April 07, 2017

April 7th - April 20th, 2017

AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali Elizabeth: 256-468-9425

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature Athens And Limestone Support Scouting Program With Annual Breakfast...

The Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, Scout House and Athens-Limestone Public Library are...

Page 5

What Makes Ronnie Roll Kim’s First Day...

It had been an emotional week, a changing of the guard, if you will. Vicki Dowd’s last day as...

Page 8

Clean And Green

Assaulting Autism In North Alabama

By Ali Elizabeth Turner When I got home from Iraq nearly 10 years ago to the day, my husband Steve took me home to a charming two bedroom apartment he had just rented for us, located on Nick Davis Road in Athens.

Some of the first neighbors I met were Todd and Continued on page 15

Complete Hormone Solutions: Find Out How Great You Can Feel

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Earth Day & Outdoor Expo: What’s It All About?...

We’re all familiar with Earth Day, but not all of us know its history...

Page 10

April 7 - April 20, 2017

Gage Tomerlin with Jonathan Allen, former Alabama Defensive End

For nearly 18 years, Dr. Darryl Osborn had a successful chiropractic practice based in Decatur, and as a man of faith, felt deeply blessed. He was doing what he loved, had a beautiful family, and was grateful for the Continued on pages 17

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April 7 - April 20, 2017

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor

What Are You Missing?

Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers Janet Hunt Lynne Hart Teresa Todd Joel Allen Shelley Underhill D. A. Slinkard Jerry Barksdale Wanda Campbell Rachel Clark, RN BSN Paul Foreman Holly Hollman

What if we were having coffee and I looked across the table and said to you, “What are you missing?” Your first instinct might be to panic and think that you’ve misplaced your cell phone. Or, you may think that this is some new, trendy joke, and you haven’t seen enough memes on Face-

is, (and please forgive the pun), “layered.” The word for “garment” is pretty straight forward. It just is a “wrap or mantle.” Ahhh, but the word for “praise” is a veritable feast. It is tehillah, and don’t get mad at me that it rhymes with “tequila.” I didn’t come up with this stuff! The first layer is that it means “to shine.”

Do you know any “shiny” people? I can think of some,

Halal, the word from which tehillah is derived, also means “to flash forth light.”

I think of a lighthouse, something whose sole purpose is to illuminate the rocks that want to destroy your ship, and to bring you home safely. People who have chosen to wear

never have any problem at all acting like fools or mad men at the Iron Bowl, but the idea of getting that way over all the blessings of life, the privilege of being free, and lavishing our Maker with unabashed, deeply grateful love for being undeservedly forgiven somehow seems beneath us.

What are we missing? In this season of renewal, where we celebrate the passing over of the death angel and the tri-

the garment of praise are not only “shiny,” they are safe people to be around. They’ve got your back, and they’ve got your front. Are you one of them?

umph of the Resurrection, my assertion is that you need to toss back enough tehillah to make you shine, and wrap yourself up in a garment that will never go out of style.

The rest of the “word layers” have to do with music, being a boaster, (obviously not about yourself), and for those of you who might just have too much starch in your collar, “to be a fool,” or, my personal favorite, “to act like a mad man.” Notice that we

Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com

until they find it, train it, and ride it! And, their joy is so inarguably genuine while doing so that they don’t set your teeth on edge.

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . 10-11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Shelley . . . 13 Cover Stories . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 16 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . 18 Jerry's Journal . . . . . . . . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Foreman's Forum . . . . . . . . 23

April 7 - April 20, 2017

book, which is resulting in the false dilemma that somehow you aren’t “in the know.”

What I would propose is that what you are missing, or may have temporarily misplaced is your “garment of praise.” I know that I certainly do from time to time, and the result is needless stress and being a self-piteous sour puss.

What is a “garment of praise,” and where can I get one? As is so often the case with the Hebrew language, the concept

and they are not bliss ninnies, choosing to exude an artificial joy. To the man or woman, they have had great sorrow in their lives, and by the grace of God they have chosen to exchange their “spirit of heaviness” for the “garment of praise.” These are the people that have discovered a great secret, which is, no matter what horrible or exhausting thing is going on, somewhere in all the poo there is a real live pony, and they won’t stop

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All Things Soldier

Heart Lessons From Hacksaw Ridge

by Ali Elizabeth Turner When I saw the trailer for Hacksaw Ridge, I knew it was one of those things that I needed to see, and also that doing so would be rough. I was right; and while watching it was difficult, just like other films such as Saving Private Ryan, Lone Survivor, and American Sniper, I came away from it thankful once again for the prices that have been paid to keep me safe and free.

Hacksaw Ridge is the true story of Desmond Doss, a medic who served in the Pacific theatre during World War II. Desmond was a Seventh Day Adventist and had the unusual distinction of being a conscientious objector as well as someone who wanted to help his country become victorious over the Empire of the Sun. He refused to even touch a gun, let alone learn to shoot one, while he was in Boot Camp.

To say that he was hazed by his fellow grunts is an un-

derstatement, and his commanding officers thought that he was some kind of combination of crazy and cowardly, which nearly landed him in Leavenworth.

How strange it must have been to fight for the right to fight, but not the way everyone thought you should!

And, how tempting it would have been to cave in and forsake your personal values in a situation such as Desmond faced. His enemies were everywhere, and many were supposed to be his comrades in arms. The U.S. Army finally ruled that if he wanted to go into combat without any protection other than prayer, he could. And it was straight into a hellish fight where his faith was tested, and his strength of conviction was divinely rewarded.

The Battle of Okinawa is considered by many to be the bloodiest of the entire war. “Hacksaw” was the anglicized nickname for

Kakazu Ridge, a 280-foot elevation that was described as “hell’s own cesspool.”

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

$7

April 17th

11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm

Musical Entertainment • 5-7pm 17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4

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There was an extensive set of bunkers, underground tunnels, and the more than obvious advantage of height. Wave after wave of American soldiers were repelled, and units were decimated. Once any American soldiers made it to the top, the Japanese were waiting, and were not to be deterred.

Desmond’s unit had to retreat down the ridge, as had their other brothers in battle. Desmond chose to stay up on the ridge all night and found a way to lower the wounded down through a system of ropes. He was past being exhausted, beyond being traumatized, and got his guys through it by passionately praying “Lord, let me get one more. Just one more.” God heard his prayer, and by the next day, 75 of his unit were carried or drug by Desmond to the edge of the ridge, and then

lowered down. His hands were torn open, and he was nearly captured by the Japanese more than once.

For his courage, Desmond Doss was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry Truman and went on to live a quiet life with his wife and children. He passed away in 2006, and I doubt he ever expected to be the subject of a film which was nominated for six Academy Awards, and won two. It is exactly that kind of humility that makes the Greatest Generation just that, and I am sure if Desmond were with us, all he would say was, “I was just doing my job.” What he showed me was the most vivid example of the “greater love” of one who “lays his life down for his friends” that I have ever seen, and in this Resurrection season, I am most grateful.

April 7 - April 20, 2017

Special Feature

Athens And Limestone Support Scouting Program With Annual Breakfast

by Holly Hollman The Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, Scout House and Athens-Limestone Public Library are among the many local projects that have benefitted from the Boy Scout program.

Limestone County Commission and Limestone County Schools organized the breakfast, which was sponsored in part by Steelcase and Redstone Federal Credit Union.

The Boy Scouts and Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks check out a Polaris Slingshot during the Athens-Limestone Community Breakfast, a fundraiser for the Boy Scouts.

