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April 2021 | Volume 18 | Issue 4

April Hot Hunk Hunt!

Say ‘Yes to the Dress’ at Bristol Bridal

The March “Hot Hunk” was Matt Bomer in the JJ’s Vendor Mall ad.

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

Congratulations to: Barbara Cox Abingdon, VA as the winner in the March Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

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

What is ‘Maskne’ and How Do You Treat It? 6

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

Strong Women Strong Futures Campaign Launched

How Communities Can Recognize Nurses

Enjoy the Journey

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

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.

Deana Landers 10

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Seedling Care April Hensley 11

Cleaning Tips That Work Like Magic! Pam Blair 15

VoiceMale Ken Heath 27

National Grilled Cheese Month Recipes 28

Nancy Binder 16

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Jan-Carol Publishing Featured Books Spiritually Speaking

Where did I pick up my copy of Voice Magazine?

or e-mail: hothunk@voicemagazineforwomen.com Deadline for submission is April 20, 2021. PLEASE, ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD

Easter Trees Make Festive Spring Decorations

HOT HUNK LOCATION:

Mail this submission form to: Voice Magazine P.O. Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605

Jan-Carol Publishing New Releases

Recently, JCP learned that in July 2020 one of our local authors, Dr. Amanda Ellis O’Quinn of Cedar Bluff, Virginia, suddenly passed away. Those who knew her realized Amanda’s life revolved around her Lord and Savior, her family, her work, volunteer programs, and her many friends. Most recently she was a Professor of Psychology at Southwest Virginia Community College and a Christian Counselor at Healing Waters. Prior to that, she was the Director of Children’s and Family Ministries at Highlands Fellowship in Abingdon, and later at Community Heights Church in Wardell. She was also an author of a delightful, Christian themed children’s book, The Unlucky Donkey. Our deepest condolences go to her family and friends.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | April 2021 | 3

FREE Celebrating our 17th anniversary! We wouldn’t be here and there without all of you!

VOICE Speaks

n March 11, I displayed a new definition of March Madness. While March Madness is mostly defined as a sporting event craziness, the Urban Dictionary states it is a time to get to know yourself. I gave it a new definition on March 11, because that was the day that my business and personal checking accounts were compromised by a fraudulent transaction from Paypal. My world suddenly stopped when I received a notice that a transaction was coming through for $3,000 in Euros! I really got to know myself and exactly how I could react like a crazy woman. It’s been a two week nightmare of changing passcodes, phone calls, establishing new accounts, and questioning anything and everything. Yup—if you ever thought that I was paranoid, you now know that I am. So, I’m going to blame it on March Madness, and try to enjoy what’s comes next—April and spring fever! Spring Fever?! Yes—Spring Fever has a hold on me! With the past year of Covid keeping everyone mostly indoors and fearful, the warmer weather seems to bring a new awakening and more opportunities. That sets the stage for us here at JCP. Still cautious, but ready to move forward! In moving forward, Jan-Carol Publishing is in the planning stages of hosting its first virtual event. We will be able to bring those near and far to participate. Stay tuned for details, and stay in the know by following us through social media and our newsletter, and of course, Voice Magazine for Women. We will be offering free stuff, a question and answer session, delightful presentations and book readings, and lots more! 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 you if you have Gmail, please leave a good review for us on Google. Plus, did you know that you can buy JCP’s books locally? JCP books can be purchased from local businesses such as Mr. K’s in Johnson City, TN, Bubba’s Bookstore, in Kingsport, TN, and the newest location, Harvest Table Restaurant in Meadowview, VA. If you would like to retail JCP books in your business or set up an in person book signing, please give up a call. Sign up for our newsletter promoting a book of the month at a discounted retail price. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and join the fun of the ‘giveaways’ and other happenings. Thank you to all of you, and we hope all of you have a Happy Easter! Thought of the month: “Holding onto grievances is a decision to suffer.” — Gerald Jampolsky Verse of the month: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 NKJV

Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief

4 | April 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

LITTLE CREEK BOOKS MOUNTAIN GIRL PRESS EXPRESS EDITIONS ROSEHEART PUBLISHING DIGISTYLE FIERY NIGHT SKIPPY CREEK BROKEN CROW RIDGE “ 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 Katina Rose

Ken Heath Pam Blair

Sheila Wandell Deana Landers

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 4) 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.

Say ‘Yes to the Dress’ at Bristol Bridal

ind the dress of your dreams by making Bristol Bridal Station a part of your wedding planning! Bristol Bridal Station provides all of the amenities and quality of an upscale boutique for a fraction of the price. All of the gowns are new, couture gowns donated from boutiques and salons across the United States. Best of all, a purchase from Bristol Bridal Station helps support the women, children, and families served by the programs of YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Brides can save up to 75% off of the original price of a designer gown while the proceeds of their gown are directly supporting YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia programs. Programs such as sliding-scale child care, education and support for teen parents, and afterschool education for vulnerable, middle school age girls all benefit from your purchase at Bristol Bridal Station. Bridal consultants are available to assist with styles and gown selection, and our new retail shop location allows for a personalized, curated experience while staying within your budget! We receive new gowns on a regular basis, and carry a variety of sizes in designers such as Oscar De La Renta, Maggie Sottero, Essense of Australia, Stella York, Hailey Paige, and many more. Bristol Bridal Station is open by appointment only Tuesday through

Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Groups are limited to three people, and masks are required for the entirety of the appointment. Please call 423-573-1361 or email at bristolbridalstation@ywcatnva.org to make an appointment, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on new arrivals and specials! (Photographs Contributed)

voicemagazineforwomen.com | April 2021 | 5

What is ‘Maskne’ and How Do You Treat It?

ublic health guidelines advising people to wear masks have proven effective at slowing the spread of COVID19, but such recommendations have led to some unforeseen and unwanted side effects. For example, wearing masks that cover the lower portion of the face has led to an uptick in instances of acne. U.S. Dermatology Partners advises that regular mask wearing can lead to skin health issues, including flare-ups in chronic skin conditions. It’s become such a widespread issue that the term “maskne” has now become a part of the lexicon. According to Dr. Mona Gohara, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, maskne is a real thing. The most common kind is acne mechanica, which is the type of acne that occurs when something rubs up against the face. Oil, sweat, and a lack of fresh air to the

face can cause the formation of acne just about anywhere beneath protective masks. Health care workers may be especially susceptible, but just about anyone who wears a mask for an extended period of time may develop maskne. • Wash masks frequently. Those who opt for fabric masks should look for ones that are made of 100 percent cotton or silk for the most breathability. Also, wash the mask as frequently as possible to avoid reapplying dirt, oil and sweat to the face. • Follow single-use mask use. People who prefer disposable masks should use the mask and properly discard it after using it once. • Reduce beauty product usage. Consider going without face makeup under the mask to reduce the potential of it contributing to the formation of oil and bacteria. Otherwise, look for products that are noncomedogenic or oil-free. • Use gentle, fragrance-free products. Wash the face with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser each morning and night. Harsh products can further irritate the skin. • Try OTC products. Over-the-counter solutions of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may help treat acne. However, if acne does not improve within a week or two, visit a board-certified dermatologist.

