Voice Magazine for Women 0226

Congrats Voice Magazine!

Lukas Gage

Each month Voice will “hide” a picture of a “Hot Hunk.” If you find him, fill out this form, mail it in, and you could win a book from Jan-Carol Publishing!

Congratulations to: Teresa Hess, Marion, VA as the winner in the January Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

On the Cover

Mail

Tapest ry Journal

Temple Reece: It's the month to celebrate my sweet grandson's birthday! Fields will be 12 this year!

Shawn McClain: My husband's birthday and our annual weekend trip to Asheville for dinner and a concert!

Draco Bailey: I love celebrating Valentine’s Day with my husband and celebrating my step-mom’s birthday toward the end of the month!

Allison Lawson: In February, I love to celebrate both Valentine’s Day with my husband and “Galentine’s Day” with my best girl friends.

Jan Howery: Valentine's Day!

Jackie Garland: It's my birthday month!

Teresa Hilton: It's a short month and that means spring is near!

VOICE Speaks FREE

February 2026, Voice Magazine for Women celebrates 22 years of representing women and businesses in the region. The company (JCP) has served the region with a print magazine for 22 years and has contributed to the local region as an established local business. This is a benchmark for our continued support, growth, and success.

Through blood, sweat, tears, and all the naysayers, the magazine has proven its value to the region in the print version of the magazine. With changes in print and technology, Voice Magazine has grown with its online readership. With our 22 years of seeing changes, challenges, and concerns, the magazine has always been supported by our faithful readers and advertisers, and our contributing writers. All of you are a part of our past growth, and we ask that you to continue to be a part of our future growth.

As of today, the cost of printing has been one of the biggest hurdles to cross. As the costs increase, we must broaden our online presence and encourage our readers to find us online. In 2026, we face the necessity to change with the new challenges. Voice Magazine will continue to make changes to meet those challenges to ensure our longevity. Please support us by being a part of our online presence. Sign up to receive our newsletter and listen to our weekly podcast, Bookmarked. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

One of our past growth ventures as a company was branching out into publishing books. JCP purchased Mountain Girl Press several years ago, and with that purchase, the magazine and JCP not only has survived, but also continues to thrive. As we move into a new chapter in 2026, Jan-Carol Publishing and Voice Magazine will be making a future announcement of expansion plans. It is exciting, so stay tuned!

Visit our websites, voicemagazineforwomen.com and jancarolpublishing.com. On JCP’s website, visit our online bookstore, where you will always find special discounts on select books.

Also on our JCP website, you will find the link to our latest venture , Tapestry Journal, which is our online literary magazine. Be a part of this opportunity to be published and join other authors in this well-received online magazine.

Be sure to listen to our weekly podcast, which continues to grow and reach listeners throughout the world.

Thank you all for 22 years of support—to all the fans, writers, advertisers, businesses, authors, readers, and all those behind-thescenes supporters for your continued support of Voice Magazine for Women and JCP. As we move into a new direction and a new year, our motto is: JCP will face all challenges with a fix…in 2026! We want each of you to travel with us on our new journey in 2026.

And thank you to the loyal and dedicated JCP team!

Verse of the Month: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 KJV

Thought of the Month: “Do not judge me by my successes; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” — Nelson Mandela

Celebrating our 22nd anniversary! We wouldn’t be here and there without all of you!

PUBLISHER

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc PO Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 publisher@jancarolpublishing.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Draco Bailey Communications Director & Publishing Assistant communications@jancarolpublishing.com

Allison Lawson Magazine Content Editor & Editorial Assistant office@jancarolpublishing.com

GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION

Tara Sizemore Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com

Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983

DISTRIBUTION

Staff

PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 23, Issue 2)

(Janie Jessee’s Photograph: Rebecca Griffin/London Vine Studios)

While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of the published material, Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc./Voice Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions or facts provided by its authors, advertisers or agencies. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission. Agencies, Advertisers and other contributors will indemnify and hold the publisher harmless for any loss or expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism and/or copyright infringement. The views expressed in Voice Magazine for Women are not necessarily those of the publisher. © 2026

EDITORIAL MISSION:

Voice Magazine for Women wants to provide a useful and complete reliable source of information for women and their families. We seek to celebrate women’s successes, and support their growth by defining and recognizing their needs and providing a concentration of resources for them. We want to be that “link” to all women.

Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief

YWCA Invites Nominations for Annual Tribute to Women Awards

February brings us several popular holidays and the hope that the cold of deep winter will soon be a memory. It also brings the opportunity to nominate an incredible woman for YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia’s annual Tribute to Women. YWCA is now accepting nominations for this prestigious award, which recognizes exceptional women in the region who embody the YWCA mission to empower women, eliminate racism, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. This year will be the 35 th anniversary of the award.

“Inspiring women are shaping our communities every day—often quietly, always powerfully,” said Kay Ward (Coordinator of Family and Community Engagement, Bristol Tennessee City Schools), 2022 Tribute Award recipient and 2026 Tribute to Women nominations chair. “Help us celebrate their leadership, service, and impact by submitting a YWCA Tribute to Women nomination. Let’s come together to honor the women who uplift, lead, and strengthen our communities!”

Nominations may be made by any organization, business, or community group for women who exemplify excellence in one of seven categories: healthcare, business/industry, finance, education/arts, science/ technology/engineering, mission impact, and community engagement. Prime candidates are leaders who have experienced significant growth and/or achievement in their areas of expertise and/or communities. They must reside or work in YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia’s 21-county service area.

To ensure impartiality in decision-making, YWCA specifically chooses judges who reside outside the states of Tennessee and Virginia. These judges are change-makers in their own communities and take seriously the responsibility of selecting Tribute

recipients, who will be presented with an award at a banquet held in their honor in April 2026.

Since Tribute to Women’s inception, more than 2,100 women have been nominated and more than 230 award recipients have been honored, making the program one of the more significant awards in the region, especially with its focus on women.

“Tribute to Women is an excellent opportunity for corporations, organizations, school systems, and other community groups to recognize and honor the amazing contributions and achievements of outstanding women in our region,” said Kathy Johnson (Director of Washington County Virginia Department of Social Services), 2026 Tribute to Women chair.

Those interested in learning more about Tribute to Women will find information on the award, as well as the nomination form and instructions, online at www. ywcatnva.org/nominations-2026 or may request information and forms by emailing tribute@ywcatnva.org or phoning 423-968-9444.

Nominations must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, to be eligible for consideration.

Thoughtful Valentine’s Gifts

Valentine’s Day brightens up the bleakness of the shortest and most wintry month of the year for the northern part of the globe. Businesses and homes are awash in pink and red each February, with heart-shaped decorations and boxes filling up store aisles. Sending heartfelt sentiments is a large part of celebrating Valentine’s Day, and most people cherish the day for the opportunity to bestow gifts on the ones they love. Here are several gift options and ways to make these presents more thoughtful and endearing.

Candy

Gift givers can select candy that is preferable to their loved one instead of choosing the first box of chocolate they find at the store. Perhaps the person you love likes confections from a boutique candy shop a few towns over or has a hankering for candy from overseas? Mexico, for example, is known for its Dulce de Leche, while Halva is a dense, sweet treat from the Middle East. Choosing a special candy really sets the gift apart.

