February 6, 2015

February 6 - 19, 2015

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature Wildwood Deli And The Terrific “Tune Up Dinner”...

What’s a “tune up dinner?” In the restaurant biz, a tune up dinner is like a dry run for a special event...

Page 5

Serving Up Chili And Care: Fundraiser Feeds The Tummy And A Community Need

By Holly Hollman A pot of warm chili can sooth hunger on a frigid winter’s day. It can lure friends to gather for a night of camping or watching a football game .A pot of chili can also offer comfort to a child grieving the loss of her grandmother, a daughter watching her father’s life reach its end or a husband holding for the last time the hand of his ailing wife.

Tourism

Continued on pages 15

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Limestone County!...

Valentine’s Day is a day to express your love and to celebrate the spirit of love - so do something special for your loved one...

Page 10

Press Release TVA Sponsors Elk River Cleanup and Team Challenge...

Keep AthensLimestone Beautiful is pleased to announce that the Tennessee Valley Authority will support the annual Elk River Canoe & Kayak...

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February 6 - February 19, 2015

My 180 Health: A Turn-key System For Revitalizing Your Health

By Ali Elizabeth Turner In October, 2014, readers of Athens Now were introduced to My 180 Health, a life center located on County Line Road in the Publix shopping center complex. It has been so successful Continued on page 17

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February 6 - February 19, 2015

Publisher’s Point

“Go Set A Watchman”

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales

as being in a “secure location,” and Nelle Harper Lee had long since considered it lost for good.

Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Teresa Todd Joel Allen Lynne Hart Holly Hollman Jerry Barksdale Rachel Clark Don Wojtal

I am writing this on Rosa Parks’ birthday, and my mind has been filled with the “impact of the reluctant,” in particular people from Alabama who nearly against their will managed to profoundly affect our nation, our culture, and our history.

Rosa set in motion a movement, not so much because on that afternoon 60 years ago, she got on that particular bus in Montgomery with the intention of making a statement or changing history. Rather, her tired feet motivated her to simply and quietly say, “No” to a law and a man that at the very least were ungentlemanly.

Helen Keller became famous by living what could be termed as an “extraordinarily normal life” in an era when the expected course of action for her parents would have been to put her in an “asylum.”

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . 20

Jesse Owens ran, Hank Williams sang, Charles Barkley shot hoop, W.C. Handy invented the Blues, and Satchell Paige played baseball, all of them, essentially due to the fact that it was just plain “in ‘em.”

For all intents and purposes, they could have done no other.

However, hands down, my favorite “reluctant heroine” from the State of Alabama is Nelle Harper Lee, the Pulitzer Prize winner of my favorite secular book, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” published in 1960.

Nelle Harper Lee was the last person to expect to publish just one book that became a monster hit, an instant American classic, an Oscar-winning film only a year later, has never been out of print, and has sold more than 30,000,000 copies. She has been the recipient of innumerable awards and honorary

Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Press Release. . . . . . . . 23

February 6 - February 19, 2015

While it took 2 ½ years of revisions to polish Mockingbird before it was deemed ready to be published, Watchman apparently became both vintage as well as perfect by virtue of being hidden away in a box somewhere for 60 years. To have a book published without revi-

Rosa Parks degrees. Most ceremonies she has chosen not to attend, one exception being the ceremony where President George W. Bush presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November of 2007. While she certainly did the yeoman’s job of staying out of the spotlight, sweetly refusing to be interviewed, and avoiding the speaker’s circuit, she has always been friendly and warm to the townfolk of Monroeville, AL, where she still lives.

Monroeville is the site of an annual Mockingbird Festival, and folks can tour the Courthouse where her father unsuccessfully defended a black man and his son accused of murdering a white shopkeeper. Both men were hanged, essentially during the time of the Scottsboro Boys case, and A.C. Lee was so broken by the outcome that he never took on another criminal case. He was Harper’s inspiration for the character of Atticus Finch, the man voted the all time greatest movie hero by the film industry. Legendary author Truman Capote (In Cold Blood), was Harper’s childhood friend, and the Mockingbird character of Dill was drawn from his friendship with Harper. Of course, Harper was Scout Finch, and sadly, we all

Harper Lee thought we would never hear from her again.

However, New York publishing house Harper Collins has just announced that it is going to publish Lee’s long lost 2nd novel, which was actually written before To Kill A Mockingbird, and it is entitled, “Go Set A Watchman.” It is due to come out in July, and the initial printing will be 2 million copies.

Watchman tells of Scout’s return as a grown woman to the fictitious Maycomb, AL, in 1955, right as the effects of Rosa Park’s tired feet and heart were being felt. The great irony in all this is that the original was found somehow attached to one of the old manuscripts of Mockingbird in a box described

sions is essentially unheard of.

Nelle Harper Lee more than likely is reluctantly poised to make history again, and as she faces her ‘90s with an uncomfortable new wave of renown, may her willingness to speak truth to power without thought of fame or fortune serve to make all of us even prouder to be from the same great State as she.

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 Ventura Vendetta

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Every once in awhile, thankfully not all that often, a former member of the military turns on his brethren and attempts to assassinate their singular or collective characters. Most notably in our day, Secretary of State John Kerry vilified his Vietnam buddies through fabricating stories of atrocities. Their reaction was so effective that a new word was coined, “swiftboating,” which refers to being falsely accused, most often for political gain.

reputation he built as a politician as being one of the most corrupt, ever.

What is most bizarre to me, though, is what I have come to call the Ventura Vendetta on the part of former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura against murdered Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, (of Ameri-

can Sniper fame,) and most recently, against all our soldiers. It is as though this man has plumb lost his mind, or took one too many hits to the head. Either would certainly be easier to forgive, but to have had the kind of training and camaraderie that is legendary among the SEALS,

and then go after the estate of a fallen brother over a dustup in a bar is just not in keeping with who a SEAL is.

Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that Chris Kyle was not telling the truth about Jesse Ventura, and the whole thing was at the very least a

The exact quote was this, as heard on Allan Colmes’ radio show: “What I’m stating is we invaded Iraq, we were not asked in,” Ventura said.

“We invaded a country, we overthrew its government, and then we killed people that lived there.”

