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FEBRUARY 2020

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Publisher

JANIE C. JESSEE

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D o l l y Pa r t o n’s

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*All shows subject to change due to availability of rights

2020 Season Subscriptions Now Available Learn more at bartertheatre.com/2020 or call our box office at 276.628.3991

February 2020 | Volume 17 | Issue 2

February Hot Hunk Hunt!

The January “Hot Hunk” was Chris Evans in the Comfort Keepers ad on page 26.

Mehdi Dehbi 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 tickets to Barter Theatre.

Congratulations to: Kathryn Barry Johnson City, TN as the winner in the January Hot Hunk Hunt!

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

7 Ways to Wear Animal Print

Hunt!

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

5

HOT HUNK LOCATION:

14

YWCA Annual Prom Dress

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

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

Voice Magazine for Women Celebrates 16th Anniversary Varanasi, The Spiritual Capital of India

6

VoiceMale

or e-mail: hothunk@voicemagazineforwomen.com Deadline for submission is February 20, 2020.

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.

Ken Heath 7

Nancy Binder 16

Valentine’s Gifts

Jan-Carol Publishing

8

WE ARE

HIRING

JOIN OUR TEAM

Jan-Carol Publishing and Voice Magazine

Miniature Rose Care

New Releases 18

April Hensley 10

Spiritually Speaking

Timeless Tips for 2020

The Adult Day Care Alternative

We are hiring representatives for advertising and book sales.

Established, growing, and expanding!

Be a part of our team!

Email resume with references to publisher@jancarolpublishing.com.

22

Cindy Sproles 27

Pam Blair 11

On the Cover free!

FEBRUARY 2020

voicemagazineforwomen.com $1.95

vibrant • vocal • vivacious

is here to introduce you to merchants, needed services, and all cultural aspects of your new home area. The GOOD NEWS is you have moved to a region of the south that is full of “friends you just haven’t met!”

Publisher

JANIE C. JESSEE

Call for your free in-home visit and shopping bag of goodies!

Publisher Janie C. Jessee is featured on this month’s cover.

Call Benita to learn more! 423.202.1679

Photography by Rebecca Griffin / London Vine Studios Makeup by Ren Allen / Faces by Ren Photoshoot Location: Mallory Fields

voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2020 | 3

FREE Celebrating our 16th 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

From the EDITOR

S

weet Sixteen for Voice Magazine for Women and Sweet Seventeen for Jan-Carol Publishing!

Yes—the month of February Voice Magazine for Women celebrates 16 years of representing women and businesses in the region, as the company (JCP) moves into the 17th year of being an established local business. This year is a benchmark for our continued growth.

I would like to give a big ‘Thank you’ to Mallory Fields Interiors, owners David and Todd, for showing their support to us by providing the backdrop for our photos for this month’s issue. With distinctive and exquisite furniture and accessories, they graciously welcomed us to their upscale décor boutique to serve as the beautiful backdrop for our photos.

(See their ad on page 12.)

Also, a big ‘Thank you’ goes to London Vines Studio owner, Rebecca Griffith, who worked patiently with me in capturing the perfect photos. And another ‘Thank you’ to Ren Allen, owner of Faces by Ren, for her expert makeup application, and for seeing that my ‘make-over’ was a delightful and fun experience! (See their ads on page 13.)

Thank you to all!

We invite all of you to continue to share our growth in 2020.

Among many goals, the magazine will include more local writers and information, and will debut its first cookbook this year! Our book publishing 2020 vision for growth includes an updated website and offering select books in an audio book format with more distribution.

Our presence online has grown by leaps and bounds, so be sure to enroll to receive our newsletters and visit our websites, voicemagazineforwomen.com and jancarolpublishing.com. We are excited to announce that you can now order books from JCP’s website!

Thank you to all of you—fans, writers, advertisers, businesses, authors, readers, and all those behind the scenes supporters for your continued support to Voice Magazine for Women and JCP! And thank you to my staff!

Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to join the fun!

As we plan and schedule for this new year, our motto is to have the clear 2020 vision of helping others, being positive, and seeking ways that will allow all of us to grow and prosper together. We want each of you to travel with us as we plan our new journey for 2020.

Happy Anniversary to JCP and Voice Magazine for Women!

Verse of the month: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Philippians 4:13 KJV Thought of the month: “If you want more, you have to become more. For things to change, you have to change. For things to become better, you have to become better. If you improve, everything will improve for you. If you grow, your money will grow; your relationships, your health, your business and every external effect will mirror that growth in equal correlation.” –Jim Rohn, American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker

Janie C. Jessee, Editor

4 | February 2020 | 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 Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 editor@voicemagazineforwomen.com publisher@jancarolpublishing.com FEBRUARY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

April Hensley Cindy K. Sproles Nancy Binder

Pam Blair Ken Heath

Amanda Hollifield Sheila Wandell

TLC PUBLISHER/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Nancy Williams nancywilliams@thelauruscompany.com SALES Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983 OFFICE Savannah Bailey Communications Director/Production Editor communications@jancarolpublishing.com GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Tara Sizemore - Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com Cheryl Allen - Office/Typesetting Assistant office@voicemagazineforwomen.com office@jancarolpublishing.com INTERN Publishing Research/Marketing Chanie Garner, ETSU DISTRIBUTION Karen Corder Staff JCP Internships Available PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 17, Issue 2) 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. © 2020 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.

7 Ways to Wear

ANIMAL PRINT A

nimal print never goes out of fashion. In fact, every season and every year we see the animal print showcased by top designers.

Animal print is a trend that never seems to die and is fashioned by personal style and interpretation.

The question isn’t “should you” or “should you not” own animal print. Every fashionista must own at least one piece of this print, be it a dress, a top, a pair of shoes, a scarf, or a bag. So, the question is—how do you make it look right?

How to Wear Animal Prints: 1. Begin with small portions, such as accessories, when adding animal print into your wardrobe. Scarves are great to initially add to your wardrobe.

2. P ick animal prints according to your body shape.

Pay attention to your size. This is important when selecting dresses, coats, skirts, or leggings.

3. Wear animal prints with sweaters. An oversized cheetah sweater looks perfect with black leggings. If your top is a leopard/tiger/zebra print, let the tights/skirt/pants be a solid non conflicting color.

4. G o brave with a dress that is print, but pair it with shoes that are plain black, nude, or red.

5. L ove T-shirts? A leopard print oversized t-shirt works with either black skinny jeans or black denim shorts. Stick with black footwear.

6. A blast of leopard print works well in footwear when paired with an accessory, such as a scarf or handbag. The leopard pumps can be a little more for cooler weather, but when paired with cropped jeans and a bold color tunic, it will pop for the warmer seasons.

7.

S olid colors to pair with animal print? It is not always black. Colors as accents can include deep yellow, solid green in bright to dark colors, and yes… red!

Find your ‘meow’ when wearing animal print!

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2020 | 5

YWCA Annual Prom Dress Sale Expanded to Three Days

O

ne of the most special events in the life of a teenage girl is prom night. While the night’s glitz and glamour is a big part of what makes it memorable, the cost of formalwear is a financial impossibility for many families. Our regional YWCA is making sure every girl in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia has access to affordable formalwear fit for an unforgettable evening.

This year an extra shopping day has been added!

The YWCA Prom Dress Project features hundreds of like-new prom dresses, shoes, and accessories donated by the surrounding community. A service project of the YW Junior Board of Directors, the Prom Dress Sale offers all dresses for only $25 each and has outfitted thousands of girls affordably for their special night. Scholarships are also available for girls in need of a deeper discount.

This year, the YWCA Prom Dress Sale will be held at YWCA NETN and SWVA on Thursday and Friday, March 5th and 6th from 3:00 pm–6:00 pm and Saturday, March 7th from 8:00 am–5:00 pm at 106 State Street, Bristol, Tennessee. Volunteers are needed during the sale

6 | February 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

to assist girls in finding a gown that they feel confident and beautiful in.

The YWCA accepts donations of like-new formalwear and accessories year round. Gowns sizes 14 to 28 are especially needed.

Proceeds from the sale benefits YWCA programming.

The YW Junior Board is a diverse group of young women ages 20–40 that have a desire to acquire more leadership and service skills within the community. For more information about the Prom Dress Project or Junior Board, please contact Tammy Alls at YWCA NETN and SWVA at 423-968-9444.

Voicemail oicemail

Male

By Ken Heath

Valentine’s Day is Not Just One Day! L

ove. It’s exciting and new. Or it’s a random thing. I guess it just depends which tune pops into your head. Either way, we’re deep in the month of hearts and winged Cupids, giant cards and oversized boxes of chocolates, and roses selling at prices that would make you think there’s a gold brick stashed in there somewhere.

