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October 2 - October 15, 2015

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

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

Special Feature

Storytelling 2015: A “PEAK” Part Of Autumn In Athens By Ali Elizabeth Turner

One Love Hearing Concepts: “You Deserve To Hear”... Zeke Creasy is a guy who, in my view, personifies my favorite type of Athens Now client: one who puts his... Page 5

The 9th Annual Athens Storytelling Festival is just around the corner, and it is an event that both our town and the ‘tellers look forward to every year. In less than a decade, our festival has become well known nationally, and award winning regionally. In fact,

Tourism

Continued on pages 15

Music, Stories And Frightening Tales In October!... Fall is here, and October is full of exciting events for the whole family in Athens and Limestone County... Page 10-11

Cooking With Shelley Shelley’s Ramey Salad... Y’all I’ve tried many a version of this wacky salad, and liked every one!! But this version I came up with has to be my favorite... Page 13

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Brad Stovall’s Auto Body Shop: Old Time Service And The Latest Technology By Ali Elizabeth Turner Brad Stovall has been around in the auto body world in our area for a long time--more than 25 years, in fact. During that time, he has built up a reputation for being someone Continued on page 17

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Publisher’s Point

Ben Carson’s “Special Place In Hell”

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales

Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Lynne Hart Shelley Underhill Teresa Todd Paul Foreman Jerry Barksdale

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Foreman’s Forum . . . . . . . 8 Tourism . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Shelley . . . . . 13 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . . . 19

Dr. Ben Carson has been one of my heroes for decades. I first became aware of him prior to 1987, before he performed the first legendary and landmark surgery on twins who were joined at the head. I was impressed by his faith, his unshakable belief in the American dream, and the fact that the man had learned to be content knowing that that his hands are small, when the sports world says you have to be able to palm a basketball. Ben is content knowing that his “gifted hands” and the grace of God make it possible for him to get in there and do what he does, and he has made history more than once.

thrilled. After all, any guy who can assemble a team of over 25 surgeons and support staff, work for 24 hours straight to separate not one, but several sets of babies joined at the head, and have them thrive, ought to be able to handle the House and Senate

to Americans, all of them, irrespective of their color. So, why do some folks believe that he “deserves a special place in hell?” Because he exercised his 1st Amendment right to express himself, and stand up for his religious beliefs, which is what believers of

He has said and lived the following: “Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams.” His story is Hall of Fame kind of stuff, having been raised in Detroit by a single mom who insisted on drawing forth his greatness. She did not take any excuses, nor any prisoners, and the story of the Carsons was wonderfully portrayed in a 2009 film starring Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding, Jr., and Kimberly Elise entitled Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. When I heard that Ben Carson had decided to run for President, I was

What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22

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of the United States, and maybe even the Supreme Court! I still remain thrilled that he is in the race, even though I would like it if he were stronger when it comes to the 2nd Amendment, but that is a topic for another day. He is refreshingly not a part of the Washington DC political scene, and so far I don’t think he can be bought. He has solutions that are fiscally sound, and he wants to restore America

all kinds do. Listen, if you are a Baptist, you are going to think you are right. If you are a Buddhist, you are going to think you are right. If you belong to the Church of Christ, you are going to think you are right. If you are Jewish, you are going to think you are right, and if you are an atheist, you are going to think you are right. That is what makes Americans be Americans, and most of the time, there is at least one good reason for why

people think what they think. It is also completely American to voice disagreements over all kinds of things.

The late Dan Williams told a story about his childhood at the Storytelling Festival Amateur. He described what it was like to watch men dressed in their Sunday-go-to-meetin’ best verbally duking it out for hours on Saturday afternoons on the Courthouse steps in sizzling summer heat. The topic? Whether or not a person can go to heaven without being baptized. This is America, and this is what we do.

So, what has earned Ben “a special place in hell?” He dared suggest that Shariah law doesn’t square with the Constitution, nor does jihad, and that anyone who firmly subscribes to those two intimately related sets of beliefs may have a tough time doing their presidential duty of protecting and defending our Founders’ dream. Sounds like common sense to me, and may God bless Ben for having the courage to say so.

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

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All Things Soldier

Putting The Kibosh To A Kentucky National Guard’s Waffle House Meal by Ali Elizabeth Turner Many times after a long day of delivering Athens Now, my crew and I will land for about 30 minutes at the Chick-fil-A on Hwy 72 in Athens. It is always a welcome break, and as an unapologetic people watcher, I love to watch families, sports teams, kids on dates, and for that matter, just the community at large be treated well by the staff before they sit down to their meal. Over the 4+ years that we have done this, often times there are patrolmen from the Athens Police force who come in for their lunch break and sometimes they meet their families. They always enter the facility with their service weapons in plain sight, something that I for one find comforting, and I imagine that most of us do. However, apparently the corporate powers-that-be of

to put their weapon in the glove box during lunch, and some flaming nutcake mows down the occupants of a McDonald’s, simply because it’s a population dense environment that statistically is not prepared to defend itself? I think not.

Yet, while Waffle House claims that it has no problem allowing an armed police officer into one of its stores, for some reason the same courtesy and common sense cannot be extended to a citizen-soldier who also puts his or her life on the line in order to keep us safe. Here’s what went down. the Waffle House chain do not. They have no qualms in instructing their restaurant owners to, for example, ask a KY National Guardsman, (who had his sidearm strapped in plain sight on his person) to leave the fa-

cility due to the fact that he came into the restaurant armed. Now, while I understand that technically the function of a particular state’s National Guard is different from that of the local police, from whence

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

October 20th

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cometh this “restaurant-al ridiculousness?” I could see this kind of thinking coming out of the Peoples’ Republics of California or Colorado, but for crying out loud, Waffle House has its headquarters in Georgia!! What makes it worse is that the incident in question, which I’ll describe in a moment, happened in Kentucky! The National Guard is the oldest branch of the military in America, having been established in 1636. Its members have a dual function as citizen-soldiers: they answer to the governor of their individual states as well as to the Commander In Chief of the United States. According to the NG website, “the National Guard provides protection of life and property, and preserves peace, order and public safety.” Wow, that sounds strangely like a police officer, does it not? Would you feel more comfortable if an on or off duty police officer was told

Billy Welch, a member of the Kentucky National Guard, stopped by the Nicholsville, KY Waffle House to have breakfast. He was in uniform, armed, gave the waitress his order, and then was informed by the manager that he would have to take his service weapon outside. He replied by saying, “Thank you, but no thank you. I’m gonna have to leave.”

“You know, if I can’t have my firearm, then I can’t be here,” Welch said later in an interview. “I don’t feel comfortable taking my firearm away from me. I always keep it with me.” While he wasn’t going to make an issue of it, thankfully “La Force du Facebook” saw to it that the incident went viral, and Billy is being defended by other “citizensoldiers,” the ones who are proving that at times the cyber-pen is mightier than the sword. I hope the good ol’ boys in Georgia buy a clue, buy the boy his breakfast, and let him eat in peace with his piece.

