Hartselle Living Summer 2012

D iving In t o S ummer See what Hartselle has to offer this summer Vol. 2, Issue 1

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ON THE COVER

table of contents

SUMMER 2012

FEATURES 20.Water Works Old water treatment plant teaches kids about importance of stream life and going green.

Carson Rose dives into the deep end of the pool at the new Hartselle Aquatic Center.

The $3 million facility is one of the places you can cool down in the summertime.

STAFF President and Publisher Randy Garrison Editor Brent Maze Advertising Kim Johnson Karen McAfee Pam Gray Ann Kirby

26. Riding the CainTrain Sibling trio from Hartselle – Taylor, Logan and Madison Cain – gets big break at Birmingham’s WorkPlay Theatre.

DEPARTMENTS

Contributors Clif Knight Katie Sparkman

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Bookkeeper Beth Terry

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 quarterly by Hartselle Enquirer, LLC. A one-year subscription to Hartselle Living is $10.

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 2012 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

13 FOOD: Summer time is grilling time.

WELLNESS: Making wise choices when you’re snacking

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OUR WAY OF LIFE: Two music teachers leave impact.

GET TO KNOW: Faye Walker is Hartselle’s biggest volunteer.

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RELIGION: Campmeeting back for 113th year

IN EVERY ISSUE: Letters • 6 Calendar • 8 Scene • 10 Last Word • 30 Hartselle Living • 5

LETTERS

Southern summer ummer is my favorite season of the year. One might wonder why with so many things going on during this time of the year. Many would argue that the heat and humidity are enough to dislike this season. Or how about the bugs, mosquitoes, lack of rain and humidity? (I know, I already mentioned this one.) Perhaps cutting grass, sweating just as you walk outdoors and high humidity are other reasons to dislike June, July, and August. I would not keep mentioning humidity except for the fact that it is a topic of conversation with anyone living or visiting this part of the country during the summer months.

But my idea of summer includes watching all of nature at its best. The trees are covered in full greenery, roses are blooming and the grass is green – unless that lack of rain mentioned above comes in to Randy Garrison • Letter from the Publisher play.

The birds are raising their young, kids you a hint that this is an important aspect of summer to are out of school and warm summer nights are spent me. listening to the croaking of a frog or the crickets chirpCooking a steak or pork tenderloin over the fire outing loudly after dark. Long periods of daylight to be side perhaps takes one back to his or her ancestors who enjoyed and filled with fun things make summer even had no choice but to take task to hand. Food just better. Summer’s rains that cool the day and night, and seems to taste better when cooked outside. keep everything green and alive, straight from heaven For instance, someone can start a barbecue in your above; are welcomed by all. neighborhood and you can just imagine what they are Summer days spent by the pool, cooking over hot cooking. Then your taste buds go into overtime. coals, eating outside, and spending time with friends Even if you do not like squash or zucchini, put a few are some of the great times to be had in summer. Fresh skewers on the grill with green pepper and onion and corn, tomatoes off the vine, growing your own vegetayou will be surprised how good it tastes. Leave your bles, how much better can life be? Cutting grass (a corn in the husks and lay it on the grates and in a short really good stress reliever), going to the beach or lake time you will be enjoying it with just a little crunch and getting excited about college football – summer is when you bite it off the cob. great time to enjoy. Just feeling the warm sunshine So fire up the grill – after you have cut the grass – makes even the most trying day seem easier to bear. and enjoy this time of the year. If you are still too Now after noticing that I have mentioned food and warm, a freezer of homemade ice cream or a glass of eating a couple of times already, this article might give iced tea will be sure to cool you off.

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Take us with you Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you come by the veryone needs a vacation, even your office after hours, we do have a drop box where Hartselle Living magazine. you can place items in as well.

So when you pack your bags to go on Or if you prefer to mail your picture to us, just vacation or on an out-of-town trip, stick in send it to Hartselle Living, P.O. Box 929, the most recent edition of your magazine because Hartselle, AL 35640. If you include a selfit would love to see the sites around your destinaaddressed, stamped envelope, we’ll be happy to tion. drop it back in the mail for you.

