Voice Magazine for Women 0423

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VOICE Speaks

Recently,I had the privilege of attending the sneak preview of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum’s exhibition “I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music.” Surprisingly, many times women of yesterday’s country music were not accepted and were told to stay home. Many tried to silence these talented women and their voices in country music. The women who pushed to have their music and voices heard were pioneers for the future generations of women in country music and beyond. This historical exhibit has taken months of research, development, and donations from the region. Located in the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, if you do not visit this exhibit, you’ll miss seeing and feeling the strength of our women ancestors and their humble beginnings and struggles in having their music and their voices heard. I left the exhibit feeling pride in the women’s accomplishments and pride for the creation of this exhibit. This exhibit is a must see.

I’m also proud of our new office location. It is hard to believe that it has been a year since we moved our offices from Johnson City to our location in Blountville, Tennessee. We have been warmly received and our bookstore continues to grow and be a work in progress. Our indie (independent) bookstore features authors from the region as well as local crafters. We have plans to host book signings, workshops, and other events. We are so excited to show support to our JCP authors and other authors and vendors in our region. JCP will continue business as usual, but we’ll be serving the region with a much broader openness. We have expanded our online bookstore, but with a storefront we can provide personal service.

What is an indie bookstore? An indie bookstore is an independent, locally owned and supported bookstore. There is even a national day dedicated to showing support. Independent Bookstore Day is a one-day national celebration promoting indie bookstores across the country. It is on the last Saturday in April. This year’s event will take place Saturday, April 29, 2023. Join us for this celebration! We will have discounts on all our books and gifts. Show your support to the only indie bookstore in the Food City Shopping Center in Blountville.

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and book blog where we offer discounts and giveaways and keep you up to date with our activities! Find our blog here: jancarolpublishing.wixsite.com/bookmarked. Sign up to receive our newsletter by emailing communications@jancarolpublishing.com.

We Christians celebrate Easter this month, as we believe it is the resurrection of Jesus following his crucifixion and death. So, from all of us to all of you—stay healthy, stay safe, and have a happy Easter!

Verse of the month: “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24 KJV

Thought of the month: “A lie doesn’t become the truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good just because it’s accepted by a majority.” —Booker T. Washington 1856—1915, an author, American educator, orator, and advisor to several U.S. presidents

Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief

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

Savannah Bailey Communications Director/Production Editor communications@jancarolpublishing.com

GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION

Tara Sizemore Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com

Allison Chudina Editorial/Retail Assistant

Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983

Books & Gifts: 423.212.0200

DISTRIBUTION

Karen Corder Staff

PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 20, 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. © 2023

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.

Front cover photograph by Norah Pennington.

April Hensley Cindy Sproles Ken Heath Pam Blair Deana Landers Charlene Tipton Baker

Fun and Educational Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day has long drawn attention to issues affecting the planet and its climate. The effects of those issues have grown increasingly noticeable in recent years, which makes this Earth Day and all subsequent celebrations an ideal opportunity to celebrate the planet while learning about the many challenges it faces in the years to come. The following are some unique, fun and educational ways to celebrate the planet this April.

• Leave the car at home.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. Vehicles also emit a substantial amount of methane and nitrous oxide. This is why gas-powered vehicles are so often linked to climate change, much of which is driven by greenhouse gas emissions. A car-free Earth Day can be fun and serve as a catalyst for conversation about the effects of gas-powered vehicles on the health of the planet.

• Volunteer with a local environmental organization.

Environmental organizations are committed to the ideals behind Earth Day all year long. However, each Earth Day many of these organizations sponsor eco-conscious efforts to help the planet and raise awareness about issues like climate change. Volunteering with a local beach or park cleanup or signing up to walk and raise money for a local environmental charity makes for a fun and educational way to spend your Earth Day.

• Get your hands dirty and plant.

Even if you can’t work with a local forestry organization to plant more trees in a nearby forest, planting native trees on your own property can help combat climate change.

• Involve children in your efforts to combat climate change.

Today’s adults likely won’t be the ones forced to confront the more challenging consequences of climate change. Unfortunately, that cost is likely to be passed on to future generations. That makes this Earth Day a great time to involve kids more directly in efforts to combat climate change. Explain the significance of avoiding the car, volunteering or planting trees in terms that kids can understand, emphasizing that the future of the planet could very well be in their hands. Earth Day takes on greater significance each year as the effects of climate change become more noticeable. This year the holiday can be celebrated in various ways that are both enjoyable and educational.

The Stories of “I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music”

Voice Magazine for Women is proud to partner with the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, VA-TN, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, to take you inside the special exhibit “I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music,” on display at the museum through Dec. 31. Each month through the duration of the exhibit we’ll feature impactful stories of the hidden heroines, activists, and commercial success stories of the women who laid the foundation for country music. Inspiring, insightful, and Dolly approved, you may just find a piece of yourselves, or a loved one, in the stories of some of these hidden figures in American music.

By Guest Contributor Charlene Tipton Baker

Ladies: regardless of your personal music preferences or what’s currently in rotation on your Spotify playlist, go see the new special exhibit “I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music” at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum—and bring your mamaws, mommas, sisters, daughters, and BFFs. Whatever preconceived notions you may have of the old-time, or “hillbilly” music in general, they will be challenged when you get to know the players in this exhibit and learn what many of them had to go through just to play.

“I’ve worked for the rich, I’ve lived with the poor / I’ve seen many a heartache, There’ll be many more / I’ve lived luck and sorrow, Been to success and stone / I’ve endured, I’ve endured. / How long can one endure?”

— Ola Belle Reed

The predecessor to bluegrass and country music, old-time has been passed down through generations and laid the foundation for everything that came after. Women’s place in that

history was often overshadowed by the accomplishments of their male counterparts, though their contributions were just as significant.

“We’ve been working on ‘Women in Old-Time’ for more than two years,” said Dr. René Rodgers, head curator at the museum. “It’s giving a voice to the past, present, and future…coming together to make a real impact.”

The proverb “A woman’s place is in the home” had its origins as far back as ancient Greece. Though we’ve come a long way in today’s society, that patriarchal ideology remained for centuries. Married women traditionally remained tied to domestic responsibilities and child rearing up until the 1950s.

Women musicians were often discouraged or even forbidden by their husbands to keep their music going at home, or to play in public. Some women were influenced by their church leaders to stay away from dancing and the “devil’s” music that surrounded it.

In many cases women had fewer opportunities than men to make a viable career from their music. Nonetheless, several found ways to work within these challenges — and move beyond them — in order to pass on old-time music, and the related genres of country and bluegrass, as performing musicians or in other roles in music.

Created by a women-led content team at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, “I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music” spotlights commercial success stories and iconic musicians like Mother Maybelle and Sara Carter, Ola Belle Reed, Lily May Ledford, Hazel Dickens, Etta Baker, and Alice Gerrard. It also includes women who have impacted the genre in other ways, such as Audrey Hash Ham, Florence Reece, Helen White, Anne Romaine, and Bernice Johnson Reagon. By showcasing today’s torchbearers and innovators, the exhibit also illuminates the ways that women are carrying the oldtime genre forward and the work still to be done to open it up to other underrepresented communities. Women like Rhiannon Giddens, Martha Spencer, Carla Gover, Suzy Thompson, and

Amythyst Kiah are but a few examples of students of oldtime who are blazing new trails.

