July 18, 2014

July 18 - July 31, 2014

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

The Men Of Courage Men’s Night Out: Welcome To The Resolution

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature SOS Insurance: We Can Get YOU A Policy...

Did you know that it is still possible to get auto insurance for 30 bucks a month?...

Page 7

By Ali Elizabeth Turner Last Saturday I sat in the home of Mark and Nadine Rockwell and listened as I saw a strong man pour out his heart with a burden for the men of Limestone County. The burden took shape

Tourism

Continued on pages 15

3rd Annual Col Sam Gibbons Memorial Walking Horse Show...

The third annual Col. Sam Gibbons Memorial Walking Horse Show is set for 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 19th, at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Arena on Alabama 99...

Page 11

Valley Pools: The “Foundation” For Excellent Pool And Spa Care

Athens Rehab Spotlight Spotlight on Nelva Reed...

Nelva Reed began her life on a Lawrenceburg, TN farm in 1928. Her daddy raised corn and hay, and trained horses for farm work... Page 21

July 18 - July 31, 2014

By Nancy Spry What’s new in the pool industry that gives so much benefit to the pool and spa customer?

A product by an outstanding pool supply company named Natural Chemistry, and it’s Continued on page 17

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James Curtis Turner For County Commission, District 3

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

This is the first of four pieces that will appear once a month until the November 2014 election, and will discuss some of the concerns and goals James Curtis Turner has for his district in Limestone County. He has made a point over the years of making himself

familiar with what goes on in the county and how to make it run smoothly. He is a faithful attendee of County Commission and Athens City Council meetings, asks lots of questions, is familiar with the budget, and is an excellent listener.

He brings to the election season decades of experience dealing with critical functions in a nuclear plant, being responsible literally for the safety of the lives of millions.

What concerns him for all of the residents of Limestone County is the need for more storm shelters.

At the moment, the largest and the best are located in churches, which is a good thing. To be able to come

and get physical as well as emotional and spiritual shelter during a storm goes a long way toward helping residents bounce back in the aftermath.

“Right now, what churches have to offer most often is land,” he told me. “What I want to do is explore every possible grant opportunity, and every faith based program that can help our county anticipate population growth and create needed shelter prior to an incident.

Historically, the paths of the worst storms are in my district, and North Alabama gets hit harder than any other place in America.”

Visit smart.athens.edu to get started.

Page 2

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July 18 - July 31, 2014

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales

Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Teresa Todd Sandra Thompson Nancy Spry Jackie Warner Deb Kitchenmaster Jennifer Reece Jim Doyle

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 From the Vets’ Museum . . . 10 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18 View from the Bridge . . . . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . . . 20 Athens Rehab Spotlight . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . 23

July 18 - July 31, 2014

A Redemptive Tale Of The Run-off On Tuesday, July 15, 2014, (better known as Voting Day in Limestone County,) I had one of the most confusing, and for a little bit, miserably uncomfortable moments in my life. And, for my part, I’d rather not relive it, other than I feel duty bound to do so to let the readers of Athens Now know once again what a blessing it is to live where we do, and who it is that is looking out for our freedoms.

Tuesday morning began well enough—it was going to be “a day,” as the week we go to print always is. I zoomed up to Johnson Elementary School to cast my vote in the run-off, and could not find the candidate of my choice on the ballot.

“That’s weird, I remember voting for him in the primary,” I thought to myself, and mentioned it to the volunteer staff there at the polls. There were signs for this individual in the driveway, as well as in our neighborhood, so it wasn’t completely strange for me to expect to be able to cast my vote in what had turned out to be a tight race in a district that had been reconfigured.

Then I went to the Chamber of Commerce breakfast and mentioned my dismay to Mayor Marks, who asked me to check it out and get back to him.

I went to the Courthouse Annex, and was given the most thorough and respectful treatment regarding my concern. It wasn’t that I

thought there was mischief afoot, like there might be if we lived in Chicago, I just thought perhaps a mistake had been made.

I already knew from past conversations that Probate Judge Charles Woodruff felt making sure elections are clean and secure countywide was tantamount to a sacred charge, and I hoped to get a moment with him.

However, he was out with Sheriff Blakely inspecting all 24 polling locations, and making sure all was well. Then I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Bobbi Bailey, who works there in the Probate Office.

You know what she did?

She listened, and then showed me the records, the ballot template, took me across the hall to see where the extra, unused ones were stored, and carefully, respectfully, kindly explained the process. I could not be more pleased with her thorough care of me as I became increasingly uneasy with seeing in my mind’s eye a memory that was apparently inaccurate.

Then she did the unthinkable: She offered to take me in her car to where the ballots are stored, and while we would not be able to touch a box that was sealed, she knew there would be an actual blank ballot from the June 3rd primary that I could look at for myself. She assured me that she had time, and wanted more than anything to see to it that my question was answered.

We went inside, and there it was, seeming proof positive that I was losing my ever lovin’ mind. My candidate of choice was nowhere to be found on the previous ballot, either.

On our way back to the Courthouse Annex I told her why voting was so important to me, and that it hadn’t always been. Being in Iraq for all 3 elections, being around people who were willing to die in order to have the privilege of casting their vote, and living amongst people who had endured some of the worst tyranny in the history of mankind changed me.

She told me with sadness, “We are only expecting about 5% of eligible voters to turn out today.”

I thanked her profusely for going the extra mile with me, assured her again that I never suspected that anything untoward had occurred, and went out to my car to shed a few tears and deal with my fears by talking to the One who made me and who knew exactly what was going on. For a few moments I wondered if I should still write for a living, seeing as being able to accurately record events kind of “went with the territory.” There had been Alzheimer’s in our family, with tragic results. Now that I was 60, was I headed in the same direction, despite my best efforts to eat clean and take care of myself?

And

then,

the

answer

came. What I was remembering was the sample ballot that had been mailed out, and had everybody, all across Limestone County on it. I zipped back up to the Courthouse and said, “I promise I am not stalking you! Could it be that I am thinking of the sample ballot?” Bobbi’s eyes lit up with the possibility, and she went and checked. Sure enough, mystery solved. I thanked her again, heaving a sheepish sigh of relief, and a prayer of deep gratitude

However, what topped it off was the next day when Judge Woodruff himself called to make sure that I was fully satisfied with the outcome, and that all my questions had been answered. With chagrin I told him my story and said, “It felt like my cheese had dun slid off my cracker,” and his quick reply was, “Well, Ali, it’s been hot. Maybe it just melted a little bit.”

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

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All Things Soldier

Bergdahl Is Back To Business?

by Ali Elizabeth Turner The strange case of Bowe Bergdahl, the soldier who was allegedly held captive for 5 years by the Taliban in Afghanistan, just took a new and interesting turn. He is back on duty, albeit he has a desk job at Fort Sam Houston.

He is still in the process of re-entry and reintegration, but something quite curious has emerged, and that is that up until now he has chosen to have no contact with his parents, and not surprisingly, has hired a lawyer while his case is being investigated.

his life,” but I would think the sight of my dad and mom in the Rose Garden, right next to the one who saved me would make me want to hear their voices. Maybe not.

