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March 2021 | Volume 18 | Issue 3

March Hot Hunk Hunt! The February “Hot Hunk” was Travis Kelce in The Finer Consignor ad.

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to: Denise Miller Elizabethton,TN as the winner in the February Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

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, 2021. PLEASE, ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD As the selected winner, you must contact Voice Magazine for Women at 423-926-9983 within 90 days to claim and receive your prize. After 90 days, winning becomes null and void and the prize cannot be claimed.

Spring Fashion Preview

Home Improvements That Boost Value

How to Prepare for Tax Season

Yosemite National Park

Clever and Quirky Crafts to Try Today 7

VoiceMale

Jan-Carol Publishing New Releases Jan-Carol Publishing Featured Books

Ken Heath 8

Relearning Human Connection Deana Landers 9

Spiritually Speaking 21

Best-Ever Brussels Sprouts

Pam Blair 22

Getting a Head Start on Gardening

How Exercise Can Help You Live Longer

April Hensley 11

Timelines for Popular Renovation Projects

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Fun Activities to Enjoy this Spring

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Understanding Wants and Needs

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Is It Best to Renovate On Your Own?

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VOICE Speaks

he month of March means that the spring season is just around the corner with weather changes and our time jumping up an hour! This year, the month of March has given ‘change’ a new meaning. This time last year, and do I dare speak of it, we all were changing with the COVID19 pandemic. Businesses were shutting down, schools were closing, and death surrounded us. So, a year later, where are we with change or the ‘new normal’? The ‘new normal’ has left its footprints in our lives. Change of government and policies, change of businesses with some closing and new ones opening up, change of how we work, play, and communicate. A friend shared her thoughts about the changes of the magazine. Yes—we have changed in many good ways. She reminded me that this why people love Voice Magazine—it is goes beyond ‘who you know’ to ‘what you know.’ The magazine provides useful information and is always uplifting and inspiring. It was heartwarming to hear that Voice Magazine for Women is recognized as having a purpose, providing information, and providing fun along the way! We say thank you to all of our changing and growing loyal readers, advertisers, supporters, and authors! You have been with us through the pandemic, and you are still here with us. We appreciate your loyalty. As we change with the demand of readers, Voice Magazine and JanCarol Publishing are more active than ever online with our websites and social media. We ask that if you have Gmail, please leave a good review for us on Google. Also, purchase JCP books either through Amazon, our JCP website, or other websites such as Walmart and Barnes & Noble (available online only). Our authors have been unable to attend events, do face to face book signings, and they need to know that you are supporting them. Books are great gifts, and with over 350 titles now, Jan-Carol Publishing offers different genres from children’s books to cozy mysteries to sci-fi. Our books are great for local book clubs, and we offer book clubs discounts on book purchases! Sign up for our newsletter promoting a new book every week at a discounted retail price. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and join the fun of the ‘giveaways’ and other happenings. Email communications@ jancarolpublishing.com to receive our newsletter. From all of us to all of you—HAPPY SPRING! And here’s our Irish wish: May you find your pot of gold at the end of your rainbow! Thought of the month: “Take one day at a time. Today, after all, is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.” 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)

Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief

4 | March 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

“ every story needs a book”

voicemagazineforwomen.com • jancarolpublishing.com Serving Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia! PUBLISHER Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc PO Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 publisher@jancarolpublishing.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS April Hensley Nancy Binder

Ken Heath Pam Blair

Deana Landers Cindy Sproles

TLC PUBLISHER/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Nancy Williams nancywilliams@thelauruscompany.com SALES Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983 OFFICE Savannah Bailey Communications Director/Production Editor communications@jancarolpublishing.com GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Tara Sizemore - Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com Cheryl Allen - Website Consultant Chanie Garner - Project Editor DISTRIBUTION Karen Corder Staff

PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 18, 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. © 2021 EDITORIAL MISSION: Voice Magazine for Women wants to provide a useful and complete reliable source of information for women and their families. We seek to celebrate women’s successes, and support their growth by defining and recognizing their needs and providing a concentration of resources for them. We want to be that “link” to all women.

By Jan Howery

With working and lounging at home, comfort has directed a year of our lives during the pandemic. Top designers have shown this influence in the new styles showcased for 2021 spring and summer. With influences from the 70’s to early 80’s, this year’s fashions are borrowed styles from the past:

Oversized shoulder pad boyfriend jackets— Say it ain’t so, but—yes—it is true.

Pants with loose, relaxed silhouettes

Oversized sweaters, boxy blouses, and flowing dresses

Bleached washed denim jeans

Enjoy the resurrected styles of the new season and make it one of the reasons to get out and about, wearing a mask of course!

Images: www.net-a-porter.com, www.freepeople.com, www.naturallife.com, www.madewell.com

voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2021 | 5

How to Prepare for Tax Se ason

ach year in the United States, April 15 marks the official deadline for taxpayers to file their tax returns. Though the filing deadline may be in mid-April, it’s wise for taxpayers to begin preparing to submit their returns much earlier than that. For those who have not done so in the first two months of the year, March is a great time to begin preparations to ensure returns are accurate and filed on time. The Internal Revenue Service offers the following advice to taxpayers who want to get a head start on their returns so they make sure they file on time in 2021. • Gather and organize your records. Many people rely on a professional to work on their returns, and April is such professionals’ busiest time of year. As a result, it’s imperative that taxpayers have all their necessary documents ready prior to their appointments. Any delays could force appointments to be rescheduled, and there’s no guarantee tax professionals will have any open dates on their calendar as the filing deadline draws closer. The IRS notes taxpayers will need their W-2s from employers, forms 1099 from banks and other payers and other income documents and records of virtual currency transactions. In addition, people who received an Economic Impact Payment in 2020 should make sure they have Notice 1444, which includes the amount of the payment and how

it was received, as they will need that to file their returns. It’s also important that people who received unemployment income recognize that such income is taxable, so they will need a record of that income, especially if they did not pay taxes on it when it was received. • Where applicable, confirm your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number has not expired. The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration. The IRS notes that all ITINs not used on a federal tax return at least once in the last three years expired on December 31, 2020. In addition, all ITINs issued prior to 2013 with middle digits of 88 expired at the end of 2020. ITINs with middle digits 90, 91, 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99 that were assigned before 2013 and have not already been renewed also expired at the end of 2020. Visit www.irs.gov to learn more about ITINs. • Contact your tax professional. 2020 was a complicated year, and that figures to create some unique challenges as people file their 2020 tax returns. So it pays to contact your tax preparation professional with any questions you have well in advance of April 15. HERITAGE TV Point Broadband That’s true for all taxpayers, but Channel 3 especially so for anyone who filed Scott County Cable Channel 84 for unemployment, received an Economic Impact Payment or dealt Comcast (Norton system) with any other abnormal circumChannel 266 stances in 2020 that could affect their tax returns. SERVING FAR Taxpayers may face unique chalSOUTHWEST VA AND EAST TN lenges as they begin to work on CONTACT US TO VIDEO YOUR SPECIAL EVENT! their 2020 tax returns. More information is available at www.irs.gov.