Stay tuned! Next month we’ll shine the spotlight on Alice Gerrard and Hazel Dickens, two folk musicians who earned the respect of artists like Bob Dylan, David Grisman, and Peter Siegel. Dickens once said that she “didn’t have to work in a factory to see how badly women were treated. Playing in bluegrass, a male-dominated form of music, was enough.”

COURTESY © BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC; PHOTOGRAPHER: ASHLI LINKOUS

PHOTO BY JANIE JESSEE

(L to R) Dr. René Rodgers, head curator of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bev Futrell and Sue Massek of Reel World String Band, and singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah took questions from the press during a special media preview of the special exhibit “I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music,” on display now at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Meet the Herbalist: Lori Briscoe

By Allison Chudina

For Appalachian Teas & Botanicals owner Lori Briscoe, life is all about experiencing the richness of the landscape we live in so that we can “get elevated.”

Briscoe grew up in Washington County, Va., just outside of Abingdon, which is where she first

became interested in “the connections between plants, people, and place,” as her business tagline states.

“I spent loads of time with my maternal grandparents in Bristol, who raised much of their own food until they were quite old,” Briscoe said. “They were mountain people of a generation gone now. Their influence on me and my cousins was simple, but profound.”

Briscoe’s father is also from a long line of farmers, a tradition he continued until a few years ago. “It is his passion, working with the land and the animals,” Briscoe said. “So, I guess the origin of the tagline

began from this legacy. This place, its people, the plants . . . they are in my bones.”

Briscoe says that, from an early age, she was intrigued by other cultures around the world, particularly indigenous peoples who seemed to live fully integrated lives. “Their entire way of life, their belief systems and cultures, aligned with the ecology of place,” Briscoe said.

Briscoe went on to study anthropology, but after “knocking about in the world” in her 20s, she came home to a realization of just how very special the Appalachian region is for the same reasons she sought out others.

“I believe we should all grow up rooted in the richness of the landscape we live in so that we can experience the rest of the world with both wonder and understanding. It is the differences that make life beautiful. And beauty is medicine,”Briscoe said.

Appalachian Teas & Botanicals offers many different experiences aside from just tea, although the tea is a main component. According to Briscoe, ATB teas are, in essence, a “vehicle” — a means to a more layered experience.

“They are a vehicle for a direct connection to the natural world that sustains us, the human culture that arises from place, and the individual and collective well-being that are, in turn, enabled by these fundamental forces,” Briscoe explained. “ATB is a collection of stories, and also its own story. We are rooted in Southern Appalachia, so the

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I am enamored with this Southern Appalachian landscape, which is so rich in biodiversity and culture.

— Lori Briscoe, Owner of Appalachian Teas & Botanicals

Lori Briscoe brings her passion for Appalachia and all this special area provides.

PHOTO BY NORAH PENNINGTON

story begins here, with our farms and farmers, our wilderness and wild plants, our history, and the present and future of this diverse landscape and its people.”

Briscoe says, aside from crafting teas, she works with clients looking for a holistic and herbal approach to wellness. “As a certified herbalist, working one-on-one with clients on their journey to reclaiming health and wellness is incredibly special and rewarding,” she said. “It, too, is a learning journey and is actually a process of telling your story and then rewriting it. It is the journey back to wholeness.”

For those interested in this holistic approach to wellness, Briscoe offers a variety of ways to learn: sharing plant medicine and herb workshops; leading plant walks, which Briscoe calls “Field and Forest Excursions;” and facilitating a group of little “wildlings,” ages 6–10, one day a week in “nature school.”

“We are outside in all weather, all day, observing, exploring, creating, and learning,” Briscoe says of the nature school. “Children live in the present moment, in a state of wonder, and it is pure magic to explore the outdoors with them.”

One of Briscoe’s business (and life) mottos is “Get Elevated,” which she sees as a reference to both the mountains themselves — experiencing the high elevations — and also to the process of constantly growing, healing, evolving, and getting to the “next level.”

Getting elevated also applies to the teas. She says that ATB’s Blue Ridge Breakfast Blend tea is a traditional black tea blend, but also contains Southwest Virginia-grown nettle, an incredibly nutrient-dense plant, and Appalachian forest-farmed ginseng leaf, a powerful adaptogenic plant and the one most synonymous with this region.

“You get a blend truly from the heart of Appalachia and beyond,” Briscoe said. “It’s the black tea you’re familiar with but elevated with the gifts of this landscape to nourish you.”

When asked what Briscoe’s favorite tea blend at ATB is, she said it’s hard for her to choose, because each blend “has its own origin story,” and she’s attached to them all.

“They are all made to some degree of place, from the very soil and from the heart,” Briscoe said. “Tea is nothing more than water infused with plants, but it is also the intention and the

ritual that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.”

For those wanting to start their own local business one day, Briscoe had the following to say: “I generally don’t give advice as a personal rule. Starting a business is a wild ride. It’s like hiking a mountain trail — you climb and climb, legs burning, straining, feeling like you might swallow your lungs, and then you reach a ridge line, get a grand view for a moment, and feel a sense of elation, like it was all worth it. Then you climb some more.”

Briscoe stresses that, if this sort of adventure in entrepreneurship sounds like the right fit for you, then “go for it!”

“But if you need more of a steady paced stroll, keep your day job,” she advised.

Regarding future events people can expect to see from ATB, Briscoe said she plans to lead a few scheduled Field and Forest Excursions at local farms, as well as plant walks in Damascus, for which Briscoe accepts private bookings. She said herbal classes and workshops will be forthcoming, which can be found on ATB’s website, www.appalachianteasandbotanicals.com.

Tea Blends, regional herbs, and other merch are also available on the website, and Briscoe encourages folks to sign up for her monthly newsletter called “Field Notes” to get access to herbal recipes and information, stories, videos, discounts, and other musings delivered to their inbox for free.

“Collaborating with other small businesses is paramount to my mission, so I partner on a variety of events and projects as they come up,” Briscoe added. “I hope to do more writing this year and to create space for more one-on-one clients, because these are vital to my life’s task.”

If you want to try ATB’s tea blends for yourself, they are currently available in the region at Integrated Health Concepts, Bristol, Tenn.; Gypsy Healing Arts, Knoxville, Tenn.; Southern Threads, Damascus, Va.; Hickory Fine Dining, Bristol, Va.; Blue Hills Market, Abingdon, Va.; and Wolf Hills Coffee, Abingdon, Va.

Follow ATB on social media to learn more!

@appalachianteasandbotanicals

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE BIRCHARD

Taming the Wind and Sun

By April Hensley

Gardening is an act of love — love of new life, digging our hands into rich earth, love of the spring sun on our face. But with everything good and beautiful, there is work involved. Thankfully nature helps a lot by providing nourishing rain, earthworms to help replenish the soil, and buzzy bees to pollinate blooms.

Sometimes nature can create more work for gardeners. Wind and sun can be very destructive. If you live where there is no shade or windbreaks, you may have a hard time with your plants. Wind and sun dry out the ground and potted plants faster. Severe winds can break plants and strip away flowers and fruits. Hot intense sun can burn plants and fruits especially when they are small. People and wildlife appreciate shady places too.

