HARTSELLE
Inside this edition: Second Chance No Regrets Thailand Adventure
American History comes alive at Crestline 1 • Hartselle Living
Vol. 6, Issue 5
2 • Hartselle Living
3 • Hartselle Living
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HARTSELLE
table of contents
Inside this edition: ce Second Chan No Regrets nture
Thailand Adve
American History comesne alive at Crestli Vol. 6, Issue 5
Hartselle Living
May 2016
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HISTORY COMES ALIVE
ON THE COVER History is now alive and not just learned from a textbook or lectured by a teacher. (Photo by Randy Garrison)
16. American History comes alive at Crestline
STAFF
Second graders at Crestline recently studied famous figures in American history in a new way using technology both in putting together the information and sharing the information with other students at the school.
President and Publisher Randy Garrison Contributors Clif Knight Caleb Suggs Advertising Pam Gray Office Staff Ann Kirby April Thompson Katie Sparkman
Departments
CONTACT US Hartselle Newspapers, LLC 407 Chestnut St. NW P.O. Box 929 Hartselle, AL 35640 256-773-6566 Fax: 256-773-1953 info@hartselleliving.com Hartselle Living is published monthly by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC. A one-year subscription to the Hartselle Enquirer and Hartselle Living is $39 in county or $78 out of county. Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Hartselle area. To advertise or to get more FREE copies, call 773-6566. www.hartselleliving.com Copyright 2016 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC
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FEATURE: Sisters share gene mutation that can result in stomach cancer
FEATURE: Berry knows he is where he needs to be
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FOOD: The smells of meat sizzling on an open flame
FEATURE: Thailand adventure for Hartselle folks
IN EACH ISSUE: Calendar • 6 Letters • 8 Out & About • 26 Classifieds • 29 Parting Shot • 30
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CALENDAR May 28 Opening Hartselle Aquatic Center Opens for the season. May 30 Memorial Day America celebrates Memorial Day June 4 Cattlemen Dinner Morgan County Cattlewomen host the Cattlemen’s Association Family Dinner June 11 Anglers weekend Alabama Bass anglers weekend June 30 Youth Fire Academy Youth Fire Academy at Sparkman Spark
July 4 Independence Day America celebrates Independence Day
HARTSELLE
July 16 Triathalon Wet Dog Triathalon
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Inside this edition: Second Chance No Regrets Thailand Adventure
American History comes alive at Crestline Vol. 6, Issue 5
6 • Hartselle Living
Hartselle Living • 1
HOW TO REACH US
Email: editor@hartselleliving.com Mail: Hartselle Living c/o Hartselle Enquirer PO Box 929 Hartselle, AL 35640 In person: Hartselle Living c/o Hartselle Enquirer 407 Chestnut St. NW Hartselle, AL 35640 Where in the World is Hartselle Living?:
Travel with Hartselle Living! Snap a photo of yourself anywhere in the world holding a copy of Hartselle Living and submit by email, by mail or in person. Don’t forget to let us know where in the world you were!
July 21 Police Academy Youth Police Academy at Sparkman Civic Center July 29 Cook-off Cotton Pickin’ BBQ Cook-off September 5 Labor Day America celebrates Labor Day Sept. 10 Zombie Chase Hartselle Lions Club will host the second annual Zombie Chase. Sept. 17 Hartselle Half Marathon Hartselle Kiwanis will hold the Where in the World is Hartselle Living? Kevin, Susanna, Kameron and Sarah Kate Kirby in Disneyland in Anaheim, California April 19-23, 2016
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LETTERS
Whatever life may bring hile most of us live a pretty safe, happy and enjoyable life, there are things that have happened to friends, loved ones and acquaintances, and our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world, in the past several months that make one many times, want to crawl in a hole and pull the opening in behind you. When you watch the local news, read a daily newspaper, or get your news online, no matter where you look there seems to be bad news all around us. In the national arena, Christians have been burned alive, beheaded and imprisoned because of the faith they have in their creator. Many lost their lives because they would not deny Jesus Christ. In our own country, the men and women who put on a uniform each day, and do their best to protect all of us, have been the targets of crazed killers. For no other reason than they were dressed in blue, and wearing a badge their lives were snuffed out as if they were no more than a bug on windshield. They left behind husbands, wives, children, parents and friends. This has happened in America, not some third world country.
