Athens Now September 21, 2018

September 21st - October 4th, 2018

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention: Building Culture And Community For 52 Years...

Kicking off the 2018 fall festival season in Athens-Limestone County is...

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Special Feature El Pollo Maniaco: Real And Reasonable...

When Poli Avelino came to the States from the coastal Mexican state of Guerrero at the age of 16, he never expected to make....

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Special Feature Herbs & More: “Oh How Grateful We Are...

We have had so many people tell us how fortunate we are to have had a business in Athens for so long with...

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September 21 - October 4, 2018

Herbs & More’s Open House September 29 In Their ‘Forever Home’

By Ali Elizabeth Turner On Saturday, September 29, from 10 a.m. ‘til 2 p.m., Herbs & More is going to throw a party, and if you are reading this, YOU are invited. It will have been almost a month since they moved into what co-founder Gwen Williams calls their “forever home.” If any of you are entrepreneurs, you understand the tremendous satisfaction and feeling of freedom that comes from both buying and finally being in your own digs, and Roy and Continued on pages 16-17

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September 21 - October 4, 2018

Publisher’s Point

The Kavanaugh Kerfuffle And The Kids

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers D. A. Slinkard Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Anna Hamilton Sandra Thompson Rosemary Dewar Jackie Warner Deb Kitchenmaster Wanda Campbell Roy Williams Tim Lambert

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3

Cirque du Kavanaugh has been going on for several weeks, and just when you think it can’t get raunchier, it does. A 3 ½ foot cardboard cut-out graphic photo of male genitalia was sent to a Republican lawmaker who happens to be a woman by the name of Susan Collins. She was noncommittal at first as to how she was going to vote, and I am hoping that she will remember these kinds of vile tactics were what gave the women’s movement of the ‘60s some of its credibility in the first place.

But, back then, women did not do this to women. In that day, it would have been the bailiwick of boys in men’s bodies thinking it was okay for “boys to be boys.”

We could spend all day on the allegation of an incident of sexual impropriety that occurred 35 years ago, in an undisclosed place whose location is not remembered by anyone, accuser or the accused. We

have a letter signed by more than 200 women, including former girl friends from high school and college who have asserted, in the strongest possible terms, that Brett Kavanaugh was never anything but a gentlemen; and both former flames have been able to remain friends with him. We have the guy who was supposedly the co-offender 35 years ago calling the allegations “absolutely nuts.”

cuse Brett Kavanaugh “to his face,” lawyers for both sides will do their best to intimidate their respective opponents into somehow tripping up in a setting that was never intended to be a courtroom. And then there is the request that the FBI get involved in its own investigation. If the TrumpRussia collusion case is any indication of how that would go, thinking people would say, “Not on my watch.”

We have the timing of the socalled revelation of the socalled incident that supposedly has been secretly on the radar for several months, was never supposed to see the light of day, nor have its author be identified, nor the details of the allegation made public.

Some media folks would call that “gravitas.”

While we are jettisoning our remaining extant cultural decorum as it pertains to confirming an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I am reminded of the Clinton era, and the many scandals that rocked our realm as to the sexual conduct of the President of the United States. The most unsavory at the time was the Monica Lewinsky incident. There was no denial as to what happened, rather the issue was if Bill Clinton deserved to stay in the

We have an alleged incident that absolutely cannot be proven, ever. But, on Monday, if Professor Ford does not bail and actually shows up to ac-

All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 From The Vets' Mueum . . . 10 PlayAction Sports . . . . . . . 11

White House as the leader of the free world. You know what was one of the hardest parts of that time for me? It was having the innocence of the kids in my life sullied over a DNA stain on a dress, and that result is something that not many people are talking about -- the effect of all of this on Kavanaugh’s kids.

Brett Kavanaugh has two beautiful, young daughters who should be protected as long as possible from the slime that they’ll encounter all too soon. I doubt Di-Fi thought about them in terms of “sisterhood-is-powerful” when she and others set out to destroy their father’s reputation, career, and life for political purposes in the name of being a so-called voice for women. Can you imagine what it must be like for an 8 year-old daughter to wonder if Coach K, the name she has for her daddy who coaches her school basketball team, is secretly someone who could give a flying flip about women?

Congratulations, females.

Your lack of integrity may just succeed in inspiring people to return to not believing a woman when she says she’s been harmed, and you have hurt two beautiful girls. Way to go.

Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Anna . . . . 13

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

The Millennial Mind . . . . 14 Special Feature . . . . . . . 15 Cover Story . . . . . . . . 16 & 17 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . 18 View From The Bridge . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . 20 Mental Health Minute . . . 21

September 21 - October 4, 2018

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All Things Soldier

Marines Make Short Work Of Rescuing Seniors From A Burning Building

by Ali Elizabeth Turner This has been a week wherein it seems like our society has reached a new low, and sometimes for me one of the quickest sources of emotional first aid is to hunt down stories where the good guys are without question the good guys, and their efforts are genuinely heroic.

The story below is a “stand-up-and-cheer” reminder as to why Marines have the reputation for being the service branch that literally “runs into the fire.”

A huge fire broke out in a four-story Southeast Washington DC housing complex for seniors Wednesday afternoon.

In addition to the professional fire and rescue first responders who answered the call, Marines from down the street at the Barracks Washington also rushed in to help

with the rescue attempt.

As is often the case these days, the event was caught on social media, showing strong columns of smoke which billowed from the building, and there was also footage shot of the complex’s roof collapsing. It is thought by fire department officials that the fire began on the roof, and it is a miracle no one was hurt badly. One media post showed Marines rushing from their barracks to help rescue seniors. They pushed wheelchairs and stretchers toward the burning building in order to get the disabled and injured out as quickly as possible. Some of those rescued were paralyzed. It was its own war zone, and the Marines stepped up at a moment’s notice to do what they do best.

“Marines

rushed

into

Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Damon A. Mclean/Released

the building to rescue those who needed assistance and evacuated residents to the Marine Barracks Washington Annex where they were checked and treated for any injuries and sheltered until their loved ones arrived,” said a

post on the Facebook page belonging to Barracks Washington.

“We all went in there to carry people out,” Captain Trey Gregory told the NBC affiliate in Washington DC. The Marines carried residents out of the building over their shoulders, he said.

All residents are accounted for and safe, although at least four people were taken to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

Eighty residents have been relocated to shelters nearby.

“We

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aren’t

sure

how

the fire started at Arthur Capper Senior Building in Navy Yard,” D.C., said spokesman Charles Allen.

“Firefighters needed to rescue a few residents via window from the higher floors.”

For some reason, there have been several fires in the building since 2009, and this time neither the smoke alarms nor the sprinkler systems went off. I do not want to think about how great of a tragedy was averted, and am glad that Marines and civilians alike were able to be of true help to all. God bless, and Semper Fi!

September 21 - October 4, 2018

Special Feature

The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention: Building Culture And Community For 52 Years

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Kicking off the 2018 fall festival season in Athens-Limestone County is the “granddaddy of ‘em all,” the annual Fiddlers Convention, which has grown to be a nationally recognized event that truly has something for everyone.

Each year, thousands of people descend on Athens and fill up the historic Athens State University campus for three days listening to the distinctly American “old-timey” sound; participating in spontaneous music making; competing in everything from buck dancing to harmonica, mandolin, bluegrass banjo, dobro, dulcimer, old-time singing, fiddle playing, guitar finger and flat picking; and enjoying the chance to view or purchase the work of artisans, as well as taste festival food.

