Each month Voice will “hide” a picture of a “Hot Hunk.” If you find him, fill out this form, mail it in, and you could win a book from Jan-Carol Publishing!
Congratulations to: Robin Brewster Johnson City, TN as the winner in the May Hot Hunk Hunt!
Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!
Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone Number: Email: HOT HUNK LOCATION:
July Hot Hunk Hunt!
The April “Hot Hunk” was Robert Downey Jr. on page 31.
Photo via Instagram/Felix Mallard
VOICE Speaks FREE
Themonth of June is the month we celebrate Father’s Day. For those of us who no longer have our dad around, it can be a sad time. However, on Father’s Day, I think about what my dad loved to do. He loved working in the garden and, of course, as a child, I wanted to help. I recall once when he was planting in the garden, I asked If I could help. He told me to get the garden hoe. I went to the shed to find it, but it wasn’t there. I went back and told him it wasn’t there. He asked me, “You used it yesterday, didn’t you?” I replied, “Yes.” He asked, “Did you put it back where you got it?” I never answered, because I couldn’t remember. He turned around and picked it up where I had left it lying on the ground the day before. Handing me the garden tool, he said in a stern, but scolding tone, “The lesson here is, if you put things back where you find them, they will always be there when you need them.” I never forgot that. A simple message that I hear whenever I can’t find something that is not in its place.
One thing we have in place is our Bookmarked podcast. We hope all of you are tuning in and signing up for our book blog, also called Bookmarked, which is a preview of the week’s upcoming episode on the podcast. Our podcast is centered around book publishing. The format includes different guests, discussions, and information. We are excited about the continued growth. In addition to the growth of our podcast, we are excited to announce the forthcoming online JCP literary magazine. It is “under construction,” but watch for the release date.
As we embark on another adventure with our online literary magazine, Voice Magazine for Women will continue being online, along with Jan-Carol Publishing and social media platforms. With our updated link on our website, book purchases are available directly from our website. We offer pre-sales for pre-releases of JCP books, so sign up for our newsletter to know the discounts offered. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and join the fun of our giveaways and other happenings. Email communications@jancarolpublishing.com to receive our newsletter.
We want to say thank you for all your support!
For that special day in June — a day for all dads — from all of us to all of you, Happy Father’s Day!
Thought of the Month: “You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.” — Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali polymath who worked as a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer, and painter of the Bengal Renaissance
Verse of the Month: “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children are their fathers.” — Proverbs 17:6 KJV
Celebrating our 21st anniversary! We wouldn’t be here and there without all of you!
PUBLISHER
Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc PO Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 publisher@jancarolpublishing.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Draco Bailey
Communications Director & Publishing Assistant communications@jancarolpublishing.com
EDITORIAL MISSION: Voice Magazine for Women wants to provide a useful and complete reliable source of information for women and their families. We seek to celebrate women’s successes, and support their growth by defining and recognizing their needs and providing a concentration of resources for them. We want to be that “link” to all women.
Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief
Ken Heath April Hensley Raven Howell Dr. Jami Lee Cindy Sproles
Some Hidden Benefits to Shopping Local
The economic impact of shopping within one’s community is significant. Though estimates vary and are always open to fluctuation, a recent survey from American Express and the National Federation of Independent Business indicated roughy 67 cents out of every dollar spent at a small business remains in the community.
The economic impact of shopping local is plain to see, as many local business owners and employees live in the communities where their companies operate. But there are additional and perhaps less obvious benefits to buying close to home as well.
• Walkability: Community residents who aspire to keep their dollars within their own towns may not need to drive to do so. For example, residents may live within walking distance of local restaurants. A casual stroll to dinner out on the town can make for a more relaxing evening. But that’s not the only way walkability pays dividends. A 2023 survey from the National Association of Realtors® found that 78 percent of potential home buyers indicate they’d pay more for a home in a walkable community than one that required driving to access amenities like shops and restaurants. By shopping local and supporting businesses within walking distance of their homes, homeowners can help to maintain their local economies and even drive up the value of local real estate.
• Time: Another notable but easily overlooked benefit to shopping local is the time savings. Businesses located within one’s community are likely a short walk or drive away from home, whereas getting to large chains may require significant travel. Residents can use the time they save by shopping local however they see fit, and that’s a particularly notable benefit in a modern world where balancing personal and professional responsibilities is as difficult as ever.
• Health: Shopping local also can have a positive impact on consumers’ overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there are many notable benefits to social connection, including increased feelings of belonging and being
loved and even greater resistance to serious illness and disease. When shopping at locally owned small businesses, residents typically interact with owners and staff in ways that are far less common than when shopping at chain stores. Those interactions help foster relationships between business owners, employees and customers, and that can benefit shoppers in many of the ways noted by the CDC.
Patronizing locally owned small businesses has a well-documented positive impact on local economies. A closer look at shopping local reveals there are many lesser known but no less significant advantages to supporting small businesses in one’s community.
Relaxing in the Shade
By April Hensley
The temp is going to get very hot soon, and that means we will be searching for shady spots to spend our outdoor time in. Your family, pets, and wildlife will be looking for cooler places too. Walk around your property during the time you would usually be outdoors to see where the shade falls. If you have a porch, pergola, or a big shade tree, you are set! If not, use the shade from your home or create artificial shade with help from things like a pop-up gazebo or shade cloth.
Think about how you want to use the space. Is it for children to have to place to play, a BBQ area, or a place to nap in a hammock? You can create an outdoor area for family get-togethers or a nice quiet spot to unwind and relax.
If you like being outdoors during the summer, you will be spending a lot of time here through the next three months. Let’s jazz up your outdoor living space to suit your style and purpose and make it more inviting.
• Some colorful shade lovers include hydrangeas, ferns, Japanese maple trees, begonias, azaleas, hostas, and evergreens.
• Garden gnomes and concrete statues make a cute addition.
• If using the space for an eating area, look for a sturdy table and chairs that will survive windy storms.
• Get some shade-loving plants together. These can be planted in-ground or arranged in pots to brighten your space. Special pots are available for deck railing, and shepherd’s hooks can be used for hanging baskets. For pots, you can do not only plants but bushes and trees.
• A large patio umbrella can create temporary shade for your outdoor space or picnic area. Umbrellas come in many shapes, colors and sizes and some can be adjusted for the movement of the sun.
• Look into seating, whether to unwind or gather. It can be as simple as a couple of folding chairs to a large outdoor sectional with side tables.
• Sometimes we like being outside after the sun sets when it’s cooler. In that case, look at solar lights. They have them for in-ground, steps, railing, hanging, and rope lights that give a magical feel. These are great safety features, too. Shepherds’ hooks can be used to help suspend the lights.
• Mosquito repellants and traps will be a must whether during the day or night.
Celebrate Father’s Day in Unique Ways
Father’s Day is a celebration of dads near and far. Falling on the third Sunday of June each year, Father’s Day presents an opportunity for families to come together and put the spotlight on fathers who work tirelessly for their children and provide them with love and support. Father’s Day also is a chance to honor the men who serve as father figures or play special roles in people’s lives.
It’s easy for families to fall into a routine when it comes to celebrating Father’s Day. Certainly dinner and gift-giving is traditional, but there are additional ways to provide Dad with the day he deserves. Explore these creative options.
Set up a scavenger hunt
Drag out the suspense of Dad getting his Father’s Day gift by hiding it and requiring him to go through a series of clues to find it. When writing up the clue cards, spouses and children can reference particularly happy moments or things around the house that are representative of Dad’s love. For example, a clue may read, “Here’s where we like to snuggle together to watch our favorite show.”
