Local News
Community Lens for Dec. 28
Connie Beckham sent this photo of a passionflower. ‘“Our family has enjoyed this passion flower vine for many years,” she wrote. “Not only is the blossom beautiful, the leaves are a meal for the Fritillary butterfly caterpillar. When the chrysalis opens we then watch the butterflies have a meal on our colorful zennias.” Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) was used traditionally in the Americas and later in Europe as a calming herb for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and hysteria. It is still used today to treat anxiety and insomnia. Scientists believe passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells, making you feel more relaxed.
Calling amateur photographers!
Have you taken a great picture that you’d like to share with the world? One with action, great lighting and/or interesting subjects? E-mail it to communitynews@ajc.com. Please no selfies, for-profit promotional pics, group shots or anything you wouldn’t want your grandma to see.
About the Author
A Midwesterner by birth, but a Southerner by heritage, Arlinda Smith Broady has a combination of solid values, easy-going charm and unrelenting thirst for knowledge that makes her a not only a dedicated journalist, but a compassionate community member. She seeks truth and justice, but is just as eager to spread good news and share a witty story.
