Young at Heart 20140624

Young Heart

SECTION F A supplement to the Daily Journal Friday, June 20, 2014

Document: F001DJS062014.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 18, 2014 11:43:00;JPC 72 DPI

at

|

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

YOUNG AT HEART

DAILY JOURNAL

Lending a hand PHOTO BY THOMAS WELLS

Lynn Madden is president of the Union County Heritage Museum’s Museum Guild. She and her fellow volunteers help out in any way they can, from working in the museum’s literary garden to providing refreshments for special events.

Lynn Madden finds ways to give back and educate after 35 years as an instructor

Document: F002DJS062014.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 18, 2014 11:49:03;JPC 72 DPI

2F

BY SHEENA BARNETT DAILY JOURNAL

NEW ALBANY – Lynn Madden didn’t like the look of retirement.

She taught math for 35 years, mostly at Columbus High School and East Mississippi Community College. After she retired, she moved to New Albany with her husband, and found herself wanting more out of life.

“I was sitting there with a soap opera on TV, and I was flipping through some magazine, and I thought, this isn’t what I planned for this part of my life,” Madden said.

Madden had only ever volunteered at her church, so she wasn’t sure where to find something to do.

But a friend suggested she volunteer at the Union County Heritage Museum,

and it was there she and her fellow volunteers formed the Museum Guild.

Before she knew it, she was named president of the guild.

“That was one of those, ‘I don’t know how that happened’ things,” she said. “I don’t think of myself as a leader; I like to sit back and watch things happen.”

But happen, they have – and with her help, and the help of her volunteers.

The guild members help take care of the museum and fill in when needed.

Sometimes they prepare and serve food at special events like Museum Moments, or they host exhibit opening receptions, or they work in the museum’s literary garden, or they simply answer the phone.

“I was up here this

|

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

EVERYWHERE A SIGN?

|

LYNN MADDEN had an uncle who was a poet. He once wrote “No Sign of a Sign,” a piece that chided New Albany’s lack of a sign that designated it as the birthplace of William Faulkner.

Like her uncle, Madden would also love to see New Albany recognize one of its most famous natives and is working to make it a reality.

“Not many towns have a Nobel Prize winner,” she said. “We’re hoping (a sign) will happen.” morning at 8:30 working in the garden. I’m a handson kind of person,” Madden said. “We’re extra hands. We have well over 1,000 volunteer hours per year.”

Museum director Jill Smith said the guild’s members are always there to lend a helpful hand.

“The guild makes so many things possible for us,” she said. “Lynn always has a smile on her face. We have a lot of good volunteers, and she is one

among many.”

The guild is poised to help Smith and her staff with the museum’s Summer Discovery Series, which will introduce literary giants like William Faulkner to elementary school students, as well as the museum’s next exhibit, “Watch Me Designs,” by artist Tracey Savely Davis.

The museum gives Madden a chance to continue educating, and she’s kept in touch with her students.

|

‘I was sitting there with a soap opera on TV, and I was flipping through some magazine, and I thought, this isn’t what I planned for this part of my life.’

outside. I love to be here to see what they bring in,” she said. “I’m a people person. I like to talk.”

When she’s not volunteering with the museum or spending time with her family, Madden is busy with two book clubs, her church, a garden club and Kappa Kappa Iota, a national organization for educators.

Whatever successes Lynn Madden she’s had at the museum, “I had one student who she’s had because of her is now a state paleontolofellow guild members, she gist,” she said. “I saw him said. when we had a fossil road“I don’t do anything by show. He was one of my myself,” she said. “Our wonderful students.” community is very supShe loves seeing old arti- portive of the museum.” facts that folks regularly Madden turns 66 in Aubring in to donate or sim- gust, and doesn’t plan to ply show off to the muslow down. seum staff.

“I just don’t like to be “We have the complete stagnant,” she said. “I like vertebrae of a dinosaur to to have things that keep the satellite space ride whetting my interests.”