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Easter Trees Make Festive Spring Decorations

aster is coming and it’s time to put up the tree. For those thinking right now that trees are for an entirely different Christian holiday, you are both right and wrong. Even though trees may be more widely associated with Christmas, Easter trees are an increasingly popular and festive tradition that trace their roots to Germany. The Easter tree is known as Ostereierbaum in Germany and is a centuries-old custom. Eggs are hung on outdoor tree branches and bushes or are placed on cut branches displayed inside. While the tradition is traced to Germany, German-influenced locales like Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Pennsylvania Dutch region of the United States also are popular places for Easter trees to appear. The displays can be as large or as small as one desires. Many Easter trees consist of a few branches placed in a vase decorated with flowers, ribbons and Easter eggs. Pussy willow branches work well, though any branches can stand in. When decorating Easter trees, families can use plastic eggs or even real ones. Using a

sharp knife or needle, make two small holes in a raw egg. Blow out the inside of the egg until the shell is hollow. Then decorate the egg and thread a ribbon through the holes so it can be hung on the tree. If desired, place sweet Easter treats, such as chocolate eggs or pastel-colored cupcakes, under the Easter tree. Decorating an outdoor tree also is possible and very visible. It can be a great way to share Easter blessings with others in the community.

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Industries Hiring During the Pandemic

he human toll of the pandemic has been devastating, and many people also have felt the economic impact of the pandemic. It’s difficult to determine a global unemployment rate, but sources including the International Monetary Fund and the World Economic Outlook Database have estimated that the unemployment rate in the United States by October 2020 was more than 5 percent higher than it was at the end of 2019. In Canada, the unemployment rate had reached 9.7 percent by October, which marked a roughly 4 percent increase compared to the end of 2019. Though many people who lost their jobs during the pandemic remain out of work, certain industries have grown during the pandemic. • Health care: The health care industry has been stretched thin during the pandemic, and that’s led to increased opportunities. In addition, industry forecasters have long pointed to a potential nursing shortage in the years to come. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that as many as two million nurses are expected to retire by 2022.

8 | April 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Those figures should lead to even more opportunities in a profession that is already facing a shortage of qualified candidates. • Technology: Many businesses transitioned to remote work during the pandemic, and that’s created opportunities for skilled technology professionals capable of facilitating such transitions. Recruiting industry professionals note that such positions may be offered on a contract-only basis, particularly by companies that ultimately want to return to in-office work after the pandemic has ended. However, some companies have extended their work-from-home policies into fall 2021, and some, including Google, have announced plans to support remote work indefinitely. So demand for skilled technology workers capable of helping companies run remotely could very well continue even after the economy has recovered from the pandemic. • E-commerce: The e-commerce industry did not need the pandemic to give it a boost. But e-commerce has certainly been relied on more heavily in the wake of social distancing restrictions and overall consumer hesitancy about in person shopping. Professionals with experience in web development and e-commerce may find their skills are in need, while online retailers like Amazon may be in need of workers to help with fulfillment and logistics. Though the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating, various industries have a need for qualified professionals.

Strong Women Strong Futures Campaign Launched New initiative encourages East Tennessee’s women and girls to pursue education beyond high school

he Women’s Fund of East Tennessee (WFET) and Children’s Center of the Cumberland; Girls Inc. of the a network of eight East Tennessee nonprofit orga- TN Valley; Project GRAD Knoxville; The Restoration nizations have announced the launch of Strong House; and YWCA of the TN Valley. This network Women Strong Futures. The new grassroots and of organizations completed extensive research social media campaign aims to show girls and to understand the current regional narrative women in East Tennessee that post-secondaround post-secondary education. Based Young women should ary education is a critical and viable option. on this research, they worked to develop have the freedom to The launch coincides with International tools and resources to reach the young choose what their future Women’s Day—celebrated around the women, caregivers, and staff they serve. holds. Education will world. More about this project can be found at make more options The campaign addresses a pressing www.strongwomentn.org. possible. need. According to Think Tennessee, The Women’s Fund of East Tennes“Nearly one in six women in Tennessee live in see is a public nonprofit organization based poverty and half of Tennessee families depend on in Knoxville, Tennessee. WFET’s mission is a female breadwinner.” Additional education after high to transform the lives of low-income women and girls school can lead to economic security, higher income, more across 25 counties in East Tennessee by providing financial stable employment, and job benefits. support to organizations that support this demographic “The vision of the Women's Fund is ‘every woman and advocate for change. self-sustaining.’ However reaching that end often requires additional training. Consequently, we want to encourage women and girls to enroll in post-secondary education, whether that be a four-year college or university, twoyear community college, technical or occupational trade school, or certificate program,” said Katharine Pearson Media Contact: Terry M Women Criss, Chair of the Network Build(865) 7 ing & Grant Making Committee of FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 8, 2021 HERITAGE TV WFET. “Young women should have Point Broadband Channel 3 the freedom to choose what their Strong Women Strong Futures Campaign future holds. Education will make Scott County Cable New initiative encourages East Tennessee’s women and girls to pursue edu Channel 84 more options possible.” KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Women’s Fund of East Tennessee (WFET) and a network Comcast The campaign will be driven by nonprofit organizations announced the launch of Strongsystem) Women Strong Futures (Norton eight nonprofits already commitChannel 266 social media campaign aims to show girls and women in East Tennessee that pos ted to improving the lives of young critical and viable option. The launch coincides with International Women’s Day world. people throughout East TennesSERVING FAR see. The group includes: Boys & SOUTHWEST VA AND EASTtoTN The campaign addresses a pressing need. According Think Tennessee, “Nearly Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter Tennessee live in poverty and half of Tennessee families depend on a female bre CONTACT US TO VIDEO YOUR SPECIAL EVENT! education after high school can lead to economic security, higher income, more s County; Boys & Girls Clubs of benefits. the TN Valley; Centro Hispano; (276) 679-1260 • (276) 452-8484 • htvintouch@gmail.com • www.heritagetv.com

“The vision of the Women's Fund is ‘every woman self-sustaining.’ However rea additional training. Consequently, we want to encourage|women and voicemagazineforwomen.com April 2021 | 9girls to en education, whether that be a four-year college or university, two-year communit

Enjoy the Journey By Deana Landers www.morningcoffeebeans.com

“Stand still,” my husband whispered. “I think I’ve got it.” I tried not to move, even though something was scratching my feet. I glanced down to see prickly little bushes pressing against my legs. He moved in closer, aimed, and clicked, but not quickly enough. The fickle, little, orange butterfly fluttered out of the camera’s view to another blossom a few feet away. We tried to follow it, but we were waist-deep in yellow wildflowers and losing sight of our feet altogether. “Wait,” I told him. “Here’s another one over here.” Moving only his upper torso, he turned, leaned down close, and clicked again. “Got it,” he said triumphantly. We were photographing wildflowers and butterflies along the country roads in South Georgia on our way to a family reunion. We could have booked a flight directly into the airport, but we decided to take it slow and enjoy the journey on a 22-hour road trip from Harlingen to Atlanta. Road trips were fun when our children were small, but sometimes they were more interested in the destination than the journey. I remember trying to entertain them with art projects, singing, and games, but our conversations were usually centered on three things; “Are we there yet,” “I gotta go,” and “he’s touching me.” It took a lot of compromising to keep everyone happy. When we took our first road trip without them, we had to learn how to compromise with each other. I liked taking pictures of flowers, and my husband liked reading historical markers. The first day of our trip alone, it seemed we read every historical marker along the way from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Williamsburg, Virginia. It was hot, and I sounded a lot like the children with my complaining, “Are we there yet?” “I gotta go!” “Do we have to read another historical marker?” We finally reached the Jamestown Settlement Living History Museum, where America’s first permanent English settlement was founded along the James River. Behind the museum was the James Fort with a self-guided tour through the first home’s 10 | April 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

