Athens Now Al

February 7th - February 20th, 2020

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature River City Roofing Solutions: Doing It Right The First Time...

Chris and Michael Muse began working in the construction industry when they were teenagers, and learned every aspect of the trade...

Page 5

Special Feature Low Rider Shuttle Service: A Local Lift To Where You Need To Go...

Charles Wagner was born in Dallas and spent most of his life in Florida...

Page 7

Special Feature February brings out the sweet and fiery sides of Athens artists...

Artists in Athens are showcasing their sweet and fiery sides in February for two holiday events, Valentine’s and Mardi Gras...

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February 07 - February 20, 2020

Southeast Quality HVAC And Refrigeration: Energy Efficiency Done Right

By Ali Elizabeth Turner Randy Ricketts, founder of Southeast Quality HVAC and Refrigeration will humbly tell you that he is a blessed man: he is the first in his family to graduate from high school; the first to graduate from college; has a wonderful family; and along with his sons, runs a much needed business in Alabama and Tennessee. Refrigeration, along with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can at times be almost like a first responder situation.

People need to be cool when it’s sweltering and warm when it’s frigid, and Continued on pages 16-17

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Chambers Ricketts of Southeast Quality HVAC and Refrigeration

www.JuicePlus.com Page 2

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February 07 - February 20, 2020

Publisher’s Point

Why Be Well?

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers D. A. Slinkard Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Cayce Lee Anna Hamilton Joel Allen Rosemary Dewar Eric Betts Holly Hollman Roy P Williams Tina Cook Nick Thomas

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3

I believe that everyone has a calling, a purpose, a destiny, a reason to be here. I believe that every one of us hits tremendous road blocks, from without and within, that want to keep us from “being all we can be,” as the Army jingle used to sing to us. And, as someone who has contended with my own internal and external battles resulting in the temptation “to settle,” I have nothing but compassion for my fellow travelers. I have found that the “epic battle” to be well and whole never rests, and I also think that it’s not supposed to.

So, what does it mean to be well and whole? Well, in our air-brushed, often boring system of “worthby-beauty,” it can be almost cookie-cutter in its predictability. Seriously, if you take a look

at people who cover all of the cable news outlets as newscasters, most look like they came out of a plastic box. So, no, that’s not what I am talking about. It’s not about Body Mass Index or having washboard abs and buns of steel. It’s also not about how long you can hold a plank position, although being physically fit is most definitely one aspect of becoming whole and well.

Does it involve eating real food, making one simple change like getting sleep, getting moving, drinking water? Sure it does. Does it mean taking responsibility for one’s past, present and future, whether it involves your mind, your soul, your spirit, your pocketbook, and your relationships? Absolutely.

However, there are plenty of people who do that,

but that does not necessarily make them well or whole. You can’t be either without the pursuit of improvement in all the aforementioned categories, but if you just check off boxes, you are missing the point.

Being “well and whole” has to start with a reason, and it can be a “firein-the-belly” type that is like the road to Damascus where you get knocked off your donkey, on to your derriere, and blinded for awhile.

Maybe it’s a diagnosis or depression, maybe it’s a broken relationship, either vertical or horizontal, and something inside either roars or whispers that this is nowhere near whole or well. This is not what or who one was meant to be, do, or have.

It does involve coming to the end of one’s self in order to find one’s pur-

All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Tina's Tales . . . . . . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12

pose, and I guarantee, nothing is as scary or as satisfying.

I hope you will take the time to read this edition of Tina’s Tales, found on page 11. And, as much as I always love giving Tina the chance to tell her story, and I never tire of hearing or reading it, I know that sometimes people chafe at the idea that unless their personal story is uber-dramatic as far as “mess-to-success” is concerned, it won’t inspire them or anyone else. That’s simply not true.

Remember when your children were little and they took their first steps? You were thrilled out of your gourd and thought it was the coolest thing in all of human existence. Well, that is what happens in the heart of your Maker when you make becoming well and whole your goal, and you find your true “why.”

One of the things for which my heart longs is to build a tribe that fearlessly pursues being well and whole, and helps others to do the same.

Wanna join me and help?

We’ve got work to do, and joy to pursue.

Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Millennial Mind . . . . . . . 14 Health And Fitness . . . . . . 15 Cover Story . . . . . . . 16 - 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . 18

Tina (L) with Kay Burlingame & Debra Fleming. These ladies stood in the gap for her family whom she had hurt deeply. Today, they still love, guide, and mother her.

Special Feature . . . . . . . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Alternative Approach . . . . 22

February 07 - February 20, 2020

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

athensnowal.com www.athensnowal.com

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All Things Soldier

“General McGee, Our Nation Salutes You!”

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

The 2020 State of the Union address was a historic night on many levels, from the childish to the courageous. And while some folks have an objection to showcasing gallery guests whose stories serve to underscore any sitting president’s successes, I don’t think anyone could have been unhappy to observe what happened with one of the last remaining Tuskegee Airmen, Charles McGee. Before Tuesday night, McGee was a colonel who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He flew a total of 409 combat missions and retired from the Air Force in 1973.

After Tuesday night, McGee was a brigadier general, and he also turned 100 years old on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7.

However, before we were introduced to General McGee, we had the joy of meeting his greatgrandson, Iain Lamphier. Iain is thirteen years old and wants to go to the Air Force Academy.

After that, his heart’s desire is to join the Space Force. To see the grin on his face as President Trump asked him to stand and then told Iain’s story from the podium was memorable all by itself, but when his greatgrandfather stood in his

USAF dress blues and saluted, I was a hot mess.

Here was a man who had put his life on the line for his country over 400 times, and as the president said, “After more than 130 combat missions in World War II, he came back to a country still struggling for Civil Rights and went on to serve America in Korea and Vietnam. On December 7th, Charles celebrated his 100th birthday. A few weeks ago, I signed a bill promoting Charles McGee to Brigadier General. And earlier today, I pinned the stars on his shoulders in the Oval Office. General McGee: Our Nation sa-

lutes you.”

Oh, we do indeed. My dad was a WWII Naval Air Corps pilot, born just 8 months before General McGee, and I know he would have loved to have seen this day. As I looked further into General McGee’s life, I came to understand that on his 100th birthday, he actually co-piloted a Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet for a round-trip flight from Frederick Municipal Airport in Maryland to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. He also was able to do a similar flight on his 99th birthday.

After retiring from the Air Force, General Mc-

Gee had several aviation-related jobs, including the Director of the Kansas City Airport. He is the recipient of the following medals: the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with 25 oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Hellenic Republic World War II Commemorative Medal, along with 26 campaign and service ribbons. He and the other Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Bush in 2007, and in 2012 he served as a consult for George Lucas’ film about the Airmen, entitled Red Tails.

General McGee shared a formula for success which he has followed for his entire life:

“I’d like to pass on what I call my four ‘P’s’ — perceive, prepare, perform, persevere — dream your dreams but get the good education to accomplish the desires and needs of the country,” he said.

“Always seek excellence and always do your best in things that you do. Finally, don’t let the negative circumstances be an excuse for not achieving.”

And once again, General McGee, we agree with the President, and this is why we as Americans salute you!

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February 07 - February 20, 2020

Special Feature

River City Roofing Solutions: Doing It Right The First Time

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Chris and Michael Muse began working in the construction industry when they were teenagers, and learned every aspect of the trade. Together they have 30 years of experience roofing, and also have done framing as well as cement work. They have always worked together, except for the time that Chris served in the armed forces in Korea, and in 2018 they launched River City Roofing Solutions. They started off with the desire to do “small and good,” rather than “huge and mediocre.” They have grown quickly in the last two years, have exceeded their goals, and have an unwavering commitment to “do it right the first time.”

In the construction world, it is no secret that roofing companies are often fly-bynight and do shoddy work.

In North Alabama, where storms and storm damage are just a part of life, it is not at all uncommon for there to be a knock on the door after a storm with a representative from a roofing company that no one has ever heard of promising quality roofing at an unbelievable price. There is an old adage which says, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” and that is seldom truer than when it comes to roofing companies.

