Hl july 2016 im web

HARTSELLE Knight retires after 52 years Inside this edition: Camp Invention Hartselle Art Studio Closing Tour of San Francisco Phillip Shelton honored

Vol. 6, Issue 7

Hartselle Living • 1

2 • Hartselle Living

Hartselle Living • 3

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4 • Hartselle Living

HARTSELLE

table of contents

Knight retires after 52 years Inside this edition:

Camp Invention g Studio Closin Hartselle Art isco Tour of San Franc honored Phillip Shelton

Vol. 6, Issue 7

Hartselle Living

July 2016

•1

ON THE COVER

Knight retires after 52 years

Every person has a story, says Clif Knight as he retires after 52 years.

STAFF “We wish you happiness and good health as you move into the next chapter of your life”

President and Publisher Randy Garrison Contributors Clif Knight Caleb Suggs Charley Gaines Lee Greene, Jr. Lauren Thornton Tobin Advertising Pam Gray Office Staff Ann Kirby April Thompson Katie Sparkman

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 2016 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

Departments 12

9

FEATURE: Philip Shelton -Developing an award

FEATURE: Camp Invention

20

FOOD: Favorite Appetizers

22

FEATURE: HASG closes

IN EACH ISSUE: Calendar • 6 Letters • 8 Out & About • 25 Parting Shot • 30

Hartselle Living • 5

CALENDAR Aug. 10 Hartselle City Schools Classes begin Aug. 13 Meet the Tigers Aug. 23 Municipal Elections to be held Aug. 30 College and Career Fair HHS Sept. 5 America celebrates Labor Day Sept. 9 Riverfest in Decatur Sept. 10 Hartselle Lions Club will host the second annual Zombie Chase Sept 11 Hartselle Morgan County Community Task Force will hold a Prayer

Vigil at Morgan County Celebration “Down Memory Lane” Arena.

Sept. 16 Racking Horse World Sept. 12 Hartselle Historical Society will host Celebration

HARTSELLE

We want to hear from you!

Tell us what you like. Suggest improvements.

Submit story ideas and your photos.

Email: editor@hartselleliving.com

HOW TO REACH US

Knight retires after 52 years Inside this edition: Camp Invention Hartselle Art Studio Closing Tour of San Francisco Phillip Shelton honored

Vol. 6, Issue 7

6 • Hartselle Living

Hartselle Living • 1

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?:

Travel with Hartselle Living!

Snap a photo of yourself anywhere in the world holding a copy of Hartselle Living and submit by email, by mail or in person. Don’t forget to let us know where in the world you were!

Sept. 17 Hartselle Kiwanis will hold the fourth annual Hartselle Half Marathon Sept 17 Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 36th Annual Depot Days Festival Oct. 1 Massey School/ Community Reunion to be held at the Massey Volunteer Fire Dept.

Oct. 27 Power of Pink Walk–Decatur Nov. 12 Veterans Day Parade Dec. 8 Hartselle Kiwanis Christmas Parade

This group from Hartselle under the guidance of Fred and Sandra Smith toured Northern California with the June issue of Hartselle Living.

Hartselle Living • 7

LETTERS

Home is always with you

M

ost of us have heard the old adage a house is not a home. I think of the word house when the thoughts of brick, mortar, studs, shingles, and other physical items that make up a the structure of a house. With I think of the word home thoughts of family, friends and memories come to mind. Also the term love makes a house a home comes to mind also.

There are several definitions of home.

According to the dictionary home is the house or apartment where one lives. Another is the place where a person was born or grew up.

My favorite definition of home is “where the heart is”.

We think of a home or dwelling place as a structure made of bricks, wood and other types of building materials. Folks in Bible times lived in tents or even in structures formed out of rock, some even lived in caves. Pioneer settlers even lived in houses built from sod cut from the ground.

All of the structures mentioned above, while many much better and more comfortable than others still served a com8 • Hartselle Living

mon purpose. That purpose was to keep a family warm and dry and to protect from enemies such as wild animals.

