April 18, 2014

April 18 - May 1, 2014

AthensNowal.com E-MAIL: info@athensnowal.com ADVERTISING: Ali: 256-468-9425 Deborah: 256-309-9399

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

What Makes Ronnie Roll Repairing The Roof When The Sun Is Shining...

It was John Fitzgerald Kennedy who said that “the time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.”... Page 10

Jerry’s Journal Gary Elmore, American Hero...

Sunday afternoon, November 7, 1965. A long irregular line of UH-1 “Huey” choppers flew northwest out of Bien Hoa Airbase, the “flackety-flack” of their rotary blades beating out a disconcerting tune...

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Where’s Your Wireless?

Grand Opening Of Athens Verizon Store April 29th

By Ali Elizabeth Turner Over 20 years ago the cellular service that eventually became Verizon operated a small franchise outlet located at Railroad Bazaar. While the name (which is a combination of the Latin word, veritas, or truth, and horizon,) became known for the iconic “Can

Horse Whispering

Boundaries...

One of the many joys of connecting humans with horses is the unforced effortlessness of excavating treasures buried in the human’s heart... Page 20

April 18 - May 1, 2014

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you hear me now?” phrase that has become a part of our current vernacular. More importantly Verizon now has the largest 4G network as well as greatest amount of 4G coverage in America. These days it has far more to offer than cell phones.

Continued on pages 16-17

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April 18 - May 1, 2014

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales / Editing Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Teresa Todd Jim Doyle Jerry Barksdale Sandra Thompson Jackie Warner Deb Kitchenmaster Rachel Clark Linda Watson

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 15 Cover Stories. . . . . . . . . . 16 - 17 A View From The Bridge . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . 20 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . 23

April 18 - May 1, 2014

Lessons From The Bundy Brouhaha This past weekend there was a nightmare brewing in Nevada over what some could understandably consider government sanctioned cattle rustling. As is always the case, confrontation against an out of control government can go many directions, sometimes ending in bloodshed, as we saw in our own state 50 years ago. People who are exercising their right to assemble, protest, petition and seek redress of grievances can get full of themselves. I can speak to this with boldness as someone who long ago tried to shut down Wright Patterson Air Force Base in protest to the war in Vietnam. I also tried to shut down the Cleveland County Courthouse in Cleveland, Ohio, and watched with horror and betrayal as the Students for a Democratic Society infiltrated our demonstration and tried to turn it violent.

intervention that kept it from going that way. And, as someone who strongly believes in the right to bear arms, I want to make it clear that I pray I am never in a position where I have to exercise that right.

For the purpose of this article, I am not going to bring in the role of the Chinese, windmill farms, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the UN, the 2nd Amendment, the sovereignty of states, the militia, the snipers that were hunkered down up in the hills, or any other piece of the puzzle that might make this op-ed “pop.” Suffice it to say that the weekend confrontation looked like it was going to reach a tipping point that would have descended into a violence that was not wanted at all by the Bundy family. I believe that there was divine

50 years ago, as the Civil Rights Movement was cresting, Martin Luther King, Jr. insisted that anyone who marched with him sign the pledge written below. In addition, the captains of the groups who were in demonstrations or a part of Freedom Summer in 1964 were strongly admonished to be on the lookout for infiltrators who had a different agenda, one not based in love. Here is the Pledge of Non-Violence:

Instead, I am going to discuss what I considered to be a di-

vine personal “woodshed” experience where I was reminded of the need to cling anew to the things taught us by our Savior. In its pain it seemed all the more poignant as this is the week we celebrate Passover and the Resurrection.

1. As you prepare to march, meditate on the life and teachings of Jesus.

2. Remember the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation – not victory.

3. Walk and talk in the manner of love; for God is love.

4. Pray daily to be used by God that all men and women might be free.

5. Sacrifice personal wishes that all might be free.

6. Observe with friend and foes the ordinary rules of courtesy.

7. Perform regular service for others and the world.

8. Refrain from violence of fist, tongue, and heart.

9. Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.

10. Follow the directions of the movement leaders and of the captains on demonstrations.

losing it. Rather, I wanted to tap into that utterly undoing source of unconditional love that I have powerfully experienced while encountering those in days gone by who fiercely attacked me verbally or threatened my life. All day long while putting the paper together I was still struggling, and then I came upon these points.

All of them rang true, but there was one that straight up smacked me: Remember the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation – not victory. That was where I tripped up.

I wanted victory more than reconciliation or true justice. And then I remembered that it is precisely because of what happened this week over 2,000 years ago that I have hope for deep inward change, and my desire is that this holiday your hope is renewed as well.

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

Recently I found myself in a situation where I was publically humiliated, and afterward I spent a good portion of the night seeking God. I was sad and mad, and yet wanting so desperately to make my Savior smile. I wasn’t content with just holding my tongue, which is certainly better than

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Page 3

All Things Soldier

Kennemer Brothers Receive UDC Military Service Awards

by Linda Watson, UDC President, and Sandra Thompson, Director - Alabama Veterans’ Museum The Joseph E. Johnston Chapter 198 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy awarded four brothers from Athens with Military Service awards Saturday, March 29, 2014. The brothers are the grandsons of Jacob Leonard Kennemer, PVT, CSA who served in Co. B, Gilberts Co. 26th Alabama Regiment; and Co. B, 50th Regiment, Alabama Infantry.

minimum of 90 days active duty that does not meet the Military Service requirements during the Korean or Vietnam wars. This particular award is also given to those who served in the Persian Gulf during Desert Shield/ Desert Storm.

Chapter President Linda E. Watson and Chapter Recorder of Military Service Awards Martha Ann Whitt conducted the bestowal ceremony. George J. Kennemer, Jr., PFC, US Army during World War II and Otis Elwyn Kennemer, SGT, US Army (L-R): Linda Watson, chapter President; Thomas Vernon Kennemer; during the Korean Conflict George J Kennemer, Jr; Martha Ann Whitt, Recorder Military both received the Cross of Service Awards; and seated Otis Elywn Kennemer Military Service Award. A Marine, US Army, US Marine Conflict both received the Narecipient of any of the UDC Corps, US Navy, or the Na- tional Defense Service Medal.

Cross of Military Service tional Guard.

Alvin was not able to attend, Awards must have served in but his daughter Karla acceptand received an honorable Thomas Vernon Kennemer, ed the medal on his behalf. discharge from, or currently SK2, US Navy during the Kobe serving in one of the fol- rean Conflict and Alvin Wayne The National Defense Service lowing: US Air Force, US Kennemer, MM2, (E-5), US Medal is awarded to men and Coast Guard, US Merchant Navy during the Vietnam women who have served for a

The bestowal took place at the Athens Convalesance and Rehab Center. Chapter President Linda Watson introduced Alabama State Representative Dan Williams, Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, Alabama Division UDC Recorder of Military Service Awards Glendora James, and Division Honorary President Judy Blackwell. There were approximately 50 people in attendance.