I N - H O M E S E N I O R C A R E S E RV I C E S

The help you need to keep the independence you want.

Comfort Keepers® of Northeast Mississippi provides quality in-home care that effectively helps seniors continue independent living in the comfort of their own homes.

Companionship • Personal Care Meal Preparation Medication Reminders • Transportation Light Housekeeping

Call Anytime: (662) 841-8477 | Toll Free: 877-841-8477 We accept most long-term care insurance. Call today for a free in-home assessment.

LEARN

3F

M O R E AT W W W. C O M F O RT K E E P E R S . C O M

Document: F003DJS062014.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 18, 2014 11:49:13;JPC 72 DPI

YOUNG AT HEART

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

YOUNG AT HEART

DAILY JOURNAL

Caretakers of times past Retirees backbone of Corinth’s Black History Museum

BY LENA MITCHELL

DAILY JOURNAL CORINTH BUREAU

CORINTH – It took the interest and determination of a group of retirees to bring Corinth’s Black History Museum to fruition, and more than a decade later many of those same retirees continue to support the work of the project that is so close to their hearts.

Founding board members Frankie Jones and Ella Fowler continue to serve, joined by early museum supporters Bobby Ratliff and Frieda Miller, as well as Alex Gardner, Jerry Finger, Annie Pollard, Joe Carroll, Annie Windom, Rebecca Spence, Robert Smith, Charlie Betts and Sylvester Mabry.

Volunteers Mildred Wallace and Macie Curlee also gave sustained and critical service to the museum, Miller said, both keeping the museum open into their 80s until their health failed.

“I was one of the founders, but Bettye Fry came up with the idea,” said Jones, 84. “The house belonged to the Webbs and after the elders died the children donated the house to the city. Somehow Bettye Fry

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Corinth Black History Museum board members stand in front of the museum on Meigg Street, and include, front from left – Frankie Jones, Ella Fowler; middle row – Ann Walker, Freida Miller; and back row – Alec Gardner, Jerry Finger, Robert E. Smith.

Document: F004DJS062014.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 18, 2014 11:49:22;JPC 72 DPI

4F

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

|

5F

‘I thought young people would learn some of the historical things that happened in our community and it would give them an appreciation of our history – tell the stories of some of the local people who have passed on.’

Ella Fowler talked to the mayor and got it.”

Jones and Fowler, 83, both retired teachers, were interested in working with Fry to preserve the social, cultural and educational history of the black community for future generations, and the museum opened in 2003.

“I really thought it would be an asset to the community,” Fowler said.

“I thought young people would learn some of the historical things that happened in our community and it would give them an appreciation of our history – tell the stories of some of the local people who have passed on.”

Among the early exhibits displayed at the museum was a pictorial history of Easom High School, assembled by Ratliff.

“I had gotten a bunch of pictures and things together and put them on a 4-foot-by-8-foot plywood board along the sides and across the back of my

truck for the Easom reunion parade,” said Ratliff, 74. “About a year or two later they contacted me when they first started to get together because they knew I had a lot of stuff already.”

Easom ended its service in 1969 as the high school that educated black students in Corinth and surrounding communities before integration. The buildings then were used to house South Corinth Elementary School until 2010, and now the campus has been converted to Easom Community Center and also houses the Living Healthy Free Medical Clinic.

At 68, Miller’s commitment is just as strong as when she began working with Ratliff and founding board members 11 years ago. She regularly keeps the museum open weekly on Fridays and also when asked to arrange visits for tourism bureau guests and the general public.

“After I got involved, it

H

was such a joy and I learned so much, some things I didn’t know and some I had forgotten,” Miller said.

Exhibits include some really special treasures, Miller said: The Civil Rights struggle; Easom High School history; several different sets of encyclopedias of black history; articles written

by Willard Pugh, the actor who played Harpo in “The Color Purple” and whose grandfather lived in Corinth; information about the Corinth Contraband Camp; a Buffalo Soldier exhibit; an exhibit from Tuskegee Airman and Corinth native Roy “Bo Peep” Robinson.

