STAR - Thevalleystar.net

THE VALLEY
STAR
March 22, 2012
Girls & T-Ball
Baseball
See story on
Page 16 & 17
FREE
SERVING ATHENS/LIMESTONE COUNTY & THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AREA
The Floor Gallery - A Family Business
Steve and Wanda Clutts have owned The Floor Gallery on U.S. 72 East for 4 years.
See story on page 12.
www.thevalleystar.net
Democrats to
honor Carter,
Davis, Page
by Sonny Turner
Between them they have three-quarters of
a century of service to Limestone
County. Now, in their honor, the Limestone
County Democratic Executive Committee
will recognize them at a public service
award dinner.
Retired Limestone County State Representative,
Tommy Carter, retired Limestone County
Probate Judge, Mike Davis, and retiring Limestone
County Circuit Court Clerk, Charles Page
Jr., will be honored at the April 17th dinner at
First National Bank in Athens.
Limestone Democratic Party officials said the
dinner banquet is a fundraiser for the party.
Tickets to the dinner are $40 each or $75 per
couple. Tickets are available by calling Democratic
Party Chairman, Ron Gatlin at 256-529-
2172.
Carter retired six years ago after serving 36
years in office. At the time of his retirement in
2006, he was one of the ranking members of
the Alabama Legislature in Montgomery.
Carter resides in Elkmont.
Davis, a former Limestone County educator,
served several terms as the County’s Probate
Judge. He retired last year while in office. Republican
Stan McDonald, who did not seek
election to a full term in office, replaced Davis
after he stepped down. Athens attorney,
Charles Woodroof takes over next term after
being elected to the post March 13th.
Page, like Davis, has served several terms as
the County’s Circuit Court Clerk. Page will retire
and leave office in January. He did not
seek re-election. Either Republican Brad Curnutt
or Democrat Kris Allen, who face each
other in the Nov. 6th General Election, will replace
Page.
Ginna
Chitttam
Realtor
(256)777-3300
Featured Listings on page 32
Alabama Real Estate Solutions LLC
BUYING • SELLING • RENTING • BUILDING … WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!
www.AlabamaRealEstateSolutions.com
DESIGN/BUILD
GENERAL CONTRACTING
PREMIER STRUCTURES, INC.
256-232-2092
www.premierstructures.com

Page 2 the valley star March 22, 2012
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2012 Sonic 2012 Cruise 2012 Camaro
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MSRP $17,650 MSRP $18,480 MSRP $25,605
Meet the hometown folks at Champion Chevrolet - Chevy Runs Deep
Donnie (Bama)
Marlow
Leroy Tavares Jr. Al Paris Terry Patterson
Curtis Terry
Rickey Smith
David Brown
Salesman
of the
Month
Barry
Tucker
Sabrina Carroll
Dania Voketz
CHEVROLET - CHEVY RUNS DEEP
*All sale prices plus tax, title, and fees with rebates applied.
Anthony Light
Joel Hamm
General Mgr.
Service team
Billy Bob Freeman,
Brian Todd, Jeff Van Hoozer
championofathens.com
921 S Clinton St • Athens, AL 35611
256-232-5692

THE SONNY SIDE
by Sonny Turner
Community pulls together to help
family that lost house to tornado
THE VALLEY
The Valley Star’s Flo Doughty and
her family had an experience of a
lifetime on March 2 when an EF3
tornado came calling, destroying
their home.
Flo and family, though, lived to tell
about it. This is her story of that
horrifying day.
By Flo Doughty
My life certainly
changed
on the morning of
Flo Doughty March 2, 2012.
My family was at
the Wellness Center enjoying
some exercise and fellowship
with friends, when all of the sudden,
the lights went out. They
were predicting thunderstorms,
but the severe weather wasn’t
supposed to begin until the
evening hours.
My cell phone rang and I could
tell it was TVA, so I assumed that
call was for my husband since he
works there. It was his manager
calling to see if we were okay. Of
course my husband said we were
fine; we were at the gym. The
manager proceeds to tell my husband
that our neighborhood,
Canebrake, had been hit by a tornado.
A bad feeling comes over
him and we immediately leave to
check on our home and start to
worry about our dogs that were at
home. What we saw when we got
there was pretty shocking….
When we turned into the neighborhood
we quickly saw the
house at the corner of our street
was heavily damaged; my heart
immediately sank. We turned
right onto our street and there
our house stood with half the roof
completely missing. My mind
raced as fear for the safety of our
dogs overwhelmed me. When I
got inside the house it was severely
damaged and two dogs
were missing; one collar was lying
in a pile of rubble in the living
room floor. We did find her in the
neighborhood; a nice neighbor
was holding on to her until we
could get to her. Our other dog, a
dachsund mix named Sky, remains
missing today – 14 days
after the tornado hit. We still
search for her daily, morning and
night.
Caleb and Sky
You never know what you’ll do if
you find yourself in this situation,
but we immediately started
searching the neighborhood for
our missing dog. When we
searched our immediate section
of the area we returned home
and started grabbing pictures off
the walls and trying to save photo
albums. The wet sheetrock on the
ceiling began collapsing around
us. Some dear friends, Jack
Davidson and Scott Edwards,
showed up with work gloves on
ready to help us try to save what
could be saved. It was raining
heavily and things were really getting
wet.
What has happened in the days
since has been truly amazing.
God is good and He is faithful. We
have had an outpouring of support
from our local community.
Our Sunday school class and
church members showed up without
us even having to ask for
help. People brought cleaning
supplies, gift cards, meals, etc.
They helped us get everything out
of the house. Some members of
our Sunday school class picked
through debris to save some of
my son’s Legos. It was amazing
to see people just jumping in
there, getting dirty, giving up their
weekend to help us. Neighbors
came out and helped search for
our dog. God sent His saints to
take care of all our needs. One
morning the Red Cross came
through with biscuits. My son said
it reminded him of how God sent
the ravens to feed Elijah in the
desert.
God is faithful and we sure love
our town and the wonderful people
who make it so special!
STAR
Publisher/Editor in Chief
Sonny Turner
sonny.visions@gmail.com
256-431-5498
Co-Publisher/Photography
Danny Johnson
tvsdrj@gmail.com
256-874-7571
Copy Editor
Debra Johnson
tvsdrj@gmail.com
Owners
Chris Shindorf
and Bob Teaven
For information on advertising,
please call Sonny@256-431-5498,
Danny@256-874-7571 or
Kathy Thornton@256-777-1425
Anthony Bates@256-874-2585
Reproductions in whole or in part, without expressed written permission of the publisher are strictly prohibited.
The Valley Star is not responsible for the content or claims of any advertising or editorial in this
publication. All content contained in The Valley Star is sole property of The Valley Star. The Valley Star
is a publication of Alabama Real Estate Solutions in Athens.
The BEST pork, chicken and ribs around…
all cooked fresh daily on da pit.
THE ONLY PLACE IN LIMESTONE
COUNTY THAT COOKS FRESH DAILY!
We cater to groups:
Large or Small…
GIVE US A CALL!
Located @ 10047 Hwy 72 Athens, Al
256-729-9600
March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 3

Page 4 the valley star March 22, 2012
SCHOOL BELLS
Y.A.M. Youth Art Month Exhibit
Debra
Johnson
Youth Art
Month
is observed
nationally
each
March. It
emphasizes
the value of
art education for all children
and encourages public support
for quality school art programs.
The Huntsville
Museum of Art is celebrating
the visual arts for Youth Art
Month this year with its 25 th
annual exhibit. The “YAM
2012 includes about 200
works of students in K
through 12 th grade from area
chools including: Huntsville,
adison, Athens, Decatur,
cottsboro, Madison County,
nd Limestone County. Sunay,
March 11 th was a Comunity
Free Admission Day at
the Museum with a reception
to recognize the student
artists in the exhibition.
The Visual Arts Achievement
Program sponsored by the
Huntsville Museum of Art will
recognize 17 middle school
and high school students for
their achievements in art.
The award-winning works will
travel to Montgomery to be
displayed with other regional
winners in April. Also, one
high school work will be chosen
from the 5 th Congressional
District will be sent to
Washington, D. C. to be displayed
for one year.
The YAM 2012 Exhibition can
be viewed through April 29,
2012. Museum hours are
Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.,
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday,
and Saturday from 11a.m. to
4 p.m., and Thursday from
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission
is $8 for adults, $4 for children
ages 6-11, $7 for students,
seniors, educators,
and members of the military.
LIMESTONE DRUG
YAM artwork from
Julian New Elementary.
YAM artwork from
Athens Elementary.
Christina Waldron from
Athens Intermediate School.
Grant Metcalfe from
Brookhill Elementary.
by Debra Johnson
Logan More from
Athens High School
Sloane Daley from Athens
Middle School.
1806 Wilkinson Street
Athens, AL 35611
256-242-1444
1-877-885-5592
Emergency Line:
256-216-8621
LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN ATHENS ON THE SQUARE
Alabama State Law requires you to call the
Alabama One Call Center 48 hours prior to any
excavation, to have underground utilities located.
CITY-WIDE DELIVERY ONLY $1
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 7:30AM-7PM • SATURDAY 7:30AM-5PM • SUNDAY 9AM-5PM
256-232-3811
811 is the new national
three digit call number.
Athens Gas Department reminds you
“MAKE EVERY DIG A SAFE DIG”

