Hartselle Living - May/June by Hartselle Newspapers

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • GARY ORR • READ THIS BOOK

HARTSELLE LIVING May/June 2022

SERVICE

WITH A

SMILE BECKY WATSON RETIRES FROM KROGER AFTER 47 YEARS

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FROM THE EDITOR

Y’all. We made it. Spring is at its best as I type this letter, and even if the pollen is fallin’, I’m happy it’s here.

Hosta is growing in my flowerbed, ferns from

the farmers market are hanging beside my front door, and I can go outside without bundling up in 14 layers. What are your favorite things about this season? I hope you have picked up this issue of Hartselle Living with the full intention of spending some time outside, maybe in a hammock, enjoying the sunshine. In this issue you will find a story about Becky Watson, who after 47 years working for Kroger, has retired and is enjoying a slower pace. Hartselle Tigers girls basketball coach Gary Orr had the same thought and sat down with our sports writer Russell Frye to reflect on his legendary career at Hartselle High School. We also have a feature on The Farm Table Restaurant at Reeves’ Peach Farm and recipes from Constance Smith. As

always,

Chamber

goings-on

and

our

columnists from both Hartselle City Schools and the William Bradford Huie Library round out each issue with their updates on pages 18 and 26. No matter what you’re looking for, this issue has something for everyone. Happy spring, and thanks for reading,

ON THE COVER

Becky Watson provided Kroger shoppers in Hartselle and Morgan County service with a smile for 47 years. Read the story about her life and career beginning on page 7. Photo by Jodi Hyde

4 Hartselle Living

rebekah.yancey@hartselleliving.com

7 SERVICE WITH A SMILE Becky Watson retires from Kroger after 47 years

SCHOOL & SPORTS

FOOD & DRINK 19 SHORTEST FARM-TO-TABLE PATH LEADS TO REEVES PEACH FARM 22 BEAUTIFUL BEEF ENTREES

13 SAYING GOODBYE Coach Gary Orr leaves a legacy

28 READ THIS BOOK 30 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS 32 OUT & ABOUT

HARTSELLE LIVING

CONTRIBUTORS

STAFF Editorial Rebekah Yancey Alison James Contributors Constance Smith Michelle Blaylock Susan Hayes Jodi Hyde Jim Meadows Mariann Parker

ALISON JAMES, copy editor Alison James earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Auburn University, graduating in 2012. She began her career in community journalism in Alexander City and Dadeville, followed by a stop in Opelika before landing in north Alabama. She loves sharing the stories – and correcting the grammar of those stories – of the people and places that make north Alabama such a special place.

Marketing Baretta Taylor Anna Baker Terri Haston Administration Beth Jackson

CONSTANCE SMITH, writer Constance Smith is a lifestyle blogger and YouTuber at AGoodLifeFarm. com. After 25 years of Army family life, Constance has planted roots here in Hartselle. She now homesteads on her small farm, where she raises heritage breed animals and is focusing on permaculture gardening. In her spare time she enjoys photography, art, kayaking and other outdoor sports.

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 2022 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

6 Hartselle Living

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.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE Becky Watson retires from Kroger after 47 years STORY BY REBEKAH YANCEY PHOTOS BY JODI HYDE AND CONTRIBUTED

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management relief for 10 years before going into full-time management, where she worked for the remainder of her career. “It’s so funny,” she added, “that my last day as a clerk was March 31, 2004,” – and her last day at Kroger was exactly 18 years later. Katrina Sharp has been an employee at Kroger for 10 years and has been at the Hartselle location for the previous five. She said Watson is like a second mother. “She’s my Kroger mom,” said Sharp, who manages the floral department.

