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voicemagazineforwomen.com | April 2015 | 3

Yes! It is Spring Time! The flowers are beginning to blossom and it a pleasant reminder that old man winter is on his way out! It is encouraging to see the buds

on the trees ready to burst open! The warmer temperatures are near and there is a change in the air with the change of the season!

Change occurs . . . sometimes expected, sometimes not. The old adages, ‘the only constant is change,’ and ‘in everything lost, something is gained,’ are quotes to live by each day. This brings me to the change and cancellation of our Wine & Word Expo event.

Unfortunately, JCP made the decision not to go forward when it was learned that the state of Virginia really does not promote, or support wineries selling their products off premises, with a requirement of a remote selling fee. As a result, the remote selling fee was cost prohibitive for smaller vineyards to participate. JCP had envisioned the event to promote local authors, local wineries and support the Bristol Public Library’s Adult Learning Lab, and make it a fun community annual event. It would be good for the local economy, boost recog-nition of our local wineries and show support to the Bristol Public Library’s Adult Learning Lab. JCP was proud to partner with them on this event. JCP was greatly disappointed in making this decision. But with something lost, something is gained, and JCP will partner with them in the future on other events.

The support of the event was impressive, and we thank all of you showing your support and wanting to par-ticipate. So, JCP is redirecting. We are asking local wineries to consider having an afternoon event, or weekend event with wine tastings and authors participating. JCP will be contacting local wineries in the near future offer-ing opportunities for free publicity and requesting feedback. JCP will continue to host events showing support to our local authors, wineries and the Bristol Public Library. Stay tuned! Change is in the air!

Join Voice Magazine for Women at the annual event, the YW Tribute to Women, which will be on the evening of April 23 honoring well-deserving recipients. This fundraiser is not only the opportunity to donate to the YW but also an opportunity to show support to the well-deserving women in the area who are making a positive difference. Hope to see you there!

Thought of the month: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” – Mary Anne Radmacher

Verse of the month: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4–7 NKJV

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Your Guide to Denim

Flea Market Savvy Shoppingby Tresa Erickson

Consignment Shoppingby Craig W. Armstrong

The Cure for White Wallsby Tresa Erickson

YWCA Tribute to Women

Jan-Carol Publishing, IncNew Book Releases and Book Signings

PUBLISHER Jan-Carol Publishing, IncPO Box 701, Johnson City, TN 37605EDITORJanie C Jessee, [email protected] Phone/Fax: [email protected] CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ADVERTISING SALESJamie Bailey - Account [email protected] GRAPHICS/PRODUCTIONTara Sizemore - Senior Graphics [email protected] Robinson Smith - JCP Director of [email protected] Robbins - JCP Office [email protected] Corder - DistributionKasey Jones - JCP InternPUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 12, Issue 4)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. © 2015Editorial Mission: Voice Magazine for Women wants to provide a useful and complete reliable source of information for women and their families. We seek to celebrate women’s successes, and support their growth by defining and recognizing their needs and providing a concentration of resources for them. We want to be that “link” to all women.

April HensleyJan HowerySheila Reed

Fran WallKelly McFaddenTresa Erickson

Craig W. ArmstrongRonda Addy

TRIBUTE

TO WOMEN

EducationBeth Page,

Ed.D.

Tammie Davis

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McIntosh, Ph.D.

ArtsJoy McGinnis

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V�unteerClarinda Jeanes

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BusinessCari Parker

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The YWCA Tribute to Women recipi-ents are featured on this month’s cover. The annual Tribute to Women awards program recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals throughout East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

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Matthew Fox

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:Sara Gschwind

Bristol, TN as the winner in

the March Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

April Hot Hunk Hunt!The March “Hot Hunk” was Michael Keaton on page 15.

Name:Address:City:State: Zip Code:Phone Number:Email:

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

or e-mail: [email protected] for submission is April 15, 2015.

PLEASE, ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLDAs 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.

Bristol Christian Women’s ClubThe Euclid Center at Food City •1320 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA

Second Wednesday of each month, 11:30 am, $15 each Open to all Women • Special Speakers, Entertainment and Luncheon

For reservations call Nancy Young (423) 968-7976. Bristol Christian Women’s Club is affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries

701 North State of Franklin, Suite 7 • Johnson City, TN • 423-444-9214Monday–Saturday 10 am–6 pm • Sunday Closed

Cak� In A Cup

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Find Your Voice! “Hills Are Alive”

Harmonizes in 4 parts Tuesdays at 7:00 pmon the lower level of the Bristol Mall.

This small, award-winning, all-ladies chorus is a proud chapter of Sweet Adelines International. Come join us for fun and fellowship.

For information: 276-628-8692 or www.hillsarealive.org

The Gift of GraceBy Leslie Snyder

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV)

One Easter Sunday, a local pastor used the following illustration to demonstrate the free gift of God’s grace. He called a bright-eyed, eager three-year-old girl,

with deep dimples and tight, curly hair to the platform. He then announced that she would receive the first egg of the annual Easter egg hunt. The audience cheered as anticipation grew for the egg hunt.

The pastor then asked the girl what she did to deserve the first egg of the hunt. She began to chatter into the microphone about all kinds of things as a smile grew on the pastor’s face. Then, the pastor explained to her that she did nothing to receive this egg. It was a gift. He proceeded to give her a new Easter basket full of candy and toys. Once more, the crowd cheered with excitement. The pastor asked the eager little girl what she had done to receive the Easter basket and again she began to chatter into the microphone. The crowd was beginning to pick up on the message.

Again, the Pastor told the girl that she did nothing to receive the Easter basket. As if that were not enough, the pastor looked at a brand-new bicycle that was to be given away to one fortunate boy or girl and told her there was one more gift he had for her. As another volunteer brought the shiny new bicycle to her, the audience went wild. The pastor informed the little girl that this bicycle was hers. The audi-ence cheered with delight as the little girl’s face shone with unmistakable joy. For the third time, the pastor questioned the girl about what she had done do to receive this brand-new, shiny bicycle. Before she could begin chattering gleefully into the microphone, the pastor whispered into her ear. She looked at him and then, into the microphone, she timidly said the word “nothing.” Everyone cheered and the egg hunt began.

Grace…God’s unmerited favor toward us. It is a free gift, unearned, undeserved and waiting to be received. The apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the church in Ephesus that salvation is a gift of God. We cannot earn it, work toward it and we certainly do not deserve it. It is simply a gift. And, as with any gift, we must choose to receive it. It sounds too easy and I suppose it is. That is part of the mystery of grace.

Today, ask yourself, “Have I accepted the gift of God’s grace, or am I working to receive his love and acceptance?” Just like a package that is beautifully wrapped with your name on it, grace is extended to you today — not because you deserve it, but because God loves you. Will you accept the gift?


open 11–6 mon–sun129A east main street

abingdon va 276-628-2700

...a really sweet boutique...

CP ShadesOzone socks

Cut LooseColor Me Cotton

Uncle Frank and Ivy JaneMiracle Body jeans and tops

OTBT shoesTokyo Milk fragrances

and other goodies!

Casual & Formal Wear

528 E. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN423.542.3080Cathy Shoun, Owner

Seamstress on siteHours: Tues–Fri: 11–5 • Sat: 11–4

103 E Main St. | Jonesborough

Across from Courthouse | 423-753-0233

New Lines f� SpringShop Marj on Main

for all your new spring colors!

Mon–Sat: 11–5:30

Your Guide To DenimIt’s hard to imagine your life without denim, we wear it so much

without even realizing it; from denim jackets and skirts, to the old faithful jeans. Jeans have been worn for over 100 years and we can’t foresee the day when they go out of fashion.

Jeans come in different styles and colors as we see from the 70s influence in the flared leg jeans, as well as in the faded, light blue color jeans hitting the runways this season. Blue jeans have and always will be a classic wear and today we have so many different shades of blue denim and every other color of the rainbow. Here’s a guide to the different colors of denim. Stonewash The classic light blue color that we all know and love, perfect for a casual look and can be worn with everything; from jeans, to denim jackets and so much more. Bleached denim A very light shade of blue that has a bleached effect look and is a recent fashion trend; often lightly shaded down the center of the jeans. Acid wash A throwback from the 80s that is certainly making a comeback; acid wash denim has an extremely bleached look, to the extent that they almost look white. Distressed Denim just gets better with age and that is why distressed jeans have become so popular; the odd rip and scuff adds lots of character and is especially popular with today’s fashions. Vintage A faded shade of blue denim that is muted to give a hint of aging and distress. It has recently become popular with the rise of retro and boho trends. Indigo A heavily dyed denim with a deep blue color, that gives a much smarter appearance than other styles; which makes them ideal for smarter and more formal occasions. Color With everything 70s back in fashion, color jeans have also made a comeback. You will find many choices of intensely dyed denim, in bold colors like red and blue. White denim Recently, white denim has become the choice of denim for feminine girls in the summer. White denim makes for lovely looking skinny jeans, or as a white denim jacket with floral print. Black denim Previously, seen as the denim color for rocker chicks, or biker babes, black denim has recently become mainstream and is now in favor and can be dressed up with heels for a night out. Embellished From studding and jewels to glitter and sequins, denim has seen the recent craze of embellishments, to turn casual clothing into glamorous pieces. Source: www.simplybe.co.uk

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You love to dabble in interior design and spend hours on the weekend paging through magazines and watching television shows on the subject. One facet you have discovered from your research is the design of a room does not always require new things. In fact, the best

rooms contain a mix of old and new things, and some of the best places to find old things are thrift stores, antique stores, garage sales and flea markets. If you are in the midst of redoing a room in your home and could use some old items for it, don’t overlook flea markets. You may find exactly what you need at a fair price.

