December 6, 2013

December 6 - December 19, 2013

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature

The Future Of The Family Resource Center...

There is no question that Athens and the Limestone County area is a wonderful place to live, work and belong...

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Dog Barker

OnMark Physical Therapy: Empowering The Patient

By Ali Elizabeth Turner Ten years ago, in 2003, a young West Limestone man named Tyler Tucker walked the stage and received his high school diploma.

Fresh out of high school, he worked in an office that summer, and while his grandfather was a successful engineer, Tyler realized that moving forward in engineering was not going to be the career path for him. He headed to Calhoun College, and on to Auburn, where Continued on pages 15

A Letter To Doggie Claus...

Dear Doggie Claus, I have been a really good Canine Family Member this year.

You might have heard rumors of my experiences, as I have grown this year...

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Special Feature

TCL Cleaning Services: Caring For Your Home As Though It Were Their Own

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Author Reviews Own Novel And Gives Two Thumbs Up... After five years of rising before daybreak and consuming over 5,400 cups of Maxwell House, my historical novel, Revolutionaries & Rebels, has finally been birthed...

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December 6 - December 19, 2013

Dr. Tyler Tucker and Office Coordinator Lauren Tucker

When Felicia McGee was 15 years old, she began to work with her mom, who owned her own cleaning business. She fell in love with it, and when the time was right, she continued on the tradition by starting her own business here in Athens. It’s called TCL Cleaning Services, Continued on page 17

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December 6 - December 19, 2013

Publisher’s Point

Thoughts On “Decisive Action”

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales / Editing Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Teresa Todd Janet Hunt Joel Allen Will Anderson Dr. Patrick Boyett Jackie Warner Melissa Kirby

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Uncommon Sense . . . . . . . . 7 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18 World According To Will . . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . 20 View From The Bridge . . . 21

It’s been an unusual few weeks since the last edition of Athens Now hit the stands and the ‘net. For openers, Hanukkah “snuck” up on me, and as some of you know, it coincided with Thanksgiving for the first time since 1888, and won’t do that again for nearly 70,000 years. Our family is Christian, and for about 10 years we have attempted to celebrate Hanukkah and are pretty lame at it. We have a family tradition, and that is, we have our family Thanksgiving on Wednesday, and go help feed other folks on Thursday. I found out about the holiday overlap just a couple of days before the feast, and had to scramble to pull it all together. We had a menorah in the middle of our table, and offered our deepest thanks for all our blessings. As I am putting this edition to bed, it is the last night to light the menorah, and I learned a new and harrowing thing about Hanukkah this year that has stuck with me for days.

Most people are aware that the Festival of Lights, (which is also referred to as the Feast of Dedication in John 10, and was attended by our Savior,) was celebrated in remembrance of the Maccabee victory over Antiochus Epiphanes. Somehow, however, I had missed the story of the extraordinary sacrifice of a woman who watched her seven sons killed one by one by Anitochus’ men, and who encouraged them to stand firm for God, and not give into the threats, lies, and false promises of release in exchange for their acqui-

Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 23

December 6 - December 19, 2013

escence. After the youngest died, so did the woman, but there is no consensus as to how. Some say it was from grief.

Such courage can only be described as stunning, and, as if I didn’t have enough to think about, I then became aware of another significant piece of history that occurred much closer to our own back yard, and not all that long ago. In Athens, TN, in the year 1946, there was a citizen led uprising that came to be known as The Battle of Athens. The short version is that McMinn County had been run by corrupt officials for years, and the problem had reached a whole new low while the men folk were away fighting the Axis powers. When they returned from the war, they

peacefully tried to redress their grievances over the voter fraud and intimidation that was occurring throughout Athens. There came

Decisive action. The woman with the seven sons took “decisive action.” The GIs who had just been in harm’s way on foreign soil were not

a point, though, when all peaceful means were no longer working, and the Battle of Athens began. Shots were fired, people were wounded, the porch was blown off the jail, and the corrupt officials surrendered. Then, order was restored, and life pretty much went back to normal without the corrupt political machine making life miserable.

about to let their American town go the way of fascism and took “decisive action.”

There were other similar incidents in 1948, and I have to wonder, will America see a resurgence of such activity? Unfortunately, I think it’s more than possible, and we’ll have to wait and see.

Even Eleanor Roosevelt wrote about the event, and said the following: “The decisive action which has just occurred in our midst is a warning, and one which we cannot afford to overlook.”

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

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Special Feature

The Future Of The Family Resource Center

by Elizabeth A. Halbrooks, Attorney at Law There is no question that Athens and the Limestone County area is a wonderful place to live, work and belong. It has the most beautiful landscapes and downtown architecture.

People smile and say “Hello� as they walk by. It is a place where there is a true sense of genuine caring and reverence towards one another. Everyone is your neighbor and no one is a stranger.

Southern hospitality is exemplified and respect is freely given. As such, it was an easy decision to open my law practice in Athens nine years ago.

I had such a positive impression and felt that anything was possible.

Once I started practicing law, I soon realized that there were things hidden from view. There were children who were going to bed hungry at night.

There were children who walked to school in the dead of winter wearing shorts because they had no winter clothes. There were children living in homes with no running water and no electricity.

There were children who were living in cars and motels as their permanent residences. These were not isolated incidents. As I talk to principals and educators at our city and county schools, the poverty and desperate situations of our children were very real and very prevalent.

I felt so naĂŻve. I could not believe that in present day Athens, Alabama, you would have children eating out of coolers during the summer because

they had no electricity in their home. I could not believe that I had children heating water on the stove to take a sponge bath out of a sink because they had no hot water during the winter. Athens is not a third world country. How could these things happen here? But, they do. They happen every day. I know they happen because I represent these children.

I believe that the true measure of success for an attorney is when your clients never come back to the system. If I have done my job properly, I not only represent my clients in the courtroom, but I find out why they came into the system in the first place.

Then, we find ways to fix their current situations, so they do not come back.

It may be employment issues for the family. It may be educational issues or mental health issues. It may be dependency issues or economic issues. But, there must be a way to fix those issues to help families and more importantly the lives of children.

One way we combat those issues is through the help, support and guidance of the Family Resource Center. Since they have opened their doors to our community, they have

December 6 - December 19, 2013

helped countless numbers of our local families who are in need. Their services are invaluable to fill the gaps and provide services that other agencies do not provide. They not only offer services, but they can refer families and children to other resources as well. They have compiled a wealth of information to make sure our local families receive what they need.

They provide assessments for families, teach classes, locate low-income housing, and coordinate with other agencies to see that all needs are met.