Flowers

Flowers are special gifts. Too often, people feel pressured to buy roses on Valentine’s Day, even if this might not be a special someone’s preferred flower. Choose, instead, a flower that has particular meaning to the person or one that is known to be a favorite. Aster and Baby’s Breath are two blooms known for being symbols of love, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Greeting cards

A handmade card may express warmer sentiments than one picked up at the store, particularly since the former can be customized to the recipient. Include personalized sentiments, inside jokes or memories of time spent together.

Craft and hobby stores offer plenty of supplies for paper crafting, so it’s possible to create a lovely greeting card with minimal effort.

A night out

A night out can be tailored to the interests of the couple celebrating. Book a dinner at a restaurant that was the scene of your first date; otherwise, stay in and watch a movie you each love.

Jewelry

Jewelry is a very personal gift. While it may seem like a great idea to surprise a special someone with a bracelet or earrings, if the style is off or the color wrong, the piece may not be worn. Rather, the surprise can be a trip to the jewelry store together to pick out something recipients wear all the time.

Gifts that fit the interests, personality and memories of a couple can be especially meaningful on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of relationships and love for people across the globe. Although Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated across North America and Europe, the holiday also is celebrated in parts of Asia and Latin America. The Philippines is famous for mass weddings on Valentine’s Day. Days devoted to love also are celebrated outside of February in different countries. Brazil celebrates Día dos Namorados (Lover’s Day) in June, while Colombia celebrates Día del Amor y la Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship) in September.

Red Velvet Mug Cake

1 serving

6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

2 Tbsp. granulated sugar

1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. kosher salt

1/3 cup whole milk

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 tsp. red food coloring

3 Tbsp. confectioners’ sugar

1 Tbsp. cream cheese, at room temperature

In a 12-ounce mug, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, butter, vanilla, and food coloring. In a small bowl, mix together confectioners’ sugar and cream cheese until smooth, then drop into a mug and push down until covered by batter. Microwave on High until just cooked through, about 90 seconds.

Source: www.goodhousekeeping.com

Italian Shaved Ice Granita

8 servings

2 cups lemonade

1/2 cup limoncello

6 oz. fresh or frozen raspberries

Zest of 1 lemon

Raspberries and lemon zest, for serving

1. In blender, puree lemonade, limoncello, raspberries and lemon zest until smooth. Pour into metal loaf or square pan, cover and freeze until set, about 4 hours.

2. To serve, use fork to scrape surface of ice to create large flakes. Divide among bowls. Top with raspberries and zest, if desired.

Source: www.goodhousekeeping.com

No-Bake

Cranberry Cheesecake

8 servings

1/2 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce or preserves

1 tsp. powdered gelatin

3/4 cup heavy cream, cold

12 oz. cream cheese, softened

4 oz. fresh goat cheese, softened

1/3 cup sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest

1/8 tsp. salt

1 ready-to-eat graham cracker crust

1. In blender or food processor, puree cranberry sauce until almost smooth; set aside. Place 2 tablespoons cold water in small microwave-safe bowl; sprinkle gelatin over water. Let stand 5 minutes.

2. With mixer on high, beat cream until stiff peaks form. In separate bowl, beat cream cheese, goat cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. Microwave gelatin 15 to 20 seconds or just until runny. Gradually beat into cheese mixture; gently fold in whipped cream.

3. Spread half of cranberry sauce on bottom of crust. Spread cheese mixture on top in even layer. Dollop remaining cranberry sauce all over top. Drag tip of paring knife through cranberry sauce to create swirl pattern. Refrigerate, uncovered,at least 3 hours or up to overnight.

Source: www.goodhousekeeping.com

How to Determine Your Financial Needs in Retirement

Advice

abounds regarding how much money retirees will need to live comfortably in retirement. One common approach suggests retirees should aspire to replace 70 to 80 percent of their pre-retirement income, while another strategy urges retirees to save twelve times their final pre-retirement income, meaning someone making $100,000 in the year they retire will need at least $1.2 million in

retirement savings to maintain their lifestyle.

Though variables unique to each person will help to determine how much to save for retirement, there are some additional ways to identify how much you might need to live comfortably after calling it a career.

• Identify your ideal retirement age. Arguably the most significant variable related to saving for retirement is the age at which a person hopes to retire. Some may have the luxury of choosing their own retirement date, while others’ personal health or employers may make that choice for them. But it’s good to remember that the longer a person continues to work, the less retirement savings that person will need. When trying to determine how much to save for retirement, first identify your ideal retirement age and then go from there, recognizing that this important variable can change over time.

• Identify the lifestyle you hope to live. If the romanticized ideal of a jetsetting retirement lifestyle appeals to you, then you’re likely going to need to save more for retirement than someone whose vision of life after working is less glamorous. It’s possible for many retirees to live their ideal lifestyle in retirement, but those whose ideal is marked by expensive pursuits like regular international travel will need to start earlier and save more than someone who envisions occasional trips but more time at home.

• Don’t overlook health care costs. Health care costs for retirees are heavily dependent on individual health. But even the healthiest retiree might experience a sudden and potentially costly medical issue, so it’s best for everyone to plan for sizable health care expenses in retirement. The Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates that couples will need to have saved at least $188,000 to have a 90 percent chance of covering their health care expenditures in retirement. That figure is subject to variables unique to each individual, but it can serve as a useful measuring stick as adults try to determine how much they need to save for retirement.

Financial needs in retirement depend on the individual. However, some key planning strategies can help individuals determine how much they might need to save to live comfortably in retirement.

By April Hensley

Starting Seeds Indoors for Early Sowing

SThe temp is going to get very hot soon, and that means we will be searching for shady spots to spend our outdoor time in. Your family, pets, and wildlife will be looking for cooler places too. Walk around your property during the time you would usually be outdoors to see where the shade falls. If you have a porch, pergola, or a big shade tree, you are set! If not, use the shade from your home or create artificial shade with help from things like a pop-up gazebo or shade cloth.

By April Hensley

tarting seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on your gardening. While the snow is flying outside and the ground is still frozen solid, gardeners can extend their growing season with earlier sowing and start harvesting vegetables and flowers sooner.

Think about how you want to use the space. Is it for children to have to place to play, a BBQ area, or a place to nap in a hammock? You can create an outdoor area for family get-togethers or a nice quiet spot to unwind and relax.

Start seeds indoors that have a long germination time. They will be planted outdoors after the weather warms up. Petunias and peppers are two that do extremely well when started early indoors. Long germination seeds, such as cabbage and eggplants, should also be planted in January through February so the seedlings will be strong and ready to go into the garden after the last frost.

If you like being outdoors during the summer, you will be spending a lot of time here through the next three months. Let’s jazz up your outdoor living space to suit your style and purpose and make it more inviting.

Here are some seeds to plant indoors now to transplant outdoors in early spring:

• Peas

• Onions

• Chives

for hanging baskets. For pots, you can do not only plants but bushes and trees.

• Leaks

• Broccoli

• Cilantro

• Parsley

• Catnip

There are also seeds you can start indoors to transplant early into the garden while the weather is still cool. Cold-hardy plants like peas will germinate quickly and can then be placed outdoors. Starting them indoors helps keep birds from eating the seeds and small digging mammals like squirrels from uprooting the seed before it can root and germinate.

• Kale

• Some colorful shade lovers include hydrangeas, ferns, Japanese maple trees, begonias, azaleas, hostas, and evergreens.

• Spinach

• Get some shade-loving plants together. These can be planted in-ground or arranged in pots to brighten your space. Special pots are available for deck railing, and shepherd’s hooks can be used

• Snapdragons

• Pansies

• Swiss Chard

• Garden gnomes and concrete statues make a cute addition.

