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1Thanks For Reading The Nifty Pickle!

Thursday • December 11, 2014 • Issue #16

Alabama beats Missouriin the 2014 SEC

Championship Game42-13

I’m sitting in the small but comfortable TV room in the attractive brick home of Janice Slaughter. The house is locat-ed on a bluff overlooking Lake Guntersville. Soft lighting from fashionable lamps creates a cozy atmosphere and cast pale beams across the potted green plants. Janice is a gracious and attrac-tive lady with medium blonde hair worn in a short stylish cut. To look at her you might think she’s simply a cultured and chic woman, whose main interests might be somewhat superfi cial, certainly not the pursuits of no-ble aims. But you couldn’t be more wrong. Janice Slaughter is a person of noble aims, a com-passionate, empathetic Chris-tian who is dedicated to aiding and comforting anyone in dif-fi cult situations as she deeply believes her faith calls her to

Room in the InnBy Elsa Rutherford

do. She is one of the original board members of the Marshall County Homeless Ministries. But now calls herself “just a volunteer.” The founding vi-sionaries of this ministry were Shirley Chupp and her husband Dr. David Chupp, parishioners at St William Catholic Church in Guntersville. They met with the Marshall County Ministerial Associates, presented their idea and were given approval for the Homeless Ministry. Since then, the Marshall County Homeless Ministries, called Room in the Inn, where Mrs. Chupp remains the di-rector, includes many church-es and people of all faiths and has hosted numerous homeless people during the cold months of the year, from November 17th to March 31st when the homeless are in greatest need of assistance. The homeless are welcomed into the various churches and treated as guests, with every volunteer devoted to extending kindness, accep-tance, encouragement, dignity and respect. All the host church-es involved take turns providing rooms for overnight shelter in their churches. They also of-fer dinner---which is shared as a “companion meal” with both

Continued on Page 4

Stage set for Inaugural College Football Playoff

By James Webster

On January 12, 2015, two teams will compete in the Inaugural College Football Playoff for the National Championship Title at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas, but not before facing another rival on New Years Day. No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Ohio State will face off at 7:30pm CT in the Allstate Sugar Bowl to be played at the Mercedes-Benz Su-perdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

No. 2 Oregon and No. 3 Florida State will meet at 4pm CT in the Rose Bowl, presented by Northwestern Mutual, to be played in Pas-adena, California. The winner of these two bowl games will play for the National Championship Title. What is the College Football Playoff (CFP)? The format is quite simple. CFP consists of the best four teams, two bowl games and a National Championship game. There are a total of six bowl games that will rotate as hosts for the semifi nals. They are the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl and the Peach Bowl. Typically, the National Championship game is played on a Monday.

Did you know that the very fi rst Rose Bowl Game was played in 1902? The Michigan Wolverines beat the Stan-ford Indians 49-0.

Did you know that the very fi rst Sugar Bowl Game was played in 1935? Tu-lane University defeated Temple Uni-versity, 20-14.

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Stealing From the VA I read a lot of reports about the fraud that goes on in connection with the Department of Veterans Affairs. I shouldn’t be surprised anymore at the levels people will stoop to when it comes to fraud and stealing money and resources that belong to veterans and taxpayers. But sometimes I am. Take the VA supervisor in Connecticut who had her house fixed up, courtesy of VA employees. This wasn’t a one-time deal, either. Over the course of three years she had VA employees build a new deck, install carpet and make improvements to kitchen, bathroom and base-ment. They used materials, tools and vehicles that be-longed to the VA. Extra items were purchased with her government-issued credit card. Sometimes the employees worked on her house while they were on the clock for the VA. She could have gotten 10 years in prison. Did serve time? Heck no. She received a mere slap on the wrist: community service, restitution of the amount she stole and six months of at-home monitoring ... the better to en-joy the new stuff the VA built for her. Online I’ve managed to find her home address, her Connecticut voter ID number, her marriage license, DOB and a resume. I only hope that future employers dig as deeply. However, that’s not the end of the story. What of those employees who did the work on her house? Was there not one among them who thought to speak out? Was the fear of reprisal that strong? If you’re a VA employee and are unsure of how to blow the whistle on things you know are wrong, go here: www.va.gov/oig/hotline. The number is 800-488-8244. Or call the Office of Special Counsel (www.osc.gov) at 800-572-2249, or use the POGO secure dropbox at www.vaoversight.org.

