Hartselle Living - May/June

ANDY AND MONTY VEST • HOWELL-BAXTER STUDIO • KEEGAN ZANDA

HARTSELLE LIVING May/June 2021

SUMMERTIME

SWEETNESS OLIWIA’S SHAVE ICE BRINGS TASTY TREATS TO HARTSELLE

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FROM THE EDITOR

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There is something special about this issue of Hartselle Living. The interviews I conducted for this magazine felt less like interviews and more like conversations with old friends.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed writing the stories. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth saying again: That’s what I love about Hartselle Living and one thing I love about Hartselle – the power of a connection that brings people together. The power of a story to put a smile on your face or warm your heart toward another person is a powerful thing.

Something else that is great about this city we all call home: The stories I’m privileged to play a role in telling every week – and in every issue of the magazine – are out there if you look for them.

Sometimes you don’t have to look that hard, either. Sometimes they are emailed to you on a silver platter and make you wish you had known Lisa Howell-Baxter when you got married a year ago. I think I will have her paint one of my wedding photos anyway, and I’m glad I get to share her story and the photos of her amazing artwork in Hartselle Living.

People in Hartselle are doing amazing things every day. Take Keegan Zanda as another example.

He is a Hartselle High School student-athlete who is setting records and making history every time he makes a goal. You can read more about his story and his future plans in our School & Sports section.

From Oliwia’s Shave Ice on Railroad Street to the story about a local couple’s adoption journey, this magazine is full of summertime sweetness.

If you know a good story that needs to be told, my email door is always open.

Thanks for reading,

ON THE COVER

Olivia Littrell owns Oliwia’s Shave Ice in Hartselle, where she brings a little Hawaiian flair to Railroad Street.

Photo by Constance Smith

4 Hartselle Living

rebekah.yancey@hartselleliving.com

15

HOME & STYLE

FOOD & DRINK

7 HAVEN OF A HOME

27 SUMMERTIME SWEETNESS

Andy and Monty Vest love their historic house on Barkley Street

ARTS & CULTURE 15 UNEXPECTED BEAUTY Hartselle native embraces challenge of watercolor portraiture

SCHOOL & SPORTS 21 A REAL GOAL-GETTER Soccer talents land Keegan Zanda on path for college ball

Oliwia’s Shave Ice brings tasty treats to Hartselle

31 CHOCOLATE TREATS FOR EVERYONE

FEATURES 35 BRINGING HARRISON HOME Local couple overcomes obstacles in adoption journey

HARTSELLE LIVING

CONTRIBUTORS

STAFF Editorial Rebekah Yancey Alison James Contributors Constance Smith Michelle Blaylock Susan Hayes

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.

Clif Knight Rachel Howard 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.

CONSTANCE SMITH, writer

Constance Smith is a lifestyle blogger and YouTuber at CosmopolitanCornbread.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.

CLIF KNIGHT, writer

Clif Knight is a Lineville native and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served from 1953-57. His resume boasts various stints at newspapers and media outlets in Alabama and Mississippi. He is a former part-owner and editor of the Hartselle Enquirer as well as former mayor of the City of Hartselle, serving a four-year term from 2000-04. Knight has been married to Geanell for 63 years, and they have three adult children, three granddaughters and one great-granddaughter.

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 2021 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

6 Hartselle Living

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.

HOME&STYLE

HAVEN OF A HOME

Andy and Monty Vest love their historic house on Barkley Street STORY BY REBEKAH YANCEY PHOTOS BY RACHEL HOWARD

8 Hartselle Living

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When Andy and Monty Vest first married, they renovated and lived in a house on Barkley Street, where they often walked past the historic home they live in now, not knowing then it would be a big part of their future.

William Howard Evans, also known to many in Hartselle as “Country Evans,” designed and constructed the Greek revival-style home in 1949.

“We have always loved this neighborhood and location,” Monty said. “Greek revival has always appealed to us, and this home was just perfect. The opportunity to own and renovate it was something we hoped for very early in our marriage. It has been an honor to maintain this house and call it home.

“We finished the walk-out basement, adding two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a casual family room and downstairs kitchen,” Monty added. “We worked with an architect on the basement design as well as a master bedroom expansion upstairs that is now the coffee bar and screened-in porch.”

