Athens Now Al

February 15 - 28, 2013

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Special Feature ASDAR To Present Medal Of Honor To Ed Buckbee, Patriot And Space Advocate...

The Alabama Society of Daughters of The American Revolution State Regent Connie Grund, and the 2013 ASDAR Conference Committee are excited to meet... Page 10

Tourism

Vision Of Hope 21st Century Church: Launching A Cultural Invasion

By Ali Elizabeth Turner It is not often in America that we get the chance to meet people who are the descendants of those who have been killed for their faith. However, it is my pleasure to tell you about a young, unusually wise and zealous pastor who is just that. Back in the ‘20s, his West Virginian great grandfather was given an Continued on pages 15

Huntsville Rockets To Benefit Athens Boys And Girls Clubs

Celebrating Outdoor Events!... The AthensLimestone County Tourism Association is excited to be joining forces with KALB’s Earth Day Celebration this year by adding an Outdoor EXPO...

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By Ali Elizabeth Turner

‘Bama has just won the SEC College Football championship, thus keeping our fair state in the national limelight, and now the Huntsville Rockets Semi Pro Football team is poised to “shine” once again by benefiting our Athens Limestone Boys and Girls Club when their season opens in March.

The Rockets are not just “champs” for the way they give back to North Alabama, they are champions, literally, as well. They are

Medical Update Why Choose Chiropractic Treatment?... The science and medicine of chiropractic is based on the central nervous system and its control over the function of every...

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February 15 - February 28, 2013

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February 15 - February 28, 2013

Publisher’s Point

Mildred Ploss On Getting And Giving A Second Chance

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales / Editing Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Contributing Writers

Shelley Underhill Janet Hunt Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Jeanette Dunnavant Jones Brian Black Deb Kitchenmaster Will Anderson Diane Lehr Dr. John Boyle, D.C.

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4

Mildred Ploss graduated in December, 2012 from Athens State University with a B.S. in behavioral science, and her minor was criminal justice.

She graduated magna cum laude with a GPA that was tipping toward 4.0. I watched her “walk” at graduation, and gave her a bear hug because I was so proud of her. You see, Mildred went to college beginning at the age of 55, and her goal was to help kids, especially those who were in trouble. However, it is the “back story” that will make you smile. With a candor that is “thoroughly Milly,” she says, “My goal was to help kids, pretty much because I had made such a mess of my own kids’ lives.”

This woman knows about second chances, as do I, and I think that is one of the things that makes her so delightful.

She is one of the most transparent people I have ever known, has a dry, quirky sense of humor, a laugh that fills the room, and if I were a kid who had been ordered to do com-

munity service by the courts, I’d want Mildred to be the one to whom I had to answer. However, please understand, the School of Hard Knocks, which she attended before she graduated from ASU has made her one tough cookie, and Jesus has also made her tender.

Her official title is Director of the Juvenile Community Service Program. Her office is right next to the E.M.A. building on Hines, and her joy is to find business owners who have a heart to be a fair and firm accountability partner in the lives of kids who have gotten into trouble. “I’d be here all the time if I could,” she told

business for the proverbial “after action report.”

The program has been quite successful, with many kids jumping right in and working like crazy. Some kids, however, need more “tough love,” and sometimes a kid and the business owner just are not a good fit for each other. It’s Mildred’s job to get to the bottom of the problem and solve it, either by an “attitude adjustment” pep talk, or transferring them to a different situation.

Mildred Ploss, Director of Limestone County Juvenile Service Program

twelve years old, and the oldest eighteen.

“Many of the cases are truancy,” she told me, “and we

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 7 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1109 W. Market Street Athens, AL 35611

Special Feature . . . . . . . . 10

Phone: 256-233-6425 FAX 256-233-6499

What Makes Ronnie Roll . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Learning as a Lifestyle . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15,17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 19

limestonejcsp@yahoo.com Kids get a certificate of completion and one of these cards when they finish the program.

me, and her hours are limited by the grant funds made available for the project. The kids vary greatly in age and temperament.

The youngest child in her case load has been

Horse Whispering . . . . . . . 20 World According to Will . . 21 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . . 23

February 15 - February 28, 2013

There is little that is so fun to observe as a person who has found their “niche” and is flourishing in it, and it is my great pleasure to commend Miss Mildred and her office to the people of Athens-Limestone who need her new life born out of a second chance.

If you are interested in partnering with the Limestone County Juvenile Community Service Program, you can contact her at 256-233-6425.

don’t deal with violent offenders.” Mildred contacts various area businesses, does her best to determine if they are a good match for the child, takes the sponsor through the necessary paperwork, and when the job is completed, she follows up with both the child and the

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

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All Things Soldier

The Other Side Of Zero Dark Thirty

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

The elimination of Osama Bin Laden, whose code name was “Geronimo,” is the subject of a film entitled Zero Dark Thirty.

It has been nominated for five Academy Awards, and it is no doubt not going to be the last treatment of the subject. I am not here to discuss the historical accuracies of the film as noted by those who participated in the raid that finally stopped one of the most evil jihadists that ever lived.

