Voice Magazine for Women 0623

Mary Johnson

Jennifer Owen

Dr. Michelle Durham

Vanessa Bennett

Chancellor Donna Henry

as

VOICE Speaks

June is the month we celebrate Father’s Day! For those of us who no longer have our dad around, it can be a sad time. However, on Father’s Day I try to think about the things that my dad loved to do or the things that made him laugh. Dad had a sense of humor, and sometimes it could be a very subtle compliment or simple observation.

Once, he observed the jeans I was wearing. He looked at my jeans and asked, “Do you iron your jeans?” Interesting question, but my mom ironed everything including sheets, towels, and dish cloths.

I answered, “If I started toward my jeans with an iron, they would get up and run!” My dad rolled with a belly laugh. Thinking of his laughter always makes me smile. It was that kind of humor he and I shared. Yup, sometimes I claim that I have his sense of humor.

Another reason to smile? Jan-Carol Publishing is hosting an authors’ event on Saturday, June 24th! Please see our ad on page 2. JCP’s bookstore, Books & Gifts, located in the Food City shopping center in Blountville, TN, will celebrate Summer Time Fun Reading with different authors present for book signings, discounts, giveaways, and a meet and greet with the publisher. Please join us and show your support to a local business and local authors. Books make great gifts!

JCP is looking to fill part-time positions at the bookstore. Working at Books & Gifts is an ideal way to supplement your income with flexible hours. Call 423-926-9983 or email your resume to JCPbooksandgifts@gmail.com.

Keep in the know by following Voice Magazine for Women and Jan-Carol Publishing online with our websites and social media. With our newly updated JCP Bookstore link on jancarolpublishing. com, book purchases are available directly from our website. Sign up for our newsletter promoting a book of the week at a discounted retail price and free shipping. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and join the fun of the giveaways and other happenings. Email communications@jancarolpublishing.com to receive our newsletter.

For that special day in June — a day for all dads — from all of us to all of you, Happy Father’s Day!

Thought of the month: “Sometimes we are tested not to show our weakness, but to discover our strengths.” – Success.com

Verse of the month: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

– Isaiah 40:31 KJV

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

Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983

Books & Gifts: 423.212.0200

DISTRIBUTION

Karen Corder Staff

PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 20, Issue 6)

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

Dress for Interview Success on Your Next Job Interview

Recruiters may have an understanding of you as an applicant from your résumé and other correspondences, but it is during the interview—whether it’s in person or remote— that a hiring manager can really get a sense of your energy and professionalism. While no one wants to be judged on appearance alone, what you look like and how you dress affect others’ first impression of you. Doing all you can to tip the scales in your favor may lead to favorable job outcomes. Here are some guidelines for dressing to make the best impression.

• Follow the employer’s dress code. If you can gauge dress code in advance, dress to mirror what others are wearing and then take it up a slight notch. For example, while you wouldn’t wear a suit if you’re interviewing as a park ranger, you may eschew work boots and faded jeans for a collared polo shirt and khaki pants. For a tech start-up or creative company that favors casual wear, something that is more business casual may be appropriate for the interview.

• Err on the side of caution. If you do not know the company dress code, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

• Less is more. Distractions can derail an interview, and wearing too many accessories can be distracting to the interviewer and even candidates during the interview. Keep jewelry to a minimum and mute all alerts on a smartwatch and smartphone. If you have piercings, you may want to remove them until you learn more about which types of body art are acceptable at the company, which you should be able to discern when visiting the office. Distractions also can include heavy or drastic makeup and hair styles. Tone things down until you have a firm understanding of dress policies.

• Choose neutral colors. Wear neutral or classic colors over more flashy options. You want to be judged on your qualifications, and neon shirts or a busy print dress could cause an interviewer to lose focus. During a remote interview, choose a high-con-

trast interview outfit so that you don’t blend in with your background.

• Wear clean, tidy clothes. No matter how formal or informal the attire, it should be freshly laundered, free from wrinkles or damage, and fit properly. Interview attire can make or break first impressions, so attention should be placed on what to wear.

Build an Amazing Wardrobe on a Budget

Books should not be judged by their covers, but appearances do make a difference in people’s perceptions of others.

• Make a list of essential pieces. Certain wardrobe items, particularly office essentials, are staples. A crisp white shirt, a well-fitted blazer, black trousers, a sheath dress, a tailored suit, and some classic jeans are all worthy of inclusion in your closet.

• Shop discount retailers. Even if these offerings are not completely current, many are still trendy. In addition, such stores frequently feature popular manufacturers and designer items.

• Browse consignment shops. Consignment stores can be found in towns all over the country and online. For example, The Real is a luxury consignment sales outlet for preowned designer items that are authenticated by experts. Many of these items are very gently used and still have a lot of life in them.

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

Etta Baker

Voice Magazine for Women is proud to partner with the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee, 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 and insightful, 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

Etta Baker didn’t put up with any of that foolishness, either. You know, she would call somebody on it. She’d say ‘Lord, honey, I have been around so long, how could you call me a girl?

— Sheila Kay adamS, appalachian ballad Singer

Born in 1913 in Caldwell County, North Carolina, Etta Baker learned how to play guitar before she could hold one. She grew up in a musical household, with influences passed down from her African American, Irish, and Native American lineage. When she was just shy of three years old, her dad would lay his guitar on a bed face up as she stood, teaching her tiny hands how to pluck the strings and work the frets.

It was around that time her family moved to Keysville, Virginia. She would often get up in the middle of the night to listen to her dad play, and she played music at churches, parties, and dances with her family as a child and young woman. In interviews she has said that she practiced on her guitar an hour or more every single day. The music she made brought her great joy and, while sleeping, Etta often dreamed of the melodies she would write. She played 6-string and 12-string guitar and the 5-string banjo. The majority of Etta’s songs were instrumental; she chose instead to let the chords and melodies of her instrument do the talking.

Married at the age of 36 to a piano player, Etta’s husband forbade her to play music outside the confines of the home. Decades would pass before Baker was given the opportunity to perform her music in public again, so she helped make ends meet

working in a textile factory. Together they had nine children and she played for her kids and encouraged their musical abilities. When asked how she had time to play music with so many children, she laughed and replied, “I made them be quiet!”

Baker’s distinct, two-finger style of picking the Piedmont blues would later influence artists like Bob Dylan, Taj Mahal, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, but she never achieved the money or the fame she so deserved—an all too familiar narrative around the careers of many women in early American music.

“This gracious grandmother was the source of a great deal of joy and surprise when I found that she still played guitar after I had heard her early recordings in the ’60s,” says blues legend Taj Mahal. “One of the signature chords of my guitar vocabulary comes from her version of ‘Railroad Bill.’ This was the first guitar-picking style that I ever learned.”

In fact, Etta was 43 years old before she was “discovered” by renowned folk singer and scholar Paul Clayton who, along with Diane Hamilton and Liam Chancey, recorded and released five of her songs on the compilation album Instrumental Music of the Southern Appalachians. Those historically significant recordings were among the first commercial releases of African American banjo music, and though Etta’s songs “One Dime Blues” and “Railroad Bill” became traditional standards, she was unpaid for the session.