Another man whose words and actions I saw personally hurt the morale of our troops while I was in Iraq was former Marine Rep John Murtha, when he called our troops murderers. Many of our soldiers, even if they were not Marines, felt he had lost his right to be considered a Marine, either through the allegations that his wartime medals had essentially been fraudulently obtained, his accusation that our soldiers were war criminals, and the

“Are we analogous to the Nazis?” Colmes asked Ventura.

“Well, and the Communists, yeah. We behave the same way now,” Ventura said.

“I said this before, I said, ‘That’s how George Bush killed my American dream.’ I never believed that my country would line our military up at the border of another sovereign nation, invade that country, overthrow its government, occupy them without being asked. We invaded, and all on lies.”

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

$7

February 17th

11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm

17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4

matter of perception, and at most a falsehood. Let’s say that Jesse Ventura had a right to set the record straight, irrespective of attempting to what could be viewed as “breaking up the house of a widow.” In whose universe could it ever be justifiable for a SEAL to call our soldiers “Nazis,” or “Communists?”

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I could, and have spent hours dismantling Jesse’s “Bushlied-people-died” argument.

Even the NY Times finally admitted there were indeed weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, but it was ten years after the fact. But to say that our soldiers are Nazis AND Communists? Check your history, pal. Last I heard, our soldiers have never been known to goose step, put people in ovens by the millions, or send them to Siberia for having a different opinion. Jesse, what little respect I still had for you has now officially vanished.

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Special Feature

Wildwood Deli And The Terrific “Tune Up Dinner”

by Ali Elizabeth Turner What’s a “tune up dinner?”

In the restaurant biz, a tune up dinner is like a dry run for a special event. Sometimes it is known as a “Chef’s Table,” or a “tasting.” What happens is that the chef creates and executes a small version of a future special event, and serves his artisan fare to a paying clientele that is required to give honest feedback in regard to everything that would make a dining experience truly memorable.

The patrons are, in a word, willing “gourmet guinea pigs,” and this is how legendary restaurants become and stay that way.

Just a few weeks ago, Matthew Fisher, co-owner of Wildwood Deli, hosted a “wildly” successful “tune up dinner” in anticipation of something he and his mom Rhonda, (Wildwood’s other co-owner), are calling “Secret Suppers.” I will tell you all about the upcoming suppers in a moment, but first, we must celebrate Wildwood Deli’s one year anniversary!

Wildwood Deli has undergone quite a metamorphosis in the 5 years it has been open. It has changed hands several times, but blessedly has remained open and able to nourish the people of Athens as well as folks passing

s . y d n s t D r , through. It has served delin cious food cooked by people who care, and in my view - now the Deli has indeed a come into its stride. The res- taurant business is known t to be a tough one, and the shops that succeed have to find just the right balance of menu, staff, style, overhead,

locale, service, what to charge the customer, as well as other factors in order to stay afloat.

Matthew and Rhonda have beat the odds, with the proof being that it is not at all unusual for them to end the day having sold out of daily specials as well as Gigi’s cupcakes, (which can be custom ordered and picked up right there at the Deli.)

A year ago Rhonda and Matthew pooled their extensive food service, hotel and restaurant experience as well as formal education, and came

to support their trade logo, “Wildwood Deli, where love is the main ingredient.” They have won contests, awards, and the “sweet tooths” of Athens have been satisfied by the offerings of Gigi’s cupcakes, which are nearly an art form in and of themselves.

The charming, old feel of the exposed brick walls and black and white tiled floor, blended with modern equipment such as a commercial convection oven are some of what makes Wildwood Deli simultaneously a throwback to the past and thoroughly up to the minute.

•Appetizer: 3 cheese stuffed mushrooms-Matthew says he tried one, and they were delicious!

•Garden Salad- He used a number of greens and tossed it with a balsamic vinaigrette •Garlic goat cheese biscuits, with the goat cheese from Belle Chevre •Peppercorn Dijon mustard rubbed prime rib, with accompanying au jus made from the rub and drippings •Sauteed asparagus •Sage potatoes au gratin

up with a menu that was a wonderful blend of sophistication and “southern-ness.”

The Deli itself has undergone extensive renovations, including the purchase of new state of the art kitchen equipment, more comfortable seating, a re-arranging of storage and traffic flow, and all of it goes

So, you may ask, just what are these “Secret Suppers?”

They are the result of the “Tune up Dinner.” Matthew crafted a prime rib dinner that would please any person with a discriminating palate, then prepared and served it to 6 people. The menu was as follows:

•Rhonda’s legendary cheesecake made from scratch, which she baked right there in the Deli’s convection oven Matthew said, “The cheesecake was absolutely perfect.

Because of the convection oven, it was light, fluffy, as good as any I have ever had.”

February 6 - February 19, 2015

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His guests were thrilled, and tipped him handsomely.

He told me that their plan is to offer “Secret Suppers” twice a month on Saturday nights, and the all inclusive tab would be $55 tops per person. For those of you who are “foodies,” you’ll no doubt agree that this is a steal. For each Secret Supper, the Deli will be transformed into an intimate bistro with table linens, cloth napkins, special lighting, window treatments, screens and more to complete the effect. Until the beer and wine license goes through, guests will bring in their own wine, and Matthew will charge a corkage fee.

What is his purpose in going to all this trouble? First of all, he is doing what he loves, and there is little in life that is more blessed than making a living doing so. He and his mom have a vision for what an impact this can have on Athens. “We want to get the State of Alabama to designate our place as part of the Downtown Arts District, and in doing so help bring in business and build revenue for our city.” He then added with a smile, “We want to be the only place in town where you can get your favorite dish, custom made, where YOU can “be” the menu.”

Wildwood Deli 113 Market Street Athens, AL 35611 256 206 9384 Hours: M-F 11-5, Sat 11-3

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Calendar of Events 101 Inventions That Changed the World Through Mar 15th

U.S. Space and Rocket Center. One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL. Explore the key turning points in humankind’s history defined by creation or discovery in an “unforgettable multi-sensory experience... that’s like traveling the world and moving swiftly thorugh time.” For hours, admission and more information rocketcenter.com/admission

Sweet Life! Dessert Comedy Theatre Feb 7th

Emmanuel Baptist Church. 1917 U.S. Highway 72W, Athens, AL. Enjoy clean comedy, great music and a yummy dessert. Doors open at 6:00PM; Event starts at 7:00PM. Tickets are $10.00 in advance; $15.00 at the door; $40.00 per family. Reservation required. More information: 256-232-6193 or visit www.ebcathens.com

Tickets for Polk Sallet Follies On Sale Feb 9th

Magic In Your Heart Feb 14th

Limestone County Event Center. 114 West Pryor Street, Athens, AL. Join Mission Athens for a night of entertainment and dinner while supporting the efforts of Mission Athens from 7:00PM-9:00PM. Entertainment provided by Johnny Diesel. Tickets $35.00, VIP Table $280.00. For tickets call: 256-777-9456, email: missionathensal@ gmail.com or mail: Mission Athens c/o T. Griffin, 1119 East Pryor Street, Athens, AL 35611.