God only knows what is truly going on inside that kid’s head. I do want to say, though, that I understand from experience what it is like to come back from a war and not

was one that particularly stood out to me, and that was in regard to Bergdahl mailing home all of his personal belongings, including his laptop, the week before he went missing.

want to talk much, and so on that front I will perhaps give him a pass.

I find the lack of contact with his parents odd, given the emails that were exchanged between Bowe and his dad, and the fact that the media blackout to which he was subjected in the early days of his re-entry are starting to be lifted. He is allegedly claiming that President Obama “saved

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However, his comrades at arms are not at all ready to do so.

To date, not one has stepped forward to defend him or cast even a remotely understanding light on his actions that led to him becoming the object of an extensive manhunt that cost American lives. In fact, terse testimony against him was heard recently on Capitol Hill, in the form of an appearance

by Specialist Cody Full in front of two Congressional subcommittees, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, and the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa. He made a number of comments regarding Bowe having been identified

by Afghanis in the area who were asked where he could find the Taliban, and his negative attitudes about America. But there

Let me tell you something. Ten years ago, when I first got to Iraq, it was relatively rare for soldiers to have their own laptops, which is one of the reasons why we had Morale, Welfare and Recreation computer centers for the soldiers that were always jammed full with users.

By the time I came home three years later, it was far more common for soldiers to have personal laptops, and they guarded them with their lives. No one would casually part with their laptop and go back to having to sign in and out of a facility and have only a few minutes guaranteed to be online without a really good reason. In addition, one doesn’t mail stuff home on a lark, if for no other reason than that the process is a royal pain.

Specialist Full said it this way: “You don’t mail all your personal belongings home, especially your computer, if you weren’t planning to leave. He knowingly deserted.”

Hopefully someday we’ll know what in fact happened, but in the meantime Bowe is a desk jockey, 5 incredibly dangerous Taliban members are loose, and we are scratching our heads once again.

July 18 - July 31, 2014

July 18 - July 31, 2014

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Calendar of Events Alice’s Garden Wonders Now - Aug 31st

Hunstville Botanical Garden 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue Huntsville, AL. Step inside the looking glass and experience the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, play the Queen of Hearts’ Chess, get lost in the Door Maze, play a round of Queen’s Croquet, cool yourself at the Teapot and Teacup, wander the Queen’s Castle, visit Tweedledee and Tweedledumb’s home, and learn the mysteries of the Jaberwocky and the Mock Turtle. For ticket information, contact the Huntsville Botanical Gardent at 256-830-4447 or visit www.hsvbg.org.

Singing on the Square Jul 18th

Downtown Athens, AL, 6pm. Join Athens-Limestone County Tourism for the 2014 season of this free concert series on the Marion Street side of the Limestone County Courthouse in downtown Athens, AL. For more information call 256-232-5411 or visit the Singing on the Square page.

Classical Antique Boat Show Jul 18th - 19th

Marina, Joe Wheeler State Park, 4403 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL. Come enjoy the antique boats on display including the showing of the vintage race boat “Miss America” at the Joe Wheeler Park marina. Free to the public. For more information 256-247-5461 or www.alapark.com/joewheeler.

Space Exploration Celebration Jul 18th

CASA Mud Volley Tournament Jul 19th

Swan Creek Park, U.S. Hwy 31, Athens, AL. Approximately 100 teams compete for the championship as they volleyball in the mud starting at 9AM. It’s mud slinging fun for teams and spectators alike.

Teams from 8 to 15 player as well as individuals are invited to play.

Register at Active.com For more information, CASA Limestone County 256-777-1038 or www.casalimestonecounty.org.

Rollin’ on the River HandyFest Event Jul 25th

Joe Wheeler State Park, 4403 McLean Drive, Rogersville, AL. Free entertainment on the Joe Wheeler Lodge patio, kickoff 6:00PM. Headliner Dorothy Cole as Tina Turner. Make your room reservation or for more information 256-247-5461 or www.alapark. com/joewheeler.

AL Championship Tractor and Truck Pull Jul 25th - 26th

Tanner High School. 12060 Sommers Road, Tanner, AL. Join the Tanner Quarterback Club for this annual fundraiser that revs things up and slings a little dirt. Proceeds go to assist in upgrading the facility and providing financial assistance to the high school and youth sports organizations. Classes & tickets prices TBA.

Habitat for Humanity of Athens-Limestone County Co-Ed Softball Tournament Jul 26th

U.S. Space & Rocket Center, One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL. The Space Exploration Celebration from 5:00PM - 9:00PM is a reunion for those who worked in the U.S. Space program and for citizens who support space exploration. The celebration is an informal event that draws up to 800 guests from students to Apollo veterans. Event begins at 5:30PM with a buffet barbecue dinner, and program starts at 7:00PM at the Saturn V Hall. Tickets are $20.00 for Adults, $10.00 for ages 12 and under, Children 3 and under are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: rocketcenter.com/SEC

Athens SportsPlex, U.S. Highway 31, Athens, AL. Grab your friends and form a team (minimum of 7 mean and 3 women age 18 and up) to compete in the inaugural softball tournament. Team fee is $200.00 Registration deadline is July 25th. Pre-registration is available by calling 256-230-6001 or email habitatsoftball@gmail. com or amanda@habitatalc.org.

3rd Annual Sam Gibbons Walking Horse Show Jul 19th

Bethel Church of Christ, 26772 Capshaw Road, Athens, AL. Everyone Welcome! Speakers: Sunday 9:30 & 10:30am - C Wayne Kilpatrick. Sunday 6pm - David Sain. Monday 7pm - Tommy Dozier.

Tuesday 7pm - Ronnie Hayes. Wednesday 7pm - Allen Webster

Limestone Sheriff’s Arena, Alabama Highway 99, Athens, AL. Join the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives for their annual fundraiser benefitting the expansion of the museum. Class sheet can be picked up at the Veterans’ Museum, 100 Pryor Street in Athens, or at Copier Doctor, 808 South Clinton Street in Athens. Admission is free and show begins at 5:00PM, gates and concessions open at 4:00PM. For more information contact the Veterans’ Museum at 256-771-7578.

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GOSPEL MEETING Bethel Church of Christ Aug 3rd - 6th

2-Man Scramble Golf Tournament Sept 6th

Friends to Elect Eric Smith Sheriff sponsor a 2-Man Scramble Golf Tournament, at Southern Gayles Golf Course. Tee Time is 10:00 am.

Cost is $65.00 per person. Registration form can be got at the golf course or can contact Donnie Smith 256-497-7002 or Eric Smith 256-777-1998.

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July 18 - July 31, 2014

Special Feature

SOS Insurance: We Can Get YOU A Policy

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Did you know that it is still possible to get auto insurance for 30 bucks a month?