relics, the first store, and even the first pulpit and church built in America. In front of each was a stone marker with a written description on it and my husband read them all aloud. While he was reading, I wandered a few yards away toward the river. I stepped off the grass onto a sidewalk. Beyond the sidewalk were a rope fence and a dark concrete bank sloping gently into the James River, where the three historical merchant ships used to carry pilgrim passengers and their cargo, were docked. I thought it would be nice to sit on the bank and dangle my feet in the cool water. I didn’t notice the posted sign that read, “Stay on the Sidewalk,” so I stepped over the rope. Instantly, my feet went out from under me, and I landed on my backsliding toward the water. Somehow, I flipped my body over quickly and reached for the rope. I missed it and finally stopped myself from sliding into the river by digging my fingers into thick mud on top of the concrete wall. I called out to my husband, but he thought I was behind him, and he continued reading the markers to me. After struggling for a while, I pulled myself up. I could see that my toe was bleeding, my clothes were muddy, and I was shaking. When I looked up, I could see him standing reverently in front of the ruins of the Old Church Tower. A second call didn’t get his attention, so I hobbled past the “Stay on the Sidewalk” sign toward him. When I touched him on the back, he began telling me about the courage it must have taken for the pilgrims to come to America. I whimpered. He turned around and looked incredibly at me. I told him what happened, showed him my bleeding toe and muddy clothes, and asked could we go now. The look on his face was utter disappointment, and he asked, “Can we finish the tour first?” We’ve traveled many miles together since then. We laugh about the day I almost slid into the James River, but we continue to stop at important landmarks and read the markers, and I try not to wander off. We also stop to photograph flowers and butterflies, and he sometimes takes the camera away from me to take some photos. I can’t remember all the facts about the places we’ve visited, nor can I remember all the details of the landmarks in our life, but the journey continues to be the most interesting part of it all.

{

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.

Seedling Care By April Hensley

rowing your own starter plants from seeds provides a lot of satisfaction. It’s amazing to watch a tiny sprout erupt from the soil and produce a giant plant like a tomato or even a tree. Beginning your plants this way also helps you know exactly what the plant is, what is in the soil, and what kind of chemicals have been put on it. If you have started your flower and garden plants from seed, you are already a step ahead of the growing season. Most plants and seedlings can’t go into the ground outside until after the last frost. In zone seven, that is around April 15. Many experienced gardeners wait to transplant until after Mother’s Day unless you are prepared to cover your tender plants during unexpected freezes and frosts. Some flower and vegetable seeds are easy to start early, and others can be a little trickier. Pepper and eggplants usually have a longer germination, so they need more growing time before they can be transplanted. If started too early, cucumbers and melons can get tall and leggy due to spending too much time under a grow light. There are tips and tricks to help with common areas that most gardeners have encountered. • Use seed starting soil. It doesn’t compact down tightly so the tiny sprout can stretch. • Move seedlings closer to artificial or natural light so they don’t get leggy and weak. • When the starts need more space, it’s time to put them in a bigger pot if it’s too early to plant in the ground. Keep a check on the roots to make sure they don’t become root-

bound. Use bagged potting soil or your own mix. This will provide them with fertilizer to get thick and strong. • Water seeds and small plants from the bottom in a saucer or tray. When they are hardy you can water from the top. After the soil has absorbed the water and is moist, pour off any excess to prevent rot or mildew. • Use a heat mat under the seedlings until they have at least 4 true leaves, not counting the sprout leaves that dry up and fall off. • Harden off in the sun gradually by putting in direct sunlight for 30 minutes the first day then move to shade. Increase a few minutes every day. If the plants start to look distressed, cut back the time spent in the sun.

{

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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voicemagazineforwomen.com | April 2021 | 11

Stay Safe When Working in the Yard

sun-soaked day can make it easy to overlook potential threats when working in a lawn or garden. But safety precautions are of the utmost necessity when working in the yard, where the risk for serious injury is considerable. Lawn- and garden-related injuries can be prevented without going to great lengths. • Know your terrain before mowing. Knowing the terrain in your own yard can reduce the risk for accident or injury. This can be especially important when mowing the lawn with a riding mower. Adhere to manufacturers’ recommendations regarding inclines to reduce tip-over accidents that can pin riders beneath the mower. Study hilly areas of the yard prior to mowing so you know which areas are safe to mow with a riding mower and which areas are best mowed with a push-mower. • Apply and reapply sunscreen. Sunburns may not require trips to the emergency room, but they can still be serious. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation notes that sunburn is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The SCF recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to allow the sunscreen to bond to your skin. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often

if you’re sweating excessively. The SCF recommends broad spectrum sunscreens, which protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. • Employ the buddy system. Use the buddy system when pruning tall trees or performing any tasks that require a ladder. The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania reports that more than 164,000 people are injured each year falling off a ladder. Ask someone to hold the ladder in place while you climb up to reduce your risk of falling. • Inspect the property for insect hives. The OIP notes that the most common insect stings in spring come from bees, wasps and hornets. Homeowners who are not careful can inadvertently come across hives when doing spring cleanup, making them vulnerable to bites and stings. That can be very dangerous for anyone, and especially so for people with a history of allergic reactions to Landscape Lighting & Pathway Lights insect bites or stings. Inspect Design | Install | Maintenance | Repair areas where you’ll be working to make sure insects haven’t put down roots in your property. If you discover any hives and are hesitant to remove them on your own, contact a local landscaping firm. Lawn and garden acciPONDS - WATERFALLS - FOUNTAINS dents and injuries can be New Hope Aquascapes and Landscaping serious. Thankfully, acci833-LAWN-411 dents and injuries are easily Info@NewHope.Pro www.NewHope.Pro prevented when homeownLicensed & Insured ers take a few simple safety precautions while tending to their lawns and gardens.

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How to Protect Against Spider and Insect Bites Contributed by Sheila Wandell CLU, Agent, State Farm

pider and insect bites or stings can quickly suck the fun out of any outdoor adventure. Learn how to protect yourself, which dangerous bugs to keep an eye out for and what to do if they get you.

• • •

Help prevent insect bites

Here are a few ideas for preventing bug and insect bites: • Wear protective clothing. Lightweight pants and long-sleeved shirts, a hat, gloves, high socks, and closed-toe shoes provide good protection when working or playing outside. They also provide protection when working inside crawl spaces, infested areas, and also when camping. • Remove wasp nests. Have a professional remove wasp nests close to your home or other living areas. • Install screens. Install tight-fitting window and door screens to keep insects from getting inside your home. • Use repellent. Apply insect repellent to your clothing and skin before going outside. Natural and essential oils can be used as insect repellent and help you avoid chemical exposure. Lavender, lemongrass, and thyme are excellent choices for keeping chiggers, fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks away. Basil, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint help keep flies away, as well. • Eliminate standing water. Mosquitoes can breed in tiny amounts of water, so making sure that standing water is removed is important. Regularly dump or drain tires, gutters, birdbaths, wheelbarrows, toys, pots, and planters. • Sow plants that repel insects. Certain plants including marigolds, chrysanthemums, asters, and pyrethrum daisies are a few. Herbs such as basil, anise, and coriander help to repel a broad spectrum of insects. • Use candles or burn herbs. Citronella smoke repels mosquitoes. Also, burning sage or rosemary over coals helps to repel mosquitoes.

• Add a bat house to your yard or home. One small brown bat can eat as many as 600 mosquitoes in one hour.

