Hartselle Living November/December

MAKING YOUR OWN INFUSED OILS • DAVID AND ANNE BURLESON • FARON KEY

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BECOMING

SANTA CLAUS RUSS GORDON LIVES THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

DANCING

QUEEN LEAH QUEEN MARKS SEVEN YEARS OF STUDIO SUCCESS

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HARTSELLE LIVING STAFF Editorial Rebekah Martin Alison James Contributors Constance Smith Jennifer L. Williams Michelle Blaylock

CONTRIBUTORS 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.

Russell Frye Susan Hayes Jesi Livingston Jodi Hyde Rachel Howard Marketing Baretta Taylor Anna Baker

JENNIFER L. WILLIAMS, writer

Jennifer L. Williams is an Alabama girl with Louisiana and Kentucky roots who is proud to now call Hartselle home with her retired-Army husband and their three children. She stays pretty busy in her new community as an ambassador with the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce and as a member of Hartselle First United Methodist Church, Hartselle Kiwanis, Hartselle Historical Society, Morgan County Junior League and Morgan County Master Gardeners.

Administration Beth Jackson

JESI LIVINGSTON, writer CONTACT US Hartselle Newspapers, LLC 206 Cedar St. NW

Jesi Livingston was born and raised in Hartselle. She graduated from Hartselle High School in 2012. She went to college in Florence at the University of North Alabama and obtained a degree in journalism. Jesi tutors, works at Oh! Bryans Family Steakhouse and runs her own virtual wellness coaching business. She loves writing about local businesses and events.

P.O. Box 929 Hartselle, AL 35640 Phone: 256-773-6566 Fax: 256-773-1953 info@hartselleliving.com Hartselle Living is published bimonthly Hartselle Newspapers, LLC.

RUSSELL FRYE, writer

Russell Frye is a freelance sportswriter for the Hartselle Enquirer and Hartselle Living. He covers sports for Hartselle, Danville, Falkville, Brewer, and Priceville High Schools. He is married to Tammie and has three children, two who are grown, and Nastia who is in the sixth grade.

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 2020 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

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.

HOME & STYLE

FOOD & DRINK

8 STEEPED IN HISTORY

32 MAKING YOUR OWN INFUSED OILS 34 CASSEROLE COMFORT

Westview houses six generations of Burlesons

SCHOOL & SPORTS 16 FARON KEY Building a lasting legacy

ARTS & CULTURE 16 DANCING QUEEN Leah Queen marks seven years of studio success

27 BECOMING SANTA CLAUS Russ Gordon lives the meaning of Christmas

38 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS

FROM THE EDITOR

I

I love the end of the year. Maybe it’s because I love the cooler weather after these hot Alabama summers, or maybe it’s because I’ve always been a little obsessed with Christmas.

I met Russ Gordon when I moved to Hartselle three years ago this month. Right away, I started working on him to let me write a story about Santa Russ. I had to be very persistent, but he finally gave in – right in time for this magazine. You’re not going to want to miss this one, folks. I promise. You might recognize him from his weekly Enquirer deliveries or from that one year he stepped in to portray Santa Claus in the Hartselle Christmas Parade. He’s known by his white beard, his cheery disposition and his love of the Lord.

Turn to page 27 to learn more about Gordon and what inspires him.

In this magazine, we also feature the home of David and Anne Burleson. Hartselle Living contributors take us on a walk through their historic home that sits high atop Burleson Mountain. The Burleson name is one that has been intertwined in Hartselle’s history since the beginning, and their home is filled with unique antiques that tell a fascinating story.

Constance Smith shares some comforting casserole recipes with us beginning on page 32, and Russell Frye features Hartselle basketball coach Faron Key in our School & Sports section.

Last, but certainly not least, we spotlight Hartselle’s own dance studio, Shining Stars, and we share updates on the goings on at the library and Hartselle City Schools. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s something for you in this issue of Hartselle Living.

As always, thanks for reading,

rebekah.yancey@hartselleliving.com

ON THE COVER

Russ Gordon is passionate about his work in ministry and portraying Santa Claus. Gordon owns a Christmas tree farm in Hartselle and will begin selling his trees after Thanksgiving. For his story, turn to page 27.

Photo by RAW Images

6 Hartselle Living

HOME&STYLE

STEEPED IN HISTORY Westview houses six generations of Burlesons

BY JENNIFER L. WILLIAMS PHOTOS BY JODI HYDE Hartselle Living 7

P

The view to the north from the backyard extends more than 30 miles to the Tennessee state line.