Were you aware that if it is extremely difficult for you to qualify for insurance, that there are two experienced insurance agents in Athens who take great pleasure in finding policies for “the uninsurable?” It’s true, and you can find Sherry McCafferty and Tammy Vaughan of SOS Insurance in the charming cabin-like building on the corner of Madison and Market Streets, just off the Courthouse Square in Athens. The address is 316 Market Street W, Athens, AL 35611, and the phone number is 256262-9133. Their office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 5.

Between them, Sherry and Tammy have decades of experience in writing insurance policies, and worked together for many years at another firm. Sherry started off her career in the insurance industry somewhat looking at her work “as a job, and then it became a passion.” It is a passion for Tammy, too. This is Sherry’s first wholly owned insurance agency, and she makes a point of being loyal to other agents with whom she has worked.

The firm where they worked experienced great change during the shake up in the insurance industry that was such a big part of the beginning of the current recession. Eventually the firm was bought out, and Sherry figured this was the time to start SOS. She chose the name because so often people are in distress with their insurance, and need someone who really cares about helping people to “save [their] ship.”

Tammy followed soon after SOS opened its doors. “It was sink or swim,” Sherry said, and she also had the ad-

July 18 - July 31, 2014

SOS offers many options to fit your specific needs: ditional “adventure” of having her husband get laid off around the same time. Needless to say, with the insurance market being so competitive, they knew that the secret to success was “over-the-top” customer service. It has paid off, and in an era when insurance companies are not really popular with the general public, SOS is quickly building a solid customer base. I find that I get the best feel for a place of business, (whether I am interviewing them or are there as a customer myself,) when I get a chance to watch

Safeway ACCC Insurance Access Assurance America Dairyland Auto Dairyland Cycle Everest/Arrowhead Haulers’ Insurance Key Insurance National General Progressive and Foremost them in action. Several people came in while I was there, and there was a potential customer calling and asking for help. I

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was pleased to see that everyone was treated with genuine care and respect.

Sherry and Tammy understand that “there are a lot of good people who are down on their luck, and we like to help.”

They have also found that the smaller insurance companies have the same desire to meet the needs of people who “can’t” be insured. “You may have to pay higher premiums, but almost everyone can be covered,” they told me. SOS Insurance specializes in customizing policies for people with unusual circumstances.

For example, the day before I was in their office, they wrote an affordable policy for a woman who had a squeaky clean driving record, and whose husband and son had suspended licenses. They ended up writing a separate policy for the husband and son, and it was affordable. They also write “SR22s,” the policies that are required if someone has had previous DUI trouble and is now in the process of rebuilding their lives. They also will do everything they can to time your payment so that it fits with when you get paid.

One thing that is very important to both of them is maintaining their reputation for treating people like they are adults. “Many insurance companies insist that their agents nearly hassle their prospective clients,” Sherry said. “If you call us, we will find you the cheapest price

possible, but we will not keep after you to buy,” she added.

Tammy also told me that SOS has a strict policy that they will never sell you anything that you do not need or want.

While auto insurance is their “bread and butter,” they also cover boats, motorcycles, RVs, trailers, and SUVs, and promise the same great service.

“We have about 12 companies that we find have been the best fit for their clients in terms of pricing and coverage,” Sherry said. They are: Safeway, ACCC Insurance, Access, Assurance America, Dairyland Auto, Dairyland Cycle, Everest/Arrowhead, Haulers’ Insurance, Key Insurance, National General, (formerly GMAC,) Progressive and Foremost. All of these companies have “passed muster” with SOS, and have been found to be solid and reliable.

If you have found yourself in need of help in getting insured, or are just looking for friendly, caring professional insurance agents, come to SOS Insurance and let Sherry or Tammy find you coverage that will truly meet your needs, and do so with a smile.

SOS Insurance 316 Market Street W. Athens, AL 35611 256-262-9133 Hours: M-F 8:30-5 Email: sosinsurance@ yahoo.com

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Athens As A Slice Of Apple Pie

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

For once I beat him to his office. He sent up a message from below in the Athens Utilities Command Center that he was on his way up, and one thing I have always appreciated about Mayor Ronnie is that even if it is Monday morning, he brings joy and energy with him when he walks in the door, and greets everyone on the team that helps run our town. I listened and smiled as I heard him greeting everyone in his “wake,” making sure they were ok and finding out how their weekend had been.

Speaking of “teams,” he was virtually lit up about Athens having hosted some girls’ softball tournaments over the weekend. He had gotten compliments from visiting teams from around Alabama about how clean the Sportsplex was and how good the field was to play on, but mentioned that clean up was going to be a mess. He knew this because he had already been there earlier that

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morning. However, what had tickled him was just how well even the 8 year olds could play, the result of great coaching and lots of practice.

“They were just little bitty girls,” he said, “And you should have seen ‘em!

They could throw, they could pitch, they could field and they hit the heck

and sweaty.” I then asked, “How did they do?” He replied, “Well, they did well, but Talladega won against Cullman. And they did the coolest thing,” he said. “The girls from Cullman lined up on two sides and formed an arch with their hands at the top for Talladega to walk through on the way to receive their

sportsmanship was, especially these days.

Then he told me the story of “HK Derryberry,” a 24 year old man who is blind, has cystic fibrosis, and is an inspirational speaker. Holly Hollman had written a piece on HK being allowed to be “Mayor For A Day,” and Mayor Ronnie

HK Derryberry out of the ball” “OK, Mr. Mayor, but did they slide?”

“Oh yeah,” he said, and for emphasis, said it again.

“And,” he added, “they got dirty, and were hot

trophy.” That stopped me, and brought a lump to my throat. We didn’t say anything for a minute. It was not lost on either of us how powerful that level of

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told me that in less than two hours HK had promised to cut taxes by 50%, allocated a million dollars for a fire truck, and a million dollars for Utilities.

“HK,” said the Mayor, “I am going to have to cut your term as mayor short, because you are going to break this town!” HK’s story is remarkable. There was a horrible accident when his mother was carrying him, and they were only able to save HK. His father abandoned him, and his grandmother is the one raising him. HK will be the first one to tell you that the only limitations are the ones you allow, and he has built the life to prove it.

For the next “Ronnie” we are going to talk about fun stuff like budgets and the end of the fiscal year, and get back to “The Seamless City,” but for this edition, Mayor Ronnie invites you to “roll” with the simple beauty of baseball and the story of an “against-allodds“ triumphant life in Athens, Alabama.

July 18 - July 31, 2014

July 18 - July 31, 2014

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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Alabama State Veterans Benefits 101

by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum

I was recently honored with an opportunity to meet with the Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs. An appointment was made for me by the Chairman of the Board, Governor Robert Bentley.

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) board is made up of 18 positions which represent a variety of service organizations, such as The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans and American Veterans to name a few. The number of voting positions on the board is based upon the number of members in the organization. Although I serve in a position held by the American Veterans (AMVETS), I feel I represent all Alabama Veterans. I must admit, I was not sure exactly what the State Board was responsible for and I was surprised at how many issues they are involved in. Rear Admiral

Clyde Marsh, USN (Ret.), who assumed the duties as State Commissioner and Director of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) in 2005, is responsible for all administrative and executive duties. Although certainly not all inclusive, I would like to share some of the programs the ADVA manages.

