WAREHOUSE COFFEE • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • THE CALL OF THE WOLF
HARTSELLE LIVING November/December 2019 $ 4.95
LIVING
HISTORY
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS SHARE PRIDE AND PASSION FOR THE PAST
HOLMES FOR THE
holidays THE HOLMES FAMILY DECKS THE HARTSELLE HALLS EVERY CHRISTMAS
Jeb Hornsby, M.D.
Lori Henry, CRNP
Shelli Ward, CRNP
We have set up our clinic with you, our patient, in mind. To better serve you and your schedule we have daily appointments available as well as allowing time for walk-in patients. Let us be your Family Physicians and your Acute Care Clinic. Call to schedule an appointment today!
256.773.2260
(Left to Right) Stephani Knott, Hannah Wiley, Courtney Taylor, Cheyenne Crowe, Meagan Oliver, Kelley Thompson and Alex Smithson
FROM THE EDITOR
I WAREHOUSE COFFEE • CHAMBER CONNECTIONS • THE CALL OF THE WOLF
HARTSELLE LIVING November/December 2019 $ 4.95
LIVING
HISTORY
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS SHARE PRIDE AND PASSION FOR THE PAST
rebekah.martin@hartselleliving.com
HOLMES FOR THE
holidays THE HOLMES FAMILY DECKS THE HARTSELLE HALLS EVERY CHRISTMAS
ON THE COVER
Mike and Stephanie Holmes go all out when decking the halls of their Hartselle home every Christmas. Turn to page 11 for their story. Photo by RAW Images
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Gone are the days (hopefully) of sweating through your clothes and the air wishing it was water. Fall is by far my favorite season, and I love all things associated with the last few months of the year. From chilly days, evenings around a fire pit and Christmas lights, I love it all. Some might call me “basic,” but you can pry everything pumpkin spice out of my cold, dead hands – but I digress. In this issue of Hartselle Living, we feature one of my favorite places to visit on Main Street: Warehouse Coffee. The local coffee joint is a familiar, warm place to spend a few hours, chat with friends or work remotely. Plus, they have sausage balls and strawberry pretzel salad, so it’s a no-brainer! Jennifer Williams visits with Stephanie and Mike Holmes, and the story and photos of their beautiful home begins on page 11. The Holmes family goes all out every year when they deck their Hartselle halls for Christmas. We also feature Chris Pressnell in this issue. The preacher and family man is the new head tennis coach at Hartselle High School, but he also is teaching elective Bible courses as a part of the dual enrollment program. Get to know what drives him on page 18. This issue is chock full of interesting stories about our community and those whose passions make Hartselle such a great place, and we hope you enjoy it. From our family at Hartselle Living to you and yours: we wish you a happy holiday season. Thanks for reading,
HARTSELLE LIVING STAFF Editorial Rebekah Martin Alison James Lauren Jackson Contributors
TABLE of CONTENTS
11
Constance Smith
18 28
Jennifer L. Williams Michelle Blaylock Jeff Hyche Clif Knight Rachel Howard Marketing Baretta Taylor Jennifer Weddington Administration Beth Jackson
CONTACT US Hartselle Newspapers, LLC 407 Chestnut St. NW 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. 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 2019 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC
HOME & STYLE
ARTS & CULTURE
11 HOLMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
32 LIVING HISTORY
The Holmes family decks the Hartselle halls every Christmas
SCHOOL & SPORTS 18 FROM THE PULPIT TO THE CLASSROOM Chris Pressnell lives, works and plays by the Word
FOOD & DRINK 24 COZY CUPPA Warehouse Coffee Shop offers snug gathering place
Sons of Confederate Veterans harbor pride and passion about their past
FEATURES 36 CALL OF THE WOLF Hartselle couple runs sanctuary for wolfdogs
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.
LAUREN JACKSON, writer
Lauren Jackson is a 2018 graduate of Jacksonville State University and was first published when she was 16 years old. Originally from Sardis, she moved to north Alabama a year ago. Lauren and her best friend, Josh, will celebrate one year of marriage in November. In her free time she enjoys reading, knitting and playing fetch with Jax, her 75-pound lapdog.
CLIF KNIGHT, writer
Clif Knight is a Lineville native and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served from 1953-57. His resume boasts various stints at newspapers and media outlets in Alabama and Mississippi. He is a former part-owner and editor of the Hartselle Enquirer as well as former mayor of the City of Hartselle, serving a four-year term from 2000-04. Knight has been married to Geanell for 63 years, and they have three adult children, three granddaughters and one great-granddaughter.
CONSTANCE SMITH, writer
Constance Smith is a lifestyle blogger and YouTuber at CosmopolitanCornbread. com. After 25 years of Army family life, Constance has planted roots here in Hartselle. She now homesteads on her small farm, where she raises heritage breed animals and is focusing on permaculture gardening. In her spare time she enjoys photography, art, kayaking and other outdoor sports.