March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 5
ON THE ROAD with Anthony Bates
A 17-year-old battling the big boys
Jacob Stephens loves stock car racing
Anthony
Bates
by Anthony Bates
Jacob
Stephens is
no longer
dreaming of driving
a stock car because
that dream
is over. Now it’s
for real for the 17-year-old.
It started early, at age 4 to be
exact, when he drove his first
go-cart. His grandfather, Buck
Edwards, told Jody (Jacob’s father),
“this kid will make a fine
race car driver.”
And, boy, was he right!
Jody was a good driver himself,
racing at Moulton, Thunder Hill,
TN, and at North Alabama
Speedway. So, Jacob said it was
a no-brainer for him.
To drive one - first you have to
learn to work on them and take
care of your car. His parents, Jody
and Verna, owners of Stephens
Used Cars in Athens, have supported
him since day one.
Jacob Stephens with trophy after a big win.
At the age of 14, Jacob, won his
first race at Moulton Speedway
running against grown men up
to three times his age. That, he
said, was a big moment, “winning
on dirt.“
But, last season at Huntsville
Speedway at age 16, his biggest
moment came. It was his first
win on asphalt.
“That was my biggest moment
yet,” he said.
Jacob is a junior at Athens High
School and is a big Alabama
Crimson Tide fan. His favorite
NASCAR driver is Dale Earnhardt
Jr. His heroes are his dad and
Dale Jr.
Jody says his biggest moment in
racing came last year in winning
at Huntsville Speedway and
gaining respect from his fellow
competitors. His life goals are to
get a good job and make lots of
money so he can continue racing.
His racing car is a Chevrolet
Monte Carlo. His sponsors are
Athens Radiator, Stephen’s
Used Cars, Rebel Machinery,
and White’s Auto Sales, all of
Athens.
Editor’s Note: If you know of any
good stories about good people,
both young and old, please give
Anthony Bates a call at 256-874-
2585. He’s looking to tell your
story.
Jacob with his Athens Radiator
sponsored car.
Jacob Stephens at an area raceway, left, and working on his car above right.

The Valley Star | sports feature
Page 6 the valley star March 22, 2012
Limestone 8-U girls state champs
The Limestone County 8-
U girls won the Alabama
Recreation and Parks Association
State Basketball
Tournament. They
defeated Monrovia in the
finals by a score of 16-
14. The championship
game capped off an undefeated
run through the
district and state tournaments
for this group of
girls. In the first game,
Limestone County defeated
Greenville, 28-19.
In the semi-finals, they
beat Meridianville, 23-
18. In the finals, against
Monrovia, the Limestone
County girls were down
13-8 in the 4th quarter,
before storming back to
win the championship.
Alabama Gold Buyers
Buying Gold and Silver
Fundraising and Gold Parties Offered
Instant Cash
Danny Adcock
616­E Hwy 31 South • Athens, Alabama
(256) 777­2477
Front row (left to right): Riley Carwile, Rylie Grisham, Hallie Smith, Elli Jarrett
Middle row: Anna Jenkins, Taylor Higginbotham, Jirah Rogers, Mallory Jo Mitchell, Bailey Cassady
Back row: Jerry Jenkins, Corey Mitchell
“In God
I Trust”
Owner: BUDDY TATE, Certified and Insured
TATE’S 24-HR.
WRECKER SERVICE
Telephone: 256-233-1482
Cell: 256-508-2542
Fax: 256-233-1499
19988 Hwy. 127
Athens, AL 35614

March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 7
Alabama Real Estate Solutions LLC
BUYING • SELLING • RENTING • BUILDING … WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!
218 South Madison Street • Athens, AL 35611
Phone (256) 233-3400 • Toll Free 1-877-311-ARES (2737)
Fax: (256) 233-3422 www.alabamarealestatesolutions.com
Scan here with
Smart Phone
to view our
Virtual Tour
Inventory
a
PENDING 1.5 Acres
DUPLEX
DUPLEX
SOLD!
17250 Parker Road - Clements
3BR/2BA - $164,900
1,728 sq. ft. - MLS#639504
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
13290 Bradford Road - East Limestone
3BR/2BA - $117,900
1,209 sq. ft. - MLS#481169
Call Ginna 256-777-3300 or
Hubert 256-777-3330
303 Christopher Drive - Cowart
2 - 2BR Units - $120,450
MLS#816268
Call Ginna 256-777-3300 or
Hubert 256-777-3330
305 Christopher Drive - Cowart
2 - 2BR Units - $120,450
MLS#873113
Call Ginna 256-777-3300 or
Hubert 256-777-3330
Additional 6 Acres Available
15526 East Limestone Rd. - East Limestone
3BR/1.5BA - $89,900
1,276 sq. ft. - MLS#721644
Call Ginna 256-777-3300 or
Hubert 256-777-3330
4.70 ACRES
1.60 Acres
20426 Lasso Circle - Johnson/Ardmore
3BR/2BA - $74,900
1,620 sq. ft. - MLS#887727
Call Brenda 256-508-6495
704 Madison St. - Athens
3BR/2BA - $64,000
1,100 sq. ft. - MLS#516544
Call Kim 256-431-7916 or
Jim 256-777-9273
CAN ALSO
BE RESIDENTIAL
13330 Bradford Road - East Limestone
3 BR/2 BA - $239,000
2,317 sq. ft. - MLS#575693
Call Ginna 256-777-3300 or
Hubert 256-777-3330
REDUCED!
802 Hereford Drive - Julian Newman
3 BR/2 BA - $115,000
1,585 sq. ft. - MLS#543611
Call Leonel 256-337-3165
207 N. Jefferson St. - Commercial
4 BR/3 BA - $295,000
3,344 sq. ft. - MLS#685902
Call Brenda 256-508-6495 or
Kim 256-431-7916
22078 Saratoga Dr. - Julian Newman
3 BR/2 BA - $190,000
2,283 sq. ft. - MLS#573742
Call Leonel 256-337-3165
REDUCED!
NEW CONSTRUCTION
18344 Foxford Lane - East Limestone
3 BR/2 BA - $144,900
1,530 sq. ft. - MLS#604084
Call Kim 256-431-7916 or
Brenda 256-508-6495
705 N. Madison St. - Athens
3 BR/1 BA - $53,592
1,276 sq. ft. - MLS#671504
Call Kim 256-431-7916 or
Jim 256-777-9273
13382 Sweet Pea Drive
Brookhill
3 BR/2.5 BA - $203,900
2,186 sq. ft. - MLS#513063
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
18321 Menefee Road - East Limestone
4 BR/2 BA - $160,000
1,800 sq. ft. - MLS#453903
Call Dennis 256-431-5228 or
Brenda 256-508-6495
NEW CONSTRUCTION
17909 Jeffery St. - Cowart
4 BR/2.5 BA - $229,900
2,600 sq. ft. - MLS#518281
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
15244 Clodessa Drive - Cowart
3 BR/2 BA - $79,900
1,465 sq. ft. - MLS#486517
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
Owner Financing Available
18307 Menefee Road, East Limestone
4 BR/2 BA - $160,000
1,800 sq. ft. - MLS#589045
Call Kim 256-431-7916
14720 Mohawk Trail - Brookhill
4 BR/2 BA - $223,500
2,500 sq. ft. - MLS#524437
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
Ginna Chittam
Assoc. Broker
(256) 777-3300
Brenda Wilson
Broker
(256) 508-6495
Denise Teaven
Realtor
((256) 278-9803
Dennis Holliman
Realtor
(256) 431-5228
Jim Talbert
Realtor
(256) 777-9273
Kim Shindorf
Realtor
(256) 431-7916
Debbie Woody
Realtor
(256) 278-0671
Leonel White
Assoc. Broker
(256) 337-3165
BUYING • SELLING • RENTING • BUILDING … WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!