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been visiting When you send your photo, make sure you your mother’s home in Florida or you’re taking a identify everyone in the trip somewhere like the photo from left to right, Grand Canyon. front to back and tell us Hartselle Living would where you are in the like to see it too. photo. If you were in And this summer – Key West, Fla., you and throughout the year might want to get a pic– we would like to docture by the marker that ument the travels of our says the southernmost magazine all around the point of the continental world. So here’s what to U.S. Or if you’re visitdo. ing Philadelphia, you First of all, make sure might consider getting a you take a copy of our picture by the Liberty magazine with you.

Bell.

Then when you get to I’m not saying that your destination and you have to do this at you’re visiting a landKey West or Philly, but mark, just pull out your it’s something to get you magazine and take a mind going. Be creative, photo with it by the but be legal as well. If landmark. you’ve seen the location Then when you get Brent Maze • Letter from the Editor appear in our magazine back home, send it to us or on our Facebook in an email to page, then try finding another landmark in the editor@hartselleliving.com. If you’d rather email same city. me or Randy directly send it to brent.maze@hartWe’ll run those photos in a “Where in the World selleenquirer.com or randy.garrison@hartselleenis Hartselle Living?” section. We hope you have a quirer.com. great and fun summer. And we hope this is someIf you’d rather bring us a print of your photo, thing you’ll have a fun time participating in your then just drop it off at the Hartselle Enquirer magazine. office during business hours, Monday through

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Hartselle Living • 7

CALENDAR Couponing Class June 11 Ron and Traci DeWeese will share their knowledge of saving money with coupons during the next Coupon Class beginning June 11 at 6:30 p.m. Learn to save at least 50 percent on your grocery bill. The class will show you how to get organized, how to shop and how to save as much as you can. This is a hands-on class with a PowerPoint presentation.

Please register and pay the $10 fee no later than June 8.

Breeder’s Classic Show June 11-17 The Breeder’s Classic Show will be held at Morgan County Celebration Arena June 11-17. For more information, call 256-584-6725 or log on to http://www.morgancoarena.com/.

Rollin’on the River Car Show June 16 Habitat for Humanity will sponsor its annual Rollin’ on the River Car Show at Decatur Mall June 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is from 8 a.m. to noon and will cost $20. The show is open to cars, trucks and bikes of interest.

Entertainment includes a deejay and a kids area. First 100 entries will receive a gift. Trophies will be given to winners. Exhibitors will also have an opportunity to purchase tickets for a 50/50 pot. All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Morgan County.

Veterans Memorial bass tournament June 16 The Combined Patriotic Organizations of Morgan County will host the Veterans Memorial Team Bass Tournament on June 16 8 • Hartselle Living

at Ingalls Harbor with a $1,000 guaranteed payout. Registration is $100 per team and includes temporary membership to American Bass Anglers. For more information, log on to townofpriceville.org or allegionpost15.com or call 256-353-5501 or 256-565-2652. All proceeds benefit Morgan County Veterans Park.

Camp “ART”-selle June 18-21 Hartselle Fine Arts Center will host Camp “ART”-selle, a summer camp experience for children entering first through fifth grade, June 18-21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The theme is New York State of Mind. Grand finale performance and exhibit will be June 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. The camp will focus on art, music, dance and drama/theater. Registration will be $95. Price include supplies, camp Tshirt, snacks and drinks. Campers will need to bring a snack lunch daily. For more information, log on to http://www.hartsellefineartscenter.org.

MCHS Class of ‘73 reunion June 23 The Morgan County High School Class of 1973 is planning a barbecue cookout Sat., June 23, at 5:30 p.m. at the home of class member Brenda Livingston in Hartselle. All class members and their spouses are invited but a count of those attending is needed. For more details and to pre-register, please call Kathy Howard at 256-466-3561, Brenda Livingston at 256-303-5351 or Diane Allen McGee at 256-773-2824, no later than June 11.

Spirit of America festival July 3-5 Come celebrate the glory of America on July 3 and 4 at the Spirit of America festival, a free, family friendly fun-packed two-day event in Decatur. Catch the dazzling sparkles that fill the weekend in the smiling faces of children in the bike parade and in the elegant evening gowns of the women gracing the stage at the Miss Point Mallard pageant. Feel the pride of our country at the heartwarming

Camp Art-Selle will be held June 18-21 at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center.

Hartselle Police Department will teach area children about their daily jobs during its annual Youth Police Academy.

flag-raising ceremonies by the Boy Scouts of America and in the recognition of patriotic Americans. Don’t miss the finale as we celebrate our country’s heritage with magnificent fireworks dancing across the night sky at 10 p.m.

