March 20 2015

March 20 - April 2, 2015

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

From The Vets’ Museum Women’s History and The Gulf War (2 August 1990 – 28 February 1991)...

After talks between Iraq and Kuwait failed to resolve grievances over oil prices, Iraq’s president Saddam Hussein decided to...

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The Gen Y Perspective Choosing To Be A Minority ...

In today’s world, many teenagers center their attention on the opinions of ...

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Garnet’s On The Square: Trendy and Eclectic

By Ali Elizabeth Turner It has been a year since Garnet King took a risk, took the plunge, and fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening her own store. It is called Garnet’s On the Square, Continued on pages 15

Southeast Quality Refrigeration And HVAC: The Talent Is In The Craftsmanship

Athens Rehab Spotlight Spotlight On Martha Edwards...

Martha Edwards was born on June 18th, 1935 in Marshall County. For reasons that were never disclosed to her, she lived with...

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March 20 - April 2, 2015

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Owners, Randy Ricketts (not pictured), Chambers Ricketts and Jacob Ricketts of Southeast Quality Refrigeration & HVAC

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This week I got to experience a bit of local history by sitting in the office of Southeast Quality Refrigeration and learning about everything from the business to the building in which it is conducted. Randy Ricketts, who started

Continued on page 17

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March 20 - April 2, 2015

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Mo On Mo

Sales

Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Sandra Thompson Jackie Warner Deb Kitchenmaster Lynne Hart Hunter Rogers Rachel Clark, RN, BSN

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 The Gen Y Perspective . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 From The Vets’ Museum . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 A View From The Bridge . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . . . 20 Athens Rehab Spotlight . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22

March 20 - April 2, 2015

Athens Bible School invited me to hear U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks speak to their student body on the morning of March 10th. This was only a few days after he was a part of history when recently re-elected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed both Houses, and told me, “It was great! It was like being in a pep rally!” In addition, more on Benghazi was being released to the public, the Iranian nuclear crisis continues to loom large, and he mentioned later to the older students that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs declared our national debt and possible bankruptcy to be a greater threat to our security than terrorism.

He told me before his talk, that because of the fact that the younger students were going to be present, he would give a “day in the life” speech, educating our young people on just what it is like to be a legislator.

He told about the challenges of being expected to somehow miraculously be in three places at once while working in DC, meet with constituents at home, and carve out a family life in Huntsville on the weekends. And, the entire time he spoke, I never got the feeling that he was whining. It was an engaging “just the facts, ma’am,” type of speech, and the kids paid attention.

Hearing him describe what it is like to keep such a taxing schedule, I became

more aware than ever of the precious gift of time he was giving to these kids, and I learned that when school groups come to see him in DC, he takes them on a tour to places that few ever get to see, and spends several hours with them.

However, it was after the little kids were dismissed, and he opened his heart to the secondary students that I got a fresh understanding of what it means to swim against one’s own personal “tide” out of the conviction that something else that benefits someone else is more important.

And, I hope you will see that same spirit in Hunter Rogers’ article, Choosing To Be A Minority on page 5. It is a refreshing perspective, indeed, and in my mind, Hunter is wise beyond her years.

Mo went to Grissom High, and graduated in 1972. His plans were to become a nuclear engineer, he was “peggin’ the meters” in math and science, and for those of you who remember slide rules, Mo carried one on his belt like a gunslinger would carry his Colt. He was dreadfully shy, shot hoop for the JV team and occasionally got to play varsity. Then, in his sophomore year, he received his draft number; (his number, not his notice), and that piece of mail changed the course of his life.

His mom was an Economics and Government teacher at Lee High, his dad, an engineer out at Redstone, and Mo began to delve into the management of the Vietnam War. He did not like what he learned, and decided to do something about that and other serious situations if he possibly could. Mo quit the basketball team and joined the debate team in order to force himself to overcome his shyness. They took the state debate championship the next two years. He decided to become a lawyer, double majored in political science and economics, graduated with honors from Duke in three years, and went to Alabama for his law degree.

Most of us are aware of his storied career in law in Madison County. We also remember with a smile when he inadvertently chagrined MSNBC correspondent Contessa Brewer, (who snarkily asked him if he had a degree in economics), by politely answering, “Yes, ma’am, I do. Highest honors.”

Re: that exchange, he told me, not long after it happened, “Sometimes you get lucky.” He grinned, but there were clearly more important things that mattered to him than besting someone’s ignorance and arrogance.

For the last week, as a result of Mo’s “slide rule story,” I have thought a lot about getting out of one’s comfort zone, or even flying in the face of what the tests in school say are one’s strengths, and therefore, one’s undisputed destiny.

I have to wonder, what if Mo had decided to stay shy, shoot hoop, and hang on to his slide rule? You may not like him or agree with him politically, but seriously, are you willing to live permanently out of your comfort zone for the sake of your conscience?

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

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All Things Soldier

Modder As Fodder

by Ali Elizabeth Turner When I was in Iraq, I watched as chaplains would emerge from seminars that were geared toward making sure that they were more “sensitive to the diverse needs of the troops.” These types of sessions were invariably a platform for political correctness, and referred to by their attendees (in a tone that could never be mistaken for affectionate), as “EO think tanks.” “EO” in Armyspeak refers to “Equal Opportunity,” and it is anything but.

The very concept of “Equal Opportunity” means that there should be an equal opportunity for all, which is good.

The problem is that these days it has come to mean that if you are a Christian, you do not have an

has been chosen to be embossed on one’s dog tags. “Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Wiccan, Buddhist and Muslim” are examples of what I am talking about.

Lt. Commander Wes Modder, USN “equal opportunity” to believe your beliefs, let alone express them.

The latest “fodder” for the “EO Cannon” is a chaplain by the name of Lt. Commander Wes Modder, who has been

suspended for counseling a soldier struggling with homosexuality.

Modder had the audacity to suggest that homosexuality may not be such a good idea, and is in big trouble with the brass.

OK, let’s take a look at this from two standpoints, the first being health risks for men, and I am not confining those risks to the standard HIV/AIDS examples. It is inarguable that when male reproductive fluid enters the blood stream, the body looks upon it as an invader, and goes on autoimmune response.

