Voice Magazine for Women 1022

Each month Voice will “hide”

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October Hot Hunk Hunt!

The September “Hot Hunk” was Paddy Considine on page 29.

C. Jessee,

him,

Hunk.” If

Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone Number: Email: HOT HUNK LOCATION:

July Hot Hunk Hunt!

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

mail

in,

a book from Jan-Carol Publishing!

Congratulations to: Jackie Honeycutt Abingdon, VA

as the winner in the September Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

Where did I pick up my copy of Voice Magazine?

Mail this submission form to: Voice Magazine P.O. Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605 or e-mail: hothunk@voicemagazineforwomen.com

Deadline for submission is October 20, 2022.

PLEASE, ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD

Voice Magazine

must

As the selected winner,

at 423-926-9983 within

prize.

claimed.

prize

and

winning becomes null

On the Cover

Allie Evangelista, President of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, is featured on our October front cover. (Photo by Claudine Kosier)

Evan Peters

VOICE Speaks

Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I love the flowers of spring and the fun days of summer, but autumn brings brightly color leaves on the trees and clear, blue-sky days, and a change of scenery. I love pulling out my sweaters and scarves and wearing them with jeans, boots, and jackets. It is the season for different decorations for the inside and outside, and feeling the excitement of football games and events. Even with Covid still lingering, it is exciting to see the many activities starting again and giving people reasons to get outdoors. Shopping is another reason that I love this season! I know the holidays are just around the corner!

Shopping will be exciting this year for JCP thanks to our bookstore. Our customers are returning, and the word is getting out about us. The support has been outstanding! JCP’s bookstore will be expanding with offering book gift baskets. Each gift basket will have at least one book, and we are offering different size baskets. If you are looking for a special gift for the holiday gift giving season, check out our JCP bookstore and gift baskets. Place your order now!

Also, shop on Saturdays at our book signings. Each Saturday in October we will host a different author for a book signing. Book signings are planned into November as well. Please mark your calendar to show your support and attend our book signings. See our upcoming events on page 17.

If you are an author, but not a JCP published author, there are still opportunities for you to have a book signing and sell your books in our bookstore. For more information, call Savannah Bailey, Communications Director, 423.302.0108 or email JCPbooksandgifts@gmail.com

JCP’s new book blog — Bookmarked — continues to gain attention. It features insights on book publishing, topics of the month, spotlighting authors and books, highlights of Voice Magazine for Women, engaging questions, and much more. Keep in the know, follow our blog, and sign up for our newsletters for our latest news and book discounts.

We would like to recognize author Rose Klix, author and jewelry creator Paulette Buchanan, and author Vicki Fletcher as the latest vendors to take advantage of the opportunity to showcase at Books & Gifts, located in the Food City shopping center in Blountville on Hwy 394. We are always looking to include local artisans’ products in the bookstore. If you would like to be a vendor at Books & Gifts, contact Savannah Bailey, Communications Director, 423.302.0108.

Thank you to all of you — fans, supporters, readers, advertisers, authors, our contributing writers, and more! We could not be here without all of you! Thank you all! Have an awesome autumn!

Thought of the month: “The knock at the door is unknown. It is when you have the courage to open that door that you decide to let hope or hopelessness come in.” Jan Howery

Verse of the Month: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalms 126:5 KJV

Serving Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia!

PUBLISHER

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc PO Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 publisher@jancarolpublishing.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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

Chanie Garner Project Editor

Morgan Henschen - Development/Content/Review Editor

GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION

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

Allison Chudina - Editorial/Retail Assistant

Abigail Webb - Retail Assistant

SALES

Linda Levergood Advertising Sales Consultant

Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983

DISTRIBUTION Karen Corder Staff

PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 19, Issue 10)

While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of the published ma terial, 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 pub lisher 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. © 2022

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 suc cesses, 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.

Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief

LITTLE CREEK BOOKS MOUNTAIN GIRL PRESS EXPRESS EDITIONS ROSEHEART PUBLISHING DIGISTYL E FIERY NIGHT SKIPPY CREEK BROKEN CROW RIDGE

Celebrating our 18th anniversary! We wouldn’t be here and there without all of you!

April Hensley Cindy Sproles

Ken Heath Pam Blair Deana Landers

Steps Anyone Can Take to Protect Local Wildlife

Numerous local, national, and international envi ronmental organizations are dedicated to protecting local wildlife. But such organizations can always use a helping hand, and the following are some simple steps anyone can take to protect local wildlife.

• Sign up for local trash pick-ups. The organization Environment America reports that scientists have found fragments of plastic in hundreds of species. For example, researchers found such fragments in 44 percent of all seabird species. Local park and beach cleanups can help reduce that figure and make these beloved spaces look even better. Signing up for park or beach clean-ups also provides a great reason to get outdoors.

• Make an effort to cut back on your energy consumption. This effective approach can benefit local wildlife and animal lovers’ bottom lines. The Animal Welfare Institute notes that many power plants rely on fossil fuels, the extraction of which can be harmful to local habitats. That ultimately and adversely affects local

wildlife. Reducing energy consumption can cut back on the need to extract fossil fuels, and it also can lead to lower energy bills for consumers.

• Support eco-friendly legislation. Legislators fighting to protect local wildlife need all the help they can get. Individuals can lend a hand by supporting legislators who are working to maintain local habitats so wildlife can continue to thrive. Share information about political issues related to local wildlife via social media and volunteer to help local politicians and nonprofit organizations spread the word about the importance of protecting the species who call your region home.

• Do not get too close to wildlife. The beauty of wildlife can be hard to resist, but the AWI urges animal lovers to keep their distance from animals they see in the wild. Do not handle young animals found in the wild, no matter how vulnerable they appear to be, as the AWI notes that it’s not uncommon for mothers to leave their young alone for long periods of time while they forage for food.

Wildlife faces an uncertain future in many parts of the world. Individuals can do their part to protect wildlife and ensure their long-term survival.

by David Lindsay-Abaire

42nd Annual YWCA 2022 Turkey Trot 5K

The 42nd Annual YWCA Turkey Trot 5K run/walk is scheduled for Saturday, November 19, 2022 beginning at 8:00 am. A holiday happening since 1980, the YWCA Turkey Trot is the longest running all women’s 5k in the region. It’s unique positioning as a women’s only race highlights the YW mission to empower women, giving the moms, daughters, grandmothers, and friends who participate an opportunity to shine! Make this the year you become a part of this long–standing tradition.

No one is too young or too old to take part in this race, and leashed pets and strollers are welcome. Participants have the option to run or walk a USTAF certified route through historic Bristol, Tennessee starting near the iconic Bristol Sign and ending at the YWCA building. Start a new family tradition by participating in the YWCA Turkey Trot. Men can register for the race and receive a race day tee shirt, but they are not eligible to win a race category.

The YWCA Turkey Trot 5K is only one component of the YW’s health and safety initiative. As a part of our mission to encourage health and wellness, the YW hosts self-defense classes, and provides physical activity in our child care center and in our Tech GYRLS program. We also host several volleyball leagues and clinics.

