September 1, 2017

September 1st - September 14th, 2017

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See Our Listings Inside this edition...

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All Things Soldier Jocelyne Papelard-Brescia...

On Monday, August 28, the citizens of Athens gathered at the Alabama Veterans Museum to welcome a patriotic French lady who has devoted...

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Special Feature

Athens Grease Festival... Where Quirky Fits You Like A Toga

By Holly Hollman The annual Athens Grease Festival is an event where quirky fits you like a toga.

The 2017 event is Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on The Square, and wearing a toga is part of the fun. By Continued on page 15

Travis Manion Foundation To Host Annual 9/11 Heroes Run In Athens, AL...

The Travis Manion Foundation will host the Athens 9/11 Heroes Run 5K on...

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City Councilman Frank Travis

Bam! Pow! Zap! Take That, Childhood Cancer!

What Makes Ronnie Roll

By Holly Hollman

A Tale Of Two Champions...

The day was wild enough that we were going to have to do our interview in two parts...

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Comic book fans have their favorite heroes and villains. Batman and Robin vs. Poison Ivy. Superman vs. Lex Luther.

Local artists are encouraging our community’s youngest heroes in their own battle against the villain known as childhood cancer by

Continued on pages 17

September 1 - September 14, 2017

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September 1 - September 14, 2017

Publisher’s Point

Immaculée’s Impact

Publisher / Editor Ali Turner

enemies” was tested in a whole new way in my heart. I came back to the States not long after.

Copy Editor

Yvonne Dempsey

Graphic Design

Jonathan Hamilton

Web Design Teddy Wolcott

Contributing Writers Janet Hunt D. A. Slinkard Holly Hollman Wanda Campbell Paul Foreman Yvonne Dempsey Teresa Todd Rosemary Dewar Lisa Philippart Lynne Hart Jerry Barksdale Shelley Underhill Dr. Shanna Ndong

In 1994, a man named Jerome who was a member of our church in Seattle, was in Rwanda during the horrific genocide of Tutsis by the Hutus. He had been in many dangerous situations before, but nothing like this. Jerome was one of the last Westerners to get out safely, but not before he captured photos of the carnage. I will never forget looking in numbed disbelief at the stacks of skulls, skeletons and bodies, trying to

It was then, in 2007 that I became aware once again of the power of forgiveness as the media launch of the book, Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst The Rwandan Holocaust occurred, and for me, the timing was perfect. Left To Tell is the story of a young Catholic Tutsi woman by the name of Immaculée Ilibagiza, who was hidden by a Hutu minister in the tiny, rarely used 3’x4’ bathroom in their basement. That would have been enough of a tale if

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . 5 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . 6 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Slinkard on Success . . . . . . 9 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . 10 Clean and Green . . . . . . . 12 Cooking With Shelley . . . . 13 Millennial Mind . . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 16 Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . 18 Jerry's Journal . . . . . . . . 19 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . 20

Immaculée Ilibagiza, Rwandan genocide "sur-thriver"

get my head around the evil that had occurred there. Then when I was in Iraq, I had to face it again as young members of the Iraqi Special Forces were betrayed and beheaded through an inside job that originated on our base; the head of one young husband having been sent in a box to his widow. Later, when only a few miles away from us Al-Qaeda literally roasted a nine year old child in an oven and then invited the child’s parents “over for dinner,” the commandment to “love your

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

September 1 - September 14, 2017

she were by herself, but Immaculée was crammed in the bathroom with seven other women for 91 days. A lithe 5’9”, she went into hiding weighing 115 pounds, and came out weighing 65 pounds. The Hutu pastor who hid her and the rest of the women even hid them from his own family by moving an armoire over the door so the marauding Hutus couldn’t find them. He would sneak whatever food he could to them when he could, they flushed the toilet

only when a toilet upstairs was being flushed, and they did not bathe for the entire time. Once a refugee camp was set up by the French, he snuck them out in the middle of the night to freedom.

Immaculée’s courage in forgiving the Hutu who killed her family, in tapping into a love that can only be explained as divine, and overcoming the most hideous, debilitating terror imagineable has given her a platform that is global, and just this past weekend touched the life of my trusty copy editor, Yvonne Dempsey. Yvonne came home from a conference where Immaculée was the keynote speaker, and to say that she was inspired is an understatement. I will let her tell it in her own words: I felt a new awakening during my retreat. There were several prayerful moments during which I felt a release of bitterness, anger, resentment that I did not know resided in me.

I realized that I needed to dig deep into my soul and cultivate my small seed of faith so that it would grow beyond me and spread its love to everyone. I knew I could be a better, more loving and forgiving person. After all, I am a child of God and I want to please Him in all my thoughts, words, and actions.

Listening to Immaculée tell her story, I couldn’t help but see the parallels between what happened there and some of the recent events in our country. In her book Led By Faith, Immaculée says, “The story of Rwanda is one that belongs to us all … Hatred, anger, mistrust, and fear enter our lives every day in a thousand different ways.

We’re all wounded by these evils, but we can all be healed through the power of love and forgiveness – a power readily available to us when we have faith.” Today Immaculée visits

Rwanda frequently. She says, “The power of God’s forgiveness has taken root in my country: faith is flourishing where once there was only hatred and death. God’s love is truly working a miracle in Rwanda.” Immaculée’s words give us hope – hope for our lives and hope for our country. And if God can work miracles in Rwanda, we must have faith that He can work miracles in our lives and in our country.”

Since 2007, Immaculée has gone on to publish another excellent book entitled Led By Faith: Rising From The Ashes Of The Rwandan Genocide, and several others geared more specifically toward Catholics. She has been featured on numerous Christian as well as other TV stations including Al-Jazeera.

A major movie about her life is in production and is slated to be released in 2018. Also, her house in Rwanda has been rebuilt by the donations of people whose life she has impacted; she has become a naturalized citizen of the US, and is now the mother of two children.

In an era when people are getting a lot of traction out of being “offended” over statues, monuments, flags, old drinking fountains, and things that happened centuries ago, it is refreshing to know that the age-old promise of healing to the broken-hearted, recovery of sight to the blind, and setting at liberty them that are bruised still works without hindrance or hesitation if you let it. Just ask Immaculée.

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

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All Things Soldier

Jocelyne Papelard-Brescia

by Yvonne Dempsey

On Monday, August 28, the citizens of Athens gathered at the Alabama Veterans Museum to welcome a patriotic French lady who has devoted many years to honoring the sacrifice of American soldiers. Madame Jocelyne Papelard-Brescia lovingly cares for the graves of American soldiers buried in France and strives to “perpetuate their memory and honor their sacrifices.”

It was France’s Marquis de Lafayette who so bravely fought alongside Gen. George Washington against the British in the American Revolution. He and the French naval forces were instrumental in the British surrender at Yorktown and winning the war. Lafayette was hailed a hero during his visit to the states in 1824.

He is buried in Paris under soil from Bunker Hill. When the U. S. entered WWI, his grave was the first place that

Gen. Pershing visited.

America, in return, sent her military to France in WWI and WWII. She lost many brave men on foreign soil, never to return home. France is the final resting place for thousands of America’s sons. Many heartbroken families have been left to grieve from afar, unable to visit the graves of their loved ones. However, these soldiers’ sacrifices have not been forgotten thanks to the efforts of Jocelyne.

Jocelyne began her mission with two soldiers by placing flowers on their graves, praying, and researching to discover more about the American soldiers; she has since then personally ‘adopted’ many more.

In a Sunday morning edition of a local newspaper, Jocelyne told about her mission and urged others to join her

got a good dose of Southern hospitality and good food. Jerry Barksdale told her, “You can’t leave Athens without eating some fried catfish.” So several of us headed to catfish Cabin. And here is where the story gets really good and you know that God was in charge.

Mme. Jocelyn Papelard-Brescia receiving a key to the city of Athens from Mayor Ronnie Marks

in honoring these Americans and adopting them. The response was immediate and in 2014, the U. S. Memory Grand Est France Association was formed to “pay tribute to the American soldiers dead and missing.” She is responsible for the adoption of 1700 soldiers’ graves.

As president of the organi-

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

$7

September 18th

11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm

Musical Entertainment • 5-7pm 17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4

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zation, Jocelyne is dedicated to remembering these American soldiers through events, memorial dedications, and ceremonies. She works to ensure that French students are taught about the great sacrifices of the American soldiers. Through Jocelyne’s tireless research, she is able to link stories and put faces to the soldiers lying in the graves. Each one has a place in her heart. “These are my boys. They are my pride and joy.”

