Great cosmetic dentistry is not just a practice. It is an art. No one knows that better than R. Brad Beasley, D.M.D. founder of Beasley Cosmetic & General Dentistry. Dr. Beasley has been creating beautiful smiles and changing the lives of his patients for over 10 years.

Dr. Beasley is a 1996 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. His private practice in Athens, AL focuses primarily on cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He has completed multiple cosmetic dentistry, smile design, and occlusion post-graduate courses throughout the United States to learn the art of providing excellent aesthetic dentistry. Dr. Beasley is also the vice president of the Tennessee Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and he is one of only eight ‘sustaining’ members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) in the state of Alabama.

Lori, 2006 AACD Gold Medal Winner

Over the last three years, Dr. Beasley has entered the AACD’s International Smile Gallery Competition, which is hosted annually in past locations such as Vancouver, Nashville, and San Diego. The competition is open to all 7,600 AACD members and determines the best of the best in clinical cosmetic dentistry. To date, Dr. Beasley’s practice has won 11 medals for outstanding achievement in the practice of cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Beasley also holds more medals from the AACD than any other dentist in the state of Alabama. Each year, he looks forward to the competition. "It’s exciting because I’m able to take before and after photographs of patients whose cosmetic cases we’ve completed during the year and submit them anonymously for dentists selected from throughout the country to judge," Dr. Beasley says.

Dr. Beasley also donates his talents through his participation in the AACD’s ‘Give Back a Smile’ program. This program pairs a patient whose smile has been damaged by domestic violence and abuse with an AACD dentist. Dr. Beasley then volunteers his time and services to perform life-changing dental procedures for these victims to help restore their smile and self-confidence. Recently, Dr. Beasley and his Give Back a Smile patient, Mary Browning, were featured on the front page of the Huntsville Times and Athens News Courier newspapers.

Dr. Beasley and his team are also proud to offer the latest in dental technology. One example is advanced cosmetic computer imaging. "The most encouraging thing for patients is to actually see how cosmetic improvements to their smile can dramatically improve their appearance before they decide to accept treatment," Dr. Beasley says. "Now with only a patient photo and computer imaging we can show you what your new smile can look like in advance and that frequently helps our patients to better communicate what they like or don’t like." Sedation is another advancement that has been a tremendous benefit to the practice of dentistry. "It is extremely safe and the patients are always carefully monitored," Dr. Beasley says. However, because of the additional training and licensing required to perform oral sedation it is not offered routinely by dentists.

For the smile you have always wanted or for more information, contact Dr. Beasley’s office, at 256.233.1400 or visit their web site at www.beasleydentistry.com.

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Furnishing Homes in the Tennessee Valley

Since September 10, 1999, Limestone Furniture Mart has been furnishing homes in the Tennessee Valley with top-quality furniture. Owners Chuck and Nancy Rogers originally opened the store with the help of their friend, Jane Wood. "Our business actually evolved from a part-time furniture manufacturing effort, which I started in 1997," Chuck says. "Nancy and I later opened a mattress store in Madison, and for the past seven years Limestone Furniture Mart has grown into a fine business serving customers in Limestone, Madison, and Morgan counties."

The company has been an Ashley Furniture dealer since it first opened its doors, and now specializes in Ashley’s line of ‘Signature Design by Ashley’ home furnishings. Additional suppliers include the Powell Company, with complete groupings designed by Michael Payne, and the Southerland Bedding Company. "If you’re shopping for a new mattress, I urge you to try a new Southerland set," he states.

Special orders are available if a piece of furniture is not in stock, and your furniture arrives in a timely manner. The store also has beautiful accessories to brighten up your home or office.

What sets Limestone Furniture Mart apart is its good selection, excellent value, and fast turnaround times. The entire staff works hard to provide customers with a friendly atmosphere while shopping. "Many people who visit our store for the first time are surprised at how nicely our furniture is displayed, and are pleased with our low prices, too," Chuck says. "Our sales staff wants to make you feel welcome without ‘bugging’ you."

Limestone Furniture Mart continues to have success and feels a deep sense of pride in its growth, even in times of general economic downturns or when faced with new competition. Over the years the store has added new valuable staff members, and continues to offer many new styles of furniture. "Scott Connell, partner and general manager, has been instrumental in growing our business to where it is today," Chuck comments. "Our friend, Donna Smith, joined us three years ago. And now our staff includes Nori Bryant, assistant manager; Yvette Beatty and Susan Clemons, sales associates; Raymond Daniel, warehouse manager; and our delivery and warehouse staff includes Joel, Brian, Nick, Stephen, and Joe-Joe. We are very grateful to each of them for their service."

Browsers are always welcome. Major credit cards are accepted and financing plans are available. Limestone Furniture Mart is conveniently located on U.S. Highway 72 West next to the Limestone Flea Market, and is open weekdays from 9:30am to 6:00pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. To furnish your home or office with top-quality products at a great value, contact the store at 30030 U.S. Highway 72 West, by phone at 256.232.8877, or online at www.limestonefurnituremart.net.

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Aggressive Legal Representation

At the law firm of Totten & Christian, P.C., vigorous representation and counsel is given to each and every client it serves. Partners John Totten and Charlotte Christian, both lifelong Alabama residents, have built their firm on timeless professional ideals: hard work, aggressive advocacy, and highest ethical standards. The firm is engaged in a broad range of legal matters, including divorce, personal injury, criminal defense, automobile accidents, and real estate.

