Inside this edition: Anthony Blaxton shares about his life on the road Refresh yourself with tasty teas and water infusions Alan Host is back on duty after serving in ministry
A Storied Garden The Keenums’ garden holds a host of memories
Vol. 5, Issue 6
Hartselle Living • 1
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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS HARTSELLE LIVING?
Seven members of the U17 ‘98 Raptors girls soccer team went on a Carnival Breeze cruise to St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Puerto Rico and Grand Turk to play international friendlies against St. Kitts and Grand Turk. They brought along a Hartselle Living magazine on their trip. Pictured on the cruise ship, from left, are Kaitlyn Thompson, Madison Slaten, Jill Paulin, Mary Cathren Thrasher, staff member Namanya, Peyton Dean, Emily McNeill, Laura Upton and staff member Nadka. Their coach is Jason Grey, and their team manager is DeLayne Dean. Not pictured is Carnival Breeze staff member Ivan.
Joe and Pamela Kennedy live in Orlando, Fla., but they have had the Hartselle Enquirer and Hartselle Living magazine delivered to their home everywhere they have lived. Joe took the Hartselle Living with him on a business trip to Geneva, Switzerland, during the week of May 11. He is shown at the Geneva train station. Pamela is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Murphy of Hartselle. She has been a faithful subscriber of the Enquirer for over 30 years.
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table of contents
JUNE 2015
HOMES
ON THE COVER
16. A Storied Garden
A beautiful lily is in full bloom in Allison Keenum’s backyard garden. (Photo by Joy Haynes)
The Keenums have a yard full of memories in the flower beds, trees, potted plants and decorations around their home. They treasure these memories so much that they have started documenting the stories behind every plant and heirloom.
STAFF President and Publisher Randy Garrison Contributors Andrea Williamson Clif Knight Joy Haynes Advertising Pam Gray Office Staff Ann Kirby April Thompson Katie Sparkman
CONTACT US
Departments 10
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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
GET TO KNOW: Anthony Blaxton has traveled the world with music and the Army.
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FOOD: Water, lemonade and punch can be taken up a notch with these fresh twists.
WELLNESS: Keeping pets safe in the summer heat should be a top priority.
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FAITH AND FAMILY: Deputy Host views his job in law enforcement as a ministry to others.
IN EACH ISSUE: Letters • 6 Calendar • 8 Scene • 26 Classifieds • 29 Last Word • 30
Hartselle Living • 5
LETTERS
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The real heroes
ber-one world of today, hero is defined heroes are hard to find. as s a person or When the word hero is character who, mentioned, it would seem in the face of proper that the word sacdanger and adversity or rifice needs to come into from a position of weakplay at some point during ness, displays courage the discussion ¬– the folks or self-sacrifice—that whose action risked life is, heroism—for some and limb or could cause greater good. Historically, a personal loss to their the first heroes displayed own well-being in order to courage or excellence benefit others. The acts of as warriors. The word’s self-sacrifice would also meaning was later excome without gain to the tended to include moral person committing the act excellence. or trying to prevent the While this is one defiharmful acts of others. nition of hero, we all have A few days ago, I atour definition of what we tended a memorial service think a hero is. We also all for a young man who was may have a list of those killed in Iraq in 2005. This we consider heroes. young man was 22 years Usually we may think old and joined the Marine of a hero as someone we Corp upon graduating from can look up to. This could high school. He felt the include someone we want need to defend the freedom to emulate or become of his country after the more like the person we terror attacks of 9-11. look upon as being a This young man was hero. Usually these Randy Garrison • Letter from the Publisher a hero both before and folks may even seem after his death. He was bigger than life to us. a hero because he put his life on the line in sacrifice for his At my age, some of the folks I remember growing up and country and his fellow Americans. He died a hero protecting thinking were heroes include, John Wayne, Tarzan, Abraham Lincoln and John Kennedy. Now at this point, I think I would the way of life