November 7, 2014

November 7 - 20, 2014

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

The Athens Christmas Open House:

Nearly 3 Decades Of Holiday Tradition

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

What Makes Ronnie Roll Our Venerable Veterans...

Recently American Legion magazine took a poll of its readers to determine the 100 most beloved veterans of all time, and it had arrived just a couple of days before...

Page 8

By Jennifer Williamson and Ali Elizabeth Turner

It’s finally November, so naturally, it’s time to start talking about Christmas! You can never begin your

Clean And Green

Continued on pages 15

America Recycles Day: A Celebration Of Recycling...

America Recycles Day started November 15, 1997 by the recycling sector organization known as...

Page 12

Drucilla’s: Delicious Food And Delightful

Surroundings

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Learning As A Lifestyle Music And More At The Center For Lifelong Learning...

October is one of the busiest months at the Center for Lifelong Learning...

Page 18

November 7 - November 20, 2014

There is a wonderful house located at 300 North Marion Street in the historical section of Athens that about a month ago became the home of Drucilla’s. Drucilla’s is a restaurant owned by Carol Holland, an Athens native. The restaurant was named in honor of a Carol’s beloved grandmother, Olna Drucilla Bullington. Mrs. BullingContinued on page 17

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Visit smart.athens.edu to get started.

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November 7 - November 20, 2014

Publisher’s Point

Does The Red Tide Have What It Takes To Get The Job Done?

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales

Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Teresa Todd Joel Allen Jim Doyle Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Jerry Barksdale Ruby McCartney Jennifer Williamson

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8

Without a doubt, the results of the recent election were stunning, and history was made on a number of fronts. The term “Red State” is no longer a joke, and the tide has turned in the favor of Conservative Constitutionalists.

Former combat vet Joni Ernst became the first female to be elected to the Senate, representing the State of Iowa. Mia Love became the first Conservative black woman to be elected to Congress, ever. Shelley Moore Capito became the first female Congresswoman from Virginia, and is a Republican. Elise Stefanik, who is only 30, and is a Republican, became the youngest Congresswoman in US History. She is from the State of New York. For the very first time, Congress will have 100 female representatives.

There is much more to note, however, than just the fact that the gals seem to be having their day.

Senator Harry Reid is no longer Senate Majority Leader. Tim Scott, who

We don’t deserve this chance. So many chances have been squandered, and opportunities to truly stand for God and country without apology have been wasted. But then, it just might be that we may have been gifted with a last hurrah.

is African American and a Republican, became the first black Senator to be elected since Reconstruction. He is also the only African American in the history of our country to have been elected to both the House and the Senate.

In the State of Alabama, we voted to protect ourselves from “foreign law.”

That means, we as Alabamians are able to make our laws based on the Constitution alone. What a concept! We also voted for Open Carry, which 100 years ago would not have been considered necessary to even appear

Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18-19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . . 20

on a ballot. In Alabama, the 2nd Amendment is actually functional.

Nationally, Republicans are now in the majority in both the House and Senate, and the question is, what will they do with the shift in their favor? Will they blow it again like they did in 2006?

Make no mistake, I am heartened by what happened on November 4th, but I am also highly skeptical that Republicans will grow enough of a spine to begin to help America get back on a Constitutional Foundation. If they could stand tall as Conservatives, be confident in their identity as people who have compassion as well as common sense, and stick to the premise that in Washington DC “less is more” when it comes to government intervention, some of the negative legislative trends we have seen recently may actually be able to be reversed. Time will tell, and I am indeed hoping for the best.

Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . 23 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . . . 24

November 7 - November 20, 2014

Either way, whatever happens, our only hope is to remember that if we are going to have a snowball’s chance in a very hot place of avoiding a cultural collapse, our hope does not lie in a political party, history making elections or whether we have insulated ourselves, for the moment, from being subjected to Sharia law. Our hope lies only in repentance, humility before our Maker, and turning from corporate and individual corruption. I think often about the fact that as Jeremiah says, “if it had not been for His mercies, we would have been utterly consumed.” If we are going to be consumed by anything, may it be by the Fire that is truly friendly, whose heat is only meant for our good. And may we be set on fire, to give comforting warmth and light in a very cold and dark night.

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

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All Thing’s Soldier

Andrew Tahmoressi Is Home At Last

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

After 214 days in a Mexican prison, Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmoressi is home at last, re-united with his family, and enjoying re-entry with them in South Florida.

With this edition of Athens Now so focused on vets and Veterans’ Day, I am glad Andrew’s release was timed so that we would have one more thing about which to be thankful when it comes to our veterans.

While we can all rejoice that Andrew is free, we have to take a long hard look at what went down, and why it took so long for him to be released.

There was no question that he had literally “taken a wrong turn,” and ended up in Tijuana, which can be dicey in any context, but especially if you have any firearms with you.

By anyone’s estimation, the appearance of advocacy toward Andrew on the part of the United States government was weak, and Andrew languished in prison, week

after week, and month after month.

Thankfully we live in an era where technology has the ability to truly change things, and Andrew’s case went viral. Television personality and former Lt. Commander Montel Williams appeared on Capitol Hill to plead with fire and tears for his release. There were blogs, there were online petitions, and representatives, a governor, his mother, and “everyman” citizens everywhere were relentless in calling for his liberation. They were not going to take no for an answer, and thank God they didn’t.

In a turn of events that surprised everyone, the Mexican Attorney General withdrew all the charges against Andrew, a move that can only be considered miraculous.

The AG actually called for “an immediate and absolute release,” allegedly

on humanitarian grounds.

Due to the fact that Andrew had been diagnosed with PTSD earlier this spring, the Mexican government finally decided to let him go. Why it took them 7 months is beyond me. It would seem that if they were worried about him “twisting off” in jail,

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

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being a danger to himself or others, it would have been in their best interest to have gotten him out of there pronto, and on the United States’ dime.

It is interesting to note the involvement of broadcast media during the ordeal. Greta Van Susteran of FOX News actually drove the exact route Andrew took at night when he made the wrong turn, and demonstrated that the signage was dreadfully confusing. In fact, as a result of all the media coverage regarding the signage, the State of California has changed it so something like this can never happen again.

By contrast, Andrew’s plight was essentially ignored by the rest of the media.

Andrew’s defense attorney also claimed that

he was held illegally, was not given access to a translator, and not allowed to have any interaction with the United States Embassy. It was the deterioration due to the PTSD and the violation of his civil rights that appeared to get the most traction as far as an argument on his behalf was concerned. As sure as I am of all of that, what I would bet money on would be the prayers of his mother. A mom’s prayers can be a force of nature, and Jill Tahmoressi has been relentless.

As it was, Andrew arrived on a private jet, and said that he wanted steak and some stone crabs. A healthy appetite is a good sign when it comes to PTSD, and may Andrew continue to heal, and eventually to thrive.