Preserving and living in a nearly 180-year-old home likely sounds romantic to some and nightmarish to others. David and Anne Burleson say it’s been both at times, but they wouldn’t dream of leaving.

The Burlesons live in Westview, the home Jonathan Burleson – David’s great-greatgrandfather – built in 1841, atop what is known as Burleson Mountain on Indian Hills Road. The home is unique in that it is the only antebellum house in Morgan County that has remained in the same family since it was built.

The Burlesons restored the home in 1987-88 after David worked out a deal with his brother – “my home and 40 acres for the homeplace and 40 acres,” he said. The home was in desperate need of a complete renovation. “It basically had not been updated since my father renovated it 50 years earlier in 1937-38. It is difficult to renovate a historic home,” he added – especially one in which the owner also plans to live. “You want to preserve the historic integrity of the home while making it suitable for modern living.” No easy feat.

The Burlesons decided the best way to accomplish their goals was to add a 1,500-square

8 Hartselle Living

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Westview is a late Federal-period home completed in 1841. The home originally had a narrow, two-story porch and was built by professional carpenters.

Hartselle Living 9

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Pictured is a secretary that belonged to Jonathan Burleson, the builder of the home.

It dates from the 1830s and is one of the most treasured pieces in the home.

foot addition to the back of the original home. The addition contains two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining area and a den. “That way we avoided, for the most part, cutting into the historic fabric of the home,” explained David.

“The addition is set up on separate heating and cooling systems so we can keep the old part of the house shut off when not in use.”

In restoring a home, “you want to preserve all the historic elements you can, including room layout, wainscoting, fireplace mantles, windows and overall appearance,” David said. The only original element the Burlesons lost was the last of the four chimneys, the other three having been lost years before. “The chimney was in poor condition, so we decided to take it down, but we measured it before removing it and used the dimensions to reconstruct the four chimneys so the house would appear as it did in the 1840s,” David said.

The house is on the National Register of Historic Places, but “the listing is honorary only,” David said. “There are no requirements to adhere to any special restoration guidelines; however, we used the Department of the Interior’s guidelines for historic restoration, for the most part.”

FAMILY TIES David said he feels a great connection with his ancestors by living in the house that has seen six generations of Burlesons.

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The dining room contains one of the original fireplace mantels and is decorated with several family portraits and other family heirlooms.

His son Forest recently married at the house and runs a small farm on the property with his new wife, Erin.

“My favorite thing about the home is the family history the house represents,” David said. “Being able to walk through doors your great-greatgrandparents walked through and peer out the same glass panes in the sidelights around the front door that they would have done when they had visitors is special for me – but then again, I am a history buff.”

David is well known in Hartselle for his interest in history, even named as the official city historian. He has written books on his family history as well as the history of Hartselle and is a long-time volunteer with the Hartselle Historical Society. He said he comes by his passion honestly: His father, F. E. Burleson – for whom the Burleson Center and F.E. Burleson Elementary School are named – was a history teacher, “and he had an abundance of knowledge about the history of the home and our family, and I guess it just carried over to me,” said David. “I cannot remember a time when I was not interested in history – especially family history and local and state history.”

He said he recalls a time in his early 20s when his job with Auburn University took him to

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The living room has the fanciest wainscotting in the house. A portrait of the home’s builder, Jonathan Burleson, is seen above the reproduction fireplace mantel.

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AN EYE TO THE FUTURE While the Burlesons said they hope the home and property can stay in the family for generations to come, they are mindful not to put too much pressure on their children to keep and maintain it.

“We have two sons, and they both love and appreciate the old homeplace,” said David,” “however, we are not foolish enough to think circumstances will not change for people during their lives, and it is not always possible to live and work in the area you might want to. Also, the house is a responsibility, and if you are not interested in the work involved and giving a lot of your time and money to maintain the place, then it is not for you.

“I have told both my sons the same thing my father told me and my brother,” he said. “Don’t keep the old place just because the family wants you to; do what is necessary to live your lives the way that is best for you. If that involves selling the homeplace, so be it; all things of this earth change eventually.”

An old cider press dating from about 1900 is in the home’s museum room.

Above the press is a picture, circa 1905, of David’s grandfather, Jonathan Orr Burleson, with the cider press in the backyard of Westview.

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Mobile and he toured Oakleigh, a historic antebellum home there, during some free time. “While on the tour, someone in the tour group asked me why I was there. She was shocked that someone my age was interested enough in history to go on a historic home tour. I had thought nothing of it, but when I looked around at the 20 or so people on the tour, I was at least 30 years younger than anyone else. I guess I was just old before my time!”

