Monday, December 31, 2012

DOWNTOWN HAIR DESIGNS SAYS GOODBYE

Thank you to all the people who have supported me in Elkmont for the past 7 years. I am sad to say i will be changing career paths at the end of this month.  

I am truly going to miss everyone and the job I have done for so many years. But sometimes we just have to make the decisions that best helps our families

Sunday, December 30, 2012

KATHLEEN ANN MARY COTTER-GREEN - OBITUARY



Mrs. Kathleen Ann Mary Cotter-Greer, 53 of Athens, AL 
passed away Friday, December 28, 2012 @ Athens Limestone Hospital

Funeral service will be Wednesday, January 2, 2013, 2 PM at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Donald Terry officiating.

Burial in the Roselawn Cemetery with visitation Wednesday, 12 Noon until Service time

Born December 16, 1959 in Massachusetts. Member of Truth Baptist Church. 

Preceded in death: 
Father: Bernard Leo Cotter, 
Sister: Eileen Arsenault.

Survivors:
Husband: Michael Greer of Athens, AL
Son: Terry Greer & wife, Carla of Elkmont, AL
Daughter: Maureen Greer of Athens, AL
Mother: Francis Cotter of Massachusetts
Brothers:
Eddie Cotter of Massachusetts
Dan Cotter of Massachusetts
John Cotter of New Hampshire
Sister:
Maureen Mahoney of Massachusetts
4 Grandchildren

Friday, December 28, 2012

2013 IS ALMOST HERE



The country has several big natural disasters this year.  Alabama didn't have hurricanes this year but tornados arrived from February up to a few days ago.  I'm sure there will be severe weather again in 2013 plus other trials that may affect your family.  Why not make one of your New Year's Resolutions making your family more able to handle emergencies?  This is the beginning of a series of posts to help you on your way.  Are you PREPARED?


P.R.E.P.A.R.E.D.

Being prepared is an essential part of being able to return your life and the life of your family back to normal as soon as possible whenever there is an emergency or disaster. Here is a basic acronym to help you remember some very important steps in being P.R.E.P.A.R.E.D.
P is for planning. You will need to take the necessary steps to have a plan in case of an emergency or a disaster.

R is for risk assessment. You will need to know the particular risks for your area, as well as the common everyday risks you or your family might encounter in an emergency or disaster.

E is for emergency contacts and communication. You will need to make sure that everyone in your family has the proper emergency contact information and be able to communicate with each other in a time of crisis.

P is for planning for alternate scenarios. Should your first plan encounter difficulties in being implemented, you will need a backup plan.

A is for assemble. Get your emergency supplies in place. It doesn’t matter if you are planning for a 72 hour period or even longer, as long as you have put together the basic items you will need for your own level of readiness.

R is for remembering. Remember the special needs of the elderly, infants in your family, your pets and people in your family or group with special medical needs.

E is for essentials. Don’t forget the basic items that you will need to survive a disaster or crisis. Water, food, shelter, first aid, and the ability to create a fire for warmth and cooking will all be essential.

D is for determination. Have the will and the determination to survive a crisis, a natural disaster or an emergency by being prepared in advance.


Thursday, December 27, 2012

AWARD WINNING FIRE FIGHTERS

The Elkmont Fire Department had its annual Christmas Dinner a few weeks ago.  It is also a time when our dedicated fire fighters are honored for their hard work.  This year the award winners were: left to right

Robby Newport - Lonnie Hagan award,outstanding service.
Michael Carter  - officer of year,
Tony Roberts   -  officer of year,
Petey Motter    -  fire fighter of the year.


HERBERT WILSON EZELL - OBITUARY



 Name:
Herbert Wilson Ezell

Dates:
Birth date: February 16, 1930
Death date: December 23, 2012

Obituary:
Herbert Wilson Ezell age 82 of Elkmont, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at his residence. Mr. Ezell was born February 16, 1930 in Limestone County to James Buford Ezell and Roxie Lou Christopher Ezell.

Services for Mr. Ezell are Thursday, December 27, 2012 at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be Thursday, December 27, 2012 from 11:00 until 12:45 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Todd Cemetery with Charles Maples officiating.

