Voice Magazine for Women 0320

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Cookbook!

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5 Things We Love About Spring

Getting a Jump on Spring Gardening

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March 2020 | Volume 17 | Issue 3

March Hot Hunk Hunt!

The February “Hot Hunk” was Mehdi Dehbi in the Rocks Wood Fired Pizza and Grill ad on page 31.

Harrison Ford 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: Doris Wells Meadowview, VA as the winner in the February Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

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

Fashion Emergency 5

Exterior Renovations to Improve Value 6

Hunt!

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 March 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.

(Photo by Kevin Lynch)

Great Activities to Embrace this Spring 8

Getting a Jump on Spring Gardening April Hensley 10

Nancy Binder 16

Jan-Carol Publishing New Releases 18

New Cookbook!

Submit Your Favorite Recipes!

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Healthy Eating Options for Seniors 23

5 Things We Love About Spring Pam Blair 11

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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Staple of Irish Pub Fare 26

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International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

International Women’s Day (IWD) has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.

IWD is not country, group, or organization specific. Find out more at internationalwomensday.com.

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 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

I

want to say a special ‘Thank You’ to all of you who helped us celebrate our sixteen years of serving this region. Voice Magazine for Women stepped out as a pioneer and continues to cut trails for women and others in the region. It has been a journey with many highs and lows. Most any business owner will agree that you are faced with challenges and changes. I heard a comment that I found to be profound: “If it does not challenge you, it will not change you, and you may never reach your potential.” We work hard here at Voice Magazine and JCP to service the region’s businesses and advertisers, authors, and fans to bring something special and to be enjoyed by all. ‘Thank you’ for your support.

Join us and be a part of what we do! Here’s an opportunity for all of you—do you have a favorite family recipe? Voice Magazine for Women’s premier cookbook with local tastes and favorite dishes will be published this year. These recipes will be complied in book published by JCP. No entry fee required. For more details, please see page 21.The deadline is approaching and space is limited! Name recognition will be given and if you have a picture of the dish please include it.

This year, Voice Magazine for Women will offer a reduced and special monthly advertising rate to advertisers and business affiliates each month. Our focus on bringing local articles and information with each issue continues with new additions to our group of contributing writers. Join us as one of our contributing writers! We are looking for experts in coupon shopping, decorating, crafts, cooking, health, fashion or topics of interest to women. Email: publisher@ jancarolpublishing.com for submissions guidelines, etc.

Please ‘like’ Voice Magazine and Jan Carol Publishing on Facebook! We are on Instagram too! We provide fun giveaways and have engaging questions for our online readers for our print magazine. Sign up for our JCP e-newsletter to receive a chance to purchase the book of the week with special pricing when ordered through JCP. Be sure to request our Voice Magazine for Women e-newsletter offering recipes, latest happenings, and updates, email office@jancarolpublishing.com.

Thank you to all! Happy Spring!

“ 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 MARCH CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

April Hensley Nancy Binder

Pam Blair Ken Heath

Amanda Hollifield Katina Rose

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

Thought of the month: “Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway.” Mary Kay Ash

GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Tara Sizemore - Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com

Verse of the month: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

Cheryl Allen - Office/Typesetting Assistant office@voicemagazineforwomen.com office@jancarolpublishing.com

Janie C. Jessee, Editor

INTERN Publishing Research/Marketing Chanie Garner, ETSU DISTRIBUTION Karen Corder Staff JCP Internships Available PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 17, Issue 3) 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.

4 | March 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

FASHION

F

ashion mishaps do happen. Here are seven must haves for your purse at all times!

• Super glue single tubes • Small sewing kit • Latch pins • Bobby pins • Single packs of anti-bacterial wipes (works well removing quick stains) • Travel pack of tissue • Hair band (can loop in a broken shoe strap)

YOUR HEM CAME UNDONE? Quick fix: Double stick tape is readily available and the fastest solution possible when your hemline dips below your preferred length. Place a strip of tape that runs the length of the ripped hem, then fold the hem up and apply pressure, smoothing the hem to seal it. Purchase fashion tape that is stronger than your average double stick tape to work better for thicker fabrics like jeans. Double sided tape can fix everything from a hem to a broken zipper, as well as keep a neckline or bra strap in place. Source: www.hermoney.com

WHAT TO DO IF… YOU BROKE A HEEL? Quick fix: Glue, particularly super glue, is powerful and can quickly become your best friend when it comes to repairs. If your heel comes off on your way to a client meeting or is about to break, try to align it in its original position as best you can, apply super glue, and then apply pressure for a few minutes to ensure it will stay. For a more permanent fix, invest in some Shoe Goo. It needs 24 hours to dry, but is permanent, waterproof, and even binds leather to leather.

A BUTTON FELL OFF? Quick fix: Depending on where the button was, you can safety pin the area together if closure is the main concern.

This is a good fix if it’s pants or a skirt, and you’re able to hide the area. A travel sewing kit in your desk or handbag is highly recommended. Buttons can and will come off, and sewing on a button just takes a minute.

YOU TORE YOUR BLOUSE? Quick fix: Rips are one of the worst emergencies, but they can also be one of the easiest to fix. For an emergency short-term solution for small tears, pull the loose and ripped fabric through to the inside of the garment. Be sure to pull in all the little fibers and threads as well, then apply some tape to the inside, covering all the edges. This works especially well on thin, dark colored fabrics. voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2020 | 5

Exterior Renovations to Improve Value

R

enovating a home to improve its value can be a smart investment. Interior improvements, such as updating kitchens and baths, offer good return on investment, but there are plenty of exterior renovations that can add value to a home and give it that coveted “wow” factor.

Landscaping

Abundant and well-planned landscaping can instantly boost curb appeal. As buyers use the internet to look for their dream homes, there’s no denying a beautifully landscaped, nicely photographed property can entice buyers to click and read more about a house.

“Moving Forward”

Robin Miller

Real Estate Professional

Office – 423.722.3223 • Direct – 423.647.9476 508 Princeton Rd., Ste. 106 • Johnson City, TN CALL TODAY RealtorRobinMiller@gmail.com for assistance in marketing www.premierhomestn.com your home with a FREE Market Analysis!

ADD

Improve the entryway

The front door is the focal point of a home’s exterior. Invest in a new door or paint it a striking color to add appeal. Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report 2019” indicates changing an entry door to a steel replacement can offer 74.9 percent ROI. In addition to the front door, make sure that the entryway has a level walkway, steps that are in good repair, accents that are free from rust or tarnish, and decorative plants.

Outdoor lighting

Outdoor lighting can add to the ambiance of a property and serve as a security feature. Utilize different lights, such as a bright light by the entry, uplighting in trees and shrubs for drama, a lightlined path to the door to improve visibility, and motion-detection lights to improve the security of the property.

Repaint (or reside) the exterior

A fresh coat of paint or new (or cleaned) siding can instantly give homes a facelift. Neutral, warm and inviting colors tend to have the widest appeal. Adding manufactured stone veneer to the home can offer a 94.9 percent ROI, says Remodeling. And after doing the front door and siding, investing in a garage door replacement offers the highest ROI of all exterior projects listed on the “Cost vs. Value Report 2019.”

Knowing which improvements add value to a home can help homeowners tailor their efforts to those that are most financially beneficial.