• If using the space for an eating area, look for sturdy table and chairs that will survive windy storms.

Several seeds, such as cilantro, parsley, and catnip, have a thick outer shell. Soaking them in a cup of water for a couple of days before planting in starter soil will help them germinate. Many kinds can be soaked for easier germination.

• A large patio umbrella can create temporary shade for your outdoor space or picnic area. Umbrellas come in many shapes, colors and sizes and some can be adjusted for the movement of the sun.

In nature, a seed falls from a plant’s seedpod and lies dormant on the ground all winter. When the weather begins to warm in early spring, the seed will awaken and sprout. When we start plants from seeds kept indoors, our house temperature keeps them warm, and then the seeds go into warm soil in warm air. Although this is great for germinating and growing most seeds, some need cold stratification to help them sprout. Place any seeds you are going to use in a zippered sandwich bag in the refrigerator for at least a couple of days or longer before planting to help them wake up.

• Look into seating, whether to unwind or gather. can be as simple as a couple of folding chairs to large outdoor sectional with side tables.

• Sometimes we like being outside after the sun sets when it’s cooler. In that case, look at solar lights. They have them for in-ground, steps, railing, hanging, and rope lights that give a magical feel. These are great safety features, too. Shepherds’ hooks can be used to help suspend the lights.

Even though the plants are cold-hardy, they still need to be protected from heavy freezes. Use some type of insulating material to protect the tender seedlings. Leaves, old sheets, straw, or a row cloth will work. Checking the weather every day will become a habit that will help gardeners be prepared ahead of time.

• Mosquito repellants and traps will be a must whether during the day or night.

How Growing Families Can Create More Space

Anyone who would like to raise a family in the future might want to consider certain factors when choosing a residence or designing living spaces. A home that can grow with life changes can truly be a forever home. The following strategies can expand space when a family grows.

• Declutter. It is important to go through belongings regularly and remove anything that is no longer needed. This can be the first step to free up physical space in a room or the home in general. Donate any items that still have utility.

• Reassess your existing storage. Look at different ways to maximize existing storage. Utilizing vertical space is one way to do so, so an investment in shelves, hooks and storage systems that maximize space in an upward direction can get items off the floor. Make use of storage under the stairs or in eaves. Loft beds with open space underneath are great for children’s rooms because they maximize floor area.

• Think about toy storage. Children love to play with toys, and once kids are in a home, toys will accumulate quite quickly. Have a plan for keeping toys neat and stowed away when not in use. Underthe-bed storage, toy armoires (that are secured to the wall) and furniture that can double as storage, such as storage ottomans, are ideal.

• Revamp a closet. Although closet space may be at a premium, particularly in older homes, a closet can be turned into a nook to hold a desk for a homework station or remote office space. Compact and organized, it’s easy to hide away when not in use by closing the door.

• Utilize room dividers. Open floor plans have been the norm for some time. But at some point as a family grows, privacy and multi-functional spaces may be needed. It can be costly to put up permanent walls, but bookcases or pieces of tall furniture can be used as room dividers to cordon off areas as specific spaces, like a child’s play area.

• Maximize outdoor space. A yard or another outdoor space can add valuable square footage to a home. A covered patio or deck can make the outdoor areas more usable throughout the year and zones can be created for family meals, play and relaxation.

A family home will need more space as the years go on, and homeowners should keep that in mind when making renovations or choosing a property.

Celebrates

By Allison Lawson

Twenty-three years ago, Janie C. Jessee was not yet CEO and owner of Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. Rather, she owned a women’s consignment store in Elizabethton, Tenn. Jessee had a background in banking, as well as print and retail sales, and she had owned the consignment shop for approximately three years when someone approached her with the idea of starting a women’s magazine for the local region.

Thus, Voice Magazine for Women was born. But it would take some time for everything to fully form and fall into place.

“Since there was a women’s magazine in Asheville, North Carolina, it seemed to be a doable endeavor to start one here in the Tri-Cities,” Jessee said. “I researched other communities comparable to the Tri-Cities, and many of the communities had a local women’s magazine. I decided to move forward with the idea.”

“There are so many small, women-owned businesses in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, and as a small business owner, it is a wonderful feeling to give them the spotlight they so well deserve.”

— J anie C. J essee

In December 2003, the corporation now known as JanCarol Publishing, Inc., was formed. “Once the company was officially formed,” Jessee said, “I put pen to paper with a plan for the creation of the magazine.”

Jessee wanted to introduce the magazine to businesses with a prototype or sample. A friend of Jessee’s who had retired from the print industry offered suggestions on how to seek the services of a graphic designer and a printer. “It was a process of coordinating schedules and ideas, but in a couple of weeks, I had a prototype and used it to contact businesses to sell advertisements in the

magazine,” Jessee said. Jessee explained that the businesses she contacted showed interest in her ideas but had a concern regarding how the magazine would be distributed. Jessee wanted the magazine to be free to readers and supported by advertisers. In order for Jessee to distribute the magazine to readers, she knew that she needed several wire racks displayed at businesses where women frequented. “I also knew that being a new publication in the region would be overlooked if the magazines were simply placed on a rack,” Jessee said. “I needed a way to have the magazine sit upright in the rack and do it on a budget.”

Jessee explained that traditional metal racks were expensive and would not allow for the magazines to sit upright. But she had an idea: a wire roller cart. “I went to a Dollar General and purchased the cart,” Jessee said. “At the time, it was $4.99. I ignored the enclosed instructions and put the wire rack together myself to have the magazines displayed upright. It worked!”

As Jessee put these racks together with zip ties, her design improved, and the roller cart became a stand to hold the magazines. “That was the beginning of the white racks, and the magazines were upright and caught people’s eyes as they walked by,” Jessee said. “The magazines were being picked up, and this created a demand.”

Jessee hired someone to distribute the magazines monthly, and with a strategic monthly route, the magazine began getting attention in the newly created magazine stands.

When asked what Jessee learned from that very first year of publishing, she said, “Readers wanted local information, and I could not write all the articles.”

Jessee decided to contact the publisher of a women’s magazine in Asheville and ask if she would be willing to meet and have a consultation regarding publishing a women’s magazine. During that consultation, the publisher gave Jessee some advice. She had local writers provide the articles for her magazine, and these contributors were compensated with a free ad for their business or a business of their choice. The publisher went on to say that her women’s magazine met once a month to discuss ideas for future articles.

The information gained from Jessee’s consultation with the Asheville publisher was the foundation of the magazine’s growth regarding local articles. Jessee proceeded to contact a few local businesswomen to ask if they would be interested in forming an informal board that would meet monthly to discuss articles and magazine ideas, as well as suggestions for the magazine’s growth. Everyone Jessee contacted committed their involvement for one year.

“We met at different locations each month, and these women provided wonderful ideas, suggestions, and supported the magazine,” Jessee said. “Not only did they play a major role in the overall growth of the magazine, but also we created a camaraderie that still remains today.”

Jessee says that she carries a lot of wonderful memories associated with Voice Magazine from the past 22 years. “I have a lot of favorite memories, but it is when someone takes time to call the office just to share how much they love the magazine that will never be forgotten,” she said. “I have women tell me they’ve picked up every copy since the first magazine we published. Even today, I received thank you cards in the mail from people who love the magazine. These acknowledgments are priceless and will always be appreciated.”

More often than not, Jessee said readers will tell her how

they visit the advertising section in the magazine to purchase businesses’ products or services because they love Voice Magazine and want to show support to help keep it going.