Poisonous bugs

Be sure to avoid insects with bright, contrasting patterns like black and yellow, red, or orange, as these colors often reveal them as venomous or poisonous. Here are a few to watch out for. • Brown recluse spiders can be ¼ to ¾ inch long and have violin-shape markings on their bodies. • Black widow spiders are about 1½ inches long and typically have red, hourglass-shape markings on the abdomen. • Wasps, which include yellow jackets and hornets, can be identified by a black and yellow or brown-red color pattern. • Africanized honeybees look like regular honeybees but tend to swarm their targets with hundreds of stings. • Red fire ants are less than ¼ inch long and red-brown in color. They will bite and sting repeatedly if their colony is threatened.

•

the stinger from the area, if possible. Using your fingernail to scrape the skin is usually sufficient to remove the stinger. Cleanse thoroughly. Wash spider bites with soap and water. Elevate the area. Elevating the area helps to reduce swelling. Apply a cool compress. Applying a cool compress or ice to the bite also helps to reduce swelling. Apply a cream or other treatment. Some pain relievers, lotions such as hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or a baking soda paste help. Reduce itching by taking an antihistamine. Seek immediate medical care if allergic. Even if your reaction is minor it is a good idea to call your doctor. Call 911 or your local emergency number if symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, eyelids or throat, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, hives, nausea, or seizures.

How to treat bites and stings

Watching for allergic reactions and treating bites and stings immediately is important. Many bites go away on their own but here are a few ways to treat them. • Move to a safe area. Moving away from the location of the incident will reduce the risk of additional bites or stings. • Remove the stinger. Some wasp and bee stings require removing voicemagazineforwomen.com | April 2021 | 13

Forest Farming Technical Assistance about us Forest farming, or the cultivation and management of high value crops in the forest understory, provides a great opportunity for sustainable forest management and income generation. With support from a NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG), a team of non-profit organizations - Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD), Rural Action (RA) and United Plant Savers (UpS) - are able to provide free technical assistance to help you get started with forest farming.

3 Techniques to Keep Mosquitoes Away from your Backyard

osquitoes make their presence felt in many areas each summer. These pesky, often hungry insects can carry disease, and their bites can be painful and itchy. Homeowners can try these three techniques to keep mosquitoes out of their backyards.

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Tanner Filyaw, Sustainable Forestry Director Email: tanner@ruralaction.org Web: https://ruralaction.org/our-work/ sustainable-forestry/ CIG Coverage Area: OH, WV

Susan Leopold, Executive Director Email: susan@unitedplantsavers.org Web: https://unitedplantsavers.org/fgv/ CIG Coverage Area: OH, WV, KY, VA, TN, NC

1. Remove standing water. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, who don’t even need a lot of water to successfully breed. A daily walk around the property may uncover kids’ toys, empty flower pots or other small receptacles that can collect water. Even clogged gutters can lead to the accumulation of a small amount of water, and that can be enough for mosquitoes to breed. Remove these potential breeding grounds when you find them, and do so each day, as mosquitoes mature from eggs to nymphs in roughly four days. 2. Mow regularly. Mowing the lawn so the grass never gets too high is another way to make a backyard less hospitable to mosquitoes. The pest experts at Terminix® note that mosquitoes seek tall grass to protect them from the elements, including wind and hot summer sun. Mowing enough so grass never gets too high in summer can make backyards less inviting to mosquitoes. 3. Plant with mosquitoes in mind. The home remodeling experts at HGTV note that plants can be part of homeowners’ strategy to repel mosquitoes. Various plants have mosquito-repellent qualities. For example, bee balm releases a fragrance as it grows, and mosquitoes don’t like that fragrance. Homeowners can speak with a local lawn and garden professional for recommendations about plants that can thrive in their region and repel mosquitoes at the same time.

Vinegar is not just for cooking.

Cleaning Tips That Work Like Magic! By Pam Blair

e all crave a sparkling clean home, but life gets busy and sometimes there is only enough time to give it a lick and a promise. If we break cleaning tasks down into small, focused actions we can achieve amazing results. Think of the areas in your home that have the highest traffic, like the kitchen, and start there one step at a time. Your best friends on this journey are some of the simplest ingredients imaginable, like white vinegar, baking soda, and lemons. Some of the cleaning tricks described here are a little bit like a science experiment, so roll up your sleeves and have some fun!

Everything but the kitchen sink. Sure, you rinse the kitchen sink after loading the dishwasher, but it’s time to give it some special attention with a deeper cleaning. To keep the sink drain clear and smelling fresh, pour in ½ cup baking soda, followed by one cup of white vinegar. The mixture will bubble (that’s a good thing!). Let it sit for 10 minutes, then run the disposal and flush with warm water.

Lemons make good scents. After squeezing a lemon for juice, cut the rind in pieces and use them like little sponges to wipe the rubber flaps on the splash guard in the sink drain. Give the underside of the flaps a good rubbing too. Finish the job by running the lemon pieces though the garbage disposal, one by one, to clean and freshen it.

Even shower heads need to be cleaned, as they can accumulate unhealthy bacteria, lime scale, and mildew. Fill a baggie with white vinegar (not cider vinegar) and tie it around the shower head with a rubber band. Wait an hour and remove the baggie. You’ll see bits of calcium and minerals floating in the baggie from any clogged holes in the shower head and hard water stains can be wiped away. Vinegar is also great for getting rid of stains on glassware by using a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Simply fill the glass or container with the solution, wait 30 minutes and rinse.

Don’t throw dryer sheets away! They’re a handy substitute for fabric softener, but did you know they can still be used after drying your laundry? Grab a used dryer sheet and run it along baseboards for a quick dusting. The sheets attract dust like a magnet and can pick up pet hair or remove dust from window blinds. They’re also helpful when removing food that is stuck on a pan. Fill the pan with dish soap and water and toss in a dryer sheet. Wait an hour and the pan will be much easier to clean. You can even remove soap scum with a dryer sheet by wetting it and rubbing the soap scum until it disappears.

Microfiber magic. Microfiber cloths are so useful, they’re often sold in bundles and can be used for countless cleaning tasks. For example, houseplants need dusting too! Take a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the plant leaves. The plant will breathe easier and look a lot better. You can wipe cellphones and TV screens with the cloth, but be sure to power them down first. For sparkling clean windows, wash them and dry with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine. Best of all, when you’re done using the cloths, just toss them in the washer and they’ll be ready to go again.

