Hartselle Living May 2015

Triple the graduation One family has three times the excitement

Inside this edition: Feeding friends and family is easier this party season The Kifers love their laid back farm life

Freida Betterton turns bags into blankets Vol. 5, Issue 5 Hartselle Living • 1

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table of contents

MAY 2015

HOMES

ON THE COVER

16. Horses and hydrangeas

From left, Sydney, Travis and Caroline Crow will be heading off to college this fall.. (Photo by Joy Haynes)

James and Rita Kifer live a happy life at JMK Quarter Horse farm on Tabernacle Road in Hartselle. Their 160 acres is home to world champion horses and masterful gardens.

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

Departments

CONTACT US Hartselle Newspapers, LLC 407 Chestnut St. NW P.O. Box 929 Hartselle, AL 35640 256-773-6566 Fax: 256-773-1953 info@hartselleliving.com Hartselle Living is published monthly by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC. A one-year subscription to the Hartselle Enquirer and Hartselle Living is $39 in county or $78 out of county.

Single copies are available at select locations throughout the Hartselle area.

To advertise or to get more FREE copies, call 773-6566. www.hartselleliving.com Copyright 2015 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

12 FOOD: Party planning during the upcoming season of celebration can be a breeze.

20 FEATURE: Hartselle’s Crow triplets are ready for what college has in store for them.

14 GET TO KNOW: Local chief-of-umpires Russell Moore tells about life behind the plate.

24 FAITH AND FAMILY: One local woman turns plastic bags into useful works of art.

IN EACH ISSUE: Letters • 6 Calendar • 8 Scene • 26 Classifieds • 29 Last Word • 30

Hartselle Living • 5

LETTERS

Purple for a Cause M

could sell a few wreaths ost of us and increase the awarehave heard ness in town. Since the expresLynn enjoys crafts, she sion “paint volunteered to make a the town red” and, if couple of wreaths for us we are honest, many of to try and sell. us have done that esWell after she made pecially in our younger about six wreaths, Fred days. We went out and Smith, along with help had a good time without from Sandra, went on a giving a lot of thought to sales blitz. They sold 31 the next day. wreaths to many of the During the second downtown merchants. week of May this year, I took the easy route many folks have parand put a picture of the ticipated in “painting wreath hanging on the the town purple.” This door at the Hartselle is quite a change from Enquirer office and put the earlier expression. it on Facebook. I did The purpose of purple not do as well as Fred is to encourage folks to and Sandra, but due to increase their knowledge the generosity of local of cancer awareness and folks, we sold close to to remind folks about 50 wreaths and several the Relay for Life event bows as well. that would take place at The only problem the end of the week. encountered was finding This year was the first purple material in large that my wife Lynn and enough quantities to I have been actively make the wreaths . You involved with Relay for might be warned that Life. When I was asked Randy Garrison • Letter from the Publisher most of North Alabama by a friend to work with is out of purple wreath the group it was hard material. The only other problem was Lynn thinking she would to say no since I remembered her personal battle with cancer. not be able to get them all made. But they had a wreath party When someone has battled this horrible disease and won asks one afternoon and filled all of the orders. for your help to help others, some of your time is a small price We have had several folks who asked why there were purple to pay. wreaths hanging all over town, and that fulfilled part of our misPart of the fun of Relay is being a part of a team. Your team has a name and you compete against other teams in fundraising sion- getting the word out about cancer awareness and Relay for and having the best campsite set up at the main event. Our team Life. Team FBI and the entire Relay group, as well as the AmerFBI (Faith, Hope & Inspire) was looking for ways that we could ican Cancer Society, would like to thank all who purchased the wreaths and bows. Your donations will help in the continued raise money. work to find a cure and new treatments. Until that cure is found At a team meeting, the idea of making and selling purple and cancer is no more, please continue your help with the battle. wreaths and bows came into the discussion. We thought we 6 • Hartselle Living

ports have always played an important role in my life, and I’m blessed to have a job that allows me to cover

sports.

I have watched a lot of softball recently with the regional tournament wrapping up earlier this month, so all that time at the ball fields has brought back fond memories. I played youth league softball for as long as I could and city league and high school soccer from the time I was in first grade until I graduated high school.