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Improve Storage at Home

I

mproving storage at home can be a cost-effective alternative to renting storage space. With these easy tips, homeowners can maximize space immediately.

Utilize track storage systems Closets may be plentiful, but if not efficiently utilized, space may still seem lacking. Track closet storage systems often make greater use of closet space than traditional shelf and hanging rod systems.

Customizing closets using track systems or other modifications can improve utility of all closets in the house.

Invest in storage beds Storage beds typically feature cubbies or drawers within a platform-style bed frame. It’s a practical home storage solution, and does not require any building.

Think vertically Maximize spaces by looking up and down for storage possibilities. Items that are not used frequently, such as seasonal decorations or travel suitcases, can be stored in high spaces. Shelving on walls can go as high as necessary and be put to use in awkward wall areas, such as in corners or under eaves.

Invest in storage benches/ottomans A stopping area inside the front door replete with a storage bench can house shoes, umbrellas, hats, backpacks, and other items, keeping them tidy and out of sight. In living rooms, look for chests or ottomans that are decorative and functional. Store throw blankets or board games inside.

Recess drawers or shelves Gain more storage by recessing a chest of drawers into what is called the “knee wall” of homes that have sloped ceilings in attics and upstairs bedrooms. Utilize these short walls in an efficient manner by sinking drawers or shelves into them, without taking up floor space.

Rafter shelving While in the attic (or a garage), add hanging shelves to rafters or exposed beams to create off-the-floor storage as well. These are just a few of the handy ways to improve the interior storage space in a home.

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Great Activitie s to Embrace this Spring

C

ome mid-March, people who live in climates marked by cold winters have no doubt been anticipating spring fun in the sun for some time. Once spring arrives, the following make for some great activities.

Sports Come spring, various sports fill up afternoon and weekend schedules. Whether these are professional sports or youth sports leagues, the games can be a great way to spend time outdoors in the fresh, suddenly warmer air.

Visit an orchard Spring is a season when many berries, such as strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries, begin to ripen. Find your local pickyour-own establishment to spend a day having fun grabbing sweet berries for salads, jams and pies.

Hit the links

Plan a vacation Many schools go on a hiatus for a week or two during the spring, prompting otherwise busy families to get away for some R&R. Book early to score the best deals on hotel rooms and flights.

Prepare gardening equipment Before long, the grass will need mowing and the shrubbery will have to be pruned. Ensure that lawn and garden tools and equipment are in top form before they are called into action. Stock up on fuel for gas mowers and sharpen those pruning shears.

It’s time to dust off the clubs and play the greens at any of the thousands of golf courses in North America. The National Golf Federation says the United States is home to around 15,000 courses. The warmer temperatures are ideal for practicing your short game on the putting green or for playing all 18 holes.

Visit a local garden

Get the patio ready for entertaining

Take your bike out of storage and give it a once-over. Now is the time to put air in the tires, grease the chain, and make sure that the brakes and other equipment are working properly. Most bike helmet manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every three years, even if you haven’t been in a crash. That’s because the polystyrene foam can degrade over time from environmental exposure.

Clean off patio furniture or start shopping for new items if you didn’t partake in end-of-season sales. This is just the start of the outdoor entertaining season, and it pays to refresh the deck or patio and invest in some quality furniture to keep guests comfortable.

Enjoy the sights at a garden when the first spring blooms start to peek out of the soil. Spring is known for tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and snowdrops.

Give your bike a tune-up

Visit a farm 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!”

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

Call Benita to learn more! 423.202.1679 8 | March 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Many farm animals give birth in the spring. Children may be excited to see piglets, foals, kids, and all the other adorable young animals draw their first breaths.

Spring’s arrival presents the perfect opportunity to reacquaint oneself with the great outdoors.

When planning spring landscapes, homeowners should always group plants with similar water needs together. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, grouping plants with similar water needs together helps to conserve water, which can be an especially useful strategy if or when drought restrictions go into effect in summer.

Homeowners also can embrace additional strategies to landscape with water conservation in mind. For example, aerating soil helps to improve water flow to plants’ roots and reduces water runoff, helping to ensure that plants get all of the water they need while reducing the likelihood that homeowners will have to use excessive amounts of water to keep plants healthy. In addition, using low-water-using types of grass can help homeowners who live in areas prone to drought conserve water while still maintaining lush, green lawns.

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2020 | 9

Getting a Jump on Spring Gardening

By April Hensley

S

pring is so close we can almost taste it.

The air is starting to get a damp, earthy smell as nature begins to awaken. We may be able to see a little of spring too. Lawns are getting thicker and a faint green sheen is starting to dust trees and bushes. In another month or so we should have blooming flowers gracing the landscape.

Spring may be right around the corner, but who wants to wait on cheery blooms when we can bring some color into our homes now? Forcing tree and shrub branches allows them to bloom inside for bouquets and decorations. It is similar to forcing bulbs because you are placing them in an environment that mimics the changing season and triggers them to bloom.

The forsythia is a favorite in our area.

Every spring the bush explodes with sunny yellow blossoms that brighten cool gray days.

Cuttings of these do amazingly well in a lovely vase. Another plus, some branches may grow roots in the water and you can plant it in a new location when it gets warm, or pot it and give it as a gift for Mother’s Day or another upcoming holiday.

Here’s some steps to get you started: • Pick a tree or bush. It’s hard to identify trees and shrubs in the winter when there are no leaves. If you aren’t sure, it may be a surprise later.

• Pieces pruned when trimming can be used too.

• Don’t cut other people’s trees or bushes without permission.

• Use a clean sharp pair of clippers.

• Look for buds. Bloom buds will be fatter than leaf buds and look like they are going to open soon.

• Cut the thin limbs on the end. These are new growth.

• Space out your cuttings so there are no bald spots.

• Bushes will be easier to reach. Trees may need a ladder so take care to have some help.

• Make the cut in a 45-degree angle.

• Put the cut end in a bucket of water.

• Place the bucket overnight in a dark, cool area.

• The next day, trim the limbs to the height you want for your container.

• Some blooms might open quickly and others may take several weeks.

• Check the water every day and change at least once a week.

Shrubs • • • • •

Forsythia Rhododendron Azalea Lilacs Spirea

Fruit Trees • • • • • • • • • • •

{

Plum Peach Crabapple Cherry Apple Pear Plum Trees Redbud Dogwood Willow

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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5 Things We Love About Spring

By Pam Blair

A

Tulips and Daffodils.

ccording to the Farmer’s Almanac, the official arrival of spring is on March 19, 2020, at 11:50 p.m. EDT. This is called the Vernal Equinox, the moment in the Northern Hemisphere when the sun crosses the equator and the days and nights are equal in hours. Spring is that special time of year that’s not too hot and not too cold, and the trees and flowers come back to life again.

There’s much to celebrate about spring, but these are a few of my favorite things.

“Did you see the daffodils in bloom?” Each spring, we’re surprised and delighted by the reappearance of these hardy flowers.

Their gorgeous yellow color is a cheery note after the drabness of winter and we see them everywhere, whether they’re growing in well-tended gardens or popping up in unexpected places along the roadside.

Butterflies are back!

sing more often in spring?

When you hear a chorus at dawn, they’re trying to attract a mate and defending their territory against other birds. We see so many beautiful birds living in this region, like the goldfinch that enjoys being in areas with humans and munching on a snack at the birdfeeder. Indigo buntings are bright blue beauties that love insects and berries, but cardinals are still our favorite as the male and female usually stay close together. His red feathers are so colorful, and her beak looks like she’s wearing lipstick. Birds are just one of the many things we love about spring.

