April 4, 2014

April 4 - April 17, 2014

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

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Gen Y Perspective Entertainment Violence: Opinions of a GenY Gamer...

We’ve all been talking about how in today’s world kids are getting more violent because of video games, movies, music, etc... Page 11

Cooking With Shelley Cat Head Biscuits...

This is a must SEE, must TASTE recipe.

A few weeks ago I ran across this recipe and whipped up a batch for my family. These biscuits are always a hit at my house...

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Kreative Koatings And Hydrographics: Inspired By A Young Man’s Drive For Excellence

By Ali Elizabeth Turner In 2011, David Wright, Jr. was a single dad who shared with his teenage son Andrew a passion for racing, go-carts, cars, and making car parts “hum” through the use of powder coating, a process I’ll Continued on pages 15

Auto Liaison: Where Purchasing A Pre-owned Auto Is A Truly Positive Experience

Dog Barker

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Another Dog in Need... Maggie has a heart for dogs and I believe that God has a reason that we should be the voice of the voiceless... Page 20

James Cameron started buying and selling cars when he was 20 years old, and it has been something he has always loved to do. He is an Army brat, the son of a Special Forces Vietnam vet, and has spent over 20 years in the auto sales industry. A few years after 9/11 he enlisted in the Army National Guard in Las Continued on page 17

April 4 - April 17, 2014

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April 4 - April 17, 2014

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Fort Hood Attacked…Again

Sales / Editing Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Hunter Williams Holly Hollman Teresa Todd Joel Allen Jim Doyle Jerry Barksdale Dr. Patrick Boyett

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 10 The Gen Y Perspective . . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories. . . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 16 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . 20 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . 23

April 4 - April 17, 2014

As this is being written, I am once again having to contend with the fact that people that I love have been placed in harm’s way as a result of the worst thing that can happen on a military base: fratricide, or “brother killing brother.” I have to put the paper to bed, I can’t wait any longer to wait for someone to explain what happened at a supposed “soldier on soldier” incident that turned into what is at this point has left 4 dead and 16 wounded.

I can say this: when it happened in 2009, (and Hasan’s rampage was straight up an incident of jihad and not “workplace violence,”) I was able to determine fairly quickly that the ones I know and love were ok, even though they were right next door to the shooting. I heard later about the bloodied wounded who were stumbling in the door to the theatre where my friend, his daughter and granddaughter were attending a graduation ceremony before it was sealed off in order to contain the incident.

This time, in a way it might be tougher because I can’t get a hold of anyone. It also might be tougher because my husband is a flatbedder who has transported military equipment on to Ft Hood. He was just there a few days ago, and once again I am reminded of our mortality, our vulnerability, and that nothing is a guarantee in this life except heaven for the redeemed. It might be tougher because Hood has been harmed again in ways no one can imagine.

Colonel Allen West, a former US Congressman as well as the former Commander of Ft. Hood, when asked about the incident had the following to say: “No one is armed.

We do have a problem, we do have an issue. When you

are not armed, you are shooting ducks.” He later called Ft. Hood that day “a free fire zone.”

Pete Hegseth, who fought in Fallujah, and is the founder of Concerned Veterans for America, (and about whom I have written several times,) agreed “You are sitting ducks if someone goes rogue.

Sometimes risk mitigation can go too far.” By “risk mitigation” what he meant was putting soldiers in a situation where ammunition is withheld to the point that they are then actually put at risk because they can’t protect

themselves.

Having lived in a combat zone for three years, I became used to watching soldiers dry fire their weapons into a rock or cement lined barrel to prove that there was nothing in a chamber before

they went into any population dense facility such as a chow hall. If they were going to “twist off,” or engage in what is known as “on base fire,” the room was full of people who would have been able to load their mag quickly and stop the situation.

What is the solution? Should all soldiers be able to carry on all bases at all times? I personally lean in that direction, even though while I was in Iraq I had to be very persistent in raising the issue with the powers that be that one of the soldiers was unstable. He had scared my staff, and ul-

timately had to be separated from his weapon.

West and Hegseth proposed that there be a rotation of those who could be on a duty roster and pull security duty, thus arming a larger portion of the on base population

and reducing the possibility of the “sitting ducks” scenario. That may help, and at this point, I guess anything is better than nothing. But “speaking for self,” I would feel much better knowing that our soldiers could at all times protect themselves. Period.

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

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All Things Soldier

Athens Invades Afghanistan With Care

by Holly Hollman And “Jackal 5”

In February, City of Athens Building Inspector Erik Waddell was deployed with the 663rd Engineer Company to Afghanistan. Waddell has the rank of captain and is commander of the company. Waddell has served 15 years with the U.S. Army Reserve and has two prior combat deployments in Iraq.

The company is training the Afghan National Army how to operate and maintain heavy engineer equipment.

Employees with the City of Athens started immediately donating items for care packages for Waddell and the members of his company. Some of the city’s vendors also donated items. Employees have covered the cost of shipping through donations.

So far the city has sent six care packages and has boxed up five more that should go out this week.

Items donated include Girl Scout cookies, coffee and creamer, shaving cream, body wash, baby wipes, drink mix, hand sanitizer, lip balm, cooling wraps, lotion and QTips.

here sometimes. Blummer is our Communications NCOIC and is a Beast in the Gym. He also serves as our Master Fitness Trainer for the Unit.

Photo 3. is of SPC Wal-

“I cannot express enough how appreciative we are for the care packages sent from all our friends and colleagues from the City of Athens.

It is amazing how simple packages from home change the morale of the troops and bring

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SPC Delong, our Company Operations Intelligence and Communications Specialist from Elkmont and SSG Norris our Medic from South Carolina.

Both really enjoy the coffee. Mark Delong loves Motorcycles and is an integral part of my staff, he works well above his grade.

