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December 18th - December 31st, 2020

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See Our Listings Inside this edition...

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Special Feature

Disabled American Veterans Chapter #51: Strengthening Our Community Since 1954

Athens Main Street Awards 2020 Cider Cup & Window Decorating Contest Winners...

"It was the best one yet!" That's how Wildwood Deli owner and operator Matthew Fisher described this year's...

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By Ali Elizabeth Turner

2020 has been a year wherein we have re-discovered the deep need humans have for community, and for 66 years, AthensLimestone has had a veteran-focused group that has been looking out for those who have been in the military and are residing in our area. The DAV is a national, congressionally chartered organization whose motto is, “Fulfilling our promises

PlayAction Sports Basketball Teams Struggle Through Season...

Local athletes and coaches are trying their best to navigate through their basketball seasons as coronavirus-related issues continue to...

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Cooking With Anna Pure Joy...

In one week, we will be celebrating Christmas. Packaging and bows will be scattered all over the living room floor and most of us will be...

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December 18 - December 31, 2020

Continued on page 15

Pure Hope Foundation: Restoring Victims Of Trafficking

By Ali Elizabeth Turner Over twenty-five years ago, a young single mom named Kathrine Newlan heard about a business opportunity with a company that had found a way to take whole, fresh fruits Continued on page 17

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December 18 - December 31, 2020

Publisher’s Point

The Star(s) Were Brightly Shining

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Sales & Distribution Degan Wilder

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers D. A. Slinkard Lisa Philippart Leigh Patterson Yvonne Dempsey Anna Hamilton Deb Kitchenmaster Steve Leland Jackie Warner Nick Thomas Roy Williams Blake Williams Tim Lambert Eric Betts Mae Lewis

My very favorite Christmas carol of all time is O Holy Night, which was written in 1847.

Most of us know and can sing the first verse, but it is my fond wish that you would read all three verses and think how you can apply them to your heart and life in this, the oddest holiday season of all time. Falling on your knees is a good idea any time of the year, but there is something attached to this particular Christmas that has not occurred since 1226.

Curious? Read on.

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear Savior's birth.

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar Of Events . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 From The Vets Museum . . . 10

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

PlayAction Sports . . . . . . 11 Clean Green And Beautiful . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Steve's Corner . . . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health And Fitness . . . . . . 16

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Lifelong Learning . . . . . . . 18 View From The Bridge . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . 20

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,

Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Alternative Approach . . . . 22 Special Feature . . . . . . . 24

December 18 - December 31, 2020

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here come the wise men from the Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friend.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever, His power and glory evermore proclaim.

He knows our need, to our weaknesses no stranger,

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

In just a few more days, on the night of December 21 right after sunset, Jupiter and Saturn are going to be so close to each other that they will look like one giant star in the southwest sky.

This merging is known as a “Great Conjunction,” and it hasn’t happened like this for 800 years, and won’t again until 2080. So, if you want to see what perhaps the Wise Men saw, for most of you, this is your

Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother; And in His name all oppression shall cease.

one shot. So far it looks like the skies in our area are going to be clear, and for me it will be one of the highlights of the season. Why? Because it is the closest thing I can think of to illustrate what it was like to risk all to follow a star in order to find the Bright and Morning Star, who is Jesus the Christ, or Yeshua ha Mashiach, and then worship sacrificially and extravagantly. That worship is not with gold, frankincense, or myrrh, but with the fragrance and treasure of your heart. May we worship, and may we burn brightly with the light of love in a very dark night.

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

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All Things Soldier

Chuck Yeager And The Right Stuff

by Ali Elizabeth Turner General Chuck Yeager departed this earth on December 7, the 79th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was 97 years old, and is considered by many to have been the greatest military test pilot of all time. He served from 1941 to 1975, first in the Army and then the Air Force. As far as military conflicts are concerned, General Yeager was in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was involved in the Cold War, flying to Russia, and at the age of 79 he flew an X-15 to nearly 1,000 mph at Edwards Air Force Base in 2002. All in all, Yeager flew more than 360 different types of aircraft.

During WWII, Chuck Yeager became a Double Ace, and is credited with both downing over a dozen enemy aircraft, then getting shot down, and then escaping capture. After the war, he became the first man to break the sound barrier in 1947.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine called Yeager’s death “a tremendous loss to our nation.” He went on to say, “Gen. Yeager’s pioneering and innovative spirit advanced America’s abilities in the sky and set our nation’s dreams soaring into the jet age and the

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space age. He said, ‘You don’t concentrate on risks.

You concentrate on results.

No risk is too great to prevent the necessary job from getting done.’”

The story of Yeager’s ex-

ploits during WWII caused him to be considered by his peers as a man having “the right stuff.” There is hardly any higher honor that colleagues can bestow on each other, and inarguably it was well deserved. After being shot down in France, it was the French Resistance, known as the Maquis, that helped him to escape to Spain. Before leaving the Resistance fighters he helped them make bombs.

At the time, if someone escaped capture in enemy territory, they were described as “evaders.” While that

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was certainly an honor, there was an understandable prohibition against sending them back out into the same territory in the event that they were shot down again, captured, tortured, and exposing Maquis members because of previous exposure.

Yeager appealed all the way to General Dwight D Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Armies, and convinced Ike to let him “get back after it.” Ike was bound by the War Department to get special permission for Yeager to return to combat flight, and it was granted. Yeager got back in the cockpit just after D-Day and “stayed there” until 1975.

There is always a story behind a story, and that is the

case with the events that led up to the 1947 flight that broke the sound barrier.

Two days prior, Yeager had been out riding horseback with his wife, had a riding accident, and broke two ribs. He did not get taped up by a military doc, but rather saw a civilian MD so he could avoid being scrubbed for the flight. Because of the amount of pain he was experiencing, he couldn’t close the hatch of the experimental aircraft by himself, so a buddy came up with a device that used the end of a broom handle to help him close the hatch, take to the skies, and make history.

That is why the guy was known as someone who had “the right stuff,” and may Brigadier General Chuck Yeager rest in peace.

December 18 - December 31, 2020

Special Feature

Athens Main Street Awards 2020 Cider Cup & Window Decorating Contest Winners

by Blake Williams "It was the best one yet!"

That's how Wildwood Deli owner and operator Matthew Fisher described this year's Sippin' Cider.

His deli won this year's coveted Cider Cup. This year’s win is Wildwood Deli’s third top prize in the Sippin’ Cider competition. Hundreds of people participated in this year's festival and voted online.

The Warten House B&B was a close runner-up.

Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson said, “It was a picture-perfect evening on the Square for one of the most anticipated events of the year. I would like to acknowledge all the participants. The patrons truly were treated to outstanding cider recipes this year."

Visitors to downtown Athens also had the opportunity to vote for their favorite merchant’s window. Patrons voted based on their interpretation of the theme (My Christmas

2020 Cider Cup awarded to Matthew Fisher and Wildwood Deli Wish - Love, Unity, and Community), creativity, and attractiveness. Snapdragon Kids, located on Washington Street, won the popular vote. The Director's Choice award went to

High Cotton Arts.

Richardson said, "All the participating businesses did a fantastic job decorating their windows and adding to the festive atmosphere

The 2020 Window Decorating Contest Director Choice Winner was awarded to High Cotton Arts December 18 - December 31, 2020

of downtown. By the more than 1,500 votes, the public clearly appreciated the efforts of all the businesses."

Main Street wants to encourage everyone to con-

tinue to shop locally this holiday season. Follow Athens Main Street on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news from all of the downtown merchants.

The 2020 Window Decorating Contest Popular Vote Winner was awarded to Snapdragon Kids

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Calendar of Events Athens North Pole Stroll December 1-31

Big Spring Memorial Park. 100 North Beaty Street in Athens.