RACHEL HOWARD, photographer
Rachel Howard is a Hartselle native who is proud to own and run a business in her hometown. She graduated from Hartselle High School in 2010. She pursued her nursing degree at Wallace State Community College and graduated as the August 2013 Nursing Class President. After working in the nursing field for several years, she decided to pick up a camera – which led her to fulfill her passion of photography. Capturing moments on camera allows her to give the gift of memories, and that makes her soul smile. She is an avid fitness-lover and teaches spin classes as a side hobby. She enjoys singing, slow boat rides with her husband Nick and being a dog mom to Ralphie and Bud. 6 Hartselle Living
THE GUIDE
DEC. 12
CHRISTMAS PARADE 7 P.M. The annual Hartselle Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade is held on the second Thursday night in December starting at 7 p.m. and continues to be one of the largest Christmas parades in north Alabama. The parade route starts at the football stadium and continues down Railroad Street to Main Street in downtown Hartselle. Hartselle Living 7
THE GUIDE NOV. 3
NOV. 4
Christmas Open House
Lunch & Learn
1-5 P.M. Downtown Hartselle will be decorated and shops will be open as merchants kick off the Christmas shopping season Nov. 3 from 1-5 p.m. Santa Claus will be at Zoey’s Downtown to take photos with children, and crafts and hot cocoa will be available at the Chamber of Commerce.
NOON Hartselle Historical Society Bring a bagged lunch and listen to a presentation by David Burleson about the Forrest E. Burleson Story and Charlie Williams.
NOV. 9
Veterans Day Parade 11 A.M. The Ninth Annual Hartselle Area Veterans Parade will be held Nov. 9 in downtown Hartselle. Entries are free. Come support local veterans and thank them for their service.
NOV. 9
NOV. 22-23
6th Annual Germanfest Meal
Flannel and Frost Vintage Christmas Market
Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Hildegard’s German Wurst Wagon will provide brats, chicken and pork schnitzel and sides and the church will provide drinks and desserts. For tickets, call 256-773-2121 or email corhartselle@gmail.com.
9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. Admission is free to the Flannel and Frost Vintage Christmas Market, which will be held at the Sparkman Civic Center. The market will boast a variety of home decor, handmade items, boutique clothing and much more. Saturday, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance! For more information call 256-773-2581.
NOV. 28
Turkey Trot of Morgan County 8 A.M. 123 Church St. NE 3M Decatur will be presenting a Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning, with all proceeds to benefit the United Way of Morgan County.
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THE GUIDE DEC. 1
DEC. 7
Christmas Open House: “It’s A Wonderful Life” in Hartselle
Hartselle Holiday Market
1-4 P.M. Ring in the Christmas Spirit while shopping in Hartselle.
8 A.M. TO 4 P.M. Join in the festive fun as a vendor or shopper at the fourth annual Hartselle Holiday Market at the Hartselle Tabernacle.
DEC. 12
Hartselle Christmas Parade 7 P.M. The annual Hartselle Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade is held on the second Thursday night in December starting at 7 p.m. and continues to be one of the largest Christmas parades in north Alabama. The parade route starts at the football stadium and continues down Railroad Street to Main Street in downtown Hartselle.
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#HartselleLife
Tag @hartselle_living_mag in Hartselle photos on Instagram, and the Hartselle Living staff will choose four favorites to regram and publish in each issue.
Katherinelizwilliams Let’s go #42
Journeysbd #AscendALVG
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Lifechurch_hartselle We had a great time at church yesterday! If you didn’t get to make it, check Facebook for our live stream from Sunday! We will see you this Wednesday at 6:30 pm!
Hartsellehighcheer Get ready to support the Tigers tonight at J.P. Cain!!!! Tiger Walk at 5:30 and Kickoff at 7:00. Go Tigers
HOME& STYLE
HOLMES FOR THEÂ HOLIDAYS
The Holmes family decks the Hartselle halls every Christmas STORY BY JENNIFER L. WILLIAMS PHOTOS BY ALLY SUMMERFORD Hartselle Living 11
101A Main St West, Hartselle, AL 35640 • 256-773-2535
12 Hartselle Living
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It all started with half a Christmas tree that hung on the wall. “That’s all we had room for,” said Mike Holmes with a smile, explaining how he and his wife, Stephanie, started their married life together – living in a tiny mobile home on his grandmother’s land near Falkville – 33 years ago. They decorated then with a few sentimental ornaments, but once the couple moved to their first house, they started adding to their holiday collection. They added more when they moved to a house in Hickory Heights. Today, the couple goes all-out each Christmas season, decorating eight full-size tress – two at least 12 feet tall – and incorporating both indoor and outdoor decorations at their south Hartselle home. The Holmes moved to their current home off of Celestial Drive in Hartselle in 2004 and almost immediately started remodeling and adding to the large house. “It was a nice home, but all the rooms were closed off from each other,” said Stephanie. After four and a half years, every room on the ground level had been remodeled. The remodel gave the home more of an open floor plan, which worked better for the couple and their two daughters, both of whom are now grown and living nearby in Hartselle.
PHOTO BY RAW IMAGES
Hartselle Living 13
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Shop The Robin’s Nest for Holiday attire & gifts!