The Vest family moved into in the house after these updates in November 2005, when their Hartselle Living 9

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We also have several pieces of art we love, but our favorite is the portrait of our daughter that hangs in our dining room. It features a 5-year-old Eleanor standing on our front porch.

– Monty Vest

daughter Eleanor was 2 months old. The house now features four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

In 2015 the Vests moved to St. Louis, Missouri, for Andy’s job, but they returned in 2018. “We thoroughly enjoyed our time in St. Louis, but our home, our family is in Hartselle, and we were thrilled to return,” Monty said.

The Vests completely renovated the interior of the house upon returning to Hartselle. “We redecorated the home to include pieces we purchased in St. Louis,” Monty explained. They also renovated the master bathroom to include a large zero entry shower and a separate soaking tub.

Monty said because the couple’s tastes lean more toward the traditional side, they try to make purchases that are classic and

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can be used for years to come. In addition to the mixed metals used throughout, sentimental décor fills the home. Monty’s favorite piece is the antique Empire sideboard in the dining room that was purchased when she and Andy were newly married. “It has been in our home for more than 28 years,” she said, adding her husband’s favorite piece is also in the dining room – the Empire game table, which was the first antique piece they bought as newlyweds.

“We also have several pieces of art we love, but our favorite is the portrait of our daughter that hangs in our dining room. It features a 5-year-old Eleanor standing on our front porch,” Monty says. “An antique hall tree that belonged to Andy’s grandmother, as well as a few pieces from my grandparents and great aunts, are also special to us.”

A door in the kitchen that leads downstairs is from the Farmers and Merchants Bank building that was built in 1915 and now houses The Something Blue Shoppe. Monty’s mother Sarah owns the wedding gown salon that has been in business for 52 years.

The large backyard features several trees planted by Evans.

The site is the original home of the annual Country Evans Stew Fundraiser for the Hartselle Football booster club. The men would gather in the backyard to make the stew in large stew pots each fall. “When we purchased the home, we found several 14 Hartselle Living

heaters and pots from days past,” Monty said. The stew fundraiser continues today at the Hartselle Tabernacle and is led by Judge Glen Thompson, a nephew of Country Evans.

As a family, the Vests enjoy spending time with friends at Smith Lake, attending Alabama football games and traveling.

ARTS & CULTURE

UNEXPECTED BEAUTY Hartselle native embraces challenge of watercolor portraiture STORY BY REBEKAH YANCEY PHOTOS BY RACHEL HOWARD AND CONTRIBUTED

16 Hartselle Living

RAJANE HAMPTON

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Lisa Howell-Baxter hails from a family of painters.

A native of Hartselle, she was formally trained at the School of Art and Architecture at Auburn University.

She channels her creativity to create watercolor portraits of children, florals, houses, birds and more, along with using her floral design skills to create beautiful weddings for brides-to-be. Three years ago, she expanded her business to include live event painting – and since that time, she has painted weddings and receptions at ornate Catholic churches, on mountaintops at sunrise and everywhere in between.

The event painting was an idea brought to her by her friend Adam Barnes, who is a Virgina-based wedding photographer and artist. “I had known about live event painting, but it had never occurred to me that I could expand my business in that way,” Howell-Baxter said.

“Adam told me ‘I think you would really enjoy that.’”

He was right. Three years in, and Howell-Baxter said she has lost count of how many weddings she has attended and painted, although among her favorites are the garden weddings of her daughters, which were both held at the Baxter family home.

Howell-Baxter works exclusively with watercolor.

While it can be the most challenging medium, she said it is her favorite because of the unexpected beauty that results.

The outcome of a painting isn’t completely plannable. Once the paint hits the page, it’s there. It’s that challenge that makes it appealing and beautiful in its process.

– Lisa Howell-Baxter

“The outcome of a painting isn’t completely plannable … Once the paint hits the page, it’s there,” she said. “So, it’s sort of a different mindset than working with oil or acrylic, where you can paint over. It’s that challenge that makes it appealing and beautiful in its process.”

Her live paintings take four to five hours on site and then four to six weeks in the studio for the finishing touches. She applies layers of washes to a painting, desiring the end result to look fresh and effortless. “I love to include as many details as I can – that just makes it more personal,” she added.