Chris, Michael, and the River City Roofing Solutions team are out everyday having to “repair the repairs” of these poor excuses for roofing companies, and are highly motivated to change the world of roofing in North Alabama, one customer

determined to do an excellent job for a middle-income home as they are for a luxury custom home. One of the things they have done recently is purchase software that accurately portrays the building and predicts the total cost of a project. The Muse brothers have made a point of requiring life-long learning for themselves and their staff, and they have attended several types of adMuse Brothers Chris and Michael, owners of River City Roofing Solutions. Business is brisk, and they are hiring quality workers with excellent communication skills.

Before and after of a major roof replacement project.

The original roofing company used the inferior materials which caused problems in the attic.

at a time.

Michael is in my BNI group, and I have learned more about roofing in the few months he has been a member of Limestone Leaders than I have known in my life. One of the things that “chaps his hide” is when roofing companies don’t help or

February 07 - February 20, 2020

educate their clients as to their options, and don’t interact with the insurance companies. Michael has told many times at Tuesday morning meetings how he has been able to sit down with a client and speak to their insurance agent with the result being that the homeowner saved thousands of dollars. He’s been told things like, “I feel more comfortable; you explained it.”

Chris told me that he feels that there are only a few roofing companies in North Alabama that “do it right,” and he and Michael are committed to being the best at what they do.

As I sat in their office, I was struck by how they are just as

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ditional training in Memphis, Nashville, Orlando, and in Atlanta.

Chris and Michael taught me that what sets them apart is that they will always check the decking of any roof, and never just “shingle over anything.”

They even provide clients with two sheets of decking for free with every roof replacement.

All work is guaranteed for five years, and if there is something that wasn’t done right the first time, they’ll take care of it. “We start off by using the right products,” said Michael, and they

explain to the homeowner the importance of the proper shingles, underlayment, decking, and structural soundness. They also teach about some of the environmental issues that are important to good roof care, such as keeping leaves from piling up. This is important because the leaves can cause water to back up under the shingles which can result in leaks.

I asked Chris why I should choose River City River Solutions if I need my roof replaced. He thought for a moment and then simply said, “Knowledge.

Being able to explain everything to the customer and answer all their questions so they can make the best decision.” The owners go to the sites and are highly involved in each project. Michael also told me that they have perfected a process of training their installation team that causes work to be consistent, and something they will stand behind. They are also excited to be in the business, and show no signs of slowing down. Michael summed it up well when he said, “The other day some friends asked me if I would quit this business if I won the lotto. I had to tell them, ‘Not a chance. I wouldn’t shut down.’” I know that it’s because River City Roofing Solutions genuinely loves what they do and the people they serve.

Call them today for a no-obligation sit-down meeting where you can choose your next step with confidence.

River City Roofing Solutions

3325 Central Pkwy SW, Decatur, AL 35603 (256) 274-8530 rivercityroofing solutions.com

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Calendar of Events Houston Memorial Library and Museum WINTER HOURS

and dessert included starting at 5:00PM. $45.00 per couple.

Make your reservations today: 245-247-5461

101 North Houston Street in Athens. Tue - Thurs 10am-4pm • Fri 10am-1pm • First Saturdays - 10am-1pm. Antiques mingle with new book releases to create an inviting atmosphere for both book lovers and historians alike. We have all genres for all ages! The Governor's home displays local history while maintaining a fully functioning lending library. We invite you to stop by for a visit. 256-233-8770.

Jazz & Red Velvet Dinner & Show February 8

With Athens High School Golden Eagle Band in the Ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center at Athens State University. 300 North Beaty Street in Athens. 6:30PM-9:30PM. Enjoy dinner and show ($25.00, requires advance purchase) or Show only ($10.00 at the door, no ticket needed). Benefiting the band program students.

Valentine's Ball February 8

At L&L Event Center, 1609 Hine Street South in Athens.

7:00PM-11:30PM. Food, entertainment and a chance to dress to impress in the Formal Wear setting. Tickets $10.00 at Eventbrite

The Singing Ambassadors February 9

Berea Baptist Church. 16711 Lucas Ferry Road in Athens.

6:00PM-8:00PM for an evening Gospel music.

Getting Dirty at the Library: Are you "FIT" for Gardening ​February 11

Valentine's Day Parents' Night Out February 14

Cultivate Church, 100 U.S. Highway 31S in Athens near Subway. 5:00PM-10:00PM. Enjoy a free night of childcare as Cultivate Church host a safe and entertaining environment so Mom and Dad can enjoy a night out on the town. Space limited. Reserve spot: 256-777-8729.

Sweetheart Dance February 15

With Studio H Dance Company at Willow Oak Farms. 17434 Morris Road in Elkmont. 6:00PM-9:00PM. A child's situation is different and this event is open to every situation - mom & children; dad & children, aunt/uncle/cousin/grandparent & children. Light refreshments. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Couples (1 adult-1 child):$35.00; Add Adult: $15.00; Add Child: $10.00. Limited number tickets available.

Stop by Studio H (30072 East Railroad Street in Ardmore, AL) Monday-Thursday from 5:00PM-7:00PM to purchase tickets.

Empty Bowls Luncheon February 21

At Revival. 305 West Washington Street in Athens. 11:30AM1:00PM benefiting projects that address hunger in Athens and Limestone County inlcuding LCCI Food Bank and backpack projects like Full Tummy. Tickets: $15.00 includes your choice of soup provided by local restaurants and a choice of hand-made pottery item to take home.

Vibe Night February 22

With Limestone County Master Gardeners at the library. 603 South Jefferson Street in Athens. 11:00AM-12:00PM presented

by Carol Wood. Free, no registration required.

Dinner and Jazz: Heart and Soul Edition February 14

High Cotton Arts. 103 West Washington Street in Athens.

Starting at 6:00PM with Hedone with a mix of neo-Soul and Jazzy Indie Rock, Joe Canada with Rock infused Jazz, and Luke Smith with a solo Acoustic act. Free and open to the public.

The Bridge. 1627 South Hine Street in Athens. 7:00PM-9:00PM with a catered three-course meal, live jazz and romance. Tickets: Single-$30.00; Couple-$50.00 Tickets at Eventbrite

Valentine's Day Dinner February 14

Joe Wheeler State Park. 4403 McLean Drive in Rogersville.

Including Prime Rib and Grilled Chicken Buffet with drinks

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IT'S TIME AGAIN!!!

VVA Spaghetti Day 3rd Monday Of Each Month February 17

Vietnam Veterans' Museum. 17915 W. Elm St. in Athens. Supports college scholarships for local high school students. Eat in or take out. Cost is $8 a person, $4 for children under 12. Call ahead for large groups or take-outs. 256-431-3213.

February 07 - February 20, 2020

Special Feature

Low Rider Shuttle Service: A Local Lift To Where You Need To Go

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Charles Wagner was born in Dallas and spent most of his life in Florida. His parents moved to Athens close to 30 years ago, and Charles moved here after his father passed away to help take care of his mother. He has had an interesting life as a drummer for several cover bands, played for the praise band at Higher Ground 1st United Methodist Church in Coral Springs, and has been a DJ for parties featuring music from the ‘50s to the ‘80s. His favorite styles of music are R & B, Funk and Blues, and currently he is playing for the Chicken Bone Reunion Band. He has also done property management and security work.

Often musicians will have side jobs that are referred to as “side gigs” or “side hustles,” and Charles has come up with something ingenious that will work around his love for music as well as his love for people. It’s called Low Rider Shuttle Service, and is basically a one man local Lyft or Uber service designed to help residents of Athens-Limestone County get to just about any place they need to go between Nashville and Birmingham, with a few designated casino spots.

Charles has also had an interesting life due to the fact that he has had to become strong in the process of battling a rare form of muscular dystrophy. “All my life I was told I can’t- can’t-can’t,” he said, and has proven that he can. I was impressed with his positive attitude, his heart to serve, and his “Charlesisms.” By that I mean, his references to people like Dr. Patch Adams, who started the Gesundheit! Institute, which was one of the pioneers in the use of humor as medicine. Patch said, ““You

by the trip and not how many occupants, so a round trip to Nashville shared with friends is more than reasonable.

He also does jumpstart and gas rescue service, and only charges for the mileage, not the services. If you are wanting to go to a casino for an overnight trip, Low Rider will take you there for a flat rate of

the airport, bus or train station for $50, with no extra charge for extra people. A trip to Nashville or Birmingham is $150 round trip, and a Gulf area casino trip is $300.

