Athens Now 9-6-19

September 6th - September 19th, 2019

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

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

Special Feature The Red Caboose Café: A Year Of Lovin’ Cooking For Our Community... This past August marked a year since Melanie and Glenn Leach took over a charming café that... Page 5

Limestone Manor Spotlight Spotlight On Jo Ann Gant, Resident Of Limestone Manor Assisted Living... When you head past the cheery pots of geraniums toward the main entrance to Limestone Manor, there is a sign over the door that says... Page 7

Special Feature Reveal Your Teal In September For Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month... Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks and Mildred’s Angels are asking citizens to reveal their teal in September... Page 14

September 6 - September 19, 2019

A Splash Of Ink: Eye Catching Design, Excellence Guaranteed, On Time Every Time By Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens native Jerome Malone along with his wife Tiffany are 40-something professionals who were well-educatContinued on page 15

The Chamber of Commerce celebrating A Splash of Ink's Grand Opening on August 29th

The Right Choice: Athens-Limestone Hospital’s Addiction Withdrawal Treatment By Katie Clark A new service is now available at Athens-Limestone Hospital. The Right Choice, an addiction wi-

Continued on page 17

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www.JuicePlus.com

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September 6 - September 19, 2019

Publisher’s Point

Redemptive Repentance

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers D. A. Slinkard Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Anna Hamilton Cayce Lee Jerry Barksdale Roy Williams Eric Betts Holly Hollman Joel Allen Katie Clark

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 Limestone Manor Spotlight . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Fit Points . . . . . . . . . 16 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 Jerry's Journal . . . . . . 19

Last week, Governor Kay Ivey did something that I can only describe as classy; she repented for something she did while in college, and it was that she participated in a skit in which she appeared in blackface. It was the Alabama of another time, and given the cultural norms of the day, Miss Kay was smack dab in the middle of behavior which was, by today’s standards, certainly unacceptable. But I seriously doubt that there was the active intent to harm anyone, even back then. She did an outstanding job of “owning it,” thus making me proud once again to be a citizen of Alabama the Beautiful. Did she mess up once long ago? To be sure. And more to the point, and what makes her statement and example inspiring, is that she “fessed up.” Her statement in part is as follows: “As such, I fully acknowledge – with genuine remorse – my participation in a skit like that back when I was a senior in college. “While some may attempt to excuse this as acceptable behavior for a college student during the mid-1960s, that is not who I am today, and it is not what my Administration represents all these years later. “I offer my heartfelt apologies for the pain and embarrassment this causes, and I will do all I can – going forward – to help show the nation that the Alabama of today is a far cry from the Alabama of the 1960s. We have come a long way, for sure, but we still have a long way to go.” Let’s look at the big picture. Blackface and minstrel performances were a common, and in retrospect, an unfortunate part of 19th and 20th cen-

Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Alternative Approach . . . . 22

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tury American entertainment, started by white people and made the most famous in 1927 by Al Jolson in the first talking motion picture, The Jazz Singer. Al’s original name was Asa Yoelson, was Jewish, born in Lithunia, and came to this country with his family in 1894. By contrast, Eddie Murphy donned whiteface and impersonated a Jewish man in the barber shop in the comedy, Coming to America, in 1988. Whoopi Goldberg and Ted Danson together crafted a blackface roast of her at a lunch given in NYC in her honor; he wore the black face, and she wrote the script for him which was heavy with the use of the N-word. There was pushback, certainly, but no one thought that they should be banned from the small or large screen. Godfrey Cambridge, a black comedian in the ‘60s, donned whiteface for a movie in which he portrayed a white man that was called, “Watermelon Man,” inappropriately enough. The Wayan brothers produced White Chicks, where they cross-dressed as undercover officers and impersonated white heiresses in order to prevent a kidnapping. Locker room humor, mocking airhead blonde women of questionable morality, and they are talking about a sequel. Jewish comedienne Sarah Silverman, whose “humor” I find completely repugnant, did a skit where she donned black face for a day,

and her colleague, who was black, donned whiteface for a day and went undercover as a Jew. The point of the skit was to see who had the roughest day, and they circled back to compare notes. Dumb? Probably. Something I would watch? Not likely. Enough to end their careers? No, not to me, who is one who doesn’t care for her humor at all. That’s for the market to decide. But, earlier this month, Sarah, who supported Bernie Sanders in 2016, became the latest victim of what has been called “cancel culture.” The afore-mentioned skit, which was done in 2007, somehow surfaced on the net, and although she had long ago renounced her “foolishness of youth,” she lost a role in an upcoming movie due to what some felt was the racist premise of her skit. What Sarah said was telling: "It's like, if you're not on board, if you say the wrong thing, if you had a tweet once, everyone is, like, throwing the first stone," Silverman said. "It's really, 'Look how righteous I am and now I'm going to press refresh all day long to see how many likes I get in my righteousness.'" And further, "I don't stand by the blackface sketch. I'm horrified by it, and I can't erase it. I can only be changed by it and move on." The issue is not confined to racial relations between blacks and whites. In the classic 1961

film, Breakfast At Tiffany’s, Mickey Rooney portrayed a tense Japanese photographer by the name of Mr. Yunioshi who was constantly yelling at Audrey Hepburn’s character regarding the wild parties she held in the apartment below. His portrayal was completely stereotypical, and for years after, Asians would tell him they thought it was hysterical. Read it for yourself: In a 2008 interview about the film, Rooney said he was shocked to hear that his role as Yunioshi had been branded racist by several Asian-American activists. Rooney said he was heartbroken about the criticism: "Blake Edwards... wanted me to do it because he was a comedy director. They hired me to do this overboard, and we had fun doing it.... Never in all the more than 40 years after we made it - not one complaint. Every place I've gone in the world people say, 'God, you were so funny.' Asians and Chinese come up to me and say, 'Mickey, you were out of this world.'" Rooney also said that if he had known people would be so offended, "I wouldn't have done it. Those that didn't like it, I forgive them and God bless America, God bless the universe, God bless Japanese, Chinese, Indians, all of them and let's have peace." Sounds good to me, and thank you, Miss Kay, for repentance that, if responded to prudently, has a shot at being redemptive as you lead Alabama the Beautiful forward and away from this thin-skinned madness.

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

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All Things Soldier

Obesity As A Security Issue by Ali Elizabeth Turner

When I was in Iraq, as different soldiers from National Guard units would rotate in from all over the country, it was uncomfortable at best to struggle at times with the feeling of being less-than-safe due to the number of them that were obese. Because most of the time National Guard units were on Perimeter Patrol, at times they needed to be able to run down the streets of Baghdad after insurgents in order to keep us safe. But the fact was, they couldn’t do so under optimal conditions, let alone the 130+ degree desert weather. There were several factors in play when it came to the relative lack of fitness of the newest members of our camp: they had either never seen or had long ago seen active duty, and the “cares of this life” had caused them to ease into a life of comfort and little-to-no exercise. Add to that eating devalued, processed, manipulated food; not dealing with stress well; and dehydration and you had soldiers that actually posed a security risk. Personally, I don’t think it helped that Pizza Hut and Cinnabon were available in small, state-fair type mobile trailers, nor that the food in the D-facs (Dining Facilities) was ridiculously plentiful. To their credit, other soldiers would step up and help them train, hold them accountable, help them make healthy food

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choices, and basically run them through an improv boot camp to get them back within what could be considered “fighting weight.” But the point is, they should not have had to focus on that while be-

ing in the middle of dealing with Al-Qaeda. Apparently, the problem has not improved. According to a recent study conducted by the Department of Defense

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shows that the United States Navy has the highest level of obesity amongst its members, a whopping 22%. The obesity rate amongst Marines was 8.2%, and Airmen and Soldiers were tied at around 17%. More than 25% of all service personnel over the age of 35 were obese, and while the Marines were the lightest as well as the youngest, they also reported the greatest amount of back and knee injuries. Please understand, as someone who has struggled with my weight all my life, my purpose here is most definitely not to cast dispersion, nor do I think that every sol-

dier has to have washboard abs. I know that the technological advances of the 21st century have relegated many aspects of warfighting to the armchair and/or the joystick. On the other hand, there is a reason why there are fitness standards in all branches of service: it is to ensure readiness and the ability to cope well in combat, and not be expected to carry a wounded battle buddy that is too heavy because he or she allowed themselves to be so. I also am not suggesting that soldiers live off of Spam for months at a time like my dad did during WWII because that was the only thing that would keep in the heat of the Pacific Theatre. I am simply saying that if you take the oath to defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign, and domestic, you need to remember that your body is a weapon, especially in wartime, and to take care of us, you are going to have to take care of it.