Jocelyne has worked to provide funds to 16 families to visit their loved one’s graves and attend events in their honor. She travels extensively throughout our country visiting soldiers’ families, attending events, and doing research. When Jocelyne visited our city, she was accompanied by the Thornton family, an Alabama family whose loved one’s grave was adopted by Jocelyne.

From here she will be traveling to South Carolina and several other states to meet families, attend events, and research her “boys.”

While in Athens, Jocelyne

I sat directly across from Jocelyne and enjoyed talking with her. Jerry was seated to her left and encouraged her to try the fried catfish filets. She enjoyed the hushpuppies, which she had never eaten before. Mary Winn, coowner, came by our table to talk with us. Sandy Thompson, Al. Veterans Museum director, introduced Jocelyne to her, telling Mary about her. Mary couldn’t believe it; she had an uncle buried in France! And at Epinal, the very cemetery where Jocelyne’s boys are!

When Mary showed us a picture of her uncle, Joseph Graham, a surprised Jocelyne cried out, “I know him! I know him!” She told Mary that she knows exactly where he’s buried. Needless to say, it was quite an emotional revelation. Jocelyne remembers the superintendent of the cemetery, Mr. Anderson, showing her Joseph’s picture and telling her of his family’s visit 4 years ago. We could only marvel at how wonderfully God works in our lives.

There are no coincidences.

God has it all figured out.

He enabled Jocelyne to travel from France to our small town of Athens where she unexpectedly met a family member of one of her American soldiers. Now she has her own story to tell.

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Special Feature

Travis Manion Foundation To Host Annual 9/11 Heroes Run In Athens, AL

by Holly Hollman Athens, AL — The Travis Manion Foundation will host the Athens 9/11 Heroes Run 5K race at 7:00 a.m. on September 9 at Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives. The annual race will unite the community to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11, as well as to honor our veterans, military, and first responders who serve our country and our communities.

Proceeds from the 9/11 Heroes Run will benefit the Travis Manion Foundation, which empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.

keting campaign for the race series, TMF has released a video to inspire runners and walkers of all ages to participate, which can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpR zYOaNefE&feature=you tu.be “As I reflect on the 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 Heroes Run, I’m in awe at the number of communities across the country and around the world that have united to honor all those touched by the events of Septem-

clude Comcast NBC Universal and CBS Radio. To learn more and to register, visit www.911heroesrun. org.

Our special guest at this year’s Athens 9/11 Heroes Run is Amber Loggins Godwin, sister of Adam Loggins, KIA Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K series was inspired

by Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed by a sniper in Iraq in April 2007 as he selflessly protected his battalion. Before his final deployment, Travis visited Rescue One in NYC— famous for losing almost all of their men on 9/11— and returned home with deeper passion about why he was fighting in Iraq.

At its heart, the 9/11 Heroes Run is a tribute to a personal commitment to never forget the heroes of that day. Now in its tenth year, the 9/11 Heroes Run national race series will be held in more than 50 locations across the country and around the world. As part of the mar-

About Travis Foundation:

Manion

The Travis Manion Foundation is a qualified 501(c) (3) that is dedicated to empowering our nation’s veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion (USMC) was killed in Iraq while saving

ber 11, 2001.” said Ryan Manion, President of Travis Manion Foundation.

“We challenge all Americans to join us this September to ensure our next generation never forgets the sacrifices of our veterans, active duty military, first responders, and civilians who were affected by

September 1 - September 14, 2017

his wounded teammates.

Today, Travis' legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, "If Not Me, Then Who..."

Guided by this mantra, veterans continue their service, develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation’s heroes live on in the next generation.

the attacks on 9/11 and in the wars since.”

Last year, more than 50,000 people participated in race locations around the world or as virtual runners, to support military, veterans, first responders and their families through TMF. National sponsors of the events in-

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

7:00PM-9:00PM with live entertainment, Hamburgers, Hotdogs, popcorn, door prizes every hour, and a number of vendors set up for the event.

Prayer • Elderly Assistance • Feed The Hungry Clothes • Scholarships • Empowering Women Volunteers Wanted & Needed Call for Details -256.233.5995 Meeting Time: First Saturday of Each Month at 1:30pm Food pantry open now. wewoa.org • E-Mail: wew5995@gmail.com

Duck And Run 5K Sept 16th

8am. Registration $20 until 9/9, then $25. Packet Pickup and late registration at Fleet Feet in Huntsville 9/14 4-7 p.m., and KALB Office, 125 East St., Athens on 9/15 4-7 p.m. Online registration at www.RaceRoster.com. Information at www.duckandrun5K. com or call 256-233-8000.

Professional Ethics workshop Sept 22nd

Gardening Questions Answered Every Tuesday

ALC-Family Resource Center will be hosting a Professional Ethics workshop (4 CEU) with Dr. Mike McLemore on September 22nd.

The cost to attend is $20 pre-registration; $25 at door. Location: Revival Bldg, 303 W Washington St, Athens, AL. 7:30am - 12:30pm.

Refreshments and door prize drawings. Contact Tina Cook at 256230-0880 or email: alcfamilyrc@gmail.com for more details.

Limestone County Master Gardeners Association (LCMGA) is available every Tuesday and the first Saturday of every month at Athens Limestone Public Library from 10am - 2pm to answer gardening questions.

SilverSneaker™ Stability class Every Thursday

Shades of Bluegrass Festival Sept 29th - 30th

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

Vote For Favorite Decorated Duck

Watch for decorated ducks appearing at businesses around town and vote for your favorite. $1 = 1 vote. All proceeds support KALB. For a list of businesses with ducks, visit www.

KALBCares.com under EVENTS tab, or call 256-233-8000.

Online voting is also available at the above website.

Elkmont Lions Club Dove Hunt Sep 9th

Hobbs Farm, 26229 Veto Road, Elkmont. Pre-sale begins Sept 8th at noon and end 9am on the 9th. Pre-sale is $100 and includes ball and 4 permits; single permit is $30. After 9:00AM on September 9th, permits are $20 each and hunter has to find a spot. Contact Dickie Hobbs 256-509-5121 or Johnny Jenkins 256-732-4304.

Rogersville, Al, Recreation Park, Optimist Drive. Friday 6pm 9pm, Saturday 1pm - 9pm. Admission: Friday $8, Saturday $10, both days $15. 12 & under free. Featuring: Friday - Pine Mountain Bluegrass, Iron Horse, Shades Of Bluegrass. Saturday - Grammy Winners Shawn Camp, Charlie Cushman, Johnny Warren And Kent Blanton. There will be a Shade Tree Band Contest SAT. First Prize is $400 and will perform at 8pm. Judging by audience begins at 5:30. Concessions available, venders welcome. For more information contact Facebook page - Shades of Bluegrass Festival. Dale Weathers @ 931-629-2285, Teresa Weathers @ 931-629-2413, Larry Weathers @ 256-710-3469, Bill @ Weathers Bros. Music 931-762-6055.

Adopt a duck for this rubber duck race taking place on 10/6 at 4 pm at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens. You do not have to be present to win. Someone will take home the $1,000 ALC Grand Prize or one of 23 other prizes. $5 donation per duck, Dunkin' Donuts Quack Pack $25 for 6 ducks and coupon. Information and online duck adoptions at www.KALBCares.com under EVENTS tab, or call 256-233-8000.

Grand Opening Block Party Sep 9th

The Red Caboose Cafe, 25483 Railroad Street, Elkmont.

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Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby Oct 6th

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4th Annual Rivalry Run 5K Nov 18

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

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

A Tale Of Two Champions

by Ali Elizabeth Turner The day was wild enough that we were going to have to do our interview in two parts. Madame Jocelyne Papelard-Brescia, the French woman who has spent her life caring for the graves of over 5,000 WWII American soldiers who died in France, was going to visit the Veterans Museum at 10 a.m. on Monday. Mayor Ronnie was going to be a part of the ceremony honoring her, and then wanted to include that event in his comments for this column. Those details will follow below, and Yvonne Dempsey also wrote about the event in this edition of All Things Soldier on page 4. By way of background, Evan Thornton had contacted the Mayor regarding Jocelyne’s visit to our area. Evan had been over to visit the grave of his grandfather, had met her there in France, and knew it would be a blessing for Athens to hear her story.

