Hl january 2016 web

HARTSELLE Grand Old Lady celebrates 100 years These walls will be shared for generations to come

Inside this edition: Power of Prayer Falkville Breakfast in the classroom Kiwanis honors Guyton’s years of service 1 • Hartselle Living

Vol. 6, Issue 1

2 • Hartselle Living

3 • Hartselle Living

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HARTSELLE

table of contents

Grand Old tes Lady celebra 100 years be shared These walls will come to for generations

Inside this edition:r

JANUARY 2016

Power of Praye

Falkville Break classroom

fast in the

rs Guyton’s years Kiwanis hono of service Vol. 6, Issue 1

Hartselle Living

•1

HOMES ON THE COVER

16. Grand Old Lady celebrates 100 years

While students no longer fill the rooms of this grand structure the history that took place inside the walls will continue to be shared for generations to come. (Photo

by Randy Garrison)

The red brick building with the four white columns stands proudly on College St. just as she did 100 years ago when the first students made their way up the steps to the front porch and into her hallways.

STAFF President and Publisher Randy Garrison Contributors Clif Knight Caleb Suggs Advertising Pam Gray Office Staff Ann Kirby April Thompson Katie Sparkman

Departments 12

10 CONTACT US Hartselle Newspapers, LLC 407 Chestnut St. NW P.O. Box 929 Hartselle, AL 35640 256-773-6566 Fax: 256-773-1953 info@hartselleliving.com Hartselle Living is published monthly by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC. A one-year subscription to the Hartselle Enquirer and Hartselle Living is $39 in county or $78 out of county.

Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Hartselle area.

To advertise or to get more FREE copies, call 773-6566. www.hartselleliving.com Copyright 2015 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

5 • Hartselle Living

FEATURE: Jesus helped him get better, family would not accept prognosis

FEATURE: Falkville Breakfast in the Classroom, a resounding success.

20

26

FOOD: Comfort foods bring back memories of times when we felt life was simpler

FEATURE: Honored for long time service to the club and community

IN EACH ISSUE: Letters • 6 Calendar • 8 Out & About • 26 Classifieds • 29 Parting Shot • 30

LETTERS

He has got our back ost of us go through periods of time in our life when we feel that everything in our life is spinning wildly out of control. Times may not be bad, and to those on the outside we may seem that we have the world by the tail. But inside where we fight some of our battles there is conflict, anxiety, worry and many times even fear.

Now I am not speaking of a terminal illness or situations that would require life or death decisions.

I am speaking of those things that we let get control of our thoughts almost to the point that you feel that you can’t even go on.

Many times I let myself get overwhelmed, especially with work. I stop and think about all I have to do and wonder how I can ever possibly complete all of the tasks. I wake up in the middle of the night and remember something I forgot to do during the day. Maybe it was the phone call I failed to return, the email I did not respond to, or the re-

M

6 • Hartselle Living

port I did not finish or maybe even start on. All of these things might seem minor, but they are important to me and if they were not I would not be concerned about whether or not I completed them.

While this might seem like minor issues, to most of us who take our work very seriously, we feel that we have failed in our responsibilities to ourselves and to others.

Last week I was having a few of those days, so much so that even at times I wanted to almost panic because it seemed my plate was running over.

There were even a couple of times that I felt like throwing my hands in the air in surrender, because I felt there was no possible what that I could win the battle.

But then a pastor friend of mine posted this verse on Facebook: “Do not weep! See, the Lion of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.”

Rev. 5:5 After reading this I thought why have I worried about something so

Randy Garrison • Letter from the Publisher temporary. Jesus Christ has conquered sin, death and hell, why should I worry about anything. He has opened the gates to eternal life and bought our future with His own blood.

This really made me ashamed to think I had let myself get so worried, almost to the point of making myself physically sick over a few things that in the grand view of all things were not going to change the course of my life. But we all are human and so many times we tend to live in the here and now, and try to solve all of our problems on our own.

By His living, dying

and rising again, we know there is a better day coming. Even when we are having a bad day at work, or even a bad week, month or year, we do not walk alone. What an amazing feeling to know that He has our back, no matter what we get ourselves into, He stands ready to catch us when we fail.

Even if that failure is only getting so stressed out that you can’t function at work. Thank you Jesus, for always being there for me, arms wide open, even when I try to do it all on my own.

No matter how small or large our problem is, He is always the solution.

Common causes of poor vision

V

ision loss is a common condition, as the World Health Organization notes that more than 285 million people across the globe suffer some type of visual impairment.

Many people can effectively counter their vision problems with prescription lenses, but others may have a more significant issue, such as low vision.

The Kellogg Eye Center defines low vision as a reduced level of vision that cannot be fully corrected with conventional glasses.

Those with low vision have some useful sight and are not considered completely blind. However, low vision can interfere with performance of daily activities, and some people with this condition are classified as “legally blind.”