The flat rate for all other trips is $2 a mile. Low Rider regularly makes trips to Decatur and Madison. Huntsville is also available, but he wants

$300. “There is never a waiting fee, and the meter is never running,” he said.

Charles has a 2004 Kia van that is licensed, insured for his new business, and also has handicapped parking access.

He can take up to 4 people basically anywhere they need to go locally. Most of his fees are flat rate. For example, a person in Athens can get a ride to

to build his business right in our community. If you need someone to take you to the grocery store, Charles is your guy, and same with going to the doctor.

Low Rider Shuttle Service is available from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., seven days a week. To book a ride, just call Charles Wagner of Low Rider Shuttle Service at 256-800-9785.

Charles Wagner of Low Rider Shuttle Service is ready to take you and yours where they need to go

treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome.” He continued to wax philosophical when he added, “There is no failure in a dream; it’s when you refuse to take a step that you fail.” Charles also made it very clear that he operates Low Rider Shuttle Service on the principles of respect, love, honesty, and servanthood. He believes that it is important to “invest in the people around you,” and Low Rider Shuttle is the answer to the dream as well as an investment in a service that

February 07 - February 20, 2020

can bless our community. He is also the man who does not want to be given a fish so he can eat for a day, he wants to be the fisherman who fishes for himself and teaches others to fish. His question regarding any potential client is, “What is the need, and how can we solve it?”

Well, the need in our area is that there is no transportation service, and that is a market niche that Charles has started to fill in a unique way. He provides snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, and has 250 DVDs if you wish to watch a movie while you travel. He charges

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Amazing Cities 3 - Sparkplugs And “Parkplugs”

by Ali Elizabeth Turner As we discussed what we would pull from James Hunt’s Amazing Cities for this edition of Ronnie, the mayor read me a quote from the book that is attributed to Maya Angelou: “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” He went on to read another story from the book that talked about a woman who worked for an Amazing City mayor that had a custom-made desk nameplate which read, “Manager of First Impressions.” She took her job seriously, knowing that she could make the first impression for a whole city, and though she was “just a receptionist,” she got it that she had a powerful job.

She was what Hunt calls a “Sparkplug,” and about her, Hunt noted, “I am sure many people who are coming to City Hall to complain about one thing or another, change their attitudes completely after meeting the Manager of First Impressions!”

Mayor Ronnie said, “Really, everyone needs to see themselves as a city sparkplug, someone who can be a manager of first impressions.” Hunt also added the power of phone etiquette. He talks about how sometimes when he calls various cities he gets a very poor impression of the city just based on how he’s treated on the phone.

We all know that there is never a second chance to make a first impression, and with the growth we are going to be experiencing, we are all going to have to step up.

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This led to the next chapter, which is about the power of parks, hence the playful “Parkplugs.”

One of the best things in an Amazing City is its parks, and we have some dandies. Big Spring Park is both historical and the sight of everything from kids playing Pokemon to family reunions to Heroes Day. Its ducks are legendary, and just a few

days ago, I watched as locals stopped and let just one duck pass before they drove down Hobbs Street.

park will be located at the old golf course on Lucas Ferry Road, and will have accessible swings for kids in wheelchairs. “Some of the preparation for the property will be handled by our utilities, some by Morrell Engineering, and some will be subbed out,” said the mayor.

“We are also working hard on finishing up the relocation of Jimmy Gill Park,” said the Mayor. Most people know that the park needed to be moved in order to make room for the Toyota Boshoku

The future Jimmy Gill Park AKI plant on Sanderfer Rd. Some were concerned about moving the park, but Deborah Gill, Jimmy’s widow, flatly told the mayor, “Don’t you lose those jobs, Mayor. Move the park, it will be just fine.” So the new

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Mayor Ronnie showed me a schematic of both Jimmy Gill Park as well as a drone shot which shows how the new Rec Center is coming along.

If all goes according to plan, that is, “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise,” it will open in May, and both facilities will truly be “parkplugs” for our city. We had just enough time to pray, which we did, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll.

February 07 - February 20, 2020

Slinkard On Success

Where Are You Headed in 2020?

by D. A. Slinkard

What are you doing to generate success this year? It is an extremely valid question that seemingly few people can truly answer. Where are you headed this year? How are you going to accomplish your goals? When are you really going to get serious on the aspects you need to change? Why do you keep putting off the things you know you need to do? These are questions I struggle with week in and week out. In fact, I am not alone struggling with these questions because many people ask themselves these very questions.

Have you taken the time to reflect upon these to try and figure out what you are going to do this year to generate success? We are already into the second month of the year, and if we are not careful, it will be December before we know it. The Bible tells us that where there is no vision, the people will perish. What does your vision look like in the year 2020? Do you have 20/20 vision, or are you being blinded by your lack of a clear vision for your life?

It is extremely easy to become lazy in our everyday life in which we find ourselves falling into routines of daily living. Instead of routines, we need to find some vision in our life so we can make something out of ourselves.

Let me ask you: What are you doing right now with your life that is going to move you closer to your goals and desires? Have you even thought about it recently, or are you just taking it day-by-day and just dealing with whatever life throws at you?

If you take someone who is generating success in their life, you will find they are generating their own success while those who struggle in life are just reactive. I believe a person can manufacture their own success with

the right mindset.

It is much easier to think negative than what it is to think positive; yet many people want to fall into the negative way of thinking. One negative thought will lead to another and before you know it, your entire demeanor has changed, and the impact you have on others is going to be lackluster. To generate success, the first thing a person must do is to get their mind right. I have found it easier and easier to get into the proper mindset by changing my thought pattern.

Think happy thoughts and you will become happy. Think positive thoughts and you will remain positive. When you start to feel negativity begin to creep in, you are going to need to quash it

immediately. The quicker you can sense an attitude change, the easier it will be to dictate how your day is going to be.

I often tell people if you want to know what kind of day you are going to have, just ask yourself what kind of mood you are going to have.

I am a firm believer that some people have negative and bad things happen to them because all they are doing is thinking negatively. Stop doing it if this is you. Start to look for the glass to be half-full rather than it being half-empty. No one wants to be around a pessimist, and when you become a positive individual, you will enjoy life more. People will want to be around you and you will want to be around others. The

events that would have been swayed to the negative will start to go your way. The pendulum will begin swinging in your favor.

Where are you headed in 2020? Only you can answer that question, but you need to get started now. We are already 1/12 of the way through this year and when you are reading this article, February will be slowing down for no one.

Get your mindset right and do it now. As soon as you finish this article, you need to take a few minutes. Write down where you want to go in 2020, and then take the appropriate time to reflect on the path you are going to get there. Take the time, plan the work, and then work the plan for a successful 2020.

Not too long ago I was listening to a preacher give a sermon, and he asked the question, “What are you doing and why are you doing it?� This got me to thinking about being proactive with my personal vision for my life.

February 07 - February 20, 2020

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Tourism

February Looks Fabulously Full Of Fun In Athens-Limestone

by Cayce Lee Social Media Specialist, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association Welcome to February – a month full of opportunities to enjoy history, heritage, romance, and more. From outdoor adventures to Valentine’s to galas … there’s a lot on this calendar to be enjoyed. I’m just hitting the highlights, so you’ll need to head to VisitAthensAL.com/ events for all the details.

Hearts and Arrows…

You’re probably seeing cherubs, foil hearts, and chocolate everywhere as Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching on February 14. Cupid comes early for lucky tickets holders of the sold-out 2020 Chocolate Walk in downtown Athens. If dinner and a show is more of your date night needs,

Jazz and Red Velvet Dinner & Show with Athens High School happens the 8th as well as the L&L Event Center Valentine’s Ball. February 13 is a Galentine’s Day – a day for women to celebrate each other with a movie night, pampering session, or just hanging out. The Bridge will be having Dinner and Jazz featuring a three-course catered meal on February 14. For the antiValentine crowd, you have a place to go – Hard Dock Cafe will be having Stupid Cupid Anti-Valentine’s party on the 14th as well. Looking for something a little different for a date night idea…how about a paranormal investigation of Boneyard Antiques in February 15.

