Athens Now 6-21-24

See Our Listings Inside this edition... Pages 25 - 32

What Makes Ronnie Roll Special Feature

Meet APD Chief Anthony Pressnell... Whenever Mayor Marks is out of town on a Monday, he gives “his” column space to... Page 8

Athens Arts League offers free music and art for a summer Saturday night... Athens Arts League’s free concert series, Art After Hours, continues on Saturday... Page 5

Clean,

Green And Beautiful

Don’t Lose Your Control... Your internet isn’t working. You have a flat tire on the way to work. The coworker that constantly complains gets the promotion. You drop the jar of... Page 13

Isom’s Orchard: An Enduring Limestone Legacy

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

For years, I have looked forward to what I call the “Isom’s Interview,” which is my chance to sit down and talk at length with a rare breed, and that is a hard-working, deeply tanned farmer that is “older than dirt.” Wes Isom is such a farmer, and Continued on page 15

Gilbert’s Jeeps: Never Out Of Style

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

For close to 300 years, the Gilbert family has been part of the fabric of North Alabama, and since 1986, Grant Gilbert has been selling Jeeps to people for reasons that range from fun

Continued on page 17

Gilbert's Jeeps The Jeep from the memorable Lake Tahoe 40th anniversary trip

Marlene Isom keeping our law enforcement officers in strawberries. (L-R) Alabama Law Enforcement Agency State Trooper Paul Richey, Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin, and Athens Police Department - Alabama Officer Joe Kimery

Publisher / Editor

Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design

Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers

D. A. Slinkard

Anna Hamilton

Phil Williams

Claire Tribble

Stephanie Reynolds

Eric Betts

Detri McGhee

Lisa Philippart

Jackie Warner

Deb Kitchenmaster

Roy Williams

Holly Hollman

Publisher’s Point

When Athens Has A Broken Heart

For years, nearly every time that I have written about our beloved Athens, it is from a virtually effortless view that celebrates how amazing our town truly is, in ways both great and small. And while this Publisher’s Point is being “penned through tears,” I am still a firm believer in the “amazing-ness of Athens,” especially when we have lost precious ones to mental illness.

I am not going to go into the details of the deaths in our city that were unavoidable that occurred first in May and then this week. Those can be found anywhere you look. After talking to authorities, I have no doubt that in both cases, ensuring public safety was the driving force, and lethal force was sadly and completely warranted.

I have been stunned at the grace shown by a grieving family, and the fact that they made it very clear via a network

that “no

one is to blame.” They also commended the police for how the tragic situation was handled -- the patience and restraint that were manifested. The father expressed the desire to see their family’s loss be turned into a “beautiful tragedy,” and I believe that process has already begun.

I have sat across from APD Chief Anthony Pressnell and heard the frustration in his voice when it comes to finding ways to helping people with mental illness. It is obvious that it weighs heavily upon him, both as a man who has sworn to protect the public, and who also has a heart as well as responsibility to care for those under his command when they have no choice but to do the unthinkable.

These kinds of things stretch me to the point that I feel like a rubber band that is so played out that it is nearly useless. Mental illness has robbed me of people

that I loved deeply more than once. And then I remember two things: God and Athens. No one’s heart is more broken for the ones who are no longer with us, as well as for those who are left behind, than our Father. And, He has promised that He shall wipe all tears from our eyes. You notice He is not delegating that task? It is something He is waiting with love to do Himself. And, I have no doubt that He will also show us the “rest of the story,” the “why behind the why” these heartbreaks were allowed, and the good He worked through the horrific.

Which brings me to the reason why it’s so important for Athens to lean upon Athens for healing. There is no question that Heaven runs point on healing the broken hearted, both collectively and individually. And, Heaven also uses humans. So, as we move by millime-

ters toward healing, let us focus on whatever we can do to improve first our own personal mental health, and then be there for others in their struggles. Let us resolve to work tirelessly to find answers, even when it’s unfamiliar and certainly when it’s uncomfortable. Let us look into making it possible for some of the best and proven modalities that were previously thought to be unconventional, and now are mental health mainstays, to become available in our area. And more than anything, let us humble ourselves and seek His face for ways in which Athens can be a “care house” and never a “warehouse.” May God have mercy on our souls…and minds.

All Things Soldier Colonel Mel McLemore -- A True Officer And A Gentleman

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

On June 11, 2024, Col (Ret.) Melvin Jackson McLemore filed his last “flight plan” with “the Tower” and “flew home.” The references here to flight are not meant to be metaphorical. Very shortly before he died, his daughter Stormy, who was sitting by him at his bedside in Huntsville Hospital, heard him speak clearly in a voice that is unique to pilots instructing that the altimeter be checked. He said it twice, with his eyes closed, and it was said with unmistakable authority. Not long after, he woke up for a bit, and then he was gone. Stormy told this story at her dad’s funeral, and she and her sister,

Deborah, had stories abounding of their adventures as Army brats living here and in Europe. Stormy went on to serve as a Chief Warrant Officer in the Army as a helicopter pilot, and Deborah as an Army Civilian Contractor. They credit their parents for instilling in them unshakable values and encouraging them in their careers.

When I started writing for Athens Now , Mel was one of the first vets I met at the Alabama Veterans Museum here in Athens. He knew my background as a protestor during Vietnam, and from the get-go he treated me with kindness and respect. So did his beau-

tiful wife, Wanda, to whom he was married for 63 years.

One of the things that both daughters made clear was that they didn’t know at the time what a “big deal” Mel was. After all, “he was their dad.” He was a highly decorated combat pilot in Vietnam with hundreds of hours in the cockpit. He served in Signal, and before he retired from the Army, Mel was put in charge of Air Traffic Control for the entire United States Army. He spent 15 years after his retirement in the defense industry and worked here in Huntsville. Mel was a passion-

ate Alabama fan, and “Roll Tide” was a fitting end to his funeral service. He also loved Ford Mustangs and Chevy Corvettes, and if you look at some the McLemore Christmas cards of years gone by, there is a particularly shiny red Mustang that I am sure was cared for as carefully as his planes. For ten years, Mel was the treasurer for the local Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 511, and was recognized as such by the National VVA for his service to our community. Mel also served on the Board of Directors of the AL Veterans Museum where he was an instrumental force in making the museum the wonderful institution it is today.

Limestone Chapel did

the service, and put together a lovely online tribute to Mel, showcasing both his military career as well as his family life. I would encourage you to watch it, and there is one phrase that was part of the presentation that struck me. It is quoted below:

A soldier is free to be a hero. It is courage which gives them honor, And their sacrifice which gives us freedom.

As someone who went sideways in the ‘60s, it is the love, forgiveness, and acceptance from people like Mel that has been instrumental in my own personal healing, and I am forever grateful for having the opportunity to know Mel McLemore, a true officer and a gentleman.

Athens Arts League’s free concert series, Art After Hours, continues on Saturday, June 22, with a performance by Tres Locos.

Tres Locos is a blues-based rock and roll band from Huntsville. The event will be on the street in front of High Cotton Arts in Downtown Athens, at 103 W. Washington Street.

The band features Mike Slaten, Lance Wright and Kasey Charles. The event will be from 7-9 p.m.

“The group performed at one of our McCandless Hall concerts in January, and several in the audience asked us to bring them back, so we’re pumped about jamming in the street with Tres Locos,” said Athens Arts League Board Member Garth Lovvorn Jr.

Athens Arts League offers free music and art for a summer Saturday night

by Holly Hollman

High Cotton Arts will be open, and attendees can shop for locally made art such as paintings, photographs, silk scarves, stained glass pieces and small sculptures.