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Clever and Quirky Crafts to Try Today

eing forced to spend more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic has led enterprising individuals to seek ways to pass the time. Is it any wonder that creative pursuits have become so popular over the last year? Crafting can help people fill their time, reduce stress, inspire new relationships, and serve as a source of pride when an item is handmade from start to finish. In an online study published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy that surveyed 3,500 knitters, respondents felt there was a relationship between knitting frequency and feeling calm. Experts surmise that the rhythmic, repetitive movements and focused attention of certain crafts might produce a calming effect not unlike meditation. Crafting helps exercise several areas of the brain, including those responsible for problem solving, creativity and concentration, states Craft Courses, an online crafting course company. The following are some unique crafts for those looking for something new.

• Quilling: This craft also goes by the name paper

•

filigree. It involves twisting, rolling or looping thin strips of paper and then gluing them together to make designs. They can adorn the outside of homemade cards, or be attached to stock and then framed. Decoupage: Another paper craft, this one involves sticking small pieces of paper of any kind to another item and then coating the object with varnish. Just about anything can be improved and customized with decoupage. Marquetry: Marquetry involves applying pieces of wood veneer to a structure to form a decorative pattern or picture. Think of it as paint-by-number but with wood veneer. The technique often is applied to small objects or furniture. Bead crochet: Crochet artists may want to take their crafting up a notch with bead crochet, which incorporates beaded string or yarn into a crocheted item. Water marbling: Water marbling is a unique craft that produces a different result each time it is done. The crafter fills a tub roughly two-thirds full of water, adds a special chemical to allow oils to float on the water’s surface, then drops different colors of oilbased paint onto the water. The colors can be swirled and manipulated. A paper or piece of canvas is then

placed on the surface of the water so that the design can transfer onto the material. • Pyrography: Pyrography involves using a heating source and burning designs into a piece of wood. The term literally means “writing with fire.” These lesser-known crafts can be good diversions and help individuals learn new skills.

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2021 | 7

Voicemail

Male

By Ken Heath

The Ides of March

ust think, this time last year we were facing a two week “level the curve” shutdown as this new thing shocked the world. Now, as winter again turns to spring, we’re still facing mask orders and social distancing—two phrases we all hope disappear like last month’s snow. But in the meantime, what else has changed? For me, the most difficult thing of all isn’t the lockdown effects.

I’ve grown used to lazy weekends, dogs in tow, watching classic westerns and old war movies in between naps while my angel gets her dose of flipping houses vicariously through her programs. Curbside pickup has made me even lazier than I was before, so I’m loving the notion of pulling up in front of a business and having them put my order in the back seat. There’s something kind of Downton Abbey about that level of service. But I do miss you—the personal interactions. The hugs, the handshakes, even the smiles and nods at strangers. It’s become commonplace not only to cover our faces with a piece of cloth, but to even avoid eye contact. Used to, I’d grumble trying to squeeze through the aisles of the grocery store as neighbors caught up on the latest gossip two buggies across the cereal lane. Nowadays, we dash into the stores only when we have to, grab exactly what we have on our lists, and dart out, avoiding everyone in the process. And that’s depressing. I long for the days of those chatterboxes slowing my progress on the grocery run, for the kind smile, the nod, the “neighborly thing to do” that has made our region so attractive to me. It’s like the episode of Andy Griffith where the big city dude is in such a hurry to get going, only to realize in the nick of time that a slower pace, hymn-singing on the front porch with a poke full of chicken legs to snack on and a cold bottle of pop isn’t an inconvenience, but an ideal. Come Spring, hurry summer! Bring back the days not before COVID, but after COVID, where we realize, just in the nick of time, how precious those moments we used to see as time wasters really are, when we can sing and hug again. I’ve mastered the porch sittin’. Now, let’s get back to having company over to join us.

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

“Virginia's Most Awarded DJ Service”

(276) 759-1102 | www.kenheath.com 8 | March 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Relearning Human Connection By Deana Landers

y niece called me recently and said, “Hey, I want to make a new year’s resolution.” “Okay,” I said. “And you want to share it with me?” “Yes,” she said. “I want us to call each other more.” I reminded her that we text often. “I know, but I need to hear your voice.” Wanting to call each other more had a lot to do with what happened between us this last year. My sister-in-law called to tell me that something I had said upset my niece. I immediately texted her. I wanted to explain that she had misunderstood what I meant. We texted back and forth, and before we knew it, there was an uncomfortable distance between us. Later, when we couldn’t stand the loss, I called her or maybe she called me; I can’t remember. But I do remember hearing her voice and feeling tears in my heart. We both cried. I could hear the pain and joy in her voice that helped me understand how she felt, and my response was a lot different than our previous texts. Texting is a brilliant way to miscommunicate how we feel and misinterpret what other people mean. Between state-of-the-art technology and the COVID pandemic’s insolation this last year, I’m afraid we are losing an essential part of being emotionally connected. Even though Zoom is a great invention that helps keep us closer to each other in our work and family connections, something is lacking. Communication experts tell us that choosing a phone call over Zoom can help you deliver appropriate feedback, eliminate confusion, and feel more emotionally in touch. My children know me so well that if I answer the phone when something is wrong, they immediately say, “Hey mom, what’s wrong?” I am good with words, so I could text them right after the house burned down and convince them that everything is alright, but over the phone emotions are harder to hide.

Because my sister-in-law is legally blind, phone calls are important to her. Sending cards in the mail is not nearly as special as a phone call. I love to hear the voices of my children, grandchildren, and friends. My granddaughter likes to tell me jokes, and listening to her laugh is a gift I wouldn’t receive if she texted them to me. My daughter has recently had some health issues. When I texted her to see if she needed me to visit, she was fine, but later when the phone rang, I could hear how much she needed a visit even before she asked. Texting can also be confusing when you are needing or wanting a response or not knowing how to respond. Don’t you just hate it when you text someone, and the reply comes hours or days later, keeping you wondering, waiting, and impatient? People postpone answering texts for several reasons: they are too busy, don’t want to seem overly attached to their phone, or don’t hear the short text alert. Plus, sometimes you just don’t know what to say. My son recently received a text from his sister. He said it was so kind and encouraging that he couldn’t find the words to let her know how much he appreciated those words at this time in his life. “The only thing I could think to do was to return a smiley face.” My niece made me stop and think when she requested we call each other more. I texted a dear friend recently who has been battling lung cancer for the last eight years. I told her I was praying for her. Two days later, she passed away. I can still hear her voice the last time she and her husband met us for breakfast at McDonald’s, just a few weeks ago. Her laughter, her wonderful sense of humor, her positive attitude that has been a blessing to so many. If I had called my niece that day, I would have heard the confusion and pain in her voice. She would have heard how much I cared, and we would have talked to each other differently than our text messaging.