SSG Blumer of Arkansas along with 1SG Palmer from Rockford, IL and SFC Harper from Bear Creek, AL receiving items. Harper is our Operations NCOIC and is originally from Tennessee. He is a Huge Tennessee fan so I am sure he would like Holly’s flag.

SSG Blumer and Myself getting some Shaving Cream which is hard to come by here sometimes.

Blummer is our Communications NCOIC and is a Beast in the Gym. He also serves as our Master Fitness Trainer for the Unit.

a smile to the faces of everyone involved.

We really appreciate the support and offer our solemn thanks for your

have provided.

Here is the email with photos I received from Waddell this morning: SFC Noble who lives in Florence but is from Louisiana. DeQuincy is one of my Platoon Sergeants who is a huge LSU fan. kindness. I have attached some photos of 663rd Soldiers taking items that you

decker who likes Girl Scout Cookies and Body Wash. Alyssa works in our personnel section and helps out with communications as well. She is working on her nursing degree from NWSCC and plans to compete on

Photo 1. Is of SSG Blumer of Arkansas along with 1SG Palmer from Rockford, IL and SFC Harper from Bear Creek, AL receiving items. Harper is our Operations NCOIC and is originally from Tennessee. He is a Huge Tennessee fan so I am sure he would like Holly’s flag.

Photo 2. is of SSG Blumer and Myself getting some Shaving Cream which is hard to come by

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our return. She had to cut her degree program short for the deployment.

Photo 4. is of SPC Delong, our Company Operations Intelligence and Communications Specialist from Elkmont and SSG Norris our Medic from South Carolina. Both really enjoy the coffee. Mark Delong loves Motorcycles and is an integral part of my staff, he works well above his grade.

Photo 5. is of SFC Noble who lives in Florence but is from Louisiana. DeQuincy is one of my Platoon Sergeants who is a huge LSU fan.

SPC Waldecker who likes Girl Scout Cookies and Body Wash.

Alyssa works in our personnel section and helps out with communications as well. She is working on her nursing degree from NWSCC and plans to complete on our return. She had to cut her degree program short for the deployment.

Hope this helps personalize your gift to the unit. We all appreciate your efforts and look forward to completing our mission and returning home.”

V/R Jackal 6

April 4 - April 17, 2014

April 4 - April 17, 2014

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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

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.

Athens Historic Walking Tours Apr 5th and 12th

Come join local guides as they stroll through one of five historic districts of Alabama’s second oldest city. Check-in is at 9:45am at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Cente 100 North Beaty Street and tours depart at 10:00am. Free For more information: 256-232-5411 or info@VisitAthensAL.com Join the conversation on Facebook too.

Athens Cruise-In Apr 5th

Shine the chrome, polish the paint or grab the family for some fun on the Square in downtown Athens, AL as the antique cars roll in and park. Enjoy a meal or do a little shopping too. Free For more information: Tschuman@comrep.com Join the conversation on Facebook too.

Gospel Meeting at Bethel Church of Christ Apr 6th - 9th

For more information, contact Huntsville Botanical Garden 256-8304447 or visit www.hsvbg.org

Heel and Crank Duathalon in Mooresville, AL Registration at Active.com. This race is a beginner-friendly event as well as a good Sprint for the veterans. It consists of a 3 mi. run, a 13.5 mi. bike and a 3 mi. run.

The Importance of Being Earnest Apr 13th, 17th and 18th

By the Athenian Players McCandless Hall, Athens State University 300 North Beaty Street, Athens, AL. The Athenian Players present Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Dr. Hugh Long. A farcical comedy set in Victorian London, which humorously looks at society’s triviality as to how it treats its institution as serious as marriage, and that has the protagonist maintaining fictious persona to escape social obligation. April 13 at 1:30PM. April 1718 at 7:30PM. Tickets at the door: $10.00 per person, $7.00 for Students and Seniors For more information, visit www.athens.edu/ athenianplayers

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

Sunday April 6th 9:30 and 10:30 am after lunch 1:30 pm Mon thru Wed April 7th-9th 7:00 pm Speaker Kyle Butt Bethel Church of Christ 26772 Capshaw Rd, Athens, Al.

Area Wide Acapella Singing Apr 26th

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

Spring Plants Sale Apr 11th

Huntsville Botanical Gardens Huntsville Botanical Garden 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL The Garden Guild’s Spring Plant Sale, the largest plant sale in North Alabama, offers annuals by the flat or pack; ferns, geraniums, a huge selection of herbs, cherished heirloom plants, houseplants, orchids, perennials, old-fashioned roses, vegetable plants, water plants, wildflowers, shrubs, vines, and trees, including fruit and berry trees! All varieties have been specially selected to thrive in North Alabama. Members sale: April 10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Public Sale: April 11 & 12, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; April 13. 12-5 p.m.

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Heel and Crank Duathalon Apr 12th

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..

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April 4 - April 17, 2014

Don't Wait Too Late To OPEN YOUR POOL...

SPRING IS HERE! Tons of Great SPRING DEALS offered with purchase of a NEW POOL or a NEW POOL LINER! (come by store or call for full details)

Water Testing

Every Thursday on 20% OFF Chemic als & Supplies

BUY 3 ITEMS at regular price and get the 4th ITEM FREE!!!

Hurry In! REBATE Offers on DOLPHIN ROBOT CLEANERS going on now!

(equal or lesser value to the least priced item)

VALLEY POOLS

256-771-2990 • 220 French Farms Blvd. • Athens • ValleyPoolsofMadison.com April 4 - April 17, 2014

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Tourism

Local Historical Walking Tours Start Each Saturday in April

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association 100 Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611 Enjoy the spring weather and find out about the history of our town!

The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association announces its April Historic Walking Tours to be held each Saturday in April (April 5, 12, 19, and 26). Walkers should meet at the Athens Visitors Center, 100 North Beaty Street, (corner of Beaty and Market Streets by the duck pond) at 9:45 AM. The walks will begin promptly at 10:00 AM and will last approximately one hour.