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Special Feature

One Love Hearing Concepts: “You Deserve To Hear” by Ali Elizabeth Turner

e , e Zeke Creasy is a guy who, in s my view, personifies my favorite type of Athens Now client: one who puts his family first, n and also really cares about his - clients. His story is an interesto ing one, and his journey back to his Limestone County roots e has been by way of Arizona - and Costa Rica. - He graduated from East Limestone High School, and was a scrappy point guard all - throughout middle school, and - as an ELHS Indian. He went r on to graduate from Auburn in Hotel and Restaurant Managee ment, as well as Business Management. He also graduated t from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School, and built up a highly r successful catering business - in Arizona, which is no small feat. It is not at all uncommon for haute cuisine chefs to put e in 100 hours a week and think . nothing of it, and for years, , that’s what he did with joy. , However, all of that changed y completely when he went to d Costa Rica for the wedding of e a friend, and met the love of his d life, Angel. “One look was all it took,” he said, and because a she had three young children, he knew that his life was going e to have to change, and drastically, in order to be the dad of e a ready made family. He and n Angel also have a new baby l girl, who was born here just - a few months ago. They went s e

through the arduous process of getting everybody to the States, and a radically different career door opened up for Zeke. This led to taking over and expanding One Love Hearing Concepts, and it is rare that I have met someone who loves what he is doing as much as Zeke Creasy does. He had a family friend who was like an uncle who had one hearing aid store, and Zeke came to work for him, mostly to see if it was a good fit. Zeke told his “Uncle” that he “would work for free for a week,” and he was hooked. Just like falling in love with Angel and the kids, Zeke fell in love with helping people to hear, and on his first helped five people with their hearing. Zeke had the experience of watching a man who had not been able to hear for decades hear the sound of his wife’s voice, and tears were streaming down the guy’s cheeks as he got in touch with what he had missed out on. Zeke told me that “hearing is a really emotional issue for people,” and to get certified as a hearing specialist involves what he described as “brutal testing.” To Zeke it has been completely worth it, and he knows he has found his calling. I asked him what was different about One Love, and why I should come to him if I were in need of help with improving my

Zeke Creasy and his wife, Angel

hearing. “We are one big family,” he said, and went on to add, “A lot of people say that, but here it is true. My clients are not just clients. When we lose one, it’s like a family member has passed on.” He also said that “The biggest issue is trust. I am not going to sell one of my clients something they don’t need or want. Not everybody needs hi-tech.” I found out that there are hearing apps for Smartphones, and those are going to be much more attractive to young people. By the way, because of loudness of speakers at concerts, video games, industrial related assaults on hearing and other “noise pollution,” treating hearing loss is becoming a progressively greater challenge as clients become younger and younger. It is no longer a condition associated just with aging.

One of the things Zeke is very proud of is the company with which he is associated. He loves the Starkey Company, which is his equipment supplier, and is proud that they are American made. The Starkey Company is out of Eden Prairie, MN, and has the same passion to help people hear as does One Love, irrespective of their income level. Both Starkey and One Love offer premium technology, and they also refurbish hearing aids so that people can get them for as little as $40 a month. This is a real blessing for people on a fixed income. If you donate an old battery, they get recycled, and the jars of batteries in Zeke’s office

are an interesting conversation piece. In a word, One Love will do all they can to help you hear because they love their patients. It’s as simple as that. It seems that the truth that “Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over” has been made manifest in Zeke’s practice, as now they have three locations. The one in Athens is located on Hwy 72 across from Spry Funeral Home in the strip mall with the pinkish clock tower. He is there Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The address for the Athens shop is 809 Hwy 72 W, Ste G. The other two are in Scottsboro and Hazel Green. If you or a loved one are in need of tender loving care for your hearing, you need to call Zeke Creasy for a free consultation. He is board certified as a hearing specialist, the owner of his company, a native Athenian, a husband and a dad, and he has a big heart. He is waiting to show you that he means it when he says, “You deserve to hear.”

One Love Hearing Concepts

Athens location: 809 Hwy 72 W, Ste G, Athens, AL 35611 Phone: 256-233-3844 Scottsboro phone: 256-912-0376 Hazel Green phone: 256-828-5551 Email: onelovehearing@yahoo.com Facebook: One Love Hearing Hours: Mon-Fri, 8-5

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s r e a

Zeke using the latest technology to assist a client in improving his hearing.

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Calendar of Events Science Fiction: Science Future Now - Mar 6th

U.S. Space and Rocket Center. One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL. The future is now! Move objects with your mind! Become invisible! Play games with a robot! Experience augmented reality! Science, Fiction, Science Future brings the science of the future into the present, sending visitors on a unique journey filled with science exploration, curiosity and discovery. For hours of operation, admission, and contact information: rocketcenter.com/admission

cars, trucks, bikes and etc. Door prize throughout the day, cash prizes for the competitors, full food & drink concessions, Kids Dugout Play Ground, music and more. Entry per vehicle: $10.00; goodie bags for first 100 registrants. No trophies, no judging - show and shine only. More information: 256-777-0606

Operation Christmas Child Shipping Fundraiser Oct 10th

Alabama Veterans Museum. 100 West Pryor Street Athens, AL. Join fellow Veterans and their families for breakfast 8:00AM-9:30AM. Contact Director Sandy Thompson at 256-771-7578.

Geezburger. 13951 Shaw Road, Athens, AL. Join Geezburger and friends from Nebo Community Church in raising funds to cover shipping packages to children around the world via Operation Christmas Child. Chili Supper starts at 5:00PM for $5.00. Music by Redeemed by Grace and other musicians starts at 6:00PM when a love offering will be taken as well for the Christmas Shoebox Ministry.

Siran Stacy of Fellowship of Christian Athletes Oct 4th

Ladies’ Garage Party Oct 11th

Coffee Call Oct 3rd

Round Island Baptist Church. 14790 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL. Join the congregation at 10:00AM for a special morning worship service with Siran Stacy. For more information: 256-233-1230

2015 Fall Gospel Meeting Oct 4th - 7th

O’Neal Church of Christ. 16259 O’Neal Road Athens, AL. Join the congregation for guest speakers - Sunday-Gary Patton; MondayKris Vilander; Tuesday - Bob Wallace; and Wednesday - Daniel Tucker. Sunday Morning at 10:00AM, Sunday Evening at 5:00PM and Monday-Wednesday at 7:00PM.

PTO Fall Festival Oct 6th

Cedar Hill Elementary. 27905 Cedar Hill Road, Ardmore, AL. Activities begin at 5:00PM and continue until 8:00PM. A pizza dinner will be from 5:00PM-7:30PM for $4.00 person and includes a slice of pizza, a drink and dessert. Games open from 5:00PM-8:00PM with armbands only $5.00 per person. Haunted Hallway, Silent Auction, Cake Auction, Hayrides and a selfie booth also available.