In the late ‘60s, when the convention began, there was concern that the “old-timey” sound and lifestyle was dying, and something needed to be done to revive it. A handful of local musicians decided to do all they could to pass on a love for an art form that is part of the fabric of American history to the next generation, and now there are junior categories of competition that are the same as those listed above. In keeping with the desire to “hand off” to the next generation, proceeds go to various scholarship and project programs at Athens State University, and there are more than $18,000 dollars in prize money available to the winners.

I spoke with Chris Latham, the Athens State University Director of Marketing and Public Relations, and his favorite things about Fiddlers is that “the community comes together to celebrate incredible talent, both in the competitions and in the concerts.” This year’s talent not only includes all of the incredible competitors but also Flatt Lonesome, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, and the legendary Ricky

Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.

Huntsville International Airport is the Presenting Sponsor, the Alabama Farmers’ Cooperative and Aetos Systems are the Stage Sponsors, and grants have been garnered by the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, the Alabama State Council on the Arts, and the Alabama State Department of Tourism.

You can know that if your state government recognizes the contribution an event makes to better the quality of life in Alabama, you are on the right track.

In 2013, the state legislature passed a resolution recognizing the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention as the official home of 14 state champions, including the Alabama State Fiddle Champion.

Once again, this year will feature a free concert on Thursday night, October 4, beginning at 5:30 in McCandless Hall. It will

winner Ricky Skaggs will be on the main stage at 6 p.m.

There are a number of things that will be new this year in anticipation of a larger crowd. For the first time, credit and debit cards will be able to be used at the Founders Hall Gate for tickets.

The other gates will only accept cash and online tickets. Also, some of the food and arts/crafts vendors do accept cards through the Square card reader. There will also be ATM machines for cash withdrawals. One of the best features of Fiddlers’ is the more than reasonable price.

Thursday is completely free, Friday only is $15, Saturday only is $15, and the whole weekend is $20 per person. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge. Also new this year is the ability to purchase tickets online at www.tvotfc.org. Gates open at 8:00 a.m. on Friday and 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, making plenty

of time for one of the best parts of the weekend -- the unplanned formation of groups of strangers coming together to make music. They are everywhere, inside buildings and out on the lawn. Old, young, experienced, beginners, black, white, male, female, everyone comes together to speak the international language of music while others look on.

Every year space is made available free of charge for camp-

ing, but there are no electrical hookups or waste disposal services. Also, this year there will be an Airstream Rally, with campers coming in from all over the country. Some campers stay clear through till it’s time for the Storytelling Festival.

So, get out your favorite lawn chair, and get yourself to Athens State University on October 4-6 for the 52nd Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers

Multi-Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs will be performing Saturday night of Fiddlers

be a tribute concert to the awardwinning songwriter and original steering committee member Jake Landers, and the music will be performed by Bradley Walker. There will also be a few vendors set up for business on Thursday night. Then, at 7 p.m., Flatt Lonesome will perform on the Founders’ Hall main state.

Again, both concerts are free to the public. On Friday, October 5, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage will be performing at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Then, on Saturday, October 6, 15-time Grammy Award

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Calendar of Events of the shelter and take home a new family member too.

Lowe's Kid's Safety Event Sep 22

In memory of Matthew and Andrew. Lowe's in Athens, AL. 11am-3pm. Emergency vehicles, finger rinting, face painting, games, 3 live bands, amazing prizes. 256-771-5600.

River Clay Fine Arts Festival Sept 22-23

Decatur City Hall, 402 Lee Street NE. 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Welcoming 75 local and national artists for a two-day celebration of the visual arts in all its forms.

In addition to the artist market, festival goers are treated to art demonstrations, student art exhibits, art activities for children, food trucks and more. Artwork from artists from twelve different states who will have on display and for sale a variety of original works of art including ceramics, drawings, glass, fiber, jewelry, metalwork, mixed media, paintings, photography, sculptures, and wood. Children’s Art area where there will be fun activities for children to express their own creativity. Admission is $5 per person for a weekend pass. Admission is free for children 12 years old and under (must be accompanied by an adult).

4th Annual Love for Lakely Golf Invitational Sep 28

With AEgis Technologies. Canebrake Club, 23015 Founders Circle in Athens. Starting at 8:00AM. Benefiting Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation. Players are $150 each or $600 per team.

For more information or to register: AEgis.com

Fall Gathering at Mooresville Mercantile 2018 Sep 29

5081 Mooresville Road in Mooresville. 11AM-3PM. Featuring a variety of local Fall items like candles, pumpkin and apple butter and more from artist, crafters, small businesses and community organizations. 256-309-9085.

21st Annual Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama Festival Sep 29-30

Jeep Show Oct 6

With Limestone County AL 4-H. Tractor Supply Company, 601 U.S. Highway 72 in Athens. 10:00AM-2:00PM with 3 categories: Muddiest Jeep, Custom Jeep, and Oldest Jeep. Entry is $10.00 per Jeep - cash only.

Community Yard Sale Oct 6

Athens-Limestone County Public Library. 603 South Jefferson Street in Athens. 8:00AM-12:00PM.

An Evening with NASCAR Legend Bobby Allison Oct 11

With the Rogersville Chamber of Commerce. Joe Wheeler State Park, 4403 McLean Drive in Rogersville, AL. 6:30PM-9:30PM. Tickets: $25. Ticket available by calling the Rogersville Chamber at 256-247-9449 or email Chamber@RogersvilleAlabama.com.

Trail of Tears Conference & Symposium Oct 26-28

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Decatur, AL. Decatur Morgan County Tourism is proud to partner with the University of North Alabama, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and Alabama Tourism Department to sponsor the 23rd annual Trail of Tears Conference and Symposium for the 1st time. Hosted by the Alabama chapter of the Trail of Tears Association (TOTA).

Registration is still available for the entire conference or for the Native American Genealogy Workshop scheduled for October 29th. Interested members of the public are invited to register and attend. The National Trail of Tears Conference and Symposium also will include history and information sessions, screenings of documentary films and receptions, and attendees will have the opportunity to tour nearby sites related to Cherokee history including Rhodes Ferry Park, Tuscumbia Landing and the University of North Alabama. Registration for the conference is $125 for Trail of Tears Association members and $175 for nonmembers and can be completed at www.nationaltota.com.

In Falkville. Morgan County South Park on AL-55. 9:00AM5:00PM with culture demonstrations and displays, crafts, vendors, food and more. Adults: $5.00; Ages 6-14: $3.00; 65 and Older $3.00. Info: 256-734-7337.

Fall Yard Sale/Bake Sale Fundraiser Oct 6

With Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter. 1701 U.S. Highway 72 W in Athens. 7:00AM-2:00PM benefiting the shelter. Take a tour

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Convoy Of Hope Limestome County Community Event Nov 3

Swan Creek Park, 101 Hwy 31 South, Athens, AL. 10am. Rain or shine. Providing free groceries, hot lunch, health services, kids’ zone, nutrition education, family portraits, community services, veterans services, haircuts and more! While supplies last. All are welcome. No ID required.