Jessee says some of her favorite issues published over the years are the ones in which Voice Magazine highlights other businesses with a “business spotlight,” focusing on a particular woman in business and her accomplishments.

“There are so many small, women-owned businesses in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, and as a small business owner, it is a wonderful feeling to give them the spotlight they so well deserve,” Jessee said. “And our readers really love that, too.”

Jessee is often asked if it is difficult to continuously create new or fresh content. “One would think that would be the challenge, but it isn’t,” Jessee said. “The challenge is keeping up with the changing world and keeping each generation interested in print. That is the biggest task for any business in print.”

Jessee continues to search for innovative ideas to keep Voice Magazine available in both print and online, giving advertisers double exposure. She explained that the full magazine is available to read entirely online, and it includes links to advertisers’ websites by clicking on their ad. “This gives businesses the best of both worlds,” Jessee said. “Print is still alive for the magazine, and local businesses sometimes lose vision of keeping print and letting it work in conjunction with an online presence.”

Overall, Jessee hopes that the love for Voice Magazine for Women will continue to grow in the future. “We have been able to introduce local, women-owned businesses and the Appalachian region to readers of all ages and all locations,” Jessee said. “Voice Magazine was the first magazine in this area for women and was completely supported by all age groups, and that legacy will never die. I am very proud of that.”

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TFrom the Heart of Appalachia: MAMAW’S KITCHEN

By Tracy Fletcher McGlothlin

ake me back! Take me back to the simple days when front porch sittin’, creek wadin’, and playing outdoors with cousins were a typical Sunday afternoon way of life. Back to the day when you could smell Mamaw’s kitchen a mile away. Oh yes, Mamaw’s kitchen—the place where good food and family made memories that would live in our hearts forever.

Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia, the kitchen was the heart of the home, where families gathered to share stories and love. These treasured memories remain close to my heart and will never go away.

With these memories tucked inside my heart, and recipes hiding in my head, it is my pleasure to relive and recreate the recipes that kept our tummies full of goodness and our hearts full of love.

Mamaw’s Kitchen is a cookbook that contains 250 delicious, mouthwatering recipes from the Appalachian Mountains that were served on many tables throughout Southwest Virginia. These recipes were passed down from generation to generation. The cookbook is written in Appalachian dialect as if Mamaw was personally talking to you. Don’t worry, if you aren’t from the Appalachian Mountains and not familiar with our dialect, I have provided a translation page for you. The cookbook is perfect for those who love our unique Appalachian recipes and a perfect gift for those curious minds who want to learn more about our culture or the new bride who wants to impress her husband.

Most of the time, my mamaw, and many women of the Appalachian Mountains, wouldn’t go by a recipe. They had the instinct or talent to create a delicious meal for their family without any directions to follow.

Just to whet your appetite, I want to share a recipe with you today that my mamaw shared with me many years ago. Enjoy!

GOOD O

1 cup All-Purpose Flour

2 cups Whipped Topping

1 stick Butter

2 boxes Instant Chocolate Pudding

1 cup Pecans

4 cups Milk

1 cup Powdered Sugar

8 oz. Cream Cheese

1. Mix up ya flour, butter, an halfa ya nuts an spread em ina bottom of a baking dish an bake em on 350 for bout 15 minutes. Let it cool off.

2. Now mix ya sugar, cream cheese, an 1 cupa whipped topping an spread it on ya crust.

3. Mix ya pudding like it says to ona box. Now make this ya second layer. Spread ya whipped toppin on topa that an sprinkle it with nuts.

4. Keep it ina frige till ya ready to eat it.

Mamaw’s Kitchen cookbook will be available to purchase online and in stores soon. Follow us monthly in Voice Magazine for updates, recipes, and tips.

May you and your family also be filled with delicious food and the warmth of love.

Tracy Fletcher McGlothlin is an energetic, inspirational speaker and fashion designer from Southwest Virginia whose passions include cooking, interior design, her love of animals, and anything outdoors. In 2023, Tracy was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and spent several months at the Mayo Clinic. After extensive surgeries and several months of recovery, she embraces each day and its importance. Her motto is, “Make the most of the blessing of every day, never take one second for granted, and don’t forget to live out your dreams!” When asked what she would do if she had to do her life over, she said, “I would work harder, accomplish more, and set bigger goals.”

Voicemail Male

By Ken Heath

Take the Picture

ECU—Extreme Close Up. It’s a photography genre that’s been around since film was developed. Even the art masters occasionally painted their subjects as if they were inches from their faces, using every detail to tell a story.

One of the things I learned during my political days is that you always should expect you could be portrayed in your worst light, so just make sure you always do your best and you won’t have to worry about it.

From your positions and statements to your video or photos, we’re all human, and in the right set of circumstances, can look or sound like a three day old trash dump. Stepping into the public arena means that it’s a big choice to wear your pjs to the mailbox. An ill-crafted sentence could likely end up being played on the evening news back in the day, and nowadays, you can count on any number of phone cameras catching us at our absolute worst. The big guns hire stylists, personal trainers, and makeup artists to make sure their clients are at their best. But the rest of us, in politics, in the public eye, heck even just minding our own business, are on our own.

More often than not, I’m that three-day-old trash dump, especially on the weekends. It’s my time, and at 63, I gave up being particularly concerned about others’ opinions of me ages ago. Sure, there are pics of me that are far less than flattering. I’ve danced nearly nekkid beside the old Happy’s for a tv commercial, swam in the back of a pickup truck, and been stuck on an elephant’s back in the center of a sell-out crowd in a stifling hot tent on a summer day as Ol’ Dumbo decided to empty every bodily function with me stuck some ten feet in the air with nowhere to go while the crowd roared in laughter. I’ve been closer to

600 pounds than I ever should have been, with a back end that should require a backup alarm.

I’ve lived.

I’ve earned each of the lines on my face, known the slipping of time as my hair went from wavy to waiving goodbye. I’ve suffered horribly grey teeth from being prescribed Tetracycline as a kid that left me with a smile worthy of the monster movies, and lost enough of my chompers to give a Jack O Lantern a run for his money. I’ve struggled to walk, still slow to rise, and not as nimble as I once was.

But I’ve lived. And I’m absolutely comfortable in my own skin.

I’ll admit I still kinda cringe when I see a shot of me from the backside. I’m still pretty easy to pick out in a crowd just from the size of the ol’ “dump truck” as the kids today say. I try to trim the errant hairs that come along with six decades—eyebrows that look like bottle brushes, ear and nose hairs that I envy if only they’d migrate to my balding scalp. But all in all, I’m satisfied.

I’ll never be the next Brad Pitt, but I’ve never meant to be. I’m meant to be just who I am, wrinkles and all.

Body shaming is real, and I can’t imagine being a young lady in this age of size double zero and photoshop. For a dinosaur like me, who’s heard all the fat jokes in the world, it can weigh on ya, so I know just how tough the struggle.

You are as you are meant to be. There are things we’d all choose to change. Even the most beautiful people on the planet see their “flaws” intensely. The decision is how we handle it. If you want, work on what you can change. Don’t expect overnight results, but do expect backslides and bad days. Know you’re changing that ol’ chunk of coal, and as Billy Joe Shaver wrote, you’re “gonna be a diamond someday”. Or just you are what you are. It’s your choice—nobody else’s. And you write your own story, every moment of every day.

Don’t freak out if someone doesn’t see you as they think you should be. Be authentic. Be yourself. Abide. Just live. The rest of it will come together.

Take the picture.