Over the years, I have referred at least one hundred people to the Family Resource Center.

They have provided food, clothing, shelter and education to my clients and made referrals to other agencies for mental health, treatment and counseling.

They have helped my unemployed clients become employable and worked with them developing resumes and sending them to job interviews.

As if the Family Resource Center did not

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already do enough, they give back to the community through community service opportunities.

Families they help are asked to complete community service hours to give back for what they receive. It is a cycle of giving that not only helps local agencies but often leads to employment opportunities for the families participating.

I am sharing all of this with you because we are in danger of losing this valuable resource. Currently, the Family Resource Center needs $60,000 to provide for operating and administrative expenses that were lost in their budget due to cuts in grant money and fiscal support. We, as a community, need to band

together and see that the Family Resource Center obtains this one-time only funding to continue operating for the 2014 year. Please go by the Family Resource Center and make a monetary donation, ask your Clubs and Organizations to donate, ask your religious affiliations to donate, and most importantly, ask your local City and County Councilmen and Administrators to set aside funds in the budget to donate. Our local families and children cannot afford to lose the Family Resource Center and the help they provide. We, as a community, cannot afford to deny help to the very entity that has given so much to us.

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Calendar of Events Alabama Veterans Museum Coffee Call Dec 7

8:00 AM. All veterans are invited to the museum for breakfast and a time of fellowship with fellow veterans. Contact 256-771-7578.

believe it if we told you a bread pudding doused in dulce de leche was easier? Or that a dish with just three ingredients can be a dessert that pleases all palates and is ready in 10 minutes? Sign up for this class to get the insider track on all things sweet. To sign up for one of these events, you can call the creamery at 256.423.2238.

Community Garden Open House Dec 7

Reliance Bank Christmas Parade Dec 12

Ribbon Cutting at the Community Garden Santa Claus AND Sparky will be at the Community Garden ribbon cutting at the Farmers Market Saturday 409 Green Street West Athens, AL from 2:00 to 3:00! Santa will be in the new gazebo with his lap ready for your children -- great photo opportunity! Sip free hot chocolate as you walk around and learn about the gardens and the planting beds created by community volunteers, and what’s in store for this project. LCCI will be accepting canned goods for their food pantry, so help stock them up!

Christmas Concert Dec 8

Athens State University Community Band Christmas Concert, under the direction of Dan Havely,will be held in the Carter Gymnasium on Pryor Street on the northern border of campus. The concert is free and open to the public courtesy of the Livingston Concert Lecture Series with no reservations required.

1818 Farms Holiday Wreath-Making Class Dec 8

1818 Farms will provide the freshly-cut 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, and all kinds of fruit. The only requirement is that you bring a glue gun along with your creativity. Class fee $50. Call 256-714-3220.

“Paint and Take” Class Dec 10

“Paint and Take” Class from 6-8:30pm at the Alabama Center for the Arts 133 2nd Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601. Join Calhoun Community College Community Education Program for a fun night out sparking your creativity to produce a finished work of art in one sitting. No previous painting experience required! Ages 10 and up. This also makes a great Christmas gift! Visit www.calhoun.edu/communityed for more information. Call 256-260-2462 or email your registration to dbass@calhoun.edu.

Ardmore Christmas Parade Dec 10

Reliance Bank Christmas Parade (Athens) at 6 pm start at Athens High School on U.S. 31. Float lineup begins at 3:15. The theme is A Storybook Christmas. The parade goes west along Hobbs Street, winds around the Courthouse, travels down Jefferson Street and ends at Hometown Grocery.

Athens State University Community Chorus Holiday Concert Dec 12

7:30 p.m. in the ballroom. Tickets are $5. Buy tickets online atathens. edu/CLL or go to the Center for Lifelong Learning at 121 S. Marion St. on The Square.

Spirit of Athens Sippin Cider Dec 14

Spirit of Athens Sippin Cider downtown Athens 5-8PM. Come enjoy the shopping and take time to sip and vote for the best cider. Roast Marshmallows over firepits while live music fills the air, let the kids create Christmas crafts, and bring the camera and pose with Santa.

Mooresville Holiday Home Tour and Progressive Dinner Dec 14

Celebrate the Holiday Season in the historic 1818 village of Mooresville.

Check in 3:00 at the 1821 Stagecoach Tavern - Decorated Homes, 1839 Brick Church, and 1840 P.O. open & shopping available 3 to 7.

Dinner seating at 5:45 and at 7:00. For more information visit www. mooresvilleal.com/progressive-dinner or call 256-355-2683.

Elkmont Lions Club Christmas Parade Dec 14

Come and enjoy the Elkmont High School Marching Band, floats, walking groups, horses and much more. Contact: 256-732-4211

ONGOING EVENTS

1:00 PM. Bring your band, float, walking group, club entries, etc. and enter the parade. Enjoy the award winning Ardmore High School Marching Band. Contact: 256-423-3011, 931-427-2421 Free

Houston Memorial Library will be closed on Mondays beginning December 2nd, 2013

Belle Chevre Dessert Class Dec 11

The Alabama Veterans’ Museum needs volunteers! If you have a few hours per week and would like to help out, please call the museum at 256.771.7578. Pick the days and hours you would like to volunteer.

Are you tired of making the same old cake for guests? Would you

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December 6 - December 19, 2013

Uncommon Sense Law And Politics: The Gen Y Perspective waywwords.com

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uncommonsenselaw.blogspot.com

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beyondmymountaintop.blogspot.com

Carrying a Popsicle Stick

by Melissa Kirby Theodore Roosevelt was the first to record the proverb, “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” a term that would be used to define his foreign policy.

Meaning, roughly, that you smile nicely until you have to use force - and then you make sure you have that force available.

As policies go, this one has proven to be pretty effective, but it is highly reliant on your enemy believing that you have the ability to use force.

And sometimes, to prove it, you have to actually use it.

Fifty years ago, the United States believed that we had a president who was young and healthy, when JFK was actually in such terrible physical shape that he wore a back brace that would prevent him from dodging the second and fatal bullet.

And when he had to act on the illusion he had created, he ended up dead on a hospital bed in Dallas.

In 1980, Ruhollah Khomeini, the Ayatollah of Iran, did not believe that President Jimmy Carter was actually carrying a stick.

Or at least, he thought it was a popsicle stick.

Unfortunately, he was right, and for 444 days, 52 Americans were held hostage by Iranian terrorists. Khomeini also believed that Ronald Reagan had the power

any left.

As a nation, having the ability to back up what we threaten is paramount to our ability to sway the world, to force other countries into some semblance of social freedom and equality.