There are ways to lessen the powerful effects of sun and wind to help our plants and ourselves.

• Create an artificial windbreak. Notice the direction the wind usually blows. Wood and vinyl privacy panels in strategic areas will help slow it down. Zip-tie a tarp to stakes driven in the ground, or to railings for a patio garden. Inserts can be purchased for chain-link fencing.

• Grow a windbreak. Depending on the size of your property or garden area, it could be as simple as vines or beans on a trellis to fast growing trees, ornamental grasses, and shrubs. Evergreen trees don’t lose their foliage in the winter. Windbreaks also help with heating bills in cold months.

• Plants that grow in the ground, like radishes and carrots, and low growing flowers and vegetables are able to better withstand severe storms and wind. Stake off tall plants like tomatoes. Grow corn in tight square formations.

• Many of the artificial and natural windbreaks

mentioned also help with extreme sun by providing some shade to growing areas. Notice which direction the sun comes at the hottest part of the day.

• Pergolas, shade cloths, and shade sails are attractive artistic options for helping block some sun. Umbrellas and retractable awnings give some heat protection to potted deck and patio plants.

• In the garden, place taller plants in a row on the sunniest side of the garden to help provide some shade for lower growing veggies like pumpkins and herbs.

• Grow plants that love the sun. Plants commonly found in southern gardens are sun lovers such as peppers, squash, beans, okra, tomatoes and marigolds.

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.

Mountain View Garden Club Celebrates 70 Years of Service to Community

By Pam Blair

On March 8, 2023, the Mountain View Garden Club celebrated its 70th anniversary at the Blackthorn Club at the Ridges with a luncheon and program highlighting the club’s long and productive history. Dr. Todd Fowler, Mayor of Johnson City, was a special guest who delivered a proclamation honoring the club and its contributions to the city. On March 6, State Representative Rebecca Alexander recognized the club with a proclamation at the Tennessee House of Representatives in Nashville.

Mary Gordon Herndon founded the Mountain View Garden Club of Johnson City in 1953, with gardening friends and neighbors living in the Gump Addition. As Johnson City has grown, the club’s membership has also grown to more than 60 members living in the city and surrounding area. The club was one of 12 federated garden clubs from 1956–1984, with membership in the National Council of State Garden Clubs, the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, and the Johnson City Council of Garden Clubs. Today, it is the only non-federated club still in existence in Johnson City.

Since 1984, the club has contributed numerous projects and donations that have enhanced Johnson City and the community, such as beautification of the entrance to the Washington County-Johnson City Veterans Memorial and the Washington County Animal Shelter, matching donation and planting at One Acre Café, and establishment of a garden

plot on the Tweetsie Trail that is maintained by the club.

For the past 70 years and for the future, the objectives of the Mountain View Garden Club are “to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, to study and help preserve the natural beauty of the area, and to enjoy fellowship with one another.” Clearly, this club has a long history of enjoying the friendship of neighbors while working to make Johnson City a more beautiful place in which to live.

{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.

Group photo of the Mountain View Garden Club.

Left: Rebecca Alexander and Judy Johnson with TN House of Representatives Proclamation.

Above: Hayden Parr, Club President and Dr. Todd Fowler with Mayor’s Proclamation.

Consider the Lilies

My husband joined us and we knelt together. I cried. They laughed. My husband held us all.

I know this isn’t the same thing as the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, but looking at the beautiful Easter lilies at the stores this week made me remember how I felt when the daisies began to bloom again.

The flower that I thought was dead bloomed, giving me hope. Nature has a way of connecting man and God.

The lily represents Easter and Christ’s Resurrection—new birth, new life. The delicate, white blooms can be viewed as pure, innocent, and untainted by the world.

In Children’s Church, teachers sometimes explain the resurrection story illustrated using an Easter lily bulb. The bulb that is buried in the ground represents Christ’s tomb. However, the trumpet-shaped fragrant flowers also announce life after death.

By Deana Landers www.morningcoffeebeans.com

Our daughter, Carol, died on July 3, 1980. She was 19 months old. It was devastating for us.

We adorned her small casket with beautiful, white daisies. Our family and friends filled the church with arrangements and even more daisies.

When we were married, we decorated the church with daisies, my favorite flower. Our niece and nephew threw daisy petals down the aisles before I walked to unite with my husband. The flower is beautiful yet stunningly simple, and I have always admired it.

Everyone that knew us well knew about the daisies. I remember picking wild daisies with my children and being fascinated by how pretty the flowers were clutched in their little fingers.

After the funeral, our three older children helped me plant all the daisies around the side of our house near their playset. I told them this would be Carol’s garden and that the blooming flowers would remind us that she was alive in heaven.

Each day I would come home from work and go and look at the daisies, but they didn’t seem to be rooting and growing the way I thought they should. Sometimes I would whisper to God how important it was to me for the daisies to grow. It would symbolize her new home in heaven in my heart.

Three months came and went. The flowers seemed to have died. By the fall, I had stopped kneeling on the ground to look for new growth. Our road was very shaded, and fall became cold and dark.

I came home weary and downhearted from work one day. But when I got out of the car, our three children came running to me.

“Mom, Mom, come look!”

I was tired but reluctantly followed them around the side of the house. “Oh, my heart!”

All the plants had beautiful white buds that looked excited and ready to bloom. Some had filled out into a beautiful, radiant daisy with a bright yellow centerpiece and white petals.

Jesus even references the flower in Luke 12:27, stating, “Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; yet I say unto you, Solomon was not arrayed like one of these.”

When Mary was standing at the empty tomb and feeling like her heart would sink into the ground with grief, the words she heard were life to her heart and soul.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”

We weren’t there when they crucified Jesus. We weren’t there when they laid Him in the tomb. We weren’t there when the angels rolled the stone away, and we didn’t hear the angels say, “He is not here. He has risen.

I can’t even imagine how it all felt. But I think God has created an amazing earth for us and left us a loving letter in the Bible that reminds us daily that He is alive.

When nature ministers to my heart in the smallest of ways, I feel the presence of God. I feel hope.

Deana Landers, a retired nurse and health educator, is Christian speaker who strives to educate and encourage. She may be contacted at dlanders1511@

YW Strive for Teens

By Karissa Skeens YW Strive for Teens Program Administrator

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, last summer (2021), the youth labor force grew by 2.4 million, or 11.7 percent, to a total of 22.5 million in July 2021. In our area, many companies are hiring younger adults. While this is an exciting and empowering move for the youth in our community, are they being taught skills they need in order to enter the workforce successfully?

The YWCA of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, in partnership with the National YWCA and Torrid, is on a mission to empower teen girls through the YW Strive for Teens program. Since launching summer 2022, the YW Strive for Teens program has helped teach girls digital, interpersonal, and business skills needed for success in today’s workforce. The program aims to equip girls with the tools necessary to become the thinkers, leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators of tomorrow. YW Strive for Teens is implemented through a trauma-informed lens in order to better address issues such as chronic poverty, unemployment, and underemployment for youth and young adults in our community. The program is also being implemented on-site at organizations across the region who work with girls.

To date 80 classes have been offered in partnership with churches and community organizations.

