Hartselle Living September/October

HARTSELLE LIVING

A COLORFUL JOURNEY THROUGH LILY OAK FARMS

Dear reader,

DAs we strive to bring you inspiring stories, delicious recipes and a glimpse into the lives of remarkable individuals within our community, I am thrilled to share the latest issue of Hartselle Living, brimming with heartwarming stories that we hope will leave you feeling connected and uplifted.

In our quest to celebrate the extraordinary spirit that resides in our community, we have uncovered tales that exemplify the power of human connection and the beauty that lies within everyday life. We believe that by shining a spotlight on the diverse experiences of our neighbors, we can cultivate a deeper sense of empathy, foster stronger bonds and inspire positive change.

Within these pages, you will find a story of resilience and triumph. Meet the coffee-loving duo who started their own business that brings like-minded people together over a cup-of-joe. Read about the Falkville family who started their very own flower farm and get to know Shannon Parker who owns one of Hartselle’s oldest businesses; all in this issue of Hartselle Living.

As you immerse yourself in these captivating stories, I hope they serve as a reminder of the amazing individuals that surround us each day. It is through their triumphs, challenges and unwavering spirit that our community thrives.

I encourage you to share your thoughts and feedback on these stories and any other topics you would like to see explored in our future issues. Your voice is essential in shaping the content that resonates with our community. Thank you for your continued support and for allowing us to be a part of your lives. Together, we will celebrate the extraordinary, inspire change and build a stronger, more vibrant Hartselle.

Thanks for reading, rebekah.yancey@hartselleliving.com

Ashton Davis, with her daughters Kylee and Kate, pose at their family flower farm in Falkville. Read the story behind Lily Oak Farm inside this issue.

Photo by Rachel Howard

HARTSELLE LIVING CONTRIBUTORS

JACOB HATCHER, writer

Editorial

Rebekah Yancey

Contributors

Michelle Blaylock

Susan Hayes

Sara Laughmiller

Alex VanKoughnett

Chrissy Tucker

Marketing

Baretta Taylor

Anna Baker

Terri Haston

Administration

Kaitlyn Richardson

CONTACT US

Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

206 Cedar St. NW

P.O. Box 929

Hartselle, AL 35640

Phone: 256-773-6566

info@hartselleliving.com

Hartselle Living is published bimonthly Hartselle Newspapers, LLC.

A one-year subscription to Hartselle Living is $16.30 for 6 issues per year. Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Hartselle area. To advertise or to get more copies, call 773-6566.

Copyright 2023 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

Born in Georgia and raised in Tennessee, Jacob Hatcher now lives in Hartselle with his wife and three kids. Jacob is a freelance writer for the Hartselle Enquirer as well as a blogger at Son of a Biscuit Eater on Facebook where he writes about faith, family and life in the south. Jacob comes from a long line of master storytellers and porch sitters and loves few things in life more than a great story and a sad country song.

LAUREN LEE, writer

Lauren Lee is a media and marketing professional with 11 years of published writing experience. The owner of a local marketing business, Lauren loves having the opportunity to share the stories of the people and places that make North Alabama such a special place to call home. She’s married to her college sweetheart, Josh, and the mama to a rambunctious two year old, Oliver. In her little free time, Lauren enjoys creative writing, reading and knitting.

RACHEL HOWARD, photographer

Rachel Howard is a Hartselle native who is proud to own and run a business in her hometown. Capturing moments on camera allows her to give the gift of memories, and that makes her soul smile. She is an avid fitness-lover and teaches spin classes as a side hobby. She enjoys singing, playing golf with her husband Nick and being a dog mom to Ralphie and Bud.

JENNIFER SHERWOOD, photographer

Jennifer Sherwood has loved photography for as long as she can remember and has owned her own business for more than 14 years. She now owns a studio in Priceville. She most enjoys photographing people with their families and capturing their exciting and memorable life moments. She is married to Jeff and has four children, Aubrey, Emmy, Caleb and Ethan.

