February 02, 2018

February 2nd - February 15th, 2018

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature Big Boy’s Grilling And Southern Cooking Restaurant...

Just before Christmas, Cornelius and Kisha Mitchell opened up a new restaurant called Big Boy’s Grilling and Southern Cooking Restaurant, located at...

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Diverse Home Care Of Alabama: Keeping The Family Home Sweet Home

By Ali Elizabeth Turner Several years ago, Elaine Long and Michelle Easterbrook learned the hard way that often there are huge gaps in the stan-

Cooking With Anna Pick a Team, Pick a Recipe...

Some people love Italian food, some people love sushi, some people love Mexican food, but me, I love party food...

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Jerry's Journal In Harm’s Way...

February, 1968.

Somewhere over the South China Sea, Major Clarence R. Little, age 36, closed his eyes, listened to the drone of the...

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February 2 - February 15, 2018

Continued on page 15

The 2018 Greater Limestone County Chamber Of Commerce Home And Garden Show February 16-17

By Ali Elizabeth Turner It’s time once again for the annual Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show. This expo has grown Continued on pages 17

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Persell Lumber is one of the sponsors of this year's Home & Garden Show

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February 2 - February 15, 2018

Publisher’s Point

A New American Moment

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers Janet Hunt D. A. Slinkard Paul Foreman Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Anna Hamilton Sandra Thompson Jerry Barksdale Rosemary Dewar

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 From The Vets' Museum . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Jerry's Journal . . . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 16 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 Pet Points . . . . . . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21

Tuesday night, January 30, was the first time President Trump gave a State of the Union speech, and while there were predictable political shenanigans in abundance both before and after, I am going to do my best to steer clear of getting sucked in by them. Instead, I am going to make this all about me and tell you what inspired me most. I am going to shamelessly foist upon you the stories that moved me to tears, and there were several.

The stories were about people and not parties, and if there is a point to this Publisher’s Point, in part, it is about the sheer power of storytelling itself.

Let us start with the end in mind: people were on their feet giving standing ovations more than 75 times, and the longest and loudest were not for the President, they were for his guests. The longest of the night, which lasted for a full minute and 36 seconds, went to Carryn Owens. Her husband Ryan was one of the SEALS killed in Yemen this year.

It was a night when first responders were rightfully shown the appreciation they deserve. One of these, a police officer from Albuquerque by the name of Ryan Holets, had stopped a woman who was a heroin addict from injecting herself, got her help, and he and his wife Rebecca adopted her baby, whose name is Hope. The detox that the birth mom went through did not occur in time for baby Hope to escape her own battle with addiction, and Hope is on her own tiny path to recov-

Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Foreman's Forum . . . . . . . . 23 Millennial Mind . . . . . . . . 24

February 2 - February 15, 2018

ery that I hope one day turns into a highway for others. A California firefighter named David Dahlberg rescued 62 kids at a camp during the wildfires of 2017. Jon Bridgers, the founder of the Cajun Navy, and Coast Guard Petty Officer Ashley Leppert were honored for saving hundreds

girls at the hands of MS-13 here at home, the grief of their parents, and the ICE officer whose efforts have led to the arrest of more than 100 MS13 gang members. We wept with the parents – Elizabeth Alvarado, Robert Mickens, Evelyn Rodriguez and Freddy Cuevas – and we thanked

I will never forget the look on his face as the Americans in the room, Americans who were born here, who immigrated here, who are of every color and background, stood to their feet and thundered their applause. His face was a quizzical combination of joy, pain, uncertainty, confidence,

of lives during the hell that was Hurricane Harvey.

C.J. Martinez, the ICE officer whose whole life is dedicated to stopping MS-13. The girls were black, Martinez is Hispanic, and the point is that Americans experience horrific things, and Americans rally to help.

defiance-in-the-face-of-repressive-evil, and bedazzlement; and in one moment, even though he is not a citizen, he became the new poster child for all that is good in our land. And that, dear readers, is way more important to me than which one first used the term “a new American moment,” Hillary or the Donald.

Then there was 12-year-old Preston Sharp, who was troubled by the fact that the graves of military members were not properly decorated, and started the Flag and Flower Challenge, a campaign to get a flag and a red carnation on to their gravesites. So far this guy has been successful to the tune of 40,000 flags and flowers now honoring our military. Staff Sergeant Justin Peck, against all odds, saved the life of his buddy while they were battling ISIS in the Great Sandbox. Contrast that with the tragic deaths of two

Americans are also legendary for honoring non-Americans in other lands for unparalleled courage demonstrated in seeking freedom for themselves and others. So, for me, the night went to a North Korean defector who now lives in South Korea and helps others recover from the brutality experienced just over the border. His name is Ji-Seong Ho.

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

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All Things Soldier

Please Stand

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

The Super Bowl is in a couple of days, and in all of the more than 50 years that it has been in existence, I don’t believe I ever remember a lower level of enthusiasm for an event that used to be legendary when it came to the passion of the fans. Largely, this has been due to the fall-out over players refusing to stand for the national anthem, and taking a knee instead.

It’s safe to say that most NFL players have not been in the military, because if they had, it’s doubtful that they would have felt the need to express their desire to see changes in America in such a way that can so easily be construed as disrespectful to our military, the ones who ensure the right to protest in the first place.

I for one was heartened that President Trump took such a strong “stand on standing” at his State of the Union speech when he said, "Preston's (the

12 year old who has made it his passion to put flags and carnations on the graves of

veterans) reverence for those who have served our nation reminds us of why we salute

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

$7

February 19th

11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm

Musical Entertainment • 5-7pm 17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4

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our flag, why we put our hands on our hearts for the Pledge of Allegiance, and why we proudly stand for the national anthem." His statement drew strong applause. I realize that because it was a speech that was supposed to demonstrate a measure of statesmanship, he could not say it the way he has on other occasions, but everything from his wording to his body language made it clear that he meant business.

Over the years, I have been transparent with regard to the fact that when I was a “socialista,” I despised the flag because I despised America.

If I had been in the NFL, I probably would have led the charge to take a knee during the national anthem, and would have counted on the fact that team owners would have buckled under the pressure of protesting players because they would have never wanted to appear to be “insensitive.”

I have also talked about how much it has meant to me to be forgiven by soldiers for my former idiocy. What it seems that some folks are forgetting is that when a public figure takes a stand on a particular topic, such as standing for the national anthem, it doesn’t mean that one’s right to not comply is somehow now threatened. At the end of the day, soldiers will tell you that they will die for your right to protest, to disagree, to take a knee, to not salute the flag.

My dad gave me the same gift nearly a half-century ago when he told me, “I may not agree with you, but I will fight like h_ _ _ for your right to believe what you want to believe.” I have since made it a very important part of my life to show respect for those who gave me the right to protest, and those who give me the right to be a patriot, and I am happy to politely say, “Please stand.”

February 2 - February 15, 2018

Special Feature

Big Boy’s Grilling And Southern Cooking Restaurant

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Just before Christmas, Cornelius and Kisha Mitchell opened up a new restaurant called Big Boy’s Grilling and Southern Cooking Restaurant, located at 17480 Sudbury Drive in Athens-West Limestone. And they want everyone to know about their smoke-free, family friendly environment, home cookin’ and perfectly smoked ribs, chicken, and more. They have extensive restaurant experience, but to them there is something special about this new location, and their customers agree.

Cornelius has been cooking since he was 12. He learned from his grandfather, who was the head cook for Big Bob Gibson for many years.