It is also not my intention to stir up the current brouhaha over the medical benefits that should be afforded those who risked

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life, limb and marriage to be a part of the S.E.A.L. team that took Geronimo out. My purpose is to shed light on the fact that while the film and its makers stand to make a fortune, the life of the man who fired the shots that split Osama’s head wide open is in chaos, and not because he has twisted off in a PTSD induced rage.

The first problem is that “the Shooter” and his family have had to endure the assault on their lives that can only be executed by exposure created by the media. Members of the media camped out on their lawn because the location of their home had been leaked. I can

only hazard a guess just by whom. So what’s the big deal, other than a level of personal annoyance that is off the hook? In a word, security. You see, S.E.A.L.S get it that there really is a war on terror, that there are jihadist cells in our country who will wait for as long as it takes to retaliate for the death of Osama. If they can’t get the Shooter himself, then from the standpoint of psychological warfare against the Special Forces community, the next best thing is to kidnap and kill his family.

The second problem is the treatment of the entire S.E.A.L. team since their

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usefulness in shoring up the flagging popularity of their Commander in Chief during the 2012 election is no longer existent. Those who have retired have been put out to pasture in a way that would be darkly comical if it weren’t so pathetic. It has been suggested that the Shooter enter into a rather lame version of Witness Protection that would have him driving a beer truck somewhere in the heartland.

They would have to sever their ties to all that has been their life, a move that would be insane when you consider that most marriages in the Special Forces community go down in flames.

Seriously? A beer truck?

How’s this for an option?

How about having a Fortune 500 company hire the Shooter and mining all the skills he has developed, and capitalizing on his training? Look at Bear Grylls. After he got out of the SAS, he taught us how to survive. And, oh, who do I think should be hired to be the bodyguards for the kids and their mom?

The Boys from Blackwater. When I was in Iraq, I always felt the safest when they were watching a movie in my building.

As the song goes, “Nobody does it better…”

February 15 - February 28, 2013

February 15 - February 28, 2013

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Calendar of Events

Valentine’s Dinner Show Feb 16 at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)

Yesterdays Event Center invites you to their show featuring intimate candlelit seating, complete Rib-eye Steak/BBQ Chicken dinner, and the region’s premiere female vocalist for the past 30 years, “Roberta Silva and Friends” performing your favorite romantic selections for your listening and dancing pleasure. Tickets are $25 each and includes dinner. Reservations will be taken starting Feb 1st by e-mail to info@ yesterdaysevents.com. Group seating is available.

Art for Hearts Feb 16 at 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

American Heart Association Fund Raiser. This is an art class hosted by Sonya Gordon Fine Art and Behind the Badge. The class will be held at the Athens Masonic Lodge located on Elm Street beside the Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena. Limited to 60 participants. Deadline to register is Feb 2. $35.00 per person.

Contact Barbara Parnett at 256-998-1212

Planning and Designing your Raised Bed Garden Feb 17 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Join us and learn to grow healthy food in your backyard from 1818 Farms in Mooresville, AL. There is no better satisfaction than gathering your first harvest! During the class you will learn to: • locate where your raised garden should be in your yard • determine the size of your raised bed • prepare your raised bed site • mix a “garden perfect” soil for the raised bed • determine what to plant and how much • create a diagram showing each crop and it location Price - $20. Reservations for this class can be made through our website. http://1818farms.com/events-and-activities/ classes/.

American Legion Chicken Stew Feb 19 at 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

25th Annual Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge Feb 23 at 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Join the fun at Athens High School. Tickets are $10.00 each.

Children 10 and under free. Over 30 groups will be competing for the winning chili. Bid on hundreds of silent auction items.

Live entertainment and much more. Contact 256-232-5017.

23rd Annual Gospel Fest March 1

Showcasing a variety of local talent including singing, liturgical dance and step groups. 6:00 PM. Grand Foyer - Huntsville Campus, Calhoun Community College.

2nd Annual Storybook Ball Mar 2 at 7:00 PM

Athens-Limestone Public Library Foundation invites you to attend this library fund raiser. Tickets go on sale Jan 28th for $20 each for adults and $15 for ages 3-18 years. Sponsorships are available and the deadline is Feb 15th. Visit www.alcpl. org for more information.

Polk Sallet Follies Mar 7, 8 & 9 at 7:00 PM

Enjoy this dinner musical at the Athens Senior Center. Local residents entertain with skits and songs. It’s a night to remember. Tickets sell out fast, so purchase yours early. Contact 256-233-6412.

City of Athens Relay for Life Celebrity Waiter’s Night Mar 12 from 5:30 to 8:30

Our local celebrities will be working for tips to donate to the American Cancer Society at Applebee’s on Hwy 72. The waiters we have so far are Mayor Ronnie Marks, Police Chief Floyd Johnson, Sheriff Mike Blakely, Councilman Jimmy Gill, actor Frank Travis, retired Circuit Court Clerk Charles Page and current Circuit Court Clerk Brad Curnutt.

Home and Garden Show Mar 16 & 17

Come and enjoy the stew for only $5.00 which includes drink and dessert. Take out also available. Contact 256-230-6233.

Swamp John’s Supper Feb 19 at 4:00 – 7:00 PM

This is a fundraiser for the City of Athens Relay for Life Team for the American Cancer Society. Dine in or carry out available at the Athens Police Department, 951 East Hobbs Street, Athens, AL. Shrimp, fish or chicken plates, sides and tea are included. Tickets are $10 each and you may buy them at the Athens City Hall, Athens Police Department, and Athens Utilities office on Jefferson Street or call 256-233-8730 or 256-233-8710.