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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.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | April 2021 | 15

Chattanooga

The Scenic City

Article and Photographs By Nancy Binder

ome of my fondest memories of trips have been intergenerational ones. Road Scholar (www.roadscholar.org) provides programs for grandparents and their grandchildren. My grand niece had enjoyed two other trips with Road Scholar, and after reading the catalog of offerings, we chose to go to Chattanooga. I had driven through Chattanooga a number of times on my way to Florida, but had never stopped. I had seen lots of red barns that had Visit Lookout Mountain painted on them, and now we were going to experience it. Chattanooga is located on the Tennessee River bordering Georgia and just east of the Alabama border. It is 120 miles northwest of Atlanta and 135 miles southeast of Nashville. It has a population of approximately 185,000 people. It has been inhabited since the Upper Paleolithic period (10,000 BCE) and has been continuously occupied since 900 CE. The most recent Native Americans to live in the area were the Cherokee from 1776–1838. The Chickamauga Mound is the oldest remaining art in Chattanooga, dating from about 750 CE. Ross’s Landing incorporated as the city of Chattanooga in 1839. The railroad arrived in 1858, making Chattanooga a hub for railroad lines and it became a boom town. It was known as “where the cotton meets the corn.” We stayed at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. It was originally called Terminal Station and had fallen in disrepair. In the early 1970s, a group of businessmen saved it from demolition and invested $4 million dollars in restoring it and converting it to a hotel. In 1974 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The name was inspired by the tune “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” made popular by the Glenn Miller Orchestra in the 1940s. The hotel has traditional room accommodations and also rooms in Pullman cars. Our week began with a guided tour of the terminal building, the gorgeous gardens and a Pullman car. Our next adventure was at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, where we took a short ride on a restored train across Chickamauga Creek and through Missionary Ridge tunnel while we were told the history of Chattanooga. After exiting the train, we watched a demonstration of a turntable, which turned the locomotive and its tender 180 degrees. One of the most fascinating visits was to Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, home to Horsin’ Around Carousel Carving School. They told us about the 1894 Dentzel carousel that they restored in Coolidge Park and demonstrated the woodworking tools used to make carousel animals. People come to this school to learn carousel carving continued on next page 16 | April 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

eum, y Railroad Mus Tennessee Valle nder on round table Te Locomotive and

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round horse at Hor sin’ A Car ving a carousell Car ving School Carouse

bridge A -Long suspension Rock City Swing-

View from Rock City Lover’s Leap

there is an opportunity to do rock-climbing and work on their projects. The children with harness. The children had a great time were amazed watching a craftsman start with a climbing the man-made rock wall. block of wood and make a bowl in a short period After lunch at Rock City, we continued of time. After our visit we went to Coolidge Park on to Ruby Falls. It is a series of underground to ride the restored 1894 Dentzel carousel. Aftercascading waterfalls totaling 145 feet inside wards the children cooled off in the play fountain. Lookout Mountain. Ruby Falls Cave has staAt the Challenger Center on the campus of lactites and stalagmites, columns, drapery, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, we particand flows. The falls are located at the end of ipated in simulated space missions working as the main passage which is 1120 feet underteams both in the control center and in the space ground. The falls are named Ruby for the capsule. We were led by trained flight controllers wife of Leo Lambert, who bought the land who gave us instructions, assistance, and inforRuby Falls to open as a tourist attraction. Ruby colored mation about the mission. The control center is lights illuminate the falls. modeled after the Johnson Space Center. ChalThe Tennessee Aquarium hosted an overnight for the chillenger Centers were created by the families of the deceased Challenger crew to continue the crew’s educational mission. The 45 dren. They had a pizza party, learned about the various fish and centers around the world provide STEM experiences for middle sea creatures from aquarium docents and divers, then slept on the floor with clear glass walls and ceiling so the fish swam all school students. Another day was spent on Lookout Mountain. The Chick- around them. In the morning the children became guides for amauga people, a branch of the Cherokee, lived in the area and their grandparents on a visit to the Aquarium, which is divided called the mountain Chat-a-nu-ga, hence the city name. From into two buildings, fresh water Appalachian waters and Gulf of the Rock City point, a marker claims that seven states can be Mexico coral reefs. The final experience was a ride on World War II Ducks seen; Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Although this is proclaimed where we drove through downtown on a historical tour before on red painted barns in the area, there is no scientific evidence splashing into the Tennessee River at Ross’s Landing. Chattanooga has a lot to offer people of all ages. History that it is true. There are three tourist attractions here; the Incline Railway, Rock City, and Ruby Falls. We took the incline railway abounds here. And don’t forget to stop at the MoonPie General with its 72.7% incline to the top. We entered Rock City and Store to pick up edible souvenirs. The age range on this program began the trail through massive boulders, rock gardens with hun- is for children 9 to 12 years old and no age range for grandpardreds of labeled trees and plants, a suspension bridge, Fairyland ents! There is nothing more exciting or gratifying than spending Caverns, and Mother Goose Village with German gnomes and a week with your grandchild learning and participating in advenfairytale characters setup along the trail. One spot on the trail is tures while traveling. called Fat Man’s Squeeze where the trail goes through two huge Nancy Binder is a retired application software developer turned freelance writer boulders with only a tiny area to pass through. The High Falls of combining her love of travel with her desire to share her experiences. She is Lookout Mountain is a manmade 140 foot waterfall, but beautipassionate about exploring the outdoors and has been “bitten by the African safari bug,” now her favorite travel destination. Contact her with comments or ful nonetheless. The panoramic view from Lover’s Leap is spectravel questions at nancybinder@sbcglobal.net. tacular, especially if you are there on a clear day. At one spot,

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | April 2021 | 17

om Kristine Cabot. Adult ed with a murder mystery ight. I particularly like the njoyed it!”

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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 by a heinous murder and a seductive battle of wills, can Madison relinquish her control and satisfy her sexual cravings?

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 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.

Kristine Cabot

Shell Racers

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

Andy and the Beats

Written by Andy Rogers Illustrated by Karen Maston It was a day like any other for Andy, until a visit from the virus turns his whole world upside down! Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, Andy sets out on an adventure to find a cure with the magical Beats. Will they find the key that fits the cure?

Explore the adventures of two turtles who chose to race for a cabbage instead of sharing. They soon find out that they both lose in the end.

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

Andrew Searches for a Forever Family

Written by Betty Carver Illustrated by Emma Grace Cook A little boy named Andrew, a special needs orphan, is on a journey to ﬁnd a forever family. This story of adoption is written in poetic form from the view of the adoptive family, as well as the child, expressing the joy of these two becoming one family. We see the patience, labor, and love involved in the process and the joyful ending.

A little boy named Andrew, a special needs orphan, is on a journey to find a forever family. This story of adoption is written in poetic form from the view of the adoptive family, as well as the child, expressing the joy of these two becoming one family. We see the patience, labor, and love involved in the process and the joyful ending. “Carver brings a fantastic personal subject to the pages of this beautifully illustrated book. The choice of words is quite descriptive, and the format of writing in

stanzas/poetry is unique and will captivate the reader. Every parent and child will enjoy reading the message of finding a loving home and family.”

—Wayne and Ralphine Major, Authors of the Adventures of Piddle Diddle the Widdle Penguin series

Fireﬂies Dancing in the Night

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

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

Written by

Betty Carver

Illustrated by

Emma Grace Cook

find us: www.jancarolpublishing.com

Kathleen M. Jacobs

/JanCarolPublishingInc @jancarolbooks jancarolpublishing

18 | April 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

JCP is Now Accepting Submissions for These Haunted Hills – Book Three Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., of Johnson City, Tennessee, is now accepting submissions for the third installment 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. A second edition of the highly reviewed collection was published in autumn of 2020, and both books have proven to be fan favorites! These Haunted Hills—Book 3 is set for publication autumn 2021. Stories submitted to the third edition of JCP’s haunting anthology collection should follow the theme of spooky 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 2021. Send your submissions to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com.

Appalachian Authors Guild Meeting

Ask the Book Editor Judi Light Hopson

Judi, I’ve landed a contract to write a college textbook. My publisher says I must edit and proofread my own work! Any advice? —Christopher S., Chattanooga, TN

Christopher, congratulations. Stay focused on “designing” your chapters and layout. Outline all chapters in detail; then, complete the text for the first two chapters. Next, find two subject matter experts to review these initial chapters. Once they are fully completed, write the remaining chapters in sequential order. Count on spending two years on this. You will need to hire at least one professional editor as your book is completed. —Judi Light Hopson

EXPERT BOOK EDITING SERVICES

April 13, 2021, the Appalachian Authors Guild will conduct a business meeting from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 852 French Moore Jr. Blvd, Abingdon, VA. From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm there will be a presentation from author Steven James, who will talk about “Character Development.” All are welcome to attend the business meeting and the author presentation.