Those and many other exhibits at the museum tell a rich story of Corinth’s black community and the significant part different individuals have played throughout the city’s history, Miller said. lena.mitchell@journalinc.com

HOLLAND

Funeral Directors

Honoring the past, embracing the future one family at a time.

At Holland Funeral Directors, we provide a warm, comforting facility with over 18,500 sq. ft. of space featuring 4 parlors and a Chapel that can comfortably seat 375 people. We have a large breakroom for food/meals. A nursery for children is also provided and there is ample parking for large crowds. We strive to make the journey through loss and grief much easier for you and your family.

We respect all creeds, religions and treat all people the same. We honor all insurance and pre-needs!

5281 CLIFF GOOKIN BOULEVARD • TUPELO • 840-5000 300 WEST MAIN STREET • OKOLONA • 447-2000 165 YOUNG AVENUE • NETTLETON • 963-3000

STEVE HOLLAND

SADIE HOLLAND

Document: F005DJS062014.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 18, 2014 11:49:32;JPC 72 DPI

YOUNG AT HEART

DAILY JOURNAL

|

YOUNG AT HEART

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

GAETANO CATELLI

Instructor Laura Barber leads the total body conditioning class for Oxford Park Commission’s Leisure Lifestyles division. The division’s activities, aimed at adults age 40 and older, include a variety of exercise regimens, recreational activities and learning opportunities.

Leisure Lifestyles E S UXROOME! L DE DIO LABL U I ST AVA

ASSISTED LIVING

Shingles Vaccine Available!

No Appointment Necessary.

501 SOUTH GLOSTER STREET • TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI • 662-620-6400

Already a Customer? Thank You and tell a friend!

©JPC2014

2 4 2 9 L AW N D A L E D R I V E • T U P E L O • 8 4 0 - 6 1 6 3

Document: F006DJS062014.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 18, 2014 11:49:40;JPC 72 DPI

6F

BY ERROL CASTENS DAILY JOURNAL

OXFORD – The gold watch and the rocking chair that traditionally go with retirement just aren’t enough for some people. They’re the kind of folks who keep Deb Helms hopping.

Helms, director of Oxford Park Commission’s Leisure Lifestyles program, serves hundreds of retired folks and other mature adults in a week’s time with activities that strengthen participants on several fronts.

“We’ve got a lot of programs that are working toward health and wellness in all our parts – physical, emotional and cognitive,” she said. With just a couple of exceptions, all meet at the Oxford Activity Center at

Molly Barr Road and Price Street, across from Oxford Police Department.

Many Leisure Lifestyles classes are exercise-oriented, such as “Dancing with a Twist,” yoga, aerobics, aquatic exercise and line dancing – with the latter group performing for not just their own enjoyment but for a variety of groups.

The primary purpose of the exercise classes, of course, is to enhance health and physical abilities.

“We work on developing a strong core to support the skeleton,” said total body conditioning instructor Laura Barber.

“We do joint manipulation, resistance and weight training for bones and the heart. It’s just what the class name says.”

Sam Kendricks shares the name of a worldrecord-holding athlete – his grandson, University of Mississippi pole vaulter Sam III – but when asked why he’s in the total-body conditioning class, he grabs at his ever-soslightly discernible belly and says, “This.”

“I’ve had five heart bypasses, a pacemaker and very severe thyroid problems,” he said. “When I’m not at the doctor’s office, I do this five days a week – two days here and three days at the YMCA. The big reason for it is this right here” – pointing to his waistline again – “and I have lost a couple of pounds.”

Kendricks said there’s also a social bonus in the exercise class.

“Actually, my wife passed away a couple of

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

years ago, and this provides both activity and people,” he said. “I go to coffee early, and then I come here.”

Total body conditioning lets people go at whatever pace and vigor they wish, with stepping and marching in place, heel-out-toe-in repetitions, step-outs and walking forward and backward. For those who need a break during the routine, exercises can be modified for a seated position, and a chair is provided for each participant.

