Athens Now 3-6-2020

March 6th - March 19th, 2020

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature Keep America Beautiful Awards Keep AthensLimestone Beautiful’s Lynne Hart with the National Nonprofit’s Professional Leadership Award...

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, presented...

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Terranova’s Italian Restaurant: Authentic Fare Just Off The Square

By Ali Elizabeth Turner When Dan Oliver was still a teenager, he got a job at Chi Chi’s, a high-end Mexican restaurant which was part of what was then the brand-new Madison Square Mall. He will be the first to tell Continued on page 15 One of Terranova's March dessert specials is Chef Annie's home grown and home-made blackberry cobbler topped with Mayfield vanilla ice cream

Save The Date: The Traditions Of Athens Interior Design Challenge Is Coming April 3!

Buzz Estes And “Fire In The Hole!”...

We as a community have just said goodbye to Buzz Estes, and it seemed at the mayor’s and my usual Monday morning “Ronnie” meeting that there was only one thing to do...

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Special Feature Athens Responders Embrace Community Outreach With Seat Belt Covers...

When first responders arrive at a motor vehicle accident, the scene can be chaotic, especially when...

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March 06 - March 19, 2020

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

HGTV's Chip and Pauli Wade are the celebrity judges for the Design Challenge

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On April 3 at 2 p.m., Emmy Award winner Chip Wade and his wife, Pauli Wade, both of whom are veteran celebrities Continued on page 17

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March 06 - March 19, 2020

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

You Can’t Keep A Good Praying Person Down

Graphic Design Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers D. A. Slinkard Lisa Philippart Cayce Lee Sandra Thompson Anna Hamilton Joel Allen Wanda Campbell Roy P Williams Amanda Winter Moore Nick Thomas Holly Hollman Leigh Patterson Maya Bronstein

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 NEW COLUMN . . . . . . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . 10 From The Vets' Museum . . . 11 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Health And Fitness . . . . . . 16 Cover Stories . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . 18 Special Feature . . . . . . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Alternative Approach . . . . 22

March 06 - March 19, 2020

Over the last several decades, we have seen a continual erosion of religious freedom, and that is especially true if your boss is the Jewish Carpenter. It used to be okay for football teams to take a knee before a game and ask God for protection for their team mates.

Nearly 50 years ago, when I was coming to the end of my high school education, public schools held what were called baccalaureate services which were for the senior class and their families. They were non-denominational, held in the school auditorium, had bulletins printed that could double in any church on any Sunday morning, and you were considered pretty lame if you didn’t attend. It was just all part of the rite of passage.

When the Jesus People Movement hit in the middle of my senior year, even the administration understood that what was occurring throughout our school was a phenomenon that needed guidance; and so we had an all-school assembly that was run by a musical group called the New Men. They were Christians, they were good musicians as well as speakers, and no one objected.

Obviously, these were long before the onset of

groups like the Freedom From Religion Foundation, who describe their activities as “critical work to promote nontheism and defend the constitutional separation between religion and government.” Their purpose falls apart at the get-go, seeing as there IS no “constitutional separation between religion and government,” but I digress. The point is, no one had a problem with

This week I was encouraged greatly by the stories of two “pray-ers.” One was a cop, the other had sung in subways to survive. One is a SRO in a school and has been there for years, the other was a contestant on American Idol who brought the judges to tears, and then

American Idol contestant Just Sam got permission to pray with judges Lionel Ritchie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan after her audition brought them all to tears

what happened at my school nearly a half century ago.

Since that time, and throughout time, people have tried to stop other people from praying. It really is a silly enterprise, seeing as no one can control what you do with your thoughts, but nevertheless, they try.

We think of Daniel being willing to outwardly pray three times a day, and he landed in a lions’ den as a punishment. He was spared, his accusers were

year standing at the flagpole. I don’t do it to be seen, but I do it to glorify my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To God be the glory!” You would think that non-theists would just ignore the guy who is praying at the flagpole for the safety of children.

After all, if no one is listening, couldn’t his gestures on some level be seen as kind of sweet?

not. In terms of the long game, it never goes well for those that feel there is no God, and don’t want anyone else to, either.

At the end of the day, an argument for the healthy benefits of prayer might just serve to strengthen those who have become intimidated out of praying by those who would try to control them.

Harvard University, the Huffington Post, the University of Pennsylvania, and many more established institutions all talk about the benefits of prayer for one’s total health. If it’s been awhile, start back up.

You’ll be in the majority, as one study showed that a full 85% of all Americans prayed in the last week. It may be that while it might be beneficial to some to be freed from religion, it will never hurt to run toward God in prayer.

© ABC Television

Jonathan Hamilton

asked if she could pray for them after she was finished singing. They readily agreed, these judges, and they happen to be well known. Their names are Lionel Ritchie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryant, and yes, Katy Perry seemed to enjoy herself.

The cop volunteered for the SRO gig after innocent children were shot and killed at schools. He humbly says, “I’ve been praying for the students ever since I started being a SRO, but I started last

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

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All Things Soldier

Solid Start

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

I am not a veteran, however, when I got home from living in a combat zone for three years, I found myself encountering many of the emotional things experienced by veterans. Because I was never in the middle of a firefight, and never actually saw bloodshed, I was spared a lot of trauma. In essence, I heard the war. Granted, it was close, it was loud, and incoming mortar or Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) necessitated getting into a bunker on several occasions and at times sleeping in my Kevlar and wearing it for days.

I found when I got past the initial, intense relief of being back home that I really didn’t feel much like talking, and those of you who know me well would probably roll their eyes at the idea of me being quiet for any length of time. I was hyper-vigilant, “head on a swivel,” always wanting a seat in the restaurant that was against the wall and with a view of the entry, would hit the ground at loud sounds such as someone dropping the lid to the dumpster behind McDonald’s on Hwy 31 in Athens.

I was frustrated that combat parking ( being able to pull out quickly rather than back up) in the Publix parking lot was virtually impossible, and on one occasion when a friend was driving us to a trail ride on horseback, I rolled into a ball at the sight of a soda can in the middle of the road. It could have been an IED.

ous, and are shared by many. I was blessed to have a strong support system; my faith was invaluable; throwing my energy into writing was a crucial part of re-entry; and for all of it I am entirely grateful.

It made me stronger.

However, many others have suffered greatly, some falling prey to substances or prescription medications, and some have taken their lives. Therefore, it gives me great joy to let readers of Athens Now know that the Veterans’ Administration has really stepped up with a new support program for vets that have transitioned out of the military in the last year.

It’s called Solid Start; it was just rolled out in December, and the concept is quite simple. The VA is now staffed such that veterans who have recently separated from the armed services can expect phone calls and more in an outreach project to essentially check on them, see how they are doing, make sure they are aware of the services that are available to

them, and get them connected to the hotlines that deal with vets struggling with suicide. Here is what the newly-formed service has to say about what they have to offer: Newly separated service members can expect three calls from qualified Solid Start representatives over post-separation, so make sure your contact information is up to date in eBenefits. Save 1-800-827-0611 as the contact for VA Solid Start in your phone now, and when you see VA calling

VA Solid Start representatives will not ask you for financial information and will only discuss topics you are comfortable with. Remember that phone scammers often target Veterans, so always be vigilant and protect your financial information when talking to someone you don’t know over the phone.

If you need support for a specific mental health problem—or if you’re having problems sleeping, controlling your

anger, or readjusting to civilian life—you are not alone. And we can help.

You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care. To access free VA mental health services right away: Call or walk in to any VA medical center—anytime, day or night.

Call or walk in to any Vet Center during clinic hours.

Call us at 1-877-222VETS (1-877-222-8387), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

(ET). If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 1-800877-8339.

There are no words to describe how glad I am that this simple and crucial service has been organized to serve those who have served and have paid a high price in every way to do so to keep us safe. I strongly urge you, if you are a vet or know one who is in need of these services, please avail yourself of them so we can well honor the ones who have laid down their lives for us.

Those kinds of memories have now become humor-

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- take the call!

