December 16, 2016

December 16th, 2016 - January 5th, 2017

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

Your Health Is Our Theme In 2017

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature

Serendipity Antiques And Interiors: Celebrating Two Years Of Serving Athens...

Alabama native Sandy Collins has been both a successful financial planner as well as a realtor, with a significant...

Page 5

Charlie The Coach Charlie The Coach: Give A Set Of Lasting Tools...

With the holidays and gift giving just around the corner, it’s time to ask yourself that ageold question...

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Horse Whispering Christmas Stockings...

Perhaps you’ve heard the question, “What’s in your wallet?”

Today, I want to ask, “What’s in your stocking?”...

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December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

By Roy Williams

Herbs & More has always been dedicated to “Making America Healthy, One Person At A Time,” and 2017 will be no different. Everything we do is with the health of our clients in mind. We believe that is why we have shown

Continued on page 15

Dr Blake Boyett: Treating Your Spine With Technology And Experience

By Ali Elizabeth Turner Dr. Blake Boyett is the newest addition to the crew of physicians at OrthoSports Athens, having joined the practice last fall, and comes to the team with an unusual amount of experience Continued on pages 17

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December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

Publisher’s Point

Are You A Fresnel Or A Flake?

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers Janet Hunt Lynne Hart Paul Foreman Shelley Underhill Sandra Thompson Jackie Warner Rosemary Dewar Deb Kitchenmaster Dr Shanna Ndong Charlie Wallace Roy Williams

We are in what Jews and Christians alike call The Season of Light, and this year, wonderfully, they nearly coincide. Hanukkah begins on December 23rd, the celebrations overlap, and I am looking forward to both. The Savior whose birth we celebrate had a star assigned to Him by His Heavenly Father, and it led the Babylonians straight to Him. Light was intrinsic to the completion of their search and the fulfillment of prophecy.

If there had been no Maccabees, and Antiochus’ particular holocaust had been successful, there would be no miraculous birth to celebrate, no reason to bless anyone with gifts, sing any songs, cook special foods, or to gather with friends and family. Once again, a miracle occurred in the form of the menorah being lit for eight days when there

was only enough oil for one day. And it is no surprise that it was light sustained by the Father of lights.

Lately I have been fascinated by the life and work of a scientist by the name of Augustin-Jean Fresnel. His name is pronounced fruh-NELL, (the “s” is silent,) and the man was a true visionary when it comes to light. In the late 18th and early 19th century, he developed a system of beveled lights that, when properly configured, could exponentially increase the power of light long before the use of electricity or lasers.

What was Fresnel’s most famous application for his discovery? They were the lights that were placed in lighthouses. They saved lives, comforted travelers, provided guidance, and were staggeringly

beautiful, day or night, due to the fact that science and art had passionately kissed.

The Fresnel lights are as mesmerizing as they are protective, and I never get tired of looking at them.

Here is what amazes me about Fresnel: he did what he did in the midst of the French Revolution, was utterly rejected, and he also had tuberculosis.

TB took his life at the age of 39. Let’s just say he got the job done in the face of extraordinary adversity, was way ahead of his time, and

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Charlie The Coach . . . . . . . . 9

he didn’t exactly have a “safe space” to run to if the Revolution got rowdy.

This brings me to the question which is the topic of this Publisher’s Point: Are you a Fresnel or a flake? I am not trying to imply that if people don’t develop a technology that is unparalleled, and is still in use all over the world two centuries later, their value is in question. You don’t have to be a Fresnel to shine brightly, just don’t be a snowflake.

Don’t be so weak that if your convictions are challenged or your candidate isn’t elected, you start melting and need a safe space provided by the US government to which to retreat. Don’t be a snowflake that vanishes the moment there is heat. Be someone who joins with other “prisms” to give light in this Season of Light, and always.

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to one and all!

From The Vets' Museum . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Shelley . . . . 13

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

Health and Fitness . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 The Millennial Mind . . . . . . 16 The View From The Bridge . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . 20 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Foreman's Forum . . . . . . . . 23

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

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All Things Soldier

The Air Force Academy Pushes Back At Last?

by Ali Elizabeth Turner For the past several years, Athens Now has made a concerted effort to inform our readers of the ongoing attack on the religious freedoms of our troops.

While it’s true that all of the branches of military service have been targeted, it seems that the Air Force Academy has particularly drawn the ire of those who are not interested in freedom of religion, but rather freedom from religion.

In 2014, cadets at the Air Force Academy ran into trouble with those who don’t want them to have any public display of their faith in their personal quarters, and who attempted to censor any scriptures, or in some cases, just generic inspirational sayings that they had written on their whiteboards. This was deemed “offensive,” and the cadets had to erase them.

Another example is Air

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Force Sergeant Phillip Monk who wouldn’t affirm same-sex marriage, and was threatened with the ruination of his career by his commanding offi-

cer.

But wait, there’s more!

It’s been dumb, and then it got dumber. The most recent tempest in a teapot had to do with an Academy football coach’s personal Twitter account.

When Coach Steed Lobotzke posted three scriptures on his personal Twitter account, Mikey Weinstein of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation said they were an example of "unchecked Christian extremism" at the Air Force Academy. "Lobotzke's official Twitter feed is filled with illicit proselytizing in the name of Jesus Christ and even includes such biblical citations juxtaposed with pictures of official football team meetings," says Mr. Mikey.

Horrors! “Unchecked Christian extremism!”

The MRFF apparently is representing five members of the USAFA’s football staff and three members of the team in a complaint filed which states in part, that the “Twitter issue is a disgrace to the Constitution of unlawful, fundamentalist Christian supremacy.” And now, for the pièce de résistance, they claim they are filing the complaint so they can "protect the precious freedoms guaranteed by the separation of church and state in the nation's Constitution." It’s a really sad day when “legal counselors” claim that the phrase “separation of church and state” shows up in the Constitution of the United States.

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But, just in time for Christmas, it looks like the Air Force Academy has given Coach Lobotz-

ke a reason to sing “Joy to the World!” They actually pushed back, citing the fact that Coach was using his personal Twitter account, and in their words, declared, "Upon looking into this matter, we learned that all athletic coaches' social media accounts are personal and not maintained by the Air Force Academy.”