Symptoms of low vision include difficulty recognizing objects at a distance or problems with differentiating colors. Yet, not everyone dealing with these symptoms has low vision. Specialized testing can determine if a person has low vision or another condition.

Many conditions can impact sight and contribute to vision loss. Here’s a look at some of the more common ones.

• Glaucoma: A person with glaucoma may gradu7 • Hartselle Living

ally lose peripheral vision.

Early symptoms, such as a subtle loss of contrast, may be unnoticeable.

Eventually, glaucoma may cause tunnel vision, which occurs when a person can only see through a small window.

• Macular degeneration: Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million people in the United States alone, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. The AMDF offers that macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the retina’s central portion, known as the macula. The macula is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye, and it contributes to one’s ability to read, drive a car, recognize faces or colors and see objects in fine detail.

• Retinal detachment: An increase of floaters or sudden flashes of light in vision may be indicative of retinal detachment or a tear in the retina. When caught promptly, a detached retina may be repaired. However, if left untreated and the detachment reaches the macula in the center of the retina, vision loss may be irreparable. The National Eye Institute says those with extreme nearsightedness,

those who have had cataract surgery or those with a family history of retinal detachment are at a high risk.

• Diabetic retinopathy: Blurring or patchy vision loss can be a side effect of high blood glucose levels.

Not all people with diabetes will develop vision problems, but it is common enough to warrant attention.

• Cataracts: According to The Mayo Clinic, a cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the

eye. Cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eyes’ lenses.

Clouded vision can make it more difficult to read or drive. Over time, cataracts may obscure vision so much that they require surgical repair.

Routine eye examinations can bring potential vision disturbances to light and facilitate faster treatment. Eye doctors also can make suggestions about lifestyle changes, including the use optical devices to improve sight.

CALENDAR

April 23 May 20 Feb, 2 Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction Relay for Life Spelling Bee Hartselle Fine Arts Center will Hartselle Relay for Life will take Morgan County Spelling Bee to hold the Annual Benefit Dinner & place at J.P. Cain Stadium. be held at Calhoun Community ColSilent Auction Fundraiser. lege.

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Grand Old Lady celebrates 100 years These walls will be shared for generations to come

Inside this edition: Power of Prayer Falkville Breakfast in the classroom Kiwanis honors Guyton’s years of service Vol. 6, Issue 1

8 • Hartselle Living

Hartselle Living • 1

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Email: editor@hartselleliving.com Mail: Hartselle Living c/o Hartselle Enquirer PO Box 929 Hartselle, AL 35640 In person: Hartselle Living c/o Hartselle Enquirer 407 Chestnut St. NW Hartselle, AL 35640 Where in the World is Hartselle Living?:

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The building sitting on 307 College St. stands 100 years after being constructed in 1916. The building housed a school for 85 years.

May 21 Hall of Fame Banquet First annual Hartselle Educators Hall of Fame Banquet. Location to be announced at a later date.

May 23 Graduation Hartselle High School will hold graduation ceremonies at

9 • Hartselle Living

J.P. Cain Stadium for the Class of 2016.

the fourth annual Hartselle Half Marathon

Sept. 10 Zombie Chase Hartselle Lions Club will host the second annual Zombie Chase.

Sept. 17 Depot Days Festival Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 36th Annual Depot Days Festival.

Sept. 17 Hartselle Half Marathon Hartselle Kiwanis will hold

Power of prayer Jesus helped him get better, family would not accept prognosis STORY & PHOTOS BY RANDY GARRISON

J

ameson Colt Beavers was a typical 12- yearold who had spent Valentine’s Day of 2015 with his dad Daniel and his sister 11-year-old Marlee Ann Beavers. They had been skating that day and were traveling from a friend’s house on Friendship Rd. in East Morgan County. Colt was riding in the front seat of his Dad’s Toyota Corolla and Marlee was in the back.

Both had on seat belts but Colt did not have the shoulder belt across his chest. The car they were riding in collided with a truck hauling another car on the bed of the truck.

They were not only struck by the truck by the car on top came loose and struck their vehicle as well.

Daniel was trapped in the vehicle and Colt was injured when he hit the dashboard of the vehicle. Marlee tried to help Colt but was not able to get him out. She could tell he was hurt because of the amount of blood that was coming out of his head. Marlee was able to get out of the vehicle and walked to a car that had stopped and asked if she could use their phone to call her great grandmother JoAnn Johns.

Marlee and Colt’s Great Aunt, Laressa Johns and grandmother Sunny Johns Pinkston arrived at the wreck scene before the ambulance arrived. Daniel had to be cut 10 • Hartselle Living

Marlee and Colt Beavers pose for a photo almost a year after the accident.

out and Colt was in the ambulance when they arrived, they were told Colt was being taken to Huntsville Hospital along with his Dad. Marlee was treated and released from Huntsville Hospital having suffered seat belt burns from the accident. They kept waiting for Colt to arrive at Huntsville and received a call from another family member that Colt had been taken to Decatur Morgan Hospital, Decatur General Campus.