Baker was invited to perform at the 1958 Newport Folk Festival due to the impact of those recordings but was denied the opportunity by her husband. After he passed away in 1967, she

From the Music Maker Relief Foundation archive

left her job to pursue music full time. In 1991, at the age of 78, Etta released her first album, One Dime Blues, on Rounder Records. She soon became recognized as one of the foremost practitioners of the Piedmont finger-picking style—her right forefinger picking out melodies as the thumb strummed the bass notes.

Decades passed before Etta was able to regain the rights to those early recordings, doing so with the help of the Music Maker Relief Foundation, a North Carolina-based nonprofit that provides traditional musicians 55 years and older with financial and professional support for their art.

Whatever hardship or challenge Baker may have endured over her long life, she remained positive and focused on playing the music passed on to her by her father and his family before him. She also loved to garden, grow and can her own food, and forage for herbs. She had many grandchildren and loved playing music for them.

“Just the sound of happiness,” Etta said in a recorded interview for Music Maker. “It gets on your mind heavier than your ailments do, I think.” It must have been a healing kind of magic; in the same interview Etta proclaimed she never knew any doctors or treatments until she was 89 years of age.

In 1991 Etta was honored with a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts after winning the North Carolina Folk Heritage Award from the North Carolina Arts Council two years prior. The wunderkind passed away in 2006 at the age of 93, having performed music into her 90s.

Etta Baker possessed a soul that breathed the essence of music, transcending the ephemeral allure of fortune and fame. With each pluck and strum, her hands were vessels, channeling the sounds of her ancestors. Her guitar was an extension of her very being, an instrument of liberation and expression. Her legacy transcends the trappings of success, forever embodying the boundless joy of music for music’s sake. Her enduring legacy serves as an inspiration for women and musicians of all ages, showcasing the unwavering passion and dedication that can carry an artist through a lifetime of creating and sharing their art.

Stay tuned! Next month’s I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music spotlight will focus on the dynamic performer, musician, and forward-thinking businessperson Cousin Emmy, born Cynthia Mae Carver, the first woman to take home a win from the National Old Time Fiddler’s Contest, and a teacher and influencer to Hee Haw’s Grandpa Jones. She also appeared in Hollywood films and on television.

Courtesy of Music Maker Relief Foundation; photograph by Tim Duffy

Memorable Ways to Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18, 2023.

Dads do a lot for their families, and Father’s Day is the perfect time to acknowledge those efforts. The days when dads would receive a colorful necktie for Father’s Day are largely (and, for fathers, thankfully) a relic of the past. Modern Father’s Day celebrations tend to involve more careful planning, and the following are some ways to make this year’s day for dads one to remember.

• Take Dad on a tour through his own history. If Dad counts himself among the millions across the globe interested in their family histories, moms and kids can work together to create a virtual tour through that history. Present the history as a printed book or as a video, sharing interesting things you learned about Dad’s ancestors but also highlighting key moments in his life. This presentation can be accompanied by a subscription to a genealogy service and a tour of some of Dad’s childhood haunts before the family enjoys brunch or dinner in the neighborhood where Dad grew up.

• Take to the great outdoors. Father’s Day is celebrated in mid-June, making the day a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors (weather permitting). Plan a day around Dad’s favorite outdoor activity. If Dad is an avid fisherman, book a family outing on a charter boat so Dad can focus on catching fish and not navigating. If Dad loves being in natural settings, camp out the night before Father’s Day so he can wake up to the sound of birds chirping in the crisp morning air. If Dad has a favorite baseball team, take him out to the ballgame so he can soak up some Father’s Day sun.

• Book a private chef. If Dad has a fascination with food, perhaps nothing can make Father’s Day more memorable than a delicious meal served by a private chef. Private chefs will do all the work, giving moms and kids more time to spend with Dad throughout the day, and then the whole family can enjoy a special meal made by someone whose specialty is crafting delicious dinners. Offerings vary, but many private chefs

handle all the cooking and cleaning. Identify Dad’s favorite dish and then look for a chef who specializes in that type of cuisine.

• Appeal to Dad’s inner adventurer. Some Dads may just want to relax on Father’s Day, while others may prefer a more adventurous celebration. If Dad falls into the latter group, book a fun and adventurous activity the whole family can enjoy together. A kayaking trip, a skydiving session, a round of paintball, or even tickets to a rock concert on Father’s Day weekend can connect Dad with his inner adventurer.

There’s no shortage of ways for families to make this Father’s Day one Dad won’t soon forget.

Anyone looking for the right gift for Dad this Father’s Day can consider these ideas!

• Grill: Why not give Dad a new grill this season? Many people have fallen in love with the art of smoked foods in recent years, and if Dad fits that bill then a smoker/grill hybrid or a Big Green Egg can be just the gift to make him smile. If Dad prefers the convenience of grilling at a moment’s notice, then a new propane grill can fit the bill. Dads who love to tailgate outside their favorite football stadium may love a new portable grill to bring their pregame tailgates up a notch.

• Beer subscription service: If Dad’s a devoted drinker of craft beers, then a subscription to a beer club that delivers suds right to his doorstep could make this Father’s Day one he won’t soon forget. Clubs vary and many offer an array of membership options, but typically these groups hand-pick beers from an assortment of participating breweries, some local and some from distant, though likely domestic, locales. Gift givers can take note of Dad’s favorite beer style, whether it’s the wildly popular IPA or beers brewed in the Belgian tradition or some other style. Such information can be provided to clubs who will then curate the subscription box to align with the styles Dad likes best.

• Golf trip: If Dad is an avid golfer, then he likely has his sights set on some special places to play 18 holes. Families can pool their resources and give Dad a trip to a course he wants to play. Courses across North America have hosted PGA Tour and PGA Tour Canada events, meaning Dad could end up playing the same holes his favorite professionals have played.

• Man cave memorabilia: No man cave is complete without memorabilia. If Dad’s a diehard

sports fan, help him decorate his go-to spot to watch his favorite team with some authentic memorabilia. Whether it’s a framed game-worn jersey or a bat with Dad’s name engraved on it or a basketball signed by the roster of his favorite team, these items will look great on the wall of any father’s man cave.

The right Father’s Day gift for Dad can make this special day even more meaningful for the men who do so much for their families throughout the year.

HOW TO ENJOY A HEALTHY SUMMER

Ahealthy summer is one when individuals avoid illness and make the most of a time of year when no one wants to battle colds or other issues that affect their well-being. The following are a handful of strategies that can help people enjoy a healthy summer.

• Protect your skin from the sun. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends individuals apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher before going outside. Sunscreen should then be reapplied as necessary and especially after swimming or excessive sweating. The American Cancer Society notes that sunburn that blisters can increase risk for skin cancer, but sunburns affect short-term health as well. Studies have shown that sunburn adversely affects immune system response, which could make people more vulnerable to viruses like COVID-19 or the common cold.