Totten & Christian, P.C. has a dynamic personality and ‘can do’ attitude, which inspires respect for clients of the firm in every courtroom where the lawyers appear. This standing has been earned by unparalleled professionalism, decorum, and respect for the bench and bar, without sacrificing aggressive advocacy for the firm’s clients, which are expected trademarks of the firm.

John has a wide base of experience in litigated matters of automobile accidents, criminal defense, divorce, personal injury, and DUI. He has worked on numerous ‘headline cases’ and takes pride in assisting individuals throughout the state of Alabama. Charlotte has developed a deep background and proven track record in the areas of divorce, real estate, and general civil litigation. Both lawyers are licensed to practice in both State and Federal Courts and hold membership in professional organizations related to their areas of practice. Over the years, John and Charlotte have handled thousands of cases in cities and counties throughout this state.

The lawyers at Totten & Christian can be contacted at any time, day or night, with your concerns. To better serve its clients, the firm returns calls and emails on a daily basis, as well as schedules special appointments at your home or in the hospital. Each staff member is highly qualified and stands ready to assist clients in all facets of their cases. "Clients come first and we’re the team that you want to put into action," Charlotte states.

The firm continues to be successful by offering clients a fortified network of highly respected attorneys, experts, officials, and investigators throughout the state. The firm is equipped with state-of-the-art research capabilities, software and databases, and tracks on a weekly basis all rulings of significance from Appellate Courts. Totten & Christian will pull together these resources to help clients and will use the latest technological advances for top-quality service for each individual it represents. The firm also follows trends in rulings on particular issues, is equipped to follow specific jury verdict patterns in all venues of the state, and regularly reports important holdings and opinions to affected clients.

For a law firm that is committed to its clients with aggressive representation, contact Totten & Christian at 256.233.7772, or visit online at www.tottenchristian.com, or via email at jtotten@tottenchristian.com and cchristian@tottenchristian.com. The office, with the red awning, is located at 105 South Marion Street, east side of the Square in Athens.

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

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Let Valley Event Center Make Your Special Day Just That … Special!

Valley Event Center can make your special day or event extra special with a top-quality facility located in Athens, AL. Owner Laurie Cannon, an Athens native, first opened Valley Event Center in January 2006 and her success continues to grow. With more than 25 years of experience in the wedding business, Laurie provides a one-stop shop for all wedding, event, or corporate function needs.

"After 25 years of traveling across Alabama for weddings, I decided to open Valley Event Center here in Athens," Laurie says. "As there wasn’t a facility in town, I wanted to offer Athens and the surrounding communities a nice, relaxing, and beautiful place to hold all types of affairs."

Valley Event Center can handle all types of events, such as wedding rehearsals and receptions, company functions, training, and parties, family reunions, and just about any type of party that clients want to have. Laurie provides a full line of services, such as catering, flowers, and decorations, as well as wedding coordinator services. She and her staff take care of everything from setup to teardown and as much or as little as the client needs.

The offered catering services include delicious dishes from heavy hors d’oeuvres to finger foods. Laurie can provide this service to clients or if clients chose, clients can bring in a caterer of their choice. While an event is taking place at Valley Event Center, all areas are taken care of for the client. "We try to make this a day to remember for the bride or any of our clients," she states. "For example, our thoughts are that the bride is queen for the day. It’s her day."

Inside Valley Event Center is a banquet room, two stages for a DJ or a live band, a dance floor, and a television area. "If a reception conflicts with a beloved sports event, the center is equipped with a TV for the guys!" Laurie says.

Not only can Valley Event Center make a wedding or family event a grand affair, but it also can hold corporate functions, such as continuing education and training classes. "We have an overhead projector for slides and a big screen for presentations, sound system, cable and our facility is internet ready," she states.

What makes Laurie’s services so special is that she truly believes in giving clients 100 percent. "I may go overboard, but I want people to feel good about the service," Laurie says. "I would rather make sure they have what they want, then to cut corners."

To make your event special, contact Laurie Cannon of Valley Event Center at 256.497.3540 or via e-mail at vecllc@yahoo.com. People are invited to call and tour the facility at any time. Valley Event Center is located at 22335 U.S. Highway 72 East, Suite A, in Athens.

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Top-notch Legal Services with Hometown Roots

William G. Mathews, Attorney at Law provides the Athens, AL and surrounding communities with top-notch services and representation for all your legal needs. Owner and Attorney Bill Mathews, an Athens native since the age of 6 months, enjoys living and working in his hometown.

After graduating from Athens High School in 1981, Bill earned his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and received his law degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He started working in the law profession in 1989 at Sherrill, Batts, and Mathews. While at the firm, Bill focused mainly on criminal law, but soon wanted to make a change and focus on real estate closings. In 1999, Bill accomplished his goal and established his own practice in the old Elmore Five & Dime building.

Mathews provides clients with legal services for real estate loan closings, wills and probate of wills, and automobile accidents. What he enjoys most about his profession is meeting new people moving to the Athens area and helping them with their real estate closing needs. The staff at William G. Mathews, Attorney at Law emphasizes helping clients with all aspects of a real estate closing transaction, such as pre-closing, the actual event, and post closing. Bill and his staff provide thorough examination of all details throughout each phase of the closing, as well as provide outstanding customer service to make each closing a success and children are always welcome at the office.

