December 4, 2015

December 4 - December 17, 2015

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

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All Things Soldier The Wounded Warrior’s Wedding...

12 years ago, 32 year old Dudu Shevy was serving in the Israeli Defense Force when he was paralyzed from the waist down in a...

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The Heritage Children’s Chorale’s Christmas Concert: Great Things And Goodness

By Ali Elizabeth Turner In August of 2015 I had the truly enjoyable opportunity to tell readers of Athens Now about the Heritage Children’s Chorale, and to speak at length with their founder, Mary Stephenson. Mary is also the Continued on pages 15

Cooking With Shelley

Thomas Pitman, M.D., F.A.C.O.G/FPMRS: Serving North Alabama Since 1994

Cajun Christmas Chicken Spread...

“Ho, ho, ho” is almost here, and all along the way we will have many a Christmas party to go to, so why not...

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Learning As A Lifestyle 2015 Year’s End...

I sit here after eating the best Thanksgiving dinner, stuffed to my eyeballs with turkey and trimmings, and I am so thankful...

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December 4 - December 17, 2015

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Ministering in Swaziland

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Thomas Pitman was born in Kentucky, and at the age of 10, his family moved to Tennessee. While he went to medical school at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, and did his residency at

Continued on page 17

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December 4 - December 17, 2015

Publisher’s Point

The Hero That Was Jim Dawson

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales

Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Janet Hunt Lynne Hart Shelley Underhill Teresa Todd Kimberly Gosser Wanda Campbell Paul Foreman Jerry Barksdale

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Foreman’s Forum . . . . . . . . . 8 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Shelley . . . . . 13 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . . 16 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18

There were several things about our most recent Thanksgiving that were memorable, but for me, as a kid who grew up during the Cold War, one of them was the chance to learn about a hero from nearly 60 years ago that until recently, was nearly completely unknown.

His name was Jim Dawson, and he was an insurance lawyer.

the Nuremburg trials. It was his idea to make the harrowing footage of the kinds of things that went on in the concentration camp available as part of his prosecutorial strategy, and it sealed the doom of 12 of them for war crimes. It is said that up until the showing of the film of bulldozers pushing bodies into ditches,

the Supreme Court of the United States, and Mr. Dawson paid a big price for it. His family was threatened, and as a Naval Commander, he had to endure being called a Commie, which, back in that day, was like being called a pedophile or a member of ISIS. However, Jim had a hunch that someday an

Mr. Dawson is portrayed

by Academy Award winner Tom Hanks in the Steven Spielberg film Bridge of Spies, and while most folks who know me are aware that I am always in the corner of the ground pounder (Army soldier), or any member of our armed services that gives of themselves to keep us safe, there is another war that is sometimes fought through words that can be just as impressive, and deserves just as much gratitude.

Such was the case in 1960 when a U-2 spy plane was shot down at 70,000 feet over Russia, and Gary Powers was taken prisoner. I was just a little girl, but I remember it well. Germany had been divided, Berlin had a wall that would stay up until the Reagan administration, and we lived under the continual threat of a mushroom shaped cloud.

Backing up, Jim Dawson was involved in prosecuting the Nazi command at

Dog Barker . . . . . . . . 20 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22

December 4 - December 17, 2015

Goring was confident he would skate on the case.

No such luck, thanks to Jim Dawson.

Jim was the brilliant, low-key negotiator who was asked to defend the top KGB agent in America, Rudolph Abel, who was arrested for espionage. He even argued a part of his case before

exchange of spies was going to be needed, and this would then insure that we would have leverage. It was actually to our advantage that the spy avoid the electric chair, because it gave us a bargaining chip should we need it, and we most certainly did. He then secured the exchange of Abel for Gary Powers, as

well as another US spy.

There was also an innocent econ student named Pryor, who was arrested by the East Germans for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and Jim negotiated his release, too.

In fact, Jim was responsible for the rescue of close to 10,000 people in Cuba, managed to negotiate with Fidel Castro, and be an insurance lawyer, (at least, that was his cover) while he worked for the CIA.

But, as amazing as all of that was, the guy was a genuine family man, who was able to maintain deep relationships with his kids, and who loved his wife. Jim never fired a shot, but he was a warrior. He managed to command the respect of Fidel Castro, John F Kennedy, and Robert Kennedy. As for me, in this season of gratitude, giving, and light, I am glad to be reminded once again of the prices that have been paid for my freedom, and the right to worship according to the dictates of my conscience is because of people like Jim Dawson.

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

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All Things Soldier

The Wounded Warrior’s Wedding

by Ali Elizabeth Turner 12 years ago, 32 year old Dudu Shevy was serving in the Israeli Defense Force when he was paralyzed from the waist down in a non-combat related auto accident.

Since that time, he has been in a wheelchair, and had adjusted to seeing everything and everyone from that level. He built a life, fell in love, and at the very end of November, he was married.

records the movements of the would-be walker, and then helps the legs move by way of remote control. It has also been used in the United States to assist Wounded Warriors, and each unit costs

about $65,000 USD. Dudu needed a bit of help from his personal trainer, who was literally behind him all the way, but Mr. Shevy made it all the way down the aisle, up the stairs, stood for the

The custom in Jewish weddings is for the groom to walk down the aisle and meet the bride, so of course, she and all of their family and guests expected to see the undaunted Devy roll expectantly down the satin runner that ran the length of the aisle and up a few steps to the huppah, or nuptial canopy.

ceremony, and after the wedding was over, returned the Rewalk, which had been loaned to him.

Here’s the back story: One day, Dudu was watching the news, and saw the story of the man who developed the Rewalk technology. The inventor himself was paralyzed, and the IDF made it possible for Dudu to practice in secret, so that his debut on his wedding day would be a surprise to all. The Israeli Defense Ministry paid for the 3 months of training that it took for Dudu to pull off the surprise.

“Just walking. It was different, just seeing everyone at eye-level and not chair-level. It was totally

different,” Shevy told the Channel 2 News in Israel.

“It was really wonderful.” He also said, “People were very moved to see me walking.”

I can’t imagine the joy and surprise of Mr. Shevy’s bride, his family, and the guests. But I do know, with the beginning of Hannukah in just a couple of days, this story in the “Season of Light” should give us all reason to rejoice that our relationship with the Israelis has withstood the unprecedented strain between our leaders, is benefitting our soldiers and theirs, and is giving hope where previously there was none.

Raucous applause broke out when Devy began to walk down the aisle with the aid of some technology developed in Israel called the Rewalk Robotics exoskeleton system.

The Times of Israel describes the technology as follows: “ReWalk allows independent, controlled walking similar to that of an able-bodied person, as computers and motion sensors do the ‘heavy lifting.’ The system controls movement using subtle changes in center of gravity, mimics natural gait and provides functional walking speed, enabling even paraplegics to move independently — and even to run marathons, as one paralyzed woman did several years ago.”

The device first learns and

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December 4 - December 17, 2015

December 4 - December 17, 2015

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Calendar of Events The Heritage Children’s Chorale’s Christmas Concert Dec 10th & 14th

Come enjoy a true professional children’s chorale, directed by Mary Stephenson. The Pulaski, TN concert will be held at 7 pm on Thursday, December 10th at the First Presbyterian Church, 202 Second Street.

The Athens concert will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Monday, December 14th at 7 pm. The address is 208 West Hobbs Street. Admission is free, and there will be a love offering taken.

