SAMANTHA SIMMONS • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • IZAYAH AND RI FLETCHER September/October 2022 HARTSELLE LIVING ON MOVETHE TO HEIGHTSNEW MEREDITH GLASSCOCK TAKES THEEDUCATIONAGRICULTUREOUTSIDECLASSROOM HARTSELLEUNFORGETTABLEHIKERSMOUNTAINTRAVELTHECOUNTRYINSEARCHOFMOMENTS
(256) 502-9800 110 Main Street W., Hartselle, AL 25640 CONVENTIONAL |FHA |VA|USDA Purchase | Refinance | ReverseMortgage | Land | Residential Investment NMLS# 1597142 Emily Mitchell 256-612-9217 NMLS# 594934 Christina Sirten 256-508-4888 NMLS# 2160628 Mary Summerford 256-339-3955 NMLS# 2090599 Tony Morgan 256-566-0871 NMLS# 2009114 Sarah Parker 256-274-7025 NMLS# 1716477 Angelina Perry 256-309-9507 NMLS# 136312 Kerry Richardson 256-221-0515 NMLS# 197364 110 Main Street W.,Hartselle, AL 25640 (256) 502-9800 Fax (256) 502-9907 499989-1 Let Us Erase the Confusion of the Mor tgage Maze.
Call to schedule your appointment today! 256-773-2260 Jessica Smith, CRNP,Lori Henr y, CRNP, Jeb Hornsby,MD, and Haley Hazen, CRNP Ser vices Pro vided: Primar yCareand Chronic Disease Management Women’shealth and hormone testing Botox and Xeomin Treatment •Weight Loss Management On Site X-ray •Minor Skin Procedures Care for Strains, Sprains, and Fractures Brianna, Hannah, Stephani, Cheyenne, Treonna, and Meagan Accepting New Patients 500522-1
Also in this issue, our sportswriter Russell Frye sits down with the Fletcher brothers, Izayah and Ri, who are making history on the football field for the Tigers. Learn more about their plans for the future in our School and Sports section.
4 Hartselle Living FROM THE EDITOR ON THE COVER
Learning more about the world we live in as you grow older is a big part of life, isn’t it? They say you don’t grow if you stay inside your comfort zone after all, and there is so much to Throughoutlearn. the planning and writing process of this issue of Hartselle Living, I learned a lot that I didn’t expect to learn. I had no idea when I set out to plan this issue that it would lead me to meeting a man who has trekked to the top of mountains I have only seen on Google. I learned so much more about hiking and mountain climbing during our 1-hour interview than I thought was possible, and I was able to see through his experiences the wonders of the world our God has created. I told Victor Fentanes-Orozco half way through our interview that I am, in fact, very afraid of heights and can somehow trip when I’m walking on flat ground, so I will find other ways to be adventurous, but hearing firsthand about his trips to the Pacific Northwest and seeing his photos gave me goosebumps. When he left my office, I was so excited to start writing the story that is in this issue – I know this is one you, our dear readers, willAsenjoy.somewhat of a city girl who yes, is married to a cattle farmer and carpenter, I also got to learn a little more about the importance of agriculture and the role it plays in our daily lives through my interview with Meredith Glasscock. She shares her passion with her agriculture education students every day at Hartselle High School.
As always, we have columns from Hartselle City Schools and the library, along with book recommendations and Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce news. No matter why you picked up this issue, there’s something inside for everyone.Thanks for
Meredith Glasscock enjoys teaching agriculture education at Hartselle High School where she shares her passion with her students every day.
Photo by Jodi Hyde
reading,rebekah.yancey@hartselleliving.com
L
FEATURES 7 ALL RISE Hartselle girl elected governor of Girls State, delegate to Girls Nation 11 TO NEW HEIGHTS Hartselle Mountain Hikers travel the country in search of unforgettable moments SCHOOL & SPORTS 17 FLETCHER BROTHERS Dominating on the gridiron FOOD & DRINK 23 COMFORTING CASSEROLES 27 ON THE MOVE Meredith Glasscock takes agriculture education outside the classroom 22 READ THIS BOOK 34 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS 36 OUT & ABOUT 11
6 Hartselle Living STAFF Editorial Rebekah Yancey Contributors Constance Smith Michelle Blaylock Susan Hayes Jodi MariannHydeParkerJimMeadows 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: Hartselleinfo@hartselleliving.com256-773-6566LivingispublishedbimonthlyHartselleNewspapers,LLC.Aone-yearsubscriptiontoHartselleLivingis$16.30for6issuesperyear.SinglecopiesareavailableatselectlocationsthroughouttheHartsellearea.Toadvertiseortogetmorecopies,call773-6566.Copyright2022byHartselleNewspapers,LLC HARTSELLE LIVING CONTRIBUTORS
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 heri tage breed animals and is focusing on permaculture gardening. In her spare time she enjoys photography, art, kayaking and other outdoor sports.
JODI photographerHYDE, 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 busi ness. Hartselle is her hometown, and is currently where she resides, and where she loves to serve in the community.
RUSSELL FRYE, writer Russell Frye is a freelance sports writer for the Hartselle Enquirer and Hartselle Living. He covers sports for Hartselle, Danville, Falkville, Brewer, and Priceville High Schools. He is mar ried to Tammie and has three children, two who are grown, and Nastia who is in the sixth grade.
ALL RISE Hartselle girl elected governor of Girls State, delegate to Girls Nation
STORY BY CATHERINE GODBEY PHOTOS BY JOHN GODBEY AND CONTRIBUTED
More than 350 girls, including Simmons — who was selected by Hartselle’s American Legion Auxiliary — attended the statewide event held June 5-10 at Troy University. Two months before the session, Simmons began planning her run for “Thisgovernor.isn’tsomething you just show up to and hope for the best. This had to be a calculated effort,” Simmons said. “After a meeting where a former Girls State delegate showed us the ins and outs of campaigning, my mom and I went to Target and Hobby Lobby. We spent days making 90-something fans and slap bracelets to hand out.”