Take it outdoors
June weather tends to be pleasant, and that means Father’s Day celebrations can be held outside. Everyone can select a spot that Dad loves to visit, whether it’s a hiking trail or a local park, and then plan activities around the chosen location.
Go on an adventure
Father’s Day can be spent engaging in something the family has never tried before that may be exciting for Dad. Maybe he’s always wanted to go off-roading on quads or try his skills at hatchet-throwing? The family can get together and choose an activity Dad will find engaging and that everyone can enjoy.
Make it a beach day
Dad might just want a break from the hectic pace of life on Father’s Day. This is the perfect opportunity to head oceanside. For those who don’t live by the coast, a river or lakefront spot can be an ideal alternative. Frequently these are touristy areas, so it could be relatively easy to find an eatery where everyone can make a reservation for lunch or dinner after enjoying a relaxing day with waves lapping the shore.
These are just a few clever ways to celebrate Father’s Day. Families can choose activities that honor fathers and ensure he is feeling all the love.
Many countries around the world celebrate Father’s Day, but not all of them do so in June. The most common date for Father’s Day celebrations is the third Sunday of June, when the U.S. and Canada celebrate the holiday. In 2025, that day will be June 15. Many European countries with sizable Catholic populations, such as Spain, Italy and Portugal, celebrate Father’s Day on March 19, which is known as St. Joseph’s Day on the Catholic liturgical calendar. St. Joseph was the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus Christ, so he is widely recognized as the patron saint of fathers. No matter when Father’s Day falls, the holiday marks a great time to show dads just how special and loved they are.
Gifts for Dad He’s Certain to Enjoy
Father’s Day celebrations began on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. However, it wasn’t until 1972 that a day honoring fathers became a national holiday. Since then, children have been trying to figure out how they can show their dads and other father figures in their lives just how much they are appreciated. Plenty of hugs and high fives are customary on Father’s Day, but gifts also get the spotlight on this holiday, which is held on the third Sunday in June each year.
Each year families ponder what to get the man who seemingly has everything. These Father’s Day gifts are certain to please Dad this year.
Gaming gifts
The joy of gaming may not wane as Dad gets older. Once a gamer, always a gamer, and gifts that cater to Dad’s love of play can be winners. Pay attention to the release dates of games that Dad wants to play, and then make sure to grab them before they sell out. Peripherals that can enhance gaming also can be ideal gifts. These include Bluetooth headphones with microphone, controller charging stations, light-up keyboards, or a comfortable gaming chair.
Sports tickets
Experiential gifts continue to win rave reviews, as people increasingly are finding that adding more “stuff” to their lives does not equate to happiness. Rather, gifts that focus on experiences instead of material things can produce lasting memories. Father’s Day is a good time to grab tickets to an upcoming sports game, whether it’s a high-profile Major League Baseball game at the stadium, a local event or overseas affair. June and July feature Formula 1 racing, the Worldwide International Cricket Matches, the MLB All Star Game, the Tour de France, Wimbledon, and more.
Cookout supplies
If Dad is the resident outdoor chef, adding to his assortment of cooking gear can be the perfect way to show love and affection on Father’s Day. While grills and smokers may get much of the attention, a tabletop pizza oven or outdoor griddle might be welcome additions as well.
Fishing gear
The warm weather of the summer presents plenty of opportunities for anglers to reel in trophy catches. Fathers who love to fish can always use some additions to their tackle boxes, new reels and rods. Choose the correct items for the type of fish he typically goes for, as fishing for striped bass requires different gear that fishing for fluke. Father’s Day gifting is made easier with some shopping inspiration.
We Asked
Our Facebook Fans:
What is some of the best advice your father has given?
Pam Rhea: Work hard, be honest, always be early for work, always ask the blessing before you eat, read your Bible, and put the Lord first in all things. I miss my daddy. He was a fine man, farmer, Preacher, and he was my Daddy... Cynthia Lybrand: Daddy joked, don’t take any wooden nickels...
Jo Evans: Don’t be the life of the party at a corporate event! Tara McClain: Always take photos! My dad loved to have his digital camera in his pocket and capture the moments of all family get togethers! I miss you, Daddy!
Grilled Potato Salad
4–6 servings
2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup toasted peanuts
3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon celery seeds
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1. Prepare a grill using the snake method or for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, stack the unlit charcoals around the perimeter of the grill, about halfway, then light the first few at one end so the snake begins to burn slowly. (This results in a controlled 325 to 350 degrees F heat.) If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat.
2. Toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large bowl. Season well with salt and pepper.
3. Lay out 2 sheets of aluminum foil in a cross and place the potatoes in the middle. Gather up the sides to create a foil packet, add 2 tablespoons of water, and seal the foil packet.
4. Place the foil packet over direct heat and steam until the potatoes are cooked through, about 30 minutes. Open the foil packet and continue to cook until the potatoes take on some smoke and dry out, about 5 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, whisk together the peanuts, remaining 1/4 cup oil, vinegar, cilantro, mustard, celery seeds, and sugar in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Remove the potatoes from the grill, add to the bowl with the vinaigrette, and toss to coat.
Grilled Salmon with
Sherry Vinegar-Honey Glaze and Spicy Tomato Relish
4 servings
1 cup sherry vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 salmon fillets, 6 ounces each
Spicy Tomato Relish:
2 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons finely diced Spanish onion
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1. In a small saucepan over high heat, reduce vinegar to 1/4 cup. In a mixing bowl, combine vinegar syrup with mustard, honey, Worcestershire, and ancho chile powder and season to taste with salt and pepper. Let rest for 30 minutes. Preheat grill. Brush salmon with the glaze and grill 3 minutes on each side. Serve with Spicy Tomato Relish.
2. For the Spicy Tomato Relish: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature.
Extra-virgin olive oil, for the grill and for brushing
2 1/2 pounds large head-on, shell-on shrimp
Fine sea salt
Lemon wedges, for serving
1. Preheat a grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Devein the shrimp: Cut through the shell along the back of the shrimp with kitchen shears to expose the vein. Use the edge of the shears or the tip of a paring knife to remove the vein, leaving the shell intact.
2. Brush the shrimp with olive oil. Grill until the shells are pink and lightly charred, 2 to 3 minutes per side (any exposed meat should be opaque). Remove the shrimp to a platter and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve with lemon wedges.
The beauty of nature is undeniable. That beauty draws millions of people outside every day. From hiking to kayaking to surfing, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a day in the great outdoors.
Though there’s plenty of reasons to get outside, it’s important that safety is prioritized when spending time in the great outdoors. The following safety tips merit consideration for any nature enthusiast, including novices and seasoned outdoorsmen.
• Let others know your plans. Nature is unpredictable, and conditions can change in the blink of an eye. So it’s important to share your itinerary with loved ones back home before entering the great outdoors. That’s particularly vital for those who intend to visit remote spots to hike, fish or engage in another activity. Provide your precise location, the hours you plan to be outside and your intended return time so people know when to alert authorities if you haven’t returned in time.
• Get to know your destination. The global environmental nonprofit organization The Nature Conservancy urges outdoor enthusiasts to research their destinations so they can assess the conditions and identify any challenges and amenities prior to their arrival. Such homework can help people sufficiently prepare for their time in nature, providing insight about what to bring, the appropriate attire (including footwear), the precise location of where they will be, and additional details that might be exclusive to a given destination.
• Leave wildlife alone. Encounters with wildlife are not uncommon at many outdoor destinations. While wildlife can be awe-inspiring, outdoor enthusiasts should never confront wildlife or infringe upon animals’ space. Keep a safe distance between yourself and wildlife. That’s vital year-round, but particularly important in spring, when The Nature Conservancy reports many species of wildlife give birth to young, and parents may prove especially protective of their babies during this time of year.
