Voice Magazine for Women 0224 by Voice Magazine For Women

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FEBRUARY 2024

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vibrant • vocal • vivacious

Publisher

Janie C. Jessee

February 2024 | Volume 21 | Issue 2

February Hot Hunk Hunt!

Brock Purdy 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 a book from Jan-Carol Publishing!

Congratulations to: Jackie Harmon Bluff City, TN

Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone Number: July Hot Hunk Hunt! Email:The April “Hot Hunk” was Robert Downey Jr. on page 31.

HOT HUNK LOCATION: 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

as the winner in the January Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

or e-mail: hothunk@voicemagazineforwomen.com Deadline for submission is February 20, 2024. 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.

Voice Speaks

Voicemale

Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief

Ken Heath

Pantone Color of the Year

I Blew Up the Microwave!

Deana Landers

Valentine’s Day Gifts 6

Janie C. Jessee, Owner of Voice Magazine/ Jan-Carol Publishing, is featured on our February cover. Photograph by Rebecca Griffin/London Vine Studios.

Call, click or stop by.

The Magic of Winter

Dr. Steven Lawhon

April Hensley

Voice Magazine Celebrates 20 Years

Jan-Carol Publishing New Book Releases

Allison Chudina

Senior Health Concerns

‘Live Like Grunt’ Book Donated to 5,000 Elementary Students

February is Heart Month

Allison Chudina

Black History Month 13

Create a Personal Price Plan™

Bathroom Remodeling

How to Have Success in Your Relationships

On the Cover

Cleanliness in the Aging Cindy K. Sproles 24

The

Perfect Gift!

Sheila Wandell CLU® ChFC® Agent

2313 Browns Mill Road Johnson City, TN 37604-1961 Bus: 423-722-AUTO www.sheilawandell.net

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www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 3

VOICE Speaks

FREE

ebruary 2024, Voice Magazine for Women celebrates 20

years of representing women and businesses in the region. The company (JCP) has served the region with a print magazine for 20 years and has contributed to the local region as an established local business. This is a benchmark for our continued support, growth, and success. Through blood, sweat, and tears, and all the naysayers, the magazine has proven its value to the region in the print version of the magazine. With changes in print and technology, Voice Magazine has grown with its online readership. Through our 20 years of seeing changes, challenges, and concerns, the magazine has always been supported by our faithful readers and advertisers, and our contributing writers. All of you are a part of our past growth and we ask that you continue to be a part of our future growth. As of today, the cost of printing has been one of the biggest hurdles to cross. As the costs increase, we must broaden our online presence and encourage our readers to find us online. In this new year, and with the new challenges we face, Voice Magazine will continue to make changes to meet those challenges to ensure our longevity. One of our past changes along the way was branching out into publishing books. JCP purchased Mountain Girl Press 13 years ago, and with that purchase, the magazine and JCP not only have survived, but continues to thrive. One of our biggest accomplished goals in 2023 was producing our Bookmarked podcast and resurrecting our Bookmarked blog. We appreciate the support, and as a result, the podcast and blog have gained more momentum and a broader audience than anticipated. In 2024, JCP will be transitioning our print version of the magazine to have a stronger online presence. Sign up to receive our newsletter, sign up for our book blog, and on whatever venue you prefer, please listen to and “like” our podcast. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram! Visit our websites, www.voicemagazineforwomen.com and www.jancarolpublishing.com. On JCP’s website, visit our online bookstore where you will always find special discounts on select books. Thank you to all of you for 20 years of support — to all the fans, writers, advertisers, businesses, authors, readers, and all those behind-the-scenes supporters for your continued support of Voice Magazine for Women and JCP. As we move in a new direction and a new year, our motto is — for all of us to grow and prosper more in 2024. We want each of you to travel with us on our new journey in 2024. Also, thank you to the dedicated JCP team! Verse of the month: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 KJV Thought of the month: “Do not judge me by my successes; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” – Nelson Mandela

Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief

to inspire and encourage women to seek stiny. Author Janie Jessee shares simple ting a business or pursuing a career dream. uncomplicated terms, quotes, and verses ghten you, encourage you, and inspire you, he perfect read for the beginning entrepreseasoned business woman needing to be mple terms.

Born into a blue collar working family and raised on a farm in Southwest Virginia, Janie Jessee was taught values of hard work, rooted in Christian-believing morals. Being part of the baby boomer generation, Jessee supported the old traditions being broken and new traditions being created for women in business and careers outside of the home. The first in her e a college degree, Jessee was the first to start and n’s monthly magazine in her hometown region. She ul book publishing company, Jan-Carol Publishing, r work at this business and Voice Magazine for Women, spire women to grow, to be encouraged, and to find

IF YOU OWN IT, CLAIM IT! SUCCESS! A Beginner’s Inspirational Guide for Women Seeking to Start Their Own Business

JANIE C. JESSEE

Purchase Janie C. Jessee’s books, Woman to Woman: If You Own It, Claim it! ($5 includes free shipping) and Gone Before Breakfast ($10 includes free shipping) www.jancarolpublishing.com or call 423.926.9983

4 | February 2024 | www.voicemagazineforwomen.com

Celebrating our 20th anniversary! We wouldn’t be here and there without all of you! LITTLE CREEK BOOKS MOUNTAIN GIRL PRESS EXPRESS EDITIONS ROSEHEART PUBLISHING DIGISTYLE FIERY NIGHT SKIPPY CREEK BROKEN CROW RIDGE “ 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-IN-CHIEF Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 publisher@jancarolpublishing.com

Pam Blair Ken Heath

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS April Hensley Deana Landers

Dr. Steven Lawhon Cindy Sproles

Draco Bailey Communications Director/Production Editor communications@jancarolpublishing.com Allison Chudina Editorial/Retail Assistant office@jancarolpublishing.com GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Tara Sizemore Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983 Books & Gifts: 423.212.0200 DISTRIBUTION Karen Corder Staff PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 21, Issue 2) (Janie Jessee’s Photograph: Rebecca Griffin/London Vine Studios)

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. © 2024 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.

INTRODUCING THE PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR How to Use the Pantone Color of the Year 2024

ubtly sensual, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is a heartfelt peach hue bringing a feeling of kindness and tenderness, communicating a message of caring and sharing, community and collaboration. A warm and cozy shade highlighting our desire for togetherness with others or for enjoying a moment of stillness and the feeling of sanctuary this creates, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz presents a fresh approach to a new softness. An appealing peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz inspires belonging, recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from. Drawing comfort from PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, we can find peace from within, impacting our wellbeing. An idea as much as a feeling, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz awakens our senses to the comforting presence of tactility and cocooned warmth. Sensitive but sweet and airy, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz evokes a new modernity. While centered in the human experience of enriching and nurturing the mind, body, and soul, it is also a quietly sophisticated and contemporary peach with depth whose gentle lightness is understated but impactful, bringing beauty to the digital world. Poetic and romantic, a clean peach tone with a vintage vibe, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz reflects the past yet has been refashioned with a contemporary ambiance.

Visually arresting and inviting, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is a nurturing peach tone that inspires us to instinctivelywant to reach out and touch. Conveying a message of tactility that comes through in sueded, velvety, quilted, and furry textures, luxuriously soothing and soft to the touch, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is an enveloping peach hue that awakens our senses to the comforting presence of tactility and cocooned warmth.

PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz in Interior Design and Home Décor Introducing soft and cozy PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz into home interiors creates a welcoming ambiance. Promoting feelings of gentle warmth whether appearing on a painted wall, in home décor, or acting as an accent within a pattern, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz infuses our most personalized worlds with a comforting presence.

www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 5

Say ‘I Love You’ with Valentine’s Day Gifts

ebruary 14th, better known as Valentine’s Day, provides a beacon of light in the middle of winter. Each February, stores and homes are decked out in red and pink hearts, and florists wait in the wings to prepare sweet-smelling bouquets for the bevy of buyers eager to bring bountiful blooms into their living spaces. Gift-giving is an integral component of Valentine’s Day. That means the search may be on to find items that will give voice to feelings of love and affection in tangible ways. These gifts are perfect for anyone on your list. • Fragrance: Although purchasing fragrances can be tricky, if your special someone provides hints of a scent or brand they prefer, it can make buying perfume or cologne easier. However, there’s also the option of going with trends. Market experts believe vanilla is set to be a stand-out aroma in 2024, and aromatherapy and feel-good fragrances are trending this year. • Cozy clothes: Snuggling together in front of the fire may be an appealing prospect for lovebirds. Cozy gifts can include matching loungewear or pajama sets, or ultra-soft sweatpants and hoodies for chasing away the chill. • Personalized prints: Companies offer custom song lyric posters or framed artwork so that a special song, whether it was heard during a first date or danced to during a couple’s wedding,

6 | February 2024 | www.voicemagazineforwomen.com

can be memorialized. Other personalized prints can include images of the sky on a key date to commemorate a special moment in time. • Jewelry offerings: Jewelry is a go-to Valentine’s Day gift. Vogue says that there’s a strong likelihood that boho jewelry trends are making a comeback this year. Pendants, beads and multistrand necklaces are sure to be a must-have look. • Travel treats: Couples who love to travel can gift travel-related items to their special someone. A high-end brand of luggage, tickets to a cruise or another destination, or an excursion upgrade on a planned getaway may fit the bill. • Books: Check out this month’s featured books on pages 20 and 21 for romantic stories any reader will love! • Gourmet eats: Foodies often find enjoyment sampling the fare at top-notch restaurants. While Valentine’s Day tends to be quite busy at most restaurants, a gift of a night out for dinner at another time may be the way to tug on the heartstrings while nurturing the palate. Valentine’s Day is here before people know it, so it is key to have gift ideas at the ready.

How to Have Success in Your Relationships with the Opposite Sex Dr. Steven Lawhon

he age old question that most of us will face, at some point in our lives, is how to understand my husband, my wife, my friend, or my lover. Love is real, so don’t question that. It is just around the corner, when you least expect it. You may be in a bookstore, a grocery store, or some other public place, when you meet that special person who touches your heart. Love is the joy of life, but also the pain. A famous person once said that the two most important things, in life, are love and work, and indeed that does seem to be true. So if you’re a woman, how do you understand your man? What is your vision of a good man? Is he loyal, faithful, and sensitive to your needs? Does he have some bad habits that you wish to change? However, the reality is that we can only change ourselves. So, the wise woman will learn about her man’s background, family, work habits, and prior relationships, as much as she can. Remember, we live in a world where most of this information is available, with research. If possible, ask people who know him best, before you bite the apple. What do his friends, parents, and former wives or girlfriends say about him? Now, if you are a man, there may be some traits you are looking for. Men tend to look at the physical characteristics of a possible mate first, and may miss your charming personality. Men love to be listened to and admired. Do you praise or complain about him? Does he value your intelligence, personality, good sense of humor, loyalty, and faithfulness? Remember, men are basically insecure, and if you don’t make him feel like a man or appreciated, some other lady will. Men, the same advice applies to you. Treasure and honor your lady, be sensitive to her needs, and appreciate her as the special person she is. What is the mating ritual? This is both a conscious and unconscious process, originating as a

biological imperative. The ritual usually begins in September or October and ends around the first of June. Ladies begin to send out signals to men that they are interested in, to have a partner during the cold winter months. An eligible female may be aware of this process or not. Men will either respond to these signals, and a relationship may begin, or he may simply ignore it. Most mammals have mating rituals. During the fall and winter months, babies are often made. It is a time to get close to someone, cuddle up, and make a nest for the winter. Hope you are in love, or find that special someone, soon. Cupid is just around the corner, and Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show your love.

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Dr. Steven Lawhon is a clinical psychologist in practice in Northeast Tennessee. He can be reached at slawassoc@yahoo.com.

FEBRUARY 15, 2024 YWCA NETN and SWVA is accepting nominations to recognize exceptional women in our communities who embody the YWCA mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Nominations are invited for women who exemplify excellence in one of the following categories:

FINANCE - HEALTHCARE - BUSINESS/INDUSTRY STEAM/EDUCATION - MISSION IMPACT To learn more or to submit a nomination, please visit us at www.ywcatnva.org or scan the QR code. Please share this opportunity with your network of friends and colleagues!

www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 7

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C E L E B R AT E S C E L E B R AT E S Voice Magazine celebrates our 20th Anniversary in February! wenty-one years ago, Janie C. Jessee was not yet Take Advantage of our CEO and owner of Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. 1 Month 1/4 Page Advertising Special Rather, she owned a women’s consignment store Magazine celebrates our in Voice Elizabethton, Tenn. for February for only By Allison Chudina

20th Anniversary in February! Jessee had a background in banking, as well as print and retail sales, and she had owned the consignment Take Advantage of our shop forPrinMt aangdazine nline approximately three years when someone approached Oher 1 Month 1/4 Page Advertising SpecialAd for with the idea of starting a women’s magazine for the local NLY $ 20 O ! for February for only region. TOTAL

20!

Thank you for your SUPPORT!

Ad Design Included

10 | February 2024 | www.voicemagazineforwomen.com

PHOTO BY REBECCA GRIFFIN/LONDON VINE STUDIOS

Thus, Voice Magazine for Women was born. But it would Deadline Monday, January 22 nd Thank you for Print a azine take Magsome time for everything to fully form and fall into e n li n O 1/4 page size: 3.69” wide x 5” tall your SUPPORT! Ad for $ 20 place. ONLY ! wasDesign a women’s magazine in Asheville, Email: Tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com AL thereAd Included TOT“Since North Carolina, it seemed to be aJanuary doable endeavor to start Deadline Monday, 22 one here1/4 in the Tri-Cities,” Jesseewide said. “I researched other page size: 3.69” x 5” tall communities comparable to the Tri-Cities, and many of the Email: Tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com communities had a local women’s magazine. I decided to move forward with the idea.” In December 2003, the corporation now known as JanCarol Publishing, Inc., was formed. “Once the company was officially formed,” Jessee said, “I put pen to paper with a Janie C. Jessee plan for the creation of the magazine.” Jessee wanted to introduce the magazine to businesses women frequented. “I also knew that being a new publication with a prototype or sample. A friend of Jessee’s who had in the region, it would be overlooked if the magazines were retired from the print industry offered suggestions on how to simply placed on a rack,” Jessee said. “I needed a way to have seek the services of a graphic designer and a printer. “It was a the magazine sit upright in the rack and do it on a budget.” Jessee explained that traditional metal racks were expenprocess of coordinating schedules and ideas, but in a couple of weeks, I had a prototype and used it to contact businesses sive and would not allow for the magazines to sit upright. But she had an idea: a wire roller cart. “I went to a Dollar to sell advertisements in the magazine,” Jessee said. Jessee explained that the businesses she contacted showed General and purchased the cart,” Jessee said. “At the time, interest in her ideas but had a concern regarding how the it was $4.99. I ignored the enclosed instructions and put the magazine would be distributed. Jessee wanted the magazine wire rack together myself to have the magazines displayed to be free to readers and supported by advertisers. In order upright. It worked!” As Jessee put these racks together with zip ties, her design for Jessee to distribute the magazine to readers, she knew that she needed several wire racks displayed at businesses where improved, and the roller cart became a stand to hold the