“High Cotton supports a number of artists who operate their art business in Downtown Athens,” said Athens Arts League Board Vice President Jennifer Hilton Sampieri. “This concert series is a gift to the community by providing free entertainment, but it’s also a way to encourage the public to learn more about locally made art that’s available right here in Athens.”

Attendees can check out High Cotton’s current exhibit, “History Takes the Stage.” The exhibit chronicles some of the history of Athens City Schools

through the fine arts and photos and includes items collected by the late Jackie and Helen Greenhaw. The items are on loan from the Athens City Schools Foundation.

Art and music lovers can dine at local restaurants prior to the event and then enjoy desserts for sale at the event from Reece’s Treatz food truck and Frostbite Snacks.

This is a family-friendly event and includes a patriotic-themed craft for children. Children can make either a popsicle stick American flag or patriotic pet magnet, while supplies last.

Art After Hours is supported in part by the City of Athens, Sen. Tim Melson, Alabama Tourism Department and Morell Engineering. Save the dates for upcoming Art After

Hours events, which start at 7 p.m.:

• July 6 – JED Eye, classic rock to ‘90s rock

• Aug. 10 – Taking It to the Streets gospel concert

• Sept. 6 – After Bedtime, R&B, includes a student art exhibit and tribute to September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Calendar of Events

Silver Sneakers

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Silver Sneaker classes at the Athens Limestone Public Library are now meeting from 1pm to 1:45pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Classes open to all. Equipment is provided. Donations accepted. More info: 256-6143530 or jhunt9155@gmail.com.

Market On The Farm

June 22

4:00pm - 7:00pm. Join Stebbins Family Farm for their biweekly market and vendor event! Produce, flowers, beef, pork, craft items, lemonade, freeze dried candy, baked goods, loaded teas and more! 24426 Flanagan Road, Athens, AL.

Fidos After Five

June 28

5:00pm - 6:00pm. Eastside Steps of the Limestone County Courthouse, 150 S Marion St, Athens, AL. This is a great opportunity to give a shelter pet the second chance they deserve and you the experience of joy for rescuing an animal in need! Check out Athens Limestone Animal Services for more info!

Patriotic Picnic

July 5

Please join Serendipity Antiques for their Patriotic Picnic. 10:00am - Sundown. Hot dogs & popsicles. Lots of summer sales. 22335 US-72 suite b, Athens, AL 35613.

Gettin' Dirty At The Library: Plants Endemic To North Alabama

July 9

11:00am - 12:00pm. Public Library, 603 S Jefferson St, Athens, AL. Limestone County Master Gardeners Association Lecture Series "Gettin' Dirty At The Library" Presents: "Plants Endemic To North Alabama" by Katrina Mitchell. Free and open to the public!

Digital Literacy Classes

Athens-Limestone County Public Library will host a series of Digital Literacy Classes in conjunction with Calhoun Community College & Drake State Community & Technical College. Classes will boost your digital confidence & provide you with skills and training needed in today’s job market. Courses include: Computer & Internet Basics, Email, Windows OS, & Microsoft Word®. M-W 9:00 –12:00 or M-W 1:00 – 4:00. Classes start January 24th. Call us at (256) 306-2830 to learn more.

Art On The Square: For The Love Of Art

July 13

10:00am - 1:00pm. High Cotton Arts, 103 W Washington St, Athens, AL. Love is here, and it's searching for art! Presented by Athens Arts League and High Cotton Arts with the support of several downtown businesses.

32nd Annual American Farm Heritage Days

August 2 & 3

Limestone Sheriff's Rodeo Arena, 18032-18098 Buck Island Rd, Athens, AL. Tractor Ride, Fish Fry, Camping, Flea Market, and more! $5 admission. Children 12 and under are FREE.

Summerfest 2024

August 24

5:30pm - 8:30pm. Eastside Steps of the Limestone County Courthouse, 150 S Marion St, Athens. Join us for our 3rd annual summer concert on the square in downtown Athens. Bring your lawn chair and friends to enjoy a night of bands while we raise money for a great local charity. This is a local benefit honoring our community. Food trucks will be on the square and all the local brick-and-mortar businesses will be open. We are pleased to announce our 2024 beneficiary, The Stacy Wolfe Breast Cancer Foundation. Please check out their website or facebook to find out more information about their mission. https://www.swbcfoundation.com/about We look forward to raising money for a great cause. - with Stacy Wolfe Breast Cancer Foundation.

Senior Lunch Matinee Series

Third Thursdays Monthly

We are back to full speed with our third Thursday Senior Lunch Matinees and first Saturday Early Dinner Shows, already scheduled through Dec 2023. Public events most often will sell out in advance, welcoming attendees from 17 adjacent counties, and 2 neighboring states. Our Senior Lunch Matinees provide guests with a complete lunch including drink and dessert, and a one hour live show featuring one of our roster of 8 of the best regional oldies groups and performers in rotation throughout the year. E-mail reservations are required in advance for all Lunch Matinees and Early Dinner Shows. web: www. yesterdaysevents.com FB: www.facebook.com/YesterdaysEventCenter

What Makes Ronnie Roll

Meet APD Chief Anthony Pressnell

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Whenever Mayor Marks is out of town on a Monday, he gives “his” column space to someone else who works for the City of Athens. While Athens Police Department Chief Pressnell has worked in our law enforcement ranks for 40-plus years, he has only been chief since October of 2023, following the retirement of former APD Chief Floyd Johnson.

For years, I referred to now-Chief Pressnell as “Captain P.” I would see him on the first and third Thursday of the month when I would deliver Athens Now to the Hometown Grocery store down on Jefferson Street. I would greet him with my standard joke, delivered in a British accent hopefully reminiscent of Downton Abbey: “Your paper, sir, and I shan’t fetch your

slippers.” We would laugh, briefly talk about all kinds of things, and having him there always made me feel safe; still does. Even after he became chief, our new “Top Cop” still picks up a shift at Hometown because he wants to stay in touch with the people of Athens. It’s pretty easy to tell when someone does their job out of love when they work a shift just to stay in touch. In other interviews, “Big A,” as he has always been known, makes it clear that he has no plans to just stay in the office all day. There have been tough moments in our town during Big A’s career. He was on the force when Officers Mims and Russell were shot and killed while responding to a call. He rode in the back of the ambulance with City

Councilman Frank Travis after Frank’s tragic accident. By contrast, City Councilman Jimmy Gill would always come into Hometown on Sunday mornings and make Big A’s day. During this interview, we talked about how much we miss these guys.

Chief Pressnell was willing to meet with a member of the community after one of our town’s encounters with a mental health-related shooting. The person had questions, and Big A was willing to “stop for the one.” Turns out that it wasn’t necessary, but the community member was comforted that the chief would make time for a discussion based on mutual respect and understanding.

petrator went away for a solid

also know that dealing with the problem of human trafficking is a priority.

When we met, our town was freshly in the throes of another tragedy, which I addressed in this edition’s Publisher’s Point , and when I asked him what his greatest concerns were, he quickly said, “Drugs and mental health.” I

I asked Chief Pressnell to tell me about one of his most memorable cases, and without hesitation, it was “collaring” a man that had kidnapped and raped a 14 year-old girl. The per-

With regard to our challenges with drugs in our area, Chief Pressnell wanted to thank our Limestone County Sheriff’s Office for forming a joint task force to work the problem together. “They have been great to work with,” he said. I asked him what he feels is the most important value to live out as police chief, and he said, quickly, “Treat people with respect.” I believe Big A walks the talk, and I am glad he is “on the wall” keeping us safe.

Over 25 years ago, my nearly 2-year-old grandson gave me the “special” opportunity to change an extremely foul-smelling, unusually full dirty diaper. I commented without any emotion, and careful not to gag…“Boy! You did a BIG SMELLY DIAPER this time, didn’t you?!?