When we think of houses today we tend to think more of comfort than necessarily protection, but regardless of how elaborate the structures we now live in they still need to offer the same protection. We still want to be dry, warm, and protected; however now we want to be cool in our home as well.

But moving back to my definition of home, this is also the place where love lives as well, or should live. Everyone should feel safe and loved in his or her home. Regardless of age or gender there should be some place that no matter what happens in ones life, you can go to your safe place or your home.

Since we think of love being an emotion of the heart, and flowing from the heart, what a better place to feel loved than the place you call home. Home is where your memories are made, where you experienced love and felt love from those living with you, most likely being your family.

While some may think one can never go back home, the really great part

is, you never really have to leave home.

Home is where you felt safe and secure, where you felt love and loved others. So regardless of what structure you reside in, the memories that you have saved in your heart go with you. Those memories that you hold close and never want to lose.

Home is more than a structure to keep you warm and dry and safe, home is also the feeling you get when you walk in the door and experience over and over again all of the good times and blessing you have enjoyed in your life.

The last verse of this familiar hymn speaks to what a home should be: “Lord, let us in our homes agree This blessed peace to gain; Unite our hearts in love to Thee, And love to all will reign.”

May God Bless your home and may it be filled with love and joy that will last your lifetime through.

Randy

Back row from left, Grant, Phillip, Walt, Ashley, Carter, and Ford on the front row.

Developing an award STORY BY LAUREN THORNTON TOBIN

F

or more than 20 years Hartselle resident and entrepreneur Phillip Shelton has worked to perfect his business, going so far as to be named the 2015 Graduate Master Builder of the Year by the National Association of Homebuilders in Las Vegas this last January.

The National Association recognizes builders from all over and Alabama nominated Shelton.

“I got a call saying I won,” he said.

“This wasn’t something I submitted for so I was surprised. I thought it was a prank at first.”

Shelton said the NAHB searches through the whole member database, around 140,000 people, when the time comes to choose the Graduate Master Builder.

“They chose me,” he said. “It’s weird because I wasn’t asking for it, but I got it. It’s a weird feeling.”

As “weird” as it must be to win an award he never submitted for, Shelton’s path to national recognition may be described by some as strange, or as Shelton put it, “Divine Intervention.”

Shelton said he mowed yards when he was younger, and what began as ap-

preciation of a nicely manicured lawn turned into a love for development and home building.

“I’ve always had an artistic eye and appreciation for quality and detailed work,” he said.

Shelton said when he finished a lawn, he would look back and like what he saw – but only until the next week when it was time to mow again.

“I grew up with an interest of real estate and developing...with homes, you create, craft, put together and I come back weeks or years later and it’s still there,” he said. “We do something lastHartselle Living • 9

ing and help customers get what works for them.”

Shelton’s career started as a general interest when he returned home from the University of Alabama in 1993.

While studying for his entrance exam into law school, Shelton helped his father develop some land in Hartselle – what’s now known as Bellemeade subdivision.

“I was studying for the law entry test when I was putting in sewer lines,” he said.

Shelton said when the subdivision was completed the only thing there was empty lots “that no one would buy because they didn’t know what the house looked like.”

He said that’s when he decided to build a house.

“We started building and I could sell the house at first, so I started my own real estate company and sold it two weeks later,” he said, then laughed. “I like to tell that story because it’s never been that easy again.”

Nothing about Shelton’s career came easy, as he took it upon himself to learn the trade of building.

“It wasn’t like I had a specific trade.

10 • Hartselle Living

I had a business degree but I had only taken a few building classes in college,” he said. “People in the area had building degrees and were from builder families and I felt like I needed to get geared up. I didn’t want anyone to one-up me.”

Shelton began taking classes offered through the National Homebuilders Association in order to learn more about development.

“The University of Alabama offered classes where you take 10 classes and get a designation. It took three years to get the Certified Graduate Builder and it gave me something to distinguish me from my peers,” he said.

