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: Lori Honaker Abingdon, VA as the winner in the June Hot Hunk Hunt!
Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry! July Hot Hunk Hunt! The April “Hot Hunk” was Robert Downey Jr. on page 31.
Or is it? We are in the heat of summer. We know what to expect of the four seasons of year-round weather in this region, and we expect what the calendar predicts for us. So, are we really surprised with the very warm temperatures, high humidity, and evening thunderstorms? Is it really a surprise, or is the unknown expectation of the time of the arrival why we feel surprised?
I do not really like surprises, for the most part. I do like an unexpected birthday gift or Christmas gift, but surprises don’t always present happiness and goodness. For example, almost stepping on a snake on my deck. The element of surprise was there, and the total unbelief captured the moment, but my reaction was not of happiness and goodness! Yes... A few weeks ago, I was watering my flowers on my deck when I stepped closer to a flower, wearing flip-flops, and I found my foot about six inches from the head of a snake. What grabbed my attention was the raising of the snake’s head at my foot, where I almost stepped on it. Yes...I was surprised! And I was so frightened that I couldn’t speak for 30 minutes. I am petrified of snakes. When encountering my biggest fear, I can’t speak. That’s my reaction—speechless! So, do I like surprises? Yes, if I know they are coming, so I can talk about them and they don’t leave me speechless.
Not so speechless is a surprise coming soon to all of you. JCP is preparing to launch an online literary magazine. First of its kind locally, our debuting magazine will be released online in September. Stay tuned for details, and watch for submission opportunities in Voice Magazine for Women! For all inquiries, please email office@jancarolpublishing.com, ATT: Allison. Some surprises are of happiness and goodness as we bring both magazines together locally and globally.
The month of July means that we are preparing for the holidays. “Christmas in July” has a valuable meaning. Now is the time to think about ordering books as gifts, and JCP has lots of new additions with new releases, and all of our other books make great gifts as well. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notices of our new releases and ongoing book discounts. For updates and author interviews, listen to our podcast, Bookmarked. A new podcast is released each Friday, bringing our listeners writing tips, author interviews, book publishing information, and much more! Download from most listening platforms to hear our weekly podcast, including Spotify. And check out previous episodes, too!
July has a special meaning to me as an American—July 4th. Independence should be appreciated and honored. Many of our forefathers died to ensure our privileges and freedoms today. Regardless of your political affiliation, loving this country and our freedoms should not be tarnished by haters of our forefathers’ sacrifices.
Here’s to freedom in the USA! Happy 4th of July! Enjoy your holiday!
Thought of the Month: “Stop shrinking to fit places you’ve outgrown.” — Furaha Joyce
Verse of the Month: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 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
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 Kathleen M. Jacobs Dr. Jami Lee Cindy Sproles Charlene Tipton Baker
How to Build Stronger Rural Communities
Small towns and rural communities may not always get the attention they deserve, and it’s easy for their needs to be eclipsed by larger cities. Small town needs are ever-changing and unique to their respective locations.
Empowering rural communities and helping them grow comes down to some key areas of focus.
• Create a walkable Main Street. Planning boards can carefully consider where well-thought-out development should go. While it’s important to maintain the integrity of the rural community without too much building, having a walkable and attractive town center where businesses can thrive is key. Families can live close by to daily destinations, and this may encourage more people to relocate to or stay in these areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Help for farmers. Government officials need to hear more about the challenges farmers face. Tom Vilsack, former Iowa governor and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture during the Obama and Biden administrations, says programs like the Climate Smart Commodities Program can help farmers. This program pays farmers a premium for using sustainable agriculture tools, or practices that make use of innovative farm products that produce renewable energy. Farms that work efficiently and lower the burden of labor on farmers are a boon for rural communities. U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics indicate the majority of farmers in the United States have to supplement their incomes with off-farm jobs because smaller farms simply can’t keep up to make ends meet. Fighting for policies that keep
What Consumers Can Do to Support Local Farmers
• Shop local. The shop local movement can make a notable impact on local economies, and it affects more businesses than brick-and-mortar stores on Main Street. Locally owned restaurants and grocers often source their foods from local farmers, so patronizing such businesses supports those who set up shop on Main Street as well as the farmers who stock their shelves and pantries.
• Purchase seasonal foods. Farmers grow seasonal foods throughout the year to take advantage of natural conditions. Consumers who alter their purchasing habits with the seasons by buying foods that are in-season are likely supporting local agricultural producers.
more money going to small farms can strengthen rural communities.
• Improve infrastructure and resources. Rural communities need access to the right resources in order to thrive. Improving access to high-speed internet, for example, can bring new business and educational initiatives to rural areas and small towns. Lenders can be more receptive to local entrepreneurs to help stimulate economic growth and job creation in these communities, according to the professional development group StrengthenND. Priority also should be given to improving roadways so residents can safely get to and from homes, stores and businesses.
• Protect open spaces. Rural communities can rally to protect the landscape and help preserve open spaces. Focus also should be placed on providing places for recreation, and not only for local residents. Such features can make smaller towns more appealing to tourists, which in turn can increase investments in the local economy.
Small towns and rural communities can use certain strategies to foster growth and sustainability.
• Buy directly from local farms. Most consumers purchase their food from grocery stores near their homes, but it might be possible to purchase directly from local farmers. Farmers may utilize e-commerce tools to sell directly to local residents, and might even offer delivery services that are more convenient than driving to the nearest chain grocery store.
• Act as an advocate for local producers. Supporting restaurants that source foods from local farmers is one way consumers can exercise their power. But consumers also can advocate for local farmers by supporting legislation and candidates that prioritize building and supporting a strong local agricultural sector. Consumers also can advocate for local farmers by sharing their experiences via social media, word-of-mouth recommendations, or writing positive reviews through aggregators like Google Reviews.
Protecting Your Garden from Critters
TTRelaxing in the Shade
By April Hensley
By April Hensley
his time of summer is when gardeners look forward to enjoying the fruits of our labor. Heavy perfumed roses, firm ripe tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, bright cheerful daisies — all the flavors, scents, and beauty of a summer garden.
he 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.
Our blackberries were growing awesomely this year. The stems were hanging heavy with massive blackberries. I was planning lots of blackberry recipes.
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.
We ended up not getting one berry. While we were at work over a couple of days, the birds got them all as they ripened. Next year, we are going to build a mesh box over the entire patch. Pollinators will still get in, but will keep birds out. On the upside, we got to see some beautiful birds.
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.
As hard as gardeners work outside, wildlife is going to spend more time in our garden than we do. Unless we plan on sleeping beside that big watermelon every night.
• Row covers, depending on cloth or mesh, will help keep all these off of garden plants and also help shade your plants from harsh summer sun. It’s inexpensive and reusable.
• Nuisance bugs are everything from tiny slugs to cucumber beetles. They can be identified in garden apps and groups and easily treated with natural pesticides that won’t harm your family, pets, and pollinators.
for hanging baskets. For pots, you can do not only plants but bushes and trees.
• Some colorful shade lovers include hydrangeas, ferns, Japanese maple trees, begonias, azaleas, hostas, and evergreens.
Here’s a few things I’ve learned that may help you protect your garden from hungry critters like bugs, birds, and other wildlife like turtles, deer, and rabbits.