“The hour spent counting the votes was the longest hour of my life,” the 17-year-old Simmons said. “When they announced I had won, I started crying. Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to win. You go there and it’s imposter syndrome. There are so many qualified girls. It makes me really appreciate Alabama as a whole because we’ve fostered so many great young women and theirAlongvoices.”with serving as governor of the 80th session of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Alabama Girls State, Simmons was selected as one of Alabama’s two delegates to Girls Nation. The prestigious weeklong Girls Nation, consisting of 100 delegates, two from each state, began Saturday in Washington D.C.
“I love activism, I love debating, I love politics and I love journalism. Girls State is a combination of all of those things. It really was a no-brainer,” Simmons said.
“I am so humbled and so grateful for this entire experience,” Simmons said. For Simmons, who plans to pursue a career in law, applying for Girls State seemed like a logical choice.
It took an hour to tabulate the votes. After a week of handing out “Samantha Simmons for Girls State Governor” slap bracelets, spending every meal introducing herself to the other girls and answering questions about everything from the formula shortage to abortion to the devastation caused by COVID, now all the Hartselle High senior could do was wait.
A hands-on learning experience, Girls State provides rising high school seniors with an up-close view into the inner workings of the “Wegovernment.re-createour governmental systems on the city, county and state level and elect officials for all those roles,” said Decatur attorney Julia Smeds Roth, who attended Georgia’s Girls State program and Girls Nation and served as a counselor last month at Alabama’s Girls State. “The girls who run for office have platforms and goals they want to achieve.”
8 Hartselle Living I
Simmons also prepared her platforms: cut the gas tax, update hospital infrastructure and provide extra aid for schools with disadvantaged students. “They were all bipartisan issues I knew most of the girls would support,” Simmons said.
Simmons is eyeing a run for president.
Among the women interviewing the candidates was Roth.
The announcement of the Girls Nation delegates took place the final day of Girls State. “They announced the alternates, the other girl who is going and then they said my name. I had to try hard to not tear up. What are the odds? Over 300 girls went to Girls State and I am one of two going to Girls Nation. It is very humbling,” Simmons said.
“They were all very prestigious women. They asked, ‘Who would you want to meet with dead or alive?’ I talked about Thomas Paine because of journalism. ‘What’s a pressing domestic issue?’ Violence against women. ‘What’s a pressing national issue?’ Political polarization. ‘What’s a pressing international issue?’ Pacific trade agreement and our relationship with China,” Simmons recalled.
“At the end of her interview I turned to my group and said, ‘There’s no doubt she’s the smartest girl in the room,’” Roth said, taking a line from “Hamilton.” “For Girls Nation we’re looking for a girl that will represent Alabama in the best way possible, is articulate, cares about issues and is not an ideologue. We feel Samantha is gracious and smart and well spoken. We think she’ll do really well.”
My mom is very inspirational. She came from a single-parent household and was the first person in her family to go to college. She’s very impressive. Both of my parents are why I’m the person I am. When I called them and told them I was elected governor, they both started crying.
In addition to Cimino, Simmons found inspiration, support and encouragement from her parents, Jimmy and Debbie Simmons.
“All of the candidates were standing outside the auditorium and then we walked in one-by-one. At first there is an overwhelming fear when you’re on the stage. You feel your throat close for a second. Then you look at the audience and it’s the best feeling. I’ve always loved public speaking,” Simmons said. For the general election, Simmons met with small groups of delegates, talked about her platform and answered their questions.“Beingelected
– Samantha Simmons
“My mom is very inspirational. She came from a single-parent household and was the first person in her family to go to college. She’s very impressive,” Simmons said. “Both of my parents are why I’m the person I am. When I called them and told them I was elected governor, they both started crying.”
As governor she appointed delegates to different positions and met with Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who attended the program in Even1962. as she handled her duties as governor, Simmons sat for her Girls Nation interview in front of women who attended Girls Nation.
“I was not surprised with what Samantha achieved. She is smart but kind, a true leader and genuinely seeks the best for everyone,” Cimino said. “Her peers recognize in her, her sharpness, but also herSimmonscompassion.”credited her time on the debate team and as editor and chief-of-staff of Hartselle High’s newspaper as helping prepare her for Girls State and Girls Nation.
governor was a bigger deal than I realized. It wasn’t just a culmination of the two months of prepping, it was the culmination of the four years of continuous research, journalism, debate and being part of the Student Government Association,” Simmons said.
“Being on the newspaper staff and debate team has kept me aware of current events,” Simmons said. “The debate club also prepared me to answer questions on the spot. I’ve debated everything from ‘Was math discovered or invented?’ to the death penalty to nuclear energy resources.”
To win the nomination of her party, the Nationalists, Simmons fielded two political questions in front of her party’s delegates.
Hartselle Living 9
During the weeklong Girls Nation experience, the delegates are visiting Capitol Hill, meeting with their senators and representatives, debating bills and running for office.
“I’m very nervous. The imposter syndrome is kicking in, but I will just do the best I can do and hopefully make Alabama proud,” Simmons said. After high school, Simmons, who is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Government Association, the debate team, newspaper staff, ambassadors program, chorus and theater, plans on majoring in communications and leadership before pursuing a career in law.
Joining Simmons at Girls Nation is Athens High senior Christina Jones. One of the first people to congratulate Simmons was the Hartselle High debate coach Kelly Cimino.
