Hartselle Living January/February

Photo by Emily Lester Photography

HARTSELLE LIVING CONTRIBUTORS

STAFF

Editorial

Rebekah Yancey

Contributors

Michelle Blaylock

Susan Hayes

Jim Meadows

Sara Laughmiller

Alex VanKoughnett

Chrissy Tucker

Marketing

Baretta Taylor

Anna Baker

Terri Haston

Administration

Beth Jackson

CONTACT US

Hartselle Newspapers, LLC 206 Cedar St. NW P.O. Box 929 Hartselle, AL 35640 Phone: 256-773-6566 info@hartselleliving.com

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

Copyright 2023 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

JACOB HATCHER, writer

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

RACHEL HOWARD, photographer

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

JODI HYDE, photographer

Jodi Hyde has a genuine love for the Lord and tries to shine His light in everything she does. Jodi loves outdoor activities and spending quality time with her family. As a photographer, Jodi manages to freeze life’s precious moments and capture them on camera. She loves meeting new people and being creative through her photography business. Hartselle is her hometown, and is currently where she resides, and where she loves to serve in the community.

JENNIFER SHERWOOD, photographer

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

ON THE COVER

TThere are not many days that stick out in a person’s memory quite like their wedding day. Later this year, on June 6, my husband and I will celebrate three years of wedded bliss. That day certainly is one I’ll remember as long as the Lord lets me live, and I’m sure it’s the same for you too. The day when you’re not just yourself anymore, but you give another person a ring and become a family. If I could relive it, I’d go back in a heartbeat.

One reason I enjoy this issue of Hartselle Living so much is because it is so easy to see the joy and love that almost pours off the page when reading the love stories of our brides and grooms. And the pictures! I could look at the beautiful pictures all day long. A sincere thank you to the lovebirds who shared their wedding days with us for this issue. While reading the stories of how they met, how they became engaged and the details of their weddings, I knew you, readers, would love this issue too. I look forward to the bridal issue every year for these reasons and enjoy sharing it with you all.

Inside this issue we also feature the home of Jared and Stephanie Stone who live on Sparkman Street. This house is a feast for the eyes everywhere you look – I guarantee this is a story you’re not going to want to miss.

The story of Brad Davis – a veteran, mental health advocate and avid golfer – is also inside. Davis struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and found the sport has changed his life in more ways than one. You can find his story on page 17.

Our Food and Drink section is complete with a story on Warehouse Coffee and well as recipes for a spicy mocktail as well as beef enchiladas brought to us by Emily Norris. Our columnists from Hartselle City Schools and the William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle also update us on their respective goings-on in the new year.

This and more can be found in this issue of Hartselle Living.

Thanks for reading, rebekah.yancey@hartselleliving.com

Sloan Sittason and Dolan Golden married at First United Methodist Church in Hartselle on May 21, 2022. Turn to page 56 to read more about their love story and wedding day.

Photo by RAW Images

BRI NGI NG HEALTHCARE TO YOU.

Living in Hartselle is special. Greatschools, charming city,friendly neighbors–and healthcare youcan trust. Since we brokeground at Hartselle Health Park in 2020,we’ve investedinleading physicians, modern facilities, and importantservices likeimaging and urgent care. Taking care of youand your family is aprivilege, and that’swhy we bring healthcaretoyou. Urgent

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN

Inside the Stone family’s restored Hartselle home

Hartselle Health Park

STORY BY REBEKAH YANCEY PHOTOS BY RACHEL HOWARD

Every corner of the home at 808 Sparkman Street is deeply rooted in history and was restored to its former glory this year before becoming the dream home of Stephanie and Jared Stone and their two children, Easton and Ezekiel.

The family of four relocated to Hartselle from Orlando, Fla. specifically for the school system, Stephanie said and lived in two houses before finding the house that once belonged to the Stones of Stone Lumber. It was under a complete renovation at the time from the ground up.

The three bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath house carries 2,400-square-feet; 3,000 total including the carriage house.

An interior designer, Stephanie said she chose everything from the wallpaper to paint shades of blue and green and bathroom fixtures to bring her vision to life while honoring the character of the house.

“I like color so everything has a lot of color, but I tried to not have 40,000 different shades,” she said.

In every corner, homage is paid to the original architectural structure of the home, and from the door knocker and screen door to the original fireplace mantel in its repurposed position in the entryway, Stephanie said a restoration rather than a remodel was the goal.

Prints by French artist Phillip Moyer from the 1940 and 60s hang in the main living area and master suite – and they are among Stephanie’s most prized possessions.

“I always tell people ‘Besides my kids, if the house was on fire, I would grab that piece of art,” she said of the Moyer print in the living area.

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High-end fixtures and hand-built additions grace every room; a large walk-in shower and clawfoot bathtub turn the master bathroom into more of a spa-like sanctuary.

I tried to find things that looked 1920s schoolhouse that complimented the overall architectural history,” Stephanie said.

“I even looked for kitchen countertops that would have been around 100 years ago, finally deciding on soapstone.”

The kitchen was the hardest space to design, Stephanie said. Its finishing touch is the European AGA stove weighing in at more than 1,000 pounds.

Masteri ng th e ArtofCelebrati on

Stephanie said she inherited her love of design from her mother and grandmother and had a childhood dollhouse that she designed with wallpaper that looks similar to the style in her Hartselle home.

Prior to marrying and having children, Stephanie said she lived somewhat of a transient life.

“I was a gypsy,” she said. “I wasn’t married and didn’t have children so I could pick up and go when I wanted to, and I did about every two years, but now I have the house I’ve been dreaming about since I was a child so we’re never leaving. I never thought I would have the opportunity to make the dream a reality.”

STORY BY REBEKAH YANCEY PHOTOS BY TRISTAN HOLMES

Any given day of the week, Brad Davis can be found with a golf club in his hand, practicing the sport that he says has saved his life.

Davis is a disabled veteran who struggles daily with post-traumatic stress disorder. He served in the U.S. Army from 2001-08 with the Alabama National Guard. Davis was deployed to Iraq in 2004 serving one tour in the Middle East.