Page 8 the valley star March 22, 2012
OUTDOORS with Danny Johnson
Smallmouth bass, current and rock piles
Danny
Johnson
Late February
and
March can
be one of the
best times to
catch big, robust
smallies. The
smallmouth
ass remains one of the most
ggressive fish to call the Tenessee
River chain of lakes
their home. Pound for pound, I
don’t think there is a species
any stronger. I had mussel
divers to tell me smallmouth
bass will charge their diving
mask if the mask reflects light.
This past few weeks Jerry
Lawler and I have caught and
released over 15 smallie that
were over the 5-pound mark.
Fishing trips to Pickwick Lake,
Wilson Lake and Wheeler Lake
have resulted in whopper
smallmouth. I would have to
say Wilson Lake produced
more quality fish in a day on
the lake. The abundance of
rainfall has kept plenty of current
flowing through the dams,
which results in good fishing
conditions. The aggressive
brown fish have been caught
on a multitude of lures. My favorite
has been the swimbaits,
like the shadolicious using the
umbrella style. The fish-head
spin has won quite a bit of
money in local tournaments.
Last, but not least is the 1 oz.
spinner-bait retrieved in the
swift water below the dams.
The slow roll method of the
spinnerbait is a lethal weapon
on giant largemouth bass.
The fish have been schooled
up in a pre-spawn pattern, but
that is changing every day with
fish moving up to find that peagravel
spawning area. Wheeler
Lake is scheduled to be at full
pool by April 15 th . If this warm
weather continues to warm the
lake, the spawn will be over by
full pool level in April.
The night fishing for smallmouth
is the next adventure I
am planning to participate in
the near future. Bumping the
single spin spinnerbait off the
shallow rock piles below the
dams on a moon lit night can
produce some string stretchers.
The smallmouth world
record was held for years by
Owen Smith for a 10.8 caught
on Wilson Lake in 1950. Then
in 1969, John Gorman caught
a new world record smallie that
tipped the scales at 10.14 on
Dale Holler Lake in Tennessee.
I have been blessed to fish
with some of the best samllmouth
fishermen in the country
like Bill Huntley, and the
late Austin James.
As a kid growing up in the
Athens area, these men were
the icons of bass fishing. The
stories they told of how great
the night fishing was back in
the in the 70’s was a joy for
this fisherman to hear. These
early anglers pioneered several
of the baits we use today.
Someone once said day fishing
is not counted against your life
span. I plan on buying as much
time as possible and especially
if the weather stays warm. Always
practice the catch and release
for all our sporting fish.
Fish are a resource we must
take care of for our future generations
to enjoy. Take a kid
fishing and establish a love for
the sport that can be enjoyed a
lifetime.
Outdoor writer, Danny Johnson, with a pre-spawn smallmouth bass

March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 9

The Valley Star | feature
Warm weather and fishermen on the lake
by Danny Johnson
ith the mid-March
air temperatures
reaching the low
0’s, local fishermen have
usted off the boat, aired up
the trailer tires, and are
heading to the lake. This is a
magical time of year for
sportsmen who enjoy the
outdoors. The trees are
blooming and the birds
singing, and yes, the fish are
biting. The bass and crappie
fishing have been accelerated
by the abnormal warm
weather. The catfish and
stripe are also in high gear.
When the lake water temperature
reaches the mid 60’s,
it triggers the fish’s spawn
nature, and they head for
Jim McKinley with a nice catfish and friend Tony Andrews enjoying a day of fishing
shallow water. Smallmouth
bass, I am told, will drop
their eggs in high 50-degree
water. The next few weeks
will be a great time to spend
fishing with family and
friends. Starting the last
week in March there is an
open team Bass tournament
about every week until May
out of Ingalls Harbor Decatur,
Alabama. I hope to
see you on the water soon. I
may be hard to find the next
few weeks. The ‘honey do’
list will have to wait.
Page 10 the valley star March 22, 2012

March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 11
The Valley Star | election photos
Curnutt, Woodroof celebrate after election victories
Mikeby Sonny Turner
t was a night of fun and jubilation
for Brad Curnutt and
Charles Woodroof who were big
inners in the recent primary election
in Limestone County.
Woodroof, an Athens attorney, is
the new Limestone County Probate
udge-elect, while Curnutt won the
epublican nomination for Limetone
County Circuit Court Clerk.
urnutt, a county investigator,
aces Democratic opponent Chris
llen on Nov. 6th.
oodroof will take office after the
ov. 6th General Election. He relaces
Stan McDonald (Republian)
who did not seek re-election.
cDonald was appointed to the
ost replacing retiring judge Mike
avis, a Democrat.
ither Curnutt or Allen will take
ver the Circuit Court Clerk’s office
rom Democrat incumbent Charles
age who also is retiring after
ore than 20 years in office.
Brad Curnutt after win
Charles Page on election night
Charles Woodroof after election
Sheriff Mike Blakely congratulates
Brad Curnutt on election night

Page 12 the valley star March 22, 2012
The Valley Star | feature
The Floor Gallery: A family owned, operated business
by Sonny Turner
he Floor Gallery is a family
owned and operated
business that is continuing
to thrive in bad economic
times.
Owned by Steve and Wanda
Clutts, The Floor Gallery is located
at 25065 U.S. Highway
72, three miles east of Interstate
65. Their son, Will Clutts,
is also a big part of the business.
The Floor Gallery is open
six days a week.
Wanda, Steve and Will opened
The Floor Gallery four years
ago and since that time have
grown to become one of the
most popular flooring businesses
in this area. They offer
friendly service and top quality
flooring that includes carpeting,
ceramic tile, vinyl, hardwood
Steve and Wanda Clutts at The Floor Gallery.
flooring and laminate flooring.
They have several different
brands of Hardwood, carpet
and vinyl in stock.
Another unique feature of The
Floor Gallery is the "full service"
they offer that includes a
crew of installers for your hardwood,
carpet, tile and vinyl
needs.
Wanda and Steve have been in
the flooring business for years.
They both worked at Moran
Carpets for years before starting
their own business. Moran
Carpets was started decades
ago by Wanda's two brothers,
Joe and Wayne Moran.
Go by and see Wanda, Steve
and Will today or call 256-216-
9055. They are second to none
when it comes to flooring.
The
Floor Gallery
25065 US HWY 72 Athens, AL 35613
3 miles East of I-65 in big tan building
256-216-9055
For Friendly Service and
Top Quality Flooring
Come by The Floor Gallery
Owners, Steve & Wanda Clutts

March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 13

Page 14 the valley star March 22, 2012
Athens Historic Walking Tour
Every Saturday in April
Contact: 256-232-5411 or
256-867-1438
Free
Athens Cruise In on the Square
1st Saturday night of each month -
Apr - Oct
Contact: 256-874-1326 or
256-520-5917
Free
Singing on the Square
3rd Friday night of each month.
April - September
Contact: 256-232-5411,
visitathensal.com
Free
Mar 24 at 2:00 PM
Confederate Remembrance
Ceremony at
Cambridge United Methodist
Church
Contact: 256-232-2327 or
256-232-5411 Free
Mar 24 at 11:30 AM March is
Women’s History Month!
Please join us on 24 March, 2012
CALENDAR OF EVENTS ATHENS/LIMESTONE
COUNTY, ALABAMA
as we honor our WWII Veterans.
Mrs Carmen Montgomery, Army
Nurse Corps & Ms Alice Rogers,
Cadet Nurse Corps for their outstanding
contributions to women’s
history. Guest Speaker: Maj Gen
Heidi V. Brown, Director for Test for
Missile Defense Agency. Open to
all. Refreshments will be served.
Contact 256-771-7578.
March 27 at 9:30 AM
Bridge Brunch at Donnell House
Please call 256-232-5600 or 256-
233-2492 for more information.
Mar 27 at 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Relay for Life Team’s Celebrity
Waiters Night at Applebee’s
Local celebrities will wait tables and
work for tips with proceeds going to
the American Cancer Society. Great
time to see just how good they are.
Mar 29 at 7:00 PM
Southern Historian George Rable
to speak at Athens State University
The Livingston Concert Lecture Series
of Athens State University is
pleased to host a lecture by Dr.
George Rable, the Charles Summersell
Chair in Southern History at
the University of Alabama. Rable
plans to speak on the role of religion
in the Civil War. The event will
be in the Ballroom of the Sandridge
Student Center on the Athens State
campus. The lecture is free and
open to the public. Click on “Headline
News” page for press release.
For more information, call 256-233-
8296. The J. Harrison and Robbie
Nelle Christopher Livingston Concert
Lecture Series is made possible
from an endowment from
Robbie Nelle Christopher Livingston
of the class of 1942.
Mar 31 KALB Auction Fundraiser
Join the fun at the Athens State University
gymnasium. Food and fun
will be served as our auctioneer
tempts you with lots of treasures.
We are currently accepting items
for this auction and your donations
are tax deductible. If you would
like to donate items for our auction,
please call 256-233-8728.
Mar 31 at 7:00 AM – Noon
Free Dump Day
Take a trailer or pickup truck load of
junk to the transfer station FREE OF
CHARGE. Bring a utility bill as identification.
Mar 31 Living History Festival
Contact: 256-232-2327
Free
April 7 at day break to 2:00 PM
City of Athens Bass Fishing
Tournament
Join the fishing at Ingalls Harbor in
Decatur. $100 pre-registration fee
or $125 day of the tournament. Call
256-656-2463 or 256-497-6737 to
register. Guaranteed $4,500 payout.
Gas Department will grill and
have food for sale. Proceeds go to
the American Cancer Society.
It’s time you had the home comfort
you’ve always wanted. American
Standard makes it affordable.
5.9 % APR
Allen Brown
Heating & Cooling
256-233-4844
allenbrownheatingcooling.com
AL Cert #97151