In the upper hall is a field desk that belonged to Jonathan Burleson. It dates from the 1830s. On top of it is a mortar and pestle that dates from the 1850s

In the home’s museum is a corn sheller more than 120 years old and still in excellent working order

This walnut spindle bed belonged to David’s great-grandmother, Sallie Orr Burleson.

It was given to her in the mid 1850s by her parents, Jonathan and Sarah Glenn Orr.

A photo of F. E. Burleson (David’s father) sits atop the oak roll top desk that was his office desk when he served as principal of the Hartselle Elementary School from 1931 to 1963.

On a farm table in the museum room is an array of old blacksmithing and carpenter tools that were used on the farm.

Hartselle Living 15

SCHOOL & SPORTS

FARON KEY Building a lasting legacy

STORY BY RUSSELL FRYE PHOTOS BY JODI HYDE AND CONTRIBUTED 16 Hartselle Living

H

Hartselle boys basketball coach Faron Key has spent much of his adult life building a lasting legacy in the lives of the players he has coached.

Key grew up in a family of nine and was the sixth of seven children. His father taught him the value of hard work and what commitment looked like, and his mother instilled in him a love for learning. He said family plays an important role in his life, both on and off the court.

Key has been married to his wife Tamisha for 25 years, and they have four children. They met in high school and started dating when they were 16 years old. Their oldest daughter Kayla, 22, will graduate from Faulkner University in December with a degree in education. She played basketball during her four years at Faulkner. Karmyn, 20, is in her second year of college at Blue Mountain College in Mississippi, where she plays volleyball. Kiah, 16, is a sophomore at Hartselle and said he wants to follow in his dad’s footsteps as a teacher and a coach. Kohl, 14, is a freshman at the high school and hasn’t set any plans beyond high school. Both Kiah and Kohl play basketball for their dad.

“Dad is a hard-working and passionate man,” said Kiah. “I’ve never seen him take a day off from

scouting someone or just organizing practice. I’ve seen it firsthand, from being at every practice since I was 5 years old to last year playing varsity. He takes every game as seriously as the next, and it was fun to finally be part of that!”

“Being their dad has been the ultimate coaching job,” said Faron. “Being a dad is challenging and rewarding.”

Faron is a man of faith whose belief in Christ was shaped at an early age. He attributes his beliefs to being taught by his parents and siblings. He has spent his adult life sharing his faith with his family.

“Being perfect isn’t the goal because I don’t have to be. My sin debt was paid by Jesus,” he said. “All I had to do was receive him as my savior and believe in him.”

Faron said it was during his junior year in high school at West Point that he began considering a career as a teacher and a coach. During his senior year, he was a teacher’s aide for an elementary teacher. He also was part of a mentor and role model program that allowed him to visit elementary schools and share with various classes. It was these moments that showed him his life was to be spent as a teacher. He also realized

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he wanted to spend his life being a mentor to his students and players.

“Having a role in shaping young people is as vital today, if not more so, as it was when I was in school,” said Key. “We need to surround our kids with as many positive people in their lives as possible.”

Key said his goal each day, whether in the classroom or on the court, is to try to provide a great experience for his students and players. “That starts with my attitude, my energy, my effort and enthusiasm every day,” he said. “You have to do constant inventory on those things every day to be an effective leader of young people.”

Key got his first job as a teacher and a coach at Moody High School. It was thanks to former college teammate Greg Moore that he was asked to interview for the teaching position. The principal hired him on the spot following their brief interview.

His first head coaching job was at Arab High School at the age of 29. He spent eight years as the Knights’ head coach.

“The first two years on the job taught me more about myself, leadership, people, perseverance, and persistence than in all my other years combined I think,” said Key. “We only won 15 games in those first two years, but I learned so much about what was important to building a program and winning. I realized after year two that the culture, your habits, your relationships and your togetherness has more effect on winning than anything else I was trying to do.”

In 2014 he got a call from the administration in Hartselle about applying and interviewing for the head coaching

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position. He said he knew right away that Hartselle was a job worth looking into. “The difference between my start at Arab and my start here was that I had a clear vision for the program and a plan to execute,” said Key. “I spent a lot of time reflecting on what had worked and what had not. I knew that Hartselle had great athletic programs and the kids wanted to be good. I just needed to set the program in the right direction and eventually, it would turn around.”

He said he can vividly remember his first meeting with players in grades seven through 12 and how he carefully and prayerfully chose the words he wanted to say. “My first words were, ‘Good afternoon, guys. I’m Coach Key, and I’m your new leader,’” said Key. “We started that day trying to build relationships with guys who would be playing and trying to set a course for improvement.”