Not a good thing, by anyone’s estimation. That is a scientific fact, and if you want to call me a hater for being a Messianic Christian mother bear that wants soldiers to be protected from anything that could hurt them, (including risky behaviors,) knock yourself out.

As self-evident as the risky behavior argument would be to a reasonable person, there is the pesky fact that a soldier gets to, in exercise of his or her 1st Amendment rights, seek out the counsel of a chaplain whose spiritual beliefs are deemed personally helpful, and are consistent with whatever

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But here is the rub: the “politically correct” requirements to not question or challenge other’s spiritual beliefs, sexual behaviors or practices do not apply to the Koranic instructions for beating your wife or how to self martyr. They don’t apply to the beliefs of some Satanists that endorse human sacrifice, or some Native American rituals that utilize hallucinogens. You may not, as a soldier, be allowed to do it as part of your expression of faith, but God help the person who suggests that it could harm you or others, and that’s the reason why God does not want you to do it.

Lt. Commander Modder has done what people of faith (and of the cloth) have always done: stand up for what they believe is right, and let the hearer decide. He is a decorated officer who has served honorably for 19 years, and could lose it all if the “EO Think Tankers” have their way. If you want to help him, you can contact Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus at www.frc. org, and respectfully request that Chaplain Modder’s 1st Amendment rights to believe and serve according to his conscience be upheld.

March 20 - April 2, 2015

The Gen Y Perspective

Choosing To Be A Minority

by Hunter Rogers

eIn today’s world, many gteenagers center their at-tention on the opinions of ,others. They worry about ”whether they are too fat Ior too skinny or too tall or too short, and they constantly think about ewhat people are think-ing about them. While -asking themselves: s“What does everyone lthink of me?” they fail to ask themselves: “What do I think of gme?” f Oftentimes, teenagy ers, and even adults, e place tremendous prese sure on each other to edo this or say that or sgo here or wear that, -which causes a person

to make a choice beotween conforming to people’s expectations and being accepted, -or standing their ground and becoming subject to sthe criticism that follows. sWhen forced to make this choice, many will choose rto succumb to the presfsure and join the crowd. )A minority, however, will dhold their ground and stay etrue to who they are. We rshould strive to break the dmold and join this minordity. ,Although I am homefschooled, I too have been ”faced with many of the same dilemmas as other uteens. I have to choose

March 20 - April 2, 2015

whether to be moral or be profane. I have to make a choice not to use foul language. I have to make

the decision to never use drugs or drink alcohol if I am presented with them.

All of these are examples of things a teenager is often faced with. If they are leaning towards making the correct choice, others will often pressure them into making the wrong one they themselves have already made. In an effort to be accepted, that person will make the wrong choice too.

life. For this reason, we should try to make the moral choice that will bring about a positive

effect on our lives. Religious people like myself should seek answers in the Bible and follow God’s standards, not the world’s. God’s opinion of us and our opinion of

ourselves should really be the only two opinions that matter. We should not focus on what others think

of us. We should try to make ourselves and God proud, not our peers. We should respect the opinions of others, but we should not live by them.

Not

everyone

believes

in God, however. People who do not follow the Biblical standard should rely on what they have been taught was right. It may not always be correct, but if they stick to what they have learned, then they have stayed true to themselves.

If we follow what we know is right, what our parents have taught us to be right, or what the Bible has taught us, we will be able to make better choices and be ourselves. We will not feel like we are forced to conform to everyone else’s ideas of how we should act, or what we should look like, or how we should live our lives. We will be happier if we can just be ourselves, break the mold, and be different. Being different from the status quo is a good thing! God made us all different, so we should embrace it and encourage others to be different, too.

The choices a person makes early on will affect them for the rest of their

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Calendar of Events “Heaven: O For A Home With God” Now Available

RAIN OR SHINE event; in case of inclement weather, all activities will be held indoors.

Local authors Steve Klein and Jeff May’s book, “Heaven: O For A Home With God” is now available at the CEI Bookstore in Athens, as well as on Amazon.com. It contains 13 chapters, suitable for bible study groups, and has more than 200 Scriptural references on the subject of heaven from God’s perspective.

Rocket Run Ten Miler Mar 21st

Mooresville, AL. This Huntsville Track Club Members Race runs a ten mile route through Alabama’s oldest city. The course will be marked and the racers will be supported by deputies from Limestone County Sheriff Department. There will be 2 aid stations with water and Gatorade, the first one will be revisited before the last mile. Mile markers will be present and some split times provided. Post-race fruit and cookies will be available. For more information Valerie Connaughton connavx@yahoo.com

Launch Party - Southern Made Fresh Mar 21st

Belle Chevre. 18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road, Elkmont, AL. Join Belle Chevre for the launch of Tasia Malakasis’s second cookbook, Southern Made Fresh. Downtown Elkmont will be one big bash with food, music, book signings, face painting and more from 1:00PM4:00PM. For more information: 256-732-3577

Annual Heirloom Plant Sale March 28

9:00am – 2:00pm. Pond Spring, The General Joe Wheeler Home.

Bring home a piece of Miss Annie’s historic garden: boxwoods planted nearly 100 years ago, English Ivy, daffodils, irises, daylilies, spider lilies, vinca. Proceeds will help fund future restoration efforts on the fifty-acre site. The Wheeler Home is located 3 miles east of Courtland on Aabama Hwy 20 (US Alt. 72). For more information contact Kara Long at wheelerinfo@hiwaay.net or 256-637-8513.

The Flashbacks Dinner Show Mar 28th

Yesterday’s Event Center. 15631 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL. Come enjoy the sounds of The Flashbacks performing your favorites from the 70’s and 80’s. Complete country dinner available including drink and dessert for additional $9.95. Show admission is $15.00 and E-mail reservation is required. All seats reserved and not attended are subject to a fee of 50% of the ticket price if not cancelled with notice 48-hours prior to show and will be billed to reserving individual. Doors open at 6:00PM, dinner available from 6:00PM-7:00PM, showtime 7:00PM. To reserve your seats: info@yesterdaysevents.com

5th Annual Women’s History Month Luncheon Mar 28th

Alabama Veterans’ Museum and Archives. Powers Room, 100 Pryor Street, Athens, AL. Join the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archive at 12:00PM in honoring the Military Women of Desert Storm.

