Athens Now Alabama

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Nov. 16 - Dec. 6, 2012

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

Coldwell Banker Realty... See Our Listings Inside this edition... Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature

Endless Catering: Endless Possibilities For The Holidays... Amanda Smith, the bright and energetic young woman who owns Endless Catering, is the embodiment of what a beautiful melting pot... Page 5

Special Feature Kindred Spirits And Simply Yesterday Joining Forces In Downtown Athens... The “suddenlies” of life can be both daunting and fun, and Pam Hertenstein and Sandra Marks are experiencing... Page 7

Storytelling Workshop The Storytellers’ Student Workshop At Johnson Elementary School... Officially, the city of Athens has to wait til next fall for the Storytellers’ Festival to invade our town... Page 14

Athens Rehab Spotlight Spotlight on Miss Mattye Murray... Mattye Murray was born in Athens in 1929, the daughter of sharecroppers... Page 20

November 16 - December 6, 2012

Mays Computer Company: Where It’s Black Friday All Year Long By Ali Elizabeth Turner Several times over the last 18 months I have sung the praises of Mays Computer Company on the front page of Athens Now, each time from the perspective of being what is known as a “raving fan customer.” I send everyone one in need of a new or rebuilt computer, a rescue from picking up a nasty virus or getting “phished,” (as what happened to me,) a tune up, or anything else computer related straight to their store, which is located in Athens in the Chevron station complex on the corner of Capshaw and East Limestone. Continued on pages 16-17

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November 16 - December 6, 2012


Publisher’s Point

“And Many Shall Be Offended”

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Janet Hunt Lynne Hart Jeanette Dunnavant Wanda Campbell Deb Kitchenmaster Will Anderson Jim Doyle Dr. J. Patrick Boyett

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 5 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 7 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 11

We have just completed an election cycle that was unusually acrimonious and brutal. The State of Alabama went for Romney, the majority of the country apparently did not. There are statistical impossibilities being reported in polls, (in more than one state,) that claim a 100% vote in several districts in favor of President Obama. The cry of foul play is shrill from both sides, and the wisest amongst the losers seem to indicate that there is the need for a huge overhaul in the S.O.P. of conservatism, from top to bottom. I was chatting the other day in Lu Vici’s with the wife of a former Alabama State representative about the difference between disagreeing and being disagreeable, and how, in days gone by, there was lively discussion between opposing viewpoints that on some level made sense, and most times was civil. Now, if you disagree with presidential policy, you are told that your reasons for doing so are firmly rooted in racism, and if you are successful financially, you are only motivated by greed, other people deserve the fruit of your labors, and “you didn’t build that on your own.”

From whence cometh this madness? I think it can be found in the trap of offense. It is not that when people do, say, think or act in ways that most cultures feel is offensive

and ill advised, that you slap on a smile and pretend that their stuff don’t stink. Rather, it’s that you don’t buy into the offense, judgment and resulting bitterness that is poison to body, soul and spirit. You learn to disagree without becoming consummately disagreeable. How do you do that? Well, speaking for self, and having had a number of opportunities in my lifetime to be offended by behavior that is incontrovertibly crazy making, I find that I have to continually remind myself that if I do not

What Makes Ronnie Roll . . 13 Storytelling Workshop . . . . 14 Cover Story . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Horse Whispering . . . . . . 18 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 19 Athens Rehab Spotlight . . . 20

November 16 - December 6, 2012

rooted and grounded in love, at the end of the day, I gain nothing. Sometimes I wake up in the morning, and I am tempted to start in with my presentation to the Almighty as to why I am right and “they” are wrong. Sometimes I indulge myself for awhile, and then I get to the most honest prayer in existence on the planet, and that is, “Help.” Sometimes I nobly add, “Look, You see the big picture, I know this is above my pay grade, and I am really in trouble, here, so could you help the girl out?” What I find is that when push

World According to Will . . 21

Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . . 23

comes to shove, my very spiritual survival and sanity depend on how quickly I move from my inner rant, to “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” If I don’t forgive, I don’t get forgiven, and I get delivered over to a bevy of tormentors, who don’t play nice.

So, what’s next, for our lives, our town, our state, and our country? Depending on how well we wage the inner war against being offended, and choose to allow ourselves to forge ahead, being set on fire with His love, it will either be, as Charles Dickens put

Lifelong Learning . . . . . . . . . 12

Medical Update . . . . . . . . . . 22

have love, (in the paraphrased words of Paul,) I am nothin’ but noisy, if I have not love, I am nothin’ but nothin,’ and if I sacrifice everything, but do so out of a motive that is not

so well over a hundred years ago, “the best of times,” or, “the worst of times,” and not much in between. It’s our choice, and may we allow God to help us make the only one that makes a lick of sense.

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 Parable of Petraeus by Ali Elizabeth Turner

If you are reading this article, former 4 Star General as well as recently resigned ClA Director David Petraeus by now has most likely testified in the Benghazi mess, either in public or behind closed doors. Because we went to press before we could hear what he had to say, the point of this article will not be to compare what he said right after the 9/11/12 attack in Libya with what has come forth most recently. And while what he says is more than likely the true lynch pin that could make the difference between his superiors being impeached, or the entire matter being made to go away, there is something much sadder going on than any of us will ever be able to comprehend, especially for our troops, and that is, we have, for the time being, lost a hero.