that we still enjoy here in this country. Noah Galloway showed all of us that not only was he a remove John Wayne and Tarzan and add such people as Ronald Regan, Stormin’ Norman (General Norman Schwarzkopf) good dancer, but even after suffering life-altering injuries that include losing a leg and most of his arm during the war on and the firefighters, first responders, policemen and others terror, he is still able have a positive influence on others. In who worked so hard to rescue the folks trapped in the Twin fact, seeing and hearing his story makes me feel guilty when I Towers on Sept. 9, 2011. complain about having a bad day. Unfortunately, during this time in history some want to So if you are in search of a hero, look no further than the think of someone as a hero because they make a speech, take young men and women serving in the United States armed a stand on something controversial or present themselves in forces and our law enforcement officers and firemen. These a public front for attention. I feel that many times those folks folks willingly put themselves on the line each and every day are more attention-grabbers who seek publicity for their own for all us. cause, or even worse, for monetary gain. It would seem that God bless all of you and keep you safe. in our self-absorbed, self-serving and looking-out-for num6 • Hartselle Living
ith summer, comes festival season. I’ve been to very few festivals, but they do intrigue me. So many people come together to take part in the same interest for hours or days. They can be quite a commitment with ticket purchases, travel accommodations and the amount of hours spent at the festival. It’s always fascinated me how enormous crowds can gather and have less chaos than some junior high classrooms. I guess it’s the happy vibes people tend to have from the excitement of hearing a few of their favorite musicians while getting some time off work. Bonnaroo, a four-day music festival in Manchester, Tenn., featuring hundreds of artists and activities was last week. Coachella, a famous two-weekend
gathering of art and music of all kinds in Indio, Cal., was in April. More festivals will be upcoming throughout this summer and fall. I’ve never been to either of these festivals, but festivals are a very popular way to spend Joy Haynes • Letter from a Contributor time in the summer. of my favorite artists all at the same time. I have a few festivals on my bucket list. I think the atmosphere of fun and It would be great to buy one ticket, travel fellowship that festivals bring is what to one location and be able to hear several makes them so popular.
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
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Season of festivals
Mail: Hartselle Living c/o Hartselle Enquirer PO Box 929 Hartselle, AL 35640 In person: Hartselle Living c/o Hartselle Enquirer 407 Chestnut St. NW Hartselle, AL 35640 Where in the World is Hartselle Living?:
Travel with Hartselle Living! Snap a photo of yourself anywhere in the world holding a copy of Hartselle Living and submit by email, by mail or in person. Don’t forget to let us know where in the world you were! Hartselle Living • 7
CALENDAR June 18
Red Cross blood donation The American Red Cross will be at the American Red Cross-Lawrence Co. Chapter Main Room at 431 Holly Street in Decatur Thur., June 18 from noon to 5 p.m.
June 19
Daddy Daughter Date Night Daddy Daughter Date Night will be Fri., June 19, at the Sparkman Civic Center from 7-9 p.m. The menu will include salad, bread, chicken alfredo or chicken nuggets, macaroni and Emily Love reads a story as Dianne Thompson shows off Ike. The Hartselle summer reading program cheese, green beans and an ice cream bar. Daughters and granddaughters of will be every Tuesday in July with special guests each week. cials. Appointments will begin at 10 a.m. June 29 all ages are encouraged to bring their The fee is $10 and includes a snack and dad out for a few hours of quality time. Red Cross blood donation a goodie bag. Please register and pay the The American Red Cross will be at Fee is $10 per person to reserve a spot. fee no later than June 26. the Decatur Mall near the store next to Carmike Cinema, 1801 Beltline Road in June 22 Decatur, Mon., June 29, from 1 to 6 p.m. July 6 Eva summer reading program Eva summer reading program Eva Public Library will hold its Eva Public Library will hold its chilEva summer reading program children’s library program at 10 a.m. dren’s library program at 10 a.m. Russell Eva Public Library will hold its chilMike Hill, a fireman and EMT, will be Davis will speak on the Magic of Readdren’s library program at 10 a.m. Vetspeaking. ing. erans Michelle