Before you attend a flea market or thrift store, make a list of the items you would like to find and research more valuable items thoroughly. If you are looking for a specific type of pottery, for example, find a book on it, or check it out online. Learn the characteristics and value of the item to ensure you

get the real deal for a fair price later at the flea market.Arrive early armed with the right supplies. Wear comfortable

clothes and shoes, and carry a sturdy tote, or cart, for large items. Bring a pad and pencil with the dimensions of the room and a tape measure to ensure any large items you find will fit into the room. Set up a budget and bring enough cash for the purchases you hope to make. Don’t depend upon credit cards and checks.

ANTIQUE & HOME DÉCOR

MALLS

VILLAGE

WEST JOHNSON CITY2808 W. Market St. | Johnson City, TN

Located in the former TN Pottery/Sportsman’s Liquidation Building

2 doors beyond the Yamaha Motorcycle Shop

423.328.3301

BRISTOL2584 W. State St. | Bristol, TN

423.573.1217

NORTH JOHNSON CITY112 Sunset Drive | Johnson City, TN

423.979.6379Located in the old Hill’s Dept. Store in

Kroger Shopping Center directly behind Red Pig BBQ

BRISTOL1375 Volunteer Pkwy. | Bristol, TN

423.797.4412Across from Lowe’s

Mon–Sat 10am–6pm/Sun 1pm–6pm

Mon–Sat 10am–6pm/Sun 1pm–6pm

FLEA MARKET MALL

BARGAIN HUNTERS

Mostly Vintage

Whether you like fun and funky, cool and collectible, or old and elegant,

Mostly Vintage has something to tickle your fancy!

Located inside Grand Antiques

in Historic Downtown Bristol at 615 State Street

• Retro items from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s • Collectibles from

Barbie to NASCAR• Antiques from glassware

to home furnishings

FLEA MARKET SAVVY SHOPPING

By Tresa Erickson


Most vendors will not accept anything but cash. However, if you happen to find a really expensive item, you may want to go ahead and ask the vendor if they will take a check, rather than spend all of your cash.

Start your shopping at the farthest spot from the entrance of the flea market where there will be fewer people. Look through the contents of every booth carefully, even if it means you have to get on your knees and dig through boxes. Some vendors will be more organized than others, and if you skip those who don’t have everything laid out nicely, you may miss out on a great deal. Should you buy a large item that you will have to pick up later, write down the location of the vendor, so you can easily return to the booth later.

Pay attention to the color and character of items, and pass on anything that will not fit into your design scheme. You don’t want to blow your budget on items that will not be going into the room. Inspect items that interest you carefully. If looking at furniture, for example, make sure it is well constructed. You don’t want to get it home and have to make major repairs to it. However, do keep in mind that you may be able to repair minor flaws like scratches or stains. Depending upon what the item is, you may even want it to have imperfections. The more distressed a piece of furniture, the better that some people like it.

When dealing with vendors, be courteous. They will be more apt to listen to you if you treat them with respect. Speak up if you have questions or concerns about an item, and don’t be afraid to haggle. If you know that a similar item is selling for a lower price at another booth, explain it to the vendor and ask them to come down in price. If buying several items for the vendor, ask for a package deal. In some cases, the vendor may accept your offer; in others, they may reject it. Whatever the situation, stay positive and walk away from items that are priced too high. Chances are you will find what you want at another booth for a better price.

Shopping at a flea market for items to enhance the décor of a room can be fun, as long as you keep things in perspec-tive. Don’t buy more items than you need and do your best to stick to your budget. More importantly, when you see something you want at the right price, buy it. Don’t hem and haw. Chances are someone else will snap it up before you make a decision, and it may take you a long time to find another!

Serving the AntiquesCommunity Over 50 Years

147 BROAD ST. • 154 COMMERCE ST.KINGSPORT, TN

423-230-1090Mon–Sat 10:00–5:30 • Sun 1:00–5:30

We Conduct Downsizing, Moving & Estate Sales

WE BUY ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

NEW couture wedding dresses

75% off retail value

Saturdays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Located inside YWCA Bristol ywcabristol.org | 423.968.9444

Private appointments available for a donation of $50

New • Affordable • Couture

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1001 N. Eastman Rd. Kingsport,TN423-246-HOME (4663) • Layaway Available

Mon–Fri 10am–6pm & Sat 10am–5pm

Décor Exchange“Nearly New”

Consignment Home Furnishings

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OUR 11,000 SQ. FT.

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Discover Affordable Treasures at Consignment Shops

By Craig W. Armstrong

In today’s economy, saving money is on almost everyone’s mind. Many retailers must offer great deals just to maintain sales in this competitive market. However, there are stores that has been saving people money for years:

consignment and thrift stores.Shopping at used stores is not like shopping at other stores. First, you will rarely find more than one of any-

thing. It’s rare that they will stock several of the same item. You will have a treasure hunt on your hands, and this is key to getting the most out of your shopping.

Whether you are shopping for collectibles or furniture, frequency is important. The inventory at these stores changes daily, if not hourly. To find the best deals, you will need to frequent them several times a week. After you spend some time at the stores, you might be able to establish a pattern as to when you can find the best stuff.

While you are at it, look for sale days. Some stores will hold sales, marking down prices even further. Unlike big box stores, thrift and consignment stores don’t have a mechanism to return unsold merchandise. Therefore, they must reduce prices in order to move out merchandise. Take advantage of this. In some cases, you may be able to get 50% off an item that was already marked at a great price.

Thrift and consignment store shopping can be a fulfilling adventure if you know how to do it right. Take some time, dig deep and discover how great shopping can be.

Allen Carpet & Interiors

Hardwood Floors • Carpet • Tile

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2908 East Oakland Avenue Johnson City, TN

(423) 282-1350 | allencarpet.netShabby Chic by Joyce

Family-Owned for 38 yearsBest Prices and

Service in Tri-Cities!

We offer FREE in-home estimates


Ladies Consignment Boutique

1715 Edgemont Ave.Bristol, TN

423-968-1055Mon.–Fri. 11–5, Sat. 11–4

793 West Main St. Abingdon, VA

276-525-1564Mon.–Fri. 11–5, Sat. 11–4

Quality Designer Clothing

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Two Stores for your Convenience!

Find both stores on

Casual Wear •Career WearFormal Wear • Plus Size

Get brand-name women’s apparel at everday discount prices

OUR ATTIC CONSIGNMENT

4451 N. Roan St. Suite 201Johnson City, TN

423.915.1052ouratticconsignment.com

Come Shop With Us! We have clothing for men, women, and children.

We also have home décor, kitchen items, and electronics.

Here are some tips for consignment shopping for kid’s clothing

Volunteer. Once you decide which sales to shop, consider volunteer-ing to work the sale. Almost all consignment sales offer special early shopping hours for volunteers. Several work shifts are available before and during the sale and can be lots of fun to work. The earlier you get to shop, the better stuff you get to choose from!

Set a budget. And stick to it.Know what type of payment each sale accepts. Find out beforehand if a sale accepts cash or checks only, or also accepts credit cards and come prepared.

Know your clothing brands and their retail prices. Keep your eye out for labels like Baby Gap, Gymboree, Children’s Place and other designer labels. It’s also really helpful to know how certain brands fit—i.e. some brands tend to run smaller than others, especially cheaper brands, and some brands shrink more than others after washing; so keep that in mind when buying used clothing.

Inspect your items before you buy. At the sale, take time to sort through your items and meticulously inspect them for any stains, holes, rips, excessive pilling, fading, or other flaws. Remember all sales are final!

Consider waiting to shop on half-price day. Most sales offer half-price days on the last day of the sale. If you aren’t looking for big ticket items, or anything special, then these are the days to shop as you can get many items for as low as 50 cents to $1 per item.Happy shopping!

Your NEXT PurchasEEiThEr sTorE locaTioN**Expires May 31, 2015 Limit One Coupon Per Customer.

218 North Broadway, Jc(423)929-1474

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2 Locations Same Bargain

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100% of all store sales go to house the homeless and feed the poor in our

area at the Haven of Mercy Ministries Homeless Shelter

123 W. Millard St. Johnson City, TN(423) 929-0616

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ThriFT sTorEs

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NESTINTERIORS & GIFTS

We’ve Moved!805 Sunset Drive, Suite 3

Johnson City,TN 423.979.6378

101 Fox Street Jonesborough, TN

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Johnson City,TN423.979.6378

221 East Main Street | Abingdon, VA

276.356.1674

www.shadybusiness.net

221 East Main Street | Abingdon, VA

276.356.1674

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• Quality Lampshades• Fun & Elegant Finials• Original Design Lamps• Old & New Chandeliers• Repairs & Rewiring• Lamp Creation• Decorative Accessories

The Cure for White Walls

By Tresa Erickson

After months of searching, you and your roommates have finally found a house to rent. Nestled in a quiet

neighborhood, the house’s interior has been updated with fresh paint. The color of choice, of course, is white, and much to your chagrin, the owner will not allow you to repaint. White it is, but not to worry. You can add in pops of color to really jazz up the place.

One of the first things that might come to mind is buying a load of colorful furniture. Beware of this, though. Whatever pieces you invest in now will most certainly go with you to your next place, where you might be able to paint the walls. Opt for nice neutral pieces instead, that will work with any décor in the coming years.

You’ve got white walls and neutral furniture, so where does color come in? One of the easiest, most inexpensive ways is through your selection of fabric and textiles. Like the color red? Toss some red pillows onto your caramel suede sofa and a red throw on your chocolate recliner. Add a bright red rug underfoot, and voila, you’ve got instant color. Got some chairs that have seen better days? Sew a slipcover for them, or better yet, reupholster them with colorful fabric. Need more artwork? Drape a canvas with a favorite fabric, tack it in place and presto, you have instant color on your walls.