Elkmont Saturday Market Opens Mar 21st

Downtown Elkmont, AL. Come help open the Elkmont Saturday Market at 8:00AM and peruse the collections of locally grown produce, artisan goods, repurposed and upcycled good and more.

Running Buck Wild Extreme 5K and Fun Run Mar 21

Joe Wheeler State Park. 4403 McLean Dr, Rogersville, AL, 35652.

This 5K will take runners across different terrains such as hiking trails, asphalt, and gravel roads. The race will start in the picnic area at Shelter 1, go through hiking trails, through the campground, around more trails, and back to the picnic area to finish. In some areas, runners will run along side the great Tennessee River. Runners will be sure to enjoy the natural beauty of Joe Wheeler State Park.

For Race information or to sponsor the race, call the Park Office at 256-247-5466 8:00AM-4:00PM Monday - Friday.

4th Annual Flashlight Egg Hunt Mar 28th

Friendship Church. 16479 Lucas Ferry Road, Athens, AL. There will be egg hunts for everyone, including individuals with special needs, as well as youth and adults. Your entire family will enjoy inflatables, games, and craft activities. There will also be food vendors. The fun kicks off at 5:30 pm, and the egg hunts begin at 6:00 pm. This is a

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1st Annual Mattress Fundraiser Apr 11th

Benefiting Golden Eagle Football. Athens High School Gymnasium.

100 U.S. Highway 31N, Athens, AL. All sizes, pillow-top, orthopedic, latexs, memory foam and more at discounted prices. Profits go directly to the team. Shop from 10:00AM-5:00PM with cash, checks or credit cards.

Puttin’ On The Glitz Gala 2015 Apr 11th

Westin. 6800 Govenors West Road NW, Huntsville, AL. Join the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation for this highly anticipated annual black-tie fundraiser benefiting the remodel of 52 hospital rooms at the Athens-Limestone Hospital. Tickets are $175.00 per person. For more information: Laine Terry 256-233-9557 lainet@ alhnet.org or visit alhfevents.org

The Annual Limestone County Master Gardeners Plant Sale Apr 18th

8am - 12pm at the Farmers Market on Green St., Athens, AL.

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March 20 - April 2, 2015

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Teaching The Dog New Tricks

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

This edition’s interview started out in the Mayor’s office, and ended up at Leak City, where members of the Department of Transportation from California to Maine were gathered there for the week. They came to learn, as well as get certified in how to deal with HazMat situations and other aspects of safety when it comes to utilities. They also were there to learn various protocols, and how different incidents intersect with transportation departments in emergency and security contexts.

Leak City, the little “town� on Sanderfer Road designed to approximate hazardous situations, is the brainchild of Steve Carter. Steve heads up the Gas Department for the City of Athens, and literally thousands of people have trained there over the

years. The Mayor came to greet the conferees, welcome them to our city, and give a brief history of our amazing Athens. Besides Steve, other trainers included Wayne St. Germain, and Mason Matthews. Mason is the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Administrator for the City of Athens, and told me that the conferees were in for a surprise the following day. As part of their training maneuvers this week, the multi-state team was going into an oxygen depleted dwelling and having to deal with it in their HazMat suits according to protocol.

Mayor Ronnie and I resumed our interview, and drew once again from the devotional book, Jump Starts, by Tim Richardson.

One section of the book,

which contained several short chapters, had really spoken to Mayor Ronnie this week. The section was called, Variation, Enthusiasm And Balance Make

The Workplace A Satisfying Spot, and the chapter was entitled, Teaching The Dog New Tricks. (Notice it did not say old dog!)

Workplace satisfaction, and all the spinoffs that occur when it is good, as well as when it is not so much, are things that are of great concern to Mayor Ronnie. I know from observation and experience that he makes it a point to tie in with City employees all the time, and he prays for them as they battle everything from cancer to transitioning into retirement, to kids struggling with substances. However, the Dog chapter had to do with finding creative, sat-

isfying ways of dealing with what Richardson calls a “Johnson.�

Johnson was an old German shepherd with about 4 teeth, which he bared

routinely when the postman would daily come to deliver the mail to Johnson’s master. In response, the postman came up with a way of tricking Johnson to run around the house while the postman would then jump two hedges, sprint across the lawn, slide the mail into the box, and fly back over the hedges before Johnson figured out he had been tricked again and got back around to the front with the intention of sinking his few remaining snaggly teeth into the leg of the agile postman. Johnson never met his goal, or realized his dream, as they say in the personal devel-

opment business.

Johnson and the postman did this dance every day.

After the postman would emerge triumphantly, he would do his own happy dance, (solo), and yell “YESSSSS!� By contrast, if he could have, Johnson would have broken into the canine version of The Who’s “We Won’t Get Fooled Again.�

The moral of the story?

This time, in a positive way, it is, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.� Richardson closes the chapter by saying, “Variety is the spice of life and even small victories can bring joy and make your day. Do something different in your work life and in your relationships. Beat the dog to the box. Take a short cut, jump the hedges, and enjoy the continuous creativity of looking for new ways to do things.� As Mayor Ronnie read me the story, (without his Dr. Seuss hat, I might add,) I laughed out loud as I thought of the “Johnsons� in my own life.

Then we prayed, and the fond hope is that all of us, including the Mayor, will “beat the dog to the box.�

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March 20 - April 2, 2015

March 20 - April 2, 2015

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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Women’s History and The Gulf War (2 August 1990 – 28 February 1991)

by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum After talks between Iraq and Kuwait failed to resolve grievances over oil prices, Iraq’s president Saddam Hussein decided to invade Kuwait. President George Bush and the United Nations Security Council immediately placed an embargo against Iraq, and thus began Operation Desert Shield. The initial conflict to expel Iraqi troops from Kuwait began with an aerial and naval bombardment on 17 January 1991, continuing for five weeks. This was followed by a ground assault on 24 February, a decisive victory for the Coalition forces who drove the Iraqi military from Kuwait and advanced into Iraqi territory. The Coalition ceased its advance, and declared a cease-fire 100 hours after the ground campaign began.

