Hartselle Living Aug. 2015

A place to call home The old Duncan house is home to a new family

Inside this edition: Apps can help organize everyday family life Loris ‘Sue’ Drake paints despite physical setbacks One local family shares their story of melanoma

Vol. 5, Issue 8

Hartselle Living • 1

2 • Hartselle Living

With her son’s life on the line, this mother chose Cullman Regional Medical Center Julie Kennedy didn’t know what was wrong with her son, Penn. She only knew the Cullman High School senior was terribly ill. Julie and her husband, Bo, took Penn to Cullman Regional Medical Center where he was diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia. Although it was touch and go for several days, Penn pulled through. Today, he is back in good health, attending college in Mississippi and taking care of cattle on the family farm. The Kennedys wanted great care for their son. In fact, his life depended on it. They found that care at CRMC.

See the Kennedys’ story at www.CompareCRMC.com.

(256) 735-5600

Hartselle Living • 3

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS HARTSELLE LIVING?

Jasen and Sherry Reagin visited “The Driller” in Tulsa recently with their Hartselle Living magazine.

4 • Hartselle Living

table of contents

AUGUST 2015

HOMES

ON THE COVER

14. A place to call home

The front door of the Duncan-Snyder house on Oak Lane boasts beautiful and unique lead work in the glass. (Photo by Joy Haynes)

The Snyder family recently made their home in Hartselle in the old Duncan house. They already love the functionality of the home and the Hartselle community.

STAFF President and Publisher Randy Garrison Contributors Andrea Williamson Clif Knight Joy Haynes 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 2015 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

Departments 10

12

FEATURE: Smart phone apps can do more than launch birds and crush candy.

20

FOOD: School lunches are no match for these fresh ideas on how to pack a lunch box.

FEATURE: One local artist doesn’t let her physical limitations get in the way of her work.

24

WELLNESS: A Hartselle native shares his story of melanoma and how he found it.

IN EACH ISSUE: Letters • 6 Calendar • 8 Scene • 26 Classifieds • 29 Last Word • 30

Hartselle Living • 5

LETTERS

Will this be in the paper?

M

and even after her mom ost of us tried to convince her to can always take part, she wanted no come up part of the camera. with a few Going back to the tithings that we might not tle “Will this be in the particularly like about paper?” since all of our our job. photos are digital now, Whether it is the we tend to take many, hours, both in time and many more photos than day or number, or other in the days gone by. things we might prefer When photos had to be to change. developed, we tended But I try and think take fewer. But, just this of things that I really morning, I took over 50 enjoy about my job. photos while visiting two With mine, the good elementary schools. This, outweighs the bad on in turn, brings us back the majority of days. If to answer the question; you find that this is not unfortunately, not all of the case with yours, you the photos will be in the might want to look for paper. For one reason, I another one. am not the best photograBut getting back on pher, hence all the photos track, one of the things might not print really I really enjoy is taking well. pictures on the first day Another reason being of school each year. the layout of the photo Now to be honest, the might not fit the design kindergarten and eleof the pages where we mentary photos are the want to place the photos, most fun. Probably part and last but not least, we of that is due to the do not have enough pagfact that mom and dad es to print all of the phoare usually somewhere Randy Garrison • Letter from the Publisher tos that we take at events. around and many times I truly do wish I could will be in the photo print all of the photos that we take. with their child.

But along came the digital age and social media. If This year was no exception, and I was able to shoot you follow the Hartselle Enquirer on Facebook, or even several really good photos of the young ones as they my personal page, you will find almost all of the photos started the new school year. While one might think the taken at various events. So, indirectly, yes, your picture little ones would be scared and not very happy to be at will be in the paper. Now it may be the digital version of school, the majority walked in like they had the “world by the tail,” smiling and grinning from ear to ear. In fact, the newspaper, but I am glad we have an avenue to share I think some of the parents were upset that their children all of the shots we take of your child’s first day at school, theatre plays, sporting events and many other activities. were not upset about being left at school.

Thanks for letting share your life events in our publicaI only ran across one little girl who was not happy about getting her photo taken. I did not push the situation tions.

6 • Hartselle Living

hat qualifies something as modern? I subscribe to many magazines, one of them being Elle Decor.

They recently had an entire issue dedicated to the meaning and various definitions of modern.

Obviously, modern has meant many different things throughout the years.

Modern technology used to be a sleek typewriter, a loud pager, huge mobile phones and TVs that were as thick as they were wide.

Modern fashion was once bell bottoms, teased hair, fringed bags and bold prints in various decades. While some of those trends go in and out of style, certain looks become “retro,” which changes our definition of modern. Those styles were once modern, but something has now taken their place.

Architecture and interior design cy-

cles through trends as well.

Certain eras have welcomed gaudy, intricate designs, while others stuck to minimalist, simpler structures and patterns.