The poet Robert Frost called butterf lies “f lying f lowers,” which is a delightful way to think of them. There are dozens of super cool things to know about these tiny miracles of nature, like how the Skipper Butterfly can fly faster than a horse can run.

Monarchs travel over 2,500 miles every winter as they migrate, and butterflies can’t f ly when the temperature falls below 55 degrees. Like us, they flourish with the return of warmer weather.

Trees That Bloom. Even the most ordinary trees are transformed when they first begin to bud in the spring.

Cherry, Bradford pear, and dogwoods create a fairytale landscape with the delicate beauty of their flowering branches.

Songbirds. Why do birds

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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.

Adorable Baby Animals. They melt our hearts with their big eyes and small size, and we love them because they’re so playful and cute. Day-old baby chicks and bunnies are pure sweetness and a reminder that Easter is near. Last spring, we watched newborn lambs running and playing in a pasture on the Biltmore Estate, and their joyous behavior is a happy memory.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2020 | 11

I’m Not Moving

By Jim Liebelt

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46 KJV Interpretation: “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46

I

t was a sunny and unusually warm autumn Sunday afternoon, so I thought I would take advantage of it by going fishing on a local river. As I took the dirt-road cutoff that would take me near my favorite fishing spot, I rounded a bend in the road and slammed on my truck’s brakes.

In the middle of the road was a woman lying on a blanket, working on her tan. I was both taken by surprise, and quite relieved that the truck had stopped without running the woman over. When the dust from my sudden stop had cleared, I got out of my truck and approached the woman.

Me (fairly calm given the situation): What are you doing?!

Her (startled and angry): What does it look like I’m doing?!

Me: You are lying in the middle of the road.

Her: So?!

Me: I don’t think it’s a great idea to lie in the middle of a road. I could have run you over!

Her: [Bleep] you. I’m not moving!

Me [sarcastically]: Okay. Have a nice day!

I got back into my truck and backed it down the road until I found a safe place to park.

I’ll admit that I was frustrated. There are certainly times when people ought to take a stand, regardless of the consequences. But, I didn’t feel that this qualified as a great example, for either one of us. To me, it was a moment of stubbornness and will, and while the woman didn’t back down, I did.

This experience caused me to reflect on all of the times when I know there are things that God is asking of me, and I say to Him, “I’m not moving!” Yes, I want all of the good things that God has for my life, but I want life to be easy. When it becomes uncomfortable and difficult to obey, too often, I turn stubborn.

In one way or another, we all have these stubborn moments with God. No person is immune from them.

The question becomes, how can we minimize the times when we won’t budge? I don’t know the complete answer.

“Just say yes to God, whatever the circumstance,” is the right answer, but most of us already know this and still struggle in carrying it out.

The long journey toward consistently saying yes to God is found in taking small steps. Perhaps the first small step is in the realization that taking the easy road in life rarely takes you where you want to go, nor leads you to becoming the person God wants to make you into. Obedience to God is not always easy, but whatever pain it brings, it also reaps the benefit of molding us more completely into the image of Jesus.

Today, take some small step when you find your first response to God is to say, “I’m not moving!” Get up off the road, pick up your blanket and walk toward Jesus. www.homeword.com

Purchase Jan-Carol Publishing Books at the Harvest Table! “every story needs a book”

13180 Meadowview Square • Meadowview, VA • (276) 944-5140 12 | March 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Crossing Paths

By Katina Rose

D

o you ever wonder why you have been placed in a certain location, job, or situation? Throughout the course of life all of us will encounter a variety of people as we transition in jobs, move to new homes, and maneuver through the different stages, such as relationships, parenthood, and the natural journey of growing older.

It’s inside the small moments that we meet new people and form new friendships. Do you ever think about how you met lifelong friends? It may have been a chance encounter because you decided to try a new job. Maybe you moved into a new house or decided to sign your child up for a new activity, and because of that decision a new person crossed your path.

As I celebrate more birthdays, I continually gain a new appreciation for the friends who have crossed my path on the journey of life. I think about the fact that if I had changed

one little decision it would have removed my path from intersecting with a potential new best friend. It’s the mundane, seemingly insignificant moments that create the beginning of friendships that will stay with you over the course of your life.

We live in a very mobile society and life moves fast as we scramble from activity; the daily routine can make time race by in a blur. When something happens that stops us in our tracks—causes us to slow down and reach out to those who provide Godly wisdom, hard truth, or just a listening ear—we realize how grateful we are for those friends and the small moments along the way that brought those people in our circle.

Take time to look around you and appreciate the people God has placed in your life for a season or a lifetime. They are there for a purpose. It may be to grow you, support you with words of life, or give you an insight that you need at that particular time.

“Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see.”

— Corrie ten Boom

{

Katina Rose is a mother and a fan of traveling, food, fitness, and good books.

Rose lives by faith, hope, and prayer. She is the Program Development and Tech Manager at Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency. Contact her at katinarose71@gmail.com.

Music and Lyrics by

Book by

DOLLY PARTON

PATRICIA RESNICK

Orchestrator

Arrangements & Additional Orchestrations

BRUCE COUGHLIN

STEPHEN OREMUS & ALEX LACAMOIRE

Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

MAY 1 TO MAY 30

BARTERTHEATRE.COM | 276.628.3991 voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2020 | 13

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 non-profit 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-ofthe-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

Amy Grant

The Time Jumpers no question that Grant will choreograph and execute a phenomenal performance on the Paramount stage!

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 continued on next page

14 | March 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

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 423-2748920, 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.

ABOUT THE BLUE STOCKING CLUB OF BRISTOL Imagine the sheer pluck of 16 young women living in Bristol in 1920. Inspired by Billy Sunday, who was the Billy Graham of that era, they formed a Bible Study Group which quickly morphed into a service organization designed to find solutions to what these women perceived as the critical needs of their time and place. Pauline Massengill DeFriece, the first president, is quoted as saying that “We found we were not happy studying mere words. We must translate words into practice…..We must help others and do our bit.” Thus began the Blue Stocking Club, which continues today as a group of 35 equally earnest, but mature women who volunteer and advocate for the betterment of their community. The rather curious name is a reference to an eighteenth century term for a group of women who chose to pursue literary and intellectual pursuits, which was a bold departure from English societal norms at that time.

The club has taken pride in identifying needs which, though compelling, are not widely recognized, and finding a way to respond. Early efforts included founding the first outpatient clinic and furnishing the chapel at Bristol Memorial Hospital. Friendship Houses were established to help educate young parents. The Twin Teen Tavern provided activities for youth.

The club has remained agile in choosing projects, frequently focusing on assistance in circumstances where government safety nets were not available. The same agility was brought to bear on fund-raising efforts, which have evolved from a tea in 1920 that netted $45.00, to decades of producing a fundraising luncheon and fashion show called Society Day. The final Society Day was held in 1994 at the newly reopened Paramount Theater. From then until the present, every major fundraising endeavor has been held at the Paramount, providing stellar entertainment to patrons while generating revenue to support carefully selected recipients.

