November 03, 2017

November 3rd - November 16th, 2017

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature Red Caboose Café: Like Going To Grandma’s For The Holidays...

When I walked in for our interview, Red Caboose Café owner Donna McCown was busy peeling potatoes to make...

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Special Feature

Shoppin’, Skatin’, And Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree At The 31st Christmas Open House

By Ali Elizabeth Turner For the 31st year in a row, the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and Athens Main Street are hosting the Annual Athens Christmas Open House and Merry Market. And once again, Athenians Continued on page 15

Youth Commissioners Take Hunting Trip Through Hardware Store...

Students with the Athens Mayor's Youth Commission recently went on a hunting trip armed with...

Page 7

What Makes Ronnie Roll Update On The Scout Music House...

Mayor Ronnie was not going to be available for our usual meeting, so he asked...

Page 8

November 3 - November 16, 2017

Diabetic And Needing Help And Education? Athens Limestone Hospital Is Ready To Help

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Diane Matheson teaching portion control at an Athens Limestone Hospital Diabetes Education Class

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November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.

In keeping with their desire to inform the public about the impact of the diabetes epidemic in America, as well as how to live well with the dis-

Continued on pages 17

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November 3 - November 16, 2017

Publisher’s Point

Why You Would Want To See “Same Kind Of Different As Me”

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers Janet Hunt D. A. Slinkard Holly Hollman Paul Foreman Sandra Thompson Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Anna Hamilton Paige Figueroa Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Jerry Barksdale

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 From The Vets' Museum . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13 Cover Stories . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 16 Jerry's Journal . . . . . . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . 20

Around seven years ago, I attended a prayer breakfast at a Juice Plus+ International Conference, and I heard two completely different men speak. One was white, a man by the name of Ron Hall, a high end art dealer from the Ft. Worth area, and his best friend, Denver Moore, a formerly homeless man, also from Ft. Worth. The person who was not there was Ron’s wife, Debbie, who had passed away from cancer. The three of them had become inseparable since Debbie talked her husband into volunteering at the homeless shelter that was near where Denver “lived,” and the result was a NY Times Bestseller called Same Kind Of Different As Me. After Debbie was gone, the men spent a total of 9 ½ years travelling and telling their story. The book stayed on the NYT list for over three years, and I consider my copy that is autographed by both of them to be one of my dear treasures. This is because until Denver met Ron, he was illiterate. And, if Denver had never invaded Ron’s life, he would have remained relationally illiterate.

They were able to raise millions for homeless shelters all over America, and to stir people to do more than write checks.

I longed for this most unusual story to be made

Mental Health Minute . . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Foreman's Forum . . . . . . . . 23

November 3 - November 16, 2017

into a film, and was ambivalent about my desire for a couple of reasons.

The first was that many faith-based movies are cheesy, poorly filmed, poorly acted, lack continuity, and I didn’t want to see it ruined. The other was that the story was so unusual I couldn’t imagine that they could find anyone who could even come close to what it was like to hear Ron and Denver tell their story.

nails it. Academy Award Winner Renée Zellweger plays the part of Debbie, and I have rarely seen someone speak at times more clearly without saying a word. Djimon Hounsou, one of those actors that you have seen a zillion times but perhaps didn’t know his name, is compelling as Denver. Academy Award Winner John Voight is superb as Ron’s alcoholic father, whose redemp-

stead, he felt God would not leave him alone until the proceeds from the sale went toward the production of the film. A true step of faith, and a good lesson that reminds us all that ultimately we own nothing, whether we are rich or poor. The gospel mission that was transformed for the movie has remained transformed, and the community around it has been, as well. All of this was

The real Denver Moore (l) and Ron Hall of Same Kind Of Different As Me"

I am glad I was wrong about my misgivings, and I got my wish. Same Kind Of Different As Me is playing in Madison, Huntsville, and Decatur, and it delivers. Several of the people in it are Academy Award winners or nominees, and it is anything but cheesy.

Greg Kinnear, who was nominated for an Academy Award, plays the part of Ron Hall and he

tion is nearly as touching as Denver’s. The chemistry between all of them works, and the bottom line is a movie that preaches powerfully about the power of love without being preachy.

One last production note: a businessman in Mississippi had sold his flagship company for more than 100 million dollars, and was planning on investing the proceeds. In-

Debbie Hall’s dream, and Denver was the man she saw in a dream before they ever met. Go see it. It will be worth your time and your money.

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

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All Things Soldier

The One Blessing From The Bergdahl Debacle

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Since 2009, we as the American people have been “treated” to one of the strangest cases of desertion/kidnapping/prisoner exchange/collaboration with the enemy/ and who knows what else in the form of the Bowe Bergdahl case. First he claimed to have been kidnapped, then it looked like he had deserted his base, then that he had been “flipped” by the enemy, then his dad gave a weird speech in a Rose Garden ceremony that almost seemed Bowe’s father was sympathetic to the enemy.

Then Bowe went back to work for a while, then he vanished from the news cycle, and then all of a

sudden he was pleading out for desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. Strangeness begets strangeness.

It needs to be remembered that soldiers were severely injured and/or lost their lives while looking for Bowe, and all the interviews I have seen have indicated that those who returned from the search and rescue detail believe Bowe is guilty of treason. For them, a desertion conviction may very well seem light weight. It is also disturbing that we gave up 5 jihadists for Bowe, and while I question if that was wise, there may be one ray of light coming forth all

these years later, and I’ll get to that in a minute.

To add to the strange-

ness of this adventure are Bowe’s comments about himself.

Interestingly, there are over 25 hours of interviews with him that are on film, something that would have made me nervous if I were his JAG lawyer. And then there’s the blog, wherein he talks about his motives for leaving his post.

"I was trying to prove to myself, I was trying to prove to the world, to anybody who used to know me ... I was capable of being what I appeared to be," Bergdahl says. "I had this fantastic idea that I was going to prove to the world I was the real thing."

Ok, I don’t know what he means by that, or what led him to completely change his tune and plead guilty.

I do know that he has had problems that caused him to be rejected by the Coast Guard, and unfortunately, the stereotypical statement that the Army will take anybody looks like it wants to be true. So what

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is the one blessing that has come out of this mess?

It is this: human intel, one of the most important components of any campaign, and apparently, Bowe is a veritable treasure trove of the stuff, and his years of living with the enemy are finally going to be put to good use. He is able to give great detail with regard to a number of important factors such as teaching our soldiers how to survive being confined in small places. Bowe was able to make detailed sketches of the cage in which he lived, and a replica has been made for training. Basically, S.E.R.E. Training , which means Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape has been able to be updated, which is enormously helpful.

Understanding how the enemy works is important, and I am glad that something good is coming out of this, one of the oddest cases in the history of American military justice.

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Special Feature

Red Caboose Café: Like Going To Grandma’s For The Holidays

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

trepreneurs.

When I walked in for our interview, Red Caboose Café owner Donna McCown was busy peeling potatoes to make 60 gallons of chicken stew for Johnson Elementary School. She can multitask as only a woman can, and never missed a beat peeling while we were talking, watching her granddaughter pretend to take my order and give it to the kitchen, and discussing what needed to happen for the next day with her crew. I felt right at home.