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Special Feature

The Red Caboose Café: A Year Of Lovin’ Cooking For Our Community by Ali Elizabeth Turner This past August marked a year since Melanie and Glenn Leach took over a charming café that is a landmark in Elkmont, the Red Caboose. It is located literally within a few feet of the old caboose car that was once a part of the L & N line, and is one of those places that when I walk in, I feel like I am home. It was six years ago that the Leach family moved here from Oklahoma, and would somehow feel drawn to the darling café whenever they would drive by. Glenn had retired from his traditional career with AT&T, and now had a team with whom he was doing contract work for AT&T from home. Melanie had been a part of several businesses, including retail and admin, and everywhere she worked, she was famous for her baking and cooking. She did special cooking projects for friends, family, and co-workers, but that is not at all the same as being a full-time restaurant owner. The first year was an intense learning curve, with lots of tweaks to the menu, the hours, the staff, and the marketing platforms; and they decided to celebrate their successful first year by having a street party. “We wanted to say thank you to everyone who had helped make our first year a success, so we invited vendors to come and set up, had food and fun, and most of all wanted to make the party about the community, and not

us,” Melanie told me. She then added, “We have had our challenges, and by the grace of God, we have prevailed.” One of my favorite things about Melanie and Glenn is how they love to mentor and invest in the lives of several generations. Melanie’s baby is baking, and there have been single moms who have learned

The Red Caboose crew Back row: (L-R) Kayla, Jude, Amy, Tonya, Kaitlin, Tina and Laura Front row: Melanie and Glenn

Red Caboose owners Glenn and Melanie Leach

her secrets, and she doesn’t mind sharing her successes. For me, the sight of a happy grandchild being comfortably a part of “the family business” always makes me want to be a patron, and Leach grandkids are part of the Red Caboose “experience.” Family businesses are part of what has made our country great, and the Red Caboose Café is no exception. Melanie makes all kinds of pies, cobblers, and several types of cheesecakes. The dessert menu is always changing, and the “fans” could almost fight over which is the best.

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Over the last year, “Glenn the Grillmaster” has had his reputation travel beyond the borders of Alabama. On the first and third Friday of each month, Glenn grills ribeye steaks to order, and the special dinner includes a baked potato, salad, and drink for $16.99. “People drive from 2 ½ hours away,” Melanie said. There are regular travelers who always stop on their way to New Orleans. There was a group from Ohio who had learned about the Caboose online and made sure they got to taste what Melanie and Glenn prepared for them.

draws. Melanie also posts the menus daily on places. singleplatform.com as well as Facebook. They have over 100 Google reviews, and the average rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars, which is no small feat for a hometown café! “We have people who come in every day,” said Melanie. There are families who are regulars, couples who come for date night, an adult father and son who have their “own” table, and people who come for far more than the food. “We do our best to make better connections through food,” Melanie

told me. The heart of the “Caboose Crew” is that everyone feel welcome, have plenty of food that is carefully cooked, and Melanie’s personal goal is to “continue to make things better, whether it’s through the food or by being involved in the community.” If this sounds like the kind of place where you would like to hang your hat, get a hug, and fill your tummy, the Red Caboose Café is ready to serve you lunch or dinner six days a week from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. They are closed on Sundays.

During the fall and winter, there will be several “meatand-three” selections from which to choose. Tender pot roast, stews, a pot of pinto beans, chicken stew, mac and cheese, potato casseroles, cornbread muffins, and specialized burgers continue to be strong

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Calendar of Events Second Sundays On The Square

Businesses will be open from 12pm-4pm on these Sunday afternoons for local residents and out-of-towners alike to come enjoy what downtown Athens has to offer during the weekends. For more information contact Merritt Malone at 256-777-7519 or merritt5485@gmail.com

Houston Memorial Library and Museum FALL HOURS

101 North Houston Street in Athens. Tue - Thurs 10am-4pm • Fri 10am-1pm • First Saturdays - 10am-1pm. Antiques mingle with new book releases to create an inviting atmosphere for both book lovers and historians alike. We have all genres for all ages! The Governor's home displays local history while maintaining a fully functioning lending library. We invite you to stop by for a visit. 256-233-8770.

Play Outside Day September 7

Families everywhere are encouraged to get outside the first Saturday of every month and play in public parks, enjoy trails, hit the waterways, explore greenspaces and just play! Limestone County offers over 20 trails to explore including walking, cycling, horseback riding and kayaking – perfect for all ages. For more information: 256-232-5411.

Yesterdays 50s & 60s Variety Dinner Show September 7

Yesterday's Event Center. 15631 Brownsferry Road in Athens. Doors open at 5:00PM, dinner at 5:30PM, and show at 6:30PM featuring your favorite hits of the 50s and 60s. Tickets: $25.00 includes free parking, reserved seating, complete dinner, dessert, and unlimited beverage. For more information or RSVP: info@YesterdaysEvents.com

1st Annual Craft Show and Vendor Expo September 7

Tanner United Methodist Church in the Family Life Center. 19607 Huntsville-Brownferry Road in Tanner. 9:00AM2:00PM with homemade goods, desserts, and your favorite small business. Free admission. Hot Dog Lunch Combo $5.

Superhero Fun Day and Family Expo September 14

Big Spring Memorial Park. 100 North Beaty Street in Athens. 10am-3pm. With Eli's Block Party and sponsor North Alabama Eye Care. Don your favorite superhero outfit, t-shirt or makeup your own for this special day to raise awareness of childhood cancer. Activities, vendors, car show, fun run, music and more are packed into the day. elisblockparty.org

Limestone County Powwow September 14 - 15

Limestone Rodeo Arena. 18118 AL-99 on the right just past the Elm Street/AL-99 (Buck Island Road) intersection. 9AM5PM daily. Grand entry at noon each day. Drumming, Dancing, music and more for the whole family. Adults: $7; Kids 6-12 & Seniors: $5. For more information: Shontel McBride 256690-2362; Vendor Contact: Buffalo Yellowbird 256-620-0402.

POW/MIA Ceremony September 20

Alabama Veterans Museum, 100 Pryor Street, Athens. 11:30 AM. The Honorable Ronnie Marks, Mayor City of Athens, will be our guest speaker. Refreshments following ceremony.

Duck & Run 5K September 21

Start and finish in Big Spring Memorial Park. 125 East Street in Athens. Starting at 7:00AM. Join Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful for this annual fundraiser run through scenic Athens. Proceeds benefit Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful. Early registration $20. Late/Race Day registration $25. For more information or registration: DuckandRun5K.com

3rd Annual Community Kickball Tournament September 22

Johnson Elementary School. 21360 AL-251 in Athens. 2:00PM-8:00PM for adult coed tournament. No childcare available, adjacent field will be available for the kids to play. Sponsored by Lindsay Lane East, Mays Memorial, and Johnson Booster Club. Dinner provided. For information or register a team: Greg Wise 256-874-4734.

9/11 Heroes Run September 14

Alabama Veterans Museum. 100 West Pryor Street in Athens. 7:00AM-10:00AM. Lace up your running shoes for Alabama's only Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run. Runners and walkers will wind through the scenic streets of Athens as they remember the fallen of 9/11 and those who have fought the wars since. Page 6

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Spaghetti Meal at the Vietnam Veterans of America Building 3rd Monday Monthly 17915 W. Elm St. in Athens. 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:00 p.m. Cost is $8. Eat in or carry-out. Profits fund scholarships for local students. Please call ahead for group carry-outs or more info 256-431-3213.