A military operation into Syria would be an awful thing to have to do. And our ventures into Afghanistan and Iraq haven’t been the rose-strewn avenues we optimistically hoped for. that Carter did not, and that this new American president was willing to use it. He believed it enough that he let 52 hostages walk free, rather than risk Reagan visiting his doorstep.

like everyone else: human.

as a direct result of their tyranny.

Interestingly enough, both Nero and Stalin suffered violent deaths

When you’re afraid of having your strength tested, you may not have

But the day we refuse to use the strength we hold over our enemies’ heads, is the day we will officially be carrying a popsicle stick.

Forty years before that, the country of Japan believed that the United States didn’t have the strength to hold onto dozens of islands in the South Pacific - or, in fact, the strength to avenge a strike on a large naval base.

They were wrong, but it took four years and 16 million soldiers to convince them otherwise.

Famous despots such as Caesar Nero and Joseph Stalin were so terrified of dying that they saw plots against their lives everywhere they looked. They knew that when it came down to it, given an assassin and a weapon, they were just

December 6 - December 19, 2013

Visit smart.athens.edu to get started.

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Tourism

Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th, 1941

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is not a federal holiday. Government offices, schools, businesses and other organizations do not close.

However, there are some organizations that hold special events in memory of the more than 2000 Americans who were killed on this day in 1941. Fortunately, we in Athens can also recognize the few remaining local survivors of Pearl Harbor.

This Saturday, December 7th, 2013, will be 72 years since the bombing of Pearl Harbor.This Saturday is also Coffee Call at the Alabama Veterans’ Museum and Archives where Mr. Sherwin Callander of Madison, AL, a Pearl Harbor survivor, is planning to attend.

Mr. Callander has been attending the monthly Coffees for several years, and has been driving himself up until recently. But to hear him tell it, it is his way of having a pretty woman on his arm to escort.

It is places like our Veterans’ Museum that give a setting, or permission it seems, to allow our Veterans to talk, (or just be around other Vets).

They can heal from the painful memories, and are finally able to share their experiences with their families. The Alabama Veterans’ Museum and Archives has been called “Athens’ best kept secret,” but the secret is beginning to get out!

In 2009, the Museum

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received the North Alabama Peek Award as the “Attraction of the Year,” and rightly so. The Museum opened in 2002;

Below are two stories that have been shared with me through the Veterans Museum, of two local men who survived

Pearl Harbor.

Sherwin Callander US Navy – 1939-1945 During the Great De-

pression, Callander was fighting forest fires in California for the Civilian Conservation Corps in order to send money back home, when recruiters were signing up young men to serve Uncle Sam. Callander said, “It was the Navy recruiter who won me over with one sentence: ‘You’ll have a girl in every port.’” He enlisted in the Navy in 1939.

Callender was aboard the USS Wright in the area of Midway Island.

They traveled from there to Wake Island and on to Pearl Harbor to restock.

They were one day away when Pearl Harbor was attacked.

When Callander arrived at Pearl Harbor the morning after the Japanese attacked, his duties were to bring the dead bod-

they are open 6 days a week, and see visitors from all parts of the U.S. and countries around the world. The monthly coffees bring in close to 200 guests for breakfast and more would attend if we had the room. Museum Director Sandra Thompson said, “We are eager to begin our expansion so we can better serve the community, our visitors and our Veterans. We have received a couple of donations towards the Building Fund project but more funds, grants and community support are needed.

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December 6 - December 19, 2013

ies out of the ocean. He said, “That was my first sight of a mass murder.”

As they sifted through the water they were to place body parts in plastic bags. The bags were to contain parts to make up a complete body.

“People just don’t realize what all we had to do,” Callander repeated.

Callander later shipped off to Australia. He also made three invasions into North Africa, Italy and France, with an assault troop transport.

Callander served in the Navy until 1945.

At that time he simply said, “I have seen enough.”

The attack on Pearl Harbor came as a surprise to the American Army and Navy and led to great losses of life and equipment. More than 2000 American citizens were killed and more than 1000 were injured.

The Americans also lost a large portion of their battle ships and nearly 200 aircraft that were stationed in the Pacific region. More than 60 Japanese servicemen were killed, injured or captured. The Japanese Navy also lost five midget submarines and 29 aircraft.

would prevent the United States of America from increasing her influence in the Pacific. However, the events in Pearl Harbor actually led to the escalation of World War II. The day after the attack, the United States declared war on Japan. President Franklin Roosevelt, in a speech to Congress stated that the bombing of Pearl Harbor was “a date which will live in infamy”. Shortly afterwards, Germany also declared war on the U.S. In the months that followed the attack, the slogan “Remember Pearl Harbor” swept the United States and radio stations repeatedly played a song of the same name.

only all the veterans who have served our country so bravely, but our own Pearl Harbor survivor, Gilbert M. Crutchfield, of Tanner, Alabama.

The interview of Mr. Gil Crutchfield was handled by Jerry Barksdale.

Crutchfield gave an account of his days before, the day of, and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Crutchfield was a rifleman in the 25th Wolfhound Division, guarding a vital railroad bridge when he woke to the sound of shells exploding on December 7th, 1941. He had just sent his weapon the day before for repairs, so he hastened to the supply tent where he found a shotgun and 5 shells.

He retired in 1958 after serving in the Korean War as a first Lieutenant.

Mr. Crutchfield still had a quick wit when he commented, “I could have done pretty good if they were dropping birds on us.”

I’d like to thank all of our military personnel for your service and dedication to our country. These are just two stories of the thousands who took it upon themselves to fight for our country, for our way of life, our freedom.

After the attack, Gil would be one of four soldiers assigned to spend 10 months guarding the military governor where he stayed at the palace in Hawaii. His division was then sent to Guadalcanal to relieve the Marines after they had thwarted attempts by the Japanese to overtake the island.

Gil said he enlisted in the Army in 1938 to make more of himself than a 50 cent per week salary...and he certainly did. We sadly lost Mr. Crutchfield when he passed away at age 90, on April 13, 2011.

I am so proud to honor you and share your stories on this day of infamy, so others have a little better understanding of how life was and could still be.

Gilbert Crutchfield Army -1938-1958 On December 6th 2009, the production “We Interrupt This Program...Pearl Harbor Remembered” was performed in Athens as a fundraiser for the Veterans Museum. The Guests of Honor were not

The Japanese military had hoped that the attack on Pearl Harbor

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

The Power Of Preparation

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

For the first interview of the holiday season, we of course had to spend some time talking about the outcome of the Iron Bowl. I think it’s safe to say that no matter who you were cheering for, it was one of the strangest college ball games ever.