Donna and her kids have been to the School of Hard Knocks, and choosing to take the risk of opening the restaurant was motivated by her desire to leave something to her kids after she’s gone, as well as wanting her family to be proud of her. When Donna was a single mom, she worked several jobs to support them, including cleaning houses and being a waitress. She also spent many years working for a local gas company and handled customer service as well as their computers. All of it served to prepare her for the hardest, as well as happiest, work of her life: being a restaurateur. She was quick to point out that while life at times had been tough, she is now married to her best friend, Kevin. He is a godly man she met at church who backed her in her decision to open the restaurant, and has labored with her side-by-side, in addition to working his other job. “It’s been tough, but all the hard work is starting to pay off,” Donna told me with a smile.

They opened late last summer, had their grand opening in September, and have finetuned things so that they are now humming. Their theme

I asked her what she considers to be her signature dish and she quickly responded, “Burgers. We have had people say ‘This is the best burger I have ever had.’” She has a secret that makes them extra juicy, and some have names that are an affectionate nod to the community, such as, “Red Devil Sliders” in honor of Elkmont High School, or “The Steve Pettus,” which I have had, and shamelessly licked my fingers when I was finished. Donna also mentioned that the hamburger buns is, “We can be your family.”

Donna told me that she wants people to feel like they are not only in a high-end restaurant as far as cleanliness, customer service, and quality of food, but also a café where they are as comfortable as a family member. “We want people to are always toasted, the meat is never frozen, and the lettuce and tomatoes are fresh.

think they are in a 5-star restaurant with a ten dollar meal,” she said. She went on to say, “When you come in here, you are somebody. We don’t want you to feel like we are getting you in so we can get you out.” I can attest that the “family feeling” has been there every time I have been in.

Donna has a deep commitment to supporting the local economy as she builds Red Caboose

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Café’s clientele. “We want everything to be made fresh, and made to order. We are not a fast food restaurant, and ‘We guarantee it will be worth the wait’ is on the front of the menu,” she said. She gets her meat from the Piggly Wiggly in Elkmont on Hwy 127. Her own crew makes the pies and desserts, and she uses local vendors as much as possible. She is also very involved in helping her community and fellow en-

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There are daily specials, and Donna’s meatloaf sells out regularly. I told her, “That takes some doing. Meatloaf is usually so dry that you have to drown it in ketchup to get it down.” She smiled again and said, “Secret,” and I remained content to not be let in on it. Another one of her stand-outs is chicken and dressing. The Red Caboose

Café is gaining a reputation for its desserts as well. The big sellers are the chocolate and coconut pies; they also have chess and lemon. They have Mississippi mud cake, peach cobbler, and apple dumplings.

The Red Caboose Café offers carry-outs and does local delivery. They will also prepare food to be picked up for parties up to 175.

Donna finished our time by expressing her thanks to the owners of the Red Caboose building. “They helped us a lot when we were getting started.” She also said, “We now have a great team of friendly, honest, hardworking people, and we are ready to go.” If you go on Facebook to the Red Caboose Café, you’ll see the reviews, and they are impressive. And, if you want to go to a place where every day is like ‘going to Grandma’s for the holidays,’ then get yourself on down to the Red Caboose Café!

The Red Caboose Café

Twitter: @redcaboosecafe Facebook: Red Caboose Cafe 25483 Railroad St, Elkmont, AL 35620 Phone: (256) 226-4916 Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. TueSat, Noon-3 p.m. Sundays.

Closed Mondays, except for special reserved events only

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

refreshments. Our speaker at 1:00 will be talking about LCCI (a local food pantry) and our business meeting will begin at 1:30.

Meeting is open to the public. All are welcome.

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

Donnell House Annual Fundraiser Dinner Party Nov 16th

At the Warten House, 121 North Jefferson Street in Athens.

Starting at 6:00PM with appetizers and drinks followed by dinner. Music by Barry Kay. Tickets are $50.00 per person and seating is limited. Purchase tickets at Trinity's 204 West Market Street in Athens.

SilverSneaker™ Stability class Every Thursday

11:30am – 12:15pm. This class will meet every Thursday at East Limestone Senior Center at 25820 Nick Davis Rd. SilverSneaker™ Stability is a group exercise class designed specifically to keep participants “safe on their feet”. This class will include standing and walking exercises that will be beneficial in decreasing the risk of falling. Chairs are encouraged for warm-up and cool-down only. Donations for the class are accepted. For additional information, call Janet at 256-614-3530 or email at jhunt9155@gmail.com.

2nd Annual Ardmore Softball Chicken Stew Nov 3rd

Ardmore High School Cafeteria. 30285 Ardmore Avenue in Ardmore, AL. 3:30PM-7:00PM. Bring your own Gallon Container for $30.00; Quart for $8.00; Bowl for $5.00; Desserts for $10.00. All proceeds go to Ardmore Softball Program.

Iron Horse Bluegrass Nov 16th

Limestone County Event Center. 114 West Pryor Street in Athens.

Starting at 7:00PM. Benefitting Union Hall, a music and arts non-profit. Tickets are $15.00. https://athensunionhall.yapsody. com/event/index/158506/iron-horse-bluegrass

Christmas Open House and Merry Market Nov 17th - 19th

Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning. 121 South Marion Street in downtown Athens. Ice Skating Rink, special sales, and more. For more information and small business opportunities: info@TourAthens.com

4th Annual Rivalry Run 5K Nov 18

Starting at 8 am. The website to sign up is rivalryrun5k.itsyourrace.com and registration is $25.

Veteran's Day Program Nov 9th

East Limestone High School. 9:00 am in the gymnasium. We will have a breakfast for the veterans and their spouses at 8:30 in the library. Please join us. 256-233-6660.

Epic Christmas Market Nov 11th

Limestone County Event Center. 114 West Pryor Street in Athens.

10:00AM-5:00PM with Epic Church. Bring your Christmas List and enjoy the multi-vendor shopping including clothing, crafts, gifts, food, home goods, furniture and more.

Limestone County Master Gardener's Meeting Nov 13th

Limestone County Extension Office. 12:30 for social time with Page 6

Chicken Stew Fundraiser Nov 18th

Walnut Grove Community Church at the Owens Community Center. 20011 AL-99 in Owens, northwest of Athens. 10:00AM2:00PM. Don't forget your wallet or you might miss out on the bake sale and silent auction. ​Bowl with drink and dessert $5.00; quart $6.00; gallon $20.00

Alabama-Israel Leadership Gala 2017 Nov 18th

Alabama-Israel Task Force (AITF) and the Israel Leadership Institute (ILI) cordially invite you to a special Gala event celebrating friendship and honoring leadership during the 50th anniversary and Jubilee of the reunification of Jerusalem. Tickets: $100.00 each. https://www.facebook.com/events/858935204281490

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November 3 - November 16, 2017

Special Feature

Youth Commissioners Take Hunting Trip Through Hardware Store

by Holly Hollman Students with the Athens Mayor's Youth Commission recently went on a hunting trip armed with baskets and merchandise scanners.

The students received a retail scavenger hunt challenge from the Lowe’s staff to learn how to locate items in the store based on its location code, scan it, and add it to their cart.

Lowe’s hosted the students for their November program. Some of the students have expressed interest in retail and the decision making that goes into a business locating in Athens.

Lowe’s Manager Darwan Kerr talked to the students about a city’s population, growth rate, transportation ac-

cess, and other attributes. Kerr and his staff also explained to students what an employer looks for in an employee, women in leadership, being a service-minded leader, and why businesses support community engagement.