Cornelius inherited the recipes (including the one for the tangy, white “secret sauce”), tweaked them a touch to make them his own, and their BBQ chicken is some of the best I have ever tasted. Kisha is getting ready to make some tasty cupcakes for their special Valentine’s Day dinner. Word is getting out, people are heading down Hwy 99 on their lunch hour to get great food at a reasonable price, and now have a welcoming place to enjoy it.

As one client puts it, you can “feel love in the atmosphere.”

Cornelius and Kisha decided to go with a homey farm décor, and some of their raving fan customers have offered to pay hundreds of dollars for the antique farm implements that are on display at BBG. There is also a multi-purpose room in wiches, fish sandwiches, and an all you can eat salad bar.

There are also daily specials.

the back, and there are plans to have several genres of live music, including R & B, as well as country.

So, let’s talk about Valentine’s Day first. There is going to be a live band, and the music will be the kind that you won’t have a problem with your kids hearing or humming. The menu for Valentine’s Day is rib-eye steak for two, baked potato with all the fixin’s, salad, and dessert for $29.99. Call soon and let them know you are coming so

that you can get everything just the way you want it. The celebration starts at 5 p.m., and if you need to bring your kids, the atmosphere will be appropriate for them, too. Kisha and the rest of the crew are putting the finishing touches on the red and white decorations, and it will be a great night.

One of the things that impresses me personally about Big Boy’s is their dedication to and appreciation for our veterans. In the middle of the south wall of

the restaurant is a large silhouette of a soldier in front of an American flag. However, BBG does more than just use what’s on the wall for decoration; once a month they actually have their own version of Veterans’ Day, where all currently active or former military members can have any dinner on the menu for $5.99. That includes steaks, even rib-eye, frog legs, or any of their other delicious menu items. And, this special deal is not just for veterans, the invitation is extended to all first responders. “Veterans’ Day” is going to be the 3rd Saturday of every month. “We are the only place in the area that does this,” said Cornelius.

Big Boy’s Grilling and Southern Cooking has dine-in, carry out, and drive-thru. They are also aware that at lunch folks are on a tight schedule, and if you call ahead, they will have your lunch ready and waiting for you to pick up. Their hamburger patties are made by hand, and the burgers are cooked to order. Other menu items include pulled pork sand-

February 2 - February 15, 2018

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The meat-and-two menu includes pulled pork, dark or white meat chicken, ribs, pork chops, frog legs catfish, or two meats and a side. The sides are mac & cheese, cabbage, baked beans, fries, green beans fried okra, or potato salad. Kisha specializes in the desserts, and she makes sure there is a selection of cakes and makes a mean banana pudding, as well as peach pie, apple pie, and brownies.

If you are looking for a place where you are treated like family, and can head home with a full heart in addition to a full tummy, then Cornelius and Kisha hope you will come and give Big Boy’s Grilling and Southern Cooking Restaurant a try. You can’t go wrong!

Big Boy’s Grilling and Southern Cooking Restaurant

17480 Sudbury Drive, Athens, AL 35614 Hours: Mon-Tue, 11-8, Wed, 11-5, Thur, Fri, and Sat 11-8 CLOSED Sun Phone: 256 348-8107 Facebook: Big Boy’s Grilling and Southern Cooking Restaurant

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Calendar of Events Main Street Athens Chocolate Walk Feb 3rd

Athens Boys and Girls Club Celebrating 25 Years of Success Annual Banquet February 8, 2018 Beasley Center Athens Time 6:30pm Tickets $25 • 256-232-4298.

Fall in love with Downtown Athens, AL. Ticket holders enjoy a chocolate treat, sweet deals, and a chance to win a door prize from each participating business during this prelude to Valentine's Day. Information and tickets at Eventbrite.

Cotton Fields painting class Feb 9th

Creator's Corner Studio and Boutique, 30511 Ardmore Avenue in Ardmore AL. 3:00PM-5:00PM. For more information or to register: 256-423-4044.

Women Empower Women Organization & Food Pantry First Saturday of Each Month

Valentine Gift Fair Feb 10th

Prayer • Elderly Assistance • Feed The Hungry Clothes • Scholarships • Empowering Women Volunteers Wanted & Needed Call for Details -256.233.5995 Meeting Time: First Saturday of Each Month at 1:30pm Food pantry open now. wewoa.org • E-Mail: wew5995@gmail.com

SilverSneaker™ Stability class Every Thursday

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 511 Post. 17915 West Elm Street in Athens. 10:00AM-3:00PM. Shop small businesses, artisans, and other unique vendors. Door prizes.

Free admission.

Athens Main Street Mardi Gras Bash Feb 10th

11:30am – 12:15pm. This class will meet every Thursday at East Limestone Senior Center at 25820 Nick Davis Rd. SilverSneaker™ Stability is a group exercise class designed specifically to keep participants “safe on their feet”. This class will include standing and walking exercises that will be beneficial in decreasing the risk of falling. Chairs are encouraged for warm-up and cool-down only. Donations for the class are accepted. For additional information, call Janet at 256-614-3530 or email at jhunt9155@gmail.com.

Limestone County Event Center. 114 West Pryor Street in Athens. 7:00PM-10:00PM. Dance to the sound of Kozmic Mama enjoy beads, heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine (drink tickets available). Must be 21 and up to attend. Ticket information and purchase at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/athens-mainstreet-mardi-gras-bash-tickets-41826341714?aff=efbeventtix

Mardi Gras Masquerade Feb 10th

Joe Wheeler State Park Lodge. 4401 McLean Drive in Rogersville. 8:00PM-11:59PM. Package for two: $99.00. (18 and up only) For more information or reservations, call 1-800544-JoeW or 256-247-5461.

HOPE Conference for Women Feb 10th

With Dr. Betty Dean Newman and Lottie Partridge at The Grove Baptist Church. 12300 County Line Road in Madison. 9:00AM12:00PM. $10.00 p/p. Contact Lottie Partridge lottielivingforhim@ gmail.com Limited number of tickets available.

2018 Empty Bowls Luncheon Feb 23rd

At Revival. 305 West Washington Street in Athens. 11:30AM1:00PM with soup prepared by local restaurants and silent auction. Tickets are $15.00 includes a hand-made ceramic bowl to take home. Tickets at First Presbyterian Church on the Square (112 South Jefferson Street in Athens).

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February 2 - February 15, 2018

February 2 - February 15, 2018

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

The 2018 State Of The City Address

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

On Wednesday, January 31, Mayor Ronnie Marks gave his annual State of the City address at the Athens State University Ballroom.

The room was full and the food was good. For several years, the mayor has found that a specific book serves well to provide a theme for the address, and this year’s selection was Steve Gilliam’s Enjoy The Ride.

Gilliam’s continual point is that, one way or another, there is going to be a journey, and since “no one gets out of here alive,” everyone from a city to a family or an individual would be wellserved to find a way to enjoy the journey.

Currently we have many

more. We were reminded that City Councilman Frank Travis is heading up this year’s special production of Poke Sallet, which will be a revue of the 200 years that have made AthensLimestone County the wonderful place that it is.

reasons to enjoy the ride. The recent announcement of the Toyota plant and the thousands of jobs it will create was even mentioned Tuesday night in President Trump’s State of the Union speech.

We have successfully finished negotiating with Pilgrim’s Pride, and now have the deed to the property that has been legendary for its blight. Now there are bright prospects for the land to be beautifully re-purposed. The new Athens High School is coming right along, and construction has begun on the new Athens Bible School.

