September 5, 2014

September 5 - 18, 2014

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The Way We Worked Athens: The Traveling Smithsonian Comes To Town

See Our Listings Inside this edition...

Pages 25 - 32

Special Feature Top Job Roofing And Construction: “Your Job Is Our Top Priority”...

Steve Ridinger and Zeb Lewter, owners of Top Job Roofing and Construction are the type of guys you want to take care of your...

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By Ali Elizabeth Turner

One of the definitions of the term “a feather in your cap” is “any laudable success Continued on pages 15

Tourism

Fall Belongs To Festivals...

Our fall events start off with a BANG. On September 5th the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce has their Inaugural...

Page 10

Dog Barker Rescue Me!!!...

I have that old song “Come on Baby Rescue Me” playing through my mind right now...

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September 5 - September 18, 2014

The Drop Inn At The Drop Farm: Charming, Cozy, And Comfortable

By Ali Elizabeth Turner When I walked through the farmhouse kitchen door at the Drop Inn, I could not help but exclaim, “Oh, it’s perfect!” And, even though Continued on page 17

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September 5 - September 18, 2014

Publisher’s Point

Why Should We Stop For September 11th?

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 Joel Allen Jim Doyle Jerry Barksdale Dr. J. Patrick Boyett

On Thursday, September 11th, as there has been for the past seven years, citizens of Athens/Limestone County are being given an opportunity to gather on the steps of the East side of the Limestone County Courthouse at noon and pause to remember what happened on that day. They will also have the chance to bind together and seek the One who “has the whole world in His hands.” The question, however that emits from the sleepy and or the cynical is, “Why should we bother?”

I will answer that question a number of ways, but let me begin by talking about my dad, Lt. Roy White, Jr., USN Air Corps, WWII, Pacific Theatre. During the war, my father flew PBYs and P-51 Mustangs, among other aircraft. He was not what you would describe as a very emotional man, at least not outwardly. He, like so many

of the Greatest Generation, pretty much sealed off that era of his life, and went on to work hard and embody the American Dream.

My mother tells me, however, that the effect of the long ago war upon my dad was seen most clearly when, toward the end of his life, they took a trip to Hawaii. They went to the Pearl Harbor Memorial, and my dad, who by that time was terminally ill, wept openly.

He had not been at Pearl when it was attacked, as he was in college, but it was Pearl Harbor that drove him to join the Navy and become an officer, something I never thanked him for, but will do so when I see him again.

We bother to gather for the same reason my parents went to Pearl--to give somber respect and remembrance to the fact that evil temporarily triumphed, and what it cost then and costs now to triumph

over it. At the end of the day, it needs to be acknowledged that what overtook Japan, the Axis Powers, and those who flew the planes into the Twin Towers were not just the ravings of mad men. It was the timeless manifestation of a defeated, spiritual evil that will keep trying until the last Judgment.

It needs to be remembered that the Grand Mufti of Baghdad was the one who advised Adolph Hitler as to how to successfully bring about the Final Solution, and those two strange bedfellows united by their mutual hatred of the Jewish people nearly succeeded in their quest.

It needs to be remembered that the reason Thomas Jefferson had a copy of the Koran was because he, as the 3rd President of nascent United States of America, was battling jihad far away on the Barbary Coast, and he wanted

Publisher’s Point . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 All Things Soldier . . . . . . . . 4 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 6 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . 7 What Makes Ronnie Roll . . . 8 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

to familiarize himself, if he could, with the mindset of our attackers. Have you ever wondered why the Marine Hymn includes ”…to the shores of Tripoli?” That’s why. We were being attacked at sea by jihadists who were demanding that our ships pay high tributes to the Axis of Evil of its day, located on the Barbary coasts of North Africa. Jihadists believe that non-Muslims, in order to be granted the right to live, must be paid what is known as the “dhimmi,” or mandatory tribute. If you don’t pay, and if you don’t convert, you die.

That is what the Holy Koran requires, and Jefferson knew it. He didn’t pay it, we didn’t pay it, and we are still not going to pay it, if we keep our spiritual resolve as well as our spine.

We might have to, though, pay with our blood again to successfully resist it, and if we have a snowball’s chance in a very hot place of surviving as a culture, our only hope is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. His name is Yahweh, He sent His triumphant Son to quench evil, and we invite the sleepy, the cynical, and anyone else who is interested in being free to take some time to gather, to remember, and to pray. Oh, and by the way, if you show, the Thin Blue Line will be wrapped around you to keep you safe while you do so.

Clean and Green . . . . . . . . 12 Cooking with Shelley . . . . . . 13 Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now Information & Inspiration 256-468-9425 ali@athensnowal.com Website: www.athensnowal.com

Learning As A Lifestyle . . . . . . 14 Cover Stories . . . . . . . . . 15 & 17 Health and Fitness . . . . . . 18 Dog Barker . . . . . . . . . . 20 Medical Update . . . . . . . . 22 Security Savvy . . . . . . . . . 23 Jerry’s Journal . . . . . . . . . 24

September 5 - September 18, 2014

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All Things Soldier

ISIS Is Just The Tip Of The Iceberg

by Ali Elizabeth Turner Athens Now has a subtitle to its moniker: Information and Inspiration, and as I write this, the best I can come up with is a mixture of hope and grim resolve. If I hadn’t read “the back of the book,” and knew for sure that God triumphs, I’d be tempted to sound like an Epicurean and say, “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”

But, as Mo Brooks so eloquently said recently at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast here in Athens, “We have faced worse, we have faced a war on three fronts, Europe, Africa, and Asia.” We have, and it gave us the Greatest Generation. They were guys who did not get to come home for very long periods of time, and a mobile Pizza Hut or Cinnabon hut was not within walking distance on their FOB at Midway or on Normandy.

As of this writing, here is what our soldiers are facing, whether they are

here or abroad. We have Nidal Hassan, the convicted Ft. Hood jihadist-murderer who wants his citizenship to be de-

clared as that of ISIS. We have ISIS, who is butchering and beheading, but whom our Commanderin-Chief described as a “Jay-vee team.” We have ELEVEN missing commercial aircraft from Libya, and it is not at all

alarmist to point out the fact that September 11th is next week. We have the death of Major General Harold Greene, the

highest ranking General killed since Vietnam, and whose funeral apparently was not important enough to attend by some of the highest “powers that be.” That kind of thing does great damage to the morale of our troops, as

Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 511)

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September 16th

11am - 1pm and 5pm-7pm

17915 W Elm St • Athens, Alabama • 256-232-0029 Page 4

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does Benghazi and the Bergdahl trade-for-terrorists.

