September 19, 2014

September 19 - October 2, 2014

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

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature Wildwood Deli Athens: Remodeled And Ready For Festival Season...

2014 has been a banner year for Rhonda Fisher and her son, Matthew.

First they...

Page 5

Athens Rehab & Senior Care

Athens Grease Festival: A Little Bit Of Greek And A Whole Lot Of Southern Style

By Holly Hollman Our Parthenon is the Limestone County Courthouse. Our Olympic-style games involve frozen turkeys. Our grapes are likely dipped, battered and fried.

Continued on pages 15

An October 5th Invitation From First Baptist Church Of Athens

Spotlight On Regina Hargrove...

Regina Hargrove is one of the younger residents at Athens Rehab and Senior Care, having been born here in Athens in...

Page 21

Special Feature Center For Lifelong Learning’s Academic Traveler Program...

As the Center for Lifelong Learning began its third year, we responded to many of your requests to develop a... Page 18

September 19 - October 2, 2014

By Ali Elizabeth Turner

Recently I sat in the office of Dr. Edwin Jenkins, the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Athens and listened as he Continued on page 17

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September 19 - October 2, 2014

The View From The Bridge

The Harvest... Are You Planting Good Seeds?

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

Sales

Deborah Huff

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Delivery

Hunter Williams

Contributing Writers Shelley Underhill Lynne Hart Wanda Campbell Janet Hunt Teresa Todd Deb Kitchenmaster Brian Black Rachel Clark, RN, BSN Jackie Warner Holly Hollman Sandra Thompson

A View From The Bridge . . . . 3 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 5 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 From The Vets’ Museum . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12

Jackie Warner

Community Outreach “Impact, Engage, Grow” Community Matters

by Jackie Warner

There once was a farmer who planted good, precious seeds in his field.

But the enemy came while it was night and planted tares (weeds) among the wheat. As the wheat started to grow, so did the tares. It was asked of the farmer by his workers if he had sown good seeds. Of course his response was that he had, but the farmer knew that the enemy had come and tried to sabotage his crop. The key word here is “tried.”

doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”-Galatians 6:9. As we view our media devices, turn on the news, read the paper, or listen to the radio, we are constantly being exposed to all that is wrong or bad with our world today. It is overwhelming, and it truly leads us to ask, “What is our world coming to?”

His workers then asked if they should pull out the tares that were growing with the wheat. The farmer said no, to let them all grow together until the harvest so as not to harm the wheat.

Then they would be separated. So the good wheat and the tares grew together until the harvest. Then the tares were bundled and burned, and the wheat was put in the barn.

There is no denying it: there is negativity, destruction, and continuous chaos all around us.

The world we once knew is no more. Yes, there is a lot of evil, but make no mistake- there is still a lot of good! We are living in different times, causing us to open our eyes, broaden our thinking, and even expand our understanding in areas where before we never gave much thought or concern.

You may ask why I have shared this story with you, and my answer would be to share this statement: “And let us not be weary in well

I challenge each of us to continue planting those good seeds of faith, knowl-

edge, love, kindness, and understanding. Let us focus on our critical goals and personal responsibilities to family and community.

As the farmer instructed his workers not to remove the tares from the wheat, we too will be faced with the tares of life all around us that want to choke us out. However, we need to remember that personal growth is still an option.

The farmer said this to his workers at the time of harvest, so I will say to the reapers: “First gather to-

gether the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” - Matthew 13: 24- 30. So, stay on the path and then reap the ultimate harvest...

Until Next Time, Be Sincere, Kind and Intentional Jackie Warner, Community Outreach Specialist Email: thebridge.us@ gmail.com Check out upcoming events: Website: http:// thebridge-us.yolasite.com/

Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 18 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . 19 Horse Whispering . . . . . . . 20 Athens Rehab Spotlight . . 21 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . 23

September 19 - October 2, 2014

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4 One-Day Park Hopper Passes Golf Package $250 Gift Card 2 Nights and Dinner for 2 * * * * *

See a Movie and Stay the Night

$100 and $50 Gift Cards - Eastside Pharmacy $100 Cash - Limestone Drug Flex Tickets for 4 - Theatre Huntsville $75 Gift Card - Bello Sorto Skin & Body Care Family Package - Birmingham Zoo

* * * * *

$100 Gift Card - Hobb's Jewelers $100 Cash - American Leakless Co. Flex Tickets for 2 - Theatre Huntsville $75 Gift Card - Publix Gift Basket - Starbucks

AND MANY MORE!

All proceeds benefit Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, Inc.

includes 6 ducks and FREE ENTRY to win

Sponsored by American Leakless Co.

\

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September 19 - October 2, 2014

Special Feature

Wildwood Deli Athens: Remodeled And Ready For Festival Season

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

2014 has been a banner year for Rhonda Fisher and her son, Matthew. First they purchased and revitalized the charming eatery on Market Street known as Wildwood Deli. They pooled their extensive food service, hotel and restaurant experience and education, and came up with a menu that was a wonderful blend of sophistication and “southern-ness.”

They also changed their logo to something that looks more early 20th century. There is no better advertising than word of mouth, and soon lunch hour in particular was slammed. It became apparent that if the Deli was going to keep up with the demand, there was going to have to be some serious remodeling of the cozy, exposed brick bistro.

They purchased some top drawer stainless steel commercial equipment, and had to drill through 9 layers of brick to get the 4 ft hood properly vented out. The size of the new grill was considerably larger than the previous one, so more orders can be prepared at once, and production time has greatly reduced. I have watched Matthew in action, and he has “mad skills” when it comes to turning out a “cover” quickly.

Rhonda’s forté is baking, and the new convection oven recently empowered her to turn out dozens of custom cookies from her bevy of family recipes for a wedding. She gave me one to sample on her way out the door to deliver them to the reception, and the use of the word “mouthwatering” is a most appropriate.

Speed, while necessary in a situation where you have many customers who are on their lunch break, is not the end all and be all here. The “vibe” of Wildwood Deli is to create an eating experience where the product is something genuinely designed to fill more than your tummy, and the surroundings, staff, seating, and décor all contribute. One of the changes that will be made soon will be the

from Gigi’s. You can pick them up at Wildwood in Athens rather than have to go into Huntsville or Madison. Gigi’s will make football cupcakes that match the colors of your favorite team for your party, and a “house divided” is no problem for them!

Fiddlers’ Convention is coming up soon, and on Saturday, October 4th, from 7-10 am, Wildwood Deli will be offering a

son only has 30 minutes for lunch. “If they call in, it will be ready,” Rhonda said with confidence.