The plans were revealed for the new 70,000-square-foot Parks and Recreation building, as well as the

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architect’s rendering of the building planned for the Greater Limestone Chamber of Commerce; there was much discussion about the grants received for various road improvements, including sidewalks and bridges, sewers, and the need for a road to be made connecting Forrest St. all the way down to where Chick-fil-A meets Highway 72.

There was much discussion about our 200 year birthday celebrations, for both Limestone County and the city of Athens, and a reminder of some of our most famous citizens. We were reminded of how blessed we have been to have people like Patty Malone, Judge James Horton, Mary Wells, Governor Houston, and

As heartening as all the good news of economic development, housing developments, and infrastructure improvements may be, what I think rang true for all those attending is that the greatest thing being developed in our area is our young people. Students from the current Mayor’s Youth Commission, now in its 5th year, made statements that were shown as part of the slide presentation. They talked about how much they love our town, how safe they feel, and how much they have enjoyed being a part of the Commission.

But, I think the best was saved til last. Third grader Madisyn Marshall, who was the 3rd grade winner of the Martin Luther King Essay Contest, wrote in her essay that she planned to be President of the United States when she turns 35. Apparently, she has it all planned out because she said that in order to do so, she is first going to have to be a United States Senator.

And, I think it’s safe to say that we are all going to enjoy the ride as we cheer her on.

February 2 - February 15, 2018

Slinkard On Success

Attitude Is Everything

by D. A. Slinkard

D.A. Slinkard is the manager of the Athens Staples store “Attitude IS Everything,” we are told. This is such an important business mantra that is used often in the workplace, but ultimately could and should be the approach to how we live our lives every day. What these three words mean holds a different connotation for you than it does me.

When you think about these words, I want you to visualize what comes to mind. Whether these images that float in your mind are positive or negative can dictate how you view the world around you.

In the world of business, I see all kinds of attitudes. I see good ones, I see bad ones, and I see ones that I will never soon forget. To make the biggest impact upon yourself, your loved ones, your friends, your neighbors, but most importantly your customers, you must maintain a positive attitude even when the world around

in my life, nor should it in yours. If you tend to be the negative person in the room, might I suggest you make some subtle changes. I recommend that you commit yourself to only thinking positively, and withstand any negative thinking that might cross your mind.

I understand that in life it is so much easier to

to bring you down from your emotional high.

I oftentimes get complimented on my attitude, and from a business perspective I relish in this.

When customers notice my positive attitude, I realize they are not receiving this same energy level down the street.

Your positive attitude can set you apart from your competition. When

Do not get me wrong; there were many lonely nights I found myself crying out to God just asking, “Why me?” For several years I took the victim mentality that I “had it so rough,” but then I realized there are people out there who have it worse than I do.

This helped change my way of thinking. Being able to reflect upon the obstacles others faced helped me to realize what I was going through was easy compared to what others were facing.

For myself, I am not the kind of guy where the “glass is half-full” nor is the “glass halfempty.” For me I like to think that my cup overflows with the emotional effects that my attitude has on the world around me on an everyday basis. Let’s face it, the world is full of negativity in which the running joke is the evening news beginning by telling you “Good Evening,” and then proceeding for the next 30 minutes telling you why it’s not.

How we respond to events that happen to us, even if we think they are beyond our control, is actually well within our grasp. If you want to know how your day is going to turn out, then ask yourself one simple question. How is my attitude going to be today?

in our way. Personally, my father died when I was 15 years old and my mom abandoned me less than 2 years later. I could have been negative. I should have dropped out of high school, gotten mixed up in drugs or become a statistic you read about in the paper. I should have never graduated high school, let alone college. I did, though.

All because of my attitude.

you suggests otherwise.

I have found the overall satisfaction of my customers increasing when my attitude exhibits an overwhelmingly positive approach. The saying that “misery loves company” holds no weight

February 2 - February 15, 2018

be negative. Negativity requires so much less effort than what it takes to be positive. To my knowledge, there is no medication out there that is designed to make you hate life. There’s plenty out there for you to enjoy life, but none exist

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your customers feel uplifted by your daily approach, they will want to do business with you.

Before you can get to this point though, you are going to have to work on your mindset.

We have all overcome obstacles that have stood

As you are reading this, I want you to realize that the way you conduct business and your life needs to change today. You can make a difference to your customers, and I urge you to let your positiveness shine through to them.

No matter what your definition of attitude has been, I want you to start today by realizing that Attitude IS Everything.

Go be the difference you want in the world.

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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Meet Army CPL Morris Dale “Lone Elk” Casteel

by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum Dale was born in Limestone County, Alabama, in March of 1932. The Casteel family has a long history of military service beginning with his father, Marvin A. Casteel, who was stationed at Evac Hospital No. 27 in Koblenz, Germany, during WWI. His sister, Marion A. Casteel, joined the Navy and worked at the Correspondence Department in Washington, DC during WWII. Dale and his brother Jimmy were in the Army during the Korean War, and his younger brother Billy was in the Army during the Vietnam War. In 1948, at the age of 16, Dale and some other friends decided to join the Alabama National Guard after realizing there wasn’t much money in picking cotton; they were all assigned to Company B of the 1343rd Combat

spot in the dark time.

They all loved her like a daughter. Eventually, Sunny was strong enough to go to an orphanage in Pusan.

Dale says that was probably his saddest day in Korea.

Engineering Battalion.

After the Korean War broke out in 1950, the 1343rd was called to active duty. Dale says, “Although they would leave Athens, Alabama, as boys, they would become men in Korea, their love for their family and country would grow stronger.”

Dale had some unforgettable experiences in Korea, one notable was being part of the band called “The Alabama Ramblers.” When the 1343rd Battalion left for Korea, some of the men took their musical instruments with them for entertainment, and thanks to the persistence of Jerry McGivney, they started playing together. Jerry would wear many hats in the band, including manager, booking agent, driver, and master of ceremonies!

The band would record

Dale feels that the leaders of Limestone County and Athens have been very good to the veterans, especially at a time when the public was not supportive of the Korean veterans. For this reason, he supports the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and, of course, he supports the Alabama Veterans Museum and is looking forward to its expansion.

their songs and mail them back to Bob Dunnavant to play on the radio station WJMW in Athens; this also gave the men a chance to record messages for their families.

One of Dale’s most emotional memories of Korea is the story of a little Korean girl they called “Sunny.” Dale and the

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other soldiers of Company B, found Sunny and her younger brother behind a hedgerow; they were both very ill and malnourished. The men took them in and tried to nurse them back to health. Sadly, the little boy passed away, but Sunny eventually thrived and was a little bright

After returning from the war, Dale says he took the GED and went right back to work. Dale has one adopted son, Marty, and two foster children, Liz and David. Dale has been married twice but has unfortunately lost both of his wives to illness.

Dale is also a noted author and poet with several books to his credit, The End of the Trail of Tears, The Trail That I Traveled, The Native People of Turtle Island, and Great Words of Wisdom from the First Native People. These books can be found at the Museum gift shop along with other places.

Dale has also written countless short stories and poems.

February 2 - February 15, 2018

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Clean and Green

Recycled Plastic Bags – A Trash To Treasure Story

by Lynne Hart Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful

Most people who recycle in Athens and Limestone County are aware that plastic grocery bags can be taken back to some of our grocery stores. Did you know that you can also bring them to the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center on Lucas Ferry Rd.?