Open until Midnight. Bring the family and stroll among the beautifully and creatively decorated trees that twinkle to life as the sun goes down. Grab a photo with the Tired Family. Santa's coming to town on December 19th for photos and wish list too! Free and Open to the public. Tree sponsorships available starting September 1, 2020 but earlier inquiries welcome, sponsorship deadline November 16, 2020. Information: 256232-5411 or visit VisitAthensAL.com/2020-ANPS

Ardmore Tinsel Trail December 4, 2020 - Jan 1, 2021

On Ardmore Avenue near Bryant House/Ardmore Town Hall & Museum . 26494 1st Street in Ardmore, AL. Enjoy an array of trees decked with amazing collections of baubles and lights decorated by area businesses and organizations. greaterardmorechamber.com/tinsel-trail

Ugly Christmas Lunch December 18

With Happi Pappi at Jimmy Smith Buick-GMC. 24450 U.S. Highway 72 in Athens. 11:30AM-12:30PM. Don your Ugly Christmas Sweater and come added a little sweetness to your day with a purchase of fresh made beignets with choice of traditional powdered sugar or specialty powdered sugar cinnamon, chocolate or lemon - don't forget the hot coffee or cocoa. Be among the first 10 to arrive in an ugly sweater and get a reward of $10.00 of your Happi Pappi lunch order.

Swamp John's Fundraiser December 18

For Deputy Shield at the Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo Arena (18032-18098 Buck Island Rd, Athens -- just past the Market/Elm Street intersection on the right) from 4:00PM7:00PM featuring plates of fish, tenders, shrimp or combinations plus french fries, slaw, hush puppies, and drink for $12.00.

Monies will help Deputy Shield and his family as they seek treatment and open heart surgery for their 6-month-old son, Case, at Vanderbilt Medical Center in January to repair a hole in his heart. Carryout with social distancing protocols in place.

For more information or to pre-order tickets, 256-232-0111

The Muppet Christmas Carol December 18

With the Athens-Limestone Public Library. 603 South Jefferson Street in Athens. Starting at 6:00PM. Enjoy the song-filled classic from the comfort of your car. Please note the library building will be closed, so the restrooms and other amenities will not be available. Free and open to the public.

Harleys for Hope Teddy Bear Run ​December 19

With Redstone Harley-Davidson. 15100 AL-20 at I-565 Exit 3 at Greenbrier. 9AM-4PM. Come ride as the Redstone H-D, HOG Chapter 4052, and Law Tigers Alabama deliver teddy bears to the kids at the Rescue Mission in Huntsville; The Kids to Love Foundation; the Children's Ward in Huntsville Hospital; and Toys for Tots. Donations welcome - the cost of each Builda-Bear $11.00 - donations can be sealed in an envelope, label "Harleys for Hope", and dropped off at Redstone H-D.

"A Red-Letter Christmas" December 20

With Ardmore First Baptist Children's Choir. 26670 5th Street in Ardmore. Starting at 5PM. Join the FBCA's Children's Choir for an evening of music reflecting on the wonders of Christmas.

The songs performed will take you on a journey through the colors of Christmas and ultimately point each of our hearts towards life and words of Christ. Free and open to the public.

Christmas Now & Then Drive In Movie ​December 20

Calvary Live, 4839 Calvary Blvd in Tanner. Starting at 6PM. Featuring the best of the best of Christmas Now & Then on the big screen. Free popcorn and hot chocolate. Parking lot opens at 5PM and movie starts at 6PM. Free and open to the public.

With Full Gospel Tabernacle Community Christian Church.

17470 Seven Mile Post Road in Athens. 6:00PM-8:00PM. Come join in and sing traditional carols, sharing the Christmas Story with a candle lighting display that represents the Nativity and sets the tone for the coming Christmas Season. Stay for cookies and cocoa. Free and open to the public.

For the health and safety of our volunteers and the public, we regret that the VVA Spaghetti Day has been canceled until further notice. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Due to health concerns, the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives Coffee Call scheduled for Saturday, January 2, has been canceled.

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Nativity by Candlelight ​December 23

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December 18 - December 31, 2020

December 18 - December 31, 2020

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

The Need To Celebrate

by Ali Elizabeth Turner For years when the mayor and I have met on the first and third Monday of each month, several topics have been explored, questions have been asked, ideas have been bandied about, books have been discussed, and prayers have been prayed. This, the last interview of 2020, (which has been the strangest year ever) was no exception.

We spent a good chunk of time acknowledging the fact that people have earned the right to be confused about many things in our culture right now. Experts who are touted as the expert in their field, and sport letters after their names, have made conflicting statements. Mayor Ronnie had just been on a call with Governor Ivey and the Task Force on COVID-19 about the recently released vaccine. “She understands that people need to build trust,” he said, and then he added, “When it becomes available, do for you and for your family what you feel is right.” We talked about the famous scene in Fiddler On The Roof when Reb Tevye sings his way through a difficult decision re: his fam-

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ily, and says, “On the one hand…on the other hand.”

We also talked about the fact that many people are struggling with depression, and he said, “We have got to strengthen our community, and there is only one way to make that happen. We are strengthened from above, and we’ve got to keep working together to keep what we have built. I don’t want to see us go backwards, and I know from experience that it can happen fast.”

While the conversation was understandably sobering, by contrast it was a joy to talk about the power of celebrating and the deep need to do so. “We need to celebrate, and we have much to celebrate,” Mayor Ronnie said.

If there is one thing that has been true of 2020, it is that people have been creative and clever with the ways they have found to cel-

Your Week Stronger Than It Started. It came out in September of this year, and is written

by Robert Glazer.

He has written for Forbes, Success Magazine, Harvard Business Review, and more. Yearly, Glazer is read by more than five million people, and he is well known for challenging as well as helping people to be their best. The book has gotten great reviews, and I laughed as I thought of the prospect of actually learning how to end my week stronger than it had begun. It is going to be a chewy read for sure, and I am looking forward to it.

ebrate weddings, proms, graduations, birthdays, and more in spite of the pandemic. We talked about our next book, and how much we are look-

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ing forward to reading it and sharing its wisdom with Athens and beyond.

The book is called Friday Forward: Inspiration & Motivation to End

We always pray, as you well know, and to have the freedom still to seek God together in the public square is not something to take for granted. So, we prayed, blessed each other in this holiday season, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll.

December 18 - December 31, 2020

Slinkard On Success

Whatever It Takes

by D. A. Slinkard D.A. Slinkard would love your feedback. You can contact him at da.slinkard@gmail.com

It is hard to believe the end of 2020 is FINALLY nearing, and 2021 is fast approaching. I was speaking with my fatherin-law, Denny Urhahn, recently about how quickly life goes by. He commented about how often we wish away our life before it happens, and it all made sense.

He pointed out that as kids, we wished we were teenagers, we wished we were sixteen so we could drive around town. Then we wished we were eighteen and considered an adult, and then it was twenty-one.

Next is wishing we could retire, and then when we reach retirement age, we go back to wishing we were young. Now, this does not happen to everyone, but I would say this occurs with most people. We always think that life will be better when X happens or when I am X years old because I will be able to do this.

The truth is we cannot sit around waiting for life to happen to us or for us because life does not work like that. We lie to ourselves that when we reach a certain age, we will start doing the things we know we should be doing, but the truth is we do not have the necessary discipline to do so.

We go about wishing for things to happen in our life. We get so caught up in our dreams that we fail to realize how to make those dreams turn into realities.

I want you to think about

get stuck on our wishes, it is because we have not fully committed to our dreams. With anyone who has success in life, you will find a certain belief level in their own ability. Anyone stuck on the sidelines of their wishes is someone who is not committed 100% to the task at hand.

any invention that man has ever created, and I want to point out that it started as a wish. Someone out there wished there were an invention to solve XYZ problem, but instead of just wishing upon it, they went out and made it happen. We have to take advantage of every step of our lives, and in doing so, we must stop wishing away our lives. We need to take the time to realize what we want, what steps we need to take to achieve it, give ourselves a time frame for it, and then start taking massive action to fulfill our wish.