NEW RELEASES OUT NOW!

The Charms of US Farms: Finding Out How Things Work

Written by Raven Howell

Illustrated by Ann Pilicer

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. is a small independent publishing press with a motivated force of authors. Mountain Girl Press, Little Creek Books, Broken Crow Ridge, Fiery Night, Skippy Creek, and RoseHeart Publishing are all imprints of Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

Sunshine Becomes a Service Dog

Written by Joe and Regina Kralik Illustrated by Juliet Frost COMING SOON!

Students are in for many surprises when Ms. Miller takes her classroom on a school trip to visit farms. Discovering fascinating facts about how tall corn stalks can grow, what a jujube is, where the material for clothes comes from, and how many stomachs a cow has, the students enjoy an exciting day. Only classmate Billy remains grumpy until it appears Farmer Dole has a magic baseball trick up his sleeve to catch everyone’s attention. Online readers: click here to order.

Be Brave, Alice!

Written and Illustrated by JeanAnn Taylor and Addison Lynn Meliski

Alice is a first grader who has difficulty expressing herself and making friends. She meets Pearl, a mermaid who helps her learn to trust her feelings and speak up. Be Brave, Alice! is for anyone who struggles with selfexpression, insecurity, or simply loves a sweet story. Online readers: click here to order.

Sunshine Becomes a Service Dog is an important story to tell for those who have children who live with special needs and sometimes with very special dogs who literally save their lives! How does a dog become a service dog, and for whom? Read on to find out!

No Order

Inspired by True Events

Written by Elizabeth McCormick COMING SOON!

Dive into the captivating journey of Julie, a single mother turned aspiring nurse. This compelling narrative follows Julie as she bravely navigates the trials of her everyday life, including her demanding job as an insurance claims adjuster and the mysterious events that unfold around her. As she questions her career satisfaction and contemplates a bold change, readers will be drawn into Julie’s world, rooting for her every step of the way. Through the highs and lows of nursing school and the challenging realities of healthcare, Julie’s unwavering determination shines as a beacon of hope.

Glimpses into Haywood County’s Past

Written by Carroll C. Jones

Glimpses into Haywood County’s Past by Carroll C. Jones offers an engaging look at Western North Carolina’s history, brought to life by a retired structural engineer with a passion for preserving his homeland’s heritage. Through meticulous research and evocative storytelling, Jones shares local stories, historical accounts, and architectural wonders, including the course of the Pigeon River and the county’s nineteenthcentury bridges. This comprehensive and immersive volume guides readers on a journey through time, offering a tribute to the rich historical tapestry of Western North Carolina and an essential resource for all who want to connect with its legacy. Online readers: click here to order.

Written by Donna Snow King COMING SOON!

Down at the “No Gotty”

There’s a Little Crabby Crab

Where else but in Texas can rodeos and radios come together to save a small town? In this captivating small-town adventure, the world of high school rodeo collides with the hidden magic of amateur radio. When Donna Snow King and her lively cast of characters spanning three generations join forces for the good of their community, nothing can stand in their way. Amid the dust and laughter at “The No Gotty,” discover an unforgettable story of courage, hope, and the joy of learning something new. Bulls, horses, cattle, and radios are a combination that will win every time!

Written and Illustrated by Tina Timlin Sohn COMING SOON!

Join the little Crabby Crab on a colorful, number-filled adventure! This interactive children’s book makes learning numbers fun, exciting, and full of discovery.

Rivers and Roads

Written by Alicia M. Bynum COMING SOON!

When Millie was confronted by the reality of her mother’s mental health, she wasn’t prepared for the weight of responsibilities that prompted her to abruptly switch family roles. Between jobs, relationships, and travels, Millie took a journey that seemed like more of an escape at first. With roots extending for generations through Appalachia, Millie chose to leave her hometown and explore paths less traveled. With the companionship of her two dogs, they set out into the unknown, meeting new and familiar faces along the way. Rivers and Roads is a story of a sacred bond between a mother and daughter and learning to navigate grief, acceptance, and new beginnings.

Various Authors Kristine Cabot

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

Recently widowed, Lily Roberts leaves her Appalachian hometown for the quiet of a Carolina coastal town—only to be drawn into a dangerous world of intrigue, murder, and passion. A mysterious encounter ignites forbidden desires as secrets and a hidden political agenda unfold. Filled with romance, scandal, and shocking twists, this gripping fiction tale delivers an emotional ending that lingers.

E. Louise Jaques

Karen G. Bruce Joy Ruble

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

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

Love at first sight stirs memories of a past love for 17-year-old Norah James after her move to Amelia Island, Florida. Rescued from a riptide by Ryan Flynn—her new friend’s boyfriend—Norah’s psychic abilities awaken, revealing a past life and a returning nemesis in Ashley’s brother, Elliot. With an earthbound spirit, a looming hurricane, and a missing child, romance and danger collide as Norah faces a life-threatening confrontation—and the chance to change fate.

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

AUTHORS on the ROAD

(Weather Permitting and Subject to Change)

Raven Howell

Author of The Charms of US Farms and Seasons

Saturday, February 7, 11–2 p.m.

Children’s Literary Festival Beekman Library 11 Town Center Blvd. Hopewell Jct, NY 12533

Michael Gryboski

Author of The Carla series

Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. –4 p.m.

Williamsburg Book Festival

The William & Mary School of Education 301 Monticello Ave Williamsburg, VA 23185

Donna Snow King

Author of Snow Much Love Books 1 & 2 and Down at the “No Gotty”

Friday, February 13, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, February 14, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, February 15, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Orlando HamCation, ARRL Southeastern Division Convention

Central Florida Fairgrounds and Expo Park 4603 E. Colonial Drive Orlando, FL. 32801

Linda Hudson Hoagland

Author of The Lindsay Harris Murder Mystery Series, The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies

Easter Lilies; Broken Petals; Wild Daisies; Scattered Flowers; Daffodil Dreams; Christmas

All Year Long: An Anthology of Holly Jolly Tales; and These Haunted Hills: A Collection of Short Stories Books 1–7

Friday, February 6, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA

Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City Marion, VA

It’s A

Classic!

Short and sweet film reviews of old, classic movies perfect for a girls’ night in!

By Allison Lawson

As we enter the month of February and approach Valentine’s Day, I wanted to recommend an older, classic rom-com for those wanting to indulge in the romantic holiday: Bringing Up Baby (1938), directed by Howard Hawks.

In this screwball comedy, harried paleontologist David Huxley (played by Cary Grant) has to make a good impression on society matron Mrs. Random

Tuesday, February 10

Appalachian Authors Guild Board Meeting, 12 p.m. – 1p.m.

Program—Steven James, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. “Dialogue Readers Want to Read”

Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator Abingdon, VA

Friday, February 13, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City Clintwood, VA

Saturday, February 14, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City Vansant, VA

Friday, February 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City Virginia Avenue, Bristol, TN, VA

Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City Radford, VA

Friday, February 27, 10 a.m – 3 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City Galax, VA

Saturday, February 28, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Book Signing at Food City Chilhowie, VA

(May Robson), who is considering donating one million dollars to his museum. On the day before his wedding, Huxley meets Mrs. Random’s high-spirited young niece, Susan Vance (Katharine Hepburn), a madcap adventuress who immediately falls for the straitlaced scientist. The growing chaos—including a missing dinosaur bone and a pet leopard—threatens to swallow him whole. This is the perfect watch for those wanting to laugh on Valentine’s (or “Galentine’s”) Day!