“This is important for them to hear because they may already have a job, or they soon will, and they need to know what they can do to advance in their careers and be a valued employee and leader,” Mayor Ronnie Marks said.

Lowe’s treated the visiting students as new employees, issued them employee badges,

and challenged them to learn how to locate and scan items through the

scavenger hunt activity designed by Lowe’s SOS Credit Coordinator Melissa Calvert.

Only one team found all 14 items on the list.

“The students had to divide into small teams, and they had to work together and follow directions in order to complete the task,” said Youth Commission mentor Holly Hollman. “The students were very competitive, and it was fun to watch them debate on which aisle was the right way to go and which item was the correct one.”

The goal of the Athens Mayor’s Youth Commission is to teach high school students in Athens about local government’s role and their role as citizens so that they will be informed and engaged citizens.

The program includes community service projects, tours of various businesses, nonprofit agencies and historic sites, and visits to city departments.

November 3 - November 16, 2017

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Update On The Scout Music House

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Mayor Ronnie was not going to be available for our usual meeting, so he asked Amy Golden, Customer Relations Manager for the City of Athens and Athens Arts League president, to fill in for him and bring us up to speed with regard to the Scout Music House. A little background—The Scout House, which is located on the corner of Washington and East Streets in historic Athens was built by the W.P.A., or Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression; the need for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts is never greater than during a national crisis.

The charming building, complete with a stone fireplace, bay windows, and hardwood floors had many uses throughout the years. Amy’s mother’s Brownie troop met there, some folks claim it was where they got their first kiss, and until a few

years ago, it was used for office space by the Athens City Schools.

One day, Amy, City of Athens Communications Specialist Holly Hollman, and Athens Arts League Program Chair Diane Lehr were brainstorming about a good use for the building, which was also at times referred to as “Little Red,” and Holly Hollman and Amy Golden holding the Steelcase came up with the idea Foundation check of a Music House. The Athens Arts League simply. and High Cotton Arts Center have been busy Amy told me, “The and successful working response of the comtowards solidifying the munity has been pherightful place of creativ- nomenal, which highity and the development lights the community’s of artistic presence in awareness of the need our community, but there for this type of projwas no comparable ven- ect.” There have been ue for music. The Scout private donations of House seemed like the just a few dollars on up perfect place, and it was to generous corporate also a wonderful re-pur- ones, most recently the posing project. “The Arts $30,000 gift from the Foundation, League felt compelled to Steelcase offer music,” Amy said and a $40,000 grant from

the art music production center, as well as a place where students can learn the business side of music.” They will also be holding concerts there, and the target age is elementary school age kids through high school.

Our school system has been solidly behind this project, and understands the importance of music in education and cognitive development.

“We want the Scout Music House to be a safe haven where kids can go and hone their talent, and achieve their dreams,” said Amy

the DEKKO Foundation. In addition, a handicapped entrance has been built.

Lowe’s has been greatly involved with landscaping and materials, and as usual I am concerned that I am leaving someone out who has stepped up and given. My apologies in advance! The Athens Arts League is a 501 3C not-for-profit organization, and all donations are tax deductable.

Amy continued, “The music world has changed so much over the years, and it has become a business. Our hope is that the Scout Music House will become both a state of

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as we concluded our time together. And then it was time for Amy to roll, but not before she said, “You know, someone probably has the old W.P.A. bronze plaque that used to be on the building sitting in their den, or has an idea where it might be.” If that’s you, and you want to part with it for a worthy cause, you can give her a call at 256-262-1525.

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Slinkard On Success

Be Consistent In Your Actions

by D. A. Slinkard

D.A. Slinkard is the manager of the Athens Staples store If you are just cruising through life waiting for someone else to bring your dreams to you in the middle of the night, I’m going to go ahead and tell you it is just not going to happen that way. If you want to achieve your dreams, you’re going to have to go get them for yourself. You are going to have to be consistent in everything that you do to help ensure the success you are looking for.

If you want success in life, then you must learn how to Be Consistent. I have been reflecting upon what contributes to the success of an individual, a group, a team, or even an organization, and I believe the biggest impact that can be made is to be consistent.

What does this mean?

What does this look like?

The definition of consistent is, “acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate.”

One can say that the words, be consistent, is all about the process the individual, group, team or organization has in place for how they go about their daily routines, and I could not agree more. We are all consistent in our lives whether we understand it or not. We have all built consistencies in our lives that impact the successes and the failures we will see in our lifetime.

Sometimes we obtain failure because we are consistently taking the wrong actions or behaviors. Other times we obtain success because we are consistently taking the right actions or behaviors.

What we must do though, is take the time to become students in the game of life. We must slow down enough to properly evaluate what we are doing on a daily basis that brings us triumphs and brings us tribulations.

I love the positive consistencies of life; and that would be why I wrote about the importance of the daily “To Do List” in

the last article, because we have the power to decide how our days will go. Either the day will run us or we will run the day, but either way there will be a result. Why not try to impact that result and be in control?

In fact, once we take the time to examine our lives and home in on the good, the bad and the ugly, we can actually use the daily to-do list in our favor. We can begin to teach ourselves how to be consistent in various areas of our life that previously we thought were beyond our control.

The funny thing is that when you start to pay attention to certain areas of your life, you’ll notice quickly both good and bad changes in these areas. If the change is positive, keep on doing it but if the change is negative, then you must reevaluate the action you will

November 3 - November 16, 2017

be taking.

The bad thing with being consistent in a positive manner is the amount of work it actually requires.

This goes back to the selfdiscipline article I wrote which basically stated that if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. As I have touched upon before, we all know what we should be doing, but knowing and doing are two completely different things. This is where we have to take the time to be intentional, as we set out to be consistent.

put in. Now, this is another hard point for many people.

Take a look in the mirror and tell me what you see?

Do you see a person who is giving 100% of everything that you have, or do you see someone who is cruising through life?

If you say that you have already figured out how to be consistent, then might I kindly ask you to mentor someone else so they too could hopefully achieve the same level of success.

Let’s be honest; we all are consistent in our lives but the question that remains is simple. Is it a good consistent or is it a bad consistent? What are you going to do to make yourself better today than you were yesterday?

In Galatians 6:7, the Bible states, “...For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” – and this is a leading reason we must focus on the intentions of what we want to achieve.

If we go at it half-heartedly when we sow, then the result is we are going to reap half-heartedly. You are going to get back what you

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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Veterans Museum Celebrates 15 Years of Honoring Veterans!

by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum November 11, 2017, marks the 15th anniversary of the grand opening of the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives. Just look how far we have come!

The Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, located in the old L&N Freight Depot in Athens, was the idea of the late Limestone County, Alabama, Veterans Service Officer Kenneth David. Ken collected artifacts for an exhibit in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, but after the exhibit closed, he still had many artifacts left that contributors didn’t retrieve. He wanted a permanent place to display the artifacts to honor the brave men and women from the Civil War to the present who fought and died to keep our land free. The Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives opened its doors in 2000 with a few primitive displays and much renovation work still to be done. We had our Grand Opening and Dedication service on Nov. 10, 2002.