When I arrived the first time at City Hall, the mayor was on the phone with City

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said that, “We are sad to see that K-Mart is closing.

It’s been there a long time.

Time will tell what happens with that property, but there has been some interest expressed in it, and I am glad about that.”

Mayor Ronnie then moved to one of his favorite top-

It was time for the mayor to get to the Veterans Museum to meet Mme. Jocelyne, so we prayed and set a time to meet “back at the ranch.”

When he came back, he said that “She broke down

Jocelyne Papelard-Brescia was honored on August 28th at the Alabama Veterans' Museum

Councilman Chris Seibert, and they were discussing the recent award given to Emma Tarokh. Emma is a 5th grader at Athens Intermediate and was just chosen as the Alabama State Games Female Athlete of the Year.

“She was not just chosen for her soccer playing,” he

said, “but her attitude, team spirit, effort, and motivation.” Mayor Ronnie and Chris hammered out a plan to honor Emma at Monday night’s City Council meeting, and her dear grin said it all as the Councilmen applauded her.

Emma Tarokh Alabama State Games Female Athlete of the Year.

We moved on to other things. First was any update on Pilgrim’s Pride. “We are still waiting to hear from ADEM regarding the second test, the underground one,” the mayor said. Additionally, he mentioned that other cities that are dealing with blighted properties have reached out to him for moral support. “It is a complicated process,” he said. He also

ics, the budget. “We’ll do a whole column on that soon,” he said, “but for today people need to know we are moving forward to finish by the October deadline.

Electric was finished earlier this summer, and we are working on police, fire, gas, water, and water treatment right now.”

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Photo credit: Athens Ledger

and cried. She had no idea we were going to do this.

I gave her a key to the city and made her an honorary citizen of Athens. Everyone there gave her a standing ovation.” He went on to tell me that he really wished the kids from the Mayor’s Youth Commission would have been able to attend in order to gain an appreciation for what the U.S. did to liberate France. “It was a moving, wonderful experience, and she was overwhelmed

by Southern hospitality,” he said with the right kind of pride. It indeed had been a grand day in our grand town, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll, again.

September 1 - September 14, 2017

Slinkard On Success

Not Your Average Article

by D. A. Slinkard

D.A. Slinkard is the manager of the Athens Staples store I have a confession to make that has been bothering me for the past two hours, after I made the decision to do my horrendous act.

Let me go ahead and get this off my chest so I can go about my day. It all happened on Saturday, August 26, about 9 a.m. CST as I was leaving the soccer fields after having a great practice with my team that I coach. I saw an individual I knew and quickly greeted him, and when he kindly obliged my greeting, that is when it happened.

I lied to him when he asked me how I was doing, as I replied with, “I’m living the dream.” Are you kidding me? As soon as the words had no more than left my lips, I was ready to vomit. What does that phrase “living the dream” even mean, and why would I utter such a lie? I immediately thought about how many other people lie to their friends, to their families, and even to themselves by telling the lie that they are living the dream.

The truth is, I am not living the dream as I am on a continual search to be a better person today than I was yesterday. I am willing to go out on a limb and suggest that all the other people out there who say they are living the dream, well, they’re lying too. If you

what the average life should be – 2 ½ kids, white picket fence, dog barking in the backyard – that’s the average dream that was preached growing up.

cannot be honest with yourself, then who can you be honest with?

If you have been lying to yourself and uttering that you have been living the dream when you actually haven’t been, might I suggest that the buck stop here. What are we going to do about it?

I suggest we change the way we think about how we are going to attack life. Yes, attack life and do so with a purpose.

The best-selling book of all time tells us in Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

What kind of vision do you have in your life? Are you living a life that is thriving or one that is barely surviving? If you are barely getting by, then how can you lie to yourself and say you are

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living the dream?

What does your vision look like for your life?

How do we go about getting that vision the Bible talks about so we do not perish? With anything in life, if we have no purpose for what we are doing, then we will not find the success that we so desperately want.

I do not know of anyone who intentionally sets out to be mediocre, yet too many of us approach our days and our lives with the “average” mindset.

Truth be told is we do not even know what average is today because if you look at life, we have a divorce rate greater than 50% of married couples.

We have kids growing up without dads and moms being a part of their life. This average life does not sound appealing to me at all yet every day we have friends, family members, even ourselves, falling for the average gimmick.

That, folks, is all it is; average, is nothing but a gimmick. You wouldn’t tell your kids to go make average grades in

school, yet our actions tell our kids to go live average lives. Why? It’s time that we practice in our own lives what we preach in our kid’s lives. Go be GREAT, and leave the average to someone else, so they can be delusional and think that average is a good thing. It is a horrible thing and you should do everything in your power to gain that vision of how your life needs to be.

If you don’t, that dream you thought you were living is going to turn into a nightmare. You’ll be living the dream, but it will be someone else’s dream. Either you can create the vision for your life or someone else will create their vision for you.

GBG - Go Be Great and forget about being average.

My wife and I went to that average restaurant to eat. My friend was telling me about that average movie he saw with average actors. Do we rant and rave about average things in our life? No, yet somehow we all have this notion

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Tourism

September 2017 Events

North Marion Street in Athens) from 7:00 p.m.11:00 p.m. VisitAthensAL.com

by Teresa Todd, TMP President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association Sept 1 - 30 -- Fall Archery Registration opens with the Athens Park & Rec Department. VisitAthensAL.com Sept 5 -- Fall Soccer Opening Day at the Athens SportsPlex. VisitAthensAL.com Sept 8 -- Marvel-ous Friday After Five with High Cotton Art (103 West Washington Street in downtown Athens) from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Wear your superhero tshirts or costumes in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Live music by John David Crow. Superhero/Comicbook Art Contest Winners display. Info: 256232-7717 Sept 9 -- Elkmont Lions Club Dove Hunt at Hobbs Farm (26229 Veto Road in Elkmont). VisitAthensAL.com Sept 9 -- Superhero Day in Big Spring Memorial Park (100 North Beaty Street in Athens) with Eli's Block Party. VisitAthensAL.com Sept 9 -- 9/11 Heroes Run at the Alabama Veterans Museum (100 West Pryor Street in Athens) from 7:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. VisitAthensAL.com.

Sept 9 -- Drayer's Swing Through 5K at Calhoun Community College (6250 U.S. Highway 31 in Tanner) starting at 8:00 a.m. VisitAthensAL.com Sept 9 -- 2nd Saturday Cruise-In at Bojangle's (1316 U.S. Highway 72E in Athens just west of I-65 Exit 351) from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

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Sept 9 -- 2017 Youth Dove Hunt for Limestone County: Licensed adults will be allowed to register up to two youth hunters 15 years or younger. VisitAthensAL.com or 256-353-2634

Pageant at Cedar Hill Elementary School (27905 Cedar Hill Road in Ardmore, AL) in the gymnasium. Proceeds benefit the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund. VisitAthensAL.com

Sept 11 -- Monthly Meeting of the Limestone County Master Gardeners Association at the AthensLimestone Visitor Center.

The speaker and meeting is open to the public. Janet Hunt 256-614-3530

Sept 17 -- Winter Series 2017 with 2-S Arena (26155 Thach Road in Athens; off I-65 Exit 361). Exhibition Barrels from noon to 2:30 p.m. and show starts after 3:00 p.m. For more info: Mindy Sanders 256-278-5758

Sept 12 -- Donnell House Membership Meeting at 5:00 p.m. at the Donnell House (601 South Clinton Street in Athens) with guest speaker from the Alabama 200 Committee.

Free and open to the public.

Sept 12 -- Elkmont High School Homecoming Parade at 6:00 p.m. starting at Piggly Wiggly on AL-127 to Upper Fort Hampton Road to Highland Avenue to Redus Road to Elkmont High School.

Sept 14 -- Farm to Fork Dinner 2017 with 1818 Farms (24889 Lauderdale Street in Mooresville) from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. benefiting the Nature Conservancy. Tickets $100.00 each. VisitAthensAL.com Sept 16 -- Duck & Run 5K start and finish in Big Spring Memorial Park (100 North Beaty Street in Athens) starting at 8:00 a.m. For more information or registration VisitAthensAL.com Sept 16 -- Alabama Tennessee Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride. VisitAthensAL.com Sept 16 -- Power of Pink

Sept 18 -- Crystal Cup Golf Tournament with the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation at Canebrake Golf Club starting at 1:00 p.m. with a shotgun start. Leah Beth McNutt 256-233-9557 Sept 21 -- Elvis Remembered at Yesterday's Senior Lunch Matinee Show at 15631 Brownsferry Road in Athens featuring your favorite Elvis songs. All seating is reserved - $12.00 each, groups are seated together, doors open 10:30 a.m., events start at 11 a.m. with seating, opening announcements, blessing, and lunch. Show begins about noon. (About 1 hour show) E-mail reservations are required info@yesterdaysevents.com.