• 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
• Garden gnomes and concrete statues make a cute addition.
• There are good bugs that eat munchy bugs. Some bugs may just want a nibble of leaf, but leave your produce and flowers alone.
• If using the space for an eating area, look for a sturdy table and chairs that will survive windy storms.
• The best way to keep wildlife away is with a dog that spends time outdoors. Even an occasional outdoor pup will leave its scent behind and make wildlife more fearful.
• 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.
• Depending on the height, installing a fence will help keep furry wildlife out of the garden. Some wildlife, like groundhogs, can dig under the fence, so it may need to go underground too.
• 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.
• Repellent sprays and predator scents are available to help keep hungry vegetarians out. Do not spray directly on plants and produce.
• 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.
• I’ve had a lot of success with using lightweight aluminum pie pans by tying with a string to a tomato cage in the garden. A tiny breeze moves it around and helps scare away animals and birds.
• If using birds for natural insect control, fill birdbaths to encourage them to eat bugs.
• Mosquito repellants and traps will be a must whether during the day or night.
{{April Hensley works as an office manager and is an avid gardener, writer, and greenhouse hobbyist. Her debut book, Four Seasons: Gardening & Growing in Zone 7 , is available now. April loves the outdoors and is passionate about animal welfare and the environment. She can be reached at aprils1105@embarqmail.com.
Must-have Features When Outfitting an Outdoor Living Space
There’s much to gain in both the short- and longterm when upgrading an outdoor living space. The following are a handful of must-have features to make such spaces an even better addition to a home’s existing layout and landscape.
• Multi-functionality: The home renovation experts at This Old House note versatility in an outdoor living space can set a stage for relaxation, entertaining and family activities. Outdoor living spaces tend to be most useful when they’re multifunctional, providing a space where residents can relax on weekend mornings and evenings throughout the week while also offering the potential to entertain crowds during backyard barbecue season. Homeowners can keep this in mind and prioritize multifunctionality when designing outdoor living spaces.
• Seamless connectivity with interior designs: Though outdoor living areas were long viewed as areas wholly separate from home interiors, that traditional outlook has changed in recent years. In a 2024 survey conducted by Fixr, 78 percent of industry experts noted a coherent indoor-outdoor design was the most popular outdoor living space trend that year. This design choice suggests an outdoor living space is an extension of the home as opposed to a wholly separate area.
• Comfortable seating: The days of stackable plastic lawn chairs are largely a thing of the past. Modern outdoor living spaces offer comfortable, all-weather seating where residents and guests can gather to relax and engage in conversation. Accent tables to place drinks and other items is another nice touch that can add to the comfort-first feel of an outdoor space. Modular furniture merits homeowners’ consideration, as such furnishings can be customized and rearranged for each gathering and might prove easier to store for homeowners who will be taking the seating in over the winter.
• Lighting: Of course, summer gatherings in outdoor living spaces have a tendency to continue past sundown. Proper lighting can ensure spaces are safely navigated when the sun goes down. Sufficient lighting also enhances the visual appeal of the space while facilitating conversation when natural light is no longer enough to illuminate a space.
There’s no shortage of ways to create an awe-inspiring outdoor living space. Homeowners can start with some must-have features and then build on the spaces as they see fit.
Pamela Murray: Powerlifting Her Way to Good Health
By Allison Lawson
For Kingsport resident
Pamela Murray, beginning her journey in powerlifting wasn’t just about being strong—it was a way to totally transform her health.
“As women, we have the desire to fix the world around us,” Pamela said. “We sacrifice ourselves to our jobs, our homes, and our loved ones. We tend to not properly care for ourselves, and over time, it takes its toll. I did that.”
For years, Pamela experienced multiple health issues, including obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, atrial fibrillation (Afib), severe migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety and depression, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver, and pre-diabetes.
“I basically gave up,” she said. “It felt like I was facing a mountain that I didn’t have the strength to climb. I got lost in the misery and doom. I conceded to my poor health and thought it was something I had to learn to live with.”
Pamela later learned, however, that her Afib diagnosis was a misdiagnosis. “This is when I realized I had a fighting chance,” she said. “I had so many conditions at that time, I was overwhelmed. It took some cold, hard truths to open my eyes to what I needed to do to make a change.”
Pamela says she learned the importance of listening to her own body, and that “our bodies can heal from almost anything when given the right environment. In the past, I often looked for guidance from others instead of listening to myself and my body. I looked for external solutions to my internal issues.”
Pamela then began to do research into how her body worked and explored supplementation and alternative healing. “I discovered our bodies are designed to heal themselves; the trick is to figure out what they’re lacking and implement it,” she said. “Nothing is more sustainable than the power of consistency in proper nutrition, exercise, and a positive mindset. Every little decision, like declining that piece of pie or taking a walk on a lunch break, and speaking affirmations instead of negativity, is what keeps me on the right path.”
Then, Pamela discovered powerlifting.
“When it comes to powerlifting, I had no idea I could feel and be so powerful,” she said. “It’s such a great feeling after years of feeling so weak.”
Pamela joined a gym, Kingsport Fitness, for the first time in her life in May 2023, and she later moved to Full Tilt Fitness in Kingsport in October 2024. At the age of 54, she officially joined a powerlifting team with C2 Fitness in September 2024, also located in Kingsport.
“I never dreamed my body could withstand the weight I have put it under,” she said. “What felt like a ton of weight I carried when I was sick has now been replaced with a barbell of plates that prove that I can carry, physically and mentally, more than I ever imagined possible.”
When Pamela joined the gym, she says she did not “plan” on becoming a powerlifter. “It kind of chose me,” she said. “But it proved to me that I have strength, determination, and willpower to do things I never thought I could, including finding my way to a much stronger, healthier me.”
Pamela attended her first powerlifting meet in January 2025 at Full Tilt Fitness, and she admits she was a bit nervous at first. “But I went in thinking I would do my best and relish the experience of something new, and that’s just what I did,” she said. “The adrenaline rush was insane, and the excitement of the competitors and spectators was intoxicating.”
Pamela explained that there are three events in a powerlifting meet: squat, bench, and deadlift. Pamela competed in all three. “At the end of the day, my best lift in the squat event was 198.4 pounds, my best lift in bench was 126.7 pounds, and my best lift in deadlift was 237 pounds,” she said. “I received a gold medal in my respective age and weight class, and to top it off, I set Tennessee state records for my age and weight class in all three events. Not too bad for a first timer in the powerlifting world!”
Pamela said she is proud of her accomplishments and reiterated that powerlifting gives her confidence she never had before. “I have been training for my second event later this year,” she said. “I hope to set new records in my age and weight class, as I’ll be moving to a new age group. I don’t know if women realize the importance of lifting heavy, but it is something every woman should consider, especially aging women.”
While Pamela used to struggle with pain in her legs, she says that ever since she began lifting, the pain has disappeared. “I had no idea how beneficial lifting could be,” she said. “It strengthens every part of my body, and I’m certain it will contribute to my longevity and overall health as I age.”
When asked how long Pamela plans to continue powerlifting, she said she will do it “as long as my body will allow. And I hope to continue setting new records along the way.”