QB Club 5K run July 14 Hartselle QB Club has announced plans to host a 5K and fun run at J. P. Cain Stadium on July 14. Proceeds from the event will be used to help finance expansion and improvement plans at the football stadium. The fee for the 5K race is $20 if pre-registered by July 7 or $25 on the day of the race. The first 100 entrants will receive a T-shirt. The fee for the fun run is $10. The 5K race will kick off at 8 a.m. and awards will be presented at 9 a.m. The fun run will begin at 8 a.m.

For more information, contact Scott Shelton at shelton5765@bellsouth.net.

Youth Fire Academy July 17 Get to experience a day in the life of a real firefighter during the Youth Fire

Academy on July 17 from 9 a.m. until noon, Hartselle Fire Department will be at Sparkman Park to share information with children ages 6-12. They will allow them to try on uniforms, explore the trucks and other fun firefighter activities.

This event is free but we ask that you register at Sparkman Civic Center no later than July 13. Kids, be prepared to get wet!

Basics of making bread, jam July 18 Come and learn the basics of bread and jam making during a workshop at the Morgan County Extension Office on July 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. Have you ever wanted to learn how to make bread without a machine? Have you ever tasted the sweet freshness of homemade jam? In this class you will also learn the nutritional facts of the bread and jam and you will take a loaf of bread and a jar of jam to show off to your family your newly learned skills. Registration deadline is Fri., July 13 and cost of the class is $3. To register or for more information, call the Morgan County Extension Office at 256-

773-2549.

Youth Police Academy July 24 Hartselle’s finest will be at Sparkman Civic Center on July 24 from 9-11 a.m. for the Youth Police Academy. Hartselle Police will give children an idea of what goes on behind the scenes. The officers invite children ages 6-12 to look in a patrol car and learn about other exciting police procedures. This event is free but we ask that you register no later than July 20.

Basics of Cake Decorating July 31 The Morgan County Extension Office will host a cake decorating workshop Tue., July 31, from 9 a.m. to noon. You will learn basic cake decorating using your own imagination and go home with a beautiful cake that was decorated by you. The cost of the class will be announced at a later date and registration deadline is July 13. For more information, call the Morgan County Extension Office at 256-773-2549.

Hartselle Living • 9

OUT AND ABOUT The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting at Buningtree Country Club in May featuring Gov. Robert Bentley. 1. Bentley and his wife Dianne, talk with Wendi Henry. 2. Billy McAbee with his mother, Ozell McAbee, after receiving the Thomas M. Guyton Humanitarian Award. 3. Carolyn Wallace, Rita Lee and Mary Murphree. 4. Faye Walker (front left), Angela Hale (front right) and C. Elizabeth Vest. 5.

Margaret Harris, Sheriff Ana Franklin and Lynn Brown Garrison. 6. Ed and Wendi Henry. 7. Sandra Sowder, left receives the John J. Sparkman Citizenship Award from Depot Days Queen Lexie Jones and Doug Moss. 8. Jack Templeton receives an award. 9. Susan Hines, president of the chamber, addresses the crowd after receiving the Super Chamber President’s Award. 10. Presenting the humanitarian award to McAbee, right, are Bob Francis, left, and Jones.

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The Hartselle area Relay for Life was held in April at J.P. Cain Stadium. 1. Tonya Parker and Shawna Fincher co-chaired the Relay for Life.

2. Susan Higdon sells a hot dog to Ottie Newsom at the Flint Church of Christ relay tent. 3. Maggie Guyse, 8, entertains Relay for Life participants. 4. Joe Wheeler EMC used a bucket truck to raise money for Hartselle Relay for Life. Rides were $5 per person. 5.

Cancer survivor Jane Ann Fields chooses a cupcake after walking the first lap of the Relay for LIfe. 6. Lily Clair Raley, center, plays with a balloon as her “Papa” Jim Robertson, left, and her daddy, Matt Raley, look on. 8.

Cancer survivors totaling about 150 walk the first lap of the Hartselle Relay for Life.