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March 06 - March 19, 2020

Special Feature

Keep America Beautiful Awards Keep AthensLimestone Beautiful’s Lynne Hart with the National Nonprofit’s Professional Leadership Award

by Maya Bronstein, Keep America Beautiful

Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Executive Coordinator Receives National Award During Keep America Beautiful National Conference in Memphis Keep America Beautiful®, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, presented Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful (KALB) Executive Coordinator Lynne Hart with the Sue Smith Professional Leadership Award for her work leading KALB over the past 20 years. The award, named in honor of the former director of education of Keep America Beautiful, was presented at the Keep America Beautiful National Awards Ceremony, which recently took place during the Keep America Beautiful National Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.

Under Hart's leadership, several programs have been launched and continue to flourish. The Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup®, which includes the annual Trash Attack and Waterway Cleanup and #OneBagChallenge, is a

strong, annual event with growing participation and results. Through two Cigarette Litter Prevention Program grants from Keep America Beautiful, Hart added ash receptacles on trails and in the downtown area of Athens.

And KALB’s Earth Day & Outdoor Expo has grown every year over the past decade.

“In the 20 years since joining KALB, Hart has become the heart of the organization and a vital member of the community,” said Keep America Beautiful President and CEO Helen Lowman. “Lynne truly loves what her organization stands for. She has been, above all, persistent in working toward the things she believes in and the ideals of Keep America Beautiful.”

Over the years, Hart has utilized Waste in Place®, the Keep America Beautiful educational curricula, and has created several educational

programs to teach preschool through 6th grade students lessons about litter, recycling, and environmental stewardship.

Lynne welcomes invitations into classrooms throughout Athens and Limestone County. She has also developed strong relationships with city and county leadership, several community groups, and local businesses, many of which provide sponsorship support and volunteers. Through her role, volunteerism has increased considerably, and the community has seen a significant change in attitudes about litter and recycling.

Hart has also received other local recognition, such as being named the 2014 Chamber Public Servant of the Year and the 2016 Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association Helping Hands Award recipient, as well as accepting a Main Street Alabama 2013 Community Award.

Lynne Hart, Executive Coordinator of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful

Hart was one of more than 80 individuals and organizations from communities across America to receive national recognition. The Keep America Beautiful National Awards celebrate the work of its more than 600 community-based affiliates, millions of volunteers and participants, and corporate and community partners for their commitment and passion to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities.

About Keep America Beautiful

L to R: Sue Smith, Retired Director of Education for KAB; Helen Lowman, KAB President and CEO; and Lynne Hart, Executive Coordinator of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful

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Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify

their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to End Littering, Improve Recycling and Beautify America’s Communities.

We believe everyone has a right to live in a clean, green and beautiful community, and shares a responsibility to contribute to that vision.

The organization is driven by the work and passion of more than 600 Keep America Beautiful affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the collaborative support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.

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Calendar of Events Houston Memorial Library and Museum WINTER HOURS

101 North Houston Street in Athens. Tue - Thurs 10am-4pm • Fri 10am-1pm • First Saturdays - 10am-1pm. Antiques mingle with new book releases to create an inviting atmosphere for both book lovers and historians alike. We have all genres for all ages! The Governor's home displays local history while maintaining a fully functioning lending library. We invite you to stop by for a visit. 256-233-8770.

Front Porch Friday: Michael Honea March 6

The Warten House B&B. 121 North Jefferson Street in Athens.

7:00PM-10:00PM. Free and open to all. Bring a snack to share with others and BYOB and a lawn chair.

March Cruise In on the Square March 7

Downtown Athens. 6:00PM-9:00PM. No judging, no trophies-just show and shine; enjoy the shops and eateries around the Square. All cars, trucks, and bikes welcome.

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association's Monthly Meeting March 10

Athens-Limestone County Public Library on Jefferson Street in Athens. The Gettin' Dirty at the Library presentation will be from 11:00-12:00, "Wetland Ecosystems" by Karen Malone, MG. A social time is at 12:30, followed by our business meeting from 1:00-2:30. The public is always welcome. Call 256-7772145 for more information.

Athena Performing Art Series: The Decoys and The Muscle Shoals Horns March 12

Athens Performing Art Center (APAC) at Athens High School.

655 U.S. Highway 31N in Athens. 7:00PM. Tickets are $10.00 each for students; $20.00 or $30.00 for Adults. For more information and tickets: Athens City School Foundation

12:00PM. KALB invites individual families, businesses, groups, and organizations to help attack trash in Limestone County. Three meetup locations: Boat Launch on Hatchery Road off of Highway 99 in West Limestone; Big Spring Memorial Park (Duck Pond) in Athens; Jones Drugs Parking Lot in Ardmore. Other locations to be added based on registration. Register by calling 256-233-8000 or emailing KALBCares@gmail.com and provide the location you will check in to help ensure supplies and refreshment quantities.

Dressed for the weather, sturdy shoes and boots that can get dirty, bring your own gloves if possible, sun screen and insect repellant suggested.

Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge March 14

Athens Middle School. 100 U.S. Highway 31N in Athens.

10:00AM-2:00PM with fun and games for the children.

Opportunities to taste chili from 20 local chili competitors, bid on silent auction items and shop the "Browse and Buy" section. Lunch served at 11:00AM (No takeout). Tickets: $10.00 ages 10 and under Free. Info: 256-232-5017

Eli's Block Party Car Show & Cruise-In March 21

Bethel Church of Christ. 26772 Capshaw Road in Athens.

9:00AM-2:00PM with all makes and models welcome - plus off-road, trucks and bikes. Enter one of 20 judged categories for trophies or choose Cruise-In parking to join the fun including MOPAR Muscle, Sponsor's Choice, our Headlight Hero's favorite. $20.00 for judged, $10.00 for Cruise-in.

Vendors, demonstration, Smokin' Box BBQ, 50/50 drawing, tire toss competition. Spectators free. elisblockparty.org

With Learn-To-Read in the cafeteria of the Athens Middle School. 100 U.S. Highway 31N in Athens. Local teams competing for bragging rights starting at 10:00AM. Monies raised benefit Learn-To-Read programs in Limestone County.

Free to spectators.

28th Annual Poke Sallet Follies: Back to the Follies March 12 - 14

Athens Senior Center. 912 West Pryor Street in Athens. A night full of skits, music, and comedy featuring the talents of local officials, first responders, and local citizens with dinner at 7:00PM and show starting at 8:00PM.

2020 River Clean Up and Trash Attack March 14

With Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful from 8:00AMPage 6

25th Annual Corporate Spelling Bee March 21

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IT'S TIME AGAIN!!!

VVA Spaghetti Day 3rd Monday Of Each Month March 16

Vietnam Veterans' Museum. 17915 W. Elm St. in Athens. Supports college scholarships for local high school students. Eat in or take out. Cost is $8 a person, $4 for children under 12. Call ahead for large groups or take-outs. 256-431-3213.

March 06 - March 19, 2020

Amanda, Absolutely!

Gold Star Children, Then And Now

by Amanda Winter Moore

Athens Now is pleased to welcome Amanda Winter Moore to our writing crew!

It’s a privilege for me to share a part of my journey with you. Before I can do that, however, I need to share with you a part of someone else’s journey.

Had his story been written differently, I am sure that he would be seated amongst us tonight, participating in the endeavors here. As a career Marine, he had dedicated his life to the service of others.

He strived to make a difference in the world, here and abroad. He loved God, he loved his family, he loved his country, and he loved the Marine Corps.

For those things in which he believed, he possessed a sense of duty and a willingness to sacrifice. He found his calling in life as a United States Marine and was undeterred by the job’s inherent dangers.

He knew that he might one day be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice in the giving of his life for his country.

peace. The country of Lebanon was in the middle of a bloody civil war and there was no end in sight. It was believed that the presence of the Marines in Beirut could make a difference for the country of Lebanon, helping it to restore peace by providing the structure and stability necessary for fighting to cease and for the Lebanese government to reunite and rebuild. Their presence, however, was not welcomed by all. The Marines became the targets of militia groups who opposed their presence in Beirut. Yet they remained, unwavering, and determined to make a difference.

I’m proud to say that I inherited some of my dad’s desire to make a difference in the world around me. I fall into a unique demographic of people who comprise our nation’s population of adult Gold Star Children. Today’s younger Gold Star Children

are blessed to have a multitude of resources available to them to help them cope with grief, to facilitate healing, and to allow them to network with others who share similar losses.

