Muhlenberg Life Oct 22

The Muhlenberg County Tourism Commission (MCTC) is excited to announce the expansion of The Big Twigs family at Lake Malone State Park! The Big Twigs, a family of three giants, “Happy Malone,” “Oakley Malone,” and “Bobber Malone”, have welcomed three new members to the family!

These three new larger-than-life characters include “Annette Malone” who will be found in the park chasing butterflies, “Paige Malone” who will spend her time under a tree reading her favorite book, and “Wattson Malone” who will be seen admiring his jar of lightning bugs at the edge of the woods.

The Big Twigs have had an incredibly positive local and regional impact as they have welcomed growing numbers of guests to the park. “The MCTC is grateful for new partnerships that have led to the addition of the three new Big Twig characters,” says MCTC Chairperson Mary Kate Kordes. “These new Big Twigs will create even more to experience, will help expand the imaginations of young minds, and will bring more exposure to beautiful Lake Malone and Lake Malone State Park. The Big Twigs are a unique and entertaining way to spend family time together in nature.”

The new Big Twigs were made possible by generous donations, and were created by artist Steve Brauch of Brainchild Creative, LLC. Annette, Paige and Wattson were funded by a grant from the Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation and matching donations from Tennessee Valley Authority and the Pennyrile Electric Cooperative.

Teresa Wells, Lake Malone Park Manager stated, “We are so excited for the expansion of the Big Twig family this fall. The Twigs have been a hit with campers and visitors alike.”

The park is located at State Route 8001 in Dunmor, Kentucky and consists of over 200 acres with well-maintained hiking trails, camping sites, picnic pavilions and playground equipment.

The 788-acre lake is enclosed by dramatic 50-foot sandstone bluffs and surrounded by hardwood forests of mountain laurel, holly, dogwood trees. Natural wonders abound in Lake Malone’s secluded wilderness and the lake has been described as an “angler’s delight.”

The MCTC is an organization whose mission is to invest in and promote Muhlenberg County, attract visitors, and create memories through experiences. For more information about upcoming events in Muhlenberg go to VisitMuhlenberg.com.

Thanks to MCTC for this article and pictures.

The Three Apples

The old apple tree stood in the orchard with the other trees, and all summer long it had stretched out its branches wide to catch the rain and the sun to make its apples grow round and ripe. Now it was fall, and on the old apple tree were three great apples as yellow as gold and larger than any other apples in the whole orchard. The apple tree stretched and reached as far as it could, until the branch on which the three gold apples grew hung over the orchard wall. There were the three great apples, waiting for some one to pick them, and as the wind blew through the leaves of the apple tree it seemed to sing:

“Here in the orchard are apples three, Who uses one well shall a treasure see.”

And one morning Gerald came down the lane that passed by the orchard wall. He looked longingly at the three gold apples, wishing, wishing that he might have one. Just then the wind sang its song again in the leaves of the apple tree and, plump, down to the ground, right at Gerald’s feet, fell one of the three gold apples.

He picked it up and turned it round and round in his hands. How sweet it smelled, and how mellow and juicy it was! Gerald could think of nothing so good to do with such a beautiful ripe apple as to eat it. He put it to his mouth and took a great bite of it, then another bite, and another. Soon there was nothing left of the apple but the core, which Gerald threw away. He smacked his lips and went on his way, but the wind in the apple trees sang, sorrowfully, after him:

“Here in the orchard are apples two, But gone is the treasure that fell for you.”

And after a while Hilda came down the lane that passed by the orchard wall. She looked up at the two beautiful gold apples that hung on the branch of the old apple tree, and she listened to the wind as it sang in the branches to her:

“Here in the orchard are apples two, A treasure they hold for a child like you.”

Then the wind blew harder and, plump, an apple fell in the lane right in front of Hilda. She picked it up joyfully. She had never seen so large and so

golden an apple. She held it carefully in her clasped hands and thought what a pity it would be to eat it, because then it would be gone.