Another of her favorite events was a sunrise mountaintop wedding. “The bride wanted to walk down the aisle while the sun was coming up,” she said. “It was a beautiful setting, so that was fun to put on paper.”

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Lisa and her husband Howard met at a PTA meeting at Hartselle Junior High School. They celebrated 40 years of marriage in March.

Life took them up the east coast, first to North Carolina then to Pennsylvania, where they spent more than 30 years and where they raised their children. When it came time for Howard to retire, they agreed they wanted to return to where it all started; Hartselle is still home to the couple.

Howell-Baxter’s mother and sister also live in Hartselle, and she said she loves being close to her family and around familiar places. “We are so happy we came back, and my husband keeps saying ‘We’re home, Lisa, we’re home,” she said.

The couple have three children and 10 grandchildren, and they plan to travel to visit their family once the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

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Visit the William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle

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Hello again from the William Bradford Huie Library books are checked out for three Library of Hartselle! weeks, and DVDs are checked out for one As I mentioned in my most recent column, week. To obtain a library card, librarians we have rearranged our adult fiction and must see something with your name and non-fiction collections. A quick shout out to current address. If your driver’s license Alex and Sarah for the amazing work they did does not have your current address, we will on that project. accept insurance cards, rental agreements, We have added almost 1,500 books to utility bills and the like. our library since Jan. 1. We are still taking A library card provides you with access to requests and suggestions from patrons our free e-book service; for more informafor books, series and authors. You can tion, please stop by the library or give us a MICHELLE BLAYLOCK call or come by the library to make those call at 256-773-9880.

LIBRARY MANAGER recommendations.

We also have computers available for WILLIAM BRADFORD HUIE LIBRARY OF HARTSELLE If you want to find out whether our library public use, and printouts or photocopies has a specific book, audiobook or DVD, you cost 15 cents per page. are welcome to call us or check our Online Public Access We celebrated Women’s History Month this year by Catalog, which can be found online at www.hartselle.org focusing on the wonderful ladies of Hartselle. Librarians under Services A-Z > Library (William Bradford Huie Patricia Poe and Sarah Laughmiller suggested this proLibrary). gram and have done an excellent job. Thank you, ladies.

If you want to be able to reserve items online, please ask We hope to see you soon at the William Bradford Huie us to sign you up for a username and password.

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SCHOOL & SPORTS

A REAL GOAL-GETTER Soccer talents land Keegan Zanda on path for college ball STORY BY CLIF KNIGHT PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

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When all is said and done as a senior at Hartselle High School, Keegan Zanda will look back with pride on what he has accomplished both in the classroom and on the soccer field.

Zanda’s stats speak for themselves: The Tiger is an honor graduate with a 3.9 grade point average as a junior; co-captain and four-year starter on the soccer team; first soccer player to earn an athletic scholarship; and first HHS player ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps. As team striker, he scored 44 goals in 17 games and had six assists and 11 hat tricks during first 17 games of the 2021 season.

When it came time to pursue taking his talents to the next level, “the recruiting process was difficult to say the least,” said mother Dawn Zanda. “COVID-19 had everything shut down.

Colleges cancelled the soccer season; they were not allowed to recruit prospects in person, and prospects were not allowed to make on-campus visits.

“On top of that,” she added, “most of the colleges have soccer programs don’t have a lot of money for scholarships. Players are asked to walk on or accept a limited scholarship and make up

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the difference on their own or with the help of an academic scholarship.”

Luckily the Zandas already had an “in” at a university where soccer was alive and well – the University of Mobile. “My son, Addison, 21, who played soccer at Hartselle High, is a student there,” explained Zanda. “He was able to get Keegan’s soccer video in the hands of the coach, and that’s what got the ball moving.”

The Tiger star signed a grant-in-aid to play soccer at the University of Mobile. “I’m pretty happy about reaching a career goal,” Zanda said. “It’s going to be a new experience in a different atmosphere. I think I’ll be ready.” He said he plans to live with his older sibling, at least until he gets accustomed to campus life.

Before that, however, he wants to end his high school career on winning note.

The Hartselle team was 16-3-1 on the season as of the beginning of April and had a 5-0 record in area play. Playoffs began April 22, with the state tournament set for Montgomery.