• Protect your body. It’s important to protect your body when spending time in the great outdoors. Apply sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 prior to going outdoors, and liberally reapply sunscreen if you’re sweating a lot or spending several hours outside. It’s important to apply sunscreen even on cloudy days. It’s also important to bring along water and healthy snacks. Dehydration can set in quickly and make it hard to keep moving, while snacks can provide energy and help to account for calories expended during physical activity.
Safety strategies can ensure a day spent in the great outdoors is enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons.
Tips to Overcome Seasonal Allergies
• Identify your triggers. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology notes that pollen is the most common outside allergy trigger. Trees and grasses typically pollinate in spring and summer, which is why these seasons can be especially challenging for people with seasonal allergies. Dustmites and pets might trigger allergies indoors, but these can appear throughout the year. A visit to an allergist can determine what exactly triggers seasonal allergies. Stay indoors on dry, windy days.
• Take advantage of a good rain. The Mayo Clinic advises that the best time for seasonal allergy sufferers to be outside is after a good rain. Rain helps to clear pollen from the air, so post-rain conditions can be ideal for people with seasonal allergies.
• Change your clothes and wash up upon coming inside. The ACAAI recommends changing clothes, washing them and taking a shower upon coming inside during allergy season. Washing clothes and taking a shower reduces the likelihood that you’ll spread pollen around the interior of your home, where it can attach to furniture and trigger allergic reactions.
Pursuing Health and Harmony International Day of Yoga
By Raven Howell
What’s the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere? June 21st shares lots of positive attributes with countries and people all around the world. So, as you celebrate the Summer Solstice, give a nod to International Day of Yoga as well!
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice originating in India. The word yoga means “to unite.” I love the first rule of yoga. A “yama” is an ethical rule in Hinduism. The first one is “nonviolence/non-harming other living beings.”
Yoga practitioners have the common goal in their pursuit of good health and peaceful harmony. As we jump into summer, it’s a wonderful time to remind ourselves of how integral caring for our physical and mental health is.
I began practicing yoga when it wasn’t as popular—43 years ago now! I was 18 years old. Yoga offers a wide range of benefits for teens. It improves physical health, relieves stress, and builds confidence. For the 20- and 30-year-olds, it boosts muscle flexibility, strength, and balance. In our 40s and beyond, yoga’s best benefits promote relaxation and mindfulness while helping with mental focus. Overall,
it provides better sleeping, is great for the heart and lungs, and can ease back pain.
During hustle and bustle, yoga offers holistic stress-reduction. And who doesn’t want to restore balance and reduce stress? It can help treat anxiety with mindful, yet simple breathing exercises. Try an easy one. You can do this anytime—whether it’s first thing in the morning, under duress, maybe taking a break at work, or in the evening when you’re unwinding. I enjoy “belly breathing.” It’s a great way to refocus and let go for a minute.
Inhale through your nose, filling your lungs, and let your belly expand.
Exhale slowly through the nose and focus on completely relaxing your belly and abdomen as your lungs empty.
If it helps, picture breathing into a balloon, filling your belly with air, and exhaling very slowly, imagining your “belly balloon” deflating.
Additionally, yoga is good for maintaining sexual activeness, healing purposes, and boosting the immune system. For those who practice and those who may want to try the practice, Happy International Day of Yoga!
{Raven Howell writes stories and poetry for children. Her books have garnered honors such as Creative Child Magazine’s Best Book of the Year, Mom’s Choice Award, and US Book of Review’s Most Recommended. Her poetry is published in children’s magazines, she writes the “Book Bug” column for Story Monsters Ink, and authors storybooks for ReadingGate. Her book, Seasons, was published in 2023 by Jan-Carol Publishing. Find out more at www.ravenhowell.com.
Artist Temple Reece Seeing Beauty Everywhere
By Allison Lawson
Art has been a part of Temple Reece’s life for as long as she can remember.
Temple, who has her own home art studio called Studio 411, says her passion for painting began in childhood. “I loved art as a child,” she said. “I loved sketching, drawing, creating, and being in nature. That is where I was most inspired.”
Temple says she didn’t begin buying “real” art supplies or painting with oils until she was 20 years old. “I had a couple of art lessons from local artists but mainly learned on my own and enjoyed painting when my sons were little,” she said. “My dad was great at drawing, and my mom was very creative as well. I’m sure that’s where some of my love for art began. My grandmother also designed and made hook rugs with mountain scenes and grew beautiful flower gardens that inspired art.”
As Temple’s own children grew up and her career became an important part of her life, she wasn’t able to paint as often. “At around age 35, my heart was yearning to paint more,” she said. “I began using acrylics so I could complete a painting and put everything away until the next opportunity. I became a licensed counselor, working with children, youth, and adults and used art as a form of therapy in my work throughout the years.”
Eventually, she knew she would need a home studio.
“For many years, I had no dedicated art space, so everything had to be put away each time I painted,” she explained. “For a few years, I used a windowfront and corner of an upstairs bedroom as a studio space, and it worked great. About four years ago, my husband, Mike, and I decided to build a garage.”
This garage, Temple said, was set to have a small loft, and the builders agreed it would be the perfect place for a studio. “They made it so nice, adding a couple of skylights, the perfect wall color, and it all just fell into place,” she said. “It even has a small balcony where I can paint outside or just enjoy a glass of tea or morning coffee!”
At this time, Temple was working full time in customer service at Johnson County Bank and said she was “very busy with grandkids and other things. In the mornings, I would go up and say, ‘Hello studio,’ and in the evenings, ‘Goodnight studio,’ because I would be tired after
working, cooking dinner, and life.”
At age 62, Temple decided it was time to retire and paint full time. “I do most of my work in the studio but spend a lot of time painting ‘en plein air’ (French for ‘in the open air’) as well,” she said. “Many times, I design compositions in quick sketches and capture some of the colors in small paintings or early beginnings of paintings and then finish them in my studio. Studio 411 is named after our house number, but ‘411’ also represents accomplishing goals with hard work.”
Painting “en plein air” at Laurel Creek Trail
Temple, husband Mike, and Daisy the donkey at their farm
Temple says she is beyond grateful for such a nice place to work. “I do my daily Bible reading and meditation in my studio to start out most days and enjoy all the time I spend there,” she said. “There are woods and ferns just outside the door, and deer and other wildlife visit often, so inspiration abounds.”
Temple also finds inspiration at her farm. “We have cattle and donkeys at the farm, which has beautiful mountain views that change with each passing moment,” she said. “I never cease to be amazed at the beauty that surrounds us, especially here in the mountains. I see beauty everywhere and am often painting in my head. I keep a sketchbook with me and my phone camera to capture moments when I am busy doing other things, and the images stay in my head and grow until I can paint them.”
In addition to Temple’s personal art projects, she is also a founding member of the Johnson County Center for the Arts in Mountain City, Tenn., and is on the board of directors. She served as the assistant director for its first seven years.
“I’ve been a member of the Johnson County Arts Council for many years and help promote the arts in our area,” Temple
said. “I worked closely and became good friends with a local, award-winning artist named Cristy Dunn. She and I had the same vision of an Arts Center, as did the original founding board.”
Temple explained that the founding board members discovered a building in Heritage Square with no electricity, water, or proper plumbing. “We started from scratch, with a dream and lots of hard work, and we cut the ribbon for the Johnson County Center for the Arts in 2017. A community mural project of the 1925 Fiddlers Convention was completed simultaneously and unveiled the same week. It was an exciting time!”
Temple says the Arts Center grew and flourished, and last year, it moved to a Main Street location with more than 100 artisans. “The old building in Heritage Square now serves as a pottery studio, classroom for the arts, frameshop workspace, and more,” she said.