“The City of Athens and Limestone County understand the importance of supporting programs that engage our youth in civic endeavors,” Mayor Ronnie Marks said.

“These are our future leaders, and programs like Scouting teach them to be invested in the community.”

Scouts seeking the Eagle Scout rank have volunteered throughout the city and county to improve facilities, assist non-profits and beautify the community.

On Wednesday, April 5, local leaders gathered for the annual Athens-Limestone Community Breakfast to raise funds to support the Arrowhead District, which serves Limestone County Scouts. Eric Blackwell, the director of plant operations at Polaris, was the keynote speaker. Blackwell stressed that employers like Polaris place importance on career tech education and the values instilled in those involved in Scouting.

As part of the program, the

Scouts honored three schools for their efforts to be creative in offering career-related education to students. The three schools that received Heart of an Eagle awards were: •Athens Renaissance School •Limestone County Technical Center

Career

•Calhoun Community College A committee comprised of Scouts, the City of Athens,

Limestone County Career Technical Center

Calhoun Community College

April 7 - April 20, 2017

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Athens Renaissance School

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Calendar of Events Annual Flashlight Egg Hunt!

Apr 8th

Friendship Church, 16479 Lucas Ferry Road in Athens.

There will be egg hunts for everyone, including individuals with special needs as well as youth and adults. There will be food vendors serving all your favorite fair-style foods, and your entire family will enjoy inflatables, games, and craft activities. The fun kicks off at 5:30pm and egg hunts begin at 6:00pm. RAIN OR SHINE! Egg Hunt Schedule: 6:00 | Special Needs • 6:30 | Under 2 7:00 | 2s and 3s • 7:15 | 4s through Kindergarten 7:45 | 1st through 5th grade • 8:00 | Youth / Adults For more info, check out www.friendshipumc.org.

There will also be a Flashlight Egg Hunt at our North Campus on Sunday, April 9 at 5:30pm. Friendship North is located at 21960 Easter Ferry Road, Elkmont, AL 35620.

Premier Women's Organization & Food Pantry First Saturday of Each Month

Athens April Historic Walking Tours Now Thru Apr 29th

Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO Apr 29th

10 am to 3 pm at Friendship Church in Athens. This free event is hosted by Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful. Live animals, lots of exhibits and vendors, make-and-take crafts, raptor show

by Wings to Soar, free hot dogs and Pepsi, door prizes and more.

Get a massage from HealthSource for $1/min with proceeds returned to KALB. This is a great event for all ages, so come to learn and join the fun. Information: KALBCares@gmail.com, 256-233-8000 or KALBCares.com (under EVENT tab).

Gardening Questions Answered Every Tuesday

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association (LCMGA) is available every Tuesday and the first Saturday of every month at Athens Limestone Public Library from 10 - 2 to answer gardening questions.

2nd Annual Biker / Motorcycle Event Apr 29th

Limestone County Extension Office on Market Street. Meeting and speaker is open to the public. Social time with refreshments at 12:30pm. At 1:00pm, Jay Shaw will speak about "Poisonous Snakes". Monthly meeting will follow. For more information, contact Janet Hunt 256-614-3530 or jhunt9155@gmail.com.

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Houston Memorial Library and Museum, 101 North Houston Street in Athens. The library is helping to celebrate Earth Day by recycling books to new owners during our two day book sale!

April 21st from 2-6pm and April 22 from 9am-noon will be the time to come find the bargains. We are selling 10 paperbacks for only $1 and each hard back book for only $1. We will also have a reserve table for some true treasure hunting amongst highly collectable books. We will have every genre available; fiction, non-fiction, self-help, young adult, Western, Mystery, cook books and DYI books a plenty. Bring a bag (or five) and load up! Come see what you can find during our Friday afternoon and Saturday morning event! Please remember that 100% of the money collected will go directly to repairing and renovating the Houston Memorial Library and Museum.

100 North Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611. Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association host the Sweet Home Alabama April Saturday Walking Tours each Saturday in April. Attendees will be offered up to 4 simultaneous tours each Saturday to choose from.

Check-in is 9:45am at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center and the walking tours are 1-2 hours in duration.

Prayer • Elderly Assistance • Feed The Hungry Clothes • Scholarships • Empowering Women Volunteers Wanted & Needed Call for Details -256.233.5995 Meeting Time: First Saturday of Each Month at 1:30pm Food pantry open now. wewoa.org • E-Mail: wew5995@gmail.com

Limestone County Master Gardeners' Association Meeting Apr 10

Houston Memorial Library and Museum Book Sale Apr 21st - 22nd

Point Mallard Park (large pavilion near wave pool), Decatur, AL. Get your motor runnin’… head out on the highway… looking for adventure? If that’s you (yes, it’s you!) come out and join us for a scenic ride, food and prizes. Hosted by the Decatur-based chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). No fee is required but any donation appreciated. This is a Run for the Son (RFS) event whereby any donations collected will be 100% disbursed to CMA headquarters so it can be used to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, nationally and internationally.

8:30am-3pm with group ride at 9am, then lunch at approx noon.

Ride maps will be provided if you want to ride solo. More info: 256-509-2419.

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April 7 - April 20, 2017

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Kim’s First Day

by Ali Elizabeth Turner It had been an emotional week, a changing of the guard, if you will. Vicki Dowd’s last day as the Mayor’s secretary was Friday, March 31st, and on the 30th several hundred people gathered at her retirement party.

Athens City Councilman Jimmy Gill, who was so sadly taken from us a year ago, used to refer to Vicki as “L’il Red,” and her contribution to our city has been incalculable for decades. God bless you, Li’l Red; enjoy your retirement, and thank you from all of us!

Before Vicki said “adieu,” she had spent several weeks getting long-time City Hall Clerk’s Office employee Kim Glaze up to speed as Kim prepared to become the new secretary.

Mayor Ronnie had her come in for our usual Monday appointment. It was Kim’s first day and one for celebration. The

weekend had been full of good things, which I will get to in a moment, but as we talked, I realized that in Kim I was experiencing something truly rare. She is someone who is a “hometown, home-grown, Athens, Sweet-HomeAlabama gal,” and all her life, all she wanted be someday was, as she said with a dear smile, “the secretary to the mayor.” All I could do was exclaim, “Really?!”

I was thankful that he was temporarily on the phone when I realized that my outburst could have been misconstrued to mean something along the lines of, “Why would anyone ever want to do that, especially with Marks as mayor?” I meant no disrespect toward Wm. Ronnie Marks, I was just stunned that I was sitting at the table with someone who had set a

goal long ago, worked hard toward achieving it, and now was literally living the dream. Fulfilling such a precise dream doesn’t happen very often, and I was impressed.

Goal setting really DOES work, and Kim is the proof!

For several years, Mayor Ronnie has been a part of the Unsung Heroes Scholarship project, and this past weekend was their annual banquet. In addition to celebrating scholarship funds raised for students, there are also a number of service awards given to deserving members of the

derson, Shannon O’Neill, Olivia Breeding, Sierra Shores, Jordan Russell, and Bryan Smith.

The total amount raised for scholarships through the generosity of churches, businesses, clubs, foundations, families and individuals was $4,211. The evening ended with live, toe-tapping music, but Mayor Ronnie’s day wasn’t over yet.

It began with Coffee Call at the Vets’ Museum, and after the UnKim Glaze sung Heroes banquet, he went to community. The 2017 the Courthouse to light scholarship winners are the lights for the month Elsa Marin, Desi Fletchof April, which is Naer Jr., Mantayvious Hentional Autism Awareness month. The color for Autism Awareness is bright blue, and that color will shine each night until the end of the month. On hand for the lighting was Todd Tomerlin who is active in the Autism community in Alabama and the father of a 17-year-old son, Gage, whose story is on the front page of this edition of Athens Now.