Another strong area of the practice is representing clients with automobile accident cases. "When people are in an accident and are injured, insurance companies are reluctant to make a reasonable settlement," Bill states. "People have to hire an attorney to get the insurance company to move and that’s where our services come in."

Not only does Mathews provide legal services, but he has also been a municipal judge in Ardmore for the last 10 years. "One of the most interesting things I do is preside as the municipal judge of Ardmore," he says. "This is a misdemeanor court and it offers a different perspective of the law when you are the person responsible for making the decision of someone’s guilt or innocence."

As a member of the law profession and resident of Athens, Bill is very involved in the community. He has been Past President of United Way, Past Board of Directors of Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, Past Treasurer of the Rotary Club, and Past President of Limestone County Bar Association.

Bill and his family, wife Heather and children, William Jr., Caroline, and John David, make their home in Athens. He is a member of Lindsay Lane Baptist Church and is a coach for all three of his children’s soccer teams.

For professional legal services with hometown roots, contact William G. Mathews, Attorney at Law at 256.232.2310, 117 S. Marion Street, or online at www.athens-lawyer.com.

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

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With more than 160 years of combined experience, the staff at Fowler Auction and Real Estate Service, Inc. can help clients get the most for their property with full-service auction services for both residential and commercial property, personal property, business liquidations, and commercial, industrial, and farm equipment. Chief Executive Officer/President and Auctioneer Mickey Fowler (featured above with Eugene McNutt) brings more than a quarter of a century of experience to the auctioning block. His clients say Mickey has a ‘gift’ that gives them an advantage when selling their property.

Investor Roy McCrary states, "Mr. Fowler has a ‘gift’, in that he can look at a piece of property and tell you what you need to do to get that property prepared for sale. The good thing is he handles it for you, whether it’s hiring a bulldozer to clean out a ditch or cutting down some trees. It’s things that are not very expensive to do, but they make a big difference in the sale. He’s got a talent for looking at a piece of property and knowing how to present it to the public to bring the top dollar."

Today, 90 percent of Fowler’s auctions are real estate, and they make the sale of your residential/commercial property a "stress-free" process from beginning to end. Farmer James Newby says, "Mickey took the estate and handled it from start to finish. Once I told Mickey I wanted him to do this job, I didn’t have to do anything else. Mickey has the most experience of anyone I know and he does a good job. He knows the market. He can almost tell you what it’s going to bring before he sells it."

Mickey is one of 20 auctioneers in Alabama with the Certified Auctioneer Institute designation, holds the certification of Accredited Auctioneer Real Estate (AARE), and is a certified Estate Specialist. "In a matter of hours, Fowler Auction converts your assets into cash," Mickey says. "We believe we can do a better job. Because of my experience and extensive training, I can evaluate property and give you a very, very close estimate of its selling price."

Fowler Auction provides you with top-notch services, such as monitors with images of the property during an auction, and online bidding if you cannot attend on-site. "We use internet bidding which allows potential buyers to bid prior to the auction via the internet," states Chief Financial Officer, Betsye Fowler Spencer.

In addition, Fowler Auction’s web site is user-friendly and a great way for people to learn about properties up for auction. "Our web site is very active," Betsye says. "People go there to get information on upcoming auctions. It’s a non-threatening way to get a lot of information about the services provided by Fowler Auction. It is very user-friendly and helps people get to know us."

To get top dollar for your property, contact Fowler Auction at (256) 232-7788, (866) 293-0157, info@fowlerauction.com or visit www.fowlerauction.com. Fowler Auction is located at 8710 Hwy. 53 in Toney, AL 35773.

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Leveling the Car Buying Playing Field

Shoals Suzuki, a part of the Driving 2000 family of dealerships, can level the car buying playing field with its unique Driving 2000 Buying Process. President Mike Self opened the dealership in January 2006 to provide the Shoals area with an outstanding place to buy a Suzuki with a company that goes the extra mile for its customers.

"Our dealership subscribes to a set of values and procedures that are designed to be fair, honest, and straightforward," Self says. "It really levels the playing field between the dealer and the customer. We have eliminated that adversarial relationship … no games, no gimmicks, no come-ons."

The sales staff is not paid on commission, which allows them to find the right car for the customer without it affecting their paycheck. Also, there are no DOC or prep fees, or any other fees that simply add up to additional dealer profit.

At Shoals Suzuki, customers receive a written bid on their trade-in. This bid is the actual cash value of the trade-in not an ‘allowance’. "We’ll write you a check for your vehicle even if you don’t trade with us, that way you know that you’re being dealt with in a straightforward way," he states.

The dealership strongly believes customers need to be comfortable with their buying decision. They offer a full refund if a customer is not fully satisfied with their purchase within three days or 300 miles. "Simply bring it back for a full refund," Self says. "And if you had a trade-in, we’ll still have that for three days as well. It will be as if the deal never happened."

Each Suzuki is a high-quality, valued-packed vehicle that comes with a lot of standard features and not at a premium price. Every new Suzuki comes with a fully transferable, zero deductible, 100,000-mile/or seven years power train warranty. "What’s great about this warranty is it can be transferred from owner to owner—adding value when reselling or trading in," Self says. Other warranties that Shoals Suzuki provides include a 36,000-mile/or three years bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers all components of the vehicle and 24,000-mile/or 24-month battery warranty—also with no deductibles

In addition to these top-notch warranties, a courtesy rental vehicle is available if your car needs to be kept overnight, for up to five days. Every new Suzuki is covered by a 365 days/24 hours roadside assistance program to fix a flat, unlock the vehicle, or put gas in the car.