He caught me off-guard with his strangely adultlike response of, “Yes, I did.”

NO anger, pain, offense, embarrassment – no excuses at all…

Just a simple agreement with the facts. “Yes, I did.”

IMAGINE…if you will… JUST IMAGINE…What if we all responded to similar situations with just such objectivity?

We all make some big smelly messes in life

McGhee On Management

No Opinion Required

by Detri McGhee - CLU, ChFC

sometimes. Wouldn’t it be amazing if – when those messes occur – we each approached the cleanup with such maturity, objectivity, patience, and grace?

No anger. No offense. No self-justification. No excuses. No retaliation. No attempts to shift blame!

“Well, WE have a big mess on our hands, don’t we?” Here’s what I can do to help. Here’s what YOU can do to help. These events just simply happen. Sometimes I make them myself. Sometimes YOU will make them. Sometimes we have to help clean up when we had NOTHING to do with the problems. So? Let’s don’t wallow in the muck and mire of life’s problems. Let’s set about to fix them and move on.

The Society of Today

seems to be just the opposite of this. Nearly everyone feels it is their right and even duty to form an opinion on everything that comes before them. Whatever topic is brought up, it seems everyone in the room has an opinion on it. How EXHAUSTING! Really! I mean, with so much information before us at every turn, how could we expect any one person to have a reliable, thoughtful, correct opinion on every single topic out there?

So, here is our Principle: “Never look for reasons to be offended.”

A SHORT STORY: One of the most FREEING REVELATIONS I personally received centered on an offshoot of this Principle; it is a Secondary Principle I’ll share with you in a moment. It had been an

extremely challenging, difficult workday, and the day was FAR from over! I had gone into the grocery store for a few items, hurried home to get dinner started, then run to school to pick up son from football practice knowing that the coach would probably keep them 30 minutes or more longer than was scheduled, come back home E V E N T U

A L L Y - to finish dinner, clean up after, wash a couple loads of laundry while helping with homework if needed, and at some point, get ready for bed so I could get up the next day for the 67-mile drive to work…I had no time to chat! A friend, who was more of an acquaintance than close friend, stopped me by the lettuce, and obviously wanted us to have an extended visit over the flaws of our choir director,

and share a “problem” we all knew about in detail, she asked… “WHAT DO YOU THINK?” Well, as pianist for the group, obviously she thought I would be a valuable ally to her if I agreed, which she assumed that I would, by the tone of her question. I took a deep breath, not wanting to say what I really thought…

(Which was, “I think you should stop gossiping. You and your best buds are far more of a problem than he is!”) I mean, you can SEE why I didn’t want to actually SAY that, right? So, again, I took deep breath, prayed for grace and peace, and said VERY KINDLY…SOFTLY, “Do you really want to know what I think?” I said leaning in…She followed leaning in, I continued slowly, thoughtfully, “What I really think… is…right now, I am so very thankful that THAT is none of my business, and I don’t have to spend any time or energy forming an opinion about it!” Quickly moving, I added, “I’ve got to run… Have a great evening.” So, here is that Secondary Principle…

“I am not required to have an opinion about everything.” Detri would love to hear your thoughts and stories, especially ways you have either overcome or struggle with criticism. You may email her at detrimcghee@gmail.com or follow her at the newly created Facebook page, Criticism Management by Detri.

www.criticism management.com

Years ago, in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, a government building in Baghdad had an American flag painted on the floor so that people would have to walk on it as they entered. It was a sign of disrespect. In the Arab world the bottom of a shoe denotes a major insult. It implies that the other person is filthier than the dirt on a shoe sole. When Saddam had an American flag painted on a walking space, he knew exactly what he was doing, and he expected it to be walked over.

A similar story emerged in more recent years at a university in Tehran. Officials had a large walking area painted with American and Israeli flags for the sole purpose of insulting the two nations. The plan actually backfired as students refused to walk over the flags in silent protest of the tyrannical regime.

But those are Arab nations where the U.S. is not welcomed. We expect such behavior from tyrants like Saddam and the Ayatollahs. The flags were painted in walking spaces to entrap their own people into joining in government-sanctioned insults. They expected people to walk on them as some evidence of the official position that the U.S. is an awful devilish enemy worth no more than the dirt on the bottom of Saddam’s shoes. The Ayatollahs

Rightside Way Entrapment On Rainbow Road

by Phil Williams

were likely not pleased when students did not join their silly exercise in flag walking.

Carry that line of thought home for a minute. Ask yourself: Why do they keep painting rainbow flags on the roads and crosswalks here in the U.S.? Aren’t they aware that people have to walk and drive there? Don’t they know the risk of the rainbow imagery being tarnished by traffic? Are they not aware that some folks are going to be put off by seeing their tax dollars used for a massive frivolous asphalt virtue signal? Most importantly, don’t they realize that some folks will intentionally leave tire marks and trash on their rainbow road?

The answer to each question is “Yes.”

Every so-called “progressive” city that paints a rainbow in the street knows exactly what is going to happen. They expect it. They want it. They need it.

Every errant tire mark, every spilled coffee, every shoe scuff, becomes a rallying cry, a “hate crime.” Marks on the rainbow road validate victimhood and placing such a mural in a hightraffic area is intentional. Doing so may also be actionable at law, though perhaps not in the manner the left intended. Civil law could determine that the rainbow road is an attractive nuisance. Criminal law could find it an entrapment.

A story broke recently about three teenagers on electric scooters in Spokane, WA. These kids came upon a freshly painted rainbow crosswalk and being kids, they rode out into the brightly colored spectacle, turned some laps, and left (horror of horrors!) skid marks on the road surface. I submit that but for the rainbow road, they would have just scooted right by. But it was attractive. They were kids. It was a lark. The town called them criminals.

Under the law, an attractive nuisance is a dangerous condition on a landowner's property that “may attract children onto the land and pose a risk to their safety.” It actually imposes a duty on property owners for having placed such an “attraction” where children could access it. The classic example is a pool that is unfenced and attracts a child who is injured after falling in. Landowners must exercise reasonable care to avoid attracting minors to dangers that may be "especially alluring to children of tender years.”

Flip the script to Spokane’s rainbow road. Did the city violate a duty by luring kids to its attractive rainbow nuisance? Were the scooter marks foreseeable? Arguably, yes!

It gets worse in that these kids are now charged with actual crimes. But in light of the need for a victimhood statement, perhaps this was actual

entrapment. A criminal act to justify why the rainbow road was necessary.

Entrapment occurs when agents of the government “induce commission of the crime so that the Government may prosecute.”

A criminal act which that person would not have otherwise committed but for the entrapment.

Rainbow murals painted on crosswalks? There to attract people? Even entrap people? Lauded thereafter as the reason why the rainbow murals were needed in the first place.

“We need a rainbow mural!.... on the street!....so everyone can see it!..... we need awareness of our victimhood!....but don’t really walk or drive on it!.....that’s mean!.....

See! See! He walked on it!....I told you we were victims!....it’s so hard, we need more protections from hate crimes now!”

Then, like replacing the bait on a hook, the attractive nuisance gets a fresh coat of paint, and the rainbow police wait and watch for the next hapless traveler who is enticed and entrapped to leave a tread mark on the surface of an actual roadway.

Interestingly, civil claims of attractive nuisance or criminal entrapment would work against the rainbow cities themselves. One gives rise to a civil claim for damages, the other is a complete defense to prosecution.

Either way, the rainbow

people win because feckless city leaders will face the wrath of the courts, but the rainbow people still get their hate crime. They attracted people with a nuisance, entrapped them in an alleged crime, and then crowed about it as justification for more rainbow murals.

They’re no better than tyrants like Saddam and the Ayatollahs trying to get people to walk on flags.