For more information about the YWCA Turkey Trot contact the YWCA at ywca@ywcatnva.org. Participants will receive a unique race tee shirt, light refreshments, and freebies. Forms are available at the front desk of YWCA NETN and SWVA at 106 State Street, Bristol, Tennessee. Online registration is available at ywcatnva. org. Cost of preregistration is $30, and $35 on race day.

Cornelia

Civic Chorale Announces First Concert of the Season

The Civic Chorale, under direction of its Music Director, Dr. Rodney Caldwell, will present its first concert of the 2022-2023 season on Sunday, October 16. The concert, entitled

“Selections from Choral Masterworks” will feature choral movements from some of the major monuments of choral repertoire. Selections include works from the Vivaldi Gloria, Haydn Lord Nelson Mass, Beethoven Mount of Olives, Brahms, Mozart, and Faure’ Requiems, and others. The concert will close with the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.

The concert will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 500 N. Roan St., Johnson City, Tennessee on Sunday, October 16 beginning at 3:00 PM. While the concert is free to the public, donations are very much appreciated.

The Civic Chorale, founded in 1973, is the region’s premiere auditioned volunteer adult chorus. Dr. Caldwell is also the director of choral studies at Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, North Carolina.

For additional information, visit the Chorale website at www.thecivicchorale.org.

Healthy Halloween Snack Options

Although decorating is a large part of the fun of Halloween, the sweet treats that are distributed to trickor-treaters and presented at Halloween parties are arguably the most popular component of this beloved holiday. Is it possible to escape the Halloween sugar overload? For those who want to enjoy some healthier options than candy corns and other sweet staples, these ideas are not so frightening.

• Pizza mummy: Use slices of toasted sandwich bread or English muffins to make some spooktacular fare. Coat the bread with pizza sauce. Then place thin vertical slices of mozzarella cheese in a haphazard pattern to replicate the look of gauze on a mummy. Two pieces of sliced black olives serve as the eyes.

• White, orange and yellow platter: Simulate the look of candy corns’ white, orange and yellow color palette with healthier offerings. Stack cauliflower, or another white food like monterey jack cheese, baby carrots and yellow bell peppers on a platter. Serve with your favorite dip.

• Deviled brains: Turn regular deviled eggs into something more sinister for Halloween buffet tables. Simply add food coloring to the filling to create a pinkish-brown hue that resembles a human brain. Then use a piping bag fitted with a thin icing tip to pipe the shape of brains onto the hardboiled egg halves.

• Veggie skeleton: Use assorted vegetable slices, cheese sticks, fruits, nuts, and more to inspire a Halloween-in spired charcuterie board. Arrange everything to resemble a skeleton on the platter.

• Ghostly bananas: Insert popsicle sticks into the bottoms of bananas and freeze until solid. Prepare white melting chocolate according to directions, then dip the frozen bananas into it. While wet, stick on two mini chocolate chips to make the eyes of the ghosts. Place in the refrigerator to harden.

• Spider crackers: Use buttery Ritz ® crackers or something similar for this recipe. Spread a relatively thick layer of cream cheese (or peanut butter if allergies are not a concern) on one cracker. Cut thin pretzel sticks in half and use four on each side to make spider legs, sticking them into the cream cheese. Top with another cracker and secure to the cream cheese. Raisins connected with more cream cheese complete the eyes of the spiders. Anyone can use his or her imagination to make delectable and healthy Halloween offerings in lieu of more sweets.

8 Sights to See at Fall Harvest Festivals

6. Leaf-peeping opportunities

1. Seasonal fare

Many fall harvest festivals are built on the foods harvested in the fall for that region. Apples turn up in many areas starting in September. For those who can’t wait to bite into food picked at the peak of its season, a fall harvest festival can’t be beat.

2. Wagon rides

Farms and the tools of the farming trade are part of harvest festivals. Wagons transporting crops are a classic sight, even if they’re no longer heavily relied upon on the farm. Rather than a cargo bed full of corn or apples, harvest festivals tote families around on wagon rides or on hay bale beds towed by tractors.

3. Apples galore

Candied and caramel apples and many other apple products feature prominently at many harvest festivals. Apple fritters, apple turnovers, apple pies, fried apples, and others are bound to be sold by vendors, along with traditional fair foods, like funnel cakes. Be sure to check out the Unicoi County Apple Festival on October 7 and 8. The festival, coordinated by the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, is a premier two-day festival that has spanned more than four decades of longevity in Erwin, Tennessee.

4. Cider stations

Lemonade stands that are staples of summer give way to hot or cold cider offerings come the fall. Cold ciders are perfect for an unseasonably warm fall day while warm varieties are tailor-made for days when there’s a chill in the air.

5. Pumpkin patches

Fall harvest organizers pick and display pumpkins in fields to make it easier for youngsters to find the perfect pumpkin for Halloween carvings. It’s a sea of orange this time of year, and things may get more colorful with non-edible gourds in shades of white or yellow.

Some festivals are geared around chances to view the fall foliage that abounds in primarily rural areas. A mountain or forest backdrop adds vibrant color to any event.

7. Corn mazes

Fall festivals set up adjacent to or on farms may have corn mazes for the kids. These mazes may be kept up throughout October and repurposed into haunted mazes for older kids looking to get a scare for Halloween.

8. Wine tastings

Many grape varieties are harvested in the fall, so fall harvest festivals may capitalize on that and invite local vineyards to set up tables providing tastings of their vintages. Vineyards also may host their own fall festivals, featuring sips and snacks with live music.

Fall offers a host of entertaining festivals geared around the harvest season. These festivals are ideal ways for people to see the sights and nibble on seasonal delights along the way.

Spiritual Intuitive Medium Brenda Lee

Appointments every Friday and Saturday at Atlantis! Call 423.926.8884 to schedule your appointment!

Lives Since

Check out fall festivals in your area to find these fun activities!

Allie Evangelista: The Winner Takes It All

By Allison Chudina

Allie Evangelista knows a thing or two about rolling the dice.

In fact, the President of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol, Va., has never been afraid to take chances.

The Brazil native says she grew up being fascinated with visiting new places and learning new cultures, which is what first brought her to America—and a career in hospitality.

“Tourism is a field that allows me to understand what motivates people to travel and how destinations are developed and programmed to welcome tourists,” she said.

Evangelista moved to the United States in 1998 after graduating from the University of Caxias do Sul with a bachelor’s degree in Travel & Tourism.

The key to success is to put your heart in everything you do, always do the right thing, care about others, and have fun.

Evangelista said that, while southern Brazil is now regarded as one of the most popular tourist destinations, this wasn’t always the case. “The region in the south of Brazil where I went to school— Canela and Gramado— is very beautiful, but it was very small,” she said. “There were limited restaurants and hotels, and tourism was not very common.”