Mikey’s not having it, though. His response to the Academy’s ruling cannot be printed here, and let’s just say, “he’ll be baaaaack.” I guess he wouldn’t appreciate anyone saying, “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men” on Twitter, but for now, I am going to exhibit “unchecked Christian extremism” and wish all of our vets Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas. We love you and thank you for your service.

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

Special Feature

Serendipity Antiques And Interiors: Celebrating Two Years Of Serving Athens

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Alabama native Sandy Collins has been both a successful financial planner as well as a realtor, with a significant part of her career having been in the Northeast. When she knew it was time to leave those arenas, she wasn’t sure what she was going to do. Her next step was to draw from her enjoyment of collecting beautiful pieces from a more gracious time, and has converted that former hobby into a thriving business known as Serendipity Antiques and Interiors. Her large and charming store is located here in Athens.

Sandy started out collecting glassware, and then, “When we lived in Kansas, I discovered auctions. I started buying antiques, collected, and I opened my first booth at Regency Antiques in 2000,” she said. Eventually she purchased Regency in 2004, and in June 2011, she sold it, thinking she was going to finally retire. The new owner, Champagne Lane, was open from 2011 until late December 2014. Sandy always knew that if she were going to go back into business full time, she needed a location that was on Highway 72.

This shop was located in the Valley Event Center complex near Publix in Athens, and it was perfect. She officially opened as Serendipity on December 29th 2014, and Sandy tells me, “People were just about beating down the doors before we opened back up.” It’s now two years later, and Serendipity is getting ready to throw an anniversary celebration on January 14th. “We want to celebrate and thank our loyal custom-

were some of the reasons for Serendipity’s success.

“We have been told by our customers that Serendipity is one of the most attractive stores they have visited.

They say it’s such a pleasure to shop here because it’s clean, neat, and well organized, thus making it easier for shoppers to find what they want,” Sandy said. Serendipity also keeps a “wish list” for their customers.

If they come in and can’t find what they are looking for, Sandy and her friendly

crew will keep an eye out for it. They will even contact other vendors to help customers find that special item. “We share our list with all of our dealers in case they have the piece in their personal storage,” she said. This makes it possible for everyone to benefit, and there is new merchandise coming in every day, since dealers can refill their booths as soon as items sell and space becomes available. Every inch of the 7500 square feet of the store is beautifully displayed.

I have firsthand experience with Sandy’s passion to take excellent care of her customers. About 18 months ago, I purchased a school desk from Serendipity to be used as an end table. It has a place in it for an inkwell, and while I did not fill out my “wish list,” Sandy remembered that I hoped to find one. While we were doing this interview, she said, “I haven’t forgotten your inkwell, you know.”

ers,” she said.

“We now have over 30 dealers,” Sandy said, “and it’s hard to believe we are completely full with a waiting list for booth space. It’s really exciting to see the return of some of our former vendors.” She smiled and added that, “It makes me feel like we’re doing something right.”

I asked her what she thought

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

thing I think we all appreciate. “When people come in, we listen, we care, and we do our best to find what it is that they really want,” she told me.

Sandy makes a point of going to estate sales and cherry picks only the best items.

She is not alone in her “quest for the best.” Frank Crafts, of “Frank’s Good Stuff” has become her largest vendor.

“Frank travels frequently, and comes home with fantastic antiques,” she said.

“We have helpful, knowledgeable employees, and they make the shopping experience a pleasant one,” Sandy added.

“Customer service is number one on our priority list, and folks say they are always greeted with a friendly ‘hello,’ followed by, ‘Let us know if we can help you find anything.’”

There are also several family teams that have booths, and they have specialties such as antique hand tools, primitives and Depression glass.

Sandy is also careful to not try and “sell,” which is some-

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To celebrate their two year anniversary, Serendipity is going to have an open house on January 14th. There will be refreshments as well as special sales. Sandy and her 30+ vendors are hoping you’ll come out and experience all that has made it possible for Serendipity to become a “destination store.”

Serendipity Antiques and Interiors

22335 US Hwy 72 E, Suite B Athens, AL 35613 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5 256-232-9007 | 256-232-9060 Facebook: Serendipity Antiques and Interiors

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Calendar of Events Santa In The Park Dec 17th

Big Spring Memorial Park from 5-7pm with Santa available for photos. This FREE, Quality of Life event is supported by Lowe’s of Athens. Santa will be available for photos and will read “The Night Before Christmas” for the children.

"Close to Christmas" Dec 18

Piney Grove Baptist. Adult Choir starting at 10:30am at the church campus located at 28430 Pinedale Road in Ardmore.

2-S Winter Buckle Series Dec 18th

2-S Arena, 26155 Thach Road. Join 2-S Arena for barrel racing.

Contestants must compete in 6 of 8 shows to be eligible for awards.

Show Starts at 3:00PM. Cash Only. For more information Mindy Sanders 256-278-5758 or Wil Sanders 606-246-0628.

New Year's Eve Early Dinner Show Dec. 31st

Yesterday's Event Center, 15631 Brownferry Road. Join Yesterday's and bring in the New Year!! Including a complete dinner and show

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featuring the oldies group "Replay", with party hats and favors, several nice door prizes including a flat screen TV, and a balloon drop at 8PM to say goodbye to 2016. Tickets are $25 each and includes complete dinner, show, and door prize tickets. Door prizes will be drawn at intermission. Doors open 4:30PM, event 5-8PM. Program begins 5PM. Showtime 6PM-8PM, with intermission.

Pre-reservation required by emailing Info@YesterdaysEvents. com.