Going through these steps is how we are going to turn those wishes into realities. I understand that going from wishing life would happen to making life happen is difficult for many people, but we need to reflect upon how others achieve tremendous success. I do not believe they are successful because they are luckier than other

December 18 - December 31, 2020

people. I have found that the harder I work, the luckier I get. It is about hard work. I hear jealous people say another person’s success is because of their last name. Well, if having the “right’ last name is going to bring you success, then why not head down to the courthouse and legally change yours? Sounds silly to do so, right? Yet we have people make that excuse every day because they do not have that right last name.

comes down to one simple step you must take. It is not about wishing success or hoping for success … not at all.

The one-step we must take is to decide. We must make a conscious effort proclaiming exactly what it is we will do. When we

You must decide that you are going to be a success.

You must decide you are not willing to accept failure as an option. You must decide you will do “whatever it takes” (W.I.T.) to obtain success. Most importantly, you must decide you are going to leave the wishing and hoping for those who will not succeed while you do what you must to achieve your success. This year is almost over, and the new year is about to start; what will you do about it?

Probably my favorite excuse for others’ success is because of who they know. Why is this a problem? How many times do we reach our limits, and we need others to help us get better? Parents do this with their kids all the time, and we need to understand that using our resources to help obtain success is not necessarily bad. Whatever there is in life that you want to achieve success in, it

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From The Veterans' Museum

Christmas Carols And The Military

by Yvonne Dempsey

The year is coming to an end, and what a year it’s been! However, signs of the holiday season are everywhere bringing hope to us all as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, our light in the darkness and our help in despair.

Aside from the decorated trees, glitter and tinsel, and bright lights, the sound of Christmas carols fill the air. Most people have a favorite carol, while others don’t care for them much.

Whether it is a spirited, fun song or a gentle, beautiful song, these holiday tunes invoke feelings of joy, nostalgia, sadness, loneliness -- a myriad of emotions.

Because of COVID-19, the holidays during this year have been different from many past holidays for most of us. During this Christmas season, we may be spending more time alone instead of with family and friends.

However, we must not forget that those serving in our military who have to been spend holidays away from their loved ones. One of the things many veterans can

remember from Christmases spent away from home is that one carol that they heard or sang that was a link to home and Christmases past.

During the Civil War, the famous poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem, “Christmas Bells.” In a depression after losing his wife to a house fire in 1861, the widowed father of six was further saddened when his oldest son, who had run away from home to join the army, was wounded in battle and sent home to recuperate. Longfellow was miserable listening to the Christmas bells chiming. Instead of ringing in peace on earth and goodwill among men, he only saw hatred and felt deep despair. But as the bells continued to ring, he was reminded that God is not dead or asleep and that there was still hope for personal and national peace. His poem originally included two verses directly referencing the Civil War, but when the poem was set to music several years later, becoming “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day,” those verses were omitted from the carol making it timeless song of hope.

World War I saw horrific bloodshed with over 25 mil-

lion killed or wounded; but in the midst of this horror, a Christmas truce was called between the warring factions along the Western Front.

The impromptu truce reportedly began with the sound of Christmas carols being sung in the silent night. Behind a row of Christmas trees that the Germans had decorated with candles, German officer and tenor with the Berlin Opera, Walter Kirchhoff, sang “Silent Night,” first in German and then in English. This was followed by carols sung from both sides; finally, all joined in singing in Latin, “Adeste Fideles,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful.”

The enemies climbed out of the trenches, shook hands, exchanged small gifts of cigarettes, food, buttons, and hats. They enjoyed playing a brisk game of football on Christmas Day. Although the truce was short-lived, it was a brief moment in history when peace, sharing, and joy emanated from the singing of a Christmas carol.

One of the first Christmas carols popularized during World War II was “White Christmas.” Written by Irving Berlin, a Jewish Russian immigrant, it became one of the most important wartime songs due to the

An illustration of the 1914 Christmas Truce from The Illustrated London News

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timing of its release and the type of emotion that the song evoked. Seventeen days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Bing Crosby made the first live radio performance of the new song, which makes no reference to war but is just a personal reflection about Christmas and one’s longing for it. The nostalgic and introspective lyrics struck a chord that exemplified the national mood at the time. The desire to be home for Christmas was a feeling that was amplified by the war. Millions were entering military service and were spending Christmas away from home for the first time.

Another emotional Christmas song from WWII, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” has become the most requested song at Christmas USO shows. The song is sung from the point of view of a soldier stationed overseas writing a letter to his family.

He tells the family he will be coming home and to prepare the holiday for him, and he requests snow, mistletoe, and presents. The song ends on a melancholy note, with the soldier saying, "I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams." Music executives felt that that line was too sad for what should be a joyous time of year. But instead of making soldiers overseas sad, it filled them with hope.

Even if they could not share Christmas at home with their loved ones, their memories of Christmases past and hopes for future Christmases at home would carry them through. Bing Crosby recorded the song with “White Christmas” on the flip side.

The record was released as U.S. Army V-Disc No. 441B and U.S. Navy V-Disc No. 221B. Although the song

1945 V-Disc released by the U.S. Army of "White Christmas" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Bing Crosby was popular with Americans overseas and at home, in the United Kingdom, the BBC banned the song from broadcast because they felt the lyrics might lower morale among British troops.

Nevertheless, the song was still heard and loved by many British soldiers. The song remained at the top of the charts for weeks and earned Cosby his fifth gold record. Because of this record, the GI magazine Yank said that Crosby "accomplished more for military morale than anyone else of that era.”

During this Christmas season, despite the turmoil and struggles of this past year, may we all find our moments of peace and joy in even the smallest of things.

May we remember our military, especially those serving in places far from home, and military families; veterans, especially those suffering physically and mentally; and all first responders and medical personnel.

The staff and volunteers of the Alabama Veterans Museum wish you all a safe, joyous Christmas season.

In the words of the song, remember -- “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.”

Our fervent hope for all is “peace on earth, good will to men.”

December 18 - December 31, 2020

PlayAction Sports

Basketball Teams Struggle Through Season

by Tim Lambert

Tune in for the PlayAction Sports Update, three times each weekday on 1080 AM WKAC. Visit us online at www.pasnetwork.net! email: playactionsports@hotmail.com

Local athletes and coaches are trying their best to navigate through their basketball seasons as coronavirus-related issues continue to hamper their efforts. With numbers continuing to rise, the AHSAA has also issued a memo restricting attendance to less than 20% of facility capacity in accordance with the Alabama Department of Public Health recommendations.

Athletic associations are also being asked to encourage and empower event officials to delay or suspend competition whenever spectators are not complying with social-distancing guidelines or proper wearing of face coverings or masks. The memo can be seen at www.ahsaa. com. As we said, despite the obstacles, games are still being played.

Season highlights since our last column: Ardmore The varsity boys basketball team beat Clements 58-13 and West Limestone 45-42.

The Lady Tigers posted a 44-37 victory over the Lady Wildcats.

Athens Bible The varsity Trojans basketball teams defeated St. Bernard 46-18 and Ardmore 5451. The varsity girls got by Shoals Christian 45-40 and Sheffield 42-40.

Athens High The Lady Golden Eagles have posted dominant wins against Decatur 66-13, Jackson-Olin 56-21, and James Clemens 54-39. The varsity boys also defeated JacksonOlin 61-56.

Clements

The varsity Colts topped Lindsay Lane 77-41, Tanner 75-37, Sheffield 70-49, and Tharptown 60-37. The varsity girls claimed victories over Lindsay Lane 6630, Vinemont 63-33, Lamar County 58-30, and Addison 58-50.

East Limestone Varsity boys basketball wins came against Priceville 5940 and Tanner 54-28. The Lady Indians topped Sparkman 44-40, West Limestone 53-25, and James Clemens 61-41. Bowling teams defeated Lee, Westminster, and Randolph.