Alabama is the only state in the nation to hold statewide, simultaneous walking tours. We have had over 900 walkers since Athens started participating in the state walks in 2006 and they keep increasing in popularity every year.

Walkers may choose one of 4 different walks each Saturday in April. The walks are free and open to the public. It’s a great way for children to learn about local history. Groups are welcome.

Athens-Limestone County Tourism. See “The Bat Lady” from Fayetteville, GA and many others. Contact Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful 256-233-8728 or Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association 256-232-5411.

OTHER EVENTS YOU MAY WANT TO ENJOY DURING APRIL INCLUDE: Alabama Veterans Museum Coffee Call - Apr 5, at 8:00 AM Athens Cruise In on the Square - Apr 5, from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM 3rd Annual Storybook Ball at Limestone County Event Center - April 5, from 5:00PM-7:00PM storybookball@yahoo. com

Cars and Bikes on the Square Athens, AL -

Celebrity Waiters Night at Applebee’s Highway 72, Athens - April 8th for Relay for Life from 5:30PM8:30PM .

xie Blue Grass Boys” coming on at 7:00PM. I have a new surprise this year, so come out to see what it is and enjoy the great music.

For more information, call 256-232-5411.

Chick-Fil-A 10K/5K/1Mile Athens - April 12th,

Walk for Autism and 5K Race to Solve the Puzzle,

Buick-GMC. For more information or to register call 256-233-7373 or email Leah Stephens lstephens@tandcstamping.com or Suzanne Linnemannslinnemann@ tandcstamping.com

Experience the culture and history of Athens by taking one of the walks.

Tour 1: Historic Downtown Athens Square Tour 2: Beaty Historic District, Washington Street and Old Town Cemetery Tour 3 – City Cemetery Tour 4 – Houston Historic District Local residents serving as guides will share personal remembrances and tall tales from the old days as well as the history of their respective walk.

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from 7:00AM to 10:00AM. Register online at CFS Race Series.

Singing on the Square April 18th from 6:00PM8:00PM. Join AthensLimestone County Tourism for this free concert series.

“Trippin Dixie” will start us off at 6:00PM with the “Di-

Athens High School - April 19. For more information, register to participate or donate online at www.walkforautismal.com 1st Annual T&C Stamping, Inc. Relay TEE Cup Golf Scramble at Canebrake Golf Course – April 24.

Win a car from Jimmy Smith

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Best Bucking BBQ CookOff Southern Crossroads will host the 8th Annual Best Buckin BBQ Cook Off, April 25-26, 2014 in Athens, Alabama at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena 18118 AL Hwy 99. For more information or registration forms, call 256-232-4650 Earth Day and Outdoor EXPO Big Spring Memorial Park Beaty Street, Athens, AL - Apr 26 from 10:00AM-3:00PM. Sponsored by Keep AthensLimestone Beautiful and

Apr 26 from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Activities 8:00am to 8:00pm. For more information: www.CarsontheSquare.com; Tom Schuman 256-457-9179 or by email at TSchuman@ comrep.com Prancing Paws Carnival Celebration- April 26 from 10:00AM-1:00PM at Beasley Fields, Athens State University Hobbs Street, Athens.

For more information on the above events or other events and attractions in Athens-Limestone, visit the Athens Visitors Center located at 100 North Beaty Street or call 256232-5411. Information is also posted on our website - www.visitathensal.com.

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Synergy Or The Sore Foot?

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Anyone who has followed this column much knows that frequent reference is made to the late Stephen Covey’s seminal work, The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People. We have often discussed how it is being utilized in community building, is a blessedly beneficial part of our elementary kids’ curriculum, (rather than, as some would propose, having 4th graders being asked to have their innocence sullied by having to discuss in their elementary classroom the concept of adultery), and serves as

a timeless set of principles that would stand up in any pulpit.

This is the second year that Mayor Marks has invited teenagers from our local schools to participate in the Mayor’s Youth Commission, and the program has been expanded to include 9th and 10th graders, in addition to juniors and graduating seniors.

One of the texts being used for the current crew is The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective Teens, which is written by Stephen’s son Sean, who inci-

dentally has spoken at Athens State University. Honestly, it wouldn’t hurt every adult in this town to get a copy of the teen version it’s so good.

While it restates the 7 habits in concepts designed to target teens, we could all use an internal checklist to see if we are “stuff centered” or “friend centered.” Mayor Ronnie says that the “kids are full of enthusiasm,” and I can speak from literal years of observation that

hardly anything makes him more enthusiastic than being able to work with kids. The program started in February, and the 9th and 10th graders actually voted to extend their Youth Commission commitment through May. The kids were also taken on an “insider’s tour” of the jail, fed jail food, and given more than enough inspiration to avoid at all costs checking into “the gray bar motel” for an extended stay. “We are trying to get the kids to be ‘principle centered,’” said Mayor Ronnie.

They also were given a tour of our local Emergency Management Agency, and briefed on what all is involved in helping our community to fare well in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

Part of the 7 Habits platform is the concept of synergy, which could just as easily be defined as teamwork, or the result of the sum exceeding the parts.

Mayor Marks then read me a story that illustrates just the

opposite of operating in synergy, and that is arrogance. The story was published in a Christian evangelical devotional for busy men that he reads regularly, and the short paraphrased version is as follows: A zealous young man was witnessing to a fellow student, with the hopes of leading him to Christ.

The patient young man was listening politely, and then began to tear up. The zealous young man wrongfully assumed that the tears were flowing from conviction of sin. When asked why he was crying, the polite young man simply said, “You are standing on my sore foot.”

Teenaged kids can be full of themselves and utterly misperceive a situation, and so can adults. Learning the concept of humble teamwork is a major part of making a community strong, as is speaking with integrity into the lives of our progeny.