Shelton said in the beginning he built spec houses, or homes without a particular buyer in mind, just hoping someone would like his work enough to pay for it.

From there, he took another series of classes on remodeling and universal custom work, most known for helping accommodate elderly or special needs clients.

“Then I took the Graduate Master Builder where I had to have my prerequisites from the Graduate Builder,” he said. “There’s not a lot of people crazy enough to take it that far.”

After Bellemeade was up and running and Shelton had established his own building company, Shelton Construction Inc., he decided to build his own home where his career began.

“People thought I was crazy building a house in Bellemeade by the other people I built houses for,” he said.

Now Shelton said he focuses more on custom building, where he develops and maintains a relationship with his clients.

“I like building relationships with customers and crafting a home around someone’s specific needs,” he said. “I’m different in that way because I enjoy it.

I get a lot out of that and that’s reward enough.”

When asked where he planned to go from here, Shelton said he wants to keep working.

“I’m doing what I love and when you do what you love, it isn’t work,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get my boots on and go to work. I thank God for that.”

Hartselle Living • 11

CAMP INVENTION

Camp shapes tomorrow’s inventors STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHARLEY GAINES

P

riceville Elementary opened its doors and classrooms to 38 1st through 6th graders June 20-24 for a STEM learning experience called Camp Invention.

This was the first year for Camp Invention in Morgan County. The camp’s director, Julie James, is a Talented and Gifted (TAG) teacher at Eva School and Sparkman School. She said she got the idea from a convention she 12 • Hartselle Living

and other teachers in the area went to recently.

“We’re really encouraging kids to learn what’s behind creating new things and being inventors,” James said. “Of course they’re not inventing actual things right now, but they’re learning what it’s like to see something in a different way.”

The inventors were split up into two groups. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades that came to the camp were part

of the younger group. The older students in 4th, 5th and 6th grades faced challenges throughout the week together in the older group.

It was a week of big ideas for every child attending the camp.

“A big part of camp was learning to solve problems in creative ways and see how something that’s used here could be used someone else for a different purpose,” James said.

The inventors had different work areas throughout the week, but the camp structure wasn’t just starting a project, working during the allotted time in the classroom, finishing that day and moving on to something else the next day. The elementary school students worked throughout the week to assemble their inventions and build on their ideas to solve the problems presented to them on day one.

Hartselle Living • 13

Cristal Owens is a TAG teacher at Falkville Elementary School. She worked with the campers in the “Take apart lab.”

“They bring their electronics and destroy it,” Owens said. The instructor guided the inventors throughout the week. “The first three days are spent demolishing, which is their favorite thing, and then they have four challenges,” she said. “They can do something to clean water, something to save lives, something to reduce energy or a new twist on a existing invention.”

The take apart lab was cluttered with tiny bits and pieces of what used to be CD players, DVD players, old computers and other random electronics the kids

14 • Hartselle Living

donated to the camp at the beginning of the week. Owens oversaw the elementary inventors, but said she didn’t know what their inventions did until Friday, which was the day the kids explained their creations.

Although inventing was a huge part of the camp, team work was another big lesson the camp’s attendees learned whether they realized it or not.

Brennan Kruger, 7, is going into the 2nd grade. He showed off the invention he worked on all week with pride. When asked if he made it, he almost shouted “No!” then went on to point to his partner and said, “We both made it,” with a grin.

The boys showed off what looked similar to a pinwheel

made out of wires taped inside of a water bottle. Kruger explained the boys’ creation. “We took apart an old radio. That was the first chip I ever saw.” He went on to explain the invention, with its radio and DVD player parts. He said the DVD part made the “blades” on top of the bottle spin. Creations like Kruger’s sat all around the room along with a whole mess of unused pieces from the kids’ old appliances.

“Teamwork is a big part of this,” James said seriously.