The new Center for the Arts is home to a special events gallery space for monthly shows, a gallery and showroom for artisans, a classroom, an open studio for adult artists, a makerspace for children, and a “Sunshine and Smiles” corner with free art supplies for youth, Temple said. “It is a busy and exciting place with lots of volunteers and an awesome staff.”
“Sunshine and Smiles” is the name of Temple’s art program that she started over 20 years ago. “When I began the program, I chose three young artists each year, bought them a few art supplies, and provided a little instruction and encouragement,” she said. “I have continued that over the years. The Center for the Arts now helps provide supplies, and we have a corner where children can get supplies for free. Some of the young artists are now grown up and have children of their own.”
Temple says she started “Sunshine and Smiles” because she never had the art supplies she needed growing up and realizes many families only have money for necessities. “Having art materials of your own instills confidence, and just having someone believe in you and encourage you means a lot,”
Painting the “I’ll Fly Away” interactive mural with artist Cristy Dunn in downtown Mountain City
Reflecting at Porter’s Creek
Sunday Stroll Meding Fences
she said. “Many of the children have been featured in newspaper stories, entered art shows, and continue creating art to this day.”
So, what would be Temple’s advice to aspiring artists and painters? She says that aspiring artists have “endless possibilities. I truly believe anyone who has the desire can become an artist. It takes consistent work, a lot of practice and time, and just enjoying the process of learning and growing. You don’t have to create masterpieces to be a good artist. For me, it’s creating art that speaks to people’s hearts.”
She also encourages aspiring artists to take classes and study the work of contemporary artists they’re interested in. “Study the old masters, and most importantly, study nature or the subject that you want to paint,” she said.
Once that’s done, Temple suggests finding a dedicated space for art. “That might be a studio, a room, a corner, or even a small storage closet,” she said. “When you don’t have to spend a lot of time getting your supplies out, it promotes
more art. It’s also important to know that some people will like your work, and others will not, but when it brings you joy and makes your heart happy, you are doing it right.”
When asked if Temple has a painting she is most proud of, she said it’s difficult to choose. “I have painted some ugly paintings, but for the most part, each painting is special to me,” she said. “Each holds a little piece of my heart and soul. They are all special for different reasons, and I don’t know that I could choose a favorite. It would be like choosing a favorite child.”
When Temple isn’t painting, she can be found working on her farm. “The farm is more than just a hobby,” she said. “It’s a kind of work and a business, but I love it—except on really muddy and cold days.”
Temple says she also enjoys yoga and practices daily. “In addition, I enjoy walking, hiking, and the outdoors. I ran a half marathon and some 5Ks and organized several runs to help those fighting cancer and other needs. I like cleaning, interior design, and being a good steward of all God has blessed me with. Of course, time with my husband, Mike, and family is treasured. Softball, baseball, FFA events, volleyball, talking, laughter, and so much more with grown kids and grandkids always brings a smile to my face.”
What’s next for Temple? She says that one of the Center for the Arts’ next projects is called “Fiddles on Main.” “Five artists were invited to paint a fiddle that will be displayed in downtown Mountain City in June, July, and August and be auctioned during the Long Journey Home event on Labor Day weekend,” she explained. “Proceeds from this will help the Arts Center.”
Temple will also be a part of a Duo Exhibition with artist John P. Jackson in June at the Arts Center, and she is “excited to have been invited to be represented by Alexandre Fleuren Interiors in Charleston, S.C., for their new showroom.”
All in all, Temple is very thankful for her life’s many paths. “It’s important for me to always be my best, authentic self and encourage others to do the same,” she said. “Women have so much to offer the world as artists, moms, grandmothers, teachers, farmers, or whatever path we choose. Wherever you are in life, I believe if you listen to God, use your talents, and do your very best, it will bring joy when you are in the valleys and on the mountain tops.”
To learn more about Temple or purchase her art, visit templereece.com. (Photographs Contributed)
Temple at Johnson County Center for the Arts
HOW TO MAXIMIZE OUTDOOR WEDDING VENUES
• Embrace the opportunity to accommodate more guests. Couples with large guest lists may opt for outdoor weddings because venues with outdoor space typically can accommodate more people.
• Include child-friendly elements. If it would be difficult to exclude children from the festivities, an outdoor venue can ensure kids have something to do.
• Take advantage of the aesthetic. Most outdoor spaces offer awe-inspiring features. Those who opt for spring or summer weddings can take advantage of cultivated, fragrant gardens or even fields of natural wildflowers. Fall weddings will be on fire with the natural oranges, reds and yellows of the changing landscape, which makes the perfect photo backdrop for nuptials.
• Get creative with food. Part of the appeal of being outdoors for the wedding is the freedom to offer guests less standard fare in regard to food. A pig roast for a tropical affair or even wood-fired pizzas or barbecue align well with an outdoor wedding.
• Design a contingency plan. Every couple wants the wedding to go off without a hitch (except for the actual getting hitched part), so it’s important to have a tent, pergola, or covered area to retreat to in the event of rain or strong sun.
Summertime is back! After what seemed like a winter that jumped to October, the temps have finally caught up to the calendar. I’m a summer baby—born in August—but I love the changing seasons. Each brings its own charm. These sweltering summer days lead to warm nights with friends around the grill, camping trips, and beach vacations. For me, it’s festival season.
Love and Punishment
By Jim Liebelt
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)
Interpretation: “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT)
Iread an illustration of a small boy who was always late coming home from school. His parents warned him that he would face punishment if he came home late again. The next day, the boy came home late. When dinnertime arrived, the boy came to the table and looked at his plate. Upon the plate was nothing but a piece of bread. In his
Our town hosts a “Summer of Tunes” concert and event series that runs May through September, with live music, food trucks, vendors, a Crabfeast, car shows, cruise-ins, and loads of family fun. Just minutes away, Hungry Mother State Park comes alive with a sandy beach and a 108-acre refreshing mountain lake surrounded by trails, cabins, and campsites that draw nearly 300,000 visitors each year.
While other folks travel for their summer fun, we’re here in our mountain paradise of Marion, VA, working to make sure those who choose us as their destination are never disappointed. And that’s exactly how I love to spend my summers—making other folks happy! Hope to see you in America’s Coolest Hometown soon! (See the full page ad on the inside cover!)
{glass, only water. He looked at his parent’s dinner plates and noticed that they were full of food, their glasses full of milk. The boy was stunned.
Then, without so much as a word about his son’s behavior, the father switched his own plate and glass with his son’s. As he began to eat the piece of bread, he smiled at his son. Later in life, the son recalled that it was on that day when the boy learned what God was really like.
This story provides us with a simple picture of God’s love for us. The father in the story, who did not do anything wrong, took upon himself his son’s punishment out of love. The Scriptures provide us with the same message of God’s love for us—that through Jesus’s death on the cross and His resurrection, He who was sinless took upon Himself the guilt and punishment of our sins. What a gift th at God’s grace is always greater than our sin!
If you have responded to God’s love through placing your faith in Christ, you are set free from the punishment of sin. Today, in everything you do, let your life reflect your gratitude for God’s love. Source: www.homeword.com
Ken Heath is a Marion, VA hometown boy who expresses his passions in his writings and through music. After his ‘real job’, Ken is owner of the legendary Cliffside Roadhouse, doggie dad to Miss Reagan and their rescue Scottie the Wonder Dog with his wonderful wife. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at #kenheath.
Celebrate the Holidays by Joining JCP’s First Christmas Anthology
JCP is now accepting submissions for our first holiday-themed short story collection, Christmas All Year Long: An Anthology of Holly Jolly Tales . Christmas All Year Long will join JCP’s other in-house anthologies, including their popular These Haunted Hills series and their Appalachian-inspired series featuring titles such as Daffodil Dreams and Scattered Flowers . Other titles in JCP’s anthologies include Snowy Trails and Steamy Creek: A Cozy Romance Anthology .
