Athens Now Alabama

April 19 - May 2, 2013

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All Things Soldier The “Boston Massacre,” The Achilles Freedom Team, And Team Red, White And Blue... At the time we put Athens Now “to bed” for this second edition in April, 2013 our country was still reeling... Page 4

Coming Soon: The 18th Annual TRIAD Trail Ride

By Paul Cain, Deputy Sheriff, Limestone County Sheriff’s Department, with Ali Turner The 18th Annual TRIAD Trial Ride will be held Sunday, April 28, 2013, at the Neal Johnston Farm, Minor Hill, TN. Gates will open at 11 am, and the ride begins at 2 pm. The ride is an annual event with proceeds going toward a combined effort to protect Continued on pages 15

Special Feature Making The American Dream Come True... During the first two Saturdays of May, all of us have the opportunity to support the dream of home ownership and a secure future ...

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Casa Blanca Of Athens: What Can Happen In America When Families Work Together

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Clean and Green Volunteers Cleaned Up 4,800 lbs of Trash from Elk River ... Long before the weather showed signs of warming and trees began to bloom, KALB staff and volunteers were thinking about...

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April 19 - May 2, 2013

Gabriel and Gina Martinez, with Hector and Elias Martinez outside Casa Blanca Athens

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April 22nd is going to be the opening day of the newest of the Casa Blanca restaurant chain, right on the north side of the Square at 208 W. Market Street.

Having a vibrantly painted, friendly and comfortable place to get delicious and reasonably priced Mexican food

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April 19 - May 2, 2013

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor

“It Could Never Happen Here”

Ali Turner

Sales / Editing Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Contributing Writers

Shelley Underhill Janet Hunt Lynne Hart Jeanette Dunnavant Jones Jim Doyle Deb Kitchenmaster Sarah Chadwell Wanda Campbell Paula Sorg, LMT Paul Cain

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . 7 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Sarah’s Sagas . . . . . . . . . 9

In March, after the Sandy Hook shootings, and before the Boston Marathon bombings, I had the privilege of attending a training session for law enforcement professionals with specific regard to what is known as an “active shooter event.” Its subtitle was “It couldn’t happen here.”

This week that training has taken on a sense of the surreal. Although the weapons used to kill people (whose only crime was to want to cheer on their favorite runners as they crossed the finish line) were pressure cookers, and not guns, it was a reminder that we are vulnerable. The fact that we live in a marvelous town doesn’t mean that we are impervious to insanity or evil, and I have heard from our Mayor and Sheriff that the possibility of an incident of this type is one of the things that keeps them awake at night as they are on watch.

What I most appreciated about the training, (which focused on the shooting at UAH perpetrated by Dr. Amy Bishop, or, “Offender Bishop,” as she is officially called,) was the

level of honesty that was maintained by the trainer.

There were things that went extraordinarily well in the UAH shooting, others, not so much, and since incidents like Columbine and Paducah much has been learned as to how to

working around the clock to solve the case, I would like to focus on some things that “went right” at what I have come to refer to as another “Boston Massacre.”

Carlos Arrendondo, who lost one son in Iraq and

ish line when the bombs went off, and scooped up an injured woman and carried her to safety. He was recognized by some NFL fans who wanted to make a big deal of his heroism, and was quick to give homage to first responders of all types as well as private citizens, calling them “the true heroes.”

A veteran of the war in Afghanistan known only as Tyler got a woman out of harm’s way, calmed her down until the ambulance arrived, and is probably the most important type of hero of all, an unsung one.

better handle the situation and save more lives.

It made my gratitude soar once again that I live in a land where there is such care taken in looking out for and protecting me and us. And so, while the investigation into the butchery in Boston continues on, and FBI agents are

What Makes Ronnie Roll . . 11

another to suicide ran straight into the fray and made a makeshift tourniquet for a runner who would have otherwise bled out.

He also helped first responders and National Guardsmen take down a fence in order to make it possible for there to be more access to the wounded.

Dr. Vivek Shah heard the blast, moved straight to it in order to check on his family, and once he determined that they were alright, began to aid the wounded.

Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Lifelong Learning . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . . 15,17

Joe Andruzzi, who used to play for the New England Patriots, was at the fin-

Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18

This I know: If we ever have anything like this happen in Athens, I can think of countless “regular folks” as well as first responders who will put themselves in harm’s way in order to take care of their fellow Athenians.

It is that type of good, in Boston, Connecticut or at UAH that will always have the legacy of fearlessness that is exactly what terrifies terrorists, and in the end, will cause the light of good to prevail over the dark of evil.

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

Horse Whispering . . . . . . 20 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 21 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . . 23

April 19 - May 2, 2013

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All Things Soldier

The “Boston Massacre,” The Achilles Freedom Team, And Team Red, White And Blue

by Ali Elizabeth Turner At the time we put Athens Now “to bed” for this second edition in April, 2013 our country was still reeling from the evil perpetrated upon innocent runners as they crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon. An eight year old boy died, as did a woman in her late 20s, and a Chinese grad student working on her Master’s degree. Many more were injured, some critically, and some lost their limbs.

Much can, should and will be said about the attacks as more facts become known and verified.

cable news programs, I was chatting with a customer about the attack, and she brought up an additional aspect of this tragedy that I thought deserved to be discussed in this column.

As news of the carnage hit the

“Doing Boston is the oldest

There were Wounded Warriors there. They are part of what is known as the Achilles Freedom Team, and had arrived to participate in the race by hand cycling the entire 26.2 mile course. Here are some of their comments as reported by Paul Burton of Boston’s CBS affiliate WBZ prior to the explosions:

marathon; it’s a privilege to do that,” said retired Marine Sgt. Michael Frazier, 30.

“Just to be able to do the Marathon is a dream come true.”