It did, however, provide a good segue for the topic that was on his heart, and that was preparation. We have much to celebrate in Athens when it comes to the fruits and power of preparation. The University of North Alabama Lions football team has a shot at the Division 2 title after coming out of nowhere. The Tanner Rattlers are on their way to a possible back to back state championship.

Local eight and nine year old soccer players have taken a state title, and Athens High School went two rounds in the state contest. He summed it up by saying, “There is a high level of energy in

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the community.”

Conversely, he added, “Defeat can sometimes be turned into victory.”

There is no question that

Auburn was prepared and their first year coach, Gus Malzahn, provided the strategy and energy to do the impossible. What-

Most often we talk about some of the things that spoke to us while worshipping, and while I Cor

The Athens Recreation 8-9 Boys Soccer All-Star team competed in the ARPA (Alabama Recreation & Parks Association) State Tournament in Dothan where they defeated Dothan (Silver) 5-4 to win the State Championship.

Team members are: Marlon Dindlebeck, Manuel Felipe, Emanuel Garnica, Adan Gonzalez, William Hobbs, Bryan Lagunas, Alex Martinez, Jesus Roman, Jonathan Soto, Asa Savioe, Franklin Ordonez Vicente, Milson Vicente, Christian Willingham, & Mason Riebeling.

The other 2 teams from Athens that participated in the State Tournament represented Athens with class and were awarded the Sportsmanship Award. They were the 8-9 Girls coached by Omar Castrejon and the 10-11 Boys coached by Pam Bloodworth. ever happened with Alabama, the chance exists to come out of this in better shape than the one in which they ran into Jordan Hare stadium. “Having enthusiasm is part of being prepared, as is ‘being prepared’ to get back up,” he also said.

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13 has known no shortage of comment from the pulpit since we were kids, he scratched down some notes on the power of love. “Love is the life blood of the circulatory system to the spiritual body.” While I chewed on that, he also mentioned that “that doesn’t

mean we bend to wrong ideas, it means we stand firm in love.”

On Thanksgiving Day he had helped deliver and distribute meals to people in the community and took one of the kids from the Mayor’s Youth Commission with him. I saw him when he returned, and he was pretty steamed about some places they passed while on the way to their stops where housing had been vandalized.

“It was awful,” he said, and I know the idea of housing that could be put to good use being torn up for sport rankles him.

Having lived in Mexico, where peoples’ housing sometimes were made out of cardboard refrigerator boxes while drug dealers had private jets parked close by would get to us, too.

“The Mayor’s Youth Commission and T.R.A.I.L. (Together Renewing And Improving Limestone) are doing well,” he told me, and one of his most brightly burning visions is for mentoring the kids of our area so they can do well as the leaders of tomorrow. His day ended with hearing a preacher on TV “singing his tune.” The man said, “Keep hitting the victory channel when you ‘surf’ your life.”

Positive or negative energy, the choice is yours, and shootin’ for the positive is another thing that makes Ronnie roll.

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December 6 - December 19, 2013

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Clean and Green

Community Garden Open House Bring canned goods for LCCI!

by Lynne Hart On Saturday, December 7th, the Farmers Market Renovation Committee will host a ribbon cutting and open house to show off the progress that has been made on the Community Garden.

Join us at the Farmer’s Market at 2:00 p.m. to learn how these gardens came about.

Mayor Marks and Commissioner Menefee will address the crowd and Sparky, KALB’s mascot, will be available for Christmas pictures in the new gazebo. We are asking all who come to bring canned goods to be given to Limestone County Churches Involved. Sip some complimentary hot chocolate as volunteers explain the process of building each garden bed.

It is truly amazing what can be done when minds and hearts come together! Last spring, the community garden was just a sketchy idea and now we are ready to show off our progress.

Mike Doerr (L) and Doug Doerr (R) and scouts from Troop 240 building keyhole beds as part of Doug’s Eagle Scout project

Keep America Beautiful (KAB) announced an op-

Local Lowe’s Heroes lead

by Melissa Calvert adding landscaping and a walkway to the new gazebo at the Farmers Market

portunity for affiliates to apply for several $20,000 and $5,000 grants from Lowe’s Corporate through KAB. Holly Hollman (City of Athens), Trisha Black (Spirit of Athens), and I (KALB) wrote the grant proposal together and applied for one of the $20,000 grants.

KALB was the only organization in the entire State of Alabama to receive one of the large grants!

We were all so excited to have won the grant, until we realized we had no idea how to proceed since none of us are avid gardeners!

We all put the word out that volunteers were needed to help us design and build a community garden over the next several months.

A good cause will attract great people! Our committee grew to nearly 20 members -- from men in busi-

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ness suites, boy scouts, and community leaders, to organic farmers and healthy living advocates.

How far can $20,000 go?

When you have Lowe’s Heroes in your community willing to put time and store support into a project, and many business owners and others willing to invest in the project with donated products and services, it can go a very long way!

Once the garden beds are filled with the proper organic materials and soil, they will be left to rest until spring when another round of activity will begin. The gardens will be planted and tended, and all produce harvested will be given to Limestone County Church-

es Involved to share with local families in need.

If you or your organization would like to be part of the planting, growing, and harvesting process, please call 256-233-8728 and let us know! We hope to have enough volunteers that this can be done on a rotating schedule.

If you missed the ribbon cutting, look for many more opportunities through spring and summer as we develop community education programs to be held at the gardens, or call us for more information.

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com December 6 - December 19, 2013

Cooking with Shelley

Cracker Candy

by Shelley Underhill

This is one of the easiest “Holiday Treats” I have ever made. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

You can contact me at shelleysdesk@gmail.com….

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

What you will need: 9x13 cookie pan with sides Foil Saltine crackers 1 cup of brown sugar 2 sticks of real butter - salted 1 bag chocolate chips - or your choice of chips Line cookie sheet with foil and place crackers on pan line them up until the pan is covered. Bring sugar and butter to a boil, let boil about 3 minutes, pour all over crackers.

Bake on 400 for about 5 minutes. It will start to bubble.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with chips. I pop it back in the oven for another three minutes, then remove from oven and spread chips all over the cracker and sugar mixture. Stick it in the freezer until bottom of pan is cold. Break into pieces…and enjoy!

In the photo here I used 1/2 bag of chocolate chips and 1/2 bag of Reese’s peanut butter chips. The other batch I used white chips and heath toffee bits.

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Money, Money, Money

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611

I never think about money.