The museum is divided into three areas: the Tyler Craig Memorial Library, the Bob McAbee Exhibit Hall, and the Wendell Powers Auditorium, which commemorate the untold hours of volunteer labor these three museum board members gave, and continue to give, to this building. Visitors may tour the more than

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5,000 items in our facility at their leisure or enjoy the assistance of our volunteer tour guides. We have heard it commented by visitors who have seen military museums throughout the U.S. that the charm of this museum is that it celebrates the accomplishments and

of precious military artifacts are received continually from veterans and their families who wish to see them preserved for future generations, and we consider it an honor to accept them. However, in order to continue to preserve, maintain and grow our facility, we des-

eryone should learn that our freedom is not free… it was bought by men and women, many of whom paid the supreme sacrifice; therefore, our new addition will include two classrooms. We will use these classrooms to teach military history and connect science, technol-

Athens, and of course the community for their continued outstanding support! Thanks to the County Commission’s actions, it looks like our dream of expansion is finally becoming a reality! I bet you are saying to yourself, “How can I help?” There are

sacrifices of local service persons and their families on the home front.

perately need to expand.

Our collection currently contains over 5000 artifacts. Although we rotate our displays, we can still only show a portion of them; an expansion would double our display space.

ogy, education, arts and math (STEAM) to our military. Our expansion will also allow us to host more veterans’ group meetings, commemorative events, and special programs.

many ways to become involved – become a member of the museum (we have several different levels), become a volunteer at the museum, or just come visit us at 100 W. Pryor St. and bring your friends! The museum is open Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

The Alabama Veterans Museum has become a focal point for veterans’ events, ceremonies, seminars, and meetings, as well as a significant addition to the cultural and historical life of our community.

Donations

In addition to school tours, educating future generations is key. Ev-

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We would like to thank the Limestone County Commission, our State Legislators, the City of

November 3 - November 16, 2017

You are cordially invited to attend the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting and Open House of the East Limestone Volunteer Fire Department Station #2. The Station is located at 25272 Capshaw Rd. east of Mooresville Rd. Come join us in our Celebration.

November 3 - November 16, 2017

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Clean and Green

Tips For Recycling Right

by Lynne Hart Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful

There are many people, and we hope you are one, who want to recycle everything they can. It is our hope to provide outlets for as many materials as possible KALB’s Recycling Center is part of our non-profit organization. We must be very responsible with how funds are spent by constantly analyzing markets to be sure we are accepting materials for which we have a responsible buyer/ recycler.

Each time we have items dumped at the center that we are not authorized to take, money must be spent to dispose of them, taking precious funding away from proper recycling.

Each time household hazardous waste materials are dumped at the center, we are left with materials that should not be stored in with all of the flammable materials we do recycle.

We have no outlet for these materials which is a huge burden to our organization.

Here are a few tips and reminders about what our Recycling Center on Lucas Ferry Rd. in Athens currently will and will not accept.

ACCEPTED ITEMS

(*indicates materials also accepted at County Community Collection Centers)

*Plastics: #1 and #2 containers, such as water and soda bottles, milk jugs, juice bottles, laundry soap and shampoo bottles, and more. Check for a 1 or 2 inside the recycling triangle.

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Tires: NEVER ACCEPTED. Currently the Limestone County Commission accepts tires for recycling at each of their four garages. For information, visit http://kalbcares.com/ limestone-county-tirerecycling-program or call 256-233-6400.

*Glass: Bottles and jars ONLY. NO other glass/ceramic items are accepted. *Aluminum: Aluminum cans and scrap aluminum.

Not sure if it is aluminum?

If a magnet will not stick to it, place it in the aluminum bin. *Metal: Metal food cans and scrap metals. A magnet will stick to scrap metals (except aluminum – see above). *Paper: Newspaper (including all inserts), junk mail, magazines, phone books, hard and soft-cover books, and mixed paper are accepted. A good rule of thumb: If it tears, it is recyclable. *Cardboard: Cardboard is always accepted. Please break down boxes to save space in the recycling trailers and bins, especially on the weekends. Our management staff often have to work weekends to keep control of overflow. This would not be necessary if boxes were flattened before being tossed in the bins.

Electronics: All electronics (anything with a cord or batteries) are accepted.

There is a charge for TV sets. All other electronics are currently accepted free of charge.

Cooking Oil: In cooperation with the City Wastewater Department, containers are provided free of charge for residents to collect cooking fats, oils, and grease. Cages with the containers are located at the Recycling Center on Lucas

Vinyl: NEVER ACCEPTED PVC: NEVER ACCEPTED Wood: NEVER CEPTED

AC-

Furniture: NEVER ACCEPTED unless it is made of metal.

Ferry Rd., at the KALB office at 125 East St., and at the City Utility Building.

Motor Oil: May be poured into a collection container in front of the Recycling Center, or it can be left in a container with a secure lid.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED The center cannot accept items for which we have no buyer. Items left at the center that are not on the list of accepted items will be considered an illegal dump violation! Security cameras are present.

Paint: NEVER ACCEPTED. Visit www.KALBCares.com to learn how to use or properly dispose of leftover paint. #3-#7 Plastics: CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTED. Due to bans imposed on recycling imports to other countries, our buyer has stopped accepting #3#7 plastic.

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Molded Plastics: NEVER ACCEPTED. Batteries: CEPTED.

NEVER AC-

Window Glass/Windshields/Ceramics/Dishes/ Cups: NEVER ACCEPTED. The ONLY glass items accepted are bottles and jars.

Please help us to be responsible with our funds by only leaving accepted materials at our center. If you need additional information, you may call the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center directly at 256-233-8746.

Let’s make better decisions together.

REMEMBER: Athens City curbside recycling is managed by the Athens City Sanitation Department. The items accepted in the curbside rolling carts are regulated by and taken to the Decatur Recycling Center. If you have questions about curbside recycling, contact the Athens City Sanitation Department at 256-233-8747.

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com November 3 - November 16, 2017

Cooking with Anna

A Healthier Holiday Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake

by Anna Hamilton There are ways to make a rich dessert healthier, and this one is my family’s favorite. It is not as sweet, and if people need to sweeten it a bit, each serving can be individually

drizzled with real maple syrup as a finish. Here’s a tip: lightly grease your springform pan and base with coconut oil. It adds flavor, and will help the cheesecake easily pull away from the sides of the pan.

Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Ingredients: • 1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs or gingersnap cookie crumbs (gluten free works, too) • 1/4 cup butter, melted • 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin • 1/4 cup or more of real maple syrup • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 3 eggs, lightly beaten

TOPPING: • 2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream • 1/3 cup maple syrup • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: 1. In a small bowl, combine the cracker/cookie crumbs and butter.

Press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 325° for 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and milk until smooth. Beat in the pumpkin, syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined.

3. Pour into crust. Place pan on middle rack. Bake at 325° for 70-75 minutes, or until center is almost set. Combine the topping ingredients; spread over cheesecake. Bake 5 minutes longer.

4. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Carefully run a knife or silicon spatula around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.

Remove sides of pan. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12-14 servings.

You can do a number of things to customize this cheesecake. Mark pieces with pecans around the edge. Or, you can chop up a ½ cup of pecans, sprinkle on top, and drizzle maple syrup back and forth. If you choose to do that, Publix carries a 12.5 oz bottle of real maple syrup that is reasonably priced. Sweeten to taste.

November 3 - November 16, 2017

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Page 13

Thanks AHS Beta Club members for painting our Windows for Awareness so festively!

