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America Stand Up 5-3-08
Time to stand up for America and we’ll be doing just that on March 15, 2008 in Washington, DC. Our patriotic group, referred to as “Eagles,” will be mustering in support of our troops and in opposition to anti-America crowd that has SURRENDER as their goal.
March is the anniversary month of the start of the Gulf War which represents a special protest month for anti-war rabble. It further gives them the opportunity to dishonor our troops, vandalize, as well as deface and dishonor our memorials, and generally disgrace America. When I say anti-war rabble, I’m referring to groups like A.N.S.W.E.R., CODE PINK, IVAW, CAIR and all unpatriotic groups that laugh and taunt our freedom. And yes, a lot of dissension is about the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. We cannot go back in history. We are there and to surrender would only embolden the enemy, as it did in Vietnam and hasten the destruction of America.
Our military is fighting with their lives, limbs, blood and dedication to the cause of Freedom while America is at the mall. It has been my sad experience to see the “uncaring” of the American people. To see them just stand by and watch our flag, the symbol for all that is right, being stomped and spat upon.
We all need to come together in support of our veterans, our troops, our Nation. The cause is Freedom. The outcome is yours. I’ll see you in Washington, DC on March 15, 2008.
For further information, contact me at our e-mail address;
Kentucky@eaglesup.us and view our web site at;
www.eaglesup.us
Semper Fi,
James M. Clontz USMC (Ret) Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq
Kentucky “Eagles Up” State Cordinator

TRUST FOR LIFE ORGAN DONATION AWARENESS 5-3-08
Licensed drivers in Breathitt County once again showed their support of organ donation by being “above average” in donating an extra dollar to the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks Trust For Life when renewing their driver’s licenses in 2007. Many Breathitt County residents also placed their names on the new Kentucky Organ Donor Registry at the same time. According to the Trust Foe Life, Breathitt Circuit Court Clerk Patsy C. Williams’s office collected the donated $1 from 62.9% of those obtaining their drivers license last year. The average number of drivers who donated $1 when they got their new or renewed license in Kentucky’s 120 counties was 41.6%. And, since May 15th when it was added to the drivers license process, 351 county residents have placed their names on the donor registry. “Patsy C. Williams and her staff should be very proud of their efforts in collecting the $1 donations and in adding names to the donar registry,” said Trust President Doug Hall, who is also the Floyd Circuit Clerk. The Trust For Life was created by the Kentucky Circuit Court Clerks Association and the state legislature in 1992 to collect the $1 at driver’s license counter to fund a year-round education and promotion effort to encourage all the Kentuckians to be organ and tissue donors so that others might live. They were also very instrumental in establishing the new Kentucky Organ Donar Registry. Currently more than 770 Kentuckians are on waiting lists for lifesaving organ transplants and many more need life-enhancing procedures requiring donated tissue like corneas, heart valves and veins. Many of these patients will die waiting. Any Kentucky resident with a valid state driver’s license or state ID can now make their wishes to be a donar known by registering on Kentucky;s new Organ Donar Registry when they go the the Circuit Clerk’s offices to renew. Or they can access the registry by visiting www.DonateLifeKY.org. The registration process is quick, easy and secure. The clerks and the Trust encourage everyone to tell their families of their decision. For more information about the Trust and Organ Donar Registry, call toll-free (866) 945-5433 or visit the TFL web site at www.trustforlife.org

Out of Sight, Out of Mind … But In Your Water 3-17-08
SHOPVILLE, KY — On the surface, dumping trash in a sinkhole seems harmless. “Out of sight, out of mind,” so the saying goes. It’s no wonder the practice is common worldwide.
Below the surface, however, the harm is very real. Because sinkholes and caves form vast underground networks, the trash can pollute drinking water for miles. If debris builds up, then the area may no longer be suitable for wildlife.
These hidden problems are revealed by an extraordinary cleanup project near Shopville in Pulaski County . A four-story trash dump is being removed from Saltpeter Pit, a cave that looks like a sinkhole on the surface. Nicknamed “ Mount Trashmore ,” the dump grew over 30 years of illegal dumping until it held more than 200 tons of household garbage, appliances and other debris.
Cleanup began in July 2006, spearheaded by the American Cave Conservation Association (ACCA), a nonprofit organization in Horse Cave , Ky. The project is expected to wrap up this year.
ACCA launched the cleanup effort in response to the discovery that Saltpeter Pit is an important bat habitat. The cave is the hibernation site for 500 to 600 Rafinesque’s big-eared bats — one of the nation’s largest known colonies of the rare species. Also, the cave once housed a colony of more than 10,000 bats, likely the Indiana bat, which is protected federally as an endangered species.
Both species require specific conditions, such as temperature and moisture, to hibernate, and there are fewer caves, rock shelters, tree cavities and similar areas where they can roost and hibernate. Removing Mount Trashmore should make Saltpeter Pit more suitable for both bat species.
“With only 400,000 Indiana bats left in the United States , making just two or three caves hospitable for them can make a huge difference in species recovery nationally,” said Jim Kennedy, cave resource specialist for BCI.
“This project came about because they found the bats, but somebody’s drinking this water, and that affects everybody,” said Jerry Fant, co-owner of Karst Tec Consulting, the Texas-based company contracted to lead a three-week cleanup effort in August 2007. “You’re looking at heavy metals, like mercury from batteries, lead from car batteries.”
Karst topography — which is limestone riddled with cracks — likely carries water from Saltpeter Pit into nearby wells and Buck Creek , a Lake Cumberland tributary.
“Karst acts likes a network of pipes, moving water without giving it a chance to filter through soil,” explained Dave Foster, ACCA executive director. In this way, water contamination can impact the local groundwater miles away from the original source.
Removing Mount Trashmore is a messy, expensive project. Cavers rappel 70 to 80 feet into the cave’s shaft-like entrance. With picks and shovels, they break off trash encased in mud. They pile the debris into bags, which are hoisted out by a hauling system temporarily built over the cave entrance.
The project is progressing in stages, working around the bats’ annual hibernation period of early fall to late spring. Volunteers are expected to finish the project in about one week this summer.
The cleanup will cost more than $100,000, Foster said. Grants and donations have come from Bat Conservation International, Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Beneficia Foundation, River Metal Recycling and Waste Connections. Sixty cave explorers from seven states have volunteered 1,376 hours to help since 2006.
Few dumps rival Mount Trashmore , but cleaning any dump can be challenging for landowners who tackle them for the first time.
“For safety reasons, it’s a good idea to call the local solid waste coordinator before starting a cleanup, especially if the landowner is uncertain of the dump contents,” said Gerald Hines, Pulaski County solid waste coordinator. “We can look for dangerous items, such as hazardous liquids, explosives or meth labs.”
“If the dump contains regular garbage, then the landowner can rent a dumpster and take it to a landfill,” Foster said. “Dumps typically have a lot of metal, which can be recycled for extra cash.”
“There are few resources to help pay for cleanups on private property, but some state funds have recently become available through local governments,” Hines said. “There are restrictions and the funds are limited. Landowners can call their local solid waste department for details.”
To learn more about caring for karst, contact the ACCA at 270-786-1466 or visit www.cavern.org.