Harvest Festival Oct 8th

Tanner High School. 12060 Sommers Road, Athens, AL. Come enjoy the bounties of Fall from 5:00PM-8:00PM including a bounce house, inflatable slide, toilet toss, go fish, nose picker, cake walk, glow maze, witch golf, plinko, hay ride, bingo, face painting, fortune teller, concessions and more. 20 tickets are $5.00 per sheet.

1st Annual Athens “Sports-Plex” Car, Truck & Bike Show Oct 10th

Athens SportsPlex. U.S. 31N, Athens, AL. Join sponsor Brian Wiggins State Farm Insurance from 9:00AM-3:00PM for a show open to all

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Rocket Harley-Davidson. 15100 AL-20, Madison, AL. Join Rocket Harley-Davidson from 1:00PM-2:00 PM and have a little girly FUN. Rocket H-D will offer a look at the new models and someone will show you how to pick up you bike if you need to. Rocket H-D will show you about air pressure and how to keep your battery on charge the proper way. You will get a chance to register for a $100 Gift Card. For more information call 256-340-7333 and ask for Moe.

8th Annual Pink Elephant Luncheon Oct 14th

Limestone County Event Center. 114 West Pryor Street Athens, AL. Join the ‘Pink Social Hour” at 11:00AM. Join Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation as they raise funds for mammogram scholarships and technology for early breast cancer detection to save the lives of men and women in the community. Contact Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation for details 256.233.9557 or email: lainet@alhnet.org

Silent Auction and Chili Supper Oct 17th

Mays Memorial Baptist Church. 23636 AL-251, Athens, AL. Join the congregation for an evening benefiting the Youth Conference from 5:00PM-7:00PM. Silent Auction winners will be announced at 7:00PM and you do not have to be present to win. For questions or to make a donation to the silent auction, Amanda Shaw 256-431-4293 or email amanda031707@gmail.com

Senior Lunch Matinée Show with The Cadillacs Oct 22nd

Yesterday’s Event Center. 15631 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL. Come enjoy the sounds of The Cadillacs performing your favorite 50’s, 60’s, Doo-Wop and Old Country. Cost is $10.00 and includes lunch, drink and dessert. Groups welcome. Events begins 11:00AM - Seating, Opening, Announcements, Blessing, Lunch with the show kicking off at 12:00PM. Cancellation policy applies. RSVP required: info@yesterdaysevents.com

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Foreman’s Forum

How To Behave When Pulled Over By The Police by Paul Foreman There has been a lot in the news lately about the police “mistreating” people at traffic stops. Maybe I’m preaching to the choir here. Readers of Athens Now are most likely already well informed about how to behave around police officers. I hope the readers might pass this article on to their teens before they get behind the wheel for the first time. Imagine if you were a police officer, and you spotted a car load of teenagers driving in heavy traffic on a Friday evening. The car was speeding up and slowing down, then it would get real close to the car in front, then all of a sudden swerve over and pass, only to do the same thing again to the next car it came up behind. You, as a police officer could see at least six occupants, they all seemed to be laughing and having a great time. Before you activate the blue lights, your mind flashes back to the two mangled bodies of teens that were thrown out of their Mercedes Benz as it left the road at over 100mph. You remember the look on the faces of the mom and dad when they came to the scene of the wreck.

That was just last night. This is tonight, and maybe you can prevent such a terrible tragedy from being repeated. When you “light them up” with the blues and hit the yelper and few times, the driver decides to pretend it’s not him you’re pulling over. He keeps on going but his driving behavior improves dramatically. You flip on the loud speaker and call out to him, “You in the red Mustang: pull over to the right, pull into

that parking lot.” The driver looks over his left shoulder with a look on his face, “You don’t mean me, do you?” You want to shout over the loud speaker, “Yes you, pimple face,” but you maintain your professional demeanor, and instead repeat the first command, “Pull over to your right, pull into the parking lot.” The driver complies and you call in on the radio, giving the dispatcher your location and description of the car as well as its tag number. You also inform the dispatcher that the vehicle is occupied six times. You have parked your patrol car about a car length behind the red Mustang, at about a 45 degree angle. This provides you cover behind your car’s fender, if needed. The driver is expecting you to come to his driver’s side. Instead you

approach from the passenger side. All the kids are looking to their left. You are on their right, observing what they are doing. The teens all jump with surprise as you say, “Driver, I need to see your license, registration and proof of insurance”. These teens look to be ok, they just came from a football game and they were all excited to have their school win. You don’t see any alcohol containers, you don’t smell any weed. Then it starts. One of the girls in the back seat, the one with the “Big Hair” starts in. “Hey officer, can I wear that cute hat?” Another girl chimes in with, “Have you ever shot anybody? You’re not going to shoot us, are you?” The driver is trying to find his license while the teen closest to you suddenly opens the door right into your legs. He jumps back into the

car, saying he is sorry and then states, “This is my dad’s car, he is a lawyer; as a matter of fact, my dad is a judge in this county.” The judge’s kid pops open the glove box and starts sifting through a pile of papers and receipts. The driver still has not found his license. OK, back to reality. Can you see all the times that you would have been in danger? From the beginning, they did not pull over right away. The overcrowded car where you couldn’t see what everybody was doing with their hands. The girls were acting silly with their questions, distracting you. The driver is still trying to find his license. The passenger suddenly opening the car door into your legs, then popping open the glove box. Could there be a gun in the glove box? Could this be a stolen car? Could these teens have acted differently? When you see the blue lights come on, pull over when it’s safe to do so. Get out of traffic if possible, but do not keep driving! Even if you are sure you did nothing wrong, pull over! Driver and passengers, stay in the car unless the officer tells you to get out. Everybody keep your hands in your lap and keep your mouth shut unless you are directly spoken to. Driver, if you need to get your papers out of the glove box or console, tell the officer what you are doing. If you are wrong, admit it! Just say something like, “Gee, we’re all taking and laughing, I should have been paying attention to my driving.” Now, I am sure a lawyer might tell you not to say anything, but that kind of honesty will more than likely get you off with a warning, as long as everything else is in order.