March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 15
ALLISON’S ATTIC
Tile coasters…a great last minute gift
by Allison Banta
Confession: I’m a
procrastinator. Big
time. I’ve repeatedly
decided that
I’m going to
change; be more
Allison Banta
prepared, finish
ahead of deadlines, not do
everything last minute…
But then I just tell myself I’ll
do it later. Which inevitably
leaves me scrambling – especially
for last minute gifts.
These tile coasters are great
as a hostess gift, for a housewarming
party, thank- you, or
just because!
Supplies: Four square white
4x4 tiles, Four pieces of scrapbook
paper in coordinating colors
(cut slightly smaller than
your tiles), 4 squares of felt –
also slightly smaller than your
tiles, Mod podge, Sponge
brush, Glue (E- 600 or another
strong adhesive), and a clear
acrylic spray sealer.
Start by brushing a thin coat
of mod podge on your tile and
another on the back of your
scrapbook paper. Place scrapbook
paper in the center of
the tile, smooth out any air
bubbles, and allow to dry.
Brush another coat of mod
podge on top of the paper.
Allow to dry for about 5 minutes.
Repeat 2- 3 more times.
Once the last coat of mod
podge is dry, spray tiles with
clear acrylic sealer. Allow the
sealer to dry. Glue felt squares
to the bottom middle of the
tiles. Tie together with twine or
ribbon and you have a cute
handmade gift! Oh, and if
you’re anything like me, you
might want to make an extra
set or two – just in case.
RANDY’S TOWING
& RECOVERY
801 SOUTH CLINTON STREET ATHENS, AL 35611
(256) 206-9310
RANDY SELF, OWNER • (256) 321-0092 (cell)
TIRE CHANGES • JUMPSTARTS • LOCKOUTS
MOTORCYCLE TOWING • ROLLBACK AVAILABLE
24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK

The Valley Star | feature
This little team is very special!
Clements girls playing baseball against the boys
by Anthony Bates
There is a special 5-6 year-old baseball team in
Limestone County this year - not a boys team mind
you - but a girls team.
This team is special because it consists of nine little
girls that will be playing in a boys league.
The Clements team finished third in a recent county
preseason tournament finishing 2-1. This is a team to
watch this spring. They are well coached and they're
playing to beat the boys.
The tournament was played recently at Clements. It was
a long breezy day for the teams and their fans. Many
teams showed up ready to play. A lot of good teams
were playing but the favorite seemed to be a tough
Owens team that played a lot of ball together at their
early age.
Parker Albritton
But back to the little girls team. Yes, they lost 14-1 to
that great team that can and will score at will this season. But the nine little girls made a
great showing, and have a lot of heart. Seeing their little eyes in defeat you could tell it broke
their hearts.
One player in particular, Sara Jo Moss, really stood out during
the tournament.
With her small 35-
pound body she gave it
her all. In the semifinals
against the winning
team she had
eight unassisted outs,
a triple play and scored
their only run. She truly
loves baseball, and has
the heart of a champion.
Sara Jo Moss
Her mother, Jessica Collier,
says Sara Jo hates to lose. But she said after a few
McKenzie Lowry
hours after a defeat, she will get over it.
It's obvious her Dad, Scottie Moss, has spent many hours in the backyard with his daughter.
Her parents are really proud of her and should be. Coaches help ball players but it starts at
home first.
Coach Derrick Stewart giving instructions
5-6 Clements (Blue Springs) girls baseball team
Coach Michael Whitworth with Brady Owens
He's out! No I'm Safe!
Shaking hands after the game.
age 16 the valley star March 22, 2012
March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 17

YEARS AGO IN LIMESTONE COUNTY
by Rebekah Davis
Limestone County Archivist
Amos French: Chickasaws, troops, wolves and
‘Old Hickory’ couldn’t keep him down
Rebekah
Davis
It’s one of those
names that incessantly
pops up in
the Archives
records, on maps, in
deeds, in commission
minutes, from
the earliest records of Limestone
County to the Google directions to
the pizza place: French.
But who were these Frenches that
contributed so much to the shaping
of the county, and where did they
come from?
It all started with Benjamin French, a
Virginia native and Revolutionary War
veteran who arrived in Limestone
County in 1808. He settled on Limestone
Creek about nine miles east of
present-day Athens – illegally, because
the area was still protected as
Chickasaw territory until 1818.
Around 1830 he decided to move
“over Elk” and built this house in the
Lentzville area, just west of presentday
Elk Estates.
Benjamin must have had quite a
crowd in this log cabin, considering
that he brought 11 children to Limestone
County: Jerry, Jessie, Samuel,
Benjamin, Milly, Jane, Ann, Polly, Sallie,
Frances and Amos. Before he
died in 1840, Benjamin moved to
Rogersville, but many of his family remained
in Limestone County.
Stories abound about the Frenches,
including Elisha French, who built his
mill east of Athens on what was then
known as Meat House Branch. Because
of his influence, the creek
name was changed to French Mill
Creek, and the area around the intersection
of Highway 72 and
Mooresville Road is still called
French’s Mill.
However, one of the most colorful
characters in the French family was
Benjamin’s son and Elisha’s dad,
“Uncle Amos” French. He brought his
new bride, Elizabeth, to Limestone
County when he came here with his
father as a squatter on the land in
The house Benjamin French built around 1830 in the Lintzville area
1808, and he paid the price for being
here illegally.
R.A. McClellan’s Early History of
Limestone County tells the story of
how French narrowly escaped the
U.S. soldiers who were charged with
the task of keeping white settlers out
of Chickasaw land:
“In about 1810 one of the Indians,
who had shared his hospitality,
came to him in a ‘little new
ground’ in which he was at work,
and in bad English, made him understand
that evil was impending
and he left as quickly as he could.
Before he had gotten out of sight,
however, he saw the smoke arising
from his cabins on fire.”
It would take more than a band of
soldiers to keep Uncle Amos out of
Limestone County, though. He let the
fires die down – literally – and then
came right back to Limestone County
to build his home again. When the
county opened up to settlement in
1818, he was one of the first to buy
property, building his home on Nick
Davis Road. His daughter Polly later
told McClellan that the first night they
stayed at that place “the wolves annoyed
them greatly.”
Uncle Amos may have met his match,
however, in “Old Hickory.” Just before
the battle of New Orleans in 1815,
Amos was drinking a cup of coffee
when Andrew Jackson knocked it out
of his hand with his sword. McClellan
says the act was never forgiven.
“Years afterwards all this family were
ardent Whigs, great admirers of
Henry Clay and believed to the last
Lesia Tate’s
that ‘Old Hickory’ was a tyrant,” Mc-
Clellan says.
In the end, Uncle Amos got the best
of them all, living to see his own 11
children settled and successful
throughout the threats of Chickasaws,
Union soldiers, wolves, tyrants
and even a war between the states.
He died at 88 years old on the Fourth
of July, 1869.
About the Archives:
Limestone County Department
of History and Archives
Established: 1980
Staff: Archivist Rebekah Davis
and Assistant Archivist April
Davis.
Location: 102 W. Washington
St., in the 1905 L&N Passenger
Depot
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday
Phone: 256-233-6404
E-mail: lcarchives@knology.net
or lcarchives2@knology.net
Web:
www.limestonearchives.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/limestonecountyarchives
PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL
HEATING & COOLING, LLC
Page 18 the valley star March 22, 2012

March 22, 2011 the valley star Page 19
The Valley Star | feature
11-year-old East child fighting MS
arch is the month of basketball’s
“March Madness,”
but across our
community and the United States,
March is National Multiple Sclerosis
Awareness month. Caring individuals
are working diligently to
raise awareness for the number
one disabling disease of young
Americans. One such individual,
11-year-old Austin Harm of East
Limestone County, has already
formed his annual MS Walk Team
and has raised more than $3,400
towards his 2012 goal of $6,300.
iagnosed in 2009 with the disbling
disease of MS, Austin is one
f the rare 8,000 to 10,000 Amercan
children under the age of 18
iagnosed with the disease. Norally
affecting individuals between
the ages of 20-50 and twice
as many women as men, MS is an
unpredictable and often disabling
disease of the central nervous system.
Symptoms range from numbness
to blindness and paralysis.
With MS, symptoms result when
inflammation and breakdown
occur in the myelin, the protective
insulation surrounding the nerve
fibers of the brain and spinal cord.
Myelin is destroyed and replaced
by multiple “sclerotic” or scars of
hardened tissue. MS affects more
than 400,000 Americans and 2.5
million people worldwide. Over
4,100 people live with the disease
in Alabama.
Harm first displayed symptoms of
the disease at the age of six when
he awoke to the inability walk. It
wasn’t until the age eight that a
pediatric neurologist in Birmingham
was able to diagnose his
symptoms as MS. Thanks to medication
that helps control some of
the symptoms, he is able to live a
fairly active life. He is able to enjoy
his favorite past time of swimming
and just received the highest
honor awarded to a Cub Scout, the
Arrow of Light.
In 2011, Harm and his family
formed the Huntsville MS Walk
Team, “Kidz Get MS 2,” in order to
raise awareness and funds that
help provide direct services to
those living with the disease and
support vital research into a cure
for the disease. His team raised
over $3,700 last year and this year
his sights are set on $6,300,
which represents the 6,300 people
living with MS that are served
by the Alabama-Mississippi Chapter
of the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society.
Although battling crippling fatigue,
numbness and difficulty walking at
times, Harm has never let the disease
get him down. Last year he
raised over $250 for the Chapter
through an old-fashioned lemonade
stand operated with the help
of his younger brother. He has also
participated in numerous public
speaking engagements where he
has told his story in an effort to
raise awareness and funds for vital
MS research.
“I won’t stop walking, I won’t stop
raising money until the doctors
find a cure, “ he said. “I never want
another kid to hear a doctor tell
Austin Harm
them they have MS.”
Currently, there is no cure for the
disabling disease. MS stops people
from moving, but the National
MS Society exists to make sure it
doesn’t. The annual Huntsville MS
Walk is scheduled for April 28th at
the beautiful Huntsville Botanical
Gardens. To join more than 600
walkers dedicated to ending this
devastating disease, or to find out
other ways to help, visit
www.walkms.org or call 1-800-
FIGHT MS.
Covering North Alabama With Quality Electrical Work
RESIDENTIAL
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FREE ESTIMATES
256-206-5776
www.trelectrical.com
MarionStreet
church of Christ
Sunday 9:30 am Classes
Sunday 10:30 am Worship Service
Wednesday 6:30 pm. Classes for all ages.
ANNOUNCING
Gospel Meeting May 13-16, 2012
Speaker Tony Mauck “Focus on the Family”
Quarterly Singing April 21st at 7:00 p.m.
www.marionstreet.org
email: jeremiah.mcelyea@yahoo.com
124 North Marion Street • Athens, AL 35611
256-232-1786 256-233-0848