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September 21 - October 4, 2018

Special Feature

El Pollo Maniaco: Real And Reasonable

by Ali Elizabeth Turner When Poli Avelino came to the States from the coastal Mexican state of Guerrero at the age of 16, he never expected to make Alabama his home. He spent 30 years in the restaurant industry in Los Angeles, and his establishment was even the subject of an article featured in the Los Angeles Times. In 2010, Poli and his family moved to Alabama to help a cousin who has a restaurant and bakery in Russellville, and he brought with him the skills and secrets that make truly authentic Mexican food so delicious. Last summer, the opportunity presented itself The Avelinos: from left, Poli, for Poli to start up his own Miguel, and Guadalupe place, and in June, El Pollo Maniaco opened for busito region. The asada of Guerness.

By way of back story, when rero is slightly different than Steve and I lived in Ciudad that of Chihuahua, and each Juarez, there was a pollo asa- area takes great pride in their do eatery that was known only cuisine, as well they should. I as “Papi’s.” Papi had a “hole- ordered the two-piece chickin-the-wall” place that was en special with rice, beans, the size of a postage stamp, tortillas, and salsa. It came and his food was legendary on with fresh corn tortillas, lime both sides of the border. We squeezes and a red as well as would have people ask us to a green salsa, homemade. Inbring them food from Papi’s stantly I was transported back over the border to Texas and in time, and it was a true feast!

New Mexico, and I always thought I would have to go back there to get anything as good ever again. I am happy to report that Poli’s fare found at El Pollo Maniaco more than fills the bill, and now I only have to drive down Hwy 31 to Tanner in order to enjoy the distinctive flavor that is the true “art of asada.”

Nancy, Rosa, and Guadalupe are ready to serve you So, what is asada? Technically “carne asada” means “grilled meat.”

Poli guards his secrets and is Mexican food, Poli grills hamIt can refer to chicken, beef, not exaggerating when he says, burgers, makes sandwiches, pork, chorizo sausage, or sea- “You won’t find anything like omelettes, pancakes, French toast, and soon on Sundays food, and it is cooked over a this in the area.” he will offer menudo, a soup grill called a “parrilla.” The secrets and the skills that give The Mexican menu includes which is considered a delicacy. asada its distinctive flavor burritos, tacos, quesadillas, fa- Menudo is served traditionally have to do with marinades, jitas, and specials which have only on Sundays and for spegrill temperatures, spices, and shrimp, tilapia, chicken, and cial occasions. recipes (or “recetas”) that are steak. They are more than rea- One of Poli’s raving fan cushanded down to each genera- sonably priced, and the por- tomers is Mark White, of the tion, and can vary from region tions are ample. In addition to Mark White Radio Show. Mark

September 21 - October 4, 2018

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almost always gets the carne asada made with beef; his son Nicholas loves the turkey club sandwich and the chicken quesadillas. Years ago, Mark owned a business on the square called Tortillas Blanco, and his love for authentic Mexican cuisine and tortillas grew out of the many mission trips Mark took as a boy with his grandfather, starting at the age of 11. Mark joined us for the interview, and it was a joy to hear the two of them “talk shop” regarding what it takes to make excellent tortillas.

Poli and Mark talked about certain special offers that are

My mouthwatering plate of real pollo asado

going to be a part of El Pollo Maniaco’s way of giving back to the community. On Sundays, if you bring in your church

bulletin, you’ll save 10% on your bill. If you are a Calhoun student, all you need to do is show your student ID and your tab will be 10% less as well. For high school students who show their ID, a junior cheeseburger, fries, and a drink will be available for $4.50.

Just as each region has its own take on asada, the sauce known as mole has the same varying signature. In some areas, mole has unsweetened chocolate as part of its base. It is complex, spicy, and a perfect finish to just about any meat dish. Poli is going to be introducing the mole of his region soon, and I am looking forward to trying it.

Finally, I need to make a strong statement about the prices, which just can’t be beat. If you are a busy working mom who is too tired to cook, you can call ahead and get four 1/4lb burgers, four orders of fries, and four drinks for $18.99. For $12.99, a whole chicken (8 pieces), rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa is yours. So, get on down to Hwy 31 and Browns Ferry Road in Tanner any weekday from 5 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. or on Sunday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and see why El Pollo Maniaco is such a welcome addition to the Tennessee Valley.

El Pollo Maniaco

11980 US Hwy 31 S. • Tanner, AL 35671 256-262-4930 or 256-262-4931 Page 7

What Makes Ronnie Roll

The Traveler’s Gift, Part 1

by Ali Elizabeth Turner For several years, I have marveled at how Mayor Ronnie loves to budget. (It’s not one of my chief loves in life, I’m jes’ sayin’.) However, as he was grappling with the last details of this year’s city budget before it went before the city council, he quoted something from The Traveler’s Gift that struck me and made me know we are on the right track in starting this series. “Today I am choosing to be happy,” which was taken from Ann Frank’s diary, and I’ll clue you in on that in a moment.

If you remember from last time’s Ronnie, the League of Municipalities for the State of Alabama is going to use The Traveler’s Summit as part of this year’s dis-

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cussion on leadership, and we will, too. However, the first book, which was written in 2002 by Alabama’s Orange Beach resident, Andy Andrews, is a must read in order to get the full benefit of the sequel. Speaking for self, I would love to have Andy come here to Athens some day to speak, and his work is always an engaging, easy read and packed full of common sense wisdom. Mayor Ronnie says Andy is one of the best speakers he has ever heard, and the mayor has been blessed to hear a few of the great ones over the years!

The premise of the fiction book is that the hero, David Ponder, has an intense “crash-and-

in just about any order.

burn” season in his life which includes being in a car accident, and

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while unconscious he had several dream encounters with a number of famous historical figures. When he comes to, he synthesizes what he learned into an important life lesson, and those become what are called, “The Seven Decisions.” It was indeed the crisis of nearly dying that got David’s attention, and the wisdom he gained through it all is sound.

If the dream-encounter approach does not resonate with you, the quotes of each character are all found in any historical narrative, so you can go in that “door” to get to the good stuff. And, if you are someone who likes to hop around in a book, it is entirely possible to enjoy the Gift

Regarding Ann Frank: the fact is that she never intended to have her diary serve to shed much needed light on the tragedies and triumphs of the Holocaust. Her diary was found quite by accident by a woman named Miep Gies, who was responsible for both feeding Ann’s family while they hid and getting the diary published.

Ann’s words to Mr. Ponder, those that made up the 5th Decision? -- “Today I choose to be happy.”

Mayor Ronnie read me part of the chapter on Ann, and he knew he needed to follow her advice. I did, too, for that matter, and I didn’t have the weight of the city budget on my shoulders. One of the things that shows up in every “Decision” is a free-standing comment by the author, and not the character. Here is what Andy said with regard to the chapter on Ann and the power of choice that is our “gift”: “Our very lives are fashioned by choice.

First we make choices.

Then our choices make us.”

Ann, David, and Andy had given us much to chew on, so we did.

Then it was time to pray, so we did, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll…right on into a budget meeting.

September 21 - October 4, 2018

Slinkard On Success

If You Faint Not

by D. A. Slinkard

D.A. Slinkard is the manager of the Athens Staples store Have you noticed how easy it is for people to quit on things in life?

It amazes me how easy we have enabled people to just throw their hands up in the air and say, “That’s it, I am just not going to do this anymore.” We have become a society that lives our life based upon convenience. We would rather do what feels right versus doing what we know is right. I immediately think about the subject of divorce and how many families have been destroyed all because people too often quit on the wrong things in life. Greater than 50% of all marriages end in divorce, and because we make it too easy to get in and out of relationships, I am fearful we will see this number only stagger higher.

