Voice Magazine 1219

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DECEMBER 2019

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vibrant • vocal • vivacious

Amy Lynn Henry “Life is a Gift– Live it!”

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242 E. Main St • Johnson City • 423.926.8884 • atlantisjohnsoncity.com

December 2019 | Volume 17 | Issue 12

Make Managing Winter More Fashionable

December Hot Hunk Hunt!

The October “Hot Hunk” was Eddie Murphy on page 28 in the Bow Tie Pro Music and Sound ad.

Giving More This Holiday Season 12

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John Legend Each month Voice will “hide” a picture of a “Hot Hunk.” If you find him, fill out this form, mail it in, and you could win tickets to Barter Theatre.

Congratulations to: Missy Yates, Abingdon, VA as the winner in the November Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

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

This Year’s Hot Holiday Gifts

MLK JR. 2020 Celebration

13

6

Hunt!

Gifts From Gardeners

Amy Lynn Henry “Life is a Gift– Live it!”

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

HOT HUNK LOCATION: Where did I pick up my copy of Voice Magazine?

April Hensley 14

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

Wellington, New Zealand

Johnson City Symphony Celebrates 50 Fabulous Years

or e-mail: hothunk@voicemagazineforwomen.com Deadline for submission is December 20, 2019.

PLEASE, ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD As the selected winner, you must contact Voice Magazine for Women at 423-926-9983 within 90 days to claim and receive your prize. After 90 days, winning becomes null and void and the prize cannot be claimed.

Nancy Binder 16

Jan-Carol Publishing

Pam Blair 11

New Releases 18

Spiritually Speaking 21

Christmas Breakfast 22

Holiday Safety for Seniors Cindy Sproles 26

On the Cover HOUR – SPEND ANTHE DAY! SPEND PING SHOP N! MADE FU

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Amy Lynn Henry

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“Life is a Gift– Live it!”

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From the EDITOR

D

uring the holidays and growing up in rural central Appalachia, my parent’s farm provided us with our real Christmas tree. Our Christmas tree was a handpicked cedar tree from the woods on the farm. This was a tradition. I remember Dad carrying his axe, heading out to the woods in search of the perfect Christmas tree. It could be a self-standing tree or the top of a tree with fuller branches. After cutting it, he would drag it into the yard and trim and shape it into the perfect fit for the corner space in our living room. The fragrance of cedar and freshness filled the house for days. After placing those big indoor or outdoor lights on the tree, it came to life with colorful, shiny, aluminum-like rope wrapped around it and with the carefully placed, breakable, red and green ball ornaments. But most importantly was the last decorative accent to be placed on the tree. It was the silver tinsel icicles that came in a small box. The tinsel strands were tossed either individually or by the handful onto the tree. With the tinsel in place, the tree glowed with lights and glistened with beauty! It was a tradition—our family tradition—and I miss it.

Family traditions are special. Creating traditions that are carried over year to year and passed down to generations is a great way to unite families. These days families are smaller and yet larger in extended families. From all of us, our extended Jan-Carol Publishing family wishes you and yours a very Happy Holiday, and a very Merry Christmas! Start a tradition. Make this December one to remember.

A special ‘thank you’ goes to Amy Lynn Henry for gracing our front cover and sharing her story!

I want to say thank you to all of you—fans, supporters, readers, advertisers, authors, and our contributing writers. We could not be here without you! Thank you all!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All! Thought of the Month: Your feelings are signals of the truths inside of you. They’re the language of your soul, and the angels want you to listen to them. –Doreen Virtue, Ph.D and Author Verse of the Month: Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. –Matthew 23–25 KJV

Janie C. Jessee, Editor

“ every story needs a book”

voicemagazineforwomen.com • jancarolpublishing.com Serving Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia!

PUBLISHER Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc PO Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605 EDITOR Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 editor@voicemagazineforwomen.com publisher@jancarolpublishing.com DECEMBER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS April Hensley Cindy K. Sproles

Nancy Binder Pam Blair

Ken Heath Deana Landers

TLC PUBLISHER/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Nancy Williams nancywilliams@thelauruscompany.com SALES Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983 OFFICE Savannah Bailey Communications Director/Production Editor communications@jancarolpublishing.com GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Tara Sizemore - Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com Cheryl Allen - Office/Typesetting Assistant office@voicemagazineforwomen.com office@jancarolpublishing.com INTERN Publishing Research/Marketing Chanie Garner, ETSU DISTRIBUTION Karen Corder Staff JCP Internships Available PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 17, Issue 12) 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. © 2019 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.

4 | December 2019 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

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Make Managing Winter More Fashionable

avigating winter clothing is largely classified by clothes that keep you warm and some that keep you even warmer, but winter need not be strictly about function, it can also be fashionable.

Outerwear Sturdy outerwear is a necessity in winter. Invest in a quality coat that not only keeps you warm, but looks good, too. Opt for a burst of color rather than choosing a coat in a neutral shade. Detailing on the outerwear, such as buckles, belts, and buttons, can add to the appeal.

Footwear Designers recognize that winter footwear should be functional, but it also needs to look good. A quality pair of waterproof snow boots is a must when shoveling out the car or driveway, but your winter footwear should not stop there. Boots and booties come in all designs, and many are being fashioned with fur-lined insoles and waterproof coverings to withstand winter weather without sacrificing style.

Hats • Make sure hair is completely dry before donning a hat. Damp hair can dry in the shape of the hat.

• Use an anti-frizz serum to tame flyaways that occur when hats are removed.

• People with long hair can pull their hair back into a high bun before putting on a hat. This will prevent hair from flattening.

Winter weather may be harsh, but there are ways to conquer the cold in style.

We Asked Our Facebook Fans:

What was your most memorable or craziest holiday gift?

When I was 12, I so wanted a chemistry set. Mom and Dad said that was not a good idea. But they got it for me anyway. My grin was from ear to ear Christmas morning.

—Victoria Ann Fletcher Our first child was born on December 21 and we brought him home from the hospital on

Christmas Day in a large Christmas stocking. It was so very special.

—Mary Teass Dudley An art set from my parents when I was fourteen. It had oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, paper, pencils, etc. Because I loved art and am an artist today. —Kelly Jeanette Swift

NEW ARRIVALS

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MLK JR.

begin at 2:00 pm and will conclude with a photograph being taken underneath the Bristol “A Good Place to Live” sign. Immediately after the photograph, a program will be held inside the Bristol Train Station, 2:30 pm–3:30 pm. Students from Tennessee High School and Virginia High School will have the opportunity to participate in an art competition focused on the theme—The Legacy Lives. Artwork he Bristol Train Station, YWCA Northeast Tennessee and will be judged and a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prize given. Artwork will Southwest Virginia, and Appalachian Peace Education Center be displayed on the day of the event at the Paramount Theatre.

(APEC) invite the community to the 3rd Annual MLK city-wide comIn conjunction with the city-wide celebration, King Institute memoration on Monday, January 20 in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin for Faith & Culture will host, as part of The MLK JR Day Lecture, Luther King, Jr. Day. The celebration will include a local march, Father Gregory Boyle. Father music, and speakers.

Boyle is the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, March participants will gather for refreshments and preparation California. Homeboy Industries is the largest gang-intervention at 1:30 pm at the Paramount Theater on State Street. The march will rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. Father Boyle’s lecture series will begin at 7:00 pm on January 20 at Lee Street Baptist Church in Bristol, Virginia, and on January 21 at 10:00 am at King University Memorial Chapel. In the face of policies of suppression and Point Broadband Channel 3 mass incarceration as the means to end gang violence, Scott County Cable Father Boyle and parish and community members Channel 84 Comcast adopted what was a radical approach at the time: treat (Norton system) Channel 266 gang members as human beings. Father Boyle is the author of the 2010 New York Times-bestseller Tattoos on SERVING FAR the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. His 2017 SOUTHWEST VA AND EAST TN book is the Los Angeles Times-bestseller Barking to the CONTACT US TO VIDEO YOUR SPECIAL EVENT! Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship.

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2020 Celebration

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Join us as we cover area Holiday events!

2019-2020 SEASON

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Sunday, December 8 | 3:00 PM Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon, VA

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Toys: Toys are perhaps the best items to purchase in December.

Holiday dĂŠcor: Decorative holiday items also tend to be heavily discounted in December.

Televisions: It’s possible to find discounted TVs even after the Black Friday sales have come and gone. Keep eyes trained on the circulars and jump when sales are advertised, as inventory may be limited.

Bubbly: According to the wine resource GuildSomm, 22 percent of all champagne sales are run during the month of December.

Winter apparel: As the winter progresses, the amount of clothing stock in stores starts to dwindle to free up room for a new season’s worth of attire.

Linens: “White sales� are traditionally in January, with home goods retailers running discounts all month long.

Fitness items: January is the ideal time to purchase a new gym membership or fitness equipment since these purchases tie into New Year’s resolutions to get fit.

Travel and entertainment: Most people return home after the holidays, and that can generate a slow travel season afterward. The travel industry attracts new customers with discounted hotel rates and other deals.