Dr. Yen 1-31-08
For the readers that didn’t get a chance to read last weeks issue, Ky Mountain News is doing a weekly article with Dr. Chih J. Yen, D.P.M. located at The Jackson Foot and Ankle Clinic. In her previous article she discussed some important information addressing the proper foot care in the wintertime. This week she’s discussing how to choose the proper size and type of socks and shoes.
Most consumers fail to realize their jobs place stress on their feet and ankles on a daily basis; especially, if the job requires a lot of standing or walking, which causes your feet and ankles to swell. This is why one of Dr. Yen’s common rules for purchasing footwear is to always make your purchases during the evening. This allows you choose the proper size to fit your everyday needs instead of taking a chance and possibly getting a size to small which could lead to a potential injury later on.
Another common rule of Dr. Yen’s, along with The Academy of Podiatric Sport Medicine Sock Guidline, is to always purchase shoes and socks together but not the same size. Most people fail to realize that socks, just like shoes, are available in various lengths, widths, and thickness. Her recommended way of achieving the proper size shoe is to bring your own socks with you or purchase the appropriate style of sock to be worn with the particular style of shoe your purchasing.
For example, your planning on buying a pair of athletic shoes for walking or sports, athletic socks should be purchased along with them. The purpose of this sock is to protect your foot from impact, friction, and pressure. When it comes to choosing the brand of athletic shoe, Dr. Yen recommends not to purchase the brand’s name instead purchase the best fit for you, for this is the Best Brand.
The general rule of thumb for purchasing the correct athletic shoe is that you should not be able to twist the shoe, (like wringing water from a rag ). While holding the shoe upward with the toe of the shoe on the ground, apply pressure to the shoe. The shoe should bend by the toes, not in the middle of the shoe. Also, the middle of the shoe should not be extremely narrow. The wider the shoe, the less chances are of you getting a middle foot sprain. Dr. Yen recommends New Balance brand for this purpose. They offer sizes from wide to XXX wide and are one of few that are American made. Next thing to check out is the heel of the shoe. Cup the area and squeeze. This should be firm not soft. This allows you stability during walking and running. Last thing to check is the space from the tip of your toe to the end of the shoe which should be thumb with apart from each other.
When it comes time to buy dress shoes she recommends for the men to purchase a sturdy loafer that offers the correct width for their foot. Price doesn’t play a factor in this decision; however, she does recommend such brands as, Hushpuppies, Stacy Adams, or Florasheim. Guys keep in mind dress shoes are generally worn with dress socks, (which are usually thinner than other socks), so remember to bring or buy the correct size and type for your use.
Now, it’s a known fact the majority of women love to shop. Especially for clothes and shoes. And no matter how uncomfortable the shoe is we’re going to wear them as long as they look good and match our outfit. Well girls, we should actually buy the lower heels, for our own safety and the people’s feet around us. However we can still spend the big bucks on the name brands because the majority of them offer the best arch support. Dr. Yen does recommend brands such as Hushpuppies, E Z Spirit, and Liz Claiborne.
These are just a few suggestions to consider when you go to purchase that next pair of shoes or pack of socks and if your out there buying a pair and have a question or you need some more information call Dr. Yen at her office at 666-5354. She’ll gladly try to answer any questions you have, or if you need additional help with the choices or selections stop by her office and she’ll offer you a helping hand even if it means going with you to make the correct purchase!
Be sure to check out next week’s article with more helpful information, hints, and suggestions from Dr. Yen and remember be sweet to your feet!!