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Move into our own state of Alabama. We have been the laughing stock of many of the other states because our governor could not behave himself. A man old enough to know better, regardless of how far the relationship was allowed to go. What kind of example is that to young people who heard what he wanted to do over and over again on a you -tube video. Someone who should be a shining example to the people he asked to vote for him. Yet gives into a human emotion that he should have controlled. Now moving into our own county and city, six young people have me with untimely deaths just since the first of the year. Four involved auto accidents, one a railroad and another a freak drowning accident. Parents of these young people have had to endure the most terrible thing a parent would ever have to do. They had to bury their own child. And just a few days ago a little girl was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. When one stops and thinks about all of the things happening in our world, it would seem there is no hope for a better day. Yet we as Christians know this is far from the truth. Nothing that can be thrown at any of us is stronger
Randy Garrison • Letter from the Publisher than the love of God for His children. Most of us can recite this familiar chapter from the Bible. I use the King James Version since that is how many my age remember the words: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup run-
neth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 (KJV) These words of comfort remind us that God will never forsake us, no matter what may happen in our world, not matter how bad times get, He will always be there for us. While life many scare all of us at times, His peace and love are available, just waiting for us to reach out and accept what He offers. No matter what life may hold, or bring our way we can face an uncertain future, because we know who holds the future. May we all seek and find true peace, only found in the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Given a chance their Mom did not have Sisters share gene mutation that can result in stomach cancer STORY BY RANDY GARRISON
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icole McDonald and her sister Jessica Sasser both knew they most likely had an increased chance of developing breast cancer. Their mom died from the disease when Nicole was 13 and Jessica was only 10. Their mom was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at age 36 and lived only 13 months. In fact both began having mammograms in their 20’s and even had the genetic testing done for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation. Both were negative for the gene mutation. At that time that was the only genetic issue they
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needed to be checked for, and keeping up the mammograms. Nicole is now 35 and is a special education teacher at F.E. Burleson Elementary School. She is married to Heath, who is active duty with the National Guard. They have two sons, Caden, who is 10 and in the fourth grade, and Liam, who is five and is in pre-K. She and her family live in Hartselle. She is originally from Talladega and earned her undergraduate degree from Athens State University and her graduate degree from the University of West Alabama, M.S. in Special Education. Jessica is 30, married to Ste-
ven and has one son, Andy. She is a data analyst in Birmingham. Their saga began when Jessica changed gynecologist last year and her new doctor suggested more genetic testing for other genetic beast cancer connections that put her at risk for the disease. During her annual exam in January of this year the genetic testing came up again and Jessica was told there is more information available than when they were tested several years ago. Jessica then made an appointment with a new geneticist at Brookwood Hospital in Birmingham. They began with
her family history and discussed other genetic mutations that can contribute to breast cancer, other than BRCA1 & BRCA2. The geneticist drew blood for a 32-gene panel test. The results took six weeks when she received a call on a Thursday from the geneticist and wanted her to come in to her office on Monday. She was told she had a mutation that had an enhanced risk for breast cancer. She was told she had a mutation of the CDH1 gene. Jessica’s doctor told her not to get on the internet and search because it would frighten her. Jessica was also asked to
bring Nicole with her since she has a 50% chance of having the mutation as well. The doctor also mentioned there was a sense of urgency. However, both sisters got on Google where they found out there was a 53-56% increase in developing lobular breast cancer. This type is hard to detect and does not come from a visible tumor. The cancer can be detected by a mammogram, but an MRI is much better. Neither Jessica nor Nicole was shocked about the breast cancer information. Their research also showed the purpose of the CDHI gene is to code for a protein called E-cadherin, which is found in the membrane of epithelial cells, the cells that line the surfaces and cavities of the body. E-cadherin helps cells stick to each other to form organized tissue. It also acts as a tumor suppressor protein by preventing cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled manner. When a mutation of the CDH1 gene is present is causes production of a non-functional version of the E-cadherin protein or production of a protein with an altered structure. The loss of this normal function prevents E-cadherin from acting as a tumor suppressor and can lead 10 • Hartselle Living