Mr. Ezell was a member of the Baptist Church. He retired after 22 years from the US Navy and also after 15 years from Athens Water Treatment Plant.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruby Jean Ezell of Elkmont; son, Michael Ezell and wife Debbra of Elkmont; daughters, Janet Ezell O’Conner of Athens and Denise Ezell Seago of Athens; brother, Frank Ezell and wife Kaye of Utah; sisters, Ruby Jean Tinnon of Athens and Cynthia Weigart of Anderson; grandchildren, Brett Ezell and wife Beth, Keith Ezell and wife Jamie, Jason Wooldrigdge, Joey Wooldridge, Clint O’Conner and wife Sharon and Gannon Curtis and husband Josh; great-grandchildren, Bailey Ezell, Brooke Ezell, Brenin Ezell, Sydney Ezell, Scott Ezell, Kase Curtis, Gage Curtis, Ellason Curtis and Luke Wooldridge.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Buford and Roxie Ezell; brother, Jimmy Ezell; sister, Edith Marbut.

Pallbearers are Brett Ezell, Keith Ezell, Jason Wooldridge, Joey Wooldridge, Clint O’Conner and Josh Curtis.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of North Alabama.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE AFTER ALL THOSE CHRISTMAS GOODIES



A dear friend of mine has a talented daughter who has adapted some carols to tell the true story of will power and Christmas treats.  

Sunday, December 23, 2012

DANIEL RAY REEVES - OBITUARY


A memorial service for Daniel Ray Reeves, 33, of Elkmont will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Grace Full Gospel Church.

Mr. Reeves died Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Elkmont.

Daniel Reeves was born May 20, 1979, in Auburndale, Fla. He was a carpenter, and an avid musician and songwriter. He loved his family and life.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Reeves of Elkmont; father, Kenneth Reeves of Athens; daughter, April Wilkinson of Indiana; son, Johnny Wilkinson of Indiana; sisters, Samatha Luttrel of Illinois and Jessica Reyes of Florida; brothers, Mikel Jones of Florida and Terry Simmons of Alabama; nieces and nephews.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT - PART EIGHT



Click HERE - "Angels from the Realms of Glory"


*Enlarge to full screen 
*Change to HD video quality - beautiful visuals
*ENJOY

MIDDLE SCHOOL WINS FIRST GAME OF CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT

Elkmont Middle School Red Devils won their first game of the Elkmont Invitational Middle School Christmas Tournament.  Held in the old gym, the fans were treated to a big win, 47 - 16 over Minor Hill. 

The Red Devils will be squaring off with South Lincoln tonight @ 8:15, New Gym.

Don't forget that you can read more about the tournament over at the Elkmont Basketball Blog.



Pictures provided by the Elkmont Sports Photographers.  
You can order prints from Down Home Portraits.
Down Home Portraits facebook page:  
                                          Click on Christmas Tournament - Dec. 20


Thursday, December 20, 2012

YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT - PART 7


Click HERE - Video of Jane Seymour and her "Sing Forth This Day" performance


*Enlarge to full screen 
*Change to HD video quality - beautiful visuals
*ENJOY


Look for your eighth gift on Saturday evening

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT - PART 6

Click HERE - Video of Gladys Knight and "Sing We Now of Christmas"
*ENJOY
Animated winter snow scene with cabin in snow and fresh snow gently falling

Look for your seventh gift on Thursday evening

DOROTHY HOBBS "DOT" SMITH - OBITUARY




 Name:
Dorothy Hobbs "Dot" Smith

Dates:
Birth date: October 7, 1937
Death date: December 18, 2012

Obituary:
Dorothy Hobbs "Dot" Smith, 75 of Elkmont, Alabama died on Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at Donalson Care Center in Fayetteville, Tennessee.

Born Thursday, October 7, 1937 in Toney, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Ovis Clevis Hobbs and the late Mercedes Whitt Hobbs. She was also preceded by two children: Michael Kevin Smith and Mary Ellen Smith. She lived most of her life in this area and was a member of Wooley Springs Baptist Church. She enjoyed being with her children and her pets and doing things for others.

Surviving are her husband: Charles Smith of Elkmont, AL; a son, Charles M. Smith of Elkmont, AL, and a daughter, Kimberly Smith of Elkmont, AL.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 20, 2012, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama with Bro. Tony Boyles officiating. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery, Ardmore, AL.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 19, 2012, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama.

EVA JOY BAILEY - OBITUARY




Name:
Eva Joy Bailey

Dates:
Birth date: June 10, 1931
Death date: December 18, 2012

Obituary:

Eva Joy Bailey, 81 of Ardmore, Tennessee died on Tuesday, December 18, 2012, at Ardmore on Main in Ardmore, Tennessee.

Born Wednesday, June 10, 1931 in Fayetteville, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Howard Helums and the late Nettie Edwards Helums. She was a member of Ardmore First Baptist Church and had lived in this area all her life. She loved spending time with her grandchild and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are son, Phillip (Georgie) Bailey of Athens, AL,
daughter, Deborah (Terrell) Watts of Elkmont, AL, brother, Ray Helums of Taft, TN, grandchild: Christopher (Sandi) Smith, and two great-grandchildren: Carly and Logan Roberts.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 21, 2012, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama with Bro. Alan Hughes and Bro. William Suddarth officiating. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery, Ardmore, AL.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 20, 2012, at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, Alabama.