499625-1www EvaBank.com NM LS #414 64 0 Locations in: Cullman •Birmingham •Eva •Arab•Priceville •Decatur •Madison Every Valuable Advantage OFFERING YOU Come visit us at our new offices 1001 NBrindlee Mountain Parkway,Arab, AL 35016 (256) 727-5927 464 Highway 67 S, Decatur,AL35603 (256) 280-3840
TO NEW HEIGHTS Hartselle Mountain Hikers travel the country in search of unforgettable moments STORY BY REBEKAH YANCEY PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Victor Fentanes-Orozco has seen parts of the world most people only dream about. At 15-years-old, while flying over an active volcano near Mexico City, he told his father he would one day visit the summit that was more than 18,000 feet in the clouds.Hekept his word. In April 1985, Fentanes-Orozco enrolled in mountaineering school and by the next July, he was climbing. In 1987, Fentanes-Orozco, along with a former professor and a couple of friends, formed a group of mountaineers who spent their summers climbing the mountains of Peru, Chile and Argentina. During that time, the group tackled Cerro Aconcagua, often referred to as simply Aconcagua – a mountain in Argentina near its border with Chile. With its peak at 22,000 feet high, it is the tallest mountain in the western hemisphere.
12 Hartselle Living
V
After college, when Fentanes-Orozco met and married his wife, he said he knew it was time to put the trekking polls and rappelling ropes down to become a family and career man. Immigrating to America in the early 2000s, a 13-year career with a local manufacturing company brought his family to Hartselle in 2002. In 2011, when his son also named Victor, joined the local Boy Scouts troop, Fentanes-Orozco said traveling with the group of young men and being
501859-1 1202 HIGHWAY 31 NW,HARTSELLE, AL 35640 •256-751-1050 117 2ND AVENUE SW, CULLMAN, AL 35055 •256-739-5888 Oil, Lube,and Filter Service featuringHavolinemotor oil (other majorbrands available) NO APPOINTMENTNECESSARY Oil change includes a 16-point STAR SERVICE CHECKLIST Follow us on Facebook
Hartselle Living 13 out in nature again, reignited his former love for hiking and mountain climbing. For me, me it was like, “Here we go,” he said. “That’s all it took. After a couple of years traveling with the Boy Scouts, I asked him ‘Do you want to know real mountains?’ and he said ‘Yes.’”
“For me, it was like “Wow, I’m here again,” Fentanes-Orozco he said. “For him, it was a revelation.” The North Cascades National Park, Fentanes-Orozco said, is virtually untouched by visitors. Its 700 miles of hiking trails are visited by an average of 23,000 people annually, Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks average more than 4 million.
50 04 53 -1 Cor um’sBuilding &Far mCenter 408Hwy.31NW•Har tselle, Al 35640 256-773-5477 •cor umbfc.com Mon-Fri 7am-5pm •Sat 7am-Noon Step up your Outdoor Cooking Game Blackstone Griddle Traeger Grill Big Green Egg Decatur Shopping Center 1524 6th Ave SE • 256 353 1416 • Mon Sat 10am 6pm Large Selection of Women’s, Men’s and Children’s Designer and Athletic Shoes at Discount Prices 5 0 1 8 6 0 1 Used Motor Vehicle Dealer COLLISION &RESTORATION 3953 Highway 67 •Somer ville, AL 35670 256 -778 -0705 20 Ye a rs in Business automotive-innovations.net Specializing in Restorations, Candy,Pearl,Flakes, Graphics, Motorcycle Painting and RV &BoatRepair 501861-1
In 2013, Fentanes-Orozco took his son, who was at the time 13, on a trip to the Pacific Northwest, to hike in the North Cascades National Park.
499707-1 256-734-6193 TheMor tgageCenter CompanyNMLS #65084 poweredby “HomeMortgages Are OurOnlyBusiness” Hometown Lenders is an Equal Housing Lender.ADVERTISEMENT |A division of Hometown Lenders, Inc. an Equal Housing Lender NMLS#65084 |(www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) |Terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply.Loan products are subject to availability and credit approval. Not acommitment to extend credit. Hometown Lenders USA AZ BK-0949142. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection &Innovation CompanyLicense #41DBO60614. Josh Moody NMLS #302473 josh.moody @htlenders.com Mere dith Farrell NMLS #302637 meredith.farrell @htlenders.com
When not traveling the country in search of their next climb, the trio are often training in preparation for the scenarios they will“Ourencounter.training center is Hurricane Creek,” Fentanes-Orozco said. “That place has everything we need for training, of course, on a smaller scale.”
The father and son duo, along with their friend, Carlos Carbajal now make up the Hartselle Mountain Hikers. They have made hiking and climbing trips in 2013, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021 and earlier this year.
While Alabama lacks the peaks Fentanes-Orozco is used to climbing, he said the Bankhead Forest, Sipsey River, Sipsey wilderness and Cheaha Mountain offer specular views and hiking trails that help prepare his team for their excursions.
It’s on these training trips they practice rappelling and hiking, even the basics like how to pack a backpack.
Hartselle Living 15
“When you reach that summit, personally, I feel like I overcame everything that was thrown in my way – safely. Sometimes the most difficult part of the climb isn’t the summit, it’s oftentimes somewhere along the way.”
This month, the Hartselle Mountain Hikers will embark on a trip to the Sawtooth National Forest in Stanley, Idaho, where they will spend six days hiking and one day climbing Thompson Peak, which is 10,700 feet high.
The Hartselle Mountain Hikers nearly made it to the summit when they went back in June of this year when bad weather quickly forced them to abort their mission in the middle of their climb. Fentanes-Orozco had spent an entire year planning the climb toward what is called the Forbidden Peak – he said he has plans to return to take on the climb as a personal challenge.
In 2020, Fentanes-Orozco said he decided to take the Hartselle Mountain Hikers to the next level and add learned techniques that include walking over ice. During that trip they walked over a glacier on Ruth Mountain in North Cascades National Park.
