Voice Magazine for Women 0523

VOICE Speaks

Recently, I went shopping to buy plants and flowers. It is the season, and with Mother’s Day celebrated this month, I decided to try to find a bush that my grandmother was very proud to show off in her flower garden—the butterfly bush. I wasn’t even sure there was a butterfly bush. I thought that she just called it that because of the pretty butterflies around it. But when I asked the salesperson if they had a butterfly bush, she immediately said, “Yes. We do. Is this a gift?” I guess with my question, she knew I was not a gardener. But I proudly answered, “No, it’s for me. Sort of giving tribute to my grandmother.” She smiled and said, “Good for you,” and handed it to me. At the same time, I’m sure she was giving ‘blessings’ to the butterfly bush since she recognized that I do not have a green thumb. So, for Mother’s Day, here’s a tribute to my grandmother, who did have a green thumb, and my mother, who turned 93 in December and still wants to take care of her flowers and receives a different flower each year on Mother’s Day. Too bad the green thumb didn’t pass on to me. I guess we’ll see with the butterfly bush.

Many of you have asked about future events at the bookstore. Our Books & Gifts store will be scheduling author appearances and other events in the near future. Books are great gifts, and with close to 400 titles now, Jan-Carol Publishing offers different genres from children’s books to cozy mysteries to sci-fi. Our books are great for local book clubs. We offer new and ‘new to you’ books, and soon readers will be able to purchase used books from our website!

JCP continues to grow with an online presence through our websites and social media. We ask that you if you have Gmail, please leave a good review for us on Google. Also, purchase JCP books either through Amazon, our JCP website, or other websites such as Walmart and BAM (available online only).

We are still preparing our podcast. It will be different and refreshing, so stay tuned for the details. Sign up for our newsletter promoting a book of the week at a discounted retail price. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and join the fun of the giveaways and other happenings. Email communications@jancarolpublishing.com to receive our newsletter.

From all of us to all of you—HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Thought of the month: “The strongest actions for a woman is to love herself, be herself, and shine amongst those who never believed she could.” — Unknown

Verse of the Month: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” KJV James 1:17

Celebrating our 19th anniversary! We wouldn’t be here and there without all of you!

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

Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983

Books & Gifts: 423.212.0200

DISTRIBUTION

Karen Corder Staff

PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 20, Issue 5)

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.

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

Life-Changing Moments at Bristol Bridal Station

Bristol Bridal Station is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and is located at 106 State Street, Bristol, TN. Please call 423-573-1361 or visit our website to book an appointment online. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on new arrivals.

Find the dress of your dreams by making Bristol Bridal Station a part of your wedding planning. Bristol Bridal provides all the amenities and quality of an upscale boutique for brides on a budget. All the gowns are new, couture gowns donated by salons across the country. Brides can save up to 75% off the original price of a designer gown while providing support for YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia programs.

Bridal consultants are available to assist with styles and gown selection. The new shop location allows for more ease of shopping. Enjoy the experience of finding the perfect gown and stay within your budget. We receive new stock on a regular basis, and carry a variety of sizes. Designers such as Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Maggie Sottero, and Stella York are available.

Your purchase from Bristol Bridal Station helps support children and families in the YWCA service area. YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia provides services such as sliding scale childcare, education, and support for first time teen parents, and an afterschool STEM program for middle school age girls.

Visit our website at www.bristolbridalstation.com.

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

Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard

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 December 31, 2023. 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

When I was 13 years old I heard a Hazel Dickens song and it changed my life. I would not be doing what I do without her, Elizabeth Cotten, Ola Belle Reed, Alice Gerrard, and so many other incredible women featured in this exhibit.

— Molly TuTTle

Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard were two of the most influential bluegrass musicians of the 20th century. Their focus on women’s issues and their influences from old-time music helped to create a unique sound that set them apart from their male counterparts. Their contributions to the genre continue to be felt today, as they have inspired countless musicians and helped to shape the sound of the genre.

Dickens was born in the coal mining community of Mercer County, West Virginia, and though she later moved to Baltimore, she continued to be an advocate and activist for mine workers and their families. A native of Seattle, Washington, Gerrard was exposed to folk music while in college. The duo met in Washington, D.C., in the early 1960s and quickly formed a musical partnership that would last for several decades. They recorded their first album together, Who’s That Knocking? in 1965. Featuring a mix of traditional ballads and original compositions, the

album showcased their vocal harmonies and instrumental skills. It was a critical success and helped to establish Dickens and Gerrard as influential musicians in the bluegrass scene.

One of the most significant contributions that the duo made to bluegrass music was their focus on women’s issues. Their music often addressed themes of social justice, economic hardship, and the struggles of rural women. In

Hazel Dickens, photo by Henry Horenstein

a genre that was largely dominated by men, Dickens and Gerrard were trailblazers for women in bluegrass music.

Gerrard and Dickens’ influence on the genre can be seen in the many female bluegrass artists who have followed in their footsteps—along with women in other genres who have been inspired by their example. Women such as Emmylou Harris, Naomi Judd, and Claire Lynch have all cited Dickens and Gerrard as significant influences on their music. Additionally, the all-female country band, The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks), has credited Dickens and Gerrard with inspiring their sound and their approach to songwriting.

In an interview with the Washington Post in 1996, Naomi Judd recalled the moment she and a then 12-year-old Wynonna first heard the album Hazel & Alice :

“Their whole sound was so unpolished, so authentic, they were unabashedly just who they were—it was really like looking in the mirror of truth. We felt like we knew them, and when we listened to the songs, it crystallized the possibility that two women could sing together.”

Dickens was the first woman to receive the Merit Award from IBMA and was presented with a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2001, the highest honor for folk and traditional arts in the United States. A tireless advocate for traditional music, Gerrard has earned numerous honors including an International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Distinguished Achievement Award, a Virginia Arts Commission Award, the North Carolina Folklore Society’s Tommy Jarrell Award, and an Indy Award. Dickens and Gerrard were inducted into the IBMA Hall of Fame in 2017.

Last fall Smithsonian Folkways released newly remastered editions of their first two albums Who’s That Knocking? and Won’t You Come and Sing for Me? The albums had been unavailable on vinyl for over 40 years. On the same day, Folkways released Pioneering Women of Bluegrass: The Definitive Edition, which included every track recorded by the duo for Folkways in addition to a bonus track. The CD features notes and an essay by Gerrard who is now 88 years old and still performing. Dickens passed away in 2011 due to complications of pneumonia. She is often referred to as the “First Lady of Bluegrass.”