Colt required intubation on the way to the hospital; he was then flown by helicopter

to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, with the doctors in Decatur giving Colt little chance to survive.

Colt suffered a blood clot from the head trauma and had surgery two hours after arriving in Birmingham. The neurosurgeons also had to remove a flap from his skull to allow for selling of his brain from the trauma. Colt’s doctors did not give the family a lot of hope of Colt even waking up from the coma; if he did wake he would not be able to use his right side, the brain injury was on his left side.

One week Colt was off the respirator but they were still told he might not wake up and if he did he would not be the same Colt.

After surgery he was moved to Children’s ICU and was kept on life support. He did not wake up until three weeks later, was moved to Special Care and then to rehab.

Colt had many family members not only staying with him put praying for his healing as well. JoAnn and Johnny Johns, Colts GreatGrandfather have legal custody of both Colt and Marlee,

with both of them living with their great-grandparents.

JoAnn said when Colt started waking up they had to put him in a type of tent bed to keep him from getting out of the bed.

Johns shared the story of Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus with Colt.

She would tell Colt that Jesus was going to tell him to get up out the bed just like he told Lazarus.

Colt’s family would not accept the prognosis and prayed along with others for Colt to be healed from his injuries.

Colt’s Aunt Libby Morse started a Facebook page “Prayers for Colt” that reached thousands of people. The family received responses from all over the world. Colt’s name was even added to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. A lady from Hartselle had a friend living in Jerusalem and sent word to her friend about Colt and the need for prayer for his healing.

Morse also sold superman t-shirts to help with expenses for Colt, since Superman was one of Colt’s favorites.

Colt’s Upward Basketball team at First Baptist Church also wore pink shirts to their game Saturday after his accident. Colt’s favorite color is pink and this was done in his honor.

Colt not only woke up but was able to get out of the bed.

Johns said he looked like a newborn calf trying to walk.

He also had to wear a special helmet because his part of his skull was still removed.

On April 2 the surgeons put his skull flap back in place and he was allowed to go 11 • Hartselle Living

home on April 4, less than 2 months after his accident.

Johns said he was like a baby when he got home and had to have someone watch him, because he would wake up and ramble through the house and even try to leave the house.

Family members took turns staying in his room around the clock.

Colt is still taking physical and occupational therapy to help with the use of his right arm, which was broken and injured in the accident.

According to Johns, Colt is stubborn and determined to get his way just like before the accident.

Hartselle Intermediate School added a new award in for awards day in honor of Colt. The Courage and Determination Award was given in May 2015 at Awards Day. For her effort to get help for her brother and Dad, Marlee was also honored with an award for heroism in 2015.

Colt is now 13 years old and likes to fish with his great grandmother and shoot his shotgun with his great-grandfather on family land. He also likes to hunt and play basketball. He also loves his dog Peanut, a Chihuahua, who is also very protective of Colt.

His best friend for years, Mac Myer told Colt if he would get better in the hospital he would carry him on his back to go hunting.

Colt is back in school fulltime this semester after going part-time last semester. His favorite subject is PE. His family also mentioned that Assistant HIS principal Debra Harvel came to the hospital faithfully to see Colt and also bring something for both

ABOVE: Colt and Marlee before the accident RIGHT: Colt shortly before he left the hospital.

Colt and Marlee.

Colt’s doctors are not sure how far he will advance in his recuperation. The family has been told by one doctor that he will not move forward from where he currently is mentally. They have been told that he will go through school and receive a certificate of completion.

He has trouble with his short-term memory and has trouble verbalizing his thoughts according to Johns.

He is able to use his right arm and hand and continues therapy for that as well. Colt does not feel sorry for himself and will tell you so himself. He was tested in December and the family will get the results in February of this year.

Colt knows Jesus helped him to get better and will share that with others. He en-

joys attending youth activities at West End United Methodist Church and attends church with his family at Oak Ridge Baptist Church.

JoAnn Johns says Colt will not only finish school but will graduate with a high school diploma. She expects him to hold a job and have a family.

Jesus has brought Colt this far and she firmly believes Colt will continue to recover. Colt still has other obstacles in his path, but his family is holding tight to their faith and believing in the power of prayer.

Starting the day off right Falkville Breakfast in the Classroom, a resounding success.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY RANDY GARRISON

Dana Speegle’s kindergarten class at Falkville Elementary enjoys eating breakfast together in their classroom each day. Members of the class include Bryant Alexander, Kristen Borden, Serenity Evans, Clay Fitzgerald, Haley Hightower, Peyton Holloway, Justice Hurd, John Kimbril, Paige Nelson, Payton Nelson, Garrett Smith, Alex Wilson and Gracie Johnson. Ms Erica is also included in the photo.