The Semper Fi Community Task Force of North Alabama is one such resource.

Through their efforts, Gold Star Children are afforded the opportunity to participate in healing activities, such as the annual Fishing Derby where they can fish and enjoy time spent in the company of other Gold Star Children and their families.

The committed members of the Task Force, with much love and compassion, graciously volunteer their time and talents at the event.

My family and I were privileged to be able to attend the most recent Fishing Derby which took place last September. My children, as Gold Star Grandchildren, are somewhat

Ladies and gentlemen, that call came on October 23, 1983, in war-torn Beirut, Lebanon, when a suicide bomber detonated a truck bomb in the lobby of the building that served as the barracks for the Marines in Beirut. And on that day, this Marine and two hundred and forty others there with him answered that call. Far away from the land and the family that he loved so much, my dad, Major William Ellis Winter, gave his life in the name of peace.

You see, the mission of the Marines in Beirut at that time was one of

March 06 - March 19, 2020

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removed from the sense of loss that stems from their grandfather’s death. Make no mistake, however, his absence from their lives is felt by them. We frequently participate in remembrance events together, and I knew that we would enjoy an afternoon spent fishing. I remember watching as one of my daughters struggled with the fish she had just caught. I had split my time that afternoon between all my children, and for that reason, I had not had the opportunity to meet the kind gentleman who was helping her remove the fish from the hook. I was struck by his presence, however, and suspected he was a Marine. When Mr. David Bonwit turned around to greet me, the Marine Corps emblem embroidered on his shirt confirmed what I had already known. He was, indeed, a Marine. Something else stuck out in my mind

about this man, and when I asked his age, he confirmed another of my suspicions: He was the same number of years in age that my dad would have been had he had not been killed in Beirut. I was excited to share this knowledge with my children. It is significant for us because in our mind’s eye and in the pictures that we have of my dad, he is frozen in time as a young man. What an awesome opportunity for us to have Mr. Bonwit filling in as a representation of their Granddaddy Bill.

The resources available to today’s Gold Star Children weren’t readily available to my generation. The journey to coping and healing was one that we took on our own. For me, the path has not always been an easy one to traverse. Yet I remain on the path, unwavering and determined to see its end. My hope is that I can help clear the way for others coming behind me, today’s Gold Star Children and tomorrow’s as well. I hope to make a difference by being a source of encouragement and strength for those whose journey is just beginning or for those who are struggling along their journey. I am thankful for this opportunity that has been so graciously given to me by the Semper Fi Community Task Force. Being allowed to share a part of my story with you is instrumental to healing.

May we all endeavor to make a difference in the world around us. Thank you.

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Buzz Estes And “Fire In The Hole!”

by Ali Elizabeth Turner We as a community have just said goodbye to Buzz Estes, and it seemed at the mayor’s and my usual Monday morning “Ronnie” meeting that there was only one thing to do.

And that was to have our own campfire around the table in the mayor’s office and tell “Buzz stories.”

For those of you who are “not from around here,” Buzz Estes was the epitome of our city’s logo/tag: Classic. Southern. Character. “He was most definitely a character,” said Mayor Ronnie, and I knew he meant it with affection.

Passing away at the age of almost 80, Buzz was one of my favorite people in Athens, and when I took on the oftdaunting task of producing Athens Now, he was one of my biggest cheerleaders. Buzz was a historian; a believer; a business owner; a lover of God, America, Israel, people, and his darling native Athens. Buzz was deeply committed to justice for all from the standpoint of the Constitution and not social engineering, and he was also hilarious. Mayor Marks summed it up so well with the following compliment: “He was always

there.” By that, the mayor meant Buzz was faithful to staying connected to our town and to showing up consistently. He was small of stature, but his presence was always felt.

I miss him.

cal cemetery strolls, was decked out for the part in his Confederate uniform.

He was carrying what I understand to have been an antique musket which still worked just fine.

There were too many Buzz stories to tell, but seeing as this column is entitled What Makes Ronnie Roll, it only seemed proper to defer to the mayor’s favorite, and it is a doozey. Here goes, as

Buzz Estes "in character" at the Athens Cemetery stroll. he told it to me: “Years ago, before all things firearms became politically incorrect in many parts of our fair land, Buzz was functioning as a tour guide for a bus full of tourists ‘from

Buzz didn't like the fact that the "Jesus windows" at First Presbyterian church didn't get as much available light as the others, so he installed what he called "Jesus light" behind both windows so that our Savior's face was always easily seen at all times up North,’” as the mayor described it with his own native drawl. “Buzz, a most active member of

the Hobbs Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, as well as the ‘chief Character’ for the histori-

“Buzz had gathered the group of tourists in the lovely garden which is located on Jefferson between the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church and the Rogers Center, and the building which houses the offices of Athens City Attorney Shane Black are most definitely within “earshot.” Shane was upstairs working on something related to a case when he heard right below him, “Fire in the hole!” Then the windows rattled within an inch of their life. Everyone in the building was understandably in a dither, and Shane rushed downstairs to see what the heck was going on. But Buzz wasn’t finished. “Fire in the hole” was hollered a second time followed by a deafening musket blast, and for a moment it appeared that Buzz was fixin’ to let a Northerner take the next shot! I am not sure if Shane remonstrated his elder or not, but the story is forever a part of our lore and legacy.

Oh, I laughed, and wished I could have seen it for myself. That being said, dear Buzz, we are going to have to wait ‘til we see you again and let you tell it for yourself. Until then, breathe easy, dear brother, and know that you are sorely missed!

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March 06 - March 19, 2020

Slinkard On Success

What’s Holding You Back?

by D. A. Slinkard

If I could tell you how to achieve everything in life that you wanted to achieve, would I have your attention? Obviously I do, as you’re on to sentence number two, and this article is going to be about getting the things in life you want.

Sometimes we get what we didn’t want because we weren’t clear enough on what our actions should be to obtain our heart’s desire.

of the world combined.

Too often in life we have bad things happen to good people all because of their inability to act fast enough. Businesses go under because they cannot sell products fast enough in quantities great enough to keep the creditors at bay. Success in life is all about taking the right action to achieve that which is important to us.

Now, I want you to picture a rudder on a boat, and if that rudder becomes lost while out in the Tennessee River, the boat begins cir-

This is not an article bashing the 1%, because honestly who wouldn’t want to be in that category of financial wealth? Regardless though, the secret to separating yourself from the 95% walking around without a purpose is to learn how to find your purpose through this article. I want you to think about your life and the energy it takes to make it through each day.

cling around. Eventually you’re going to run out of fuel. But keep in mind you had enough energy (fuel) to get back to shore; however, because your rudder (purpose) was lost, you didn’t obtain success.

Your boat and your life were just going in circles.

results you’ve always gotten. Here we go:

What you need to do to find your “definite purpose” in life begins by answering the following four questions. Your answers should be deliberate and with a purpose because otherwise you’re doing the same thing you’ve always done, and you’re gonna get the same

4.) Create an accountability group of like-minded individuals, which is also known as a “mastermind” group, to help you achieve your goals.

I’m going to ask you, “What is it that you are wanting to achieve with your life?” Go ahead and think about this one question and really dig deep for your answer. Now, with the answer firmly in your mind, I want to ask you, “What has been holding you back from achieving your desired outcome?”

2.) Write out a clear statement of this purpose.

3.) Write a plan for how you will obtain your purpose.

You have two options when it comes to answering these questions: You can fly through them and see how quickly you com-

You want to write the answer to the first question and keep it in a place you can see it every day. You will need daily affirmation of what your purpose is to help achieve it. You will want to utilize your mastermind group to help you stay on course. You want to allow them to be your rudder when yours gets lost along the journey. You will find your true self when you find your definite purpose and in doing so will separate yourself from the other 95%.

Studies from the Napoleon Hill Institute suggest that 95% of the world’s population is comprised of people walking around in life with no purpose. I was taken aback by this number, but then it made sense why the richest 1% of the world holds as much wealth as the rest

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1.) Decide on your definite purpose in life.

plete the assignment, which will have you walking away feeling much the same way you did prior to the exercise.