Jerry Barksdale with Otis Kennemer

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April 18 - May 1, 2014

April 18 - May 1, 2014

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Page 5

Calendar of Events “Athens Jobs” Up And Ready For Postings

A Facebook page has been created to help others find jobs in Athens.

We all hear of jobs and can now share that info with those looking. I hope you will go LIKE the page and help local people find local jobs.

If you know of a job, just post it in the page. Our first 100 “Likes”, or friends will have a chance to win a gift card to Chick-Fil-A or Lawlers BBQ. Just go to www.AthensJobs.US

Sponsors needed

Athens-Limestone Hospital Gala Apr 26th

Westin 6800 Governors West, NW • Huntsville, Alabama 35806. Join the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation for a semi-formal event at the Westin Hotel. Cocktail hour begins at 6:00pm and dinner is served at 7:00pm. Tickets are $100.00 each and can be purchased at www.alhfevents.org or mailing a check to 100 Sanders Street, Athens, AL 35611 or by calling 256-233-9236.

Athens High School Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students are Nationals Bound!

Seeking Cooperate Sponsorships and Donations. If interested, please contact Casie Barksdale at Casie.Barksdale@ahs-k12.org.

Annual Vidalia Onion Sales Drive

Athens Ladies Civitan has kicked off its annual Vidalia Onion sales drive. The farm-fresh onions will be delivered in early May within 72 hours of being dug in Georgia. Bags are 10 pounds for $10 and may be purchased by calling 256-771-7672 or 256-232-6086, from any club member or by mail-order to Athens Ladies’ Civitan, P. O. Box 1814, Athens, AL 35612. Include check, number of bags ordering, name, address and phone. The deadline for orders is April 11. Proceeds from this fund raiser are used to support activities for special needs kids and adults of Limestone County.

Singing on the Square Apr 18th

6pm Join Athens-Limestone County Tourism for the kickoff of the 2014 season of this free concert series on the Marion Street side of the Limestone County Courthouse in downtown Athens, AL. For more information 256-232-5411.

1st Annual T&C Stamping, Inc Relay Tee Cup Apr 24th

Golf Scramble benefitting Relay for Life Limestone County. Lunch/ Registration at 11:30, Shotgun Start at 1:00. Canebrake Golf Course, 23015 Founders Circle, Athens AL. 256-233-7373 or email Leah Stephens at lstephens@tandcstamping.com

Area Wide Acapella Singing Apr 26th

7-9:30 pm. Fellowship and refreshments afterwards Bethel Church of Christ 26772 Capshaw Rd, Athens, Al.

Prancing Paws Carnival Celebration Apr 26th

10:00AM-1:00PM Beasley Fields, Athens State University Hobbs Street, Athens, AL. All dogs welcome. Goodie Bags, Obstacle Courses, Water Station for Puppy Hydration, and Raffle. Dogs seeking forever homes from MARF and Peace, Love and Animals will be there too.

Popcorn, Soda, Cotton Candy and Snow Cones.

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10th Annual Unsung Heroes Scholarship Banquet and Community Heroes Apr 26th

Lindsay Lane Family Life Center 1300 Lindsay Lane South, Athens, AL 35611 MTM Corporation and Jannifer Matthews in partnership with Mayor William R. Marks invites you to join them for “Contagious Success: Quitting is not an Option” with Master of Ceremony Kenny Anderson and guest speaker Ms. Krystle Johnson, Miss Full Figure Huntsville; Peer Talk Speaker Ms. Chelsey Downs - MTM Kingdom Agent; Life After College Speaker - Mr. Jaquez Pride, MTM Unsung Hero at 5:00PM. Please RSVP to 256-874-2941 or unsunghero@bellsouth.net.

The Flashbacks Dinner Show Apr 26th

The Flashbacks Dinner Show at Yesterday’s Event Center Yesterday Event Center 15631 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL. The Flashbacks Classic Showband for an evening of your favorite music of the 60’s to 80’s plus Motown, Disco and more. Show admission is $15.00.

Email Reservation required to Info@YesterdaysEvents.com. Add a complete country dinner with drink and dessert for $9.95. Doors open at 6:00PM, dinner from 6:00PM-7:00PM and show starts at 7:00PM. Large groups welcome. For more information info@ YesterdaysEvents.com

Empty Bowl Project Apr 30th

The “EBP” is a grassroots effort to raise awareness of food insecurity and hunger in our community and beyond. The basic premise is simple: Potters and other crafts people, educators and others work with the community to create handcrafted bowls. Guests are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. In exchange for a cash donation, guests are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. The money raised is donated to LCCI (Limestone County Churches Involved) to meet the food needs for families when other resources in our community are unavailable to them.

Free Health Seminar May 2nd - 4th

May 2, 3 & 4 located at 1207 E. Pryor St.; Athens, AL 35611. / Friday, May 2: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. / Saturday, May 3: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. & 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. / Sunday, May 4: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. / Keynote speaker: Lidia Seda, Saving Health Seminars. Come check out this lifestyle transformation program designed to help people live life to the fullest! For more information call 256-886-6424.

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April 18 - May 1, 2014

Health

Weekend Seminar

Life is demanding and stressful.

What can you do to boost energy, alleviate ! anxiety and reduce or even eliminate illness? You will be amazed to learn how simple changes can resolve these problems and much more. This is a lifestyle Friday, May 2nd - 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. transformation Live Life to the Fullest! program designed Saturday, May 3rd - 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to help people live The Health Advantage life to the fullest!!!

Better

Into

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Free Lunch Saturday, May 3rd - 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Immune System Heart Disease Cancer Diabetes Sunday, May 4th - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Natural Remedies Sunday, May 4th - 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Cooking Demonstrations & Lunch

May 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Location: 1207 East Pryor St. Athens, AL 35611 More Info: 256.886.6424 Admission is Free

Conducted by Saving Health Seminars

April 18 - May 1, 2014

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Page 7

Tourism

Singing On The Square

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association 100 Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611

Athens-Limestone County’s “Singing on the Square” is ready to begin another season of great music at no charge in downtown Athens on the Square. This has been a popular event for the past several years for the Limestone County Tourism Association. Singing on the Square offers new talent waiting to be seen, and established talent staying in touch with their fans.

Starting at 6:00PM on the 3rd Friday of each month from April through August, you are invited to bring your lawn chair and enjoy the beautiful evenings in front of our Greek Revival Courthouse and be entertained for free until 8:00PM. You are encouraged to visit the local restaurants before or after the show and our ice cream shops, Kreme Delight or Limestone Drugs, for their great ice cream cones or shakes.

This year’s sponsors are Champion Chevrolet and Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association. Tourism president Teresa Todd says, “You will enjoy this year’s entertainers. We have some new faces this year and several hometown talents.”

“We are inviting everyone to slow down and come out to enjoy the mixture of talent we will have this year, a little bluegrass, a little rock-n-roll, a little country, and the grand finale- the Athens State Community Band,” said Todd.