Modern is something that is always changing, but there will always be an opinion of Joy Haynes • Letter from a Contributor what is modern and the most updoomed to repeat the same classic styles. to-date look of the day.

But I say don’t worry about what’s It seems like those who want to keep modern and just go with what makes you from dating themselves or risk changing happiest. Figuring out what you like is their entire style every decade or so is much more fun than following a trend.

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

W

Reinventing modern

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!

Hartselle Living • 7

CALENDAR Aug. 19

Red Cross blood drive A Red Cross blood drive will be held at BP-Decatur Wed., Aug. 19, from noon to 5 p.m. for employees, family members and contractors.

Aug. 20

MCHS Class of ‘59 reunion The Morgan County High School Class of ‘59 annual meet and eat reunion will be Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. at Oh Bryan’s, which is expected to be moving to the old Sedona building soon. Their phone number is 256773-8788. For reservations or question, call Linda at 256-560-0771 or Maxine at 256-773-4978.

Aug. 22

HHS Cheerleaders fund raiser The Cains will perform Aug. 22 in their hometown at the Hartselle High School cheerleaders’ fund raiser, The Hartselle High School cheerleaders will host a fund raiser Aug. 22 at the HHS auditorium featura team that all three siblings were ing the Cains, former HHS graduates turned country music artists. members of during their time at HartRoss, PhD, for lunch and a program on Pleasant M.B. Church in Leighton. selle High School.

Aug.29’s service at 6:30 p.m. will feaDementia Thur., Aug. 27, from 11:30 ture guest speaker Pastor Danny Garria.m. to 1 p.m. in Cullman Regional Aug. 24 son from Hartselle’s Christ Fellowship Medical Center’s Colonel Cullman Tunsel Road Baptist’s Swamp Johns Church. Prophetess Amy Skipper from Room. Cost of this lunch and learn Tunsel Road Baptist Church in Amy Skipper Ministries will be the program is $5 for WomenFirst and Hartselle is having Swamp Johns, SeniorChoice members and $8 for all speaker Aug. 30 at 11 a.m.

Mon. Aug. 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. for others. To reserve your spot, register $10 plate dine-in or carry out. The online at www.crmchospital.com or Aug. 30 menu consists of a choice of fish, call 256-735-5600.

Borden family reunion chicken, shrimp or combination plate The Borden Family Reunion will with French fries, cole slaw and hush Red Cross blood drive be at West Park at 11 a.m. Bring lawn puppies with tea. Proceeds go to Austinville Church of Christ in De- chairs and a covered dish. For more Women’s Mission Union and Youth catur will host a blood drive in their information, call Donna Bailey at 256Camp Fund. For more information, annex building Thurs., Aug. 27, from 778-7847 or Linda Borden at 256-351call Doug at 256-286-9614.

1-6 p.m.

0501.

Aug. 25

Red Cross blood drive A Red Cross blood drive will be held Tues., Aug. 25, from 1-6 p.m. at Epic Church in Decatur.

Aug. 28-30

Pastoral appreciation Break-Through Ministry for Christ, located at 805 Midway Street in Hartselle, is having pastoral appreciation for Pastors Joe and Patricia Batts’ 21st Aug. 27 anniversary Aug. 28-30. Aug. 28’s Dementia seminar service at 6:30 p.m. will feature guest Join Neuropsychologist, Dr. Angela speaker Pastor Charles Orr from Mt. 8 • Hartselle Living

Aug. 30- Sept. 2

Serenity Baptist Church revival Serenity Baptist Church, located at 1062 Perkinswood Road in Hartselle, invites you to a revival Aug. 30-Sept 2, with Evangelist Michael Mason.

Revival times are Sun., Aug. 30, at 11 a.m. and Mon. through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 31

Red Cross blood drive A blood drive will be held Mon., Aug. 31, in the vacant store in the Decatur Mall from 1-6 p.m. For this drive, Carmike Movie Theater will give a free movie ticket to each donor.

Sept. 13

Financial Peace University Wold Harvest Outreach Christian Fellowship, 117 Sparkman St. in downtown Hartselle, will host a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University. The classes will be held once a week for nine weeks.

The first class, Sun., Sept. 13, at 1 p.m., will be a free trial. Those who choose to decide to attend the remainder of the class must purchase materials with an estimated cost of $100. For more information, visit daveramsey.com/fpu or email dmarkday@gmail.com. This class is

open to the entire community.

Sept. 26

Bikes and Blades poker run Bikes and Blades seventh annual motorcycle poker run will be Sat., Sept. 26. It is sponsored by Point Mallard Figure Skating Club. Proceeds go to benefit North Alabama Special Olympics. The entry fee will be $20 per rider or passenger, which includes one hand, T-shirt and lunch.

The first bike out will be 9:30 a.m. and last bike out will be 10:30 a.m. with last bike in being 2:30 p.m. The run will start at Decatur VFW Post 4190. They will have a live band, The Hired Guns, and will have BBQ for lunch. To pre-register or for more information, visit www.pointmallardfsc.com.