I

f you are a parent of a Pre-K through 5th grade student at Falkville Elementary School, and you are concerned about your child having breakfast, your problem has been solved.

Each school day 375 students at this school in Morgan County enjoy having breakfast at their own desk or table. Parents do not have to get their kid to school early to purchase breakfast or send them to school with a sugary snack or with no breakfast at all, thanks to a grant received last year by the school.

12 • Hartselle Living

From faculty, teachers and students alike, it is easy to see this new program at Falkville Elementary School is definitely a huge success. According to FES principal, Shane Bryan, the “breakfast in the classroom” at his school has been a positive move in many ways. Tardiness has been decreased by 22%. Students are not rushing to the cafeteria to buy breakfast and then being late for class. The FES students also do not have to arrive early to buy breakfast. Students are not late due to parents stopping

by fast-food restaurants to pick up breakfast for their children and being late to school as a result. With both parents working now this is a great way for kids to have breakfast and get to school on time as well. It also prevents the students from arriving on campus and not having time to eat.

Also some family situations prevent students from having the first meal of the day and this solves the problem of students being hungry until lunch is served. There are also students who may have not had a meal since lunch the

day before and this ensures they will have breakfast each school day.

Another positive includes formative assessment tests have shown growth in this first year of the breakfast program.

Union Hill was the first school in the Morgan County system to begin the program. With their success Falkville surveyed teachers and those who would be involved with and help to manage the program. There was some apprehension about taking on this large program, but the majority agreed and the

program was kicked off at the beginning of the 20152016 school year.

Cafeteria manager Becky Dabbs, along with her crew of Denise Weaver, Jan Turney and Karen Tapscott, take care of getting the meals ready for the elementary students each day.

The meals and drinks are loaded into coolers and are ready for each classroom before the children arrive each morning.

The program also has an aspect of creating a sense of community and family. The period of eating together first thing each morning starts the day of much better for the students. It also gives teachers a time of advisory mentoring time.

Coach Jeff Andrews, who has helps manage the program, feels that coming in and sitting down to breakfast has a calming effect on the students. The routine of starting the day of eating together has been positive.

The students in Dana Speegle’s kindergarten class had smiles on their faces as they waited for breakfast at their tables.

After the meal was finished students helped to clean up and carried the coolers back to a designated location in the breezeway of the school.

Another positive aspect of the program includes using the leftovers for snacks later in the day. A cooler is located in a breezeway between the elementary buildings and all leftovers from breakfast are stored there each morning. Stu13 • Hartselle Living

ABOVE: Becky Dobbs, Denise Weaver, Jan Turney and Karen Tapscott prepare the breakfast each morning. RIGHT: Donna Jones helps Everette Massey and Aiden Weaver load the cooler.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Preston Phillips & Kenya Roberson load carts.

dents are welcome to come by and pick something up for snack time later, or they are welcome to take leftovers home for eating later.

This helps some students who might not have an evening meal.

Custodians Laura Reeves and Donna Jones take care of the leftovers and make sure all of the trash is removed from the classrooms each day. Making sure all trash from the breakfast meal is removed has been the biggest inconvenience of the program. According to Bryan, without those two ladies the program could not be carried out each day.

With the success FES has enjoyed perhaps other schools in the county will be adding the program in coming days.

HOMES

Grand Old Lady celebrates 100 years Home to the Hartselle Fine Arts Center STORY AND PHOTOS BY RANDY GARRISON

T

he red brick building with the four white columns stands proudly on College St. just as she did 100 years ago when the first students made their way up the steps to the front porch and into her hallways. While students no longer fill the rooms of this grand structure the history that took place inside the walls will continue to be shared for generations to come.

Fondly still referred to as the “Old F.E. Burleson” the structure at 307 College St. is now home to the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. The last students to attend classes here departed the school in May of 2001.

Much has changed about the building and how it is used, but the building is still one of the most fondly remembered and recognized in Morgan County and even North Alabama.

The current structure was the third to be built on the spot of land on College St between Milner and Sloss. The first structure was a wooden building and housed the Hartselle Male and Female College and was sold to the city of Hartselle by Prof. J.H. Riddle.

The town would raze the structure in 1912 to make way for a new brick building, which would be home to the Hartselle Elementary School.

In the fall of 1915 the brick structure burned to the ground. Not wanting their children to miss out on their education, the trustees of the school, J.F. Stewart, J.L. Day and J.M. Simpson signed a contract for a new building with W.A. Schlosser Builders of Cullman.

The building was completed on the same site and the

14 • Hartselle Living

15 • Hartselle Living

Classes through the years at FEB and the faculty circa 1930-40.