They have been approached in regard to purchasing a beer and wine license. What can happen as a result of that type of licensure is that the area can be designated as an official entertainment district, which can open the way for grants to

home-style pancake breakfast.

Matthew has his own recipe which is committed to memory, and there will be sausage, bacon, and maple syrup.

While maintaining one of the highest food safety scores in the area, Wildwood Deli has developed a growing catering business. They have done the food for two weddings this past summer. Recently they did a large box lunch for employees of TVA, and eventually are going to offer special private dinners that will be catered right there at the shop. They also love to have people call in their orders for the times when a per-

revitalize the downtown core.

There could me more outdoor festivals, and the local economy could be strengthened.

Rhonda and Matthew hope you will stop by soon and experience the fruit (and food) of their labors, and leave with a full heart.

Matthew Fisher’s newest creation, the Wild Banana sandwich. seating. There will be comfortable perimeter seating that includes benches that will double as storage units.

There will be a number of offerings in connection with Festival Season. Matthew has secret recipe items he is entering in the Grease Festival contest.

The cooling weather is making

people hungry for soup, and Rhonda has a new recipe for a southwest chicken chili that is made with sweet potatoes, limes and peppers. There will be hearty vegetable soup, and she is already getting requests for her potato soup.

Matthew maintains that the Philly Cheese Steak is “best sandwich in all the land.” But, he has been busy as a culinary creator and has come up with a sandwich that is called “The

September 19 - October 2, 2014

Wild Banana.” It is made with two slices of Rhonda’s homemade banana bread.

On one side is peanut butter, on the other is hazelnut spread, and is finished with six slices of banana, two slices of crisp bacon, and then grilled. It could soon give the Philly Cheese

Steak a run for its money for being “the best.”

Rhonda’s grandma’s authentic southern banana pudding is also a big seller, and soon there will be some other desserts that have more of a fall theme to go along with the pudding.

Of course, Gigi’s cupcakes are still the first thing you see when you come into the deli, and Rhonda or Matthew will order custom cupcakes for you

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Wildwood Deli 113 Market Street Athens, AL 35611 256 206 9384 Follow them on Facebook!

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Calendar of Events The Way We Worked Athens Sept 20th - Nov 8th

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.

AL-TN Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride Sept 20th

Motorcycles will arrive via EXIT 3 of I-565 before stopping for the Five Feathers Rally and Lunch at Rocket Harley Davidsion, 15100 U.S. Highway 20W, Madison, AL. before resuming their route at 11:30AM north on Mooresville Road to U.S. Highway 72. The ride will then continue west through Athens, Clements, and Coxey on U.S. Highway 72 over the Elk River to finish in Waterloo in western Lauderdale County.

National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept 27th

Get out an enjoy the fertile waters of the Tennessee River and the Elk River or hunting the Swan Creek WMA. Swan Creek WMA offers a range to hewn your skills for licensed gun owners, for more information please contact (256) 353-2634. Licenced Bow Hunters reserve your time on the Athens Archery Range featuring a variety of stands and targets by calling 256-233-8740. Clay shooters and hunters can make reservations at the Limestone Hunting Preserve and Sporting Clays by calling 256-423-6029. Licenses are easily obtained by visiting the licensing page of this website. Purchasing a license can be done in one of three ways: 1) Online by clicking here 2) By calling 1-888-848-6887 3) Visit a retail vendor in your community.

150th Year Observance of the Civil War Sept 27th

Sweet Home Missionary Baptist, 803 Westmoreland Street, Athens, AL. Meet Author Peggy Allen Towns with her book, “Duty Driven: The Plight of North Alabama’s African American’s During the Civil War” from 2:00PM-4:00PM for discussion and book signing. For more information or to purchase a signed copy of the book, contact Peggy Allen Towns 256-345-9098 or Peggytowns@ gmail.com.

11th Annual Duck and Run 5K and Fun Run Sept 20th

Athens, AL. Join Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful for this run through the historic districts of Athens. More information to come.

Visit the Duck and Run page at keepathenslimestonebeautiful. com/duck-run.html or email coordinator Eric Patterson at Duckand run5K@yahoo.com.

3rd annual Unity in the commUNITY Sept 20th

MTM presents the 3rd annual Unity in the commUNITY featuring Gospel recording artist “Canton Jones” on Saturday September 20th at Calhoun Community College Decatur Campus Kelly Gymnasium.

Calling all local Christian artists from singers to dancers to show case your talent from 10am to noon for a chance to minister lives with Canton Jones during the 5:00pm Free concert. Come support our local artist at 10a. Do you have questions about the music industry?

Want to learn more about becoming a recording artist? Don’t miss the lunch and learn with “Canton Jones” beginning at noon and visit itickets.com for ticket information.

Then don’t miss the FREE concert at 5pm. Doors open at 4:00pm.

There will be giveaways and door prizes. Get involved by designing a Unity T-shirt with your Youth Group or Entire Church. The shirt must be white with UNITY on the front of the shirt. Let’s UNITE! MTM in association with Calhoun Community College SGA, BSA, BCM, and 4C Student Ministry. Visit our website at MTMcorp.org for more information or call 256-272-1MTM. Page 6

Fallen Brothers Memorial Dice Ride Sept 27th

Rocket Harley Davidson, 15100 U.S. Highway 20W, Madison, AL. Brothers in the Wind - WSMRA will be raising money for the C.A.R.E. Center. T-shirts will be given to the first 40 Dice Run participants. 50/50 Drawing, Best & Worst Roll, Door Prizes. $20.00 per rider, $10.00 per passenter. Registration starts at 9:00AM, first bike out at 10:00AM, last bike in 3:00PM.

Fall Gathering at Mooresville Mercantile Sept 27th

Mooresville Mercantile, 5081 Mooresville Road, Mooresvile, AL. Join Mooresville Mercantile as small businesses, community organizations, artists and craftsmen, musicians and food vendors come together in peaceful Mooresville, Alabama from 10:00AM5:00PM. Barn Quilts Workshop with Suzi Parron (SOLD OUT), Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement Presentation with Suzi Parron and Lyla’s Famous Box Dinner PLUS Door Prizes at 5:00PM (Register Here) and more. For more information www.mooresvillemercantile.com.

Fall Gospel Reunion Jubilee Sept 28th

Midway Baptist Church, 26575 U.S. Highway 72E, Athens, AL. Join Midway Baptist Church for an evening of gospel music featuring the Jubilee Reunion Choir and Band at 6:00PM. Other acts to be announced.

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September 19 - October 2, 2014

Visit smart.athens.edu to get started.