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

voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2021 | 9

Fun Activities to Enjoy this Spring W

ith its increased sunshine and warmer temperatures, spring is a beloved time of year. For those who live in areas where the weather changes dramatically throughout the year, spring can be a respite from the snow and also a chance to enjoy the outdoors prior to the arrival of the muggy, hot days of summer. Families can create a bucket list of entertaining and perhaps educational spring activities. Those who want to try something new can explore these ideas. • Check out a cherry blossom showcase. Cherry trees are popular and beautiful trees that flower in the spring. Their masses of pink and white blossoms are one of the first signals that winter has ended. Cherry tree varieties bloom over the course of several weeks, and climate will dictate how early or late these trees will showcase their spectacular flowers. Visit public gardens and other areas known for their dramatic cherry blossom displays. • Watch a sunrise or sunset. Take advantage of longer days by enjoying nature’s light show. Wake up extra early and start the day with the sunrise. If you’re not a 10 | March 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

morning person, then wait until the last of the amber and red streaks light the sky and watch the sun drop below the horizon. • Fly a kite. There is a reason why the adage “March goes in like a lion and comes out like a lamb” is so fitting. Early spring weather can be gusty and unpredictable. Take advantage of windy conditions by flying a kite by the coast or in an open field. • Head to a farm. Spring is not only about the rebirth of trees and flowers, but also a prime time for various animals to give birth to their young. A visit to an area farm or petting zoo can be a great way to catch a glimpse of some of these adorable little as they enter and adapt to their new environments. • Check out a small town. Take a road trip to an out-ofthe-way hamlet. Spend the entire day there shopping, dining and supporting a small town community. • Enjoy al fresco dining. While outdoor dining during the pandemic may have been done as a necessity, do not forget how it also can be a relaxing way to enjoy a meal. Find a restaurant with a particularly scenic backdrop and dine outdoors. • Visit a thrift shop or flea market. Spring cleaning can serve as the catalyst for people to put items on sale. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Spring can be a great time to shop for antiques as well. • Go horseback riding. Enjoy the scenery on the back of a majestic mare or spectacular stallion. Spring is a perfect season to enjoy various activities.

Getting a Head Start on Gardening By April Hensley

obody could be faulted for not wanting to be outside much in March. Winter is receding while spring is trying to slip in, leading to a lot of yucky weather. It seems it would be much easier to sit by a window with a hot drink watching the blowing wind and rain instead of braving the harsh elements.

But, there are perfect weather days in March too, days that get us excited for planting, growing, and looking forward to cheery blooms and tasty vegetables. Those days make us want to rush out and start planting, but we know there will be more frost ahead. That doesn’t mean we can’t start getting our gardens ready, though. The simple and quick things we do outdoors now, the bigger the head start we will have later. • Kick back with some seed catalogs and plan what you want to grow this year. Then start your seeds indoors now so they will be ready to transplant. • Build raised beds. Construct the wooden frames and fill with nutrient rich soil and compost. • Start uncovering plants that were mulched in the fall so the spring rains and warming sunshine can reach them. • Plant cold, hardy, plants in the ground, like spinach, kale, peas, onions, and potatoes. You may need to lightly cover with leaves, straw, or mulch to protect against any severe cold. • Check your compost pile. Early spring is an excellent time to give it a good turning and remove compost that is ready to us. • Fertilize trees, bushes, flowers, perennials, and garden plants like strawberries, rhubarb, and asparagus. Top off garden beds with compost.

• Put black plastic down to warm the ground if it is still frozen hard. This will help thaw it out. • Weed, weed, weed. Some invasive plants grow all winter. Get a head start and get ahead of it before the roots reach deep into the soil. • Clean up any dead plants and stalks left from fall. • Look over any lawn tools and equipment to see if they need maintenance and repairs. If they need to go to be serviced you will beat the spring rush. • Check any ivy and vines you have growing to see if they have gotten out of hand over the winter and need trimmed. • Inspect structures, trees, and bushes for winter storm damage.

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

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Safety First When Power Washing Your Home this Spring

ower washing is a great way to give a home a fresh, clean look in spring. But there’s more to power than simply renting the right equipment and getting to work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that there are many risks associated with using power washers. For instance, the CDC says strong spray from power washers can cause serious wounds that initially seem minor. However, such wounds can lead to infection or disability if left untreated. In addition, if manufacturer safety instructions are not followed, electric shock can occur due to improper use. The CDC urges homeowners who determine they can safely handle power washers to take these additional safety steps to make sure the process of cleaning their home exteriors goes smoothly. • Never point a pressure washer at yourself or others • Do not attempt to push or move objects with spray from the washer. If anything is in your way, turn the power washer off and then move the obstruction.

• Never use a gasoline powered washer in an enclosed space, which can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. • Always test the ground fault circuit interrupter (circuit breaker or outlet) before using a pressure washer. • Always plug a properly grounded pressure washer into a properly grounded receptacle. • If an extension cord must be used, keep the pressure washer’s power cord connection out of and away from any standing water, and use a heavy duty extension cord with components rated for use in wet locations. • Wear rubber-soled shoes that provide some insulation when using the pressure washer. • Never cut or splice the pressure washer’s power cord or extension cords. • Never remove the grounding prong from the pressure washer’s power cord plug or the extension cord. • Pause the project if a circuit breaker is tripped. Always have a qualified electrician check the pressure washer for electrical problems after it has tripped a circuit breaker. • Never allow children to operate a pressure washer. Keep children at a safe distance when an adult is using a pressure washer. Power washing can give a home a whole new look after a winter’s worth of dirt and grime builds up on the home’s exterior. Safety must remain the utmost priority when operating a power washer on your own.

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Tips to Revitalize a Lawn After a Long Winter • Clear out debris. Remove any scattered leaves, branches and other debris that has been strewn across the property. • Dry out snow mold. To alleviate snow mold, rake the lawn to loosen matted grass and facilitate the drying-out process. • De-thatch the lawn. De-thatching helps to remove dead grass blades and separate any matting. • Aerate the soil. Coupled with dethatching, aeration involves loosening the soil or poking holes to allow nutrients to move freely to the roots. • Kill weeds before they spread. Weeds may be the first to start growing when the weather begins to warm. • Overseed the lawn. Chances are there are some bare spots that have formed over the winter. • Apply nutrients. Fertilizer and compost can restore nutrients to the lawn that may have been used up over winter.

The Average Timelines for Popular Renovation Projects

ome renovation projects are significant undertakings. Working with skilled and experienced contractors can ensure projects go smoothly and are completed promptly. Timing is a big consideration for homeowners as they begin renovating their homes, and the home improvement experts at HomeAdvisor note that the following are some general timelines for popular renovation projects. • Home addition: Short of a full-scale demolition and rebuild, home additions are the most time-consuming projects homeowners can undertake. HomeAdvisor notes that its survey of customers who recently completed home addition projects reported that the average time from start to finish was between three and four months. Certain variables, including the scale of the project and the local permits process, can extend the time it takes to complete a home addition. • Kitchen remodel: Scale is a big factor to consider when estimating the time it takes to complete various home improvement projects, and kitchen remodels are no exception. Some HomeAdvisor users reported

projects taking as long as four months, though the average time reported was roughly six weeks. Projects that require major overhauls like rearranging the plumbing and moving walls will likely take longer than more cosmetic projects that are limited to replacing cabinets and countertops. • Bathroom remodel: More than 1,000 homeowners surveyed by HomeAdvisor reported that bathroom remodels took about 4.5 weeks from start to finish. Small-scale remodels that focus on painting the walls a fresh color and replacing existing tiles can be completed in less than two weeks. But like with kitchen is here to introduce you to merchants, needed services, remodels, bathroom remodels that involve replacing and all cultural aspects of your new home area. The GOOD NEWS is you have moved to a region of the plumbing fixtures and removing walls figure to take south that is full of “friends you just haven’t met!” much longer than that. • Siding installation: HomeAdvisor users report that new siding projects take roughly two weeks from start to finish. That estimate is the same regardless of which materials homeowners are replacing and installing. Call for your free in-home visit and shopping bag of goodies! • Replacement windows: Homeowners who want Call Benita to learn more! 423.202.1679 to replace all the windows in their home can expect such a project to take roughly three weeks. HomeAdThinking About Buying or Selling visor notes that such a timeline need Your Home this Year? not concern homeowners worried that “I am a local Realtor working in the local market they will be forced to brave the elefor over the past fifteen years. I can help you as life Robin Miller ments during the length of the project. brings the many changes to all of us. So whether Real Estate Much of a contractors’ time during a you’re moving in or moving out, I can help.” Professional window replacement project will be spent on upfront measuring and then Office – 423.722.3223 • Direct – 423.647.9476 ensuring a tight fit once the windows 508 Princeton Rd., Ste. 106 • Johnson City, TN have been installed. RealtorRobinMiller@gmail.com www.premierhomestn.com