16 • Hartselle Living

school term began in the fall of 1916 in the new structure.

The same structure stands today 100 years later.

A quote from 1922 states ”You will have to travel up and down and across Alabama to find a finer grammar school than is the Hartselle Public School structure. It is classic looking with its great pillars. If the outside of the building is pleasing to the eye, the inside is a comfort to the teachers and the pupils.

It has 12 classrooms and an auditorium and is in every respect a modern school plant.”

In 1935 the Morgan County School System purchased Hartselle City School and it continued on under the same name. In 1939 the school became Hartselle Elementary School when the junior high grades moved to the county high school.

In 1965 the Morgan County School Board voted to change the name of the school to F.E. Burleson, to honor “Fessor “Burleson, principal of the school for 33 years. This name has stood and still stands even after the school moved to a new location on Bethel Rd. in 2001.

Changes took place over the many years the building served as a school. Teachers came and went and administrations changed. New buildings were added to the east and to the west of the main structure. Changes took place inside the walls, including turning the auditorium into a gym and then a library. The balcony for the stage was closed off and classrooms were added and the basement was renovated to add room for new enrollment when kindergarten classes were

added to the school.

In 1975 Hartselle left the Morgan County Board of Education and formed the Hartselle City School system, still in operation today.

But through the years the grand old building with strong bones stood the test of time and fulfilled her duties of housing Hartselle school children. She may have not been the most modern but she certainly cast a strong shadow and continued to stand proudly.

The one thing that remains constant is change. Land was purchased on Bethel Rd, and plans were drawn to move F. E. Burleson Elementary School to a new location. The main structure of the school was not handicap accessible and it would have been difficult to make it so.

When the last classes left the campus in May of 2001, the school system had no plans for the building and in fact did not have funds set aside to care for the structure. The old structure was in pretty bad shape. Even before the students left, buckets had to be used to catch water that entered the building when rain would fall. Her columns were an eyesore and her walls needed much tender loving care.

There was even fear that the building would be torn down or demolished.

Even before the last students left, then principal Jim Grammar was looking for ways to save the old building.

But a group of people with a connection to the building as well as a love for the old structure went to work.

The Hartselle Historical Society leased the building

from the Hartselle School Board of Education for 99 years and went to work.

Some who worked diligently on the building were David Burleson, Faye Walker, Bettye English, Amy Golden, Toby Mullins and Jennifer Sittason. Other also worked tirelessly to raise money to begin restoration.

One of the first and most needed repairs was stopping water from entering the building. The late Tommy Ed Roberts and Ronald Grantland were instrumental in helping the group secure funds from the Alabama Historical Commission while they were in office. Money raised through fundraisers and grants obtained enabled a new roof to be replaced on the building and the stately columns repaired.

The building was renamed the Hartselle Fine Arts Center.

The plan was to offer to those interested in the arts a location where they could perform. Plays, artists, drama and music were hoped to soon fill the building. The stage was opened back up and the auditorium was transformed back very close to the look it had when the building was constructed. Soon a new group known as College Street Players was performing on the stage in the building. Central heat and air was added to the downstairs section of the building and rental of the building was offered to help offset the cost of operating the center. Also each year, and continuing today, an annual Benefit and Silent Auction is help to raise funds to operate and continue the renovation of the building.

Camp 窶連rtselle was also 17 窶｢ Hartselle Living

part of the plan to increase the arts in Hartselle. Each June a camp composed of training in art, music and drama is held by the center.

Hundreds of children have learned an appreciation of the arts by attending the camp at the center.

In continuing renovation the balcony of the auditorium was opened back up and put back into use for the auditorium below. A parlor areas was renovated upstairs that could be used for social activities and parties. The Historical Society also turned one of the east classrooms into a museum to store and display historical items that had been donated and collected.

In order to be able to use the second floor, heating and air conditioning were added to the upstairs areas of the building as well. Grants were obtained and funds were continually raised to pay for the continued renovations. Both front offices were renovated, sound and lighting systems were purchased and all ceilings were repaired.

In 2011 bylaws were drawn up and a separate board was named to oversee the operation of the Fine Arts Center. The Hartselle Fine Arts Center broke away from the Hartselle Historical Society and became a separate entity as a 501c3 non- profit corporation governed by a group of 12 board members.

Dealing the same issue that arose when school children filled the building, handicap access was still an issue.

Money had been raised and grants were obtained to add Auditorium renovations, banisters stripped, new roof, and ceilings an elevator to the building needing repair were just a few of the needed repairs. to access all three levels of

the building. However due to the large cost and lack of funds to complete the project, it was decided the project could be done in two phases.

The first phase would include installing a ramp to allow access into the first floor of the building and an elevator shaft was constructed. In 2013 the ramp was completed and for the first time in almost 100 years physically impaired individuals would be able to enter the building without being carried up steps.