Desert Storm saw the largest deployment of military women in the history

mother, grandmother, retired registered nurse and veteran. Rebecca, (known as Becky to her family, friends and coworkers) had a husband, 3 children and successful profession when she received her commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Alabama National Guard in 1984.

Federally activated in 1990 for Desert Storm, Rebecca proudly served in Saudi Arabia in the combat zone with the 109th Evacuation Hospital as a Medical / Surgical Nurse. During her brief active duty, she received: the Army Commendation Medal with 1

the Reserve and National Guard. Although American ground troops declared Kuwait liberated just 100 hours after the ground attack was initiated, fifteen American female soldiers were killed and two were imprisoned

by Iraqi forces. Rebecca Burney, Capt. ANG, was there!

Rebecca Burney is a wife,

Since her service, Rebecca has been a volunteer with numerous local, state and national organizations, but the largest portion of what would be her “leisure time” is spent volunteering with The American Legion to champion veterans’ issues. Financially supporting through the American Legion and assisting to build a Habitat Home for a paralyzed veteran and establishing a Legion Riders Program at her local post are two of her most treasured veteran-related achievements.

It is her love of the military, what it stands for and the appreciation of the sacrifices by the men and women of our armed forces that earned her this recognition as The American Legion’s Veteran of the Year for the state of Alabama in 2010 and recognition from the Alabama Hospital association as a Hospital Hero.

Rebecca Burney, Capt. ANG

of the United States. More than 40,000 women were deployed, 7% from active duty forces and 17% from

Kuwait Liberation Medal and a Marksman Badge with Auto Rifle Bar.

Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; the National Defense Service Medal; the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars; the Army Service Ribbon; the

Please join us on Saturday, March 28th at 12:00 as we honor our Desert Shield/ Desert Storm female Veterans and meet our honoree Becky Burney. Our special guest speaker will be none other than Athens Now owner, publisher, and celebrated author Ali Turner, a self-proclaimed “ex-hippie chick Vietnam War protester” who spent three years in Iraq. Ali is also the author of A Ballad for Baghdad.

Please contact Sandy at 256-771-7578 for more information.

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March 20 - April 2, 2015

March 20 - April 2, 2015

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Clean and Green

Elk River Cleanup: 87 + 4 = 4,850!

by Lynne Hart

After the snow and ice experienced in Limestone County recently, we at KALB were fearful that volunteers would be afraid to travel to West Limestone to help with the Elk River Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, March 7th.

Our fears were alleviated when the sun came out and 87 volunteers signed in prepared to work! We were amazed at the dedication of the men, women, and youth who all came for one purpose: to remove trash from the river and surrounding land.

Included in those 87 volunteers were 4 groups that joined the TEAM Challenge to see who could remove the most pounds of trash. Cash prizes sponsored by TVA were involved, and each team was out to win!

The LCTC Robotics Tea -The Rockets, Madison Baptist singles supported by We Chunk Junk, Girl Scouts Service Unit 11, and T.R.A.I.L. all registered for the challenge. Team members and individual volunteers worked hard and made a huge impact!

1,510 lbs. were recycled (1,000 lbs. in 2014) TEAM Challenge Results (teams received double credit for recyclables separated out)

87 volunteers paused for a group photo before work began.

Transfer Station. Ruby McCartney, Plant Manager of our recycling center, was also there with scales to weigh the trash and a truck to haul recyclables back to the center.

Madison Baptist Church singles and We Chunk Junk with their load of trash. This group won first place in the TEAM Challenge and a $250 award sponsored by TVA.

1st Place - $250: Madison Baptist Singles and We Chunk Junk 2nd Place - $150: Girl Scouts Service Unit 11 3rd Place - $100: LCTC Robotics Team - The Rockets

Lynne Hart presents $150 check to Lisa Burroughs and the Girl Scout Service Unit 11 as the 2nd Place winners in the TEAM Challenge.

BBQ lunch for all volunteers.

Event Statistics: 87 Registered Volunteers 4 TEAM Challenge Registrations 4,850 lbs. removed (8,800 lbs. in 2014) 3,340 lbs. taken to the landfill (7,800 lbs. in 2014)

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Damien Simbeck, TVA, Ben Harrison, Limestone County Commissioner, Emily Harrison and Olivia Harrison scout the river for trash.

Winner of “Guess the Weight� - $50: George Bekken KALB is very grateful to TVA for their financial

sponsorship and presence, including providing all cash awards, supplies, and a TVA boat.

TVA funds also allowed KALB to provide a great

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KALB appreciates Ben Harrison, Limestone County District 4 Commissioner, for helping with this event and for providing a trailer to help haul the trash to the

We encourage everyone who uses the Elk River for fishing, boating, hiking, or any other activity, to take a trash bag along and remove any floating debris or other trash you find along the riverbanks. If everyone does their part to remove trash and encourage others not to litter all year long, our river will be healthier and our burden of cleanup lighter.

We also encourage citizens to report acts of littering and illegal dumping in Athens and Limestone County.

Contact KALB for information on how to get involved with other projects and programs. We offer many opportunities throughout the year!

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

Become a Fan

March 20 - April 2, 2015

Cooking with Shelley

What’s In Your Salad?

by Shelley Underhill If you enjoy fruit with your green salad and really like a variety of things in your bowl, then you will enjoy making this salad, and eating it too. The biggest of skeptics in my home had to cry “mercy” and admit that the concoction (that’s what one family member called

it) was very good after all!

Hope you will give it a try and enjoy... send your questions to shelleysdesk@gmail.com.

What you will need: 1 bag of mixed greens 1/4 cup of crumbled Blue Cheese 1 cup strawberries - washed and sliced 1 can of drained mandarin oranges 1/2 cup of crushed walnuts Combine all together and toss well...