Sept 21 -- 5th Annual Golf Tournament for the Foundation of Mental Health at Canebrake Golf Course (23015 Founders Circle in Athens). Registration starts at 11:30 a.m.; Lunch at noon; Golf at 1:00 p.m.

Fee: $150.00 per person; $600.00 per foursome team. Putting Contest: 1 Putt $5.00/3 Putts $10.00.

First hole-in-one on #3

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wins a car. Info: Suzanne Linneman VisitAthensAL.com Sept 21 -- Be Ready Day at the Limestone County Event Center (114 West Pryor Street in Athens) from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Learn about local responders’ roles in the community, giveaways, free lunch and free admission.

Sept 22 & 23 -- Doomsday at Dog Days (Dog Day Flea Market Grounds 30444 Gowan Road in Ardmore, TN) with tickets sales 7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. and attraction open 7:30 p.m. VisitAthensAL.com Sept 23 -- Athens PTO Cars & Truck Show (Athens High School 100 US31N in Athens, AL) from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Vehicles are $10.00 each.

Proceeds benefit the Athens High School PTO. Spectators free.

Sept 23 -- 2017 Jessica Elkins 5K in downtown Athens benefiting the Limestone Area Community Foundation Scholarship and Meningitis Awareness Fund. Walkers and runners invited. Registration: 7:00 a.m.; Race starts: 8:00 a.m. VisitAthensAL.com Sept 23 -- National Hunting and Fishing Day. Pledge to take someone hunting, fishing or target shooting. NHFDay. org Find resources like license, permits, shooting ranges, archery ranges & more at outdooralabama. com Sept 23 -- Who Greased the Greaser Mystery Dinner Show and the Warton Bed and Breakfast (300

Sept 23 -- 1st Annual Union Hall Instrument Drive Concert at Big Spring Memorial Park (100 North Beaty Street in Athens) starting at 6:00 p.m. Johnny Hayes and the Loveseats of Nashville, TN, and Lamon Landers Band of Huntsville, AL, will headline.

Proceeds benefit Athens-Limestone County School systems. Free and open to the public.

Sept 23 -- Door Hanger Painting Bonding Night with Mays Memorial Baptist Church (23636 AL-251 in Toney) from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Deadline Sep 3rd. Cost: $30.00. VisitAthensAL. com FB Page Sept 28 -- Chick-FilA Spirit Night for Natalee Emerson (1291 U.S. Highway 72 East in Athens) from 5:00 p.m.8:00p.m. Natalee Emerson is a 16-year-old student at Ardmore High School diagnosed with leukemia in July 2017, and is in treatment at St. Jude's Hospital. Place an order and mention Natalee to help the Emerson family.

Sept 29 & 30 and Oct 6 & 7th -- The Haunted Lester Hospital with tours from 7:00 p.m.11:00 p.m. Strange things happen in the old Lester Hospital -- blood curdling screams, sightings of the undead, and other unworldly apparitions -- and they're saving a bed for you. Admission: $10.00. VisitAthensAL. com Sept 30 -- Athens Grease Festival in downtown Athens, AL featuring fried food, music, and more.

VisitAthensAL. com

September 1 - September 14, 2017

Tourism (continued) Sept 30 -- Limestone County Junior Rodeo 19 & Under at the Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo Arena with gates opening at 7:00 a.m. For information, send text to 256318-3593

October 2017 Events Oct 3 and 5 – AthensLimestone County Tourism will have their first week of the popular ‘Haunts Walks.’ Reservations are being accepted for Tuesday or Thursday night walks. Tickets are $5 per person. Contact the Tourism Office at 256-232-5411 for reservations. VisitAthensAL.

com Oct 5 - 7 -- 51st Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention at Athens State University (300 North Beaty Street in Athens). Three days of music, crafts, and fun. Thursday, October 5 headliners are Mark Kuykendall, Bobby Hicks and Asheville Bluegrass. Friday, October 6 headliners Daily and Vincent. VisitAthensAL.com Now – Oct 31 - The North Pole Stroll: Tree sponsors are being accepted now!

North Pole Stroll is a display of live cut Christmas Trees located in the Big Spring Memorial Park

September 1 - September 14, 2017

(AKA ‘the Duck Pond’) in the Historic Beaty District. Lowes of Athens has made these 7’ trees available to Athens-Limestone County Tourism to be sponsored by businesses, organizations, churches, schools, individuals and families for $100 ea. Athens City Parks and Rec Department will have the trees standing and awaiting the decorators. This holiday event will offer great fun coming up with your own special theme, and bringing family and friends to visit the park.

Request your tree now; deadline is Oct 31, 2017!

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Clean and Green

We Love A Good Grease Festival – But NOT In Your Pipes!

by Lynne Hart Executive Coordinator - Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful

It won’t be long now before we’ll all be celebrating at the Athens Grease Festival!

On September 30, throngs of togaclad guests will take one day to honor everything fried. We’ll be looking for Twinkies, Oreas, Nutter Butters, pies, okra, fish, and anything else that can be battered and dropped into a vat of hot grease!

Come out to enjoy the food, fun, and music.

We can eat responsibly the other 364 days of the year.

As you can see, Annie has her toga and crown ready. If you aren’t familiar with Annie, she is my dog and has her own Facebook page – Annie’s Canine Litter Patrol. Annie invites other dogs to encourage their owners

to take two bags when they go for walks. One is for, well you know what it’s for. The second bag is for litter the canines sniff out along the way. Annie would love for you and your pooch to become part of her patrol. Just post a photo of you and your dog picking up litter on her Facebook page and you are IN! So what does the Grease Festival have to do with KALB? Well, we will be there to have a good time just like hundreds of others. We will also be there to share information on the FOG Recycling Program provided by the City of Athens Wastewater Department. We will also ensure that all vendors have a proper way to recycle their used grease.

If you are not familiar with

the FOG Recycling Program, here is an explanation. FOG stands for Fats, Oils, and Grease. FOG can originate from vegetable or animal sources, such as dairy products, vegetable oil, olive oil, or fats from cooking meats. Fats, oils and grease poured into the wastewater system (sewers) will cool and become a sticky layer on sewer pipes. The sticky mess then attracts and holds other food particles and debris that flows through the drains causing blockages or clogs. These clogs can then cause overflows.

Removing these blockages is very costly, both financially and to the health of the environment.

The Athens Wastewater Department spends tens of thousands of dollars removing these clogs, the cost of which is passed on

Annie, KALB's mascot will be entering the Grease Festival People and Pet Toga Contest with her owner, Lynne Hart

to the consumer, and we all know who that is! Although we celebrate grease at our annual festival, we don’t want all those little fatty party animals partying in our pipes!

How To Participate FOG Collection and Recycling containers are available free of charge to Athens and Limestone County residents. Just pick one up from the white FOG cages located at the following locations: • Athens-Limestone Recycling Center – 15896 Lucas Ferry Rd. • KALB Office – 125 East Street • Utility Building – 1806 Wilkinson St.

photo credit: Mason Matthews

• Various apartment complexes in Athens (check with apartment management)

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Once the container is full, return it to the bottom shelf of any of the collection cages. It is not required that you use a FOG container to collect your fats, oils, and grease.

It can be recycled in any container with a secure lid. The contents will be processed and used in a variety of products.

With the holiday season approaching, we want everyone to be aware of this program and ready for all the fats, oils, and grease created by roasting turkeys, hams, and other delicious holiday foods. Stop and visit with the KALB folks at the Grease Festival to learn more about this program.

Don’t forget your toga!

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

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September 1 - September 14, 2017

Cooking with Shelley

Crabby Salad

by Shelley Underhill

If you’re like me, you are always looking for something new to try. This dish will go well for parties this holiday season.

When I make it, I put it in glass jars and get it really cold.

Then I serve it on crackers or on top of a bed of lettuce.