Don’t get the idea I am rich – I am not! I just never think about money, and, I bet you don’t either. We all think about bills, savings, investments, and where / when the money comes but we never really think about the money itself.

What started all this was an article by Ajay Banga, President and Chief Executive Officer at MasterCard.

In the article, Financial Inclusion By 2020: Our Generation’s Equivalent of Putting a Man on the Moon (Nov 12, 2013), Banga focused on creating a global financial system and everyone having access to money.

Banga said “Cash is expensive in ways beyond just the cost of printing, distributing and delivering it, which can be anywhere between 0.5 to 1.5% of GDP. It’s also expensive in terms of tax avoidance, corruption, and illegal activity.”

I started wondering what cash cost the Federal Re-

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serve – see the chart for Cost of Printing. At the Federal Reserve, one department Division of Reserve Bank Operations and Payment Systems (RBOPS) - sends the order to the Print Shop - Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) – then the Print Shop tells them what it will cost to print. That amount is what the Federal Reserve requests for its budget. About 92% of the budget goes to printing the money. The rest is taken up

with transportation, quality assurance, education and security with transportation the biggest amount (about 79%). For 2013 the Federal Reserve requested a budget of $779 million.

The same week I read Banga’s article, I

the $1 coins – the big ones like the Eisenhower, not the little Susan B Anthony dollars that were too easy to confuse with quarters.

The Ahlers article says that it is cheaper to produce $1 coins that $1 bills. And it costs more to produce pennies and nickels than the pennies and nickels are worth.

Would you give up pennies and nickels and take up one dollar coins? I never have cash of any kind but I still like paper money – when I can get it. Ahlers article says we can save about $150 million a year by using the coins but the chances are less than 1% a bill in the Senate will even make it to the floor. saw an article by Mike M Ahlers, CNN - $1 coins: Unwanted, unloved and out of currency. I remembered I had an Eisenhower silver dollar in my piggy bank.

Did you know that the mint stopped making one dollar coins in 2011 because no one wanted them? Accord-

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ing to the Ahlers article, more $1 coins are returned to the Fed than paid out – they have enough coins for 40 years.

It is a shame. I kind of like

In today’s economy, it seems we should be doing things that cost less rather than things that cost more.

Who knew money cost so much money?

Well, it is all about learning!

December 6 - December 19, 2013

Cover Story

OnMark Physical Therapy: Empowering The Patient

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

he received his B.S. in Wildlife Sciences. He likes to hunt and fish, and was interested in private land management, yet that door was only open to someone with a Ph.D. Tyler is an animal lover, and having grown up on a cattle farm, as well as the fact that Auburn had such a good veterinarian school, he worked in a veterinarian clinic before deciding whether he wanted to apply to vet school. He says, “I got tired of getting bitten every day.” Thankfully, there was another plan in place for his future that has come to greatly benefit the people of Athens, and that is as a Doctor of Physical Therapy and clinical director of OnMark Physical Therapy. OnMark is located right across from WalMart on Hwy 72, and next to Papa Murphy’s Pizza. The address is 936 US Hwy 72 E, Athens.

Tyler, whose mom is a R.N. and his dad a chiropractor, always “liked the Physical Therapy side of medicine.”

Following several interviews and offers, Tyler felt that he best fit in with the students and faculty at the University of TN at Chattanooga and chose

there to achieve his physical therapy education. Throughout his program, he participated in several internships in a variety of clinical and hospital settings in both Alabama and Tennessee before deciding that outpatient physical therapy was the career he wanted to pursue.

Tyler’s philosophy and that of the OnMark organization is to both encourage and empower the patient to take as much responsibility for their own health as is possible and prudent. Tyler tries to put himself in his patients’ shoes, and looks for the answer to the following question, “What kinds of hurdles can I get over and get back

to life?” He then forms a partnership with his patient to find a personal solution that will garner quantifiable and satisfactory results.

A Doctor of Physical Therapy, (which is a clinical doctorate degree) has to evaluate whether the problem is emanating largely from the structural side of the human body, or from the organs. Often it is both. If he determines the issue to be primarily structural, he then utilizes stretching and strengthening exercises, integrates equipment as individuals are progressing, and uses a variety of hands-on techniques if needed.

“My goal is to help you as an individual find out what can do for yourself,” he said. He then added, “When what we do works, my job then is to help

them see that it is what they are doing as well. That helps them take personal responsibility, and have a better chance at getting and staying well.”

OnMark Physical Therapy is a family run facility, with Tyler’s cousin Lauren Tucker doing a bang up job as the office coordinator. Lauren is from Red Bay, attended Shelton State Community College, and graduated from Fairfield University on a basketball scholarship, earning a degree in marketing. She is full of energy, cares about the patients, and is more than glad to be part of the team. Tyler asked her to come on board as his office manager at a recent family reunion, and it is apparent that they enjoy working together. I asked her, as I always do, “If I am in pain, have been prescribed a regimen of physical therapy and I have several choices of therapists in the area, why should I come to you?”

She quickly answered, “He is the best.” “Tell me what you

mean by that,” I said. “He is knowledgeable and explains everything to the patient,” Lauren said. “He is good at what he does, he is patient, and is confident.” Confidence is something I like, arrogance, not so much, and my dealings with Tyler certainly confirm Lauren’s take on her cousin.

She then added, “We both care, and I know how I would want to be treated, and that is how Tyler treats our patients.”

I could tell Lauren was not speaking as a “paid spokesperson,” and I was already convinced. But you know what “cinched the deal” for me? I walked to the back of the facility, and on the wall was a prayer request list. It was genuine, it was professional, and it protected peoples’ privacy.

If I were in pain, this is what I would want: a team who cared about me, body, soul, spirit and mind, and who weren’t ashamed to pray for me. I would encourage you to come check them out!

936 US Hwy 72 E Athens, AL 356111 (Across from Wal-Mart, right next to Papa Murphy’s Pizza) Phone: 256 684 8343 Email: jttucker@onmarkpt.com Facebook: OnMarkPhysicalTherapy Hours: 8-6, M-Thurs, 8-12 Friday December 6 - December 19, 2013

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We keep funeral palls, sprays, memorial baskets, blankets, crosses made up and ready for you to see.

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Glitter Pick Assortments Some are only 99¢ and 50¢

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Houndstooth Gift and Decorating items

December 6 - December 19, 2013

Cover Story

TCL Cleaning Services: Caring For Your Home As Though It Were Their Own

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

and I am happy to tell you about Felicia an d her crew.

“I genuinely love what I am doing,” she told me at the start, and I knew she meant what she said. I must confess, cleaning is something that on a good day I only like, and I am intrigued by someone who claims such a love, let alone one who has parlayed said love into a thriving business.

