May 19, 2017

May 19th - June 1st, 2017

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

Spotlight On Limestone Health Facility: Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie And Chevrolet

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature Limestone County’s largest toga party is a Top 20 tourism event...

Combine togas with fried foods and quirky events like a frozen turkey toss and you have the ingredients for a Southeast...

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Special Feature

By Ali Elizabeth Turner 90-year-old Leola Bates danced to The Beach Boys

Continued on page 15

The Bicentennial Celebration Of Round Island Baptist Church

Constant Battle...

Alcoholics and addicts are not polar opposites of what society calls “normal” people...

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By Ali Elizabeth Turner

From The Vets' Museum Major General To Speak At Memorial Day Program...

It is with great pleasure that I announce our guest speaker for this year’s Memorial Day program will be...

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May 19 - June 1, 2017

May 14-19 has been National Nursing Home Week, and at Limestone Health Facility’s Senior Rehab and Recovery Center, every

2017 is a year that is proving to be rich with heritage, history, and celebration. Athens is 200 years old, as is Round Island Baptist Church, (RIBC) and you are invited to come to “their house” on Saturday and Sunday, Continued on pages 17

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May 19 - June 1, 2017

Publisher’s Point Publisher / Editor

The Vending Machine Of Virtue

Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers Janet Hunt Lynne Hart Kimberly Hobbs D. A. Slinkard Wanda Campbell Paul Foreman Deb Kitchenmaster Sandra Thompson Rachel Clark, RN BSN Holly Hollman Tina Cook

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . 9 From The Vets' Museum . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Kimberly . . . 13 Tina's Tales . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 16 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . 18 Horse Whispering . . . . . . . 20 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Foreman's Forum . . . . . . . . 23

May 19 - June 1, 2017

Most of the time I am pretty much death on what comes out of vending machines, with possibly the exception of water. This is because the stuff in them has been relegated through uber-processing to what famed neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf calls “food-like substances,” and rightfully deserves the title of “junk.”

However, my heart leapt with joy when I learned that on Saturday, May 20 at 2 p.m. in Tanner, there will be an unveiling of what is fair to say a “vending machine with virtue,” at least potentially.

I suppose the virtuous vending machine could also be looked upon as an ATM of sorts, except that instead of money, you will be able to check out something even more priceless, books from our library! Its official title is a “book lending machine” and it is the first one in the entire state of Alabama. Paula Laurita, the Executive Director for the Athens-Limestone Public Library told a crowd at the Chamber of Commerce about how the community had come together to make this happen through a project called Branching Out. The machine is located in the strip mall in Tanner on Swanner Blvd, safely tucked away from the elements under an awning between Tanner Medical Clinic and Mighty Warrior Church. The address is 20104 Swanner Blvd, and there will be refreshments as well other giveaways, including gift cards.

Here’s how it works: You swipe your library card to get in, and

then access the machine’s computer to see if the book you desire is in there. Books will be rotated in and out, and there will be hardbacks, paperbacks, audiobooks, as well as DVDs. In addition, you will be able to return items to the machine, somewhat like taking DVDs back to any Redbox irrespective of the location of the original machine. Some of you who grew up in cities remember the Bookmobiles that would come to the neighborhood grocery store parking lot on Saturdays. You climbed the steps to the bus, walked through and looked at what was displayed on the shelves, checked them out with your paper library card from a human seated at a desk, (who was

also the bus driver) and then exited the bus. This is fancier, and there are no humans involved, but it’s the same idea.

Paula told me, “This is not meant to replace the library; it is to add convenience and increase service in the county, especially to people who have limited transportation.” She chuckled as she also referred to it as “bite-sized reading.”

Humans will be on the premises for the ribbon cutting on May 20 beginning at 2 p.m., and if you don’t have a library card, you can apply for one.

And, speaking of humans, many such beings worked together to make this happen – Steelcase, BBVA/Com-

me? That the one thing gangs have in common, irrespective of their race, location, ethnic background, or “mission statement” is a disproportionately high rate of illiteracy. In addition, the leaders of the gangs typically are the ones who can read and write. In a word, lead-

pass Bank, Brad Stovall, Tanner Medical Clinic, Southside Pharmacy, CR Mechanical Construction, and the Athens Limestone Library Foundation, to name a few.

ers are readers, and hopefully this little vending machine will be able to inspire some who might not darken a library door to check out a book under cover of night. Many thanks to all who have made this possible, and may it be the first of many in our county, and the rest of the state.

So, why is this such a big deal? Because literacy and a love of reading more than text snippets is what keeps people sharp and free. When Steve and I were running a school at an orphanage in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, I met a man who was an expert educator as well as someone who had done research on the impact of literacy in contemporary culture. You know what he told

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

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All Things Soldier

Hamza bin Laden, A Chip Off The Ol’ Block

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

It is difficult to believe that it has been six years since a SEAL team took out Osama bin Laden, and I would guess that the recent jihadist “inspirational and instructional” video released by his son, Hamza, was done so to commemorate the death of his father. One thing is clear: Hamza is most definitely his father’s child.

He unequivocally calls for the type of jihad that we have been told constitutes the hi-jacking of “the religion of peace,” and Hamza looks to be the new “hijacker-inchief.” Once upon a time Hamza was considered the “poster-child” of the movement, and was nowhere near the compound in Pakistan where his father and others were killed. He has sworn, however, to follow in his

father’s footsteps, and below we’ll discuss some of Hamza’s call to action, which is also known as “Advice For Martyrdom Seekers In The West.” It is about ten minutes long, and is surprisingly transparent. In any case, it is a reminder that we need to be vigilant, especially when we are in crowded places.

Individual jihadists need to “avenge” the “children of Syria,” the “widows of Palestine,” the “free honorable women of Iraq,” and “the orphans of Afghanistan.” Forgive me while I particularly choke on the use of the word “free” when it comes to describing the women of Iraq. Trust me, they ain’t free.

“Exercise patience and deliberation, for it is

among the qualities loved

by Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon Him,” says Hamza. “Accomplish your goals with secrecy.

Attain the highest level of perfection in your actions, exercise utmost care and caution, and prepare diligently to inflict crippling losses on those who have disbelieved.”

“Be perfect in your choice of targets, so that you may damage your enemies more,” Hamza advises. “Be professional in your choice of weapons.

It is not necessary that it should be a military tool.