BREWING SUCCESS

STORY BY REBEKAH YANCEY PHOTOS BY RACHEL HOWARD

IIt is said that a good friend and a hot cup of coffee can make any day better. For best friends and coffee enthusiasts, Meagan Deese and Brianna Wilbanks, this belief was more than just a mantra; it was the driving force behind their entrepreneurial journey. Together, they embarked on a delightful venture, Camellia Coffee, a mobile coffee trailer named after the Alabama state flower. The two met while working together at Hartselle Family Dentistry. With their enthusiasm running high, Meagan and Brianna wasted no time in turning their dream into

reality. They researched extensively, sought advice from local entrepreneurs and fine-tuned their business plan: a process that took the better part of a year.

THE CAMELLIA COFFEE EXPERIENCE

Camellia Coffee’s mobile trailer, adorned with rustic charm and images of the delicate Alabama state flower, stands as a testament to the founders’ unwavering commitment to their roots. Initially inspired by a coffee truck in Oxford, Ala. called Southern Girl Coffee, their product is locally sourced from Shine on Coffee Roasters in Decatur.

The Camellia, which is the bestseller, is a white chocolate toffeenut latte blends together both Meagan and Brianna’s favorite flavors and is served either iced or hot. Other specialty drinks include the Marble Mocha, Southern Pecan, Bama Blackberry, Honeysuckle and Caramel Cookie Macchiato.

Camellia Coffee also offers classics with cold brews, lattes, both flavored and regular, Mochas, Americanos and Cappuccinos. For tea lovers, they offer several Piper and Leaf flavors including Briar Patch Brew, Pipermint Blues, Front Porch Special, Orchard Peach and Sassafras Strawberry.

A UNIQUE BLEND

One of the secrets behind Camellia Coffee’s success is undoubtedly the strong bond between Meagan and Brianna. They bring their individual strengths and personalities to the business, creating a harmonious blend that transcends mere friendship. While Meagan, a seasoned barista, works her magic behind the espresso machine, Brianna uses her flair for marketing to attract coffee aficionados from all walks of life. Meagan worked at Starbucks for 10 years before joining forces with Brianna to open the coffee trailer.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Camellia Coffee has quickly become more than just a coffee stop; it’s a community gathering spot. Meagan and Brianna strongly believe in giving back to the community that has embraced them wholeheartedly.

The duo says that’s the beauty of a mobile coffee trailer.

Camellia Coffee pops up at various events, farmers’ markets and even local festivals, spreading the joy of coffee wherever it goes.

Camellia Coffee can be hired for corporate events, weddings showers, parties and pop ups. For their full menu, scheduling an event or more information, find the business on Instagram at @camelliacoffee.co

BRI NGI NG H EALTHCARE TO YOU

We k n ow t h a t l o c a l , h i g h q u a l i t y h e a l t h c a re i s i m p o r t a n t t o f a m i l i e s a n d b u s i n e s s e s i n o u r c o m m u n i t y. S i n c e 2 0 2 1 , H a r t s e l l e H e a l t h Pa r k h a s b e e n a d d i n g s e r v i c e s , i nve s t i n g i n t h e c o m m u n i t y a n d b u i l d i n g t r u s t a s t h e p re m i e r h e a l t h c a re p rov i d e r i n H a r t s e l l e . O u r c o m m i t m e n t t o b r i n g h e a l t h c a re t o yo u c o n t i n u e s w i t h t h e a d d i t i o n of H a r t s e l l e H e a l t h Pa r k E R , a n ew f re e s t a n d i n g e m e rge n cy d e p a r t m e n t o p e n i n g i n 2 0 2 4

IMAGING CENTER · URGENT CARE

PHYSICIAN SPECIALISTS

PRIMARY CARE · PEDIATRICS

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS

A colorful journey through Lily Oak Farms

STORY BY JACOB HATCHER PHOTOS BY RACHEL HOWARD

HartselleHealthPark.com

Dr. Stephen Gould, Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and Dr D’Lisa Bitterly, General Surgery

AAfter sixteen years working as a sonographer, commuting more than an hour one way to work each day, Hartselle native Ashton Davis and her husband Jimmy decided it was time to find a way for her to be home more often. The work was fulfilling and enjoyable, but working eight hours and then being in the car for two more hours each day began to make her job in Huntsville untenable.