Under the ADVA are the Veterans Service Offices (VSOs).

There are over 50 VSOs throughout Alabama. Their primary function is the assist veterans, their families and their survivors with the processing of claims for benefits and entitlements not only with the state, but also with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This can be everything from compensation and pensions claims to applying for a special veteran’s license plate.

The Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship program was created in 1947 and is governed

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March 18, 2014. Governor Bentley signed into law Act No. 2014-177, which amended critical portions of the scholarship program. This eliminates the requirement that a veteran must have served during a wartime period or under extra-hazardous conditions, which means dependents that were not eligible before, may be now.

Another major issue facing Veterans today is homelessness. The ADVA has established a homeless veteran program that will advise and assist veterans and their dependents who have become homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. They will help seek out local organizations that offer assistance to those in need.

The State of Alabama is extending a special kind of care to veterans through a partnership with the federal government and private industry by proudly operating four state of the art Veterans’ Homes.

These are the Bill Nichols Home in Alexander City, the William F. Green Home in

Bay Minette, the Colonel Robert L. Howard Home in Pell City and one that is near and dear to my heart, the Floyd E. “Tut” Fan Home in Huntsville. I have seen firsthand how great these homes are and how well they are run while visiting one of my favorite veterans, Theo Calvin, at the Tut Fan Home.

Also managed by the ADVA is the first State Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort. This 120-acre site was dedicated in Dec 2012 and began interments in 2013.

The initial phase, which encompasses 22.8 acres, has over 2,776 burial sites. Preregistration is available for veterans and their spouses.

As I said earlier, this is but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to benefits that the state offers for Alabama’s Veterans. For more information on any of the programs mentioned above or other services provided by the State of Alabama, please visit http://www.va.state.al.us/ or contact your local Veterans’ Service Officer.

July 18 - July 31, 2014

Tourism

3rd Annual Col Sam Gibbons Memorial Walking Horse Show

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association 100 Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611

July 19th 2014 To Benefit The Alabama Veterans’ Museum Expansion Project The third annual Col. Sam Gibbons Memorial Walking Horse Show is set for 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 19th, at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Arena on Alabama 99.

The show is sponsored by the Alabama Veterans’ Museum with the assistance of Ken Wilson of the Southeastern Saddle Club. All proceeds will benefit the museum expansion project. Come

July 18 - July 31, 2014

of all levels as well as pleasure horses, racking horses, and the world famous Tennessee Walking Horse. The show will have a lead-line class for children as well as a stick horse class.

The show will start at 5PM, with the gates opening at 4PM. There will be full concessions including hamburgers, hotdogs, and Arby’s roast beef

and chicken sandwiches. If you have not seen a Tennessee Walking Horse in action, don’t miss this chance to see this one for free!

If you would like to participate in this show, sponsor a class, or just come out and enjoy one of the most majestic animals in the world, contact the museum 256.771.7578 for more information.

on out and bring the whole family for a night of FREE entertainment.

The Veterans’ Museum is in need of a larger space to display the many military items that have been donated in memory of our local veterans. These possessions and the remembrances they instill are irreplaceable and must be carefully displayed with honor and dignity. In order to do this, the museum must develop a more spacious section to use as an education development resource for our children and as a commemoration of our past.

This year’s event will accommodate riders

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Page 11

Clean and Green

Windows On The World

“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” Aristotle

by Lynne Hart Right now the media is full of what seems like endless bad news. Our ears and eyes are barraged with sights and sounds of war and crime and political strife until it seems as if there is little good or beauty in the world.

Most of the news programs have a segment that highlights something positive such as a good deed performed or a story with a happy ending; however, in a 30 minute newscast usually only a few minutes are dedicated to helping us remember there really is good in the world.

Not only is there an abundance of good, there is wonder and magic and beauty to be discovered! So I went searching.

Observe the World from Your Living Room I can’t afford to travel too far from home, yet today I

watched brown bears feast on salmon in Katmai National Park in Alaska (http:// explore.org/live-cams/player/ b r o w n - b e a r- s a l m o n - c a m brooks-falls). I also viewed a long-eared owl and her owlets in Missoula, Montana (http:// explore.org/live-cams/player/ long-eared-owl-cam).

In minutes, I went from Missoula to Kenya, Africa and watched elephants drinking at the edge of a river (http:// explore.org/live-cams/player/ african-safari-camera). It was amazing!

Live streaming web cams are windows on the world that we can enjoy from anywhere the Internet can be accessed!

Check out some of the websites I’ve listed above and introduce them to your children.

I then stumbled upon a website called Stumbleupon.com.

Once you sign up and log in, you can choose from a long list of things that might be of in-

terest to you. Then, by clicking the “stumble” icon, you will be taken to random web pages you may never find any other way.

The page gives you the option of giving each site a thumbs up or thumbs down. This allows Stumbleupon to learn what you like and dislike so you will be taken to web pages that more closely meet your interests.

struct them to look for wildlife. It became a contest to see who could spot the most. They would get so excited when they saw turtles sunning on logs, herons standing in wait for a fish, or a hawk floating on wind currents. Before long, they would begin their search before I spoke a word. They became aware of nature.

There is so much to learn about our amazing world! Spark your imagination or that of your children by introducing them to websites that will inspire.

At the house, we would sit by the window and watch the bird feeders with our bird identification book. My book still has the dates on which we saw each species for the first time.

Sometimes we would sit very still next to the hummingbird feeder and watch the birds drink the nectar. They were so close we could hear the buzz of their wings.

Go Outside!

Of course, we don’t want our children glued to a computer screen all day. There are many ways to help our children appreciate nature right outside our doors.

When I lived in West Limestone, I would often drive along the Elk River with my granddaughters Ashley and Lexi. Each time I would in-

Ashley and Lexi have grown, but they will always remember those experiences. I have two more young granddaughters and a grandson on the way with whom I will continue to make memories.

That is the key. However we accomplish it, the goal is to help our children (and ourselves) to become more aware of the natural world around us. Until we appreciate the beauty and wonders of nature, we can’t possibly care about conserving and protecting it.

Ways to Teach Children to Appreciate Nature

dig, and plant their own garden areas. Let them get dirty!

•Plant trees together and watch them grow.

•Walk in your backyard together. Let them feel the grass under their feet or smell the air after a fresh rain.

•Take a hike in the woods, or put on boots or old tennis shoes and hike in a creek for a new experience!

•Observe a bird’s nest and watch the babies hatch and learn to fly.

•Build bird houses or bat houses with your children.

Teach them why birds and bats are important to the environment.

•Install a sun dial and learn how to read it.

•Discover which insects are beneficial and why.

• Learn to recognize the sounds of birds together. There’s an app for that!

•Teach your children to be observers of nature.