Ardmore's Raegan Clem signs with UNA Clements' Janiah Anderson signs with Snead State

Elkmont

Lindsay Lane

The varsity boys turned back Addison 64-51, Randolph 53-43, East Lawrence 54-33, Tanner 59-31 and Ardmore 50-49, while the Lady Red Devils also beat Randolph 56-20, East Lawrence 6329, Tharptown 51-32, West Limestone 61-39, and Ardmore 58-48.

Basketball teams swept Shoals Christian: the varsity boys dominated 74-18 and the varsity girls got a 60-42 win. Two victories also came against Addison 62-59 and 61-54. The girls also knocked off Vinemont 52-34, St. John Paul II 56-38, and Elkmont 52-45. Bowling wins came against East Limestone and Lee.

James Clemens The varsity Jets overcame Grissom twice 66-33 and 6549, East Limestone 61-33, Sparkman 55-54, and Athens 63-50; the James Clemens girls came out on top of Grissom 55-26, Demopolis 68-26, and Sparkman 54-46.

At the state swim and dive meet, John Choung won the Class 7A 100-yard breaststroke, Beau Broussard was runner-up in the 100-yard backstroke, the boys' 200yard medley relay team finished second. Ashley Ahrens was third in the 1-meter diving. Boys’ and girls’ teams both placed eighth overall.

The boys’ bowling team defeated Columbia.

December 18 - December 31, 2020

Tanner The Lady Rattlers put up winning scores against Elkmont 52-38, Danville 73-39 and Tharptown 74-33.

West Limestone The football team made it to the third round of the state playoffs before being eliminated after a 48-13 loss to Gordo. The Wildcats defeated East Limestone on the basketball court 44-31.

James Clemens trio signs softball scholarships (Ashlyn Dougherty - Central Alabama Community College, Ariana Hill - Chattanooga State Community College, Emma Young - Calhoun Community College)

Hill inked with Chattanooga State Community College, and Emma Young signed with Calhoun Community College. Ardmore's Raegan Clem also put her name on the dotted line on a softball scholarship with UNA. Janiah Anderson of Clements will also continue her soft-

ball career at Snead State.

James Clemens' Chance Starling made a football commitment to New Mexico Military Institute. Congratulations also go out to Athens High's Drew Phillips for being named the AHSAA Class 6A assistant football coach of the year.

Odds and ends Three James Clemens softball players signed letters of intent: Ashlyn Dougherty picked Central Alabama Community College, Ariana

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Clean, Green And Beautiful

Recycling During The Holiday Season

by Leigh Patterson - Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful

With the Christmas holiday being just around the corner, there are most likely boxes being shipped and delivered to your home, and if you are like me, there are many more packages delivered now than other months during the year. I usually do some of my Christmas shopping online, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, I can honestly say I have done much more online shopping this year. More online shopping means more cardboard boxes to deal with! Thankfully, all of those extra boxes can be easily recycled if not reused.

Cardboard boxes are just one of the many items that can be recycled at Christmas time. If these items cannot be reused, I encourage you to recycle them. Recycling these items will eliminate extra garbage in your home garbage receptacles and will also keep these items out of the landfill.

Here is a list of some of the common holiday items that can be recycled at the

Athens-Limestone Recycling Center (ALRC): • Cardboard Boxes – Please remove all plastic, Styrofoam, or other materials before taking them to the center, and remember to break boxes down before placing them in the bins at the center.

• Gift Boxes – Gift boxes can sometimes be reused, but when the time comes to discard them, please recycle them. Make sure to remove all bows before recycling.

• Wrapping Paper – The same rule applies to wrapping paper: please remove all bows before recycling. Bows are not recyclable unless made of paper.

If it doesn’t tear, it’s not recyclable.

• Tissue Paper – Some tissue paper can be reused if in good shape. If not, recycle it!

• Greeting Cards and Paper Gift Tags – We all enjoy receiving Christmas cards, but when the holidays are over and you do not wish to store the cards or reuse them for another

project, recycle them.

• Gift Bags – Gift bags are another item that can be reused, but after they wear out, if they are made of paper, then they may be recycled.

• Electronics – Many times new electronics are purchased as gifts during the holidays. Bring your old electronics that have been replaced (string lights included!) to be recycled to keep them out of the landfill. The center will accept any electronics with a cord or battery for recycling. There is a $10 charge for televisions, and all other electronics are accepted for free.

• FOG (Fats, Oils and Grease) Recycling – Holiday cooking means more fats, oils, and grease to dispose of in your kitchen. To recycle these, just pick up a free FOG container from one of the cages located at the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center, at the KALB office, or at the Athens Utilities Building. Fill your container with fats, oils, and grease from your kitchen. Return the full container to the bottom shelf of any of the FOG cages and take an empty one. Let’s keep those FOGs out of our drains and sewers!

For a list of all other items that ALRC is currently accepting, please visit www.KALBCares. com. Under the Recycling tab click “Athens City and Limestone County Recycling.”

The Athens-Limestone Recycling Center will be closed from Christmas Eve through the Christmas holiday weekend so that the management and staff can enjoy time with their families. Out of respect for the staff, please hang on to your items until Monday, Decem-

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ber 28. These men and women have been working extremely hard with only half of the normal staff during this difficult year, yet they continue to provide these important services to Limestone County residents.

Collection bins will not be available while closed. Please respect the holiday hours and do not leave items at the center while closed. This is considered illegal dumping.

Here are the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center Hours for the week of December 21: Monday, Dec. 21 - 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 22 - 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 23 - 6:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 24 CLOSED Friday, Dec. 25 - CLOSED Saturday, Dec. 26 - CLOSED Sunday, Dec. 27 - CLOSED The KALB Office will be closed from Thursday, December 24 through Sunday, January 3. We look forward to getting back to work in January, as we have a lot planned for 2021; so stay tuned!

I, along with the KALB Staff and the Recycling Center Staff, would like to wish you a Happy Holiday Season, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

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(256) 233-8000 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com December 18 - December 31, 2020

Cooking with Anna

Pure Joy

by Anna Hamilton

In one week, we will be celebrating Christmas. Packaging and bows will be scattered all over the living room floor and most of us will be in a candy cane stupor. This year, for most, will be a different holiday experience. Many will be celebrating only with immediate family and not getting to see grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Even with Christmas being different this year, you still can experience the joy of the season.

What does joy mean to you? According to Webster’s dictionary it means “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desire.”

To me, joy is the purest form of happiness. It’s that moment when you feel complete peace and love. The purest form of joy comes from giving to others. Once you shift your focus to those around you, you will learn how to experience true joy.

Whether or not you are exactly where you want to be physically, mentally, financially…whatever you feel you are lacking in life…you can still experience pure joy. Take this

Greek Salad With Chicken

holiday season to truly reflect on all the blessings you have been bestowed and then pass them onto others around you.

Once you are able to shift your focus off of you and onto the people around you, joy will start to come into your life.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 This week’s recipe is a simple Greek salad with chicken.

With all the rich foods of the holiday season, this salad is a welcome way to have a great tasting and healthy meal. I hope you enjoy it!

I have this message on a Christmas card and it seems fitting to end my article with it. I am not sure who originally wrote it, but I hope it touches you as much as it did me.

“May the meaning of Christmas be deeper, its friendships stronger, and its hopes brighter as it comes to you this year!

May the season’s simple joys warm your heart, fill your home, and last a lifetime. May the light of our Savior’s love be with you at Christmas and always and all the happiness you could wish for.” Merry Christmas!

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders 2 Tbsp olive oil ½ can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained 1 Tbsp Greek seasoning 6 Cups Shredded romaine lettuce 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved ½ cup crumbled feta cheese ¼ cup whole black olives ½ cup Greek vinaigrette Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: In a large skillet, cook chicken tenders in hot oil over medium heat until browned and cooked thoroughly.

Add diced tomatoes, seasoning, salt, and pepper to skillet. Simmer two minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Serve the chicken tenders on a bed of lettuce and top with grape tomatoes, olives, and cheese. Drizzle salad with vinaigrette.