Dan Vito’s 1-24-08
A walk in the woods (as told by Earl)
I enjoy nature when I find myself with some unsolvable quandary. Aimlessly footing about the hills always clears my indecision. The scenery is pleasant and I bring my 22. in case I see any squirrels. I’ve done this often, in many places, but, one time I met this old-timer. I’ve never told anyone before, in my defense, I learned alot and became incredibly perplexed that July day:
illegally trespassing into the Robinson forest, I bounced my mind between two feminine names. I was kindly hoping to get caught, took to jail, or snake bit, to avoid this particular crossroad. After stumbling past an old fire tower and, climbing it just to pee off of, I trekked down the Leland side of the mountain. At the foot of it I found an old dirt road that had long grew over. I assumed I was the 1st one to see this antique path in ages, so with an eccentric mind I decided to follow it out. It leads through a valley for about two miles before giving headway to wide, shallow stream. The path looked to continue on the other shore and much less inviting then the fecund side I was on. It was dominated by stinging nettle, briers, vines, and other uninviting plants. I waded across the brook making my way. It wasn’t that bad after I passed that patch of stinging nettle, my boots were wet and growing heavy.
I arrived at this dilapidated clapboard house that was obviously built before power lines. The greenery had taken most of what hadn’t collapsed. “Looks like a fine place to dry my socks” I thought as I jumped into the doorway from where a porch used to be. Perched in the jam I took of my boots and precariously hung my damp socks over the door jam into the country air. I oscillated my head about the house. There was the room I was in and two other smaller rooms on each wall to the side of me. The one on the right had fallen in. The one the left seemed to be in fair shape in spite of the kudzu creeping from its threshold into the living quarter. I assumed fair shape; I didn’t feel the need to check “It has a leaky roof just like this one”. Then a dusty floorboard squeaked loudly. I jumped barefoot to the ground with my 22. positioned to fire. In the doorway I saw a picturesque elderly man in grey, tattered overalls, smoking a cob pipe in a straw hat. “Mercy sakes, I let ye rest in my homestead here and ye point that thing at me. Don’t worry fellow, I won’t hurt ye. Ain’t talked to nobody in ages, why don’t ye come in a minute” the bearded man spouts with an aged, raspy voice from his white whiskers, tossing my boots to me almost as if a trusting gesture.
I couldn’t force myself to say No, I entered cautiously. Greetings began the small talk, which mostly stayed at fishing and firearms. “Ye seem upset, son, women problems?” he inquired later in the conversation. Reluctant to speak I almost disrespectfully replied “What would you know of it old timer? You’ve been in these hills so long you’re a hermit. Heck, you don’t even know my name.” He retorts with his now melancholy voice “Boy, the times have changed, the problems hasn’t. I had one worth the wait one time, but I choose the one that was already there…shucks, even built her this house and she still left. You could be happy now, you could regret it later, did you hear me Earl? Follow your heart” I jarred my head from the outside shrubs I pondered as he spoke. I saw nothing, no pipe, no hat, no old timer. Spooked I left in a hurry, lacing my boots as I ran.
The wife doesn’t believe my story after I’ve told her so many times. I took her to the same spot once only to find its not there. Being sure of the location and happily married for some years, I haven’t been back

Battles of the Bulge…..A Common Person Approach To Healthy Living 11-26-07
By Sharon Sorrell
I keep finding that meditation has the greatest benefits with regards to stress. Studies show that it brings down pulse, B/P and stress hormones.
So just what is meditation? I have found out it is a calming and clearing of the mind using different approaches. One of the easy ones is mindful breathing. This can be done with the making of a sound as you breath in slowly, then out slowly while keeping the mind on the breathing. A simpler was is to breathe in at a count of five, filling the lungs, then out to a count of five. If the mind wanders, bring back the focus on the breathing. You can do this anywhere whenever life gets stressful, like if you get angry or upset over something.
Doing this breathing will help calm you down. Also deep breathing is good to exchange the stale air deep in your lungs for fresh air which can only be good for you.
Prayer is also considered meditation. Studies on prayer show that it also decreases pulse, B/P and stress hormones. Maybe that explains why people of faith do better when faced with life altering illnesses such as cancer.
At present we are inside a truck repair shop waiting for our fuel filter to be changed. (A fuel filter filters out the impurities in the fuel, like water.) This reminded me of another fuel filter problem we had 2 years ago. We were on I-80 between Laramie and Rawlings, Wyoming. This is a 100 mile stretch of road with no service exits except for ranch exits, not far from Medicine Bowe. (All names of towns and places The Virginian often visited.)
Our truck had started acting as if it was not getting any fuel, but we had fueled in Laramie. The truck started going slower and slower to where we were going 5 mph. The winds were whipping up a wind chill factor of -50 degrees. Yes, negative 50. Not wanting to stop at an exit without any service, we took the shoulder and prayed to make it to a Rest Area with a modern building that was heated, which was about 5 miles ahead.
Once we got to the Rest Area our truck ran for another two hours before it stopped; only ten minutes before the wrecker got to us. He hooked to our truck, and when we got into the cab he told us to keep talking to him as he had been going for the past 24 hours helping other stranded drivers.
He pulled our truck and trailer another 150 miles to Casper, Wyoming where it took our truck two days to thaw out. (Our fuel filter was frozen solid.)
We hope you had a great Thanksgiving and live a life of gratitude. God bless you. Send comments to Sharon Sorrell, P.O. Box 10, Frenchburg, KY 40322.