My angel and I are celebrating our 31st Valentine’s Day this year, on our way to our 30th anniversary in June. We’ve done the traditional time and again—romantic weekend getaway, jewelry, and those roses and chocolates—for three decades. But to be honest, every day is Valentine’s Day for me.

As a husky young man, I didn’t date in high school. Us having only one family car, and on it a mismatched green fender that clashed like a bad Christmas decoration with the rest of the red paint and a leaky muffler that sounded like Pickett’s Charge every time it backfired, didn’t allow me to escort the young ladies in style, so I stayed home.

College was a bit better, but I was concentrating on my first love—radio—so I didn’t take much time to court.

After moving home, now in my early twenties, I’d pretty much decided I’d be a forever bachelor, working nights on the air, hanging out at the radio station with my buddies into the wee hours of the morning. But on one particular night, the voice on the other end of the request line changed my life, we started dating, and a year later were married.

Through this score and ten years, we’ve lived. We’ve lost loved ones and beloved pets. And, thank God, we’ve continued to grow closer. There’s really nothing better than being married to your best friend.

So with the keystone anniversary year on the horizon, I decided to do something outside the ordinary. My angel doesn’t ask for much, although she certainly should for putting up with me. Her dream car has always been the old school Jeep Grand Wagoneers, the woody early SUV land tanks. She’s dreamed of loading up a Thermos of hot chocolate and driving to White Top to pick out a Christmas tree, parading back to our house a la Chevy Chase with the pine bundled to the roof, football tailgates out of the back, dogs poking their heads out of the back windows on Sunday drives.

I’ve hidden back a little cash, with the intent of surprising her. I’ve found her dream ride, and have a buddy lined up to restore it by our June date.

She kind of knows something is up.

It’s a classic 1979 model, and it needs a lot of cleaning up and some work in and out. With time and a little money, it’ll be just perfect for us.

No, it won’t be flawless, but it will be perfect—because it’s what she wants.

In that, it’s like our relationship.

A few dings, some surface rust here and there, but the frame is rock solid, and with a little work and some TLC, it’s as good as new. And isn’t that what we all want out of a love for a lifetime after all?

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

{

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.

“Virginia's Most Awarded DJ Service”

(276) 759-1102 | www.kenheath.com voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2020 | 7

E

very Valentine’s Day, certain gifts emerge as the most popular. While certain gifts are common, there are ways to make them seem fresh and exciting. Here are some ideas for Valentine’s Day gifting.

Flowers

The National Retail Federation estimates that people spend around $2 billion on flowers for gifts. While roses are much sought after, thinking outside the bouquet can produce unique results. Choose different blooms, perhaps a loved one’s favorite flower or something regional. Potted plants also will last longer than cut flowers, giving them more staying power. Skip bouquets in favor of table centerpieces, which can be eye-catching.

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Jewelry

Gifting jewelry can be tricky because it is such a personal gift that must tie into a sweetheart’s style. It may be tempting to go with something large and flashy or full of diamonds, but a better option is to take inventory of what your loved one wears on a daily basis and try to mimic the size and scope in your gift. Other thoughtful jewelry gifts include understated pendant necklaces or bracelets engraved with key dates or the names of their children.

Colored gemstones in lieu of diamonds also may be a striking choice. For men, you could customize a set of cuff links, a watch, or a leather watch box to create a meaningful gift set.

Self Care

Give the gift of a massage. Massages can help relieve stress and pain. Other gift ideas include manicure/pedicures, spa treatments, body products, or hair salon gift certificates.

Entertainment

Dinner and a movie is a classic date night, but on Valentine’s Day restaurants and theaters may be overcrowded and only offer limited menus. An alternative can be to cook a gourmet meal and watch a movie at home. Then all you need to do is snuggle on the sofa for a romantic night in.

Another entertainment idea, if your partner loves a particular band or musician, he/she will be thrilled by your thoughtfulness in buying concert tickets.

Chocolates and Candy

Roughly $1.8 billion is spent on candy each Valentine’s Day, says the National Retail Federation. A box of chocolates certainly can fit the bill, but other options abound. Perhaps a sweetheart has a favorite candy that recalls his or her childhood or prefers a chocolate maker from his or her hometown. Purchase those items to add a bit of nostalgia. Make the holiday magical by setting up a candy bar right at home, where your sweetheart can pick and choose from candies displayed in eye-catching bowls and canisters. Another novel idea is to use candy molds to make your own sweet treats.

Thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts can make the day even more special for sweethearts.

Surprise Your Sweetheart with Stout-Infused Cupcakes

C

hocolate and stouts make a perfect pairing. If beer and chocolate make a perfect match, so, too, does chocolate and Valentine’s Day. This February 14, men and women can bring all three together by whipping up a batch of “Chocolate Jefferson Stout Cupcakes” from John Holl’s The American Craft Beer Cookbook for their sweethearts.

Chocolate Jefferson Stout Cupcakes Makes 24 cupcakes Cupcakes 2 cups sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 3⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for dusting the cupcakes 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 12-ounce bottle Lazy Magnolia Jefferson Stout, or similar stout 1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 3 eggs 3⁄4 cup sour cream Fine salt

Icing 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature 3⁄4 to 1 cup heavy cream 1-pound package confectioners’ sugar Make the cupcakes: • Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly butter and flour 24 muffin cups.

• Whisk the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large mixing bowl.

• Combine the stout, melted butter and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Mix in the sour cream until thoroughly combined and smooth.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

• Divide the batter equally among the muffin cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake for 12 minutes and then rotate the pans.

Bake for 12 to 13 minutes longer, or until

risen, nicely domed, and set in the middle, but still soft and tender. Cool the cupcakes for 10 minutes in the tins on a wire rack before turning out onto the rack to cool completely.

Make the icing: • Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 3⁄4 cup of the cream. Slowly mix in the confectioners’ sugar on low speed until incorporated and smooth. If the icing is too thick to be spreadable, beat in more cream, 1 tablespoon at a time. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. (The icing can be made several hours ahead and kept covered and chilled.)

• Top each cupcake with a generous layer of frosting and dust with cocoa powder.

Source: Holl, John;The American Craft Beer Cookbook

Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–2pm

450 Commerce Dr. | Abingdon, VA (I-81 Exit 17, Near Hampton Inn )

www.alfrescolifestyles.com | 276.628.4797 voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2020 | 9

Miniature Rose Care

By April Hensley

P

eople all over the world celebrate Valentine’s Day—the holiday of love.

Whether it’s romance, friendship, or family, gift givers go to great lengths to make their loved ones feel special and remembered. Cut flowers lead the way in gifts with cards, jewelry, chocolates, and special dinners also topping the list.

If you are thinking about a living gift that will bring joy for years to come, consider a lovely, potted, miniature rose bush. They come in the brilliant colors of regular roses. Miniature roses can be found at garden centers and in floral departments. With a little care, they can be kept indoors all year long or can be planted outside in a pot or flowerbed after the danger of frost is over.

Here’s some care tips for keeping a miniature rose healthy indoors: • All roses love direct sunlight. Keep your potted rose near a sunny window.

• Keep the soil moist but not flooded. Being in the sunshine causes the soil to dry up faster.

• If the bush came with a decorative wrapper around the pot, remove it. It will hold water on the roots and cause the plant to drown. Use a deep saucer to catch any overflow water and empty it.

• Roses like the same temperatures we do. Keep it at around 70 degrees F. The sunshine from the window will keep it warm.

• Use a well-drained pot. Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water. If the leaves begin to fall off, check to make sure it’s not root bound. If so, move to a bigger pot.

• Trim off dead or dying roses so the plant will keep producing. Also trim off any leaves that are browning.

• The plants are small so they don’t need much fertilizer. Give a weak solution every other month or use a fertilizer stick for houseplants in the pot.

• Miniature roses can get spider mites indoors. If this happens, put the plant under the faucet with a 10 | February 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

gentle stream of water to wash them off, then treat with organic insecticidal soap until they are gone.

• If you decide to move the plant outside in the spring, place it in the shade and acclimate it to the sunlight and temperature slowly until it is ready for its permanent outdoor home. Then plant in a flowerbed or sturdy pot. Water regularly since it has shallow roots and will dry up before other plants.

{

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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Timeless Tips for 2020

By Pam Blair

t’s a new year and a new decade with brand new resolutions, right? Not so much. Studies show that year after year, the top New Year’s resolutions continue to be eating healthier, getting more exercise, and saving more money. Funny how these same challenges surface every year, which just means we’re continually seeking new ways to solve old problems. To help you stay on track with your personal goals, here are some quick tips for making small changes that can lead to big results.

I

Stand up, sit less. Simply standing up instead of sitting for hours on end burns more calories and keeps your body moving. So, whether you’re working at a desk job or binge-watching Netflix, try alternating sitting and standing whenever possible to increase your energy expenditure.

Stand up while talking on the phone and walk around the room or take breaks while watching TV by doing some light stretching.