"It feels good to be able to sell cars and SUVs in such a way that you’re never ashamed to come face to face with a customer because our Driving 2000 Buying Process truly is the most honest and straightforward way to buy a car."

Shoals Suzuki, one of the top three Suzuki dealers in America, is located at 4100 Jackson Highway in Sheffield and are open 8 am to 6 pm, Monday thru Saturday and closed on Sundays. For more information, contact (256) 248-2100 or e-mail mself@shoalssuzuki.com, or visit www.driving2000.com.

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Focusing on Better Care and Imaging Services for the Community

For the last eight years, Valley Imaging Center has been providing north Alabama and southern Tennessee with top-notch imaging services for open MRI, ultrasounds, and x-rays. Dr. Joe Cannon first decided to open Valley Imaging after seeing a need for more localized and professional services in the Athens area. Before Valley Imaging opened, a mobile MRI unit would travel into town to provide these services.

Dr. Cannon, a Board Certified Radiologist, has extensive experience and education in the medical profession. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Alabama and his medical degree from The University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Medicine. Dr. Cannon has been a radiologist for more than 25 years, and completed his radiology residence at the University Hospital in Birmingham from 1977 to 1980.

After working in Birmingham, Dr. Cannon settled in Athens. When Valley Imaging first opened its doors, the facility had just a few pieces of imaging equipment and served about 2,500 patients annually. As part of Valley Imaging’s mission on providing the best care for its patients, the facility expanded its services and staff in May 2006. Valley Imaging purchased new equipment, state-of-the-art workstations and computers to offer patients new advanced services. These new services include CT, Mammography, CR, and Nuclear Medicine. With the new equipment and services, Valley Imaging can serve up to 25,000 patients annually.

The facility takes referrals from physicians all across the Tennessee Valley. They also work with other facilities such as the Huntsville Heart Center to provide patients and referring doctors with a one-day turnaround for patient reports. Referring physician’s can access their patient films and reports from Valley Imaging at anytime through a secure connection provided by Valley Imaging.

Valley Imaging strives to provide timely service in a friendly environment. "There is no actual ‘waiting room’," Chief Operating Officer Bob Chamber says. "We have an area to complete the required documentation and we work hard to provide patients with 100% on-time appointments. Our goal is to have patients enter and leave with a positive pleasant experience."

The technical staff at Valley Imaging consists of MRI technologists, CT technologists, mammographer, and ultrasound personnel that are all certified in their respective fields. "What sets us apart from other facilities is that we have a full-time radiologist on site," Dr. Cannon says. "We also continue to provide high-quality imaging and offer continuing education courses for our staff."

Chambers adds, "The staff members are all ‘A players’ and everyone is concerned about the patient care and making Valley Imaging the ‘Gold’ standard in service."

For more information on top-quality imaging services in the Athens area, contact Valley Imaging at 22281 U.S. Highway 72, Suites B & C and at (256) 233-2158. Office hours are 7:30 am to 6:30 pm Monday-Thursday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm on Fridays, and 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays.

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Advancing the fight AGAINST BREAST CANCER

When it comes to breast cancer, one fact is very clear – if breast cancer is detected early, before it spreads, 96 percent of women will be alive five years later. The earlier it is discovered, the earlier it is treated, the better the chance of survival.

Athens-Limestone Hospital has always been at the forefront of new healthcare technology. And they couldn’t be more excited about the newest addition to their Diagnostic Imaging Services – Digital Mammography. This innovative, new technology will enable physicians to better detect and diagnose breast cancer in patients by providing outstanding image quality and clear, highly detailed images of the breast. According to Philip Dotson, CEO of Athens-Limestone Hospital, "This new, all-digital system is revolutionizing breast care by providing our patients with state-of-the-art mammograms that are faster, easier, and more comfortable than ever before, while providing our physicians with highly detailed images for diagnosis."

The new digital mammography system is designed to allow the technologists who perform the exams to focus on the patient, making the mammography exam an easier and more comfortable experience. And the hospital’s technologists, all certified mammographers with years of experience in breast imaging, have completed special training in digital mammography. While Digital Mammography can only be performed in the main hospital’s Imaging Department, certified mammographers are on staff at ALH’s Outpatient Diagnostic Center in Athens Professional Plaza on Market Street and at East Limestone Diagnostic Center at the corner of East Limestone Road and Capshaw Road.

In addition to the most advanced mammography technology, the Diagnostic Services Department of the hospital offers comprehensive imaging including an MRI, a 32-slice CT Scanner, Bone Density and Ultrasound. The MRI at ALH provides a higher image quality than the typical "open" MRI with faster scan times and more convenience for the patient.

Area citizens can continue to look to Athens-Limestone Hospital for the most advanced diagnostic imaging services. As the leading provider of Radiology Services for over 55 years, Athens-Limestone Hospital is truly committed to bringing cutting edge technology to the community. The hospital continues to provide good health close to home, leaving few reasons to travel outside the community for high-quality healthcare.

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Well-built windows and patio rooms can make a big difference in any home. They allow us to get close to the outdoors while safe inside, even in the harshest weather. They enhance a home’s appearance and increase its value.