I’ve said it before and I’m gonna say it again, real southern girls use Blue Plate Mayonnaise and Domino Sugar..... No substitutes! Let me know if you try it. You can email me at shelleysdesk@gmail.com

Crabby Salad What You Need:

4 - 8 oz. packs of imitation crab meat 8 - large eggs, boiled and peeled 6 - green onions, sliced very thin 4 - stalks of celery 1 - heaping cup of Blue Plate Mayo 2 – tbsp. sugar 3 – tbsp. Complete Seasoning Tony Chachere’s - to taste

Directions:

You will need a food processor for this dish - I chop my stuff really well. Chop all ingredients except green onions.

Mix sugar, Tony’s and Complete Seasoning into mayo and then mayo into crab mixture.

Enjoy.

September 1 - September 14, 2017

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Page 13

The Millennial Mind

The Conundrum of Calamity

by Rosemary Dewar overcoming an adversity no matter how small. It feeds the soul.

Distress can be an indicator of a situation having failed to operate in a beneficial manner, similar to the shocking sensation you experience when jamming your finger, or maybe that searing heat when one has been burned by steam.

On a societal level, this can look like an increase in crime or the break-up of the nuclear family.

Either a single factor or a combination of detrimental factors can cause suffering to both the individual and the immediate community.

A solution must be calculated and pursued. Is the goal to turn off the dashboard light, or is it to discover what caused it to come on in the first place? You wouldn’t stop driving a car simply because the oil-change notification appears. That’s equivalent to someone saying that when dealing with a mild case of constipation, that they would consider an elective colostomy as a cure.

There is no promise that pain in and of itself is going to bring forth anything good in someone’s life, although history is full of the stories of people who overcame tremendous adversity of all types, and they and society and were better for it. By contrast, what we have now is the misbelief that anxiety, depression, delusion, disassociation, and dysphoria are foregone conclusions that the sufferer is a creative genius.

This is far from helpful.

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Our culture is hell-bent on abandoning the vehicle that society needs to move forward in a proactive way. A society that tells you that you’re never wrong, ignorant, or miserable is incapable of cultivating a society that endures. In addition, teaching the young that they will “live forever,” and that their actions have no impact on either their physical or mental health is irresponsible.

Then there is Karl Marx, who stated that, “The only antidote to mental suffering is physical pain.” That philosophy is exceedingly

principles that work for everyone when applied.

The smallest percentage of society is yelling the loudest, and the result is that we believe they are growing in numbers daily when it’s simply not true.

The dissection of American culture is the result of falsehoods pushed by collectives who have little to complain about.

They’d rather see more pain than relief, so long as it benefits them. Truth will confound the most divisive narrative, and it is needed more now than ever. Truth diffuses a collective ideology.

Decency has a greater return than compulsion.

No matter how deeply

When something is undoubtedly wrong, the last thing you need is someone telling you, “There is nothing wrong with you.

You’re perfect just the way you are.” This false affirmation delays relief.

It becomes easier to understand why beloved artists abruptly commit suicide. To many, this act is presented as selfish, and it can be; however, sustained pain is torturous. Anyone with chronic physical pain can confirm that. Now, imagine if it is mental. It’s a prison with a view, but you’re “fine.”

The Judeo-Christian perspective asserts that when contentment and relief are overdue, the heart grows sick.There is truly nothing more depressing and dreary than an effort unrewarded or a stress unrelenting. But, a desire

fulfilled is a tree of life.

Nothing feeds into life like incentive. There is no sensation quite like winning a competition or

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heinous.

Yes, America’s heart is sick. It is not due to class inequality or race inequality, but from abandoning

you want something, it should never come at the cost of someone else, or it will eventually come at the cost of you.

September 1 - September 14, 2017

Cover Story

Athens Grease Festival... Where Quirky Fits You Like A Toga

by Holly Hollman continued from page 1

wearing a toga, attendees get the following benefits: • $1 off admission • A cool outfit • A way to express creativity by embellishing their outfit in various styles. Past examples include toga themes for hunters such as camo, a favorite football team with school colors and a favorite holiday such as Mardi Gras.

• Participation in a toga party on The Square.

• A wearable napkin in an emergency.

The quirky festival name is a play on words that is a celebration of all things fried and the Greek origin of the city’s name. Organizers encourage event goers not to take themselves too seriously, and for foodies to eat responsibly the other 364 days of the year.

“It’s a toga party on The Square with activities like the Frozen Turkey Toss, so this festival truly embraces having fun and supporting our downtown,” said Festival Chairwoman Holly Hollman.

Among the toga wearers this year will be the East Limestone Marching Band whose members will be adorned in togas as they perform for the opening ceremonies. AthenaGrease Goddess will attend in her royal toga and will observe activities from her gaudy throne. The closing ceremonies will include the Athens High School Marching Band and special lighting for the Limestone County Courthouse.

The downtown toga party would not be complete without food on the menu. Fried dishes vendors offered for sale at past festivals have included fried deviled eggs, fried Sun-Drop cupcakes and fried bologna sandwiches.

Vendors will compete for

best fried dishes, including most outrageous fried dish.

Eccentric activities are also on the menu. Toga wearing men and women will test their agility by tossing frozen turkeys to see how far they can heave the slippery fowl.

Those with stomachs like cast iron will compete in one of the fan favorites, the Dub’s Burger Eating Contest. Other activities include a Kids Zone with art projects and games, and a toga contest for both people and pets. mation about Athens Grease Festival, follow on Facebook or go to www.athensmainstreet.org.

Toga Tidbits What can you expect at an Athens Grease Festival? Here are some Toga Tidbits.

• Dress cool and wear comfortable shoes. A toga is perfect for a warm Alabama Saturday. You can wear shorts and a tank top underneath.

Athens Main Street Executive Director Melanie Newton will introduce two new activities this year, the Toga Run 5K and a street theater program. To register for the Toga Run 5K, go on Active.com. To participate in the street theater program, contact Newton at melanie@athensmainstreet.org or call her at 256-232-9040.

The musical portion of the menu will include on stage the Steel City Jug Slammers, Matt Prater, Athens High School Jazz Band and several other performers.

The festival co-chairs are Leah Beth McNutt, who works for the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation, and Lacy Beth McMunn, who works for Hospice of Limestone County. McMunn, raised in Athens, said she volunteers with

September 1 - September 14, 2017

various groups like Athens Main Street because Athens is a close knit, supportive and energizing city.

“I love my small city and the activities like Athens Grease Festival that bring our families and friends together,” McMunn said.

Dubbed “One of the Oddest Festivals in Alabama” and a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event, the Athens Grease Festival is a fundraiser for Athens Main Street. The organization uses proceeds to invest in downtown revitalization, such as helping fund electrical improvements for concerts and vendors.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 3-12 years old, and free for those 2 and younger. Wear a toga to get $1 off admission. For more infor-

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• Bring cash to shop with our food and craft vendors and downtown merchants.

• Keep your armband on if you plan to leave and return to the festival. You will not be allowed in with a broken armband.

• There will be some seating, but if you want to relax all day, bring a lawn chair.

• Dogs are allowed, especially those in togas, but owners must keep them on a leash and scoop the poop.

Please do not bring aggressive dogs to the festival.

There will be many children attending.

• Be creative with your toga and your pet’s toga and enter the People and Pet Toga Contests. Support your favorite team. Combine a camo toga with hunting boots. Wear a cowboy hat.

This is all about being creative and quirky.

• There will be marked handicap parking on the Jefferson Street side of the Courthouse. There also are public parking lots around The Square. For a map, go on the City of Athens website at http://www.athensal. us/DocumentCenter/Home/ View/117 • Celebrate Greek Week from Sept. 25-30 by having a toga party at your business, school, favorite hangout, etc. and share pictures with the hashtag #TogaTweets. For example, Limestone Health Facility is having a toga contest and party for residents that week.

Athens Grease Festival Entertainment List (in no particular order) •Steel City Jug Slammers •Jimmy Henderson Trio •Matt Prater •Tom McClung •Local Honey •Of Kith and Kin •Athens High Jazz Band •East Limestone Marching Band for opening ceremonies •Athens High School Marching Band for closing ceremonies

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Health and Fitness

Most Supplements are a Waste of Money

by Janet Hunt

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

People in this country spend more than $30 billion per year on dietary supplements. I believe, and studies show, that most dietary supplements are a waste of money.

• Calcium and vitamin D for those at risk for or who have osteoporosis

Dietary supplements do not replace healthy meals.