Master Gardener Classes Feb 9th

ANNOUNCEMENT: Master Gardener winter session of classes begins Feb 9, 2017. These classes will meet every Thursday from 9am until 1pm at the Tennessee Valley Research Station on Mooresville Road for 13 weeks. In these classes, you will learn about plant growth, insect and disease control, vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees, shrubs, soil, and environmental issues. Classes are taught by experts from the Departments of Horticulture, Plant Pathology and Entomology from several state universities, horticulture educators, Extension agents and other qualified professionals. For more info regarding the class, becoming a Limestone County Master Gardener and obtaining an application, contact Janet Hunt, Limestone County Master Gardener Assoc President at 256-614-3530 or Limestone County Extension office at 256-232-5510 or visit https://mg.aces.edu/limestone/

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December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

The Courthouse - A Cause For Celebration

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Mayor Ronnie Marks, Limestone County Commissioner Mark Yarborough, and I met at the “not new, but definitely improved” Limestone County Courthouse, which is due to open back up for business by the first of the year. Having grown up in a remodel that lasted more than 20 years, I can appreciate what it means to have “wrangled this thing to the ground and tied up all four of its legs.” I can say with a full heart it is going to have been worth the wait. The Courthouse is the embodiment of understated elegance, within and without.

Any remodel is going to have its own set of nightmares, and the Courthouse is no exception. There were structural deficiencies that didn’t show up in the old blueprints, 18 inch thick walls to deal with, antiquated wiring and plumbing, marble topped steps that could no longer be used but were ultimately rescued, and the need to increase the building’s structural soundness and resistance to natural disasters.

There was also the need to get the IT capabilities of the Courthouse up to speed for all the technological needs of the 21st century.

people knew that the reason the interior is going to look so good is because of the hard work of Judge Jimmy Woodruff, Trish Black, and Liz Anderson.

There are several things I learned as a result of this tour.

Did you know that the original base for the Confederate statue sank with the Titanic on its way over here to Athens?

Did you know that the Courthouse has gone through several remodels, including in 1939 during FDR’s administration?

Did you know that the Courthouse also used to house the jail? I looked at the spot that used to keep all of Limestone’s miscreants behind bars as well as what used to be the sheriff’s office and thought, “My, how times have changed.” A deci-

sion has been made to hang the brass plate that commemorates Judge Horton’s landmark decision regarding the Scottsboro Boys case on the outside of that courtroom, rather than where it was on the interior north wall. The reason is that more people will be able to see it, irrespective of what is going on inside the courtroom.

Mark told us more. “We are now connected to the Blue Line,” he said, which is the software system that is linked to Montgomery that gives instant access to all the records that pertain to any judicial case. Also, the outside street lights have outlets in them now, which will make our many outdoor festivals and events that much easier to power up.

On a decorative note, there are some high-tech additions that blend in well with the goal of maintaining the building’s historical significance. The Rotary Club, Spirit of Athens, and Tourism went together and chipped in money for an outdoor lighting system which subtly lights up the columns at night time. While it has the ability to show all kinds of colors, it will largely be used to commemorate holidays as well as the colors of local schools who may have just won a championship. There is also an art display system that will make it possible to change out art seasonally with very little labor. Security throughout the building has been increased, and at some point, Mark hopes that eventually

there will be funds to open the original west side staircase access with all the necessary upgraded security measures, but that’s not in the budget yet.

I watched as the Mayor and the Commissioner talked about bringing this project to a close. It has not been easy for either of them. “We have restored and preserved our Courthouse, and not everyone has been able to do that, including Huntsville. We’ve not always agreed on everything,” said Mayor Ronnie, and Mark nodded when he finished our time by saying, “but working together just makes sense.”

And then it was time for Ronnie and Mark to roll.

Commissioner Yarborough sat on the afore-mentioned marble topped steps and said, “It’s been a labor of frustration, love, and aggravation. Some people love it, some hate it.

They’ve worked on it for 20 years,” he said with a relieved sigh, and added, “we’ve had it for two, and the only thing left is to put up the blinds, put all the furniture in place, and hang up the art.” He laughed when he talked about his own sense of color and decoration, and wanted to make sure that

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December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

Charlie The Coach

Give A Set Of Lasting Tools

by Charlie Wallace

could be, help you research your options, create realistic goals to make it happen, and help you get started.

With the holidays and gift giving just around the corner, it’s time to ask yourself that age-old question: What kind of gift do you give that person who has everything? No, don’t give them another fruitcake or pair of socks. How about a toolbox? No…not the kind you find at the local hardware store, although those are always handy; I’m thinking of the toolbox that equips someone to handle all the challenges that arise in life. Goal setting, decision making, reflection, and developing workarounds when the unexpected happens are all tools that allow us to navigate anything that comes our way.

Where do we get these tools? Sometimes we learn them from parents or from mentors, other times we enlist the aid of someone to coach us and to teach us these skills. Just as a carpenter passes on his knowledge to an apprentice with the understanding that the apprentice will learn to create beautiful works and to carry out repairs, the same is true of a coach.

What exactly does a coach do? We listen to a client’s history and what they want to accomplish, then work with the client to create goals and help them refine those goals to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time based. We assist the client in planning

ahead, because sometimes life happens and even the best goal needs a back up plan. Some projects that I’ve helped clients with are direct sales businesses, out of state moves, career changes, and finding direction after leaving an abusive relationship.

Many coaches tend to coach in one or two specific areas.

Some specialize in teaching entrepreneurs how to build successful businesses. Others such as Brandon Duncan, Marci Lock, and Sean Whalen teach clients how to become the best they can be. Cassie Howard focuses on teaching kick-butt women how to be awesome businesswomen. Ginny Priz coaches on living without getting caught up in the drama of life and Sandy Griffin coaches on living a life of excellence. Each coach brings their unique perspective and toolbox to aid and teach their clients for a season. For just about any season you are going through, there is someone with the tools and the desire to help you through.

Are you close to graduation and aren’t sure what direction to take after college or high school (or retirement!)? Call a coach to help you figure out what you enjoy, what your strengths and skills are, and to help youcreate the strategy to move into your next stage of life.

Are you looking to change careers? A coach can help you strategically search for new employment while maintaining a healthy mindset in your current job. Are you looking to lose weight

or get in shape? Guess what?

A coach would be able to assist you there, too.

How do you find a coach?

Doing a Google search will turn up an overwhelming number of candidates.

Try searching for a specific niche, such as business or fitness. Look for a coach who does client interviews before asking for a contract or money. It is vital that you trust your coach and that they feel they can have a good professional relationship with you. Some coaches charge per session, and some offer packages for a set number of sessions or a set time frame. Find a situ-

ation that you are comfortable with. Sessions may be held in person, which does have some advantages, but an experienced coach can work with you over the phone or video chat and get excellent results for you as well. Don’t let location be a deterrent from working with the right coach for you.

