September 6 - September 19, 2013
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See Our Listings Inside this edition... Pages 25 - 32
Special Feature
Chairman Stanley Menefee and Mayor Ronnie Marks Honored with Michael D. Roberts North Alabama Excellence Award... Limestone County Commission Chairman Stanley Menefee and Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks... Page 5
Tourism
Troy Elmore Realty: New Name, Same Great Team By Ali Elizabeth Turner Troy Elmore got into the construction business at the young age of 13, and has always enjoyed being a part of helping people get into the homes they desire, whether it’s through the building process, or in the past several years, through Continued on pages 15
Resting Cemetery Residents Come Alive!... The historic Athens City Cemetery will “come alive” with more than 35 period attired personalities to represent notables from the past 200 years... Page 10
Dog Barker
PT Technologies: Athens Location, Unlimited Applications By Ali Elizabeth Turner
How Drool Are You?... Lego, one of our Great Danes, went to the water trough and took a drink. After his nice drink he came over to me to share his love, “YUCK”.... Page 20
September 6 - September 19, 2013
Phillip Templeton, founder of PT Technologies at 885 Hwy 72 W in Athens, hails from Danville and Decatur and began his computer career in the 7th grade. He “cut Continued on page 17
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September 6 - September 19, 2013
Publisher’s Point
The End Of The “Teletermination” Of Innocent Life
Publisher / Editor Ali Turner
Sales / Editing Deborah Huff
Graphic Design
Jonathan Hamilton
Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Teresa Todd Will Anderson Janet Hunt Brian Black Jackie Warner Joel Allen
Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18 World According To Will . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . 20
This week, the Iowa State Board of Medicine showed at the most, courage, and at the least, common sense by shutting down the process of “tele-med abortions.” Iowa, it turns out, pioneered in the practice, and has now joined 11 other states which have banned the “tele-termination” of innocent life. Here is how the practice works: If there is no abortion clinic, and by that I mean one that either dismembers your baby or scalds it chemically while you are sedated, you can go to a “remote location,” where you go into a room and log on via Skype and talk to a doc who could be anywhere. He or she asks you questions, while you are all alone in the room, and then, if it is determined that you are a good candidate for RU-486, (the abortion drug that does the deed in stages,) a button is pushed, a drawer is electronically opened by the doctor, and you remove your dosage from the drawer. Then, the doctor watches you take the medication, waits for awhile, and then sends you home to take the rest of the medication the next day. Your baby dies, you expel your dead baby, and you come back to “see” the doc in two weeks. Is it just me, or does this
The View From The Bridge . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . 23
September 6 - September 19, 2013
sound like something out of a sci-fi horror flick? Obviously, the child is dead, but that was, after all, the end game. And the mother? There was such a rash of deaths from RU486 that the FDA had to change the labeling and put the strongest possible warnings on the new shipments of the drug, although because most of those deaths were ulti-
mately the result of infection, the actual mortality rate is exceedingly tough to track. That being said, to expect that a woman could do something so drastic as this via remote control, and then go home, complete the process, and “hope for the best” is unconscionable. I am sure that such “candidates” are told to high tail it to the nearest ER at the first sign
of trouble, but on any level, can this be considered medicine? Of course Planned Parenthood is up in arms at the 8-2 decision of the Iowa board, trotting out the old “keep abortion safe and legal” mantra, and claiming that no other form of “tele-medicine” has been targeted. A spokesperson for the Guttmacher Insti-
tute, the “research arm” of Planned Parenthood, said the following: “Tele-medicine is spreading across the country in chronic disease and mental health care, but abortion’s the only way we’re seeing it restricted,” said Elizabeth Nash, state issues manager at the Guttmacher Institute. “Whenever there’s an advancement in health care, an abortion restriction is never far behind.”
Really? In 1999, when a 5-month-old fetus named Samuel Armas with spina bifida was temporarily placed outside the womb of his mom, grabbed the hand of the Vanderbilt surgeon who performed the miraculous surgery on his tiny spine, placed back inside his mom, and was subsequently safely delivered, was there “an abortion restriction” that followed on its heels? In a way, perhaps, and thank God for it, as the “average bear” American now had to try and justify surgery that would save the life of a pre-born child being simultaneously available with one that for any reason could suck out its brains.
That debate still rages, and will until we come to our senses. But for now, we can celebrate the fact that the Iowa State Board of Medicine has stopped “tele-abortion” in its tracks, if for no other reason than it is a “danger to women.”
Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com
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All Things Soldier
A Tax Payer Funded Honeymoon For G.I. Joe And His Spouse, G.I. John? by Ali Elizabeth Turner And now for the latest news from the “YouCan’t-Make-This-StuffUp Department”: a DOD budget request for funding the honeymoons of soldiers who are entering into same-sex “marriages.” The Department of Defense sent out memos last month that called for the new defense budget to earmark funds for paid leave for same-sex weddings/honeymoons. The proposal is as follows: if you are a service member who is going
to enter into a same-sex union, and you are posted more than 100 miles outside of a state that recognizes such unions as legal marriages, you will be granted a full week’s EXTRA paid leave just to travel to your wedding. If you are posted outside the Continental US, that bumps up your paid leave time up to 10 days. Before we discuss the merits or the morality of such a move, let’s get an idea of what kind of mon-
ey we are talking about here. If you are “Captain Joe,” have six years experience as a Captain (instead of a GI,) and you are going to “marry” Captain John, (and understand here that it better be an officer-to-officer relationship, because as far as I know, it is still against military regulations for officers to date enlisted folk,) and you live outside the 100 mile radius, you will receive $1,787.20 in base pay. If John is equal to you in rank and time served, he
John Wade Keyes DAR Hosts A Celebration of Our Constitution
gets the same. That does not include housing allowance, health care, etc. On Oahu there are beach front MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) facilities that go for a pittance in order to provide R and R for the military, so you essentially have $3500 together to spend on your “destination wedding.” But here’s the kicker in all of this: This paid leave applies ONLY to those entering into a same sex “marriage!!” That’s right, if you are Captain Joe, and you are going to marry Captain Jane, you are, as they say, “stuck like Chuck.” Heterosexual couples are precluded from this benefit. They still would get regular leave, and can get married during that time, but they do not get one nickel for their nuptials. We live in the Rocket City, where sequestering
has hit hard, and NASA has been encouraged to raise the self-esteem of Muslim scientists as part of their new “mission.” But somehow, the DOD can find money for marriage, but only if you enter into a covenant that has no inherent ability to bring forth life, let alone enhance it.