Freddy Groves regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever

possible. Send email to [email protected].(c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.


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Q: My husband and I are fans of “Bates Motel.” I would like to know if it’s coming back and when. -- Gert B., Rochester, New York A: A&E’s mesmerizing adaptation of the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie will return for its third season this com-ing March. Expect 10 more spine-tingling episodes of the Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore-starring thriller. Former “Sons

of Anarchy” cast member Ryan Hurst joins the show for its third season, cast in the role of Chick Hogan, and ex-con who owns a bike shop and also runs an illegal firearms operation near Dylan’s new farm. He will butt heads with Dylan’s father, Caleb, who’s played by another “Sons,” alum Kenny Johnson.

Q: I am a huge fan of “Graceland,” and I’m anxious to know if it will be back for another season. Can you give me any good news? -- Dana F., via email A: I love being the bearer of good news: The USA Net-work has indeed renewed the crime thriller for a third season. Fans were getting a bit antsy for some news, since it seemed to take a bit longer than usual for the network to decide on the pickup. But we can all breathe more easily now, knowing that we won’t be left hanging after season two’s awesome cliffhanger finale. There’s no word yet on a premiere date, but I’d look for it come summer 2015.

Q: I need my “Rizzoli and Isles”! Ñ Gina D., Conyers, Georgia A: Well, that wasn’t really a question, Gina, but I think I catch your meaning. You’re wondering when TNT’s hit proce-dural crime drama will return from its midseason hiatus to finish out its fifth season, right? You have just a little while longer to hang on. Our favorite cop and doctor team (Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, respectively) will be back Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. If you’re a “Perception” fan, you’ll be happy to know that it also returns that same night at 10 p.m., right after “Rizzoli and Isles.”

Q: I am so happy that “Hot in Cleveland” has returned for another season -- it’s hard to find a good, fun comedy these days starring such wonderful and hilarious actresses. My daughter told me that she heard that it won’t be back after this season. Please tell me she’s wrong. -- Genevieve G., via email A: I am sorry to have to tell you that your daughter is cor-rect: The folks at TV Land recently announced that the current 24-episode sixth season of the hit comedy will be its last. In a statement from TV Land: “After five incredible seasons of ‘Hot in Cleveland,’ the sixth season, currently in production, will be its last. It’s been an honor to work with Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and the incomparable Betty White. We will continue to celebrate the show and are looking forward to a fantastic series finale.”

Write to Cindy at King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475; or e-mail her at [email protected].

(c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

Blind dateJoe sets up Michael to go on a blind date with a friend of his. But Michael is a little worried about going out with someone he’s never seen before.

“What do I do if she’s ugly?” says Mike, “I’ll be stuck with her all night.”

“Don’t worry.” Joe says, “just go up to her door and meet her first. If you like what you see, then every-thing goes as planned.

If you don’t, just shout Aaaaaauuuggg-hhh! and fake an asth-ma attack.”

So that night, Mike knocks at the girl’s door and when she comes out he is awe-struck at how beauti-ful and sexy she is.

He’s about to speak when the girl suddenly shouts, “Aaaaaauuug-gghhh!”