“It’s not natural sometimes, especially to the younger kids, so we do a lot of team building skills.”

An example of the kids exercising their teamwork skills was in the library in the mornings when they

built their “Epic city.”

“They’ve designed various ways to get people up and down these tree houses,” James pointed to inflatable palm trees about 3-feet high around the room on the tops of the library’s book shelves. She said the campers had to think of ways to get their little people from the ground up to the top of the trees using methods and tools acquired throughout the week.

“We’re using these recycled materials, hopefully getting in their minds reusing things, not just throwing things away. As they work on the Park every day, they’re talking about how to get water up to the tree houses without interfering with the environment,”

James said. She also said the kids are looking at how they can use transportation within the Park that won’t cause environmental issues.

The kids also used 2-inch long, solar-powered Crckobots this year as part of their problem solving exercises in the cafeteria. Campers were exposed to different things like coding, collecting specimens and learning scientific and mathematical principles in The Lab with leader Carrie Aultman, a TAG teacher at Priceville Elementary School. They also made four different kinds of slime using different elements and ingredients in the Lab.

James said the most rewarding thing to her during the week was the inventor’s enthusiasm about learning the science and the world around them. She also said seeing them working together to solve problems was great.

“It’s just a great, great camp for kids who are already interested in science,” the camp’s director said. “That’s not to say you shouldn’t do it if you’re not interested, but those kids that are get the most out of this camp.”

James said upcoming 10th graders involved as Leadership Interns for Camp Invention were crucial with their

help and enthusiasm. Chandler Day, Makenzie Hill and Lauren Davis earned volunteer credit hours and went through “hours of professional training” before the camp, according to James.

As busy hands finished the week, it was easy to see Camp Invention’s impact on the camper’s young, growing minds. Creativity met logic in ways other kids their age don’t get to experience during the summer.

It was hard to keep up with the students’ thoughts, ideas and goals for their projects as they explained each element of their inventions and what they imagined it would do. The kid’s excitement at

having created something new out of something they demolished resulted in a deluge of words and excitement.

James said she hopes to see Morgan County’s Camp Invention grow as word gets out in the future. She said she would like to see funding come in for scholarships so less fortunate kids can be a part of the learning that took place throughout the week.

The seeds were planted for the young inquiring minds, now it’s their turn to take the concepts and ideas and go out into the world and be the next great inventors.

Hartselle Living • 15

Knight Retires after 52 years STORY

BY AMANDA GORDON

16 • Hartselle Living

“E

very person has a story,” says staff writer Clif Knight on his career as a Hartselle Enquirer reporter.

Clif has done an immensely large amount of work during his time, from writing sports

stories, natural disaster stories and horror stories to taking pictures for the local coroner. Clif is a very important part of the Enquirer’s history and even Hartselle’s history. From 20002004, Clif was the mayor of Hartselle. He credits his wife,

Geanell on being his biggest supporter during his career.

Knight retired from his job as a staff writer at the Hartselle Enquirer after logging more than 52 years as a newspaper editor, photographer and part owner.

His employment with the Hart-

selle Enquirer spans 48 years.

His career as a full-time newspaper employee ended June 30 but he will continue to be available for free lance writing and photography assignments.

The majority of Knight’s newspaper career was spent in

Hartselle behind a desk at the Hartselle Enquirer office or puttering around town looking for something to write about.

He joined the Hartselle Enquirer staff as associate editor in Sept. 1961 after breaking in as a cub reporter with the Hartselle Living • 17

Aberdeen, Miss. Examiner. After five and one-half years, he made a career change by becoming the editor of the “Spinnerette,” a bi-weekly newspaper published by Monsanto Company in Decatur for its employees and their families.

He rejoined the Hartselle Enquirer staff in March 1970 as editor and part owner and retained that position until March 1998 when the newspaper was sold to Boone Newspapers Inc. He remained on staff as editor until he stepped down in July 2000 to run for mayor of Hartselle. In Sept. 2014, after losing a bid for reelection, he returned to the newspaper as a staff writer.