Oct. 3

Massey School/ Community reunion The annual Massey School/ Com-

munity Reunion will be Sat., Oct. 3, from 2-5 p.m. at the Massey Volunteer Fire Department at 212 Evergreen Road in Falkville. Anyone who has ever lived in Massey, attended the school, taught or worked at the school or lives in the community now is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Frances Vest Rowe at franvrowe@aol.com or check the Massey School Reunion/ Massey Community Reunion Facebook page.

Oct. 13

Morgan County Humane Society The Morgan County Humane Society will have their bi-monthly meeting Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the shelter located at 86 Gum Springs Cut Off Road. For more information, call 256-773-7222.

Hartselle Living • 9

Help is at hand These apps for smart phones and tablets can help organize a home

1: 53 PM

AT&T

STORY BY ANDREA WILLIAMSON RESEARCH BY APRIL THOMPSON

A

Cozi

iFood

ChoreMonster

HomeBudget

ugust has arrived and the lazy, relaxing days of summer have ended.

The 2015-2016 school year has begun, bringing a flurry of extracurricular activities and creating brimming schedules. For busy RedLaser Khan Academy Groceries IQ Snap Secure families on the go, finding ways to save time is important. Although there are many ways to save time, an easy way to start is by using the item that most people own and carry with them at all times: a smart phone.

GasBuddy SnipSnap myHomework Net Nanny According to statista.com, Android offers more than 1.6 million apps and Apple offers approximately 1.5 million apps. With so many from which to choose, finding great time-saving apps can be a chore. Hartselle Living, however, has completed the leg work and compiled a list of apps that can simpliWaze fy daily life for families.

There are several apps that are helpful for the day-to-day life of families. For those who need some help organizing their calendar, the Cozi Family Organizer can be a good choice. For moms or stay-at-home dads who are looking for easy ways to meal plan, iFood Assistant and Groceries IQ can be helpful. For families who are constantly on the go, the Waze app provides information on traffic.

While busy families may be looking for quick and easy ways to do things, they also may need to consider costs. Thankfully, there are several money-saving apps available that can quickly and easily help families cut costs. The HomeBudget app allows people to keep track of their expenses. SnipSnap is an app that brings coupons for stores straight to people’s phones.

For those who are searching for the best deals, RedLaser and Amongst all of the business of school, perhaps GasBuddy are useful apps to compare prices. a parents’ greatest concern is the safety of their School is another area of life that apps can provide assistance. children. Thankfully, there are apps to help with Khan Academy is a great resource app for information, while that, too. Snap Secure helps parents keep track myHomework can help families organize their students’ school of where their kids are at all times, while Net schedules.

Nanny helps protect children on the Internet.

For after school chores, ChoreMonster allows families to track For more information on each of these apps, and reward children for their tasks. see the listing that follows.

10 • Hartselle Living

• Cozi Family Organizer is a free app that is great for organizing families’ schedules into one place, managing shopping lists and keeping track of children’s school events and practices.

• iFood Assistant is a free app by Kraft Foods that provides a recipe of the day and an idea for dinner. The recipes are simple and include photos and grocery lists.

• Groceries IQ is a free app that helps users generate shopping lists, categorizing items by store and organizing coupons.

• Waze is a free app that provides up-to-the-second updates on detours, accidents and traffic jams.

• HomeBudget is a free app that is an expense tracker designed to allow users to budget, log and control monthly expenses. It also provides sub categories and keeps up with pictures of receipts to file and warranties with each purchase.

• SnipSnap is a free app that allows users to store coupons and features a database of 10,000 coupons for stores like Target and Babies “R” Us. • RedLaser is a free app that helps users save money. When people scan an item at a store, the

app shows prices for that item at other stores or online.

• GasBuddy is a free app that locates the cheapest gas stations nearest to the app user. This is available for all phones.

• Khan Academy is a free app that teaches kids (and their parents) about topics from science to art history and also provides lessons on various homework topics.

• myHomework is a free app that helps kids organize test dates, homework and study groups.

• ChoreMonster is a free app that allows kids to earn virtual points for instant gratification. The points can be used in the real world toward TV time or extra allowance.

• Snap Secure is a free app that allows parents to set safety zones for their children, such as school, home or a friend’s home. The app is downloaded to the child’s phone, and if he or she goes outside of the safety zone, an alarm notifies the parent’s phone.

• Net Nanny is a $5 app through iTunes that filters the Internet as a browser and keeps the internet experience safe and secure.

The RedLaser app is a handy helper when it comes to shopping smart, whether it’s Christmas-time, back-to-school or just time for a good deal. RedLaser lets shoppers scan bar codes in store to compare competitor’s prices for both online and local deals. Other information is available through the app such as coupon offers, nutritional facts, product reviews, store locations, in-store maps and more. This free app offers updated features on a regular basis, including creating shopping lists. RedLaser is available on both the iOS and Android operating platforms and is perfect for parents with a busy household or anyone wanting to stick to a budget.