Valentine’s Date Getaway Feb 14th

Joe Wheeler State Park. 4403 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL. Plan a special getaway with room for 1 night, seafood buffet for 2, bottles of wine available for purchase for $20.00. Cost is $109.00 plus tax.

Reservation required: 256-247-5461.

Valentine’s Day Show Feb 14th

Athens Senior Center. 912 West Pryor Street, Athens, AL. Ticket sales for the highly anticipated Polk Sallet Follies are from 7:30AM-4PM Mon-Fri. Tickets can also be purchased on Mondays from 5PM-8PM. All seats are reserved and must be paid for at the time of purchase.

Cash or check only. Tickets are $35.00 each and a limit of two tables per customer. Ticket price includes a 3-course meal. No early registration by phone will be accepted. www.pokesalletfollies.org

The Red Caboose. 25483 Railroad Street, Elkmont, AL . The Alverado Road Show will spice up the night with a few love songs alongside their new songs. Ladies will receive a special gift. Tickets are $20.00 includes snacks and drink. Doors open at 6:00PM and Show starts at 7:00PM. For more information: 256-306-6201 or gcompton@ ardmore.net.

Great Backyard Bird Count Feb 13th - 16th

Valentine’s Dinner Show Feb 14th

Join the Citizen Scientist Movement and help Cornell Lab of Ornithology gather data and learn more about the birds populating Limestone County. It’s free, fun and helps birds! All it takes is 15 minutes just one day in your backyard, city or county park or along one of Athens-Limestone’s 17 trails. Trail brochures are available at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center 100 North Beaty Street in Athens, AL. Visit The Great Backyard Bird Count page for information on how to participate, Bird ID tools, activities for the kids, count sheets, homeschool and classroom activities.

Valentine’s Dinner with Hickory Barn BBQ Feb 13th & 14th

Hickory Barn Barbecue. 12250 U.S. Highway 72, Athens, AL. Enjoy an elegant evening with candlelight, three-course meal and live acoustic music starting at 6:00PM. Course 1: Stuffed Ravioli with Marinara for dipping; Course 2: Grilled Steak Medallions & Grilled Chicken Breast, Baked Potato, House Salad, Breadsticks; Course 3: Chocolate Blackout Cake with Strawberries. Reservations Required: 256-262-4460.

Spirit of Athens Chocolate Walk Feb 14th

12:00pm to 5:00pm in downtown Athens, AL. Join participating retailers and sample a variety of chocolate goodies. Fee to participate.

Limit 100 tickets. For more information 256-232-9040.

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Yesterday’s Event Center. 15631 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL. Treat your sweetheart to a candlelit dinner with intimate seating, a complete Ribeye Steat/BBQ Chicken Dinner with all the fixins and then relax and enjoy or dance (dance floor open during show) to your favorites featuring “The Time Raiders”. Doors open and dinner begins at 6:00PM, Show starts at 7:00PM. Tickets are $30.00 and includes dinner. Group reservations available. E-mail reservation is required. Info@YesterdaysEvents.com.

Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball Feb 21st

Joe Wheeler State Park. 4403 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL. Grab your Mardi Gras beads and book this Mardi Gras escape to Joe Wheeler State Park. Package includes room for Saturday night, party and party favors for two on Saturday night, breakfast for two Sunday morning and all taxes and gratuities for $99.00. To make your reservation: 256-247-5461.

Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge and Silent Auction Feb 28th

Athens High School. 100 U.S. Highway 31N, Athens, AL. Sample and choose the Chili Challenge People’s Choice winner, enjoy live music and bid on a variety of silent auction items. (Competitors Registration FULL) For more information: 256-232-5017.

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

The Athens “Bus”

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Recently Mayor Marks gave his first State of the City address for 2015 at a Rotary Club luncheon.

He used the book “Get Off The Bus,” which we have used here as the backdrop for a few “Ronnies” as the theme for his presentation, and while the authors of Get Off The Bus geared their thoughts toward inspiring seniors to re-think retirement as it is classically practiced, the Mayor encouraged the Rotarians to remember that they have an invitation as well as a responsibility to stay engaged in the direction of the Athens “bus,” and be involved in making the ride smooth. The three main points, after all was said and done regarding

“driving” the economy, providing public safety, improving quality of life, education, and government are these: don’t retire from life, continue to contribute to your community, and search for opportunities to serve.

All of Athens knows that physically the literal roads have not been

smooth when it comes to tearing them up in order to update the sewage system, with the annoying closing of streets, and necessary re-routing of traffic. There have been literal bumps.

However, anyone who has ever been involved in living through a remodel knows that it’s always messy, even maddening, but worth it in the end.

One place where the “bus” has travelled a road that will make things smoother for our disabled youth is in the form of the recently awarded grant for the All Kids’ Park in the Sportsplex. The park will be designed to be wheelchair accessible, and the equipment in

“the Fort” will be updated. All Kids’ is being made possible by a $50,000 grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), and the City will contribute $61,500 in order to complete the $111,500 upgrade. The Youth Commissioners are also working on a DEKKO grant to provide shade structures for the park, which will be most welcome on a hot Alabama summer’s day.

The “bus” has travelled to some new, distinctive, and positive places. Athens has been voted the seventh safest city in all of Alabama. The Athens and Hartselle school systems are the only ones in Limestone, Morgan and

Lawrence Counties to score above the state/national reading standards on ACT Aspire. We are the 65th fastest growing county in the United States, rated the 9th best in Alabama by AL.com, and were chosen as the 3rd best businessfriendly city in the state by the Alabama Policy Institute. Additionally, Athens High School was rated the 13th best in Alabama by U.S. News and World Report.