September 19 - October 2, 2014

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Page 7

What Makes Ronnie Roll

The Seamless City And Managing The Government

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

When we gathered for our usual “second-edition-Monday-morningappointment,” Mayor Ronnie was utterly energized by having just attended the first “Superhero Fun Day” over the weekend. The event was sponsored by the Childhood Cancer Superheroes of Alabama, and it was held in Big Spring Park. It drew probably close to a total of a thousand people over the course of the day, and I have heard from others as well that it was simply amazing. Local car dealerships provided shiny cars and trucks for the parade, the costumes worn by the adults were high end and not flimsy, the Mustang Club revved their engines and thrilled the kids, the DJ was su-

perb, and for a moment, people could forget that these kids (and their families) were in the fight of their life.

I asked, “Is it going to become a part of Festival Season?” “I certainly hope so,” he said, and then proceeded to tell me about all the “characters” who had come out of the woodwork to make fighting childhood cancer so cool. The incredible Hulk (with scarily large real-live muscles, judging from the pictures), Spiderman, Superman-(“woman,” girl,” boy,” baby”), Batman, War Machine, they were all there. “As long as there is childhood cancer, we need to keep having this event,” he said.

We turned to the wieldy topic of “managing the

government” from the chapter by the same name in Rick Baker’s “The Seamless City.”

As we did, I was pulled up short and teared up as I saw a quote that had meant so much to me while I was with “framily” in Mexico fighting cancer, only we weren’t in costume! The late John White, his wife, Leonel White Gibson, and I spent a life-changing two weeks at the Oasis of Hope Cancer Hospital in Tijuana. The following, which had been said a century earlier by Theodore Roosevelt, was the first thing you saw every morning when you got in the elevator to go begin the day’s treatment: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how

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The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…who errs, and comes short… who spends himself in a worthy cause…”

Fighting cancer is a worthy cause, as is building a city government team that is healthy, united and productive.

One of Mayor Ronnie’s great challenges is that 66 of the over 300 city employees are due to retire in the next five years, and his vision and charge is to “hand off” the city to a new generation of employees that is well equipped to make Athens even better than it became on his watch. Currently he is in

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the selection process for a new Human Resources manager, which is one of those crucial “back stage” roles in any city/ corporation. “That person has got to be ‘just right,’” he said. I have watched him field with grace complaint calls that seemed so trivial while expressing concern for other Athenians who are fighting terminal diseases. As Baker says, “It takes no talent to constantly look for bad things in order to highlight the failures of others, but it takes courage and vision to plan, promote and lead.”

This is not to say that people in leadership never fail, or that mistakes and shortcomings should never be dealt with or pointed out, but it has to be done with respect.

Baker says it best: “In order to build on common ground tomorrow, we will need the help of those with whom we disagree today.” I might add that we also need the help of those who disagree with us, and in those contexts the need for mutual respect is never greater or tougher to summon. Clearly we had much to pray about, and so we did. Councilman Jimmie Gill, himself a cancer survivor, was Mayor Ronnie’s next appointment, and it was time to roll; but not until Ronnie checked to make sure I had coffee for the road…

September 19 - October 2, 2014

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Page 9

From the Alabama Veterans’ Museum

Prisoner of War/Missing in Action: POW/MIA – Absent . . . Not Forgotten

by Sandra Thompson, Director, Alabama Veterans’ Museum You won’t get the day off work, your children still have to go to school, and many won’t even stop to pause and reflect or even think about all of the sacrifices that were made for their freedom. However, each year on the third Friday in September many will. Prisoner of War/ Missing in Action (POW/ MIA) Day is not a “holiday” to be celebrated, but a day of remembrance; a day to remember all those that paid the ultimate price, or were held captive as prisoners of war.

According to the Department of Defense, (DOD) there are over 80,000 in-

dividuals unaccounted for from the Vietnam War and past conflicts. The majority are from WWII, with a staggering 73,536. Until 1979, there was no day to honor these heroic individuals. The first year, resolutions were passed in Congress and the first national ceremony was held in Washington, DC. The first “Missing Man Formation” was flown at Langley AFB, Virginia. National POW/ MIA Recognition Day legislation was introduced in 1995, and ceremonies are now held throughout the nation. The Missing Man Table and Honor Ceremony is one of them ,and this humble ceremony goes as

follows: As you entered the room, you may have noticed a special table; it is reserved to honor our missing men.

Set for six, the empty chairs represent Americans who were or are missing from each of the services – Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard – and civilians, all with us in spirit.

The table is round – to show our everlasting concern.

The cloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.

The single red rose reminds us of the lives of these Americans…. and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers.

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith in our country, founded as one nation under God, to sustain those lost from our midst.

The red ribbon symbolizes our continued determination to account for them.

The glass is inverted – to symbolize their inability to share a toast.

A slice of lemon reminds us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.

The chairs are empty – they are missing…

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families who long for answers after decades of uncertainty.

The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return – alive or dead.

Let us now raise our water glasses in a toast to honor America’s POW/MIAs, to the success of our efforts to account for them, and to the safety of all now serving our Nation!

I was appalled when I read that an Air Force base removed their Missing Man table from their dining hall because there was a Bible on the table. I think it was best summed up by U.S. Rep. John Fleming, R-LA, who also took issue with the removal: “Since when does one unnamed, unknown individual have veto power over the First Amendment rights of all people in the military and in this case the Air Force? The inclusion of the Bible has nothing to do with the faith of those using the dining facilities.

It’s symbolic of the faith of those missing or imprisoned, and the faith of their loved ones that those missing will return. In such situations, faith is all we have.”

We fly the POW/MIA flag to ensure that as Americans we remember our responsibility to stand behind those who serve our Nation, and do everything possible to account for those who do not return.

Lest we forget!

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September 19 - October 2, 2014

Fund Raiser ͲͲ 1st Saturday of every month!!

(11am Ͳ 2pm) Turkey, Ham and Prize Shoot (Chicken Stew for sale Ͳ $5.00 all you can eat or $5.00 per quart/$17.50 per gallon)

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapt 511) 17915 W Elm St, Athens, Alabama (Call (256) 232Ͳ0029 for additional information) September 19 - October 2, 2014

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Page 11

Clean and Green

Get Your Quack On And Support Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful

by Lynne Hart

We have been getting our ducks in a row for the Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby and it is impossible to be in a “fowl” mood when we are working on such a fun event! Yellow rubber ducks are everywhere just waiting to be adopted!

Don’t wait until the last minute to adopt your ducks!

“Waddle” you do if you forget or we run out of ducks? Someone is going to “feather their nest” with the McClary Ford $1,000 Cash Grand Prize, and if you don’t have a duck in the race, it won’t be YOU! You don’t have to be present to win, and you can adopt ducks

online in the comfort of your own home.