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2021 | 13

Should I DIY? 3 Questions to Determine If It’s Best to Renovate On Your Own

do-it-yourself mentality has taken hold in millions of households across the globe. Popular television channels like HGTV and DIY Network as well as accessible home improvement content on apps like YouTube has

inspired many homeowners to tackle renovation projects around their homes. Taking such initiative is admirable, though it also can prove costly if homeowners end up biting off more than they can chew. No two homeowners are the same, but the following three questions can help homeowners determine if DIY is their best option.

1. Can I afford to DIY? Professional home improvement projects are costly for a variety of reasons. Materials can be costly, but so are the tools and labor necessary to do the job right. Homeowners may not have the tools necessary to complete complicated projects. Specialty tools can be expensive to purchase or even rent, and the cost of acquiring such tools should be included in any DIY project cost estimates. Labor also factors heavily into professional projects, and for good reason. Talented contractors have unique skills that have been developed and perfected over many years. Those skills can ensure projects are completed quickly and correctly. Projects that are minor in scope and don’t require the use of potentially costly specialty tools may be better suited for weekend warriors than more complicated renovations.

2. Do I have the time? Homeowners must determine how much time they have to complete a project before deciding to do it themselves. No one wants to spend months staring at an unfinished renovation 14 | March 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

project. Homeowners who are already pressed for time may not be able to complete projects in a timely fashion, which can make homes less comfortable and even less safe.

3. Can I pull this off? DIY projects can instill homeowners with a sense of pride in their homes, but it’s imperative that homeowners considering the DIY option conduct an honest assessment of their skills. A lack of renovation experience does not necessarily mean a homeowner cannot successfully complete a DIY project. But in such instances, it may be best to start with small, straightforward projects and then gradually move up to bigger, more complicated projects as skills are fine tuned. Homeowners who have never been at their best with a hammer in hand should not be ashamed to leave the work to the professionals. Television shows and online tutorials can make renovations appear easier than they actually are. Homeowners considering DIY renovations can ask themselves a handful of questions to determine if they’re ready for the challenge of renovating their homes on their own.

Outdoor Improvements That Boost Home Value

hether home improvement projects are design to improve the interior or exterior of a house, focusing on renovations that make the most financial sense can benefit homeowners in the long run. The right renovations can be assets if and when homeowners decide to sell their homes. So how does one get started? First and foremost, speak to a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about trends in the community. While a swimming pool may be something coveted in one area, it may impede sales in another. It also helps to study generalized trends and data from various home improvement industry analysts to guide upcoming projects. The following outdoor projects are just a few renovations that tend to add value. • Fire pit: A fire pit is a great place to gather most months of the year. Bob Vila and CBS news report that a fire pit realizes a 78 percent return on investment, or ROI. • Outdoor kitchen: Many buyers are looking to utilize their yards as an extension of interior living areas. Cooking, dining and even watching TV outdoors is increasingly popular. Outdoor living areas can be custom designed and built. In addition, prefabricated modular units that require a much smaller commitment of time and money are available. • Patio: Homeowners who do not already have a patio will find that adding one can increase a home’s value. Patios help a home look neat, add useable space and may help a home to sell quickly. The experts at Space Wise, a division of Extra Space Storage, say that refinishing, repairing and building a new patio offers strong ROI. • Deck: Deck can be as valuable as patios. A deck is another outdoor space that can be used for entertaining, dining and more. Remodeling magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report indicates that an $11,000 deck can add about $9,000 in resale value to the home, recouping around 82 percent of the project’s costs. • Door update: Improve curb appeal with a new, high-end front door and garage doors. If that’s too expensive, a good cleaning and new coat of paint can make an old door look brand new. These easy fixes can improve a home’s look instantly.

• New landscaping: The National Association of Realtors says an outdoor makeover that includes well-thought out landscaping can net 105 percent ROI. Installing a walkway, adding stone planters, mulching, and planting shrubs are ideas to consider.

DIY Strategies to Deep-Clean Carpeting • Spot clean stains—stores sell a bevy of carpet cleaning solutions. • Deep cleaning—use a specialized cleaning machine (for purchase or rent). • Clear the furniture—remove all of the furniture from a room and vacuum. Address any darker stains first by pretreating with a cleaning solution. Let sit for around 20 minutes. Never allow the machine to oversaturate the carpet with water, as it can get into the padding and subfloor, causing problems like mold or wood damage. Spray the water-detergent solutions, and then pass the carpet cleaner over spots repeatedly until the carpet feels only slightly damp. • Remove shoes—taking off shoes when entering the home can keep carpets clean and reduce wear and tear. voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2021 | 15

Yosemite

National Park

Article and Photographs By Nancy Binder

osemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in central California. It is about 135 miles from Fresno and about 70 miles from Merced. The park is 1189 square miles, or about the size of Rhode Island. President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill creating the Yosemite Grant on June 30, 1864. It was the first park designated for preservation and public use by the United States. It set the precedent for Yellowstone to become the first national park. Tourism to the park increased after the first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869. Stagecoach roads were built in the 1870s to provide access to the park. John Muir, the Father of our National Parks, took President Theodore Roosevelt on a camping trip in Yosemite in 1903 which persuaded President Roosevelt to protect the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove by putting these two areas under the protection of Yosemite National Park. About 4 million people visit each year. The Ahwahnee Hotel, the grand dame of “parkitecture,” was the goal of Stephen T. Mather, head of the National Park Service. He wanted a luxury accommodation that would attract prominent tourists. Gilbert Stanley Underwood was hired to design a grand hotel. He also designed the Zion Lodge, Bryce Canyon Lodge, and Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge. The hotel sits beneath the Royal Arches rock formation in Yosemite Valley with views of Glacier Point, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. The 100 room hotel was built of granite, steel, and lumber. The exterior looks like timbers, but is actually stained concrete that was poured into molds to simulate wood patterns, making the building more fireproof. The hotel was completed in 1927 at a cost of $1,225,000. It took 11 months to build. The interior has a Native American and Art Deco motif with some Middle Eastern influence. The dining room was built to accommodate 1,000 guests but was scaled back to seat 350 guests. In 1943 the United States Navy took over the building to use as a convalescent hospital for war casualties. After the war, the hotel resumed service to tourists, and over the years have upgraded the building with fire safety systems, a swimming pool, and elevators. Walking through the public spaces in the building allowed us to admire the huge 16 | March 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Merced River

El Capitan sandstone fireplaces, the interior decorating, and the fabulous views through the floor to ceiling windows. In Yosemite Valley we were overwhelmed with the waterfalls, the river, views of El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, and the mountains. El Capitan is the most famous of the granite cliffs as the sheer rock face is popular with skilled continued on next page