(Pictured: Aracely Roman, Alma Landa, Beda Roman, Jasmin Ascencio, Diana Gonzales, Luis Diuz) - Tina L. Cook, CPSS Director,Family Resource Center

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November 3 - November 16, 2017

Cover Story

Shoppin’, Skatin’, And Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree At The 31st Christmas Open House

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

and folks from all over the Tennessee Valley are going to get a chance to skate on the square! No matter how warm it may be the weekend of November 17-19, we are going to have ice skating and blizzard bashes on the Square as part of the festivities.

This year’s theme is “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” a classic Christmas tune made famous by a 13- year-old recording artist by the name of Brenda Lee beginning back in 1958. With the new sound system in place at the Limestone County Courthouse, Christmas Open House will feature rockin’ music around the square and live entertainment while people shop, skate, and rock.

Jennifer Williamson, President of the Greater Limestone County Chamber, got the idea to bring a skating rink to Athens from the Chamber in Andalusia, Alabama during their annual holiday event, Candyland. The “ice” for the rink is a synthetic plastic that you can skate on. It is eco-friendly and it made from a non-toxic, recyclable acrylic material. It looks and skates like real ice.

This synthetic ice can be used year-round, indoors or outdoors, and in any climate conditions. They construct a rink complete with railings, decorate it, bring about 100 pairs of skates to rent; there will be snow machines with “blizzard bashes” every hour. The cost is $5 per person to skate. The skating rink will be located on the west side of the Courthouse and will be open Friday 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Last year I was one of the vendors at the Merry Market held upstairs at the Center for Lifelong Learning, and I was determined to take a break from “the Market” to steal downstairs to take a spin around the “ice.” I found that my childhood skating muscle

memory sprang into action, and I didn’t even need to hang on for dear life to the rails around the perimeter! I can say from experience that it was great fun.

Of course, all of the other traditional features of the Christmas Open House are going to be available for our holiday enjoyment. Santa will be on hand for photos in the Center for Lifelong Learning from on Saturday from 2 p.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

And, rest assured, Santa won’t be alone. Be on the lookout for other Christmas characters to make their appearance at Christmas Open House.

Participating merchants will have refreshments and door prizes, along with special sales.

For the merchants that are not will be performing on Friday night from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on the west side Courthouse steps and the Jimmy Henderson Trio will be performing Saturday from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. on the west side Courthouse steps. We are also excited to showcase a new activity during Christmas Open House. There will be a Light Show on the Courthouse to Christmas music on Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m.

For merchants who do not have

technically on the Square but are participating in the Open House, be on the lookout for their “Elf On The Store Shelf.”

These merchants will have an elf hidden somewhere in the store. If you find it, you will receive a prize from the Chamber.

And, don’t forget about the 3rd Annual Tacky Holiday Sweater Contest. The contest is open to men, women, and children, and is back by popular demand.

Please make sure your sweater is family friendly, and do your best to find the goofiest sweater possible. You will most definitely be adding to the merriment! The contest will take place on Saturday at 3 p.m. on

November 3 - November 16, 2017

the steps of the west side of the Courthouse.

As always, you may catch some of our local performers singing carols and other musical entertainment around the Square and treating us to the songs that are such a treasured part of our holiday season. Tom McClung

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a brick and mortar business, the Merry Market will be held upstairs in the Center for Lifelong Learning, located at 121 S Marion Street. There will be a wide variety of direct sales vendors, artisans, cottage crafts, and more. The Merry Market will

be open all three days of the Open House.

Another popular feature returning this year will be Santa’s Wrapping Station, which will also be located at the Center for Lifelong Learning. Any purchases made at a participating Christmas Open House merchant’s store during Christmas Open House weekend will receive FREE gift wrapping. In order to use the service, a valid receipt must be shown to “the wrappers.”

As is the case with all the wonderful events that we get to enjoy in Limestone County, none of it could happen without sponsors and volunteers. Once again our presenting sponsor is Martin & Cobey Construction. There is also going to be a grand prize drawing, which will be provided by Hobbs Jewelers.

Bring your family and enjoy the beginning of what will be a very special holiday season.

For more information, call the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce at 256-232-2600 or visit the event Facebook page at Athens, Alabama Christmas Open House.

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Health and Fitness

Vestibular System

by Janet Hunt

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

I have been teaching a Silver Sneaker™ Flex Stability class at East Limestone Senior Center for over six months now. This class is designed for individuals that are still mobile and wish to lower their risks of falling. Often during this class and my other classes, students ask me why does the risk of falling increase as we age. Because I feel so strongly about remaining fit and active throughout life, my first answer is that risk for falling increases due to muscle weakness. But there are other health and environmental issues that increase the risk.

One is the vestibular system (often simplified to “inner ear problems”).

The vestibular system is

fatigue, jumpy vision, unsteadiness, brain fog, nausea/vomiting, hearing loss and ringing in the ears.

But like most other systems in our body, the vestibular system responds to exercise.

Some of the standard balance exercises like standing on one leg are effective, but additional activities are good, too. Join a more traditional exercise class that includes resistance work. Try a yoga or tai chi class. Enjoy some childhood activities – swinging, merry-gorounds, ball tosses, etc. the apparatus of the inner ear involved in balance. It consists of two structures of the bony labyrinth, the vestibule and the semicircular canals, and the structures

of the membranous labyrinth contained within them. A properly functioning vestibular system does the following: •Allows us to see properly while in motion

fall-related injuries is expected to reach $44 billion by 2020.

•People with vestibular disorders may have vertigo or spinning sensations, dizziness,

For more information about balance and stability and exercise to lower the risk of falling, contact Janet Hunt at 256-614-3530 or other personal trainers that work with older adults.

•Helps us orient ourselves to gravity •Determines and speed

direction

•Makes automatic postural adjustments The vestibular system is sensitive to head rotations and to linear accelerations. The vestibular system can be affected by injury, disease, some drugs, and the aging process.

Below are some other facts about the vestibular system: •Over 35% of adults over 40 had a vestibular function at some in their life.

U.S. have dyspoint

•The annual cost for

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November 3 - November 16, 2017

Cover Story

Diabetic And Needing Help And Education?

Athens Limestone Hospital Is Ready To Help

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

ease, Athens-Limestone Hospital wants to let you know what kinds of resources are available for people with diabetes and their families.

Another way of putting it is, “Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Diabetes, But Were Afraid To Ask!” Diane Magnuson is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. More interestingly, she has diabetes herself, which qualifies her to speak with authority and experience to her “fellow travelers.” She heads up the Diabetes Education Program at the hospital, and another facilitator is Jennifer Flack, MPH, RDN, LDN. Diane’s story is an interesting one. She came here from Michigan in the early ‘90s due to her husband’s job transfer, and is someone who has always exercised, eaten right, and maintained her weight. As a Registered Dietitian, she “walked the walk.” However, there was a family history of diabetes, and her genes decided they were going to try to rule the day. It took a while to find out that she had diabetes, because her symptoms were somewhat subtle, and no one was more surprised than she when she was diagnosed. As a result of what she has had to do to manage diabetes herself, along with becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator, she possesses both patient understanding as well as urgency toward her clients successfully making the lifestyle changes necessary to keep from being defeated by diabetes.

“There is so much confusion about diabetes,” Diane told me. She then added, “Our goal is to clear it up and give up-to-date information that is helpful and that people can use.” She went on to tell me

that people who have been recently diagnosed are most often overwhelmed by the overload of often conflicting information, the need to change their lifestyle, managing their medications, forming new habits, learning to cook differently, and making sound nutritional choices. Sometimes, they want to give up before they get started. That is one of the reasons they continue to facilitate the Diabetes Support Group, which meets at the Limestone County Senior Center on Pryor Street the first Wednesday of the month from 1-2 p.m.