magazines. “That was the beginning you cards in the mail from people of the white racks, and the magazines who love the magazine. These were upright and caught people’s eyes acknowledgments are priceless and as they walked by,” Jessee said. “The will always be appreciated.” magazines were being picked up, and More often than not, Jessee this created a demand.” said readers will tell her how they Jessee hired someone to distribvisit the advertising section in the ute the magazines monthly, and with magazine to purchase businesses’ a strategic monthly route, the magproducts or services because they azine began getting attention in the love Voice Magazine and want to newly created magazine stands. show support to help keep it going. When asked what Jessee learned Jessee says some of her favorite from that very first year of publishissues published over the years are ing, she said, “Readers wanted local the ones in which Voice Magazine information, and I could not write all highlights other businesses with The first issue of Voice Magazine for Women in 2004. the articles.” a “business spotlight,” focusing on a Jessee decided to contact the publisher of a women’s particular woman in business and her accomplishments. magazine in Asheville and ask if she would be willing to meet “There are so many small, women-owned businesses and have a consultation regarding publishing a women’s in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, and as a magazine. During that consultation, the publisher gave small business owner, it is a wonderful feeling to give them Jessee some advice. She had local writers provide the arti- the spotlight they so well deserve,” Jessee said. “And our cles for her magazine, and these contributors were compen- readers really love that, too.” sated with a free ad for their business or a business of their Jessee is often asked if it is difficult to continuously choice. The publisher went on to say that her women’s mag- create new or fresh content. “One would think that would azine met once a month to discuss ideas for future articles. be the challenge, but it isn’t,” Jessee said. “The challenge is The information gained from Jessee’s consultation with keeping up with the changing world and keeping each genthe Asheville publisher was the foundation of the magazine’s eration interested in print. That is the biggest task for any growth regarding local articles. Jessee proceeded to contact a business in print.” few local businesswomen to ask if they would be interested Jessee continues to search for innovative ideas to keep in forming an informal board that would meet monthly to Voice Magazine available in both print and online, giving discuss articles and magazine ideas, as well as suggestions for advertisers double exposure. She explained that the full the magazine’s growth. Everyone Jessee contacted commit- magazine is available to read entirely online, and it includes ted their involvement for one year. links to advertisers’ websites by clicking on their ad. “This “We met at different locations each month, and these gives businesses the best of both worlds,” Jessee said. “Print women provided wonderful ideas, suggestions, and sup- is still alive for the magazine, and local businesses someported the magazine,” Jessee said. “Not only did they play a times lose vision of keeping print and letting it work in conmajor role in the overall growth of the magazine, but also we junction with an online presence.” created a camaraderie that still remains today.” Overall, Jessee hopes that the love for Voice Magazine Jessee says that she carries a lot of wonderful memo- for Women will continue to grow in the future. “We have ries associated with Voice Magazine from the past 20 years. been able to introduce local, women-owned businesses and “I have a lot of favorite memories, but it is when someone the Appalachian region to readers of all ages and all locatakes time to call the office just to share how much they tions,” Jessee said. “Voice Magazine was the first magazine love the magazine that will never be forgotten,” she said. “I in this area for women and was completely supported by all have women tell me they’ve picked up every copy since the age groups, and that legacy will never die. I am very proud first magazine we published. Even today, I received thank of that.” www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 11

‘Live Like Grunt’ Book Donated to 5,000 Elementary Students By Allison Chudina

ne of Jan-Carol Publishing’s popular children’s books, Live Like Grunt, is now in the hands of 5,000 first-graders in Northeast Tennessee. Thanks to the generosity of the Jim and Laura Rogers Foundation and Adam Levine with Ballad Health, the book by Nikki and Miles Burdine was recently donated to 73 elementary schools in 12 different school districts and distributed by Leadership Kingsport Programs led by Vanessa Bennett. Nikki, children’s book author and anchor at WKRN-TV in Nashville, was a guest speaker at this month’s Kingsport Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on Jan. 26 at MeadowView. During this monthly meeting, Chris Jett, chief executive officer of the Niswonger Children’s Network, introduced Nikki. The meeting focused on the importance of early literacy, with Nikki talking about her first book, which she co-authored with Miles, her father. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one out of every three children start kindergarten without the necessary language skills to learn how to read. In addition, 80% of those living below the poverty threshold fail to develop reading proficiency by the end of third grade. JCP’s owner and CEO, Janie C. Jessee, commented, “Growing up, if you had a favorite children’s book, then you will appreciate how special this donation of 5,000 books is to our local schools. Reading feeds the mind, but gifting a book feeds the heart. It is a privilege to publish and print the books. We want to say a big thank you to the Jim and Laura Rogers Foundation and to Ballad Health, and to authors Miles Burdine and Nikki Burdine. We also would like to say a special thank you to Leigh Anne Hoover, who encouraged Nikki to contact JCP. It is an honor for JCP to play a role in this!” Live Like Grunt is a story about a yellow lab who gave the Burdine family unconditional love and loyalty for about a dozen years. Miles and his wife, Denise Burdine, brought Grunt home for their three girls — Nikki, Laura, and Alyce. His name comes from Miles, who is a United States Marine 12 | February 2024 | www.voicemagazineforwomen.com

Leigh Anne Hoover, Janie C. Jessee, and Nikki Burdine Corp Colonel. “Grunts,” in the Marines, do the hard work, the dirty work, the “grunt” work. The dog also adorably “grunted” quite a bit as a puppy. He followed the girls wherever they went, did whatever they did, and was always happy to do so. The girls slowly learned that Grunt’s attitude was worth emulating. Miles created a daily “Thoughts by Grunt Dog” email he sent out to his girls. These thoughts were often accompanied by a picture of Grunt and a quote. This book is a collection of thoughts by Grunt Dog that make for great life lessons for any family, including the reminder to love fiercely, loyally, and unconditionally. Also, maintain a positive attitude and soak up all life has to offer. Jessee reiterated that JCP is honored to be involved in this, and that the company is so happy and proud of Nikki and Miles and their wonderfully charming book. To learn more about Live Like Grunt and its authors or to purchase, go to our website, www.jancarolpublishing.com.

Get to Know These Influential Black Americans

ne of the most noteworthy things about February is that it is Black History Month. The number of Black Americans who have made contributions to the country and the world are innumerable. Here is just a brief cross-section of some of the trailblazing individuals worthy of recognition.

Shirley Chisholm

theless, his brilliant mind and innovative ideas helped serve his community.

Although the United States Congress is now diverse, it wasn’t always this way. Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to Congress during the racially contentious era of the late 1960s. She represented New York’s twelfth district from 1969 to 1983 and was the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 1972.

Medgar Evers

Richard Allen

Dorothy Height

Allen was a minister, educator and writer based in Philadelphia. Allen founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which was the first independent Black denomination in the U.S. Allen was born into slavery, but bought his freedom in the 1780s. Because of restrictions dictating where Blacks could sit at church, Allen left to form his own.

Height is known as the “godmother of the women’s movement.” She used her experience in social work and education to advance women’s rights, becoming a strong leader in the Young Women’s Christian Association and the president of the National Council of Negro Women.

Bayard Rustin

Jemison holds the honor of being the first Black woman to orbit space. She was on the shuttle Endeavour, and also is a physician and teacher. After leaving NASA, Jemison founded the Jemison Group, which develops technological advancements. Trailblazing Black Americans have been influencing the country throughout its history.

Although Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is often credited with the 1963 March on Washington, it actually was Rustin who organized and strategized the event. Ruskin had controversial ties to Communism and was a gay man, so he wasn’t always publicly on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement. None-

It’s A

Classic! Short and sweet film reviews of old, classic movies perfect for a girls’ night in! By Allison Chudina Happy February! This month, I wanted to recommend a classic film that many people may have forgotten about but that is absolutely worth revisiting: To Sir, with Love, directed by James Clavell and starring Sidney Poitier. This 1967 movie follows Mark Thackeray (Poitier), who is from British Guiana and takes a teaching job in London while waiting for a position in engineering. The university he teaches at is filled with unruly and combative students who were rejected from other schools because of

Many people tirelessly contributed to the Civil Rights movement, and Evers is one of them. Evers was a World War II veteran and later a civil rights leader in Mississippi. He became the NAACP’s first field officer in that state and helped lead protests against segregation at schools, public parks and more.

Mae Jemison

their behavior. While, at first, the students only see Thackeray as just another teacher to bully, his desire to see the kids succeed helps him earn their admiration through the teaching of valuable lessons about life and respect. The movie has a 1960s ambiance and charm and touches on themes of race, as Thackeray is a Black teacher in a mostly all-white school. You can’t beat Poitier’s incredible performance. Poitier had previously won and became the first Black male actor to win an Academy Award for Lilies of the Field and is revered as one of the most respected actors of his generation as well as being a boundary breaker for Black actors. If you’re looking to watch a movie in celebration of Black History Month, this would be a great place to start.

Wine Pairing: To really immerse yourself in To Sir, with Love, pair the movie with a nice English Chardonnay White in honor of the film’s London setting.

www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 13

Voicemail

Male

By Ken Heath

My Eternal Valentine

he season of love. I’m blessed. My Angel and I are celebrating 34 years on our way to forever this June—my eternal Valentine. I truly know how blessed I am. It wasn’t always this way. I didn’t date in high school. I was a “husky” kid, wearing glasses and sporting a bowl cut. Last to be picked for gym teams unless it was tug of war. I had zero self-confidence—or as the kids call it, “game.” So, I only dipped my toe into the dating pool a couple of times, and wouldn’t ya know, both times, the object of my youthful affection had chosen that night to wash the dog.