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The year was 1975. Becky Watson was a sophomore at Morgan County High School who yearned to earn her own money and experience a taste of a independence. So, Watson, then Worley, visited Kroger in Hartselle and applied for a job. She was hired, and as the years passed, she turned her afterschool job – making less than $2 an hour – into a career for 47 years at several Kroger locations in the Tennessee Valley. A Hartselle native, Watson – a wife, mother and grandmother – has retired from her decades-long career at Kroger, where she offered service with a smile and where she became family to many of her coworkers and customers. Reflecting on how time has changed the grocery industry, Watson said at the beginning of her tenure with Kroger, UPC codes were not used, and employees were trained in all facets of the job – from bagging and stocking to working the cash register, providing customer service and more. “Everything had a price, and you punched in all the numbers and figured the tax,” Watson said. “We gave away Top Value stamps that customers could collect and trade in for gifts. When I hired in, we didn’t have baggers and checkers; we did all of it. We even cleaned bathrooms and swept floors.” Watson spent several years working in different departments, including the produce and frozen sections, with stints in the dairy and floral areas. She moved up to

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“She has helped me every Valentine’s Day, every Mother’s Day. I think that’s where her passion is. “To describe Becky – you can’t put it into words,” Sharp said. “She is one of the most compassionate people I have ever met, and she cares about people on a more personal level. I hope I’m half the woman she is. She’s special. There’s not a lot of Beckys in this world.” Drake Posey agreed. “She treats everybody with care. She’s very strong hearted and doesn’t care to get her hands dirty,” he said. “We are going to miss her a lot.” James Blake, store manager of the Hartselle Kroger, has known Watson for six years and calls her an inspiration. “She looks out for everybody, takes care of everybody, and she tries to take on too much most of the time, but we all love her and are going to miss her. It’s going to be bittersweet,” Blake said.

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Hartselle Living 11

SCHOOL & SPORTS

Watson said she is unsure what retirement holds for her yet. Ever busy, she said she will have to force herself to slow down and enjoy the next phase of her life with Tony, her husband of 41 years. “It’s going to take some adjustment,” Watson said. “I think my knee replacement was God’s way of preparing me for retirement. “Tony wants me to use Kroger pickup for about a month to deprogram myself,” Watson added with a laugh. “He knows that if I walk in there and something is out of place, I’m going to put it in the right place.” For Watson, the job has never been just a paycheck. She said working at Kroger has had a profound and lasting impact on her life. “It’s not just coming in here and working. People have lives, and you have to be able to feel for them and care about them – there’s so much to it,” she said. “I have ‘Kroger kids,’ many of whom have gone on into management and done big things with their lives. I’ve received so many text messages from all over with, ‘Congratulations, Mrs. Watson!” All in all, Watson said she is thankful for her years at Kroger, the relationships she has built and the experiences she has had. The most valuable thing she said she ever received from Kroger was her dog Zoe, who she found outside the store one night while working a late shift. Once Watson’s constant companion, the poodle mix passed away in March at 14 years old. “It’s been an adventure,” she said. “It’s so much more than selling groceries.” 12 Hartselle Living

Coach Gary Orr coaches his team.

SAYING GOODBYE Coach Gary Orr leaves a legacy STORY BY RUSSELL FRYE PHOTOS BY JIM MEADOWS AND MARIANN PARKER

Orr coaches his team during a 6A Northwest Regional game at Madison Academy Feb. 22, 2021.

Orr fists bumps with Lillyanna Cartee during team introductions.

Gary Orr has prowled the Hartselle sidelines as a head coach and an assistant for more than 20 years, and over that time, he has left his mark on Hartselle High School. In February he announced his retirement following the Lady Tigers’ loss to Hazel Green in the Northwest Regional Tournament. “There is a lot that I will miss in retirement,” said Orr, “but it is game day and being around my players that I will miss the most.” Before coming home to Hartselle, Orr coached at JO Johnson, where he served as head coach of the boys’ basketball team. During his time at Johnson as an assistant and head coach, the Jaguars won a state championship and advanced to the Final Four on four other occasions. “One of my favorite moments before coming home to Hartselle was winning a state championship at Johnson,” said Orr. After leaving Johnson, he returned to Hartselle and began building a legacy in the Tiger athletic program, coaching in multiple programs as part of multiple championship seasons. Orr took the reins of the Lady Tiger basketball program following a successful run by Greg Adams. While serving