December 18 - December 31, 2020

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Page 13

Steve’s Corner

Fight The Future

by Steve Leland

No, this isn’t about politics. This is about your personal future. The future that will happen to you if you are not proactive.

Think about a boat placed in a river. The river is flowing downhill. The boat will float downstream unless it is acted upon by a force greater than the power of the water’s flow. In fact, unless the boat is tied to or caught on something stationary, you have to apply energy of some sort to stay in one place.

I have found life to be that way. If I am complacent, I’m going to be floating downstream. Putting in a modicum of thought and energy can keep me staying right where I am, but it takes a bit more than that to improve our lives. And the more you work at it, the farther you get. Hence, my statement

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about fighting the future.

Have you already reached your goals for your life? Or maybe you have found that the goals that you were aiming at proved to be unreachable. Either way, my friend, it’s time for new goals. One goal that everyone should have, no matter where they are in life, is to make life more pleasant for others. Some people we can physically help by doing a small task that they need done. Sometimes we can help with a gift of food or something that they need. But most often people need a smile and a kind word. This is a season that many find very depressing because of their circumstances.

Some won’t see the new year because of it. If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours. Smiles, along with

kindness, are infinitely renewable resources.

Along those lines, and returning to the theme of fighting the future, which Kingdom are you voting for? Of course, we believe that we would only support the Kingdom of Heaven, but we fail to realize that when we make a less than stellar moral decision, we are voting for the enemy’s kingdom.

Be careful when depending on your conscience for your definition of the righteousness of your position, as a conscience is a very malleable thing.

An Indian once said that a conscience is a threecornered thing in one’s mind that turns until the corners wear off.

So, fight for what your future could be, and make sure that each of your decisions is righteous.

December 18 - December 31, 2020

Cover Story

Disabled American Veterans Chapter #51: Strengthening Our Community Since 1954

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

to the men and women who served.” The DAV has been in existence since 1920, and in this one hundredth year of serving those who served, the local chapter has several projects underway, and they want you to know about them. For those of you who are not familiar with the national organization, here is a mini-bio to get you introduced.

“DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans in positive, life-changing ways each year.

Annually, the organization provides more than 600,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with well over 200,000 benefit claims. In 2019, DAV helped veterans receive more than $21 billion in earned benefits. DAV’s services are offered at no cost to all generations of veterans, their families and survivors.

DAV is also a leader in connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible.

With nearly 1,300 chapters

and more than 1 million members across the country, DAV empowers our nation’s heroes and their families by helping to provide the resources they need and ensuring our nation keeps the promises made to them.”

Recently I spoke with Chapter Commander Randy Welcher, along with Chapter Service Officer James Thoni, about the history of DAV Chapter #51 and what they are doing in our community. We were all in Iraq at the same time and at times on the same base, but our paths never crossed. Meeting them was a true joy!

Randy served in the Army and is a retired CW4 (chief warrant officer 4) Blackhawk Maintenance Test Pilot. Upon retirement from active duty, Randy began pursuit of an undergraduate degree in business and finished with an MBA from Columbia College satellite campus on Redstone Arsenal.

James was in the Air Force, his rank when he got out was Tech Sgt, Enlisted Communications Specialist, and James is a communications wiz. Neither had

an easy time after their careers in the service ended.

Many vets who have served have challenges that the VA can’t begin to touch, and it is the community of former service members that becomes the foundation for a successful transition to civilian life. Randy and James don’t particularly care for the use of the term “disabled,” and as Randy pointed out, “Not all injuries are visible.” The reason they are so passionate about the DAV is that because they have been profoundly helped, they in turn want to pay it forward.

James’ first service project was in 2019, and he was part of a wheelchair ramp build. Later he got certified as a Chapter Service Officer, and his focus is to help file VA claims. He knows all the ins and outs of VA regulations (no small feat), and Randy got involved first by helping to build a wheelchair ramp for a sharp 92-yearold WWII veteran. This simple act of service enabled the man to stay at home and live independently, and served as some of the inspiration to also re-

store the local DAV chapter.

Randy and James realize that the DAV promise begins in the local community and always needs dedicated volunteers to execute their mission. If you are interested in being active in the chapter, please contact them through their Facebook page, https://www.facebook. com/ALDAV51 The DAV #51 building, which is located at 25396 Airport Road in Athens, is in need of a lot of repairs, and younger vets to join the chapter in order to carry on the vision. They work side by side with other veterans’ organizations such as AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). Even during COVID, the group of sister organizations has combined to volunteer an average of 1,000 hours per month taking vets to appointments, doing home repairs, making wheelchair ramps and covers, along with shopping for groceries and other needs.

Randy said, “We want to establish a coalition of services that provides support, activities, scholarships, transportation, and awareness of veteran needs, including suicide prevention and the need for recovery from substance abuse. One goal while in the process of re-

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pairing the building is to build an office for James so he can be on site to help vets file their VA claims and make them aware of other sources that help. They hope to organize bike rides, canoeing /kayaking, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities that a lot of vets enjoy. Randy’s vision for the chapter building will be a place to meet, organize, and start these activities.

The DAV has several activities slated for 2021, and wants to invite the community as a whole to both support and enjoy what they have planned.

In June of 2021, they will have a grand reopening, and are looking for people who want to give of their time, talents, and finances to “make the vision sure.”

Fundraisers and activities will include grill outs, a fish fry, raffles for prizes such as guns, and the 2nd Annual Valentine’s Day Raffle which will be on Feb 6, 2021. There will be a special raffle and prizes.

If you are looking for a place to connect and serve, go to their website at AL.DAV. org/51 or on Facebook at https://com/ALDAV51/ And, speaking of service, our community says thank you to all who have worn a uniform to keep us free. Happy Holidays from DAV #51!

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Health and Fitness

The Element Of Passion

by Nick Thomas, owner of Prime Performance Training, and Certified Sports Nutritionist

The climb to success is not an easy one. The choice to push through every obstacle and failure on the journey to a personal goal is a struggle beyond compare.

Passion is what kicks in to start and stay the course to success when all else is depleted, and it is what will make success sustainable through the long term.

Success, in my opinion, is defined by the person speaking. Everyone has a different goal which they feel that once achieved creates success.

Passion is pure. It is what rests in the heart, yet finds its way out the mouth and culminates into daily action.

Success is said by pop culture to be a compilation of elements such as: hard work, persistence, late nights, rejections, sacrifices, discipline, criticism, doubts, failure, and risks.

My passion is what pushes me. The joy I find in helping others drives me. The gift God has given me to understand the body and assimilate

my knowledge in such a way to meet people where they are and guide them to a successful and sustainable healthy lifestyle is one of my greatest blessings. The winding journey full of dead ends and failures in the midst of successes and triumphs has led me to this point in my life, and I am thankful for each one.

Looking back at my life and how Prime began and where it is now, it is simply undeniable that all the twists and turns have led

me right where I am supposed to be, doing just what I was destined to do.

The hope I have is that as I follow my passion it will spark the motivation in others to not only identify their own passion but to chase it, to allow it to be the driving force in every aspect of life. It is my belief that if true passion is followed, it benefits everyone who comes in contact with it.

If this article speaks to you, I highly recommend you seek out more mo-

tivational, positive, and encouraging writings, videos, people to follow, etc. in the many outlets we have in our society.

What you pour in is what will come out, so choose wisely for the upcoming new year. I am also proud to share that my book Prime is now available for purchase on Amazon.

It is a simple but highly motivational read about my life, nutrition, and how to effectively pursue your passion.

I would argue that this list, while accurate, leaves out the most important element for true success to not only be achieved, but to be maintained.

It takes something extra.

It takes something called passion.

Passion is defined as a strong barely controllable emotion.

When there is a desire greater than the desire to sleep, deeper than the urge to give up, quit, or even do anything, but have it consume all thoughts, this is the element of passion. This is the point at which success WILL be achieved.

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December 18 - December 31, 2020

Cover Story

Pure Hope Foundation: Restoring Victims Of Trafficking

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

and vegetables, dehydrate them, and put this “salad bar of powdered produce” into a capsule. The product went on to be the object of over 40 university studies, is the most thoroughly researched supplement in history, and is now sold all over the world.