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the homeless and the volunteers---and breakfast and sack lunches are provided each morning. Then the homeless are transported to an annex of the Guntersville First United Methodist Church, called Genesis, for the day program, which grants access to various activ-ities, such as movies, games, and books to read, particularly for the children. People are also transported to doctor appointments, job interviews, and to acquire identifications. The idea for Room in the Inn in Marshall County sprang from the same kind of ministry founded in Nashville in 1986 by Father Charles Strobel, a Catholic priest. That ministry also in-cluded churches of various denominations and became a national model. They took their inspiration from Isaiah 58: 6-8: “Is this not the fast which I chose…is it not to share bread with the hungry and bring the homeless into the house…then your light will break out like the dawn.” Mrs. Slaughter tells me, “The stereotypical image of the homeless is not true. They are mostly good people who have con-fronted hard times and need some assistance and comfort. They come from all kind of backgrounds. Some may have lost their jobs and were unable to pay their mortgage and forced to forfeit their homes; others have been unable to pay for health insurance and have faced catastrophic illnesses and costly medical bills that sim-ply wiped them out. These struggles can affect any one.” As Mrs. Shirley Chupp, the co-founder of Marshall county’s Room in the Inn has said: “All of us struggle with something.” If you or your church would like to get involved with Room in the Inn, you may visit them at www.facebook.com/Room-intheInnMarshallCountyAlabama. Also, a tax deductible contri-bution can be mailed to: Marshall County Christian Services, PO Box 1463, Albertville, AL 35950. In this Christmas Season of sharing love and gifts, I can think of no better gift than a contribution to Room in the Inn that would be as heart-warming to both the giver and the receiver. ©

Room in the InnContinued from Page 1

About the Author:Elsa Rutherford is a native Alabamian and lives in Albertville with her attorney husband, Nick Kirst, and they have two very pampered cats. She attended Snead College and the University of North Alabama. Rutherford is a seasoned writer, beginning her award-winning career almost forty years ago as a newspa-per columnist and features writer. She has written for numer-ous magazines and newspapers and sold her first book in the 1980’s. Her short stories have been published in anthologies in the U.S. and many other countries.

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ALBERTVILLEAlbertville Baptist Church

302 Buchanan RoadAlbertville, Alabama 35950

(256) 878-3933

Corbinville Methodist ChurchHwy 75 N

Albertville, Alabama

Corinth Baptist Church4183 Rose Road

Albertville, Alabama 35951(256) 894-3400

Fairview UnitedMethodist Church

1750 Hustleville RoadAlbertville, Alabama 35950

(256) 891-1719

First Baptist Church Albertville309 East Main Street


Mt. Calvary Baptist Church201 Rose Road


Rose Road Church of God804 Rose Road

Albertville, Alabama 35950256-891-7723

Solid Rock Church2073 Section Line Road

Albertville, Alabama 35950256-891-1818

The Potter’s House 210 Sand Mt Dr.

Albertville, AL 35950256-298-2378

Union Grove #1Missionary Baptist Church1189 Rice Mill Chavers RoadAlbertville, Alabama 35951

