Validity Magazine February 2016

Validit y Martin Methodist’s Music Academy

Health & Wellness 2016

Complimentary

FEBRUARY 2016 Vol. 6, Issue 2

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Women Helping Women–

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 24

Let’s get smart about your heart:

NOON

Women & Heart Disease

AUXILIARY CONFERENCE ROOM MAURY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

AMIT KESWANI, M.D., FACC

Heart disease affects an estimated 43 million women in the United States and is the number one killer of women. Symptoms of heart disease can be different for women and men.

Dr. Amit Keswani, an interventional cardiologist with Vanderbilt Heart-Columbia, will discuss the specific risks that women face for heart disease. Dr. Keswani will also share how certain factors such as hormones can affect a woman’s heart health.

Presented by The Women’s Center . . .

A Breast Center of Excellence

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Table of Contents

Inside this issue of

Validity

New t his mont h:

Gloves Are Not Enough

By Jordan McLeod Winter wreaks havoc on your hands. Solutions and smart advice.

Page 10

Get Up And Move

By David Huneycutt, M. D. The cardiologist says get off the couch.

Page 11

Healthy Winter Kids

By Kari Littrell, N. P. Top tips for keeping your children out of the doctor’s office.

February 2016 Vol. 6, Issue 2

Page 12

Staying Fit In Spring Hill

By Jamie Page How a city meets the recreational needs of its residents.

Page 13

Light Therapy

Page 18

By Jackie Davis Find out if light therapy is right for you.

Young Adults Teaching Youngsters

Page 14

Health Technology

By Cody Crawford Check out some of the latest in smart health devices.

Music, Mentors, Melissa Matiros and Martin Methodist College.

Page 15

Student Spotlight

By Becky Jane Newbold

By DeeGee Lester Meet Dev Bhavsar: STEM student extraordinaire.

Cover Image: Guy Schafer

Page 22

Books By The Bedside

By Daniel Algara When you catch your child reading a book.

Page 26

In Every Issue: Validity Recipes

Ornithology Report

February Book Reviews

By Katie Taylor

By Bill Pulliam

By James Lund

Busy life freezer meals.

Birdhouses benefit our feathered friends in urban sprawl.

Coal River by Ellen Marie Wiseman.

Page 6

One Lawyer’s Opinion

Page 24

The Believer’s Walk

By Landis Turner A life of lawyering tells a many tales.

Page 17

Also in this Issue:

Page 29

February Gardens

Cool weather planting is now.

Page 30

Open doors, closed doors.

Page 26

Reality Perspective, Page 5 Blooming Arts 2016, Page 21

By Cassandra Warner

By Charles Newbold

From The Publisher, Page 5

Lookin’ Back, Page 33 Unconscionable Cogitation, Page 34

Validity Magazine is published monthly in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Validity Magazine reserves the right to edit editorial and advertising submissions for appropriateness of the publication. Reproduction of any part of Validity Magazine without permission of the publisher is prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Views expressed in Validity Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made to insure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions.

Publisher Becky Jane Newbold, info@validitymag.com, 931-628-6039 Managing Editor Shane Newbold, info@ValidityMag.com, 931-628-6039 Director of Digital Innovation Cody Crawford, cody@validitymag.com, 615-768-9479 Contributing Writers, Bill Pulliam, Cassandra Warner, Charles Newbold Jr., Daniel Algara, David Huneycutt, DeeGee Lester, Jackie Davis, James Lund, Jamie Page, Jordan McLeod, Katie Taylor, Kari Littrell, Landis Turner Contributing Photographers, Cassandra Warner, Guy Schafer, Katie Taylor

Validity Magazine, Published 12 times per year, monthly, Vol. 6, Issue 2 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Validity Magazine, P. O. Box 516, Hohenwald, TN 38462-0516. Address Service Requested.

Subscriptions are available on an annual basis at $20 per year.

Mail check or money order to: Validity Subscriptions, P.O. Box 516, Hohenwald, Tennessee 38462.

Validity Magazine exists to reflect rural lifestyles of rural communities along the Natchez Trace Parkway in both storytelling and photo journalism. This local publication is designed to promote positive life experiences by delivering authentic, relevant content on healthy living, nature, outdoors, technology, gardening, entertainment and travel to the people who enjoy the small town experience.

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Our Mission

From The Publisher

The Dance R

By Becky Jane Newbold

Follow Me!

ecently, I was reminded of the importance of finding and experiencing joy in life.

“Do whatever makes you dance,” my new friend urged. “Do the thing that you cannot imagine not doing.”

How easy it is for work (and life) to become drudgery. What a crime. We are given the gift of life. Beauty and opportunity surround us and yet sometimes, we are blind.

So what makes you dance? I am digging deep inside to find out for myself. Perhaps I love too many things: Time spent with my husband, music, nature, laughter, artistic expression, good food, fast boats (and motorcycles), flowers, good food (did i say that already?), cool stories and my family.

But what makes me dance? Good question.

Last month I was astonished to find the coolest story. A young woman, Dr. Melissa Martiros, has created a music program at Martin Methodist University in Pulaski for children who cannot afford music lessons. So they come for free. To witness these students in one of their first recitals was humbling. (See story, page 18) The grand Steinway piano was situated in the expansive lobby of the university building. Children were seated to the side, neatly in rows, waiting as quietly as mice. One by one, they walked to the massive instrument and found the notes to their songs. Taking a bow,

they returned to their seats. Guitar students, accompanied by their student teachers strummed and plucked carefully to find their music then scampered back to their places.

I think I saw Dr. Matiros dance. Camera in hand, I tried to capture the moment but it was deeper than a simple lens could hold. So I stood by and was grateful to be present.

Brilliantly lit is the pathway for this group of young people. Studies prove it. “There’s a lot of evidence that if you play a musical instrument, especially if you start early in life, that you have better reading skills, better math skills, et cetera,” said neuropsychologist Nadine Gaab (How Playing Music Affects The Developing Brain by George Hicks at www.commonhealth.wbur.org).

“There’s now a growing body of work that suggests that actually learning to play a musical instrument does have impacts on other abilities.” These include speech perception, the ability to understand emotions in the voice and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously,” said Ani Patel, an associate professor of psychology at Tufts University in the same article.

For now, I have new eyes. I am listening and watching. Sure, I have a multitude of distractions, but the desire to find my life’s dance is ever present, waiting with anticipation for the moment when it is discovered.

Now, what makes you dance?

Find Validity in 9 Tennessee Counties! www.validitymag.com/find-validity

Reality Perspective

Moral Compass S mart phone evolution has captured our souls. Your mobile phone is a reflection of who you are as an individual.

All the videos, pictures, apps, internet history, music, etc. define who you are in

By Shane Newbold reality. Your phone’s GPS records your every move. Even the deletions to cover the not-so-moral actions are somewhere on somebody’s server.

Scary.

On two occasions, individuals decided to not let me use their

grandkids love to watch videos of themselves on my phone while sitting on my lap. And they often go to screens off limits. I have nothing to hide, but they are adept at discovering sites where you buy things or deleting items I do not want deleted or sending a gibberish message to someone in my text app or almost “googling” a website where really no one should visit.

Little ones adopt the moral compass of their guardians. And they will eventually get a hold of your phone when you least expect it. Precious little rascals.

The moral compass of my life is on display behind the gorilla glass of my cell phone. Yours is too. May I borrow your phone?

f o o r P

phone because of content they did not want me to accidently access. Both times were laughable moments, “Lol, I better not let you use my phone. Can’t guarantee a PG rating. Some of my gossip may be about you, lol, jk!”

But, seriously, your cell phone tells a lot about who you are. Examine the content honestly, and ask yourself: If an elementary school age child accesses my phone, will the content be kid friendly or full of lewd, malicious material? Would a teenager be surprised to find that the parents’ behavior is worse than their own, evidenced by the subject matter on the parents’ phones?

If your phone is like mine, it witnesses who you are. My

Father to four and best friend to Becky Jane for 28 years, Shane Newbold lives life to the fullest boating, birdwatching, fishing and enjoying his family.