“We’ve got two girls, ten and thirteen, and we’d been praying for over a year and we also wanted to try and make our land profitable,” Davis said.

Davis and her husband, who is originally from Danville, met when she was a freshman in high school. After they purchased thirty-five acres in Falkville they knew they wanted to do something with their land, but they weren’t quite sure what. Neither Davis nor her husband Jimmy had much experience farming, with the exception of the small vegetable garden they had grown for the past five or six years and a few goats and chickens, but after a few of her husband’s co-workers talked about bees and flowers they decided growing flowers might be a real option.

After the birth of a couple of goats, Davis’s daughters decided they wanted to name any female goats after flowers and any male goats after trees. When they decided to start their flower farm, they knew they wanted something special, so they decided to name the farm after their first two baby goats, Lily and Oak. Thus Lily Oaks Farms was born.

Looking for guidance and a mentor, Davis emailed a flower farmer in Vinemont that was getting out of the business and was willing to coach Davis for her first season of farming. “They made a lot of mistakes their first couple of years and there’s a lot of things they had to learn. I didn’t have to make those mistakes because of them. She went step-by-step from starting the seed indoors, when to plant it, how to pick it and how to cut it. She did that so I could know what florists would buy from me.”

While she is very pleased with the success she has had so far, Davis says ultimately the blessing Lily Oaks Farms has provided for her and her family is the opportunity to be home with her daughters.

“We wanted to cultivate our land, but mainly I only have a few more years with my girls being at home, and this allowed me to be home with my girls for the first summer ever and cultivate their hearts,” she said.

Knowing the importance of being home with her children made the transition from the medical field to flower field very easy. “I knew I wanted to be home with them,” Davis said. I wanted to do things with them and they have both been huge helpers, from washing trays to planting in the field at night.”

Their main focus is to grow flowers for wholesalers and designers, but in order to minimize the amount of flowers thrown away, Lily Oaks Farms also has a self-serve roadside farm stand. “It’s at the end of the driveway and I just put bouquets of flowers and vegetables out there and people just drop by and buy whatever they need,” she added.

“I don’t want to say taking this on was scary, because there’s a lot of faith involved. It’s a great opportunity just to be able to do this with our family and to step out in faith and obedience: whether we make a dollar or we don’t, that’s ok. I had never grown a flower in my life until I grew thousands of them, but it was honestly what the Lord laid on our heart and once we started researching there was no turning back.”

Lily Oak Farms is located at 1606 W Lacon Rd., Falkville.

That’s a wrap on summer events at the library

WWe had a terrific summer at the William Bradford Huie Library. Our Summer Reading Program was fantastic, and we want to thank all those who worked to make it a success.

Our Hartselle Police Department and Morgan County Sheriff’s Department did a wonderful job at the kickoff event. We also want to give a shout out to the Hartselle Fire and Rescue and our Public Works Department. They did a great job explaining their jobs and what they do in our community. Mayor Garrison opened up City Hall for one of the programs allowing our young patrons the opportunity to see how our city government works to keep our city running smoothly. We appreciated Dr. Sittason from Sittason Family Dentistry and Dr. Parker from Animal Tracks taking time out of their demanding schedules to participate in our Summer Reading Program. Of course, we are so thankful for the library staff, Alex VanKoughnett, Sarah Laughmiller and Chrissy Tucker for all their hard work and planning that goes into making our programs a success.

BY MICHELLE BLAYLOCK LIBRARY MANAGER WILLIAM BRADFORD HUIE LIBRARY OF HARTSELLE

What’s next? It’s fall y’all! The programs never stop at the library. We have lap babies storyt ime, pre-K story time, kids book club, adult painting classes, adult book club, movie nights and kids painting classes. Starting in September we are going to add an additional kids’ paint class. We will have one class for our pre-k-kindergarten and a second class for our first grade through fourth grade. Our painting class for our older kids will be a little more challenging.

We have Jim Phillips coming just in time for Halloween Oct. 30 to share with us some stories about ‘Haunted Alabama.’ We are also planning another Trunk or Treat for this year. It was such a success last year we can’t wait to do it again!

