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Holiday Shopping Tips & Gift Ideas 4 Unique Ways to Help Small Businesses Grow Simple Strategies to Combat Stress

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December 2021 | Volume 18 | Issue 12

Voice Speaks

Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief 4

December Hot Hunk Hunt! The November “Hot Hunk” was Lee Jung-jae in the Finer Consignor ad on page 8.

Bill Pullman Each month Voice will “hide” a picture of a “Hot Hunk.” If you find him, fill out this form, mail it in, and you could win a book from Jan-Carol Publishing!

Congratulations to: Amy Smith Bristol, VA as the winner in the November Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone Number: July Hot Hunk Hunt! Email:

The April “Hot Hunk” was Robert Downey Jr. on page 31.

HOT HUNK LOCATION: Where did I pick up my copy of Voice Magazine?

Mail this submission form to: Voice Magazine P.O. Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605 or e-mail: hothunk@voicemagazineforwomen.com Deadline for submission is December 20, 2021. PLEASE, ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD As the selected winner, you must contact Voice Magazine for Women at 423-926-9983 within 90 days to claim and receive your prize. After 90 days, winning becomes null and void and the prize cannot be claimed.

Bristol Bridal Station: Dresses on Demand

Plan a Safe New Year’s Eve 15

Savannah, Georgia The Hostess City of the South

Nancy Binder 16

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Tips

Jan-Carol Publishing New Releases

Tips to Keep Your Tree Fresh

Alleviate Everyday Aches and Pains

Gifts for Gardeners

Simple Strategies to Combat Stress

April Hensley 9

The Santa Claus Story Deana Landers 10

Budget-Friendly Dining Room Ideas 13

4 Unique Ways to Help Small Businesses Grow 14

Gift Giving for the Senior Cindy Sproles 24

How to Prioritize Cervical Health 25

Holiday Recipes 28

Take Care of Your Holiday Shopping With One-of-a-Kind Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewelry!

Free Gift Wrapping! Layaway Available!

242 E. Main St • Johnson City • 423.926.8884 voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2021 | 3

VOICE Speaks

FREE Celebrating our 17th anniversary! We wouldn’t be here and there without all of you! LITTLE CREEK BOOKS MOUNTAIN GIRL PRESS EXPRESS EDITIONS ROSEHEART PUBLISHING DIGISTYLE FIERY NIGHT SKIPPY CREEK BROKEN CROW RIDGE

he holidays! You will hear people say that they love ’em or dread ’em or fall somewhere in between. With the pandemic redirecting our lives in 2020, and all of us having to deal with the chaos tossed into this year of regrouping, do we dare love the holidays? Deciding to look forward to the holidays can be difficult. Especially with the high gas prices, the cost of basics increasing, and feeling that we can’t survive the bad economy. How can you rekindle that childlike excitement during the holidays? Take a good look around you, find something important about your life and the people who fill it, and make it special. They are gifts to you and it will be a gift to yourself to let them know that you appreciate them. And doesn’t that capture the real meaning of Christmas? Sharing a gift of love? As a Christian, I believe that the Christmas holiday is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and His gift of love to all. Here at Jan-Carol Publishing, we want to let all of you know that you are special gifts to us! This year for us has been about challenges, changes, and accomplishments. We appreciate all of you traveling with us on this year’s journey. Brace yourselves— we know that there are changes coming in the New Year of 2022! Remember to check out JCP’s websites, voicemagazineforwomen. com and jancarolpublishing.com, and like us on Facebook and on Instagram. Remember in gift giving, JCP books make wonderful gifts. Give the gift of books! If you are an owner of a retail business and would like to retail our books, or promote your business with a book signing, call our office at 423-926-9983 for information. A BIG ‘Thank you’ goes to all of you for your continued support. We appreciate your loyalty to us, our advertisers, and our authors. We hope your holiday season is about spreading good cheer, listening to joyful music, and spending time with family and friends. From us to you—Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Stay safe and healthy! Thought of the month: “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” —Mother Theresa Verse of the Month: Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. Matthew 23–25 KJV

Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief

4 | December 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

“ every story needs a book”

voicemagazineforwomen.com • jancarolpublishing.com Serving Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia!

PUBLISHER Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc PO Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 publisher@jancarolpublishing.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS April Hensley Nancy Binder

Cindy Sproles Ken Heath

Pam Blair Deana Landers

TLC PUBLISHER/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Nancy Williams nancywilliams@thelauruscompany.com Chanie Garner - Project Editor OFFICE Savannah Bailey Communications Director/Production Editor communications@jancarolpublishing.com SALES Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983 GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Tara Sizemore - Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com DISTRIBUTION Karen Corder Staff PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 18, Issue 12) While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of the published material, Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. / Voice Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions or facts provided by its authors, advertisers or agencies. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission. Agencies, Advertisers and other contributors will indemnify and hold the publisher harmless for any loss or expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism and/or copyright infringement. The views expressed in Voice Magazine for Women are not necessarily those of the publisher. © 2021 EDITORIAL MISSION: Voice Magazine for Women wants to provide a useful and complete reliable source of information for women and their families. We seek to celebrate women’s successes, and support their growth by defining and recognizing their needs and providing a concentration of resources for them. We want to be that “link” to all women.

Bristol Bridal Station: Dresses on Demand

or brides looking for variety and selection, Bristol Bridal Station gives a boutique experience for less! Brides have the opportunity to browse designer dresses with the assistance of a bridal consultant and save up to 75% off the original price. From planning an outdoor wedding, an elopement, or a large event, we have a dress that will fit all wedding styles. Our gowns are new, unsold inventory donated from salons around the country, and we feature top designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Maggie Sottero, Stella York, Essence of Australia, and many others. Our dresses are off the rack, and dresses can be taken home the same day. During the appointment, we take the time to help identify the style of gown that best suits the vision, budget, and venue of the bride. Our gowns are $650 and under, so dream dresses can be found at a fraction of the cost. Due to COVID-19 precautions, we request that all members of the bridal party wear masks, and limit the party to four or fewer people. All funds from Bristol Bridal Station go directly to support the programs of YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Every purchase helps improve the lives of children and families in the community through the YWCA’s sliding–scale daycare, STEM activities and enrichment events for at-risk middle school girls, victim advocacy, as well as education and support for first time teen parents. Also, as a part of our mission, we strive to eliminate racism and empower women. All of these factors work together to help build a stronger and more inclusive community. Bristol Bridal Station is open by appointment only, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. To make an appointment call 423-573-1361, email bristolbridal@ywcatnva.org or message @Bristolbridalstation on Facebook or Instagram.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2021 | 5

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Tips

here’s no right or wrong way to handle holiday shopping tasks, though Christmas Eve crowds at malls and throughout shopping districts suggest that there’s more late comers than there are early birds. The following tips can help those who typically wait until the last minute to check names off their lists. • Utilize free shipping services. Shoppers who shop for gifts online at the last minute run the risk of gifts not arriving on time. Many online retailers charge a premium for expedited shipping. Try to stick to shopping at online retailers that offer free shipping even in the eleventh hour. • Create a budget. When rushing around from store to store, it may be easy to spend more than you want to. Make a list of how much you want to spend on each person, and stick to that limit for each person. Move on to the next store if you didn’t find what you need in your price range. • Establish a time limit. Stores have strategies in place to keep shoppers in their establishments longer, hoping you’ll make impulse buys. These tricks include scenting the air with inviting aromas, putting necessities at the rear of the store, failing to display the time, and putting discounted items by the registers or door to attract shoppers. Set an alarm on your watch or

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phone for each store so you get what you need and get out on time. • Subdivide bulk gifts. Think about purchasing bulk gifts like gift baskets from wholesale clubs and then breaking them down into individual gifts. This way you can gift several people on one purchase and save time in the process. • Choose one-size-fits-all gifts. Think about a gift that can be purchased for multiple people so you can save time shopping for individualized gifts for everyone. For example, print a personalized photo calendar for several members of your family. You also can purchase multiple subscriptions or memberships to zoos or magazines for people on your list. Streamlining gifting in this way may save money as well as time. • Choose in-store pickup. Rather than scouring various aisles, you can shop a retailer’s website and then pick up items in the store. You’ll save on potential shipping fees but still benefit by avoiding crowds. Some people wait until the last minute to do their holiday shopping. A few tricks of the procrastinator’s trade can make last-minute shopping go smoothly.

