heart’ ergized to carry you and 256-426-7947 it safely. At this point Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner you “connect” (hook up), dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com

October 21 - November 3, 2016

Special Feature

Re-Elect Brian C.T. Jones As Limestone County District Attorney by Ali Elizabeth Turner As a former Eagle Scout, Brian Christopher Templeman Jones learned early in life to always give back and help others. As a young scout, Brian built custom furniture for disabled students. As an adult, he chose a career path that touches the lives of many in our community.

drug addiction epidemic,” Brian told me. He went on to explain that roughly 85% of all crime is drug related, 10% are people doing stupid things, and around 5% of the offenders are disturbingly dangerous. With our prison system operating at

will sell them. A true solution has to tackle both the dealers and the addiction” he said. Brian believes it is important for non-violent offenders to be reformed whenever possible so they can give back to the commu-

Brian was born here in North Alabama. As a child, Brian’s family moved several times all over the United States with IBM. After a few years his parents came home and settled down in Madison County. Brian graduated from Huntsville High School, Birmingham-Southern College, and the University of Alabama School of Law. After law school, Brian clerked for Circuit Court Judge William R. Gordon and went on to be an Assistant District Attorney in Randolph County and Limestone County. After leaving the Limestone County District Attorney’s Office in 2002 for private practice, Brian embarked on a legal career representing individuals, families, and businesses in a wide variety of cases. When I asked him if being in private practice helped him be a better District Attorney, Brian said “wearing hats from both sides has helped me see the big picture, and understand it better.” Brian C.T. Jones was elected to serve as District Attorney of the 39th Judicial Circuit of Alabama in November 2010 and took office on January 18, 2011. Brian and I had the chance to talk about the major issues facing Limestone County. “Like so many other communities across our nation, Limestone County faces a

200% capacity, it is a difficult issue to address. Brian went on to explain that most drug cases are not those of people who actually have a desire to be criminals, but they have gotten hooked and commit crimes in order to sustain their addiction. To address this situation, Brian created the Pre-Trial Diversion Program and expanded Community Corrections and the Drug Court to increase treatment alternatives for drug offenders. “The fight against drugs is a fight against their demand. As long as there is a demand for drugs, someone

October 21 - November 3, 2016

nity, instead of being a drain on taxpayers for years to come. I asked him what he is most proud of with respect to his time as District Attorney. Brian swiftly responded that it was Limestone County being ranked the safest county in Alabama! “This ranking is a testament to the hard work of law enforcement, social services, rehabilitative services, Community Corrections, Drug Court, Pre-Trial Diversion and my office as we work together to serve our community”, Brian told me.

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When asked what his second choice would be, Brian said, “I am also proud of my Community Service Program.” Limestone County is the ONLY county in Alabama with a full time Community Service Program that requires non-violent offenders to give something back as part of their sentence. With over 29,000 hours of labor completed in a variety of projects and programs, this program has saved the nonprofit agencies in Limestone County over $210,000.00 in labor costs. “I firmly believe that an offender’s path toward rehabilitation is not complete until he or she makes the personal sacrifice to give of their time to the benefit of others. This program has been a tremendous success not only for the agencies who benefit but for the offenders themselves,” he said.

est ability to bring murderers, rapists, and child sex-offenders to trial without delay or compromise.”

With the success of Pre-Trial Diversion, Community Corrections, and Drug Court, Brian has been able to concentrate his resources on that very dangerous 5%. “From my very first day, I have worked to my full-

If you would like to see Brian Jones continue his efforts as Limestone County District Attorney for another term, then he and his family would appreciate your vote on November 8th.

When asked about any final thoughts, Brian said it had been his privilege to serve the people of Limestone County as District Attorney, and that he wants to continue to serve you in the years to come. “On behalf of myself, my wife Kandye, my daughter Tori, and son, Christopher, I humbly ask for your vote again on Nov. 8th.” He believes his record speaks for itself, and he wants to build on the success his office has had over the last 6 years. Brian said, “Limestone County is the safest county in Alabama for a reason, and as District Attorney I will never stop working to keep our families and our homes safe”.