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Spotlight On Jo Ann Gant, Resident Of Limestone Manor Assisted Living by Ali Elizabeth Turner When you head past the cheery pots of geraniums toward the main entrance to Limestone Manor, there is a sign over the door that says, “Welcome to our porch.” To me, both features are so inviting. I was asked by Shameka Gregory, Administrator of Limestone Manor, to interview Jo Ann Gant for this installment of the Spotlight series. The original intent of this periodic special feature was to capture the history of local residents, as well as talk about the excellent care they get at the many outstanding longterm facilities we have in our area. It has always

been one of my favorite parts of producing Athens Now. Limestone Manor is one of the smaller assisted living communities in Athens, and has the feeling of an intimate, cozy cottage. It is peaceful here, even though Highway 31 is close by. I asked Jo Ann how she liked it here, and she said, “It’s pretty, (the surroundings) easy to like, and there is good food.” She also likes the activities, such as Bingo, but she told me that as a girl she loved painting, and now she enjoys doing that again. “The latest one we did was with Q-tips, and my great-grandson liked it so much that he

asked if he could have it. One thing I learned while I was making flowers is that you don’t need very much paint.” Jo Ann is one of the newest residents at Limestone Manor, and my husband Steve and I worked for her and her husband Tom on their 40-acre farm on Nick Davis years ago. I was glad to see her looking so content. Jo Ann was born in Dublin, Texas, on August 29, 1934. She said with enthusiasm about her recent birthday, “I just turned 85!” She went to Abilene Christian College, where she met Tom Gant. She graduated from ACC with a degree in secondary ed-

ucation, and a minor in English as well as music. They have three sons, Bruce, Barry, and Bradley, and have a bunch of grands and great grands. Tom was an electrical engineer and worked on the Arsenal. As soon as he got home every night from work, he and the boys worked the farm. At one point they were raising 40 head of Black Angus cattle. We moved on to her list of favorites: Color? “Green.” Food to cook? “Salmon croquettes.” Actor/Actress? “Gregory Peck and Vivien Leigh.” Movie? Gone With The Wind. Jo Ann told me that the first time she watched GWTW on the big screen, she came out with a headache from all the visual and auditory stimulation. “Then I realized, it was

September 6 - September 19, 2019

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only the intermission, and I went right back in,” she said, grinning. Hymn? “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” “That’s a good one,” I said. Scripture? Psalm 23, which is almost everyone’s favorite President? Reagan

Trump

and

Biggest change in her lifetime? “Having the chance to travel. I grew up in one place in Texas, and Tom and I got to do a lot of travelling, which I really liked, and that was the biggest change for me.” Advice for young people? “Learn to take advice from your parents. Learn the pitfalls and how to avoid them. Have a good friend to help you along the way. And, be a good friend.” Good advice from a good woman, Jo Ann Gant.

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

It’s Times Like These When You Need Louis Armstrong by Ali Elizabeth Turner Mayor Ronnie and I started off our time together sharing the shock of what happened the night before in Elkmont, and asking all the usual questions that communities and individuals ask when there has been a tragedy such as a whole family being murdered by an adolescent family member. “Were there signs?” “Could it have been prevented?” “How can we help, and what do we do?” Mayor Ronnie told me about being in Scotland for eight days, “And things like this just don’t happen there. What has happened to us?” He also told me he had recently mentioned to City Council, “Look, guys, don’t think we are immune to tragedies here in Athens just because we have such a wonderful city. It can happen anywhere,” he said, and now it has. It was something we seriously prayed about at the end of our time together, and it’s in times like this that we realize that our helplessness needs to be made into something helpful.

husband Earl had found in a thrift store in Odessa, TX, which has just had its own tragic shooting. It was an artful presentation of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World,” which he made famous in 1967. Kim looked at me and said, “I want my grandson to believe this really is a wonderful world,” and we both blinked away tears. By contrast, Mayor Ronnie has an old friend who no longer lives here. When he travels through, he gets off at Exit 351 and drives through our town to see how things are going. He always tells Mayor Ronnie “how beautiful everything is; how well you are growing.”

Kim Glaze, who is the secretary to the mayor, had brought in a canvas wall decoration she and her

I checked back in with Mayor Ronnie again on Wednesday, and he was doing way better; as was

On this particular Monday morning, it was hard to know what to say, except that both things are true. We are a beautiful city, and also senseless destruction of precious human life had taken place at the hands of a young man whose own life had barely begun, and now in so many ways is itself destroyed. I. We both decided that Satchmo had it right, and we needed to be like what Mr. Armstrong talks about in the song: I see trees of green, red roses too I see them bloom for me and you And I think to myself what a wonderful world I see skies of blue and clouds of white The bright blessed day,

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the dark sacred night And I think to myself what a wonderful world The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky Are also on the faces of people going by I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do They're really saying I love you I hear babies crying, I watch them grow

They'll learn much more than I'll ever know And I think to myself what a wonderful world Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world In many respects, 1967 was not a beautiful year in our country, but Satchmo could still see beauty. More importantly, the mayor and I realized that we need to be people who both see beauty, and cultivate it wherever we roll.

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Slinkard On Success

Mama, Don’t Let Your Babies Have Cell Phones by D. A. Slinkard I believe we are getting dumber and dumber by the day. It seems with each passing day we must do something to out-dumb ourselves from the day before. I especially get this feeling as I see everyone with their eyes glued to their phone screens. It is like looking at the sun…you know you need to look away but for whatever stupid reason, you just cannot resist the urge to look. We need to be honest about how easy it is for us to get distracted in the day of technology. I originally sat down to write this article and before I knew it, I was looking at some news articles that had nothing to do with my article; and I fell for the trap. I lied to myself

and said, “I will just look at this one website and then I will write the article.” Nope! How many others have fallen prey to this like me? Rhetorical question folks -- we all have fallen prey except those people who do not have the internet. There really are people who do not have the internet, and sometimes, I wish I was one of those people. But then I wonder what I would do without Google answering every dumb question I can think of. Go ahead and admit it. I know you too have asked Google something stupid. Your search history proves it. Yet we think we are going to be smarter than the other person who is getting sucked in by the World Wide Web. Do not

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deceive yourself and think you are something that you are not.

and because of this desire to be connected, we do dumb things.

Going back to the cell phones; it seems everywhere I go I consistently see people with their cell phones out and a mindless gaze on their face. I quietly ask myself the question, “How did we make it in the past without cell phones and technology at our fingertips?”

We do dumb things because we allow ourselves to be distracted. In your life, what more could you achieve if you were able to eliminate just a few distractions? What else could you accomplish that right now just does not feel like there is a ray of sunshine for you? We need to be honest with ourselves because often we are too lenient on ourselves. My two girls are in disbelief anytime they look at my phone and do not see any games downloaded. Why? I do not want the distractions. Am I saying I am perfect? No, but I can tell you I do not get distracted by having games on my phone. If I had games on

I remember as a kid there were certain times you just did not call people like before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m. The only time you would call before or after these times was if it was a true emergency, and now we call at all hours of the day just to say, “Did you see Sally's Facebook post?” We are constantly connected to our phones,

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my phone, would I get distracted? Clearly this is why I have no games on my phone. We need to hone our concentration levels because as we become more engaged with technology, we are becoming more disengaged with reality. It is a sad reality when young people would rather text their friends as opposed to having an actual conversation. How long will it be until the kids no longer know how to write their names using a pen and paper? This may sound silly, but remember that many schools no longer teach cursive writing. Thank you, Common Core education. We need to put down the gadgets, and focus our attention back to our priorities. If we shift our focus to where it needs to be, we will eliminate some of the dumb mistakes we make. We live in the technological age; yet we are no better than those who did not have what we have. If you are going to use your gadget, I suggest downloading a “Notes” program so you can have a to-do list right there on you. As soon as you start to become distracted, open the app and see what still needs to be done. Utilizing this program will help you stay productive and less distracted. The other option is to grab a good old-fashioned notebook with pen and start your list that way. Either way will work.