Kathrine worked hard, built a team, and was wildly successful. She appeared on Oprah, became an author, a sought-after speaker and coach, created an outstanding personal development curriculum, and became iconic in her particular company, in the direct-selling industry, and beyond. In what seemed like a near-fairy tale, Kathrine reconnected with her high school sweetheart, a man by the name of Michael Lee, and they married. Later their daughter was born, and the Lee family continued to bless the lives of many.

As a woman of faith, Kathrine embraced a lifestyle where she continually laid down everything she owned and had become as an offering of love to her Savior. She kept having two words come to mind over and over: pure and hope. She just did not know what she

was supposed to do with them.

Then came the fateful day when she was “decompressing” on a plane after a rigorous speaking engagement, and at the last moment a man got on the flight and sat down next to her. Spying her Bible, he decided she was a “church lady,” and after developing a great rapport through a congenial conversation, dropped what for most would have been a conversational A-bomb by informing Kathrine that he was the second biggest producer of porn in the nation.

Rather than responding by “thumping him with her Bible,” she used all of her significant skills of listening and asking questions, and unwittingly the man gave Kathrine a revelatory look into how vulnerable young women were recruited step by step into what is the #2 criminal industry in America, and the #1 fastest-growing. Needless to say, by the time Kathrine got off the plane, she had a whole new understanding and vision for a way to strengthen families and fight human trafficking.

A concept was born which has gone on to be a highly rated, non-profit organization by the name of Pure Hope Foundation.

Feeling divinely led to do so, Michael and Kathrine sold

Equine therapy is an important part of the restoration process

December 18 - December 31, 2020

everything they had built in Southern California and bought ranch land in Texas. Through the help of their team, supporters from all over the globe, highly respected professionals, and everyday folks with hearts as big as the sky, in 2016 Hope Home opened its doors. More recently, they have initiated the purchase of property that would allow for significant expansion of this service model. This place of abundance and restoration is called Hope Ranch. Here is part of their story as they tell it: • The VISION of Pure Hope Foundation is to strengthen families and restore survivors of sex trafficking. As a second-stage, residential restorative-care program, we offer survivors who have been stabilized, typically in a safe-house setting, continued healing, personal development, extended educational support and vocational skills to help them acquire skills that will allow for healthy, independent lives.

Central to life at Hope Home is the process of trauma-in-

formed restoration programming. Examples of programming include multidisciplinary therapies, nutritional education, GED pursuit, college prep, educational assistance, financial literacy/education, Bible study and application, etc.

• We host retreats to empower advocates of trafficking survivors to provide rest and equipping to continue to do the important work they are doing.

Without rescuers, there is no rescue.

• We also host men's events to build strong men and address the issue of trafficking at its source, rather than from a symptomatic approach. When men stand in their rightful roles, families are strengthened and children are protected.

A young woman who is a graduate of the program offered by Pure Hope Foundation has this to say, and what touches me so deeply is her determination to

Nourishing the body and soul while protecting identities

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help others as a result of being helped. She sat in a swing out in the yard at Hope Home and said: "This was the first place I sat when I moved into the Hope Home 2 years ago! This has been my place to have heartto-hearts and laughs with other girls who are survivors who have gone before me and were always an inspiration to me to keep trusting & keep working thru all the doubt and fear that I've had in the last two years. Trafficking was all that I knew before this place. Now I am looking at a NEW CHAPTER. I'm passing the torch to this incredible young woman sitting next to me on the swing.

I'm able to show her my life as an example that it doesn't matter what all the people of the past have spoken over you. It doesn't matter that others thought you would never change or that you were only a product people buy. There's more to life and I'm living it.

And so is this young woman!"

-Hope Home Graduate Pure Hope Foundation is experiencing their own season of miracles in this Season of Miracles. Opportunities to purchase more land and facilities that will enable them to help more young women and families have providentially appeared, and if this is a cause that resonates with you, then please visit www.purehopefoundation.com, or go to Pure Hope Foundation on Facebook to get involved. I promise, you will never be the same.

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Charting New Territory

by Eric Betts Assistant Director, Curtis Coleman Center for Religious Studies and Ethics at Athens State University One of the most informative books on leadership is entitled The Failure Of Nerve

by Edward Friedman. There is so much to be learned in that volume. Leaders who will make a profound difference within their group and in their community possess what he calls the "explorer mindset." It is about charting new territory, advancing forward while never losing sight of self. It is counterproductive to seek to preserve community by eliminating self. Self-definition within a system is vital for the purpose of advancement.

The idea that self-focus is a negative is what prevents so much progress. Much of the mindsets of today seek to eliminate self for the sake of group cohesion and chemistry. The extreme notions of eliminating individuality for the sake of togetherness is as counterproductive as trying to prevent the scourge of fire by eliminating air. This is the mindset barrier that must be crossed if progress is to be made and if advances are to be achieved.

are desperately needed. They are mistakenly viewed as compulsive rather than persistent, as obsessive rather than committed, as foolhardy rather than brave, as hostile rather than aggressive, as bullheaded rather than resolute, as desperate rather than inspired, as autocratic rather than tough-minded, as irresponsible rather than courageous, as domineering rather than self-confident, as egotistical rather then selfconfident, as selfish rather than self-possessed, as insensitive and callous and cold rather than determined. Such criticism can grow into sabotage within the system. Such sabotage will be cloaked with pretended virtues such as safety and togetherness.

The good news about such leaders is that they are willing to take the risk of making people uncomfortable.

They stay true to themselves and their goals even if others around them are uncomfortable. They do not allow mis-

taken opinions about them drive their emotions and by default their decisions.

One of the false assumptions that gets in the way of progress is that communities will get along best when everyone stops being selfish. These incorrect assumptions are often found both in the profit and non-profit business realm.

However, self-empowerment is extremely important for the advancement within the larger group within society. It should be viewed as a blessing and not a curse. It should be encouraged and not demeaned. Friedman gives a great example of this counter-evolutionary thinking. He says it can also be found in the way that medicine is approached in the 20th century.

Twentieth-century medicine emphasizes stimulating the body's own natural defenses against the toxic forces in the environment rather than trying to eradicate those hostile forces directly. Oftentimes, today’s leadership places too much emphasis on how to

If new discoveries are to be made, an explorer must feel free to venture into the unknown and into turbulent waters to get to that new place. The negative orientation to self will always prevent this sense of freedom.

It is this negative orientation toward individuality that introduces a counterevolutionary perspective on leadership. The kind of leadership that makes new discoveries and launches out into new fields are described

by Edward Friedman as well-differentiated leaders.

He explains that such leaders are misunderstood but

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mitigate, tamp down, or avoid negative emotional encounters rather than maintaining one's own self on the road to discovery and advancement.

Well-defined leaders are indispensable when it comes to making new discoveries, new inventions, and making the progress that is so desperately needed in these times.

They have the characteristics that will move them to take bold stands while headed into in an intense emotional environment. They will be clear about their own personal values, forthright about their goals, and they will take maximum responsibility for their own emotional being and destiny. They are willing to take the necessary risks.

They are willing to take responsibility for failure, and are acutely aware that there will be failure along the way.

They are prepared for the criticism that comes along with risk and failure. On the other hand, there are those who are not inclined to be an explorer and launch out into

the unknown. They have a tendency to lose self for the sake of togetherness. They take on the mood of the environment around them and adjust to that setting.

They are reluctant to take bold stands because they are afraid of the emotions of others. Those who will make their mark on a community will think differently.

In order to make progress, one must be willing to place the need for advancement and progress above the emotions of a few. The goal to be achieved is more important than the emotions of a few. They are driven by an inner urge and a drive to make progress, rather than the criticism or the applause of others. Such leaders will go to new places where no one else has gone before.