“I like that, because I have arthritis in my knees, and I need to sit down from time to time,” said Ruby Redmond, who retired from teaching in Yalobusha County two years ago.

“I said I didn’t want to

sit around and do nothing,” she said. “First I called Leisure Lifestyles, got a schedule and then I decided what I was going to do. These knees are already stiff, and I don’t want them to get any stiffer.”

Other Leisure Lifestyles activities range from art and technical classes to reading, playing games and otherwise socializing in the Leisure Lifestyles lounge.

“We do instructional programs, and they’re all for anyone from beginner to advanced, except we have one computer class that’s just for beginners and another that’s a little more advanced,” Helms said. “The Domino Avengers come in about 11:30 and brownbag their lunch and play until midafternoon.”

|

7F

Special events are part of Leisure Lifestyles, too.

“They really love the big social we have once each quarter,” she said.

“Our Spring Fever social was ‘Motown meets Hoedown.’ Just about everybody’s favorite music was in there somewhere.”

Apparently enthusiasm is in the water – or maybe the coffee – at Oxford Activity Center.

“Every time we have a class it seems that someone new joins in,” said total body conditioning instructor Barber.

“They’re a great social group, very supportive of one another, and they love on me.

“This is among my happiest, most rewarding two hours of the week.” errol.castens@journalinc.com

Rehabilitation & Residential Living Like You’ve Never Seen Before

A Division of Daniel Health Care, Inc.

The Meadows is North Mississippi’s newest rehabilitation & residential living center. At our 84,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility, our patients have the opportunity to receive the skilled nursing & rehabilitation services they require while enjoying an elegant and contemporary atmosphere to rest & recuperate.

The Meadows offers our patients many opportunities to relax and socialize. Residents can be found enjoying a cup of coffee or perhaps some ice cream at the Creme Brule Cafe, or chatting with friends and family in Town Square.

There’s something for everyone at The Meadows – Come On In! • Full Time On-Site Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Services • Certified Family Nurse Practitioner • Nutrition and Social Services

1905 South Adams • Fulton, MS Phone:

662.862.2165

Document: F007DJS062014.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 18, 2014 11:50:27;JPC 72 DPI

YOUNG AT HEART

DAILY JOURNAL

|

YOUNG AT HEART

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

In step

Lt. King says positivity, daily walk keep him working At age 81, Lt. Jessie King continues to work full time for the Tupelo Police Department.

Agape Senior Living Are you tired of…

...fees rising?

...being nickle & dimed with small charges?

...Uncertainty?

Our Rates Are All Inclusive!

All inclusive, even cable TV

Facilities Under Management:

Countrywood Manor Assisted Living, Mantachie, MS (licensed Alzheimer’s Unit opening Fall 2014)

Oaktree Manor Assisted Living, Amory, MS Church Street Manor Assisted Living, Ecru, MS For more information or inquiries, call 662-322-4636 or email us info@agapesl.com

THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Document: F008DJS062014.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 18, 2014 11:50:40;JPC 72 DPI

8F

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

|

9F

BY JB CLARK DAILY JOURNAL

TUPELO - When Jessie King was 42 years old he was approached by then-Police Chief Ed Crider who told him the department needed a few more good officers to lend a hand with property crime.

King was visiting family in Michigan, on vacation from his two jobs in Tupelo, where he worked as a receiving clerk at F.W. Woolworth and as a machine operator at Rockwell International, when Crider left word at King’s house in Tupelo that he wanted King to go to the academy.

“Chief Crider had known me since the day I was born, and he said I would make a good police officer,” King said. “He thought it was something I might enjoy and should give it a shot.”

When he came home, King attended the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer’s Lt. Jessie King Training Academy in Pearl and has worked as a full-time Tupelo police officer ever since.

When asked how he stays healthy and successful at his age, King quickly offers a list of truisms that may seem obvious but have clearly worked for the 81-year-old lieutenant.