Today, however, it is the number two most-visited region in Brazil for tourism all year round—second only to Rio de Janeiro. “This is due to investment in tourism by many friends and colleagues I went to school with who believed in this industry and transformed the region to welcome tourists from all over the world,” Evangelista said.

After graduating from college in Brazil, Evangelista knew she had to get a job and learn how to be a citizen of the U.S. Her first-ever job in this country was that of a hotel housekeeper, which allowed her an entrance into the hospitality business.

“Just having a degree from Brazil would not open many doors at first, so I was grateful to be given an opportunity in the hospitality business where I could learn and grow,” she said. “I noticed pretty quickly that showing up to work on time with a great attitude, picking up extra shifts, staying over to help cover for business needs, and being hungry to learn was all one needed to succeed.”

Evangelista said that having a strong work ethic will open doors and lead you to whatever career progression you desire— as long as you have high integrity and patience. She empha sized that “successful careers are not built overnight.”

When asked where her drive and ambition come from, she said her father always persevered to give his children a quality education, even when it was difficult. “Unfortunately, public schools in Brazil aren’t the best, and being able to pay for private school is something that was always important to my parents,” she said. “My dad built a very successful business

from a garage after working many years for others. He was often not at home while I was growing up, but he did what he needed to care for his family and provide a good education.”

So, how did Evangelista become interested in the gaming business?

Well, in 2006, Evangelista received the opportunity to interview at a casino in Missouri from a former hospitality leader she’d worked with previously. The only problem was she knew little to nothing about the gaming business. Thankfully, the company was searching for service-oriented individuals willing to learn—and Evangelista fit that bill.

“It was overwhelming being in a true casino for the first time during that process, but it was also energizing, vibrant, and a fun atmosphere,” she said. “I had no idea that one opportunity would come to change my life in such a positive way!”

Regarding the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol, Evan gelista said she was recruited to lead the project in January of this year. At the time, she worked for another company and had built up 17 years of seniority. While she wasn’t unhappy or actively looking for other jobs, the opportunity to join a globally recognized company with potential to grow in the gaming industry was very tempting.

When asked how working for Hard Rock differs from other jobs in the casino industry she’s had in the past, Evangelista said the Bristol Casino truly tries to focus on the guest’s experience. “We do food and beverage, entertainment, retail, hospitality, and gaming—all while delivering world-class service and quality,” she said. “Many other casino companies focus only on the gaming aspect.”

The Casino opened a temporary facility in July of this year and will be operating until the permanent property opens in 2024.

Currently, the Casino has a gaming floor with 870 slot machines, 21 table games, a High Limit Room, a sportsbook, a sports bar, a retail store, Mr. Lucky’s, which is a sit-down restaurant, and a Brick’d Oven Pizza, which is a grab-and-go restaurant. The Casino features live, local bands and offers a variety of sports to watch on large TV screens.

“Once the permanent facility is ready, we will move into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol where we will have a

lot more to offer guests, including a much larger gaming facil ity, a Hard Rock Café, Hard Rock Live, multiple restaurants and a hotel,” Evangelista said.

Evangelista reiterated that she is fascinated by the gaming industry and the power to positively transform communities and people’s lives. When asked what advice she has for other women who want to enter the tourism, travel, or hospitality business, she said her answer is always the same, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or race.

“The key to success is to put your heart in everything you do, always do the right thing, care about others, and have fun,” she said. “My first leader in the hospitality business once told me to never forget where you come from, and I carry that with me wherever I go.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work as a housekeeper, a front desk agent, and so many other roles I held over the years. These experiences gave me the ability to relate to team members in every position by respecting them and reminding them that every job is just as important as the other.”

Evangelista advises everyone to embrace and empower themselves to succeed. “Many times, we wait to feel ready for a promotion, when in fact, very few times we will fully be ready,” she said. “Taking chances in new opportunities—even when we don’t feel fully ready for it—can be very empowering. Surround yourself with experts in the areas you aren’t and ask lots of questions. Learning never gets old, and it’s what keeps things exciting and fun!”

And as Evangelista has repeatedly proven, believing in yourself is always a good gamble.

(Photos by Claudine Kosier)

Are You an Accident Waiting to Happen?

By Doug Fields

“And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”

Mark 6:31 KJV

Interpretation: “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

One day, I pulled into a parking space at one of my favorite “fine dining” restaurants, Burgers & Donuts (I’m not making this name up, Google it). At the same time, a well-dressed forty-something woman in a white Chevy Suburban pulled into the space next to me. As I opened my door, I accidentally touched my car door to her door. It didn’t make any dent—just a tiny tink sound. The woman went ballistic. By her reaction, you’d have thought I had taken my car keys and scrawled, “I hate Chevy Suburbans and you,” on her door. Out of her mouth spewed the foulest language I’ve ever heard. She didn’t just drop the F-bomb–she dropped A–Z bombs too. I’ve never even heard of some of the words she used (and I learned stuff about my mom that I never knew before.) She didn’t want to listen. Instead, she returned to her car, slammed the door, displayed the international sign of displeasure and roared away without a burger, a donut, or a conversation.

I’m not sure what was happening in that woman’s life, but she definitely had an out-of-proportion reaction. I’m guessing that she was living a busy life with no margins. You know what margins are—in a spiral notebook they are those blank white spaces on the sides of each page. A margin is

a space without activity. Many of us live our lives without margins: rushed, stressed, fatigued, and overloaded. When we live life without margins, we are just one tink away from exploding.

It is my observation that a life without margins is a life in (or rapidly approaching) chaos. A margin-less day is crammed with running, driving, chasing, little time to catch your breath and limited time to think something through or even to decompress. If this describes you, you’re most likely an accident waiting to happen. When you’re worn out, you have no emotional reserves available for when you are “tinked.” It doesn’t matter what the source of the tink is. When there is no margin, the slightest thing can set us off. We blow up, then wonder what just happened.

Jesus’s life shows us that a person can do all he was meant to do in the time allotted for him. Jesus said yes to many things, but He also said no to many other things. Jesus set boundaries. He had limits. When the demands upon him became too great, and He found Himself physically and spiritually depleted, He withdrew “to a mountain by himself” or “by boat privately to a solitary place.” He recognized that He needed time to stop, reflect, pray and nourish His inner life. So do we.

Today, seek to regain some margin in your life, by slowing down. Give yourself permission to rest and refuel by recon necting with the One who provides rest for your weary soul. (www.homeword.com)

In Loving Memory of June Barrett

Jan-Carol Publishing was saddened to hear of the passing June Barrett. June Barrett, founder of Crumley House, passed away in August. June was not only a JCP author, but a friend. I received a phone call one day from a woman who introduced herself and said, “You are the kind of woman that I want to meet. Let’s do lunch.” This was June. Anyone she met, she made them feel special. When JCP acquired Mountain Girl Press, one of the books in the transition was June’s book, Lori’s Miracle, which shared her story about her 14-year-old daughter Lori’s tragic car accident in 1981. Lori’s survival was miraculous, but left her partially paralyzed and brain damaged. In caring for Lori, it became evident that there was an underserved and critical need for rehabilitative care and vocational training for victims of traumatic brain injuries. With tireless vigor, June and her husband established the first Crumley House, a day-care center with rehabilitative programs, serving the brain-injured in the eight county East Tennessee region. June will be missed by all that knew her.