“Live” Drive Thru Nativity Dec 4th-6th & 11th-13th

Emmanuel Baptist Church will have a “live” Drive Thru Nativity this year! It has been about 20 years since our last one, and we are excited to once again present the Christmas Story to the community through this event. Emmanuel Baptist is located at 1917 Hwy 72 in Athens, AL 35612. Please call 256-232-6193 for more information or visit www.ebcathens.com.

Holiday Open House Dec 4th & 5th

Mooresville Mercantile. 5081 Moorsville Road, Mooresville, AL. Come shop among the all American-made wares and goods to fill your stockings or pile under the Christmas tree. For more information about this event, visit: www.mooresvillemercantile. com/special-events/

Bethlehem Walk Dec 4th & 5th

Mable Hill Baptist Church. 3778 Ready Section Road, Ardmore, AL. Join Mable Hill Baptist Church as they reenact the birth of Jesus in this annual walk through production. For more information www.mablehillbaptist.org/bethlehem.html

Elkton, TN Annual Christmas Parade Dec 5th

Elkton, TN. Come to Elkton and see the float contest as St. Nick makes his way through Giles County in celebration of the Christmas Season! Parade begins at 10:00AM and trophies to be given to Santa’s choice! Entry forms and information available at Elkton City Hall, 168 Main Street or by phoning 931-468-2506.

Athens, AL. The 2nd Season Champions of “The Sing Off” take to the stage of McCandless Hall at 7:00PM for a holiday concert sponsored by the Center for Lifelong Learning and the Livingston Concert-Lecture Series. All seats reserved, advance purchase only, $15.00 each. Tickets available at Center for Lifelong Learning 121 South Marion Street Athens, AL 256-233-8260.

Athens Ladies Civitan Holiday Home Tour Dec 6th

1-5 pm. Tickets are now on sale for $15 at Crawford’s Gifts, Nestle Toll House Café, Pablo’s on the Square, Pam’s Home Furnishing, and Pimento’s. Walk through beautiful homes decorated for the holidays and enjoy refreshments at each stop. Tickets available at the door for $20. For info: 256-233-0258 or 256-232-2865.

Riverwalk Yacht Club Parade of Lights Dec 12th

Tennessee River at US 31S Decatur, AL. This Christmas maritime event is sponsored by the Riverwalk Yacht Club and features many boats of all types and sizes decorated with lights, holiday themes and other festive trimmings for the holiday season. The boat parade will make a few circles from the entrance of the Riverwalk Marina towards the west to the railroad bridge, east in front of Rhodes Ferry Park and then back into the marina. The best viewing will be at Rhodes Ferry Park, the Hard Dock Cafe or the marina launch and parking area. Patrons are invited to come walk the docks and see the decorated boats up close from 4:00PM6:00PM. During the parade, the Riverwalk Yacht Club will be accepting canned goods to donate to the Committee on Church Cooperation. Anyone intersted in participating in the parade, or for more information, riverwalkyc.org/paradeoflights.htm

Senior Lunch Matinée Special Christmas Show with Kevin Adams Dec 19th

Yesterday’s Event Center 15631 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL Come enjoy a special Christmas Show featuring the talents of Kevin Adams, singer and impressionist. Cost is $11.00 and includes lunch, drink and dessert. Groups welcome. Events begins 11:00AM - Seating, Opening,Announcements, Blessing, Lunch with the show kicking off at 12:00PM. Cancellation policy applies. RSVP required: info@yesterdaysevents.com

Rogersville Christmas Parade Dec 5th

Lauderdale High School. 201 Cedar Street, Rogersville, AL. Join the Rogersville Kiwanis Club at 6PM. For info 256-412-1936.

Committed Holiday Concert Dec 6th

McCandless Hall. Athens State University, 300 North Beaty Street Page 6

Audioprism Live at Mac’s Dec 26th

Mac’s Sports Bar & Steakhouse. 1733 Jefferson Street SE, Athens, AL. Audioprism - Jeremy Ezell, Chad Miller, Kirk Hannah and Joey Whitworth - debute in their hometown at Mac’s from 8:00PM-1:00AM. Enjoy music from across the decades, genres and even a few surprises.

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December 4 - December 17, 2015

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Foreman’s Forum

What Would You Do?

by Paul Foreman Last month I heard about just two of many news stories of young teens who listened to their parents and followed a carefully thought out plan in case of an emergency. Do you have a plan? Have you rehearsed a plan to follow in case of any disaster such as a home invasion, tornado, fire or medical emergency?

This past week in one of the senior centers, I was giving one of my programs about firearms safety. The discussion came up about what to do if you wake up during the night and found someone breaking into your home. One lady stated that she would just “shoot the guy.” I told her that might not turn out to be so easy to do! What if he has a gun?

Are you just going to stand there in your living room and shoot him? What if he does not just stand there and let you shoot him?

What if your gun is in the night stand down the hall in your bedroom? Is the gun loaded? Do you know how to load it? When is the last time you ever shot the gun?

Is the ammunition so old that it might not even work anymore?

Now I could go on and on with a few dozen more “what if” questions. You

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need to be asking yourself at least the questions I have mentioned here and have the answers! Many of the answers will depend on the layout of your home, the strength of your doors.

A very important part of your plan will depend on if there are other family members in your home. Have you thought about your shots missing? Where will missed bullets go? Is there be someone sleeping in another room, in your line of fire? There I go again, more

“what if questions.” In a dangerous situation, these are some things which you need to plan for ahead of time. As the bad guy comes crashing through the sliding glass door is not the time to stop and think about it!

When I was a training officer for the Sheriff’s Department in Florida, the rookies had to ride with me for their 14-week training period after they finished the academy. When they completed the field training, they were turned loose on the world.

Well, what if the whole time the rookie was in training with me, we never encountered a bank robbery in progress? The answer to that was to rehearse different scenarios during that training period. Numerous times we would make use of an old abandoned building, or even an abandoned house for more realistic training.

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That is what YOU need to do too! In my firearms classes, we train with some targets that present various scenarios. For instance a target has a picture of a bad guy with a gun pointed right at you! Ok, that one is easy.

How about you see the bad guy with a gun, BUT your children are in the bedroom right behind him? How about you are coming out of the shopping mall and a bad guy is coming at you with a knife, but behind him are dozens of other shoppers?

These are just a few of the possible incidents that could happen to you. What would you do?

Several times, I have had students tell me they have a gun stored on the top shelf of a closet. I ask them, “Is it loaded?Are you ever going to be able to get to your gun, find the ammunition, load the gun and then confront the bad guy?” The

first half of the class is all about SAFETY. I teach you how to check to see if it is loaded or not. I teach my students, using “dummy ammo” or fake plastic bullets before we ever get into using live ammo. I want my students to be able to be very familiar with their gun, before we go out to the range and shoot. When driving a car and someone pulls out in front of you, do you have time to stop and think, “Let’s see, that I think this is the brake, there’s the gas pedal, and I am pretty sure that’s the clutch.” Guess what, you just wrecked! It is the same with you handling a gun in an emergency. Everyone who owns a gun for self protection should be trained!

Paul Foreman Retired Deputy Sheriff Paul can be reached through his website at www.PaulForeman.com

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December 4 - December 17, 2015

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Tourism

A Time For New Traditions

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

Athens’ Big Spring Memorial Park has been transformed into a venue for the beginning of a new tradition for the Christmas Holidays, starting December 5th and continuing through January 3rd. This beautiful park, which is home to several breeds of ducks, will also be home to seventeen decorated Christmas Trees, a Snowman family and a giant postcard painting by artist Ashley Bates that will serve as a selfiephoto location.