To keep up with all our programming and events just stop by the library and pick up calendar. We also post activities on City of Hartselle’s Facebook page, Friends of Huie Library Facebook page and you are welcome to call us at 256-773-9880.

Hope to see you at the library!

From the librarians:

Must

read

young adult fiction novels:

Each of the books below are great reads from the young adult fiction section. In these books, you will find characters who are going through the process of growing up and learning how to be an adult.

“THE INHERITANCE GAMES”

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle is proud to offer readers recommendations from our librarians. These books are picked by Sarah Laughmiller, Chrissy Tucker and Alex VanKoughnett. Come to the ibrary to check these out and more.

This is the first of a trilogy about an eccentric billionaire that leaves almost his entire fortune to a stranger. Avery Grambs is a high school student that recently lost her mother and is living with her half-sister, Libby. One day, they get a visit from a young man in an expensive suit who tells them that Avery must be in Texas for the reading of Tobias Hawthorne’s will. The young man turns out to be the heir apparent, Grayson Hawthorne. When Avery and Libby arrive at the estate, they are met with the other Hawthornes – who are none too thrilled that they are there. After the reading of the will, everyone is shocked to learn that the family gets peanuts compared to the lion share left to this mysterious stranger. Now Avery has to live in Hawthorne house with the family for a year to receive her inheritance. Avery, as well as the four Hawthorne grandsons, all received a letter from Tobias. One clue leads to another until they are all in a race to figure out the secrets kept by old man Hawthorne. Avery has to figure out who she can trust. And in a house full of people that seem to hate you, that can be a challenge.

“THE UPSIDE OF FALLING”

By Alex Light

Becca Hart used to believe in love. When her former friend, now turned nemesis picks on her for not ever having a boyfriend, Becca blurts out that she’s been secretly dating someone. Brett Wells is the football star and a super popular guy around school. Everyone thinks he can date whoever he wants. Brett is just too preoccupied with his future to have a girlfriend. When Brett overhears Becca’s lie, he volunteers to be her mystery guy. It’s a win-win for everyone. Brett gets his friends off his back about being too busy for a girlfriend, and Becca can keep up appearances. Soon, they both find out just how much they have in common. They have some things from their past to face, and their fake relationship starts to feel very real.

“RUBY RED”

By Kerstin Gier

Gwyneth Shepherd’s sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. Unexpectedly, Gwyneth is the one who has this most special ability. Now, she must unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date, brush up on her history and work with Gideon – the time traveler from a similarly gifted family. His gift passes the gene through its male line while Gwyneth’s passes down through the female line. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

“ROYAL BLOOD”

By Aimee Carter

Evangeline Bright, also known as Evan, is your average American girl. She’s been kicked out of multiple boarding schools and is about to be expelled from another for setting a building on fire. Also, she just happens to be the illegitimate daughter of the King of England. After her latest expulsion, her father decides enough is enough and she will be spending the summer in England with him. Now living in Windsor Castle, Evan is thrust into a world she’s only ever observed. Her hostile stepmother wants her gone. Her half-sister, the King’s legitimate heir, ridicules her at every turn. And new “friends” plot to destroy her and even try to frame her for murder. All of this gets leaked to the press and they are ready to make the whole world think she killed someone. Will Evan ever find a way out of this mess?

EMPOWERING INK

STORY BY LAUREN LEE

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER SHERWOOD

AAfter years of traveling and searching for fulfillment in other careers as a cosmetologist and graphic designer, Savannah Livingston and Heather Sharbutt of The Blush Artistry and Lumith have filled their cups by helping to fill others. The friends and business owners have built their services around empowering their clients and making them feel at home within their fun and inviting space in historic downtown Hartselle. Though different in their approach, both women use their artistry to allow their clients to leave feeling pampered and with lasting confidence that makes them want to keep coming back again and again.

A Priceville native, Livingston started her early career as a cosmetologist and traveled throughout the states before realizing she wanted a change. After moving back home she started The Blush Artistry about three and a half years ago where she offers cosmetic tattooing such as lip blushing, microblading (brows), eyeliner and more.