Pamela said she has an “amazing support system” in her husband of 22 years, Danny. She also has two daughters, Amanda and Chelsea, and a son, Austin. “I have my parents, who
are still alive and well,” she said. “My dad just turned 85, and my mother will be 80 in August. Their longevity is a source of inspiration to me.”
Pamela has four grandchildren: Avery, Walker, Carson, and Wayne. “I now have the confidence and hope that I will be around to watch them grow into beautiful adults with children of their own,” she said. “I am thankful and blessed for the second chance at life I’ve been given, and I intend on making the rest of my life the best of my life.”
All in all, Pamela’s advice to other women is to choose what’s best for their bodies, even when it’s hard. “I can enact the change I need, or I can choose to remain the same,” she said. “Neither is easy, but the outcome of my choice is mine to endure or celebrate—whichever I choose. And I want to celebrate.”
(Photographs Contributed)
Celebrating a Decade of Radio Bristol and the Women Behind the Mic
By Guest Contributor Charlene Tipton Baker
In the male-dominated commercial radio industry, where giant media conglomerates dictate playlists and only artists on big labels get airplay, Radio Bristol is a community station where indie artists rule and rare, low-fi recordings are salvaged from dusty bins and given a new spin.
Broadcasting from the Smithsonian-affiliated Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Historic Downtown Bristol, Va., Radio Bristol hosts a variety of weekly, original programming specifically curated to highlight the sounds of our region and beyond. It is common to tune in and catch a local artist performing live on the air, or the scratchy strains of a rare and obscure 78-RPM recording from a bygone era. There is no corporate playlist, and on-air talent is volunteer driven, mostly composed of local and regional musicians, music industry professionals, and aficionados from the region who lend their enthusiasm and expertise on an array of niche musical subjects.
In honor of Radio Bristol’s 10 th anniversary, we shine the spotlight on the amazing women whose voices have helped create a dynamic space for music lovers, bookworms, and curious minds alike.
Born in the Mountain Tuesdays at 12 p.m.
Hosted by Ivy Sheppard
Pick One! With Linda and Larry Tuesdays at 8 p.m., with encore
Saturdays at 10 a.m.
Hosted by Linda Wright and Larry Gorley
One of the longest-running programs on Radio Bristol, Pick One! celebrates the roots and evolution of traditional bluegrass music. Hosted by Linda Wright and Larry Gorley, the show explores the rich history of bluegrass, spotlighting the legendary artists who built the genre and those who continue to carry its torch today. While steeped in tradition, the show also highlights contemporary musicians who keep the bluegrass spirit vibrant and growing.
Trivia Sandwich
Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
A lifelong devotee of early American music, Ivy Sheppard’s deep love affair with 78-RPM records began at age four with Hank Williams Sr. and Jimmie Rodgers. A veteran clawhammer-banjo player and former touring musician with groups like the Roan Mountain Hilltoppers and the South Carolina Broadcasters, Ivy stumbled into broadcasting unexpectedly on WPAQ in Mount Airy—and never looked back. Ivy’s passion for rare hillbilly, oldtime, gospel, blues, and early jazz is evident in each episode of Born in the Mountain , where she spins obscure and treasured field recordings from the Blue Ridge foothills and beyond, introducing listeners to hidden gems that bring America’s musical past vividly to life.
Hosted by Hollie Moody and Kris Truelsen
Get ready for a flavorful blend of music and trivia with Trivia Sandwich , where hosts Hollie Moody, group tours and rentals manager at the museum, and Kris Truelsen, Radio Bristol’s program director, serve up heaping helpings of fun every Wednesday. Packed with quirky facts, lively tunes, and listener call-ins, this show layers entertainment like your favorite deli classic. Bring your appetite for knowledge—and a side of curiosity—for the tastiest trivia around!
Folk Yeah!
Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
Hosted by Ella Patrick
Radio Bristol production assistant Ella Patrick, also known by her stage name Momma Molasses, is the spirited host of
Folk Yeah! and a veteran musician in the realm of folk, Piedmont blues, country, swing, and oldtime. On Folk Yeah! , she dives into the outer reaches of folk music and beyond, curating a vibrant mix of archival recordings, emerging artists, and deeper roots sounds—bringing listeners on a soulful journey through the diverse spectrum of acoustic music.
Museum Talk
Thursdays at 12 p.m., except on the fourth Thursday of the month
Hosted by Dr. René Rodgers, Erika Barker, and Sam Parker
Airing Thursdays at noon— except for the fourth Thursday of the month, when it merges with BCM’s Radio Bristol Book Club Museum Talk is a nerdy and engaging exploration of all things museum-related. Featuring interviews with museum professionals from across the country, the show offers a deep dive into history, culture, and the behind-the-scenes workings of the museum world. The program is hosted by Dr. René Rodgers, director of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, along with her knowledgeable and passionate staff, who bring fresh perspectives and insider insights to every episode.
Radio Bristol Book Club
Every fourth Thursday of the month at 12 p.m.
Hosted by Dr. René Rodgers, Erika Barker, and Tonia Kestner
is all about discovering great reads, connecting through shared stories, and having fun along the way.
Outside the Box
Thursdays at 2 p.m.
Hosted by Roxanne McDaniel
A wild ride through all things country and country-adjacent. From classic hits to hidden gems, Roxanne serves up a mix of iconic tracks and local treasures, with a little something for everyone. Whether it’s music, chat, live performances, or interviews, you’ll find yourself rocking out to old favorites and stumbling upon brand-new ones. When she is not hosting, Roxanne is an Appalachian dulcimer player, bringing her own special touch to the mix. Tune in for a one-of-a-kind musical journey, and follow her on Instagram @mcrockerton for updates on upcoming gigs.
Indie This Indie That
Fridays at 6 p.m.
Hosted by Ash Wright
Radio Bristol Book Club is a relaxed, no-pressure way to explore books that connect to museum themes, music history, and the rich tapestry of Appalachian culture. There are no in-person meetings—just tune in from wherever you are! The full year’s reading list is available online, so you can read at your own pace and follow along throughout the year. Book selections are thoughtfully curated through a partnership between museum staff and Bristol Public Library executive director Tonia Kestner, who brings her literary expertise and community insight to the process. Tonia also co-hosts the program, joining in lively, insightful discussions that bring each book to life. Listeners are encouraged to email their thoughts or questions to be part of the conversation. It
Your go-to spot for the best indie folk, lo-fi vibes, and chilled-out indie pop. Expect swirly guitars, smooth vocals, and those moments where you’re like, “What was that cool instrument doing that awesome riff?” You’ll vibe to bands like Big Thief, Slow Pulp, Julia Jacklin, and Andy Shauf while you kick back and maybe even give a little headbang. Oh, and when Ash isn’t behind the mic, she’s performing as Earleine—a talented musician in her own right. Check her out on Instagram @earleinemusic to see where she’s playing next.
Stained Glass Bluegrass
Sundays at 10 a.m.
Hosted by Cindy Baucom
Cindy Baucom has been bringing bluegrass fans their Sunday morning gospel fix since 1974, and it’s still going strong! With over 40 years of experience as an award-winning broadcaster, producer, singer, and more, Cindy is the voice behind the nationally syndicated “Knee-Deep in Bluegrass,” which hit the airwaves in 2003. Every week, Stained Glass Bluegrass delivers an eclectic mix of gospel tunes that make it a staple of bluegrass and country radio. Tune in for the best in bluegrass with a side of Cindy’s legendary passion and experience.