212 Main St. West, Downtown Hartselle 256-773-2284 Open Tuesday - Friday 10-5; Saturday 10-4
309092-1
The family also added on a vaulted game room/den and an office for Mike, an engineer, on the back of the home and built an outside entertainment area with a pool. Stephanie said she starts pulling out decorations from her upstairs storage room in early November, and it takes about two weeks to complete her home’s transformation for the holidays. “I try to have everything done before Thanksgiving,” she said. Stephanie designs her displays herself and said she has enlisted the help of a couple teenagers from their church, First Baptist Church of Hartselle, to help bring everything down, unwrap ornaments and hang things on the upper branches of the trees. Their collection of ornaments now numbers in the thousands. Friends and family have gifted them various ornaments throughout the years, and Stephanie would add to them when she had an idea for a tree theme. Her decorating plan is pretty set from year to year at this point, but she said she cannot resist getting a few more to add to her collection each year. “Each tree has a theme or a color,” she explained. The large tree in the foyer near the iron spiral staircase is always drenched in red. “It’s the tree I’m pickiest about,” she said, “since it is what people immediately see when they come to the house.” There is also a 12-foot Auburn-themed tree in the back vaulted den and an “Old World”-themed tree with ornaments given to a Stephanie by her girls each year. Their favorite tree, however, holds special sentimental ornaments handmade by Mike, his grandmother and his brothers.
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“My grandmother was very crafty,” said Mike. “She pieced quilts and did decoupage. To keep us busy as kids when she was watching us and we were stuck inside, she would have us help her sort things to put on her handmade ornaments.” Mike said he and his brothers would help take apart costume jewelry and pin on the decorations after his grandmother would cover plain styrofoam balls with velvet and various decorative trim. “It was very tedious and time-consuming,” 16 Hartselle Living
he said. “Each bead or gem would be put on the ball with a stick pin you had to glue on, as well – but it was so worth it. They are prettier than anything you can get in a store. They mean more, too.” Stephanie also has a collection of nativity scenes she displays around her home, and she said she plans to continue her decorating traditions well into the future – especially with the recent arrival of their first grandchild. “He’s not going to know any difference right now,” she said, “but I imagine he will enjoy all this as he gets older.”
Karen and Heidi can help!
FS F
307556-1
Heidi Ivers and Karen Hubbard Haga
296996-1
OperationWARM is a limited energy program offered through the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama which provides assistance on a one-time basis to persons who are elderly, handicapped, or in health crisis situations. Funding is provided by residents of Morgan and Lawrence counties through donations of $1 or more added to their monthly electric bills. Whether it’s a young family struggling with unemployment or a senior adult living on a meager income, families all over our area can have hope – and heat – through OperationWARM. To add a monthly contribution to your power bill, visit www.jwemc.coop and click on the OperationWARM logo, or call 256-5522300 and let us help you brighten someones life when they need it most.
(256) 552-2300 • www.jwemc.coop Trinity • Moulton • Hartselle Hartselle Living 17
SCHOOL & SPORTS
FROM THE PULPIT TOÂ THE CLASSROOM Chris Pressnell lives, works and plays by the Word STORY BY REBEKAH MARTIN PHOTOS BY RAW IMAGES
С
Chris Pressnell’s first passion is standing behind a pulpit and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ – but he said he never planned on being a full-time minister. The father of three and husband of 25 years to Tera said he loves any kind of activity that involves a ball. He’s a pitcher on the Flint Church of Christ softball team, a tennis player and coach and an avid sports-lover. Now, because of a partnership between Hartselle High School and Calhoun Community College, Pressnell gets to marry his passions together as the new Tiger head tennis coach and dual-enrollment teacher. Pressnell has played and coached tennis for nearly his entire life: he played at Austin High School and went to the University of North Alabama on a tennis scholarship. He transferred to Faulkner University in Montgomery to study Bible in the early ’90s after his brother Brandon convinced him to pursue ministry. It was there he met Tera, and soon after graduating, the couple moved back to north Alabama, settling in Decatur after a two-year stint in Marion County.
According to his wife and members of the Flint congregation, Pressnell rarely slows down. An emphatic preacher, Pressnell has a booming voice and a commanding presentation during his sermons and Bible classes. He has also worked as a part-time tennis coach for the Burning Tree Country Club for the past six years and volunteered as a coach at his alma mater, Austin High School. Earlier this summer, Pressnell said he was approached by the administration at HHS about interviewing for the vacant tennis coach position at Hartselle. “Dr. (Dee Dee) Jones was Tera’s principal at Somerville Road Elementary School, and we’ve been connected through that,” he said. Concerned that accepting a coaching position would take too much time away from his full-time job at the church, Pressnell came up with a way to do both, all while staying true to his main goal: the ministry. “I said, ‘Well, I love coaching, and I love the kids, and I’ll be glad to do it – if you can give me the opportunity to teach the Bible in your school,’” he said. “As minister, my main duty and responsibility is to the church and this local Hartselle Living 19
congregation, so coaching – just solely being a coach – would have taken a lot of time away from that, but I can see now that this can be a part of my ministry, and so do the leaders of this congregation. They see this as a ministry, and so now it’s tied up with the tennis and the teaching and the involvement with the school system and connects all of this together.” “We have been taking God out of the classroom, and we’re taking prayer out of school,” he said. “I believe that what has made America great was, at one time, belief in God, love for God and love for neighbor – which I believe is what we’re missing today.” Pressnell said he lives his life by the book. He always guides his family, works and plays by it. He said he hopes through his involvement at Hartselle High School, he can play a part in turning the tide in today’s culture that has been slipping further away from God. “It has impacted every level of our society: it has impacted the home, it has impacted the community, it has impacted 20 Hartselle Living
government, it has impacted the church,” he said. “I just felt like if we want to have a better society and a better community, God has to be a central aspect of that.” Offered as elective humanities courses, REL 151 and REL 152 offer HHS students the opportunity to study Survey of the Old Testament and Survey of the New Testament under Pressnell’s instruction – while simultaneously earning college credit. “I’m teaching the state-approved curriculum,” he explained. “These courses can be taken at every state institution … It’s an approved course of study. It just had not been approved and implemented in our school systems on the local level, but now, here, they will be. “(My) elders thought it was a great idea too,” Pressnell added. “They have seen it as a need in the community for a while now and see this opportunity as a part of my ministry.” Pressnell said he’s excited to be coaching and teaching at Hartselle and is glad this opportunity was presented to him.