14 Hartselle Living

as head coach of the Lady Tigers basketball program, he also served as a football assistant under coaches Bob Godsey and Bryan Moore. As a football assistant, he helped lead the Tigers to a 15-0 record and a state championship in 2011. That is not the only state championship he helped bring home to Hartselle. He led the Hartselle girls golf team to four consecutive state championships, from 2009-2012. He also coached two-time state champion Arin Eddy, who won the individual state championships in 2012 and 2013, and Heather Nail, who won the state championship in 2011. “Being a part of the state championships and getting to the Final Four with both the boys’ team and the girls’ team here at Hartselle gave me memories that I will cherish,” Orr said. It is on the basketball court where he will be remembered the most. He built the Lady Tigers into a powerhouse in north Alabama. His teams won five area championships, played in three Northwest Regional finals and advanced to one Final Four. His fingerprints could be seen almost immediately on the Lady Tigers program. His teams were going to be hard-nosed, defensive teams. Over the years, opposing teams feared playing the Lady Tigers and Orr. They knew it would be a hard-fought game against a well-coached basketball team. As tough as Orr has been on his players over the years, he has loved them just as much, taking pride in the successes of his players on and off the court. Orr said he has coached more than a hundred girls in the Hartselle program and has seen a good number move on to play a sport in college. In addition,

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Being a part of the state championships and getting to the Final Four with both the boys’ team and the girls’ team here at Hartselle gave me memories that I will cherish. – Coach Gary Orr

“Coach Orr is an amazing coach and an even better person,” said Cooper. “We are a better place because of Coach Orr. He has impacted many student lives during his tenure, and we are very appreciative of his countless hours of hard work.” Cooper said Hartselle students are encouraged to leave a place better than it was before they arrived, and “Coach Orr has certainly set that example.” Smith, who has worked closely with Orr over the years, said he is thankful for the time Orr has given to Hartselle High School and the athletic program. “His record was outstanding, but the positive impact on the girls’ character and lives is even better,” said Smith. “He always cared about those he coached and always wanted to help them be better people.” Key has seen Orr’s handiwork up close on the court for the past eight seasons – especially the impact Orr made on Key’s daughter Kayla.

Orr speaks to his team during a timeout in a 2021 home game.

a handful of his players have become teachers and coaches, including Alice Anne Glasgow and Kayla Key Harbin. Glasgow has coached with Orr for the past two seasons, while Harbin, who played four seasons at Faulkner, began coaching at Sparkman this past season. He has also coached two 2,000-point scorers and Division I signees in Moriah Taylor, class of 2019, and Masyn Marchbanks, class of 2022. Taylor helped lead the Lady Tigers to three area championships, three regional finals and one Final Four before signing with Georgia State University. “Playing for Coach Orr was one of the best experiences of my life,” said Taylor. “He cared about every single person on the team, and he pushed us all to be our best on and off the court. I’m beyond grateful to have gotten to play for him. He did an amazing job preparing me for college basketball, and that’s something I will never forget.” Marchbanks, who just finished her senior season, played for Orr for six seasons, starting during her seventh-grade year. “Coach Orr has been a big part of my life since I was 12 years old. His belief in me has helped me believe in myself along the way,” said Marchbanks. “I’ll carry that with me for the rest of my career. He cared for his players like they were his own. He’s a man of principle whose focus was to build our character, not just our athletic ability.” Marchbanks has signed with Samford University in Birmingham to continue her basketball career. Freshman Gracie Hill, who has played the past two seasons for Orr, said he “taught me so many lessons as a basketball player. He taught us never to be satisfied and always keep pushing and never give up because you can achieve any goal you set your mind to.” 16 Hartselle Living

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“Coach Orr has served in so many roles here at Hartselle High. He’s coached girls golf, football and basketball and approached them all with the same energy and attention,” said Key. “He served as a terrific mentor to all the young people he’s coached.” When it comes to X’s and O’s, Key said Orr always did a great job preparing his girls for games and putting them in a position to win. Orr grew up in Hartselle and has spent most of his life here. “It is a privilege to call Hartselle home,” said Orr. “It has been great to give back to the community and school I grew up in.

