Hartselle Living Jan. 2015

Bridal Gown Bliss

Inside this edition: Chief Fox shares plans for HFD

The Something Blue Shoppe helps brides pick the perfect gown Vol. 5, Issue 1

Tabernacle stew is a warm and tasty dinner Local families share their stories of love Hartselle Living • 1

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2 • Hartselle Living

Hartselle Living • 3

4 • Hartselle Living

table of contents

JANUARY 2015

FEATURE

ON THE COVER

16. Local Wedding Dress Guide

The beginning of a new year means the first steps in planning a wedding for many local couples. This silk bouquet was arranged by It’s Your Day in Hartselle. (Photo

by Joy Haynes)

The Something Blue Shoppe in downtown Hartselle shares insightful tips on how to start planning a wedding.

STAFF President and Publisher Randy Garrison Editor Brent Maze Contributors Clif Knight Joy Haynes Advertising Pam Gray Office Staff Ann Kirby April Thompson Katie Sparkman

Departments 14

10

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 2015 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

12 GET TO KNOW: Hartselle’s new fire chief has plans for HFD.

WELLNESS: Local church’s walking track helps locals stay fit.

20 FEATURE: Special Brunswick stew recipe serves as a local fundraiser.

FAITH AND FAMILY: Locals share their adoption experiences.

22 FOOD: Add some smoky flavor to your favorite shareable Super Bowl party food.

IN EACH ISSUE: Letters • 6 Calendar • 8 Scene • 24 Classifieds • 29 Last Word • 30

Hartselle Living • 5

LETTERS

Making time to pray

D

is acceptable limits. uring the Also, I seem to be able last couple to concentrate better of months, while I am working I decided I and have been able to needed to follow what complete more tasks my doctor had recomin a shorter amount of mended last year. His time. This extra time recommendation was has enabled me to to spend at least 30 spend less time at the minutes three or four office at night. times per week doing Now back to my topsome type of activity ic, the first few times to get my heart rate up I used the elliptical I and keep it up for 20 really felt my age and minutes or longer. I thought I would not really do not think runbe able to hold out for ning is for me, espevery long at all. In fact, cially in the winter, so I mentioned to a couI decided I would start ple of folks that if they going to one of our losaw the funeral home cal gyms again. hearse at the gym, it There were a couple was probably coming of reasons for this. I after me. The first tend to work a lot of couple of times I think hours each week and I was praying that I sometimes those hours could make it just a litcan be pretty stresstle longer and not pass ful. I needed to find a out and fall off in front way to work off some of folks. of that stress, since it Now after working was also elevating my up to 35 minutes, it blood pressure. I really Randy Garrison • Letter from the Publisher seems to get easier do not want to take each time. But since I medication for this if at am a little OCD, I sometimes find it difficult to do nothing all possible. but work out on this machine.

Also, last fall a friend mentioned he needed someone to After a series about prayer at church- about not making work out with and to keep him accountable to showing up a time for our prayer life – I thought why not try praying while few times each week. I waited a few weeks and decided to working out. I am not spending the whole time praying, but take him up on the offer. It is much easier to crawl out of a I am finding it to be a good time, especially praying for folks warm bed on a cold morning if you know someone else is who are in need of a touch by God. You might be surprised expecting you to show up than if you are trying to accomat how fast the time moves as you spend that time praying. plish this completely on your own.

Now after about six weeks, I have not lost any weight, but Also if the exercise kills you, this would not be a bad way to go: praying on this side and then entering into the presence I did maintain thorough three holidays. But the best part so of God. far is my blood pressure has dropped down to what I think

6 • Hartselle Living

Season for Brunswick stew the recipe from Clemons and Summerford.

Thompson and a group of cooks make about 66 gallons of stew twice a year, usually in the fall and winter months, and sell it for fundraisers.

Evidently the integrity of the Brent Maze • Letter from the Editor recipe hasn’t been lost over used to taste,” Thompson said. “I’ve the years. cherished that compliment.”

“One of the best compliments that I’ve So if you want to have some of that ever received came from a lady. She said legendary stew, buy it the next time they the stew tasted like Big Bob Gibson’s cook it.

We want to hear from you!

Tell us what you like. Suggest improvements.

Submit story ideas and your photos.

Email: editor@hartselleliving.com

HOW TO REACH US

W

intertime is best time of year for soups, chili and stews. As a matter of fact, I’ve already cooked my second batch of chili this month.

I love vegetable soups with some cornbread. I also love to eat chicken and Brunswick stews.

That’s why I enjoyed doing the story on the stew that is cooked each year as a fundraiser for the Hartselle Camp Meeting and Hartselle Tabernacle.

Come to find out, that stew was first developed by Country Evans and Big Bob Gibson, yes the same one that opened his famous restaurant in Decatur.

They started making the stew back in the 1950s. Country passed that recipe on to Robert Wayne Clemons, who then trained Jimmy Summerford to cook it.