to uncontrollable growth and division of cells. But as they continued researching they also found the CDH1 mutation also results in an 83% chance of developing hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. This is a very rare form of cancer and almost undetectable until it reaches stage 4, and has metastasized. It is usually only detected when doctors are looking for something else when the patient is sick, such as symptoms of a stomach virus. A child receives two copies of the CDH1 gene, one from the father and one from the mother. Their dad’s copies were both normal, their mother had one good copy and one bad copy. Thus both had a 50/50 chance of inheriting one of their mother’s bad genes. Both Nicole and Jessica, along with their husbands, were to meet with the geneticist on Mon., March 7. While both were worried, they really thought the breast cancer would be the worse case scenario. They expected to be told they should only be concerned with the increased breast cancer risk and the gastric cancer would not be an issue. The geneticist, knowing they had probably been do-
ing research about the CDH1 mutation, asked what they had read. Jessica shared with the doctor about the 53% and 83% chances of cancer with the gene mutation, as well as the other information they had found on the internet. Both were expecting to hear this did not apply to Jessica’s situation. The geneticist started crying and told them all they had read was true. She has only seen two cases in her career and Jessica was the second case. The first case was a young girl who was pregnant. She also explained this was passed down directly from one parent and the mutation does not skip generations. During the visit Jessica was given the options for screening and prevention of both cancer risks. Alternating between an MRI and mammogram every six months, taking Tamoxifen, an oral chemotherapy drug that can help prevent the cancer from developing. The drug brings the chance of developing breast cancer down to 25%, which is still higher than that of a person without the mutation. The options for the gastric cancer screening were nothing. While it accounts for 1-3% of stomach cancers it develops and spreads within
the sub mucosal level of the stomach and is not detectable by an endoscopy. The prevention options include total gastrectomy, or total removal of the stomach. The procedure is called Prophylactic Total Gastrectomy. Nicole had the genetic testing done on March 7, the same day Jessica went in for her appointment with the geneticist. Two weeks later during Spring Break, while they were at Central Park Zoo in New York City, Nicole received a phone call with the news that she was also positive for the CDH1 gene mutation. After hearing the news, the sisters found out the doctor who had done the most gastrectomies for the CDH1 mutation was in New York City. They went to see the doctor on Fri., March 25. The sisters went through his method. They also reached out to a support group called No Stomach for Cancer. Both were able to speak with and Skype with people who have gone through the same thing they were now dealing with. Both also had endoscopies done with 40 biopsies and had the stomach mapped, along with colonoscopies. Both Jessica and Nicole had normal re-
sults from the tests. However, both found out that in 95% of the cases when the stomach is removed cancer is found, even with negative results from biopsies and endoscopies. The doctor had told both this was a lifestyle change not a life change. He told them a lot of people do not think you can live without a stomach. He also mentioned going into this procedure prophylactically, not being sick, you’re typically healthier afterwards. After meeting with doctor in New York, both did not feel they were comfortable with his method. Several connections through the blog mentioned a Dr. Paul Mansfield at M.D. Anderson Hospital. His method, along with his rate of complications left them feeling more comfortable. Most of his patients, who had the surgery prophylactically, had not experienced problems. They spoke on the phone for 1 and ½ hours and found him to be very compassionate and caring. His precautions also make the sisters want to use him. Dr. Mansfield uses kind of a combo approach to this surgery. Laparoscopically he will go in and prep for the big separation, he will mobilize the stomach, divide the duodenum, and work on the blood supply. Dr. Mansfield will then make a 6-7 centimeter incision at the breastbone and this is where the stomach will physically come out and the reconstruction, known as Roux-en-y reconstruction, will take place. This reconstruction involves 11 • Hartselle Living
attaching the esophagus to the small bowel and one end of the duodenum will be attached to the small bowel as well. Dr. Mansfield uses a feeding tube until the patient can take enough nutrition for 10 days to sustain them, He also hand