• Limit alcohol consumption. Social schedules tend to fill up in summer, as seemingly everyone wants to host a backyard barbecue. The party vibe synonymous with summer leads to increased opportunities to drink alcohol, but excessive amounts of alcohol and summer sun are a bad combination. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, hot summer days increase fluid loss through perspiration, while alcohol contributes to fluid loss through an increased need to urinate. Significant fluid loss can lead to dehydration and heat stroke.

• Eat the right foods. Summer weekends filled with social engagements and a greater desire to be active outdoors can prove exhausting. The CDC notes that a diet filled with colorful fruits and vegetables supports muscles, strengthens bones and boosts immunity. That can make it easier to handle a physically active summer regimen and ensure that the immune system is in better position to fight off anything that may want to get in the way of summer fun.

• Get adequate sleep. Adults should aspire to get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night, which can fortify their immune system and ensure they don’t miss out on any summertime fun. According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep deprivation can lead to decreased production of proteins known as cytokines, which are vital to fighting infection and inflammation.

A healthy summer makes for a more enjoyable summer. By embracing various immune-boosting strategies, individuals can make this summer even more fun.

4 Ways to Be Happier

By Pam Blair

When I read that Oprah Winfrey has co-authored a book titled Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier, I was intrigued that happiness is considered a science, and it surprised me to learn how much the subject is researched and studied. The co-author of Oprah’s new book is Arthur C. Brooks, a professor at Harvard where he teaches courses on happiness and leadership. He describes himself as “a professor of happiness” in a TED talk that has been viewed more than 31,000 times on YouTube.

We all strive to be happier, and everyone has their own definition of what it means to be happy, which can change at a moment’s notice. Advertisements on the television, for example, can assure us that whatever we don’t have is exactly what we need to be happy, and if we just buy this or that thing, we will be happier. Seeing a neighbor’s new car might make us feel like we also need something shiny and new, but will it make us satisfied?

Professor Brooks says that satisfaction — and thus happiness — does not come from what the world is telling you to chase. Instead, he asserts that happiness comes from four things: faith, family, friends, and work. These things may have different meanings for all of us, and what follows are my thoughts on each one:

1. Faith. Having faith in God and His plan, with the assurance that He is working in every situation for his glory. Faith is also having a sense of wonder at the grandeur of the universe. Take a walk outside and let nature inspire you. Gaze at the stars in the night sky and find harmony in the vast world around us.

2. Family. These are the people you call in times of need, and there is nothing like having a close, loving relationship with your spouse, partner, siblings, and other relatives who have your back. Friends can be like family, such as my forever friend, Janet. Family members give mutual support, encouragement, and unconditional love through shared experiences and create a sense of belonging.

3. Friends. Choose your tribe. Avoid negative or toxic people and seek meaningful relationships that are mutually supportive and add quality to your life. I once had a friend who said I was the perfect friend in every way except that I didn’t play golf. We can’t be all things to all people. Your tribe may change as you grow and that means sometimes people come and go from your life, but that’s okay.

4.

Work.

Find meaningful work that serves other people well, whether it’s being a stay-at-home mom or holding down a regular job. It doesn’t matter if you are a garbage collector or the manager of a company; it’s the contribution you make that has a positive influence on the lives of others. I am always uplifted to see someone who enjoys doing their job, whether it’s a server in a restaurant, a store clerk, or the plumber. Their enthusiasm lingers and inspires me. There are many ways to find happiness, sometimes as simple as filling a bird feeder or reading a good book that strikes a chord with you. If we take notice of the simple pleasures, the moment to be happy has already arrived.

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.

Plant Sitting

By April Hensley

School is out, flowers are blooming, and birds are singing. We’ve all worked long and hard through dreary winter months and a chilly, soggy spring. It’s time for a well-deserved vacation!

Lots of responsibilities get left behind when we go away. For things like work, that’s a good thing. But others like our pets or livestock, we do lots of planning to make sure our scaly and furry loved ones are well taken care of while we are gone.

Everyone knows about pet sitters but what about plant sitters? Gardeners love their plants just as much. Of course, if someone is coming over to take care of your animals you can ask that they check on your plants too. Whether hiring someone to care for your green lovelies or you decide to go it alone, here’s a few things that may work for you.

First, let’s talk houseplants. They are protected inside, but they are not exposed to rain. They depend on us to provide life giving moisture. Start watching your houseplants for a few weeks. Water all of them and then do not water again until you see them start to slightly droop. This will tell you how much time you have between watering on each plant. If it is less time than you are going to be gone, it may be time to repot the plant to give the roots more

room. You can also put them in the kitchen sink right before leaving and soak them several times so that the soil is saturated.

Outdoor hanging baskets and potted plants can be vulnerable too. Check the weather for the time you are going to be gone. If the weather is calling for rain for several days you can move them away from overhangs so Mother Nature can help out. If it’s going to be sunny and hot, water them thoroughly and move them to a shady area. When potting plants look into bagged mixes that help retain moisture longer. Use moisture retaining beads that can be mixed in to the soil while repotting.

For large areas like lawns, gardens, or newly planted trees and shrubs, the best things are a timer and a soaker hose or sprinkler. Sprinklers are great for lawns but for gardens and landscaping use a soaker hose to get the water close to the root and help prevent mold and mildew on the leaves.

{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.

How to Make Summer Travel More Affordable

Summer is peak travel season. Whether vacationers plan to travel internationally or domestically, they can expect to pay top dollar as they head off for parts unknown.

Though travel has never been inexpensive, the rising costs noted in the Consumer Price Index have scared many consumers into staying home. However, consumers who want to travel but don’t want to break the bank can try various strategies as they seek to get out of the house this summer.

• Travel domestically. With airfare costs skyrocketing, now might not be the most budget-friendly time to travel overseas. Thankfully, would-be vacationers can still get away. Average gas prices in early spring 2023 hovered around $3.43 per gallon, which is nearly $1 less per gallon than the year prior. By driving to their destinations, vacationers can save substantial sums of money and also maintain greater control of their trips, something that isn’t always so easy in an era marked by routine flight delays and cancellations.

• Change your timeline. If a faraway dream destination beckons, travelers might still be able to make it work if they have the flexibility to alter their timelines. Rather than taking a Monday through Friday off from work, consider starting and ending a vacation in mid-week. It’s generally less expensive, and sometimes significantly so, to fly mid-week compared to flying Friday–Monday.

• Cash in your credit card points. Another way to ensure summer travel doesn’t put a big dent in your savings is to utilize cash back rewards or airline miles linked to your credit card account. If you have a lot of cash and/ or miles saved up, the coming summer of expensive travel could be the ideal time to use them.

• Consider a homestay over a hotel. Homestays, which includes bookings through sites such as Airbnb and VRBO, are typically much less expensive to book than hotel rooms. But homestays also save travelers money on food, as many listings feature fully operational kitchens that can help travelers avoid dining out three times per day over the duration of their trips.