“We teach clients about mak-

ing one simple change at a time,” Diane told me. That has proven to be a great strategy, no matter what new habit you are trying to make, and having seasoned professionals who know how to break things down into manageable bites is one of the things that makes the program so successful. “Patients get individualized meal plans, exercise plans, and more,” she said.

She says there are options for just about anybody, and most importantly, they make getting started realistic and doable.

November 3 - November 16, 2017

Athens Limestone Hospital has put out excellent literature on what is offered in the classes, and says the following: A person with diagnosed Type 1 or Type 2, gestational diabetes or prediabetes may benefit from diabetes education. Indications for the need of Diabetes Education at ALH re: -New onset of pre-diabetes -New onset of diabetes -A 1c blood test higher than target levels -Difficulty understanding and/or following diabetes

meal plan -Problems with high or low blood glucose (sugar) levels -Change in diabetes medicines -Diabetes with heart or kidney problems -Diabetes foot and leg ulcers (wounds) Costs: Medicare covers 10 hours of diabetes education at diagnosis. It then covers 2 hours of diabetes education every year thereafter. Many Blue Cross and other medical insurance policies cover diabetes education. It is always

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best to call your insurance company to confirm coverage. If diabetes education is not covered, the out-of-pocket cost for a 2 hour class covering diet and exercise is $40.

In addition, they have said: Comprehensive diabetes education covers: -Causes of diabetes -How to check blood glucose (sugar) levels and understand the results

-How to control blood glucose levels -How to give insulin (if applicable) -Health problems from diabetes -High and low blood glucose levels and how to treat -Meal planning/carbohydrate counting -Tips for weight loss -Nutrition label reading -Eating out -How exercise helps diabetes If you are someone who is battling diabetes, or are a family member in need of education in order to better deal with the needs of your loved one, these classes are for you! Classes are held at the Athens Limestone Hospital, which is located at 700 West Market Street, Athens, AL 35611. To schedule a diabetes class, call 256-2339146 or ask your medical provider to send a referral to the Athens-Limestone Hospital Diabetes Program.

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November 3 - November 16, 2017

Jerry’s Journal

Doggone It, Don’t Be Stealing My Cornbread

by Jerry Barksdale

www.jerrybarksdale.com I’ve had a lot to worry about this year. Horn worms attacked my tomato plants, Japanese beetles ate my grapevines and groundhogs stole my okra. Messing with a Southerner’s okra and tomatoes is worse than someone cuss’n his dog or telling him he can’t date his cousin. Then there is global warming, paying my alimony on time, and resisting Russian mind control. It’s been a stressful year.

Now I have another worry – getting busted for culture theft. It’s a new offense hatched up by a pinhead college professor who can’t park his bicycle straight and, to quote Jerry Clower, whose education exceeds his intelligence.

It’s also called cultural misappropriation and occurs when someone of one culture adopts or uses elements of another culture. For example, a cornbread eating Southerner like myself eating a Mexican tortilla is considered cultural theft. It’s claimed to be a violation of the collective intellectual property rights of the originating culture. White folks calling their football team “Redskins” is definitely culture theft. Another example is mascot Oceola riding a horse at Florida State Seminoles football games or a non-Indian wearing a Mohawk haircut and white folks wearing dreadlocks and cornrow

hairdos. Non-aboriginal people piercing their body and wearing what I call “booger catchers” (nose rings) is definitely cultural theft. Tattoos of Chinese or Japanese characters is also misappropriation.

In 2011, Prince William and Kate were busted in Canada for wearing cowboy hats and western shirts. “Tasteless,” said culture cops. Recently in Portland, Oregon, two white women were forced to shut down their burrito cart after traveling to Mexico and learning how to make a good burrito. They were accused of culture misappropriation. (Note to self: Portland is vying to become the wacko capital of the United States.

Too much wacky- backy, I think).

In 2012, during the annual Victoria Secret Fashion Show where salivating men watched nearly naked women parade down the runway in skimpy underwear, a model wore an Indian headdress. She was accused of misappropriation by the culture cops and forced to apologize.

I agree. It was inappropriate. Spike heels would have been ideal. Many men love to go shopping at Victoria Secret with their woman. Imagine this? “Darl’n, do you like this negligee?” she coos.

“Shucks no! I’d prefer, an Indian war bonnet.”

Ridiculous! I don’t want my woman looking like an Indian Chief in those

November 3 - November 16, 2017

fb.com/jerry.barksdale.7 situations. I’m biblical.

I want her looking like Eve running around the Garden of Eden wearing a fig leaf.

In 2013, pop singer Katy Perry was busted by culture cops for wearing a geisha style outfit at the American Music Awards.

“I didn’t know I did wrong,” she whimpered.

Boohoo. Wimp. She’s probably from Portland.

There are well recognized customs, traditions, habits and foods that identify us as Southerners, and I don’t want outsiders stealing them.

Already spineless, feckless, panty-waist politicians, who will soon be offering over their daughters in order to remain in office, are taking down our statues and destroying our Southern culture. We must remain vigilant and protect our culture.

If you see someone dressed in black with a $75.00 haircut and speaking in complete sentences and using two-syllable words while eating fried catfish and hushpuppies, they are probably from a foreign country like New York engaged in stealing our culture. We don’t talk that way.

If someone says “youse guys” while eating goat stew, poke sallet, fried okra, turnip greens, chitlins, scrambled hog brains, bologna on a cracker or moon pie and R.C. Cola, they are from New Jersey stealing our culture. That’s our food!

Someone

wearing

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a

brand new John Deere cap with no grease on the bill, sucking their teeth after a meal or mining ear wax with a toothpick is an imposter stealing our culture. (Warning! Mining ear wax with a toothpick is dangerous and shouldn’t be attempted by a non-Southerner).

Saying “cotton pick’n right,” “doggone it” or “shucks” is even more offensive. That’s our lingo. Keep your mouth off it.

If they attempt to blow their nose with two fingers, they are misappropriating our culture.

That is a highly technical maneuver perfected by Southerners over generations. It’s ours. Leave it alone.

Sometimes it’s difficult to identify an authentic Southerner from a pretender. Here are a few markers. If a man opens the door for a woman and says, “Morn’n, Ma’am,” he’s a genuine Southern redneck who hasn’t been told his behavior is considered sexist. If he calls you “hon,” he considers it a term of endearment.

If a hound’s tooth hat is in the rear window of his car and a “Roll Tide” plate is on the front, he’s the real deal. If he says “yessum and no ma’am” to his elders, he is a Southerner, all right. If a woman attends church three times a week while packing a pistol in her purse, she is a Southern gal. If a woman gets diarrhea the night before the Iron Bowl, she’s a born and bred Auburn fan

for sure. Southerners eat cornbread instead of “light” bread, and will ask a total stranger, “How you?” on the street, he’s Southern.

If a person stands and places hand over heart when the National Anthem is playing, he’s definitely Southern.

Wackos claim it’s racist to ask, “Where you from?”

Southerners think they are just being friendly.

If you are unsure about their origin, ask a trick question: “Will a Alice Chandler (Allis Chalmer) outpull a John Deere? A real Southerners know that a John Deer can do anything better.