“I thought I’d be happy to go home and take a long rest after leaving the mayor’s office,” Knight noted. “Instead, I was chomping at the bit to start writing again. “ I‘m grateful for the opportunity Boone Newspapers gave me to continue my career.”

He has written many stories during his career, and he has a few that have impacted his life.

18 • Hartselle Living

On Tues., July 23, 1963, Hartselle received six inches of rain in 90 minutes. Most of the downtown area was covered in around 38 inches of water.

As Clif arrived, he was knee deep in water at the current Hartselle library.

After the rain ended, it was an estimated $2 million of damage. Around 75 businesses were affected with rain damage. Hartselle was declared a disaster area; and there was no insurance for rising water so businesses were hit hard. Some businesses received government interest loans to help restock their inventory. The Enquirer lost a lot of paper stock in the rain. The paper came out, but came out one day late.

The community helped the Enquirer staff in an amazing way by giving them the supplies they needed to get back on their feet. This disastrous rain paralyzed the community. A few years later, the city took precautions by reinstalling a new railroad cover that helps the water back up instead of gather together.

On a cold Feb. 23, 1965, a mother was taking her four children, ages 13

months, nine years, 10 years and 11 years to school via one of the Flint Creek bridges. At the same time, a 16 wheeler loaded with 30 tons of steel was crossing the bridge. The truck driver decided to pass the car, and both of them interlocked causing the car to fall off the bridge with the truck following. The car went first, and the 30 tons of steel followed suit. After the truck fell on top, the tanks blew, causing a large fire. The trucker was trapped inside, and they were not able to save him. The family of five was not able to escape either, being under fire and 30 tons of steel. It took several hours to remove everything and save the bodies. “Being there and seeing it,” Clif said, “leaves a lasting impression.

You have to toughen yourself to deal with tragedies, because it’s a part of the job and it still gets etched in your memory.”

Several months later, on Sep. 24, 1965, Hartselle football was playing one of their biggest rivalries, Decatur.

Hartselle lost to Decatur for the past 27 years, but during this game, Hartselle

was able to keep the score tied for most of the game. Hartselle’s two tackles were able to block and recover one of Decatur’s kicks for the touchdown that won the game.

April 16, 1973, would otherwise be known as the “Night of Terror” for most of Morgan County. A tornado hit in Punkin Center, just west of Morgan County, the Basham Community and just south of Decatur. In Punkin Center, 27 homes were destroyed and 23 people were injured. The estimated cost of damage was $3 million dollars. It was later declared a natural disaster area.

These days, Clif is an avid gardener with his wife, Geanell. Clif and Geanell grew up together, having family farms next to each other. A native of Lineville, AL, Knight is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a graduate of the University of Alabama with a B.A. degree in journalism.

As a boy, Clif would help her family get caught up in their crops, as they needed. He went into the Air Force and came back and asked Geanell on a date. In July, they will celebrate their 61-year anniversary. They have three children, two boys, and a girl.

They have three granddaughters and a great-granddaughter.

Knight has been recognized as an award winner for news and editorial writing on numerous occasions. His “One Man’s Opinion” column garnered a first place award among Alabama’s largest weekly and semi-weekly newspapers in the 1960s. In addition, he received the George Washington Honor Medal Award from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge for editorial writing in the “Spinnerette” in support of free enterprise and the American way of life.

“Clif has been such an inspiration to me since I began my career with the newspaper. I know it drove him crazy when I try to report in first person or editorialize in a story.” Clif Knight and the Hartselle Enquirer are almost interchangeable”, said Hartselle Enquirer publisher, Randy Garrison.

“Clif will be missed by those who worked with him each day and the many readers who have read his columns and stories over the past 52 years. Clif has always been someone you could seek advice from, because to quote and old saying; “Clif does not just talk the talk, he walks the walk”, Garrison said on Knight.