If you are able to pick a firearm, well and good; if not, the options are many.”

“Know that inflicting punishment on Jews and Crusaders where you are present is more vexing

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

and severe for the enemy,” Hamza asserts. “It is sharper than a hundred warheads directed against their agents.” Please note that now that the fight has been brought to us, our need is to be both vigilant as well as unafraid. Tough to do, and only by grace.

“Next, look out for Jewish interests everywhere.”

But if the jihadist is not able to locate these, then “target American Crusaders.”

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“If you are unable to go for American Crusaders, target the interests of the Crusader member states of NATO,” he says. “And since Russia has forgotten what it tasted in Chechnya and Afghanistan, and has returned once again to interfere in matters concerning Islam, do not exclude it from your targets of priority. Give Russia a pertinent reminder

of the days of your predecessors.”

Is it too cheeky to posit that President Trump may not have been out of line at all when he discussed with Russians in a semiprivate setting the fact that they are targets, too, and laptops are the current airborne IED of choice? If Hamza wants jihadists to give Russia “a pertinent reminder,” I think you can connect the dots.

This column is usually dedicated to the concerns of those in uniform who serve us, up to and including making the ultimate sacrifice. Clearly the playing field has been leveled, and it’s time we recognize that if Hamza bin Laden has his way, the way of his father, we as private citizens may be called upon to give in the same way as those we honor in the month of May.

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Special Feature

Limestone County’s Largest Toga Party Is A Top 20 Tourism Event

by Holly Hollman

Combine togas with fried foods and quirky events like a frozen turkey toss and you have the ingredients for a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event.

The organization named the Athens Grease Festival a Top 20 Event in the Southeast for September 2017. Athens Main Street will host the festival on Sept. 30 in Downtown Athens. The festival is a play on words that honors the Greek origin of the city’s name and all things fried. Organizers caution spectators to “eat responsibly the other 364 days of the year.”

toga, tossing a frozen turkey and wearing creative togas, including some for a favorite football team or those made from camouflage material.”

ism Society Top 20 Festival and Event Awards have highlighted Southeast-area programs like the Grease Festival since

the United States by publishing them on two websites: EscapeToTheSoutheast.com and Travel Media Press Room.

Events considered for Top 20 recognition must be at least three years old and have attendance of at least 1,000. This will be the fifth Athens Grease Festival.

Athens Main Street utilizes funds generated by the Athens Grease Festival to invest in downtown improvements, such as financially supporting new electrical outlets that provide safe access to electricity for musical acts and food vendors as well as handicap-accessible sidewalks and crossings.

“The Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Festival and Event list is an excellent guide for the Southeast’s visitors, residents and travel writers. The events selected represent the best, and often most unique, activities in our region,” said Bill Hardman, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society.

The Southeast Tour-

The event includes naming an AthenaGrease Goddess to honor a woman from Limestone County who gives back to Athens through community service. The event also has art activities for children, contests, music and fried delicacies like fried pies, fried fruits and fried bacon dishes.

The Athens Grease Festival thrives on uniqueness and made Al.com’s list for “One of the Oddest Festivals in Alabama” and attempted to set a world record for largest toga party in 2014.

“Organizers started the festival in 2012 to provide our community with a family-friendly event in Downtown Athens and to fundraise so we can support downtown revitalization,” said Athens Grease Festival Publicity Chair Holly Hollman.

“We draw thousands to downtown who enjoy highlighting our Southern eccentricity by riding a mechanical bull in

May 19 - June 1, 2017

1985. Travel industry experts select 20 events per month, and the Southeast Tourism Society publicizes them throughout

About Southeast Tourism Society Southeast Tourism Society, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tourism to and within 12 states – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

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Calendar of Events Crawfish Happy Hour May 29th

Premier Women's Organization & Food Pantry First Saturday of Each Month

Redstone Harley-Davidson, 15100 AL-20 or Exit 3-Greenbrier on I-565 from 11:00AM-7:00PM. Redstone H-D has spiced Happy Hour up with friends at Red Mountain Crawfish, so come on down to Redstone Harley-Davidson to enjoy the crawfish, shrimp, oysters and more plus cool yourself down with some amazing cold beverages. Redstone H-D will have on tap from Yellowhammer Brewing.

Prayer • Elderly Assistance • Feed The Hungry Clothes • Scholarships • Empowering Women Volunteers Wanted & Needed Call for Details -256.233.5995 Meeting Time: First Saturday of Each Month at 1:30pm Food pantry open now. wewoa.org • E-Mail: wew5995@gmail.com

Houston Memorial Library and Museum Book Sale June 3rd

Gardening Questions Answered Every Tuesday

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association (LCMGA) is available every Tuesday and the first Saturday of every month at Athens Limestone Public Library from 10 - 2 to answer gardening questions.

Boogie Shoes Bash ​Jun 3rd

The Revival Center, 303 West Washington Street in Athens from 6-10pm. Come kick up your heels with Habitat for Humanity of Limestone County with music by Trippin' Dixie. More info: Deb Kohlhase 256-230-6001.

FREE Gardening Workshop May 20th

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association is giving a FREE workshop at Lowe's in Athens in the Garden Center: "Building a Planting/Potting Table". Attendees will receive instructions and a list of tools and parts required for construction.

Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, May 20th at 10am For more information, contact Janet Hunt at 256-614-3530.

Pancake Breakfast May 22nd

Pancake Breakfast to benefit Girl Scout TROOP 1922. Tickets $5.00 and can be purchased at door on day of event. At Applebee's Bar & Grill, 1331 US Hwy 72 E, Athens, AL. 8am - 10:30am.

3rd Annual Catfish Literary Festival May 27th

10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Come meet local writers and celebrate the arts at Athens-Limestone County Public Library’s 3rd Annual Catfish Literary Festival. We’ll have 20+ local writers signing their books, author panels, and nature photography by local photographer Denise Grisham. The Little Kitchen food truck will be serving up gumbo, fried catfish, and more! This event if free and open to the public. If you’re an author interested in having a table at the festival, please contact Kris at 256-232-1233.