the surgery, they are also approaching this as a blessing their mother did not have. They have a chance to save their lives. They would much rather hear they have a gene mutation, than to hear they have stage 4 cancer. They are
stitches the reconnections. He also takes out the stomach and freezes both ends before he sends to pathology to make sure there is no stomach tissue left. Only esophageal tissue should be left at one end
both trying to stay positive. After surgery they will have nothing to eat or drink that day. On day 2 they will have nutrition through the feeding tube. On the third day they will have a tablespoon of liq-
and small intestine tissue at the other end. He also does an air test and submerges the affected areas in saline looking for leaks in the connections, so that he is aware of any leaks before finishing the surgery. While both are scared about
uid every hour on the hour. On day five they will start more solid pureed solid foods. They will not be able to eat and drink at the same time. They will both have to eat small amounts of food around the clock throughout the day
trying to get as many calories as possible inside their bodies. If they have not taken in enough during the day a pump will put in a nutritional substance through the feeding tube while they are sleeping. The tube will stay in up to 10 days if they are able to take in enough calories without using the tube. They expect to need 2,100 calories per day. They will no longer be able to eat fried foods, sugars and red meat. Although some have been able to add these foods back in after a time when the body has adjusted to the changes. They will need lots of protein, and according to Nicole “peanut butter will become our best friend.” Both will also drink protein supplements and will needs B12 supplements, since B12 is absorbed through the stomach. They will also take a liquid vitamin supplement. Nicole says, “ I will heal from the stomach surgery and wait two years and have a mastectomy.” She will rotate between an MRI and a mammogram every six months in the mean time. Heath McDonald will leave for his third deployment next summer, so the next surgery is planned for the following year. Both sisters will undergo Prophylactic Total Gastrectomy on May 24 at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Texas. “We covet your prayers for us and our family during this time,” both Nicole and Jessica said.
No Regrets Berry knows he is where he needs to be STORY & PHOTOS BY RANDY GARRISON
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n a recent Friday afternoon in April, Dr. Johnny Berry was all smiles as he watched his students at Brookhaven Middle line up for a picnic lunch. Berry had a lot to smile about. His school had been removed from the list of failing schools by the State Department of Education. Brookhaven had been on the list of failing schools for the past four years. A school is placed on the list when they are in the bottom six percent, performance wise, as determined by test scores. The results were released in March of 2016. This is a big deal for the principal and for the school. Berry accepted the principal position in the spring of 2015. He is the fourth principal in five years at Brookhaven. Berry, however, did not take credit for the test scores since they were based on tests taken in the spring of 2015. His predecessor, Melissa Scott, was principal during the testing period. He attributes the increased scores to the school district awareness of the needs of the children. Also the teachers are focusing in and on skills. Brookhaven Middle School has a 100% of its students receiving free lunches. Berry said he was not accustomed to all of the poverty, but knew he had to be a change agent. He wants 12 • Hartselle Living
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to build on the momentum the school is now enjoying for the next few years. In fact, teachers now want to transfer to Brookhaven. Also, students are returning to the school. There are 84 6th graders currently enrolled at the school. There are 212 that will call Brookhaven home for the 20162017 school year. Students are allowed to transfer out of the school in their district if the school is placed on the list of failing schools. “The kids are coming back,” once the school was removed from the failing list, according to Berry. Due to the success the school has been enjoying of recent, Berry was invited to speak at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. A teacher attending the event asked to come and spend a day at Brookhaven to see
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the changes that have taken place. “A lot is happening at Brookhaven,” Berry said with a big grin on his face. To celebrate the achievement of the students, Berry asked his friend Hank Quattlebaum, to help out with a special treat for his students. Quattlebaum is a member of the Morgan County Cattlemens Association. This group is well known for their fundraising and for their cooking abilities. The group came through in a big way. On April 29, the cattlemen’s group came to Brookhaven and cooked hamburgers and hotdogs for the students and the faculty. The group provided the hamburgers, hotdogs and the buns for the celebration event. The schools child nutrition program provided the ice cream and chips for the event. Volunteers from Deca-