(256) 891-0500

BOAZAll Saints’ Anglican Church

706 North Main StreetBoaz, Alabama 35957

Belaire Baptist Church1505 Oak Drive

Boaz, Alabama 35957(256) 593-8773

Beulah Baptist Church1991 Beulah Road

Boaz, Alabama 35957256-878-1516

BOAZBoaz Church of God

115 McGee StreetBoaz, Alabama 35957

(256) 593-3689

Crestview Church of Christ2001 US Hwy 431

Boaz, Alabama 35957(256) 593-7326

First Baptist Church225 S. Main Street

Boaz, Alabama 35957(256) 593-8580

Mt. Zion Baptist Church623 County Road 2

Boaz, Alabama 35957(256) 561-3682

Sardis Baptist Church1501 Church Street

Boaz, Alabama 35957(256) 593-7762

GUNTERSVILLEChurch of the Living God

1621 Henry StreetGuntersville, Alabama 35976

(256) 293-9658 / (256) 960-4351

First Baptist Church1000 Gunter Ave

Guntersville, Alabama 35976(256) 582-5141

First United Methodist Church539 Gunter Avenue


Guntersville Church of Christ800 Gunter Avenue

Guntersville, ---Alabama 35976(256) 582-2494

Mount Zion Missionary Baptist1444 Carlisle Ave


Rocky Branch FreeHoliness Church

Rocky Branch DriveGuntersville, Alabama 35976

The Churchat Lake Guntersville

4525 Wyeth DriveGuntersville, Alabama 35976

(256) 582-5312

Victory Baptist Church1644 O’ Brig Avenue


Tis the season to be jolly ~~~~ Then why are so many people not? The Christmas season for many is one of the hardest times of the year. Thousands upon thousands quietly suffer through this season with feelings of isolation, lone-liness and depression. Others turn to pill bottles and wine glasses to try and cope. Now before you climb on your high horse and point fingers at “them’ or think I am one of those finger wagers let me share some of my own story. My mom was fourteen when I was born. She went on to marry eight different times before she died of an overdose at the age of 50. I was raised primarily by my grandmother and spent most of my teen years abusing drugs and alco-hol. I became a Christian at the age of 18 and everything changed. For the first 15 years of marriage I lived a “wonderful life.” Every Christmas Eve we would load up and spend the night with my grandparents. We would wake up to moun-tains of presents and breakfast together and then spend the evening with my wife’s family and more gifts and food. This went on for the first 10 years of my kid’s life. Then it all changed. My mom passed away and then two weeks later my grandmother joined her. Less than a year later I was going through a divorce and would wind up spending my first Christmas alone ~ EVER. I soon remar-ried and two weeks before Christmas my new wife died in a car accident. Her two children left with the grandparents the day of the funeral never to return. I would be lying if a said for several years Christmas was NOT my favorite time of year. I now have a new family with a total of six kids and soon to be seven grandkids. Christmas has gotten pretty huge but even in that, it would be real easy to keep looking back at the loss so much I could not see what I do have. You can’t go back. You have to have the courage to go forward. We have to make new traditions, new memories. Even if you don’t have a “family,” you don’t have to be alone. Even if you don’t have money, you can still give gifts. People and things don’t have the power to make you happy. You can be alone in a crowd or wanting more when you have it all. It’s a matter of the heart. Let me encourage you that there is still time to do something different. First and foremost, don’t be alone, un-less you truly want to be. If you are afraid of being alone, have you done anything about it? Swallow your pride, face your fears and ask someone if you could join them. Find a church family or friends. And as long as you are asking ~ ask your Heavenly Father for help. You might be surprised what He can do.


A Note From The Publisher:Beginning with our January 1, 2015 issue, we will include the Coloring Contest in the Nifty Pickle only once per month. Please encourage any

and all children to enter the contest. It’s fun for them and very interesting for us to be able to see them as they come in each time. Thanks!

Do You Have An Idea For A Story That YouWould Like To See In The Nifty Pickle?

If So, Please Call 256-673-8190or send an email to [email protected].


ARIES (March 21 to April 19) That change in holiday travel plans might be more vex-ing than you’d expected. But try to take it in stride. Also, it couldn’t hurt to use that Aries charm to coax out some helpful co-operation.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your Bo-vine determination helps you deal with an unforeseen complication. And, as usual, you prove that when it comes to a chal-lenge, you have what it takes to take it on.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Although a romantic theme dominates much of the week, all those warm and fuzzy feelings don’t interfere with the more pragmatic matters you need to take care of.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Best not to ignore those doubts about an upcoming de-cision. Instead, recheck the facts you were given to make sure nothing important was left out. A weekend surprise awaits you.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) No time for a catnap -- yet. You might still have to straighten out one or two factors so that you can finally assure yourself of the truth about a troubling workplace situation. Stay with it.

VIRGO (August 23 September 22) News from an old friend could lead to an unex-pected (but nonetheless welcome) reunion with someone who had once been very spe-cial in your life. Be open to the possibilities.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) It might be time for a family council. The sooner those problems are resolved, the sooner you can move ahead with your holi-day preparations. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Take some time out to give more attention to a personal relationship that seems to be suffering from a sense of emotional neglect. Provide that much-needed reassurance.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to Decem-ber 21) Cheer up. That unusual circum-stance that might faze most people can be handled pretty well by the savvy Sagittari-an. Look at it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Someone you believe has hurt you in the past might now need your help. Reach-ing out could be difficult. But the generous Goat will be able to do the right thing, as always.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Prioritizing is an important part of your pre-holiday scheduling. Try to give time both to your workday responsibilities and those personal matters you might have ne-glected.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) With the vestiges of your anger about that painful incident fading, you can now focus all your energy on the more positive aspects of your life, including that personal situation.