It was Kim’s first day and a hoppin’ day for Mayor Ronnie and me, but we needed to take time to pray. So we did, and then it was time for Kim and Ronnie to roll.

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April 7 - April 20, 2017

Slinkard On Success

The ABCs Of Success

by D. A. Slinkard D.A. Slinkard is the manager of the Athens Staples store To achieve anything in life worth having takes doing something the regular person is not inclined to do. Whether it is health, wealth, or reaching a particular goal, there is one key ingredient every person must have to be successful in business and in life. The term success means something as different to each person as our core values are unique to each individual. No matter the differences in the person, I believe you can find both success and bliss through a process I refer to as the “ABC” principle.

“A” stands for Action “B” stands for Believe “C” stands for Commitment

Action: This is where the

magic happens when you want to achieve success.

Too often people miscalculate the amount of effort needed to accomplish success in a particular area. People misjudge the necessary steps required in order to achieve their dreams and instead of re-evaluating what they should be doing differently, they keep doing the same things over and over again expecting a different result. This is the definition of insanity.

busy enough to say they’re working towards their goals, towards their dreams, but in reality, not enough people are taking the necessary actions to achieve what they want.

When you know what you want, you must map out the actions you want to take and then think about the additional actions you are going to have to take for the speed bumps that will come along in life. As long as you have a heartbeat, there will be unforeseen obstacles that you didn’t expect.These distractions will pop up and you must be prepared to handle them. When these distractions occur you must rely upon the next step of the “ABC” principle.

Believe: Taking action is not enough to find success.

You have to combine the right amount of effort with

the belief process that you CAN achieve your goals.

Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, either way you are right.”

You must believe you will accomplish the goal, otherwise you are going to continue the failures of your past. Whether you realize it or not, we all follow through with this process. We either believe we will accomplish our goals or we believe we will not, but either way we believe something.

What is your belief system telling you about your goals? I have people tell me they believe they can achieve their hopes, their dreams, their goals, but then “reality” sets in. You know what I’m speaking of, that small voice of reason that begins to plant the seed of doubt in your mind. This

small seed begins to grow and just like weeds choking a beautiful flower bed, the seeds of doubt have stifled your ability to believe in yourself. One way to continue believing in yourself is in the final stage of the “ABC” principle.

Commitment: This is the

3rd portion of the ABCs, and commitment is important to combine with the Action you take and the Belief you have in achieving success. Commitment is almost as important as taking action because even though action helps you achieve success, being committed to something is what helps you achieve your goals. In the beginning of any new hope, dream, or goal we all have a sense of belief we can achieve our heart’s desire. Yet over time these thoughts begin to wane, and

this is why we must utilize the commitment towards our goal. I would rather be 100% committed to the wrong thing, than 50% committed to the right thing. When you make a decision to go after something you need to go all in, leave no stone unturned to make sure you hit your target.

When you utilize Action, when you Believe, when you have Commitment in your life, you will find a new utopia for your hopes, dreams and goals. There will be times you will need to re-evaluate all 3 stages but focusing in on these 3 words will help you be great in business and life.

Take the necessary Actions, Believe in yourself, and make a Commitment so that your future self will thank you.

To break through the barrier and generate the success you desire, you need to take what you think should be the necessary steps and multiply your effort. You understand me correctly in that too many people are doing just enough to get by. Too many people are staying

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Tourism

The Bicentennial Begins 2017-2019

by Teresa Todd, TMP

President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association The Bicentennial Cemetery Stroll will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2017 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in the Athens City Cemetery between Hobbs and Washington Streets. You will see the cemetery “come alive” with more than 40 period-attired personalities representing notables and direct descendants from the past 200 years during this annual historical and educational event. The history of Athens City Cemetery is also the history of the Southeast during America’s southern and westward expansion.

This event is free to the public, though donations are welcome to assist in the efforts of preserving these historical markers. Event sponsors are Sons of Confederate Veterans, Athens-

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Limestone County Tourism and the Order of the Confederate Rose. Contact the Visitor Center at 256-232-5411, VisitAthensAL.com or on Facebook for more information.

The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association also announces its April Historic Walking Tours to be held each Saturday in April (1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th).

Strollers should meet at the Athens Visitors Center, 100 North Beaty Street on the corner of Beaty and Market Streets by the duck pond at 9:45 a.m. The walks will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. and will last approximately one hour. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket and/or umbrella for unexpected weather. The walks are free and open to

the public. For more information: 256-232-5411 or VisitAthensAL.com Alabama is the only state in the nation to hold statewide, simultaneous walking tours. We have had over 2,500 guests since Athens started participating in the state walks in 2006, and they keep increasing in popularity every year. Strollers may choose one of 6 different walks each Saturday in April. It’s a great way for children and their parents to learn about local history.

Groups are welcome.

Experience the culture and history of Athens by taking one of these walks each Saturday: Tour 1: Historic Downtown Athens Square with Buzz Estes or William Pepper

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Tour 2: Beaty Historic District, Washington Street and Old Town Cemetery with Bill Ward Tour 3: Historic City Cemetery with Jimmy Hill or Buzz Estes Tour 4: Houston Historic District with Rebekah Davis Tour 5: Alabama Veterans Museum with Teddy Dutton Tour 6: Athens State University with Anna Gibbs These local residents serving as guides will share personal remembrances and history of their respective walk.

Other events you may want to enjoy during April include: April 8th -- Flashlight Egg Hunt with Friendship UMC on Lucas Ferry Road in Athens. There will be egg hunts

for everyone, including individuals with special needs as well as youth and adults.

There will be food vendors serving all your favorite fair-style foods, and your entire family will enjoy inflatables, games, and craft activities. The fun kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and the egg hunts begin at 6:00 p.m.

April 8th -- 6th annual City of Athens Relay for Life Bass Fishing Tournament at Ingalls Harbor (Decatur) beginning at 6:25 a.m. The City of Athens Relay for Life Team hosts this tournament as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and the support of local cancer patients. Each year, we hear great stories from the fishermen and their families who have a personal experience with the

April 7 - April 20, 2017

fight to beat cancer.

April 11th -- Gettin' Dirty at the Library: Backyard Tomatoes from 11:00 a.m. to noon. It's time to Get Dirty at the Library! Join us at Athens-Limestone Pubic Library for monthly gardening talks presented by the Limestone County Extension Office and the Alabama Master Gardeners.

April's topic will be backyard tomatoes. Feel free to bring a sack lunch. Drinks and a light dessert will be provided. This series is free with no registration required.

April 13th -- The Athens High School Jazz Band will be hosting a musical night of jazz, rock, blues, etc. to raise funds for future trips and needed equipment.

Dinner will be catered by 306 Barbecue. The AHS Jazz Band, along with some guest artists, will be the entertainment for the night.

It starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be at the Limestone County Event Center, 114 West Pryor Street in Athens. Ticket Prices: Single Ticket - $25; Couple Ticket - $45; Reserve a table of 6 for $150; Reserve a table of 8 for $200. For tickets call (256) 233-6613 April 14th -- Miss Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo Ages 3-18 Pageant Deadline.

Contestants in this division compete to win a custom trophy saddle, a custom belt buckle, a watch, scholarship money and much more. The entry fee for this division is $100.00. Applications can be picked up at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office at 101 W. Elm St. April 14th -- 1st Annual Limestone Music Festival.