Most healthy adults can obtain all of the nutrients they need from food alone. I agree there are circumstances when a dietary supplement is recommended, but those have to do with treating a diagnosed nutrient deficiency by a physician such as:

• Vitamin K in a single prophylactic dose for newborn infants to prevent bleeding

• Iron supplements if diagnosed with iron deficiency • Prenatal vitamins with folic acid before and during pregnancy • Vitamin B12 for vegans and older adults with low B12 levels

• Fluoride for older infants living in areas where water supply isn’t fluoridated

• Omega-3 fatty acids for people at risk for heart disease who don’t consume fish Besides most dietary supplements being a waste of money, some are actually toxic in large doses. Some fat–soluble vitamins such as vitamin A can build up to toxic levels. Even water-soluble vitamins can cause problems such as diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems when taking too high a dose.

If you do take vitamin

or mineral supplements, stay below the Institute of Medicine’s Tolerable Upper Intake Levels.

These upper levels tell you the maximum daily intake and are based on available research.

Sometimes supplements can also harm someone with certain health conditions, or who take prescription medications for those conditions.

For example, someone taking a blood thinner could experience serious harm from high levels of vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting.

Sometimes the effectiveness of medications can be altered if taken with supplements. For example, oral contraceptives can be rendered inactive if taken with St. John’s wort. St. John’s wort can also interfere with other medications, including

antidepressants.

Pregnant and nursing women should be especially cautious with supplements, including herbal supplements unless prescribed by a

physician. Supplements can sometimes cross the placenta or be transmitted through breast milk.

Most supplements have not been tested on pregnant or breast feeding women.

Remember supplements are not drugs.

According to the FDA, supplements are “Not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent or cure diseases.” If you think you might need a supplement, talk to your physician.

If you still choose to take a supplement, do your homework. Supplement manufacturers do not have to disclose the amounts of ingredients, or sometimes even the exact ingredients in their products.

For additional information about supplements and whether you may need them, talk to your physician or a registered dietician.

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September 1 - September 14, 2017

Cover Story

Bam! Pow! Zap! Take That, Childhood Cancer!

by Holly Hollman continued from page 1

hosting a Comic Book Art Contest and Exhibit at High Cotton Arts. For example, one art student submitted a painting on cardboard that shows a bald boy looking in the mirror. Instead of a cancer patient, he sees a superhero.

“As a community, there are so many ways we can support families fighting this disease,” said Athens Arts League Board Member Holly Hollman. “In the arts community, we can provide a creative outlet and give children and adult artists an avenue to inspire us to act whether that is supporting cancer foundations, increasing awareness about prevention and treatment, or doing something as simple as collecting cola tabs to send to St. Jude’s.”

Kristie Williams with Eli’s Block Party Childhood Cancer Foundation approached Athens Arts League about hosting a Comic Book Art Contest and Exhibit for Childhood Cancer Month in September. The Foundation hosts an annual Superhero Day in Athens to uplift those impacted by the disease and

to raise funds to support the Foundation.

“Comic book art seemed like the ideal theme to coincide with Superhero Day,” said Athens Arts League Board

President Amy Golden.

Kristie Williams’ son, Eli, recently died from his battle with childhood cancer.

This week, Leah Seibert, an Elkmont teenager, died from her battle with childhood cancer.

“High Cotton Arts is humbled to have a part in honoring our community's youngest heroes like Leah Seibert and Eli Williams for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month,” Golden said. “The artwork students have submitted have evoked strong emotions in the organizers of the contest. I think the public will be impressed with how students have creatively captured the fight to stop cancer.”

The contest and exhibit were open to students and adults and drew submission from

September 1 - September 14, 2017

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as far as Yonkers, NY. The artwork will be on display starting Wednesday, Sept. 6, and through the month of September.

The winning submissions will be displayed at Superhero Day on Sept. 9 at Big Spring Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then will return to High Cotton Arts.

Steelcase joined Athens Arts League in sponsoring the contest.

In addition to the contest and exhibit, High Cotton Arts will host a Marvel-ous Fridays After Five event on Sept. 8 from 5-8 p.m. The event name is a play on words for Marvel Comics to highlight the Comic Book Art Exhibit.

There will be music and activities including a visit from one of the superheroes from Eli’s Block Party Childhood Cancer Foundation.

For more information about Eli’s Block Party and Superhero Day, go online at https://www.facebook.com/ elisblockparty.org/ For more information about Athens Arts League and its efforts to support art for the community, go online at https://www.facebook.com/ AthensArtsLeague/

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Learning As A Lifestyle

Fall Classes Begin

by Wanda Campbell Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 At the Center for Lifelong Learning, fall classes will begin on Tuesday, September 5.

Whether you are looking for something for career growth or you want something fun, at the Center we have something for everyone. Check out our website - www.athens. edu/cll - for a complete listing of classes or call

us at 256-233-8260.

YOGA Tuesday, Thursdays, and Fridays, September 5 - December 1, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. $5/ per session or buy a 5 session or 10 session punch card.

Have you always wanted to try Yoga? This is your chance to get started.

This Level

One Class connecting postures (asanas) with breath, flowing from one posture to the next. The class includes standing and floor postures while elevating the heart rate to a moderate level. This means you will be breathing moderately but still able to speak. Depending on how you feel about your progress, the instructor

will show ways to both increase and extend the pose or keep the pose at a beginner level. Bring your own mat and wear comfortable clothing.

CompTIA Security+ (Beginner to Intermediate Course) - Tuesdays, September 5 October 3, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. $1495/person (includes $375 voucher

tember 28, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $50/person

to take exam, ebook study guide and workbook). No class September 19.

CompTIA(c) Security+ Certification covers the essentials in understanding best practices in Network Security and Risk Management. This comprehensive course will prepare the participant to take the Security+ exam. Topics includes: Network security, compliance, threats, vulnerabilities, malware, penetration testing, application, data and host security, access control and identity management and cryptography.

Ballroom Dance: Waltz - Thursday, September 7 - Sep-

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Ballroom dance refers to many different types of partner dances. It is a good way to meet people, a fun way to exercise, and can be very competitive. The purpose of our dance classes is to build confidence. Most importantly, it is to have fun.

The first of our ballroom dances is the waltz. The waltz began as a country folk dance in Austria and Bavaria in the 1600s. It was the first dance where a man held a woman close to his body. This class will introduce patterns, steps, and sways for the dance. Bring your favorite person and join us for waltz.

EC-Council CEH Certified Ethical Hacker, Mondays - September 11 - November 13, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., $2895 (includes $599 voucher to take the exam, ebook study guide, and workbook).

No class September 18, October 2, October 16, October 30.

Advanced course requires two years’ work experience in information security. This advanced training course for the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker exam will provide professionals the knowledge and skills that hackers use to target systems so that professionals can work legally and ethically to improve security systems. Participants will be prepared to take the EC-Council CEH exam. Topics includes: Malware operations, mobile technologies, risk assessment, firewalls, cryptography, threat modeling, vulnerabilities, testing, and professional standards.

These are just a few of the courses listed for this fall. Watch for Music Mat for babies and toddlers, 3-5 year olds and ACT Strategies and Prep for teens. And don’t forget the trip to Gaylord’s Opryland Resort December 1.

Check out the website - www.athens.edu/cll or give us a call at 256233-8260.

September 1 - September 14, 2017

Jerry’s Journal

Long Road To Taos: Part III

by Jerry Barksdale

www.jerrybarksdale.com The morning broke cool and clear in the high desert country of Taos, New Mexico. The day held promise.

“Dad, let’s take a trip to Valle Vidal,” said my daughter Shannon. My good friend (and sometimes red-head) Pat and grandson, Joshua were all in. I was eager to return there.

Valle Vidal (Spanish for "valley of life") is 102,000 acres of pristine wilderness 69 miles north of Taos and inhabited with elk, bear, bison, and bisected by a wild river teaming with cutthroat trout. If God ever vacations, He surely goes there. It’s where I had planned to live in a tepee part time following retirement. I had purchased “Little Red” my devoted Toyota pick-up specifically for that purpose. Shannon helped me select a tepee and I planned to acquire a dog for company and to keep me warm on cold nights.

Then I met Pat. She’s a “Tanner-tested” lady (similar to Good Housekeeping seal) who can cook like a gourmet chef, paint a house, mow grass, and operate a Farm-all tractor.

What else does a lazy man need? For several years she has waged an unrelenting battle against ugliness in Athens at her modest beauty shop, The Total Look. If a customer is short of money, Pat will give them a “half look.”