Dressing: Top with Raspberry Vinaigrette to taste

March 20 - April 2, 2015

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Health and Fitness

Passive Exercise – Working While Not Really Working Out: Whole Body Vibration (WBV) by Janet Hunt Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment.

Editor’s note: Janet’s take on Whole Body Vibration varies from other positive treatments on the topic that have been published in Athens Now. WBV is now designated as an approved medical device by the FDA, and, as Janet suggests, do your due diligence and weigh the risks before you add WBV to your exercise regimen.

Really? Well that is what is in some of the advertisements.

Before you invest in one of these expensive machines or pay big bucks to use one, let’s check out what experts have to say. My bet is – “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is not true.”

The most popular passive exercise today is whole body

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vibration or WBV or Power Plate exercise. This came from the extension of a program used to train Russian cosmonauts. The first time I heard of it was probably 5-10 years ago. At that time, I compared it to the exercise belt machine my mom had in her basement when I was a child. She used her vibrating belt machine religiously every day with no obvious weight loss changes.

The WBV is a little different.

Most of these machines have a platform you stand on with your knees bent while the surface under your feet vibrates around 30 to 50 times per second. It is supposed to trick your body in to thinking that you are falling. This activates the muscles to prevent a fall.

According to WBV manu-

factures, the benefits of their machines include better circulation, increased muscle strength, more flexibility, increased range of motion, greater core stability, etc.

They also say the benefits include increased bone mineral density, reduction of cortisol, elevated human growth hormone levels, and improved lymphatic flow. If that is not enough, WBV reduces cellulite and stimulates collagen production for better skin.

OMG it is a miracle!

There have been studies that show positive results with bone density and some good effects with circulation and muscle stimulation for those who do not do conventional exercise. But the research to support weight loss and reducing cellulite is not out

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there.

In 2004, a Belgian study of 90 postmenopausal women found almost a 1% increase in hip bone density with users of WBV. The participants used the WBV for 30 minutes three times a week for six months.

Another Belgian study in 2009, with obese women who followed a healthy diet and exercised using vibration plates, found the women lost more weight long-term than women who followed a healthy diet and did conventional exercise. Those women using WBV did basic exercise moves on the Power Plate.

After hearing about this study and reading more, you might think WBV is the thing for you. Since you will be doing basic exercises on a vibrating plate, it cannot be easy.

My suggestion is if you want to use vibration plates, work with a trainer who has worked

with these and can show you the proper techniques.

Even though there have been positive studies, not everyone is sold on VWB. Injuries ranging from back pain and cartilage damage to possible brain damage from the vibration have been reported. As always, to achieve and maintain weight loss, you need to eat healthy and exercise regardless of the exercise method you choose. If you are new to exercise or it has been a long time, I recommend you work with a personal trainer to get you started with a good, safe program that is tailored to your needs. If you are still interested in the vibration plates, talk with your trainer and physician so you can make an informed decision.

For more information, call Janet. I will help you find you a trainer that is familiar with WBV and wants to work with you. 256-614-3530.

March 20 - April 2, 2015

Cover Story

Garnet’s On The Square: Trendy and Eclectic

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

and Garnet King has realized her goal by making it into a true “gem of a store.” She is quick to give glory to God and thanks to family and friends for the past year. When I asked her what the best part of her first year as a store owner has been, she said, “I’ve made a lot of new friends, and I love seeing people come through the doors. I am a people person, and I was hoping it would be like this.”

I then asked her what one of the highlights of her first year in business had been, and her face lit up as she told me, “We had a custom made tin and barn wood island bar, and a couple from Madison were in the store browsing. They took one look at it, said, ‘We’ve GOT to have it,’ bought it on the spot, and took it home that day. The MAN was the one that was excited! Usually it’s the woman, but this guy was almost like a little kid.

He was so fun to watch,” she told me.

There is no doubt that Garnet, her friends, family, and vendors have worked hard to “polish the gem” that is Garnet’s On the Square, and there is a wonderful variety of items from which to choose in each booth.

“We are eclectic,” she said, and we are trendy.” There are antiques, re-purposed as well as hand built furniture and home décor items, handmade soaps and lotions, high end consignment furniture, custom blended gourmet food, and wedding reception items for rent or sale.

“There are lots of barn wood tables, chairs, islands and cabinets,” said Garnet, “and most of the barn wood is around 100 years old.” They get the majority of their barn wood from Tennessee. One

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of Garnet’s favorite “stores within the store” is what they call the Man Cave.

“The coolest things are the old tools, fans, heaters and farming implements,” she said.

She went on to tell me that she especially loves to go to estate sales, and wonders just what the people were like, and how they lived their lives. Recently a family

whose mother had passed sold Garnet and her husband Mike “nearly the whole house.”

There were some flour sack embroidered towels that were from the era when you did not just throw things away, but you “made do” in a beautiful way.

She is not going to sell the towels because “they are a part of this woman’s story,” Garnet told me, and added, “she was

91 when she passed.”

Garnet then introduced me to Kim Battles, the owner of the Spicy Peacock.

Kim describes herself as a “foodie,” that is, someone who really loves to cook and try new and unusual flavors.

Kim wants to “try to bring a better dining experience at home.” To that end, she and her husband searched far and wide for people to produce what the Battles were looking to sell, things such as ground vanilla, lots of meat rubs, a dark chocolate spread, a pineapple and habanera chutney, balsamic vinaigrettes, and olive oils. The Spicy Peacock is going to have its grand opening at Garnet’s on Saturday, April 4th, from 11-2.

There will be tastings as well as refreshments served.

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Another new addition to Garnet’s On the Square is a wedding booth called “Jinny’s.” It is unique in that you can either rent or buy the items, both at reasonable prices.

There are arches made of iron, wood, or are rustic, fountains, punch bowls, and lighted columns, which are perfect for outdoor weddings at night. Garnet told me the columns are the only ones of their kind in all of Alabama. “Jinny’s has everything you need to decorate for your indoor or outdoor wedding.” In addition, their items are “rustic clear up to high end classy,” and they have a good selection of silk flower arrangements and wreaths.