“We wish you happiness and good health as you move into the next chapter of your life.”

Hartselle Living • 19

FOOD

Favorite Appetizers Baked Buffalo Wings

Courtesy of Allrecipes.com These easy to make hot wings are crispy without being fried. Always yummy to snack on. They only take 10 minutes for prep, but need to be refrigerated for about an hour so the flour coating is firm. You can add more cayenne or use a higher hot sauce to butter ratio if you like them spicier! Enjoy.

3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 20 chicken wings 1/2 cup melted butter 1/2 cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot®) Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and lightly grease with cooking spray. Place the flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt into a resealable plastic bag, and shake to mix. Add the chicken wings, seal, and toss until well coated with the flour mixture. Place the wings onto the prepared baking sheet, and place into the refrigerator.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Whisk together the melted butter and hot sauce in a small bowl. Dip the wings into the butter mixture, and place back on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is no longer pink in the

20 • Hartselle Living

center, and crispy on the outside, about 45 minutes. Turn the wings over halfway during cooking so they cook evenly.

Brown Sugar Smokes

Courtesy of Allrecipes.com Bacon-wrapped yummies! You can make these little smokies on skewers or toothpick them to secure 1 pound bacon 1 (16 ounce) package little smokie sausages 1 cup brown sugar, or to taste Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Cut bacon into thirds and wrap each strip around a little sausage. Place the wrapped sausages on wooden skewers, several to

a skewer. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and sprinkle them liberally with brown sugar.

Bake until bacon is crisp and the brown sugar melted.

Cocktail Meatballs

Courtesy of Allrecipes.com These tasty meatballs will disappear quickly from anyone’s holiday party. These do very well in a slow cooker, as you can simmer them before serving, as well as keep them hot for the duration of your party.

1 pound lean ground beef 1 egg

2 tablespoons water 1/2 cup bread crumbs 3 tablespoons minced onion 1 (8 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce 3/4 cup chili sauce 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). n a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, water, bread crumbs, and minced onion. Roll into small meatballs.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once.

In a slow cooker or large saucepan over low heat, blend the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Add meatballs, and simmer for 1 hour before serving.

Cocktail Seven Layer Dip II

Courtesy of Allrecipes.com Seven Layer Dip is a big hit at all small gatherings! Refried beans are layered with guacamole, seasoned sour cream, veggies and cheese. It’s perfect for dipping tortilla chips! The dip traditionally takes less time to disappear into bellies than it does to prepare.”

2 avocados - peeled, pitted and diced 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup salsa garlic salt to taste ground black pepper to taste 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix 4 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans 2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese blend

1 (2.25 ounce) can black olives - drained and finely chopped In a medium bowl, mash the avocados. Mix in lime juice, cilantro, salsa, garlic salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and taco seasoning.

In a 9x13 inch dish or on a large serving platter, spread the refried beans. Top with sour cream mixture. Spread on guacamole. Top with tomatoes, green onions, Mexican-style cheese blend and black olives.

Hartselle Living • 21

HASG says goodbye STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHARLEY GAINES

22 • Hartselle Living

S

ixteen years ago, Michele Wilson started what became to many a beloved and cherished “business” (in technical terms). One student grew into as many as 75 at one time, and for many years Hartselle Art Studio & Gallery, LLC., was a learning place for artists, but more than that, it was a place were stories were told and created.

It was a place where children grew in maturity as artists and as young people, and adults also grew as artists and as human beings.

“Art is a last resort for parents and kids who just need to fit somewhere,” Wilson said.

“Kids came in here feeling like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole, so this was a place where everyone fit in.”

After years of comfort and communion, Wilson closed her doors and is packing away many memories. “My business was not about this structure, but the families.

That’s the hardest part.”

And so, as Michele Wilson ends this phase of her life and starts a new one as a nurse, she wanted to write a few words of her own as a goodbye and a true thank you from the heart. She said she needed this letter to be in her own words for those who meant so much to her in the Hartselle community.