The Martha Bassett Show
Sundays at 12 p.m.
Hosted by Martha Bassett
This weekly one-hour roots and Americana music program is recorded live from Elkin, North Carolina’s historic Reeves Theater. A classically trained singer, songwriter, guitarist, and bandleader with over two decades of experience and 11 albums to her name, Martha brings a gelatinous blend of jazz, folk, countrygospel, and Americana to the stage. Each episode spotlights her own music alongside national, regional, and local artists—often female musicians—woven together through song and engaging conversation that reflects her deep commitment to musical community and collaboration.
Tennessee Farm Table
Sundays at 1 p.m.
Hosted by Amy Campbell
Amy Campbell is the vibrant host, founder, and sole producer of Tennessee Farm Table , a halfhour weekly radio show and podcast that celebrates the people behind Tennessee’s food—from growers and gardeners to chefs and
preservationists. A Knoxville native with a fine arts background (BFA from SCAD, MFA in graphic design from UTK), lifelong gardener, seedsaver, community advocate, and longtime WDVX volunteer, Amy brings heart and regional expertise to every episode. Through conversations with farmers, food producers, and culinary professionals, the show explores how food is grown, prepared, and preserved in the Mountain South— always closing with a bluegrass gospel song from a regional artist.
Support the power of community radio by tuning in to Radio Bristol on 100.1 FM in the Bristol area, streaming live through our free mobile app or listening online any time at ListenRadioBristol.org. Want to take your support a step further? Become a Radio Bristol Record Breaker. Join with a one-time gift of $300 or commit to a recurring donation of just $25 a month for one year. Your contribution helps keep local voices, diverse music, and cultural programming alive and thriving on the airwaves. (Photos Courtesy Birthplace of Country Music)
Voicemail Male
By Ken Heath
Halfway
By Ken Heath
We’vemade it to the halfway mark. The middle of July, the middle of summer, the middle of the year. It’s kind of like the O Brother, Where Art Thou? line about “a geographical oddity” — halfway from anywhere.
While most folks take account in late December to make resolutions for the coming new year, few of us stop and consider where we are six months later. How are your resolutions going? To be honest, most of mine are gone by midday January 1, so a holdout this long is more fantasy than historical fact. Maybe we should move our resolution-making to now. Just
think, in late December, we’re still excited about Christmas, not yet feeling the hangovers from the bills or the merriment. So, we’re much more likely to promise big, big things. We’re going to lose weight, join a gym, and save money. It’s cold outside, generally too nasty to do much more than plop on the couch, bellies full of leftovers and fruit that just days before was shoved down into a red stocking that had been in a tote in the basement for a year.
It’s easy to get caught up in the dreaming—summer vacations are light years away. It’s easy for us to decide the resolve to look like Tom Selleck or Pamela Anderson from the old TV shows flickering on the tube, to stop frivolous spending so we can run down to Malibu beach or fly our private helicopter over the Hawaiian islands. But now, in the heat of the summer, it gets real. We might scrape up enough for a weekend in Gatlinburg or a trip to Myrtle Beach, but we’re going to look more like Jelly Roll than Magnum PI.
So, this median of the calendar highway, let’s revisit resolutions. Let’s refocus, work to finish strong, oh, I’ll probably make ’em and break ’em just as fast, but at least I won’t be freezing while I’m regretting breaking each one!
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.
Interesting Facts About America’s National Parks
America’s National Park Service is more than 100 years old. President Woodrow Wilson signed the act that created the NPS on August 25, 1916, and since then the parks have attracted a steady stream of nature lovers who want to take in all the beauty the parks have to offer. National parks are a source of pride for hundreds of millions of Americans, and the following are some interesting facts about these special places across North America.
• Acadia National Park in Maine is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River, tracing its origins to 1916. Landscape architect Charles Eliot and American preservationist George Dorr were influential in the establishment of the park, as was American financier John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who was vital to the construction of a network of carriage roads that ran throughout the park upon its opening.
• Arches National Park is appropriately named. The park, located in eastern Utah, features more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the well-known and widely recognized Delicate Arch.
• Biscayne National Park south of Miami, Florida, is 95 percent water. Perhaps that’s why a half dozen shipwrecks spanning nearly a century have been mapped on the park’s Maritime Heritage Trail.
• Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah contains rocks that History.com notes have estimated to be as much as 270 million years old.
• Sea turtles are among the many notable features of Dry Tortugas National Park, which is located roughly 70 miles west of Key West. Accessibility is another notable quirk of the park, which can only be reached via seaplane.
• Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska is covered by 2,000 square miles of glaciers. No roads lead to Glacier Bay National Park, which is typically reached by air or sea travel.
• Great Basin National Park in Nevada features the Lehman Cave system, which began forming 550 million years ago while the area was still submerged in a shallow ocean.
• American fjord fans may think of Norway when seeking these beautiful bodies of water, but they can see some right within the nation’s borders as well. Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska contains numerous coastal fjords that were carved by glaciers
• The national park system is so expansive it actually extends south of the equator. The National Park of American Samoa is the only national park south of the equator, and even features a World War II gun emplacement.
Yellowstone National Park
Summer Slide
By Raven Howell
When you hear “summer slide”, your thoughts may turn to “sliding” into summertime — approaching a mellower, vacation-y time of year. It may conjure images of children zooming down a fun water slide under a hot July sun. Oh, how quickly the summer months seem to pass!
But the phrase “summer slide” refers to the loss in reading skills when children neglect reading over the summer between grade levels. It inhibits progress made during the school year. According to several statistics, without summer reading, students can regress rather significantly in reading development and math skills, and have the potential to lose academic ground.
Teachers have concerns. When the fall school year begins, if the child’s summer was deficient in reading stimulation, the student usually needs to spend extra time catching up on their reading skills. Consequently, it puts off learning the new material they should be ready to tackle. If the child struggles with language and reading skills to begin with, and additionally, didn’t take on summer reading, an even more difficult situation occurs.
Here are some ideas to encourage kids to read:
Check out your local library’s summer reading challenges. These can be super fun! Kids can earn prizes and feel rewarded for reaching even small, short-term reading goals.
If you have elementary-aged children, take them to story time at a bookstore. Sometimes, one book read aloud about dump trucks for example, may motivate and lead the youngster to read another book about steam shovels.
Make reading enjoyable for middle graders and high schoolers by providing them access to magazines and suggest entertaining and relevant online reading material. The point is to just read. Even if it’s a fashion magazine or a youth sports blog.
And demonstrate how fulfilling reading can be by modeling your own love of reading to inspire them.
Often, students from lower-income families are most vulnerable to dismiss reading over the summer. How about initiating a book swap with neighborhood families? Make visiting the library a once or twice a week routine. And be sure to explore Little Free Library boxes nearest your home.
I decided to research how summer reading affects adults, too. Not surprisingly, reading, especially physical books, can reduce stress, increase our capacity to focus, and strengthen empathy — something all of us can benefit from! Happy summer reading!