I can remember being a kid and my dad talking to me about not quitting on activities, projects, etc., and what he said has stuck with me thirty years after he made the comments. The words were simple when Jefferson Slinkard spoke them to me saying, “The first time you quit, the decision is hard to make. You go back and forth on whether or not quitting is the right decision. You finally make your decision to quit and you move on. Then the next time comes up, and the decision is a little easier to make because you have

things, we would know a much different world than what we have today.

already decided to quit once before. Over time, the more you make the decision to quit in life, the easier the decision becomes, eventually to the point that you will start quitting on things in life and not give any thought to it.”

I believe we have become a society of quitters because we have made quitting way too easy. Quitting has become our great escape, how we get out of the obligations we were previously bound to, when life gets a little tough.

We love life when things are going our way, but the moment things begin to get a little complicated, that is the minute we start squirming, trying to figure out the easiest way for us to get through the situation. How many books have been printed and sold based upon people trying to get the most out of life with the least amount of effort?

September 21 - October 4, 2018

This is the point in which we need to stop lying to ourselves, to our kids, to our friends, to our families and let people know that finding success in life takes work. I also believe that success in life takes having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As I write this article I think of Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” We must keep on doing what we know is right and eventually we will reap what we sow.

but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

This scripture sums up the majority of our societal problems that plague us today. If we would just walk obediently towards God’s Word and avoid the lusts of the flesh, avoid the worldly

The decision to change our life begins within an instant, and if you have changes that need to be made or maybe you have grown accustomed to quitting in life, I urge you to make the conscious decision to not let it happen anymore. Every waking moment of every day we are continuously making decisions that impact our lives. What will we eat, what will we watch, what will we do? We all make decisions that may not seem important but ultimately dictate the directions in which our lives will head. The question becomes -- Will we make the right choices or the convenient choices? In due season you shall reap, if you faint not.

We have to be of a different mindset of the world and further proof comes straight from the King James Bible in 1 John 2:15-17, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any many love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father,

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From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

POW/MIA Recognition Day

by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum Please join us on September 21at 11:00 a.m. as we commemorate Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) day, hosted by the Vietnam Veterans Association, Chapter 511.

This year as we remember and honor these heroes, we will have two very special guest speakers, USASAC's Chaplain, COL Robert Nay, and LTC Douglas B. Gilbert, Research Analyst for Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives.

POW/MIA Day is recognized on the third Friday of every September. In 1979, a resolution was passed making it official. If you wonder why we would commemorate such a thing, you must look at the numbers of heroes listed as POW/MIAs. According to a Congressional Research Service report on Prisoners of War: 130,201 WWII service members were imprisoned; 14,072 died in captivity 7,140 Korean War service members were imprisoned; 2,701 died in captivity 725 Vietnan War service members were imprisoned; 64 of them died in captivity Since 1991, there have been 37 service members imprisoned; thankfully none are still in captivity According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, over 82,478 American service members are still missing! That’s why we must continue to honor these brave men and women until every last one is brought home and given the proper honors. This year we honor these fellow

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Col Robert Nay service members with a very special program, which will not only feature the Missing Man Table, but two very special guest speakers.

Army Reserve Ambassador Douglas Gilbert retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with 29 years of service in the United States Army, Army Reserve, and Tennessee Army National Guard. He served in various commands during his military career, including the U.S. Army Accessions Command, 2135th Army Reserve Area Support Group, 125th Army Reserve Command, and the 314th Public Affairs Detachment. He is a graduate of the U.S. Command and General Staff College, National Defense University and Public Affairs School.

Since retiring from the Army Reserve, he actively serves as a Research Analyst for the Tennessee House of Representatives, providing him

Lt Col Douglas B. Gilbert the unique perspective on a myriad of topics directly and indirectly impacting the Army Reserve in Tennessee.

He holds a B.S. in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from the Middle Tennessee State University, and is currently pursuing his PhD from Argosy University.

Chaplain (Colonel) Robert Nay, a Medford, New Jersey native, enlisted in the United States Army as a Chaplain's Assistant in 1987 after working several years in the hotel, restaurant, and

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tourism industry. During his first assignment with the 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Chaplain Nay completed a Bachelor's degree in History at Cameron University, Lawton, Oklahoma. On completion of his active duty enlistment, Chaplain Nay continued his association with the Army by becoming a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1990-1994. As a Chaplain Candidate, he served with the 108th Combat Support Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsyl-

vania. During his Chaplain Candidacy, Chaplain Nay graduated from Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a Master of Divinity and served as Minister of Young Adults and Visitor Assimilation at New Life Presbyterian Church, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.

He currently serves as the Security Assistance Command Chaplain at Redstone Arsenal.

Please call the museum at 256-771-7578 for more information.

September 21 - October 4, 2018

PlayAction Sports

Football Kicks Off School Sports

by Tim Lambert

Tune in for the PlayAction Sports Update, three times each weekday on 1080 AM WKAC. Visit us online at www.pasnetwork.net!

email: playactionsports@hotmail.com

Fall sports got their start late last month, beginning on the gridiron; school-by-school highlights include: Ardmore On the football field, the Tigers are 3-1 so far, with wins over West Morgan (52-39), Elkmont (41-0) and Arab (33-24); their lone loss was 35-7 against Scottsboro. Volleyball wins have come against Tanner and Clements. At the Brooks Invitational cross country meet, Ardmore's varsity boys were eighth as a team in 4A-7A with the Lady Tigers coming in sixth; at the Clements Invitational, Ardmore's varsity boys were fifth.

Athens Bible On the volleyball court, the Lady Trojans have defeated Decatur Heritage, Columbia, Pleasant Valley, Rogers, Madison County, West Morgan, Falkville, St. Bernard, R.A. Hubbard, Ardmore and Brooks. The ABS varsity boys came in second in 1A3A at the Brooks Invitational cross country meet; the Lady Trojans were fifth. At the Clements Invitational, the ABS varsity boys came in ninth, while the Lady Trojans were 8th.

Athens High The Golden Eagles are 2-2 thus far in their football season with victories coming at Gardendale (29-22) and against Decatur (29-27) and losses at the hands of Sparkman (30-32) and Hartselle (21-10). Volleyball wins have come against Elkmont, Decatur, East Lawrence, and Holly Pond. At the Huntsville Panther Prowl cross country meet, the Golden Eagles were third in the varsity boys’ silver division; the varsity girls finished seventh.

Clements The Colts football team has started their season with two wins on the road at Elkmont (29-0) and Tanner (32-6) followed by a 15-7 homeopening loss to Phil Campbell. Clements has posted volleyball victories against Rogers and Mae Jemison.

East Limestone The Indians pounded West Limestone 34-3 to start their football season. They followed that up with a 49-21 loss at Madison Academy, but bounced back against Madison County 48-14. The East Limestone volleyball team won the Gold Division of the First Metro Invitational in Muscle Shoals, turning back Haleyville, St. James, Muscle Shoals, Gardendale, Central-Florence, and West Morgan. The Lady Indians also defeated Tanner in regular season play.

Elkmont The Red Devils have dropped their first four football games to Clements, Ardmore, Deshler, and West Limestone. The Lady Red Devils have had volleyball wins over Decatur, Loretto, and Hatton. At the Brooks

September 21 - October 4, 2018

Cross Country Invitational, the Elkmont girls placed eighth in 4A-7A. The varsity Red Devils came in tenth at the Clements Invitational, while the varsity girls placed fourth.