Maybe that special person who is so difficult to shop for would enjoy working with a coach to help with their New Year’s goals?

It’s always fun to think outside the box and to help someone else be excellent.

Okay, so why would you hire a coach? Are you feeling stuck, like there should be more to life than just going to work and coming home to watch Netflix? Do you feel there is something you should be doing to make the world a better place but you just don’t know what?

A coach will help you brainstorm on what your mission

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Meet Major James Tyre Benefield, US Army (R)

by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum Tyre is our newest volunteer at the Alabama Veterans Museum. He was born in LaGrange, Georgia on February 5, 1952 and grew up in Roanoke, Alabama.

Tyre attended the University of Alabama through the ROTC program. After college, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the US Army.

Tyre says he joined the military to follow in his father’s footsteps and continue his family’s service in the United States military.

During his twenty years in the military, Tyre held many different positions. In 1974, he started out in Fort Knox, Kentucky at the Armor/ Cavalry Officer Basic Course. From there he went to Ft Campbell, where he served as Motor Officer, Platoon

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they did and they fell apart. WE WON!”

Leader and Troop XO for the 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry with the 101st Airborne Division.

In 1979, Tyre went to Fulda, Germany, as the S3 Air, Cavalry Troop Commander, which he describes as his “most memorable assignment” because “there were only two Armored Cavalry Regiments stationed in Europe and both were stationed along the Iron Curtain.

The Armored Cavalry Regiments had real world full-time border security missions as the first line of defense for Europe and NATO facing off against the massive armies of the Soviet Union and WARSAW PAC. The other units of the US Army Europe were stationed behind

Tyre returned to the US in 1982 and came back to Alabama as the Alabama National Guard Advisor, 31st Armor Brigade at Redstone Arsenal. After assignments back to Germany and to Ft. Riley, Kan-

sas, he and his family finally returned to Redstone for good in 1994.

His final assignment was as Brigade Executive Officer, 5th Brigade, 2nd Region, ROTC Cadet Command.

Tyre has been volunteering at the museum for about five months now. He enjoys being with other veterans and likes the opportunity to learn more about history at the museum. He would like to see more news media outreach and fundraising to go toward the future expansion of the museum. He would also like to see the museum obtain a M60A3 Tank and a M113 Armored Personal Carrier; he would gladly help with maintenance of these vehicles and with fundraising efforts. While Tyre thinks the community does a lot for our veterans, he thinks a lot more could be done.

After retiring at the rank of Major (04), in 1994, Tyre went to work for the University of Alabama where he served as the Assistant Director of Professional Development and Customer Service for the Integrated Science Program. He also served as Director of Special Services and Events which was responsible for events related to fundraising and the president’s office. If that wasn’t enough, he

Tyre holds an AS in General Science from the Marion Military Institute; a BS in Psychology, with a Minor in Chemistry from the University of Alabama; and a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. He has been married to the lovely Susan Haglund Benefield from West Port, Connecticut for 32 years and they reside in Madison.

the two Armored Cavalry Regiments and would been the second units of NATO to engage the Soviet Union and WARSAW PAC armies. As we have said: “We say we went toe to toe, we stayed trained, we stayed ready and strong, but we didn’t blink or flinch and

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was also the Advisor and Sponsor for Capstone Men and Women, the University’s student ambassador group. He also worked as a Systems Analyst for the Camber Corporation and for SAIC.

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

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Clean and Green

The Four Rs Of Recycling

by Lynne Hart

Every single Saturday, Sunday and holiday, our plant manager, Ruby McCartney, and assistant manager, Keri Chalmers, come to work to dump the collection bins in front of the Recycling Center on Lucas Ferry Rd. These dedicated employees work 6 or 7 day weeks nearly all year long.

This year we would like to give these employees a full holiday weekend to enjoy their families. In order for us to give this gift to them, your help is needed.

On Friday, December 23rd, all of the dropoff bins in front of the recycling center will be removed. There will be no recycling drop off from noon that Friday through 7:00 a.m. on Monday, December 26th.

It is amazing how many people drop off their recycling on Christmas Day! Maybe they are on their way to Grandma’s for Christmas dinner and the center is on the way. Maybe some people just like to get rid of the clutter as quickly as possible.

This year we are asking everyone to hold on to their recycling until Monday, December 26th. We want our employees to enjoy an uninterrupted Christmas weekend. They work awfully hard all year long and we’d like you to help us give them

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this gift of time.

The Fourth R We talk about the three Rs all the time. You know them: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. When we visit classrooms, we often share with them the fourth R – RESPECT. When we have a job to do, it is so important to do it well. A good job reflects well on us; however, the other part of the equation is consideration of the person who must handle our work next. That might be someone painting a wall we’ve primed, adding the next part on an assembly line, or editing an article we’ve written.

It might also be the person who handles the recycling we’ve dropped

off at the center. We are respecting the next person who must handle our work by doing the very best we can with our part of a process.

Please remember that all our materials are sorted by hand. In order to receive the best prices for materials, they have to be as free of contami-

nants as possible. We are always amazed at some of the things we find mixed in with the recycling. I’ll just leave it to your imagination!

Here are a few things each of us can do to help streamline the work being done at the recycling center, saving time and expense. I know that I am probably preaching to the choir here. If you read these articles, you already care. Here they are to be shared as needed: •Remove all Styrofoam, ribbons, bows, peanuts and other items before recycling boxes. These items are not recyclable and must be removed by hand.

•Flatten boxes. This saves room in collection containers and reduces the need for them to be emptied – especially on the weekends.

•Rinse milk jugs before recycling. Soured milk does not make for pleasant working conditions, especially dur-

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ing warm weather.

•Separate recyclables from your garbage.

•Follow the signs that indicate things we DO NOT accept, such as household hazardous waste, tires, and paint.

Tires can be taken to one of the four Limestone County Garages

for recycling.

A gift you can give all through the year is to just keep recycling!