The East Limestone High School Band invites you to their music festival at the Limestone County Event Center starting at 7:00 p.m.

The festival features Erik Smallwood, Wild Parsley, Brent Morgan, Free Range, Hayden Scott, Elizabeth McCrary, Jay Rinkel and

April 7 - April 20, 2017

Lillian Glanton. Tickets are $10.00 each. Tickets go on sale March 1st at Chick-FilA US 72, Athens, AL; Village Pizza East Limestone Road, Athens, AL; and from any member of the East Limestone Band.

April 15th -- Plant Sale at the Limestone County Farmers Market located at 409 Green Street in Athens from 8:00 a.m.-noon with plants for the home or garden grown by the Limestone County Master Gardeners.

April 15th -- Easter Egg Hunt with Athens Park and Recreation at the All Kids Park at the Athens SportsPlex on US 31 in Athens. Bring the kids and their Easter baskets for activities and hunts starting at 2 p.m. with 0-4 year olds at 2:30 p.m. (one parent may assist); 5-9 year olds at 3:00 p.m. (one parent may assist); and 10-13 years olds at 3:30PM. Find a Golden Egg for a special prize!

April 20th -- Yesterday's Senior Lunch Matinee at 15631 Brownsferry Rd. April's featured performers will be Replay with a collection of oldies. All seating is reserved - $12.00 each with groups seated together. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Events start at 11 a.m. with seating, opening announcements, blessing, and lunch; show begins around noon and lasts about 1 hour. Bus parking is available. E-mail reservations are required info@yesterdaysevents.com April 20th -- Third Thursday Book Club from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Please join us at the Athens-Limestone Public Library for coffee, baked treats, and gentle reads. This month's book is Good Karma

by Christine Kelly. Copies are available for check-out at the library.

April 22nd -- The County for a Cure Relay for Life team announces their Second Annual Corn-hole for a Cure Tournament to benefit the American Cancer Society.

The event will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena located on Highway 99 in Athens, Alabama. The tournament is a best two-outof-three winner’s bracket.

The loser’s bracket is oneand-done. Registration forms are available at the Limestone County Commission Office and County for a Cure Facebook Page.

show. There will be two gates through which you can gain entry to park - 1st is near Green & Jefferson - 2nd is near Washington & Clinton. You must pay your registration fee to the attendant at the gate before parking your car.

April 29th -- KALB 2017 Earth Day and Outdoor Expo at Friendship Church, 16479 Lucas Ferry Road from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Plenty of parking, events indoors and outdoors, live animals, food, crafts, and fun for all ages!

April 29th -- Heartland Anglers Bass Tournament Divi-

sion 1 Wheeler/Elk River at the Lee-High Boat Ramp on US 72 west of Athens from safe light until 3:00 p.m. for amateur-based team trail for the Average Everyday Angler. Membership: $35, Tournament Fees: $50, Lunker: $10 Matt Leicher ~ 256-777-9843 For more information on the above events or other events and attractions in Athens-Limestone, visit the Athens Visitors Center located at 100 North Beaty Street or call 256-232-5411.

Information is also posted on our website at www.VisitAthensAL.com.

April 28th -- The Alabama Veterans Museum Annual Fish Fry from 11:00 a.m.1:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1917 US 72W in Athens. Proceeds go to support the museum. Menu: Catfish, Chicken Tenders, French Fries; Slaw, Hushpuppies, Drink and Dessert.

Purchase advance tickets at the AL Veterans Museum, 100 West Pryor Street in Athens, for $10.00 or at the door for $12.00. Carryout available. For more information: 256-771-7578 April 29th -- Cars and Bikes on the Square in downtown Athens. Stroll among the antique automobiles, peruse the boutique-lined sidewalks, get a bite at the local eateries, or just treat yourself to some ice cream. Cars on the Square has something for the whole family! Registration for vehicles is from 8:00 a.m. to noon and is $20.00.

You will only be allowed to park "on the Square" if you are a paid participant in the

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Clean and Green

Earth Day & Outdoor Expo: What’s It All About?

by Lynne Hart, Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful We’re all familiar with Earth Day, but not all of us know its history.

Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin was witness to the devastating effects of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, and was inspired to organize a “teach-in” to educate the public about the environment. The first official Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970.

for 47 years, has contributed the support needed to create the Environmental Protection Agency, passage of the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Endangered Species Act and several other environmental laws.

Many have opinions regarding these agencies and their possible overreach; however, it remains imperative that we have effective laws in place that will prevent unscrupulous

According to “History of Earth Day” by the Earth Day Network, “groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized they shared common val-

were deeply concerned over the deterioration of our environment and the mindless dissipation of our resources.”

KALB’S CELEBRATION Since 2009, KALB has been honoring Earth Day with a celebration for all to enjoy.

We have worked hard to keep the event free of charge so everyone can come to see, learn, play, and enjoy.

Is this event just for kids? Absolutely NOT!

how you can build one. Get answers to gardening questions from local Master Gardeners, paint with an artist from Athens Arts League, get a free plant from the AthensLimestone Beautification Board (while they last), and learn about Wheeler Wildlife Nature Preserve or hiking at Bankhead National Forest.

Check out Perfectly Posh naturally-based and crueltyfree bath and body products, Remembrances of Yours re-

cycled jewelry and glassworks, Hinge Gifts & Home Accessories, or Sweet Home Soaps handcrafted soap and skincare items.

There will be plenty of live animals, including raptors from Wings to Soar, as well as crafts, games and handson activities.

Admission is free and there will be complimentary hot dogs and Pepsi, treats, and door prizes.

Donations will be gladly accepted, of

EARTH DAY & OUTDOOR EXPO Saturday, April 29th • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Friendship Church, 16479 Lucas Ferry Rd. Rain or Shine course!

KALB thanks our sponsors for supporting the Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO. Sponsors include Custom Polymers PET, Bank Independent, Clem Tire, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Crews Inc., Top Job Roofing, First National Bank, and the Mayor’s Youth Commission. These sponsors make this event possible.

We hope to see you there!

ues.”

Earth Day continues to be an event to celebrate and reflect and raise public awareness about pollution and how we can become part of the solution. This annual celebration, which has been ongoing

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people from poisoning the planet for their own gain.

In an article for the EPA Journal reflecting on the 10th anniversary of Earth Day, Senator Nelson wrote, “It was on that day that Americans made it clear that they understood and

While the children love the event, we have had many adults comment on how much they have learned and how much they look forward to future celebrations.

Come and learn about the importance of pollinators or why rain barrels are helpful and

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Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com April 7 - April 20, 2017

Cooking with Shelley

Tamale Bake

by Shelley Underhill This is a combination of already prepared foods that when put together make a quick and easy recipe. Try it, you will not be sorry! You can email me at shelleysdesk@gmail.com with any questions... Enjoy!

What you will need: 3 cans La Preferida tamales (the only place I can find them is Publix) 1 small can of chopped green chilies 11 oz. of four-cheese Mexican blend cheese

What you will do: Spray an 8x8 glass baking dish with non-stick spray. Take a paper towel and blot grease off of tamales; toss them into the baking dish and separate them. Spread green chilies over the top of tamales.

Next, cover the top of dish with cheese. Microwave on high for 13 15 minutes or until tamale bake is bubbling.

If you are going to bake them in a conventional oven, set your thermometer for 350⠰F and bake for 30 minutes. Check them at 15 minutes to make sure the cheese isn’t browning too quickly. Cover with foil as needed and let the tamales stand for five minutes after you remove them from the oven.