tur Youth Services and other volunteers, as well as staff members and parents served the kids as they came through the line. The kids all seemed to be enjoying this special treat provided to them for the good work they had accomplished. Berry also mentioned the community has been very supportive of the school. All I have to do is ask, he said. CB& S Bank has been a great supporter and Texas Roadhouse provided meals recently for the faculty. During a recent fundraising event at Moe’s, the school raised $2,100 for the band program. For every receipt turned in a recent night Moe’s matched for a total of $2,100. While the school has made a turn, Berry says the difference has been made in him. “I have not had a bad day at
the school since coming to Brookhaven in July,” Berry remarked. “I have no regrets at all about coming here.” Berry was with the Hartselle School System for 22 years. His last position was a guidance counselor at Hartselle High School. He had unsuccessfully applied for a principal position in the Hartselle system. According to Berry, the change to Decatur and to Brookhaven has been good. He has had much support from the Decatur City School System. “This is exactly what I needed, a fresh start.’” Berry said. Brookhaven is not the only Decatur city school that poverty affects. Two out of three students in the school system qualify for free lunches, and 64% of the students have families that live in the poverty level.
Senator Arthur Orr was also on hand and presented Berry with a legislative proclamation for the school’s accomplishment. Superintendent Dr. Ed Nichols was also on hand congratulating Berry. Rebecca Key, an eighth grade Language Arts teacher, who has been at the school since 1997, says they are lucky to have him, referring to Berry. Ecstatic and proud are the words used about the students at Brookhaven. The students stayed and paid attention when it was needed. The kids really stuck it out and now they are enjoying the benefits. When talking to Berry, he sounds like a proud dad, and he knows he is where he needs to be, and is supposed to be. Congratulations to Brookhaven Middle School and to Dr. Berry, good days are sure to continue.
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American History comes alive at Crestline Project allows students to teach others students about history STORY AND PHOTOS BY RANDY GARRISON
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tudents at Crestline Elementary School are able to learn about American history in a 21st century way. Second graders at Crestline recently studied famous figures in American history in a new way using technology both in putting together the information and sharing the information with other students at the school. The students were assigned a historical figure and using traditional methods such as books, and scanned QR codes from websites and videos to gain knowledge of the figure. They then took notes and placed all of their research in graphic organizer. The third step involved writing a speech about the historical character. After the speech was written, each student recorded their speech using a free program call Audacity on computers. Crestline Media Specialist, Stephanie Roden, then converted the speech from an audio file to a QR code. The second graders also wrote bio poems about his or her historical figure. In the poem the students had to include what the figure wondered, liked, believed and hoped. Basically the students had to step into the mind of the figure they had researched and wrote about. Once the poems were finished, the QR code was attached and a display of each of the figures was arranged in the hallway by the cafeteria at the school. A large banner was attached which read: America, History Alive Museum for all of the students at
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Crestline to visit. All students at Crestline toured the museum of American history. When students toured the displays they could simply take a device and scan the QR code and hear the bio poems of each historical figure with the voice of the student who wrote the poem reciting for them. History is now alive and not just learned from a textbook or lectured by a teacher. According to Roden, “learning is now student lead,” by the use of such techniques, as the second graders at Crestline have recently put into practice. Emma Jo Blaxton was assigned Susan B. Anthony. She learned that Anthony was very persistent and studious. Her favorite part of the assignment was learning
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really cool facts about Anthony, and it was also pretty cool to have your own QR code. Aubree Anders was assigned Betsy Ross. His favorite part of the assignment was learning that she made our first flag, and you could save your speech and have it recorded. Cain Armistead’s favorite part of the assignment was recording his speech onto the computer. “ It was pretty awesome that other kids can hear your voice,” Armistead said about the project. The students used library time as well as second grade classroom time to work on the projects. Another plus from the project was higher vocabulary learned by the students while working on the project.