Hartselle Living • 11

Loris “Sue” Drake shows off one of her paintings of elephants in Africa.

Beating the odds One Hartselle artist continues to paint despite physical limitations STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREA WILLIAMSON

O

ne Hartselle resident has managed to work against odds to continue pursuing her love of painting and jewelry making, and she is preparing to take new steps to share her art with the community.

Loris “Sue” Drake, a Virginia native who spent most of her adulthood in Decatur, has had many different experiences in her life. From competing in Miss Alabama alongside actress Fannie Flagg and working as a nurse at Decatur General Hospital to opening a frame shop with her husband and raising four children, Drake has tried many things. One regret she has, though, is that she did not spend more time pursuing her love of art.

“I wish I had given up framing,” Drake said. “I wish I had taught art classes and painted.”

12 • Hartselle Living

While she may regret the time she did not spend painting, Drake is not allowing current setbacks to keep her from pursuing her passion. Drake suffered a stroke eight years ago, leaving her unable to walk without assistance. She also underwent heart surgery about four months ago and is legally blind in one eye. Despite these hardships, Drake finds joy in her present life.

“I had 69 really good years,” Drake said, “and I still enjoy myself now. I had a premature granddaughter who was never able to walk without help, so I don’t feel like I have anything to complain about.”

Drake was forced to stop painting following her stroke.

After her husband passed away 18 months ago, she decided to make jewelry again. One month ago, she was able to return to painting and has since completed numerous canvas

works. Drake, who prefers the title decorative artist rather than artist, discussed her painting style.

“I tend to paint from memory,” she said. “Some people will criticize me for painting things that I have never seen in person, such as the African elephants, but I think people should paint what they like. I don’t like geometric shapes or primary colors, but I love rounded lines and subtle colors.”

Drake said that she was exposed to art at an early age. Many of her family members had an interest in art, and her stepfather was a professional artist. She said that she also learned from watching painting shows on television.

Drake said that she sometimes dreams of returning to her childhood home near the Cumberland Gap so that she could paint the mountains during different seasons, but she wants to stay near her children and grandchildren. Since moving here five years ago, she said that she has enjoyed living in Hartselle.

“I love my Hartselle neighbors,” Drake said. “I am also very im-

pressed with the shops downtown.”

Drake will be joining the downtown community soon as she plans to open a booth at El Marie’s Antiques and Art Marketplace on Sparkman Street. She also held an open house event at her apartment Sat., Aug. 1, where she had many of her paintings, along with over 300 necklaces and 150 sets of earrings, on sale. For more information about Drake’s works, visit her on Facebook at Gems from Loris.

Hartselle Living • 13

HOMES

A place to call home STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOY HAYNES

The Snyder family found a home in the old Duncan house 14 • Hartselle Living

The Snyder family recently moved into the old Duncan house on Oak Lane. Marianthe turned the sun room into a family art room.

Hartselle Living • 15

T

he Duncan-Snyder House on Oak Lane was definitely built for family time.

The Acadian style home was built by Dr. W.C. Duncan and his family in the 1960s, but new owner Marianthe Snyder said the house immediately felt like home to her family.

The Snyder’s have lived in several places before Mike Snyder retired from the military and recently took a job at Decatur High School as a JROTC instructor. The Snyders have found a permanent home in Hartselle with which they couldn’t be happier.

Marianthe said she knew immediately that this was the home for them with its functional living spaces and unique features.

They have made a few updates to the house and are planning more, but they want to stick with the original character of the house. They are enjoying the personal touches Elaine Duncan put in her custom kitchen such as the built in SubZero refrigerator, warming drawers and custom organization.

A large sun room spans most of the length of the back of the house and now serves as Marianthe’s art room for her impressionist paintings. The kitchen has a view down the entire hallway to the bedrooms where two Jack and Jill bathrooms join the four bedrooms into pairs.

The master bathroom is split into functional sections to accommodate multiple users. The entire upstairs is a large bonus room with a bathroom, cedar closet, built-in China closet and water fountain.

The Duncan house was once known as a teenage hang-out, and the Snyders hope their family is able to entertain in the home as well.

Marianthe said the functionality of the home has blessed her family so much already, and they are enjoying the comforts of the small town life in their new abode.

16 • Hartselle Living

The Snyders recently dedicated their home as the Duncan-Snyder House and celebrated with the Duncan family. Pictured, from left, are Dr. W.C. Duncan, Mike Snyder and Marianthe Snyder showing off their new dedication sign.

Hartselle Living • 17

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Hartselle Hartselle Living Living •• 19 19

FOOD

What’s for lunch?

Update the traditional ham and cheese sandwich for one of these new ideas STORY BY ANDREA WILLIAMSON

A

new school year brings new challenges.

Teachers must manage classrooms full of students. Students must balance homework, studying and extracurricular activities. Parents must balance work and their families.