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Tourism

September, A Harvest Of Fun In Athens-Limestone by Cayce Lee

Social Media Specialist, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association It’s the beginning of harvest season with crisp apples and the hints of fall appearing. Athens-Limestone is a great place to seek out these early signs of fall – with roadside fruit and vegetable stands bursting with goodies, and football on Fridays. However, we’re not saying goodbye to summer yet either, with outdoor festivals, cruise-ins, races, and more still happening across the county. Be sure to check out our Event Calendar for even more events, music at area venues, and more at VisitAthensAL.com. We’re adding events all the time… so come back often! Lace up, on your mark… Runners will enjoy the opportunities offered this month with the Swing Thru 5K at Calhoun on September 7. Answer “If Not Me, Then Who?” as the Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run-Athens takes to the starting line on the 14th. Whether you run, walk, or waddle, the Keep AthensLimestone Beautiful Duck & Run 5K happens the 21st. Fresh-air fun… Calling all superheroes –

it’s time to answer the call and enjoy a day of fun at Superhero Fun Day and Family Expo with Eli’s Block Party on September 14. Don’t miss the Limestone County Powwow on September 14 and 15 at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Arena with amazing displays of dancing, drumming, and more. Enjoy the music of the Cultural Concerto in the Park at the Trinity-Fort Henderson Complex on September 21. The annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride will roll into Limestone County with a stop at Redstone Harley-Davidson for lunch before heading through Athens to Waterloo on the September 21. Grab your friends and family for a coed Community Kickball Tournament at Johnson Elementary on September 22. Lowe’s Safety Day returns September 28 with loads of first-responder vehicles and activities for the family. The Alabama X-ball League Series returns to Phoenix Paintball on September 28 and 29 with splatter-laced fun for spectators and players. Food for thought and a good cause… It’s time for the Little Light

Founders Hall: Athens' haunted past comes to life every October during Athens-Limestone Tourism's Haunt Walks

of Mine Foundation Dinner on September 6. Yesterday’s Dinner Shows return after a two-year hiatus with a 50’s and 60’s Variety Show on September 7. Vietnam Veterans Spaghetti Lunch and Dinner will be September 16 to raise funds for their annual scholarships. Rev things up… Calling all makes and models… these events are for you. September 7 invites the public and car enthusiast to downtown Athens for CruiseIn or to Ardmore for The Park After Dark Cruise-In in Ardmore Park. September 13 is the Huntsville Customs 2nd Friday Night Cruise In at Redstone Harley-Davidson.

Join the North Alabama Vintage Motorcycle Club for a Cruise-In on September 14. Civil War battle in Elkmont to be commemorated… Learn how “The Great War” impacted Alabama on September 14 as Professor Marty Olliff comes to the AthensLimestone Public Library. The Battle of Sulfur Creek Trestle happened September 25, 1864, and will be commemorated with special guest speakers on the Richard Martin Rails-to-Trail with speakers from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Find more details on our website calendar about this event. History and Celebration… Celebrate the Constitution with the Daughters of the American Revolution at Athens State University on September 18. Sending “Congratulations” to Shanghai Baptist Church as they celebrate 85 years on Sunday September 29 with special commemorative service at 10:00 a.m. and more.

Duck and Run: Runners come to Athens to run, walk, and waddle in support of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful. Photo Courtesy of KALB

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It’s time for a walk in the gloom… The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

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is happy to announce the return of the annual community favorite Haunt Walks. Attendees stroll through Athens’ darker history highlighting the ghost stories associated with homes, businesses, and the community. Tickets will be $10.00 per person with walks happening most Tuesdays and Thursdays in October at 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. Space is limited and tickets sell fast. For schedule and details: VisitAthensAL.com/HauntWalk Help bring the sparkle and whimsy to Athens North Pole Stroll… The Athens-Limestone Tourism Association is seeking tree sponsors for the 2019 presentation of Athens North Pole that happens in Big Spring Memorial Park during December. Any business, church, organization, group, or family interested at sponsoring a tree for decorating or sponsoring for a non-profit to decorate can contact the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center (100 N. Beaty St., Athens) in person Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or by calling 256-232-5411.

September 6 - September 19, 2019

September 6 - September 19, 2019

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Clean and Green

Alabama Litter Laws Strengthened – Is That Enough? by Lynne Hart - Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Fines for littering across the State of Alabama have increased as of Sunday, September 1, 2019. Littering will now be a class B misdemeanor. The minimum fine for a first offense littering incident will now be $500 across the state. A second offense could lead to a fine of $1,000 plus up to 100 hours of community service cleaning up litter. We at KALB are very happy that state officials are taking the crime of littering more seriously; however, we also strongly believe that no matter how high the fines are raised, littering will not stop until offenders are fined and made to do more than just clean up their mess. According to the Code of Alabama, a person commits the crime of criminal littering if he or she knowingly deposits, in any manner, litter on any public or private property or in any public

or private waters, having no permission to do so. This includes tossing trash and cigarette litter out of a vehicle window, loose trash flying out of a truck bed or other type of vehicle, and illegally dumping trash on land or in the water. Some might say there are more important crimes to worry about. That may be true. That does not mean that laws on the books should be ignored. Our environment is our home. It’s where we live. It’s the water we drink and the food that we eat. It’s the air we breathe. It’s the wildlife that share this planet with us and have no say in how much filth they must live with. Littered and trashy communities give the impression that residents have no pride. This can breed crime. In the long run, protecting our local environment is pretty important. Yes, Cigarette Butts Are Litter Often people who would never litter will think nothing

Trash dumped on Roy Long Road in Athens containing identifying information. Athens Police Department were called to investigate.

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Lunch trash left behind at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens

of tossing a cigarette butt out of their vehicle window, or tossing it on the ground and crushing it with their shoe. Cigarette filters are NOT made of cotton, as some people think. They are made of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic that will take many years to break down. Worse than that, the poisons and chemicals the filter is designed to trap will seep into the soil and into our groundwater, or wash into our waterways. This can lead to poisoning fish and other wildlife, polluting waterways in which people swim and play, and polluting our soil and water. We rely on a clean environment to produce our food and provide our drinking water. One cigarette filter may not seem like much, but when you consider that trillions (not millions or billions) are tossed irresponsibly every year, it becomes a major problem. We ALL Must Be Part Of The Solution You may think that one per-

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son can’t make much of a difference. Well you can. Many complain about litter and illegal dumping; however, if that’s ALL we do, then we become part of the problem. We must all be willing to do what is necessary to help discourage people from trashing our beautiful community. • Take a bag with you when you walk and pick up just a few pieces of litter each time. Remember to take a second bag if you are walking with your dog. • Pick a littered location and get friends or family to help you clean it up. KALB will provide all needed supplies.

LINE: 256-233-8000 Report litterbugs! Please don’t ignore the problem.

The solution does not stop with the citizens. Law enforcement must play a major role in correcting the littering mindset in this community. We can raise the fines to a million dollars, but if no one is ever fined, it will make no difference at all. Encourage law enforcement officials to treat littering as the crime that it is.

Let’s work together, and work hard, to encourage litterbugs to stop this destructive behavior. Let’s make our voices heard!