Heart Attacks 10-7-07
About 1.2 million Americans have heart attacks every year, and more than 400,000 of these people will die before reaching a hospital. But a for those that make it the hospital, advances in treatments have helped lower the number of deaths from heart attacks. Today, those who recover from a heart attack are more likely to return to their past state of health than ever before.
A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction (MI) or an acute myocardinal infraction (AMI). Many heart attacks are caused by a complete blockage of a vessel in your heart, called a coronary artery. A blocked coronary artery prevents oxygen-rich blood and nutrients from reaching a section of the heart. By getting medical treatment quickly, you can reduce this damage, but once a section of heart muscles die, it lasts forever.
Many people live in fear of another heart attack, and with good reason. About 10 percent of those who have a heart attack will have another one within a year of leaving the hospital. This risk drops to about 3 percent every year after that. Proper rehabilitation, which includes making changes to your lifestyle, can reduce these risks and increase your life expectancy.
The first 48 hours after a heart attack are critical. After this, recovery begins. Within a few days, the tissues of the heart begin to heat and if there are no complications, you may be discharged from the hospital after five to seven days. As the weeks pass, the damaged muscle is replaced by scar tissue. This process takes six to twelve weeks, during which time you should be increasing your activity gradually.
Many people are terrified of exercising after a heart attack for fear of triggering another, but exercise helps to speed recovery. Always follow expert advice regarding this gradual increase in exercise. Never overdo things. Excessively vigorous exercise, especially if it includes isometric exercise, can cause another heart attack. In most cases, you should be back to your normal routine after six to twelve weeks.
Exactly when you return depends on your job and how serious the heart attack was. Take it stages and rest when you feel tired. Some very physical jobs maybe beyond your ability at first. Avoid long journeys and stressful driving situations, such as in a city or rush hour. Many people worry that sexual activity may be too strenuous after a heart attack, but research shows these fears are generally unfounded. Like all exercises, take it slow at first.
Changing your lifestyle is a must if you want a healthy recovery and a return to normal life. Also, a lifestyle change will help reduce your risk of further heart attacks. Give up smoking, this cuts your risk in half. Eat a healthy diet with more fruits and vegetables. Try to drink more water, less soft drinks and of course limit the amount of fried foods that you eat. Keep your weight under control. Have your blood pressure checked on a regular bases. Learn to deal with anger and stress, which can trigger an attack. Also get plenty of rest and know your body’s limits.
Depression affects one on four people after a heart attack. It’s critical to address any depression, it wont just go away on its own and it can make it harder for you to make any necessary lifestyle changes or follow your doctor’s advise on particular treatments. Without specific help, those who become depressed don’t recover as well as they might.
I would recommend this book. Heart attack is so common in the United States and everyone is a potential victim. This book outlines the importance of a healthy diet, exercise, rest and other lifestyle changes that will reduce are risk.
About 1.2 million Americans have heart attacks every year, and more than 400,000 of these people will die before reaching a hospital. But a for those that make it the hospital, advances in treatments have helped lower the number of deaths from heart attacks. Today, those who recover from a heart attack are more likely to return to their past state of health than ever before.
A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction (MI) or an acute myocardinal infraction (AMI). Many heart attacks are caused by a complete blockage of a vessel in your heart, called a coronary artery. A blocked coronary artery prevents oxygen-rich blood and nutrients from reaching a section of the heart. By getting medical treatment quickly, you can reduce this damage, but once a section of heart muscles die, it lasts forever.
Many people live in fear of another heart attack, and with good reason. About 10 percent of those who have a heart attack will have another one within a year of leaving the hospital. This risk drops to about 3 percent every year after that. Proper rehabilitation, which includes making changes to your lifestyle, can reduce these risks and increase your life expectancy.
The first 48 hours after a heart attack are critical. After this, recovery begins. Within a few days, the tissues of the heart begin to heat and if there are no complications, you may be discharged from the hospital after five to seven days. As the weeks pass, the damaged muscle is replaced by scar tissue. This process takes six to twelve weeks, during which time you should be increasing your activity gradually.
Many people are terrified of exercising after a heart attack for fear of triggering another, but exercise helps to speed recovery. Always follow expert advice regarding this gradual increase in exercise. Never overdo things. Excessively vigorous exercise, especially if it includes isometric exercise, can cause another heart attack. In most cases, you should be back to your normal routine after six to twelve weeks.
Exactly when you return depends on your job and how serious the heart attack was. Take it stages and rest when you feel tired. Some very physical jobs maybe beyond your ability at first. Avoid long journeys and stressful driving situations, such as in a city or rush hour. Many people worry that sexual activity may be too strenuous after a heart attack, but research shows these fears are generally unfounded. Like all exercises, take it slow at first.
Changing your lifestyle is a must if you want a healthy recovery and a return to normal life. Also, a lifestyle change will help reduce your risk of further heart attacks. Give up smoking, this cuts your risk in half. Eat a healthy diet with more fruits and vegetables. Try to drink more water, less soft drinks and of course limit the amount of fried foods that you eat. Keep your weight under control. Have your blood pressure checked on a regular bases. Learn to deal with anger and stress, which can trigger an attack. Also get plenty of rest and know your body’s limits.
Depression affects one on four people after a heart attack. It’s critical to address any depression, it wont just go away on its own and it can make it harder for you to make any necessary lifestyle changes or follow your doctor’s advise on particular treatments. Without specific help, those who become depressed don’t recover as well as they might.
I would recommend this book. Heart attack is so common in the United States and everyone is a potential victim. This book outlines the importance of a healthy diet, exercise, rest and other lifestyle changes that will reduce are risk.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
Without a doubt Americas favorite colors are red, white and blue!
Nothing brings out the goose bumps and sends a chill up the spine any faster than seeing our American flag. The crisp red, white and blue colors of Old Glory waving in the wind sends a jolt down to the very soles of your feet!
And that’s the way it should be. There must be something wrong with a person who doesn’t stand a little taller or sit up a little straighter when an American flag comes into view.
The flag itself is a beautiful sight but it’s the history that goes along with it that stirs our hearts and makes us proud to be Americans.
For generations our men and women in the Armed Forces have served our country proudly and many defended it with their last breath. Menifee Countians have always been in that number to both serve and defend, and to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Many local men have followed our American flag into battle never to return again.
As we celebrate Independence Day 2007, let us remember that independence and freedom is not free. Menifee County has given up 44 of its finest young men down through the years to help pay that price .
Please read with compassion and gratitude the following names of those men from our county who gave their all so that our country and other countries may be free. And as you pass the courthouse in downtown Frenchburg and see our beauriful American flag blowing in the wind, remember these men who never made it home.