Here’s an idea, put up a rainbow billboard if you need to be seen and quit painting the roads and sidewalks of America. That’s what tyrants do.

Phil Williams is a former state senator, retired Army colonel and combat veteran, and a practicing attorney. He has served with the leadership of the Alabama Policy Institute and currently hosts the conservative news/talkshow Rightside Radio M-F 2-5 p.m. on multiple channels throughout north Alabama. (WVNN 92.5FM/770AM-Huntsville/ Athens; WXJC 101.FM and WYDE 850AM – Birmingham/ Cullman) His column appears every Monday in 1819 News. To contact Phil or request him for a speaking engagement go to www.rightsideradio.org. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.

I recently came across something that I believe is important to meditate on, and it dealt with the topic of choices we have to make each day of our lives. We make thousands of choices every day we are alive. We make choices every hour; we make choices every minute; and at times, we make choices every second. Think about how many lives have been changed for the better and how many have been changed for the worse all because of a decision that was made from one second to the next. Lives are changed every day because of the choices we must make.

What I came across that I believe is worth sharing is as follows:

• HATE has four letters, but so does LOVE.

• ENEMIES has seven letters, but so does FRIENDS.

• SAD has three letters, but so does JOY.

• NEGATIVITY has ten letters, but so does POSITIVITY.

The concept went on to state that life is twosided, and we should choose the better side of it. I think the list above is great, but I think one thing should be added and that would be that SATAN has five letters, but so does JESUS. Our lives are just like a coin in which there are two sides to each coin, just like each day we must make choices that will

Slinkard On Success How To See A Different World

by D. A. Slinkard

D.A. Slinkard would love your feedback. You can contact him at da.slinkard@gmail.com

either impact our lives for the positive or impact our lives for the negative.

I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and the biggest difference in my life that helps guide my choices is that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. It is not hard to figure out that we have a lot of hate in the world, and the love concept is to allow for people to continue living in their sinful ways. I believe if we could just choose JESUS and make the choice to live our life for Him – we would see a different world.

When it comes to our enemies, in our society, we are taught to hate. I believe the thought process now is if we have opposing views, we are instant enemies but that should not be the case. We need to treat others the way we

want to be treated – the Golden Rule – taught in the Bible, but instead of using biblical principles – we revert to worldly principles of, “I am going to treat others, how they treat me.” If only we could make a different decision each day in how we will treat others – we would see a different world.

Before I came to know Jesus as my Savior, I was sad. I was hurting, I was lost, and on my way to hell. Truthfully, as I write this article, I fully understand that I am a sinner and I deserve to die and go to hell. However, because of a decision I made on March 14, 2010, I have received eternal life and because of this I have the joy of Jesus in my heart. If we would just choose JESUS, we

would see a different world.

Many people comment to me about my positivity, and I can tell you my life changed because of that decision I made concerning Jesus Christ as my Savior. Some people may not like reading this article, but might I remind you that those people who reject JESUS are choosing the side of SATAN. This might not be popular, but it is truth. The closer you are to God, the farther you are away from the devil, and the closer you are to the devil, the farther away from God you are.

One thing I have come to know is that God does not change. Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8 in the Bible, let us know these fundamental truths. If God is far from anyone

reading this article – it is not because God has moved, but it’s because we have moved away from Him.

I have found that life is two-sided, and we should choose the better side of it. We always have a decision to make, and the question becomes which choice will you make?

Will it be HATE or will it be LOVE? Will it be ENEMIES or will it be FRIENDS? Will it be SAD or will it be JOY? Will it be NEGATIVITY or will it be POSITIVITY? Finally, will it be SATAN or will it be JESUS?

We all have free will to choose how our lives will go. What will you choose? The choice is yours.

Last week, First Methodist Church of Athens held their Vacation Bible School. The class of older children, 5th going to 6th graders, goes to different organizations to volunteer. We were very fortunate that they chose to work with Keep AthensLimestone Beautiful for one of their service days. We love working with youth groups like this, because this is the age when our lessons really sink in.

This group of 21 kids and their 4 leaders met us at Golden Eagle Drive. We only had about an hour to work, so we focused on the area behind Dollar General, Jack’s, and Waffle House. In less than an hour, they filled EIGHT bags. According to Keep Alabama Beautiful, the average weight of a bag of litter is 20 pounds -- that’s somewhere around 160 pounds of litter removed from a very small

Clean, Green And Beautiful We Need A Vacuum

by Claire Tribble - Executive Director, Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful

area. We didn’t go any farther than Waffle House or get close to Highway 31, so you can picture the size of the area we worked in. The sad part is, because of time restraints, we didn’t even come

close to picking up all the trash in that spot.

We picked up countless cigarette butts in the parking lots. We didn’t even come close to getting them all. One of the volunteer leaders even made the comment that you almost needed a vacuum cleaner to get up all the butts. I got tickled when he said this because I had just started looking at Billy Goat Litter Vacuums to collect cigarette butts and smaller pieces of litter after events. Seems like we may need one just to get parking lots too. Most people don’t realize that cigarette butts never break down, so once you toss them out the window, they are on the ground to stay.

These kids not only worked quickly, but they were in the hot, Alabama sunshine the whole time. They had already talked their youth director, Brandon Starnes, into buying them some well-deserved ice cream when the manager from Jack’s came out to see

who we were and what we were doing. As a thank you, he offered a discount on ice cream and drinks when they finished. While just a “thank you” would have been plenty, it’s great to see the kids be rewarded for their work, and we appreciate it!

Even though we love our youth cleanups, we know the best cleanup is the one that never had to happen. So, stop by the Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful office and grab a litter bag for your car and a car ashtray, or pocket ashtray if you need them. If you know someone who will use them, come get some for

Become a Fan

them! If you have a group (youth or adult) that’s interested in having a cleanup, give us a call or send us an email, we’d love to work with you and cleanup Athens and Limestone at the same time.

Cooking with Anna Don’t Lose Your Control

by Anna Hamilton

Your internet isn’t working. You have a flat tire on the way to work. The coworker that constantly complains gets the promotion. You drop the jar of spaghetti sauce and it breaks. Everything seems to be going out of control and you can’t stop any of it. But, there are some things you can control. Here are 5 things that you can control: your attitude, your words, your actions, your manners, and your effort.

You can control your attitude. No matter what is thrown at you, you decide how you react. You can lose your temper, yell, and pitch a fit. We have all seen an adult lose control of their attitude. Think about how ridiculous they look…think about how ridiculous you have looked when you have lost control of your attitude. Philippians 1:27

Garlic Soy Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 red onion, thinly sliced

2 cups matchstick carrots

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 Tbsp soy sauce

1/3 cup rice wine vinegar

¼ cup water

¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts

½ tsp black pepper

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, onions, and carrots.

In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, soy

says, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” The way you conduct yourself is a direct reflection of Christ. Stop and think about that before you yell at the person that doesn’t go immediately when the light turns green.

You can control your words. Taming the tongue is one of the hardest things a person can do. The words that come out of your mouth can shape the outcome of your entire day. We can use our words to bring blessings or curses; you have the

continued on page 23

sauce, vinegar, water, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat. Top with peanuts right before serving.

Health And Fitness

5 nutrition tips to power your next workout

courtesy BrandPoint content

(BPT) - With the kickoff of summer, and #GlobalRunningDay, many of us are motivated to slip into our sneakers and head outside for a run. A good run enhances strength, contributes to cardiovascular fitness, builds muscle endurance and is a great way to shed pounds. It's also a boost for your mental health. A recent study in Neuroscience News found aerobic exercise like running leads to an increase in levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine - chemicals that regulate your mood. It also helps promote better sleep, relaxes stress hormones and increases brain function.