Wine Pairing:

Pair this movie with a light glass of sparkling rosé, the perfect wine for laughter and romance.

JCP Book Pairing:

If you enjoyed Bringing Up Baby, you’ll love Rich Girl by Joy Ruble.

February is the perfect time to celebrate friendship, and these children’s books highlight the joy of kindness, acceptance, and connection. Each story reminds young readers that friendship comes in many forms and is always worth celebrating.

JeanAnn Taylor

Misty has many sea-creature friends, but not one true mermaid friend. Follow her adventures as she learns how to make friends while staying true to herself. We are meant to have friends and as long as we believe in ourselves, the right friend will come along.

Jocelyn M. Lacey

Pierre the Peacock is delightfully illustrated with a valuable message. It is about acceptance, friendship, and a valuable lesson in how we should treat people. Come with us as we meet Pierre, a peacock who thinks that he will get friends just from his pretty looks. When he meets Jerry, a colorblind little boy, he teaches Pierre that what matters is how you treat people, not what you look like. A lesson for all of us!

Life is not always easy when you are a dog named Monkey. Losing a friend always hurts, but losing two can be too much to bear. How do you keep going? Sometimes, you have all you need in your own backyard. The story of Monkey is a reminder to appreciate who and what you have. It reminds you to live in the present instead of focusing on what you no longer have. Learning that everyday is a gift and you never know the surprises of what lies in the next day.

Nutshell, a young squirrel, is joined by a chickadee and gopher. Together, they learn the value of friendships, find the courage to reach new heights, and have educational discoveries in a forest to view the Northern Lights.

Submit your frightful short stories to These Haunted Hills Book 8

Jan-Carol Publishing has produced seven editions of their most beloved anthology series since the debut of These Haunted Hills Book 1 in 2017. Each new short story collection is packed with frightful tales that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The next installment, These Haunted Hills Book 8, is scheduled for publication in autumn 2026.

Stories submitted to These Haunted Hills Book 8 should follow the theme of spooky or supernatural stories set in the Appalachian region. Stories must be fiction and should be between 1500 and 3500 words. Please include a short author bio that is written in third person and no more than 50 words.

Authors may submit up to two stories for a fee of $25 per story. You may call the office at 423.926.9983 with a credit card number or mail a check to JCP at P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605.

Authors accepted to the anthology will receive two free books upon publication and can order additional copies at wholesale pricing.

The deadline for submissions to These Haunted Hills Book 8 is May 31, 2026. Send your submissions to submissions@ jancarolpublishing.com.

Stories submitted to Tinsel & Tales should be themed for the holiday season and must be fiction. Stories should have between 1500 and 3500 words. Please include a short author bio that is written in third person and no more than 50 words.

Authors may submit up to two stories for a fee of $25 per story. You may call the office at 423.926.9983 with a credit card number or mail a check to JCP at P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605.

Accepted authors will receive two free copies of Tinsel & Tales: A Holiday Anthology and can order additional copies at wholesale pricing.

The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2026. Send your submissions to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com.

Submit your true-life stories to JCP’s first non-fiction anthology

Submissions are now open for Jan-Carol Publishing’s first non-fiction anthology, What Happened Next: Stories of LifeAltering Encounters. The collection highlights true stories featuring life-changing events.

We want to hear about your near-death experiences, your medical miracles, your true-life supernatural encounters, and moments that forever altered who you are or how you view the world.

Stories submitted to What Happened Next must be non-fiction and should have between 1500 and 3500 words. Please include a short author bio that is written in third person and no more than 50 words.

Authors may submit up to two stories for a fee of $25 per story. You may call the office at 423.926.9983 with a credit card number or mail a check to JCP at P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605.

Accepted authors will receive two free copies of What Happened Next: Stories of Life-Altering Encounters and can order additional copies at wholesale pricing.

The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2026. Send your submissions to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com.

series

JCP is now accepting submissions for our second holi day-themed short story collection, Tinsel & Tales: A Holiday Anthology.

This collection comes after the widespread success of Christmas All Year Long: An Anthology of Holly Jolly Tales company’s first holiday anthology, which released in 2025.

2025: A Year of Loss and Rebirth

By Kathleen M. Jacobs

jIt is much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone. — John steinbeCk

The Appalachian region is no stranger to loss. In fact, it may know more than its fair share. So many of these losses have resulted from tragedies brought about by unsafe working conditions throughout the extractive industries. And then, due to a number of external factors over which Appalachians have little to no control, politics often run to the “good ole boy” slant, which trickles down to those living in rural communities, affecting quality health care accessibility, quality educational opportunities, and jobs that allow its residents to afford the basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing. Historically, it has been and continues to be a struggle. And as I reflected on the losses that so many salt-of-the-earth Americans were dealt in 2025 (both on a state level and a countrywide level), I looked to my own corner of the world, which list invited me to ponder not so much on grief (which, of course, is so very real), but to wonder what loss gifts in terms of our growth.

Author Kathleen M. Jacobs

In 2025, I lost twelve dear friends to death: a brother-in-law who fought the most valiant battle for far too long to years spent with Transverse Myelitis and Guillain-Barr é Syndrome, living every single day with courage and integrity and a deep faith; a college administrator and a realtor and two sons of a dear friend who exemplified a life lived alongside God; a woman with whom I worked many years ago who served as one of the best professional role models a young career girl could have hoped for; a true gentleman and an educator who was a teacher’s teacher; a young man who chose to take his own life, reminding all of us who knew him and his family of the importance of making certain that mental health remains at the forefront of a healthy nation; and a number of women—strong and resilient—who supported my Women in the Bible program, engaging on levels that always lifted me up.

As I reflected on these losses, The Dark Interval: Letters on Loss, Grief, and Transformation by Rainer Maria Rilke called to me from a shelf at Barnes & Noble. Before I even began to read the first letter, the preface gifted more than enough to put the year’s losses in perspective, finding the resolve to move forward. The preface by Ulrich Baer invited the reader “to not let loss and grief overwhelm, numb, and silence us. The best we can do is live fully…and grow through grief. Continue to work on the many things the deceased person would not complete. Use your pain to forge another path back into life.” In the end, Rilke makes it clear that “death does not exceed our strength.”

In 2026, I hope—through our individual and collective losses—that each of us is gifted a renewed awareness of life, a transformation that is most life-affirming.

Notable Firsts for Black Americans

The United States is shaped by the diverse population that calls the nation home. Black individuals are among the extraordinary contributors to the national fabric, and many have blazed trails, benefiting countless others as a result. Future generations may owe their opportunities to these pioneering individuals who have elicited change and opportunity. The following are some noteworthy Black Americans who made a lasting impact on the United States and even the globe.

• Shirley Chisholm: Elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968, Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman to serve in such a role. She represented New York’s twelfth congressional district, and four years later, threw her hat into the national arena. Chisholm was the first woman to seek the nomination for President of the United States from a major party. Residents of Brooklyn can visit Shirley Chisholm State Park, which abuts the Belt Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue.

• Hattie McDaniel: An accomplished actress, Hattie McDaniel was the first Black person to win an Academy Award, earning it for Best Supporting Actress in 1940 for her role as “Mammy” in “Gone With the Wind.” Despite this groundbreaking achievement for a Black artist, she was not allowed to sit with her white castmates during the ceremony. McDaniel paved the way for Sidney Poitier, who won the award for Best Actor in 1964, and later Halle Berry, who won Best Actress in 2002.