What you may not know is that our Recycling Center accepts many other types of plastic film.

At the front of the Recycling Center located on Lucas Ferry Rd., just around the corner from Hwy. 72, there are rolling carts lined up with other drop-off bins waiting to be filled with your household plastic films. The carts have lids to keep the films from becoming litter when the wind kicks up. They may look like trash cans, but what they hold is not trash!

Trex purchases our baled plastic film to use in making beautiful composite lumber.

Recycled plastic film from a variety of sources, ranging from the overwrap on paper towels to dry cleaner bags, sandwich bags, and grocery bags, is combined with recycled hardwood sawdust to make the composite lumber.

Trex composite lumber consists of 95% recycled materials. By using recycled hardwood sawdust, Trex never has to cut down a tree to create their lumber!

According to the Trex website, they not only make beautiful decking and other outdoor products with recycled materials, they also use some of the most earthfriendly manufacturing processes in the country, re-

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How many plastic bags have you seen waving from fences and tree limbs?

Trex was kind enough to send a bench built with composite lumber to the Recycling Center and it is on display for all to see. This is recycling at its best – going full circle from what some people consider trash to what is now a treasure – and one that won’t need to be painted!

Bales of recycled film ready for sale to Trex. This material will be used to create composite lumber which will become beautiful and environmentally responsible outdoor products.

Next time you drop off your recyclables, check out our new bench. Sit a spell and

claiming factory waste and eliminating the use of harmful chemicals.

We feel good knowing that the plastic film products we accept are handled responsibly. Here are some guidelines for recycling plastic film: Acceptable items: Please make sure plastic bags and other films are clean and dry.

Bench given to the Recycling Center by Trex built with composite lumber made from recycled plastic film and reclaimed hardwood sawdust.

• Grocery and retail bags • Bread bags • Case overwrap (paper towels, napkin, bathroom tissue, etc.)

• Dry cleaning bags • Newspaper sleeves • Cereal box liners • Re-closable plastic food storage bags • Produce bags • Bubble wrap and air pillows • Electronic film packaging • Ice bags (inside out and clip removed)

• Salt bags (inside out and shaken) • Mattress bags • Furniture wrap Undesirable Items:

Recycling your plastic bags and other films will keep them out of the landfill or from becoming litter that is so easily carried by the wind.

ponder the fact that what you are sitting on may contain materials recycled by you!

• NO black plastics (trash bags, etc.)

• NO frozen food bags • NO pre-washed salad mix bags • NO laminate film • NO cheese bags • NO degradable bags

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Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com February 2 - February 15, 2018

Cooking with Anna

Pick a Team, Pick a Recipe

by Anna Hamilton

Some people love Italian food, some people love sushi, some people love Mexican food, but me, I love party food. You know chips and dip, sausage balls, finger sandwiches, cheeseballs, fruit and vegetable trays… the works. It’s hard to tell if it’s the food I love so much or the fact that party foods mean that there is a party, a reason for people to come together to

Philly Stuffed Peppers

Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake

What You Need:

4 green peppers cut in half and seeded 1 Tbsp oil 1 small sweet onion, chopped 1 packaged button mushrooms, sliced 1 clove garlic 1 lb roast beef sliced and cut into strips 8 slices of mozzarella cheese, cut in half

Directions:

In a large skillet heat oil and add onion, mushrooms, garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sautee until onions are translucent and mushrooms become tender. Add roast beef and heat through.

Place pepper halves in a large baking dish, place half a piece of cheese into each pepper, top with the beef mixture, then top with the other half of cheese. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes or until peppers are soft and cheese is melted.

February 2 - February 15, 2018

celebrate. This weekend across America, people will be celebrating the Super Bowl. Party food is a must for any Super Bowl celebration. I’ve got two recipes this week, a Philly Stuffed Pepper for all you Eagles fans and a Boston Cream Poke Cake for all you Patriot fans. No matter what team’s colors you’ll be wearing this weekend, we all can agree that whichever recipe you make, it’ll be a touchdown!

What You Need:

1 box yellow butter recipe cake mix 2 small boxed of French vanilla instant pudding 1 (12oz) bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

Directions:

Bake cake as directed on the box. While the cake is baking, prepare the pudding as directed on box. While the cake is still warm, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes randomly through the cake about and inch apart. Spread the pudding over the cake, pushing it into the holes. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Combine chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2 minutes and stir. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes or until chocolate is fully melted and whisk until well incorporated. Wait about 5 minutes before adding it to the top of the cake. Spread chocolate over the cake and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

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Jerry’s Journal

In Harm’s Way - Part I

by Jerry R. Barksdale www.jerrybarksdale.com February, 1968. Somewhere over the South China Sea, Major Clarence R. Little, age 36, closed his eyes, listened to the drone of the engines and thought about what lay ahead of him.

He was headed to harm’s way, that much he knew.

Politicians in Washington called it “Vietnam Conflict.” The 58,318 whose names would eventually be chiseled in black granite would have told them it was a war – and a hellish one at that! It was in its 9th year. Little would soon experience it firsthand.

The flight was long and tiring, giving Major Little much time to think – maybe too much.

And his head was full of thoughts. A soldier returned from Nam one of three ways: happy and whole after a year of service, wounded, or inside a body bag. Over 16,000 Americans had been killed to date. By year’s end 30,000 would be dead. In January, the TET Offensive had been launched and the U.S. Embassy in Saigon attacked. And, yes, he thought about his sweet wife, Diane, and their two boys, Douglas, age 10, and Jeffery, age 8, back in Sunnyvale, California. He had met pretty blue-eyed, Diane Elizabeth Kilsey the first day of school in the 8th grade at Corfu, a small village in upstate New York.

“Someday, I’m going to marry you,” he told her. She wasn’t

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so sure. Both graduated from Pembroke during the Korean War. Little couldn’t get a job so he joined the Army. His father, a tool and die maker, was asleep on the couch when he walked in and

fb.com/jerry.barksdale.7 recently spent 6 months at Ft. Bliss, Texas, learning to speak Vietnamese.

His orders were specific.

He would be a military advisor to South Vietnam forces fighting Viet Cong - called VC for short.

longtime base for Viet Cong. A buddy had previously told him not to take Cang Long district.

“Why not?”

His buddy explained, “It’s well known that no advisor has ever lived to rotate off that team.”

Little reported at Cang Long and asked the Colonel, “Is this the place I heard that no Americans ever rotated alive?” It was. “It seems to me you need an infantry man instead of an engineer,” said Little.

“No, your background is mines and booby traps.

That’s why I want you here.”

proudly announced his enlistment.

His father jumped up. “Good God Almighty! They are using live bullets over there!”

After serving two years, Little went to work for Chevrolet, earned an engineering degree, and reenlisted in the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. In 1954, he fulfilled his promise – he married Diane. He had

The blue South China Sea eventually gave way to land, rice paddies, and deep green - Vietnam. His plane bumped down the runway at Tan Son Nhut Air Base outside Saigon.

Little had arrived.

Little reported for duty and was ordered to the Mekong Delta, a vast wetland no more than 10 feet above sea level, and

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Little’s team consisted of 8 Americans, living in a rural village, also named Cang Long, working alongside South Vietnamese soldiers. One mile south of Cang Long, the team was constructing a school for children.

Winning the hearts and minds of locals was America’s best weapon against the Communist.