And, there are new trails, (or rather roads) that the bus is going to have to travel. What are we going to decide about building new schools in order to protect our eastern border from getting eroded by Huntsville and Madison, as well as make us more marketable to the forecasted surge in new population to our area? What is our responsibility in building storm shelters in our city and county? Who pays? What’s fair?

There are always those who will complain about everything about the bus, its color, the seats, who’s at the wheel, and its direction. But our Mayor is determined to have our “bus” be the best there is, and that, literally, is what makes Ronnie roll.

Don’t forget the Black History Month Celebration on Friday, Feb 6th at 6:30 in the Beasley Center.

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February 6 - February 19, 2015

Jerry’s Journal

Napping While Watching TV Can Be Hazardous

by Jerry Barksdale

Sometimes it doesn’t pay to take a nap. Following a hearty meal and cheap wine, I kicked back in my easy chair to watch The Sixties on CNN. They were exciting times for me. I graduated at Athens High in 1960 and enrolled at Athens College that fall. I was in love with a willowy brunette, Carol O’Conner, knocking down $30 for a 90 hour week at a week working 70 hours at McConnell Funeral and carrying a big dream; one day I would attend Alabama Law School.

John F. Kennedy was elected President in November about the time I turned 19.

Carol and I married in 1961.

We moved into our love nest, a small downstairs apartment in an old 2-story

house on South Beaty Street owned by Mrs. Ben Peck. I was riding a gravy train. The following year, the gravy train almost derailed when we edged closer to the brink of nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Surveillance photos revealed that missile launching pads that pointed toward the U.S. had been constructed in Cuba. During a break in classes at Athens College, several of us were standing in front of McCandless Hall smoking cigarettes when one of the students said he saw a long freight train rumbling south through Athens around midnight. “It was the longest train I ever seen and was loaded with tanks and artillery,” he said.

Sobering information. I realized I might not live long enough to become a big shot

lawyer, not to mention that millions of people might die.

I fired up another Winston.

President Kennedy ordered a naval blockade of Cuba. Russian ships carrying missiles kept coming and we inched closer to nuclear war.

Watching those events play out on TV brought back frightful memories. I hadn’t smoked a cigarette in 47 years, but suddenly I wanted a Winston or, maybe two. As we know, a compromise was reached and the Soviet ships turned back. Whew! Nuclear war had been avoided. I relaxed.

There was a commercial break on, and that’s about the time my eyelids grew heavy and I dozed off. Later, I woke.

And what I heard brought me straight up in my chair.

“The stock market dropped

400 points today…,” a newscaster said.

“My God! I’ve lost every dime I have!” I exclaimed, now fully awake.

My friend (and sometimes read-head) Pat was seated on the couch. “What are you talking about?” she asked.

“Didn’t you hear? The stock market crashed today!”

“No it didn’t.” she laughed.

“They’re talking about the sixties.”

“Whew, thank the Lord, I thought it was now.”

Folks, if you’ve never experienced being suddenly broke and penniless and in the next second learn that your riding lawnmower hasn’t been repossessed and you still have an income, you haven’t lived.

It’s a wild ride. I felt like I had won the lottery and

wanted to do a little jig to celebrate my newly acquired wealth.

It caused me to think. Many consumer products carry warning labels and TV screens should do no less for the benefit of senior citizens.

“FALLNG ASLEEP AND SUDDENLY AWAKENING COULD RESULT IN HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, URGE TO URNIATE, SOILED UNDERWEAR AND HEART ATTACK. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE WATCHING THIS PROGRAM.” It never hurts to be cautious.

Several years ago my good friend, Joe Langster, told me a story about his elderly father, Alfred, who went to sleep on the couch while watching “The Waltons.”

The movie “Pearl Harbor” had just been released and was being promoted on TV. Mr. Langster woke during the commercial promoting the movie and what he saw scared him half to death.

The Japanese were bombing Pearl Harbor. Joe drove up about this time and Mr. Langster jumped from his couch and ran outside.

“Joe!” “What?”

“Darn if the Japs ain’t bombing Pearl Harbor again!” said Mr. Langster.

“How you asked.

know?”

Joe

“I saw it on TV.” It took some talking to convince Mr. Langster that he had seen a commercial, and not current news. He could have had a heart attack or worse. Like I said, sometimes it doesn’t pay to relax.

February 6 - February 19, 2015

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An Athens

Tourism

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Limestone County!

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association Valentine’s Day is a day to express your love and to celebrate the spirit of love so do something special for your loved one.

Flowers, candy, jewelry, candle-light dinner, a night at the movies, a day of shopping or even a get away weekend at a nice hotel/motel is always a good idea. Athens and Limestone County businesses would enjoy the opportunity to help you celebrate and locate the perfect gift.

Local florists will deliver bouquets to your loved one; women love having flowers delivered to their office.

Valentine cards and candy are also a nice touch to give, such as chocolate covered strawberries from Russell

Stover’s. Here is something cute and different from Suzanne’s Bakery & Eatery for your man for Valentine’s Day: a basket of cookie tools or flags/hearts/eagles and stars, mustaches, or honeybees for your honey! You can call in and pre-order to make sure you get the perfect ‘cookie gift’ for your man.

Make it a date night and dine at one of our locally owned restaurants such as LuVici’s, Casa Blanca, Wildwood Deli or Village Pizza downtown.

Around town try Catfish Cabin, LawLer’s BBQ, Clark’s Family Restaurant, 306 BBQ, Picasso Grill, Las Trojas Cantina or have your Valentine dinner with Hickory Barn BBQ. In Ardmore

visit Mildred’s, EL Olmeca, Fried Green Tomato Buffet or Libby’s Catfish & Diner for a nice cozy meal.

After dinner go take in a movie at our CineMagic Theater.

You can also enjoy the Chocolate Walk on the Square sponsored by Spirit of Athens on Saturday February 14th from 12-5PM. Our newest decadent delicacy is ‘Sweet Thymes bakery and Meals To Go’ on 407 N. Clinton Street. The owner, Kelli Minyard, has her

daily menu on Facebook and a desert case full of sweets for your sweetie!

You can always make your loved one feel special with a get away from the kids or the hectic work days for a week-

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end at one of our local hotels/motels.