We have over 6,000 foreign nationals who have

been “lost” by Homeland Security, whose student visas have expired. Can you say sleeper cell?

And, we have a southern border that is being successfully invaded by unarmed ten year olds.

We have the VA system, which on the one hand has been a boon to many, and recently has fallen down on the job to the point that its malpractice has resulted in the deaths of more than a handful.

Let’s talk about Israel. Our allies are being pounded, and excoriated for defending themselves.

Our official response to their dilemma has been appalling, and thankfully they understand that there is a strong showing of citizen support for their plight, even when the governmental one is

less than paltry. I have an acquaintance, who I hope to see when I go to Israel in November, who is the former mayor of the ancient city of Shiloh.

He has assured me that the people of Israel fully understand that the current administration does not in any way reflect the commitment of the American people to the nation that is their strongest ally.

What does all this mean to our soldiers, and what can we do?

We can do what Paul says, when he declares that each one of us has a responsibility to “lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.” When I say this, I am not for one moment dissing our troops. They are not “feeble,” they are the best in the world and its history, they are just tired of leadership that puts tee time before making their tours of duty a success.

What can we do? We can “lead from behind.” We can stay on top of things so if they get sent back into harm’s way, (which is more than likely, and soon,) we know what is going on with them. We can adopt them, write them, send them care packages, pray for them, email them, Skype them, look after their families, and “watch their six.”

What they don’t need is our fear and hand wringing. What they do need is for us to dig as deep as they do, lock arms with them, and not rest. Their lives, and ours, depend on it.

September 5 - September 18, 2014

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September 5 - September 18, 2014

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Page 5

Calendar of Events 2-Man Scramble Golf Tournament Sept 6th

and Children’s of Alabama. For more information, visit www. ourlittlesuperheroes.com or email vicandkristie@gmail.com

Friends to Elect Eric Smith Sheriff sponsor a 2-Man Scramble Golf Tournament, at Southern Gayles Golf Course. Tee Time is 10:00 am.

Cost is $65.00 per person. Registration form can be got at the golf course or can contact Donnie Smith 256-497-7002 or Eric Smith 256-777-1998.

United Way’s Week of Caring Sept 8th - 12th

United Way’s Week of Caring United Way of Athens-Limestone invities individuals and groups to join them in the spirit of volunteerism to demonstrate what people working together for the community’s good can accomplish. A variety of skills and skilllevels are welcome. To participate, call: 256-233-2323.

Summer Lunch Cruise Sept 11th

Pickwick Belle Dock Ingalls Harborn, 802B Wilson Street NW, Decatur, AL Departing from the dock at 11:30AM, return 1:30PM. Come and enjoy a summer day on the Tennessee River aboard an authentic paddle wheel river boat with live entertainment featuring Danny Churchwell. Menu: To be announced Cost: Adults 12-55 years - $29.99 + tax & gratuity per person; Children 3-11 - $21.99 + tax & gratuity per child. Reservations Required. Pickwick Belle reserves the right to cancel a cruise if minimum number of passengers is not met - please call for reservations. Reservations can be made by calling 1-877-936-2355.

Crystal Cup Golf Tournament Sept 11th

Canebrake Golf Course 23015 Founders Circle, Athens, AL Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation invites you to join them for their annual fundraiser, Crystal Cup Golf Tournament. Tee Times are 8:00AM and 1:00PM. Lunch 11:30AM-1:00PM. Dinner at 6:00PM. $150.00 per player or $600.00 per Team. Mulligan and Power Drive are $20.00 per player. To sign up or for more information: 256-233-9136

Superhero Fun Day Sept 13th

Big Springs Memorial Park 106 North Beaty Street, Athens, AL Calling all superheroes! Join Childhood Cancer Superheroes of Alabama for this fun day in the park from 9:00AM-2:00PM dressed up as your favorite hero, make one up and introduce to the world, wear a superhero t-shirt and honor your favorite superhero. Test your speed in the one-mile fun run, let your Superkids bounce and bound in the bouncy house, balloon animals, crafts and activities to put your brain powers to task and meet some Superheroes for autographs and pictures. Shaved ice, barbecue, lemonade will keep the dastardly hungries at the Concessions Headquarters. Proceeds benefit Children’s Oncology Group that feeds trials at St. Judes Page 6

CBI Annual Fall Swap Meet Sept 13th

CBI Performance Warehouse 13750 Mooresville Road, Athens, AL Car enthusiast will enjoy this highly anticipated event and the opportunity to shop the vendors for those need automotive items for their latest projects, hot rods, collectors or everyday car. Automotive Vendors spaces available (10’x10’) for $25.00.

General admissiion is $5.00 for this 7:00AM-3:00PM event.

Concessions available. For more information customerservice@ cbiperformance.com or 256-233-8602.

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 resume 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.

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.

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September 5 - September 18, 2014

Special Feature

Top Job Roofing And Construction: “Your Job Is Our Top Priority”

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

Steve Ridinger and Zeb Lewter, owners of Top Job Roofing and Construction are the type of guys you want to take care of your construction or roofing project. Why? They are highly trained in their profession, they have been through the School of Hard Knocks, and their roots run deep in Limestone County. In our most recent round of damaging twisters, Top Job was putting tarps on peoples’ houses whether or not the homeowner signed a contract with them to have their roof or property repaired.

Why? “We love Athens and Limestone County,” they said when I chatted with them earlier this week, “and that’s just what you do.”

Steve has known Zeb all his life, and they are like kin.

Both of them have interesting “back stories,” and I’ll start with Steve’s. He is a third generation contractor, born and raised in Limestone County.

He worked for the Limestone County Sheriff’s Department from 1984 until 1990, when he suffered a career-crushing job related accident. After 50 surgeries, by 1992 it was clear he was going to have to leave the field of law enforcement.