You’ll rush through it and miss the entire purpose, seeing no benefit.

Or the alternative way to handle this which is to take some time to really reflect upon the questions and be sincere in answering them. I say sincere because, after all, this is your future self you are writing this for. This exercise is for who you will become, not for who you are at this very moment.

The hardest part is truly finding what that definite purpose in life is because we have too many external factors that dictate what we think we should be going after. Your definite purpose in life only holds meaning for you. It holds no weight for your parents, for your spouse, for your brother or sister, just you. Be honest with yourself when you write out the answers to these questions.

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Tourism

March is Revving Things Up in Athens-Limestone AL

by Cayce Lee Social Media Specialist, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association Spring is approaching and soon the flowers will bud and bloom, the birds will fill the air with song, and the urge to be outside will overtake young and old. The following are just some highlights from our constantly growing events calendar, so find complete details the events and more at VisitAthensAL.com/event-calendar.

Just a reminder…

Spring forward March 8… and add some time to your travel that week.

Remember to change your smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detector batteries. Rotate free water, perishable supplies, and dated medicines in your first aid kits.

Rev it up and polish the chrome…

March marks the return of the Cruise-Ins on the Square; so polish up the chrome and roll in or bring the family and stroll the cars on the 7th…Another community favorite is coming -- Eli’s Block Party Car Show and Cruise-In happens March 21 at a new venue, Bethel Church of Christ at 26772 Capshaw Road in Athens.

Spelling for a cause…

Everyone’s invited to come cheer on the teams for the 25th Annual Corporate Spelling Bee benefiting the Learn-ToRead Council of Athens and Limestone County.

The Spelling Bee will be in the cafeteria of the Athens Middle School (the former high school) at 10 a.m. on March 21.

Strumming up fun…

The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention Concert Series returns to McCandless Hall with Sierra Hull and Justin Moses on March 5. Front Porch Friday returns to the Warten House on March 6. Yesterday’s

Event Center brings back their evening dinner shows on March 21. Be sure to check our calendar for local venues featuring live music.

Dust off your garden gloves…

Enjoy Getting Dirty at the Library with the Limestone County Master Gardeners as they talk Wetland Ecosystems on March 10. North Alabama Commercial Fruit Meeting will be meeting with the Alabama Extension Services on March 24.

Hope you have an appetite…

North Alabama Elite Wrestling is fundraising to help some of the wrestlers go to AAU Spring Nationals; so you can lend your appetites to the cause on March 10.

There’s Swamp John’s at Round Island Baptist Church on March 15.

On March 16, it’s your choice of lunch, din-

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ner, or both with the Vietnam Veterans of America’s Spaghetti Day fundraiser for college scholarships for local high school seniors.

City of Athens Relay for Life Steak Sandwich Fundraiser is March 27.

Limestone County Foster and Adoptive Parent Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser is also the 27th.

Hippity-Hoppity…

Easter may fall on April 12, but the egg hunts are starting to roll in – so be sure to check our calendar for the most up-todate list.

Welcome neighbors…

Congratulations to Dr. Wendy Rosenbek, Dr. Catherine Rice, and their staff on their new home at 25547 Main Street in Ardmore, TN. The new facility had a ribbon cutting on February 22 and flung open the doors to the public to tour and meet the doctors and staff.

March 06 - March 19, 2020

From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Welcome Home, Vietnam Veterans!

by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum

On Thursday, March 26, we will be honoring our Vietnam veterans with a special program at our museum.

Our guest speaker is Frank Grose who had a diverse 22-year career in the Army. He is a Master Army Aviator with 3500 hours, having flown CH-47 Chinooks in Vietnam, Korea, Fort Campbell, and Fort Rucker. The latter portion of his career was spent in research and development positions at Fort Rucker, Korea,

and Huntsville, supporting UH-60 Black Hawk system testing, security assistance management, and strategic missile defense. He retired in 1988, at the rank of major.

include the Air Medal with Valor and 28 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Legion of Merit.

During Frank’s 29-year post-military career as a defense contractor, he worked orbital space programs, supported the Missile Defense Agency with interceptor testing, and taught aerospace modeling and analysis techniques to members of the defense community. His military awards

Frank and his wife, Wanda, have been residents of the Athens area since 1986. Their three sons live in the area, and all work in the defense industry. Frank maintains contact with several of his fellow veterans from his unit in Vietnam, and enjoys attending their annual re-

unions.

Please plan to join us for this program and

lunch. For more info or to RSVP, call 256-7717578.

Press Release

Athens-Limestone Tourism Partners With Athens Lions Club to Celebrate National Save Your Vision Month with Eyeglasses Collection

by Cayce Lee Social Media Specialist, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association Our vision is often something we take for granted. Being able to see the world around us – the birds in the trees, the flowers in the fields, the smiling faces across the table and pages of a book – we just enjoy the gift of sight until something changes and those things we once saw easily before have become blurred or worse vignetted by shadow. That’s why the American Optometric Association created National Save Your Sight Month in March to raise awareness of the importance of eye checkups; and to celebrate, Athens-Limestone Tourism

March 06 - March 19, 2020

has partnered with Athens Lions Club to collect old prescription glasses, sunglasses, and over-thecounter readers and help give the gift to sight to Alabamians in need through the Lions Vision Program.

Friday.

“You might be surprised how many calls we get at the Athens-Limestone

During the month of March, everyone is invited to gather up their old prescription glasses, readers, and even old sunglasses and drop them off through March 31 at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center at 100 North Beaty Street in Athens from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through

Visitors Center from our citizens seeking help getting glasses. We’ve reached out to the Athens Lions Club to help these citizens, and the glasses collection during the month of March and Save Your Vision Month makes a lot of sense,” says Cayce Lee, Social Media Specialist for Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association.

First Vice President of the Athens Alabama Lions Club John Nazarchyk said of the Lions Vision Project, “The glasses we collect here are taken to

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Moody, Alabama, and processed; and their prescription strengths are determined so they can be distributed as needed to those who need help throughout Alabama.”

For questions about the Lions Vision Project, how to become a Lions member, or other Lions Programs, contact John Nazarchyk at 256-2300208. For more information about volunteering at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center or other upcoming planned collection events, contact Cayce Lee at the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center at 256-232-5411.

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Clean and Green

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Coming This Month!

by Leigh Patterson, KALB Office Manager Spring is just around the corner and for many people this means it is time for spring cleaning. Now is a great time to clean out and gather up all of your household cleaners, household chemicals, old paint, lawn and garden chemicals, or other items that you may have been storing for years. Our collection offers you an opportunity to rid your home of potentially dangerous items and to properly dispose of them once and for all!

KALB would like to cordially invite all Limestone County residents to our 2020 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event. This event will be held on Saturday, March 28 from 8:00 a.m. to noon in the Athens Middle School north parking lot (between the school and the football stadium), located at 100 US Hwy 31 in Athens. The gates will close at noon sharp, so be sure to arrive in plenty of time. Volunteers will be on site to provide traffic direction in the parking lot and to help unload vehicles. Please note, this event is for LIMESTONE COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY. Examples of (including but not limited to) acceptable household hazardous waste items: • Paint (spray paint, liquid paint) and paint related products such as mineral spirits, turpentine, furniture strippers, paint removers, stains • Automotive products

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such as transmission and brake fluid, anti-freeze, gasoline • Lawn and garden poisons such as weed killers, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, rodent poisons, roach and flea powder • Household cleaners and chemicals such as oven and toilet cleaners, disinfectants, drain cleaners, rug shampoo, polishes, ammonia, bleach-based products, pool chemicals Items Not Accepted: We cannot accept explosives, medical waste, biological waste, or radioactive materials.

If you have an item that you are unsure about, please contact us and we will get an answer for you.

Why This Event Is Important: There has been no appropriate way to dis-

pose of household hazardous wastes properly in Limestone County for many years. These items, when placed in the garbage, burned, or poured down the sink or storm drains are very harmful to our environment. Collectively they pollute our ground water, our soil, and our air. Many people have admitted to disposing of these items improperly because there has been no proper way offered to them for disposal.