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It’s time to start planning that garden and this is the perfect place to get your plants and lots of ideas. The event is hosted by the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce at the Limestone County Event Center. Contact 256-232-2600.

Earth Day Celebration April 20th

Big Spring Memorial Park. Free Event. Fun, games, entertainment, free food and treats, and lots of environmental education and exhibits. This event will share the date and location with the Tourism Outdoor Expo. (Jeannette Jones or Teresa Todd can give you details about their expo.)

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February 15 - February 28, 2013

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Tourism

Celebrating Outdoor Events

By Jeanette Dunnavant Jones, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association is excited to be joining forces with KALB’s Earth Day Celebration this year by adding an Outdoor EXPO to highlight our outdoor activities in our county.

The Earth Day Celebration and Outdoor EXPO are scheduled to be April 20th at Big Spring Memorial Park.

This event offers all types of Earth Day activities as well as recycling projects for the children, live entertainment and vendors displaying and selling outdoor wares such as hunting and fishing supplies, canoes/ kayaks, archery supplies,

softball/baseball/volleyball/soccer supplies and much more.

We are currently accepting vendor applications for the Outdoor EXPOs. Vendors may demonstrate their products but not sell them without paying a vendor’s fee. For vendors wishing to sell their products, there is a required vendor’s fee.

We believe this will be a wonderful opportunity for local retailers to show the community what they offer in support of our outdoor activities. Any retailers interested in partici-

pating in the Outdoor EXPO should contact 256-232-5411 for a vendor application or information.

Anyone desiring to participate in Earth Day Celebration should contact 256-233-8728.

If you need information about these or other events and attractions in Athens-Limestone, visit the Athens Visitors Center located at 100 North Beaty Street, Athens, AL, 35611.

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February 15 - February 28, 2013

February 15 - February 28, 2013

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Special Feature

ASDAR To Present Medal Of Honor To Ed Buckbee, Patriot And Space Advocate

by Diane Lehr The Alabama Society of Daughters of The American Revolution State Regent Connie Grund, and the 2013 ASDAR Conference Committee are excited to meet in Auburn, Alabama, March 12-14, to celebrate “ASDAR Angels in Action, Guardians of Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism.” The conference will offer numerous events and will honor special award recipients who serve as models of patriotism and valor.

Dr Andrew Westmoreland, President of Samford University, will deliver the Opening Night message.

NSDAR National Executive Officer Jean W Vaughan, will be honored for her service to the DAR at the Opening Night Reception. Lieutenant General Richard P. Formica is the guest speaker for the National Defense luncheon during the 115th Annual Alabama State Conference. The highly respected and distinguished Ed Buckbee will be presented with the Medal of Honor for his exemplary work in the United States Space program during the ASDAR National Defense luncheon.

The Alabama Society Daughters of The

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American Revolution National Defense Committee works in support of the Constitution of the United States of Ameri-

9/11. His additional assignments include the Department of the Army Headquarters staff as special assistant to the chief of staff of the Army where he worked HQDA Air and Missile Defense Task Force.

Nominated by the ASDAR Stephens Chapter, Medal of Honor recipient Mr. Ed Buckbee, is an author, lecturer, and has been associated with the U.S.

ca, the patriotic values of our country, and in support of the military men and women who serve our nation. The National Defense Luncheon is a highlight of the Alabama State Conference.

Lieutenant General Richard P. Formica, of Huntsville, is the Commanding General of the U. S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/ Army Forces Strategic Command and Joint Functional Component Command-Integrated Missile Defense. He has served in leadership roles around the globe including Afghanistan, Iraq, Germany, Texas, West Point, Georgia, and in Washington, DC at The Pentagon during

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space program for five decades. Buckbee began his career in 1959 when America’s first Mercury astronauts were selected.

He was present at the launches of Alan Shepard and John Glenn, and was present when the Apollo astronauts lifted-off for the moon landings. He is a senior advisor to NASA. He was commissioned as an U.S. Army officer in 1958. Buckbee served at the Army Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL and U. S. Special Forces, Ft. Bragg, NC. In 1961 he

transferred to the newly formed NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center where he worked for rocket scientist Wernher von Braun.

In 1970, he was selected

by Von Braun to be the first director of the Alabama Space & Rocket Center. Buckbee developed and managed the world’s largest space and rocket exhibition, and was founder of the U.S. Space Camp and Aviation Challenge programs. Retiring from the Space and Rocket Center in l994, Buckbee has produced and hosted numerous space anniversary events, acknowledging famous firsts in human space flight. He served as technical advisor to the movie “Space Camp.”

He is past president of the NASA Alumni, recipient of the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, and the Jimmy Doolittle Award.

Under Buckbee’s leadership, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and U.S. Space Camp programs served more than 500,000 students and teachers from seventy countries. The ASDAR is humbled to recognize such champions who spread the message of patriotism, promote an interest in American history and support educational endeavors for America’s children.

February 15 - February 28, 2013

What Makes Ronnie Roll

“Good Getting Gooder”

by Ali Elizabeth Turner It’s awards season, and any fan of the Alabama Shakes recently got to see Britney Howard singing onstage at the Grammys.