James Clemens The Jets started their football season with two losses -- 38-7 to Thompson in the Champions' Challenge and 31-24 to Clay-Chalkville -- but followed that up with their first-ever win over Bob Jones (36-20) and a huge 62-19 victory over Huntsville. James Clemens volleyball has turned back Athens, Woodlawn, Huntsville, and Grissom. The Jets’ cross country team came in fourth as a team in the Gold Division at the Huntsville Panther Prowl; the girls were seventh. James Clemens’ boys also finished sixth in the silver division.

Lindsay Lane The Lions have added junior high football to their list of teams. They plan to gradually advance the program to the varsity level. The team started their season off with two losses (Clements and Woodville), but posted their

first victory against Whitesburg Christian. The Lindsay Lane volleyball team so far has beaten West Morgan, Brindlee Mountain, Hatton, Meek, St. Bernard, Vinemont, Lynn, Hackleburg, Hatton, Woodville, Clements, and Oakwood Academy. At the Brooks Invitational cross country meet, the varsity boys came in third in 1A-3A. Tanner The short-handed Rattlers football team is 0-4 so far, falling to West Limestone, Clements, Colbert County, and Good Hope. On the volleyball court, Tanner has defeated West Limestone, Sheffield and Elkmont.

West Limestone The Wildcats dominated Tanner 39-20 in their first football game of the year.

That was followed by a 34-3 loss to East Limestone and a 27-7 win at Elkmont.

West Limestone volleyball has beaten Falkville, Ardmore, Lauderdale County, and Clements. Cassidy Winter, Avery Keenon, and Katie Serrato finished second and eighth in the girls' small school division at the Chickasaw Trails cross country meet. At the Clements cross country invitational, the Wildcat varsity boys finished eighth, while the varsity girls placed third.

Odds and ends The Huntsville 1 PGA Junior League All-Stars won their section golf championship last month and will be leaving this weekend to compete in the regional in St. Augustine, Florida.

Team members include Nolen Wolfe, Luke Davis, Jack Mitchell, and Tristin Wisener of Canebrake Club.

Micky Wolfe, PGA Director of Golf at Canebrake is the captain.

Huntsville 1 PGA Junior League All-Stars www.athensnowal.com

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Clean and Green

Race A Duck Or Dress One Up To Support Environmental Education

by Lynne Hart Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful is in the middle of fundraising season. Raising money to continue the work of this organization is a necessary evil, so we do our best to make it as much fun as possible.

Final display and raffle ticket sales will take place during the Athens Christmas Open House. KALB will have all decorated ducks displayed together.

Registration and guidelines are available at the KALB office or go online to www.

KALBCares.com, then click on the EVENTS tab to locate this event.

Our office runs on a budget of just over $70,000 which covers salaries, supplies, events, projects and programs, and more. The City of Athens has provided us with an appropriation of $25,000 and Limestone County $6,000.

These appropriations are very much appreciated; however, this leaves us with a gap of about $40,000 which we must close through membership dues, event sponsorships, donations, and fundraisers.

On September 15, KALB hosted the 15th annual Duck and Run 5K, which was very successful! We thank all sponsors, volunteers, and participants!

Here are two additional opportunities for you to have fun while helping KALB raise necessary funding to continue our important work.

To learn more about all of

We count on our community’s support so we can continue to help make Athens and

KALB’s programs, please visit www.KALBCares.com.

WACKY QUACKY DUCKY DERBY Our rubber duck derby has been a favorite event since 2001. Participants “adopt” a specially-designed racing duck to be entered into the race in hopes of winning several wonderful prizes, including the $1,000 American Leakless Co. GRAND PRIZE. The race will be run on October 6 at 4:00 p.m. at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens (the duck pond). If you are at the Fiddler’s Convention, just walk across the street to watch all the rubber ducks race down the spillway; however, you don’t have to be present to win.

For a $5 donation to KALB, one duck will be entered into the race in the donor’s name. For a $25 donation, the donor will receive a Papa Murphy’s Quack Pack that includes 6 ducks (1 free) and a coupon for

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25% off an entire order from Papa Murphy’s Pizza with no expiration date.

Ducks can be adopted at the KALB office, 125 East St. (across from the duck pond), or go online to www.KALBCares.com, then click the EVENTS tab to find the duck derby.

DUCK DECORATING CONTEST Last year, several businesses and organizations had a great time decorating ducks in our inaugural event. KALB will provide a wooden duck (about 11” tall) to any business, group, or individual interested in participating.

Ducks may be decorated in any tasteful manner to reflect the business or organization, or to fit the theme “ATHENS BICENTENNIAL: 200 Years of Duck Tales.”

There is no initial charge to participate. We ask that items of value be included with the duck to encourage the public to vote through the purchase of raffle tickets. Decorated ducks can be displayed any time af-

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ter October 15. The duck selling the most raffle tickets will win the “Best Decorated Duck – People’s Choice” ribbon.

There will also be a winner of “Best Decorated Duck – Judges’ Choice” based on creativity alone.

Limestone County a clean and beautiful place to live, work, and play. For more information on these events or any KALB project or program, call 256-233-8000 or email KALBCares@gmail. com.

Become a Fan

(256) 233-8728 KALBCares@gmail.com www.KALBCares.com September 21 - October 4, 2018

Cooking with Anna

I Say, I Say, I Say -That’s Mighty Good Chicken

by Anna Hamilton I LOVE Foghorn Leghorn. He is one of my favorite cartoon characters. He made me laugh as a child at the way he interacted with the barnyard dog and the tiny chicken hawk.

As an adult, I laugh at his one-liners that are quick and smart. I’m sure our good ole boy Foghorn is not excited about the month of September. You see, September is National Chicken Month. Who knew there was such a thing!

I grew up eating chicken several times during the week. It provides great lean protein and is affordable for feeding a family. Chicken is so versatile. You can cook chicken to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. I’m sure that in most homes in America, there will be chicken on the menu at some point this week.

A chicken breast that is 6 oz. in size has 52 grams of protein.

Our bodies need lean protein to help us function properly.

Protein helps us feel fuller and satisfied longer. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. With a food like the humble chicken boasting stats such as 52 grams of protein, it makes sense now to have an entire month devoted to celebrating the wonders of chicken.

One of my favorite chicken recipes that celebrates this fabulous fowl is Chicken and White Bean Stuffed Peppers. It is a dish that tastes indulgent, but you can eat it guilt free. Both the chicken and the beans are lean protein and are sure to help you make it through your day. Feel free to use leftover chicken in this recipe, it works great!

I hope your family enjoys this chicken dish as much as mine does. And in the wisdom of our good friend Foghorn, “Lookahere, I say, Lookahere, sit down and eat more chicken!”

Chicken and White Bean Stuffed Peppers

What You Need: 2 tsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped ½ red bell pepper, chopped ¼ cup parsley 5 green bell peppers 14 oz. shredded, cooked chicken breast ½ tsp cumin Salt and pepper to taste 1 can white beans ½ cup 2% shredded cheddar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350⁰ F. In a medium pan, heat oil and add chopped onions, garlic, parsley, and red peppers. Sauté until soft. Add chicken and season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Add beans and 1 to 1 ½ cups of water and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, until it thickens and the liquid reduces. Cut peppers in half and remove seeds and stems.

Place peppers in baking dish. Fill each pepper with 1/3 cup of chicken and bean mixture. Pour about 1/3 cup water on the bottom of the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 30 minutes at 350⁰ F. Remove foil and top with cheese; bake uncovered for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.