“Last Word Vinyl Creations” is another “store within the store, and offers personalized items. There are wall words, notebooks, sweet tea glasses, plaques, and sports shirts of all kinds.

Lastly, Garnet’s carries Bungalow No-Prep, and General Finishes brand milk paint and stains, for those who want to re-purpose their own “finds” themselves. The General Finishes products have been around since 1928.

“These are big sellers,” she

happily told me.

I wanted Garnet to know that I was proud of her, and glad that the store was thriving, even through the hard stuff that invariably accompanies owning your own business.

I shared with her a statement that had been made to me by the dear women at the Sweetest Things one day when I was really “feeling the pressure,” and that was, “No cross, no crown.” Garnet said, “Oh, that’s so good, and you need to put that at the end of the article” So, I am doing just that, and conveying Garnet’s heartfelt thanks to all her customers for a wonderful first year. Come to Garnet’s On The Square, see for yourself what a “gem of a store” it truly is, and congratulate Garnet, her family and the vendors on a job that continues to be well done.

Garnet’s On The Square A Gem Of A Store

116 N. Jefferson Athens, AL 35611 Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am to 5pm Phone: 256-777-3310 www.garnetsonthe square.net Facebook: Garnet’s On The Square Page 15

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Cover Story

Southeast Quality Refrigeration & HVAC: The Talent Is In The Craftsmanship

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

the business in 1998, used to come into the office as a kid and watch his grandfather operate the local Coca-cola distribution center located at 713 So. Clinton Street in Athens. He has an extensive collection of antique Coke products as a reminder of what it means to be a truly family owned business, and his sons Chambers and Jacob have joined him in that endeavor.

Randy has a science degree from Athens State University, and thought he would have a long career at Browns Ferry working in the chem lab. Then there was a huge lay off of more than 600 people, and he knew it was time to strike out on his own. The original name of the business was Ricketts Refrigeration, and more recently they changed the name to Southeast Quality Refrigeration and HVAC. (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning.)

Chambers told me he has always worked with his dad, and always plans to.

He has an AA degree in refrigeration from Calhoun.

Jacob is pursuing a degree in secondary education from Athens State, and will work full time in the summers.

As I sat and listened to their story, I gained a great deal of appreciation for the fact that Randy did what fathers used to do with their sons: pass down a trade while instilling a sense of satisfaction at doing the job right. Southeast Quality has two “arms,” designing and installing refrigeration and HVAC systems for businesses and homes, as well as servicing commercial beverage

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machines and refrigeration systems.

“Our biggest customer is McDonald’s,” he told me. They have installed and serviced McDonald’s nearly proprietary beverage dispensing systems in Tennessee, Mississippi, down in the Gulf, Arkansas, and Georgia. “Beverage gives us a niche,” Chambers mentioned, but Southeast Quality does much more.

Since McDonald’s has gone to having much more of their supplies needing to be frozen, walk-ins have had to be completely remodeled.

They deal with ice makers and other specialized equipment, do walk in coolers and freezers, retrofit old coolers, and contract for Multiplex and Manitowoc. In recent years, EPA guidelines have gotten much more stringent, and they must keep abreast of what kinds of new refrigerants are being used and the technology involved

in keeping systems running smoothly.

In regard to HVAC, they most often install systems made by Amana, and the installations are all custom designed. I learned that airflow has to be engineered for efficiency and savings, and one of Randy’s other job descriptions is that of a troubleshooter. He pulls from his experience at Browns Ferry to solve problems with systems that no one else seems to be able to. People will pay big bucks to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and there is much that can go wrong if the installation is poor. Everything from sky high energy bills to mold poisoning can happen when a HVAC system is not properly configured or installed, and Randy said, “Most contractors try to low bid the HVAC system, which is a big mistake.”

The TVA has a heat pump

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program that makes it possible to upgrade one’s HVAC system at a marginal cost, and Southeast Quality does many of those installations. In order to do so, the installer must be certified

by NATE, (North American Technician Excellence), and it is also very important to be a tech certified by RSES, the Refrigeration Service Engineering Society.

Southeast’s techs are that, and Randy and Chambers will be completing their Master Technicians certification with RSES soon. They are also on the board of the TN Valley RSES organization.

I asked, as I always do, why I should come to them when there are a number of local companies from which to choose. “We are family run from top to bottom,” Randy said. Chambers added that what sets them apart is their “personability.” They have a wall full of awards, and

would not have grown over the years without ongoing customer satisfaction. They have a retention rate with their crew that is in the 90th percentile, and Randy says, “We try to instill in them the desire to be their personal best.” Chambers concluded our time by saying, “We started off small, we have grown, we are going to ‘be there,’ and we have a good presence in the community.” If excellence, talent and craftsmanship in regard to everything about refrigeration and HVAC are important to you, then Southeast Quality is the place you’ll find it.

Southeast Quality Refrigeration & HVAC 713 South Clinton St Athens, AL 35611 256-232-2077

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Blacksmithing and Blooming Festival

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 know we will have a great time. Expect lots of pictures in the next article.

On March 14, the Center for Lifelong Learning held our third “Basic Blacksmith” class at Travis Fleming’s workshop. Seven students learned the basic steps to blacksmithing and made coat racks for their hands-on project. That does not sound like much, but it is pretty impressive because it is just the beginning. be taking a group of 38 to Savannah, GA, Jekyll Island, and Beaufort, SC. We will travel together for five days and I

A blacksmith works with metal to create objects from wrought iron or steel by shaping the metal, using tools to hammer, bend, and cut. Blacksmiths produce objects like gates, grilles, railings, light fixtures, furniture, sculpture, tools, agricultural implements, decorative and religious items, cooking utensils and weapons.

A blacksmith should not be confused with a farrier. A farrier is a specialist in equine hoof care.

Our Blacksmith instructors are Travis Fleming, from Artist Anvil, and Al Stephens, from Pequea Valley Forge.

Both of our instructors are very talented and have a lot of experience with this craft.

Fleming has been making iron leaves for more than two decades. He is a member of the Athens Blacksmiths, a chapter of the Alabama Forge Council. Stephens does custom ironwork in his workshop behind his home. His handcrafted products are sold in 41 states.