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Medical Update

What’s Your Gut Tell You? by Rachel Clark, RN, BSN “All disease begins in the gut.”-Hippocrates Hippocrates was a classical Greek scholar born in 460 B.C. His wisdom is over 2,000 years old, but has stood the test of time. He has become one of the most outstanding contributors to medicine, and is even counted the “Father of Western Medicine.” In fact, every doctor who graduates from medical school takes the Hippocratic Oath, one of the oldest binding codes of ethics that exists. This quote on the relationship between disease and gut health isn’t just a nice saying. It is backed up by science. It is thought that three quarters of our immune system resides in the gut, with over 500 different species of bacteria that live there. The number of microorganisms present in the gut alone is 10 times the number of cells in the entire human body. Research now suggests that this

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is not merely a peaceful coexistence, but more of a mutual relationship. Without a healthy immune system, you are susceptible to all kinds of disease, thus the reason Hippocrates said, “Disease begins in the gut.” In modern times, we have severely harmed the health of our guts. Between overuse of antibiotics, sanitizing EVERYTHING, a lack of proper nutrition, eating highly processed foods and sugars, we have effectively destroyed gut bacteria. Old World, or traditional diets around the globe include the use of raw and fermented foods that are full of bacteria. These cultures aren’t afraid of it; they understand its beneficial relationship with their gut. We are born with completely sterile digestive tracts because while in utero, we have no need to break down nutrients since our mother is doing that for us. We become colonized with various strains of

bacteria (good and bad!) from our mothers during the rather messy but necessary process of vaginal birth. Breastfeeding also supports this process in infancy, due to strains of immune-boosting bacteria found only in breast milk, and provides a balance. This is not to say babies who are born via c-section and/or are formula fed have no hope from the beginning. These babies just need a little extra help with supplementing what they didn’t get through vaginal birth and/or breastfeeding. Also, toddlers put everything in their mouths (dirt included), which helps build up the relationship of good bacteria in the gut if given proper resources for it to flourish, and thereby boost immunity. Unfortunately, we don’t do a very good job at this anymore. We clean with bleach and make our worlds sterile. We eat too much sugar, starch, and processed foods,

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which alter the balance in the gut, leading to all kinds of problems with the integrity of its lining. This in turn allows the harmful bacteria to get into our bloodstream and deposit toxins throughout our cells and tissues. Problems with poor gut health have been linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Chron’s disease, Celiac disease, colitis, allergies, and even some mental illnesses. Preventing a problem is always easier than treating it once we have it. Below you will find some tips to prevent the depletion of the good bacteria in your gut, and ways to increase the balance if you haven’t been so proactive in the past. Ways to Prevent Good Bacteria Depletion: •Careful use of antibiotics and other prescription drugs •Limiting use of antibacterial soaps •Avoid overuse of harsh cleaning chemicals •Adequate self care to reduce the amount of stress on the body that is the result of a lack of sleep, overexertion, etc. How to Boost Probiotic Balance: •Cut down on sugars, grains, starches, and vegetable oils. These things quickly destroy good bacteria, suppress the immune system, and can lead to a plethora of health problems. •Eat real food. Fruits, vegetables, protein and fats help support the beneficial bacteria. Certain bacteria are needed to help break down fiber from fruits and vegetables, and support the body to culture more of the same. •Consume fermented foods and drinks. Sauerkraut, kombucha (a fermented tea), kimchi (a spicy Korean form of

sauerkraut), fermented salsa, kefir (a fermented milk drink), yogurt and naturally aged cheeses are all good sources of foods with naturally occurring probiotics that help build beneficial bacteria in the gut. •Natural soaps and water instead of antibacterial. Antibacterial soaps are now thought to be a part of the problem with drug resistant bacterial infections like MRSA and C. diff. Instead, use good quality natural soaps like Bronner’s or goat milk soap. •Begin gardening. A little dirt won’t hurt you! In fact, it’s good for you. You will get your Vitamin D from the sun, probiotics from the dirt (bacteria can enter through your skin), and you are growing your own food and/ or flowers. What’s to lose? •Take antibiotics only when absolutely necessary. While there certainly are times when antibiotics are needed, many illnesses can be left to run their course, like the stomach bug, colds, or ear infections. Antibiotics don’t just target harmful bacteria, they also kill all the good stuff. In addition, antibiotics don’t work on viruses, only on bacterial infections. •Take a probiotic supplement. This should be done in conjunction with a change in your diet, otherwise you are just throwing your money away. Make a few simple changes, one at a time, and consider supplementing your new habits with a probiotic source other than foods or drinks. It is also a good idea to help replenish your gut after a round of antibiotics by adding the supplementation of oral probiotics in addition to the fermented sources already in your diet.