So, as annoying as it is to once again plead with you to contact our legislators, I am asking that you do. Jeff Sessions should have better things than this to fight about on the Hill, but we are where we are, and the fight is what it is. The National Defense Authorization Bill of 2014 is now in the Senate, and it must be amended by our US Senators to eliminate a provision that at the very least discriminates against heterosexual service members.
SAVE THE DATE! September 19th at 1:30 P.M. Alabama Veterans Museum 100 Pryor Street, Athens AL Special Guest Speaker Major General Chris Anzalone, USAF ( Ret) Join us at The Alabama Veterans Museum in Athens, AL and hear General Anzalone discuss, ‘What We Fight For...To Defend The Constitution.’ The General has a long and distinguished military career. He served as Deputy for Test, Integration and Fielding, Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama. His commands include a flying squadron, mission support group and an air base wing. He conducted joint war planning for contingency operations supporting the Global War on Terrorism while serving on the Joint Staff. The General was the joint planner for the Directorate for Operational Plans and Interoperability, Assistant Deputy Director of Political-Military Affairs for the Western Hemisphere, and the executive officer to the Director, Strategic Plans and Policy. The General has served as Vice Commander of the Air Armament Center in Florida, and Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia. Since his retirement in 2009, General Anzalone served as President of L-3/Coleman Aerospace and is now an Executive Consultant in Huntsville, AL. He is a devoted husband, father, public speaker, and patriot. Enjoy patriotic music, an inspiring message, and a delicious dessert reception as we honor The Constitution at The Alabama Veterans Museum on September 19, 2013.
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September 6 - September 19, 2013
Special Feature
Chairman Stanley Menefee and Mayor Ronnie Marks Honored with Michael D. Roberts North Alabama Excellence Award by Cindy Burns
Limestone County Commission Chairman Stanley Menefee and Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks were awarded the Michael D. Roberts North Alabama Excellence Award on Tuesday, August 27, 2013. The award was presented by the North Alabama Industrial Development Association at their annual conference in Huntsville. The award is symbolized by an original blown glass “Flame of Excellence” by artist Hans Godo Frabel of the Frabel Studio in Atlanta, Georgia. Chairman Menefee and Mayor Marks were chosen for their contributions to economic development in Alabama, North Alabama and to Limestone County. Chairman Menefee and Mayor Marks were instrumental in the process of locating the new $500 million Carpenter Technology specialty alloy plant to Limestone County in 2012. NAIDA President CEO Tate Godfrey said, “Both of these gentlemen have exhibited tremendous leadership in moving Limestone County and Athens forward. They are to be credited for making their communities a better place to live and work.” The award which they received, The Michael D. Roberts North Alabama Excellence Award
Tate Godfrey, Stanley Menefee, Limestone County Eceonomic Development Association President Tom Hill and Mayor Marks
was created in 2003 to publicly recognize special groups, people, projects or activities that have positively impacted the North Alabama region both economically and socially over the past year. The first award was presented to both Congressman Bud Cramer and Congressman Robert Aderholt for their contributions and support of Economic Development in North Alabama. Michael D. Roberts served as the assistant director of NAIDA from 1988 until 1994 and as the executive director from 1995 until
September 6 - September 19, 2013
2003. Mr. Roberts lost a year long battle with cancer on August 21, 2003. Due to Mr. Roberts’ dedication to the area and his zeal in assisting in the creation of jobs for the people of North Alabama, the NAIDA Board of Directors deemed it appropriate to memorialize him in some way. Therefore, the NAIDA Board of Directors unanimously voted in October, 2003 to formally rename the North Alabama Excellence Award to the Michael D. Roberts North Alabama Excellence Award.
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Calendar of Events Harvest of Quilts Quilt Show Sep 13-14 at 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sep 16 at 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The quilt exhibition, vendors, silent auction, door prizes, boutique and bed turning will all be at the Athens State University Ballroom located at 300 N Beaty Street, Athens, AL. Admission for one day is $5.00 or two days $7.00. Hosted by Piece Maker’s Quilt Guild of Athens. Contact Sue Manley 256-233-5346.
Swing Through 5K Benefiting Calhoun PTA Sep 14
Registration closes Sep 12 at 11:59 PM. The walk will be at Allied Health Building on the Calhoun Community College Decatur Campus, 6280 Hwy 31, Tanner, AL. Packet pick-up and registration will be Sep 13 at 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM and Sep 14 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM in the Allied Health building lobby. Visit http://beta.active.com/tanner-al/running/ swing-through-5k-benefiting-calhoun-pta-2013 for more informtion.