The husband and father-of-three discovered golf a year ago and says his life has never been the same.

“When I’m into golf, it has my complete and undivided attention and when I tell people that stupid little white ball has saved my life, I mean it has saved my life many times,” Davis said. “I’ve gotten into depressive funks I can’t pull myself out of.”

Davis says during those times, being able to turn his attention to the sport he is so passionate about helps ease the anxiety and depression that often feels overwhelming.

“Being 100 percent disabled, finding joy in anything can be a struggle. I find myself in a depressed and suicidal state most days of the week. Looking for ways to help deal with my issues, God saw fit to put golf into my life,” Davis said. “Thanks to the PGA HOPE program, I have found something that really helps. When I am playing, there is nothing else. No

sadness, no depression and no bad voices. My therapist has said this often happens with veterans and golf.

Because of this, Davis says he would love the opportunity to join the Veteran Golfers Association to connect with other veterans.

“Golf is the greatest sport in the world because it’s like life, you hit some great shots and they go bad and you hit some bad shots and they go great, but just like in life you have to play it where it lies,” he said.

He continues to practice as much as he can, as it is difficult sport to learn and master.

“Golf is probably one of the most difficult sports because of the time it takes to master twitch reflexes and the mental aspects of the game,” he said. “You have a second from the time you pull that club back until you hit the ball and you have to remember everything you’ve ever learned – and it has to be a reflex – you can’t think about it. If you think about it, you’re going to hit the ball wonky.

“You can get so in-depth with the sports psychology of it,” he added. “I have a seventh-grade education, but I love to read and learn so it has really helped me.”

Davis also struggles with attention deficit disorder, but has been amazed that it has not affected his love of the game.

“It’s an amazing thing. I never stay in anything for very long,” Davis said. “I’m horrible at the game but I’m so passionate about it I’ll eventually get a little bit better.”

The sport that has left such a positive impact on Davis’s life has a hefty price tag attached to it. He has a GoFundMe campaign that will help raise funds for additional play time, VGA membership and VGA outings.

“Being on a fixed income, all support will help,” he said. Couldn’t I have fallen in love with (a cheaper sport) like ping pong or badminton? Maybe croquet?” Davis said with a laugh.

In November, Davis participated in two tournaments with other veterans.

“I shot an insanely horrible round, but was so blessed to be able to play on such a beautiful course,” he said.

Davis said his son Kevin was able to attend a tournament with him.

“We had a blast having an overnight boy’s trip. If you know me, you know it’s not good for me to be alone for extended periods, so he drew the short straw. He helped me a lot mentally while we are gone. I hope he knows how much I appreciate and love him. His heart is so big and full of love it makes mine better.

“Lastly, thanks to everyone who has donated to my GoFundMe campaign. You are the reason I was able to do this. It really and truly would have not happened without you. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart. My story is just one of many veterans who find their own ways to cope with things, mine just so happens to be golf,” he said. “Golf with friends is for fun, golf by myself is for my soul,” Davis added. “When I’m out there by myself, I’m just chasing that little white ball and a little peace.”

Davis is very vocal about his mental health struggles, many of which that stem from his prior military service.

“We all know the statistics: 22 veterans a day commit suicide; I fight every day to not be one of the 22,” Davis said.

Donations can still be made on Davis’s GoFundMe campaign. More than 20 donors have raised $1,460 of the $2,500 goal as of publish time.

Davis has been married to his wife Anastasia for 15 years. The couple share three children: Kevin, Parker and Cooper.

ARTS & CULTURE

STORY BY REBEKAH YANCEY PHOTOS BY JENNIFER SHERWOOD

PPatsy Lee can rarely be seen without a crochet hook in her hand, working on a new project.

For the Hartselle woman, grandmother and great-grandmother, the hobby she has had for most of her life is “good for the soul.”

Lee first picked up a crochet needle and began learning as a child, but as a left-hand dominant person, she said she found it difficult to learn from her mother who was right-handed.

As a young adult, working as a night-shift nurse, Lee was able to learn from a co-worker who was also a left-handed crocheter.

“I happened to be standing behind her, watching her hands and it dawned on me, just how the stitches were being cast,” Lee said. “That was around 1971-72 and I’ve never stopped.”

Crocheting is Lee’s favorite pastime, she said. For some time, it became somewhat of a business, bringing in more custom orders than she could keep up with. Now, at 80-years-old, Lee said she enjoys crocheting her special projects for friends and family on her own time and not to fill a quota, saying it became a second job quickly was too stressful.

“I spend most of my free time crocheting because that’s what I want to do, because I enjoy it so much,” Lee said. “I read my Bible in the morning and spend my time with God.”

Among her favorite projects to work on are crocheted trolls that both children and adults enjoy, fragrance sachets that can be used in drawers or for décor, baby blankets and full layette sets that include a shawl, shoes and bonnet. With near constant work, the layette sets take 10 days to two weeks of work to complete, Lee said.

“When I first started to make the trolls, it was something new, it was something new to try,” she added. “I get in these moods to make certain things and my mind won’t let me rest until I make some sort of progress on it.”

Somewhat of a self-admitted perfectionist, Lee said she spends a significant amount of time redoing work if it’s not up to her standards.

“It must be right or it’s not worth doing,” she said. “My husband Johnny Allen used to ask me how many times I was going to pull the stitches out and start over and I would say ‘Until I get it right.’”

Even with dropped stitches and the time it takes to redo her work, Lee said she can finish most projects she sets out to accomplish in short amount of time.

“Johnny Allen would say he was going to get a bucket of water to sit next to him to throw on me in case my crochet needle caught on fire because it was moving so fast,” she said with a laugh.

Lee has made everything from intricate bonnets made from 100-year-old patterns, crocheted unicorns and teddy bears for

her grandchildren and layettes for young mothers. She keeps many projects on hand to give to people when needed.