“I will keep this gold apple always,” Hilda said, and she wrapped it up in the clean handkerchief that was in her pocket. Then Hilda went home, and there she laid away in a drawer the gold apple that the old apple tree had given her, closing the drawer tightly. The apple lay inside, in the dark, and all wrapped up, for many days, until it spoiled. And when Hilda next went down the lane and past the orchard, the wind in the apple tree sang to her:

“Only one apple where once there were two, Gone is the treasure I gave to you.”

Last of all, Rudolph went down the lane one fine fall morning when the sun was shining warm and the wind was out. There, hanging over the orchard wall, he saw just one great gold apple that seemed to him the most beautiful apple that he had ever seen. As he stood looking up at it, the wind in the apple tree sang to him, and it said:

“Round and gold on the apple tree, A wonderful treasure, hanging, see!”

Then the wind blew harder, and down fell the last gold apple of the three into Rudolph’s waiting hands.

He held it a long time and looked at it as Gerald and Hilda had, thinking how good it would be to eat, and how pretty it would be to look at if he were to save it. Then he decided not to do either of these things. He took his jack-knife out of his pocket and cut the gold apple in half, straight across, and exactly in the middle between the blossom and the stem.

Oh, the surprise that waited for Rudolph inside the apple! There was a star, and in each point of the star lay a small black seed. Rudolph carefully took out all the seeds and climbed over the orchard wall, holding them in his hand. The earth in the orchard was still soft, for the frost had not yet come. Rudolph made holes in the earth and in each hole he dropped an apple seed. Then he covered up the seeds and climbed back over the wall to eat his apple, and then go on his way.

But as Rudolph walked down the lane, the orchard wind followed him, singing to him from every tree and bush, “A planted seed is a treasure won." The work of the apple is now well done.”

Labeling Emotions: Name It to tame It

Throughout the day we experience many different emotions. While most are pleasant, other emotions are less favorable, such as anger, sadness, exhaustion, or fear. These gloom ridden emotions often cause additional stress and anxiety that seemingly out weighs any positive feelings that were previously experienced. Why? Well, it is all part of our body’s natural fight or flight response, something we do not typically experience with happier emotions. In addition, more favorable emotions are easier to label.

What is “labeling” an emotion? It is exactly like it sounds, giving that emotion a specific name. Think of a bottle of ketchup; there is a label on that bottle that tells you it is ketchup, but even without that label you can easily tell what it is. Now think of going to a restaurant and they give you a side of blue cheese dressing and a side of ranch dressing. It is almost impossible to tell them apart until you actually taste them and note what it is. Emotions are the same way. It is pretty easy to tell when you are happy. But being angry, sad, stressed, etc. may be a bit more difficult to figure out. You may be feeling fear and that makes you anxious, or maybe you’re feeling stressed because you are exhausted. It can be hard to sort out your feelings when you are experiencing complex emotions.

Why is “labeling” an emotion important? When experiencing a situation that evokes negative emotions and you don't take time to label them, you may not truly know what you are feeling. Without taking the time to define and explore each complex emotion, thoughts and feelings tend to linger and cause even deeper emotions or impulsive reactions that you may later regret.

Dr. Dan Siegel, a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA, is credited with the phrase “name it to tame it.” In other words, you need to physically name the individual emotions you are feeling and use that process to find a resolution. By adding a label and exploring complex emotions, your brain slows down the fight or flight response and you are able to take control of the emotion, making it easier to resolve.

How to I effectively “label” my emotions? Labeling emotions on your own can be an uncomplicated process. If your initial though is “I’m stressed,” choose at least two options that you can identify that may be causing you to feel stressed. For example, your feeling “stressed” because you are “exhausted.” Now you have a label for what you are feeling and can more easily find a solution. “I am exhausted. I need to take a break and focus on self-care” is much different than “I’m Stressed.”