Petraeus was the best, a legend throughout Iraq. He understood the concept of “hearts and minds” as no one else did, was truly gifted at

dealing with all the nuances of tribal life and leadership, and oversaw the training of more than 100,000 Iraqis in various positions of law enforcement and military service. Biographers described

him as one who “did it right, and won over Mosul.” He was the main reason that the surge worked, and his ideas withstood the criticism

of those who could only theorize. It was, in part because of words like the following that he was our hero: “You stand there, deployment after deployment, and fight on. You’ve lost relationships,

spent years of your lives in extreme conditions, years apart from your kids you’ll never get back, and beaten your body in a way that even professional athletes don’t understand. Then you come home to a nation that doesn’t understand. They don’t understand suffering. They don’t understand sacrifice. They don’t understand why we fight for them.” And, he did so, i.e. fight, right along with his soldiers in some of the toughest times in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Once upon a time, I was one of those who “did not understand,” and it was for people like me that he fought, and inspired others to do so as well. I had the opportunity to be in Iraq when General Petraeus came back and assumed command. I, like many, was relieved by his return to The Great Sandbox. I am sad for his wife, family, country, and all the families involved in this mess that continues to be stranger

than fiction. I don’t excuse his actions, and I know that the chances are very slim of us ever truly knowing what happened. I think it’s entirely possible that on several levels he is being set up, and just last night had a conversation with a former Navy Corpsman who agreed with me. We are by no means alone in our suspicions that much more is going on here than meets the eye.

I do, however, take comfort in the story of his namesake, King David. No one was a better warrior, and few have blown it worse. Yet, of David it was said by the holy God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that he was a “man after God’s own heart, save in the matter with Bathsheba.” May this contemporary “4 star David” find his way through this personal and national disaster, tell the truth, and experience redemption. After all that he has done for us, he deserves our prayers to that end.

www.facebook.com/ElkmontBakery

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November 16 - December 6, 2012


Special Feature

Endless Catering: Endless Possibilities For The Holidays by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Amanda Smith, the bright and energetic young woman who owns Endless Catering, is the embodiment of what a beautiful melting pot and land of opportunity America still is, and the proof that with hard work and ingenuity, the possibilities are endless.

Amanda attended Le Cordon Bleu in Orlando, and holds an Associate’s degree in culinary arts. Her family is from Puerto Rico, Costa Rica and Italy, and her recipes have been handed down through the generations. “Ninety percent of the seasonings I use are Spanish,” but she is completely comfortable with creating delicious fare from all over the world.

She specifically chose to open a catering business instead of a restaurant because she likes the “variety and the change up.” She is as comfortable doing a small baby shower as she is a large corporate event for hundreds. Having spent a good chunk of my professional life serving in the catering business myself, I thoroughly enjoyed swapping stories with her. I was impressed with her expertise as well as experience, and even more, her work ethic.

offers a free consultation and a free tasting to potential wedding clients. “Every menu is custom built, and my goal is to make something special, give clients options, and work within their budget.” She always takes into consideration the time of day, the level of formality and the budget for each event.

Just recently she booked a wedding with a carnival theme, something most definitely out of the ordinary. They are having the kinds of things you’d expect on the midway, hot dogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy, popcorn, fried macaroni and cheese balls, in addition to standard wedding fare.

“I will do everything from gourmet to sandwiches, chicken wings to sausage balls.” Every menu and every event is different. “We can have 50 weddings on the books, and not one is the same. We plan around the seasons, themes, colors and budgets, and will do everything we can to work with the client.”

Amanda loves to work as

She looks at just about any catering challenge as an opportunity, and has had to apply her education to her own life. “When we got married, my husband told me we had a budget of about $3000, which is not much these days. I had to find a way to work within the budget and make it wonderful.” “Was it?” I asked. She nodded vigorously. As a result of that experience, she finds that she loves to help couples achieve their dream for their “dream day.” To that end, she

November 16 - December 6, 2012

received by Endless Catering.

Another is the crew. Amanda is very careful to hire and train the best, and has a staff that can handle themselves courteously and professionally in any situation, from the most formal to the most casual, the smallest, intimate event to something huge.

a personal chef for in home events. She designs the menu in conjunction with the hostess, shops, cooks, sets the table, brings someone to serve, and they clean up afterwards. There is a family in Huntsville that hires her every year for their annual

weekend long family reunion, and she takes care of the evening events. She has become like family to them. One of the things I appreciate about Endless Catering is their approach to dealing with leftover food. They always pack a beautiful to go box for the bride and groom when they leave their wedding reception, and will send the rest home either with the families, or donate it to the homeless through Manna House. An indispensable part of what makes this work so well is Endless Catering’s mobile unit, which I had the opportunity to tour. It is a beautiful piece of machinery, has a fully equipped kitchen, and makes it possible for the on-site food to be exceptionally fresh and delicious. It is one of the main sources of the compliments

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Endless Catering also can accommodate groups of 50 at their location. They have had several wedding rehearsal dinners there, as well as other events, and I am going to be attending a luncheon myself on November 30th. It is cozy, clean, and has all the trappings, linens and decorations to make a beautiful event. She has received 5 out of 5 stars for her online www.weddingwire.com recommendations, and I can see why.

If I were a bride, a mother of one, going to have a baby or a baby shower, there is no doubt I would make Amanda my “go to gal,” and hope you’ll do the same.

Endless Catering 27035 Old Highway 20 Madison, AL 35756 256-497-5168 www.alendlesscatering.com Page 5


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November 16 - December 6, 2012


Special Feature

Kindred Spirits And Simply Yesterday Joining Forces In Downtown Athens by Ali Elizabeth Turner tique furniture, handmade jewelry and quilts, gorgeous handmade scarves with matching earrings, old books, soaps, paintings, photographs, giftware that can be personalized, items for the yard, planters, and Christmas decorations.

The “suddenlies” of life can be both daunting and fun, and Pam Hertenstein, owner of Kindred Spirits, as well as Sandra Marks, owner of Simply Yesterday are experiencing both as they are in the midst of moving and merging their businesses to the former location of Li’l Britches, located at the corner of Clinton and Market in downtown Athens.

In the last year, Pam has had great success adding homemade beauty products, and I am a huge fan of the moisture lotion. There are also “massage candles,” which are designed to double both as a candle, and whose warm wax can be used as part of a massage therapy session. Now that’s repurposing!