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Substantial Meal Plans

B

y the time you’re reading this ing a new job and not sure how late you’ll need to be at the office, gearing up for another semester of college or like me, preparing

Recipes, month’s Validity, I will be Photos & Food cuddling a sweet newborn baby, which is so exciting! What Styling By Katie Taylor better way to celebrate a big

Katie Taylor

Validity Recipes

your home to welcome a baby, having healthy and accessible dinner options when you’re tired and crunched for time can be such a re-

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Katie Taylor

Katie Taylor

change in your life than with a freezer stocked full of delicious and easy dinner options? Whether you’re start-

Validity Recipes

Katie Taylor

Chicken Philly Cheesesteak

Serves 6 Ingredients 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder

1 cup chicken broth 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 small onion (1 cup), sliced 3 bell peppers, mixed variety ½ teaspoon black pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 6 slices provolone, swiss, or mozzarella cheese, when

Katie Taylor

lief for those early transition weeks within a big life change.

serving 6 hoagie-style rolls Instructions: 1. Add all ingredients except cheese to a large gallon-sized freezer bag.

Remove as much of the air as possible. Lay flat in freezer.

2. The night before cooking, place bag in refrigerator overnight to thaw, and the morning of, cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.

3. Shred chicken with fork, divide mixture among the rolls, top Validitymag.com

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with cheese, and serve.

Recipe slightly adapted from newleafwellness.biz.

Red Pepper Chicken

Serves 3 Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 red bell pepper, sliced ¼ cup olive oil 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 small onion (1 cup), sliced 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon salt Cooked rice, for serving (optional) Instructions: 1. Add all ingredients to a large gallon-sized freezer bag. Remove as much of the air as possible. Lay flat in freezer.

2. The night before cook-

ing, place bag in refrigerator overnight to thaw, and the morning of, cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.

3. Shred chicken with fork, and serve over rice.

Recipe slightly adapted from newleafwellness.biz.

Lemon-Pepper Chicken

Serves 3 Ingredients 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts ¼ cup olive oil 3 tablespoons lemon juice (or the juice from 1 lemon) ½ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon salt Instructions: 1. Add all ingredients to a large gallon-sized freezer bag. Remove as much of the air as possible. Lay flat in freezer.

2. The night before cooking, place bag in refrigerator overnight to thaw, and the morning of, cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.

3. Shred chicken with fork, and serve over

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Recipe slightly adapted from newleafwellness.biz.

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9 .

nificant amount of time, but dishwashing liquids can be harsh on your skin and can quickly dry out your nails.

Avoid Drying Chemicals

Healthy Hands

W

e’re all familiar with the signs: chapped lips, parched skin, windblown hair, the constant desire for a steaming beverage and scarves. Finally, winter has arrived.

The dry, cold weather conditions can

By Jordan McLeod be unpleasant for our bodies in general and especially so for our hands and nails.

It seems, however, that although we recognize the importance of keeping our faces well moisturized during these months, we tend to forget about our hardworking mitts and digits. So here

are four easy tips (nail related puns, anyone?) to help keep our hands healthy and strong throughout the season.

The Power of Gloves

I’m guilty of thinking that I can get away with just shoving my hands in my pockets if they get cold, but wearing gloves is one of the most important steps you can take to protect those particular extremities. The coolness outdoors, plus the biting breeze, leads to moisture loss, which is the number one cause of brittle, weak nails.

These factors can also contribute to making your skin cracked and red.

Don’t think you only need them outside - if you wash dishes by hand, rubber gloves are essential since not only are you submerging your hands in hot water for a sig-

As mentioned, cleaning products can be dehydrating, but you need to also watch out for solutions that are meant to be used on your nails, such as acetone-based polish remover. Thankfully, there are gentler options out there from which to choose. But, if you do have to use a formula with acetone, just make sure you try to utilize it less often and compensate by applying lotion afterward.

Not only are we fighting against the harsh winds and freezing temperatures, we’re also constantly washing our hands in an attempt to combat nasty germs. A moisturizing soap, especially one containing aloe vera, will lessen the impact of all that scrubbing. Hand sanitizer is usually alcohol-based and can also be a factor when it comes to unwanted dryness. So you may want a version that has aloe vera in it, too.

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It’s What’s Inside

We all know the old saying: It’s true that what you eat and drink will definitely affect your health.

Making sure you stay hydrated is key - H2O is essential to our lives, not only for basic physical functions, but also for our skins’ health and outward appearance. Imbibing a proper amount of water was always a problem for me until I started carrying around a refillable bottle, and now I can easily tell when I haven’t drunk enough.

There are certain vitamins and foods that contribute to good skin and nail health, too.

Since your nails are made of protein, specifically keratin, lean sources such as poultry and fish are recommended. You can also get protein from vegetarian products like spinach, quinoa and nuts. Biotin, a B vitamin, can also be beneficial. Most people consume enough through everyday eating, but some The Magic Lotion Ok, so there is no one-size- women, especially pregnant ones, fits-all formula when it comes to could use a supplement. Eggs, the right lotion, so you may have Swiss chard and (once again) nuts to try a few out before finding one are delicious and nutritious ways to that works best for you. Personally, achieve your suggested daily intake.

I’ve found that shea butter or other natural oils work well. Regardless Jordan McLeod is a graduate of of what you choose, frequent appli- Middle Tennessee State Univercation is vital, especially after pro- sity. She has been interested in fashion since she recognized the longed exposure to water or wind. allure of polka dots and fasciYour cuticles need extra love nated by all things beauty after too. Using a cuticle oil or salve will she realized the transformative instantly make your nails look bet- power of mascara and lipstick. ter. This can be particularly helpful

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if you often find yourself picking at them, which can be detrimental to your nail health. A good, convenient option is coconut or olive oil, since most of us already have one of these at home.

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Show a Little Love for Your Heart

F

Get Moving Today

ebruary is the month we celebrate love, and a healthy heart is one of the best gifts you can give to your loved ones on Valentine’s Day—and all year.

Give your heart some

By David tender-lovHuneycutt, ing care by M.D., b eco m ing Cardiologist more physically active.

Physical activity is anything that makes you move your body and burn calories.

This includes things like climbing stairs, gardening, housework, walking the dog, playing sports and dancing, as well as walking, running, swimming and biking.

Regular physical activity can help you:

• lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

• maintain a healthy weight.

• reduce or control blood pressure.

• raise HDL (“good”)

cholesterol.

• reduce your risk of diabetes and some kinds of cancer.

• sleep better.

• have more energy to do the things you love.

The simplest way to improve your heart health is to start walking. It’s fun, free, easy and great exercise. A walking program is flexible and can be done just about anywhere. It’s easy to make walking a regular part of your life, and nearly everyone is healthy enough to incorporate more walking into each day.

The American Heart Association recommends moderate to vigorous exercise at least 150 minutes a week to improve overall cardiovascular health.

That equates to 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Strengthening and stretching exercises are also recommended for overall stamina and flexibility.

Moderate activity means your heart is beating faster and you’re starting to sweat. You can carry on a conversation, but you’ll be breathing heavier.

Vigorous activity feels more taxing. Your heart is beating much faster. You can carry

on a conversation, but will find yourself pausing to take a breath.

You may not be able to achieve this time goal right away. But remember, the important thing is to just get moving. If you haven’t been active for years, you can still begin today to make healthy changes.

And even if you are going slowly, you are going more than the day before. If you don’t think you’ll make it for 30 minutes, set a more reachable goal. You can work up toward your overall goal by increasing your time as you get stronger.

or spouse. When you exercise with others, it’s easier to hold each other accountable.

• “I’m too young” or “I’m too old.” Neither excuse is true. When you’re in your 20s and 30s, it’s important to strengthen your heart and prevent future disease. When you’re older, exercise plays a vital role in keeping you healthy and strong. In fact, regular exercise improves quality of life during the aging process.

Get Started Today

Assess yourself. Realistically, what can you do? Can you walk at a brisk pace for 20 minutes? Can you swim one lap? Can you touch your toes? Can you crank up the music in your living room and dance? Base your starting point on what you can do today. The important thing is to just get started and build up to more as you are able. Do something you enjoy and you are more likely to stay on track. Your No More Excuses It you want to feel bet- heart will love you for it. ter and improve your overall health, physical activity must Dr. David Huneycutt is a cardiologist in Nashville and sees patients at Centennial be a priority. Do any of these Heart in Nashville as well as in Hohenwald common reasons for not exer- and in Spring Hill. He received his medicising sound familiar? cal degree from Emory University School • “I’m so busy. I just don’t of Medicine and has been in practice for 14 have time!” You can make your years. health a priority. You don’t have to do your whole workout all at once. Get up 30 minutes earlier in the morning or break it into two 15 minute activity sessions. Make it part of play time with your children or grandchildren. They need to be active too.

• “I can’t afford a gym membership.” Walking is free!

Head to a shopping mall to walk if it is cold or raining.

Borrow some workout DVDs You Work Hard from the library or download At Stewart Family Chiropractic exercise podcasts.