MENIFEE COUNTY SERVICEMEN KILLED IN ACTION

WORLD WAR I
Dan Ballard
James Clem
Henry Davis
James N. Davis
William B. Day
William M. Fultz
Everett Gillispie
Alfred T. Wells

WORLD WAR II
Bruce Amburgey
Aubrey Back
Clayton A. Barker
Walter Becraft
Richard C. Berry
Reed Combs
Forest Ray Cope
Paul M. Cope
Robert K. Cope
Clinton Cornwell, Jr.
Gordon Hamilton
Glen Holland
Roy Ingram
Daniel Jones
Orville Lawson
Joseph Allen Little
Leonard N. Martin
Alphus Morrison
Andrew J. Neal
Butler Sallee
Duval Ray Spencer
Robert E. Spradling
James Merle Stamper
Herldon V. Thomas

KOREAN CONFLICT
David Letcher Campbell
Corbett Nickell
Raymond F. Ringo
Joe Robinson
Richard H. Woodard
Orval D. Luke
VIETNAM WAR
Millard Boyd
Gary Collins
Billy Harrison Ratliff
Norman Spencer
Gary Paul Heizer
Iraq
Larry Morrison

Decoration Day 5-28-07
that’s what it was still called when I was growing up in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky. Up and down the hollers, dotted along the mountains were large cemeteries, as well as small family plots, that were turned into patches of beauty.
Sprays, wreaths, and vases of flowers are now made from the softness of silk, compared to the plastic creations from times past. Ferns and greenery must not be as durable as silk because arrangements now have the stiffness of plastic interspersed with the softness of silk.
In the process of growing up, I began to learn the meaning of Decoration Day, which began to be called Memorial Day after World War I. I learned that the day was not just for decorating graves, but for remembering.
After the American Civil War, the last Monday of May was set aside to honor the Nation’s armed service personnel killed in wartime. In 1968, General John Logan made the following proclamation: The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the last rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
As I read this proclamation that was written almost 140 years ago, I couldn’t help but notice that the words are as fitting today as when they were written. With our country involved in another war, our young men and women are coming home to be laid to rest in cities, villages, hamlets all over this country.
Although Memorial Day has evolved into a holiday to remember all who have passed away, the highest honor will always be given to those who gave their all for us.
Churches and American Legion posts across this country plan special services of remembrance.
I count it an incredible honor when our local American Legion post asks me to play taps for their service. I was never in the military, but I get to stand with those men and women who were and take part in their rite of honor for those who can no longer stand with them.
Just as those flower arrangements are a mixture of stiff plastic and soft silk, so are our memories. Even though the stiff, prickliness of sorrow is always present, the softness of love is remembered in an abundance of brightly colored memories.
While we take the day off and enjoy our picnics, fishing, camping, and family gatherings, let’s all take a few moments to stop and remember. Remember with thankfulness those who sacrificed so we can enjoy life as we know it here in America.
We don’t have to live in a country where the sounds of war never cease. Our children can run and play in relative safety. We can work if we want to, or be lazy if we so choose.
It is my hope and dream that freedom will forever ring across this great country. And I’ll always be grateful for the price that has been paid for that freedom. This Memorial Day weekend, when I see beautifully decorated graves, I’ll remember. May God continue to bless America.

Privilege of Rights 5-22-07
Here we are again, ready to step up to the dreaded electronic booth and pull that lever (the old fashion way), and have our say as to who we want in local, state, and national political offices.
So what? What’s the big deal anyway? We could ask that question of the first settlers in the United States of America and thousands who followed who gave their strength, their service, and their lives so that our rights would be secured. No doubt their answer would be immensely different that the answers we get today.
The men and women in our military, standing strong against an evil that threatens to steal away our freedom and our rights, are giving everything to keep us safe, secure, and seal the future of this country in their blood.
I just re-read the Constitution of the United States and couldn’t help but wonder what our founding fathers would say about what’s happened to the loyalty we are supposed to be showing to our country; what’s happened to the rights that they put in place to keep us ‘a perfect union’ and ‘secure the blessing of liberty.’ Possibly that’s why we keep having all these earthquakes. Our founding fathers are rolling over and over in their graves.
The big deal about voting is that it is our right. And it would behoove us to count it a privilege to exercise that right. If we don’t, more and more of our rights are going to be stolen from us. This is not a time to sit back thinking, ‘So what? What’s the big deal?’
Everything costs money and we are all painfully aware that the cost of everything has gone up—and will continue to go up. But one thing is free. ‘All elections shall be free and equal’ the Constitution of the State of Indiana tells us. A high price has already been paid for that freedom, so go and vote and enjoy it because it’s free.
The fifteenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States says, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
The nineteenth Amendment gives women the right to vote, which “shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” I appreciate that right and I exercise that right. I cannot honestly say that I always enjoy walking in there and going through the process before reaching the machine, but I’m thankful that I have the right.
For those who think that their vote doesn’t count anyway. Let me tell you, every single vote counts. Elections are won and lost by each of those votes. Be ready before you go to the polls. Know who is running; who is the best qualified; who you can trust the most with our government--whether it’s local, state or national.
Leadership comes with incredible responsibility. Determine if your candidate has the shoulders to carry those responsibilities; that your candidate has the necessary integrity and honesty.
Count it a privilege to exercise your right. With pride, walk into the voting booth and have your say. Then say a prayer of thanks that you live in a country where “all power is inherent in the People.” That means your vote makes a difference. Each vote counts. Each vote speaks.
As passionate as I am about the importance of voting, I also know that if a person should not want to vote, that too is their right. But it should give us a deep satisfying feeling that we have the privilege to exercise our right to vote. America is a great country and I vote that we keep her that way. Do the American thing. Go vote.