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(PHOTO BY JASON SANDERFORD)

Amy Lynn Henry

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“Life is a Gift–Live it!”

any of you recognize her as the Channel 11 Daytime Tri-Cities co-host, Amy Lynn or just Amy. She greets us each morning with that beautiful smile and a gracious welcome. But who is the girl off camera?

Amy Lynn Henry grew up in the cold state of Minnesota. During her high school years, she was outgoing with lots of friends and participated in many school activities. “I loved my friends, my teachers, and my hobbies. I was a football and hockey cheerleader. Both were so much fun, but there is just something about cheering for hockey, banging on the glass, and skating on the ice that I just couldn’t get enough of! It was so much fun! I still love hockey. I really enjoy going to Nashville to watch the Predators play—there’s nothing like it!”

After high school, Amy knew what career path she wanted. “I dreamed of becoming a news reporter since I was a child. It was what I always wanted to do. As a little girl, I practiced ‘live reports’ in front of my mirror with my hairbrush as my microphone.”

In college there was a fear of the unknown for Amy. “When I was young, well to be honest, until I was almost a teenager, the thought of leaving home was terrifying. I didn’t like to spend the night at friends’ houses, I didn’t go on trips away from my parents, and any type of summer camp was completely out of the question. I attended college at St Cloud State University, which was about an hour from the city where we lived. It was a great experience. I made friends and found mentors with whom I continue to keep in touch with to this day. With the transition to college, I can say that experience was equally as terrifying as exciting. I was determined to continue along the path to my dream of becoming a news reporter. So the fact that this girl packed up her car after college graduation and drove herself to Montana for an unpaid internship, which eventually lead to my first job as a CBS affiliate…yep, without a doubt that’s my biggest accomplishment. I think my mom is 8 | December 2019 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

still shocked—there were probably times she thought I would live in her basement forever!”

So with determination and tenacity, Amy’s first reporting job took her far from home, to Butte, Montana. “It was a small market where I could learn the job and grow as a reporter. I was what is referred to as a ‘dayside’ reporter, and I reported for the early newscast. I was so happy! I would go out each day to find stories that mattered to our area.

I worked with a photographer to put together the news of the day. Two assignments here were my best professional moments from my years in Montana. The first was the St. Patrick’s Day parade—it was HUGE in Butte and our station went all out with our coverage! It was so much fun. The other one was when the wolves were being reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park and I got to cover the story. I had no idea, but my mom called and said my grandmother in Iowa saw my story! It aired nationally on CBS during the morning news! I was so surprised. I was blessed to work with incredible people who taught me so much about the business. I miss KXLF and the people who made it so special.”

But building her career was not easy. “I moved far from my home. I lived trying to make ends meet while paying rent and racking up debt. I have carried three pieces of heavy gear while trying to look the part with tights and high heels. I have worked every holiday and every shift. I’ve gotten up at 2 am and I’ve stayed at a station through the night. I say all of this with a smile on my face—I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

This career is not for everyone—on the surface it may look glamorous, but if you don’t love it, it can chew you up and spit you out. And this is what happens AFTER you get the job. The process of even getting that first job offer is intense and competitive.”

Amy started on the ground floor and found herself bouncing around the state of Montana with career moves. “From Butte, I moved to Great Falls to do some anchoring, and finally ended up in Bozeman

before leaving the state. I loved my years in Montana! I was truly blessed! I am so grateful for each of my moves and the communities and people that each one brought into my life. When I started out I was young and far from home, so my friends and co-workers became my makeshift family. I reflect on that time in my life quite often. It’s so fun to remember the early days in my career.”

So how did a Midwestern girl, growing up in Minnesota and working in Montana, find her way to Tennessee? Amy knew that growing in her career would often mean moving and relocating.

Always looking to continue to evolve in her profession, her next opportunity brought her to Tri-Cities, in Bristol, Virginia. “I moved to Bristol, Virginia with the opportunity to work at WCYB. I worked there for two years reporting for various shows. While at WCYB, not only did I report, but I got the opportunity to anchor as well, which I found that I really enjoyed and wanted to explore more on a full-time basis.”

But as Amy grew in her profession, another opportunity called her name. It would mean leaving the Tri-Cities region.

“I was offered a morning anchor position in Michigan. So, I packed my bags again and headed north to Michigan.”

Working in Michigan, and even though Amy worked for a wonderful station with amazing co-workers, she found herself a little homesick. “While working in Michigan, I realized that my heart belonged to the Tri-Cities. I moved back to this area, and found my home here at WJHL. I’ve been here ever since—happy and truly fulfilled!”

Amy not only headed back to Tri-Cities, but this time she was headed home. “When I moved back to the Tri-Cities I realized that this was the place where I wanted to settle and put down roots. I also convinced my family to make the move as well! My mom, dad, and brother now call the Tri-Cities home! I absolutely love my job, my station, and my family here. I’ve truly had the best of both worlds. I set out by myself, explored the country, spread my wings, and now I have found home!”

2019 Family Beach Trip

Although she works in a demanding profession, Amy’s love of her career takes second place to her family. “I love my career, but my family comes first. I am blessed to have an amazing husband who supports me every day. He has taken the reigns when I was out the door at 3 am. He has encouraged me and loved me, and I am grateful.”

Amy’s husband, Jon, is a Bristol native.

They have been married for nearly 10 years.

Their home is always busy, with kids of all ages coming and going. They have shared all of the years, from elementary to middle school and high school to college. “I have two beautiful stepdaughters who I love with all my heart. One of them, Taylor, is married and just became a mom herself. The other, Blair, is now a Junior at ETSU. We always look forward to having her home for a quick weekend or holiday. I also have an awesome 15-year-old son, Alex, who keeps me busy going from one event to the next. His compassion and love for others thrills my soul! I am so blessed to be his mom!”

In addition to the blending of families, Jon and Amy were blessed with a son. “Jon and I have a beautiful 4-year-old son, Eli. He is our little miracle from God—and we are beyond thrilled to be chasing and playing with him every day! We are not your traditional family, but we are filled with love and joy. I believe families come in all shapes and sizes, and I couldn’t ask for anything better! Getting everyone together at one time is never easy, so we cherish the times we have and the memories that are made. Life is good. God is great!”

While the news can be full of difficult stories: sick children, awful accidents, people who are accused of doing terrible things…Amy doesn’t forget to feel and doesn’t become jaded or complacent about humanity. “My career

has given me so many wonderful opportunities. It has allowed me to meet and learn from amazing individuals. It’s taken me all over the world. Most importantly though, it has put me in a position to make a difference in someone else’s life, and that is the best value of all! I love being able to help make a positive change. I believe in the power of storytelling. I believe that people, if given the opportunity, want to do the right thing. There is so much power in the media, and if used in the right way, it is the most valuable community resource. We can bring people together by allowing our viewers to be heard. I am so grateful that my position allows me to help others.”

So, how does one keep from becoming jaded in a world of the good, bad, and ugly?

Amy believes it comes from her biggest influence in her life­—her mom. “My mom was and still is my biggest influence. There were always people that would try to discourage me as I was setting out on my dream. There were people at my hometown radio station who didn’t think I had the ‘right’ voice. I had a professor who didn’t think I had the ‘right’ look.

There were some who just thought it was something I would eventually get over as I got older.

My mom, however, always knew just what to say. She knew how to encourage me to keep moving forward. She believed in my dream and supported me through every move, every station, and every position. Thanks Mom!”

Mother-Daughter Day Out voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2019 | 9

Today, Amy is back on Daytime Tri-Cities and is thrilled to be at home. “It is very personal for me. I was there when the show was just an ‘idea.’ I was there for the countdown of our first broadcast. I was there for an anniversary trip to Cancun with some of our viewers. I got a front row seat to the difference it made and the clients it helped. There is nothing like talking to a chef who is starting their own restaurant—a dream come true—he came on the show, then called the next day to say thank you! He said they had a great crowd! The show also highlights the needs of our community.

Our viewers step up. It is fun and it is real! I am so blessed to get to do the show I love with the people I love every day! Ten (10 am) is my favorite time of day! I wouldn’t change a thing! I am so blessed and grateful for every stop along the road. I’m not just saying that—I really mean it!

I’ve learned so much along the way. I have met some incredible people, lifelong friends. I grew up, personally and professionally. I embraced each and every community that I lived in and made sure to take the time to explore those areas thoroughly.”

After fifteen years in the Tri-Cities, this region is home for Amy. With family, friends, and a career that she loves, Amy has learned lessons from life’s hard knocks. “I have learned that if you want something, go for it. If you

10 | December 2019 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Above: Co-host Chris McIntosh and Amy Lynn Henry on set. Above Right: Cheering on the Bucs! \can dream it—you can live it! Now that doesn’t

mean it’s going to happen tomorrow, and it doesn’t mean it isn’t going to require hard work, but perseverance will pay off. I have also learned to trust God. I thank him for unanswered prayers. I believe I am where I am supposed to be. I allow Him to work in my life and I trust His direction. My life has not been easy, but through all the challenges, I see Him and that is a gift! I have also learned, or am learning, that no matter how much you try, not everyone is going to like you. There are going to be people who will go out of their way to bring you down. Social media can be brutal. It can be full of hateful messages and harsh words. I have learned to hold my head up and trust myself. I know who I am. My family and friends know who I am. I cannot allow others to determine my worth.”