Outdoor Galore…

The State of Alabama announced the Special Youth, Veteran, and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Day will be February 8. Community stewards are welcome to join the Clean & Learn at Beaverdam Peninsula in southern Limestone County on February 8 and enjoy a chance to learn about waterfowl as well as lend a hand to clean up litter in the area. It’s time to run with the big dogs during the Elkmont Hound Dog Half Marathon happening in Elkmont on February 29.

Unity in Community…

The Athens-Limestone African-American Heritage Trail brochure is available at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center

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It’s Black History Month, a time to salute the contributions of our African-American communities. The AthensLimestone Visitors Center has copies of the Limestone County African-American Heritage Trail available for anyone looking to explore.

February 25 brings renowned

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Valentine_Courthouse_Courtesy of County Commission -- The Limestone County Commission brings the colors of romance to the columns of the Limestone County Courthouse

author Peggy Allen Towns to the Center for Lifelong Learning for their monthly CommUnity Breakfast. Athens-Limestone Library is hosting “Way Down in Alabam’: Finding Old-Time Fiddlers and Their Tunes” lecture on February 26. Athens State University is preparing to mark its 200 Anniversary and is hosting the Athens Forever Gala on February 29.

Let the Good Times Roll...

Grab your mask, beads, and let the good times roll with two options happening locally on February 22. PrimeTime Basketball in Lester will be having a family-friendly Mardi Gras Festival starting at 11a.m. including a little Crawfish and Shrimp Boil (reservations needed in advance) plus concessions, king cake and more with proceeds helping to offset tournament fees for teams. Adults looking to get away for a little Masquerade Ball fun will want to make plans to join Joe Wheeler State Park from 8 p.m.midnight and make plans to enjoy the package savings for the event.

Welcome New Travel and Tourism Partners…

The work is underway and it

won’t be long until Rick’s Barbecue is open on Main Street in Ardmore, TN. Mill Creek RV in Elkmont has new owners with lots of hospitality for RVers, horseback riders, and people with puppies on the road and hitting the Richard Martin Rails to Trails, including the addition of a Puppy Park to their facilities. Goodland Pour House has opened in the Publix Shopping Center on County Line Road in Madison with a desire to give back to the community with loads of hosted events for area non-profits.

Dates and Venues to note for your favorite events…

Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge will be March 14 at the Athens Middle School.

Eli’s Block Party Car Show & Cruise In will be Mar 21 at Bethel Church of Christ.

Reminder…

This is just the tip of the iceberg for events happening in Athens-Limestone Alabama.

There are chances to hear live music, enjoy art, and much, much more on the calendar with more added every day.

February 07 - February 20, 2020

Tina's Tales

Narrating Redemptive Change

by Tina Cook Director, Athens-Limestone County Family Resource Center I think my own life is the easiest and most accurate narrative I can give of someone who has been positively transformed by the power of God and the influence of others. Though this will be far from in-depth, I will hit enough of the highlights to make apparent the darkness I was surrounded by and the guiding light that set me free.

sessions, job, school, car, and family…everything!

From age 27 to 32, I was a slave to cocaine, streets, and repeated arrests and short-term jail time in Miami and Orlando, Florida. After becoming ensnared in a cult and making it out alive, I returned home to Alabama at age 32 and made my first honest attempt to live sober.

At age 15, I began smoking cigarettes, drinking, drugging, cheating, lying, and living a life of promiscuity.

I also became pregnant and had an abortion. At age 16, I attempted suicide and was sent to a Psychiatric Ward for the summer. At age 18, I went into my first rehab and age 19 presented my first arrest; later arrests included 2 counts of robbery, burglary, and theft with a $200,000 bond. This resulted in my first felony conviction of 2nd degree theft because I only knew about the crime after it was committed. I could have beaten the charge if I had only told on the ones who actually did it. However, I was entangled in a screwed-up sense of loyalty for the wrong people while I left the right people hanging time and time again.

So, at age 20, I was branded a convicted felon which has followed me throughout my entire adult life.

In 2007 at age 42, I relapsed.

I was totally exhausted from the effort of trying to change myself. When I took that first hit of cocaine after 10 years, I remember thinking, "Now I can finally stop trying to please everyone else and be the best at everything!" The cycle of drugs, street life, and then the return to jail over and over began again. This time, I traveled from North Alabama to Chattanooga, Tennessee, then down to the west coast of Florida. When I arrived there in 2010, I had acquired a year clean from a stay in jail. It didn't take me long to relapse and hit the streets of Bradenton wide open. They were

I had always been free-spirited and full of life. Those changed from assets to liabilities making me a runner -- from place to place and person to person. I even hitchhiked to California to be with a man who almost beat me to death more than once…or twice. My disease progressed till I finally walked completely out on my life -- apartment, pos-

February 07 - February 20, 2020

ready for me…and hit back in several ways. I was arrested 4 times between December 2010 and October 2011.

When I was released after that 4th time in May 2012, I was not the same woman who arrived there 6 months prior. I had made decisions and began practicing them while in jail.

I did not make these choices joyfully, nor was I able to flesh them out alone. They were the result of many Christian volunteers coming each day on a weekly basis to share hope, love, encouragement, belief, and redemption with me.

Perhaps the best decision I made was to have someone from a homeless ministry pick me up at the gate when I was released. The hardest truth I had faced about myself was that I was indeed homeless and needed to begin my journey from where I qualified. I didn't need to try to skip vital steps in the process which is known in 12-Step meetings as the 'easier, softer way' that always leads to relapse. After 3 weeks, the ministry folded

Picture taken at home of Pastor Rick Speece when I visited in December 2018. Calvary Baptist Church became my church home in June 2012 where I was surrounded by saints who invited me into their lives & homes www.athensnowal.com

due to a successful attack by the enemy. I refused to go back to the streets which were calling me in their familiarity and comfort. After many heart-wrenching and desperate phone calls, I finally found a place that would give me a chance: Chrysalis House, a faith-based 12-step recovery home. I was at once surrounded by a strong group of spiritual and uplifting people.

I began to reconnect with my mentors from the jail whom I still needed to walk alongside me to keep me encouraged.

With my network around me, I was able to make wise decisions like not to run from life anymore…to do things differently even if I made some mistakes, at least they would be mistakes made in the process of going the right direction...a commitment to God to honor myself and my body in all ways.

I was given the opportunity to grow up because that is what happens when you don’t run away. I would not have chosen the life I began living.

Instead of a prestigious job befitting my business skills, I started out with a mundane hourly job in not-so-pleasant conditions making minimum wage. And yet, I always had enough money…even enough to share with those who had less than me. I have been given the priceless gift of discovering that to be a positive light in the life of others is worth far more than money or things. I learned this at the job I did not want, the only one that wanted me based on my criminal addict background.

Since then, my family who couldn't tolerate the pain I caused anymore because of my detrimental lifestyle invited me back home. I was able

to spend the last 6 weeks of my mother's life as her caregiver before she died from ovarian cancer. I held her hand and sang her favorite hymn (Amazing Grace) to her as she left this world to meet Jesus. My sister and I are best friends again; I have a car, a home, friends, and added another network of people supporting me in addition to those I still call on in Florida. I also have a career that allows me to help people just like I once was: homeless, hopeless, and lost in a world of strongholds. I have graduated from City Vision University and now serve on their Advisory Board. I remained on-track after college and am a Certified Addiction Counselor both in Alabama and nationally.

I will end this by stating that I always remember that inside me there is a monster. My disease is alive and well and sleeping within. I know because it slept silently within me for the better part of 10 years. Then I took that first mood-altering chemical, and it woke up extremely angry and demanding to be fed. I never want to wake that monster again. Instead, I will continue to starve it by feeding my spirit, not my disease. I do this by following suggestions made by people who are more mature and wise than I am, maintaining a strong relationship with God, going to meetings, actively doing step work, and practicing a new way to live so I can walk safely through life no matter what challenges I face. I will keep my eye on the prize so I can be of maximum service to those whose lives I might lead out of the grave and into LIFE!