John Wade Keyes DAR Hosts A Celebration of Our Constitution September 19, 2013
Alabama Veterans Museum, 100 Pryor Street, Athens AL Special Guest Speaker, Major General Chris Anzalone, USAF ( Ret) Join us at The Alabama Veterans Museum in Athens, AL and hear General Anzalone discuss, ‘What We Fight For...To Defend The Constitution.’ The General has a long and distinguished military career. He served as Deputy for Test, Integration and Fielding, Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama. His commands include a flying squadron, mission support group and an air base wing. He conducted joint war planning for contingency operations supporting the Global War on Terrorism while serving on the Joint Staff. The General was the joint planner for the Directorate for Operational Plans and Interoperability, Assistant Deputy Director of Political-Military Affairs for the Western Hemisphere, and the executive officer to the Director, Strategic Plans and Policy. The General has served as vice Commander of the Air Armament Center in Florida, and Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Georgia. Since his retirement in 2009, General Anzalone served as President of L-3/Coleman Aerospace and is now an Executive Consultant in Huntsville, AL. He is a devoted husband, father, public speaker, and patriot. Enjoy patriotic music, an inspiring message, and a delicious dessert reception as we honor The Constitution at The Alabama Veterans Museum.
KALB Duck & Run 5k Sep 21 at 8:00 AM
Start and ending point will be Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens. There will be one water station mid-way through the course and splits will be called at each mile. Course is certified AL10016JD. Beautiful, shady, rolling but fast course through Athens’ Beaty, Houston, and Courthouse historic districts. Best 5k road course around! Do not miss this race! Great hospitality and prizes! T-shirts guaranteed for the first 200 participants. The first 25 to register will also receive an entry into the Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby for a chance to win $1000 or other great prizes. Prizes: Mid-Pack Award, Best of Limestone County, and a cash drawing (must be at awards ceremony to win). Cash amounts
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for Mid-Pack and cash drawing will be determined by the number of registered runners. Overall, masters, and top 3 in 5 year age groups for male and female. Early registration $15, race day registration $20, fun run registration $10. T-Shirts guaranteed to the first 200 registered runners. Awards and prizes awarded. Register for this mildly challenging race at www.KeepAthensLimestoneBeautiful.com, or at www.active.com or call 256-233-8728 for more information.
Athens State Offers a Group Trip to Chickamauga for the 150th Anniversary Celebration Sep 21 at 8:00 AM
The Center for Lifelong Learning is planning a group bus trip to the Chickamauga Battlefield Park. The day-long excursion will leave Athens at 8:00 am and return at approximately 8:00 pm. The cost will be $49 per person. If you are interested in joining the group trip to Chickamauga, please call 256-233-8260.
City Cemetery Walk Sep 22 at 2 – 5 PM
Come to the Athens City Cemetery on Hobbs Street and enjoy the characters telling of their ancestors and of others buried there. Step back in time and learn about some of the famous and some of the odd citizens buried at the Athens City Cemetery. Actors will be in period dress as they tell about their ancestors. The cemetery is on Hobbs Street, across from Athens State University. Free admission. All donations are appreciation. Contact 256-434-0441.
Canebrake Club to Host 2013 Alabama Mid-Amateur Golf Championship September 25 - 29
Wednesday, September 25: Practice Round (only for qualifiers, if qualifier is required). Thursday, September 26: Registration | Qualifier (if necessary) | Practice Round for Competitors. Friday, September 27: Registration | First Day of Competition - 18 Holes. Saturday, September 28: Second Day of Competition - 18 Holes. Sunday, September 29: Third Day of Competition - 18 Holes. Awards Ceremony Immediately Following Play. For more information, please contact Micky Wolfe: (256) 232-2412, ext. 5 or micky@canebrakeclub.com | To learn more, visit www.bamagolf.com. Directions to Canebrake Club of Athens, AL: 23015 Founders Circle, Athens, AL 35613
The Lester Haunted Hospital Sep 27 & 28
For a night of scary fun, visit Lester, AL. The Haunted Lester Hospital
The Bojangles Apple Annie Charity Golf Tournament Oct 11 at 12:00 PM
Canebrake Golf Club, Athens, AL. Registration at noon, Shotgun start at 1pm. 4 man scramble. $125 /player, $500 /team. Apple Annie Harvest Dinner. For more info, 256-431-1503 or 256-777-9250. Email athenaleague@gmail.com
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Tourism
Resting Cemetery Residents Come Alive! by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association The historic Athens City Cemetery will “come alive” with more than 35 period attired personalities to represent notables from the past 200 years during the Annual Athens City Cemetery Stroll on Sunday, September 22 from 2 - 5 P.M. The history of Athens City Cemetery is also the history of the southeast during America’s southern and westward expansion. This event is free to the public and donations are welcomed to assist in the efforts of preserving these historical landmarks. A few of the residents below may be stirring around for you to encounter. Miss Jane Hamilton Childs who became the president of Athens College. During the War for Southern Independence,
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Madame Childs saved the Women’s College from destruction. The feisty wife of James Donnell, Maria, was alone with a sick child during the union occupation. James had been exiled across the Tennessee River because of a warrant for his arrest by the occupying army. Sallie Beaty, and her husband, Robert Beaty, became one of the founders of Athens. They built the beautiful home now known as the “BeatyMason Home.” Mr. Leland Bacon Estes served 4 years in the Confederate Army and had been imprisoned in the infamous Fort Douglas. He returned to farming after the war; his son became a businessman in Athens. W. P. Tanner was the son of the first mayor of Ath-
ens, Samuel Tanner. W.P. became a merchant then was elected mayor in 1861 during the “Sack of Athens.”
Alabama Veterans Museum Coffee Call - Sep 7 at 8:00 AM. All veterans are invited.
The passionate Mr. John Wade Keyes, declined payment of land for his service in the Revolutionary war by saying, “I did not fight for payment, I fought for patriotism.”
Athens Cruise In on the Square Sep 7 from 3:00PM-8:00PM - 256457-9179.
The stroll is supported by the City of Athens and Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association. Refreshments provided and served by ladies of Order of the Confederate Rose. Contact Mr. R.B. “Buzz” Estes at 256-4340441 or Buzz@pclnet.net for more information. Some restoration efforts are performed by Hobbs Camp #768 - SCV as well as the Athens-Limestone Beautification Board. Other events and festivals coming up are:
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256-771-7578.