Stories submitted to Christmas All Year Long should be themed for the holiday season and must be fiction. Stories should have between 1500 and 3500 words. Please include with your submission a short author bio. Author bios should be no more than 50 words and should be written in third person.
Authors may submit up to two stories for a fee of $25 per story. You may call the office at 423.926.9983 with a credit card number or mail a check to JCP at P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605.
Accepted authors will receive three free copies of Christmas All Year Long and can order additional copies at wholesale pricing.
The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2025. Send your submissions to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com.
Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.
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Jan-Carol Publishing, a small book press, brings book publishing tips, changes in the book publishing industry, introduction to authors, books, and working behind the scenes in the book publishing industry. Listen, learn, and enjoy the interviews with different authors.
NEW RELEASES OUT NOW!
Appalachian Runaway A Dog’s Tale for Grown-Ups
Written by Rachael Roberts Bliss
In Appalachian Runaway: A Dog’s Tale for Grown-Ups, adult readers have the opportunity to meet a dog that wants more out of life than being a human’s pet. She has her sights set on experiencing a life out in the woods. Although she now lives in an exquisite house in the mountains of North Carolina with a child who considers her as a best buddy, she soon realizes that she has to escape before she goes to the vet to be fixed, whatever that means. One day she gets her opportunity that leads to struggles of loneliness, danger, capture, and new friendships—and even love. What’s more, she describes her adventure out in the wild in her own words. Online readers: click here to order.
The Locas: A Collection of Stories about 13 “Crazy Women”
Written by Carol Owen Reynolds
In Carol Owen Reynolds’ The Locas, come on a journey as the author regales readers with stories and accounts involving her best friends and influential women in her life—the locas (in Spanish, a “loca” is a crazy woman). This personal book about Carol’s life before and after the interference of the Catholic Cursillo will make readers both laugh at some of the more humorous stories and reflect on past memories held dear. Online readers: click here to order.
Under Watchful Eyes
Written by Daryll Simcox
On the first anniversary of the failed reality show at Port Chatham, a group of individuals have been selected to return for the retrieval of those who didn’t get to come home. Some are well aware of what awaits them, while others are oblivious to the dangers they will encounter. Online readers: click here to order.
Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. is a small independent publishing press with a motivated force of authors. Mountain Girl Press, Little Creek Books, Express Editions, DigiStyle, Broken Crow Ridge, Fiery Night, Skippy Creek, and RoseHeart Publishing are all imprints of Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.
COMING SOON
Zepagain: Led By Zeppelin
Written
by R.T.
Bond
Oran, you Glad?
From the emerald shores of Ireland to the dazzling lights of international stages, Swan Montgomery’s journey is a rock ‘n’ roll odyssey that defies the ordinary. As the powerhouse vocalist of Led Zepagain, he transformed a tribute band into a global phenomenon that caught the ear of Jimmy Page himself. Through sold-out shows and groundbreaking projects, Montgomery and Led Zepagain have redefined what a tribute band can be, turning every performance into a new chapter in rock history. Online readers: click here to pre-order.
Our Blood Runs Black McClure #1 Mine Explosion
Written by Marsha Sutherland Self and Rebecca Riner White
On June 21, 1983, a devastating explosion rocked the two-left section of McClure #1 Mine in Virginia, one mile into the earth. 10 miners were working on that section. Seven would not make it out alive. One of the survivors recalls, “I heard a roaring noise and saw a ball of fire coming toward me, followed by wind and smoke. And then — darkness.” The disaster was a stark reminder of the dangers of mining. This book is a harrowing account that reveals, at its core, miners are a brave, resilient brotherhood with love for their job and coal in their veins, making their blood run black. Online readers: click here to pre-order.
Tommy the Quarterback
Written by Donald Greco
Is one man tough enough to take on the most formidable forces—and still not lose heart? This gritty and gripping novel of a small-town murder tells the tale of one man’s final chance at personal redemption—in a deadly swirl of political corruption, reignited passion, and a renewed purpose in what it takes to be an honest cop in Youngstown, Ohio. Online readers: click here to pre-order.
Written by Dale P. Rhodes, Sr. Grandma and Grandpa had no idea that their Bible study was being eavesdropped on. When an orange named Oran, in their fruit bowl, was overwhelmed by the thought of knowing God’s purpose for his life, he became determined to give it all he had to see it come true. Online readers: click here to order.
The Harboring & other stories
Written by Kathleen M. Jacobs
The Harboring & other stories is a collection that weaves together the resiliency of Appalachian women—in fact, all women—as they meet their seemingly insurmountable challenges with grace, celebrate their joys, and find ways to resolve all that remains unresolved in their lives. Each story finds a connection with the others until “The Harboring” brings it to an unexpected crescendo. Online readers: click here to pre-order.
AUTHORS on the ROAD
Tuesday, July 8, The Appalachian Authors Guild will conduct a General Meeting at Fiddler’s Restaurant, 480 Cummings Street, Abingdon, VA, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A program, “Write What You Know,” will be presented by speaker Linda Hudson Hoagland. All are welcome to attend.
Linda Hudson Hoagland
The Lindsay Harris Murder Mystery Series, The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Easter Lilies; Broken Petals; Wild Daisies; Scattered Flowers; Daffodil Dreams; and These Haunted Hills: A Collection of Short Stories Books 1–6
Sunday, June 1, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Book Signing & Angels
Big Walker Lookout, Wytheville, VA
Friday, June 6, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Book Signing at Food City Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN
Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Book Signing at Food City, Coeburn, VA
Sunday, June 8, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Poetry Reading & Book Signing Pembroke Public Library, 107 Cascade Drive Pembroke, VA
Tuesday, June 10
Appalachian Authors Guild
12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Board Meeting Program 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: “Crafting Your Villain” by J.C. Schweingrouber
Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator Abingdon, VA
Friday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Book Signing at Food City, Damascus, VA
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Book Signing at Food City 1205 N Eastman Rd, Kingsport, TN
Tuesday, June 17, Election – Virginia Primary
Friday, June 20, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Book Signing & Angels
Patchwork Quilters Jamboree
Graham High School Gym, 210 Valley Dale Street Bluefield, VA
Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Book Signing & Angels
Patchwork Quilters Jamboree
Graham High School Gym, 210 Valley Dale Street Bluefield, VA
Sunday, June 22, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Book Signing & Angels Big Walker Lookout, Wytheville, VA
Friday, June 27, 10 am – 3 pm
Book Signing at Food City Wise, VA
Saturday, June 28, 10 am – 3 pm
Book Signing at Food City
Virginia Avenue, Bristol, TN
Bookmarked is a platform designed to highlight and promote authors and books associated with Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., and beyond. The blog and podcast feature interviews with authors, updates related to JCP events, and other bookish content you won’t find anywhere else.
Interview with Daryll Simcox
Author of The Breath of Darkness and Under Watchful Eyes
BOOKMARKED: What was your experience like of writing your sequel, compared to writing your first novel?
The sequel and its events were already in my thoughts by the time I was a little over halfway through writing the first book. As soon as The Breath of Darkness was completed, I began writing Under Watchful Eyes the very next weekend. Have you learned anything about yourself in the process of getting this second novel published?
I was really excited to see the first book in its published form and anticipated the sequel’s release even more. This is something I have always wanted to attempt, and to accomplish it is very rewarding. I really enjoy creating stories for anyone who is willing to take the time to read them.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m almost finished with a third book that will be ready to present to the publisher very soon. It’s about another paranormal creature from a long time ago that has come into existence in the southern Appalachian region. The book starts in the Great Smoky Mountains and contains events all the way in Damascus, Virginia.