He worked for the Athens City Schools for several years, both at the Eagle Academy, and in Special Education. He also worked in sales in the construction industry. He clearly is a guy with a heart to protect, and he knows that sometimes construction companies are

far more interested in making a buck than they are the welfare of their clients. He and Zeb have put several things in place in order to protect their customers, which I’ll explain in a minute.

Zeb Lewter was also born and raised in Limestone County, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Athens State in Business Administration, with minors in project management and accounting. For several years he was a manager at Lowe’s, both in Athens as well as Madison. Then the time came, as it

Zeb Lewter and Steve Ridinger, owners of Top Job Roofing and Construction, Inc.

does for so many of our Athens Now customers, when the two of them knew that it was time to launch Top Job Roofing and Construction, Inc. I asked them, as I always do, “I have choices, why should I come to you?” I found out that there are several things that Top Job has and does that others don’t.

September 5 - September 18, 2014

“Basically, you get what you pay for,” they told me, “and one of the most important things we offer, besides being licensed, are warranties. Our roofers are covered by Workmen’s Comp.” What you as a consumer may not know is, (especially after a storm), bargain-rate roofing companies come out of the woodwork, offering “unbelievable prices.” If they get hurt on your property and do not have insurance coverage, you as the homeowner are liable.

Top Job also offers 10-year

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warranties for their work. This is important because the State of Alabama only requires a company to provide a one-year warranty. They also offer GAF warranties. They provide itemized statements as part of the contract process prior to beginning the job. The contractors are certified, and the materials used for each job come from ABC Roofing in Huntsville, the largest supplier of roofing supplies in the country.

I learned some things about roofing during our time, one thing being that architectural roofing materials have to be nailed in six specific locations per shingle or they can slide off the roof. All felt must be removed in order for the job to be done right, and not everyone does that. Top Job also puts professional “starter strip” at the edge of the roof, rather than do what many companies do, and that is flip around a shingle tab to make a strip. The problem is, there is no seal on the makeshift strip, and it can peel up far more easily. The professional starter strip greatly increases a shingles ability to withstand high winds.

Top Job is GAF certified, and less than 6% of all roofing contractors in America have that distinction. “You have to be invited by GAF to be a part of their organization,” Steve told me, and added, “It’s not something you can buy.” They are also certified Green Roofers.

Top Job Roofing and Construction, Inc. are members of the Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, and their business carries the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. In addition, they have just received their accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.

Top Job offers monthly specials, and special discounts for members of our Armed Forces, Educators, and Emergency Response Personnel (active, retired and their surviving spouses). They also offer incentives for referrals. If you are looking for a local roofing and contracting company with membership in the best national trade related certifying organizations, Top Job Roofing and Construction is going to be your best choice. Come join Zeb and Steve as they celebrate the Grand Opening at their new Athens location on Saturday, September 13th, 10 am-2pm. There will be refreshments and door prizes.

Top Job Roofing and Construction 803 South Jefferson St Athens, AL, 35611 256-232-5559 www.topjobroofing.com They are also on Facebook and Twitter

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What Makes Ronnie Roll

Superheroes In The Seamless City

by Ali Elizabeth Turner

John F. Kennedy said in January of 1961 at his inaugural address, “All of this will not be finished in the first one hundred days, nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.” What, exactly, is it that we are to begin? I think it’s safe to say that Mayor Ronnie’s goal is to make Athens the best city in Alabama, and maybe the whole country.

Is that lofty? Of course, but would you want your city leadership to be one that was willing to just coast? Rick Baker, author of The Seamless City, made the determination of which I spoke

above; that is, to be the best city possible. Mayor Baker does not pull any punches when it comes to the tough decisions that have to be made in order to be a “lean, mean, super-city machine.” In his chapter entitled “Managing the Government,” he says the following: “While the mayor’s office is a political position, departments like parks, water, police, sanitation, and others should be led by experienced, committed professionals. Executing a strategic plan and improving government operations,… demand that senior management understand and are committed to the mission, and are capable of carry-

ing it out.”

Ok, that may be what is necessary for the actual government of a city, but what about the citi-

zens they serve? We can have the best city government that there is, but what’s the point if we don’t do our part, if we don’t match excel-

lent city government by being “super citizens”?

Being a super citizen doesn’t mean that you have to be well known or the recipient of any awards. Rather, it means having the same kind of commitment to do all you can in your own way to make Athens the best there is.

Thankfully our city is full of unsung “super citizens” and “super-

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heroes,” and very soon they are going to have their day in the sun.

The month of September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and on September 13th Big Spring Memorial Park is going to be full of superheroes, literally. Everyone from Spiderman to Wonder Woman will be there to cheer on the children who are in the fight of their life, the fight against cancer. They will be there with their parents, some of whom will be in superhero costumes.

Mayor Ronnie told me about how hard it was when his grandson Quentin had to have surgery down at UAB. Quentin was there for three days, and while they were there, Ronnie met a woman who had spent 61 straight days at the hospital with one of her children. “I can’t imagine what that would be like,” he said. “Me neither,” I said. “We’ve got to fight for these guys until we find a cure,” he said. “Yes, we do, I replied. And then we prayed.

September 5 - September 18, 2014

September 5 - September 18, 2014

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Tourism

Fall Belongs To Festivals

by Teresa Todd, President, Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association

100 Beaty Street, Athens, AL 35611

Our fall events start off with a BANG. On September 5th the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce has their Inaugural Sporting Clays Tournament. The event will be held at the Limestone Hunting Preserve, located 28755 Coggins Road, Ardmore AL. The morning flight begins at 8:00AM-11:00AM, with an afternoon flight fro 1:00PM to 4:00PM. For more information or to register a team, contact Terry at 256-232-2609 or email terry@tourathens. com.

Our Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation invites you to join them for their annual fundraiser, the Crystal Cup Golf Tournament on September 11th held at Canebrake Golf Course, 23015 Founders Circle, Athens, AL. The tee times are 8:00AM and 1:00PM, with lunch 11:30AM to 1:00PM. To sign up, or for more information, contact the Foundation at 256-233-9136.

Shake off your alter ego and let your inner Superhero shine through!