Page 20 the valley star March 22, 2012
The Valley Star | feature
Wild game, friends, and beautiful weather
by Danny Johnson
he 5 th annual wild game
cookout was held March 10 th
at Lincoln Bridgeforth Park in
Athens. The succulent smell of barb-qued
hog and rabbit filled the air
as I stepped out of my truck. I
knew this beautiful day would
bring a big group out for the fellowship
and sampling of smoked
wild game. The first cook I approached
for some of his tasty
cooking was Don Entreken. Don
and his wife, Ann, make some of
the best duck gumbo I have ever
tasted. Dexter Turner, Ron
Crutcher, Thomas Cain, James
Atkins, David Holt, Jason Williams,
Ricky Craig, and Robert Shaw were
doing some big time smoking.
The opportunity for mouth-watering
food was plentiful with choices
of jalapeno peppers stuffed with
deer meat, quail, chicken, squirrel
with dumplings, rabbit, and a
whole hog on the grill. Also, Ricky
Craig shared his delicious hush
puppies with the crowd. Thanks
also goes to the ones who helped
out this year; Tom Kilgore, Dean
Firestone, and Donna Sue Wise.
The corporate sponsor for this year
was H & R AgriPower, which donated
two guns for this year’s
event. Winners of the guns were
Ann Entreken and Doug Pentecost.
Other sponsors were: Pimento’s,
Gray Holt, Cajun Antler Designs,
Keith Long Custom Antler Pens,
Oakwood Camo, West End
Chevron, Athens Pharmacy, Robert
Ford’s books- Rabbit Tales , Eco-
Color powder coating. This year’s
profits will be awarded in college
scholarships for local students. Students
should ask their school counselors
about the Limestone County
Rabbit Hunters and H & R Agri
Power Scholarship Application.
This is a special time where
hunters and bar-b-que cooks come
together and feed the neighborhood
from the bounty of wild game
harvested the past hunting season.
A good hunter never wastes
game they have taken. This wild
game food fest is a wonderful way
hunted game can be enjoyed by
hunters and non-hunter alike.
Be watching The Valley Star next
spring for your special invite to this
fun and tasty event in Athens.
Ron Crutcher cooking a whole hog
Dean Firestone smoking up some
jalapeno stuffies
Strickland
Dirt Works, LLC
Paul Parker, Henry White, and Jonathan Johnson waiting on the dinner call
Services Include:
White Gravel • Stone • Fill Dirt • Top Soil
Ponds • Basements • Property Clearning
25
YEARS
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(256) 771-3857
James Atkins and Dexter Turner

March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 21
Spring has arrived early
STEELE GENERATORS
10,000wa w/elec. start 7500wa w/elec. start
Miracle Grow
Potting Soil
Kool Seal
Wasp & Hornet Spray
Fire Ant Killer
$49.95
$3.99
$1000.000 $750.00
6,000watt
3250 watt
$650.000 $399.95
2,000watt
1200 watt Camo
$275.00 $299.95
3 different varities
to choose from
WON’T LAST LONG
Reg. $7.00
$3.50
Mig Welder
Century
by Lincoln
$250.00
5/8x50’
Heavy
Duty
Garden Hose
$13.75
Pump Up
Sprayer
2 Gal $7.99
1 Gal $5.00
Clorox 96 oz. Jug
$9.00
per
case
$1.50 ea.
Gas Can - 1 Gallon
$4.99
$4.99
Bottled Water
16 oz.
24 pk
While
Supplies
Last
$2.99
Upside Down
Tomato Planter
$4.99
Spring flowers are here!
Store is full of new spring flowers to choose from
Memorial Saddles from $18.00 Memorial Vase Inserts from $20.00
OVER 1,000 ARRANGEMENTS PREARRANGED FOR YOU TO SEE
OR PLACE AN ORDER FOR A CUSTOM PIECE FROM THE FLOWERS YOU CHOOSE
New shipments of metal wall art, figurines, candles, potporri and many more new items
Gun Holsters, magazine and clip pouches! • Nuts, bolts and fasteners! • Plumbing and Electrical!
Compression, Flare and Pipe Fittings! • Final Closeout on ALL Fishing Items! Housewares • Home Decor!
The store if full of new and exciting items!
14535 US Hwy 72 • Athens • 256-232-6695
HOURS: 9am-5pm Mon-Sat. CLOSED SUNDAY
Limited quantities, more specials throughout the store
J and G Variety would like to thank you for supporting your local small businesses!
For more information email: info@jandgvariety.com

Page 22 the valley star March 22, 2012
HORSE SENSE
by Jim Swanner
‘Before you mount up, this Spring’
This is usually
the time of
year people
begin to get out
and move around
doing outdoorsy
Jim Swanner stuff. We begin to
have spring fever
and feel the need to get out in
the sunshine and fresh air after
being cooped up all winter. It is a
great feeling to get out, expand
our lungs with all the fresh morning
air enjoying God’s creation
and a good strong cup of coffee
to get us moving.
his is also the time of year some
eople begin doing things with
their horses after the horse
hasn’t been touched all winter. If I
may make a suggestion to you,
do your groundwork with your
horse if this is the case with you.
Make sure you set yourself to the
leadership role. And by groundwork,
I don’t mean chasing him
around in mindless circles. Do
some things that will cause him
to think a little. Create some puzles
for him to figure out. Help
im get to a confident place in his
ind.
nother thing to do before sadling
up for the trail is this; groom
your horse using a shedding
blade. Why a shedding blade?
Two reason for using a shedding
blade, 1. Your horse is shedding
his winter hair and the shedding
will help get all the dead hair off
him. 2. Observe closely as you
groom him. Does he show signs
of soreness in his back or anywhere
for that matter? Especially
in the back. If so, you need to
tend to it. You don’t want to saddle
up and cinch your horse up
when he has a sore back. That
may cause you to have a sore
back or worse.
Always pay attention to your
horse. Watch for signs from your
horse that tells you something is
wrong. It could be something
minor or something major. Either
way, it will affect your ride. Never
take a chance. Too many people
get hurt by saying ‘It’ll be all
right’.
If each time you get on your horse
he begins giving you problems,
why not take the time to fix it. It
will be better for you and better
for your horse. If you don’t fix it, it
could be the one thing, that little
thing that could affect your riding
or not riding the rest of your life.
So why take a chance.
If you’re like me, getting up there
in years, you don’t mend as fast
as you used to. And the ground
seems to be harder and farther
away than before. The older I get
the more conscious about safety I
have become. It’s hard to ride a
horse while in a brace or worse.
Take the time to fix the problem.
But first you need to know what
the problem is. Is it mental or is it
physical. Just don’t force your
horse and holler ‘Get Over It’. He
may get over it alright. And you
don’t want to be on the wrong
end of that. So, do what the
horse needs and if you don’t
know or can’t figure it out get
some help from someone who
would truly know.
There isn’t anything wrong with
not knowing, but not wanting to
learn, there is something wrong
there. And, speaking of not knowing,
I was speaking with a lady at
Athens State University awhile
back and she told me they offered
a class in photography and
only a hand full of folks signed
up. But when they offered it individually
a bunch of folks signed
up. She asked why and was told
by someone, they didn’t want
anyone to know that they didn’t
have the knowledge they needed.
I thought, this is crazy. That’s why
we have classes and schools. It’s
to learn, not to let somebody
know we don’t know the subject
we are studying. Our egos get the
best of us and hold us back from
learning what we need to learn.
This is the same in the horse
world. Let’s get over our ego and
get in school, class, get some
books and get some knowledge.
K-I-N Stables
13124 Carter Road
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 874-6781
jimswanner.com
Enjoying Horses through
Communication
Visit Athens’ newest and most unique store…
Dobbs Shoe Shop
FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1945
110 W. Market St., Athens, Just Northeast of Courthouse Square
256-232-4800
Tuesday-Friday 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. - Saturday 8 A.M. - 12 P.M.
indred Spirits
Quality, unique gifts at reasonable prices.
Handcrafted items from Tennessee Valley artisans.
Everything from soaps, jewelry,
purses to barnwood furniture,
walking sticks, writing pens,
repurposed items to
local honey.
Something for everyone!
Home Furnishings, Antiques, Vintage, Shabby Chic
Come see
us today!
Located in Athens - I65 & Hwy. 72, behind Cracker Barrel in the Log Cabin
Open Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm (till 7pm on Friday)
For more info call 256-998-2486