FOOD
Somebody’s grillin’ Meat sizzling on an open flame INTRO BY RANDY GARRISON
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ho can deny that aroma that you smell when you walk outside in the late afternoon in spring. Just as the temperatures are warming up, so are grills in many backyards. While there are those who grill year around, warmer temperatures usually bring out the grills in a record number. Whether you have the cheapest grill that can be bought or a Big Green Egg, the unmistakable aroma is one that some, most likely men think ought to be bottled. The smells of meat sizzling on an open flame, whether gas or charcoal makes even the most finicky of people begin to have a mouth-watering experience. Even if you have just finished a huge meal, walking outside and catching a drift of cooking meat makes one want to eat again. Maybe this takes all of us back to our primitive roots of our ancestors, who not only cooked their meat over heat outside, but had to kill it as well. Whatever you grill, meat, vegetables or a combination of the two, happy grilling season.
Honey Chicken
Mustard
Courtesy of Allrecipes.com 1/3 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup honey 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon steak sauce
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Grilled
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves Preheat the grill for medium heat. In a shallow bowl, mix the mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and steak sauce. Set aside a small amount of the honey mustard sauce for basting, and dip the chicken into the remaining sauce to coat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken over indirect heat for 18 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, or until juices run clear. Baste occasionally with the reserved sauce during the last 10 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
Southern Grilled Barbecued Ribs Courtesy of Allrecipes.com
4 pounds baby back pork ribs 2/3 cup water 1/3 cup red wine vinegar 1 cup ketchup 1 cup water 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup prepared mustard 4 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 1/8 teaspoon salt Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place ribs in two 10x15 inch roasting pans. Pour water and red wine vinegar into a bowl, and stir. Pour diluted vinegar over ribs and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Baste the ribs with their juices halfway through cooking. In a medium saucepan, mix together
ketchup, water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, butter, brown sugar, hot pepper sauce, and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer barbeque sauce for 1 hour. Preheat grill for medium heat. Lightly oil preheated grill. Transfer ribs from the oven to the grill, discarding cooking liquid. Grill over medium heat for 15 minutes, turning ribs once. Baste ribs generously with barbeque sauce, and grill 8 minutes. Turn ribs, baste again with barbeque sauce, and grill 8 minutes.
Grilled Salmon
Courtesy of Allrecipes.com 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup lemon juice 4 green onions, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 3 pounds salmon fillets Combine olive oil, lemon juice, green onions, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside 1/4 cup of the marinade. Place salmon in a shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over the top. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove the salmon and discard the used marinade. Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate. Place salmon on the preheated grill skin side down. Cook, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the fish flakes easily with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes.
Pineapple Grilled Pork Chops Courtesy of Allrecipes.com
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple rings, juice drained and reserved 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 4 pork chops 1 pinch ground black pepper Mix together the drained pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder together in a large plastic zipper bag, and smush the bag a few times with your hands to mix the marinade and dissolve the sugar. Place the pork chops into the marinade,
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squeeze out any air in the bag, seal it, and refrigerate overnight. Reserve the pineapple rings.
1 tablespoon olive oil salt and pepper to taste Preheat grill for high heat.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate. Remove the chops from the marinade, shaking off excess, and grill until browned, the meat is no longer pink inside, and the meat shows good grill marks, 5 to 8 minutes per side. Brush several times with marinade and let the marinade cook onto the surface of the meat. Discard excess marinade. While the meat is grilling, place 4 pineapple rings onto the grill, and allow to cook until hot and the slices show grill marks; serve the chops topped with the grilled pineapple rings.
Grilled Asparagus
Courtesy of Allrecipes.com 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
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Lightly coat the asparagus spears with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
top of the onion, and wrap in aluminum foil. Place onions on grill over indirect heat, and close the lid. Cook for 1 hour, or until tender. Remove the tops, and cut into bite size chunks. Place in a serving dish with all the juices from the foil.