They have the help of several friends and family members, who are working diligently to get the 3,000 square foot Craftsman style home ready for a combination Grand Opening and Christmas Open House to be held on Saturday and Sunday, December 1st and 2nd. The idea of changing locales and pooling their resources came about quickly and recently, and things just fell into place. The house is perfect for beautifully displaying their wares, is located just off the Square, and has plenty of room for other vendors, should they choose to join them. For those who may not be familiar with these gals or their businesses, here are some brief descriptions of who they are and what they have to offer as the respective owners of Kindred Spirits and Simply Yesterday. Pam grew up in Memphis, pursued her corporate career in New York, and then her brother was diagnosed with cancer. She and her husband came to Athens initially to care for her brother, and in the process have become active in Friendship Methodist Church’s “Empty Bowls” hunger project, and opened a marvelous gift shop called

day Antiques And More. “My mom got me started,” Sandra said, “and she loved to collect glassware.” Sandra and 3 other vendors have an ample supply of everything from

Around 30 local artists with the “passion to repurpose” make up the lion’s share of Pam’s vendor base, and their work is absolutely beautiful. There’s a banker who takes old single paned windows, attaches them to three sided wooden backs with reproduction hardware, and voila, you have a smart bathroom cabinet. There are old advertisement posters that are decoupaged to weathered wood, and are transformed into cabinets or wall hangings. You can commission a piece of calligraphy that can capture a hallmark event, a scripture, or a memorable saying. Kindred Spirits carries an-

November 16 - December 6, 2012

Noritake china to vintage presidential campaign buttons. Sandra wanted to start a business that her kids or grandkids might be interested in. She is interested in crafts, and thought of starting a craft store. She settled on selling collectibles, vintages and antiques.

Mayor Ronnie Marks. After having always been interested in collecting and selling memorabilia, as well as vending at other owner’s stores, she opened her own shop, called Simply Yester-

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Pam and Sandra are members of Friendship Methodist Church, and between them they are quite involved with their families as well as several church outreaches. These include feeding the hungry through Empty Bowls and at the Quad Plex, and making quilts for cancer patients.

One of the things about which they are excited is going to be a once a month “spotlight” on a local artisan. The artist will be at the shop, exhibiting their artwork, and possibly demonstrating their skills by creating an “object d’art” in front of customers.

2011 was a banner year for Sandra Marks, wife of

Kindred Spirits, centered around the concept of “repurposing.”

framed pictures of Beaver Cleaver’s family and Shirley Temple.

Sandra says, “I’ve always loved junkin’.” Junk, however, is NOT what you’ll find at Simply Yesterday. There will be books set up in a cozy reading nook, a “sign wall” with every type of Coca-Cola sign imaginable, display cases of Depression glass and milk glass, a gorgeous vintage wedding dress from the ’50s, antique furniture, American Fostoria glassware, practical items, art, and some great

As for the Grand Open House, there will be food, a demo by Belle Chevre, (the goat cheese folks who are taking the world by storm,) rooms full of charming items for sale, holiday music, and the chance to welcome two dear women to their new business digs in what will surely prove to be a blessing for our fair berg. See you there!

Champagne Lane is having a Christmas Open House the same weekend as Kindred Spirits and Simply Yesterday. Be sure to stop by their store, located at 22335 Hwy 72 E, Athens, AL 35613 Phone 256 232-1003 Page 7


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November 16 - December 6, 2012


Clean and Green

Deep Frying Your Thanksgiving Turkey? by Lynne Hart

Ready or not, the holiday season will soon be upon us. Thanksgiving is just a few days away and Christmas is right around the corner! Many people turn off the oven and turn on their outdoor turkey fryers to cook their holiday birds. If you are deep frying your very first turkey, please look for safety precautions on the internet as this can be a dangerous venture!

by picking up free FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) Collection jugs from one of the exchange cages located at the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center, the KALB office, or the Athens Utilities Building on Wilkinson Street (employee entrance left of main entrance).

Place your used kitchen fats, oil, and grease, including the oil from your turkey fryer, in the container(s) and return them to the exchange cage. Be sure to take an empty collection jug home with you so you can contin-

Once the cooking is complete and dinner has been “gobbled� up, what can be done with your used cooking oil? When your cooking oil has been used to its maximum, it can be recycled. Be prepared to recycle your cooking oil ue to collect your kitchen FOGs. The FOGs will be used by a Limestone County farmer to make biodiesel fuel to run his farm equipment, keeping all of the benefits of this program local. Please keep all FOGs out of your drain pipes. It is a

November 16 - December 6, 2012

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very expensive problem for homeowners and the Athens Wastewater Department when clogs occur. Every single clog, no matter where in the sewer lines it occurs, begins with fats, oils, and grease. The Athens Wastewater Department spends tens of thousands of dollars to unclog sewer lines...

money that comes right out of our pockets in the way of higher sewer bills.

FOG will CLOG! Please Recycle all kitchen Fats, Oils, and Grease this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving!

(256) 233-8728 KeepALBeautiful@att.net

Become a Fan

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Tourism

Christmas is Just Around the Corner By Jeanette Dunnavant, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

The Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and the Spirit of Athens invite the public to the 26th Annual Christmas Open House. Events will be held all day on Saturday, November 17, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 18. It will be a weekend of unique shopping, yuletide fellowship, and holiday fun. At each business, shoppers will have an opportunity to register for door prizes

and a grand prize donated by Hobbs Jewelers. The winner of the grand prize will be announced on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. at the Athens State University’s Center for Lifelong Learning located at 121 S. Marion Street. Activities planned for the weekend include visits from Santa, entertainment, carriage rides and refreshments. This is the perfect time to start Christmas shopping. There will be sales in all the stores and a large variety of items to select from. Be sure and get the

children’s picture taken with Santa Claus and Mother Christmas. Santa will be located in the Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM and on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Cost per picture is $5. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce, www.tourathens.com, at 256-232-2600

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or the Spirit of Athens, www.spiritofathens.com, at 256-278-6436.

November 16 - December 6, 2012


Cooking with Shelley

Velveeta Peanut Butter Fudge by Shelley Underhill

I promise you that if you make this concoction, you will not regret it. I, like many of you, could not conceive just how this fudge was gonna turn out! The notion of Velveeta Cheese being one of the main ingredient just wouldn’t click.

Take a chance and make this fudge for your family and friends; they’re gonna love it. Email your questions and recipes to shelleysdesk@ gmail.com. Enjoy...