“We all come together and we’re always there for each other. We all know each other and we have each other’s backs.”

So, in her own words, Wilson talks about closing something that has been such a big part of her life and the community for many years.

SUCCESS

by Michele Wilson I’ve never really considered myself an expert on much of anything. There are many things that I know, but there are even more that I don’t. I am a runner, so I know about running (but I’m not an expert). I can cook very well (but again, I’m no expert). I am an artist, so I know about art (but I’m no expert). I am a CNA at a nursing home, and I’m in nursing school, so I know about nursing (but I’m definitely not an expert). I have been a business owner for about 16 years now, so I know a lot about business. I may not be an expert in business, but I have definitely

learned a lot about what success really means.

My business, Hartselle Art Studio & Gallery, LLC, has been in operation in downtown Hartselle, AL for many years. During these years, thousands of beautiful souls have entered this very small structure through what many would describe as a very ordinary door. Most may even call this “A Hole in the Wall”.

It’s definitely not state-ofthe-art by any means. There are stains all over the floor and walls. It completely lacks in professional design appeal.

But for us, it has been perfect!

These wonderful souls are more than family to me. They have positively influenced, shaped, molded, and decorated my mundane life in a way that cannot be described.

Even before I realized it, success came early on. Success, I have since learned, is about people. It is about putting

others first, pouring your life into them, and letting them know that you are there for them. It is being trusted by a sweet, young teenage girl that thought she was pregnant; when a sweet mother of a 7-year-old described the seizures that suddenly engulfed his body; when ladies began sharing their breast cancer survival stories; or when a smiling young man gave the studio the name ‘THE HAPPY PLACE’. Success equals love. That’s it, plain and simple. Love. Genuine, heart-felt love is what has pushed, motivated, and encouraged an ordinary small business owner like myself to succeed.

Art instruction has been the ‘description’ of my simple business for years. But, few know and understand that it has had nothing to do with art instruction at all. Art is just what has happened on the side. Families of all make-

ups, backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, income brackets, and mental/physical disabilities are the ones that have touched my heart beyond comprehension. This is a business that wasn’t formed on the premise of fame or fortune. In fact, many students couldn’t even afford classes, but no one was turned away. How could anyone be turned away? One can make any type of rules when owning one’s business.

So, I made the rules.

The relationships developed at 313 Main Street West will forever be engraved in my heart. To those who graced me with love, showered me with endearing praise and encouragement, and families that have accepted me as your own, I sincerely give all the gratitude my heart can bestow! I humbly thank each and every student, friend, and family member for sharing your hearts, secrets, prayers, Hartselle Living • 23

smiles, laughter, tears, and talents with me.

When I reminisce over the last 16 years, I consider myself to be the most successful person around. I am intelligent enough to realize that few people know my name or who I am. I am not famous for anything… not singing, dancing, acting, athletics, money, or politics. I have never been given an honorary doctorate or asked to speak publicly for a graduation or for motivational purposes; I have never been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (of any kind); I don’t have my face on currency or a stamp; I am neither a Saint nor a Princess. But I am successful, because, for me, success isn’t determined by dollar signs. It is measured by the impact you have had on those in your life, the impact they have had on yours, and the love mutually shared.

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The sign now says ‘CLOSED’. There will no longer be art classes at Hartselle Art Studio & Gallery, LLC. I have shed many tears thinking of you all. I have spent time in prayer over each and every name I can recount. I have listed these names on paper, and they number in the thousands. THOUSANDS! You all have intricately played a major role in my success as a teacher, student, mother, friend, daughter, aunt, and sister. You will never know how much you have touched my life, because there are no words that can adequately describe your effects. Thank you for the ride! It has been perfect and very successful! Thank you for the hugs. But mostly, thank you for the love! I am abundantly blessed because I knew you!

OUT AND ABOUT The photos below reflect life in Hartselle and were taken at various events during the month of June 2016.