After handicap access was added to the building the restrooms needed to be brought up to current American Disability Act (ADA) requirements as well. Senator Arthur Orr aided the board in obtaining a grant to complete the complete renovations of the men and women’s restroom facilities.

Senator Orr was also instrumental in helping the board restore the original hardwood flooring in the building. Old carpet and asbestos tile had to be removed to reach the wood flooring.

The removal of the asbestos increased the cost of the floor restoration greatly. Senator Orr was able to find funds to help offset much of the cost of the restoration. The late Brian Teuscher worked his magic on the floors of the building, and gave the board a great deal on his work, enabling each floor to be refinished in the building. The floor restoration gave the building a completely new look.

In 2015 the front steps and front porch of the center were repaired and rebuilt to make Front entrance, downstairs hallway, office and auditorium as they are front access easier and to retoday after renovations. pair cracks in the porch and 18 • Hartselle Living

steps.

Thanks to the mayor and city council of Hartselle, the Fine Arts Center has been included in the city’s budget each year. These funds help to continue renovation and complete much needed maintenance for the old building.

The Morgan County Commission and Representative Ed Henry have also been great partners in helping financially and with in kind help over the years as well.

This help has been instrumental in continuing the building renovations.

Those who attend the annual fundraiser also provide much needed funds to operate the 100-year-old structure and “keep the lights on.” With utility costs running up to $2,000 in the winter months money is always needed to keep the center open.

With all of the updates and renovations rentals of the building have increased. The center is available for almost any type of event. Weddings, receptions, graduation parties, bridal and baby showers birthday parties and high school reunions are just some of the events that have been held in the center.

Much work still needs to be done at the building. The front columns are in need of repair again and rear doors as well as all of the windows need to be replaced. Both rear doors and the windows are not energy efficient and are a primary reason for high utility costs for the center. In long-range plans the board would like to construct a complete professional kitchen for the center. This would allow for increased rentals of the building as well

as enabling cooking classes to be offered.

The board would also like to complete the second phase, which would include the elevator housing, car and motor.

This would enable handicap access to both floors and the basement of the building.

Another change coming this year will be changing the name of the facility. The board of directors voted in 2015 to change the name from Hartselle Fine Arts Center to “The Burleson Center.” This will keep the historical name attached to the building. However, the board hopes this will also let the public know that the building is available not only 19 • Hartselle Living

for the arts but other activities and events as well. The arts will always be an important part of the building, but with prospective increased rental funds more money will be available to maintain and upgrade the building.

The board will celebrate the 100 years of the building as well as formally announce the name change at the Annual Benefit and Silent Auction April 23 of this year.

Current board members include Michael Ballew, Allen Drinkard, Bettye English, Andy Faulk, Randy Garrison, Ellen Hodgen, Rita Lee, Linda Newman, Wanda Thompson, Ann Tucker and The “grand old lady” closely restored to the showcase she once was. Ready for any type of event.

Faye Walker.

FOOD

Feeling comfort Comfort foods bring back memories INTRO BY RANDY GARRISON

W

hy is it that some foods that we crave are those that seem to remind us of being safe, secure and reminds us of happy times in our lives.

Perhaps those foods and the aroma from the kitchen just makes our heart beat a little faster. Or perhaps thinking about those foods makes getting home after a long day feeling like you have found your sanctuary.

Comfort foods make all of us feel warm inside and create a sense of “all is well with the world”. After all how could someone not feel good with the smell of pot roast coming from the oven or coming home and smelling the roast that has been cooking in the crockpot all day? Many times I think comfort foods bring back memories of times when we felt life was simpler.

We did not have the stress of everyday life, with our jobs, our families, and just life in general sometimes.

How could slicing into a piece of chocolate cake not take your mind off your worries, or pouring gravy over mashed potatoes not make ease the stress in your life.

Of course the downside to most comfort foods is they are not always healthy. But, we all have to live a little on the danger side of life every once in the while. Maybe the lowering of your blood pressure with the stress relief will overcome the extra calories in the mashed potatoes and chocolate cake.

20 • Hartselle Living

Mother’s Pot Roast

Chicken Pot Pie

2 1/2 pounds tip round roast salt and pepper to taste 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce 1 onion, cut into thin strips 2 bay leaves 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed 1 cup sliced carrots 1 cup frozen green peas 1/2 cup sliced celery 1/3 cup butter 1/3 cup chopped onion 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon celery seed 1 3/4 cups chicken broth 2/3 cup milk 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts

Courtesy of Allrecipes.com

Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Season roast with salt and pepper.

Place meat in pot with fat side up. Pour tomato sauce over roast. Place onion rings over all. Toss in bay leaves. Cover and cook 1 hour on high.