April 18th 6:00PM-7:00PM-Trippin’ Dixie Trippin’ Dixie is a breath of fresh air to the music scene in North Alabama and Southern Tennessee. We give new life and interpretation to Classic Rock music. Trippin’ Dixie is prepared to set this region aflame with the soulful sound of authentic Classic Rock, Blues and other tunes that you love and haven’t heard in

a long time.

7:00PM-8:00PM-Dixie Bluegrass Boys The Dixie Bluegrass Boys will get your toes tapping in their crowd-pleasing performance of traditional bluegrass music. This talented group is based out of Athens, Alabama.

May 16th 6:00-8:00PM-Tilford Sellers and the Wagon Burners Come join us as crowd favorite Tilford Sellers and the Wagon Burners return for another performance at Singing on the Square. Tilford and his boys play original songs that revive the era of American music when country, rock, and blues were still basically the same. When you hear Tilford and the boys, strains of the Grand Ole Opry, Hank Williams, as well as Charlie Feathers and Buddy Holly come to mind.

June 20th 6:00PM-8:00PM-Matt Prater Matt Prater is a singer and songwriter from Athens who brings a mix of country, folk rock, soul and gospel to his performances.

Matt will perform his original songs, as well as covers of his favorites.

July 18th 6:00PM-8:00PM-Anna Catherine DeHart

Anna Catherine DeHart has big dreams and a big voice to match. With her sights set on Music City, Anna Catherine blends the pure sounds of traditional country with the famous voices who have produced today’s country hits.

Anna Catherine’s influences range from classics like Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette

to some of today’s superstars like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Martina McBride, and Lady Antebellum. Her strong voice is mature beyond her young years.

August 15th 6:00PM-8:00PM-Athens State University Community Band Athens State University Community Band under the direction of Dan Havely, former director of the Athens High School Band program, returns to Singing on the Square. This fan favorite is comprised of local musicians that continue to spread the joy of music to the community.

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April 18 - May 1, 2014

Tourism (x 2)

Athens Historical Walking Tours

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association 100 Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611

The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association in conjunction with the State of Alabama Tourism Department has designated the month of April as “Historical Walking Tours” month. Athens and Mooresville of Limestone County are 2 of thirty-three communities participating in this state promoted activity. All participating communities conduct the tours on each Saturday in April from 10AM to11AM. Athens had their largest number of people participating in their tours this past Saturday, April 12th.

Teresa Todd, president of the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association said, “We had a total of 50 guests. It was so impressive to see families coming in to register for our historical tours. It just shows how much interest there is in our past and how it relates to our future and

owned by Athens State University. It traditionally serves as the residence of the University President. At present, it is undergoing renovations. It was once featured in Architectural Digest magazine.

This home has the unusual feature of two square and two round columns on the front porch and generations. People of all ages were signing up with one of our guides; when they returned, they were all agreeing to come back next week for one of the other tours. ” Mr. Bill Ward of Athens is the guide for the Historical Beaty District tour. He led 26 people on his walk down Beaty, Washington and East Streets. He paused at one of our residents’ homes, Ms. Mary Nell Clem, who invited his guests in for lemonade during the early morning tour. Mr. Ward

lives on Beaty Street with his beautiful wife Cherry Ann. Their home was the first residence built when the Beaty Mason property was sold and began selling lots around the Beaty Mason Mansion around 1902.

Mr. Ward is also a regular ghost impersonator during our Annual Cemetery Stroll in September.

The Beaty District is named for Robert Beaty, co-founder of Athens along with John Carroll. The Beaty Mason Mansion, on the street that bears its name, is currently

is also the first split-level house built in Alabama.

If you miss the annual Historical Walking Tours this year, be patient. They will return next April, as they do every year. You may want to keep a watch for the September Athens City Cemetery Stroll and for the October Haunts Walks to learn more about our very brilliant and colorful movers and shakers in Limestone County.

"GO" Ye into all the world, and preach the gospel

Ladies’ Conference AT

New Oakland Independent Baptist Church 20959 Old Elkmont Road Athens, AL 35614

Featuring: Regina Mobbs Special Music: Carolyn Strong and Ladies at New Oakland Baptist Church

DATE: May 3rd, 2014 TIME: 9:00 a.m. to Noon Ladies of "all" ages Invited!

We will serve refreshment and have a time of fellowship!

(No Cost) RSVP: Contact: Dianna Raburn @ 256-233-4321 Or Deborah Hargrove @ 256-497-6100

April 18 - May 1, 2014

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Page 9

What Makes Ronnie Roll

Repairing The Roof When The Sun Is Shining

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

It was John Fitzgerald Kennedy who said that “the time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” Repairing one’s personal “roof” is one of the things some of our 9th and 10th grade kids have been learning this spring. It is part of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens work and training they have been undergoing while participating in the Mayor’s Youth Commission.

Habit 7 for the adult version of Highly Effective People is called “Sharpening the Saw;” that is to say, you need to rejuvenate in order to stay sharp.

For the Highly Effective Teens publication, the habit is broken down into four parts: body, brain, heart and soul. The physical (or body) dimension deals with diet, rest and exercise.

The brain dimension obviously speaks of the need for “renew-

get way too busy. “Adults and kids need to take time for each other and themselves,” said Mayor Marks. “Things are flying so fast,” he said and then gave me a piece of wisdom that was given him long ago when he was in grad school: “Take time to breathe.”

ing your mind,” or “minding” your mental health. The dimension of the heart deals with emotional health. As for the soul/spiritual dimension, author Sean Covey suggest that the kids meditate, pray, keep a

journal, and take in quality media. Good suggestions, all.

As we chatted about the importance of this for kids, we lamented the fact that we are all just plain moving too fast, and we

One of the ways our community has “taken time to breathe” has been through the youth baseball teams. Opening Day was April 5th, and Athens has a record number of teams and players. Of the girls’ softball teams, there are 26 teams and 285 players. Of the baseball teams, there are approximately 450 kids playing, with a few girls interspersed amongst the boys’ teams. “It’s getting the kids off of the couch and computer,” he said, and mentioned how thankful he is for all the adults to volunteer by coaching and supporting the teams. “This is just baseball,” he mentioned.

“That’s not even considering soccer or other sports that go on during the year.”

What is the power of a volunteer? The example set on Opening Day of coaching well, teaching sportsmanlike conduct as well as life lessons became a topic on Facebook. A coach of one of the younger teams (who is also a candidate running for political office) so impressed an observer that she said she would vote for him because of how he dealt with the kids on his team.

Perhaps it is because of the

quality of life in Limestone County that we are the 65th fastest growing county in the entire nation! One of the proofs of quality of life is what a community does to strengthen parents and their kids who have special needs. April 19th is the Walk for Autism, and we are blessed to have a strong support system for Autistic kids and their parents here in Athens. For more information on how to become involved in the Walk, go to Family Security Credit Union on Hwy 31 across from Pizza Hut, or www.walkforautismal.com.