Amy has had the guidance of many, but her faith has been her guiding light. “I am so grateful for my blessings. I am grateful for the

life I’ve worked hard to enjoy. Someone once gave me some advice that I have kept with me all of my days. It’s about being present. I talk with so many people every day. Sometimes we let our minds wander and think about what we are doing next...so I really try to focus on the now and to be engaged in the conversation and the person I am talking with. I try to not just hear them, but to really listen to them. It is amazing the difference it makes in your life and your relationships. Looking back, I can honestly say I have lived life to the fullest! I understand that we only get one life, and tomorrow is not a guarantee. I say go, do, and live! Set out your fine china! Let your kids make a mess! Love your spouse! Be grateful for what you are given instead of worrying about what you don’t have. Life is a gift—live it!”

Voice Magazine for Women would like to say a special ‘Thank you’ to Amy for taking the time from her busy schedule to grace our December cover and share her story. We admire you and you are such an inspiration to all! Keep smiling!

Johnson City Symphony Celebrates 50 Fabulous Years

By Pam Blair

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or the past 50 years, the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra (JCSO) has been thrilling the Tri-Cities with one fabulous concert after another. The 2019– 2020 concert season continues the grand tradition with exciting performances by regional and international artists. What is so special about having a symphony orchestra in our community? “Everything!” says Rob Seebacher, musical conductor since 2008, and his excitement is contagious as he continues to lead a 70-member orchestra filled with accomplished musicians and guest artists from around the globe.

As Seebacher explains, “It’s rare for a group of 70 people to be fully concentrated on doing one thing for the greater good. Being in the concert hall, you can’t help but feel the cohesiveness, joint ambition, and extraordinary sense of human kinship. The orchestra and the audience—we are all in it together as active participants playing a crucial role in the creation and enjoyment of musical excellence.”

How do you sustain a 50-year partnership between the JCSO and the Tri-Cities? It’s a collaboration between the symphony and the community, with the belief that having a symphony orchestra is a visible and cultural contribution, and an asset that helps to attract new businesses and residents to the area. There is great strength in its ability to feature: • Local guest artists • Regional musicians • An orchestra that can support internationally known artists such as Bela Fleck, Valentina Lisitsa, Chee-Yun, Bella Hristova, The Canadian Brass, and the Celtic ensemble, Mithril.

• Collaboration with musicians that can present a magnificent performance like the Nutcracker, just as Tchaikovsky wrote it, featuring a full symphony and a full ballet performance.

• Instrument petting zoos for local schoolchildren • It’s about keeping the promise—in 1969, a project was launched to establish a community orchestra and that promise has evolved year after year to reach extraordinary heights. For Spenser Weese, Principal Bass Trombone for the past 10 years, the concert featuring Holst’s Planets is a great example of the JCSO’s evolution. “It’s

a notoriously demanding piece which requires unwavering concentration from everyone on the stage, bringing a sense of euphoria and appreciation to be taking part in such a momentous performance.”

Seebacher believes that every orchestra should be the community’s orchestra and that bringing great music, at a world class standard in a concert hall that is open to everyone, is the goal of every performance. “If it’s your first time to attend a concert, you will be highly entertained, and if it’s the 50th time you’ve attended, you will continue to be stimulated and excited by the music. Just come to enjoy the music and we’ll take care of the rest.”

The 2019–2020 concert season is a glorious tribute to 50 years of unsurpassed musical brilliance, with unparalleled excitement about the future of the Tri-Cities’ symphony orchestra. Don’t miss the upcoming concerts for the 2019– 2020 anniversary season! For more information, or to purchase tickets to the JCSO concerts, visit jcsymphony.com or call 423.926.8742. Tickets are also available at the door.

All concerts will be held at Milligan College, Seeger Chapel: December 14, 2019 – 7:30 p.m.

December 15, 2019 – 2 p.m.

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Special Guest: East Tennessee Ballet Academy

February 8, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.

JCSO 50th Birthday Bash Special Guest: ETSU Pride Band, with special appearances

by Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra, ETSU Opera Theatre, Appalachian Express Men’s Choir

March 21, 2020 – 7:30 p.m.

Scottish Inspirations Special Guest: Melissa White, Violin

April 18, 2020 – 7:30 p.m. #BTHVN 2020: Beethoven at 250 Special Guest: Milligan College Orchestra

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Pam Blair is a writer who has authored and edited numerous publications. She can be reached at pBlair919@aol.com. voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2019 | 11

Giving a Little More This Holiday Season

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he first Tuesday following American Thanksgiving has been referred to as “Giving Tuesday” since 2012. The event was started by the 92nd Street Y in New York City, the United Nations Foundation, and the technology website Mashable as a response to the commercialization of the holiday season and the rampant consumerism that seems to start as soon as the last bite of turkey is digested. Today,

Giving Tuesday harnesses the generosity of millions of people around the world and helps millions of dollars to find its way into the coffers of organizations that need it most. Giving Tuesday inspires people to volunteer or give back to causes that are near and dear to their hearts.

Thanks to technology, giving has the capacity to go viral and inspire others to engage in their own charitable efforts. The event now underscores how communities can harness the power of people working together to elicit great change.

Even though Giving Tuesday may be the catalyst for charitable efforts, it doesn’t need to end there. People

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12 | December 2019 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

are urged to be generous all year long, including throughout the holiday season. Here are some seasonally specific ways to give back a little more.

• Pay it forward by treating someone behind you in the checkout line to coffee, fast food, a candy bar, or whatever else suits you at the time.

Perhaps he or she will do the same and keep the generosity going.

• Keep extra dollars in your pocket and be generous to charities seeking donations outside of stores. A cup of coffee or hot chocolate goes a long way toward warming up the people manning the collection pots as well.

• Adopt a family who is less fortunate and purchase some gifts on their wish list. Many community centers and churches have contacts for needy families who could use some support this season.

Giving can be the focus of the holiday season, and in ways that are meaningful to the people on the receiving end of the generosity.

This Year’s Hot Holiday Gifts

• Tile Trackers: Handy Tile gadgets connect to keys, bags and other belongings that frequently go missing. Simply connect to the app and the device will ring, identifying the location. The upgraded version covers 200 feet and has a louder volume.

• iRobot Braava Robot Mop: This powerful robot will mop and sweep tile and hardwood floors. Pair it with the traditional iRobot vacuum and an entire house can be cleaned without lifting a finger.

These are just a handful of the items that will be coveted this holiday season.

G

et the scoop on the gear and gadgets that are bound to be on the top of wish lists this year.

• Amazon Echo Show 5: The screen is a smart display and enables users to make video calls, play games, watch videos, check the weather, and control smart home devices. A new privacy feature allows users to turn off the camera and microphone when the device isn’t in use.

• Battery pack case: A charging case provides extra talk time or video streaming and fits comfortably on various models of phones.

• VicTsing Wireless Shower Speaker: Whether a friend or loved one is practicing for a night out at karaoke or enjoys getting pumped up in the morning with upbeat tunes, a waterproof shower speaker is a hot gift. It can stream music or Bluetooth over calls from a phone.

• Fitbit fitness tracker: The Fitbit Charge HR Wireless Activity Wristband is an affordable option capable of tracking workouts. It also can sync with a phone and is water-resistant.

• Blink XT Home Security Camera: People with security on their minds, including those who want to keep tabs on their homes while they’re at work or on vacation, may cherish this security camera. The newest version is weatherproof and has cloud storage. Motion detection will set off an alert on a person’s phone or tablet in real time.

Join JCP for Our New Year Extravaganza!

Start 2020 off in the right direction for you and your book(s)! Join us tentatively at our office location on January 25 to learn about JCP’s plans for the New Year. Registration begins at 8:30 am and the event will take place 9 am until 12 pm. A light breakfast and snacks will be provided.

• What marketing packages are we adding to blAwesome Marketing in 2020?

• What changes will be coming to Voice Magazine for Women?

• How will our contracts be altered to better fit incoming books and authors?

• How do we plan to stay connected with our authors while providing more marketing, more exposure, and more sales?

Answers to these questions and more will be provided at our January 2020 presentation. Do you have a question about our process at JCP? Have a suggestion or hope for the coming year for your current book or on the way to publish your next one?

“every story needs a book”

Send your questions and comments to communications@jancarolpublishing.com.

This event is open to the public; participants must pre-register by December 15. Email communications@jancarolpublishing.com to RSVP.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2019 | 13

•

Gifts From Gardeners

Fresh herbs growing in a decorative pot look beautiful on kitchen counters. Use metal coffee and food cans to decorate for pots.

Pack sundried tomatoes in oil in a jar for gourmet cooks.

Gift flower bulbs you have thinned in a pretty planter for indoor forcing or for planting in the spring.

Smoke and dry jalapeños and other peppers for seasoning and soups.

Potpourri can be made from dried flowers, herbs and roses, pinecones, and evergreen cuttings.