Another challenge that families often face, though, is lunchtime. While food might seem simple, packing lunches every day for work or school often becomes a struggle.

A particular concern is finding healthy foods. According to WebMD, a nutritious lunch should mix carbohydrates and lean proteins in order to provide a stable source of energy.

“Lunches that include some lean or low-fat protein along with carbohydrates will keep your body fueled for the afternoon,” Connie Diekman, president of the American Dietetic Association, said. “The combination of protein and fiber from whole grains, beans, nuts, vegetables and/or fruit will give you the most satisfying and nutritious combination of foods that will keep you feeling full until dinner.”

20 • Hartselle Living

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute offered a couple of suggestions for packing healthy lunches. Instead of bringing chips or pretzels, replace these side items with sliced fruits and vegetables. Also, substitute whole-grain bread or wheat tortillas for white bread.

For many people with children, though, the challenge is more than finding the healthy food. The problem, in fact, is getting their kids to eat, at all. Kresha Faber, a mother of three, provided a couple of suggestions for parents of picky eaters on the Keeper of the Home blog. First, Faber suggested allowing kids to help pack their meals. Involvement in the cooking process, she said, sometimes makes children become interested in trying new foods.

Second, Faber said to work with the sensory aspect of foods. Packing foods with the same colors or textures, such as green foods or crunchy foods, can be an interesting way for children to explore food. Faber also said to try playing with the visual aspect of food, using unique and fun shapes. For ideas on packing fun shape or character sandwiches, think about simple shapes from favorite shows.

While the character sandwiches are cute and fun for any lunch box, sandwiches can quickly become boring.

For a new twist on a classic, try the kid-friendly peanut butter and banana wrap. Wraps, however, are not just for kids. The avocado tuna wrap is a great way for adults and children to acquire proteins, carbs and vegetables.

Another alternative to a sandwich is chicken salad. Serving the chicken salad in an apple provides a fun twist to a classic lunch favorite.

For those who prefer salads to sandwiches, the cranberry apple chicken salad with honey mustard dressing is a tasty mix of sweet and salty flavors.

The avocado shrimp salad is another easy salad for seafood lovers.

Whether people are looking for nutritious foods, fun foods for picky eat-

ers or just something new, Hartselle Living has provided some new ideas to spice up any lunch box in a cool new way.

Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap Courtesy of Weelicious

2 bananas, peeled ¼ cup peanut butter, divided (you could also use almond or sunflower butter) 2 tortillas Place one tortilla on a flat surface and spread two tablespoons of peanut butter on the tortilla so that it is evenly coated.

Place one banana near the edge of the tortilla and roll it up. Slice into half-inch round pieces and serve.

Avocado Tuna Wraps Courtesy of Eat Well 101

Wraps: 3 large tortilla wraps ½ cucumber 2 tomatoes (or 8 cherry tomatoes) 1 head iceberg lettuce For the tuna guacamole: 1 can of tuna in brine 1 ripe avocado ²⁄ ³cup (150g) cream cheese ½ small bunch of coriander 2 tbsp. lime juice 5 drops of hot sauce Drain and crumble tuna before setting it aside. Collect the avocado flesh and add the lime juice. Mix the cream cheese

LUNCH continued on page 22 Hartselle Living • 21

LUNCH, from 21 with avocado flesh mixture in a large bowl. Stir in the tuna and chopped cilantro. Season with hot sauce and mix well. Peel and cut cucumber into sticks and dice the tomatoes. Spread the tuna guacamole over each tortilla generously and cover with a few salad leaves. Divide the cucumber sticks and tomato on one half of the tortilla and then add a little guacamole on top. Roll the tortilla and cut each tortilla in half before serving.

Chicken Salad

Courtesy of Allrecipes.com ½ cup mayonnaise ½ tsp. salt ¾ tsp. poultry seasoning ¼ tsp. onion powder ¼ tsp. garlic powder ¼ tsp. ground black pepper 1 tbsp. lemon juice 3 cups chicken breast meat, cooked and chopped ½ cup celery, finely chopped ½ cup green onions, chopped 1 8 oz. can water chestnuts, drained and chopped 1 ½ cups diced Swiss cheese 1 ½ cups halved green grapes In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, salt, poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper and lemon juice.

In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, celery, green onions, water chestnuts, Swiss cheese and grapes. Add the mayonnaise mixture, and stir to coat. Chill the chicken salad before serving. To serve, slice the top off an apple, hollowing the inside. Place one scoop of chicken salad in each apple.

Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing Courtesy of Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice Dressing: 3 tbsp. honey 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 tbsp. mayonnaise 1-2 tbsp. water Salad: 6 cups of romaine lettuce or mixed salad greens 1 ½ cups chicken, cooked and cut into bite-size cubes or shredded 1 large apple, cubed ¼ cup dried cranberries 2 tbsp. chopped walnuts Salt and pepper to taste In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients together starting with one tablespoon of water, adding more if needed.