This project is the hard work of several organizations. First off, Athens Lowe’s Home Improvement Store donated the Fraser Fir trees to be sponsored and decorated. Ben Wiley, of Athens Parks and Recs provided the manpower to stand the trees and to ensure the location was optimal for our needs. AthensLimestone County Tourism president Teresa Todd, Spirit of Athens executive director Trisha Black, Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful director Lynne Hart, Diane Lehr with Athens Art League, Holly Hollman with the City of Athens, Rebekah Davis AthensLimestone County Archivist and Deborah Daws with Athens-Limestone County Tourism Board of Directors have all participated with ideas, hard work and scheduling the details for a kickoff on December 5th.

We are blessed to live in such a beautiful part of North Alabama and to have these organiza-

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tions working together on this project. How pleased I am to have an event held in this family park for our community to begin a new quality of life tradition.

Keep Athens Limestone County Beautiful and the board of directors will be selling hot chocolate for those who come out Saturday night for the kickoff.

Dec 4th & 5th Holiday Open House at Mooresville Mercantile 5081 Mooresville Road, Mooresville, AL. Come shop among the all American-made wares and goods to fill your stockings or pile under the Christmas tree. For more information about this event, visit: www.mooresvillemercantile.com/special-events/ Dec 4th, 5th & 6th & Dec 11th, 12th & 13th Bethlehem Walk.

Mable Hill Baptist Church 3778 Ready Section Road, Ardmore, AL. Join Mable Hill Baptist Church as they re-enact the birth of Jesus in this annual walk through production from 5:30PM-9:00PM. Large groups welcome with reservations. For more information, visit: www. m a b l e h i l l b a p t i s t . o rg / bethlehem.html

13th. Free admission. For more information, visit: www.ebcathens.com Dec 5th Coffee Call Alabama Veterans Museum, 100 West Pryor Street Athens, AL. Join fellow Veterans and their families for breakfast 8:00AM-9:30AM. Contact Director Sandy Thompson for more information at 256-771-7578.

Dec 5th AHS JROTC Jingle Bell Jog 5K Run/Walk Athens High School, 100 U.S. Highway 31N, Athens, AL. Race starts at 8:00AM. For more details, contact Chief James Chambers at (256) 2336619 or james.chambers@acs-k12.org for more details.

Dec 5th Ardmore Christmas Craft Fair

TN Annex Building, Main Street, Ardmore, TN. Top off your shopping list with handmade crafts to give to friends, family, party hostess or surprise gift giver.

Dec 5th Elkmont Lions Club Christmas Parade Elkmont, AL. Join the Elkmont Lions Club for Christmas cheer and to welcome Santa to Elkmont starting at 1:00PM. To register your float, marching band, group or individual participant, please call 256-732-4211.

Dec 6th Committed Holiday Concert McCandless Hall, Athens State University, 300 North Beaty Street, Athens, AL. The 2nd Season Champions of “The Sing Off” take to the stage of McCandless Hall at 7:00PM for a holiday

concert sponsored by the Center for Lifelong Learning and the Livingston Concert-Lecture Series. All seats reserved, advance purchase only, $15.00 each. Tickets available at Center for Lifelong Learning, 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL. You can also call 256-233-8260 for more information.

Dec 6th Bells of Christmas 5th Annual Athens Ladies Civitan Holiday Home Tour Athens, AL. Enjoy a tour of several prominent Athens homes dressed up for the holidays and open for touring from 1:00PM-5:00PM. Each home will have delicious sweet treats provided by local caterers for your enjoyment. This is a selfguided tour with hostesses at each home. Tickets

Dec 4th, 5th, & 6th & Dec 11th, 12th, &13th The Christmas Story Drive-Thru Nativity.

Emmanuel Baptist Church 1917 U.S. Highway 72W, Athens, AL. Pack the family car and enjoy a living nativity from 6:00PM-9:00PM on the 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th, and from 6:00PM to 8:00PM on the 6th and

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December 4 - December 17, 2015

program. Proceeds benefit Team Victory 4 All. Dec 10th Supper with Santa

are available for $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the event. Contact Carolyn Stair at 256233-0258 or purchase tickets at Crawford’s Gifts, Nestle Toll House Café, Pablo’s on Market, Pam’s Home Furnishing, or Pimento’s.

and all kinds of fruit.

The only requirement is that you bring a glue gun along with your creativity. Cost: $60.00. Event begins at 9:00AM. For more information, visit: http://store.1818farms. com/collections/classes/ products/2602

Dec 6th 11th Hour, Live In Concert

Dec 8th

Nebo Community Church, 17772 Nuclear Plant Road, Athens, AL. Join the congregation for a Christmas concert with the group 11th Hour. Concert starts at 5:00PM. RSVP at: http://11thhourgospel group.com/tour/ Dec 7th Holiday WreathMaking Class 1818 Farms, 24889 Lauderdale Street, Mooresville AL. 1818 Farms will provide the freshlycut balsam and white pine wreaths, fruit, and other natural materials for making Della Robbia style wreaths. Artists who join the class will be given hands on instruction on decorating their wreath with berries, pine cones, seed pods,

Creekside Elementary School, 16049 Sanderson Road, Harvest, AL. Creekside PTO would like to invite students and families for Supper with Santa on December 10th, from 5:00Pm – 6:00PM or 7:00PM – 8:00PM, in the cafeteria. Admission will include dinner (pizza, salad, cookie, and drink), craft, and a letter to Santa.

Everything will be set up and brought to each family at their table. Santa will be available for pictures during and after dinner. The cost is $8 per person, school age and above.

All children preschool age and below are free, but will still need a ticket.

Dec 12th Sippin’ Cider Downtown Athens, AL. From 5:00PM to 8:00PM, participating merchants will offer sample tastings of their favorite cider recipe. Guests will vote by ballot for their favorite, and the cider receiving the most votes wins bragging rights for the year. The ballots will also serve as an entry to one of many door prizes to be given away.

Ardmore Christmas Parade Ardmore AL/TN. Santa is coming to Ardmore with floats, marching bands, and more present the theme “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at 6:30PM. Rain date will be December 10th.

To register your float, marching band, group, or individual participants, please call 256-423-3011 or 931-427-2421.

Dec 10th

Dec 10th

Hope for the Holidays

Holiday Open House

Limestone County Event Center, 114 West Pryor Street Athens, AL. Join Team Victory 4 All for a childhood cancer benefit dinner featuring Huntsville Master Chorale, a catered dinner by Suzanne’s Eatery, and keynote speaker Dr. Carolyn Russo, medical director of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital affiliate

Ardmore Welcome Center, 28232 Upper Elkton Road, Elkmont, AL. Enjoy music with the Athens Dulcimers, as well as fun and light refreshments with the Ardmore Welcome Center Staff from 10:00AM-3:00PM. RSVP required, please call: 256423-389.

December 4 - December 17, 2015

Dec 12th 40th Annual Parade of Lights

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Joe Wheeler State Park, 4403 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL. Grab your space along the shore as the decorated boats cruise Wheeler Lake. Holiday Buffet will be served at Daniella’s in the Park starting at 4:00PM. Boat Parade starts at 6:00PM. To participate in the parade, call Denita at 256-2476971 or email JoeWheeler.