Stephens is the designer of our new Intermediate Project, an adjustable candlestick. Students need to take the Basic Blacksmith or a Blacksmith Project class before they take the Intermediate class. We are offering the Blacksmith Project class on Saturday, April 18, from 8:00am to 3:00pm.

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Our next trip is a one-day trip to Cullman for the Bloomin’ Festival on April 18. The Annual Bloomin’ Festival is a two day juried arts festival attracting thousands of visitors to the beautiful campus of St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School.

This trip includes a visit to the world famous Ave Maria Grotto (Little Jerusalem). The picturesque landscape of stone cut buildings on the grounds

of Alabama’s only Abbey provides a backdrop for the out-of-doors show. More than 140 booths are filled with artists demonstrating and exhibiting their work.

We will depart the Center for Lifelong Learning at 9:00am for the event. The fee for this tour is $55 and includes transportation, entry tickets to festival and grotto. Lunch is on your own. Call 256-233-8260 for more information.

Won’t you join us as we learn more every day?

Class is held in the blacksmith workshop located at 208 Commercial Dr, Athens. The fee is $79. You can register online or by calling 256-233-8262.

The Intermediate Project will be offered Saturday, May 2, from 8:00am to 4:00pm, at the same location. The fee for the Intermediate Project will be $89. All materials are included in our classes.

Blacksmith activities can be inherently dangerous due to hot metal, sparks, sharp objects, welding and grinding operations, as well as other activities. Students should wear long sleeves and bring leather gloves to protect their hands.

On Monday, March 23, I will

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March 20 - April 2, 2015

The View From The Bridge

Time To Declutter Before The Summer Shopping Spree Begins…

Jackie Warner

Community Outreach “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

by Jackie Warner

and consider all those clothing items, shoes, belts and accessories that you purchased and have only worn once or twice just sitting there in your home closets. Choose to wear or choose to share…

Do you know what’s in your closet? Remember those great deals you got at the end of last summer?

Where did you put them?

Yes, we all do it. We see a great deal and make the purchase, then forget that we bought it. Well, this year before making any purchases for the summer wardrobe or buying new clothes for the family, shop first in your own home.

Make it a family event!

Start first by pulling everything out of the closets, chest of drawers, bins, attic space . . .wherever you store your clothing and take time to see what still fits and works for your family and what doesn’t. Plan to donate if still in good condition, of course. As you begin sorting through all of the items depending on your family size, there may be items that you or a sibling may be able to wear or use without having to make that dreaded new purchase. Having two girls, this is frequent in our home and really helps me when it comes to spending on a budget.

Each year, we see what

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Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional Jackie Warner, Community Outreach Specialist Email: thebridge.us@gmail.com may work for my youngest such as jeans, t-shirts, belts and then move them to her closet.

looking at the sales papers and first take some

time to shop at home before heading to the mall

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

Over the years, I have bagged up clothing and accessories that did not fit anymore and offered them to family, friends, neighbors, and church members who wore similar sizes. It has been a great way to help others financially save and enjoy having a new wardrobe. For me, it has also been an opportunity to declutter with the purpose of serving and helping others.

I challenge you to stop

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Horse Whispering

H.E.L.P.: Horses Evoke Leadership Processes

by Deb Kitchenmaster Yippee-Yi-Aye! Spring is here! I don’t know about you, but for some reason this winter has seemed like a long one to me. The unearthing of a yellow lily and purple hyacinth has brought me amazing encouragement.

when we practice relational leadership skills such as focus, feel and timing.

Horses benefit when time and space are provided to relax, play, and chill with their friends. So it is with humans! In fact, horses prefer fun above food!

The word “HELP” keeps coming to mind, along with the question, “How do horses help humans?”

Horses evoke processes within humans. Leadership processes to be exact, since they are true followers.

The word “evoke” means “to call to mind, suggest, remind or to stir up.” Thus, Horses Evoke Leadership Processes.

How many times have you heard or said, “I’m processing that?” Simply, you have come up with a procedure, course, and some method, course of action or development. Each of us desires to achieve a positive outcome in the process (like a flower after winter).

The beauty of increased hope, confidence, and a calm/focused relationship between horse and human are a few reflections of this process.

I remember coming up with a plan of action to help a young grandson learn his alphabet. There was quite a lot of resistance on his part due to an attitude of “It’s just so hard!” Out in the barn, I hid index cards that had one letter written on each one. “A-Z” and “a-z” cards were placed throughout six box stalls, a grain room, a tack room, a wash rack, alleyway and two tie-stalls. Each time Evan identified the requested letter, I clipped a

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When a leader chooses to be particular and progressive without being critical with their horse, something organic occurs. It begins with a bond that transcends into being focused, and then is expressed through

clothespin to his tee. The fun outweighed the hindering mind-set. The clothespins were counted, and a trip to Toys-r-Us scheduled.

Evan, now almost fourteen years old, remembers that moment. He said, “Mamaw makes learning fun!” And this, dear NEIGHbor, is what we want to have with our horses; a relationship that makes it fun for the horse AND you to learn.

Questions are asked during the learning stage, and horses are constantly asking questions, too! How they react tells us what answers they are getting. We call this “mirroring.”

There is no such thing as a “hard mouth” horse. There are horses with dull minds, however, who are shut down to survive. If horses

ery, honesty, truth-telling, confidence, focus, communication, and being a leader worth following are a few priceless life skills that these wonderful, effective, followers offer us if we choose to show up.

Horses are helping countless people who have physical challenges. One chiropractor stated that his goal was to be as effective in his practice as an equine. Horses are helping people with post-traumatic stress come into calm and out of anxiety. Horses are helping people behind bars understand the difference between being assertive vs. being aggressive, and being responsive vs. being reactive. Horses help people in managerial positions to trust vs. micromanage. Horses help people of all ages learn how to be responsible, vs. blaming everything and anyone for the quality of their lives. And so important, horses help people understand that life flows when we live connected vs. living disconnected! Truly, horses help people practice life skills.