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Come get your beach books on Saturday, June 3rd from 9amnoon at the Houston Memorial Library and Museum Book Sale located at 101 North Houston Street in Athens. Priced to sell, we are offering 10 paperbacks for $1 and each hardback for $1 or get an extra bargain and buy 12 hardbacks for $10! Don't miss out. Our book sales are busy, busy, busy with patrons gathering up bags of summer fun. We have every genre out on our tables with new titles being added during the sale! If you love to spend the hot summer months with a great book then we will see you there. Please remember that 100% of the money collected will go directly to repairing and renovating the Houston Memorial Library and Museum. Please call Deb with any questions about the sale on her cell at 610-304-9390. Thanks for your continued support of our book sales. Our next sale will be in August.

National Trail Day June 3rd

Lace up your shoes, dust off your camera lens, grab the bikes or load the horses and enjoy over 20 trails in Limestone County Alabama including the Limestone County Canoe and Kayak Trail, Richard Martin Rails-to-Trails, Marbut Bend Accessible Trail, Civil War Driving Trail, Noah Bike and Car Trail and more! For more information: 256-232-5411.

Athens Saturday Market Jun 3rd

409 South Green Street in Athens. 8:00AM-12:00PM with local producers, growers and entertainment. More Info

Play Outside Day June 3rd

Families everywhere are encouraged to get outside the first Saturday of every month and play in public parks, enjoy trails, hit the waterways, explore greenspaces and just play! Limestone County offers over 20 trails to explore including walking, cycling, horseback riding and kayaking – perfect for all ages. For more information: 256-232-5411.

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May 19 - June 1, 2017

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

“Be Like Barney!”

by Ali Elizabeth Turner May is always a time when adults are dealing with lumps in their throats at the prospect of grads getting ready to fly the coop, while kids have “senior-itis,” the “I-am-almost-graduatedand-can’t-stand-to-do-onemore-assignment” disease.

Emotions run high, gratitude runs deep, and this month is invariably bittersweet for everyone involved.

That includes Mayor Ronnie as well as Holly Hollman, City of Athens Com-

Youth Commission meeting, which was graced by the presence of City Attorney Shane Black, complete with an object lesson in the form of a “magic coloring book.” Since he was a kid, Shane has been the proud owner of a faith-based coloring book that when flipped one direction shows blank pages, flipped another direction shows pictures with no color, and flipped a third direction shows the same pictures in full color.

The message he left with

that love.

2.Be passionate in life.

Or, stated a different way, “Whatsoever you do, do it heartily…unto the Lord.”

3.Be like Barney. In a wonderful book called Barney Fife’s Guide To Life, Love, and Self-Defense, the endearing deputy says the following: “Folks often talk about what makes a person special. You know—what makes him stand out from the crowd….It’s more the

Congratulations to the 2017 members of the Mayors' Youth Commission.

Thank you for a job well done! munications Specialist, who have just completed the fourth year at the helm of the Mayor’s Youth Commission. This year there were homeschooled students, as well as students from public and private schools, and I had the privilege of reading a few of the thank you cards written by the kids to them both; now I was the one dealing with a lump in my throat.

“This is what makes it all worth it,” said Holly, and the Mayor agreed. There is much to celebrate, not the least of which is that a total of five students from the MYC received scholarships, not only for doing well academically, but for the high level of quality service given to our community during the past school year.

They told me about the last

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the kids? “It’s up to you what is going on your pages.” Mayor Ronnie said, “I have no idea how he made that thing work, but the kids loved it.”

Mayor Ronnie went on to mention that Athens Bible School has five female graduates this year who have completed high

school degrees as well as two community college degrees each, due to the advantage of dual-enrollment.

Randy Adams, principal at ABS says, “These girls just saved their parents around $50,000.” Athens Bible

School will be constructing a new school on Hwy 31 just across from the new Athens High School.

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Mayor Ronnie was asked to give the Athens State University 2017 Commencement Address, and he drew deeply from two of his favorite philosophers: Peter Kageyama, author of For The Love Of Cities, and the Mayor’s alter ego, Barney Fife. He wanted to give an address that was both substantive as well as a little bit whimsical, so he gave the grads three main things to remember and do: 1.Be in love with your community. Find things to love about us and work to build

way a fella handles himself, how he treats others and if you can depend on him. As you can tell, this thing about character is awfully hard to put a handle on. Some folks sum all this stuff about character and dignity up by calling it ‘class.’ That’s OK. Whatever you call it it’s fine so long as you understand that it’s what makes good folks good.”

We all heaved a sigh, one of great satisfaction and a touch of sadness. Then we prayed, and Ronnie rolled.

May 19 - June 1, 2017

Slinkard On Success

Persistence Beats Resistance Going From Failure To Success

by D. A. Slinkard

D.A. Slinkard is the manager of the Athens Staples store At the end of this month, I have the pleasure of celebrating fourteen years of marriage to my bride, Mindy. Fourteen years! That would be 13 ½ years longer than some people gave us when we said, “I do.”

That’s right; people were betting against us, and why shouldn’t they?

We were two young kids in what some referred to as “puppy love.” Now, don’t get me wrong, I love dogs but by no means were these naysayers trying to paint a fuzzy picture for us and the turmoil they just knew we were destined to have.

After all, we did have a whirlwind romance in which history saw our first date on October 9, 2001, and I found myself down on bended knee within a month of that first date. The difference is I knew I loved Mindy the first time I laid my eyes upon her.

In the beginning though, she unfortunately didn’t feel the same way.

My mom told me Mindy was just playing hardto-get, and to be honest, I didn’t like this kind of playing. I mean seriously, who likes to be told “No” over and over again? No one does, and the fear of rejection is why so many people fail in life. I have learned so much from my wife which has helped me in the business world. The first lesson learned prior to getting my first date with her is that “PER-

May 19 - June 1, 2017

SISTENCE BEATS RESISTANCE.” I asked her out on a date once and she said “No.” I asked her twice, I asked her three times, I asked her four times, and the answer was still “No.” I found different ways to ask her out. Make that five times, six times,

seven times, same response. With every resistance she was giving me I was beginning to feel the pressure. I loved her, she loved me, she just didn’t know it yet.

Eighth through tenth time, it was always an adamant “No.” Eventually upon asking for just one date on the thirteenth time, I was finally given the answer I wanted, “I’m going to church on Tuesday night.

If you want to you can

meet me there.” Did I want to? Was that even a question? Of course, I wanted to or I wouldn’t have risked being the fool twelve times over. I had finally worn her resistance down with my persistence. If I had not stayed on the trail like a bloodhound dog, I would

maybe there’s some other fish in the sea for us.