Another way to punch up your space is to use colorful accessories. Cut some flowers from your garden and put them into a colorful vase on your coffee table, or clip some branches and stack them in the umbrella stand

by your front door. To stay on budget, look for colorful acces-sories at flea markets and discount stores. Spray-paint anything you don’t like and purchase artwork from budding artists, or frame colorful wallpaper scraps. For even more color, paint all of your plain artwork frames.

Don’t overlook lighting in your quest for color. Polish tarnished brass fixtures. Change out white lampshades for more colorful ones. Replace old fan globes with bright, stylish models. Add some brightly colored pull chains to plain metal lamps.

By limiting color to your fabrics, textiles, accessories and lighting, you can change your color palette fairly easily and inexpensively whenever you want. Tired of red? Switch to a cool shade of blue or yellow in your fabrics, textiles, accessories and lighting components. (Images from www.onekindesign.com)


Successful Spring CleaningBy Craig W. Armstrong

F or many people, spring is like a rebirth. Winter is over and everything

starts anew. So, what better time to do all of that important spring cleaning? Many people say they are going to do it, but few actually pull it off. Maybe it’s a lack of planning. Here are few tips that might just make your spring cleaning successful.

First, make a plan and set some goals. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day and suc-cessful spring cleaning can’t be done all at once. The key is to do one room, or area, at a time. A sense of accomplishment is important. If you start in one area and move to another, you will leave unfinished work and won’t get a sense of accomplishment. It’s kind of like trying to lose weight. When you don’t feel like you are accomplishing anything, you tend to give up. Take it one step at a time and boost your confidence as you go.

You have strategically laid out your plan and given yourself enough time to accomplish it. But, there is still the matter of supplies. Get out a pen and paper and make a list. Remember, you’ll be doing all kinds of cleaning, so you’ll need different cleaning products. While you’re making a shopping list, why not pick up some storage totes? You will not only be cleaning, but also organizing; which is the next thing to consider.

Organize before you clean. You are tackling a big project, so why not do it right? Spring cleaning is not just about cleaning. It’s also about organizing

and making a fresh start. This is a great time to clean out the clutter. Go through your stuff. Decide what you want to keep, what needs to be stored, and what needs to be donated, or trashed. If you have things you don’t want or need anymore, charitable organizations can use them. But remember, the organizations don’t want your trash. If something is in bad shape, throw it away. It’s important not to be a packrat and to be as clutter free as possible. It will make cleaning much easier.

You’ve got your cleaning supplies, you’ve decluttered your space, and now it’s time to begin. Clean from the top down and let gravity help. It doesn’t make sense to sweep before you dust because that dust has to go some-where and that somewhere is down. Gravity is your friend. Clean every crack and crevice. This isn’t a quick clean. This is spring cleaning. Clean it well now so you don’t have to do it again later. Spend enough time on each room. Again, all your cleaning doesn’t have to be

done in one day.Clean everything. That means rugs, windows, drapes, bedding, and so

on. Is your garage part of your home? Then it should be cleaned too, or at least decluttered. Does your refrigerator need to be cleaned and those olives that expired last year thrown away? That’s part of the job, too.

Remember, you will get out of spring cleaning what you put into it. To do it right takes time and hard work. But when it’s done, your home will be cleaner, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the beautiful spring weather.

• home décor—everyday & seasonal• great gifts for all occasions

• free decorating classes most thursdays at 11:30 am

We Have Moved!Come see our new location!

1902 Knob Creek RoadJohnson City, TN | (423) 262-0266

FREE Decorating Class on "Outdoor Spaces" Thursday, April 23rd and Saturday,

April 25th at 11:30. Call or visit www.graciousdesignshome.com

for full schedule of free decorating classes

“Garden Party” Thursday, April 30th • 12:00–7:30,

All-Day Friday, May 1st, and Saturday, May 2nd Specials, Refreshments, and a Cookbook Signing!

276-690-0066 - Gate City276-628-6255 - Abingdon

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T welve women who actively better the quality of life for thousands of area residents are being honored by YWCA Bristol.

The annual Tribute to Women awards program recognizes the outstanding achievements of indi-viduals throughout East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Nominated by area organizations and chosen by an independent panel of judges, the 12 award recipients exemplify those working to enrich the region’s arts, education, business and community service efforts.

“It’s such a privilege to highlight the accomplishments and ongoing contributions that so many women make in our region,” said Jayne Duehring, chair of the 2015 Tribute to Women. “Through their devotion, our honorees are fostering commerce, opening educational opportunities, strength-ening our charitable organizations, and nourishing the arts in our communities.”

The 2015 Tribute to Women Award recipients were selected for their leadership qualities, positive impact on community, and demonstrated growth and achievement. They include the following:

Mixed media artist Jan Hurt is known for her ability to catalyze dozens of artists and ideas to produce inventive new collaborations. She has worked for 15 years to bring local art to public spaces, creating inclusive exhibits such as “Who’s Afraid of Virginia’s Wolves?” and “Mapping the Cosmos: Jan Hurt and a Constellation of Artists” currently on display at the William King Museum. In 2011, Hurt and her husband used a portion of their property in Abingdon’s downtown to create a replica of the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth. Entitled “All is Well,” the labyrinth enfolds a three-quarter-mile journey within a 40-foot space, and has been gifted to the town for public use.

Visual artist Joy McGinnis has a mission of “sharing those fleeting moments of illumi-nation that leave me breathless.” An avid painter and student of such artists as Elaine de Kooning, Wolf Kahn, Daniel Greene and Charles Sovek, her work has been widely exhib-ited throughout the region. She serves such organizations as the Johnson City Public Art Committee, is a past board member and current supporter of the Johnson City Area Arts Council, and for multiple years was board chair of ETSU’s Carol Reece Museum.

For more than half a century, musician Louise Ammons has served as the organist at First Broad Street United Methodist Church in Kingsport. A former chemist and employee of Eastman Chemical, Ammons taught piano for many years and performed for thousands of church events. She is a devoted community supporter, having served as a past president and sustaining member of the Junior League, a membership chairman for the Friends of Allandale Board, and a member of the Kingsport Symphony Orchestra Board.

YWCA announces 2015 Tribute to Women award recipients

ArtsJoy McGinnis

Louise Ammons Jan Hurt


From cosmetology business owner to town council member, Cathy Lowe has nourished the growth of small businesses across the region. As the current executive director of the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, she helped provide free classes for hundreds of area profession-als, helped found the Business Challenge grant, and recognized a $1.5 million Creeper Trail enhancement initiative. She is the vice mayor of Abingdon, Va. and was appointed by two Virginia governors to serve on the state’s Small Business Advisory Board. A past president of the Rotary Club, she received the President’s Citation for Distinguished Service, as well as the American Cancer Society’s highest honor, the Quality of Life Award.

A veteran emergency room nurse, Dru Malcolm, DNP knows what it takes to care for patients and caregivers alike. Holding a doctoral degree in nursing practice, she is now a clinical and administrative leader at Johnson City Medical Center, where she actively researches best practices in order to empower nurses working on the front line of care. She shares her expertise with area academic boards, and works with organizations focused on aiding homeless and behavioral health patients. Her devo-tion to staff, patients, and underserved populations has been recognized with Mountain States Health Alliance’s Quality Excellence and Perfor-mance Improvement Champion Awards, as well as ETSU’s Outstanding Alumnae Award in the School of Nursing.

Cari Parker considers serving others a major element of success. As the current vice president of Corporate Technology for Eastman Chemi-cal, she oversees process development, analytical science and services, and

facility support for the global company. She is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Chemical Engineering Alumni Council of Auburn University. Since beginning her career in 1985, she has been a devoted supporter of organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as Girls, Inc. and the United Way. Currently she leads the Community Impact Cabinet for the United Way of Greater Kingsport, and is the rising chair of the board of directors for 2016.

Since coming to Virginia Highlands Community College in 1999 as director of Upward Bound, Beth Page, Ed.D. has helped thousands of students set and achieve ambitious goals, earn college degrees, and create better lives for themselves and their families. She is the creator of an inno-vative series of classes and workshops that teach aquaculture, marketing, math, songwriting and creative thinking. As the current leader of the Excel Center at Virginia Highlands, she continues to serve those most at risk of dropping out by providing tutoring, advising, personal counseling, and workshops in study skills.

For 32 years, educator Tammie Davis has worked to impact the individ-ual lives of students. Beginning as a chorus and orchestra teacher, she transitioned to the role of principal at Abraham Lincoln Elementary, and then chief human resources officer for Kingsport City Schools. She has received numerous awards for her commitment to high edu-cational standards, including Sevier Teacher of the Year, Kingsport City Schools Teacher of the Year for her grade, and inclusion in

YWCA announces 2015 Tribute to Women award recipients

BusinessCari Parker

Cathy LoweDru Malcolm,

DNP

EducationBeth Page,

Ed.D.

Tammie Davis Cecilia McIntosh, Ph.D.

14

the Distinguished School Administrator Honor Roll for the Tennessee Academy for School Leaders. Her inspirational love of music is evident in her more than 20 years of involvement as guest conductor for the Citywide Choral Festival and leadership in the Upper East Tennessee Junior Orches-tra Clinic.

Since coming to ETSU in 1993, the work of researcher Cecilia McIn-tosh, Ph.D., has received more than $1.6 million in grants from such orga-nizations as the USDA, the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Institute. Rising from an assistant professor to current dean of the School of Graduate Studies, she has led research into the biosynthesis of enzymes, mentored the growth of numerous students, and fostered innova-tive programs to help online students feel more connected to the commu-nity. She is a past president of the Phytochemical Society of North America, and this year will give the Society’s plenary presentation.