Zanda was introduced to the game of soccer as a 5-year-old, playing in Hartselle’s Parks & Recreation league. He also played football and basketball through the sixth grade. “I was about 10 when I began taking soccer seriously 24 Hartselle Living

and decided that was the sport I wanted to focus my attention on,” said Zanda. “I gave up football and basketball when I was in the seventh grade.”

On the soccer field, Zanda said he has “played at about every position on the team since my freshman year.”

“I don’t have a favorite spot on the field, but it has been fun playing striker this year because it puts me in position to score goals,” he added.

“My teammates are looking for ways to get the ball to me, and that helps a lot.”

In addition to his mother and siblings, Zanda credits his coaches with helping him improve his game: Mike Remus with River City United is a former travel team coach, a professional who played at Texas A&M; Regan Roan coached him through his freshman through junior years; and Dan Bennich is his head coach now, after serving as his seventh- and eighth-grade head coach.

Zanda played travel team soccer with Madison Blaze in 2020. Team coaches were Mike Hanline, Steve Vaughn and Jonathan Frazier.

“All four of my children were soccer players,” his mother noted, “but Keegan was the only one who saw the big picture and remained steadfast in his desire to play at the college level.”

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Hartselle Living 25

F

Power of play

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For many years I was principal of Barto play with toy dinosaurs; social skills, kley Bridge Elementary School. When like how to play together in a pretend car people ask what I miss most about that wash; and literacy skills, like creating a role, I tell them it’s children’s laughter. menu for a pretend restaurant.

If ever I had to leave campus for a Play develops imagination in children, meeting or event, it would warm my heart and imagination is something they will to pull back into my parking spot at the need as they grow older. Play grows their front of the school, open my car door and emotional capacities to self-manage and immediately hear the sound of children’s problem-solve. Being able to approach an laughter wafting through the air from the old problem in a new way and see solutions playground to the parking lot. It was the others cannot see is a product of imaginaSUSAN HAYES sound of pure joy. tion. Its development must be nurtured.

FEDERAL PROGRAMS The National Association for the EducaOf course, children’s balance and coorCOORDINATOR tion of Young Children website speaks to dination improve with running and other the power of play in children’s lives. In an article called playground activities, and it’s not just about physical “10 Things Every Parent Should Know About Play,” dexterity or weight management – children’s stress is author Laura Bongiorno asserts play and learning are reduced by physical activity in the same way adult stress intertwined. “Think about them as a science lecture with is reduced by physical activity. a lab. Play is the child’s lab.”

There are bright summer days on the horizon. EnThrough various types of play, she explains, children courage your children to get outside and play. It’s one of learn and develop different skills. They learn cognitive the greatest gifts you can give them. skills, like math and problem solving in a pretend groAnd if you get to hear that laughter in the air – well, cery store; new vocabulary, like the words they need that’s quite a gift, too!

26 Hartselle Living

FOOD & DRINK

SUMMERTIME SWEETNESS Oliwia’s Shave Ice brings tasty treats to Hartselle STORY AND PHOTOS BY CONSTANCE SMITH

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Located in historic downtown Hartselle is a cheerful little shop with a sweet story: Oliwia’s Shave Ice. In 2016 Olivia Littrell went on a vacation with her family to Hawaii. While there, she enjoyed a favorite cold treat but discovered it was done a little differently on the islands. Although most everyone is familiar with snow cones or shaved ice, in Hawaii, these frozen desserts begin with a base of ice cream, and then the shaved ice dessert is built on top.

Littrell’s family was instantly in love with this version and enjoyed it every night of their vacation.

While on a layover in Dallas on the way back from their trip, Littrell and her dad, Jason, began researching what it would take to start their own shave ice business.

Shave ice, as it is called in Hawaii, is different from a snow cone. The ice is not crushed or ground; as the name indicates, it is shaved. The shaving of the ice gives it a very light and airy texture, much like real snow.

As soon as she got back from her trip, Littrell designed her logo and came up with the name. Why “Oliwia?” In Hawaii, the letter “v” is pronounced as a “w” – a fun Hawaiian twist on her name.