Gifts to Excite the Family Athlete this Holiday Season

oliday shoppers know that few things can match the joy of finding the perfect gift for a loved one. Whether that loved one is a tiny tot who can’t wait to unwrap this year’s must-have toy or an adult hoping to find the latest gadget under the tree on Christmas morning, the thrill of giving a great gift is part of what makes the holiday season so enjoyable. When it comes to gifting the family athlete, the following ideas can provide the inspiration shoppers need to put a smile on the face of fitness-minded friends and family members. • Weighted vest: Weighted vests have gained popularity in recent years. Available from a variety of manufacturers and for athletes of varying skill levels, weighted vests can be ideal for athletes who want to burn more calories and build strength during their workouts. This can be an especially useful gift for endurance athletes turned athletes into their own personal trainers, and who want their training sessions to mimic the chalsome may not want to return to local fitness facililenges posed by nature or difficult competitive terrains. ties even now that they’ve safely reopened. Home gym • Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds: equipment can help athletes continue to build their Many athletes relish their workouts not only as opporown private home gyms, making items like kettle bells, tunities to zero in on their fitness goals, but also as dumbbells, weight benches, and resistance bands great chances to block out distractions and clear their heads items to put under the tree this holiday season. for an hour or two each day. Noise-cancelling headIt’s never been easier to shop for the family athlete during phones or earbuds effectively block out external noises, allowing athletes to direct all of their focus on their the holiday season. A heightened focus on fitness ensures there’s something for every type of athlete on your holiday workouts and training sessions. • Energy drinks: Though it might not seem like shopping list. the most exciting gift to unwrap on Christmas morning, energy drinks are vital to many fitness enthusiasts’ athletic endeavors. For example, endurance athletes may appreciate a tub of Osmo Active Hydration Performance Drink Mix, which contains an optimal ratio of sucrose, glucose and electrolytes, helping athletes improve their endurance and power while reducing instances of cramping and fatigue. Energy drinks make for a perfect stocking stuffer. Complete your home with decor from The Old Town Emporium in Jonesborough. • Home gym equipment: Pandemic-related gym closures Located inside the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone St, Jonesborough, TN 37659 voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2021 | 7

Tips to Keep Your Tree Fresh this Holiday Season

any families purchase fresh trees over Thanksgiving weekend or during the first weekend of December. Though the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day may seem like a long time to keep a tree looking great, there are a handful of ways for holiday celebrants to help their trees maintain that undeniable appeal for the long haul. • Pick the right tree. Choosing the right tree is one of the simplest ways to keep a tree looking good throughout the holiday season. A freshly cut tree that buyers choose and cut down themselves or have cut down can reassure them that the tree is likely to stay strong throughout December. Trees purchased from a tree lot may have been cut down long before they made it to the lot, which can make it harder to keep them looking good until Christmas Day. • Cut an inch off the base of any tree that is not freshly cut. MSU Extension at Michigan State University notes that all Christmas trees are conifers, which means they have resin canals in their trunks.

8 | December 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Once a tree is cut, the resin can block the pores and make it harder for the tree to take in water. Cutting an inch off the base of a tree that was not freshly cut just before putting it in the stand can help ensure it gets the water it needs to stay healthy and firm. • Replenish the water supply every day. Fresh tree veterans recognize that Christmas trees can be very thirsty, especially within the first week or so of being cut and brought home. Fill the stand with water each morning and, if necessary, refill it each night before going to bed. The more water a tree gets and drinks, the more likely it is that the tree will look healthy all the way to Christmas Day. • Keep the tree away from a heat source. For safety’s sake, trees should be kept away from heating vents, fireplaces and space heaters. But keeping trees away from such heat sources, and ensuring they are not spending the daytime in direct sunlight, also decreases the chances they will dry out before Christmas Day. A handful of simple strategies can help holiday celebrants keep their Christmas trees looking good throughout the month of December.

Gifts for Gardeners By April Hensley

ith colder weather arriving to our mountainous area, our gardens have settled down for a long winter nap. Cleaning up and organizing will help us be ready for spring, but the only thing we really need to do now is relax and enjoy the holidays. With everything that has happened in our country and the world the last couple of years, Christmas this year seems more special than ever. Getting to spend time with our families and friends will be something we never take for granted again. While Christmas has never been about the gifts, I’ve thought up a few ideas for presents if you have gardeners on your list for the holidays. Gardeners are famous for sharing their bounty so it may be the one very special gift that gives back with lots of yumminess. • Seeds and seed starting kits are a versatile gift for anyone who does any sort of flower or vegetable gardening—big or small. Seeds usually are good for at least a couple of years and sometimes longer. • If your person likes to preserve foods, check out canning jars and freezer containers. They have been hard to find recently. Antique and vintage jars make nice gifts too. • Dehydrators are excellent gifts not just for gardeners and food preservers but also people who do a lot of outdoor activities like hiking and camping. • Pots and planters can be used for gift baskets and filled with garden tools, flower bulbs, onion sets, bags of potting soil, and other useful items. • Stepping stones are not only decorative but function to help prevent slips and falls. Homemade stepping stones can be personalized.

• B irdfeeders can be paired with a shepherd’s hook for those who enjoy watching nature. • It’s no secret, sometimes gardening can be dirty work. Sturdy garden shoes or boots and a nice pair of gloves make cleanup a lot easier. • Benches and swings help make cozy areas for relaxing outside. Arches for vines help provide shade and beauty. • If the gardener on your list has a problem with wildlife, consider a motion activated sprinkler to keep critters away. It’s a humane way to repel hungry munchers. • Bird and bat houses attract them to the area to help combat insect pests, and birdbaths to provide drinking water. • Butterfly kits are a wonderful way for grownups and children alike to get to see the magical progression from caterpillar to releasing a butterfly.

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April Hensley works as an office manager and is an avid gardener, writer, and greenhouse hobbyist. April loves the outdoors and is passionate about animal welfare and the environment. She can be reached at aprils1105@embarqmail.com.

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By Deana Landers www.morningcoffeebeans.com

y husband and I were sitting in a Burger King having lunch when a lady approached us and asked, “Sir, would you mind coming into the playroom with our children?” We looked up at her and back towards the room where about 20 little children’s faces were pressed against the glass, looking our way. “The children think you are Santa Claus,” the lady said. My husband had a white beard and was wearing a Santa hat and a red shirt. He smiled and said, “Sure!” And off he went with a big smile and a little bounce in his step.