YW Strive for Teens curriculum is designed to present in various modalities to accommodate in-person, virtual, or blended learning. Additional modules are available we have the flexibility to customize the sessions to reflect the interests of the participants. Curriculum implementation and hours of instruction are flexible according to the needs of our community partners.

The ideal outcome of YW Strive for Teens is to help youth learn how to gain and maintain employment, mitigate the impacts of trauma and adversity in their personal lives and achieve and maintain financial stability. The program implementation includes educational sessions, case management, and group discussions that aid teen girls in learning valuable skills such as resume building, interview etiquette, applying for jobs, and more. YW Strive for Teens Program Instructor, Lorrie Anderson, has high hopes for these program outcomes. Anderson states “My hope is that YW Strive for Teens will motivate the next generation of incredible, hard-working girls to go into the work force with fierce determination to accomplish their wildest dreams while fearlessly and proudly being their authentic selves.”

If you or your organization are interested in the YW Strive for Teens program, please contact YW Strive for Teens Program Administrator, Karissa Skeens, at kskeens@ywcatnva.org

8 Planning Tips for your EASTER EGG HUNT

1. Set the date: If Easter egg hunts are more than just family affairs and involve neighborhood searches or hunts with a close knit group of friends, it may be smart to schedule in the days before Easter.

2. Gather supplies early. Easter decorations and plastic eggs sell out rather quickly, so it’s wise to stock up on items as soon as they reach store shelves. If you’ll be using real eggs, consider boiling and coloring the eggs a week before the egg hunt so you won’t feel a time crunch. Simply store the dyed eggs in the refrigerator until ready for use. Color around six to 12 eggs per participant.

3. Designate a search area. If you use a public space, rope off an area where the eggs will be hidden. In addition, have a backup plan if the weather will not cooperate. School gymnasiums, libraries or church recreational centers are some potential indoor options.

4. Have pails at the ready. Some children will forget to bring a basket. Therefore, have extra, inexpensive pails or buckets on hand. Sturdy gift bags also work in a pinch.

5. Keep ages in mind when hiding eggs. Avoid choosing hiding spots that can be dangerous or prove

Jesus is Lord

By Jim Burns

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36 KJV

Interpretation: “Let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36

In the Gospels there is a graphic story of Jesus standing before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. At one point in the story, Pilate offers to release a prisoner to the Jews. He offers either Jesus or Barabbas (who was a troublemaker and murderer). The crowd asks for Barabbas to be freed. Pilate doesn’t know what to do. He asks the crowd, “What shall I do with the man Jesus?” They cry, “Crucify him!”

too difficult for kids to find the eggs. Prior to hiding eggs, count how many you have, which will help to ensure all eggs were actually collected later on. Next, identify hiding spots that will work for various ages. Real eggs may not matter outdoors since wildlife could simply dine on any undiscovered eggs. However, plastic eggs are not good for the environment and every attempt should be made to collect them all.

6. Send children out in stages. Let the youngest kids go first, and then group each search team by ascending age. This helps make sure the older kids won’t simply snatch up the more easily found eggs.

7. Reward with prizes. Be sure each child has some sort of takeaway prize.

8. Gather and celebrate. Encourage guests to bring a small dish to contribute. After the hunt, everyone can gather to enjoy some refreshments.

The question Pilate asked, “What will you do with Jesus?” is still the important question of the day. When people today are confronted with Christ, they basically have four options. Which option have you chosen?

1. Reject Him. Turn your back on Jesus and live your life without Him.

2. Ignore Him. Choose to be an Easter and Christmas Christian. Acknowledge His deity but keep Him out of the practical daily activities of your life.

3. Appease Him. There are the people who go through the motions of Christianity but still keep the lordship of Christ at a distance.

4. Obey Him. If you obey Him you are choosing to make Him Lord of your life. You are no longer in control, He is. You choose to obey His will and His Word.

What will you do with the claims of Christ in your life? If you fall into one of the categories besides obedience, then perhaps it’s time to make Him the Lord of your life. If you believe He is Christ the Savior, then your only true option is to make Him Christ the Lord also! www.homeword.com

Voicemail Male

By Ken Heath

Making a Life’s Dream Reality

You guys are so kind to me, reading my ramblings each month, usually about my dogs or something that’s going on in my world. But we really haven’t talked much about my day job. I’m a small-town guy from Marion, VA., and since 1994, have worked in downtown revitalization and economic development. In short, I work to help people “move ideas from the couch to the cash register,” helping folks sort through the maze to open or expand a small business.

It truly is my life’s calling. Oh, I loved my career in radio—some of you may remember my infamous commercial where I was dancing in a cowboy hat and boots way before Yellowstone came ’round. But whenever I can help someone realize a lifelong dream to pull the pieces together to cut a ribbon and open their own place, I’m happiest of all.

Recently, I ran a report on one of our programs, set up in partnership with another small-town guy, Craig Barbrow, who is originally front Saltville. He works with USDA Rural Development, and several years ago, offered to help us set up a small business loan pool. Now this was critical then—and critical now, too—because it’s tough to get financing for a startup small business. We took that initial investment and loaned it out $15,000 at a time at 2% interest over 5 years, and as that money was repaid, we lent it to others.

Over the years, we turned $300,000 investment to nearly $600,000 loaned out and that helped serve 47 businesses in our small town. It’s amazing the types of businesses we’ve worked with through this program—everything from a national, award winning, pet grooming business to a mobile small engine repair business, a cupcake lady to 10 new restaurants. Out of those 47 businesses, 21 have been women-owned. And for years, the two hardest businesses to get financing were food service and women owned. Thank goodness that has changed! In Marion, about 87% of our business startups since we started the whole program are women-owned. So next time you are thinking about following your passion, make it happen! Follow your passion always, and never take no for an answer.

If I can ever help, please reach out! Ken_heath@hotmail.com Let’s continue to do great things across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee!

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. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at #kenheath.

NEW RELEASES OUT NOW!

Yesterday’s Boys

Written by John Echols

Yesterday’s Boys is an eye-opening account of one hillbilly boy growing up in the coal mining community of Patterson, Virginia in the 1950s and the 1960s. Patterson is located deep in the Appalachian Mountains, 16 miles from the nearest town. This is John Echols’ true story of the good times and bad times. Coal was king at that time, and like the song “16 Tons” by Tennessee Ernie Ford says, all the miners in Patterson owed their soul to the Company Store.

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 little orange t’s Great Tennessee Adventure

Written by George Bove

Illustrated by Kristi Lynch

The little orange t and his best friend, Smoke, set out on a silly and exciting Tennessee adventure of discovery and mud! The two trek across the SEC and are received by many wonderful friends. Energized and inspired by the possibilities of what lies beneath, the little orange t and Smoke realize a discovery that changes the sporting world forever!

A Heart Never Dies

Written by Karen G. Bruce

Jenna has just lost her husband to a drunk driver. Her world has turned upside down, and then she meets Ben. Their connection is instant and baffling. When she finds out that Ben may have her husband’s heart, can she stay with the man who lived only because her husband died?

Seasons

Written by Raven Howell

Illustrated by Ann Pilcer

Children learn about the seasons and weather through the diversity of a year, joyfully encountering birds and butterflies, adventuring at beaches, jumping in colorful leaf piles, and dashing through the whitest winter snow.