Over his years as head coach, Key has made a tremendous impact on the lives of his students and players. Two former players, Blake Harbin and Isaac Taylor, are now on his coaching staff. Harbin played for Key at Arab and is now married to Key’s oldest daughter, Kayla. Taylor was a guard for Key during his first couple of years at Hartselle.

Tad Sivley played for Key for four years before graduating in spring 2020. Sivley was part of a senior class that experienced the worst of times and the best of times as a Tiger. As a seventh-grader he won one game, and then as a freshman he won five games – but as a senior, he won 27 games. “Coach Key built a legacy in me by always teaching me the importance of never giving up,” Sivley said, “no matter how hard things get.”

Sivley said he learned a lot of lessons from Key during their time together, “but the most important thing he taught me was that playing for something bigger than yourself, such as your teammates, family, or God, makes winning so much sweeter.”

“Coach isn’t just creating good basketball players,” Sivley added. “He’s creating better people who can hopefully one day make the world a better place.”

Brody Peebles is another player who has spent a lot of time learning from Key. Peebles is a two-time all-state performer who has committed to Liberty University. “Coach Key has invested in me since I was young and has always put our relationship above ball,” said Peebles. “He’s taught me how to be a winner and be fully invested, as well as be as a leader, which requires full investment in a team and its members.”

Out of all the lessons Brody has learned from Coach Key, he said one stands out over all of the others: To be great, you have to do what everyone else isn’t willing to do, and even though you might not be the biggest or the strongest, you can always outwork and player harder than everyone else.

Dewayne Peebles said he has seen his boys, Jaxon and Brody, learn from Key over the past few years. “Coach Key means the absolute world to us,” said Dewayne. “It’s a priceless feeling as a parent to know that your son has a coach that is tough and pushes him to be his absolute best – but, at the same time, know he loves him off the court. We are so thankful for his investment in building a successful basketball program and can’t wait to see the success that is still to come.”

“For years being an opposing coach, I can now see why his teams always played very hard and seem to be fearless competitors,” added Jake Miles, who came to Hartselle in 2019 to

Hartselle Living 19

join the coaching staff under Key. “It is because the team takes on his passion, and they fight for him and with him.

The importance of these relationships is sometimes lost when people only focus on wins and losses, when in reality, developing relationships and molding young men are the reasons for sports.”

Miles spent six years as head coach at Austin and saw firsthand the kind of coach and man Key was with his teams.

“I think Faron is an excellent role model and mentor to our students because he is a devoted family man, both at home and while he coaches,” said Miles. “He looks at his team as an extension of his family and treats them as such.”

Key said he wants to make great memories with his coaches, players, students and fellow faculty members during his time at Hartselle. How will he know his time at Hartselle has been successful?

“When one day I can hear about my players talking about their time here and how we loved one another, worked hard together, laughed together, cried together, won together and ultimately helped each other be our best.”

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ARTS & CULTURE

DANCING QUEEN Leah Queen marks seven years of studio success STORY BY JESI LIVINGSTON PHOTOS BY JODI HYDE Hartselle Living 21

S

September 2013, Leah Queen opened Shining Star Studio of Dance on Sparkman Street.

Queen grew up in the Hartselle area and took dance lessons at Kim’s Dance Studio from the time she was 6 years old until the end of her high school career. After high school, Queen went to Huntingdon School of Dance and obtained a degree in instructing dance pedagogy.

“I knew when I was about 10 years old that I wanted to teach dance and in high school that I wanted to open a studio,” Queen said. “It took me awhile to be able to do it, but it was always my dream.”

Although 6 years old might seem young to discover a life-long passion, Queen actually started her dance career even younger

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– when she was about 2.5 years old. “I originally started in a fine arts program in a church, then I moved to Kim’s School of dance all the way through high school. I was on the competition team and was there almost every day,” Queen said. “After I got back home from college, I worked at Kim’s School of Dance until I got the opportunity to open up my own studio. I actually taught one of my instructors, Hollie Fuller.”

Fuller and a third instructor, Marissa Johnson, join Queen in teaching the shining stars at the local studio. Like Queen, both Fuller and Johnson grew up dancing and boast many years of experience to drive their instruction.

Queen’s studio offers a range of dance choices to accommodate all ages and skill levels. She offers ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, acrobatics, hip hop and fliphop, which combines tumbling and hip hop, as well as Zumba and barre fitness. On top of the classes Monday throught Friday, the studio also participates in community events, recitals and dance competitions.