Paul Foreman NRA Certified Firearms Instructor Former Deputy Sheriff Website: www.paulforeman.com

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Tourism

Music, Stories And Frightening Tales In October! by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association Fall is here, and October is full of exciting events for the whole family in Athens and Limestone County. Make your plans now to attend these fun and/or frightening affairs! On Oct. 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd & 24th, visit the Doomsday at Dog Days at Dog Days Grounds located at 30444 Gowan Road, Ardmore, TN. ASF Haunt invites you to join them in their new location for nights of screams and chills. Wander the treacherous path in 6-acre Haunted Woods, as creatures stalk and terrorize you. You may not find the exit until light of day, if you’re that lucky! Cost $13 per person. Cash and Credit Cards accepted (surcharge may apply to credit cards). Ticket sales start at 7PM and attraction opens at 7:30PM For more information, go to www.asfhaunt.com. Are you ready for the 49th Annual Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddler Con-

vention Oct 2nd - 3rd? The fun is held at Founders’ Green on Athens State University, located at 300 North Beaty Street, Athens, AL. The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention is known as the “Granddaddy of Mid-south Fiddlers’ Conventions” for its role in reviving the tradition of competition in old time music. Approximately 15,000 people are expected to attend the convention this year from more than 30 states. For more information, visit www.athens.edu/fiddlers or call 256-233-8215. We would like to invite our Veterans to the Oct 3rd Coffee Call at Alabama Veteran’s Museum, located at 100 West Pryor Street Athens, AL. Join fellow Veterans and their families for breakfast 8AM-9:30AM. Contact Director Sandy Thompson at 256-771-7578 for more information, or how to sponsor a breakfast.

Derby in the Big Spring Memorial Park Athens, AL. and see hundreds of rubber ducks racing for the big prizes at this Keep AthensLimestone Beautiful fundraiser. Adopt one duck for $5.00 or a Quack-Pack of 6 ducks for $25.00. Race starts at 4pm, and ducks must be purchased by 1pm. Visit the Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Office (KALB), 125 East Street, Athens, AL, or 256-233-8728 for more information. The Annual Tourism Haunts Walks begin in October 6th at the Athens Visitor Center meeting room. These guided

“Haunts Walks” offer a special treat for the Halloween season. Here is your opportunity to get a glimpse into the haunted history and mysterious happenings of Athens through ghost stories. This walking tour takes you from the Athens Visitors Center through the Beaty and Houston historic districts, downtown and Athens State University with guides Shane Black and Billy Ward recounting tales, woes, and the unexplained. Call the Visitor Center at 256-232-5411 to reserve your tickets soon, they disappear quickly! This will be the last Friday

Come out Oct 3rd for the Wacky Quacky Ducky

after Five for 2015 will be on October 9th. Bring the family to Downtown for shopping and activities after regular shopping hours on the Square. Friday after Five is held the second Friday of each month July through October for shopping, dining, arts, antiques, music. Saturday, Oct 10th will be a huge day in Elkmont, Alabama with The Running With The Goats Race, sponsored by Belle Chevre Creamery, which is located right next to The Richard Martin Rails to Trails. Belle Chevre is located at 18849

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Upper Fort Hampton Road, Elkmont, AL. The creamery will host the 10K, 5K and Fun Run options for all skill levels of runners. The 10K begins at 7AM, the 5K at 9AM, and the Fun Run at 10AM. Runners can test their speed against kids and goats in the Fun Run Goat Relay. There will also be awards, raffle and and after race party. For information or registration, go to www. active.com key words: Elkmont Running With The Goats. After the run, stay for the Southern ReInvention on October 10th at Belle Chevre Creamery. The Southern Reinvention is a collective of cultural voices committed to craft and unified in their desire to celebrate the South’s traditions, while at the same time embracing change and evolving with time. Southern Reinvention promotes those who craft unique food, drink, art, fashion and literature with a clear Southern identity. In our journey, we hope to discover and share the best of today’s Southern artisans, while discovering and defining the contours of our current culture and society. Tickets are $5 at the door. The event will be from 10AM to 3PM. For more information, call 256732-4801. If your fun is cars, all kinds will be participating in the October 10th 1st Annual Athens “Sports-Plex” Car, Truck & Bike Show at the Athens SportsPlex located at U.S. 31N Athens, AL. Join sponsor Brian Wiggins with State Farm Insurance from 9AM to

October 2 - October 15, 2015

will follow the storytelling in the parish hall. Apple Annie Monster Dash 5k and 1 Mile Scary Scurry on October 31st will be held at Athens Swan Creek Park 100 U.S. Highway 31N Athens, AL. The Apple Annie 5K is a charity race benefiting Joy’s House and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Athens/Limestone County. After the 5K, there will be a 1 Mile Fun Run for kids of all ages! There will be a Family Fun Zone with games, face painting, food, music, and a hot air balloon!

3PM for a show open to all cars, trucks, bikes and etc. Door prizes will be given throughout the day, cash prizes for the competitors, full food and drink concessions, Kids Dugout Play Ground, music and more. Entry per vehicle: $10. Goodie bags will be provided to the first 100 registrants. No trophies, no judging, show and shine only. For more information, contact 256-777-0606. The 8th Annual Pink Elephant Luncheon will be held October 14th at the Limestone County Event Center, 114 West Pryor Street Athens, AL. Join the Pink Social Hour at 11AM, sponsored by Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation as they raise funds for mammogram scholarships and technology for early breast cancer detection to save the lives of men and women in the community. Contact Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation for details 256.233.9557 or email: lainet@alhnet.org. On October 22nd come to the Senior Lunch Matinée Show with The Cadillacs at Yesterday’s Event Center, 15631 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL. Come enjoy the sounds of The Cadillacs performing your favorite 50’s, 60’s, DooWop and Old Country.

Cost is $10 and includes lunch, drink and dessert. Groups are welcome. Event begins 11AM –for seating, opening, announcements, blessing, and lunch with the show kicking off at 12PM. Cancellation policy applies. RSVP required: info@yesterdaysevents.com. Come to Elkmont, AL and enjoy all the beautiful fall colors by horseback, bicycle or walking for the October 24th and 25th Rails to Trails Fall Color Ride or Walk. For more information about the event, call 256-732-4211. The 9th Annual Athens Storytelling Festival is held October 20th - 24th in Downtown Athens, AL. This PEAK Award winning event will offer you a 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. www.athensstorytellingfestival.com. Their

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Amateur Night will be held on Tuesday, October 20th. St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church located on 207 East Washington Street, Athens, AL presents Storyteller Dolores Hydock on October 25th. Join the Daughters of the King of Saint Timothy’s Episcopal in hearing her stories about “the goodness we show, the goodness we hide, and looking at others with loving eyes” starting at 2PM. Free admission. A tea

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Awards will be given for the race and for the most spirited

Apple Annie runner. Early registration $25 until October 17th. Late registration is $35. Kid’s registration for 1 mile Scary Scurry will be $10 includes prizes. There will be a fun zone with hot air balloon, bounce houses and more. Costumes are encouraged. Yesterday’s Halloween Party will be held on October 31st at Yesterday’s Event Center located on 15631 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL. Come enjoy your favorite music plus a little Halloween fun. Complete country dinner available including drink and dessert for additional $9.95. Show admission is $15 and email reservation is required. All seats reserved and not attended are subject to a fee of 50% of the ticket price if not cancelled with notice 48-hours prior to show and will be billed to reserving individual. Doors open at 6PM, with dinner from 6PM to 7PM. The show begins at 7PM. To reserve your seats, email info@yesterdaysevents.com.