Suggested Websites Explore.org Stumbleupon.com Wildearth.tv Earthcam.com (has a list of web cams for kids, too) Allaboutbirds.org NWF.org

•Encourage children to play,

Become a Fan

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

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July 18 - July 31, 2014

Cooking with Shelley

Egg Salad

by Shelley Underhill

When I was a young teenager, I would prepare a batch of this same egg salad for fishing trips that my family would take. Served best ice cold on Bunny Bread, this recipe is something you will remember. Share it with your family and friends and let me know what ya think!

A big “thank you” goes out to all of you that sent emails about the Rice Sticks from last time.

Sounds like some of you made some memories in the kitchen over the past few weeks. What fun! If you missed that issue, you can access that recipe on the Athens Now website or you can email me at shelleysdesk@gmail.com Enjoy!

What you will need: 1 dozen large eggs

¾ cup Blue Plate mayo ½ teaspoon mustard ¾ table spoon Tony Chachere’s seasoning ~ salt and pepper to taste ~

Boil and peel eggs, and let cool. Chop eggs very fine. Add mayo, mustard and seasoning, mixing well. Place egg salad in glass container and refrigerate for several hours. Serve on fresh white Bunny Bread, toast, or crackers.

July 18 - July 31, 2014

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Page 13

Learning As A Lifestyle

Sew What?

by Wanda Campbell

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

This weekend my son, Ben, asked me to help him sew a vest. He recently lost a bunch of weight and did not want to spend a lot of money on formal clothes. Sure, how hard can it be? When I was in school my mom made most of my clothes. I thought that was lucky. The clothes I wore fit well and looked fashionable.

As a young adult, I worked for Jo Ann Fabrics. They asked sales associates to make displays for the store so I started sewing for my girls. At first, things were simple. Straight seams, nofrills dresses and tops. As the girls got older, the patterns got more complicated but it was still quick and easy to throw together a shirt or dress in no time.

I even made a prom dress with whalebone stays. The vest was going to be a piece of cake.

So, I sit down to throw together this little vest and I realize I can’t see the eye of

the needle. I also don’t remember how to thread the machine. We spent nearly three hours getting the bobbin ready and the machine threaded. It is not as easy as it looks to follow a piece of paper to thread a sewing machine. I wished all night that I could take that class that will start next week.

The Center for Lifelong Learning is offering two classes in sewing next week.

One is Sewing Using a Pattern. This class is for adults who used to sew and need a refresher (like me) or for novices who are just learning to sew. Class is scheduled Thursday, July 24, from 10am to 4pm. Plan to make your item while you have our instructor there to help you. The fee is $55 and there are still spaces available in this class.

The other class is Basic Sewing and Knitting for Kids. It is offered Monday through Friday, July 28 – August 1, from 1pm to 4pm. This class is designed for children ages 8-12. Boys and girls alike

are welcome. They will make several projects during

the week and it will be lots of fun. The fee is $69 and there are still a few spaces left in this class too.

Marilyn Jones has been teaching sewing classes for us for about a year. Marilyn holds a Masters of Education in Adult and Higher Education and a Bachelors Degree in Vocational Home Economics. She is originally from Florence, Alabama.

Her husband is a retired Army officer. She has taught with Park University and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College. Marilyn is currently teaching classes through the Continuing Studies and Outreach Program of the University of North Alabama as well.

To register for classes at the Center, call 256-2338260 or go to our website – www.athens.edu/CLL. Whether you want to take a class, go on a trip with us, or just have a cup of coffee and surf the web, come visit the Center for Lifelong Learning at 121 South Marion Street, in Athens, Alabama and see our new signs.

We look forward to learning with you.

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July 18 - July 31, 2014

Cover Story

The Men Of Courage Men’s Night Out: Welcome To The Resolution

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

this year in the launch of a men’s ministry called Men of Courage, and was kicked off in February of 2014.

Several things led up to Mark approaching Dr. Edwin Jenkins of First Baptist Church in Athens to begin a men’s ministry that would reach beyond physical and denominational walls. One was a scripture that just would not let Mark go. It is Micah 6:8- “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” NKJV Mark told me that another thing that gripped him was the book, “Wild At Heart,” written by John Eldridge, one with which I am familiar and highly recommend. He then summarized the book by saying that a man is essentially hard wired “to be a warrior, fight for his beauty, and go on an adventure with God.” The third major inspiration was the movie, “Courageous,” which was produced right around the time God was so intensely dealing with Mark in the night when he couldn’t sleep, and in the morning when he would go running. There is a particularly stirring scene in the

July 18 - July 31, 2014

film where the lead character, who had (prior to a horrible crisis) been an emotionally absent dad, challenged the men of his church with the following exhortation: “We are inviting any man whose heart is willing and courageous to join us in this resolution.

In my home, the decision has already been made.

You don’t have to ask who will guide my family, because by God’s grace, I will.

You don’t have to ask who will teach my son to follow Christ, because l will.

Who will accept the responsibility of providing and protecting my family?

I will.

Who will ask God to break the chain of destructive patterns in my family’s history? I will.

Who will pray for and bless my children to boldly pursue whatever God calls them to do?

I am their father. l will.

I accept this responsibility, and it is my privilege to embrace it.

I want the favor of God and his blessing on my home.

Any good man does.

So where are you, Men of Courage?

Where are you, fathers who fear the

Lord?

It’s time to rise up and answer the call that God has given to you and to say, ‘I will. I will. I will.’”

Movie – Courageous

The characters in the film hammer out a resolution that delineates their goals as to how, by God’s grace they are going to “step up” and be the husbands, dads, employees, employers, sons, friends and neighbors that God called them to be, all without legalism, striving internally, or pride. They resolve to be open and transparent with each other and their families, and while they all stumble in various ways, they refuse to give up, and you can’t help but cheer them on.

It is for the purpose of helping the men of Limestone County, whether they go to church or not, that First Baptist Church is sponsoring Men’s Night Out on Friday, Aug 1, beginning at 5:30 PM with a meal, followed by worship music, and two very different speakers. Hank Parker is the quintessential “regular guy.” He also happens to be a champion professional bass fisherman, and host of Hank Parker Outdoors on NBC Sports. 76% of the time Hank has competed, he has been “in the money.” He even was featured as a character in a Nintendo video game called “Bassin’s Black Bass with Hank Parker.”

Dr. Fred Luter is the Senior Pastor of the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans. Dr. Fred started pastoring in 1986, and had a small Southern Baptist church with about 65 members. When Hurricane Katrina hit, his world was turned upside down, and the chaos of rebuilding after Katrina caused him, as Marines would say, to have to “dig

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deep.” His church now has over 7,000 members, and his desire to minister to the community is known as “FRANgelism.” The acronym stands for Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors.

Another way to put it is the “art of networking.”

If you are a “regular guy” who longs to be more in your family, place of business, and your community, then please come to First Baptist Church, located at 201 Hobbs Street, Athens, AL, 35611 on Friday, Aug 1, at 5:30 PM. For $10 you will partake of a meal catered by Lawler’s, fellowship provided by the men in the room, an opportunity to worship, inspiration provided by Hank and Dr. Fred, and deep change provided by the Spirit of God. You can make your reservations by calling 256-2320602, and for more information go to www.fbcathens.org. You will be glad that you allowed yourself to be “welcomed to the resolution.”