It is good for the environment, good for our community, and it keeps your neighbors employed. Every effort you make is greatly appreciated!

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

Cooking with Shelley

Mother’s Fresh Apple Cake

by Shelley Underhill

The photo of this cake was taken as I pulled the cake fresh out of the oven. Simple and easy to make; I really think that my mother has perfected the “perfect apple cake.” This is a fresh apple cake, no canned apples are used. I know you will enjoy this wonderful dessert for

the holidays as you share it with friends and family. It is very tasty and will last for several days.

I hope that you give it a try! You can email me with your questions and comments to shelleysdesk@gmail. com. Enjoy!

1 can cooking spray with flour Bakers Joy always works best 1 Bundt pan - heavily coated with spray 3 large eggs 2 cups sugar 2 sticks real butter - room temp.

1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 Tablespoon cinnamon 3 cups flour 4 cups chopped apples 2 cups chopped nuts Mix together well all ingredients; spoon batter into well greased Bundt pan. Bake on 325 degrees for about one hour. You should be able to stick cake with a toothpick and it come out clean.

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

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Health and Fitness

Best Weight Loss Tool Available

by Janet Hunt

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

Typical diets do not work. They are frustrating, overwhelming, sometimes expensive and usually long-term weight loss fails.

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests a Food Diary or Food Journal may be the key to weight loss success.

A Food Diary can be as simple or as complicated as you want. The simplest involves accurately recording your food intake and the calories at the time you are eating or before you eat. (If you wait until later, you will forget). Something more complicated would include recording grams

of fat, carbohydrates, and protein, the time of day and your feelings.

A Food Journal makes you accountable for everything you eat. You may think you are eating only three healthy meals a day, but you forget all the little extras in between that can start to add up. Maybe you are sneaking a piece of candy or two from the office candy dish, or finishing your kid’s last few french fries. Just an extra 200 calories a day can add up to a weight gain of 20 lbs. in a year.

Recording what and when you eat food can help you determine when you are eating too many calories. Life can

be full of social events that take you to places that don’t fit in your diet guidelines.

Determining these problems will make you more aware of these events, and allows you to create a plan to avoid or overcome the problems.

Another major component of weight management is portion. A study done by Cornell University found that the bigger your meals are the more you will underestimate how much you ate.

Therefore, if you write down what you eat and the amount, you will get a more accurate idea of your calorie intake.

Also, many food packages are actually mul-

tiple servings, but you may think they are one serving. The Food Dia-

ry will educate and train you to read food labels.

The most important result of a Food Diary is that it actually helps you change your eating habits to become healthy habits that you can live with forever.

“Diets” are always temporary because they often require you to eat foods you don’t like or don’t fit in your or your family’s lifestyle.

A Food Journal will help you account for calories, preventing you from overeating. It can also show you when you can afford to treat yourself.

After a while of utilizing this tool, you will learn to control portions and identify trouble areas, thus creating better eating habits and self-control. All your hard work will pay off when you realize you can afford to indulge in a favorite food and not feel guilty about it.

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December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

Cover Story

Your Health Is Our Theme In 2017

by Roy Williams

continued from page 1

continual growth year after year.

When you make your New Year’s resolutions, we would encourage you to allow us to be a part of them. Without your health, making more money, improving relationships, getting a better education, or preparing for retirement really may have very little meaning in your life.

Herbs & More is prepared to help you maintain your health, or improve your health if you are already in the middle of an unhealthy situation. Take a look at what we offer this wonderful community and to people all over the world.

Superior Products

n My name is Roy Williams, and I am the owner and president of Herbs & More and s NEWtritional Health Care, u LLC. Almost 20 years ago, we began formulating and y developing one of the most e impressive lines of supple” ments that has ever been iny troduced to the public. The products worked so well that s they are now shipped all over the U.S. and into several other countries. Herbs & More has exclusive rights to sell these products in this area. p , With over 40 exclusive prodm ucts, of which 38 are patento ed, there is no part of human health that we can’t impact. . Testimonials continue to

pour in from people confronting everything from heart disease to the common cold.

Massage Therapy With two of the most highly qualified massage therapists in North Alabama, Herbs & More may be able to help you with everything from muscle and joint pain to stress and relaxation. People are continually singing the praises of Melanie Amerson and Jason Mitchell. Gift certificates are always available, and believe me, one of the most memorable gifts you can give to someone you love is a session with one of these exceptional therapists.

Physical Therapy Herbs & More also offers physical therapy for those suffering from pain due to everything from accidents, arthritis, and diabetes, to back problems and other illnesses.

In 2016, we became qualified to accept many insurance programs, which may help you with the expenses of recovery.

this exciting addition to your health program!

Lipotropic B-12 Injections Need help with weight loss, energy, focus and concentration? Our Lipotropic B-12 shots may be just what the

doctor recommended, and Herbs & More now offers them at reduced prices. These injections are proving to be just what many people need to help them get back to the way they felt years earlier.

Expert Advice

Whole Body Vibration Herbs & More is proud to be the first in North Alabama to offer the Whole Body Vibration system to our customers.

Now recognized as a Class A medical device, WBV has proven to be effective with circulation, pain, relaxation, weight loss, muscle strength, bone density, recovery and balance. Great news – your insurance may even pay for

As you can see, Herbs & More is much more than just another supplement shop. We are dedicated to helping you become healthier without the use of dangerous drugs, experiencing possible negative side effects, or incurring the expenses charged by the medical profession. What we offer is our time, experience, compassion, and a more natural way to reach your health care goals.

So, if you are one of those people who are sick and tired of spending too much time in the doctor’s office, being put on another drug every time you visit your doctor, and the cost involved in the modern day sick care system, then Herbs & More may prove to be a better choice.

g n d ,

With over 60 years of combined experience, thousands of customers, and our friendly staff, you could not be in any better hands. We promise to take the time to understand what you desire to accomplish and then design a program to help you reach your goals.

There is never a charge for the

k u d e y

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

time it takes to do that.

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For over 20 years on our radio and television programs, in our newspaper articles, and in our newsletters, we have been saying that it is time for America to make a decision: “Are we going to continue to depend on man and his concoctions or God and his creations?” The choice is yours.