John Wade Keyes DAR Hosts A Celebration of Our Constitution September 19, 1:30 PM Alabama Veterans Museum. Special Guest Speaker, Major General Chris Anzalone, USAF (Ret) Singing on the Square sponsored by Champion Chevrolet Sep 20 at 6:00 PM. Featuring Nedia Keel and Rocket City Chorus at 7:00PM both of Huntsville, AL. Contact 256-232-5411. Trail of Tears Ride Sep 21 Noon - 1:30 P.M. www.trailoftears-remembrance.org.
KALB Duck & Run 5K - Sep 21 at 8: AM Register at www.KeepAthensLimestoneBeautiful. com or 256-233-8728. City Cemetery Walk Sep 22, 2–5:00 PM Come to the cemetery on Hobbs Street and enjoy the characters telling of their ancestors or others buried there. 256-4340441. The 2nd Annual Sherri Adams Softball Tournament September 28th 9: A.M. wmenefee@ limestonehf.com Athens Grease Festival Sep 28 - Downtown Athens, AL – “A Celebration of all things Fried”. www.spiritofathens.com. For more information on all these and more events go to www.VisitAthensAL.com.
September 6 - September 19, 2013
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What Makes Ronnie Roll
The Gift Of Community, Part 5, “Testimony To The Passing Of Time” by Ali Elizabeth Turner
Most kids groan at the prospect of having to study it, precious few teachers can make it interesting, (and thank God for those that do,) and yet history is one of the most important things that can be retained in the corporate thought life of a city, culture or nation. Why is that?
This is part 5 of a series based on a wonderful book by Gary McCaleb entitled The Gift Of Community, and has been the topic of our Monday conversations for several months now. Mayor Ronnie’s copy is marked, underlined highlighted, and dog eared; mine is only marked and underlined. Though small, this book
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is one I would recommend anyone who has a passion to see Athens be its best, and deserves to be read and re-read. History, according to McCaleb, is one of the 5 elements that act as the glue of the city. The others are: geography, demographics, culture and heritage. Obviously history is the umbrella under which all the others live, because all the elements have a story, and “story” is fully half of the word, “history.” McCaleb quotes Cicero, who was a Roman philosopher and statesman born around 100 years before Christ: “History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes
memory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity.” So, in the mind of Mayor Ronnie, how does this apply to Athens in 2013? “It reminds us, in spite of fast food and a fast paced life, that we have a wonderful city,” he told me. We have a history of education in the form of Athens State University, a true pioneer in the education of first women, and then both genders. We have the amazing history of recovery and rebuilding after the ravages of war, and Trinity School being born in the middle of that aftermath. We have the fresh history of how our community came together
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after the 2011 tornadoes, and now virtually the only trace of their devastation is some vacant lots and some stripped trees, and even the trees are making a comeback! “We owe a lot to the private citizens of Athens who have purchased historical homes and renovated them,” said the Mayor. McCaleb speaks of the fact that Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was shot, stayed empty from the day after Lincoln was shot until it was restored in 1968, and once again it is a functioning theatre. He also talks about Ann Frank’s house in Amsterdam, and some of the Mayan ruins. McCaleb asks the question in his chapter on history, “…What if the Frank’s house had been destroyed, what if Ford’s
Theatre had been razed long ago, and what if the stones of Chechen Itza had been scattered?” We might ask, “What if you couldn’t see the remnants of our own city history in the presence of two former “separate but equal” drinking fountains on the east wall of Kreme Delite?
History shows us where we have been, and points us in the way we should go. We ended our time together with prayer for our town, and the Mayor rightfully having the last word: “How are you going to be a part of the history of Athens, and how will you leave it?” Good question, and one that makes Ronnie roll.
September 6 - September 19, 2013
September 6 - September 19, 2013
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Clean and Green
Recycling Trailers for Community Use -- City and County Locations by Lynne Hart For many years our recycling center has worked with the Limestone County Commission to place large green recycling trailers in strategic locations throughout the county. Recently cardboard collection trailers were added to three of those locations on a trial basis.
Books/Phone books (shredded OK) ●Cardboard and paperboard (empty cereal boxes, etc.) (East Limestone High, Owens Elementary, Ardmore High ONLY) Smaller Trailers are located at: ●Bay Hill Marina
We are happy to say that the trailers have been well used and we are working on providing cardboard collection trailers at more county locations. KALB is also excited to share that a recycling trailer has been placed at Athens Bible School in an effort to make recycling easier for those city residents that wish to support our local nonprofit recycling center. TRAILER LOCATIONS Recycling trailers located at the following locations are for community use and are serviced by the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center on a continual basis. ●ATHENS
BIBLE
●Little Elk Missionary Baptist Church ●Cowford Camping Area ●East Limestone High School - includes cardboard collection ●Creekside Elementary ●Cedar Hill Elementary ●Owens Elementary - includes cardboard collection
●Electronics (if it has a cord or uses batteries, we take it)
●West Limestone High School
●Used motor oil
●Elkmont High School
●Used cooking oil
●Johnson Elementary
●Batteries (household, rechargeable, and automotive)
●Clements High School ●Ardmore High School - includes cardboard collection ●Ardmore City Hall ●Piney Chapel Elementary
Complete Property Maintenance, LLC
256-497-6447
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adam@completepropertymaintenance.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/Complete PM LLC Twitter: /@ CPM_LLC Page 12
Our Athens-Limestone Recycling Center located at 15896 Lucas Ferry Rd. in Athens accepts all of the abovementioned items as well as the following materials on a DAILY BASIS:
SCHOOL (NEW)
ITEMS ACCEPTED AT TRAILERS ●Aluminum Cans ●Metal Cans ●Plastic Bottles/Containers #1-#7 ●Glass Jars/Bottles - all colors ●Newspaper ●Office Paper (shredded OK) ●Junk mail, Magazines,
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Cooking with Shelley
Mardi Gras Cabbage ~ Stir Fry by Shelley Underhill
Talk about a treat! My mother came up with this version of stir fry cabbage. Not for the cholesterol conscious by any means. This version of stir fry cabbage will knock your socks off!
to the eye. I challenge you to fix it and see how well it’s liked. I enjoyed my portion of cabbage with a slice of pork lion that I prepared in the oven. Good stuff‌
Named Mardi Gras Cabbage after its bright purple, green and gold colors, it is oh so appealing
You can email your questions and recipes to shelleysdesk@gmail.com. Enjoy!