Littrell said she was determined to have her own shave ice shop, and she started working toward that goal right away. She set up a shave ice stand in the summer at the O.W.O. Youth Camp, using a hand-cranked ice shaver.

The treats were an instant hit: She sold 75 of them on

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Hartselle Living 29

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the first day alone. She used that summer stand money to save up for an electric ice shaver, the one she uses in the shop today. In October 2019, when Littrell was 20 years old, her dream came to fruition, and her shop opened.

While the shave ice stands in Hawaii generally carry three flavors of ice cream, Oliwia’s offers a rotating variety of 16 different flavors of Bluebell ice cream and 40 different flavors for the ice, including some sugar-free choices.

Patrons can experiment and come up with their favorite flavor combinations. One of the most popular is vanilla ice cream topped with blue raspberry and tiger’s blood ice. Olivia’s personal favorite, “The Oliwia,” consists of strawberry ice cream, pineapple and guava shave ice and a “snow cap” topping of sweetened condensed milk.

The shop also offers homemade waffle cones, sugar cones and milk shakes. A popular milkshake is the Frosted Butterbeer.

Oliwia’s Shave Ice is located between Main Street and the Freight House at 115 Railroad Street. It is adjacent to Shaw’s Printing Company, which is owned by Olivia’s aunt, Amanda Shaw.

Oliwia’s Shave Ice is open Tuesday through Saturday and offers private parties for birthdays and other occasions.

30 Hartselle Living

CHOCOLATE TREATS FOR EVERYONE STORY AND PHOTOS BY CONSTANCE SMITH

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I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t like chocolate. Chocolate cake, chocolate pie, hot chocolate – who can pick a favorite? These recipes are for two of my favorite chocolate treats: one decadent and one guiltless.

MATZO BARK CANDY This delicious treat goes by many names: matzo bark, matzo candy and matzo crack – because you just can’t stop eating it!

Matzo is an “unleavened bread” that is similar to a great big saltine cracker, and it is available in most grocery stores. If for some reason you can’t find it, you can substitute saltine or soda crackers instead of matzo in this recipe.

You can find a cooking video of this recipe on cosmopolitancornbread.com INGREDIENTS • About 4 sheets of matzo • 1 cup brown sugar • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter • 2 cups chocolate chips • 1 cup chopped nuts of choice (pecans, pistachios, etc.)

• 1 tsp. flaked salt (or kosher salt), optional INSTRUCTIONS 1. To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and a sheet of parchment paper.

3. Arrange matzo pieces all over the pan in a single layer. This is a great way to use any broken pieces you might have. You’ll just want to minimize any gaps between the pieces. Set this aside for now.

4. In a sauce pan, combine the butter and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, whisking continually, until the mixture boils and becomes like a very thick toffee.

Remove it from the heat.

5. Pour the toffee over the matzo and spread it out with an offset spatula.

6. Bake the matzo for 10 minutes.

7. When the matzo comes out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips all over the top. Wait three minutes and spread out the chocolate, using an offset spatula again.

8. Sprinkle the chopped nuts and salt all over the top.

9. Allow the candy to cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for 45 minutes.

10. Cut the candy into pieces and store in an airtight container, in a cool place or in the refrigerator.

32 Hartselle Living

GRAIN-FREE CHOCOLATE GRANOLA

I love this granola because it has a rich, chocolaty flavor but is not filled with sugar and other things you don’t want. It is a healthy snack you can enjoy without any guilt. Because it is grain-free, it is gluten-free as well.

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup walnuts • 1 cup pecans • 1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds • 1/4 cup honey • 3 Tb. ghee or butter • 3 Tb. cocoa powder • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract • pinch of sea salt INSTRUCTIONS 1. To begin, heat your oven to 200 degrees.

2. Coarsely chop your pecans and walnuts.

3. Combine the nuts, coconut and pumpkin seeds in a mixing bowl.

4. In a small saucepan or skillet, melt the ghee and honey together over low heat.

5. Whisk in the cocoa powder.

6. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

7. Add that beautiful chocolate sauce into the nut mixture and stir to combine.

8. Spread the granola out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for four hours.

9. Cool the granola completely on the baking sheet.

10. Store in an airtight container.

34 Hartselle Living

BRINGING HARRISON HOME

Local couple overcomes obstacles in adoption journey STORY BY REBEKAH YANCEY PHOTOS BY RACHEL HOWARD

S

Sarah and Dustin Shaneyfelt’s journey to parenthood was filled with obstacles and heartbreak. Looking back now, though, Sarah says God’s sovereignty is written all over their story, and it’s one she loves sharing with others.