YWCANortheast

YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia Honors 2023 Tribute to Women Award Recipients

Tennessee and Southwest

Virginia is pleased to announce the recipients of their 2023 Tribute to Women Awards. The award honors the trailblazers who strive to improve the quality of life for women, girls, and families in our region. Anne Godfrey, Chair of the Tribute to Women committee, said “The women we celebrate are the best of all of us; they are regional leaders who demonstrate their compassion, intelligence, and experience every day. We are honored to celebrate each of them.”

This year, the YWCA introduces new Tribute to Women categories that reflect the many avenues women utilize to effect change in our region. They include Business and Industry, Finance, Healthcare, Mission Impact, and STEAM/Education, providing an opportunity to highlight a broad array of professional leaders.

Numerous outstanding women across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia were nominated by area organizations for the 2023 Tribute to Women Award. From among those, 5 were chosen by an independent panel of judges for recognition. They include:

Business and Industry

Mary Johnson founded Land Partners in 2010, a female-owned real estate company that specializes in commercial real estate across the eastern United States. Mary’s passion for professionalism, new ideas, and relationship building has contributed to her successful career. A dedicated community servant,

Mary has volunteered for over 50 years, serving over 20 organizations at the local, state, and national levels. Her love for the outdoors inspired her work to secure $12 million of Tennessee funding for the establishment of Rocky Fork State Park in East Tennessee. Her advocacy for women’s rights has been instrumental in passing legislation that requires insurance companies to cover post-mastectomy reconstructive surgeries for breast cancer survivors and legislation criminalizing the act of stalking. Mary is a strong advocate for empowering women, encouraging them to take bold steps toward their dreams!

Finance

Jennifer Owen is known for her attention to detail, positive attitude, and excellent customer service skills.

In less than five years, she climbed the ladder of success from Senior Commercial Loan Officer to her most recent leadership position, Senior Vice President, and Market President for Appalachian Highlands at Truist Bank. Jennifer has numerous accomplishments to her credit, including graduating from Leadership Kingsport and being a past recipient of 40 Under Forty. Her dedication to empowering others is reflected in her role as a mentor and her commitment to community service. Jennifer’s community involvement includes numerous committee and chair positions, including YWCA, United Way, Northeast State Community College, and The Crumley House Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center. Jennifer’s hard work and positive attitude make her a valuable asset to our community.

Healthcare

Dr. Michelle Durham , Clinical Director of Audiology at Bristol Regional Speech & Hearing Center, is widely

The award celebrates the professionals, volunteers, and social activists who embody the YWCA’s mission to empower women and girls in our communities.

Mary Johnson

Jennifer Owen

respected for her exceptional leadership skills and tireless advocacy for patients. Her high standards inspire coworkers to strive for success, and her transparent communication style fosters an environment of trust and open dialogue. Michelle’s visionary leadership keeps the organization at the forefront of its field, while her tireless work securing insurance coverage for services delivered has earned her admiration from colleagues and patients alike. She takes special joy in seeing hearing-impaired babies and children able to hear out of both ears for the first time. Michelle continually looks for ways to improve speech and hearing services in the region, and her leadership is a testament to her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

Mission Impact

Vanessa Bennett showcases the power of dedication and hard work. Vanessa is a leader at the forefront of diversity, equity, and inclusion — she has a heart that believes in dignity for all. As the current Chief Operating Officer and former Executive Director of Operations and Talent Development for the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, her passion for community service and humanitarian initiatives is evident in her innovative approach to developing new programs, events, and celebrations that benefit Kingsport. She has been instrumental in the organization and success of Healthy Kingsport, SAFE Spaces, and Project HOPE. She is also one of this year’s Juneteenth Festival leaders in Downtown Kingsport. Vanessa’s unique ability to develop fresh ideas is a critical factor in the success of these initiatives. She is an inspiring example for young women and girls everywhere!

STEAM/Education

Chancellor, Donna Price Henry, made history in 2013 when she assumed the role of the first female Chancellor at University of Virginia’s College at Wise. With a wealth of experience in higher education, Donna is widely recognized

as a leader among her peers and a staunch advocate for STEM-H. Her expertise has made her a sought-after voice on various boards, councils, and panels at conferences across the Commonwealth. Donna has dedicated herself to equality, diversity, and inclusion, creating the College’s first office specifically devoted to that mission. She has worked to increase diversity among her cabinet and senior administrators. Donna’s work has brought forth new concepts and understanding that benefit the world and all those who live in it. She is truly a role model to emerging female leaders in various sectors.

“We are thrilled, as always, to recognize our Tribute to Women honorees,” said Kathy Waugh, CEO of YWCA NETN and SWVA. “These five women are not only leaders who are impacting our communities across multiple sectors, but they represent the many others whose encouraging stories we read about each year during our nomination process. It is truly inspiring to see their accomplishments and dedication, and we are privileged to honor them.”

The 2023 Tribute to Women recipients will be honored at a gala on Thursday, June 8. The first in-person award event since 2019 will be held at the historic Bristol Train Station at 101 Martin Luther King, Blvd., Bristol, Va. at 6:00 p.m. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, call (423) 968-9444 or visit www.ywcatnva.org.

Funds from the Tribute to Women event help to support the mission of the YWCA, including efforts to increase the economic empowerment of women and families, promote women’s health and safety, and to support racial justice and civil rights. Vital programs of the YWCA provide for current and future family success and uplift not only those served but their communities and the region as well.

YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, assist families and strengthen our communities. YWCA NETN and SWVA is part of an international movement serving over 2 million in the United States and 25 million worldwide. For more information about the important work of YWCA NETN and SWVA, visit their website at www.ywcatnva.org.

Dr. Michelle Durham

Vanessa Bennett

Chancellor

Donna Henry

NEW RELEASES OUT NOW!

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!

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.

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.

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.

My Appalachian Trail

Written by H. Dale Hall

My Appalachian Trail is a moving and captivating journey of a young boy from Harlan County in eastern Kentucky as he leaves the hill culture that formed him and makes his way through the challenges, successes, and failures that culminated in his being appointed as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and then as Chief Executive Officer of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. It is a must read for anyone struggling to survive the challenges of life.

Welcome Home

Written by Rita Rumgay

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!

Pure Joy’s Life Through the Wrong End of My Binoculars

Written by Joy Smith Walsh

The simple humor of this Southern-style family will hit home for many readers. Walsh hopes to honor family and others associated with her stories in her best “Southernese” Tennessee style! This book is filled with poignant and funny situations any reader will relate to. So, please, take a look through the wrong end of Walsh’s binoculars and enjoy life’s absurd humor.