For more than 50 years, the Champion Window and Patio Room Company has helped homeowners save on energy bills with the highest-quality custom-built products available. At its state-of-the-art factory, Champion tailors every window and patio room to fit perfectly, and handles every detail of the measurement, manufacturing, installation, and warranty. "We focus on customer service," says Bob Zarzaur, division manager. "We are factory direct. We manufacturer our products, we do the installation, and we handle the warranty. There are no others involved."

Every project, no matter how big or small, is overseen by factory-certified experts who have one goal in mind – customer satisfaction, with no excuse for anything less. No wonder Champion Window and Patio Room is the largest company of its kind in the United States, and why so many satisfied customers refer their family members and friends to Champion.

Indoor Comfort, for Life: Champion Window and Patio Room’s exclusive Comfort 365 glass is a high-performance, energy-efficient glass that helps keep the heat in during the winter, and the heat out during the summer. The secret is a high-tech coating that blocks virtually all harmful UV rays, one of the leading causes of premature fading of carpet, furniture, and drapes. Comfort 365 glass is standard in all Champion windows and patio rooms. But Champion doesn’t just do windows. The company also creates exquisite patio rooms that allow homeowners to enjoy their backyard in complete comfort, year-round. From pouring the foundation to laying the floor, building walls, and putting shingles on the roof, Champion does everything but invite friends over for a barbecue. That’s up to you. "We can build everything from a very basic to a very extravagant sunroom," Zarzaur says. "We will even install heating and air conditioning, if that’s what a homeowner wants."

Along with windows and patio rooms, Champion also installs wood-grained vinyl siding, as well as fiberglass and steel entry doors. All Champion products are virtually maintenance-free. Champion’s windows and patio rooms come with a limited lifetime warranty, and have the Good Housekeeping Seal, a testament to their outstanding quality. Additionally, Champion windows and doors qualify for the 2006 energy tax credit. All products – windows, doors, siding, and patio rooms – are on display in Champion’s beautiful, 9,000 square-foot showroom and warehouse at 2995 Wall Triana Hwy. in Huntsville.

"We get hundreds of letters from customers raving about what we’ve done for them...how professional and conscientious we were," Zarzaur says. "It’s a great feeling." For great seasonal savings, call (256) 424-1110 or visit www.ChampionFactoryDirect.com.

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Since January 2003, WTZT-TV in Athens, AL, known as ZTV-11, has been local and lovin’ it, with shows that focus on local people and places in the Tennessee Valley. Jamie and Gloria Cooper own and operate ZTV-11, as well as host and produce the morning show, Cooper & Company. While Jamie focuses on the morning show and marketing, Gloria handles daily operations.

Jamie has been a fixture in local television for 33 years in North Alabama and Gloria for the last seven. Jamie started in Huntsville television E-TV in 1974 then moved to WAAY-TV in 1975. He worked at WAAY-TV for 17 years in a variety of positions and started the WAAY Too Early show, then later went on to start Cooper & Company and in 1999 Gloria and Jamie moved to WHDF-TV in Florence while continuing on WAFF-TV in Huntsville.

While many of us remember Jamie as the ‘Country Rover’ from the late 1970s to early 1990s, he featured local people and places in the Tennessee Valley and almost daily, people continue to ask Jamie about those segments. Jamie now focuses on local news (ZNN) and events at ZTV-11. Programming includes Cooper & Company, health, home improvement, and area church programs. Cooper & Company airs live Tuesday through Friday at 6 am and replays nightly at 9 pm. The Country Rover Classics air Mondays at 6 am and 9 pm. This memorable show highlights what ZTV-11 is all about...local people and places that are a part of the community.

What has made the station so successful is its local flavor of entertainment, events, and area sports. ZTV-11 offers affordable advertising opportunities with more airtime available than other area TV stations to local businesses and churches in Limestone, Madison, and Morgan counties. "ZTV-11 is local and that’s what we’re all about," Jamie says.

"Our success at ZTV-11 is due in a large part to our staff and friends that assist in handling the day-to-day operations," Gloria says. "We couldn’t pull this off without them and we’re blessed that we all have the same goal and that is to stay local."

ZTV-11’s future plan is to be added to more cable systems and satellite providers. "Be aware that if you’re thinking about switching to Comcast, DirecTV, and Dish Network, ZTV-11 is not available. Request ZTV-11 every chance you get, it may take several requests, but there isn’t a more ‘local’ channel in the Tennessee Valley than ZTV-11...period," Jamie says. "With the help of viewers, we’ll be successful in getting ZTV-11 on all cable systems and satellite networks."

For more information on how to either be a guest on Cooper & Company or advertise with the station, please contact Gloria at 256.603.4848, or e-mail: gloriacooper@knology.net, ztv@jamiecooper.com, or online at www.jamiecooper.com.

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Building Dreams

First American Bank not only provides top-quality banking services, but also can help clients build their dreams with its outstanding residential development and construction division. The bank, first founded in 1981 in Decatur, AL by local businessmen, has made a home in Limestone County for 15 years and currently has four locations in Athens, Ardmore, and East Limestone.

Vice President Andy Whitt and Limestone County CEO Jeff Hodges, have been with First American Bank for 11 years and bring valuable expertise to its residential development and construction department that not only serves Limestone County, but surrounding areas in North Alabama, and Southern Tennessee. "Both my father and grandfather were residential contractors and developers," Andy says. "I fully understand the construction process and the importance of having a good banker. That’s what we do at First American."

First American Bank focuses on helping clients, such as developers, builders, and homebuyers with financial services from development loans to home mortgages, and more. "We are excited to be a part of this fast growing community and look forward to the continued relationships with local builders and developers," Andy says.