Their journey began in September 2015, when the Shaneyfelts had been married for a year and decided to try to expand their family. After several months of trying to conceive naturally, the pair sought help from a fertility specialist in Birmingham, who diagnosed Sarah with endometriosis.

At the time of the diagnosis, Sarah said she still felt hopeful the fertility drugs and treatments would be successful. The couple underwent several rounds of both intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization in their pursuit of parenthood.

“I was hopeful because even with endometriosis, I thought ‘for sure’ they would help,” Saah said. “I had read the statistics, and they sounded good. We did have a conversation at the time about whether to pursue IVF or adoption, and we felt led to continue with the treatments.”

“We knew even then that we wanted to adopt,” Dustin added. “It was kind of a timing thing.”

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36 Hartselle Living

The Shaneyfelts invested $20,000 into three rounds of IVF, two of which were unsuccessful. “I felt like the Lord had given both of us such a strong calling to be parents, so I just knew we would be parents someday,” Sarah said. “I really leaned on scripture and clung to Isaiah 26:3-4, which reads, ‘You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”

After the second failed IVF, “I told Dustin I didn’t know if I could do it again,” Sarah said. “I started seeing adoption everywhere – on blogs I follow or on Instagram. Then it felt like ‘OK, the Lord is just telling us we need to adopt.”

The couple still had one more round of IVF. Bed rest, around-the-clock shots and changes in diet were all a part of the intensive process. The third round resulted in their long-awaited pregnancy.

It was May 2018 when more heartbreak was in store for the Shaneyfelts.

“I miscarried at nine weeks,” Sarah said. The loss, she said, was hard but gave the couple the answer they needed: The path they needed to pursue was adoption. “I still had hope the Lord was going to make me a mother.”

The couple announced July 1, 2018, that they were planning to adopt. “We hit the ground running from day one once we decided that was the process we were going through,” Dustin said.

The couple underwent home studies and multiple background checks to begin the process. “They literally knew everything there was to know about us,” Dustin said. “Every loan we’ve ever had, every name we’ve ever gone by.”

“Even how we handle disagreements as a couple,” Sarah added.

The Shaneyfelts’ profile book with their adoption agency became active in September 2018. Five weeks later, they were matched with an expectant mother who was 6 months pregnant with a little boy, and the Shaneyfelts were overjoyed.

Four days before the baby was due, however, the expectant mother decided to parent the child for whom the Shaneyfelts had spent months preparing and praying. “That was when I first felt like there was no hope,” Sarah said. “We had been so excited when we matched that we shared the news and had a gender reveal. I wanted to get to do other things pregnant women do.”

“With all the trials we’d been through, it felt like, ‘What else?’”

Dustin said. “Sarah and I spent that whole weekend by ourselves … It was hard on me. I knew how Sarah longed to be a mother.

In the day of social media, seeing your friends and family having babies and thinking it’s easy, the process of having a child – and here we are, struggling through every step.”

One week to the day after the loss of the child the Shaneyfelts thought would be theirs, they got a call that would change their lives forever. Sarah was at work, and Dustin was at the state basketball tournament in Birmingham. A baby had been born in Corpus Christi, Texas, the night before, and his birth parents had chosen the Shaneyfelts to adopt him. All they had to do was say yes.

Sarah said she was afraid of having to unpack all the baby clothes for a second time, but she knew what her answer was immediately.

The next 24 hours was a whirlwind for the couple who had to repack and rebook their plane tickets. They missed several flights in Atlanta on their journey to their son, and by the time they Hartselle Living 37

arrived in Texas, the paperwork had been completed. Harrison was a Shaneyfelt. “That made it even more special, I feel like,” Sarah said.

Sarah said depending on the state, the waiting period can be up to 48 hours to five days before the official termination of parental rights. It’s for that reason she said she was thankful for the long day of travel that kept her mind busy while she and Dustin tried to get to Harrison.