April 7 - April 20, 2017

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Page 13

The Millennial Mind

A Good Deed In A Naughty World

by Rosemary Dewar

Pluralism is one of the greatly misunderstood elements of American culture. Each prominent ideology and belief system assumes they can govern more morally than the other. Again, the centralization of power is a situation the Founding Fathers resisted so fervently. Once any ideology or strategy becomes set on driving out another, the culture is ripe for conflict. This may sound like diversity, but it is far from it. In the 1850s, American political diversity was so prominent that it led to the birth of the Republican Party and the ignition of the Civil War. Diversity is a popular sentiment that has led to great division. Identity has become a device of entitlement. If someone can convince another that they are more deserving because of how different they claim to be, they are rewarded with immunity from consequence while others are not. For those who say, “Life’s not fair,” it becomes all the more so with the adoption of socially engineered diversity.

The Republican Party was created out of the conflict amongst the Whigs concerning the heinous presence of slavery. Whigs in the North did not own slaves; Whigs in the South did. The capital created by northern states with the introduction of industrial technology threatened

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the farm-based southern states. Slavery was a way for southern states to stay competitive. The majority of American consumers could not accept slavery as a legitimate means to raise national capital.

Slave owners saw slaves as sub-human, while industrial capitalists greatly disagreed. The Compromise of 1850 maintained “diversity” to the point that the war in 1861 was inevitable.

Capitalism was not a part of the implementation of slavery, but it was an element that overrode the polarization concerning the slavery issue.

Pluralism requires common ground. There must be underlining principles that all are willing to adhere to. That is where the United States gets

its motto, “E Pluribus Unum” (From The Many, One). Diversity is the exact opposite. In contrast, it prefers “From The One, Many.” Supremacy groups demanding “separate, but equal” are no different. The desegregation trend of the 1950s resisted by saying “equal, and never separate.” As college campuses continue to agree to race/sex/ religious “safe spaces,” the culture will revert to self-segregation. It is an absolute pity.

Within culture, religious institutions deal with the same frailty. Many times pluralism is perceived as secularism. In reality, pluralism gives equal space and protection to religion, as well as the lack thereof. The religious should not in-

terpret that as a threat, unless they are directly infringed upon by an opposing group (religious or not). As long as both are protected and allowed to exist freely, neither one will be limited.

Studies may show that religious institutions are beneficial to society, but when a government decides to use theology as an all-encompassing rule of law, one is left with a theocracy. For that very reason the Founding Fathers separated from the rule of the Church of England. That was a contributing factor as to why the Founding Fathers did not establish a national religion.

John Adams asserted that, “We should begin by setting conscience free.

When all men of all reli-

The Compromise of 1850 The United States Senate with Henry Clay taking the floor of the Old Senate Chamber

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gions shall enjoy equal liberty, property, and an equal chance for honors and power we may expect that improvements will be made in the human character and the state of society.”

The left has its own theology. Government is God, and those not in favor of victimhood status are morally inferior. That is imposing its self-declared righteousness on a society. Everything one is to think, say, and do what is preprescribed. If a society were to choose a theocracy, it would revert to an extreme one. Everyone is answerable to one another at all times. Any failure to adhere is punishable without mercy.

The famous atheist philosopher, Christopher Hitchens, stated, “It's a curious thing in American life that the most abject nonsense will be excused if the utterer can claim the sanction of religion. A country which forbids an established church by law is prey to any denomination. The best that can be said is that this is pluralism of a kind.”

When the individual is made a priority, the need for over-regulation is limited. The priority of one over another will always break down and diminish liberty. Again, when a law is established it ought to result in the neutralization of division. It is the best way to correct division.

We either triumph together, or not at all.

April 7 - April 20, 2017

Cover Story

Assaulting Autism In North Alabama

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

Tammy Tomerlin and their son Gage. Gage battles with autism, and his struggle was something that was and is intense for all of them.

The Tomerlins’ story is not at all that unusual as far as autism families are concerned. Sometimes I would go with the Tomerlins to autism support group meetings in Huntsville, and there I met a single mom who had two daughters, both on the spectrum. I remember being overwhelmed with trying to imagine what she was going through, and so impressed with her passion to find answers for her kids.

Gage was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, and both parents have been fierce advocates for his development as well as his destiny ever since. They have also become quite involved in the lives of other families in Alabama as they all seek to raise awareness and funds to triumph over this heartbreaking condition. Recently, Todd told me on the night of Tammy’s birthday dinner, “She is the

glue that holds us together.

Without her, we would all fall apart.” I have always loved the way Todd loves his family.

Todd made me laugh as he told me about some of Gage’s current adventures, now that his son is 17. “He can read, but it’s tough to tell how much he comprehends,” Todd said. Then he proceeded to tell me about Gage’s involvement in this past presidential political cycle. Much to his dad’s surprise and even amusement, Gage became a passionate Bernie Sanders supporter.

Gage listened to all of Bernie’s speeches, watched the debates with Hillary Clinton, and matter-of-factly told his father that, “Just because I’m from the South doesn’t mean I have to be conservative.” Gage found out that Bernie was going to be speaking in Birmingham, and Todd took him to the rally. It was a breakthrough for Gage, especially because of having to be in a crowd of people, and Todd was thrilled with his boy’s courage. There has never been bad blood between the two

of them for having opposing political views, and they talk about everything. As he told me this tale, I thought back to ten years ago when there was a sticker on the window of Todd’s truck advising first responders that an autistic child was on board who might not be able to respond to their inquiries or commands in the event of an accident. Certainly progress had been made, and all of it has been a tough road for everyone. As of now, Gage will be able to be a part of our school system’s resources for special needs kids until he turns 21.

For years the Tomerlins have been involved, especially in the month of April, in the various autism awareness and fund raising events occurring around Alabama. On April 2nd, Todd was on hand at the Limestone County Courthouse for the lighting of the blue lights used to sig-

One of the ways Athenians can help, whether or not their lives have been personally affected by autism is to get involved in “the Walk.”

Here is some information on what is going on locally this April 22nd.

Our Walk for Autism throughout cities in Alabama is more than just a Walk or 5k - it's a fun time for fami-

Todd and Gage Tomerlin with world renowned autistic, Temple Grandin

Gage sitting at Alabama Speaker of the House Matt McCutcheon's desk

April 7 - April 20, 2017

nify the fight against autism.

The lights will be on every night all month long.

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lies, friends, coworkers and communities to come together. It’s a time for awareness and acceptance of those on the spectrum.

Since the Walk for Autism and 5k began over a decade ago, the Autism Society of Alabama has raised funds that have been returned to the community in the form of education, advocacy and support. Individuals on the spectrum, their families and communities throughout Alabama have benefited from the generosity of our many donors and supporters. We celebrate them as we look forward to taking our event to even greater heights!

In Athens, there will be a walk held at Athens High School at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 22nd. The cost to register is $30, and the Athens event it is a walk only, not a 5-K run. If you are not up to a walk, the event can also use donations as well as volunteers.

You can register as a single participant or part of a team at www.walkforautismal. com. Registration closes at noon on April 20th. Come and be a part of “solving the puzzle” and get to know a community within our community that are some of the bravest amongst us.

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Health and Fitness

Benefits of Exercise You Cannot See in the Mirror

by Janet Hunt

Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment.

Many people begin an exercise program to get in better physical shape. “I want to look better and feel better� are the words I hear all the time. But appearances are not everything; exercise benefits the mind and body in ways that no prescription will. These are benefits you cannot see in the mirror. Twenty minutes per day is all you need to reap the benefits of exercise. Of course, if you make it 30 or 45 minutes, the benefits are even greater.