I still wish I could play soccer, but Hartselle does not have leagues for my age anymore. Someday, I hope to find enough people who are interested in playing to form a league.

For some time, I would get togeth-

er with former teammates during summers to get a pick-up game going again.

An organized league would be even better, no matter if there were only two teams that played each other from week to week.

Joy Haynes • Letter from a Contributor Having that regular exerUntil there’s a league for my age, cise would help me tremendously, I guess I’ll have to be disciplined and I would love to meet more socenough to exercise regularly on my cer enthusiasts. own.

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

S

Long live sports

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?:

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Hartselle Living • 7

CALENDAR May 21

May Music at the Memorial The Town of Priceville and the Priceville Park and Recreation Board are excited to announce the “May Music at the Memorial.” It will be at the Morgan County Veterans Memorial on Highway 67 in Priceville May 21. Performances by Brianna and Garett Dean, country and pop songwriters of Decatur, will be at 6 p.m. The Ben Parker ProjMay 25 is Memorial Day ect, a country band of Moulton, will perform at 7 p.m. phis of Priceville/Decatur is an Elvis tribute artist and will perform oldies.

CRMC stroke screening Cullman Regional Medical Center June 1 will host a stroke screening Thurs., May Church league softball deadline 21, in observance of Stroke Awareness The Morgan County Park and Month. The screening will provide the Recreation is looking for church following tests: lipid panel, BMI, EKG, league teams to play at South Park in blood pressure and API reading. The Falkville. The season will begin on screening is available by appointment June 15 and will consist of 14 games only, and the cost is $25. To schedule an and a double tournament. The entry appointment, call 256-735-5603. deadline is June 1 at 3:30 p.m., and

May 25

Multiple Sclerosis meeting A Multiple Sclerosis meeting will be at Sparkman Civic Center Mon., May 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Room 2 and every fourth Monday of each month at 8 p.m. For more information, call Susan at 256-502-1221.

May 26-28

HHS FUNdementals basketball camp Hartselle High School will host FUNdamental basketball camps May 26-28 from 8 a.m. to noon for grades first through ninth grade boys and girls.

The cost is $75 for camp, games, prizes, Pepsi and a T-shirt.

May 28

May Music at the Memorial The Town of Priceville and the Priceville Park and Recreation Board are excited to announce the “May Music at the Memorial.” It will be at the Morgan County Veterans Memorial on Highway 67 in Priceville on May 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Michael Dean & Mem8 • Hartselle Living

June 3-4

HHS advanced skill basketball clinic Hartselle High School will host an advanced skills clinic June 3-4 from 8 a.m. to noon for $40. It is designed for players that want to take the next step in developing their game.

June 6

DHS golf tournament Danville High School will host its ninth annual golftournament fund raiser at the Point Mallard Golf Course Sat., June 6 at 8 a.m. The tournament is a four-man scramble. A box lunch and range balls will be included. Cash prizes will be offered for the first and second place teams. Additional prizes will be given for the longest drive, closest to the pin and hole-in-one for select holes. Door prizes will also be given. Registration is $300 per team or $75 per person. For more information, contact Anthony Shaneyfelt at 256-6121201 or Brent Jacobs at 256-303-5378.

the fee is $475. For more information, contact Valerie Scott at 256-560- June 15-26 Swim lesson session 6071.

The second swim lesson session will be held at Hartselle Aquatic Center June June 1-2 5-26.

Registration for this session and othHHS sharp shooter basketball clinic ers are ongoing at Sparkman Civic Center Hartselle High School will host a Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to sharp shooter clinic June 1-2 from 8 4 p.m. Infant/toddler and preschool classa.m. to noon for $40 from 8 a.m. to noon. The clinic is for both boys and es are $45. Level I-VI classes are $50.

Other session dates are July 6-17 and July girls first through ninth grade.

20-31. For more information, call Sparkman Civic Center at 256-773-2581.

June 1-12 Swim lesson session The first swim lesson session will be held at Hartselle Aquatic Center June 1-12. Registration for this session and others are 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. Other session dates are June 15-26, July 6-17 and July 20-31. For more information, call Sparkman Civic Center at 256-773-2581.

June 23

WomenFirst etiquette workshop The WomenFirst Program at Cullman Regional Medical Center will offer an etiquette workshop for girls ages 9-13 on Tues., June 23, and Wed., June 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital’s Depot Room in Professional Office Building 2.