“To me the most difficult projects are the oriental patterns that are more intricate and extensive,” she said. I don’t do much of that anymore. I would rather do drag out an old pattern or work on something by memory.”

Lee said as much as she loves to crochet, she loves to give her completed projects to people who will love and appreciate them just as much.

“If they’re pleased, I’m pleased,” she said. “Like the old saying goes, ‘I’m pleased to the bone.’

Lee said she has taught nearly a dozen people how to crochet through her years, using her talent wherever she can as a ministry.

“It’ll probably be one of the last things I do on this earth,” Lee said with a smile. “They ‘ll take a crochet hook out of my hand as I’m leaving.”

I spend most of my free time crocheting because that’s what I want to do, because I enjoy it so much.

– Patsy Lee

FOOD & DRINK

IIn Frank Baum’s Wizard of Oz, four characters set off on a journey to acquire the qualities they needed to reach their personal goals.

The scarecrow feared he lacked intelligence. The tin man was concerned that he did not have a heart. The lion was certain he could not succeed without courage. Dorothy was looking for a home. By the story’s end, each learned that the journey itself is what grew within them the qualities they thought they could only receive from others.

who have contributed to the education that I have and to who I am. In return, I want to impact the lives of as many students as I possibly can.”

BY SUSAN HAYES FEDERAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR HARTSELLE CITY SCHOOLS

Hartselle City Schools has employed Dr. Brian Clayton to serve as its new superintendent, and he has learned a bit in his own personal and professional journey.

The Wizard asserted that, “A baby has brains, but it doesn’t know much. Experience is the only thing that brings knowledge and the longer you are on earth the more experience you are sure to get.”

Dr. Clayton agrees. He sees students’ educational experiences and challenges as knowledge-builders, and teachers are there to guide students in the acquisition of that knowledge.

“All students can learn given the right circumstances,” Clayton said. “It is up to the adults and the students’ support systems to ensure that. Even in the face of difficulty, we have to approach learning with very high expectations. For all of our students.”

The Wizard said, “A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.”

Dr. Clayton’s personal experiences have led him to believe the same. “My life has been filled with people

HCS Interim Superintendent Sabrina Buettner witnessed Clayton’s impact first-hand. “I made an impromptu stop at James Clemens High School where Dr. Clayton was principal. My intentions were to introduce myself and let him know I would help him in any way I could during his transition to superintendent of Hartselle City Schools. Because I had never seen the school, Dr. Clayton asked if I wanted to see the campus.

As we walked the halls of the school, I was struck by the students who approached him. Some even had some sadness in their eyes to know he would be leaving. It was obvious that he had a good relationship with his teachers and students.”

And in The Wizard of Oz, the Wizard had a thought on courage. “You are under the unfortunate impression that just because you run away you have no courage; you’re confusing courage with wisdom.”

Leaving a place where you have been successful and appreciated by those around you for the unknown most certainly takes courage, but we don’t grow if we stay and continue doing what we have always done. “As educators and servant leaders, we have to value learning and continue to engage in learning ourselves. We have to grow,” Clayton said.

And so Dr. Brian Clayton is our new Hartselle City Schools superintendent. In the words of Dorothy, welcome home, Dr. Clayton. There’s no place like Hartselle.

STORY BY JACOB HATCHER

PHOTOS BY RACHEL HOWARD

On a cool November morning, espresso machines are whirling and orders are being called out to patrons at downtown Hartselle’s Warehouse Coffee, a six-year-old coffee shop that has fast become a staple of the Hartselle community.

Manager Kristy Wiley is greeting customers with a smile while baristas prepare drinks, most of which do not even have to be ordered; they have most of the regulars orders memorized by now.

Between its downtown location and traveling coffee bus, Warehouse has cemented itself as a regular place for commuters, remote workers and patrons of all ages to drop in and get their daily fix of caffeine. An extension of Life Church Hartselle, Warehouse Coffee is the fruit of Pastor Brad Sheats vision for a resource for the community, as well as a way to give back locally and globally through whatever resources they produce.

As its name suggests, Warehouse Coffee is located in what once was a warehouse space and they fully embrace that history with exposed brick, distressed wood fixtures and ceilings that point to the building’s history. Built in 1929, the building has been the home to a number of businesses before its current iteration.

“You know, it was a thrift shop…there were old couches on the front porch and just mounds of clothes,” Wiley said, “and now it’s really changed the dynamics of downtown I think. I think it’s brought a lot of life to the community.”

When asked what Warehouse Coffee means to him, Virginia native and Hartselle transplant David Whitt said, “It’s my sanctuary. I have come here every day for three years. I could not think of something bad to say if I had to.”

Wiley, who has fifteen years of experience as a school cafeteria manager prior to taking on her current role, says she attributes the success of Warehouse Coffee to the relationships the staff has built in the community through the years, as well as their commitment to being a community-oriented institution. “We’re truly classified as a non-profit so we give back everything. Thousands of dollars have gone back to schools, feeding families; we also provide a place for the city to meet free of charge. We really try to be community minded.”

The coffee bus has also become a mainstay in the community since its inception a year ago, allowing Warehouse to take their coffee and their community-oriented mission to venues and places all over Morgan County. “It’s really taken off. Any time the trailer is out, someone has reached out and it’s going back to that group. It all goes back to the community to help; that’s the purpose of it. And I think God’s blessed that ... giving back tenfold,” Wiley said.

Additionally Wiley says she never thought Hartselle would support a coffee shop, but after closing for a month during the pandemic, they came back stronger than ever. Wiley suspects the longing for togetherness that many citizens felt after having been quarantined for so long played a major role in the flourishing that occurred since reopening in May of 2020.

In addition to the coffee shop, Warehouse also operates The Venue next door. The Venue is a 4,500-sq.-ft event space that is open to the public for rent, but has no also given Warehouse an opportunity to continue its efforts to create space in the community for people to gather together and enjoy fellowship, as well as facilitating events for the city, school functions and the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce.