ELKMONT SPLITS WITH SOUTH LINCOLN

South Lincoln rolled into Elkmont last night for a middle school game night.  The Lady Devils took a loss 28 - 35.  The Middle School Red Devils added another game to the win column, 38 - 24. 






The games with Rogers this Thursday have been cancelled.  The Elkmont Middle School Tournament is this weekend, Dec. 20 - 21.




Pictures provided by the Elkmont Sports Photographers.  
You can order prints from Down Home Portraits.

Down Home Portraits facebook page:  
                                          Click on South Lincoln

Monday, December 17, 2012

HOW DID YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE THIS WEEK?

December 17, 2012
In this MegaVote for Alabama's 5th Congressional District:
Recent Congressional Votes
  • Senate: TAG Extension – Motion to Waive
  • House: Suspension Authority
  • House: Epinephrine Inhalers – Suspension
  • House: Defense Authorization – Motion to Instruct
Upcoming Congressional Bills
  • Senate: Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011
  • House: Defense Authorization

Editor's Note: MegaVote will be on hiatus until January 2, 2013.
Recent Senate Votes
TAG Extension – Motion to Waive - Vote Rejected (50-42, 8 Not Voting)

Last week the Senate began and stopped the process of considering legislation to extend the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee (TAG) program. The program, initiated in 2008 as a way of shoring up the banking system, provides unlimited government backing for non-interest bearing transaction accounts, such as those used for business expenses. (The normal threshold for government guarantees on such accounts is $250,000.) The Senate invoked cloture on the legislation earlier in the week by a healthy 76-20 margin (Roll Call 225). But the bill foundered on a budgetary point of order raised by Pennsylvania Republican Pat Toomey. Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson, D-S.D. moved to waive Toomey’s point of order, but he fell ten votes shy of the 60 needed for such a maneuver. Like so much unfinished business, an extension may well get lost in the year-end rush to avert the fiscal cliff. Even if a bill does get through the Senate, however, House Republicans have signaled they would prefer to let TAG expire, which it is scheduled to do on December 31.

Sen. Richard Shelby voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Jeff Sessions voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes
Suspension Authority - Vote Passed (226-178, 27 Not Voting)

In a sign of things to come, House leaders brought a rule to the floor allowing bills to be considered under suspension of the rules through Friday, December 28. That would allow for expedited consideration of any deal to avert the fiscal cliff, as suspending the rules prevents any amendments from being offered and limits debate to one hour. It also raises the threshold for passage to a two-thirds majority, which could prove difficult, depending on the exact parameters of any agreement between President Obama and Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio.

Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Epinephrine Inhalers – Suspension - Vote Failed (229-182, 20 Not Voting)

The House failed to muster a two-thirds majority for a bill that would have granted a seven-month grace period for the distribution and sale of over-the-counter asthma inhalers that use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as a propellant. The inhalers have been banned since December 1, 2011 per the Montreal Protocol, an international convention, which bans ozone-depleting substances (including CFCs). The bill under question, introduced by Texas Republican Rep. Michael C. Burgess, would have lifted the ban until August 1, 2013. Because it was considered under suspension of the rules, the bill would have needed 274 votes to pass. The bill appears to have enough support to pass under regular order, but leadership would need to clear enough floor time for a full debate.

Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Defense Authorization – Motion to Instruct - Vote Passed (399-4, 28 Not Voting)

The House and Senate named conferees last week to negotiations over the final version of the national defense authorization bill for fiscal year 2013. Rep. Susan A. Davis, D-Calif. moved to instruct House negotiators to agree to a provision in the Senate bill (S. 3254) that would mandate a report to Congress on how the U.S. will promote the security of Afghan women and girls as allied forces transition out of the country. The House also agreed to a motion from Armed Services chairman Buck McKeon, R-Calif. to close portions of the negotiations to the public, presumably those dealing with intelligence and other particularly sensitive matters.

Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Upcoming Votes
Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 - H.R.1

The Senate is scheduled to begin consideration of the supplemental appropriations bill providing emergency relief to the states victimized by Hurricane Sandy. Because all spending bills must originate in the House, Senate leaders are using H.R. 1 – which the House passed in February 2011 - as a legislative "shell" to carry the emergency spending language.