• Benjamin O. Davis, Sr.: On October 25, 1940, Davis was promoted to Brigadier General, becoming the first Black American General Officer in the U.S. Army. The U.S. Army Center of Military History says his promotion occurred just before the

U.S. entered World War Two, and was a significant step toward racial integration in the armed forces. Davis’ son, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., commanded the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black American military pilots.

• Barack Obama: Forty-three white men preceded Barack Obama in holding the highest office in the country as President of the United States of America. Obama was inaugurated as the forty-fourth president on January 20, 2009, and remained in office until 2017. He was the first Black man to become president, defeating Senator John McCain, and later, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Obama’s historic terms may have set the course for the vice presidency of Kamala Harris, who became the first Black American and first Asian American vice president in 2021.

Many Black individuals have helped to shape the United States, setting an example Americans from all backgrounds can follow.

Menopause Unmuted

By Dr. Jami Lee

For generations, menopause has been something women were expected to endure quietly. A phase to push through. A punchline. A personal failure of willpower. Symptoms were minimized, dismissed, or normalized to the point of silence. Women were told, “This is just how it is now.”

Menopause is a profound biological, neurological, and emotional shift—not a minor transition, and it deserves to be spoken about openly.

Menopause doesn’t just change reproductive hormones. It impacts the brain, nervous system, metabolism, cardiovascular health, sleep cycles, mood regulation, and sense of identity. Hot flashes, weight changes, anxiety, rage, brain fog, insomnia, joint pain, heart palpitations, and depression are not signs of weakness. They are signals of a body recalibrating without adequate support.

What makes this season especially difficult is how often women are told their symptoms are “normal,” without being offered solutions. Normal does not mean optimal. And suffering should never be the baseline.

Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA—chemicals that regulate mood, motivation, and calm. As estrogen declines, stress tolerance narrows. The nervous system becomes more reactive.

The Shoebox

By Leslie Snyder

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” —Ephesians 4:26–27 (KJV)

Interpretation: In your anger do not sin! Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

–Ephesians 4:26-27

I once read a humorous story about a couple married for more than 60 years who shared everything—except a shoebox the wife kept hidden in her closet, warning her husband never to

Women often feel like they’ve “lost themselves,” when in reality, their bodies are asking for a different kind of care.

This is where menopause must be unmuted. Not framed as an ending, but rather as a recalibration.

Holistic support during menopause means addressing the whole system, not just isolated symptoms. Nutrition must shift to support blood sugar stability and inflammation reduction. Movement must become supportive rather than punishing. Stress regulation becomes non-negotiable. Sleep is no longer optional—it is medicinal.

Equally important is the emotional and psychological component. Many women enter menopause while also navigating grief, empty nests, aging parents, career changes, or unresolved trauma. When hormones drop, what was previously tolerated often becomes impossible to ignore. This is not breakdown, it is clarity.

There is power in this season when women are supported rather than silenced. Menopause asks women to stop abandoning themselves, honor boundaries, and redefine strength. It is a return to the body, not a betrayal by it.

At Alternative Healthcare Solutions, we believe women deserve education, options, and community during this transition. When menopause is spoken about openly, women stop blaming themselves. When it is addressed holistically, healing becomes possible. And when it is unmuted, women reclaim authority over their health and their lives.

Menopause is not something to survive quietly. It’s time to stop whispering.

Want a supportive community in your life? Join us at www. join-ahs.org and reset your rhythm alongside women who walk this path with you.

{Dr. Jami Lee is a Nutritional Health Coach with a PhD in Metaphysical Sciences and the founder of Alternative Healthcare Solutions—a thriving community dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to healing chronic conditions through holistic, mind-bodyspirit approaches. With over 15 years of experience and a background in quantum healing and nutritional science, Jami helps women reconnect with their bodies, reclaim their peace, and reverse patterns of stress and burnout. To connect with Jami or explore her free resources, visit www.join-ahs.org or email alternativehcinfo@gmail.com.

open it. Years later, as she became very ill, the husband brought the shoebox to her bedside, and she agreed it was time for him to know its contents.

Inside, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $25,000. Curious, he asked her to explain. She told him that before they married, her grandmother advised that the secret to a happy marriage was to never argue. Whenever she became angry, she was to stay quiet and crochet a doll. The husband was deeply moved—only two dolls in 60 years of marriage. Then he asked about the money. Smiling, she replied, “That’s from selling all the dolls.”

While the story is amusing, it’s not a healthy way to handle conflict. In Scripture, Paul warns us not to let anger linger. He understood how unresolved anger gives the devil an opportunity to create division. Left unchecked, anger leads to bitterness, unforgiveness, and deep emotional pain.

Today, choose to be a peacemaker. Resolve lingering conflicts and don’t let anger steal your peace. Source: www.homeword.com

Keep Them Active

By Cindy K. Sproles

It’s a proven statistic that engaging in activities that interest us improves our physical and mental health as we age. Remaining active doesn’t always mean heavy exercise. Instead, it’s physically and mentally stimulating our bodies and minds. The adage “A healthy mind is a healthy body” bears much truth.

My mother will be 100 years old this year. We’re fortunate she is in excellent health even at this age. Mother turns out a queen-sized quilt every other month. She can still manage her daily living skills alone, and even her medication. For a 99-year-old, she takes one blood pressure pill and a thyroid tablet, but more so, Mother is mentally exquisite. Though she lives in an assisted living facility, she keeps physically and mentally active.

Mother is a voracious reader, taking in a novel a week. She walks five rounds daily through her living facility, participates in the residence activities, and is a master quilter. It’s safe to say that Mother loves her hobbies.

When our seniors remain active, it may lessen their risks of dementia, heart disease, or stroke, and even some types of cancer. Keeping our loved ones active can help to provide a longer lifespan. Active seniors

are much happier and more content, and they find it easier to maintain friendships and family relationships. In essence, activity raises positive feelings.

By this same token, finding engaging hobbies and activities lessens depression and increases a senior’s ability to cope when faced with challenging issues. Active seniors tend to bounce back more easily when stricken with illness and appear to have greater resilience.

Obviously, not all seniors have the ability or health to be active. Some health issues take this from them early. However, encouraging interaction on any level improves the quality of life.

Encourage your loved one to engage with others. Even reconnecting with old friends and family constitutes an activity that stimulates the brain. Nudge them to play board games and cards, to read. Walk if able, enjoy watching birds, or being creative.

My mother is healthy as she turns 100 this year, but more importantly, she is happy and engaged. We see signs of aging in her memory, but they are normal for someone her age. We continue to encourage her to be active as long as she is able. When she enjoys her elder years, we can enjoy her more.

Seek out activities that will help your loved one become an active part of their community and enjoy the results of a happier senior.

RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE

The World Health Organization reports that ischaemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is the leading cause of death across the globe. Ischaemic heart disease accounts for 13 percent of the world’s deaths, affecting people from all walks of life and every corner of the globe. The WHO also notes that deaths attributed to ischaemic heart disease rose by 2.7 million between 2000 and 2021, the largest uptick in deaths of any disease in the world during that time.

Data from the WHO underscores the threat posed by ischaemic heart disease. But humanity is not helpless against the disease. In fact, many risk factors are within a personal’s control, suggesting that a concerted effort to educate the public about the risk factors, and how to avoid them, could have a profound and life-saving impact.

One of the more significant hurdles to beating heart disease is raising awareness of its risk factors among the billions of people across the globe who have at least one of those factors, even if they don’t know it. According to the NHLBI, the following are some notable risk factors for heart disease.