“It all goes back to relationships,” Wiley said. “We are here to serve. That’s the goal of the coffee shop; the whole purpose. Whether it be just to give you a place to come and work, or to feed someone that’s hungry, or give back to the kids that are our next generation.”

JALAPEÑO RITA MOCKTAIL

RECIPE AND PHOTOS BY EMILY NORRIS SOUTHERN FRIED SKINNY

Looking to spice up a cold winter day? This jalapeño infused mocktail is sure to do the trick!

INGREDIENTS

• ½ c. sugar

• ½ c. water

• 1 jalapeño

• ¼ lime juice

• ¾ c. orange juice

• Club soda or sparkling water

• Garnish: limes, jalapenos, coarse salt

INSTRUCTIONS

• Cut jalapeño in half and remove seeds

• Add jalapeño, sugar and water to pan and bring to a boil over medium heat

• Let mixture simmer until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool

• Combine lime juice, orange juice and 3 tablespoons of sugar mixture in a pitcher

• If desired, slide slice of lime around rim of glass and dip into coarse salt

• Fill glass with ice and one quarter of juice mixture

• Add club soda to top off glass

• Garnish with lime and slice of jalapeño

BEEF ENCHILADAS

INGREDIENTS

Meat filling:

• 1 lb. ground beef

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

• 2 tsp. salt

• 1 tbs. chili powder

• 1 can kidney beans, undrained

Tomato sauce:

• 3 tbs. olive oil

• ½ tsp. salt

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ c. yellow onion, diced

• ¼ c. green bell pepper, diced

• 6 oz. tomato paste

• 2 14-ounce cans stewed tomatoes, undrained

• 1 can diced green chilis

• 1 beef bouillon cube

• ¾ c. water

• 1/8 tsp. pepper

• 1/8 tsp. cumin

• 8 large tortillas

• 1 c. sharp cheddar cheese, grated

INSTRUCTIONS

• To prepare meat filling, sauté beef in medium skillet over low heat, stirring in garlic, salt and chili powder

• Brown meat until fully cooked

• Stir in kidney beans and remove from heat.

• To make tomato sauce, in hot skillet sauté garlic, onion and green peppers until tender –about 5 minutes then remove from heat.

• Stir in undrained tomatoes and tomato paste and mix well.

• Return to medium heat and stir until sauce begins to boil.

• Dissolve bouillon cube into ¾ c. water

• Add bullion, chilies, cumin, salt and pepper to tomato mixture

• Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees

• Place about 1/3 c. meat filling in each tortilla and roll

• Arrange seam side down in 9x13 greased baking dish

• Pour tomato sauce over all; sprinkle grated cheese on top

• Bake 25 minutes

• Enjoy!

RECIPE AND PHOTOS BY EMILY NORRIS SOUTHERN FRIED SKINNY

TheMor tgageCenter

VENISON-STUFFED BELL PEPPERS

Want a new twist on stuffed bell peppers? Try adding ground venison! Live Well Alabama’s Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Venison recipe is a flavor explosion. Why ground venison? Because it’s rich in protein and iron and low in fat. However, this recipe also works with any ground meat.

INGREDIENTS

• Cooking spray

• 1 lb. ground venison

• Four button mushrooms, chopped

• Two ribs celery, sliced thinly

• One medium onion, chopped

• Two cans petite diced tomatoes with juice, 14.5 ounces

• 2 tbs. concentrated tomato paste

• 1 tb. garlic powder

• 2 tbs. Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1 tsp. black pepper

• 1 tsp. parsley, dried

• 1½ c. cooked long grain rice

• Six bell peppers

• 1 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

PRO TIPS

Adding red pepper flakes during cooking will add extra spice.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F, and spray a large skillet with cooking spray.

2. In the skillet, over medium heat, cook the ground venison for 5 minutes or until cooked almost through.

3. Add the mushrooms, celery and onions, and cook until vegetables are tender.

4. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, parsley and cooked rice. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the rice is warmed through.

5. Cut off the tops of the peppers and spoon out the ribs and seeds. Rinse. Lightly sprinkle the insides of peppers with salt and place in microwave-safe dish with 1/4 c. water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 5 minutes or until peppers start to soften.

6. Transfer to the peppers to a 3-quart or 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill the peppers with the cooked meat and rice mixture.

7. Sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for 20 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

RECIPE OF LIVE WELL ALABAMA PHOTOS BY THE FOOD NETWORK

A big year ahead for the library

WWe hope you and yours had a very blessed holiday season and a Happy New Year. We had some excellent programs during the holidays. For adults, we offered painting classes, a holiday bow making class and book clubs. For children, we offered painting classes, a Christmas craft class, movie days, a read and paint class with Keramos Ceramics, preschool weekly story times and a weekly juvenile book club. Our calendar is just as busy after the first of the year. Please make sure to check out our monthly calendars that are posted on the City of Hartselle Facebook page and the Friends of Huie Library Facebook page. We also have

them available at the front desk in the library. In addition to our regular programs, we will begin planning our 2023 summer reading program. The theme this year is “All Together Now.” We will be focusing on teaching participants about different cultures and places around the world.

Everything we do at the library would be impossible without our librarians at the front desk. Thanks to Alex VanKoughnett, Sarah Laughmiller and Chrissy Tucker for the amazing job this year decorating for the holidays and creating displays throughout the year. We hope to see you soon at the library!

BY MICHELLE BLAYLOCK LIBRARY MANAGER WILLIAM BRADFORD HUIE LIBRARY OF HARTSELLE

Jonathan Bragwell

BY RUSSELL FRYE PHOTO BY JIM MEADOWS

Jonathan Bragwell has been a valuable part of Hartselle athletics for the past 21 years as a public address announcer for the football and basketball programs. He will retire at the end of this season.

What has it meant to you to be the announcer for Hartselle football and basketball?

Jonathan says it has been a great honor to serve as the public address announcer for Hartselle football and basketball. “The good people of Hartselle love their kids and love their sports. Being a part of recognizing the kids on the field and on the court was a wonderful blessing for me,” he adds. “I am thankful for the opportunity that was afforded to me to serve as The Voice of The Hartselle Tigers at J.P. Cain Stadium for 21 seasons and at the Pettey Center then the new Hartselle High Gym for 16 seasons. I will cherish this time always and count it a great blessing.”