Ahwahnee Hotel

Merced River climbers. The Native people were the Ahwahnechee meaning “dwellers in Ahwahnee.” Their name for El Capitan was Tutokanula. Their legend says the rock was created when animal people lived and two little bear cubs fell asleep on a large flat rock by the river. The rock grew until the cubs’ faces touched the moon. The mother bear asked all the animals to help rescue the cubs, but none could. Then the little inchworm (tutokanula) slowly climbed the giant rock and led the cubs back to earth safely. The monolith was given the name El Capitan by the Mariposa Battalion when they explored the valley in 1851. It is granite that was carved by glacial action. You can reach the top of El Capitan on a hiking trail next to Yosemite Falls, but the challenge is climbing the sheer granite face. The most popular and historical route is The Nose, which is the prow between the two main faces. It was first climbed in 1958 by three men in 47 days using ropes. The first solo climb of The Nose was in 1960. The first woman to climb The Nose route was Beverly Johnson with a male companion in June 1973. In 1978 Beverly Johnson was the first woman to solo El Capitan. In 1993 Lynn Hill established the first free ascent of The Nose. The oldest woman to climb El Capitan is Dierdre Wolownick, mother to Alex Honnold, who was 66 when she succeeded to the top. Alex Honnold comBridal pleted the first free solo climb of El Capitan in June 2017 in 3 hours and 56 minutes, and was filmed for the 2018 documentary, Free Solo. Amazingly, only 30 fatalities have been recorded from 1905 to 2018.

Waterfalls abound in Yosemite from melting snow and small glaciers. Many of the waterfalls are dry in the summer. We were there in late February a few years ago, and the waterfalls were spectacular. A number of hiking trails are available near the falls, but you can easily walk to the base of several of them in Yosemite Valley. Deer were grazing and seemed unperturbed by the park visitors. Black bears were once famous for breaking into parked cars to steal food, and they were a tourist photo op at the garbage dumps. When conflicts between bears and humans became more frequent, the park service cleaned up the dumps, installed bear-proof containers for garbage, bear-proof lockers to store food, and encouraged people to not leave food in vehicles. Bears who are aggressive to humans are usually destroyed, so today they use rubber bullets to discourage bears near humans. About 30 bears a year are captured, ear-tagged, and their DNA is sampled so that when bear damage happens, rangers can determine which bear is causing the problem. Yosemite is a beautiful park to visit. There are far more activities than I can describe here. I hope that one day you will visit the park and enjoy it yourself. Veil Falls

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Nancy Binder is a retired application software developer turned freelance writer combining her love of travel with her desire to share her experiences. She is passionate about exploring the outdoors and has been “bitten by the African safari bug,” now her favorite travel destination. Contact her with comments or travel questions at nancybinder@sbcglobal.net. voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2021 | 17

NEW RELEASES

“every story needs a book”

OUT NOW!

asy when you are a dog g a friend always hurts, too much to bear. How do metimes, you have all you kyard.

Monkey’s New Friend

celyn M. Lacey, Author of Pierre the Peacock and Coral’s First Sleepover

Dale P. Rhodes, Sr.

is an author from Central Virginia. Rhodes’ accomplishments include several Christian fiction novels, as well as a book of poetry. Monkey's New Friend is the first in Rhodes’ Backyard Adventure Series for young readers.

OPYRIGHT 2020 N-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC NCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

Shell Racers

Written by Jesse Robertson Illustrated by Blake Marsee Explore the adventures of two turtles Explore the adventures of two turtles who chose to race for a cabbage instead of sharing. They soon find out that who chose to race for a cabbage they both lose in the end. instead of sharing. They soon find out that they both lose in the end.

Monkey’s New Friend

a reminder to appreciate who inds you to live in the present at you no longer have. Everyday w the surprises of what lies in

Backyard Adventure Series

Written by Dale P. Rhodes, Sr. Life is not always easy when you are a dog named Monkey. Losing a friend always hurts, but losing two can be too much to bear. How do you keep going? Sometimes, you have all you need in your own backyard.

Dale P. Rhodes, Sr.

FICTION

Hope House Girls Series

Book Five

ichelle Meets Her Match follows Michelle through her pediatric residency at Johns Hopkins University, where she falls in love with a fellow resident who is from South Africa. His father is a diamond merchant, and both he and the doctor’s mother meet Michelle before they are married in the USA. As dual citizens the couple travel back and forth between the two countries sharing their families. The two of them are united around the care of critically ill children.

Charlotte S. Snead

lives with her husband, a practicing orthopedic surgeon, in rural West Virginia. After being selected as the recipient of the Jan-Carol Publishing 2016 Believe and Achieve Award, Charlotte decided to continue her writing of the Hope House Girls Series, which is based on faith and family. Her many published articles and some of her short stories may be viewed at her website/ blog: www.charlottesnead.com. She is on Facebook and Twitter @Charlotte Snead.

Charlotte S. Snead

Michelle Meets Hope House Girls Series Her Match Written by Charlotte S. Snead Michelle Meets Her Match follows Michelle through her M University, where pediatric residency at Johns Hopkins she falls in love with a fellow resident who is from South Africa. His father is a diamond merchant and both he and the doctor’s mother meet Michelle before they are married in the USA. As dual citizens the couple travel back and forth between the two countries sharing their families. The two of them are united around the care of critically ill children.

Michelle Meets Her Match

CHARLOTTE S. SNEAD

Michelle Meets Her Match Hope House Girls Series

Book Five

CinDer Finn’s Fairy Godmother

n’s

mother

i Major depicts a unique and her fairy godmother. Much of to Gail’s real life relationship odmother teaches young ones ed with a magical energy and

Written by

Gail Baccelli Major

GAIL BACCELLI MAJOR

Illustrated by Teresa

Wilkerson

Written by Gail Baccelli Major Illustrated by Teresa Wilkerson In CinDer Finn’s Fairy Godmother Gail Baccelli Major depicts a unique and exciting relationship between a young girl and her fairy godmother. Much of this beautiful story is inspired by and dedicated to Gail’s real life relationship with her own godmother. CinDer Finn’s Fairy Godmother teaches young ones that deep and meaningful relationships are filled with a magical energy and can offer a lifetime of rewards and love.

ewspaper reporter, Madison Pope, begins her welldeserved vacation in the coastal town of Eagle Hills, North Carolina. A chance encounter with the local cop stirs her emotions and awakens her hidden desires. Complicated by a heinous murder and a seductive battle of wills, can Madison relinquish her control and satisfy her sexual cravings?

Book 2 of the Eagle Hills Trilogy Written by Kristine Cabot Newspaper reporter, Madison Pope, begins her welldeserved vacation in the coastal town of Eagle Hills, North Carolina. A chance encounter with the local cop stirs her emotions and awakens her hidden desires. Complicated Cabot by a heinous murder and a seductiveKristinebattle of wills, can Madison relinquish her control and satisfy her sexual cravings? “Dark Passion in Eagle Hills is another winner from Kristine Cabot. Adult situations, romance, and sexual encounters combined with a murder mystery make for the perfect book to curl up with on a cozy night. I particularly like the realistic dialogue and character action. Thoroughly enjoyed it!”