Stay tuned! Next month’s I’ve Endured: Women in OldTime Music spotlight will focus on renowned Piedmont Blues guitarist and singer Etta Baker who performed music up into her 90s. The North Carolina native said she received chords for her music in her dreams. Artists such as Bob Dylan, Taj Mahal, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd cite Baker as an influence on their own music.

Alice Gerrard, photo from the Southern Folk Cultural Revival Project Collection, 1965

Great Gifts for Moms from All Walks of Life

No two moms are the same, and though standards like flowers and greeting cards will always have a place on Mother’s Day, the following are some gift ideas that can put smiles on the faces of moms from all walks of life.

Bookworm: There’s no end to the gift options for mothers who love to curl up with a good book. Of course, some new books may delight Mom, but gifts that can improve the reading experience also merit consideration. For example, an ergonomic backrest reading pillow can make bedtime reading sessions more comfortable and ensure Mom’s neck and back get ample support as she reads the latest page-turner. A nightstand book holder also can be ideal for moms who can’t seem to keep track of their bookmarks.

Fitness enthusiast: Shoppers whose mothers or wives love to break a sweat might want to look into home gym equipment, as many fitness enthusiasts transformed part of their homes into exercise areas during the pandemic. If that sounds like the mom on your shopping list, then a suspension training system won’t take up much room but can provide an intense, full-body workout. A new yoga mat, some wireless Bluetooth headphones, or a compression stretching mat are some additional gifts that might make exercise-loving moms smile this Mother’s Day.

Traveler: For such moms, a foldable, hanging travel bag can make it easy and convenient for mom to carry all of her toiletries

and access them without taking up what’s often minimal hotel room counter space. For moms who want to document their excursions, a leather travel journal encourages them to note their experiences and gives them something they can revisit for years to come. Of course, some new luggage can make the perfect gift for newly retired moms who can’t wait to start visiting places on their travel bucket lists.

Businesswoman: A self-heating coffee mug can ensure Mom’s morning cup o’ joe doesn’t go cold as she traverses her way through a hectic morning routine. Another great gift is a charging mouse pad that can charge all of Mom’s devices even while she’s working. If you want to help Mom remain calm as she navigates her way through a day filled with personal and professional obligations, an essential oils diffuser can create a sense of relaxation on the most hectic of days.

Crafts Lead the Way for Mother’s Day Gifts

Youngsters may not be able to take charge of Mother’s Day festivities alone, but they certainly have the energy and enthusiasm to chip in. Handmade craft gifts are a thoughtful way for young kids to show their love for Mom. Here are a few ideas that can occupy even the youngest of hands.

Handprint butterfly photo card

All that is necessary for this craft is a printed photograph of the child’s face, paper, scissors, glue, and finger paints. The child should dip hands into the paint and make four handprints on paper in some preferred colors. When dry, cut around the perimeter of the handprints. These will serve as the “wings” of the butterfly. Glue the picture of the child’s face in the middle of a piece of paper or card stock. Draw a butterfly body underneath it (or print out a stock image to use). Draw antennae sticking out of the child’s head and attach the handprints around the head and butterfly body to make the wings.

Heartfelt masterpiece

Children can draw and color all over a large sheet of construction paper or another durable paper. An adult can then use another sheet of paper to make a frame mat of sorts, cutting out a heart shape from the middle. Both pieces of

Relaxing Ideas for Mom

• Serve breakfast in bed. Present the meal with a small bouquet of flowers and some reading material and then let Mom eat in peace and quiet if she so prefers.

• Turn the bathroom into a spa. Clean the bathtub, light some candles around the tub and bathroom, turn on some relaxing music, dim the lights, and then invite Mom in to soak in a freshly drawn hot bubble bath.

• Keep Mom out of the kitchen. Make sure all the dishes are washed and let her know you’ve already ordered lunch from a local restaurant.

• Book some time in the great outdoors. If the weather allows, visit a nearby park as a family and go for a walk. Nature has its own way of helping people relax, so some time outdoors in the spring air can keep the peaceful vibe going into the afternoon.

• Book a dinner reservation. It might require some advance booking, as Mother’s Day reservations can be hard to come by, but a night at Mom’s favorite restaurant can be the perfect conclusion to a relaxing day.

paper are then trimmed to the dimensions of a photo frame. The artwork is placed first and then the heart matting on top so that the artwork will show through the heart shape. Frame everything together for a lasting memento.

Fuzzy flowers

Kids can make Mom a bouquet of flowers that will never wilt. Print a photo of the child’s face and attach it to a piece of circular card stock that is roughly six inches in diameter. Have the child paint a popsicle stick green, and then attach that to the back of the round card stock. The child then glues small fuzzy pom poms to the card stock surrounding the picture to make a flower. If desired, attach a magnet to the back of the flower so it can be secured to the refrigerator.

Lovely Gift Ideas

How to Express Your Appreciation to Military Personnel

Much of what military members do is out of the public eye. But that does not mean their sacrifices and heroic efforts should not garner public recognition and attention. Be it small and subtle gestures or more grandiose efforts, there are many things people can do to show their appreciation for military personnel.

• Display the flag. Displaying your nation’s flag outside your home is a great way to express your patriotism and support for the people who defend that nation each and every day. Both the United States and Canada have established protocols for displaying their national flags. Adhere to these rules to indicate you respect what the flag symbolizes and appreciate the sacrifices the people who defend it make to ensure you have a safe place to display it.

• Start an oral history of local veterans’ experiences. An oral history project is a great way to show veterans their sacrifices have not been forgotten and an even better way to ensure they never will be. Work with local government officials or military support organizations to begin an oral history project. Request assistance from officials at local universities or libraries for everything from funding the project to ensuring it is accessible to a wide audience. There’s no limit to the scope of an oral history project. Organizers can begin by asking veterans to share their

experiences in the military, what compelled them to volunteer and why it’s important that future generations follow their example.