We Know What It Takes To Get You Going Again • “I feel too tired after a workout.” Chronic or extreme 487 E. Main • Hohenwald, TN • 931-796-2565 fatigue may signal a health problem, but if your healthcare provider clears Most Major you for exercise, you may Insurance Accepted just need to pace yourself Medicare better. Walk before trying Participant to run. Make sure you’re ome are getting enough sleep each Certified Home Care night and eating healthy Agency foods that fuel your body Highly Experienced and give you energy.

Staff • “I don’t like exercisAvailable 24/7 Care is our ing alone.” Find a budbusiness. dy! Introduce yourself to someone at the gym, join a team or a walking group, nHCHomeCare50@yaHoo.Com or walk with a neighbor

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5 Ways to Keep Your Child Healthy This Winter

A

the prevention of spreading germs.

I know it is the one thing that is said most often, but it really works.

Germs are easily spread from your hands to your face/immune system on a daily basis. A fun way to get children to be more mindful of hand washing and spreading germs is to sing songs during the washing process and have great smelling hand sanitizers available for use. One of my favorite songs to sing with kids during hand washing, that I taught a group of preschoolers recently, was “Row, row, row your boat…” They enjoyed it, and I did too!

Secondly, and probably the hardest to do during this time of year, is to avoid germ central.

Prevention begins with avoiding the places that children like to

of the Bride an s t i a r t d P or Add a Touch of Class to your Special Day

Groom

Cameo

s we all know, children usually get sick a lot during winter months due to exposure to other children at school and being cooped up inside due to the w e a t h e r.

There are a few things that we can all do as parents and providers to help chilBy Kari Littrell, stay Nurse Practitioner dren healthy and happy during the unpredictable, Tennessee, winter months.

First of all, good hand washing technique is very important in

Contact the artist at: (931) 626-2743 or Email: jgrisham5@icloud.com .

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play, such as play areas Find More in local restaurants and malls, which harbor germs that can cause colds, flu and other viwww.ValidityMag.com ruses.

Children love this environment, but appropriate amounts of sleep and the surfaces can hold germs for rest to keep us healthy. Children weeks, if not cleaned properly. If are no different in this scenario. you must venture out and expose Children need more sleep than we children to this environment, re- do, as adults. There are a few webmember the first rule of preven- sites and books that have amounts tion… wash your hands! of time your child should sleep for Third, there are many websites his or her age. Typical school age and references for supplementa- children are recommended to have tion with vitamin C, elderberry 9-11 hours of sleep per night. This syrup and essential oils at your fin- practice helps your child have a gertips. I recommend peppermint healthy immune system, thus cutoil and lavender to many of my ting down on colds and viruses. patients’ families when cold season is upon us to help with fever and Kari Littrell is a pediatric and bouts of decreased sleeping. Many neonatal nurse practitioner with of these oils and supplements can more than 18 years experience in be found at your local health food pediatrics. She currently is a pristores and pharmacies. Before giv- mary care provider at Just 4 Kids ing your child supplementation, Pediatrics in Pulaski and Lawplease ask your child’s primary care renceburg. provider.

Fourth, it is essential as parents to protect your child’s schedule as much as possible. Stress is a large factor in our immunity to germs and colds. We all are busy during the winter Complete Automotive Repair months, keeping us out Since 1942 of our normal routine with daily life. Protecting that schedule with your child will be helpful in keeping you and your child stress free 129 West end • Centerville, tn 37033 during the long winter David Bates, owner months.

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Fun, Fit Lifestyles In Spring Hill

T

Spring Hill’s splash pad at Port Royal Park.

he City of Spring Hill has been fortunate in recent years in the area of economic development, attracting new residents and creating a diversity of new jobs.

And we realize that one of the important aspects of that trend is providing citizens

By Jamie Page with a variety of ways to stay fit, active and healthy. The relative health and activeness of a population speaks greatly to a city’s quality of life, fitness related events, lower crime and overall costs related to medical calls.

Spring Hill has been expanding our local park system, now offering six public parks a dog park, with a wide range of activities, large playgrounds, sports fields and courts, public-use picnic pavilions, walking paths, a skate park that’s proven popular among our large teen population and a splash pad with fun

water features in our newest and now largest park Port Royal Park.

Spring Hill also is home to the Longview Recreation Center, a full service Williamson County Parks & Rec. facility that offers a fitness center, racquetball courts, an indoor walking track, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a game room, a gymnasium and more.

There are also a number of private fitness centers available throughout Spring Hill.

Take a stroll or a bike ride on any of our growing network of multi-use paths or sidewalks. In 2015 alone, the City opened two, new sections of multi-use paths and five, neighborhood, sidewalk projects.

In addition to school sports, our city offers a wide variety of community-based recreation leagues for all ages. You’ll also find an 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature golf course, all within the heart of the city.

“Spring Hill has long attracted a uniquely high number of young families with children, and with that demographic in particular, we know it’s critically important to provide plenty of recreational

along the edge of Kedron Road.

The 55+ community is geared toward empty-nesters who want to downsize their living space and stay active in their later years with a wide range of fitness and recreational opportunities throughout their neighborhood.

Also, within our city government, the City of Spring Hill has a wellness committee that encourages city employees to live healthy and active lifestyles, providing regular avenues for health education.

That includes our annual Spring Hill Health and Wellness Fair; an exercise program put together by a local fitness trainer and made available on our Intranet site for employees; and monthly Lunch & Learn sessions, where a local health care or service provider hosts a lunch and health information talk for employees at the community center.

“It may be the top-ranked schools or a job opportunity that brings you to Middle Tennessee, but we believe you’ll want to stay to raise a family in Spring Hill and enjoy the quality of life once you experience what we have to offer,” Mayor Graham said.

opportunities,” Spring Hill Mayor Rick Graham said. “We heard loud and clear from our residents that they wanted more park space, Jamie Page serves as Communicaand from that we now have Port tions Officer with the City of Royal Park, a phenomenal facil- Spring Hill, TN. ity that truly offers something for everyone. Among its many amenities, we included three football fields, which helped r Local Real Estate ALLY! u o us correct a deficit in that Y area. We were having to turn away kids in the local football league who wanted to play, but we previously just didn’t have the space. And come summer Call Today time, we know the splash pad For Your will always be the most popuFREE lar amenity at that park!”

Consultation!

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5083 Main St., Spring Hill TN 37174 This 600-home neighborhood will sit on several hundred Find Us On Social Media acres south of Saturn Parkway Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

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13 .

Light & Energy Questions Answered Regarding Light Therapy

B

efore the time of rubber soled shoes and concrete dwellings, we were more connected to our natural environment, specifically light.

Because light surrounds us everyday, it’s easy to take for granted.

Yet, what we

By Jackie Davis perceive as light is actually a form of energy that behaves both as a wave and a stream of particles called photons.

Light streams photons to our bodies—tiny packets of energy with a number of beneficial effects such as restoring balance to the sys-

tem. According to clinical studies, light therapy has been shown to increase energy; stimulate collagen, ATP and nitric oxide; reduce pain and inflammation; and reduce stress.

What is light therapy?

Light therapy has been shown in over 50 years of independent research worldwide to deliver powerful benefits to living tissues and organisms. Visible red, blue and “invisible” infrared light have been shown to effect at least 24 positive changes at the cellular level.

These studies also have shown that light energy causes biologic effects based on the knowledge that specific proteins absorb different wavelengths. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are a form of light energy that is a relatively recent outgrowth from the laser industry.

LEDs are similar to lasers, inasmuch as they have the same effects but differ in the way that the light energy is delivered. LED disperses light (red, blue or infrared) over a greater surface area; this tends to result in shorter session times for a given area. LED light is a safe,

noninvasive way to ‘enlighten’ cells.

Learn More About LED Light Therapy

There are volumes of scientific studies available. The following is just a sample list of institutions that have conducted clinical studies on the effectiveness of LED Light Therapy. Do your research to see if its right for you.

• National Institute of Health • Mayo Clinic, Jeffrey Basford, MD • Stanford University, Kendric C. Smith

• Harvard Medical School • NASA, Dr. Harry T. Whelan • Marshall Space Flight Center • Yale Medical School “We are human photocells whose ultimate biological nutrient is light.”

-Dr. Gabriel Cousens, MD Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment.

Jackie Davis is the owner of Columbia Health foods in Columbia.

She is a Biofeedback practitioner and light therapist. She has a passion for helping people be healthy.

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Technology for Health

H

ealth technology is widely sought after these days. In the age of the Internet of Things, there is rarely any item that doesn’t now have “smart” in front of its name.

We a r a b l e s are all the rage, and a lot of them are more than just fun. Move over, Fitbit!