The South Vietnamese captain didn’t want to send out combat patrols and engage the VC. Little thought otherwise. “We need to go on operations and chase the VC, so they won’t have time to attack us,” he advised. And he laid down a firm rule: Never-never establish a pattern. Do something three times, then change.

The deputy commander was former VC. After the VC had entered his vil-

lage, killed his wife and children and was about to kill him, he joined them. Later, he switched allegiance to the South Vietnamese.

“He was a good man,” says Little. “And wanted to go on combat operations.

We caught two VC in the tree line and got a lot of information from them.” Thereafter, the captain took the patrol out. “Shotgun” was an Air Force pilot assigned to Little’s higher headquarters and coordinated when they needed support on the ground. “I’d ask for a flyover and he would always tell me, ‘I can’t do that.’ About 10 minutes later, a jet would come over at rooftop level, turn, and go straight up and blow the roof off a couple of buildings. It put the scare on the VC.” It was a midnight when Little heard “thunkthunk-thunk.”

Incoming mortar rounds! Little guessed the VC was hitting nearby headquarters.

He radioed. “You getting hit?” he asked. Negative.

It was the hamlet between them, Little concluded. He hurried over to the aid station and told the men to put on helmets and flak jackets. “I think we’re going to get hit,” he told them. Little scouted near the head of a nearby canal, walking between a Jeep and statue of Mary and baby Jesus. A mortar round hit, demolishing the statue and Jeep. He ran to the team house and got his Continued on page 19

February 2 - February 15, 2018

Cover Story

Diverse Home Care Of Alabama: Keeping The Family Home Sweet Home

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

dard of care available in the home health industry – each of them having had a dependent family member who had received care that was patently sub-par. Though their own backgrounds couldn’t be more diverse, with Elaine’s career as a nurse having taken her all over the country, and Michelle’s career in automotive and electronic manufacturing pretty much keeping her in the Atlanta area, they knew that someday they wanted to see if they could join forces and improve things. Their idea was born out of necessity, and their respective experiences caused them to conclude that “something just isn’t right.”

That determination to make things better came true just a few months ago when both families moved to North Alabama, and the proof of it is now located at 803 South Jefferson in Athens. The name of their outfit is Diverse Home Care of Alabama, and they are up and open for business. Let me tell you a bit about Elaine and Michelle, and my desire is that you will be able to see what a unique, high-quality, and positive enterprise they have brought to our community.

Elaine has decades of experience in a number of types of nursing. She has done neurosurgical intensive care, critical care, and case management; she has taught nursing, helped with vehicle adaptation, been consulted when home remodeling is necessary, and testified in courtrooms. In a word, Elaine has done pediatrics to hospice, and everything in between.

She is also a trained trauma case manager. To avoid burn-

out from the rigors of intensive and critical care, she became a travelling nurse. One thing was common to all of her experiences, and that was the bureaucracy that gets in the way of giving outstanding care, and it troubled her.

By contrast, Michelle’s background might not appear to be a great fit for the home health they need to be able to tell her something they have learned about the patient, as well as be willing to work together to come up with creative ways to stimulate their memories and cognition. “The three areas we emphasize are mobility,

field, but being both an operations and a plant manager in the automotive and electronic manufacturing industries, brings with it many transferable skills. She loves things like logbooks and metrics, as well as KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), which helps greatly with staying on top of the mountains of records that are a part of today’s health care system.

More importantly, the passion for excellence and continual improvement is what Michelle loved about her former career. She loved to train people well, encourage as well as coach, and watch with satisfaction as they grew in skill, confidence, productivity, leading to successful outcomes.

She also loves to quilt, and will happily do so with any of Diverse Home Care’s clients.

This blend of experience and philosophy and how it is applied to the staff is what sets

February 2 - February 15, 2018

Diverse Home Care of Alabama apart. “We screen and screen and screen again,” says Michelle with regard to the background checks. They also “train and train and train some more” the CNAs who join their team. Elaine takes the

Certified Nursing Assistants and turns them into what she calls PCTs, or Patient Care Technicians. “The PCTs are taught how to interact with the patients, not babysit,” says Elaine. She added, “They are not allowed to be on Facebook while they park their patient in front of the TV, either.”

Elaine has regular roundtable meetings with the PCTs, and

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socialization, and nutrition, and we encourage the PCTs to speak up and give us their ideas and feedback,” said Elaine.

The mission statement for the PCTs is to “know and promote the well-being of the client,” and to demonstrate it.

Patients get a chance to get out and go shopping, if they are able, cook with supervision, and “break bread together,” said Elaine and Michelle. Diverse Home Care does everything they can to help clients live an empowered life while still in their own home. They have a special heart for veterans who have served our country and treat all seniors the way they would want to be treated

themselves.

But Diverse Home Care is not just for elder care. They will take care of special needs babies so a mom can get a break, or help working parents where there has been surgery and their athome child needs extra care.

A further list of areas where they are happy to serve includes: companion care, personal care and homemaking, transitional care from the hospital, rehab or after surgery, transportation, Mom’s day off, social engagements, medication management, disability assessment, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and end of life care.

I asked Elaine and Michelle why I should pick Diverse Home Care for either my own needs or those of a family member, and here’s what they told me, “We believe in holistic care, as in the care of the whole person. And, because of our experience, we have a high level of compassion, and we understand the importance of connection.”

If this type of affordable, specialized in-home care is what you are looking for, then call today for a no-obligation assessment, and you’ll see that you need look no further than Diverse Home Care of Alabama.

Diverse Home Care of Alabama 803 South Jefferson St, Athens, AL 35611 Office: 256-444-2182 Cell: 706-968-7553 Hours: M-F 8-5, Sat by appointment www.diversehomecare ofalabama.com Page 15

Health and Fitness

Trailblaze Challenge

(Make-A-Wish Foundation) ®

by Janet Hunt

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

I have taken a fitness challenge – The Trailblaze Challenge. I have signed up to hike 26.3 miles on a Saturday in May on the Pinhoti Trail in Talladega National Forest. Not only do I have to hike 26.3 miles in one day, I need to have sponsors to make donations to the MakeA-Wish® Foundation.

What is Make a Wish® Foundation?

Make-AWish® Foundation is a non-profit organization with a vision to grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a critical illness. The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines a critical illness as a “disease or state in which death is possible or imminent.”

The wishes granted are more than just a nice thing. They impact everyone involved - wish kids, volunteers, donors, sponsors, medical professionals, and communities. For wish kids, just the act of making

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their wish come true can give them the courage to comply with their medical treatments. Parents might finally feel like they can be optimistic. And still others might realize all they have to offer the world through volunteer work or philanthropy. In the United States and its territories, on average, a wish is granted every 34 minutes.

I first heard of the MakeA-Wish® Foundation on the nightly news. Periodically they have a “feel good story” that includes a Make-A-Wish® Foundation story. These always bring a tear to my eye partly because they are wonderful and partly because it makes me realize how very lucky I am.

I signed up for the Trailblaze Challenge on Friday evening at an information meeting in Huntsville. I had heard

about this through a friend and on WLRH public radio. At the meeting, we, of course, heard all about the challenge and the Make-AWish® Foundation; but then, a young lady came in and spoke about her experience. She was a recipient of a wish, and her wish was a service dog which she had with her. The dog was not only her companion, but was trained to notice changes in her blood sugar, because one of the many symptoms of her illnesses is that her body cannot regulate her

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blood sugar.