Go by Herbs & More to learn more, and may God bless you in 2017.

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The Millennial Mind

A Moral And Religious People

by Rosemary Dewar A day in life is not meant to be lived in order to repeat the day before. Learning to live well is not easy, and in order to live well, one must live by moral standards. The origins of moral standards are constantly debated. As important as the creator of the standards is, it is equally important to question why the standards exist in the first place. Standards have the innate ability to make the mundane into something truly extraordinary. The United State of America, as a result of its founding, was able to create its own standards that allowed it to surpass every other nation before her.

The rest of the world continues to criticize America, while unable to recreate its success. Regardless of historians’ refusal to acknowledge our country's Judeo-Christian core values, there is not another set of standards that parallel its cohesiveness.

To live is to learn what may improve one's self and the

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people around them. Although many fail, it is not an excuse to choose to not to continue to strive to better oneself and one’s future.

The character Captain Jean Luc Picard expressed fervently that, "Inside you, is the potential to make yourself better...and that is what it is to be human. To make yourself more than you are." Atheists try to explain this phenomenon away. The Judeo-Christian perspective asserts that man has always aimed to become greater than himself. This is why Satan offered Eve the opportunity to be “like” God, and the tower of Babel was engineered to try to become God. It is impossible to attempt such a feat without standards for inspiration, however misapplied.

Mankind is undeniably imperfect. The father of classical liberalism, John Locke, stated,” All men are liable to error; and most men are, in many points, by passion or interest, under

temptation to it.” Again, that is not an excuse to quit.

Man consistently fights between two things: what he wants, and what he needs.

Man needs guidelines, rules, and ethics. To look towards man for those precepts is to fall prey to inevitable evil. Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks gracefully states that, “When people lose faith in God, they lose faith in people also.” This is well illustrated in the movie It’s A Wonderful Life. When George Bailey reduces his worth to all the things he could not obtain, he wanted to die. However, when he recognizes that his worth is the sum of all the decency he imparted to others, he found the reason to live happily. That purpose is a construct of law that JudeoChristian values confirm.

The United States’ constitution does not promise happiness, but it promises the liberty to pursue happiness.

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One must be willing to seek it out. “The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government,” says Thomas Jefferson.

Happiness, and the joy by which it is fueled, can only be achieved by the acceptance of the Judeo-Christian worldview. Christian apologist, Ravi Zacharius explains that, "The world out there will try to provoke you to live in a total violation of God’s law. And you live that way, and you will be on the path to total self destruction. You do it God’s way, and you live a life of perpetual novelty."

How one walks out a routine can look mind-numbing until one gives it meaning.

Eat, drink, work, have sex, sleep, and die are meaningless until you give them purpose. Live, celebrate, achieve, love, rest, and be missed is how one can exist in a state of sustained wonder.

This is the reason why many treat the Christmas/ Chanukah season differently than they do the rest of the year. Without standards, this season is just about cute stories, and their commercialization.

With application of standards, this season is a representation of a fulfilled promise, and a victory over adversity.

The same goes with the United States. To most, America is the chief power responsible for the spreading and preserving of liberty, justice and hope.

Devoid of standards, the United States is just another barbaric, colonial, greedy superpower.

The United State of America and the values on which it was founded are some of the most precious gifts both man and God could give to humanity. Pray that those that come after this generation do not squander them. Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah from the first world country!

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

Cover Story

Dr Blake Boyett: Treating Your Spine With Technology And Experience

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

for someone so young. If the name “Boyett” sounds familiar, it is because Blake’s uncle is Dr. Patrick Boyett, one of the founders of OrthoSports.

He is also the only one in the OrthoSports franchise that performs spine surgeries, and has more than five hundred under his belt.

“All my life I knew I wanted to be a doc,” Blake said, and added that he had followed in his uncles’ footsteps, having more than one physician in the family. Blake was born “just over the border” in Mississippi, and grew up in Sulligent. He graduated from Sulligent High, and got his undergrad degree in bio/med from Samford University. He went to his Uncle Patrick’s alma mater, KCUMB, which stands for Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. As a kid, he was particularly fascinated with the heart, and thought he possibly would make cardiology his specialty, but the intricacies of the human spine ended up ruling the day.

It was at KCUMB that he

met Emily, his bride of only a few months, who is also a nurse practitioner. They were married this fall, have just purchased their first house, and hope to be moved in before Christmas. While he was KCUMB, his mentor was Dr. Roger Jackson, the inventor of the spine table that is used for surgery at Athens Limestone Hospital. He also had the opportunity to work in an Emergency Room in Las Vegas, and learned the art of dealing with the human spine in a traumatic context. He told me that the doctors in Las Vegas especially loved the osteopaths for many reasons, but mostly because of the level of expertise the “spine docs” brought into the E.R., and their concern for their patients.

and his mentor was Dr. Drew Dosset. Dr. Dosset is the one who keeps the spines of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers in one piece, and Blake feels his time with Dr. Dosset was invaluable. Dr. Blake did more than 500 surgeries while at Texas Back, and has dealt with everything from tumors, to cancers, to bulging discs, all manner of

the two major sports teams came with a lot of responsibility. He had to learn when it would be appropriate for a player to return to the field after a careful season of rehab, and when it was time to “hang up the jersey.” I asked him, “Did you ever have to tell someone that their career was over?” He nodded, and said, “It was tough on them and on me.”

Between Kansas City, Las Vegas, and Athens, a very important part of Blake’s career development occurred in Dallas at the prestigious Texas Back Insitute.

From 2015-2016, after he had completed his residency, Blake was accepted as a fellow at the Institute, chronic conditions, and repairing previous operations that have not been successful. His association with

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As an osteopath, Dr. Boyett’s “medical philosophy” has to do with prevention as well as using surgery as a last resort. “Being as minimally invasive as possible is very important to me,” Dr. Boyett told me, and that included performing spine surgery as well as fusion. This can be challenging, especially when you are dealing with conditions such as scoliosis, (usually a sideways curve of the spine), or stenosis, (a painful narrowing of the open spaces within the spine). I asked him what would be his idea of a “dream day on the job,” and he said, “Keeping someone out of a wheelchair, or relieving the pain of someone who has a lumbar fracture.” He is also a voracious researcher,

and currently is concentrating much of his own personal study and learning on sports related spine injuries.