Welcome home, Marine.

November 7 - November 20, 2014

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November 7 - November 20, 2014

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Calendar of Events The Way We Worked Athens Thru Nov 8th

1st Annual Cystic Fibrosis Walk Nov 15th

Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit Limestone County Event Center 114 West Pryor Street, Athens, AL. “The Way We Worked” reaches into the rich holdings of the National Archives as well as into the hosting community to explore how work has changed in America over the last 100 years. Hear from workers today and from the past in engaging videos and audio recordings. See how work has changed through artifacts - including many of them on loan from local organizations and individuals. Admission is free. For more information Rebekah Davis at 256-233-6404 or thewayathensworks@gmail.com.

Golden Eagle Stadium, Athens High School, 100 U.S. Highway 31N, Athens, AL. Join the ALH Respiratory and Imaging Department for Great Strides and hot dogs, drinks, balloon release and more fun activities. This will not be a 5k walk. Each participant will walk around the field as many times as they want to and will pay so much per lap. To register to walk or volunteer, visit Great Strides Athens

Veterans Day Parade Nov 8th

Athens Community Chorus and Decatur Civic Chorus. Ballroom, Sandridge Student Center, Athens State University, 300 North Beaty Street, Athens, AL. Come clebrate the 60th Anniversary of the beginning of Rock and Roll with songs that Elvis recorded including How Great Thou Art; Love Me Tender; Blue Suede Shoes; Precious Lord, Take My Hand and many others at 2:30PM. Tickets: Adults $10.00; Students $5.00; 12 and under free.

Athens, AL. Roxanne Haggermaker along with area veteran’s organizations invites the public to come recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of all veteran and active duty military personnel.

To learn about registering a float, marching band, group or individual participant, please call Roxanne at 256-206-6702.

Festival of Trees Preview Party Nov 20th

AMVETS Steak Dinner Nov 8th

American Veterans Post 21. 22679 Black Road, Athens, AL. The AMVETS invite the public to enjoy a steak dinner from 4:00PM8:00PM. Sirloin Plates are $9.00, Ribeye Plates are $10.00 - includes sides, dessert and drink. For more information, Mike Hardy 256444-2793 or 256-431-7734.

VFW Turkey Shoot Nov 11th

Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 4765. North Jefferson Street, Athens, AL. The public is invited to take your chance at this turkey shoot held at 9:00AM. For more information, Fred 256-233-0213.

101 Inventions That Changed the World Nov 11th - Mar 15th, 2015

U.S. Space and Rocket Center. One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL. Explore the key turning points in humankind’s history defined by creation or discovery in an “unforgettable multi-sensory experience... that’s like traveling the world and moving swiftly through time.”

For hours, admission and more information rocketcenter.com/ admission.

Ardmore Christmas Craft Fair Nov 15th

TN Annex Building Main Street, Ardmore, TN. Top off your shopping list with hand made crafts to give to friends, family, party hostess or surprise gift giver. For more information, Wendi Brake 256-278-5524.

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Special Concert Nov 16th

Donnell House, 601 1/2 South Clinton Street, Athens, AL. Kick off this annual event from 6:00PM-8:00PM. Cost is $25.00 per person and includes refreshments and entertainment plus a sneak peak of the decorations. To make reservations: 256-679-7660

Donnell House Festival of Trees Nov 21st - 30th

Donnell House 601 1/2 South Clinton Street, Athens, AL. Join the festivities of the season with “To Grandmother’s House We Go” decorates the historic Donnell House. Open from 5:00PM-7:00PM including Thanksgiving evening and during the Athens Christmas Open House. Admission is $5.00 per person. For more information: Lisa Gilbert, 256-679-7660.

STUFF-A-TRUCK Food Drive Nov 22nd

STUFF-A-TRUCK is coming, again! Because of the continuing need for food for the clients at LCCI Food Bank, First United Methodist Church of Athens is sponsoring this very worthy mission for the fourth consecutive year. We ask that you start filling your trunks with food for this event. The drop off on Saturday, November 22 from 9:00 to 5:00 will be the same as previous years: First National Bank (corner of Lindsay Lane and Highway 72). There will also be a drop off on Sunday, November 23, that begins at 5:15 pm at FUMC. This is being done in conjunction with the Community Thanksgiving Program, which is being held at the church. We’ll have a truck at both locations that is well marked. What a wonderful thing it would be if we could fill this truck to overflowing! If you have questions, please call Ida Terry at 256-232-6077.

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November 7 - November 20, 2014

November 7 - November 20, 2014

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Our Venerable Veterans

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Recently American Legion magazine took a poll of its readers to determine the 100 most beloved veterans of all time, and it had arrived just a couple of days before our interview. Some were completely predictable, such as Audie Murphy, Sgt Alvin York, Robert E. Lee, Ike, Patton, and Dorie Miller, the cook who took to a .50 cal at Pearl Harbor and fought off the enemy. I knew actor Jimmy Stewart served in WWII, as did many actors, but I didn’t know he was a Major General at the end of his Air Force Reserve career.

served in WWII aboard PT 109, I didn’t know the boat was cut in two, and that his back injury came about as a result of carrying a badly burned fellow sailor through the water with a strap in his teeth. We went through each one honored in the poll, learning new things and filling in blanks for each other. Then Mayor Marks looked at me and said, “What does all this mean to a young person?”

Then he continued, “You know, I don’t talk about Vietnam very much.” “I know,” I replied.

The Four Chaplains gave up their life jackets in 1943 so that other crew members of the Dorchester would not enter a watery grave, Navy SEALS Mike Murphy and Chris Kyle were legendary, each in their own right, and I actually learned something about JFK. While I knew he had

I thought for a moment about the fact that this year’s Mayor’s Youth Commission has a record 87 kids in it, and added, “Maybe it’s time you did talk about it, and tell the kids.” “Maybe so,” he said.

He went on to ask a few more rhetorical ques-

Collins

tions as he pondered the importance both of Veterans’ Day in general, and “telling the story” to kids who have grown up in a level of peace and prosperity that has never been experienced by any culture in any time period. “Why

would a young person thank an old guy in a wheel chair?” “What are we doing to stay free?”

And, more importantly, “What are we teaching our kids about staying free?”

Our interview was just after the Jackie Greenhaw

Athen’s Veterans’ Day Parade Grand Marshall Command Sgt Major Billy Duncan

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Production of “Vietnam: More Than Just A Name,” which was a sellout and an undisputed success. Many, including me, shed tears, and I was so very glad that ‘Nam vets in our area were finally getting the recognition they deserve.

In general, Mayor Ronnie thinks “We’ve watered down the importance of thanking vets,” and I know he wasn’t just saying that because he served in Vietnam. That same week I talked to a ‘Nam vet who was told to make sure he was not in uniform when he got off the plane to come home at last. Once again, I was reminded that the disgraceful disregard for the sacrifice of those who fought Communism in Vietnam was because of people who were like me in “another lifetime.” Thankfully we serve the God of second chances.