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 JanCarol Publishing. Her upcoming early reader chapter book, THE CHARMS OF U.S. FARMS, will be released later this year! Find out more at www.ravenhowell.com.
Wandell CLU® ChFC®
The Evolution of a Book Cover Design
By Kathleen M. Jacobs
When I think of book covers that nearly jumped off the bookstore shelves, whether as a young reader discovering the joys of turning the pages of a good story, or as a teenager who devoured books one after another, or as an adult reader of literary fiction, certain book covers were so deeply planted that they will never be uprooted—nor would I want them to be: Goodnight Moon , Where the Wild Things Are , any and every Nancy Drew Mystery Stories , and The Great Gatsby , To Kill a Mockingbird , and The Handmaid’s Tale . These few titles comprise only a sampling of the memorable book covers that, as readers, flow through our minds as effortlessly as the meandering creek flowed behind my childhood home in West Virginia.
by designing a cover that I fell in love with immediately and still love today, nearly ten years after its release. And that’s what book covers gift—an unforgettable memory, as strong as the story itself.
When I first became a published author, I knew that the story I wrote would have to resonate with my readers; it had to be good. I also knew that the book’s cover design would be instrumental in grabbing the attention of readers perusing one title after another after another on a bookseller’s shelf of hundreds, thousands of other books. I also knew that it was imperative that I work with an artist who had not only read my book but who was equally determined to capture my story in a way that invited readers to be drawn to it and then drawn to reading the summary and then drawn to purchasing it, reading it, and being moved by it. And when it all comes together, every step of the journey proves worth it.
Jan-Carol Publishing has published seven of my book titles, beginning with my debut, YA novel, Honeysuckle Holiday . This summer, they will release my eighth title, The Harboring & other stories , which focuses on the resiliency of Appalachian women. The covers for each of my previous books were created by incredibly talented graphic artists, with several having been created by a former student who is an accomplished writer and graphic designer. When she was tasked with designing the cover for Honeysuckle Holiday , I never doubted her ability to be able to bring the story’s core to a high shine
As I contemplated my own vision of what the cover of my new short story collection might look like, I knew for certain that I wanted it to represent not only the cracks, the fissures in the hearts of each story’s protagonist (i.e., Appalachian women), but that I wanted it to also represent the indestructible core of these women who find ways every day to reach a resolve and persevere against all odds to re-emerge in ways that are often unidentifiable. Images of the forest floor, a branch of bittersweet, and a woman in contemplation were considered. And then, I simply Googled “things that crack,” and after several sources, a simple egg appeared, and I knew that would speak volumes, on both a figurative and literal level. And what was to follow was an unfolding of how best to use that image, working with the incredibly talented and objective group of people, led by Janie Jessee, at JanCarol Publishing, even to the most minute detail. And when that moment comes, it’s quite magical.
Stay Alert
By Leslie Snyder
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” –1 Peter 5:8 KJV
Interpretation: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Youradversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” –1 Peter 5:8 (Today’s English Version TEV)
Early Native Americans were some of the best hunters in history. A combination of patience, wisdom, knowledge of the natural world and respect for their place in it resulted in the skillful artistry of the hunt. One tactic in particular illustrates this beautifully.
When hunting buffalo on the Great Plains, hunters would cover themselves in buffalo hides and carefully approach the grazing herd virtually unnoticed. With ease and skill, the hunters would kill dozens of buffalo before
the rest of the herd was aware of the intruders. When the herd finally realized the attack, they would stampede, but by this time the hunters had retreated to safety. Once the herd cleared, the successful hunters returned to retrieve their kill.
We have a word for this type of infiltration today and it is called desensitization. When people are sensitive to something, they are keenly aware of what is happening around them physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Therefore, when we become desensitized, we become dull to what once drew our attention. This is a spiritual landmine and one that deserves our consideration. Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of the Bible, The Message, gives the warning this way: “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up.”
It is likely that today many of us can be caught napping, not paying attention to the bells and whistles going off around us. We live in a society where we are surrounded by pride, envy, deceit, division, selfishness, and many other ills. I suspect that much of this doesn’t even raise a red flag with us anymore. As a people of God, we are called to stay alert. May today be our wake-up call. Source: www.homeword.com
NEW RELEASES OUT NOW!
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
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
Tommy the Quarterback
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.
Oran, you Glad?
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.
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.
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.
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 order.
The Lost: Valaraii Rising Trilogy (Book 2)
Written by Kristen Johnson
Thirteen warriors left Helmfirth and Exulias in search of the lost, traveling deep into lands threatened by the dark lord Merilik and his forces. The farther from home they traveled, the deeper in darkness they found themselves, journeying closer and closer to Therendē’al’s sinister prison. Would they all survive facing the Drēor king’s most powerful disciple, as well as his army of orcs, wargs, and the dead? Would they find any of the lost, or would they become lost themselves, victims of Merilik’s plans for them? This small band of thirteen dwarves, elves, and humans—races not known for their trust in each other—will need to work together if they have any chance of surviving, and Tarin will need to set aside his hatred of elves if he wants any of his dwarves to return home. Online readers: click here to pre-order.
Ancestral Travels:
Exploring My German Food Culture
Volume 2
Written by Joye Cantrell
Bring the past to life through cooking with this recipe book that explores the food culture of the German people before they became a nation. Whet your appetite for food history by recreating fare that influenced fairy tales and nourished leaders of the Enlightenment. Be sure to examine the artist’s illustrations, as they contain clues of the origins of the recipes. Online readers: click here to pre-order.
AUTHORS on the ROAD
(Weather Permitting and Subject to Change)
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.
Jon Arnold
Author of the upcoming children’s book, Some Jeeps, will be on WJHL’s Daytime Tri-Cities on Tuesday, July 8.
Jessica Brimer
Author of Messy Bookshop Mysteries series and These Haunted Hills: A Collection of Short Stories books 5 & 6
Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Behind the Book Festival — book signing from Kingsport Public Library. Fort Henry Mall, Kingsport, TN
Linda Hudson Hoagland
Author of 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
Friday, July 4, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Book Signing at Big Walker Lookout, Wytheville, VA
Saturday, July 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Book Signing at Big Walker Lookout, Wytheville, VA
Sunday, July 6, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Book Signing at Big Walker Lookout, Wytheville, VA
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Appalachian Authors Guild
General Meeting — Speaker: Linda Hoagland Program: “Write What You Know” Fiddler’s Restaurant in Abingdon, VA
Friday, July 11, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Book Signing at Food City, Lebanon, VA
Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Book Signing at Food City, Wytheville, VA
Friday, July 18, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Book Signing at Food City, Vansant, VA
Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Book Signing at Mayberry Book Festival Mount Airy Museum of Regional History Mount Airy, NC
Friday, July 25, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Book Signing at Food City, St. Paul, VA
Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Book Signing at Food City, Claypool Hill, VA
Saturday, July 26, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Book Signing at Cooks & Books, St. Paul, VA
Sunday, July 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Book Signing & Angels, Big Walker Lookout, Wytheville, VA
Monday, July 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Book Signing at Virginia Highlands Festival, Abingdon, VA
Tuesday, July 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Book Signing at Virginia Highlands Festival, Abingdon, VA
Wednesday, July 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Book Signing at Virginia Highlands Festival, Abingdon, VA
Thursday, July 31, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Book Signing at Virginia Highlands Festival, Abingdon, VA
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 Marsha Self and Rebecca White
Co-authors of Our Blood Runs Black: McClure #1 Mine Explosion
BOOKMARKED: What would you like people to know about your new book, Our Blood Runs Black?