The new kids have arrived.

By Cody Crawford

Smart Pill Bottle

Since so many people have to take medicine on a daily basis, it was only a matter of time before a smart pill bottle hit the market.

Adhere Tech created a pill bottle that helps people remember to take their medicine on time. The bottle reminds people by phone calls or text messages when it is time to take their medicine. SMRT has a similar pill bottle. www.adheretech.com www.smrxt.com

now.

Baby Monitor Of The Future

This baby monitor comes in the form of an ankle bracelet for a baby to wear while it’s sleeping.

The ankle sensor tracks heart rate, body temperature and the baby’s sleep position. It also monitors humidity, noise levels and the room temperature. The incorporated app gives parents tips on helping their baby sleep, such as how reducing the temperature in the room by a few degrees might keep the baby asleep for another 20 minutes. www.sproutling.com

Wearable Ecg/Ekg Monitor

This ECG/EKG monitor is a lightweight monitor that is worn at all times to view different types ping game to keep kids occupied of heart metrics. It reads electrowhile their temperature is being cardiogram, heart rate, heart rate read. variability, body temperature, reswww.kinsahealth.com pirator rate, activity and stress levels. It allows you to view your heart health data, as well as allowing your Smart Sleep Mask The Neuroon smart, sleep mask doctor to see it. It pairs to iOS deanalyzes your sleep patterns to help vices through Bluetooth. www.getqardio.com you get the best sleep possible. This sleep mask was originally designed for shift workers who weren’t able Cody Crawford holds a Bachelor to keep constant schedules. The of Science in Computer EngineerNeuroon sleep mask also tells you ing Technology from Middle Tenwhen the best time is to take a nap nessee State University and serves during the day for maximum re- as Director of Digital Innovation for Validity Publishing. freshment. www.neuroon.com

Smart Changing Pad

The Hatch Baby smart baby changing table tracks a child’s weight, sleep and the number of diapers they use. It connects to a smartphone for wireless tracking, and the app contains health milestones and tips for babies. www.hatchbaby.com

Too Much Stuff

Smart Thermometer

The Kinsa smart thermometer hooks into your smartphone’s headphone jack. The thermometer Wearable Airbag detects if it is in a good position for The newest thing in wearables reading the is a wearable airbag. When you temperature fall, the airbag deploys to protect and comes your hips from injury. It is most with an app applicable for elderly people at risk for easy use. of falling in their homes. The wear- It also has a able airbag is in the testing phase bubble pop-

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One Lawyer’s Opinion

Random Lawyer Tales

I

had been practicing a short time when I was appointed to represent a convict, who had been incarcerated for first degree murder.

I don’t remember his name. Prison had taken its toll on him and he looked older than he was and appeared feeble and haggard.

He and two others were in the moonshine business

By Landis in Hickman Turner County. They had a falling out and two ganged up on another, murdered him and tried to conceal the crime by burning his body. Of course, that is nearly impossible unless you have heat equal to what is used to cremate bodies. ********* In Lewis County, I had another case in which my client tried to burn his mother’s body, so he could continue to collect her Social Security checks.

While I was preparing for the trial, I investigated the jurors, hoping I could discover facts which might help my client.

One of the jurors worked on a tower operating a fire watch there in Hickman County.

He declined to climb down, so up I went. If you’ve never climbed a tower, you can’t imagine how windy it is when you get thirty feet above the ground. And the further up you go, the harder the wind blows. It is not only cold but also scary. I was adventurous but scared to death. However, anything is required if it might help a client.

The juror, whose name I also have forgotten, had a few interesting things to say, but little which would help my client.

A short time before the trial, my client’s son came to my office and showed me a True Detective

magazine.

It contained a cover story about our trial, supposedly written by Albert Wilson, former sheriff of Hickman County. It read that he and his deputies went to a local motel where they had set up a temporary investigation place.

The story went on, “We placed the guy under a bright light, made sure he received no sleep for two days and worked him over until we finally received a confession.”

As defense council, the story was a gold mine for me.

When the case began, I was anxious to cross-examine Sheriff Wilson, “No, but I stand by every word.” The more he talked, the deeper he went into the hole I had gleefully prepared.

The District Attorney for our circuit, Lon Bates, was perplexed and on fire. He was the toughest prosecutor in the state. He argued, “Since when, have we started questioning this fine officer with a comic book?”

Most of the spectators, of whom there were many, laughed out loud.

The judge, a lawyer from the State Attorney’s office, ruled that my client was not entitled to relief on the murder conviction, but he did rule that he was allowed to obtain dismissal of the six years he had been given for his conviction of a lesser crime.

I wish I had obtained the magazine, but it had been filed as evidence with the office of the Circuit Court Clerk.

I was interviewed by several news outlets including the Hickman County Times, The Tennessean and television’s Channel 4.

The case was the talk of the county for several weeks.

My client was old and in poor health, so he was no longer a flight risk. He was sent to the prison farm where he died without ever seeing freedom again.

Everyone is eligible to serve. Women used to be able to avoid serving, but sex won’t help them get off anymore.

Jurors are very unpredictable.

One can see his 12 best friends retire to reach their verdict and what comes out may astonish him.

Some mysterious things happen when they discuss the evidence.

Their interaction makes their final conclusions quite different than what was expected.

I am asked quite often about capital punishment. Many people get off jury duty by saying they could never render such a verdict.

I might feel that way myself. The expense of putting people in prisons during endless appeals is a high figure for the taxpayers. The cost of the process is staggering, many thousands of dollars are consumed this way. Usually, the court requires that two lawyers represent the defendant. This adds quite a bit more, which is one of the reasons the appeals cost so much.

Quite often, the costs may be more than a hundred thousand dollars.

One day a rape case was being tried in a nearby county. The victim said she was too embarrassed to repeat the words the defendant had said to her. The judge, being a tolerant soul, asked her to write the statements on paper, to be supplied by the bailiff. She took the pen and paper and wrote, “I’m going to give you the loving of your life.” She was too prim and shy to write what he actually said.

And since this is a family magazine, I’ll leave out what he actually told her. Suffice it to say, it was crude.

This column discusses legal issues of general interest and does not give legal advice on any reader’s personal situation.

The law is not a one-size-fits-all hat. Consult a lawyer of your choice.

Landis Turner is a graduate of the University of the SouthSewanee and Vanderbilt University School of Law. He is a former president of the Tennessee Bar Association.

*********

********* I have never served on a jury.

Validitymag.com

17 .

Guy Schafer

Music Unites Students and Community in Pulaski

Martiros began wrapping her head ow many times has a kid around when working on her doctorate. just needed a chance?

“We were performing concerts That’s what Melissa

Guy Schafer

H

in correctional facilities and detention centers. Many of the children were African American and had been locked up for a long time. We were playing this elite classical music... and I began

Parents and supporters attend recitals at Martin Methodist University.

.

18

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to realize, these kids had never had a chance to do this.”

Melissa took a year off from her studies to teach and encountered austistic students for whom there were no materials available. That’s

Guy Schafer

By Becky Jane Newbold Photos Guy Schafer

Freshman Galen Cherry performing with his student at Martin Methodist College.

Student teachers patiently encourage their protégés during lessons and on stage.

Guy Schafer

Then she came to Tennessee. masters to her work toward perfor- needs kids and teachers while deIn addition to creating a mance and pedagogy. For 10 years veloping programming specific to ground-breaking music program in following, she worked with special the needs of the community.

Guy Schafer

Guy Schafer

when she decided.

The concert pianist shifted gears, adding a special education

Success acknowledged and affirmation by parents and members of the community play a huge role in the student’s progress.

Validitymag.com

19 .

riet Norrie, among others.

Ms. Norrie hails from three generations of women heavily involved in the Martin Methodist music program. The Carter Wood Norrie Academy (CWN) honors Norrie’s grandmother (CartDr. Melissa Martiros er) and her revitalize the music promother (Wood). Her gram. purchase of Steinway But the involvement pianos, five years ago has of Martiros as the visiondone wonders to help Guy Schafer

from a local elementary school receive lessons, supervised practice and the opportunity to practice on Steinway pianos and Gibson guitars, all donated to the college. Because the youngsters come weekly to the college to practice, it is no wonder they are beginning to call it home and now have aspirations of attending school at Martin Methodist following graduation. Many would be first generation college students in their families.

The program, aptly named “Opportune-ity” is the brain child of Martiros but comes with alumni support from Har-

Guy Schafer

Pulaski, Melissa Martiros, Assistant Professor for the Music Department at Martin Methodist College, put her own students to work teaching.

For seven hours a week, five to ten Martin Methodist music students receive dual benefits.