Our local properties will treat you like royalty when you spend the weekend with them. Most offer hot breakfast

and/or have indoor pools.

Some hotels are offering special Valentine’s Day packages. For information check out our lodging page at www. visitathensal.com/3/lodging. htm Gifts of all types are available throughout the county at our specialty shops and boutique stores. Stop by one of the jewelry stores (Hobbs Jewelers and Osborne’s Jewelers) and pick up a special surprise for

your favorite person. If you are not sure what to get, the sales personnel at our downtown shops like Pablo’s, Pimentos, Trinity, Crawford’s, The Willow Cottage or in U G White will help you pick out something special. For a quiet evening, enjoy one of our many parks and take a walk watching the sunset.

Just remember, it’s all about showing your special person how important they are to you.

If you need additional information about these or other events and attractions in Athens-Limestone, visit the Athens Visitors Center located at 100 North Beaty Street or call 256-232-5411.

Information is also posted on our website at www.VisitAthensAL.com.

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Clean and Green

Dominion And Stewardship -What Do They Really Mean?

by Lynne Hart and Don Wojtal I have been asked to share information here about the idea of dominion and stewardship according to the Bible, and how they apply to our care of this planet.

I am happy to share my thoughts as well as those by the co-author of this article, Mr. Don Wojtal.

Mr. Wojtal is a devout Christian and a member of our Recycling Board.

Being in the business of helping people understand the importance of caring for our world, we often hear the words “dominion” and “stewardship” brought up as referenced in the Bible.

It seems there are differing opinions as to what these words mean as we apply them to caring for the environment.

Scripture tells us that God is the creator of all things. He created the heavens and the earth, the waters and all creatures within, the birds of the air, the land and all that dwell upon it. Since the beginning of time, everything needed by man has been provided.

Everything we need and everything we’ve discovered or will discover in the future has been here since God created the world. As the creator, God is also the owner.

Once man was created, God showed Adam all the creations of heaven and earth and gave man dominion over them all.

What does that mean?

The definition of dominion is “the power

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chemicals to protect our land and water from poisons. We should care for wildlife by doing no unnecessary harm or plant gardens that attract and feed butterflies and birds. We also have a responsibility to protect those domesticated animals we have invited to share our lives.

or right of governing and controlling; sovereign authority.” Wow! That sounds like we have complete control and can do whatever we want to do! Animals, plants, the air we breathe, the water we drink, are all under our authority! So if we choose to use them for our pleasure without care, we have that authority, right?

Parents have authority over their children. We would never say that parents have the right to treat their children any way they please, would we? Authority comes with great responsibility.

Then there is that second word - stewardship. Stewardship is the careful and responsible management of something trusted to one’s care. If we believe that God is the creator of all things, then stewardship includes the careful and responsible management of this earth and all that dwells upon it.

When we treat our environment with selfish entitlement, we are acting as if we are the owner.

An owner is responsible to himself. A steward, on the other hand, is responsible to the owner. If we believe that God is the owner of all things, then we will answer to God for our care of all He has entrusted to us. If we spoil it, waste it, trash it, harm it, or pollute it, we are failing in our responsibilities as good stew-

ards and will answer for our actions or inactions.

It has also been said that “God will make the earth new, so it doesn’t matter what we do.” I have a pretty easy-going personality, but that statement really makes me angry! Only God knows for how many more years this planet must sustain life. How selfish it is to feel free to trash it at the expense of future generations!

It is good stewardship to be aware of what harms our environment and to do what we can to avoid those things. It is also good stewardship to be aware of what helps the

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environment and to do those things to make our planet better.

A few simple examples would be to recycle all we can to protect our natural resources for future generations. Recycling also provides jobs right here in this community.

We can learn to properly handle garden and other

Let’s learn and understand how littering can injure and kill wildlife, poison our water supply, and pollute the oceans.

We can learn more about the importance of trees and all they do to provide clean air, pollution control, fresh fruits and nuts, homes for wildlife, cooling of the earth, and so much more. Knowledge is key to knowing how to protect them.

Maybe we could plant a garden to raise fresh, healthy food for our families or to help feed those less fortunate.

We may not be able to do it all...but we should all do what we can.

I believe God will smile as each good steward passes on this respect for His creations by teaching others, especially our children, to do the same.

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com February 6 - February 19, 2015

Cooking with Shelley

Funky Chicken Salad

by Shelley Underhill

This is something I came up with last week when I was messing around in the kitchen. I took it to church and shared it with my ladies’ group. It was a hit.

Let me know what you think; you can email me at shelleysdesk@ gmail.com.

February 6 - February 19, 2015

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What you will need: 1 baby zucchini squash, sliced and chopped very small 1 cup red quinoa, cooked ½ large yellow apple, sliced and chopped very small 3 green onions, sliced very thin 2 nice size oven-roasted chicken breasts, cubed ¾ cup of sour cream Tony Chachere’s seasoning to taste Combine ingredients together and mix well. Serve chilled.

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Health and Fitness

“SMART” Goals For The New Year

by Janet Hunt

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

No matter how big or small your health/fitness goal (exercise more, completing a 5K, losing 5 or 50 pounds, or eating no red meat), making the required lifestyle changes to reach your goal requires planning and setting “SMART” goals. “SMART” goals are:

Specific Measureable Attainable, Achievable Action-oriented Relevant or Realistic Timed-oriented

or

Every year at this time, I hear people say their goal for the New Year is to “get healthy.” There are many ways to get healthy. Is your goal to to exercise, stop smoking, establish new eating habits, or lose weight?

If it is losing weight, what

does that look like to you? – 5lbs, 25 or maybe even 100?

The likelihood of success will be higher if you break down your goal and follow the SMART guidelines.

Below is a SMART goal example.

•Specific. We want a goal that is clear and easy to understand. Our goal is “lose weight.”

•Measureable. The “lose weight” goal is not enough.

How will we track our progress and how will we know our goal has been reached?

We will need to add numbers (pounds or % body weight).

For our example, let’s say we want to lose 25 lbs.

•Attainable, Achievable or Action-oriented. Confirm your goal is actually attainable. If you have a huge,

long-term goal, it may be better to break it down. For example, if you want to lose 100lbs, let’s do 10lbs or 25lbs at a time. It is easier to see the end and therefore more attainable. Then you can set a second and third goal. In our example, we have decided the 25lb goal is achievable.