MARSHA: The meaning of the title, “Our Blood Runs Black,” is that as my dad was being treated in the ER, his sweat and blood was dripping on the floor. It was black. And he said, “See, angel, our blood does run black.”
REBECCA: It is a true story that will resonate with all readers who have endured tragedy or suffered loss, came through it, and found closure and peace. What do you hope readers take away or learn from reading this book?
MARSHA: The understanding of what coal means to us today. There’s no power without coal. Period. Both of my parents lived to be in their 80s and 90s. I’m sure my dad had some black lung, but that’s not what he passed from.
REBECCA: Coal mining is a necessary occupation and noble profession: the bond, the blood, the sacrifice.
What’s been the most rewarding aspect of the publishing process so far?
MARSHA: The friendships, plus the love and care I have received from hundreds of people.
REBECCA: Seeing the finished product and having a publisher who polishes this rough gem until the jewel is seen.
Marsha Self Rebecca White Authors Marsha Sutherland Self and Rebecca Riner White
Beach Reads
Readers of all ages will laugh (preferably out loud) while learning a thing or two about the 1980s and rural life in East Tennessee. Kathy is a small-town girl in the 1980s who is desperately seeking to escape her dismal life. As she comes of age, she learns that escaping one set of problems only leads to new ones. Her journey to discovering herself takes her down an unlikely path that will keep you laughing and cheering for her along the way.
Joy Ruble Jan Howery Kristine Cabot Mike Grindstaff
After a tragic boating accident, Jan Foster is presumed dead. But Jan is discovered alive by a cruising fishing boat captain, Samuel Drillenger Jan is badly injured, confused, and disoriented. She has no memory of the events surrounding the accident, her past life, and with a severe case of amnesia, she cannot even recall her name. Will her past reveal love and happiness or lies, deception, and heartbreak?
Recently widowed, Lily Roberts leaves her Appalachian hometown seeking serenity in the Carolina coastal town of Eagle Hills. Instead, she stumbles into a world of intrigue, murder, and passion. Lily’s encounter on the beach with a mysterious stranger arouses an unquenchable thirst. Will she satisfy her desires or fall victim to a secret political agenda?
Marwin Gelstone, a divorced pharmacist with a unique practice, tries to get through the daily grind of pharmacy while simultaneously trying to understand his adolescent children. His life takes a drastic turn when his partner’s wife commits suicide. The senseless nature of her suicide leads Marwin to search for an answer to the age-old question of why a person takes their own life. Marwin becomes entrenched in a twisted plot that could cost him everything, including his life.
E. Louise Jaques
Love-at-first-sight sparks memories of a past love, blindsiding 17-year-old Norah James after her move to Amelia Island, FL, from Toronto, Canada. Meeting Ryan Flynn, her rescuer from an ocean riptide—and the boyfriend of her new friend Ashley—unleashes her psychic abilities and prompts memories of a past life on the enchanting island. Will the knowledge of the past lead to a different outcome this time around?
Jan Howery
Meaghan Thomas
Daisy Diana Discovers: The Wonders Of Weather is an entertaining and informative story that teaches the reader the science behind different types of weather and how to stay safe if severe weather occurs. Whether you love meteorology or are reading this to ease storm anxiety, you’ll have fun learning along the way with Daisy Diana and friends.
Cheryl Livingston
Green, a cheery crayon known as The Crayon Rapper, uses rhyming patterns in a “rap” music beat to describe the adventures of his multi-hued pals.Great teaching tool for children to learn colors. Can be set to a teacher’s music inclination. Beautiful illustrations and easy read.
Author Charlotte Snead creates a delightful story to help children overcome the fear of going to the doctor. The author’s goal is to take the fear out of going to the doctor and shows how Deano can be brave, and ultimately, allow the reader to feel brave too!
Jacqueline Krafft
A young boy’s morning has a foggy start when a baby cloud by the name of Clancy tumbles from the sky. Can the children and their teacher find a way to get Clancy back home to his parents?
Charlotte S. Snead
The Costs of Aging
By Cindy K. Sproles
The name has been changed multiple times throughout the years—senior care, aging parent care, and eldercare. Regardless of the title, the need has not changed.
There was a time when caring for an aging parent left only one choice—a nursing home. As a result, eldercare took on a negative connotation. When care for an aging parent was mentioned, listeners assumed it meant a nursing home, and a nursing home meant end-of-life. It was no wonder seniors balked at the mention of any additional help. Everything pointed to their lives ending. Today’s world offers multiple stages of care, and presenting those can be tricky when overcoming the stereotype.
As facilities worked to change the perception of their services, the one thing that did not change was the rising cost of care, both financially and mentally. Rising financial costs apply not only to seniors but to everything in our nation. For the elderly, it’s making life difficult.
This article will not be all about the percentages and dollar marks. It won’t compare one facility against another. Instead, it will simply bring an awareness of the reality of being a senior when needing care.
The cost of facility living is no secret. Despite the special promotions and move-in discounts available, the fact remains that the costs catch up to seniors. When our mother entered assisted living over seven years ago, her rate was just over $3000 per month. Though we swallowed hard, we began crunching numbers. What we discovered was surprising. Our mother’s home was mortgage-free, and she was debt-free. She had a small pension from her retirement, a small 401k that we set up to manage the life insurance payout when our father passed, and her monthly Social Security.
It was time to sit down and add up her expenses. Electric, water, phone, gas, food, insurance, car maintenance, and home upkeep. All that totaled just over $3000 in monthly expenses. Assisted living made sense. We could simply shift the money to her care in an assisted living facility. And we did. We sold the car, closed out the electric, water, and insurance, and then applied that money directly to her care. However, the assisted living facility rates climbed over the years until they far exceeded her meager pension and Social Security. This was the reality.
The question becomes, what can you do? Your loved one may be unable to live with you due to stairs, lack of space, or even the unavailability of assistance. The options are slim, but the most effective tool you possess is to become proactive. Get involved and become creative. Learn to ask and accept that the worst that could happen is being told no.
Lesson 1 — Begin by assigning money management to a trusted family member, a bank, or a conservator. For our family, I share the responsibility with my sibling. Our first order of business was to make a trip to the bank with our mother. She added us as “owners” on her accounts. What does this mean? It means having access upon their death without tossing all their funds into probate. Simply signing a signature card at the bank does not give you access to funds should your loved one become incapacitated or, worse, pass away. We learned this when my husband’s mother passed. He was on her signature card and could write checks, but
when she passed away, the account was locked, and signature or not, the funds went into probate. My husband couldn’t pay her funeral expenses. The same thing applied to his mother’s insurance policies and 401k. She had funds that couldn’t be accessed because her sons were only listed as beneficiaries and not owners. The funds went into probate. Until that probate time was up, that is where it stayed. Make that trip to the bank and become an owner of all financial accounts.