Divide the romaine among two plates and drizzle with dressing. Divide the chicken and

22 • Hartselle Living

apples among each one. Drizzle lightly with more dressing.

Sprinkle the cranberries and walnuts over top. Serve with salt and pepper and any remaining dressing.

Avocado Shrimp Salad

Courtesy of Family Fresh Meals ½ tbsp. olive oil or avocado oil 2 limes and juice from the limes ¼ cup chopped red onion ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper 1⁄ 8 tsp. celery salt ½ cup cucumbers, diced 1 lb. cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped ¼ cup fresh tomato, diced 1 avocado, diced 1 tbsp. chopped cilantro In a small bowl, combine red onion, lime juice, olive oil, celery salt, salt and pepper. Allow the onions to marinate for 5-10 minutes.

Next combine chopped shrimp, avocado, tomato, cucumbers and cilantro and gently mix until they’re well combined. Drizzle dressing over the mixture and gently toss once more to evenly coat.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

Hartselle Living • 23

WELLNESS

A hidden threat

Dr. David Sittason shares his unlikely story of melanoma STORY BY RANDY GARRISON

D

r. David Sittason always thought he was being very careful as far as taking care of his skin was

concerned.

In fact, friends mentioned that he was a sunscreen “freak,” almost never going outside without using sunscreen. He has even been known to return home from an outing to pick up sunscreen if he had forgotten to pack the product.

But one evening, while having dinner with friends earlier in the summer, one of them pointed out something suspicious they noticed on his right arm. A small, almost unnoticeable, spot was located on the backside of his right arm. His shirtsleeve even kept it covered.

The friend that noticed the spot had a family member who had just recently been diagnosed with skin cancer. They told Sittason that he should get the spot checked out.

Since the mole had been there his entire life, he really did not get alarmed at that point.

On June 5 of this year, he had an appointment with his family physician, Dr. Eric Mashburn, for blood work and a yearly check-up.

While he was there he pointed out the mole. On initial examination Mashburn did not think the spot on Sittason’s arm was anything to be concerned with.

However, just to be sure, he removed a section of the suspicious area and sent off the specimen for a biopsy.

His blood work and check up all came back without a problem, and 24 • Hartselle Living

he assumed all was well.

But things took a different turn only a few short days later on June 11. Sittason and his wife Jennifer were at the beach where he was attending a dental convention.

While walking back up to their condo, he received a phone call from Mashburn.

He was given the bad news that the biopsy revealed that he not only had skin cancer, but the diagnosis was melanoma.

Melanoma is a type of cancer that develops from the pigment-containing cells known as melanocytes. This type of skin cancer usually occurs in the skin, occurring in women on the legs and men commonly on the back. The primary cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light exposure in those with low levels of skin pigment. The UV light can be from sun exposure or tanning beds. In fact people who use tanning beds on a regular basis are 70 percent more likely to develop melanoma.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and seems to occur more

often in men than in women. As long as the disease has not spread there is a 98 percent survival rate.

Remembering the A, B, C, D and E of moles and or skin changes could save your life or the life of a loved one. They are Asymmetry- not symmetrical, Border- irregular outer edge, Color- presence of more than one color, Diameter- larger than 6 millimeters and Evolution- any noticeable changes.

Sittason then scheduled a consult with a cancer surgeon at Kirkland Clinic in Birmingham June 22. The waiting was really hard on both he and his family. Jennifer mentioned this was a really scary time for the family while they were waiting to see the cancer surgeon and finding out treatment options. She feels that God intervened in this situation from having someone notice the mole which in turn caused her husband to have it checked out during a doctor visit.

On June 24, he had the mole removed as

well as two lymph nodes. The lymph nodes came back clear, and this, along with the size of the melanoma, did not require any chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

Sittason now will have three-month check-ups with a dermatologist for three years.

He will have a full body scan with very detailed x-rays that will compare changes each time he has a check-up.

The likelihood of a re-occurrence is higher, but not significantly higher than someone who has not had the disease.

The surgeon at Kirkland recommended the dermatologist follow-ups along with using sunscreen when exposed to UV light.

Skin cancer can affect anyone, and overexposure to the sun, a key risk factor for skin cancer, can occur at any time of year.

Whether it is a hot, sultry day spent by the pool or a chilly day skiing the slopes, any exposure to the sun can result in skin damage that can increase a person’s risk for skin cancer. Plus, certain areas of the body are more susceptible than others.

Both Sittason and his wife Jennifer are thankful the situation is over and they are thankful for the medical treatment, but also believe the prayers of family and friends were instrumental in his recovery and kept the cancer from spreading.

In fact, many of their friends have made appointments to see a dermatologist since David’s bout with melanoma.

Causes of skin cancer • Exposure to sunlight is the leading cause of skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. While the rays of the sun may be more intense during the summertime, any exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer. The sun can reflect off of snow and become concentrated.