What you will need: 1/2 lb. Velveeta Cheese - cubed 2 sticks real butter 1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup chopped walnuts 32 ounces powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

Lightly spray a 9x2 baking pan with non-stick spray. In a sauce pan, over medium heat, melt cheese and peanut butter together until smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla and nuts. Empty sugar into a large bowl; pour cheese mixture over sugar; stir mixture into sugar. Candy will be very stiff. Press into baking pan. Pat top of fudge to remove any excess oil from butter. Place candy in refrigerator until very firm. Cut and serve.

November 16 - December 6, 2012

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Learning As A Lifestyle

It’s Not Over Yet! by Wanda Campbell You would think with only six weeks left in the year, things would be winding down at the Center for Lifelong Learning, but there is still a lot to do.

on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 8:00-9:00 am, November 26 to December 21. The fee is $35 for three days per week, or $29 for two days per week.

The Athens Christmas Open House will be Saturday and Sunday, November 17 and 18. The Center is sponsoring two classes while you wait to see Santa. The first is a demonstration of Making Gingerbread Houses. This class is on Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00 pm. Pre-registration is requested for this program. The fee is $5. Also on Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm is a Decorating Cupcakes class. This class is open to ages 5 and up. Decorate one cupcake for $1 or six for $5.

On Tuesday, November 27, a new session of Yoga begins at 5:00 pm. Incorporating the yoga method of exercise for your whole body, this class offers a complete series of seated, standing, and balancing poses. This class is offered on Tuesdays, from 5:00-6:00 pm, November 27 to December 18. The fee is $20.

On Monday, November 26, a new session of Gentle Yoga will start. Whether you need to start in a chair or can get on the mat, this beginning yoga class is the way to get back into an exercise program. The class is offered

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Cyber Security looks at how our lives are impacted by security issues, from online banking, Facebook, and WiFi, just to name a few. This class provides an up-to-date look at threats and vulnerabilities, viruses, malware, and spyware. At the end of the course you will have the knowledge you need to safeguard your home and work computers. This class is offered Tuesday, December

11 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The fee is $99. For teens who are interested in going to college, we will be offering ACT Test Prep Monday through Thursday, December 17-20, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. This class reviews English, math, science, and writing strategies for each test section. Get an in-depth look at the explanations for right and wrong answers on the test, as well as how the writing portion is scored. Everything you need to know about ACT testing is in this class. The fee is $125. The Center for Lifelong Learning is now offering the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certificate. This course meets the new Certified Food Safety Manager state requirement. The

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course is designed to provide participants with valuable information on potentially hazardous foods, safe food handling practices, and much more. The class is offered Monday and Tuesday, December 17 & 18, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The fee

is $175.

If you need more information about any of these classes, call 256-233-8260 or email CLL@athens.edu. The Center will close for the holidays on Saturday, December 23 and reopen on Wednesday, January 3rd.

November 16 - December 6, 2012


What Makes Ronnie Roll

Allegiance To Athens, What Does That Mean? by Ali Elizabeth Turner

The election is over, thankfully, and irrespective of whether your candidates won or lost, I think most thoughtful folks are concerned about the deep divide that has emerged in our country as a result. Mayor Ronnie and I met at LuVici’s for breakfast, seeing as City Hall was closed for Veterans’ Day, and this was one of many topics we discussed.

We talked about the fact that for many folks, disagreeing has come to mean being disagreeable, and what could be done to heal the divide? For Ronnie, some of it meant refusing to buckle under the burden of post election “doom and gloom,” irrespective of the source. The rest of it had to do with exploring the concept of allegiance to Athens.

“Last week I saw the sparkling eyes of the new members of the Youth Commission, he told me, and these kids have dreams, for themselves and for Athens. You should have heard their questions, the clapping, their answers to my questions.” I could tell the kids had recharged his batteries, and he said, with resolve, “You know, I really can’t focus much on what is going on in the national scene. We’ve got to make sure this town is the best it can be for

the future of these kids.” 27 students from Athens Bible School and Athens High School chose to become part of the just commissioned Mayor’s Youth Commission. “Jackie Warner was instrumental in keeping after me to make

eral government, how bills get passed, and more. “We need to help the kids of Athens have dreams,” he said, and I think that was at least part of what he meant by having allegiance to Athens, to pave the way for a bright future with bright

entitled “Facts About Tax,” that showed in simple, clear terms both the tax rates of our city, as well as those of Elkmont, Decatur, Florence, Madison and Huntsville. The focus of the presenta-

Athens High School members from the Mayor’s Youth Commission

sure I did this,” he said, and he is also thankful for the help of Holly Hollman. The kids were sworn in at the City Council Meeting on Tuesday night, November 13th. They were of all colors, both genders, and I could see what he meant by the sparkle in their eyes.

eyed kids. Tuesday night he also gave a Power Point presentation

tion, he explained, “was not to be adversarial, or to defend the recent tax increase,

but to show what is going on in relation to surrounding cities.” He also illustrated the fact that Huntsville is marching west, essentially unhindered, and already owns 38 square miles of Limestone County. He dispelled the myth that Athens has the highest taxes in the state, and reiterated that as long as he was mayor, he would do everything he could to protect the City of Athens from being swallowed up by Huntsville, Madison, or Decatur. And that is what he means by allegiance to Athens, and is some of what makes Ronnie roll.

They raised their right hands and swore, as had their Council Member counterparts, to, amongst other things, uphold and protect the Constitution, both of America and Alabama. Mayor Ronnie is teaching them all about city, county, state and fed-

November 16 - December 6, 2012

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Storytelling Workshop

The Storytellers’ Student Workshop At Johnson Elementary School by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Officially, the city of Athens has to wait til next fall for the Storytellers’ Festival to invade our town and send kids and adults alike into gales of laughter, with perhaps the shedding of a tear or two. What started off six years ago as something about which kids had doubts, has now turned into one of the most anticipated events of the school year.

Because of the fundraising work of Rep. Dan Williams, recently students at Johnson Elementary School had a rare treat: they got to have a weeklong intensive workshop with Bobby and Sherry Norfolk, where they broke into the art of storytelling.