Wendy Wolf’s ‘Storypainting’ Shares God’s Light

By Allison Chudina

For self-taught artist Wendy Wolf, telling a story through painting is akin to breathing.

Wolf began her career as a muralist in 1995 when she painted a large wooden fence outside a tropical fish shop. Ever since then, she was hooked—although Wolf realizes art has always been a part of her. “Art has always just been there, like breathing,” she said. “God gives everyone something, and He gives good gifts. We just have to grow and use them.”

Wolf coined the term “storypainting” to classify her unique genre of art. “Storypaintings are a convergence of many skill sets I’ve acquired over a lifetime,” she said.

Wolf never realized the true power of storytelling until she moved to Tennessee and visited Jonesborough’s International Storytelling Center. Ever since then, she knew she wanted to tell stories through art. Specifically, she feels called to create “Biblical Storypaintings,” which are designed to help Christians share biblical stories.

“There are so many things that stand in the way of spreading God’s word—language barriers, government barriers, societal barriers,” Wolf said. “Storypaintings are my answer to that.”

She continued, “The world is a crazy place, and it’s a good thing to turn your eyes and your soul from the chaos to look at something beautiful.”

To learn more about Wolf’s art or to request a consultation, visit her website: https://godslightstorypainting.com/. (Photos Contributed)

By April Hensley

The growing season can feel short with frosty mornings lasting until mid-May and often returning by October. Even though warm weather gardens only flourish in our zone for about 5 months, gardening is a yearround job with many tasks behind the scenes. That gigantic award-winning pumpkin would’ve never existed without the off season work of saving seeds and starting the tender seedlings indoors while cold weather still raged outside.

While our gardens are resting over winter, we can also start improving our soil for a stronger, healthier garden next spring. Different plants use different nutrients. The soil gets depleted causing plants to not be as healthy or produce as many blooms, fruits, and vegetables. Gardeners can buy supplements to aid in soil health, but improving it with our own efforts is satisfying and helps us know what is in our food.

• The first thing is to pick an outdoor spot to compost. Use the middle of your garden, a purchased composter, or just a quiet unused corner. Whatever works for you that is easy to access during the winter.

• Crushed eggshells, leaves, grass clippings, shredded paper, and dead plants are a few things gardeners can put in a composter.

•

Don’t add anything that could be diseased, invasive plants or noxious ones like poison ivy, or plants sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.

• Composting ends up being an everyday, but simple job. Keep a little bowl in the kitchen to add scraps such as from vegetables, coffee grinds, and fruits. At the end of the day, dump it into your compost. At the end of the week, stir the compost so it is mixed together to help in decomposition.

• Composted manure from chickens, rabbits, cows, and other livestock can also be added. Composted manure instead of fresh is required so it does not burn garden plants. If you are doing organic gardening, talk to the farmer you are getting manure from to make sure they are also organic farming.

• You will begin to notice as the things in the compost pile break down, it will start to turn into rich, deep black, sweet-smelling soil.

• In the spring, it will be ready to use. Remove unfinished material and big pieces and put them back in the composter to keep working. Use in pots mixed with potting soil or in a thin layer worked into the top of garden beds to aid in healthy growth.

every story needs a book

NEW RELEASES OUT NOW!

Daffodil Dreams: An AppalachiaInspired Short Story Collection

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. Anthology

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

Boil the Ocean

Written by Diane S. Barna

How far would you go for a loved one? This question wasn’t a hard one for Clavo Cruiz. He was determined to obtain justice for his wife, Maria, within a system he felt had let them both down. Follow Clavo’s adventure to his native Mexico, where he hooks up with some

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.

These Haunted Hills

A Collection of Short Stories

Book 4

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. Anthology

Step into the spooky side of Appalachia with the fourth installment of Jan-Carol Publishing’s These Haunted Hills anthology series. Each haunting story will keep you on the edge of your seat and bring with it the chill of fright as you read through contributions from seven highly talented authors. These Haunted Hills Book 4, and the entire These Haunted Hills Series, is sure to keep your Halloween season exciting for many years to come. Featuring Authors: Lori C. Byington, Bev Freeman, Jeff Geiger Jr., Linda Hudson Hoagland, Jan Howery, Pauline Petsel, and Courtnee Turner Hoyle.

Sunrise on the Porch

Written by Dale P. Rhodes, Sr.

on the

The best way to make sure you will have a good day is to plan one every morning. Leo, an old hound dog, does just that by watching the beauty of a sunrise every morning and thanking God for the day ahead of him. With each passing year he shares his wisdom and faith with his friends, old and new, and brightens everyone’s days along the way.

An Angel Named Johnia

Written by Jocelyn M. Lacey

Johnia Berry is a sweet and beautiful young woman who has questions about where her journey leads her…will she get her answers when she gets to Heaven?

An Angel Named Johnia

COMING SOON

Clinch Mountain Girls

Written by Nancy Withington Bell

Trick-or-Treat, Noodle!

Written by Monica Riley-Kohler

Illustrated by Deborah Riley Bocklage

Noodle is searching for the perfect Halloween costume. Join her in her search as she gives you clues as to which costume she will try on next!

Don’t forget to be on the lookout for Bradley Bee!

In the mountain hollows of Tennessee, the newly arrived “girls”—young, suburban women from 15 states— supported each other, learning country ways and how to produce their own water, warmth, and food. Fleeing urban consumer culture and the social strife of the 1970s, they learned from the locals, became strong women, and formed a lasting community.

Power of Understanding: How Personality Influences Our Lives

Written by Rick Toomey, Ed.D.

Emotional intelligence influences our ability to build strong relationships and achieve our goals. We can enhance emotional intelligence by learning to better understand ourselves and others. This book demonstrates how powerful the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is in helping us better understand how personality influences our behavior and the results we produce.

Clancy

Written by Jacqueline Krafft

Illustrated by Amanda Blickensderfer

A young boy’s morning has a foggy start when a baby cloud by the name of Clancy tumbles from the sky. Can the children and their teacher find a way to get Clancy back home to his parents?

Diane S. Barna

S.

RICK TOOMEY, Ed.D.

Dale P. Rhodes, Sr

Backyard Adventure Series

Nancy Withington Bell

AUTHORS on the ROAD

Appalachian Authors Guild

Tuesday, October 11 the Appalachian Authors Guild will conduct a business meeting from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the Virginia Highlands Small Busi ness Incubator, 852 French Moore Jr Blvd, Abing don, VA. From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The program: “Mysteries and Short Stories” will be presented by Linda Hudson Hoagland. All are welcome to attend the business meeting and the program.