A prolific volunteer and champion of educational opportunity, Catherine Brillhart is the first female mayor in Bristol’s 125-year history. Deeply committed to children’s issues, she is a founding member and past president of the Bristol Virginia Public Schools Education Foundation, as well as a past chair and current member of Smart Beginnings, an initiative committed to improving the school readiness of young children across 100 Virginia locales. She also works with such organizations as the Bristol Soup Kitchen, Bristol Family Promise, Bristol Emergency Food Pantry, and was appointed to the Virginia Tourism Authority by Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Jane Crawford’s zeal to serve crosses state boundaries. Owner of Able Printers and Plaques, Etc., she has invested many years of service in the Kingsport community and beyond. She is a past president of many local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club, the Downtown Kingsport Association, the Goodwill Industries Board of Directors, Volunteer King-sport, and more. Her devotion has been recognized with such awards as the Chamber of Commerce’s Community Distinguished Leadership Award, and Mountain States Health Alliance’s Dr. Tom Chase Award.

Called “part of the soul of Niswonger Children’s Hospital,” Clarinda Jeanes is known for her tireless dedication to others. A past chair of the Mountain States Foundation Board of Trustees and member of the board for more than 15 years, she was instrumental in the campaigns that helped fund Niswonger Children’s Hospital and Mountain States Radiation Oncol-ogy Services. She established the Associated Ladies for Milligan, to help raise scholarship funds for the college, and is the creator of the Eleanore L. Campbell Ladies Conference. For her service she has received the college’s Leaders in Christian Service award, as well as Milligan’s highest honor, the Fide et Amore Award.

THIS YEAR’S FOUR-JUDGE PANEL INCLUDED:Arts judge Autumn Bailey of Buford, Ga., founder of Autumn Bailey

Entertainment, LLC, a company specializing in the production of documen-taries, short, films, feature films and reality television shows, as well as the annual Georgia Entertainment Gala.

Volunteer judge Trish Tolbert of Graham, N.C., a non-profit and fund-raising executive who has served such groups as the Nature Conservancy, the Memphis Zoo and AARP. Through her work with Steenhuysen Associates, she has also worked with groups such as Special Olympics International, the American Cancer Society, and the Metropolitan Opera.

Business judge Tameka Stigers of St. Louis, Mo., children’s advocate and owner of Locs of Glory, a natural hair salon and spa specializing in the empow-erment of women.

Education judge Sandra Levy of Charlottesville, Va., an integrated arts specialist and creative arts therapist with more than 25 years of experience. As a faculty member at Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass., she has worked in curriculum development, faculty training, academic advisement, program development and community partnerships.

The 2015 Tribute to Women banquet and silent auction will be held at the Holiday Inn, 3005 Linden Drive in Bristol, Va., at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ywcabristol.org. Funds from this event support multiple YWCA Bristol programs, including sliding-scale child care, teen pregnancy education, after-school activities for at-risk girls, and women’s health and wellness programs. For more information, call 423.968.9444 or email [email protected].


Catherine Brillhart Jane Crawford


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You and your pet could be on the cover of Voice Magazine

Do you have a terrific photo of yourself with your pet in the great outdoors? Join us in celebrating the images of our region! We are looking for a photo taken in Southwest Virginia or Northeast Tennessee—a portrait, or candid shot, featuring a woman along with her furry family member, which reflects our region’s outdoor beauty. This annual contest is open to professional and amateur photographers and models.

Photo Contest Rules and Guidelines:

• Provide a candid, or posed photograph of a woman that shows her and her pet enjoying our region’s outdoor beauty. Examples include pictures of a woman boating, hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding—basically, just a woman enjoying the outdoors with her adorable family pet.

• Check previous issues of Voice Magazine for Women, which can be found on our website (www.voicemagazineforwomen.com), for examples of past front covers.

• Photo entries must have been taken within the last 12 months and be seasonally appropriate for the cover of the July issue of Voice Magazine for Women.

• A limit of three entries per contestant.

• Photos that violate, or infringe upon another person’s rights, including, but not limited to copyright, are ineligible.

• Photographs that have won any other contest, or have already been published in a magazine, or newspaper, are ineligible.

• The photographer and subject of the winning photograph must sign release forms for Voice Magazine for Women.

• Submit high-resolution digital photographs (at least 300 DPI) via email to [email protected]. Be sure to include the names of the photographer and model.

• Submission deadline: May 30, 2015. The winner will be notified by email in June.

Judging:

• Judges will include the publisher, editor, staff, and ‘informal board members’ of Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

• The decisions of the judges will be final.

Prize:

• Publication of the winning photo on the front cover of the July 2015 issue of Voice Magazine for Women and on the Voice Magazine for Women website and Facebook page.

• Full recognition in an accompanying profile, or bio, in the July 2015 issue and on the website and Facebook page. Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., owns the rights to the front cover of the magazine and is granted unlimited use of the cover and photo for promotion, publicity, and advertising of the magazine. No monetary compensation for present or future use in accordance with this promotion will be provided.

Last year’s winner is pictured at right. Photo by Jessica Cochran Photography,

featuring Gena Haynes and Ella.

16

The Birth Spoonby Fred WaageIn this mystery, which is set in the early 1980s and based on true events, a high-school student unearths dark and deadly secrets of his Appalachian community. The explosive consequences forever mark his own life, his family’s, and his town’s.

The Pledgeby Ann El-NemrOn the one-year anniversary of his old friend’s death, Dalton receives a letter. In the message, his deceased friend reminds Dalton of his promise to honor his deathbed request: to bring love and happiness back to his widow, Annette. When Dalton unexpectedly encounters his friend’s widow, he falls for her and subsequently breaks his current engagement. All the while concealing from Annette the terms of his pledge to her former husband. When Dalton’s scorned fiancée finds the posthumous letter, she becomes determined to win back Dalton at any cost—even death. Dalton has to protect Annette from his enraged former fiancée and at the same time gain back Annette’s trust from his web of deceit. Ann El-Nemr is also the author of Betrayed and Forgiven, published by Jan-Carol Publishing.

Fur with an Attitudeby Susan Howell“A Boxer named Gracie–devourer of whipped cream and birthday pancakes, full of boundless mischief and energy (at least until 9:30 pm), and affectionate friend to everyone she meets. Susan has created an endearing biography befitting one very special dog that will speak to the hearts of all dog lovers.” —Andrew Spitznas, M.D. and Author

Holding Patternby Lynda HolmesIris receives an invitation to visit her Great-Aunt Myra on Lookout Mountain, in 1962. She discovers various “holding patterns” through crafts, minerals, and history.

JCP NEW RELEASES

Hubbleville Seriesby Micki Bare

Thurston T. Turtle Moves to HubblevilleA newcomer to Hubbleville sticks out like a pumpkin in a strawberry patch. When Mr. Turtle arrived, the townspeople were curious. Who was he? Why was he here? The small town’s quirky news reporter, Mr. Possum, wants details, but cannot seem to track him down.

Thurston T. Turtle and the Legend of the Lemonade Why do everyone’s homemade butter cookies and lemonade taste the same? Mr. Turtle is determined to find out with the help of his class and other Hubbleville friends.

Thurston T. Turtle and the Precarious PuppyMr. Turtle is troubled by something he sees that others do not. Soon, he learns it is a special friendship that found its way to him.

Where is the Voice of God?by Jessica HeltonThe story of Elijah climbing Mount Horeb is so deep but simple. The simplicity of the voice of God is brought to life with humor and respect through colorful pages which help children use their imagination to understand what Elijah went through just to hear from God. This story encourages parent-child Bible study by shedding light on the barrier Jesus broke between man and God when He died on the cross.

OUT NOW

COMING SOON

Where Is the Voice of God?Where Is the Voice of God?

COPYRIGHT 2015JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INCJANCAROLPUBLISHING.COMU.S. $9.95 • CAN $11.95

The story of Elijah climbing Mount Horeb is so deep but simple. The simplicity of the voice of God is brought to life with humor and respect through colorful pages which help

children use their imagination to understand what Elijah went through just to hear from God. This story encourages Parent-Child Bible study by shedding light on the barrier

Jesus broke between man and God when He died on the cross.

Written and Illustrated by

Jessica Helton

F R E D W A A G E

THE BIRTH SPOON

U.S. $14.95 • CAN $16.95COPYRIGHT 2015

AUTHOR PHOTO: JIM SLEDGE, ETSU PHOTO LAB

COVER DESIGN: TARA SIZEMORE

JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC

JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

“In The Birth Spoon Fred Waage writes ‘All history is local. It’s a web.’ Indeed, his melodramatic romp takes readers

through a web of bloodshed and secrets, politics and sports, race and class—all set in a small town with a big past and

characters larger than life.”— RITA QUILLEN, Noted author of Hiding Ezra,

Something Solid To Anchor To, and Her Secret Dream

n this mystery, which is set in the early 1980s and based on true events, a high-school student unearths dark and deadly secrets of

his Appalachian community. The explosive consequences forever mark his own life, his family’s, and his town’s.

TH

E B

IRT

H S

PO

ON

FRED WAAGE

I

FRED WAAGE is a college teacher in Johnson City, TN, who grew up in rural New York state. Waage lived many places throughout the U.S. before settling in Tennessee in 1978. He has been an archivist at the Huntington Library, a manager at Jack-in-the-Box, and an environmentalist with Friends of the Earth. He can be reached at [email protected].

FICTION

MICKI BAREillustrated

by josh dissel

U.S. $9.95 • CAN $11.95COPYRIGHT 2015

AUTHOR PHOTO: JASON SCHRAMM



Micki Bare draws from her early childhood career, parenting, and life experiences to feed her passion for writing. In addition to children’s books, she writes a weekly column and maintains a blog. She and her hubby live in central North Carolina. Website: www.navigatinghectivity.blogspot.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThurstonTTurtleGoogle+: +MickiBareTwitter: @TurtleAuthor Instagram @MickiBarePinterest: mickibare

A newcomer to Hubbleville sticks out like a pumpkin in a strawberry patch.

When Mr. Turtle arrived, the townspeople were curious. Who was he? Why was he here?

The small town's quirky news reporter, Mr. Possum, wants details, but cannot

seem to track him down.