“Get good exercise, proper rest and stay off being a night owl and drinking all that alcohol,” he said.

“If you live a good clean life, life will come to you. Do what’s right and don’t forget to pray. Right will overcome wrong anytime. It always has with me. Good will come to good.”

That’s King’s policy. He said he could have retired more than 15 years ago, but he likes to work and he has a perfectly good job. Plus, he said, it’s nice to not owe anything but the light bill.

“I was looking at some of my

‘Get good exercise, proper rest and stay off being a night owl and drinking all that alcohol.’

TURN TO KING, 11F

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Barbara Vaughn, 78, may be retired from her career as a student counselor at Itawamba Community College, but she fills her days with “faith, family, and friends” in the Salvation Army Mud Room.

Retirement not synonymous with slowing down for Tupelo woman

BY RILEY MANNING DAILY JOURNAL

TUPELO – Fourteen years into retirement, Barbara Vaughn hasn’t lost a step.

After a 21-year career as a student counselor at Itawamba Community College, Vaughn now heads the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary mud room, working year round to produce pottery for the Army’s annual Empty Bowls event.

“The year I retired, a friend invited me to join the SAWA and it just evolved from there,” she said. “I was available and enthusiastic.”

Up until a decade ago, bowls for the event were donated by local potters, but as the event grew, it became necessary for the SAWA to take things into their

own hands. Now they churn out over 2,000 bowls each year.

“Some of the ladies I started with are still with me,” she said. “It’s a little like the old quilting circles. We chat and laugh so it doesn’t really feel like working.”

Vaughn said she was born with an active nature. When visiting cousins as a child, she said she was always the one urging them to play a game or go for a walk. When she married a military man after college, the pair soon purchased a pair of motorcycles.

“We had so much fun traveling on those bikes,” she said. “We’ve been to almost all the states, even the ice fields up in Nova Scotia. That was probably my favorite. Or Key West. We got our picture taken with the motorcycles at the southernmost point.”

Vaugh retired her motorcycle when she retired at age 66, and traded it in for a sporty convertible.

She can also still be found walking three to five days a week. In addition, she participates in a book club, dinner club, and her Sunday school class, not to mention in the lives of her three children, seven grandchildren and 15 greatgrandchildren.

“In trying to think about what’s important, I’d have to say it’s faith, family and friends. It’s so important to keep busy,” she said. “I’d advise anyone to invest in something meaningful after retirement, and there are so many opportunities in Tupelo. That saying about being only as old as you think you are is so true, and I still think of myself as pretty young.”

Document: F009DJS062014.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 18, 2014 11:49:56;JPC 72 DPI

YOUNG AT HEART

DAILY JOURNAL

|

YOUNG AT HEART

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

DAILY JOURNAL

Things to consider when estate planning You may worry about what will happen to your house and property when you’re no longer willing or able to care for it – particularly if you own property that has special meaning to you, such as a family home or woodlands. With so many options on the table, it’s important to research the facts, make important decisions and get paperwork started.

When it comes to estate planning, here are some things to consider:

YOUR LEGACY

Ask yourself, “is my property an asset or an heirloom?” If it’s not important for you to keep your land in the family, you must determine whether you want to sell it or give it away to charity. Both options have important financial and tax benefits and drawbacks.

Ask an estate planner or tax advisor about them.

FIND AN ESTATE PLANNER

Start by asking people you trust for recommendations. Once you have a list of names, conduct informal interviews. Ask questions that can help ensure that a planner’s in-

Estate planning is complex. So don’t assume that it can wait. Your family can only carry out your wishes if you’ve thought them through and shared them. terests and skills fit your needs before you commit to working together.

“Look for someone with significant experience particularly with land assets and families, who has up-to-date knowledge of the field and relevant laws, and possesses expertise in woodland or has a forestry background,” said Caroline Kuebler, Outreach Manager of the American Tree Farm System, a network of 82,000 family forest owners sustainably managing 24 million acres of woodlands.