Joy Smith Walsh

Michael Gryboski

Author of Carla; Carla: The Antithesis Killer; Carla: The End of Reason; Carla: A Death in Paris

Saturday, June 17, 10 am – 4 pm

Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival Riverfront Park, Fredericksburg, Virginia

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, These Haunted Hills Book 2; Book 3; and Book 4

Friday, June 2, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Food City, Abingdon, VA

Saturday, June 3, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Food City, Vansant, VA

Sunday, June 4, 11 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Big Walker Lookout, Wytheville, VA

Friday, June 9, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Food City, Virginia Ave/ Bristol, TN

Saturday, June 10, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Food City, Lebanon, VA

Sunday, June 11, 11 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Big Walker Lookout, Wytheville, VA

Tuesday, June 13, 12 pm – 3 pm

Appalachian Authors Guild – Board Meeting & Workshop, Small Business Incubator –VA Highlands Campus

Speaker: Damean Mathews – Horror, Lore, etc., Abingdon, VA

Friday, June 16, 10 am – 6 pm

Book Signing, Patchwork Quilters Jamboree, Graham High School Gym, Bluefield, VA

Saturday, June 17, 10 am – 6 pm

Book Signing, Patchwork Quilters Jamboree, Graham High School Gym, Bluefield, VA

Friday, June 23, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Food City, Galax, VA

Saturday, June 24, 1 pm – 4 pm

Book Signing, Books & Gifts (Next to Food City) 1921 HWY 394 Suite E, Blountville, TN

Sunday, June 25, 11 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Big Walker Lookout, Wytheville, VA

Friday, June 30, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing, Food City, Wise, VA

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 June 30, 2023. Send your submissions to submissions@ jancarolpublishing.com. Join the host of talented writers to take part in our most beloved anthology series!

Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with these Jan-Carol Publishing authors and their books!

Things That Women Do

by Cynn Chadwick

After Anna Shields receives an invitation from her estranged Aunt Lydia, she flies to Tennessee to find a number of older women—Tasha, Sadie, and Chloe—also living on Lydia’s farm. Losing power during a blizzard, the women share dark and startling secrets. Skating between past and present, they reveal frighteningly desperate things that they have done. Anna begins to realize, to her shock, that these things are connected to her own past and become key to her future.

To Survive Divinity

by M. N. Henschen

Seven hundred years after The Cataclysm, gods walk the earth and all the old religions have been banned. Every year, six women are given as Offerings to the gods of War and Death. Those who complete the Disciplines are made Brides for the god to whom they were offered. Being Chosen is the honor of a lifetime, but for fiery Kaija, a non-believer, it is a prison sentence. Letting go of her old life as a free woman is difficult, and Kaija’s feisty spirit might get her into trouble. Kaija is on a mission to both survive and keep her faith in the face of very real, manifest gods.

“

Bad Love Strikes is imbibed with a spirit of hope and love through the discovery of ‘exotic matter’ which propels the story back to 1944 and then back to the future, again. Bad Love Strikes is a startling original saga that will capture the attention of the reader and not let go until the ‘White Hole Project’ is proven to be real with unimaginable results.”

(Quote from back cover by James Taylor, Author of Earth’s Future: Red Alert)

Celebrating Our Male Authors!

On Thanksgiving Day 1961, Wes Schum was unstoppable. His Central Electronics Company had produced the world’s most advanced single- sideband transmitter, setting the Amateur Radio World ablaze. Three months later, it was all over. 60 years later, learn why and what could have been.

Jeff Geiger Jr.

The Honorable Judge John W. McClarty shares his story of a Black youth’s dream to become a lawyer and the obstacles he overcame to successfully accomplish his goal. With family photos and family history, he details his struggles and how he accomplished success.

After its original publication in 1951, Those Devils in Baggy Pants sold one million copies, was a Reader’s Digest condensed book, and was translated into multiple languages. Now, years after being out of print, the hit bestseller was republished by a member of Carter’s own family—David Ross Fraley. Those Devils in Baggy Pants invites readers to join the C Company of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment 82nd Airborne Division. Order this book directly from JCP — for a discounted price and FREE shipping! Go to the “JCP Book Shop” at www.jancarolpublishing.com.

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.

Dr. Kevin L. Schewe

Book 1 in the Bad Love Series

Dominic (Nick) Tusa

Judge John W. McClarty

Ross S. Carter (Original Author) David Ross Fraley

The Honorable John W. McClarty, Judge TENNESSEE COURT OF APPEALS

Books You May Have Missed!

A 15-year-old city-boy moved into a remote forest cabin on Big Bear Mountain and realized his connection to nature after discovering the 100-yearold journal of a grizzly hunter. The journal tells the untold story about the extinction of the bears and describes an epic final battle between the grizzlies and the US Army. It is written in a way that mixes natural science with war and fantasy to create a roller-coaster adventure with many surprising twists.

Though on the cusp of national music stardom in 1960, young singer Mark Prince faced prejudice and racial discrimination in his small Texas hometown. His way of dealing with injustice serves as a template and inspiration for those who desire to live in peace and harmony in our present day.

“ Flyin’ Floyd” Gilbert was a blue-collar hero from the golden age of dirt racing. Hailed as an “icon of dirt track racing” during his induction into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, Gilbert earned some 500 feature race victories and 16 track championships during a 30-year career, all while racing door to door against other legendary drivers on rugged ovals across Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and the deep south.

Wind, waves—and a broken boat oar—force four teenagers from the suburbs into a saltwater swamp. There, they struggle to survive while constantly getting sidetracked in conversation. This comical adventure also becomes a fiery debate between two types of teens: ones who dream to make a difference and those who never dare to be different.

Stay Alert

By Leslie Snyder

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”1 Peter 5:8 KJV

Interpretation: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 NIV

Early Native Americans were some of the best hunters in history. A combination of patience, wisdom, knowledge of the natural world, and respect for their place in it resulted in the skillful artistry of the hunt. One tactic in particular illustrates this beautifully.

When hunting buffalo on the Great Plains, hunters would cover themselves in buffalo hides and carefully approach the grazing herd virtually unnoticed. With ease and skill, the hunters would kill dozens of buffalo before the rest of the herd was aware of the intruders. When the herd

finally realized the attack, they would stampede, but by this time the hunters had retreated to safety. Once the herd cleared, the successful hunters returned to retrieve their kill.

We have a word for this type of infiltration today and it is called desensitization. When people are sensitive to something, they are keenly aware of what is happening around them physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Therefore, when we become desensitized, we become dull to what once drew our attention. This is a spiritual landmine and one that deserves our consideration. Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of the Bible, The Message, gives the warning this way: “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The devil is poised to pounce and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up.”

It is likely that today many of us can be caught napping, not paying attention to the bells and whistles going off around us. We live in a society where we are surrounded by pride, envy, deceit, division, selfishness, and many other ills. I suspect that much of this doesn’t even raise a red flag with us anymore. As a people of God, we are called to stay alert. May today be our wake-up call. www.homeword.com

MAYPOLE DANCE

By Deana Landers www.morningcoffeebeans.com

Myfirst year in middle school was challenging. I had already attended three different schools by the time I was in the eighth grade. Please don’t ask me why, that’s another story.