“Our students are at the studio between five and eight hours a week,” Queen said. “We want them to be wellrounded dancers.” She said most take ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary dance classes. “We wanted to fill a need – you can do everything at one place and not have to drive to multiple places. We provide it all at one place.”

Shining Stars accepts students from 18 months through adult, and enrollment is always open. Prospective students can choose to attend trial classes available at the studio before committing to a contract – two classes for $10.

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Hartselle Living 23

Although Queen has found great success in her past seven years operating Shining Star Studio of Dance, 2020 brought unprecedented challenges. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the studio closed down for the month of May but was able to reopen in June. Like so many, Queen and her

staff sought out innovative solutions to continue offering lessons to their dance students.

“We were one of the first studios to go virtual,” Queen said.

“We finished the month of March on Facebook Live. We learned about Zoom, and we did April on Zoom. It was getting harder

and harder to get on time, we were at a point where – Zoom was very stressful; the whole system of Zoom was overwhelmed. As a studio, we had a terrible experience with it.”

Shining Star students even did their spring competition virtually, instead of traveling to competition. Their miniduets won first place in the virtual competition.

Although virtual avenues helped the studio maintain normalcy to a certain extent, that wasn’t a foolproof solution. The studio’s end-of-the-season recital, set for midJune, was canceled.

“We still did a little drive-through awards for them,” Queen

said. “They all got their shirts they would have gotten at the recital, and we gave trophies to the 3-year-olds and up and passed out ribbons for the others. They could get out of their cars and take pictures with us and stuff.”

The dance studio has 20 students actively enrolled. Queen said she is thankful for the continued participation despite the pandemic; she and her staff weren’t sure what to expect after they were forced to close.

Visit the studio’s Facebook page @Shiningstardance or stop by their location on Sparkman Street, across from World Harvest Church, during business hours.

Hartselle Living 25

W

Music to my ears

Exploring the music/reading connection

them, and that strengthening increases the When you teach your little one to sing a song, brain’s ability to complete all sorts of tasks you are teaching your little one to distinguish unrelated to music. between different sounds and to listen for The brain does not compartmentalize its patterns in language. Nina Kraus, director of math skills from its reading skills from its daythe auditory neuroscience laboratory at Northwestern University, asserts that though students to-day problem-solving skills. When areas of the still need to learn how to connect those different brain are strengthened, they can be called upon for any task. sounds to their letter representations, music exHartselle City Schools offers music at every posure helps language and reading make more grade level for the reasons outlined above and sense as students learn more and improve their for the joy and beauty music brings to students’ skills.

SUSAN HAYES lives. Playing an instrument as part of a band Aniruddh D. Patel, of The Neurosciences InFEDERAL PROGRAMS COORDINATOR or singing as part of a chorus is akin to other stitute in San Diego, takes it a step further. He HARTSELLE CITY SCHOOLS team accomplishments that seek to perfect a claims the parts of the brain that learn to listen for the differences in chords and tones and harmonies are final product. Learning to work with a team to reach a goal some of the same parts of the brain that distinguish how is a life skill.

So the next time you’re driving down the road, and your words are combined in sentences to make meaning. From his research, Patel also asserts that music does not appeal little one wants to sing a little song with you, chime in! The to just a few areas of the brain but to large areas of each side experience will warm your heart, but it will also build that of the brain. This activation of those large areas strengthens ever-growing brain!

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BECOMING SANTA CLAUS Russ Gordon lives the meaning of Christmas STORY BY REBEKAH YANCEY PHOTOS BY RAW IMAGES AND CONTRIBUTED

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Nearly a decade ago, standing next to a red-faced child who was distraught and crying, Russ Gordon started singing the words to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” in the middle of a grocery store. The child, captivated by the man dressed in casual clothes shopping for groceries, stopped the tears and was instantly soothed.

Gordon winked at the child’s parents and made his way home. The interaction was one of many he said pointed him toward the idea of becoming Santa Claus.

It was 2011 when Gordon first had the idea after his wife, Linda, asked him to grow a beard. Gordon said he was surprised that at 57 years old, the new facial hair was mostly white. “It had few little gray streaks in it then, but not many,” Gordon said.

His new look started catching attention. “I’d walk into Kroger or Walmart, and I’m walking down the aisle, and all of the sudden I feel arms around my thigh. I look down, and here’s a 3- or 4-year-old saying, ‘Santa!’ It was pretty cool,” he recounted. “That’s where I began to get the idea, ‘Maybe I could be a Santa Claus.’”