They give and they receive.

“I enjoy teaching,” freshman guitar student Galen Cherry noted. The best part is “being sure the kids start on the right track, know what I mean?”

“The big winners are our students,” College President Dr. Ted Brown remarked.

Children from the local Boys & Girls Club as well as

Guy Schafer

Celebration, post-recital at Martin Methodist College.

Learning to curtsy in appreciation for applause.

.

20

Validitymag.com

ary is the catalyst for progress.

Galen’s involvement with students is unique. Coming from a difficult childhood, Martiros says, “He innately understands the kids.

When he is with kids, he’s amazingly kind and gentle.” The music lessons give students like Galen resolve. “He wants to stay and see the kids grow.”

One of the students in the program was abandoned by her parents. For the first several weeks of her participation as a piano student, she did not speak. One day, she ran across the room to hug her teacher. Now, although she has a speech impediment, she talks. And continues to dive into her music lessons.

Once the program was underway, it became apparent that food was an issue for some of the children. “Some told me, they have nothing to eat,” Galen confided.

“It was prominent enough of a topic among the students that meals were a problem,” Martiros shared, that she began ordering pizza. When Dr. Ted Brown became aware, he took over that responsibility. Now pizza is more than a treat for the students, it sustains.

Expansion of the program for 2016 includes adding strings and making the offerings available to other students in the region. Martin

Guy Schafer

Participants in the Martin Methodist College Music Department’s CWN Academy following a recital last year.

Methodist students are teaching in Mount Pleasant, thanks to a partnership with Kids on Stage. Other local elementary schools may be able to have students included as the program expands.

Suzuki violin, fiddle, mandolin, cello, vocal instruction and Kindermusik are not often available in rural communities. Families are forced to drive to Nashville or other areas for lessons, Martiros

commented. With the CWN Academy’s growth, as well as Opportune-ity, parents in the region now have more choices.

Fund-raising and recruitment are on the table for this year, Mar-

tiros explained. As the students will soon be ready for another level of learning, “stronger talent is needed as is fund-raising to hire students next year as teachers,” she remarked.

Linden Announces

Blooming Arts Fest 2016

F

or years, “in the know” visitors have flocked to Linden and Perry County for hunting, fishing and canoeing on the Buffalo and Tennessee rivers. However, for nearly a decade, the Town of Linden has become highly respected for its art initiative and acclaimed public arts district.

This year, on March 25th and 26th, the Town of Linden is pleased to invite you to the 8th annual Blooming Arts Festival. The success of The Blooming Arts Festival has quickly become Linden’s crown jewel and is one of the area’s

leading outdoor events. Besides the unbelievable turnout, the vendors are brilliant and refreshing; there is something for everybody both in selection and price.

For art lovers, craft lovers, casual festival-goers and families, nothing compares to the Blooming Arts Festival. This festival continues to be a success, last year attracting over 100 artists from the region. Tennessee’s festival season starts here!

Large crowds are again expected to attend the event. In addition, there will be a full schedule of live music on both days and the always popu-

will be highlighted by endless exhibitions of fine art, including oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, clay, sculpture and photography. lar First Bank Kids-Zone, complete Crafts lovers from all over are sure with rides and many fun activities. to be delighted with stained glass, While the exhibitors draw thou- leatherwork, jewelry, glass, furnisands to the quaint downtown, it is ture, fiber, quilting and numerous a perfect time for tourists to jour- other displays of creativity. The fesney to the festival to witness the tival also features local and regional striking beauty of the recently revi- musical entertainment at a main talized downtown itself. stage on the courthouse square.

It’s a wonderful opportunity Festival food will be provided in to meet real artists and artisans to separate food courts, while local begin your own art collection or restaurants will remain open. find that unique gift or home furFor more information or artnishing. Within the setting of the ist registration please visit www. downtown streets lined with new bloomingartsfestival.org or call sidewalks, trees, lampposts and 931-589-6888. restored architecture, the festival Validitymag.com 21 .

D

At the Parthenon in Nashville interviewing Dr. Barbara Tsakirgis for a video on the history of the Parthenon.

use iMovie in their classrooms. Jennifer Berry introduced Dev to Shawn Afin“That was the beson, content ginning, and it grew director at from there, but I’m Nashville still learning.” Dev Public Televistates. sion, to disConsidering his cuss a possible passion for video, internship film and journalism, opportunity Dev’s choice of the with “NPT district’s only STEM Storytellmagnet high school ers” – a subseems strange. “I category of like the interaction the network’s of science with the Dev Bhavsar at school. popular Next other subjects,” he explains. “And in freshman Eng- Door Neighbors series, with the lish, I got to work on a PBL (proj- focus on the experience of one imect-based learning) video on water migrant.

“I met Militza Anchudia (Stratwaste and pollution. In my sophomore year, my math teacher invited ford’s Spanish teacher), and we me to make a started working together on the video on the project to put her story on film. robotics team It was amazing and I learned an for the MNPS incredible amount. She even gave Academy Vid- me access to her personal photo eo Awards. I albums,” Dev says. “Each projprofiled team ect goes beyond doing a story. It’s member Sharo about ‘how am I going to record Hawrami in a this, express this and then show video, I Can what I’ve learned?’ That’s what Make a Robot, journalism is – showing the world.”

By the end of his sophomore that captured over 800 You- year, Dev had added a video for the League of Women Voters, and capTube “likes.”

Just one month later, Find More Stratford Academy Coach Dr. www.ValidityMag.com

At Stratford High School working on a video project about women and their views on liberty.

.

22

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Courtesy Photo

Southern California) and Lena Lambrinou (Director of the Acropolis Restoration Project in Athens, Greece). He has also demonstrated great skills associated with scholarly efforts, not only in organization of the project, but in research, developing questions, conducting interviews and, of course, the technical skills associated with audio/video production, script writing and editing.”

Born in Mumbai, India, Dev moved at age five with his family to New York and then to Nashville.

By middle school, he was making home movies and playing around with iMovie. In eighth grade, he was invited by his teachers at Isaac Litton Middle School to conduct a workshop for them on how to

Courtesy Photo

ev Bhavsar is not waiting.

There is no distant “someday” for the 16-year-old Stratford STEM Magnet student.

Midway through his junior year, his massive 3-page resume is evidence that he approaches each assignment, each project or opportunity as a proBy DeeGee fessional already Lester on the job and as scaffolding in building his career.

During a recent brief interview break for Dev’s current video on the “lost” history of the ancient Parthenon, Dr. Barbara Tsakirgis, Director of Graduate Studies at Vanderbilt University’s Department of Classical Studies, provided her impressions, “Dev has certainly shown initiative in undertaking this project in seeking out and contacting scholars worldwide, and he has connected with some of the best including Anthony Kaldellis (Ohio State), Joe Pollini (University of

Courtesy Photo

Dev Bhavsar: My Future is Now!

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It was during these summer months that Dev toyed with the notion of transferring from the STEM high school to one of the MNPS academies offering journalism/broadcasting pathways.

He carefully weighed his options. It was the bigger picture that swayed him.

“I like science and I thought about the big issues and assignments in video and journalism.

They are in STEM fields. My resume will show that I graduated from the STEM school.

The chance to cover innovations, issues and events in these big topics goes beyond the ability to write a story. These opportunities will go to those who know the scientific journals, the process of research and who can connect with experts.”

Dev’s advice to other students: “It’s alright to be undecided, but the more experience you get, the more confident you become. Go ahead! Jump ahead into internships and opportuni-

ThursdayNightLiveAtTheStrand 107 E. Main St., Linden, TN For more information, call: Amanda Rose Curtis, 931-306-2928 or email: mandasgypsywagon@gmail.com

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tured a gold medal in the STEM research category for a Project Expo submission, “DNA Fingerprinting: Cracking the Code,” which also captured the Texas Instrument Award of Excellence and an award from the College of American Pathologists.

In the summer, he attended Innovation J-Camp at MTSU, generously assisted by a scholarship from Top Floor at the Martha O’Brien Center, and proving once again, his desire to develop skills. He rose early and taking multiple bus transfers each day to and from his home off Gallatin Pike to the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro. Simultaneously, he had started his internship at the Parthenon, building his network of scholar-interviewees, arranging music for the video with one of the top musician/ composers in Greece, providing photographs for an architecture/ math book by Italian mathematician, Roberto Brigo, and improving/hosting the Parthenon’s

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Ornithology Report

Bird Housing L

ast month when I wrote about bird feeding, one of the things I mentioned was that feeders are more for the benefit of people than for the birds themselves.