Welcome Home

Written by Rita Rumgay

Elizabeth Bromwell

The Case of the Chinese Leopard

Written by Kathryn Raaker and Robert Taggart

Elizabeth and her family are tangled in a deadly spy game between the U.S. and China. A stolen file has disappeared, and they are being hunted by the world’s deadliest assassins to find Harbinger. Elizabeth will risk losing family and friends to protect this file from getting into enemy hands. The life of an expatriate can be lonely, especially without boundaries in a strange, foreign land full of adventures, longing for home.

The Princess: A Fairy Tale & A True Story

Written by Anna L. Sobol

Illustrated by Blake Marsee

Growing up to be a Princess is hard work. Success isn’t always what she expects it to be, but the Princess never gives up, no matter how many dragons stand in her way.

Ann’s breaking point has arrived. She’s invisible to her husband, used and abused by her children, and disappointed in her career. She needs a new life. Oh sure, there will be fall-out. It will be painful. Or, she could run down the street screaming and pulling her hair out!

My Favorite Season Is Spring

Written by Patrice Wilkerson

Illustrated by Brooke Beaver

Come on a journey with little Susie as she describes her favorite season and all the fun things she likes to do in spring.

Faye Duncan

Author of Murder on Wilson Street and Canyon of Shame

(See ad on this page)

Saturday, April 22, 10 am – 12 pm

Book Signing

Sisters in Crime Booth at the LA Festival of Books

University of Southern California Campus

Saturday, April 29, 1 pm – 3 pm

Book Signing

Flintridge Bookstore

La Canada Flintridge, CA

Linda Hudson Hoagland

Author of Snooping Can Be Regrettable; Snooping Can Be Scary; Snooping Can Be Uncomfortable; Snooping Can Be Helpful – Sometimes; Onward & Upward; Missing

Sammy; Snooping Can Be Doggone Deadly; Snooping Can Be Devious; Snooping Can Be Contagious; Snooping Can Be

Dangerous; The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Easter Lilies; Broken Petals; Wild Daisies; Scattered Flowers; Daffodil Dreams; and These Haunted Hills; These Haunted Hills Book 2; These Haunted Hills Book 3; and These Haunted Hills Book 4

Saturday, April 1, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing

Food City

Big Stone Gap, VA

Friday, April 7, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing

Food City

Coeburn, VA

Saturday, April 8, 10 am – 4 pm

Authors Day

Kingsport Farmers Market

Kingsport, TN

Tuesday, April 11

Appalachian Authors Guild

Board Meeting 12 pm – 1 pm & Workshop 1 pm – 3 pm

Workshop Presentation-Read Forum

Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator Abingdon, VA

Thursday, April 13, 6 pm – 8 pm

Local Author Festival

Buchanan County Public Library Grundy, VA

Friday, April 14, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing

Food City

Bluefield, VA

Saturday, April 15, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing Food City

Lebanon, VA

Friday, April 21, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing Food City

Claypool Hill, VA

Saturday, April 22, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing Food City, Pulaski, VA

Friday, April 28, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing Food City

Wytheville, VA

Saturday, April 29, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing Food City

Radford, VA

This Month’s Featured Books

Celebrate and teach your little ones about Earth Day with our exciting selection of naturethemed children's books!

Kathleen M. Jacobs Jacqueline Krafft Nancy Crumley Tamela Wheeler

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.

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.

Broken Sky weaves a tale of the Native American, passing on a story of sharing and the importance of remembering tradition with a focus on nature. Rain is falling. The story follows as the rain fills the animals’ homes. Burrows were flooding and tunnels were collapsing from the wetness. Nests on the ground and in the trees were not safe. Is the sky broken? Can the Broken Sky be fixed?

In the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, a young boy enjoys the wonder of a hot, summer night catching fireflies. However, these are unique fireflies. It is the synchronous firefly. On the other side of the world, a young boy from Southeast Asia enjoys the same thrills of the fireflies on a hot, summer night, once again showing us that no matter where children might live, they all experience the joys of nature and the excitement of discovering the natural world.

Stacey Lynn Schlegl

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

Order this book directly from JCP — for a discounted price and FREE shipping!

Go to the “JCP Book Shop” at www.jancarolpublishing.com.

Easter lilies carry with them a significant meaning. The flower is mentioned frequently throughout the Bible and serves today as a beautiful reminder of the significance of the Easter season. The flower graces homes and churches each spring as a symbol of purity, joy, hope, and life. 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 make up the beauty in our lives.

Books You May Have Missed!

Yesterday’s Books and Tomorrow ’s Reading

Scattered Flowers is a collection of short stories centering on Appalachian women and the beauty of the Appalachian homeplace. These stories have been carefully crafted by an impressive collection of talented authors. Each tale is sure to tug your heartstrings, bringing laughter, tears, and lasting impressions that will keep you coming back to this anthology again and again.

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.

Wild daisies adorn the landscape in beautiful shapes, sizes, and colors. Much like wild daisies gracing a hillside, their characteristics reflect one’s life journey with their responsiveness to the environment, growth and change, and the ability to carry on year after year. Wild Daisies is a collection of short stories which capture the essence of the flowers; surviving and carrying on with beauty and grace.

In this anthology, eight talented authors come together to share stories centered around the strong and inspiring women of Appalachia. With tales that will bring readers to tears, evoke laughter, and invite you to befriend the characters within, Daffodil Dreams showcases the beauty and resilience of the Appalachian region and its people.

JCP is Now Accepting Submissions

Stories submitted to the fifth 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. Please include with your submission a short author bio. Author bios should be no more than 50 words and should be written in third person.

These Haunted Hills: Book 5

The These Haunted Hills series began with the first installment in fall of 2017, and has since produced second, third, and fourth editions. Each anthology is filled with stories that indulge readers’ curiosity for the supernatural from an array of accomplished authors.

These Haunted Hills: Book 5 is set for publication autumn 2023.

The submission fee per story is $20, and authors are allowed to submit a max of two stories. 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.

Authors accepted to the anthology will receive two free books upon publication.

The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2023. Send your submissions to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com. Join the host of talented writers to take part in our most beloved anthology series!

Steamy Creek: A Cozy Romance Anthology

JCP is now accepting submissions to our first romance short story collection, Steamy Creek: A Cozy Romance Anthology !

Steamy Creek will join our other JCP in house anthologies—our These Haunted Hills series; our Appalachian inspired short story collections with titles such as Daffodil Dreams, Scattered Flowers, and Wild Daisies ; as well as our winter themed anthology, Snowy Trails.

Steamy Creek is set for publication in February 2024.

Stories submitted to Steamy Creek should be of the romance genre and must be fiction. Please include with your submission a short author bio. Author bios should be no more than 50 words and should be written in third person.

The submission fee per story is $20, and authors are allowed to submit a max of two stories. 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.

Authors accepted to the anthology will receive two free books upon publication.

The deadline for submissions to Steamy Creek: A Cozy Romance Anthology is September 30, 2023. Send your submissions to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com.

Q&A with Author KATHRYN RAAKER

How old were you when you started creative writing for different mediums as a hobby?