A particular instance happened at a Waffle House on Christmas morning, when a small child mistook him for the man who left his presents the night before. Gordon said he and Linda decided to eat breakfast that morning because they arrived to church an hour early, forgetting the service time had been moved. He said he believes that was providence rather than a coincidence. Gordon played along with the child, asking which gifts Santa had left were his favorites – and when the couple left, Gordon said there was no doubt in his mind that he was called to become Santa Claus.

Gordon said he has not always been a people person, but emulating the persona of St. Nick has taught him to embrace that side of himself.

“That skill is God-given through painful experience, and you can’t fake it. The smile has to not only be on the mouth; it has to be in the eyes,” he said. “It takes a tremendous amount of effort and concentration to make every child feel like they are the only one in the room with Santa, and it’s something that starts off with the first smile, the first wink or the first contact.”

Gordon now teaches others how to become Santa Claus and how to use the hobby-turned-passion as a mission field.

He teaches a course at the Northern Lights Santa Academy in Atlanta on how to share faith while in character. A devoted Baptist, Gordon said he has spent his entire life called to ministry in some form or fashion. “My life has been about doing ministry. No matter what job I was doing or where life took me, it’s been all about ministry.”

At 20 years old, he and Linda married in 1973. He had been a pre-med major before feeling called to work in the church. He began teaching science classes at Alliance Christian School in Vestavia Hills in the mid-70s, and after his tenure there, Gordon joined the U.S. Army.

While in the Army, he and Linda moved all over the United States and even lived in Germany for a few years in the early ’80s. Gordon said at each stop along the journey – whether in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, New Concord, Ohio, Ft. Benning, Georgia, or Wiesbaden, Germany – he always found a way to

28 Hartselle Living

stay involved in ministry. He worked as a music minister or a pastor at many of the small country churches where he and Linda were members while stationed at nearby Army bases.

After returning to the United States, Gordon earned a degree in business management from Jacksonville State University in 1983 and his Master of Divinity in May 1987. He stayed in the Army Reserve as a captain and the Alabama National Guard until 2004, when he retired as a lieutenant colonel with more than 29 years of service, nine on active duty.

Now most of his weekends from October through December are spent as Santa Claus, and his calendar is booked nearly a year in advance – and Gordon said he wouldn’t change a thing.

He said he’s thankful for every opportunity he’s had to minister to people.

Reflecting on his early years as the “jolly old elf,” Gordon said he remembers having lunch with a fellow Santa Claus portrayer in Huntsville one afternoon who told him it “takes something special about a man to ‘pull off’ Santa Claus.” Gordon said his friend told him, ‘You’ve got the look, but that won’t make you a good Santa. You might love children, but that won’t make you a good Santa. It has to resonate with you. If you ever get to the point where it consumes you and you feel compelled by it, that’s when you know you’ll be a good Santa.’ For me,” Gordon said, “the calling has to come from God – and it did.”

Photo by Dana Baker Photography

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Hartselle Living 29

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Among his holiday activities, Gordon attends an annual convention in Gatlinburg, Tenn., called the Santa Family Reunion. The event brings thousands of Santa Claus actors together to share their stories and passions with one another. The first time he ever wore his Santa suit was in Gatlinburg.

Among his many portrayals was an appearance as the Santa Claus at the helm of the Hartselle Christmas parade a number of years ago when Gregg Turk was too ill to participate. No matter the parade, luncheon, convention or school or church visit, Gordon’s mission through it all remains the same: “I must be involved in ministry, and if I can’t be, then I will be wasting my time,” he said. “I felt called to do this, and I have repeatedly been affirmed by other Santas who also consider it a calling from God. Everywhere I go, every child I see, I am in a prayerful attitude throughout the visit, asking God to tell me when and what to say.”

Taking his Santa Claus persona to the next level, Gordon is working on his newest project: The Littlest Christmas Tree Farm. Located on Ausley Bend Road in Hartselle, Gordon said he hopes his Christmas trees – some of which are already 6-8 feet tall – will be ready at the end of November. On his farm, Gordon grows Virginia Pines and Carolina Sapphires – more than 2,000 of them. A short drought last year cost Gordon 800 trees, but that didn’t stop him from planting their replacements. He plants at least 1,000 trees annually.

In their limited free time, the Gordons can be found delivering the Hartselle Enquirer every week, a position he has held for six years. The pair are also heavily involved in a local homeschool group, where they teach science and robotics classes.

The Gordons have three children and nine grandchildren.