• Help injured veterans. Many military service personnel who serve overseas return from active duty with injuries. Individuals who want to express their appreciation for military personnel can offer to help injured veterans. Whether it’s mowing an injured veteran’s lawn in the summertime or running errands for them when their injury causes fatigue, no gesture is too small or too big when it’s motivated by a desire to help someone who was hurt defending your country.

• Remember veterans when voting. Issues that affect veterans’ lives are often decided at the polls. Individuals who want to express their appreciation for military personnel can speak with local veterans about the issues that affect their everyday lives and what they can do come Election Day to ensure those issues are being addressed. The efforts of military personnel are worthy of appreciation. Individuals can do many things to express that appreciation and remind active and veteran service members that their sacrifices have not been forgotten.

May plays host to Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month.

Readers looking to honor and learn about some of the courageous individuals who dedicated their lives to our nation’s military can pick up a copy of the republished best-selling novel, Those Devils in Baggy Pants, about the 82nd Airborne Division in WWII. It is available from Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, or directly through JCP.

Women Are Veterans, Too!

By Pam Blair

More than 2 million women living in the United States served in the military and are the fastest growing group of veterans, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The website www. military.com notes that some 3 million women have served in the military, from the American Revolution to the present, and women now make up 15% of active duty and 18% of Guard/Reserve service members.

Famous Women Veterans

You might know that numerous well-known men like Elvis Presley, Morgan Freeman, and Clint Eastwood served in the military, but did you know that many famous women also served?

Harriet Tubman is best known for ushering slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad in the 1850s, but Tubman was also a military leader and Union spy during the Civil War. In 1863, Tubman and Colonel James Montgomery led a group of soldiers to free slaves from plantations in South Carolina, making Tubman the first woman in U.S. history to lead a military expedition

Bea Arthur is best known for her roles on the popular television shows Maude and The Golden Girls, but she was also a military truck driver in the Marine Corps. She enlisted at the age of 21 under her original name, Bernice Frankel, and was one of the first members of the Women’s Reserve

Queen Elizabeth was only 18 years old when she begged her father, King George VI, to allow her to help during World War II. She joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service in England, and was known as “Second Subaltern Elizabeth Windsor.” While serving, she drove military trucks and trained as a mechanic, making her the only female member of the royal family to enter the armed forces.

Honoring Women Veterans

The Women In Military Service For America Memorial, also known as the Military Women’s Memorial, was established in 1997 to honor women who have served in the Armed Forces. It is the only historical repository documenting the service of women, beginning with the American Revolution, and is located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. The Memorial features an education center, innovative and interactive exhibitions, a world-class collection of military women’s stories and

artifacts, and engaging programs and events for all generations. Visitors to the Memorial experience the collective history of women in the military, along with the individual stories and memorable experiences of more than 304,000 servicewomen listed in the Memorial’s Register. While the number of women who have their stories registered is significant, it only represents about 10 percent of the 3 million women who have served.

“The Register is the very heartbeat of the Military Women’s Memorial, and our history will never be complete until every military woman’s story is told,” said Phyllis Wilson, president of the Memorial and retired Army officer. “It is always inspiring to see our visitors, especially younger family members, learn about their mother’s, sister’s, or grandmother’s service and what it meant for this country. I encourage every servicewoman to take her rightful and visible place in history for all time by registering her service with the Memorial. Those who know a servicewoman can help make that happen, too.”

Women who served, as well as family members and friends of servicewomen, can visit the Military Women’s Memorial at https:// womensmemorial.org/make-herstory/ to register. By completing a simple form with their dates of service, branch of service, awards and decorations, at least one memorable experience, and a picture in uniform, women can take their rightful and visible place in history for all time.

If you know a servicewoman or woman veteran, please take advantage of the free registration to ensure her story joins those that make up the Register. History is not complete until every military woman’s story is told. To find out more, go to https://womensmemorial.org/.

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.

Accessible Gardening

By April Hensley

May has arrived and I’m relieved its finally time to begin planting warm weather vegetables and flowers outdoors. Winter felt especially long and cold this year. My husband and I have both begun to experience a few twinges of arthritis. The cold months found me huddled closer to the fireplace more than on exciting snowy adventures of years past.

The aching joints have made me think about the distant future of the garden and outdoor living spaces. Gardening is loved by all ages and activity levels. People shouldn’t have to give up something beneficial because of age, disabilities, or limitations. Gardens give us much more than food and flowers. Besides the love of nature and the outdoors, working with our hands in the soil is stress relieving. Vitamin D from the sun is great for health and moods. Gardening is even considered a healthy exercise.

Just like our homes, we can customize our gardens and outdoor living spaces to make them more accessible.

• Plan your outdoor activities in level or gradually sloping areas.

• Handrails are helpful when placed along steps, pathways, and areas that could be slippery like outbuilding ramps and terraced gardens.

• Ensure that your door and gate openings and pathways are at least 36 inches wide to make using a wheelchair more navigable. Spacious pathways make it nice to walk beside each other for talking and visiting.

• Pathway materials should be sturdy for those with mobility issues using canes and walkers. Concrete and asphalt stay smooth but also level bricks and pavers give a good solid surface.

• Install water hydrants close to garden areas so it is not necessary to drag heavy garden hoses across long areas.

• Place benches and chairs for those times when a little rest is needed with a few in a shady area.

• Install pots that hook over or bolt onto porch and deck railing.

• Use nets and trellises to grow vining plants up to prevent bending.

• Hanging baskets can be used for growing vegetables and flowers.

• Regular height raised beds of around ten inches tall can have a flat board around the top to sit while weeding.

• Tall raised beds over two feet tall prevent bending at all and the extra depth is great for growing deep rooted beefsteak tomato plants and root vegetables like potatoes.

• Raised beds on legs can be built or bought that are wheelchair height or standing height.

{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.

Turn Your Backyard into a Relaxing Respite

There’s no better time to invest in a home, particularly outdoor spaces, to make them welcoming respites. The following are some ways to accomplish that goal.

Incorporate a water feature

The sound of trickling or bubbling water can make surroundings more serene. A low-maintenance water feature can help to create a calming ambiance. A fountain that does not require a collection pond will reduce the chance it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Locating the fountain out of the sun can keep algae growth at a minimum.

Add lights for ambiance

Outdoor lighting options include professionally installed, hardwired lights on the home itself or accent lighting that draws attention to trees or architectural structures on the property. It also may include twinkling lights, which some consider a must-have for any outdoor retreat. Lights come in all types and price points. Hang them on porches, pergolas or cement posts inside decorative planters and then string lights between the posts. This way the lighting can be moved around as desired.