Dark Passion In Eagle Hills

Dark Passion in Eagle NHills

Dark Passion In Eagle Hills

—Dale Crotts, author of The Reckoning

“Kristine Cabot takes the reader for a ride to a small town where Madison Pope, a vacationing newspaper reporter, finds mystery, sex, and murder. This is a book readers won’t want to put down!”

Kristine Cabot

is the pen name of a well-known author who has published in various genres. The Eagle Hills Trilogy features adult content, love, and murder. The first book in the Eagle Hills Series, Soaring Passion in Eagle Hills, is available in bookstores and Amazon.

18 | March 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

KRISTINE CABOT

— Linda Hudson Hoagland, author of The Lindsay Harris Murder Mystery Series

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.

Kristine Cabot

Journey to Your Self — How to Heal from Trauma Written by Someone Who Did

Written by Sandra Cooze Trauma takes you away from who you are. It makes it impossible to live a life of fulfillment, ease, and joy. The stories it weaves can become a cage that traps your essence, keeping you from truly living in the world. It’s time to heal. Sandra Cooze shares her path of healing from multiple traumas and the tools she used to come back home to herself. Included in her toolbox are: Reclaim your life. Heal your trauma. Let Sandra show the way. —Stephanie Renaud, B.A., B.Ed., Author, Editor, Coach

Fireflies DancingW in the Night

hen Luna begins to see the pink petals of the blossoming dogwood outside her classroom,

spring fever quickly turns to thoughts of summer Written by Kathleen M. Jacobs vacation and her family’s annual trip to visit relatives the Midwest. They soon pack their car with everyWhen Luna begins to seeinthing the pink petals they need, including Luna’s pet hedgehog, Thistle, dreaming of watching the flickering fireflies of the blossoming dogwood outside her dancing in the night. Fireflies Dancing in the Night is a story of the innocence of youth, the timeless classroom, spring fever quickly turns tobeauty of nature, and the interwoven intricacies of the ties that bind us one to the other. thoughts of summer vacation and her family’s annual trip to visit relatives in the Midwest. They soon pack their car with everything they need, including Luna’s pet hedgehog, Thistle, dreaming of watching the flickering fireflies dancing in the night. Fireflies Dancing in the Night is a story of the innocence of youth, the timeless beauty of nature, and the interwoven intricacies of the ties that bind us one to the other.

Fireflies Dancing in the Night

The Origin Society: Us Book 2

Written by Billy Dixon In Billy Dixon’s first book in the series, They, Jess and Jace Grisham survived a harrowing adventure to find their father and expose the truth that aliens have been visiting Earth for years. In Us, “They” have arrived and nothing will ever be the same. The battle for the future of the planet is just beginning. The Erdeans, a race of highly-advanced locust-like creatures, are arriving in force to strip our world of the rarest natural resource in the galaxy. The only hope is to stop them before their full alien army can arrive. Can Jess and Jace survive an alien invasion and a government under Erdean control? They are here. Survival is up to us.

Kathleen M. Jacobs

Ask the Book Editor Judi Light Hopson

March 31st is National Crayon Day

Crayons bring fond memories of childhood artistry in full color. This year, celebrate one of America’s most beloved toys by reading The Crayon (W)Rapper with your little one! The Crayon (W)Rapper by Cheryl Livingston centers on Green, a cheery crayon known as The Crayon Rapper! Green uses rhyming patterns in a rap music beat to describe the adventures of his multi-hued pals. Buy a copy through Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

Appalachian Authors Guild March 9, 2021, the Appalachian Authors Guild will be holding a Zoom meeting from 1 to 3 pm. Anyone wishing to meet in person at the Small Business Incubator at 851 French Moore Jr. Blvd, Abingdon, VA, may do so. If you want a link to take part in the Zoom meeting, please contact Victoria Fletcher at vflecter56@gmail.com. This meeting is the Meet the AAG Authors and members are encouraged to attend and present a 3–4 minute talk to introduce themselves and tell about their books or genre(s).

Judi, my friend recently informed me that my novel is not an original. She declares my plot is too close to another book she’s read. However, she cannot recall the title of it. I’m worried. Did I inadvertently plagiarize someone else’s work? Help! —Anna K., Pittsburg PA

Anna, stay cool. Unless you sat down and copied a plot verbatim, which I’m sure you didn’t, don’t give this a second thought. My assessment is that there could be a little jealousy involved. Let your friend get busy earning her own “fifteen minutes of fame.” –Judi Light Hopson

EXPERT BOOK EDITING SERVICES

Make Your Writing Dream Come True! Every person has a story to tell. Why not dedicate yourself to writing that novel or nonfiction book soon? Let’s work together to make your dream a reality!

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

13180 Meadowview Square • Meadowview, VA • (276) 944-5140 voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2021 | 19

This Month’s Featured Books

Curb Your Spring Fever with These Appalachian-Themed Reads!

Broken Petals 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.

Easter Lilies

Wild Daisies

This short story collection, Easter Lilies, captures the very essence of the flower. Colorful and thoughtful, these stories are pure in their heartfelt joy and hope in their interpretation of the many petals that

Wild Daisies is a collection of short stories which capture the essence of the flowers; surviving and carrying on with beauty and grace.

make up the beauty in our lives.

Buddy by Jacqueline Krafft Buddy will serve as a teaching/learning tool. It is a book about seasons, science, color appreciation, and family. The teaching tools are demonstrated through Buddy, a beautifully illustrated leaf who seeks adventures and struggles to learn patience and acceptance of his situation. He learns the importance of responsibility to his family. This book is rich in vocabulary. Little imaginations will take flight, and their observance about the active world around them will be greatly enhanced.

Jan-Carol Publishing Books

Order this book directly from JCP — for a discounted price and FREE shipping! Call 423-926-9983. (Sale Ends March 31, 2021)

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

Help Me! I’m Stuck! By Jim Liebelt

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:4 KJV Interpretation: “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

ne day, a centipede walked by a tree where a wise old owl was perched. The owl asked the centipede, “You have so many legs! How do you know which one to move next?” The centipede froze in his tracks. He started thinking. He didn’t know which leg to move so he couldn’t move any. He cried to the owl, “Help me! I’m stuck!” The owl said, “My little friend, you are stuck because you are too focused on yourself. When you are focused on what is going on in the world around you, you have no thoughts about how to move. You simply move.” The centipede looked out to the horizon and saw the sun setting. “How beautiful,” the centipede said. Just then, his legs were freed and he began to walk again.

A young woman’s life turns upside down when her father, who was her best friend, suddenly dies. Throughout her pain, she decides to turn her tragedy into triumph by writing a collection of poems in memory of her father. Her faith in God gave her the strength to survive such a challenging time in her life. This collection of poems gives hope to people who suffered the loss of their father and will show how God brings restoration through hope and prayer. This collection is my poetry journey from pain to purpose for Christians who can identify with the loss of a loved one.