September 21 - October 4, 2018

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Page 13

The Millennial Mind

The Great Skepticism

by Rosemary Dewar American culture is having a difficult time relating to one another simply because we happen to disagree with one another. Politics have managed to seep into too many aspects of day-to-day interactions. There is a healthy way to manage it, and there are those from both sides of the aisle that are working on changing just that. Neutralization of the deep rancor is certainly possible. Finding a decent solution should be considered an honorable quest. The results could mean a better foundation for aiding one another’s needs and goals.

What harmony could an atheist and an Orthodox Jew, or a classical Liberal and a Conservative, or a learned intellectual and an inquisitive novice, or a physics mathematician and a feminist find? Freedom -- freedom to think differently and exist simultaneously. They may disagree, but they cannot imagine living without enjoying one another just as they are. Try imagining Plato without Aristotle, or Freud without Jung, and so on. It sounds like a remissive tragedy. They are not enemies; they are respective colleagues.

Now, imagine Demo-

crats without Republicans.

Some would consider that a victory when in reality it would be a gruesome defeat. They need each other more than they are willing to admit.

Influencers of both parties are verbalizing the inevitable change that needs to occur so that an inevitable horror is averted. The common goal to reduce damage is apparent, but by what means? Others should not have to suffer in order for another’s discomfort to be mitigated temporarily.

Republicans and Conservatives have a sound habit of quickly ostracizing truly unpalatable behavior within their own party. For the last three years, there has not been a better representation of shunning people who are open anti-Semites, racists, and sexual harassers.

More than twenty current and potential lawmakers have either been forced to retire, resign, and/or are politically opposed by the Republican Party. This practice can be attributed to commentator William F. Buckley Jr. Any form that identity politics took, he confronted strategically with intellect, charisma, empathy, and mirth without restraint.

William F. Buckley, Jr., and President George W. Bush America’s singular expression of freedom was exceptionally dear to him, that anyone who deigned to dismantle it had to be defused, instead of being made a polarizing villain.

Buckley Jr. let individuals explain themselves even when they were agonizingly wrong.

Buckley Jr.’s flare has been reinstituted into culture by people like the late Andrew Brietbart, as well as Ben Shapiro, Steven Crowder, Andrew Klavan, and many others.

Since 2004, the conservative movement has been on a trajectory of sustained self-correction. As of 2016, the Democratic Party and the intellectual left have only just initiated this journey. There is

much to catch up to.

Free speech and autonomy have become growing concerns for the Democratic Party, and for good reason. They are consequently vilifying the most brilliant people in their camp. Those that they have propped up in science and education are being targeted alongside the Republican Party, and present-day Democrats and liberals are not standing for it. Alan Dershowitz, Eric Weinstein, Bret Weinstein, Christina Marie Hoff Sommers, Sam Harris, Jonathan Haidt, Camille Paglia, Dave Rubin, and many more are horrified by the turn the Democrat Party has taken. They are willing to do a decade of work

to see the dominant parties treat each other better, and they have made it a mission to not leave the Democratic Party in order to clean it. The Democratic Party needs its own embodiment of Buckley Jr, and these influencers are aiming to do just that.

This manifestation will allow for the greatest reconciliation in our current culture, and I welcome it.

Society is hungry for it.

The Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots experience of politics will have a better outcome if it would choose to end. Common language and value are necessities.

Disagreement should be tolerable and never discouraged.

A new atmosphere is emerging where the hardest topics are dissected and distilled by those on either side of the aisle.

Thought leaders of both parties realize how hard the political pendulum can swing. They are both challenging one another in order for the pendulum to swing less combatively next time.

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September 21 - October 4, 2018

Special Feature

Herbs & More: “Oh How Grateful We Are”

by Roy Williams We have had so many people tell us how fortunate we are to have had a business in Athens for so long with a fair amount of success. And to tell the truth they are right. Please allow me to emphasize one very important and distinguishing fact. It is the wonderful people of Athens, Limestone, and surrounding counties who have made us what we are today.

When I say “the people,” I am not only talking about the customers who come to us for their supplemental needs, but I am also talking about our marvelous and personable staff.

Hardly anyone comes in who doesn’t know Mawmaw (Mollie Clem). Not quite 80 (October 14, shhh…don’t tell I told you) she works 6 days a week! Her joy is helping customers and keeping the entire staff in line, including me. We are so fortunate to have Mawmaw guiding us.

Then there is Abbie Cooper. Talk about a dedicated employee. Abbie helps open the store five days a week, manages the inventory, orders inventory, prices all the products, and helps with online sales and shipping. Abbie is very knowledgeable with regard to our entire product line. Her ability to talk with the customers about the support they need and guide them in the right healthy direction comes from her own battle with Type 1 diabetes. As a single mom, she is a truly amazing young lady, and we are very proud to have her as one of our leaders.

What a blessing.

Also, many thanks to Mary Sulcer who agreed to come back when we told her we were getting ready to open our new store on Jefferson Street. Even though she had retired, we turned to her because she and her husband Bud bought Herbs & More when it was just a small shop on Hwy 72 and took it to the next level when they moved it to Clinton Street.

It was a no brainer to seek her help when we decided to purchase our own building and make the big move.

Kaitlon Settles-Love,-a few weeks ago Maggie Settles dropped by the shop and asked Gwen if we had an opening for her niece, a student at Athens High School. Of course we are always willing to help young people, so Gwen said to have her “drop by after school tomorrow.”

Kaitlon has blown us away with her technical knowledge, and she prints t-shirts (check them out at OPEN HOUSE). Once again, we are blessed indeed.

And Seth Williams, our son. Seth knows more about nutrition, natural health, physical conditioning, and body building than almost anyone in North Alabama.

Seth took control of our online sales over five years ago and now ships products to all 50 states and several other countries. Gwen and I continue to be amazed by his dedication to his clientele.

At our store in Killen, Casey Carnes, who has been with us almost 14 years, is a remarkable young man with people skills that are unmatched in our industry.

He knows the customer base in Lauderdale County and, amazingly, most of

September 21 - October 4, 2018

our customers all over the country. When the phone rings in Killen, 90% of the customers ask for Casey... don’t even try to help them, he has them spoiled! Casey has complete control of our online customer base, keeping up with inventory to be ordered from the lab and then shipped. He manages the NHC Herbs Shop, along with our newest addition, April Brewer.

April has a wealth of knowledge in the nutritional field.

Her hands-on knowledge comes from working with her 12-year-old son who has autism. Her learning process comes by trial and error working with the medical field only to realize her son needed the right nutrients to reach his fullest potential. This, as parents with autistic children will attest, is a day-to-day struggle.

Gwen and I are so proud of our team. They are knowledgeable, dependable, and caring people with one goal in mind, and that is to help us in our quest to “Make

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America Healthy One Person At A Time.”

Customer Appreciation Day Monday October 1

Now, back to you our wonderful customer base that has been so supportive. We are here and expanding because of you. Your desire to be as healthy as possible, your commitment to cellular health through allnatural supplementation, and your loyalty not only to our products but to your community is truly noteworthy.

To show our appreciation, the first Monday of every month is our Customer Appreciation Day. On this day we will happily discount almost all products, store-wide, by 15 to 30 % off. We open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. but most of you know that if you are running late, all you need to do is call and we will wait so you can receive the discounts. On this day it truly is, “All About You.”

SAVE THE DATE… Saturday September 29 we are hosting an OPEN HOUSE. We are so EXCITED for EVERYONE to tour our FOREVER HOME at 622 South Jefferson, across from our new beautiful library.