Sharbutt was born in San Diego before moving to study graphic design at The Art Institute of Atlanta. After working a variety of art jobs, the two women met and decided to take the plunge together. Sharbutt specializes in unique feminine and fine line tattoos with a self-proclaimed “light-hand” that’s so relaxing she’s had clients fall asleep in the chair.

For Livingston, the magic comes in helping her clients leave feeling their best selves. While all of her guests are special, she says being able to help those that have experienced hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments or other conditions is especially impactful.

“I’ve had a client that has trichotillomania – where she picks at her skin and pulls her hair out. We did her brows and she said ‘I’ve never felt more beautiful in my life.’ That’s just incredible,” said Livingston.

Sharbutt says she’s had the opportunity to tattoo plenty of meaningful things for her clients from birth flowers of children to the handwriting from deceased loved ones. Being able to capture those moments and memories is something that she never takes for granted.

“I had one lady that both of her grandparents had passed away with Alzheimers and she had forget-me-not flowers tattooed with their name in the stems of the flowers.” Sharbutt said. Although the business is practically a household name now, Livingston and Sharbutt said taking that initial plunge was nerve wracking, but that now they can’t imagine anything different.

“In the beginning it was terrifying, but as soon as I let go of it things lined up like crazy,” Livingston said, “If I could go back I would say to believe in myself. It wasn’t easy to put money into a business, it was crippling at first. But seeing what I can do –I don’t think I would have appreciated that in the beginning,”

Sharbutt said she initially was resistant to Livingston’s invitation to join the shop but that after ample encouragement, she decided to take the leap.

Up Your Outdoor Grilling Game

Griddle Traeger Grill

“I needed to stop comparing myself to others on social media. I use it now more strategically – it keeps you humble. I would tell myself to enjoy the ride more.” Sharbutt said.

Over the past several years, Livingston and Sharbutt have grown the shop from ground zero to being completely booked out months in advance. They have worked to create a salon-like space that they say they’re both excited to be in each day.

Livingston says one of the best parts about her job is being able to create a lasting experience for clients that leave as friends. She said one of her top priorities in creating The Blush Artistry is to

FOOD & DRINK

create a space for women to empower each other.

“People share so much with us and they just leave feeling so much more confident in themselves. When women support one another it’s a powerful feeling,” Livingston said. Similarly, Sharbutt says Lumith allows her not only to tap into her artistry background, but to provide a lasting impression.

“They come wanting an experience and when we come in here the energy is just different. It empowers, there’s a transfer of good energy. We really are passionate about pouring our all into it and growing it with love and passion,” Sharbutt said.

PROTEIN PIZZA

BY EMILY NORRIS SOUTHERN FRIED SKINNY

AA classic favorite at everyone’s house? PIZZA!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 1 egg

• ¼ c. parmesan cheese

• ¼ c. mozzarella cheese

• ½ c. marinara

• Oregano, garlic powder, black pepper

• Your favorite classic pizza toppings

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add chicken, egg, parmesan and mozzarella cheese and a pinch of each spice to a bowl and mix well.

2. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, roll or spread mixture out into your pizza crust. *Spread this out to ¼ inch so it will cook thoroughly and get crispy. If the crust is too thick, it will be soggy.

3. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. The crust should be beginning to brown.

4. Remove crust from the oven and add sauce and additional toppings. Add a little more mozzarella on top.

5. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until brown to your liking. This recipe makes one pizza or 6 slices. Protein pizza is more filling than regular. Make pizza night fun by letting kids top their pizza with their favorite toppings.

SHRIMP AND GRITS

BY EMILY NORRIS SOUTHERN FRIED SKINNY

Your personal invitation

TTen years ago Hartselle City Schools gathered feedback from across the community to develop its first strategic plan. Five years ago those goals were revisited to ensure that they continued to reflect the overarching educational vision of the Hartselle community.

The time has again come for Hartselle to look at the strategic plan and its goals.