Marina@dcnr.alabama. gov. To book your meal or room, call 256-247-5461.

Dec 18th and 19th Senior Lunch Matinée Special Christmas Show with Kevin Adams Yesterday’s Event Center, 15631 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL. Come enjoy a special Christmas Show featuring the talents of Kevin Adams, singer and impressionist. Cost is $11.00 and includes lunch, drink, and dessert.

Groups welcome. Events begin 11:00AM with seating, opening, announcements, meal blessing, and lunch. The show will kick off at 12:00PM. Cancellation policy applies.RSVP required: info@yesterdaysevents. com Dec 20th Christmas is Jesus Orchestral Concert Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1917 U.S. Highway 72W, Athens, AL. Join the Orchestra of Emmanuel Baptist Church at 6:00PM for a concert. www.ebcathens.com Dec 26th Audioprism Live at Mac’s Mac’s Sports Bar & Steakhouse, 1733 Jefferson Street SE, Athens, AL. Audioprism (Jeremy Ezell, Chad Miller, Kirk Hannah and Joey Whitworth) debut in their hometown at Mac’s from 8:00PM-1:00AM. Enjoy music from across the decades, genres and even a few surprises.

Dec 31st Yesterday’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Variety Show Yesterday’s Event Center, 15631 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL. Come enjoy a night of your favorite music. Show.

RSVP required, please specify if you plan to eat.

RSVP to info@yesterdaysevents.com.

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Clean and Green

Give The Gift Of Recycling

by Lynne Hart

Recently, I had the privilege and pleasure of providing the program for all 5th and 6th grade 4H Club meetings during the month of November. Yes, nearly 50 presentations and over 1,000 students reached in about 3 weeks. Am I tired? Yes. Was it good? Absolutely!

Recycling was the topic since America Recycles Day is celebrated in November. The students learned so much as we played a rousing game of Environmental Jeopardy.

One of the questions was “Name three things that should be recycled after Christmas.” Most of the students were able to get that one right. Can you?

The holidays create lots and lots of materials that need to be disposed of in some way.

Here are a few things that you can and should recycle: •Gift wrap •Tissue paper •Gift bags that can’t be reused •Christmas cards •Gift boxes that won’t be reused •Shipping boxes •Cooking oil (from all those turkeys and other good things)

•Aluminum cans and plastic bottles (from all the parties) •Electronics that have been replaced by Santa •Glass bottles and jars (what was in them is our secret) Another question asked was, “Why is it helpful to flatten boxes before recycling?”

The answer is that it saves space. It saves space where you store them before taking them to the recycling center.

It saves space in the collection bins and trailers which means they don’t have to be emptied as often. This is especially important when using the cardboard collection trailers located at most county schools. When the boxes are not broken down, the trail-

ers fill up very quickly which means multiple trips by center employees to empty them.

Flattening the boxes would allow so much more to be put in the trailers before they needed to be emptied, saving time, gas, and money.

The Athens-Limestone Recycling Center is part of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful which is a non-profit organization. The center services the trailers in the city and county schools, and city and county businesses without charge.

The simple step of breaking down cardboard and using the other collection bins correctly is one way of helping keep costs down for the center.

The students also discussed the fourth R of recycling - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, RESPECT. They were asked to explain how respect fits in with the action of recycling.

They needed a bit of help with this one and so do many adults.

When we do anything, we should always think about the next person who will be working with or handling

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what we’ve done. If a cardboard box is recycled without removing Styrofoam peanuts, chances are someone will find those peanuts in their crops, on the roadway, or in their yards. If block Styrofoam is left in the boxes, the recycling staff has to remove it before processing or it can contaminate a bale of cardboard. When recycling milk jugs, rinse them out if possible. Milk does not smell good after a few days. One business tossed all of their bathroom trash in with their recycling, which meant the center staff had to pick out all of that trash so the rest of the materials could be recycled. That is a clear example of disrespect in recycling!

The students had a lot to think about. It is my hope that these children take what they’ve learned and pass it on to their parents and others. It is also my hope that their parents will listen to their children and apply those lessons.

It only takes a few minutes to make sure your bountiful holiday trash is handled properly. Recycle all you can, and be sure to consider that fourth R - Respect.

Please call the Recycling Center at 256-233-8746 or the KALB office with any questions you have about what you can or cannot recycle.

Enjoy the holidays!

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com December 4 - December 17, 2015

Cooking with Shelley

Cajun Christmas Chicken Spread

by Shelley Underhill “Ho, ho, ho” is almost here, and all along the way we will have many a Christmas party to go to, so why not make something simple easy and tasty? If you follow these simple directions, then you are guaranteed to have the dish that everybody keeps asking “Who made that chicken stuff?” Give it a try and let me know how they like it.

You can email me at shelleysdesk@gmail.com

Cajun Christmas Chicken Spread 2 cans of Tyson white chunk chicken, welldrained

Happy Holidays, and most importantly, God Bless.

5 green onions, sliced very thin 2 small jars of pimentos, well-drained 3 boiled eggs, finely chopped 1/2 cup of Blue Plate mayo Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning to taste

Directions After eggs are boiled and chopped, and other ingredients are drained well, combine together and mix well. You can serve as is, or refrigerate and then serve.

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Health and Fitness

Lower Back Pain

by Janet Hunt

Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment. around your waistline because this extra weight adds more stress to those lower back muscles. My back always begins to bother me when I put on an extra pound or two, and goes away when I take it back off.

About 80 percent of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. I suffer from it periodically as a result of lifting something incorrectly over 30 years ago, and my husband is now suffering. It is the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work days.

Men and women are equally affected by lower back pain. Pain can begin abruptly as a result of an accident or by lifting something heavy, or it can develop over time due to age-related changes of the spine and a sedentary lifestyle.

Most low back pain is acute, lasting a few days to a few weeks. It tends to resolve on its own with self-care. Chronic back pain is defined as back pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer.

The occurrence of low back pain has grown worse in recent years.

In 1990, a study ranking the most burdensome health conditions in the U.S put low back pain in sixth place. In 2010, low back pain jumped to third place, with only heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ranking higher. This is likely a result of an increase in obesity and the lower levels of physical activity.

Below are some recommendations for preventing lower back pain:

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•Eat a healthy diet containing a sufficient daily intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.

•A regimen of lowimpact exercises is advised. Speed walking, swimming, or stationary bike riding 30 minutes daily to increase muscle strength and flexibility. Yoga also can help stretch and strengthen muscles and improve posture. Talk with a personal trainer for suggestions on a low-impact, age-appropriate exercise program that is specifically targeted to strengthening lower back and abdominal muscles.

•Don’t slouch when standing or sitting. The lower back can support a person’s weight best when the unnatural curvature is reduced.

When standing, keep your weight balanced on your feet with your knees slightly bent (never locked).

•At home or work, make sure work surfaces are at a comfortable height.

Unfortunately, most of our homes have bath-

room sinks at too low of a height for our backs.

•Sit in chairs with good lumbar support and sit in proper position and height for the task. Keep shoulders back. Switch sitting positions often and periodically walk around the office/house or gently stretch muscles to relieve tension. A pillow or rolled-up towel placed behind the small of the back can provide some lumbar support.

During prolonged periods of sitting, elevate feet on a low stool or a stack of books.

them, pulling the stomach muscles in, and keeping your head down and in line with a straight back. When lifting, keep objects close to your body. Never twist when lifting.