Additional services the bank provides include insurance, investments, credit cards, consumer and commercial loans, trusts, wealth management, savings and checking accounts, and Internet banking. First American Bank’s mortgage division offers a variety of loans, such as Conventional Fixed Rate, Adjustable Rate, Conventional Balloon, Construction/Permanent, FHA, VA, and Affordable Housing.

Staff members at every First American Bank location strive to give clients the best service available. What sets First American Bank apart is their ability to make decisions locally and the flexibility they have in making those decisions. "We want people to know who they are doing business with," Andy says.

Jeff adds, "We enjoy helping people achieve their goals and dreams whether its buying a home or starting a business. It’s great to be able to assist them with their dreams."

For more information, contact First American Bank at (256) 230-1000 or visit www.first-american.com.

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Building Beyond the Ordinary

Since 1964, Martin & Cobey Construction, Inc. has been building beyond the ordinary with commercial and now residential construction. Headquartered in Athens, AL, Martin & Cobey focuses on providing its clients with top-quality construction services.

President Brian Moore, who has been with Martin & Cobey since 1984 and holds a Building Science degree from Auburn University, is excited to have the company be a part of the growth in Limestone County with two new communities being developed in the area. Two Rivers Condominiums and Brigadoon subdivision are marquee projects that Martin & Cobey are a part of with its construction services. "We are excited about the new developments and what they bring to Limestone County," Moore says. "We are good corporate citizens and are laying the ground work for current and future growth in our community."

Martin & Cobey was originally founded by Fred Martin, Jr. and his wife, Mary Cobey-Martin and over the years have historically built schools, churches, nursing homes in North Alabama, but are now expanding to service the entire state of Alabama. "While we want to stay working in our home community of Limestone County, we are also excited about branching out into new areas," Moore states.

Some of the projects Martin & Cobey has worked on include Athens Intermediate School, Athens High School football stadium, Limestone County Annex, Dekalb County Jail, Franklin County Jail, Winston County Jail, Butler County Jail, and Athens-Limestone County E-911 building, and will be renovating the Limestone County Courthouse.

At Martin & Cobey the focus is on doing the job right. "We just do it right," he says. "Doing it by code is the minimum standard in construction and we don’t build to the minimum, we build to the best."

Martin & Cobey are licensed in Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi. For a construction company that builds beyond the ordinary, contact Martin & Cobey at (256) 232-5384, 711 East Hobbs Road in Athens, online at www.martinandcobey.com, or via e-mail at bmoore@martinandcobey.com.

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Where Small-town Service is a Big Deal

Since December 15, 1998, Reliance Bank has provided Athens, AL and the surrounding Limestone County communities with personalized, small-town service. As a locally owned and operated bank, Reliance Bank offers all the same services of larger banks, but sets itself apart by giving customers world-class banking services and giving back to the community.

"The three things that set Reliance Bank apart are that our loan decisions are made locally; we provide world-class service whether its over the phone, drive-thru, or in person; and lastly that Limestone County isn’t just our headquarters, it’s our home!" President and CEO David Kinchler says.

Two of the many-featured services the bank offers include the Reliance Roadrunner Checking Account and Rewards Checking. The Roadrunner account is designed for those that work outside our community, has no service charges or daily balance requirements, unlimited check writing, free check card, and refunds foreign ATM fees. The Rewards checking account is tailored as an alternative to the CD environment. Rewards features a competitive rate, no penalty for withdrawal, unlimited checking writing, free check card, free checks, and free Internet and telephone banking.

"Reliance Bank has a simple philosophy, which is that every customer leaves the bank feeling better than they did when they first came in!" he states. "Our customer is not a social security number, but rather a neighbor, a church member, or someone we work with within the community."

Reliance Bank prides itself on community involvement. The bank sponsors the Reliance Bank Firecracker Festival, the Reliance Bank Christmas Parade, and three scholarships to Athens State University. "At Reliance Bank we love our community and are laying the foundation for future generations," he states

With three offices in Athens and one on the way in East Limestone, Reliance Bank is local … its home is in Athens and Limestone County. For a bank that makes small-town service a big deal, contact Reliance Bank at (256) 232-1944 or visit www.reliancebanking.com.

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The switch is always on at StreetLight Information Technologies, Inc., for professional Information Technology (IT) services. The company began in 1997 as a diversification project of Computer Systems Technology, Inc. (CST) and was initially headquartered in Huntsville, AL before Mark Brown took over as owner and president, centralizing operations in Athens, AL. Under Mark Brown’s leadership, the company has flourished as a successful IT outsourcing and solution provider, serving businesses and organizations in the Tennessee Valley and surrounding areas.

Reminiscent of its name, StreetLight is there when and where you need it, always on, and illuminates the power of technology for your business. StreetLight focuses on IT consulting, project implementation, and outsourcing solutions for complete and partial needs. With StreetLight lighting the way, clients receive worry-free support so they can focus on business and ultimately the bottom line.

StreetLight assists clients with technological needs from start to finish, such as designing and installing a network, choosing new business applications, server and/or network upgrades, network evaluations, outsourced solutions for continuous IT support, etc. With all projects, StreetLight ensures proper functionality and advises clients on technological decisions that meet current and future needs, on time and within budget.

All StreetLight engineers are certified and have the expertise to provide quick resolutions to any IT problem. Staff members have experience with Cisco, Citrix, Microsoft and Novell products and technologies.