Fall brings fun programs to Hartselle library
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• Dec. 20: Special Children’s Christmas Story What does fall mean at William Bradford Huie Library? It means we have new book orders Time at 4 p.m. Join us for a special Christmas and program changes, a new staff member and story, snack and to make an ornament. great plans in the works! • Jan. 14: Adult Crafting Morning at 11 a.m. We have added a new member to our staff, Stop by the Library starting Jan. 2 to sign up. Sally Woodall. She has joined us as a library Our Used Book Room is looking awesome. assistant and our Story Time librarian. She Our volunteers have been working hard to has some wonderful plans for story time. If make it more enjoyable to shop in our used you have young children, I encourage you book rooms, and we appreciate the effort to come join our story time, Wednesdays at and commitment they have! Our used book 10:30 a.m. room is open during the same hours as the MICHELLE BLAYLOCK As the fall days slip away toward winter, we library. LIBRARY MANAGER have several activities coming up in the next We have also reorganized the library to make few months: additional space. If you are looking for some• Nov. 12: Adult Crafting Morning at 11 a.m. Patricia will thing, please let us know! We are happy to help you find it. be teaching this class. Stop by the library Nov. 1 to sign We try to continually update our collection and provide the up. best service possible. Don’t forget to watch for our weekly • Dec. 8: Adult Crafting Morning at 11 a.m. Stop by the book reviews in the Hartselle Enquirer. We hope to see you Library starting Nov. 22 to sign up. soon at the library!
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FOOD & DRINK
COZY CUPPA
Warehouse Coffee Shop offers snug gathering place STORY AND PHOTOS BY CONSTANCE SMITH 24 Hartselle Living
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When visiting Main Street in downtown Hartselle, it is hard to miss Warehouse Coffee Shop. With its welcoming entrance and outdoor seating, it has quickly become a go-to place for local residents to gather. The coffee shop started as a means to fill a need – but not necessarily the need you might think. Five years ago, Brad Sheats started Life Church in Hartselle. At the time, the church’s office area was a shared space in the back with the children’s space. There was a desperate need for a dedicated office space, so the church looked across the street to expand. At first the plan was to have some office space with a big room for people to gather. Then it became, “Let’s have a coffee bar for the young people.” The coffee bar idea soon evolved into a full-fledged coffee shop, and it has only exploded from there. Not long after the coffee shop was established, the church decided to knock down a wall and expand into the space next door for additional seating. Brad said he sees the coffee shop as a resource – a way to reach outside of the church. While Life Church owns Warehouse Coffee Shop, it is run completely separate, as its own entity. The proceeds from the shop’s sales go to support mission work. He said the vision for the coffee shop is that it be a shining light and resource for the community – a way to give back to the Kingdom of God and be a blessing to others. Warehouse Coffee Shop also supports the local community by providing free
coffee for school functions and Chamber of Commerce events. Brad laughingly admits that before the church launched Warehouse Coffee Shop, he didn’t actually care for coffee – but now he has been won over. His favorite is the Southern Pecan blend or the frozen frappes. Shop manager Kristy Wiley has charge of the menu and comes up with an assortment of delectable treats. Not only can visitors find classics like bagels or pastries, but she has even added things like sausage balls and breakfast casserole to the menu. Besides coffee and breakfast fare, diners can find ice cream and milk shakes, sandwiches, wraps and a variety of beverages, including Piper & Leaf tea. Warehouse Coffee Shop is a bustling place where people can get together for a good cup of coffee and some breakfast or lunch. On any given day, you will see groups of people having a Bible study or some other meeting. This year the coffee shop has expanded a step further into the next space over and now offers a location aptly called The Venue. The large space boasts an open-raftered ceiling, rustic wooden beams, barn doors, brick and string lighting. It is a great space that is available for events like parties and weddings. Warehouse Coffee Shop is located at 315 Main St. W. It is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hartselle Living 25
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PUMPKIN SPICE
AND EVERYTHING NICE
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STORY AND PHOTOS BY CONSTANCE SMITH
Pumpkin has always been one of my favorite flavors. I am sure I am not alone in this love affair with the orange, round squashes. I always have a few cans of pumpkin puree in my pantry, just in case the craving hits, but I also love having the ability to use fresh pumpkin when it is in season. Often times people love the idea of using fresh pumpkin for their recipes, but they have no clue how to actually use it. Learn how to make your own pumpkin puree at home and take advantage of the seasonal produce this year.