Mark Rockwell Page 15

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July 18 - July 31, 2014

Cover Story

Valley Pools: The “Foundation” For Excellent Pool And Spa Care

by Nancy Spry continued from page 1

called “Foundation.” This is a product that will benefit any pool, whether you have a chlorine, saltwater or Baquacil system. What is it and what does it do? It is once a year application that is a fast dissolving multi-borate blend formula that gives you noticeably sparkling and silky soft water. It costs around a hundred dollars to add it when you open up your pool in the spring, and mid season you need to “top it off” with a smaller dosage which costs around forty dollars. The staff members at Valley Pools who are pool owners themselves swear by it, and we have had customers who have used Foundation tell us that their pools “look like glass.”

Please allow me to give you a quick lesson in the chemistry of pool care so you’ll understand why I am so excited about Foundation. Welcome to “Pool School!”

Borates, which are what we think of when we are talking about boric acid or Boraxo, are chemicals which occur

July 18 - July 31, 2014

throughout nature, and have a number of jobs, including keeping algae at bay. In this day of being concerned with the environment as well as protecting your family, it is good to know that they can do this without harming you or your pets. It would take a child or pet drinking a lot of water out of your pool to make them even a little bit sick, so you as a pool owner can relax and enjoy your summer pool season!

The way borates work is very complex, and it takes a sophisticated product like Foundation to keep everything in balance. The easiest way to explain what happens is that borates stop the algal cell from both producing food through photosynthesis, and then eating or metabolizing it. Now you know why I said it was complicated!

In solution form, borates have the ability to absorb both acid and base without changing the pH very much, which is why they work so well as a buffer. Once the pH in your pool or spa is established, borates keep

it from drifting upward.

In pool water especially, borates are not only a good buffer, but act also as what is known as a mild sequestrant. A sequestrant binds up or locks up calcium, prohibiting scale buildup.

As far as places where there is a lot of metal in the water are concerned, a sequestrant holds onto things like iron, copper or manganese, and keeps them from staining your pool. This happens most often if you are on a well, and is another reason Foundation is a perfect fit for you.

Borates have also been

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known to be used in preventing corrosion. They act as a non-oxidizing anodic inhibitor, which is just a fancy term for something that causes a chemical reaction to keep your system from getting eaten up and having to be replaced. Foundation fights it the best, and will protect your total pool pumping system. It will also remove some phosphates.

So, whether you are starting up a new pool, topping off early spring season, or simply trying to bring back tired, dull looking water, this is the product to use.

You might even consider using this product before season ends so you can open your pool up to a clear and bacteria/ammonia free pool next year. Natural Chemistry also has a special blend of mineral borates which enhances the water quality for any spa or hot tub. Stop in and check us out for all your chemical needs for your pool or spa.

Before I close our “Pool School,” I want to tell you about something that made my whole summer as a pool systems and supplies professional. I sold some Foundation to a woman who is so happy with the product that she made a point of personally thanking me by saying this: “Ma’am, every time I look at my beautiful pool, I think of you.

Thank you!”

If you are looking to purchase a pool or an Alps spa so you can treat it with Foundation, no one in the Tennessee Valley has more combined experience or offers better customer care than Valley Pools. We look forward to serving you!

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Health and Fitness

Lifestyle Changes To Reduce Cholesterol

by Janet Hunt

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

High cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease and heart attacks. You can reduce cholesterol with medications, but often these medications have side effects.

Therefore, I recommend the following five lifestyle changes to reduce your cholesterol.

1.Lose Weight. Extra pounds contribute to high cholesterol. Losing as little as 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help reduce your cholesterol.

2.Eat a heart-healthy diet. Lower your fat intake and choose healthier fats. Saturated fats, found in red meat and dairy products, raise your total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the “lousy” cholesterol. Choose leaner cuts of meat, low-fat dairy products and monounsaturated fats (found in olive, peanut and canola oils) for a healthier option. Eliminate trans fats.

Trans fat can be found in fried foods and many commercial baked products, such as cookies, crackers, snack cakes, etc. Don’t rely on package labels because if a food contains less than

minutes of exercise a day. To stay motivated, find an exercise buddy, join an exercise group, or hire a certified personal trainer.

4.Quit smoking. Quitting may improve your HDL cholesterol level.

5.Drink alcohol in moderation. Alcohol has been linked with higher levels of HDL cholesterol. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

For 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving, it can be labeled “trans fat-free.”

Another clue that a food has trans fat in it is if the food contains partially hydrogenated oil. Limit the cholesterol in your food. Use lean cuts of meat, egg substitutes and skim milk. Eat whole grains. Choose wholegrain breads, wholewheat pasta, wholewheat flour, brown rice, etc. Read the labels for whole grains. Eat fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are high in dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower

more

informa-

tion about lowering your cholesterol with dietary changes, talk to a registered dietician. For information about exercise, talk to a certified personal trainer about a good program for you. If you are interested in fitness classes, below are some suggestions:

1.Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Athens Senior Center at 8:30 a.m.

2.Every Tuesday and Thursday at Round Island Baptist Church at 10a.m.

3.Every Tuesday and Thursday at Rogersville United Methodist Church at 8:30 a.m.

4.Local fitness centers and wellness center

For more information regarding classes in the Athens area, call Janet at 256-614-3530 or visit Janet’s Fitness on Facebook. your LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Some types of fish — such as salmon, mackerel and herring — are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts, almonds and ground flaxseeds. Keep in mind walnuts and almonds are also high in calories.

3.Exercise every day.

Whether you’re overweight or not, exercise can reduce cholesterol.

Physical activity can help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “happy” cholesterol. With your doctor’s approval, work up to at least 30

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July 18 - July 31, 2014

The View From The Bridge

Jackie Warner

1 + 2 = 3, But Something Is Just Not Adding Up!

by Jackie Warner

Community Outreach “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

Last weekend, The Bridge hosted a STEM Super Fun Saturday event that included engaging students ages 5 - 16 in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

The students had a blast conducting science experiments and building engineering structures, but when it came time for the Math Smarts Competition, the only thing I heard was “I hate Mathit’s too hard!” Does this sound familiar? A rising number of our children in the United States have decided that math is their least favorite subject and would rather clean the house before working out math problems.

Sadly, I am sure some of you feel the same way.

You too would say give me the broom and put the math book away! Where does this attitude and stigma around math come from? Most research says it starts at home! Parents, teachers, and role models we must be careful what we say when it comes to our own negative thoughts and comments around the subject of math. We have heard it time and time again and mostly likely you heard it from someone in your family, statements such as: “I wasn’t good at math so you must take after me” or “Math is just not my thing.”

to keep those math grades up, but let’s face it: math is an essential part of life and everything we do is somehow connected to it.