Defense Authorization - H.R.4310

Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., has indicated that the defense authorization may be ready for floor action by mid-week.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

ELKMONT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Sixteen teachers were honored at an awards banquet hosted by the Limestone County Board of Education Thursday evening at the Career Technical Center.  Elkmont's Teachers of the Year   were     Marcy Hamilton                        and                            Amy Swinea                             

Amy Baugh Swinea




















School standouts

Nine K-6 educators — Nancy Page, Michelle Mitchell, McKenzie Thomas, Marcy Hamilton, Jennifer Howard, Tara Tipper, Jennifer King, Lynn Hodges and Vicky Askew — were honored as their respective schools’ Teacher of the Year

Seven high school instructors — Starr Weems DeGraffenried, Angela Biggs, Brenda Pollock, Amy Swinea, Samantha Fleming, Melody Etheredge and Jordan Paul — were recognized as their respective schools’ Secondary Teacher of the Year


Nancy Page, who celebrated her 48th birthday Thursday, was named the county’s Elementary Teacher of the Year, which was announced by the 2011 winner, Elkmont third-grade teacher Cindy Wales.


The Limestone County Secondary Teacher of the year was Samatha Fleming, who was a registered nurse at Athens-Limestone Hospital for 16 years, has taught health science at the Career Center since 2006.

Elkmont 11th-grader Rylea Holt called Fleming “the best teacher ever,” while fellow Elkmont junior Samantha Watkins described her as “sweet, caring and considerate.”

“She’s always positive and even if she’s in an ill mood, she doesn’t show it at all,” said West Limestone 11th-grader Emily Oswald.

YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT - PART 5


Click HERE - Video of Walter Cronkite and "A Silent Night"

*Enlarge to full screen 
*Change to HD video quality - beautiful visuals
*ENJOY

Look for your sixth gift on Tuesday evening

Saturday, December 15, 2012

STANLEY RAY MOORE - OBITUARY


Mr. Stanley Ray Moore, 59 of Athens, Alabama, passed away Thursday, December 13, 2012 at his residence.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, December 18, 2012, 11AM at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with John Taggard officiating.

Visitation will be 6-8PM on Monday at Spry Funeral Home.

Born December 2, 1953 in Ohio
Army Veteran
Retired Mechanic
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Limestone County or St. Judes Hospital

Survivors:
Wife:
Cathy Moore - Athens, AL
2 Step-Sons
Richard Mills - Akron, OH
Donnie Mills - Athens, AL
Mother:
Dorothy Caldwell - Athens, AL
Sister:
Cathy Pack - Elkmont, AL

Friday, December 14, 2012

YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT - PART 4

Click HERE - Video of Renee Fleming and a "Christmas Glow" performance


*Enlarge to full screen 
*Change to HD video quality - beautiful visuals
*ENJOY


Look for your fifth gift on Sunday evening

MIDDLE SCHOOL WINS BIG

The Elkmont Middle School basketball teams both picked up wins over Minor Hill, Tennessee last night.  The Lady Devils won 32 - 08 and the Red Devils won 53 - 30.  Hope to get some scoring information later today.  Their next games are Dec 17 when South Lincoln comes to the Hill.  Tipoff for the girls is 6 pm

 






Pictures provided by the Elkmont Sports Photographers.  
You can order prints from Down Home Portraits.

Down Home Portraits facebook page:  
                                          Click on Minor Hill

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT - PART 3


Click HERE - Video of Brian Stokes Mitchell and "The Spirit of Christmas"


*Enlarge to full screen 
*Change to HD video quality - beautiful visuals
*ENJOY

Look for your fourth gift on Friday night

DONALD WAYNE JARRETT SR. -OBITUARY


The funeral for Donald Wayne Jarrett Sr., 61, of 
Athens will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Spry Funeral Home. Burial will be in Limestone Memorial Gardens.

Visitation is from 6-9 tonight at the funeral home.

Mr. Jarrett died Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, at Madison Hospital.

Donald Jarrett was born July 12, 1951, in Limestone County. He was a retired mechanic. Mr. Jarrett was a member of the Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna Jarrett; son, Donald Wayne Jarrett Jr.; son-in-law, Keith Kirby; granddaughter, Elizabeth Royster; one brother; and two sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Terry Phillips Jarrett of Athens; sons, Glenn of Harvest and Randall Jarrett of Pontiac, Ill.; daughters, Michelle Hargrove and husband Tim of Elkmont, Brenda Royster, Laura Jarrett and husband Ernesto Rodriguez, Barbara Warren and Christy Kirby, all of Athens; brothers, Roy Lee Jarrett and Waylon Jarrett, both of Athens, Buford Jarrett of Huntsville, and David Jarrett of Pontiac, Ill.; 23 grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Sign the online guestbook at http://spryfuneralhome.com.