So, take this as your sign

to get out there! But, in addition to the right footwear, a killer playlist and an interesting route for your workout, it's vital to focus on nutrition. Regardless of the distance or duration of your run, sports nutrition is an important key to your performance.

Most runners know they should get some carbs, protein, and stay hydrated. But how much, and when? Before, during or after your run? Dana Ryan, Ph.D., MA, MBA, director of Sports Performance, Nutrition and Education and Chair of the Fitness Advisory Board at Herbalife, offers these tips to get moving with good nutrition. Start with the basics.

Whether you're a distance runner or a new jogger working up to your first mile, a good basic diet is the building block for great performance. Fruits, veggies, lean protein, healthy fats and good carbohydrates are a must. Pre-workout boost. As you near your run, you want to focus on liquids. One to two hours before your workout, drink a protein shake that includes carbohydrates. Protein helps your brain and body function and gives you an energy boost, and those carbs keep you going. Within 30 minutes of your run, a pre-workout drink that contains caffeine and nitric oxide precursors is a good option. The two things you want to avoid

pre workout are fiber and fat as they are hard for the body to digest.

Hydrate! This is vital before, during and after your workout. Proper hydration is essential not only for general body functions, but also boosts performance and mitigates dehydration during running. Runners need to maintain body water balance, because water provides nourishment that the body needs for almost every single function. It also helps limit changes in body temperature. For hydration, water alone is great. Water with electrolytes kicks it up a notch. Herbalife24 CR7 Drive was designed to support athletes. It enhances hydration with 320 mg of electrolytes that you can lose during exercise, and B12.

Carb it up. For many dieters, carbs are taboo. But for runners, or people who do other high-intensity workouts, carbs are key to performance. If you've ever run out of steam or hit a wall during a workout, it could be because you're low on carbs. While running, it's crucial to replace what the body is losing, namely carbohydrates and electrolytes. One's body fatigues because of the depletion of carbohydrate reserves and dehydration due to loss of water and electrolytes in sweat, both of which hinder sports performance. So, for every hour of running, consume about 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates through a sports drink. Finish with protein. Immediately following the completion of a run, make sure to get some protein in. Within 30 minutes of finishing your workout, consume 20 to 40 grams of high-quality protein, no matter how long the run was. And for those longer runs, add in some carbohydrates to be closer to a 3:1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio. Why? Protein after a run helps your muscles repair and recover. The amino acids in protein help build lean muscle, which is exactly what you want.

No matter your fitness level, nutrition is an important part of getting the most out of your workout. Now, get out there and move!

Isom’s Orchard: An Enduring Limestone Legacy

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

I know he understands that my description of him is one of affection and respect. Recently, we sat down on two chairs he dragged over to the tailgate of his truck after the produce stand had closed for the day. Then Wes did what he does so well, and that is to tell stories, past and present.

If you are new to our area, I think it’s safe to describe Isom’s as an experience, and not just an amazing source of fresh produce, honey, flowers, pumpkins, cider, and more. People come from all over and happily line up and wait to buy what they need, and Marlene Isom, Wes’s bride of more than four decades, is there to help you with your purchase. One of the first things Wes wanted to communicate for the purposes of this article came through a large lump in his throat, and that is his love and appreciation for Marlene in all that she does and is. It took him a minute to be able to push through and say, “Marlene is the glue that holds us all together.” Then, after he had recovered a bit, he said with that trademark sassy

grin, “Just like Job, God was blessing me, and He’s still testing her.” He also took a goodly amount of time to thank their hard-working and loyal crew and say how proud he was of them. When Wes says that they are family, you know he means it.

By way of history, the 300-plus acres on both sides of Hwy 72 that comprise Isom’s Orchard was purchased in increments by Wes’s grandfather, Edison Kent Isom, beginning in 1933. Thankfully, the family approach to farming as always been what could be considered “old-school,” in that it involves crop rotation and letting the land rest without apology. Back in the day, they used as a manual a book published by what is now known as Auburn University, and its focus was to get high yield without wearing out the land. Wes’s dad, Joe, who passed away just this past December, opened up the produce stand as we know it today in 1957, and did a robust business in the summertime selling peaches. Wes grew up working in the orchard and on the farm, and he and Marlene will tell you that they know without a doubt that this is their life’s work. In 1966,

Joe added apple trees. I learned from Wes that peach and apple trees have a fairly predictable life span, which is 15-18 years for peaches, and up to 25 years for apples. You have to plan well in advance for replacing them, because especially with peach trees, you can’t tell from the outside if they are dying. With further regard to peach trees, due to the brutal freeze, last year’s crop was only about 15% of the usual, and it was a tough year for the orchard. “This year’s crop is good,” Wes told me, and he added, “It’s not all the way to what it was, but it is still good.” The weather challenges this year have been due to having so much rain, and that has delayed the flower crop. “We will have one, it just won’t be as soon as we are used to,” he said. The flowers, like everything else at Isom’s, are worth waiting for, and will soon be available for U-pick. They also will have what is essentially a photographer’s field. That means that photographers can pay for a session to take pics of the flowers themselves, or as a place to stage portraits. New to the Isom’s lineup this year are freshly made donuts on the weekends. The flavors are blueberry and strawberry, and when fall comes, the flavors will be pumpkin and apple. Autumn is just as much a part of the “Isom’s Experience” as is the summertime. Pumpkins are Wes’s favorite crop to grow, and they always have a massive “punkin patch.” There are several

types of apples, gourds for Martins, a scarecrow contest, cider for sale, and slushies that are made only from the orchard’s own cider with no added sugar. I can tell you from experience that the slushies are so good that they easily cause brain freeze because you can’t wait to taste them!

You owe it to yourself to make Isom’s Orchard part of your summer and fall experience in Limestone County. Stop by today and buy a taste of freshpicked deliciousness that can only come from people who love the land and somehow

manage to put that love into what comes forth from the land. The one and only Isom’s Orchard is here for you and your family, and Lord willing, will keep on “doing their life’s work” for years to come.

You have arrived! You felt slightly posh and a little dorky as you handed the key to the valet. Do you tip now or when they bring the car back? It doesn’t matter, you’re giving someone money, and they probably aren’t judging you about it. Check-in was a breeze and soon you are ushered to a very nice room that looks even better than the pictures online. The kids start claiming beds and opening the curtains. You are exhausted, but the “Ooooo! Mom, look! Look out the window!” brings a smile to your face as you gamely amble over to the glass. Two blocks over a crane is swinging, planting another steel and glass tree in the urban jungle.

“My throat feels weird,” one of the kids says to you. You kiss his forehead, and your well-calibrated, feverdetecting-mom-kiss finds no fever. “It’s probably just dryness from the plane. Let’s get you something to drink.” and you put it out of your mind.

It’s time for supper, and this is where things start to go south. After sleeping on the plane, they are bouncing around the booth like ping pong balls on drugs. The server was grouchy and patrons were casting glances at you every time one of your darling angels made a peep (though, to be fair, the “But I wanted FRIES!” was less of a peep and more of a roar). The only one who isn’t making noise is the little guy with the weird throat who is now saying, “I don’t feel good.” This time your kiss registers his fever at 101⁰. The Perfect Vacation disappears as you look

News From The Tourism Office

The Bad Trip, Good Trip - Part 2

by Stephanie Reynolds, Athens-Limestone Tourism Association

around the table and realize that each child is about to get the same bug. If there was any hope for salvage, it was shattered by a streak of light and a loud “BOOM!” as the storm finally arrives. You want to cry. All the work you did seems for nothing. You have been a mom long enough to know that the kids will be sick for at least two days, if not more. You ask for your meal to go and head glumly to the car. You sit in the parking lot before starting your car and think. Slowly your indomitable spirit slays the disappointment dragon that threatens your peace. Briefly you consider just dosing up the child and going on to the park, but you don’t want to be known as “Typhoid Mom” who spread this bug throughout the park, putting other poor moms in the same state you’re in. Nope. You are amazing and thoughtful. Instead, a different plan emerges as you drive home. You got this.