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He sat down on one of the small tables so the kids could approach him and said, “Hello, boys and girls!” The kids were giddy and took turns coming up to him and telling him what they wanted for Christmas. As I stood at a distance and watched him, I could see the joy and fun he had. The group was from a daycare school, and the teachers were so pleased that they could add this moment to their student’s outing. Since that day, he has played Santa at many schools and events. When he starts to grow his beard in the middle of the summer, I know he is preparing for his role as Santa Claus. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, he puts on his red Santa hat and Santa persona, and starts having fun. He laughs a lot, bursts into joyful songs unexpectedly, and talks to strangers everywhere we go. I love watching him. In everyday life, he is a quiet man, a retired minister, and a chaplain for the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). There was another kind man who began the tradition of Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas was born a long time ago, during the third century in a small village of Myra, which is now called Turkey. His parents were very wealthy. They raised him a devout Christian and died when Nicholas was very young, leaving him a large inheritance. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his entire inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God. He was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man, and became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, love for children, and concern for sailors and ships. Under the Roman Emperor, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled, and imprisoned. However, after his death at age 73, the legend of his gift-giving grew. Saint Nicholas transformed into the legendary character called Santa Claus, who brings Christmas presents to children worldwide. What do you do when your children stop believing in Santa? Tell them about this kind man who continued the tradition of giving. We know who began and gave the greatest gift of all when he came into this world to live and die for our sins so that we might have eternal life. Maybe that would be a great way to start the Santa tradition. Tell the children the true story of this kind Bishop who gave what he had because of his love of Jesus.

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Deana Landers, a retired nurse and health educator, is Christian speaker who strives to educate and encourage. She may be contacted at dlanders1511@ gmail.com or 276-780-7355.

Great Homemade Food Gifts

ooking and baking ramps up during the holiday season. People can turn extra time in the kitchen into opportunities to create festive treats that are ideal for gifting. But which items are the best of the best? Even though tastes are singular, these items will appeal to most foodies and others on your gift list. • Jams and preserves: Fruit jams and preserves are versatile foods. They are as at home on toast and biscuits as they are as fillings in cookies and tarts. Jams and preserves can be made with relatively few ingredients and work well with seasonal fruits. • Cinnamon rolls: Warm, sticky and full of aromatic spice, cinnamon rolls are the perfect comfort foods. These rolls do not typically have a long shelf life, so be sure to present them promptly before they get stale. • Pancakes (or cookies) in a jar: If you have a fantastic recipe that you can’t resist sharing, try turning it into a gift. Measure and package the ingredients into mason jars, tie with ribbons and include directions for preparation and cooking. • Mini bundt cakes: Fruit cakes may be a holiday standard, but bundt cakes make for great and traditional offerings as well. Miniature bundts filled with choco-

late chips, dried fruits or even those soaked in a favorite boozy-butter glaze can be moist and delicious. • Chocolate barks or fudges: Seasonal flavors can come to life in chocolate treats. White chocolate filled with peppermint pieces or dark chocolate and cherry chunks are tasty pairings. Break apart portions of the bark or cut the fudge with cookie cutters and gift inside cello bags tied with ribbons or in cardboard candy boxes. • Cocktail syrups: Create spicy or sweet syrups that are tailor-made for enhancing cocktails. Anyone on your gift list can then become a master mixologist. • Shortbread cookie ornaments: Circular shortbread cookies can be decorated with royal icing to look like Christmas ornaments. They can be eaten or even placed on trees to complete holiday decor. • Festive cookie pops: Cookie pops can be made by mixing homemade or prepurchased crumbled cake with frosting or softened cream cheese and formed into balls. Insert a lollipop stick and dip the balls into melted chocolate or candy melts. Sprinkles, nonpareils or luster dust can be used to enhance the covered pops. Food gifts are perfect for the holiday season. Handmade treats from the heart show loved ones how just much you care.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2021 | 11

Voicemail

Male

By Ken Heath

My Big Adventure

t was my big adventure as a kid. Growing up on Fairground Hill, most of our daily shopping was done at neighborhood stores. The short walk down Conner to Pearl Shupe’s store meant a walk across creaking wooden floors to pick up a loaf of Rainbow bread. Then I’d get a fireball or two at the counter from Missus Shupe before visiting a spell with her daughter Janie, rocking away on the front porch next door. Or a bike ride down the hill to Joe’s, later Fred’s Market, where we’d slip behind the black, rubber, slit curtain into the back room after getting the nod to put our empty eight pack of Pepsi bottles in their place. We’d fill up that round, metal, gas can with a quarter’s worth of gas, have Mr. Byrd get a Monkey Grip bicycle tire repair kit for our spider bike, maybe flip through the Grit on the fruit counter just to the left of the door before reaching around pasteboard boxes of candy and nabs to pay. But on Saturdays, we’d load into the family car. We didn’t even use the seat belts except to torture my little brother Gregory Heath by making him think I’d knock him in the noggin with the buckle, until one of the grown-ups would stop us in our tracks with a stare delivered through a haze of Kool or Viceroy smoke, and the knowing threat of waiting forsythia bushes just outside our front door when we got back home. We rarely shopped at the downtown Piggly. I don’t know why. It was such a cool store, with two entrances. It’s now Sisters Cafe, and I can’t step foot in there without feeling a bit nostalgic and a connection to my past. You see, my maternal grandfather worked in the produce section after he closed his little neighborhood store. The Parkway Piggly was our mall. Electric doors greeted you, and we’d run across the black rubber pads until we got the stare again from our parents. We’d place the Pepsi

12 | December 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

empties not behind a curtain, but in a huge wire cage just as you went in, and you never failed to get your receipt or else you were out of your eighty cent deposit. It was a sprawling store, floors glistening, and the cashier would place her index finger in the big green wheel as you checked out to roll out your S&H Green Stamps, a prize better than an allowance when I was with my grandparents. Then we’d walk down to the drug store, and maybe stop inside Sears to look at the new riding mowers. Finally, we’d drive around and present a white piece of paper and a young man sporting a crisp, white apron and a black bow tie against his short sleeve, white shirt would find the matching cart and load the paper pokes into the trunk for us. Later, Roses built their department store around the corner, and special events filled the lot as employees flung numbered paper plates across the cornice into the crowd, each number representing a prize. Or, on an especially fun day, we’d get a chance at popping a balloon at the lunch counter to see if we’d win a banana split for a penny— then we’d borrow a dime to use the pay toilet, not because nature called, but to put money in the tiny rounded slot and twist the dial to unlock the door. It was like being a bank robber, except for having to pay! This shopping center was where I bought my GI Joe’s and records, had lunch during band camp, gathered Blue Stamps, rode the dime pony out front, and helped my granddaddy stack Tom’s potato chips on the shelves as I grew older, into my early teens. It’s where I sold plastic poppys to support veterans as part of the band, and stood out front to ring the bell for our Salvation Army. Stores come and go, but that land, this town, these mountains are as much a part of my history—and my future—as blood and breath. My hometown. My life.

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Ken Heath is a Marion, VA hometown boy who expresses his passions in his writings and through music. After his ‘real job’, Ken is owner of the legendary Cliffside Roadhouse, doggie dad to Miss Reagan and their rescue Scottie the Wonder Dog with his wonderful wife, and a professional mobile DJ with Bow Tie Pro Music and Sound. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at #kenheath.