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Hartselle Living • 11

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The Hartselle Fine Arts Center held its Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction in April. 1. Dena Nagel and Edd Balch pose for the camera. 2. Jimmy and Barbara Smith. 3. Hartselle High Ambassadors Michaela Greene (left), Jessica Lewis (center) and Jessie Wallace serve as hostesses. 4. Hartselle High School Ambassadors, from left, are Caleb Faulkner, Connor Shelton, Ethan Johnson and Ben Parmer. 5. Billie and Billy Gene Clemons. 6. Cassandra Yeager (left), Anna Kate Yeager and Mark Yeager. 7. Al and Trish Faulkner 8. Kathy White Goodwin and Frank Goodwin. 9.

Dwight and Jenny Tankersley. 10.

Jimmy and Gina Smith.

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GET TO KNOW

Faye Walker

From the Fine Arts Center to the Chamber of Commerce, Walker keep herself busy as a volunteer STORY BY BRENT MAZE

f you spend much time in Hartselle, there’s a good chance you will bump into Faye Walker.

The long-time resident of Hartselle and Morgan County has been an active member of the community through volunteering. She’s an active volunteer with the Hartselle Historical Society, Hartselle Fine Arts Center, Hartselle Police Department and the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few.

Walker, who retired 23 years ago, has been one of the community members involved with restoring the old F.E. Burleson School, which has now been converted into the Hartselle Fine Arts Center. While she stays busy, Walker still takes time to spend with her friends and family.

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Hartselle Living: When did you begin volunteering?

Faye: I’ve done some volunteering when I was working, but I really didn’t get involved with volunteering until I retired. I said that I would sign up to take my real estate test and start selling real estate, but I just haven’t found the time. That was 23 years ago.

HL: What’s the one project that you’re the most proud of?

FW: It probably has to be the Fine Arts Center restoration. It was in bad shape when we got it, a lot worse than we realized it was, but we got a new roof put on it and we’ve been restoring it back to its original state. I think that’s probably the thing I’m the most proud of.

HL: When did you get involved with the Hartselle Fine Arts Center restoration project?

FW: I guess I’ve been with them from the beginning. The old principal at the school, Jim Grammar, got a group together to see if we could save the old Burleson school. He invited me to come and I’ve been involved ever since

HL: If you weren’t volunteering, what would you be doing?

FW: I guess if I wasn’t volunteering, then I would probably traveling. I know I said wanted to do real estate, but that was 23 years ago.

HL: Have the fine arts been an impact in your life?

FW: I believe they are important to our daily lives.

HL: Have you ever performed in a play?

FW: I accepted a role once in a play when my son was involved in the play. I haven’t performed in a play since then.

However, I would much rather work behind the scenes an accept a role in a play.

HL: What is a typical day like of you volunteering?

FW: It’s different every day. Like today, I was working at the Fine Arts Center. I got there about 8 in the morning and I didn’t leave until about 8 o’clock at night. But it’s not like that every day. Some days I only volunteer just a few hours.

HL: What drives you to volunteer so much?

FW: I just love being able to help. When there’s something that needs to be done, I’m willing to help. I just get a lot of satisfaction knowing that I can help people. I think it’s just something good for everyone to do.

Hartselle Living • 13

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FAITH & FAMILY

113 and counting Hartselle Camp Meeting will return to the historic tabernacle to continue its mission to reach the lost and hurting

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he 113th encampment of Hartselle Camp Meeting will return June 15-22. There will be programming for youth, children and adults throughout the day. Two worship services will be held at10:30 a.m.and 7 p.m. daily.

Evangelist Junior Hill, one of Hartselle’s most beloved citizens, will serve as a guest speaker for the sixth year in a row – this time on Sun., June 17, at 7 p.m.. Hill has authored several books, and preached in camps, crusades, pastor’s conferences, and revival meetings in thousands of churches all across the United States.

Phil Waldrep, a well-known speaker, author, and conference director will serve as a camp evangelist. Waldrep is currently hosting a successful Christian radio show, and has authored numerous books.

His senior adult conferences draw thousands of attendees, and include speakers such as former President George W. Bush, Art Linkletter and famous singer George Beverly Shea.

John Kearns, senior pastor of Christ Harbor United Methodist Church in Northport, will also serve as a camp evangelist in 2012.

He is an active leader in the ministerial association of greater Tuscaloosa. Kearns is a dynamic and gifted communicator of the gospel.