YOUR FAMILY

Your plan for your property’s future won’t work if your family can’t or isn’t willing to put it into action.

Kuebler, an expert on fam-

STATEPOINT

The importance of estate planning should not be underestimated, and there is help to ensure it is done properly. ily forest outreach, recommends getting them involved if you plan to pass your land on to them.

“If your family lacks a connection to your land, it can lead to conflict when planning for the future,” Kuebler said. “Talk to your family about your experiences on your land. Go on a hike. The more you camp, fish, hunt, work and play on the property to-

gether, the more they’ll appreciate and value it.”

Take advantage of free online tools that can help your family manage your land and plan for its future. For example, My Land Plan mapping tool can be used to mark out features on your land, including areas that are special to you and your family. The site also features a journal, which can

be used to capture family memories, upload photos, record wildlife sightings and more.

In the property history section, you can document how you first acquired your land. Such tools can be a great way to introduce the next generation to your land and what makes it so important to you.

The non-profit website My Land Plan also con-

tains a wealth of information on options for your land, such as conservation agreements and trusts. To learn more or sign up for a free account, visit www.MyLandPlan.org.

Estate planning is complex. So don’t assume that it can wait. Your family can only carry out your wishes if you’ve thought them through and shared them. ©JPC2014

STATEPOINT

VIOLATORS OF THE NO-CALL LAW. The Public Service Commission is asking for your help in cracking down

on some aggressive new violators of the No-Call law. If you are already on the No Call list but are still getting calls about lowered credit card interest rates, find out who you’re talking to. If the person on the other end is not from a Mississippi financial institution or someone with whom you have an established business BRANDON PRESLEY Northern District relationship, report them to the Public Service Commission at:

1-800-356-6428 or at www.psc.state.ms.us

Public Service Commissioner northern.district@psc.state.ms.us

Document: F010DJS062014.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 18, 2014 11:50:09;JPC 72 DPI

10F

King FROM 9A

buddies who retired at age 65,” he said. “A year and a half later they’re back working the same job for half price. Just stay where you’re at. They always seem to either get bored or get broke.”

In his 39 years, King has worked in the Tupelo Police Department as a patrol officer, detective, code enforcement officer and now, he’s the Tupelo Municipal Court bailiff.

He’s been certified in more than a dozen concentrations including alcohol enforcement, counterterrorism, community and diversity policing and medical scene support.

He was in the detective division when now-Chief

‘If you live a good clean life, life will come to you. Do what’s right and don’t forget to pray. Right will overcome wrong anytime. It always has with me. Good will come to good.’

Lt. Jessie King Bart Aguirre was climbing the department’s ranks.

He most enjoyed working as a code enforcement officer because it afforded him the opportunity to sit down and explain the law to residents who may not have been shown patience previously.

“If you just throw the ordinance at them, that won’t get it,” he said. “You have to sit down and explain the ordinance to them and they’ll take care of it.”

The Healing Starts Here

He said that goes for every job he’s worked in the police department, whether it be patrol or municipal court, and it works outside of the police force as well.

“If you treat people right, they’ll know for the next time, pat you on the back and see you at church on Sunday,” he said. “‘That’s a good feel right there,’ is what they’ll say.” jb.clark@journalinc.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

|

The SOUTH’S BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIBE 1-800-270-2613

Ear, Nose & Throat Care For All Ages! www.entnorthmississippi.com

Amor y

1105 Earl Frye Blvd.

Cor inth

2907 Hwy 72 W

Tupelo

618 Pegram Dr.

Toll Free Number For All Locations: 877-944-6513

11F

Document: F011DJS062014.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 18, 2014 11:50:20;JPC 72 DPI

YOUNG AT HEART

DAILY JOURNAL

12F | FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

YOUNG AT HEART

Document: F012DJS062014.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 18, 2014 11:51:00;JPC 72 DPI

DAILY JOURNAL