You aren’t going to let pestilence and plague ruin your vacation!

Step 1: When you get back to the hotel room, send the kids one by one into the shower. Time to get everyone comfortable.

Step 2: Get on your phone and find the nearest “everything” store that will deliver ASAP. Spend the next 20 minutes putting meds and soothing foods in your cart. You put one roll of wrapping paper, tape, and a bunch of little toys and games. You also include a cheap cooler.

Step 3: Find out what fun shows you can get through the hotel. Yes, pay-per-view might be a little pricey, but we are in Salvage Vacation Mode, and it will be cheaper than whatever you were going to spend at the park.

Step 4: Tell the kids the new plan: “Bobby is sick and we might not be able to go to the park tomorrow. We’ll see how he is in the

morning. BUT…” you say quickly before they can get too pouty, “We have a new plan! We’re still going to have our vacation, but we are going to have it in here this uber-cool hotel room (because kids still think hotel rooms are neat. And frankly, many adults do too.)!”

Step 5: Whisk the delivery from the store into the bathroom so the kids can’t see. You smile slyly and say, “We have surprises, but you have to wait ‘til morning.” You might not feel upbeat—you wanted to go to the park too—but this was always about the kids, about making memories as a family.

Step 6: Tuck the kids in, each with a new little stuffed animal. This soothes a bit of their curiosity enough to go to sleep.

Step 7: Set up the medications and make a list of what you have and who’s got what. This will keep

you organized and make sure each child stays as comfortable as possible.

Step 8: Wrap each child’s presents and put “AM” and “PM” on them. That is when they can open the next one.

Step 9: Write the schedule of fun—when there will be quiet time with a movie. When they will play balloon volleyball in the beds, when they will play the games, when they will use bubble stuff, etc. You know your kids and their ebbs and flows. Hopefully Bobby will wake up fine and you can go to the park. But just in case, you will still make wonderful memories with the kids.

Step 10: Dig to the bottom of the last bag. You see that special treat that is just for YOU? Take it out, take a breath, and enjoy. You earned this. Well done. This is going to be an excellent vacation.

Gilbert’s Jeeps: Never Out Of Style

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

to function. His own love for Jeeps (which were originally manufactured by Willys during WWII) began as a result of driving one to take care of cattle all over his family farm as a kid. It was a 1948 model, and later Grant’s brother Joel bought one just for fun. Ever since Grant opened Gilbert’s Jeeps in West Limestone at 6494 US-72, they have been “selling fun,” and he doesn’t plan to quit anytime soon.

Now that decades have passed, Grant told me that he feels like the teacher that first taught a child, then that child’s child, and now the grandchildren. Repeat customers that also comprise generations in the same family are part of the legacy of Gilbert’s Jeeps and a source of great joy.

Gilbert’s Jeeps had its own set of challenges during COVID just like everyone else. Getting good inventory and dealing with supply-chain issues were at times daunting, but as is always the case with hard times, good came out of it. Because of how selective Gilbert’s Jeeps has to be, especially when it comes to rust, often it became necessary for Grant to tra-

vel all over America so he could personally inspect a unit to make sure it was up to their standards before purchasing it for re-sale. This made for some wonderful road trips, and often his wife, Mitzi, was able to go with him. In fact, they spent their 40th wedding anniversary in Lake Tahoe with Grant purchasing a Jeep, having it delivered to the hotel, driving it back home, and selling it to a doctor in Decatur when they got back.

Grant has gone coastto-coast finding product, and currently strives to keep about 30 units on the lot. He finds that customers are more satisfied when they feel they have plenty of Jeeps from which to choose. “For some, a Jeep is what they call a ‘pretty day driver,’ more like a toy. For others it is their car, period. What I always ask buyers at the point of sale is that if the time ever comes that they are no longer in need of their Jeep, that they would consider selling it back to me first,” said Grant. To date, Gilbert’s Jeeps has bought and sold nearly 40 Jeeps that have been re-sold a total of three times. “Sometimes people’s needs change, and it is so good to be able to help them and then make

it possible for someone else to have a Jeep that has been kept in excellent condition,” Grant added.

Any excellent business person knows the importance of forming and maintaining solid relationships with the customers. Sometimes that becomes a deep friendship which is one of the many things that serve to make being in business worth it, especially when there are such frustrating things that business people face on a daily basis. It brings joy to Grant’s heart that they have 30 customers who are “Jeepers” that are over the age of 80! Recently, a long-term customer who is 85 years young had to reluctant-

ly sell back to Grant the Jeep happily purchased 15 years ago. The man lives in Tennessee, and Grant went to his home to pick up the man’s “baby.” The customer also had a surprise, which were gifts for Grant that would be what you would give to a family member, and it was an emotional moment. It may be a Jeep that was the “vehicle,” but the reality is that it was all about the relationship. That is the kind of care that a customer receives at Gilbert’s Jeeps, and going the extra mile has given them staying power in uncertain times.

Gilbert’s Jeeps also has a few RVs on the lot, and they have had a blast using

those RVs from time to time to go on grand-kiddo trips. The RV units are gorgeous, and I never cease to be amazed at the creativity that goes into the design and the comfort that is produced. One grand-kiddo has laid claim to the bunk that is over the driver’s seat, and the memories that have been made will last a lifetime.

In wrapping up our time together, Grant told me a saying that one of his guys came up with that is the perfect call-to-action:

“Come buy at Gilbert’s, where you leave with a smile and a full tank of gas. We sell fun.” Find out for yourself and stop by today!

Gilbert’s Jeeps

6494 US-72, Athens, AL 35611

Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8-12 Phone: (256) 729-1980 www.webejeeping.com

Grant Gilbert handing over the keys to the Jeep Mark Nave got for his wife, Heather

Opal Lee has become a beacon of hope and resilience, demonstrating the profound power of patient perseverance and an unwavering commitment to achieving her dreams. Born in 1926, Opal Lee has lived through some of the most tumultuous periods in American history. Her steadfast resolve was evident as early as 1939 when her family home in Fort Worth, Texas, was burned down by a mob of 500 racist terrorists. Despite such a harrowing experience, Opal Lee chose not to be consumed by bitterness. Instead, she committed herself to championing the causes of freedom and equality, becoming a tireless advocate for the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday.

Beyond her activism, Opal Lee has utilized her deep faith as a cornerstone in her quest for societal change. She believes that faith provides strength and guidance, helping her navigate through the struggles and injustices she has faced. Opal's faith-driven approach has inspired countless others to believe in the power of forgiveness and the importance of fighting the good fight of faith for love, with compassion and determination. Her life's work, including her efforts to build a food bank and community gardens, exemplifies how she uses faith not only as a personal tool for resilience but as a means to uplift and transform her community.

In 2016, at the age of 89, Opal Lee made national

Learning As A Lifestyle

Opal Lee: A Model Of Hope, Resilience, And Faith

by Eric Betts, Assistant Professor | Course Developer, Hampton University School of Religion

headlines when she embarked on an ambitious 1,400-mile journey from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. Her campaign aimed to convince lawmakers of the importance of Juneteenth -- a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This monumental walk was not just a physical journey but also a testament to her big-picture outlook on life. Despite her age and the physical strain of such an endeavor, Opal Lee's faith in people and her belief in the moral arc of the universe kept her going. Even now, at 97, Opal Lee remains a dynamic force, marching on in her mission to address issues like unemployment, homelessness, and poverty. Her efforts are deeply inspired by her unwavering faith in God and her conviction that change

is possible. Opal Lee continues to harness the power of community and activism to bring about meaningful change. Seven years after her historic walk, her tirelessness and tenacity remain undiminished, reinforcing the notion that true leadership is about consistency in the face of adversity and the enduring belief in a better future for all.