Along with my physical hiking challenge, I invite the readers to support me by making a donation to the Make-AWish® Foundation. Donations are appreciated in any amount. For more information on the Challenge go to http://www. alabamatrailblaze.org or visit 2018 Alabama Trailblaze Challenge on Facebook. If you would like to make a dona-

tion, please contact me at 256-614-3530 or jhunt9155@gmail.com.

You can also make a donation online at www.alabamatrailblaze.org. Select ‘Support a Hiker’ on the left, enter my name, and select ‘GIVE NOW’ on the right.

I will give you regular updates until the Challenge. Thank you for supporting the Make-AWish® Foundation. All donations are welcome!

February 2 - February 15, 2018

Cover Story

The 2018 Greater Limestone County Chamber Of Commerce Home And Garden Show February 16-17

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

every year, draws attendees from all over the Tennessee Valley, and is the perfect way to prepare for spring. The event is also going a bit earlier this year, so you need to mark your calendars so you don’t miss it!

More than 50 exhibitors come together to make the event happen, and the price for admission is $2 for the whole weekend.

Some of the 2018 sponsors include: Redstone Federal Credit Union, Limestone County Sheriff's Office, Persell Lumber & Mill Shop, Inline Electric Supply Company, AFS Foundation & ’ Waterproofing Specialists, Lowe's, Distinctive Landscaping, Inc., Valley Mowing Company and Hamlin Homes.

Attending the show is a way to learn how to turn all of your home and garden dreams into a reality! If you’re looking for inspiration, new ideas, or a little encouragement for your upcoming spring projects, you need look no further than the 2018 Limestone County Home and Garden Show! Join more than 2,000 of your fellow do-it-yourselfers on February 16 and February 17 at the Limestone County Event Center, located on Pryor Street in Athens. Event hours are from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 16 and 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 17.

This is your opportunity to explore the latest trends in a variety of home-re-

Annual Home and Garden Show

lated exhibitors including custom home building and remodeling, home decorating, bathroom and kitchen ideas, home repairs and amenities, outdoor living and landscaping, flooring, windows and doors, and so much more. You are guaranteed to find the products and services you are looking for, and will have the chance to speak to the area’s finest professional service providers who

Friday, Feb. 16 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 17 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Limestone County Event Center, 114 West Pryor Street, Athens, AL 35611 Admission is $2 for the entire weekend

Show is one of my favorite ways to wait for spring to finally spring.

The Limestone County Chamber of Commerce

will help you with all your home and garden projects.

Don’t forget there are prizes, hourly giveaways, and the kids’ activities for your little ones!

Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful’s trusty mascot, Sparky, will be providing photo ops with the kids, and KALB’s Director, Lynne Hart, mentioned that “Sparky will have goodies to give to the children.”

“We always have such a great representation of exhibitors showcasing a variety of home and garden related product and services.

It’s really a great weekend to get out and get your ideas and inspiration ready for spring,” said Jennifer

February 2 - February 15, 2018

For more information, visit www.tourathens.com or you can find the event on Facebook at Limestone County Home and Garden Show. You can also call the Chamber at 256-2322600.

Williamson, who heads up the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce.

Representatives from every aspect of home improvement will be present, from HVAC to roofs to windows to siding to plumbing to financing to more. For your garden, there will be people from a big-box store as well as a large local nursery. For your home’s interior, you can find help with custom picture framing, lighting, furniture selection, remodeling, and radon detection.

All in all, there is something for everyone at a price that can’t be beat, and the annual Limestone County Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Learning Is A Lifestyle

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262

Happenings 3rd Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium On April 11, the Center for Lifelong Learning will host the third annual Women’s Leadership Symposium: Honoring Women Who Serve. The event will be held at the Dynetics Solutions Complex Main Conference Room in Huntsville, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch is included in the $85 fee. A featured speaker for this program is Dr. Carolyn McKinstry of Birmingham. McKinstry is a survivor and eyewitness to the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in September of 1963 that killed four young girls.

Dr. McKinstry is the author of While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement.

Leadership Understanding Why People Follow is offered on Thursday, February 8, from 11:30

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a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the conference room at the Center for Lifelong Learning.

The $49 fee includes lunch.

This session will introduce a panel of leaders from diverse industry sectors, including government, education, and business, to discuss the evolution of their individual leadership styles, and how they worked to ensure the fulfillment of four essential criteria – trust, compassion, stability, and hope.

Yoga Have you always wanted to try yoga? Now is your

Soft Skills for Leaders The Center for Lifelong Learning welcomes Dr. Yvette Rice, president of LLVE, LLC, to teach the soft skills for leaders. On February 9, she will teach Communication Skills at the Center from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The fee is $69/person.

Communication skills are pivotal for leaders to create an engaging workplace environment that promotes teambuilding and teamwork.

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chance to get started!

The Center for Lifelong Learning is offering a Level One Yoga Class connecting postures (asanas) with breath, flowing from one posture to the next. The class includes standing and floor postures while elevating the heart rate to a moderate level. This means you will be breathing moderately but still able to speak.

Depending on how you feel about your progress, our instructor will show ways to both increase and extend the pose or keep the pose at a beginner level.

Bring your own mat, and wear comfortable clothing. Classes are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from 11:30 a.m.

– 12:15 p.m. The fee

is $5 per session or you can get a punch card for five or ten lessons.

Sign Language American Sign Language is a complex language using hand motions and facial expressions.

Using your hands and different facial expressions, you can have a complete conversation with someone who is deaf or hearing impaired.

This class will begin with an introduction to the language by learning to sign and fingerspell. Before you know it, you will be signing phrases and expanding to complete sentences.

Family rates are available. Beginning Sign Language is offered on Mondays, February 6-March 12, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

February 2 - February 15, 2018

Jerry’s Journal (continued)

In Harm’s Way - Part I

by Jerry R. Barksdale Continued from page 14

hose of fire when it fired.

flak jacket. A medic ran in and exclaimed, “I just saw the major get blown up!” Sgt. Custer, the radio operator replied, “He couldn’t, he just dove in the bunker.” Little was lucky. “God was with me,” he says. “I didn’t get a scratch.”

“This is three-five-six.

Come in,” replied Little.

“We’re in your area,” said Spooky.

“Understand you need a little help down there.”

Little radioed headquarters and requested an L-19 spotter plane to locate the mortar fire.

Negative. The General wanted to keep the plane for himself in case they got hit. Five minutes later, the radio crackled.

“Three-five-six, this is Spooky.” Spooky was a C-130 aircraft armed with multiple guns on the side that looked like a

“Roger that,” said Little.

“Got a friend of yours on board. Can’t tell you his name,” said Spooky.

“But he owes you a case of beer.”

“Yep, I know who he is,” said Little. “The VC are on the other side of the canal. Hose’em down.”

And Spooky did, belching out a stream of deadly fire.

Little knew the man that owed him a case of beer. It was Col. Rausch. Earlier, Raush’s personnel carrier

February 2 - February 15, 2018

team came through Cang Long Village. “They had been out in the boonies three weeks and were tired, dirty, and thirsty,” says Little. We gave them all the beer we had, fed them, gave them showers.

We took care of them.”

The attack ended - everything was calm for a while.

Little lay down on his bunk.

“Thunk-thunkthunk. Mortar fire! The team jumped into the bunker. The first three rounds hit the team house and shredded the room where the NCOs slept.

“This was the VC’s way of telling us we didn’t get them,” says Little.

They often left their calling card. “Once a sniper

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shot a hole in our roof.