Photo by Amanda Whitley Photography

Hartselle Living 31

FOOD & DRINK

32 Hartselle Living

MAKING YOUR OWN INFUSED OILS

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY CONSTANCE SMITH

This year I had the biggest garden I have ever had, and I grew more herbs than I have ever grown. Besides the usual culinary purposes for herbs, I like to use them in other ways as well. Some I grew for teas; some I grow for medicinal purposes; and some can be used all three ways.

This year one of the new herbs I grew was chamomile.

While most people would think of chamomile as a flower or as tea, it can be used for many things – to include infused oil. Infused oils are oils that have been infused with herbs and are used for a number of things, like lotions, salves, massage oils, medicinal balms and more.

When making your own herbal infused oils, you would start – of course – with oil. You can use olive oil, grapeseed oil or coconut oil. If you are using coconut oil, use fractionated coconut oil. That is the oil that remains liquid – not the kind you cook with.

The herbs you use should be completely dry. If there is moisture in the herbs, you will run the risk of the herbs molding or becoming rancid.

To make the infused oil, combine a cup of oil with a half-ounce of dry herbs. Combine them in an air-tight glass container; a canning jar works perfectly for this. Place the jar in a sunny location, somewhere you will see it every day.

Each day, give the jar a gentle shake. Allow the oil and herb combination to do its thing for two to four weeks.

After the oil has become infused, strain out all of the herbs using a very fine strainer or cheese cloth. Store the oil in a fresh air-tight glass container for up to six months in a cabinet.

QUICK INFUSION METHOD

If you are in a hurry, there is a quicker way to make your infused oils. Again, you need the oil and dry herbs, but this time, you will use heat rather than time to do the job.

Combine the oil and herbs in an oven-safe dish. The herbs should be covered with oil and not exposed to the air.

Heat your oven to 300 degrees. Place the dish in the oven, and bake it at a low temperature for two or three hours.

Strain the oil as you do in the first method while the oil is still warm. Allow it to cool and store it as before.

A SIMPLE SALVE

To make a simple salve for your hands – great for winter weather – you’ll need just a few simple things. Salves will last up to a year. One of my favorite combinations for winter, is a mint-infused oil with citrus essential oil. Have fun experimenting with different combinations!

INGREDIENTS ● 3 oz. herb-infused oil ● 1/2 oz. beeswax

● 10-20 drops essential oil ● Empty tins with lids

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine all of the ingredients in a double boiler and melt over low heat.

Pour the mixture into tins and allow it to cool before you place the caps on.

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34 Hartselle Living

CASSEROLE COMFORT

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY CONSTANCE SMITH

Snuggle in with these comforting casserole recipes this winter.

MAMAW’S CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Diced chicken in a creamy sauce, topped with seasoned cornbread dressing, you’ll love this recipe from Mamaw. As an added bonus, this dish can be made with leftover Thanksgiving turkey rather than chicken, if you like!

INGREDIENTS 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts water 1/2 tsp. salt, divided 1/2 cup onion, finely diced 2 stalks celery, finely diced 6 Tb. butter, divided 1/4 cup flour 4 cups chicken broth, divided

1 1/2 cups milk 1 tsp. thyme, divided 1 tsp. ground black pepper, divided 3/4 tsp. sage, divided 1 package (14 ounces) dry cornbread dressing mix (such as Pepperidge Farm)

INSTRUCTIONS 1. To begin, place the chicken breasts in a saucepan. Cover with water and add 1/4 tsp. salt to the water. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. When it is done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest.

3. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

4. Finely dice the onion and celery.

5. In a saucepan, melt four tablespoons of the butter.

6. Add in the onion and celery and simmer over medium-low heat until they are tender.

7. Scoop half of the mixture into a mixing bowl. Set aside for a moment.

8. To the saucepan, add the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Over medium low heat, melt the butter.

9. Sprinkle in the flour. Whisk it in and let it cook for just a minute.

10. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of the chicken broth and the milk.

Add in 1/2 teaspoon each of thyme and pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of sage and salt. Stirring continually, bring it to a gentle boil, and it will thicken nicely. Remove from heat.

11. Dice or shred the chicken.

12. To the onion mixture in the bowl, add the cornbread dressing, 1/2 teaspoon each of thyme, sage and pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

13. Pour in the remaining 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth and stir to combine.

14. Spread your cooked, shredded chicken in the bottom of a 9×13 or similar baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the gravy over the top. Spread the dressing mixture over all.

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the dressing on top is golden and crisped.

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SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

Homemade sweet potato casserole is a classic side dish that graces the table of most holidays.