Why Support KALB? Our fundraisers support programs and projects throughout the year such as environmental education programs available to all Athens City, Limestone County, and private school classrooms, the Adopt-A-Spot program, clean and green events, annual seedling giveaway, Elk River cleanups, our annual Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO, litter awareness campaigns, presentations designed for youth and adult groups, recycling information and educa-

List of Prizes •McClary Ford $1,000 Grand Prize •4 Disney World 1-Day Park Hopper Passes •Canebrake Golf Package for 4 •$250 Osborne’s Jewelers Gift Card •Westin Huntsville/Monaco Pictures Package •Sam’s Town Tunica Package Cash, Gift Cards, and Prizes from: •$100 and $50 gift cards - Eastside Pharmacy •$100 Gift Card - Hobbs Jewelers •$100 Cash - American Leakless Co. •$100 Cash -Limestone Drug •$75 Gift Card - Bello Sorto •$75 Gift Card - Publix •Quilt by Martha Long •Dollywood Passes for 2 •Spartina 449 Bag & Coin Purse - Pimentos •$50 Gift Card - Trinity’s of Athens •Theatre Huntsville Flex Tickets for 4 •Theatre Huntsville Flex Tickets for 2 •Birmingham Zoo Family Package •Starbucks Gift Bag

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Heat winners will then swim in the Championship Race to determine the prize won by the owner of each duck. The first duck through the trap wins the $1,000 Grand Prize.

How to Adopt Ducks

tion, and so much more!

It is vital that our children (and adults, too) understand the importance of their natural world and how it all fits together. We offer lessons and activities that bring these messages home.

There are four things we need to survive: clean air, clean water, food, and shelter. Our planet provides all of those things, but it is up to us to make sure we protect our air and water from pollution, our food from poisons, and our forests from overcutting.

At our last Earth Day event, I gently reminded a man that the cigarette butt he had just tossed contained poisons that leach into our soil and water. He just looked at me as if I had two heads, laughed, and said “I was looking for the car show anyway.” I picked up his cigarette litter. It is not a sign of weakness to care about our natural resources and want to do our part to protect our corner of this planet. We depend on the earth for so much!

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How Does the Duck Race Work?

For every $5.00 donation made to KALB, a rubber racing duck will be entered into the race in your name.

For a $25 donation, you will receive a Papa Murphy’s Quack Pack which includes 6 ducks, a coupon for 50% off your entire order at Papa Murphy’s in Athens, and your name will be entered into a drawing for $300 cash sponsored by American Leakless Company.

The ducks will be divided into heats and raced down the spillway at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens beginning at 4:00 p.m. The total number of heat winners will match the number of prizes we have to give away.

There are several ways to adopt ducks. Stop into the KALB office located at 125 East Street in Athens to complete an adoption form. You may also visit our tent at the Athens Grease Festival on September 27th and the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention on 10/3-10/4 (cutoff time is 1:00 p.m. on 10/4), or you can adopt ducks online. Visit KALBCares.com and follow the links to the Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby page where you will find links for duck adoptions and to make your payment. You will also find a link that will allow you to print off a duck adoption form. Just mail it or drop it off at the KALB office.

Help KALB make a difference in the future of Limestone County through environmental education and community action. Please call us if you’d like a speaker at your gathering or event! There is always something new to learn.

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

Become a Fan

September 19 - October 2, 2014

Cooking with Shelley

Egg Plant & Yellow Squash Casserole

by Shelley Underhill

With all the fresh veggies still in abundance you may want to prepare this recipe and even pass it along to a friend. The medley of these ingredients are really pleasing to the taste buds. Let me know if you try it. You can email me at shelleysdesk@gmail.com Enjoy!

What you will need: 4 slices bacon 1 medium onion (chopped) 2 cups egg plant (parboiled) 2 cups yellow squash (parboiled) 1 cup Italian bread crumbs 1 cup 4 cheese Mexican cheese (by Sargento) Fry bacon and onion together, drain well, combine with egg plant and squash, make one layer of mixture in well greased casserole dish, sprinkle with 1/2 cup of bread crumbs, make remaining layer and top with bread crumbs and cheese bake on 350 for 25 minutes.

September 19 - October 2, 2014

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Health and Fitness

Use of Elastic Bands/Tubing For Exercise

by Janet Hunt

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

In almost all of my classes, personal training sessions, and for my own personal workout, I use some sort of elastic resistance tubing or bands. Why? Elastic resistance, as the name states, offers resistance, allows free range of motion, allows variable movement speeds, and allows progressive resistance. These are the same properties you see with free weights (barbells or dumbbells). These are the properties needed for an effective strength-training program.

Studies show that when comparing the same exercise performed using elastic resistance to free weights, the number of muscle fibers activated is similar as is the amount of force provided by the muscle fibers. Also, elastic tubing or bands increase muscle strength and size while decreasing body fat in a similar way to free weights.

One of the most important benefits (and the main reason I use elastic tubing over free weights for some exercises) is that they not rely on gravity. Because free weights rely on gravity to provide resistance, you always have to work in the direction of gravity.

Therefore, to work certain muscles using free weights, you may have to be ly-

ing lightweight, storable, relatively inexpensive, and easily transported, especially when teaching a group fitness class.

Free weights are heavy, difficult to store, and are expensive for heavier weights because they are usually priced by the pound.

ing in different positions, kneeling, or placed in various positions that may not be comfortable or easy to maintain.

With elastic tubing, you are not limited to working only in the vertical plane. This means you can perform exercises such as twisting side-to-side and horizontal moves. Also, you can do movements that mimic movements used in sports.

For example, a study published in the 1998 issue of American Journal of Sports Medicine reports that college tennis players who trained using elastic resistance increased their shoulder strength and the speed

of their serve. For the nonathletes, by performing resistance exercises in different directions you can better prepare yourself for the activities of daily living.

Another benefit of elastic resistance not relying on gravity is that it provides continuous tension to the muscle being trained. When lifting a free weight in any direction other than straight up and down, the tension on the muscle can actually be removed at certain points in the range of motion. For example, during a bicep curl with a dumbbell at the very top of the movement the dumbbell is literally falling towards the shoulder. This means that the tension on the bicep has been removed because the dumbbell is no longer being lifted up against gravity by the bicep. When doing a bicep curl with elastic tubing, the tension is present throughout the entire range of motion.

Another unique quality of elastic resistance is that as the range of motion of the exercise increases, the resistance provided by the elastic tubing increases.

For example, when doing a bicep curl, as you curl your hand up toward your shoulder, the resistance of the elastic tubing increases. As the range of motion increases and the resistance increases, the number of muscle fibers that are being used in the muscle increases as well.