Veteran Jake Murphy of Wellesley is just happy to be home. In July 2011, his entire life changed while he was on patrol in Afghanistan. “The IED went off; took both of my legs.

And I was in a coma for six

weeks and suffered traumatic brain injury,” the 26-year-old said of the injuries he suffered from an improvised bomb.

Murphy said he’s proud to not only serve his country but also participate in the Boston Marathon. “My first Boston (Marathon) after years of watching people,” he said.

Now that is a statement that is most definitely haunting, and in so many ways not at all surprising. Wounded Warriors are remarkable people, whether their wounds are obvious or not.

The fact that they remain steadfast in their commitment to our country on the one hand is extraordinary, and on the other, simply what one would expect.

But, as my client said, “Haven’t they seen enough?” Whoever did this, (and one way or another they will be brought to justice, either human or divine, make no mistake,) pulled off, either by design or damnable luck, an extraordinary feat in psychological warfare. To attack someone like Murphy, who came to race after years of “watch-

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ing,” and recreate what he had experienced in Afghanistan is evil on steroids.

However, something else has happened, as I told her it most likely would. There would be an honorable, undaunted response, and it came through their recovering brethren.

Other Wounded Warriors, who themselves have lost limbs, will run in honor of the Boston runners, wounded and whole, who were stopped from completing their race.

In their own way, Team Red, White and Blue is saying, as no one else can or does, “Bring it.”

In San Antonio, members of Team Red, White and Blue have laced up the shoes that go on the end of their titanium prostheses, and are racing the last 1.4 miles of what would have been the end of the Boston race. They are doing so on Friday evening at 8 pm, and as is most often the case with all of our soldiers, they will refuse to be cowed by the cowardice of terrorists.

Simply said, our debt to them is unfathomable, and in these tender days of aftermath, may we go out of our way to thank them.

April 19 - May 2, 2013

April 19 - May 2, 2013

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Calendar of Events

Athens State’s Athenian Players to present The Glass Menagerie April 19-20 at 7:30 PM

Matiness performances will be held on Sunday April 21 at 2:00 p.m. The Athenian Players of Athens State University present their inaugural production of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie.

This play, directed by Assistant Professor of Drama, Dr. Hugh Long, will be performed in the Black Box Theater at Calhoun Community College. Admission will be charged at the door and is $10.00 per person, $7.00 for students and seniors. In addition, there will be a special dinner and theater performance on Saturday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center on Athens State’s campus. Dinner will be served by Picasso’s Grill with the cost being $30 per person. Call 256-233-8243 for reservations. “We are beginning a rebirth of Athens State University Drama with the great Southern Playwright, Tennessee Williams,” states Dr. Long, “and with the Athenian Players fostering a North Alabama theatre culture & community firmly grounded in our wonderful academic institutions of Athens State University and Calhoun Community College”. The cast consists of Laura Poe as the mother, Jensie Britt as her daughter, Colin Whitworth as her son, and Forrest Johnson as the gentleman caller. More information can be found at www.athens. edu/athenianplayers.

Registration is $20 and includes a Zombie Survival T-Shirt. Spectator seating is available for $5.00. Location - Athens, AL Greenway Trail.

This is a Relay for Life run hosted by AL National Guard 1343rd CBRN Company. Contact zombiefunrunal@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/ zombiefunrun or www.imathlete.com/events/zombiefunrun.

The Better Business Bureau Secure Your ID Day April 20 at 8:30AM - 3PM

The Better Business Bureau Secure Your ID Day has scheduled their free community shredding & hard drive destruction event at the following times and locations: 8:30 am - 10:30 am at US Space and Rocket Center (Davidson Center Parking Lot) and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Calhoun Community College (Hwy 31 - Decatur). This is an opportunity for individuals, agencies and businesses to destroy up to 3 large boxes or bags of documents, as well as computer hard drives (removed from the computer) in a safe and secure manner. All paper documents and hard drives will be destroyed on site by Secure Destruction Service in a quick and easy drive through arrangement. You do not have to remove staples or paperclips from documents to be shredded. For more information you may call your BBB at (256) 355-2226.

Alabama Veterans Museum Fish Fry Apr 26 at 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Earth Day Celebration and EXPO Apr 20 -10AM-3PM Limestone County Event Center

Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful and Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association invities you to come out and enjoy the great outdoors! The Coosa River Science School will bring their birds of prey presentation along with live raptors, reptile, and amphibian presentation. Jim Swanner with KIN Stables in Tanner will have Rosie, his dancing horse to do a surprising demonstration. Many other demonstrations for all things outdoors. Free hotdogs and Pepsi!

Contact 256-233-8728 or 256-232-5411.

1818 Farms Spring Sheep Shearing Party Apr 20 at 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Mark your calendars for our big spring event. Come see Charlie Meek, owner of Wehdo Sheep Farm, shear our Babydoll sheep under the old Black Walnut tree in the pasture. Meet the friendly animals of 1818 Farms and enjoy a barbecue lunch. There will be music, face painting and more. 306 BBQ from Athens, Alabama will cater the event. The lunch menu will include Pork, Rolls or Buns, Brown Sugar Green Beans, Mac & Cheese, Banana Pudding and your choice or Tea or Water. Please bring a folding chair. We will form a large circle out in the pasture and watch the shearing. Shearing will begin at 11:15am. Please park on Market Street and walk down to the farm entrance on Lauderdale Street. This event is limited to 75 guests. Admission is $20. Reservations and payment for this event can be made via PayPal on our website at http://1818farms.com/ products-page/product-category/1818-farms-spring-sheep-shearingparty/. You can also mail your payment to: 1818 Farms, PO Box 18, Mooresville, Alabama 35649. Please make checks payable to 1818 Farms with Sheep Shearing Party in the memo line. Email us prior to mailing your payment so that we can ensure that spots are still available. Contact 256-714-3220, www.1818farms.com.