When it comes to strong teamwork, the Mayor is happy to report that “We have more kids getting ready to play baseball this spring than in the history of Athens.” Opening Day is Saturday, April 5th, and first pitch is at 9 am. Kids, synergy, baseball and endeavoring to avoid “the sore foot;” all of them are what make Ronnie roll.

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April 4 - April 17, 2014

The Gen Y Perspective

Entertainment Violence: Opinions of a GenY Gamer

by Hunter Williams We’ve all been talking about how in today’s world kids are getting more violent because of video games, movies, music, etc. I am here to voice my opinions and I am honored that Athens Now is allowing me to do so.

The first thing I would like to address is video games. Video games are becoming a target on showing kids things they shouldn’t be seeing or doing. I believe that you as the parent should know that video games aren’t for everyone anymore like they were in the 80s.

There are video games for everyone from kids to adults and they have a rating system called the ESRB. This rating system is much like that of movies. On every video game box, usually located in the bottom left corner, there’s a letter telling you what it’s rated. Also, on the back in the bottom right corner, is typically a description of why it’s rated that.

The letters are C, E, E 10+, T, and M. C is for children and appropriate for 3 year olds. E would be like a G rated movie. E 10+ would be a PG rated movie. T would be PG13 and M would be similar to an R-rated movie.

If you wouldn’t let your kids see an R-rated movie, then you probably shouldn’t let them play an M-rated video game.

For more information on the rating system, visit

April 4 - April 17, 2014

www.esrb.org.

The second thing I would like to address is music.

Parents, please pay attention to what music your kids are listening to. In today’s music, no matter what genre, (Country, Rap, Hip-Hop, Rock, or Metal) there’s good and bad lyrics. Most bands have lyrics demonstrating how badly he/she wants to kill someone or how he/she wants to get drunk and/or high on drugs to get away from their problems, or how badly they want to have sex. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard these lyrics sung in every type of music. So please pay more attention to what the bands are singing, and not just about what they sound like.

I also would like to say that none of these forms of entertainment should be fully blamed for today’s violence. If that were the case, I would like to blame the history books for teaching kids how they could be violent. Kids could get ideas on torture and whatever else from those as well.

Let’s face it: there’s always going to be violence. If you want to put all the blame of today’s issues on video games, music, movies, etc., then I guess Hitler must have somehow played a violent video game, watched a movie or heard song and got the idea from that to kill the Jews. I mean come on, don’t put all of the blame on any one thing.

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This leads me to the final thing I would like to address. Kids could come up with the ideas of violent behavior from their parents, brothers, sisters, friends, or people in general. How are you the dealing with your problems?

People, no matter how young or classic (no likes to be called “old”), are living and basing their lives on examples that their mom and dad were/are like, what their brothers and

sisters were/are like, what their home is/was like, what morals they live/lived by. Are you a violent person yourself?

Are you always talking about how badly you would like to do something to someone, or how badly you would like to see someone get hurt or have their feelings hurt?

Are you drinking away your problems? You might need to take a look at yourself and see what kind of example you are setting for your kids.

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Clean and Green

Why Celebrate Earth Day?

by Lynne Hart

To understand Earth Day, let’s go back to a time when protesters were standing up against the war in Vietnam, large gas-guzzling vehicles were sucking up leaded gasoline, and factories were spewing chemical-laden smoke and sludge into our air and water without concern. The attention of our country was on the war and politics, not on the harmful way we were treating our planet. The pollution was considered a side effect of prosperity.

In 1962, Rachael Carson published a book entitled “Silent Spring” focusing on the direction that current behavior was taking the planet. The book became a New York Times best seller and turned the tide in the country’s way of thinking.

Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, after witnessing the catastrophic oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in

1969, looked to channel the energies of the college students who had been protesting the War in Vietnam to a new cause ---our environment. He announced to the media that there would be a “national teach-in on the environment” and as a result, on April 22, 1970 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment. Sen. Nelson’s speeches about Earth Day included the following quote, “Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty.

The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all living creatures.”

they had a common goal and began to work together.

In 1990, Earth Day went global with 200 million people in 141 countries spending the day celebrat-

sue that only government or businesses can fix; however, individuals have a huge effect. Every time a cigarette filter is tossed on the ground, dangerous toxins are added to our soil and water. Trillions are tossed into the en-

This movement struck a common chord and was supported

by Republicans, Democrats, rich, poor, labor leaders, and businessmen. Groups that had been fighting against oil spills, toxic dumps, raw sewage, and loss of wilderness realized

ing the Earth and all that it provides, and to consider again what we as individuals and as collective groups can do to protect it. This effort brought environmental issues to the world’s stage.

Earth Day is a reminder to those of us who lived through those times, and those who have never known a day when the environment wasn’t at the forefront of thought, that our planet is dependent on human behavior for its survival.

We may think that this is an is-

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vironment every year. Every plastic bottle tossed in the trash is a waste of crude oil, water, and natural gas that was used to make it. It is also a

waste of material that is in high demand by companies in our own city. Every time someone burns trash, the air pollution problem is increased. According to the EPA, backyard burning produces harmful amounts of dioxins, a group of highly toxic chemicals that settle on crops and in waterways where they find their way into our food.

These are just a few examples of individual actions that affect our environment.

On April 26th, KALB will host the 2014 Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens.

This is a free, family-friendly event with lots of activities, excellent speakers that kids and adults will love, free hot dogs, and lots of door prizes.

Come out and learn more about our environment. Visit our website for more details or give KALB a call.

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com April 4 - April 17, 2014

Cooking with Shelley

Cat Head Biscuits

by Shelley Underhill

This is a must SEE, must TASTE recipe.

A few weeks ago I ran across this recipe and whipped up a batch for my family. These biscuits are always a hit at my house. They are quick and

easy to make, and can be served with just about any meal! Let me know if you give it a try. You can email me at shelleysdesk@ gmail.com Enjoy!