Gift seeds from plants in your garden that your loved one has admired.

Offer herbed bread and herb infused oils, vinegars, and liquors with ingredients you’ve grown.

Dried flowers can be given in a decorative vase.

Christmas ornaments, decorations, and wreaths can be made from natural products like pine cones and greenery cut from your own trees.

• •

•

•

•

By April Hensley

F

or Christmas this year let’s give gifts from our gardens! Gardeners do not often realize it, but they possess a wealth of knowledge, skills, and products that are in demand. Everything our garden produces is a treasure and we already love to share our bountiful harvest. Plus, by giving things we have produced, we don’t have to battle the shopping rush and can immerse ourselves in our favorite pastime.

Gifts from the heart and things people can use are usually ideal for holiday giving. Too often people are hard to purchase for because we want to find the perfect gift that usually doesn’t exist in a store. Creating something we know the person loves takes the guesswork and some of the stress out of the Christmas season.

Here are a few ideas below to get you started. Look at the plants and flowers you have grown this year and do some research to come up with some more of your own creative and personalized gifts.

14 | December 2019 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

•

•

•

•

Dehydrated vegetables, fruits, and roasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds are great for outdoor lovers. They can be used to create gifts like soup kits and trail mix.

Home canned foods such as jellies and pickles are always a big hit. These can be packed in a reusable wicker basket.

Seeds can be combined with a jar and lid to create a sprouting kit for health-conscious individuals.

Dried herbs in a decorative jar make a great addition to spice racks.

For herbal tea lovers, mixes can be made from plants such as dried chamomile, lemon balm, and mint.

•

•

• •

{

April Hensley works as an office manager and is an avid gardener, writer, and greenhouse hobbyist. April loves the outdoors and is passionate about animal welfare and the environment. She can be reached at aprils1105@embarqmail.com.

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Christmas Tree Recycling

W

hen choosing a real Christmas tree for holiday celebrations, consumers should think about the many ways that trees can be repurposed after the holiday season. Some towns collect discarded trees to use them for various purposes. However, homeowners can get in on the action as well. The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers these great ideas for post-holiday tree use.

• Prop up the tree near a bird feeder to provide another perch and shelter to birds that stick close to home in winter, such as chickadees and finches.

• String the tree with various treats for birds and put it in a sheltered location. Ideas include homemade suet, cranberries, and millet.

• Mulch the tree and use it in the garden in the spring.

• Use boughs to insulate perennials in the garden.

• Keep some branches to use as kindling in a wood stove or fireplace, or as aromatic logs for next year’s yule fire.

• Sink an old tree in a personal pond. Fish and tadpoles will live and lay eggs around this sheltered area.

• Collect some pine needles and sew them into fabric packets to make scented sachets for closets or drawers.

There are many imaginative ways to come up with handy uses for Christmas trees once the holiday season ends.

Have you seen a bright, blue truck driving through the Tri-Cities? We Clean Dumpsters arrives at your home after the garbage man and eliminates germs, odors, and grime from your trash and recycle bins!

The We Clean Dumpsters truck uses 200-degree high pressure, fresh, hot water, which kills 99.9 percent of germs. Because all rinse water is self-contained in the truck, there is no trickle down to the rivers, lakes, or other natural water sources. The wastewater is safely disposed of at an approved waste treatment facility.

Waste bins are breeding grounds for Staphylococcus, E. Coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. Having your bins thoroughly cleaned in a consistent way lends to a healthier household environment by helping to eliminate unpleasant odors and reduce the presence of mosquitoes, bees, flies, rodents, and other pests that are attracted to dirty bins.

We Clean Dumpsters offers different pricing options with monthly, quarterly, and one-time cleanings. They service everyone who has a trash bin or a dumpster, from individual homeowners to restaurants, waste haulers, and homeowner associations.

To enroll, call 423-292-0442 or sign up online at www.wecleandumpsters.com.

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Wellington Capital of New Zealand

Article and Photographs

By Nancy Binder

W

ellington, the capital of New Zealand, is at the southern tip of the North Island. It is the second most populous city in New Zealand with over 418,000 people. It is the world’s windiest city, having wind speeds averaging 17 mph. On a city tour, the motor coach took us up on Mount Victoria for a gorgeous view of the city and harbor. It was so windy that everyone was bent into the wind. The city sits on Cook Strait, which separates the Tasman Sea and the South Pacific Ocean.

It was interesting to learn about New Zealand’s form of government. Most of their citizens vote. Each voter gets two votes, one for their candidate of choice and one for their party of choice. The Parliament has 120 seats; 51 members are elected by the voters and the other 69 are put in by their parties based on what percentage the party got from the voters. Right now, they have 6 parties. No party so far has ever gotten a majority, so they must form a coalition with another party. It seems to work well. They are far more laid back about their politics than we are.

We had a guided tour of the New Zealand parliament building, the old parliament, and the library. They only have one parliamentary body, similar to the House of Commons or our House of Representatives. Usually there are 120 members and it is a coalition government so no one party can rule.

The Prime Minister is chosen from the majority party. At the moment, three of the most important people in the government are women; the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Parliament, and the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court. It is interesting to note that women were given the right to vote in 1893 and voted in the first election in 1894. New Zealand was the first self-governing country to give women the right to vote. New Zealand abolished their Senate in 1950. The Parliament building is nicknamed “The Beehive” because of it’s appearance. They weren’t in session when I visited. Voting

Parliament Building (The Beehive)

Supreme Court

Old Parliament Building 16 | December 2019 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

in the Parliament is done by getting up and walking through either the Ayes door or the Noes door. I have no photos of the beautiful interior, as they take everything away from you before the tour. Tour tags have a bar code on them, which keeps track of each visitor. A bar code reader beeps every time you walk through a door. After the tour through the Parliament Building and the old Parliament building which is used as session meeting rooms, we left the Parliament and crossed the street to the Supreme Court where they did allow photos.

New Zealand only established a Supreme Court in 2004.

Before that their top court was called the High Court and if View from Mount Victoria matters needed to go above that it went to the Privy Court in London. They only have five judges on their Supreme Court.

One morning we got an early start to visit Zealandia, a The Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand’s National predator protected preserve full of native birds and tuatara, Museum. We had a one hour docent led tour that visited the which are in the dinosaur family. New Zealand only had one highlights of this massive museum. I spent almost seven addi- mammal before humans arrived 800 years ago—bats. When tional hours during my time in Wellington enjoying the Te humans came they brought rats, mice, ferrets, dogs, cats, Papa Tongarewa museum. The highlight was an exhibit on the etc. Birds, such as the kiwi that can’t fly, became practically 8 month battle of Gallipoli in World War I. extinct. It is an amazing place that goes The story is told based on letters from eight high up on the mountain but is still in individuals during the war. Huge replicas the city of Wellington. We spent several of the people were made by Weta Workhours there with a docent learning about shop, the company that made The Lord of the birds and reptiles. They have a kiwi the Rings and The Hobbit special effects. The population but we didn’t see any as they story of the battle is heartbreaking. are nocturnal. We left the sanctuary and One evening I ate at a diner called went to the Botanic Gardens for beautiSweet Mother’s Kitchen, which came ful views of the city, then rode the cable recommended on TripAdvisor. It was an car downtown. eclectic place where they seat you at a table On our final day we had a geology with other people. While I was eating my tour around the harbor with Dr. Hamish sandwich they sat a young woman, maybe Campbell. He and several colleagues have 25 years old, across from me. She was origipublished a scientific paper proposing nally from Puerto Rico and currently living Gallipoli exhibit by Weta Workshop that there are seven continents, the 7th in Te Papa Museum in New York City. She was traveling with being Zealandia. They suggest that a cona backpack and had been on the road for tinent is described as an earth crust sur45 days. Before New Zealand she was in Egypt and now going rounded by ocean crust. By that definition Europe and Asia to Australia. I ordered the bread and butter pudding which would be one continent and North and South America would the young man who was waiting on me said was divine. He be one continent, an interesting proposition. At an old quarry was so right! The dessert arrived with the subduction of the tectonic plates that cause the earthtwo huge wedges of raisin cinnamon quakes could be clearly seen. The wind was so strong that it sweet bread with butterscotch sauce was blowing the surf which made for spectacular views. We and three scoops of ice cream. Good had a picnic lunch in a sheltered spot. I had hoped to see blue grief! I asked for another plate and penguins, but during the day they go out to sea and don’t shared it with the young lady. It was return until sundown. Maybe I will see them on a future visit. her first taste of it and she loved it as much as I did. One of the great things Nancy Binder is a retired application software developer turned freelance writer combining her love of travel with her desire to share her experiences. She is about traveling is meeting people and passionate about exploring the outdoors and has been “bitten by the African Bread and Butter safari bug,” now her favorite travel destination. Contact her with comments or sharing adventures with them.

Pudding travel questions at nancybinder@sbcglobal.net.