Reduce stress. One in ten adults in this coun-

try suffers from stress and anxiety. Any form of movement from yoga to walking to weight lifting can reduce stress by releasing tension in your body. So choose an activity that best fits you and your lifestyle. Side effects of exercise are much better that potential side effects of prescription drugs for stress and anxiety.

Improve health. Regular exercise can help prevent and manage many health conditions including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, some can-

cers, and arthritis. Again, prescription drugs for every health condition has potential negative side effects as well as high costs.

Elevate mood. Exercise releases chemicals in the brain called endorphins which can stimulate feelings of joy and pleasure. This is why people tend to feel happier and energized after a good workout. I had a student in class yesterday inform me she came to class grumpy, and is leaving with a smile!

Increase productivity.

Studies have shown that working out before work can improve productivity and boost your energy for the rest of the day. I have many students and clients who tell me they have more energy and sleep better at night due to exercise.

Fall in love with fitness. When you find physical activities that you love, you will be more motivated to work out consistently, and the rewards will be even greater. Before you know it, you will be hooked on fitness and wonder what took you so long!

For more information about finding the activity that works best for you, contact me (Janet Hunt) at 256-614-3530 or jhunt9155@gmail. com. I can refer to many activity opportunities in the Athens area.

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April 7 - April 20, 2017

Cover Story

Complete Hormone Solutions: Find Out How Great You Can Feel

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

freedom to follow his dreams.

He took none of it for granted, but like so many Americans these days, he also felt highly stressed. When he got home from work each night, he was “tapped out.” He had virtually no energy, and to his dismay the couch became one of his best friends.

One day Dr. Osborn was giving an adjustment to a longtime patient who, along with her husband, was a friend of the Osborns. “Please be careful, my hip is a little bit tender,” she said. The doctor asked her if there was a problem, and she replied, “Oh, no, there’s no problem. I just had a bio-identical hormone treatment.” Intrigued, Dr. Osborne got more information from her, and decided to check out a bio-identical hormone clinic in Nashville for himself. He became an enthusiastic patient and his life changed, along with his energy level, muscle mass, body fat percentage, and

more. At the time, the only two cities in our area that offered bio-identical hormone treatments were Nashville and Birmingham. At the strong encouragement of his wife, Dr. Osborn began to look into opening a facility of his own, and studied extensively before being personally mentored by one of the experts in the field.

The search began to find a MD that wanted to make the journey with him. Dr. Jeffrey Markham joined the team and began training.

Complete Hormone Solutions opened on Danville Road in Decatur in March of 2013, and they are hoping at some point to open their next facility in Athens because, as Dr. Osborne says, “Athens is a very cool place.”

Dr. Osborn gave me a brief lesson on bio-identical hormones, and the needs of men and women. What few people know is that men have naturally occurring estrogen that is needed in their bodies, and by contrast, women have

naturally occurring and necessary levels of testosterone in theirs. Both are essential for optimum health; however, just as male testosterone levels diminish with age, female testosterone and estrogen diminish, as well. When these hormones reach less than optimum levels, health is compromised, and a multitude of symptoms follow.

The following is a list of hormone deficiency symptoms we don’t have to live with: Rest-

less sleep, anxiety, depression, irritability, painful intercourse, night sweats, mood swings, unexplained weight gain, high cholesterol, hair loss, dry skin, memory lapses, erectile dysfunction, no sex drive, poor focus, heart palpitations, hot flashes, achiness, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lack of energy, restless leg syndrome, migraines, and low exercise tolerance.

The first step in the process of incorporating bio-identical hormone treatment into a patient’s life is a thorough interview. This is conducted by Dr. Osborn, and he takes a great deal of time to educate a prospective patient, get their history, and answer any questions. Next, Dr. Markham orders blood to be drawn which is then sent to Cleveland Heart Lab. The testing is extensive.

“Cleveland Heart is the best there is,” Dr. Osborn said.

Blood work is not part of the package, but is part of patient care, and is billed separately.

Once the exact hormonal treatment has been determined, the hormones, which are derived from yams, are put in pellet form by a compounding pharmacy. They are then shipped to the patient, who brings

April 7 - April 20, 2017

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them to the clinic, and they are put just under the skin

by Dr. Markham. Each treatment lasts for about 3 months, and functions essentially as a time release medication. Occasionally there are minor side effects, but not the ones that gave hormone treatments such a bad rap years ago.

Interestingly, one of the women who works at Complete Hormone Solutions is a breast cancer survivor, and became a “raving fan customer” before she ever started working there. That and the fact that Dr. Osborn continues to get treatments himself intrigued me, as he is essentially functioning as his own “guinea pig,” something you don’t often encounter.

Complete Hormone Solutions also offers medically supervised weight loss plans which start at $97 per month.

Complete Hormone Solutions offers three different payment options, and there is a 5% discount for paying up front. Financing is done in-house, and the team is ready to help you, as one satisfied customer said, “Get your life back.” Call today for a complimentary consultation at 256-350-9880.

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Executive Orders of the President

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 Recently I was working out at the gym and heard a lively discussion with regard to certain executive orders coming out of the Oval Office. What exactly are we talking about when we use the term? According to www.whitehouse. gov, executive orders are orders issued by US Presidents and directed towards officers and agencies of the Federal government. Executive orders have the full force of law when they are based on authority from a statute or law or from the Constitution itself.

of broad statutes.

All presidents, with the exception of William Henry Harrison, have issued executive orders.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt holds the record at 3,721, and next to Harrison, the fewest orders were issued by John Adams, James Madison, and James Monroe. Each of them made only one.

Probably the most fa-

Not all executive orders are accepted or uncontested. Recently Trump’s Travel Ban Executive Order was suspended by the courts. In 1935, the Supreme Court overturned five of President Franklin Roosevelt's executive orders (6199, 6204, 6256, 6284, 6855). Executive Order 12954, issued by President Bill Clinton in 1995, attempted to pre-

President Donald Trump has made use of the Executive Order Privilege 23 times since being sworn in on January 20th. He has also had a couple of his executive orders halted by the courts. What is the process by which this occurs?

Like both legislative statutes and regulations circulated by government agencies, executive orders are subject to judicial review and can be overturned if the orders lack the backing of a law or the Constitution.

Major policy initiatives require approval by the legislative branch, but executive orders have significant influence over the affairs of government. They can decide how, and to what degree, laws will be enforced. Executive orders can deal with emergencies, wage wars, and in general, fine-tune policy choices in the enactment

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vent the federal government from contracting with organizations that had strike-breakers on the payroll; a federal appeals court ruled that the order conflicted with the National Labor Relations Act, and invalidated the order.

Congress also has the power to overturn an executive order by passing

legislation that invalidates it. Congress can also refuse to provide funding necessary to carry out certain policy measures contained within the order or to legitimize policy mechanisms.

Our three branches of government perform checks and balances so that one branch does not become more powerful that another. Congress or the Supreme Court can stop an executive order. The President can veto a law or the Court can invalidate a law passed by Congress.

If you want to know more about executive orders recently enacted, you can go to www. whitehouse.gov for a complete list of President Trump’s actions.

The site also has information about other presidents, first ladies, and cabinet members. Most of the information in this article was taken from that website.

mous executive order was President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, issued January 1, 1863. Executive orders were not numbered until 1907 when the Department of State decided to declare Executive Order #1 – Lincoln’s executive order to establish a Provisional Court in Louisiana on October 20, 1862. They numbered the orders retroactively from this first order.