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Clean and Green

I Am Angry! I Wish You’d Get Angry, Too!

by Lynne Hart - Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful

KALB recently organized a trash cleanup at the Wildlife Management Area in Tanner, Alabama, which took place on Martin Luther King Day. Even with 25 degree temps and blustery winds, we had a small group of dedicated people who showed up to work. Thank you to Rick Pressnell, a KALB Board member and Master Gardener, for doing the legwork to make this cleanup happen, and a HUGE thank you to Margaret McClary, Kipp and Craig Irland, Lori and Griff Knox, Pat Underwood, and David Whiteside for braving the cold to do some very hard work.

Litter By The Numbers Nine volunteers picked up 45 large bags of trash, several tires, and a television set in 3 hours. The sad part is that we hardly made a dent in the amount of trash that remains along Harris Station

Road and the connected wildlife management areas. We removed 1,904 lbs. of trash from three very small areas. Harris Station Rd. from Lucas Ferry Rd. to Hwy. 31 is just under 5 miles long.

Based on what we saw, there are probably many tons of trash that remain in this area of Limestone alone.

Who Is To Blame?

I hear lots of complaints, including that the city and county don’t do enough to keep litter picked up. Litter crews can’t keep up because as soon as they clean an area, someone is trashing it again. The blame should fall squarely on those who create the litter to begin with.

After our MLK cleanup, I was ANGRY! I remain angry that there are people out there who do not give one hoot about the people who have to clean up their mess. I am angry that some of these offenders are probably hunters and fishermen who should have more

respect for the land and water.

I am angry that so many people seem to have no regard for the importance of our waterways, the health of our local environment, the filth our local wildlife are forced to live with, or the appearance of the communities in which we live.

And I am angry that no one is held accountable!

So, where do we place blame? Blame anyone creating the litter. That includes tossing out trash intentionally, putting loose trash in trash cans (and not cleaning up what falls out), tossing loose trash in the bed of a pickup truck thinking it will remain there, hauling uncovered or improperly covered loads, letting construction debris blow across neighborhoods, not properly monitoring business dumpsters, and

(this one is my favorite) telling children it’s OK to litter because the inmates need something to do!

At one time or another, we may all fall into one of those categories; however, we must do better.

LITTER HOTLINE Should we also blame those who witness it and let it go unreported?

Since there seems to be no legal deterrent or consequences, here is your opportunity to make a difference! If you witness an act of littering in Athens-Limestone County, call the KALB Litter Hotline – 256233-8000. Provide the date, location, time, vehicle description and tag

number, and what you saw.

If you care about the litter situation in Limestone County, then you should help us tell litterbugs the community is watching and WE WANT IT TO STOP! Your information remains confidential. KALB offers washable litter bags for your vehicles with the hotline number on them. Stop into our office at 125 East St. to pick one up.

Call ahead and we’ll be sure to leave it for you in case we will be out of the office.

WE NEED YOU to help reduce the litter!

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com Page 12

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February 07 - February 20, 2020

Cooking with Anna

Little Miss Attitude!

by Anna Hamilton

“A great attitude becomes a great day which becomes a great month which becomes a great year which becomes a great life.”- Mandy Hale I saw this quote on a large poster a few weeks back and fell in love with it. Y’all, I struggle with my attitude. One little thing will set me off and I’m down for the rest of the day. I don’t yell and scream, I don’t pitch a fit, but I do start that negative dialogue with myself. Then the dominos start to fall…one after the other and everything becomes a stumbling block, a bad thing, a mistake.

Having a bad attitude will cause self-sabotage. You become bitter and nasty to yourself and others. I was beating myself up for things that didn’t go according to plan or caused a hiccup in my day. Letting things that happen in your day control your attitude will make you miserable.

When you are miserable, it can wreak havoc on your health. Dr. Donald Hensrud, a physician affiliated with the Mayo Clinic says that when it comes to weight loss, attitude is everything! Your actions will reflect your thoughts. Having a negative attitude will result in a negative outcome. If you dwell on how hard dieting is, you’ll be more inclined to not eat the healthy salad and dive head first in to the new basket of fries at the golden arches.

Another important aspect of having a good attitude is surrounding yourself with positive people. If you are constantly

Taco Pie

with people who complain and choose to be unhappy, you will become a whiner and be miserable. Make sure to have supportive people by your side helping you keep your attitude in check. My husband is my biggest cheerleader, but he is also quick to give me an attitude check when I need one. We all need that person in our life that will call us out on being a jerk when need be.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that my husband is one of the most laidback, positive attitude people I know. Surrounding yourself with positive attitude people will cause you to be a positive attitude person.

I have officially been on this journey to better health for a year, and I am happy to announce that I have lost 70lbs! That number is amazing to me. I know I have more to go, but I am truly happy with the progress I have made and the difference it has made in my life. I am looking forward to 2020 as being the best year of my life. Thank you all for your continued support; having a crowd around you that is there cheering you on to be your best is amazing.

This week’s recipe is a delicious take on Taco Tuesday! We had this for supper this week and I enjoyed it the next day at work.

Taco Pie is a great alternative to fried taco shells and chips. It’s all the yummy parts of a taco baked in a delicious pie. We topped ours with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. In this recipe we used ground beef, but shredded chicken would be delicious, as well as a vegetarian version loaded with roasted peppers and onions. I hope you enjoy this with your family as much as I did.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”—Proverbs 17:22

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef 1 packet taco seasoning 3 green onions, thinly sliced ¼ cup salsa 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, divided 4 large eggs 2/3 cup heavy cream Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9” pie plate by greasing with butter or spraying with non-stick cooking spray.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook beef until done. Drain beef and stir in taco seasoning. Set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Stir in the green onions, salsa, and ¾ cup of the cheese. Add the salt and pepper.

Stir in prepared taco meat into the egg mixture. Pour into

February 07 - February 20, 2020

the prepared pie pan. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Bake pie in a preheated oven for 35-45 minutes (mine baked perfectly at 40 minutes) or until the top is brown and the pie is set. Allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.

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The Millennial Mind

If You’re Living

by Rosemary Dewar

Life comes with struggles. Tension rises to the point that people begin to ask themselves, “Is it worth it?” The answer fortunately is always, “Yes.” The well known Buddhist proverb asserts that “life is suffering.” What needs to be understood is the “why.” What, in God’s good name, is the reason for that tension and pain? Life, life is so good that it is worth striving to keep on living. You know he’s saying that, “If you’re alive, you must be doing something right.” Now, imagine if you were able to understand what you were doing right, and you were able to add to it or multiple it. You could accomplish great things with that. This is an exclusively optimistic way of looking at things, yet the whole

point is to stave off death in its various forms as long as possible.

Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche stated that, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” If anyone can find a reason to keep on keeping on, they have the capability to withstand horrors.

Suffering is not necessary in finding meaning to live, but meaning is absolutely necessary to living through suffering.

Simply relieving the world from hunger, anguish, pain, and horror will not give people a reason to continue to live.

Individuals will still have to need to look outside of themselves for some goal. In that case, their judgment of themselves will never go away.

In the movie, The Prince of Egypt, there are these words in the song Through Heaven’s Eyes that say, “If a man loses everything he has, has he truly lost his worth, or is

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it the beginning of a new and brighter birth?” In that lies the truth of the matter -- that individuals have the choice to continue to find meaning, or reject it to the point of giving up. Meaning becomes the means while the commodities (no matter how arduously small) to achieve that meaning are organic manifestations of daring to live again.

If there was no need for striving to live, there would also be no need for legends, myths, heroes, or God. There is no one who would model themselves after someone or something that achieved

nothing.

The Judeo-Christian worldview asserts that we are given life, and that we may live more abundantly.

Individuals are built to expand and flourish beyond their initial programming. That cannot be accomplished by solely devising a way to put an end to one’s suffering. Furthermore, it not as simple as discovering a cure-all for those around because their ‘why’ for meaning will be singular to them as well.

A sign of life will forever be a touchstone for discovering meaning because life is just that good. As long as there is life in its least form, there is hope. Part of our purpose as individuals is to discover the living among the dead whenever we can muster the strength to do so.

We are to preserve the ability to live in order to flourish.

February 07 - February 20, 2020

Health and Fitness

Why Is Drinking Water So Important?

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

I know you have heard that drinking water is important, but do you really understand just how vital it is for having a healthy, functioning body? Sometimes, the difference in actually incorporating something in your daily life is not in just being told to do so, but having a true knowledge about the reasons behind it.