And speaking of awards, Clements High senior Kelly Baker recently signed with Shelton State, her dream of getting a college degree and playing softball having officially been put to ink on paper.

Athens High senior Grace Morgan is going to be a UAH Charger playing soccer, another proof of hard work, both through study and practice. “Callie says she put in between ten and thirteen thousand hours of practice to get where she is, and that doesn’t include the long hours of study it takes to win a scholarship.

Someone said that Britney’s voice at one time was only kind of average,” said Mayor Ronnie. “They all got where they got to through hours of practice, and hours of planning,” he added. “That’s what we all

have to do.”

As always, we talk about what he learned over the weekend, and what stuck out in the sermon, so he does not take credit for the following, but this comes from his notes: “Dig a ditch. You are the one who determines whether it is just a hole that someone can fall in, or if you are making a place for water to flow.” And, he added, “You want good to be better, great to be greater, and dig ditches to get there.”

We then talked about the fact that the chances of “getting there” in this life are slim, “but we have to shoot for perfect as much as possible,” he said. One of the ways Athens is “getting there” is through the Southeast Regional Leader In Me symposium recently held at Athens State University’s Carter Gym. Last year there were around 300 attendees, this year, close to 600, and the goal for

next year is 1,000. They may even need a tent!

ness, one child at a time.”

The Leader In Me seminars are designed to help teachers help kids to develop their leadership skills, which always translate over to improving their academic skills, both of which are so important if our kids are going to become our leaders and be good at it. Congratulations are in order for ASU President Dr. Glenn and Charlotte Feighly, who worked so hard to bring the symposium to ASU. “A couple of years ago, Charlotte said to me, ‘Mayor, great things are going to happen!’” Having seen The Leader In Me skills in action, I can say she is right.

The late Dr. Steven Covey, who wrote the book upon which the symposium is based, said about the skills being taught to the students that this is “how schools and parents around the world are inspiring great-

This year’s keynote speaker was Ron Clark, the Carolina teacher who went to New York and turned the lives of his students upside down for the good. Mr. Clark’s character was played by Matthew Perry in a 2006 movie entitled “The Ron Clark Story,” and the film was nominated for several awards.

The kids were told, “Hey, kids, you want to know the WiFi password of the day?

Good. Clean your room, and do your chores.” Good advice, and not just for kids.

On to “city biz.” The City Hall building is on track for construction to start as soon as the weather is dry enough to pour the foundation. “It is a 2.2 million dollar project with a 10 percent contingency, and is supposed to take 20 months to complete,”

he said. “The hotel and International House of Pancakes are opening this spring. There is going to be a new Dairy Queen built near Chick-fil-A on Hwy 72, and the new branch of First National Bank on Jefferson is coming right along.”

Athens has also been the recipient of ATRIP funding, which is one of the “great opportunities to meet infrastructure needs,” and all in all, Mayor Marks said with confidence, “There are a lot of good vibes going on in the community.” Making sure good vibes increase from and for Athens, i.e.,” good getting gooder,” these are some of the many things that make Ronnie roll.

Nearly 600 people attended The Leader In Me seminar February 15 - February 28, 2013

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Clean and Green

Recycling For Cycling Brings Bike Racks To The Square

by Lynne Hart About two years ago, KALB initiated the Recycling for Cycling campaign in an effort to raise funds for bike racks to be placed on the Athens Square.

We recognized there was a problem for people who wished to ride their bikes to town and then had no place to secure them.

KALB began selling t-shirts and collecting aluminum cans from anyone interested in supporting this effort. The money raised was set aside until our goal was reached.

We also organized slow rides from Athens High School to the Courthouse Square to bring attention to the benefits of bike riding for pleasure.

About a year ago, KALB made a donation of $500 to the Spirit of Athens for the purpose of purchasing and

placing bike racks on the Square. KALB believed that the Spirit of Athens, and Mac Martin, City Planner, could choose the most suitable bike racks and locations for the space available.

the Square.

We are proud to say that the money raised through Recycling for Cycling purchased 3 bike racks.

A fourth rack, sponsored

by West End Outdoors, has also been placed on

Now let’s get out there and ride!

On behalf of the KALB organization, I thank everyone who participated in this campaign.

You waited patiently to see the results of your efforts!

(256) 233-8728 KeepALBeautiful@att.net

Become a Fan

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February 15 - February 28, 2013

Cooking with Shelley

Tossed Fruit Salad

by Shelley Underhill

With all this nice weather we have had this winter, the fresh fruit is everywhere! I personally love a good cold cup of fresh fruit with a dollop of sweetened sour cream on top.

I threw this version together last week after hitting the jackpot in the fruit section at Publix. What I like most about it is that it stays firm and tasty for several days (if it lasts that long!)

Give it a try and let me know what you think. Email your questions and recipes to shelleysdesk@ gmail.com Enjoy!