Are You Willing to Change Course? By Jim Liebelt

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12 KJV Interpretation: “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” Proverbs 14:12 (NLT)

battleship appeared to be on a collision course with another ship one foggy evening. The battleship’s captain radioed to the unknown ship, “Advise you change course 20 degrees to avoid collision.” Someone on a radio replied, “Advise you change course 20 degrees to avoid collision.” The battleship’s captain was not amused. He radioed back, “I am a ship’s captain. Change course 20 degrees, now!” Then came another reply, “I’m a seaman, second-class, and I advise you to change course 20 degrees, now!” The captain was furious, “This is a battleship! I order you to change course 20 degrees, immediately!” The seaman radioed back, “I am a lighthouse!” Have you ever found yourself in a situation, not unlike the ship’s captain, where you just don’t want to budge on your 14 | February 2024 | www.voicemagazineforwomen.com

My college years were a bit better, but not by much. My first real date was with a sweet freshman. I’d ponied up enough nerve to ask her to dinner, and she said yes! On the night before our big date, we had a huge snowstorm. That day, a buddy of mine went to help me shovel out my 72 Charger, only to find somebody had popped the hood and taken my car battery! So, we rushed to pick up my work study check and used most of it to buy a battery. I showered and changed, and had enough money left over to treat her to a rib dinner at Firehouse. I’m sure the ribs were the best part of the night for her! I dated a bit my senior year, too, and that ended disastrous. So, I resigned myself that ol’ Cupid was out of arrows, and I was destined to be a bachelor. Once I gave up looking, my blessing came. A phone call from a listener to my nighttime radio show was an instant connection, and I knew right then that God had His plan for me. The others had been to get me ready for when His time was right. It taught me to trust Him, and He would provide. And boy howdy, has He! I learned about patience, about timing, about real love. In my Valentine, and in my Firehouse ribs. He provides.

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

position? Everyone is stubborn from time to time, but people who live a lifestyle of stubbornness are dangerous to their relationships and spiritual lives. When we are overly stubborn with others, we build walls that prevent relationships from growing. When those walls are high enough, they actually cause relationships to die. Relationships are based on give and take. In successful relationships no one has their own way all of the time. Both in friendships and in family relationships, the one who is never willing to “change course” damages those relationships. Stubbornness in our relationship with God works much in the same way as stubbornness with friends and family. Being stubborn with God means that we really don’t want to please the Lord. We want to call our own shots and determine our own course in life. In our stubbornness, we reduce God’s role in our lives to that of a pocket genie, the “magic lamp” we rub and ask for favors when we want something for ourselves. Being stubborn with God is sin, plain and simple. When refusing to change course we might well find ourselves, much like the battleship captain, on the verge of disaster. We may get what we want, but getting what we want can actually destroy us. My challenge for you today, both in relationships with people and God, is that you be willing to change course if necessary, in order to build your relationships instead of tearing them down. www.homeword.com

too small for a square box that just heated things. I much prefer my stove. As we gathered with our children, grandchildren, P U W E L and friends for Thanksgiving and Christmas, my IB VE! A W O R C husband told the story repeatedly. Finally, as the holTHE MI idays were coming to a close, my grandson announced that this would be a new way to mark future historical points in our family. At the Christmas dinner table, he said, “You remember that was a year before Nana blew the microwave up? Or “Oh, wow! That happened about five years after Nana By Deana Landers blew the microwave up!” www.morningcoffeebeans.com Everyone laughed and agreed that maybe I didn’t need a microwave. On a serious note, this wasn’t a life-changing event ne moment after I pressed the timer, it was humming away. Then suddenly, I heard a loud but one our family will remember with a smile. But sometimes, something happens to us that alters our everyday explosion. The door flew open and the plate I placed on top of life a little bit. I still remember when I learned to whistle between my the bowl flew out and shattered on the floor, followed by the clear bowl filled with eggs and water. The sight and fingers and my four brothers could not. Suddenly, I was no longer the little sister who always followed them around. sound was startling, to say the least. My husband and I jumped up to see what happened I was now the little sister that they could tell, “Hey, sis, and saw the eggs and broken glass on the floor and whistle loud so they can hear us.” We all have markers in our lives. Maybe it is the day we the baseboards. We were both making poached eggs. He was cooking on the stove, and I prepared mine in met the person we would spend the rest of our lives with, the microwave. As a challenge, I told him I could make the job that finally recognized our potential, or the day we realized we could change our lives from worse to better. mine fluffier in the microwave. The day I could do something my brothers couldn’t “What happened?” he asked. “The video showed putting the egg in a bowl, cover- do was a day I realized I was stronger than I had ever imaging it with a saucer, and microwaving it for two minutes ined. There have been many markers in my life. Just when for a fluffy poached egg,” I told him. “Well, after two I think I can’t, God shows me I can. However, my grandson made the microwave explominutes, the eggs still looked raw, so I added a couple more minutes, put the plate back on the bowl, and sion another historical event in our family. He even found a sign on the internet to commemorate the day started the microwave.” Warning! Do not put a plate over a bowl of water in his Nana blew up the microwave. the microwave. The plate on top of the bowl creates pressure caused by steam when you poach the egg in an airHISTORICAL MARKER tight poacher. And when the pressure has reached its On this exact spot in the afternoon limit…boom! of April 27, 1968, a marital argument “Well, it looks like my poached eggs turned out was won by the husband. better, and I don’t have a mess to clean up,” my husband chuckled. Deana Landers, a retired nurse and health educator, is Christian I have never had a lot of respect for microwaves. All speaker who strives to educate and encourage. She may be contacted the kitchens I’ve had in my life, and I’ve had many, were at dlanders1511@gmail.com or 276-780-7355.

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www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 15

Features to Consider for a Relaxation-Themed Bathroom Remodel O ne of the more popular ways to turn a home into one’s own personal retreat is to upgrade the bathroom. A renovated bathroom can completely transform how individuals feel about their homes. The following are some features to consider when remodeling a bathroom with relaxation in mind. • Open shower: An open shower is a visually stunning addition to any bathroom. Such showers give a bathroom a more open look, thanks in part to the fact that these modern features do not feature a door or require the use of a shower curtain. The result is a clean look that many people associate with a luxury hotel. When speaking with a contractor about an open shower install, homeowners can ask about a half-wall to safeguard against water splashing out of the shower. In addition, a heat lamp can help ensure residents stay warm until they’re ready to leave the bathroom. • Heated features: Additional features to keep everyone calm and warm can be considered when upgrading the bathroom. Radiant flooring can ensure everyone’s toes remain toasty, and the installation of such a feature can eliminate the need for floor mats and bath mats that some homeowners may not like. Commit further to the heat theme with a heated towel rack, which is another feature associated with luxury hotels that can be just as enjoyable at home. • Soaking tub: An open shower creates an instant feeling of luxury, but few things are more suggestive of relaxation than a soaking tub. A long day at school or the office or a day when winter winds are howling outside is made much better with a good a soak. The National Kitchen & Bath Association notes that luxury bathrooms featuring soaking tubs are wildly popular, and

Thinking of Buying or Selling? 100 Coley St. • Kingsport, TN RealtorRobinMiller@gmail.com www.TennHomestead.com 16 | February 2024 | www.voicemagazineforwomen.com

that vaunted status is undoubtedly due to the relaxing benefits of a good soak. • Skylight: Even if the goal of a luxury bathroom is to leave the outside world outside, allowing some natural light inside is a great way to add a little extra calm to the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows may seem appealing in brochures or advertisements, but such features do not create the sense of privacy many people prefer in their bathrooms. One or two skylights can create that sense of privacy and still allow for natural light to enter the room, making this an option that provides the best of both worlds. These features and more can help homeowners transform their bathrooms into luxurious, relaxing respites from the outside world.