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2019 | 17

hooked from Chapter 1.â€?Â

Origin Society: They

specialist gy for 32+ eutics and airman of nergy and rikes is his

Welcome Back, Class of ‘65

Written by Brenda Crissman Musick The Class of ‘65 is coming home to Masonville High for their ďŹ fty-year reunion, the ďŹ rst since they graduated. A lot of changes can take place in ďŹ fty years. Thank God for name tags! Now if they can just read them without squinting! Everyone is anxious to see how their classmates turned out.

They can’t wait to see their Most Athletic hunk and the brainy Most Intellectual. Wonder if any of their teachers are still living? Some have secrets, and they want to keep it that way...but you know about secrets. They just have a way of slipping out, especially in a small town.

THE

ANTITHESIS

KILLER

“We are infatuated with Carla.â€?Â

—Geneva & Addie, Better Read Than Dead Book Club

COPYRIGHT 2019 COVER DESIGN TARA SIZEMORE JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

The Best Doctor in Town K

LARGE PRINT Edition

A Tall Tale from the Hills

AMELIA TOWNSEND

entucky’s Appalachian Highlands (circa. 1930’s) is a world where habits and customs often bewilder: where the ties of kinship and ancestry hold to unswerving lines, and where enduring love stands as a bulwark against those hell-bent on opposing it.

A compelling coming-of-age narrative, part murder mystery, part family saga, Greezy Creek tells of an Appalachia honed by the unacquainted ways of the Scot-Irish hybrids cloistered in its deepest regions; where moonshiners leave incipient trails and the strains of hard times too often coalesce into the empty-eyed face of hardscrabble.

It’s also a place where two childhood friends, Bobby Yonts and Rubin Cain (as good as brothers), come of age and test the limits of things new and out of bounds. But it’s the odious hand of cruelty that underscores the unraveling of their naivety and binds them to the unwritten code of the mountains, one which guarantees you’re going to get what’s coming to you.

Character driven with rich historical insights, Greezy Creek takes readers behind the veil of a family known for its fierce ingrained independence; a family bound by self-determination and all that’s necessary to survive. Yet, even from their bittersweet and ill-famed existence comes the imprint of their wit and wisdom, the uniqueness of their wilderness ways, and what it means to be bound by blood.

Written by Amelia Townsend Set in Southwest Virginia and inspired by actual events, the story follows a small town’s most revered doctor, who may just be a serial killer. A local police officer with a tarnished reputation, a reporter who manipulated facts, and the doctor’s chief intern—who G J may be a thief, all hold pieces of the puzzle. Yet no one in authority believes the great doctor could be responsible. All the while, patients are dying.

EORGE USTICE holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Detroit. He has been published three times for short stories, twice for poetry, and was the movie critic for Oakland County’s Daily Tribune (1978–79).

As a U.S. Army veteran, he wrote numerous articles (from human interest to military) for Stars and Stripes. He is the father of two, the grandfather of two, and with an extended family of over 200 in the hills of Kentucky who serve as the cornerstones to this story. He and his wife reside in Ferndale, Michigan. Greezy Creek is his first novel.

COPYRIGHT 2019 FRONT COVER DESIGN: TARA SIZEMORE AUTHOR PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVID E. CAIN JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

18 | December 2019 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

A Novel

George R. Justice

Written by George R. Justice Kentucky’s Appalachian Highlands (circa. 1930’s) is a world where habits and customs often bewilder: where the ties of kinship and ancestry hold to unswerving lines, and where enduring love stands as a bulwark against those hell-bent on opposing it.

A compelling coming-of-age narrative, part murder mystery, part family saga, Greezy Creek tells of an Appalachia honed by the unacquainted ways of the Scot-Irish hybrids cloistered in its deepest regions; where moonshiners leave incipient trails and the strains of hard times too often coalesce into the empty-eyed face of hardscrabble.

I

f you are from the Appalachian Mountains, you will understand the words I write, and I hope it makes music to your ears. If you are not from our mountains, perhaps you will get a better understanding of how lovely our world can be. I hope it will open your eyes and your heart, then you too will love our mountains.

My Appalachian Mountain Laurels

Written by Teresa Stutso Jewell If you are from the Appalachian Mountains, you will understand the words I write, and I hope it makes music to your ears. If you are not from our mountains, perhaps you will get a better understanding of how lovely our world can be. I hope it will open your eyes and your heart, then you too will love our mountains. “Teresa Stutso Jewell has always proudly proclaimed herself an Appalachian poet. After reading sections of her new book, I must concur with her self-assessment. She is the real deal, a bona fide West Virginia local colorist, as well as an insightful autobiographical poet...�

“Teresa Jewell’s lyric poems are an ode to the mountains she so obviously loves. Her words entreat us to come to this ‘peaceable place’ where we can be cleansed. From the dark hollows to the mountaintops, she celebrates the mountains and her people. Jewell captures what it means to love a place and this collection of poems will take you there.�

“Life in the coal fields is truly a mixed bag of godsends and anathemas. How can we reconcile such contradictions? Are we to pay the price of receiving a paycheck while we watch the natural beauty of our geography disappear? Is short-term employment and the pleasure of remuneration worth the long term grief brought on by the loss of loved ones or the physical and emotional suffering from years of backbreaking work in the mines? These are poignant queries we all must be concerned about. The joys of fruitful employment, the curse of coal dust, and the harm to our landscape boom to life in Teresa’s verses.�  �

Teresa Jewell was born Appalachian and raised running the hills of McDowell County, West Virginia. She has been inventing and writing fiction as a hobby for over forty years. This is her first poetry book.

Visit: www.facebook.com/teresa.s.jewell Email: Teresastutsojewell@gmail.com

COPYRIGHT 2019 FRONT COVER ILLUSTRATION: TERESA STUTSO JEWELL JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

My Appalachian Mountain Laurels

Teresa Stutso Jewell

Written by Michael C. Fuller The purpose of these poems and stories is to preserve the memories of dierent adventures and interactions the author experienced as a child, with children, and in his family. The author expanded from his poems to include some of his childhood memories through short stories.

Through his sharing of these stories, the reader will experience feelings of the carefree days of childhood and reminisce the joys and the hopes of childhood.

Greezy Creek

Greezy Creek

My Appalachian Mountain Laurels

Reections on Childhood: Thought-Provoking Poems and Short Stories

George R. Justice

UIS CARON N: POWELL VALLEY NEWS, PHIC DESIGNER ING, INC NG.COM

Written by Kathleen M. Jacobs When Sophie’s family moves from New York City to West Virginia, she not only has to leave her friends and the city and library she loves so much, but she has to ďŹ gure out what will happen when she discovers that there is no library in her new town. But when she discovers something called a bookmobile and other new treasures, all is right with the world.

Greezy Creek

recompany.com

Sophie & the Bookmobile

—Elizabeth Gibson, These Magical Pages

“5 out of 5 stars.� —Kerrie Irish, Comfy Reading

“Gryboski’s writing was very unique and incredibly descriptive—I had a perfect image of the story’s events in my mind the entire time.â€? —Rebekah Crozier, My Bookish BabblingsÂ

Michael C. Fuller

U.S. $20.00 • CAN $25.00

Michael Gryboski

send

loves telling almost true stories. She has and TV reporter, freelance producer and director, k. She is a proud graduate the University of North Her first novel, Keepsakes for the Heart, was nomiorical Association for the prestigious Ragan Old on-fiction.Find her on: /townsendart ameliatownsend

PRAISE FOR

“Gryboski highly deserves the praise for creating this truly fascinating world and characters. I won’t go fully into who is who and how the story develops. The rest is for you, the reader, to find out. I highly recommend picking this book up.�

AMELIA TOWNSEND

nd inspired by actual events, the s most revered doctor, who may olice officer with a tarnished repipulated facts, and the doctor’s ief, all hold pieces of the puzzle. eves the great doctor could be ents are dying.

PHOTO: LAURA C. VERNON

COPYRIGHT 2019 JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

THE ANTITHESIS KILLER

Author of Snooping Can Be Scary

Michael C. Fuller was born in Southwest Virginia and has been a lifelong resident. He and his wife, Helen, reside on the same property that was given to them by her parents about forty-six years ago. He and Helen have been able to travel extensively and have visited all 48 lower states. In past years, Michael has served as a Sunday school teacher, a deacon, and a resident storyteller for church functions and gatherings.

Carla

tale that captures my attention he loved, local doctor who is out McKay thinks the praise and love f the patients, especially those up isparage such a wonderful gift to arn, and love this tall tale.�

Written by Michael Gryboski Carla al-Hassan thought she had escaped. After years of working as a hired killer for a domestic terrorist organization to pay for her grandfather’s medical bills, she went into the darkness one more time to disappear.

However, Carla could not escape the world of violence forever.

The Best Doctor In Town

ike Grindstaff, Author of Moon Over Knoxville

C

Purposeful Poems and Short Stories

Written by Michael Fuller A collection of stories and poems that delve into our place and purpose in the world around us. We can allow our faith and hope free rein to lift us into a higher purpose.