16 Hartselle Living
“When you’re planning the trip, you’re trying to figure out all the obstacles and difficulties you’re about to face,” he said.
Sometimes the most difficult part of the climb isn’t the summit, it’s oftentimes somewhere along the way.
When you reach that summit, personally, I feel like I overcame everything that was thrown in my way – safely.
For Fentanes-Orozco, each peak is a personal challenge he must overcome.
– Victor Fentanes-Orozco
“That’s really important because if it’s not well balanced, one mile into that trip, you’re going to be destroying your hips and knees,” he said.
“It’s beautiful and perfect for a first experience walking over ice,” he added.
FLETCHER BROTHERS Dominating on the gridiron STORY BY RUSSELL FRYE PHOTOS BY MARIANN PARKER AND JIM MEADOWS SCHOOL & SPORTS
499804-1
18 Hartselle Living
In 2020, Izayah led the team with 51 receptions for 865 yards and seven touchdowns. Ri ran for 401 yards and four touchdowns on 56 carries while hauling in 23 receptions for 223 yards and two touchdowns.
Izayah and Ri have played an enormous role in the Tigers’ high-octane offense the previous two seasons. Hartselle’s offense has averaged 36.4 points per game with the Fletchers in the lineup.
Hartselle head coach Bryan Moore has had the privilege of coaching the brothers for the three years they have been together in the Tigers’ football program.
Family has always been at the forefront of Hartselle Tiger football, and the 2022 season will be no different. The Tigers have several sets of brothers who will play a significant part in the success of this year’s team.
In 2021, Izayah had 52 receptions for 852 yards and eight touchdowns. Ri, who dealt with an injury early in the season, finished with 1,053 yards and 18 touchdowns on 89 attempts while having 15 receptions for 178 yards and three teamed up to form one of the most exciting return units in the state of Alabama. Izayah had 381 yards and a touchdown on 19 kickoff returns, while Ri had 261 yards on 13 returns. One of Ri’s favorite memories of the two on the football field together has been being the two deep guys on the Tiger’s kickoff return teams.
F
“Izayah and Ri are very similar in overall ability and toughness but different in being very position specific,” said Moore. “Their body types are also different in that Izayah is longer, but Ri is built more compact.”
Thetouchdowns.brothersalso
“Both players are extremely important to our team in so many ways,” said Moore. Having players with the ability of Izayah and Ri has often created matchup issues for opposing teams.
The brothers helped the Tigers to a 52-35 on the road at Muscle Shoals last season. Izayah finished with five receptions for a season-high 125 yards and two touchdowns. His touchdowns came in the first half to keep the Tigers tied with the Trojans. Ri finished with the biggest game of his career up until that point as he fan for 220 yards and four touchdowns on 12 carries. He also added two receptions for 22 yards and a touchdown. Ri’s touchdown reception came as time ended in the first half to tie the game at 21-21. His four rushing touchdowns came in the second half as Hartselle pulled away from Muscle Shoals. Both players have put up huge numbers in their careers at Hartselle. But, the Muscle Shoals game is arguably the best game they have had at the same time. The best game of Izayah’s career came back in 2020 when the Tigers defeated Decatur 38-10. He finished with six receptions
Leading the way are the Fletcher brothers, Izayah and Ri. Izayah is heading into his fourth year as a starter for the Tigers, while his brother Ri is heading into his third year.
“Izayah put together a big performance to help Hartselle pick up the win over the Red Raiders,” said Moore after the game in 2020. “Any time you come to Decatur and get a win, it is a good night.”
Ri said that he was surprised with his performance following theDespitegame. the huge numbers they have compiled over the last two seasons playing side by side, their demeanor on and off the field has not changed. They are soft-spoken leaders who would instead lead by example rather than by words.
“Ri has gotten better and better each week after coming back from his injury to start the season,” said Moore after the game in 2021. “The Muscle Shoals game was his coming-out party, and his performance tonight was even better.”
“Both of them will be leaders this year,” said Moore. “It is their time to lead and shine as a senior and junior. They will have to grow in their leadership role.”
Izayah and Ri are great kids and a jpy to coach,” said Moore. “Both are hard workers and are extremely invested in Hartselle football.”
Izayah Fletcher outruns a Decatur defender for one of his career-high three touchdowns in the Tigers’ 38-10 win over the Red Raiders in 2020. Photo by Jim Meadows.
Hartselle Living 19 for 154 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 25.7 yards per reception with a long of 55 yards.
Playing college football is definitely in the future for both players.“Obviously once done at Hartselle, they will have an opportunity to play college football and earn a degree,” said Moore.
Ri’s best game came in the final regular season game of 2021 against Buckhorn. He finished with a career-high 314 yards rushing and six touchdowns on 16 attempts. He averaged 19.3 yards per carry in the Tigers’ 65-20 victory that secured their first 10-win season since 2018.
Izayah and Ri spent their summer camping at multiple college programs. Some schools were the University of Kentucky, Mercer University, University of South Florida, and Samford.
Izayah has picked up multiple offers heading into his senior season. He currently holds offers from South Florida, Samford, Coastal Carolina, Georgia State, Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State. Ri has picked up offers from South Florida, Austin Peay and Southeast Missouri. Look for his recruitment to heat up throughout his junior season.