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Zombie Fun Run Apr 20 at 8:00 AM

It’s fish time again at the Emmanuel Baptist Church this year - not the Limestone County Event Center. The church is located at 1917 hwy 72 W, Athens. Tickets are $10.00 presale and $12 at the door. Menu includes catfish, chicken tenders, french fries, slaw, hushpuppies, drinks and all the fixins. Desserts while they last. Carry out available.

Call 256-771-7578.

Community Unsung Heroes Awards Apr 27 at 5:00 PM

MTM in Partnership with Mayor William R. Marks of Athens will celebrate our Unsung Heroes Seniors of Athens/Limestone County Schools at Lindsay Lane Baptist Church in the Life Center (1300 Lindsay Lane Road, Athens, AL 35613). This event is FREE to the Public. Theme: Turning Trials Into Triumphs. Guest Speaker: Mr. Charlie Holley, Author of Several Books, IT Specialist for Huntsville Hospital, Minister at Union Chapel MB Church, Congressional Candidate, Graduate of East Limestone High School and University of Alabama in Huntsville. Master of Ceremony: Kenny Anderson, 2nd Chance Talk Radio Host as well as President/CEO of Maximum Life Enhancement, Inc., Director of Multicultural Affairs for the City of Huntsville, Alabama. Music Provided by: Cynthia Hines and New Day. Community Unsung Heroes Awards to be awarded in 2013 after the following persons in our community: David and Febbie Mayberry Lane, (Late) David and Annie Mae Maples Clemons, Unsung Hero Community Service Award, Brenan Ashmore Award (Junior High Student), Dymon Lockett Award (Elementary High Student), Acknowledgement given to the MTM Kingdom Agents graduating seniors of 2013. For more information, please contact (256) 874-2941 or email nsunghero@bellsouth.net. You can still make a contribution to this great cause and all donations goes directly to the college, university or trade school of the student’s choice.

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April 19 - May 2, 2013

Special Feature

Making The American Dream Come True

by Sarah Chadwell During the first two Saturdays of May, all of us have the opportunity to support the dream of home ownership and a secure future for our Athens Limestone families.

Habitat for Humanity uses the concept of community volunteerism to create GREAT promise for many hardworking families who are doing all they can to set the foundation for their future. All that is missing is a few hours of your time throughout the year to make it all happen.

To introduce women, their friends, and their families to the Habitat concept, a “woman build event” is being held in May that will greatly enhance Habitat homes with minor repairs and landscaping. For two days on May 4nd (8:00 am – noon) and May 11 (8:00 am – noon), you can sign up and experience the Habitat program, meet Habitat families, and enjoy making a difference in the lives of families in our community.

“It just so happens that the two homes we will be working on are woman owned homes. These families have been doing a great job with their participation in the Habitat program and they are realizing the dream of home ownership” says Amanda Garlen, Director of Habitat Resource Development. She notes that the “woman build event” is a time to recognize woman for their many talents and encourage them to use their talents in the community by supporting the families with painting, landscaping, and so much more.

April 19 - May 2, 2013

“Women should not feel intimidated by the Habitat building program. We need all types of talent to complete these homes that are built almost completely by volunteer labor. If you can paint, if you can rake and plant, if you can work as part of a team, then we need you and your talents!”

teers who can commit to a regular schedule, (for instance a Saturday each month), Habitat can arrange the full construction of a home which includes state of the art heating and “green” systems to provide cost effective and energy saving foundations for our community.

It is hard to imagine that the majority of a home can be built by volunteer labor, but it is made possible by the organization skills of the Habitat Team by partnering with members of the community. Amanda Garlen says that by using a list of volun-

“We have 40 Habitat homes in Limestone County. We could have so many more if we had a larger register of volunteers who see the value of the program for our families and for our community.” On average, a home takes about three months

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to build. It is an ambitious schedule that can be met with ambitious and energetic volunteers. All potential Habitat families and current families also contribute their time and energy to the building projects throughout each year.

On May 4th and May 11th all work will be done on the outside of the homes. One church has signed up to in-

clude the build as part of their faith outreach, and Garlen encourages youth groups, families, and friends to call the office and experience the Habitat concept. Their number is 256-230-6001. The hope is that your commitment will lead to a strong foundation for our community and our families.

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Tourism

Singing on the Square Opens 2013 with Ashlyn Maine and The Valley Roots

By Jeanette Dunnavant Jones, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association is excited to bring two groups from North Alabama to kick off Singing on the Square on April 19th. Ashley Maine will perform at 6:00 PM followed by The Valley Roots at 7:00 PM. The younger generation should really enjoy these two bands.

The Valley Roots style is very similar to Alabama Shakes.

Ashlyn Maine is an Indie Folk band born out of the backwoods of Madison County, Alabama in a sleepy and small community known as Harvest.

Influenced by bands such as City and Colour, Brand New, and Mumford and Sons, Ashlyn Maine has slowly and steadily been making a name for themselves in the North Alabama area.

folk category. Their hit songs “The Weather on Fridays” and “Ben City” have also been featured on WTAK 106.1 FM in Huntsville, Alabama, as well as WFMH Big 95.5 FM in Russellville, Alabama.

Born out of both Modern Rock and Southern Soul, The Valley Roots are leading the way in the new revitalization of the Muscle Shoals Sound.

Hailing from Florence, Alabama, The Valley Roots combine the best of the old school and the new in a unique sound that’s equally down home southern Rock and Roll as it is Alabama rhythm.

The Valley Roots Formed in mid 2011, Ashlyn Maine has been touring extensively in the North Alabama area and recording in both home-grown and professional studios.