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Budget-Friendly Dining Room Renovation Ideas

ining rooms can get lost in the home renovation shuffle, as many homeowners tend to focus on renovating kitchens and bathrooms instead. Homeowners do not have to invest a lot of money in renovations to give their dining spaces awe-inspiring makeovers. Here’s how to do so on a budget. • Lighten and brighten. Dining rooms were once very • Add bench seating. Those who need additional seating may not have to get entirely new furniture. Swap out some formal spaces. Dark woods, large pieces of furniture, overchairs for benches, which can fit a couple more guests the-top chandeliers, and other details could be found in than chairs. many homes. But now that houses are being built with open floor plans, dining rooms can blend with other • Create depth with color. HGTV says that using various shades of the same color in a space can add depth. Coorspaces, which have moved to lighter colored walls, floordinate drapes, walls, seat fabrics, and accessories for a ing, and furniture. A fresh coat of vibrant paint can work cohesive design. wonders and it doesn’t cost much. If you can’t remove a Renovating a dining room doesn’t require a large investfloor, cover it with a brightly colored area rug. • Switch things up with slipcovers. Slipcovers can be ment of time and money. A few simple steps can give dining changed each season to dramatically alter the look of a spaces a whole new feel without busting homeowners’ budgets. dining room for little investment. Slip covers also protect chairs and can be easily laundered after spills. • Add floating shelving. Floating shelves provide much-needed storage or display space without Locally Owned & Operated by Women the need to invest in another piece Our Services First Time Customers Receive of furniture. Depending on the • Janitorial & Maid Services (FREE on-site pricing) shelving, they can work in modern • Carpet Cleaning • Tile & Grout design schemes or even farmhouse • Upholstery • Office Cubicles & Panels • And Much More! dining spaces. ECO-FRIENDLY COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CLEANING • Clear out the clutter. Curio Request a Quote! and china cabinets used to be de www.steamcleaningmanagement.com • 423.262.7420 rigueur, but plenty of people now prefer more open and airy dining rooms. For those who want to keep the cabinet, try decluttering inside to only include the very best display pieces and see if the cabinet can be refinished with paint or a lightly colored stain. • Improve lighting. Make the chanI welcome the opportunity delier the statement piece of the to help with estates and downsizing. I have space. Go for a bold color or an listings of every size for every need. Call today! innovative design. Then add accessories throughout the space that 508 Princeton Rd., Ste. 106 • Johnson City, TN coordinate with the chandelier. RealtorRobinMiller@gmail.com

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4 Unique Ways to Help Small Businesses Grow

any small business owners are active members in their communities, which made it even more heartbreaking to see so many locally owned establishments struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, local residents and professionals can make a concerted effort to shop local. In addition to offering their financial support to the small businesses that make their communities special, residents can embrace four unique strategies to help locally owned establishments stay afloat. 1. Offer pro bono professional expertise. Successful professionals can help small business owners by offering their services free of charge. Financial planners can pitch in and help secure small business loans, while attorneys can provide pro bono legal advice. 2. Help small businesses strengthen their digital presence. Individuals with web design and e-commerce experience can help small businesses revamp their websites and improve

Cornelia Laemmli Orth, Music Director

BY THE FIRESIDE

their online shopping offerings. This can be a vital way for small business owners to attract new business and generate revenue should consumers express concerns about in person shopping in the months ahead. 3. Support legislation that benefits small businesses. Many small businesses would not have survived the pandemic without government assistance programs like the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program. Voters should carefully consider programs and proposals before voicing any support, but they should not hesitate to promote programs they believe in that are designed to help local businesses. Write to local elected officials to encourage their support, and share news about proposals with fellow voters when given the chance. 4. Spread the word. Take to social media to spread the word about a local business. Share stories about positive interactions with a given business and use social media platforms to share news about sales or special events they’re hosting. There’s much individuals can do to support small businesses as they continue to recover from and confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

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HOW TO PLAN A SAFE NEW YEAR’S EVE NIGHT OUT

un might be the top priority on New Year’s Eve, but safety must be in the mix as well. As individuals make plans for a night out this New Year’s Eve, it can help to keep these safety tips in mind. • Utilize a car service. Whether it’s a ridesharing service like Uber, a taxi cab or even a private limousine for large parties, leave the New Year’s Eve driving to the professionals. This ensures that no one will drive after having too much to drink. Even revelers who can control their alcohol consumption should avoid driving if they plan to drink. • Go out for dinner first. Experts at the University of Notre Dame’s McDonald Center for Student Well-Being note that having food, especially foods that are high in protein, in your stomach prior to consuming alcohol will help slow the processing of that alcohol. Someone who has not eaten will typically hit a peak BAC between 30 minutes and two hours of drinking.

But someone who has eaten will typically peak between one and six hours of drinking depending on the quantity of alcohol consumed. • Make a plan. Overconsumption of alcohol is not the only potential danger lurking on New Year’s Eve. Large crowds can make it easier for friends to become separated, especially if they plan to visit more than one establishment before or after the clock strikes 12. When going out with a group on New Year’s Eve, create an itinerary, complete with meet-up spots, for the entire night. This ensures anyone who gets lost can easily find his or her way back to the group. Individuals who are wandering alone on New Year’s Eve may be vulnerable to criminals who are looking to prey on people whose inhibitions have been lowered by alcohol and/or the festive atmosphere of the night. A rowdy New Year’s Eve may be on tap as the world ushers in 2022. That likelihood only underscores the importance of emphasizing safety when going out this December 31.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2021 | 15

Savannah, Georgia

The Hostess City of the South Article and Photographs By Nancy Binder

avannah was founded by General James Oglethorpe on February 12, 1733. He arrived on the ship Anne with several families to settle the new colony of Georgia, named for King George II. Savannah is located on the Savannah River 20 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean and has become a major seaport. It is the fifth largest city in Georgia with 147,000 people and the third largest metropolitan area with over 404,000 people. The Savannah River forms Georgia’s boundary with South Carolina. Savannah is a major tourist destination, hosting 14.8 million visitors in 2019. Its climate is humid sub-tropical, which prompted us to visit in late October. We participated in a 5 day Road Scholar program (www.roadscholar.org) for an in depth view of the city and its culture. We stayed at the Hilton DeSoto Hotel in the heart of the historic district. Our very nice room on the 12th floor looked out over the squares. We were introduced to Savannah with a 90 minute, fast paced, interesting history lecture. After the lecture we walked out the back door of the hotel and met in Madison Square named for the 4th president of the United States. James Oglethorpe, the city founder, laid out the city plan

Beautiful homes around the square 16 | December 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Madison Square Memorial to Sgt. William Jasper based on the concept of wards. Each ward had a central square around which trust lots were on the east and west sides of the square and residential lots were on the north and south. Trust lots were to be for civic purposes such as schools, government buildings, churches, museums, etc. There are currently 22 squares in the historic area of Savannah. Garden plots and farms were outside of town. Our guide talked about the monument in the Madison Square dedicated to Sgt. William Jasper, who was mortally wounded nearby rescuing the colors of his regiment while fighting the British on October 9, 1779. We paused our walking tour for lunch at The Gryphon. It is owned and operated by SCAD, Savannah College of Art and Design. The restaurant is located in an old pharmacy, but the original, lovely woodwork, flooring, and stained glass remains. They served a “ladies” lunch of a scoop of chicken salad, tomatoes with mozzarella, lettuce, and fruit. After lunch continued on next page

Armstrong House now Junior College we continued our walking tour of the historic district until we got to Forsyth Fountain and Park, where we boarded a sightseeing trolley to continue the tour. On the riverfront we went to a shop for a sample of pralines and who could pass up purchasing some of those delicious treats. We enjoyed them as we strolled along the riverfront. On another day we participated in Chef Darin’s Kitchen Table cooking class. It focused on Savannah style cuisine. It was an interactive class with a number of people from the group helping with the food preparation. Our chef/teacher made grits with lots of cream, butter, and parmesan cheese. He cooked the grits with the cream and butter for at least one hour before adding the cheese. The salad with black eyed peas was prepared using his signature vinaigrette dressing. The main course of shrimp with red eye gravy was prepared with ingredients that included cold black coffee. He showed us how to make fried green tomatoes. The delicious biscuits were served with his own pecan honey butter, which was to die for! And for dessert was a green tomato cobbler. Our chef was very entertaining while being informative, and the best part was we ate what we had cooked. Later in the afternoon we walked to the Massie Heritage Center, which was Savannah’s first public school opened in 1856. The docent led us through their education center and then we went upstairs to one of the classrooms which had items from the earliest days of the public school. The evening lecture was on colonial architecture followed by information on the clothes that men and women of that period wore. A participatory demonstration of some of the music and dances of that period ended a very interesting evening. We visited the Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girls Scouts) birthplace. The docent showed a brief film before touring this lovely house. The carriage house was the first headquarters of the Girl Scouts. The house had