“We don’t have to have someone mangled and permanently disabled to understand freedom,” Mayor Ronnie said. And then, as he always does, he brought the lessons learned home to our beloved Athens. “It all has to do with building a strong community, strengthening family and faith, and honoring all those who protect us,” he added.

He then mentioned that he hoped there would be a strong turnout for the Veterans’ Day Parade on November 8th, and I agreed.

Then we prayed, off we went, and that’s truly what makes Ronnie roll.

November 7 - November 20, 2014

k n a h T

u o Y

!!

It has been an honor to serve as your Sheriff for 32 years. I am humbled by your outpouring of support, direction, and your overwhelming work and dedication toward this reelection campaign. Debbie and I will forever be indebted to you for all your assistance.

During our 9th term of office, we will continue to provide quick responses and competent investigative work to all residents of Limestone County, with whom we have a solemn trust to protect and serve. Again, thank you for your vote.

Please call on me if I can ever be of service to you.

Mike Blakely, Sheriff November 7 - November 20, 2014

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Tourism

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association 100 Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611

Now - Nov 8th The Way We Worked Athens Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit Limestone County Event Center, 114 West Pryor Street, Athens, AL. The Way We Worked reaches into the rich holdings of the National Archives as well into the hosting community to explore how work has changed in America over the last 100 years. Hear from workers today and from the past in engaging videos and audio recordings. See how work has changed through artifacts - including many of them on loan from local organizations and individuals.

Admission is free. For more information Rebekah Davis at 256-233-6404 or thewayathensworks@gmail. com orwww.thewayathensworks.com Now - Nov 7th

maker along with area veteran’s organizations invites the public to come recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of all veteran and active duty military personnel. Lineup at AHS, 10am.

Parade starts at 11am.

Schools honoring our Veterans: Nov 7th - Athens High School 9:30 am @ AHS gymnasium Nov 7th - West Limestone High School Veterans Day Program at 1:00PM 10945 West School House Road, in the gymnasium.

Nov 7th – Brookhill Elementary 8:00 am @ BES Auditorium Nov 10th -- Tanner High School Veterans’ Day Program in their Gymnasium, 12060 Sommers Road, Tanner, AL. Veterans and their spouses are invited to breakfast in the Tanner High School Library at 8:15AM. The general public and all Veterans are invited to join the students at 9:00AM for a special Veterans’ Day Program.

How Have You Made Your Mark? A Study in Hands Limestone County Archives, 102 West Washington Street, Athens, AL. Artist Lee Nabors explores hands at work in this series.

Open Monday-Friday from 8:00AM-4:30PM.

Nov 10th – Julian Newman Elementary 8:30 am @ JNES Auditorium

Nov 8th

Nov 15th

Veterans Day Parade Athens, AL. Roxanne Hagger-

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Nov 10th – Athens Middle School 8:45 am @ AMS Auditorium Nov 10th – Athens Elementary 1:00 pm @ AES Activity Building 5K Tiger Dash Cedar Hill Elementary School, 27905

Cedar Hill Road, Ardmore, AL. This race benefits both the Ardmore High School Cross Country Team and Cedar Hill Elementary Physical Education Department.

Brenda.Morrow@lcsk12.org or Chala Boyd Chala.Body@ lcsk12.org Nov 15th Ardmore Christmas Craft Fair - TN Annex Building, Main Street, Ardmore, TN. Top off your shopping list with handmade crafts to give to friends, family, party hostess or surprise gift giver. For more information, Wendi Brake 256-278-5524 Nov 15th 1st Annual Cystic Fibrosis Walk - Golden Eagle Stadium, Athens High School, 100 U.S. Highway 31N, Athens, AL. Join the ALH Respiratory and Imaging Department for Great Strides and hot dogs, drinks, balloon release and more fun activities. This will not be a 5k walk. Each participant will walk around the field as many times as they want to and will pay so much per lap. To register to walk or volunteer, visit the Great Strides Athens website.

Nov 21st - Nov 30 The Donnell House will be once again hosting its Festival of Trees celebration. The theme to this year’s event is “To Grandmother’s House We Go.” The Festival of Trees will run from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will be open

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on Thanksgiving evening as well as during the Athens Christmas Open House.

The cost for admission is $5 per person. To kick off the event, a Preview Party is scheduled on November 20 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The cost for the party is $25 per person and will include refreshments and entertainment along with a sneak peak of the decorations. For reservations call 256-679-7660. All money raised will go to the renovation efforts for the historic Donnell House.

Nov 22nd Minor Hill Turkey ShootMinor Hill Park AgGrounds, Minor Hill Highway, Minor Hill, TN. Minor Hill, Tennessee invites you to join them for their annual Turkey Shoot to be held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, as always. It will start at 9:00am, and will go to about noon. It costs $3 to shoot for a turkey, and $5 to shoot for a ham. Plans are to shoot for a chance to win a ham about every 5 times or so.

It’s not a country ham each time; most of them are regular hams. If anyone would like to donate a country ham, please contact our City Hall at 931-565-3113 before Nov. 17. Event provides the shells. For more information 931-565-3113 or info@ minorhilltn.com 4.7 miles from Lester AL- MAP Nov 22 Cowart Elementary Rivalry

Run 5K - James L. Cowart Elementary PTO will hold the 1st Annual Rivalry Run starting at 8:00 am. Walkers and strollers are welcome! We encourage ALL participants to dress in their favorite SEC school team.

Don’t be shy. You won’t be alone. Race will start and end at Cowart 1701 West Hobbs Street, Athens, AL, 35611. www.rivalryrun5k. itsyourrace.com/event. aspx?id=3474 Nov 22nd - 23rd Christmas Open HouseDowntown Athens, AL. Christmas comes early to downtown Athens with caroling, specials for shopping and Santa! 256-232-2600 Nov 30th Minor Hill Christmas Parade - Minor Hill, TN. Giles County High School Band of Gold will be leading the parade. Parade starts at 2:00, LineUp at 1:00 @ Minor Hill Community Bldg. No cost to enter! Categories are: Vehicles, Recreational Vehicles, Performing Groups, Floats, horses, and Overall Winner for Best Theme. No Santa allowed, because we have one that will be on our float near the end of the parade.

We appreciate your support. Please come be a part of our parade this year and make it our biggest & best ever. For more information 931-565-3113 or info@ minorhilltn.com 4.7 miles from Lester AL.

November 7 - November 20, 2014

November 7 - November 20, 2014

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Clean and Green

America Recycles Day: A Celebration Of Recycling

by Ruby McCartney, Plant Manager, Athens-Limestone Recycling Center America Recycles Day started November 15, 1997 by the recycling sector organization known as the National Recycling Coalition. “America Recycles Day” has been a way for communities to come together to nationally recognize, promote, and celebrate recycling in the U.S. although the “World Recycling Day” for most countries actually falls on July 8th.