Lounging spots

A comfortable outdoor loveseat or chairs may be a focal point of the yard, but build in some additional cozy spots specifically for lounging around. Nestle a hammock in a quiet corner of the yard, or enhance a chaise lounge with throw pillows and a large umbrella for napping poolside.

Add lushness with plants

Plants can transform any space. Use a combination of planted varieties around the yard, then enhance certain areas with potted plants as needed. Plants can make an area more warm and inviting, plus they give butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds places to stop by and visit. Consider the help of a professional landscaper to bring a vision of a lush, plant-filled retreat to life.

Blend in the pool or spa

With some unique landscape architecture, the pool or hot tub can be built right into the landscape, making it a cohesive part of the design. This can make the yard seem even more like an oasis, especially when the pool is flanked by a waterfall or bubbling fountain.

Add some music

Thanks to wireless speakers that rely on Bluetooth technology, it’s easy to have music piped right into the backyard. Set up a wireless speaker in an inconspicuous spot, such as inside a planter or in the rafters of a gazebo.

Turning a backyard into an oasis can provide the respite many people look for on their properties.

Patio Projects 5 To Enhance Outdoor Living

Apatiocan be considered a transitional area that links the outdoors to the inside of a home. And depending on homeowners’ budgets and preferences, a patio can be just as comfortable and stylish as interior spaces. The following are five patio projects that can transform these valuable spaces.

1. Pretty pergola

A pergola is an open-air (traditionally wood) structure that adds a measure of shade and privacy without completely blocking views of Mother Nature. Installing a pergola over the patio helps define the seating area. Hanging plants can add to the ambiance and string lights can make this a great spot to gather when the sun sets.

2. Patio fire pit

Build a fire pit right into the design with the same materials used to create the patio. For example, if the patio is brick or flagstone, build up to create an eye-catching fire pit. Fire pits not only look good, they also expand the time frame that the patio can be enjoyed, offering cozy spots to sit even when the weather chills.

3. Frame it in

Make the patio a true extension of the inside by putting up walls around three sides of the patio if it connects to the home. Leave the last open to the yard, or consider installing screens to mimic the look of popular lanais. The walls will offer more weather protection, meaning you can invest in high-quality patio furniture to make this a fully functioning outdoor living room. Hang a television that is rated for outdoor use for movie-watching under the sun or stars.

4. Ooh la la

Vintage bistro tables and chairs can turn a drab patio into one that calls to mind a Parisian courtyard. Whimsical lighting and accents that you would normally think to see indoors, like a gilded mirror, can add extra appeal. Soften wrought iron and other metals on the furniture by including plenty of flowers and greenery. Don’t forget the candles and a place to stash a bottle of chilling wine.

5. Farmhouse chic

Transform a patio into an entertaining space that caters to guests A large farmhouse style table flanked by benches and some upholstered chairs sets the scene for a dinner amid the fresh air. Watering cans filled with wildflowers and mismatched flatware establish a casual feel for gatherings in the space. For those who plan to cook and serve outside with frequency, invest in outdoor appliances so you’ll never have to miss a beat with guests.

The options for transforming patios into stylish gathering spots is only limited by the imagination.

Voicemail Male

By Ken Heath

Play Ball

One particular stop I always enjoyed was Marion stadium, where he’d resupply the concession stand for the Appalachian League Marion Mets semi-pro farm team. I’d perch on the wooden bleachers while he loaded bags of potato chips into the rack, marveling at the crack of the bat and the PA announcer’s booming voice “Where the stars of tomorrow shine brightly tonight,” he’d intone.

Finally!

Warm weather has made it! Oh, I know — we didn’t have one of the winters of old, with snow past the doorsteps. Still, it sure seemed to be a long, dreary one.

My first hint that we’d survived the doldrums of darkness was just over a month ago. It was still chilly, overcast, with weekends full of gusty winds. But with two words, I knew better days were ahead—opening day. Even as a passive baseball fan, those words bring a sudden rush of euphoria and nostalgia, the excitement of the coming spring along with memories of springs and summers long gone.

My grandfather was the Tom’s Peanut route man for the region, and as a kid I got to ride with him in his grey Chevy panel truck as he made his rounds each summer.

Now, some sixty summers later, I’m once again sporting a Mets baseball cap—thanks to Jim McGregor, one of the players from back in the day. McGregor was a catcher with the Marion Mets and through a series of random connections, he was welcomed back to Marion last Christmas to serve as the Grand Marshal of the town’s Christmas festivities, representing all the players of all the Marion Mets teams. His family joined him for the weekend activities, and by all accounts, they enjoyed it at least as much as I did. Jim’s grandchildren were here too.

I couldn’t help but to put myself in their shoes, remembering my own grandfather, warm summer days filled with peanuts and Cracker Jacks and America’s pastime with our hero. Play ball!

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!

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?

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.

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.

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!

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!

COMING SOON

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.

Mama’s Boys

Written by Jeff Geiger Jr.

For Detective Barry Kendall, the loss nearly broke him. It’s been almost thirteen years since Holly was killed, but he’s still haunted by the sound of his girlfriend’s piercing screams. And when the screams begin to die down in his head, the image of the witch that killed Holly that day is there to take its place. Now, so many years later, Barry is working a case where two young boys have been kidnapped right out of their bedrooms. As he investigates, it becomes clear to him that the witch is not only responsible for the kidnappings, but that she’s back to end his life as well.

Mama’s Boys

Linda Hudson Hoagland

Author of The Lindsay Harris Murder Mystery Series; The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Easter Lilies; Broken Petals; Wild Daisies;Scattered Flowers; Daffodil Dreams; and These Haunted Hills and These Haunted Hills Book 2; Book 3; and Book 4

Friday, May 5, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Food City, St. Paul, VA

Saturday, May 6, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Book Signing

Spring Fling – Appalachian Authors Guild Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, Abingdon, VA

Friday, May 12, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Food City, Clintwood, VA

Saturday, May 13, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing

Food City, Bonham Road, Bristol, VA

Friday, May 19, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Food City, Damascus, VA

Saturday, May 20, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing

Food City, Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA

Friday, May 26, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing

Food City, Clinchfield, Kingsport, TN

Saturday, May 27, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Food City, Chilhowie, VA

Michael Gryboski

Author of Carla, Carla: The Antithesis Killer, Carla: The End of Reason

Saturday, June 17, 10 am – 4 pm

Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival

Riverfront Park

Fredericksburg, Virginia

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.