Now, if it is romance you are after, I highly suggest you pay attention to the amount of persistence you use because if you’re not careful, you may get a nicely crafted letter from the judge warning you to not persist so much.

not be blessed to have my beautiful wife today and our two blessings of Abigail and Johana.

In life though, we are going to face difficulties and those who don’t can be found in cemeteries.

I can remember being a small child and my dad

Now, what you can learn from my past failures turned success is that too often we give up too easily. We face the slightest bit of resistance, and we decide that maybe that big account we wanted to win, well maybe it doesn’t matter as much as we thought it did. Or maybe that girl who has caught our eye, well

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telling me, “Son, it’s not how many times you get knocked down, but what counts is the number of times you get back up.”

What my dad was really saying was, “Son, persistence beats resistance.”

If you are up against a tough or difficult situation, do not give up.

The best way to beat any kind of resistance is to counter it with Massive Action. The more action you take, the more traction you are going to be able to gain. When you get the action flowing, you will suddenly find yourself being able to knock down any barriers in your way. You will become unstoppable and whatever you set your desire upon, you can achieve.

So the next time you face a struggle and think about giving up, I want you to ask yourself how your persistence is. If you are stubborn enough to keep going, you’ll eventually get what you want. For those of you who are wondering, I am the head of the household, but my wife is the neck because the neck is what turns the head.

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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Major General To Speak At Memorial Day Program

by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum It is with great pleasure that I announce our guest speaker for this year’s Memorial Day program will be Major General James E. Simpson, Commanding General, U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL. Gen. Simpson assumed command on Aug. 19, 2015. ACC, a subordinate command of Army Materiel Command, is comprised of two subordinate commands—the U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command and the U.S. Army Expeditionary Contracting Command—and six major contracting centers. ACC provides global contracting support to war fighters engaged in military operations, weapon system acquisition, life cycle management and sustainment, and acquisition of goods and services vital to the soldier's mis-

sion and well-being. Its workforce includes more than 6,000 military and civilian personnel at more than 100 locations worldwide.

General Simpson was commissioned in 1985 after graduating from Lander University in Greenwood, SC, as an ROTC distinguished military graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

He has a master’s in Public Administration from Central Michigan University and a master’s in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

He also earned a master’s in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, a certificate in Management from the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia; and a master’s certificate in Government Contract Management from George Washington

Command, Alexandria; Chief, Osan Contracting Branch, ACC Korea, 8th U.S Army, Korea; Contingency Contracting Officer, 101st Support Group (Corps), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY; Commander, A Battery, 2d Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, KY.

Major General James E. Simpson University. His military education includes the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Services Staff School, Training with Industry, Command and General Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Gen. Simpson is Level III certified in contracting and Level II certified in program management. Prior to assuming command of ACC, he was the Director of Contracting and the Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Procurement.

General Simpson’s command and staff assignments include: Commander, U.S. Central Command Joint Theater Support Contracting Command, Afghanistan; Deputy Chief of Contracting Manage-

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ment, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, DC; Senior Contracting Official-Iraq, Joint Theater Support Contracting Command, CENTCOM, Operation New Dawn, Iraq; Chief of Staff, ACC, Fort Belvoir, VA; Commander, Contracting Center of Excellence, AMC, Alexandria, VA; Executive Officer, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Policy and Procurement), Pentagon; Deputy Project Manager, Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense, Falls Church, VA; Commander, Defense Contract Management Agency, Central Pennsylvania, York, PA and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq; Assignment Officer, Army Acquisition Corps, U.S. Total Army Personnel

His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (3 OLC), Bronze Star (1 OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (3 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (5 OLC), the Parachute and Air Assault Badges, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. Additionally, he was awarded the Secretary of the Army Excellence in Contracting Award for Outstanding Contracting Officer (Military) at Installation-Level Satellite for fiscal year 1999. In fiscal year 2006 he received the Acquisition Commander of the Year Award at the Lieutenant Colonel level.

Our program will be held on Monday, May 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the Limestone County Event Center, across from the museum at 100 W. Pryor St., Athens, AL. Please join us for refreshments following the program.

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Clean and Green

Rediscover And Share The Wonders Of Nature

by Lynne Hart, Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Our children are all precious. They start out innocent and have clear minds just ready to absorb everything in the world they see and hear.

We know that is true.

How many of us have heard our children repeat something we never dreamed they heard us say!

So who is responsible for what information is absorbed? We are all responsible. Children watch their parents and other adults around them.

They will repeat what they hear, take on the attitudes they witness, and care about things that the adults in their lives consider important. If they grow up witnessing kindness, they will learn to be kind. If they witness anger and bitterness, they will learn to be dissatisfied with life.

Children will learn about their environment in the same way. Someone must show them and teach them to appreciate the miracles of life and beauty that surround us. Often, children and adults alike

are so busy or glued to electronic gadgets that beautiful sunsets, a sky full of stars, the intricacies of the flowers that bloom, or a pair of hawks soaring above are missed completely.

We forget to stop and listen to the water trickling over the rocks in a stream or the wind blowing through the leaves on the trees. Have you ever stopped to watch hard-working ants or a bird going back and forth gathering materials to build a nest? These

things happen in our own back yards, yet we often ignore them because we are so busy.

In the same way, we can also become blind to the damage we may be doing to that same beautiful world. The ugliness and danger of litter on the roadsides, the garbage piled up in a slough on the river, or the household garbage that someone is burning down the road are often overlooked. If children are raised to believe all these things are normal, they may never develop a sense of responsibility for the natural wonders around them.

Children must be shown, and we must take the time to show them. In doing so, we ourselves may be reminded to appreciate the miracles and beauties of the world

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around us.

have come along.

When I lived in West Limestone, I would drive along the river daily. If my granddaughters were with me, they knew to be quiet once we reached the river and look for wildlife. They would scan the water, grass, and sky to spot turtles, hawks, and other critters. It took just a few minutes, but it helped them to become conscious of what was living and sharing this planet with them. I now live in the city and I, too, must make a conscious effort to stop and share a beautiful sky or the smell of rain in the air with my other grandchildren who

Pick a day, turn off the cell phone, disconnect from the electronics, and take a walk in the woods or along a riverbank. Take time to look for turtles, fish, and birds along the way. Lay on your backs and watch the clouds go by, picking out familiar shapes.

Use your imagination.

Breathe the fresh air.