•Keep your weight within 10 pounds of what is recommended. Do not carry extra weight

•Quit smoking. Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine, which can contribute to spinal disc degeneration.

Smoking also increases the risk of osteoporosis.

Coughing due to heavy smoking also may cause back pain.

If you are suffering back pain and are not exercising regularly, I recommend consulting your healthcare provider about beginning an exercise program.

•Wear comfortable, lowheeled shoes.

•Sleeping on your side with your knees drawn up in a fetal position can help open up the joints in the spine and relieve pressure by reducing the curvature of the spine; always sleep on a firm surface.

•Do not lift objects that are too heavy. Lift from the knees by bending

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December 4 - December 17, 2015

Cover Story

The Heritage Children’s Chorale’s Christmas Concert: Great Things And Goodness

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

choir director at First United Methodist Church in Athens, and she is both a highly trained musician herself, and I can say as well from personal observation, she is an excellent chorale director.

When Mary contacted me regarding writing another advertorial for the Christmas concerts to be held in Athens and Pulaski, TN, she invited me to attend a practice. The plan was for me to see just what was “cookin’ with the Chorale,” and hear them for myself. I came zooming into the foyer to head upstairs to the choir room, and the inexplicably marvelous sound of children’s voices washed down the steps and drenched me in delight.

“Oh, wow,” I said to myself, as I quickly climbed the stairs. “They are really good.” I snuck in, sat in the

back, and allowed myself to be mesmerized by a number of favorite holiday pieces, including the Youth version of Handel’s Messiah. I found myself singing quietly along with them, and no one seemed to mind. They were focused on their director, and it was an encouraging thing to experience.

What was impressive to me was the quality of voice lessons the children were getting as they were practicing. Mary draws out and develops the very best in them, and with firmness, humor and repetition, teaches them vocal production at a level that is not often seen in a smaller town setting.

Most folks are familiar with the song, “Sleigh Ride,” but can probably only comfortably sing, “Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.” The rest of the lyrics are fast, complicated, and not at all easy, but these

kids can do it.

Many of the members of HCC stay with the Chorale for ten years, from the ages of 8 to 18, and it’s easy to see why.

The level of camaraderie and commitment is high, the older ones help the younger ones, and it is indeed a community whose bonds last beyond the age of 18. swept away by the beautiful faces and voices of children, especially at Christmas time.”

She thought a little more, and said:

Nearly 30 years ago, Mary became concerned with the lack of choral training available to “regular kids in the neighborhood.” Chorus was dropped from schools, singing as a community in general was waning, and she wanted to pay forward the opportunity she had been given as a child growing up in New York City. The Chorale was born, has branches in Athens and Pulaski, and the vision burns brightly to this day.

“We have had parents come and hear their children sing solos, and previously had no idea their child could not only sing, but could sing well,” she told me. “They genuinely have been shocked,” she added. She went on to tell me that she very much wanted people to understand that “These are just average kids. They do sports, belong to other organizations, but when they are here, they work hard, and it pays off.”

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Lining the walls of the choir room are advertising posters of almost 3 decades of past performances. There are also motivational posters, and I particularly liked two of them. One said, “Learn to sing, and once you’ve learned, sing.” The other was entitled “Passion,” and in part, says, “Passion motivates us to risk, trust, and attempt great things for the right reasons.”

The Heritage Children’s Chorale has built trust between the children, parents, and Mary, and the attempt at doing “great things for the right reasons” speaks for itself.

I asked Mary, “Why, when during the holidays there are any number of concerts available to be attended, should someone attend the HCC Christmas Concert?”

She had several answers: “There is nothing more inspiring and life-giving than watching children. People are

“We are constantly hearing about problems with kids, either on the news, or in the movies, or in our schools or neighborhoods. Anytime you have the chance to see young people standing up, 45 of them, and doing something good, it gives a great boost of hope. Good things are being done by kids. It is simply a matter of great things and goodness.”

If you could use a “great boost of hope” this holiday season, then I highly recommend you attend one or both of their concerts. The Pulaski, TN concert will be held at 7 pm on Thursday, December 10th at the First Presbyterian Church, 202 Second Street.

The Athens concert will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Monday, December 14th at 7 pm. The address is 208 West Hobbs Street. Admission is free, and there will be a love offering taken. I hope you will join me for a boost of hope, and a reminder of the great things and goodness that can come from doing things for the right reasons.

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Jerry’s Journal

Where Hell Was Green, Part 2

by Jerry Barksdale

Lt. Joe Rogers received orders to replace the artillery Forward Observer in the field who was going home It was a dangerous assignment. He would be humping through the jungles with grunts on search and destroy operations. When the enemy was encountered, he would radio the coordinates back to the Fire Direction Center, and within seconds, big guns would be belching steel toward the enemy.

After being issued an M-16 rifle and flak jacket, Rogers boarded a “Log Bird” (supply helicopter) loaded with ammo and supplies and lifted off.

From above, the triple canopy jungle appeared serene, but he knew better. Beneath the beautiful green were poisonous snakes, tigers, monkeys, swarms of biting mosquitoes, stinging insects, ants, leeches that sucked a man’s blood, and most dangerous of all, North Vietnamese soldiers bent on killing Americans. “Before landing, we were shot at a few times,” says Rogers. “That was my first baptism under fire.”

The chopper landed and Rogers jumped off and met the Company Commander. They had been ambushed the night before and several dead and wounded soldiers were loaded aboard for evacuation. Incoming mortar rounds began falling, trying to knock out the chopper. Rogers looked for cover. He spotted a large ant hill about eight feet in circumference and ran behind it.

“Every time a mortar round fell, I moved around a little bit further to get away from the impact.” When the firing ceased, he was told to prepare to move out.

“Get rid of that flak jacket. It

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weighs 20 pounds and you’ll sweat off 40 pounds while you are here,” he was told. The seasoned grunts were bare from the waist up, a bottle of mosquito repellant attached to their helmet for easy access and dog tags tucked inside their boots to prevent rattling. They moved out through the thick jungle where visibility was often limited to eight feet, sometimes crossing fields of tall elephant grass with sharp blades that would slice a man’s skin, never knowing when a sniper’s bullet would find it’s mark. Later, Rogers would trade his M-16 for a pump shotgun.

Near sundown, they halted in the jungles, put out a defensive perimeter some 500 meters from the encampment and dug in. Sand bags were filled with the excavated dirt and stacked around the hole. It was stifling hot and the men usually slept on poncho liners on the ground near their hole. Chinch bugs came out at night, making a creepy sound and crawled beneath the men. Mosquitoes feasted on their blood. “Everything was out to get you,” says Rogers. “If you sat down, it would probably be on a thorn or a snake. I leaned against a tree and a thorn stuck in my head.”

They rose at daybreak, the ambush perimeter was called in, and everyone breakfasted on C-rations. No one liked a cold breakfast. Ingenuity kicked in.

Composition Four, a putty like explosive, that is detonated by electric shock, was set fire to heat the rations.

After emptying the sand bags into the hole, the men moved out, single file through the jungle, searching for the enemy.

The Point Man was out front acting as the eyes and ears of the company. Near the back was the Company Commander, a black officer from Texas who

had a gold front tooth. His call sign was “Gold 6.” They were walking through tall elephant grass when the Point Man radioed Gold 6. “Sir, we just crossed a log on the trail.” They usually didn’t follow trails because enemy scouts would be watching.