What is your favorite memory of football? In basketball?

Jonathan says his favorite football memory as the public address announcer was in 2011. “Hartselle had just defeated Briarwood Christian in the semi-finals of the 5A playoffs to secure a trip to Tuscaloosa for the state championship. I remember distinctly making the announcement. “Hartselle Tiger Fans, we are going to the ‘ship!” The roar from our

fans was fantastic to hear as I went on to give the details of the game the following week at Bryant Denny Stadium. Of course, everyone remembers the Tigers defeating Vigor the following week for Hartselle’s only state championship up to this point. My favorite basketball memories are all the intense games when the gym is so loud that my announcements can’t be heard and both student sections are playfully taunting each other with various chants. The three Morgan County tournaments that Hartselle hosted during my time were very memorable as they had great atmospheres.”

How did you get into announcing?

“In 2002, I was teaching at F.E. Burleson Elementary. A friend of mine, Russell Moore, asked me to join him on the radio broadcast for Hartselle High basketball. Russell did the playby-play and I did the color commentary and read commercials,” Jonathan says.

“Out of the corner of my eye at one basketball game at the Pettey Center, I noticed Hartselle Superintendent Lee Hartsell and Hartselle High Principal Jerry Reeves looking in my direction and talking. After the game, Dr. Lee Hartsell

approached me to see if I was interested in being the public address announcer at J.P. Cain Stadium the next football season because Coach John Cochran was stepping down from that role. I started in the 2002 season and added basketball in the 2007-08 season.”

Who are a few of your favorite players?

“I have way too many “favorite” players to mention specifically by name because I taught so many of them when they were either at F.E. Burleson Elementary or Hartselle Intermediate School,” Jonathan says. “These students of mine went on to become talented and successful athletes at Hartselle High School.”

How have the games and atmospheres changed since you started?

Jonathan says the sound system at J.P. Cain Stadium has gone through a few upgrades since he started. “The pregame music, the recent jumbotron and coordinating all the pre-game recognition ceremonies are also among the many upgrades to the Friday Night Lights atmosphere of J.P. Cain, which he added he considers one of the best atmospheres in the state.

PHOTO

HOW YOU MET:

Brett and Savanne met in a Church of the Highlands Small Group. Both joined the group to get more involved in the church and grow in their walks of faith, neither looking to pursue a relationship. One night after a small group, they met and talked for more than an hour around a bonfire. From there, they began hanging out and knew early on that there could be a potential future together.

THE PROPOSAL:

Brett had just purchased a plot of land a few weeks before proposing. As he was planning to propose, he knew the land would be a perfect spot since this is where they had dreamed of building their home and starting a family together. He built an arch from some trees on the land and decorated it with flowers. He told Savanne to get dressed up for dinner, but first he wanted to stop and take a picture in front of the land with a SOLD sign. After a few pictures, Brett and Savanne walked up to where the arch was hidden. He led her to it, where he got down on one knee and popped the question. They went to dinner and afterwards went home to a surprise party at Savanne’s house with their families.

THE WEDDING DRESS:

Savanne visited The Something Blue Shoppe with her mom and matron of honor, Ali Ford. Savanne had always dreamed of a very simple and elegant dress, but Blake at Something Blue picked one out that was a complete opposite. When Savanne walked out, her mom and Ali’s eyes filled with tears – it t was a moment she said she will never forget. Blake then made Savanne close her eyes and he put the veil and earrings on her. It was a very happy and emotional moment when she opened her eyes. Savanne said she knew right away this was the dress she wanted to wear while walking down the aisle to her husband.

FAVORITE MOMENT

FROM THE BIG DAY:

Brett and

loved every part of the day, but their favorite was the first look. Brett walked around the corner of the Witt House to find Savanne waiting with their dog Braly. It was a very sweet moment between the two and their dog was just as excited to see them.

HOW YOU MET:

Audrey and Ethan met sometime during high school, but the details are a little fuzzy to them both. While they were both interested in the other at one time, they never officially dated. Fast forward to the summer of 2021 when Audrey reconnected with Jan Byrd (her future mother-in-law) at a family friend’s wedding. Ethan moved home from Arkansas shortly thereafter. Audrey and Ethan went on their first date a few weeks later and have been inseparable ever since.

THE PROPOSAL: Audrey was living in Chattanooga, Tenn. at the time. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Ethan planned a date night to walk around the Chattanooga Art District near the Tennessee River and then have dinner at Audrey’s favorite Italian restaurant. Much to Audrey’s surprise, Ethan proposed at the Hunter Art Museum, overlooking the Walnut Street Bridge, Audrey’s favorite place in Chattanooga. As an additional surprise, Ethan arranged for both of their parents to join them for dinner to celebrate their new engagement.

FAVORITE MOMENT

FROM THE BIG DAY: Aside from the first look, which is the sweetest moment the couple said will never forget, the favorite part of Ethan and Audrey’s wedding was the reception. Entering a room filled with family and friends who were all cheering in support and excitement is something they said will always cherish.

FAVORITE WEDDING DETAILS: Ethan’s mom, Jan Byrd made the grooms cake, a tiered cookie cake of the couple’s dreams, and an amazing array of Ethan’s favorite

and holiday treats. The buffet of

looked beautiful, tasted even better and was extra special since it was all made from scratch by Jan.

HOW YOU MET:

Sophomore year of college, I (Dani) was attending the University of Alabama and Matt was at Auburn University. My roommate at the time was going home to her hometown of Auburn for the weekend, and she invited me to go home with her.

I met up with some of my roommate’s old high school friends that night and that is when I first met Matt. From that night on, we never stopped talking to each other. We made it official a month later when he invited me to go to his fraternity’s Halloween party that year.