I received the following letter from Johnson Library Media Specialist Nanci Spears, inviting me to come and see what the Norfolks were up to: “As you know, students in our third, fourth, and fifth grades attended the Storytelling Festival

last week to listen and observe the art form of storytelling. We are very excited that Johnson Elementary was given funding by State Representative, Dan Williams, to take advantage of what they were just exposed to at the Festival by following the Storytelling Festival with a Teller-in-Residence school program. Students will hear stories being told and learn to re-tell them in large groups, small groups and individually. Bobby and Sherry Norfolk, who performed for the students, will be at Johnson Elementary this week- beginning today! Prior to arriving, Sherry collaborated with our teachers to ensure that information and activities provided are in-line with the Alabama curriculum standards. Sherry will engage students in the content and then deepen their understanding of the content by spending one hour a day in each classroom

the Johnson students and staff alike was mesmerizing. Sherry is not one whit behind him, and having heard them both at the Storytellers’ Student event was pure delight.

Bobby Norfolk performing at Johnson Elementary School

for five days. Bobby Norfolk will end the week by performing stories specific to each grade level’s project content.

More than that, students are excited about their stories, proud of their results, and motivated to try again!

Educators in others schools, who have used the Norfolks, report that writing produced in this way is far superior to students’ usual efforts. Also, students’ scores are much higher on statewide standardized creative writing tests.

I would love for you to visit JES any day this week to observe our classrooms since this has never been done in Limestone County or Athens City Schools! If you would like to come on Friday, Bobby will be performing and Representative Williams will be here to observe the classrooms. Please let me know if you plan to come. By the way, thank you for the wonderful article you wrote promoting the Festival! Sincerely, Nanci Spears” So I took Miss Nanci up on her kind invitation, and had a delightful morning watching wondrous things unfold on several fronts. First, I got a chance to chat with teller-in-residence Bobby Norfolk, who overcame stuttering as a child through the patient individualized attention of teachers and drama coaches. As a young adult Bobby was working for the Park Service, attended a Storytelling event, knew what he wanted to do for the rest of his life, and as an extra bonus met his wife Sherry, who also wanted to be a “teller” full time. Bobby has gone on to win Emmys, and his effect on

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Bobby and Sherry both are funny, engaging, do amazing sound effects, draw in the students, keep their attention, and cause them to participate in the story, the kids, all the while knowing little of what was coming their way ahead of time. Bobby’s version of “The Bremen Town Musicians,” performed in the Johnson Elementary Library was unforgettable. All of that is well and good, but as a former educator, I get concerned when kids are just entertained, no matter how skillfully. But that is not at all what happened at the workshop. The students spent all week learning from the Norfolks how to write stories, tell stories, refine stories, and become comfortable performing them in front of their classmates. Sherry moderated in the class room, along with each teacher, and the kids were truly in their element while improving every aspect of their language arts and team building skills. One 5th grade girl gathered a team of her classmates and had them perform as various animals. She even had her friend prove to be most convincing as a worm. The kids and teachers gave positive feedback after each performance, and I could have stayed all day. Many thanks to Rep. Williams for having the vision for this project, and to Nanci Spears for inviting me. I hope this becomes an annual adjunct to the Storytellers’ Festival, and that scores of Limestone County students get to have the opportunity for years to come to improve their language skills in such joyous surroundings.

November 16 - December 6, 2012


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Cover Story

Mays Computer Company: Where It’s Black Friday All Year Long by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

And, I am pleased to report, good news from the lips of satisfied customers travels fast, and business is continuing to boom in what’s coming up on the 3 years since start up. Not bad for beating back the recession through the power of the local market! Steve Mays got his start buying stuff off of e bay, repairing or refurbishing it, and re-selling it at a more than fair price. The e bay days are long gone, but the commitment to pass fairly priced outstanding overstock on to customers, coupled with speedy, stellar local support and same day repair service has only increased. If your computer is “sick,” in most cases, anything dropped off into the careful hands of the Mays Computer “digital docs” can be sent home with a “clean bill of health” by close of business the same day. Because Mays Com-

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puter Company is family owned and operated, there is a charming blend of old fashioned service coupled with the resource and expertise of a staff that is highly trained and continues to upgrade their level of IT education. Somehow they manage to more than keep pace with the latest of technological advancements, and not snow you with “geek speak” in the process. This is something important to me on several levels. In my line of work, a computer is integral to producing Athens Now. I am really only moderately computer literate, and the Mays men have always treated me with respect and more than met my needs as a consumer, whether it has been applying the “jaws of life” to my crashed computer, or getting me a whole new laptop. I deliver the paper to these guys

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every two weeks, and often there are frantic customers, (many times elderly folks,) who are in the shop needing help. It has always touched and impressed me to watch how they take care of sometimes difficult and demanding people, and it’s one of the reasons I recommend them so highly. So, how can Mays Com-

puter make the claim that “every day is Black Friday,” and additionally, what’s new for the holidays? Because they are local and do all their own procuring and repairs, the middle man is eliminated, as well as the resulting costs. If you need help, you will be speaking to someone here in Athens, rather than have your call outsourced to a far

November 16 - December 6, 2012


away land. All computers and accessories, whether new or overstock, are personally selected and inspected. “We have the best prices,” said Steve Mays with confidence. “We also have better software.” When I replaced my trusty li’l Acer with a much more upscale Dell, they loaded it with software that normally would have been out of my price range. This summer that same Dell with which I have been so pleased picked up a bug from an infected email unknowingly sent by a friend. They got the problem fixed quickly as they always have, and, as they say, “no harm, no foul.” Mays Computer Company is just as adept with Macs as they are with PCs, and they have the “latest and greatest” of all things Apple. There are tablets, I Pads, and they are now carrying I Phones. If you go into a local franchise cell phone store to activate your I