Let’s consider some actions that we will help us attain our goal. Without an action plan, a goal more than likely will not be successful. Below are some suggested actions: o Maintain a food diary every day until the goal is reached or you have changed your eating habits. o Participate in a weight management class or maybe visit with a Registered Dietitian.

o Walk 30 minutes every day or attend a fitness class.

o Stop drinking sodas and drink more water.

•Realistic or Relevant.

Consider your goal. Is it realistic and relevant? Is this something you are willing to work for and even make sacrifices for? If you don’t want to make changes in your lifestyle at this time, this is probably not a relevant goal.

•Time-oriented. You must have an endpoint to your goal. A deadline will keep you motivated. Since healthy weight loss is about 1-2 pounds per week, let’s set our deadline for 6 months with a deadline of July 1, 2015, and regular weigh-ins every week.

Now you have a SMART way to tackle your New Year’s Resolution.

For more information about local fitness classes, contact Janet Hunt at 256-614-3530 or jhunt1@pclnet.net or visit Janet’s Facebook page (Janet’s Fitness).

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Cover Story

Serving Up Chili And Care: Fundraiser Feeds The Tummy And A Community Need

by Holly Hollman

continued from page 1

That’s because the annual Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge and Silent Auction funds services such as Camp Hope, a bereavement program for children who have lost loved ones. It also funds in-home respite workers, indigent care that is non-funded care and non-Hospice bereavement

chili and how they will decorate their booth to coincide with the name.”In addition to the chili, there is a silent auction where ticketholders can bid on items ranging from toys to sports memorabilia, to art, to outdoor gear, to vacations. This year’s event is sponsored in part

by Morell Engineering and AAA Mini-Storage.“I appreciate the community for coming out and supporting the event, and I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate the volunteers behind the scenes who volunteer so

counseling.

Hospice of Limestone County Executive Director Pat King said this is the only nonprofit Hospice operating in Limestone County, and it services about 40 patients a month.

“This is our only fundraiser, and the community has been loyal in its support of us,” King said. During the event,

Chili Bites

Here is the perfect recipe for participating in and enjoying the 27th annual Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge and Silent Auction: ● Save the date Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Athens High School’s old gym. ● Tickets Cost is $10. Children under 10 get in free. Tickets are available at the door or before the event or at Hospice at 405 S. Marion St. Your ticket includes lunch served at 11 a.m.; entertainment; tasting chili samples from the 32 competitors and voting for your favorite until 1:45 p.m.; and bidding on auction items until 1:30 p.m. ● Become a challenger To enter as a challenger, call the Hospice Office at (256) 2325017 as soon as possible. ● Sponsor the event Sponsorships are categorized as the following: Friend of Spice Sponsor, $50; Chili Pepper Patron, $50- $99; Ring of Fire Giver $100-$199; Tempt the Taste Buds Supporter, $200-$500; One Hot Tamale, $500+. Call 256-232-5017 for more information. ● Donate to the Silent Auction Donate goods or services, hand-made craft items, free art lessons, furniture, automobile service, hardware items, reserved tickets to sporting events, outdoor items, or a weekend at a beach front condo. Drop off items at Hospice at 405 S. Marion St., or call 256-232-5017 to have an item picked up. ● Parking Parking is not allowed in the fire zone in front of the gym entrance. Please park in designated parking spaces. A Limestone County Sheriff’s Department deputy will drive a van loaned by the district attorney’s office to transport the elderly and handicapped from their parking space to the entrance and back. ● Entering the event No one will be allowed in the event without a ticket. The only entrance will the front of the school by the old gym. Other doors can be used as exits but will be locked to prohibit outside entry. ● Auction protocol Please be courteous when bidding on items. Bidding will end at 1:30 p.m. If an item has a tag that says it must be picked up the day of the auction, if you do not pick it up, organizers will call the next highest bidder. If your item does not specify same day pickup, please retrieve it from Hospice as soon as possible. ● T-shirts T-shirts are available at Hospice. Short sleeve $12, long sleeve $17, and 2X short sleeve $17. Youth sizes are $10. ● More Info For more information, call Hospice at 256-232-5017.

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32 challengers tempt ticketholders with their various chili concoctions, vying for bragging rights for People’s Choice. A panel of judges, which this year will include Spirit of Athens Director Trisha Black and WHNT’s Dion Hose, choose winners for Best Group, Best Individual and Best Booth.“I am as impressed with some of the booth designs as I am the chili recipes,” said Chili Challenge Chairwoman Amanda Speegle.

“Limestone County has some talented people, and I enjoy seeing what they will name their

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many hours to make this event a success,” Speegle said. “We are blessed to live in such a caring community.”

The community in turn is blessed to receive the care of Hospice of Limestone County.

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Cover Story

My 180 Health: A Turn-key System For Revitalizing Your Health

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

that they are soon going to be opening new sites in Decatur and Athens. What is the secret to their success and explosive growth? Actually, there are four secrets: whole body vibration, infrared sauna therapy, alkaline water, and a proprietary nutritional and supplement plan.

• Whole Body Vibration has been used by NASA to quickly help restore the muscular strength and bone density of astronauts who had been on the International Space Station • Infra-red Sauna Therapy I use this in my personal battle with Lyme’s disease and eczema, and it helps with detoxing heavy metals, improving circulation, reducing stress and pain, and purifying skin • Alkaline Water We have allowed ourselves to become way too acidic, and this is the easiest way to bring ourselves to a Ph balance, resulting in a number of health improvements • Makeway Wellness The proprietary all natural wellness system that includes protein powder, supplements, and more. It is essentially the nutritional component that works to strengthen the effect of the other three services available at My 180 Health A bit more on Makeway Wellness-- Everything in the supplements is all natural, and has been clinically proven to work. There are a number of herbs and compounds that are in the supplement line in-

the norm, but this particular formula is the best, according to Chip, and it’s tough to find.

He has it formulated at what is known as a compounding pharmacy, and the shots are administered by a nurse practitioner. Other places charge upwards of $50 dollars each, cluding, but not confined to, garcinia cambogia, green coffee bean extract, hoodia, collagen, melatonin, aloe vera, and zeolite. However, what sets the Makeway Wellness system apart is what is known as crystalloid electrolytes. This form of electrolytes acts like a turbo-charged transporter to the cell. In places like Iraq and Afghanistan, crystalloid electrolytes have been crucial in helping soldiers re-hydrate rapidly, as well as regain and boost mental clarity and focus much faster and more completely than with other systems.