I was around the age of 7 or 8 I when I started writing little plays and productions to perform with my circle of friends. Back then children entertained themselves by creating things for fun when they weren’t in school. We would create productions for family and friends. I was in my own world. As the oldest of seven children, it was a way for me to escape from reality.

What inspired your love for writing to start and flourish?

My father was my mentor in writing and entertainment. He encouraged me to play instruments and write. He loved the plays and productions that I had created. He was my inspiration being that he was a very talented musician and lyricist at a very young age. Growing up he formed a trio and orchestra, so we were around music all the time. When I was a teenager, he formed his own record company. And later on in my life I became his PR person and publicist. My Dad was the perfect mentor for me.

How has your experience been co-authoring with your son?

Working with my son, Robert Taggart, has been an honor, collaborating on our first book together. Robert is such a talented author. His writing captures the reader and doesn’t them let go. It’s thrilling from the first chapter. Robert has inspired me to continue the series as a mother and son team, as we continue Elizabeth Bromwell adventures in the spy world.

What is one thing readers have shared with you about your work that will stay with you forever?

I was so surprised and thrilled that readers love the story lines as some of it is based on true experiences and some are not. Readers love the international intrigue, characters, countries, and events that are intertwined in the books.

What is something you want readers to know about you as an author and about your writing?

I love sharing the adventures that I experienced living in many international locations, from learning the languages, customs, and culture, to being part of the countries in which I have been privileged to work and live.

What are you most excited for right now in your writing career?

Creating the series with my son is exhilarating for me as we take our readers on the ride of their lives to new countries all over the globe. You will be surprised by the characters and countries we visit and encounter next.

Q&A with Author ROBERT TAGGART

How old were you when you got into writing as a hobby? What inspired your love for writing to start and flourish?

My journey began when I was 11 years old. I loved comic books, music, and poetry. At first, writing felt like a chore. In middle school, my English teacher changed my outlook on writing. I began to practice my writing skills by

writing poetry to girlfriends. In 1983, I wrote the commencement poem for the 1983 graduating class. My writing really flourished as a college journalism student. I joined the college newspaper as a sports and city reporter.

What about co-authoring with family do you find is different than writing on your own?

I never thought about writing a book with my mother, but the experience has changed me. I feel like we have a very close and loving relationship.

What surprised you about writing or publishing once you got into the process?

My experience in journalism does not compare to the intricacy of a book being published. There as so many moving parts, and I feel fortunate that Jan-Carol Publishing is representing our efforts.

What is one thing you hope readers remember or take away from your upcoming novel?

My hope is they will find this adventure exciting and riveting. If we accomplish this with the reader, I believe they will pass it on to friends and even read it again.

Do you have a favorite work of yours — published or unpublished? Why is it your favorite?

Undecided at this moment. I am always trying to be better for the reader. Perhaps when I am much older, I will look back and realize my most accomplished work.

Decision Making

By Cindy K. Sproles

As seniors age, decision-making grows more difficult with each passing day. Seeing our loved ones struggle with making simple decisions can grow frustrating, especially now that we live in an age of instant gratification. It’s important to remember this loss of ability is not easy for seniors either.

Imagine making all the necessary decisions in your life, and suddenly, one day, making a choice becomes frustrating and impossible to do. There are several reasons for this sudden inability.

• Dementia or Alhemizers – Both issues that affect memory can cloud a once strong mind with indecision. Decision-making requires greater use of certain brain areas that may lessen with these diseases. Narrowing choices offered to our loved ones from three or four to only two helps some to wade through easier. Remember, loved ones do not have control over these issues. Helping them manage by simplifying the options will help.

• Chronic Diseases – COPD, diabetes, heart disease, and even arthritis can lessen the ability to make decisions. When one doesn’t feel well, it’s hard to think clearly much less make important decisions. Pain and discomfort will stand in the

way of making sound decisions. Securing a power of attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship before these things take hold will allow family members to aid in vital choices for health and safety.

• Lack of confidence – Aging brings a lack of confidence. This mainly happens as one loses their independence. A once-sure senior may begin to question their ability, especially if they have fallen, recently moved to assistive living, or given up driving. Those things that once brought them confidence now take it away.

As we age, our bodies slow, our minds slip, even if one is in excellent health. These are simply signs of the aging process.

Take time to make early plans with your loved one. Discuss their desires for aging, how they want to manage decisions—even finances, health, and end of life. Having these things in place long before needed makes the transition into aging easier for our loved ones and ourselves.

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week. It is an opportunity to honor the impact of all those who do good in our communities, and inspire others to make a difference and improve the world.

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.

Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that can affect patients’ lives in many ways due to its physical symptoms, which typically begin gradually and then worsen over time. Symptoms of PD can include everything from involuntary movements called “tremors” to stiffness and difficulty balancing and walking. The National Institute on Aging says as the disease progresses, people may experience mental and memory issues and exhibit difficulty speaking.

Sometimes PD can affect a person’s ability to engage in ordinary daily activities. Things that once came easily, such as dressing, eating and sleeping, may become more challenging. Living successfully after a Parkinson’s diagnosis requires adjusting to changes as they come.

Learn all you can

After a PD diagnosis, it’s important patients learn as much as possible about the condition. Everyone experiences medical issues in different ways, so there is no uniform way that the human body responds to PD. However, there are some commonalities, and awareness of what may occur can remove some of the surprises.

Choose your care team wisely

It certainly can take a village for you to manage PD. One of the first steps is finding competent doctors and allowing caring friends and family who have your best interests at heart to pitch in. As a person with PD, you’ll need support. That can include medical teams who prescribe the best medications to help manage symptoms and therapists who can help you through frustrations. Friends and family may have to assist with certain tasks, including running errands and helping keep your home clean.

Keep safety in mind

Speak with a doctor about situations when your safety can be compromised, particularly if you live alone. The Parkinson’s Foundation reports that, as the disease progresses, people with PD may experience “freezing” episodes. Freezing is a temporary situation where you will not be able to move. These episodes cause increased risk of falling. Episodes may only last a few seconds, but they are a potentially dangerous symptom of PD.

Additional safety concerns may involve walking without assistive devices or knowing when to give up driving. It’s also good to get a medical alert band so, in the case of an emergency, first responders will be aware you have PD.

Plan ahead

While it may initially seem you will need to stick closer to home, this isn’t always the case. Ask your neurologist to provide names of caregivers in areas where you would like to travel for business or vacation. Also, the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline (800-4PD-INFO) can help you locate local resources, such as exercise classes, activities and support groups.

Parkinson’s disease can be challenging, but most people learn ways to manage its symptoms so they can continue to live fulfilling lives.

Tax Breaks Aging Taxpayers may be Eligible for

It is always best to go over tax and finance related plans with an accountant or certified financial planner to figure out what is in your best interest. However, generally speaking, here are some potential age-related tax perks.

Increase retirement savings

Older individuals can contribute more to employer-sponsored retirement accounts and Roth or traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs), according to AARP. For 2023, the contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k) and 403(b) programs, most 457 retirement savings plans and Thrift Savings Plan through the U.S. Federal Government can increase their contributions to $22,500 — a jump of $2,000 from last year. Those over age 50 can maximize contributions even more, up to a total of $30,000.