Phone and customize your apps, you’ll be saving a bundle. I Pads start at $399, and Mays will beat anyone’s prices. Another item that has

aforementioned HD quality, and if all you desire is a new monitor, there are plenty available. If your current system is just fine and does not

need to be repaired or replaced, there are a number of things you can do to make it hum along even better. You can update your hard drive, increase your RAM storage space, get better sound cards, upgrade your operating system, or increase the quality of your videos by upgrading your video card. Mays Computer Company is also all about recycling, both in terms of having parts available for repair as well as helping the environment. But please, don’t drop

exactly in keeping with the holiday spirit! However, if you have a question as to whether or not your unit does have parts which contain mercury in them, they will be glad to look at it and tell you the truth. If you are a holiday shopper that is courageous enough to brave the Black Friday crowds, you can beat the crowds and the prices by going to Mays Computer Company any day of the week. You will receive the best of care, the best of prices, and support our local

off some old unit in the dark on their doorstep, and expect them to pay the 12 dollars required to dispose of an old system that has mercury in it. That would not be

economy at the friendliest computer store in Northern Alabama.

continued to be “hot,” especially for the holidays, has been the gaming system. They have large screen HD monitors that are dazzling in their clarity and realism, and they have the ability to network several systems for serious gamers. You also don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy the difference it makes to have a larger monitor with the

Mays Computer Company, Inc. Steve and Regena Mays, Owners 27490 Capshaw Rd Suite B Athens, AL 35613 Phone: 256-444-4040 Hours: 9:30-6 Mon-Fri, 10-2 on Sat Facebook: Mays Computer Inc. Look there for weekly specials and updates. November 16 - December 6, 2012

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Horse Whispering

Reading The Signs by Deb Kitchenmaster The last few months, have you noticed all the signs displayed around our community? Signs in driveways, alongside the highways, in neighbor’s yards; positioned to be read by all who passed by. It was effortless to know who was in favor of whom, and the positions which they represented. And what about the signs we pass by every time we are out driving around? The stop sign, the yield sign and the speed limit signs. Do we pay attention? Do we respond? A sign that I will not forget and caused me to chuckle was posted by a huge pond and read, “NO FISHING! DON’T EVEN ASK.” That was quite clear. I wonder how many people read the NO FISHING sign, and assumed that was for everyone else ex-

cept them. Signs indicate what road you are on, where you are heading, the distance and the direction in which you are going. Have you ever seen NORTH and you really need to be going SOUTH? This influenced you to change directions, didn’t it? Signs have value and purpose as we journey on, but we must read them. Whether you are starting a new relationship with your horse or you are continually building one, it is helpful to understand how you are perceived by your horse when you approach him. Horses

perceive us as predators, even if we are nice ones! We predators approach in a direct line with our eyes focused on what we want (i.e. the horse). Hors-

es are amazingly ‘tuned in’ to intention. The horse knows they are going to be caught. A horse will run off, not allow-

ing the person to catch him, and that is a sign. What is that horse telling you? The horse is telling you that he does not trust or respect you; this is valuable feedback. Forcing the horse to be caught does not improve things. Remember “unforced rhythms!” The unforced approach is a key to building relationship. Learning how to approach your horse in a way that doesn’t cause him to feel the need to leave is priceless. You have to persuade him that you are not going to act like a predator, regardless of his response. You make a deliberate decision to become the kind of human your horse is interested in being with. Some days when your horse sees you he will nicker and/or come running to you. Other days, the horse sees you, turns and walks away as if to say, “Oh no, not her again.” Don’t take this personally! Become creative and interesting, and enjoy watching your horse change his mind! Signs of fear and trust is-

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sues come up often when interacting with our beloved equine friends. Is the horse afraid, or simply does not trust you? One exercise you can do to determine the answer is to ask the horse to give you one hoof at a time while standing on one side of the horse. Let’s say you are standing on the left side of your horse, and you ask him to give you his front left hoof. Nice. Now reach over to his front right hoof while remaining on his left side. Ask the horse to pick up his hoof. Only a horse that trusts you will give you his hoof in this way. Do the same with his hind hooves. You have connected with a secret language that explains the ‘sign.’ Move forward from there. I would like to wish each of you a Blessed, Wonderful, Connecting Thanksgiving. “Signing off” for now. Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster Corral Connections: Connecting with LIFE through a horse Animal B.E.S.T practitioner dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com

November 16 - December 6, 2012


Health and Fitness

Dangers Of Type 2 Diabetes by Janet Hunt

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

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin. Insulin is a hormone which pulls sugar out of the blood; therefore people with Type 2diabetes often have increased blood sugar. High levels of sugar in the blood can lead to dangerous complications as noted below. C A R D I O VA S C U L A R HAZARDS Patients with Type 2 diabetes have an increased

risk of developing heart disease. Diabetes speeds the process by which cholesterol builds up in the arteries, causing them to harden and become narrower. This then causes blood pressure to increase, which strains the heart. In addition, small bits of cholesterol can break off from larger arteries and move to the smaller arteries that supply the heart and brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke. VASCULAR DAMAGE Many of the complications of type 2 diabetes stem from the effects of high blood sugar on small blood

November 16 - December 6, 2012

vessels. High amounts of glucose can clog the small capillaries, which are necessary for carrying blood to sensitive tissues. When these capillaries become clogged due to high levels of glucose, blood flow to some tissues can be harmed. This can lead to poor oxygen flow, which can result in tissue death. VISION PROBLEMS Type 2 diabetes can affect vision. Temporary blurring of vision can be caused by fluid changes in the lens of the eye, which can be the result of high blood sugar. Because the lens works to help focus images, changes in the fluid inside the lens can make it difficult for the eyes to properly focus. Poor blood flow due to damaged capillaries can also affect the retina, which is the portion

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of the eye that turns light into signals to the brain. This condition, diabetic retinopathy, can lead to blindness. KIDNEY FAILURE Another danger of diabetes is damage to the kidneys, which are important for filtering the blood and excreting waste products as urine. High blood sugar and high blood pressure (due to build up of cholesterol) can cause kidney damage or kidneys to fail requiring dialysis or a transplant. NERVE DAMAGE Another hazard of diabetes is damaged nerves. Nerve tissue is very delicate and extremely high blood sugar can cause irreversible nerve damage. This can cause patients to develop tingling or numbness in

certain parts of their body, particularly the extremities. Foot wounds are especially dangerous because impaired circulation can also make it difficult for wounds to heal, leading to serious infections.