What you will need: 2 1/4 cup Bisquick 2/3 cup milk 1 stick real butter -use only half 1/2 cup sharp cheese- graded 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated 1/4 cup parmesan cheese Tony Chachere’s - to taste Combine Bisquick and milk together. Mix well with a wooden spoon. Fold in remaining ingredients. On a well-greased cookie sheet, spoon out dough in generous portions, placing them close together. Use baking time as directed on box. Remove from oven and garnish generously with remaining melted butter and some extra cheese.

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Summer Camps Are Starting Before You Know It

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 to create Starry Night and Sunflowers. All supplies included.

It is barely getting warm outside again but at the Center for Lifelong Learning we are thinking about Summer Camps. We have been planning activities for kids for more than a month, even in the worst of the cold weather.

We will have art camps, babysitting camps, outdoor skills camps, and so much more. Camps will start in June and go through August 4. Most camps are scheduled Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Lots of our instructors from last year will be returning but we have two new instructors for kids, Mary Katelyn Hall and Dwain Cooper.

Some of you may know Dwain from our Swing Dance Class. This summer he

Art Explorers: Africa, America, Mexico, Oh My! The week of July 14-18 will explore a variety of cultures.

Students will be developing a creative story behind the masks that they will build.

Students will need to bring a large cof-

will be offering kids those same dance moves. Parents are encouraged to attend the dance camp. Ms Hall is an art major who will be teaching our Art Explorers programs.

ited and enrollment is a first come, first served basis. Payment reserves your space in our camps.

Art Explorers will offer a camp just about every week this summer. Remember that space is lim-

June 9 – 13 will feature Art Explorers: What’s in a Name.

Students will focus on a variety of ways to express their name.

Whether Egyptian hieroglyphs or 3D effects, your name will never be the same. All supplies included.

survival skills. It also includes an overnight experience for parents and kids.

Camp space is limited to 12.

So what is happening this summer?

Art Explorers: Scribble to Still Life, will be held June 23 – 27, and will use crayons, charcoals, and chalk. Students will start with advanced scribbling and end up with charcoal works of art. All supplies included.

July 7-11 we will start learning about Van Gogh.

In Art Explorers: Paint Like Van Gogh, students will use finger-painting and printmaking to incorporate the patterns that Vincent Van Gogh used

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the basics of building tents, Dutch oven cooking, outdoor safety, and

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fee can to camp.

July 21-25, Paint Like No Other will use crumpled paper, rubber bands, crayons and mixed media.

Students will create their own Jackson Pollack masterpiece. All supplies included.

If you are not interested in Art, you might like Outdoor Survival Skills the week of June 19-21. In this camp, you will learn

Or perhaps you are interested in music and would like Discovering Violin. This course is for beginner violin players with less than three months of experience. You will learn the basics of playing position, bow hand, proper handling of the instrument, beginning tone production, consecutive fingering, and separate bowing. Class is scheduled Thursdays from 2:00 pm to, 3:00 pm, June 5 – July 31. There is no class July 3.

Summer Camps not only let children have fun, they also start kids on the path to learning as a lifetime skills.

April 4 - April 17, 2014

Cover Story

Kreative Koatings And Hydrographics: Inspired

By A Young Man’s Drive For Excellence

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

explain in a minute. David is a luxury automobile service technician by trade, and cars are his “thing.” His hope was to teach Andrew the trade while building a relationship with him, and, as David says, “hand off the trade to him if he wanted to pursue it.”

He and Andrew had spent their usual Wednesday night together, building The Kreative Koatings “Krew” a spray booth in David’s (l to r) Chris Pyle, owners garage with plans to fire it David Wright, Jr. and Jessica up when Andrew returned Wright, and Janet Martin later for the weekend. David has done several things, one took him to school the next morning, and Andrew looked being an educator regarding at him with a smile and said, the choking game. Another “Bye Dad, I love you. See was racing at various events in you tomorrow!” Tomorrow, Andrew’s memory. He speaks as they say, never came and at schools, churches and Andrew accidentally killed community groups about the himself through a horrible dangers of the choking game, practice called “the choking and has begun to rebuild his game.” While suicide is life. He remarried about 18 something that does plague months ago, and he and his our kids, the choking game is lovely bride Jessica moved not born out of depression and from Madison to Athens a desire to escape emotional last year to get a fresh start. pain. It is more like playing They totally love Athens, Russian Roulette, with its by the way, and are looking thrill of beating potentially forward to serving us by fatal odds. The “hook” is honoring Andrew’s memory the adrenaline rush, and and providing the best custom adrenaline, it turns out, is a powder coat, spray bed liner highly addictive drug. There and hydrographic service were no signs that Andrew around. was in trouble, although So, what is powder coating? It David now understands that is a beautiful, environmentally the two most common signs are headaches and red eyes.

“He never got the chance to spray,” David says with a broken softness in his voice that is the unmistakable mark of a bereaved parent. “I fell apart for awhile, and couldn’t even look at the stuff in the garage.” He is very friendly way to make nearly transparent, both about his anything made of metal struggle and how God picked “pop” with color. It has uses him back up and began to in farming, the automotive restore him. “My dad said, industry, and the building ‘You’ve got to get back in industry, (with metal porch for example). there,’” and so he did. He railings,

April 4 - April 17, 2014

F for 20 minutes.” He took a small metallic decorative word, (“Hope,” to be exact,) sprayed it blue, and baked it. It cures in an hour and it was shiny and lush. Powder coating was Andrew’s and is David’s passion.

Currently, Kreative Koatings is running a special on sprayedon bed liner coatings while supplies last. A short truck bed costs $399 to spray, and the texture can be anywhere from smooth to quite rough.