What you will need: 2 Bags of coleslaw mix 3 strips of bacon - fried Dash of onion powder Pinch of red pepper flakes 1/2 stick real butter 1/2 cup water Black pepper to taste Fry bacon in a deep pot. Remove bacon; leave one tablespoon of grease in pot; on medium high heat, add coleslaw stirring until wilted. Add remaining ingredients to mixture. Bring to a boil, then let it sit for 4 to 5 minutes. Serve with beef or pork. Enjoy!
September 6 - September 19, 2013
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Learning As A Lifestyle
Cracking the Cyber Code by Wanda Campbell
Last week, I spent a day teaching Computers for Seniors and one of the students asked me what “wi-fi” meant. Well, I didn’t know. I thought it meant Wireless Frequency but that did not account for the “fi.” While putting the catalog together I spend a lot of surf time looking for interesting topics and potential classes so I was sure there must be a potential class in Computer Jargon, and I was going to look for it.
Turns out, there is way too much out there when it comes to computer jargon. Dictionary.com says “Wi-Fi, also spelled Wifi or WiFi, is a popular technology that allows an electronic device to exchange data or connect to the internet wirelessly using radio waves.” Being a stickler, I thought that was telling me what
wi-fi does, not what it is. TechTerms.com says wifi is short for “Wireless Fidelity.” Wi-Fi refers to wireless networking technology that allows computers and other devices to communicate over a wireless signal. That made more sense, and told me what the “fi” was. But then…. Before I knew what was happening, I was looking up terms for autoresponder, baud rate, cookies, firewalls and flash. I had to stop before my brain exploded. Each week, I get emails about things that are happening in the business world. Maybe we should make classes out of some of those emails. This morning there was an article from Andy Kinsey that said “Are men from Goggle+ and
women from Twitter? Are women from Pinterest and men from LinkedIn? Not entirely. But there are trends in social media use that depend on gender. This infographic gives the lay of the land.” That sounds like interesting demographic information – but then I am probably the only one who likes demographics. There was another article from Sarah Duis, USA TODAY Collegiate Correspondent, with the headline - How to make the most of your senior year (and then get hired). Her opening remark caught my eye. She said, “Don’t assume mom and dad will want (or be able) to welcome you back home with open arms while you job hunt.” Now that is a class opportunity. What should seniors do to be prepared to get hired? It is more than a Resume. Class opportunities abound. The fall catalog at the Center for Life-
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long Learning is coming out in just a few days. The copy of the catalog should be on our web
site by Friday. Check it out – www.athens.edu/ CLL.
If you have a class idea, or if you want to teach, please call us at 256-2338260. Right now I am looking for people who are interested in tutoring youth or working with children. You can email me at CLL@athens.edu or fill out an application on our instructor link.
September 6 - September 19, 2013
Cover Story
Troy Elmore Realty: New Name, Same Great Team continued from page 1
selling real estate and facilitating auctions. Born and raised in West Limestone, and a graduate of West Limestone High School, Troy knows our region well, and how to meet the real estate needs of its people. His background and his business interests are varied, but as a true entrepreneur, he enjoys the challenge of learning a new skill and converting that skill into a revenue stream. He loves “to eat, breathe and sleep business,” and that is exactly what is needed to be a successful business owner. Troy owned his own screen print shop from 1983 to 1990, and then in 2002, began to head in the direction of selling real estate. He worked for RE/MAX of Madison, and in 2004, he and his business partner purchased a Coldwell Banker franchise. The address is 1114 US Hwy 31 S in Athens, right across from the Alabama Department of Education’s AMSTI Center. Recently he decided to go independent, and changed the name of his business to Troy Elmore Realty. “We wanted to offer a more ‘hometown’ experience for our clients, rather than a corporate one,” he told me. I asked him, as I always do of all our Athens Now clients, “When there are a number of real estate agents and brokers in the area, why should I come to you?” His first answer was an interesting one, but most vital if realtors are going to meet the
by Ali Elizabeth Turner
needs of their clients beyond getting a roof over their heads at a decent price. “I have a lifetime of experience in the local area, and I know the school systems, the medical facilities, employers, and recreational locations” he said. I must admit, I had never thought of the importance of such knowledge, but I can certainly see how parents could need that information when
considering a home for their children. Also, seeing as a large percentage of home buyers are single, it is helpful to have a native of Limestone County find the best location for the single person’s home buying needs. Another set of skills Troy brings to the table is his knowledge of and experience in the construction business. To be able to honestly tell a potential client if a house is built well or has problems undetectable to the uninitiated would be a godsend to a vulnerable home buyer. Some of his clients over the years have been interested in “fixer uppers,” and are not afraid to tackle tough jobs. Troy and his “team of 12” are just as ready to serve the “fixer/ flipper” client as they are
September 6 - September 19, 2013
those who are interested in a high end home. “Our goal is to help our clients find good properties with an equity building process in place right from the start,” he said. He also enjoys helping first time buyers through the entire process of home buying. “In today’s market the loan process can be daunting, and we walk the client through it,” he said. “We have found local banks and mortgage companies who are good to work with, and who we can depend on,” he added. “The team of 12” at Troy Elmore Realty have many years of experience between them, most having been in the business a long time and who have ridden many “market waves.” There are some newcomers, too, and they have the advantage of being able to learn from the
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more seasoned ones. Another aspect of Troy Elmore Realty is their auction service. “Sometimes the best way to help a client is by having them auction off a property rather than put it on the market,” he said. Troy is a graduate of the National School of Auctioneers, and also apprenticed for a year as part of his training. (Yes, he can speak fluent “auctioneer-ese,” but would rather that someone else do the calling.) He has 5 auctioneers on his team, and running an auction smoothly is an
art that takes a group of skilled and trained people to make it work. Currently Troy Elmore Realty is showing several new construction properties at various subdivisions located through Limestone County. Caldera Ridge is located on Hwy 72 and Newby Road. Meadow Ridge is in East Limestone. Deer Trail Townhomes is under construction in Athens on Market Street, Cannon Farms is in Owens, and O’Neal Estates off of 99 near O’Neal Road. “Our location is the same, the people are the same, and we are still serving the people of North Alabama, so come see us our give us a call,” says Troy.