“By His blood” 4-15-07
Romans 5:9, “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” When Jesus finished the redemptive work on Calvary, He provided every man and woman who would ever be born into this world with a way that they could be justified in the eyes of Almighty God. Romans 8-9 says, “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Cornerstone Ministries
Reverend Michael G. Adkins
P.O. Box 83
West Liberty, KY 41472

Nellotie Porter Chastain
The gift of freedom, paid for with the life of a young man or woman serving this country, should forever be accepted with gratitude and pride. Thousands of young people sign up for military service every day, with full knowledge that we are in the midst of global warfare.
Along with their hopes and dreams of completing their time and possibly pursuing an education is the burning desire to do their part in securing our freedoms. They are stepping out and doing something tangible to keep terrorists from ever again threatening our welfare.
Sgt. William Glenn Bowling’s memory will be kept alive in his beautiful children. I’m certain they will be taught the importance of their daddy’s sacrifice for them. Gazing at his pictures, reverently touching the folded flag that draped his coffin long before they had a chance to know him, they will be filled with pride knowing that their daddy prized their freedom so much that he gave his life for it.
Living during the Viet Nam war era, vivid memories still linger of friends who came home physically, mentally, or emotionally damaged, or just to be buried in their family’s cemetery.
There always have been and will continue to be those who enjoy speaking disparagingly about this country’s war efforts. What is inexcusable is the fact that every time those words are spoken, they do more damage to our military personnel that any bullet, rocket, or roadside bomb. They are taking men and women like Sgt. Glenn Bowling and rubbing their faces in the mud. And that makes me angry.
While young Americans across this country purposely flush their lives down the toilet with any type of substance abuse they can think of, our real American men and women are over there giving their all and it would behoove us to support them with our words and our actions. They are not leaders giving commands. They are our sons and daughters putting their lives on the line for us. They want their futures and our future to be secure.
I did not know Sgt. Bowling, but as I look at his pictures, I see a vibrant young man; a proud father; a loving husband. The pride he felt for what he was doing is clear. His expression in the picture in the middle of the second page seems to shout to his wife and children, ‘this is for you.’
I am a patriot person. I love this country. I am proud to be an American, and take every available opportunity to say so. Although my heart aches for families who have to go on without their loved ones, I also am filled with pride; pride that they cared enough to give their all; pride that I live in a country where young men and women voluntarily put themselves in harms way for me, for my children, for my posterity.
Sgt. Glenn Bowling is indeed gone. But, like far too many others, he will not be forgotten. Someday, his children will look at his picture and proudly say, ‘That’s my Dad. He died for me.’ What better legacy can be left for your child?
How can we express our gratitude for such committed service? The only way I know is to be the best American I know to be. I will honor my Constitution. I will support our military with my words and actions. Presented with the opportunity, I will shake the hand of a uniform-clad man or woman and say, “thank you.”
And to the family of Sgt. Glenn Bowling, thank you for sharing him with the United States of America. May God’s grace shine upon you and His blessings reward you for the life he gave to all of us.

Surprise Of Beauty
Two days before Easter, nature was in full array. Like Moses’ burning bush, redbud trees blazed through the new, tender green landscape. Teased by a week of soft, warm spring weather, I left home with only a sweater on my arms.
After spending too much time in the store, I wheeled my shopping cart out of the automatic opening door. Slapping me in the face and yanking at my loosely worn sweater was a bitterly cold wind.
The shock to my system caused me to speed to my car, toss in my shopping goodies, ram the cart into its corral, and jump behind my steering wheel. Needless to say, the heater was not even on, let alone ready to quickly shoot out warm air.
By the time my car passed the last traffic light on my way home, my chill bumps had disappeared and I no longer shivered. In fact, in the now warm car, I almost forgot about the sudden winter shock.
That’s when I found myself in the midst of a strange, but beautiful phenomenon. Swirling through the air in front of me, were billions of snow flakes. Strange because it was almost Easter; beautiful because the white crystals filtering through brilliant redbud blooms looked like a diamond and ruby filled landscape.
As difficult as it was to accept cold air and snow again, I couldn’t help but thank God for His gift of beauty. I think there are many times when God likes to remind us that He is still in control and He makes all things beautiful in His time.
I’ve been fortunate to visit twenty three states and one other country. And in each place I’ve been, I’ve found nature’s beauty. Although I’m partial to the mountains of southeastern Kentucky, the other mountains across the United States are ruggedly and majestically beautiful.
While visiting in Las Vegas, we gladly left the craziness of the city far behind to be taken to an area where nothing but scrub grew. Riding horse back for hours gave me the opportunity to experience the rare beauty of barren land. All that could be seen for miles was flat land and bare hills that were nonetheless teeming with life.
Animals and insects I’d never seen before went about their life as if we weren’t around. Thankfully, no snakes wiggled across our path or I might have come home a widow. Across that desert, I saw the most incredibly beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen before. Even in seeming nothingness, I discovered beauty.
Man has also built massive structures of beauty. One cannot look at the Hoover Dam or the new bridge spanning the Colorado River gorge just below the dam and not be in awe of what man is able to accomplish. Although I have not seen it, and probably wouldn’t be brave enough to walk out on it, the new glass walkway over the Grand Canyon is an amazing accomplishment.
There is not a state in the union that is not filled with natural beauty and awesome man-made structures. One of my dreams is to travel all over the United States, reveling in each state’s unique beauty.
Tears fill our eyes when we stand and sing America the Beautiful. In one short verse, Samuel A. Ward encapsulated the beauty that abounds in this country
I have to admit, it took a lot of years before I began to appreciate the beauty of Indiana. The many mayor conferences my husband has to attend, has given me the opportunity to visit different areas of the state. Even though Indiana is still a little too flat for me, I’m thankful that I’ve been privileged to discover what a beautiful state she is.
I’m certain that when God made this world, He knew we humans were going to need fun and relaxation. This earth was made for us to enjoy—not destroy. That’s why He made mountains, sand dunes, lakes, sunrises and sunsets.
And those surprise snow storms in springtime are not only special gifts but gentle, beautiful reminders of Who is still in control.