Join us for Superhero Fun Day on September 13 and help raise money for childhood cancer research. Wear your favorite superhero costume or T-shirt and join us for a one-mile fun run. There will also be crafts, activities, a bounce house, balloons, and you may get an autograph and picture with your favorite superhero. Come out and meet the Hulk, Batman, Spiderman, Wol-

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verine, Supergirl and Wonder Woman. The Proceeds will go to the Children’s Oncology Group, a nonprofit research organization that a support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Children’s of Alabama at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

You can register for the fun run and order t-shirts online, or register for the fun run starting at 9 a.m. with the race to follow at 10 a.m. The festivities will be at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens at 106 N Beaty St, Athens, Alabama 35611 and are scheduled from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

For more information, visit www.ourlittlesuperheroes. com or email vicandkristie@gmail.com Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful is gearing up for their 11th Annual Duck and Run 5K and Fun Run on September 20th. This run will take you through the beautiful historic districts of Athens. Contact Eric Patterson at Duckandrun5K@yahoo.com for information or visit www. keepathenslimestonebeautiful.com/duck-run.html.

The Smithsonian exhibit

“The Way We Worked” comes to Athens on September 20th. Athens will be home to this traveling “Museum on Main Street” exhibit located downtown at the Limestone County Event Center until November 8th with free admission. There will be a kickoff on September 20th from 10AM till 5PM with special vendors participating in various areas of how Americans work. American workers have always performed a diverse array of jobs that powered our society. Whether we work for professional satisfaction and personal growth or to ensure the well being of ourselves and our families, work is and has been a part of nearly every American’s life. The Way We Worked, adapted from an original exhibition developed by the National Archives, explores how work became such a significant element in American culture by tracing the many changes that affected the

workforce and work environments over the past 150 years. The exhibition draws from the Archives’ rich collections to tell this compelling story and Athens will now have her turn to tell our amazing story for the past 150 plus years.

To volunteer, donate, schedule a group tour, or to just learn more about this remarkable event, visit the website at www.TheWayAthensWorks.com.

The historic Athens City Cemetery will “come alive” with more than 35 period attired personalities to represent notables from the past 200 years during the Annual Athens City Cemetery Stroll on Sunday, September 21 from 2:00-5:00P.M. The history of Athens City Cemetery

is also the history of the southeast during America’s southern and westward expansion. This event is free to the public, though donations are welcomed to assist in the efforts of preserving these historical landmarks.

Food has always been where Southerners celebrated all facets of life.

And fried food . . . well it must have been invented in the South. We now

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have a day set aside to enjoy (without guilt) our favorite fried delights.

Yes, we can batter and fry Twinkies, butter, ice cream and all things in between at the 3rd Annual Athens Grease Festival on September 27th in downtown Athens, AL. Oh! Don’t forget your TOGA! This year, the Grease Festival is attempting to break the Guinness Book World Record. We need 3700 people wearing WHITE togas to be in the count, so help us achieved this recognition we so humbly deserve. For more information contact Betsy Hyman at housepitalityinc@ aol.com or follow all the fun on www.facebook. com/AthensGreaseFestival. Wear you toga, and

bring your taste buds to the city that knows how to celebrate living Southern, being a classic, and having character the fun way!

To learn more about what is coming up the rest to the year go to www.VisitAthensAL.com or call 256232-5411. Stop by and visit us at 100 N. Beaty Street at the Big Springs Memorial Park. We hope to see you soon!

September 5 - September 18, 2014

September 5 - September 18, 2014

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Clean and Green

Let’s Have a TOGA Party!

by Lynne Hart

TOGA! TOGA! TOGA! On Saturday, September 27th the Spirit of Athens is planning to host the largest toga party on the planet in an effort to break the current Guinness World Record. You do not want to miss this, so mark your calendars!

To those of us at KALB, TOGA has a different meaning. While eating all those wonderful Oreos, Nutter Butters, and any number of foods are being deep fried, we will be thinking about what will happen to all that grease when the festival is over. We might be shouting TOGA at the KALB tent, but we’ll be thinking:

T ogether O mitting G rease clogs in A thens

and grease. All filled FOG containers are sent to our recycling center for handling. The fats, oils, and grease are then sold to a Limestone County farmer who turns it into biodiesel fuel for his farm equipment.

KALB staff will be present to ensure that all disposed grease is recycled. It may sound like a big job since it IS a GREASE festival; however, the more important task at hand is encouraging residents to recycle the fats, oils, and grease that are found in every kitchen year around.

Fats, oils, and grease, otherwise known as FOG in the world of wastewater, are found in foods such as cooking oil, shortening, meats, butter, sauces, and dairy products. When these FOGs are allowed to go down the drain, they cool and stick to the walls of the sewer pipes.

As more and more FOGs congeal and stick, they also attract other materials that wash down the drain and cause clogs, which restrict the flow of water through the sewer pipes. This can cause

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sewers to back up into homes and businesses.

When these clogs happen on a homeowner’s or business owner’s side of the line, it can be very costly to them. When the clogs build up on the city’s side of the line, it costs everyone in higher sewer bills.

In 2012, the Athens Wastewater Department developed the FOG Collection Program in an effort to keep these destructive fats out of the sewer lines. Resident of Athens and Limestone County can pick

up a collection bottle free of charge from cages located at the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center, the KALB office, the Utilities Building and a select number of apartment complexes. When the containers are full, they can be placed on the bottom shelf in any of the cages and another one taken.

KALB has been working with the Athens Wastewater Department since the program’s inception to help educate the public about the dangers of improper disposal of fats, oils,

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Since the program began in 2012, close to 1,500 gallons of FOG have been processed through our recycling center.

That is a huge increase over the years before the FOG Collection Program was introduced. However, there is so much more that is not being captured. Having too much to recycle will never be a problem! Several local farmers have told us they are ready to purchase the fats, oils, and

grease when we have enough to go around!

Stop in at the KALB office on East Street or the Recycling Center on Lucas Ferry Road to learn more about the FOG Collection Program. KALB will be at the Athens Grease Festival with FOG containers available for area residents.

Stop by the KALB tent and we’ll be happy to answer any questions.

For more information about the toga party, visit the Athens Grease Festival Facebook page.

TOGA...TOGA...TOGA!