Above: Chef Darien’s Kitchen Table Cooking School Right: Lunch at cooking school an exceptional garden. We walked to the 17Hundred90 Inn to have lunch in their restaurant. The waiter told us the story of the ghosts in the house. We toured the Davenport House where characters from 1824 told us about Lafayette’s visit to this home. It was an interesting tour and at the end we had French cookies in honor of Lafayette and lemonade in the garden. During the Civil War a negotiated surrender saved Savannah from destruction by General William Sherman’s troops on their march to the sea. In Franklin Square is a large statue of the city’s founder, James Oglethorpe. It is also the location of the park bench seen in the movie Forrest Gump, where Forrest passes wisdom onto others waiting for a bus. Another presentation featured a local singer/entertainer. She was accompanied by a pianist and a lady playing the bass. The name of the program was “Jumping with Johnny Mercer.” He was a native son of Savannah. She provided background information on his history and music and sang at least 20 of his songs. She was a terrific singer and skilled entertainer getting the group involved with the music. You couldn’t help but tap your toes and/or clap your hands. No trip to Savannah would be complete without a visit to Bonaventure Cemetery where many famous Savannahians are buried. It also played a part in the non-fiction book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt, as did the Mercer Williams House in Monterey Square where Jim Williams lived. I highly recommend that you read the book before a visit to Savannah.

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Nancy Binder is a retired application software developer turned freelance writer combining her love of travel with her desire to share her experiences. She is passionate about exploring the outdoors and has been “bitten by the African safari bug,” now her favorite travel destination. Contact her with comments or travel questions at nancybinder@ sbcglobal.net.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2021 | 17

“every story needs a book”

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Two little boys from different

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Retta West

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Those Devils in Baggy Pants

Originally Written by Ross S. Carter Revised and Republished by David Ross Fraley Those Devils in Baggy Pants was originally published in 1951 by Ross S. Carter, a member of the 82nd Airborne Division during WWII. Carter, one of the three surviving members of his original platoon and Silver Star and Purple Heart awardee, sadly, was never able to see his book in print. Instead, the final chapters were pieced together by his brother, shortly after Carter’s passing, with the help of Carter’s meticulous notes. After its original publication in 1951, Those Devils in Baggy Pants sold one million copies, was a Reader’s Digest condensed book, and was translated into multiple languages. Now, years after being out of print, the hit best seller is being republished by a member of Carter’s own family—David Ross Fraley. In republishing his relative’s incredible tale it is Fraley’s hope to honor both story and storyteller.

WES SCHUM Amateur Radio’s Unsung Hero

Dominic (Nick) Tusa

KAREN G. BRUCE

Josie: A Story of Forgiveness

Josie

Written by

while exploring new possibilities.

Written by Karen Bruce Josie is finally coming out of a deep depression after losing her mom to breast cancer only to find out her husband has been having an affair with her best friend. Her life is already in shambles when she learns her mother had some secrets of her own.

The White Room

“A whirlwind of action in this suspense packed thriller—Jeff Geiger spins a tale of heart-stopping excitement. The characters are driven by fierce determination and

Written by Jeff Geiger Jr. Jonah Bosworth was only nineteen years J old when he discovered a room full of unbelievably dark secrets, a room most people didn’t make it out of alive. Four years later, Jonah tells the tale of the White Room, how he was forced to go in there, and how he managed to live to share the story. compassion with never a pause. The White Room entangles the reader as the pages fly. This is one you can’t put down.”

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onah Bosworth was only nineteen years old when he discovered a room full of unbelievably dark secrets, a room most people didn’t make it out of alive. Four years later, Jonah tells the tale of the White Room, how he was forced to go in there, and how he managed to live to share the story.

THE WHITE ROOM

CE is married to Kenny Bruce and

Written by Dominic (Nick) Tusa On Thanksgiving Day 1961, Wes Schum was unstoppable. His Central Electronics Company had produced the world’s most advanced single-sideband transmitter, setting the amateur radio world ablaze. Three months later, it was all over. 60 years later, learn why and what could have been.

KAREN G. BRUCE

ss and true love. As God forgives thers.” —Ladonna DeCaterina

On Thanksgiving Day 1961, Wes Schum was unstoppable. His Central Electronics Company had produced the world’s most advance single-sideband transmitter, setting the amateur radio world ablaze. Three months later, it was all over. 60 years later, learn why and what could have been.

Dominic (Nick) Tusa

me one of your favorite authors. akes you feel they are your family. with them.” —Deborah Corn

Written by Retta West Illustrated by Grayson Campbell Two little boys from different backgrounds meet and form a friendship while exploring new possibilities.

Amateur Radio’s Unsung Hero

r of Rich Girl

WES SCHUM

augh and cry.” —Wanda Sheppard

ss, and the type of forgiveness h the love of Christ.”

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A STORY OF FOR GIV EN ESS

eep depression after losing her find out her husband has been d. Her life is already in shambles me secrets of her own.

The Mitchellgoshes

Jan-Carol Publishing Anthology Appalachian hauntings are back with the third installment of These Haunted Hills. Each story within these pages is packed with spooky intrigue and page turning excitement. Seven accomplished authors have come together to create another anthology full of mystery and supernatural elements that will have you rereading these stories for seasons to come.

WES SCHUM

Josie

sie

ORGI VE NE SS

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. is a small independent publishing press with a motivated force of authors. Mountain Girl Press, Little Creek Books, Express Editions, DigiStyle, Broken Crow Ridge, Fiery Night, Skippy Creek, and RoseHeart Publishing are all imprints of Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

“The White Room had me on the edge of my seat. I was drawn into the world of Jonah Bosworth and held there, fearing for his life and the safety of the people

around him. Jeff Geiger Jr. paints a story that is far more likely than we’d like to admit. It invades your mind and stays there long after you read the final page.”

A STORY OF FORG IV E NE SS

—Courtnee Turner Hoyle, author of the Pale Woods Mystery Series

JEFF GEIGER JR. is the author of “Helen’s Hill,” featured in the anthology These Haunted Hills: A Collection of Short Stories Book 2. He resides in Zephyrhills, Florida, with his son. JeffGeigerJr jeffgeigerjr

Heart of Hearing

Written by Meaghan Thomas HEART OF HEARING Illustrated by Illustrated by Miriam and Sean Balsano Heart of Hearing is an animated and entertaining story for children to encourage them to wear their aids. It provides and highlights aspects of the world around us that would be missed if they chose not to wear them. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to the non-profit, The Heart of Hearing, Inc. created by the author, Meaghan Thomas.

is an animated and entertaining story for children to encourage them to wear their aids. It provides and highlights aspects of the world around us that would be missed if they chose not to wear them. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to the non-profit, The Heart of Hearing, Inc. created by the author, Meaghan Thomas.

Meaghan Thomas is an award-winning broadcast meteorologist. She proudly wears bi-lateral hearing aids and is a dedicated advocate for the hard of hearing, deaf and Deaf communities. Meaghan created the non-profit, The Heart of Hearing, Inc. to raise funding for those who cannot afford hearing aids. To find out more information and how to donate, visit: www.theheartofhearing.org.