20 Hartselle Living 500454-1 of fe rs full se rv icecater in g&e ve nt pl anning BURNINGTREE COUNTRYCLUB Ourclubhouseisover24,000 squa re feet of funand-functiona lspace,a nd of fers allthe amenities that abeautif ul andelega nt club shou ld.Weare the perfect venuefor your dreamwedding reception, anniversary celebrations, and more. Andno- you do nothavetobeamembertoreser ve ourspace We’reaUnique Alternativein Countr yClubs. Join Us forOur Fun, Friendly, Family-Orientated Atmosphere! Contact us or visit our facility at 2521 Burningtree Dr SE, Decatur, AL 35603 (256) 355-5827 Yo ubelon gh ere... 499702-1 2020 &2021 Winners of Best Mexican Restaurant in Hartselle! El Portal #1 1901USHighway31 256 751-1159 Visit us for agreat dining experience and great authentic Mexican Food Ri rushes for his fourth touchdown in the Tigers’ 52-35 win over Musclelast season.Shoals Photo by Jim Meadows.
INTEREST EXPLORATION
We have a tendency to undervalue the development of social skills until we encounter a student who has not acquired them. The ability to adjust one’s expectations and behaviors to a social setting comes with practice, and even though all students prefer to interact only with their best friends or with those who most resemble them in demeanor, it is time with others that develops them and gives them the confidence they need to navigate new social situations.
Students with an interest in math may find that they also have an interest in coding, manufacturing or engineering. How will they know? At the elementary level, clubs can expose them to these careers. By the time they reach high school they can take classes to develop these interests into a career. Schools cannot simulate every career under the sun, but we can work to expose students to many available to them and to help them develop the essentials they will need no matter their choice.
At the elementary level, teachers play a central role in directing students’ social interactions with one another, but as students grow older they are self-directed, and the focus of their interactions – creating a product or winning a competition –requires more mature interactions. The known comforts us, but it is the new that grows us.
SOCIAL SKILLS EXPANSION
The ‘extra’ in extracurricular
SOFT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Have you ever heard anyone say that if you want to get something done you should give the task to a busy person? Though it is certainly possible for a student to over-extend himself/herself, it is busy students, those who must learn to schedule their minutes, who tend to get the most accomplished. Leadership is developed when students have opportunities to lead. Church groups, little league teams, scouting – the choice in activity is not as important as choosing to actively participate in something. Lastly, a role on a team brings so much to a student. Team members depend on one another and must answer to one another. A positive choice brings something positive to all. A negative choice hurts everyone. Because we are growing students into productive citizens who will thrive in communities, these early lessons in interdependence are priceless.
Even the elementary students in Hartselle City Schools enjoy Club Day. Extracurricular activities enrich the educational experience of all students.
Hartselle City Schools believes in offering all students a little extra. Extracurricular activities are part of that. BY SUSAN HAYES FEDERAL PROGRAMS DIRECTOR HARTSELLE CITY SCHOOLS
499998-1 Make sure vision probllems aren’t standing in the way y of your child’s success this schoool year. Call for an appointment t today! DR. SUSAN M. PERSALLL 1098 Highway 31 SW |Harrtselle 256-773-4418 |hartselleeyeccare.net
Hartselle Living 21 E
22 Hartselle Living
By: Allison Day
“THE BAKESHOP AT PUMPKIN AND SPICE”
In this fall cookbook, learn different ways to bring the season into your kitchen. This book includes recipes on roasting pumpkin seeds, making pumpkin puree and much more.
Must-read autumn books: All of the books below are fiction or non-fiction books to make your autumn season cozier or spookier. On colder days, curl up with one of these books and a cup of coffee.
“PURELY PUMPKIN: MORE THAN 100 SEASONAL RECIPES
READ THIS BOOK
From the librarians: The William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle is proud to offer readers recommendations from our librarians. These books are picked by Sarah Laughmiller, Chrissy Tucker and Alex VanKoughnett. Come into the library to check these out and more.
This fall, take a journey to the village of Perchance. This town is known far and wide because of its annual Hummingbear migration. However, this year, none of the Hummingbears come to Perchance. Seeing the sadness this brings their village, newly magic-endowed Willowdeen and her best friend Connor decide to go on a journey to find the missing Hummingbears. Will they save their village or will they never see the Hummingbears again?
TO SHARE, SAVOR, AND WARM YOUR KITCHEN”
At Mesmortes Coven Academy, the Haunting Season is fast approaching. This means that its almost time for the wolves to rise up and try to destroy humankind. Logan, a new witch, must band together with three other witches to help keep the wolves from attacking humans. It’s going to take everything they have learned and the full depth of their powers. Are the really willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good?
By Katherine Applegate
Dive into fall with this book which is three novellas in one. All three are centered around a small town called Moonbright, which is embracing the Halloween season with spiced lattes and sugar cookies from Bellaluna’s Bakery. With the annual Halloween parade quickly approaching, citizens of Moonbright are getting their costume ideas ready. With colored leaves blowing in the crisp autumn breeze, there is more brewing than Halloween tricks and treats. So, grab a pumpkin spiced latte and get swept away in these autumn romances!
“WILLOWDEEN”
“STUMPKIN”
By Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell and Allyson Charles
By: Lucy Ruth Cummins Stumpkin is a favorite amongst the children of the library. This poor pumpkin has no stem. He just has a stump. He sits on the stand with all of his other pumpkin friends – each one eagerly waiting to have a home. Poor Stumpkin just sits and waits, and waits, and waits. Until, the shop owner takes him home himself. Stumpkin doesn’t think he’ll ever become a jack-o-lantern and sit in the window to glow.
“THE WITCHERY”
By: S. Isabelle
FOOD & DRINK COMFORTING CASSEROLES STORY AND PHOTOS BY CONSTANCE SMITH
4. While the noodles are cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
T
10. Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
• 12 oz. egg noodles, (cook according to package directions)
• 1 c. bread crumbs, see note
These casserole dishes are great for potlucks, school nights, weekends or any time. Casseroles can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated to be baked later.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, optional
• 1 1/2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 c. cooked chicken, diced or shredded
This easy chicken noodle casserole is made with egg noodles, chicken, a cheesy, tasty filling and topped with buttered bread crumbs. You’re going to love it. This is a great recipe to make with leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken or even leftover turkey.