The band has also made a name for themselves by having their debut LP titled “Cigar Clouds” chart in the top 40 on the Amazon.com

Ashlyn Maine

The Valley Roots are known locally for their raucous live shows which usually include dancing not only from the crowds

enjoying them, but from band members joining in on the fun too. Songs from The Valley Roots come at the audience in not only a fast paced rock show, but also in a soulful groove perfect for a summertime slow dance with a sweetheart.

Singing on the Square is sponsored by Champion Chevrolet every 3rd Friday night. The 2013 Schedule follows: April 19 - 6:00 PM - Ashlyn Maine ~ 7:00 PM The Valley Roots May 17 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Just Down the Road June 21 - 6:00 PM - Dixie Bluegrass Boys ~ 7:00 PM Tilford Sellers & the Wagon Burners July 19 - 6:00 PM - Dixon Todd ~ 7:00 PM - Southern Splendor Chorus August 16 - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Athens State University Community Band September 20 - 6:00 PM - Nedia Keel - 7:00 PM Rocket City Chorus Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the free concert on the east side of the courthouse in historic downtown Athens, AL. For a complete list of all the 2013 Singing on the Square entertainers, visit our website, www.

VisitAthensAL.com.

In case of rain, the event will be moved inside. Please call 256-232-5411 or 256867-1438 to get the rain location. Visit the Athens Visitors Center located at 100 Beaty Street North for information on this event and other events and attractions in Athens-Limestone County.

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April 19 - May 2, 2013

Sarah’s Sagas

The Greatest Power in the Universe

by Sarah Chadwell County Courthouse.

The other day, I found a note written in my Living Bible that I used as a teen.

It was from my friend as we were attending a summer camp at the age of 16.

She wrote quite simply…. prayer is the greatest power in the universe!

Today I am still amazed at her insight. Did she really mean that prayer is greater than the influence of the rich, those in political office, business and entertainment? Today, many years later, I believe so.

Many of us privately turn to prayer throughout our lives. We know that we can petition and communicate our desires to find the answers we need as we go though our day and as we support our families and community.

“The Athens Limestone Ministerial Alliance – or ALMA – has hosted this local event for many years,” says ALMA president Phillip Presley. “We want to not only experience the power of prayer, but we desire to show a unity in the body of Christ as we participate in the event.”

Presley notes that the event is designed to meet everyone’s work schedule. “We will take 30 minutes from our day to pray for our government, our community workers and leaders, and our families, and we do so regardless of our church affiliation. We also look to the insights of a keynote speaker to shed light on special areas of need and support.”

This year, the keynote speaker will be Colonel

Harold ‘Hal’ Hicks who earned the rank of an Army full colonel for a total of 38 years of uniformed service which included duty in the Pentagon, Vietnam and commanding two different Army battalions in Germany. He has also worked as a contract engineer with the United Space Alliance and has served as a member of the Athens First Baptist Church since 1985.

Colonel Hicks and other leaders will participate in the event which is held regardless of weather. If for any reason the weather does take center stage, the event will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on the West side of the square.

“Our celebration of the National Day of Prayer is one of several events ALMA provides to encourage unity within our community,”

Col. Harold Hicks Presley added. “We host the community Thanksgiving Service, an Easter Sonrise Service, and this Day of Prayer. This year we will

certainly be thinking of Boston and all of our other American cities who are facing challenges that will greatly impact our future.”

In May, Athens leaders will take the power of prayer to a more public level as the community is asked to gather together to celebrate the National Day of Prayer which will be held at noon on May 2nd on the east side of the Limestone

April 19 - May 2, 2013

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April 19 - May 2, 2013

What Makes Ronnie Roll

Don’t Judge A Hero By The Size Of His Cape

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

The following is a letter sent from the Mayor’s Office to various residents of Athens as part of the 2013 fundraising campaign for Boy Scouts of America. Below as well are statistics regarding the impact of Scouting on Athens and Limestone County.

Please consider helping and attending the breakfast.

Thank you, Ali Turner.

candidate improving a walking trail or chronicling the names of veterans buried at local cemeteries.

Scouting is about more than protecting and enjoying the outdoors, however.

Scouts enhance their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, math and workforce development through

at 7:30 a.m. at the Beasley Center at 202 W. Bryan St. in Athens. I am honored that University of North Alabama Football Coach Bobby Wallace has agreed to be our key-

April 4, 2013 note speaker. He will share his experiences of working as a team toward a goal and overcoming adversities to reach your goals.

Dear Community Leader,

There are 464 Cub and Boy Scouts in Limestone County, and through their hard work, they perform nearly 1,800 service hours in our community.

For more than 100 years, Scouting has provided our youth with opportunities to learn about ideals of leadership, character, citizenship, physical fitness and achievement. This is evident when we see a Scout Troop picking up litter on a roadside or an Eagle Scout

merit badge programs.

To help promote and maintain Scouting in Athens and Limestone County and other counties served by the Arrowhead District, I am hosting the Boy Scouts Community Breakfast on May 1

The Round Island Creek Male Chorus will perform prior to the program.

Please support this breakfast and Scouting if possible.

You can do so by sponsoring a table of 8 for $500, buying a seat for $75 or sending a donation if you cannot attend.

Athens and Limestone County benefit greatly from having a caring community willing to volunteer to make this a better place.

We can encourage that giving

spirit by supporting our youth who participate in programs such as Scouting.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Mayor William R. “Ronnie” Marks City of Athens, Alabama

During the breakfast, we will also honor Project LifeSaver, which was implemented in our county

by TRIAD and local law enforcement. Through this program, families who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, dementia or autism can obtain a tracking bracelet for their loved one and register his or her information with local law enforcement. If the loved one wanders off, the tracking bracelet helps law enforcement locate the person quickly before the person is injured or dies from an accident or exposure.

Receiving Heart of an Eagle Awards for this program will be TRIAD, Limestone County Sheriff’s Department, Athens Police Department, Ardmore Police Department and Elkmont Police Department.