As an instructor, another benefit that I see is that it prevents you from using momentum. This often takes place when using free

weights. Once the weight has built up momentum, the muscle fibers do not need to be maximally activated to continue moving the weight throughout the rest of the range of motion of the exercise. The physical properties of elastic resistance do not allow the user to cheat by using momentum.

The only way to continue a movement while performing an exercise with elastic resistance is to utilize more muscle fibers in the exercising muscle to continue stretching the elastic material.

As a fitness instructor and personal trainer, I like to use both free weights and elastic resistance when available. Depending on the group or the individual, body weight exercises or weight machines are also good options.

For more information about strength training using elastic tubing or elastic bands, give Janet Hunt a call or visit her on Facebook.

Other benefits of elastic tubing or bands include be-

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September 19 - October 2, 2014

Cover Story

Athens Grease Festival: A Little Bit Of Greek And A Whole Lot Of Southern Style

by Holly Hollman continued from page 1

Nukes and Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, a collaboration with Athens State University’s Livingston Concert Lecture Series.

For the competitive, organizers added a

Welcome to the Athens Grease Festival.

Athens, Alabama’s name has a Greek origin. Many of the city’s buildings, inSteelism cluding the Courthouse, are admired ing fried and non-fried for their Greek-revival delights, musical enarchitecture. In 2012, that tertainment, contests led to a festival idea with and a children’s art a Southern twist and play activity area. on words between AthFor the taste buds, ens, Greece, and Athens there will be a variety Grease. of vittles like bouWelcome to a celebration din fried balls, fried of all things fried and the bow tie pasta, fried Greek origin of the city’s bologna sandwiches, name.

Ukrainian kielbasa on “The Athens Grease Festia bun, chicken Kiev, quart of quirky with val provides the city with fried pies and fried contests like the Turkey family fun and the proOreos.

Toss, Dub’s Burger Eatmotion of its downtown,” To please the ears, the ing Contest, Toga Consaid Festival Chairwoman test and School Spirit Betsy Hyman.

Promised Land Sound Toga Contest. For the Spirit of Athens, a destoga-wearing cowboys ignated Main Street Alaand cowgirls, they can bama organization, hosts test their mettle against a the festival as a fundraismechanical bull. To tickle er with the money going everyone’s chicken bone back to downtown projleg, Al.com is sponsoring ects. This year, the Spirit the “Will It Fry?” booth of Athens received apwhere Athens firefighters proval from the Guinness will attempt to dip, batter Book of World Records and fry reader suggested to attempt the world’s items. largest toga party.

For the toga toddlers, a “The festival draws about children’s art activity area 5,000, so if everyone operated by Athens would wear a white toga Arts League will and join us at 2:30 p.m. allow youngsters for the attempt, we would musical ingredients to enjoy hands-on set the record,” said SOA range from blues projects such as ceDirector Trisha Black. to reggae to clasramics.

The record is 3,700 parsical. That will be “I am amazed at ticipants in Queensland, brought by groups how the festival Australia. like Promised Land has grown and how In addition to the attempt, Sound, Steelism, creative the orgatoga wearers will find a KUSH, Micronizers are with the Microwave Dave and the Nukes menu of activities includwave Dave and The events for the day,”

said Mayor Ronnie Marks.

Did you know…

Ever wonder where all the grease goes that’s generated from cooking at the festival?

Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful collects the grease which is then used by farmers for biodiesel equipment. So farm to table has become table back to farm.

Toga Tidbits

What: Athens Grease Festival Where: Downtown Athens Time: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 3-12 and free for 2 and younger. $1 off for toga wearers.

Out of the Frying Pan VIP Party: 7 p.m. at The Loft 1880. Go to www.eventbrite. com. $20.

Vendors: Food, beverages, crafts, etc. Vendor prices are not included in ticket purchase.

Parking: Public lots around and near The Square and marked side street parking. Handicap parking will be designated.

Major sponsors: Fox 54, WZYP, City of Athens and Limestone County Commission

Eat responsibly the other 364 days of the year!

September 19 - October 2, 2014

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September 19 - October 2, 2014

Cover Story

An October 5th Invitation From First Baptist Church Of Athens

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

continued from page 1

spoke with deep affection about his flock. He has an extensive vision for continuing to build the spiritual unity and maturity of the members. This is no small task, as FBC has a congregation that spans 5 generations! The church has recently adopted the phrase “A Place for Everyone” as its motto, and one of the opportunities to make that statement a reality is coming on Sunday, October 5th.

Dr. Joel Carwile, who was born in Athens, is coming back to his “roots” to minister at FBC at all three worship services that Sunday. Dr. Jenkins

told me that “Joel has an ability to speak to the entire congregation, and all generations. He can communicate with young people, has things to say to the older generation, and to everyone in between.” He also added that “Joel is an excellent communicator.”

As I looked over Joel’s bio, I noticed he had an unusual tagline at the bottom of his email, and I thought to myself, “I like this guy.” It said, “Everyone loves you until you start to lead.”

True word, I would say, and Joel has been doing a lot of leading for a long time. He has ministered in Africa, Central America, Haiti, Cuba and the US, and Valley

September 19 - October 2, 2014

View Church in Louisville has grown by 2300 members to nearly 6,000 since 2007 when he became Senior Pastor.

Approximately 1500 of those have been by baptism.

I had the chance to “talk shop” with Joel in regard to being on the foreign mission field, and he told me a wonderful story. When he was ministering in Botswana, Africa, he was speaking at a conference where there were attendees from 49 different nations. “Guys,” he asked them toward the end of the conference, “Would you do something for me?

Would each of you, in your own language, stand up and praise God?” So they did, and he said it was beautiful, and imagined that “it was just like the day of Pentecost.”

I smiled with delight as I listened.

My enjoyment of our fellowship grew as he told me another story.

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He and his wife had their second child late in life, and when his wife was in labor he was moving rather speedily to get her to the hospital. Their baby girl was in a hurry to get here, and her daddy delivered her in the front seat of the car!

“What a blessing it was for the first hands to hold her to be those of her father who loves her,” I said. I wish more kids could experience that.

I then talked with Dr. Carwile about his upcoming visit to Athens. “First Baptist has always had a special place in my heart,” he said, “and I am ecstatic about the opportunity to come and preach the gospel there.” I asked, “What do you want to see happen?”

His answer was quick and sincere: “My prayer is that many will come to know Christ.” He also added, “I also want to see friendships renewed.” He went on to tell me that he was fully aware that while he might be the one to preach the gospel and give the invitation to come and accept Christ, that his desire is that FBC would be “stirred to action.” He was faithful to add that none of it would be possible without the moving of the Holy Spirit. “The reach of the gospel through First Baptist

Church can be powerful,” he said.