Written by Kevin L. Schewe, MD, FACRO In October 1939, Albert Einstein warns President Franklin D. Roosevelt that Nazi Germany is actively pursuing an atomic bomb and urges him to make sure that the United States develops the bomb ďŹ rst. Roosevelt heeds the warning and launches the “Manhattan Projectâ€? in June 1942. In October 1942, Roosevelt tells Einstein that prudence calls for the U.S. to have a back-up plan to the Manhattan Project in case Hitler gets the bomb ďŹ rst.

Roosevelt commissions Einstein to secretly construct a usable time travel machine code named the “White Hole KEVIN L . SCHEWE, MD, FACRO Project.â€? In June 1974, an adventurous group of teenage friends, who call themselves the “Bad Love Gang,â€? discover a tunnel leading to the White Hole Project. They learn how to use the time machine and become the ďŹ rst known humans to travel back in time and return. Their mission is to save Jews and Gypsies from the Holocaust in November 1944 by using a U.S. Air Force B-17 bomber that was known as “The Phantom Fortress.â€?

Carla: The Antithesis Killer

on Faith, Hope, and the World Around Us

A collection of stories and poems that delve into our place and purpose in the world around us. We can allow our faith and hope free rein to lift us into a higher purpose.

Bad Love Strikes

arla al-Hassan thought she had escaped. After years of working as a hired killer for a domestic terrorist organization to pay for her grandfather’s medical bills, she went into the darkness one more time to disappear. However, Carla could not escape the world of violence forever.

Ref lections

on Faith, Hope, and the World Around Us

What better time to pick up a copy of Bad Love Strikes by author Kevin L. Schewe!

C

minds us all that evil can reside USA. Amelia Townsend weaves nd proves once again that things

Ref lections Reections on Faith, Hope, and the World Around Us: Purposeful Poems and Short Stories

December 8th is National Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day!

KEVIN L . SCHEWE, MD, FACRO

esident Franklin D. Roosevelt that c bomb and urges him to make sure st. Roosevelt heeds the warning and 2. that prudence calls for the U.S. to ct in case Hitler gets the bomb first. ly construct a usable time travel ct.� enage friends, who call themselves ng to the White Hole Project. They me the first known humans to travel to save Jews and Gypsies from the S. Air Force B-17 bomber that was

OUT NOW

BAD LOVE STRIKES

pe and love through the discovery of o 1944 and then back to the future, aga that will capture the attention of le Project’ is proven to be real with will not end until the final scene, rmed a miracle with this authentic James Taylor, Author of Earth’s Future: Red Alert

NEW RELEASES

“every story needs a book�

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.

Teresa Stutso Jewell

Ask the Book Editor Judi Light Hopson

Q:

Judi, I’ve been hired to edit a book before it goes to a major publisher. I have a degree in English, and I’ve edited a few books for friends.

But I’m getting cold feet! Any advice? –Cathleen J., Arlington VA.

A:

Cathleen, you’ll be okay! Your job is to fix 95% of all mistakes, not all. A major publisher will have two or three editors to scrutinize your work. As you edit, your instincts as a reader will kick in. Make sure the text f lows smoothly and simply use your best judgment for the rest. –Judi Light Hopson

Sophie & the

e Bookmobil by

Sophie & the Bookmobile

by Kathleen M. Jacobs (Early Chapter Fiction)

 �

Â

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2019 Is Your Year!

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

13180 Meadowview Square • Meadowview, VA • (276) 944-5140

“every story needs a book�

AUTHORS on the ROAD Linda Hudson Hoagland Snooping Can Be Scary; Snooping Can Be Uncomfortable; Snooping Can Be Helpful – Sometimes; Onward & Upward; Missing Sammy; Snooping Can Be Doggone Deadly; Snooping Can Be Devious; Snooping Can Be Contagious; Snooping Can Be Dangerous; The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Easter Lilies; Broken Petals; Wild Daisies; These Haunted Hills; Snowy Trails

Sunday, December 1, 12 pm – 5 pm Book Signing, Country Craft Show – Viking Hall 1100 Edgemont Avenue, Bristol, TN

Friday, December 20, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City Claypool Hill, VA

Friday, December 6, 10 am – 1 pm 7th Annual Humanities Challenge, Judge Bluefield State College, Bluefield, WV

Saturday, December 21, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City Bluefield, VA

Saturday, December 7, 9 am – 3 pm Book Signing, Price’s Fork Craft Fair Blacksburg, VA

Friday, December 27, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City Vansant, VA

Friday, December 13, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City, Lebanon, VA

Saturday, December 28, 10 am – 4pm Book Signing, Food City, St. Paul, VA

Saturday, December 14, 10 am – 4 pm Book Signing, Food City – The Meadows Abingdon, VA

Debbie Neal Sweet Sofie Sue and Her Backyard Adventures Daytime Tri-Cities TV Appearance Tuesday, December 10, 10 am on WJHL-TV voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2019 | 19

This Month’s Featured Books A Collection

Snowy Trails

ILS SNOWY TRA

Snowy Trails

r of good ideas. nal. If you hear a, capture it, wn. Don’t trust memory.”

of

SHORT STORIE

S

m Rohn

2019 SIZEMORE COPYRIGHT DESIGN: TARA FRONT COVER G, INC L PUBLISHIN JAN-CARO ING.COM JANCAROLPUBLISH

Francisco A. Perez

Kathleen M. Jacobs

Helen Thatcher

of

STORIES

RT STORIES

2019 COPYRIGHT INC PUBLISHING, JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING.COM JANCAROL

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U.S. $15.00 CAN $20.00

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Various Authors

Books Make Great Gifts!

The Wisdom Collector Journal The Wisdom Collector Journal was created specifically to help you write your own quotes and to collect those that inspire you and stimulate your imagination so you never forget them.

I want to encourage you to become a wisdom seeker, to carry this journal with you anywhere you go, and to share the wisdom you obtain with others so they may benefit from it.

Available in English and in Spanish.

Collected Curiosities: Poems, Essays & Opinions Collection of poems, essays and opinions. Thoughtful and fun.

Noted author Kathleen M. Jacobs has written many published articles, essays and most recently, books Sophie & the Bookmobile and Betsy Blossom Brown.

Musings from a Jonesborough Porch This offering is of essays created, over time, while sitting on a delightful porch in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town. The essays are of sightings from the porch itself and of musings on scenes and events remembered while enjoying the peaceful ambiance that only a screened porch can afford.

December SPECIAL! The Blessings of the Butterfly Noelle Gibbons

In a new twist on the Cinderella story, this wonderful tale is told through beautiful prose and magical drawings of a whimsical land and its inhabitants.

Cinders, the male version of Cinderella, is raised in a jungle by chimps, after the death of his beloved parents. His only friend, the Butterfly, comes in his time of need and grants him his wish of attending the competition to be King of the Beasts. The pair of grass slippers, given to him by the Butterfly, gives him a winning chance when the beautiful Ella becomes part of the contest.

Readers of all ages will love The Blessings of the Butterfly.

Jan-Carol Publishing Books

www.jancarolpublishing.com 20 | December 2019 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

www.amazon.com

Snowy Trails With each story set in the Appalachian region, Snowy Trails: A Short Story Collection presents a strong sense of place and belonging.

Noted authors contributed stories capturing trials, tribulations, and triumphs, each one sprinkled with a gamut of emotions. In Snowy Trails, readers will be immersed in the varietal settings and characters, and will share the feelings of heartache in challenges and the joys of survival.

Order this book directly from JCP — $ 00 8. with FREE shipping!

Call 423-926-9983 or mail check to P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN 37605.

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www.barnesandnoble.com

Making Peace

By Jim Burns

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Matthew 6:14–15 14 KJV Interpretation: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

L

eonardo da Vinci painted one of the greatest masterpieces in the history of the world. The work of art is called The Last Supper. Few people know the story behind the creation of this famous painting.

Da Vinci had an enemy who was also a painter.

Right before da Vinci began to paint the picture of Jesus with His disciples, he had a bitter argument with his enemy. When da Vinci painted the face of Judas Iscariot, he used the face of his enemy as a reference so that his enemy would be present for ages as the man who betrayed Jesus. While painting the picture, da Vinci took delight in knowing that others would actually notice the face of his enemy on Judas.

He continued painting the faces of the other disciples and often tried to paint the face of Jesus, but he could not make any progress. Da Vinci was frustrated and confused. In time, he realized what was wrong.

His hatred for the other painter was holding him back from finishing the face of Jesus. After making peace with his fellow painter and repainting the face of Judas, he was able to paint the face of Jesus and complete his masterpiece.

Is there a broken relationship in your life that needs mending? Pray that God will give you courage to take the next step toward reconciliation. During this holiday season take the time to find peace, mend relationships, and give thanks for your many blessings.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season! www.homeword.com

Learn the Meaning Behind the Menorah

T

he menorah is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Chanukah. Displayed in homes, and often in windows, each year, the menorah is a nine-branched candelabrum that symbolizes Chanukah and much more.

Menorahs have been part of the Jewish faith since ancient times. Isaiah 42:6 indicates that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel, and its mission is to be a “light unto nations.” After being liberated from slavery in Egypt, the Jews were commanded by God to make the original menorah, which at the time featured seven branches. The seven arms were believed to refer to the seven days of creation. The menorah was lit every evening and cleaned every morning. The wicks were replaced and fresh, consecrated olive oil was put into the cups to keep the flame alive.