This Month’s Featured Books
Jeff Geiger Jr.
For Detective Barry Kendall, the loss nearly broke him. It’s been almost thirteen years since Holly was killed, but he’s still haunted by the sound of his girlfriend’s piercing screams. And when the screams begin to die down in his head, the image of the witch that killed Holly that day is there to take its place. Now, so many years later, Barry is working a case where two young boys have been kidnapped right out of their bedrooms. As he investigates, it becomes clear to him that the witch is not only responsible for the kidnappings, but that she’s back to end his life as well.
Dale P. Rhodes Sr.
Grandma and Grandpa had no idea that their Bible study was being eavesdropped on. When an orange named Oran, in their fruit bowl, was overwhelmed by the thought of knowing God’s purpose for his life, he became determined to give it all he had to see it come true.
The Honarable John W. McClarty
The Honorable Judge John W. McClarty shares his story of a Black youth’s dream to become a lawyer and the obstacles he overcame to successfully accomplish his goal. With family photos and family history, he details his struggles and how he accomplished success.
Charles H. Norman III
This book is a collection of 32 trueto-life anecdotal short stories about intriguing people author Charles H. Norman has known, special places he’s traveled, and providential experiences that has come his way. Charlie writes as he talks, so as to connect with the reader quickly and easily. The goal of Remembrances II is to give the reader a respite from the hectic world in which we live...all the while entertaining, inspiring, and challenging readers to count each day as a gift from the One who made us.
Donald Greco
Pete is a nice, gentle cat who loves Lukey. He’s always happy when he’s with Lukey and his family. But Pete has a whole lot of troubles. Other cats just don’t like him, and nobody, especially Lukey, can figure out why. Pete often gets into cat fights, and when he does, he sometimes gets hurt and has to be taken to a veterinarian. So what can be done about Pete and Lukey’s cat troubles?
Order all of these book directly from JCP — for a discounted price and FREE shipping in June! Go to the “JCP Book Shop” at www.jancarolpublishing.com.
The Honorable John W. McClarty, Judge TENNESSEE COURT OF APPEALS
Books You May Have Missed!
David Ross Fraley
Those Devils in Baggy Pants was originally published in 1951 by Ross S. Carter, a member of the 82nd Airborne Division during WWII. After its original publication in 1951, Those Devils in Baggy Pants sold one million copies, was a Reader’s Digest condensed book, and was translated into multiple languages. Now, years after being out of print, the hit bestseller was republished by a member of Carter’s own family—David Ross Fraley. In republishing his relative’s incredible tale it is Fraley’s hope to honor both story and storyteller.
Dominic (Nick) Tusa
On Thanksgiving Day 1961, Wes Schum was unstoppable. His Central Electronics Company had produced the world’s most advanced single-sideband transmitter, setting the Amateur Radio World ablaze. Three months later, it was all over. 60 years later, learn why and what could have been.
Carroll C. Jones
More than a decade before the American Civil War, handsome young Basil Edmunston is exiled to oversee his family’s immense farm in the wilds of western North Carolina. Lonely and unsure he is up to the task, the poor boy immediately falls victim to slave vexations and the allure of two mountain belles, Julia and Altha. Read on to learn how Basil resolves the romantic triangle, manages his responsibilities, and suffers a savage encounter with the despicable antagonist, Sam Beck.
Justin Shepherd
Help your child navigate the complexities of family and boundaries with Boundaries . It’s a story of love, understanding, and the power of setting healthy limits. Meet Victoria, a curious little girl who wonders why she gets to see her mom’s family but not her dad’s. In Boundaries. , Justin Shepherd skillfully tackles the delicate topic of family dynamics and the importance of setting boundaries in a way that children can understand.
Order these books from our JCP website (Jancarolpublishing.com) for free shipping! Click on the cover to purchase or go to “JCP Book Store” at the top of our homepage!
Vacationing with Your Senior Parent
By Cindy K. Sproles
Vacations
are just around the corner as school comes to a close. Children are gearing up for summer and all the activities that take up space on their schedules, while parents look closely for the perfect place to retreat for a week of relaxation. But what about our aging parents who are usually left at home while the family makes a trip?
Often, guilt overwhelms us as we drive away from our seniors, but is it a bad thing not to take an aging parent along? Of course, the answer depends entirely on the situation. It’s essential that we look at the pros and cons of taking our aging parents on vacation. Several years ago, my brother and our spouses invited our eighty-two-yearold mother on a cruise. It was wonderful. Though she couldn’t do all we did, she was content to spend a few hours alone on the ship deck quilting or reading. If the truth be known, she could have led a quilting class on the ship with the number of folks who sat down to chat with her. She never knew we were gone. We knew Mom’s health, and we also knew that this trip would be the last trip she’d probably be able to make. We took advantage of her good health and enjoyed a five-day cruise. Our mornings were spent sightseeing on reasonable tours, she rested in the afternoon, and our evenings were spent dining, watching shows on the ship, and spending quality family time deckside. It was wonderful. Our mother was aging but still very healthy.
Healthy seniors – Having a healthy senior is the first consideration. If you are a family with a parent who is physically able to make the trip, perform their personal care, and manage their medications, then having them along could be a joyful and memorable experience. Remember that even healthy parents tire a little more easily, so the activities you plan to involve them in are best done earlier in the day before they tire. However, if your parents cannot perform their daily living activities, a vacation that requires a constant caregiver takes a toll on them and the family. Enjoy your parents while they are healthy and can participate in family outings. The day will come when those times fade into the past.
Healthy family – Having a healthy family is also essential, and if you are the primary or sole caregiver for an aging parent, vacationing with them may not be the right thing to do. The health of the entire family unit has to come into play when making the decision to bring an aging parent along. For those who are the primary caregivers, rest and state of mind are vital. Being the sole caregiver is a taxing job. It seems that when it comes to caring for an aging parent, there is always one child who bears the brunt of the care. Taking a week away doesn’t mean that you don’t love your parents or that you don’t want
them along. It does mean that, as a caregiver, your mental health and physical well-being are equally important. The same is true for the remainder of your own family. Caregivers need rest and renewal, and taking a few days away is not only necessary but perfectly acceptable. Rest restores your attitude and desire to continue your caregiving tasks once you return home. Never underestimate the fact that your parents might need a break from you. The table turns both ways. Your immediate family will cherish having your full attention for a few days, and likewise for you.
Healthy but frail – You may consider that somewhat uncaring, but when we deal with our aging parents, we cannot discount reality. Some parents are healthy, but the aging process simply won’t let them do what they used to do. I spoke earlier of my mother going on a cruise with us in her early 80s. She is now 99, and though her health is perfect, her body is growing frail. She gets around well, but she’s on a walker and functions best when she’s in her element, managing her daily routine. When we remove her from that routine, she becomes frustrated and worried. Taking our mother on a vacation at this stage is simply not feasible—for her or us. Vacations should be enjoyable. This is why taking advantage of these times now is vital while your senior parent is still relatively independent and can enjoy them. When you make these decisions, allow yourself permission not to feel guilty if you decide it is best not to include your parent. Be wise and don’t take unnecessary risks. It’s better to spend a day visiting or picnicking than trying to maneuver a frail senior. Remember, it’s your time that your aging parent values. That well-spent time is something you will never regret.
Vacations are wonderful. Enjoy them with your aging parent if they are able. Evaluate all the options before you step out into a situation that could easily take a turn for the worse. Your time, your presence, and your love are what will make all the difference.
{Cindy K. Sproles is a novelist, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the cofounder of ChristianDevotions.us and the managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.