Linda Hudson Hoagland

Author of Snooping Can Be Regrettable; Snooping Can Be Scary; Snooping Can Be Uncomfortable; Snooping Can Be Helpful – Sometimes; Onward & Upward; Missing Sammy; Snooping Can Be Dog gone Deadly; Snooping Can Be Devious; Snooping Can Be Contagious; Snooping Can Be Dangerous; The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Easter Lilies; Broken Petals; Wild Daisies; Scattered Flowers; and These Haunted Hills Book 1, 2, 3, 4

Saturday, October 1, 10:00 am – 4 pm

Book Signing Food City, Independence, VA

Friday, October 7, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing Food City Vansant, VA

Saturday, October 8, 10:00 am – 4 pm

Book Signing Food City Abingdon, VA

Tuesday, October 11

Appalachian Authors Guild Workshop 12 pm – 1:00 pm

Speaker – Linda Hoagland – 1 pm – 3 pm VHCC Small Business Incubator Abingdon, VA

Friday, October 14, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing Food City Wytheville, VA

Saturday, October 15, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing Food City, St. Paul, VA

Wednesday, October 19, Bluefield State University Judge Humanities Challenge and Agora Awards Bluefield, WV

Friday, October 21, 10 am – 4 pm

Book Signing Food City Damascus, VA

Saturday, October 22, 11 am – 2 pm

Book Signing Books & Gifts Blountville, TN

Sunday, October 23, 11 am – 4 pm

Book Signing Big Walker Lookout Wytheville, VA

Friday, October 28, 10 am – 4:00 pm

Book Signing Food City Galax, VA

Saturday, October 29, 11 am- 4 pm

Book Signing

Halloween Adventure Breaks Interstate Park Breaks, VA

Sunday, October 30, 11 am – 4 pm

Book Signing

Big Walker Lookout Wytheville, VA

Nova Mann

Author of Hope Knocking

Saturday, September 24, 1:00 pm

Book signing

Johnson County Center for the Arts Mountain City, Tennessee

Rick Toomey, Ed.D.

Author of Power of Understanding: How Personality Influences Our Lives

Tuesday, October 11th, 10:00 am

WJHL-TV Daytime Tricities TV Appearance

Check out our October Book Signings at our new bookstore, Books & Gifts!

(Located in the Food City Shopping Center in Blountville, TN)

• October 8th, 11 am to 2 pm, Author Jan Ellis (Over the Circumstances)

• October 15th, 11 am to 2 pm, Author Rick Toomey, Ed.D (Power of Understanding: How Personality Influences Our Lives)

• October 21st (Friday), 11 am to 2 pm, Author Jocelyn M. Lacey (An Angel Named Johnia)

• October 22nd, 11 am to 2 pm, Author Linda Hoagland (Lindsay Harris Murder Mystery Series and many others!)

Barna

This Month’s Featured Books

Jeff Geiger, Jr. Willie E. Dalton Monica Riley Kohler

Illustrated by Deborah Riley Bocklage

The author spins a tale of excitement. Jonah Bosworth was only nineteen years old when he discovered a room full of unbelievably dark secrets, a room most people didn’t make it out of alive. Four years later, Jonah tells the tale of the White Room, how he was forced to go in there, and how he managed to live to share the story.

How could Sadie have lived so long in this town without knowing it was harboring a very old secret? The dark side of the woods was a place she walked by nearly every single day and it seemed perfectly normal. Until she realized, nothing that walked in there, walked back out. She’s the only one who can save her town, her love, and herself. It has to end where it started, in the center of the forest.

Noodle is searching for the perfect Halloween costume. Join her in her search as she gives you clues as to which costume she will try on next! Wonderful teaching tool and great for a classroom with the use of colors and words.

Don’t forget to be on the lookout for Bradley Bee!

Just as soon as the beautiful drifter, Heather, finds peace of mind among the majestic blue mountains of the great North west, it is stripped away. Now, a familiar posse runs the town called Marigold and its mining community with their sharp and newly deputized claws. After finding out that this shot of evil has infected her life again and now rules everyone still left on the mountain, she quickly begins to search for the root source of its existence, before it poisons the people and the land itself forever.

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

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

chill of fright

C.

Bev Freeman,

Pauline Petsel,

Geiger Jr.,

Jake Koenekamp

Illu trated by Deborah Riley Bocklage

Monica Riley Kohler

Journey to Your Self – How to Heal from Trauma begins with the author’s own expe rience of child molestation, sexual assault, bullying and rape, the moment she hit rock bottom and from there on out successfully healed her trauma and transformed her life. Sandra Cooze then continues by taking you on a journey through the mysteries of trauma, and the effects it can have on your body, mind, and spirit.

Books You May Have Missed!

Born into a world beyond her understanding, Mercy is confused by her childhood experiences of abandon ment, neglect, and abuse. She stubbornly questions the cultural expectations and gender inequality for women during the 1960s. Although she struggles with insecu rities, she learns to bravely navigate her own destiny and persists in overcoming insurmountable odds.

To Hide the Truth is a true story of the disturbing rela tionship between a daughter and her father. It speaks the truth of an era when family abuse and alcoholism were subjects of taboo, reveal ing a culture that accepted violence as a way of life. Within the walls of the tiny house, the mother suffers not only physically, but emo tionally, and nine-year old Susan becomes her mother’s protector in a role reversal necessitated for survival.

Shattered But Not Broken is an autobiography of being blinded by love at first sight. Author Tawana Campbell shares personal details of falling for and living with a controlling and abusive husband. Although her marriage was filled with overwhelming challenges and heart-wrenching tragedy, Campbell shares her inspiration accounts of finding the strength to survive and thrive.

Yesterday’s Books and Tomorrow ’s Reading

Sandra Cooze B. G. Musick

Susan Noe Harmon Tawana J. Campbell

The Link Between Diet and Breast Cancer

Avariety of factors affect a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer, and certain lifestyle choices, including diet, can play a role. However, according to Healthline, the risk factors with the biggest impact include sex, age and genetics. Lifestyle can influence breast cancer risk but not at the same levels as genetic markers, family history, gender, or age. However, women interested in doing all they can to stay healthy may want to take a closer look at the foods and beverages that can adversely affect breast cancer risk.

Healthy diet

Healthy food choices are linked to lower incidences of cancer and other conditions. Susan G. Komen states that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may be linked to a lower risk of developing breast cancer. A pooled analysis of data from 20 studies found women who ate the most vegetables had a lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer (but not estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer) compared to women who ate the least vegetables, according to a 2013 report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. And it doesn’t really matter if produce is organic or not. According to the American Cancer Society, the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables outweigh any health risks linked to pesticide residue.

The complex relationship between fat, sugar, and cancer

Though a single food will not lead to higher breast cancer risk, overeating and putting on excess weight can increase risk. That is why it is essential to get plenty of exercise each week and monitor calorie consumption. While women who are in their reproductive years may not see as much breast cancer risk from being overweight or obese, after menopause, that risk increases, says Susan G. Komen. The risk is not directly related to fatty foods, however. The American Cancer Society says an examination of the amount of fat eaten by women in the United States found no link between fat and breast cancer risk.