Hartselle City Schools’ employees were surveyed in May. Hartselle community members are being surveyed now and will continue to be surveyed through midOctober. Several groups of students will be surveyed through the end of October.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, detailed and deveined

• 1 pound Conecuh sausage

• 1 cup old fashioned grits

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups milk

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1 red onion

• 1 each red, yellow and green bell pepper

• 10 ounces cherry tomatoes

• 1 stick butter, 2 more tbsp for grits

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup flour

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes

• 2 tbsp. minced garlic

• 2 tsp. red pepper flakes (if you like spice)

• 1 tbsp. Old Bay seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Green onions or chives (optional for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a pot, bring milk and chicken broth to a boil. Add in grits and cook according to packaging. Just before they are done, add in cream cheese, butter and a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté shrimp. Be careful not to overcook. Set aside.

3. Add sliced Conecuh sausage to same pan and sear on both sides. Set aside.

4. To same skillet, add diced onion, diced peppers, garlic and halved

cherry tomatoes. Cover and let them sweat down a little over medium low heat. This takes about 5 minutes. You don’t want them fully cooked, just softened and not raw. Set aside and cover with foil.

5. With oil from shrimp, grease from sausage and juices from veggies, turn heat to medium and melt one stick of butter in same skillet.

6. Once completely melted, start adding flour, little by little. This step is the trickiest, just be patient. Keep adding flour and stir constantly until your roux turns dark brown. It will take about 30 minutes, give or take, and you want it to look like melted chocolate or brown gravy.

7. Add in can of tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well and let this cook for about 5 minutes.

8. Turn heat to low and add in peppers, onion, tomatoes and garlic mixture. Add seasonings and mix well. Cover and let simmer for another 5 minutes.

9. This step is up to you. This is where you would add in your shrimp and sausage. Let them heat up. I add sausage but do not add the shrimp. I keep it separate and add them to my plate at the end. This works best for us because we have leftovers and I like to keep my shrimp separate.

10. Add grits to your plate, spread them across the plate and layer your shrimp and sausage mixture on top so you get grits in every bite.

11. Garnish with green onions or chives. This is a long recipe but worth the work it takes. When you finish, you will feel like a 5-star chef.

If you wanted to make this easier at dinner time, you can pre-make your grits and heat them just before shrimp mixture is ready. Just add a splash of milk and a pat of butter. You can also precook your shrimp and sausage and dice your veggies. Be sure to be patient with step 6. It does take time. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to your stove temperature in this step. It is better to cook lower and slower here than hotter and faster. You absolutely do not want your roux to burn – it will ruin your dish. Keep the faith and keep stirring.

BY SUSAN HAYES FEDERAL PROGRAMS COORDINATOR HARTSELLE CITY SCHOOLS

You are invited to take the community survey. A visit to the Hartselle City Schools website at www.hartselletigers.org will direct you to a summary sheet of the current plan and to the survey itself.

“I hope Hartselle’s families will respond to the survey,” Superintendent Brian Clayton said. “The primary goal of the survey is to collect information regarding our overarching goals and priorities, but the survey’s response field allows parents to share a little more if they choose.”

Clayton and other administrators analyzed the HCS employee survey results during a July staff meeting. “I have already spoken with my team, and we will read every submitted parent and citizen response so that we are certain to understand the perspectives of all who respond.”

The survey questions tie directly to the already-established goals and priorities of the strategic plan. For example, the first question reads:

The HCS Strategic Plan asserts that successful HCS graduates are:

● Academically well-grounded

● Organized

● Problem solvers

● Innovators

● Good communicators and collaborators at all organizational levels

● Fully equipped with skills for success in both college and/ or chosen careers

Keep the same? Add? Revise? Clarify?

It’s here that you are invited to share your thoughts. Again, you can find the survey on the Hartselle City Schools website. Thank you for helping us grow!

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

5

Shannon Parker

Enquirer Printing is one of Hartselle’s oldest businesses, opening in 1933 and being family operated by the Parker family since the 1970s. Shannon Parker is the sole proprietor now – he began working for his father, Clifford Parker, when he was nine years old. The commercial printing company employs four full-time staff members and is located on Chestnut Street, where it has been since 1976.

What have you most enjoyed about your career in commercial printing?