His Health, Her Heart: The Role of Women in a Man’s Healing
By Dr. Jami Lee
When we think of healing, we often imagine a solo journey— an individual facing their challenges head-on. But for many men, healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens beside the steady heartbeat of a woman who loves him.
June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the physical, mental, and emotional challenges men face—and how rarely they speak of them. From silent stress to suppressed trauma, too many men carry their burdens alone, conditioned by culture to be tough, unshakable, and stoic. But strength doesn’t have to mean silence. And healing doesn’t have to happen in the dark.
As women—mothers, partners, sisters, daughters—we often find ourselves positioned as the emotional anchor. We notice the quiet tension in their jaw, the fatigue in their eyes, or the way they sidestep hard conversations. While we cannot force them to open up or heal, we can become a safe place. We can become mirrors that reflect their worth, even when they can’t see it themselves.
A woman’s energy has the power to create sanctuary. Whether it’s the gentle reminder to go for a check-up, the non-judgmental space for emotional release, or simply the consistent presence that says, “You don’t have to carry this alone,” our support can be a catalyst for change.
But here’s the truth—supporting a man’s healing isn’t about fixing him. It’s about honoring our own boundaries while holding space. It’s knowing that our nourishment fuels the nourishment we can give. When we prioritize our own health—physically, mentally, and spiritually—we model self-care, not just for ourselves, but for the men watching quietly from the sidelines.
In holistic health, we understand that healing is never linear. It’s a dance between vulnerability and resilience, rest and action, body and soul. And while men may be less likely to seek help, they are far more likely to heal when they feel seen, respected, and safe.
This month, I challenge us as women to tune in—not just to our loved ones, but to our own energy. Are we leading with compassion? Are we inviting conversation instead of confrontation? Are we offering empathy instead of expectations?
To the women standing beside men in their health journey: you are not invisible. You are powerful medicine. Your intuition, patience,
and presence hold the potential to heal what the world has told men to hide.
Let’s raise a generation of boys who know they can cry. Let’s love our fathers and sons into wholeness. Let’s remind our partners that strength is not in never falling—but in knowing someone will be there when they do.
Because when a woman rises in her own health, she becomes the ripple that awakens a man to his.
Ready to Heal Beyond the Surface?
Join our community at Alternative Healthcare Solutions—a sacred space where mind, body, and spirit healing come together. Inside, you’ll find expert-led workshops, holistic resources, and a tribe of women who get it. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, or simply longing for peace, you don’t have to walk this path alone.
Start your journey with a free 7-day trial and receive a free ticket to our next virtual event.
Visit www.join-ahs.org to begin.
Dr. Jami Lee is a Nutritional Health Coach with a PhD in Metaphysical Sciences and the founder of Alternative Healthcare Solutions—a thriving community dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to healing chronic conditions through holistic, mind-body-spirit approaches. With over 15 years of experience and a background in quantum healing and nutritional science, Jami helps women reconnect with their bodies, reclaim their peace, and reverse patterns of stress and burnout. To connect with Jami or explore her free resources, visit www. join-ahs.org or email alternativehcinfo@gmail.com.
What Seniors Can Do to Maintain a Healthy Weight
In a 2020 interview with Tufts Medicine, Jillian Reece, a bariatric dietitian at Tufts Medical Center, noted that a person’s basal metabolic rate slows downs with aging. The basal metabolic rate indicates the rate at which the body uses energy while at rest. As that rate slows down, body weight can increase. But seniors should know they aren’t helpless against nature and Father Time. In fact, there is much aging adults can do to maintain a healthy weight throughout their golden years.
• Limit portion sizes when eating. Controlling portion sizes is easier said than done, particularly for seniors who dine out with frequency. When dining out, seniors can order off the appetizer menu instead of ordering an entrée, especially when visiting an establishment known for its hefty portions. At home, pay attention to serving size data on product labeling.
• Eat breakfast each morning. Seniors who skip breakfast, which may be more likely upon retiring, could be doing their waistlines a notable disservice. A 2017 statement from the American Heart Association noted that several large, long-term, prospective, observational studies have found an association between breakfast consumption and lower risk of obesity.
• Commit to routine exercise. Diet can go a long way toward helping seniors maintain a healthy weight. However, diet is not the only area where seniors can help their waistlines. Routine physical activity can help seniors maintain muscle mass and make it easier to be more mobile. Staying mobile can help keep pounds off, as a sedentary lifestyle is one of the more notable risk factors for overweight and obesity. The National Institute on Aging recommends seniors aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Moderate-intensity aerobic activities are those that raise the heart rate and help seniors break a sweat, such as walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling.
• Make a concerted effort to remain hydrated throughout the day. The Cleveland Clinic notes that age-related body composition changes make seniors particularly vulnerable to dehydration. An aging body does not demand water like it once did, so it’s easy for seniors to forget to hydrate because they don’t feel thirsty. But remaining hydrated is important for seniors looking to maintain a healthy weight because dehydration can mimic symptoms of hunger. Seniors may reach for snacks feeling they’re hungry when all they might need is a glass of water to hydrate.
A healthy weight can allow seniors to live life to the fullest. Various strategies can help seniors achieve a healthy weight.
Life Care Center of Gray
Dog Parents Can Practice Pet Etiquette
I t’s important for pet parents to always be mindful of their dogs’ behavior when out and about, or even hanging closer to home. Dog owners can follow these dog etiquette pointers to be responsible pet owners.
• Quiet nuisance barking. Do not leave your dog outside unattended for a long time. This can cause what the American Kennel Club characterizes as boredom barking. Quiet your dog if he or she is barking, or bring the pet indoors.
• Aways leash your dog. Some people are not comfortable around dogs. And even if your dog is friendly, others met on walks or outings may not be. To prevent uncomfortable situations or even dog bites, it’s best to always leash your dog. Choose a leash short enough to prevent your dog from jumping on passersby.
• Ask permission first. Check to see if your dog is allowed to greet people or other dogs. If someone says, “no,” respect that answer.
• Clean up after your pet. Always have waste bags at the ready so you can clean up after your dog. This also applies indoors, should your dog have an accident inside a pet-friendly store.
• Be mindful of shopping with pets. Many stores do not allow dogs inside, but employees may be
hesitant to approach pet owners about such policies. Many stores only allow trained service dogs that are Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animal designations are exclusive to dogs. However, a number of people have “emotional support animals,” which are not recognized as service animals. As a general rule of thumb, know a store’s policy on non-service animal pets before visiting. And, when shopping at food stores, it’s best to leave the dog at home.
• Train your dog A dog that knows basic obedience training will behave better in the community. If you are having trouble training your dog alone, consider working with an experienced dog trainer.
Dogs are beloved members of the family. However, pet owners should practice proper etiquette when dogs are out and about.
Expenses to Expect Upon Buying a Home
First-time home buyers may not know what to expect upon buying a home, and since each home is unique, it’s impossible for even long-time homeowners to say with certainty exactly how things will unfold once those new to home ownership get the keys to their first house. Various expenses might be the only common variable when it comes to homeownership, and some of those expenses may surprise first-time buyers. With that in mind, the following are some expenses first-time buyers can expect once their offers are accepted.
• Down payment: Conventional wisdom long suggested home buyers should submit a down payment of at least 20 percent of the overall purchase price upon buying a home. Buyers who want to follow that advice would need a down payment of $80,000 when buying a $400,000 home. But many home buyers now submit down payments considerably less than 20 percent, particularly in the modern real estate market, which is characterized by high prices and low inventory. The lower the down payment, the higher your monthly mortgage payment will be, so it’s best to save as much as possible toward a down payment.