After the Second Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and desecrated by the Romans, there remained only enough sealed, consecrated olive oil left to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, giving the Jews enough time to make new consecrated oil. This became known as the Chanukah miracle.

While the original menorahs were seven-branched, the Chanukah menorah, or Chanukiah (Hanukkiah), became a nine-branched version lit only during the holiday. According to the Jewish holiday site Breaking Matzo, celebrants light a new candle or wick on each night of Chanukah. The ninth night, called the Shamash (“helper” or “servant”), is used to light all the other candles or oil lamps. To be kosher, the Shamash must be placed on a different level than the eight other candles.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2019 | 21

Easy Christmas Morning Breakfast

Having a fast and easy breakfast ready on Christmas morning allows families to jump right into the festivities rather than spending too much time in the kitchen.

This recipe for “Spiced Yogurt Muffins,” courtesy of the National Dairy Council, Dannon and McCormick, can be made in advance and then enjoyed while peeking into Christmas stockings or watching holiday parades on television. This big-batch recipe is ideal for feeding a houseful of overnight holiday guests. Or it can be prepared in advance and doled out as needed throughout the week. The muffins also can be made as a treat for holiday office luncheons. Cut the recipe in half for smaller yields.

Spiced Yogurt Muffins 50 servings

61⁄2 cups Dannon plain fat-free Greek yogurt 4 cups water, room temperature 1 box (5 lbs) Gold Medal® Muffin Mix,Whole Grain Variety 3 tablespoons McCormick pumpkin pie spice 2 tablespoons McCormick Chipotle cinnamon 1. Combine yogurt and water in mixing bowl. Whisk until blended. Set aside.

2. Add spices to dry muffin mix in a large bowl. Add yogurt and water mixture to the muffin mixture. Mix until just blended.

Don’t overmix.

3. Using a scoop, portion into greased or lined muffin pans.

Bake at 350 F for 24 minutes, or 17 to 20 minutes in a convection oven, until the tops are golden brown.

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Baked Eggnog French Toast with Cranberries and Apples

1.

Serves 6

Glazed Cranberries and Apples 2 cups apple cider 6 tablespoons light corn syrup 2 tablespoons light brown sugar 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced 3 Golden Delicious apples (about 11⁄4 lb.), peeled, cored, and cut into 1⁄2-inch cubes 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (see note 1) 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar, plus more if needed Eggnog French Toast 12 thick (3⁄4-inch) bread slices, cut on a sharp diagonal from a day-old baguette (note 2) 2 1⁄2 cups purchased eggnog (see cooking tip) 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Pinch of ground cinnamon 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter Confectioners’ sugar

2.

3.

4.

For the Glazed Cranberries and Apples: Whisk together the apple cider, corn syrup and brown sugar in a large, heavy saucepan over high heat.

Boil until reduced to 1 cup, about 15 minutes.Whisk in 4 tablespoons of the butter until melted. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a large, heavy frying pan over medium heat until hot. Add the apples and sauté, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the cranberries and granulated sugar, and stir until cranberries begin to pop, about 2 minutes. Stir in the reduce cider mixture and cook until the mixture has reduced to a syrup-like consistency, about 6 minutes.Taste and stir in more sugar, if desired.

For the Eggnog French Toast: Arrange the bread slices in a 9-by-13-inch shallow baking dish. Whisk together the eggnog, nutmeg and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Pour the mixture over the bread. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 hours, or overnight.

Arrange a rack at center position and preheat the oven to 450 F. Butter a large, rimmed baking sheet with some of the melted butter. Using a metal

5.

6.

spatula, transfer the bread slices to the baking sheet. Brush the bread with the remaining melted butter.

Bake for 10 minutes, and then turn and bake until golden brown on the outside and still soft inside, 5 to 6 minutes more. Watch carefully so they do not burn.

Arrange 2 slices on each of six dinner plates and mound the warm fruits on top. Dust generously with confectioners’ sugar and serve.

Note 1: If using frozen cranberries, defrost and pat dry.

Note 2: You also can use a good, crusty sourdough bread; cut 3⁄4-inch slices from it, and if they are large, cut them in half.

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423.262.0444 voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2019 | 23

5 Weight Loss Myths Debunked L

osing weight is a popular New Year’s resolution every year. Successful weight loss requires hard work and patience. Still, many myths abound, and people may think there are quick fixes to shedding a few extra pounds. Debunking some of those myths can help people adopt more realistic weight loss strategies.

Myth #1: Avoid carbs to lose weight.

A healthy diet is comprised of a mix of foods that include carbohydrates. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans indicate that carbohydrates, such as those found in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, are a foundation of healthy eating. Carbs also provide much-needed fiber.

Myth #2: You can target specific fat loss.

Exercising and eating healthy can produce overall weight loss and diminish fat concentrations in certain parts of the body, indicates the healthy eating source Eat This, Not That. But each body is unique, and where people lose fat varies. Exercise can tone muscles in key areas to help make a person appear thinner in those regions, but it will not necessarily make fat go away in one place over another.

Myth #3: Eating fat makes you fat.

Fat is very calorie-dense and common in junk foods, which is why it can get a bad rap. However, as long as calorie intake is within a healthy range—even if some calories are from fat—weight gain will not occur from fat alone, says Healthline. The body needs healthy fats to function properly.

Myth #4: Crash diets will make weight fall off.

Dramatically cutting calories can lead to nutritional deficiencies and have an adverse effect on weight loss. The body may slow its rate of metabolism to conserve calories, as a crash diet may fool your body into thinking you are starving. It’s better to stick to a gradual decrease in calories while still consuming the daily recommended amounts based on your age and other factors.

Myth #5: Tons of exercise will make the pounds disappear.

Research has repeatedly indicated that exercise can help boost weight loss. However, the real way to shed pounds is primarily linked to diet. According to Shawn M. Talbott, Ph.D., a nutritional biochemist and former director of the University of Utah Nutrition Clinic, weight loss is generally 75 percent diet and 25 percent exercise.

If losing weight is your New Year’s resolution, get the facts before adopting a weight loss regimen.

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You’re Almost There

By Deana Landers, Morningcoffeebeans.com

“When it was over, I lay spent and exhausted on the cold, hard earth...never to be ranked with the average and mediocre…” This is a quote from one of our late presidents; my daughter sent it to me when I was toiling with one of life’s many problems.

She continued with, “In essence, I am a winner and I will not say it’s over until I have given everything. Until there is nothing left in me to give. That makes me special and unique.” I keep this close to me, and read it when I am struggling or just want to feel the strength of my children.

The warm air is disappearing and the cold weather is sending us back into the gym to keep our bodies strong and healthy. Don’t worry, this isn’t going to turn into an exercise column.

The last few weeks I have been testing my perseverance at the gym. My step class has been demonstrating my need to be more determined. I took the class to build stamina. It looked pretty easy to me.

We begin vigorously with simple repetitive movements and stay at it until every muscle has been thoroughly worked.

The steps are simple. There are no strenuous movements, so I figured I could handle it. Yet when I began, I realized that the hardest part had nothing to do with movement, it was all about endurance.

After 15 minutes, I felt like a limp piece of spaghetti. I just wanted to drop to the floor. So, of course, I did what anyone who is out of shape does, I quit. However, I kept going back.

Over and over I would go and last as long as I could and then just quit.

One night after quitting, I watched the class. It wasn’t but a few more minutes until they reached the peak and began cooling down. If I had only tried a little harder, I could have finished. This week I was determined that I was going to stay with it until I finished or as the quote said, “lay spent and exhausted on the cold, hard earth.”

I did the first 20 minutes without much of a problem, but then it got hard and I wanted to quit. But I didn’t. I just began to do the movements the way I could until I could catch up.

Occasionally I would have to stop and start again, but I refused to quit. As you have guessed by now, I finished the class and I felt great! Tired, but great!

The reason I wanted to write about this is because life is like that sometimes. I have quit some things in my life when it got hard, but the things that I struggled with and finished are the things I am most proud of.

When the work is being done, the heart is hurting, and you feel like you just can’t take another moment of whatever it is that you are reaching for, it is important to know that you are probably almost there.

When I reached the peak in my exercise class and thought I couldn’t make it, I pushed and allowed the sweat to fall down my back, and then to my relief the instructor began the cool down movements. Just when I thought I was going to have to quit again, I had made it.

If we worked as hard in our marriages, with our children, and our jobs, we might find that the goal was not nearly as far away as we thought. One of the things you do when your children are grown is hope that the efforts you made as a young parent were good enough.

“Did I do a good job raising them,” I ask myself sometimes.

There are occasions when all I can remember are the things I wished I had done better. After my daughter sent me the quotes, I asked her where she learned to be so determined. She eased my heart by saying, “Mom, one of the most important things I learned from you and dad is to never give up.”

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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.

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Holiday Safety for Seniors

By Cindy Sproles

identity stolen. Jeff’s grandmother lost all her savings and now had thousands of dollars of debt.