March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 23
Alabama Real Estate Solutions LLC
BUYING • SELLING • RENTING • BUILDING … WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!
WATERFRONT
218 South Madison Street • Athens, AL 35611
Phone (256) 233-3400 • Toll Free 1-877-311-ARES (2737) • Fax: (256) 233-3422
www.alabamarealestatesolutions.com www.wheelerlake.info
6122 Bay Village Drive,
#306 Clements
3 BR/2 BA - $339,900
1,764 sq.ft.
MLS#962250
Call Brenda
256-508-6495
WATERFRONT
5590 Bay Village Drive
#103 - Clements
3 BR/3 BA - $285,000
1,583 sq. ft.
MLS#893849
Call Brenda
256-508-6495
WATERFRONT
6122 Bay Village Drive
#309 Clements
2 BR/2 BA - $230,000
1,401 sq. ft.
MLS#301432
Call Brenda
256-508-6495
Scan here with
Smart Phone
to view our
Virtual Tour
Inventory
a
WATERFRONT
13728 Hatchie Lane
Cowart
4 BR/5 BA - $695,000
4,860 sq. ft.
MLS#317665
Call Brenda
256-508-6495
WATERFRONT
5590 Bay Village Drive,
#B2 Clements
3 BR/3 BA - $299,000
1,790 sq. ft.
MLS#307221
Call Brenda
256-508-6495
WATERFRONT
12100 Two Rivers
Drive,
#PH-D Clements
2 BR/2 BA - $229,900
1,215 sq. ft.
MLS#938048
Call Brenda
256-508-6495
WATERFRONT
12100 Two Rivers Drive,
B2-1
1 BR/1 BA - $169,900
MLS#300388
Call Brenda
256-508-6495
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12100 Two Rivers Drive,
#B1-4 Clements
1 BR/1 BA - $172,900
MLS#457073
Call Brenda
256-508-6495 or
Debbie 256-278-0671
WATERFRONT
14176 Dogwood Road
Clements
4BR/4BA - 299,900
3,505 sq. ft.
MLS#948124
Call Brenda
256-508-6495
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6122 Bay Village Drive,
#211 Clements
2 BR/2 BA - $239,900
1,384 sq. ft. - MLS#384188
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5835 Bay Village Drive,
#103 Clements
2 BR/2 BA - $139,900
MLS#309976
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5835 Bay Village Drive,
#205, Clements
2 BR/2 BA - $125,000
MLS#307514
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256-508-6495
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5835 Bay Village Drive,
#306 Clements
3 BR/2 BA - $142,500
1,344 sq. ft.
MLS#304893
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5799 Bay Village Drive,
#3006 Clements
3 BR/2 BA - $144,500
1,344 sq. ft.
MLS#321393
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256-508-6495
5835 Bay Village Drive,
#304 Clements
2 BR/2 BA - $105,000
MLS#304936
Call Dennis
256-431-5228
5799 Bay Village Drive,
#2006 Clements
3 BR/2 BA - $145,900
1,344 sq. ft. -
MLS#304663
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256-508-6495
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#2005 Clements
2 BR/2 BA - $105,000
MLS#304937
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256-431-5228
Ginna Chittam
Assoc. Broker
(256) 777-3300
Brenda Wilson
Broker
(256) 508-6495
Denise Teaven
Realtor
((256) 278-9803
Dennis Holliman
Realtor
(256) 431-5228
Jim Talbert
Realtor
(256) 777-9273
Kim Shindorf
Realtor
(256) 431-7916
Debbie Woody
Realtor
(256) 278-0671
Leonel White
Assoc. Broker
(256) 337-3165
BUYING • SELLING • RENTING • BUILDING … WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!

age 24 the valley star March 22, 2012
COOKING WITH MAMA KAYE
by Mama Kaye
Apricot Brown Sugar Ham
Iusually cook a
ham for Easter
lunch. This is
similar to my favorite
baked ham
Mama Kaye recipe, but with a
little twist. Hope
ou enjoy this one:
(10 pound) fully cooked
piral cut ham
/3 cup apricot jam
/3 cup brown sugar
teaspoon dry mustard powder
reheat oven to 275 degrees F.
lace the ham cut side down onto
sheet of aluminum foil. I like to
put the shiny side up.
Mix together the brown sugar,
apricot jam and mustard powder
in a small bowl. Brush onto the
ham using a pastry or barbecue
brush. Reserve any left over
glaze. Enclose the foil around the
ham and place on a rimmed baking
sheet. Roast for about 2
hours in the preheated oven, or if
your ham is a different size, figure
14 minutes per pound. Apply
the remaining glaze 20 minutes
before the ham is done.
Have a Blessed Day!
Mama Kaye
We sell AMANA products
New & Previously Owned Gowns
Prom gowns
arriving daily
Tuxedo
Rentals
$
89
and up
111 N. Jefferson St.
Athens, AL 35611
256-230-3877
Open Monday - Saturday

March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 25
UNCLE BONDEE’S ADVENTURES
by Uncle Bondee
This warm
March reminds
me of
the day I caught a
good string of catfish
and red eye
Uncle Bondee
perch down on
Shoal Creek. When the weather
turns off nice from a long winter,
it creates a desire to take in
some fishing. Grandma Minnie
said, “I sure would like a good
mess of fresh fish pretty soon.
While I was planting some onions
the other day I saw a lot of earth
worms in the garden spot.” That
was enough to get me excited
and ready to go on a fishing trip.
She also said, “If you catch some
fish, I will bake an apple pie for
dessert.” That was motivation
enough to catch a mess of fish.
I got Humpy and Dalton to help
me dig some fishing worms. The
worms liked the garden spot because
each fall we would cover
the whole area with leaves to
help the soil. The decomposing
leaves were great for the earthworms
to thrive in. We had a
bucket of bait in no time flat. This
would be the first time to use my
new catalog rod and reel I had ordered
earlier. Humpy and Dalton
had cane poles they cut off the
creek bank with catgut line on it.
We walked the mile and a half to
the creek with high expectations
of getting our supper out of Shoal
Creek.
The creek was up a little bit and
swift; just right for catfish to be
biting. I baited up and cast my offering
in the deepest spot of the
shook hole. The other boys had to
fish closer to the banks with the
cane poles. Soon my fishing rod
started to bend, and I set the
hook and reeled in a 3 pound yellow
catfish. I placed the fish on a
piece of bailing wire, tied it off,
and dropped the cat back in the
edge of the creek. Humpy said, “I
don’t like using a pole, but that’s
all I’ve got.” I replied, “You
ish are biting at the Shook Hole
should have ordered a fishing rig
instead of that bike you got.”
About that time another fish
jerked on the rod. I handed it to
Humpy and said, “Reel in the
fish.” Humpy started cranking in
another big cat. This fish put up a
fight, and finally Humpy picked up
a 5-pound channel catfish. Dalton
was bad to take a nap while
he was fishing. He had dosed off
when a fish jerked his fishing
pole into the creek. That ole fish
went down the middle of the
creek, and we never seen that
pole again.
By the end of the day, we had
caught a big mess of fish, and I
couldn’t wait till tonight’s fish
feast. We stopped by the big
spring in the Gaston Holler and
cleaned and wasted the fish. I
carefully placed the cleaned
fished in a brown paper sack and
headed for Grandma Minnie’s
house.
Grandma met me at the door and
said, “Where are the fish?” I answered,
“In this paper sack.” She
said, “I’ve got the grease hot.
Bring them into the kitchen.” She
commenced to making up the
hushpuppies, cut up the tators
and fried the fish. The apple pie
sat on the window seal cooling.
Dalton and Humpy made up a
gallon of tea and sliced up a couple
of big onions.
The fish were cooked to a golden
brown, the trimmings were finally
complete, and the meal was
placed on the table. After fishing
all day, we were starved and
ready to dive into the vittles. No
one dared to take a bite until the
Grace was given. Grandma Minnie
was a godly woman. Dalton
blessed the food and everyone
helped their plate and enjoyed a
fine country fried fish supper.
These kinds of memories last a
lifetime. Good food and fishing
with friends was a wonderful way
to pass the time and enjoy living.
To my family, friends and supporters
THANK YOU for everything you did the
past two months to help me win the
Primary Election. Words are not
enough to express my appreciation for
all of the love, prayers and support you all have shown me.
Your hard work and long hours invested will never be
forgotten. I ask for your continued support in the months
ahead as we prepare for General Election.
To Johnny Evans, his family and supporters thank you for
running a positive and clean campaign. I will
always be greatful for the Godly attitude you set
before me.
Thank you,
Brad Curnutt