Thompson and Robert Wagner will be presenting. June 23 July 6-17 June Painting Party Swim lesson session Hartselle Parks and Recreation will June 30 The third swim lesson session will be Youth Police Academy host a June Painting Party class with The Youth Police Academy will be at held at Hartselle Aquatic Center July an Independence Day themed door the Sparkman Civic Center June 30 from 6-17. Registration for this session and hanger June 23 at 6 p.m. The door others are ongoing at Sparkman Civic hanger options include a flag, a star or 9-11 a.m. Children will get an idea of Center Mondays through Fridays from what really goes on behind the scenes a popsicle. The $15 fee must be paid of law enforcement. The police officers 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Infant/toddler and preno later than June 18. Children are invite children ages 5 and older to look school classes are $45. Level I-VI classwelcome to attend, but they must be accompanied by a participating adult. inside a patrol car and learn about other es are $50. The last session date is July exciting police procedures. This event is 20-31. For more information, call Sparkfree. Those that register by June 22 will man Civic Center at 256-773-2581. June 24 receive a free Youth Police Academy Kids in the Kitchen T-shirt sponsored by the Citizen’s Police July 7 A Kids in the Kitchen class will be Hartselle summer reading program Academy Alumni. Those that register June 24, with ages 9-10 from 8-11 The William Bradford Huie Library of after June 22 will not receive an event a.m. and 11-12 from 1-4 p.m. Kids Hartselle will host their annual summer will learn simple meal preparation and T-shirt. reading program each Tuesday in July at utensil recognition. They will prepare 10:30 a.m. This year’s theme is “Every July 1 breakfast, dinner and dessert during Hero has a Story.” Local hero Chris KeeSpa Party this class. The fee is $10 per person. The Sparkman Civic Center is hosting num will be at the library July 7 to talk Please register and pay the fee no later a Spa Party July 1 where girls ages 8-10 about catching critters with his business than June 19. will receive manicures, pedicures and fa- Keenum’s Problem Wildlife Control. 8 • Hartselle Living
July 8
Princess party Hartselle Parks and Recreation will host their annual princess party July 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will play games, make tiaras, play make-up and have “tea” at noon. The party is for ages 5-7. Party-goers are asked to wear their best gaudy princess attire. A special guest is scheduled to appear. Please register and pay the $10 fee no later than June 26.
July 13
Eva summer reading program Eva Public Library will hold its children’s library program at 10 a.m. This will be the final meeting for the summer, and an awards day will be held.
July 20-31
Swim lesson session The last swim lesson session will be held at Hartselle Aquatic Center July 20-31. Registration for this session is ongoing at Sparkman Civic Center
Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Infant/toddler and preschool classes are $45. Level I-VI classes are $50. For more information, call Sparkman Civic Center at 256-773-2581.
July 14
Hartselle summer reading program The William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle will host their annual summer reading program each Tuesday in July at 10:30 a.m. This year’s theme is “Every Hero has a Story.” Canine heroes will be at the library July 14. Kids will be able to meet Anna with her special powers.
July 21
Youth Fire Academy The Youth Fire Academy will allow kids to experience a day in the life of a real firefighter July 21 from 9-11 a.m. Hartselle Fire Department will be in Sparkman Park to share information with children ages 5 and up. They will try on uniforms, explore the fire trucks
and other fun firefighter activities. This event is free. Participants are asked to register at the civic center no later than July 10. Those that register after the cut-off date will not receive an event T-shirt. Kids should be prepared to get wet. Hartselle summer reading program The William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle will host their annual summer reading program each Tuesday in July at 10:30 a.m. This year’s theme is “Every Hero has a Story.” All the way from Atlanta, artist Michael P. White will be at the library July 21.
July 28
Hartselle summer reading program The William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle will host their annual summer reading program each Tuesday in July at 10:30 a.m. This year’s theme is “Every Hero has a Story.” Magical heroes Archie and Mary Wade will be at the library July 28.