U.S. $9.95 • CAN $11.95COPYRIGHT 2015





Why do everyone’s homemade butter cookies and lemonade

taste the same?

Mr. Turtle is determined to find out with the help of his class and other

Hubbleville friends.

MICKI BARE

illustrated by josh dissel

MICKI BAREillustrated

by josh disselU.S. $9.95 • CAN $11.95COPYRIGHT 2015




Mr. Turtle is troubled by something he sees that

others do not.

Soon, he learns it is a special friendship

that found its way to him.


BY ANN EL-NEMR

“A contract cannot bind two hearts ... only love can.” —Stacey Schlegl

n the one-year anniversary of his old friend’s death, Dalton receives a letter. In the message, his deceased friend reminds Dalton of his promise to honor his deathbed request: to bring

love and happiness back to his widow, Annette. When Dalton unexpect-edly encounters his friend’s widow, he falls for her and subsequently breaks his current engagement. All the while concealing from Annette the terms of his pledge to her former husband. When Dalton’s scorned �ancée �nds the posthumous letter, she becomes determined to win back Dalton at any cost—even death. Dalton has to protect Annette from his enraged former �ancée and at the same time gain back Annette’s trust from his web of deceit.

ANN EL-NEMR likes to travel to her summer home in Shediac, New-Brunswick where she can find uninterrupted time to write. She loves to immerse herself in her romantic stories, into which she usually inserts an element of deceit and treachery. El-Nemr is presently working on her fourth novel. Readers can contact her on Facebook, her website www.annelnemr.com, or on LinkedIn.

FICTION

COPYRIGHT 2015AUTHOR PHOTOGRAPH: FOUAD EL-NEMRCOVER DESIGN: TARA SIZEMOREJAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INCJANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

U.S. $12.95 • CAN $13.95

O

AN

N EL-N

EMR

The Pledge


AUTHORS ON THE ROAD

Claudia Ware – Butterscotch and Chocolate Fudge

Thursday, April 16, 2015, 8:00 am, Reading from her children’s books, Washington Lee Elementary, Bristol, VA

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 17 - 19, 2015, Old Oak Festival, Tusculum College, 60 Shiloh Road, Greenville, TN

Linda Hudson Hoagland - Snooping Can Be Doggone Deadly; Snooping Can Be Devious; Snooping Can Be Contagious; Snooping Can Be Dangerous; The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Broken Petals and Christmas Blooms

Tuesday, April 7, 2015, 11:00 am to 1 pm, Reading, Reminiscent Writers, Southwest Virginia Community College. Richlands, VA

Wednesday, April 8, 2015, 11:00 am, Book Reading and Discussion, in Bluefield College’s Easley Library, Bluefield, VA Saturday, April 11, 10:00 am to 4 pm, Book Signing, Appalachian Festival, Bluefield College, Bluefield, VA

Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Business Meeting for the Appalachian Authors Guild, Washington County Public Library, Abingdon, VA. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015, 2:00 pm to 5 pm, Book Reading and Discussion, Wise County Public Library, 124 Library Road, SW, Wise, VA

Thursday, April 16, 2015, 6:00 pm to 8 pm, Book Signing, Buchanan County Public Library, Poe Street, Grundy, VA

Saturday, April 18, 2015, 10 am to 2 pm, Book Signing, First Annual SWVA Senior Expo, Holston Hills Community Golf Course, Marion, VA

Tuesday, April 21, 2015, 11:00 am to 1 pm, Reading, Reminiscent Writers, Southwest Virginia Community College. Richlands, VA

Wednesday, April 22, 2015, 4 pm to 7:30 pm, The 2nd Annual Agora - A Celebration of Cultures and Heritages, serving as judge, Bluefield State College, Bluefield, WV

Friday, April 24, 2015, 10:00 am to 8 pm, Book Signing, Better Living Show, Brushfork Armory, Bluefield, WV

Saturday, April 25, 2015, 10:00 am to 6 pm, Book Signing, Better Living Show, Brushfork Armory, Bluefield, WV

Victoria Fletcher - Fletcher’s Fables

Thursday, April 16, 2015, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Buchanan Co. Library in Grundy, VA for “Meet the Authors”

“every story needs a book”

3030 Franklin Terrace • Johnson City, TNbarnesandnoble.com • 423.952.5586

ASK FOR JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING BOOKS AT BARNES & NOBLE!

find us: www.jancarolpublishing.com

/JanCarolPublishingInc

Appalachian Authors Guild MeetingThere is an Appalachian Authors Guild Business Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2015, 1 pm to 3 pm, at the Washington County Library in Abingdon, VA. Because this is a business meeting there is no speaker scheduled but all are welcome to attend.

It ’s time to Drop Everything and Read!Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. is proud to support Drop Everything and Read, a

national month long celebration to remind readers of all ages to make reading a priority. First mentioned by author Beverly Cleary in one of her “Ramona” books, it began as a day set aside every April 12th to promote reading. Now, D.E.A.R. has grown into a month full of activities and programs to remind us all to, “DROP EVERYTHING AND READ!” Make sure you join our D.E.A.R. Event page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JanCarolPublishingInc and tell us how you make time for reading.

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How to place a classified ad: $25.00 for up to 40 words and .10 for each additional word. Line border is included. Bold and/or one-color additional. Must be received by the 15th. All ads subject to approval. Call 423-926-9983 or email: [email protected].

How to place a display/classified ad: Contact by phone 423-926-9983 or e-mail [email protected].

Editing: We reserve the right to edit for taste, clarity and length. Most submissions are edited to shorten, clarify confusing statements or correct grammatical errors. If a submission is potentially libelous, slanderous or appears to have been written with malice or harmful intent, it will be edited or rejected. This applies to submissions for the magazine and for our website www.voicemagazineforwomen.com.

How to subscribe: Send $28.00 for one year for 12 issues to: Voice Magazine, P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN 37605

How to submit items to “update” and “up & coming events”: We encourage submission of press releases about news and up & coming events. Email your press releases to [email protected]

Career Corner(Employment Section)

Join Us! Voice Magazine is looking to add to our current outside sales staff! This is a growth opportunity for a dynamic individual with a positive attitude. Apply your ‘sales experience’ to selling ads and servicing. Must have ‘do what it takes’ attitude, be tenacious and enjoy serving businesses. This position is part-time to full-time. Commission only. (Abingdon, VA area) Email your resume to:

[email protected] or fax your resume to 423-926-9983.

ABINGDON, VATickets for “A Tisket, A Tasket, A Literary Basket” are on sale. A popular community event, this is the 12th anniversary of this fundraiser for the Washington County Public Library. It will be held Saturday, April 18 from 6 pm to 10 pm. It moves to the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon, Va., this year. There will be a silent auction, a live auction and a buffet of light dinner foods, drinks, coffee and dessert. Advance tickets are $30 per person and include two drink tickets. They can be purchased at any Washington County Public Library, and from members of the Tisket committee and the library’s foundation board. Tickets may be purchased at the event for $35. Literary-themed baskets are available during silent and live auctions. Silent auction baskets include jewelry, kid-themed baskets, tickets to the night race at Bristol Motor Speedway in August, and

various other creative creations. The live auction includes artwork, jewelry, a stay in a condo on Tybee Island, Ga., a murder mystery party, and a Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion package. Attendees may also bid on a package that includes ground badges to the Greenbrier Classic and passes to the concert after the golf tournament. New this year is a cork pull for those attending that night. Basket purchases that exceed fair market value are tax deductible. The foundation is a 501(c) 3 organization. Call 276-676-6383 or e-mail [email protected] for more information. For more information about the library, visit www.wcpl.net or call 276-676-6222. The Washington County Public Library is located at 205 Oak Hill St., Abingdon, Va. Its four branches are located in Damascus, Glade Spring, Hayters Gap and Mendota.

JOHNSON CITY, TNThe 4th Annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza presented by Superfly Fabulous Events will be held on April 11, 2015 in Johnson City, TN as the official closer of the Tri-Cities Craft Beer Week. The Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza was the first beer festival to serve as a partner in the ‘Support your Local Brewery’ campaign and was named a Top 5 Beer Festival in the US in 2014. The festival will have over 150+ different and unique beers to sample throughout the day. In addition there will be two mobile beer infuser lines pumping beer infused with ingredients like jalapeno, toasted coconut, and many other fresh ingredients. Grand Tasting tickets include 4 hours of tasting and a commemorative tasting glass. First Pour Tickets receive an official VIP gold rimmed tasting glass along with getting early entry to the festival while enjoying the first pour of the amazing creations. Tickets can be purchased at www.thirstyorange.com. Proceeds benefit Trout Unlimited.

Hands On! Regional Museum Events: The world-renowned exhibition, “Our Body: The Universe Within” is a limited-time, artful presentation consisting of actual human bodies and organs. The display, which has been seen by millions in select cities, literally goes “under the skin”, revealing the mysteries of the human anatomy. The bodies, specimens and organs have been preserved using a process known as polymer impregnation so they can be viewed in a dignified, educational way. Our Body: The Uni-verse Within and Hands On! Museum will have separate entrances. Guests may choose to visit one or both. For ticket and other information, visit handsonmu-seum.org. Tuesday, April 28th–Sunday, May 10th —The Whole Kite and Kaboodle:Learn the science behind aero-dynamics in honor of Kite Day. Make your own kite and test it out in our famous wind tubes! The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announce-ment periodically throughout each day.