Available:

www.patricewilkerson.com www.amazon.com

It’s been reported that Dr. Karl Menninger, a famous psychologist, once gave a lecture on mental health. During a question and answer session that followed his lecture, he was asked, “What advice would you give someone who felt a nervous breakdown coming on?” He replied, “Lock up your house, go across the railway tracks, find someone in need and do something to help that person.” Both the story and anecdote above remind me that when we focus on ourselves—on our problems and circumstances—we can become inwardly paralyzed, preventing us from being everything that God intends for us to be, including serving others effectively. We can freeze in our own tracks. Following Christ is not primarily an exercise in introspection, but rather of reaching out to others and lovingly serving them in His name. In times when I’ve been in tough situations, or have felt sorry for myself for some reason, I’ve experienced release from my anxiety by changing my focus to others and getting myself involved in serving. Routine self-evaluation is healthy. An obsession with self is not. Today, if you are feeling paralyzed by the weight of a difficult personal situation, I encourage you to shift your focus from yourself to the Son and find someone you can serve in His name. The weight will seem lighter and you will start moving again. Source: www.homeword.com

Rev Donald Lee Umbarger of Bristol, Virginia, a beloved Jan-Carol Publishing author, recently passed away. In retirement, Rev Umbarger continued his daily walk by faith in God, God’s promises, God’s word, and his love of gospel music. He enjoyed gardening and providing his surplus of garden vegetables to many neighbors in his community and to the local agencies helping the poor. After talking about publishing a book for many years, Rev Umbarger published his book in 2020, Tweets From Another Donald. He will be missed and JCP sends their condolences to his family and friends.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2021 | 21

Best-Ever Brussels Sprouts Maple Bacon

Brussels Sprouts Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, cut in half (or quarters if large) and stem ends trimmed. (The key is to keep them roughly the same size for even roasting.) By Pam Blair

f you think you hate Brussels sprouts, this recipe will change your mind! The secret to loving them is cooking them the right way. Maybe you grew up eating Brussels sprouts that were boiled and cooked until they were mushy, resulting in a yucky taste and texture. It’s time to give them another chance! There are plenty of reasons to re-visit this nutritional powerhouse—they are loaded with fiber and antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and they may reduce inflammation from chronic diseases. Plus, bonus alert! They are also low in carbs and calories. Need more reasons to try them? Brussels sprouts are cute and look like mini cabbages, which is not surprising since they are a close cousin to cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and collard greens. Not only are they super beneficial for good health, but also when prepared correctly they taste so delicious you’ll want to eat them all the time. Roasting the sprouts is the key to creating little flavor bombs that are tender, caramelized, and crispy, and this recipe knocks it out of the park.

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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.

22 | March 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup (not the artificial kind!) 4 slices bacon, cut into ½ inch pieces ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2. Place Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with the olive oil and maple syrup and toss to coat everything. Sprinkle the bacon on top and season with salt and pepper. 3. Roast in the preheated oven until bacon is crispy and sprouts are caramelized, about 40 minutes total, stirring once halfway through roasting.

How Exercise Can Help You Live Longer

here are many reasons to get in shape. Weight loss is a prime motivator, as is reversing a negative health effect, such as high cholesterol or increased diabetes risk. Routine exercise also can improve life expectancy. Research published in the journal Immune Aging found that how people age is 75 percent lifestyle and only 25 percent genetics, which underscores the importance of the lifestyle choices people make.

Cardiorespiratory fitness Many health experts say that cardiorespiratory fitness may be just as valuable a metric to determine overall health as blood pressure and lipid levels. People with a high aerobic capacity can deliver oxygen to tissues and cells efficiently to fuel exercise, according to data published in 2014 in the journal Aging & Disease.

Manage stress and mood Exercise has direct stress-busting benefits that can promote longevity. The Mayo Clinic says physical activity can increase the production of endorphins, which are the body’s feel-good neurotransmitters. In addition, exercise can imitate the effects of stress, helping the body adjust its flight or fight response accordingly, and help them cope with mildly stressful situations. While engaged in exercise, people may forget about their problems as they are focused on the activity at hand.

Addresses sarcopenia The health and wellness resource Healthline defines sarcopenia as the loss of muscle mass specifically related to aging. Doctors once considered this muscle loss inevitable, and it can affect stamina and lead to weakness. However, new indications suggest that exercise is the main treatment regimen for sarcopenia, particularly resistance training. This is designed to improve muscle strength and help balance hormone levels by turning protein into energy for older adults. These are just some of the ways exercise can help older adults live longer, healthier lives.

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Improve bone health Strength training and physical activity can stave off the effects of frailty and osteoporosis, which affects bone strength. A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2017 found that hip fractures are associated with diminished quality of life and survival among the elderly. One in three adults aged 50 and over dies within 12 months of suffering a hip fracture, and older adults have a five- to eight-times greater risk of dying within three months following a hip fracture. Building muscle strength, balance and bone density through exercise can reduce falls and frailty, helping to prevent fracture-related health risks.

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423.262.0444 voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2021 | 23

Understanding Wants and Needs By Cindy K. Sproles

he isolation COVID-19 has incurred on our seniors has been massive. Even for loved ones living in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, family members and staffing employees are stretched to the max. Meeting essential needs is growing more difficult. Families blessed to still have their seniors understand that along with aging come challenges. The process of aging itself physically short changes seniors by lessening certain skill levels and personal understanding. Patience is shorter, wants become immediate needs, and memory lags cause comprehension problems. In essence, what used to be something that could wait a few days, suddenly becomes a fixation. Parents who were accustomed to running errands and taking hold of their own needs are suddenly thrust into quarantine and now unable to make even short runs to the store or the doctor. Coupling that, is the fact that things that normally sidetrack those “immediate needs thoughts,” are no longer present. There is little to nothing to stimulate the brain into occupying itself with other things. The sudden realization that a jug of orange juice may be nearing empty becomes a pressing issue that makes our loved ones think a want will soon become a dire need. Learning to help seniors recognize the level of importance can be a difficult road. • Be sensitive — As difficult as it is for a parent to be sensitive at times, it is equally the same for family members to remain sensitive, especially when a barrage of calls continue insisting it’s necessary right now. Remind loved ones that the need will be met on time. Walking them through all they currently have will help the panic of running out to dissipate. It’s important to remember our seniors were reared in a time when basic essentials were very difficult to secure. Seeing a near-empty bottle can easily resurrect old memories and incite fear. • Use humor — Sometimes the simple gesture of humor eases the fear of going without. Learn to 24 | March 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

gently insert tender teasing and fun stories to help divert a loved one’s fear. • Give a schedule — Let your loved one know errands are run on a specific day. Giving them a time frame helps them put dragging time into perspective. Then deliver when you say you will. • Help loved ones discern an immediate need from an upcoming need — When you are sequestered, time drags on and boredom sets in. Helping your senior find discernment engages their attention and their mind, and soon helps them settle. • Keep communications open — When you are alone communication is vital. Call your loved one several times a week. The grab of loneliness can be devastating, and yet a simple call and a gentle voice reminds seniors they are not forgotten but loved. These tips are basic to any senior living alone, be it through a pandemic or merely being alone in their home. The thought process is the same. Humans need contact. They need one another, and when that element of touch and communication is taken away we suffer. Keep a softened heart and show the love and care necessary to help keep your loved one on an even keel. They will fare much better, and in the process you have strengthened a precious relationship.