• Skin cancer is most likely to occur in people with pale skin who have a tendency to burn or freckle when exposed to the sun. But everyone should be diligent and cover up when spending time outdoors.

• No one is immune to skin cancer. Anytime a person is in the sun, he or she runs the risk of UV exposure that can lead to skin cancer, which highlights the importance of taking preventive measures to safeguard yourself from skin cancer.

Pictured are Dr. David Sittason (seated) and his family, from left, Blair, Grace, Peyton, Jennifer and Sloan.

Hartselle Living • 25

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Hartselle Parks and Recreation hosted a Youth Fire Academy with the Hartselle Fire Department at Sparkman Park Tues., July 21. 1- EMT Katherine Lyde shows off an ambulance. 2- Haven Powell completes an obstacle course. 3. Carter McClendon practices rolling up a fire hose. 4. Firefighter Brandon Turrentine shows off a firetruck. 5. An excited participant cools off under a fire hose.

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The Hartselle Tigers went back to practice Mon., Aug. 3 at Hartselle High School. They open their season with a jamboree at Pinson Valley Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. 1- The offense runs through plays. 2- Tobias Mitchell prepares to run a route. 3- The Tigers line up for a play. 4- A defensive player is hard at work. 5- Jaxon Peebles takes a quick break.

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A ceremony recognized local Purple Heart honorees at Sparkman Park Sat., Aug. 8. 1-Woody Carpenter rings a bell after each name is read.

2- Michael Burchett, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) United States Army, spoke. 3- Christine Korwatch presents the mother of Army Corporal Jon-Erik Loney a flag and rose. 4- Garrett Dellinger plays “Taps.”

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

28 • Hartselle Living

Rent one room or the entire building

Call 256-773-4046

Marketplace Hartselle Living • 256.332.1881

Drivers: Home Nightly.

Excellent Money. Full Benefit Package. New Equipment.

Family Work. Environment.

CDL-A 1yrs exp.

Jay: 256-309-7520 Mon-Fri 8-5 Company Drivers and Owner Operators Home at least once a wk. Exc benefits, pay. Must have Class A CDL w Hazmat & Tanker endorsements, 2 yrs OTR exp, good safety record. 800-338-2717 JOBS IN ALABAMA!! AIDT assists employers throughout AL by identifying qualified applicants by recruitment, screening & training services. Visit www.aidt.edu/jobs for latest jobs & training!

Alabama Insurance Agency Has a Business Opportunity for Insurance Agents. Turn Key Operation. Contact us through the website, www.alinsagency.com or phone Allen Vest at 205-303-2055 All American Asphalt Complete Paving and Seal Coating Service • Commercial and Residential. No job too big or too small, too near or too far. Quality work at reasonable prices. Free estimates. No obligations. Call now for spring discount. Licensed and insured. Statewide Service Since 1969 (205)767-1585 Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Immediate need, Flexible hours, Benefits available. 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. Need Class A CDL with tanker endorsement, one year verifiable driving experience. Contact Jamie Sewell at 256-970-6133 or Ronnie Demonia 256-970-6109 EOE ANN’S ALTERATIONS 600 Limestone Street, Suite #6 Hartselle, AL 256-773-4213

COME RUN WITH THE BIG DOGS Big M-Transportation $500 Orientation Pay. $1500 Sign On Bonus.

Personal Dispatcher 24/7.

2015 Equipment Arriving.

Driver Friendly Company.

Great Home Time..Lease Purchase Program.

Up to $0.42/mile in 6 months.

Contact Jacob at: 877-553-2448 www.bigmtransport.com Piano Tuning / Repair, Refinishing, Moving & Storage Trained by The School for the Blind.

Buddy Gray Music.

205-822-0482 or 800-593-2462 CARRY TRANSIT Decatur, Alabama Now hiring DRIVERS * Good Pay * Excellent Benefits & Home Time * 18 Months OTR exp. * Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement. Apply on Line@ CarryTransit.com CREEKSTONE 1, 2, 3 BR Apartments 1570 Lawrence St. East, located .5 miles South from Hwy 43, Russellville All ground floor, All appliances, ceramic tile, ceiling fans, Individual Alarm Systems & more.

256-398-8504 Equal Housing Opportunity Handicap Accessible Insurance Agency in Haleyville seeking full time sales rep.

No experience req’d.

Salary + Commission.

Email resume to ccolvard@allstate. com.

Looking for a home?

Need help with financing?

Call your neighbors down the street at Davis Realty. We can help you get a great rate!

Call Willodean 256-762-5671 Davis Realty & Assoc. Inc. 115 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville, AL 256-332-9920 DEPENDABLE DOZER & DIRT 256-332-4854 Now Hiring for ALL Positions.

LPN’s in Bham area. LPN’s and PCA in Fayette area. LPN positions also available in North Port, Mauvoo and Admsville. 800-844-0195.