David showed me some of

The metal is stripped, sand blasted, steam cleaned, and made absolutely free of any dirt. The powder is sprayed on, and because of ionic charges, doesn’t even need to be sprayed on the back. “It wraps around it,” said David, and with a smile said, “Then you put it in the oven at 400

their other completed projects, including powder coated windshield wipers, parts of a Mustang engine, and a custom sprayed frame around a pickup windshield.

Kreative Koatings has the ardent support of both David and Jessica’s families, and both of their moms, Janet

Martin, and Lucy Maroney work at the shop. David’s brother, Chris Pyle helps out as well. Jessica manages the office, and is also learning to do powder coating. As is the case with any start up business, the work is long and they are “meeting themselves coming and going,” but it is obvious they are loving what they are doing. I asked David, as I always do, why I should come to Kreative Koatings when I have other choices, and here is what he told me.

“We focus on quality, rather than quantity, and we want to be a ‘one stop coating shop’ for our customers.” He added, “No other commercial facility exists in Athens that powder coats.”

They are planning on adding other services soon, including hydrographics, (which is a printed ink film that is transferred to metal through a water bath, and is popular with ATV-ers and 4-wheelers,) as well as ceramic coating, which is used in guns, exhaust systems and headers. Once they get the rest of the necessary licenses and equipment, they’ll be up and running.

For now, however, they are happy to serve the people of North Alabama through the venue of a business that was “inspired by a young man’s drive for excellence.”

Kreative Koatings and Hydrographics 14612 Cambridge Lane, Suite A, Athens, AL 35613 (Just off Hwy 72 before Onyx Gym) 256-262-4327 Hours: Mon-Fri 8-7, Sat 8-12 www.kreativekoatings.com www.facebook.com/ kreativekoatings andhydrographics www.athensnowal.com

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Health and Fitness

What Has Exercise Done for Me?

by Janet Hunt

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

Rather than having a regular article full of information and facts, I thought it would be more fun to give this space to others this week. I asked friends, students, and personal training clients to share a couple of sentences about what exercise has done for them. Below are some comments from ladies of all ages with many different health concerns: “I exercise to stay fit, maintain my mental and emotional stability, meet new friends and make for a better life thanks to Janet and Alyshia.” AC “Exercise Class has motivated me tremendously. I feel great and it has also helped boost my self-esteem. Thank you Janet.”

Christy A. “I would like to say that for a 62 year old I am not on any

medications, no diabetes or cholesterol problems or blood pressure issues or stress-related issues (I keep thinking of positive things) and I can actively travel. Without regular exercise I don’t think this would be possible. I, also fly with my 12 year old twin grandbabies which is a challenge to my physical and mental health!” Anonymous “I enjoy going to the Athens Senior Center for the Silver Sneaker™ exercises. I meet new people and strengthen my muscles through the exercise. It helps keep my mind clear from the stress of everyday life.” Jan Layton “Exercise class really helps me with my fibromyalgia and it makes me feel better throughout the day”. Andrea J. “Janet has been my personal

are physically appropriate for the individual/group she is instructing----the workouts are both invigorating and FUN.” Anonymous

“Being in this exercise class has helped me a lot. It has helped me feel better about myself physically and mentally. I love it.” Chloe

“Exercise class helps me feel better about myself. I really enjoy Ms. Janet’s class.” Kelly M trainer, my first yoga instructor, and I have attended some of her group classes. Thanks to her guidance I have recovered from injuries, surgeries and radiation therapy. Exercise not only promotes physical improvement, but also helped me regain con-

fidence in my abilities and enjoy my hobbies such as gardening. By devoting a little time to exercise several times a week I continue to enjoy life each day.” Carroll Adams “Exercise class is helping control sugar in my diabetes. Good workout is great. A great exercise program in Rogersville.”

Anonymous “Janet Hunt is an ‘angel in disguise’ for she conscientiously works to help her students improve their state of health so we can continue to be active and enjoy life. The workouts

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“We all know that exercise is needed for our physical and mental well-being. As a senior citizen, I appreciate the planned and thorough exercise program that I can do at my own pace.

An added advantage of the program (Silver Sneaker Flex ™ Strength and Balance Class at Athens Senior Center) is seeing and meeting other participants who have become friends.

What better way to begin each day!” Anonymous.

For more information about fitness opportunities in the area, call Janet at 256-614-3530 or email at jhunt1@pclnet.net.

April 4 - April 17, 2014

Cover Story

Auto Liaison: Where Purchasing A Preowned Auto Is A Truly Positive Experience

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

Vegas, and then transferred here to be with the 441st out of Huntsville. He spent 11 months in Baghdad. Interestingly, he was on VBC (Victory Base Complex,) one of the bases where I worked, and for me the joy of being able to talk with James about places on base absolutely made my day.

Speaking of making someone’s day, James knows that most people don’t think of there being much “joy” in buying a used car. However, that is exactly what James has set out to do: make purchasing a pre-owned car actually fun. He had a lot of time while in Iraq to consider how to make his dream of owning his own auto sales business come true, what he would bring to the market place in terms of customer care, and how he would compete well in a market in which it is tough to succeed, irrespective of whether or not the economy is in a recession.

The idea of calling his business Auto Liaison also came to him in Iraq, the reason being that James wanted to be the “liaison” that helped people find good quality used cars, and to give them what he described as “red carpet treatment.”

Auto Liaison incorporated in 2012, and James opened up the new location in the octagonal building at 22551 Hwy 72 in Athens (near the new Redstone Credit Union building,) in April of 2013. His office manager is Dawn Gardis, along with used car manager/ mechanic Chris Bergquist, and lot attendant Seth Componation. The unusual octagonal building “felt like home, felt right,” and a year into the current location, business is good.

James has a particular niche when it comes to cars, and that is high-quality, low-mileage cars that are more sporty or perhaps less common.