After 1 hour, reduce heat to low and cook 6 to 8 more hours. Carefully lift meat out of pot and remove to a warm platter.

Pour drippings through strainer into medium-sized saucepan and discard material in strainer. Whisk in flour to liquid.

Cook, stirring constantly over medium heat until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper; serve alongside roast.

Courtesy of Allrecipes.com

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.) In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.

In the saucepan over medium heat, cook

onions in butter until soft and translucent.

Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed.

Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside.

Place the chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Courtesy of Allrecipes.coms

1 pound ground beef 1 egg 1/4 cup bread crumbs 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 cup thinly sliced onion 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup beef broth 1 tablespoon cooking sherry 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Form into 8 balls, and flatten into patties.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties and onion in the oil until patties are nicely browned, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the beef patties to a plate, and keep warm.

Sprinkle flour over the onions and drippings in the skillet. Stir in flour with a fork, scraping bits of beef off of the bottom as you stir. Gradually mix in the beef broth and sherry. Season with seasoned salt.

Simmer and stir over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until the gravy thickens.

Turn heat to low, return patties to the gravy, cover, and simmer for another 15 minutes.

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Courtesy of Allrecipes.com

5 pounds red potatoes, cut into chunks 1 tablespoon minced garlic, or to taste 3 cubes chicken bouillon 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup butter salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook the potatoes, garlic, and bouillon until potatoes are tender but firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, reserving water. In a bowl, mash potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese, adding reserved water as needed to attain desired consistency.

Transfer the potato mixture to a slow cooker, cover, and cook on Low for 2 to 3 hours. Just before serving, stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.

COMFORT continued on page 22 21 • Hartselle Living

COMFORT, from 21 Macaroni and Cheese Courtesy of Allrecipes.com 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/8 teaspoon white pepper 3 cups milk 1 pinch ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon salt 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs 1 tablespoon butter, melted Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well.

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in the flour; cook on medium heat until flour just begins to turn pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes. Add thyme, cayenne pepper, and white pepper; cook and stir another minute, then whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth. Pour in remaining milk and whisk again. Bring the sauce just to a simmer.

Stir in nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt; simmer on medium-low heat until thickened, about 8 minutes, whisking often.

Turn heat off, then add 2 1/4 cups of Cheddar cheese; stir until melted and combined.

Add Dijon mustard.

Bake in the preheated oven until bread crumbs and Cheddar cheese topping are golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Transfer the macaroni into a casserole dish, then pour in the cheese sauce; stir to thoroughly combine sauce with pasta.

Mix panko bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl, and sprinkle crumbs on top of macaroni and cheese.

Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup of Cheddar cheese on top.

1/2 cup white sugar 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons water 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 2 eggs 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt

22 • Hartselle Living

MMMMM... Brownies

Courtesy of Allrecipes.com

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease an 8x8 inch square pan.

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter and water. Cook over medium heat until boiling. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.

Mix in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the chocolate mixture. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies set up. Do not overbake! Cool in pan and cut into squares.

Best Big, Fat, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Courtesy of Allrecipes.com 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 egg 1 egg yolk 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart.

Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted.

Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

23 • Hartselle Living

OUT & ABOUT

All of the photos on these pages represent individuals or groups who came together to help someone have a Merry Christmas.

Whether it involved growing a beard to raise money for a fellow brother in blue, serving meals on Christmas Day, or special giveaways of food or gifts for those in need, or just being there for another, these photos show what Christmas was all about. Love came down at Christmas and it is up to us to share that love at Christmas and every day of the year.

24 • Hartselle Living

25 • Hartselle Living

OUT AND ABOUT

We are available for *Weddings *Receptions *Luncheons *Pre-Wedding Parties *Bridal Teas

Visit our website at hartsellefineartscenter.org or email us at hartsellefinearts@att.net

26 • Hartselle Living

Rent one room or the entire building

Call 256-773-4046

All of the photos on these pages represent individuals or groups who came together to help someone have a Merry Christmas.

Whether it involved growing a beard to raise money for a fellow brother in blue, serving meals on Christmas Day, or special giveaways of food or gifts for those in need, or just being there for another, these photos show what Christmas was all about. Love came down at Christmas and it is up to us to share that love at Christmas and every day of the year.

27 • Hartselle Living

Kiwanis honor Guyton Honored for long time service to the club and community

Tom & Linda Guyton at the Kiwanis meeting where he was honored.

Tom Guyton, honoree, Mitch Tiffany with Ainsley’s Angels and Kiwanian Justin Barley.

A

those in need, helping to provide uniforms for a special needs softball team and sponsoring children and their families at Christmas each year.

The funds donated are generated in large part by the Half-Marathon the club sponsors each September.