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.

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

This Month’s Featured Books

Books for Mom

Rachael Roberts Bliss Maggie MacLean Charlotte S. Snead Rita Rumgay

In Goddess of Promised Land: Genesis, anarchist Amanda Foster and her mother, who is still enmeshed in Jim Crow, disagree on what to do with an abandoned mysterious baby of color found in a back pasture of the Promised Land. Amanda flees with the baby to a hidden sanctuary in Virginia so she can live in peace with her child. It’s there where new love blossoms, but also more danger.

While women’s place in the nineteenth-century society was strictly defined, some women transcended those boundaries. My fictional leading lady, Amanda Armstrong was one of those women. Out of food and supplies, Amanda traveled to Knoxville, looking for a way to support herself until the war was over. Along the way, she encountered an orphaned black boy who attached himself to her and would not let go. When she returned home a few months later, he followed her. After conquering her own deep-seated fears, Amanda profoundly affected the lives of many people, including the women of her neighborhood who were also struggling to survive the war. Together they must survive.

Betty Carver

Always My Son is one of a five book series revolving around girls who shared a season at Hope House, a maternity home. Two girls chose to keep their babies, including Candy, and the other three chose adoptive placement. The stories begin with their choices and continue through God’s redemptive plan in their lives. Candy’s healing comes through her marriage to Joe and his mother’s marriage to the police officer who saved her life, which brings them into a loving, exuberant Hispanic family. Candy’s hope is when the shame of her childhood abuse is revealed, her son, whom Joe considers his own, will accept the father who chose him.

Gem is mourning her grandmother and baby boy, losing one to cancer and the baby by the hands of her abusive husband. She was raised by her grandmother when her hippie mother abandoned her; she never knew her father. Gem’s only desire is to love and be loved. Landing a new job, she bonds with a special needs child. After a terrorist attack occurs, she loses another chance at happiness. Bent but not broken, she recovers to discover a genuine love and strength within herself. As long kept secrets about her grandmother are revealed, Gem finds her place, and a family. Her past and her future become reconciled, in heaven and earth.

Andrew Searches for a Forever Family tells a story about a little boy named Andrew, a special needs orphan, who 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.

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

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

Books You May Have Missed!

Yesterday’s Books and Tomorrow ’s Reading

Sixteen-year-old William Saxton, called Blue, lies awake every night listening to the buzzsaw of his sickly father’s lungs and worrying about his mother. Blue writes to Eleanor Roosevelt in Washington, D.C., asking for help, but she doesn’t answer. With no more than food from the family icebox and a fishing pole, Blue runs away intending to hop the rails to D.C. where he plans to confront the First Lady. Blue is not prepared for the extent of the journey ahead, where he meets people who will help him, and others who have only their own interests in mind. Faced with hunger and the elements, but equipped with self-determination, Blue succeeds in reaching his destination. But the journey has changed his purpose, and Blue will never be the same.

No matter how long he has yearned to escape his boring life as an ordinary teenager, nothing can prepare James Shannassy for the afternoon when he meets a figment bird called Archit and the two of them set off for the world of Nalgordia to break a centuries-old curse. Being the hero of his own fantasy adventure isn’t exactly what James expected it to be, but when he finds himself caught up in an epic fight against a force of evil, he knows he might be the only one able to stop it. Archit’s fate now rests entirely in his hands...and there’s no turning back now!

Betsy Blossom Brown is a comingof-age story about a young girl who journeys from being an observer of life to a participant. Her seemingly idyllic life with her privileged South Carolina family is turned upside down, revealing truths and disarming pretensions. She’s independent, opinionated, and brave. Uncertainty enters her life when she and her mother move to the Appalachian region until, through a series of unsettling events; she sheds her uncertainty and learns to embrace life. The graphite illustrations help to understand the depth of Betsy Blossom Brown, as she sketches her way through life recognizing her mild Asperger syndrome, without letting it curb her appetite for life.

From across the ocean to the Carolina Mountains comes a boy and his faithful yellow dog. Set in Colonial frontier times, John is no stranger to adversity. Join John in a tangled web of lies and deceit, as he fights to survive while seeking his destiny. As John’s adventure unfolds, see him struggle with his own inner demon, fight in the Battle of King’s Mountain, and discover his connection to the mystical Shadow Dogs. John’s story is one of both joy and heartbreak that you’ll never want to end.

Blinders

By Kelly McFadden

“Therefore, speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.”

Matthew 13:13 KJV

Interpretation: “That is why I use these parables, for they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.”

Matthew 13:13 KJV

As my dog, Peanut, got older she began to lose her sight. I remember watching her walk down the hall of our family’s home feeling so sad because she kept bumping into the walls due to her poor vision. After a few weeks of this, Peanut went to the groomers. She came back with a short new haircut. I watched in awe as Peanut trotted in a straight line down the hall, never running into a wall once. Then it hit me: Peanut wasn’t going blind. Rather, the hair in front of her eyes

had gotten so long it was blocking her sight.

In Matthew 13, Jesus tells the parable of the four soils. Jesus used this analogy to give unique insight into the ways of God. In this parable, Jesus showed how differently people hear the Word of God. For some, they hear, but do not understand. Others hear it, accept it, but fall away quickly because there is no depth to their faith. Still others hear the message, but the worries of life and lust of the world leave no room for God. There are some, however, who hear and understand, producing a harvest that extends beyond them.

Which soil are you? Sometimes, I think I fall into all four categories. There are times when I am thirsty and searching and it is easy for God’s Word to burrow deep into my heart. Still, there are other times I am too busy to pay attention to the lessons God is teaching me. I am blinded by an outward distraction or worry. It is at those times I become spiritually blinded, stumbling until I am willing to take care of the root problem: the blinders blocking my eyes.

Spiritual blindness need not be a permanent problem. We have the opportunity to see more clearly by removing the blinders from our hearts. We must humble ourselves and ask God to give us a pliable and understanding heart–which is work that He wants to do in our lives. Then, we must follow through and do what we know we need to do.