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!

Judi Light Hopson Call:

423.743.9052 Email:

judihopson@earthlink.net

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

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

physical and spiritual defeat, And I Did… is a powerful, th provoking, ‘Praise the Lord!’ story about overcoming life’s adve with grace, gratitude, and grit. Despite the agonizing challe of a debilitating stroke, the loss of loved ones, and an impr ble health diagnosis, Susan Crum-Teague shares her journey faith and commitment to inspire others with God’s promis of indescribable love, light, and eternal victory. Susan is a gifted storyteller and writer and an amazingly strong woman of God, daughter, wife, and mother. In the words of author and evangelist Corrie Ten Boom, Susan’s life is a testimony that There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still.”

This Month’s Featured Books T

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Author Hunter Darden explains the grieving process through her main character, Olivia. The story becomes the true roller coaster ride to healing...and the challenges one confronts when feeling that black cloud of hopelessness that covers in its thick, heavy blanket. The story allows you to feel the pain, to become one with it, then takes you on the road to healing. Tapestry will live forever in the hearts of readers. It will comfort every person who deals with loss. It will allow the reader to grieve and still feel safe.

This self-help guide to reducing stress covers 12 major areas of life. Easy-toimplement strategies help the reader take charge of time, money, relationships, self-care, and more. This commonsense guide to lifestyle changes is enhanced by scenarios of how others cooled their stress with simple, positive steps.

Women Ready to Rise is empowering, thoughtful, and inspiring as twenty-two women share their secrets, stories, and survival voices. All women share their experiences, with each being so different but at the same time, there is a common thread that ties them all together. Their voices will resonate with all women. From suicidal thoughts, depression, extreme anxiety, social anxiety to acceptance of who they are, every reader will walk alongside these women and feel their contagious triumph and power.

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

Jan-Carol Publishing Books

In And I Did..., Susan D. CrumTeague shares her story of overcoming the many traumas and trials of her life. Through these experiences, Susan has learned to put her full trust in God, allowing Him to move her from where she is to where He wants to take her. As she reveals her challenges, doubts, and insights, Susan inspires and encourages others to “overcome.” With faith in God and support from others, anyone can pledge “I want to...” and then boast “And I did...!”

Order this book directly from JCP — for a discounted price and FREE shipping! Call 423-926-9983. (Sale Ends April 30, 2021)

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

The Request By Leslie Snyder “So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Luke 18:40–41 Interpretation: “Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Luke 18:40–41NLV

came across the story about a man who took his kids out to eat. The man’s six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As they bowed their heads the boy prayed, “God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and Justice for all! Amen!” Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, he heard a woman remark, “That’s what’s wrong with this country. Kids today don’t even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!”

Hope By Katina Rose

ope—such a small, simple word that holds some of the most meaningful and big emotions for people. These four letters together string a collection of peace and comfort. How many times have you heard the word “hope” and imagined better beginnings or a new sense of achievement? Throughout life, we will definitely have trouble and face big obstacles that seem to loom above us and overshadow our small human frame. What keeps us from giving up, giving in, and walking away instead of facing the giants? We hold on to an unforeseeable emotion that gives us promise the next day will be better. We can see light in the darkness and experience a peace and happiness that the next chapter in life will flow gentler and kinder.

Hearing this, the man’s son burst into tears and asked the father, “Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?” As he held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an old man who had observed the whole thing approached the table. He winked at the boy and said, “I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.” “Really?” the boy asked. “Cross my heart.” Then in a theatrical whisper he added, “Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. Sometimes a little ice cream is good for the soul.” This is what the man in today’s Scripture understood. He asked for what he desired. Picture the scene: a blind man performed his monotonous ritual of begging day after day. Without a miracle, nothing would change. There were no optometrists, no Lasik eye surgery, no cornea transplants. Blindness and begging are his destiny…until the day Jesus passes by. With a buzz in the air, people rush past him in excitement. Although he can’t see with his eyes, he feels the energy in the air and hears it with his ears. Jesus was near, and in desperation the beggar begins to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Rebuked by the crowd, he yells louder. The crowd ignored him, but Jesus took notice and answered. Commentator William Barclay wrote, “A gentle, sentimental longing never really taps the power of God; but the passionate, intense desire of the very depths of the human heart will never be disappointed.” Our faith is often so proper and too often we allow what others think determined our actions–even in our relationship with Jesus Himself. Today, may we be more like the blind beggar who cried out in desperation…and was answered. www.homeword.com

What gives you hope? I’ve experienced it in a morning devotion, words from a friend, and an answered prayer in the sunset. Sometimes, hope will find you when you least expect it. When you keep holding on, the moment will come when hope breaks through. You’ll feel it in your heart and know it’s close by because of the soothing feeling in your soul. Hope is a beautiful feeling that carries many hearts and minds to a place of deeper understanding. It causes perseverance through heartache and sadness. Even the smallest amount of hope can bring restoration to a tired soul. Bringing hope to another person can feel like leaving food for substance, or rest to the fatigued. If you are ever faced with the choice on how to respond to someone, remember to shower them with hope and their perspective will change. May this season bring you a lightened clarity of fresh and new hope as you prepare for your future path.

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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.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | April 2021 | 21

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Kelly Smith started her music career in Branson, MO, where she sang for 8 years on the show that started it all “The Baldknobbers!” She was chosen for a na onal television show as the “Voice of Cher” in the ABC movie As The Beat Goes On based on Sonny’s book about the couple’s life and aired in 1999. This role led to a contact from the Legends in Concert based in Las Vegas. Kelly accepted their offer and traveled all over the United States as Cher and soon added country ar st, Shania Twain. Kelly worked with other companies and traveled to Australia, The Cayman Islands, Las Vegas, Atlan c City, Myrtle Beach, and everywhere in between. She appeared in VT’s Starstruck Concert at the SW VA Higher Educa on Center in Abingdon. In 2015, Kelly won the part of the first endorsed Olivia Newton John impersonator! She then traveled to Australia for her 3rd tour, this me as Olivia! A er performing in Lake of the Ozarks as Cher, Kelly was offered a co-host posi on for a local television lifestyle program in Springfield, MO! She worked on Ozarks Live TV Show for 4 years. In 2018, Kelly became cohost of Ozarks Fox AM morning show where she is s ll working today.