What you will need: 1 can mandarin oranges – drained 1 can pineapple chunks – drained 1 yellow apple – cut in chunks - bathe in 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 2 cups grapes – seedless – your choice green or red 3 kiwis – peeled and sliced thick Topping: 4 oz. sour cream ½ cup Splenda

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February 15 - February 28, 2013

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Dinner And A Movie

by Wanda Campbell I love movies. To me, there is nothing better than to curl up with

a bowl of popcorn and watch a bunch of actors tell a story. I especially

like the older movies that were remakes of the theater production. You could have action, drama, musicals, and comedy – sometimes all in one movie. It is great.

earned a Pulitzer Prize in Drama for the play, which was on Broadway from 1947 to 1949. Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter, and Karl Malden were cast in the Broadway play and later cast in the movie.

If you love movies as much as I do, you will want to attend the Dinner and a Movie Series at the Center for Lifelong Learning. This season we will begin our study with A Streetcar Named Desire.

This is a classic film that received four Academy Awards and eight other nominations. The program is scheduled on Friday, February 22, beginning at 6:30 pm with a light meal. The film study will begin at 7:00 pm. Register by Wednesday, February 20th, by calling 256233-8260.

Streetcar will be introduced by Dr. Hugh K. Long. Dr. Long is an Assistant Professor of English and Drama, and the Artistic Director of the Athenian Players at Athens State University. He has taught a variety of theatre history, dramatic literature, acting, and stage combat courses at Tufts University, Eastern Connecticut State University, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Dean College, and Northern Essex Community College. Hugh holds a PhD in Drama from Tufts interests center on the historical application of theatrical violence in early modern English and Spanish Theatre and Per-

Streetcar is based on the Tennessee Williams play by the same name. Williams

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formance Practices. As an actor Hugh has been featured in such films as The Fighter, Bewitched, Joe Dirt, and the TV series Freaks & Geeks, Las Vegas, Arrested Development, and The Closer. He has also worked in OffBroadway and Regional Theatres in Measure for Measure, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, West Side Story, The Music Man, and Asi Que Pasen Cinco Años.

While Dinner and a Movie is the best date night, you could also try the Community Chorus as an activity to do together. Community Chorus is meeting on Thursday nights from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Chasteen Hall, Room 105. They will be doing a performance in April. The fee is $30.

For a full list of current courses,check out the website – athens.edu/ CLL, or call 256-2338260.

February 15 - February 28, 2013

Cover Story

Vision Of Hope 21st Century Church: Launching A Cultural Invasion

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

ultimatum by armed country folk who didn’t want to hear the gospel: “Either shut down your church, or we’ll kill you.” He didn’t, and they did—the man was shot through his living room window and died in the arms of his young wife. He left behind five kids, and Greatgrandma, who apparently was a tiny woman and a giant of a prayer warrior, passed on that zeal to her family.

Keith Adkins, the great grandson of the brave West Virginian, and his wife Amy, who hails from Double Springs, spent time as youth pastors in Florida.

They felt strongly to come to our area to begin a work affiliated with Church of God (Cleveland, TN,) and began to minister in Madison and Athens right after they moved here 4 years ago. Their church is called “Vision of Hope 21st Century Church,” and it meets on Sunday afternoons at 1pm.

Getting into a church building itself was a miracle, and illustrates the answer to prayer that is the result of the Adkins’ heart to see the Body of Christ work together without competition, and to help each other out.

They firmly believe that there is “enough of God to go around,” and would like to honor the folks who got them into their building.

The building, which is located at 26760 Newby Rd, (off of Hwy 72, heading south) is owned

by Don Thomas of Don Thomas Construction,

and his wife Camille, who is in real estate. Although the Thomases attend Calvary Assembly in Decatur, to put it simply in Keith’s words, “They invested in us.”

They remodeled the steel building they were using for warehousing, made it possible for the Vision of Hope folks to move in, have agreed to push out walls as VOH grows, and even do it at their own expense. The top floor of the building is used by a business that prepares students to take standardized entrance exams.

The building is comfortable, but not extravagant, and can be used for a variety of purposes.

There is a lot of camouflage used in the decor of the main sanctuary because it represents both the battle we are in, and the necessity of being intentional and patient while taking the Kingdom.

“We see ourselves as a ‘missional’ church,” Keith said, and by that he means that church isn’t about the building, it’s about “living life

with intention, and making everything sacred.”

“Making everything sacred” doesn’t mean living in a state of worldly compromise, it means to launch a “cultural invasion,” essentially to be “salt and light” in the culture.

Keith and Amy believe that

February 15 - February 28, 2013

there are basically seven areas or “mountains of influence” in any culture.

They are: religion, (i.e. the church,) family, arts and entertainment, media, government, business, and education.

People who subscribe to the idea of “intentional cultural invasion” most often feel called to a few areas of emphasis that are sometimes looked upon as being outside of the church’s sphere of influence. For example, in recent years in North Alabama, several people

Keith, Amy, Madelyn and John Garrett

have felt called by God to run for office.

Whether or not they won was not the point, it was being faithful to do what t h e y felt God had put on their heart.

One of the areas of ministry that has been the most successful over the last four years is what could best be described as “apartment complex ministry.” VOH gets permission from the

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apartment or property managers to have bible studies, fellowships, kids’ ministry projects, bringing church to the apartment first, rather than bring the apartment residents to church. That way they can minister to people who otherwise might not attend a church. “This has been especially fruitful at Eagle Point in Madison,” Keith said, and they are looking to bless Athens area apartment dwellers in the same way.