Page 26 the valley star March 22, 2012
ROB’SPACE by Rob Phraner
phrantrain@gmail.com
Communication is changing: Snail mail, texting and prayer
Last Wednesday,
the New
York Times reported
that Encyclopedia
Brittanica
has printed its final
Rob Phraner edition. Weighing
in at 129 pounds,
the 2010 set will be its last. This
used to be a staple in middle class
homes around the country, employing
a small army of door-to-door
salesman, if you can remember that
far back! The most sets were sold in
1990 (just before the proliferation of
the internet), a total of 120,000.
Just 20 years later only 8,000 sets
were sold, mostly to schools and
universities. 4,000 unsold sets are
sitting in warehouse.
We’re going from the printed page to
the digital age, and as Woody from
Toy Story famously said…and beyond!
Sending letters or bills with
the post office is called “snail mail.”
Phones used to be rotary and have
cords. Then the internet, cell
phones, Facebook and twitter. Consider
Facebook. Stating with just a
few college students just six years
ago, now over 800,000,000 people
belong to it.
The way we communicate has completed
shifted in just one generation.
The best way to communicate with
the younger crowd is by texting. My
mom just sent her first text two
weeks ago – to me! Kids now text
much more than talk on their cell
phones. And as if the English language
wasn’t already endangered
enough, texting ‘codes’ have replaced
real words.
Here is a list of some text codes that
your kids are probably using: btw,
nmu, f2f, hak, pal, paw, pir, rofl, fyi,
ttyl. And here’s what they mean: btw
by the way, nmu not much, you?, f2f
face to face, hak hugs and kisses,
pal parents are listening, paw parents
are watching, pir parents in
room, rofl rolling on the floor laughing,
fyi for your information, ttyl talk
to you later.
Like I said, my mom (“Oh, Bobby, I
don’t text!”) just sent me her first
text. And since seniors may start
texting each other, here is a list of
senior codes that may start to become
popular: btw, rofl&cgu, fyi, atd,
lmdo, ttyl, fwiw, wwno. Here’s what
they mean: btw bring the wheelchair,
rofl&cgu rolling on the floor
laughing and can’t get up, fyi found
your insulin, atd, at the doctor’s,
lmdo laughing my dentures out, ttyl
talk to you louder, fwiw forgot where
I was, wwno, wheelchair wheels
need oil.
I’m not sure if any senior will actually
use these, I really can’t see my
mom using them, but you never
know. Communication is changing
all the time.
One form of communication that will
never, ever change is prayer.
God established prayer as the
method we communicate with Him,
and Him to us. The story of the man
paralyzed for almost four decades
reveals how God wants us to pray.
Jesus asked him a question I don’t
understand. He asked “Do you wish
to made well?” I’m sure the man
thought “Yes!” But Jesus still asked
it. He wanted to hear the man
speak to him. God wants to hear us
speak to him today. That’s what
prayer is. It’s us talking to the Lord
about our day, our problems, our
joys, our sorrows.
George Mueller was an average
man who lived 150 years ago. He
was not super spiritual in any way.
But one day he was prompted to do
a study in the four Gospels. He
studied every time Jesus told his disciples
to “ask.” Very simple, really.
Every time Jesus told his disciples to
ask, George Muller would write it
down and study it.
Verses like:
· “Ask, and it will be given to you;
seek, and you will find; knock, and it
will be opened to you.”
· “If you then, being evil, know how to
give good gifts to your children, how
much more will your Father who is in
heaven give good things to those
who ask Him!”
· “And whatever things you ask in
prayer, believing, you will receive.”
· “If you ask anything in My name, I
will do it.”
· “If you abide in Me, and My words
abide in you, you will ask what you
desire, and it shall be done for you.”
· “Ask, and you will receive, that your
joy may be full.”
It changed his life.
He began to feel a burden for the
abandoned children of London. He
prayed to the Lord very simple
prayers, like providing food for the
kids he started to watch for. Housing
for them, supplies for their education.
And God began to answer.
The more Mueller prayed, the more
God answered. And the more kids
showed up. Mueller never appealed
for money. He told his staff they
would never solicit funding, they
would pray it in as God led donors to
do so. In almost five decades,
Mueller housed tens of thousands
of the poorest orphans in England,
and recorded over $7,500,000 dollars
in donations (and this was 19 th
century money!).
Prayer never changes. God wants
us to pray to Him. Do you have a
need? Ask Him! Don’t make prayer
harder than what it is. Simply ask.
Here’s a sample prayer: “Lord, wntt”
(Lord, we need to talk). Oh, wait,
there’s no texting in heaven…yet.
26792 McLemore Circle
Harvest, AL 35749
(located off East Limestone Road)
Specializing in:
Grouted Tile Floor Cleaning and Whitening
Starting at .75 cents a sq. ft.
Wood Floor Cleaning and Polishing
Starting at .50 cents a sq. ft.
Area Rug Cleaning, specializing in oriental and braided rugs
(all rugs cleaned off site, Pick-up and delivery available) Rugs may also be dropped off
Locally owned and
operated since 1988 256-348-1355

March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 27
Alabama Real Estate Solutions LLC
BUYING • SELLING • RENTING • BUILDING … WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!
218 South Madison Street • Athens, AL 35611
Phone (256) 233-3400 • Toll Free 1-877-311-ARES (2737)
Fax: (256) 233-3422 www.alabamarealestatesolutions.com
WATERFRONT
17110 Mooresville Road - East Limestone
3 BR/2 BA - $40,000
1,719 sq. ft. - MLS#697692
Call Brenda 256-508-6495
14156 Dogwood Drive - Clements
3 BR/2 BA - $499,000
2,500 sq. ft. - MLS#831658
Call Brenda 256-508-6495
142 Cantebury Circle - Cowart
2BR/2 BA - $179,900
1,763 sq. ft. - MLS#821395
Call Kim 256-431-7916
15195 McCormick Lane - Tanner
3 BR/2BA - $69,900
1,086 sq. ft. - MLS#652441
Call Kim 256-431-7916
3 ACRES!
10 ACRES!
3 LOTS!
REDUCED!
12 Snake Road - Clements
16.40+ acres
$196,800 - MLS#843389
Call Brenda 256-508-6495
#20 County Road 70 - Rogersville
$18,000 - MLS#908717
Call Brenda 256-508-6495
#10 Dogwood Circle - Clements
MLS#469745 - $164,900
Call Brenda 256-508-6495
Shaw Road - 3 Lots - $13,900/each
MLS#335810, #883995. #584770
Call Kim 256-431-7916
NEW LISTING
WATERFRONT
18821 Bream Bluff - Clements - #129,900
MLS#863701
Call Leonel 256-337-3165
3.24 ACRES
1423 Hwy. 72 W. - Athens - $399,000
MLS#873372
Call Jim 256-777-9273
$14,703 per acre
LOT
15338 Spring Lake Drive - West Limestone
$18,000 MLS#860674
Call Brenda 256-508-6495 or Jim 256-777-9273
WATERFRONT
18809 Blackwell Road, Lot
Year Round Water
$110,000 MLS#308728
Call Denise 256-278-9803 or Kim 256-431-7916
31.96 ACRES
WATERFRONT
Scan here with
Smart Phone
to view our
Virtual Tour
Inventory
a
Sharon Drive - Rogersville
$24,500 - MLS#800921
Call Brenda 256-508-6495
Dupree Worthey Road - East Limestone
$469,900 - MLS#307398
Call Kim 256-431-7916
18543 Bream Bluff - Clements
$138,000 - MLS#265258
Call Denise 256-278-9803
Ginna Chittam
Assoc. Broker
(256) 777-3300
Brenda Wilson
Broker
(256) 508-6495
Denise Teaven
Realtor
((256) 278-9803
Dennis Holliman
Realtor
(256) 431-5228
Jim Talbert
Realtor
(256) 777-9273
Kim Shindorf
Realtor
(256) 431-7916
Debbie Woody
Realtor
(256) 278-0671
Leonel White
Assoc. Broker
(256) 337-3165
BUYING • SELLING • RENTING • BUILDING … WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!