Eventually, Glenn Thompson learned

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Hartselle Living • 7

CALENDAR Jan. 22

Family wellness night Barkley Bridge Elementary will host a family wellness night Thur., Jan. 22, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the school. Families can choose four 20-minute breakout sessions of the eleven that will be available. Topics will be presented by teachers and experts and include yoga for families, reading together, family fitness, what parents should know about preparing wills, what’s for dinner?, the nightly homework challenge, surviving the cold and flu season, grieving together, family game time, Internet safety and your digital legacy and a movie time for kids. A spaghetti dinner will be served for $2 per person at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 26

Multiple sclerosis support group A multiple sclerosis support group will meet Jan 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sparkman Civic Center. This month’s Hartselle student Brittany Looney relaxes while she gives blood during the Hartselle High School topic is de-stressing after the holblood drive last year. HHS will host this year’s blood drive on Feb. 5 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. idays. For more information, call Susan at 256-502-1221 or Adam at Feb. 2. Participants must be at least Men, ages 18 and older, are encour256-221-2233.

16 years old and weigh 110 pounds. aged to join the new men’s basketball Parents and visitors are welcome to league. All forms and the $450 regisJan. 27 tration fee are due no later than Jan. 31. donate without an appointment.

Special Olympics basketball Call Sparkman Civic Center at 256The Hartselle High School Special 773-2581 with any questions.

Feb. 10 Olympics basketball team will play Special Olympics basketball the Center for Developmentally Dis- Feb. 3 The Hartselle High School Special abled at 10 a.m. in the HHS gym.

Olympics basketball team will play Special Olympics basketball The Hartselle High School Special Brewer at 1 p.m. in the HHS gym.

Jan. 30 Olympics basketball team will play PES board appreciation breakfast Buckhorn at 10 a.m. in the HHS gym. T-ball, baseball and softball Priceville Elementary School will Baseball, t-ball and softball reghave its board member appreciation istration will be at Sparkman Civic Feb. 5 breakfast Jan. 30 from 7:45 to 8:30 Center Feb. 10, 17 and 24 from 6-8 HHS blood drive a.m. p.m. Leagues are open for players The Hartselle High School will host a blood drive Thur., Feb. 5, from age 4-14.

Special Olympics basketball 8 a.m. to 6 p.m in the auxiliary gym.

The Hartselle High School Special Students can make an appointment to Feb. 12 Olympics basketball team will play donate blood with a signed permisSpring soccer registration Austin at 10 a.m. in the HHS gym. sion slip and photo ID. Permission Spring AYSO soccer registration slips can be picked up in Mrs. Enwill be Feb. 12, 19 and 26 from 6-8 Jan. 31 glish or Mrs. Shelton’s rooms starting p.m. each night and Feb. 21 from 10 Last day for basketball registration 8 • Hartselle Living

a.m. until 2 p.m. at Sparkman Civic Center. The fee is $35 if the player participated in the fall league and $55 in the player did not. Players must be between the ages of 4 and 18 on or before Aug. 1, 2014.

Feb. 19

‘Rockin’ Tale of Snow White’ College Street Players present “The Rockin’ Tale of Snow White” at the Hartselle High School auditorium, Feb. 19 and 20, at 7 p.m. nightly and Sat., Feb. 21, at 2:30 and 7 p.m. The musical is directed by Dena Nagel and Jenny Faulk with Wanda Thompson directing music.

General admission is $10 and students and seniors are $8. Tickets are available beginning Feb. 5, at collegestreetplayers.org, Adventures Unlimited Travel and the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce.

State of the City Address The Hartselle Area Chamber of

Commerce will sponsor the State of the City Address featuring Mayor Don Hall Thur., Feb. 19, at Sparkman Civic Center. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by the address at noon. Tickets are $20 for the meal. For more information or to RSVP, call 256-773-4370 or email susan@hartsellechamber.com.

a little money at the same time by participating at the rummage sale. The sale will be April 10 and 11 at 7 a.m.

Sellers may begin registering March 9 at 7:30 a.m. Booth rental is $20 for both days. No one-day sellers are allowed. All sellers must be registered

by April 6. Space is limited.

Feb. 24

One-day pool pass sale Hartselle Parks and Recreation will have a one-day pool pass sale for 2015 season passes to the Hartselle Aquatic Center at a discount of 30 percent March 10 from 8 a.m. to 8p.m. at Sparkman Civic Center.

Individual passes are $70 and each additional in the household will be $35 each.

Special Olympics basketball The Hartselle High School Special Olympics basketball team will play James Clemens at 10 a.m. in the HHS gym.

Feb. 27

PES Winterfest PES will have its annual Winterfest starting at 5 p.m. for food and 6 p.m. for games.

March 9

Rummage sale registration Clear your house of clutter and earn

March 10

March 23-27

Spring break Hartselle and Morgan County schools will close for spring break March 23-27.

®

Hartselle Living • 9

Daryl Fox took over the position of Hartselle Fire Chief after Steve Shelton retired recently.

10 • Hartselle Living

GET TO KNOW

Chief Daryl Fox Hartselle’s newest Fire Chief was promoted from within the HFD STORY AND PHOTO BY CLIF KNIGHT

A

highly trained firefighter with a diverse background in emergency medicine, ambulance and rescue operations is Hartselle’s new fire chief.

Daryl Fox was chosen from the ranks of Hartselle Fire and Rescue personnel to fill the position by the Hartselle City Council. He was interviewed along with co-worker, Capt. Philip Kelso, both of whom rose through the ranks to attain the rank of captain.