“We start with a quality product, which makes things easier for everyone, including the buyer,” he said. “We are also looking for cars with eye appeal, and our customers comment on how nice the cars are.” He has what he calls the “Papa John’s” approach: “better ingredients, better pizza, Papa John’s,” only it’s “better quality cars, better service, Auto Liaison.” James does market research on a fair price, and is not interested in a lot of dickering because his goal is to sell at or below mar-

James Cameron, owner of Auto Liaison, with his Orange County Chopper custom bike

used car. Why? “Better cars in better shape,” James said.

“We are known for getting cool cars,” he added, “and we make sure the car is right.” He also mentioned that buying and selling at a fair price is “the purest ket value. Most of his cars are in the 4K-5K range, and go up to 15K. He also sells cars online, and has sold cars to customers in Memphis as well as a fellow brother in the military who was stationed in Alaska.

People are driving from Tennessee and elsewhere to buy a form of capitalism,” and he truly enjoys what he does.

He describes Chris as being “a good guy who has worked with me for a long time,” and he trusts him. Chris also helps with buying cars at auction, and together they make a great team.

One of James’ treasures, (featured in the background of him seated in the office of Auto Liaison), is a “chopper” with a

April 4 - April 17, 2014

unique history. It is an actual “Orange County Chopper” of television fame, and this one is known as the Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman Raffle Bike. Besides being gorgeous, he loves it because it reminds him of people who put their lives on the line for others. He moved back here to help his mom, and be a true help to people who are understandably wary of used car salesmen. “Because we have one of the worst reputations in the world, we have to go the extra mile to overcome people’s fear of being taken advantage of. I love to take care of my customers, and have done things no one ever hears of just to make sure ‘things are right.’” If this sounds like the kind of place you have been looking for, then let Auto Liaison be the link to the car that truly meets your needs, and looks good to boot.

www.athensnowal.com

22551 Hyw 72 Athens, AL 35611 Hours: Mon-Fri 8-6 Sat 9-5 Office: 256-233-5791 Cell: 256-783-2538 FAX: 256-233-8681

Friend and follow us on Facebook: Auto Liaison Inc www.AutoLiaison.com AutoLiaison@ hotmail.com Page 17

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Visit smart.athens.edu to get started.

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April 4 - April 17, 2014

Jerry’s Journal

The Night the Power Went Off

by Jerry Barksdale I woke cold and shivering.

I listened for the soft hum of the heat pump and the steady buzz of the humidifier. Silence. Darn! The power was off. Had the freezing weather split open a tree causing it to fall across a power line or, even worse, had a transformer frozen?

Whichever, I couldn’t do anything about it. Then I wondered about my water lines. Was the sink faucet still dripping? It was too late to worry now. I pulled on more cover and imagined I was still a child sleeping in a cold, uninsulated room in a Madison Crossroads tenant house where the glass of water by my bed froze solid at night. Back then we drew our water from a dug well and heated the house with a fireplace. We “made do” back then and I told myself that I’d make do now. Soon, I was sound asleep.

Where was it? In my mind’s eye I saw it in the storage building still in the packing box. I rolled out onto the cold floor, dressed quickly and went to the fireplace where I pulled back ashes exposing hot coals, laid on kindling and soon had a crackling fire going. I trotted out the back door through the bone cracking cold to the storage building and located the camp stove and two bottles of propane. Now, where was my old camp coffee pot? I dug through pots, pans and skillets until I found it stashed in the back of the cabinet.

It was dented and partially blackened, having seen honorable service on many camping trips in the High Rockies of Colorado and Wyoming. I grinned. Soon the old pot would be gurgling like a happy baby and filling the room with the rich

aroma of Maxwell House.

Life can turn on a dime. I ripped open the cardboard packing box, assembled the camp stove, connected the propane bottles and filled the coffee pot. It was then that I saw a skull and crossbones under big, bold letters on the stove instruction sheet.

“DANGER. DO NOT USE INDOORS. POISONOUS FUMES CAN KILL YOU.” My good friend and (sometimes redhead) Pat appeared.

Sometimes she has good ideas.

water wouldn’t boil. I lowered the grill lid, finally, after fifteen to twenty minutes and just before the glass bubble on the coffee pot completely melted, I heard the old pot gurgling. And what a wonderful sound it was.

I poured a cup of steaming coffee and I rested my feet on the raised hearth, feeling the warmth of a good fire on my face. Yes sir, life can be good.

There was no tv, no radio and no place to go. That was okay with me. I had plenty of wood stacked in the carport and a cup full of Maxwell House in my hand and a good book by my easy chair. I looked forward to enjoying a quiet day in front of a warm fire and reading a good book. Then the power came on. Darn!

Like I said, life can turn on a dime.

“Why don’t you use the gas grill in the carport?” she asked.

Now, why hadn’t I thought of that?

“Good idea,” I said.

I fired up the grill and set the coffee pot on the grate. The wind blew the flames and the

Later in the morning when I woke, the room was much colder. A shaft of dull light edged around the venetian blinds and struck my face.

I lay still for a long time pondering what to do and dreading getting up. Maybe the power would come back on in a few minutes.

It didn’t. I decided to get up and make coffee. Then I panicked. I couldn’t brew coffee! I had no power. I remembered visiting my daughter, Shannon several winters earlier high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains when the power was off for days. She had made coffee and cooked our breakfast on a portable propane camp stove. I was impressed and purchased one at Walmart when I returned to Athens.

April 4 - April 17, 2014

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Dog Barker

Another Dog in Need

by Joel Allen

Folks, I could not help but put this story out there. I do not normally do another person’s needs in my article and I do not plan to make a habit of this. Maggie has a heart for dogs and I believe that God has a reason that we should be the voice of the voiceless. They can bark but sometimes a translator is needed. Here is Maggie’s story about a dog named Girly.

We’ve been helping homeless animals for six years, but this past February we rescued a very special girl that was abandoned on a farm. She was very thin and timid. We named her Girly after a lady from Gurley, AL named Karen that donated for her vet care. Sadly just nine days after her spay, we came home to blood everywhere; dog paw prints of

blood and blood puddles. It was horrific! We then found Girly curled up in the corner under the kitchen table.