Hartselle Living • 9
GET TO KNOW
Anthony Blaxton Blaxton has traveled the world with music and military service STORY BY AND PHOTOS BY JOY HAYNES
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nthony Blaxton has seen a lot in his 37 years. He has traveled the country playing music, and he has traveled the world serving his country. He is a husband, a father, a veteran and a musician. At the age of 16, he dropped out of Hartselle High School to tour with the New Hinsons, a legacy gospel group in Nashville, and eventually with MidSouth with whom he toured for a year and a half. He married his wife Amy Abercrombie in 1999 and joined the Army soon after and was stationed in Colorado. His wife was 11-weeks pregnant with their first child, when he deployed to Iraq the first time. He spent six years in the military before he was medically discharged after a basketball injury severed his ACL while he was home between tours. Now Blaxton is a technology technician for Hartselle City Schools, where his two children, Garret, 11, and Emma Jo, 7,
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attend school. Blaxton gave Hartselle Living an insight into his interesting history. Hartselle Living: What was your childhood like? Anthony Blaxton: My parents were part of a gospel music group when I was growing up, and I was their drummer since the age of 6. I started playing guitar when I was 13. School wasn’t really a focus for us since we were on the road every weekend. I missed a lot of school, and I didn’t really like school at all anyway. My parents were on board when I decided to quit at 16 to tour with the New Hinsons. HL: What was it like touring the country with a gospel band? AB: I have played in all but three states, so we were on the road constantly. We traveled together on a tour bus and did the whole gospel group thing since they were really popular. HL: What’s the most impressive venue you ever played? AB: We opened AtlantaFest for Steven Curtis Chapman, which was nerve-wracking for me. That was a crowd of about 15,000. MidSouth had videos on the VH1 Top 40 list before I was with them, so they were really big. HL: Why did you decide to quit touring? AB: I realized that I wasn’t getting to do what normal teen-
agers do, so I decided to quit and come back to Hartselle. I really loved basketball, but I never had time to play, and I just didn’t want to look back and wish my youth had been different.
selle, and I had my heart set on an IT job for the school system. I worked in technology for the Cullman Parks and Recreation Department for a while before I got the job at Hartselle.
HL: What made you decide to join the Army? AB: After I quit touring, I went through a phase where I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had a few odd jobs, but I was unhappy and didn’t stay anywhere for long. I missed music, but I didn’t like the touring life anymore. I decided to join the Army to give me self-worth and discipline. I looked at it as a way to change my life for the better and get out of the place I was in at that time in my life.
HL: How do you feel about working in the school system even though you didn’t finish school and didn’t like school growing up? AB: I really feel like I’ve come full-circle from where I started. I dropped out of high school, but now I work for that same school system. I was never a school person, but this is not the classroom, so it’s something I love doing. I’m definitely not the man I was when I left Hartselle, so it’s good to be back and let everyone know how I’ve changed.
HL: Can you share a story from you time in the Army? AB: I was in the fourth infantry division, and we were living in one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces that had been taken over by the US. One day we woke up and our Internet, satellite phones and cable were all out. We knew something was up, but we didn’t know what. Later that day, they came back on. The special forces guys that lived below us took us out on the balcony and showed us a hut outside the palace grounds. He told us that’s where guys from the fourth ID had just captured Saddam Hussein. I had nothing to do with it, but that’s my ID’s claim to fame.
HL: How has being a soldier affected your life? AB: The Army made me who I am, so I owe most everything to it. I needed a change, and the Army was the perfect way to make that happen. I know the military isn’t for everyone, but I have no regrets about my decision. I am more patriotic than I used to be, and I’m now a gun enthusiast. The Army gave me self-worth and self-esteem that I never had before. It taught me responsibility and work ethic, and I wouldn’t take it back for anything.