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April 7 - April 20, 2017

Jerry’s Journal

Future Athens Mayor Requests Mercy Killing

by Jerry Barksdale

www.jerrybarksdale.com “Every time you need someone with a weak mind and strong back you call me, and I end up in a chiropractor or doctor’s office.” That’s what my good friend, Dan Williams would say when I recruited him for another “exciting adventure.” He blamed me for his bad back. And I suppose he was mostly right.

Dan was my best buddy. We met in the 11th grade at Athens High, sacked groceries at A & P, graduated in the same class, ran around together, double dated and, when I married in 1961, he was my best man. He paid my bride a high compliment “She’s so skinny she don’t cast a shadow,” he said. How sweet. He painted my ‘55 Chevy with “JUST MARRIED” and tied tin cans to the bumper.

How could I not include a friend like that on an exciting adventure?

Anyway he was an easy recruit.

Our big adventures began after I purchased a run down, hilly 80-acre farm in Leggtown back in 1974. It was grown over with bushes, brambles and cedar trees and needed to be cleaned up, pastured, and fenced.

As luck would have it, a friend called me and said he had a “bunch of cross ties” I could have. That’s just what I needed to build a fence.

I called Dan on a Saturday morning to help me pick them up. “There

April 7 - April 20, 2017

won’t be anything to it and besides it’ll be exciting,” I said. Dan reluctantly agreed.

When we arrived, the cross ties were piled helter-skelter in a ditch.

Dan’s back went down like a punctured tire.

He walked sideways for awhile but recovered.

Afterwards, I recruited him to tear down a dilapidated barn on the farm.

Most of the tin had blown off, bushes had grown through the rotted walls and it leaned sideways. It was a beautiful Saturday morning when we began tearing up planks and sledge-hammering support columns. My neighbor, Louie heard the commotion and drove over to inspect.

Louie was different. He lived with his dog in a Ford pickup in the woods.

I heard that he was once a “spit and shine” MP in the Army. The shine part had long since vanished. Long black hair fell past his shoulders and his beard dropped to his chest. His appearance reminded me of an Old Testament prophet.

His patched Army pants were stuffed inside tall rubber boots.

Louie was standing in the hallway of the barn when I sledge-hammered a main support beam. The old barn creaked, first quietly, then louder before erupting into an earsplitting roar. “RUN!” I yelled, as I threw down the sledge-hammer and ran for my life. Dan and Louie were on my heels

fb.com/jerry.barksdale.7 as the barn collapsed with a roar, sending up a cloud of dust. Whew! It was a close call. I almost got my neighbor and best friend squashed. Dan broke the tension. “Louie left so fast he ran outta his boots.” Afterwards, Dan and I went down to Mr. Charlie Christopher’s store in Leggtown where we lunched on bologna and crackers drizzled with Louisiana hot sauce and washed down with a Pepsi, all the while reliving our big adventure. Later that year, Dan helped me nail down tin and patch the roof of a tenant shack on the farm. Not very exciting. Neither of us fell off the roof.

Winter came and the sap fell in the many cedar trees that grew on the farm. Daddy said it was time to cut some of them to use as fence posts. I called Dan. “It’s supposed to be real pretty Saturday,” I said. “We can cut trees and enjoy the outdoors. It’ll be exciting.” Dan wasn’t so sure, but reluctantly agreed. I chain-sawed several cedars, trimmed the limbs, then cut them into 6-foot sections to use as corner posts. We paid no attention to the dead-looking fuzzy vines attached to the trees. We carried the cedar posts through the woods, down the holler and uphill the old fashioned way – balanced on the shoulder snug against the neck. It was a hard work, but exhilarating and built our appetites. We lunched at

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Leggtown store on bologna and crackers and generous dollops of hot sauce. The right side of Dan’s neck was red from carrying cedar posts.

Late afternoon, Dan complained that the redness was stinging. The following day, the redness on his neck had turned into a large red mass of itching misery. Poison ivy! Dan was miserable and went to see Doctor Pennington first thing Monday morning.

“May I help you?” receptionist asked.

the

“Does Doctor Pennington practice euthanasia?”

“Huh, what’s that?” she asked.

“Mercy killing.”

History

was

made

in

Athens that day. It was the first time known that anyone had ever requested assisted suicide to put him out of his misery after a poison ivy outbreak. It was also the last time Dan volunteered to join me on another exciting adventure.

He may have had a weak back but his mind was strong. After serving one term on the Athens School Board, he was elected to the City Council and, later served 18 years as mayor. He was in his second term in Alabama House of Representatives when he lost his battle with leukemia on July 1, 2015. I sure miss Dan and often think of our exciting adventures.

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Dog Barker

Who Do We Blame?

by Joel Allen No one. What am I talking about? I am talking to those of us that have that stubborn dog that wants to give us the obedience commands and eat the treats as we obey them.

All the time, I train “people” and their dogs, and I would venture to guess 85 percent have passed

if everyone thinks about it. The dog gets additional socialization, and also gets to perfect their training.

Many dogs take to the basic obedience without a problem. They are the ones that their family began to teach manners from the moment

the ones who choose their family. They are the ones that come to their future families out of the litter, or they choose their families through kennel doors and windows, or they just show up on your doorstep.

The few dogs that do not take to the basic obedience training are usually

look of, “Yeah, right!

You want me to do what? No way! You do it and I will eat the treats!”

For those of us who have this issue, don’t give up.

Come back and see me.

We will see the training through.

What are some types of

before they are rewarded and received the treat, they have learned to break at that point. An example would be the sit command. The dog is given the sit command, and just when they are about to take the treat, the dog stands up. There are many causes for this. The trainer could be holding the treat too far away, the hand is not closed around the treat, or the trainer could be pulling the treat away as the dog begins to break command.

Then there are some people who sign up for dog training and only complete the commands during the training classes, which are scheduled for once a week. I plainly explain to everyone who trains with me that during the week they should be working on the commands. Each week, we add two more commands, and then when the fourth week arrives we test on all the commands.

their final test. Did the other 15 percent fail?

Not in my eyes. What many would consider a failure, I consider a moment for retraining. For those who have taken the basic obedience with me and did not pass, I have always kept the door open for them to return.

It is a win-win situation

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they were brought home.

Usually this is the quiet puppy that seems to just sit there at first, and when they feel safe and secure they open up and shows us who they really are.

Puppies adapt quicker than adult dogs, and they usually take a few days.

Adult dogs take a week to two weeks. Most of the best family dogs are

from a stubborn breed.

One commonly stubborn breed of dog is the Shitzu.

Picture a cat’s soul trapped in a small dog’s body.

That is a Shitzu. There are additional breeds, but the Shitzu is the most common I run into. This dog requires a lot of patience.

In rare cases, they take to training, but in most they tend to give the trainer the

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failures that allow dogs to get away with rebellion? Timing is everything. What do I mean by this? When a command is taught we use praise, love, treats, or the reward the dog desires, which could be a toy. It is when we reward the dog that makes or breaks the command.

If the dog is rewarded, but breaks the command

The success of your training depends on you.

I would like to express to everyone who has trained with me, they can return to retrain their dog at anytime. I would love to have you.

“Remember to love your dogs because they love you. Maybe not the way you want them to, like chewing up your favorite shoes or what not, but that is just love chewing. Be thankful for the time you have with them always.”

Joel Allen 256-651-2211

April 7 - April 20, 2017

April 7 - April 20, 2017

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Page 21

Medical Update

April is National Autism Awareness Month

by Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Over the last several years, Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome have been frontrunners in discussions regarding health and education in children.