Sacred Winds Ensemble Celebrates Ten Years
Terry Thies
Publicity Chair, Sacred Winds Ensemble
For the past ten years, the Sacred Winds Ensemble has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the citizens of Eastern and Southeastern Kentucky. From its first performance to present day, the ensemble has been heralded for its thought-provoking and emotional performances. Reflecting on last summer’s concert, Dr. Jim Castlen of the Three Forks Association wrote, “Many of us felt as though we had been transported up to “the third heaven,” for it was much, much more than a mere musical concert—it was a high spiritual moment as well.”
This June, the ensemble will present a program celebrating their Ten-Year Anniversary by performing some of their favorite works. “Our repertoire is centered on the ensemble’s deep devotion to God by performing music that has left memorable and life-changing impressions on our audience and the performers. It is truly remarkable to reflect upon what God has freely given to everyone involved. I can’t think of a more exciting time,” said Scott Bersaglia, Artistic Director and Conductor. The program includes Vaclav Nehlybels’ Songs of Praise, O Magnum Mysterium by Morton Lauridsen, In the Garden by Kim Archer, Pavel Chesnokov’s Salvation is Created, Just A Closer Walk with Thee, and the world premiere of David Maslanka’s Unending Stream of Life. The Sacred Winds will also welcome guest soloists Tonya Castle, soprano; Adrienne Bush, mezzo-soprano; Chris Conley, counter tenor; and Aaron Bowling, bass.
Dr. Bersaglia founded the Sacred Winds Ensemble in 1997 as an outlet of musical worship for Petrey Memorial Baptist Church. Sensing the need for a larger venue – due to both ensemble and audience growth – the group moved to The First Federal Center in 2000. The same year, the Sacred Winds Ensemble Commissioning Project was established and to date has commissioned fourteen works for winds, choral, and string ensembles. The ensemble consists of volunteer musicians who are dedicated to glorifying Jesus Christ through His gift of music. Membership is by invitation and consists of approximately sixty-five professional musicians representing twelve states and an estimated thirty colleges and universities.
The Sacred Winds Ensemble will present their Tenth Anniversary Celebration Concert on June 10, 2007 at 2:30 PM at The First Federal Center on the campus of Hazard Community and Technical College. Admission is free. For additional information, please visit www.sacredwinds.org.