This collection offers everyone in Limestone County a proper way to dispose of these items.

We, at KALB, are excited and grateful to be able to provide this collection event to our city and county residents. Without the support of the businesses and organizations listed below, this collection would not

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take place. We would like to thank the following for their partnership and support in making this much needed event happen: • Solid Waste Authority of Limestone County • Limestone County Commission and Commission Chairman Collin Daly • Athens City Council and Mayor Ronnie Marks • Huntsville-Madison County Solid Waste Disposal Authority

sion • Athens Lowe’s Please feel free to contact KALB with any questions you may have. If we don’t have the answer, we can find one for you!

For information on our upcoming Trash Attack event or our Earth Day event, please visit the Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Facebook page, email us, or give us a call.

• Mayor’s Youth Commis-

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com March 06 - March 19, 2020

Cooking with Anna

Betrayed

by Anna Hamilton

Have you ever felt betrayed?

Most of us have had someone in our lives betray our trust.

Someone that we loved and held in high regard did not live up to our hopes or expectations. They were unfaithful in guarding our deepest feelings.

Have you every betrayed anyone? Have you been the one to hurt your loved ones deepest feelings? Maybe you told a secret you were to keep close. Maybe you did not live up to the expectations of your loved ones.

I have been betrayed, but not in the traditional sense. You see, I have been betrayed by my own body. What is expected of my body, what I am supposed to be able to do as a woman, what I have dreamed of for myself will not happen for me. My body has disappointed the hopes and expectations I had for myself; I have been disloyal to the dreams I had as a young woman.

When you betray yourself, it is sometimes easy to hide. No one else has to know of your betrayal. No one else has to suffer the pain or embarrassment of not being able to live up to the expectations you have set for yourself. So, if you are like me you start to internalize: “Why am I unable to get pregnant? Maybe I would be a bad mother.

I am a disappointment to my husband. Taking care of myself doesn’t really matter; my body doesn’t work anyway.”

I have said all of these things to myself. I have chewed on them and let them fester in my soul. The depth of my betrayal cut deep.

If I am unable to be a mother, how would I define myself? I had dreamed of being a mother ever since I was a child, but my body would not allow that dream to come true. a How do you see past the betrayal? How do you not let that define your life? You must learn to love and trust yourself again. Just because you may not be able to do the things you dreamed for your

life doesn’t mean you are a disappointment, it just means that there is something better waiting for you. The Lord takes care of his children. In Luke 11:11-13, the Bible speaks of God’s love for his children. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” We hold on to dreams that sometimes weren’t ours to dream. The Lord has greater things planned for our lives than we can even begin to imagine when we learn to put our hopes and trust in Him. I have come to terms that I will never give birth to my children. I will have to become a mother in another way. I have started working on myself to become more physically and mentally healthy. Becoming a healthier person will allow me to enjoy my life in a deeper sense. I am still not sure of the path the Lord is leading me and my husband down, but I know that He will guide me all along the way and He will not fail us. I know God has plans for our lives that I cannot comprehend yet and am looking towards the bright future and not backwards. My husband gave me a journal a few years ago and on the front it said, “Don’t look back---you’re not going that way.”

Such simple words that have such weight! Keep pressing forward; don’t look to the past. Our future is bright!

This week’s recipe is a hug in a bowl. Here in Alabama, we seems to be stuck in a rainy, cold weather pattern. It’s been like a merrygo-round of weather that we haven’t been able to stop. On those cold rainy nights, a big bowl of comforting soup will be sure to fill your family’s tummies. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11

Cauliflower and Bacon Soup Ingredients: 8 slices of bacon 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 (12oz) pkg. frozen cauliflower, thawed 3 cups chicken broth 1 tsp Italian seasoning 1 cup heavy cream 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1 green onion chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook bacon in a large soup pot until crisp. Drain, reserving 2 Tbsp. drippings in pot. Crumble bacon.

Add garlic to pot; sauté for 1 minute. Add cauliflower, broth, seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Take soup and blend in blender to puree. You may need to do this in two batches. If you have an immersion blender, March 06 - March 19, 2020

there will be no need to transfer soup to a blender to puree.

Once smooth, return to soup pot and stir in cream and cheese.

Cook until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.

Top each bowl with bacon and green onion. Enjoy!

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March 06 - March 19, 2020

Cover Story

Terranova’s Italian Restaurant: Authentic Fare Just Off The Square

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

sliced. Then it is dredged or covered in wheat flour and sautéed in various reduction sauces. “Scallopa” is Italian for “envelope”; the idea is the flour envelopes the meat before it is sautéed. They serve a traditional veal scallopini at the Huntsville location, and a chicken version at Athens. In addition, there are familiar favorites such as spaghetti and lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, as well as more complicated chicken or rib eye Marsala, and eggplant Parme-

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you that he never planned on becoming a restaurateur. A “restaurateur” is defined by Wiki as “a person who opens and runs restaurants professionally.

Although over time the term has come to describe any person who owns a restaurant, traditionally it refers to a highly skilled professional who is proficient in all aspects of the restaurant business.” That is what occurred over the next eight years, as Dan learned every aspect of the restaurant business from the inside out. With a chuckle he will tell you that he has been in the restaurant business so long that he “was a waiter at the Last Supper.”

Dan has managed outlets with such familiar names as Olive Garden and Ruby Tuesday’s (where he met his wife of 23 years, Kami), and in the years he was with Olive Garden, he learned the nuanced art of authentic Italian cooking. At the time, there were only 21 Olive Garden restaurants in the country, and everything was made from scratch. So he learned what made Italian food so popular, and then he made it his own. They were also kind enough to pay for Dan’s college education.

He has a degree in business from Athens State University, a Master’s in Business and Economics from Alabama A & M, and he teaches Economics at Faulkner University, in between owning and managing two thriving restaurants.

Much of perfecting Dan’s recipes came through trial and error, and he will tell

March 06 - March 19, 2020

you that it is usually just one ingredient that will set a particular dish apart and make it memorable. The years of experimentation and an intense perfecting process have led to the two locations of Terranova’s -- one in Huntsville and one in Athens located right next door to U. G. White’s at 105 Jefferson Street. However, there is more to being a restaurateur than creating great food. When you walk into Terranova’s, you can tell that the staff wants to be there, they are glad to see you, and they enjoy each other. Most importantly, Dan clearly likes working with his crew, and in my opinion, all of that serves to make the food taste better. He buys fresh and local as much as possible, and for example, gets his green tomatoes and eggplants from the Amish.

I asked Dan if he had a favorite dish to cook, and while it was tough to narrow it down, it was scaloppini, properly spelled, “scallopine.” Scaloppini is served in many forms.

The meat is most often beef, veal, or chicken, and is thinly

the “Tour” has been highly successful. Terranova’s also offers whole-wheat pasta as well as gluten-free pasta with several of their entrées.

recipe for chocolate mousse pie.

Then there are the desserts.

Of course, any Italian restau-

• Entrée - Creamy basil and spinach pesto tossed with penne pasta

Terranova’s always features monthly specials, and for March they include:

• Appetizer - Toasted ravioli with a side of marinara • Soup - Broccoli and potato with extra sharp cheddar • Desserts - Chef Katie's homemade chess squares and Chef Annie's homegrown and home-made blackberry cobbler with Mayfield vanilla ice cream One of the other charming features of Terranova’s in Athens would be the antiques. Dan was able to get doors and windows from old churches in Alexandria, Egypt, and some of the church artifacts are from Europe and are hundreds of years old. There are also lovely black and white photos of historical sites in Athens.

san.

Every type of pasta you could want is available in abundance -- manicotti, cannelloni, bow tie -- expertly stuffed with cheese or covered in an authentic sauce of one’s choosing. Terranova’s is famous for its corn crab soup, and also features entrée salads which include chicken or salmon. The homemade bread is delivered to the table with a blended oil and herb mix that is part of their legend, as is the wine trio tasting called the Tour of Italy. For $5, you get a 2 oz. pour of a custom selected Italian wine, and

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rant worth its salt is going to have tiramisu, and Terranova’s is described as, “Layers of lady fingers soaked in our coffee mixture, layered with strawberries and creamy mascarpone cheese.” The Italian cream pie is described as “Heavenly Italian cream layered between caramelized pecans and coconut, topped with freshly made caramel, all in a graham cracker crust.”