A native of Greenville, he joined Hartselle Fire and Rescue in 1996 as a rookie candidate for fire fighter and went on to earn an associate’s degree in science from Wallace State Community College in Hanceville in 1999.

He said he developed an interest in fire and rescue work as a high school student because his parents served as volunteer firefighters. After moving to Hartselle in 1994, he enrolled at Wallace State where he completed coursework, which led him to become a certified emergency medical technician in 1995.

Subsequently, he worked with Hartselle Ambulance Service and Cullman Regional Ambulance Service as an EMT and ambulance operator. In addition, he served as a diver with the Flint Rescue Squad for several years and was a long-time member of the Oak Ridge Volunteer Fire Department.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 2003 and had served as a captain for more than five years when he was promoted to chief.

Fox said he considers it an honor to serve as fire chief and recognizes the challenge the job brings to him personally.

“We have great personnel who work well as a team, and I’m counting on them to be my strength when crunch time comes,” Fox said. “I want the department to continue on a course set by retired Fire Chief Steve Shelton. Under his leadership, we learned new firefighting techniques and placed greater emphasis on training, certification and education. The bottom line is I want Hartselle Fire and Rescue to be the best it can be.”

Fox said volunteers have always been a valuable asset to Hartselle Fire and Rescue and he wants to continue that

tradition.

“I encourage any able-bodied man or woman with an interest in training to become a member of the fire and rescue team to contact us,” he said.

Hartselle Fire and Rescue recently applied for a federal firefighters grant to help purchase a new fire engine and 25 sets of turnout gear.

Fox is married to Lt. Linda Fox, special services director for the Hartselle Police Department. They live in Hartselle and have two children. Sean, 24, is serving in the U.S Air Force, and Sarah is a sixth grader at Hartselle Intermediate School.

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Hartselle Living • 11

From left, Bobbie Childers, Bambi Holmes, J. Friar and Suzanne Counts walk the upstairs track at First United Methodist Church for daily exercise.

WELLNESS

Walking in winter Walking proves to be a good way to stay fit, chase away winter blues STORY AND PHOTO BY CLIF KNIGHT

T

he walking trail in Sparkman Park continues to be a popular venue for walkers when weather conditions are suitable; however, an indoor option is desirable when it’s wet and cold outside.

A growing number of walkers are choosing the upstairs walking track at First United Methodist Church as a good option.

12 • Hartselle Living

Benefits of regular exercise Regular exercise can help: n Reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes and obesity. n Keep joints, tendons and ligaments flexible, which makes it easier to move around.

n Reduce some effects of aging, especially the discomfort of osteoarthritis. n Contribute to mental well-being. n Relieve depression, stress and anxiety. n Increase your energy and endurance. n Form healthier sleep habits that include sleeping better and on a more natural sleep cycle. n Maintain your weight at a normal level by increasing your metabolism (the rate you burn calories).

Why walk for exercise?

The best type of exercise is one that you will do on a regular basis, according to familydoctor.org.

Walking is considered one of the best choices because it’s easy, safe

and inexpensive. Brisk walking can burn as many calories as running or jogging. Walking doesn’t require training or special equipment except for appropriate shoes.

In addition, walking is an aerobic and weight bearing exercise so it is good for your heart and helps prevent osteoporosis.

Suzanne Counts and J. Friar are Hartselle stay-at-home moms who walk for about an hour two or three times a week.

When it’s cold, damp and dreary outside they use the upstairs track at First United Methodist Church.

“We do it for a little exercise and a lot of girl time,” said Counts, “and we’re so thankful the church opens its indoor walking track for the public to use.”

“Walking gives you a lift and gets you ready for the rest of the

day,” said Friar. “It’s easy, too. All you need is a good pair of shoes.”

Mother and daughter Bobbie Childers and Bambi Holmes walk to help them cope with medical issues.

“I have arthritis in my knees,” Childers said, “and walking helps me cope with that. I walk 45-minute sessions five times a week.

I like to walk outside when the weather is suitable, but I’m thankful for a place like this that lets me walk inside when the weather turns cold and wet.”

“I was diagnosed with MS three years ago and my doctor advised me to walk for exercise,” Holmes said. “Walking makes me feel better, and it gives my mom and I some quality time together.”

Information from familydoctor. org contributed to this article.

Hartselle Living • 13

The Phillips family celebrates their official adoption day.

FAITH AND FAMILY

A special addition Local families share their unique stories of how they came to be STORY BY JOY HAYNES

N

o two families are alike.

Each family has its own unique story to tell of how it came to be. Some include romantic love stories or tales of tragic heartbreak. Most have memories of crying infants and tiny footsteps, but others have surprise additions or uncertain beginnings.

While adoption is not the most common way Hartselle families grow, it is still a very prevalent part of the community. There is a widespread group with various stories to tell of their own adoption experiences.

Holly and Bradley Phillips looked to these stories about three years ago when they started looking into adopting.

“We were able to find good reinforcements around us,” Bradley said. “Once we starting asking around about advice on adoption, people started coming out of the woodwork. So many people were willing to share their own and others’ experiences with us. We never realized how many people there were around us that were or had adopted. It was comforting to learn we weren’t alone.”