• Report Litterbugs! CALL OUR LITTER HOT-

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com September 6 - September 19, 2019

Cooking with Anna

Do You Need To Fire Your Boss? by Anna Hamilton

How do you keep yourself motivated? How do you keep yourself from becoming complacent? How do you keep yourself diligent? I have been struggling to answer those questions over the past month. I am searching for ways to press on towards my goal and have come up short. Coming up short for me has manifested itself in the form of “treats.” Before, I would indulge in a bag of chips; now, I seem to find myself at the bottom end of a candy bar wrapper wondering when I ate the entire thing. When you are at work, you have reason to stay motivated. You have a boss that is inspecting your work. You have a paycheck to earn. You have a family to take care of. When you are working on yourself and becoming healthier, who keeps you from becoming lax in your commitment? I have found out that I am not a good boss for myself. At work, I’m confident, knowledgeable, manage my team well…when it comes to myself, not so much. When it comes to myself, I allow myself to “cheat,” I allow myself not to keep up with the work of logging my food, I allow myself to eat meals late, I allow myself not to get up and do the hard work. Coming to this understanding, I have decided to crack the whip and fire my boss! I need to hire one that cares about how I’m doing, one that is willing to put in the long hours

and hard work it takes to be a good leader, and one that truly is invested in bettering the company (myself). So we have turned in a new direction. I have made the commitment to be hard on myself when I need it and not sugar coat the truth. I need to be healthier; I need to batten down the hatches and get serious about myself and my health. With school starting back and everyone going in a million different directions, I know that life for most of us is going a million miles a minute. I’m sure that you have already been invited to a football party or will be in the next few weeks. How do you manage yourself in that situation, when there is a table loaded with delicious snacks staring you in the face? Do you let yourself cheat on the job or do you stay the course? Stay the course my friends! I promise it is worth it. Eat the veggies, eat some meat and cheese, and eat these delicious low-carb sausage balls that you brought. These sausage balls are delicious and don’t carry the guilt of being loaded with unhealthy carbs. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does. Be a good boss! Take care of your employee! You deserve your complete commitment to yourself! “A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” Proverbs 13:4

Recipe #17 Spicy Low-Carb Sausage Balls What You Need:

1 ½ cups parmesan cheese, grated 1 cup sharp cheddar, grated 1 lb. hot sausage, room temp, (can use pork sausage or chicken sausage) 1 egg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients. Mix well, and add in water 1 tablespoon at a time until all ingredients are wet. Knead all ingredients until they are mixed well.

September 6 - September 19, 2019

Roll mixture into balls and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20-30-minutes. I bake mine closer to 30 because I like them a little crispy. Great served warm or room temperature.

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Page 13

Special Feature

Reveal Your Teal In September For Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month by Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks and Mildred’s Angels are asking citizens to reveal their teal in September. Teal is the awareness color for Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. Mildred’s Angels, the City of Athens and its Relay for Life Team urge women and men to support Teal Tuesdays by wearing teal as a reminder to stay informed about the warning signs, screenings and treatment for gynecologic cancers. Marks joined Mildred’s Angels volunteer Angie Norwood to sign a proclamation to celebrate September in Athens as Gyne-

cologic Cancer Awareness Month. Norwood’s mother, Mildred Grisham, battled ovarian cancer and died from the disease. Her family created Mildred’s Angels in her memory to raise awareness and assist families financially. “Many angels followed and assisted our family during our mother’s battle,” Mildred’s Angels states on its Facebook page. “They assisted without our asking. These angels inspired us to create a resource so that we can assist others.” According to American Cancer Society estimates for 2019, there will be 109,000

Mayor Ronnie Marks signing a proclamation along with Mildred's Angels volunteer Angie Norwood women diagnosed with a gynecologic-related cancer this year and 33,100 deaths. Ovarian cancer is one form of cancer that is hard to detect early because there are no obvious symptoms. The American Cancer Society states that women who experience persistent, nonspecific symptoms, such as back pain, bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quick-

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ly, or urinary urgency or frequency on a daily basis for more than a few weeks should seek prompt medical evaluation. The most common sign of ovarian cancer is swelling of the abdomen, caused by the accumulation of fluid. “This is not just an issue for women, but also for men,” said Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks. “Men need to support this for the women in

our lives.” Share your Teal Tuesday photos online and use #revealyourteal and #feeltheteal. Mildred’s Angels has State of Teal shirts for sale. Tshirts are $20 and sweatshirts are $40. Orders are due by Sept. 5. To order a shirt, contact Mildred’s Angels at mildreds.angels@outlook.com.

September 6 - September 19, 2019

Cover Story

A Splash Of Ink: Eye Catching Design, Excellence Guaranteed, On Time Every Time by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

ed, solidly stable in their careers, serving in the full-time ministry, and the parents of two children. Their daughter, Janaya is a senior at Athens High School. Their son, Jerome Jr. is turning 13 this week. In August they took a bold step and opened a brickand-mortar screen-printing and embroidery business on Highway 31, near Family Security Credit Union. It has the interesting name of Splash of Ink. For 12 years Jerome worked at the Target Distribution Center in Madison, and has a degree from Athens State University in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Tiffany is a regional Human Resources Director for a large corporation, and had a “side hustle” where she made a few T-shirts here and there. Jerome largely ignored her small business and figured he’d build a secure future for his family at Target. Then, a desire to help a young man who was struggling with cancer began to change everything. Javan Bailey was a member of the Malone’s church, and a fundraiser for his medical expenses incurred during his battle with cancer included the production of 500 custom-designed T-shirts, which Jerome and Tiffany agreed to create. That began the shift in Jerome and Tiffany’s thinking that perhaps this could become a new full-time career, and after a life-changing sermon which was preached in his church, Jerome put in his notice at Target in the fall of 2017. He first produced custom T-shirts largely from his home office, and business began to build. Now they are part of fellowship in Athens that has a huge heart for bringing reconciliation as well as teaching life skills, especially to younger members of the community.

Jerome and Tiffany Malone Jerome played a video for me of the song that Javan wrote celebrating being cancer-free, and it brought me to tears. Javan’s line of custom Tshirts, which are displayed at Splash of Ink, is called “11 PM.” The other side of the shirt says, “It’s dark out there.” The wording of the shirts and the song are designed to remind people that it may be dark out in society or internally where there can be intense battles, but for people of faith, shining your light is not optional. The Splash of Ink storefront, which is located at 200 US Hwy 31 in Athens, has the feeling of being an exclu-

September 6 - September 19, 2019

sive boutique. “People come in here with maybe just a concept, and together we go to the

Jerome listens thoughtfully to a customer's concept for a custom design

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computer, design their shirt, and then produce it for them. We have a 12-14 day turnaround,” Jerome told me. The shop sports a round glass table and chairs with fresh flowers, and examples of some of the lines of custom shirts hanging from the wall. On the other wall are framed shirts that have been a part of Chili Challenge and other local events. In addition, there is a display of small shirts in every color from which to choose. They also do a brisk business with their online store, which can be found at www.splashofinkscreenprinting.com/the-

store. In addition to screen-ink, Splash of Ink produces Tshirts that have embroidered messages rather than ink ones. One of my favorites is elegant and simple, and on the front it says, “Pick flowers, not fights.” By contrast, there is a playful one that says, “Athens vs Everybody.” There are many shirts of faith, and Jerome helps local artists promote their custom lines. One is called “Exit 351,” named after the Athens exit off of I-65. Another line is called “Happy Threads,” which is owned by Elizabeth McClary of McClary Ford. The “Pick flowers, not fights” shirt is produced by Glory Garden. “They always used flowers as their inspiration,” said Jerome. Another young man by the name of Charles Smith has a line called “Durgang,” and he is a local coach. The “Dur” is the first syllable of “Durwin,” which is his middle name, and the “gang” is for the kids he coaches. The message for this particular line is that this “gang” is designed to keep kids out of gangs that can harm them. In addition, Jerome Jr. is learning entrepreneurial skills from his father, and at the age of 13 has launched “J Toni,” his own brand of custom shirts. I asked Jerome why, seeing as I have choices in the Athens-Limestone area for both custom screen-ink and embroidered shirts, I should choose Splash of Ink. He replied with confidence, “We are a one-stop shop, we stand behind the excellence of our work, and quality is first, guaranteed.” If that is what you are looking for when it comes to all your T-shirt needs, then remember this: A Splash Of Ink promises catching design, excellence guaranteed, on time every time.

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Fit Points

5 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Workout Routine courtesy BrandPoint content Whether you're hitting the gym to get healthy, tone up or improve your overall well-being, there's no denying that seeing results can be one of the most satisfying feelings. Noticing even the smallest change in the way you feel or look is reason enough to lace up your sneakers for another sweat session. However, when results seem to plateau or schedules get busy, you might begin to question your commitment to a fitness routine.

bring along a friend so you can encourage each other during your workouts. Exercising with a buddy can breed a healthy form of competition, but it's also a great way to hold you accountable. To help maximize the impact, try to pick a partner that is on the same fitness level as you and shares similar goals you will want to be able to increase your intensity level and challenge each other as a team.