Volunteering in the community is a requirement of membership. Volunteer placement opportunities are voted on each year, and have included assignments as diverse as gardening at Steele Creek, helping with homework at Boys and Girls Club, and

teaching cooking and arts and crafts to the Tech Gyrls at the YWCA. Currently there are Blue Stocking docents and gallery assistants at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Blue Stocking data input associates and intake counselors at Bristol Faith in Action, and Blue Stocking health kit assembly assistants at Healing Hands. As part of the club’s 90th birthday celebration in 2010, the 35 members tallied their volunteer hours for 9 months. An astonishing total of 5,300 hours of service to schools, churches, and various non-profit agencies was recorded.

In recent years, beneficiaries of major campaigns have included Abuse Alternatives, Bristol Emergency Food Pantry, Bristol Faith in Action, Bristol Public Library, CASA, the YWCA, and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Proceeds from additional events have been dedicated to Adapt-O-Play, the Alive and Well initiative at River’s Way, Camp Caterpillar, Girls Inc., and The Nature Center at Steele Creek Park.

More than $700,000 has been donated to these and other worthy organizations since the turn of the century.

This dynamic group of women has persisted throughout the past 100 years in looking for opportunities in which a small number of energetic, visionary, and caring individuals can make a difference. The Biblical admonition to “love thy neighbor” continues to inform the ways that the ideal of “Bristol, a Good Place to Live,” can be realized for us all. voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2020 | 15

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park west virginia Article and Photographs

T

By Nancy Binder

he town of Cass was established in 1901 as a company town by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company for their loggers. It was named for Joseph Kerr Cass who was vice president and co-founder of the company. In 1942 Cass was sold to the Mower Lumber Company who owned it until 1960. In 1961 the West Virginia State Parks acquired the town and railroad, and brought the railroad back into operation as a tourist train. There are two tour rides; a 4½ hour round trip to Bald Knob, the third highest point in West Virginia, and a shorter trip of 2+ hours to Whittaker Station and back.

In the former Company Store, a restaurant, and a soda fountain are operational. There is a historical museum where we viewed a diorama of the original town and a video showing the history of the town, lumbering, and the trains. The train

16 | March 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

depot was reconstructed after the 1923 depot burned in 1975.

It is an adaptation of the standard C&O depot design. The mill buildings are located between the track and the river.

The sawmill building itself was destroyed by arson fires in the 1980s but the drying kilns, boiler house, and the millpond are still there.

The excitement began as the Shay #6 locomotive slowly pulled the train into the station. The steam powered locomotive belched black smoke out of its smokestack and the train whistle blew. The conductor hollered all aboard and the crowd of people started filling the cars. Most of the cars are open air, restored, logging flatbeds modified for passengers.

The day we experienced it, there was one enclosed restored passenger car called Leatherbark Creek that had beautiful spruce bench seats. We took our train ride in late May on a beautiful, clear, sunny day. As the train built up steam and started to roll, the excitement could be heard from tourists and rail enthusiasts alike. The train passed the redwood water tank and then rolled by the shops where the locomotives and passenger cars are maintained. The restoration shop is where volunteers were rebuilding one of the locomotives. At the half mile continued on next page

Hotel and train mark, the train crosses Leatherbark Creek on bridges that were once wood but were replaced by steel in 1959. At the first switchback the grade increases to 6.3%. The switchbacks are like steps to help the train climb steep grades. The train stops, a switch is thrown to transfer to another rail where the train backs up on a grade, the train again stops and a switch is thrown so the train can go up to the next level of tracks for the continued climb.

The ride continues through a narrow limestone cut in the rocks.

This cut was made in 1900 using hand tools and black powder, which must have been very hard work. The upper switchback is encountered shortly after the cut, helping the train to climb the 7% grade; the train goes into a 0.2 mile long S curve before pulling into Whittaker Station.

At Whittaker Station there is a reconstructed logging camp.

There are restroom facilities and a snack bar here. The reconstructed logging camp shows how primitive the living conditions were for the loggers. Three shanties are on display. They are patterned after the actual shanties found in one of the logging camps. The saw filer’s shanty had big windows to provide light for the filer to sharpen the saw blades. The other two housed the foreman, surveyor, train crews, and men deemed more important than those who actually cut the trees. The men who cut the timber were called “wood hicks.” These men lived in a camp train. A reproduction of kitchen and dining cars where the

Logging camp

“Pouring the coals” to it men took their meals can be viewed. The center track holds a log loader that was designed when Meadow River Lumber Company started harvesting whole trees which were cut into logs in the mill rather than in the woods. A tower skidder used to bring logs on an aerial cable from the woods to the railroad is also on display.

There is time at this stop to view the onsite museum and have a snack or eat your picnic lunch.

Back on the train, we continued to climb and went through Austin Meadows. Farm fields once came up to this spot. Once back in the forest, the sun dappled the leaves of the hardwood trees, the shade provided coolness and the scent of earth and woods mingled with the smell from the train’s smokestack. At the 6 mile mark we could see down into the Leatherbark Creek Valley. As the train traveled along we saw old logging equipment abandoned near the tracks. An orange cross is said to mark an old grave of an Italian who helped build the railroad. At the 7 mile mark we looked into the valley where the town of Spruce used to be. It was built in 1905 and was rumored to be the highest and coldest town in the east. At an elevation of 3,853 feet the only access to Spruce was by train as there were no roads. It is now a “ghost” town.

At the 7 ½ mile mark is the Oats Creek water tank where we stopped to take on more water. At the 9 mile mark the forest changes from hardwoods to red spruce. Originally it was all red spruce which was logged off. Hardwood trees replaced the spruce but now the slow growing red spruce has finally recovered.

At the 11 mile mark we reached the end of the track and the Bald Knob Overlook. It is at an elevation of 4,700 feet. The Bald Knob summit is at 4,842 feet. The view into Greenbank Valley is spectacular. We could see the radio telescopes of the Greenbank Radio Observatory and looking across to the farthest mountains we could see the Virginia border. We lingered a while before the train whistled us all aboard for the return trip. It was a beautiful journey on this historical train.

{

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 | March 2020 | 17

Sophie & the Bookmobile

M

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?

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.

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

Greezy Creek A Novel

George R. Justice

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 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?

The Safety Deposit Box Shock: Your Secrets Will Find You Out

A sophomore track star falling in love with the senior campus sweetheart rocked the University of Kansas with scandal. Their love produced a little girl who thought her father was dead, but secrets about her father lay deep at the bottom of a safety deposit box. This is a biography—a true story of the life of my father, Paul Bryan Patterson, Ph.D., and his legacy. It explores his family’s genealogy, his life at the University of Kansas, his married life, his secret, and the tragedies that colored his life.

Written by Carol Ann Patterson Boyles-Jernigan A sophomore track star falling in love with the senior campus sweetheart rocked the University of Kansas with scandal. Their love produced a little girl who thought her father was dead, but secrets about her father lay deep at the bottom of a safety deposit box. This is a biography—a true story of the life of my father, Paul Bryan Patterson, Ph.D., and his legacy. It explores his family’s genealogy, his life at the University of Kansas, his married life, his secret, and the tragedies that colored his life.

Family photos of my father, Paul Bryan Patterson, Ph.D.