Technology is wonderful for most of us, but there is a great hough more and more seniors are becoming internet chasm that separates it from our seniors. Consider the dangers savvy, many are not. Well-meaning children hook their grandparents or parents onto Facebook, email, even before allowing family members to connect an elderly loved one Pinterest without considering the consequences. Most seniors to the internet. The question is, how do we protect our seniors? are frustrated by technology. Age not only hinders their personal Follow these steps to help secure safety for aging parents: skills, but their patience as well. Stiff joints, impaired eyesight, • Install an intercom at the door. This prevents seniors from opening their door to strangers. and failing hearing makes navigating the internet dicey. Not to • Secure an unlisted phone number. mention naivety to solicitors on the phone.

For example, Jeff bought his grandmother an iPad. He sub- • Keep email addresses private and set a strong spam filter in place. scribed her to the local internet provider, set up her email, opened a Facebook account, then quickly ran through compli- • Lock down social media accounts with tight security and do not accept anyone as a friend that you do not know. cated instructions. Finally feeling confident, Jeff’s grandmother opened an email from her bank. The bank logo showed in the • Secure a list of individuals who can help with certain decisions, i.e. home repairs or major purchases, who can serve as upper right corner. Inside was a request for a verification of her attendees or overseers.

Social Security number and her bank account number. It looked official and before long, Jeff’s grandmother had entered her • Cut credit card limits to $200. Limits can easily be lifted if necessary. personal and banking information. Little did she know it was • Pay bills with automatic withdrawal. This prevents paper a scam. Within hours, her bank account was drained and her bills from hitting mailboxes and lessens the opportunity for personal information to be stolen.

Life Care Center of Gray • Sign up with a trust advisor through your bank who can manage their We are a perfect choice for: accounts if there are no family members • Short-Term Rehabilitation able to monitor bill payments or large • Long-Term Care purchase amounts.

• Post-Operative Recovery • Perform background checks on priLife Care Center of Gray focuses on inpatient and vate duty caregivers. outpatient rehabilitation with 24-hour skilled nursing care.

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• Purchase a paper shredder so “junk mail” from banks and credit card companies can be easily destroyed.

Thieves think nothing of the age or “Keeping the Comforts of Home” situation an individual may be in. Take time to ensure these steps and protect • Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care your aging parents from harm and scams • Dementia Care • Companion Care that can not only destroy them finan• Hospital to Home • Hospice Care cially, but also bring physical harm.

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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.

Voicemail oicemail

Male

By Ken Heath

Christmas Memories

M

y grandfather was the Tom’s Peanut route salesman. He had a grey Chevrolet panel truck loaded with chips, nabs, and candy, the perfect setup for a chubby kid! It was a perfect setup for my granddad too. You see, he and my grandmother had lost a daughter and their only son, both as infants, and my mom was the sole survivor of three pregnancies. He doted on my mom, of course, but his life was complete with having a boy around.

We were inseparable. He’d hoist me into the cabin of that truck for frosty mornings of stops in country stores across southwest Virginia, complete with stories, soda pop, and corned beef carved fresh from the counter to be made into sandwiches for the two amigos. A scout master, he took me as the “troop mascot” to “Camp-o-fish-a-rees” and outings, sharing a tent and ghost stories.

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But of all the time we spent together, Christmas was his favorite.

He’d always find a way to get our local Santa to stop by for an early Christmas eve visit, relished packing my sister and me to shopping malls and Sears stores for photos with St. Nick. As the Tom’s man, he’d bring home goodies the shop owners wives would bake. And then there was The Box. General Mills would send out a gigantic white cardboard box to the route guys early each December. Inside were sample sizes of their most popular products—bags of Bugles, Saturday morning cereals, and special snacks we’d only see in the little shops that sprung up in the big malls that time of year. Each year he’d let me open it and, after removing the summer sausage and cheeses, the goodies were mine!

We were “hip,” as it was called, with a floor model TV that doubled as a “hi-fi” stereo, and a giant piece of furniture as big as a couch. My grandparents were loaded with seasonal albums of tunes from Jackie Gleason, Herb Alpert and the like, and our evenings leading to the big day were filled with the latest tunes or a new Christmas special. The aluminum tree sparkled under the rotating red, green, and yellow light wheel, adding to the late 60s vibes.

My grandfather passed suddenly one Thanksgiving weekend, a massive heart attack at age 60—just three years older than I am now. And I never got to say goodbye. My grandmother, in her grief, tossed the already-decorated tree out for the trash men, and never celebrated Christmas much again.

As the seasons change, and icy breezes breathe the first glimpses of snow, I can’t help but think about him, the model trains, the army men and cowboy outfits, the trips to see Santa we shared—my best buddy and me. And I hope he and my grandmother are celebrating their Christmases together now. In fact, if I close my eyes on particularly wintery evenings, I can almost hear that old stereo needle scratching across a well-worn album, laughter, and merriment of times now long gone.

And I hope he’s enjoying his own summer sausage and cheese by the cascading light against a shiny silver tree in Heaven.

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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, and a professional mobile DJ with Bow Tie Pro Music and Sound. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at #kenheath.

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(276) 759-1102 | www.kenheath.com voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2019 | 27

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How to Create

Bimini Ring

By Savannah Bailey

B

imini Ring is a Caribbean Island version of the pub game Ringing the Bull, which dates back to 12th century England. Bimini Ring has a varied origin story, with some saying it began with Caribbean pirates. However, the story with the most clout tells of one Ernest Hemingway creating his version of Ringing the Bull in a bar after a night of tuna fishing off the coast of Bimini.

The bar version of Bimini Ring is set in grandiose scale, and involves a hook placed on the wall four to five feet high, and a rope with a ring attached is connected to the ceiling three to four feet from the hook. The goal is to swing the rope towards the hook until the ring lands just right.

Now, in my home we’re quite fond of quirky games and even more fond literature. Hemingway

is an author we very much admire. I thought a miniature version of the author’s Bimini Ring game would be a perfect gift this upcoming Christmas holiday.

To build the game I purchased a small, rectangular, wooden base and two square wooden dowels of different sizes. I cut the larger of the dowels in half and secured them together in an L shape with wood glue. I then cut a small section from the second dowel, shaved off two opposite corners on one side, and glued it in place in the crook of the L shape.

I screwed in a hook on one arm of my wooden L, and hammered in a small thumb tack on the other arm. The thumb tack served perfectly to tie the string and ring to. Finally, I glued the wooden L to the base and left the entire project to dry.

It’s a cute game, but much more difficult and addicting than I expected it to be, fair warning. voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2019 | 29

The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9.

.

Voice Magazine recognizes the

Reader of the Month 30 | December 2019 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

CLUES ACROSS

1. Rope used as a lasso 7. Lomb’s partner 13. North African nation 14. Rounds up cattle 16. Densest naturally occurring element 17. Home of the Brewers 19. Atomic #44 20. Vetches 22. Moved earth with a tool 23. Cavalry sword 25. Supplements with difficulty 26. Encouraged 28. Speech defect 29. Periodical (abbr.)

30. Very cold 31. __ Paulo, city 33. Former OSS 34. Approves food 36. Cars need them 38. Sweden’s dominant phone company 40. Long lock of a woman’s hair 41. North American natives 43. Fly high 44. One type is fire 45. Nocturnal bird 47. More than one male 48. LOTR actor McKellen 51. Employee stock ownership plan 53. Tony-winning actress Daisy 55. Tennis star Kournikova 56. Pulitzer-winning composer 58. The opposite to pro 59. Safecrackers 60. Denotes past 61. Parrots 64. One quintillion bytes (abbr.)

65. Reduce the importance of 67. Stiffly 69. In a sensible way 70. Signs

CLUES DOWN

1. Capital of Zambia 2. Article 3. Country star LeAnn 4. Egyptian goddess 5. Afflict in mind or body 6. Showy but cheap 7. Belgian urban center 8. Short-winged diving seabird 9. Deploys 10. Ballplayers can legally do it 11. Centiliter 12. Contrary beliefs 13. Type of pole 15. Distinguish oneself 18. 8th month of the year (abbr.)

21. One who monitors 24. Petty quarreling 26. Fiddler crabs 27. Touch lightly 30. American state 32. Pro wrestler Randy 35. Indicates spelling mistake 37. Macaws 38. Gradually narrowed 39. Installments 42. Female sheep 43. Politician 46. Servant 47. Said to facilitate concentration 49. California ballplayers 50. Once Toledo’s tallest building 52. A type of pie 54. State of southwestern India 55. Principal member of Norse religion 57. Counterspy 59. Wellness practice 62. __-de-sac: dead end street 63. Used to cook 66. Type of hospital 68. Direct message

Michele Giarrusso • Bristol, TN I feel empowered when: I stay focused and committed to Bible study.

3 words that best describe my style: minimal, understated, feminine.

I’m obsessed with: my pet dogs and cat!

The last book I read was: The Book of Threads by Iva May.

My ideal meal is: homecooked.

If I could travel anywhere in the world, it would be: Antarctica.

I can’t leave home without: caramel colored lip gloss.

My fashion icon is: Jennifer Aniston.

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