TCL opened for business in 2011, and at the time was known as The Cleaning Ladies. Felicia was able to quit her full time job in Decatur, and when they opened up the commercial cleaning “side of the house,” she changed the name. Her mom came out of retirement to help her get going, and a handful of loyal “raving fan” customers quickly spread the word.

“I have a heart for working moms, and property owners,” she said. She knows that both sets of folks have specific sets of needs, and she goes the extra mile to meet them.

We have a passion for cleaning your house like we would clean our own;” she said, and they specialize in making your home “lived in, but tidy.” They are licensed and bonded, and Felicia not only does a background check on everyone she hires, but she prays about every hiring decision. “We build a passion for what we do in everyone we hire,” Felicia said. “We customize packages for our customers, and tailor make the service package to meet their needs,” she added. Her prices are competitive, and the price for a basic cleaning, (dusting, vacuuming) a 2,000 square foot is $85.00.

A deep cleaning of a house of the same size is $150.00.

That would include baseboards, blinds, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the exterior of kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

For the holidays, Felicia has a special for readers of Athens Now. If you mention this ad when you contact her, she’ll knock $10 off the price of your cleaning. That price will extend on into the New Year while people are at the height of “resolution season,” and have a desire to get their homes organized.

She also gives discounts for

referrals given by existing customers.

I asked her if she is “green when she cleans.” “I’ll ‘go green’ now as the need arises,” she said, “and I am going to expand my cleaning green service in 2014.” Right now TCL customers who want a “green clean” provide their own products, and in the New Year, when Felicia finishes her research on the best products to use or make, TCL will provide the products for their clients.

Another service she loves to offer is steam cleaning of carpets. She shampoo steams

December 6 - December 19, 2013

carpets for between 25 to 30 cents per square foot.

One of the things I appreciate about Felicia is her love for the community and desire to give back.

She gives gifts to her customers during the holidays, but it doesn’t stop there. She gives gift bags to the homeless. “They are not homeless bags,” she says, “They are hand up bags.” She is also the cofounder of the North Alabama Business Network, and recently I attended

a business expo that they sponsored. She worked hard, managed the event well, and I was glad to be a part of it. TCL is also involved in donating to the Family Re-

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The McGee Family Felicia, owner of TCL, Jason McGee Toby the dog Lilly Claire

source Center.

Felicia has a simple but strong philosophy when it comes to her clients. “You have invested in us, and we want to make good on your investment.” She also added that The Cleaning Ladies “clean, do a good job, love our customers, and they become an extension of our family.”

Here are some comments made by clients in the Athens area in regards to the quality of the work provided by TCL. “A HUGE thank you to TCL!! I came home to a spotless house this afternoon. After working 50+ hours a week, this was a huge weight off my mind. And I trust them wholeheartedly!

Great job! Definite recommendation from me!”

“Thank you cleaning ladies. My nasty, disgusting carpet looks awesome. The best part was just leaving my key and trusting my home to you, I know it is safe in your hands.

I love working with people who have integrity like you.

I would recommend you to anyone.”

“Thank you TCL Cleaning Service for the terrific job you do for our office.

Housekeeping was a task that we tried to manage internally for way too long.

You do a better job than we could for ourselves, and allow us to focus on serving our clients. I would strongly recommend you to anyone who is in need of commercial cleaning services.”

I believe that says it all, don’t you?

256-497-8927 tclcleaning@ mail.com www.tcl cleaningserv.com facebook: facebook.com/ tclcleaning Page 17

Health and Fitness

Senior Fitness

by Janet Hunt

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

For many, growing older means steady loss of energy, vigor and strength. You start noticing that it is harder to carry groceries from the car and lift them to the counter. You may feel climbing stairs is harder and make sure you have a handrail to help pull yourself up one step at a time.

Sometimes walking more than your normal distance is hard.

What is the problem?

This is generally regarded as muscle loss; and muscle loss is mostly due to INACTIVITY.

for older adults:

•Silver Sneaker Flex Class at Limestone County Council on Aging on Pryor St. at 8:30 a.m. MWF. For information 256614-3530. Cost: donations appreciated.

•Athens Limestone Hospital Wellness Center in Athens.

For information 256-233-9355.

Cost: membership required.

Why not exercise more?

Below are some of the most common reasons given by seniors as to why they do not stay active and some answers to help remedy the reasons.

•Time. “I am just too busy to exercise.” Even if you have only 15 or 20 minutes a day, you can work out at your house.

You can ask a certified personal trainer for a full

Complete Property Maintenance, LLC

256-497-6447

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adam@completepropertymaintenance.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/Complete PM LLC Twitter: /@ CPM_LLC

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body workout to complete in your home or you can follow one of many videos available.

•Fatigue.

“I am too tired.”

The problem is you are not active enough. Exercise creates energy and vitality.

A healthy individual is a happy individual – no matter your age.

Below are some exercise suggestions in Athens

•Certified Personal Trainers to work at your home, a private studio, or fitness center of your choice.

For information: call Janet at 256-614-3530 or Athens Limestone Wellness Center for recommendations. Cost: trainers set their own prices.

•Age. “I am too old to exercise.” Studies show that people in their 90’s can double their strength with exercise without injury.

•Health problems. “I have diabetes, heart disease, COPD, osteoarthritis …..” We know that people with health problems are the very people that will benefit the most from exercise.

Talk to a certified personal trainer to get an exercise program tailored to your needs.

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December 6 - December 19, 2013

The World According To Will

Like me on

The Will Anderson Show M-F 6pm-8pm on 800 and 1230AM and 106.5FM WBHP

The Left’s Irrational Faith

by Will Anderson It was a wonderful Thanksgiving—particularly if you’re an Auburn fan—but not so much so if you’re a believer in healthcare.gov.

There’s a “good chance,” we’re told, that we’ll all get to buy insurance cheaper. Most of us, that is. And buying the insurance online doesn’t guarantee that one will actually get to see one’s doctor, or any doctor, for that matter.

Tuesday, the President said, “This law is working. We’re going to fix any problems that come up.” He went on to urge all of us to convince our friends and family, especially young people, to sign up.

The problems that stubbornly persist with regard to the website are symptomatic of a much larger problem for the President: government simply doesn’t do much of anything well, and talking us into talking our loved ones into believing otherwise simply won’t work. So Obama’s challenge going into next year’s midterms (which he desperately needs to win) is to defend an illusion.