Trust God to be faithful to continue the work He has begun in you. As a result, you will have eyes that see and ears to hear the greatness of our Lord. Source:

By Deana Landers www.morningcoffeebeans.com

My mom had dark auburn hair and beautiful green eyes. She had 13 children, but only 11 of us lived. We lived on a farm; she cooked our meals, made our clothes, taught us how to care for ourselves, and loved us.

One day I was sitting alone outside digging holes in the Georgia red clay beside our house. The dirt was hard, but I had a fork, and I liked digging holes and creating little clay houses for my stick people to live in. The wind was blowing, and I felt like the air was changing, but I was content to add bits of water so I could make a little creek beside my clay houses.

Suddenly, a thunderous bolt of lightning hit the ground about 20 feet away from me and I froze. When I looked up the clouds were dark, but there was no rain.

It was the first time I had seen a dry thunderstorm, where thunder-bearing clouds produce rain, but the rain droplets evaporate before reaching the ground.

I stood but couldn’t move. I could feel my heart beating in my chest. I looked around but didn’t know what to do.

Suddenly I heard someone say, “Don’t be afraid. I will take care of you. Trust me.”

I felt my body release, and I ran to the back door. When I got there, my mother was waiting. I ran into her arms as she looked past me at the darkening sky.

She led me into the living room and said, “That’s a scary lighting storm. Are you okay?”

I told her that, at first, I couldn’t move, but then I heard someone tell me not to be afraid and that he would take care of me. After that, I could run to the house, I said.

“Who said that?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” I said, “but I know I heard it.”

She left me and went outside. When she came back in she said, “Honey, there is no one out there.”

“I didn’t hear it with ears, Mama,” I said. “I heard it with my heart.”

She sat down beside me and pulled me in her arms. Her green eyes were filled with tears. She said,

“That was the spirit of God talking to you and assuring you that you were not alone.”

My mom read to me from the Bible as I was growing up, but I heard the scripture as stories. I can’t remember going to church very much. That day we sat together and talked about how God sent his son to die on the cross for us, and that when he went back to heaven, the Holy Spirit came to be with us on earth until Jesus would come again.

Then she told me I could ask Jesus to come into my heart and accept Him as my Savior and that He would be with me always, in good times and scary times.

I was nine when I knelt beside my mom and accepted Christ as my Savior. And she was right. I felt the presence of God four years later when she died. In my heart, I heard Him say, “Don’t be afraid. Trust me. I will never leave you.”

Being the youngest in our family, I never got to ask my mom all the questions I wish I could ask her now, but I’m grateful my mom answered the most important question I needed to know—that He would never leave me. She was right. He never has.

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.

Symphony of the mountainS Renews Contract for Music Director

Dr. Chris Neglia, Board Chair of Symphony of the Mountains has announced a five-year extension to music director Cornelia Laemmli Orth’s contract:

“We are fortunate to have someone so talented and personable continue at the helm of our organization. Swiss-born, Cornelia has been with the Symphony of the Mountains for 16 years. She has become a beloved figure in our region which extends from the Tri-Cities into Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina. As a conductor she has artfully promoted and incorporated the music of our area into the symphony orchestra hall. She has attracted Grammy winning composers and musicians from all over the country, building Symphony of the Mountains into an orchestra comparable to those of much-bigger cities. She has created a ‘hidden gem’ nestled in the Appalachian Mountains.”

Attending a symphony orchestra performance can be quite intimidating for the uninitiated, but Cornelia immediately places concert goers at ease. She will often take time to explain a musical piece in lay terms, providing an instructional guide very reminiscent of the famous American conductor Leonard Bernstein. All appreciate her artistry and exuberance on stage. And although a superstar, she will always be found in the audience afterwards easily and equally accessible to all fans from grade school patrons to long time symphony donors.

She has attracted highly talented professional musicians to the Symphony of the Mountains orchestra. Musicians want to play for her and many of our core orchestra drive in for rehearsals and performances from as far away as Knoxville, TN, Boone and Asheville, NC, and Charlottesville, VA. Maybe it is her Swiss DNA that keeps multiple parts running smoothly, but it is her musical vision which maintains such a high-caliber orchestra and the Symphony of the Mountains’ artistic excellence.

Cornelia’s greatest musical legacy may, however, not be on the podium, but in the community. Much of her role with Symphony of the Mountains is outside of the concert hall enriching our communities through musical entertainment and education. She is involved in education in the local schools not only nurturing aspiring musicians but fostering music appreciation for all. She has also astutely recognized the importance of music in transcending people’s lives and social situations, securing grants and donations for free community concerts as well as free student tickets for all Symphony of the Mountains performances. Cornelia also launched the orchestra’s ‘Paths to Dignity’ program sending musicians into shelters and food banks to bring music to all.”

Peter the Wolf e and Family Concert

Symphony of the Mountains will celebrate its Music Director at the Venetian Gala April 29 at the Marriott MeadowView Convention Center in Kingsport. Entitled Benvenuti in Italia!, the 14th Annual Evening of Musical & Epicurean Delights will feature a six-course dinner with wine pairings followed by dancing with the Fred Goodwin band. A symphony string quartet will play in addition to other musical offerings. Funds will be raised for the continuing efforts of Symphony of the Mountains through both a silent and live auction. The Symphony Gala is considered by many to be the most elegant event in the region. Tickets for the event are $150 and are available through the Sym phony of the Mountains Box Office at (423) 392-8423 or online

Cornelia Laemmli Orth

Cornelia Laemmli Orth, Music Director

Cornelia Laemmli Orth, Music Director

3 FUN & EFFECTIVE Outdoor Exercises for Seniors

Seniors can benefit from the great outdoors as much as anyone. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which strengthens bones. That’s especially beneficial for seniors, as the National Council on Aging notes that bone density often decreases after age 50, which can increase the risk of fractures. Spending time in the great outdoors also provides a social benefit, encouraging individuals from all walks of life, including seniors, to get out of their homes and spend time with other people.

With so much to gain from spending time outside, seniors can consider these three outdoor exercises as they seek to maintain or improve their overall health.