Troy Elmore Realty and Auction 1114 US Hwy 31 Athens, AL 35611 www.troyelmore.com Office: 256-232-9604 Page 15
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Cover Story
PT Technologies: Athens Location, Unlimited Applications by Ali Elizabeth Turner
continued from page 1
The changes that have been going on of late in the health care field have been a lot to which to adjust, and the transition from paper record keeping to electronic medical record systems has not been
his teeth,” so to speak on a Commodore 64 PC,(which was “all that” back in the day,) and still has an old copy of the Programmer’s Reference, as well as some other “museum pieces” from the dawn of the PC/Apple era. He studied electronic theory and programming at Calhoun, and had a buddy with whom he took his classroom knowledge out for a spin. They would stay up all night, taking computers apart and putting them back together again, and were blessedly in the era of their lives when they could still lose a lot of sleep and be alright. He has been in the computer business for 10 years, 7 of which were at C-Tec, which is located next door. They still work on some projects together, but the scope and focus of PT Technologies is different. Their “flagship service” is preventing and dealing with disasters as to how they apply to commercial business systems. The professional term is “business continuity system,” and has to do with everything from virus protection, malware protection, data retrieval and restoration, troubleshooting in general, and consulting in specific. They are what is known as a “managed service provider.” They also keep systems clean so they can continue to work quickly. As far as data storage is concerned, they work both onsite as well as from “the Cloud.” As I understand it, “the Cloud” is a cyber-based data storage system as opposed to one that operates from a physical storage location. “If a system goes
Another reason Phillip cited for using the services of PT Technologies is that they are local. They can be there quickly, or do their restoration work right here in Athens, and do not need to answer to anyone but the client. They are also growing explosively, which is welcome news in a tough economy, especially when you consider the fierce competition that is part of the computer business world. So, if you are in need of a top flight IT systems crew to take care of your business system needs and provide excellent managed service, look no further than PT Technologies of Athens, AL.
down, we can fix it from the Cloud,” Phillip told me.” The Cloud is more than a data back up center, it is any type of service provided where all of security, storage and applications are done from the ‘cyber realm,’” he added. PT Technologies fixes computer messes, does specific projects, networking systems, and provides onsite tech support, (a real blessing when you are stressed because your system has gone down and you don’t want to have to leap over the possible language barrier that sometimes comes from outsourcing.) Speaking of outsourcing, businesses can “outsource their whole system to us,” Phillip told me. That means that PT Technologies can maintain an entire system either by being in the room, or managing systems “by remote.” The cost of their team is considerably less than their competitors, and they will do anything to get their clients
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back on line. “We have gotten up in the middle of the night to take care of our clients, but most of our focus is to make sure that a system does not go down in the first place,” Phillip said. PT Technologies sees itself as a family of services under the itdatawise.com umbrella. When I asked Phillip why I should put the business of my business IT system under his watchful eye, he said simply, “Because we care.” Much of PT Technologies’ client base is in the medical field. They take care of the systems of medical offices, acute and long term care facilities, CPA, non-profit organizations, law firms, retailers, and industrial and manufacturing firms. They even take care of the IT needs of an archaeological research firm! They are also on Angie’s List, a recommendation that cannot be bought.
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an easy one. In addition, there is a great deal of energy that must go into what is known “medical compliance.” Making sure that firms get and stay in a state of medical compliance is one of PT’s specialties.
PT Technologies 885 Hwy 72 W, Ste A, Athens, AL 35611 Phone: 256-215-8809 Hours: Mon-Fri, 9-5 www.itdatawise.com Page 17
Health and Fitness
Who Is A Candidate For Weight Loss Surgery? by Janet Hunt Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. I am frequently asked about my opinion on Weight Loss Surgeries and who qualifies. Below are the criteria used by physicians and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery to determine who might be a candidate for weight loss surgery:
style. Without these changes, the surgery will not be successful in the long-term. These lifestyle changes include a special calorie restricted diet, regular exercise (cardiovascular work, strength training, and flexibility work), and daily vitamins recommended for bariatric surgery patients.
1. A body mass index (BMI) greater than 40. You can calculate your body mass index using a BMI calculator on WebMD or other websites. In early 2011, the FDA approved the LapBand restrictive surgery for those with a BMI of 30 or higher who have at least one obesity-related condition, such as diabetes. 2. Your BMI is greater than 35, and you have obesityrelated health problems that may improve with weight loss. Sleep apnea, severe arthritis, and diabetes are conditions that may benefit from weight loss.
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5. You understand the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery.
3. You can demonstrate that traditional weight loss programs, like diet and exercise, have not worked.
fail. Some physicians may require you to show you have made serious efforts to lose weight.
It is by far preferable to lose weight without the risks of surgery. Weight loss surgery should be considered a last resort after traditional methods
4. You are ready to commit to permanent lifestyle changes after surgery.
new healthy lifestyle. The surgery gives you a quick start on your weight loss and a small window of time to change your life-
As with any surgical procedure, it’s essential to be well informed before considering weight loss surgery -- knowing and accepting the risks as well as the benefits. I recommend you do some research on your own, talk to people that have had the surgery, talk to a nutritionist, and get the opinion of your primary physician.