Thousands of events are held across the U.S. to raise awareness about the importance of recy-

cling and to encourage Americans to sign personal pledges to recycle and buy products made from recycled material. This year in observance of America Recycles Day, there will be an advisory group (made up of high school seniors volunteering their time,) at Athens-Limestone Recycling Center. They will assist residents as they sort their recycling into the various bins. In addition, I (Ruby McCartney, Plant Manager) will be out and about in the community at several of our Community

dry detergent containers, buckets, etc. If it is a container made of plastic, we can recycle it.

Collection Centers, catching residents as they recycle as part of our “Get Caught Recycling” Campaign, sponsored by Custom Polymers, PET Inc. Residents caught recycling will receive a small reward for their efforts. Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones to “Get Caught Recycling.”

Our friends at Earth911. com have taken a broad look at the History of Recycling and have traced the first curbside recycling program back to France in 1884. As you can see, recycling is not a new concept.

It has just taken some of us a little longer to get on the bandwagon.

While we’ve come a long way, according to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), the average national recycling rate is 31 to 34.1%. However, Alabama’s recycling rate (even at its highest stated rate,) is well below the national average at 8.3%. This means that there’s some serious room for improvement.

Recycling isn’t hard.

However, the amount of information and seemingly endless facts

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about recycling can be very overwhelming, and most recycling centers don’t all take the same items. I am going to try and make it a little easier for you to recycle by giving you some Recycling Basics for Athens-Limestone Recycling Center (ALRC). If you do not currently recycle, maybe these basics can help you begin a recycling routine. Before we begin, stop stressing! Do what you can and don’t worry about the rest. I would rather that you recycle only what you are comfortable with than to get frustrated and decide that recycling is just too much trouble.

Start simple by choosing what you would like to start with, such as container plastics with container being the key word at the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center (ALRC). We recycle only container plastics; the only exception is plastic grocery bags, which we do recycle. Start with your water bottles, soda bottles, milk jugs, laun-

Next you may want to add your cans. Any kind of can “CAN” be recycled at ALRC. Steel cans (such as vegetable cans) and aluminum cans (such as soda cans) are all recyclable.

As you get comfortable with these items, please continue to add other items such as magazines, newspapers, office paper, junk mail, cardboard and glass bottles and jars. Yes, I said glass; Athens-Limestone Recycling Center is one of the few places that still accepts glass. All of the items mentioned can be recycled at our Lucas Ferry location 24/7 in our collection bins, or at any of our 11 community collection centers throughout Limestone County. To find out more about items accepted at Athens-Limestone Recycling Center, or for the location closest to you, please give us a call at 256-233-8746.

I challenge you to “RECYCLE IT, DON’T TRASH IT!!”

For more information check out these websites: www.recycle-revolution.com www.nrdc.org

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

Become a Fan

November 7 - November 20, 2014

Cooking with Shelley

Rocky Road Yams

by Shelley Underhill

Several years back, I came up with this recipe on Thanksgiving break. It was a hit with my family and also my holiday guests. Recently, several of our readers emailed me looking for the recipe for this culinary treat.

Many thanks for your emails and comments. Let me know if ya try it! You can email me at shelleysdesk@ gmail.com. Enjoy!

What you will need: 9in x 14in baking dish

2 cans of yams (40 oz each) 2 cups brown sugar - lightly packed 1 stick of REAL butter, cut in slices 1 bag mini marshmallows 1 ¼ cups walnuts 1 bag Heath toffee bits Baker’s Joy pan spray Heavily spray baking dish with Baker’s Joy. Pour drained yams into dish and lightly smash each yam until the bottom of the dish is covered. Evenly spread sugar, butter, walnuts and marshmallows on top of yams. Place the dish in the oven and bake at 400F until marshmallows have melted. Cover yams with foil and continue cooking at 350F for one hour. Remove the dish from the oven, and sprinkle bag of heath chips over the yams. Re-cover tightly with foil and let sit for twenty minutes, then ENJOY!

November 7 - November 20, 2014

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Page 13

Health and Fitness

Ways To Avoid Surgery For Hips And Knees

by Janet Hunt

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

Surgery is often the last resort with any kind of health care. Therefore, if your doctor is not recommending surgery for your hip or knee joints, there are other ways to alleviate pain, improve your mobility, and perhaps even help you avoid future surgery.

Medications - Over the counter medicines are usually the first choice of treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis. Simple pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can be purchased without a prescription and can often be effective in reducing pain.

Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), or naproxen (Aleve) help to reduce pain and swelling in the joint.

Stronger more potent pain relievers are available with a prescription. Always read labels for possible side effects and dosage.

Injections - Cortisone injections may provide you with pain relief and reduce inflammation.

Cortisone shots can help if there is significant swelling, but are not very helpful if the arthritis is affecting your movements. How long the injection works before it wears off is variable. There is some concern that repeated use of cortisone shots may cause deterioration of the cartilage within that joint.

In people who have diabetes, cortisone injections can elevate the blood sugar.

For these reasons, doctors usually limit the number of cortisone shots. In general, cortisone injections should not be given more often than every six weeks and

Page 14

usually not more than three or four times a year.

ViscosupplementationSometimes called rooster shots, this is a procedure in which a thick fluid called hyaluronate is injected into (usually) the knee joint.

Viscosupplementation will not cure osteoarthritis.

However, it is thought that hyaluronate will improve the lubricating properties of the synovial fluid, reduce the pain from osteoarthritis, improve mobility, and provide a higher and more comfortable level of activity. Due to anatomy around the hip joint, injec-

pounds of extra weight that you carry results in fifty pounds of weight-bearing pressure across your hips and knees. Losing weight can result in reduced pain

muscles in your legs. Exercise is often effective in reducing pain and improving function. Unfortunately, with advanced stages of arthritis (bone-on-bone),

exercise can sometimes increase pain in your hips and knees. Your physician or physical therapist can help develop an individualized exercise program that meets your needs and lifestyle. Water exercises may be a great choice.

Braces and Splints - Braces may be helpful in knee

tions into the hip are more complicated and therefore less frequently prescribed.

Viscosupplementation is typically not used until after medications and cortisone shots are tried first.

Weight Loss -Many people with osteoarthritis are overweight. Simple weight loss will reduce stress on your knees and hips. Based upon the physics, you put three to five times your body weight on your hips and knees – especially when climbing stairs and getting in and out of a chair.

For example, every ten

arthritis if the arthritis is centered on one side or the other because a brace helps with stability.

Physical Therapy - Physical therapy may show you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your joint.

Physical therapy may help improve joint function. It can also teach you proper form to make it easier for you to walk, bend, kneel, squat, and sit.