Our community puts in work all year long fighting cancer through various Relay for Life events, one of the most popular being the Celebrity Waiters event held each year at Applebee’s. The waiters, who included Mayor Ronnie, Councilmen Jimmie Gill, Joseph Cannon, and Chris Seibert, Circuit Court Clerk Brad Curnutt, Athens City Schools Executive Director Terry Roller, TVA employee and local actor Frank Travis, and Fire Chief Tony Kirk, raised a total of $1875.

“But as important as it is to be involved in our community, still, we have to take time,” said the Mayor, and endeavoring to “stay sharp” and in balance is some of what makes Ronnie roll.

Complete Property Maintenance, LLC

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April 18 - May 1, 2014

Our new spring flowers have arrived and we’re busting at the seams with inventory!

Come pick your flowers while they are fresh! Cemetery Vase Inserts starting at $25.00 Cemetery Saddles starting at $18.00 Funeral Sprays starting at $35.00

Bushes starting at .79 cents

See us for all your memorial needs! We keep hundreds of vase insert, saddles, sprays and palls in stock for you to chose from. You can also pick out your flowers and we can custom design your arrangement to your liking (please allow plenty of time for us to do your customs).

Wide Mesh Ribbon 21" x 10yd $7.88

Come check us out! We have something for everyone!

Come see the tool side, we now carry everything for welding, including the gases!

14535 US Hwy 72 • Athens • 256-232-6695

HOURS: 9am-5pm Mon-Sat. • CLOSED SUNDAY We’re only a short five miles out 72 West and county taxes are only 6%!

Check us out at facebook.com/jandgvariety April 18 - May 1, 2014

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Page 11

Clean and Green

Special Recycling Opportunities At Earth Day Expo

by Lynne Hart

Tax season is finally over, but you have a stack of documents that require shredding. You just bought some new electronics, and you’d like to keep the old stuff out of the landfill. You’ve bought new shoes for the kids and yourself, but what can be done with the old shoes that still have life left in them?

Here is the answer to all three of those scenarios!

KALB will be doing document shredding, accepting electronics, and collecting usable shoes at the Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Electronics We are frequently asked what types of electronics are accepted for recycling at our center on Lucas Ferry Rd. Here is an easy way to remember: If it uses batteries of any kind or plugs into

the wall, we’ll take it! If it plugs into one of those items, such as speakers, keyboard, etc., we’ll take it.

Electronics can be brought to the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center (which is a division of KALB) Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no charge for any electronics except television sets, which currently have a disposal fee of $10.00.

Many people have a difficult time getting to the recycling center during the week, so here is your opportunity to bring those electronics to us on a Saturday! During the Earth Day event, you must enter East St. from Washington only. Just enter there and we’ll help you unload.

There will be an exit leading out to Hobbs St. Please remember to bring the $10 fee for each television you wish to recycle.

Shredding

Our recycling center will have two large shredders on site. Individuals may shred their own documents or have one of our volunteers shred if a person is unable.

We will be happy to shred up to a small box of documents.

All shredded paper will be recycled.

If you have a large amount of documents to be shred, there will be a community shredding event at Calhoun Community College on May 3, 2014. You can find more information on the Calhoun College Event Calendar online.

Shoes Find your SoleMate KALB will be collecting usable shoes at our office on East St. and at the Recycling Center during business hours throughout the year. Shoe Box Recycling will take the shoes and distribute them for reuse. We will also be collecting shoes at the Earth Day Event.

To find your SoleMate, go to ShoeBoxRecycling.com.

Sign up and log in. You will given the opportunity to type or handwrite a SoleMate note that you can put into your pair of shoes. When you print your note, it will have a unique code number which allows you to connect with the person that will be wearing your shoes! This is done through the website, so there is no personal information given. Wouldn’t it be

Page 12

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cool to find out who received your shoes?

Prescription Drug Collection at APD This will be held at the ATHENS POLICE DEPARTMENT PARKING LOT from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the same day as the Earth Day event. Just drive through

their parking lot, safely rid your home of old medications, then come and join us at the Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO! Please call KALB at 256233-8728 or email KALBCares@gmail.com for more information.

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com April 18 - May 1, 2014

Cooking with Shelley

Dump Pudding

by Shelley Underhill

This recipe is so simple you will want to make it over and over again. Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of tasting this dessert. I just knew it was AthensNow bound. You can change this recipe up by using different pie fillings to taste. Let me

know if you try this simple but de-lish dessert, by emailing me at shelleysdesk@ gmail.com Enjoy!

What you will need: 1 can crushed pineapple 1 can pie filling of choice ½ cup sugar 1 box yellow cake mix 2 sticks oleo 1 cup chopped pecans Mix together pineapple, pie filling and sugar. Spread into the bottom of a well greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over the top of pie filling mixture. Cut oleo into pats and place on top of mixture and space out evenly. Top with chopped pecans. Bake at 350 for one hour.

April 18 - May 1, 2014

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Page 13

Learning As A Lifestyle

Shooting The Rapids: Leading In A Time Of Change

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 for Athens State University. Dr. Glenn completed his undergraduate degree at Birmingham-Southern College and his Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the University of Alabama. Dr. Glenn cites his training as a counselor, and specifically his training in the Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler, as a major force in shaping his educational philosophy.

Shooting the Rapids is the name of a log flume at an amusement park and the name of a song by Robert Bennett. It is also a term for canoeing over rocks on swift water. At the Center for Lifelong Learning, “Shooting the Rapids” is an analogy for change. Today’s society is moving at breakneck speed. Whether you are a student, an employee, a supervisor, or a business owner, you had better be ready for change.

On April 29, from 9:00am to 12:00 pm, the Center for Lifelong Learning and the Curtis Coleman Center for Religious Studies and Ethics will sponsor a forum called “Shooting the Rapids: Leading in a Time of Change.”

The forum will be held at the Center for Lifelong Learning located at 121 South Marion Street. There is a $25 charge for admission. Please regis-

ter early.

“This leadership event in change management includes training and coaching to sharpen skills in a time of change. Everyone is a leader and anyone is welcome

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$39.95

1404 US Hwy 72 E • Athens, AL 35611 256-221-5354 Mon-Sat 7 am-7pm • Sun 8-5:30

If It Don’t Shine, It Ain’t Mine!

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to come. The discussion is geared towards those who are already in leadership positions or have leadership responsibilities, said Dr. Robert White, director of the Curtis Coleman Center for Religious Studies and Ethics.

Tom Hill is the Executive Director of the Limestone County Economic Development Association. His contribution to the panel represents the business interests in our county. According to the LCEDA website, Limestone County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state and we offer a highly educated staff pool and attractive business incentives

for businesses who consider moving here.

Another guest speaker is Athens-Limestone United Way Executive Director Kaye Young McFarlen. McFarlen represents the volunteer agencies and non-profit organizations for Limestone county.

“Leadership is a skill best learned by example,” said Center for Lifelong Learning Director, Diane Sauers.

“I believe we have, for this forum panel, pulled together a great team that exemplifies the most important traits to help all of us lead.”

For more information you can call Wanda Campbell at 256-233-8262 or visit our website www.athens.edu/ CLL.

One guest speaker for the forum is Lieutenant General (Retired) James Pillsbury who is the former commander of Redstone Arsenal.