– information courtesy of http://www.hartsellecampmeeting.com/ Hartselle Living • 15

Wanda Thompson, left, has been the choral director of Hartselle High School. She has helped numerous students receive college scholarships and promoted the students’ development through programs such as the annual Follies program.

Below, Jeff Vaughn has been the Hartselle Junior High School band director for more than three decades, giving band students the foundation to be successful when they move up to the high school band.

OUR WAY OF LIFE

End of an era Jeff Vaughn, Wanda Thompson retire, leaving a lasting impact on Hartselle schools’ music program STORY BY CLIF KNIGHT • PHOTOS BY BRENT MAZE AND CLIF KNIGHT 16 • Hartselle Living

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wo Hartselle teachers have been an integral part of the music program’s success for the last three to four decades. This year both Jeff Vaughn and Wanda Thompson retired from teaching.

Retirement calls Thompson after 42 years In 2006 Hartselle High School choral director Wanda Thompson contemplated retirement but changed her mind because “we had such a good group of kids coming up I couldn’t leave them.”

Six years later she made it official. Her last day on the job was May 25 after 42 years.

“I wanted to leave the music department in good shape and I believe I’m doing that,” she stated. “We have good kids, supportive parents and a bright future. Plus, they’ll be reaping the benefits of a new school. It’s an ideal setup for the new music director.”

Another reason for her departure was the arrival of a new grandson, her third, on Wed., May 23.

“I want to be around my grandson while he’s growing up,” Thompson said. “I’ll keep him for my daughter, Ashley Hodges of Madison, for a couple of days a week. I’m looking forward to being able to be at home more and doing some of the things I haven’t been able to do before.

“I’ve said all along that I’ll know when the time is right for me to step down,” she added. “That time is now. God has other things for me to do.”

In addition to Hartselle High, Thompson has taught music at Hartselle Junior High and Calhoun Community College.

The daughter of a Baptist preacher, she was introduced to music at an early age. She began taking piano lessons when she was in the first grade and was serving as a

church pianist when she was a junior high school student.

“I knew I was going to do something in music the minute I got to Calhoun Community College and started studying under Dr. Frances Moss,” Thompson recalled.

“She saw something in me that I had not seen.”

Thompson went on to graduate from Calhoun and transferred to the University of Alabama where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music. She later earned a master’s degree in music at the University of North Alabama.

Thompson said her love of the kids she taught is what kept her energy level high.

“It has thrilled me to watch them grow and develop their musical skills,” she pointed out. “Sometimes kids are shy when they reach high school and have never done anything on stage. I’ve been amazed at how fast they overcome that Hartselle High and blossom as stage performchoral director Wanda ers.”

Thompson Two of her former students retired May 25 after 42 years. are now teaching music in the Hartselle School District. They are Debbie Queen at F.E. Burleson Elementary School and Sherri Rahm at Barkley Bridge Elementary School.

Others are using their music talent and skills as adults, singing in church choirs or professional singing groups.

In keeping with the motto “Call to Excellence,” Thompson has pushed her students hard to reach their full potential and the rewards they have received is a testament to their success.

“We had 12 kids make AllState Chorus this year and our combined choir received a superior rating,” Thompson pointed out with pride. “Their success was a team effort.

No one on the team sits on the bench; everyone is a player.”

“The cooperative spirit that exits on campus means everything to the music program,” Thompson pointed out.

“Principal Jeff Hyche went on tour with us to New Mexico and we had more parents at state choral competition than we had performers. It makes the teacher’s job a lot easier when you have that kind of support.”

ERA continued on page 18

Hartselle Living • 17

ERA, from 17 Vaughn opts to retire after 31 years The band room at Hartselle Junior High School will be missing a familiar face next school year, following the retirement of Jeff Vaughn, who has directed the school’s band for the past 31 years.

Vaughn’s last day on the job was Fri., May 25.

“I know I’m going to miss the students because they have been such a big part of my life for so long,” Vaughn said, “but I feel comfortable with my decision. I felt like it was time for me to give it up while I’m still able to pursue other interests. I hope to catch up on some fishing.”

The veteran musician will continue to serve as music director at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, a position he has filled since 1985.

“Jeff will be sorely missed,” said Principal Don Pouncey.

“He a professional educator in every sense of the word.

Anytime you ask him to so something, you know the job will be done well and on time.

“It’s been my pleasure to work with him for the past eight years and I wish the best for him in his retirement.”