Parker said being in business in Hartselle for decades has afforded him the opportunity to forge relationships with his customers and community members.

“This business has been very good to my family,” he said. “This community and North Alabama in general, I’ve met some really super people through Enquirer Printing.”

What have you learned through the years of owning a business in Hartselle.

“To bite my tongue,” Parker said with a laugh. No, I’ve learned to treat everyone the same and to treat people with respect no matter who they are. When they come

#HeyHartselle

Follow @hey_hartselle on Instagram and use the hashtag #HeyHartselle for a chance to be featured on this page in each issue.

@katieachittam: Recital 2023

@mackenzienhoward: The Howard’s are home in Hartselle!

in these doors, they are going to get quality service. I still think it’s important to have a personal connection with your customers.

How has your business changed through the years?

Technology has changed the printing industry so much. I have a machine now that does the job of five people 20 years ago. My father would be astonished at how easy it is to print color today. It was very difficult back in the day with all the steps involved to print color. Even so, it has never dawned on me until recently that Enquirer Printing is somewhat of a pillar in the community. People still depend on us.

What does the future look like for Enquirer Printing?

Parker doesn’t have plans to retire.

“I’m 62 years old,” he said. “If the good Lord continues to bless us and bless this business, I want to be able to provide the community with the service we always have. It’s all due to God.”

What do you enjoy in your free time, away from the office?

“Last month I was at the shop three weekends out of four. We’ve been covered up – but that’s a good thing,” Parker said. When he’s not at Enquirer Printing, Parker can be found on his tractor, cutting and bailing hay or spending time with his grandson and wife.

@smalltownsistersal: A basket full of summer

@zoe_hallll:

HARTSELLE CHAMBER SIGNS LEARNING AGREEMENT WITH UNA

TThe University of North Alabama and the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce have signed a learning agreement that will benefit all full-time employees of Chamber member businesses who are interested in pursuing any online, oncampus, graduate or undergraduate

degree with a tuition scholarship from UNA. The partnership between UNA and the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce is effective immediately and expected to benefit its 370 member businesses and their full-time employees. Employees of Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce

members may learn more about this opportunity by contacting the Chamber office at (256) 773-4370 or by contacting Amanda Sherrod, University of North Alabama Director of University Partnerships, at asherrod@una.edu or (256) 765-4861.

SERVE DAY

SServe Day is a true example of why Hartselle’s slogan is the “City of Southern Hospitality.” Businesses, churches, nonprofits, and families come together on this day every year to serve our community. This year’s Serve Day took place Sept. 15. Hundreds of volunteers gathered in front of the Depot for a pep rally, which included a flag ceremony led by Boy Scout Troops 336 and 92, the National Anthem led by HACC staff member, Jaime Hatcher, a speech by Hartselle Football defensive coordinator and associate head coach, Bert Newton, and a send-off prayer led by Jimmy Watson, Pastor of Hartselle First Assembly of God. Volunteers from more than 20 local organizations completed projects such as painting and repairs at J.P. Cain Stadium, landscaping and cleaning at each Hartselle school and roadside trash clean-up throughout the community.

BECOME A MEMBER

MEMBERS:

• River City Mom

• Hartselle Laser Creations

HARTSELLE CHAMBER

RECEIVES TOURISM

TThe Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce recently received two tourism grants, totaling nearly $17,000, through the Alabama Tourism Department and its 2023 Tourism Legislative Grants Program. The

GRANTS

funding was granted by Senator Arthur Orr and Representative Scott Stadthagen and will be used for the marketing and promotion of Hartselle and Hartselle’s Depot Days Festival.

This year’s Serve Day was presented by Corum’s Building and Farm Center. The Silver Sponsor was Champion Air Systems, LLC, and breakfast was provided by Rep. Scott Stadthagen. Bronze Sponsors included East Highland Baptist Church, Family Security Credit Union, Habitat for Humanity of Morgan County, Hartselle First Assembly of God and Thompson Homes.