If actor Michael O’Neill’s filming schedule permits, he will attend and present these awards. Mr. O’Neill grew up in Alabama and has appeared on TV in shows like “NCIS”, “The Mentalist” and “The West Wing” and in movies such as “J. Edgar” and “Dallas Buyers Club.”

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Clean and Green

Volunteers Cleaned Up 4,800 lbs of Trash from Elk River

by Lynne Hart

Long before the weather showed signs of warming and trees began to bloom, KALB staff and volunteers were thinking about our Earth Day Celebration.

We get very excited about this event because of what we are able to offer back to our community. Thanks to the wonderful businesses and individuals that are sponsoring the event this year, we will again offer all activities, food, and door prizes free of charge! This is important to us because we want all families, no matter what their financial situation, to be able to come and enjoy this day of fun and learning.

and concern for our environment.

We know that the majority of people will do the right thing when they know the facts and the consequences of their actions.

Educating children and adults about human impact on the environment is critical to behavior change.

exhibitors, educators, and fun together equals change of hearts and minds. We don’t preach, we teach and that makes all the difference.

We believe the Earth Day Celebration fills that need for education.

Bringing the people,

This year, the Tourism Board is teaming up with KALB to offer an Outdoor Expo at our Earth Day Celebration. These exhibitors will focus on products, services, or experiences connected with outdoor activities available in Limestone County.

The people of Athens and Limestone County have made great changes over the last 10 years in their appreciation

For more information about this event or how to register as an exhibitor (must have product, service, or information pertaining to litter abatement, recycling/recycled products, community greening, or healthy lifestyles), contact us. We want to hear from you!

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KeepALBeautiful@att.net

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April 19 - May 2, 2013

Cooking with Shelley

Ambrosia Cake What a treat...looking for an easy dessert to make for a get together with friends

or family? Well here it is!

I always like to give a little background on any

by Shelley Underhill recipe that I share with my readers, so here it goes...

This recipe is from my friend Tammy Wilkinson.

I met Tammy in WalMart about two years ago.

She is a Hurricane Katina transplant, just like I was.

We have shared so many memories together, and recipes too. I fondly call

her the “cake lady.� She has many other culinary talents that she is willing to share with you.

You can contact her at 256-771-5766 or 504-3449865. She is ready, willing and able to help with your catering needs! This recipe is one that she shared with

her book club friends , and it always stole the show! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. You can always contact me with your questions or recipes at shelleysdesk@gmail.com

What you will need: 1 box Betty Crocker angel food cake mix 1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple 1/2 cup pecans 3/4 cup coconut - save 1/4 cup 1 container cool whip 1/2 cup cherries 1 jar cherries with stems Preheat oven to 350F. Toast coconut and pecans for 2-5 minutes.

Beat cake mix and pineapple together, pour 1/3 of the batter into a undressed 9x13 pan. Sprinkle the coconut, (all but a 1/2 of a cup - save that for your topping) and cherries to the batter. Pour remaining batter on top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes - let cool.

Garnish with cool whip,coconut and a cherry.

www.facebook.com/ElkmontBakery

April 19 - May 2, 2013

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Summertime

by Wanda Campbell Summertime is one of my favorite songs. It comes from the folk opera, Porgy and Bess, written by George Gershwin in 1935.

Obviously I was not around then but I did hear it on the radio growing up.

The song is recognized as one of the most covered songs in the history of recorded music, with more than 33,000 covers by groups and solo performers. (http://www. summertime-connection. nl/) It has been recorded

by Billie Holiday, Louie Armstrong, Janis Joplin and many more.

The song always reminds me of the South, bright sunny days, and hot, hot weather.

I have been told that I hum this song a lot during the spring and summer months. I don’t know if that is true or not because I don’t remember humming it. I do know I sing it loud and proud (and very off key) in my car often when I am alone. Well, I sing the first verse often because I don’t know the rest of it.

The first verse goes like this: Summertime and the livin’ is easy Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high Your daddy’s rich and your mama’s good lookin’ So hush little bab,y don’t you cry This song is slow and easy, just the way summer should be. It is not that way at the Center for Lifelong Learning. Summer is one of our busiest times. We offer summer camps for kids and the

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building is hopping all summer.

This summer we will offer several different types of camps. For the budding actor, we have Adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. Using the

is $69. Paintings focusing on the Christmas in July theme are Monday through Friday, July 8-11, 9:00 am—12:00 pm. The fee is $69.

Art Explorers, ages 8-12, will be taught by

Valerie Alexander.

This camp is more than drawing and painting.

Campers will create 2-D and 3-D art using a variety of media. At the end of the week, an exhibit of student artwork will be displayed for parents and friends to view. Camp is scheduled Monday through Friday, July 15-19, 9:00 am—12:00 pm.

All supplies are included.

The fee is $65.

We will be offering a Super Sitter Course for would be babysitters aged 11-15, Outdoor Survival Skills for ages 8-12, Knitting, Crocheting, and Sewing Camps as well.

For more information about our summer camps visit our website – athens. edu/CLL, or call 256-2338260 to have a catalog mailed to you.

classic literature of A.A. Milne, this camp will introduce students to creating character through body movement, posture, facial expression, voice tone, and gestures with special focus on “telling the story.” Camp is scheduled June 24-28 or July 22-26, from 9:00 am12:00 pm, with the performance on Friday at 4:00 pm. The fee is $65.

There are two art camps.

Painting Fun — ages 8-12 is taught by Sanda Bishop.

In this camp, students will learn to use acrylic paints to paint several different paintings.

All supplies are included in the fee. Paintings focusing on Under the Sea theme are Monday through Friday, June 10-14, 9:00 am to 12:00pm. The fee

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April 19 - May 2, 2013

Cover Story

Coming Soon: The 18th Annual TRIAD Trail Ride

by Paul Cain with Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

and aid senior citizens of our community.