Alternative TherapiesSome alternative therapies include acupuncture and magnetic pulse therapy.

Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate specific body areas to relieve pain or temporarily numb an area. It is used in many parts of the world, and evidence suggests that it can help ease arthritis pain. Magnetic pulse therapy is painless and works by applying a pulsed signal to the knee, which is placed in an electromagnetic field.

and increased function, particularly in walking.

Often, weight loss is required before a physician will consider knee or hip replacement for someone overweight or obese. Obesity complicates both the recovery and long-term success of knee or hip replacement surgery. Also, obese patients face additional risks during knee replacement surgery as with any surgery.

Exercise - Exercise can help increase your range of motion and flexibility as well as help strengthen the

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November 7 - November 20, 2014

Cover Story

The Athens Christmas Open House: Nearly 3 Decades Of Holiday Tradition

by Jennifer Williamson and Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

Christmas shopping list too early. And, we’ve got an event to help you tackle that holiday shopping list in one weekend. The best part? You can shop right here in Athens!

The Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and Spirit of Athens are excited to Tammy Rainey, Jennifer Williamson, Steve Hobbs, Trisha announce that the 28th Black with the Christmas Open House Grand Prize a 20”, 5 mm Pearl Necklace with 14K yellow gold clasp. annual Athens Christmas Open House will soon be here. The event will take classes during Christmas characters, and carriage place all day on Saturday, Open House weekend rides around the square.

Ornamental This family friendly November 22 and from including: 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Wreath class and cupcake annual event promises decorating while you wait Sunday, November 23.

The annual shopping for your photo with Santa! extravaganza features Contact the ASU Center retail merchants and for Lifelong Learning restaurants throughout for more information on Athens ready to assist these classes and more. shoppers with tackling Other downtown activities carolers and their Christmas gift wishes. include entertainment, cookies Businesses participating in Christmas Open House from Mrs. Claus, visits from whimsical Christmas will offer in-store specials, refreshments, door prizes, and have to be a weekend filled registration cards with unique shopping, for the Grand Prize yuletide fellowship, compliments of Hobbs and holiday fun for all Jewelers.

Additional to enjoy!

Christmas festivities Jennifer Williamson, will be held in downtown President, Athens during the two Greater Limestone day event. Santa will County Chamber of make his grand arrival Commerce to the Athens square by fire truck on Saturday I sat in the board room and Sunday at 1:00 PM, of the Chamber of and will be available for Commerce listening to photos until 4:00 PM Jennifer talk about the each day at the Athens upcoming Open House, State University Center and for a moment she for Lifelong Learning, was in the best of all located at 121 South roles: that of a mom.

Marion Street. The ASU She and her husband Center for Lifelong have a two year old Learning will also be Catch Ms. Merry Christmas as she son, and her excitement offering a number of strolls around downtown passing out about the fact that he festive activities and cookies to good little boys and girls! was starting to get

November 7 - November 20, 2014

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old enough to truly enjoy the holidays was dear to watch. With her “Mom hat” on, her eyes twinkled as she said, “It kick starts our holiday season, and it builds memories.” We talked about holidays of days gone by, and how much things had changed as the season seems to have lost a good deal of its warmth and purpose.

I asked her what she liked about the Open House, not from the standpoint of being President of the Chamber, but as a wife and mom. She said, “What I like about it is that you don’t have to go to the mall. Everything is right here. We have carolers singing and strolling on the square. It’s unique,

warmer, and friendlier, kind of a throwback to older times.” She also was grateful for the role the ASU Center for Lifelong Learning had been in helping the Open House be a success. “You can shop, eat, and even learn something,” she said, and added, “That’s not something that you are going to get at a mall, either.”

She put her “Chamber hat” back on and talked about the support the Open House brings to our local economy.

“We also want people to know that it is not just businesses located on the square that are participating. Hobbs Jeweler’s and Shea Leigh’s are also part of the event,” she said. Jennifer then added, “One of the things that the offsquare businesses do is have paper elves tucked away somewhere in the store. If you find their hiding place and return them to their ‘rightful home’ at the Chamber of Commerce, there is a surprise waiting for you. The kids love it.”

Some of the stores serve refreshments as well.

If you are wanting a successful holiday shopping trip with a tender, small town feel, beautiful decorations, music, carriage rides, classes and more, then come make some memories on November 22nd and 23rd at the Athens Christmas Open House.

Ali Turner, Athens Now

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November 7 - November 20, 2014

Cover Story

Drucilla’s: Delicious Food And Delightful Surroundings

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

ton was a schoolteacher in several Limestone County schools for many years, and according to Carol, a true lady. Naming the beautiful, stately, old Victorian home in honor of her seemed appropriate. She was a wonderful cook and Carol spent lots of summer days watching, and sometimes helping, her grandmother cook delicious southern dinners. Carol graduated from Athens High School, after which she obtained an engineering degree from UAH. After approximately 35 years spent working as an engineer for several Department of Defense contractors, she decided to change directions and pursue her dream of owning a small business in Athens. Carol had always admired the beautiful old home at the corner of Marion and Bryan streets and decided it was the perfect location for an eclectic, Southern restaurant. By opening Drucilla’s, she chose to venture out in a whole new direction and live out her dream, which is something we in America are still blessed to pursue.

The house was built in 1901 as the Manse (or parsonage) of the Presbyterian Church, and since then has sheltered both families and businesses. Several generations of children lived there, and it has been a beauty salon as well as a law office. It has been beautifully maintained, and has leaded windows that cast rainbows on the walls when the sun shines through. It boasts the high ceilings of the day, has two fireplaces, and is

furnished cheerfully with brightly colored tablecloths as well as an eclectic assortment of antique tables and chairs.

Carol loves the idea of “eclectic” in both the décor and the menu. Some of her menu choices came from places she has visited on vacation. Some are family recipes or are just classic Southern, and she uses the term “Southern eclectic” to describe it all. I have tasted the best of both worlds there by enthusiastically consuming some of the tastiest potato soup I have ever eaten, paired with the chickenand-grape salad. It was just

right.

The restaurant has daily plate specials, which include broccoli and Mexican cornbread, homemade yeast rolls, or hushpuppy muffins as well as a wide selection of salads. The menu is designed so someone can eat a very filling, delicious meal while spending very close to $10.00. Drucilla’s is pleased to honor our uniformed service men and women, law enforcement officers, and first responders by offering a 10% discount on each purchase. Drucilla’s is also pleased to offer this discount to senior citizens and veterans if they let the cashier

November 7 - November 20, 2014

know they are eligible for the discount.

The menu will expand as they learn what their clientele likes the best, and the day I was there, they had sold out of several items.

This is always a good sign in any establishment, especially during start up. Here

Uniformed Service Men & Women, Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders receive

10% OFF each purchase

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is the line-up for Monday thru Friday: baked pork chops, chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, roast beef, and baked fish. “People say our chicken and dumplings are best they have ever eaten,” says Carol.