The acid test to determine if a man is authentic Southern is call him a redneck. He will laugh and say, “Yeah buddy, I got it honestly by working all day in the field chopping and picking cotton. It’s a mark of hard work.” Southerners have a sense of humor. It’s what sustained us during Reconstruction and the Great Depression. A non-Southerner will be offended and threaten to sue.

Call me redneck – it’s a mark of honor – make fun of my pickup or tractor, but don’t cuss my dog or tell me that my female cousin is ugly.

And don’t tell me that cornbread crumbled in sweet milk isn’t good.

That’s where the humor ends. Doggone it, get your cotton-picking hands off my culture.

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Dog Barker

The “Word” On Dogs

by Paige Figueroa

Being a Christian and a dog groomer, as well as an ardent animal lover by nature, I have contemplated the evolution of the position of dogs in present society as compared to Bible days.

I have been in other countries where dogs skulk around, belonging to no one, always looking for a morsel of food, no particular breed, just a dog, a scavenger. On the other side of the spectrum, I've groomed dogs that get their fluff and polish every week. These little darlings get special foods, are hand fed, go to the veterinarian for every little malady.

We are confronted with two extremes.

Have you ever asked yourself about the historical journey through the centuries it took for our domesticated dogs to evolve into four-legged children in our society?

A total spending estimate in 2016 for dogs and cats in 2017 was at 66.75 billion dollars. How did we get to the place where the word "dog" was a derogatory word, associated with eating the dead and lapping up blood, during Biblical days?

only a few positive references to dogs in the Bible.

However, in Isaiah 56:10 Israel’s sinful leaders are compared to dumb dogs, nothing like Old Yeller, or Lassie Come Home, or any of our many lovely dog stories that make you cry and laugh. Dogs were despicable creatures, with most vile people described as and compared to dogs. In 1Kings 14:11, King Jeroboam was a real jerk and brought calamity on his lineage. Of his bloodline, 15 were told that in cities the dogs would eat the dead cadavers and in the fields birds would pick their bones.

The main job of dogs throughout scriptures was devouring remains of dead stuff. Remember Jezebel? "On the plot of

ground at Jezreel dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel..."

There are numerous places which mention that the innate behavior of a dog, whether it weighs 4 lbs. or 170 lbs. is as a scavenger. We had a 10 lb. Shih Tzu mix, Ping Pong, and a Shetland sheepdog; they loved to venture into the cow pasture. Yeah, you guessed it. They rolled in manure, and dragged home dead stinky stuff. Our cute little fluffy friends were still dogs. Thousands of years did not change their nature.

I quote from Matthew 7:6, "Do not give what is holy to dogs,"... the comparison of dogs to humans who are ungodly, scavengers, skulking about associated with

that which is rotten and dead. What about Proverbs 26:11, "like a dog to its vomit, so a fool repeats its folly." Boy, how many times have I seen this used against humans.

Our habitual behavior makes us keep repeating the same broken behavior. Evil people in Philippians 3:2, Revelation 22:15, people compared to dogs, along with sorcerers, immoral people, murderers, idolaters, people that practice lying. Seems like throughout the Bible, dogs do not have a position of adoration and appreciation like in our society today.

Have we, someplace along the way, misplaced the real value placed on pets? I want to leave a thought with you, though. In the Garden

of Eden everything was influenced by the fall of mankind. In my own weird thinking, I have a "what if" hypothesis: Dogs had a higher placement before sin entered into the garden, but when sin came into the picture, there was a need to have something to clean up human messes. Could that possibly be true?

A bright spot in all this is knowing that full restoration is promised and is coming our way. Just like for our lives, there will be a redeeming power of life as well as a balanced appreciation for God's creatures. As redemption brightens up our understanding, it has shed light on God's creation, especially as it pertains to dogs. After all, they are man’s best friend.

Dogs were scavengers.

The greyhound was the only breed that had honorable mention. Proverbs 30:31, “A greyhound of the four animals mentioned which is ‘comely in going.’"

Apparently greyhounds were already recognizable as a breed. There are

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November 3 - November 16, 2017

Mental Health Minute

Thriving As An HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)

by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor “Don’t underestimate me because I’m quiet. I know more than I say, think more than I speak and observe more than you know.”

Michaela Chung Now that you know a bit more about high sensitivity and its characteristics, it’s time to ask the question…how can an HSP not only survive, but thrive in a non-HSP world? According to Dr. Elain Aron, there are four steps to using our talents and gifts as HSPs to flourish in our daily environments.

First step is selfknowledge. You have already done this! As an HSP, you recognize four areas or indicators of our sensory processing sensitivity. 1. You reflect more than others about the way the world is going, the meaning of life, pondering the direction of a relationship, and feeling more deeply about the suffering of others. 2. You are often overstimulated by sights, smells, sounds, and people, which can lead to confusion, poor memory, and an activation of the “fight or flight” response. 3. You are emotionally intense!

Yes, you feel deeply.

HSPs are sentimental, full of compassion and worry, and are easily moved to tears or laugh-

ter. 4. You are sensory sensitive, which means that you are keen observers. You notice the smallest details, have low pain thresholds, and can sometimes identify feelings of positive or negative energy.

improved self-esteem, which can then lead to a decrease in becoming over aroused in unanticipated or highly stimulating situations.

your energy and spirit.

Second step is reframing. Reframing means seeing something in a new way or in a new context. Now that you

Third step is healing.

How can you survive as an HSP? Here is a brief list of suggestions from Dr. Ted Zeff’s book, The Highly Sensitive Person’s Survival Guide: prepare for the

Fourth step is being an HSP in a non-HSP world. How can you thrive as an HSP? This involves three areas of an HSP’s world. 1.

HSPs require more selfcare than non-HSPs, so diet and exercise are vitally important. In addition, your mental and emotional processes can deliberately and inten-

are aware of your gift, you will want to reframe your past. So many of your “failures” were inevitable because neither you nor your parents or teachers or friends or co-workers understood you. You are considering your responses in light of what you know now about how your body automatically operates. Reframing your past and your perspective can lead to

overstimulation in your daily life, learn to calm your senses and cope with time pressures, take care of your body, allow yourself to sleep when needed, maintain harmonious relationships, create a peaceful work environment, and nurture your HSP soul.

I am giving you permission to spend more time in serenity and quietude.

I promise you will notice a positive change in

tionally alter all other areas of health and life.

The happiness factor is crucial! Your selfcare also includes quiet time to create that inner peace, which will allow your body and mind to realign and repair. 2.

HSPs tend to experience discomfort in social situations. You will want to develop ways to reduce the chaos while creating a social life “persona.” In some situ-

November 3 - November 16, 2017

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ations, it may be appropriate to explain your trait. 3. Handling conflict is a difficult topic for HSPs. You tend to avoid it at all costs! But when you can’t, it helps to be as prepared as possible whenever you can, and to counter each negative thought with a positive one. A sense of humor and the natural gift of compassion can often de-escalate an un-

comfortable situation.

Can you tell I am passionate about being an HSP? Until next time……Lisa Lisa Philippart is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who divides her time between her own private practice in Huntsville and providing personal counseling services at Athens State University.

Page 21

Medical Update

November is American Diabetes Month

by Rachel Clark, RN, BSN

Ironically, we kick off a month in which we are trying to cure diabetes immediately on the heels of a holiday celebrated by the majority of Americans that involves consuming massive amounts of sugar. This is sad to me on a number of fronts, but mostly because people do not realize the direct link between what they eat and what diseases show up in their body as a result of it.