Eat in, not out. Sure, eating out is fun but it’s often hard to resist the complimentary bread and a restaurant salad can be loaded with hidden fat and calories. When cooking at home, we tend to make healthier choices that are also easier on our wallets. There are countless websites and blogs devoted to cooking with recipes that are fun to read and easy to follow. Simply baking some chicken breasts and roasting potatoes and veggies is a quick way to make a meal that’s healthy and satisfying.

Got floss? Sure, flossing helps to prevent tooth decay, but did you know that it also helps to prevent gum disease, which is linked to heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and many other health conditions? The American Dental Association recommends flossing daily, preferably at bedtime, so your mouth is clean while sleeping.

Forget the latte. Giving up your favorite coffee prepared by a barista who knows exactly how you like it seems like a sacrifice, but those designer cups of coffee add up to big bucks every month. Try brewing your own and save money as you savor the aroma and enjoy the experience of crafting it to your taste.

{

Pam Blair is a former medical librarian and communications manager who gets nervous when she doesn’t have something to read. She loves descriptive writing and has authored and edited a book and numerous other publications. Contact her at pblair919@aol.com.

Build your own workout. Designing an exercise program that fits your lifestyle gets results. Find an activity that you enjoy and treat it like a doctor’s appointment that can’t be broken. A simple way to get started is to take a 10-minute walk. Health experts say you don’t have to walk or work out continuously for longer periods of time to achieve results. Several 10-minute walks per day can clear your head and your outlook, especially if you can go outside.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2020 | 11

Tourism’s 12th Antique Appraisal Fair and Show Date Announced for 2020

T

he Tourism Department of the Greene County Partnership will host its 12th Antique Appraisal Fair and Antique Show Saturday, March 21, at Greeneville High School on Tusculum Boulevard from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission is FREE. “It is with great excitement that the Tourism Department is once again hosting the Appraisal Fair in our community,” stated Tammy Kinser, Director of Tourism for the Greene County Partnership. “This event has been recognized nationally and along with it, our community has been recognized. It is our way of promoting our antique stores, our history, and our hospitality.”

The event will feature certified appraisers that will assess the value of antique treasures brought in by the public.

A small fee of $5 per item will be charged for appraisals.

Also featured at the event will be local and regional antique shops displaying and selling their wares throughout the day, as well as local museums and historical attractions. The cost to have an antique booth at the fair is $50, and all items must be antique or vintage.

The Antique Appraisal Fair & Show is a project of the Tourism Department of the Greene County Partnership and is title sponsored by the Greeneville City School System. For questions or for more information on acquiring a booth, to sponsor the event, or to volunteer, please contact Tammy Kinser, CTTP at the Partnership, 423-638-4111, email tkinser@greenecop.com or visit www.

GreenevilleAntiqueAppraisalFair.com.

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Ren Allen is an award-winning bodypainter, makeup artist, and mixed media artist with a desire to connect to the human experience. It is about illuminating, about sharing with the world a reflection of the inner self. It is about honoring what you wish to convey. Her specialties are commercial, short film, wedding, and bodypaint.

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Voice Magazine for Women Celebrates

Photography by Rebecca Griffin / London Vine Studios Makeup by Ren Allen / Faces by Ren

S

weet Sixteen! Is it sixteen years or is it seventeen years? Jan-Carol Publishing was formed in 2003, with the first copy of Voice Magazine for Women making its debut in February 2004. So, JCP is approaching seventeen years, while the magazine is celebrating sixteen years in the month of February. After all these years, we are here because of the thousands loyal readers, dedicated fans, and advertisers.

I never could have predicted the obstacles that were going to be thrown my way. I was blindsided by the harsh realities of running a business. I tried to keep my focus on my vision of providing a fun and informative magazine to women in the region, but sometimes my disappointments clouded that focus with tears and with more questions than answers. However, even at my lowest points there have always been friends and strangers telling me how much they love the magazine! Hearing that never gets old,

The first copy of Voice Magazine for Women, February 2004 14 | February 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

and that never-ending support keeps me motivated and uplifted!

I am amazed at the number of readers who tell me that they have every copy of Voice Magazine that has been published. These women remind me how the magazine has changed through the years. Change is an understatement! Just as there have been growing pains and hard knocks, there have been many more exciting times and more happiness than sadness! How do you show appreciation to the thousands of people that are in your corner every month with unwavering support?! I’m not sure how but to say ‘Thank you!’ My company could not be here without all of you! This encouragement is a BIG backdrop to each month’s copy of Voice Magazine for Women and the company’s growth over the years.

So, who is the ‘voice lady’ behind the magazine? I am that farm gal who lives up to the statement ‘you can take the girl out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the girl.’

continued on next page

So, you are from the region?

and have their books offered globally. It is very exciting!

We have regional authors to international authors.”

“Yes—with roots in Book publishing has exceeded Russell County, Virginia, all expectations. There is so much I was raised on a farm in local talent and being able to publish local What are some of your a God fearing, hardworkauthors has provided a pathway for them to hobbies? ing family. My Dad was see their works in book form and have their “I love my work. More a blue collar worker, and than a hobby, it’s my livelibooks offered globally. It is very exciting! he worked on the farm as hood. Besides publishing, We have regional authors to well. My mother graduI do enjoy writing, mostly ated from high school as international authors. fiction and inspirational. valedictorian and married And I enjoy the outdoors. soon after. She became I enjoy tennis, flying, golf, a stay at home mom and which is not my best sport, and traveling. I completed the took care of her family, which was Dad, my brother, and me.” ground school flying classes, and my significant other is a pilot. He and I enjoy flying. In quiet times, I enjoy drawing Where did you go to school?

“I graduated from Honaker High School in Honaker, and painting. And I love shopping, especially at consignment Virginia and attended Southwest Community College, but stores and thrift stores.” ultimately received my BS in Psychology/Social Work from East Tennessee State University.”

What’s your 2020 vision for you and your

What did you do before starting Jan-Carol Publishing?

“Most of my background has been in banking, retail, and real estate. I lived on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for about seven years selling real estate. When I moved back to the region, I worked for a local newspaper, a direct mailing company, and also owned a ladies consignment shop in Elizabethton, Tennessee. My resume would be pages and pages with the number of jobs I have had, but I feel all of my jobs have built the foundation for where I am today.”

How did you get started in the publishing industry?

“In 2003, the corporation Jan-Carol Publishing was formed to start the local women’s magazine, Voice Magazine for Women. It started on ‘a wing and a prayer,’ the magazine, after all these years, continues to move forward. With being the first of its kind, it quickly became supported by readers, fans, and businesses. Local women loved that they had a magazine that they could embrace as their own! As it grew, it took on its own personality. I never get tired of readers telling me, ‘I just love that magazine!’”

And the book publishing?

“JCP purchased the local book publishing company, Mountain Girl Press, almost seven years ago, and the book publishing has exceeded all expectations. There is so much local talent and being able to publish local authors has provided a pathway for them to see their works in book form

company?

“We are excited that the magazine is becoming more rooted with local writers and activities. We are taking on different projects this year. One project that is starting soon with JCP is offering some of our books as audiobooks during 2020.

Another project is Voice Magazine for Women will be publishing a cookbook. Other goals for the magazine and company will include events and sponsorships. Personally, I believe no one knows the future but our Creator, so I pray to God that He will always guide my steps and my direction.”

Any advice to someone who wants to start their own business?

“Love what you do...and do what you love! Great words was written to inspire and encourage women to seek out their Authorfor Janie inspiration Jessee shares simple to live by!destiny.

And truths in starting a business or pursuing a career dream.

Presented in uncomplicated terms, quotes, and verses and thatencouragement, I have will enlighten you, encourage you, and inspire you, this book is the perfect read for the beginning entrepreneur or for the seasoned business woman needing tofirst be a book you!

It is my uplifted in simple terms. published book! Woman to Woman—If you own it, claim it!

Success: A Beginner’s Inspirational Guide for Women Seeking to Start Their Own Business.”

Call the office 423-926-9983 or email publisher@jancarolpublishing.com and order your copy for $5.00 with free shipping. Download the E-book for .99!

Born into a blue collar working family and raised on a farm in Southwest Virginia, Janie Jessee was taught values of hard work, rooted in Christian-believing morals. Being part of the baby boomer generation, Jessee supported the old traditions being broken and new traditions being created for women in business and careers outside of the home. The first in her family to receive a college degree, Jessee was the first to start and publish a women’s monthly magazine in her hometown region. She owns a successful book publishing company, Jan-Carol Publishing, and through her work at this business and Voice Magazine for Women, she hopes to inspire women to grow, to be encouraged, and to find their destinies.