Drinking more water each day is something EVERYONE can do with ease to improve their overall health and body function. Simply keep a bottle of water or your favorite cup with ice water in it with you all day; yes, no matter where you go! You can even do things like setting timers on your phone or writing target times on your bottles to make sure you keep a good drinking pace through the day.

A great goal is to drink about a gallon a day.

seeking when you are tempted to grab those other drinks. Water plays a vital roll in fueling your muscles so they can perform at optimal level at all times, especially during exercise. If you have ever experienced a cramp during a workout or while playing a sport, it was likely due to a lack of water intake that day.

Avoiding painful muscle pulls and tears can even be traced back to good hydration.

Chances are that you are not aware of some

of the less talked about but incredibly beneficial aspects of staying well hydrated. Things such as boosting your metabolism and even having more youthful, smooth skin are on this list. Also, the ability to stay focused and concentrate on the tasks of the day are rooted in getting a sufficient amount of water, not to mention keeping dehydration headaches at bay. Here is a biggie, especially this time of year, most of us will do anything to help boost our

immune system and keep sickness away. Good hydration actually keeps all your major organs functioning as they should which helps fight off all those germs which make us sick.

When the proper amount of water is consumed, our body maintains a better blood pressure. It also keeps our digestion at a regular level preventing constipation and an overly acidic stomach, which can lead to things like heartburn and stomach ulcers. Drink-

ing plenty of water also regulates the body’s fluid level, which if not maintained, could lead to kidney stones among other issues.

The body can go days without eating, but water is truly essential to life itself. Water consumption is the key to living your most healthy, fit life!

For more information regarding a personalized general or sports nutrition plan contact me at Prime Performance 423805-0870.

Now let’s break this down so you gain the knowledge which will fuel your desire to make this part of your daily life in a real way. Reaching for water instead of coffee, tea, energy drinks, or sodas is a key to true hydration. This is actually what will really give you the energy you are

February 07 - February 20, 2020

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Cover Story

Southeast Quality HVAC And Refrigeration: Energy Efficiency Done Right

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

refrigeration can mean the difference between life and death when it comes to preserving medications. When any of it goes out, Southeast gets out and gets to it!

Randy got his degree in biology and chemistry from Athens State when it was still a college. He went to work at Brownsferry Nuclear Plant and was there for 17 years. He truly loved his job in the chem lab and planned to have a long career there, but then there was a massive lay-off

in 1997. A friend at Greenbrier Restaurant encouraged him to consider HVAC as a business. He got his associate degree from Calhoun Community College in refrigeration, and started Ricketts Refrigeration in 1998. His boys grew up in the business, and 22 years later Southeast Quality is still going strong.

Randy wanted me to spend some “word space” on the historical building in which the business resides. It is located at 713 S Clinton St. in Athens, and is the old

location of Chambers Distribution Company, which back in the day delivered Coca-Cola all over North Alabama. It was built in 1933 right in the middle of both Jim Crow and the Great Depression. Randy’s wife’s name is Canna, and her grandfather and grandmother worked there. When Southeast Quality moved in, the building still had traces of segregated bathrooms, and there are a number of vintage bottles and other memorabilia on old shelves.

The floor is made from

Southeast Quality HVAC and Refrigeration was founded 22 years ago by Randy Ricketts, (not pictured) and Chambers runs the crew. They are thriving as well as hiring that hardwood that no one makes anymore, and there are sturdy wooden office chairs that these days would cost a fortune.

Randy likes old stuff, and has a particular fondness for old electric fans. How well he remembers the days when air conditioning was a luxury, and if you were a kid and stuck your finger inside the guard, a fan blade could do some really serious damage! He also loves astronomy, and looks at the heavens with his grandkids through a telescope which was a gift from Canna. I know from having heard her that Canna is a marvelous piano player and accompanies the Heritage Choir of the South.

She also has taught school “since forever,” says Randy, and is an anchor for both the Ricketts family as well as Athens High School. Son Chambers runs the lion’s

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share of the operation, and Jacob is also in the “other family business,” that of teaching. He helps out in the summers when school is out.

For several years, refrigeration was the bread and butter of the business, and they serviced food outlets all over Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, down in the Gulf area, and in Tennessee. At that time, McDonald’s was their biggest customer. HVAC slowly became dominant, and in 2009 they largely let the refrigeration side of the house go. Since that time, they have done extensive work in cooperation with the TVA in programs to help people get HVAC units. First the name of the TVA program was called Energy Rite, and now is referred to as eScore Home Improvement Loan Pro-

February 07 - February 20, 2020

nance installations and have service and prevention contracts which include air filters for a year. “We are always getting new training,” Randy said, and informed me that “We design it, test it, and make it right. We care about the outcome, and TVA keeps us at the highest standard.” Randy also really enjoys supporting the local economy and the AthensLimestone area.

An example of a HVAC unit carried by Southeast. All units are expertly installed and serviced by their highly trained team. gram. Southeast Quality HVAC and Refrigeration has a 5-star rating on the TVA website. You can go to www.2escore.com to check them out.

Getting that kind of rating is no small feat, and it is Southeast’s commitment to making sure energy is “done right” the first time that has made for such a good working relationship with TVA. When Southeast gets a contract with TVA, the end product and installation is first tested by the designers and installers, and then TVA sends out their inspector, and nothing gets signed off until everything is perfect. Randy designs the systems; Chambers oversees the installation process and also functions as a trouble shooter. Back in the Brownsferry days is when Randy shined, fixing problems that no one else seemed to be able to solve.

So much can go wrong if people try to cut corners and go for the lowest bid. Everything from sky high energy bills to mold poisoning can happen when a HVAC system is not properly configured or installed. In order to be part of the TVA program, the installers must be certified by NATE, (North American Technician Excellence.) “You get what you pay for,” said Randy, and added, “We are not the lowest, and we surely are not the highest.” He also let me know that there have been some “bad apples” in the HVAC industry, and as a result there is a shortage of technicians. Not only does the Southeast Quality crew have the highest certifications, everyone who joins them undergoes a stringent in-house training process.

They largely install units made by Amana, and their wall is filled with plaques of industry awards and proofs of training. They also fi-

We talked at length about the building boom that is underway, and how the growth of our area is affecting them.

“We are always looking for new guys, and we need them now.” Randy told me further, “HVAC is not for dummies. My guys know that the process is one that involves what I call PACE. That stands for Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electrical. The duct work HAS to be excellent, and we do our own.”

When Randy was first in business, he received some wise counsel which I feel bears repeating. “Work to your most dissatisfied cus-

tomer in order to make them happy.” And while that doesn’t happen very often with Southeast Quality HVAC and refrigeration, exceeding customer expectations is what has set them apart. He has instilled that in his sons and his crew, and that’s why they are still here, going and growing strong, and gearing up for what’s ahead. He is glad to be in a brick-and-mortar business where people can sit down in the same room and meet with him face-to-face. And, as Chambers said to me at another meeting, “What sets us apart is ‘personability.’

We are a family-run business, top to bottom.”Over the years, they built up a large base of repeat customers, have several new ones, and as Randy says, “We stay with our customers. We register everything we sell. Over the years we have learned a lot, and have

moved with the market.”

If you are looking for oldtime-style service that is thriving in the 21st century, then call Southeast Quality HVAC and Refrigeration at (256) 232-2077 today and let them show you what it means to have “energy efficiency done right.”

Southeast Quality HVAC and Refrigeration 713 S Clinton St, Athens, AL 35611 (256) 232-2077 FAX 256-232-4187 Hours: 8-5, Mon- Fri and call after hours for emergencies www.southeastquality refrigeration.com

Mission Statement

With full faith in God, it is our mission to establish and maintain a for-profit mechanical company providing beneficial employment, quality products and service, and contributing to our local community and government.

February 07 - February 20, 2020

Servicing a unit near Southeast's office on Clinton

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Learning As A Lifestyle

The Path Toward Personal Authenticity

by Eric Betts Assistant Director, Curtis Coleman Center for Religious Studies and Ethics at Athens State University Too many in the workforce today are merely surviving or barely competing in the marketplace. There is so much more to life than the mundane day-today routine, yet few have discovered what is enjoyable and fulfilling. Are you one of those who are involved in a work week where Friday cannot come soon enough? Is Monday morning more of a dreaded prison sentence to you rather than another opportunity to do what you love? Are you one of those who cannot wait until the weekend so that you can really do the things that bring you happiness? Millions in the workplace feel as if they are trapped in an occupation that brings them money, but they feel that there is something more to their lives which is being neglected. They recognize that they have ability, skill, and education, but are not enthusiastic about their careers and what they are accomplishing.