INGREDIENTS 4 average-sized sweet potatoes 2 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup milk

1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup flour 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 6 Tb. cold, unsalted butter

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Bake potatoes at 375 degrees for about 90 minutes, or until a knife can be inserted in the middle fairly easily. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool at least 20-30 minutes or until you can handle them.

2. Heat oven to 400 degrees.

3. Grease a 2-quart baking dish. The dish should be no more than three inches deep. Set it aside for now.

4. Cut potatoes in half and scoop insides into a large bowl. Add eggs, sugar, salt, vanilla and milk.

5. Mash together with a potato masher. Mix until it is well combined and somewhat smooth. Little lumps are fine. Pour into the baking dish.

6. In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, pecans and cinnamon. Add in the butter. Mix until it is a crumbly, doughy mixture. This is most easily done by hand.

7. Crumble it over the top of the potato mixture.

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Hartselle Living 37

Ashley Holliday was recently appointed to the position of vice chair of membership.

Her responsibilities are to stimulate membership sales and retention; to oversee the work of the Chamber Ambassadors; and to report on the status of membership to the Board of Directors.

Co n g r a t u l a t i o n s to Darwan Kerr, who was appointed as a director of the board in September 2020 to fill a position congruent with the service of Chad Hughey.

NEW MEMBERS One Source Janitorial & Office Products Chick-Fil-A Decatur Main Street West Viva Health New Members from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30

38 Hartselle Living

Congratulations Jones, who was as a director of in August 2020 position vacated Downs.

to Maegan appointed the board to fill the

by Janan

Announcing: Tabatha Nowak as administrative associate of membership and marketing. She will handle most day-to-day functions of the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce with a focus on membership sales, care and retention; volunteer relations; and planning and implementing day-of activities for chambersponsored events.

NEW MEMBER PERKS

Did you know new members receive a FREE ad in Hartselle Living? They are also listed in the Chamber’s Membership Directory; receive recognition in the Chamber’s E-Newsletter, Hartselle Living Magazine and on the Chamber’s social media accounts; are invited to serve on committees and the Board of Directors; attend Chamber events; and can leave their information in the Chamber foyer. Also, Chamber staff only refer Chamber members.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Hidden Rivers Farm Sept. 16

CAFFEINATED CONVERSATIONS

Lowe’s 12th Anniversary Celebration Oct. 2

HARTSELLE CITY SCHOOLS STATE OF SCHOOLS PRESENTED BY

Whether you’re a longtime Chamber member or have just joined, you’re invited! This early morning, business sponsored event is designed to encourage members to learn more about the business community, meet board members, network with other members and get burning questions answered!

Nov. 21 at Shoefisticated Dec. 17 at The Something Blue Shoppe

YOUNG PROS LAUNCH

Oct. 7 at Burning Tree Country Club

UPCOMING EVENTS Nov. 8:

Christmas Open House

Nov. 28:

Dec. 10:

City Appreciation Lunch

Small Business Saturday

Jan. 21:

State of the City

Jan. 20 - March 10: TRC Campaign

The purpose of the Young Professionals is to engage individuals who want to develop and advance their careers, to make a positive impact on the community and to boost their leadership potential. The Chamber is accepting applications for the 2021 year.

Check out the Young Professionals page at www.hartsellechamber. com. Contact Young Pros Task Force Chair Rachel Howard of RAW Images for more information.

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

256. 773.4370  admin@hartsellechamber.com

Hartselle Living 39

Library reopens with pandemic precautions

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new books and new authors.

Welcome back to the William Bradford Our public computers are open, and printHuie Library of Hartselle! We reopened ing and photocopying are available for 15 June 1 after having been closed because of cents per copy. Library cards are available COVID-19 for two and a half months. Are free of charge for Morgan County residents things different? Yes. Do we have new prowith proof of current address or people who cedures? Yes. Have we reduced our hours? work in Morgan County. We also have free Temporarily, yes. Are we thankful to be Wi-Fi and e-books. open? Absolutely!

Starting in November we will have a Although we still cannot have programs monthly craft for adults, teens and children. like story times or craft times, our other services are available. We have books, audioThese crafts will include materials and direcMICHELLE BLAYLOCK books and DVDs available for checkout, and tions. Patrons are encouraged to pick one up LIBRARY MANAGER WILLIAM BRADFORD HUIE curbside pickup is also available. Although to take home. The first one will be available PUBLIC LIBRARY our book supplier has been a little slower on starting Nov. 18, just in time for the holidays. delivery because of the pandemic, we are adding new Although our world has changed because of COVID-19, books and new audiobooks to our collection at least your public library is still here and working to serve our twice a month. We also take requests from patrons for community. We hope to see you soon at the library!

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