HOMEMADE PUMPKIN PUREE
INGREDIENTS 1 pie pumpkin Extra virgin olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS To begin, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside for now. Cut the top off of the pumpkin, removing the stem, and cut the pumpkin in half. Remove all of the seeds and stringy “guts” of the pumpkin. If you like, save the seeds to roast later for a great snack! Cut the pumpkin into wedges that are about 3 inches wide. Place the wedges skin side down on the baking sheet. Lightly brush or spritz with oil. Bake the pumpkin for 35-45 minutes, or until it is fork tender. Allow the wedges to cool long enough that you can easily handle them. Remove the skins from the meaty wedges and place the meat of the pumpkin into a food processor. Puree until smooth. Use this in any recipe that calls for pumpkin puree or “solid packed pumpkin.”
TIPS: When using the fresh pumpkin puree for a recipe, leftovers can be frozen for up to three months. You can also freeze it in an ice cube tray to use as a great addition to smoothies. Store the frozen pumpkin cubes in a freezer bag. To make roasted pumpkin seeds, remove all of the orange fibrous pieces of pumpkin from the seeds. Wash them in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl and drizzle with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil or melted butter. Spread the seeds out in a single layer on a baking sheet and lightly sprinkle with sea salt. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden.
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When I was a child, my mother had a little tradition. Every “big food” holiday, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, she would purchase a raspberry cream cheese coffee cake. The family would get up and have a slice for breakfast, and that way she could get busy with her food prep, and we wouldn’t be bugging her in the kitchen while she was preparing a feast. It was a fun tradition and the only time all year we got that special coffee cake. That tradition is something I carried into adulthood and shared with my own children – but with my own twist. Some holidays I would make homemade cinnamon rolls. Other times I would bake a coffee cake or muffins. There was always some sort of treat waiting in the kitchen on those holiday mornings. This particular recipe is a favorite muffin recipe. It is perfect for any morning but especially Thanksgiving. The pumpkin muffins are packed with pecans, oats and even cranberries. They might just become a tradition in your home!
PUMPKIN BREAKFAST MUFFINS INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. cinnamon 3/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/8 tsp. ground ginger 1/8 tsp. allspice 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats 1 cup sugar
2 eggs 2/3 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup orange juice 1/2 cup dried cranberries (sweetened) 1/2 cup chopped pecans
INSTRUCTIONS To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line your muffin pans with papers. This recipe makes 14-16 muffins. In a bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, ginger and allspice. Stir in the oats and set it aside for now. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs and extra virgin olive oil. Mix those well, and stir in the orange juice. Stir your flour mixture into the liquid mixture until combined. Stir in the cranberries and pecans. Scoop the batter into the muffin pan, filling the cups about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until they test done in the center with a toothpick. Remove to a cooling rack and cool to room temperature, or enjoy your muffins warm if you like!
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DIY FARMHOUSE HOLIDAY DÉCOR
Create a simple and classic look for the holidays STORY AND PHOTOS BY CONSTANCE SMITH 30 Hartselle Living
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I have always loved using elements of nature in the décor of my home and combining them with classic pieces. I feel the natural touches add a warmth and comfort to the atmosphere. Using things that you find in nature can also be a great way to look at the ordinary in a different way. It’s an excellent activity to do with the children and get them involved in decorating for the holidays. Go on a walk around your yard or out in nature and collect things you find interesting, like twisted branches or pinecones. Have you ever noticed how pretty the seed pod of a magnolia tree is? How about those little balls of wickedness that you always find with your bare foot? You know what I am talking about – sweet gum balls. If you look, you might realize they have a great shape and beauty in their own right. Get a can of spray paint from the store – white or metallic gold are great options, and my personal favorite is silver. Spread out several of the pinecones, sweet gum balls and sticks out on some cardboard or newspaper and paint them. Let the kids help if they are old enough. Then go through your kitchen cabinet and look for some old jars you don’t need. I will admit I am a bit of a jar hoarder. I see no reason to throw away a good sauerkraut or pickle jar. You never know when they might come in handy! Select a few jars in varying sizes and shapes, and give them a coat of paint as well. You can use masking tape to cover sections to create designs on the glass; have the children cut out stars or other shapes and place them on the jars before painting. After the paint is dry, remove the tape and reveal the look. One of my favorite things to use in my holiday décor is rosemary. I have several rosemary plants out in the garden, and I go for a walk with my pruners and take several clippings. Then I place these in some of the jars with water. Not only will the rosemary put off an amazing fragrance, but as long as you keep water in the jar, it will even take root. Then your holiday decorations will provide you new plants for spring! Arrange your jars with the rosemary painted sticks and other elements. I like to combine painted pinecones with unpainted for interest. Add in a couple cinnamon sticks or ribbon to accent the jars, if you like. By repurposing items you already have in your cupboard or hutch, like silver plates or dishes, you can create a beautiful and inviting look for your home. Your holiday decorations don’t have to cost a lot of money to be beautiful.