Tuesday, May 12th–Sunday, May 24th—Can You Feel the Pressure?Did you know that you have 14 pounds of air pressure pushing on every inch of your body? Join us as we learn about the three states of matter and properties of air through fun interactive demonstra-tions. Watch as our famous launcher sends fruit and veggie pieces flying and even see a grown-up get vacuum sealed! The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically through-out each day. KINGSPORT, TNThe Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts is pleased to present Pho-tography of Jeffrey Stoner at the Kingsport City Hall Gallery, 225 West Center Street. The public is invited Monday through Friday 8 am to 5pm. There is no charge to enter the exhibition. Spring is in the air! Photographs of Jeffrey Stoner will be on display through the end of April 2015 and feature scenes of Northeast Tennessee’s beautiful springtime. PINEY FLATS, TNRocky Mount Museum will be presenting its annual “Wooly Day” on April 11th from 11–5. Wooly Day is Rocky Mount’s spring event which features hand shearing of its flock of Cotswold sheep, wool processing techniques of the 18th century and other spring activities on a frontier farm. Admission is $5 for everyone aged 5 and up. Candle Dipping, and Natural egg dyeing cost an additional $2 per craft per person. Lunch vending will be provided during the day by Cocoa Connection, based in Piney Flats. Rocky Mount’s Wooly Day is an opportunity for visitors to experience the spring activities of the early settlers of Tennessee. Wool processing is featured during this event. Rocky Mount’s flock of sheep will be sheared throughout the day using hand shears. This is a great opportunity for children to get a close look, and even pet sheep, feel their wool and learn how it would be made into clothing. Other demonstrations include hearth-side cooking, gardening and 18th century toys. For an additional cost, visitors can make a candle or use onion skins to naturally dye an egg. Living History Tours of the Cobb House and buildings will be given throughout the day. For more information, call (423) 538-7396 or visit our website at rockymountmuseum.com.

The Newcomers

Welcome Service

rolls out the red carpet to all new residents to our area!

Contact Benita Today! (423) 202-1679

Call today for your in-home personal visit with your Newcomer representative.

Businesses, do not miss out on the most effective manner in getting

your info in new resident’s hands immediately!

We are here to greet you with a wonderful free “shopping bag” full of goodies from

your local merchants.

You not only receive discounts and coupons to businesses and

services, you will receive free tickets

to most of our area museums,

theatres, etc.

26


Word of the Month

Across1. Two-masters6. Advocate10. Attempt14. Depth charge target15. Battering wind16. “Giovanna d’___” (Verdi opera)17. Smokejumper’s need18. Pinocchio, at times19. Bloody20. Advise against treatment23. Devoted24. Kind of phone25. Ancient colonnade27. Offices of public officials in the Chinese Empire32. Become unhinged36. A chip, maybe38. Calyx part39. Scar’s royal position in “The Lion King” (2 wds)42. Eagerness43. Delhi dress44. Breezed through45. Idle talk or rumor47. Acceptances49. Aromatic ointment used in antiquity51. Triangular metal bracket for joist strength56. Thick white paper for pencil and ink drawings (2 wds)60. Legal prefix61. Aroma62. Accustom63. 20-20, e.g.64. ___-mutton65. Adjust, as laces66. “Cool!”67. At one time, at one time68. Hillsides

Down. “The Beast of ___ Flats” (1961 sci-fi bomb)2. Dislike, and then some3. Twisted4. Coffee order5. Rears6. ___ fruit7. Saying popularized by Jonathan Swift (4 wds)8. Clearing9. In a spooky manner10. “Roots,” e.g.11. Bring (out)12. “God’s Little ___”13. Male child21. Essential oil from flowers22. Catch26. Aces, sometimes28. Intro to physics?29. “Beowulf,” e.g.30. Church part31. Coaster32. Catch fly balls33. “I, Claudius” role34. Boosts35. Some Olympians, nowadays37. Coin featuring Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man40. Design transferred from an engraved plate41. Gnatlike insect46. Early release of a prisoner, subject to contin-ued monitoring48. Crackerjack50. Equestrian52. More rational53. Expectorated matters54. Like “The X-Files”55. Ashes, e.g.56. Bat’s home57. Length x width, for a rectangle58. Bluster59. Small cave60. Ballpoint, e.g.

PersiflageNoun

\PER-suh-flahzh\Definition

1: frivolous bantering talk 2: light raillery

EXAMPLESince the final round ended sooner than expected, the quiz show host engaged in persiflage with the

contestants until it was time to sign off.

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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month . . . but you can act to support fami-lies and protect children all year round!

The future prosperity of any community depends on its ability to foster the health and well-being of the next generation. When a community invests wisely in children and families, the next generation will pay that back through a lifetime of productivity and responsi-ble citizenship. Yet, when not all children have equal

opportunity for healthy growth and development—due to experi-ences of child abuse and neglect—we put our future at risk.

While April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, you can make a big difference year-round through small acts that help protect children, strengthen families, promote traits that help protect families—and, ultimately, prevent the abuse and neglect of children.

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Why an allergist? Allergists are medical specialists who treat allergic diseases and related condi-tions. These include asthma, hay fever, sinusitis, rashes, hives and certain kinds of reactions

to foods, insect stings and drugs.Every board-certified allergist first completes specialty training in either internal medical or pedi-

atrics, and then completes an additional training program of two or more years studying the diagnosis and treatment of allergic and related diseases. Although any physician may treat allergic diseases, a board-certified allergist-immunologist has the advanced training and experience in the techniques of determining what is causing an allergic reaction and how best to solve the problem.

STEP 1: CONSULTATIONThe first step is to see an allergist-immunologist. You may need a referral from your primary

care physician.

STEP 2: TESTINGThe allergist will obtain a detailed medical history, examine you and evaluate your symptoms.

Tests will be performed to define the nature of your allergic disease. Skin tests, or allergy blood tests may be needed to define the precise causes of your allergic symptoms. Based on the entire clinical evaluation, a diagnosis is made.

If the allergy tests are negative, despite good control reactions, do not despair. Allergists are also experts in the treatment of non-allergic asthma, rhinitis, and other types of reactions.

STEP 3: TREATMENTThis is when your allergic symptoms and you get better. Allergy treatments are of three types:

Prevention. Medication. Immunotherapy.Prevention: Often the cause of the symptoms can be avoided, or removed from your life. For

example, a particular food can be avoided, or a pet can be removed from the home, or kept away from sleeping areas.

Some causes of symptoms, such as pollen, molds and dust mites, cannot be eliminated. Expo-sure can be reduced, however, by environmental control measures prescribed by your allergist.

Medication: Frequently, medications are used to decrease, or eliminate, allergy symptoms.Recent advances in medications for asthma and other allergic diseases have been phenomenal.

Improvements in drugs have eliminated most of the old side-effects.Immunotherapy (“allergy shots”): If medications are not sufficient to restore health, the allergic

symptoms may be controlled, or eliminated, with allergy shots.Allergy shots have been used since 1911. This time-tested therapy decreases a patient’s sensitivity

by introducing increasingly larger doses of the substances to which the patient is allergic. The immunization procedure begins with injections of small amounts of purified “extracts”

of the substances that are causing allergic reactions. For example, the extracts may be derived from pollens, mold spores, animal dander, dust mites, or insect venom. They are approved for this use by the FDA.

Allergy shots stimulate the immune system to fight allergies safely, effectively and naturally. Beginning with small doses and increasing them gradually on a weekly, or biweekly basis, the therapy continues until a maintenance level is achieved. Then, a maintenance dose is injected every few weeks.

Immunity does not occur immediately, but patients do begin to feel better quickly. In some patients, immunity is maintained and treatment can be discontinued after several years. For others, treatment may be needed for longer periods of time.

With the immune system restored to good health, few, or no medications maybe needed. Work or school days are no longer missed. The burden of allergies is lifted.

Allergy shots are always given under medical supervision at a location where medical staff and medications are available to handle any serious reaction. Candidates for immunotherapy include patients of all ages. Pregnant patients should continue treatment started prior to pregnancy.

THE FUTUREWe soon may have ways to block the body’s allergic response by reducing, or inhibiting the

release of histamines and other chemicals that cause allergic reactions. But you don’t have to wait for the future. Today, you can put the misery of allergies out of your life with the help of an allergist.


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Coalition Launches Effort to Increase Breastfeeding

Three of four Tennessee babies are breastfed at some point, but there is still an opportunity to improve the rate of breastfeeding and a strong case to be

made for breastfeeding.A coalition of healthcare providers and organizations has launched a cam-

paign to increase the rate and duration of breastfeeding statewide in an effort to improve the long-term health of Tennesseans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 2014 Breastfeeding Report Card, 74.9 percent of babies born in Tennessee are breastfed at some point, compared to the national average of 79.2 percent. CDC statistics show only 40.7 percent of breastfeeding Tennessee babies are still nursing at six months and 20.9 percent at their first birthday.

The effort, launched by the Tennessee Department of Health, Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC), Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) and the Tennessee Center for Patient Safety seeks to increase awareness of immediate and long-term health benefits of breastfeeding.

Among those benefits, the campaign emphasizes that breastfed babies are less likely to experience obesity as they grow up, resulting in healthier Tennesseans and lower healthcare costs. Additionally, breastfeeding helps satisfy a baby’s emotional needs, promoting bonding between mother and child.

There is evidence that infants who are exclusively breastfed in the early months of their lives are at lower risk for a variety of health conditions including respiratory illnesses, ear infections, insulin-dependent diabetes, certain cancers, asthma and even vision defects.

Tennessee Hospital Association President Craig Becker said, “Tennessee hos-pitals and providers are pleased to be a part of the breastfeeding support cam-paign. THA has previously worked in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Health on other successful maternal and infant projects, such as early elective deliveries and the safe sleep campaign. I’m sure our collaboration in support of breastfeeding will yield similar success for Tennessee.”

The group’s website www.healthytennesseebabies.com highlights benefits of breastfeeding and sources of information and support. New mothers can get encouragement and support around the clock by calling the Tennessee Breastfeed-ing Hotline at 855-423-6667 (855-4BFMOMS).

24

3 Spices for Weight Control

Three spices that claim to help us lose weight are: fennel seed, cumin and cinnamon.