Pillsbury has lots of experiences with change in his 38year career in the military.

He was recognized for his innovation and as a “gifted leader” by Ann Dunwoody of Army Material Command in an article published in The Huntsville Times in May 2011.

Dr. Robert Glenn, President of Athens State University, is another speaker for the forum. Dr. Glenn became the 36th President of Athens State University in August 2008. The University has gone from a post-secondary college to an independent college – a tremendous change

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April 18 - May 1, 2014

Health and Fitness

Type 2 Diabetes

by Janet Hunt

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

Type 2 diabetes can be easy to ignore, especially in the early stages when you’re feeling fine.

Diabetes affects many major organs, including your heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. These long-term complications from type 2 diabetes usually develop gradually, and can eventually become disabling or life-threatening.

Therefore, controlling your blood sugar is important to help prevent these problems.

Below are some of the potential complications of diabetes: •Heart and blood vessel damage: Diabetes increases the risks of various cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease with chest pain, heart attack, stroke, narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis) and high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, the risk of stroke is two to four times higher for people with diabetes, and the death rate from heart disease is two to four times higher for people with diabetes than for people without it.

•Nerve damage (neuropathy): Excess sugar can injure the walls of the tiny blood capillaries that nourish your nerves, especially in the legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads inward toward the center of the body.

Poorly controlled blood sugar can eventually cause you to lose all sense of feeling in the affected limbs. Also, damage to the nerves that control digestion can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. For men, erectile dysfunction may be an issue.

•Kidney damage (nephropathy): The kidneys contain millions of tiny blood vessel clusters that filter waste from your blood. Diabetes can damage this delicate filtering system.

Severe damage can lead to kidney failure and/or irreversible kidney disease, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

•Eye damage: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina (diabetic retinopa-

thy), potentially leading to blindness. Diabetes also increases the risk of other vision conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma.

•Foot damage: Nerve damage in the feet and/or poor blood flow to the feet increases the risk of various foot complications. Cuts, sores, and blisters can become serious and cause infections. Severe damage might require toe, foot or even leg amputation.

•Skin and mouth conditions: Diabetes may leave you more susceptible to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections.

•Osteoporosis: Diabetes may lead to lower than normal bone mineral density, increasing your risk of osteoporosis.

•Alzheimer’s disease: Type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. It appears the worse your blood sugar control, the greater the risk of Alzheimer’s.

•Hearing problems. Diabetes can also lead to hearing impairment.

In addition to medications such as oral agents and insulin prescribed by your doctor, there are two things you can do to help control your diabetes: diet and exercise.

that fits your health goals, food preferences and lifestyle. Consistency is important. To keep your blood sugar from bouncing around, try to eat the same amount of food with the same proportion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats at the same time every day.

Exercise:

Everyone

needs

regular aerobic exercise. Make physical activity part of your daily routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day. Stretching and strength training are also important, as is consistency. A certified Personal Trainer can help you with your fitness goals and exercise routines. Talk to your doctor first and start slowly!

Diet: Center your diet on highfiber, low-fat foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Minimize the amount of animal products, refined carbohydrates and sweets you consume. A registered dietitian can help you with a meal plan

April 18 - May 1, 2014

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Cover Story

Where’s Your Wireless? Grand Opening Of Athens Verizon Store April 29th

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

Just in case you are too embarrassed to ask what 4G means, here is an explanation for non-technoids like me from the Verizon site: “The term 4G LTE is really two terms. 4G means the fourth generation of data technology for cellular networks ̶ following 3G, the third generation. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution and is short for a very technical process for high-speed data for phones and other mobile devices. Together, they make 4G LTE ̶ the fastest 4G service available today.”

By way of a little history and education, Verizon came about as the result of the merger of Atlantic Bell and GTE, two telecommunications giants of the 20th century. Therefore much of the service and coverage infrastructure was already in place. However, just because you are big doesn’t mean you are good

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at what you do, and we have seen several cellular companies come and go. “What makes the difference is customer service,” said Heath Gilmore, the manager of the Athens store.

Heath has always been interested in technology, studied engineering at UAH, and worked for Dynetics. He has also been in sales for years, and before joining the Verizon team 18 months ago, he sold underground utility systems in Athens and Madison. The

products included pipes, backflow prevention systems (important in battling terrorism), and other components of water and sewer services.

He is also nearly finished with a Master’s degree in Ministries.

While at the Athens store,

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I also chatted with Athens State University graduate Heather Balcerek, who holds a Master’s degree from American Public University (APU). She is the Verizon sales support and training manager over 57 stores. Her territory includes Alabama, Georgia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. She told me about the upcoming “shindig” to be held on April 29th. The new store, which is located at 22041 A, Hwy 72 in Athens (in the recently constructed buildings on the south side of the Publix shopping center), will have its grand opening/ Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting celebration beginning at 10 am. Journey 93.3 will be broadcasting from the store, and from 2pm to 6 pm there will be pizza made especially for the party by Village Pizza in Athens. There will be giveaways all day, and for any new service purchased, there will be free activation April 15 through April 30. Andy, who is a 7ft tall Android, will also be on hand to greet the guests.

These days all the retail outlets for the major telecommunication corporations have largely the same products to offer their customers. The days are gone where some stores only carried Apple products and others Android. “We’re far more than cellular.

Everyone now carries tablets, iPhones, iPads, and all kinds of Androids,” said Heath. I asked, “If everyone basically carries everything, then why should I come to you?” “We have the best service,” he said.

“Every day I have customers coming in to say ‘I used to be with__________,’ and there is no comparison to your service and theirs.’” He added that while all of the major players have competitive prices, the difference has to be made up in customer satisfaction and keeping up with advancements in technologies. The Athens store is state of the art and is designed to reflect and display those advancements.

April 18 - May 1, 2014

One of the new “toys” offered at the Athens Verizon store could have been what we used to see in the comics being sported on Detective Dick Tracey’s arm: the two way TV wrist radio, as well as computer. It is made by Samsung, and is called the Galaxy Gear Smartwatch.

Heath was wearing one, and with it you can answer your calls, read texts and emails, take pictures, and so much more. They also carry what is known as the Jet Pack. It is a device that is about the size of a cell phone that acts as a portable Wi-Fi system. With the Jet Pack, if you are in a coffee shop, restaurant or other outlet, you don’t have to use their system to get online. You just turn on your Jet Pack, which is configured to your IP address, and “you’re in,” as they say. The Jet Pack can run up to 10 devices at

April 18 - May 1, 2014

the Athens Now advertorials for our clients from the standpoint of being a truly satisfied customer, and I believe that on the 29th of April I will become just that. Awhile back we “bundled” our TV, Internet, and office phone line into one cable package, and while there has been solid satisfaction with the first two, with the phone service, not so much. I do most of my business communicating on my cell phone, and a great deal of the time I am “out of the office and out in the field.”