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BORN THIS WEEK: You have a way of bringing your own strong sense of reassurance to oth-ers and encouraging them to hope. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Impossible No-Crust Pumpkin-Pecan Pie

If you love pumpkin pie, then you’ll agree that the season for this great treat is way too short! Here’s an ultra-easy pie made without a crust.

Ingredients1/2 cup reduced-fat biscuit baking mixSugar substitute to equal 3/4 cup sugar,

suitable for baking2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 1/3 cups nonfat dry milk powder1 cup water

1 tablespoon vanilla extract2 tablespoons no-fat sour cream

2 eggs or equivalent in egg substitute1 (15-ounce) can solid-packed pumpkin

1/4 cup chopped pecans1/2 cup reduced-calorie whipped topping

Directions1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate with butter-flavored cooking spray.2. In a small bowl, combine baking mix, sugar substitute and pumpkin pie spice. In a large bowl, combine dry milk powder and water. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, eggs and pumpkin. Add baking mix mixture. Mix well to com-bine. Fold in pecans. Spread mixture evenly into prepared pie plate. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean.3. Place pie plate on a wire rack and let sit for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. When serving, top each piece with 1 tablespoon whipped topping. Makes 8 servings.

• Each serving equals: 140 calories, 4g fat, 7g protein, 19g carb., 194mg sodium, 3g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1/2 Fat-Free Milk, 1/2 Fat. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.


Correction Notice: In last week’s edition of the Nifty Pickle we made two errors in the article on Anthony Carracci’s store, the Pet Palace. The store does sell fish. Carracci has five children, not three. We apologize for the errors. Elsa Rutherford, Associate Editor/Contributor


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Cheese Drop Biscuits

“These are easy, fast, and very tasty.Great for a little extra for supper or camping trips.”

Ingredients2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder1 teaspoon dried chives1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 cup shortening

3/4 cup milk1/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Directions Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

Lightly grease a baking sheet. In a large bowl, mix togeth-er flour, baking powder, chives, garlic salt and salt. Cut

in the shortening until the mixture has only small lumps. Add milk and cheese and stir until moistened. Drop dough by heaping spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Bake in

preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden.Original recipe makes 1 dozen.

Backwoods Chili Rice SkilletIngredients

1 pound(s) ground beef4 c Uncle Ben’s Quick brand rice

3 c water1 c chopped onion

1 large green pepper, chopped1 package chili seasoning mix

1 can tomatoes, undrained1 can kidney beans, drained

1 Tbsp salt1 c shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

PreparationIn a large skillet, brown meat, drain. Add remaining ingredients except cheese; stir. Bring to a vigorous boil. Cover tightly. Sim-

mer about 5 minutes or until desired consistency.Sprinkle with cheese.

Fishing Regulations & Info

SEASONSAll public streams, lakes and ponds are open to fishing throughout the year except some state-owned and managed public fishing lakes. It is illegal to fish in private waters without permission from the owners.

PRIVATE LANDS AND WATERSIt is illegal to fish in public waters on or from posted private land without the owner’s permission.

MEANS OF CATCHING GAME FISHIt is illegal to take, catch or kill, or attempt to take, catch or kill any game fish by any means other than ordinary hook and line, artificial lure, live bait, troll or spinner in any of the public waters of this State. It is unlaw-ful to use electrical devices, explosives, poisons or firearms to take fish of any species from these waters.