I had to walk to the bus stop a block from my house. There were other kids there, but I always stood alone. I didn’t know anyone, and everyone there knew each other. They weren’t mean or unfriendly; they were comfortable with each other. When I got to school, I went from class to class, but I don’t remember making real friends. There were a group of boys who noticed me, though. They picked on me when I was outside on the playground. I was new, shy, and defensive. Sometimes when they were picking on me, I used some of the cuss words I had learned from my four brothers. It made me feel stronger and less vulnerable.

I was only there for a year. The big event that year was the maypole dance. I was so nervous. I felt clumsy when we practiced and knew I would be out of place. But a few days before the dance, my oldest sister came to the house and brought me a beautiful yellow dress with white sandals to match. I was overwhelmed. I had only had one bought dress when I was six years old. My mother always made my dresses.

I was beyond excited the morning I dressed and went to school, knowing my big sister and mom would be there watching me in the maypole dance. It was a beautiful event. I didn’t miss any of my steps and felt as light as a feather. When it was all over and my sister and mom left, I started to walk back up the hill alone to our school.

One of the boys who always made fun of me and tormented me appeared out of nowhere. When he said hi, I went into defensive mode. He didn’t respond. He just said I looked very pretty.

I didn’t know what to say, so I asked, “Why are you being so nice to me?”

He said, “I’m sorry. We only pick on you to hear you use bad words. You are so cute when you get mad.”

I never cussed again.

Two years later, I went to high school after my mom died. I was quiet and reserved there too. I never felt as smart as the other students. I didn’t take college prep classes because I couldn’t imagine that I would ever go to college, but I made friends and made good grades.

However, the good news is I received a scholarship to go to nursing school after graduating from high school.

Many years later, when the internet connected us all, I received an email from one of the boys who picked on me in middle school. He wanted to tell me he was sorry and recounted many moments when I stood alone when they were picking on me. We planned a time for our families to meet, and it was a wonderful time for us all.

We had grown up and stopped acting like children, and he wanted to make amends for a memory that he was not proud of, and I was so grateful.

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.

About Women’s Health & Fitness

Various issues affect women’s health and wellness. Certain conditions are unique to women, while others are more likely to affect women than men. The following are eight facts about women’s health and fitness that any woman can utilize to improve her overall health.

1.

Women bear a physical and emotional burden of caregiving. Women primarily are tasked with being caregivers to their own families and potentially elder parents or other relatives, and that takes a toll. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women who are caregivers are at greater risk for poor physical and mental health, including anxiety and depression.

2.

Heart disease is a significant women’s health issue. Even though heart disease and heart attacks are thought to be primarily men’s health issues, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, according to the American Heart Association. Shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in the chest, fullness or pressure in the center of the chest that lasts or goes away and returns, and nausea or lightheadedness all may be symptoms of a heart attack in women.

3.

Women are vulnerable to eating disorders. Teenage girls and young women are more likely than teenage boys and young men to have anorexia or bulimia, according to the Mayo Clinic. Eating disorders tend to develop in people in their early 20s. Family history, other mental health disorders, dieting/starvation, and stress all contribute to the formation of an eating disorder.

4.

Menstrual bleeding is a common health concern. Many women do not openly discuss menstrual issues with others, but they should. The CDC says menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual

bleeding, affects more than 10 million American women each year. This condition may be the first indication of an overall bleeding disorder.

5. Intimate partner violence includes various forms of abuse. Intimate partner violence can include one episode or repeated episodes. The Office on Women’s Health reports that IPV can include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, as well as sexual coercion and stalking. It affects millions of women each year.

6. The majority of Alzheimer’s patients are women. Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women, says the Alzheimer’s Association. Women in their 60s are more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s over the rest of their lives than they are to develop breast cancer.

7. Young women are vulnerable to HIV infection. The World Health Organization reports that women now bear the brunt of new HIV infections. A large number of young women struggle to protect themselves and receive required treatment.

8. Women need to exercise with greater frequency. Mana Health Associates says fewer than half of all women over age 18 meet the federal physical activity guidelines for aerobic exercise, which is 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking or fast dancing, each week.

What to Do When MIGRAINES STRIKE

The health and wellness resource Healthline says a migraine is a neurological condition that typically causes painful headaches which are accompanied by other symptoms, such as sensitivity to smell, touch, light, and sound. Migraines also may produce numbness or tingling, visual auras and nausea/vomiting.

The American Migraine Foundation advises that migraine attacks feature distinct phases. Recognition and understanding of these phases can help to manage headaches more effectively. Some of the earliest signs of migraine include fatigue, blurred vision, auras, and other prodrome symptoms unique to people’s migraine histories. These conditions can occur anywhere from a few hours to a few days before a migraine attack. It is important to note that symptoms may not occur with every migraine, nor will early symptoms always result in migraines.

Identifying potential migraine symptoms early may help a person reduce the severity of a migraine. Typically, the migraine headache stage can last for several hours or up to three days, says the AMF. People identify migraine pain as pulsating, throbbing, pounding, per forating, and debilitating. Some have compared it to having an ice pick in serted into the head. The Mayo Clinic notes that these steps may help to re duce the severity of migraine symptoms.

• Find a calm environment away from stressors and the bustle of everyday life.

• Relax in a dark, quiet room as light and sound can exacerbate migraine pain.

• Small amounts of caffeine can relieve migraine pain in the earliest stages and enhance the effects of common OTC pain medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Sip small amounts of caffeinated soda, tea or coffee. Don’t overdo it, as that can lead to caffeine withdrawal headaches.

• Try to get steady, uninterrupted sleep each night. Poor sleep may trigger a migraine. If you have difficulty sleeping, listen to soothing music, establish a bedtime routine, go to bed and wake up at the same times each day (even on weekends), and exercise regularly. Speak with a health care provider if sleeplessness is chronic.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet at regular intervals. Fasting may contribute to migraine onset. Avoid foods such as aged cheese, alcohol and chocolate if they trigger your migraines.

• Try to manage stress in any way you can, which may include time management and simplifying your life. Delegate to others if you’re taking on too much.

• Journal when migraine symptoms come on so you can determine if there is a trigger.

Migraine headaches can interrupt life and prove debilitating. Finding relief takes patience. If home remedies do not suffice, people can speak to their doctors about possible medical therapies.

HEALTH CARE SCREENINGS FOR MEN

BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 39

Preventive health care is vital for everyone, including men between the ages of 18 and 39.

MEN AND MENTAL HEALTH

Though recognition of the importance of addressing mental health issues has increased in recent years, there’s still much to be done, particularly regarding men and mental health. A 2019 study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health noted that men have historically been more hesitant than women to seek help for mental health difficulties. That hesitancy can have grave consequences, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that men are more likely to die by suicide than women.

Recognition of the symptoms that suggest someone is experiencing mental health troubles could compel men to seek treatment or lead to their family members encouraging them to get help. The NIMH notes that men and women can experience the same mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. However, that does not mean their experiences will be the same. In fact, experiences can differ widely among men as well. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that men who exhibit stereotypically masculine personality traits often have worse mental health outcomes than men who do not exhibit such traits.