For lighter fare, there are tomatoes stuffed with traditional chicken salad or chicken Waldorf salad (the chicken-andgrape-combo), chef salad, and a chicken and spinach salad. In addition, there are mix and match combinations, and homemade desserts, with two featured each week. Soups include potato, corn chowder, cheesy chicken enchilada, and chili.

Most produce, as well as a lot of the food products and supplies, is purchased from local merchants. This allows not only for a better selection for each day’s menu but also supports our county economy.

Drucilla’s would be a beautiful place for wedding receptions, bridal and baby

showers, church dinners and other special gatherings, and they already have such events on the books. They are also available in the evenings for private dinners, and eventually, plan to utilize one or two of the large upstairs bedrooms for a private dining room that can be used during the day. Eventually one of the other upstairs bedrooms will be a gift shop and antique mini-mall.

They are currently taking orders for Thanksgiving dinners, and more information on that will be forthcoming.

I think you’ll agree, Drucilla’s is a welcome addition to the Athens restaurant scene.

You can find out for yourself every Monday through Friday, from 10:30 am til 2 pm.

Drucilla’s 300 North Marion

Street Athens, AL, 35611 256-497-7279 Hours: M-F 10:30-2 Facebook: Drucilla’s Page 17

Learning As A Lifestyle

Music And More At The Center For Lifelong Learning

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 October is one of the busiest months at the Center for Lifelong Learning.

Our fall catalog with all the new courses listed has been mailed, and our thoughts are turning to music.

By the first week in October, the Center for Lifelong Learning had begun rehearsals for the Community Chorus. Also, the students involved in our music lesson programs are getting ready for their fall recital. This year, we have invited a guest solo hand bell artist who has performed all over the United States to perform a concert. Let me tell you about these happenings.

First of all, the Center for Lifelong Learning sponsors the Athens State

Community Chorus.

This year the Chorus has joined with the Decatur Civic Choral Group for a concert of Songs Elvis Loved: Gospel, Rock & Roll, and Christmas.

Concerts will be held in Decatur on Thursday, November 13, at 7:00pm, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.

Tickets for the Decatur show are $12.

The Athens concert will be held in the Ballroom of the Sandridge Student Union on Sunday, November 16, at 2:30pm. Tickets for the Athens show are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and children under 12 are admitted free. For more information about the Athens tickets, please call 256-233-8260.

entrance you with their style, showmanship, and musicianship as they weave bells, bodies, and limbs into a unified musical instrument.

Like all of the programs at the Center for Lifelong Learning, the Athens State Community Chorus is self supporting. All proceeds from the concert tickets are used to develop the Chorus music selections, pay staff, and market the program to the community.

The Center also offers private music lessons in violin and piano. At this time, we have 20 students, ranging in age from 5 years old to senior adults.

Lessons are offered in 30minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute blocks during the school year. We also offer 30-minute lessons for two months during the summer. On December 8th, at 6:30 pm, in the ballroom of Sandridge Student Union, the Center will host the student recital. This program is open to the public and is a free event.

ons has toured all across the United States, as well as Europe and The Bahamas, playing solo hand bell concerts and teaching hand bells.

Traveling with Lyons is the Bellissimo Handbell Quartet (in which Danny also rings as a member of the quartet). The quartet is made up of four talented bell ringers who will

The Solo Hand Bell Concert by Danny Lyons will be Sunday, December 7, at 3:00pm at McCandless Hall on the Athens State Campus. There is no charge for this concert. This concert is sponsored by the Livingston Concert Lecture Series and the Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning.

When you think of music, think of the Center for Lifelong Learning; where learning is a lifestyle.

Coming in December is a Solo Hand Bell Concert

by Danny Lyons. Lyons rings an entire three octave set of hand bells, (37 bells in all,) by himself.

You will be amazed by his dexterity, stage presence, and his ability to make beautiful music. Ly-

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November 7 - November 20, 2014

More Learning As A Lifestyle

Did You Know It Is 54 Days Until The End Of This Year?!

by Wanda Campbell

If you are like me, you are wondering where the time went. How can so much time have passed so quickly? November is upon us and that means parties, Christmas Open House, and Celebrate the Season at the Center for Lifelong Learning.

Since we opened in April 2011, we have offered the Center to the community as a place to host events, parties, meetings, conferences, and more. So far, we have hosted just about every kind of event at the Center. If you are looking for a place for a graduation party, the company Christmas party, a company retreat or brainstorming session, the Center can provide the space you need.

We have a training room that will seat 12 comfortably and has a state-ofart projection system for digital or video presentation. Our conference room will seat 20 for that strategic planning session. When you have more than 20 attendees, we can seat you upstairs in the Mezzanine where you can configure the room to suit your needs.

The mezzanine will seat up to 200 attendees, depending on your setup.

We also rent the lobby area for receptions and small parties.

For information about renting our spaces, you can contact Dr. Diane Sauers, director of the Center for Lifelong Learning. Her email is

diane.sauers@athens.edu and her phone number is 256-233-8261. We have some of the most reasonable rates in town.

The Christmas Open House is our chance to show off some of our classes and to collaborate with Spirit of Athens and the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce. On November 22 & 23, the Center will host “Pictures With Santa” sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Santa will be at the Center for Lifelong Learning on Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The Center is located at 121 South Marion Street, on the east side of the Courthouse Square in downtown Athens.

November 7 - November 20, 2014

Also featured that weekend will be a class on “Building Wreaths For All Occasions.” The class is taught by Pauline McElyea, a decorator from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Learn how to make lowcost, recyclable wreaths for every occasion. Topics include bargain hunting, shopping hints, seasonal and non-seasonal ideas, hands-on demonstration. Supplies are included in the fee, which is $15/person. Class will be held on Saturday, November 22, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, at the Center.

Make your reservation by calling 256-233-8262.

For those who want to go to Greece with us in April, final payments will be due on December 8th. We have 14 traveling with us so far. Dr. Diane Sauers and Dr. Ron Fritze will be leading the group. Dr. Fritze will help students become familiar with the history of the areas we will be visiting. The tour, called Greece: In the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul, is an 11-day excursion that includes a three day cruise of the Greek Islands and Turkey. Stops are planned in Mykonos, Ephesus, Santorini, Thessalonki, Meteora, Delphi, and the Acropolis, and well as the ancient cities of Athens and Corinth. For more information about Greece, visit our website – www. athens.edu/CLL, or call

us at 256-233-8261.

Celebrate the Season is the name given to a tour to the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville.

The trip is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2.

We will be leaving from the Center for Lifelong Learning at 9:30am and returning about 8:00pm.

The fee is $55 and includes round-trip transportation. Meals are on your own. More than two million dazzling Christmas lights draw visitors from all over the world. Get in the spirit of the season as you discover the unique and festive décor around every bend.