Jan-Carol Publishing Books

18 | December 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Written by Illustrated by

Meaghan Thomas

Miriam and Sean Balsano

www.Jancarolpublishing.com www.Amazon.com www.Barnesandnoble.com

“every story needs a book”

Jan-Carol Publishing and staff send thoughts and prayers to the family of one of our authors, August G. Lageman IV, who entered into eternal rest on Sunday, October 24, 2021. He spent his life working as both a seeker and a spiritual healer. A little more than a decade ago, he felt he found himself and found his life’s true calling—to heal through the power of shamanistic healing and holistic spiritual healing. He took his life’s calling and put it into words on paper. Jan-Carol Publishing was honored to publish his book, Shamanism in the 21st Century.

AUTHORS on the ROAD Linda Hudson Hoagland Author of: Snooping Can Be Regrettable; Snooping Can Be Scary; Snooping Can Be Uncomfortable; Snooping Can Be Helpful–Sometimes; Onward & Upward; Missing Sammy; Snooping Can Be Doggone Deadly; Snooping Can Be Devious; Snooping Can Be Contagious; Snooping Can Be Dangerous; The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Easter Lilies; Broken Petals; Wild Daisies; Scattered Flowers, and These Haunted Hills Books 1, 2, 3 Friday, December 3, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing Food City Coeburn, VA Saturday, December 4, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing Food City Vansant, VA

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with pleasure the er as they looked those goats tried

ulthood in Oklahoma City ed this story as a child. He e he was a City Planner.

Books Make the Best An old dust man for bowl daysin Okl a aho ma to bur place to with rem his n dow live, emb mot ers n the took care her with and wor of goat fath plea ld. s, and er as they sure the thos e goat looked s tried

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during nis Brow the n was later lived time of for many the Greatborn and Depre grew years in New ssion. to adulth Engla He lived ood in nd where this Oklah he was story as oma City a City a child. Plann He er. COPYRIGHT JAN-CAROL JANCAROLP 2020 PUBLISHING UBLISHING.C , INC OM

Fireflies Dancing in the Night

Kodiak: King of the Grizzlies

Little Frog

How the Dog Saved the Squirrel From the Hawk

By Kathleen M. Jacobs

By Tom Callaghan

By Stacey Lynn Schlegl

When Luna begins to see the pink petals of the blossoming dogwood outside her classroom, spring fever quickly turns to thoughts of summer vacation and her family’s annual trip to visit relatives in the Midwest. They soon pack their car with everything they need, including Luna’s pet hedgehog, Thistle, dreaming of watching the flickering fireflies dancing in the night.

A 15-year-old city-boy moved into a remote forest cabin on Big Bear Mountain and realized his connection to nature after discovering the 100-year-old journal of a grizzly hunter. This book has stories within stories as you read the entries in the journal, the boy’s reaction, and how it affects events in his modern life. It is written in a way that mixes natural science with war and fantasy to create a roller-coaster adventure with many surprising twists.

The rainforest adventure of a poison arrow frog and his forest buddies who unite to save their home, and discover what it means to be true friends.

Where are the Goats? By Dennis W. Brown The author recounts an event with the family as a child in Oklahoma and creates an adventurous journey for the reader. A family looks for a place to live and they find a fix-it farm. The mother, father, and a young boy find a place on a goat farm and it becomes an adventure with the goats as the goats try to burn down the world. Beautifully illustrated.

Jan-Carol Publishing Books

By D.L. Luke

Sam, the red squirrel with the screwy tail, caused trouble for the German Shepherd and the woman who lived in the old Dutch Colonial. Trouble began with the bird food scattered on the ground, bird feeder, and suet that hung from the shepherd’s hook in the fenced in backyard.

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www.Jancarolpublishing.com • www.Amazon.com • www.Barnesandnoble.com 20 | December 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Start a NEW BOOK SERIES in the NEW YEAR! —DAVID A. HOLLADAY, M.D.

“Bubble Butt and the rest of the always adventurous, time-traveling, spy-evading, intrepid Bad Love Gang are back in action with plenty to do. If you loved the first three Bad Love books, you’ll be knocked out by what comes next in Bad Love Medicine.” —JOHN J. KELLY, Detroit Free Press

KEVIN L . SCHEWE, MD, FACRO,

is the proud father of two daughters and two granddaughters. He is a board-certified cancer specialist and has been in the private practice of radiation oncology for 34 years. He is an entrepreneur, having founded Elite Therapeutics and Bad Love Cosmetics Company. He serves as Chairman of the Board of a micro-cap renewable, green energy and animal feed company called VIASPACE, Inc. Bad Love Medicine is Dr. Schewe’s fourth novel in the Bad Love Series. His award-winning and highly-rated first three novels have all been Amazon bestsellers.

KEVIN L . SCHEWE, MD, FACRO

dolf Hitler’s darkest secret is about to cross paths with the time-traveling Bad Love Gang on their quest to save the life of one of their members from a fate of terminal breast cancer. Back from their mission to save the Republic of Azur from volcanic destruction in Bad Love Beyond, the Bad Love Gang are knighted in a royal ceremony and celebration for the ages at the Queen’s Palace on Planet Azur. Blue Nova One gives Bubble Butt the cure for Hannah Lieb’s breast cancer and a secretive rescue device. The Bad Love Gang returns to Earth to deal with the KGB and plan their time-travel trip back to World War II Europe to find Hannah Lieb. Before they can get the cure to Hannah, the gang meets with British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, in April 1945. Churchill informs them that British SOE spies have uncovered Hitler’s darkest wartime secret called the “Black Hole Project.” Hitler plans to escape the Battle for Berlin and take his evil agenda to the future. Using their expertise in time-travel and British de Havilland Mosquito bombers, Churchill sends the Bad Love Gang on a do-or-die mission deep into Nazi Germany to try and discover the secrets of the Black Hole and then destroy it, ruining Hitler’s horrifying end game. If they succeed, they must then find Hannah to give her the life-saving medicine. Can they triumph?

BAD LOVE MEDICINE

“If history was taught this way in school, everyone would be a scholar and educating ourselves not only about our accomplishments but the horrors of the past that should awaken and give insight to the path of a better future. A rare gem!”

The Bad Love Series

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MediCine THE BAD LOVE SERIES BOOK 4

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Each book stands alone with the scenes shifting from World War II and the mid-1970s to distant planets populated by alien beings, dinosaurs, and other exotic creatures. Since time travel and alien worlds are involved, Schewe delves deeply into the scientific breakthroughs achieved with the creation of nuclear weapons during the super-secret Manhattan Project and how that connects to time-travel.

Pale Woods Mystery Series By Courtnee Turner Hoyle

In the enchanting and mysterious Pale Woods, join a cast of characters each with their own secrets to keep. In this young adult series, discover lost family members and solve heinous murders with the help— or hindrance—of spiritual influences.

Madison McKenzie Files Series By Bev Freeman

Join Madison McKenzie as she solves three thrilling, Appalachian mysteries. In the process Madison may face dangers she never dreamed, and learn more about herself and her abilities than she thought possible.