ACCORDING TO THE NIMH, THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME SYMPTOMS OF

MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS:

• Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness

• Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge

• Increased worry or feeling stressed

• Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs

• Sadness or hopelessness

• Suicidal thoughts

• Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions

• Engaging in high-risk activities

• Aches, headaches, and/or digestive problems without a clear cause

• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior

• Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life

• Unusual thinking or behaviors that concern other people

The NIMH urges individuals in crisis or people who suspect someone is in crisis to call 911 or to call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. More information about mental health can be found at nimh.nih.gov.

• Blood pressure: The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health urge men between the ages of 18 and 39 to have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years.

• Cholesterol: Men with no known risk factors for coronary heart disease are urged to get annual cholesterol screenings beginning at age 35. Men with known risk factors should begin receiving annual screenings at age 20.

• Diabetes: Risk factors and warning signs will dictate if men between the ages of 18 and 39 require diabetes screening. For example, the U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that a BMI over 25 is considered overweight, which is a risk factor for diabetes. Men who fall into this category should be screened for diabetes starting at age 35.

• Infectious disease: The USNLM urges all individuals, including healthy young men, to be tested for hepatitis C at least once between the ages of 18 and 79. Doctors also may recommend additional screenings for sexually active young men, who may be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, HIV, and other infections.

• Testicular cancer: The National Cancer Institute reports that testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 34. The USNLM advises against testicular self-exams, so young men should discuss testicular cancer screenings with their physicians, especially if they notice any changes in the size or shape of their testicles.

• Dental checkup: Men are encouraged to visit the dentist twice a year for an exam and cleaning. Dentists can determine if more frequent visits are necessary.

Voicemail Male

By Ken Heath

Easy Livin’

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy — that’s the way the old song goes. After a winter that I thought would never end, this warm, sultry weather sure is welcome. We’ve long put away our toboggans and parkas for Bermuda shorts and ball caps, replaced hot chocolate by the fire with a nice aged bourbon by the fire pit, football games with the crack of the baseball bat, evenings curled up under a blanket for nights listening to the crickets and watching the lightning bugs from the rockers on the front porch. As I close in on my 61 st trip around the sun, I reflect

back on one of my former bosses who tried to convince a 20-year-old kid that we’d eventually trade that youthful enthusiasm for what he called “wisdom” — and boy was he right! I look at the reality of fewer calendar pages in front of me than I’ve turned, and realize these changing seasons aren’t just Mother Nature, but seasons changing in our lives as well. I’m looking at my own personal late summer, I believe, but know that’s a blessing.

You see, I lost my dad, and my maternal grandfather, both at 60. Last August, on my 60th, I was just getting over two broken fingers, a nasty tumble, a dose of Covid, and Afib. So we had a few friends over, but nothing spectacular. On my 61st, though, it’s going to be a different story. It’s a strange benchmark, but by making it to that milestone, it’s a personal accomplishment for me. And I pray there’s many more to come, knowing we’re not promised any of it. So I’ll enjoy this easy livin’ summer, and the coming fall and winter, in hopes of slowing them down just a bit to cherish every precious second.

{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.

Levels of Senior Care

Cindy K. Sproles

As our parents age and become less independent, it’s important to learn the various types of care available to meet their needs. Care ranges from simple in-home assistance to full-time skilled care. Wading the assistive care river can be confusing and difficult without guidance, so it’s always good to have these conversations with our loved ones long before the need arises. Knowing how our loved ones think about their long-term care helps families plan. Though the conversations can be awkward and sometimes less than fruitful, the fact remains that making an effort provides a starting point. If these conversations can be held when parents are in good health, responses are easier to address, and making sure the wishes of the loved ones are written down will save frustration and confusion when the time arrives that those wishes must be instituted.

Independent living — This care covers an array of services from aging in place, where a loved one may opt to have all levels of their care provided in their private home, to moving into independent living homes or apartments where care is minimal but available. It may begin with hiring an in-home, non-medical company to provide reliable caregivers to help with meal prep, companionship, light housekeeping, and daily living skills. Some families may choose private caregiver companies throughout the remainder of their loved one’s life. The options are wide and available depending on the care needed. A word of caution — should your loved one buy into an independent living community, do the homework so families are aware of all the requirements and contracts involved. Educating yourself will prevent unwanted or unexpected loopholes should your loved one wish to move away from the community.

Assisted living — This care bumps up to the personal abilities of your loved one. Residents must be able to get themselves out of a building without assistance in an emergency like a fire. The care here also comes in packages depending on the needs of the senior. Assisted living will provide all meals, laundry, housekeeping, and an on-duty nurse around the clock. Assisted living is a nice step up for those who are still very capable of caring for themselves but may have a larger need arise later. Pricing is a base price for housing, meals, and laundry services with skilled services, such as medication management, available at an additional add-on price. Assisted living offers the benefit of a close community and watchful eyes over all those in residency. This in-house facility living can manage seniors until fulltime skilled nursing is necessary.

Memory care and skilled care — As the needs of our loved ones progress, the need for memory care or skilled care may become necessary. Some assisted living facilities provide memory care units for seniors who have Alzheimer’s or dementia, but many times these services shift to skilled living (nursing home) facilities where more in-depth care can be managed. Skilled nursing care moves to the highest level of care. The medical needs of a loved one may be more than a family can manage at home and the necessity for 24/7 skilled medical care is required.

Keep in mind that each of these future care alternatives carries a variety of levels. When the time arrives that more help is required, spend time visiting facilities and communities, and check their lists of care packages available as well as in-house availabilities and individual provisions. Seek out the best fit for your loved one and remember that the more proactive families become in the care of their parents, the better care they receive because you are informed and active in their care.

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.

Cucumber Dill Sandwiches

Yields 24 small toasts

24 baguette slices or rye cocktail bread

1/2 English cucumber

6 ounces cream cheese

3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, plus more to garnish

Kosher salt

Fresh ground black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Thinly slice the bread and place the slices on a baking sheet. Toast for about 10 minutes until crisp.

2. Thinly slice the cucumber.

3. Mix the cream cheese with the chopped dill. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, to taste.

4. Spread each bread slice with the cream cheese. Top with a sliced cucumber, a bit of kosher salt, and a sprig of fresh dill.

Source: acouplecooks.com/cucumber-dill-toasts-picnic-recipe

Avocado Tuna Salad

Yields 2 servings

One 5-ounce can white meat tuna

1/2 celery rib (¼ cup finely chopped)

2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

¼ cup chopped dill pickles (2 pickles)

1/2 ripe avocado

2 teaspoons lemon juice*

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

1. Drain the tuna. Place it in a bowl and use a fork to break apart any large clumps.

2. Roughly chop the avocado. Finely chop the celery, red onion, and dill pickles.

3. Mix together the tuna and vegetables with the remaining ingredients. Eat immediately: the avocado will start to brown after exposure to air.

4. *Mix it up! Try it Mexican-style: swap the lemon for lime and add 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro!