We talked about the scripture in Ezekiel 33 that summons all of us to be “watchmen on the wall.” Indeed, caring for the “newborn” is the responsibility of the entire church, not just those with “labels.” I am inclined to think that for Joel the concept has a fresh meaning, considering he has a literal newborn in his house, and one for whom he must be a literal “watchman.” He is diligently seeking the Lord about what to preach, and I believe God will answer his prayer abundantly. The services will be at 8 am, 10:30 am and 6 pm on October 5th, and you are invited to, as Dr. Jenkins says, “think personally, locally, globally, and eternally” by coming to hear Dr. Joel Carwile.

You’ll be glad you did.

First Baptist Church of Athens 201 East Hobbs Athens, AL 35611 (Main sanctuary is at the southeast corner of Clinton and Bryan streets in Athens, AL) Phone: 256-232-0602 www.fbcathens.org Page 17

Special Feature

Center For Lifelong Learning’s Academic Traveler Program

by Wanda Campbell As the Center for Lifelong Learning began its third year, we responded to many of your requests to develop a travel program. The Academic Traveler was designed to offer exciting opportunities for combined history lessons with a tour of the event sight.

To introduce the program, the CLL used the 150th anniversary of the Civil War to plan tour locations. We traveled to Chickamauga, Georgia for their re-enactment of the battle for the Chattanooga area. Chickamauga was the site of one of the most significant Union defeats during the Civil War. Students who attended this program were also treated to an intriguing history lesson by Dr. Ron Fritze en route to the site. They also were able to visit memorials, museums, and watch the re-enactment of the battle attended by thousands.

arranged classes at the CLL for travelers to attend prior to the trip. The tour, titled Greece: In the Footsteps of the Paul the Apostle, has several components. Travelers will trace Paul’s journeys through ancient cities and the pastoral countryside of Greece and Turkey, then enjoy a three night cruise visiting the magical Greek Islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Santorini, and the ancient Roman City of Ephesus. Travelers will also visit two monasteries in Meteora, and learn about the devout lifestyle

uments of ancient Athens, including the Acropolis. Dr. Ron Fritze, Dean of Arts & Letters at Athens State, and Dr. Diane Sauers, Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning, will be accompanying the group from Athens, Alabama. of the monks. A guided tour in Corinth will feature Agora and the Bema, where Paul was brought before the tribunal.

Finally, we will join local experts exploring the mon-

For those who are interested in more information about this trip, join us Monday, September 29, at 11:30am at the Center for Lifelong Learning for a very real “tasting of Greece.” Space is limited, so be sure to register early.

If you are unable to come to the CLL, you may view the webinar at your personal computer desk in your office or home. More information is available by viewing the catalog on our webpage – www.athens.edu/CLL.

Our next trip was the battle of Horseshoe Bend.

This trip celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Indian Wars of 1814. In addition to re-enactments of the battles, travelers saw craftsmen, Native American skills, and learned about the life and times of the tribes involved in the wars. Before departing, the group took a bus tour around the park, stopping at interesting points along the way.

A second component of the trip is the lecture series. The first lecture, presented by Dr. Ron Fritze, is about the historical aspects of the area. The lecture will focus on the history of Greece and how it relates to the sites we will be seeing on our trip.

This lecture is Thursday, October 2, from 12:00 to

This year, we are planning our first overseas trip. In planning the event, we selected a location rich with history and culture, then

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1:00pm.

Reservations are requested. You can reserve your seat by calling 256-233-8262.

Whether you travel to Greece with us or you’re just interested in learning more about the Apostle Paul, join us for our Bible Series, offered both in Athens at the CLL, and in Decatur at the Alabama Center for the Arts. This Biblical series will look at Paul’s life, as well as his letters and ministry, and will provide an overview of the historical context and Biblical message contained in the letters. The fee for the series is $25, or $10 for only one class.

The Bible Series: Footsteps of Paul consists of five lectures. Session 1: Paul and His World will be held at the CLL on Tuesday, October 7, from 6:30-8:00 pm. This class will also be held at the Alabama Center for the Arts on Thursday, October 16, from 12:00 – 1:00pm. Other sessions will continue monthly through March 12. Call the Center at 256-2338262 for a complete brochure.

This fall we will be offering trips to Moundville Native American Festival on October 9th, a shopping excursion on November 7th, and a trip to Nashville’s Gaylord Resort on December 2nd.

Our next overnight trip will be to the Savannah area.

September 19 - October 2, 2014

Learning As A Lifestyle

. . . And Upcoming Musical And Dance Events

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 In moving to Athens, I have discovered a surplus of artist and musicians in the area.

There are quite a few very talented people here. Last night I attended the Stones River Chamber Players concert for brass and organ at McCandless Hall. It was a nice evening event with wonderful music. The organ located in McCandless Hall had been refurbished and this was the inaugural concert. There was a good selection of music beginning with Fanfare, a prelude for the ballet La Peri by Paul Dukas, and ending with Hallelujah from Christ at the Mount of Olives by Ludwig Van Beethoven.

more information.

Rehearsals are every Tuesday, through November 11th from 6:30-8:30pm.

The first four rehearsals will be held at Ft. Decatur and the last four will be held in Athens. Rehearsal will begin promptly at 6:30. The cost to join is $20 ($35 for 2 in a family). However, if paying the dues is a hardship, sponsors and scholarships are available. For more information or to register, call (256) 233-8260.

The group will be under the direction of Wanda Thompson, with accompanist Ann Butler.

Both concerts will include “Music Elvis Loved: Gospel, Christmas, and Rock & Roll.”

Performances will be on Novem-

juniors and seniors are also welcome.

This year we have been invited to partner with the Decatur Civic Chorus to join voices, hold rehearsals in both Decatur and Athens, and pres-

The CLL will offer a unique concert in December. Danny Lyons, Solo Handbell Artist, will bring our community an outstanding performance.

Traveling with Lyons is the Bellissimo Handbell Quartet. Mark your calendar today for this event to be held Sunday, December 7, at 3:00pm, in McCandless Hall.

ent a concert in both locations. Transportation is provided from Athens to Decatur for those who do not wish to drive. Please call (256) 233-8260 for

Right now, the Center for Lifelong Learning is calling all singers for the Community Chorus.

Another program that is gaining notoriety is our dance program. This fall we will be offering Beginning Ballroom Dance and Intermediate Swing Dance on Monday nights. Dwain Cooper is our instructor.