This year a special group known as Ainsley’s Angels joined in the marathon. This group works to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy endurance events. Participants push rider athletes in special strollers and enable them to participate in an event they would never be able to enjoy, let them experience the wind in their face and the excitement of being part of such an event.

Because the local club was so impressed with the group, that ways to help them had been discussed.

One of the needs expressed

by Ainsley’s Angels was for the special strollers for the

fter having been a member of the Kiwanis Club for almost 50 years Tom Guyton had decided it was time to step aside and no longer be an active member of the club. Guyton had been a member of Kiwanis since the 60’s when he joined; he transferred his membership to the Decatur club when he worked in Decatur, but after retiring moved back to the Hartselle group.

Guyton was very active in the club missing very few meetings and always taking part in discussions and lending his experience to decisions before they were made. He was a very good pancake cook as well when the club held their annual pancake breakfast.

Guyton was also very active in the SNAP (Special Needs Accessible Playground) project, in which Kiwanis was a founding 28 • Hartselle Living

supporter. In fact he serves as treasurer of the project, which is nearing completion.

Upon hearing the news of Guyton’s intentions of leaving the club, several ideas where thrown around as to how the club could honor Guyton for his long time service to the club and the community. Kiwanis does offer several ways to honor members with Kiwanian recognitions. However, the club decided they would rather honor Guyton with something local that would help someone in the community.

The mission of Kiwanis includes changing the world by helping children one community at a time.

The local club adheres to this by helping the children in the Hartselle area, giving scholarships each year, giving each Hartselle school a gift card at the beginning of each school year to help

riders.

The Hartselle Kiwanis Club decided to honor Guyton by purchasing a stroller in his honor and donating it to the local Ainsley’s Angel group. The stroller was ordered and had the Kiwanis logo monogramed on the sides along with the words “In honor of Tom Guyton 50 year member.”

Guyton was recognized at a December meeting where the stroller was donated in his honor to Mitch Tiffany, leader of the local Ainsley’s Angels group. Guyton was surprised at the honor and with tear-filled eyes thanked the club for the donation and for the work the club has accomplished over the years. He mentioned he could not have been honored in a better way. Guyton and his wife Linda attended the meeting and the club expressed thanks and appreciation to him for his service to the club.

Marketplace Hartselle Living • 256.332.1881

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Call for more information 256-539-1400 www.alwaysthereinc.com American Proteins, Inc. Hiring Drivers Home Daily, Great benefits package (including: health/ dental/ vision insurance), paid vacation and holidays, quarterly safety bonus, 401K retirement plan.

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29 • Hartselle Living

Delivery available 662-365-3152 www.caglesod.com CARRY TRANSIT Decatur, Alabama Now hiring DRIVERS * Good Pay * Excellent Benefits & Home Time * 18 Months OTR exp. * Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement.

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Production Workers-CDL Class A or B Drivers-Food Service-General LaborHVAC-Machine OperatorsForklift OperatorsCustodians-Accounting Clerk: $7.25 - $17.00 Decatur: 256-351-1183 Cullman: 256-739-2024 Huntsville: 256-532-0599 Concert Promotions!

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Verifiable commercial big rig experience/ flatbed experience given preference/No felonies/ No DUI/DWI in past 10 yrs. THIS IS A CAREER TO RETIRE FROM…NOT JUST A JOB! To apply go to www.greenbushlogistics. com Or call (866)338-7213 HOMES FOR SALE Financing Available (wac) Low Down Payments Sheffield, Hackleburg, Town Creek, Courtland, Moulton & Falkville Call Matt 1-855-847-6808 •Mixed hay $5.00 per bale •$4.50 per bale for 100+bales Located In West Point Call 256-734-4202 We Buy Unwanted Appliances!

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Benefits. Mail resume to Charlene Graham, 2903 Wall Triana Hwy, Suite 8, Huntsville, AL 35824 or fax to 256-461-7427 KDC Properties, Inc. 256-355-9090 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, AL 35602 kdcpropertiesinc.com J. Wesley Cain, AL #286; TN #6499 THE MORTGAGE OUTLET, INC. •Offering Purchase/ Refinances w/CREDIT SCORES 580+ •100% CashOut & Purchase Programs •FHA Streamline–No Appraisal/Closing Cost •FHA/CONVENTIONAL/ USDA/VA Call Glenda Popwell 205-755-4577 or 1-800-365-9016 GJP@moneyoutlet.com NMLS #7371/AL#50594 We Buy ATVs Motorcycles & Utility Vehicles Motorsports Superstore 888-880-2277 Hamilton, AL SPRING CLEAN-UP Need a Dumpster?

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Hartselle Living • 29

PARTING THOUGHTS

This brings about feelings of peace and calm in a world that is sometimes neither one.

30 • Hartselle Living

www.decaturmorganhospital.net 31 • Hartselle Living

32 • Hartselle Living