What makes StreetLight different is its fixed-price service options, with guaranteed response and resolution times, and options for services that meet each client’s needs. "Our unique solutions, such as outsourcing on a truly fixed price basis set us apart," says Mia Dempsey, StreetLight consultant and business development leader. "Our model requires that we be excellent at our jobs, focusing on resolving problems the first time around, quickly and accurately."

For more information, contact StreetLight Information Technologies, Inc. at (256) 771-7099, 201 West Washington Street, Suite B, or at info@streetlight-it.com.

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When Quality and Craftsmanship Counts

Since 1986, Strickland Home Builders, LLC has been providing clients with quality and craftsmanship for custom-built homes in Athens, AL and throughout Limestone County. Owners Russell and Rusty Strickland, a father/son duo, started the business after Russell had been working in the industry part time for several years.

Strickland Home Builders focuses its services on residential home construction. Russell is a general contractor that is licensed for developing subdivisions and commercial work and Rusty holds a homebuilder’s license. As part of its mission of top-quality craftsmanship in every home it builds, only the best materials are used. In addition, Strickland Home Builders is one of the few construction companies that has its own framing crew.

Some of the communities the company developed and built homes in include Plantation East off of Moorseville Road and its latest development, The Meres located on Linton Road. "Strickland Homes Builders is proud to be developing this one-of-a-kind, planned community in Athens," Rusty says.

The new subdivision, which should be ready for home site construction in early 2007, features pristine and tranquil living while preserving the natural surroundings, craftsman style architecture, community clubhouse and pool, two lakes, walking trails, professionally designed landscape, and other amenities.

Both Russell and Rusty enjoy living and working in the area. "The growth in Athens and Limestone County has been so fast, so much so that it’s almost unbelievable," Rusty says. "We’re proud to be part of this wonderful community."

Strickland Home Builders is involved in local organizations, such as the Athens-Limestone County Home Builders Association and the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce. Rusty will become the vice president of the Athens-Limestone County Home Builders Association in January 2007.

Strickland Home Builders is located at 11936 New Cut Road and can be reached at 256.729.8042 or 256.656.7286, or via e-mail at drrstrick@bellsouth.net.

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The Pointe of Relaxation

Where the Elk and Tennessee Rivers meet is ‘The Pointe’ of relaxation. REALTOR and Developer Billy Christopher of Christopher Realty and Construction and his uncle Jim Christopher have created an exclusive gated and restricted community featuring home-site lots, boat harbor with 147 slips, and condominium towers overlooking the river for the ideal location in Limestone County.

The Pointe, with an interior 4-acre lake and breathtaking waterfall entrance, is halfway between Athens and Florence, less than 30 minutes from I-65 and within 20 minutes of The Robert Trent Golf Trail in Colbert County. "The Pointe is a place for people from North Alabama, Nashville, Birmingham, and Memphis that want to enjoy an affordable waterfront home, a second home, or a retirement home," Christopher says. "It offers resort-style living with close proximity to metropolitan areas—the best of all possible worlds."

The company’s web site, www.christopherrealty.com, lists detailed information on The Pointe, including the layout of the development, floor plans, pricing information, directions, and answers to frequently asked questions, as well as area information. An on-site REALTOR is also available to answer all questions about this luxurious waterfront community.

Christopher’s vision for The Pointe comes from three decades of expertise in the business. Christopher Realty and Construction specializes in the marketing and sale of properties, which are uniquely Tennessee Valley. Whether a water front property, lake home, lake front property, an estate, a secluded farm, or a private lakefront kingdom, Christopher Realty and Construction offers properties of incomparable aesthetics in pristine surroundings.

Billy Christopher and staff believe that a home is far more than brick and mortar. They pride themselves in offering courteous service, as well as consultation on lot selection, home design, and architectural and decorating options.

For more information on ‘The Pointe’ of relaxation, contact Christopher Realty at (256) 614-0380 or visit www.christopherrealty.com.

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Your One-stop Communications and Music Superstore

Railroad Bazaar/IN2Wireless is the community’s one-stop communications and music superstore for all your cellular and music needs. Owners Don and Betty Chambers established Railroad Bazaar in 1973 as a small gift store near the railroad tracks in downtown Athens and it has grown over the years into a large company with more than 100 employees.

All across the state, customers can find many Railroad Bazaar locations. The company now has five music stores located in Athens, Huntsville, Decatur, Guntersville, and Scottsboro. Along with the music stores, Railroad Bazaar has now launched a new division, IN2Wireless, which is its Verizon Wireless retail stores with 25 locations in Alabama.

"We have built our business on providing the communities in which we serve as well as their business partners, the security of knowing that we’ll be there year after year," Don says. "We strive to give every customer the respect and the best service with a down home feel. Our philosophy is and has always been, integrity is not something you can ever get back once lost, so strive daily to protect it. That may be one of many reasons why we have been awarded Verizon Wireless’ # 1 Agent in Alabama."

As the area’s one-stop shop communications and music superstore, Railroad Bazaar not only specializes in cellular service as a Verizon Wireless authorized Agent, but also offers DirecTV, Dish Network, Charter Communications, signage with Athens Sign Company, a full array of music equipment, gear, and services, and car audio systems and service including SIRIUS Satellite Systems, music lessons, repairs, and clinics.

Don and Betty Chambers live East Limestone and enjoy residing and working in the community. Their two children, Michael, who oversees the IN2Wireless stores and Chris, who works in several of our music stores, also live and work in the area.