According to the Daily Herald, a Texas newspaper, in a heartwarming demonstration of how good deeds are ultimately rewarded, Opal Lee was given the keys to her new home in Fort Worth, Texas. This house is not just any home; it stands on the very tree-lined corner lot from which her family was violently driven by a racist mob when she was just 12 years old. "I’m so happy I don’t know what to do," Lee exclaimed, sitting in a rock-

ing chair on the porch minutes before the ceremony.

The timing of this commendable gift, just days before the nation celebrated Juneteenth, highlights its profound significance.

Several community groups collaborated to build and furnish the house in under three months, a testament to collective goodwill. Lee plans to hold an open house to meet her new neighbors and share her joy, declaring, "Everybody will know that this is going to be a happy place." Her faith and consistent drive helped facilitate this and other acts of goodwill around the country.

That mob, outraged by a Black family moving into their neighborhood, destroyed her family's home, but didn't have the final word.

She believes that Providence has allowed her to see such a day. Newspapers at the time

reported that about 500 people participated in the attack, smashing windows and dragging furniture into the streets. Due to the horror of that day, Lee's family never returned, choosing instead to work and buy another home. According to the Daily Herald, Lee seldom dwelled on the traumatic incident until recent years when she began considering reclaiming the lot. After discovering that Trinity Habitat for Humanity owned the land, Lee reached out to CEO Gage Yager, a longtime friend, to purchase the lot, which was sold to her for a symbolic $10. HistoryMaker Homes built the house free of charge, with Texas Capital funding the furnishings and JCPenney donating appliances. During the ceremony, Myra Savage, board president of Trinity Habitat for Humanity, lauded Lee's contributions, stating, "Thank you for being a living example of what your home represents today, which is community, restoration, hope, and light."

As Lee anticipated her move, she expressed her eagerness with characteristic humility, planning to bring only her toothbrush. This poignant homecoming serves as a reminder of her belief that communities can work together to create the best city, state, and country possible. Lee's relentless dedication has ultimately transformed her lifelong dream of love, hospitality and unity into reality. Indeed she stands as a colossal model of what inspiring leadership is all about.

The View From The Bridge Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Where Are You?

by Jackie Warner Career Development Facilitator “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

Silence, please!

Life is noisy! I am constantly finding it hard to hear and receive the voice of the Good Shepherd. I am sure many of you can attest. Let's take time to think about the noises we need to silence in our life that keep us from hearing and obeying the Almighty.

One of the loudest and most common distractions hindering us is “busyness.” Our calendars are full and some way, somehow, we continue to find room for more.

All the busyness -the prime noise of life -- keeps us from our faithfulness and most critically, an intentional ongoing relationship with God.

John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” It is hard to hear and understand what the Shepherd expects of us when His Word is drowned by the noises in our life: social media, people, worldly expectations, sin, jobs, internet, TV, more

stuff, money…I am sure I left off several, but you can fill in the ones I missed… you know the ones you have. A retreat is required from the everyday intentional noises of this life. It is essential to finding the way to God and for some of us, our way back. Psalms

119:114 -- “You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me.”

Psalm 23:2 says, “He leads me beside quiet waters.” Are you allowing God to lead you into a quiet place?

Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional

Jackie Warner, Community Outreach Specialist

Email: thebridge.us@gmail.com

Check out upcoming events: http://thebridge-us.yolasite. com/

Horse Whispering

Intersection Of Lameness

by Deb Kitchenmaster

Recently, I found myself at the intersection of lameness with a horse. What direction do I go and what treatment offers the best solution to the horse’s overall health and recovery?

I put on my troubleshooting hiking boots and stood at the entrance to the intersection of lameness and began to ask questions about the overall condition of this four-legged beautiful mare hopping on three legs. She refused to put any weight on her right hind leg. I had nothing to compare this to in my memory files. I had seen limps, favoring a hoof, original gait disrupted, but I have never had a horse hopping on three legs at the end of my

rope. One moment all four legs were working just fine and suddenly, without warning, only three legs were functioning properly. Was she kicked? Did she have a broken or a chipped bone? Was she working on an abscess? Abscesses can be quite painful until they pop. What the hee-haw was going on?

We got in touch with a horsey friend who looks at hooves almost every day and asked him to stop by. He did. Nope -- not a broken bone. She wouldn’t be able to flex a certain way if that was the case, so we ruled out the broken or chipped bone in leg route in the midst of the lame intersection. We were inclined to wait for an abscess to make its presence known. We waited.

Administered some pain meds and put Vaseline around the coronary band and heel.

No pop. A call to a trustworthy equine vet was made and a date set. The day arrived. Nope -- not an abscess. We removed the lane connected to abscess from the lameness intersection. So what is an abscess anyway? Hoof abscesses occur when bacteria enters the hoof. Usually it’s a puncture wound in the sole or a diseased white line. A bruise in the sole of the hoof can also lead to a hoof abscess. White blood cells and other inflammatory products accumulate to fight the infection. The increasing pressure within the abscess may cause it to pop. The contents of the ab-

scess will then drain at the coronary band. Most abscesses will drain on their own timing, but it’s a slow process. In most cases, a professional hoof trimmer can solve the problem sooner by trimming and blocking. Hoof abscess is a common cause of acute lameness in horses.

The symptom of lameness remained. Lameness tells us that something within the limb or body hurts enough that the horse alters its gait to control the amount of load the affected limb has to bear.

What have we discovered thus far? Broken bone out of the equation. Abscess dismissed. The vet observed, pulled on her tail, examining her hind legs by moving and manipulating muscles and bones. Stifle.

That’s what we are dealing with. It’s her stifle! The stifle is designed for flexion and extension of the hind leg. It is the largest joint in the horse’s body and the site where the femur meets the tibia in the hind end. The vet looked to see if there were any evidences that this horse was kicked by another horse. There were none.

Now we know the lane we need to be on. As we turn onto this lane, the next step is to discern the difference between the horse’s hocks and stifle lameness. A horse with hock pain will usually point the leg and place it under the body more. A horse with stifle problems may be more apt to stand with the stifle joint rotated to the outside. This mare is reflecting hock more than stifle.

Daily this horse is being given some anti-inflammatory meds, undergoing hydrotherapy (which she absolutely welcomes), and an Epson salt poultice for muscle, joint, and hoof pain. One day at a time, and TIME is what she needs the most.

What about your walk?

Has life, disappointment, grief, rejection, misunderstanding left you with a limp -- a lameness? Take a deep breath. Relax, rest, and position yourself to receive love, forgiveness, and a new walk on a path of righteousness.

Your

256-426-7947

horsinaround188@gmail.com

The Alternative Approach Are You At Your Tipping Point?

by Roy Williams

NEWtritional Health

Care has been in business for almost 25 years, and God has blessed us in so many ways that I simply can’t express them in this short article. Over 50 years ago I got turned on to nutrients and the value they offer the people who are willing to make a consistent effort to add them to their diet. We are designed to eat two or three times a day, not only to satisfy hunger, but to help meet the nutritional needs for cellular reproduction.

Humans lose a billion skin cells a day, over a million digestive cells each hour, and will replace all soft cell tissue every year. Cells have a life span. When a single cell divides, each of those cells begins its life cycle. Just like the individual, each individual cell becomes damaged, weakens, and then dies and is discarded. Your body is in a constant challenge to manufacture new cells and is either balanced, making new cells just as fast as those that are dying or regressing, or losing more cells than it is manufacturing.