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Jamie Bates 256.754.7135 Freshman Mary Frances Itsede said she was first impressed by Orr in fifth grade when she would attend games. “I saw Coach Orr and knew I wanted to play for him,” said Itsede. “It’s been such an honor to be a part of his last group of girls.” Orr has also left his mark on the administration and staff at Hartselle. For the past several years, Orr has worked with principal Dr. Brad Cooper, athletic director Pat Smith and boys’ basketball coach Faron Key. They all said they appreciate Orr and his approach to his players and the community.

Orr stands with his assistant coaches, Alice Anne Glasgow and Amber Deline, during a 2022 area tournament game.

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Hartselle Living 17

The way we do the things we do

FOOD & DRINK

Perhaps you have wondered how Hartinstruction with the upper levels of the Webb’s selle City Schools determines what Depth of Knowledge taxonomy. A copy of this can skills will be taught in its classrooms. be found at http://levelquestions.weebly.com/ First, each grade level instructs depth-of-knowledge-dok.html. students in the skills outlined in the Though all content requires some memorizaCourse of Study/State Standards for tion, the real goal of instruction is application. each content area within the grade HCS wants its graduates to leave their comlevel. These standards are determined mencement ceremony with the knowledge and by a committee of teachers and other skills needed to pursue the careers that interest stakeholders; are presented to the them and grow their communities. public for feedback; are then revised The resources used within the classroom also if needed; and are then approved by the vary based on the content and on the grade levels BY SUSAN HAYES FEDERAL PROGRAMS DIRECTOR state superintendent and state board of and reading levels of the students. Textbooks HARTSELLE CITY SCHOOLS education. These standards can be found purchased with state funds come from a state-apon the Alabama Learning Exchange website, alex.state.al.us. proved list, but teachers also rely on websites and similar Most standards require many hours of instruction spanresources that align with standards. ning days or weeks. This is because our goal is for learners Whenever possible, HCS wants its students to experience to truly learn what is indicated by the standards and not hands-on learning or simulation learning that exposes them simply for teachers to teach what is indicated. The number to how their skills might translate into a career. So, HCS of instructional hours devoted to a particular skill depends students take what they learn at school – together with what largely on teachers’ daily assessments of students’ learning they learn at home, in church, in clubs, on sports teams, and progress. from their neighbors and more – to become productive, Teachers’ strategies vary somewhat based on the needs of thinking adults who can serve their communities. the students in their classrooms, but they work to align their And that’s the way we do the things we do.

SHORTEST FARM-TO-TABLE PATH LEADS TO REEVES PEACH FARM STORY AND PHOTOS BY CONSTANCE SMITH

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18 Hartselle Living

You can’t get much more “farm to table” than the farm market and restaurant at Reeves Peach Farm on Highway 36. Reeves Peach Farm has been in the family since 1835, when it was first established. The family still farms some of that same land. Originally some of the crops grown were cotton, corn and others common to northern Alabama. In the 1940s the farm began growing fruits. Stacks of watermelons would be sold under the big oak trees that still stand tall near the original farm stand that was built around 1959. That stand started as a simple shed that was expanded again and again as operations continued to outgrow the facilities. A couple of years ago, the dream of hosting big market on the farm – a dream Mike Reeves had for 30-40 years – came to fruition. Reeves said his family “supports my farming habit.” His wife Lynn is the CPA and does the books, and their sons David and Jackson work there as well, making it a family affair. The farm market offers fresh produce, locally grown in season. Out of season, produce is brought in regionally to support more farmers while bringing fresh produce to the community. Cedar tables are laden with bright red tomatoes, zucchini and more. In addition to the fresh produce, the market also