Appreciate the gift of the natural world. It is amazing and just waiting to be noticed.

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

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May 19 - June 1, 2017

Cooking with Kimberly

Collard Greens

by Kimberly Hobbs The time is upon us for some great garden vegetables.

There’s nothing like cooking a pot of collard greens, and don't forget to savor that pot liquor!

What you will need: 5-6 bunches of collard greens Meat for seasoning (I use smoked turkey wings)

What you will do: Place the smoked turkey, or meat of choice, in a stockpot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook 45 minutes to an hour.

Cut collards by placing them in a pile and then cutting them into pieces. Rinse well in cold water.

Place collards in the stockpot with the meat.

Cook for 30 minutes until tender; you do not want them mushy. Add salt to taste.

Make some Hot Water Cornbread and you got a meal.

May 19 - June 1, 2017

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Tina's Tales

Constant Battle

by Tina Cook Director, Athens-Limestone County Family Resource Center Alcoholics and addicts are not polar opposites of what society calls “normal” people. We all have inside us conflicting desires that compete to see who is going to win. The crucial difference between those who are chemically addicted and those who are considered ordinary lies in the extreme persistence of the battle raging within.

Often times the use of an analogy will help me to better understand something that I am not fully wrapping my mind and, perhaps more importantly, my heart around.

In this case, I will use the common New Year’s Resolution that so many people make year after year. Each year, a vast number of people around the world make vows and promises to be more: more organized, more disciplined, more loving…much more. At the Feet of Jesus devotional author, Joanna Weaver, always sets out on a new self-improvement program. She says it goes like this, “This year I’ll: get in shape...keep my house clean…send out birthday cards and on time…be the loving, forgiving, obedient woman of God I want

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to be instead of the willful, stubborn, disobedient Christian I sometimes see staring back at me in the mirror.” Why does she do this? She states the truth that she is much more at peace when her house is clean, and genuinely hap-

she tries again without her life having fallen apart even once from the multiple preceding years of resolutions that have failed to launch.

py when she lives close to God and obeys Him. She laughingly states, “There’s a skinny woman inside me just struggling to get out!

Unfortunately, I can usually sedate her with four or five cupcakes.” Each year,

levels! Not just once a year but every day is a constant mantra of “You should: be more… do more... have more.” More is an elusive place; a destination that is always just one more ‘thing’ or ‘deed’ out of reach. Furthermore, when the destination is not reached and/or we become exhausted from the endless effort of our own steam to attain it, our lives crumble into the escape of quiet we find in a drink or drug. This action takes us further and further and further away from the place

Not so with the addict and/ or alcoholic on so many

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we dream of being. Finally, it is so far away we know longer even remember that we were trying to get somewhere or what the big deal was about getting there anyway. We drown in our bottles and more… much, much more!

I know what it is like to live with this battle constantly going on inside my head. I know exactly what it is like to never have enough while living in the midst of having more than I know what to do with.

The only reason I am not there now is that I lost everything including and most importantly my own self! It took me coming to the end of me to find The Supplier of all my needs. I count gratitude among one of the greatest assets I now have. It keeps me humbly right-sized and satisfied

with the provision God has for me instead of constantly seeking to acquire more. I like the following quote by GK Chesterton, “There are 2 ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to

desire less.” I have found that only through Christ am I able to quench that desire.

Today, I am blessed to work with others struggling with this constant battle. I am now uniquely qualified to help them begin to tear down the lies that perpetuate a cycle of destruction in their lives.

By guiding them toward truth with compassion and gentleness, perhaps I will spark hope in them that will catch fire and become a vision of life that will abundantly satisfy.

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Cover Story

Spotlight On Limestone Health Facility: Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie And Chevrolet

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

day has been a celebration.

Mary Nelle Clem, who is the activities director, along with her team of assistants, Kenisha Anderson, Teresa Moore, and Savannah Wise came up with a series of activities based on the iconic 1974 Chevy commercial jingle entitled, “Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet.” If you are not familiar with the catchy, award-winning ad, the lyrics go like this: “Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet, they go together in the good ol’ USA.” The jingle was repeated over and over, and is etched forever in the memories of all who heard it. So, here’s what they did to bring up fond remembrances of Mays and Memorial Days gone by.

•Monday put the “baseball

in baseball.” Any resident could participate, whether or not they were ambulatory, and they played Nerf baseball in the dining room. Minihotdogs were also the order of the day.

Veda Webb handed out apple pies from the Clem Auto 1951 Chevy truck

•Tuesday was the “apple pie and Chevrolet” part.

90-year-old Leola Bates danced to The Beach Boys

Clem Auto loaned their famous blue and yellow 1951 Chevy truck, and Veda Webb stood up

in the bed of the truck and handed out apple pies from McDonald’s. Nonstop Beach Boys played, a few residents danced around either in their chairs or on their feet. “Surfin’ USA,” baby! There had also been an auction with a real auctioneer; play money used for hats, jewelry, teddy bears, food items; and plenty of freshly popped popcorn.

•Wednesday the choir from Birdie Thornton came to sing. They are a real favorite with the residents, especially a man named Neal who is quite the singer. Wednesday was also Banana Split Day. •Thursday was a pancake breakfast in the morning, and Coke floats in the afternoon.

Kenisha and I laughed about the fact that the best part of Coke floats is the stuff that crystallizes on the top.

•Friday is the showing of one of the all-time great baseball movies, “A League Of Their Own,” starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna,

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Rosie O’Donnell, Bill Pullman, David Straithairn, Jon Lovitz, and Tea Leoni. It’s the mostly true story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during WWII. I had so much fun at the Tuesday event that it was hard to get back to work.

I sang Beach Boys songs, passed on the apple pie, danced a bit, and enjoyed the residents enjoying themselves as well as the staff enjoying the residents. It is always important to me to see that residents in any long-term care facility are well cared for by the staff, and that the staff members truly love and respect the residents. That was certainly the case on this day. I was so glad that Mary Nelle and her crew invited me to come and kick off the month of May and prepare for Memorial Day with something as American as “Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet.”

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Health and Fitness

Who Wants Goat For Dinner?

by Janet Hunt

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

In class the other day one of my students asked about eating goat meat.

Then, when I got home and started looking at one of my fitness/nutrition magazines, I was surprised to find an article on goat meat.

The article states that the popularity of eating goat meat and its availability in the U.S. is growing.