14 • Hartselle Living

The Phillips decided to adopt after having two boys, Deacon and Cohen, who were about 6 and 2 ½ at the time.

“Deacon had been praying for a sister long before we were,” Holly said. “We wanted a girl, but we didn’t want to get pregnant again. It seemed to easier to adopt for me because I wouldn’t have to struggle with the hormonal changes, physical sickness or postpartum and peripartum depression I had before. We both decided adoption would be a good fit for us.”

They began searching on the Internet for resources and asking friends from church for advice. Within less than a year’s time, they were able to take baby Alayiah home with them.

“We had put together a picture album of our family for the agency,” Holly said. “We were told that we had been selected by someone as an adoptive family for their child, and we were able to pick her up from the hospital two days after she was born. The official adoption went through months later.”

Holly said the days leading up to the adoption helped them

be as prepared as possible for Alayiah’s arrival. They were able to sleep soundly and be rested before the sleepless nights to come. She felt the weeks after bringing their daughter home from the hospital went much more smoothly than it had with their older sons.

The Phillips said they are trying not to worry about possible issues that could arise due to the ethnicity difference in their family.

“We do get some looks from people, but everyone has been very considerate for the most part,” Holly said. “Bradley and I have talked about we plan on making sure Alayiah is cultured and educated about her heritage.”

“We try not to worry about what we can’t control,” Bradley said. “I’m curious as to if we will have those sort of issues come up, especially living in a predominantly Caucasian area, but Alayiah belongs in our house and she has never had a problem fitting in with everyone in the family.”

Holly and Bradley had some advice to share with families who might find

themselves in similar situations.

“I know our adoption process was very quick, but we expected to have to wait much longer,” Holly said. “In that sort of situation, you just have to be patient.”

“We learned to expect the unexpected,” Bradley said. “The timing could takes years or months, so you have to be able to go with it. We also learned we were more comfortable with a private agency. They did everything they could to get us to a place where we were able to adopt, and it was a very personable experience.”

Marcy Reynolds was adopted as an infant and is now a mother herself.

“My parents call me their ‘free baby’ because the agency gave me to them for free after they did so well with my sister who they adopted and had to go through multiple surgeries with,” Reynolds said. “I grew up knowing I was chosen by my parents, and they always told my sister and me we were special for that.”

Reynolds said she didn’t feel her

childhood was any different from anyone else’s.

“I never felt different from my friends or had any problems growing up,” Reynolds said. “The only challenge was when doctors would ask me my family medical history. I never had an answer for that. I definitely feel more blessed to be adopted. It has made me appreciate my parents for choosing to be my parents and for providing the loving Christian home they did for me and my sister.”

She and her husband Mark had started filling out papers to adopt a child of their own when Marcy found out she was pregnant with their son Marshall, who is now 3.

“I have always been proud to say I was adopted, and I thank God for blessing me with the parents he gave me,” Reynolds said. “Mark and I have talked about having another child and then adopting. I want to share the blessings I have received with another child that might not have those blessings otherwise.”

Hartselle Living • 15

A dress for the Big Day 16 • Hartselle Living

Local expert stylist shares tips on how to start shopping for the perfect gown STORY BY JOY HAYNES PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOMETHING BLUE

T

he beginning of the year means the start of wedding planning season for many future brides.

With several Christmas and New Year’s engagements, January is a popular time for the first steps of planning a wedding, which often includes finding the perfect wedding dress.

Only a bride knows what that perfect dress is, but there are many people who can help her figure it out during the gown shopping process.

TJ Holmes, bridal stylist of the Something Blue Shoppe in downtown Hartselle, shared his expert advice on the subject.

One of his main concerns for local brides is their time frame.

“Depending on their engagement time, I would say to start shopping about 12 months before your wedding date,” Holmes said. “Seven or eight months should be plenty of time, but extra time to work with is always a plus. Getting a dress ordered and altered quicker than about seven months could create fees for rush deliveries that will have to be included in your budget.”

The national average brides spend on a wedding dress is between $1,200 and $1,500. Something Blue offers gowns from about $500 to $4,000 or $5,000.

Owner of Something Blue, Sarah Morris, and man-

ager Melanie Thompson travel to Europe annually, staying up to date on styles and helping make adjustments to their own lines as well as national lines.

Something Blue offers several exclusive designers such as Justin Alexander, Robert Bullock, Martina Liana and Lis Simon.

Holmes said it is extremely rare for a bride to come in with a photo of a dress that they cannot find something very similar.

“Most brides start their wedding dress shopping online these days,” Holmes said. “Brides often come in with pictures of gowns, and we can almost always find a similar dress for her to try on. All designers usually stick with the current trends and styles. Oftentimes we have the exact same dress.”

Keeping an open mind is key to finding the right dress, according to Holmes.

“It’s great when brides have an idea of what they are wanting, but they never need to limit themselves based on how a stylist describes a specific dress,” Holmes said. “Everyone has a different way of describing each dress style. Also, don’t think certain styles won’t look good on your body type. Every dress has different lines and shape that might fit you perfectly. Just be open to options, because 80 percent of brides buy the opposite DRESS continued on page 18 Hartselle Living • 17

DRESS, from 17 of what they anticipate.”