20 Hartselle Living

offers take-and-bake casseroles, locally-grown meats and eggs, desserts, preserves and more. Reeves said his own favorite item is the homemade ice cream, sold by the pint. All their ice cream is made fresh on site. A variety of flavors are available; the peach and strawberry options are made with fruit from their own farm. Want an ice cream cone? Head into the restaurant area, where the Reeves family serves ice cream by the scoop. The restaurant was a long-planned addition to the market and became a reality this past year. Visitors will find freshly-made sandwiches, chicken pot pie, stuffed baked potatoes, soup of the day and plenty of other dishes to choose from. New dishes and recipes are continually being tried out under the supervision of Kristy Robinson, who runs the kitchen. Reeves said he has the best staff on the planet, and the market wouldn’t be the same without their hard work and dedication. Outside is a large smoker that uses peach wood from the farm to smoke the meats for the dishes served, like barbecue sandwiches or smoked chicken and broccoli casserole. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. An area beside the restaurant is set aside to become a playground, which will up the ante for families who want to come, stay a bit and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Reeves said it will be particularly nice for those traveling Interstate 65 who find themselves needing to stretch their legs and rest a bit. The market is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with the restaurant opening at 10:30 a.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Visit the farm at 334 Highway 36 E., Hartselle. Hartselle Living 21

BEAUTIFUL BEEF ENTREES

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CONSTANCE SMITH

Whether heading outdoors to grill or sticking to the comfortable air-conditioned kitchen, everyone needs these beef recipes. Carnita-style beef is pan-seared and then roasted to perfection with peppers, onions and a kick of green chilies. Stuffed flank steak is sure to impress anyone at your next cookout. The spirals of colorful red peppers, spinach and feta cheese are a beautiful sight to behold.

CARNITA STYLE BEEF INGREDIENTS • 3 lbs. beef chuck roast • 1 tsp. salt • 1 tsp. ground black pepper • 2 Tb. extra virgin olive oil (or coconut oil) • 2 Tb. chili powder • 1 1/2 Tb. cumin • 4 ounces diced green chilies (canned) • 2 tsp. fresh oregano, minced • 6 cloves garlic, minced • 2 cups beef broth • 3 bell peppers, multiple colors • 1 large onion • 1 Tb. extra virgin olive oil • salt and pepper • For serving: tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, black olives, lime wedges and sliced jalapeno peppers 22 Hartselle Living

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place one oven rack in the middle of the oven and another in the lower part of the oven. 2. Pat the roast dry with paper towels and then salt and pepper both sides. 3. Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet; cast iron is ideal. 4. Once the oil is good and hot, but not quite smoking, place the roast in the skillet and let it sit undisturbed for four minutes to get a lovely brown sear. 5. Turn it over and sear the other side for four minutes. 6. Remove the roast to a plate and turn the heat all the way down to low. 7. Add the green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic and oregano. Stir together and let cook a minute or so. 8. Whisk in the beef broth. 9. Place the roast back in the skillet and turn off the heat. 10. Using potholders or mitts, carefully cover the skillet with foil. Seal the edges tightly. 11. Place the skillet in the oven on the shelf in the middle of the oven. Bake for one hour, 45 minutes. 12. When the roast has about 35 minutes left, cut the peppers into strips and the onion into wedges. Toss them with a little oil, about 1 tablespoon, and place them on a baking sheet. 13. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and then slide them into the oven on the lower shelf. Bake these for the final 30 minutes of the roast’s baking time, until nice and colorful. 14. When done baking, remove the roast to a cutting board, saving the liquid in the skillet. Cut or shred the beef and then put it back into the skillet and stir it in with the sauce. 15. Serve this on tortillas, topped with roasted peppers and onion, sour cream, guacamole, black olives, lime wedges and anything else you like. Hartselle Living 23

STUFFED FLANK STEAK INGREDIENTS • 2 lbs. flank steak, butterflied • 1 tsp. salt, divided • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided • 2/3 cup jarred roasted red pepper, diced • 1 1/2 cups baby spinach • 2/3 cup herbed, crumbled feta cheese • 2 tsp. olive oil INSTRUCTIONS 1. To begin, butterfly the flank steak with a sharp filet knife. See a video of this at AGoodLifeFarm.com 2. Once your steak is butterflied, lightly salt and pepper it with a half teaspoon of each. 3. Spread the diced peppers over the top of the steak, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Top this with the baby spinach. 4. Sprinkle with the herbed, crumbled feta cheese. 5. Starting at the end, along the grain of the meat, roll the steak up like you are going to make cinnamon rolls. 6. Tie the roll closed with kitchen twine in 1-inch increments. Trim off the excess twine. 7. Brush the outside of the roll with olive oil. 8. Salt and pepper the outside. 9. Heat grill to high heat, about 450 degrees, and place steak roll on the grates. 10. Cook it on one side for two minutes and turn over. 11. Turn the heat off on the side with the steak and cook over indirect heat at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until it registers 135-150 degrees internally with a thermometer – depending on how done you like your steak. 12. Allow your steak to rest for 10 minutes and then slice into beautiful medallions. 24 Hartselle Living