This month, I will talk about another thing you can do in your yard that really does benefit the if

By Bill Pulliam birds, you do it with enough planning: bird houses Many species of birds naturally nest and raise their young in cavities in trees.

Only a very few species actually excavate their own cavities; most use holes that they find.

In the wild, many of these are former woodpecker nests, though some are natural knotholes and hollow branches.

In residential and agricultural areas, natural cavities can be in short supply. There are not generally a lot of dead snags and branches full of woodpecker cavities in these places. Bird houses can pick up the slack here.

Bird houses are mostly for raising young. A few species use cavities for overnight roosting year round, but most only use them in spring and summer. As this issue of Validity comes out, it may be snowy, or the spring flowers may be starting to bloom. Either way, spring is coming soon, and it is time to prepare.

As with bird feeding, one of the main concerns with providing bird houses is to help the native birds without encouraging the alien pest species, especially House Sparrows and Starlings. Both of these pests are cavity nesters,

and they aggressively outcompete native birds if given the chance.

The main way to achieve the goal of helping the native birds while excluding the alien pests is with good design of your bird houses. There are three main strategies for providing housing for nesting, native birds around here. Each of these requires a different approach in design and location of your bird houses and targets different bird species: 1. Small houses around vegetation for small woodland species, like chickadees and wrens.

2. Somewhat larger houses in open areas for bluebirds, which might also be used by swallows and other birds.

3. Large communal nesting systems for Purple Martin colonies.

In every case, the most important considerations are the size of the entrance hole, the dimensions of the interior space and the ability to clean the house out once each year.

The size of the nesting hole is critical. This is the number one defense for keeping the pest species out. The holes should be just barely large enough for the target birds to get through and too small for the larger starlings and house sparrows. The interior space should be just roomy enough to hold the parents and babies, but not so big that their body heat cannot keep it warm on a chilly night.

“Cleanability” is one of the most often neglected aspects of many decorative bird houses. Before the beginning of each nesting season (soon, now), each house should be opened up and last year’s debris cleared out. A good way to do this is to make the bot-

tom of the house so that it can be opened, allowing all that stuff to just drop out. But any means of access will work.

Note that this means decorative gourds are not the best idea for real bird houses for most species, as they are hard to clean.

Providing colonial housing for Purple Martins is a science to itself, and I won’t talk about that here. The Purple Martin Conservation Association (www.purplemartin.org) has tons of information about this fascinating process.

The “small, woodland birds” include wrens, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, some warblers and other species. Again, the birds don’t care whether a bird house looks like an old barn, a windmill, or just an unpainted wooden box. Those choices are for our entertainment, not the birds.

The most important factor in design here is this number: 1.25 inches. That is the size of the nesting hole. Any bigger and House Sparrows may take it over. A smaller opening will limit the house to only the smallest birds, like House Wrens and chickadees.

For the interior dimensions, a 4”x4” floor and a height of 6” to 8” are good.

The center of the entrance hole should be 2” down from the top. The house should be sturdily mounted at least five feet off the ground, somewhere that has nearby vegetation providing a sense of shelter.

Bluebirds like a slightly large house, mounted on a pole or fence post 4 to 6 feet above the ground in an open area. The traditional bluebird house has a 5” square floor, a height of 8”-12” and a 1.5” opening again centered 2” below the top. The slightly larger opening accommodates the bigger bluebirds, but still excludes starlings. Bluebirds are usually able to keep the House Sparrows away on their own.

There is a modern, fancy, trapezoidal, bluebird house design that many find to be

superior. It is more complicated to construct (the traditional house can be banged together from 1x6 scraps very easily), but studies suggest that the birds have better nesting success with it. I have used both, and watched broods of baby bluebirds emerge from both. You can find detailed plans for this design at the North American Bluebird Society (www.nabluebirdsociety.org/nestboxes/peterson.htm).

I have barely scratched the surface of the art and science of bird house design. You can get more information from TWRA by going to www.tnwatchablewildlfe.org and following the “Woodworking for Wildlife” link.

Whatever bird houses you put up, remember these are wild birds, not pets. Many nests fail, and most

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young do not survive the summer, whether they nest in bird houses or natural holes. Predators and accidents are just nature’s way. If a snake raids the nest box or a hawk snatches one of the parents, it is simply part of the “game.” Clean up the damage, another nest will be built and nature will move on.

Bill Pulliam got started in birdwatching by his junior high science teacher in 1974, and has been an avid birder ever since in 48 U.S. states and 7 foreign countries.

He is currently the Tennessee editor for eBird, a online project that compiles millions of observations from tens of thousands of birders around the world.

Linden Mourns Passing of Town Mayor Mayor Jimmy Calvin Azbill, 76, City Mayor of the Town of Linden passed away Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Funeral services were scheduled for Monday February 1, 2016 in the chapel of First Baptist Church in Linden with Rev. Keith Fulton and Bro. Brian Powell officiating. Interment will follow services in the Dr. O.A. Kirk Memorial Cemetery. Young Funeral Home.

Mayor Azbill honorably served the Town of Linden and Perry County Tennessee for decades. He was elected in 2002, and spearheaded a complete transformation of the downtown. “His tireless efforts brought numerous infrastruc-

ture projects, new business and industry, and an energy that fueled civic pride and commerce. Mayor Azbill was a fixture at local events, wearing his signature suspenders and large bill hat,” a message from Will Nunley read.

Among the many elements of his local legacy is the Blooming Arts Festival, an annual local event that brings thousands to the revitalized town square each March.

Azbill served on countless community boards. He was a leader in Linden’s First Baptist Church.

History will record Jim Azbill as selfless community servant, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, humble Christian and mentor to many.

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25 .

Bygone Book Era We’ve got too many internets.

-Ray Bradbury

T

here is a stack of books next to my son’s bed. It has been building up over recent weeks and it’s beginning to worry his mother. Our son, who is diabolically aware of his cuteness and its power over us, is seven-yearsold, always on the move and hates reading almost as much as bedtime, but something has changed lately. A change that has resulted in a transfer of literature from our son’s bookshelf to his bedside. His mother thinks our house may be haunted, but I have assured her,

D

Doors

ecisions are like doors in our lives—choices we make for good or bad.

They first appear as possibilities in our minds and become actualities once we walk through them.

We go through them every moment of our lives,

By Charles E. resulting in Newbold, Jr. differing outcomes. Many of them are benign with little or no consequence in our lives. When we open one door, we close others.

Most doors lead to more doors.

Sometimes we have only one door from which to choose, but more often they are numerous. At times, we want a door where none seems to exist. Other times, a door exists we wish did not. We can become greatly vexed when certain

.

26

our boy is actually reading them.

I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

American life has become so interlaced with technolBy Daniel Algara ogy that seeing a child nose-deep in a book gives one the sense that something is definitely not right. You freeze and try to retrace your steps, wondering how you entered a universe where kids still read and if there’s a way back

doors do not open when we think they ought.

Each door scripts the history of our lives. In futility, we might speculate what life would have been had we chosen a different door. Once a door has been chosen and passed through, it cannot be retracted.

We can also let things in through these doors that affect us for the rest of our lives, even eternally. Like the one in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I [Jesus] stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” The mind is a universe of doors within itself. Every thought we have is like another door through which we can pass. Immediately upon entering a new door of thought we are presented with the ability to make one or several choices. We will either go deeper into that line of thought, or we will

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to safety. Perhaps in this universe, you think, curly cords still dangle from every phone and men wear bowlers non-ironically and you’ll be able to swing by the Fotomat in the Kmart parking lot to get those spring break pictures you never picked up: Miami, FL August of 1989. Yeah, you were a wild one back then.

But no, it’s not an alternate universe you’ve stepped into, it’s just a kid with a book. How refreshing.

Before my son was born, I had a hard time believing any child of mine would love me. A friend put me at ease by telling me, “Children are born loving their fathers, but you can talk them out of it.”

Curiosity and the need to be touched by stories, it seems, are similarly innate. It’s possible to talk ourselves out of it with unending hours of texts, emails, political news feeds and Candy Crush, but it takes some doing.

It’s comforting to think books at bedsides will never go out of style.

Satisfying curiosity has somehow worked itself into the instinct of self-preservation and the morphing of Fotomats into Smoothie Huts has done little to steal away that particular quality in human nature. It may happen in decades-long cycles, but no matter how fancy technology gets, we will always come back around to the things that make our lives not just easier, but better.

And maybe it’s a good thing there’s no physical evidence of that ‘89 spring break.

turn from it.

Most doors we choose to go through have consequences in other people’s lives, touching on the destiny of others as well as our own.