Welder Training Coming Soon!

Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com EvaBank more loans & fewer excuses! NMLS#414640 www.EvaBank.com. Member FDIC Fire and Ice Heating and Cooling LLC Sales * Service * Repair * Free Quotes $65 Service Calls $10 off with this Ad! 256-200-5934 fireandiceservices.com CONCERT PROMOTIONS!!!

WEEKLY PAY. HIRING Full-Time & Part-Time Sales & Clerical, Management & Hourly employees.

Requires POSITIVE Attitude & RESPECTFUL Personality. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED 256-2611373 Call Today/Start Tomorrow!

John Deere 4400 HST 4x4 R4 tires, 37HP, John Deere 430 Loader w/ bucket: $13,900.

Massey Ferguson 383, 73HP PTO, 1100 hrs, w/ loader: $16,900.

256-565-8695 (no txt) Gypsum Express LTD. Class A CDL Drivers needed! Bridgeport, AL Terminal Opening Soon! Top pay and benefits, plus bonuses! Call Melissa @1-866-317-6556 ext. 3 Come Home to Holiday Plaza Apartments (Behind Foodland) Equal Housing Opportunity 256332-2960 CLAIM YOUR REWARDS! REWARDING CAREERS, REWARDING PAY, REWARDING OPPORTUNITIES. PROVIDE IN HOME CARE TO SENIORS NEAR YOU. FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES & COMPETITIVE WAGES. LET HOME INSTEAD REWARD YOU TODAY! 256-883-3080 or 256-355-0024 20% off Wall to Wall unless marked sale!

223 Ammo, Box of 500, 55 grain, $179.95; 223 Ammo, Box of 500, 62 grain, $215 JC’s Guns & Tackle Shop 1650 Jordan Ln, Huntsville 256-830-0761

Hickory Heights Lots .4 - 1.2 acres $32,00-$52,000 Call 256773-9554

(256)746-1028 www.sammybrownplumbing.com Licensed/Insured/Bonded

KDC Properties, Inc. 256-355-9090 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, AL 35602 kdcpropertiesinc.com J. Wesley Cain, AL #286; TN #6499

Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256-350-9938 Lot #2 256-350-9937 smithmotorsautosales.com

We Buy ATVs Motorcycles & Utility Vehicles Motorsports Superstore 888-880-2277 Hamilton, AL

SURVEILLANCE CAMERA MONITORED 24 HOURS A DAY STORAGE BUILDINGS For Rent, All Sizes. Russellville, AL. We Accept Credit Cards. Call Jerry 256332-9253 or 256-412-5392 MonFri. 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-12pm

SPRING CLEAN-UP Need a Dumpster?

Call 205-893-7223 PRESBYTERIAN TOWERS Senior Community 1st Month’s Rent Free! Free WiFi CALL 256-350-3323 Behind Colonial Mall $480 COMPLETE Home Air Duct Cleaning Including Dryer Vent. Call to add FREE Services!

256-830-5022 Pure Air QUALITY HEARING HEALTHCARE Hearing Aids. Free Hearing Test!

Hartselle, Madison Guntersville 256-486-9400 qualityhearinghealthcare.com Established Teams needed to run CA. Must have 2 yrs exp & clean driving record. Sign on bonus, 401k. Medical & life ins. Stop pay. If you qualify, call us! RRR Transporation 800-472-4714 Restore Care is hiring direct caregivers, LPN’s, drivers, and admin team members. Visit restorecareinc.com for more info or call 256-856-2918 Salvation Army Bi-Weekly Auction • 1401 FL Shuttlesworth Dr, Bham. Used electronics, furniture, equipment, bric-a-brac. Fee $4-$5. Public welcome! Call for details: (205)252-8151 Service • Repair • Remodel Gas line repair & installation.

Senior Discount. Work is Guaranteed.

Sammy Brown Plumbing

Need extra money? We need weekend merchandisers! Apply at: supremebeverage.com DELIVERY DRIVERS - CDL A Decatur, AL route delivery: touchfreight. 1 to 2 nights out. - .37 per mile. Pay increase every 3 mths!!! 1 yr exp., clean MVR & pass Phsy/DS. Contact Rick @855-890-7133 TED MILLS Heating & A/C Service & Change out $65 Spring Service Free Estimates 256-412-5408 Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928 MANUFACTURED HOMES MOBILE HOMES with land. Ready to move in. Owner financing with approved credit. 3 bdrm., 2 bath.

No renters.

1-205-289-8899 VMFhomes.com OTR Drivers Wanted 24 yrs or older Hazmat pref but not req.

Full benefit pkg avail Pneumatic Tank Equip Dry Bulk Hauling.

Sign on bonus $500. Home every other weekend. Apply online: vernonmilling.com 800-753-1993 Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

Hartselle Living • 29

THE LAST WORD

“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”

Martin Luther

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www.decaturmorganhospital.net

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