Weight loss surgery is no quick fix. Ideally, surgery is only the beginning of a
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Like me on
The World According To Will
The Will Anderson Show M-F 6pm-8pm on 800 and 1230AM and 106.5FM WBHP
Will Congress Go To War Simply To Protect America’s Honor? by Will Anderson
The issue that shall define Obama’s presidency, I told my radio audience a day or two after he won in ’08, will be foreign policy, whether he wants it to be or not. And so it is, with Obama’s decision to enter Syria’s civil war. For the first time in the history of my analyzing the news, I confess to being befuzzled on this one. Last Friday, John Kerry made the case for a time sensitive “surgical strike.” The following morning, the President announced that he was, after all, going to seek Congressional approval, which meant, in the case of the House of Representatives, waiting nine or ten days. Then John McCain and Lindsey Graham jumped aboard the trolley of bad ideas, meeting with the President, and giving a post-meeting press conference in which they strongly made the case for war. There was something curious about their tone, as there has been with every member of Congress who supports our going to war with Syria: They were rather outwardly disdainful of the President. He had waited too long to take action; he has done an insufficient job of selling Syria to the Public. Nevertheless, Syria is important, and its importance is larger than the President. And then something
even more fascinating happened! In making the case that limited action is necessary before the Senate Foreign
be tolerated randomly; it’s bound to have been sanctioned. The President is willing to appear weak, if it means put-
and the message is, call your congressman or woman, and urge them to vote for a war with Syria.
Relations Committee, Secretary of State John Kerry took essentially the same position— that his boss was inept, and that in considering war, Congress should essentially overlook how weak the President might look. It strikes me that such insubordination wouldn’t
ting the onus on whether or not to strike Syria on Congress. He did, after all, say that he had the authority to strike without Congress’ go ahead, but he feels that (and I paraphrase) America will be more united if Congress says yes. In other words, he is taking his case to the people,
The salient question is, what if Congress isn’t unanimous in its support of the war? Does the President act? It’s an academic question, because it strikes me as likely that both Houses of Congress will support the President’s use of force. My guess is, the sense is that the
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President, despite having unilaterally drawn a line in the sand, would give an impassioned speech about how Congress prevented us from doing “the right thing” in Syria, should it not pass both Houses. In other words, America’s credibility is on the line here. The President has clearly said he has the authority to attack Syria without the blessing of Congress. But in all likelihood, if they vote no, he will balk. And America will look ever weaker. It’s remarkable that a President, can singlehandedly put the credibility of our country on the line. But this President is in the process of doing it. Which is why, in all likelihood, some members of Congress will vote to authorize the use of force. These members will be voting, not because they believe in the cause, but because they believe in their country, and they don’t want President Obama projecting American weakness. It will, indeed, be a tough for them.
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Dog Barker
How Drool Are You? Lego, one of our Great Danes, went to the water trough and took a drink. After his nice drink he came over to me to share his love, “YUCK”, he slobbered all up and down my arm! I got up to get a paper towel to clean my arm and stepped right in the trail of drool he left from the trough to me, “Ewwwww!” Lego is not your usual Dane. He likes to place his muzzle into the water, all the way up to his eyes. What a sight that is!
The “Beggar” (Ollie, my Wife’s Dane) likes to have long stringy drool.
by Joel Allen
of her meal. But, unluckily for my wife he moved his drool to her
beg me. I use my trusty spray bottle, with a mixture of vinegar and water. The “Beggar” stops really quick.
Then there is the sick one, who drools and vomits. This is serious and should be looked at by a Veterinarian. Some dogs eat certain grass to settle their stomach. If you see this, then please call your vet.
Lastly, let me share what happened at my niece’s birthday party a couple of years ago. Samson, another Great Dane of ours, was tethered to me at the party. While I was not looking he managed to get close enough to the cake and took one long tongued swipe at the cake. I heard, “Ewww! Joel! Samson just licked the cake!” I said, “That’s my portion.” And I laughed. Of course, Samson got that piece of cake and I took a piece near the area he licked. The cake tasted good and wasn’t cheap either.
So, how drool are you? Dogs tend to use their drool for different things. They use it as an expression of love (Lego), hunger (Brock), begging (Ollie), or feeling sick. I believe they use it tactfully too. While I was eating one day, one of my “Babies,” (Another Dane, Brock) walked by and shook his head, slinging drool everywhere. After he had successfully slung drool into my meal he gave me a look like, “Are you gonna eat that? Can I have it?” Of course, I just looked and told him, “I don’t think so,” and resumed eating.
leg, hahaha. In my case, I never let them
This usually results in pools of slobber on the floor. Beware, because this is hazardous if the floor is tile or laminate. You know, slippery when wet? My wife had an interesting time with our big “Beggar” (Ollie). Luckily, his head was over the garbage can, drooling for a bite
“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 and Zues Allen 256-651-2211
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The View From The Bridge
May I See a Sample of your Work? The “Show & Tell”- Preparing Yourself for Success Jackie Warner
Community Outreach “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters
by Jackie Warner
Do you have a career portfolio of your work? Whatever your area of interest for a chosen career, make sure are not only able to talk about it but you are also prepared to showcase it. Many times individuals only think of an artist, writer, photographer, or perhaps a caterer providing samples or visuals of their work for potential clients to see. Things have changed; and in society today it is very important that you are ready to show and tell
about who you are when it comes to gaining new business and/or obtaining employment.