HL: Did your music path cross with your Army path? AB: No matter what I’ve done in my life, it has to do with music. While I was in Iraq, I got picked up by the Army band that travels around entertaining camps. I played guitar for them some, and afterwards I found out that the camp I had been at before I was in the band had been attacked and several guys didn’t make it. It made me realize that God put music in my life for a reason. HL: What’s it like to leave your family for your job? AB: I missed the birth of my son, but I was scheduled to be home for it. He was born five weeks early. I was able to come home the next week for about two weeks. Going back to Iraq was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Sometimes people ask me how I could miss those years of my children’s lives, but I don’t regret any of it because the Army made me who I am today, which is a much better husband and father than when I went in. I wish I could have been there, but there are lot of people in the service who have it a lot worse than I did. HL: What is it like to transition from a soldier back to a civilian? AB: I didn’t want to be discharged, because I really loved the Army. It was the right choice for me, but staying at home was nice. I didn’t really know what to do with myself at first. I had several job offers in IT, which is what I did in the Army. I decided to come back home to HartHartselle Living • 11
WELLNESS
Keeping it cool E
These tips will help protect pets during the dog days of summer xtreme heat can be unpleasant for anyone, and pets are no exception. While it’s easy for men and women to detect if their bodies are responding negatively to heat, those warning signs may not be so prevalent in pets who may suffer in silence as the mercury continues to rise. Pet owners must pay special attention to their pets on hot days, which the Humane Society of the United States notes can be both uncomfortable and dangerous for pets. In an effort 12 • Hartselle Living
to help pet owners protect their pets from the summer heat, the HSUS offers the following tips to pet owners who want to keep their pets cool and safe this summer. n Don’t leave pets in a parked car. The temperature inside a vehicle can quickly approach dangerous levels on hot days, so pet owners should never leave their pets in parked cars, even if they leave the air conditioning on and the engine running. The
HSUS notes that on an 85-degree day, temperatures inside cars with slightly cracked windows can reach 102 degrees in as little as 10 minutes. Rather than taking pets with you on car trips, leave them at home inside a comfortably air conditioned room where they won’t be vulnerable to rising temperatures. n Change pet’s exercise regimen. Pet owners who make sure their pets get daily exercise should change such routines when temperatures are on the rise. Midday walks or jogs should be switched to evenings or early mornings, when temperatures tend to be at their most moderate. In addition, cut back on the time spent exercising, as pets may have trouble breathing on hot days. When taking your dog for a jog or a run in the summertime, do so on the grass, avoiding asphalt, as hot asphalt can do significant damage to your pet’s paws. n Be mindful of your breed. Dog owners should recognize that certain dogs can handle the heat better than others. Shortnosed breeds have a harder time in extreme heat because their shorter airways don’t allow as much time for the air they breathe in to cool as dogs with longer noses. In addition, the HSUS points out that dogs with white-colored ears are more susceptible to skin cancer than other dogs, making it imperative that owners of such dogs reduce their exposure to the sun on hot days when the UV index is especially dangerous.
n Let dogs inside. Doghouses might not be as prevalent as they once were, but many owners still keep doghouses in their backyards so their four-legged friends have a place to relax outdoors on lazy afternoons. But doghouses can be similar to parked cars on especially hot days, making rising temperatures feel even hotter. Let dogs hang out inside in an air conditioned room on hot days to reduce their risk of heatstroke. n Learn to recognize the signs of heatstroke. Pets suffering from heatstroke will exhibit certain symptoms, and pet owners who learn to recognize those symptoms can do something about them before it’s too late. Heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, and lack of coordination are just a few potential indicators that a pet is suffering from heatstroke. Animals that are very old, very young, overweight and unaccustomed to prolonged exercise, as well as those who have heart or respiratory conditions, are especially susceptible to heatstroke. Learn more about pets and heatstroke at www.humanesociety.org. Extreme heat can be dangerous to pets who often suffer in silence when dealing with the consequences of extreme heat. Pet owners who take certain precautions and learn to recognize signs of a pet struggling with heat can better protect their animals from succumbing to rising temperatures.
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Hartselle Living • 13
One of Allison Keenum’s tiger lilies adds a pop of color to one of her many flower beds.