THE PROPOSAL:

Matt took me out to drinks at Stella’s Elixir Lounge in Huntsville and then we went to get dinner at Char. Afterwards, we went back to Matt’s house. He had his backyard set up so beautifully with lights and music in the background. After a wonderful date night, we were just dancing and talking out there, and then he got down on one knee and proposed! And unbeknownst to me, he had my family and his family behind the fence watching the proposal, who then ran out afterwards to celebrate with us. It was so sweet, and Matt had planned it to be so special. The next day we went to Arrington Vineyards and Downtown Nashville to celebrate our engagement!

FAVORITE MOMENT

FROM

Matt and I decided that we did not want to do a “first look” because we wanted the first time to see each other to be when I walked down the aisle. I will never forget seeing the look in Matt’s eyes when I first saw him on our wedding day. We are so thankful that we waited for this moment –it was incredibly special.

HOW YOU MET: Richard and I (Emma Kate) met the summer of 2020 at Tall Timbers Conference Center in Woodworth, La. I was in need of a job and my college roommate called to say one had just opened up. The girl that was leaving felt like the Lord was calling her elsewhere so she needed to go. So I packed up my bags and drove to work there for the summer. I quickly became friends with another girl I was working with, Sam Aaron. She was dating Richard’s twin brother Robert, so I began to be around Richard a bit more. We spent the whole summer working together until I left to go back home to Alabama. We decided to try long distance and see where it went from there. That December Richard graduated and started to apply for jobs. He decided to apply for a few closer to my school in Tennessee. Shockingly the only jobs he heard back from were right by me. So he moved to Jackson and stayed there until I graduated. I truly believe the Lord’s hand was in our relationship the entire time, because how else would a path be opened up for us to continue our relationship like it was!

THE PROPOSAL: Richard surprised me by taking me to one of my favorite places, the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. We went on a hike to a waterfall where he proposed.

FAVORITE MOMENT

FROM

grandfather (and me) began to plant pine trees, which is how it got its name. Since its purchase, three generations of our family have spent time living there, including me. It holds a lot of family history and special memories for all of us. Almost all of my big celebrations have been held there from childhood birthday parties to graduation parties. It was very important to me to have our big day there because it is where I consider home to be. We chose to have an intimate wedding with only a few close friends and family and it added to my feeling of home. We also had a few dogs in attendance, Bea and Mary Lou. It really added to the family feeling to have the dogs running around after the ceremony. We decided to incorporate many pieces of the family into our wedding. The blue hydrangeas we used in some of our table arrangements were from the bushes my greatgrandmother Hester Hughes planted. I used her embroidered handkerchief to wrap around my bouquet. I also used her embroidered tablecloth as well as candles from my parent’s wedding to honor Richard and I’s passed grandparents.

I wore the pearls my grandmother has been collecting for me every year since I was born. My grandfather built the wedding arch we were married under as well and we plan to put the arch in our garden at our new home.

FAVORITE WEDDING DETAILS

THE BIG DAY:

My favorite part of the wedding day was our location. We have had our family’s farm “Shady Pines” since 1958 when my great-grandfather John Hughes bought it. When I was about one year old my

I walked down the aisle to the instrumental version of “Dancing Queen” one of my favorite songs and from my favorite movie “Mama Mia.” I also had the embroidered handkerchief of my great grandmother around my bouquet. I loved the tents we had set up to eat! It felt like a big garden party and was filled with so much laughter and joy. I also rhinestoned a pair of sneakers to wear to be more comfy.

WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW:

After getting married we moved to Vinton, LA where we live in a tiny house on a few acres of land. I am working as a fourth grade teacher at a school in Orange, Texas. Richard is working as an industrial electrician at Chenire. We have added on to our family and have two cats, Hopper and Karma, as well as a dog, Otto.

THE PROPOSAL:

Jacob took me (Lillie) to look at rings in September of last year. We had a family trip to Gatlinburg coming up in December and I had it in my mind that was when he was going to propose. So, I was in complete shock when he proposed to me on Thanksgiving! Jacob and I are a huge family couple. That being said, Jacob knew when he proposed I would want both of our families there. That morning Jacob showed up after hunting and we were getting ready for everyone to arrive. As people started arriving, I knew my mom and Jacob were acting a little bit funny. I thought it was a little weird when I walked into my mom’s room to talk to her and my grandmother, my daddy yelled, “Lillie’s coming.” There were definitely some signs I paid no attention to. At Thanksgiving, it’s tradition for our family to stand in a circle and say what we’re thankful for. My grandmother gathered everyone in the circle and when the it got to Jacob, he said, “I am so thankful for all of the years I’ve spent with Lillie but I’d be more thankful if she’d spend the rest of hers with me. Will you marry me?” I stood there in shock for about a minute and of course said, “Yes!” Everyone there but me knew he was going to propose that day. After the proposal, our families brought out a cake, signs and

a video. In the weeks leading up to the proposal everyone had made a small video saying, “__ days till you’re engaged! We love you!” Those were some of the most special parts of my proposal and I will hang onto those memories forever. Jacob and our families worked so hard to make that day perfect. That goes down as one of my favorite days ever.

THE WEDDING DRESS:

Venue: Bradford Farm & Venue - Town Creek

Wedding Planner: Heather Sherrill, Bradford Farm

Florist: Heather Sherrill, Bradford Farm

Caterer: Southern Skillet, Muscle Shoals, Ala. Bride’s cake – Denise Lang Groom’s cake –Laurie Casey, grandmother of the groom

Videographer: Ace Eaton Invitations: Simply to Impress Wedding Dress, Veil and Hair Accessories:

The Something Blue Shoppe Bridesmaid Dresses: The Something Blue Shoppe Hair & Makeup: Dana Bean, Queen B Studios

Kyleigh Murphree, South of Main

Ella Jakab, Trends Hair Studio

Music: Jacob Frank, violinist; Randall Key and Company, band

Photographer: Rachel Howard, RAW Images

Programs: Modernistic Printers

Alterations: Altered State

When I got engaged, I knew where I would be shopping for my wedding dress – The Something Blue Shoppe. I called and got an appointment quickly after I got engaged. I wanted to make sure Something Blue knew what a crew I was bringing! The day finally came in January. I had my mom, both of my grandmothers, my aunt and two cousins, Jacob’s mom and sister, my best friend Danielle, my mom’s lifelong best friend Dana Gladden, who is like a second mom to me and my lifelong best friends Maddie Grace and Anna Claire Gladden. Each and every one of these people has played such an important role in my life. I knew I couldn’t pick the most important dress I will ever wear without them. I went in with a vision of a very simple, elegant, timeless and classy dress. When I went in, a lot of people had told me I’d pick something completely different than I was envisioning and that statement could not have been more wrong. I walked out of The Something Blue having picked my exact Pinterest board dress! The day I got my dress is another one of my favorite days ever. I will never forget having all my people with me.

WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW:

After Jacob and I got engaged, we got the incredible opportunity to build our dream home. Our home is located in Massey on family land that my great-grandfather, Milford Fields, worked for many years. Since I was little, I had dreamed of living out on the land at Massey with my husband. So, next to planning a wedding, we were building our forever home. When we tell people we were building a house and planning a wedding they would reply with, “How stressful.” But stressful wasn’t the word to describe it. “Blessed” is what came to our minds. The entire year, I was in true awe of how amazing God is and how amazing my family is. We wouldn’t be where we are today without God or our families, and for that we are forever grateful.

Venue:

Caterer:

THE PROPOSAL:

My birthday (Lindsey’s) is July 3 and we went to Nashville to celebrate. Little did I know, that’s when he decided to pop the question!

FAVORITE MOMENT FROM THE BIG DAY: This is a tough one to answer because every second of that day was amazing and if I could relive our wedding day over again I would in a heartbeat. Our first look was so special and everything I always dreamed it would be. I’ll never forget all the feelings and thoughts that went through my mind as I stood there staring at future husband with his back to me, just admiring him and all the love I have for him. The look on my now husband’s face and all the emotions that were flowing through us as he turned around to face me and that Rachel captured perfectly was my absolute favorite moment.

HOW YOU MET:

THE PROPOSAL:

attended Hartselle High

Dolan and I (Sloan) both grew up in Hartselle

We did not know each other while in Hartselle, but later

while I was in college at Alabama and he was in college at Auburn. After Dolan

for about a year and a half, we finally went on our first date and

Dolan and I went to Savannah, Ga. for the weekend for our Christmas present to each other. We were each responsible for planning one of the days we were there. Dolan’s day was Dec. 19, 2020 We spent the day between downtown and the riverwalk. That afternoon, Dolan said he had a surprise for me before dinner. We got ready and were walking toward Forsyth Park when he stopped at Whitefield Square. We were right in front of the gazebo when he got down on one knee. I was so surprised and had no idea he had planned to propose while we were there! The Square was decorated for Christmas and it was such a special day I will never forget!

THE WEDDING DRESS:

I went to the Something Blue Shoppe exactly a year from my wedding date to find my wedding dress! I went in not really knowing what kind of style I wanted but I knew I wanted something timeless and simple. It was more difficult to make a decision than I thought it would be, but I found the perfect dress! It was so special and I got to share it with some of my bridesmaids, grandmother, aunt, mom and mother-in-law.

FAVORITE WEDDING DETAILS:

It is hard to pick a favorite, all of the details at the wedding were so perfect! I loved getting to see all the black and white come together the day of the wedding. I love flowers, so those were probably my favorite detail! The backdrop was a process – we had my grandfather, my mom and dad, fatherin-law, uncle, brother and Dolan at the Whitt House the day before the wedding trying to put it together – but it was definitely worth it!

WHAT

YOU ARE DOING NOW:

Right now Dolan and I live in Birmingham. He works for McKenney’s, a mechanical contracting company out of Atlanta. He is currently a project manager on a site in Birmingham which has worked out well for us since I am in my last year of pharmacy school at Samford. We plan to move back to Hartselle after I graduate and

to be back home with friends and family!

HOW YOU MET:

Taylor LeMay and Jonah Gray first met when they were freshmen at UNA, almost six years ago. They sat one row apart and knew each other by name, but these two honor students never talked to each other. The class was so hard, Jonah dropped it, and Taylor made the only C in her college career. The next year, Jonah transferred to Alabama. Two years later, when Taylor was visiting one of her friends in Tuscaloosa, she went to worship services at the Central church of Christ, and guess who walked in? That’s right. It was Jonah Gray. They still didn’t talk to each other. Even so, it seems that just maybe their relationship was meant to be. Their first date was on a Sunday afternoon during the early days of the pandemic. Jonah was home for the weekend, and since most restaurants were locked down, he and Taylor picked up food from Blue Coast Burrito and took it to Taylor’s apartment. This was a

marathon date that began at four o’clock in the afternoon and didn’t end until two o’clock the next morning. And what did they do? They talked. Finally, these two talked to each other, and they have been talking nonstop never since. At some point during their first date, Jonah asked to use her bathroom. He locked the door, looked in the mirror, fist -pumped, and said, “YES, I’m gonna marry this girl!”

THE PROPOSAL:

I was visiting Jonah in Tuscaloosa for the weekend. He told me that he had made a nice dinner reservation for that night. However, on our way to eat, he pulled into the parking lot of the Cypress Inn and told me that he wanted to take me where his family used to eat on game days when he was younger. He said we could feed the fish while we were there. When we got down to the water, I sensed what was happening because Jonah began a romantic reflection of our lives as a couple. Then, he walked me to a gazebo where he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

THE WEDDING DRESS:

Taylor’s dress is a mermaid style, strapless, floor length gown in diamond white and features an elegant bow on the back. Taylor always thought that she would have to try on a billion dresses to find her dream wedding dress. Surprisingly, she only tried on three, and she knew that dress number three was the one for her.