Grill over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or to desired tenderness.
Grilled Bananas
Grilled Onions
4 banana, peeled and halved lengthwise 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons honey splash of orange juice
Courtesy of Allrecipes.com 4 large onions 1/2 cup butter 4 cubes chicken bouillon Preheat grill for medium heat. Peel outer layer off onions. Slice a small section off of one end of each onion, and make a small hole in the center. Fill the center of each onion with a bouillon cube and 2 tablespoons butter or margarine. Replace the
Courtesy of Allrecipes.com
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Arrange bananas onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle brown sugar, lemon juice, honey, and orange juice over the bananas; cover with aluminum foil.
Bake for 5 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Grilled Peaches Courtesy of Allrecipes.com 3 tablespoons white sugar 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons freshly ground black peppercorns 2 large fresh peaches with peel, halved and pitted 2 1/2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the white sugar, balsamic vinegar, and pepper. Simmer until liquid has reduced by one half. It should become slightly thicker. Remove from heat, and set aside. Preheat grill for medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place peaches on the prepared grill, cut side down. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the flesh is caramelized. Turn peaches over. Brush the top sides with the balsamic glaze, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the peach halves to individual serving dishes, and drizzle with remaining glaze. Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese.
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Thailand adventure for Hartselle folks Submitted by Pam Berry
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in March 22, Terry and Michelle Reburn, Pam Berry and Sherry Echols left Huntsville airport at 5:45 a.m. for a 10-day trip to Thailand. They arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 23 9:05 p.m. Thailand is 12 hours ahead of Alabama. After settling in to Aetas Lumpini Hotel in Bangkok, they got some sleep to get ready for an active Thursday. There was a breakfast buffet and welcome briefing in the morning. An afternoon tour introduced them to Bangkok, the City of Angels. They drove through Chinatown and Little India on to the serene Wat Po, Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is the oldest and largest temple in the city, with a giant reclining Buddha, over 150 ft. long and 40 ft. high. After returning to the hotel for a dinner buffet, they did some exploring on their own. They walked, got lost, asked directions, took a sky train and made some souvenir purchases. On the way back they opted to take a fun ride in a tuk tuk. Friday they took an optional tour to the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace and to Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). They boast of having over 100,000 visitors daily. Everyone purchased casual drawstring pants, which came in handy when your legs had to covered in the temple as a sign of respect, also no shoes. That night after traveling in heavy congested traffic they viewed the Siam Niramit Show. There were over 100 performers and 500 costumes, with amazing special effects. This was an introduction to Thailand’s art and cultural heritage. Saturday was spent traveling to Kanchanaburi to visit the Bridge over River Kwai 23 • Hartselle Living
and War Museum and wellkept cemeteries. They visited the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The boats are filled with fruits, vegetables, dry goods, and freshly cooked food. After docking at the flea market style shopping area, more souvenirs were purchased. While staying in Kanchanburi on Sunday, they opted to take the Hellfire Pass and Death Railway tour. Allied POWS were forced to work day and night in the jungle to complete the bridge and rail line using only simple tools. More than 12,000 soldiers and 80,000 Thais perished during the construction. This proved to be a very hot day. Michelle Reburn helped remember Easter by passing out marshmallow bunnies. To get to the next accommodations, the group rode a James Bond style speed boat, boarded a motor coach and then loaded into the back of a truck to get to their jungle cabins at Home Phutoey. Thai massages were a welcome treat after their long morning. Because of one of the worst droughts in history, the jungles were not as lush as expected. It did prove to be serene with the exception of a few jumping frogs and lizards. On the way to Ayuttaya, the tour guide often stopped and purchased local treats for them to try. A favorite was fried bananas. The most adventurous was grilled rat. I was reluctant until our guide explained that the rats were raised in rice patties and ate only rice,” Berry said. “It tasted like meat but didn’t look appetizing because they were cooked with Sherry Echols, Pam Berry and Michelle Reburn, along with Michelle’s their heads and tails intact. The husband Terry, enjoyed a 10 day trip to Thailand. The three ladies are Reburns also tasted them but all retired Hartselle educators. Echols declined.” Rat was from the rice fields and cost more than pork. It was good but would have been