Carol Ann Patterson Boyles-Jernigan’s professional career encompassed 48 years as an administrator at Keuka College, Central Florida Community College (now College of Central Florida), Florida State University, and the University of North Florida. She received her BA from Keuka College, M.Ed., and advanced studies from the University of Florida. In her retirement, she founded the Jacksonville, FL, Christian Women’s Job Corps. Mrs. Boyles-Jernigan lives in Blountville, TN.

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

Carol Ann Patterson Boyles-Jernigan

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.

ANN EL-NEMR

Secrets in Paris

The Safety Deposit BOX Shock

Welcome Back, Class of ’65

George R. Justice

ure hed the 79). om the ded the in

“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

SECRETS in PARIS

ANN EL-NEMR

kes ned at’s med s of

“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

art the est of ble. bin ew res e of ing

NEW RELEASES

OUT NOW

Greezy Creek

here nd as a

“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.

The Safety Deposit Box Shock Your Secrets Will Find You Out

The Untold Story of Paul Bryan Patterson, Ph.D.

Carol Ann Patterson Boyles-Jernigan

Greezy Creek

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.

Rich Girl

a novel

Written by Joy Ruble Kathy is a small-town girl in the 1980s who is desperately seeking to escape her dismal life.

As she comes of age, she learns that escaping one set of problems only leads to new ones. Her journey to discovering herself takes her down an unlikely path that will keep you laughing and cheering for her along the way.

Joy Ruble

Sweet Sofie Sue and Her Backyard Adventures

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.

Women Ready to Rise

Written by Jenn Sadai Women Ready to Rise tells the unique stories of how twenty-two women turned tragedies into remarkable triumphs. It is real life evidence that women, and all human beings, have the ability to rise from anything that attempts to knock them down.

WOMEN

Ready to

RISE Jenn Sadai

18 | March 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Ask the Book Editor

“every story needs a book”

AUTHORS on the ROAD

Judi Light Hopson

Linda Hudson Hoagland

Q:

Judi, I have been thrown for a loop. I wanted to begin writing my new book about home decorating last month.

Instead, I fell and broke my leg.

My spirit is crushed. How do I get going?

–Maria T., Daytona Beach FL

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; and These Haunted Hills

A:

Monday, March 2, 7 pm Tazewell County Habitat for Humanity Vice Chair – Meeting Tazewell, VA

Maria, visualize your finished book in your hands. Just use a legal pad and start making notes.

Outline the first chapter. Keep it simple with four or five major points. Then, write a few paragraphs in longhand. Try to do three things for your reader: entertain, inform, and inspire. Finish one chapter and keep going. –Judi Light Hopson

GEORGE JUSTICE

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.

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

Appalachian Authors Guild meets at Shoney’s in Abingdon, VA, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on March 10, 2020. At this general meeting the AAG authors attending will in 3–4 minutes each tell about their books, their platform, hand out flyers, etc. All are welcome to come and enjoy this informative session.

George R. Justice

Appalachian Authors Guild Meeting

Saturday, March 14, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City Vansant, VA Saturday, March 21, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City Abingdon, VA Saturday, March 28, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City Wise, VA

Rita Sims Quillen Hiding Ezra WORDSTREAM-WDVX Friday, March 27, 2020, 12 – 1 pm Knoxville Visitor’s Center Knoxville, TN

99¢ E-Book Special!

Greezy Creek

K

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 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.

Tuesday, March 3, 5 am – 8 pm Officer of Election, Bishop Precinct Bishop, VA

Saturday, March 7, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City St. Paul, VA Tuesday, March 10, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Appalachian Authors Guild – General Meeting, Shoney’s Abingdon, VA

Greezy Creek A Novel

George R. Justice

The first full week in March is National Read an E-Book Week! Book lovers and writers alike can celebrate the week by downloading an e-book and getting cozy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. JCP has a long and varied list of e-book options for readers, such as Greezy Creek by George R. Justice! Available on Amazon. com and Barnesandnoble.com.

(Through 3/16/20)

About the Book: A first-person narrative, Greezy Creek tells of an Appalachia honed by the unacquainted ways of the Scot-Irish hybrids cloistered in its deepest regions. The story follows two childhood friends, Bobby Yonts and Rubin Cain, as they learn and grow into adulthood. 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 necessary to survive. Yet, even from their bittersweet and illfamed existence comes the imprint of their wit and wisdom, the uniqueness of their wilderness ways, and what it means to be bound by blood.

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.

423.743.9052 Email:

judihopson@earthlink.net

voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2020 | 19

This Month’s Featured Books

Rosie Hartwig-Benson

Michael Dillon

Edie Hutchins Burnette

Helen Thatcher

5 Books to Read t his Spring

Petals of Distinction

A heart-rending journey of epic proportion into the mind, body, and soul of Rosie: a woman stricken with a silent disease paralyzing her stomach.

She leads you along an intimate path through complexities that push her across the pain barrier; stripping her of splendor, but never her will to keep fighting.

Trouble Inside the Magical Oak Tree

Mountain Echoes

Alexander’s first real adventure inside a magical oak tree is a ride you will want to go on more than once! Come meet all the creatures and enjoy the humor and action as you follow along with Alexander on this grand journey to the top, and you can decide what is real, and what may not be.

Mountain Echoes is a compilation of stories, all results of a sifting through the history of Haywood County in Western North Carolina. Some are specific to the setting while others capture the essence of most anywhere in the Southern Appalachians. Taming a wilderness and transforming it into a called home is a tough job that requires people of strength, foresight, ingenuity, and wisdom. The reader will meet some of them here.

Broken Petals

An Appalachia-Inspired Short Story Collection Broken Petals is a collection of short stories that demonstrate strength, humor, and tenacity interlaced with influences of traditional Appalachian teachings and intertwined with today’s lifestyles.

Jan-Carol Publishing Books

www.Jancarolpublishing.com 20 | March 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

www.Amazon.com

Musings from a Jonesborough Porch This offering is of essays created, over time, while sitting on a delightful porch in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town. The essays are of sightings from the porch itself and of musings on scenes and events remembered while enjoying the peaceful ambiance that only a screened porch can afford.

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 March. 31, 2020)

www.Barnesandnoble.com

Call for Submissions! “every story needs a book”

Get Your Manuscript Published

NEW

Cookbook!

Submit Your Favorite Family Recipe!

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 | March 2020 | 21

“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

NEW RELEASE BY ANN EL-NEMR

“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

SECRETS in PARIS

SECRETS IN PARIS

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

Etienne, 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?

Chapter 1

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

ANN EL-NEMR

FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE NOVEL’S OPENING PAGES.

She dropped her carry-on bag next to her leg, then took her boarding pass and her American Passport from her pocket to verify her seat again. She noticed her hands were trembling, so she placed them, along with her papers, back in her pockets as she counted the minutes to board the plane. Her eyes closed momentarily, and she bit her lower lip, taking a deep, impatient breath as she tried to calm herself. She was about to make a life-changing decision. I hope I’m doing the right thing and that I won’t regret this choice later, she thought. What if I don’t like Paris?

What if… Stop it! You will be just fine. You can always come back. 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

I

t was a rainy day in mid-August. A young woman walked quickly, taking long strides down a crowded walkway as her heartbeat pounded in her chest from nervousness, or maybe adrenaline.

Her head held high, she stared straight ahead, avoiding everyone’s eyes. She wore a Burberry black trench coat, palazzo pants, and black Louboutin high heels. She carried a large bag over her arm. Her eyes were hidden by a pair of black sunglasses, and her shoulder length blond hair bounced with every step she took. Her hips swung from side to side as she made her way through the alley.