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Clean and Green

Backyard Burning: The Hidden Hazards by Lynne Hart The weather is cooling down which brings out the fire pits and bonfires. Fall is a great time to sit around a fire roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. A roaring fire can be a place for friends to gather, it can be warm and romantic, or it can be a way to burn household trash (or so some people think).

board seems harmless, but there are many chemicals added to these materials in the process of making them that are released into the air when burned. Some pollutants such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and furans stay in the environment for a long time.

What’s wrong with burning my trash?

Contaminated water and food ingested by wildlife can cause cancer, deformed offspring, reproductive failure, immune diseases, and more. Humans can also be exposed to these pollutants indirectly just like wildlife, especially through eating and/or drinking contaminated fish, meat, and dairy products.

Burned trash does not disappear. Many people don’t realize how dangerous burning household trash is to their health, the health of others and the health of our environment. When backyard burning takes place, pollutants are carried through the air for short and long distances, falling upon land, crops, or into bodies of water. Burning paper and card-

Are there regulations? According to the Alabama Department of En-

fires. Before lighting an outdoor fire, be sure you know if a burn ban has been issued for the county in which you live. Under a burn ban, no open burning of any kind is permitted. What can I do?

vironmental Management (ADEM) regulations under section 335-3-3-.01 Open Burning, “Only vegetation and untreated wood may be burned. It is unauthorized to open burn heavy oils, asphalt products, plastics, vinyl materials, insulation, paper, cardboard, natural or synthetic rubber, salvage or scrap materials, chemicals, garbage, treated or painted wood, or any trash.” Guidelines for burning vegetation and untreated wood must be under certain conditions. The following is a partial list of those conditions: •burning must take place on the property on which the combustible fuel originates; •burning must be controlled so there is no traffic hazard created on any public road, street, or highway; •Initial burning may be commenced between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. No combustible ma-

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terial is to be added to the fire between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day. •The fire must be attended at all times. Backyard burning should be limited to leaves, fallen or trimmed trees, and other vegetation. All other trash should be recycled or placed in garbage cans for pickup or taken to the transfer station. Today’s landfills are heavily regulated to ensure that contaminants are not released into the environment. Be aware of burn bans When temperatures are high and conditions are dry, burn bans may be put into effect to prevent wild

If you practice open burning of any kind, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with all of the regulations pertaining to this subject since fines can be levied for failure to comply. To see the full version of these ADEM regulations, visit www.adem.state.al.us/ alEnviroReglaws/files/Division3.pdf. There are additional regulations which apply if you reside within the City of Athens. For information, visit www. municode.com/library. If you suspect that something is being burned other than natural brush and vegetation, contact the ADEM field office in Decatur, Alabama at 256353-1713 or go to www. ADEM.state.al.us and click the “Complaints” icon. Sources EPA.gov ADEM.state.al.us

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com October 2 - October 15, 2015

Cooking with Shelley

Shelley’s Ramey Salad by Shelley Underhill Y’all I’ve tried many a version of this wacky salad, and liked every one!! But this version I came up with has to be my favorite. It’s easy and tasty and you’ll have them coming back for more. Let me know if you try it; you can email me at shelleysdesk@ gmail.com. Enjoy!

Shelley’s Ramey Salad 2 packs Chicken Flavor Ramen noodles (crushed) 10 cups shredded coleslaw mix ¼ cup Balsamic vinegar ¼ cup sugar ¾ cup vegetable oil ½ cup sunflower seeds (shelled)

Directions:

Combine together vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil and a pack and a half of the Ramen noodle seasoning. Mix well. Mix together slaw and sunflower seeds. Pour liquid mixture over slaw and mix until all is coated. Let stand for several hours in the refrigerator before serving.

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Health and Fitness

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) by Janet Hunt

Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. This article is reprinted with permission of the American College of Sports Medicine. Copyright © 2011 American College of Sports Medicine. Any type of activity that places unaccustomed loads on muscle may lead to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This type of soreness is different from acute soreness, which is pain that develops during the actual activity. Delayed soreness typically begins to develop 12-24 hours after the exercise has been performed and may produce the greatest pain between 24-72 hours after the exercise has been performed. While origins of the soreness are complex, it is wellestablished that many types of physical activity can cause delayed soreness. Most believe soreness develops as a result of microscopic damage to muscle fibers involved the exercise. This type of damage likely results from new stresses that were experienced during the exercise. One common misconception about DOMS is that it is due to lactic acid accumulation, but lactic acid is not a component of this process. DOMS appears to be a side effect of the repair process that develops in response to microscopic muscle damage. Examples of activities that are known to cause DOMS include:

tions include the lowering phase of a bicep curl exercise or the lengthening of the thigh muscles while the limb brakes against your body’s momentum as it walks or jogs down a hill. Jogging or running on a flat surface can also elicit DOMS symptoms for those who are unaccustomed to this type of activity. The severity of soreness depends on the types of forces placed on the muscle. Running down a hill will place greater force on the muscle than walking down the same hill. The soreness that develops will likely be greater after running down a hill. All people are susceptible to DOMS, even those who have been exercising for years. However, the severity of soreness normally becomes less as your body becomes adapted to work it regularly performs. Just one bout of soreness producing exercise actually develops a partial protective effect that reduces the chance of developing soreness in that same activity for weeks or months into the future. There are numerous characteristics of DOMS beyond local muscle pain. Some of the most common symptoms include: •Swelling of the affected limbs;

•Strength training exercise

•Stiffness of the joint accompanied by temporary reduction in a joint’s range of motion;

•Walking down hills

•Tenderness to the touch;

•Jogging

•Temporary reduction in strength of the affected muscles (lasting days);

•Step aerobics •Jumping Activities which cause DOMS all cause muscles to lengthen while force is applied. This is eccentric muscle action. Examples of eccentric muscle ac-

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•In rare and severe cases, muscle breakdown to the extent that the kidneys may be placed at risk; and •Elevated creatine kinase (CK)

useful in easing pain. It is important to be aware that pain reduction does not represent recovery. Rather, these treatments may only be effective in reducing symptoms of pain, but underlying muscle damage and reduced function may persist.

enzyme in the blood, signaling muscle tissue damage. DOMS symptoms do not typically necessitate the need for medical intervention. If the pain level becomes debilitating, if limbs experience heavy swelling or if urine becomes dark, then medical consultation is advisable. One of the best ways to reduce the severity of DOMS is to progress slowly in a new program. Allowing the muscle time to adapt to new stress should help to minimize the severity of symptoms, but it is unlikely that soreness can be avoided altogether. It is also important to allow the muscle time to recover from work that produces soreness, and participating in the same exercises on subsequent days should to be done judiciously. Proper warmup is also important in preparing the muscle for the types of forces that may cause damage, but there is little evidence that warm-up will be effective in preventing DOMS symptoms. Stretching is sometimes done before exercise, but it is better to stretch after the body is warmed up and after exercise. Stretching has not been shown to reduce or prevent symptoms of DOMS,

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but DOMS should last only a few days (usually 3-5 days) and the involved muscles will be better prepared for future bouts of the same type of exercise. There is little evidence that such treatment strategies will hasten recovery and return to normal function. If the primary goal is to reduce symptoms, then treatments such as ice pack application, massage, tender point acupressure, and oral pain relief agents may be

It is unlikely that you will avoid soreness altogether when beginning a new exercise program. However, pain does not need to be present to achieve gains in fitness status, and pain may indicate a need to reduce or refrain from an activity. While eccentric loading of muscle to achieve gains in muscle size appears to be important, gains in strength will occur without overemphasizing the eccentric component of a weightlifting exercise. Pain that occurs during exercise (i.e., acute) signals a problem with the exercise (too intense, bad form, etc.) and should be halted before muscle or joint damage occurs.