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HOMES
A Storied Garden STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOY HAYNES
The Keenums’ garden is more about memories than flowers
Hartselle Living • 15
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llison Keenum said she began gardening as a way to watch her boys as they played outside. Her family loves the outdoors, so she began planting and potting a variety of flowers, bushes and vines. Every tree in their yard was planted with care by her husband Chris Keenum, including their orchard and their several oaks and maples in the front. They document their yard with photos and diagrams along with lists of plants, including from where each came. The Keenums want to remember the special stories behind their beloved plants and hope that they can pass those memories down. Some of their plants came from the homes of now deceased relatives. Others were brought over as gifts from friends, but each one has its own story, even if it’s one they ordered offline simply to make the garden prettier. 16 • Hartselle Living
Most of the rose bushes were transplanted from the places they were growing wild in the pasture when they moved there. The front tree in the yard is twisted because it was ran over accidentally, and the three small shoots were twisted together for strength. The large slab of concrete beside the shop came from the back porch of Allison’s parents home and has her small hand-print along with several of her cousins’ from their childhood. Their garden represents several decades of memories, from their sons’ tree house that’s still standing to the rehearsal dinner for their youngest son. Most of their time has been spent outdoors on the patio, in the garden, hunting in the woods or working in the shop. Their family’s yard is as much of a scrapbook keepsake as it is a beautiful garden.
The Keenums are avid game hunters. Everything in Chris Keenum’s office was caught by him, including this shark.
Hartselle Living • 17
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The Keenums incorporate heirlooms and memories into their gardens. This bottom boulder is an old Indian grinding rock.
Hartselle Hartselle Living Living •• 19 19
FOOD
Refresh your senses A variety of teas, punches and infused waters will make summer special STORY BY ANDREA WILLIAMSON
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ummer has arrived again, which means that stifling heat waves will soon be sweeping across the Tennessee Valley. At the same time, the season for picnics, Father’s Day cookouts, Fourth of July celebrations, weddings and wedding showers has also arrived. The combination of outdoor celebrations and hot weather certainly calls for cold drinks, and we have many delicious ideas to share. Punch is a tried-and-true drink choice for weddings and wedding showers. The Luscious Slush Punch recipe is a staff pick from AllRecipes.com, and it provides a great combination of fruit flavors with a beautiful dark pink coloring. For those in a time crunch, they can try the Orange Dream Punch, another staff pick from the AllRecipes website. To give your punch a new and more creative display, Listotic.com shares an idea. Instead of slicing fruit to put in the top of the punch bowl, freeze pieces of fruit in ice cubes in a muffin pan. Not only does it create decorative ice for the punch bowl, but the large ice cubes will last 20 • Hartselle Living
longer. For a drink that is somewhat more original than punch, fruit teas are a great choice. Considering that it combines two Southern favorites, sweet tea and seasonal fruits, it is sure to be a favorite among guests. Southern Fruit Tea is a combination of tropical fruit flavors with tea. Sun tea is a similar recipe. Prepared and served in mason jars, sun tea is a beverage with a pretty display. In addition, a variety of different flavors can be offered by putting different teas and fruits in each jar. Tea and punch are delicious, but another tasty (and much healthier) option is infused water. The benefits of water are well known. According to the Mayo Clinic, water helps to accomplish necessary tasks as it “flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.” Failing to drink enough water can inhibit the body from doing these things, and even mild dehydration can cause fatigue. While the positive effects are well known, many peo-
ple still do not consume enough water. According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, men need approximately three liters of water per day, and women need approximately two and a fourth liters per day. Not to mention, these amounts may need to be increased for factors such as warm weather, exercise, pregnancy and illness. Yalenti stated in her article“Six Detoxifying Fruit-Infused Waters That’ll Make Your Skin Glow,” that fruit waters are one way to encourage people to drink more water. Yalenti also stated, though, that fruit waters can help detoxify the body because of the vitamins and antioxidants found in many fruits. Yalenti’s Blueberry Lavender Water provides an elegant, purple display. Soda Pop Avenue website shares 10 more flavors for fruit-infused water, each with its own flavor and colors. Each recipe provides a beautiful and colorful way to serve cold beverages, and the recipes can be easily altered for a personal, family or party-size serving portion.