Some doors give us a passage of escape from the perils of previous doors we chose, but rarely so.

When they do come our way, we taste God’s mercy.

This montage of doors constantly set before us is a testimony to the incredible free will God has given each of us. God has, of His own free will and love toward us, given us an eternal choice. We can continue to go through the doors of this wretched existence or we can go through THE DOOR God provided in Jesus. When we go through the Jesus-Door, we take Jesus with us through all the other doors. Our destiny is entirely changed. All doors without Jesus lead to death. The Jesus-Door leads to life everlasting.

Jesus said of Himself, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All (doors) who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door.

If anyone enters by Me, he will

be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:7-9.

We trust God to take us through the doors He has opened and to prevent us from opening those He has closed. We do not want to pry open a door He has closed or try to close a door He has opened. May we know the difference!

We live our lives going through doors until one day we come face to face with that inescapable door— death. No more doors! No turning back!

While it is still day, let us “enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” Matthew 7:13.

Daniel Algara lives in Spring Hill, Tennessee. His fiction and poetry have appeared in The Bellow Literary Journal, Aoife’s Kiss, Kaleidoscope Magazine, The Stray Branch and others.

Charles Elliott Newbold, Jr. has served as pastor, teacher and is an author calling forth Christians to live the laid-down life for Jesus Christ. He and his wife, Nancy McDonald Newbold, live in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Charles continues his writing.

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Book Review: Coal River Coal River

By Ellen Marie Wiseman

E

mma Malloy lost everything, including her parents, in a New York City theater fire. She was now a nineteen year old orphan faced with a choice; go live with her aunt and uncle in Coal River, Pennsylvania, or be sent to a Brooklyn poorhouse. Poorhouses were horrific places in 1912, even so, there was hesitation before she settled on Coal River.

Coal River was a company town. The Bleak Mountain MinBy James Lund ing Company provided jobs, housing and a company store from which all employees were forced to get their food and supplies. Many men had been fired and their families kicked out of their homes for shopping at stores outside Coal River. The inflated prices of the food and supplies meant virtually every dime of each paycheck earned by the men went right back to the company. The miners were in a vicious cycle; many were deeply in debt to the company.

Uncle Otis was a mine boss, and mine bosses were rewarded with large homes and comfortable paychecks.

Although Emma lived in luxury, she was treated as a servant. Uncle Otis and Aunt Ida had a complicated and deep disdain for Emma’s dead parents and felt the same way about her.

Years earlier, when Emma, her parents and brother lived in Coal River, a tragedy had befallen them. Emma’s brother slipped through the ice of the frozen river and

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drowned right before her eyes. Her memories continue to haunt her, as does the sight of the miner’s children. She cannot understand why so many children in Coal River are horribly maimed and missing limbs.

She later finds, the mining company is working the children.

Emma begins sneaking widows and families food she has stolen from her Aunt’s cupboard, and marking their bills “paid” at the company store, where she is forced to work for free in order to “earn her keep” with Otis and Ida. The miners need a voice.

Emma resolves to help, even if it costs her everything.

The story of Coal River is as true a testament as can be imagined of the abusive conditions inflicted upon miners in the time before the unionization of American labor. The author paints a picture perfectly in line with what we history buffs understand about labor during the second industrial revolution. A time when hired company police were stopping strikes by force and murder, people like Henry Ford were showing the world how profitable a company could become by paying good wages, standardizing procedures and implementing reasonable work hours and conditions.

This was also a time when women were refusing to be ignored.

Emma took a stand, while harboring overwhelming fear and uncertainty about what repercussions may be cast upon those whom she is trying to save.

Coal River is a story of a young woman who, one hundred years ago, had the courage to stand up to her rulers and say “This treatment is unacceptable.” A stance as necessary then as it is now.

James Lund, along with his wife Heather, own The Old Curiosity Book Shop in downtown Columbia, Tennessee. A native of Nashville, James moved to Columbia several years ago to get away from crowds and promptly opened a business whose purpose is to attract crowds.

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29 .

Cassandra Warner

Wintertime Garden Dreaming

.

30

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Dream away, dream on.

You can make your dreams come true.

By Cassandra Warner

S

tart February by getting inspired at the 2016 Nashville Antiques and Garden Show on February 12-14 at the Music City Center, 201 5th Avenue South in downtown Nashville.

This is a volunteer show and Cheekwood’s Botanical Garden and Museum of Art is a beneficiary of funds raised at this event.

I should also go ahead and remind you now about the show on March 3-6, 2016, the Nashville Lawn and Garden Show at the Nashville Fairgrounds. So get ready for a breath of spring and plenty of things and ideas to inspire your garden DREAMS. February is full of dreaming of all kinds of gardens for me. On the coldest, gray, dreary days, I like to fill my mind with garden wishes, wants, plans and dreams.

I pore over garden photos, books, magazines and go to garden shows. You can see so many different types of gardens to create and enjoy. Being the greedy gardener that I am, I’m always wanting more. Now, just between you and me, I’m getting in deep trouble. My husband says I have created an obstacle course for him to mow, but I keep reasoning the more gardens the less grass there is to mow! So, I shall be looking out at the present, dreary landscape and dreaming of new gardens and thinking about all the vegetables I want to grow

Cassandra Warner

Cassandra Warner

cult conditions.

56 days French Crisp/Batavia, VBSC. Buttercrunch: Dependable, delicious with light green, compact head, thick tender juicy leaves and slow to bolt. 66 days butterhead VBSC. Crisp Mint: Puckered, mint green leaves with crisp texture, sweet and mild flavor, never turns bitter.

65 days romaine, Jung Seeds and Plants.

Lolla Rossa: Another lettuce that this year and getting my seeds orcan be a real beauty as an edging dered. or border. Neat, rounded, mound Lettuce Picks shape and ruby red, ruffled leaves New Red Fire: Forms heavy loose that fade to pale green in the cenheads with great, red color, sweet, ter, has a mild flavor and fantastic crisp leaves and stays bitter-free in color for the salad bowl. 53 days summer heat or cooler tempera- loose leaf, Pinetree. tures. Gourmet quality and bolt resistant, pretty enough to use as a edging or border. 45 days loose leaf. Vermont Bean Seed Company (VBSC).

Simpson Elite: Crisp texture, mild flavor, frilled light green leaves and slow to bolt. 48 days loose leaf.

VBSC. Esmeralda: Sweet taste with tender, buttery texture. It’s bright green and forms one pound heads open, but tightly bunched rosettes and it is slow to bolt. 55 days butterhead, VBSC. Annapolis: Upright loose heads with striking, deep red-black color and sweet, mild flavor with no trace of bitterness. 70 days romaine, VBSC. Nevada: Apple green leaves are crisp, crunchy and sweet and form tall open heads. Can be cut again and again and can grow in diffi-

Bean Picks Green Round Pod

with buttery flavor. Medium green color holds up well for freezing or Jade II: Vigorous, upright plants canning. Hardy plants resistant produce flavorful, slender, straight, to most general plant diseases. 50 dark green, 6 inch pods. Good yield days, VBSC. even when stressed by heat or cold.

Runner Beans 58 days, VBSC. Matador: Heat tolerant, outstand- Scarlet Runner, Sunset Runner ing yields, straight, round, bright and Painted Lady: Wonderful green, 6 inch long pod. Holds nice to include in the garden for their color and sweet flavor during cook- beauty value as well as for eating.

They can tolerate cool, partially ing. 56 day, VBSC. Provider: Straight, 6 inch pods shaded conditions better than most

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31 .

Find More

Cucumbers

Armenian Yard Long: Bitterfree and burpless, will grow 2-3 feet long. www.ValidityMag.com Productive, great for eating in salads, are a light green color with other beans and add vertical interribs, so when sliced they est and beautiful edible blooms, look scalloped. I harvest them young, light green, flat pods or beautiful shell/dry beans. The humming birds also are attracted to these beauties. 70, 60 and 100 days, Pinetree.

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Shell Or Drying Beans

Ying Yang: Chinese beans that are half black and half white with a white dot on the black part and a black dot on the white part. Pods can be eaten when young, but the mature seeds have a fine flavor when used for green shelled or dried. 98 days, VBSC. Jacobs Cattle: Heirloom bean favored by New England cooks for baked beans because they don’t break down while baking and the beans soak up flavors. These beans are pure white and sprinkled with deep maroon blotches. Good as fresh shelled or dry. 85 days, VBSC .

Yard Long Beans

Yard long Mosaic: Chinese heirloom. Gorgeous, long pods with lavender, pink and mint colors that blend together. They have a more dense texture and intense bean flavor than green beans. Begin harvesting at 10-12 inches before pods plump, If you let those mature they can also be shelled and cooked like peas. 65 days, Pinetree.