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Cover Story

Storytelling 2015: A “PEAK” Part Of Autumn In Athens by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

this year the PEAK award, which is the “Oscar” of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, went to the Storytelling Festival for the Best Event of the Year. Tami Reist, President and CEO of AMLTA, had this to say, both about Storytelling, as well as the Spirit of Athens, which won the Organization of the Year Award: “The PEAK Awards provide an outstanding platform to recognize top performers and industry leaders in tourism, and this year’s recipients all have done an excellent job in the marketing and promotions of tourism and travel for the North Alabama region.” This year’s Storytelling Festival is being held from October 20th through the 24th. So, how did Storytelling get “from there to here?” Several years ago, a group of Athens natives, headed up to Jonesborough, TN to attend the National Storytelling Festival held there each year. They came back with a vision to bring an event comparable in quality to Athens. Since then, a long list of hard working volunteers and local businesses has kept the tellers happily coming back each

300 storytelling events held all over the country, and the tellers are on the road far more than they are at home. When they tell you that they greatly love coming here, it is not a political statement, they genuinely are blown away each year by how we take care of them. I got to chat on the phone with Andy Offut Irwin, one of the ‘tellers on the 2015 docket, and this is what he had to say: “The Athens festival is one of our very favorites. Every year, we get to be ‘world famous in Athens, AL.’ This festival is one of the only

Donald Davis

fall. In addition, the police, Athens State University, legislators, teachers, and just about the whole town comes together to pull it off without a hitch. To gain some perspective, there are approximately

Carmen Deedy

places where it becomes the center of the town. We’re not off to the side somewhere, we are right in the middle of town on the Square. We get vouchers for food from the restaurant owners. The merchants come

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in to hear us, and the welcome from the town is palpable. It is so warm and inviting,” he said. He went on to tell me that because they get to “play to a million kids,” they have so much more fun than at the events that are only attended by adults. Basically, his question was, “what’s not to love about the festival director shooting a marshmallow gun at the kids?” Speaking of the kids, there will be an extra day for them to hear the ‘tellers this year. That is because our local state legislators have once

Bil Lepp

again gotten funding for public school, private school and homeschool students to attend for free. Wayne told me, “We are the only festival in the nation where this happens, and we owe our thanks to our representatives

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that understand how important this is for our kids’ education.” Our students are going to get to hear one of their all time favorites this year, three time Emmy Award winner Bobby Norfolk. The last time he was here, I got to see Bobby additionally perform for the kids at Johnson Elementary school, and the comedic energy in the room was electrifying. So, what is new for the 2015 festival? “For the first time, this year we will be hearing from Michael Reno Harrell,” Wayne told me. Michael is from the Appalachians, has

Andy Offutt Irwin

won numerous awards for both his songs and storytelling, and has toured throughout the British Isles and Europe. His song, “Southern Suggestions” is a true classic, along with many others, and I am glad he is in the line up.

The rest of the troupe is legendary in the storytelling world: Donald Davis, Carmen Deedy, Bil Lepp, and Andy Offut Irwin. They have honed their craft to the point that they are as comforting as a hand stitched quilt, while being as sharp as a pearl handled barber’s razor in the hands of an expert, and I can’t wait to hear them! For the third time, there will be an amateur night, which is being hosted by Charlie Hughes. It has been renamed “The Dan Williams Memorial Annual Storytelling Night” in honor of our recently departed Mayor and State Representative, who was ‘teller in his own right. There is still room for competitors, the list is not full, and interested ‘tellers from our area are encouraged to call him at 256-431-9054 to find out how to audition. Also, there are custom designed T shirts for sale at the ASU Center for Lifelong Learning for $12, and you’ll have to see one to understand what they mean when they say, “The Legend Lives On!” We hope to see you and your tribe “laugh ‘til you cry, and cry ‘til you laugh at Storytelling 2015.

Michael Reno Harrell

Tickets can be purchased online at www.athensstorytelling festival.com, or for more information, call Wayne Kuykendall at 256-232-0400. Page 15

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Cover Story

Brad Stovall’s Auto Body Shop: Old Time Service And The Latest Technology by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

who will go the distance when it comes to getting your wrecked ride all fixed up and back on the road pronto. I have written before about how well he has taken care of my “classic” ’93 GMC Sierra Athens Now delivery truck, and will hopefully be seeing him soon to get some self-inflicted damage to the passenger side taken care of. I have also written about the same speedy and high quality service that a young woman who is like a daughter to us received after a deer strike in Kentucky for which I was present. So, I can truly speak from the standpoint of personal experience and a high level of customer satisfaction. However, there are times that other things impress me when I am dealing with business owners, whether it is from the standpoint of an interviewer or a consumer. That would be a commitment to increasing skills and value in the market place, even when there are growing pains. And that is what we spent the majority of our time discussing. Most of us with silver hair will be quick to acknowledge that technology has forced a learning curve upon us that in the jet world is tantamount to a specialized vertical takeoff named after a plane known as a Harrier. It takes a specific aircraft and an enormous amount of energy to get airborne

with no runway, but once you are there, you’ve got it. As a helicopter pilot, Brad chuckled at my analogy. He continued to tell me that since 2008, when the insurance industry went sideways, everything about the relationship between the insurance companies and the auto body shops has changed, and sometimes the customer has been caught in the middle. “Mostly it’s been the new communications systems and the way we are now required to make claims,” Brad said. He added, “Each insurance company wants something different, and we have been in the process of getting everyone trained and able to deal well with the requirements of the companies.” While he’s glad about technological progress, what he misses is the one-on-one contact and service he’s been used to providing for the past quarter century. However, he knows there is a way where there is a will, so he has been working on finding team members that are more “technoid” than he so he can both learn the new ropes as well as get back

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he said, “but everyone is preparing for it, and I am the Coach!”

to exemplary customer care. Everyone’s role has changed, too. Insurance adjustors don’t function the same way they did for decades. Brad has also found that the fact that most folks have cell phones that have cameras sometimes helps, and sometimes hinders. “You can take a picture of a wreck that to us is descriptive, but doesn’t satisfy the insurance industry. They want to make sure they are not giving anything away, which is understandable,” he told me.

frames,” he said. And, while they are not required by law to do so, in order to keep with industry trends, they now use a paint that is “greener,” that is, friendlier to the environment. I asked, “Do you like the new paints?” He told me, “They are good, but they take longer. Now curing the paint is a slower process.” “And everybody wants their car back yesterday, right?” He nodded and smiled in the Stovall way that can only be described as trademark.