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Library gears up for Summer Reading Program

As always, we are staying busy this spring working Kickoff is set for June 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the to offer our patrons and our community new books library, an event we’re calling Adopt a Reading and new programs. We have worked hard this past Buddy Day. We will have small stuffed animals year to add programming like paint classes for for children ages 2 years old through fifth grade adults and children, book clubs and crafts. to adopt as their Summer Reading Buddy. We have added Hoopla, a great streaming service Throughout the summer program we will with more than 500,000 titles. This digital service have a theme each week with activities that allows patrons up to seven digital checkouts from correspond with that theme. All events will be its massive collection of movies, music, books, on Thursdays in June and July at 10:30 a.m. audiobooks and television programs. All you need In addition, we will also have a story time at is your library card number; if you do not have one, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday mornings for children ages BY MICHELLE BLAYLOCK call the library, and we can help you set one up. 6-10 and Wednesday mornings for ages 2-5. LIBRARY MANAGER Also, we still provide Libby/Overdrive. It is also a This summer will also offer adult activities on WILLIAM BRADFORD HUIE LIBRARY OF HARTSELLE digital service that provides books, audiobooks and Monday nights and movies weekly. magazines. We will have Reading Bingos for all age All of our librarians use both Libby and Hoopla, so if you have groups. Completed bingos will be used as entries into drawings questions about either one of those services, please call the library for prizes. at 256-773-9880, and we will be happy to help you. Our Summer Reading Calendar and program schedule will be We are currently working on our Summer Reading Program. available at the library starting May 2. Please call or stop by the This year’s theme is Oceans of Possibilities. Our Summer Reading library for additional information. Happy reading!

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

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time in the past, Marty learns how to be considerate of other people and how to handle bullies civilly.

“GHOSTBUSTERS” by G.M. Berrow Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, Winston Zeddemore, Egon Spengler and Janine are school friends and kid scientists. They form an after-hours club to fight the ghosts attacking New York City. This book teaches young readers the importance of friendship and working together.

“E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL” by Kim Smith Elliott is a boy who needs a friend when he discovers an extraterrestrial in his room, who he calls E.T. for short. E.T. is far from home and needs Elliott’s help. Together, they learn about friendship and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.

“LIFE IS BETTER WITH FRIENDS” by Micol Ostow Return to New York City with your favorite group of friends, Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe and Joey. Peek inside their apartments and settle down at Central Perk with a nice cup of coffee. Read through some of the funniest and most memorable moments of this beloved TV show.

Come visit us at our new offices 1001 N Brindlee Mountain Parkway, Arab, AL 35016 (256) 727-5927 464 Highway 67 S, Decatur, AL 35603 (256) 280-3840

“THE KARATE KID” by Kim Smith Daniel under his wing to train him in the art of karate. Through unconventional methods, Daniel

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learns more than self-defense. He learns patience and discipline. This is a great book for children and parents alike. 28 Hartselle Living

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Daniel Russo is bullied by the students of the local dojo, Cobra Kai. His neighbor, Mr. Miyagi, takes

BECOMER A MEMBE NEW MEMBERS: • Connie Pearson – Travel/Food Writer and Blogger • ReDiscover Confidence • Jeanette’s Signs & Greetings • Moe’s Original BBQ – Hartselle • CrossTek Construction MISSY EVANS President/CEO

JAIME HATCHER Director of Programs and Events

CINDERELLA BALL

• Southern Comfort Pool Co. LLC • Whitfield Family Practice LLC • The Higdon Team EXP Realty • Elite Mobile Home Transport LLC • 209 Railroad Street SW Yard Sale