The cannoli comes in twos, which are covered in chocolate and filled with a sweet creamy filling. They also have other desserts that are not Italian, but are by popular demand, such as Dan’s secret

All of it comes together in Terranova’s Athens—the food, the surroundings and the staff, and when I asked Dan why I should eat there, as if I need a reason, he said, “We have the best food, the best atmosphere, and you are treated like a person wants to be treated.” I know from experience that he is telling the truth, and I invite you to come find out for yourself!

Terranova’s Athens

105 Jefferson Street, Athens AL 35611 Hours: Sun 11-2, Mon, closed, Tue and Wed 11-2, Thu 11-8, Fri and Sat 11-9 Phone 256-800-8061 www.terranovas restaurant.com Page 15

Health and Fitness

The Drive That Makes A Champion

by Nick Thomas, owner of Prime Performance Training, and Certified Sports Nutritionist

I recently sat down with Melanie and Jimmie McNairy at my studio. We thoroughly enjoyed discussing their son Jacob and his journey from Athens High School to the pitcher’s mound in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama. My hope is that by sharing our talk about the many challenges and defining moments leading to Jacob’s dream being achieved you will be inspired to find your drive to be a champion in your own right.

Jacob McNairy was born in November 1999, and from a young age loved baseball.

As he grew up, this became his focus. He played for the youth Viper Baseball Academy as a key member of each team due to his ability to play multiple positions well. He went on in his teenage years to play school ball for Athens, still enjoying various positions on the field. His passion for baseball soon became a dream to play at the University of Alabama as a pitcher.

This is when I got to meet Jacob, his dream in full force.

Jacob and his dad came to me in the spring of his junior year at Athens High School.

We discussed what he really wanted as he was already receiving offers from multiple schools but deep down only wanted Alabama. The conversation immediately turned to goal setting and putting a

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plan in place which would take him to the next level. I told him simply, “The difference between playing at University of Alabama versus one of the other schools was 2 EXTRA reps in EVERY single move we did together, including strict prime performance nutrition.” The “2 extra” became a constant mantra at each session as he pushed harder toward his goals and dream.

his goals became clearer, his numbers improved going 8 -3 with a lowly 1.93 ERA across 61.2 innings of work in his senior season. He even struck out 68 batters with only eight walks.

However, it was the work behind the scenes no one saw

Jacob was off to a good start building a great resume. He was still maintaining being a two-way player and was selected as Athens’ Most Valuable Player as a senior and also earning Hitting and Pitching Most Valuable Player honors as a junior. He played a key role in leading his Athens team to two consecutive Class 6A, Area 16 titles during his junior and senior seasons. However, as pitching became his focus during his senior season and

Jacob doing which ultimately made the difference. Jacob NEVER missed a training session in his 18 months with me. He showed up at 5 a.m. three days a week; he made sure he stuck to his nutrition plan in the midst of being a teenager. He worked hard and did those two extra reps every time I called them out to him during training. And most importantly was the mental toughness he developed which allowed him to remain focused and determined in the midst of disappointment when the call from Alabama still hadn’t come as signing day was approaching during his senior year.

Jacob walked in the gym after his last camp at Bama with a

quiet demeanor, a bit discouraged that he hadn’t received the offer from Alabama yet, but still gave it his all during workouts. Signing day was now just weeks away, and he kept working hard. A few days passed, and he showed up again ready to work; and then it happened. He said, “I got the phone call I was waiting on; it was the Alabama baseball coach! What a moment! All his hard work did pay off after all! He was offered the opportunity to become a pitcher on the team of his dreams.

Jacob signed with the University of Alabama in 2018 and played his freshman year as a walk-on. He is now a middle reliever pitcher along with 18 other various specialized pitchers competing to take the mound for the Crimson Tide each game. In the summer of 2019, he went to Alaska to play for the Matsu Miners which upped his game even more and no doubt will help him see the mound even more in the 2020 season.

Jacob is a true testament to what can happen when focus and hard work meet a determined attitude. He never settled, and he never gave up on his dream; he put it in the work and then some, every single day no matter what!

THIS IS WHAT MAKES A CHAMPION!

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March 06 - March 19, 2020

Cover Story

Save The Date: The Traditions Of Athens Interior Design Challenge Is Coming April 3!

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

of several shows featured on d HGTV, will declare the win, ner of a design contest being g held at and sponsored by Traditions of Athens. The lovely d retirement facility is located w near the south side of Hwy 72 d and Lindsay Lane in Athens. d Traditions features both independent as well as assisted living units, and found itself a in need of some specialized - interior design advice for the spacious studio apartments - located in the main building.

- Thersa Allen, Executive Diref ctor of Traditions, shared that their studio apartments are in - high demand as the rate ap8 peals to so many and wanted to challenge local designers a to share their vision with this g living space.

Responding to the call to o beautifully solve a problem - while having a lot of fun, five e local designers have taken on o five studio apartments and u are going to decorate and fure nish them from top to bottom. l They will have different then mes, display varying levels of independence, and will be voted on by the residents and attendees of the challenge; s and Chip and Pauli will be the - ones to declare the winner. r The studios will reflect the p wide spectrum of residents e that are present at Traditions, y and the furnishings will be for sale after the contest.

A Or, if you like what you see, and want to come and live at Traditions, you may just find the exact motifs in the perfect setting for which you are looking! There will also be a Peoples’ Choice award that is chosen by the residents and the celebrants. Thersa explained to me, “Some people come here because they have just lost a spouse, and they just don’t want to cook any more. They are

March 06 - March 19, 2020

totally capable of driving and taking care of themselves, but would rather eat in a community. Others may be more comfortable driving to a location close by but are not comfortable driving on the highway because of congested traffic; so we find them back roads to help them get where they need to go. We want to change the perception of senior living and create a vibrant community where residents thrive and families are engaged.”

Other scenarios may include residents who are still very active but their family lives out of town or can’t check on them every day; so for the sake of their family’s peace of mind they come to Traditions. “Every resident and family story is unique,” Thersa told me.

“We tailor their experience to fit their needs and the needs of their families. The Design Challenge is an expression of the level of care and options

which are available at Traditions, and everyone at Traditions is looking forward to the contest.

For those of you who may not be aware of how well-suited the Wades are to judge this contest, here is a bit of their background and bio. They hail from Atlanta, and Chip has been featured on such HGTV shows as Curb Appeal, The Block, Elbow Room, Ellen’s Design Challenge, Designed To Sell, Design Star, Showdown, and Wise Buys. He has also been on CNN and Oprah.

Chip won an Emmy for Elbow Room, and here is what is said about what they do: Chip & Pauli have partnered together to create Wade Works Creative, a cross-over real estate, architecture and design firm. Pauli is a graduate of both Georgia Tech (BS in Management, 2004) and the University of Georgia (Masters of Accountancy, 2005) and

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is also a contributing editor to several home and lifestyle publications. She spent years in the Real Estate business as a REALTOR© and also holds a license as a CPA. She is thoroughly familiar with all aspects of real estate transactions.

Chip began working with his father at an early age – and over the years developed an interest in design, carpentry, landscaping and renovation.

After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech, Chip moved on to earn his certification in residential construction while working for an Atlanta-based home builder. Chip’s career is devoted to using his expertise to help people make educated home improvement

decisions. Chip & Pauli reside in the Atlanta area with their three children.

There will be live music provided for the Design Challenge, refreshments, a party, and tours of the facility. Reservations are not required but are greatly appreciated. To let Traditions know that you are coming, please call them at 256-434-8706.

Traditions of Athens

22171 Traditions Way, Athens, AL 35613 256-444-3255 www.myvitalityliving.com Facebook: Interior Design Challenge

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Democracy, Socialism, Capitalism, And Communism

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 freedom, voluntary exchange, private property rights, a profit motive, and competition.

We just finished the primary election. Voting this time was a new experience because we registered electronically. I usually vote first thing in the morning to get it done, and noticed that the delay in the process was not too great. In Limestone County, the total number of eligible voters is more than 64,000, and when the polls closed, a total of _______ cast their vote and exercised their Constitutionally guaranteed right to choose their leaders.