GAME FISHThe following species shall be named and designated as game fish in Alabama: rainbow trout, all members of the sunfish family, including largemouth, shoal, smallmouth, redeye and spotted bass (commonly called trout or green trout), white and black crappie (commonly called white perch), rock bass, shadow bass, flier, warmouth, redbreast, blue-gill, longear and shellcracker (commonly called bream); all members of the bass family including white bass, yellow bass, saltwater striped bass (commonly called rockfish) and hybrid striped bass (a cross between the white bass and the saltwater striped bass); all members of the pike fam-ily including redfin, grass and chain pickerel; the following members of the perch family: walleye, sauger (commonly called jack salmon), and yellow perch.

We will have MORE FishingRegulations and Information next week!

What do you call a bear with no teeth?A gummy bear.

What happens to a frog’s car when it breaks down?It gets toad away.

A German asks a Mexican if they have any Jews in Mexico. The Mexican says, “Sí, we have orange jews, apple jews, and grape jews!”


Anxiety Can Trigger Alzheimer’s Disease

Many times anxiety is a good thing. It keeps us alert and paying at-tention in situations where there might be danger or concerns. Then, once the problem has passed, the anxiety fades away. Anxiety doesn’t always disap-pear, however -- and it can have conse-quences when it doesn’t: Chronic anx-iety in those who have mild cognitive impairment can increase the risk of Alz-heimer’s disease, as well as the speed with which it develops. While studies have looked at the link between depres-sion and Alzheimer’s, until now there was no research looking at mild cog-nitive impairment, anxiety and Alzhei-mer’s. A recent three-year study in Canada concluded that mild anxiety in-creased the risk of Alzheimer’s by 33 percent. Moderate anxiety caused a 78 percent increase, and severe anxiety in-creased the risk by 135 percent. These participants scored low on depression levels. One of the researchers believes that if patients have memory problems, they also should be screened for anxi-ety, which usually isn’t done. Anxiety disorders are anxieties that last for six months or more and come with a host of symptoms and names: obsessive-compulsive disor-der, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder and others. All have different treatments, ranging from drugs to cog-nitive behavior therapy to psychothera-py. What they have in common is that the faster the treatment, the better and sooner the outcome. If you wonder whether you have an anxiety disorder, the first step is to check in with your doctor. He’ll be able to tell whether it’s anxiety or a medical condition causing the anxiety. Once you’re getting treatment, the National Institutes of Health has some suggestions. Consider a support group for anxiety issues -- even if it’s an online chat room -- stress management and meditation techniques, and even ex-ercise.Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to

[email protected].(c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

DEAR DR. ROACH: My friend, who is 79 years old, started having his fingertips split open at random several years ago. The splits resemble small knife slices, and are extremely painful to him, along with limiting his ability to pick up objects as his fingers become numb. Last year he went to a dermatologist, who di-agnosed it as psoriasis and gave him strong ste-roid ointments. During the warm weather, his fingertips don’t seem to split, but when the weather starts turning colder, regardless of these ointments or even wearing gloves over the ointment at night, they get worse. We are concerned that the diag-nosis of psoriasis may not be correct. -- S.G. ANSWER: Cracking of the tips of the fingers has several possible causes, including psoriasis, but also a condition called dishydrot-ic eczema. Moisturizers and powerful steroid ointments are appropriate for both conditions. Many of my readers have reported good results from liquid bandages, some of which have anti-septic properties, and some are a medical form of super glue. There are other possible diagnoses, in-cluding progressive systemic sclerosis (sclero-derma), so I think he should have another visit with the dermatologist.