He will get you up and moving with ease and grace, even if you think you have two left feet.

Whether you dance for exercise, to get a date, or to attend a wedding, here is a chance to learn the basics without the pressure of people watching your every move. Even if you only want lessons for exercise, this is a great way to get your body moving. Mondays, from September 22 – October 13, the beginning ballroom class will focus on Foxtrot, Waltz, and Tango. Classes meet from 6:00-7:00pm. The fee is $50 person.

The Intermediate Swing class meets on Mondays, from September 22 – October 13 from 7:00-8:00pm. More information about this class and all of our classes is available online at www.athens. edu/CLL or you can call 256-233-8260.

Won’t you join us at the Center for Lifelong Learning? - Where learning is an adventure, learning is a passion, and learning lasts a lifetime.

If you love to sing and miss being in a chorus, we invite you to join the Athens State University Community Chorus. High school

September 19 - October 2, 2014

ber 13th at St Andrew Presbyterian Church in Decatur, and November 16th at McCandless Hall in Athens.

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Horse Whispering

Investing In Lives

by Deb Kitchenmaster working with. There was a lot of fear in me working with 1,000 pound animals, but Deb helped me get passed (sic) that by grooming and playing trust games between me and this 1,000 pound animal! There was a lot of stuff that I did to build a relationship with these horses! I have learned MANY things to do with horses to build trust and con-

An African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” has controversy wrapped around it like bubble wrap. No! Others say, not a village - a family! An idea is that individuals and groups outside the family have an impact (for better or for worse) on a child’s wellbeing. Bill Grace writes, “it takes a village or at the very least a church of great heart to help raise a child.”

CORRAL CONNECTIONS, founded on Romans 8:15, has been established to provide opportunities to develop selfworth, self- confidence and to experience God’s love through building relationships. God did not leave us alone as orphans. He has adopted us by paying a great price for relationship with us. We are HIS sons and daughters! CORRAL CONNECTIONS will provide opportunities to develop interpersonal skills and confidence in who we are in Christ Jesus and who we are becoming as we learn how to receive God’s free gifts of grace, love, and mercy.

pose to provide an experience that will be enjoyable, memorable, inspirational and educational while building confidence, esteem and relationship.” We invite you to come and BE BUILT. The hand of LOVE, in the form of loving grandparents, brought a precious young lad 13 years of age to be with us for nine days and experience CORRAL CONNECTIONS.

I quote, “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”

(Jimmy Johnson) Because of the extra, extra….you are reading about it! nections! My main goal was to ride a horse since I was 9/10 years old and this amazing lady helped me do that!

NOW I can truly say when I am older I will want to have horses! These animals teach you things about yourself that you didn’t know! I did an exercise on the back of my horse with the assistance of Loren

Students will learn about groundwork, haltering, leading, mounting & dismounting, bridling & saddling. Of course we will provide ample opportunity for grooming the horses and daily clean up chores. You will learn principles that can be applied to all areas of life through these activities.

As you develop sensitivity to the horses, you will also be more sensitive to those around you. Your awareness of varied ways of communication will become evident, and you will see how we can encourage the horses and one another through affirmation and praise.

CORRAL CONNECTIONS mission statement: “We pur-

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and Deb that rocked me on the INSIDE! I experienced a relaxation and confidence that I had never known before!

These entire amazing things Deb had me do all led up to my goal, RIDING HORSES! It was a really FUN experience!

Grandpa and Grandma Watson, your love for me creates a space to grow and be rooted and grounded. THANKS! Mom and Dad, I love you! I always will. Loren and Deb “thanks” for impacting my life. Ruhammah, you are a beautiful horse! Thanks for letting me work with you and for teaching me!” ~ Eli Hauser

Upon returning back to Minnesota with Grandpa Donny, an over-the-road truck driver, he wrote about his experience.

I received his permission to share with ya’ll.

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.”

Teddy Roosevelt

That’s what Grandpa Donny & Elijah James did when they stopped in Alabama. That’s what CORRAL CONNECTIONS did when they came.

Eli expressed having fear when he was in the presence of a horse. My final quote is from George Addair who said, “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” Eli rode a horse!

Your NEIGHbor, Deb Kitchenmaster Corral Connections www.corralconnections.com ‘A church of great heart’ 256-426-7947 Animal B.E.S.T. practitioner dkitchenmaster@mchsi.com

“Hey, I’m Eli and Deb is a really good person to do horses with. She has you do things that really help you build connections with the horse you are

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September 19 - October 2, 2014

Athens Rehabilitation And Senior Care Center Spotlight On Regina Hargrove

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Regina Hargrove is one of the younger residents at Athens Rehab and Senior Care, having been born here in Athens in 1969. She graduated from East Limestone High School in 1989, and for about 6 years worked in day care.

Then she began to contend with a rare disease called Hereditary Spastic Parapelegia, and within a few years was permanently confined to a wheelchair. HSP afflicts

between 4 and 6 people per 100,000, and has a wide range of conditions associated with it. Many people live with it and have largely normal lives. Sadly, many others lose their mobility while still in their 20s or early 30s, as was the case with Regina. Several of her family members on her father’s side have battled this disease, including her grandmother, dad and uncle. For more information on HSP, go

to www.sp-foundation.org.

At first her family took care of her at home, and then as the disease progressed, she required skilled nursing care in a facility. For a while, she was in a long term care center in Red Bay. She told me with emotion, “I wanted to come home.”

Athens Rehab and Senior Care Center has been home for about six years now, and she is happy there. “My time

at Rehab, (as she calls it,) has been good, and the people are good to me.” I asked her if there was anyone who had given her extra special care, and she simply said, “Rita.”

As to activities that are planned for the residents, she especially enjoys the coffee breaks. That’s when everyone gets together for coffee and a snack, and they visit in a relaxed atmosphere. She told me she likes it because it gives her a “chance to know people.” The Athens Rehab staff is constantly coming up with things for the residents to do. When I arrived, they were having their own version of “Grease Festival,” and were making deep fried Oreos. Regina’s were delivered to her while still piping hot. I asked her about her favorite game. “Bingo,” she said. I asked, “Do you win?”

She replied with a shy smile, “Sometimes.” She also really likes to watch soap operas.

Anyone who is familiar with the Center knows that Regina’s room is one of the most unusual in the entire facility. It is painted lavender, and around three sides of her room is a border that shows all kinds of trendy and maybe even outrageous handbags— definitely “all girl.” Regina told me that Sara Wallace,

September 19 - October 2, 2014

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the award-winning administrator of Athens Rehab, (and herself a lover of shoes and handbags,) picked out the color of the room, and Regina’s mom chose the “purse perimeter paper.”