I asked Chip what kinds of changes he has seen in his own body since the products were launched and he has taken them himself. “I have more clarity, more energy, and sleep better. I sleep through the night,” he said.

Another optional part of the My 180 Health center is called the B-12 Membership. For the weekly injections, they use a brand name known as Lipotonix. The use of injections of B-12, B-6, and other essential and non-essential amino acids is not at all new, nor is it considered to be outside of

February 6 - February 19, 2015

and the B-12 Membership costs $49 per month. You do not need to be a My 180 Health center member to purchase the B-12 Membership.

The list of positive effects of the Lipotonix injections is long, and some of the benefits include balancing estrogen levels, increasing stamina, preventing fatty liver disease, reducing cholesterol, increasing metabolic efficiency, improving sleep, regulating blood pressure, and promoting hair growth.

“With all these services, we now have a turn-key system for completely taking back our health, and there is no reason to go anywhere else,” said Chip.

It will be great news to seniors to learn that My 180 Health is now approved by Silver & Fit, one of many wellness programs underwritten by major insurance carriers, who will cover the cost of membership.

Most importantly, Chip has a vision. “We are not just

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building a community, we are building a family,” he says.

The kinds of things that are happening as a result of the technology available at the My 180 Health center are remarkable. A young woman with an extremely rare condition known as Friedreich’s ataxia is now walking. One fellow has discarded his walker, and it lives in the corner of the center near the door, with a sign on it that serves as a reminder to all of the fact that when its former owner first came in, he couldn’t go anywhere without his trusty red walker that sported a basket.

An Athens doctor, also with different type of ataxia, is seeing tremendous results, and

knows that the science behind the 4 components of My 180 Health is good. He is living proof that the system works.

The County Line center started out with about 20 members in June, and now there are approximately 120. The philosophy of My 180 Health is “Stay Strong through Technology,” and you are invited to start your own journey toward a revitalized life today.

Come join the family!

My 180 Health 12090 County Line Road, Suite N, Madison, AL 35756 256-232-8153 Hours: M-F 8-7, Sat 8-2 www.my180health.com.

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Savannah and Our Town

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 In March, the Center for Lifelong Learning will be taking a trip to Savannah, Jekyll Island, and Beaufort, South Carolina. The trip is scheduled during the school spring break – March 2327. The trip includes 8 meals, four nights lodging, transportation costs, and tour fees. We will leave from the Center at 8:00am on Monday and return on Friday. The fee is $455 double occupancy or $555 for single occupancy. This is going to be a great trip.

We will start our journey in Savannah with a guided tour of this beautiful, historic town.

There are oak-lined street and several “town squares” with lovely gardens and statues. We will have the opportunity to explore River Street with its 18th Century cotton warehouses that have been turned into unique

Big Chill.” We will also visit Parris Island Military Base, where 22000 Marines complete their basic training each year.

We will tour the Iwo Jimo Monument, parade field, and Parris Island Museum.

shops and restaurants.

On Wednesday, we will take a little trip over to see how the nation’s wealthiest citizens lived and played on Jekyll Island. We will tour the exclusive “Millionaires Club” and stroll among the moss-draped oaks.

Thursday will feature a short drive over to Beaufort, South Carolina.

Beaufort has a long history, dating back to the 1500s. Its mansions and landscapes have been used in films such as “Forrest Gump” and “The

Friday we will be coming home with lots of great pictures and good memories of this exciting area.

It is not too late to reserve your space. You can get in on this trip by calling 256-233-8260 to register.

The last day to register is February 17th.

Meanwhile, back in Athens, we will be continuing the Our Town Series with an exploration of County Services and Organizations. Even if you have lived in Athens or Limestone County all your life, this series will introduce you to “Our Town.” Forget the pie charts and pie-in-the-sky, get the real rundown on how County Government works and how your officials are working for you.

Join us for mouthwatering pie and stimulating conversation as we get to know our city and county better, one piece at a time.

pital is a 101 bed, hightech, state-of-the-art hospital providing general medical and surgical care for inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room patients, and so much more.

We hope you will come out to discover what more is going on at the hospital.

Our March talk will feature Rebekah Davis and information about the Limestone County Archives. Rebekah is all about Preserving and Sharing the Legacy of Limestone County. Ever wonder when Limestone County officially purchased The Square, and

from whom? Do you know what Our Town looked like in 1924?

Have you discovered the in-laws – and outlaws – in your family tree? Learn how to find the answers to these and countless other burning questions at the Limestone County Archives, home to county government documents dating to 1818, more than 15,000 historic local photos, thousands of family and local history files and references, and two dedicated archivists ready to help you discover your story.

We will kick off County Services with a visit with the President of Athens Limestone Hospital. David Pryor will speak on Tuesday, February 17, from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.

Did you know AthensLimestone Hospital opened its doors on May 28, 1951 and over 3,000 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 25, 1951? Today, Athens-Limestone Hos-

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Dog Barker

A Visit To St. Vincent’s

by Joel Allen

Last week, my wife had another infection in her body arise. She had a fever that spiked to approximately 104 F,with a high heart rate and her blood pressure just would not stabilize. So, she was hospitalized at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Pell City, AL, which is approximately twenty plus miles east of Birmingham. Anyway, Zues, my service dog, and I packed up and went down to see what was going on.

We arrived and found my

wife was being admitted to the ICU. Before we found that out, we walked into the Emergency Room where my wife was, and Zues stuck his cold nose under the covers to let her know we were there. I wish I had taken a picture, because it was obvious he was saying “Hello, we are here!”

In the Army, we were taught be prepared, and if prepared be even more prepared. Sounds a bit paranoid, huh? I was prepared, though. I

had packed an overnight bag and brought a bed for Zues with a blanket.

Before anyone wonders, “How can a dog be in the hospital?” let me say that the Americans With Disabilities Act states that service animals are allowed into hospitals, but cannot enter Operating Rooms or Burn Units for obvious reasons. Of course we know not to take them into an area in the hospital where there could be an infection caused by the presence of the service animal.