Asparagus Bean: Yard long heirloom will need to be supported.

Long slender beans with taste of mix between asparagus and bean.

Best picked at 1 foot in length for tenderness. 90 days, Pinetree.

Onions

Candy Onions: I grew these year before last, I loved them! Day neutral and a good keeper. They can get as big as soft balls and have sweet, white flesh. 85 days, VBSC.

Prune and shape deciduous Sugar Heart: Heat tolerant, vigorous plants, stringless pods with vines.

Spray dormant oil on fruit sweet crunch. 70 days, VBSC. trees.

Maintenance

Cabin fever? Get out the pruners. It’s time to get grapes and fruit trees pruned.

Remove canes that bore fruit last year on raspberries and black-

Planting

Blueberries Bare root roses Trees and shrubs Fruit trees Cold weather annuals such as pansies, viola’s, English daises, snapdragons, Sweet Williams and icelandic poppies.

Transplant deciduous trees and shrubs.

Divide and transplant perennials before they show signs of new growth.

Strawberries, asparagus, artichokes, horseradish and rhubarb.

If you have a cold frame, start cold weather vegetables such as English peas, carrots, cauliflower, collards, broccoli, beets, kale, kohlrabi and Chinese cabbage.

Start seeds of herbs indoors for transplanting outdoors later.

Winter sow seeds for Kale, Brussels sprouts, peas, broccoli, spinach, cilantro, oregano, along with many flowering perennials and hardy annuals, such as larkspur, nicotiana, balloon flower, lupine, bellflower, hollyhock, evening primrose, bachelor button, delphinium and many others.

Winter sowing is done in containers such as milk jugs or other plastic containers that you can put a clear plastic lid on. These act as mini green houses. For milk jugs, punch 3 drainage holes in bottom, punch 1 vent hole on each shoulder of the jug. Using a serrated knife, cut the jug in half, but leave it attached at the area where handle is so you can fold back the top as temperatures begin to heat up or when it’s a sunny day and the seedlings can handle more sunlight. berries (except on everbearers). in all sizes and they are crisp and Cut back ornamental grasses Fill the jug or container half way crunchy and make great pickles, now before March winds blow up with regular potting soil, water and let drain. Scatter seeds on the and even add them to stir fry. 55 straw all over.

Trim foliage of Liriope and soil, then cover the seeds with seed days, Pinetree.

Mondo grass before new leaves starting mix to the depth they need to be covered. Placing the containemerge.

Snap Pea Pick Prune roses when danger of er outside against a south facing Cascadia: Stringless, crisp, sweet wall is a great location. When the sugary pods, great for snacking! frost has passed. Prune off any weather warms enough, the seed Can be used like snow peas or let diseased, damaged or dead canes. will germinate and seedlings will mature into peas that can be eat- Make cuts 1/4 inch above an out- be stronger and stockier than those ward facing bud. en in the pod or shelled. 62 days, started indoors. For much more inFeed roses.

VBSC. formation on winter sowing, check

out the web sight WinterSown.org

Garden Quotes “If we had no winter, the spring Weed-Free Gardening would not be so pleasant.” – Anne Weed-free, rich, loose soil sounds Bradstreet good to any gardener. If you have a backyard garden or even a traditional “The flowers of late winter and garden, some garden boxes can be a early spring occupy places in our good solution for some crops such as hearts well out of proportion to their carrots that like a stone-free soil and size.” – Gertrude S. Wister onions that grow best without competition of weeds. Definitely, weed“Surely as cometh the winter, I free gardening sounds great, and this know there are spring violets under would work for many crops. The soil the snow.” – R. H. Newell to fill boxes can sometimes limit how many you may start, because I don’t “From December to March, there care what they say, dirt isn’t cheap, es- are for many of us three gardens, the pecially good dirt! So even if you just garden outdoors, the garden of pots start out with a few boxes, you can and bowls in the house, and the garsave a little on the cost by building den of the mind’s eye.” – Katharine boxes of different depths for a partic- S. White ular vegetable’s needs. For example, a foot deep box for carrots or pars“Every gardener knows that unnips. Then a 4 inch box could have der the cloak of winter lies a mirathings such as onions, beets, turnips cle... a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb or chard. A 6 inch deep box would opening to the light, a bud straining work for squash, beans, peas, toma- to unfurl, and the anticipation nurtoes, broccoli and more. In the deep- tures our dreams.” – Barbara Winkler er boxes, you can also start off with a layer of leaves or straw in the bottom February weather can be unprethat will break down over time. Then, dictable, but on the bright side, it is of course, if you can make your own short. After all, there is quite a bit compost, add that to other ingredi- of work to be done out in the garents like peat moss, coconut coir and den when the weather permits, along composted manure. If you are build- with all our garden dreaming. ing several boxes, you may want to find bulk sources for some of these Originally from Texas, Cassandra products. Long boxes about 3 feet Warner is a transplant to the garwide with walking zones between, den of Tennessee. Gardening has that you keep heavily mulched, work been one of her passions for forty well to put you on the path of weed- years. “Gardening connects you to the miracle of life and provides free gardening.

but who can Take my advice:

healthy exercise and stress relief.”

questioned

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33 .

Unconscionable Cogitation law.” Lucky me.

Understanding the game, I laughed it off. Besides, even though I fight dirty and smart, brawling with a 200 pound twenty year old probably would have been quite painful.

However, things have changed a bit with all the coming out. The gay and lesbian community have added new wrinkles to the hetero man’s bullying tactics.

My fine wife on my arm, we entered a sports bar for a cheeseburger and diet pop. About halfway through the meal, a young woman looked at me from another table and confidently voiced, “Hey, wut you lookin at?”

“Who me?” I sheepishly asked.

“Yeah, you, redneck. You gotta problem with me and my wife?”

“No, I actually did not realize I was staring at ya’ll.”

“Well, you were, redneck. You got something against gay marriage?” she indignantly continued.

Trying to respond appropriately, “Well, actually I don’t, BUT, since you are the husband, why don’t we take this outside?”

Last thing I remember was screaming, “Uncle!”

“Dear husband,” my wife quietly cajoled while helping me up from the asphalt, “At 59, you might need to learn to control your swelled-upness.”

Who would believe that a couple weeks later we encountered another,

Wut U Lookin At T

he older I get, the wiser I become.

At least in theory. But some things never change. Wisdom influences not the hormonal male in all his swelledupness.

The first time I used the phrase, “Wut u lookin at?” was in a pizza place, and I was sixteen. Three of us unruly teenagers and our girlfriends walked in, and some older guy with his wife kept staring at us. “Wut u lookin at?” I antagonizingly challenged. The man simply scoffed and left. Lucky him.

What goes around comes

By Shane Newbold around. Don’t you just hate when stupid stuff you did to others comes back to haunt you later? The pain and humiliation is always worse when you get back what you give out.

Not so long ago, passing the city parking lot, I noticed my son-in-law loitering with the 18-23 year old, local mob. Upon confronting him as to why he was not home with my daughter and grandson, he informed me that when I pulled into the lot, a couple of the young mouths were yelling, “Hey, wut u lookin at?” He began to brag how he saved me by standing up to them, “Back off, that’s my father-in-

similar situation. While waiting for my cheeseburger and diet pop, a couple of guys walked past our table and one had a significant amount of facial makeup.

As anyone would, I momentarily stared.

And, of course, a typical reaction ensued from one of the men, “Hey, redneck, wut u lookin at? You gotta problem with my husband’s makeup?” he asked awkwardly but politely.

Once again, having no issue with a person’s sexual orientation or their choice of cosmetic usage, I awkwardly and politely responded, “Well, actually, no, I don’t mind your husband’s makeup at all, BUT, if you want to take this outside, I’m your man.”

I think it was the “I’m your man” phrase that instigated the husband’s response. “Hey, tough guy, we like playing rough. Your place or our’s?”

“Actually, we were just leaving,” my wife quickly inserted. “And by the way, I love what your husband has done with his eyeliner,” diffusing the situation.

“Again, dear husband,” my wife quietly cajoled while escorting me from the restaurant, “At 59, you might need to learn to control your swelled-upness.”

Putting her in her place, “I’m a man, woman! I have to do what men are supposed to do! You gotta problem with that?”

My wife scowled at me, with a look of you-better-not-go-there. I could not hold it in: “Wut u lookin at?”

Father to four and best friend to Becky Jane for 28 years, Shane Newbold lives life to the fullest fishing and enjoying his family.

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