Manufacturing is the

specific word I choose to use in this description of cellular health. You may ask, how does your body manufacture new cells? In order to answer that question, I must address another question. What are cells made from? There are hundreds of cell types that make up our bodies. Skin cells are different than muscle cells. Stomach cells are different than brain cells, and reproductive cells are not the same as bone cells. So, that brings us back to the question, what are cells manufactured from?

With over 50 years of research in this field, I have discovered that each type of cell in the human body has specific nutritional needs. (Note - the definition of nutrition is the raw material your body needs so it can manufacture new cells to replace the damaged and dying ones.) As we age, we all come to what I call the tipping point. That is the point when your body is no longer manufacturing new cells as fast as you are losing them. As we reach the tipping point, the signs of aging become more and more apparent. Lower energy levels, weaker vision,

more aches and pains, reduced agility and range of motion, changes in hair color, less sexual energy, and skin damage. To one degree or another, all of this is due to our inability to manufacture new, healthy cells as fast as those dying. Osteo-arthritis is our inability to manufacture cartilage cells as fast as we are wearing the older cells out. Bone loss or osteoporosis is bone cells dying faster than you are manufacturing new, healthy bone cells. Thinning skin and weak fingernails happen when you are losing more skin cells than you are manufacturing.

All of those disorders and many others are simply nutritional deficiencies. This is due in large part to the foods we have been encouraged to eat, which do not contain even half the nutrients necessary to support the human body well enough to stop the regression. With a 50% deficiency of nutrients, we are slowly degenerating. Over time it begins to

show on the surface, but what may be even more devasting is what’s going on internally -- weakening of the circulatory system, less bone mineral density, and even a shrinking of brain matter, just to name a few.

All the medical profession and pharmaceutical industry has to offer are drugs and surgeries to treat the symptoms. Ever had your doctor tell you that you need to start taking supplements to reverse the causes of your disease? Do any of your doctors explain that the cause of your disorders are nutritional deficiencies? No, but they will almost always prescribe a drug to treat the symptoms. Please remember, not one cell of your body is dependent on a drug for survival. However, every one of the billions of cells that make up the human body are totally dependent on nutrients necessary to manufacture healthy cells throughout your body.

Knowing that almost all disease is a result of nutritional deficiencies, don’t you think that it is time to make supplementing a part of your everyday life? Most vitamins and minerals should be taken with food because when you eat, your body releases saliva and enzymes that help with absorption. For this reason, taking supplements when eating is ideal for maximum results.

To learn more, go by Herbs & More in Athens or NHC Herb Shop in Killen or go to our website at nhcherbs.com. It won’t be long before everyone will notice the improvements. WARNING: In a few weeks you may have more energy, look and feel younger, start getting better medical reports, need fewer meds, have less pain, and begin to get more done.

Your Friend in Health, Roy P Williams

Cooking

with Anna (continued from page 13)

Don’t Lose Your Control

by Anna Hamilton

choice. As Christians we are called to control the words that come out of our mouths. The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is absolutely untrue. Words can make deep cuts and wounds that sometimes never heal. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29) You, and only you, are in control of the words that come out of your mouth.

You can control your actions. Learning selfcontrol is a valuable lesson and one that takes time. Having self-control, learning to control your actions, keeps you from being a slave to the things of this world. Just think of the commercials that are shown on television. Every commercial is geared towards food, lust, money, things that can test our self-control. Having control of your actions is at the very heart of living a righteous life. The world around us is watching us as Christians to see how we will react when things happen in our lives. It is important we react in a way that always brings glory to God. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

You can control your manners. Most of us are taught to be polite from a very young age. Hold the door open for the person behind you, say yes ma’am and no sir, please and thank you. Somewhere along the way, our sense of manners is left by the wayside sometimes. Being a nice person goes a long way. For one, it makes you happier and for the most part, the people around you will response positively to your niceness. Colossians 3:12-14 says, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one

has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Good manners go a long way. You can control your effort. We are called to let our light shine for Christ in all that we do. No matter where your job maybe, always give the maximum effort because we are working hard to show others Christ. The Bible tells us the importance of a solid work ethic and giving our all in everything that we do. Colossians 3:23-24 tell us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” We are fully in control of how much effort we give in this life. Work hard, work like you are working for Christ.

Remember the things you can control. While the world may be on fire around you and everything seems to be working against you, keep in mind that you can control your attitude, your words, your actions, your manners, and your efforts. This week’s recipe is a yummy take on a classic cucumber salad. It’s summertime and fresh veggies are everywhere. This is a delicious way to use all of the wonderful vegetables of summer. Bring this to your next backyard BBQ and I promise, you won’t be taking home any leftovers.

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope— the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14)

“In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself.”

- Deepak Chopra

As I mentioned in a previous article, one of my biggest challenges is forgiveness. I used to be the queen of grudges…holding on to a perceived slight for years! And though I have come a long way in my self-awareness journey, I still find that my immediate response is to become resentful. It’s just so much easier to blame others for our hurting. Today I’m going to suggest to you that forgiveness is a process, not an act or immediate goal. It takes being able to understand the why of forgiving, which is accepting that forgiveness is for you and not for someone else.

Mental Health Minute

Forgiveness Counseling

by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor

There is a popular quote about forgiveness that I now take exception to: If you can’t forgive and forget, then pick one.” (James Brault) If we can forgive, we release those negative emotions, but what we forget through repression is still going to affect us. Forced forgetting teaches us to deny feelings attached to the person who needs to be forgiven. And in the long run, this will only create an unconscious resentment or anger toward the perpetrator.

Forgiveness counseling identifies the stages of forgiveness that you will work with, and through, to begin the treatment process:

1. Be specific about who and what needs to be forgiven. You need to be able to identify who has caused the negative emotional or physical attachment. Then, you can recognize the specific behavior that damaged you. Take a moment

to write it down and be specific. Try to separate the person from the behavior. This will help to change your perspective when you are trying to understand the situation. You are not looking for excuses, but rather for explanations.

2. Go ahead and feel the feelings. This is where you bring your emotions about the damaging behavior to the surface. Find a safe place to do this. You will be letting out your feelings in order to process and to release the toxins from your system. If you need to cry, do it. If you get angry, find a benign spot to let the anger out. (This is where a professional may need to intervene.)

3. Understand why forgiveness is a healthy option. You have most likely formed anxious and negative attachments to the one who has hurt you. This “cord” to the perpetrator is usually one of resent-

ment, hate, anger, bitterness, or even shame. When you sever this “cord of toxins,” you can feel liberated, lighter, and freer. Cutting the cord allows you to move forward toward the positives of life.

4. Rebuild safely. This means that you create clear boundaries, so that the person who damaged you cannot repeat the behavior. It takes courage to be able to forgive, because we open ourselves up to our vulnerabilities. Facing our emotions is difficult in the beginning, but in the end can be liberating. Forgiveness is a feeling, not a behavior.

So, it has to be authentic, for true healing to take place.

Many people are unable to handle personal problems of this type on their own. It helps to have a neutral party to focus on recognizing harmful patterns, address areas that require change, and navigate through the mind’s processing. A forgiveness-trained therapist will allow you to get your feelings out in the open to then work toward understanding and positive action. This type of therapist will actually serve as an extension of yourself. You can then place trust in the counselor to help you forgive and heal. This form of counseling is not nearly as important as finding someone whom you trust to share your intimate life details. Feeling connected to your therapist allows you to trust her advice, and know she has your best interests in mind.

Next step: Do you need to practice forgiveness so that you can move on with your life?

Lisa Philippart is a Licensed Professional Counselor whose practice is in Madison, Alabama