She was lying in a pool of blood. At 11pm, she was rushed to our vet where she was diagnosed with an unknown severe infection, and she stayed at the clinic on IV fluids, vitamin K, and antibiotics overnight. She was kept on antibiotics for 2 more weeks and was finally gaining some weight. Two more weeks passed, and one day she would not get out of her crate and turned away food for the first time.

She wouldn’t stand and was running a 105.5 temperature; very dangerous for any animal.

I immediately rushed her to the vet and was told her spleen would likely burst if not removed promptly. The

vet quoted me $1000, and I thought “Yes I can raise that amount to save her!”

After her surgery, I got a call that it wasn’t her spleen but her kidney. It was infected and 5 times the size of a normal kidney. I was then quoted $2400-$3000 for the kidney removal on top of the $900 already spent.

I knew it would be nearly impossible to raise that much, so I found a more affordable vet, and he removed her kidney that day

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

$7

with success. The healthy kidney did its job and took over!

She is thriving and finally feels like playing with the other dogs for the first time in a long time. I have raised almost $1000 selling handmade jewelry and other fundraising, but there is still $800 remaining. I need everyone’s help please, because donations have come to a halt. We have 10+ dogs in our care at all times, and all of the recent donations have gone straight to Girly’s medical bills. Donations can be called in to 2 vets for “Girly- owner Maggie Tucker” at Family Pet Care 256-232-1906 and All Animal Clinic 256446-8888. Donations can

also be sent through paypal to MagsUNA8284@aol. com. We are not a 501c3 animal rescue, but we open our home to animals in need. Thank you for your donations! Sincerely, Maggie and Girly Well, God Bless you all. I hope this helps Maggie and Girly.

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

Joel and Zues Allen 256-651-2211

April 15th

11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm

17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 20

www.athensnowal.com

April 4 - April 17, 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 4 - April 17, 2014

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Medical Update

Growing Pains

By Dr. Patrick Boyett, OrthoSports Have you ever taken your child to the doctor with knee pain or ankle pain and been told, “Oh, it’s just growing pains?” You may have felt like you were just getting brushed off, but it actually is a common source of pain in the growing skeleton.

The two most common locations are pain in the front of the knee on the shin bone, and over the heel in the back.

These disorders have fancy names that are grouped into a medical term “apophysi-

tis”, which refers to strain at the attachment site of a tendon to an open growth plate.

In the knee, the specific diagnosis is called Osgood Slaughter’s disease. This refers to an apophysitis at the attachment of the Patellar tendon to the Tibia (shin).

What causes the problem is that as the long bones grow longer, it puts more strain on the tendons as they stretch to stay up. The weak link is the tendon attachment on the bone. A layperson’s way to

think of this is the long bones outgrow the tendons. Once growth reaches maturity, the pain is gone and the problem is solved.

In the ankle, this is called Sever’s disease and occurs where

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the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus).

Again, the long bones grow too fast and it puts a strain on the attachment of the Achilles, on the heel bone. These kids will complain of possible heel or ankle pain and often

times walk on their toes to get relief.

Treatment for both disorders is stretching, stretching, stretching, and anti-inflammatory medication. It rarely has any long-term consequences.

April 4 - April 17, 2014

Security Savvy

It’s Been Three Years

by Jim Doyle, owner of Madison Security Group

203 Us Highway 31 S, Athens, AL 35611

Well, my wife and I have lived in Athens, Alabama for three years now and we still are amazed at the beauty. It is a pleasure driving through Alabama and seeing horses, cows, and sheep, not one big brick building after another as in Boston. Boston is a great city but it can be overwhelming and it’s too crowded.

The only thing I miss once in a while is the variety of foods in Boston. There is different area in the city that you can go to and experience the different cuisines, such as China Town, Little Italy, Greek Town, etc. In addition to, of course, the Maine lobsters and clams you can dig for on Cape Cod.

I wrote an article early on about Northern dialect. Now I want to ask a few questions.

Why is a grocery cart called a buggy? I always thought a buggy was something pulled by a horse. Why is the Southern term for a knit hat a toboggan? In the North, a toboggan is a large sled not to be worn as a hat. Why do you mash buttons and chunk things? Holler back at you is my favorite. The first time someone said that to me I wondered what I had done to make them mad. Finally someone took pity on me and explained that they were telling me they would get back to me.

My point is I am going through a metamorphosis.

I will never lose my Boston

My accent is still as heavy as ever. My lovely, southern born and raised daughterin-law tells me she needs an interpreter. She just smiles at me because she can’t understand half of what I say.

What I really want to know is if my Yankee status will continue to change. When I first arrived I was a Yankee. This

was sort of an endearment, or so I thought until I realized that people were saying “you are not from around here are you, bless your heart.” Now my Southern friends call me a “damn Yankee.” I think it’s because I haven’t left. My wife and I love this area and think that Alabama is a beautiful state especially in the spring and summah. (Summer; oops, we from the North believe that R is a wasted letter not really relevant.)

Now let’s talk about hot dog rolls, in the south there are hotdog buns. It’s difficult to place a hot dog into a bun and then add your condiments; they are split in half and fall apart. So as a solution I have what is called New England hot dog rolls shipped to my house, only because I can put these on a grill and open them up add my condiments and then place the hot dog

accent, but I feel like I have come home. The people I have met here have been so friendly it’s like I have been here most of my life. To be honest, those damned Northerners are just not as friendly.

Boston and New England have become a nice place to visit but Alabama is home.

As always stay safe and aware .

on a bed of goodies without it falling apart. The South is known for the biscuits and fried chicken (which are, of course, wicked good). In the past I wouldn’t touch chicken that had a bone still attached, and I’d never had real Barbecue. What we call barbecue up North is meat covered in barbecue sauce.

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