• Walking : Walking is free and effective. In fact, WebMD notes that a brisk 30-minute walk can improve blood flow, contribute to a stronger heart, strengthen bones, and even help people sleep better at night. In addition, a 2022 study published in the journal JAMA Neurology found that people between the ages of 40 and 79 who walked about 9,800 steps per day were 51 percent less likely to develop dementia than people who didn’t walk much at all.

• Cycling: Riding a bike is both fun and a great form of outdoor exercise. Though many stud -

ies regarding the health effects of cycling have looked at the value of riding a bike to work, a scenario that does not apply to retirees, the results of such studies still offer insight into just how valuable it can be to ride a bike. For example, a 2020 study published in the journal The Lancet found that people who cycled to work were 24 percent less likely to die of heart disease and 11 percent less likely to develop cancer..

• Hiking: Hiking is a bit more strenuous than walking, particularly when individuals choose to traverse steep and/or rocky terrain. WebMD notes that hiking after age 60 can help people reduce their risk of falls and fractures; lower their risk for a host of ailments, including coronary heart disease, colon cancer and diabetes; reduce blood pressure, even in adults who have already been diagnosed with hypertension; and maintain healthy bones and joints.

Seniors can consider these three fun activities and others as they answer the call of the great outdoors. Walking, cycling and hiking offer a great reason to get out of the house and reap the health-related benefits of spending time outside.

Many things can trigger allergies, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 50 million people in the United States have allergies. Here’s a look at some of the more common allergies that tend to rear their heads when weather warms up.

Pollen

The air is filled with pollen come the spring and summer. Freshly blooming grasses, trees, flowers, and even weeds produce an abundance of pollen this time of year. It may coat vehicles outside and make its way indoors when people throw open windows to enjoy warm breezes. Pollen allergies are quite common and cause runny, stuffy nose,

itchy eyes, sneezing, watery eyes, and itchiness of the skin or roof of the mouth in some instances. Decongestants tend to be recommended when pollen count is high.

Mold

Mold are very small fungi with spores that float in the breeze like pollen. Mold thrives in damp areas. Mold may grow unchecked after spring rains or in piles of damp leaves. It also can be found in musty basements or bathrooms. Using a dehumidifier indoors can help alleviate mold, but outdoors it may be a little more challenging to control. When doing yard work in damp areas, wear a mask to avoid breathing in spores.

Dust mites

Chances are the arrival of spring may trigger the desire to do a little cleaning. In turn, it’s highly likely that dust will be disturbed, and along with it, dust mites. Keeping a home free of dusty items can reduce dust mite numbers. Wash sheets weekly in hot water to help alleviate dust mite infiltration.

Insect stings

We tend to think of allergens in terms of small substances that are inhaled, but insects that are abundant in the warm weather can be troublesome, too. An insect sting or bite can cause hives, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, or even anaphylaxis. While there’s no definitive way to avoid all insects, people can opt against brightly colored clothes and scented lotions or cosmetics. Insect repellents and skipping sweet foods or beverages at outdoor meals also may help.

Allergens are common this time of year, and people can take caution to feel better if they suffer allergies.

Activity Improves the Mind and Body

Cindy K. Sproles

Our mother is 97 years old, and we’re fortunate she is in excellent health. For a 97-year-old she takes one blood pressure pill and a thyroid tablet, but more so, our mother is mentally exquisite. Though she lives in an assistive living facility, she keeps physically and mentally active.

Mother is a voracious reader, taking in a novel a week. She walks five rounds daily through her living facility, participates in the residence activities, and she is a master quilter, turning out a queen-sized hand-quilted masterpiece every two months. It’s safe to say, mother loves her hobbies.

It’s proven that engaging in activities that interest us improve our physical and mental health as we age. Remaining active doesn’t always mean heavy exercise. Instead, it’s physically and mentally stimulating our bodies and minds. The adage “A healthy mind is a healthy body” bears much truth.

When our seniors remain active, it may lessen their risks of dementia, heart disease or stroke, and even some types of cancer. Keeping our loved ones active can help provide a longer life span. Active seniors are much happier and more content and find maintaining friendships and family relationships easier. In essence, activity raises positive feelings.

By this same token, finding engaging hobbies and activities lessens depression and increases their ability to cope when faced with challenging issues. Active seniors tend to bounce back easier when strapped with illness and appear to have stronger resilience.

Obviously, not all seniors have the ability or health to be active. Some health issues take this from them early. However, encouraging interaction on any level improves the quality of life.

Encourage your loved one to get involved. Play board games and cards and read. Walk if able, enjoy watching birds or doing crafty activities. Even reconnecting with old friends and family constitutes an activity that stimulates the brain.

Our mother is healthy, but more importantly, she is happy and engaged. We see signs of aging in her memory, but they are normal signs of being 97 years old. We will continue to encourage her to be active as long as she is able. When she enjoys her elder years, we can enjoy her to a greater extent.

Seek out activities that will help your loved one become an active part of their community and enjoy the results of a happier senior.

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.

Velma Frady, resident at Brookdale Kingsport

Cinco de Mayo is a festive occasion that celebrates Mexican culture and food. Cinco de Mayo commemorates a minor Mexican victory over France that took place on May 5, 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. While it has never been a big deal in Mexico—especially in comparison to celebrations of Mexico’s independence—Cinco de Mayo has become a festive phenomenon north of the border. When it comes to food and beverage, many people see Cinco de Mayo as an excuse to indulge in a few margaritas and dine on tacos.

Spicy Margarita

1 lime wedge

2 jalapeño coins, seeds removed

2 ounces blanco tequila

1⁄2 ounce orange liqueur

1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

1⁄2 ounce agave syrup

Optional: garnish rim with salt and jalapeño coin

1. Rub the rim of a rocks glass with lime wedge, dip the rim in salt to coat (if desired), and set aside.

2. Add the jalapeño coins to a shaker and gently muddle.

3. Add the blanco tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave syrup, plus ice, and shake until well-chilled.

4. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a jalapeño coin if desired.

Source: Liquor.com

Fiery Corn Salsa

Makes 2 cups

1⁄4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed

Lime juice

2 teaspoons minced fresh Cilantro

3 tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 1⁄2 cups corn kernels

2 to 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. In a large bowl, combine oil, lime juice and cilantro. Add tomatoes, corn and jalapeño to taste. Mix well until corn mixture is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or up to 2 days.