A wide variety of styles are available to today’s brides.

An A-line dress is generally fitted from the top to the natural waist where it softens and flows down. Ball gowns have more of a princess feel with a very full skirt that usually starts around the waist. A mermaid style dress is severely fitted to about the knee where it dramatically flares. Necklines can be strapless, one-shouldered, square, V-neck, halter, illusion and more.

Holmes said a simple elegance is in high demand, and some of the most popular dresses of the season are fit and flares with a sweetheart neckline. A fit and flare dress is fitted throughout the bodice and gradually flares below the hips, and the sweetheart neckline is a strapless top that dips slightly in the middle like the top of a heart.

“Lace is the oldest and most popular of fabrics, but we are starting to see a lot of satins, silk and ruching,” Holmes said. “Girls are really loving the low intricate 18 • Hartselle Living

backs, but high necklines are also becoming popular.”

Color is a popular trend in bridal gowns right now.

“Color is big right now,” Holmes said. “The softer shades photograph great and look good on everyone. We like to say that we offer all shades of white at Something Blue. The blushes, champagnes and off white colors are very pretty, and they can stand out from the white cotillion dresses some of our brides have worn. The darkening of the stark white color is a huge achievement.”

Holmes said he knows girls are impulsive shoppers and they should embrace that when they start wedding dress shopping.

“Brides can’t be afraid to buy the first dress they love even if it’s at the first place they shop,” Holmes said. “The impulsive nature can be a good thing, because if you love a dress, you should buy it. If it’s right, you will feel it even if it’s the first dress.”

Hartselle Living • 19

Larry Murphree stirs the Brunswick stew to keep it from sticking last year.

Tasty winter favorite Group makes stew during the winter to raise money for the Hartselle Tabernacle STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRENT MAZE

B

runswick stew is an institution in Hartselle.

It doesn’t matter if it was sold to help Hartselle athletic boosters or the Hartselle Tabernacle. If you’ve had some stew, it’s recipe all came from the same place.

Glenn Thompson said he’s been enjoying that same stew for the last 50 years, and for the last 20 years or so, he’s been a part of the preparation of that stew.

He said the origins of the recipe came from the late 1950s when Country Evans, who worked for TVA, and Big Bob Gibson, who later opened his barbecue restaurant in Decatur, developed the recipe.

“The athletic boosters used to sell it and serve it in the high school cafeteria behind the old Sherrill Stadium,”

20 • Hartselle Living

Thompson said. “They sold it for $10 per gallon back in the day. I think the last time we sold it was for $12 back in the late 1980s. We enjoyed the stew, but it was so labor intensive that it just wasn’t worth it to keep doing it.”

That same recipe was used to do numerous fund raisers for the Hartselle athletic booster club from 1958 until the late 1980s. Evans supervised the stew cooking until his death in 1982.

However, the recipe wasn’t lost.

Before Evans died, Thompson said Evans took Robert Wayne Clemons under his wing and taught him the recipe. Then, Clemons passed along the recipe to Jimmy Summerford.

“Robert and Jimmy then took me under their wing and

taught me how to do the stew,” Thompson said. “I still enjoy it to this day.”

The preparation for the stew has changed over the years. In the early days, Evans and his team of cooks used his four cast iron pots to cook the stew behind his house on Barkley Street.

Thompson said they built fires in large barrels using wood to generate the heat for the big pots.

“It would literally melt the skin off your knees if you got to close to stir it,” Thompson said.

Later on, Thompson said one of the team members who worked at 3M in Decatur got an insulated wrapping paper that tremendously helped reduce the heat while standing next to it to stir.

They continued to use Evans’ house to cook the stew for a few years after he died. When Evans’ family got ready to sell the house, Thompson was able to obtain Evans’ four pots and stirring paddles.

Since then, he’s added two more cast iron pots and switched to propane burners for each of the pots.

Thompson said cooking the 66 gallons of stew only takes about three hours, but it takes several days of preparation to get ready for the cooking.

The recipe calls for 100 pounds of turkey and Boston butts, along with some ground deer meat or beef, 100 pounds of potatoes, 50 pounds of onion, tomatoes, salt, pepper and their secret ingredient of cream corn.

“It could take a day or two to thaw the turkeys to get them ready to cook,” Thompson said. “Then you have to cook the meat, pull the Boston butt meat apart and debone the turkey. Plus you have to peel and dice the potatoes. It’s very labor intensive.

“Dr. Bob Sittason (a dentist) used to come in here and wear gloves while doing the peeling. We asked him why he did it. He said it was because his patients didn’t want to smell his hands for the next few days.”

Then on the Saturday morning of the sale, the cooking begins by starting with the tomatoes. The pots are heated until the tomatoes are boiling. Then the ingredients are added one by one until the end, adding salt and pepper along the way.

“The biggest difference between stew and soup, as I call it, is that you have that stew is boiled and soup is simmered,” Thompson said. “You have to cook it while it’s boiling for it to be a stew, but that also means that you have to constantly stir it. If you don’t stir it enough, you could scorch it. If you scorch it, then the pot is ruined.

“In my time, I have only scorched one pot of stew.

When that happens, all you can do is pour it out and let the little critters eat it.”