U.S. $15.00 CAN $20.00

COPYRIGHT 2019 AUTHOR PHOTO BY BRANDON GOINS JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

IF YOU OWN IT, CLAIM IT! SUCCESS! A Beginner’s Inspirational Guide for Women Seeking to Start Their Own Business

JANIE C. JESSEE

voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2020 | 15

Varanasi

The Spiritual Capital of India Article and Photographs

By Nancy Binder

I

have been to many wonderful places in this world, but none of them have blown me away like Varanasi, India on the banks of the holiest of Hindu rivers, The Ganges. This is a place many elderly Hindus come to die. It is believed that putting one’s ashes into the Ganges will obtain Nirvana immediately for the person rather than going through the cycle of rebirth. The city pulses with activity. There are many pilgrims that come here, and during Diwali (The Festival of Lights), which occurred while I was visiting, there are even more people. Hindu businesses and homes are decorated in colored lights and designs made with flower petals are placed in front of doors and the lobbies of hotels. People are always dressed colorfully, especially the women in colorful saris. People chant, vendors approach, bike taxis, motorcycles, cars, and buses all blow their horns. The smells of incense, food cooking, animal wastes, and body odors all mingle.

There seems to be no smells from the river. All of your senses are assaulted and not negatively. Everything is so vibrant and alive!

Varanasi got its name from the two tributaries that flow into the Ganges, the Varuna to the north and the Assi, now a small stream, to the south. It is located in the southeast area of the northern province of Uttar Pradesh.

There are crematories along the river. Some crematories are powered by electricity and are inside buildings.

These are the least expensive, but the most holy crematories are outdoors on the ghats (steps) of the riverbank.

The outdoor crematories operate 24/7. People bring their loved one’s body here dressed in an orange shroud on a bamboo ladder. They dip the body in the Ganges River, then place the body on the wood, a crematory worker breaks the skull and piles more wood on top of the body before an accelerant is added. There is a chief mourner from the family who lights the fire all around while chanting prayers. Only male members of the family participate in the rituals of the cremation. The chief mourner

16 | February 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Boarding boats on Ganges River

Outdoor crematories

stays with the body until the fire is out. The ashes are cooled and before they are placed in the river the crematory worker goes through the ashes and gets to keep any jewelry he finds.

The night I was on the river in a small boat, I watched as four or five bodies were dipped in the Ganges before continued on next page

Vendors on the ghats

Pilgrims in the Ganges

the family arranged to purchase the vibrant, exhilarating, and spirisandalwood. Once this was accomtual all at the same time. As we plished, the pyre was built and lit. were walking with the pilgrims, There were about 7 fires burning. there were cows ambling along.

Amazingly, there is no odor other One of the cows urinated and than the sandalwood. After watchthree women put their hands ing for a while the boat continued into the urine and sprinkled to where the Hindu priests chant it on their heads. I asked our prayers to give thanks to Mother guide about it and he said that Ganges for the life giving water it is for good fortune in fertiland put her to sleep. Conch shells ity. The pilgrims ignored us. We are blown, drums beaten, prayers boarded little boats again and Bicycle taxis are chanted, incense is burned went out on the river to watch and candelabras holding 50 candles are brought out at the rituals, the sunrise, and the devotion that these people the closing ceremony. It was very interesting and very were displaying. It was an amazing experience. I wish that crowded both on the river and on the ghats. Before the I had words to describe the feeling I experienced walking closing, many people light a candle in a cardboard dish with the pilgrims down to the river. I could feel their spirwith flower petals surrounding the candle and make a ituality, something I had never felt before. I understand wish and float it on the river. Our group joined in doing why Varanasi is called the spiritual center of India. this. The whole evening was so moving.

The next morning while it was still dark we walked about 10 minutes to the Ganges River with many, many barefoot pilgrims who were going to say morning prayers and bathe in the river. This is a very sacred ritual and usually a once in a lifetime experience for them. The women are dressed in their colorful saris. The men are more casually dressed. Many of the people will have their heads shaved by barbers who are standing on the ghats.

They put their hair in the water as a sign of respect for the great river.

People then continue down the ghats to submerge Closing ceremony to Mother Ganges themselves, clothes and all, into the Ganges. Many holy Nancy Binder is a retired application software developer turned freelance writer men are set up under umbrellas to answer questions and combining her love of travel with her desire to share her experiences. She is bless and pray with the pilgrims. The fervor is almost passionate about exploring the outdoors and has been “bitten by the African safari bug,� now her favorite travel destination. Contact her with comments or palpable walking among the pilgrims. The entire place is

{

travel questions at nancybinder@sbcglobal.net.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2020 | 17

OUT NOW The Best Doctor in Town

“The Best Doctor in Town reminds us all that evil can reside anywhere—even Small Town, USA. Amelia Townsend weaves a web of deceit in vivid detail and proves once again that things are seldom as they seem.� — Mike Grindstaff, Author of Moon Over Knoxville

“Amelia Townsend spins a tall tale that captures my attention from page one. Doc Briggs is the loved, local doctor who is out to help everyone heal, but Dr. McKay thinks the praise and love have not been earned from all of the patients, especially those up in years. How can Dr. McKay disparage such a wonderful gift to the community? Read, learn, and love this tall tale.� — Linda Hudson Hoagland, Author of Snooping Can Be Scary

loves telling almost true stories. She has worked as a newspaper and TV reporter, freelance producer and director, writer, and now PR hack. She is a proud graduate the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her first novel, Keepsakes for the Heart, was nominated by the N.C. Historical Association for the prestigious Ragan Old North State Award for non-fiction.Find her on: Facebook: facebook.com/townsendart LinkedIn: linkedin.com/ameliatownsend Twitter: @townsendart Website: shoestringtheatrecompany.com

COPYRIGHT 2019 AUTHOR PHOTO: LOUIS CARON FRONT COVER DESIGN: POWELL VALLEY NEWS, JOSH WATSON—GRAPHIC DESIGNER JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

ng resident. He and his wife, same property that was given to about forty-six years ago. He and to travel extensively and have ates. In past years, Michael has hool teacher, a deacon, and a r church functions and gatherings.

Michael Mich c ael C ch C. Fuller

holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Detroit. He has been published three times for short stories, twice for poetry, and was the movie critic for Oakland County’s Daily Tribune (1978–79).

As a U.S. Army veteran, he wrote numerous articles (from human interest to military) for Stars and Stripes. He is the father of two, the grandfather of two, and with an extended family of over 200 in the hills of Kentucky who serve as the cornerstones to this story. He and his wife reside in Ferndale, Michigan. Greezy Creek is his first novel.

A Tall Tale from the Hills

AMELIA COPYRIGHT 2019 FRONT COVER DESIGN: TARA SIZEMORE AUTHOR PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVID E. CAIN JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

TOWNSEND

Reections on Childhood: ThoughtProvoking Poems and Short Stories

Written by Michael C. Fuller The purpose of these poems and stories is to preserve the memories of dierent adventures and interactions the author experienced as a child, with children, and in his family. The author expanded from his poems to include some of his childhood memories through short stories.

Through his sharing of these stories, the reader will experience feelings of the carefree days of childhood and reminisce the joys and the hopes of childhood.

Ref lections

Reections on Faith, Hope, and the World Around Us: Purposeful Poems and Short Stories on Faith, Hope, and the World Around Us

A collection of stories and poems that delve into our place and purpose in the world around us. We can allow our faith and hope free rein to lift us into a higher purpose.

Written by Michael Fuller A collection of stories and poems that delve into our place and purpose in the world around us. We can allow our faith and hope free rein to lift us into a higher purpose.

U.S. $20.00 • CAN $25.00

My Appalachian Mountain I Laurels

f you are from the Appalachian Mountains, you will understand the words I write, and I hope it makes music to your ears. If you are not from our mountains, perhaps you will get a better understanding of how lovely our world can be. I hope it will open your eyes and your heart, then you too will love our mountains.

Written by Teresa Stutso Jewell If you are from the Appalachian Mountains, you will understand the words I write, and I hope it makes music to your ears. If you are not from our mountains, perhaps you will get a better understanding of how lovely our world can be. I hope it will open your eyes and your heart, then you too will love our mountains.

“Teresa Stutso Jewell has always proudly proclaimed herself an Appalachian poet. After reading sections of her new book, I must concur with her self-assessment. She is the real deal, a bona fide West Virginia local colorist, as well as an insightful autobiographical poet...�

“Teresa Jewell’s lyric poems are an ode to the mountains she so obviously loves. Her words entreat us to come to this ‘peaceable place’ where we can be cleansed. From the dark hollows to the mountaintops, she celebrates the mountains and her people. Jewell captures what it means to love a place and this collection of poems will take you there.�

“Life in the coal fields is truly a mixed bag of godsends and anathemas. How can we reconcile such contradictions? Are we to pay the price of receiving a paycheck while we watch the natural beauty of our geography disappear? Is short-term employment and the pleasure of remuneration worth the long term grief brought on by the loss of loved ones or the physical and emotional suffering from years of backbreaking work in the mines? These are poignant queries we all must be concerned about. The joys of fruitful employment, the curse of coal dust, and the harm to our landscape boom to life in Teresa’s verses.�  �

Teresa Jewell was born Appalachian and raised running the hills of McDowell County, West Virginia. She has been inventing and writing fiction as a hobby for over forty years. This is her first poetry book.