When the President first assumed office, criticism was strictly off limits, from newsrooms to Saturday Night Live. As his first term waned, and promises went unfulfilled, pundits (left-wingers) and comics (again, those on the left) felt a sense of betrayal that morphed, on MSNBC in particular, into rage. Why hadn’t Guantanamo been shut down? Where was en-

forces are unleashed in the health care market where, just as in every other sector in our economy, Adam Smith’s invisible hand will efficiently prevail.

Obama’s problems start with his website and end with the “logical” conclusion that socialized medicine works. It doesn’t.

His latest problem has nothing to do with his ideology and everything to do with his defense of it.

At best, he sounds naïve.

At worst, he sounds like a con artist.

The truth is somewhere in between. Obamacare can’t succeed, and his obstinate insistence that it can is becoming a character issue for the President.

And that doesn’t bode well for his party next year.

vironmental legislation, or, if necessary, regulation by executive fiat? What had Obama done for his union buddies lately?

The one victory for the left was Obamacare. Or so they thought; its partisan success in passing has been eclipsed by its perpetual problems, manifested in the website’s ongoing ailments. This week we were told that, in fact, the website was working.

In fact, it isn’t. We can sign up just fine, but when we show up for a checkup, chances are our insurance— unlike all of the information that went along with signing up—is untraceable.

The mantra from The White House is that things are getting better, a line most of us aren’t buying. In all fairness to the President, things can’t get better until market

December 6 - December 19, 2013

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Dog Barker

A Letter To Doggie Claus

by Joel Allen Dear Doggie Claus, I have been a really good Canine Family Member this year.

You might have heard rumors of my experiences, as I have grown this year. But I assure you that was not me chasing the cat. I just so happen to be going his way and the cat just ran. Sure, he got a mild concussion from running into a wall, but the Vet says he will be fine.

That is one tough cat.

Maybe we can chase the laser light together if you bring us one for Christmas?

Let’s talk about that nasty rumor of my chewing habits.

My Pet Parents didn’t know for sure I did that! They blamed me, even when I pointed at the cat. I even tried my “puppy dog eyes” and that bit of kryptonite didn’t work. I got the finger pointed at me and I heard the word “BAD” anyway. Ok, I admit the shoes tasted good and that electrical cord can be reattached.

I don’t know what all the fuss is about. In the end, they broke me of chewing by applying this nasty tasting bitter spray to my mouth and then when I attempted

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to chew something I liked, it tasted just like that “yucky” stuff.

Mom and Dad sneaked around and applied that stuff to all my favorite chewing sites.

At least in the end I got a little more attention. Could you convince them to get me more toys to chew on?

Then there was the time that I believed that inside the house was my bathroom to use where I liked. I had it made when they were gone.

It’s when they returned and found that my bathroom didn’t flush away my mess like theirs did that I was in trouble. So, like a good dog I listened to the scolding and felt bad for my deeds. Eventually, after much trial and error I succeeded in choosing the right bathroom (outside).

There are still times when I want to go in the house but I still manage to wait for their return. So, for future needs, can you give me a “potty patch” for indoor use when I am left alone for too long?

Ok, so they say I

pulled the leash some this year. Well, everything was new to me then. I didn’t know what a leash was. I just knew that all these new smells and people were

Wright Brothers when you have me? So, in light of this, I would like a new collar and leash.

Yes, I can be impa-

there for me to pull Mom and Dad to. According to them, I was not supposed to behave like that. So, they took me to a trainer and “WOW” he spoke my language. My Parents and I learned how best to communicate while training. Then, I was taught the “Heel” command. At first, I did not like this command. But, now I don’t drag Mom and Dad everywhere. I sure miss running and hearing them scream behind me as I caused them to fly through the air. Who needs the

tient. I do charge for my treats and food dish occasionally.

Hey! That’s what I do best.

So, I jumped every now and again and caused my Pet Parents to wear some of my dinner?

They took too long. I found that later I would regret that because, I found myself in the embarrassing position of sitting and waiting to eat. Then, to add salt to my wounds of embarrassment, I had to look them in the eye before I was allowed to eat. Now, I would like a new dog dish for

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eating and could it be made out of metal?

Then there was the time I was caught sneaking into my Pet Parents bedroom and getting on their bed.

It was so soft and I left hair everywhere just for them. It was my way of spreading my hairy love. Of course, they really didn’t understand and I found myself in trouble again. So, for future reference could you leave them a note explaining why I did that and attach it to my new bed that I am asking you to bring me?

My year has been an awesome experience, Doggie Claus, and should there be anything I didn’t cover like bones and food. Could you please surprise me and bring me some?

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

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

Joel and Zues Allen 256-651-2211

December 6 - December 19, 2013

The View From The Bridge

Jackie Warner

Community Outreach “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

What’s on your Shopping List this “Christ”mas?

by Jackie Warner

The gift of love is priceless, and should say “I love you,” or “I am thinking of you,” but many times too often, we tend to measure our gifts against what others in the world will think, and not against the heart.

If it is truly a gift of love, it should not stress us out or have us worried about paying off the vast amount of debt accumulated during Christ’s season.

As we start to prepare for Christmas and the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping, what is on the wish list for you and your loved ones? Does your list possibly include the latest IPhone, laptop, a big screen television, fashion jewelry, clothing, expensive sneakers, or maybe new games for the Wii or other electronics? I am sure the list goes on and on.

‘Tis the season for sharing and at Christmas we do believe in sharing. Let us reflect for a moment on what so many of us are really sharing: the countless number of credit and debit card purchases, bank withdrawals, and eyes glazed over when looking at sales ads of fruitless saving gimmicks at the mall and area shopping retailers.

So I ask you: what should

we be sharing this Christmas season? I challenge us all to really think about what true sharing means during this holiday season.

Pause and consider the real reason for the season by saying “Thanks be to GOD for another day to share the gift of love and service to others!”

All Sales Gimmicks AsideThe Best Black Friday Deals are listed below: Gifts of love, simple acts of kindness, time, service and friendship

Until Next Time, Be sincere, Kind and Intentional Jackie Warner, Career Development Facilitator The Bridge “Where Community Matters”

love for Christmas this year. I asked her to interview her grandfather, (who is my father,) about his life growing up over the years. I wanted her to write it down and wrap it up for me this Christmas. I told her this would be the perfect gift for me!

I was recently speaking with my daughter about what gift I would really

December 6 - December 19, 2013

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Medical Update

Tennis Elbow

By Dr. Patrick Boyett

A frequent and frustrating complaint in the orthopedic surgeon’s office is that of lateral elbow pain. This pain is often diagnosed as Tennis Elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis. It can be stubborn and difficult to treat.