FENNEL SEEDS are considered high in antioxidants (which reduce risk of cancer), effective at reducing inflammation such as arthritis and some bowel disorders (although more studies need to be done to confirm this claim), high in fiber, a digestive aid to prevent bloating, bad-breath busters, high in calcium, high in iron…and there have even been reports that chewing fennel seeds can help reduce breathing problems, as well as keep sinuses clear (although more studies need to be conducted to verify this claim.)

Some research has shown that fennel seeds improve digestion and help your body to digest more nutrients from the foods you eat. As your body absorbs the nutrients better, you will feel fuller after eating and will experience fewer food cravings. However, more research is needed for clinical evidence to support the claim that fennel truly helps digestion or weight loss.

Suggested serving for fennel seeds is 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds after each meal.

CUMIN is a rich source of iron, a digestive aid and boosts the immune system. It has been shown that it triggers detoxification enzymes, increases the heat of our body, contains antioxidant proper-ties, reduces blood glucose and reduces cholesterol. Another claim is that cumin is highly beneficial to those suffering with asthma and/or arthritis, and to those with kidney diseases.

Cumin is said to be major fat burner, especially in the abdominal area. When our metabolic rate increases, weight loss will be experi-enced, and belly fat is targeted.

Suggested serving for cumin is 1 teaspoon of cumin, 2 to 3 times per week.

CINNAMON has a regulating effect on blood sugars, helping to prevent metabolized sugars from being stored as fat. Cinnamon will also delay gastric emptying time, helping you to feel full longer.

Suggested serving for cinnamon is 1 teaspoon per day to boost metabolism.

Remember that if you’re using these spices to lose weight, it is best to combine them with a healthy lifestyle of wholesome foods, exercise, fresh water and adequate sleep. A spice alone is not going to magically melt the excess fat off your body, but it will support the whole process in a healthy and sustainable way. Love your body as it is now, and visualize what you want to create.

WARNING: Some species, such as cinnamon and fennel seeds, if consumed in too large of a dosage can cause harm, as they may be toxic. Talk to your doctor before consuming, or adding spices to your diet.

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Good For YouBy Ronda Addy

You planted spring vegetables with every intention of using them, but you are no gourmet cook. You slice the vegetables up and use them in something here and there, but you truly don’t have any idea how to make anything special with them. Here are some recipes to help you make the best of your spring vegetables.

Baked Chicken and Rhubarb2 c. rhubarb, chopped1/3 c. sugar1-1/2 T. cornstarch1-1/2 c. water plus 2 t.Dash of lemon juice3 lbs. chicken breasts, or thighs, or whole chickens that have been cut into pieces1/4 c. butter, melted1/4 t. salt1/2 t. ground cinnamon1/2 t. ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until mixture boils. Simmer for about 2 minutes, or until

mixture is clear, stirring frequently. Add lemon juice. Set mixture aside to cool. Place chicken in a shallow baking dish, brushing it with butter and sprinkling it with salt. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Spoon rhubarb sauce over chicken. Sprin-kle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Bake for another 20 minutes. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.

Spicy Noodles with Spring Vegetables1 pkg. rice noodles2 T. peanut oil1 bunch green onions2 cloves garlic, minced1 bunch radishes, sliced1 lb. mushrooms, sliced1 red bell pepper, cut into strips2 carrots, shredded1/2 lb. green beans, cooked1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and dicedChopped cilantro, for garnishSpicy peanut sauceGinger-sesame vinaigrette

Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet and stir-fry green onions, garlic, radishes, mushrooms and red bell pepper for 2 to 3 minutes, until crisp and tender. Remove from heat and stir in carrots, green beans and cucumber. To serve, place noodles on plates and mound veg-etables in center. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Drizzle with peanut sauce and/or ginger-sesame vinaigrette.

To make your own spicy peanut sauce, use this recipe:1-1/2 c. unsweetened coconut milk1 T. Thai curry paste3/4 c. peanut butter2 cloves garlic, finely minced4 T. brown sugar4 T. lime juice1/2 t. salt

Put coconut milk into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add curry paste and stir until dissolved. Add peanut butter, garlic and brown sugar and cook gently until sauce is smooth (about five minutes.) Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and salt. Serve at room temperature.

Spring Garden Dip1/4 c. green peppers, minced1/4 c. green onions, minced1/4 c. cucumber, minced1/4 c. radishes, minced1 c. sour cream1/2 c. mayonnaise2 t. sugar1/4 t. white pepper1 clove garlic, minced

Mince vegetables and drain on a paper towel. Blend sour cream with the rest of the ingredients and stir in minced vegetables. Serve with crackers, or fresh vegetables.

These are just a small representation of the recipes you can make using spring vegetables fresh from your garden. The only limit is the type of vegetables you grow.

Marinated Cucumbers & Tomatoes

1 L Mason JarRipe TomatoCucumberOnion1 Tbsp Dill1/2 Cup of Vinegar1 Tsp Salt1/2 Tsp Honey2 Tbsp Olive Oil

• Dice tomato and place 1/2 in the jar.• Dice onion and place 1/2 on top of toma-

toes in jar.• Dice cucumber, place on top of onions. In

the meantime, whisk, or shake together all the other ingredients in a bowl, or smaller Mason jar for the marinade.

• Layer the rest of the ingredients. Pour the marinade vinegar over the veggies. Close the lid, give a good flip to evenly spread the goodness. Place in the fridge for 2 hours before serving.

• This makes a great side dish for a hot day! Source: www.liftingrevolution.com

26

By Tresa Erickson

Spring is here, and with it, warmer weather. If you are an athlete, you are probably looking forward to warm temperatures and the start of another season. You may even be working out in the gym and

looking for ways to improve your performance. Be careful, though, what you read and hear. Make sure you can tell the facts from fiction.

Drinking fluids while exercising prevents stomach cramps.True. When you exercise, you sweat, resulting in the loss of valuable body fluids. To replace those fluids, you need to drink at least a half a cup of water, or sports drink, every 10–15 minutes of exercise. If you don’t, you may end up with stomach cramps.

Diets with a ratio of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% fat are ideal.False. These types of diets are so low in carbohydrates and calories that you may find yourself feeling tired. A better diet would include 55–58% carbohydrates, 12–15% protein and 25–30% fat.

Different types of exercise build different types of muscles. False. All muscles are the same. There are different types of exercise that will help build different muscles, but the results are the same: bigger, stronger muscles. The only qualities you can change about your muscles are their mass and shape.

Steroids are one of the worst ways to bulk up.True. Although steroids do build muscles, they are dangerous and have serious side effects. When abused, they can stunt growth, deepen the voice and alter the reproductive organs. Some athletes have even died after using them for a long period of time.

Protein supplements increase muscle mass.False. While it is true that protein helps keep bones and muscles strong, the only way to gain muscle is by eating right and exercising. Like calories, excess protein is stored as fat, so the only thing you stand to gain by con-suming additional protein is fat.

Sugary products should be avoided before a competition.False. Sugar is a carbohydrate. It increases glucose and insulin levels, and if eaten before a game, can give you some much-needed fuel.

Vitamin supplements increase energy.False. Vitamins help the body use energy; they do not supply it. Taking too much of a particular vitamin can be dangerous. Chronic intake of vitamin D, for example, can lead to kidney stones and hypercalcemia, while chronic intake of vitamin A can result in hair loss, liver damage and headaches.

Special supplements, such as amino acids and ginseng, do nothing to improve athletic performance.True. Although many companies say otherwise, there is no evidence that taking ginseng or some other supplement will enhance an athletic per-formance. In fact, the use of some has proven to be dangerous, not to mention, quite expensive.

Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes for improving your athletic perfor-mance. To be at the top of your game, you must eat right and exercise. So watch your diet and make time for the gym.

Athletic Fact Or Fiction?


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Spring Daffodils Abound at the Mid-Atlantic Garden Faire

By Fran Wall

A s the colorful spring daffodils emerge from the harsh winter snows, the Wash-ington County Master Gardeners will be hard at work preparing for the18th

Mid-Atlantic Garden Faire. The daffodil will be the Faire’s featured flower offering classes and workshops that focus on the lovely spring bloom. This year’s marketplace will bring together everything gardeners desire to rejuvenate tired gardens and trans-form landscapes into peaceful refuges.

On April 24, 25, and 26, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center located in historic Abingdon, Virginia, minutes from I-81 off Exit 14, will be trans-formed into a gardeners’ paradise. Occasional, or even serious gardeners will unearth treasures to make their landscape the most envied in the neighborhood.

Wander through the colorful Garden Marketplace enjoying the wealth of gar-dening delights. The Master Gardeners have assembled the practical and the unique for the garden show this year. Trained nursery specialists from across the Southeast will offer an array of exotic and unusual flowers, native and heirloom plants, bulbs, shrubs, and trees. From hostas to hydrangeas the selection from the premier nurser-ies will brighten any landscape. After getting the perfect plants, the novice or expert gardener will be able to find everything necessary to take advantage of nature’s beau-tiful color palette. Unique quality tools, outdoor furniture, ornamental iron, floral and potting supplies, apparel, whimsical garden art, and much more will entice the gardener at the alluring marketplace.

Again this year in the Garden Marketplace is the $125 shopping sprees held on both Friday and Saturday. The lucky winners will be able to choose plants and gar-dening accessories from the best vendor in the Southeast. Drawings are at 3:00 pm each day, and tickets are available at the Faire for $1.00 each, or 6 for $5.00. Don’t miss this opportunity!

The Mid-Atlantic Garden Faire provides educational opportunities for gardeners to learn about all areas of the garden and landscape. Noted experts from throughout the nation will solve gardening problems, delight lecture goers, and amaze workshop participants. Learn how to make a basic flower arrangement using daffodils. These workshops, available for the cost of the materials, are limited so be the first to sign up. Choose from fourteen garden-related programs most included in the $6 price for daily admission.