The cost, which is $55 for the daughters of WomenFirst members and $75 for others, includes lunch and snacks. Participants may register by going online or by calling 256-737-2600.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS HARTSELLE LIVING? Jeff & Melba Johnson recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary by taking in various sites along the West Coast. During their week-long excursion they visited Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., The Price is Right Show in Hollywood, Calif., The landmark Hollywood sign, Huntington Beach and Palm Springs, Calif. They drove the desolate Mojave Desert and portions of the famous Route 66 to Las Vegas, Nev., where they took a one-half day tour, meeting the stars and taking photo opportunities with several History Channel and Animal Planet TV personalities. They met celebrities from Rick’s Restorations, Count’s Kustom Cars, Pawn Stars, The Toy Shack, Ultimate Sports Memorabilia and Tanked.

®

Hartselle Living • 9

FOOD

Perfecting party planning fessional and civic organizations, she is known to her loved ones for her culinary abilities. Through her hobby of catering for friends and family, she has proved to be a skillful chef and hostess, preparing delicious dishes and hosting beautiful events.

STORY BY ANDREA WILLIAMSON Chappell said she learned to love cooking by watching her mother when she was young, and it has become a pastime for he month of May can be hectic. Between graduher as an adult. ations, cemetery decorations, Mother’s Day and “It is very relaxing and fun for me,” Chappell said. “I love other spring events, people may find themselves experimenting with recipes to see what I can do. I very selattending many celebrations. For the parents and dom follow a recipe, but I will look them up and then change families of graduates, though, the month may be extra busy as them to make my own. My favorite part of catering, though, is they host graduation parties.

While families are certainly happy to honor their graduates, the satisfaction of knowing that the people being honored are pleased with their party.” the food preparation that comes with hosting parties can be Although catering is certainly enjoyable for Chappell, she stressful. Selecting party foods that are delicious and eye apadvised that hosting a successful and stress-free event requires pealing, but also easy to prepare, can be tricky. Luckily, one Hartselle woman has advice and recipes to create a successful serious planning. She suggested a couple of criteria for selecting easy-to-do party foods. First, Chappell said it is important and easy graduation celebration.

Leigh Chappell has been a part of the Hartselle community to consider how the foods will be served and if they will resince her childhood. Although she is primarily known for her quire special accommodations.

“Look for foods that will not need to be refrigerated or heatprofessional title as the Executive Director of the Hartselle ed while they are being served,” she said.

Housing Authority and her involvement in numerous pro-

Simple recipes for appetizers and other dishes can help when hosting parties during the summer months

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10 • Hartselle Living

Second, Chappell said that it is important to think about the time that will be involved in cooking or baking the foods. She said it is best to choose simple recipes that can be made in advance. For those who need easy recipe ideas, Chappell shared three of her simple and delicious party food recipes with Hartselle Living, each with a prep time of 20 minutes or less.

Creamy Vegetable Sandwich Spread 7 ½ (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 5 2∕3 cups shredded carrots 5 2∕3 cups shredded zucchini 1∕3 cup and 1 tsp. chopped fresh parsley 1 ¾ tsp. garlic powder 1 ¾ tsp. onion powder 3 ¾ dashes ground black pepper 3 ¾ dashes paprika 3 ¾ dashes garlic salt In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients. Chill in the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before serving. Serves approximately 150 people.

Mini Buckle Berry Pies 1 box of refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box 1 ¾ cups fresh blueberries 4 tbsp. sugar 1 tbsp. cornstarch 1∕3 cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup shredded coconut 3 tbsp. butter or margarine, softened

Heat oven to 425°F. Unroll both pie crusts on work surface. With 4 ½-inch round cutter, cut four rounds from each pie crust. Fit rounds into eight ungreased regular-size muffin cups, gently pressing in bottoms and up sides, pinching top edges to form rim.

In small bowl, toss blueberries with 2 tbsp. of the sugar and cornstarch. Divide berry mixture among pastry-lined muffin cups.

In another small bowl, mix flour, coconut, butter and remaining 2 tbsp. of sugar with fork or pastry blender until crumbly. Spoon evenly over blueberries.