October 21 - November 3, 2016

Foreman’s Forum

Are You a Sheep Dog or a Sheep? by Paul Foreman

About ten years ago, my wife and I were traveling out west. We left Utah and drove south into Arizona, and turned down a narrow gravel road that took us out into some ranch land. We watched in amazement at a huge herd of sheep being watched by two sheep dogs. It was late in the afternoon when the sheepdogs suddenly jumped up and began herding the sheep across the valley towards a rustic old corral. I stopped the car as we watched these amazing dogs run back and forth, herding the sheep across the road right in front of us. I never did see anyone telling the sheepdogs what to do. Maybe they just knew when the sun got lower in the sky, it was time to take the sheep back to the corral where they would be safe from whatever lurked in the darkness.

rorist incident which occurred in a St Cloud, Minnesota shopping mall, the shoppers were almost all sheep. But, there was one sheepdog. Off-duty policeman Jason Falconer took the necessary action to stop the terrorist before he could stab or slash any additional victims. Jason Falconer is a sheepdog of the highest order. He was a firearms instructor and taught classes on Self Defense. He ran toward the danger, while everyone else was running away. I am sure he had hoped it would never happen. But, he was ready when it did happen right in front of him.

ery week, who come to me to be trained on how to use their gun. I am not talking about pointing and pulling the trigger. I am talking about those who used to be sheep, wanting to learn how to defend themselves and their family. I have had a few, two or maybe three out of several hundred, who wanted to give up. Oh, they could point the gun and shoot. During the shooting drills, they even hit the targets. Their problem was the fact that they would not, or could not get it into their minds that they needed to act aggressively and take the fight to the bad guy.

Should sheepish people, those of us who are a little shy and timid, take up arms to fight if ever needed? I am meeting new people almost ev-

I probably tried to encourage them more than I should have. But, some people are not going to be sheep dogs. Some people are going to be sheep and

need to be protected. However, there is hope. There are numerous accounts of when things went from bad to worse, a shy timid person turned into a heroic sheep dog. We have all heard the stories of someone lifting a car off a victim who was pinned under it. There are stories of someone running into a burning building and dragging a victim to safety. We have heard of incidents where someone swam for miles after their boat sank. The human mind and body is amazing. We can overcome unbelievable odds and survive what should have been a fatal incident. Not everyone can be a Sheep Dog. But, I believe that even the most shy people can learn to defend themselves. I hope shy, timid peo-

ple will come to realize that they must not give up taking Pistol Training. If the gun you have doesn’t fit your hands or strength, trade it in for one that will. Build up the strength in your hands by using exercise devices that will improve your grip. Go back to the instructor and request additional Pistol Training. Defending yourself is not going to be pleasant. But, what is the alternative? Paul Foreman: Is a retired Deputy Sheriff, from Lee County Florida. Paul is a NRA Certified Pistol Instructor For further information about Firearm's Training, Paul can be reached through e-Mail at Captureman@PaulForeman.com or his web site, www.PaulForeman.com or by Phone at 256-431-6702

I have heard stories of how the sheepdogs will protect their flock against predators such as coyotes, wolves and even mountain lions. I have heard that the only thing sheep will do in times of danger is either try to run or bunch up in a group and stomp their hooves. They don’t seem to be capable of fighting back against predators. Not all people are warriors or sheep dogs. Today’s military and law enforcement communities often use the term “sheepdogs,” referring to themselves as the defenders of the flocks. Just recently, in the ter-

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