Whatever you do, don't give up! Keep the below tips in mind to help maximize your fitness routine and stay on track.

An active lifestyle requires proper nutrition - period. When regularly exercising, your body needs fuel for optimal performance and proper recovery. Before a work-

1) Find a workout buddy Instead of flying solo,

2) Fuel up

out, opt for healthy and easily digestible carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain bread and pasta, fruits and vegetables to give you energy. Afterward, try a protein-packed snack like Emergen-C Protein Fuel and Superfoods. With 15 grams of organic plantbased protein and two full servings of 14 superfoods, the protein and superfood powder blend can help you make the most of your active time by providing the wholesome nourishment you need, along with supporting your natural defenses with a high potency serving of vitamin C.

clude improving body composition and losing weight, you may want to introduce strength training into your regimen. While exercises such as walking, running and cycling can do wonders for your cardiovascular health and help burn calories, strength training with weights can elevate your metabolism for a longer period - meaning your body will continue burning calories even after a workout. Plus, strength training can target and tone those hardto-reach muscles, improve balance and help protect your bones.

3) Head to the weights

After a while, bodies can grow accustomed to the

If your fitness goals in-

4) Switch it up

same exercise routine, often leading to stalled results. If you find yourself breezing through a workout, it's time to switch it up and push your limits. Varying your exercises can challenge your mind and body, help burn more calories and prevent boredom. If you like to run long distances, try implementing sprint intervals. At the gym? Try out new equipment or vary your reps. Challenge your body and you may be surprised by the results. 5) Take a break

The last way to maximize your fitness routine has nothing to do with the gym at all. In fact, it requires you to skip the gym. Exercise provides many health benefits, but too many high-intensity workouts can backfire, potentially causing injury from overuse and hindering your results. Be sure to allow your body enough time to heal before hitting the gym again and try to work active rest days into your schedule, such as going for a light walk or bike ride.

Keeping these tips in mind can help you make the most of your fitness routine and magnify your efforts in the gym, on the track, in the pool or wherever you choose to exercise. Above all, don't hesitate to ask fellow gym-goers for help or to make modifications when something feels off.

For more information about Emergen-C, visit www.emergenc.com.

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September 6 - September 19, 2019

Cover Story

The Right Choice: Athens-Limestone Hospital’s Addiction Withdrawal Treatment by Katie Clark

continued from page 1

thdrawal treatment program, began accepting clients on July 1. The much needed treatment program welcomes new patients and offers hope and healing for those battling addictions. “We hope to reduce the stigma of addiction,” said Selisa Williams RN, the coordinator for the program. “We hope to assist people on their journey to sobriety.” The program was created when a demand within the community was identified following a strategic analysis of the area. Athens-Limestone Hospital treated nearly 900 patients in 2018 whose diagnosis was associated with some form of substance abuse. In less than a decade, the overdose deaths in Alabama have increased by 82%. For the second straight year, US opioid deaths have led to a nationwide decrease of overall life expectancy, according to the CDC. Right Choice Addiction Withdrawal Care assists adults in the withdrawal process from: • Opioids • Alcohol • Cocaine • Benzodiazepines (Xa-

nax, Valium) • Combined Substances “We thought, ‘Let’s do something about this,’” said Selisa. “Let’s be proactive instead of reactive.” The program is intended to be the first stepping stone on the path to recovery. Patients can call or visit the hospital to be evaluated for their need for treatment. Once approved, they will be admitted to the hospital to begin this journey. Patients will be cared for by doctors and nurses just as any other patient in the hospital. Addiction is considered a chronic disease process, and the nurses at the hospital have been trained to offer care with the same urgency and compassion as any other disease. Once the withdrawal treatment is completed, Right Choice will work with patients to create a discharge plan so they will know what to do once the withdrawal treatment is done. Plans are highly personalized for each patient. For some, it might include enrolling in a rehab center or sober living facilities for thirty or sixty days. For others, it might include getting help closer to

September 6 - September 19, 2019

home, such as receiving intensive outpatient treatment or joining a 12-step recovery support group. Life circumstances, prior commitments, and finances can all be taken into account. “We are hoping changes come to our community,” said Selisa. “We are working on getting more help in the Athens area.” Right Choice will work with local outpatient centers to get their patients continued support, as needed. When asked what mo-

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tivated her to participate in this type of program, Selisa passionately described her desire to guide patients battling additions in getting the help they need. “I want to help the community. There’s a need for it.” As with anything else in life, taking that first step is vital. “At Right Choice, we want to help patients take that first step, which is withdrawal treatment,” said Selisa, “After that, we will help arrange discharge needs, work with the insurance

companies, and consider lifestyle needs.” Patients can refer themselves to the program by calling, or they can be referred by family, friends, and even employers. The Right Choice works with a wide selection of insurance companies as well as private pay. The Right Choice is located inside Athens-Limestone Hospital. For more information or to refer a patient, contact them at (256) 233-9542.

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Building Winning Teams by Eric Betts Assistant Director, Curtis Coleman Center for Religious Studies and Ethics at Athens State University Whether you are a part of a non-profit organization, a religious organization, a school, or business, the success of the group is what maximizes the success of the individual. For the sake of this discussion, we will call these groups, “teams.” One of the keys to success in working on a team is being able to balance one’s individuality with what is needed from them to help the team win and succeed. If all the individuals of the group are only focused on their own personal peculiarities and ignore the needs and goals of the team, everyone loses. The goal should be to focus on how to integrate one’s individuality to help the entire team succeed. Your individuality has little impact if it is only focused on personal needs, to the exclusion of others. It has maximum impact when one has discovered how to use an individual strength to best serve the team’s overall interests.

on his research. Anyone who works together in a group with others to achieve a goal can benefit greatly from these four keys. These do not belong in any particular order:

cause they never really take the time to get to know one another. The better they know each other, the more personal walls can come down and strong connections can be made.

First, they dedicate time to building relationships and strengthening team bonds. This may involve going to lunch regularly; special outings outside of the main office; learning about one another’s family; doing fun things together, such as sack races, obstacle courses, ping/pong, a day at the beach; etc. This takes time and effort, but Buckingham believes that it pays off in the ultimate goal of the group. Many teams don’t function well together be-

Second, they leverage their strengths to help the company grow. This means that they take a careful look at what the team needs in order to grow and achieve its mission. They will discover that there are several needs and structures that must be in place in order to succeed. Seeking to understand which strength within the team works best for each required task is the first hurdle to get over. Assigning each person to the task which works best with their

strengths, rather than assigning based on their capabilities, is what sets the team up for success. Most teams assign tasks based on who doesn’t mind doing it, and who is capable. Too many have confused ability with strengths. Ability may mean that you can do it, but it is a very draining activity; you may even hate doing it at the same time. A strength is something in addition to ability; it is what a person looks forward to doing, feels passionate about, and finds personal satisfaction in doing. It doesn’t drain but it energizes. Third, they seek to understand each other’s natural strengths and instincts, which means they are therefore not ir-

ritated by peculiarities or the unheard of ideas brought forward. They engage in regular discussions about one another’s strengths in the context of the team and its current goals. Each team member benefits from understanding one another’s strengths and rehearsing them. Fourth, they do not personalize disagreement nor create territorial divides which weaken teams, but interpret conflict with objectivity. They have a “we-are-all-on-thesame-side” mentality and have a laser focus on their mission, and not who gets credit or who had the right idea. They hunt together for what will bring the most success.