Men turned their heads to take a second peek at her while wishing she belonged to them or wondering who she was.

Keep walking. Don’t stop until you get to the gate, or you might not go. No, this is your destiny, your dream. Keep walking and don’t look at anyone. You can do this, she kept telling herself over and over again.

She arrived at the Air France boarding gate and stopped near the counter, leaning against one of the walls. She was at Terminal E at Boston Logan Airport. She waited with anticipation for her one-way flight to Paris, never looking at anyone.

Marcia Philips was a beautiful woman in her late twenties. She was an only child, orphaned. She had lost her parents in a car accident caused by a drunk driver while she was in her sophomore year of college. She had been pursuing a business degree at Bentley University in Boston, Massachusetts, and had always dreamed of opening her own high-end clothing store and being her own boss, but her aspirations had been shattered by the pain that enveloped her at that time.

She was now alone. Since her parents had both been schoolteachers, they had not been able to save much money while trying to put her through college. They

Jan-Carol Publishing Books

www.Jancarolpublishing.com 22 | March 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

www.Amazon.com

SECRETS in PARIS

ANN EL-NEMR

had left her a small bungalow, which she sold for nearly nothing in order to pay for the funeral cost and the pile of hospital bills that was left behind after their death. Tears pooled in her eyes every time she thought about them. It had been a difficult few years trying to cope with their passing and reorganize her life to survive. She had worked two jobs to try to continue her studies, but it had been very stressful balancing both work and college. Many nights she had lain awake in bed, wondering how she was going to pay the rent or her tuition. She had been waitressing at a diner in the evenings and tutoring other students on campus, but she had still been having difficulties meeting both ends…until that one late afternoon when she had met Tiffany.

That seemed like such a long time ago, an eternity, but it had only been four and a half years earlier.

Purchase the book at the following online retailers:

www.Barnesandnoble.com

Healthy Eating Options for Seniors A

ccording to the World Health Organization, poor diet is a major contributor to many of the diseases that affect older people. The National Council for Aging Care says micronutrient deficiency is often a problem among the aging due to factors like lack of variety in diet and reduced food intake. Eating a variety of foods can provide all of the nutrients people need to stay healthy as they get older.

Certain foods may be particularly helpful.

• Brain-friendly foods: Foods such as avocado, leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, blueberries, and salmon are good sources of vitamin E, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that may help ward off dementias like Alzheimer’s disease, advises Sonas Home Health Care.

• Anti-inflammatory foods: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent inflammation that can cause cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Aging.com says foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, should be consumed at least twice per week.

• Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, canned or frozen produce tend to be high in micronutrients, including a variety of important vitamins that are essential for all components of health. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises eating dark green vegetables, such as leafy greens or broccoli, and orange vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes.

• Energy-boosters: Choose whole grains that can provide sustained energy by way of healthy carbohydrates over processed grains.

• Bone-friendly foods: Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, can prevent calcium from

being leached from the bones, which contributes to conditions like osteoporosis.

• Digestive system-friendly foods: The digestive system slows down as the body ages, as the walls of the gastrointestinal tract thicken and digestive contractions that push waste along may slow down and become fewer. Foods rich in fiber can promote proper digestion by moving food through the digestive tract more easily. High-fiber foods also may help naturally reduce blood cholesterol levels.

• High-iron foods: Without enough iron in the body, a person may feel tired and lethargic from a reduced production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. A lack of oxygen in body tissues from anemia can be serious, says the National Council for Aging Care. Tofu, spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and fortified breads and cereals are high in iron.

Smart food choices can help seniors live long and healthy lives.

Life Care Center of Gray We are a perfect choice for: MARCH IS NATIONAL FROZEN FOOD MONTH! March is the month to take a look at all the ways frozen food can make life better. Not only is it a convenience, it can make life healthier, too. Frozen food gets a bad rap once in a while; some say it has negative effects or is loaded with preservatives… but as long as you check the ingredients list and choose the options with the shortest list of ingredients (that you can pronounce, preferably), you’re in the clear!

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Women’s Suffrage Centennial Celebration “The right to vote was a monumental step toward eliminating racism, empowering women and other values that are central to the YWCA’s mission.”

YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia is proud to lead this community celebration to honor the hardwon success of those who worked tirelessly to ensure women’s voices were heard at the ballot box. The state of Tennessee played a pivotal role in the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920, by becoming the 36th state to ratify the amendment.

The year-long observance kicked off in January when both Bristol City Councils signed a joint proclamation to recognize the anniversary.

The YWCA TechGYRLS accepted the proclamation, which will be on display at the YWCA and the Bristol Public Library. To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, activities

are being planned by numerous organizations including historical, educational, and cultural arts components.

A key part of the local celebration will be to document the stories of local residents who were active in the suffrage movement. Those with photos, articles, or stories regarding residents of Bristol and surrounding communities who were instrumental in the movement, are asked to share their information so a local collection can be developed.

Other activities include: partnering with Believe in Bristol to organize a suffragist march for the July 4th Independence Day parade; a historical presentation at the Bristol Train Station; partnering with the Bristol Historical Association; wall art to be created on a building in downtown; educational displays at the Bristol Public Library; the DAR is sponsoring a presentation by Stewart Harris, the host of “Your Weekly Constitutional.”

Barter Theatre will present “Winter Wheat” from June 24 through August 22. The production by Catherine Bush, is the Tennessee story of the ratification of the 19th Amendment inspired by the true life events of Febb Burn and her son Harry. It is a must see!

On the YWCA website you can find a calendar or listing of events as they are planned and as we are notified. We invite anyone in the community who would like to take part in planning or who plans an event to contact the YWCA so we can include your event: WomensSuffrage@ywcatnva.org.

event includes an event T-shirt for competitors, awards ceremony, and the traditional post-race Pancake Breakfast! Professional race management and electronic timing provided by We Run Events. Proceeds benefit The Crumley House, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides services to those that have acquired and survived a traumatic brain injury. Call or email for more details.

Touted as the most scenic 5K run/walk in the region, we invite you to join us for The 2020 Crumley House Joggin’ for the Noggin’! 5K Run/Walk. With a majestic Appalachian Mountain backdrop, it’s the perfect fun/fit event to usher in Spring. The

HERITAGE TV

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Lori’s Miracle

by June Barrett (Founder of The Crumley House) On a sunny September day in 1981, fourteenyear-old Lori Beth Ford was involved in a tragic car accident that left her with a TBI — traumatic brain injury. The doctors and medical staff tried to convince Lori’s family that she would not live, or if she did live, she would be incapacitated for the rest of her life. However, with hope, love and a refusal to believe the worst, Lori’s family and friends showed nothing but support and patience through her ongoing recovery. As a popular teenager with lots of friends and extracurricular activities, it was a hard transition for both Lori Beth and her family to accept the fact that she would never be the same. Told through her mother’s voice, Lori’s Miracle is the inspiring story of a girl whose childhood dreams were shattered, but her success was redefined in a way that no one could have ever imagined.

Published by Jan-Carol Publishing.

Available at Jancarolpublishing.com, Amazon.com, and Barnesandnoble.com

Voicemail oicemail

Male

By Ken Heath

MARCH…When You Can!