TRIAD is a program that was developed to reduce crime victimization of our senior citizens. Three national organizations agreed that the crimerelated needs of older individuals could best be met by their cooperative effort so in 1988, the AARP, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Sheriffs’ Association signed a cooperative agreement.

This TRIAD of organizations has now evolved into all affiliated disciplines such as caregivers and first responders, who not only address crime prevention, but also post-victimization aspects such as victim and witness assistance.

Elder abuse is, unfortunately a problem in our culture, and recently we were reminded again just how vulnerable our senior population can be. Four foot, eleven inch Margaret Smith, who is 89, African American, and who is quoted after her ordeal as saying to her captors, “You got to be kind to people, if you want them to be kind to you,” was stuffed into the trunk of her car and kept there for two days.

How did she get there?

She was approached by some teenage girls for a ride across town, and out of the kindness of her heart was going to take them where they “needed” to go. Instead,

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they kidnapped her, deprived her of food, water, and medication, and then, for some reason known only to God, finally decided to dump her out in a cemetery. It was there that she crawled out on her hands and knees. She was found by a stranger, and taken to a hospital.

The five teens have been arrested, and several of them are going to be tried as adults. Thankfully, this outrageous tale has a happy ending, in that Miss

Margaret lived through it and her tormentors will be brought to justice. I would like to think that perhaps the “stranger” who found her was a real live angel, as no one knows her rescuer’s identity.

It is precisely this type of situation that TRIAD strives to prevent through education and community building.

Law enforcement officers and older citizens may not often have the opportunity to interact and get to know each other. The elderly may only have contact with officers

when there is a problem -- not always a time for the officer or the senior to appreciate each other’s fine points, and a possible time for impatience, misunderstanding and miscommunication.

When the Limestone County TRIAD was formed, active senior citizens were invited to serve in a capacity to bridge any gaps between law enforcement and seniors throughout the county.

Surveys were conducted to identify seniors in need, promote crime prevention programs, and not only reduce crime, but also the

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perception of crime.

The TRIAD soon formed their own S.A.L.T. Council, an acronym for Seniors And Lawmen Together. Each year S.A.L.T. actively participates in charitable functions and money raised during this trail ride will be used for just that purpose.

Paul Cain wears many hats in the Sheriff’s Department, and from chatting with him about this subject I know that S.A.L.T has a special place in his heart. Seniors get a chance to love and be loved, as do the officers of the law. With as many homes that have crumbled in our society, I am sure that S.A.L.T has proven to be “salt and light,” i.e. that which preserves, warms, and illuminates even more than any of us has realized.

Years ago I had the privilege to hear Christian philosopher Dr. Francis Schaefer speak, and he

said something that at the time I was reticent to believe. In essence, it was that you can get a good idea of the health of a culture by examining how it takes care of its young and its elders. We have a chance in Limestone County to prove that we care about our seniors through something that is enjoyable and will serve to strengthen our community.

You do not have to ride to have fun. Many spectators will attend just to enjoy the fellowship, the scenery, and the meal afterwards. This year the organizers will be serving chicken stew and desserts furnished by S.A.L.T. members.

Admission includes a meal after the ride: adults $15; children 12 and under $5; and non-riders $5.

More information and directions are available on the sheriff’s office website www. limestonesheriff.com, or by calling Sheriff Mike Blakely at 256-2320111.

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Cover Story

Casa Blanca Of Athens: What Can Happen In America When Families Work Together

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

is always a good thing, but knowing the back story of the Martinez family makes it all the better.

The Martinez brothers, Gabriel, Elias and Hector are the embodiment of what makes America as the land of opportunity so exceptional. They were born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and Gabriel was the first to come to the States in 1987.

There was a family from their city that had started a restaurant in Tennessee, and Gabriel “cut his teeth” on the restaurant business there.

He started as a dishwasher, then a waiter, and now is the proud owner/partner of the seventh of their restaurants.

I nearly always have fun doing interviews for advertorials, but this one was so enjoyable that I really didn’t want to let them get back to the busy work of getting the restaurant ready to open, let alone make myself meet newspaper deadlines.

The love amongst the family is palpable, the laughter came easily, and I genuinely felt that I had new friends.

We laughed about life in Mexico, and they were all ears about some of our adventures while living in the middle of the cartel in Juarez. But something that Gina said truly warmed my heart.

“Never have I seen a fam-

in-law, she said, “Gabriel is good at communicating, and they just talk things through until things are worked out.” I know this might sound strange, but I think food tastes better when it’s cooked with love, and I believe that is exactly the case with the food and the ambience at Casa Blanca.

OK, on to the question of food. “There are a zillion Mexican restaurants in Alabama,” I said, “why should I come to you?” Gabriel answered first. “We have proven that we are successful business people, and we offer the best to announce that they are going to open another restaurant in Decatur, and this one will be the first in the Casa Blanca line that will be built from the ground up. They purchased land on 6th Avenue right before the Beltline, and hope to open in a year.

Gabriel first partnered as an owner with folks other than his brothers, and his first restaurant was in Fayetteville, TN. That restaurant was sold, the partnership dissolved, and with his brothers and wife, Gina, he opened their “flagship” Alabama restaurant on Hwy 72 in Athens in the Lindsay Center. Other locations have included Pulaski, Madison, Browns Ferry, Bailey Cove, University Drive and Rogersville.

There is even a touch of romance in the Martinez story, as Gina and Gabriel met while working in a restaurant, married 17 years ago, and the rest, as they say, is history. They have three children, Katelyn, 15, Cruz, 12 and Christian, 10. Hector and his wife Myriam have 3 kids, too, Sebastian, 6, Hector, 3, and one on the way.

Elias so far is the confirmed bachelor of the family that spoils all the kids.