Bake 23 to 25 minutes or until fruit just begins to bubble. Cool five minutes; remove from muffin cups to cooling rack. This recipe serves eight, but the amounts can be multiplied to serve larger crowds.

Goat Cheese Tea Sandwich Flats 1 can (8 ounce) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or refrigerated seamless dough sheet (for crust) 2 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 ounces soft goat cheese (chèvre) Pinch garlic powder 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh dill, basil or thyme Heat oven to 375°F. Unroll dough onto ungreased cookie sheet to form 12x8-inch rectangle; if using crescent roll dough, firmly press perforations to seal.

Bake nine to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 20 minutes. Cut into 24 ( 2x2-inch) squares.

In medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, goat cheese, garlic powder and 1 tsp. dill. Spoon about 2 tsp. cheese mixture onto each of 12 crescent squares. Top with veggies and additional fresh herbs. Makes 24 tea flats.

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Hartselle Living • 11

to come home as much as I could during the baseball season. I’ve been the umpire-in-chief at for the Hartselle Dixie Youth leagues since 2006 or 2007, meaning I assign all of the games scheduled (and try to take care of all of the problems).

HL: What’s the most rewarding aspect of being an umpire?

RM: There are a lot of rewarding aspects. I don’t think I can narrow it down to one. I’ve created life-long friendships with fellow umpires, former board members, coaches and players and so many other people I never would have met if it hadn’t been for umpiring. While it’s a rewarding experience and an honor to earn an 11-12 state championship game behind the plate or to be selected to umpire in the 11-12 state tournament since 2006, I also find it very rewarding to see kids I’ve umpired grow up and become outstanding citizens and adults. It’s also fun to see them succeed in baseball on the high school level.

GET TO KNOW

Russell Moore Meet the man behind the plate STORY BY ANDREA WILLIAMSON

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ussell Moore, a 2000 graduate of Hartselle High School, wears many different hats. He serves as a staff writer for the Communications and Marketing Department at Wallace State Community College where he works on public relations and social media for the college, including the athletic programs. The 2004 Auburn University graduate is also pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communication from Troy University. While working and attending graduate school might seem like a full load for any person, Moore still manages to make time for the sport that he loves: baseball. He has served as a Dixie Youth baseball umpire for the past 15 years in Hartselle and has umpired for AHSAA baseball in Decatur for the past three years.

Hartselle Living: Why did you decide to become an umpire?

Russell Moore: One reason is I decided to umpire was I wanted to stay around the ball field in some capacity. Baseball is my favorite sport. I spent a couple of years as a scorekeeper at the Sparkman Park fields and decided the first summer I was in college (2001) to take a stab at umpiring. I immediately fell in love with it and have as much fun umpiring at 32 years old as I did when I started as an 18-year-old. When I was enrolled at Auburn, I made sure

12 • Hartselle Living

HL: What’s the most challenging aspect of being an umpire?

RM: The most challenging aspect is probably how quickly you have to make a decision, whether it’s calling a ball or strike or safe or out. Umpires are just like players. You’re going to have a bad game now and then behind the plate and struggle to stay consistent. You can’t let one game affect the other or one call affect the other. You need to have a quick memory! One of the old adages still remains true. If two teams can go home after a game and forget who umpired their game, it probably means you did a good job!

HL: When was the first time you were the home plate umpire in a game and what was it like?

RM: Honestly, I can’t remember many details. I do know it was a 9-10 game in 2001 and I’m sure I was nervous. Your first game behind the plate is a huge undertaking. It couldn’t have been too bad because I don’t remember any negative memories about it.

HL: When someone questions your call, how do you respond?

RM: A lot of it is determined by how a coach responds. You hope to stay calm and collected and try to explain why you called something the way you did. There’s a difference between a coach arguing about a judgment call such as a ball/strike or safe/out than there is regarding a misinterpretation of the rules. You’re not supposed to argue the

judgment calls, but, nonetheless, you try to keep your emotions in check as best as possible.

slipping on the grass and falling down as I was following a runner trying to steal third.

HL: Is there one call that you wish you could go back and change? If so, what was it?

RM: No particular missed call stands out in my mind, but I guarantee I beat myself up more than anyone, including a coach or player, if I know I might have missed a call. You have to move on to the next pitch or next play though and not dwell on it too much. The competitor in you definitely wants to always get the call right.