Once I got the new office phone number for my home, my phone was ringing constantly day and night with sales calls. Apparently I had not read the “fine print” that indicated that my phone number would be released to the planet, and it was more than annoying.

once. As thankful as I am for all the local business owners who have provided free WiFi access to the public, sometimes I need to get online quickly, and having your own system greatly streamlines the process.

Verizon to the rescue!

Beginning with a $20 per month plan, I can utilize the home phone connect service with unlimited calls in the U.S., along with the option to add generous international calling plans.

Another of Verizon’s new services is called Sure Response, which can be compared to Life Alert. It is worn around

the neck, is water resistant (so it can be used while showering), and has carefully trained attendants on the other end of the line should there be a slip, fall, accident, or other type of emergency. It is perfect for seniors or those who are disabled.

The home phone connect service unit plugs into the wall, just like a household appliance, and doesn’t have a router. However, Verizon does offer a combination service that has Internet and voice bundled together. If the power goes out, both units have batteries that last for up to four hours. I do not have to get a new phone number, and I can keep the other two services (TV and Internet) in my present bundle. Oh, by the way, Heath and Heather assured me my phone number would never be sold.

Verizon does offer its own bundling package for residential and business use. In addition, because of the 4G coverage, is able to provide service in rural areas that are not reached by other companies. They have plans that are designed to fit every budget and need, and I would like to encourage you to join me on April 29th to both welcome them to their new store, and experience the fulfillment of the promise of unparalleled customer care.

Athens Verizon Store

22041A Hwy 72 Athens, AL 35613 Phone: 1-800-NEW-CELL or 256-262-0847 Hours: Mon-Sat 9-7, Sun 1-6 www.athens1@ccgaal.com www.mycellularcenter.com www.facebook.com/ccgaal.com

I always like to write

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Page 17

Brad Pullum for Sheriff Paid Political Advertisement by Friends of Brad Pullum

Greatest Show On Dirt !!

32nd Annual

Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo May 16-17, 2014—8 P.M. Sheriff’s Arena Hwy 99—Athens, AL _

Grand Marshal’s Rodeo Parade Saturday—May 10—2 P.M. Line up 1 P.M. at the Arena

Free Pony Rides

Monday—May 12—5 P.M.

Preston’s Western Wear Hwy 72 East of I-65

Street Dance & Fashion Show Courthouse Square Tuesday—May 13—6 P.M. Featuring Jeff Whitlow Country

Special Needs Rodeo

Friday—May 17—10 am—1 pm Advance Tickets At the Gate Children—$8.00 Adults—$10.00

Children—$10.00 Adults—$15.00

www.LimestoneSheriffRodeo.com

Page 18

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April 18 - May 1, 2014

The View From The Bridge

Attention Parents & High School Seniors: Don’t Plan That Epic Grad Party Just Yet! Jackie Warner

by Jackie Warner

Community Outreach “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

High schools seniors and their parents all over the country are excited and getting ready to attend their high school graduations and hold those “EPIC” graduation parties. There is just one major problem being seen all over our nation- a failure to truly plan for what’s next. Statistics tell us that a tremendous number of high school seniors are ill prepared for their upcoming futures.

More time is put on finding the right prom attire, attending the last series of sports events, and planning the graduation trip.

Parents, put on the brakes and halt the spending until you and your soon to be adult - “no longer a child”- have evaluated his or her plan of action for adulthood.

High School Seniors & Parents Must Do List: •Parents and students should have a heart to heart about the future and schedule an appointment with your high school guidance counselor to discuss college and career options based on your student’s abilities.

•Explore realistic career options that fit your skills,

April 18 - May 1, 2014

dent Aid. Most colleges require that you apply for Federal Student Aid before any scholarships will be awarded.

•Parents, remember it’s your child’s future and they need to own it. You can assist but realize that it should be their plan. Students, hold yourself accountable to achieving your goals.

Remember, High School Seniors - what you do today will determine how you live tomorrow!

Don’t you want to live well?

Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional interests, and abilities.

•Choose a path for your future. Whether it is college, going straight to work, military, or another option, have a plan of action!

es before confirming your choice.

amount; every dollar will help fund your education.

Jackie Warner, Career Development Facilitator

•Apply for scholarships, no matter how small the

•Apply for FAFSA -Free Application for Federal Stu-

The Bridge “Where Community Matters”

•Review your high school transcript for accuracy.

•Take the ACT and/or SAT a minimum of two times to boost your scores when seeking scholarships and applying to colleges.

•Visit the colleges you are interested in attending to make an informed decision about your future.

•Be realistic and do the math on college costs and expens-

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Page 19

Horse Whispering

Boundaries

by Deb Kitchenmaster

One of the many joys of connecting humans with horses is the unforced effortlessness of excavating treasures buried in the human’s heart. Again and again I have eye-witnessed the simplicity of this miracle that can be easily overlooked, ignored, or about which we can be unaware.

Out at the barn I met a young lady. It was but a short time in her presence that I realized she had a secret place deep inside where no one was ever invited. That was until an “equine breath” entered into her “no trespassing, barbed wire” zone! It was this unreachable part of her heart that this horse had every intention to touch!

The baseline of this CORRAL CONNECTION is that this precious human being suffered from severe difficulties in taking ownership of her life. Made in the image of God, she was created to take responsibility for certain tasks. Check out the first book in the Bible, Genesis, chapter 1, and verse 28. Part of taking responsibility or owner-

NOT connect. Feelings come from your heart and tell you something. A feeling can tell you the state of a relationship. Feeling loved, accepted, supported, cherished and safe indicates measurements of a healthy relationship. When you feel numb, rejected, anger, shame, guilt and fear you have a problem in this relationship that needs to be addressed.

ship of one’s life means that one knows what her job is and what isn’t. People who take on duties that aren’t theirs will eventually build walls, shut down, or go away inside.

There are those who aren’t aware that it is okay to set boundaries in their lives due to the fact that their personal boundaries have been previously violated instead of protected, cherished, and valued. The first step here is to acknowledge that it’s alright to (1) have personal boundaries, (2) set personal boundaries, and (3) enforce personal

boundaries. Bottom line: let your “yes” be YES and let your “no” be NO. It is the setting of our personal boundaries; mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually in our lives that bring clarity in what is our responsibility and what isn’t.

The action of setting personal boundaries is a great antidote for “confusion”.

Two emotions that popped up like popcorn in a microwave, were guilt and fear. These were faced and acknowledged in the corral connection of horse and human, equipping her so that when in the big arena of human to human interaction, she could transition from toxicity to health.

I enter my round pen through a gate. The gate that enters into the round pen area swings both ways. I can open towards me or away from me. The setting of boundaries always brings in the dynamic of ‘gates’ and ‘choices’. ALWAYS!

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Boundaries are NOT walls!

Boundaries are your personal property line between you and your neighbor. In these boundaries are gates, gates that let the goodness, safety and health in, and allow the pain, poison and toxicity to exit. OR, gates can allow pain, poison and toxicity in, and causes goodness, safety and health to exit.

Horses, round pens and gates offer a support, awakening, and invitation to humans in creating boundaries.