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five different styles of fajitas. They have quesadillas with grilled pineapple, a chicken breast with mango salsa and a cucumber salad.

ily work so well together,” and “Mama,” (the Martinez’ mother, who visits as often as she can,) calls Gina “her gringa.” Working with family sometimes can be tough, so, yes, I “went there,” and asked her how they do with resolving conflict. In front of her hubby and brothers-

food, prices, atmosphere and service. We ‘push’ our employees to give the best service.”

The others talked about the need to change things up, make the menu unique and flavorful, and everyone agreed that Gabriel makes the best salsas. They have

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Elias and Gabriel are particularly proud of their “healthy, lo-cal” offerings, which, they admitted, are “unusual.” Another thing that is unusual, particularly in a recession, is how well the business is going. Most restaurants fail, and if they succeed, the margin of profit is slim. However, the Martinez family is very pleased

So, if you are interested in Mexican fare born out of a successful family affair, be sure to come out on April 22nd and cheer the Martinez family on as they prove once again that there is no place like America, and nothing like Mexican food.

Casa Blanca Athens 208 W Market Street Athens, AL 35611 256-232-1766 Hours: Sun - Thur 11-9 Fri & Sat 11-10

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Health and Fitness

Sitting

by Janet Hunt

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

When do we sit? At meals, driving, at most jobs, during meetings, watching TV, at church, at school, visiting, at sports events, while

on the computer, while reading, even while exercising on recumbent bikes, rowing machines, etc.

Technology has increased

our “opportunities” to sit: drive-thru restaurants, drive thru-ATMs, drivethru pharmacies, and drivethru car washes, remotes to

change TV channels and turn off lights, and the internet for shopping. On average, adults in the USA spend eight to ten hours each day sitting and being inactive.

Some of the consequences of all this sitting and inactivity are: overweight and obesity (makes your bottom bigger), type 2 diabetes, fatigue and lower energy levels, loss of calcium from bones, osteoarthritis, bursitis, osteoporosis, COPD, high blood pressure, thyroid and endocrine dysfunction, shrinkage of vertebral disks, deterioration of joint cartilage, loss of flexibility in arteries and veins, reduced heart function, musculoskeletal problems, and more.

Unfortunately, frequent sitters have greater health risks regardless of the amount of exercise they do. Below are results from just a couple of studies.

Sitting seems to have an immediate effect on how

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our bodies metabolize glucose. People who sit after eating have 24% higher glucose levels than people who walk very slowly after a meal.” (Dr. Emma G. Wilmot from University of Leicester, UK. November 2012 issue of Diabetologia.) In a 2011 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, people who spent a decade or more doing sedentary work were almost twice as likely to develop distal colon cancer.

The easiest answer is to frequently get up and walk about. A more expensive option is to get a stand up desk or treadmill desk. To correct the musculoskeletal problems from sitting a certified personal trainer can help you identify these imbalances and give you exercises to help correct then. For more information about how to get off the couch, call or email Janet Hunt, ACE certified personal trainer.

April 19 - May 2, 2013

First Baptist Church 2013 Women’s Conference May 4, 2013

9AM-2PM @ First Baptist Church 201 Hobbs Street Athens, AL

Lunch provided For tickets ($25) and/or more information, contact 256-431-4962 or visit www.fbcathens.org

“finding your place in the heart of God”

Joanna Weaver Joanna is the author of the best-selling books, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, and Having a Mary Spirit, Lazarus Awakening and her brand new devotional, At the Feet of Jesus. Joanna is a dynamic speaker whose passion is to see women become all they can be in Jesus Christ.

April 19 - May 2, 2013

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Horse Whispering

Spring Cleaning

by Deb Kitchenmaster to conspire with Spirit to emancipate.”

Spring is in the air!

Flowers are blooming, trees are budding, birds are singing and the horses are shedding their winter coats. Our wheelbarrow has been filled to the brim from their coats as we groom.

Horses enjoy being groomed. A handy grooming tool is a shedding blade, and it has a dual purpose.

Use the toothed edge when the horse is letting go of their winter coat. The birds will use some of this hair to line their nests.

After the horse has shed its winter coat, use the smooth edge of the shedding blade to remove sweat and excess water from spraying or sponging your horse before you put your horse up from riding.

How does a horse KNOW when to release their winter coat? Light! When the days become longer, with more light than darkness, this communicates to the horse a seasonal change, and the horses begins to shed. In the fall, when the days become shorter, this triggers in the horse another seasonal change, and they will begin to grow a suitable coat for this new upcoming season.

Grooming horses at Corral Connections is one of our first steps in building a relationship with a horse. We have a specific order to grooming in our barn. Our first action is to use a shedding blade or a curry comb, depending on the horse’s coat. This removes excess hair and or mud. Then we replace that tool with a release, unshackle, unfetter, let go and untie.

When simply observing a change of season in the life of horses, two life lessons stand out to me.

When the horse releases their winter coat, the birds are free to use this release to build a nest that will house the hatching of eggs, growing of feathers and the development of

Horses enjoy spending time with you, and appreciate being groomed.

I quote, “Nature is made to conspire with Spirit to emancipate.” Ralph Waldo Emerson What does emancipate mean? Some words that define “emancipate” are: liberate, set free, free,

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wings. Another life lesson that nature teaches me

of gentle attention. They really enjoy you spending time with them in this way. Then we focus on the mane. At some barns the only tool used on the mane is a person’s fingers.

I allow a soft brush or fingers like a comb. Standing to one side, by the flank, we reach to gather the horse’s tail in hand, and slide that hand down the tail below the tip of the tail bones, making a fist. When you brush the tail, you are putting the force of the strokes on her arm and not on the horse’s tail. Last, but not least, is using a hoof pick to clean out each hoof. This gives you a chance to observe the heel, frog, barb, white line, sole and wall of the hoof; removing mud, manure and pebbles before you tack up.

is that Light has a voice.