Visit: www.facebook.com/teresa.s.jewell Email: Teresastutsojewell@gmail.com

Sweet SoďŹ e Sue and Her Backyard Adventures

Purposeful Poems and Short Stories

Michael C. Fuller

Written by Debbie Neal Illustrated by Brooke Beaver and Jessica Beaver Meet the real Sweet Sofie Sue! She seeks adventure, love, and acceptance. She wants to fit in with her friends, but Sofie learns a very valuable lesson in her adventures. This story captures the reader with delightful illustrations and Christian themed principles that we are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made, and for us to accept ourselves, as well as others, as God’s beautiful creations.

Secrets in Paris

“Ann El-Nemr captures your attention on the very first page as she describes Marcia escaping life with a one way ticket to Paris. Her plan to rebuild a life that will make her proud is unexpectedly knocked off course. Secrets in Paris is a suspenseful and engaging story that delves into the power of love, acceptance, and self-forgiveness.� —Jenn Sadai, author of Her Beauty Burns

“Secrets in Paris is a sizzling mix of imperfection and beauty, of holding on and letting go, and of pain and passion. Ann El-Nemr creates a fascinating plot demanding attention in every page. The key ingredient is the magic woven between the main characters. The readers will find this novel is built on human emotion, the struggles of survival, and brilliant displays of passion. It will clutch the hearts of millions.� —Kristine Cabot, author of Soaring Passion in Eagle Hills

Welcome Back, Class of ’65

Written by Brenda Crissman Musick The Class of ’65 is coming home to Masonville High for their fifty-year reunion, the first since they graduated. A lot of changes can take place in fifty years. Thank God for name tags! Now if they can just read them without squinting! Everyone is anxious to see how their classmates turned out. They can’t wait to see their Most Athletic hunk and the brainy Most Intellectual. Wonder if any of their teachers are still living? Some have secrets, and they want to keep it that way...but you know about secrets. They just have a way of slipping out, especially in a small town.

18 | February 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

arcia had to learn how to survive. To do so, she was introduced to the life of the escort service. After escaping that line of work, she decides to spend a year in Paris to rebuild her life. She meets Stephane, heir to a wealthy family fortune and falls in love with him, but to her horror she discovers that Stephane’s sister, Etienne, is engaged to marry Mason, a former dysfunctional client. Will he expose her past life? Or should she confess to Stephane and chance losing him to protect Etienne?

Ann El-Nemr resides in Shrewsbury,

Massachusetts. She loves to hear feedback from

her fans and their opinions about her books. She

can be reached at www.annelnemr.com, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

COPYRIGHT 2019 COVER DESIGN: TARA SIZEMORE JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

SECRETS in PARIS

ANN EL-NEMR

Written by Ann-El Nemr Marcia had to learn how to survive. To do so, she was introduced to the life of the escort service.

After escaping that line of work, she decides M to spend a year in Paris to rebuild her life. She meets Stephane, heir to a wealthy family fortune and falls in love with him, but to her horror she discovers that Stephane’s sister, Etienne, is engaged to marry Mason, a former dysfunctional client. Will he expose her past life? Or should she confess to Stephane and chance losing him to protect Etienne?

SECRETS in PARIS

Written by Kathleen M. Jacobs When Sophie’s family moves from New York City to West Virginia, she not only has to leave her friends and the city and library she loves so much, but she has to figure out what will happen when she discovers that there is no library in her new town. But when she discovers something called a bookmobile and other new treasures, all is right with the world.

My Appalachian Mountain Laurels

Teresa Stutso Jewell

COPYRIGHT 2019 FRONT COVER ILLUSTRATION: TERESA STUTSO JEWELL JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

on Faith, Hope, and the World Around Us

PHOTO: LAURA C. VERNON

COPYRIGHT 2019 JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

George R. Justice

Ref lections

Michael C. Fuller was born in Southwest Virginia and has been a lifelong resident. He and his wife, Helen, reside on the same property that was given to them by her parents about forty-six years ago. He and Helen have been able to travel extensively and have visited all 48 lower states. In past years, Michael has served as a Sunday school teacher, a deacon, and a resident storyteller for church functions and gatherings.

Sophie & the Bookmobile

A Novel

Written by George R. Justice Kentucky’s Appalachian Highlands (circa. 1930’s) is a world where habits and customs often bewilder: where the ties of kinship and ancestry hold to unswerving lines, and where enduring love stands as a bulwark against those hell-bent on opposing it.

A compelling coming-of-age narrative, part murder mystery, part family saga, Greezy Creek tells of an Appalachia honed by the unacquainted ways of the Scot-Irish hybrids cloistered in its deepest regions; where moonshiners leave incipient trails and the strains of hard times too often coalesce into the empty-eyed face of hardscrabble.

Teresa Stutso Jewell

SHING, INC HING.COM

GEORGE JUSTICE

Greezy Creek

Greezy Creek

My Appalachian Mountain Laurels

Thought-Provoking Poems and Short Stories

LARGE PRINT

George R. Justice

et in Southwest Virginia and inspired by actual events, the story follows a small town’s most revered doctor, who may just be a serial killer. A local police officer with a tarnished reputation, a reporter who manipulated facts, and the doctor’s chief intern—who may be a thief, all hold pieces of the puzzle.

Yet no one in authority believes the great doctor could be responsible. All the while, patients are dying.

AMELIA TOWNSEND

Written by Amelia Townsend Set in Southwest Virginia and inspired by actual events, the story follows a small town’s most revered doctor, who may just be a serial killer. A local police officer with a tarnished reputation,S a reporter who manipulated facts, and the doctor’s chief intern—who may be a thief, all hold pieces of the puzzle. Yet no Amelia Townsend one in authority believes the great doctor could be responsible. All the while, patients are dying.

entucky’s Appalachian Highlands (circa. 1930’s) is a world where habits and customs often bewilder: where the ties of kinship and ancestry hold to unswerving lines, and where enduring love stands as a bulwark against those hell-bent on opposing it.

A compelling coming-of-age narrative, part murder mystery, part family saga, Greezy Creek tells of an Appalachia honed by the unacquainted ways of the Scot-Irish hybrids cloistered in its deepest regions; where moonshiners leave incipient trails and the strains of hard times too often coalesce into the empty-eyed face of hardscrabble.

It’s also a place where two childhood friends, Bobby Yonts and Rubin Cain (as good as brothers), come of age and test the limits of things new and out of bounds. But it’s the odious hand of cruelty that underscores the unraveling of their naivety and binds them to the unwritten code of the mountains, one which guarantees you’re going to get what’s coming to you.

Character driven with rich historical insights, Greezy Creek takes readers behind the veil of a family known for its fierce ingrained independence; a family bound by self-determination and all that’s Edition necessary to survive. Yet, even from their bittersweet and ill-famed existence comes the imprint of their wit and wisdom, the uniqueness of their wilderness ways, and what it means to be bound by blood.

Greezy Creek

K

er was born in Southwest Virginia

0 • CAN $20.00

NEW RELEASES The Best Doctor In Town

poems reflecting the I hope these writings of the reader’s own f youth.

“every story needs a book�

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.

ANN EL-NEMR

Ask the Book Editor Judi Light Hopson

Q:

Judi, I am a new father with twins in the house. I’d love to write a novel this year. My problem is this: I can’t find any space to concentrate. Any ideas?

–Luke S., Columbia SC

A:

Luke, my advice is this: Go to your local library one night during the week and one afternoon each weekend.

Take a laptop or write in longhand if that works. Put down at least 500 words each week. In a month or so, step this up to 1,500 words every week. To be fair, give your wife free time to relax away from home. –Judi Light Hopson

EXPERT BOOK EDITING SERVICES

2020 Is Your Year!

Let’s Edit and Publish Your Book!

Judi Light Hopson Call:

As the editor of over 500 books, I know how to polish your manuscript. There’s no charge for an estimate. Let’s discuss getting you across the finish line.