Join us as we prepare for another holiday season full of fun and learning at the Center for Lifelong Learning.

As we have done in the past, we will have cupcakes to decorate while kids are waiting for Santa. The cupcakes are one for $1, or get six for $5.

Cupcake decorating will be available starting at 1:00 pm until we run out of cupcakes on Saturday, November 22. This is a very popular event during the Open House.

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Dog Barker

The ADA Law Gets Kicked Around, Again!

by Joel Allen

Folks, guess what happened to me?! Earlier last month, I and my ever-faithful service dog, Zues, were in Anniston, Alabama visiting my wife who has been in the hospital for quite some time. We were in the Regional Medical Center and as I was leaving with Zues in tow, a Security Officer called out to me.

He said, “What is the dog for?” By now I am very versed in handling these situations because of the lack of education about the American’s Disability Act. So, I turned toward the Security Officer and stated, “You are allowed to ask me two questions by law. Is that a service dog and what is he trained to do?

And yes he is a service dog.”

The Security Officer then told me to show him documentation.

I stated, “No sir, you cannot ask for that. But, you need to know you are violating the ADA laws as we speak.” This man was very professional about the entire interaction, so folks please don’t get angry. I handled it, I felt, with a very diplomatic stance.

As I stood there explaining to this Security Officer about the law, he began to inform me that he was trained in this area and that he could require documentation. I informed him he was incorrect and Page 20

that he should telephone the Police. He did not call them upon my request. Instead he debated with me for about five minutes before he noticed Zues’ identification tag and read the ADA Law and Department of Justice’s phone number on the ID Card.

After that he backed off, but I did not let up because of all the trouble I could see coming for another like myself.

I felt bad for the Security Officer but I did inform him he had not been trained to standard and I would be fil-

ing an ADA complaint against his agency of work. I also stated I did not want to get him into any trouble and that he handled himself in a very professional manner but I wanted the people who trained him to know the ADA Laws and for his agency to expect to be contacted by the DOJ. No man or woman should have to be penalized because their supervisor is ignorant of the law.

Now, why did I share this with my readers?

It is because there are a few of my readers who

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have service dogs that will one day have this very challenge thrown into their path. The first thing to remember is do not become confrontational but become diplomatic.

Remember, raising the voice will only drown out the message. Be courteous about the situation, even if the one breaking the ADA Law is being a headache.

Take note of everything said or done, names, times and the location because when the reporting is done, it should read as if the

reader was there. Go to www.ada.gov and file the complaint.

I hope all is well with everyone and Happy Thanksgiving! I have a lot to be thankful for.

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

Joel and Zues Allen 256-651-2211

November 7 - November 20, 2014

November 7 - November 20, 2014

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

amputations in adults occur in those with diabetes •More than half a million Americans advanced retinopathy (disease of the retina in the eye) causing severe vision loss •One in 10 healthcare dollars is spent on diabetes care or that of its complications •One in 5 healthcare dollars is spent caring for people with diabetes Even worse, Alabama ranks 47th in the nation for Diabetes and its complications. This means that only 3 other states are doing worse than 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, previ-

ously 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

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!

• Feeling very thirsty • Feeling very hungry even if you are eating • Extreme fatigue • Blurred vision • Cuts/bruises are slow to heal • Tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet

• Race (increased in Hispanic/Latino, African American, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders)

Complications:

• Family history of Diabetes

• Eye complications

• Smoking Signs and Symptoms: • Urinating often

• High blood pressure • Kidney disease • Foot complications • Neuropathy • Skin complications • Stroke • Heart disease • Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) As with most diseases, changes in diet and lifestyle can make a difference. It can prevent disease, reverse some of the effects, improve overall 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

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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.

Some fun ways to make those changes are recommended bye the American Diabetes Association include: • Get Moving Mondays • Tasty Tip Tuesdays • What’s Wednesdays

Cooking

• Get Together Thursdays • Fact Check Fridays • Weekend Challenge For more information, please visit www.diabetes.org.

November 7 - November 20, 2014

Security Savvy

Just Wondering, What’s Going On?

by Jim Doyle, owner of Madison Security Group 203 Us Highway 31 S, Athens, AL 35611 I’ve been thinking, and my wife shudders when I say that. Here we are with problems throughout the world, from poverty to Ebola to the Islamic State, no matter what country it shows up in. We have a President that seems to be disconnected from the rest of us. He doesn’t want to have boots on the ground to fight the IS. It seems like it’s always too little, too late. I don’t want to see our troops going back again to fight, to lose another soul, and never have the chance to finish the fight.

So here is my thought process, and just so you won’t worry like my wife, this is tongue-incheek. We have our own terrorist groups in this country, known as gangs.

We have the Crips, the Bloods and M3, along with the Latin kings.

We don’t seem to have enough room in our prisons to hold these guys, so let’s arm them with better guns and send them to the Mid-east to fight the terrorists there. This way they can see how tough they really are, and instead of taking over the streets in this country and bullying the people, take over the streets in Iraq or Iran. I would not let them back here, but they would be free to run around and cause havoc over there!

Now our government has added new problems for our cities and towns.

We are letting people illegally into this country to form stronger gangs.

I understand that we are arresting these illegals, putting them in jail, and then we release them.

Again, what’s going on?

I go to my office every day and arrive at approximately 7:30. I start up my computer, get my coffee and turn on the world news to try and keep abreast of what’s happening. As I sit at my desk, I begin to slip into a bad mood. It took me a few days to figure out how I could go to work in a good mood and then lose it. I finally realized that as I’m working, the world news is telling me all the stuff Congress is

November 7 - November 20, 2014

doing or not doing, how the IRS is lying to the Justice Department and nothing is being done, how we are sitting on our fannies watching as the IS is taking over more and more in the Mid-east. It seems our President does nothing but go play golf or attend fundraisers.

And we as a people are just as bad we sit here, waiting for our leaders to act. Now we have an Ebola scare, and again, what is going on? Why are we allowing flights from infected countries into the US and thinking that we won’t become infected? Oh, my bad, we are! According to our President, it won’t happen here. I am one person who doesn’t believe in anything our Govern-

ment says anymore, especially our President.

What ever happened with Bergdahl? What were the findings? Was he a deserter? We traded five known terrorists for him? Where are they now?

Benghazi - what really went on, Hillary? It does make a difference, in spite of what she said through tears.

Obamacare--why did we have that stuffed down our throats? We can keep what, again? Our doctors? Our insurance policies? Why are people going to lose hours or even their jobs because of Obama care?

And the IRS, why are they above the law? If I lost information the Justice Department wanted,

I would be in jail.

It goes on and on, and they wonder why we as Americans worry about our security, and who, if anybody in government can we trust to tell the truth. It’s my opinion that most people in government care more about their careers and pensions than the people they represent.