• 2 tbs. all-purpose flour
• 2 c. milk • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
3. Cook your egg noodles according to package directions.
24 Hartselle Living
INGREDIENTS
5. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for 1 minute.
6. Add in the milk, salt, pepper and onion powder (optional.) Stir and cook until the milk mixture begins to boil and thickens. Remove it from the heat.
8. In a mixing bowl, combine the sauce, noodles, cooked chicken and peas.
9. Note: We like the peas just cooked with still a little crunch. If you want the peas cooked softer, add them to the noodles in the last few minutes while they are cooking.
11. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and combine it with the bread crumbs. (See the note below.) Sprinkle the buttered crumbs over the top of the casserole.
2. Grease or oil a 3-quart shallow baking dish. Set it aside for now.
12. Bake covered for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes.
• 1 c. frozen peas
1. To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F.
13. Enjoy Note: I make my own bread crumbs by toasting a couple pieces of bread. Let them cool and pulse in a food processor.
• 3 tbs. butter, divided use
7. Stir in all but about 1/3 cup of the cheddar cheese, mixing until it is melted.
7.
•
•
•
PIZZA CASSEROLE Deliciously cheesy pasta with ground beef and pepperoni. You’ll love this family-friendly supper. This recipe is made with ground beef and pepperoni, but you could also use Italian sausage. 1 lb. pasta, such as fusilli, bowties, rotini, etc. 1 lb. ground beef 1 green bell pepper, diced 1/2 c. onion, diced 2 c. pizza sauce 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 4 oz. turkey pepperoni 2/3 c sliced black olives 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/4 c parmesan cheese, grated or shredded 1 1/2 c mozzarella cheese, shredded To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F. 2. Grease or oil a 9×13-inch baking pan, and set it aside for now. Cook your pasta according to package directions. 4. Meanwhile, combine the ground beef, diced onion, bell pepper, salt and pepper in a skillet. Cook over medium heat until the ground beef is cooked through and the onion and pepper are tender. Drain off any excess grease if necessary. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mix ture, pizza sauce, Italian season ing, and olives. Save a few slices of pepperoni and add the rest in. Stir it all to combine. Spread the mixture in your pre pared baking pan. Sprinkle the parmesan and moz zarella cheese over the mixture. 8. Arrange the reserved pepperoni slices on top. 9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 min utes or until the mixture is nice and bubbly and are kissed with golden spots around the edges. Enjoy
•
INSTRUCTIONS 1.
Hartselle Living 25
•
•
•
10.
•
•
3.
6.
•
•
INGREDIENTS •
5.
We also want to remind everyone about our digital programs. We offer two services, Libby and Hoopla. Libby contains eBooks, audiobooks and magazines. Libby works well on smartphones and Chromebooks. Unfortunately, it will not work on Amazon tablet devices. Hoopla works on many devices from phones, laptops, tablets and Roku TVs. All you need is an active library card and the Hoopla app to have access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, television series’ and music. Patrons are allowed seven checkouts per month on Hoopla. “Binge passes” are also available that allow you to check out an entire series (book, movie or TV series) using only one of your allowed seven checkouts. This digital platform also has no waiting on anything they offer. If you haven’t been to visit us recently, please stop by and see what we have to offer you and your family. Our hours are Monday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Happy reading! Don’t miss all the library has to offer BY MICHELLE BLAYLOCK LIBRARY MANAGER WILLIAM BRADFORD HUIE LIBRARY OF HARTSELLE •Pre-arranged planning •Fullrange of burial &cremation options •Bereavement programs •Caskets, vaults and monuments •Cremation urns and keepsakes •Serving all religions while supporting and acknowledging all beliefs Service from just Our Family caring for Yours Fa mil yO wn ed &O pe ra te dS in ce 19 29 25 6-773-25 41 •Hwy 31 So ut h, Ha rt se ll e•p ec kf un er alh om e.co m Dedicated, Respectful,Professional Peck Funeral Home 500017-1
26 Hartselle Living
W
We have had a great summer at the William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle, with 1,198 participants in our summer reading program. We had some great prizes this year including four Amazon Fire tablets, gift bags and gift cards from local merchants. A great big shout out to all the parents who took time out of their busy summer to bring their kids to the programs. We also want to thank Mayor Randy Garrison, our city council, Rita Lee, our library board and the merchants in downtown Hartselle that supported our programs. Lastly, a warm thank you to all of our volunteers for their participation andLookingsupport.ahead, our programs for the fall include pre-k story times, kids paint night, adult paint night, movie nights and much more. Announcements for our programs can be found on the City of Hartselle’s Facebook page, the Friends of Huie Library’s Facebook page, or our calendar of events. Stop by the library to pick up a copy each month.
STORY
ON THE MOVE
Meredith Glasscock takes agriculture education outside the classroom BY REBEKAH YANCEY PHOTOS BY JODI HYDE
28 Hartselle Living
If there’s one thing students in Meredith Glasscock’s agriculture education class will learn from her, it’s how to cultivate their passion for agriculture and share it with others.“Itis so important for our students to know about agriculture and how it impacts our daily lives and the community we live in,” Glasscock said. “It impacts all of us every single day, from the food we eat to the clothes weShewear.”teaches
___ students at Hartselle High School as a part of the career pathways program. Four classes are offered as electives, including fundamental, intermediate, applied and advanced agriscience.
Glasscock’s agriculture education classes encompass everything from animal science, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, woodworking, plumbing and small-engine repair. She is also the sponsor of the Future Farmers of America, a club every student in her class is automatically a part of when they enroll in agriculture education.“TheFFA is a good way for our students to get involved in the community, show their passion and interest in the ag field and just share the word that agriculture is important,” she said. “Ag ed is a diverse bubble,” the Mississippi State alum added. “There’s so much more to agriculture education than farming and shop class.”