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

Become a Fan

September 5 - September 18, 2014

Cooking with Shelley

Chicken & Bow Tie Pasta Salad

by Shelley Underhill

This is another recipe that goes on the “ya gotta try this” list. It’s very simple to make and it will keep them coming back for more. My friend Penny Wallace and I exchange recipes all the time. She recently shared this recipe with me, and my family loved it! In fact I have made it several times. Let me know if you try it. You can email me at shelleysdesk@gmail.com Enjoy!

What you will need: 1 14 oz. Marzetti Dill veggie dip (in the salad section of you local grocery) 1 bag (22oz) of Tyson grilled and ready chicken breast, cut into chunks 1 box bow tie pasta, cooked as directed 1 cup sour cream 1 cup frozen peas Combine together all ingredients, mix well.

This pasta salad is served best cold.

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Learning As A Lifestyle

In the Footsteps of Paul

by Wanda Campbell

Center for Lifelong Learning - 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 - 256-233-8262 When I was in elementary school, we lived in Germany. Kids would ask me where I was from

and I said I was born in Athens. The incomplete comment made people think I was born in Ath-

ens, Greece not Athens, Alabama. I was not embarrassed by Athens, Alabama but Athens, Greece sounded so exciting.

Next spring, the Center for Lifelong Learning will take a group to Athens, Greece. The tour, called Greece: In the Footsteps of Paul, will take us on a journey around Greece and Turkey that was made by the Apostle Paul. The trip features tours of Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Patmos, Santorini, Thessolaniki, and a three day cruise in the Mediterranean.

Starting on day one, we will explore Athens with a tour of historic neighborhoods and the Acropolis.

We will end with a dinner at the taverna (plaza).

That is just the beginning of this 11-day tour.

September

Collins

You can get a $250 savings if you register before October 8. The total cost of the trip, (TBA) will include the cruise taxes, port fees, round—trip airfare from Huntsville/ Decatur airport, air taxes and fuel charges, and hotel transfers. There are 20 meals are included in this adventure so you will have lots of amenities to enjoy as well.

Can’t go on the trip? Why not come hear Dr. Ronald Fritze talk about the history of this region?

On Thursday, October 2, from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, at the Center for Lifelong Learning, he will be discussing the historical influences of Athens, Greece and the surrounding region.

Dr. Robert White will be teaching a Bible Studies class – also called the

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Footsteps of Paul – starting in October. Call the Center for more information or check out our webpage. There are five classes that will meet once a month about Paul and his legacy, letters, and ministry.

The trip of Greece is part of our Academic Traveler series. Each month we offer one or more trips with an academic flair.

Sometimes it is hard to find the academic components but it is always an underlying theme.

On October 9, the Academic Traveler trip is Moundville Native American Festival. This is a day trip to Tuscaloosa. Repeatedly named one of Alabama’s Top 20 Tourism Events, the Moundville Native American Festival has artists and craftspeople.

Native Americans and other experts will be on hand to demonstrate arts, crafts and technologies during the entire festival.

Watch for itinerary on the webpage—www.athens.edu/CLL. We will be leaving Athens at 9:00am and returning early the same evening. The fee is $65 per person which includes your transportation, entry fees, and a goodie bag.

The Center for Lifelong Learning invites you to travel with us. Every trip is a great learning experience and I know you want to keep learning for life. For more information call 256233-8260 or watch the website – www.athens. edu/CLL

September 5 - September 18, 2014

Cover Story

The Way We Worked Athens: The Traveling Smithsonian Comes To Town

by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

or achievement by an individual that may help that person in the future.”

It has taken the work of many individuals in Athens/Limestone and Madison Counties, but our town has been selected by the venerable Smithsonian Museum/National Archives/Alabama Humanities Foundation/”Museum On Main Street” joint venture to be one of only six cities in Alabama to host the traveling exhibit. In a word, this is huge. We are blessed indeed to have an installation of this caliber coming to our city.

The name of the exhibit is “The Way We Worked Athens,” and beginning September 20th, the Limestone County Event Center will be its home for six weeks. The intent of the exhibit is to not only examine tools, implements, and workspaces, as important as they are, but to take a deeper look at the philosophy of work. By that I mean how the way we worked then and now affects our souls, both as individuals and our culture.

The time frame is the past 200 years, and there will

be several categories of work to be examined and explored. They are: 1.Farming and homemaking - the people who came here, both slave and free, to work the earth and build their families 2.Local business and healthcare - everything from the former tavern/trading post/inn on Jefferson, to businesses on the Square, to the first healthcare facilities up to our present hospital complex 3.Transportation and Industry - they came on foot, on horseback, by train, mule, or boat, and now via the highway system, and they brought the jobs with them 4.Public Service - Soldiers, politicians, first responders of all kinds, and those who make and enforce the law 5.Faith and education those who developed our minds and spirits, as well as those of our future leaders The Limestone County Archives is also still accepting artifacts to “flesh out” our part of making the museum.

Anything that you choose to loan and is chosen for the exhibit will be carefully catalogued. In addition, there is going to be a kickoff event at the Limestone

September 5 - September 18, 2014

County Event Center on September 20th from 10am to 5pm. The Archives is accepting applications to be a vendor, artisan demonstrator, or docent for both the kick off as well as the 6 week exhibit until September 13th. The possibilities are nearly endless, from hand cranking ice cream to a robotics demonstration. Local authors are also welcome. For more information on donating for or participating in the kick off or the exhibit, contact Rebekah Davis, Director, Limestone County Archives, at 256-233-6404, or by email at thewayathensworks@gmail. com.

For the Smithsonian’s part, there will be 5 kiosks set up throughout the installation, with “our part” blended in.

There will also be “the Box,” which looks like an old photo booth that when you were a kid, you paid a quarter and got 4 black and white photos of you and

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your friends mugging it up. Instead, “the Box” is an opportunity to film your family’s story.

There are several questions to respond to in regard to the “who, what, when, where, why and how” of your family, and they will be preserved as part of our permanent historical record. I have already seen the film clips of Jerry Barksdale, Alice Rogers, Robert Malone and Buzz Estes, among others, and they would be worth the price of admission if there was one.