We are hearing a lot about socialism now.

There are other forms of government - capitalism, socialism, communism, and democracy. Democracy is a form of government with the power assigned to the people who elect representatives or agents to speak for them. Democracies are not perfect. Political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Zablatt wrote a book in 2018 – How Democracies Die – about how elected leaders gradually undermine the democratic process to increase personal power.

One of the oldest democracies is in Iceland. It was founded in 930 AD

Communism is a subcategory of Socialism.

It is a government system and an economic system based on shared wealth. The main difference between socialism and communism is that property in communism is owned by the government. Russia gave communism a bad name with their ruthless governments.

ing for it. Socialism is not new in America, Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted “New Deal” programs and Lyndon B. Johnson had the “Great Society” programs that made the government a force for good in peoples’ lives.

Capitalism is driven by the free market. The state does not interfere with by the Vikings. They have the longest documented parliament on Earth. Tynwald, on the Isle of Mann, also claims to have the oldest parliament in the world.

Socialism theorizes that

the citizens will all cooperate to pay the bills. For example, we can all go to the doctor for free because we all paid taxes for the doctor bills. Although socialism has long been a “dirty” word in America, several politicians are opt-

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the economy. Capitalism means production and distribution are privately owned or corporately owned and their operations are funded by profits. Capitalism has five characteristics: economic

The United States is a federal republic government in which the president, Congress and federal courts share powers.

Although we have democratic elections, the Constitution allows an Electoral College to select the president instead of the democratic popular vote in some cases. Most often there is one sovereign state when you are talking about republics.

In our case we have the single sovereign state and 50 sub-sovereign states that are also republican in their nature.

In the states as well as the federal government, the elected individuals exercise power according to the rule of law under a constitution.

My favorite quote about voting comes from Abraham Lincoln. He said, “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.”

March 06 - March 19, 2020

Special Feature

Athens Responders Embrace Community Outreach With Seat Belt Covers

by Holly Hollman - City of Athens Communications Specialist When first responders arrive at a motor vehicle accident, the scene can be chaotic, especially when children are involved.

If a child or the child’s parents are unable to communicate, responders do not know if the child has a special need. Children with autism or another special need may resist help, may not recognize danger and may become upset by the lights and noise.

The Mayor’s Office saw a project online where a mother uses a Velcro seat belt cover to alert responders her child has a special need. Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson and Athens Fire Chief Bryan Thornton embraced the idea as a community outreach project for their departments.

“The more information

March 06 - March 19, 2020

we can equip ourselves with as responders, the better we can serve our citizens,” Thornton said.

Members of the Limestone County Legislative Delegation approved community grants to fund the purchase of 300 seat belt covers for fire and police. Half of the covers say, “I have autism.

May not respond. May resist help. May be unaware of danger.” Half say, “I have special needs. May not respond.” Camdens Designs and Creations in Kentucky had a template for the seat belt covers and created them for the project.

Rep. Danny Crawford, Sen. Tom Butler and Sen. Tim Melson split the cost with three grants for a total of $2,967.

APD and AFR will distribute the seat belt covers to

families upon request.

Johnson and Thornton said this community outreach project will: • Enable police, fire, and medical personnel to have the knowledge needed to understand a child may be resistant or non-communicative because of a special need and not necessarily from an unknown injury.

• Allow the responders to utilize specialized training in treating and communicating with a child who has autism or a special need.

• Enhance relationships between police, fire and the community by providing a positive interaction between officers, firefighters and citizens.

Fire Station No. 1 on Washington Street and the Athens Police Department had

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the seat belt covers available for upon request on Monday, March 2. Johnson said Athens Police ran out of their supply of autism ones by Tuesday, March 3.

Rep. Parker Moore, also a member of Limestone County’s delegation, has agreed to provide a community grant so the City of Athens can purchase more seat belt covers. The City is in the process of that grant application.

“This is such a simple idea, but one that encourages us to reach out into our community and look for creative ways to better serve the public,” Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “We appreciate Rep. Crawford, Sen. Butler and Sen. Melson for seeing the importance of this project, and Rep. Moore helping us keep it going.”

Sen. Butler said he wants to share the idea statewide with other agencies. Rep. Crawford said this is the type project the delegation’s community grant program is thrilled to fund.

Stacey Givens and Todd Tomerlin, each a parent with an autistic child, said being proactive allows all of those involved in a situation or emergency to respond in the best interest of the child or adult with a special need. Givens said during a traffic stop, her son Brooks became upset by the lights and siren and was concerned she was going to jail. Givens has an autism awareness car tag, and she said the officer saw it and responded with gentleness, which put her son and herself at ease.

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Dog Barker

Is Your Dog’s Fence Secure?

by Joel Allen

On Monday, 24 February 2020, I received a phone call telling me that a friend’s two Great Danes, Petro and Fable, escaped their yard.

Those two are like “Frick and Frack”…lol… where there is one, there is the other; and the only difference is Petro is bigger, white with dark spots, typical Harlequin colors. Fable has more black and has white on her face and feet, almost Mantle coloring.

So, I got out and helped track them down.

It was cold, raining, and reminded me of all the winters I went to the field in the Army because the cold was trying to set in my bones even as I was riding around in a warm car with Houston, Fable’s brother. They look almost identical, as I would learn while I was riding through nearby neighborhoods and speaking with people who had seen the two escaped Danes; everyone would say, “Oh good, you found one!”

Now, ask yourself, “What would I do if this were me?” Think about that for a bit. These dogs are so loved that their human mom left work to find them and we, the community, pulled together and searched with her. It is not easy going door-to-door and houseto-house asking strangers, “Have you seen two huge Danes running amuck?” or “Have you seen two dogs the size of ponies?” It is because we live in a world where evil has touched our lives, or we have witnessed true evil, that many folks do not want to get involved; and I really expected that to happen here. Well, here in Athens, Alabama, that was not the case. Every-

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one that I met or spoke with about Petro and Fable were on Facebook updating the sightings and posting where they were seen.

Thanks to one resident calling me, we were able to pinpoint the location where Petro was found. In fact, because of this person, we were able to track Petro and bring him home safely.

Fable, was the smarter of the two. She got cold and found her way back home where she waited for her human mom to come home and let her get warm. Petro refused to come back at first; but we believe it was because he was looking for Fable. He kept running to us and then back to the woods. By his body language, we could see he was searching for something. Dogs are the funniest characters God could have given us, in my opinion.

This can happen to any of us who have dogs, whether they are big or small. There are those who look at a dog and think, “Eh! It’s just a dog…” and that is their opinion for which they are entitled to.

I shared this with everyone to thank all who helped and to also talk about what we can do to secure our fences. There are many evilminded people in the world that would not hesitate to take someone’s dog or let them loose from their yard.

To prevent things like this from happening, I always place chains and locks on my fences. No one is just going walk up to my property and let my dogs out, and I really wouldn’t advise it due to the fact that the person opening my fence may not make it off my property until I return…lol. If I come home and find a person being sat on by a Great Dane, I am not going to call them off. I am going to take their picture and post them all over the internet with a headline, “This is what happens to stupid people doing stupid things!”

Another idea I always tell people is to take a walk along your fences and look for signs of digging. Dogs are fast diggers. There is a funny picture on the inter-

net that shows a yard with huge holes all around, and in one hole, there is a Belgian Malinois peering over the edge with a title saying, “I think my dog is infantry!” How do we cure diggers? One way is to fill the holes almost back up, and then place their own poop on top with a dusting of dirt for camouflage. In most cases, your dog will be like, “Ew! Really?!” and take the hint. Another method I have used is lava rocks. By placing lava rock at the top of the hole and then lightly dusting it with dirt, your dog will get a painful digging experience when starting to dig in that same spot again. One last method I have used is chicken wire. This is quite effective because not only will it cause pain in the paw pad, but the dog cannot dig past the wire.