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“every story needs a book”

AUTHORS on the ROAD Michael C. Fuller

Hiding Ezra Sunday, February 16, 3 pm “Sunday with Friends” Reading/Signing Washington Co. Public Library Abingdon,VA

Linda Hudson Hoagland

Lindsay Harris Murder Mystery Series,The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Easter Lilies; Broken Petals;Wild Daisies; and These Haunted Hills

Reflections on Faith, Hope, and the World Around Us: Purposeful Poems and Short Stories; Reflections on Childhood:Thought-Provoking Poems and Short Stories

Saturday, February 1, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City, Coeburn,VA

Saturday, February 8, 10 am – 4 pm Food City, Vansant,VA

Monday, February 3, 7 pm Tazewell County Habitat for Humanity,Vice Chair - Meeting Tazewell,VA

Saturday, February 22, 10 am – 4 pm Food City, Richlands,VA

Wednesday, February 5, 1 pm – 6 pm Book Signing – Author Meet & Greet Richlands Police Complex, Richlands,VA

423.743.9052 Email:

judihopson@earthlink.net

Thursday, February 6, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Lost State Writers Guild Meeting Shoney’s at Exit 5, Bristol,VA Saturday, February 8, 10 am – 3 pm Book Signing, Winter Honey Festival Richlands,VA Tuesday, February 11, 12 pm – 3 pm Appalachian Authors Guild - Workshop & Meeting, Small Business Incubator – VHCC Campus, Abingdon,VA Saturday, February 15, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City, Bristol,VA Saturday, February 22, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City, Marion,VA Saturday, February 29, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City Bonham Rd, Bristol,VA

voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2020 | 19

letting go, and of pain and passion. Ann El-Nemr creates a fascinatin demanding attention in every page. The key ingredient is the magic between the main characters. The readers will find this novel is built on emotion, the struggles of survival, and brilliant displays of passion. It w the hearts of millions.” —Kristine Cabot, author of Soaring Passion in Eag

This Month’s Featured Books M

arcia had to learn how to survive. To do so, she was introduced to the escort service. After escaping that line of work, she decides to sp in Paris to rebuild her life. She meets Stephane, heir to a wealthy famil and falls in love with him, but to her horror she discovers that Stephan Etienne, is engaged to marry Mason, a former dysfunctional client. Will her past life? Or should she confess to Stephane and chance losing him Etienne?

Ann El-Nemr resides in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. She loves to hear feedback from

E. Louise Jaques

Charlotte S. Snead

her fans and their opinions about her books. She

Ann El-Nemr

Kristine Cabot

can be reached at www.annelnemr.com, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

Fall In Love wit h t hese Books!

Dreams of Amelia

A Place to Live

Lonesome Vagabond

Love-at-first-sight sparks memories of a past love, blindsiding 17-year-old Norah James after her move to Amelia Island, FL, from Toronto, Canada.

Meeting Ryan Flynn, her rescuer from an ocean riptide—and the boyfriend of her new friend Ashley—unleashes her psychic abilities and prompts memories of a past life on the enchanting island.

Norah’s nemesis from that life has also returned as Ashley’s brother, Elliot.

An earthbound spirit, an ominous hurricane, and a missing child add to the complications of Norah and Ryan’s blossoming romance.

Laura’s parents wanted no part of her baby, nor did her boyfriend.

Feeling bereft, she no longer belongs anywhere when she leaves Hope House, the maternity home where she found Christ. Can she find a place to belong, a home, a family? Does God have a plan and a purpose for her, to give her hope and a future?

Ann El-Nemr leads you into the world of pretty people that forces you to jump right into the middle of sibling rivalry where the good brother should win, but who is the good brother? She forces you to read on to the end to discover if you were right. Great fun and a great puzzle, too.

Moon Over Taylor’s Ridge Janie Dempsey Watts

COPYRIGHT 2019 COVER DESIGN: TARA SIZEMORE JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

Soaring Passion in Eagle Hills

Recently widowed, Lily Roberts leaves her Appalachian hometown seeking serenity in the Carolina coastal town of Eagle Hills. Instead, she stumbles into a world of intrigue, murder, and passion. Lily’s encounter on the beach with a mysterious stranger arouses an unquenchable thirst. Will she satisfy her desires or fall victim to a secret political agenda? This fiction story is a fascinating tale of romance, murder, and mystery.

Surprise twists and turns are woven with passionate love scenes, scandalous secrets, and an ending that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings.

Avie Williams Cole has a mission: take a quick trip to Georgia to settle her father’s estate. Too busy to go, her attorney husband, Michael, sends her off with their asthmatic son, Joseph, to keep her company. In tiny Taylor’s Crossing, Avie settles in but is soon thrown off course by overbearing and meddling family members and her son’s fascination with a legendary Cherokee Silver mine. Their search for the silver mine leads her up to Taylor’s Ridge and to a new friend, Will. As her stay lengthens, her life begins to unravel even as she begins to blossom and make new friends.

For the first time in her life, she must learn to stand on her own and find her way.

Jan-Carol Publishing Books

www.jancarolpublishing.com 20 | February 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

www.amazon.com

Order this book directly from JCP — $ 00 8. with FREE shipping!

Call 423-926-9983 or mail check to P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN 37605.

(Sale Ends Feb. 29, 2020)

www.barnesandnoble.com

Call for Submissions! “every story needs a book”

Get Your Manuscript Published Voice Magazine for Women Presents: Taste of Appalachia Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. and Voice Magazine for Women are now accepting submissions for our 2020 cookbook!

Do you have family dishes you’d love to share with the world? Are you an artist or inventor in the kitchen and ready to spread the joy that accompanies your tasty creations? Send your recipes to us for a chance to be published in our upcoming cookbook, Voice Magazine for Women Presents: Taste of Appalachia.

Categories in the cookbook include: • Appetizers • Soups & Salads • Main Courses • Desserts • Breakfast or Brunch Submit recipes via email to communications@jancarolpublishing.com or by mail to P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605. Please limit all submissions to two pages or less. Submissions must include the sender’s name, email, city, state, and intended category.

Recipes should be original to sender. Accompanying photos are welcome!

Don’t have an on hand recipe but still want to participate? Don’t worry!

Submissions don’t end until April 2020, so you have time to craft something really special!

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., of Johnson City, Tennessee, is proud to announce that submissions are open for the 2020 Believe and Achieve Novel Award!

The Believe and Achieve contest is a chance for aspiring authors to break into the market by submitting their novel to Jan-Carol Publishing. One novel will be chosen for a publishing contract. That contract will include book cover design, professional editing, and a three-year publishing contract for paperback and e-book editions of the winning novel.

To submit authors must be a U.S. Citizen age 21 or older. The manuscript must be a minimum of 45,000 words but no more than 60,000 words. Manuscript submissions must include a cover page with the author’s name, phone number, email address, the title of the manuscript, the word count, and the genre of the novel.

JCP is Now Accepting Submissions for These Haunted Hills Book Two Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., of Johnson City, Tennessee, is now accepting submissions for the second edition of These Haunted Hills: A Collection of Short Stories.

These Haunted Hills is JCP’s 2017 fall anthology, filled with stories that indulge readers’ curiosity for the supernatural from an array of accomplished authors.

These Haunted Hills boasts rave reviews, and JCP is set to publish a second edition in autumn 2020.

To submit a novel, authors must pay a non-refundable reading fee of $20. Multiple entries are allowed, but must be submitted separately. Entries must follow the Jan-Carol Publishing manuscript format, which can be found at jancarolpublishing.com/believe-and-achieve-award.html, along with more information about the contest.

The deadline for entries is May 31, 2020. Current Jan-Carol Publishing authors are ineligible to enter. Email entries to the Believe and Achieve Novel Award to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com.

Previous Believe and Achieve winners include Melissa Sneed Wilson in 2018 for Growing Up and Going Back, Sylvia Weiss Sinclair in 2017 for her novel, Fledermama’s Son, 2016 winner Charlotte S. Snead, author of Always My Son, and the 2015 Believe and Achieve winner, Willie E. Dalton for Three Witches in a Small Town.

Stories submitted to the second edition of JCP’s autumn anthology, These Haunted Hills Book Two: Supernatural Stories from Appalachia, should follow the theme of haunting or supernatural stories set in the Appalachian region.

Stories must be fiction. The submission fee per story is $10. You may call the office at 423.926.9983 with a credit card number or mail a check to JCP at P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605.

Stories must have a minimum of 1500 words and a maximum of 3500 words per story. The deadline for submissions is May 31st 2020. Send your submissions to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com

voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2020 | 21

No More Excuses

Join the Crowd

By Jim Burns “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

Interpretation: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

I

’m not sure about you, but there are many days when I feel unworthy of my calling as a Christian, husband, and father. I’m always encouraged that the “great cloud of witnesses” found in Hebrews 12 refers to the fathers and mothers of our faith (see Hebrews 11). These were not perfect people, but depended daily on God’s strength and power in their lives. My friend, Pam Laster, sent me the message below and it’s a great reminder for us all.