In addition, if you choose, there will be an old fashioned, still functioning time card machine and specially designed “time cards” upon which you can punch in when you enter the exhibit, punch out when you leave, and take a stub as a

souvenir. There are also some circa 1910 photos of the entrance to Dr. Hoffman’s book store on the Square that are going to be reproduced into large panels, and will be placed over the doors of the Limestone County Event Center. They actually make it look like you are stepping through time.

Speaking of time, the timing of the event is set in our “festival season” by design. You can go to Grease, Fiddler’s, or Storyteller’s, and then head on over to the Event Center and not spend a dime to get in. Or you can go again and again to The Way We Worked Athens, and explore with depth who we were as working folks, how we are now, and where we are going.

Either way, you are in for a real treat.

The Way We Worked Athens

September 20th through November 8th, 2014 Tour hours: Monday through Saturday, 10-5 Note: Groups of 10 or more should schedule a tour by calling Misti at 205-222-5408 or e-mailing tourthewayathensworks@ gmail.com.

Location: Limestone County Event Center, 114 Pryor Street Athens, AL 35611 For updates, check us out on Facebook at The Way We Worked Athens

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Visit smart.athens.edu to get started.

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Cover Story

The Drop Inn At The Drop Farm: Charming, Cozy, And Comfortable by Ali Elizabeth Turner continued from page 1

it’s theoretically impossible, it just got better from there.

The Drop Inn is located in the midst of what was known as the Drop Farm, named after Charlie Waldrep, affectionately known by friends and family as “Drop.”

The Inn is actually part of a 100-acre family owned farm complex in Ripley, and the house was built around 1910.

Two of Drop’s kinfolk, Gayle Black and Myra King, are the co-owners who make the place hum, and Myra actually grew up in the house. There are stories galore about the people who lived there, but my favorite is about “Granny” who was born a preemie in 1918, weighing in at a little over 3 pounds. She was put in a little box in front of the fireplace, carefully warmed, loved, nourished and protected.

Against all odds, she not only survived but thrived, long before the days of Neonatal Intensive Care Units!

The house eventually fell into disrepair, as the family built their own dwellings elsewhere on the property. It came down to either razing it or restoring it, and thankfully, they chose to restore it and open the Inn. After Gayle retired from her career as an educator and counselor, she took about a year to lovingly resurrect it. “That part was Gayle’s doing,” Myra told me, and everyone in the room for the interview agreed she had done a splendid job.

The kitchen has modern appliances, but they don’t take away from the “vibe” that comes with a skillfully executed restoration project.

It boasts a large stainless steel farm table whose legs are made from the original porch posts. It is a caterer’s

offering educational farm field trips to groups of 20 to 30 children and activities which include a hay ride, story telling, a ventriloquist, face painting, a scarecrow that comes to life, games, animals, horseback rides, and a pumpkin from the “punkin’ patch” to take home.

Myra is also quite the horsewoman, and in addition to adding horseback rides by request to the Drop Farm birthday parties, she teaches horseback riding lessons

The living scarecrow, part of the Fall Festival celebration at the Drop Farm dream to prep for weddings and other events, and the Drop Inn has been pleased to see a number of high quality caterers produce some tasty feasts.

The decorations and furnishings are “period perfect,” and they are not too “cutsie.” There is even a genuine claw foot tub, which is what I grew up with, and

The Wedding Barn

Inn even more special is how the rest of the old part of the farm has been repurposed.

The big barn is now a “Party Barn,” or, as the picture illustrates, the “Wedding Barn.”

There is another small barn, a grain silo that has been converted into restroom facilities, and with the fall coming up, (which is still high season in the Bed and Breakfast world,) there are a number of Harvest Season events planned. During the Andy Price Hinkle fall, The Drop Farm holding the first pumpkin! will be making field anyone who has been in one trips available to groups knows there’s nothin’ like ‘em. during the month of October However, what makes the Drop by reservation only. They are

September 5 - September 18, 2014

real knack for matching horse to rider. I am planning on treating myself to a ride with Myra sometime this fall as well.

The house is often used as the dressing room for the bride and bridesmaids, but I also saw pictures of a small wedding performed and celebrated at the house alone that were truly lovely, warm, comfortable, and, (forgive me if I say it again,) perfect.

If you choose to stay at the house as a bed and breakfast

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several days a week at The Drop Barn. After retiring as an educator and coach, she became familiar with a style of horsemanship that is more akin to “horse whispering” and that is the approach she uses in her riding classes. She loves to help people overcome all kinds of fears, horse related or not, and I can speak from experience that the “saddle sometimes beats the shrink’s couch!” As a result of our meeting Gayle and Myra, someone very dear to me has an appointment to overcome what has been described as “what happened with a horse named Whiskey and a storm.”

I am joyfully awaiting what I know will be a good report. The horses are gentle, and some are more spirited, and Myra has a

guest, Gayle will make you a country breakfast, or, if you prefer, stock the place with your choice of snacks or food in the fridge if you wish to be left alone and on your own.

Any way you choose to go, the Drop Inn at the Drop Farm is a local treasure, and I trust you’ll discover that for yourself real soon.

The Drop Inn 11185 Snake Road, Athens, AL 35611 Phone: 256 777-0964, or 256 777-2029 Email: edwardblack@ bellsouth.net, or check them out on Facebook at The Drop Farm Page 17

Health and Fitness

Fiber

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

Fiber, which is usually found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and peas, is probably best known for its ability to prevent constipation.

But foods containing fiber provide other health benefits, such as helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Dietary fiber includes all parts of plant foods that your body cannot digest or absorb. It is not broken down and passes through your stomach, small intestine, and colon and out your body.

Fiber is commonly classified as soluble (dissolves in water) or insoluble (doesn’t dissolve): •Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gellike material. It can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Soluble fiber is found in oats, peas, beans, apples, cit-

rus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium (i.e. metamucil).

•Insoluble fiber helps move material through your digestive system.

It helps if you have problems with constipation or irregular stools. Wholewheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans and vegetables are good sources.

A high-fiber diet has many benefits, which include: •Normalizes bowel movements. Dietary fiber helps with both constipation and diarrhea.

•Helps maintain bowel health. A high-fiber diet may lower your risk of developing hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.

•Lowers cholesterol.