Carla Series

By Michael Gryboski Get sucked into the dangerous world of the Carla Series! Once a hired killer by necessity, in each novel Carla fights to not only keep her violent world a secret from those around her, but to leave it behind all together.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2021 | 21

Alleviate Everyday Aches and Pains D

aily aches and pains may be seen as a normal byproduct of aging, but that does not mean aging individuals should simply accept pain. In fact, daily discomfort can be remedied with some relatively easy techniques. • Get moving. Lower back pain is common among adults, and most often appears when individuals are in their mid-30s and 40s. Strength training and cardio exercises can remedy this pain because these activities increase blood flow and help build core muscles, which support the spine. Support can alleviate pressure on the discs in the back. Exercising also will build strength in other areas of the body and support joints. • Practice good posture. Sitting and standing with optimal posture can help the body feel better. When posture is out of whack, this puts undue stress on muscles, leading to pain. Dropping your head or shoulders also can create unnecessary tension that leads to headaches. Good posture can alleviate this. • Exercise more often. Certain pains arise when exercising for the first time or performing a new activity. Allan H. Goldfarb, Ph.D., a professor and exercise physiologist at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, says when you do the same activity again and again, your muscles will start to get used to it and soreness will be reduced. Don’t give up on exercise too soon, but include off days in your routine to give your body

time to become more acclimated to increased physical activity. • Get tested. Speak with your doctor if you have chronic pain in one or more areas. Such pain may be a sign of osteoarthritis, an inflammatory condition that is associated with aging. Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions can cause aches and pains as well, leaving the joints and tendons inflamed and a body with low energy. A doctor can rule out these conditions or help you get the therapy and medications you need. • Increase stretching and movement exercises. Incorporate stretching and movement exercises like yoga or tai chi into your daily regimen. These activities slowly stretch areas of the body and can improve range of motion and flexibility over time. These are just a few ways to address common aches and pains. Medical interventions, physical therapy, occupational therapy and ergonomics assessments, and massage therapy also may help to alleviate aches and pains.

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Simple Strategies

TO COMBAT STRESS

ust about everyone experiences stressful situations. Sometimes a measure of stress can provide motivation to do one’s best or strive for an especially lofty goal. However, when stress becomes a chronic condition, it can adversely affect individuals’ quality of life and even their overall health. Harvard Medical School says stress can manifest itself in myriad ways. Stress can cause tension headaches, indigestion, aches and pains, or even heart palpitations, and it may affect the mind by making it hard to concentrate or make decisions. Many people experience stress through emotional or psychological symptoms, such as irritability or feeling down. Learning how to effectively manage stress is essential for individuals’ overall well-being.

Exercise regularly Exercise serves many functions, including acting as a potent stress relief strategy. The Cleveland Clinic says aerobic exercise releases endorphins, which are natural substances that help a person feel better and maintain a positive attitude. Movement activities like yoga or Tai Chi also can relax the mind and body and promote physical health.

Take media breaks Overwhelming oneself with a barrage of negative news stories or constant information can increase stress levels. Individuals can strive to remain informed and still build breaks into their schedules. Shut off news programs, turn over the newspaper or tune out of social media from time to time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals who are stressed out by world events reduce the number of times they read the news or check the headlines each day.

Meditate or perform breathing exercises Breathing and meditation can help alleviate stress, according to the American Heart Association. A quick meditation can provide some perspective. If a situation is stressful, go for a walk or take a few slow, deep breaths until the body relaxes. Harvard Medical School also says meditation can induce a relaxation response, which is an antidote to stress.

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Change negatives to positives Negative self-talk may increase stress, but positive self-talk can help a person calm down. Individuals should practice positive self-talk every day. Instead of saying, “I hate when this happens,” say, “I know how to deal with this, I’ve done it before.” A small amount of periodic stress can be a good thing. However, chronic stress poses a significant threat to individuals’ long-term health. voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2021 | 23

Gift Giving for the Senior

By Cindy K. Sproles

very year, the question posed to our mother is, “What do you want us to get you for Christmas?” Each year, we get the same blank stare. The truth is, Mom is 95. She lives in assistive living. There is very little she needs. The question now becomes, what is beneficial for her and yet allows her some fun during the holidays? Gift-giving becomes complex as our parents age. They either have all they need, or what they want may be more costly than we can afford. It’s a conundrum. Still, it’s not impossible. It only requires thought. • Physical needs of your loved one. Are there specific toiletries, lotions, snacks, even batteries that your parent may need? Hearing aid batteries can be expensive when purchased in small quantities, but the price drops considerably when you bulk order several packs. Hearing aid batteries don’t seem like much of a gift, but it takes a worry off your senior’s plate and is something they need. Take time to look over those particular physical things and meet the need. • Gift cards for restaurants or hobby stores where your loved one shops. Our mother is a quilter, so a gift card to a local fabric store thrills her. Gift cards for DoorDash to deliver from their favorite restaurant is another great gift. It’s the small things that mean so much. Seniors can order out whenever they want a special treat. Gift cards to local malls for clothing or personal items always come in handy. • Pay a bill. Perhaps your loved one has a cell phone, and the bill comes due regularly. Why not pay the bill for a couple of months and free up a little cash for your senior? Add some money to pharmacy accounts to help purchase medications, or add to their commons account in their facility. • Consider new bed linens. There is nothing sweeter than fresh new bed sheets, towels, and washcloths. Help freshen up and lighten up a room with new curtains. A change of scenery is always a bright spot when your senior lives in a facility.

24 | December 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

• Photo albums. If you want to bring tears to their eyes, an album of photos will do it. Gather family photos, especially of those members your loved one doesn’t see regularly. What a sweet, sweet reminder that family has not forgotten. Take random shots that show the fun of life around the children. These mean so much and provide hours of entertainment. • Audiobook Subscriptions. If your loved one is technology savvy, consider a monthly audiobook subscription or an online library card. For those who love to listen or read, this is a wonderful, renewable gift. Keep in mind, the holidays are difficult for many of our loved ones, especially if they have recently lost a spouse or even a child. Keep in touch, frequently call, and visit. Those things cost you nothing more than a few minutes of your time, and you’ll bring wonderful yuletide joy to your aging parents.

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Cindy K. Sproles is a novelist, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the cofounder of ChristianDevotions.us and the managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.

How to Prioritize Cervical Health

ach January, Cervical Health Awareness Month is promoted and urges females to make appointments for routine gynecological checkups that include physical examinations and testing for cervical cancer. AME International Health Commission indicates more than 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Those figures are more shocking given that the disease is entirely preventable with appropriate screening and vaccination. The National Cervical Cancer Coalition says a Pap test can find cell changes in the cervix that may be early warning signs of cervical cancer. Pap and HPV tests (either alone or combined) are recommended for women over 30. The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus, which connects the uterus to the vagina. It is shaped like a doughnut and is about an inch in size. The cervix produces cervical mucus to

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aid sperm and egg mobility to foster conception during ovulation. Simple Health indicates that the cervix also allows discharge, like menstrual blood, to flow out of the vagina, helping to keep the vagina clean. It also is a barrier against bacteria. Here are some additional steps to promote cervical health. • Practice safer sex. • Quit smoking. • Keep contraceptives clean. Cervical caps and diaphragms are devices also used as contraceptives. Clean them regularly according to instructions to prevent cervical or vaginal infections. • Eat well and reduce stress. The Reproductive Resource Center of Kansas City says women with abnormal Pap smear results that are not caused by cancer typically have been through major life events. Researchers believe stress levels and lifestyles can affect cervical health. Eat foods and engage in behaviors that promote physical and mental well-being. • Avoid certain products. The vagina is a self-cleaning and correcting part of the body. Women do not need to use douches or other products internally to maintain cleanliness. In fact, doing so may alter natural pH and affect the normal function of the cervix and vagina. Cervical health is something all women should consider in January, but all year long as well.

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What Sufficient Sleep Does for the Body A Sleep and chronic disease

ccording to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, most adults need seven or more hours of sleep on a regular schedule each night.