Isn’t that amazing?

The core of the life lesson that was a ‘gift’ to this person during our CORRAL CONNECTIONS is that your feelings are your responsibility. You must willingly face them and make a decision to how you will begin to find an answer to whatever issue they are pointing to. Perhaps it will be asking yourself some questions about a particular relationship, acknowledging something in your belief system that is tripping you up and keep you from walking in the unforced rhythms of God’s grace, or an agreement that needs to be broken, or one that needs to be agreed upon.

Our ability to receive and give love is our greatest gift. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, ‘love one another even as I have loved you.’”

Let’s receive His love for us and give it to those we come in contact with.

What treasure was uncovered from the heart through our CORRAL CONNECTIONS? Feelings! Please don’t put the paper down, hear me out.

There are teachings that refer Your NEIGHbor, to feelings as ‘fleshly’ or ‘unDeb Kitchenmaster spiritual,’ and not to be given Corral Connections: attention or governed by’. If Connecting with LIFE we are told to run, ignore, pay through a horse no attention to ‘feelings’ and we believe and judge them Animal B.E.S.T practitioner as ‘evil’ or ‘wrong’, we will dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com

April 18 - May 1, 2014

Jerry’s Journal

Gary Elmore, American Hero - Part 1

by Jerry Barksdale per lifted and disappeared in the murky sky.

Sunday afternoon, November 7, 1965. A long irregular line of UH-1 “Huey” choppers flew northwest out of Bien Hoa Airbase, the “flacketyflack” of their rotary blades beating out a disconcerting tune. Aboard one of the choppers was Pfc. Gary Lewis Elmore, age 23 from Tanner, Alabama. About now, he guessed, folks at Round Island Baptist Church where he occasionally attended would be home from worship service and settling down to a Sunday dinner of cornbread, blackeyed peas, creamed potatoes and fried chicken. He looked past the machine gunner in the open door of the Huey as it skimmed above the dense, green jungle and for an instant thought about how beautiful and peaceful the scene appeared. But he knew better. Death lurked below. The queasy feeling in his stomach wasn’t caused by the jarring 17 mile flight from Bien Hoa, or the greasy C-rations he had recently eaten. It was fear.

Anytime the 173rd Airborne Brigade was on an operation, there was sure to be danger.

The all volunteer paratroopers were destined to win a Presidential Unit Citation for bravery in action, and twelve of its troopers would receive the Medal of Honor. More than 10,000 would be dead and wounded before the brigade departed Vietnam in 1971.

This was their first major mission since landing in Vietnam 6 months earlier. The chopper dropped down quickly over a field of elephant grass, the rotary blades splaying the tall grass fan-like as it hovered several feet above the ground.

Elmore and his squad scrambled out the door and hit the ground running as the chop-

April 18 - May 1, 2014

Elmore’s Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry moved quickly through the tall, razor sharp elephant grass toward a green tree line. Beyond were several triple canopy jungle hills. So far, they hadn’t seen “Charlie,” the diminutive, black pajama-clad Viet Cong that often appeared out of nowhere firing automatic AK47’s. “Operation Hump” had jumped off two days earlier. The mission was to drive out Viet Cong fighters who had taken key positions in several hills near the Ho Chi Minh Trail. It was called the “Iron Triangle,” sparsely populated and honeycombed with tunnels, underground bunkers, and spider holes where Charlie could pop up and shoot a man in the back, then quickly disappear in the ground. As usual it rained.

As nightfall approached, Bravo and Charlie Companies settled in a defensive circle and placed Claymore mines around their perimeter near Hill 65. Elmore shucked his heavy ruck sack and began digging a foxhole, putting the dirt in sandbags which he laid on top of bamboo. It was good protection against possible incoming mortar rounds.

The jungle smelled rotten like potting soil, and was wet and eerie. Water dripped from foliage. A multitude of birds, frogs, lizards and screeching insects sang their strange symphony. Mosquitoes swarmed around Elmore’s ears. He had a bottle of repellant, but if used too often it would blister his skin. So he just swatted and swore at them. Monkeys, huge rats, leeches, pythons, bamboo vipers and fist size tarantulas lived in the jungle. And so did Charlie.

“Don’t them bugs ever shut

up?” a soldier complained.

“When they do, it’s time to worry,” someone replied.

Elmore ripped open his C-rations: four bone dry cigarettes, pound cake, fruit cocktail, ham and lima beans, chopped ham and eggs. His queasy stom-

dered what tomorrow would bring. Then he thought about home. Home, what a beautiful word.

He had recently named his father, Lawrence Elmore, Detroit, beneficiary of his life insurance policy. Money that he sent home went directly into

what time I have.”

Elmore didn’t have to be in this stinking jungle. It had been his choice. After breaking his ankle on his final parachute jump at Ft. Benning, he was given the option of going to Vietnam or staying behind.

He chose to go. Just ten more months and he would be back home. He couldn’t wait.

Gary Lewis Elmore was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 26, 1942, to Lawrence and Mildred Lancaster Elmore. Like many Limestone Countians, his parents had gone north seeking employment. After his mother became deathly ill, he and his younger sister, Diane were sent to live with their maternal grandparents, Coffman and Elvie Hargrave, near Jones Crossroads in Limestone County, Alabama. Gary attended Wheeler Elementary School and later Tanner High School, where he was manager of the Tanner Rattlers football team.

ach retched at the thought of eating greasy ham and eggs.

After a few spoonfuls of fruit cocktail, he decided he wasn’t hungry. The men were unusually quiet, only a smattering of nervous chatter. Elmore spread his rubber poncho on the damp ground, sprayed insect repellant around the edge, then straightened the pins on his hand grenades and placed them within arm’s reach. After placing his M-16 rifle, fully loaded with a 20 round magazine nearby, he lay down using his rucksack for a pillow, and pulled his poncho liner over his head. It was suffocating, but it kept the mosquitoes out and it didn’t interfere with sleep. No one slept anyway. And he won-

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the Detroit Bank and Trust.

He would purchase a nice car when he got home. He thought about his Uncle Clarence Elmore, back in Athens, who had lent him money from time to time and bolstered his sagging spirits with letters.

Clarence Elmore had served in both World War II and Korea and understood a soldier’s lonely life. In September, Elmore had written Uncle Clarence: “I have also started reading my Bible,” he scribbled on yellow legal paper. “And I can’t think of a better time to start. I’ve almost completed Matthew and most of Mark. I read as much as I can every day according to

“Tink” Haney, quarterback of the team and a wounded combat veteran of Vietnam, remembers Gary with fondness.

“We call ‘em “Winky Dink,” a name given him by my cousin, Horace (Haney). He was smaller than most of us, but he was real tough,” says Tink.

“The players picked on him - some people might call it bullying nowadays - but Gary was tough and could take it. It didn’t bother him. He enjoyed it. He was fun to be around.

He didn’t have a ride to football practice; he’d be walking and we’d pick him up.”