Soluble fiber may help lower total cholesterol by lowering your LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol.

abetes, fiber (especially soluble fiber) can slow the absorption of sugar and help improve blood sugar levels. A healthy diet that includes insoluble fiber may also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

•Helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Highfiber foods generally require more chewing time, which gives your body more time to register when you are full, so you are less likely to overeat. Also, a high-fiber diet tends to make a meal feel larger and last longer. (You stay full for longer). A high-fiber diets also tend to be lower in calories for the same volume of food.

The Institute of Medicine gives the following daily recommendations for fiber intake for adults:

Age 50 or younger

•Helps control blood sugar. In people with di-

Men

38 grams

Women

25 grams

(Institute of Medicine, 2012) If you aren’t getting enough fiber, you may want to increase your intake of the following foods: • Whole-grain products • Fruits • Vegetables • Beans, peas and other legumes • Nuts and seeds Refined or processed foods (canned fruits and

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supplement if dietary changes aren’t sufficient or if they have certain medical conditions, such as constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome. Always talk with your doctor if you Age 51 or older think you need to take fiber supplements.

vegetables, pulp-free juices, white bread and pasta, and non-wholegrain cereals) are lower in fiber. The grain-refining process removes the outer coat (bran) from

30 grams 21 grams

the grain, which lowers its fiber content. Also, removing the skin from fruits and vegetables decreases their fiber content.

Whole foods rather than fiber supplements are better. Fiber supplements (i.e. Metamucil, Citrucel and FiberCon) do not provide the variety of fibers, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients that foods do.

However, some people may still need a fiber

Fiber is also added to some foods. However, it has not been shown that this added fiber provides the same health benefits as naturally occurring sources.

High-fiber foods are good for your health, but if you have not been eating a high fiber diet, start slowly. Adding too much fiber too quickly can promote gas, bloating and cramping. Increase fiber in your diet gradually. This allows the natural bacteria in your gut to adjust to the change. Drink plenty of water as fiber works best when it absorbs water.

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Dog Barker

Rescue Me!!!

I have that old song “Come on Baby Rescue Me” playing through my mind right now.

Seeing the dogs in need of homes, the abandoned, the betrayed, (and the list goes on,) I wish to address this need again and warn those who have been given this gift of stewardship.

Wisdom has cried her voice in the wilderness of our lives, but how many of us paid attention? As much mercy as we show dogs or the like, that much mercy will be shown unto us. Heavenly Father watches everything we do, the good and the bad.

Now, here is an exercise I want everyone to try. Those of us who have no dog in our lives are missing out. Take a sheet of paper and pen. Sit down at a table and relax because we are about to brainstorm together. At the header of the paper write “pros” and “cons” for getting a dog. Here are my Pro’s and Con’s: (Note to children: Want a dog? Do this and brainstorm really well to convince Dad and Mom.)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Pros

Companionship Security Loyalty Unconditional Love Laughter

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6. Calming 7. Can work and meet the needs of the disabled 8. Keeps Life Interesting

Cons

1. House Breaking (If not) 2. Feeding 3. Poo in the yard 4. Vet Bills 5. Fleas (Just their way to share their love) 6. Chewing up things (Just love chewing) 7. Odor 8. We out-live them So, what is the excuse?

by Joel Allen

It could be worse. I have thirteen Great Danes, one Beagle, and one Chihuahua.

Did they ask to be born into their predicament? No, and if anyone can help them then I suggest they take a ride to the pound and open their doors to a dog in need. Those of us who do this are in for a surprise because most rescues know what has been done for them and they show their appreciation unless they have a short in their brain.

Remember, it takes two weeks for the new addition of the family to completely adjust. So, be patient. There may be an accident or two.

The dog may even be traumatized from their www.athensnowal.com

last home, so watch that temper.

Lastly, I leave everyone with a parting tidbit of advice. Should your new dog come to your home and there are other dogs, let them meet one at a time in your front yard or some other neutral ground. Remember, one at a time and have a water hose ready to spray them if they start to disagree. If they should lock up take a broom handle and place it in one of their mouths, pushing in just enough to get a gag reflex causing the aggressor to let go. Be careful, because damage can be done if the handle is pushed too hard.

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

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

Joel and Zues Allen 256-651-2211

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Medical Update

Osteoarthritis and Joint Replacement Surgery?

by Dr. J. Patrick Boyett, Orthopedic Surgeon

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and affects the vast majority of patients with arthritis pain. Some refer to osteoarthritis as “wear and tear� arthritis. Another term is degenerative joint disease.

and lubricate the diseased joint.

Occasionally, certain types of braces can help arthritis pain.

These are called offloader braces and work to take weight off of the arthritic area.

When other treatment has failed, surgery may be the best option for osteoarthritis. We are often asked about arthroscopy for arthritis. The short answer is that scope surgery will not fix arthritis.

Joint replacement is the only good option for stopping arthritis pain. It involves re-

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but most commonly affects the weight bearing joints, specifically the knees and hips. Basically, the padding between the joint deteriorates and, as the joint nears bone touching bone without padding, the joint hurts.

Treatment varies from activity modification to joint replacement.

Conservative treatment includes avoiding impact exercises, such as running and jumping. As a general rule, exercises that are better for arthritis are as follows: swimming is better than biking, biking is better than elliptical, elliptical is better than walking, and walking is better than running. Weight loss is another method to lessen the impact across the joint.

Medications are frequent-

ly used but are often limited by side effects. Typical medications include anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or Aleve. These medications have to be used with caution due to gastrointestinal side effects and kidney side effects. Other medications include glucosamine, which has very few side effects.

Injections are an alternative for certain joints such as the knees. There are two types of injections. First, steroid shots have been the

standard for many years.

Although generally well tolerated, they have some limitations. A more recent advancement includes in-

jection of a rooster cartilage derivative into the knee commonly referred to as rooster comb shots.

These shots help to pad

placing the bone on bone joint that no longer has a pad with an artificial joint that is separated by a plastic cushion. We will be covering the specifics of these topics of surgeries in future publications of Athens Now. Look for us in future editions.

OrthoSports Athens is your hometown connection to cutting edge orthopedics and we are happy to evaluate and discuss specifics with you.