HL: What is the key to being a good umpire or referee in any sport?

RM: You need to have fun with anything you do. You need to have a strong understanding of the rules. You need to develop thick skin and make sure you don’t go hunting for reasons to eject people from a game. You need to hustle on the field or the court. Coaches are much less likely to be irritated with a missed call if you are putting forth 100 percent effort and hustling. Be patient and authoritative with your calls. The more authoritative one is, the less likely a coach is going to question your decision.

Through your actions, you need to make it obvious you are umpiring because you respect the game and everything associated with it.

HL: What’s the best or funniest experience that you’ve had during a game?

RM: One of the best compliments I think you can earn is if a losing coach compliments you on your strike zone after a game.

The best experiences have been earning a state championship game behind the plate or being invited to accompany a Hartselle travel team to Cooperstown in 2011 and getting to umpire for a week at the Cooperstown Dreams Park. Cooperstown is the ultimate locale to visit for any baseball fanatic like me, much less be able to umpire some great baseball there.

One of the funniest things happened last season. I was behind the plate and a foul ball was hit in my direction. Myself and the catcher were both searching for the ball and, lo and behold, the ball somehow got stuck inside my shirt, in between by shirt and chest protector. I’ve also had embarrassing moments, including

HL: How do you keep your emotions in check when someone disagrees with a ruling?

RM: That can be very difficult because our first instincts are to be defensive of our actions or calls. It’s essential you try to treat each disagreement in a respectful manner and try not to be an instigator when controversy presents itself. You don’t need to have a quick trigger if a coach disagrees. I was always taught to let a coach throw himself out, meaning if they get out of hand, it will be obvious to everyone watching they deserve to be tossed.

Hartselle Living • 13

HOMES

Horses and hydrangeas STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOY HAYNES

14 • Hartselle Living

James and Rita Kifer’s beautiful home sits on nearly 160 acres on Tabernacle Road in Hartselle.

Hartselle Living • 15

Hartselle’s world champion horse breeder and his wife love farm living

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abernacle Road in Hartselle is absolutely gorgeous with its historical campsite, rambling railroad tracks and picturesque open fields.

James and Rita Kifer lay claim to about 160 acres of that beauty. They began buying land in that area and building their home in 1991.

Kifer sees it as a continuous project to keep him busy and satisfy his building and improvement whims. One of his latest projects is a small pond with a rock waterfall and luscious shrubbery in their backyard.

Today, their farm is home to about 25 horses, but he had many more in years past. Kifer is the proud owner of JMK Quarter Horses, and is known internationally as one of the best American Quarter Horse breeders.

The Kifers have had a number of world champions and reserve champions in their long career of breeding. He has owned a number of famous horses in his day, but Kifer dabbles in a number of different activities.

He has a biochemistry degree from Rhodes College in Tennessee and a master’s degree in business from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He invests in the stock market, plays piano, devotes time and money to local missions with his church and dotes on his wife, two daughters and grandchildren.

Their lovely home is lavishly adorned with flowers, bushes and trees of all kinds by his wife. Kifer can usually be found on some sort of heavy machinery moving around dirt or working around the farm.

He says the projects around the farm are his key to staying young, or as most of those closest to him would consider, his life as an eternal teenager at heart.

16 • Hartselle Living

JMK Quarter Horses is home to about 25 carefully bred horses and one family rescue dog named Smokey.

A rock waterfall and serene pond welcome all kinds of wildlife to their backyard..

Kifer is a world champion horse breeder. This mare and foal are almost ready to go to competition this July.

Hartselle Living • 17

18 • Hartselle Living

Hartselle Living • 19

Sydney, Travis and Caroline Crow recently graduated from HHS and will be going to college this fall.

20 • Hartselle Living

Triple the graduation Hartselle’s Crow triplets are looking forward to three bright futures STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOY HAYNES

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raduation is a time of excitement and change.

Students have options of moving out on their own, going to college, finding a job or much more.

Parents watch their child transition into adulthood and hope they make the right decisions.

One local family is experiencing all of that times three this month.

Hartselle High School seniors Sydney, Caroline and Travis Crow are triplets who graduated May 18.

As triplets, their family experiences life a little differently than even other families with three children. Everything happens all at once in their family, with all three children going through the stages of life together.