DEAR DR. ROACH: You mentioned lupus in a recent column. Is there a connection between lupus and arthritis? -- D.J.T. ANSWER: Systemic lupus erythema-tosis (SLE) is a disease that can affect virtually any organ in the body, and usually affects sev-eral -- often at the same time. The most com-mon symptoms are fatigue, fever and weight loss. Skin signs can be very specific, such as the

Fingertip Splitting

Gets Worse in Winter

classic “butterfly rash,” a red, butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks. Arthritis (joint inflammation) or arthralgia (joint pain) is pres-ent in 90 percent of people with lupus at some point in the illness. The arthritis booklet discusses joint pain found in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and osteo-arthritis. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach -- No. 301W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money or-der (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please al-low four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Why are so many people reluctant to wear a hearing aid? It seems as though there is a stigma associat-ed with it when there isn’t a stigma associated with wearing glasses, and both are common as we age. -- M.A. ANSWER: I also am concerned that many older people with hearing loss refuse a hearing aid (or even to be evaluated for one). This is an important issue, since a hearing aid can improve quality of life as well as safety, not to mention the hearing of those around a person who is hard of hearing if he or she listens to music or the television at loud volumes.I suspect that glasses, often worn by younger people, aren’t associated with aging as much as hearing loss is, which is far more common in the elderly. We seem to be afraid of aging, or at least of appearing to age. I regret this, since it focuses on what can be lost with aging, and not what is gained.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the

column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to [email protected]. To view and order health pamphlets, visit

www.rbmamall.com, or write to P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

(c) 2014 North America Synd., Inc.All Rights Reserved


I am Alpha and Omega, the begin-ning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8

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For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. Revelation 22:18


Wordsearch ContestWin a $50 Gift Card... Find the Advertisers listed below and tell us which page that their ad was found. Mail this entire page to us at 7032 US Hwy 431 • Albert-ville, AL 35950. Deadline is December 22, 2014. (Date of Puzzle: December 11, 2014)

Find these names:alabamacraftshowalanjacksonbestwaybottomlinewebdesignbrigittesclothingcustompestcontrolfullcolorprintingincarerxjoespawnshopmcclendonauctionhousemcclendonwholesalenickkirstjdqslowsmokedrigginsunlockservicesandmountainpesttradebankwlcaccounting

HOW TO PLAY: On this entry form you will find some of the businesses ad-vertised in this issue. Simply browse the Nifty Pickle, look-ing for these advertisements. When you find them, record the page number on which you found their advertisement in the space provided on this en-try form. Then, find and circle that business name in the word search puzzle. Once you have located all of the advertisers listed, complete the entry form and mail this entire page to the address shown above. Your entry must be re-ceived by December 22, 2014. We will then draw one entry from the group of correct en-try forms and announce that winner in the December 25th issue. Incorrect or incomplete entry forms will be disqual-ified. All decisions by Nifty Pickle, Inc. are final. There will be only one winner for this contest each week. GOOD LUCK!

Name:________________________Address:________________________City, State, Zip________________________Telephone:________________________Email Address:________________________

Page Numbers:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Winner of the November 20, 2014Wordsearch Puzzle

Contest isA. Smithof Arab.

Congratulations!


Would you like to see your pet featured in the Nifty Pickle?Jot down some information about your pet (name, personality, some-thing funny, tricks it can do, etc.) and send it along with a photo to Nifty Pickle Pet Pix, PO Box 1161 Guntersville, Alabama 35976, email to [email protected] or bring it by the office at 7032 US Hwy 431 in Albertville (next to Merle Norman).

Anyone Out There Want To

Tell About Their Favorite Pet?

My Name Is Roscoe! I’m not very old but I am wise for my age. I pretty much rule the roost around here. I have toys that I play with but do you know what’s really funny? My owner, Jeff, is constantly losing socks and some-times he looks at me with an ac-cusing glance as if he thinks I might really be taking them. The truth is “I do take them!.” First of all, I like to see him trying to figure out what happened to them. But most of all, I enjoy playing with them. Well, that’s all I will talk about today so maybe I will see your picture in here next time.


ACCOUNTING, PAYROLL, CONSULTING, BOOKKEEP-ING and Much More. Call James at WLC ACCOUNTING 256-673-8190. 7032 US Hwy 431 in Albert-ville... 3 Doors Down from The Nifty Pickle Variety Store.

ALABAMA CRAFT SHOW Selling Year Around Crafts hand-made by local artists. Custom or-ders welcome. Piper Station, Boaz. 256-996-4945.