Those who will make new discoveries and build new enterprises are the ones who have the capacity to go outside the emotional climate of the day. Friedman said they have a willingness to be exposed and to be vulnerable. They are persistent in the face of resistance and even downright rejection.

They have stamina in the face of sabotage along the way. They are willing to be viewed as headstrong and ruthless in the eyes of others. How their confidence is perceived by others does not deter them. It is not an impediment for them. They are strictly focused on the future and the goals to be achieved. They are focused on the urgency of the hour and the need for advancement more than the fears and suspicions within the group. This is what courageous leadership demands.

December 18 - December 31, 2020

The View From The Bridge

Comfort And Joy

by Jackie Warner Career Development Facilitator

December is here and normally we are full of happiness, Christmas cheer, and preparing for lots of shopping to find those most wanted gifts for our loved ones. My children asked me what I wanted this year for Christmas and it was a difficult answer. I just did not have any desire for the traditional gifts we seek each year. As I think about the lives in our community both still here and those lost, my family members, your family and friends, and all those around the world, I wonder what gifts are sought by the majority of us as we close out this year. They would include clarity, peace of mind, knowledge of wellbeing, and the cure for COVID-19.

I desire to end this year by bringing you tidings of comfort and joy to take us into the new year.

I challenge you to do the same! We sing about it at Christmas each year, but do we really understand good tidings of comfort and joy?

James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

This year, our faith has been tried; it’s been tested, and it has definitely been shaken over and over again.

Luke 2: 9-11 Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!

“Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

that cannot fail, encourage your hearts... 2 Thess. 2:16-17 Merry Christmas!

Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and

Intentional Email: thebridge.us@ gmail.com

Website: http://thebridge-us.yolasite.com/

Check out upcoming events:

Let us not forget the real reason for this SEASON! 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. During this season, let’s all remember that everything He has given us is meant to be shared and given away to those who need it.

Now may the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God, who loved us and in His wonderful grace gave us eternal comfort and a beautiful hope

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Horse Whispering

Merry Christmas, Partner!

by Deb Kitchenmaster Merry Christmas, partner. I want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. We provide for our domestic horses but do we partner with them?

Horses in the wild are on their own; however, the domestic horse looks to us to provide water and forage, shelter, salt and minerals. Horses in the wild get their own hooves trimmed as they travel varied terrains. Domestic horses live in confinement to one degree or another.

The need of a good farrier is an important provision.

Unlike most sports, riding involves developing a relationship with a living, breathing creature. After all, you don’t build a relationship with a ball, unless of course, you’re stranded on some island and some volleyball from the ship happens to wash ashore.

The partnership between the horse and human needs a couple of foundational blocks to stand and build on. One is justice and the other is equity. The horse may need help, but more often than not in the relationship it is the human that needs help, not just the horse. The mind of the horse and rider need to become one, only then can true liberation in the relationship be found. When our focus is based on liberty for both of us (horse and human), the platform is set for building a partnership based on justice and equity, not a relationship based on serving. I quote: “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time... But if you have come because your liberation is bound

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with mine, then let us work together.” – Anonymous aboriginal woman in the Tao of Equus by Linda Kohanov.

So, if you do, what kind of relationship would you like to have with your horse?

One that you have the mindset that this is ‘just’ an animal and it better do what it is told? Or like twisted government officials who think we are here to serve them instead of them being our voice in our counties, state and nation, mirroring us, WE THE PEOPLE? Or true authentic partnering? Let’s say that we each desire a relationship with our horse that brings us together in a partnership. The beginning of this partnership starts with us gaining an understanding of the nature of the horse. We need

to have a clue about how a horse thinks, speaks, and what their needs are if we want to accomplish anything worthwhile with the very creature we seek partnership with.

Horses see the world differently than a cow, a dog or people, and, for sure, cats!

They live in the moment and harmonize with nature.

When the eyes of our understanding open we can learn their language and thoughts as we have more in common with these magnificent creatures than we possibly realize. Common ground would be living in a herd, wanting companionship, enjoying quiet time, responding to praise for our efforts, and getting upset when punished for something that was no fault of our own. Horses have an

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innate sensitivity that locates a person’s true self, untangled from performing, pleasing, or any pretense.

If we can match the horse’s sensitivity, we will enter into a partnership; understanding the sensitivity or the spirit of the horse is the living expression of freedom and independence! We want to preserve that spirit while we step into being the leader for this true follower to follow. That would look like a person who has the power of reasoning, logical thinking, controlled emotions, patience, good timing, time itself, and creativity. Start thinking like a horse, after all, we are entering their world; they are not entering ours.

F s t d h o T y a I s t s a W t d l r a o p T f

quickest way for a horse to ‘get it’ is when your request is perfectly clear and understandable and it is repeated over and over until the response is “YES! That’s what I’m talking 1 h about!” i This is the horse arena. i What about the arena of a marriage or family? Are g you there to provide or y partner? In the midst of s giving gifts, may you give s the gift of partnering more P so than providing stuff. h May your partnering pres- t ence be the best present o ever! a

2 Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster 2 o Corral Connections p 256-426-7947 w A horse needs time to think and process what you are Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner i asking him to do. The horsinaround188@gmail.com e

December 18 - December 31, 2020

Mental Health Minute

Life Lessons from 2020

by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor

“Life must be understood backward, but it must be lived forward.”

- Soren Kierkegaard For me, at least, 2020 started out well. It was the beginning of a new decade. I was in good health and life felt full of optimism and promise.

This was going to be my year. Then COVID hit, and everything changed.

In my counseling sessions, one of the things I tell my clients is that after something bad happens, ask two questions. First: What did I learn from this? And second: What do I need to do differently going forward? I have realized much this year about the world, about others, and most importantly about myself.

These are my takeaways from 2020:

emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. When you learn to ground yourself, breathe into it and let go, things get much easier.

Just taking a few moments daily to connect with your breath makes space for inner peace.

Each of us deserves to be with people who nourish not destroy us. Most likely, the world will not be the same again in your lifetime, so choose your company wisely.

3. People need people.

And not just virtually.

We are social beings, and while some people have enjoyed working from home, there is nothing that can replace face-toface interaction. This is called relationships, and most of us spend our lives seeking meaningful connections.

5. Invest in your personal growth. This year allowed me to make/take the time to invest in enriching my life. Investing in yourself is not only self-improvement but it encourages others to invest in you too. This year was my opportunity to get back on the path of lifelong learning that I had always talked about doing.

4. Get rid of toxins. Toxins can be internal as well as external. I have discovered that I feel better when I eat better. (Imagine that!) When we get rid of the toxic people in our lives, we find we are happier, more productive, and able to be ourselves.

6. Practice gratitude. As strange as it may sound, I am grateful for the oddness of this year. I continue to discover more about me and who I want to become. Writing in a gratitude journal creates the ritual of recognizing and appreciating yourself,

others, and the beauty of the world around you.

7. Do the things you love. It’s time to stop waiting for the right time or making excuses. Find what excites you, or fills you with purpose, or creates meaning in your life.

Even with a pandemic, or especially with a pandemic, you can allow yourself to spend time doing something you didn’t make time to do before.

8. Boundaries. I’ve always considered myself a nice person. But that trait opens the door for being taken for granted and resentment. Something 2020 has allowed me to accept is that NO is a complete sentence. This can be a hard lesson for some of us. My “house” now has a door that I can close, which allows me to choose those who enter.

9. Expect the unexpected. Duh! That is an understatement for 2020, isn’t it? There are some things you just cannot prepare for or control.

So now is the time to ask, “What can I change looking ahead?” You may need to stop, start, assess, reassess, and then make decisions or choices the best that you can with what you know or have available.

Take some time to examine what you have learned from 2020… about yourself, others, and the world.

Lisa Philippart is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who divides her time between her own private practice in Huntsville and providing personal counseling services at Athens State University.

1. It’s okay to ask for help. From being stuck in your home, to asking someone to give you a ride, to carrying your groceries, to mowing your lawn, to praying for spiritual guidance…stop struggling to go it alone.