Next Article: How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes.

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Athens Rehabilitation and Senior Care Center Spotlight on Miss Mattye Murray by Ali Elizabeth Turner Mattye Murray was born in Athens in 1929, the daughter of sharecroppers. She was a graduate of Trinity High School, served in the Air Force, attended Tuskegee Institute, graduated from Alabama A & M, taught at her high school alma mater as well as Tanner High, and that’s just the beginning of her accomplishments. I spent a marvelous afternoon learning from her what it was like to grow up here during the Depres-

sion and the Jim Crow era. In an odd way, the Depression served to suppress some of the vitriol that became more prevalent during the Civil Rights era. “We worked side by side, and helped each other,” she told me. This is not the first time I have heard this from older people of all colors who were dependent upon each other to get the harvest in. “I was blessed to complete high school,” she said, and she graduated from Trin-

ity in 1948. A few years later she joined the Air Force, spending 4 years in service to our country, and received training in food service. She served amongst some of the Airmen of Tuskegee fame, and finished her military career in 1955. She was able to get her bachelor’s degree in business education, and began her teaching career at Trinity in 1962. She taught there until 1970, when Trinity was closed. “We

lived through desegregation,” a wild time for everyone. I asked her what it was like to go to Tanner to teach, and her smile said it all. “Oh, they were sweet to me.” She became everyone’s “Auntie,” and spent the rest of her teaching career there. Miss Mattye never married, and is the devoted Aunt of several nieces and nephews. One of her nephews, Vada Hill, dropped in during the interview, and what was already an enjoyable afternoon became even more so. He told me about her voracious love of reading, and as a Harvard University history graduate himself, he was specific about such favorite books as Dr. Zhivago, and Theodore White’s works on John F Kennedy, who, by the way, is her favorite president. Prior to Vada’s arrival, Miss Mattye and I sang “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” together, in honor of Judy Garland, her favorite actress. And, we

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spoke at length about “To Kill A Mockingbird,” a favorite novel and movie for both of us.

Vada says she makes a dandy sweet potato pie, “and she also kept my report cards from the 9th grade.” Her favorite Bible verse? I Thessalonians 5: 21, which says, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Her advice to young people? “Keep God in your life.” Amen to both.

She has only been at Athens Rehab since September, and has been going through the adjustment that invariably comes from giving up one’s life long home. “They are good to me here,” she says, “and are always inviting me to activities.” “Do you go? They have wonderful activities here,” I said. “Not yet, but I am going to,” she promised. Then we prayed and hugged, and I was on my way, but not before I told Miss Mattye that she had made my day, because she had.

November 16 - December 6, 2012


The World According to Will

The Will Anderson Show M-F 6pm-8pm on 800 and 1230AM and 106.5FM WBHP

Libertarian, Social Liberal, Or Constitutionally Indifferent? by Will Anderson

I’ve figured it out! Some people who call themselves (or actually think that they are) libertarians are really not— they’re social liberals, hoping that small government will succeed where Washington has failed. Again, the operative word there is SOME. If you identify yourself as a libertarian, don’t instantly take offense. I’m referring to the people who think that our most important task is insuring the legality, nationwide, of pot o and gay marriage. The real (by that I mean the Ron Paul) r libertarian stance is that since the two aren’t mentioned in athe Constitution, the proper ,level of government on which -to legislate is the state level. hSocial conservatives who echampion the Constitution :agree, as do social liberals ewho genuinely believe in tthe Constitution. The point -here has nothing to do with ?whether marijuana should ”be legalized, but WHERE it should or shouldn’t. Pot le-galization, in other words, is -not an “issue,” in the sense gthat, say, national defense is. tThere is a difference between mliberals and conservatives, gphilosophically, as to whethoer or not diplomacy works dbetter than “peace through ostrength.” There’s no argu?ment, though, that national -security is a Constitutional tconcern of the federal goveernment. Legal marijuana, don the other hand, is philonsophically liked and hated Iby conservatives and liberals ealike. There should be no deebate, however, about whether or not it’s Washington’s con-

2003, the Court was overreaching. And there’s the crucible: if you can say that Colorado’s law legalizing pot was right, as was Texas’ law against

sodomy, and THEN have the philosophical debate about the two issues, you may be a libertarian. Many “libertarians” these days, though, don’t care which level of

government decides the issue, as long as it gets decided their way. Their proper appellation is “socially liberal and Constitutionally indifferent,” not “libertarian.”

cern. It shouldn’t be. The problem that conservatives faced this year is that liberals tried to co-opt small government in order to advance social issues that Washington has refused to advance. Colorado’s law legalizing marijuana could lead to a Constitutional showdown. Real libertarians will say that Colorado’s law should stand, and Washington’s overreach on the issue should go away. Those same libertarians would argue, for instance, that when the Supreme Court declared Texas’ law against sodomy unconstitutional in

12.15.12

November 16 - December 6, 2012

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Medical Update

Osteoarthritis and Joint Replacement Surgery? by Dr. J. Patrick Boyett, Orthopedic Surgeon

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and affects the vast majority of patients with arthritis pain. Some refer to osteoarthritis as “wear and tear� arthritis. Another term is degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but most commonly affects the weight bearing joints, specifically the knees and hips. Basically, the padding between the joint deteriorates and, as the joint nears bone touching bone without padding, the joint hurts. Treatment varies from activity modification to joint replacement. Conservative treatment includes avoiding impact exercises, such as running and jumping. As a general rule, exercises that are better for arthritis are as follows: swimming is better than biking, biking is better than elliptical, elliptical is better than walking, and walking is better than running. Weight loss is

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another method to lessen the impact across the joint. Medications are frequently used but are often limited by side effects. Typical medications include antiinflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or Aleve. These medications have to be used with caution due to gastrointestinal side efjection of a rooster cartilage derivative into the knee commonly referred to as rooster comb shots. These shots help to pad and lubricate the diseased joint.