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Security Savvy

Home Invasion: How Can You Protect Your Family?

by Jim Doyle, owner of Madison Security Group 203 Us Highway 31 S, Athens, AL 35611

Watch the news, and unfortunately you hear of more home invasions.

What is causing this to happen? Is it someone looking to steal from you for their drug habit?

Does a person have a situation with a family member and want to harm them? No matter what the reason, it’s a scary situation. The chances are good that you will never feel safe again in the house where you and your family were violated.

Home invasions are sometimes looked at as a burglary, not as a separate crime. They are not classified as a home invasion, and the statistics are not tracked.

Normally a burglary is done during the day time when the resident is at work or school. This way burglars are not confronted and do not have to run.

By contrast, a home invasion is typically done at night, when the intended target is at home. The perpetrators of a home invasion strike for different reasons: women living alone, seeking money or drugs, and this type of crime can more easily be designed to cause harm to the resident. The targeted home is most likely was scoped out for a period of time, and the invader knows exactly when they are at home.

The elderly are also targeted by these people, because they know that

it would be hard for the elderly to defend themselves or may be forgetful and leave an entry or garage door open. As a neighbor, try to help out

investigation: hair color, tattoos, scars etc. Don’t ask questions, just comply with the demands of the invaders. The people that have invaded your

Some homes are built with a safe room where the family can go to when there is a home invasion, but most of us don’t have that luxury. So what can a person do to try and prevent becoming a statistic?

•Install solid core locks, and window locks •Make sure that you have your doors locked and the garage door is also secured •Don’t open the door to strangers at night, and install a peep hole •Install a porch light that works by motion detection

with making sure they do not become a statistic, either.

When a home invasion occurs, the invaders will have you at a disadvantage. You are in shock for a moment before you do realize that you and your family are in danger. Hopefully the invaders will ask you where the items are that they want. Give them the information, and don’t try to be the hero. This could cause a family member to get hurt. Remember, you can replace material things, but not the people in your life that you love. During the invasion, be as observant as possible. Try to remember anything that would help the police with an

September 5 - September 18, 2014

home are the type that would harm you or your family without much provocation.

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•Alert your neighbors regarding suspicious solicitors •Install motion detector lights in the back of the

house

•Have a family plan is case of such a situation

I know that I have said this before but it’s worth repeating: don’t advertise that you have made a big purchase such as a big screen TV, or a new computer system. This sends a signal to home invaders that there are items in your home that are expensive.

I believe in one of the oldest tools known to mankind to prevent an invasion, a big dog!

They are still one of the most reliable security tools available. They are the best early warning alarms I can think of.

They will alert you of a problem and also try to protect you, their family.

As always, stay safe and aware.

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Jerry’s Journal

The Slingshot Bandit Strikes Again

by Jerry Barksdale

During four decades of law practice I’ve had some close calls. Once, the brother of a woman murdered by our client, (oops, I meant “allegedly murdered”), tried to run me down with a car as I crossed the street. A female caller said a bomb was under my new dream home. A man threatened to torch my law office during a capital murder trial and a fellow actually told me face to face that he was going to kill me. I’ve been threatened with numerous “whuppins.”

All in a day’s work. But the attempt to assassinate me was the most intriguing. It occurred during the time the “Slingshot Bandit” was terrorizing Athens merchants. Each morning, Athenians woke to discover that another merchant’s window had been shot out. It was a driveby-shooting southern style - rather courteous and respectful – no gun, no bullet, no one injured. Just a steel ball bearing and an old fashion slingshot was the weapon.

high-tech,” said another.

“He’s using steel ball bearings.”

“Whoever it is must have plenty of money, they don’t give ball bearings away free.”

“And he’s smart,” said another. “Ball bearings ain’t traceable.”

Athenians were stumped.

Who was committing these crimes and why?

My law office was located at 212 South Marion Street. A large window was located directly behind my desk chair. I liked to swivel around and look out the window at the Maple trees across the street, especially in the fall. One morning I arrived at work

and found a bullet hole in the glass about head level behind my chair.

Had I been present, my head would have caught a bullet for sure. I was puzzled. The only woman I knew who owned a gun was my wife, whom I eliminated as a suspect after she had stated on several occasions that I wasn’t worth wasting a bullet on. I didn’t call the cops. I set out to solve the crime before the assassin struck again.

Who would want to kill me? And what was the motive? Perhaps it was a client whose divorce case I had lost? Too many to count, I concluded. First, I had to find the spent bullet. I in-

serted a pencil in the bullet hole and followed its trajectory toward a row of files in the adjoining room where the door was always open. No spent bullet was found.

I stuck a wad of toilet paper in the bullet hole to keep out flies, mosquitoes and such. Clients sitting in front of my desk took notice.

“Say, ain’t that a bullet hole I see?” asked a fellow.

“Yeah, probably an irate woman in a divorce case trying to assassinate me,” I said nonchalantly.

“Darn! You must be a pretty good divorce lawyer if someone is trying to kill ya.”

“Awww, it could happen to anyone -” I replied.

“-Or a pretty bad ‘un,” he added.

I changed the subject.

The tissue remained in the bullet hole for months and I got a lot of mileage out of it. I could have easily doubled my fees in divorce cases, but didn’t.

One Monday morning I arrived at my office and found a steel ball bearing resting in my chair. The cleaning lady had found it in the carpet over the weekend. The Slingshot Bandit, not an assassin, was the culprit! I was disappointed.

In the future, when a client saw the hole behind my desk chair and exclaimed: “Wow! Is that a bullet hole?” I’d reply, “it sure looks like one.” I didn’t want to admit that I wasn’t worth killing.

Later, the Slingshot Bandit was arrested by the Athens Police Department. I knew him well. He hired me to defend him.

“Why did you shoot out my window?” I asked.

It was a mystery to citizens. Why would anyone want to shoot out store windows?

Morning coffee drinkers at Dub’s Burgers were on the case.

“I don’t remember,” he replied. “I could’ve made a mistake and shot out the wrong window.”

The only thing worse than not being worth killing was having my window shot out by mistake. Life has its disappointments.

“Maybe Ernest T. Bass moved from Mayberry to Athens,” said one fellow.

“Nah, this is strictly

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