The log was suspicious looking and the men stepped over it. A few minutes later, Gold 6’s radio crackled again. “Sir, the log is a snake!” A large python about ten feet long was lying in the sun digesting a wild pig.

“Sir, what are we going to do with the snake?” “Send it to the rear,” replied Gold 6. “If we tell someone they won’t believe it.” The snake was shot. Rogers tried to stuff it in a duffle bag, but it wouldn’t go. “We cut it in half and the ‘Log Bird’ took it back to the rear.”

The United States had long suspected that China was assisting North Vietnam. Chinese weapons had been found, but China steadfastly denied any involvement. Rogers and his men proved otherwise. “We found a Chinaman and killed him,” says Rogers. “He was about 6 feet tall and weighed 180 to 200 pounds. That was proof that Chinese were in Vietnam.

The corpse was getting ripe and smelling and we buried him.

Everything rots, rusts or reeks in the jungle. Everybody had to come and see him, including the Southern Pacific Commander, headquartered in Hawaii. The Press had to come see the corpse too. We buried that dude and dug him up three different times. He smelled. Wow! We finally buried him and left him.”

The men were always on the move searching for the enemy in underground bunkers, never staying in one place unless they discovered a bunker. The bunkers were large and cleverly

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concealed, usually chocked full of munitions and supplies.

While moving through the jungles, they saw a parrot walking around in a circle with a string tied to one leg. Nearby, smoke was coming from the ground.

The smoke was being vented through an underground bamboo pipe from a bunker located a half a mile away. When the bunker was taken and searched, it contained a hospital, morgue, mess hall with cook stoves, a barracks and a training room with chalkboard and bamboo seats. “On the chalk board were pictures of U.S. aircraft,” says Rogers. “They knew the capability of our aircraft. They went to school underground to learn.”

Rogers rescued the parrot. “He was shell shocked. He’d walk around a bit and fall over.” A few days later, the men were flown back to Palace Guard (LZ Nancy) for rest where the parrot lived in peace with Rogers.

“We’d swap out with someone to take care of the parrot. One of the Medics adopted him. He still had shell shock and would fall over.” Rogers was due for 10 days of R and R and flew to Hawaii where he met his wife for the first time in 7 months.

While there, he purchased a parrot cage at Sears. “I lugged that cage all the way back to Vietnam; hitchhiked back to my unit, catching rides on different helicopters. Along the way everyone as curious about the cage,” says Rogers. “When I got back, someone had turned the parrot loose. All that time and trouble I went to, and the parrot was gone.” Rogers returned to operations in the jungles. “Battles were furious, but often short and we took a lot of casualties,” he says. “Things were hairy, frightful and every emotional. You couldn’t see in the jungle, you responded to what you could hear and felt.

Most soldiers developed a sense of smell. It was survival of the fittest. My walking Bible was the 23rd psalm. When going into combat assault, I quoted it. It was the last thing I did. And there was also slack time when the men looked for entertainment to divert their minds from the reality of death that was always lurking nearby. Ant fighting was popular. Red ants and black ants were natural enemies.

They lived in bags hanging in a tree, similar to bag worms.

We’d take the black ants and put them in a tree with red ants and stand back and watch the fight,” says Rogers. “They’d fight to the death. They killed each other off and ate the remains and took all the fragments back to the colony for the other ants to eat.” Morbid entertainment, but the men were living near death each day. And then there was bridge playing. If they happened to remain in one location several days “light discipline” was put in effect. No lights at night.

A lighted cigarette could be seen a mile away. “We’d get under a tent at night and using a flashlight would play bridge.

We were out in nowhere in combat and playing bridge.

We’d play with MPC (military pay certificates) called funny money. Everyone sent their real money home except for about $50 bucks a month.

There was nothing to spend it on.”

When Rogers was sent to Vietnam, he was told many times, “Don’t make close friends. It will affect how you act as a soldier.” He knew it was true, but didn’t heed the advice.

Consequences bore fruit soon after a new Company Commander whom the men called “Beetle Bailey” took command.

To Be Continued...

December 4 - December 17, 2015

Cover Story

Thomas Pitman, M.D., F.A.C.O.G/FPMRS: Serving North Alabama Since 1994

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

the University of Louisville, he has always been an Alabama football fan. Therefore, he knew he had to practice in the area, and has done so since 1994. Since that time, he has delivered over 5,000 babies, and at present he averages about 10 babies per month. So, that takes care of the “OB” part of the letters after his name, and he never gets tired of bringing little ones into the world. He is a Board Certified OBGYN, practicing at Valley Women’s Center, which is located on Hwy 72, just east of the Athens Publix Shopping Center.

The “F.A.C.O.G.,” of course, refers to all things pertaining to medicine that are unique to women only, and stands for Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. This is an OB/GYN that has taken extra training and is a member of a national society that is focused on the improvement of women’s health care. But, what in the world does “FPMRS” stand for? The answer is “Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery”, and it is one tough, rare, certification to have. There are only 4 FPMRS doctors north of Birmingham, and Dr. Pitman told me it was the hardest test he had ever taken in his entire life. “I studied for it for 6 months,” he said, and he received his certification this past September.

I want someone to be able to practice this type of medicine after I am gone.” Dr. Pitman responded to the challenge, got the experience, and said that he is now treating patients who need female pelvic reconstructive surgery whose babies he delivered 20 years ago. (Note: the FPMRS certification was not in existence in 2006. That is a much more recent development.)

“For the first time, my socks are dry! I don’t have to wear diapers, and I can get down on the floor and play with my grandkids without worrying.”

“There are no words to describe how rewarding it is to be able to greatly improve someone’s quality of life,” he said. He added, “No one should live with these problems when there’s a 90% success rate, and less than a 10% chance of recurrence.” Dr. Pitman doesn’t just perform the surgeries. As an associate of American Medical Systems, (now known as Astora Women’s Health), he has traveled to Memphis, Little Rock, Birmingham and Florida to teach other physicians how to do them as well.

“Nearly 1 in 2 women by the age of 65 will have some kind of prolapse in their reproductive system or their bladder,” he told me, and added, “While it is not life threatening, it is a huge quality of life issue.”

He laughed as he told me about an email he received recently from a patient who had undergone the surgery, because she had told him,

Several people wanted him to have his practice in Birmingham, but he is passionate about his work in Athens, and doesn’t want to be anywhere else. Felicia Lambert, who works in Marketing and Foundation for Athens-Limestone Hospital, and who was also present for the interview had this to say about Dr. Pitman: “This is his community. I have been here for 18 years, and because some of my job for Athens-Limestone Hospital is physician recruiting, I can say that this is the type of doctor I would want, and I may just

As a young doctor, his focus was understandably on delivering babies, but as his patients aged, their health care needs changed. In 2006, he was approached by an older urologist who told Dr. Pitman, “Look, I am not always going to be around, and

December 4 - December 17, 2015

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need his services someday.”

In other words, he’s the real deal.

He is also transparent about his faith, which he will plainly tell you wasn’t always fervent, but now is. “I pray with my patients,” he said without apology. “I know the Great Physician, I love my patients, and I love the Lord.” He also is very careful to give God glory for all that has happened in his life, and the blessings he has received on a number of fronts. We spent time exchanging stories of being on the foreign mission field, and how it changes you from the inside out. He can’t wait to go back to Africa.