Elmore, hazel-eyed, brown headed and standing at 5 feet 5 inches, was a firecracker in a small package. “He was small,” says his sister, Diane Mefford of Athens. “Gary

continued on page 24

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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.autismsociety.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, identifi-

able 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 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 ten-fold 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.

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.

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.

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 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 ties:

Difficul-

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

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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.

During the month of April, Alabama residents will be participating in the Walk for Autism in various cities. Athens will hold its Walk for Autism on Saturday, April 19th, helping solve the puzzle for Alabama families.

April 18 - May 1, 2014

Security Savvy

Are We Being Manipulated?

by Jim Doyle, owner of Madison Security Group 203 Us Highway 31 S, Athens, AL 35611 prescribes them? In addition, why would I take a medicine that could cause death or suicidal thoughts? I would rather stay with the original problem.

I normally write about Safety and Security, but I believe that in a way we are being manipulated by both the government and by big businesses. I say the government because they allow what happens through their favorite people, lobbyists. After all, there is money in those handshakes.

Why is it that when we go to the movie theatre we now sit through commercials. WHY? We paid to see a movie and previews of movies coming up, not commercials. It seems like we are bombarded with advertisements no matter where we go. Often, when you decide to look at a news program or something that got your interest on the Internet, you have to watch a commercial before you get to the article or video you wanted. I pay for Internet access to get information. I don’t want commercials.

Have you noticed that while you’re watching television, when the channel you’re watching goes to commercial, there are usually at least 5 in a row and the volume goes up? When you try to change to another channel, they are commercials too. This is not a coincidence. Is there any question as to why our medical costs and food prices are so high? Someone has to pay for all the advertising. We can’t even make a choice to change channels on our own television so we

It seems to me that we are being treated as sheep, all being directed to their way of thinking, and having our decision making ability taken away through manipulation. The news programs are not much better. We would hear more news about what’s going on in the community if don’t have to be bombarded by commercials.

This kind of advertising is really getting out of control. Even when you do find a television show you may want to watch, it is full of product advertising.

The characters in the show make a point of mentioning the make and model of the cars they drive.

The brand names on their coffee cups or soda cans are always facing the camera. Wouldn’t want to miss that product plug while I’m watching CSI. To be honest, the only time I like to see commercials is during the Super Bowl.

I love the Clydesdale commercials. They are more like mini movies, and they don’t really push the product. That is one company that learned if they get more attention because of the horses, the beer sells itself.

they didn’t say their call sign every minute. You know what news show you have on, and you don’t need to be reminded repeatedly.

As I said, I usually write about safety and security concerns.

This seems to me an assault on our security by constantly trying to manipulate our thinking process.

Again, stay safe and aware.

news, and here come the medication commercials. They know that this is primetime for adults watching TV. We are hit with these commercials over and over again, and the pesky part is the disclaimer at the end. It is said so fast your ears really can’t understand it. Why would I have to tell my doctor what medications I am taking when he or she

Try to sit down after work and have dinner while you watch the

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Jerry’s Journal (continued)

Gary Elmore, American Hero - Part 1 continued from page 21 and I were coming home from work and ran out of gas. He took a can and started walking toward the gas station. Well, a tow truck came by and pulled me to the gas station. I was sitting in the back seat with the window rolled down when we passed Gary walking, I yelled loud as I could, “Hey winky Dink!’ He stopped, his nostrils wide and open and I could read his lips.”

“Gary was happy-go-lucky and full of mischief,” remembers classmate Gary Carter.

“He’d get a paddling and laugh it off. We had this math teacher, S.A. Thomas, an ex highway patrolman from Illinois. He wouldn’t allow chewing gum. Gary tested him a number of times. He’d cut his eyes at Gary and holler, ‘Elmore, out!” He ran Gary out of classroom many times.

“One day Gary walked into Mr. Thomas’s math class chewing gum.

“OUT THE WINDOW AND

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OUT THE DOOR!” shouted the teacher, meaning, throw your gum out the window and go stand in the hallway.

“Gary throwed his gum out in the hall and jumped out the window,” says Carter, chuckling.

Horace Haney, who played football at Tanner, smiles when he remembers Gary. “He was little bitty, a good agitator and liked to be around football players.”

On another occasion, the students were supposed to be attending a pep rally on the football field. “Gary and Brenda Marsh sneaked back inside the classroom and found teacher Barney Pressnell’s jacket hanging on the back of his chair,” says sister Diane, smiling. “Gary put an arm in one sleeve and Brenda put an arm in the other sleeve. They were just huddled together walking down the hallway, and Mr. Pressnell caught ‘em with his coat on.”

When Gary turned age 16, he quit Tanner High School in the

10th grade, and went to work at Charlie Jones’ Cotton Gin at Jones Crossroads. He was a strong-headed boy and full of mischief. His grandmother Hargrave was exasperated with him. She called his father in Detroit. “Come down here and get ‘em,” she said. “He won’t listen to me anymore.” Gary moved to Detroit, and worked for Service Sales Gasket Company. When he turned 18, he came back to Athens and registered for the draft.

He was drafted in March, 1965 and quickly enlisted in the Army. It was the month that the first American combat troops landed in Vietnam.

On July 4, 1964, Gary went to Michigan to visit with his dad and sisters. “He had his uniform laying on the bed and I touched it,” remembers Diane. “He got really upset about it. I thought, well that is really nice. He was proud of that uniform.”

Following eight weeks of basic training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, Gary volunteered for Airborne, and was placed in a

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holding company for a couple of months. It was there that he met Shelby Huey, an Arkansas farm boy from tiny Newport, near Jonesboro. “There were three of us and we were really tight,” remembers Huey, a plain spoken paratrooper of the 173rd Brigade, who saw combat in Vietnam, and now lives in Huntsville, Alabama. “We had a lot in common,” said Huey.

“We were poor white boys, in the Army and away from home.

“Gary was cotton-top headed and mean’er a snake and don’t think he wouldn’t fight,” added Huey. “He was a good guy and we called ‘em “Dennis the Menace.” I thought his real name was Dennis.”

Huey had also joined the paratroopers and was shipped out of Ft. Benning, Georgia for three weeks of jump school where he ran into Elmore again. We were in the same training platoon but didn’t get to see each other much,” says Huey. “I heard that Gary broke his leg on his last jump and that is the last contact I ever had with him.”

Gary went to visit his family in Athens just before shipping off to Vietnam. His sister, Diane, married and working in Michigan, drove down to visit with him. He asked Diane to borrow her car. “He was little rough on cars,” says Diane, “and I had to have it to get back to Michigan to get back to work. I wouldn’t let him have it.”

“You are not my sister anymore!” exclaimed Gary and stomped off. “He would always do that to me to get what he wanted,” she says. Diane returned to Michigan and quickly realized the seriousness of Gary’s forthcoming tour in Vietnam. Her sister and friends in Michigan organized a going-away party for Gary.

Gary called Diane. “Are you coming to my party?”

“Who is this?”

“It’s your brother,” replied Gary.

“I don’t have a brother and don’t know who you are,” she said and hung up the phone.

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