“We want to ‘do life’ with these people together,” said Keith. It is also important to Vision of Hope to serve other ministries, an attitude

that is often lacking when ministries feel like that they have to “compete for the sheep.”

Vision of Hope has the following set of goals as its foundation for their mission statement: •To know Jesus •To make Jesus known •To live a “counter-cultural” Kingdom life •To be a supernatural church •To be a church planting church If this sounds like what you are searching for in a church family, then come to Vision of Hope 21st Century Church on Sunday afternoons and see if their mission matches yours.

Vision of Hope 21st Century Church 26760 Newby Rd Athens, AL 35613 Pastor Adkins’ cell: 256-590-5581 www.visionofhopechurch.net Page 15

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Cover Story

Huntsville Rockets To Benefit Athens Boys And Girls Clubs

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

and 65 players. Several players, he told me, are as good as anyone in the NFL, “but these guys can go to work on Monday,” and they truly play for the love of the game.

the defending national champions of both the BCS Semi Pro division and the National Developmental Football League, and are working hard right now during their practice season to prepare to protect both titles.

During this time of getting ready for battle, the Huntsville Rockets have agreed to help our local Boys and Girls Club by offering 50% off any ticket for any game, all season long.

The “catch” is, that you have to go “old school,” and physically bring the coupon included in this edition of Athens Now, or print one off from the online edition at www.athensnowal.com.

Of the team, Dr. Boyle says with affection, “We’re the best thing nobody’s ever heard of.” The team typically has a roster of between 50

The season opens on March 2nd, and the Rockets will be playing the Tennessee Crush. All home games will be played at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville.

Tickets can be purchased online at the Rockets’ website, which is www.huntsvillerockets.org. Adults are ten dollars, military, kids and seniors are five.

There will be a representative from the Boys and Girls Club at a table outside the gate. You’ll go to them with your coupon, and get your discount for your ticket.

So, by getting a copy of Athens Now, using a pair of scissors, driving to Huntsville, being a “fan in the stands,” and having a great time,

Dr. John Boyle, founder of Hazel Green Chiropractic is the team doc for the Rockets, and the inspiration for this project. His office, which is located at 13971 Hwy 231/431 in Hazel Green, is the place where last year’s trophy is proudly displayed. He also has a Rockets team member who works in his practice, so these guys take the team, the game, (and even recovering from playing the game) quite seriously.

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you’ll also be doing a great thing, and that is help our kids through the work of the Boys and Girls Club.

See you at the stadium!

Huntsville Rockets Football Team invites you to get 50% Off your ticket price!

No limit. Proceeds go to Boys and Girls Club of Athens.

Gates open at 6pm, Game starts at 7pm. Must bring this coupon in order to receive discount.

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Health and Fitness

What Is Interval Training?

by Janet Hunt

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

Interval training is alternating bursts of higher intensity activity with intervals of lighter activity.

Take walking. If you’re in good shape, you might incorporate short bursts of jogging into your regular walks. If

you’re less fit, you might alternate leisurely walking with periods of faster walking. For example, if you’re walking outdoors, you could walk faster between certain mailboxes, trees or other landmarks. If you want to be more scientific,

time your intervals. Intervals can be any length you choose.

Interval training can also include added resistance (i.e. walking uphill or more resistance on your elliptical).

What can interval training do for me?

Whether you are new to exercise or you’ve been exercising for years, interval training can help you jazz up your workout routine. Consider the benefits: •You will burn more calories.

The more vigorously you exercise the more calories you will burn— even if you increase intensity for just a few minutes at a time.

•You will improve your aerobic capacity. As your cardiovascular fitness improves, you’ll be able to exercise longer or with more intensity.

•You will not be bored. Turning up your intensity in short intervals can add variety and challenge to your exercise routine.

•You don’t need special equipment. You can easily modify your current routine.

Interval training can be used by everyone no matter age or fitness level. You can take it to many levels. If you just want to vary your exercise routine, you can determine the length and speed of each high-intensity interval based

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on how you feel that day. After warming up, you might increase the intensity for 30 seconds and then resume your normal pace. The next burst of more intense activity may last two to three minutes. How much you pick up the pace, how often and for how long is up to you.

If you’re working toward a specific fitness goal, you may want to take a more scientific approach. A personal trainer can help you plan and time the intensity and duration of your intervals.

If you have a chronic health condition or haven’t been exercising regularly, talk with your doctor before trying any type of interval training. Always start slowly. Try just one or two higher intensity intervals during each workout at first.

If you think you’re overdoing it, slow down. As your endurance improves, challenge yourself. You may be surprised by the results.

February 15 - February 28, 2013

Medical Update

Why Choose Chiropractic Treatment?

By Dr. John Boyle, D.C. The science and medicine of chiropractic is based on the central nervous system and its control over the function of every cell, muscle, tendon, organ, and system of your body. Your nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and the millions of nerves that run throughout your body. Even though your brain is protected by your skull, your spine is composed of not one, but of twenty four moving bones or vertebrae. Many everyday activities can cause these twenty four bones to shift and lose their normal position. When this occurs, the nervous system begins to experience dysfunction such as pain, swelling, and ultimately this causes ill health. The chiropractic approach is to find the problem and then help the nervous system prevent dysfunction that

damages, and thus promote healthy living.