In addition, while consuming too much sugar may not be healthy in the long run, it’s a myth that “sugar feeds cancer.” Eating sugar may lead to weight gain, which may increase the risk of breast cancer, says the ACS.

Alcohol consumption

One component of diet that has been studied extensively is the effects of alcoholic beverages on breast cancer risk. Susan G. Komen reports that a pooled analysis of data from 53 studies found women who had two to three alcoholic drinks per day had a 20 percent higher risk of breast cancer compared to those who didn’t drink alcohol. Alcohol should be limited to one drink per day for the average woman, or none at all, if possible.

Diet is only one factor in the risk for developing breast cancer. While important, there are other components that increase risk by a more significant margin.

CAN BREAST CANCER BE PREVENTED?

Breast cancer occurs when there is rapid growth of mutated (cancerous) cells in the tissues of the breasts, and poten tially in the surrounding skin and lymph nodes. Various factors contribute to the development of cancer, including genetics, gender, environmental exposure to certain materi als, and lifestyle choices like diet and exercise.

While there are steps women can take to lower their risk of developing breast cancer, there is no way to completely prevent the disease. Even preventative surgical removal of the breasts, known as prophylactic mastectomy, cannot eliminate every breast cell, leaving open the possibility that breast cancer can develop. The Siteman Cancer Center reminds people that these strategies can help to lower breast cancer risk as much as possible:

• Limit alcohol consumption, or do not drink at all.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

• Breastfeed, if possible.

• Don’t smoke, as smoking is related to the formation of 15 different cancers.

• Engage in regular exercise, aiming for at least 30 min utes per day.

• Avoid hormone contraceptive products, particularly after the age of 35, and weigh the pros and cons of hormonal menopause treatment.

• Schedule and undergo regular mammograms.

• Speak with a doctor about your family history of breast cancer and take added precautions if there is a significant family history and/or genetic factors that make you more vulnerable.

Breast cancer is prolific. Although the disease is not entirely preventable, there are many ways for women to reduce their risk of developing it.

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month! The National Institute on Deafness and Other Com munication Disorders (NIDCD) encourages people to educate themselves about noise-induced hearing loss throughout the month.

In conjunction with Protect Your Hearing Month, Jan-Carol Publishing is offering a special discount on Heart of Hearing by author Meaghan Thomas. Head to our online bookstore to check it out!

Visit: Jancarolpublishing.com

Click on Book Shop at the top of the page.

Dr. Erika Sanders Lovett

Aging in Place

By Cindy K. Sproles

want to stay at home.” These are not uncommon words by aging parents, and of course, who wouldn’t prefer the comforts and familiarity of home? Still, the day may come when mom or dad aren’t able to manage alone at home.

“I

It is always wise to have conversations with family members long before the need arises. The practicality of sitting with your children while your mind and thoughts are cohesive is difficult but wise. Taking time to set your specific desires in place for your aging will make life decisions much easier for your family members and yourself.

Aging in place is a fancy name for staying at home, and as we stated earlier, who doesn’t want to stay at home throughout their golden years? There are times aging in place is not practical. It may be unsafe for your aging parent to be alone. Perhaps they have Alzheimer’s and wander, or their blood pressure drops suddenly and they pass out. Maybe they can’t remember how to lock the door or turn off the stove. There are multiple reasons why it may not be practical or safe for your loved one to be alone in their home. The question becomes, how do we manage other arrangements?

A popular solution is in-home, non-medical care. In other words, the family hires a caregiver to visit several times weekly up to 24/7, depending on their need. There are pros and cons to each solution but what tends to happen is a family member steps up to care for the parent or a family hires a friend. This is well and good, but there are things to consider before one of these options is chosen — 1) there is no backup plan if a caregiver calls out, and 2) regardless of their relationship to the family, background checks need to be made. It’s important to understand that your homeowner’s insurance medical payments will not cover an injury of a privately hired individual. If there is an accident, your loved one is at risk of being sued. Background checks tend to be overlooked (even for family members), but these are vital things for the safety of your loved one. Our elderly are easy targets, and as a family it is your responsibility to be sure they are as safe as possible. The other alternative can be costly, but hiring a professional company such as Comfort Keepers or another company is a great option. An in-home, non-medical company assures there is always someone available to care for your loved one in the event of a call-out. They also carry liability insurance, workman’s comprehensive, and their caregivers are bonded, plus

companies take care of paying employee taxes that you would otherwise be responsible for doing. Every caregiver undergoes background checks and drug testing to ensure they work safely with seniors. There may be a cost involved, but hiring a professional company takes the kinks and worries out of aging in place.

Cost is always a huge factor in aging in place. Some seniors have long-term health insurance that pays a certain amount daily for their care. If your aging parent is a veteran or a veteran’s spouse, Aid and Attendance may be a service they qualify to receive. Aid and Attendance can pay qualified individuals as much as $1500 per month for their in-home care. Checking your local Area on Aging, local and state offices on aging or social services, tribal organizations, or nearby senior centers will have services listed that families can obtain.

Finally, when aging at home is hindered by a lack of personal care and an inability to manage daily living activities such as shopping, cooking, or cleaning the house, it may be time to discuss senior living, assistive living, or nursing home care.

The financial aspect will always come into play if a loved one decides to age in place or seeks a facility. There is no “cheap” route. It’s always best to make a plan in your youth and stick to it for the day you will be an aging senior. Encour age parents to have this conversation early in their lives so family members know how to proceed when the time comes to institute the plan. The conversation is difficult, but the result of a plan always works in their best interest.

{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.

they still nab victims every day. The Federal Trade Commission warns that many phishing scams are conducted via email or text messages and inform potential victims that there is an issue with their finances. Some may say there are issues with a bank account, credit card or even a tax return. Skeptics may wonder how anyone could fall for a phishing scam in the age of two-factor authen tication and other security measures. However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that phishing scams cost victims nearly $60 million in 2019, indicating they’re still a lucrative source of income for cybercriminals.

Cyber Scams Come in Many Different Forms

The internet has opened doors to new possibilities, but it’s also left other doors open for cybercrimi nals. Any home with an internet connection is potentially vulnerable to internet scams. Recognition of that fact and awareness of the following scams can reduce the likelihood of being victimized by opportunistic cybercriminals.

• Disaster relief scams: Human beings’ innate sense of compassion is on full display in the aftermath of natural disasters, when people across the globe typically donate hundreds of millions of dollars in an effort to help people whose lives have been turned upside down by hurricanes, tsunamis and other devastating events. But skilled cybercriminals prey on that compassion by setting up bogus relief efforts. Such efforts may involve fake charities with names that are similar but slightly different than well-known, legitimate nonprofit organizations. Operations such as Charity Navigator make it easy to verify if a charitable organization is legitimate, and would-be donors should utilize such resources prior to making any donations.