Thompson said he has been taught two major secrets

in cooking the stew. The first is to save some of the broth that was made from cooking the turkey.

“Refrigerate it and let all of the fat rise to the top,” Thompson said. “Skim off the fat and then add some of that broth back to the stew. I can’t really say how much of it that we use, but we do put some of that broth back into it.”

His second secret was to add the cream corn at the very end.

“Once the stew is just about ready, remove the stew from the heat and then add the creamed corn,” Thompson said. “If you add it to soon, the corn will scorch, but by adding it at the end, it will keep it from scorching. Plus, it will help to thicken it up.”

Thompson said he doesn’t mind sharing the secrets about the stew.

“I’m not worried about people stealing secrets just because it’s so difficult to do this stew,” Thompson said. “I want to be able to teach someone so that down the road they can continue to make the stew so I can continue to eat it.”

Glenn Thompson adds chicken to the brunswick stew last year during a fund raiser for the Tabernacle.

Hartselle Living • 21

FOOD

Super Bowl soul food

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he Super Bowl is nearly here, and that means scores of football fans are readying themselves for a day spent fraternizing with friends and indulging in all of the great food that has become synonymous with the biggest day in American professional sports.

No football feast is complete without wings, and this year Super Bowl party hosts can satisfy their guests’ needs for this beloved bar snack with the following recipe for “Virgil’s Smoked Chicken Wings With Blue Cheese Dip” from Neal Corman’s “Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook” (St. Martin’s Press).

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Virgil’s Smoked Chicken Wings With Blue Cheese Dip Makes 4 servings

Blue Cheese Dip

2 cups blue cheese crumbles, divided 1 cup mayonnaise 1⁄2 cup buttermilk 2 teaspoons hot sauce 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt 1⁄4 cup finely chopped scallions 1⁄4 cup finely chopped celery

Marinade

1⁄2 cup vegetable oil 1⁄2 cup hot sauce 4 tablespoons Virgil’s Dry Rub (see below) 4 tablespoons granulated garlic 4 tablespoons granulated onion Juice of 1⁄2 lemon

Wings

8 large chicken wings 1⁄2 cup Virgil’s Dry Rub (see below)

Sauce

10 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon cornstarch 4 tablespoons white vinegar 3⁄4 cup hot sauce 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1. To make the dip, combine 1 cup of the blue cheese, mayonnaise, buttermilk, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and blend on low until smooth.

2. Remove to a medium mixing bowl and fold in the rest of the blue cheese, scallions and celery, being sure to break up the large blue cheese crumbles. Place in a covered container and refrigerate overnight.

3. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Place the wings in a large container with a lid and pour the mixture over the wings. Toss until the wings are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 days.

4. Preheat the grill or smoker to 245 F. 5. Spread out the wings on a sheet pan and wipe away any excess marinade. Sprinkle liberally with the dry rub, coating the wings all over.

6. Position the wings on the grill away from the direct heat of the coals or burners, and add hickory to the smoker, or place hickory chips on the coals or gas burners.

7. Cook the wings for about 3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes (their internal temperature should be about 165 F when cooked).

8. While the wings are cooking, cut the butter for the sauce into 1-inch cubes and refrigerate. Whisk the cornstarch into the white vinegar in a small bowl.

9. In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, bring the hot sauce to a simmer and whisk in the thickened vinegar. Return to a simmer, cook for 1 minute, and remove from the heat.

10. Add the cayenne and slowly whisk in the cold butter. Keep warm until serving.

11. Remove the wings from the smoker or grill and put half of them into a bowl, cover with the sauce, and toss. Repeat with the remaining wings and serve on a platter, with the blue cheese dip on the side.

Virgil’s Dry Rub Makes 5 to 51⁄2 cups

21⁄2 cups sweet paprika 1 cup granulated sugar 1⁄2 cup Texas-style chili powder 1⁄2 cup minced onion 1⁄2 cup granulated garlic 1⁄4 cup dried parsley flakes 6 tablespoons kosher salt Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together until completely incorporated. Transfer to a covered bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dry place.

Hartselle Living • 23

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The annual Hartselle Christmas Parade, hosted by the Kiwanis Club, was held Thur., Dec. 11. The theme was “Miracle on Main Street.” 1- Santa Claus greets visitors gathered downtown for the Christmas Parade. 2- Students ride horses in the annual Hartselle Christmas Parade Dec. 11. 3- A Depot Days pageant queen waves to the Christmas Parade crowd in downtown Hartselle from her float. 4- Two residents wait for the Christmas Parade to begin in downtown Hartselle Dec. 11. 5- A young parade-goer waits for the Hartselle Christmas Parade to begin. 6- A festive student rides in the Hartselle Christmas Parade in downtown Hartselle Thur., Dec. 11.

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Barkley Bridge Elementary first graders experienced the Polar Express with librarian Ed Land Thur., Dec. 11. 1- Mrs. Russell’s first grade class arrives back at the Barkley Bridge library after their trip to the Polar Express. 2- Mr. Land instructs Mrs. Russell’s first grade class about safety precautions before their trip to the Polar Express.