Usually, patients have already attempted conservative treatment with anti-inflammatory medications and elbow braces or straps. Often these treatments are met with little success.

Lateral Epicondylitis was named Tennis Elbow because of the relationship of the motion required to hit the tennis ball with the “backhand.” This causes excessive force through the attachment

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of the muscles that extend the wrist, which in turn causes injury to the lateral elbow muscle attachments, and thus the problem.

Patients complain of point tenderness over the lateral elbow, morning stiffness and the pain is made worse with extension of the wrist. The pain can be a radiating pain into the forearm, and weakness and pain with gripping.

It is considered an overuse injury and is made worse with deconditioning and repetitive microtrauma. Elbow straps probably play a more important role in prevention than treatment of flare ups. Cock–up wrist splints help decrease the offending motion of

wrist extension and can be helpful.

Although it is by nature not inflammatory on microscopic evaluation, anti-inflammatory injections with steroids are often very helpful. The most important treatment is to stop the offending trauma and allow the area to heal. Often times MRI scans will reveal areas of micro tears within the tendon attachment at the elbow. In a small percentage of cases, surgical debridement may be indicated. A new procedure called the Topaz

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procedure is a minimally invasive method of treatment for Tennis Elbow. It uses a cauterization tool about the size of a ballpoint pen, to generate insult through cautery, which ultimately results in launching the body’s healing potential that will result in healing of the underlying problem.

Physical therapy is another effective modality for treatment. Exercises such as “Tyler Twist” help to eliminate pain and increase strength to the elbow. Chiropractic manipulation and topical

medication also have shown improvements.

Dr. Patrick Boyett Dr. Bill Lawrence OrthoSports Athens, LLC 15243 Greenfield Drive Athens, AL 35613 256-233-2332 www.orthosports athens.com facebook.com/ orthosportsathens

December 6 - December 19, 2013

Special Feature

Author Reviews Own Novel And Gives Two Thumbs Up

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

After five years of rising before daybreak and consuming over 5,400 cups of Maxwell House, my historical novel, Revolutionaries & Rebels, has finally been birthed. I’ve decided to review it myself. After all, who knows more about it than I? I find book reviewers to be a persnickety bunch who sip expensive white wine and display intellectual-appearing books on their coffee table. Not me. I buy my wine on sale at Hometown and use my coffee table as a foot stool.

You can trust me to tell you the truth about my novel. It’s good – real good.

There you have it, straight from one who knows.

All of the characters existed except for a slim few whose names have been changed.

The story begins in 1775 on the eve of the American Revolution. For sixteenyear-old Micajah McElroy, life in Wake County, North Carolina revolves around managing his inherited plantation and winning the hand of pretty Sarah Campbell, but when the notorious David Fanning and his gang of Tories begin burning, stealing and hanging Patriots, Micajah’s ScotchIrish blood rises. There is no middle ground. He joins the conflict to fight for liberty, leaving his pregnant

wife at home to birth their first child. At the Battle of Lindley’s Mill, Micajah gets his chance to even the score. The Revolutionary War is just the beginning of a journey that takes Micajah and his family over the Appalachian Mountain and into Lincoln County, Tennessee where they settle on 600 acres in Fayetteville. While constructing the first brick courthouse in Lincoln County, two of his sons join General Jackson and help defeat the British at New Orleans in the War of 1812. Micajah’s reputation spreads to newlycreated Limestone County,

It’s a story about a real family and their struggle for liberty and a better life. It follows them through war and peace, hardship, struggle, love, hope and survival. It’s the story of all my family who lived it. I never intended to write a novel, but often life sends us in a different direction.

After spending years researching the Barksdale family and accumulating boxes of documents and information, I sat down to pen the story. After writing 200 foot-noted pages, I decided it read like a legal brief. Dull. I put it aside and fretted.

A story that isn’t working is a writer’s greatest frustration. It occurred to me that I could tell the story and hopefully make it interesting to readers. Thus, this historical novel. I dropped the footnotes, gave voice to actual characters and attempted to stick to the facts as they happened.

December 6 - December 19, 2013

Alabama where he moves in 1819 with his wife and two unmarried daughters to construct the first brick courthouse in Athens. Sallie, the oldest daughter marries Postmaster, Robert C. David. Nancy, the youngest daughter, returns to Fayetteville with her parents. Daniel Barksdale, looking for good land and a good woman, leaves Kentucky and goes to Fayetteville where he marries Nancy McElroy in 1827. They prosper for awhile and then a financial panic destroys the nation’s economy. Daniel, Nancy and their 7 children move into a log house three miles east of Athens on the Athens-Fayetteville Pike.

The nation splits over the slavery issue. Northern abolitionists are bound and determined to end it.

Southern planters who have grown wealthy raising cotton aren’t about to give up their slaves. War clouds gather. There is talk of secession. Daniel Barksdale and his good friend and neighbor, Emanuel Isom, founder of Isom’s Chapel Methodist Church, oppose secession. Following Lincoln’s election in 1860, Alabama secedes from the Union.

Folks of Athens are upset and run up the stars and stripes over the courthouse where it remains for three months. Athens becomes known as a “Dammed Union hole.”

Daniel’s youngest son, Dudley, enlists in the Confederate Army to “cover himself with glory.” Everything changes on May 2, 1862, when Yankee Colonel Turchin sacks Athens. Three of Daniel’s sons and his son-

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in-law, James Newby, join the Confederate Army.

They have no choice but to fight to protect their families. What would Micajah McElroy think of his grandsons firing on the flag he had defended? Emanuel Isom is a Union man and doesn’t care who knows it.

James Greer Barksdale and his brother-in-law, James Newby, are captured at Missionary Ridge and confined to Rock Island Prison, where the temperature drops to 30 below zero and prisoners are shot by guards for sport.

The novel ends on July 4, 1865. The war is over.

Limestone County is occupied by Union troops, homes and barns have been torched and people are hungry. Daniel and wife, Nancy have seen hard times before and are determined to not only survive, but build a better future.

After further thought I’m not giving the book two thumbs up but pitching in two big toes. That’s as good as it gets in literature. I’ve never seen a book rated this high ever in The New York Times. It’s a first.

Revolutionaries & Rebels, (500 Pages) is available at Pablo’s on the Square, Alabama Veterans’ Museum, Limestone Archives as well as Ingram, Amazon. com, and Barnes and Noble. It is also available directly from Jerry R. Barksdale and Rebekah Davis.

Jerry Barksdale will be available for signing and autographing the new books on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Pablo’s Bookstore on Market Street.

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