This year’s featured speakers will include: Becky Heath, from nationally acclaimed Brent and Becky’s Bulbs who will present a workshop “Creating an Arrangement with Layers of Bulbs.” Participants will create a container filled with bulbs that bloom all summer. On Sunday, Ben Casteel, a local organic farmer and horticulture teacher will lead a walk through the grounds surrounding VHCC answering the question “Is It Poison, Edible, or Just Pretty?” The speakers are sure to delight the Faire goers.

The Plant Clinic is the place to meet friends and solve those nagging problems that plagued the garden last year. Visitors can pose queries to the trained Master Gardener there ready to help.

After solving your garden problems, relax at the Garden Café where enticing treats from The Frugal Gourmet Catering and Catering by Catherine will satisfy any hunger and thirst. On Sunday, join the fun and bring the family to brunch. Faire admission is not necessary to enjoy a dining faire from the region’s premier restaurants.

Discover creative table-setting ideas for entertaining at the Table Top Competition. Be inspired by casual and formal decorative table settings. The innovative table-setting designs are accentuated with exquisite floral arrangements created by local garden club members, Master Gardeners, and enthusiasts of all levels. The competition is open to the public. If interested, contact the Extension Office at (276) 676-6309. The deadline is April 3rd.

Visit the Upper Tennessee River exhibit to sign up for the Rain Garden Tour on Friday, April 24th, from 3:30–5:00. Tour rain gardens in Abingdon and discover how to add this landscape feature to your yard. The tour will feature gardens installed by the Upper Tennessee River Roundtable in partnership with other agencies and the Town of Abingdon. The tour is limited to 24 participants.

Before leaving the Garden Faire, don’t miss The American Chestnut Foundation’s interesting display, and Frank Renault’s spectacular collection of daffodil photographs.

1. Beans Beans (specifically pole beans) are prolific, providing you with an almost constant harvest for several weeks during the summer. For a more manageable amount of produce, consider growing bush beans. In addition to not requiring the trellising that pole beans require, bush beans tend to produce one or two harvests during the season, so you don’t have to worry about harvesting continuously to keep the plants productive. Beans require at least six hours of sun per day and regular watering; especially when they are blooming and fruiting.

2. Lettuce Whether you grow it in a traditional garden bed, a window box, or a flower pot, lettuce is an easy and rewarding vegetable to grow. The main issue with lettuce is that it abhors hot weather, and will bolt in no time once the temperatures start to soar. Look for heat-tolerant varieties, such as ‘Black-Seeded Simpson,’ to prolong your harvest. Alternately, plant them in an area that gets a bit of afternoon shade. Keep your lettuce well watered, and grow cut-and-come again, or loose leaf varieties; which will provide plenty of lettuce for salads throughout the growing season.

3. Leafy Greens Many of the leafy greens (kale, collards, spinach, mustard greens, chard) are even easier to grow than lettuce, and are full of essential vitamins

and minerals. While spinach is infamous for bolting as soon as the weather warms, crops such as swiss chard and kale will keep producing happily in even the hottest weather. Like lettuce, leafy greens can either be grown in a traditional garden bed, or in a container; making them a very convenient crop. In fact, a colorful glazed pot of ‘Bright Lights’ swiss chard is as ornamental as it is practical. Greens require regular moisture, soil with plenty of organic matter and at least four hours of sun per day to thrive.

4. Summer Squash There’s a reason that the cliché of a gardener leaving bushels of zucchini on the doorsteps of unsuspecting neighbors is so prevalent. If you give a zucchini plant full sun, good soil and plenty of water, the fruits will seem to grow right before your eyes. Given their pro-lific nature, you really only need two or three

plants to feed a family of four throughout the summer. Yellow squash tends to be a bit less prolific than zucchini, but you’ll still be growing a bounty of squash either way. For a nice change, try switching the traditional zucchini for something like ‘Eight Ball’ zucchini, which are small and round. They are too large to grow in containers and take up a fair amount of space in the garden, but they are worth it.

5. Tomatoes Yes, tomatoes are easy to grow. I’ll never understand why some people think tomatoes are a tricky crop. Have you ever thrown a tomato into your compost pile? If you have, you’d know that the next season, you end up with tens to hundreds of little tomato seedlings. All tomatoes need are warm temperatures, eight or more hours of sunlight per day, and even moisture. Give them a soil that is rich in organic matter, fertilize them monthly with a good, balanced organic fertilizer, and let them go. You don’t even have to stake, or cage them, if you don’t want to; they’ll grow just fine sprawled out on the ground. For a truly worry-free tomato growing experience, choose hybrid varieties, which are usually more disease-resistant than heirlooms.Most of our favorite vegetables—beans, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes (technically fruits!)—are annuals. They complete their life cycles in a single growing season, so they must be planted year after year.

28

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Ready–Set– Garden!

Gardening is a beautiful relaxing pastime. I get lost in the rhythm of pulling pesky weeds, coaxing tender seedlings, or admiring beautiful f lowers. All my troubles

seem far away when I’m playing in the dirt and listening to the lazy buzz of a hungry bee.

Having a garden may be something you have wanted to try. Deciding where to start can seem a bit overwhelming though. No matter how wonderful it sounds, for most of us the thought of operating a bulky, heavy rototiller causes the most energetic to cringe. Luckily, there are some simple methods to start a garden.

• You can start a f lower bed beside your house without any digging. Remove any nasty looking weeds in the area you choose. Then lay down a layer of cardboard, or a half inch of non-glossy, non-colored newspaper. This will smother the grass underneath. Cover the paper with at least 4 inches of dirt. Plant your f lowers right in the dirt.

• Another easy way to garden is with raised beds. You can buy pre-made kits that snap together easily. If you are handy with a hammer you can build them yourself. To prevent arm fatigue, make sure you don’t have to reach more than two feet to the middle of the bed, or a little more if it’s against a wall, or fence. Place the frame directly on the ground. Put newspaper or cardboard in the bottom to smother any grass. Cover with dirt. A 6-inches high, raised bed is great for plants. For root veggies, choose a height of 10-inches, or more.

• The area you choose can be against your house, fence, or somewhere in your yard. A level spot is best. Trees and other shade sources aren’t bad for your garden, as long as it gets a total of eight hours or more of sunlight. Make sure the area is easily accessible to water.

• The dirt you use is very important. Composted cow manure, mushroom compost and garden soil are sold in bags at garden supply centers. Mix a combination of these with potting soil to help with drainage and root growth. Plant when the dirt temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent transplant shock. Water your plants well to get them started.

At first your plants won’t require much maintenance. But as your garden grows, you will get to spend more time with it, relaxing and enjoying your hard work.

• New Construction• Guttering • Custom Woodworking • Exterior and Interior Remodeling 423.968.5344

Licensed, Insured and BondedCall Today!

By April Hensley

30

In 2007, founders Eric Fried-man and James Park realized that

sensors and wireless technology had advanced to a point where they could bring amazing experiences to fitness and health. They embarked on a journey to create a wearable product that would change the way we move.

On the go, or at your desk, your Fitbit dashboard is with you all the time. See all of your achievement badges, analyze your charts and graphs with ease, and get instant access to the Fitbit community—all in one place. It’s fun and free (and you don’t even need a tracker to use it.)

SO WHAT DOES FITBIT OFFER? Track All-Day Activity See stats like steps, floors climbed, active minutes, calories burned and more, when you use the app with a Fitbit tracker.

Log Food Log calories fast using the barcode scanner, quick calorie estimator and meal short-cuts; or search our database of credible food items. Scroll up to see supported devices.

Connect With Friends Use contacts from your phone, or enter email addresses to invite friends and family to share stats, send cheers and taunts and compete on the leaderboard.

See Progress View progress and analyze your trends with easy-to-read charts and graphs.

MobileRun MobileRun tracks stats like pace, time, distance and splits during runs, walks and hikes and uses GPS from your phone to map your routes. Scroll up to see supported devices.

Record Sleep Monitor your sleep trends with a Fitbit tracker, and set a silent alarm and view sleep charts on the app.

Set Goals Stay focused by setting step, weight and activity goals. Achieve weight goals with Calorie Coaching by seeing calories in vs. calories out.

Record Workouts Log workouts in seconds and see them appear instantly on a monthly exercise calendar.

Control WeightAria tracks your weight, BMI, lean mass and body fat percentages and automat-ically syncs it all to your Fitbit dashboard.

MobileTrackTrack daily steps and distance right on your smartphone with MobileTrack, even if you don’t have a Fitbit device. Scroll up to see supported devices.

Stay Motivated Get push notifications and earn badges to keep you moving toward your goals and to give you kudos when you’ve achieved them.

Sync Wirelessly Wirelessly sync stats across your phone, Fitbit tracker and the Aria Smart Scale, to access your progress without plugging in.

Multi-Tracker Support Connect multiple trackers to one account, and Fitbit will automatically detect when you switch between them. So you can wear what you want without ever missing a stat.

Earn Badges Hit milestones and celebrate your achievements with Badges. And check your account to see and store every one you’ve earned, on your fitness journey.

For more information visit www.fitbit.com, or visit a retailer to get started on having a more calculated active lifestyle. Be healthy and have fun!

1200 Spruce Lane | Elizabethton, TN

pineridgecare.com

423.543.3202

We believe that our skilled team and a positive outlook can achieve great things.

Let us take that journey with you.

WHY PINE RIDGE? Our vision is to radically

change the landscape of long term care forever.

Contact Freida or Bryan for a tour of our Facility.

At Pine Ridge, our team of Rehabilitation, Nursing, Dietary, Activities and Chaplain services want to join with you and your family on the journey to healing and getting you to where you want to be as soon as possible. We take

a “Wholeness Approach” which consists of healing in

mind, body and spirit.

Fitbit Craze—Counting Steps

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