We have two more years of this government circus, then we as a people have a chance to vote new people into power, and help America thrive, and its people prosper; that is, if in the next two years we haven’t destroyed any chance of recovery.

I really hate to sound so pessimistic, but I get tired of all the stuff the government throws at us thinking that we will eventually forget the mess-ups, and just go forward as SHEEPLE.

Don’t get me wrong, I love this country; my son spent 20 years in the Army, I was in the Navy; we did our duty to this country as did many others, and are proud of it. I just want our leaders to step up and do their duty for this country and its people, and not pursue their own agenda.

As always, stay safe and aware. And don’t be afraid to question.

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Jerry’s Journal

On the Possum’s Trail With Jimmie “Two Hills” Part Two

by Jerry Barksdale

Trouble seemed to follow Jimmie Hills. Some might say it was the other way around.

While stationed at Long Beach, California in the Navy, he purchased a 1951 Mercury convertible for a mere $45.00 from a friend who was shipping out overseas.

When on duty, Jimmie rented it out to shipmates in order to raise money for gas. The deal was if they wrecked it, they paid and if it broke down they repaired it. He rented it to Sparks, who dented the fender and refused to fix it.

A disagreement ensued. One night, Jimmie returned to ship brave on beer. Sparks was on Quarter Deck duty. An argument erupted and Sparks hit him. Jimmie ran to quarters, fetched his sailor’s knife and chased Sparks throughout the ship, but couldn’t catch him. Jimmy was arrested and charged with attempted murder. “That scared me half to death,” he says. “They found me guilty and sentenced me to a “Retraining Camp” for six months. It was nothing more than a Federal Pen with Marine guards.” Fortunately, a Navy review board reversed the decision and cleared his record.

Then there was the time he and fellow sailors threw firecrackers at dancing girls in Tijuana, Mexico. They were thrown in jail. “There was no floor and a bucket for a toilet,” says Jimmy. “They took my watch and $8.00 and never gave it back.”

“The Navy was the best thing that ever happened to me,” says Jimmie. “I got my GED and I learned to respect my elders.” Following his discharge in February of 1959, he drove a taxi for his cousin,

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Bob Trousdale in Florence. “I was making a little extra money on the side hauling and selling bootleg whiskey,” he says.

One day, he picked up a man at a bootlegger’s house who paid him $75 just to ride him around.

It was Charlie McCravy (the author’s cousin), a Florence barber who helped Jimmie purchase barbering tools and gave him his first job. An older barber in McCravy’s shop was so greedy that he would rub a white towel on his shoe soles, rub it on the customer’s head, then show it to him and recommend a shampoo.

“He was so afraid he would miss a customer that came in, he would urinate in a fruit jar behind the door,” says Jimmie.

After nine months, Jimmie went to work at another barber shop where he learned to cut flattops – the price: 75₵. One day a black 1958 Ford drove up to the grocery store next door and the prettiest girl he’d ever seen was behind the wheel. His friend, Jimmy Miller said she was Ann Burcham, the daughter of a Baptist Preacher.

dress and they spent the rest at the County Fair. A year and a half later, he scraped up some money and they headed to the Smokies for their honeymoon, driving an old Buick. “The first motel we stopped at, the lady at the desk asked if we were on our honeymoon,” says Jimmie. “When Ann got out of the car, she was big as a barrel.

The desk lady gave us a funny look.” The valves stuck on the Buick and they had to pull over and pour coal oil in the engine, let it run awhile, and then add oil.

Donna Ann was born in 1961, and Jimmy David was born October, 1962. By this time Jimmie was barbering just off the UNA campus and knocking down big money - $1.00 per haircut. Jimmie’s first celebrity hairdo was in 1973 when country singer, George Morgan and his daughter, Lorrie were in Florence giving a concert. “I don’t remember who called me to come down to the Coliseum to style George’s hair, but I jumped at the chance,” says

Jimmy was smitten. He called and got permission to see her that night. “It was love at first sight,” says Jimmie. “We sat on the couch with her mother present and talked and talked.”

Two weeks later they married in Iuka. Ann was only 16, and her mother accompanied them to Preacher Goober’s house to give parental permission.

“After paying for the blood test and the marriage license, I had only $3 left,” says Jimmie.

“Preacher Goober’s fee was $5.

I didn’t have it. Ann’s mother handed me $5 and I handed it to the preacher. I have always teased her that she paid me to take her daughter.”

Jimmie. “He sat on the toilet stool while I cut his hair.”

The following year, professional wrestler, Billy Tully came in the shop for a haircut and asked Jimmie to referee a wrestling match in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee the following Saturday night. It was his first refereeing experience.

“The match was between Dr. Ken Ramey and the Interns,” says Jimmie. “One of the Interns grabbed me and tossed me out of the ring. My head hit a chair and I ended up at the hospital in Florence gett’n four stitches in my right ear.”

A couple of years later, Jimmie became the manager of “The Outlaws,” a masked team. “At Rogersville, fans got so upset they jumped the wrestlers and we had to fight our way back to the dressing room. The police put us in a police car and took us out of town where no one would attack us.”

Then Jimmie got his big chance to wrestle at a match in Lewisburg, Tennessee. The team

Julius Squeezer, the boa constrictor

There was no money for a honeymoon. Jimmie borrowed a $100, Ann bought a new

was short a man and Jimmie was put in. “One of the wrestlers accidentally kicked me and broke three of my ribs. It hurt like the Devil. Fans nicknamed me “Cry Baby Hills.”

When anything went wrong I’d kick the ropes and make like it hurt my foot and grab my face like I was crying.

“They’d bring baby bottles and some of the women even took out their breasts and shook ‘em at me. I’d tell ‘em they were ugly – anything to make ‘em mad.”

Jimmy was attacked in Ripley, Mississippi. “When fans were coming into the ring after us, the other wrestlers came over to help us. It was Butch Boyette that really saved us when he brought out a 2x4. We got escorted out of many towns.”

Jimmie enraged fans by throwing his boa constrictor, “Julius Squeezer,” on opposing wrestlers.

While wrestling Ricky Singleton in Rogersville, a fan came up behind Jimmie and grabbed his arm. “I turned and grabbed ‘em and gave ‘em a finger in the eye and a knee in the crotch. Ricky got ahold of me and started wrestling me. He saved me that night.” Singleton is currently Police Chief of Florence. Jimmie “Cry Baby Hills,” weary of broken ribs and irate fans, gave up wrestling in 1984.

Earlier, country music legend George Jones had split with his wife, Tammy Wynette and moved to Florence, where he was friends with another country music legend, songwriter Peanutt Montgomery and his famous sister, Melba Montgomery. Jimmie had been friends with Peanutt and Melba since childhood. “Peanutt told George about me,” says Jimmie.

Up next: Part 3!

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