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Author Unknown

The next time you feel like God can’t use you, just remember: Noah was a drunk Abraham was too old Isaac was a daydreamer Jacob was a liar Leah was ugly Joseph was abused Moses had a stuttering problem Gideon was afraid Samson was a womanizer Rahab was a prostitute Jeremiah and Timothy were too young David had an affair and was a murderer Elijah was suicidal Isaiah preached naked Jonah ran from God Naomi was a widow Job went bankrupt Peter denied Christ The Disciples fell asleep while praying Martha worried about everything The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once Zaccheus was too small Paul was too religious Timothy had an ulcer AND Lazarus was dead!

Now, no more excuses!

God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren’t the message, you are just the messenger! www.homeword.com

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THE BLUE STOCKING CLUB OF BRISTOL PRESENTS

The Paramount Revival 2020 A Centennial Celebration featuring Amy Grant and The Time Jumpers

W

hen these Blue Stocking Club members identify a valid community need, they kick it into high gear, collaborate, strategize, and make things happen which is exactly what they are doing now with their PARAMOUNT REVIVAL 2020 project! So hold onto your cowboy hats and grab a partner because these club members have put their hearts and souls into their upcoming event that it is going to be fun, successful, and impactful!

In celebration of the organization’s centennial anniversary, members scoured the community to find the perfect nonprofit entity to support, and they did just that. Realizing that the Paramount Center for the Arts in Downtown Bristol was in need of refurbishing, the group swiftly decided to honor their 100 years of community service by orchestrating a unique fundraising event with all proceeds benefiting the Paramount. Titled, An Evening with Amy Grant, the big event is scheduled for Sunday, April 19 at 7:00 pm.

Planning began and so did an enormous amount of fundraising! Within just a few months, BSC members collected over $187,000 in tax deductible donations for the Paramount to immediately purchase and install new, state-of-the-art LED stage lighting to replace the antiquated lighting system which had become dangerously outdated and unreliable. And that was just the beginning as the group continues to fundraise and plan the big event.

The charge is being led by three capable co-chairs, Nell Bieger, Jan Massengill, and Karen Vann. Beiger commented, “There is no question that the Paramount is a focal point of Downtown Bristol and has been for the past 90 years. Blue Stocking Club members knew that with our volunteerism, commitment, and hard work, we could orchestrate an amazing evening of entertainment to not only showcase our extraordinary Paramount Theatre, but raise necessary funds to kick-start a major renovation and upgrade for the facility.”

She added, “We are very proud of what we’ve accomplished thus far, but we are still working hard to make April 19th a day to remember in Bristol!”

This is not a ticketed event, but an actual fundraiser where a gift of $500 or more enables a contributor to enjoy an evening with legendary singer-song writer, author, television host and speaker, Amy Grant. Grant, who holds six Grammy Awards, 26 Dove Awards and two Walk of Fame titles, was the Contemporary Christian Music’s first artist to earn a platinum record and hit #1 on the Pop charts.

There’s no question that Grant will choreograph and execute a phenomenal performance on the Paramount stage!

Amy Grant In addition to Grant’s concert, those choosing to support the Paramount Revival 2020 will actually begin the evening’s BCS centennial celebration at 5:00 pm with a lively patron’s tent party featuring Nashville’s, The Time Jumpers. The group is comprised of top studio session players who enjoy jamming with an array of western swing, jazz, country and pop music. Bristol’s historic State Street will be closed in and around the Paramount area so patrons can enjoy the live music while literally dancing in the street! This same donation will automatically provide membership in the Paramount’s Producer’s Guild with free newsletters and opportunities for special offers at Paramount functions.

Donors contributing $5,000 and above will also be treated to a private VIP centennial celebration called, “A Conversation with Amy Grant” held at the Birthplace of Country Music earlier in the day. Grant will share personal stories and songs from her successful 30-year career, while candidly discussing her musical inspirations, her benevolence and compassion for others, and life with her famous artist-husband, Vince Gill.

To contribute to the Paramount Revival 2020 project or to learn about attending The Time Jumpers and An Evening with Amy Grant event, contact the Paramount at 423-274-8920, Tuesday–Friday, noon to 6:00 pm or visit the website at www.paramountbristol.org.

There are numerous restoration projects at the Paramount which need to be funded such as technology upgrades, exterior and interior cosmetic repairs and more. All contributions are welcomed knowing that the extra support garnered will allow more renovations to be completed.

Remember the significant economic impact that the Paramount has had on Bristol and the surrounding region and lend your support. Join the enthusiastic ladies of the BSC on April 19 at their centennial celebration and assist them as they work diligently to preserve this cherished landmark. Polish up those cowboy boots ±you don’t want to miss this exciting event and your opportunity to help revitalize, refurbish and restore The Paramount Theatre to its full grandeur!

For more information about the event or to secure additional quotes and details, please contact BSC Publicity Event Chairman, Mary Lynn Satterwhite at 423-652-7677. voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2020 | 23

Basic Winter Driving Tips Learn How to Navigate Snow, Heavy Fog, Ice, and More

Contributed by Sheila Wandell CLU, Agent, State Farm

Basic Winter Driving Tips

Even if you don’t experience winter storms often, it’s still important to know how to drive in any season’s conditions. Here’s how to take to the road during winter weather.

If you drive in...

• Heavy rain: Avoid slamming

on the brakes or abruptly correcting your steering. If your vehicle begins hydroplaning, ease off the gas pedal and steer straight until you regain control.

• Dense fog: Use fog lights. If your

vehicle has front fog lights, they can help illuminate the road and make your vehicle more visible to other drivers. Some vehicles have rear fog lights, which help those behind you see your vehicle from farther away. Keep headlights on low beam (high-beams just reflect

HERITAGE TV

off the fog and don’t illuminate the road ahead), and hug the right edge of the road. If you need to pull over, move far away from traffic and turn off your lights: other drivers might see taillights and think you’re in the traffic lane, which can lead to them going off the road.

• Icy conditions: Don’t make

sharp turns or corrections, and avoid slamming on the brakes, it could cause skidding. When approaching a hill, wait until the vehicle in front of you has reached the top before you start up. Drive steadily up the hill but avoid going too fast; that could cause you to swerve.

• Snowy weather or on snow-covered roads: Don’t pass snowplows or sanding trucks —they are likely trying to clear the road ahead. Approach intersections slowly, and brake gently to avoid skidding. If you slide, turn

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your steering wheel in the direction your vehicle is sliding. And in all winter weather scenarios, avoid using cruise control, drive slower than usual, and leave plenty of stopping distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

Signs of a Heart Attack in Women

T

he organization Go Red for Women, which highlights women’s heart health during the month of February, advises that many symptoms women can experience when suffering from heart disease may be overlooked or misunderstood as signs of less threatening conditions. Jaw pain, nausea, pressure, and sweating all may be indicative of a heart attack. A failure to recognize that and act quickly could prove fatal.

The American Heart Association says that heart disease is the foremost killer of women in the United States. The Heart and Stroke Foundation says heart disease and stroke kill 31,000 women in Canada annually. Despite those figures, many women are unaware of the threat of heart disease and its symptoms.

Heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked by a buildup of a substance called plaque in the coronary arteries. Heart attack can strike any woman, though women who deal with high stress, are overweight or are heavy smokers are at the greatest risk.

How heart attacks are different for women

Women tend to have blockages not only in their main arteries, but in the smaller ones that supply blood to the heart,. This is a condition called coronary microvascular disease, says the Mayo Clinic, and it may be why symptoms are more vague and not as apparent in women as they are in men.

Women also can have symptoms while resting or even when asleep, and emotional stress can trigger heart attack symptoms in women.

A woman’s risk for heart disease increases if she has diabetes, has experienced mental stress or depression, smokes, has gone through menopause, has had complications during a pregnancy, has an inflammatory disease, and/or is physically inactive.

Women of all ages should take heart disease seriously and schedule a check-up with a doctor to discuss risk and heart health.

Women who suspect or notice any symptoms of heart attack should not hesitate to call for help. If you suspect you are having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately; do not drive yourself.

Learn more: Women can learn more about heart disease at www.heart.org.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2020 | 25

The Dangers of Added Sugars

S

ugar is often seen as a guilty pleasure that’s only to be enjoyed on rare occasions. But that reputation is not entirely accurate, as sugar is naturally occurring in many healthy foods, including fruit.

Naturally occurring sugars do not pose a threat to overall health. However, added sugars, which the American Heart Association notes can be found in soft drinks, candy, pies, and fruit drinks, can contribute to weight gain.

Obesity is a risk for cardiovascular disease, which means that added sugars can adversely affect heart health.

One of the difficulties with added sugars is that they are often present in foods and beverages generally considered healthy. Fruit juice, for example, seems like a healthy addition to any diet. However, the AHA notes that many juices contain added sugars from fruit juice concentrates.

Such juices may not be seen as such, but they can be as

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compromising to one’s overall health as soft drinks or other beverages generally considered to be unhealthy.