Here are some statistics taken from www.diabetes.org:

we are in preventing and treating this deadly disease.

In Alabama, 510,000 people have been diagnosed with Diabetes, and an additional 254,000 have prediabetes.

Let’s start with defining terms. Diabetes is a group of diseases that affects how your body uses blood sugar (or glucose). A diagnosis of diabetes means there is too much sugar in your blood. There are two types, 1 and 2. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in younger children and teens, previously called juvenile diabetes. Type 2 is usually seen in older adults, but has become more prevalent in teens and children in recent years. Prediabetes is when your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not yet high enough to classify as a diagnosis of diabetes. Gestational diabetes

is developed during pregnancy when blood sugar levels are elevated.

Most of the following information is related to type 2 diabetes, as this type is most prevalent.

Risk Factors for Diabetes: • Obesity/overweight • Sedentary lifestyle • Over age 45 • Race (increased in Hispanic/Latino, African American, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders)

• Extreme fatigue • Blurred vision • Cuts/bruises are slow to heal • Tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet Complications: • High blood pressure • Kidney disease • Foot complications • Eye complications • Neuropathy • Skin complications • Stroke

• Family history of Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Smoking

• Diabetic (DKA)

all health, and decrease the complications. The same is true of diabetes when it is caught early enough.

After a certain point, even changes in diet and lifestyle may not reverse the disease itself, but it will certainly help prevent the complications of it. Type 2 Diabetes can often be prevented or delayed by losing only 7% of your total body weight.

For someone who weighs 250 pounds, that means you would only need to lose 17.5 pounds!

•More than half of all amputations in adults occur in those with diabetes

How can you do that? By making one simple change at a time. Increase your physical activity. Go for a walk. If you can walk for 5 minutes, walk for five minutes. Increase that amount of time little by little, working your way up to 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Make small simple changes in diet, such as decreasing sweets and sodas, and increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet. The United States government recommends that fully HALF of your plate at EVERY meal should be fresh, raw, fruits and/or vegetables, or 9-13 fruits and vegetables every day.

•More than half a million Americans advanced retinopathy (disease of the retina in the eye) causing severe vision loss

Some fun ways to make those changes are recommended bye the American Diabetes Association include:

•One in 10 healthcare dollars is spent on diabetes care or that of its complications

• Get Moving Mondays

•Nearly 30 million adults and children in the United States have diabetes •Another 86 million have prediabetes, thus at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes •Total national cost of Diabetes care in the United States is approximately $245 billion

Signs and Symptoms: • Urinating often • Feeling very thirsty • Feeling very hungry even if you are eating

•Those with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized for heart attack or stroke •Diabetes causes nearly 50% of kidney failure

As with most diseases, changes in diet and lifestyle can make a difference. It can prevent disease, reverse some of the effects, improve over-

• Tasty Tip Tuesdays • What’s Cooking Wednesdays

•One in 5 healthcare dollars is spent caring for people with diabetes

• Get Together Thursdays • Fact Check Fridays

Even worse, Alabama ranks 47th in the nation for Diabetes and its complications.

This means that only 3 other states are doing worse than

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Ketoacidosis

• Weekend Challenge For more information, please visit www.diabetes. org.

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November 3 - November 16, 2017

Foreman’s Forum

How To Behave When Pulled Over By The Police

by Paul Foreman There has been a lot in the news lately about the police “mistreating” people at traffic stops. Maybe I’m preaching to the choir here.

Readers of Athens Now are most likely already well informed about how to behave around police officers. I hope the readers might pass this article on to their teens before they get behind the wheel for the first time.

Imagine if you were a police officer, and you spotted a car load of teenagers driving in heavy traffic on a Friday evening. The car was speeding up and slowing down, then it would get real close to the car in front, then all of a sudden swerve over and pass, only to do the same thing again to the next car it came up behind. You, as a police officer could see at least six occupants, they all seemed to be laughing and having a great time.

Before you activate the blue lights, your mind flashes back to the two mangled bodies of teens that were thrown out of their Mercedes Benz as it left the road at over 100mph. You remember the look on the faces of the mom and dad when they came to the scene of the wreck. That was just last night. This is tonight, and maybe you can prevent such a terrible tragedy from being repeated.

When you “light them up” with the blues and hit the yelper and few times, the driver decides to pretend it’s not him you’re pulling over. He keeps on going but his driving behav-

ior improves dramatically.

You flip on the loud speaker and call out to him, “You in the red Mustang: pull over to the right, pull into that parking lot.” The driver looks over his left shoulder with a look on his face, “You don’t mean me, do you?” You want to shout over the loud speaker, “Yes you, pimple face,” but you

maintain your professional demeanor, and instead repeat the first command, “Pull over to your right, pull into the parking lot.”

The driver complies and you call in on the radio, giving the dispatcher your location and description of the car as well as its tag number. You also inform the dispatcher that the vehicle is occupied six times.

You have parked your patrol car about a car length behind the red Mustang, at about a 45 degree angle.

This provides you cover behind your car’s fender,

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if needed. The driver is expecting you to come to his driver’s side. Instead you approach from the passenger side. All the kids are looking to their left.

You are on their right, observing what they are doing. The teens all jump with surprise as you say, “Driver, I need to see your license, registration and

proof of insurance”.

These teens look to be ok, they just came from a football game and they were all excited to have their school win. You don’t see any alcohol containers, you don’t smell any weed.

Then it starts. One of the girls in the back seat, the one with the “Big Hair” starts in. “Hey officer, can I wear that cute hat?” Another girl chimes in with, “Have you ever shot anybody? You’re not going to shoot us, are you?” The driver is trying to find his license while the teen clos-

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est to you suddenly opens the door right into your legs. He jumps back into the car, saying he is sorry and then states, “This is my dad’s car, he is a lawyer; as a matter of fact, my dad is a judge in this county.” The judge’s kid pops open the glove box and starts sifting through a pile of papers and receipts. The

driver still has not found his license.

OK, back to reality. Can you see all the times that you would have been in danger? From the beginning, they did not pull over right away. The overcrowded car where you couldn’t see what everybody was doing with their hands. The girls were acting silly with their questions, distracting you. The driver is still trying to find his license. The passenger suddenly opening the car door into your legs, then popping open the glove

box. Could there be a gun in the glove box? Could this be a stolen car? Could these teens have acted differently?

When you see the blue lights come on, pull over when it’s safe to do so. Get out of traffic if possible, but do not keep driving!

Even if you are sure you did nothing wrong, pull over!

Driver and passengers, stay in the car unless the officer tells you to get out. Everybody keep your hands in your lap and keep your mouth shut unless you are directly spoken to. Driver, if you need to get your papers out of the glove box or console, tell the officer what you are doing. If you are wrong, admit it! Just say something like, “Gee, we’re all taking and laughing, I should have been paying attention to my driving.”

Now, I am sure a lawyer might tell you not to say anything, but that kind of honesty will more than likely get you off with a warning, as long as everything else is in order.

Paul Foreman 256-431-6702 NRA Recruiter. Click here to join or renew: NRA protects your 2nd Amendment Rights! https://membership. nrahq.org/forms/signup. asp?campaignid=XI029922 Check out my Web page www.PaulForeman.com and Facebook! @ https:// www.facebook.com/ Paul-Foreman-NRACertified-Instructor822151851204560/

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