1 (2 liter) bottle ginger ale Place sherbet and frozen orange juice concentrate in a punch bowl. Allow the mixture to thaw for 10 to 15 minutes and then stir in ginger ale. The recipe yields 30 (4 ounce) servings.
Southern Fruit Tea
Courtesy of the Tasty Kitchen 2 quarts filtered water, divided 4 family size tea bags ¾ cups sugar 12 fluid ounce can frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed) 12 fluid ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate (thawed) 48 fluid ounce can pineapple juice 5 slices fresh orange (for garnish) 5 slices fresh lemon (for garnish) Measure one quart of filtered water into a medium sauce pan. Heat water until nearly boiling, and then add tea bags to the water. Cover the pan, remove the pan from heat and steep tea for 15 minutes. Remove the tea bags, and add the sugar to the warm tea water. Stir to dissolve the sugar, and add the
remaining quart of filtered cold water to make two quarts brewed sweet tea. In a one-gallon pitcher, add the brewed sweet tea and the thawed orange juice and lemonade concentrate. Stir gently until well blended, and then add the pineapple juice. Stir the pineapple juice into the tea mixture. For a weaker tea, add more water. Serve in a beverage dispenser with orange and lemon slices for the garnish.
Sun Tea
Courtesy of Thirsty for Tea Mason jars with lids Scissors One tea bag for each jar, regular or decaf Distilled or spring water, cold or room temperature Fruit, not too ripe and cut into slices or pieces Mint, basil, or other fruit-friendly herbs Timer Tongs A large tub with ice or a refrigerator
REFRESH continued on page 22
Luscious Slush Punch
Courtesy of AllRecipes.com 2 ½ cups white sugar 6 cups water 2 (3 ounce) packages strawberry flavored Jell-O® mix 1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice ²⁄3 cup lemon juice 1 quart orange juice 2 (2 liter) bottles lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage Bring the sugar, water and strawberry flavored gelatin to a boil in a large saucepan; boil for three minutes. Stir in the pineapple juice, lemon juice and orange juice. Divide mixture into two separate containers and freeze. Combine the contents of one container with one bottle of the lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage in a punch bowl; stir until slushy. Repeat with remaining portions as needed. The recipe yields 50 (4 ounce) servings.
Orange Dream Punch
Courtesy of AllRecipes.com ½ gallon orange sherbet 1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
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REFRESH, from 21 Sterilize or wash the mason jars and lids with soap and very hot water, and then rinse well. This step is essential to prevent bacterial growth. Place one tea bag in each mason jar, cutting off the string part of the tea bag if necessary. Pour cold distilled water into the jar leaving a 1 ½ inch clearance under the rim in order to save room for the fruit. Tightly screw the lids on the mason jars. In hot weather under direct sunlight, place the jars of tea to brew. In weather above 90°F, this step should be completed in one hour. Set a timer to keep track of time. If the temperature is not warm enough, the jars can be placed in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours. After one hour, take the jars of tea out of the sun. Open the jars and then use the tongs to place fruit pieces or herbs into each jar. Tightly replace the lids. Place the mason jar teas into a tub of ice or place them in the fridge to enjoy later. Herb and fruit combinations with tea flavors: Peaches and blueberries (with black tea) Oranges and mint (with oolong) Pineapple and strawberries (with rooibos)
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Cucumber and mint (with green tea) Strawberry and basil (with green tea) Peach and rosemary (with black tea) Mango and ginger (with oolong) Apple and spearmint (with green tea) Grapefruit and strawberries (with green tea) Pitted cherries and lemon (with black tea)
Blueberry Lavender Water
Courtesy of Marie Claire magazine ½ pint blueberries Edible lavender flowers, to taste 64 ounces of water Add blueberries and edible flowers to a pitcher of water. Cover the pitcher and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. Strain the water, place in a pitcher with ice and then serve in tall glasses.