With our desire for new and different cuisines and restaurants that offer new foods, goat meat will be seen more and more. Goat is widely eaten in China, India, parts of Africa as well as central and South America. My first taste of goat was in a Mexican restaurant in Houston, Texas. On the menu, it was called “cabrito.”

Nutritionally, goat is comparable to other meats. Roasted goat has

about 122 calories per 3 ounce serving. It is lower in total fat than lamb, beef, or pork. Like most other meats, it has about 7 grams of protein per ounce.

ged than that used for beef. Also, goats are more efficient at converting plants they graze on into meat.

As with any meat, the best cooking method depends on the cut and how lean it is. Goat can be grilled, roasted or stewed.

Some people describe goat as gamey or similar to lamb. Others find it quite mild in flavor, with an intensity midway between pork and beef. I remember it as being mild in flavor and not fatty or greasy.

Ingredients:

Because of my environmental concerns with U.S. diets high in beef and pork, I was thrilled to hear goat is more environmentally sustainable. Goats can be raised in areas that are drier and hotter and more rug-

Below is an easy marinated goat recipe: 1-4 lbs. of goat meat (stew meat or bone-in cuts such as shanks or chops work well) 1/2 c. olive oil 1 Tbl. oregano 1 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 Tbl. lemon juice 1 Tbl. white vinegar 2 tsp. garlic, minced 1 tsp. ginger, minced

Directions: Set the goat meat aside. In a food processor, combine all remaining ingredients and pulse into a paste.

Coat the goat meat completely with the paste, wrap it in aluminum foil, and refrigerate.

Marinate for at least two hours.

Preheat the oven to 400⁰ F. Bake the goat, in the foil, for 40 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350⁰ F and bake for an additional 2 hours. The meat is finished when the juices run clear. Let the cooked meat rest for 20 minutes before carving. Serve over rice.

For more information on healthy lifestyles, call Janet Hunt, certified Health Coach, at 256614-3530.

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Cover Story

The Bicentennial Celebration Of Round Island Baptist Church

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

June 3 and 4 to enjoy a bicentennial birthday party! On Saturday, June 3, there will be an open house from 12-5 p.m., and refreshments will be served. The focus of the open house will be a time-line with artifacts and photos, as well as tours of the facility. There will be a military display, which should be especially interesting seeing as RIBC has been around since shortly after the War of 1812. There will be a display of wedding photos going back decades, and RIBC members will be on hand to answer any questions and give tours. On Sunday, June 4th, there will be a 10 am worship service during which former pastor Dr. Bill Bailey will preach. After the morning service, there will be a dinner held on the grounds, which are located at 14790 Brownsferry Road, Athens, AL 35611. Please call the church at 256-233-1230 to let them know if you are coming for the dinner, or you can go online to info@roundisland. org.

Mike Green is the pastor at Round Island and a native of Athens. He is a graduate of Athens High, has pastored RIBC since 2004, and his love for his historically unique flock is engaging. I was intrigued by the story of Round Island, and the impact it has had on the church and community that has come to be known as Athens-Limestone County.

A few miles from Round Island Baptist Church is a creek that empties into the Tennessee River. The story is that in the middle of the creek was a round island, which served as the inspiration for the church’s name. Members began to

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meet in 1816, when this area was still part of the Mississippi Territory. The church was officially “born” on June 17, 1817, and Jeremiah Tucker was the founding pastor. The exact location of the original building is no longer known, but RIBC has been on the present site since 1822. The land was donated by John Favor, a Revolutionary War veteran, and it is one of the oldest churches in Alabama. Mike found it significant that RIBC was one of 5 Baptist churches in 1817; by 1820 there were nearly 50, and by 1830, there were nearly 130! Anyone who has studied church planting and church growth will realize this was nothing short of miraculous, especially considering that word of mouth would have been almost the only means in a rugged land of letting people know there was a place to worship according to the dictates of one’s conscience. “Every major historical event from the Civil War on—we’ve been here,” said Pastor Mike.

grew out of this congregation, and many other Baptist churches in the area can trace their roots either directly or indirectly back to Round Island,” said Mike.

Pastor Mike’s understanding that the enduring stability of Round Island is one of its gifts to the community keeps him and the rest of the members fo-

cused on their mission. He told me, “What is unique about us is that you have history, as well as a lot of space and facilities to be used. The challenge is to keep growing. We have to hang on to our history, but move forward.” Speaking of history, RIBI’s is fascinating. The church is older than the state and the county. The 12 founding members’ names are ones that many natives of Limestone County would recognize or actually possess: Tucker, Lambert, Morgan, Ables, McWilliams, Stamps and Barclay.

The church also ordained black ministers as early as 1825, and members included slaves and freemen. Mike says he would describe Round Island as a “multi-racial church.” He added, “We are wanting to reach

out to every demographic in our rural area.”

Round Island also has a passion to minister to young people, and their youth room, which uses the hardwood flooring from the 1957 sanctuary, is named S.W.A.G.G., which stands for Students Who Are Glorifying God. Over the centuries there have been several buildings on the current property, the most recent sanctuary having been completed in 2003, and which seats 600 people. Pastor Mike finished our time together by saying, “We’re hoping that people in the community who have a tie to Round Island will come and celebrate,” and he wants everyone to know that the rest of the community is invited, too.

One of the results of Round Island’s ministry has been the birth of other churches in the area. “First Baptist in Athens

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Summer Time

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 In 1934, DuBose Heyward wrote “Summertime, and the livin' is easy, Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high.”

George and Ira Gershwin put the music and lyrics together for the musical Porgy and Bess.

The song, “Summertime” quickly became a favorite jazz standard.

In 1958, the Jamies recorded another summer time favorite – “It’s summertime, summertime, sum, sum, summertime.” I sing that song in my head every summer at least 100 times. It is a snappy tune and you can remember the words because – “It’s summertime, summertime, sum, sum, summertime.”

This summer, at the Center for Lifelong Learning, a group of kids will be writing their own words in a summer camp called “Words Alive: Adventures in Writing and Illustrating Short Stories.”

Students will develop their own story web; and from there the stories will take off! This camp, recommended for ages 10 and up, is June 5-8, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Center for Lifelong Learning.

More information is on our website – www.athens.edu/CLL. We have added two new camps to our summer listing. These did not make the catalog and you don’t want to miss them.

ART TROPICS will be offered on June 26-29,

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from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 Second Ave, NE, Decatur, Alabama.