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ARTS & CULTURE
LIVING HISTORY Sons of Confederate Veterans harbor pride and passion about their past STORY BY REBEKAH MARTIN PHOTOS BY RAW IMAGES 32 Hartselle Living
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The soft tones of “I wish I was in land of Dixie” play from Robert Jewellson’s cellphone throughout the day – one of the many signs of his pride in and passion for where he comes from. Jewellson and Roger Hill are members in their respective Sons of Confederate Veterans camps. The pair, along with their fellow Sons, are proud of their lineage and passionate about sharing that history with others. Hill is the commander of the Hartselle camp, called Woodall Bridge after Hartselle’s Skirmish of Woodall Bridge that happened April 7, 1864, and where a historical marker stands in recognition. The marker reads thus: “An estimated 600 Confederate and Union troops skirmished on this site for control of crucial troop movements south of the Tennessee River during the Federal occupation of North Alabama. “Confederate Brig. Gen. James Holt Clanton led forces based in Danville against a Federal cavalry from the garrison at Decatur for control of Woodall’s Bridge. “The bridge was the primary route for east-west movement in Morgan County after an important river bridge at Decatur was burned two years earlier. Troops needed access to Woodall’s Bridge to move across the county and defend their picket positions. “The Confederate strength was initially 40 men, with another 200 becoming engaged. The Union forces were estimated at 350 men. The Confederates chased the Union cavalry back to Decatur after the skirmish. Hartselle Living 33
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“The next day smaller cavalry units of both forces skirmished on this site with the Confederates again chasing the Union forces back toward Decatur.” Located at the intersection of Main Street West – Alabama Route 36 – and Springdale Drive Southwest, the marker was erected by the Hartselle Historical Society and the Alabama Tourism Board April 5, 2014, almost exactly 150 years after the event. It is located on the east bank of Flint Creek just before crossing the bridge. The modern highway bridge is located in nearly the exact same spot as the wartime Woodall’s Bridge. It is this skirmish that Hill, Jewellson and their fellow Sons of Confederate Veterans remember and reenact to preserve history and defend the name of the Confederate soldier multiple times a year. They did so Sept. 21 at the 39th Depot Days Festival at E.A.R.T.H. Park, where a Living History site was set up. Cannon fire signaled the start of the skirmish twice that Saturday, and attendees witnessed a 15-minute re-enactment. The Living History site also featured people in full period uniform who interacted with attendees. Open to any male who is a direct heir, the organization is the oldest hereditary organization for male descendants of Confederate soldiers. “Organized at Richmond, Virginia in 1896, the SCV continues to serve as a historical, patriotic and non-political organization dedicated to ensuring a true history of the 1861-1865 period is preserved,” the organization website reads. Hill and Jewellson have members in their camps who specialize in genealogical research as well and said their involvement and passion stem from a strong desire to educate the public on the true motives that animated the Southern cause during the Civil War. “The tenacity with which Confederate soldiers fought underscored their belief in the rights guaranteed by the Constitution,” Jewellson said. “These attributes are the underpinning of our democratic society and represent the foundation on which our nation was built.” Hill said involvement with the Sons doesn’t end with re-enactments. Local camps often offer members a wide range of activities, including preservation work, marking Confederate soldiers’ graves, scholarly publications and regular meetings to discuss military and political history. These and many other events are a part of the organization on a local, state and national level. Hartselle Living 35
CALL OF THE WOLF Hartselle couple runs sanctuary for wolfdogs STORY BY LAUREN JACKSON PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED 36 Hartselle Living
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In addition to wedding vows and rings, the Brakefields exchanged collars for two of their wolfdogs during their wedding ceremony. The Hartselle couple operates a sanctuary for wolfdogs, where they care for 11 of the animals and live out their passion each day. When Christa Brakefield was younger, she said she was always fascinated by wolves and dreamed of one day working with them. Several years later, she had the opportunity to rescue dogs with some wolf percentage and first began to develp a vision of what is today known as Windsong Wolfdogs. “I came across two animals in the Athens-Limestone shelter that had some wolf content to them, and when I rescued them, I was immediately hooked,” Christa said. “So I set a goal that I would move toward wolfdog rescue. I did a lot of research and got a couple percentage ones to start out. I purchased my first wolfdog of significant content from Ohio. She was kind of what started my vision on wanting to educate the public.” TJ and Christa Brakefield now use every opportunity they can to teach others about the typical behaviors of wolfdogs. They said despite depictions of wolfdogs in movies and pop culture, these animals are incredibly shy of humans. “We don’t take them out to promote them as pets; in a conventional sense they are not good pets,” TJ said. “You can’t train them to fetch, and we don’t have wolves in Alabama. Most of what people know is what they read in a book or saw in a movie, TV show or video game. However, what they depict – that’s pretty far from the truth.” “Our goal is to change perspective,” Christ added. “By that I mean, there are so many parents that will approach and will ask if their child can have a photoshoot with the wolfdogs because it’s their dream. They love wolves, and