I
Hartselle Living 29 499631-1 102 Rice Road Har tselle, AL 35640 256-214-0970 www.thompsonhomesal.com ThompsonCustomHomes, afamily ownedbusiness, builds spec homest hroughout Hart selle, AL, andprovides newhomeconst ruct ion andrenovation services to homeowners throughout Nort hA labama. Putustoworkfor you!
“As long as you have the background and the passion, you can thrive in this field,” she said. Along with her passion for the subject she teaches her students every day, Glasscock said she learned from her father to expect only the best and have high expectations.“Myfather was a general in the Army and he raised my brother and me to fix something if it was broken and to solve our own problems,” she said. “He held us to the same standard, and I think that has gone on the benefit me in adulthood and as an educator.”
499624-1 2050 Beltli ne Road SW,Decat ur,A L35601 www.deanslistrealty.us ht tp s: // www.fac eb ook.co m/D ea ns Li s tRea lt y/ Constantly Striving ForRealEstate Excelle nce! Li nd aBlue As so ci at eB roker/ MRP 256-227- 0417 li nd ablue73 @o ut lo ok .com StephenPate REA LT OR® 256- 654-20 80 stephenpate10 @g ma il.com Ga lv in Gr ay As so ciat eB roker 256-227- 4281 ga lv ingr ay @g ma il.com RichardGra ha m REA LT OR® 256-4 32 -7470 rich ard.gr aham.rea ltor @g ma il.com Br ia nDea n Br oker,O wn er,R EA LT OR®,GRI 256- 975- 9244 br ia n@br ia ndea n.us Ta mi Gr aham REA LT OR® 256- 432-7597 ta mi.g rah am.rea ltor @g mai l.com El izabet hMcDowel l RE ALTOR® 256- 43 6- 3655 ebmcd20 @g mail.com
Having always been exposed to the field in some way, Glasscock pursued degrees in animal and dairy science, agriculture extension and education, knowing she eventually wanted to put her passion to use in the classroom.
30 Hartselle Living
Glasscock said when she first began studying agriculture education, it was rare to find a woman in the field, but females are becoming more and more involved in the aspects of the science. She saw an increase this year from five to 12 female students who enrolled in her class.
This year, Glasscock’s students will raise chickens, grow and sell their own plants in a greenhouse, harvest fur from an Angora rabbit they will keep as a class pet and even monitor the animal’s nutritional intake as a part of their class assignments.Glasscock said agriculture education has changed a great deal since her time in college, and she enjoys continuing to learn more about her passion along with her students every day.
September17,2022 8am-4pm PRESENTED BY CIJ Decatur Morgan Hospital Hartselle Medical Mall 501400-1
“Agriculture education is constantly evolving, and it’s one big learning process,” she said. “So, if my students want to learn, I want them to learn by doing instead of by me just teaching them out of a book.”
One of my students said to me, ‘You really have high expectations of us,’ and I said ‘Yes, I do, because I know how great and awesome y’all can be, especially in the agriculture field,’” Glasscock added.
Hartselle Living 31
When not in the classroom, she can be found learning more about her passion at home. Glasscock and her husband Bud, who she met at Mississippi State, own a cow-calf operation just outside of Hartselle called Glasscock Farms.
32 Hartselle Living 24 06 Be ltl in eR oa d, De ca tu r 25 6- 77 3- 40 13 500461-1 Tree Services•Firewood Mulch •Dirt• Gravel •Sand Tr ee Re mova lS pe ci al is tS in ce 1987 TH ETre eP eo pl e™ 500462-1
Hartselle Living 33 Follow @hey_hartselle on Instagram and use the hashtag #HeyHartselle for a chance to be featured on this page in each #HeyHartselleissue. @jaimehatcher So much fun at the @zion_hartselle Paint War + Water Balloon Fight tonight!! @ssophiedaviss saturday: @kristiplong Another Institute with this one! I’m so very thankful for my Crestlineamazingfamily#myCES @am_perrin Ready for 1st grade!
34 Hartselle Living
The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce and Decatur Morgan Hospital presented the annual Teacher Welcome Reception on Wednesday, August 3rd at Hartselle High School. 500 teachers and staff were treated to Chick-Fil-A biscuits, provided by First Baptist Church of Hartselle, Warehouse coffee, plus giveaways from numerous businesses in the area. A welcome was given by Missy Evans (HACC President/CEO), Noel Lovelace (Decatur Morgan Vice President of Development/President of Foundation), and Wendy Lang (Alabama Education Association), while Larry Franks of First Priority Decatur Alabama gave a prayer of blessing over the year.
Inspired
UPCOMINGEVENTS: • September 12 –Down Memory Lane • September 17 – Depot Days • September 20 – W.E.L.L. (Women Engaging in Leadership & Learning) • October 3 –State of the Schools Breakfast • October 7 – Member 101 • October 20 –Hartselle After Hours
Gold Sponsors for the event included Gilchrist Pharmacy, Inc., Redstone Federal Credit Union, and WCU Credit Union, and the Welcome Sponsor was Peoples Bank of Alabama.Booth sponsors included Hartselle Utilities, Hidden Rivers Farm, Main St. Mortgage Inc., MeritHouse Realty, One Source Office Products, Excel Interior Door, and RAW Images. 7 giveaways were provided thanks to our Friends of Education sponsors, Corum’s Building and Farm Center, Hannah’s Lawn & Landscape Service, Inc., Hartselle Rotary Club, Hulse Family Chiropractic, Design and Graphics, JMK Martial Arts & Fitness, and Mack’s Paint and Body.