Okay, we have covered most possibilities of escape, but there is one more. What if your dog can get over the fence? There are many ways to stop this. One is an electric fence, and it will

not discriminate against who or what it shocks -- so keep that in mind. Another is electric shock collars, either remote-controlled or sensor-controlled. One more method I know of requires a huge piece of PVC pipe with a smaller pipe in its middle held up at the top of the fence by a cable. It is designed to cause the escaping dog to roll back into the fenced-in area and also keeps critters out. I have seen a farm in Texas use this method effectively.

So, let us all keep our canine family members safe out there. Taking preventive measures can save lives; and always remember, in most cases your dog is more terrified of being lost than we can imagine.

Strangers who mean well will try and approach a dog, and most often, the dog will run away. If this happens, be sure not to chase after them. They could panic and run into traffic getting hurt, killed, or causing a traffic accident. Communication, in all cases, raises the likelihood that your dog will come home safely. I am thankful that in this instance we had a happy ending. Granted, it took a couple of hours, but we all pulled together and got Petro and Fable home.

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

Joel Allen 256-651-2211

www.athensnowal.com

March 06 - March 19, 2020

Mental Health Minute

“Shame” On You

by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor

“Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.”

- Brene Brown Shame is a powerful emotion. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines shame as “a condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute.”

Those who experience shame (which is everyone) often describe feelings of worthlessness, embarrassment, and humiliation. The causes of shame have been linked most often to trauma.

When something terrible happens to a person, that person may feel a lack of control, either internally related to emotions, or externally involving people, situations, or events. Shame can also be associated with addiction struggles or mental illness. In fact, shame is so powerful that it can impact the whole trajectory of a person’s life. Because of shame’s power, it is important to understand the specific impact it has on people.

From there we will identify and learn ways out of shame’s shadow.

There are several ways that shame has an impact on peoples’ lives.

Many people who live with shame avoid relationships, struggle with vulnerability, and disconnect from community. Research has shown that shame leads people to hide both physically

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and emotionally. Those who feel ashamed attempt to conceal themselves from the world and refrain from developing friendships. Sadly, those who feel shame are never really able to share their true selves with the world, mainly because they don’t allow themselves to be authentic.

Those who feel shameful are prone to suppressing their emotions. This is especially true among women. People who feel ashamed of who they are or of something that has happened to them tend to keep their thoughts and feelings all wrapped up inside.

Unfortunately, when these folks allow themselves to feel anything, it is usually feelings of worthlessness, depression, and anxiety.

Imagine, being constantly ashamed and attempting to live out a difficult emotional and mental battle every day.

Those struggling with shame are less likely to take healthy risks. One way that shame has been defined is as a defense against being devalued by others. In other words, shame keeps people from making decisions that would lead others to devalue them. These people will only make decisions about jobs, relationships, and school that they feel certain will end well. A high level of shame in people will more than likely cause relapses into problem behaviors. For example, research shows that people who struggle

with alcohol addiction are more likely to relapse back into drinking if they experience shame. It becomes the chicken and the egg scenario…does drinking lead to feelings of shame or does shame drive people to drink?

People who are ashamed of their behavior sometimes purposefully continue in that behavior because they don’t believe that change or healing is possible. Shame can be the reason some people choose not to take steps toward healing.

Fortunately, there are ways out of the shame trap. Begin by seeking out relationships and committing to vulnerability with safe people.

Find those you trust and who will support you when you are struggling.

Shame begins to disappear when it is shared in a safe place. Don’t keep everything inside.

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Move out of your head and into the open world.

You can choose to write about your shame and share your story. Create artwork that represents your shame or your healing. Join a support group.

Once you get the shame out in the open, you can begin to develop some self-compassion. To do this, consider what you would say to a friend who was feeling the same things that you feel. You can choose to respond to yourself with love and care and concern, just as you would respond to others with your attention and compassion.

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone and took just one small risk? Here are the options if you attempt something difficult: You will either succeed and find hope that you can do more than you thought, or you might fail

and realize that failure isn’t the end of the world.

Either way you begin to find healing from your shame. You begin to believe that healing is possible. Believe that you can choose to make good choices over and over again until your life is completely changed.

If you believe that shame is controlling your life, reach out to a mental health professional. For some excellent self-help resources, check out any book by Brene Brown, and particularly, The Gifts of Imperfection and I Thought It was Just Me. Lisa Philippart is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who divides her time between her own private practice in Huntsville and providing personal counseling services at Athens State University.

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The Alternative Approach

Staying Young – Aging Healthfully

by Roy Williams With the technology and scientific information available today, we can slow down the aging process and, in most cases, reverse the signs of aging by decades. We are not talking about covering up the signs of aging either; we are talking about actually reversing them.

Truth is, looking old is a process caused by things that anyone who really wishes to can stop and reverse. In order to do that, you must avoid the causes and provide your body with the materials that will help you maintain a much more youthful and sensual look throughout your life.

Looking old, according to many, is a disease process.

Some examples are crows’ feet around the eyes, bags under the eyes, sagging skin, varicose and spider veins, thin skin, decreased libido, weight gain, inability to sleep well, cellulite, curvature of the spine, mood swings, hot flashes, low energy, weak nails, and poor-quality hair.

Dehydration is the most common reason for the early signs of aging. Americans are not drinking enough water. I am amazed at the number of people that tell me they don’t like water. We are a spoiled nation.

What if you could use supplementation and stop the disease processes that are actually causing those signs of aging, would you be interested? Wouldn’t that be more desirable, less expensive, and less painful than using chemical laden makeup, painful surgeries, and prescription drugs?

As Americans learn the truth about aging and the disease processes, I believe they will begin to make better decisions, and that is what this article is all about. We all agree that the truth will set us free.

America has been sold a bill of goods concerning water and just how important mineralized water is to our overall health. We think that everything we put into our bodies has to taste good.

A real disaster is that our children are being raised to believe that everything they drink has to be sweet.

For your body to look and operate like you are still in your twenties or thirties, you must drink mineralized water, consume nutrients in sufficient amounts, and balance your hormones as you age. Drugs, cosmetic chemicals, or surgeries will not solve the problems associated with dehydration and lack of nutrition, yet those are the most common

things most people use to look younger.

Does putting a new coat of paint on an old barn actually make it new again? Will taking a prescription drug or getting a face lift actually make you younger? You may look younger, but will your body feel and perform like you are younger?

The anti-aging profession, in most cases, is simply treating the symptoms of the problem without getting to the root cause.

Actually Reverse Aging Have you ever seen one of those people, well into their senior years, who looked and obviously felt much younger than they actually were? You know, radiant, wrinkle-free skin; youthful walk; great energy; perfect weight; and loving attitude? Believe me, looking and feeling that way is not an accident, and it is not just good genetics.

Just as sure as you can stay slender by making better food choices and eating less, you can look and feel younger by making some proven choices to support

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your overall health. Not only will you look and feel years younger in just one to five months, you will save thousands on medical and cosmetic bills as you age gracefully.

Actually, solving the disease called aging requires us to consume up to onehalf our body weight in ounces of water daily.

Because minerals are essential to a life without deficiency disease (looking old as we age), you must supplement with minerals added to your water or supplement with a product that provides all 79 minerals and trace elements. We believe that it is easier to add a teaspoon of the Humic/Fulvic minerals to distilled water and drink every day.

Because we know that our food supply is deficient of nutrients, to slow down and even stop the symptoms of aging, everyone should support collagen in their body. Collagen is the most important support factor of all soft-cell tissue, which includes soft, smooth, youthful, and wrinkle free skin. It also

makes your hair and fingernails stronger and more radiant looking, not to mention the overall health enhancing benefits.

Another important factor for looking and feeling younger is maintaining healthy levels of hormones within the body.

Remember how great you felt when you were in your twenties and thirties? Supporting normal hormone levels is easier than you think, thanks to a new transdermal gel you simply rub on two times a day, five days a week.

If you wish to learn more and get some free consultation, go by Herbs & More in Athens or NHC Herb Shop in Killen and ask for the free CD’s or talk with one of our experts on this and many other subjects.

You can also tune into Today’s Health Update Monday - Friday on WKAC 1080 AM in Athens or WBTG 106.3 FM in Florence, or go to www.newtritIonalhc.com.

Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams

March 06 - March 19, 2020

www.JuicePlus.com

Mondays at 10am 1080 AM WKAC March 06 - March 19, 2020

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