I was no math whiz myself while in school, but I definitely understand the importance and emphasis that must be put on math education for our students to be successful. Math has an image problem that needs some work and it is up to us to change the way our children think about the subject. I chal-

than we ever thought we would.

paycheck, you are using math!

When you buy a car, follow a recipe, decorate or remodel your home, go to the bank, start a wellness program, balance your checkbook, figure out the best deal when grocery shopping, purchase and calculate gas mileage on your car , prepare a household budget, estimate time and distance when traveling, price match and redeem coupons, and of course reviewing your

Remember: “The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple.” ~S. Gudder Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional Jackie Warner, Career Development Facilitator The Bridge “Where Community Matters”

lenge each of you to drop the math negatives and accentuate the positives (no puns intended) to broaden our children’s understanding of how math impacts every moment of their lives.

The earlier you start, the more equipped they will be for life.

I think back to that million-dollar question “When will I ever use this stuff?” Surprisingly, now, more

There are several of us who can attest to some horror stories around math when we were growing up, and the discipline it took

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Page 19

Horse Whispering

Changing The Way The World Sees God Through The World Of Horses

by Deb Kitchenmaster I received a phone call asking if I would host two young women from the Women’s Institute of Psychology from Tokyo, Japan who wanted to come to the United States to learn about horses. Two years prior, this same organization had contacted me and asked if I would host a young woman from Zurich, Switzerland. I said yes to this request and was grateful to have met a very lovely young lady from the Alps.

At the time I received the request from Japan, I was on crutches. I had a horse that was extremely sensitive to bugs, flies and mosquitoes, and suffered from allergic reactions to these annoying critters! When this mare sensed a bug was present, she forgot everything and everyone in desperation to free herself from any possible contact. It was in one of those moments that one of her hooves came in contact with one of my feet; hence, the crutches.

One Japanese student had never been on the back of a horse, and spoke little Eng-

lish. This was her first time to the United States. The other student had experienced one hour on a horse, spoke English pretty well and this was her second trip into the United States. With crutches under each armpit and a telephone at my ear I said “Yes, I would love to have them!”

Little did I know that those crutches would serve to be a potent visual aid in answering a question that surfaced from the heart of one of these students!

We started grooming, moving to ‘connecting’ in the round pen, and then went on to the corral. We utilized various obstacles to develop eye/hand coordination. Other exercises included using a hoola-hoop to loosen up the hips as well as mucking stalls. One student made an entry in her journal stating how surprised she was to notice that horses makes manure in same place every day, and that observation made me chuckle. Of course the most important part of the lesson was communicating and more com-

municating, so crucial to all successful relationships with animals, humans, or both.

It was in one of those “‘connecting/communicating” ‘moments when the question was presented to me. It went something like this: “Debbie, I attended Christian school in Japan for two years. I do not understand the Christian way. I see people not needing this Christian God unless they are unhappy, struggling or don’t know what to do.

This does not make sense to me.”

“Oh, like crutches,” I thought! These young ladies were with me when I returned the crutches to the rental place just that day. I needed the crutches because I was hurt, and I couldn’t walk on my own until I healed up.

With great joy I was able to

communicate the difference between religion and salvation. Religion is like the crutches. Salvation is a relationship with a personal, intimate, loving God! When you have a friend like Him, you are safe com-

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municating weaknesses, He becomes that comes

your failures, and struggles. the first person to mind when

you want to share something happy or something you are thrilled about!

He becomes the One who will carry you when you aren’t able to walk on your own. When these young students experienced the role of the Holy Spirit as Teacher, they closed their eyes, touched their hearts and nodded their heads.

It was precious to behold, and I felt honored to have been a part of such an important lesson.

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

July 18 - July 31, 2014

Athens Rehabilitation And Senior Care Center Spotlight On Nelva Reed

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Nelva Reed began her life on a Lawrenceburg, TN farm in 1928. Her daddy raised corn and hay, and trained horses for farm work. At the time Nelva finished high school in the 40s, the Seventh Day Adventist Church had a school and teaching hospital in Lawrenceburg. Nelva became a RN there, and felt she got excellent “hands on training” at the hospital. When the County built its own hospital, it put the SDA hospital out of business.

It was in her nurse’s uniform,

July 18 - July 31, 2014

just prior to an 11pm-7am shift at the SDA hospital that she went with a fellow nurse to a square dance at the National Guard Armory, and saw this handsome man. “He was so good looking, I thought for sure he must be married,” she told me. He asked for her phone number, but that time she declined. She found out from a friend of his that he was available, and went back to the dance. Newt Reed swept her off her feet, and she stayed swept for 30 years before he passed away suddenly. They dated for

about a year, and for the “fun of it,” she said, they married on Halloween.

We all know of stories where people providentially get their “house in order” before they die, and she was grateful that just prior to his heart attack he told all 4 kids and Nelva that he loved them. They had been able to buy and pay for a beautiful piece of land in Pulaski, build and pay for their home, and live the American dream for 30 years.

Suddenly she was a widow and

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Jackie Jackson, Athens Rehab Community Relations, and her mother, Nelva Reed a single mom, and was devastated. She had lost the love of her life. She went back to work as a charge nurse in the OB/Gyn unit, and told me she wished she had kept track of how many babies she saw come into the world. She was very careful to give God glory for supplying help for her and her family in the form of a woman who agreed to take care of the kids, and the first day she came home from her first hospital shift after Newt died, Nelva said with a smile, “She had the house spic and span, and dinner was on the table.”

She moved to Athens when she was 66 to be near her kids and grandkids. For 12 years she lived at the Branch Creek Apartments, and came to Athens Rehab and Senior Care last year.

She told me she “loves it here.”

She plays Bingo on Thursday nights, “but I don’t win very often,” she said. She also enjoys the cooking class available at the facility. Tuesday night she joins the singing provided by Market Street Church of Christ, her church for many years. She told me a story of one of her former roommates at the Center. “When she came here, she couldn’t talk, couldn’t walk, couldn’t eat, and in six weeks she got so much better that she as able to leave.” The “thumbs up” Nelva gives is from the standpoint of being a nurse as well as a resident. “Everybody has been good to me,” she said.

Her favorite staff person is Sara

Wallace, the administrator, and Nelva added, “I like the food.”

Speaking of food, the day I interviewed her, the kitchen prepared her favorite: turnip greens and cornbread. Other “favorites” are listed below: Color? Blue Musicians? Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Marty Robbins, and of course, Johnny Cash President? “Ronald Reagan, because he was fair and honest, and knew how to talk to people.”

Scripture? “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Biggest change in your lifetime? Most of the time that is answered by things like, “landing on the moon,” or “the Internet.” But Nelva’s tender response was, “losing my husband.”

Advice to young people? “Trust the Lord and try to be good to everybody. Follow the Golden Rule.”

Timeless words from a dear woman, who then reached into her bureau drawer and handed me a blue and brown large crocheted square she had made herself. We parted with her telling me to let her know when anyone near me is going to have a baby, because she’d make a receiving blanket, and I promised her I would.