Artist Lessons ~ Projects ~ Music ~ Outdoor Activities and a ton of smiles, laughs and FUN! We will go on new adventures with famous artists, discovering their artwork and experiencing their techniques.

This camp is for ages 5-10 and there is more information on our website – www.athens.edu/ CLL.

we will have different STEM challenges based on Dr. Seuss’ classic books. This is a great camp for kids who love to create and build!

Do you have a child who loves to learn – even in the summer? We have the Kids’ Enrichment Challenge, June 12-15, from 9:00 a.m. – noon at

the Center for Lifelong Learning. This camp is a reading and math challenge full of enriching and thought-provoking activities. Critical thinking and reasoning skills will be incorporated into each exciting day. This camp is for rising 3rd – 6th graders. Call 256233-8260 or check out

the website – www.athens.edu/CLL. Our summer camps start in just two weeks. We have camps for future engineers, artists, writers, and chefs. You will need to register early for your favorite camps.

Summertime is going to great fun at the Center for Lifelong Learning.

The other new camp is COMPUTER GRAPHICS DESIGN CAMP offered June 19-22, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. also at the Alabama Center for the Arts. Have you ever wanted to learn to draw on the computer or learn Photoshop? This camp will spark creativity, engagement, exploration and individual expression. This camp is for ages 10 and up. You can find more information on our website or call us at 256-236-8260.

Two more camps will be held by the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur.

ART EXPLORERS, July 24, 9:00 a.m. – noon and DR. SEUSS STEM CAMP, July 24-27, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ART EXPLORERS focuses on each child’s creativity through the use of imagination and art mediums. Be prepared to get messy - each day will be a brand-new art adventure! At the DR. SEUSS STEM CAMP,

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Horse Whispering

Chew On This

by Deb Kitchenmaster Have you heard the saying “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth?”

What does that mean? It means if someone gives you something, don’t be rude by checking it out in order to decide if it’s good enough for you to accept.

There is a difference between you purchasing a horse and someone GIVING you a horse.

When purchasing a horse, it’s wise to look into its mouth, as an indicator of the horse’s health and wellness. If someone GIVES you a horse and you open the horse’s mouth to check it out, it’s like you’re questioning the value of that gift. DON’T LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH is a saying to remind and encourage us to be courteous, thankful, and grateful in receiving and accepting gifts. So, if someone gives you a free horse (there’s honestly no such thing as a “free” horse, if you know what I mean… snicker-snicker) you don’t check its teeth.

Talking about teeth, have you heard about whole horse dentistry? I hadn’t. It’s amazing and wonderful to experience ordinary days that hold “gifts” for us. Now, if we’re “set” in our ways, narrow-minded, fearful, or stubborn, more than likely we will not be in a receiving and accepting position. Just sayin’.

After several attempts to connect with my previous equine dentist, I

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made a call to an equine vet and scheduled a time to have a couple of our horse’s mouths/teeth examined. A few days prior to the appointment, I had uneasiness inside me.

This isn’t my first rodeo in experiencing ‘inside quickening’ (aka ‘attention-getter); so I knew

something was calling for my attention, but at that point, I had no idea what that might be.

Having a moment with one of my NEIGHbors, I simply asked if they knew of someone who did equine dentistry. Yes! How interesting. Heard names, terms, concepts I had NEVER heard before. Please understand, I honor veterinarians and am grateful for all they do for our animals. This had absolutely nothing to do with what I had come

to know and respect, but what I was about to learn in connecting with another mind-set or perception in regards to my horse’s health.

Trotting in the same attitude that leads me to train as an ANIMAL B.E.S.T. PRACTITIONER, I opened my eyes

to discover a ‘gift’ in my horse’s mouth.

I heard a name I have never heard before, Spencer LaFlure. Raised on his family’s two dude ranches in New York State, he wondered why middleaged horses started losing their top line (meaning they developed a sway back) later in life. From questions that increased curiosity and curiosity that brought more questions, he began an intense study of horse’s skulls

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that were available at the dentistry school he was attending in Idaho. His journey led him to his own research and development of the techniques that he uses today and the skills he teaches to his students from around the world.

One more time the equine

world invites me to ‘think outside the box,’ open my heart to new possibilities of health, and connect me with new faces that flow from the unforced rhythms of God’s amazing grace.

tion and movement of the horse. Horse’s teeth grow continuously until about the age of 20 years. Usually balancing horses over 20 years of age is not recommended because their teeth are no longer growing and they don’t need it. It can harm them more than help them.

Whole horse dentistry is looking at points on molars, hooks, ramps and protrusions in a different way.

Understandably, TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) needs to be centered and stable. Muscles and teeth properly aligned keep the TMJ centered. The starting point is balancing the incisors first to the length and angle of a five year old horse; accepting each horse is different; awareness of precision on each tooth; not using power tools that do a great deal of damage to equine tooth composition and structure.

Hope you chew on this for awhile. If you have any questions, get in touch with me at the end of June. This will give me time to chew as I observe our horses.

I have come to understand when a horse’s mouth is Your NEIGHbor, not properly balanced, Deb Kitchenmaster he will not move propCorral Connections erly. Wow! That could be a word for us humans, www.corralconnections.com 256-426-7947 right!

Over time, improper balance shows up Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner in muscular confirma- dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com

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Medical Update

Nutrition and Mental Health

by Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Few of us are aware of the connection between nutrition and depression, despite the fact that we understand to some extent the relationship between nutritional deficiencies and physical illnesses. Depression is still thought by many to be a biochemical or emotional based issue, however nutrition can determine the extent and duration of depressive symptoms.

Neuroscience research conducted by clinicians like Dr. Caroline Leaf and others suggests that nutritional factors are very much intertwined with emotions, cognition, and behaviors.

Some of the most common mental health issues include obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and ADD/ADHD.

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Numerous studies show that the dietary intake pattern of most American and Asian populations as opposed to Mediterranean countries are often deficient in nutrients such as essential vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Also, evidence now suggests that the pathology of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) may be rooted either primarily or secondarily to oxidative stress in the body (A. Sarandol, ET AL.).

Our brains are more sensitive to oxidative stress and free radicals than other tissues. The brain is only about 2% of the weight of the human body, yet it uses approximately 20% of its energy. MDD is also distinguished by the activation of an inflammatory response system, thus increasing free radical production.