• Age: Heart disease risk increases with age, but anyone can develop it. For men, risk increases significantly around age 45, while women’s risk increases more rapidly around age 55.

• Environmental/work conditions: Indoor or outdoor air pollution increases risk for heart disease. The NHLBI notes that air pollution may cause or worsen conditions like high blood pressure or inflammation, which are known risk factors for heart disease. Long and/or irregular working hours (55 hours or more per week); exposure to toxins, radiation, secondhand smoke, or other hazards; work-related stress; and sedentary positions throughout a workday are some work conditions associated with an elevated risk for heart disease.

• Family history/genetics: A father or brother diagnosed with heart disease prior to age 55, or a mother or sister diagnosed before age 65, is a risk factor for heart disease. The NHLBI also notes research has found that some genes are linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

• Lifestyle habits: Unhealthy lifestyle habits that increase heart disease risk include a sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, insufficient sleep over a prolonged period of time, smoking, and poor diet.

These are some heart disease risks that people should be aware of as they seek to improve their overall health. More information about ischaemic heart disease can be found at nhlbi.nih.gov.

Spaying Helps Prevent Cat Overpopulation

Dog Parents Can Practice Pet Etiquette

Between

100 and 150. That is the estimated number of kittens an unspayed cat can have in her lifetime. ABC Clinic Pet Refuge Animal Birth Control Clinic says in just one year, an unspayed cat who is allowed to roam outdoors can have three litters resulting in 12 kittens. One year later, those 12 kittens if kept unspayed, can have 144 offspring of their own. Such figures illustrate that the potential for feral cat overpopulation is high.

I t’s important for pet parents to always be mindful of their dogs’ behavior when out and about, or even hanging closer to home. Dog owners can follow these dog etiquette pointers to be responsible pet owners.

• Quiet nuisance barking. Do not leave your dog outside unattended for a long time. This can cause what the American Kennel Club characterizes as boredom barking. Quiet your dog if he or she is barking, or bring the pet indoors.

According to Shelter Animals Counts, nearly 2.9 million felines entered rescues and shelters across the country in the United States in 2024. About 275,000 of them were euthanized. Cat overpopulation can be controlled if people learn more about how to keep cats safe and happy, which starts with spaying.

• Aways leash your dog. Some people are not comfortable around dogs. And even if your dog is friendly, others met on walks or outings may not be. To prevent uncomfortable situations or even dog bites, it’s best to always leash your dog. Choose a leash short enough to prevent your dog from jumping on passersby.

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• Ask permission first. Check to see if your dog is allowed to greet people or other dogs. If someone says, “no,” respect that answer.

• Clean up after your pet. Always have waste bags at the ready so you can clean up after your dog. This also applies indoors, should your dog have an accident inside a pet-friendly store.

What is spaying?

Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes the ovaries and sometimes uterus of a female cat with the intention of preventing reproduction. VCA Animal Hospitals characterize spaying as a major surgical procedure that requires placing the cat under general anesthesia. Most cats are able to return home within 12 to 24 hours of surgery. Even though spaying is considered a major operation, the risk of complications is very low. Spaying is a routine procedure.

What are the advantages to spaying?

Small Door Veterinary says there are many advantages to spaying a cat, which can help with population control, reduce risk of reproductive disease, eliminate heat cycles, and help head off unwanted behaviors like roaming to find a mate. Spaying eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers and the risk of breast cancer. VCA says cats spayed before their first heat cycle have a less than 1 percent chance of developing breast cancer.

At what age should a cat be spayed?

hesitant to approach pet owners about such policies. Many stores only allow trained service dogs that are Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animal designations are exclusive to dogs. However, a number of people have “emotional support animals,” which are not recognized as service animals. As a general rule of thumb, know a store’s policy on non-service animal pets before visiting. And, when shopping at food stores, it’s best to leave the dog at home.

• Be mindful of shopping with pets. do not allow dogs inside, but employees may be

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Train your dog . A dog that knows basic obedience training will behave better in the community. If you are having trouble training your dog alone, consider working with an experienced dog trainer.

Dogs are beloved members of the family. However, pet owners should practice proper etiquette when dogs are out and about.

Today’s Veterinary Practice says for owned cats, the optimal age to spay is four to five months of age to catch the cat before its first estrus cycle. For cats in shelters, the optimal age could be as early as eight weeks of age. An older cat also can be spayed if it is adopted and hasn’t been altered. It’s always best to speak with a veterinarian about spay choices to protect the health of the animal. Spaying felines at an early age can reduce the large numbers of cats entering shelters and even prevent an assortment of health issues.

What’s Bugging You?

Physical Activities Kids Can Engage with Each Day

A 2023 study published in the journal Children noted that children who engage in sedentary behaviors are at increased risk for an assortment of negative health outcomes that include obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and poor mental health. Parents can help kids reduce their risk by encouraging daily physical activity, which can be incorporated into youngsters’ lives in various ways.

• Walking: Walking is an accessible physical activity that children can embrace throughout the day. In lieu of driving to the bus stop each morning, parents can walk their children there and even arrive a little early so kids get a chance to run around with their friends before the bus arrives. Parents also can incorporate walks into their nightly routines by taking a post-dinner stroll around the neighborhood.

• Dancing: Dancing is another great physical activity that children, especially those in elementary school, tend to love. The National Institutes of Health note that dancing can improve mood, promote hearth health, help to build strong muscles and bones, and create better balance and coordination, among other benefits. Parents concerned that kids aren’t getting enough physical activity can host routine dance parties at home to get kids off the couch and up and moving. Let kids choose the music so they’re more enthusiastic about cutting a rug.

• Outdoor activities: Organized sports is not the only way for kids to be physically active. Kids who don’t enjoy sports can still get lots of exercise each day. Parents can introduce youngsters to outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and cycling to ensure they aren’t spending all of their free time sitting around. Come wintertime, if the air outside is too chilly, consider taking youngsters to a local indoor swim club or an indoor rock climbing facility, many of which have programs for climbers as young as five.

Many modern kids aren’t getting enough physical activity each day. Parents can remedy that by incorporating any number of fun physical activities into kids’ daily routines.

Tips to Manage a Family Schedule with Greater Efficiency

With school, sports, work, and other responsibilities filling up families’ days, staying organized becomes an important priority. Keeping schedules straight involves forethought. Efficient and effective time management that incorporates the following suggestions can help schedules feel a little more manageable.

Keep a family calendar

It is important to post schedules visibly so that everyone knows what is going on each day. The type of calendar used will vary depending on what families find most helpful. For some, it may be a traditional paper calendar hung in the kitchen or mudroom. Others may find that a shared digital calendar is most effective, particularly those who rely heavily on phones or other digital devices.

Create routines

Consistent daily or weekly routines can help a family understand what is expected and when. Providing structure can reduce decision-making fatigue, according to Becoming Minimalist. Dinner can occur at the same time each day, and homework time may be scheduled so kids know when they are expected to hit the books.

Use reminders

Reminder apps on phones or other devices can be very handy for keeping everyone in check. Alarms and reminders will alert the person as to when they are expected to be somewhere. Letting children set their own reminders can set them up for success by being responsible individuals.

Managing the family schedule more efficiently involves maintaining a dialogue with everyone involved, using tools at everyone’s disposal, and prioritizing what is important to the family.

from Virginia

Come on a journey with little Susie as she shares why spring is her favorite season and all the fun things she loves to do, from her very first farm visit to feeding goats, riding horses, and watching the chickens lay eggs.

The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9.

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