2. Tip: In place of the corn kernels, you can used canned corn, drained; frozen corn, thawed; or corn from the cob, cooked on the stove top. For a smoky flavor, use corn grilled on the barbecue grill.

Source: 200 Easy Mexican Recipes by Kelley Cleary Coffeen

Stuffed Loin of PorＫ

Serves 6

3 to 3 1⁄2 pounds boneless pork loin, butterflied

For the stuffing:

1⁄3 cup raisins

1⁄2 cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 onion, sliced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 1⁄4 pounds ground pork

2⁄3 cup vegetable stock

2 tomatoes

1⁄2 cup chopped almonds

1⁄2 teaspoon each salt and ground black pepper

1. Make the stuffing. Put the raisins and wine in a bowl. Set aside. Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes over low heat.

2. Add the cloves and cinnamon, then the pork. Cook, stirring, until the pork has browned. Add the stock. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes.

3. While the pork is simmering, peel the tomatoes. Cut a cross in the bottom of each tomato, then put them both in a heatproof bowl. Pour in boiling water to cover. Leave the tomatoes in this water for 3 minutes, then lift them out on a slotted spoon and plunge them into a bowl of cold water. Drain. The skins will have begun to peel back from the crosses. Remove the skins completely, then chop the flesh.

4. Stir the tomatoes and almonds into the pork mixture, add the raisins and wine. Cook until the mixture is reduced to a thick sauce. Let cool.

5. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Open out the pork loin and trim it neatly. Season the pork stuffing with salt and pepper to taste. Spread on the surface of the meat in a neat layer, taking it right to the edges and keeping it as even as possible.

6. Roll up the pork loin carefully and tie it at intervals with kitchen string. Weigh the pork and calculate the cooking time at 30 minutes per pound, plus another 30 minutes.

7. Put the stuffed pork loin in a roasting pan, season with salt and pepper, and roast for the calculated time. When the loin is cooked, transfer it to a meat platter, place a tent of aluminum foil over it, and let it stand for 10 minutes before carving and serving with the roasted vegetables of your choice.

Shrimp Quesadillas

Serves 6

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 onion, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

1 lime, juiced

1 teaspoon vegetable oil, or as needed

6 large flour tortillas

3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

1. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent and peppers are soft, 6 to 8 minutes.

2. Add salt, cumin, and chili powder; stir to coat onion and bell peppers.

3. Add shrimp; cook and stir until shrimp are opaque and no longer pink in the center, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and stir in minced jalapeño and lime juice.

4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush with about 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Place one tortilla in the hot oil; spoon about 1/6 of the shrimp filling and 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend on one side of tortilla. Fold tortilla in half.

5. Cook until bottom of tortilla is lightly browned, about 5 minutes; flip and cook other side until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Source: www.allrecipes.com/recipe/221294/shrimp-quesadillas

Source: The Complete Mexican, South American & Caribbean Cookbook by Jane Milton, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippelli

Strategies to Encourage Kids to Read More

Children’s Book Week takes place from May 2 to 8 this year. Teaching your children to immerse themselves in a good book is one of the most valuable things you can do as a parent. A childhood love of reading sets the stage for success as an adult.

Children have much to gain from reading and being read to. According to the Children’s Bureau of Southern California, a nonprofit organization devoted to strengthening vulnerable children, their families and the communities where they live, reading aloud to children supports their cognitive development; improves their language skills; prepares them for academic success; increases their discipline and ability to concentrate; and improves their imagination and creativity. Many of those same benefits apply to kids who read on their own, which may be more appealing as kids advance through elementary school and aspire to become more independent. Since children have so much to gain from cuddling up with a good book, parents can try these strategies to encourage kids to read more.

• Allow kids to read the same book. Parents of young readers or children learning to read undoubtedly know how much children like to read the same book over and over again. Though that might not engage moms and dads, experts note that allowing kids to read the same books again and again is an effective way to foster a love of reading in children.

• Take a book along when running errands or traveling. The Children’s Book Review notes that books can be just as handy in cars as tablets and other devices kids use to watch movies while on the go. Though some children may get car sick when reading while a car is in motion, those who don’t have plenty of time to read while in the backseat.

• Practice positive reinforcement with emerging readers. Another way to encourage young readers to pick

up a book more often is to praise their efforts even if they struggle with words. Patience can go a long way toward instilling a love of reading in children. If kids are struggling with a word or words, read the sentence aloud with them. Reading also has a tendency to pique readers’ curiosity, so parents can encourage kids to ask questions about the books they read and help them find answers to those questions if necessary.

• Enroll kids in library reading programs. Summer reading programs sponsored by local libraries have been found to be conducive to promoting reading in young children. Participation in such programs is typically free of charge, so there’s no reason why families cannot take advantage of these highly effective programs.

Reading benefits children in myriad ways. Parents can look to various strategies to foster a love of reading in their children.

The goal

Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers

CLUES ACROSS

1. A power of perception

4. Slotted hinged metal plate

8. Popular crop

10. Siamese fighting fish

11. Larval crabs

12. South American mammal

13. Occur as a result of

15. Slavic language

16. An electric underground railway

17. Transporting

18. A direction

21. Opposite of start

22. Mock

23. People love and hate it (abbr.)

24. A people of Myanmar

25. A Queens ballplayer

26. Southern Thailand indigenous person

27. Famed actress

34. Thin strips

35. Bluish greens

36. Ridiculed

37. Having the shape of a cube

38. Came down

39. Indian religious god

40. “Bewitched” actress Moorehead

41. Leak through slowly

42. Buzzing insects

43. Midway between south and southeast

CLUES DOWN

1. Skin condition

2. Earlier

3. Right away

4. Vomiting

5. Go to

6. “The Police” frontman

7. Bullfighting maneuver

9. Pacific island

10. A system of algebraic notation

12. A room used for the activities of a group

14. The longest division of geological time

15. Car mechanics group

17. A barrel of liquid (abbr.)

19. Bound to do

20. Explosive

23. Ridicules

24. Adult male

25. Military personnel

26. French and Belgian river

27. Found in the sea

28. A share lost in default (abbr.)

29. Type of medication (abbr.)

30. City on the Rhine

31. Animal disease

32. They’re in martinis

33. Get away

34. Wampum

36. Lacking brightness

37. CUBIC

38. RAINED

39. SIVA

40. AGNES

of

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