So much so that since the 1970s, April has been deemed National Autism Awareness Month according to the Autism Society.

This month is recognized in the United States as a special time to educate the general public about both Autism and issues in the Autism community (www.autism-society. org).

Even as prevalent as this discussion has become, there are still many people who are not aware of Autism and Asperger’s, and all that they entail.

Basically, Autism is more than a single, identifiable problem. According to www.autismspeaks.org, Autism is a general term for “a group of complex disorders of brain development . . . characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.” In 2013, the DSM-V diagnostic manual merged all

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of these various disorders under one, more general diagnosis labeled “ASD” or “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” While the difference between Asperger’s and autism is both subtle and complicated, those with Asperger’s typically do not exhibit a delay in communication skills.

Statistics from Autism Speaks claim that ASD affects over 2 million people in the U.S. and tens of millions around the world.

Findings published on their website indicates that roughly 1 in 68 children in the U.S. have been identified as being on the autism spectrum. This is “a tenfold increase” over the last 40 years. Studies have also shown that autism is more common in boys than in girls, 1 in 42 as opposed to 1 in 189.

Now that you know what autism and Asperger’s are, you’re probably wondering what causes them.

Unfortunately, the jury is still out on this question.

Just a few years ago, most people would say that scientists have no idea. However, there is now better research as to the links to this spectrum of disorders

might be. There is no “one single cause,” just as there is no “one single type of autism.” A few possible causes might include genetics, environment, and nutrition. There has also been great controversy over a possible link to vaccine administration.

Autism is generally diagnosed when children are still very young. Many times parents are the first to notice that something just doesn’t seem right and they can’t figure out what it is. Some of the more common signs or symptoms that children exhibit include but are not limited to social challenges, communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviors.

Social Challenges: By nature most babies are very social and interactive with parents and caregivers. In contrast, most who develop autism show signs early on that there is an issue. Signs might include not responding to their name, lack of interest in people and failure to engage in babbling and “baby talk.” It is also common for individuals on the autism spectrum to misinterpret what others think

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or feel and gestures such as smiling or waving often convey no meaning. It is also difficult to see things from the perspective of another.

Communication Difficulties: By the time most children are 3 years old, they are able to form a few words and/or simple sentences.

They can convey like or dislike, respond to their names, and indicate desire for something. Children who are autistic or have Asperger’s syndrome are often delayed in these communication skills. Sometimes, infants will develop autism later but have previously demonstrated the ability to communicate.

Others will have significant delays in learning to speak and communicate from a very young age.

Many learn to communicate with pictures, sign language, word processing software, and speech generating devices.

Repetitive Behaviors: Often, children on the autism spectrum will exhibit use of a set of repetitive behaviors, which is “one of the core symptoms of autism”. These repetitive

behaviors may include but are not limited to such activities as “hand-flapping, rocking, jumping and twirling, arrangement and rearrangement of objects, and repetition of sounds, words, or phrases”. If someone attempts to stop or discourage these behaviors, children will often become very upset. Those children and adults on the autism spectrum often benefit from order and consistency on daily routines, with even minor changes to that routine deeply affecting behavior.

“Children with autism also exhibit a higher than average occurrence of genetic changes, GI (gastrointestinal) issues, seizures, sleep dysfunction, and sensory processing disorders.”

Throughout my lifetime, I’ve had the profound honor and privilege to work with multiple children and adults who are on the autism spectrum, some more so than others.

These amazing people have given me the great gift of their presence in my life and I am forever grateful for it.

April 7 - April 20, 2017

Foreman’s Forum

Fight Or Flight

by Paul Foreman

After reading advice from numerous sources. I have come up with my own more realistic steps to take. I know the last thing this old sheepdog is going to do is curl up in a corner and wait to die.

1.Escape if you can. Go! Get out of there, even if others are frozen in place. Leave all your belongings BEHIND! I saw a video of a shooter in a school board meeting in

Northwest Florida. When the shooter came in waving his gun around and announced his intentions to open fire, people in the audience spent time gathering up their coats and purses before getting out! Help others escape if they will cooperate. Warning: some people will freeze in fear. There is not a whole lot you can do unless you start dragging or carrying them.

That’s a negative, UNLESS they are family.

2.Once you are safe, stop oth-

April 7 - April 20, 2017

ers from unknowingly walking into a deadly situation.

3.Call 911 as soon as possible. While you are waiting for 911 to answer, take a deep breath and try to calm yourself. Most 911 operators will answer by saying, “911, what is your emergency, fire or police?” When stressed, most people will talk way too fast and too loud. Talk in short concise sentences,

such as, “There is a shooting at University Plaza.” Take a breath. “I saw three of them at the main entrance.” Take a breath. “All are wearing black, with long guns.” Take a deep breath and wait patiently for the operator to ask questions. Waiting five or ten seconds, while she is typing, will feel like forever. If the 911 operator tells you to stay on the phone, cooperate with her if safe to do so. Yes, give your name. The last thing responding officers want to hear is, “The caller refused

his name and hung up.”

4.If you cannot escape, try to hide out of the shooter’s view. Barricade the doors with anything heavy you can find. Get behind heavy furniture, such as desks or file cabinets. If possible, keep an escape route open.

Use bathrooms as a last resort; you could get trapped.

Lock the doors. Wrapping a belt or pants leg around the

door closer might slow down someone trying to force their way in. Sometimes janitors will leave a wooden or rubber door stopper; jamb it under your side of the door.

Many restrooms will have a janitor’s closet. Look for objects to barricade the door.

5.If none of the above will work due to time or situation, FIGHT! Attempt to disable the shooter. Get mad and defend yourself! What do you have to lose?

6.In a restroom, use toi-

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let tank lids or toilet seats, metal trash cans or mirrors as improvised weapons. You might find good weapons stored in the janitor’s closet, such as mop handles or a heavy bucket. You might find cleaning chemicals to throw into the bad guy’s face. In office areas, use fire extinguishers, chairs, lamps, broken glass from a picture frame, or mirror, heavy vase,

broken furniture, scissors or glass ashtray. Spray the bad guy with the fire extinguisher, and then hit him in the face with it. Use hot coffee, full soda cans, hair spray, bug spray, anything heavy; hit him and hit him hard.

Don’t stop hitting him until he is unconscious. Your life depends on it.

7.If you have a gun, use it! If you don’t know how, get trained! Just in the last few days I have heard, on national news broadcasts, numerous sheriffs and po-

lice chiefs advising citizens to arm themselves. GET TRAINED, by me or some qualified trainer. Get trained beyond just knowing how to shoot a gun. Get trained on knowing when to shoot and when NOT to shoot.

8.If you are evacuating from a crowded theater, church or mall, get away from the center of the hallway. Get next to the wall. You do NOT want to get caught up in the rushing mob of terrified people who might care less if you get trampled. Next to a wall, you will be able to use the wall for support if you get shoved or knocked down. Walls have windows and doors. You might find an escape route.

Malls have numerous stores, often with “back doors” that you can escape through. You do NOT want to get caught up in a mob of dozens or even hundreds of people all trying to escape out the same door.

Grab hold of small children and carry them if possible. If children are too big to carry, grab the child’s belt rather than trying to hold onto their arm. The same with adults.

Grab each of your family members by the belt and hold on for dear life.

Paul Foreman 256-431-6702 NRA Recruiter NRA protects your 2nd Amendment Rights! membership.nrahq. org/forms/signup. asp?campaignid= XI029922 Check out my Web page www.PaulForeman.com and Facebook! @ www.facebook.com/PaulForeman-NRACertified-Instructor822151851204560

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