She doesn’t cuss much,

smoke, drink or use drugs (except Sundrop); is slow to anger; and never throws cups and plates. A fine lady who looks and smells a sight better than a dog. I forgot about the tepee and dog.

I’m glad I did.

We drove down a narrow, winding gravel road and across Valle Vidal.

In four hours we met fewer than six vehicles.

Turquoise sky, blooming mountain flowers and rushing streams took our breath. Such peace and tranquility.

Then a loud scream!

“EEooow!”

Joshua slammed the car door on his hand. Tranquility ended. "There goes his good job at Anasazi Hotel," I thought.

We emerged back in civilization at tiny Cimarron, a speck of a town on the old Santa Fe Trail. We stopped at the St. James Hotel. Back in the day it was frequented by Jessie James, Bat Masterson and Clay Allison, just to name a few.

Numerous bullet holes dot the tin ceiling. Twenty-six killings occurred there. Clay Allison, from Waynesboro, Tennessee, killed several men in the bar. He was discharged from the Confederate Army for psychological problems – “part manical” – but later served in the 9th Tennessee Cavalry and rode with Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest.

Allison always said he never killed a man that didn’t need killing. How many of us can boast of such sterling civic ac-

September 1 - September 14, 2017

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That evening Pat made pasta, garlic bread and salad, which we washed down with a good red wine. Afterwards, we sat outside where an ancient acequia the Spaniards constructed to irrigate the valley, gurgled past us. We talked as a night breeze rattled leaves on ancient cottonwoods.

There was so much love

among our little tribe.

Since the death of Carol, my children have grown very close to Pat. And it’s good.

Later, we built a fire in the kiva fireplace and temporarily adjourned to the hot tub on the patio. Our fun was interrupted by a woman who appeared out in the night decrying that her husband was allergic to smoke and was choking to death. Not wanting to be responsible for his death, we put out the fire.

Joshua woke at 2 a.m. whimpering with pain in his hand. I gave him two Advils and worried that he wouldn’t be able to return to work that afternoon at the Anasazi Ho-

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tel in Santa Fe. He had worked one day before asking for four days off.

Not good.

After Joshua returned to Santa Fe, Shannon, Pat and I drove 20 miles north of Taos to San Cristobal, location of the 160-acre D.H. Lawrence Ranch (elev. 8600). Lawrence, a famous English writer, who wrote Lady Chatterley’s Lover, and

his wife Frieda came to New Mexico in 1922.

They lived in a small, rustic cabin on the ranch where Lawrence wrote.

Lady Dorothy Brett, a Lawrence admirer of English nobility, came to the ranch in 1924. The cabin grew too small for the two women and Frieda banned Lady Brett to a tiny closet-size cabin in the back yard. Cat fight?

Lawrence died in Venice, France, 1930; and his ashes eventually ended up at the ranch.

One evening we had dinner at the Kyote Club where Shannon and her band performed. Shannon introduced me to Roe, a beautiful woman with long black hair,

who is a sixth-grade school teacher. Her father fought with the Philippine Guard when the Japanese overran Manilla during WWII. He, along with others were lined up by an open trench and gunned down.

He survived, escaped to the jungle, and fought with the guerilla against the Japanese until Gen. McArthur returned. Roe moved to Taos after her son was killed in a car accident “to find peace,” she told me.

On another evening we went to the Alley Cantina to hear Shannon sing. They play rock’n roll, blues and funk.

Shannon is lead vocalist and Dave Kinney plays guitar and harmonica. Rick, keyboard player, is a Taos lawyer who moved there from Beverly Hills. Brendan Devlin, a lederhosenclad waiter at the Bavarian restaurant during the day, plays lead guitar and sings. He slings his long black hair like he has water in his ears.

It drives women crazy.

Long hair is stupid. I’m bald and don’t have to go around slinging my head. “Ohhh, he’s so cute,” Pat cooed. “I’m going to take him home.”

The little punk.

We headed back to Alabama. I yearned for humidity, ripe tomatoes, and fried okra from our garden on Elk River. I watched as the mountains faded in my rearview mirror and knew I would return to Taos. I always do.

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Pet Points

5 Tips For Introducing Unique Pets To Your Dog courtesy Brandpoint content (BPT) - You're an animal lover, and you've dreamed about your dog running through a field alongside a horse or watching your pup play with a pet goat. But how will your companions respond when they meet their new unique sibling?

friends with a goat or pig rather than a rabbit.

To make sure your pets start their relationship out right, the experts at Tractor Supply Company, a nationwide rural lifestyle retailer celebrating Pet Appreciation Week Sept.

13-17, have five tips to make the introduction as seamless as possible.

Your dog isn't the only

Also consider interactions your pet has had with other dogs to indicate how a future meeting with an unfamiliar animal might go.

2. Let the new pet get comfortable

sniff, place your new animal inside a fenced enclosure that allows both your dog and the new friend enough space to observe each other.

such as relaxed ears and a lowered head.

Be patient. Dogs are not trained overnight.

5. Leashed meeting

Once your dog has taken in all of the initial sights and smells, it still may take several weeks for comfort to set in. Take it

Next, using a leash, bring your dog to meet the new pet. Let them check each other out and interact in a safe way. Repeat this pro-

slow, be persistent, and remember that peaceful coexistence starts with familiarity.

cess for as long as it takes for your dog to relax.

Continue this ritual until your dog and your new pet start to behave like old friends.

During Pet Appreciation Week, Sept. 13-17, Tractor Supply stores across the country will celebrate pets and animals as well as collect supplies for lo-

Taking the appropriate steps to properly introduce your dog to another animal - such as a horse, pig, goat or rabbit - will drastically improve the chances of the two becoming friends.

1. Consider your pet's personality Dogs are instinctively pack animals and tend to get along well with others, especially ones that roam in a pack or herd such as horses, goats and sheep.

But teaching your dog to live with respect for members of another species will depend on several factors, including its age, breed and temperament.

While breed doesn't always predict an animal's personality, it can be insightful in determining likely traits. For instance, labs, retrievers and terriers are natural hunters and might be better

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animal dealing with a change. Remember your new flock, pet goat or rabbit may need a few days to get used to their surroundings.

Giving animals some time to learn their environment can alleviate some initial skittish behavior.

3. Set up a controlled introduction Whether introducing a small rabbit or big horse, start with a meeting where you have the control. Prior to orchestrating the first

4. Reward calm behavior Chances are your dog will be suspicious of something new in its backyard domain. If your dog starts wiggling with excitement or whining, that's normal!

Reinforce positive interactions by offering comfort and rewarding submissive body language,

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This portion of the interaction will require close observation of your dog's behavior. Any type of tension or aggression needs to result in a firm "no," while good behavior should be verbally praised.

In the event that your dog shows signs of fear or aggression, increase your distance until you've reestablished a calm demeanor and then try again.

cal animal shelters and rescues. As part of the main event on Saturday, Sept. 16, many Tractor Supply stores will also feature animal adoptions by community partners, demonstrations on pet nutrition and discounts on pet and animal products.

For expert advice on raising pets and other animals, visit TractorSupply. com/KnowHow. Photo credit: @in_stride_ride

September 1 - September 14, 2017

Mental Health Minute

The “H” Words

by Lisa Philippart, Licensed Professional Counselor Did you reach out to someone after reading my article two weeks ago? I really HOPE so. Today, my article will be HOPEFUL and HOPEFULLY HELPFUL if you have ever wondered about try-

“Fine.” And we both move on. But if the answer is not fine, then maybe that person needs you. Maybe that person was waiting for someone to ask, so they could connect, even if just for a few minutes.

will take you up on it, so be prepared when you might actually have to do something! There is a fine line here because you are asking as someone who cares, not as a professional. So, if you sense that this per-

Secondly, did you know that there is a Helpline through Crisis Services of North Alabama? This is a wonderful resource for all types of crises. Their number is 256-715-1000.

And lastly, you might recommend that the person seek out someone in the church family. Some people are more comfortable seeking help through their faith base.

given up on ever being able to be happy again.

Hope is a powerful word because it provides people with the belief and faith that their lives can get better. You can have an impact on someone in need. If you get a chance, check out the movie, “The Five People You Meet in Heaven.” You might never know how your life has affected another, but it is still worth the effort. May you be that giver of hope.

Until next time…..Lisa

HEAR HELP HOPE And the last H is Hope.

As a friend or fellow human being, you can be

ing to HELP those possibly considering suicide.