Despite their similarities, the Crow siblings also have a lot of differences.

“Sydney and Travis are the more athletic ones, and I’ve always been the girlie one,” Caroline said. “I like to think of myself as the dependable one, too. We love each other, but we spend so much time together that we tend to get on each other’s nerves. We have the usual sibling problems that come with sharing a bathroom and bedroom and stuff.”

They also have different plans after high school.

Travis and Caroline will be attending the University of North Alabama in Florence while Sydney will be staying at home and commuting to Wallace State Community College.

“It’s going to be different not

having Caroline and Travis at home all the time, but I’m also really looking forward to it,” Sydney said.

“I chose Wallace because they had the medical program I wanted, but I’m glad we are doing our own things.”

Their mother Wendy Crow said she tried to raise them as individually as possible.

“I know it can be tough on them if they didn’t feel unique and special as individuals,” Wendy said.

“They had different personalities

and interests from the beginning, and I just didn’t discourage that. I would try to make sure I spent quality time with each of them away from the others when they were younger so they could have equal but individual treatment.”

The triplets do not have any other siblings, so this is the first and last time the Crow family will experience high school graduation in this generation.

All three Crows say they hope they TRIPLE continued on page 22

Hartselle Living • 21

“I doubt I will tell too many people that I am a triplet,” Travis said. “It gets old when everyone don’t have triplets of their own. knows and asks where they are all the time. We have “I see how much our mom goes through with separate groups of friends, so it will be easy to be three, so I think two kids would be better,” Caroline apart at school. I’ll still have Caroline there, but we said. “My mom was an only child, and I know she will both get to have a fresh start.” sometimes wishes she had siblings. I would want my Wendy said there are benefits and issues with raiskids to share the sibling experience.” ing triplets.

Sydney said that she feels like all of them are “I only have to go through each stage once, which ready for a break from each other. is usually nice,” Wendy said. “But if I mess up “I think we are ready to see how it feels to be on once, I’ve messed up with all three. It can be a bit our own, not just from our parents, but also from our nerve-wracking, but they have turned out to be three siblings,” Sydney said. “I’ll get to have a room to good kids so far.” myself for the first time in my life.”

“I really hope they enjoy their time apart, but I Travis said it will be nice to experience school sincerely hope they will be close when they get older where no one knows he is a triplet. and raise their children together.”

TRIPLE, from 21

22 • Hartselle Living

Hartselle Living • 23

FAITH AND FAMILY

A Helping Hand Plastic bags can be used to bring comfort to those in need STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOY HAYNES

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ne local woman utilizes plastic bags and her spare time to help make a dif-

ference.

Freida Betterton has started crocheting blankets out of plastic bags for homeless people to lie on or set their belongings on safe from the wet ground.

She has started making them in the past few years after learning about ways to recycle old plastic bags to keep them out of landfills.

So far, she has finished three blankets and is working on her fourth one. She gave one of her blankets for a special need, but the other blankets have been given to the Salvation Army.

Betterton has also considered giving blankets to someone she knows who works with the homeless population near Atlanta.

Each blanket is made up of four panels crochet laced together to form a blanket that is about three feet wide by six feet long. Her husband straightens and folds the bag into fourths lengthwise before she cuts them along the short side, starting by cutting off the sealed bottom and handles. She inter-loops these circular strips, and crochets them like a yarn blanket.

Her blankets are not only functional, but they are eye-catching as well. She uses 24 • Hartselle Living

the colors of the bags in patterns to make the blankets beautiful.

Betterton said her first adventures with the plastic bags were beach bags she made for her granddaughters. She decided to make a blanket after discovering the need through her prayer shawl crochet and knitting group at First United Methodist Church. Now she has several people who save their plastic bags for her to transform.

Betterton broke her hip in January and spent time in rehab, but she didn’t let that keep her from continuing her crocheting. She thanked everyone who helped her through rehab by crocheting them washcloths.

She has also started modifying the first beach bags she made into smaller pouches for her walker and armchair.

Betterton said she works on the blankets when she needs to rest and elevate her feet. One panel of a blanket takes several hours of work.

“I fully believe that if everyone did their best to obey the Lord when he says, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ then we wouldn’t have homeless people,” Betterton said. “I just wanted to do what I could to help someone in need. It helps someone out and makes use of a plastic bag instead of it ending up in a landfill.”