Sleep and the immune system The Mayo Clinic notes that the immune system releases proteins called cytokines during sleep. The release of certain cytokines needs to increase when individuals are experiencing infections or inflammation, which is one reason why doctors often recommend extra sleep to sick patients. Without adequate sleep, the immune system may not produce enough cytokines, and that can increase the frequency with which individuals get sick.

Sleep and weight gain The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reports there is mount-

ing evidence to suggest a link between insufficient sleep and weight gain and obesity. Studies exploring this potential link have been conducted for decades and have examined how sleep affects people of all ages and genders. At the 2006 American Thoracic Society International Conference, researchers who had tracked women’s sleep habits for 16 years found that those who slept just six hours per night were 12 percent more likely to experience major weight gain than women who slept seven hours per night.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that insufficient sleep has been linked to the development and management of various chronic diseases. For example, the CDC indicates that insufficient sleep has been linked to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. In addition, the CDC reports that instances of hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, and irregular heartbeat are more common among individuals with disordered sleep than they are among people without such sleep abnormalities. Sleep is not often mentioned alongside diet and exercise as a vital component of overall health. But a good night’s rest is no less vital to long-term health than a healthy diet and physical activity.

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Moving Past Your Past By Doug Fields This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Timothy 1:15–16 KJV Interpretation: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–and I was the worst of them all. But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. The others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. –1 Timothy 1:15–16 (NLT)

must confess—I don’t have a wild and raunchy past that would make for a best selling action movie. My history is fairly bland— not very colorful at all—pretty much beige with a few streaks of tan. Don’t get me wrong—I occasionally express a worldly “wild side.” Sometimes I’ll empty my shopping cart without returning it to its parking lot cage. And when I’m in my “mean mood” there are times I don’t recycle. While I might not have the sordid résumé of some, I know God clearly sees my very real sins.

So it’s obvious that I’m not Charles Manson Jr.…but, let’s be honest, most people aren’t. We’re not running from the law. We’re not hiding criminal records. We’ve never spent time in jail. We just do boring-sin stuff and do it over and over and over. But, we’re still haunted by our pasts. Our present-day lives are checkered with memories of our poor decisions and actions. For all these things, we suffer guilt and that guilt is a roadblock to pursuing your best life now. Take heart! The Bible is filled with men and women with rough pasts and yet God used them to make a difference in the world. There is no sin God can’t forgive. There is nothing you have done in your past that God can’t redeem. The straightforward encouragement here is to know that, if you’ve asked God for forgiveness, He has forgiven you. Remind yourself of this every day if need be, because God wants to use you. Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! – Psalms 32:1-2 (NLT) Do you know who wrote that? King David, who was an adulterer and murderer earlier in his life. King David truly understood forgiveness–and he called it a joy. The joy of forgiveness should draw you closer to God, not keep you distant. If God has let go of your sins, now it’s your turn to let go of them. Stop reaching back into your past and pulling those sins out. You’ve got to move past your past…God has. Say this aloud, “My past is gone. Truly gone. Thank You, God!”

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2021 | 27

Crustless Libby’s® Famous Pumpkin Pie

Peppermint Mocha Makes one 12-ounce beverage

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 fluid ounce coffee or 1 shot espresso 1⁄2 cup milk (or dairy alternative) 2 tablespoons peppermint-flavored syrup 3 tablespoons mocha sauce Whipped Cream Dark chocolate or shaving 1. On a stovetop, heat milk on medium setting. Whisk the milk to make foam about 30 seconds. Set aside. 2. Pour two tablespoons chocolate sauce and two tablespoons peppermint syrup into bottom of 12-ounce or larger coffee mug. 3. Add one shot of brewed espresso. 4. Fill mug with steamed milk. 5. Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.

Charles Dickens’s Sherry Cobbler Cocktail Serves 1 2 orange slices 1 tablespoon sugar 4 ounces amontillado sherry Berries (in season) for garnishing Maraschino cherries for garnishing 1 lemon wheel for garnishing Muddle orange slices and sugar at the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add sherry and ice and shake. Strain ingredients into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with seasonal berries, maraschino cherries and a lemon wheel. Serve with a generosity of spirit. Source: How to Drink Like a Writer: Recipes for the Cocktails and Libations that Inspired 100 Literary Greats by Margaret Kaplan

Makes about 12 large cookies 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 5 tablespoons granulated sugar 5 tablespoons light brown sugar, sifted 1 large egg, beaten 1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla essence or chocolate extract 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons self-rising flour 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa 1⁄4 teaspoon salt 2⁄3 cup dark and white chocolate chips A heavy, nonstick baking sheet 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. 2. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars together until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla essence. 3. Sift the flour with the cocoa and salt in a small bowl. Fold into the egg mixture with the chocolate chips. 4. Place 4 heaping tablespoonsfuls of the mixture on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart. Press down and spread out to about 1⁄4-inch thick with the back of a wet spoon or with dampened fingers (you may like to scatter some more chocolate chips over the top). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack. When cool, store in an airtight container. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Source: Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers by Maxine Clark

28 | December 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Makes 8 servings 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves 2 large eggs 1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin 1 can (12 fluid ounces) evaporated milk Nonstick cooking spray Whipped cream (optional) 1. Preheat oven as directed below. Glass baking dishes without crust require a cooler oven, and in most cases, a longer baking time. 2. Spray baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease bottom of baking pan or baking dish. 3. Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in a small bowl. Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. 4. Bake as directed below or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. 5. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Cooking times: 9-inch-round glass pie dish: 325 F; bake for 55 to 60 minutes 10-inch-round glass pie dish: 325 F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes 8-inch-round cake pan: 350 F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes 9-inch-round cake pan: 350 F; bake for 35 to 40 minutes Source: Libby’s® Pumpkin

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2021 | 29

The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9.

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CLUES ACROSS

1. Loud cheer 5. Defensive nuclear weapon (abbr.) 8. Type of cell 11. Oblong pulpits 13. Pitching statistic 14 Uncommon 15. Liabilities 16. Thin, straight bar 17. Oh goodness! 18. Competitions 20. __ Jima, WW II battlefield 21. Professional assn. (abbr.) 22. Italian mountain range 25. Taking possession of 30. Used in cooking and medicine 31. Water (French) 32. Parent a child 33. Sun-dried brick 38. One point south of due east 41. Female fashion accessory 43. A way of making a copy of 45. A way to debilitate 47. Wings 49. Social insect 50. Dull brown fabrics 55. Indian musical pattern 56. N. England university 57. Portable stands for coffins 59. Iranian district 60. Envision 61. Passerine bird genus 62. Container 63. Falter 64. Tunisian city

CLUES DOWN

1. Cool! 2. Passover offering 3. Swedish rock group 4. Collegiate military organization 5. Large nests 6. Beloved baked good 7. 1980s pop legend 8. Finger millet 9. Hillside 10. Surrender 12. Midway between south and southeast 14. Long, narrow strap 19. Discount 23. A type of cast 24. Large, tropical lizard 25. Half of “Milli Vanilli” 26. Single 27. Big truck 28. Midway between east and southeast 29. Et __: indicates further 34. Insecticide 35. Luke Skywalker’s mentor __-Wan 36. Cast out 37. Breakfast food 39. By reason of 40. One who makes thread 41. Baseball stat 42. Breezed through 44. Frothy mass of bubbles 45. Tony-winning actress Daisy 46. Made of fermented honey and water 47. Member of a Semitic people 48. Monetary unit of the Maldives 51. Run batted in 52. Makes publicly known 53. Disagreement 54. Soluble ribonucleic acid 58. Single-reed instrument

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