Sgt. Custer spent 3 days repairing it with new tile - did a beautiful job. As soon as he climbed down the ladder and was admiring it, the sniper took it out.” Little is convinced it was the same sniper that shot him in the side while he was inspecting a mortar emplacement.

“It was during the TET Offensive, and the VC said they were going to kill an American,” says Little. “I didn’t tell anyone because I didn’t want the sniper to know he got me.” Headquarters was buzzing about it. Little decided he should file a report. His boss concluded it was a violation of regulation for not reporting and asked the general

what to do. “Give him a medal,” the General replied.

The school in the nearby village was finally completed. The Vietnamese captain told Little to take a couple of his team members to the opening.

Little headed down the road in a Jeep. An old man ran out of his hooch and into the middle of the road waving his arms.

“No go! You no go.”

Four women appeared with hoes and dug up a 40 pound land mine and set it aside. “Now, you go,” said the old man.

“That’s why we needed the support of the people,” says Little. Building the school probably saved Little’s life. …to be continued

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Pet Points

Care And Control Of Pet Diabetes: Spike The Dog's Point Of View (with Help from His Friend Sugar the Cat) courtesy Brandpoint content (BPT) - Hi, I'm Spike, and recently, something scary happened to me. I started to be thirsty all the time and kept begging to go outside to use the bathroom. I even had a couple of "accidents" in the house. I also felt really tired - so tired that I didn't want to play fetch with my dad, Josh, anymore, which is my favorite thing in the whole world to do.

One day, I was talking to my friend Sugar, who has pet diabetes, and she asked me if I was having any other signs, including drinking large amounts of water, frequent bathroom breaks and/or having "accidents" in the house, always being hungry, weight loss despite good appetite and acting sluggish or depressed. I'd been experiencing a couple of these signs for a while, so she suggested that I might have pet diabetes, too. So, I asked Josh to bring me to the veterinarian. It helped that Sugar's family told Josh all about my friend's diabetes and encouraged him to call the veterinarian. She ran some tests and diagnosed me with pet diabetes based on my blood sugar levels.

provide pet owners with the tools they need to help manage their pets' diabetes.

What We Learned About Pet Diabetes My dad, Josh, didn't know anything about pet diabetes, but my veterinarian said she was happy that he brought me in to see her. She knew a lot about the condition and was able to answer all of our questions. And since Sugar's diabetes has been well-regulated for almost a year now, she's been a huge help too (she claims she is a purrfect patient).

With help from my veterinarian and Sugar, we learned that: * Diabetes isn't just a human condition. Diabetes affects the amount of glucose, or sugar, in your blood whether you

are human, a dog or a cat. This happens when your body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use it properly. * Pet diabetes is more common than you think.

Since 2006, the number of cats and dogs diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. has grown by an average of 49 percent - and those numbers are expected to continue to rise. * Any dog can develop diabetes, but it is most frequently diagnosed in middle-aged to older dogs. Female dogs are twice as likely to be affected as male dogs, though the numbers are approximately equal in neutered populations. * For cats, diabetes is most commonly found in those that are older, but it has been diagnosed

in cats of all ages and breeds. Obese or inactive cats are also at higher risk for developing diabetes.

Diabetes is a Manageable Condition, with the Right Care and Control If you ask Sugar, she'll tell you to work with your veterinarian and educate yourself about how to take care of a pet with diabetes. My veterinarian helped Josh develop a diabetes management plan that fit my needs. Your pet's plan may include a prescribed diet, exercise, glucose monitoring and an insulin injection routine, depending on the animal's individual needs.

At first, Josh was really nervous about giving me insulin injections, but the veterinarian taught him how to help me relax

by petting me for a few minutes before or giving me the injection while I'm eating. Now, I sometimes don't even know that it's happening!

You also can download the free Pet Diabetes Tracker app on your iPhone or Android, like my family did, to help keep track of your pet's activity, water and food intake, blood glucose and more. The best part - the app can send the information directly to your veterinarian!

Visit www.SugarandSpike.com for more information about pet diabetes and tips to help you manage your pet's disease. Or if you suspect that your fourlegged friend may have diabetes, talk directly with your veterinarian.

Both Josh and I were scared at first, but my veterinarian assured us that with the right care and control, pet diabetes is a manageable condition. That is why Sugar and I are working with Merck Animal Health to

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February 2 - February 15, 2018

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.

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. Essen-

tial 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.

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

February 2 - February 15, 2018

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Medical Update

Dermatologist Bebunks Top 5 Skincare Misconceptions courtesy BrandPoint content (BPT) - Figuring out what's best for your skin can feel like solving a difficult mystery - everyone's condition is unique, there are countless treatment options and people will do almost anything for a clear complexion.

"When it comes to your skin, there are many elements to consider," says Dr. David Lortscher, board-certified dermatologist, CEO and founder of Curology.

"Clogged pores, acne and other common issues can be a result of age, genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors. I often hear about common misconceptions that cause otherwise wellmeaning people to make mistakes that trigger larger skincare problems."

neck, then pat dry gently.

Misconception: Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne.

Fact: Many people have heard that chocolate and junk food are the worst foods for your skin, but modern science hasn't found a direct link between acne and oily

tended to skincare routines, giving people ample ways to create their own remedies at home. However, it's wise to be careful about the ingredients applied to your skin.

Some people try baking soda as a cost-effective scrub or mask. Baking soda is pH 9 and the pH of the skin is 4.5-

remedies and over-thecounter products just haven't worked for you, you have options. Try custom prescription skincare like Curology, a service that gets you expert dermatology care from the comfort of your home. Just take a few photos and a skin quiz to get a prescription for-

is the support structure surrounding the pores, so pores do appear larger as you age.

Misconception: You only need to wear sunscreen on sunny days.

Fact: It doesn't matter if it's sunny or cloudy; if you plan to spend time outdoors,

To help people better understand skincare and take control of their daily regimen, Dr. Lortscher shares the top misconceptions about skincare and acne.

Misconception: Exercise and sweat can cause acne.

Fact: Sweating while exercising doesn't cause acne.

The eccrine glands produce sweat and the sebaceous glands produce oil - so revving up the sweat glands doesn't actually turn on the oil glands involved in acne breakouts. The truth is sweating and humidity can aggravate breakouts by giving the bacteria on the skin a better environment to grow.

Cleansing is key postworkout, but keep in mind vigorously cleansing your skin can also be a source of friction that aggravates acne. The best strategy is to splash comfortable-temperature water on your face and

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foods.

Diets are like acne treatments: highly individual.

That's not to say your eating habits can't affect your skin. Eating simple carbs and sugar raises your blood sugar levels, causing your body to produce excess insulin, in turn stimulating oil production and leading to more inflammation and increased acne severity.

Misconception: DIY skincare and home remedies are good for your skin.

Fact: The DIY craze has ex-

5 or so. Therefore, scrubbing your face with a baking soda paste can be harsh and disturb your skin's natural barrier, leading to red, raw and sensitive skin and leaving it susceptible to breakout.

Others suggest lemon juice as a home remedy for acne but it can cause significant dryness, redness and irritation. Lemon juice may have an exfoliating effect on the most superficial dead skin cells, but there are better ways to treat your acne.

If you're fed up with DIY

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mula customized to your individual needs.

Misconception: You can make your pores smaller.

Fact: Most people want smaller pores, but in reality, you can't change the size or force them "open" or "closed."