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Group enjoys California trip SUBMITTED BY FRED & SANDRA SMITH

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O

wners Fred and Sandra Smith of Adventures Unlimited Travel, located in downtown Hartselle, recently hosted a group trip to California. The 9-day motor coach tour of Northern California began when the group of 42 flew from Nashville to San Francisco. The travelers included along with their hosts: Pat and Pam Bryant, Don and Mickey Swanner, Will and Pat Crouch, David and Janet Hobbs, Kaye Clemons, Anita Baugher, Beverly and Bob Wilson, Dale and Dana Adams, Steve and Letetia Kestler, Steve and Susie McKee, Craig and Donna Segars, Tony and Doris McCain, Linda Vest, Janice Cole, Tim and Reatha Tanksley, Tom and JoAnn Sneed, John and Kay Cochran, Tony Julian, Joe and Virginia Howell, Randall and Ellen Harris and Paul and Nettie Goehler.

The group spent two days visiting Alcatraz and exploring the city. Sightseeing included Pier 39 and a visit to the Cable Car Museum where the travelers viewed the actual workings of the present cable car system. After a ferry ride to the seaside community of Sausalito, the group returned to San Francisco where many chose to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge (1.7 miles). A walking tour of Chinatown in-

cluded a tasting at a fortune cookie factory followed by a full course Chinese dinner.

As a final stop in San Francisco, the group was treated

to a leisurely walk through the garden of the beautiful Museum of Finer Arts.

Arriving in Napa, travelers boarded the Napa Valley

Wine Train for a relaxing ride aboard restored Pullman cars. Information was given concerning vineyards and the wine industry in

California. After a visit to the train’s galley, a gourmet lunch was served. A leisurely afternoon was then spent in Sonoma Square. The next

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day began with a unique tour of the capitol building in Sacramento followed by a visit to the California State Railroad Museum with its 21 restored train cars and locomotives. Afternoon free time included exploring Old Town Sacramento. Traveling on, the group arrived at beautiful Lake Tahoe where some enjoyed a dinner cruise on the lake and others dined high above the lake with a wonderful view of the mountains and ski slopes.

The following day’s journey was to Yosemite National Park. Several photo stops were made before the group settled for the night at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls located at the base of the beautiful Bridalveil Falls.

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The vacation continued with a special opportunity in Salanis Valley as the group learned about fruit and vegetable farming techniques from a local agricultural specialist who narrated a tour of thousands of acres of strawberries and vegetables. The group ate fried artichoke hearts as the specialist demonstrated the correct way to prepare fresh artichokes. The dinner meal

featured fresh farm produce.

An unforgettable 17-mile California coastal drive was the next attraction made complete with a stop at Pebble Beach Gold Link and a view of the course from the 18th-hole. The drive continued along the Big Sur coast.

A side excursion to the beautiful town of Carmel provided several options for lunch.

Among those was Hog’s Breath, a restaurant once

owned by Clint Eastwood.

A visit to Monterey included a tour of Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf. On the drive back to San Francisco, the tourists enjoyed a stop at Henry Crowell Redwoods State Park and a walk featuring the giant Coastal Redwoods. In San Francisco, the tired but contented travelers boarded a plane for the flight home.

“Our first use of Adventures Unlimited Travel, but will not be our last,” commented traveler John Cochran. John and his wife Kaye both traveled with the group to California. “We loved everything about the trip. The way it was put together by Fred and Sandra was great. The West Coast countryside has to been seen in person to enjoy it’s beauty” Cochran also said.

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PARTING THOUGHTS

And sometimes even now, when I’m feeling lonely and beat I drift back in time and I find my feet Down on Mainstreet Lyrics from Bob Seger

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WHO AM I? #ImADecaturMorganBaby

Father was a physician at Decatur Morgan Hospital (Decatur General)

VP of a Local Bank

Current Volunteer at Decatur Morgan Hospital

PARKWAY CAMPUS

Tom Guyton

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