TTEACHER WELCOME RECEPTION
On July 16th, hundreds gathered for the 4th annual Serve Day, a national community service outreach day originating from Church of the Highlands in Birmingham. Volunteers from 15 local churches and organizations met in front of the train depot for breakfast and a pep rally and then dispersed to over a dozen different service projects throughout the area. Pep rally attendees heard from YouTube sensation Destin Sandlin, who began the ceremony with an inspirational message. Sandlin’s speech was followed by comments from Hartselle councilwoman Virginia Alexander, county commissioner Randy Vest, Rep. Scott Stadthagen, Rep. Parker Moore, and Sen. Arthur Orr. A flag ceremony was performed by Hartselle Boy Scouts of America Troop 336, and recent Wallace State graduate Hannah Watson performed the National Anthem. The ceremony was closed out with prayer from Walter Blackman, pastor of East Highland Baptist Church. Afterwards, projects were completed at local schools, recovery centers, food pantries, and private homes. Sponsors for this event included Corum’s Building & Farm Center (Presenting Sponsor), Rep. Scott Stadthagen (Breakfast Sponsor), Maegan Jones –MarMac Real Estate (Pep Rally Sponsor), Redstone Federal Credit Union (Drink & Snack Sponsor), Diamond Pro/First United Methodist Church Youth/Hartselle First Assembly of God/Magnolia River/ Thompson Homes (Tier 1 Sponsors), and Forever Kate/Habitat for Humanity of Morgan County (Tier 3 Sponsors). Thank you, Hartselle, for “Filling the Bus” this year! Thanks to your generous giving, a record-breaking amount of supplies was collected at four buses throughout the Hartselle area and sent to the Hartselle City Schools Central Office to be distributed to children in need. Thank you to our bus hosts and sponsors: Redstone Federal Credit Union (Sponsored by Redstone Federal Credit Union), Hartselle First Assembly of God (Sponsored by First Priority of Greater Decatur), Hartselle Farmers Market (Sponsored by HealthSource Chiropractic of Hartselle and 209 Railroad St. SW Yard Sale), and Life Church (Sponsored by OneSource Office Supplies). DAY
ABECOMEMEMBER Hartselle Living 35 NEW MEMBERS: • Alabama’s Mountains, Rivers & Valleys RC & D Council • El Marie’s Antique and Art Marketplace • Excel Interior Doors • First Federal Mortgage • JIT Industries • Liberty Tax • Morgan County Referral Partners (BNI) • New South Outdoor, LLC • Paul’s Towing and Recovery • Planet Fitness Hartselle • Redstone Title Services, LLC Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 817, Hartselle, AL 35640 256. 773.4370 admin@hartsellechamber.com FILL THE BUS TO
SERVE
36 Hartselle Living OUT & ABOUT GROSS OUT CAMP Hartselle children have fun at Gross Out science camp held July 18-22 at Sparkman Park. Photos by Jodi Hyde 1. Gunnar Alvis 2. Arthur Buchanan 3. Emmie Lou Wilson 4. Bentley Flanagan 5. Carden Moore and Kaden Powers 6. Rhoda Sims 7. Silas Sims 8. Jace Proctor 9. Austin Greene 10. Kailyn Tabis 11. Abner Sims 12. Wyatt Bibb 1 3 2 5 64 7
Hartselle Living 37 8 9 10 1211 501872-1
HARTSELLE HEALTH PARK SERVI NG MORGAN COUNTY MorganCountyfamilies deservebetter healthcareevery day. Hartselle Health Park offersthe services youneedwith leading physicians, new and updatedmedicalfacilities and modern technology. Hartselle Health Park Darryle Bullard, MD Pulmonology Physician SpecialtyClinic 1635 US-31, Suite C Hartselle, AL 35640 256-735-5900 John Evans, MD General Surgery Physician SpecialtyClinic 1635 US-31, Suite C Hartselle, AL 35640 256-735-5900 April Frater, MD Family Practice Primary Care &Pediatrics 1635 US-31, Suite A Hartselle, AL 35640 256-735-5965 Richard Gonzales, MD Family Practice Physician SpecialtyClinic 1635 US-31, Suite C Hartselle, AL 35640 256-735-5900 Stephen Gould,MD Orthopedics Physician Specialty Clinic 1635 US-31,Suite C Hartselle,AL35640 256-735-5900 Phillip Kravetz, MD Spine Surgery Physician Specialty Clinic 1635 US-31,Suite C Hartselle,AL35640 256-735-5900 Daniel McNeill, MD Pediatrics Primary Care &Pediatrics 1635 US-31,Suite A Hartselle,AL35640 256-735-5965 John Morgan, MD Family Practice Primary Care &Pediatrics 1635 US-31,Suite A Hartselle,AL35640 256-735-5965 Sampath Singireddy, MD Cardiology Physician Specialty Clinic 1635 US-31,Suite C Hartselle,AL35640 256-735-5900 Blake Tennant, MD Psychiatry Physician Specialty Clinic 1635 US-31,Suite C Hartselle,AL35640 256-735-5900 Randy Yarbrough, MD Gynecology Physician SpecialtyClinic 1635 US-31,Suite C Hartselle,AL35640 256-735-5900 Urgent Care Imaging Services Occupational Health Scan QR code to takea virtual tour of Hartselle Health Park. 500019-1
CARPET •R UG S• HAR DWO OD •a nderson tuft ex .c om AA 813 OLD WO RLD HE RR INGBON E|1 9009 HA NOVER 499978-1 LocallyOwned &Operated Since198 8 Cor ner of 6th Avenue and 14th Street • (256) 351-9988 superiorcarpetala.com L ll O d & O t d Si 198 Ceramic Tile • Hardwood • LV P • Carpe t & MoreDesign Center Design Center
500322-1