I

t was March 5, 2019—Fat Tuesday—that circumstances came together, in such lightning-fast speeds, that would take us to places we’d only glanced through, meet people we’d never met, and face personal and health challenges that I’d never imagined.

Just a dozen calendar pages ago I was content in rolling along, doing my thing and working in my own sandbox to do what I believe is my true calling. My hip hurt, but with a quarterly injection I was managing the hurt with a funny limp, just recently starting to depend on a cane for assistance. I was busy lining up events and activities for the coming summer, and still understaffed in the office. I knew who I wanted to hire, after the applications were reviewed, but there was still a process of offer and then getting up to speed, so my work life surrounded tasks at hand.

Years ago, in my college days, another rotund friend of mine and I decided we’d claim this day before Lent, one ironically rooted in the same gluttony and sloth that had helped us from husky kids to “men of measure.” Every year on Fat Tuesday, Dennis and I would catch up with a phone call, a bundle of belly laughs, and share another year’s worth of love reaching from my hometown to his over Ma Bell’s best.

But last year I was up to my eyeballs in work when the office phone rang, just an hour or so before lunch. I half expected it to be Dennis, but it was not. It was a lady I’d never met, who over the course of the next few minutes would change our lives forever.

It seemed our Senator was set to retire his seat, and this lady was picked by a group of folks to see if I might be interested in serving. The catch? He’d picked and named his choice for his replacement. Oh, and I had only ’til the top of the hour to get my name in the hat. And the clock was ticking. Ticking. Ticking.

It was my long shot. I’d promised not to run for state office against either incumbent, both of whom I considered friends, but let them know of my strong interest when the time might come. If I didn’t jump, I might not have a chance to serve my neighbors at the state level in my lifetime. A couple of frantic calls to get the details, and I jostled a note on a scrap piece of paper, hauling in my truck down the interstate, barely beating the high noon deadline with only minutes to spare.

So I was in the race! But, I found out quickly that the way things work were not how I was working them. I fought to the primary, but realized that, too, was a foregone conclusion with the

folks that decide those things. So I pulled out, giving them enough time so as not to have to spend money on ballots or the rental hall, and we decided we’d run our own race as an Independent.

Insiders gave me 5% of the end vote, and no hope for anything more. I built my team, centered around my angel, and told them that if and when it got too much for them, I was out. My goal was to be a representative for every neighbor in SWVA, not just the ones who belonged to a party, and that meant we were a very, very long shot.

Two and a half seasons later, we stood side by side as we congratulated the winners that night, our heads held high, not because we were victorious. We did get nearly 25% of the vote—something that “couldn’t be done” they said. But in reality, we did win.

Not the seat. But on our principles. We ran our race, a clean race with no name calling, no hate speech, no fear mongering, no big money or bought influence. Just our message, our passion, our heart. And we didn’t compromise. Not one inch.

Some might see it as a flop. A waste of time, money, and energy, but not me. I see it as one of the greatest adventures of my wonder-filled life. My angel and I grew even closer, traveling across these mountains weeknights and weekends together. We met such amazing folks doing amazing things with amazing ideas, passion, and hope. We experienced so much of this land that we’d only scratched, and yes, we’ll most certainly be back.

To be honest, there’s been times I wondered whether I did the right thing that fateful day. I’ve lost friends, lost respect for people whom I’d long admired, lost heart in a system that I so believe in, where every human matters, needs a voice, and has as much right as I to live free.

Tonight, I was wrapped in one of my favorite books, and this quote jumped out at me. “Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.”

I shy away from calling my quixotic journey “courageous,” but I do know, in spite of the odds, the system, a torn hamstring, a full time job, and a bum hip, we stood tall and did it our way.

My hope? That others follow Harper Lee’s advice. Step up.

Stand up. Give it your all. Even when you know you’re beat. You’ll be stronger—and the world just might be better—for you doing it.

{

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 | March 2020 | 25

The Meaning Behind Popular St. Patrick’s Day Symbols Shamrock

The shamrock is one of the most recognizable symbols utilized

by St. Patrick. This three-leaf clover is native to Ireland and a plant with which the Irish long have been familiar. St. Patrick demonstrated the meaning of the Holy Trinity—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit—by showing the public that the shamrock is one leaf with three parts, just as Christians believe God is one entity with three persons.

Snakes

There is a legend that St. Patrick was responsible for banishing snakes from Ireland. However, there are no snakes in Ireland, nor

have there ever been, as Ireland is an island surrounded by cold waters that prohibit snake migration, according to National Geographic. Driving snakes from Ireland was likely metaphorical in that the serpent was seen as an evil entity in Christian scripture.

Celtic Cross

The Celtic cross marries the traditional image of the Christian cross on which Christ was placed, with a sun at the core. It exemplifies a Lord who has dominion over all creation, but serves as a reminder that it is acceptable to enjoy all that God has created.

Green

The wearing of green, as well as inclusion of a band of green in the Irish flag, is reminiscent of the verdant nature of Ireland itself.

Blue was initially the color associated with St. Patrick and later his namesake holiday. In the 19th century, this was slowly changed to green, a transition that was likely inspired by nature and shamrocks.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Staple of Irish Pub Fare While parades and music garner much of the attention on St. Patrick’s Day, food also plays a big role. Cottage pie, often referred to as “Shepherd’s pie,” traces its origins to the United Kingdom and Ireland. The dish can now be found on the menu at many Irish pubs, but St. Patrick’s Day celebrants can prepare from the comforts of their own kitchens thanks to the following recipe from Laurie McNamara’s “Simple Scratch: 120 Wholesome Homemade Recipes Made Easy” (Avery).

Cottage Pie Serves 6

For the filling: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 cups diced yellow onion 1 cup diced carrot 1 cup diced celery 3 cloves garlic, minced 21⁄2 pounds ground round 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour 1⁄4 cup Pinot Noir (or any good dry red wine) 2 cups beef broth 1⁄4 cup Worcestershire sauce 4 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 11⁄2 teaspoons kosher salt 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1⁄2 cup frozen peas

For the mashed potatoes: 31⁄2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large pieces Kosher salt 11⁄4 cups whole milk 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 3⁄4 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese 1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves To make the filling: In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery. Stir to coat the vegetables in butter, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more. Use a spoon to transfer the cooked vegetables to a bowl.

In the Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles

26 | March 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

as it cooks, until cooked through.

Return the vegetables to the pot and stir in the tomato paste and flour.

Pour in the wine and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce and add the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.

Stir in the peas and pour the filling into a 3- to 4-quart baking dish.

While the filling is cooking, make the mashed potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Place the peeled potatoes in a pot and add cold water to cover by about 2 inches. Add a generous pinch of salt, cover, and bring to a boil. Crack the lid and cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

With the lid askew, carefully drain the water from the pot with the potatoes. Return the pot to the stove over low heat. Add the milk and butter to the potatoes,

cover, and simmer the potatoes in the milk and butter for 10 to 12 minutes. Season the potatoes with 3⁄4 teaspoon of salt and mash with a potato masher or mix with a hand mixer. Add the cheddar and stir to combine. Taste and season with more salt if needed.

Use a spatula to spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling in the baking dish and spread them out evenly. Use a fork and drag it along the top of the mashed potatoes to make ridges. These will crisp up and brown in the oven.

Place the cottage pie on a rimmed baking sheet and slide it into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top of the potatoes is golden and crispy and the filling is bubbling.