“We are building our team in a whole new way, and that takes time,” he said. “It’s an adjustment for all of us, and all of us want to make sure that the customer is getting the service we are known for,” he told me.

While the intention to roll with industry changes while keeping up a high level of accessibility for the customer is admirable on principle, there is also a really good reason for Brad to wait until he’s got his team fully prepared for the “championship.” He told me that there is a plan in the works for expanding the business, and adding locations here and in Tennessee. “That’s about 2 years down the road,”

Some of the other technologically based changes have been in the area of managing car frames and painting. “There are new machines we have gotten for dealing with the

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We talked about the feeling that you get when you know you have gone “above and beyond” for the sake of your clients and your crew, and agreed, “There is nothing like it.” So, if you are in need of the blend of technological newness and old time customer service for your auto body needs, Brad Stovall and his team are waiting!

Brad Stovall’s Auto Body Shop 11848 Esque Drive (behind the Tanner Post Office) Tanner, AL Body Shop: 256-233-5140 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Saturday by appointment Facebook: Brad Stovall’s Body Shop Page 17

Learning As A Lifestyle

Did You Know? by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 Last week I watched a movie. That is not unusual; I watch a lot of movies. What was unusual is it made me question some of the premise of the movie.

and priorities? This year Millennials (those with birth years between 1980-2000) will enter the workforce as the Boomers (those with birth years between 1946 and 1964) begin to leave.

10,000 BC is a 2008 American epic fantasy adventure film from Warner Bros. Pictures set in the prehistoric era. The hero, D’Leh, kills a woolly mammoth and wins a White Spear. Then, raiders come and some from the village are captured. While trying to rescue them, they travel to an advanced civilization in Egypt. There slaves are building a pyramid. I won’t tell you what happens from there. It was a good movie and I would recommend it to you. But . . . While I was watching, I questioned why the produc-

ers would use prehistoric characters and pyramids in Egypt. I thought they were at different places on the time continuum. Turns out, they are on the same continuum.

How weird is that? Did you know that the Battle of the Bighorn (Custer’s Last Stand) was in 1889? So was the birth of Adolf Hitler. Because we study Hitler in

World War II (which happened in the mid 1940s), we don’t think about him being around in the time of the Indian Wars. Did you know that Harry Houdini, a magician and escapist, was born during the time of the California Gold Rush in 1874? During the same time frame, the Great Chicago Fire of 1874 burned down 47 acres of the city, destroying 812 buildings, killing 20 people, and resulting in the fire insurance industry demanding municipal reforms from Chicago’s city council. When I was in school learning about these things, I learned them as separate incidents and did not make a connection. Kids today look up everything and if they did the same thing I did this morning, they can see the connections right away. Did you know that for the first time in modern history there are four generations represented in the workplace, each with their own distinct set of values, characteristics,

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On October 16, Lori KingTaylor will be at the Center for Lifelong Learning to talk about Managing Across Generations. This course will explore why different generations have different expectations and desires. She will explain the strengths, challenges and personalities of each of the four types. The class is scheduled from 8:30am to 11:30am. The fee is $150 and CEUs will be offered for those who need them for professional development. The fee includes a continental breakfast and handouts. Lori King-Taylor, M.Ed., holds a Master of Education in Training and Development from The Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in Adult Education from Athens State University. A highly effective workshop facilitator, consultant and executive coach, Lori has worked with individuals at all levels of employment from entry level to executive. Lori has extensive experience in leadership development and organizational effectiveness and is a certified to administer the Everything DiSC Personality Assessment, 360 Evaluations and the Index of Emotional Intelligence. She is also a Certified John Maxwell Trainer and Coach. You can call 256-233-8260 for more information or register online at www.athens.edu/CLL.

October 2 - October 15, 2015

Jerry’s Journal

Remembering Dan Williams, Part 2 by Jerry Barksdale Carol and I were to be married August 30, 1961 at Market Street Church of Christ. I asked my good buddy, Dan Williams to be my best man; I figured he would bring me good luck. But first, my future love nest, a downstairs apartment in an old house on South Beaty Street, would have to be scrubbed and cleaned. I recruited Dan and our buddy Brown (not his real name) to help. “We’ll make it fun,” I said. It was a hot Sunday afternoon in August. There was no air conditioning, not even a fan. The day before, I had driven over to the county line and purchased a case of beer and iced it down in a No. 3 washtub. Our timing was perfect. Mama, who despised all forms of alcohol and constantly warned me of its danger, was at home taking her Sunday afternoon nap. To be lectured by her on the evils of drinking, quoting scripture and verses was more mental torture than a normal human being could endure. We whistled and laughed as we swept, mopped and dusted. The tub of beer sat in the middle of the bedroom floor, growing colder by the minute. Brown was working in the living room. “Hey Barksdale, yo Mama and a carload of women just drove up.” “Don’t mess with my mind,” I replied. “I ain’t kidding,”

he said, to which I replied “Yeah right.” “They’re getting out of the car!” he said. I walked over and peeked out the window to confirm he was lying. My heart stopped. Mama and several of her church friends were almost to the front porch. I panicked.

they wished me much happiness. I needed some. I had lost more happiness in the last 20 minutes than I had experienced in a lifetime.

slept on a vinyl covered couch with wooden arm rests. It was past midnight, when screaming and loud thrashing about brought me straight up in

“I’m sorry to hear your back’s bothering you ,” I said. “You should be. It’s your fault.”

“HIDE THE BEER!” I yelled to Dan. “Where?” he asked me. “Under the bed,” I said. “It won’t go,” Dan replied. The front door opened. “YOO HOO, ANYONE HOME?” It was Mama. “DRAG IT INTO THE CLOSET!”I said. Dan snatched the tub of beer and ice and dragged it into the closet. Mama and the women browsed through the apartment, inspecting cabinets, pulling out drawers, opening doors, oohing and ahhing about how nice everything was. Dan stood in front of the closet door like a Swiss guard protecting the Pope. “Don’t let ‘em open that door or I’m a dead duck,” I whispered. Mama spotted the closet and headed straight toward it. My heart tried to jump out and run. “Can’t look in there, “ I said. “Why not?” she asked. “Uh – oh, honeymoon stuff. You know.” The women smiled and snickered knowingly. They finally drifted out to the front porch, where

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Several years later, when Dan was Mayor of Athens, I saw him wobbling down the sidewalk. He was moving all catawampus, like a wrecked car with a bent frame. We stopped and chatted. He said he was down in his back again and had just seen his chiropractor.