What is interesting is that inflammation shows up in different people as different symptoms. Some people may exhibit cardiovascular disease, others diabetes, or an autoimmune disorder.

Still yet others manifest depression, anxiety and mental illness. It is no surprise that these things are often listed as comorbidities (the presence of two or more chronic diseases) since they have the same root: inflammation. What was interesting in the study relating MDD to oxidative stress was the conclusion: the drug combination used had no effect on measurable oxidative stress markers in the body at the end of 6 weeks.

So what is the solution?

Many people think vitamins will help their nutrient deficiencies, but according to a study done at John Hopkins

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University, vitamins are at best a waste of money, providing no clear benefit.

At worst, they can do more harm than good, with high concentrations of isolated and fractionated vitamins E and A, as well as beta carotene, could increase the risk of death in certain individuals. Therefore, use vitamin supplements judiciously, or avoid them altogether.

This still leaves the question as to how to nourish our bodies, and therefore our brains. The solution is a diet that is high in the various micronutrients we need to keep our bodies functioning such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate (or vitamin B9), zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids (EPH/DHA). The Mediterranean Dietary Pattern (MDP) which is high in fruits, vegetables, olive

oil, and oily fish is now thought to reduce inflammation due to its richness in antioxidants that come from these whole foods.

“Optimizing our nutrition is a safe and viable way to help avoid, treat, or lessen the symptoms of mental illness. Poor nutrition is a significant and modifiable risk factor for the development of mental illness,” said Julia Rucklidge, a PhD professor of clinical psychology in Christchurch, New Zealand, who has studied the treatment of ADD/ADHD and other mental health issues with micronutrients for the last 10 years.

We rely on medications, but honestly we need to stop visiting the “pharmacy” and start visiting the “farm” to decrease the prevalence of mental illness. I am not dismissing the effectiveness of medications on some severe forms of mental illness, nor advocating that you should stop treatments prescribed by your healthcare practitioner without first consulting them. They can be very effective for some people in the short term, but on a long term basis have lasting effects on our bodies.

Despite our reliance on these drugs, our outcomes are no better than they were 50 years ago.

The research is clear: the well nourished brain is better able to withstand stress and recover from illness.

Sixty to eighty percent of people will respond to better nutrition. Let’s get serious about the role nutrition plays not only in our physical health, but also our mental health.

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Foreman’s Forum

Can You Get A Free Gun In A GUN FREE ZONE?

by Paul Foreman Wouldn’t it be great if we “Gun Lovers” could get free guns in stores and businesses that have signs posted, “GUN FREE ZONE?” Well OK, they do not say, “Free Gun Zone.”

ed at every entrance saying "No guns allowed.”

Texas State law says business owners can decide if guns are allowed in their establishment or not. I found

twelve miles or so, where people were getting killed or maimed on a regular basis, or driving through a very rough looking area to get from our apartment to MDA.

Actually, during the past year or so, it seems to me that I am seeing fewer and fewer of these ridiculous signs posted around Athens, especially restaurants.

Just imagine, if we all thought like the liberal gun haters think. Liberal politicians want gun control by taking away the right of honest, law-abiding citizens to defend themselves. How can taking away the right of self-defense from someone protect them from criminals who get their guns by stealing them in “Gun Free Zones?”

I recently read a statement made by a policeman from Atlanta Georgia: “Most of our criminals, they go out each and every night hunting for guns, and the easiest way to get them is out of people’s cars,” said Sgt. Warren Pickard of the Atlanta Police Department.

“We’re finding that a majority of stolen guns that are getting in the hands of criminals and being used to commit crimes were stolen out of vehicles.”

Why are criminals finding guns in cars? The victim leaves their gun in the car because they enter a business or restaurant that has one of those ridiculous signs!

I just spent three months in Houston Texas, getting treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Of course, the huge facility had signs post-

May 19 - June 1, 2017

in the daylight hours. There was one late night trip home after JoAnn had to take me to the emergency room at MDA due to a reaction to the chemo. We got out of the ER on a Saturday night at about eleven. I convinced JoAnn to take the expressway, and not the gang- and crime-ridden part of town.

All during these drives I carried my Glock in a Bible case, right on my lap. Ok, the time I had a high fever from the reaction to the chemo, I convinced my wife to keep it close to her.

that some businesses posted a copy of the law at the entrance.

There is not room here to post the entire Texas Law, but here is my short version: Open carry of firearms is prohibited in this business.

Those who have openly carried their firearm into this business will be subject to arrest. Or: Those entering this business with a Concealed Carry permit must keep their firearm concealed.

Then, there was a third version of this sign which basically stated: Open carry or concealed carry of firearms is prohibited in this establishment.

So basically, these businesses are prohibiting law-abiding, honest citizens the right of self-defense. MD Anderson Cancer Center had these signs posted at every entrance. But, no I did not leave my firearm at the apartment.

I locked up my Glock and left it in our car in the parking garage. We had a choice of taking the expressway the

right in front of us. My wife slowed down and almost stopped to avoid hitting him!

I yelled, “GO! GO! Get around him! Floor it!” She did and we got past the danger, took the next street back to the main road.

When I was a deputy sheriff in Lee County Florida, I responded to numerous calls where both innocent and not so innocent people drove into “Little Harlem” and got bricks thrown through their windshield when they did not stop for the man selling crack with his underwear showing. Left wing liberal gun haters think I should not be allowed to defend myself.

Why don’t we just put signs out on the highway that say “Traffic Death Free Zone.”

This would prevent all traffic deaths, right?

Paul Foreman is a retired deputy sheriff from Lee County Florida. He is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. For self-defense firearms training, Paul can be reached through his web site, www.Paulforeman. com, or E-Mail at Captureman@PaulForeman.com Paul Foreman 256-431-6702 NRA Recruiter, to join or renew: visit https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/ signup.asp?campaign id=XI029922

Later, just before returning home after three months, we learned that the area we were driving through was crime central for Houston! All but one of our trips to and from MDA to our apartment were

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One afternoon, my wife was forced into a right-turn-only lane, right into a very rough looking residential neighborhood. Immediately a man with his underwear showing, stepped out into the street

NRA Protects your 2nd Amendment Rights!

Check out my Web page www.PaulForeman.com and Facebook! @ https://www.facebook. com/Paul-ForemanNRA-Certified-Instructor-822151851204560/

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