The AHA acknowledges that part of the difficulty with navigating one’s way through added sugars is that these unhealthy additives go by many names. The Harvard Medical School notes that added sugars are not currently listed on Nutrition Facts labels, though they are listed among the ingredients on food packaging. Both the AHA and the HMS recommend scanning ingredients lists for words that end in “ose,” such as fructose, dextrose, glucose, and maltose.

Those are some examples of added sugars, as are high fructose corn syrup, molasses, corn sweetener, syrup, and honey.

The AHA recommends limiting consumption of added sugars and offers guidelines for both men and women. Men should limit their added sugar consumption to a maximum of nine teaspoons per day, while women should not consume more than six teaspoons per day.

Understanding the dangers of added sugar can help men and women protect their overall health and lower their risk for cardiovascular disease. More information is available www.heart.org.

The Adult Day Care Alternative

By Cindy Sproles

I

additional personnel. Costs vary between $25–$175 per day. Again, the services you choose will decide the cost.

As mentioned earlier, insurance may cover some of the expenses but it’s important to know that you should never assume ADC is covered. Do your homework. Your loved one’s insurance may or may not cover this cost. Policies can require specific names for the service such as “person-centered program.” It pays to research to find the terminology that may apply to your loved one’s particular policy.

Policies have been know to provide a flat rate or a small percentage hourly. At best, this is a service that is 2/3 the cost of full-time facility living and can fit the individual perfectly.

Adult Day Care can be the right answer for the in-between phase your loved one falls into. Seniors can continue life with a certain amount of independence while the pressure for their care eases off the family. It’s important to know, due diligence is always vital. Check licensing, state certificates, and hiring processes before you entrust the care of your senior to anyone.

ADC may be just what the family needs.

t’s hard enough when a family realizes their parent needs assistance, but to see memory issues coming into play makes the realization more difficult.

Several factors can affect aging parents. Perhaps they are healthy and able to manage dressing and personal care. However, the biggest problem can be memory issues.

How does a family justify assisted living for their parent when they are able to manage daily life skills, yet their memory prevents them from going places alone, prompts fear, or even wandering? It is as though your loved one is caught in limbo and there is no clear answer.

One avenue of assistance is adult day care or a person-centered approach program. Many families have no idea such services exist. Some of these services are even covered by longterm health insurance and sometimes Medigap policies.

What is Adult Day Care? It’s simple. ADC is usually found within assisted living services, area senior services, or Area on Aging. Daily programs are provided at particular locations that offer full-time observation and guidance of your loved one. Programs generally include meals, activities, short excursions, and socialization that allows aging adults to enjoy the company of others without being restricted to a facility for 24-hour care. Hours for ADC are generally 7 a.m. through 6 p.m. Some ADC centers provide transportation and extended evening hours on certain days of the week. Seniors are fully supervised and well cared for..

Costs of ADC can vary with the facility, the services chosen, and/or the group who provides the care. Some pricing may be subject to specific needs.

For example, perhaps your senior needs more one-on-one supervision because they wander. Those seniors may be 1134A Moreland Dr. guided to smaller groups that do the Kingsport, TN 423.246.0100 same activities but are managed with

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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.

“Keeping the Comforts of Home” • Alzheimer's Care • Dementia Care • Hospital to Home

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kingsport-354.comfortkeepers.com voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2020 | 27

Celebrate a Fun, Wacky, or National Day!

By Amanda Hollifield

I

love a great National, Fun, or Wacky Day to celebrate, but if you are a busy mama like me, by the time I find out what day we are celebrating, it is too late to really get me and the family in the spirit. Yes, I may be able to find an old picture of us enjoying popcorn for National Popcorn Day, but for 2020 I want to live in the moment and more importantly carve out time to make those moments with my family, especially my kids.

With most things in life, it’s about planning. That’s one reason why I love being the Publisher Mom for the local Macaroni Kid Tri-Cities TN/VA. Macaroni Kid Tri is a hyper-local resource for families searching for family-friendly events, businesses, camps, recipes, crafts, giveaways and more! It is absolutely FREE to subscribe and our weekly newsletter comes right to your inbox. Our Event Calendar is a comprehensive list of events that are happening in our local region. You can subscribe for free today at tricities. macaronikid.com/subscribe!

Okay, back to those fun days we all like to celebrate.

I learned from this Fun Days monthly calendar never to

underestimate the creativity of my daughter, Grace. She overheard me talking about wanting to make the calendar printable for local families and she said, “Mom, I could help you make it.” She opened up Canva and went at it! So, I wish I could take the credit for the Macaroni Kid Tri-Cities Fun Days monthly calendar, but Grace’s creativity played a big part in this project.

You can download February’s calendar at tricities.macaronikid.com. As a busy mom, I always encourage my subscribers to find those moments to have fun with your kids, but remember, don’t feel like you have to celebrate them all. Nobody has the time, money, or sanity for that. Find the ones your family will get excited about and go! We will also provide ideas each month on how to get a little more creative.

You may also find a great, local event that we want to spotlight as well. Finally, we want to see your fun days!

Follow us on Instagram @mackidtricities and on Facebook @macaronikidtricities. Tag us in your posts and use our special hashtag: #MKTriFunDays. Can’t wait to see you Find Your Family Fun®.

Are you a family-friendly business and want to promote to over 4,000+ local families? Have your business be featured, specific family event, or be a sponsor of a monthly calendar? Email amandah@macaronikid.com.

{ 28 | February 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Amanda Hollifield is a Johnson City hometown girl who, like many women, wears many hats, but her favorite is Mom! After her ‘real job’, Amanda enjoys being the Publisher Mom for the local Macaroni Kid Tri-Cities TN/VA newsletter, helping local families find their family fun, and being a mom to Grace (12) and Jackson (8) and wife to her Duke Blue Devil lovin’ husband, Brooks. Follow her on Facebook @MacaroniKidTriCities and Instagram @mackidtricities or email her at amandah@ macaronikid.com.

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CLUES ACROSS

1. Indicates number of days 6. When you hope to get there 9. Hairstyle 13. Black (Spanish) 14. Expresses pleasure 15. Away from wind 16. Tech pros organization 17. Wile E. Coyote is familiar with it 18. Clean 19. Saints’ signal caller 21. A way to hunt 22. Poetries 23. Automobile 24. Secondary school (abbr.)

25. Indicates before 28. Male parent 29. Short-billed rails 31. It pays to keep yours 33. On occasion 36. David __, US playwright 38. Slang for cigarette 39. Vaccine developer 41. Returned to health 44. Toni Morrison novel 45. Period between eclipses 46. Veterans battleground 48. Gang 49. A radio band 51. Jaws of a voracious animal 52. Elaborate garments 54. Chinese province 56. Checks 60. Horizontal passage 61. Steep hillsides 62. Fertility god 63. Dried-up 64. Signs a name 65. __ Winger, actress 66. German river 67. Gov’t lawyers 68. Take something somewhere

CLUES DOWN

1. __ Blyton, children’s author 2. Colleague 3. “The African Queen” writer 4. Crater on the moon 5. Toward 6. Overhang 7. Identifies something close at hand 8. Sign language 9. Unbroken views 10. Ancient Greek City 11. Stretch out to grasp 12. Alcohols that are unfit for drinking 14. Humorous stories 17. Long song for a solo 20. Barrels per day (abbr.)

21. City of Lights 23. A place to sleep 25. Advanced degree (abbr.)

26. The back 27. Furniture-makers Charles and “Ray” 29. Songs to a lover 30. Gland secretion 32. 10 meters 34. Disfigure 35. Stores grain 37. Sacred book of Judaism 40. Catch 42. Promise 43. Challenges 47. Russian space station 49. Banking giant 50. Served as an omen 52. Drenches 53. Type of sword 55. Minor planet 56. Messenger ribonucleic acid 57. Japanese ankle sock 58. Obtain in return for services 59. Waste matter 61. A proposal to buy at a specified price 65. Unit of loudness

WE ASKED OUR FACEBOOK FANS:

What do you love most about February?

It’s the shortest month...and is almost at the end of the tunnel.

One can almost see the light of March and April around the bend.

–Teresa Stutso Jewell

February’s birthstone is Amethyst, the friendship gemstone.

That means February is friendship month.️ I love making friends!️ –Bev Clay Freeman

Valentine’s Day! –Amy Henry

More moderate cold, there are fewer days, and I enjoy crafting cards. The ‘love’ can be shared more broadly with friends, which helps

30 | February 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

me focus on positive thoughts. It can be a difficult holiday otherwise.

–Cynthia Lybrand February is one month closer to summer. –Lynn Nowak Heller It’s closer to spring.

–Kelly Jeanette Swift

Our wedding anniversary!

–Debbie Bowen Valentine’s Day! –Maria D True A good snow!

–Lisa Mumpower Barger

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