Page 28 the valley star March 22, 2012
Zumbatomic
designed for ages 4-12
It’s hard to find
someone who
hasn’t heard of
Zumba. It is the
latest dance fitness
craze that
Flo Doughty
has people of all
ages dancing the salsa,
merengue and cumbia! Most
everyone I meet has either been
to a Zumba class has Zumba for
the Wii or dances at home with
the DVDs. Did you know that
Zumba has a specific program
just for kids?? It is called, Zumbatomic!
Zumbatomic is specifically designed
for kids ages 4-12. Kids
get fit, rock out and have a blast!
SUMMER CAMP
WOODMEN OF THE WORLD LIFE INSURANCE SOCIETY
has a great opportunity for you and your children.
DON’T STOP NOW……LET US EXPLAIN!
The members of Woodmen own and operate a summer camp for youth members,
ages 8 through 15. The camp is located in Blount County approximately 10
miles north of Oneonta.
˙ a 280 ft. thrilling waterslide ˙ air conditioned cabins
˙ swimming pool
˙ cafeteria w/great food
˙ fully equipped archery range ˙ campfire programs
˙ lake & river canoeing
˙ 3 fishing lakes
˙ fully equipped rifle range ˙ outdoor living skills
˙ ropes confidence course ˙ star lab
All transportation, lodging, food and even fishing gear are furnished (a small registration
fee is required by all members.) Sessions last one week and is available
for boys and girls. All activities are supervised by our adult counselors and staff.
We provide all the fun your kids can take and we guarantee memories for a lifetime.
Feel free to call the area office for additional information.
WOODMEN OF THE WORLD
Rick Johnson
801 Hwy. 72 W.
Athens, AL 35611
256-232-0085 • 256-656-1378
DON’T MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY
FOR YOUR CHILDREN!”
Songs for ages 4-7 include fun,
catchy dance tunes with dance
moves that has them pretending
they’re penguins, Chihuahuas,
etc. You can imagine the smiles
and laughs this creates! Songs
for ages 8-12 are fun and just
challenging enough to hold their
interest and having them wanting
to learn more! Oh, and let’s not
forget, this is exercise! Kids get
stronger, increase focus, improve
coordination, increase metabolism,
boost confidence and feel
better about themselves. A bad
day at school is forgotten when
the music starts!
I am a certified Zumbatomic instructor
and in my Savvy Kids Fitness
program
we add a twist
to our Zumbatomic
classes;
we workout with
black lights!
Yes, we wear
glow in the dark
bracelets, white
t-shirts that
glow so bright
you can’t miss
us while we rock
it out to awesome
music!
The kids LOVE it and adults stand
outside looking in the window
wishing they were having that
much fun!
GOOD
FRIDAY
Check out Savvy Kids Fitness at
www.savvykidsfitness.com!
Bass
Tournament
April 6, 2012
First Creek Boat Ramp
$50.00 entry fee
Registration at 4am
Proceeds go to West Limestone
Summer Baseball and Softball Programs
For More Information Contact:
Brad Casteel Home: 256-729-6193
or Cell: 256-777-5123

March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 29

Page 30 the valley star March 22, 2012
SHOP ATHENS FIRST SHOP ATHENS FIRST
SHOP ATHENS FIRST SHOP ATHENS FIRST SHOP ATHENS FIRST
MAYFIELD
CONCRETE
Mobile 256-777-3704
Donnie Carter Trucking LLC
Gravel, Sand, Dirt, & More
Let Your Foundation Start With Us
D
DOTSON’S TRUCKING AND DIRT WORK
JOHNNY DOTSON
16539 FT HAMPTON RD
ELKMONT Al 35620
256-606-1065
Lester, Alabama
Donnie Carter
Owner/Operator
lostlakefarms@aol.com
Brad Rouse
Renovations, LLC
Licensed & Insured
20 Years Experience
Free Estimates
Cell: 256-566-3077
Office: 256-729-1177
bradrouserenovations@yahoo.com
Brad Rouse
OWNER
Concrete Work
•Slabs •Driveways •Footings
• Decorative Stampings
and Staining
Landscaping
•Trees •Sod •Beds
and Loader Work
New Construction Cleaning
•Final Clean-up Inside & Out • Pressure Washing
Johnny Mayfield
Monica Mayfield
256-777-8144 256-777-4616
SHOP ATHENS FIRST SHOP ATHENS FIRST SHOP ATHENS FIRST
SHOP ATHENS FIRST SHOP ATHENS FIRST
MON, MAR 26|APR 2
Sauerkraut and Wieners
Peach Cobbler
Scalloped Potatoes
Baked Mac/Cheese
Field Peas
Yams
Fried Okra
Creamy Slaw
Mixed Beans
Turnip Greens
TUES, MAR 27|APR 3
Corn Casserole
Mixed Vegetable Cass.
Twice Baked Potatoes
Creamy Mac/Cheese
Purple Hull Peas
Spinach
Fried Zucchini
Creamy Slaw
Squash and Onions
Honey Carrots
Peach Cobbler
WED, MAR 28|APR 4
Broccoli and Rice Cass.
Apple Cobbler
Mashed Potatoes
W/Gravy
Baked Mac/Cheese
Field Peas
Pinto Beans
Fried Squash
Creamy Slaw
Turnip Greens
Steamed Cabbage
Kernel Corn
THUR, MAR 29|APR 5
Squash Cass.
Peach Cobbler
Hot Potato Casserole
Creamy Mac/Cheese
Purple Hull Peas
Cream Corn
Fried Mushrooms
Creamy Slaw
Lima Beans
Spinach and Egg
FRI, MAR 30|APR 6
Roasted Vegetables
Peach Cobbler
Cheesy Potato Cass.
Baked Mac/Cheese
Field Peas
Sliced Apples
Fried Okra
Creamy Slaw
Rice Casserole
White Beans
DAILY LUNCH SPECIAL
$5.99 + TAX
FOOD BAR HOURS
10:30AM TO 1:30PM
HOBBS STREET
LOCATION ONLY
www.lawlersbarbecue.com
256-232-2677
1-877-874-4688 / 1-877-U PIGOUT

BUYING • SELLING • RENTING • BUILDING … WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!
March 22, 2012 the valley star Page 31
Scan here with Smart Phone to
view our Virtual Tour Inventory
a
Brenda Wilson
Broker
(256) 508-6495
www.wheelerlake.info
RENTING HOMES, CONDOS
AND COMMERCIAL
Debbie Woody
Realtor
(256) 278-0671
BAY POINT CONDOMINIUMS
RIVER’S EDGE CONDOMINIUMS
RIVERBREEZE CONDOMINIUMS
6122 Bay Village Drive
2 & 3 Bedrooms
$1,250 - $1,700 per month
LEASED
12100 TWO RIVERS DRIVE
5590 Bay Village Drive
B2 - 3BR/3BA - $1,500 unfurnished
B5 - 3BR/3BA - $1,700 B6 - 3BR/3BA - $1,700
LEASED
5799 & 5835 Bay Village Drive
301 - 3BR/2BA - $1,350 2003 - 2BR/2BA - $1,050
302 - 2BR/2BA - $1,050 2006 - 3BR/2BA - $1,350
306 - 3BR/2BA - $1,350 3006 - 3BR/2BA - $1,350
WATERFRONT
FURNISHED
6096 Bay Hill Drive
3 BR/3 BA
$1,700/month
MLS#345403
17951 Seven Mile Post Rd.
Clements
12100 Two Rivers Dr., #B3-4
1 BR/1 BA - $1,200 month
12100 Two Rivers Dr., #J4
2 BR/2 BA - $1,500 month
3 BR/2 BA
$675/month
MLS#555169
LEASED
LEASED
24035 Kadence Lane
3 BR/3.75 BA
$1,100/month
WATERFRONT
5976 Bay Hill Drive
2 BR/2 BA
$1,300/month
MLS#326170
12100 Two Rivers Dr., #B1-3
1 BR/1 BA - $1,200 month
LEASED
NEW LISTING
802 Jackson Drive
3 BR/2.5 BA
$1,200/month
2,580 sq. ft.
MLS#976820
707 Washington St.
Athens
2 BR/2 BA
$600/month
MLS#334874

WATERFRONT
6122 Bay Village Drive - #206
$169,900
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
13290 Bradford Road - East Limestone
3BR/2BA - $117,900
1,209 sq. ft. - MLS#481169
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
15195 McCormick Lane - Tanner
3BR/2BA - $69,900
1,386 sq. ft. - MLS#652441
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
4.70 ACRES
143 Canterbury Circle - Cowart
2/BR2BA - $179,900
1,763 sq. ft. - MLS#873113
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
13330 Bradford Road - East Limestone
3 BR/2 BA - $239,000
2,317 sq. ft. - MLS#575693
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
13382 Sweet Pea Drive
Brookhill
3 BR/2.5 BA - $203,900
2,186 sq. ft. - MLS#513063
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
17909 Jeffery St. - Cowart
4 BR/2.5 BA - $229,900
2,600 sq. ft. - MLS#518281
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
15244 Clodessa Drive - Cowart
3 BR/2 BA - $79,900
1,465 sq. ft. - MLS#486517
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
14720 Mohawk Trail - Brookhill
4 BR/2 BA - $223,500
2,500 sq. ft. - MLS#524437
Call Ginna 256-777-3300
Nuclear Plant 2.5 Acres - City $59,900
Alabama Real Estate Solutions LLC
BUYING • SELLING • RENTING • BUILDING … WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!
Ginna Chittam, Realtor
FEATURED LISTINGS
www.AlabamaRealEstateSolutions.com
A
Ginna Chittam
Realtor
(256) 777-3300
ARES Property Management
A Division of Alabama Real Estate Solutions LLC
BUYING • SELLING • RENTING • BUILDING … WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!