OPEN HOUSE runs from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

We will be serving a variety of delicious Hummus samples, there will be door prizes, demonstrations on how to balance pH, and for the children, Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be here for photos from noon – 2 p.m.

YOU don’t want to miss this OPEN HOUSE!!!

There is something for EVERYONE…especially YOU! Today, more than ever before, learning to establish or re-establish your health can mean the difference between a life dependent on drugs and a quality of life that everyone will notice.

Your friend in health, Roy P. Williams

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Cover Story

Herbs & More’s Open House September 29 In Their ‘Forever Home’

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

Gwen Williams are no exception. So, it’s time to celebrate, and after I tell you about the beautiful building and added services, we’ll talk about the party, with the hopes that you’ll come and join in!

I spoke with Gwen about what she loves about the place that used to be the Osborne’s Jewelers building on Jefferson across from the new library. She exclaimed, “We have more space!

At the other building we were kind of on top of each other, and now each service has its own room or space.” She added that now that they have more room, they can add services, something they have wanted to do for a long time.

She also just enjoys the building, and it is a wonderful combination of professional and hominess.

Ionic foot detox bath room

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The legendary oak table with its brightly painted press-back chairs is in a cozy alcove, and as always, there are books about health, a couple of Bibles, and magazines out for anyone interested in edifying themselves to peruse. Also in the alcove is a bookcase that fills the whole wall, and it is a library filled with everything from brand new cutting-edge nutritional information to classic works on personal development by such renowned authors as Og Mandino, and even Ted Nugent! You can come in, take a book off the shelf, sit at the table and do your own reading and research, which at the very least will serve to help you be a well-informed and better-prepared patient. It also just might provide information that changes the direction of your life. There are also anatomy flash cards and the DK Complete Visual Anatomy book by Dr. Al-

ice Smith.

One of Herbs & More’s dreams has been to be in a position to have more educational events, and just recently they held a well-attended presentation on the health benefits of getting your body into an alkaline state. It was presented by Clinical Nutritionist Burt Goulding, Jr., who travels all over the world lecturing on health. Herbs & More is planning on having many more similar educational opportunities in the future, and they are thrilled that they have the room to do so! Here is a “high-five” from Mr. Goulding as he talked about the level of nutritional awareness of the attendees at the lecture.

He had given several lectures in the TN Valley, and the Herbs & More event drew people who “asked great questions and stayed for several hours.” That speaks well of the dedication that the Herbs & More staff has

Massage therapy room

to bringing added value to their customers, who are also viewed as friends and family.

What else is waiting for you? As has been the case for several years, Jason Mitchell, Licensed Massage Therapist, is taking appointments, and will be talking about his ser-

Infra-red sauna

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vices at the party. There will be a discussion and demonstrations of BEMER energy therapies.

BEMER stands for BioElectro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation, and is used by Olympic athletes, whole sports

Whole Body Vibration machines

September 21 - October 4, 2018

numbness in my fingers, and I am deeply grateful.

Herbs & More also offers ionic foot detox and reiki sessions. These services can be accessed through Herbs & More monthly service memberships, or individual sessions.

teams, the UN, and is considered a stateapproved medical device in South America and Asia. It is used in 40 countries, and started in Switzerland almost 20 years ago. It is a science-backed approach that involves lying down on a mat that emits the frequencies that match those of your own body and help your body move into more balanced state. I can tell you that I took an 8-minute treatment the other day that resulted in me falling asleep and dreaming.

Between the BEMER and the Whole Body Vibration Machine, after I did the Duck and Run 5K last Saturday, I came straight to Herbs & More to detox, and I did not have the postworkout soreness that one would expect in an almost 65-year-old body!

and between the sauna, eating clean, and taking whole-food supplements, the Lyme’s is being held at bay. I do not have many of the symptoms

that have been that of fellow travelers, including anxiety, sleeplessness, headaches, achy or swollen joints, and cognitive decline. I just deal with

Other presenters at the party will be Carolyn O’Bryne. Carolyn is a fascinating woman, and is certified both as a life coach as well as hydrocolon therapist. She also understands the challenges that truckers face trying to eat healthy while out on the road, and has written a book entitled Gut Instinct. Her daughter, Dixie, has also joined the Herbs & More crew by offering the emotional coding work of Dr.Bradley Nelson, as described at www. drbradleynelson.com Also on hand for the party will be Sam Calloway of My Greek Oil. Sam has an amazing sto-

ry, having been adopted from a Greek orphanage, moving to Athens, and starting the company whose oil is superbly produced. Gwen says, “I may be Southern, but I grease my skillet with Sam’s oil to make my cornbread, it’s so smooth.” Gwen is going to use Sam’s oil to make a lemon cake for the celebration.

The food, you ask?

Ahhh, that will be provided by the Hummus People. And, don’t forget that Mickey and Minnie are going to be available for pictures between noon and 1.

There will be drawings, give-aways, goodie bags, and each presenter will be on board to answer questions. You simply do not want to miss the Open House Celebration at Herbs & More on September 29!

See you there!

Another service is one that I also use personally, and that is the infra-red sauna unit. I battle Lyme’s disease,

September 21 - October 4, 2018

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Page 17

Learning As A Lifestyle

Fall Classes Are Starting!

by Wanda Campbell Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 Now is the time to consider what classes you want to take at the Center for Lifelong Learning this fall. Our website – www.athens.edu/ CLL - is loaded with opportunities for learning. There are no application fees, no tests, and no homework for our classes. At the Center, you experience the fun of learning.

This fall, we are offering a Certificate in Leadership Series called Discovering the Bold and Courageous Leader in You: Finding the Strength of Nerve in Anxious Times.

The first session will be offered Thursday, October 11 from 11:30 a.m.

– 1:00 p.m. The fee is $125 for the whole series and includes the text, A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix, by Edwin H Friedman. You can attend individual sessions for $25 without the text.

The fee for both the series and individual sessions includes lunch.

Starting September 26, we will offer Introduction to Microsoft Excel.

The class is offered in Waters Hall on the Athens State Campus and is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The fee is $55/person. We are also offering Intermediate Excel on October 31 and Advanced Excel on December 5.

nar. Class is scheduled Monday and Tuesday, September 24 & 25, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Center for Lifelong Learning. The fee is only $80/person for this valuable session.

The ACT Strategies and Prep Course can help your children learn effective strategies to help them achieve their highest possible test score.

Classes begin September 17 for English, September 18 for Science, and September 19 for Math. It is not too late to enroll.

class starts October 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the Alabama Center for the Arts. In this class you will learn how to make bowls, vases, cylinders and much more. All tools and equipment are provided. The Blacksmith class will introduce all of the skills you will need to do blacksmith 100 online courses you could consider. Basic Management, Business Writing for Busy Professionals, Administrative Medical Assistant Career Prep, and so many more are available on demand so that you can start when you are ready and have up to six months to finish the course.

Don’t forget the littlest ones! We have Musik Garten starting September 25 for Babies and Toddlers and for 3-5 years old. Tuition includes rhythm sticks, scarves, and a drawstring bag for storage.

If you are interested in the fun courses, we are offering Pottery: An Introduction to Wheel Throwing, and Introduction to Blacksmith. The Wheel

work. You will learn how to bend, shape, twist, roll, and punch. All tools and equipment are provided.

Class is scheduled October 20, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00

p.m. and the fee is $89/ person.