better with Bob Gibson white sauce. “It was ironic that one day we were getting a massage and the next day eating grilled rats,” she pointed out. They had 1,000-year-old eggs preserved in horse urine-no takers on that. Ayutthaya is the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years. Here were the ruins of 24 • Hartselle Living
the former capital, its remaining palaces, monasteries and towers. You must turn your feet away from a Buddha and you cannot be higher than it. They had to lower themselves below the head of the stolen Buddha head. Buddha souvenirs were popular but illegal to bring back. On Tuesday, they visited Bang Pa-In Palace, originally
built by King Prasat Tony in 1632. This served as the Royal Summer Palace for Thai Kings. It was a hot 104 degrees that day! After the palace visit, a stop was made at a gem gallery. Being typical shoppers. they opted not to watch while jewelry is made and to learn about gems, to spend more time in the gallery. They then headed back to Bangkok. Traffic in the cities was mind-boggling,” Berry pointed out. “Motorcycles were everywhere you looked. Our mode of transportation changed often. We rode in buses, trains, sky trains, trucks, taxis and boat. We even took a ride in the back seat of a three-wheel tricycle. Berry said the vacation was pleasurable and educational. Why Thailand? Berry was asked. “Sherry had never been to Asia and we found a good deal with Gate One Tours,” she answered. On Wed. they visited a local mall where they decided to enjoy a Burger King treat. Thai food (lots of rice, stir fry, noodles, soups, fruits and vegetables) proved to be good and very filling but it was time for some American food. Their flight home departed Bangkok at 9:05 p.m. on Wednesday with a 5-½ hr. connecting flight to Seoul, South Korea. Then came a 13-hour flight to Dallas. After missing the 10:45 flight home they had to wait until 8:45 for the next flight. So instead of getting back to Huntsville on Thurs. at 12:30 p.m. the travelers did not arrive home until 10:30 p.m., making a very long day or days. Pam Berry taught math at Hartselle Junior High, Michelle Reburn taught chorus at HJHS and Sherry Echols taught social studies at HJHS. All three are retired. 25 • Hartselle Living
OUT AND ABOUT 1
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1-4-H members from across Morgan County met recently for the annual 4-H Roundup. 2-The mechanical bull was popular at the Special Needs Rodeo. 3-Sheriff Ana Franklin rides in the Sheriff’s Rodeo Parade in downtown Hartselle. 4-Students at Barkley Bridge Elementary School work in the outdoor classroom. 5-Jabe Anderson shows off the birdhouse he built for 4-H.
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1-Members of the Rainbow Garden Club help Crestline students learn about gardening recently. 2-Cooper Robinson paints a rock for the Memory Garden at Crestline. 3-Priceville Elementary principal, Tanya McCain kisses a pig after her students raised money for the diabetes foundation. 4-Students at Hartselle High hold a prayer vigil for a fallen classmate, Brenna Jackson. 5-Owen Wimberly won the scavenger hunt at Crestline during the Earth Day celebration.
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OUT AND ABOUT 1
1-Redstone Federal Credit Union folks, Andy Chudy, Tammy Lott and Tanya Brewer attend the State of the City Address. 2-Senator and Mrs. Arthur Orr attend The Burleson Center Banquet. 3-Dr. Vic and Felecia Wilson attend the Silent Auction and Banquet at the Burleson Center. 4-Joe and Virginia Howell enjoy themselves at The Burleson Center Benefit.
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Marketplace Hartselle Living • 256.332.1881
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Hartselle Living • 29
PARTING THOUGHTS
May we never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. God Bless America
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WHO AM I? #ImADecaturMorganBaby
Father was a physician at Decatur Morgan Hospital (Decatur General)
VP of a Local Bank
Current Volunteer at Decatur Morgan Hospital
PARKWAY CAMPUS
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Tom Guyton
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