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Presents Science & Music

ymphony of the Mountains presents “Isotone: A Collision of Science and Music” at the Renaissance Center Theater April 17 at 7:30 pm. Originally scheduled for one performance, a special grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission has enabled the production of a second performance especially for children at 3:00 pm. Isotone concerts have delighted audiences for over ten years, including performances in New York City and Vancouver, Canada. The concerts originated in Oak Ridge, TN as a collaboration of the American Museum of Science and Energy and the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association. The group of four Symphony of the Mountains musicians includes violinist Susan Eddlemon, soprano Jennifer Harrell, and percussionists Clark Harrell and Scott Eddlemon. These concerts will present unique works celebrating iconic scientists Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking. The performance makes use of a variety of unique instruments including an electric violin, a Van de Graaff generator and “particle-clickers” played by the audience. Also featured will be a collection of science songs highlighted by Tom Lehrer’s famous rendition of “The Elements.” Becky Ball, concert reviewer, wrote in the March 2010 issue of The Oak Ridger: “This out-of-the-box program fed our brains with fascinating information and our musical souls with unique rhythms, dynamics and timbre!” Matt Weber, reviewer for “I Care If You Listen” wrote of the New York City première concert “Isotone captured the excitement, energy, and humor, as well as the dangers, of physics.” Both performances are suitable for children, but the afternoon performance is abridged to be 45 minutes long for younger children. Tickets are $25 for adults. Children and students are admitted free of admission but MUST reserve a ticket beforehand due to Covid-19 requirements. Attendees must be masked and parties will be seated at least 6’ apart. Due to Covid-19 requirements only 75 seats are available for each performance. Symphony of the Mountains continues to adjust its spring concert schedule. The Symphony Winds, Brass and Percussion players will play in “Spring Winds,” an outdoor concert at the Allandale Mansion Amphitheater May 2, and replacing the “Happy Birthday, Beethoven” concert will be “Go for Baroque,” a chamber ensemble concert featuring New York violinist Christina Bouey and her Stradivarius playing Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto #1” June 5 and 6 at First Presbyterian Church in

Scott and Susan Eddlemon playing the premier Isotone concert.

Bristol. We will continue to closely monitor the pandemic situation and CDC’s guidelines, and adjust our plans accordingly. Isotone tickets are available now, and tickets for other events will be available for purchase one month before each concert. For more information visit www.symphonyofthemountains.org or call the Symphony office at 423-392-8423.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | April 2021 | 23

Excessive sun exposure

Top Contributors to Oral Cancer

Individuals who have had excessive exposure to the sun may develop cancer on the lips. Protecting the skin on the lips by using a sunscreen product for lips can reduce risk.

esearchers are not entirely sure what causes the gene mutations that lead to oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. While health professionals cannot say for sure why cancer forms, they do know that certain risk factors may lead to cells becoming cancerous. Oral cancers develop in any of the parts of the oral cavity and throat. This can include the lips, gums, tongue, the inner lining of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, and the floor of the mouth. According to the American Cancer Society, around 50,000 people will develop cancer of the mouth or throat in 2021. Knowing which behaviors may contribute to cancer formation can help people make changes that lower their risks for oral cancers.

Skipping dental visits

Tobacco use The Mayo Clinic says tobacco use of any kind, which includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff, can contribute to oral cancers. Tobacco smoke can cause cancers anywhere in the mouth or throat. Other products are linked to cancer in the parts of the lips or mouth that touch the tobacco product.

Alcohol use Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. The American Cancer Society says seven out of 10 people who have oral cancer are heavy drinkers.

Dentists perform routine cancer inspections during exams. Failure to visit the dentist regularly may prevent people from getting an early diagnosis and treatment for abnormalities in the mouth.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) Verywell Health indicates HPV is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted disease in the United States. The HPV-16 strain is linked to oral cancer, most commonly at the base of the tongue and in the tonsils. Learning about the leading risk factors for oral cancer can help people take the necessary steps to change poor habits and behaviors.

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How Communities Can Recognize Nurses

n recognition of the sacrifices nurses and other health care workers have made to help the sick, individuals across the globe have placed signs in their yards thanking essential workers. In addition, many more have taken to social media to highlight the lengths individual nurses have gone to while helping them or their loved ones who caught the virus or fought other illnesses. Communities can follow such individuals’ lead by making collective efforts to thank the nurses who call their towns and cities home. • Sponsor fundraising efforts. Town officials can help to organize a community-wide fundraising effort or a 50-50 raffle with the ultimate goal of donating to a charitable organization chosen by local nurses. Health care facilities have been stretched incredibly thin during the pandemic, so a donation them about their careers, including what compelled to a charitable organization that benefits health care workers them to become a nurse and their most interesting can be a great way for communities to honor local nurses. experiences on the job. • Encourage residents to lend a helping hand. The Communities can work together on a variety of collective work frontline medical workers have done during the efforts aimed at recognizing the extraordinary efforts made by pandemic has been endless and exhausting. In recog- local nurses every day. nition of that, community organizers can promote volunteer programs designed to lift some of the burden off local health care workers’ shoulders. Local hospitals, blood banks and health centers may need volunteers, and this is a great way for local residents to show health care workers their efforts are appreciated. is here to introduce you to merchants, needed services, • Celebrate holidays that honor nurses as a commuand all cultural aspects of your new home area. The GOOD NEWS is you have moved to a region of the nity. The American Nurses Association notes that south that is full of “friends you just haven’t met!” National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12. Though National Nurses Week is not a federal holiday, communities can still come together during the week to highlight the Call for your free in-home visit and shopping bag of goodies! work their local nurses do. Township or other local Call Benita to learn more! 423.202.1679 officials can encourage businesses in the community to offer special discounts to nurses during the week, while schools can take part Life Care Center of Gray in collective efforts to thank nurses. We are a perfect choice for: • Highlight a local nurse each • Short-Term Rehabilitation week on social media. Com• Long-Term Care munity leaders can ask res• Post-Operative Recovery idents to nominate a local Life Care Center of Gray focuses on inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation with 24-hour skilled nursing care. nurse each week and then choose one nominee to highStop by today for a tour! light on social media. Students or local officials can 791 Old Gray Station Rd • Gray, TN 423.477.7146 • lifecarecenterofgraytn.com interview the nominee, asking voicemagazineforwomen.com | April 2021 | 25

Sharing Your Story

he Cancer Center Without Walls celebrated Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month throughout March to bring support and awareness to colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Abnormal growths or polyps can form in the colon or rectum and sometimes turn into cancer. Early screening helps find polyps for removal and cancer at early stages when treatment works best. The Cancer Center Without Walls invites people to recognize March alongside them to support the 1.4 million people battling colorectal cancer today. One of the biggest events during March is Dress in Blue Day. On March 5, people across the nation are encouraged to wear blue to show their support and join the mission to end colorectal cancer. The number of colorectal cancer screenings dropped dramatically with the COVID-19 pandemic. The past March, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance had a goal of 10,000 pledges, providing participants resources and reminders to get screened. In support of encouraging people to get screened and sharing their stories, the Cancer Center Without Walls will be featuring local stories about colorectal cancer in the following months. ddd

Yvonne Edwards has been a school nurse for 26 years with the Scott County School System. She is always at church on Sundays, where she assists with Sunday school. Any other free time she has available is spent with her granddaughter, who is one-year-old. She is also on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Advisory Board and a member of other organizations devoted to fighting cancer, including colorectal cancer and lung cancer. Edwards lost her father to colorectal cancer, so she did not pass up on the opportunity to get an early screening. She was aware of her family’s history of cancer and knew the actions she needed to take to be safe. 26 | April 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Yvonne Edwards Edwards said, “There is always the fear of the unknown and the apprehension that comes with getting screened, but you can take charge and take care of yourself by getting screened.” Her grandfather also suffered from colorectal cancer and had to have several feet of his colon removed. He was able to get treatment because he had received his screening early, which ended up saving his life. Edwards encourages others to “not let pride get in the way, and to not think that anything is wrong.” She also said that her father’s sense of pride might have attributed to his unwillingness to be screened earlier for colorectal cancer. Individuals are encouraged to put their pride aside and talk with friends and loved ones about getting screened. Edwards emphasizes the importance of getting screened for colorectal cancer and says the relief from getting screened outweighs the fear of the unknown. The Cancer Center Without Walls Southwest Virginia Community Advisory Board addresses cancer disparities and access to care in Appalachia. For more information, visit the Cancer Center Without Walls’s website: https:// med.virginia.edu/ccww/community-advisory-boards-2/ community-advisory-boards/.