3- Mrs. Hargett’s first grade class prepares for their trip to the Polar Express with their eye protection from trainyard soot and sparks in place. 4- Librarian Ed Land goes over the safety precautions necessary before Mrs. Russell’s first grade class takes their trip. 5- Abigail Pettus, center, is ready for her trip to the North Pole. 6- Librarian Ed Land reads “The Polar Express” to Mrs. Russell’s first grade class on the Polar Express train.

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Hartselle Living • 25

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The Hartselle High School Choir’s Christmas Concert was held in the HHS Auditorium Mon., Dec. 15. 1- Members of the HHS Choir perform in their Christmas concert Mon., Dec. 15 at the Hartselle High School Auditorium. 2- Violinists accompany the HHS Choir for a piece during their Christmas concert Dec. 15. 3- Members of the HHS Choir perform in the Christmas Concert Sat., Dec. 15 under the direction of Kate Dupuis. 4- Girls in the HHS Choir sing during the Christmas concert Sat., Dec. 15. 5- Choral director Kate Dupuis addresses the audience between performances.

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The American Legion Post 52 sponsored Hartselle annual Kids Day Dec. 12 for an estimated 350 students from Eva, Sparkman, Danville-Neel and Falkville. 1- Volunteers pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus before the start of Hartselle Kids Day. 2- Danville-Neel students examine the gifts they received a Hartselle Kids Day Friday. 3- An Alabama football fan checks out Santa at Kids Day. 4Falkville students wait to visit with Santa and receive their gifts at Hartselle Kids Day. 5- Santa listens carefully as this girl whispers her wish for Christmas at Hartselle Kids Day.

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The William Bradford Huie Public Library hosted story time Thur., Dec. 18 with books and crafts. 1- Elizabeth Norris reads a book during story time. 2- Emily Love reads a Dora Christmas book to about 10 visitors. 3- Casey Applebaum shows Elizabeth Norris how to make a paper mache ornament. 4Joe Waddel, left, and Brenden Maynard learn how to make a glitter ornament out of floor wax, glitter and a glass ball. 5) Payton Nelson takes a turn at making a glitter ornament.

6) Paige Nelson picks out the colored glitter for her glitter Christmas ornament.

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We are available for *Weddings *Receptions *Luncheons *Pre-Wedding Parties *Bridal Teas

Visit our website at hartsellefineartscenter.org or email us at hartsellefinearts@att.net

28 • Hartselle Living

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Rent one room or the entire building

Call 256-773-4046

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Classifieds To place an ad in Hartselle Living, call 256.773-6566

Drivers: OTR Needed. Home Weekends, Great Pay & Qualitiy Equpiment. Class A CDL, Clean MVR. 1yr Exp Req. Health, Dental, RX, 401k. / Jay: 256-432-3944 Mon-Fr 8a-5p Company Drivers and Owner Operators Home at least once a wk. Exc benefits, pay. Must have Class A CDL w Hazmat & Tanker endorsements, 2 yrs OTR exp, good safety record. 800-338-2717 JOBS IN ALABAMA!! AIDT assists employers throughout AL by identifying qualified applicants by recruitment, screening & training services. Visit www.aidt. edu/jobs for latest jobs & training!

Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Immediate need, Flexible hours, Benefits available. Call for more information 256-539-1400 www.alwaysthereinc.com ANN’S ALTERATIONS 600 Limestone Street, Suite #6 Hartselle, AL / 256-773-4213 5” Seamless Gutters $0.72 /sq ft (includes downspouts) Blue River Gutters www.bluerivergutters.com 256-303-3729 102 Gin Oak Ct. MadisonFormally Target Automotive 3,841 SFB2 Community Commercial District 2.30 acres. Call Bonnie Rawlinson 256-348-4520 Piano Tuning / Repair, Refinishing, Moving & Storage Trained by The School for the Blind. Buddy Gray Music.

205-822-0482 or 800-593-2462 CARRY TRANSIT Decatur, Alabama Now hiring DRIVERS * Good Pay * Excellent Benefits & Home Time * 18 Months OTR exp. * Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement. Apply on Line@ CarryTransit.com

Cracker Barrel Decatur Hiring servers and dishwashers. Nights & weekends. Apply in person: 407 Beltline Rd SW Decatur, AL 35601 Looking for a home? Need help with financing?

Call your neighbors down the street at Davis Realty. We can help you get a great rate!

Call Willodean 256-762-5671 Davis Realty & Assoc. Inc. 115 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville, AL / 256-332-9920 Need MIG Welders! Must pass criminal and drug screen.

256-751-5092.

Apply in person: 1901 John D Long Dr, Hartselle, AL 35640 DEPENDABLE DOZER & DIRT 256-332-4854 Fireco Under New Mgmt MGRS/ASST MGRS/ PT& FT. Sales & Clerical Needed. Positive Attitude & Grateful Personality Req. No Exp Needed. Call Josh 256-261-1373 Wkly Pay Plus Benefits Franklin Homes in Russellville, Alabama is currently taking applications for an Experienced Service Technician with a clean driving record.

Excellent benefits available.

Please apply in person at 10655 Hwy 43, Russellville Alabama or send your resume to pjohnson@ franklinhomesusa.com.