(OK, I’ll stop with the “H’s!”) I could regale you with statistics and information about suicide and its epidemic proportions in our country, but what I would rather do is give

you some application for what you can do personally…one on one. Even though I know it can be scary and uncomfortable, you may be the one who makes a difference for that person in need.

You can learn to read body language and verbal cues.

Even if you have never done this before, take just two minutes to ask, “What’s going on?” That person may only need your presence to reaffirm that they do matter.

The second H is Help.

How can you help? Just ask. “Is there anything I can do?” You will be surprised that some people

son may need more than you are able to provide, you can suggest a couple of options. One is for that person to seek counseling.

encouraging and supportive providing that feeling of hopefulness and optimism. Simply saying, “I believe things will get better,” or “I’m here for you,” or even “I care about you” will go a long way. Many of the clients I see have become stuck in a life that is no longer working for them. They can’t figure out how to get unstuck and have sometimes even

“Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.” Martin Luther 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.

The first H is Here and Hear. The most important thing you can do for someone who is hurting or depressed is to be present.

You are both with them and listening. Most of us just ask, “How are you?”

Expecting the answer to be

September 1 - September 14, 2017

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Medical Update

Are You Taking Too Much Melatonin?

by Dr. Shanna Ndong Insomnia, or difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, is a common complaint and approximately 1 in 3 American adults experience it over the course of a year. Sleeping less than seven hours per day is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and mental disorders. The southeastern United States reports the least amount of sleep of any region and not surprisingly, it also has the highest prevalence of obesity and associated medical conditions.

Many people turn to sleep aids, both over-the-counter and prescription, to help with their sleeping issues. A 2015 Consumer Reports survey found that one-third of U.S. adults had tried a sleep drug in the past year. Prescription sedatives are the most popular treatment for insomnia in the U.S. Although they are meant for temporary use in most people, they are often taken indefinitely. Long-term use of sedatives such as Ambien, Lunesta, and Restoril have been shown to decrease the ability to think clearly, worsen memory, and increase risk of falls.

There is also a signifi-

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cant risk of developing drug dependence and a high abuse potential.

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain in response to darkness.

It helps to regulate the body’s sleep and wake cycle (i.e. circadian rhythm). Melatonin levels decrease with age and may contribute to the increase in sleep issues in elderly popula-

tions. Studies suggest that melatonin supplements may help people with disrupted circadian rhythms (such as people with jet lag or those who work the night shift), and those with low melatonin levels (such as the elderly) to sleep better.

Melatonin has been touted as a natural sleep aid and in the U.S., unlike many other Western countries, it’s production and sale is completely unregulated. As a result,

over-the-counter doses of melatonin range from 0.3 mg to as high as 20 mg. The dose that most closely resembles what the human body makes is 0.3 mg (300 micrograms). When melatonin receptors in the brain are exposed to too much of the hormone, they become unresponsive. This happens with high initial doses of hormone and

may happen after several weeks of melatonin usage leading to loss of effect. As a result, melatonin should be used for short periods of time (a few weeks). A 2001 MIT study comparing treatment of insomnia in patients over age 50 with 0.3 mg, 1 mg, and 3 mg doses found that while all three doses improved sleep, the 1 mg and 3 mg doses were associated with side effects including low body tem-

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perature and the levels of melatonin in the blood remained elevated into the daylight hours.

An important first step for anyone with insomnia is improving ‘sleep hygiene’ which means that bedtime and awakening should be consistent everyday, including weekends. Quit smoking and avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening. Avoid

taking naps and decrease the amount of time spent lying in bed. This will increase the likelihood that sleep will be achieved at the appropriate time.

Do not watch TV, read, write, eat, or lie awake for an extended period in bed. Keep the sleeping environment quiet and dark; there should be no TV, radio, or lights on while sleeping. Develop a relaxing routine before getting ready to sleep such as taking a warm shower, reading (in an-

other room), or meditating.

The most effective treatment for insomnia after sleep hygiene is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves talking to a therapist to learn a new set of behaviors regarding sleep.

CBT is as effective as sleeping pills and has been shown to help up to 80 percent of chronic insomnia sufferers.

The positive effects of CBT can be long lasting. CBT is offered through licensed counselors and other mental health professionals.

Here are some important tips to remember prior to beginning melatonin: 1) Due to the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, talk to a health care provider first. 2) If melatonin is used for insomnia, generally the dose should be within the 0.3 mg to 1 mg range. 3) The dose should be taken 90 minutes before bedtime, if possible. Melatonin can cause drowsiness if taken during the day.

4) If drowsiness occurs the morning after taking melatonin, try taking a lower dose. 5) Pregnant or nursing women should not take melatonin because it can interfere with fertility and pregnancy. 6) Melatonin use should be avoided in children.

September 1 - September 14, 2017

Foreman’s Forum

Gun Control And The NRA

by Paul Foreman Gun control used to mean “two hands on the grips.”

Today, gun control means more laws restricting lawabiding U.S. citizens from obtaining and owning guns for self-protection, or for the sport of target shooting or hunting. The 2nd amendment of the U.S. Constitution clearly and in no uncertain terms states: “the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” So far, here in Alabama our 2nd Amendment rights are still intact.

The Second Amendment protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms and was adopted on December 15, 1791, as part of the first ten amendments contained in the Bill of Rights. The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that the right belongs to individuals, while also ruling that the right is not unlimited and does not prohibit all regulation of either firearms or similar devices.

State and local governments are limited to the same extent as the federal government from infringing on this right per the incorporation of the Bill of Rights. *Taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Actually, these rights (of the people) were not given by the government, but these rights were endowed by our “Creator.”

The amendments were written to emphasize our God-given rights, not simply allow them, as

if the government could even do such thing.

Today, attacks on the 2nd Amendment are growing as the left tries to disarm law abiding U.S. citizens. The far left anti-gun crowd seems to think in their feeble, unreasoning minds, that making more laws will prevent crime from taking place!

We have plenty of laws!

We have laws against

stealing. Therefore, there should be NO stolen guns out there in criminals’ hands for them to use in robberies. We already have laws against murder, so that should automatically mean we will never have any murders, right?

We have laws against convicted criminals buying or owning guns. Criminals can’t possibly be committing crimes with guns. After all, it’s already against the law for them to be in possession of a gun to

September 1 - September 14, 2017

commit a crime, right?

How on earth can any reasonably thinking person think that making laws that prevent a law-abiding citizen from buying two guns on the same day, one for himself, one for his wife, prevent a crime from taking place? How can a law, recently passed in California, outlawing a law-abiding citizen from owning a “black assault

rifle” prevent a crime, when he can buy the same rifle with a brown wood stock and it is perfectly legal?

Yet, in spite of what most of us would consider “common sense,” these ridiculous laws keep right on being proposed and passed, especially on the left coast.

I am a proud “Life Member” of the National Rifle Association. Some of these far left, anti-gun

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hate groups have gone so far as to label me and the NRA as a terrorist threat to the security of the United States! That’s right. The organization that teaches gun safety training. The same NRA that fought for the rights of freed slaves to be allowed to own guns. The group that certifies instructors, such as myself, on how to train others on

TIONAL SECURITY. If the USA was ever invaded by a foreign enemy, I could easily imagine millions of law-abiding NRA members crouched down behind rock walls and dug-out trenches fighting for the preservation of our Republic, while the snowflake left-wing pansies cry like babies and wave white flags of surrender.

the safe and proper use of firearms for self-defense and shooting sports, such as hunting. The NRA is the number one source for certifying instructors for training Law Enforcement Officers and Military.

Paul Foreman is a retired Deputy Sheriff from Lee County Florida, now living in Athens. Paul is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor. For questions about self-defense, or firearms training, Paul can be reached at his web site www.Paulforeman.com, or e- mail at Captureman@ PaulForeman.com To join the NRA and protect your 2nd Amendment Rights, go to Paul’s web site and click on the NRA Eagle and get $10 off a year’s membership.

It sickens me when our elected officials call for the eradication of the NRA because these elected officials choose to lie and call the NRA a ‘HATE GROUP” and a THREAT to our NA-

Why do the left-wing snowflakes want our guns confiscated?

As one far-left-loony elected official recently stated, “I need armed guards because, after all, I am an elected official.” Do they really think confiscating guns or restricting the amount and kind of ammo we can use will reduce crime? If the far left was even close to being serious about reducing crime, they would call for vigorous enforcement of the laws already on the books. Or, is there a far more nefarious purpose that may not be so crazy after all?

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