BOTTOMLINE WEB DESIGN Web Sites starting at ONLY $29.95 per month. Call 256-673-8190.

BRIGITTE’S CHILDREN’S CLOTHING 403 Martling Road, Albertville. 256-744-8404 or 256-506-5853. Family owned business Specializing in Boys and Girls Clothing Sizes Newborn to 14.

CUSTOM PEST CONTROL Termite and Pest Services. We Guarantee Our Service! No Con-tract, No Commitment... Just Dead Bugs! 256-593-6613

JOE’S PAWN SHOP 11411 US Hwy 431 in Albertville. Buy, Sell, Trade, Pawn. Open 8am - 6pm, 7 days a week. 256-894-9994. See Our Ad In This Issue of the Nifty Pickle.

McCLENDON AUCTION HOUSE Returns and Shelf Pulls from ALL Major Box Stores. Open Monday - Saturday 9am until 5pm. Sale on Saturday and Thursday at 6:30pm. 702 Chastain Blvd West, Glencoe. 256-492-5333.

McCLENDON WHOLESALE Buy It By The Pallet. Returns and Shelf Pulls from All Major Stores. Great for Auctions, Trade Day, Yard Sales, etc. Open Tuesday - Friday 9am until 4pm. Claybrook Road in Albertville. Call Charlie at 256-477-3914 for more informa-tion.

Q SLOW SMOKED BBQ 106 South Main Street in Old Down-town Boaz. If you love BBQ, then you will love REAL Q-slow-smoked with natural hardwoods. 256-281-9699. See our ad and cou-pon in this issue.

SAND MOUNTAIN PEST MANAGEMENT Got Bugs? Call Sand Mountain Pest Management at 256-891-7400 and start protect-ing your house from unwanted pests. Be sure to see our coupons in this issue of The Nifty Pickle.

TRADEBANK The Smarter Way To Barter®.Save Cash on Business and Personal Expenses. See our Ad in this issue or call JW at 256-673-8190.

PRIDE MOBILITY ELECTRIC Z CHAIR. Only used a few times. Only $495. Call 256-593-6796 be-tween 8am - 2pm.

KARAOKE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE. Amp, Speakers and stands, Microphones, All necessary Cords. $850 obo. Call James at 256-673-8190.

OUTSIDE SALES Representa-tive, Mail Your Resume and Sal-ary Requirements to Nifty Pickle, 7032 US Hwy 431, Albertville, AL 35950.

ESTATE SALE: December 12 - 13, 9am - 5pm. 603 South Ham-brick Street in Albertville. Furni-ture, Pottery, Lift Chair, Antiques, Dishes, 2 Bedroom Suites, Mat-tress, Miscellaneous Items. NO Early Sales. CASH ONLY!

Place Your Yard Sale Ad Here. Only $5 per week for up to 30 Words. Mail your ad and payment to Nifty Pickle, 7032 US Hwy 431, Albertville, AL 35950 or you can come by the office located at that address. The deadline is every Monday at Noon.

CLASSIFIEDS $5 each week for 30 words or less. 10¢ each additional word. Mail your ad and payment to Nifty Pick-le, 7032 US Hwy 431, Albertville, AL 35950 or you can come by the office located at that ad-dress. The deadline is ev-ery Monday at Noon. Please Support

Your Local Merchants!

NOW HIRING:OUTSIDE SALES

Must Be Self Motivated and Work Well With People.

Send Resume to:Nifty Pickle, Inc.7032 US Hwy 431

Albertville, AL 35950 or email to [email protected]

Thank You

For Reading

The Nifty

Pickle Each

Week!

ToAdvertise

In TheNifty

Pickle, Call JW at673-8190.We have

Affordable Rates For

All!

Teacher: “Kids,what does the chicken give you?”Student: “Meat!”Teacher: “Very good! Now what does the pig give you?”Student: “Bacon!”Teacher: “Great! And what does the fat cow give you?”Student: “Homework!”

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