Now that you have effectively labeled your emotion, you should take time to explore a deeper value of that emotion to determine what “take a break” and “self-care” means to resolve the “exhaustion” that is causing you to feel stressed. Are you needing a day at the spa, dinner with friends, deeper conversation with your spouse, or quality time with your family? It is now emotion, and you get to decide how to control it instead of your brain making that decision for you.

When labeling your emotions, think of the process as a map to what your emotions are trying to tell you. Every emotion has a purpose, even the ones that make you uncomfortable. You must face the emotions, dive in, and work toward a solution to resolve them. In order to move forward from an unfavorable emotion, labeling it is half the battle. Sometimes that means realizing and accepting that they may be too much for you to handle on your own. Talking with a licensed therapist or counselor can help determine if they are a response to trauma or if they are constant and detrimental to

Heart to Heart

Inspirational thoughts from the heart of Rev. Rick Brownlee to our readers

When I was a child, I was the oldest of three children and the only boy. As children are, there would be times that we would argue, fight, get loud and just be a tad rowdy. Mom’s answer to this dilemma was the use of a 3-foot “switch” that she carried on the dash of our automobile, For some reason it seemed that the times when we were most rowdy was when the four of us was in the car, I still don’t know how she did it, but she could drive and still reach each one of us with her switch and quickly gain control. Now we believed in equality for all, and on occasion would get just as rowdy when dad was driving. But he was dad and usually all it took from him was the use of our name. No sentence to our name just the use of our name. His favorite saying to us was for us to remain “calm, cool, and collected “. For the longest time I really didn’t fully understand this phrase other than it meant to “be quiet and be still.” I’m sure that over time, with some positive reinforcement, my sisters and I learned the meaning of this phrase. Since I was the oldest, I do believe that my name was used more than my two sisters. Not that I was any rowdier and deserved it, but it had to be because I was the oldest. At least that is what I told myself and as Forrest Gump would say “And that is all I’m going to say about that.”

The reason I brought up those snippets from my childhood is; as a parent I learned a lot about patience- another fruit of God’s presence in our lives. The dictionary defines patience as

“the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset” and the meaning is the same in the Christian dictionary.

God has an excellent reason for wanting us to have patience. Therefore, he wants us to wait patiently for Him to act on his own time table. But God made a promise to us, and we are waiting for a new heaven and new earth where goodness lives. Remember we are saved because our Lord is patient. In regard to our relationships with one another we are also admonished: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”.

So when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that the troubles are testing your faith, and this will give you patience. In my life I tried to remember the “switch” or the calming tone of my father to help guide me. When you are stressed take a breath and remember God has an excellent reason for wanting us to have patience.

Recipes from The River Rat

Alisa Bolton Owens

Oven-Baked Garlic Bread Italian

Hawaiian Roll Sliders

These sliders will be your new favorite appetizer for backyard BBQs, Super Bowls, holidays, family dinners… you name it and they’ll love it. Ready in 30 minutes or less, these hot sliders are almost too quick and easy to make!

Servings: 12

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 count Slider Buns

• 12 slices Turkey

• 12 slices Soppressata Salami (more if using small rounds)

• 12 slices Pepperoni (more if using small)

• 8 slices Provolone or Mozzarella

• 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated or shredded (optional)

• 1/4 cup Peach Preserves

• 3 tbsp. Dijon Mustard

• 1/2 cup Banana Peppers (optional)

• 1/2 cup Fresh Basil, chopped

• 1/3 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped

• 4 Garlic Cloves, minced or grated

• 3 tbsp. Olive Oil, or Melted Butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8×8″ baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Slice your buns in half. Place the bottom buns in the prepared baking dish.

3. Add a layer of the peach preserves and dijon mustard to the bottom buns.

4. Layer the turkey, then a single layer of sliced cheese, then the salami and pepperoni, and one more single layer of sliced cheese.