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The Magic of Winter By April Hensley

• Sow grass seed right before snow. The snow will act as a mulch to protect the seed. As the snow melts the seed will settle down to the soil surface where it will germinate in the spring. • Dump any buckets out and flip them upside down to dry. This may help keep the mosquito population down. Long bouts of cold weather can help kill off bacteria and mold in the soil, pest bugs, and weeds. • If you are lucky enough to have weeded your flower beds, scatter flower seeds on top of the soil where you want them to grow. Some seeds may be eaten by hungry birds but if you do enough there will be plenty. You may need to cover seedlings if there is a late freeze. • To make seed bombs, mix wildflower seeds with lightly moistened clay. Let dry and toss them on places on your property where you want flowers in the spring.

s it just me or has this season so far been more wintry than usual? I think I have grown accustomed to mild winters where we have temporary short bursts of cold with a few flurries. Our area has more closely resembled how I picture Alaska, with lots of single-digit temps and thick snow. Most of us are not thinking about gardening at all when the weather is harsh. Everything looks dead and dormant when actually, there’s all kinds of activity going on under the frozen ground and snow. Even though we can’t see it, winter is doing a lot of work. Seeds are lying dormant but the cold weather is actually keeping the seed asleep. When the warmer weather arrives, the seed will wake up and come to life. Fruit trees and blackberry vines are patiently waiting to produce blooms. Early-producing plants like strawberries and asparagus are only weeks April Hensley works as an office manager and is an avid gardener, writer, and greenhouse hobbyist. April loves the outdoors and is pasfrom erupting from the soil. sionate about animal welfare and the environment. She can be reached There isn’t much gardening we can do when temperatures at aprils1105@embarqmail.com. are frigid. But there are many ways we can use winter now to help us in the garden later. • New Construction • Many flowers, vegetables, and herbs are self-seeding. • Guttering They don’t come back from the root but they drop • Custom Woodworking • Exterior and Interior Remodeling their seeds in the same vicinity of last year’s plant. The Licensed, Insured and Bonded cold weather stratifies them and when the weather Call Today! warms up, the seed germinates. Marigolds, dill, toma423.968.5344 Licensed, Insured and Bonded toes, and catnip have been big producers for me. • New Construction

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www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 17

“every story needs a book”

OUT NOW! A Collection of Family Stories

BOOK TWO 1939 TO 1951

—ELOUISE H., reader from Ft. Myers, Florida

is the story of a blossoming woman, Mary Ellen Murphy, from Waterloo, Iowa. She finds herself stationed at Hickman Hospital in early December 1941, and she’s halfway through her honeymoon when the Japanese bomb the fleet in the harbor. She is the right person, in the right place, at the right time to significantly contribute to the war effort. As an Army nurse over the balance of World War II, Mary Ellen helps save tens of thousands of soldiers’ lives. Her assistance to Army Chief of Staff John Marshall throughout her journey proves crucial to the war’s outcome. Mary Ellen combines excellent physical presence with incredible talent and remains committed to her values throughout her life. She is constantly being challenged with more opportunities to serve her country and prove to others what women can do when given the chance. Join this red-haired, green-eyed, Irish lass who is as intelligent as she is beautiful on her adventure during World War II and its aftermath.

is an author of both children’s and adult books. He is a nationally syndicated radio and TV talk show host, current events commentator, and philanthropist. Dan and his wife Gerri live in Florida and are the proud parents of four wonderful sons and the grandparents of four delightful grandchildren. Visit him at www.danperkins.guru.

1939 to 1951

Written by Dan Perkins Sad Eyes: 1939 To 1951 is the story of a blossoming woman, Mary Ellen Murphy, from Waterloo, Iowa. She finds herself stationed at Hickman Hospital in early December 1941, and she’s halfway through her honeymoon when the Japanese bomb the fleet in the harbor. She is the right person, in the right place, at the right time to significantly contribute to the war effort. As an Army nurse over the balance of World War II, Mary Ellen helps save tens of thousands of soldiers’ lives. Her assistance to Army Chief of Staff John Marshall throughout her journey proves crucial to the war’s outcome. Join this red-haired, green-eyed, Irish lass who is as intelligent as she is beautiful on her adventure during World War II and its aftermath. Online readers: click here to order.

DAN PERKINS

Written by Donna Snow King SAD EYES: 1939 TO 1951 The roads Donna has traveled throughout her life – some boring and some not so boring – have formed the person she is today. Each road had a side trail that led her to many adventures, resulting in life-changing experiences. Growing up a house mover’s daughter had DAN PERKINS its challenges. The hardest one to overcome was being a female in a male-dominated industry. Donna’s Daddy always said she could do anything she put her mind to, and she believed him. She wears her badge of being a third-generation house mover with great pride. Online readers: click here to order.

Sad Eyes: Book Two

SAD EYES BOOK TWO • 1939 TO 1951

Snow Much Love

BOOK TWO 1939 TO 1951

Sad Eyes: Book One 1912 to 1939

Charlie Norman has been writing stories since his days as editor of his high school newspaper in the late 1960s. That interest lay dormant for years until he was invited to be a regular guest columnist for The Glen Rose Reporter, his local paper. His articles were so well received, readers suggested he compile them (and other stories he’d written) into book form. This book, Remembrances II, is the follow-up to that request. Charlie and wife Carolyn have two adult children and six grandchildren and make their home in the country outside of Glen Rose, Texas.

Written by Charles H. Norman III This book is a collection of 32 true-to-life anecdotal short stories about intriguing people author Charles H. Norman has known, special places he’s traveled, and providential experiences that has come his way. Charlie writes as he talks, so as to connect with the reader quickly and easily. The goal of Remembrances II is to give the reader a respite from the hectic world in which we live … all the while entertaining, inspiring, and challenging readers to count each day as a gift from the One who made us.

Charles H. Norman III

his book is a collection of 32 true-to-life anecdotal short stories about intriguing people author Charles H. Norman has known, special places he's traveled, and providential experiences that has come his way. Charlie writes as he talks, so as to connect with the reader quickly and easily. The goal of Remembrances II is to give the reader a respite from the hectic world in which we live … all the while entertaining, inspiring, and challenging readers to count each day as a gift from the One who made us.

Remembrances II (Coming Soon)

Remembrances II

Written by Dan Perkins Sad Eyes: 1912 to 1939 is the story of a woman, Mary Ellen Murphy, from Waterloo, Iowa, and her contribution to the United States and beyond as an Army nurse in World War II, helping save tens of thousands of soldiers’ lives. Her assistance to military leadership throughout her T of the war. Mary journey proves crucial in the outcome Ellen combines great physical presence, incredible talent, and intelligence and remains committed to her values. She is constantly being challenged with more opportunities to serve her country and prove to others what women can do when given the chance. Join this red-haired and greeneyed Irish lass who is as smart as she is beautiful on her adventure during World War II and its aftermath. Online readers: click here to order. COPYRIGHT © CHARLES H. NORMAN III FRONT COVER AND AUTHOR PHOTO: NOELLE NORMAN OVERTURF JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

airy sure has a lot to say must do each day.

ecides to run away,

ome in time and stay?

The Very Contrary Fairy

Steamy Creek A Cozy Romance Anthology (Coming Soon)

Written by Julia Hurley Steamy Creek A Cozy Romance Anthology Illustrated by Jessica Beaver The very contrary fairy sure has a lot to say about what she must do each day. But when she decides to run away, will she make it home in time andFeaturing stay? Authors: Online readers: click here to order. Stories for the hopeless romantic! Take a dip in Steamy Creek where you’ll find flirtatious characters and tender tales of love. Seven talented authors come together to create an irresistible anthology that will leave you feeling smitten with every page.

Written by Various Authors Stories for the hopeless romantic! Take a dip in Steamy Creek where you’ll find flirtatious characters and tender tales of love. Seven talented authors come together to create an irresistible anthology that will leave you feeling smitten with every page.

“every story needs a book”

A Cozy Romance Anthology

Boundaries.

explained, and easily consumed by kids and adults. ce in my practice as a therapist, and with my own t’s important to set boundaries is a crucial part of ustin has written a book that dismantles the idea embers in our lives, just because we’re related.” LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)

tle girl who wonders why she gets to see her ad’s. In Boundaries., Justin Shepherd skillfully amily dynamics and the importance of setting dren can understand. tough decision—no contact with certain family times, for the sake of our well-being and mental e distance from people who aren’t good for us. f understanding as her parents help her navigate elationships. Through their guidance, she learns espect and healthy boundaries are the keys to t. nd a gentle tone, Boundaries. is a must-read for encourages open conversations about family e importance of safeguarding our emotional

he complexities of family and boundaries with e, understanding, thy limits.

4–8

NEW RELEASES

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.

Written by Justin Shepherd Meet Victoria, a curious little girl who wonders why she gets to see her mom’s family but not her dad’s. In Boundaries., Justin Shepherd skillfully tackles the delicate topic of family dynamics and the importance of setting boundaries in a way that children can understand. With charming illustrations and a gentle tone, Boundaries. is a must-read for children and families alike. It encourages open conversations about family relationships, respect, and the importance of safeguarding our emotional well-being. Online readers: click here to order. The Mitchellgoshes are back.