FREE TO A GOOD HOME
(A Continuing Saga)
When we bought the farm we had one dog and two cats. Our dog was named Pheebie. At least that is how we phonetically spelled it. Pheebie was a respectable, but small eight year old Bodkin Spaniel who had been
given to my oldest son as a birthday present when she was just a puppy. During this dog’s adolescence we made several half-hearted attempts to turn her into a bird dog and had quickly learned the only thing Pheebie
truly wanted to retrieve while on the dove field was an afternoon nap in the shade.
Chocolate brown with yellow eyes that could look into your soul, this dog just wouldn’t hunt, but she became a member of our family none the less. I was sure she would thrive in our newly found country environment and as predicted Pheebie did flourish. She ran the pastures and jumped the fences. She stayed close to home and never destroyed a thing. God bless this dog!
Unfortunately, when you live in the country you also assume there’s plenty of room for more than one dog. I had always loved Dalmatians and had vowed to someday have one. About a year after we moved my husband
and two sons were shopping at the local IGA. Conveniently located next to this grocery store in our new, upscale strip mall was a pet shop and on this fateful day in front of the pet shop sat a fully grown, liver
spotted, female Dalmatian named Jasmine.
The sign over Jasmine’s pen read “free to a good home.” Never ones to pass up anything free, I received a telephone call from the male members of my family telling me about the dog. Beautiful Jasmine had me from
hello and with great excitement the dog of many spots was loaded up in our car and on her way home to Camp Clamp. Pheebie had a friend and I finally had my Dalmatian.
Jasmine fit in from the beginning. This dog simply loved life and joyously filled her days leaping three feet into the air after butterflies or running through the fields literally swinging from one horse’s tail to another. She would chase and be chased by the Pekin ducks who lived in the small pond next to our front yard. It was not uncommon to see Jasmine in close pursuit of Ducky Duck when suddenly the tide would turn and the proud white drake would reverse the course and become the pursuer. Somehow, Jasmine never harmed a feather on Ducky Duck’s prominent tail and eventually tiring of the chase, Duck and dog would stop to rest side by side at the water’s edge.
She was a blessing with one fault. Jasmine loved to chase cars and I somehow knew this would be her eventual demise. Low and behold, one morning my husband Stanley rushed into the bedroom yelling “where is my
gun?” Well I wasn’t exactly packing his pistol in my bathrobe pocket and since normal people don’t start conversations out this way the nature of his inquiry did cause me a moment’s hesitation. Noting the confused
look on my face, my husband finally exclaimed, “I’ve hit Jasmine – she’s in bad shape and I’m going to put her out of her misery.” Making a mental note of Stan’s crisis management skills, I reminded my husband that I too owned a gun and no one was going to shoot my dog until I was sure about the extent of her injuries. Rushing outside I found Jasmine lying helpless and bloody in the driveway. Still breathing, we took her to the local animal hospital, but the prognosis wasn’t good. She had been run over by the front and back wheels of a Suburban.
Jasmine had a crushed skull, broken ribs that had punctured her lungs, a dislocated hip, and her long spotted tail had been completely severed from her body.
Resembling an actor in a prime time television series, the vet gravely informed us that if Jasmine made it through the next forty-eight hours she might survive, but unfortunately she would never be able to have puppies. Miraculously our dog did make it through the first night and then the second. Grateful she was alive and much to the irritation of the staff at the animal hospital, I visited our dog everyday while she was in the canine intensive care unit. Initially my children and I cried as our Dalmatian suffered and then laughed as the pain eased and she
slowly recovered. Showing his softer side, Stan even shed a tear or two as he watched me write the $1,800 check on the morning of Jasmine’s release.
Two days after Jasmine returned home I was in the carport emptying the trash when I noticed Pheebie coming down the driveway with what appeared to be a furry spotted stick in her mouth. As if presenting evidence
from the scene of a crime she proudly trotted up and deposited the remnants of a severed tail right at my feet. Amazed that Pheebie had actually retrieved something, but realizing it was far too late to perform reconstructive surgery, I picked up the tail and unceremoniously disposed of it in the garbage can with the rest of the trash. A few months later Jasmine returned to her spirited pursuits and thus became the only $1,800, limping, barren, bobtailed Dalmatian in Blythewood – free to a good home.

Nature’s Lessons By: Nellie Chastain
Recently, as I was driving on one of our city streets, a loud commotion caused me to slow my Mustang to a crawl as I looked skyward to see what was causing such a racket. Making sure there were no vehicles behind me, I whipped into the city hall parking lot and watched a large, perfectly formed ‘V’ formation of geese flying overhead, squawking to each other, possibly bragging loudly about how beautiful they must look.
Immediately after lowering my window, I saw the ‘V’ disintegrate as the geese began to act as if they each had suddenly contracted an inner ear infection. Actually, it was quite comical.
As I continued to watch the pandemonium taking place hundreds of feet above me, I saw a hawk gently soaring in circles many feet below the bewildered geese. He didn’t act as if he saw the geese, but they certainly saw him.
Beginning with the leader, on back through the two, formerly straight lines, the geese lost their focus. Perhaps that sort of reaction is where the term ‘silly goose’ comes from.
From the time I was a young child, I have always enjoyed watching nature. I believe there are a lot of lessons to be learned from nature. God has given us an abundance of beautiful, interesting creations to enjoy and learn from.
As I observed the flock of geese and their total breakdown of leadership, their loss of vision, and their inability to follow when they caught sight of that hawk, I was reminded of how our supreme courts on down through the lines of leadership seem to fall to pieces every time the American Civil Liberties Union show up. The A.C.L.U. doesn’t even necessarily have to say anything. Their presence alone seems to cause a total loss of focus.
As a Christian, I have the right under the Constitution of this great country I am a proud citizen of, to pray when I want, to read my Bible when I want, to worship in the church of my choosing. And I will always stand tall, with my hand over my heart, as I pledge my allegiance to the United States of America, one nation under God. And no amount of fear tactics or threats will change that for me.
However, our lawmakers seem unable to stand for what’s right. When the A.C.L.U. shows up, our lawmakers begin dodging and ducking, seeming to say, ‘Oh, please don’t hurt me, I’ll give you what you want.’ And they do. The heart breaking results are the freedoms our children, grandchildren, and grandchildren will be living without.
As disappointing and disgusting as it is, it seems as if our leaders have to abide by different rules that have been made by fear-filled lawmakers who have lost their focus, lost their vision of what this great country is all about. Apparently they’ve forgotten the words of the first amendment to our nation’s Constitution.
In all fairness, perhaps they haven’t forgotten. It could be confusion caused by the supposedly intelligent interpretations that have been given to those simple, direct, wise words written long ago by our founding fathers.
You know, it’s quite possible that if one were to stand on any of our founding fathers’ graves, one would feel the ground move from the ‘rolling over in their graves’ those men must be doing.
I may not be the freshest cookie in the pack, but I certainly am not a silly goose. My faith in God gets me through each day. My gratitude goes to Him for allowing me to be born and reared in the USA and to have had a father who, by his example, taught me to love and respect this country.
I didn’t watch those geese long enough to see if they were able to recover from their fright and regain their vision. I also didn’t see the hawk single out any one of them for a quick lunch. So I assume the hawk chose a quieter corner of sky in which to soar and decided a fresh road kill was more to his liking than a loud, silly goose. I also assume the geese got their necks untangled and pulled themselves back into their perfect ‘V’ so they could reach their goal.
Lessons learned! May God continue to bless America—in spite of us.