Psalm 46:1 states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help.” Thank you God for help!

are handled “unconsciously” for a period of time, they become dull. We want to keep our horses asking questions, not becoming less and less sensitive. We keep our horses sensitive

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playfulness. It develops into a calm confidence. Be interesting to be around.

Be fun to be with.

Horses help people in so many ways. Self-discov-

Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster Corral Connections www.corralconnections.com ‘A church of great heart’ 256-426-7947 Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com

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Athens Rehabilitation And Senior Care Center Spotlight On Martha Edwards

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Martha Edwards was born on June 18th, 1935 in Marshall County. For reasons that were never disclosed to her, she lived with her grandparents on their farm until the age of seven, when her mother and step-father returned to claim her and begin a new life as a family. Martha only met her real father once, and that was at the age of 42. The secrecy was fairly standard for the times, but I could tell

that even at the age of 80, her “little girl heart” would have loved to have had some answers.

She was 18 when she married and 20 when her daughter Audrey was born, which also happened to be the same day as Martha’s birthday. She and Audrey are very close, and Audrey was present with us for the interview. Her son, Phillip was born in 1958, and James was born in 1960.

James only lived for an hour, and they both remember his funeral, with its tiny bluelined casket. While Martha never got to hold James after she gave birth, the funeral home brought him back to the hospital in the casket so she could say goodbye, and she told me, “I remember reaching down and touching his little hand.” Martha had no more children after James died.

They moved to Florida, and then one day, Audrey told me, “Daddy went out ‘to get coffee,’ and never came back.”

Martha got a divorce in an era when it just wasn’t done, and came back to Alabama to raise her kids by waiting tables and cooking. The kids turned out well, and Martha has 4 grandkids and 5 great grandkids.

This mother and daughter duo are women of faith, and by God’s grace, they have built blessed lives.

We then moved on to the topic of favoritesColor? Red. Food? Pizza. Martha loves Village Pizza’s version of the “meat lover’s,” or “the Supreme.” “I could eat their pizza every day,” she said.

Movie? Gone With The Wind Book? The Bible, and her favorite verse is Jn 3:16. We talked for a bit about the love of God in our lives.

Song? Amazing Grace President? Ronald Reagan, and Martha is an ardent Alabama football fan.

Biggest change? Coming to Athens Rehab and Senior Care, and her whole family has seen a positive change in her in comparison to many years of her living alone. “She has

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bloomed, and is bright and happy here,” says Audrey.

She came to Athens Rehab in June of 2014, after a bad fall caused her to break her knee, and she needed care that her family could not provide. She loves it there, and Bingo is her favorite activity. I was at the facility on St. Patrick’s Day for the interview. The place was more than festive, with all the staff wearing green, the residents wearing green hats, and decorations everywhere.

“We’re always having a party,” Martha said with a beautiful smile.

She especially loves Cindy, who works during the day and takes care of her, and Martha wishes she could go into the kitchen to help cook. It was such a big part of her life, and not so easy to let go of.

She told me that her favorite poem is “Footprints,” the one about Jesus carrying us when it is tough, and leaving only one set of prints in the sand. We shared about how that had been in the case in all our lives, and rejoiced that we know Him.

Advice to young people?

“Don’t start drinkin’ and smokin’, go to church, and get your life right with Him.” Well said, Miss Martha, and may there be ears to listen!

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Medical Update

March Is National Nutrition Month: Nutrition Tips For Breastfeeding Moms

by Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Recently a new study published in The Lancet Global Health has indicated that prolonged breastfeeding may be linked to “higher intelligence, longer schooling, and greater earnings” as an adult. This study was done in Pelotas, Brazil and measured participants for an average time span of 30 years.

Dr. Bernando Lessa Horta, the lead author of this study, had this to say of the research: “The effect of breastfeeding on brain development and child intelligence is well established, but whether these effects persist into adulthood is less clear. Our

study provides the first evidence that prolonged breastfeeding not only increases intelligence until at least the age of 30 years but also has an impact both at an individual and societal level by improving educational attainment and earning ability.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, breastfeeding is the “gold-standard” in infant nutrition for the first year of life, with exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months. This is because breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients for the baby, in addition to boosting the immune system.

Some women find it hard

to breastfeed their babies for any length of time, let alone the one-year mark for various reasons.

Sometimes that is due to issues with the baby’s latch, maternal health problems like mastitis, a decreased milk supply, or premature babies with extended stays in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Below you’ll find some nutritional tips during the time you choose to breastfeed your baby.

General Nutritional Tips: •Make your calories count. Limit those foods high in hydrogenated fats, sugar, and “empty calories.” Examples include

desserts, fried foods, and soda.

•Eat a variety of colors of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables. This is true for people of all ages and genders, but especially for breastfeeding mothers. It is now recommended that we eat fully HALF our plate at each meal in fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.

•Eat 8-12 ounces of seafood each week. Fish has nutrients that help develop your baby’s brain and eyesight. Eat a variety of healthy choices such as Salmon, Cod, White (Albacore) Tuna (no more than 6 ounces each week), and Tilapia.

•Drink plenty of fluids.

Your body needs increased fluids to meet the demands of breastfeeding. Good choices include water, milk, and very low processed fruit juices that have little or no artificial sugar/sweeteners.

Foods To Avoid While Breastfeeding: •Alcohol-there is no amount of alcohol in breast milk that is considered safe for your baby. If you are going to drink while breastfeeding some tips to remember include: (1) wait until baby is 3 months old and has an established pattern, (2) drink no more than ONE drink per day, (3) wait at least four hours after having a drink to breastfeed your baby, (4) plan ahead for how to feed your baby if they become hungry •Caffeine-this could agitate your baby or cause issues with sleep.

If you choose to drink caffeine while breastfeeding, limit it to 24ounces or less per day and avoid drinks high in sugar content.

•Seafood with high mercury content-this could inhibit the development of your baby’s brain. These fish include King Mackerel, Tilefish, Swordfish, and Shark.

If you are having trouble breastfeeding, see a certified lactation consultant. If you need help with your own diet, consider visiting a registered dietician.

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