Disc Decompression One of the largest issues chiropractors and orthopedic doctors face today is the compression of discs in the spine, also known as disc compression. Chiropractors and others combat this issue with non-surgical Disc Decompression Therapy. This therapy is the world’s most advanced non-surgical treatment for low back conditions.

The Disc Ease Therapy targets lumbar level discs by creating a negative pressure or vacuum effect in the disc, allowing the center of the disc to return to its proper position, unherniating the disc.

Non-Surgical Disc Decompression Therapy is a valued therapy over surgery offered by chiropractors and orthopedic doctors alike. Lately

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surgery, physical therapy, and medication have been the chosen regimen for patients who suffer from a compressed disc. Spinal surgeries, however, come with inherent dangers.

Patients can suffer from permanent debilitating conditions, and medications make it difficult to carry on with day to day living. Most importantly, spinal surgery only treats the pain, not the cause of the problem.

Non-surgical Disc Decompression Therapy has been proven to be a successful treatment for low back pain due to disc herniations, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, arthritis, and posterior facet syndrome. It is even a more preferable treatment for the health and well being of the elderly.

Why Hazel Green Chiropractic?

Hazel Green Chiropractic

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serves a wide base of patients from Franklin, TN to Decatur, AL to Athens AL, and anyone in the Tennessee Valley Area.

Hazel Green Chiropractic is the premiere place to receive health care because we believe that it takes a team approach to provide all the up to date service for a wellness program customized to your needs. We have six decompression tables for therapy, and a no waiting policy. Both Doctors John Boyle and Jerry Steckler use their years of expertise to help you succeed in living a fuller, richer, and healthier life.

After taking a complete case history to review the immediate instance and overall state of your health, a thorough examination will be conducted by our highly skilled professionals. In the examination we check your posture, reflexes, mus-

cle strength, and possibly conduct other tests to gain the necessary knowledge so that we can help you.

Based on the findings of the examination, X-rays images, or other types of tests and imaging, the doctor can then guide you by creating a health care program based on your needs and spinal condition. The purpose of Hazel Green Chiropractic is to educate and serve as many families as possible, helping them to move toward a healthy life through natural chiropractic care.

Hazel Green Chiropractic 13971 Hwy. 231/431 Hazel Green, AL 35750 256-828-4268 www.hazelgreen chiropractic.com

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Horse Whispering

The Mane Tail Of The Love Of Horses

by Deb Kitchenmaster The horses here at Corral Connections send you their February loving nickers and velvety rubs from their noses.

To all you wonderful linguistic people the “correct” caption would read, “The main tale of the love of horses”.

I simply can’t seem to get away from horsin’ around.

In the equine world, what do you suppose love looks like? Some of the meanings of love reflect feeling affection for, adoring, worshiping, being devoted to, caring for, finding irresistible, being keen on or being in love with. That may be connecting with another human or perhaps canine, but more than likely it will not be a success story in your human/ horse connection beyond the caring/devoted factors.

When I consider meaningful love in relation to our connections with horses, the “L” would signify leadership that builds confidence. “O” would represent organizing your life. “V” represents the value the person will receive from their horse/human relationship. “E” lovingly leads us into the four winds of engaging, embracing, enjoyment and exploring.

LEADERSHIP: Everyone talks about it; few understand it. Most people want it; few achieve it. Ask nine people to define leadership, and you will probably receive nine different answers.

Bottom line, leadership is influence. He who thinks he leads and has no one following him is only taking a walk. Leadership is the ability to obtain followers.

Horses are natural followers.

aids and learn to trust your focal form of communication by using only focus to direct your horse.

A natural horseperson I want to be, as my equine partner follows me. I must remember as I go, through summer suns and winter snows, I am building confidence between my equine partner and me. You can love horses without leading them, but

you cannot lead horses without loving them.

ORGANIZING: Start with yourself. We cannot travel without until we first travel within. When we are foolish, we want to conquer the world. When we are wise, we want to conquer ourselves. Deal with the drama, chaos and lack of clarity in your life; in doing so you will light a spotlight for brilliant clarity. The Greek word for self-control comes from a root word meaning “to grip” or “take hold of”.

This word describes people who are willing to get a grip on their lives and take control of areas that will bring them success or failure. If you can develop focus in the midst of distractions, you are in a position to put your focal cues to use in the saddle.

You will wean yourself from your reliance on physical

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VALUE: People tend to stay motivated when they see the value of self-discovery due to partnering with their horse. People tend to stay motivated when they see the importance of developing the leader within that ushers them into the arena of life and human relationships, resulting in reconciliation and healthy boundaries.

The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership. My grandson, Evan Michael, would come to his mommy early in the morning and tell her ‘it’s a beautiful day to wake up!’

Well said, Evan Michael!

Surely it IS a beautiful day to wake up to your dignity, value and worth. Horses are great awakeners!

ENGAGING, EMBRACING, ENJOYMENT and EXPLORING: Enough said.

I hope this article has planted a few seeds of awareness and inspiration and are helpful to you as you LOVE yourself and your horse.

Remember, consistency is paramount when partnering with your horse. Without it, you will get nowhere.

Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster Corral Connections: Connecting with LIFE through a horse Animal B.E.S.T practitioner dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com

February 15 - February 28, 2013

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The World According To Will

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

Obama’s Impeachment Is A Real Possibility

by Will Anderson

With a second term victory behind him, the President is feeling his oats. It’s apparent in the way he carries himself and delivers speeches as much as it is in the things he intends to do.

With a Speaker of the House who seems unable to stand up to him, and a Democratic majority in the Senate, the question is, can he be stopped, and if so, how?

The answers are, in two words, yes, and impeachment.

The point isn’t merely academic; as the President’s approval numbers plummet, he becomes more and more politically vulnerable. Normally, when a president in his second term gets into trouble, his first move is to shore up his base so he still has some clout in Congress. Obama’s problem is that he really doesn’t have a base at the moment. Environmentalists are put out that Cap and Trade didn’t pass; pacifists are outraged that Guantanamo Bay remains open and the use of drones dwarfs President Bush’s drone strikes in mere numbers; the gay rights movement hasn’t heard much about Obama’s passion for nationalized gay marriage.

And then there’s the female factor, key to both of Obama’s victories. What has he done to break the glass ceiling? And to what extent does he plan to trample upon the Second Amendment?

Yes, I bring up guns as an example of Obama alienating women.

Last Sunday’s New York Times ran a story entitled “The Rising Voice of Gun Ownership Is Female.” Erica Goode writes, “Though they may share a fierce belief in the Second Amendment with their male counterparts, female gun owners often learn to shoot for different reasons, their interest in and proficiency with firearms not just a hobby or a means for self-defense, but a

February 15 - February 28, 2013

president into the mix, and it seems a near impossibility.

The Democratic Party base, though, uses race selectively, and it is always trumped by ideology. Obama may be the first black President, but he’s also the guy who irrationally raised expectations with unrealistic promises that couldn’t possibly be kept. A hopeful liberal scorned is an angry liberal. The possibility is that the Benghazi tragedy—a genuinely impeachable affair—will be pursued by the likes of Lindsey Graham, who genuinely wants to get to the bottom of it, and used by liberals as the perfect excuse to punish the man who failed them. statement of independence and personal power.” (Italics mine) Further, reports Goode, female gun ownership knows no ideological bounds: “Professor [of women’s studies] Mary Stange, who hunts regularly and owns several rifles and shotguns, describes herself as a liberal Democrat.”

To summarize, there are an awful lot of liberal ideologues who are furious with the man who promised to be everything that Bill Clinton wasn’t, and as Obama charges forward, there will be others. In a matter of months, Obama will stand alone, with Congressional Democrat afraid to go near him as the next election nears, and rank and file liberals whose ideals have been shattered open to the idea of retribution.

So can he be impeached? Two factors argue against the possibility: his race, and Clinton’s impeachment. The general public would be suspect of two Democratic presidents in a row suffering a fate not previously seen since Andrew Johnson. Add the fact that Obama is the first black

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February 15 - February 28, 2013

Security Savvy

Security at Church?

by Brian Black of Madison Security Group

That’s right! That is how wacky this world has become. There is a need to address the safety and security of church members during the worship services and anytime a group is gathering at the church building.

But this is not new at all; we just haven’t seen it that much in our area; but it is a growing concern.Security personnel in churches go back to the 1600s, when the local parishes used security to protect property and the congregation.

You might say, “But this is the 21st Century; surely, we don’t need security at church? Church is a place of peace and love. We are perfectly safe here.”

You may never have an issue while you are at church; and I pray you never do. But, let me remind you of this story from 2009 in Maryville, Illinois. Fred Winters, the pastor of the First Baptist Church, was shot and killed during the 8 a.m. service, and the attacker and two church members suffered knife wounds in the attack.

The gunman entered during the service and walked up to the pulpit, exchanged words with the pastor and fired four shots, hitting the pastor’s Bible and then the pastor.

But there are other reasons for thinking about security at church. On March 27, 1994 in Piedmont, Alabama, the Goshen United Methodist Church was hit by a tor-

nado during the worship service. Twenty church members lost their lives that day. With security in

place, plans can be made to ensure that all possible efforts will be taken to help guide church members to safety.

There are also the possibilities of fire breaking out during the services, as what happened in December 2012 in Belton, Texas. On December 12, a fire broke out during a Vigil Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe service at Belton’s Christ the King Catholic Church. There were about 100 members of the congregation that were in attendance and were ushered out of the building. It appears that there may have been some plan in place to deal with such an emergency. And there are the occasional health related issues that happen during the church services. I have seen a few instances where a person may pass out, have seizures or someone fall and injure themselves at

February 15 - February 28, 2013

the church building.

There are so many things that can happen and like we have said before,

have a plan to deal with these issues. Come up with a fire evacuation plan; get an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and have people trained to use it; get weather radios, and have them turned on; have a place to gather in case of bad weather. There are other needed items and actions that can be taken, but the most important step, is to take the

first step and decide to not wait until something happens.

If you need help in accessing your church’s risk, give us a call here at Madison Security Group 256-232-7030, mention you read this article and we will give your church a FREE no obligation security assessment.

you must be on the alert.

There are things you can do to be prepared. First, you need to assess the potential problems you might have. Second,

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