Professional
●Resume of your Experience & Expertise
●Samples of your Work including Presentations and Projects
Designing a portfolio of your work takes time, but the payoff is incredible. How many of you make a decision just off words? Not many. If you have visuals, evidence, testimonials, before and after pictures - they play a major role in your decision making. Organizations want to make informed decisions too! Employers have thousands of applicants
●Accomplishments & Awards (tangible artifacts, pictures, and evidence)
daily for only one open position. How do they determine who gets to the top of the list? Set yourself apart from the competition by being prepared to showcase who you are and what you have to offer. The time
spent developing your portfolio is well worth the return. Remember this is an investment in you and your future success. Your portfolio should be presented in a professional leather binder including the following items for others to view: ●A Reflection of You as a
●Completed Education and Professional Development ●Testimonials ●Images and Links The Show and Tell Starts with You! Start Now!
Until next time, be sincere, kind, and intentional. Jackie Warner, Career Development Facilitator
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Medical Update
Empowering Patients To Become Self-Health Advocates Through Use Of Technology courtesy Brandpoint Content (BPT) - Advances in technology have shaped the way we communicate and have enabled the modern-day patient to easily connect with medical experts, patient advocates and others living with their disease. Through computers, handheld devices like tablets and smart phones, and social media, patients are also able to instantly access credible information something that could not have been imagined until recently. Digital tools and online resources have become especially beneficial for people living with rare health conditions, such as sarcomas or malignant tumors that are often difficult to diagnose.
Sarcoma Awareness Month was recently commemorated in the United States and is an opportune time to raise awareness among those people unfamiliar with sarcomas, while also empowering patients living with the disease to be their own best advocates. One way patients can self-advocate is by using available digital resources to obtain information about their condition.
To further assist patients with GIST with managing their condition, Novartis recently launched two new digital resources: * The GIST Network YouTube Channel: Featuring videos to support GIST patients and their caregivers with patient stories and tips from medical experts.
For example, for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a rare, life-threatening
sarcoma that is primarily found in the gastrointestinal (GI) track and most often found in the stomach or small intestine, the journey to a correct diagnosis may take years as symptoms are not present in earlier stages of the disease. Once diagnosed, the journey has just begun, and patients should understand how to best manage their disease. Patients with GIST can use online resources to take charge of their health by following these steps: * Form a healthcare team: Form a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals (e.g., gastroenterologist, medical oncologist, surgeon, pathologist) to ensure that patients and doctors are working together to help achieve the best outcome. * Continue the conversation: Keep the lines of communication open with a doctor. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or reach out to healthcare professionals between regular visits. * Connect with others: Join online or live support groups to connect with other patients and exchange personal experiences. A recent study from Japan showed that in today’s era, social media, including Twitter, are valuable resources for the sharing of psychological support among the cancer community.
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* “Assess the Risk” Mobile App: Geared to educate healthcare professionals on how to assess the risk of recurrence of GIST and facilitate the discussion between healthcare professionals and patients. “With the availability of new digital tools, such as the ‘Assess the Risk’ mobile app, new lines of communication are being formed between patients and doctors, which is truly remarkable,” says Dr. Robert Andtbacka of the Huntsman Cancer Institute. “Working with a team of physicians and connecting with other patients are both integral parts of the patient journey.” As technology continues to evolve, it is important that patients living with a rare condition such as GIST continue be their own health advocates and work with their healthcare professionals to determine a disease management plan that is best for them. For more information about GIST and to hear other patient stories, please visit the GIST Network Channel on the Novartis YouTube Channel: www.youtube. com/GISTNetwork. Healthcare professionals can download the Assess the Risk” app on a mobile device, by texting APP to 59629 or searching GIST Cancer Risk Novartis in the App Store or Google Play.
September 6 - September 19, 2013
Security Savvy
The Life and Death Reality of a Security Officer by Brian Black of Madison Security Group People often laugh at or disregard the Security Officer working their beat. They are often thought of as the “Barney Fife” in life. This perception is far from reality. These men and women are dedicated to providing a service to business owners and their patrons. In doing so, some have paid the ultimate price.
Officers were shot at and in some cases, returned gunfire.
One such confrontation occurred as security officers patrolling the Blackhawk Housing Development in Rockford, Illinois came under heavy gunfire and had to shoot it out with several persons. The private officers were not injured but say that they face the threat of death every day that they report for work. The weekend continues on with a security officer being stabbed in Waldorf, Maryland, armored car guards attacked during a robbery in Charlotte, N.C. and another security officer shot in Detroit.
Every 63.2 hours a Security Officer is killed in the line of duty. 128 were killed in 2012 and to date, 57 have been killed in 2013. Here are some of the real life situations that Security Officers can find themselves. Sitting in her company patrol vehicle in the parking lot of a Jacksonville McDonald’s, on-duty security officer Brenda Williamson stops long enough to grab breakfast before heading back out on patrol. But before she can finish her meal, Williamson is attacked and shot during a possible robbery and dies before help arrives. A Salinas California security officer working alone and unarmed confronts a suspicious man in a dollar store. The man, who had been roaming in and out of the store for several hours, pulls a knife and the security officer is stabbed multiple times in front of customers and employees. He bleeds out in the middle of the store despite efforts from a number of people who tried to save him.
than forty eight hours after the California security officer has been killed. In the parking lot of a south Toledo nightclub, a man is shooting at patrons and security officers. The man is killed in the ensuing
gun battle by club security .That evening in San Francisco and Las Vegas, two other security officers are shot at night clubs. Less than a week into the new month, three security officers are dead, five oth-
ers have been stabbed or shot, and there have been more than two dozen confrontations with armed persons including four close calls in West Virginia, Nevada, Illinois and Tennessee, where Security
These are just some of the incidents that happened over the first 10 days of the month of August. As you can see there are no particular types of businesses that are the issues, but in all cases the Security Officers were doing their jobs to the best of their abilities. Being a Security Officer is, most times, a thankless job; but the next time you see one, thank him. You never know when you may need him.
Gunshots again ring out; this time in Ohio, less
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