“I can’t imagine being at the hospital and having to wait for 48 hours to see whether the birth parents are going to change their minds,” she said. “Meeting him for the first time, I knew he was my baby.”

It’s been two years, and Harrison is a thriving toddler with dark curly hair. His parents say they keep them on their toes. His adoption is open, and Dustin and Sarah communicate often with Harrison’s birth parents.

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Adoption will not be a taboo topic for us. We want him to know he was so wanted and chosen, just like God chose us.

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– Sarah Shaneyfelt “I’ve had people ask if an open adoption makes me uncomfortable,” Sarah said. “That’s not what’s important. If I’m uncomfortable, that’s my problem. It’s all about him, and he’s what comes first.”

Dustin said the way he sees it, true Christian believers “are called to support the adoption process, whether that’s through prayer or financial gifts or actual adoption,” Dustin added. “What a perfect picture of the gospel that adoption represents.”

“We have been adopted into God’s family through the costly adoption process,” Sarah added.

Sarah said she is often asked whether they will tell Harrison his story when he’s older, and to her, the answer is an easy one.

“Absolutely yes. Adoption will not be a taboo topic for us,” she said. “We want him to know he was so wanted and chosen, just like God chose us.”

Learn more about the Shaneyfelt family by following Sarah’s blog at meettheshaneyfelts.com/adoption.

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Hartselle Living 39

BECOMER A MEMBE WELCOME NEW MEMBERS (from Jan. 30 through March 31)

Cedar Grove Farms Antiques Bargains USA Fit Chic/Southern Fried Skinny Premier Cleaning Services Nature’s Table America’s Preferred Home Warranty Scott’s Auto Glass Bliss Nail Spa & Salon Q-Nails American Legion Post 52 Horizon Point Consulting Collier Benefits Beef 4 U 40 Hartselle Living

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Announcing: our 2021 HACC Ambassadors.

Our Ambassadors help members navigate the Chamber so they can optimize member benefits and get the most out of membership. Our Ambassadors are a highly visible, prestigious group of volunteers who give their time to provide a crucial link among the Chamber, its members and the community. The Ambassador program is popular and consists of volunteers who apply for the position and are selected from Chamber membership.

Ambassadors are essential frontline representatives of the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce at public and Chamber-sponsored events and help to ensure all members receive the maximum benefit from their investment. They enjoy the rewards of making new contacts, strengthening relationships and sharing a wealth of information and resources that lead the way to greatly enhancing any business or organization’s success.

Ambassadors serve primarily as liaisons between the Chamber staff and membership.

Ambassadors attend Chamber functions and serve as “meeters and greeters” at events including business networking events, Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and grand openings.

Ambassadors help raise members’ awareness of Chamber activities and benefits and encourage meaningful and beneficial participation in the Chamber’s programs and events.

Chamber Ambassadors also help to enlist new members in the Chamber and help new members be informed and get involved. They serve as goodwill representatives of the Chamber at various community events throughout the year.

To learn more about our 2021 Ambassadors, please visit hartsellechamber.com/2021-ambassadors.

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CINDERELLA BALL

A magical night was had by all at our Fourth Annual Cinderella Ball, presented by the Hartselle Young Professionals Feb. 20! Each princess and her escort were welcomed by Cinderella and Prince Charming, then the young guests were crowned as a princesses for the night, with dinner and dancing following. Special thanks to our Cinderella Ball sponsors: Hagen Homes, Burningtree Country Club, The Something Blue Shoppe, Something Vintage, Redstone Federal Credit Union, MarMac Real Estate, Bargains USA, PFK Foundation, Cedar Street Primary Care, Sweet Sensations and Urban Altered.

UPCOMING EVENTS May 7 – HACC Annual Meeting & Awards Gala, 5 p.m.

May 20 – Breakfast & Business Quarterly Event, 7 a.m.

May 21 – Hartselle 101 Tours, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

May 27 – Modern Workforce Strategies Summit June 15 – State of Communities District 1 June 17 – Quarterly Lunch & Learn Series, 11:30 a.m.

June 22 – State of Communities District 3 June 29 – State of Communities District 2

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

256. 773.4370  admin@hartsellechamber.com Hartselle Living 41

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