Music has played a prominent role in Vaughan’s life since he was a seventh grader at Dixie Junior High School in Minor, a suburb of Birmingham. That’s the year he enrolled in band and picked up a musical instrument for the first time.

“I enjoyed playing and it stuck,” Vaughn recalled, “but I had no ambition to teach music until my senior year in high school. That changed when HJHS band director Jeff Vaughn stands in his bandroom with a Livingston University (now the trumpet in hand. He retired May 25 after 31 years.

University of West Alabama) offered me a music scholarship.”

Vaughn studied under LU band director Ed Jones as freshmen and then followed Jones to the University of North Alabama prior to his sophomore year. He went on to play the French horn for the UNA band for three years and earned a B.S. degree in education with a major in music. He graduated in May 1981 and landed the band director’s job at HJHS three months later, following in the footsteps of

18 • Hartselle Living

Howard Baxter.

“I was blessed that this job opened when it did,” Vaughn said. “I’ve always been happy here. I guess you could say I married into Hartselle.”

Vaughn’s wife Melissa is a native of Hartselle and an adult education teacher at Calhoun Community College. They have two adult children, son Adam and daughter Anna.

In recent years, Vaughn has had 150 or more students in his classes and a majority of them go on to participate in band at Hartselle High School and beyond.

HHS band director Randall Key is one of his former students. Others he has taught include Gab Beavers, bassoon instructor at Florida State University and Wes Hopper, a trombone player for the Boston Pops Orchestra.

The trophies and banners displayed on the walls of the band room are a testament to Vaughn’s success as a band instructor.

His students have consistently claimed superior ratings and won numerous awards in district, state and regional competitions. They have also performed for audiences in venues such as Pigeon Forge, Tenn., St. Louis, Mo., and Orlando, Fla., t Disney World.

Vaughn said what he has enjoyed most about his career is being part of a big supportive family with teachers and students alike striving for excellence.

“A personal joy,” he added, “was building relationships with so many students and watching them grow in their musical skills and taking them to a higher level.”

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Projects Manager Jay Grantland, shown in the Alabama hat, helps Huntsville students dig for worms in the Water Works Worm composter.

Water Works

Eco-friendly environment flourishes at Hartselle’s old water treatment plant STORY AND PHOTOS BY CLIF KNIGHT

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he use of natural resources to combat water pollution and conserve energy is being demonstrated with amazing success at Hartselle’s old water treatment plant on Flint Creek.

Man-made wetlands occupy space once used to filter, treat and store the city’s potable water. They remove pollutants from creek water, using the roots of aquatic plants as “sponges.” When the water is returned to the stream it is crystal clear.

Storm water is retained underneath a 10,000 square feet parking lot, which is topped with brick pavers, and prevented from entering either the water table or nearby creek. Water runoff from roofs

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is collected in barrels and used to irrigate lawn grass, shrubbery and flowering plants.

Solar panels trap the sun’s rays and produce more than enough energy to operate pumps, central heating and air conditioning as well as overhead lighting and appliances.

Carbon credits accrued in 2011 under a TVA energy conservation program brought in an extra $1,500.

A green roof insulates the building from heat and cold, and a portion of it serves as a seedbed for plants, strawberries included.

Even paper, cardboard and yard waste is put to a good use as filler for a worm composter.

Water Works Center for Environmental Education is

where these miracles of nature are being demonstrated.

The organization was founded

by Alabama Mountains, Rivers & Valleys and the Resource Conservation and Development Council Inc. and has been evolving since 1997.

“The building and grounds looked like a war zone the first time we took a look,” recalled RC&D Projects Manager Jay Grantland. “It was a liability to Hartselle Utilities and they wanted to get rid of it.”

Grantland said he and coworker RC&D Executive Director Mike Roden had doubts about making something out of the property at first but after some brainstormWATER continued on page 22

Projects Manager Jay Grantland talks to the students before drawing a sample of water from a wetland, demonstrating how roots of plants are able to remove pollutants from water in Flint Creek.

Hartselle Living • 21

Huntsville students view bees at work in their indoor hive at Water Works.

Huntsville students view an aquarium that features fish you would see in a creek.