When you don’t have time on a specific day to learn, there is always an online class. At the Center, there are over

These are only a few of the classes offered.

Check out the website – www.athens.edu/CLL - for all the courses that are available this fall.

For questions, call 256233-8260.

Are your children having trouble in school?

Consider enrolling them in a Study Skills Semi-

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September 21 - October 4, 2018

The View From The Bridge

We Sign Up But Rarely Sign In!

Commitments, Accountability, Responsibility, Your Word…

by Jackie Warner Jackie Warner

Career Development Facilitator “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

Tasks and responsibilities, tasks and responsibilities, and more tasks and responsibilities.

Yes, we sign up and definitely in most cases plan to sign in. I am guilty as well. With best intentions, we say yes but then as we get close to the responsibility, we soon figure out that we either don’t truly want to commit or we just can’t keep the commitment. When we soon get overwhelmed with what life brings us, we must pause and think about what we should be committed to in this life. Stop making excuses and take full responsibility for our commitments in our lives. Give your all even when you feel it gets too tough. Reevaluate how you stay committed and seek guidance to fulfill your goals.

“Give your word less often. If something is a “maybe” for you, say so, being clear that you are choosing to withhold your commitment until

a later time when you have truly given real consideration to what you will be saying yes to. Ask questions and get the full details.

If you say yes….

Go all in. Be real and stay the course. Stay on

September 21 - October 4, 2018

the journey to get to the final results.

Accept responsibility, roll up your sleeves and go to work.

Be honest and transparent to promote a healthy, trusting relationship.

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Know good times and bad are a part of the course.

Jackie Warner, Community Outreach Specialist

Don’t sign up and not stay signed in…

Email: thebridge.us@gmail.com

Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional

Check out upcoming events: http://thebridgeus.yolasite.com/

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Horse Whispering

Between Horse And Human

by Deb Kitchenmaster What do you think it takes to understand and help a horse? For starters you learn to recognize and appreciate the uniqueness of each animal. When a human approaches an animal with the grace of acceptance and the assurance of the true worth of the animal, the animal knows that. It’s all about energy, intention, and attitude. These exchanges between human and horse are recognizable to observers as communication and understanding flow from human to horse and horse to human. It really is a masterpiece -- challenging to explain. But it is REAL. More times than not, it is easier for man to communicate with the horses than it is for him to communicate his thoughts and feelings about the horses with the humans.

Sometimes it is hard to find the words.

As you continue being

with your horse, your ability to recognize and meet your horse’s needs grows.

And along with that, your awareness of how much there is to learn. Look to other horse people for advice and encouragement so you can enjoy your horse more and you can pass it along when someone comes to you for such. You see, your horse is teaching you all the time. When you learn something from a horse and someone asks you what book you got that from, you usually (unless you did get that from a book) have a pause and respond that you don’t guess you read that from a book, but your horse taught you that. Brace yourself; faces have some of the funniest expressions. Communication between horse and human is not something that can be handed to someone.

It has to be learned. It has to come from the inside of a person and the inside of

a horse.

Horses naturally have tremendous faith in the human being. It is their natural instinct of self-preservation that the person needs to understand in order to gain the confidence of the horse. What beauty, absolute breathtaking, when a person can present himself or herself in a way

that is understandable to the horse. The horse then tells you what is going on within himself. When a human thinks of a horse AS A HORSE, connection begins. Now this may seem silly to some, but seriously, some people think of horses as dogs or humans. Did you know that? If this one remark gets your attention

enough to do some personal inventory, this writing has been worth your time. When you see a horse as a horse, you are seeing what he is and his potential.

What she was referring to is the FEEL that comes when timing and balance synchronize.

It’s awesome. There actually is a NOW moment when you and your horse are in that time/balance zone. This is what you hope to build on and go forward with.

The older I get, it seems to me, more and more people tend to have so little feel of the whole horse. A horse knows when a fly lands on his back! Do we not think the horse feels our hands, feet, heels, butt, back, shoulders, spine, fingers, wrists, neck, and our eyes? They do. What about us? Do we FEEL their shoulders, back, hips, legs, neck, head, and tail?

This is what BETWEEN HORSE AND HUMAN is all about; FEEL THE WHOLE HORSE. To tie this up, the human needs to recognize the horse’s need for self-preservation in Mind, Body and, the third factor, Spirit. The person’s approach can assure the horse that he can have his self-preservation and still respond to what the person is asking him to do. This recognition is going to be a useful thing to both the human and the horse.

Last month I wrote about EMOTIONS. This month Until we meet again. HapI want to touch base with py trails. you on FEELING. Horses are amazing therapists Your NEIGHbor, when it comes to both Deb Kitchenmaster these arenas of life. I was Corral Connections taking English riding lessons and my instructor 256-426-7947 would ask me this one Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner question from time to horsinaround188@gmail.com time -- “Do you feel that?”

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Mental Health Minute

Brain Stimulation Therapy

by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor

“When I look at the human brain, I am still in awe of it.”

- Dr. Ben Carson

Brain stimulation therapies (BST) can play a role in treating certain mental illnesses. Brain stimulation therapy involves activating or inhibiting certain areas of the brain directly with electricity. The electricity can be provided either directly by implanting electrodes in the brain or externally with the electrodes placed on the scalp. While these types of therapies are used less frequently than medications and psychotherapies, they are becoming more readily available and producing positive results, when previously no form of treatment seemed to be consistently effective. Electroconvulsive therapy or ECT is the best studied form of brain stimulation, using an electric current to treat serious mental disorders. Most people think of ECT in an adverse way based on what they watched Jack Nicholson experience in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. But other forms of BST now include vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS.)

Today, I would like to share with you some information on TMS, and I also encourage you to do your own research when trying to decide if this type of therapy may help you. TMS uses a magnet to activate the brain.

This therapy was first developed in 1985 as a treatment for depression, psychosis, and anxiety.

Unlike ECT, TMS can be focused to a specific site in the brain which is believed to reduce the chances for side effects.

In 2008, TMS was approved for use by the FDA as a treatment for major depression for clients who did not respond to at least one anti-depressant medication. At first the evidence sup-

September 21 - October 4, 2018

porting TMS was mixed, but in 2010, the first large clinical study funded by NIMH was published showing that 14% of participants achieved remission with TMS compared to 5% who received no treatment. After the trial ended, all clients could enter a second phase, where remission rates reached 30%.

A typical TMS session lasts 30-60 minutes and does not require anesthesia. An electromagnetic coil is held against the scalp in the area most associated with mood regulation. Short electromagnetic pulses are administered through the coil and through the skull, causing small electrical currents to stimulate

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nerve cells in that targeted area of the brain. For the client, this feels like a slight knocking or tapping on the head. Sometimes the client may have discomfort at the contact site, and the muscles in the jaw or face may tingle during the procedure.

Other side effects include mild headaches or brief lightheadedness. A complete round of TMS treatments lasts about six weeks with five sessions per week. In 2013, several commercial health insurance plans began covering the cost of TMS for the treatment of depression. As always the appropriate treatment for improving your mental health is best determined by you and your doctor.

When I’m asked for my opinion on BSTs, I present two steps first…Step 1 - Maintain sleep, exercise, nutrition, and stress management techniques, and Step 2 - Talk with a professional therapist and/or psychiatrist for medication.

More information on BSTs can be obtained through the NIMH website.

Lisa Philippart is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who divides her time between her own private practice in Huntsville and providing personal counseling services at Athens State University.

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