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

Why Seniors Are at Greater Risk for COVID-19

t has been more than a year since the world learned about the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Since December 2019, there have been tens of millions of reported cases and nearly two million deaths worldwide attributed to COVID-19, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering. The chances for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at the greatest risk, offers the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC further indicates that eight out of 10 COVID19 deaths reported in the United States have been in adults who are 65 and older. Compared to younger adults, older individuals are more likely to require hospitalization if they contract the illness. People between the ages of 75 and 84 are at eight-times more likely to be hospitalized and 220 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the youngest patients. There are some key reasons why older adults are at higher risk. Vineet Menachery, an immunologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch who studies coronaviruses and their effects on aging immune systems, older adults are more likely to suffer from underlying conditions that can hinder the body’s ability to recover from illness. In addition, a greater propensity for inflammation in the body and changes in the way the immune system responds with age are other mechanisms that increase seniors’ risk for COVID-19. Furthermore, COVID19 affects the part of the lungs that delivers oxygen to the bloodstream and removes carbon dioxide. As a person gets older, the lungs are not as elastic and this can affect gas exchange and other functions. Being older coupled with having cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes also can raise the threat level of COVID-19.

Seniors must be extra diligent to engage in behaviors that reduce their risks. Epidemiologists recommend the following: • Wash or sanitize hands whenever possible, especially upon entering and leaving public buildings. • Shop and travel during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning, to avoid crowds. • Use contactless payment methods rather than handling money. • Ask friends and family to do your shopping and run errands for you. • Wear masks over the nose and mouth and stay at least six feet away from others. • If the COVID-19 vaccine is available to you, ask your doctor more about it and get vaccinated if it’s safe to do so. Learn more about at-risk groups at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html.

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Many St. Patrick’s Day Traditions Are Not from Ireland St. Patrick’s Day is made special by various traditions. Everything from dyeing major cities’ rivers green to parades to enjoying green foods has become part of the pageantry of St. Patrick’s Day. The next time you raise a green beer to your lips, you may wonder which traditions are authentically Irish and which ones were created by regions with an abundance of Irish emigrants. Surprisingly, many seemingly Irish traditions likely began elsewhere. First parade It would be accurate to assume that various elements associated with St. Patrick’s Day began where St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, once resided, including the first St. Patrick’s Day parade. However, some of the first parades held in St. Patrick’s honor took place in two North American cities, New York and Boston, that had high numbers of Irish immigrants. But historians say the first ever St. Patrick’s Day parade was actually held in St. Augustine, Florida in 1601, a year after gunfire blasts were used to honor the saint. The parade may have been at the request of an Irish priest living there at the time. Corned beef and cabbage What would St. Patrick’s Day be without an authentic meal of corned beef and cabbage? This dish is not so authentic after all, and actually is an American innovation. Ham and cabbage was widely eaten in Ireland, but corned beef was a cheaper alternative found in America by immigrants. Therefore, corned beef became a staple of poor Irish immigrants living in lower Manhattan. The salted meat was boiled three times to remove some of the brine and make it palatable. Green beer Green beer is not an Irish custom, but an American one. The most common beer consumed in Ireland is Guinness, which is dark brown to black in color, making green dye useless in Irish pubs since it would be largely invisible in the stout.

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Wearing green According to The Christian Science Monitor, individuals in the United States started wearing green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the early 1700s. They believed it “made one invisible to leprechauns.” The official color for the holiday used to be a sky blue known as “St. Patrick’s Day Blue,” established during the reign of King George III. In addition to these traditions, specialty items, such as coffees and shakes, also are very popular. However, most of these do not have origins on the Emerald Isle, either. Yet, no matter where traditions began, there’s no denying St. Patrick’s Day has long inspired celebration.

Warm up with Irish Coffee The popularity of Irish coffee is undeniable, and some of that popularity likely stems from how easy it can be to make the drink at home. Though Irish coffee is a straightforward beverage, the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum offers the following tips for those who want to whip up a batch that would make Sheridan proud. 1. Preheat an Irish coffee glass by filling it with boiling water. Keep the water in the glass for 5 seconds, and then pour the water out.

2. Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and a good measure of Irish whiskey into the warmed glass. 3. Fill the glass to within 1 centimeter (a little less than half an inch) of the brim of the glass with hot and strong black coffee. Stir well so all of the brown sugar dissolves. 4. Carefully pour lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon. The goal is to ensure the cream floats on top of the coffee. 5. Do not stir after adding the cream. It’s important to avoid stirring because the Irish coffee will be most flavorful if you drink the coffee and whiskey through the cream.

A pint of Guinness might be a must for millions of St. Patrick’s Day celebrants across the globe. But those who want something a little warmer can try their hands at Irish coffee as they toast the patron saint of Ireland this March.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2021 | 27

COVID Update: The One Year Anniversary

s we are all aware, we are approaching the one year COVID anniversary. While the past year had its challenges, it has also given the YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia an opportunity for growth and change. Some hard decisions were made concerning programming, and changes were adopted to make the facility COVID compliant. Flexibility and modification

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were the key words in 2020. While it was not the year we had planned for, it has allowed us to prove our resilience as employees and as an organization. The YWCA child care center has made many modifications to ensure the health and safety of both staff and children. Like all buildings used by the public, the YWCA has implemented extra cleaning protocols, temperature checks and the staff wears masks in the building. We have also limited access to the building, this includes limiting parents. We have added an online system that allows frequent updates for parents while their child is at the center. Despite obstacles we have provided a safe, nurturing and enjoyable experience for all of the children at the center. Our TechGYRLS program has been focused on making connections and providing assistance virtually. With home deliveries and online support, participants are still able to enjoy enrichment activities and positive mentoring. TechGYRLS have access to virtual meetings with staff and fellow participants. The staff has been able to maintain connections and offer assistance when needed. The MOMS R US program has also taken education and support virtual. Deliveries of baby supplies and clothing are also part of the current program. The YWCA has managed to maintain programming and provide child care for essential workers throughout the pandemic. We have learned to quickly adapt to changes in guidelines while maintaining the integrity of our programs, and keeping them enjoyable for those participating. The staff has demonstrated the ability quickly to change and maintain standards.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | March 2021 | 29

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

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1. One of Noah’s sons 5. Openings 11. Rising from the dead 14. Expressions for humorous effect 15. North American country 18. Flowed over 19. Tags 21. Long-lasting light bulb 23. Off-Broadway theater award 24. Khoikhoi peoples 28. Beloved movie pig 29. South Dakota 30. Tai language 32. Get free of 33. Afflict 35. Transmits genetic information from DNA 36. Commercials 39. Digits 41. Expression of sympathy 42. Bleats 44. Swiss Nobel Peace Prize winner 46. Vegetable 47. Turf 49. Disorganized in character 52. Takes 56. Rules over 58. More fervid 60. Sweet drink 62. Cry loudly 63. A friendly nation

CLUES DOWN

1. A title of respect in India 2. His and __ 3. Employee stock ownership plan 4. A type of bond (abbr.) 5. Acting as if you are 6. Affirmative 7. Not caps 8. Type of medication 9. Monetary unit 10. Private school in New York 12. Small stream 13. A person of wealth 16. Exclude 17. Someone who vouches for you 20. Vegetable part 22. Gov’t lawyer 25. Term to address a woman 26. Swiss river 27. About senator 29. __ Paulo, city 31. Native American tribe 34. “Titanic” actor 36. Campaign for students’ rights (abbr.) 37. Capital of Senegal 38. Slang for military leader 40. Football’s big game 43. Women who threw themselves on funeral pyres 45. Equally 48. Forest animal 50. Heavy stoves 51. Releasing hormone (abbr.) 53. Song 54. Type of pickle 55. Offer in return for money 57. Soviet Socialist Republic 58. Burns wood (abbr.) 59. Beloved singer Charles 61. Three-toed sloth

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