On a practical note, when I asked him why I should choose him if I needed female pelvic reconstructive surgery, he said, “Experience.” He then added, “Since 2006, I have put in over 4,000 pelvic slings for prolapse and incontinence.”

Lastly, on a personal note, he finished up our time together with the following statement: “I have a passion for improving the lives of my patients.

Nothing is more rewarding, and I give the glory to God.” If this is the kind of physician for whom you have been looking, then Dr. Thomas Pitman and the staff of Valley Women’s Center is waiting to serve you at 22335 US Hwy 72, Athens, AL, 35613.

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Learning As A Lifestyle

2015 Year’s End

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 I sit here after eating the best Thanksgiving dinner, stuffed to my eyeballs with turkey and trimmings, and I am so thankful. For one thing, we have a place where the whole family can gather. Since Momma comes from a large family, there are lots of aunts, cousins, and cousin’s children. We had nearly fifty at dinner this year. Most of us live in town, but some years this is the only time we get to see each other. I am sure you know what that is like. Everyone is so busy these days.

For another thing, the year is winding down – there are only two weeks until our break.

The Center offices will close for the Christmas holidays from Thursday, December 17 – Monday, January 4, 2016.

Remember, the Center offices will be closed but Square Clock Coffee will be open during this time.

You can still come in for coffee, lunch, or pastries.

Although the year is

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man Resource, is the guest speaker. The fee is $25 and includes lunch.

coming to a close, the Center is not slowing down. As soon as one event is over, we are setting up the next one. Right now we are developing the Winter Catalog of courses, hosting several birthdays and wedding receptions, (rehearsal dinners too,) and getting ready for the Committed Concert. If you don’t have your tickets to the concert, you can call 256-2338260 to request available seats or stop by the Center at 121 South

We seem to be growing in leaps and bounds. We are really close to having 100,000 visitors to the Center this year.

They come as guests at parties, they come for a cup of coffee or lunch at Square Clock Coffee, or they come for classes.

There were nearly 1000 visitors for the Christmas Open House and Merry Market on November 21-22. If you have never been to the Center, be sure to stop by. We will be happy to show you around and tell you the story of the renovation and past stores that were housed in our building.

Marion Street.

On Thursday, December 10, we will have Lunch & Learn Transformational Leadership

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Course. This session is Conflict Resolution, a very popular topic.

Class is from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Marsha Sloss, director of Athens Hu-

As one year ends, another begins. In 2016 we will be offering Archery Classes for kids and adults, Hand Gun Safety Classes, and Tatting.

We will also be doing Academic Traveler trips to Israel, Warm Springs, GA and Gettysburg, PA. These are just a few of the things that we have on our agenda for the next year. Winter Catalogs will be available beginning January 4. Also, watch our website for updates as soon as they happen. Our website is www.athens.edu/ CLL.

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Dog Barker

Holiday Safety Tips For Your Dog

by Kimberly Gosser

Athens Now is pleased to welcome Kimberly Gosser, owner of Pawsh Pet Styling and Barkery, to our writing staff. Thanks, Joel, for yours years of contributions, and get better soon!

The holidays are a busy time for many households.

Friends and family come and go, deliveries are made to the door, delicious smells emanate from the kitchen, and a general happy hubbub means that something special is happening. Among those affected by these changes is the family dog.

While one dog may revel in the change of pace, another may find it a confusing, stressful time. Your normally placid dog may suddenly begin to exhibit unusual behaviors, such as stealing food, jumping up on people, or growling and/or snapping at visitors. As pack leader, you need to communicate and demonstrate to your dog that while his world may be different, you will continue to keep him safe and secure.

When an insecure dog (no matter his size or breed) encounters a new situation, he doesn’t know what to do. If he feels threatened, he may react defensively with a snap or bite. On the other hand, a well-socialized dog is comfortable meeting and being with others, both dogs and people. He has been introduced to a variety of situations and knows he and his pack have remained safe through them all.

The following are some tips to help calm your dog and keep everyone in the home safe during the active holiday season.

Children visitors Dogs that live in a household with no children may not be comfortable when kids come to visit. The chaos created by youngsters like grandchildren will inherently raise the energy level in the house, causing the dog to worry or stress. Here are some ways

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to control such situations if your dog does not cope well with children.

•Always supervise kids (especially very young children) and dogs when they are together. Most dog bites to children occur when they are alone with a dog.

•With a very young child, parents must be vigilant and monitor their tot’s interactions with the dog. Parents should teach children of all ages to treat dogs with respect and gentleness.

•Never invite a child to feed the dog by hand as this teaches the dog it is acceptable to take any food from a child. Because of a child’s small size, the dog may view her as an equal and thus may try to take advantage of the situation.

Boundaries and security Dogs need to have their own “home,” a place where they feel secure and calm. If your dog doesn’t already have a place of his own, create one for him.

•A crate or pet carrier provides a natural safe haven for your dog. Keep his crate or dog pillow in a quiet area of the home, and direct your dog to go there when you need to set boundaries.

While he may not like being separated from you, he will still feel secure.

•If your dog begins to bark or nip at visitors, remove him from the area and keep him in his safe place until your guests have gone.

•Keep the dog out of certain rooms where he can get underfoot. For example, training your dog to stay out of the kitchen (where most household accidents occur) is a good safety measure. It also helps to prevent your

dog from begging for food.

for dogs.

•If you travel during the holidays, taking his crate/carrier will help your dog feel more relaxed, since “home” is wherever he finds you and his familiar bed.

•Consider putting your dog on a leash as guests arrive to maintain better control of him.

Elderly dogs Elderly dogs may not enjoy the extra hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Be mindful of keeping your older dog comfortable when his routine is disrupted.

•If your elderly dog gets cranky around visitors, simply take him to his special quiet place where he won’t be bothered and can feel secure.

•Remind children to be respectful of your older dog.

Always provide supervision when dogs and kids are together.

Front door behaviors A knock on the door can be a stimulating event for a dog, whether he sees it as fun or alarming. It is natural for him to want to know who the visitors are to determine if they are friendly or not. However, a dog that explodes with excitement at the sound of the doorbell is both annoying and unsafe; he may dash out the door and run into harm’s way, he may get underfoot and become a trip hazard, he may knock people over, or he may become aggressive to the visitor.

•To help your dog be calmer, exercise him prior to the arrival of guests. After 30 minutes of walking or playing, your dog will more likely be relaxed or want to nap.

•As a general rule, don’t allow the family dog to greet unfamiliar guests because commotion and unusual circumstances can cause stress

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•Teach your dog to sit and stay on command. When the doorbell rings, put him in a sit-stay and do not open the door until he calms down.

•If your dog gets overly excited with arriving visitors, remove him from the scene ahead of time. Place him in his crate in a quiet room, and then let him join the party later.

By anticipating how your dog may react to new activities and visitors, you can help ensure that everyone (both two- and four-legged) has a fun and safe holiday season.

•Be sure that your dog doesn’t get too much rich “people” food. This applies to any day, but no holiday has as much rich food as Christmas does.

•Make sure your dog can’t dash out a door when company comes. You are likely to have more company in December than during the rest of the year combined.

•Substances like chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine are dangerous year-round, but are more likely to be in the house at Christmastime.

•Candles are always a worry.

Some Christmas decorations include lighted candles next to dry fir arrangements—just don’t do it!