new parts, and that morning, a new exhaust. The day had been usual—meetings, phone calls, and the like. Dinner was a respite from the normal, and a welcome break from mindless TV for face to face time with my bride. We dined at the Pickle, watching Main Street traffic illuminated by the bright neon marquee, then took a spin around town, talking about the promise of warmer weather and finally getting to enjoy a summer with family and friends. She’d allowed the previous two By Ken Heath summers to disappear, one for classes, the other for our campaign. This was our thirtieth wedding anniversary, and I was planning a huge get together and a trip away. But it wasn’t to be. The following day, Friday the 13th, ironically, Coroast photo—it was navirus moved from a weird new word to a lockdown. a Thursday night, Our next dozen months are much like yours. Stay at cold enough for a home. Mask up. Wash hands. Social distance. Cancel jacket but with the hint gatherings. Stop having folks over. of the coming spring Last week, my Angel got the first of her vaccines. I’ve we were longing for. already had both mine. And I’m hopeful, so hopeful. We’d picked up our We’re planning summer. Festivals, cruise-ins, fire pits Jeep a couple months before, and I’d finally got it in shape enough to take my at The Cliffside, family visits, the Opry, the Smokies, Angel out for a date. New headliner, new carpet, couple the OBX. But we’re not rushing it. We’re still staying close, my Angel working mostly from home, weekends by the TV. But like the warmer air we intuitively felt that March night a year ago, I’m feeling such hope for our future, our community, for us all. In the meantime, let’s keep on keepin’ on. Doing the masks and distancing, keeping numbers falling, neighbors healthy. And let’s plan. Let’s look forward M P 7 – 3 Y A to our next meeting, the hugs, and the handshakes yet D R EVERY AP U O H Y P HAP ON T to come. 0 BEERS

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4 slices thin Muenster cheese at room temperature 2 yellow onions diced 1 tsp fresh thyme minced 2 tsp fresh rosemary minced, divided 1 tsp brown sugar Salt and pepper to taste 3 Tbsp butter divided

Favorite Grilled Cheese Recipe Makes 1 sandwich 2 large slices of whole grain sourdough, or your favorite crusty bread Enough Dijon mustard for a thin layer across one slice of bread (about 1 ½ teaspoons) 1 cup lightly packed (3 ounces) freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, plus a little more for sprinkling on the outside (optional) 2 teaspoons chopped green onion, green parts only Unsalted butter, for melting in the pan (about 2 teaspoons) •

•

Spread Dijon mustard lightly across one side of one slice of bread. You’re aiming for a very thin layer. Stir the green onion into the grated cheese, and set aside. Melt a pat of butter (about 1 teaspoon) in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once melted, place the mustardy slice of bread into the skillet, with the mustard side facing up. Top the slice with the oniony cheese (aim for about a ¾-inch layer of cheese). Then place the remaining slice of bread on top. Cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for several minutes, or until the underside of the bread is golden. Remove the sandwich from the skillet with a spatula, and add another pat of butter to the skillet.

28 | April 2021 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

•

Once melted, carefully flip the other side of the sandwich against the buttered pan. Cover and cook until the underside of the bread is nice and golden, and the cheese is all melted. If the bread is browning before the cheese has melted, dial down the heat as necessary. Optional, if you want a cheesy crust on the outside of the sandwich and you’re working with a truly non-stick skillet: Remove the nearly-finished sandwich with a spatula. Sprinkle a bit more grated cheese into the pan in a toast-sized shape, and flip the sandwich back over onto the cheese. Let it cook until you no longer hear any sizzle, and then a few seconds longer. Remove the sandwich with your spatula. Place it onto a cutting board and let it cool for a minute or two. Gently cut it in half down the middle using a serrated knife, and serve warm. Source: cookieandkate.com

1 Tbsp olive oil •

•

Ultimate Gourmet Grilled Cheese Makes 4 sandwiches 8 slices good quality bread Mayonnaise for spreading 12 oz Gruyere cheese sliced thinly OR grated, at room temperature 6 oz White cheddar cheese sliced thinly OR grated, at room temperature

•

Add 1 1/2 Tbsp butter and olive oil to a skillet and heat over MED-LOW heat. Add diced onions, salt, pepper, fresh thyme and 1 tsp of fresh rosemary to the hot skillet and sauté, stirring often, until onions are soft and starting to brown, about 10 minutes. Stir brown sugar into the onions and cook another minute. Transfer onions to a plate. Spread one side of two pieces of bread with a little bit of mayonnaise. To the same skillet, add remaining butter and rosemary, and heat over MED heat. Swirl to coat the bottom of the skillet with the melted butter. Add both pieces of bread, mayonnaise side down, and cook until bread is golden brown and crunchy, about 2–3 minutes. As soon as you add the bread to the skillet, add a bit of cheese to the top of each piece of bread. Once it starts to melt a little, sprinkle a couple tablespoons of the caramelized onions over the top of one of the pieces of bread. When the bread is good and golden brown, sandwich the pieces of bread together and cook on LOW until cheese is fully melted. Transfer to a plate, repeat with remaining slices of bread and ingredients. Slice and enjoy! Source: thechunkychef.com

The Silent Trilogy

(New Young Adult Series)

by Author Diane S. Barna

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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.

CLUES ACROSS

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1. One who manufactures 6. Science degree 9. Database management system 13. Desert 14. Inventor Musk 15. Welsh valley 16. Round Dutch cheese 17. Saying 18. Comedian and TV host 19. Uppermost portions of the brain 21. City in Transylvania 22. Where astronauts go 23. Men’s hairstyle 24. Indicates position 25. One point east of due south 28. Businessmen may have one 29. Grass part 31. Running back Gurley 33. Unwavering 36. Options 38. Annoy 39. Greek mountain 41. Pastas 44. Fishes 45. Wrap 46. Potentially a criminal (slang) 48. Seize 49. The Constitution State 51. Upset 52. 1991 men’s Wimbledon champ 54. Central Chinese province 56. Predisposition 60. A notice of someone’s death 61. One-time Kentucky Rep. 62. Swiss river 63. Dried-up 64. Finger millet 65. __ Allan Poe 66. German river 67. Brew 68. Kenyan river

CLUES DOWN

1. Millisecond 2. Acts as military assistant 3. Knot in a tree 4. Husband-and-wife industrial designers 5. The Ocean State 6. Point the ﬁnger at 7. Parts in a machine 8. Midway between northeast and east 9. Portray precisely 10. Blister 11. Mental illness 12. Nose of an animal 14. What students receive 17. Semitic peoples 20. Beats per minute 21. Family of drugs 23. Atrocious 25. Type of microscope (abbr.) 26. __ or bust 27. Icelandic poems 29. A citizen of Pakistan 30. Very pale 32. Metric linear unit 34. Sea eagle 35. Biblical judge of Israel 37. Isaac’s mother (Bib.) 40. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.) 42. Cool! 43. Large hotel room 47. Type of boat (abbr.) 49. Picked 50. Type of hookah 52. Attack 53. Directs 55. Belgian WWII resistance ﬁghter 56. Finished negotiation 57. Heroic tale 58. Middle Eastern country 59. Protein-rich liquids 61. Malaysian Isthmus 65. Spielberg’s alien

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