• Phishing scams: Phish ing scams are among the oldest cyber scams, but

•

Formjacking: Formjacking is a retail-based scam in which online shoppers’ personal and financial information is stolen. In such instances, a retail website could be hacked without users’ knowledge. When it comes time to purchase items they’ve placed in their carts, users are redirected to a fraudulent payment page, where they enter personal information, such as their credit card number, that cybercriminals then steal. When buying items online, shoppers should confirm that the URL on the payment page aligns with the retailer they’re buying from. If the URL is missing even a single letter (think Amazon.com instead of Amazon.com), then chances are a formjacking scam is being operated.

Tech support scams, in which users are asked to download applications to fix an infected computer, and similar download-based fake antivirus software scams are some additional examples of cyber scams. Users are urged to be on the lookout for each of these types of scams and exercise caution whenever something doesn’t seem right or authentic.

One Skillet Hash Brown Casserole

By Pam Blair

Like finding a pair of jeans that fit perfectly, I dreamed of finding a go-to breakfast casserole recipe that is foolproof and delicious. This recipe hits the mark with sausage, potatoes, and lots of cheesy goodness, plus the added flavor of peppers and onions. The flavor profile can be altered to your taste by substituting bacon for the sausage or using hot sausage instead of mild. This recipe will feed a crowd, so plan to make it for a holiday breakfast or busy weekday mornings. With only one skillet to make it and bake it, clean-up is a breeze!

One Skillet Hash Brown Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb. mild breakfast sausage

1 20-ounce pkg. shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed

2 bell peppers, diced (try mixing red, green, or orange)

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 tsp. minced garlic

8 large eggs, beaten

1-1/2 cups milk or half and half

2 cups shredded cheese — pepper jack or cheddar

2 tbsp. butter

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. salt and ¼ tsp ground pepper—or use seasoned salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet and add the sausage, browning it well before turning. Break the sausage into small pieces with a spatula. Remove the sausage and set aside. If there is excess grease in the pan, drain it.

2. Add 2 tbsp. of butter to the hot skillet, then add the peppers and onions. Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil to the peppers and onions, then cook until soft ened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Remove the skillet from heat; add the sausage and stir, then add the potatoes and stir. Add salt and pepper.

4. Add one cup of shredded cheese and stir to combine.

5. Combine the eggs and milk and pour over the entire mixture, then stir everything together. Sprinkle remaining cup of cheese on top of the casserole.

6. Carefully lift the skillet and place in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes. Test the center with a toothpick to make sure the eggs are cooked. Let rest for 10–15 minutes and serve.

Optional: After removing from the oven, add 5 slices of cooked, crum bled bacon and ½ cup of chopped green onions and grated Parmesan. Top each serving with salsa and sour cream if desired and serve with fresh fruit and muffins.

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.

Every October, when autumn starts to chill our bones, break out the bread bowls and warm up with National Chili Month.

Crock Pot Chili

6 to 8 Servings

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 pounds ground sirloin

Kosher salt

Pepper

One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes

1 pound dried small red beans

1 small bunch of cilantro, leaves and stems finely chopped (1 cup), plus whole leaves for garnish

4 jalapeños, seeded and minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons dried oregano

Sliced scallions, shredded sharp cheddar cheese and sour cream, for serving

1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil until nearly smoking. Add the ground sirloin, 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of pepper and cook over moder ately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, trans fer the meat to a slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes and their juices along with the beans, onions, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano and 6 1/2 cups of water. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours, until the beans are tender.

2. Skim any fat from the surface of the chili and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve with scallions, cheddar and sour cream.

Source: www.foodandwine.com/recipes/crock-pot-chili

Turkey and Pinto Bean Chili

6 to 8 servings

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 pounds ground turkey

1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 tablespoons chile powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

3/4 teaspoon chipotle powder

1 large carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice

One 28-ounce can tomato puree

Three 15-ounce cans pinto beans, drained

3/4 cup lager

1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 teaspoon chopped thyme

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Chopped chives, for garnish

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil until shimmering. Add half of the turkey and cook over high heat, undisturbed, until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Stir the turkey and cook until no pink remains, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer the cooked turkey to a bowl and repeat with 1 more tablespoon of oil and the remaining turkey.

2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and the onion to the pot. Cook over moderate heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, chile powder, cumin, oregano and chipotle powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Return the turkey to the pot. Stir in the carrot, bell pepper, tomato puree, beans and lager and bring to a boil. Stir in the stock and vinegar, cover and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes. Add the thyme, season with salt and pepper and serve, garnished with chives.

Source: www.foodandwine.com/recipes/turkey-and-pinto-bean-chili

Voicemail Male

By Ken Heath

Life’s Check Engine Light

The crazy bed had some sort of an alarm that seemed to beep randomly, and by randomly, I mean every time I wandered into dream sleep. My fears of smothering to death or hanging myself in the web of wires were unfounded, and before I knew it, it was 6am and I was getting booted out.

Follow up appointment set, I received a b-pap machine as a new birthday gift. I can’t say enough good things about the staff. They made the process easy and comfortable. But I’m tellin’ ya, I’d much rather spend the night (and the money) on a whole different kind of birthday gig.

We’ve

talked about my turning 60 this summer, and some of the new things that brings on. Creaky knees, a popping hip, a dose of Covid, and a bout with A-fib (atrial fibrillation) carried me through the last months of 59, so I was looking forward to moving past that as I entered the sixth decade round the sun.

As part of the A-fib, my Angel won her continuing argument that I needed a sleep study. Stubbornly, I’ve avoided that for years, but once the ticker doc said a bad night’s sleep could send my pumper back into syncopation, I relented. Of course, the easy, take home one didn’t give good enough results, so the traditional, hospital in house one was set. Last night, I reported at 8 pm—and for a night

owl like me, that’s just about gettin’ goin’ time. And on top of that, it was college football Saturday, with one game in the final minutes and another set to kick off! But there I was, in my pajamas getting wired like an AM radio transmitter for a nap under cameras and diodes. It actually didn’t take long to slide out, and even with a contraption that looked like Tom Cruise left it over from Top Gun lassoed to my noggin, I managed to drift off to Lullaby Land.

Still, us old folks have out limitations, I’m finding out. Instead of Opryland Hotel, Grand Ole Opry, and midnight on Broadway, I got to walk into my local hospital in my pajamas. I’ll take it. Those little victories count even more nowadays, don’t they!

{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.

It’s A Classic!

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

By Allison Chudina

As Halloween approaches, it’s time to light some pump kin-scented candles, enjoy the cooler temperatures, and watch scary movies! This month’s recommendation is Horror of Dracula, directed by Terence Fisher and star ring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. Originally titled Dracula, this is the classic tale following Jonathan Harker as he accepts a job at the villainous Count Dracula’s castle under false pretenses. What Harker doesn’t expect, however, is that the strange Count will soon begin targeting Harker’s loved ones. Dr. Van Helsing, Har ker’s friend, must then embark on a hunt for the dastardly Dracula. This film inspired so many other retellings of Bram Stoker’s classic novel, but nothing compares to this 1958 adaptation. You’ll defi nitely want to sink your teeth into this spooky tale!