If you have an adventurous dog, remember these Christmas Tree safety tips: •No glass ornaments, at least on the lower branches. When dogs are batting at ornaments, you don’t want ones that can fall and break.

•No tinsel. It is indigestible, and if it gets caught in your dog’s intestinal tract, you’re on your way to the emergency clinic for some serious surgery.

•No food on the tree. That means no strings of popcorn (if your dog eats the popcorn, the string can end up tangled in his tummy—which means a trip to the emergency clinic!), no candy canes, (since you never know what will strike a dog’s fancy), and it definitely means no cute little fake-dog-treat ornaments.

Some dogs who turn up their noses at dog treats will climb a tree to get a lacquered, painted dog treat. We don’t know why, but it’s true!

•No preservatives in the tree water. If you have a fresh tree, keep it well watered, but don’t add those packets of preservatives to the water.

•No presents under the tree.

Ribbons, paper, and boxes can become a shredded mess the minute you turn your head.

•If possible, try to separate the tree from the dog. Put the tree in a room that you declare off limits to the dog unless you’re there to supervise. Or, if you have a small tree, put it on a tall table so that your dog can’t reach it.

Will your dog ever outgrow this behavior? Maybe. A lot of boisterous puppies and young dogs become very mellow adults. However, some dogs—like some people—just never grow up, and “better safe than sorry” definitely applies here. Keep a careful eye on your dog and his environment. Make sure that he can’t get in trouble.

Love him, protect him, guard him, and make sure he stays safe through the holidays.

December 4 - December 17, 2015

What Makes Ronnie Roll

What Now? Part 1

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Mayor Ronnie was fresh back from a week at the beach with his family, and got some much needed rest, save for the traffic on the way back home. It was beastly!

This time our chat centered around education, and the expanding needs of students in our area due to the continual growth of our city and county. You will remember that toward the end of the summer, there was plenty of spirited discussion and then a vote put to the people of Athens in regard to building a new high school. As we all know, it was defeated. Mayor Ronnie, as he set forth the options that are now before us to consider ways to fund a new school, reiterated that the people had spo-

ken. “We heard it, we heard the democratic vote” he said, and then asked, “What now?”

It became very apparent when there was the bomb threat made earlier in the Fall at the Middle School, and kids and staff had to be evacuated quickly and safely, that the Middle School has a number of public safety issues that certainly were not something anyone was having to consider when it was built in 1956. “Egress was a nightmare,” he said. Due to the Middle School’s location, that is not something that can be remedied by repair or remodeling, and in the event of an actual bomb could be a huge problem.

December 4 - December 17, 2015

One of the things I have come to appreciate about the Mayor is how creatively he responds to challenges, and the kinds of questions he asks when he is in the process of solving problems. I also appreciate that I can ask him questions, and, as always, came away from our time feeling like I had learned something.

What is little known, and I found fascinating, is that there was a random phone poll conducted prior to the August school funding election, and of those surveyed, 70% said they would support the building program that was being proposed. However, they made it very clear that they wanted to

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have the funding package passed all at once and get it out of the way, rather than have it come in stages. Interestingly, when the election finally came, it was nearly the same percentage of voters who were against it.

Moving forward, there is a bit of confusion that needs to be cleared up in regard to the role that the City Council has in all of this. “The City Council does NOT have the authority, according to Alabama State Law, to vote on a property tax increase,” he said. He then added, “That’s the vote of the people.”

As of now, the Mayor and the City Council are working closely with the Athens Public Schools Finance Department to

see what kinds of things can be done to solve the school funding problem.

“Basically, we are looking at reducing administrative costs by attrition, looking at the impact that the increase of student population growth will have on state funding made available to us, and exploring how we can best utilize the tax revenue we already have,” he said. It became apparent that we were going to have to talk about this again in much more detail, so we finished laying the foundation for this article, prayed for wisdom for our leaders, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll.

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Medical Update

The Dangers Of A Low Salt Diet courtesy BrandPoint Content (BPT) - Salt, or sodium chloride, is essential for life. In fact, no mineral is more essential to human survival than sodium because it allows nerves to send and receive electrical impulses, helps your muscles stay strong, and keeps your cells and brain functioning. However, sodium chloride (salt) is a nutrient that the body cannot produce, and therefore it must be eaten.

The average American eats about 3,400 mg per day of sodium, according to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

You may have heard that this is too much, but according to new research, it may actually be on the low side of the healthy range. A 2014 study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, tested sodium consumption in more than 100,000 people in 17 countries. The study found that the healthy range for sodium consumption was between 3,000 and 6,000 mg per day. Eating more than 7,000 mg per day of sodium increases your risk of death or cardiovascular incidents, but not as much as eating less than 3,000 mg per day. The low salt diet was significantly more harmful than the high salt diet.

It preserves acid-base balance in the body, aids potassium absorption, improves the ability of the blood to move harmful carbon dioxide from tissues out to the lungs and, most importantly, it supplies the crucial stomach acids required to break down and digest all the foods we eat.

Because the level of salt consumption is so stable, it is an ideal medium to use for fortifying other essential nutrients such as iodine. Iodized salt first produced in the U.S. in 1924 is now used by 75 percent of the world’s

population to protect against mental retardation due to Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD).

Iodine is an essential element in healthy human life, enabling the function of thyroid glands to produce needed hormones for proper metabolism. When children in the womb don’t get enough iodine from their mother, fetal brain development may be impaired.

During pregnancy, iodine deficiency can cause a child to develop learning disabilities and mental retardation as well as developmental problems affecting his speech,

Salt Has Many Health Benefits The other component of salt, chloride, is also essential to survival and good health.

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hearing and growth.

Salt is also a vital component of hydration. After exercise, it is critical to replace both water and salt lost through perspiration during exercise.

That is why all athletes make sure they are consuming sufficient salt during and after a workout. Expectant mothers and seniors, in particular, need to guard against under-consumption of salt.

Higher-salt diets have also been used successfully to combat chronic fatigue syndrome. Asthma sufferers, particularly in Eastern Europe, are often treated by having the person spend time in salt mines or salt caves. This is because the unique microclimate, containing ultrafine salt particles helps clear the lungs.

Falls are one of the most serious problems for the elderly and about a third of people older than 65 fall at least once every year. Fall-related injuries in the elderly are associated with numerous psychological and physical consequences and are a leading cause of bone breakage and hip fractures, which can lead to complications and permanent disability or death. More than 5 percent of all hospitalizations in people older than 65 years are due to fall-related injuries. Sadly, the research shows that in assisted living facilities where almost all residents are given low-salt diets, the rate of falls and fractures are three times as great as in the normal home environment.

Salt and Life

Low Salt Diet Myths

Expectancy

Low salt diets can be especially harmful for the elderly.

In older people, mild hyponatremia (low sodium concentration) is the most common form of electrolyte imbalance in the blood. Indeed, several recent medical papers found a direct relationship between hyponatremia and unsteadiness, falls, bone fractures and attention deficits.

Elderly people on low salt diets often experience lack of thirst which leads to dehydration and they experience loss of appetite that leads to a host of health problems.

It is well documented that the Japanese and the Swiss enjoy some of the longest life expectancy rates of anyone in the world. It is less known however, that they also have among the highest rates of salt consumption. A review of peer-reviewed medical research around the world indicates that if people were to actually consume the low levels of salt recommended in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, they would put their health at risk. Fortunately, most Americans - including the elderly - when left to their own choice consume salt within the healthy range.

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