“Y’all come back anytime,” I yelled as they loaded into Mama’s red and white Nash Rambler and departed. I collapsed with relief. Mama was happy and proud of me, her only son, a forthright, honest and sober young man. I was so weak from fright I didn’t want a beer. As always, Mama was right. Messing with alcohol is dangerous. In addition to breaking up homes, causing car wrecks and cirrhosis of the liver, it almost caused me to have a heart attack at age 19. And, it gave my best friend, Dan, a bad back for life.

bed. “HELP!” It was Dan. My buddy was in trouble and needed help. “Home invasion!” I thought as I sprang from bed and ran to assist. “What’s wrong?” I asked looking around. “Someone was choking me” Dan said, as he dislodged his head from beneath the wooden arm rest. An investigation of the crime scene revealed that while asleep, Dan slid his head beneath the arm rest and when he tried to turn over, it caught his neck.

“My fault?” I asked. “Yeah, I hurt it trying to hide that tub of beer from your Mama just before you got married,” he said. “Which marriage?” I asked. “Your first one,” he replied. Carol and I divorced after three children and 25 years of marriage. I always told Dan he was my friend, but a sorry best man. When my son, Mark lay dying at Decatur General Hospital, Dan was there. He helped organize a Celebration of Life Event and he and his children sang and lifted our broken hearts. He was the best.

A couple of years after we married, Carol and I moved to Tuscaloosa where I was attending the University of Alabama. We lived in a tiny furnished apartment on the edge of campus. Dan came down to visit and

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

The Constitution And Renewing The Intergenerational Pact by Ali Elizabeth Turner

As sometimes happens, Mayor Ronnie had some thoughts and resources prepared for our appointment, and then, all of a sudden he knew that something else had moved into the “Plan A” slot for this edition. It puzzled him somewhat to be revisiting the necessity of knowing the Constitution of the United States of America, seeing as just two weeks ago, the Daughters of the American Revolution had given a wonderful Constitution Day presentation in the newly refurbished McCandless Hall on the ASU campus.

By all accounts, it would appear that the understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is alive and well in Athens, AL, and for the most part, that is true. At many public functions there are free copies of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution is available to anyone who wants one. They are provided by such organizations as The Heritage Foundation, the DAR, Hillsdale College, and the Alabama Policy Institute, and will fit in your pocket or pocketbook.

So, why the Mayoral concern about our kids knowing the founding documents of our country? I think it can be best described by former President George W. Bush when he said in his first Inaugural Address:

truth to power. What, then, is the “intergenerational pact?” It is the understanding that the deep imprinting of the brilliance of the Founders swings both ways. Adults need to teach it, kids need to truly internalize it, not just regurgitate it, and bless their elders with their conclusions.

zen must uphold them. And every immigrant, by embracing these ideals, makes our country more, not less, American.” “Every child must be taught these principles.” Which principles? Those laid down by the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. We put on our former teacher hats for a moment and discussed the readily available level of understanding of “the principles” amongst kids we had taught, and here is what we concluded. It is not enough to have a functional familiar-

ity with the documents, the true skill comes with knowing how and why they work, and wrestling with them as they are applied to our lives, locally, on the state level, and nationally. This could be illustrated by how well we all know the Lord’s Prayer or the Pledge of Allegiance, and yet sometimes “check out” and say them like we are robots. But what happens when we connect with their truth? Lots.

not upholding the Constitution, you can expect nothing else.” And, I might add, if you have leaders who don’t even know the Constitution, it unfortunately falls upon the informed populace to speak

This year, as the Mayor and those who help him with the Mayor’s Youth Commission gear up for teaching our kids about life, local and state government, as well as what makes a city work well, there is going to be a new emphasis on the Constitution. They won’t just be mouthing words, but, as Mayor Ronnie read to me from his own pocket version of that blessed document—“We hold these truths to be self evident….” is going to be a serious part of what makes both Ronnie and our kids roll.

“People are struggling with mistrust,” he said, “and to an extent that is understandable. If you have leaders who are

“America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests, and teach us what it means to be citizens. Every child must be taught these principles. Every citi-

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Medical Update

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month by Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness covers miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, and any unexpected death of an infant. The movement began in 1987, and on October 25, 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated the month of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. The movement was organized without the aid of cellphones, computers, or the Internet by Sherokee Ilse, Susan Erling, and Rhonda Wintheiser. They wrote letters and called other groups with similar missions and invited them to write letters congress. In the spring of 1989 as a celebration of the success and declaration by President Reagan, hundreds of bereaved families traveled to Washington, D.C. and carried 500 baby quilts displaying the names of

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thousands of babies. In addition, October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. This campaign began in 2002 and was spearheaded by Robyn Bear, Lisa Brown, and Tammy Novak. They petitioned the Federal and State governments and by October 15, 2002, 20 states had signed proclamations. Since that time several other countries have also adopted proclamations, including Canada and Italy. International Wave of Light is a campaign for people to light a candle at 7pm on October 15 in each respective time zone and leave it burning for at least an hour in remembrance. The goal is to have a continuous chain of lights spanning the globe for a 24-hour period. Here are some shocking statistics. Every year, there are approximately 4.4 mil-

lion pregnancies confirmed in the US alone. Almost 1 million of those pregnancies end in miscarriage, more than half of which occur before 20 weeks gestation. Twenty-six thousand are termed still born, which refers to babies lost after 20 weeks gestation. Another 19,000 infants die in the first month after birth. Thirty-nine thousand more occur within the first year of life, mostly as a result of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) which has no single identifiable cause despite years of research on the subject. The emotional fallout from this kind of loss poses an additional problem. According to a study discussed in US News and World Report, miscarriage and its repercussions is an area in our culture where we have an unfortunately

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high level of ignorance and low level of skill when it comes to comforting parents regarding their loss. Sometimes, there are things that are said that are downright cruel. For example, a couple had announced their pregnancy on Facebook before the usual 12-week mark, then also shared their loss. One person said that people should respond to these types of things with “congratulations on your miscarriage.” So, what can a caring person do to help a couple who has experienced a miscarriage, still birth, or loss of an infant (either from SIDS or a traumatic event)? •Allow the couple the opportunity to grieve and talk about the loss on their terms •Give their loss the respect it deserves •Do not speak to the medi-

cal issues unless you are qualified to do so AND have been asked to do so If you are a someone who has experienced pregnancy loss, whether it be early in your pregnancy, in the middle, at the end or after the child is born, there are resources and support available through local crisis pregnancy centers and through an organization called First Candle. Their mission is “helping babies survive and thrive,” but also to provide grief support to families when they don’t. Their grief support hot line can be reached by calling 1-800-221-7437, with counselors available 24/7. There are also specific bereavement support groups available. For more information on pregnancy loss, please visit www.nationalshare.org or www. firstcandle.org.

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