Marcus Buckingham is a research analyst from Gallup, and a lecturer on strengths-finding and leadership. Upon reading his volume on team building entitled, The One Thing You Need to Know, I discovered four proven methods of successful team building based

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September 6 - September 19, 2019

Jerry’s Journal

A Lawyer Scarce As Chicken Teeth by Jerry R. Barksdale www.jerrybarksdale.com It was nearing 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 1959, in the tiny community of Gourdsville in northern Limestone County when evil struck. The Limestone Democrat proclaimed it “the county’s most brutal crime in history.” It guaranteed 17-yearold Joe Henry Johnson a seat in “Yellow Mama,” Alabama’s infamous electric chair. He would be the last person from Limestone County to be put to death at the hands of the State. This most odious crime would set my life on a new course. Johnson, who lived nearby with his parents, raped and brutally murdered Miss Dicie Boyd, age 60, in her barn. He then entered the family home and savagely beat her 89-year-old mother, Rowena Boyd. She survived. Johnson, with innocent blood still on his hands and underwear, signed two confessions. Bruce Sherill and David Patton, both WWII veterans, were appointed to defend Johnson. The best they could hope for was to save his life. I turned 19 two days after the rape/murder and at the time was a senior at Athens High School in the Diversified Occupation Program, working 70 hours a week at McConnell’s Funeral Home. My goal was to become an undertaker. But Johnson’s trial on January 20, 1960, changed my life and sent me in a different direction. I wanted to become a lawyer like Bruce Sherill. Struggling to save a human life in court seemed

fb.com/jerry.barksdale.7

romantic and exciting to me at the time. Carrying a briefcase chock-full of mysterious law books and wearing a pinstripe suit looked pretty cool too. On trial date, Johnson plead guilty and asked for mercy. None was given. Twentyfour months and 23 days later, just past midnight, he was electrocuted.

before Judge Newton Powell. Bruce and I were seated across from each other at a small table. He began lecturing me and pretty soon we were standing, nose to nose, shouting at each other. The judge reset the deposition. I won. I should have been happy, but I wasn’t. I knew what I had to do. I called Bruce.

At the time, I knew Bruce only by reputation and sight. His wife, Mary Kate (Garth), had died 9 months earlier at age 37, leaving 7 minor children. Bruce, who never remarried, raised them in the old antebellum Tanner-Garth house (1845) on N. Madison Street. Bruce was handsome with thick gray-blonde hair parted slightly off center, spoke with a cultured Southern accent, and had great command of the English language. He had attended George Washington University before WWII and graduated from Alabama Law School in 1948. I was to learn that Bruce also had a mercurial temperament as well as a humorous side.

“Bruce, hear me out.” He was silent. “I apologize for my conduct. I’m just a young whipper-snapper and I disrespected you. It was your representation of Joe Henry Johnson that captured my imagination and motivated me to become a lawyer – just like you. I wanted you to know that.”

In 1971, I met Bruce for the first time in court. It didn’t go well. He had scheduled a deposition before a court reporter on a Saturday morning without consulting me. I called and told him I had two young boys and spent my Saturdays with them. I requested that he reset the deposition to another time. He gave me a lecture. “No sir! Young man the law is a jealous mistress and he who would pursue her must woo her.”

While he was attending George Washington University, WWII broke out. The clerk of the local draft board summoned Bruce home. “I’m already contributing greatly to the war effort,” he told her.

I moved for a protective order and the hearing was set

September 6 - September 19, 2019

“Is that all?” he asked. “Yes sir.” I didn’t know what to expect. “Whyyy, Jerreee, that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.” And that day we became friends, as close as courtroom gladiators battling each other can be. Bruce was full of great stories. The “keeper of the lore,” I called him.

“Doing what?” “Operating the elevator part-time for the Department of War,” he replied. “Pack your bags, Bruce.” And he was off to war. I loved Bruce’s humor. In his later years, Bruce talked loud, like someone who had

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learned to whisper in a sawmill. During the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the end of WWII, I interviewed and wrote over 65 stories of local WWII vets. One day at lunch, I asked Bruce about his war service in the South Pacific, thinking he might have a hair-raising tale of life or death with Japanese. He said that Charles Lindberg, America’s hero who flew the Spirit of St. Louis non-stop from Long Island, New York to Paris in 1927, was at his base. Lindberg, a civilian, was there as a consultant for United Aircraft Company, who manufactured the Corsair Fighter. He was helping squeeze more performance from the airplanes. “My buddy and I were sitting in our tent with the flap rolled up,” said Bruce, loudly, “when Charles Lindberg walked past carrying a roll of toilet paper, headed to the latrine. I said to my buddy, ‘Who back home would believe I saw Charles Lindberg on the way to take dump?’” Every head in the restaurant turned our way. “That’s the most interesting thing that happened to me during the war,” Bruce added. “Bruce,” I said, “I don’t think I’ll write that story.” The truth is Bruce was a Lt. Col. In intelligence. The last time I confronted Bruce in court was during a heated divorce case. He represented the husband, a rather subdued fellow, and I represented his wife who had a volatile temper when angry. And she was angry that day. The judge ordered us into a witness room to work out a settle-

ment. That’s not going to happen, I thought. “Bruce,” I said to him privately, “my client will go off like firecracker on you and your client. For goodness sake, don’t say a word when she does or we’ll never get this case settled.” And I was correct. She verbally attacked her “sorry” husband and his “crooked” lawyer. Bruce never uttered a word. Finally, after she vented, we settled the case. I couldn’t believe it. Afterwards, I said to Bruce: “You just sat there and never said a word, I just don’t understand.” “Whyyy, Jerreee, you asked me not to.” I like to think that phone call I made to him 30 years earlier, apologizing for being a young whipper-snapper, contributed to his silence. Bruce served as Chairman of the City Board of Education, Scoutmaster of Troop 21, Director of Athens Housing Authority, President of Limestone County Bar Association, Alabama Bar Commissioner, and member of the Rotary Club. He was an elder and Sunday school teacher at First Presbyterian Church of Athens. He represented both the Limestone and Athens Boards of Education during the turbulent days of school integration. His steady hand helped bring about a peaceful end to school segregation in Limestone County. Bruce died in 2008 at age 87. Good lawyers are like chicken teeth. Scarce. Bruce Sherrill was a good one.

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Dog Barker

What Does It Take To Foster? by Joel Allen Recently I opened my door to foster another Great Dane named Woodrow. He is approximately a-year-and-a-half old, black, and has been through a lot. Where I am fostering him from has taken very good care of him. He is heartworm positive and currently under treatment. Let me tell everyone, this boy likes to sing when he is excited. All I hear when he does this is, “Raahh rooh rahhh rah!” and hearing that will warm your heart. This goes for all dogs, though; when someone opens their door to a foster, the dog usually go from sulking and feeling neglected to smiling and “roohing” like Woodie, LOL. Another example is the before and after photos I have seen of fosters getting out of the shelter

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and realizing they are going to a home. The light in their eyes beam. Very few do not respond this way; so keep in mind that every now and again there is one that has been extremely mistreated and will take a longer time to build trust with. Now, after saying all that, what does it take to foster a dog? In my humble opinion it takes a pinch of patience, a hand full of understanding, and a heart full of love. When I think of love I think of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13. That is to me the very definition of love toward all. How does one go about fostering? Your local shelters and rescues are in such great need of fosters. Go to their locations and take a look. In most cases you fill out an ap-

plication to foster and then browse every dog the shelter/rescue has. I would encourage everyone to look even at the ones that seem to be unwanted. Ask if there is a known history on each foster and decide which one fits best in your home. If there are other dogs in your home, please consider them before bringing in a foster and remember to introduce them slowly. Also remember that if a dog chooses its foster after having a history of choosing no one, then that is the foster one should take home and help. Some of the best dogs I have seen are usually the ones that everyone thinks are unadoptable. By fostering, the dogs are shown that they are not forgotten, they stay socialized, and

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the overcrowding that is happening gets relieved. Plus, their lives are being saved, their frame of mind changes, and their spirits seem to lift the moment they realize they are taking a car ride to a real home. It’s a great stress relief for them and can take the loneliness away for all. Keep in mind that the last car ride the dog remembers was the one bringing it to the shelter; so the dog might at first be stressed. Just reassure them and give lots of “lubbins” (love and rubs). Who knows? Luck might come your way, and a dog like Woodie might just sing when you come home or out of happiness just seeing its dinner being made. The greatest gift I feel one can experience when coming home

is hearing that happy grumble and yawn-like noise that fosters make when they are glad to see you. I wish everyone well and hope that more families will foster. One more thing to consider -- this can be a way to see if someone is ready for another dog; and just maybe that foster will be your next adopted dog. Something to think about and not take lightly. “Remember to love your dogs because they love you. Maybe not the way you want them to, like chewing up your favorite shoes or what not, but that is just love chewing. Be thankful for the time you have with them always.”