STATE OF HEALTHCARE

TThe Hartselle Chamber hosted the third annual State of Healthcare address, presented by LifeWork Physical Therapy, June 16. Attendees were welcomed by Missy Evans, President/CEO of the Hartselle Chamber and Mayor Randy Garrison. The invocation was given by Jimmy Watson, HACC board member and Pastor of Hartselle First Assembly of God. Lynne Shelton, director of the Hartselle High School Medical Academy, gave an update via Zoom, and Mike Tucker, owner of LifeWork Physical Therapy, facilitated a panel discussion with Kelli Powers (President of Decatur Morgan Hospital), Summer Blankenship (Executive

Director of the Mental Health Association in Morgan County), Dr. William Smith (Chief Medical Officer of Cullman Regional Hospital), and Justin Graves (Area Agency on Aging Director of NARCOG.)

Gold Sponsors for State of Healthcare were Cedar Street Primary Care, Cullman Regional - Hartselle Health Park, Decatur Morgan Hospital, DOC Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, and Redstone Federal Credit Union. Silver Sponsors were Express Bath and Whitfield Family Practice, and Bronze Sponsors were Hartselle Utilities and the Mental Health Association in Morgan County.

• Aveanna Hospice

• Olde ’76 Barber Shop

• The Pastry Pig Bakery

• Fuqua’s Southern Soul Food

• Dairy Queen

• Main Street Bakery

• Lucky Buffet

• Fite Construction Company

• Homemade by LaLa

• The Market2Go

• Safe-T-Shelter Storm Shelters

• Young’s Lawn Care & Home Repair, Inc.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Sept. 7 – B.O.S.S. Breakfast

• Sept. 10 – Depot Days

Community Worship Service

• Sept. 11 – Depot Days “Down Memory Lane”

• Sept. 16 – Depot Days Festival

• Sept. 4 – State of the Schools

Breakfast

• Sept. 4 – All Ambassador Quarterly Meeting

• Sept. 20 – Chamber 101

For more information and to register for upcoming events, visit hartsellechamber.com/ events/calendar

GROSS OUT CAMP COMES TO HARTSELLE

Fresh Air Family brought its Gross Out science Camp to Sparkman Park again this year July 17-21 and made science fun for kids.

OUT & ABOUT

Photos by Rachel Sims

1. Avery Hernandez

2. Abner Sims

3. Penelope Phelps

4. Rhoda Sims

5. Jacob Walker

6. Kingsten Metz

7. Brooks Perrin

8. Silas Walker

9. Britain Hopkins

10. Grant Morgan

11. John Patrick Estrada

12. Kaden Powers

13. Emmie Lou Harris

14. Jetta Metz

HARTSELLE TIGERS PANCAKE BREAKFAST

The Hartselle Tigers football team enjoyed a pancake breakfast and fundraiser Aug. 5 at Hartselle High School.

Photos by Jim Meadows

1. Chris Wallace and Mickey Hembree

2. Ken Johnson and Carolyn Johnson

3. Madie Hawkins and Hannah Hall

4. David Terry, Brandon Ellis, Jeff Hardin, Sonie Wilson, Terry Kay, Jacob Conover and Stuart Owensby

5. Meri Brandon Lee, Emme Dodd, Kylee Blanton and Aubrey McLamb

6. Chad Gladden, Kyla Blackwood, Kerri Southern, Brennan Swafford, Nora Hollingsworth and Keith Wright

7. Calico Hollingsworth, Alex Edwards, Arlo Edwards and Karma Edwards

8. Stephanie Ellis, Tonja Kay, Kim Hall and Kelly McLamb

9. Terry Hess and Freida Hess

10. Ben Peck, Howell Peck, Kelli Peck and Ruth Peck

11. Luke Southerland, Brandon Chatman, Chris Wimberley, Jacob Cole and Jake Tiffin

12. Danitra Lucky and Eli Lucky

13. Tommy Raley and Bob Sittason

14. Steve McKee, Susan McKee, Bob Wesson and Kathy Wesson

15. John Elmore, Lenox Elmore, Greyson Elmore, Lizzy Elmore, Leigh Chappell, Tom Chappell, Norma Jean Williamson and Ed Williamson

16. Trai Meadows, Chandler Meadows, Kristen Meadows and Ford Meadows