fects and kidney side effects. Other medications include glucosamine, which has very few side effects. Injections are an alternative for certain joints such as the knees. There

are two types of injections. First, steroid shots have been the standard for many years. Although generally well tolerated, they have some limitations. A more recent advancement includes in-

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Occasionally, certain types of braces can help arthritis pain. These are called off-loader braces and work to take weight off of the arthritic area. When other treatment has failed, surgery may be the best option for osteoarthritis. We are often asked about arthroscopy for arthritis. The short

answer is that scope surgery will not fix arthritis. Joint replacement is the only good option for stopping arthritis pain. It involves replacing the bone on bone joint that no longer has a pad with an artificial joint that is separated by a plastic cushion. We will be covering the specifics of these topics of surgeries in future publications of Athens Now. Look for us in future editions. OrthoSports Athens is your hometown connection to cutting edge orthopedics and we are happy to evaluate and discuss specifics with you.

November 16 - December 6, 2012


Security Savvy

Who’s Got Your Back? by Jim Doyle, owner of Madison Security Group

Let’s talk about a neighborhood watch. When I was very young and living in South Boston (in the projects,) there was a real Neighborhood Watch, meaning, if you were a stranger and wandered into one of the numerous courtyards, you were watched like a hawk. Everybody knew who belonged and who did not. If you were clueless enough to go into these courtyards where you didn’t belong, you would be confronted by the most feared people on earth, mothers watching over their children. Back then, I remember each mom watching the courtyard while the others were doing chores and whatever else would take their attention, building a feeling of trust and safety within the neighborhood. After growing up and moving, I found that this kind of neighborhood was gone for the most part. People didn’t really get involved with neighbors, there was no real unity. It’s unfortunate that people only come together when there is a major problem or the lights go out or a wicked big storm. In addition, when it’s all back to normal, people seem to retreat

back into their own worlds. I have lived in some major cities, such as Boston, Detroit, Brockton and Dorchester,

Massachusetts, and it seems this feeling of “mind your own business” is everyone’s mantra. I’m not suggesting people need to know your business, but people should be neighborly. It’s a good feeling when you know that when you are away, people would be looking out for you without being asked.

They will come over just to check. This is a great way to live, this is a Neighborhood Watch. Now that the holidays are near, it is nice to see the square all gussied up for each holiday, and to realize that anything used as decorations is left alone so that everyone can enjoy it. Some of you have never lived in a city where you have to lock your doors, worry about decorations you may put in the yard being stolen, and being vigilant about your safety. This small town feeling needs to be protected, and the only way is to care, be neighborly, and look out for each other. As far as the Police and Sheriff’s Departments, they are the most responsive agencies I have ever seen! They are very approachable, and really do what they say, “protect

and serve.” I have had dealings with both departments and have nothing but praise. Athens should be proud. But as I always say, they can’t do it all, so it’s our city and our homes too. We need to speak up and report anything out of

the ordinary so that the Police/Sheriff Departments can do their jobs.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Come hear Don Daniel speak on

“Permission Marketing” Endless Catering

(27035 Old Hwy 20, Madison,)

November 30 • 10 am to 3 pm

Don has been a top sales person in some of the country’s leading direct sales companies, and now has his own successful business with The P.I.L.L Method Trust. ANYONE who wants to sell more product during the Christmas season and beyond, wants to build a successful team, or both, would benefit from this event. We only have room for 50 people, so make your reservations today. The cost is $15 (box lunch) included, or $20 for the first 6 people to tell me they want to showcase their product or service. Email Mary Wimbs for more information at mwimbs@decaturtransit.com, or call 256-758-1324.

My wife and I have lived in Athens AL going on three years, and to this day I say to her this place is amazing. People really ask you how you’re doing and mean it, they are willing to lend a hand even if you’re a stranger. Our neighbors worry if they see that our cars have not moved in a day or two.

November 16 - December 6, 2012

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WE NOW HAVE EVERYTHING FOR WELDING! J&G can now exchange customer owned cylinders right here at the store!

• Welding Rods • Mig Wire • Tig Rods • Torch Outfits You name it, if it’s for welding or cutting, we’ll have it! Winchester Gun Cleaner

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550 Braid Paracord 40+ Colors to choose from

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Game Scale 0-440 lbs.

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TARPS All Sizes

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Yellow Marking Paint - can

$

1.60

Kool Seal Elastomeric Roof Coating

$

4995

Paracord Bracelet Clips For making your own bracelets

10/$

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Aluma-Kote Silver Roof Coating

$

38

Gun Holsters & Magazine Pouches Good Selection

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8.99

Steele Generators 1200 watt in camo case - $299.95 2000 watt - $275.00 3250 watt - $399.00 6000 watt - $650.00 7500 watt (electric start) - $750.00 10,000 wat (electric start) - $1,000 Reciprocating Saw

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Angle Grinder 4.5 inch

$22.99

Palm Sander

18Volt Cordless Drill

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Jig Saw

$22.99

Circular Saw

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3/8 inch Electric Drill

Heat Gun

$15.99

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Red Rock Assault Pack

Gun Stickers!

Bottled Water - case

3.29-$9.95 $2.99

Oxygen - Acetylene Argon - Argon/Co2 Nitrogen - Helium

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TUNDRA BRAND HAND TOOLS

Winch 9500

19.95$29.95

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Gun Cleaning KIts

WELDING GASES!!

46 guns to choose from! Build your “family”!

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Moltrie Game Camera

Color in Daylight Infrared at night!

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75

Electric Hoists

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14535 US Hwy 72 • Athens • 256-232-6695 HOURS: 9am-5pm Mon-Sat. CLOSED SUNDAY

*ALL PICTURES ARE REPRESENTATIONS ONLY, ACTUAL ITEMS IN STOCK MAY VARY

Limited quantities, more specials throughout the store

J and G Variety would like to thank you for supporting your local small businesses! For more information email: info@jandgvariety.com

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