Lesson 2 — Become your loved one’s advocate. If you don’t advocate for them, who will? Initially, our mother’s facility rate increased by a little over $100 per month per year. And then Covid. Covid became everyone’s excuse to raise prices. We understood to some point that 2021 would be a bit more costly. However, we were unprepared for a $400 monthly rate increase. My brother approached the facility director and discussed our mother’s financial situation. The director took our concerns to the corporate division, which adjusted her monthly rate by $300. We were grateful. Negotiations are not only acceptable but appreciated by facility directors. It’s important to remember that local directors rarely have a hand in price increases with corporate-owned facilities. Going in with tempers raging does nothing except make you look like a hothead. But entering their office with a kind attitude and your financial records does. When we could show our mother’s actual financial situation, and with the longevity of her stay (by this time, nearly nine years), they were kind enough to give her a monthly discount. If you have a loved one in a facility who has several years in their care, negotiate. Be their advocate when they cannot advocate for themselves.
Lesson 3 — Manage the small details with discretion. Nothing means more to your aging parents than to think they are still in control. That doesn’t mean you strip away all their privileges, but you pare them back with a reasonable explanation and then gentle, quiet action. Our mother has her checkbook, but she has little need to write a check. Still, she has her checkbook. She takes her medications on her own every day. I put them in a medication dispenser that dispenses at the correct time every day. She can still take her meds on her own. I simply provide her the convenience of not fighting with medicine bottle lids by sorting them into a medication dispenser that only opens when her meds are ready. She still has control of taking her medications. Growing old is hard enough without saying goodbye to every ounce of independence. Manage the small details with discretion. The day will come when they realize they can no longer take ownership.
These small things can and will make a difference in helping your aging parent grow old gracefully and with dignity. When you see the joy in your loved one, you can see how it’s the little things that make a 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.
Healing Through Community
By Dr. Jami Lee
Healing isn’t meant to happen alone.
In a culture that idolizes independence and “doing it all,” many women find themselves quietly suffering—carrying the weight of chronic illness, grief, trauma, or exhaustion without support. But the truth is, healing thrives in community. Not just any community—but an intentional, compassionate, soul-nourishing circle where your full self is seen, heard, and honored.
From a physiological standpoint, connection is medicine. Our nervous systems are wired for co-regulation. When we’re in the presence of someone who is calm, grounded, and supportive, our body responds with safety signals: slower breath, steadier heart rate, less inflammation. This isn’t just feel-good science—it’s survival biology. We heal faster, think clearer, and process emotions more completely when we are not alone.
Throughout history, healing was always communal. Midwives, medicine women, tribal elders—they didn’t work in silos. They gathered in circles. They shared meals, prayed together, and passed down remedies woven with wisdom. Sickness was not seen as an individual failing, but a call for communal attention and care.
And yet, many of us have lost that. We scroll social media instead of making real eye contact. We isolate when we need connection most. We tell ourselves we don’t want to burden others, not realizing that we are the missing link someone else has been praying for.
Now, if you’re an introvert or someone who’s been deeply wounded by past relationships, you might feel safest in solitude. That’s okay. Solitude can be healing, too—when it’s chosen, not driven by fear. But even the most self-reliant among us need a space where we don’t have to carry it all. The right community doesn’t overwhelm—it gently invites. It doesn’t require performance—it welcomes presence. Healing through community isn’t about constant social interaction; it’s about knowing there’s someone to walk beside you, even if only in stillness.
I know this truth firsthand. When my daughter was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, the isolation nearly broke me. The weight of decisions, fears, and judgment from others felt unbearable. But it was in finding a community—other mothers, holistic practitioners, people who believed in the body’s ability to heal—that I found my own strength. Their stories became roadmaps. Their encouragement became my fuel. And that support didn’t just help my daughter—it transformed me.
Community is more than people. It’s presence. It’s permission. It’s a safe haven where you don’t have to pretend. Where your tears are held with reverence, and your wins are celebrated without competition. It’s where you borrow belief when your own runs dry.
When we gather—whether around a fire, on a Zoom call, or in a sacred workshop space—we create resonance. Our energy fields begin to harmonize. The ancient ache for belonging is soothed. And the healing that once felt impossible begins to unfold.
If you’ve been carrying your burdens alone, consider this your invitation. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. There is a circle waiting for you—a community that honors your story, supports your growth, and holds space for your healing.
At Alternative Healthcare Solutions, we’ve created that space. A sanctuary for seekers, a family for the forgotten, and a home for healers. Because healing through community isn’t a concept—it’s a calling. And when we rise together, we heal deeper than we ever could alone.
Join us at www.join-ahs.org. You’re not alone anymore. Welcome home.
{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.
How to Make Mental Health Matter
The National Institute of Mental Health notes that selfcare plays a significant role in maintaining mental health and supporting recovery. People can safeguard their mental health in many ways, and doing so will improve their overall health as well.
• Spend time in nature. Nature can have a calming effect on people. Going for a walk can help tame stress and break patterns of negative thinking. In Japan, the concept of forest bathing is said to improve mental health. Forest bathing involves spending time in a forest or another green area experiencing the different sounds, sights, and smells that nature offers.
• Set boundaries. B2B Reviews says 12 percent of U.S. workers were fully remote in August 2023. Estimates suggest that the number may have increased to around 14 percent by 2025. Working from home can make it more challenging to set firm divisions between time spent working and home life. Establishing boundaries means not being available 24/7 for calls or emails and not feeling guilty about taking time away from work.
• Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of exercise each day can get feel-good endorphins flowing through the body to boost mood and bodily health.
• Get more sleep. Adults generally need between seven and nine hours of sleep for optimal health and to reach deep sleep phases, says the Mental Health Foundation. Creating consistent sleep routines that include going to bed and waking at the same time each day, avoiding screens before bed, and avoiding caffeine or vigorous exercise late in the day can help improve sleep.
• Try relaxing activities. Relaxing activities can include reading, listening to music, meditation, or low-stress crafts and hobbies. Make time each week for these calming pursuits.
• Socialize with others. Socialization provides opportunities to see others and talk about anything you want to get off your chest. People feeling stress or anxiety might think they are alone. But having conversations with others can illustrate that these are common problems and there are solutions. Sometimes just talking about an issue can help you overcome it.
• Use your vacation time. Too many people are not using enough of their deserved and accrued time off. A survey from the financial services company Sorbet found that 62 percent of Americans don’t use all of their paid time off. A Pew Research Center survey found that nearly half of U.S. employees with paid time off take less time than their employers offer. Failure to take time off is a recipe for burnout. Mental health should be a priority.
Safeguarding mental health can involve various self-care techniques that anyone can employ.
Life Care Center of Gray
Reduce the Risk of Lost Pets
Dog Parents Can Practice Pet Etiquette
I ntroducing a pet into a home is not a decision to take lightly. In addition to the considerable financial investment associated with pet ownership, owners must devote time and energy to safeguarding the well-being of their pets. That includes reducing the chances that the animal becomes lost.
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.
But people can do their part to protect pets from escaping or getting lost. Here are some proactive steps to take.
• 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.
• Get pet identification. Take a multi-layered approach to identifying the pet, such as name and contact information printed on a collar tag. In addition, have the pet microchipped.