FAVORITE MOMENT FROM THE BIG DAY:

Truly the highlight of the wedding was our humorous send-off. Jonah had left the reception ten minutes early to learn how to drive his good friend’s stick shift convertible. Unfortunately, Jonah had never driven a stick shift before, and you can imagine how far we traveled before coming to a stop and requiring the owner’s assistance. After a few more unsuccessful attempts, we parked the car and walked back to the chapel to the cheers and clapping family and friends who were still standing outside.

Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Wedding rings/bands: Jamie Hood Jewelers

WHAT YOU ARE DOING

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BECOME A MEMBER

CANDYLAND AT THE DEPOT

TThe Downtown Hartselle Business League hosted “Candyland at The Depot” Nov. 13 in conjunction with the annual downtown Christmas Open House. The event was presented by Cullman Regional – Hartselle Health Park and was part of the Chamber’s “Hartselle for the Holidays” initiative, presented by Mutual of Omaha Mortgage.

Attendees enjoyed a whimsical Candyland atmosphere, complete with Christmas coloring pages, a candy and cookie bar, a tinsel hair studio, and a photo opportunity with Mrs. Claus and Santa, who some may have recognized as Hartselle Mayor Randy Garrison.

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HARTSELLE FOR TOMORROW FOUNDATION LAUNCH

Nov. 28, The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the launch and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Hartselle for Tomorrow Foundation at the site of Hartselle’s former post office. For the last ten months, the Chamber has worked to form the 501c3 organization with plans to purchase the historical post office building, located at 113 Sparkman Street NW in Hartselle. The building, which has over 7,000 sq. ft. of floor space in a full basement and main floor, was vacated by Hartselle Utilities in 2002 when it moved to a new facility on North Sparkman Street. It was built in 1939 and is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and the National Register of Historic Places. Upon purchase and renovation completion, it will house not only the Chamber of Commerce offices but will also serve as an event center and business incubator for local businesses. Fundraising for the purchase and restoration of the “Old Post Office” building will take place through the 501c3 organization, which consists of eight board members who serve in various community leadership roles. More information and a donation portal can be found at www. hartsellechamber.com/hartselle-fortomorrow-community-foundation.

“These trees which he plants, and under whose shade he shall never sit, he loves them for themselves, and for the sake of his children and his children’s children, who are to sit beneath the shadow of their spreading boughs.”

– Hyacinthe Loyson, 1866

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Jan. 11 – Lunch & Learn

• Jan. 13 – “Have a Hart”

Sponsorship Campaign Training

• Jan. 18 – IMPACT Student Leadership Session 1

• Jan. 20 – Chamber 101

• Jan. 30 – Finding Your Future

• Feb. 3 – “Have a Hart” Sponsorship Campaign Training

• Feb. 8 – Lunch & Learn

• Feb. 10 – “Have a Hart” Sponsorship Campaign Kickoff Rally

• Feb. 15 – IMPACT Student Leadership Session 2

• Feb. 17 – “Have a Hart”

Sponsorship Campaign Rally 1

• Feb. 17 & 18 – Cinderella Ball

• Feb. 24 – “Have a Hart” Sponsorship Campaign Rally 2

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

Photos by Jennifer Sherwood Photography

Photos by Rachel Howard

READ THIS BOOK

Must read new releases for the new year:

All of the books below are fiction or non-fiction books that are popular new releases you might have missed from 2022 to kick-off your 2023.

“THANK YOU FOR LISTENING”

By Julia Whelan

From the librarians:

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

Sewanee Chester is an audiobook narrator who started out in romance. After winning awards and gaining popularity, she has sworn off the genre simply because she no longer believes in the “happily-ever-after.” Now she is content to narrate Women’s Fiction from her sound booth at home where she can hide. But when her best friend invites her to stay with her in Las Vegas for the book convention, Sewanee accepts. What was to be a low-key work thing turns into one of the most interesting nights of her life when she meets a charming stranger named Nick.

“LIVE WIRE: LONG-WINDED SHORT STORIES”

By: Kelly Ripa

Actress, talk show host and entrepreneur Kelly Ripa has written a collection of short stories about her life. She shares stories about her time on the soap opera All My Children where she met her now husband, Mark Consuelos. Ripa shares about having her children, and the journey she went on that landed her in the hosting seat at Live!. She keeps it very real and very personal at every turn of the page. She is honest about life, plastic surgery, and at times, her own sanity.

“WHEN IN ROME”

By: Sarah Adams

To her fans she’s known as Rae Rose. But, to a very few she’s just plain ‘ole Amelia Rose. And Amelia needs a break before her grand world tour. She channels her inner Audrey Hepburn from Roman Holiday and takes off to Rome. Well, not that Rome, but to Rome, Kentucky. Amelia just needs a calm before the storm. What she doesn’t realize is that she is in store for a whole lot more. She finds herself on the side of the road with no cell service and in Noah Walker’s front yard. Things start off a bit rocky between the two, but they naturally gravitate toward one another in many ways. Noah is a small-town boy who enjoys the quiet, simple life. Amelia is an international pop star. Can they make it work?

“I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED”

By: Jennette McCurdy

In her heartbreaking and dark humor filled memoir, actress and writer Jennette McCurdy details how her unhealthy relationship with her mother caused her to become a child actor, develop eating disorders, and spend most of her life trying to fit the image her mother craved. At the age of six, despite being a shy child, Jennette had her first tv show audition. The only reason she did the audition was to garnish her mother’s approval. The rest of the book is filled with more examples of her mother’s repeated and prolonged physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse. However, the dark actions are accompanied with dark humor of how Jennette sees these actions now. As people say, “hindsight is 20/20.”

“BY THE BOOK”

By: Jasmine Guillory

Isabelle has the career of her dreams of working in a publishing house. However, the reality isn’t a dream. The reality of this job is being overworked, underpaid and being subservient to her control-freak boss. She finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel when rumors of one of their highest profile authors failed to deliver their latest manuscript. She offers to go to him and help get the manuscript finished. When she gets there, she finds a washed-out author who is just as lost in his career as she is. Also, he is just a bit beastly in character. With her encouragement, they might both find their happily ever after.