Hartselle Living • 25

OUT AND ABOUT 1

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Hartselle High School and the Morgan County Schools held their academic honors days recently. 1- Danville Salutatorian Brent Anders. 2- HHS University of Alabama scholarship recipients. 3- Dana Gladden and HHS senior Katy Beth Bole.

4- HHS senior Mykel Welch. 5- Randy Garrison and HHS senior Riley Corum.

6- Kim Mooney, Falkville Valedictorian Dallas Mayer and Superintendent Bill Hopkins Jr. 7- Stacy Hughes, West Morgan Valedictorian Casey Standridge and Superintendent Bill Hopkins Jr. 8- HHS seniors Sarah Butler and Alex Ford.

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Several area schools competed in the regional softball tournament in Huntsville May 7-9. 1- Brewer’s Kayla Mitchell. 2- Danville’s first baseman.

3- Falkville’s Callie Garner. 4- Hartselle’s Taylor Wascavage. 5 Hartselle’s Jada Hayes.

Hartselle Living • 27

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Sparkman School hosted their annual Homeruns and Family Fun special need softball league this spring. 1- Bailey Tate. 2- Ethan Tate. 3- Madison Walker. 4- Joseph Hudgins. 5- Leia Thompson. 6- Mason Southerland.

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

Rent one room or the entire building

Call 256-773-4046

Marketplace Hartselle Living • 256.332.1881

Drivers: Home Nightly.

Excellent Money. Full Benefit Package. New Equipment.

Family Work. Environment.

CDL-A 1yrs exp.

Jay: 256-309-7520 Mon-Fri 8-5 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!

Alabama Insurance Agency Has a Business Opportunity for Insurance Agents. Turn Key Operation. Contact us through the website, www.alinsagency.com or phone Allen Vest at 205-303-2055 All American Asphalt Complete Paving and Seal Coating Service • Commercial and Residential. No job too big or too small, too near or too far. Quality work at reasonable prices. Free estimates. No obligations. Call now for spring discount. Licensed and insured. Statewide Service Since 1969 (205)767-1585 Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Immediate need, Flexible hours, Benefits available. Call for more information 256-539-1400 www.alwaysthereinc.com American Proteins, Inc. Hiring Drivers. Home Daily. Great benefits package (including: health/dental/ vision insurance), paid vacation and holidays, quarterly safety bonus, 401K retirement plan. Need Class A CDL with tanker endorsement, one year verifiable driving experience. Contact Jamie Sewell at 256-970-6133 or Ronnie Demonia 256-970-6109 EOE ANN’S ALTERATIONS 600 Limestone Street, Suite #6 Hartselle, AL 256-773-4213

COME RUN WITH THE BIG DOGS Big M-Transportation $500 Orientation Pay. $1500 Sign On Bonus.

Personal Dispatcher 24/7.

2015 Equipment Arriving.

Driver Friendly Company.

Great Home Time..Lease Purchase Program.

Up to $0.42/mile in 6 months.

Contact Jacob at: 877-553-2448 www.bigmtransport.com 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 CREEKSTONE 1, 2, 3 BR Apartments 1570 Lawrence St. East, located .5 miles South from Hwy 43, Russellville All ground floor, All appliances, ceramic tile, ceiling fans, Individual Alarm Systems & more.

256-398-8504 Equal Housing Opportunity Handicap Accessible Insurance Agency in Haleyville seeking full time sales rep.

No experience req’d.

Salary + Commission.

Email resume to ccolvard@allstate. com.

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 DEPENDABLE DOZER & DIRT 256-332-4854 Now Hiring for ALL Positions.

LPN’s in Bham area. LPN’s and PCA in Fayette area. LPN positions also available in North Port, Mauvoo and Admsville. 800-844-0195.

Welder Training Coming Soon!

Short Term Licensing Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com EvaBank more loans & fewer excuses! NMLS#414640 www.EvaBank.com. Member FDIC Fire and Ice Heating and Cooling LLC Sales * Service * Repair * Free Quotes $65 Service Calls $10 off with this Ad! 256-200-5934 fireandiceservices.com CONCERT PROMOTIONS!!!

WEEKLY PAY. HIRING Full-Time & Part-Time Sales & Clerical, Management & Hourly employees.