• Consider a GPS-enabled collar. Another great tool is attaching a GPS-enabled device to a pet collar. In the event the pet cannot be found, pet owners can track the animal’s location using a mobile phone.
• 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.
• Secure the home and yard. Check for any apparent points of weakness around the home or yard. Curious animals can quickly turn into escape artists, especially if there is a wild animal to chase or a scent they want to investigate. Securing the home can cut down on potential problems.
• 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.
• Utilize obedience training. Working with a certified dog trainer or cat behaviorist can teach the pet to curb an instinct to bolt. If they start to
• Be mindful of shopping with pets. Many stores do not allow dogs inside, but employees may be
run off, training can help pets develop adequate recall skills to come back when called. Trainers also can teach techniques to quell pets’ desires to dart when a house or fence door is open.
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.
• Choose well-fitting collars and harnesses. A collar can be rendered useless if the pet is able to slip its head out, especially when a little pressure is applied. A martingale collar is a special collar that will safely tighten when the dog tries to pull away. When the dog loosens up the pull, the collar goes back to its comfortable position. Harnesses may be even more secure for escape artists because they attach around the midsection rather than the neck.
• 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.
• Use leashes on pets. The animal should be on a leash whenever it is taken outdoors where there is no fence or secured area. Even the most welltrained pets may run off from time to time. Not to mention, leash laws exist in many areas for both the dog’s and people’s protection.
It’s important that pet owners take steps to prevent their furry friends from running away and getting lost.
Dogs are beloved members of the family. However, pet owners should practice proper etiquette when dogs are out and about.
Surprising Features of Shopping Local
Amovement to “shop local” gained steam as more communities faced few options outside of big-box stores. The shop local approach encourages consumers to patronize local businesses, and even those fully devoted to the cause might not realize how beneficial it can be. The following is a look at how communities and residents win when shopping local.
• Shopping local increases employment opportunities. Small businesses employ more workers in the United States than their larger counterparts, creating two out of every three new jobs, according to the Small Business Administration. In fact, small businesses account for 99.7 percent of all employer firms in the United States. Buying locally means employment levels are either going to be stable or there will be more opportunities for local residents to work in the community.
• Shopping local does not cost more money. Many people are under the assumption that buying locally is always more expensive. But this isn’t always the case. Local shops may offer a range of products from a particular region, which will reduce shipping costs, and that savings can be passed on to the consumer. Plus, small businesses may offer special discounts and promotions more readily than nationwide chains, so consumers can get more value for their money.
• Shopping local helps to keep money in the community. Patronizing local stores creates a recirculation of money in the community. Dollars spent in town raise the overall level of economic activity, which helps pay salaries and builds up the local tax base, says Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development.
• Shopping local can help the planet. Environmentalists were among the first people to promote local consumption, as buying local can cut down on transportation-related pollution.
• Shopping local stretches beyond seasonal events. Certainly, there are a host of local merchants that do much of their business during key times of the year or specialize in seasonal produce. However, many local businesses also offer products year-round, and these local merchants include artisans, designers, musicians, and clothing retailers.
There are many reasons to increase reliance on local shops and vendors, who benefit communities and residents in myriad ways.
It’s A Classic!
Short and sweet film reviews of old, classic movies perfect for a girls’ night in!
By Allison Lawson
Brody (played by Roy Scheider) wants to close the beaches, but mayor Larry Vaughn overrules him, fearing that the loss of tourist revenue will cripple the town. Oceanographer Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and grizzled ship captain Quint (Robert Shaw) offer to help Brody capture the killer beast, and the trio engage in an epic battle of man vs. nature. While Jaws is considered a horror movie, it also makes for a fun summer viewing—as long as you don’t watch it right before your beach vacation!
It’s officially summer! This month, as we celebrate the Fourth of July, I thought I’d recommend an iconic movie that literally takes place on that date: Jaws (1975), directed by Steven Spielberg. This movie, which is based on the 1974 novel by Peter Benchley, shocked moviegoers when it came out and scared people from going back to the beach. When a young woman is killed by a shark while skinny-dipping near the New England tourist town of Amity Island, police chief Martin
Wine Pairing:
Watch this movie with a chilled glass of white zinfandel in your hand and experience a light, fruity citrus flavor—a perfect combination for summertime.
JCP Book Pairing:
Looking for a kid-friendly beach read that features the ocean and sea creatures? Try Walter the Whale by Olivia Carmichael.
YWCA NETN and SWVA Now Hiring Childcare Staff to Support Growing Programs
YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia is excited to announce we are currently hiring for multiple childcare staff positions to support the expansion of our early childhood programs. As demand for quality care continues to grow, we are seeking passionate, dedicated individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families.
Positions are available for both fulltime and part-time roles, with opportunities ranging from classroom assistants to lead teachers. Applicants should have a love for working with children, strong communication skills, and a team-oriented mindset. Prior experience and certifications in childcare or early education are preferred but not required for all positions.
“We are proud to be a trusted resource for families in our community,
and we’re growing to meet their needs,” said Kathy Waugh, YWCA NETN and SWVA CEO. “We’re looking for compassionate individuals who want to be part of a supportive and mission-driven team.”
YWCA NETN and SWVA offers a positive work environment, ongoing training, and the chance to make a lasting impact. Those interested in applying are encouraged to visit www.indeed.com/ cmp/Ywca-Netn-and-Swva for more information and to submit an application or call 423-968-9444.
YWCA NETN and SWVA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, standing up for social justice, and building a stronger community. As part of an international movement serving over 2 million people in the U.S. and 25 million worldwide, the YWCA remains committed to making a lasting impact
Frozen Blueberry Lemonade
6 servings
2 pt. lemon sorbet
4 cups refrigerated lemonade
2 cups frozen blueberries
Fresh basil leaves
Lemon wheels
1. Remove sorbet from freezer, and let soften slightly, about 5 minutes. Working in 2 batches, if necessary, add sorbet, lemonade, and blueberries to a blender.
2. Process until smooth but still frozen, about 20 seconds. Pour blueberry mixture into serving glasses. Garnish with basil leaves and lemon wheels. Serve immediately.
1. Bring sugar, 1/2 cup water, and blueberries to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium, stirring often to dissolve sugar.
2. Remove from heat; smash blueberries with a fork. Add basil, and stir until submerged. Let blueberry-basil syrup stand at room temperature until mixture is cool, about 20 minutes.
3. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a small pitcher; discard solids. Stir in lime juice and 3 cups of water. Serve over ice, and garnish with small basil sprigs and blueberries.
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 13 x 9–inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the edges of the pan. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and eggs in a medium bowl. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture; whisk until well combined.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350°F until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 33 minutes.
4. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes. Lift the cake out of the pan using parchment paper; cool the cake completely on a wire rack.
5. To prepare frosting, place butter in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. With a mixer on low speed, gradually add powdered sugar. Add milk, vanilla, and salt; mix on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Place cake on a large platter; spread frosting evenly over top and sides of cake. Arrange blueberries in the top left corner of the cake to resemble the stars of the American flag. Arrange rows of raspberries over the cake to resemble stripes.
Source: www.southernliving.com/flag-cake-8650693
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.