Fruit in Water Combinations Courtesy of Soda Pop Avenue
Fruit pairings for infused water: n Oranges, raspberries and blueberries n Lemons and limes n Lemons and raspberries n Pineapple and kiwis n Oranges and strawberries n Watermelon and blackberries n Watermelon, oranges and raspberries n Strawberries and mint n Lemons and mint n Cucumbers and mint
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FAITH AND FAMILY
Cop with a Cross Deputy Host is back in law enforcement after 16 years in ministry STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOY HAYNES
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bout 16 years ago, Deputy Alan Host quit his job in law enforcement to help build a church and work full-time in the ministry. Now he is back in law enforcement, but he sees his job as a road deputy with the Morgan County Sheriff’s office as a ministry as well. Romans 13:1 says, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God,” (NKJV), and Host takes that to mean that the Lord set in place that as an officer it is his duty to minister to people in need physically. Host said he sees many similarities in the two positions. “Working in a church and working in law enforcement are both about meeting people’s needs, whether those are spiritually or physically,” Host said. “In both cases, I’m often in positions of authority with people coming to me for help. In the church you usually know why people are approaching you, but in law enforcement you don’t, so there’s more caution there. Hopefully, I’m able to help them in both situations. Sometimes people aren’t happy to see an officer, but they often realize that I have a job to do, which includes enforcing punishment for law-breakers.” Host grew up with both of his parents being very involved in the ministry, so his interest in church leadership began early. He also had a calling to law enforcement at a young age. “I wanted to be in law enforcement since I was young,” Host said. “I liked the idea of helping people, and I’ve always viewed it one in the same as helping in the ministry. I was with the Hartselle Police Department
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for about seven years until I decided to quit to help start a home church in 1998. I just felt like it was a work that needed to be done at the time, but once a cop, always a cop, and about a year ago, I decided to get back in law enforcement.” Host said he doesn’t force his belief on anyone, but his job with the sheriff’s department is full of opportunities to talk with people. “Sometimes I’ll ask someone who’s in trouble if they have a home church,” Host said. “I let them know that getting themselves and their family involved in a good church will help them build relationships and give them someone to talk to if they’re having problems. Every once in a while I’ll have someone ask me to pray with them.” Host and his family didn’t take his decision to leave law enforcement or to get back into it lightly. “We did a lot of praying and made the decision for me to take the job with the sheriff’s department as a family,” Host said. “They supported me when we decided to help start the church, each change we made along the way and when I had the opportunity to go back.” The Hosts are still very involved with the worship services at Jubilee Family Worship Center in Hartselle since he helps with music at the church. He and his wife Jamie have two sons, Micah, who is getting out of the Marine Corps, and Ryan who recently got married and will be embarking on a one-year missionary trip to Guatemala. Hartselle Living • 25
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Hartselle High School graduated 254 seniors during their 103rd commencement ceremony May 18. Wet weather moved graduation into the HHS gym for the first time since the new school was built. 1- Brad Gentle. 2- Jordan Barbrey. 3. Miss HHS Katy Beth Bole. 4. Riley Corum. 5 Senior Class President Johnston McCutcheon.
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Area schools held graduations the week of May 18-22. 1- Bethel graduates Savannah Markham, Andrew Dodd, Charlotte Matthews, Morgan Starrett and Kelly Thrasher. 2- Falkville’s Andy Davis. 3- Priceville’s Alison Varner. 4- Danville’s Sydni Shelton. 5Brewer principal Jeremy Childers and Matthew Ellow.
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The Decatur Morgan 100-year block party was Sat., June 6, in downtown Decatur. 1-Crowds listen to music. 2- Frances Tate donates a painting in honor of Nettie Wynn. 3- Al Keith of the Al Keith Band. 4- Paul Casto and his 1976 Chevy El Camino.
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THE LAST WORD
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” General George S. Patton
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www.decaturmorganhospital.net
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