How does one get to the place where they begin to look forward to Mondays in the same way that they have longed for Fridays? What such individuals need most is to discover what success coaches have called “the path toward personal authenticity.” Dan Miller, author of No More Mondays, says the following about why personal authenticity is so important for your life: “The path toward personal

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authenticity can lead in many surprising directions. Yes, we do see physicians who left their practices to drive trucks, a former pastor who became an artist, and accountants who now have landscape businesses.

But rest assured the application of authenticity does not always require a downward financial shift. In fact, quite often the opposite is true.”

Miller points out that the most successful people who are enjoying their lives and have found fulfillment are those who have found what they are passionate about; their financial success flows out of doing what they are enthusiastic about.

In most cases, those who are engaged in tasks that they do not enjoy are simply doing enough to get the task done.

Marcus Buckingham writes about Matt, a swimmer. Matt was a great swimmer in high school. He was forced into it by his parents and teachers. Matt won many medals and trophies for his high school swim team. However, there was a problem which Buckingham pointed out; Matt hated swimming. Matt loved playing instruments in the band. Everyone around Matt felt that he should become a professional swimmer, but Matt felt otherwise. His parents and coach suggested that he do both, but Matt was convinced

that he should pour everything into his musical development. Finally, Matt was allowed to do what brought him enthusiasm. Matt went on to become an extremely successful, popular music director in California and began to live his personal dreams. Sometimes one has to separate their capabilities from their calling. Sometimes one has to separate what others would love for them to do, from what they feel within themselves that they were designed to do.

Then there is Jason Brown the former NFL standout, who left a career making $37 million, to become a sweet-potato farmer. What makes a person do something like this? He bought 1,000 acres and farms crops including cucumbers and sweet potatoes. He says farming is more fulfilling than sports. “My agent told me, ‘You’re making

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the biggest mistake of your life,’” said Brown.

“And I looked right back at him and I said, ‘No I’m not. No I’m not.'”

According to the local North Carolina CBS news affiliate, Brown had never farmed a day in his life. But he researched farming by watching YouTube videos and getting advice from local farmers. He says his plan was inspired by God, and he plans to give away huge amounts of food to the needy. His success as a farmer is based on the enthusiasm that comes from finding his authentic self.

It is true that most will not change their careers entirely as did the NFL player; most are in careers that are not that far from their authentic selves. Brown’s authentic self was not an NFL player, even though he was successful; his authentic self was found completely outside of his life’s path. The key is finding within one’s current career path the one thing that one will enjoy the most within their workplace, and do it with zeal and gusto. Others will try new things, discover something about themselves they never knew, find fulfillment in it, pour themselves into it, and reap a bountiful “harvest.”

One of the keys of finding your authentic self is to never be content and to keep trying new things. Dan Miller goes on to say,

“Look at what you most enjoy—what do you do with enthusiasm? Keep in mind that the word enthusiasm comes from the Greek en theos and literally means ‘God in us.’ You don’t have to be religious to realize that true enthusiasm is more than fun and games. It come deep from within and connects us to what is meaningful and purposeful.”

How does one know whether he or she is connected to their calling? Miller declares emphatically, “If your work is boring, exhausting and monotonous, you are clearly unconnected to your calling.”

(Dan Miller, No More Mondays.)

Therefore, in order to find that personal authenticity and enjoyable Mondays, there are five rules: (1) Do something every day that you enjoy? Don’t wait until Friday.

(2) Try new things.

(3) Seek to discover something within your career that connects with your calling and do it with enthusiasm.

(4) Be open to change.

(5) Focus less on what people like to see you doing and more on what brings you personal fulfillment.

When this happens, your Mondays will give you new energy, new excitement, unexpected levels of success, and new discoveries.

February 07 - February 20, 2020

Special Feature

February brings out the sweet and fiery sides of Athens artists

by Holly Hollman - City of Athens Communications Specialist

Artists in Athens are showcasing their sweet and fiery sides in February for two holiday events, Valentine’s and Mardi Gras.

On Saturday, Feb. 8, Athens Arts League is hosting Sweet’art Saturday at High Cotton Arts at 103 W. Washington Street.

Artists are offering Valentine-themed pieces that never melt or wilt like real chocolate and flowers.

Shoppers will find sweet deals from stained glass to metal artwork to paintings and photographs to jewelry.

High Cotton Arts will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offering a free popcorn bar with sweet toppings for the public, as well as an art area for children to make Valentines. Shoals-based band Sharpshooter will be performing rock, country and blues from 1-3 p.m.

For those who have tickets to Athens Main Street’s Chocolate Walk (which is sold out), High Cotton Arts will have homemade chocolate covered cherries from a secret family recipe. During Chocolate Walk, ticket holders visit downtown merchants and get a sweet treat.

“Saturday will be an ideal time for people to come out to High Cotton Arts and shop for their sweetheart and enjoy some live music and an art activity for the kids,” said Athens Arts League Board President Jennifer Hilton Sampieri.

February festivities will continue at High Cotton

Misty Francis, singer for Sharpshooter, sings at last year's Sweet'art Saturday event Arts with the annual Athens Mardi Gras Parade with a Purpose. Athens Arts League Board Member and retired Athens State University art professor Gail Bergeron is organizing the event. She is a New Orleans native.

The event will be Feb. 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. at High Cotton Arts with free mask and crown making for children. The parade will commence at High Cotton Arts at 6:30 p.m. Athens Fire and Rescue will have a fire truck on display for the children as well. The Ardmore Lions Club train will also participate.

Athens has a quirky twist to its Mardi Gras festivities. Groups decorate buggies on loan from Lowe’s and collect canned food from spectators during the mini parade that travels back and forth on Washington and Marion streets.

This year’s theme is “Fire Up The Night.” Bergeron said groups need to incorporate battery-operated lights as part of their decorations. Last year, the community donated

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400 cans of food that Athens Arts League gave to the LCCI Food Bank.

“We want people to dress up, incorporate lights in their costumes and help us celebrate Mardi Gras in North Alabama while supporting our local food bank,” Bergeron said, adding spectators and parade participants can bring decorated umbrellas decked out in lights.

Groups interested in adopting a buggy to decorate can send an email to athensartsleague@gmail.com.

Jennifer White tosses beads during the Mardi Gras Parade with a Purpose. She helped decorate a buggy for the AthensLimestone Animal Shelter.

Children make masks and crowns at High Cotton Arts for Mardi Gras

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Dog Barker

Look At Me

by Joel Allen

Hello, folks!

2020 seems to be blowing by!

Here we are in February already! WOW! I had a friend who had a pit bull, and he taught his dog the “Watch him!” command where anyone he told his dog to watch would get stared down. He actually had a look like, “If you move, I am going to eat you!”

He never growled. That stare alone was unnerving for some people, LOL.

“Look at me.” What do I mean by this? Many of my readers remember Zues and many times, folks who met him commented on how he made eye contact. As I have said, I teach my dogs to look everyone in the eyes. When a dog learns to do this, they tend to train a lot easier because they are given an extra tool of communication.

Now ask yourself if you want to teach your dog to look you in the eyes.

From that story and my schooling, I learned that when teaching dogs obedience, one key ingredient to training is confidence building. My main method of confidence building is teaching my dogs to

First, let us find our dog’s favorite reward.

Dinnertime can be used for this command too.

For now, let’s just say treats are your dog’s preferred reward. From the “Sit” command position look at your dog

and draw your hand with the treat to your eyes. What we are looking for here is the dog’s head and eyes following your hand that has the treat. When we bring the treat to the side of our eyes, we say, “Look at me,” and look for that split second of pupil-topupil eye contact. When this happens, give the treat immediately, and praise. I would recommend repeating this at least ten times and take a break. Do not exceed 20 minutes when training because your dog can get burned out.

Another great training method is dinnertime.

What I do in my house is feed my dogs, but I make each and every

one of them sit and wait until I say they can eat.