For more information, contact Railroad Bazaar/IN2Wireless at (256) 232-5800 or visit www.IN2wireless.com or www.railroadbazaar.com.

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Resources for Families of Individuals with Down Syndrome

Tamyra Yarbrough founded Bringing Up Down Syndrome (B.U.D.S.) in 2003 to provide resources about Down syndrome. Tamrya, the mother of Ross, a child with Down syndrome, wanted to make sure other families in North Alabama had the educational and emotional support to take care of their most precious gift.

Ross’s first year of life was a complicated one, but his will to survive empowered Tamyra and her husband to reach out and help others. "When Ross was born, there were no resources about Down syndrome in North Alabama," Tamyra says. "Now our non-profit organization services all 17 counties in North Alabama."

As an National Down Syndrome Society affiliate and an integrity-oriented organization that raises awareness for Down syndrome, B.U.D.S. provides "new parent packets" full of resources with up-to-date information from birth to adulthood. "With money raised, we provide packets to all families who have children born with Down syndrome before they even leave the hospital," she states. "This is critical because this is usually a new family’s first experience with the ‘concept’ of Down syndrome. During this time, they are trying to not only digest being brand new parents, but parents to a child that is not like what they were anticipating. The child is just as precious a gift, as any child."

B.U.D.S. also helps families in when a child with Down syndrome has a specific medical diagnosis, such as heart surgery or Leukemia. B.U.D.S helps with such costs as gas money for hospital trips, medication, lodging at the Ronald McDonald house, change for a vending snack, parking fees, care package supplies while staying at the hospital complete with pre-paid phone cards and basic necessaries, meals, groceries and support to the rest of the family at home.

In addition, B.U.D.S provides tools and resources to the education and library systems, holds monthly meetings where individual accomplishments are celebrated, and every October during Down syndrome awareness month, a Buddy Walk is held to raise money for all the services B.U.D.S. provides. The annual walk is a fun event to raise awareness that is free and each year a product is sponsored, such as wagons or rocking chairs, that are donated to places in the community such as local hospitals and schools. "The Buddy Walk is a special event that is a day for people with Down syndrome to celebrate … that they share with us," Tamrya says.

Down syndrome is a genetic variation that occurs at the moment of conception in approximately one in every 733 births. It affects people of all ages, races and economic levels. It occurs when there are three rather than two, number 21 chromosomes present in every cell of the body. Instead of the usual 46 chromosomes, a person with Down syndrome has 47. It is this additional genetic material that alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with the syndrome.

Ross, who is now five years old, shows his family unconditional love every day. "He taught us more in one year, then we could teach in a lifetime," she states.

For more information, contact B.U.D.S. at (256) 852-5445, (256) 990-3430, via e-mail at tamyrandall@msn.com or visit www.Budsonline.org.

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Growing in the Community

Since October 2002, CrossPointe Church in Madison, AL, has been growing in the local community. Now with more than 700 members in its congregation, CrossPointe Church strives to develop devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.

Pastor John Dees, who has been a pastor for 13 years and been in ministries for the last 20 years, recalls the church’s humble beginnings with roughly 50 members. "Cross Pointe started when a group of people called and asked me to be their pastor," he says. "Our church began that fall and we changed the name to CrossPointe to reflect the point of new beginnings."

CrossPointe is a church that provides simple, biblical preaching with strong daily application to change people’s lives. People from many varied backgrounds find a home at CrossPointe. "All we ever really need to do is just do the next right thing," Dees states. "Put them all together and we produce really great stuff."

As part of the community, CrossPointe provides a variety of special outreach events, such as Halloween festivities, Hay Bale Hey Day, and retreats for children, as well as active youth, single, and music ministries. "CrossPointe is new and vibrant, and on the move in our community," he says.

With his wife, Nancy, Dees looks forward to CrossPointe’s growth. "It’s incredible to see how this once small church has grown and to see new life come into it," Dees exclaims. "The Lord has blessed our church."

CrossPointe is located on Hughes Road in Madison, just across the street from Bob Jones High School, and offers services on Sundays at 9 am and 10:45 am, on Wednesdays at 6 pm, and can be seen on WZTV-11 on Sundays at 7 am and 8 pm and Wednesdays at 7:30 am and 10:30 pm.

For more information, contact CrossPointe Church at (256) 772-4GOD or online at www.crosspointefamily.org.

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In the first quarter of this year, several prominent community leaders met at the Athens City Hall with City Officials and Mayor, Dan Williams. The topic of discussion was the lack of parking spaces around the downtown business area. The conversations led to discussion of constructing a revitalization plan as well as committee. The plan would protect current businesses and encourage property owners to refinish and restore buildings that could potentially become part of a local shopping district. The Spirit of Athens began to flourish from this initial meeting.

A few weeks later, a group of curious citizens traveled to Alexander City to attend an Alabama Main Street Conference. Since the Athens Square and the Limestone County Courthouse are on the National Historical Trust, it was concluded that they will follow the guidelines and regulations of the Main Street America Program.

The Spirit of Athens is now incorporated and is seeking a nonprofit organization status. Presently, the association can provide tax exempt receipts for all financial donations.

Local citizens who are interested in the local historical restoration/renovation are encouraged to join the Spirit of Athens. For further information, please contact Carolyn Crow at (256)216-8464 and ‘Catch the Spirit’.

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