Source: acouplecooks.com/avocado-tuna-salad

Cowboy Caviar

Yields 8 Servings

For the vegetables

Two 15-ounce cans black eyed peas

15-ounce can black beans

1 15-ounce can corn

1 red bell pepper

1 cup cherry tomatoes

3 green onions

1 medium jalapeno, seeded (optional)

½ cup chopped cilantro

2 teaspoons kosher salt

For the dressing

2 tablespoons lime juice

4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon oregano

4 tablespoons olive oil

1. Drain and rinse the beans and corn.

2. Dice the bell pepper. Chop the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the green onions. Seed and dice the jalapeno pepper. Chop the cilantro.

3. Add all the vegetables and beans to a bowl. Mix with the kosher salt.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and cumin. Gradually whisk in the olive oil. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix to combine.

5. Eat immediately, or refrigerate until serving (it tastes even better after allowing to marinade 30 minutes or longer). Serve with chips for dipping. Stores refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Source: acouplecooks.com/texas-caviar-cowboy-caviar

Easy Pinwheels

Yields 40 pinwheels

6 cups (5 ounces) fresh baby spinach

leaves or ½ cup defrosted frozen spinach

4 burrito size 10-inch flour tortillas

8 ounces cream cheese or soft goat cheese

⅓ cup finely chopped sundried tomatoes in oil or jarred roasted red peppers

½ teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Place the spinach leaves in a skillet with ¼ cup water. Heat over medium heat for a few minutes until the spinach completely wilts down, about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the spinach to a bowl. Add cold water to instantly cool it, then squeeze out as much water as possible. Finely chop the spinach. (If using frozen spinach, defrost it, squeeze out the liquid and finely chop it.)

2. Chop the sundried tomatoes or bell peppers. To a medium bowl, add the spinach, sundried tomatoes, cream cheese or goat cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Mix it until it comes together into a smooth filling (we found it’s easiest to use clean hands to help break up clumps). Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired.

3. Place a tortilla on a cutting board, and spread it with ⅓ cup of the filling. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Roll up the tortilla very tightly, making sure to keep the roll very tight at the beginning (to avoid a hole in the middle!). Repeat for all tortillas. Refrigerate in a sealed container for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. Slice off the ends of the rolls and discard, then slice into 3/4-inch slices to make pinwheels.

4. They last up to 3 days refrigerated, but they taste best day of because the tortillas become softer over time.

Source: acouplecooks.com/easy-pinwheel-recipe

Summer Crafts Families Can Enjoy Together

When the weather is accommodating, there’s a seemingly endless list of ways to enjoy time spent outdoors. But as everyone knows, Mother Nature tends to be a bit unpredictable during the hazy days of summer. Thunderstorms can roll in quite suddenly, or rain may persist for a few days as the atmosphere attempts to right itself after an abundance of steamy days. Keep a list of craft ideas at the ready to make the most of time spent inside or out. The following are a few ideas.

• Friendship bracelets: There have been different iterations of friendship bracelets for every generation. With some general craft supplies, such as embroidery thread, beads, plastic lanyards, or other jewelry-making materials, kids can make and share a variety of friendship bracelets.

• Seashell creatures: At the next beach excursion, pick up differently shaped shells. They can be painted and glued together to resemble different animals or whatever designs one can imagine.

• Dreamcatchers: With some twigs, yarn and feathers, crafters can make dreamcatchers to hang bedside.

• Sunprints: Check out the craft store for a special light-sensitive solution that can be painted onto thick craft paper. Set various natural items on top (such as fern boughs, shells, feathers, and more)

and let the sun do its work. You’ll ultimately be left with some beautiful silhouettes.

• Leather sewing kits: Evoke the feelings of summer camp right at home with leather sewing kits that enable everyone to make handcrafted leather wallets or small purses.

• Painted stones: Kids can have fun gathering smooth pebbles from trails or at the shores of lakes. They can be painted with various designs or sweet sentiments, only to be left around the neighborhood for others to discover.

• Sea glass jewelry: An adult can use a very thin drill bit to make holes in sea glass remnants that washed up on beaches. Feed through earring hooks or chains to create one-of-a-kind jewelry.

• Dyed shoes or accessories: Use commercially produced or homemade dyes made from teabags, berry juice, turmeric powder, or more to color certain items. Dress up canvas sneakers with summertime hues, or make colorful bandannas to help keep you cool.

As the United States prepares to celebrate its third official Juneteenth holiday, here is a look at what the day is all about.

The origins of Juneteenth date back to June 19, 1865. Months after Confederate forces surrendered in the American Civil War, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally told they were free. Union soldiers arrived in Galveston and explained that slavery had been abolished and the war was over. This liberation actually took place more than two and a half

years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Act, which freed enslaved people throughout the country.

Juneteenth began as a regional celebration that was observed locally each year before becoming a state holiday in Texas in 1980. Juneteenth was subsequently recognized as a holiday in a number of other states before President Biden officially made the day a federal holiday in 2021.

Juneteenth is now celebrated across the United States and can serve as a catalyst for discussions about American history.

The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers Complete

CLUES ACROSS

1. Flat tableland with steep edges

5. Where there’s __, there’s fire

10. Talked incessantly

12. Skill

14. Without shame

16. Where teens spend their days (abbr.)

18. Boxing’s GOAT

19. Used to anoint

20. Cluster cups

22. Footballer Newton

23. They make up a forest

25. Split pulses

26. Self

27. Post-office box

28. Test for high schoolers

30. Large, flightless bird

31. Expectorated

33. Falsehood

35. Prickly, scrambling shrub

37. French river

38. Told on

40. Hillside

41. Peyton’s little brother

42. Soviet Socialist Republic

44. Cathedral city in Cambridgeshire

45. Witness

48. Brews

50. Yellowish-brown

52. Arctic explorers, abbr.

53. Mexican agave

55. A type of “cast”

56. Encourage

57. Atomic #52

58. Relating to position north of south of equator

63. Gadget whose name you forget

65. Another recording

66. Small blisters

67. Dark brown or black

CLUES DOWN

1. Licensed for Wall Street

2. “__ and flow”

3. A very large body of water

4. Accumulate on the surface of

5. Central cores of the stem

6. Angry

7. Ceramic jar

8. Scraped a car

9. __ route

10. Soviet labor camp system

11. Strong hostilities

13. Vitamin of the B complex

15. Go quickly

17. Toast

18. A team’s best pitcher

21. A Philly culinary specialty

23. Small child

24. Unhappy

27. Trims away

29. Characterized by crying eyes

32. Soft touch

34. American spy organization

35. A person’s chest

36. Came from behind to win

39. Fall back

40. Nellie __, journalist

43. Great places to kayak

44. Suffer patiently

46. Majestic bird

47. Electroencephalograph

49. Organic compound used as an antiseptic

51. Objects connected to the web (abbr.)

54. Ship as cargo

59. The bill in a restaurant

60. Upper-class young woman (abbr.)

61. Judge in OJ Simpson trial

62. One’s grandmother

64. Siberian river