Photos by Jesi Livingston/Images by JesiB

The fifth Annual Cinderella Ball, presented by Scott Stadthagen, State Representative District 9, was held at Burningtree Country Club Feb. 18-19. Over the past five years, this special event has grown from approximately 40 to 400 in attendance, requiring an additional evening added this year to accommodate each princess and her escort. More than 200 young girls and their escorts dined Friday and Saturday evening on a delectable buffet,

• Falkville Medical Clinic

• Hartselle Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Inc.

complete with a chocolate fountain; were chauffeured in a horse-drawn carriage; and danced the night away with Cinderella herself. Lead-outs were emceed by Maegan Jones, MarMac Real Estate broker and Realtor, and décor was provided by Kathy Summerford of It’s Your Day Florist. Table sponsors included Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, Redstone Federal Credit Union and The Hulgan Company. The venue was sponsored by Burningtree Country Club.

• Miller Farm Candle Co. • Moore Pressure Washing

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• May 5 – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Jeanette’s Signs & Greetings • May 6 – Annual Meeting & Awards Gala CHRYSTALYNN BEARD Director of Membership

BETH FOOTE Member Experience Specialist

HARTSELLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF

Photos by Rachel Howard/RAW Images

The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to introduce two new staff additions this year. Joining Missy Evans, president/CEO, and Jaime Hatcher, director of programs and events, are Chrystalynn Beard and Beth Foote. Chrystalynn, a Hartselle native,

brings experience in business, staffing and management, and joins the Chamber staff as the new director of membership. Beth is a former HACC Ambassador and the 2021 highest-performing HACC Total Resource Campaign volunteer. She will serve as member experience specialist.

• May 12 – B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Sharing Solutions) Breakfast • May 17 – Impact Student Leadership Meeting • May 18 – Legislative Breakfast • May 19 – Impact Student Leadership Graduation and Awards Ceremony • May 24 – Serve Day Volunteer Meeting • June 8 – Lunch & Learn • June 16 – State of Healthcare • June 21 – Women in the Workforce For more information on upcoming events, visit hartsellechamber.com.

Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 817, Hartselle, AL 35640 30 Hartselle Living

256. 773.4370  admin@hartsellechamber.com Hartselle Living 31

OUT & ABOUT HARTSELLE HEALTH PARK RIBBON CUTTING

Cullman Regional, together with city and county leaders and the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, held a celebratory ribbon cutting for Hartselle Health Park March 16. Photos by Jaime Hatcher 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Vickie Suits and Nancy Busby Solberg Randy Vest and Jeff Johnson Mayor Randy Garrison and Dwight Tankersly Jennifer Williams and Beth Foote Malinda Hall, Nikki Tallent, Christina Sirten and Jamie Bates 6. Chrystalynn Beard and Jennifer Malone 7. Jeff Johnson and Ken Doss 8. Jennifer Malone, Randy Vest, Dwight Tankersly, Ken Doss, Mayor Randy Garrison, Dr. Bill Smith, James Clements, Brandon Evans, Lisa Courtney and Bobby Morris

2 3

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Great Rates Are In Bloom! 2050 Beltline Road SW, Decatur, AL 35601

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Hartselle Living 35

#HeyHartselle

Follow @hey_hartselle on Instagram and use the hashtag #HeyHartselle for a chance to be featured on this page in each issue. @destinee.bailey Wedding festivities have begun! #itsapartyshesaCartee #notheractualhashtag

@sunwiseflowers Our first little tulip harvest of 2022!

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@_kd_lo Me and the boss man, literally couldn’t do it without cha, pal. #moeshartselle

Thompson Custom Homes, a family owned business, builds spec homes throughout Hartselle, AL, and provides new home construction and renovation services to homeowners throughout North Alabama. Put us to work for you!

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YOU PLAN EVERY MILESTONE IN YOUR LIFE

Many of life’s important events require some degree of advance planning and consideration; these events usually impact us as well as our families. End-of-life and funeral planning should be no different.

Why should funeral planning be any different?

Sorting out the arrangements while you’re still around means you get the funeral you’d like. Most importantly, your loved ones are spared the additional distress of organizing and paying for it.

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