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Medical Update

Don’t Fall For Medicare Scams

By Jennifer Reece, Limestone County SHIP Coordinator Open enrollment is the prime time for scammers to try to steal your identity and your money. Although Medicare scams occur yearround, they dramatically spike in the weeks leading up to and throughout the annual window where participants make changes to their health care and prescription drug coverage plans.

My name is Jennifer Reece, Limestone County SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) Coordinator, and we have already had several calls concerning individuals showing up on doorsteps wanting to sell insurance. I advise all of my clients to ask for ID and DO NOT let anyone into their homes. In addition, they should tell the person at the door that they are busy and cannot talk at that time.

Then the client should call our office, and we will call and see if the individual (or company) is a legitimate.

If the client is approached through phone calls, we tell them to tell the callers that they are busy and will have to call them back. That way if the callers are not legit, they will hang up before giving a number. If they do give a number, we can check them out, and if need be, turn them in to Medicare. Always remember, Medicare is NOT going to show up at your door. If you haven’t asked for an agent to contact you, federal law prohibits an agent from trying to sell to you— whether it’s a phone call, an email, or a knock on your front door. If an agent tries to sell you something on behalf of Medicare, you should report that person to authorities.

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Below are six scams to keep an eye out for during open enrollment: 1. Phone calls, emails or front door visits telling you that Medicare is issuing new cards and in order for you to get yours, you need to provide identifying information such as your Medicare number, birth date or even financial account numbers.

What to Know: Medicare isn’t issuing new cards and its employees don’t contact participants through unsolicited calls, emails or visits.

They will not ask for personal identifiers unless you contact them yourself.

2. Scammers claim you’re entitled to money back because of “changes” or “enhancements” by Medicare. In these schemes, the goal is to get not only your Medicare number but your bank account information for a supposed direct deposit. What to Know: If you’re entitled to a refund, a check will be sent directly to you. You won’t have to “prove” or provide anything. If you get Social Security, Uncle Sam already has your direct deposit account on file, so Medicare wouldn’t ask for it.

choose, thanks to “spoofing” products for sale on the Internet. Also, don’t be taken in if callers have personal info about you: fraudsters have been known to contact Medicare patients and accurately give name and addresses of their doctors. It’s unclear how they got the information.

4. Phone calls offering you free medical supplies or a health checkup. The caller may even know something about your medical condition, or you may be invited to go somewhere for a complimentary checkup. What to Know: Assume that an unsolicited call promising supplies for diabetes or other medical conditions is another attempt to collect your Medicare/Social Security number, or to soften you up for pitches for overpriced goods later. Plus, you may be told your credit card is needed for “shipping charges.”

5. Billing bilking. Told that

something isn’t “usually” covered by Medicare, but there’s a way around the rule? Or that you can get a kickback for providing your Medicare number or undergoing unnecessary treatment? You may get this kind of offer if you go to a “free” medical checkup offered by a shady group. What to Know: No matter how it’s said, it spells FRAUD- and possible criminal charges against both you and the other person. Medicare fraud is a huge problem, costing taxpayers about $60 billion a year. When in doubt, check with Medicare, your SHIP Coordinator, or your supplemental insurance provider.

You should only sign a release form allowing others to make Medicare decisions on your behalf if the form’s been carefully reviewed by you, a family member, or an attorney.

6. Open enrollment is prime time for insurance salespeople to pitch supplemental policies that they promise will save you thousands in

out-of-pocket costs. While there are many legitimate policies on the market, not all make sense for everyone. And it’s not uncommon for salespeople to push this kind of insurance with scare tactics, free lunch seminars and false claims of being with a government agency. What to Know: As with investment scams, a “free lunch seminar” is often a high pressure pitch for insurance that may be wrong for you but right for the salesperson.

Before signing anything, call your local SHIP Coordinator, Jennifer W. Reece, at (256) 233-6412.

Remember: The absolute easiest way to avoid a Medicare scam is to never reveal your card number to anyone who’s not a bona fide member of your healthcare team. It’s the same as your Social Security number or other personal health and financial information, and needs to be kept confidential and safe.

3. In seeking your personal information, scammers may also claim to be from state or local health agencies and seem official sounding, but use phony organization names such as the National Medical Office. And they may try to trick you by manipulating your caller ID screen. What to Know: NEVER trust caller ID. Scammers can easily make it display whatever identity and phone number they

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Security Savvy

Apartment Complex Safety And Security

by Jim Doyle, owner of Madison Security Group 203 Us Highway 31 S, Athens, AL 35611

With the way people are losing their employment and finding themselves having to take any job available, becoming under employed is sometimes only the beginning of their problems. Under employment can cause the loss of one’s home, marriage, and sanity because of not being able to afford the lifestyle one had previously lived. It’s a scenario occuring across the country. These under-employed families move into apartment complexes where their way of life changes dramatically. When you

live in this environment, your thinking needs to change as well. You give up some basic freedoms such as privacy.

When you live in a complex, you normally don’t have your own yard and you share a common area. This area could have a slide, swings, and even a pool. You need to be diligent to make sure these are in good shape, because of all the children (and/or adults) using them. Not everyone cares enough to help with the upkeep. Check

the swing to make sure that the seat is in good condition and the chains are not rusted.

As far as a pool is concerned, please don’t let your children play or swim alone. They could be pushed into the pool by other children trying to be funny or they could fall and get hurt. At most apartment complex pools, there is no lifeguard on duty.

Here are some tips to keep

your family safe: 1.Make sure your door has a good dead bolt.

2.Always lock your door when you leave, even if only for a moment. Someone could be lurking in the breezeway.

3.Don’t hesitate to call the police if you notice a stranger hanging around the complex.

4.Use the peephole in your door to see who is knocking.

5.If you’re doing laundry at night, go with a friend.

Laundry areas can be a place for people to hide.

6.Keep your vehicle locked.

An apartment complex parking lot is a common place for vandals.

7.If you notice lights out in your complex, let management know.

If you live in a complex, you all should work together to keep it safe for your families.

It can be an opportunity to build community if you respect your neighbors. Set up a neighborhood watch, and have monthly meetings to discuss common situations. Have a block party and make the best of the situation. It has been my experience, (living in a project as a child,) that it can be a great and memorable time.

You learn to live closely with other families and you learn to look out for your neighbors. I

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have also been to complexes that the police don’t want to go into. It’s all as a result of the choices we make as individuals.

There is what is now known as the “broken window scenario.” if you see a broken window and do not have it fixed, soon there will be two, and so on. Before you realize what happened, you are living in a troubled place. If undesirables see that an area or apartment complex is not kept up, they will take it over, and that’s when the real trouble starts. Your children can be subjected to drugs, danger, and other negative situations.

When we end up in a situation that we have no control over, we need to pull together. As I said earlier, living in a residential complex can be rewarding if we approach it in a positive manner and watch out for each other.

I have noticed at some complexes, children are dropped off by school busses near their homes. The children have to walk into their complexes. I would suggest that the parents have a rotating schedule where at least one adult is at the stop to ensure the safety of these children, and making sure they get to their homes.

As always, stay safe and aware.

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