Combine the minced parsley and thyme.

Serve large spoonfuls of the cottage pie in bowls with a sprinkle of the parsley and thyme.

Green Velvet Cupcakes 24 cupcakes 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, well shaken 1 tablespoon green liquid food coloring 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 1.

2.

3.

4.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners and spray with cooking spray. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Whisk the buttermilk, food coloring and vanilla in a spouted measuring cup; set aside.

Beat the granulated sugar and butter in a stand mixer (or a large bowl if using a hand mixer) on medium speed until very light in color and fluffy, about 5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. With the mixer still on medium, slowly add the eggs and beat until fully incorporated. Reduce the speed to the lowest setting; with the mixer running, add 1/3 of the flour mixture, then 1/2 of the buttermilk mixture, then 1/2 of the remaining flour mixture, then the remaining buttermilk mixture, then the remaining flour mixture.

Scrape down the sides and beat until well mixed. Fill the prepared liners about 3/4 full of batter. Bake until the cupcakes bounce back when pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 22 minutes. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Cover with icing of your choosing.

To assemble: Using a sharp serrated knife, cut 3 cupcakes in half vertically, gently sawing through the paper liners; set aside. Frost the remaining cupcakes. Put the sanding sugar on a small plate and roll the edge of each cupcake 3/4 of the way around in the sugar, making a green border around each with a gap on one side. On a large serving platter, arrange 18 cupcakes in groups of three, pushing them together at the gaps, to make 6 shamrock cakes. Dip the tops of the cupcake halves in sugar and wedge a pointy end of 1 half between 2 of the cupcakes in each group to form the stems.

Source: foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/st-patricks-day-green-velvet-cupcake-shamrocks-3362301

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

276.628.4797 www.alfrescolifestyles.com

Mon–Fri 10am–5:00pm , Sat 10am–2pm

voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2020 | 27

Ready for Spring!

By Amanda Hollifield

I

am so ready to spring forward this March, aren’t you? I am ready to say goodbye to February and its rain and snow and hello to March and hopefully sunshine! This pic pretty much sums up the fun of February, but looking forward to warmer weather in March.

The month of March brings Daylight saving time (8th), St. Patrick’s Day (17th), the first day of Spring (19th), spring breaks, and fun days like National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day (29th). Make sure you visit tricities.macaronikid.com and subscribe for FREE so you can download our March Fun Days Calendar!

Speaking of sunshine, what are your thoughts on Daylight saving time? On Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 am, most of America will “spring forward” as clocks are set up an hour. I live for those extra hours of afternoon daylight and not driving home from work in the dark, but I can’t get over the idea of “losing” that extra hour of sleep on Saturday night/Sunday morning. It does give me a great excuse to take my Sunday nap.

Many of you with kiddos in school are making plans for spring break. Some of you may have already booked a trip, maybe even to the beach?! Others may need to stay closer to home. I love researching my Spring Break Staycation article for local families. Don’t stress if you can’t take a beach or cross-country trip this spring break. Our mountains provide so many fun, family-friendly excursions, you will have to pick and choose what to do! Check out our Facebook page for our Staycation post where you can share photos and comments of cool activities in

our area. If you are like me, work calls and it’s hard to take a week off in March and you still may need childcare. Check out our local parks and recreation departments and kid-focused centers, like your local Boys and Girls Club for week-long Spring Break camp opportunities for your kiddos.

If you are traveling, check to see if your destination has a local Macaroni Kid edition. We have over 500+ editions across the country and you can search by state by visiting macaronikid.com.

No matter what plans your family has this March, make the time for fun and adventure as a family. Enjoy a family game night, celebrate National Pi Day by baking a pie or visiting a local bakery and indulging a little, or visit a local state park for an activity or hike. Roan Mountain State Park is hosting their Spring Hike on March 21.

Check out our Event Calendar for over 100+ March Events: March 5–7: Andrew and Abby’s Closet Children’s Consignment Sale March 6–8: Jurassic Quest at Bristol Motor Speedway March 8: A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles at Paramount Bristol March 13: Glow Stick Swim at Memorial Park Community Center March 14: Jonesborough (TN) St. Paddy’s Celebration March 21: Roan Mountain State Park Spring Hike March 21: Wacky Mini Golf Challenge at Memorial Park Community Center Oh, and don’t forget to share Macaroni Kid Tri-Cities with your friends and encourage them to subscribe today!

Together we can hit 5,000 subscribers in 2020!

Want more information on these ideas and over 100+ March events? Subscribe for FREE at tricities. macaronikid.com/subscribe!

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 | March 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.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2020 | 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.

3–7 PM ERYDAY V E R U O HAPPY H BEERS ON TAP 20 IC LIVE MUS

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CLUES ACROSS

1. Yields Manila hemp 6. A type of gin 10. Japanese ankle sock 14. Swiss city 15. Applied to 17. Achievements 19. Japanese title 20. Possesses 21. Belgian city 22. Child 23. Great delight 24. Petty quarrel 26. Gathered 29. Zoroastrian concept of holy fire 31. Path 32. Legendary hoops coach Riley 34. A citizen of Denmark 35. Flat 37. Upper-class young women 38. Payment (abbr.)

39. Distort 40. Affirmative! (slang) 41. One who has a child 43. Without 45. Workplace safety agency 46. Political action committee 47. Period of plant and animal life 49. Swiss river 50. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

53. State of being kept secret 57. Hobbies 58. One-time Korean ruler 59. Sudden attack 60. Born of 61. Assists

CLUES DOWN

1. Ancient Greek sophist 2. Famed composer 3. Spore-bearing fungi cells 4. Chief executive officer 5. Defunct Syrian political party 6. Thin wood 7. Polynesian garlands 8. Fluid replacement (abbr.)

9. Flammable hydrocarbon gas 10. Multi-leveled 11. Influential diarist 12. Gambles 13. Many subconsciousnesses 16. Current unit 18. Illumination unit 22. Tantalum 23. Steps leading down to a river 24. Kids love him 25. Before 27. Fencing swords 28. Mountain range in China 29. Payroll company 30. A way to pack together 31. Business designation 33. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (abbr.)

35. Forage fish 36. Greek temple pillars 37. Internet mgmt. company 39. Rouse oneself 42. In a way, covered 43. Elaborate silk garment 44. Cooling unit 46. Riley and O’Brien are two 47. __ fide: genuine 48. Ancient Incan sun god 49. Poker stake 50. Trigonometric function 51. Interesting tidbit 52. Adieus 53. U.S. Treasury position 54. Midway between east and southeast 55. Doctors’ group 56. Women’s __ movement

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30 | March 2020 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

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Conway Twitty Tribute

Performed by Well-Known Singer Thomas Taylor!

Saturday, April 18, 2020 Local artist and well-known singer and radio personality, Thomas Taylor will bring “Conway Twitty Tribute a Red Neckin Love Makin Night” to the Lee Theatre in Pennington Gap, Virginia.

Don't miss this outstanding show!

Showtime is 7:00 pm For more information call 276.546.4000

About the Theatre:

This will be the first time for this show and performance at this beautiful theater. Located at 41676 W Morgan Avenue in downtown Pennington Gap, Virginia, the Lee Theatre originally opened in 1947 and closed in the mid-1970s. It was restored and reopened in 2013.

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