Pore size is genetic; you can't shrink them or make pores go away. To keep large pores from worsening, treat acne breakouts, don't pick and use sun protection. Sun exposure breaks down collagen, which

wear sunscreen daily. It is estimated that damage caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun is responsible for up to 80 percent of skin aging.

SPF is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

February 2 - February 15, 2018

Foreman’s Forum

Get A GRIP! And, Have A PLAN!

by Paul Foreman

One of the problems I see most often in my firearms training classes is the student not using the proper grip on his or her handgun.

Gripping improperly can cause missed targets, malfunctions and even injuries.

The grip must be firm, but not so tight that your hand is trembling. A two handed grip on guns is a “love-hate” or push-pull arrangement.

Actually the same applies also to rifles and shotguns.

Years ago when I was working in a “big box” sporting goods store, a father with his 10 year old son came in. The father told me his son already had his own 22 rifle. Now dad wanted his son to have a shotgun, but the slightly built boy had become fearful of the recoil from his dad’s 12 gauge pump. Dad asked me about getting a 20 gauge or 410 gauge in a “youth model.”

I did recommend the youth model as the stock is shorter to fit the shorter arms.

Popular gun manufacturers often have the exact same model as sold to adults; they just make the stock shorter.

An adult sized stock can be installed in just a few more years.

trigger until ready to shoot.

Pushing forward with the front will absorb a lot of the recoil. I also showed him how to hold the stock firmly against his shoulder, so the gun would not punch him when it fired. Dad bought the youth sized 12 gauge, and the boy’s smile lit up the store as they left. The next day, the father and son came back in. They were anxious and excited to tell me about shooting some doves the day before and now the young man was no longer fearful of the shotgun!

Gripping a handgun should be the same, only you have both hands wrapped around the grip and trigger guard.

Especially on semi auto pistols, the grip must be high on the back strap but not so high that the slide comes back and hits your hand (I can demonstrate this much better in class!).

Gripping your gun too low can cause all kinds of problems. Again, the grip is a push pull affair so that one hand does not absorb all the recoil. We cover proper handgun grip in my classes, along with tons of other information so my students can safely and properly use a firearm.

Have a plan. In my Home Defense Class, I teach you how to have a plan, in case of a home invasion. What would you do? Imagine awakening during the night to discover some demented, drug-crazed thug has broken into your home. Do you have a gun? Is it loaded? Is it locked up somewhere?

Can you get to it in time?

Do you know how to use it safely and properly? Yes, you need to call 911, but after all, when seconds count, the cops are only minutes away.

Recently in North Carolina,

an eleven year old girl retreated into an upstairs closet when she heard two men breaking into her home. She dialed 911, but when the two bad guys forced open the closet door, they found themselves staring down the bad end of a 12 gauge shotgun! The brave criminals fled the home and were arrested a short time later.

Out west, a 14 year old young man followed the plan his parents had taught him. When two thugs broke in the front door in broad daylight, the 14 year old took his 6 year old brother and retreated to a closet. In the closet were a 22 caliber rifle and a cell phone. Same as above, when the thugs opened the closet door and saw the rifle, they fled like scared rabbits.

These stories never seem to get published in the mainstream media. I find them at www.Gunsamerica.com

Paul Foreman is a retired Deputy Sheriff, and a NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. Paul can be reached through his web site, www.

PaulForeman.com.

Paul Foreman is a retired deputy sheriff from Lee County Florida, now living in Athens. Paul is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. “As many of you may already know, due to my current battle with cancer, I am NOT doing firearms classes.

Prayers are welcome. As for the classes, I have a gentleman whom I am referring people to, who is also an NRA certified Firearms Instructor.” Email me at: Captureman@ PaulForeman.com Join the NRA and protect your 2nd Amendment Rights go to www.PaulForeman.com click on the NRA Eagle.

Even more important is the “grip” the young man was using. I pulled a youth model down off the rack, opened the action, showed them it was empty and with dad’s permission, handed the young man the gun. Kneeling down next to him, I explained how to push forward with the hand holding the forearm, while pulling back on the grip with his other hand. I also instructed him to ALWAYS keep his finger OFF the

February 2 - February 15, 2018

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The Millennial Mind

The Individual, The Rarest Of All

by Rosemary Dewar Westernized lifestyles have created variety and accessibility in such a way as if it were an international buffet, and all for the convenient price of $8.99. That’s not a bad thing. The capability to experience the pinnacle of every culture, and use every advance to the fullest potential ought to be desired in any society. Currently, it doesn’t seem so.

The illogical fear of greeddriven appropriation is a false flag in the pursuit of quashing individuality.

Imagine if a fusion cuisine restaurant couldn’t open because of “cultural appropriation.” That is what happens when people are precluded from experiencing the best of any culture’s food, fashion, or ideas.

as true as it once did. If you don’t like “toothpastefilled” ones, you can stock your personal selection of chocolates to your heart’s content.

A service that does not have the option to give the customer the added feeling of ownership is usually considered out of date or behind the times. With customization, the customer feels that they have achieved an extra level of ownership. Ownership, the word that competing ideologies decry. The capability of making something personal is a desired outcome. Personal property is a concept that many are trying to dismantle. They do so while owning an iPhone and using an app that they

enjoy with a wallpaper background they probably appropriated from somewhere else. No matter how little that “i” tries to stay, it can’t help but grow up and want to become a big individual. If one-size-fits-all marketing doesn’t sell, then neither does group identity politics.

Author Ayn Rand asserted, “The smallest minority on earth is the individual.

Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities.”

This concept flies in the face of how some actually categorize minorities. Simply because a group shares a culture, it does not mean that those who make up the group share a mind.

The consistently growing trend of customization is fortifying the idea of the individual. You can practically customize everything you put your hands on. It used to be a status symbol of luxury or investment to customize a home, car, one-of-a-kind clothing, or jewelry. Now, the smallest things we consume every day are virtually tailored to the individual. If you don’t like the entire album, buy one song. Don’t like all the shades in a cosmetic eyeshadow palette, buy only the shades you want. Can’t find the ideal skincare? Then you can mix and concoct your miracle cream.

The Judeo-Christian worldview asserts that the individual is “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Why fearfully? As transcendent as the human experience is from one individual to another, that same individual

is as capable of great malevolence as it is great benevolence. How a society attempts to reward either behavior dictates whether the society will last or decay.

History has consistently exposed the darkness that manifests when the individual is forced how to think, how to speak, and how to live.

In the English poet William Cowper’s work, The Task, he states that,” Variety is the spice of life, that gives it all its flavor.”

This particular work was discovered between two momentous revolutions: American and French. The American Revolution was waged against a tyrannical government, and the French Revolution was waged against social classicism. Some Americans see class warfare as an inevitability, while others encourage it. A system that limits the productivity as well as the rewards of the individual will see the opportunities for wealth diminish to the point of revolt. This can be observed in what Venezuela is experiencing now.

To eventually extinguish human suffering is to increase the opportunities for wealth in a way that the individual can succeed if they choose to. The more barriers that are created to prevent personal advancement, the greater the desire to relinquish personal achievement. Do not create a hardship that you are not willing to take upon yourself. No one wins that way.

Forrest Gump’s famous line, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get,” doesn’t hold

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Thoughts are as various as iPhone apps, shades of lipstick, car models, clothing designers, coffee flavors, movie productions, and then some. Can you imagine a life without the freedom to make even one less beneficial choice? And once that freedom is tasted, can you imagine someone telling you that you’ll never be allowed to experience it again? I can’t think of anything more oppressive and bland.

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