5. Sprinkle with banana peppers, freshly chopped basil, and grated parmesan.

6. Add the top half of the slider buns.

7. In a small bowl, mix the grated garlic, chopped parsley, and olive oil. Brush on top of the buns.

8. Cover with tinfoil and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes. Enjoy!

Fall is upon us! School is back in session and everyone's life just got busier. Quick and easy dinners are always appreciated by the chef of the house. This recipe appeals to all ages and is quick, nutritious and uses items we all have on hand.

CHICKEN BROCCOLI SQUARES

1 pkg refrigerated canned pizza crust

2 T mayonnaise

2 t Dijon mustard

1/4 t garlic powder

1/2 medium red or yellow bell pepper chopped

1/2 small onion chopped

1 1/2 c diced cooked chicken breast

1 1/2 c frozen chopped broccoli thawed and drained

8 oz grated Swiss cheese divided in half

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil cookie sheet and unroll pizza crust and press to edges. Bake for 15-18 min. until the top is just golden. Add mayonnaise, mustard and seasoning in a medium microwave safe bowl and mix well. Add remaining ingredients and half cheese and mix well. Microwave on high 2-3 min. stirring halfway through or until hot.

Sprinkle remaining cheese on the crsut and top with hot chicken mixture. I sometimes sprinkle fresh grated parmesan and return to the oven until melted. Makes 12-16 squares.

The invasion of France on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944 (D-Day) was arguably the largest amphibious warfare operation in the history of mankind. Ships were needed to supply troops, vehicles, ammunition, medical supplies, food and so much more to support all of our Allied troops in the war effort. Landing Ship, Tanks (LST’s) filled the bill!

Alisa, along with 5 other women, participated in the first Rosie’s Work Week on board LST 325. The ladies slept, ate and worked hard during this week to help prepare the ship for it’s annual Fall Cruise. The work performed aboard was an experience like no other!

The Rosies cleaned, did maintenance chores, reviewed engine starting procedures for the two General Motors 12567A, 900hp diesel engines. They cleaned, power washed and performed a myriad of chores during their week on the ship to prepare it for the Annual Fall Cruise. The ladies found great satisfaction in serving as volunteers and seeing what the Sailors lives must have been like; having meals from the galley and sleeping in Crew’s Quarters.

In Alisa’s view, her work aboard LST 325 was to honor her father, but she gained six dear friends during her time there.

Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron in Evansville, Indiana was an example of how important the LST was to the war. The shipyard was constructed especially to build these ships and it built over 167 LST’s, which was the most of any shipyard in the U.S. during wartime. The LST 325, The LST Ship Memorial, Inc., a Museum ship, participated in the Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaigns including the Sicilian Occupation and the Invasion of Normandy, France.

A local resident, Alisa Owens, received a close up look of what her father’s WWII service life was like at that time, by volunteering to work on the ship in August. Mr. Buland Owens was a sailor on two different LST’s during WWII.

My Child Plays Sports

Concussions are very complex injuries with many different symptoms. A little-known fact about concussions is that you don’t have to hit your head in order to sustain one and you don’t have to lose consciousness to be diagnosed with a concussion. It is estimated that there are 1.6 to 3.8 million concussions

Which Concussion Tests Should Be Done?

on the baseline test questions. In fact, only 47% of the football players that sustain concussions report them (McCrea. Et al., 2004) This way, if they did receive a concussion it was easier for them to pass the follow up test. The Impact test has now caught up with some of the better concussion tests but is still lacking in many ways.

The King-Devick test is one that all colleges and high schools should be performing on their athletes before season play begins. The King-Devick test measures the speed of the eye movements which are directly correlated to brain function. The great thing about the King-Devick test is that it only takes 1-2 minutes and can be done on the sideline after a suspected concussion. This test should be used as a rule-out concussion test when on the field of play. It doesn’t test for balance, cognition or hand/eye speed like other concussion tests but is very useful if someone is hit hard and says they feel fine afterwards.