This is where I set their food down in front of them after they sit, and I tell them, “Wait,” and they all look up into my eyes. The first time trying this is always the hardest for our dogs, in most cases. So as we get them to sit and wait for their meal, we watch them and talk to them. I have found that most of the time when they hear our voices, they will look up at us. I would recommend making them sit away from where they are going to eat the first time they are given this command, so there is time to stop them from just grabbing at their food. Remem-

ber, they should sit and stay while their meal is laid before them. If they move before their dish is down, pick up their dish and repeat the sitand-stay command until they do it and figure out there is more you want from them.

Let’s say your dog is staying and they are staring longingly at their dish, say their name, and get their attention.

Tell them, “Look at me,” and be patient. The first time, in most cases, they won’t look. Repeat their name again and the command. Eventually, they will look into your eyes because they want to please you, and in their mind, they are trying to figure out the fastest way to get their reward. It is so important that when this happens they are rewarded immediately by giving the command to eat, and praise them.

Use this training in everyday living for your dogs, and they will become so confident in their ability to be trained and learn that nothing will be impossible for them to do in the dogtraining realm of possibilities.

“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 Allen 256-651-2211

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February 07 - February 20, 2020

Mental Health Minute

E Is For Essential Oils

by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor “We all have the ability to heal ourselves; I know, I have done so...”

- Lisa Bellini

Several years ago, I had no clue about essential oils.

When a friend introduced them to me, I will admit that I was a scoffer… until I noticed some changes. So let me share with you some basic information about essential oils and how they can be effective in addressing a variety of mental health issues.

Essential oils are natural extracts from the seeds, stems, roots, flowers, bark, and other parts of plants. When

you smell a rose or a freshly peeled orange, you are experiencing the aromatic qualities of essential oils. As we inhale aromatic compounds from the EOs, they travel to the olfactory bulb or the emotional part of our brains. The odor triggers a series of brain chemicals. For example, the scent of lavender triggers serotonin, which has a relaxing effect on the mind as well as the body. The olfactory bulb is the only place in our bodies where the central nervous system is directly exposed to the environment. So this makes perfect “scents” (sorry!) that the brain is designed to use aroma to soothe and protect itself.

When I started with EOs, I

was concerned with how to use them. The three most common ways to use oils are aromatically, topically, and internally. Aromatically means that a diffuser is used to spread the EO particles into the air; or one or two drops can be placed on the palms and inhaled. For example, I diffuse peppermint in the mornings as an energy booster and to help clear my mind in preparation for the day. I may use orange in the afternoon to give me an energy boost. And at night, I diffuse lavender to help me to relax and wind down from the day so I can sleep more soundly. Topical application involves applying a few drops of oil directly on the skin, rubbing it in to

quickly absorb into the body.

My daughter puts a drop of eucalyptus, diluted with fractionated coconut oil, on the bottoms of her daughter’s feet for respiratory support. I love the smell of melaleuca, so I place a few drops on my pulse points.

You can also place one or two drops of certain EOs under your tongue or in an empty capsule and swallow just like any other pill. Taking oils internally can support the digestive system and boost immunity. For example, I like to add a couple of drops of lemon oil to my water to freshen my drink, or a drop of peppermint on my tongue can give me a lift in the afternoon or help if I have an

upset stomach. I have found that adding 2-5 drops of oils to my shower or bath can have a powerful effect, depending on the time of day.

If you shower or bathe at night, eucalyptus, lavender, or frankincense can be relaxing. If you are a morning bather, peppermint, orange, grapefruit, or lemon can be invigorating and elevating.

As a mental health professional, I am often asked about which oils to use for specific moods to help manage symptoms. For example, lavender can ease sadness, calm anxiousness, and decrease stress. In my office, I often diffuse rosemary because it can relieve fatigue, comfort sadness, and promote concentration. Vetiver can relax nervous energy, reduce anger, and soothe anxiousness. Frankincense, while expensive, is a wonderful all-around oil often used to lessen mental fatigue, provide grounding, and improve mood. Essential oils have so many applications, I encourage you to explore which ones work best for you. When purchasing EOs make sure you research the oils’ sources, purity, and therapeutic grade, as all oils are not created equal. So next time you feel down, take a whiff of lemon and see what happens!

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

February 07 - February 20, 2020

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The Alternative Approach

Kid’s Advantage

by Roy Williams Americans love their children. As parents, we have always tried to make sure our children have it better than we had it when we were growing up. We work hard to provide them with a better place to live, the nicest clothes, and, of course, plenty to eat. Heaven forbid any of our children go hungry.

For the most part, children in this nation are blessed. We have some of the safest and best school systems that have ever existed. All our children have access to the best medical help, even if their parents can’t afford it. They can travel and see things that over 80 percent of the rest of the world will never see.

Talk about opportunity; America is the land of opportunity. It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, the majority can find work. The average income in America is much higher than almost any other nation on earth.

Yes, as Americans we strive to make a real difference in our children’s lives, and in almost all areas, we have succeeded. However, the one area that, as a result of ignorance, we are failing miserably is providing for our children’s long-term health.

Please allow me to explain.

Yes, we take our children to the doctor from birth. We

make sure they have food, clothing, and shelter. We do our best to love, educate, and support them. But almost every child in America is at a huge disadvantage.

Our children are terribly mineral deficient, and this can be proven very easily.

All you have to do is look at what disorders our children are suffering from. Over half are overweight or obsess.

When we don’t get the minerals from our diet, we develop food cravings that can cause us to overeat.

The most common childhood mental disorders include anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although less common, developmental disorders and psychotic disorders, including autism, in children can have a lifelong impact on the child and his or her family. Many of these have been tied directly to mineral deficiencies.

Physically, many of our children are developing disorders such as type II diabetes, psoriasis, eczema, eating disorders, blockages at the earliest ages in our history, acid reflux disease, arthritis, and cancer. Weak bones or osteoporosis is being diagnosed at much younger ages, and you can’t leave out sports injuries that were practically nonexistent just 30 years ago.

So, what does all this mean?

When our children are not getting the minerals in their diet, they will inevitably develop deficiency disorders such as those mentioned above.

Look up Senate Document 264, which was produced in the 1930s. After a group of scientists had tested the farming soils in America, they reported back that our farmlands had already been depleted of over 86 percent of the minerals that were necessary for overall human health. Remember, plants can manufacture vitamins but absolutely cannot manufacture minerals. They must come from the soil.

As a result, our entire nation is mineral deficient, and many degenerative disorders are all but epidemic. Degenerative disorders should actually be called deficiency disorders. You don’t catch them. You don’t inherit them. You develop them due to a lack of minerals.

Our biggest concern should be our children. If we don’t find a way to get the 79 minerals and trace elements back in our diet, our nation’s

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health will get even worse.

And the largest section of our population that will suffer the most is the next generation because they are the most deficient. As I stated earlier, many of the signs are already obvious.

are called humic/fulvic acid minerals and it is easy to get your children to take them. Just put a teaspoon in their water and have them drink up. You can add it to almost anything they like to drink.

Shouldn’t we be giving our children everything they need to live their entire lives without disease and suffering? If there was a simple and inexpensive way to cover all those minerals and give our future generations an advantage, shouldn’t we do it? Don’t we want to give our children an advantage?

In just a few days, people notice improvements in their children, which may include improved behavior and better focus and concentration. But even more important is their longterm health.

A True Advantage Now we can give our children a true advantage. There is an all-natural, totally safe, complete and toxicfree source of minerals that can and is changing peoples lives. But, even more important, it may help our children avoid so many of the physical and mental challenges they are facing today.

God provided the source, and it has no smell or taste. It comes from deep below the earth’s surface where toxins cannot pollute them. They

Now, thanks to Herbs & More in Athens and NHC Herb Shop in Killen, you can get this liquid containing all 79 minerals and trace elements for less than the cost of a soft drink a day.

To learn more, go by one of our stores or call 800-7570660 or visit our website at www.newtritionalhc.com.

You may also learn more about natural health by listening to Today’s Health Update on WKAC 1080 AM in Athens or WBTG 106.3 FM in Florence.

Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams

February 07 - February 20, 2020

www.JuicePlus.com

Mondays at 10am 1080 AM WKAC February 07 - February 20, 2020

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