Larger standard deduction

The Balance Money says for tax year 2022, people age 65 or older can add an extra $1,750 to the standard deduction they’re eligible for if they are unmarried and not a surviving spouse. Those who are married and file joint returns can add $1,400. For tax year 2023, those amounts go up to $1,850 and $1,500. In addition, the standard eligible deductions increased.

Reduce taxable income

The ability to contribute more to tax-defered retirement accounts enables older adults to reduce their taxable incomes. This, in turn, reduces the amount that needs to be spent on income taxes.

Changes in filing threshold

According to The Arbor Company, which oversees senior living communities, the filing threshold is the income that must be made before being required to file a tax return. Typical taxpayers who are either employees or retired and drawing pensions or Social Security find the threshold increases over age 65. Single filers over age 65 do not need to file returns if their incomes are $14,050 or under. Married filers over age 65 have a threshold of $27,400. If primary or sole income comes from Social Security or a pension, those over age 65 may not have to file returns at all.

Elderly or disabled tax credit

Differing from deductions, a credit for taxpayers is available to people age 65 or older or retired persons on permanent and total disability who receive taxable disability income for the tax year, according to the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, this credit is for those who have an adjusted gross income or the total of nontaxable Social Security, pensions, annuities, or disability income under specific limits. The eligibility levels change from year to year. Credits range from $3,750 to $7,500.

These are some of the tax breaks American seniors can expect when filing their income tax returns. Speak with an accountant and financial planner about other perks that come with aging. Individuals also can visit www.irs.gov for further information.

The Effects of Chronic Stress on Overall Health

According to the Stress in America Survey 2022 from the American Psychological Association, 81 percent of respondents indicated they were stressed out due to issues affecting the supply chain. Inflation proved even more troubling, as 87 percent of participants in the survey indicated they were stressed out by the rising cost in living. That’s especially noteworthy, as it marked a nearly 30 percent increase from the year prior.

Stress is more than an inconvenience. Though the APA notes the human body is well-equipped to handle stress in small doses, chronic stress poses an entirely different problem, affecting various parts of the body.

Musculoskeletal system

The APA reports that muscle tension is almost a reflex reaction to stress. However, muscle tension for long periods of time can trigger a host of problems, including tension-type headache and migraine headaches, which are each associated with chronic muscle tension in the shoulders, neck and head. The APA notes that work-related stress in particular has been linked to musculoskeletal pain in the lower back and upper extremities.

Respiratory system

Stress can present problems affecting the respiratory system as well. Shortness of breath and rapid breathing can occur when a person is feeling stress. Though the APA acknowledges this is often not a problem for people without respiratory disease, the group notes it can exacerbate breathing problems for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, including asthma and COPD.

Cardiovascular system

Chronic stress can contribute to long-term problems affecting the heart and blood vessels, which the APA notes are the two elements of the cardiovascular system that work together to provide nourishment and oxygen to the body’s organs. Chronic stress has many hallmarks, including a consistent and ongoing spike in heart rate. As a result, long-term ongoing stress increases a person’s risk for an

assortment of cardiovascular problems, including hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.

Gastrointestinal system

The APA notes that hundreds of millions of neurons in the gut are in constant communication with the brain. This is why feelings of nervousness or anxiety often produce the sensation of butterflies in the stomach. When a person is dealing with chronic stress, that can affect communication between the gut and brain, potentially leading to pain, bloating and other discomfort in the gut.

Stress is a public health problem that affects people from all walks of life. Individuals feeling excess levels of stress are urged to speak to their physicians and visit apa.org for more information.

National Cannabis Awareness Month is observed annually in April.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is an active ingredient found in the cannabis plant, which is also known as hemp. How much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive component, will determine how it affects people.

Companies extract CBD from the cannabis plant and dilute it with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil, according to Healthline. It may be used in oil form, as a pill, in cream, or edibles like gummies.

CBD uses

Researchers continue to explore the uses of CBD to treat a variety of conditions. CBD produces effects in the body by interacting with cannabinoid receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors are present throughout the body, but most notably in the brain. They affect mood, thinking, appetite, pain, and movement. CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system, affecting pain and inflammation, indicates Medical News Today. Therefore, CBD has been recommended for use in treating pain, inflammation from arthritis, migraines, sleep disorders, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, seizure disorders, anxiety, depression, and other conditions.

While there are some indications CBD will improve these conditions, currently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration only approves the prescription use of Epidolex, a purified CBD oil, for treating epilepsy.

The popularity of CBD continues to grow. Individuals considering the use of CBD to treat a health issue are urged to speak with a medical professional prior to using it.

Arugula and Artichokes

Serves 6

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, minced

6 cups baby arugula leaves

6 oil-packed artichoke hearts, sliced

6 low-salt olives, pitted and chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

4 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

1. Make the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic until you have a smooth emulsion. Set aside. Toss the arugula, artichokes, olives, and tomatoes together.

2. Drizzle the salad with the dressing, garnish with the fresh basil, and serve.

Source: The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook

Roasted Lamb with Roasted Asparagus

Serves 8 to 10

Lamb:

1 leg of lamb or loin of lamb, about

4 to 5 pounds

5 garlic cloves, sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cups dry white wine

1 fresh bay leaf

4 sprigs fresh rosemary

4 to 5 sprigs fresh thyme

1. Cut small slits in the meat of the lamb with a sharp paring knife. Insert a slice of the garlic into each slit. Place the lamb in a large sealable plastic bag and add the olive oil, 2 cups white wine, bay leaf, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag tightly and place in the refrigerator to marinate for 12 hours.

2. Remove the lamb from the fridge the next day, at least 4 hours before roasting. Keep the lamb sealed in the marinade bag and allow it to come to room temperature.

3. Heat the oven to 400 F. Remove the lamb from the bag with marinade. Place it on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 2 cups of wine. Roast for 1 1⁄2 hours or until the thermometer reads 150 to 160 F. Baste with drippings while roasting. Serve warm.

Asparagus:

4 pounds of asparagus, remove woody ends

2 cups coarse bread crumbs

1 cup grated Romano cheese

2 tablespoons garlic powder

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

4 large eggs

Sea salt, to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.

2. Place the bread crumbs, cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper in a dish or bowl wide enough to hold the asparagus. Mix well to combine thoroughly.

3. Put the eggs in another dish or bowl of similar size and beat well. Working in batches, dip the spears into the egg, making sure they are coated well. Immediately place them in the bread crumb mixture and toss until each spear is fully coated. Transfer the breaded asparagus to a large baking sheet.

4. Place the asparagus in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the breading is browned and crispy. Serve with wedges of fresh lemon.

Source: Feast of the Seven Fishes: A Brooklyn Italian’s Recipes Celebrating Food & Family by Daniel Paterna

Pane di Pasqua

Yields 7 to 8 loaves

Dough:

5 packages of dry yeast (11 1⁄4 teaspoons proof yeast in a 4-cup container)

5 pounds unbleached all-purpose flour (approximately 17 cups)

1 additional pound flour for adding to dough if needed, cleaning hands, and dusting boards and pans

3 1⁄2 cups sugar

Pinch of salt

1 pound salted butter, softened, plus a bit more for coating rising dough

24 medium to large eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons anisette extract

Decorating:

6 ounces rainbow-colored nonpareil

3 egg yolks

3 tablespoons water

1. Combine the flour, sugar and salt in a 16-quart pot. Add the butter and mix by hand, squeezing and merging butter with the flour mixture. Add proofed yeast to the flour mixture; continue mixing ingredients.