How Parents Can Pitch in to Prevent Bullying

P arents can play a vital role in preventing bullying. Much of that role involves parents educating themselves about bullying, including what it is and what it’s not and what are some warning signs that a child is involved in bullying.

What is bullying?

The DHHS website Stopbullying.gov defines bullying as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power. Bullying behavior is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time. The imbalance of power associated with bullying involves the children who bully using some semblance of power they have over the children they’re bullying to harm or control those youngsters. Their power may be physical strength, access to embarrassing information or popularity.

What isn’t bullying?

Various types of aggressive behavior have the potential to be harmful, but they do not fall under the umbrella of bullying. For example, Stopbullying.gov notes that children between the ages of three and five are learning how to coexist with one another, including how to share and cooperate. Chil dren in these age groups may be aggressive if they don’t get what they want, but their actions in such instances do not constitute bullying.

What are some signs a child is being bullied?

The DHHS notes that not all children who are being bullied exhibit warning signs. In addition, some signs might be more subtle than others. But some potential indicators that a child is being bullied include:

• Unexplainable injuries

• Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry

• Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness

• Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. For example, children who are being bullied

may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.

• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares

• Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school

• Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations

• Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem

• Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

What are some signs a child is bullying other children?

Parents also should be on the lookout for signs their chil dren are bullying other youngsters. Such signs include:

• Kids get into physical or verbal altercations

• Children have friends who bully others

• Increasingly aggressive behavior

• Frequent trips to the principal’s office or to detention

• Kids have extra money or new belongings but cannot explain how they got the cash or items

• Kids blame others for their problems

• An unwillingness to accept responsibility for their actions

• Kids are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity

Complete your home with decor from The Old Town Emporium in Jonesborough. Located inside the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone St, Jonesborough,

By Deana Landers www.morningcoffeebeans.com

Itwas the last 45 seconds of the game when suddenly a teammate passed the ball into her hands. A Chest Pass is a two-handed pass from chest to the chest without touching the ground in a basketball game.

For a second, she stood there numb, bouncing the ball on the polished hardwood floor. The seconds ticked by until she was jerked into action by the shouting on the sideline. “Throw it, throw the ball!”

A tall guard loomed in front of her face. She moved to her right side, glanced at the round metal ring with the basket below, closed her eyes, and threw the ball toward the goal as hard as possible.

Relieved that the discarded ball had distracted the aggressive guard in front of her, she glimpsed at her coach. To her surprise, he had his hands up in the air, cheering with everyone else around him.

It took a moment to figure out what happened, but suddenly she realized she

had made the basket and the winning point to place the team in 2nd for the district basketball tournament.

Teammates hugged her and patted her on the back. She was surprised when they chose her to accept the trophy on behalf of their team.

It was a moment that still makes me smile when I think about it. Yep, it was me, and the funny thing about this story is that it was the only basket I made during my entire high school basketball career.

That’s because I wasn’t an outstanding player. Most of the time, I sat on the sidelines. Then one of the players got hurt, and the coach decided to put me in for some reason. It may have been because I was always there, tried my best, or didn’t have anyone throw the ball to me.

On the other hand, maybe he just decided to give me a chance. Whatever it was, it was my only moment as a sports champion.

Just like most kids, the reason I went out for sports was to have fun. Sure the competition is good, and if they do well, everyone notices. But even if they never score the winning point or become the player of the year, they should have a chance to enjoy being part of a team.

Our grandson, Cooper, has been on an ice hockey team for the last four years. Initially, it was hard for him, but he has learned much from being part of a team.

I called him and asked him what it meant to be a team player. He said, “Nana, it’s not about self or the best player. There are so many different players on the team, but the important thing is that we work together. Every member has strengths, and we are all there for each other. It’s like having a friend group.”

Playing on a team teaches good sportsmanship. That helps when we are grown up, as our actions affect everyone around us. Being part of a family or working in a public job, we must do what is best for everyone, not just ourselves.

Even though I was not a good player, I must have been in the right place when my teammate threw me the ball. She could have thrown the ball herself, but she chose to take a chance that I could make the goal.

Rules are an essential part of life, and one of the first public places kids learn about rules is on a team at school. I had to work on the rules of basketball. The buzzer always sounded when I stood in one place, held the ball too long, or stepped on a line out of bounds. These actions were called violations, and I made plenty.

In real life, there are rules we need to respect. When the light is red, we stop; when the light is green, we go. If we do that, most of the time, we will get across the road unharmed. Rules keep us safe.

Another important lesson in sports is respecting our teammates, opponents, and officials. As parents, we tend to center our lives around our chil dren and their needs. In sports, children learn to think of someone besides themselves. How they treat each other will affect the entire team. Even how they treat their opponents can affect the team.

Respecting the coaches’ and officials’ authority can be a big part of success. But unfortunately, it is a fact that children who do not learn to respect authority when they are young spend most of their life in trouble.

Playing basketball did not make me a great athlete, and my one moment of success did not make my parents push me to become a sports star. It did, however, teach me some valuable lessons that I use every day.

I learned that if you stay around long enough, try as hard as you can, someone might give you a chance, and if they throw you the ball, aim high and give it all you got, you might win.

{Deana Landers, a retired nurse and health edu cator, is Christian speaker who strives to educate and encourage. She may be contacted at dland ers1511@gmail.com or 276-780-7355.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Pouch

Cooling device

Corporate exec (abbr.)

Antidiuretic hormone

South American plant

Adult female bird

Type of snake

Soak in

Emerge

Church tower

Having solidified from lava

Eye parts

Natural

Swiss river

Require to

Obstruct

Immobile

Moved quickly

finish

CLUES DOWN

1. Cavalry-sword

2. Gland above the kidneys

3. Hat

Predict

5. A team’s best pitcher

6. Countries

Substitutions

8. Peruses again

9. Popular food

13. Reciprocal of a sine

14. Of or relating to the ears

17. __ juris: Independent 18. Keyboard key

Fat from a pig

AC manufacturer

27. Organization of N. and S. American countries

28. 22nd star of a constellation

Scoundrel

31. A way to save money

32. Boy or young man

mountain

open grassland

humorous

goddess

container

narrow hilltop

(abbr.)

executive

of Education

Car mechanics group

Autonomic nervous sys

“The Partridge Family”

Midway between northeast and east

37. Egg-laying mammal

Salt of citric acid

39. Barbary sheep

Actress __ de Mornay

Gambling hotspots

42. Wing-shaped

Basked in

Poison

Beats per minute

Macaws

Military vehicles

Elderly woman

Body part

Midway between east and southeast

Forearm nerve (abbr.)