So does darkness.

Truly, “Nature is made

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stiff brush. The flicking of the wrist while using this tool lifts up dust from the horse’s hair. Next we move to a soft or finishing brush. After the horse’s body has been groomed by three specific tools, we gather up a small, soft brush and gently brush the horse’s face. There are specific strokes we use on this most delicate place. Above the eyes, inside the ears and on their muzzle are areas

Here’s some advice from a horse, written from Ilan Shamir’s pen: “Take life’s hurdles in stride; Loosen the reins: Be free spirited; Keep the burrs from under your saddle; Carry your friends when they need it; Keep stable; Gallop to greatness!”

Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster Corral Connections: Connecting with LIFE through a horse Animal B.E.S.T practitioner dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com

April 19 - May 2, 2013

Medical Update

The Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

By Paula Sorg, LMT with ChiroCare People easily look old because of stress. It may be because of our job, school work, and other problems we encounter in our daily lives. There are a lot of stress management programs today but some see them as programs or seminars that add to the stress.

It is very uncomfortable sitting for hours and listening to each other’s burdens. If you are looking for the most convenient way to relax, then a luxurious massage is what you need. It is true that touch is a very powerful tool; many sicknesses and pains are being cured by touch.

of massage treatments for each kind of pain or injury.

Massage therapy is also advisable for those who have undergone caesarean section. It helps blood circulate and hastens the process of wound healing. Thus,

people become sluggish when tired and stressed.

Massage therapy is the best solution for these situations. It has been said that professionals benefit from this service. Since time is precious for them, they

leaving less scarring and dark spots.

take a quick break from their workday and go to a Spa to be able to relax. After such treatment, they feel

Not convinced? Here is a list of the advantages of massage therapy. *Improved circulation – The body functions well when the blood flows well.

When the muscles become stiff, it is more difficult for the blood to flow, so helping the muscles relax is very important for the blood to be able to move freely.

*Increases awareness – Most

more alert and energetic. * Relieves stress – As everyone knows, stress plays a major role in our health.

Food is essential , but without relaxation, the nutrients are not absorbed well by

the body. So it is advisable to go to a Spa even three to four times a month to relax, because the brain and the body will function much better when rested.

“I am Paula Sorg; a wife of almost 25 years and a mother of 3 wonderful college age daughters. For the last 17 years, I have put all of my time, efforts, and compassion into nurturing our children through home schooling, church, Girl Scouts, and various other activities.

Now that our children are in college, I would like to take that time, effort, and compassion to help you relieve stress, recover from injuries, or just help you transform your life through better health.” Inside ChiroCare (Mon-Sat by appt) 256-520-0663 / 256-2161006 anewyoumassageandbodywork.com

* Corrects posture – When slouching, you are technically pushing your abdominal organs down. Everybody knows that having good posture is difficult, so it is advisable to undergo reflexology. It stretches the muscles and helps the spine move and align easily. Reflexology is not like normal massage, it is a more complex procedure where they apply pressure on certain areas on the sole of your foot to be able to enhance the function of a body part. * Pain reduction – This is the best way to reduce pain obtained through contact sports and other injuries.

There are several types

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Security Savvy

The Trouble With Tablets, Texting And Tweeting

by Jim Doyle, owner of Madison Security Group There was a recent story sent out regarding the three Rs in the NY school system. It says that approximately 80% of High School students need to take remedial courses in order to attend Jr. College. That in my opinion is troublesome. It is hard to believe that these children/young people have trouble reading, when in fact they are texting and tweeting their little fingers off constantly. Ah, but there is the rub, these texts and tweets are in code, and you don’t need to spell out a word, you just abbreviate it. So in fact there is a completely different language going on and if you were born before 1980, you wouldn’t have a clue unless you took lessons on texting and tweeting. (I thought a bird tweets.)

In fairness, the world today revolves around computers/ Tablets/IPhones etc. With that comes a whole set of new problems such as ID theft, cyber terrorism, electronic bullying and on and on.

It’s so bad that we need to have a class in soft skills so that people can be able to talk with one another up close and personal, and learn how to make eye contact. How sad.

I

myself

have

fallen

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We now hear on the news that we could be subject to a cyber-attack that could cripple our water supply, our electric grids, which would shut down our computers. The reason I bring that tidbit up is because I went to make an appointment with a Dr. and the nurse receptionist informed me that their computer system was down so they were closing the office. I asked if they could give me an appointment manually. Nope.

So this is the way of the world today.

prey to the computer; I have lost some of my memory power and the ability to recall phone numbers. I rely on my phone for that. And when I do text someone, my phone corrects any spelling errors made by me.

Maybe I am being cynical, but let us look at this logically. Computers are doing all our basic jobs such as math, spelling, grammar, making appointments, just about driving our cars. And they are putting the over 40 crowd out of work. Not all

has been bad, computers help in the medical field, Armed Services, and police work, as well as making other contributions. But again, we expose ourselves to hackers, and with one hit of a computer button we could have a tragedy. We have fire walls, but someone programmed this safety net in the first place, so again someone can break it

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down. I am not against progress, but at what cost?

Students do not really have to think too hard, and if they know their way around a computer key board, they are set. What ever happened to research, the old Encyclopedias, etc? Libraries seem to have gone the way of the dinosaur, and they are more like museums than research facilities.

Now many people are banking on line using their I-phone and, to me that’s dancing with the Devil.

You read about hackers getting into these systems on a regular basis, and I wonder why we are making it easy for them. I constantly am amazed how we all realize the potential dangers of putting personal information out there on the Web, yet we continue. My wife calls me a knuckle dragger (cave man,) but I cannot get over watching our lives become absorbed into a little 4” X 6” screen called the Internet.

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