They are getting ready for their biggest

adventure yet, and yes, our sweet friend the

pink pig is back with new friends of her own. Can’t wait. See ya soon.

18 | February 2024 | www.voicemagazineforwomen.com

Party in the Wishing Well Written by

Retta West

Book 2

Illustrated by

Grayson Campbell

The Mitchellgoshes: Party in the Wishing Well Book 2 (Coming Soon)

Written by Retta West Illustrated by Grayson Campbell The Mitchellgoshes are back. They are getting ready for their biggest adventure yet, and yes, our sweet friend the pink pig is back with new friends of her own. Can’t wait. See ya soon.

Listen to our new podcast! “every story needs a book”

AUTHORS on the ROAD Raven Howell

Author of Seasons

Saturday, February 3, 2024, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Take your Child to the Library Literary Festival Beekman Public Library, 11 Town Center Blvd. Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

Linda Hudson Hoagland

Author of The Lindsay Harris Murder Mystery Series, The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Easter Lilies; Broken Petals; Wild Daisies; Scattered Flowers; Daffodil Dreams; and These Haunted Hills Weather Permitting: Friday, February 2, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Book Signing at Food City Euclid Avenue, Bristol Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Book Signing at Food City Chilhowie, VA Friday, February 9, 10 am – 3 pm Book Signing at Food City Big Stone Gap, VA Friday, February 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Book Signing at Food City Damascus, VA Saturday, February 17, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Book Signing at Food City, Vansant, VA Friday, February 23, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Book Signing at Food City Wise, VA

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

Jan-Carol Publishing, a small book press, brings book publishing tips, changes in the book publishing industry, introduction to authors, books, and working behind the scenes in the book publishing industry. Listen, learn, and enjoy the interviews with different authors.

PROFESSIONAL GHOSTWRITING SERVICE

Turn your idea into a book! Let’s work together to finally get that book on paper, in your voice!

GET A QUOTE! Call:

276.979.9373 Email: lhhoagland@gmail.com

Saturday, February 24, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Book Signing at Food City Claypool Hill, VA

Janie C. Jessee

Publisher of Jan-Carol Publishing and Voice Magazine for Women Tuesday, February 13, 9 a.m. Daytime Tri-Cities WJHL-TV Appearance

Appalachian Authors Guild Meeting Tuesday, March 12, the Appalachian Authors Guild will conduct a General Meeting at Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 852 French Moore Jr Blvd, Abingdon, VA. A program entitled “Meet the AAG Authors” will be presented by members of AAG from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

NOW AVAILABLE! The very contrary fairy sure has a lot to say about what she must do each day. But when she decides to run away, will she make it home in time and stay? www.Jancarolpublishing.com • Amazon • Select Retailers www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 19

Karen G. Bruce

Joy Ruble

Dan Perkins

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

Kathy is a small-town girl in the 1980s who is desperately seeking to escape her dismal life. As she comes of age, she learns that escaping one set of problems only leads to new ones. Her journey to discovering herself takes her down an unlikely path that will keep you laughing and cheering for her along the way.

SAD EYES: 1912 TO 1939 is the story of a woman, Mary Ellen Murphy, from Waterloo, Iowa, and her contribution to the United States and beyond as an Army nurse in World War II, helping save tens of thousands of soldiers’ lives. Join this red-haired and green-eyed Irish lass who is as smart as she is beautiful on her adventure during World War II and its aftermath.

Addy May

Carol Ann Paterson Boyles-Jernigan A vivacious, adventurous Katherine Wingert Casidy, always known as Dottie, finds romance in the jungles of Borneo as a Methodist missionary. As dean of a primary school, she teaches English and other subjects to Malayans and Chinese children, and conducts religious activities with headhunters and other members of the community in the tropical city of Sibu, Sarawak.

Order this book directly from JCP — for a discounted price and FREE shipping in February! Go to the “JCP Book Shop” at www.jancarolpublishing.com.

Evelyn lives in Hawaii and always had the perfect life. There was wave after wave of happy moments and memories. One day, her wonderful life came to a screeching halt. Her sister Madeline started acting strange and having terrible headaches. After several doctor visits, Madeline was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Evelyn’s life shattered. There was no cure coming for her sister; she would have to say goodbye. When the time comes, she has to learn to process her grief in waves, learning to smile at the memory of Madeline instead of holding on to the sadness. Evelyn leans hard into surfing to help her ease the pain, letting every wave help her find the balance of love, loss, grief, and learning to be happy again.

Jan-Carol Publishing Books

Click on the cover to purchase • www.Jancarolpublishing.com • www.Amazon.com • www.Barnesandnoble.com 20 | February 2024 | www.voicemagazineforwomen.com

Books You May Have Missed! Yesterday’s Books and Tomorrow’s Reading

Jennifer Johnson left her southern roots behind after college to start over in New York City. Now just shy of turning twenty-nine, Jennifer is let go from her job as a public relations manager and returns to her hometown of Edmonds, Virginia for the summer. While flying back to her hometown, Jennifer is seated next to an old friend from high school, Aaron Scott. He doesn’t recognize her at first—or so she thinks—as she’s changed since their junior year, in more ways than just her physical appearance. Jennifer must learn to readjust to living life under her parents’ roof with her younger sister while beginning a new summer job in the most surprising of places.

Books You May Have Missed!

Guilt by association plagued Lucy Marvin as she tried to live her life in Boston. She needed a new beginning. After the death of her husband, Lucy moves to a new town in Maine where she unexpectedly meets Cole. Her life becomes intertwined with love, mystery, and murder. Who is the mysterious man who loves her and has been watching her from afar for weeks? Is Cole’s life threatened? Is this mystery man wanting her or wanting to kill her and Cole? Will Cole be able to save Lucy, or will he die trying to protect his love? Written for the young adult to the adult reader. Romance, mystery, and murder.

Marwin Gelstone, a divorced pharmacist with a unique practice, tries to get through the daily grind of pharmacy while simultaneously trying to understand his adolescent children. His life takes a drastic turn when his partner’s wife commits suicide. Madeline Montgomery is a wellknown socialite in the Knoxville community who abruptly ends the life that so many have longed for. The senseless nature of her suicide leads Marwin to search for an answer to the age-old question of why a person takes their own life. As he explores Marwin becomes entrenched in a twisted plot that could cost him everything, including his life.

Recently widowed, Lily Roberts leaves her Appalachian hometown seeking serenity in the Carolina coastal town of Eagle Hills. Instead, she stumbles into a world of intrigue, murder, and passion. Lily’s encounter on the beach with a mysterious stranger arouses an unquenchable thirst. Will she satisfy her desires or fall victim to a secret political agenda? This fiction story is a fascinating tale of romance, murder, and mystery. Surprise twists and turns are woven with passionate love scenes, scandalous secrets, and an ending that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings.

Order these books from our JCP website (Jancarolpublishing.com) for free shipping! Click on the cover to purchase or go to “JCP Book Store” at the top of our homepage!

Jan-Carol Publishing Books

www.Jancarolpublishing.com • www.Amazon.com • www.Barnesandnoble.com

Yesterday’s Books and Tomorrow’s Reading

www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 21

Notable Senior Health Concerns

he World Health Organization says one in six people will be 60 or older by 2030. With such a large portion of the population on the cusp of turning 60, it makes sense for individuals to familiarize themselves with the more notable issues affecting seniors.

Cognitive decline As many as one in five seniors experiences mental health issues that are not associated with aging, and it helps to learn the early warning signs of dementia. Such recognition may compel individuals to seek treatment that can slow the progression of the disease.

Osteoarthritis Aches and pains may come with aging, and often can be attributed to osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears away over time. It is progressive and cannot be reversed, but maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help alleviate pain and improve joint function.

Cataracts and refractive errors It should come as no surprise to most that the eyes change as the body ages. Refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia can make objects look blurry when viewed, says the National Eye Institute. Cataracts, which are a clouding of the eye’s natural lenses, affect about 20 percent of people age 65 and older, according to the American Geriatrics Society, while the National Eye Institute says half of all people over age 80 will get them. Cataract removal surgery and prescription eyeglasses can help.

Type 2 diabetes American Senior Communities reports that it’s estimated 25 percent of adults age 65 and older have type 2 diabetes. Unchecked diabetes can lead to a host of ailments, including vision problems, mobility issues, kidney damage, and increased risk for heart disease or stroke. Many people can manage type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise.