Requires POSITIVE Attitude & RESPECTFUL Personality. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED 256-2611373 Call Today/Start Tomorrow!

John Deere 4400 HST 4x4 R4 tires, 37HP, John Deere 430 Loader w/ bucket: $13,900.

Massey Ferguson 383, 73HP PTO, 1100 hrs, w/ loader: $16,900.

256-565-8695 (no txt) Gypsum Express LTD. Class A CDL Drivers needed! Bridgeport, AL Terminal Opening Soon! Top pay and benefits, plus bonuses! Call Melissa @1-866-317-6556 ext. 3 Come Home to Holiday Plaza Apartments (Behind Foodland) Equal Housing Opportunity 256332-2960 CLAIM YOUR REWARDS! REWARDING CAREERS, REWARDING PAY, REWARDING OPPORTUNITIES. PROVIDE IN HOME CARE TO SENIORS NEAR YOU. FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES & COMPETITIVE WAGES. LET HOME INSTEAD REWARD YOU TODAY! 256-883-3080 or 256-355-0024 20% off Wall to Wall unless marked sale!

223 Ammo, Box of 500, 55 grain, $179.95; 223 Ammo, Box of 500, 62 grain, $215 JC’s Guns & Tackle Shop 1650 Jordan Ln, Huntsville 256-830-0761

Hickory Heights Lots .4 - 1.2 acres $32,00-$52,000 Call 256773-9554

(256)746-1028 www.sammybrownplumbing.com Licensed/Insured/Bonded

KDC Properties, Inc. 256-355-9090 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, AL 35602 kdcpropertiesinc.com J. Wesley Cain, AL #286; TN #6499

Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256-350-9938 Lot #2 256-350-9937 smithmotorsautosales.com

We Buy ATVs Motorcycles & Utility Vehicles Motorsports Superstore 888-880-2277 Hamilton, AL

SURVEILLANCE CAMERA MONITORED 24 HOURS A DAY STORAGE BUILDINGS For Rent, All Sizes. Russellville, AL. We Accept Credit Cards. Call Jerry 256332-9253 or 256-412-5392 MonFri. 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-12pm

SPRING CLEAN-UP Need a Dumpster?

Call 205-893-7223 PRESBYTERIAN TOWERS Senior Community 1st Month’s Rent Free! Free WiFi CALL 256-350-3323 Behind Colonial Mall $480 COMPLETE Home Air Duct Cleaning Including Dryer Vent. Call to add FREE Services!

256-830-5022 Pure Air QUALITY HEARING HEALTHCARE Hearing Aids. Free Hearing Test!

Hartselle, Madison Guntersville 256-486-9400 qualityhearinghealthcare.com Established Teams needed to run CA. Must have 2 yrs exp & clean driving record. Sign on bonus, 401k. Medical & life ins. Stop pay. If you qualify, call us! RRR Transporation 800-472-4714 Restore Care is hiring direct caregivers, LPN’s, drivers, and admin team members. Visit restorecareinc.com for more info or call 256-856-2918 Salvation Army Bi-Weekly Auction • 1401 FL Shuttlesworth Dr, Bham. Used electronics, furniture, equipment, bric-a-brac. Fee $4-$5. Public welcome! Call for details: (205)252-8151 Service • Repair • Remodel Gas line repair & installation.

Senior Discount. Work is Guaranteed.

Sammy Brown Plumbing

Need extra money? We need weekend merchandisers! Apply at: supremebeverage.com DELIVERY DRIVERS - CDL A Decatur, AL route delivery: touchfreight. 1 to 2 nights out. - .37 per mile. Pay increase every 3 mths!!! 1 yr exp., clean MVR & pass Phsy/DS. Contact Rick @855-890-7133 TED MILLS Heating & A/C Service & Change out $65 Spring Service Free Estimates 256-412-5408 Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928 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 OTR Drivers Wanted 24 yrs or older Hazmat pref but not req.

Full benefit pkg avail Pneumatic Tank Equip Dry Bulk Hauling.

Sign on bonus $500. Home every other weekend. Apply online: vernonmilling.com 800-753-1993 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 Living • 29

THE LAST WORD

“If I miss anything about the sport, it’s the camaraderie of old teammates.”

Bo Jackson

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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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