they want to touch a wolf. We are able to change that kid’s life, and that makes me so happy because that’s a dream. The other thing is when we are out in public, a lot of people think they are vicious, and they change peoples’ minds.” The Brakefields have two wolfdogs they use as ambassadors in their mission to educate the public: Bastion and Sarkhan take pictures, visit birthday parties and generally just meet people. Bastion is about 70 percent wolf, while Sarkhan is about 90 percent wolf. The two have been socialized to meet with the public and serve as the program ambassadors. “We do photoshoots, we do meet and greets, and we take them to birthday parties. Our goal is to do more outreach; we want to set up at the local library and talk about wolves and the ecosystem,” Christa added. “It’s not really one area we are targeting; we really want to reach out in as many aspects as possible … I think our ultimate goal is working toward our 501c3, which is non-profit status – not to collect donations or anything but more so to expand our opportunities.” For the Brakefields, each day begins with caring for their animals. They start the morning checking on them and inspecting the fence and end the day feeding them the pounds of raw meat required in their diet. “They can eat between 6-8 pounds in a day or every other day, depending on how much bone,” Christa said. “They can’t process kibble, so feeding is expensive.” Although TJ also had a childhood fascination with wolves, he said he did not have the opportunity to act on it until he met Christa. “We kind of amplified each other,” TJ said. “What’s different about wolfdogs is that they still Hartselle Living 37
love you, but they don’t care if what they do makes you happy or not. What’s also interesting to most is that they treat each other differently than how they treat us or other dogs.”
Wedding
Celebrations
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A Special Section From
With their ambassador dogs, the Brakefields have worked extensively to socialize them to other people and dogs. They also made sure to acquire them at an early age so they could bond with them. “We had Sarkhan since he was 10 days old. That’s before their eyes are open or their ears are open. You want your sight and smell to be the first memory so they imprint on you,” TJ said. Many of the other wolfdogs they care for are rescue animals. The Brakefields do not breed their animals and said they would like to step away from rescue so they can focus more on outreach. The wolfdogs are paired together, male and female. TJ said any more and the wolves would start to develop a pack mentality and have more of a pecking order. Their lives are unique, and the Brakefields said they wouldn’t change that for anything. They are one of the few couples in Alabama to have wolfdogs, and they are able to share their passion with the community. “I took my dream as a kid and paid it forward to another kid to be able to pet a wolf or touch them. I know it sounds like a fantasy, but I didn’t have the opportunity, and so I would like to make sure another kid does,” Christa said. “It’s almost like a unicorn – there is not anything like this around here.”
OUT & ABOUT 39TH ANNUAL DEPOT DAYS FESTIVAL
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Photos by Lauren Jackson and Contributed
The 39th Annual Depot Days Festival took place Sept. 21 in downtown Hartselle. The event featured food, vendors, games and music.
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1. Carter Vinson and Hampton Harden 2. Henry Lott, Turner Lott and Joan Starr 3. Oakleigh McMinemon, Whitney Wilson and Sydney McMinemon 4. Bennett and Arrow Boyd 5. Hill Conway and Sarah Chase 6. Carson Haynes 7. Averie and Sarah Brooks 8. Beckham and Whitney Bennich
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OUT &ABOUT HARTSELLE GLOW NIGHT
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Youth from the surrounding areas gathered at J.P. Cain stadium Sept. 18 for the first annual Glow Night. The night featured a devotion led by Coach Bo Culver and worship music by Heather Wallace music. 1. Elizabeth Lewis, Chloe Peebles, Elena Johnston and Kaitlyn Lewis 2. Kaylin Stallings and Madelyn Kennedy 3. Kaitlyn Lewis and Katie Lin Hodge 4. Addison Kyker, Braden Burnett, Ray Byrd and Alex Kneece 5. Georia Collins and Samora Wallace 6. Jack Drake and Anders Jackson 7. Page Holified and Kassi Hill 8. Hallie Watson, Gracie Hill and Morgan Wallace 9. Chandler Voss, Ryan Aymett, Kayden Worley, Alison Hill, Kealeigh Hill and Brant Stringer 10. Jack Blaske, Landon Robinson, Owen Bennich, Connor Simmons and Caden McDonald 11. Kaden Gerstman and Lawcyn Hill
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NEW MEMBER PERKS Did you know that new members receive a FREE ad in Hartselle Living? They are listed in the Chamber’s Membership Directory and receive recognition in the Chamber’s E-Newsletter, Hartselle Living magazine and on the Chamber’s social media accounts. They are invited to serve on committees and the Board of Directors, attend Chamber events and leave their information in the Chamber foyer. Additionally, Chamber staff only refers Chamber members.