• Primary mortgage insurance (PMI): Buyers who cannot come up with a down payment of 20 percent or more will have to pay for primary mortgage insurance, which is typically a set fee that is incorporated into the mortgage payment each month. PMI fees are typically waived once the balance on the mortgage reaches 79 percent or less of the purchase price, though some lenders may waive PMI prior to that if the value of the
home increases considerably before the loan balance reaches the predetermined marker.
• Closing costs: The amount of closing costs varies widely depending on a host of variables, but Bankrate.com notes it’s not uncommon for these costs to come in at somewhere between 2 and 5 percent of the loan principal. Closing costs must be paid no later than when the sale becomes official and buyers sign on the (many) dotted lines. Application and credit fees, title fees, underwriting fees, appraisal fees, and transfer tax are among the various fees that fall under the umbrella of closing costs.
• Moving: It’s also important that first-time home buyers budget for moving costs. Moving costs vary and may depend on how much buyers already own and how far they’re moving. The home renovation experts at Angi estimate that local moves typically cost somewhere between $883 and $2,568, while long-distance moves may run buyers anywhere from $2,700 to $10,000 or more. These costs are some of the upfront fees aspiring homeowners can expect when buying a home. Long-term costs, including homeowners’ insurance (which is separate from PMI), property taxes, homeowners’ association fees, and maintenance are some additional expenses buyers can plan for as they try to determine their home buying budgets.
NIt’s A Classic!
Short and sweet film reviews of old, classic movies perfect for a girls’ night in!
By Allison Lawson
ow that we’ve entered the month of June, summer is here! The first official day of summer is June 20, and June also features the holiday Juneteenth, which is a celebration marking the end of slavery in the U.S.
This month, I thought I would recommend an iconic movie from 1962 based on the incredible book, To Kill a Mockingbird . The book, written by Harper Lee, inspired the movie of the same name. The film is directed by Robert Mulligan and stars Gregory Peck as the respected lawyer and father Atticus Finch, for which Peck won an Oscar for Best Leading Actor. This coming-of-age legal drama and crime film follows six-year-old Scout Finch and her older brother,
TheThe Origins of Juneteenth
Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was signed into law by then-United States President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021. The act was a formal declaration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, which is now celebrated annually on June 19. Perhaps because it hasn’t been a formal federal holiday for very long, Juneteenth is not as familiar to many Americans as holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day. According to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, June 19, 1865, was an especially significant day for more than a quarter million African Americans living in Texas at the time. Though the date marked nearly two years since President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops did not arrive in Galveston Bay, Texas, with news of that freedom until June 1865. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger delivered the news that all slaves had been emancipated and that going forward the dynamic between slave owners and slaves was to become a relationship between employer and hired laborer.
Jem, who live in sleepy Maycomb, Alabama, and spend most of their time spying on their reclusive and mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley (played by Robert Duvall). When Atticus defends a Black man named Tom Robinson (played by Brock Peters) against fabricated rape charges, the trial and tangent events expose the children to the evils of racism and stereotyping. This emotional film gained fame due to its powerful exploration of social justice, racial inequality, and moral development within a Southern setting, just like the book it’s based on. It resonated with people due to its universal themes of empathy, justice, and the importance of standing up for what’s right, even when faced with adversity, making it the perfect June watch.
Wine Pairing:
In the 1960s, port wine was considered very popular. Try a glass for yourself as you watch this moving ’60s masterpiece.
JCP Book Pairing:
If you like To Kill a Mockingbird, you will also enjoy reading Kathleen M. Jacobs’ book, Honeysuckle Holiday. It, too, explores themes of social justice and racial inequality in a 1960’s Southern setting.
Though it took until 2021 for Juneteenth to gain formal recognition as a federal holiday, which means non-essential U.S. federal government offices are closed (many other institutions, including banks, schools and financial markets, also close as a courtesy), History.com notes the day is considered the longest-running African American holiday. And while many celebrations immediately broke out upon General Granger’s delivery of President Lincoln’s proclamation, History.com notes some slave holders in Texas withheld the information until the harvest season was completed.
5 Ways to Honor LGBTQ Residents in your Community
June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month. The LGBTQ community continues to face challenges, but there is much to celebrate as well. Locations across the country can make this month of the year one that is extra-special for those who identify as LGBTQ, as well as their supportive friends and family.
• Display rainbow flags around town.
• Support business owners.
• Make support of the community known.
• Highlight influential LGBTQ individuals throughout history.
• Host and attend a parade or rally.
8 Games to Try at the Next Backyard Bash
Games can enhance any outdoor function. Whether at the beach or in one’s backyard, activities can keep guests entertained in between the food and other refreshments. And the good news is that most games designed for these types of functions are appropriate for players across a wide range of ages. The following are eight games that can add to the excitement of any outdoor gathering.
1. Ladder toss: Also known as ladder golf, this game requires players to toss string-attached balls onto a ladder-shaped target. Points are awarded depending on which rung the ball lands on.
2. Kubb: Pronounced “KOOB,” this Swedish lawn game believed to have originated during the era of the Vikings and is best described as a blend of bowling and horseshoes. Two teams compete to knock over their opponents’ wooden blocks by throwing batons.
3. Cornhole: Many people have played cornhole, which involves tossing bean bags at the cornhole board, The objective is to get the bag into the hole or on the board to score points. The game can be played as singles or doubles. The first team to reach 21 points wins.
4. Spikeball™: Also called Roundnet, this two-on-two sport is played by hitting a ball off a net with the goal of preventing the opposing team from returning the ball within three touches.
5. Ring toss: This is another game that tests hand-eye coordination. Players take turns tossing the rings onto the target pegs. Each peg is worth a different number of points. The
Great activities for kids come the dog days of summer
The arrival of summer is a momentous day for children. Summer means school is closed and weeks of rest, recreation and fun in the sun are on the schedule.
Summertime swimming
Swimming alone can grow monotonous for kids, so work with friends’ parents to devise a schedule to have the kids alternate whose house they visit for swimming sessions. Stock a cooler with water, juice and healthy snacks so kids can just hop out of the water and grab a refreshment, rather than leaving a water-logged trail into the kitchen.Those who do not have a pool can consider membership to a township pool, where everyone can mingle with neighbors.
Host a movie night
The dog days of summer tend to be humid, hot and sometimes uncomfortable. Scheduling activities for later in the day makes the most of weather that has cooled off a bit. Purchase or
first player to reach the agreed-upon amount of points wins.
6. Connect four in a row: Giant versions of familiar tabletop games also are available for yard use. With this game, players need to get four chips in a row, either up and down or diagonal.
7. Kan Jam®: Similar to cornhole or horseshoes, Kan Jam® features two teams of two that alternate between throwing a frisbee and trying to deflect it. The goal is to get the frisbee into the can.
8. Rollers: Goals are placed 25 feet apart and then players roll wooden discs to try to get closest to the goal. Each side of the disc has a different number to determine the point value. Backyard events can be enhanced with some game play. There are plenty of fun options for your next gathering.
borrow a projector that hooks up to a computer or tablet, and set up a screen in the yard. Stream a family-friendly movie and prepare ready-made bags of popcorn or cotton candy for the show.
Add water to everything
Favorite backyard games can be enhanced with the use of a little water. For example, instead of tossing bean bags for cornhole, fill up water balloons. Kids who are playing tag or games like capture the flag may have to run through a garden sprinkler to get into their opponent’s territory.
Go on a scavenger hunt
Whether at a beach, park, or even walking the neighborhood, families can have a list of objects that must be found. The first child to find all of the items on the list gets a prize, such as choosing which ice cream shop to visit.
Dance in the rain
Summertime is known for the sudden arrival of storms. Take turns briefly running out into the deluge to dance and splash in the rain. Retreat to the indoors when thunder and lightning are close by.
The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9.