I asked him why, if I needed a “spine guy”, should I come to him. Here’s what he said. “We have the most comprehensive approach to spine health, and have the latest technology.

We also really care about our patients, and will never push someone to have surgery when it’s not necessary.” He also added, “We have experience with everything from sports related injuries, to those of the elderly.” I chuckled inside, seeing as I am technically a senior citizen who also runs 5Ks. Hopefully I will never have to go under the knife, but if I do, I am confident that I would be in good hands if Dr. Blake Boyett “has my back.”

Ortho Sports Athens

15243 Greenfield Drive Athens, AL 35613 256-233-2332 Hours: Mon-Thur 8-12, then 1-5, Fri 8-12 Page 17

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December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

The View From The Bridge

We Can Only Take Them So Far… And Then The Release

Jackie Warner

Community Outreach “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

by Jackie Warner

"Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life." Proverbs 22:6 We gave them a bottle, then we watched as they started crawling.

Before we knew it, tears were forming in our eyes as we watched them put their hands on the steering wheel for the first drive after getting their driving permit. Oh, how our little ones have grown up so fast! Yes, it is true; we must enjoy them while they are young because they don’t just grow up fast, they grow onward. We want the best for our children and try to do almost any and everything to help them to be successful. Sometimes we do it to a fault but we say “That’s my baby!”

As they grow, we offer detours for the roadblocks ahead and fluffy cushions to help give softer landings when we know they will fall.

We even take up for them when what we really should do is let them suffer the consequences of their well thought out wrong doings.

Yeah parents... We try so hard and then they disappoint us, and believe it or not “WE” then try even harder for them! Strange, isn’t it? They should be try-

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

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ing harder for us.

As time passes, I am realizing that we can only take them so far and then we must let them start to find their own way. We start the release. A major part of our love involves assistance with development of their exit plans, releasing our tight grip to a loose supporting hand. Our new gifts are consistent: tough LOVE, guidance, and constructive feedback, training them up for Life Preparation Avenue.

"Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins." 1 Peter 4:8

“He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.”

Proverbs 13:24

“He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity” 1 Timothy 3:4

Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional Jackie Warner, Community Outreach Specialist Email: thebridge.us@gmail.com Check out upcoming events: http://thebridgeus.yolasite.com/

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Horse Whispering

Christmas Stockings

by Deb Kitchenmaster Perhaps you’ve heard the question, “What’s in your wallet?” Today, I want to ask, “What’s in your stocking?”

A fun, informational, and connecting moment you can be had at a get together with people you have just met, have known for quite some time, or even your entire life. Select a stocking and put five different items inside. When it’s your turn, you take an item and say something about what you are holding in your hand. You can tell a story, make up a story, or share its significance to you. Others will get to know your sentimental side, your hilarious side, or any other kind of side that you care to share.

This is one simple exercise that holds a space for a story keeper of the family to pass along to listening ears, or a little history that someone might find helpful, even encouraging; not to mention, interesting. It’s an exercise that helps people get to know each other better.

You know, its one thing to know something; it’s entirely different, bordering on wonderful, to be known by others.

There is ONE rule! When the person with the stocking reaches in to bring out an item, EVERYONE (including the extroverts that have something to say about everything,) must do ONE thing: LISTEN. No interruptions, no, “Yeah, I have three of those at home,” remarks.

LISTEN. No talking.

Stay present. Stay in the

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moment. Bring your attention, and focus on the person with the Christmas stocking.

I’d like to mention here, the number of items in the stocking is totally up to you based on the size of your group, timeline of

Each discovered meaningful connections to enhance relationships with one another, and even discovered some beauty about them.

Horses have stockings too!

In zoology, a stocking is a differently colored part of the lower leg of an animal

Balance, focus, communication, leadership, presence, awareness, relaxation, trouble-shooting, mastery from level to level be the DNA material of horsemanship.

What an amazing ride.

What an amazing journey.

dreaming of.

I know, there are actually people who dream of a “White Christmas” and you’ve been dreaming of a white

Thank you, Clint. the event, or other factors.

One item is significant; in fact, there might be more consideration of which ONE item to select.

I created different exercises such as this when I developed a horse program.

The ratio was one instructor to four handlers, so we were in small groups. The beauty was learning how to honor each other, how to tune in, how to focus, how to respect, how to submit, and how to genuinely care.

(horse). There are five patterns identified: coronet, half pastern, pastern, sock, and stocking. A stocking is a sock that wraps around the leg from the top of the coronet extending up almost to the knee or hock.

These colorful legs carry you up and down hills, through rugged ravines, lakes and ponds, over jumps, on beautiful trails at different speeds. What a classroom! Such beautiful and challenging moments!

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So, when the day comes horse. I totally get you. and you look inside your Christmas stocking and God’s smile upon you, you find a “horsey” gift and have yourself a very card or item, it’s a Merry MERRY CHRISTMAS Christmas, indeed! Know time….. away in the stall. that something came out of the wallet so something Your NEIGHbor, could come into the stockDeb Kitchenmaster ing. I hope you get the Corral Connections saddle you’ve been wanting for some time now, the www.corralconnections.com ‘A church of great heart’ horse trailer that went on sale or came up for sale 256-426-7947 just this Christmas, OR the Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner horse/pony you have been dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

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Medical Update

Vitamin D Deficiency: Why Is It So Common And Do You Have It?

by Dr. Shanna Ndong Vitamin D acts as a hormone in the body and was found to play an important role in the maintenance of calcium levels and bone health almost a century ago.

Researchers have recently discovered that vitamin D is also necessary for proper function of the immune system, cardiovascular system, muscles, and brain.

Severe Vitamin D deficiency in childhood can lead to rickets that is characterized by bowed legs, bone and teeth deformities, muscle weakness, and short stature. Rickets has become fairly uncommon in the U.S. due to fortification of milk with Vitamin D beginning in the 1930s, but mild to moderate Vitamin D deficiency continues to be an important problem. Vitamin D deficiency in adults is associated with osteoporosis (brittle bones), increased risk of falls, and possibly fractures.