Joel Allen 256-651-2211

September 6 - September 19, 2019

Mental Health Minute

Somatic Symptom Disorders by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor

“A symptom may go away temporarily, but will come back in some other way over and over again as long as there is conflict between the conscious and the subconscious mind.” - The Anxiety Guy Thank you readers for your kind words of support and encouragement regarding my articles. I wanted to be sure to remind you that my articles on various mental disorders and illnesses are for informational purposes. Please do not try to “diagnose” yourself as this can lead to all sorts of stress that you really don’t need! Just as you may look to WebMD for inquiries and research on physical ailments, my hope is to provide you with an opportunity to better understand what may be going on mentally and emotionally for you or for someone you love. I find somatoform disorders to be difficult to understand, diagnose, and treat. In fact, I have only committed to this diagnosis once in my 13-year career as a Licensed Professional Counselor. The challenge with somatoform disorders is that they are often co-occurring with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. This means that either the somatoform disorder needs

to be treated simultaneously with the mental illness or the mental illness is the underlying cause of the somatoform disorder. Somatoform disorders can also co-occur with substance abuse, as individuals attempt to cope with a lack of explanation for their symptoms. What are somatoform disorders? Somatoform disorders are a set of psychological conditions where a person experiences bodily symptoms that can’t be accounted for by a medical or neurological diagnosis. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and infrequent to chronic, and are out of the person’s conscious control. These types of disorders are characterized by excessive focus on physical ailments, such as pain and fatigue. Oftentimes a person with somatoform disorder will constantly obsess over their symptoms while attempting to discover an explanation for them. Types of somatoform disorders: The various somatoform disorders are differentiated by thoughts, emotions, and actions related to the somatic symptoms. The main types of somatoform disorders are somatization disorder, conversion disorder, pain disorder, and hypochondriasis. Somatization disorders occur when someone continually complains of physical symptoms when there is no physical con-

September 6 - September 19, 2019

dition present to cause the symptoms. Conversion disorders occur when physical symptoms imitate symptoms of a neurological issue even though there is no neurological disorder present. These symptoms may include paralysis, vision or hearing loss, or seizures. Pain disorders are characterized by recurring pain in one or more parts of the body with no known cause. This diagnosis is given when the pain causes considerable distress, with psychological factors playing a significant role in the

renamed as illness anxiety disorder.

onset, magnitude, and duration of the pain. Hypochondriasis occurs when someone believes that normal bodily signs or minor symptoms are evidence of a severe illness, even when medical tests prove otherwise. Physical symptoms may be either real or imagined. Hypochondriasis was removed from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and replaced/

in the absence of medical confirmation, mistrust of medical treatments, excessive visits to a doctor or hospital that don’t alleviate concerns, and excessive impairment compared with the commonly expected medical circumstance. While it is not exactly clear what causes somatoform disorders, it is believed that there are several contributing factors. Genetic features, such as hyper-

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Symptoms and causes of somatoform disorders. Pain is the most frequent symptom experienced in somatoform disorders, and is usually accompanied by beliefs, feelings, and behaviors related to this pain. These thoughts, emotions, and behaviors may include the following: persistent worry about possible sickness, interpretation of “normal” bodily sensations as an indicator of severe sickness, fear that symptoms are life-threatening

sensitivity to pain, may be involved. The effect of family dynamics may be another influence. Increased attention to bodily symptoms when someone has difficulty identifying, discussing, or processing emotions is often involved. And finally, a somatoform disorder may develop in a subconscious effort to attract attention because of the perceived illness.

Somatoform disorder treatment. Treatment for somatoform disorder is geared toward enhancing someone’s daily functioning by reducing physical symptoms or improving the ability to cope with them. Psychotherapy is usually an effective treatment because physical symptoms are often related to underlying psychological conditions. CBT or cognitive behavior therapy is commonly used because of its focus on helping people change their thoughts and behaviors as related to the condition or symptoms. The goal is to help you to decrease preoccupation with your illnesses and learn how to cope with the physical symptoms and other emotional and mental difficulties. Lisa Philippart is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who divides her time between her own private practice in Huntsville and providing personal counseling services at Athens State University.

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The Alternative Approach

The Hemp CBD Craze – Not Crazy After All by Roy Williams Have you heard about CBD, an extract from hemp, that is changing people’s lives? With over 100 cannabinoids proving to support almost every system of the human body, CBD may very well prove to be the go-to, all-natural supplement of the 21st century. Proven benefits now include decreased inflammation and pain, reduction in number and intensity of seizures, reduced anxiety, and better sleep than ever. In one study published in the European Journal of Internal Medicine, 93% of elderly patients reported relief from joint pain. In a 5-year study from Harvard and Beth Israel Medical Center, CBD users saw 16% better insulin levels, 18% better insulin metabolism, smaller waist circumference and better HDL levels. According to a study published by the Salk Institute, researchers found that hemp targets neural inflammation and removes toxic proteins in neural cells. Reduction of neural inflammation and toxic proteins may actually reduce the odds of dementia and possibly

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Alzheimer’s. Oxford University found that a single dose of a compound in hemp supports healthy blood pressure in volunteers. In that study, 900 healthy male volunteers were given 600 mg of a CBD compound and a placebo in a randomized, placebocontrolled study. The hemp users had better blood sugar control and 16% lower fasting insulin levels compared to non-users. In another study, a single dose was found to support healthier blood pressure, mood and anxiety improvement, and 94% of patients reported symptom relief for dozens of different health issues from using CBD. Three of the most impressive results were 45% improvement in sleep, many reporting the best sleep of their lives; greater memory retention; and up to 75% reduction in pain of all types. With so many studies from all over the world, it is no wonder that CBD is fast becoming the go-to, all-natural supplement for so many people. Add to that the fact that CBD has no negative side effects, is nontoxic, and

can be taken along with any prescription, and you begin to understand why it is the future of healthy support for practically everyone. The reason CBD works is because cannabinoid receptors are embedded in the cell membrane all over the body. Some of the cannabinoids fit pain receptors while others fit glucose receptors, which explains the pain reduction and better blood sugar levels. Many cannabinoids can pass through the blood-brain barrier reducing inflammation in the brain, improving moods, lessening seizures, and decreasing anxiety. CBD or hemp is so effective that it threatens to end all Big Pharma’s monopolies, which in my humble opinion is a great thing. Because of the pharmaceutical industry’s ability to manipulate the FDA and the medical profession for over 50 years, there have been no cures for any disease released

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to the public. Note: I didn’t say there have been no cures but no cures have been released, and the reason for that is because the billions of dollars they are bringing in comes from treating the symptoms of disease, not curing disease. The cures are there and CBD may prove to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Shall we pray? With that said, let me suggest that you pay attention to what is happening in the hemp and CBD industry. It is growing by leaps and bounds, thanks in part to President Trump’s help to make it legal in all 50 states. Because of that legislation more and more double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are sure to come. Remember what Jesus told us in John 8:32, “The truth will set you free.” If you listen closely, you can hear the freedom bells ringing. If we the public maintain the pressure on our elected officials, we can keep our country

moving toward medical freedom. Over time we may even be able to force the insurance companies to cover proven and effective all-natural treatments for disease instead of forcing us to be dependent on their synthetic drugs. When it comes to selecting the right CBD for your issues, let me suggest you come by Herbs & More in Athens or NHC Herb Shop in Killen. With over 30 years of nutritional experience and having dedicated the time and effort to find the highest quality supplements on earth, you can count on us to carry only the most effective CBD oils, capsules, gummies, and now the 24-hour patch, which is working wonders for those suffering from all types of pain. Come see us today or call 800-745-4408 for more information. Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams

September 6 - September 19, 2019

www.JuicePlus.com

Mondays at 10am 1080 AM WKAC September 6 - September 19, 2019

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