Kubota L3940 HST 4x4 w/ 871 hrs, 41HP, QA Kubota Loader & Bucket: $17,700. New 5’ Titan Bush Hog w/ Slip Clutch: $975. The Hollow 300 Fertilizer Spreader: $400 / 256-565-8695 (no txt) HOME FOR SALE Financing Available (wac)Low Down Payments Russellville, Falkville,& Belle Mina Call Matt 1-855-847-6808

Come Home to Holiday Plaza Apartments (Behind Foodland) Equal Housing Opportunity 256-332-2960 Are you a people person?

Put your cheerful, encouraging demeanor to work as a Home Instead CAREGiver. Our nonmedical companionship and home-helper service supports seniors to live safely and independently in their homes.

Join our team!

Home Instead Senior Care Call Today 256-883-3080 TIRED OF WORKING FOR SOMEONE ELSE? BE YOUR OWN BOSS! James R. Smith Trucking of Cullman, AL is currently seeking Owner -Operators. Benefits incl: Daily Settlements; Direct Deposit or Express Cash; 100% Of Fuel Surcharge, Stop & Drop Pay; Discounts on Fuel, Cell Phones & Tires; Pre-Pass Furnished; Exc. Home/Family Time & A Payroll Deducted Truck Purchase Plan.

TransFlo Contact Greg Quick at 256.338.5168 or 800.841.9642 Hickory Heights Lots .4 - 1.2 acres $32,00-$52,000 Call 256-773-9554 JONES OUTDOOR SERVICES Tree Care Specialist since 1987 Call 256-773-4013 KDC Properties, Inc. 256-355-9090 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, AL 35602 kdcpropertiesinc.com J. Wesley Cain, AL #286; TN #6499 HOME WEEKENDS $1,000 sign on bonus.Regional flatbed.

Exc. pay & benefits. Owner/ operatorswelcome.

800-554-5661 Ext 331 tlxtransport.jobs AUTOBODY TECH Must have experience in bumper to bumper repairs.

(256)837-7466

Marshall Concrete Driveways, Sidewalks, Patios, Slabs.

Also Pressure Washing.

Free Estimates Licensed & Insured 256-227-9118 We Buy ATVs Motorcycles & Utility Vehicles Motorsports Superstore 888-880-2277 Hamilton, AL SPRING CLEAN-UP Need a Dumpster?

Call 205-893-7223 For Sale or Lease Totally remodeled older home in Madison, Monrovia, & Harvest 4bd/2 full baths Immed avail.

Super clean $95,000 Owner Fininancing Avail.

Sale info 256-797-0196 Lease info 256-508-6418 Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256-350-9938 Lot #2 256-350-9937 smithmotorsautosales.com SURVEILLANCE CAMERA MONITORED 24 HOURS A DAY STORAGE BUILDINGS For Rent, All Sizes. Russellville, AL. We Accept Credit Cards. Call Jerry 256-332-9253 or 256-4125392 Mon-Fri. 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-12pm Steel Building Bargains Allocated Discounts We do deals 30x40, 50x60, 100x100 and more Total Construction and Blueprints Available gosteelbuildings.com Source #18X 251-241-4250 Supreme Beverage Co is looking for delivery drivers with valid Class A driver’s license, clear MVR, DOT cert, ability to repetitively lift, pull and push 50+ lbs. Apply @supremebeverage.com

TED MILLS Heating & A/C Service & Change out $65 Spring Service Free Estimates 256-412-5408 The Lilly Company. Now Hiring IC and Electrical Techs for Forklift Dealership. No weekends. dolds@lillyco.com EFP, INC NOW HIRING Local Haul Truck Drivers 3 yrs exp & CDL required. Full time/Part time/Weekends.

For application or more info call Nicole Johns 334-687-6000 X 18 FREE Recycling. We come to you. Computers, toner, software, printers, etc. Call 615-442-8697. www.tmwitherspoon.com Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928 Insurance Inspector PT independent contractor needed for commercial Loss Control services in central and northern AL areas. Exp req’d. Email resume transtar@ transtartech.com High quality painting int & ext, sheet rock repair &installation, siding repair &installation, carpentry incl. No height too steep!! FREE Pressure Washing For details call 256746-0646 MANUFACTURED HOMES MOBILE HOMES with land.

Ready to move in. Owner financing with approved credit.

3 bdrm., 2 bath. No renters.

1-205-289-8899 VMFhomes.com Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started!

Hartselle Hartselle Living Living • 29• 29

THE LAST WORD

“There are two ways of spreading light - to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”

Edith Wharton, Vesalius in Zante

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Halo Sleepsac

babies

sleep safe

NEWBORN SWADDLE

Keeps baby perfectly swaddled and safe on its back.

Panda Warmer Provides the most advanced care while keeping little ones warm.

Spacious rooms with comfortable new beds Special menu for two Car seat education and safety check Free wellness center trial membership Professional photography session Labor and delivery suite renovations coming soon!

Board certified obstetricians 24-hour pediatrician coverage Caring, trained newborn center staff with approximately 600 years of experience delivering babies and providing nursing care Certified lactation consultant Prenatal classes including infant CPR We encourage you to schedule a tour and meet our staffÂ

256.341.3400

DECATUR GENERAL CAMPUS Hartselle Living • 31 www.decaturmorganhospital.net

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