NEW MEMBERS Alabama Education Association East Highland Baptist Church Hartselle Alumni Association Hometown Lenders – Hartselle JMK Martial Arts & Fitness Nate’s Western Wear Onin Staffing Rick Grainger Photography New members from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30
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RECENT EVENTS • Sept. 15– Community Worship Service @ Tabernacle • Sept. 16 – Down Memory Lane @ The Burleson Center
• Sept. 19 – GLOW Youth Night @ J.P. Cain Stadium • Sept. 21 – 39th Annual Depot Days Festival
UPCOMING EVENTS Christmas Open House, Nov. 3 from 1-5 p.m. at the Chamber. RAW Images will be there taking pictures with Santa. There will be crafts, cocoa and cookies.
2019-2020 HARTSELLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS/STAFF
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairman of the Board: Grant McKelvey, McKelvey Technologies Treasurer: Brad Sheats, Life Church Secretary: Sherry Floyd, Sonoco Reels & Plugs Incoming Chair: Tammy Lott, Redstone Federal Credit Union
DIRECTORS
Dr. Chuck Gill, Morgan Animal Hospital Janan Downs, Zoey’s Downtown RaJane Hampton, United Country Four Oaks Realty and Auction
Dr. Ashley Holladay, Hartselle Family Dentistry Bradley Colburn, Hartselle City Schools Daxton Maze, Hartselle Utilities and Green Pro Mike Tucker, LifeWork Physical Therapy Brad Sheats, Life Church Chad Hughey, State Farm Insurance Sherry Floyd, Sonoco
STAFF
Kassi Hill, Administration and Events Coordinator
NETWORKING AT NINE The Chamber’s Networking at Nine events are a social event for our members! Each N@N is hosted by a different Chamber member at their business location. They begin at 9 a.m. and last approximately one hour. The event starts with networking with other attendees, followed by a brief meeting that includes new member/guest introductions, Chamber announcements and updates from Chamber members. Recent N@N hosts have been United Way of Morgan County in August, LPL Financial in September and Journeys by Design in October. November’s N@N will be held place Nov. 19 at Something Vintage.
NETWORKING @ NINE SCHEDULE Nov. 19
Something Vintage
Jan. 21
Downtown Southern Sass
CHAMBER HAPPENINGS
LPL Financial hosted Networking at Nine at the Depot in September.
Claudia Burroughs shows off her artwork at Depot Days.
Superintendent Dr. Dee Dee Jones speaks to Hartselle City Schools teachers and staff at the Teacher Welcome breakfast.
The annual Community Worship service kicked off the 39th Depot Days Festival.
Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 817, Hartselle, AL 35640
256. 773.4370 kassi@hartsellechamber.com
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Christmas SERVICES Unto us a child is born Local churches welcome you to join them for Holiday Services
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THE QUESTION
Fall has finally arrived. What are your favorite parts of the autumn months?
“Beautiful, bright leaves of red, gold and orange!” -Carol Maples Hardin
“Cooler weather, football, a big pot of chili and binging Hallmark movies! ”
“Football, the weather and Halloween.” -John Griffith
“The cooler weather and FOOTBALL!” -Myra Garrett
-Beth Emerson
“I like that people tend to get together more. ” -Jan Byrd
“Wearing cozy clothes and the decorations!” -Kelli Morton
Like us on Facebook @hartselleliving for your chance to answer “The Question” in our next issue! Hartselle Living 45
Second annual career fair at HHS is a big success
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Credit Union, Sonoco, CerroWire and Pepsi of What began in 2018 as a “company picnic,” Decatur. Each of these have worked as partners celebrating Hartselle High students who were part of the career technical programs at the to help expand and highlight our career technical school, became a full-fledged career fair in 2019. programs in so many ways. Many students continue to explore career opBusinesses and industries that were the initial tions available to them, all the way up to – and sponsors of the event in 2018 used the day to at times, even after – graduation. Every chance educate students about career fields and even we give them to interact with professionals and recruited them to be future employees. experts in various fields students learn more We thought this would be a great opportunity about opportunities for college training and to expand on that in 2019 – let the students have lucrative paying careers in our own backyard. some fun activities but also use the day for busiJEFF HYCHE CAREER TECHNICAL DIRECTOR We hope the event is now ingrained as an annunesses, industries, professionals in the community HARTSELLE CITY SCHOOLS al event and it can continue to grow and expand and even the military to share information about - and one day be regional. The ultimate goal of all what they do, what it takes in post-high school education and training, what scholarship or internship oppor- educators in Hartselle City Schools is that our students know tunities are there to pay for college training, what salaries are about, understand and have the skills needed to succeed in whatever direction their passions and abilities lead them. We possible and what the local prospects are for employment. This year more than 40 local businesses, industries, profes- want every student that walks across the stage at graduation sionals and military reps were on hand Sept. 20 to spend the to leave us enrolled in a post-secondary college or training day with more than 1,300 eighth-grade through 12th-grade program, gainfully employed in a high wage job or enlisted in students. and we couldn’t have had this event without the a branch of the service. When we are able to accomplish that support of our four primary partners – Redstone Federal year after year, all of our people in the community will prosper.
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wedding g s • p o r t r a it s • n e w b o r ns • f a milies seniors • headshots • events
“Pictures are memories you get to keep forever, and I love being able to capture those memories for my clients during all stages of life” –Rachel Howard, RAW Images Owner/Photographer
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