When Regina was younger, she attended both First Union Baptist Church, as well as Westview Church of Christ.

One of her favorite scriptures is Psalm 23.

Rounding out her list of favorites, we have the following:

Color—As stated above, purple, especially the shade of lavender.

Actor--Kevin Costner

Actress--Molly Ringwald (I told her that Molly was one of my husband’s favorites, too.)

Movie—Not surprisingly, because she is a Molly Ringwald fan, Sixteen Candles President—Bill Clinton

Biggest change in her lifetime—Computers and the Internet

Before we took the pictures of her “facility-famous” lavender room, I asked her what advice she might have for young people. She thought for quite a long time, and then said with a gentle firmness, “Don’t tell lies.”

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Medical Update

September Is World Alzheimer’s Month

By Rachel Clark, RN, BSN World Alzheimer’s Month was launched in September 2012. September was chosen to encompass the already existing World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, enabling local, national, and international awareness programs to extend their reach.

World Alzheimer’s Month is an initiative of Alzheimer’s Disease International. It is a time to raise awareness and funding for research.

According to www.alz. org, Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia that causes issues with memory, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms develop slowly and get worse with time, eventually interfering with everyday tasks. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for up to 80% of all dementia cases. It is NOT a normal part of the aging process, though one of the biggest risk factors for it includes increasing age (in most cases, individuals are over 65 years of age when diagnosed).

Alzheimer’s is more severe than “simple” dementia in that it gets progressively worse over a shorter amount of time. Dementia worsens more gradually over a period of many years, while those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease typically live only 8-10 years after diagnosis, depending on other health conditions.

getting recently learned information, important dates and/ or events, asking the same question over and over again, increasing need for memory aids/family for things they were once able to do without assistance •Normal age-related change: forgetting names/appointments but remembering them later 2.Challenges in planning or problem solving: difficulty working with numbers and following budgets or familiar recipes, difficulty concentrating and taking much longer to perform routine tasks •Normal age-related change: occasional errors in balancing a checkbook 3.Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work, or leisure: issues driving to a familiar place, managing budgets at work, or remembering rules to a favorite game •Normal age-related change:

occasionally needing help programming a microwave or television 4.Confusion with time or place: losing track of dates, seasons, or passage of time; may have trouble understanding future-based appointments; they may forget where they are or how they got there •Normal age-related change: confusion about the day of the week but later remembering 5.Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships: may have visual changes, difficulty reading, judging distance, determination of color or contrast; may cause issues with driving.

•Normal age-related change: vision change related to cataracts 6.New problems with speaking or writing words: may have issues starting or joining conversations, stop in the middle of conversations, re-

•Normal age-related change: sometimes having trouble finding the right word 7.Misplacing things and losing ability to retrace steps: putting things in unusual places, losing things and not being able to go back over steps to find them, accusing others of stealing; may increase over time •Normal age-related change: misplacing things from time to time but retaining ability to retrace steps to find them 8.Decreased or poor judgment: poor judgment with money, paying less and less attention to grooming and personal hygiene •Normal age-related change: making bad decisions every now and then 9.Withdrawal from work or

social activities: may start to remove self from work, hobbies, sports, or social activities; may have trouble following favorite sports teams or completing favorite hobbies such as knitting or reading a book; avoidance of social activities so that behavior changes aren’t as marked •Normal age-related change: sometimes feeling weary with work, family, and social activities/obligations 10.Changes in mood or personality: becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious; easily upset at home, work, with friends, and in unfamiliar circumstances •Normal age-related change: development of specific ways of doing things and being irritable when routines are interrupted If you think you or a loved one may be beginning to develop signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s, see your primary care provider.

There are specialists who can present various options for dealing with the effects of this debilitating disease.

Just like with the Autism walk in April and various Relay for Life events in May, September hosts walks for raising awareness of Alzheimer’s. Huntsville held their walk September 13, 2014.

Decatur will host a similar event the first weekend of October.

For more information, visit www.alz.org.

There are typically 10 signs/symptoms specifically associated with Alzheimer’s (according to www.alz. org): 1.Memory loss that disrupts daily life: for-

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petitive conversation, struggles with vocabulary, have problems with finding the right word or calling things by the wrong name

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September 19 - October 2, 2014

Security Savvy

Let’s Talk About Onions

by Brian Black, Operations Manager of Madison Security Group 203 Us Highway 31 S, Athens, AL 35611

for those. Obviously, you can’t plan for all scenarios, but the key is to have a core set of responses.

When this is accomplished, most scenarios will be covered.

In all of the articles we have shared over the years, we have often talked about how to secure your home, your personal information, and your family. Individually, these articles have good information and will help you in certain situations.

However, if you take this information and apply it to other aspects of your life, you will see that security is like an onion, it has many layers that build on each other. Let’s look at the broad scope of securing you family and property.

OUTSIDE: With securing any property you must start outside. Your perimeter needs to be as secure as possible. This can be achieved by using fencing, shrubs and lighting. The idea is to give any would be intruders a moment to think, “Do I really want to go to this much trouble?”

NEIGHBORS: Get to know your neighbors.

Your neighbors can help you keep your family and home safe. If you are out of town or at work, they often help keep watch while you are gone.

Work together and form a neighborhood watch. Because you and your neighbors will know each other more, you will know if there is something wrong more quickly. A good example of this is if a strange repair vehicle is in the driveway, your neighbor would most likely come over to investigate and then give you a call

NEGLECT: Don’t neglect your responsibility.

Ultimately, your family’s security and safety is up to you. The Police and Fire Department may be miles away. You may be the one to have to deal with the situation, so be prepared. Take the time and initiative to really learn how to use a fire extinguisher, learn about your neighbors, and don’t be afraid to take action.

to confirm the person is legitimate.

INSIDE: You want to make sure that you have adequate doors and windows. Don’t take the cheap way out. Spend the extra money to get high quality doors and windows. When purchasing, make sure you check the security rating; you should get at least a 4 star rated door or window. Not only will you improve your security, you will improve the energy efficiency of you home. You may also consider adding a monitored security system to your house for fire and security reasons.

Also make sure your fire extinguisher is properly charged.

your home security. This can be adding equipment to your existing home security system, or simply looking for gaps in your plan. Do you have a plan?

If not, make one. Plan

what you will do during severe weather, fire and home invasion situations. Have a safe place for your kids. Take the time to come up with different scenarios and plan

Hopefully, you have seen that security for your family is not a simple one-size-fits-all thing.

Security is built on layers like an ONION, but if not done correctly it could stink.

OPPORTUNITY: Take time to look around for opportunities to improve

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