Heart disease The National Institute on Aging says adults age 65 and older are more likely than younger people to suffer from cardiovascular disease that affects the heart, blood vessels or both. Conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol need to be properly managed, and diet and exercise is important throughout life to avoid developing heart disease in later years.

Balance issues Balance issues that can lead to falls are a major concern for seniors. According to HealthinAging.org, many things can adversely affect balance. These include nerve and brain problems, vision troubles, diabetes, arthritis, inner ear problems, and even dehydration. Dizziness or balance problems should be addressed, as there are serious health risks associated with falls.

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Activities to Strengthen the Heart

xercise is an ideal way to strengthen the heart and reduce your risk for heart disease and other conditions. Certain activities are prime for boosting heart health. • Aerobic exercise: Aerobic exercise raises heart rate and gets the blood pumping throughout the body. Aerobic activity improves circulation, and over time it ensures the heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood, thus potentially lowering blood pressure. Also, aerobic exercise can reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes and can help those with diabetes to control blood glucose more readily. Aerobic exercises include brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, playing tennis, and other activities that get the heart pumping. Aim for 30 minutes each day, for at least five days a week. • Resistance/weight training: Building muscle can help the body burn fat and boost metabolism. This type of training can use weights or the body’s own resistance. Improving muscle mass while reducing body fat and excess weight are heart-healthy steps to take. Strength training can be incorporated into a routine two to three days a week. • Balance and flexibility exercises: A person may wonder what flexibility and balance has to do with heart health. While there isn’t a direct correlation to how the heart works, these types of activities will help reduce the risk of falls or injuries to muscles and joints while working out. Inactivity is dangerous for the heart, so ensuring that physical activity can continue is important. Flexibility and balance exercises

keep the body limber, and can be incorporated into daily workouts. Stretching, tai chi, yoga, and pilates can be included two or three times a week. • Healthy eating: The foods people eat can affect heart health. Opt for lean protein sources and foods that include healthy fats. Salmon, avocados and olives are some options. Balance these foods with whole grains that are full of fiber, which can help a person feel fuller longer. Fiber also is essential for preventing atherosclerosis, a condition that causes hardening of the arteries. • Meditation: Slowing down, performing deep-breathing exercises and meditation can reduce stress. That, in turn, can help prevent damage to the heart. Strengthening the heart and maintaining its health involves various activities that can be incorporated into daily routines.

SURPRISING FACTS HEART SIZE

Having a large heart is often equated with being a compassionate person. However, a healthy adult heart is about the size of two hands clasped together. An enlarged heart can be a symptom of an underlying health problem, such as coronary heart disease or high blood pressure.

MONDAY, MONDAY

Research presented at the British Cardiovascular Society Conference found serious heart attacks are more likely to occur on a Monday compared to other days of the week. While it’s not fully known why, it may be linked to circadian rhythm disruptions. Mondays also may cause more stress.

LAUGHING HELPS

Laughter certainly may be the best medicine in many situations. Studies have shown that blood vessels relax when a person is laughing, which sends more blood through the body. Also, relaxed blood vessels mean the heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump the blood. www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 23

Cleanliness in the Aging By Cindy K. Sproles

common issue with our aging parents is cleanliness, especially if we have a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Our parents have lived long lives, and we’re accustomed to them being very conscientious about their personal care. When Dad worked at the plant in town, he might have showered before he left work in the men’s locker room or as soon as he walked in the door of his home. Now, it seems to be a fight to get him to shower at all. What you must understand is that Dad doesn’t desire to be dirty. Things change as we age. It’s unclear why memory care patients lose this desire to take on personal hygiene tasks. There are many contributing factors that aid in the dismissiveness. The aging process in and of itself leads to a breakdown in body chemistry, leading to that “old person smell.” The body is simply slowing down, and its senses are declining. As we age, our senses do slow. Taste, smell, sight, and hearing decline, making seniors lose the ability to realize their lack of hygiene adversely affects their physical well-being. This lack of hygiene can lead to unwanted susceptibilities, especially if our loved ones are in an advanced care facility where illness can spread quickly. It is not always easy to make them aware that their bodies need to be cleaned. Seniors’ senses may diminish, but their pride and self-confidence are not. Be considerate if your loved one has an issue with body odor, bad breath, or soiled clothing. Discuss this gently with them in private, taking care not to embarrass them. It’s enough to be a senior and begin to lose your abilities, but it hurts to start to lose your independence as well. Be gentle. Begin with baby steps. Suggest hand-washing, even soaking feet. Then, slowly suggest a good wipe-down using a warm, damp cloth. Purchase baby wipes for a quick onceover. They are soft and have a sweet smell. However, this

24 | February 2024 | www.voicemagazineforwomen.com

is a short-term fix. If bad breath is the issue, suggest a trip to the dentist. The dentist can often say things, and a senior will listen, but they are brushed aside when the words come from a family member. Sometimes, offering a child-sized toothbrush helps with feeble hands and tender gums. Even sponge-tipped swabs will help, but they are not permanent fixes. If changing clothing is a problem, remove dirty clothes from sight at night when your loved one goes to bed and replace them with clean clothing for the next day. Dementia affects seniors’ ability to maintain personal hygiene. The brain simply forgets this is necessary. Depression affects a senior’s ability to function at full capacity, making personal care a low priority. There is no easy way to handle personal care 100%. Search for ways around the issue. Going head-on into a situation of cleanliness will only lead to more frustration. If you are having increasingly more problems, schedule an appointment with your loved one’s family physician. Many times, a doctor can help with additional suggestions and even by talking to your loved one. A gentle authority figure can carry a lot of weight. The bottom line is we only have so much control over our loved ones unless they are bedridden. Work in small steps, make kind and soft suggestions and be mindful of your loved ones’ feelings. You’ll find the best workaround that fits the needs of your aging parent.

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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.

CBD vs THC

Getting to the root of cannabis Opinions on cannabis, hemp, and associated products have evolved in recent years. As of October 2023, 30 states had made marijuana fully legal, and many others have mixed laws that allow for medicinal usage. Only four states continue to classify marijuana as completely illegal. As more research has been conducted on marijuana and closely related hemp, views have changed about the usage of cannabis products, spurring sweeping changes in public policy.

Defining cannabis There are many terms associated with cannabis. Hemp and marijuana are understood to be varieties of the same species: Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica, according to Britannica. While the plants resemble each other, they differ in significant ways. One defining difference between hemp and marijuana is the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, found in the plant. THC is the type of cannabinoid that produces a “high” feeling. Hemp has 0.3 percent or less THC in it. By comparison, marijuana plants can contain 25 percent or more THC.

THC is a cannabinoid. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says cannabinoids are substances that join to the cannabinoid receptors of the body. The cannabis plant produces between 80 and 100 cannabinoids and about 300 non-cannabinoid chemicals. The two main cannabinoids are THC and CBD (cannabidiol). The ADF says THC produces strong psychoactive effects, whereas CBD is thought to have anti-psychoactive effects that control or moderate the high caused by THC. CBD also may modulate anxiety caused by THC. Michigan State University says clinical research indicates CBD is effective at treating epilepsy, while anecdotal evidence suggests it can help with pain and even anxiety. Similarly, marijuana has demonstrated therapeutic benefits for those with epilepsy, glaucoma, and even multiple sclerosis.