One of the most comprehensive of all pre and post-concussion tests on the market and the one utilized in my clinic is C3 Logix. C3 Logix was designed by medical doctors at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and is completed on an iPad. It tests your reaction time, cognition, balance, vestibular function, motor function and vision. This outperforms the other concussion tests by adding in vestibular function and vision. The best part is you can’t fake the base line testing.

per year. Only 47% of the football players that sustain concussions report them (McCrea. Et al., 2004) and over 400,000 soldiers have suffered mild traumatic brain injuries and are still on active duty.

The Impact concussion test is one of the most widely recognized tests in college and high school athletics. The Impact test (at one point) only tested cognitive ability and many players were purposely doing poorly

This article is in no way intended to replace medical advice, so if you think you have received a concussion you should seek medical attention.

10:53

Dr. McNamara

DC, BS, DACNB, FACFN

Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist Forsyth County Firefighter

From the Publisher

Finally, Fall! Fall is such a beautiful time of year and I’ve been noticing the different feelings it conjures up since I moved to Muhlenberg County from the Atlanta area. I've always loved the crisp fresh air, cool breeze, and colorful foliage of the autumn season and how it provokes a calm and somewhat melancholy mood.

As a child, Fall was a time when we could still run around barefoot on some days and play in the leaves, but mostly I looked forward to the first snowfall and all the fun that came with winter activities. (As I young child I lived in North Carolina.) As I grew older, winter became more about scraping windshields, driving on icy roads, and always having achy muscles from the cold; so, despite my love of Fall, there was a part of me that also felt the less desirable emotion of dread as the season progressed into winter.

The Fall in Atlanta lasts about one week. Here, I still smell fall in the air, feel the cool breeze, and enjoy the many colors of the season. What I don’t seem to feel is the calm and melancholy but rather the emotion of excited anticipation—here we’ve been inside in air conditioning during summer and venture out in the early morning and late evening to dog walk, cycle, or take a hike. Then one day we can stay out a little later in the morning or go out a little earlier in the evening and we aren’t hit with a wall of heat. What a feeling—it must be Fall! And Fall leads to all types of festivals, markets, church functions, school functions, in other words, people, neighbors, and family.

As a fairly new resident I'm looking forward to having another chance to sit outside with neighbors, grill in not 100 degree weather, sit by the fire, roast marshmallows and relive a little part of my childhood.

So take a breath sit on the porch in the cooler weather and enjoy reading Mullenberg Life. With the holidays approaching enjoy the peace that Fall brings before the holiday rush.

Looking forward to November/December issue of great recipes, holiday scenes and traditions.

LouAnnBrownlee

CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher - Comsen, k, Inc., Lou Ann Brownlee

Editor - Rickie Brownlee

Business Development - Rhonda Coleman

Layout/Design - Lisa Ison

Featured Writers

Casey R. Davis

Alisa Bolton Owens

Amy Comstock

Lou Ann Brownlee

Rickie Brownlee

Magazine Contacts (270) 641-0767 Office www.muhlenberglife.com muhlenberglife@gmail.com

Muhlenberg Life is a publication of Comsen, Inc.

Bi-monthly copies are distributed throughout our county in over 20 rack locations as well as local businesses. We welcome your comments, articles and advertisements. Subscriptions are available for $40 per year. The viewpoint of the advertisers, writers and submissions are not necessarily those of Comsen, Inc. The Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. Muhlenberg Life is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Featuring this month:

Onmainky.com

Bridal, Baby, Birthday, Home Decor, Candles, Gourmet Food, Dishes and more! If you need something spectacular, inexpensive or if you need advice, we're here for YOU!

Welcome a new tradition into your home! Hot Ruby is a cranberry cider, unlike typical cider, the family recipe marries cranberry and citrus juices infused with an exquisite blend of spices. Perfect for the holidays or anytime! Shake well and serve Hot or Iced. All natural, vegan, gluten, non-alcoholic and dairy-free!