Recently, low Vitamin D has been associated with increased risk for a number of conditions including muscle weakness, cancers, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease, and cardiovascular disease. Elderly individuals with low Vitamin D levels are at increased risk of falls and have higher death rates. Research into whether Vitamin D supplementation reduces these risks is on-

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going.

Eighty to ninety percent of the Vitamin D in our bodies comes from sun exposure. Ultraviolet light from the sun (specifically UVB rays) is used by the skin to make Vitamin D. A fair-skinned person who spends 10 minutes in the midday summer sun – in shorts and a tank top with no sunscreen – will receive enough radiation to produce 10,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D. Dark-skinned individuals and the elderly produce less Vitamin D. According to the Vitamin D Council, the amount of Vitamin D you get from exposure to the sun depends on: •The amount of skin you expose – the more skin you expose the more Vitamin D your

body will produce.

•The color of your skin – pale skins make Vitamin D more quickly than darker skins.

•The time of day – your skin produces more Vitamin D if you expose it during the middle of the day.

•Where you live – the closer to the equator you live, the easier it is for you to produce Vitamin D from sunlight all year round.

People most prone to a Vitamin D deficiency include those who live in northern regions with little sunlight exposure, people with darker skin, people on low-fat diets, and those taking steroids and weight loss medications. Vitamin D is found naturally in only a few foods such as fish-liver oils, fatty fishes (tuna, mackerel, salmon), egg

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yolks, and beef liver. In the United States, Vitamin D commonly is added to milk, orange juice, and other foods.

A recent report by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that approximately 40% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D, with the highest rates seen in blacks (82%) and Hispanics (69%). There has been an increase in Vitamin D deficiency over the past several decades due to a shift toward indoor work and activities and increased use of sunscreens. One study found that sunscreen with an SPF of 15, when used properly, can reduce Vitamin D formation by as much as 99%.

Also, glass blocks UVB rays; so sun exposure through a window does

not result in Vitamin D production.

The daily requirement for Vitamin D is at least 600 international units (IU) for adults aged 1870 and at least 800 IU daily for individuals over 70. There is controversy regarding the recommended daily requirement for Vitamin D, and some groups advocate for as much as 2000 to 5000 IU per day.

You should speak to your doctor before beginning Vitamin D supplements because very high doses of Vitamin D can have negative effects on your health.

If you are obese, pregnant, dark-skinned, age 65 or older, or have limited sun exposure, you should talk to your doctor about obtaining a Vitamin D level.

December 16, 2016 - January 5, 2017

Foreman’s Forum

Disparity Of Force

by Paul Foreman

I thought about naming this article “I'm not as good as I once was.”

I am still six-foot and 200 lbs but I am just not the same man, at 68 years old, that I used to be. On top of that, as some of you know, I have been fighting cancer these past eleven months. After taking 24 weeks of chemo and two six-week sessions of two different kinds of radiation, my body just ain't up to the standards and stamina it was just a short time ago. But, the Lord is on my side, so I am winning this battle!

Back when I was a Deputy Sheriff in Southwest Florida, I physically took on and prevailed with many miscreants that needed to go to jail, without resorting to the use of deadly force. Thank goodness, I am no longer in the business of taking people to

jail who do not want to go!

There is a legal self-defense term called “Disparity of Force.” This means, if there is a great deal of difference in strength and stamina between individuals, it is not going to be a fair fight. For example: A muscle bound young man, six-foot tall and weighing in at 200 pounds, has a significant advantage over a 120 pound young woman. Or, an older gentleman who is six-foot tall and also weighs 200 pounds, but is 70 years old, has a huge disadvantage in strength and stamina to defend himself using only my limited physical abilities.

Now we must throw in another set of guidelines, before we rule in favor of the “little guy.” Disparity of force laws are different in some states, but

let’s apply the “reasonable person” test for which the courts require the jury to answer the question, “What would a reasonable man do?” What if a 200 lb. man, standing 50 feet away threatened to kill you, a smaller weaker person, using only his bare hands? Can he cause great bodily harm or death standing fifty feet away?

Would a reasonable man use deadly force to defend himself or another innocent person? What if you were sitting on a park bench and the same man, still fifty feet away, threatened you with a baseball bat? Would a reasonable man pull a gun and shoot him? Even if we ignore the “Stand Your Ground” law, would a reasonable man shoot him or just walk away? Now if he chases after you, and you cannot get away, that changes everything. Let's

add in the “disparity” factor. Let's say you are in a wheelchair or use a walker, so you cannot get away from the threat. Now you, the weaker person, would be justified in defending yourself using more force than the attacker is using. A reasonable man would use “deadly force,” such as a firearm if he, the weaker person, is in fear of great bodily harm or death.

What would any “reasonable man” in your position do? Let’s say you and your wife are in the middle of a parking lot. Disparity covers many things, and when you combine them, it multiplies the threat. Superior size of the assailant(s), massive strength, age (20 versus 60 years old), number of assailants (five against one) and skill of the bad guy(s) are all factors.

Back to that parking lot.

What are you going to do?

My wife is my first concern. Am I going to tell her to run, get help and call 911, or keep her with me? Running away gets her out of the danger zone, and gets help coming. Or, would she be in greater danger being separated from me? I could try and run, but with them only 50 feet away, I wouldn’t get far in my weakened condition. I know trying to fight even one monster could get me killed or crippled.

Five of them would only make my demise quicker.

I’m left with no choice but to defend myself with my firearm. Isn't that great how my Glock 9mm makes me equal to someone bigger and stronger than me?

What would you do?

Have you thought of how disparity of force applies to your personal defense plans? If not, it’s time to take some training and do some research on the laws of your home state and the other states where you carry a gun for personal defense.

Remember, the BEST fight you will ever be in is the fight you avoided.

Paul Foreman: Is a retired Deputy Sheriff, from Lee County Florida.

Paul is a NRA Certified Pistol Instructor For further information about Firearm's Training, Paul can be reached through e-Mail at Captureman@PaulForeman.com or his web site, www.PaulForeman.com or

by Phone at 256-431-6702

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