But don’t take my word for it, go to www.ada.gov.

Search out service animals, and see what the law says.

Well, during the first night there, Zues slept under his covers and the nursing staff was so amazed by his easy going attitude. I smiled and just stated the obvious, that he was working in his own way. “He is not like this at home,” I explained. This is how he is in public; relaxed and mindful of me un-

less he is sleeping. Keep in mind that when he needs to answer nature’s call, a plan of action was in place. I had already prepared security, and got permission to allow us access back into the hospital in the event Zues needed to go outside.

We stayed two nights down there until my wife was stabilized and I saw that other members of our family would be there for her before I was settled enough to return back to Athens. When Zues and I returned to Athens, she had surgery to remove the bacteria causing her trouble. She called me and seemed so feisty, I teased her and said things like “Maybe I should have the doctor put the bacteria back so I can have some peace.”

I thank everyone for their prayers, because God is moving and I am very thankful. Now, let us hope my wife will be returning home soon, and that there are no further complications.

I was glad for all of us that Zues was able to go and be the perfect service dog, a true canine companion.

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

Joel and Zues Allen 256-651-2211

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Medical Update

February Is American Heart Month

By Rachel Clark, RN, BSN healthcare field look for.

It’s that time of year again: the time where you see red hearts everywhere you go. Everyone is talking about love, giving tokens of affection and giving out heart shaped candies and cards. But that’s not the only thing going on in February. Not only is it almost Valentine’s Day, it is also when the American Heart Association is in full swing to educate people about their heart health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the number one cause of death in men and women nationwide. In looking at a map of the US, which shows geographical variance of the disease, Alabama and Mississippi were two of the states with the highest average of the population having some form of heart disease.

One of the things that we are seeing in the healthcare world is that younger and younger people are coming to doctors to be seen for chest pain and ultimately heart attacks.

Those people that we would have once thought too “young,” “fit,” or “healthy” to have heart problems are now the ones that we are seeing with poorer outcomes than their older counterparts.

Not only are heart attacks occurring earlier in adulthood, the symptoms are sometimes silent. They are not the classic presentations that we in the

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I recently read a story about a 37-year-old woman who was training for her second marathon and ate fairly well. Two things she noticed were that her workouts were getting harder rather than easier, and she was experiencing terrible back pain. She pushed herself to work out harder, and chalked up the back pain to spicy food.

Then she began researching her symptoms online.

Her research prompted her to go to the Emergency Room where multiple tests were run. Many of the tests were negative, including an EKG, CT scan and Xrays. It wasn’t until the doctors did a cardiac catheterization (a procedure in which a catheter is run through an artery into the heart to look for blockage of arteries) that they found a 100% blockage of one of the main arteries in her heart.

should start early, before habits and lifestyles become deeply rooted. Dr. Lori Mosca, a cardiologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital had this to say in regard to healthy habits in young adulthood: “This is a time in life when habits are firmly established, because this is a time young adults become independent. They develop lifestyles and habits they’ll carry on [as they get older]. I’m going through this myself with my son who is 25. He just moved to Colorado, is building his own house, and he’s very interested in his long-term habits, like learning to cook

healthy meals. [This age] is a good time to do a self-assessment.”

Some things that young adults can begin establishing in their lives to prevent this deadly disease include: • Regular physical activity • More fruits and vegetables your diet everyday • Getting enough sleep • Limiting fast and processed foods • A good relationship with a primary care provider • Knowing signs and symptoms of heart attack/stroke • Keeping weight under control • Understanding links be-

tween pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and pre-eclampsia as they relate to future risk of heart disease So let’s change things up this February. Instead of opting for the processed candies and other treats, let’s show our anatomical heart some love. Give your body the fuel it needs to prevent heart disease.

A good friend of mine who is a doctor once said, “Your body never forgets how to prevent what it doesn’t yet have.”

For more information on heart disease, visit www. goredforwomen.org.

Doctors also realize that treatment should be more focused on education and prevention BEFORE a heart attack occurs, than waiting to treat the patient afterward. This education

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February 6 - February 19, 2015

Press Release

TVA Sponsors Elk River Cleanup and Team Challenge

by Lynne Hart

Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful is pleased to announce that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will support the annual Elk River Canoe & Kayak Trail Cleanup schedule to be held on March 7, 2015.

KALB invites groups and individuals to join with them to help rid the river and surrounding land areas of trash and debris. “The Elk River brings so much to Limestone County.

It provides lots of opportunities for recreation and is the main source of water for our communities,” said Lynne Hart, KALB Executive Coordinator. “Those who participate in cleanup events like this and see the type and amount of trash collected are most likely to become advocates for a clean community.”

All volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the put-in spot off Highway 99 just west of the river bridge (also known as the old fish hatchery). Supplies and instructions will be given out and volunteers will then disperse to their cleanup locations.

All trash and recyclables must be brought back to the starting location to be weighed and loaded up.

Lunch will be served to all volunteers at noon.

TVA’s sponsorship will allow KALB to offer cash prizes in a Team Challenge. Groups are invited to register to compete for

first-come, first-served basis.

Staff from the AthensLimestone Recycling Center, a division of KALB, will be present with scales to weigh debris for the competition.

They will also provide trucks to transport recyclable materials back to the plant for processing. prizes of $250, $150, and $100 which will be awarded to the top three teams removing the most pounds of trash and recyclables from the river and surrounding land areas. No weights will be added after the noon deadline.

The West Limestone Fishing Team won the top prize in 2014 bringing in over a ton of trash! The Athens High School Beta Club came in a close second with over 1,700 lbs. A total of 8,800 lbs of trash and debris were removed from the river and land areas last year.

Financial support will not

February 6 - February 19, 2015

Ben Harrison, Limestone County Commissioner from District 4, will provide trailers for the collection of debris which will be taken to the transfer station. Harrison, as well as the previous District 4 commissioner, have supported this event since its inception.

be TVA’s only role in this cleanup. They will also man a boat and provide bags, gloves, and some pickup sticks for volunteers. Fort Hampton

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Outfitters will provide kayaks to anyone wishing to scout the river; however, the kayaks must be requested in advance and will be handled on a

For more information on participation and the Team Challenge, visit KALBCares.com, call 256-233-8728, or email KALBCares@gmail. com. You can also follow Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful on Facebook.

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