2. Slowly stir in all the beaten eggs and anisette using a fork. Continue to mix until ingredients are combined and loose until dough begins to form.

3. Knead the dough with floured hands for approximately 45 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add flour to the dough if needed, or to scrape the dough off your hands and the bottom of the pot.

4. Once the dough is fully kneaded, leave it in the pot, lightly spread some butter over the top to keep it moist, and cover with a cloth. Leave at room temperature to rise for 8 hours or overnight. The dough is ready when it rises about 5 times its size.

5. When the dough has fully risen, punch it down, turn it out onto a floured surface, and form it into a ball. Cut the dough into 7 or 8 smaller dough balls using a sharp knife. Then cut each ball in half. Roll each half into strands approximately 16-inches long. To form a loaf, lay the strands side by side and cross them over at one end, offset by 3 inches.

6. Continue crossing one strand over the other while working the braid into a circle. The tie off can be challenging. Join the circle by tucking one end under the other, pinch the dough firmly together to seal, maintaining the twist and thickness of the loaf. Repeat with the remaining dough.

7. Butter and flour one 9-inch baking pan for each loaf. Place the braided loaves in individual pans and set aside, covered in a warm, draft-free place to rise for another hour until the dough rises about 30 percent more.

8. At this point, preheat the oven to 250 F. When the dough has risen, place the pans into the oven for about 10 minutes, then raise the temperature to 325 F. Bake until the bread is a dark golden brown and makes a hollow sound when lightly tapped on the bottom.

9. Prepare the egg wash for decorating. In a small bowl, beat the 3 egg yolks with 3 tablespoons of water and set aside.

10. When the breads are fully baked, remove them from the oven and pan using oven mitts, then decorate immediately. Brush the egg wash onto the hot surface of each loaf and sprinkle with the colored confetti. Set the loaves to cool the racks. Slice a wedge and spread with butter.

Source: Feast of the Seven Fishes: A Brooklyn Italian’s Recipes Celebrating Food & Family by Daniel Paterna

Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake

Yield: 16 servings

1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar

2 tablespoons lemon zest

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

1 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

3⁄4 cup (1 1⁄2 sticks) butter, softened (do not substitute margarine)

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

4 eggs

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Powdered sugar (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Spray Stoneware Fluted Pan (or any bundt cake pan) with nonstick cooking spray. Combine flour, granulated sugar, lemon zest, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt in a 2-quart mixing bowl; mix well. In a 4-quart mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese on high speed of hand-held electric mixer 1 minute. Add flour mixture; beat on low speed 1 minute or until blended (mixture will form a stiff paste).

2. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, milk and vanilla just until blended. Add egg mixture to cream cheese mixture in four additions, beating 2 minutes after each addition. (Do not undermix.)

3. Pour batter into pan. Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until a cake tester inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan 10 minutes. Loosen cake from sides of pan; carefully invert onto a cooling rack, keeping pan over cake. Cool completely.

4. Place cake on serving platter. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or prepare a glaze, if desired.

Source: The Pampered Chef® Stoneware Inspirations by The Pampered Chef® Test Kitchens

It’s A Classic!

Short and sweet film reviews of old, classic movies perfect for a girls’ night in!

By Allison Chudina

As we enter into this lovely spring season, I wanted to recommend a movie not many people may think of when they think of spring: Rear Window (1954), directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The reason this would make a fun spring watch is because of the setting — many of the film’s characters have their windows open with the sounds of music and chatter filling the air as James Stewart’s character, L.B. Jefferies, observes life. Many of the scenes include exterior shots of the apartments surrounding Jefferies, so this movie is a pleasant reminder to enjoy the fresh air and world around us as things begin to warm up. Of course,

April is...

National Pickleball Month

WHAT IS PICKLEBALL?

A court sport is sweeping the nation, and it isn’t tennis or basketball. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, 4.8 million people played pickleball in 2021, marking a nearly 15 percent growth in the total number of players from the year prior. As the popularity of pickleball grows, now is a great time to explore the basics of this game that’s become a go-to pastime for so many people.

the actual plot of the film is a little more mysterious. Jefferies, a news photographer, is recovering from an accident and finds himself in a wheelchair. Confined to the chair, he spends his time watching the residents of neighboring apartments through binoculars and becomes convinced he’s witnessed a murder. Grace Kelly also stars as Stewart’s love interest, Lisa Fremont, and their chemistry is enough to warm you for the season as the two of them try to solve this potential murder. It’s a suspenseful ride, but the movie never loses its whimsical, fun element. And for that reason, it is perfect for the spring season!

What is it?

USA PickleballTM notes that pickleball combines many elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. That game is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes and can be played both indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Much like tennis, pickleball can be played in a singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two) format.

A game is typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by two. Tournament games may be played to 15 or 21, and a team must win by two.

Why should I play?

Players enjoy the game of pickleball for a multitude of reasons, including the thrill of competition, the chance to socialize, and the opportunity to exercise outside of a gym or home fitness center. But many play the game because they find it fun. Pickleball has experienced a notable spike in popularity in recent years. More information about the game, rules, and how to get involved is available at usapickleball.org.

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

1. Colas

7. Single-celled animals

13. The rear car of a train

14. Endangered

16. It cools your home

17. Helper

19. “The First State”

20. More aged

22. Partner to cheese

23. Type of wrap

25. From a distance

26. Satisfies

28. “Dallas Buyers’ Club” actor Jared

29. God of battle (Scandinavian)

30. Cooking utensil

31. Soviet Socialist Republic

33. Able to perform

34. Big man on campus

36. Second epoch of the Tertiary period

38. Porticos

40. Alban and Peter are two

41. Gets up

43. Humble request for help

44. One-thousandth of an inch (abbr.)

45. Unhappy

47. Hint or indication

48. A way to plead

51. Digits

53. Broadway actress Daisy

55. Jewish calendar month

56. Author Gore __

58. Peacock network

59. White poplar

60. Promotional material

61. A period of calm

64. Take too much

65. Emit energy

67. Something you can take

69. Mended with yarn

70. Inconsistent

CLUES DOWN

1. Calm down

2. One quintillion bytes (abbr.)

3. One who pretends

4. Hang glide

5. Distinctive practice

6. Mariner

7. Peaks

8. Queens ballplayer

9. Geological times

10. Twofold

11. Atomic #13

12. Tranquillizing

13. Metric weight unit

15. Indicates

18. Unwanted rodent

21. Partly cooked with hot water

24. One who can be recommended

26. Resembles a bag or pouch

27. Midway between south and southeast

30. Sets up for a photo

32. California white oak

35. More (Spanish)

37. After B

38. Decorated tea urn

39. Island

42. Car mechanics group 43. Wordplay joke 46. Cut a rug 47. Prickly plant 49. Speech in praise of a deceased person 50. European buzzard 52. Influential linguist 54. West African languages 55. Siskel’s partner 57. Skinny 59. Oblong pulpit 62. Consumed 63. Small, mischievous sprite 66. Powerful lawyer 68. Indicates position