Available for purchase CBD products aren’t as regulated or as restricted as products containing THC. Marijuana, on the other hand, is more carefully controlled in areas where it is legal for use. It is likely one will have to visit a licensed marijuana dispensary to purchase cannabis legally, and consumers may have to be a certain age. Dispensaries also may be restricted in regard to how much product they can sell in one transaction. Legally allowable product categories can include dried flower, concentrated oils, resin, vape formulas, tinctures, topicals, syringes, lozenges, and soft chews, but will vary by dispensary. Shoppers should keep in mind it also may be illegal to transport cannabis across state lines in the United States, and it is illegal to drive while under the influence of cannabis. The climate surrounding cannabis products is rapidly changing. From legalization to decriminalization, laws are as varied as the products containing CBD and THC.

www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 25

Recipe 911

By Pam Blair

ave you ever tried a new recipe, only to have it fail miserably? Even the best chefs and food bloggers make dishes that sometimes just don’t work. I love to try new recipes, but I’m so disappointed when it doesn’t taste good or look as appealing as pictured. Sometimes a recipe does not mention when to include an important ingredient, or the temperature or cooking time doesn’t work. Because I am “once burned, twice shy,” I try to read many of the reviews for each recipe. The reviews are helpful because other home cooks like me give their suggestions for improvement, plus additions or substitutions that worked for them. A case in point is a recipe I found for sweet and sour meatballs. The recipe calls for frying the meatballs, but a couple of reviewers said they baked them at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, so I did too. There is less grease, and they get a little browned, which is what pan-frying would do, so that is a plus. Other reviews advised not using flour to thicken the sauce and substituting cornstarch, which is not as pasty as flour and makes the sauce glossier. Some folks sautéed the onions lightly before adding them to the ground beef and rolling them into meatballs, while others substituted pineapple juice for most of the water in the recipe. When making adjustments that work, be sure to note what you did for the next time. The recipe shown here includes my notations. It takes a little more time to explore the reviews for each recipe, but the results can be so worth it. I am delighted to say the version of the sweet and sour meatballs I made is one that I will make repeatedly. When topped with steamed rice and maybe some roasted broccoli or other green veggie, we have a meal that is delicious and simple to make. The meatballs can also be served as an appetizer which is bound to be a crowd pleaser!

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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.

26 | February 2024 | www.voicemagazineforwomen.com

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

1 pound ground beef 1 small onion, finely chopped (sauté in a little olive oil until softened, then cool before adding to the meat) 1 egg ¼ cup dry bread crumbs (use seasoned breadcrumbs) 1 ½ cups water (use pineapple juice from a 20 oz. can of pineapple chunks and water to make 1 ½ cups) 1 cup packed brown sugar (½ cup brown sugar is plenty!) ¼ cup distilled white vinegar (can use rice wine vinegar) 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch instead)

1. 2. 3.

5. 6. 7.

Mix beef, onion, egg, and breadcrumbs together in a medium bowl until well combined. Shape mixture into balls, about 1 ½-inches in size. (Makes about 18) Cook meatballs in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes; set aside. Stir water, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch together in a large saucepan until well combined. Add canned pineapple chunks if desired. Add meatballs and bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, for 30 minutes. Serve over rice. Serves 4. Can also be served as an appetizer.

Blackberry Crunch Muffins

Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease or line a 12-hole muffin tin. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and sugars. Add the oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk, and stir to combine. In a small bowl, toss the blackberries with 1 tablespoon flour, then add the berries and zest to the batter and lightly fold them in. Place the crunch topping ingredients in a bowl and mix with a fork until large crumbles form. Divide the batter evenly into the muffin tin, and sprinkle tops with crunch mixture. Bake for 22 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack. Place the glaze ingredients in a bowl and whisk until combined. Drizzle over cooled muffins.

Source: Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist by Chef Jason Smith.

Cherry Pie Bars Serves 12 2 1⁄4 cups self-rising flour 1 cup white sugar 1⁄4 cup brown sugar 1⁄2 cup canola oil 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 3⁄4 cup full-fat buttermilk 1 1⁄2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries Zest of 1 lime Crunch topping: 1⁄2 cup white sugar 1⁄4 cup brown sugar, packed 1⁄2 cup self-rising flour 1⁄2 cup quick-cook oats 1⁄4 cup sweetened shredded coconut 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts 5 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger Glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla Juice of 1 lime

Source: Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy by Danielle Kartes

Easy Fruit Tart With Pecan Cookie Crust

Serves 8-10

3 1/2 cups vanilla wafer cookies (about 55) 1 cup pecans 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, cooled slightly 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 2/3 cup homemade or store-bought lemon curd Berries, mango, and other fresh fruit (for serving) 1.

2. 3. Yield: One 9-by-13-inch pan 2 cups sugar 1 cup butter, softened 4 eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1 21-ounce can cherry pie filling 1. 2.

4. 5.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 9-by-13inch pan with parchment paper. In a stand mixer, or with a hand mixer, cream sugar and butter on low. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat until just

combined. Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Spread a little over half the cake batter into the pan. Evenly spread the pie filling over the top, and spoon the rest of the cake batter over the pie filling. It’s fine if the cherries show through. Bake 35 minutes or until the top has turned slightly golden. Do not overbake. Allow to cool and slice into squares. Enjoy!

Preheat oven to 350°F. Pulse cookies, pecans, sugar, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a food processor until finely ground. Add butter and pulse until dough sticks together when squeezed with your fingertips. Transfer dough to pan and press into bottom and up sides of pan. Chill until set, about 15 minutes. Transfer pan to a rimmed baking sheet and bake shell until golden, 1820 minutes. Let cool. Using an electric mixer on high speed, whip cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Fold in lemon curd and remaining 1/4 tsp. salt, then whip on medium-high speed until medium peaks form. Spoon lemon curd mixture into tart shell and top with fruit. Chill 15 minutes to set, then serve. Tart shell can be baked 3 days ahead. Let cool, tightly wrap with plastic, and store at room temperature.

Source: www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/ easy-fruit-tart-with-pecan-cookie-crust

www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 27

YWCA Annual Prom Dress Sale

ne of the most special events in the life of a teenage girl is prom night. While the evening’s glitz and glamour are a big part of what makes it memorable, the cost of formalwear is a financial impossibility for many families. YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia is making sure every girl in our region has access to affordable formalwear for an unforgettable evening. The YWCA Prom Dress Sale will be held in the gymnasium at the YWCA at 106 State Street, Bristol, TN. On Friday, March 8, the sale will be open from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday, March 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The YWCA Prom Dress Sale features hundreds of likenew prom dresses donated by the surrounding community. The sale offers all dresses for only $25 each and over the years has affordably outfitted thousands of girls for their special night. Scholarships are available for girls in need of a deeper discount. Proceeds from the sale benefit YWCA programming.

Veterinarians and rescue organizations repeatedly stress the significance of having pets spayed or neutered. This process, which is a relatively minor procedure with an excellent recovery rate, renders the animals sterile so that they cannot reproduce. Many animal shelters will not even allow people to adopt pets before

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YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, assist families, and strengthen our community. With a goal of supporting family resiliency in our region, as well as fostering confident, successful, and healthy girls and women, YWCA is part of an international movement serving over 2 million in the United States and 25 million worldwide. For more information about the Prom Dress Sale, the YWCA Junior Board, or YWCA programming, please contact Karissa Skeens at YWCA NETN and SWVA at Kskeens@ywcatnva.org.

the dogs and cats have undergone the spay or neuter surgery. Prospective pet owners may wonder just why spaying and neutering is so important. Here are a few reasons. • Increased longevity: A study that focused on Banfield Pet Hospitals’ database of 2.2 million dogs and 460,000 cats found that, compared to animals which were not neutered or spayed, neutered male dogs lived 18 percent longer and spayed female dogs lived 23 percent longer, while spayed female cats in the study lived 39 percent longer and neutered male cats lived 62 percent longer. • Curbs unwanted behaviors: Unaltered dogs and cats may roam to find mates, meow or bark, mark territory, and engage in other unwanted behaviors. • Prevents litters: Undesired litters of puppies or kittens leads to overpopulation that can result in these animals being placed in shelters or humanely euthanized. • May prevent cancers: Spaying or neutering can reduce the risk for certain cancers in animals, such as reproductive system cancer or pyometra. Undergoing the spaying and neutering process increases the likelihood that pets can live longer lives, and also helps reduce medical treatment costs. There are several reasons to neuter and spay pets. Furthermore, it may be possible to find a low- or no-cost spay and neuter clinic to handle the procedure.

www.voicemagazineforwomen.com | February 2024 | 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.

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30 | February 2024 | www.voicemagazineforwomen.com

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CHINA BEFORE COMMUNISM

“An extraordinary experience... Exquisitely beautiful!” —Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-winning actress

When was the last time something was so beautiful, it changed your life?

Shen Yun performance is at once exciting, moving, and inspiring— like nothing you’ve ever seen. Shen Yun’s works are steeped in a classical aesthetic and timeless virtues. Its art transcends the trends and tastes of our day. Shen Yun is your ticket to the world of classical Chinese culture that you don’t know. Discover a new realm of divinely inspired beauty and artistic mastery.

Feb 6-7 ETSU Martin Center for the Arts 877.663.7469 ShenYun.com Presented by: Tennessee Falun Dafa Association