People actually love to help. So don’t be afraid to seek kindness from others. You will be pleasantly surprised.

2. Breathe. The year 2020 gave us all sorts of reasons to worry. The pandemic created panic, which when allowed to invade your body, changes your physical, mental,

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The Alternative Approach

Follow the Science

by Roy Williams

When we are talking about the China virus, we are told that we must follow the science. If you are a “truth seeker,” then please remember that the pharmaceutical industry has been promising cures for disease for 60 years and to my knowledge, they still haven’t produced even one.

Let me remind you that whoever is control of the testing can make the science say anything they want. Dr. Atlas reminded us that President Trump has been following the science from the beginning.

At this time 11,000 epidemiologist have all agreed that Trump is wanting to do the right thing. Step 1 is to protect the most vulnerable, those over 60 with two or more chronic health conditions; and step 2 is to keep America open including schools because children are less likely to have any symptoms and almost 100 percent of the children that do contract the China virus will survive.

Please remember, science tells us that it is okay to murder babies up until the third trimester; that bumble bees can’t

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fly; that drugs are safe and if we will just give them enough money and time, they will cure all disease; that evolution is a fact; that there is no God; that vaccines are safe; that cholesterol causes heart disease; and that supplements are a waste of money.

To the left and the pharmaceutical industry, it is imperative that we believe the science. Of course, they insist on that because they stand to make trillions of dollars if they can force vaccinations on everyone, world-wide. It is also the easiest way to force us into submission.

You must wear a mask, social distance, selfquarantine, accept global warming, stop using fossil fuels, give up your guns… and they censor what you say if it doesn’t fit their narrative.

Now, we are supposed to believe that the drug companies have come out with a vaccine that is over 95 percent successful at stopping the China virus.

Up until the China virus, a vaccine could take years to develop and be made available to the public.

This vaccine has come out in less time than any drug ever developed, and

we are supposed to believe that it is safe.

These same companies have raised billions of dollars for heart disease and cancer research, and those two diseases are still the number one and two killers in the industrialized world. Most drugs cause more problems than the disease they treat, and the cost continues to go up, double that of inflation. The FDA has been caught accepting millions to get approval of drugs that are now causing cancer and other horrific problems.

Let me make a prediction right now. In a few months after the vaccine is released, the China virus vaccine will be touted, by the mainstream media and the pharmaceutical industry, as the most effective drug ever produced. The number of people tested positive will drop dramatically, the number of hospitalizations for COVID-19 will dwindle down to nothing and the number of COVID-19 deaths will

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end.

derly can relax.

It will be so easy to make this vaccine look like a success. COVID-19 testing is more likely to show some virus other than the actual China virus. False positives are turning up everywhere. Ninety-nine percent of those under 65 do not have to be hospitalized, over 80 percent never even have symptoms, children are almost 100 percent immune to it, and 97.8 percent of those over 65 with two or more chronic health conditions will survive.

You see, when there is no real threat in the first place, anyone could come up with a vaccine that works. As far as that goes you could tell everyone to drink a soft drink a day to protect you from the China virus and show proof positive that it works!

When you look at those statistics you quickly realize that they could vaccinate every one of us with water and make it look like a miracle drug.

All the pharmaceutical industry has to do at that point is just announce that testing is no longer necessary, that it is no longer necessary to report the hospitalizations, that any symptoms are caused by something other than COVID-19, that our children are safe, and that the el-

No, I am not going to follow their science. We can have thousands of people taking supplements with amazing results and their own doctor’s reports showing proof, yet I am not allowed to advertise the results without a double-blind, placebocontrolled study that cost millions.

To learn more, go to www.NEWtritionalhc. com and scroll down to the microphone and click to listen to Roy’s Podcast. You will be glad you did.

Your Friend in Health, Roy P. Williams

December 18 - December 31, 2020

Mondays at 10am 1080 AM WKAC December 18 - December 31, 2020

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Special Feature

Embrace The Yuck

by Mae Lewis

2020 -- YUCK! Canceled plans, isolation. Uncomfortable masks. It is very easy to slip into a kind of depression without something to look forward to, move forward to, or anticipate. If nothing else, we have learned the power of anticipation and hope.

It’s easy to become bitter, and certainly most of us wouldn’t think of “embracing the yuck.”

David Goggins is a reallife example of someone who rewrote his story by embracing the worst. He went from being nothing to someone who is recognized around the world for his military and athletic contributions. But he did it by changing his mindset about all of the little things in his life. He learned to embrace the yuck. (Excerpts in this article are taken from: https://www. goalcast.com/2017/11/11/ david-goggins/, and please note that for the sake of gentility we have inserted the word ‘yuck’ in place of the one with which it rhymes, and which happens to begin with ‘s.’)

over 300 pounds.

He says that he was “everything everyone said I was going to be.”

One night, he saw a documentary on Navy Seal training. He saw man after man ring the bell (quitting).

At the graduation of those who had succeeded, the commanding officer stood up in front of the Navy Seals and said: “We live in a world where mediocrity is often rewarded. These men up here detest mediocrity."

David Goggins said, "I wasn’t even mediocre. I wasn’t anything… Up until that point...I had chosen the four-lane highway for my life…the easy route...I decided then to join the Navy Seals.”

This decision changed the course of David’s life. His commitment to something bigger than himself led to a life of excellence: • David is the only mem-

ber of the U.S. Armed Forces to ever complete all three -- the U.S. Army Ranger School, Navy SEAL training, and the Air Force Tactical Air Controller training.

• Graduated from Basic Underwater Demolitions/SEAL (BUD/S) training with Class 235 in 2001 and was assigned to SEAL Team FIVE. • Graduated from Army Ranger School with the distinction of enlisted “Top Honor Man.” • Multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

• Bodyguard for Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari.

• He has raised over $2 million for the NPO, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, providing college scholarship and educational counseling to the surviving children of Special Operations personnel killed in the line of duty.

David Goggins was the product of a “physically abusive father, a crippling learning disability, and inflammatory racism.” His teachers held him back to the point where he barely graduated high school. As an adult, he was stuck in a dead-end job spraying for cockroaches.

His upbringing was one of fear and insecurity. His severe health problems, including anemia and sickle cell trait, did not contribute to a sense of confidence. Instead, he was depressed and overate.

Eventually, he weighed

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• David is without a doubt one of the world’s best endurance athletes.

He has finished over 50 endurance races, taken home first place several times, and consistently places in the top five.

• In 2016, David completed the Infinitus 88k in first place, easily one of the most challenging and brutal races in the world. He won the race almost twenty minutes ahead of the next finisher.

• Guinness World Record for pullups. On his third attempt at breaking the record, David completed 4,030 pullups in 17 hours.

• Consistently one of the top 20 ultra-marathoners in the world.

• He was the lead feature in Runner’s World magazine, where he was named, “Running Hero.”

• Outside Magazine named him, “The Fittest

(Real) Man in America.”

• Triathlete called him “The Toughest Athlete on the Planet.”

• Stars & Stripes Magazine said, “He epitomizes what a SEAL is.”

He has run the world’s toughest races. He has endured and completed the hardest military programs that have ever been designed to break and shape people.

HOW DID DAVID DO THIS? He embraced the yuck.

"I had to start thinking about how I was going to overcome all of the things around me."

"How do you get mentally tough? It’s a lifestyle...

You don’t hit the snooze button. You get up. You don’t want to go run? You go run. You don’t want to go swim? You go swim.

You don’t want to make your bed? You make your bed. You don’t want to clean your house? You clean your house. You don’t want to study? You study. That’s how you start to callous your mind.

That became my life. If you say you’re gonna wake up at 4:00 in the morning to go run? Wake up at 4:00 a.m.! It’s gonna s_ _k. It’s not gonna be fun. Do something that s_ _ _s every single day of your life. That’s how you grow. Embrace the yuck.”

This may be the perfect time to rewrite your story.

What is one thing in your life that you have been putting off? Turn your story around. Make 2020 something that worked for you, not against you.

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