More and more, the facility is being used by schools for educational field trips. Recently, ing decided they could make it work as an envi- Hartselle Junior High School’s sixth grade students visited as part of an Earth Day Program ronmental education center. sponsored by Hartselle Beautification “A price had not been mentioned in previous Association. A couple of weeks later, a fifth discussions with HU,” Grantland said. “When grade class from Monte Sano Elementary we went to negotiate a price we were told we School in Huntsville made a visit and also parcould buy the property for $10. That was an ticipated in a guided canoe offer we couldn’t refuse.” excursion on Flint Creek.

Subsequently, the property was Aquatic plants thrive in a Water Works is also getting fenced and a used FEMA trailer wetland at Water Works. state and national attention. It was set up as a temporary was recognized as RC&D State RC&D office.

Project of the Year in 2010, Roden and Grantland then put Southeastern Project of the Year their combined 45+ years of in 2011 and is in the running grant writing to work. They hit for the 2012 National Project of the jackpot in 2009 when they the Year. were approved for a$304,100 “As far as we know, this is the Water Works Section 319 grant. only shutdown water plant in “That grant combined with inthe nation that has been kind services totaling $117,000 reopened as a center for enviis what really got things going,” ronmental education,” Grantland pointed out.

Grantland stated.

“Our vision was to use the In addition to his work at building and its grounds as a Water Works, Grantland recenttool to teach our children about ly opened a canoe/kayak rental the importance of conserving and shuttle service under the name of our natural resources,” Grantland said. “At the AlabamaEcoAdvertures. same time we took steps to retain as much of Inquiries about Water Works educational group the original layout and equipment as possible. tours or canoe rentals may be directed to Jay For example, one of the walls of our laboratory Grantland, Mike Roden or Renona Seibert, procontains the original control panel and the deep gram manager, at 256-773-8495. well reservoir is a habitat for aquatic plants and native fish.”

WATER, from 21

22 • Hartselle Living

WELLNESS

Creating a Snack Sense How to satisfy cravings and still eat right so you can attain your perfect weight cherries, cranberries, pear slices and raisins.

• Frozen chips: Slice bananas, seedless grapes, and/or berries into thin rounds and spread them flat on a baking pan and cover.

Freeze and serve frozen as a fun snack.

• Frugurt: Slice favorite fruits to top low-fat yogurt.

hen was the last time you ate three meals in a day? What was the last snack you had? If you can answer the snack question faster than you can answer the meals question, it’s not surprising.

Today’s on-the-go, 24/7 lifestyle has created a nation of snackers. In fact, about half the nation eats fewer than three meals in a day, according to a survey for Emerald® Breakfast on the go!™ Blends. Instead, people average two meals and three snacks in a 24-hour period. And no matter how health-conscious people are, more than two-thirds (69 percent) of people are snacking on what they want vs. foods with the nutrients they need.

The good news is, that if you do it right, snacking can help you satisfy your cravings and give your body what it needs

pattern if consumed in moderation with appropriate portion size and regular physical activity.

Making some smart substitutions and indulging in the occasional treat can go a long way toward helping you stick to your healthy eating goals. (See sidebar, “What are you hungry for?” for substitution tips.)

Snack Attacks

Become a Fan of Fruit

W

Snacks can help boost your energy in between meals and keep you from eating too much when you do sit down for those meals. But not everyone is snacking wisely. Nearly half (48 percent) of those surveyed said they would be more embarrassed to tell people what they snacked on during the last week than reveal how much they weigh.

Banishing enjoyable snacks altogether, however, may just increase your cravings.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says it’s ok to give in to cravings when looking at the total diet or overall pattern of food eaten. The organization says all foods can fit into a healthy eating

What Are You Hungry For?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that reaching for fruit can help satisfy a sweet tooth at the same time it gives you nutrients like vitamins A and C, folate, potassium, fiber and phytonutrients. Here are some delicious fruit snack ideas: • Fruit pops: Freeze pureed fruit or juice in ice cube trays or paper cups with wooden sticks. Try mango, papaya, apricots or orange juice.

• Fruit mix: Mix dried fruits in a zip-top bag: apple slices, apricots, blueberries,

The next time you find yourself craving some chips or a few cookies, try one of these better choices for your snack: • Sweet — Instead of cookies or ice cream, try creamy low-fat Greek yogurt sweetened with honey.

• Salty — If you want chips and dip, try dipping veggies into a mixture of Greek yogurt and onion soup mix.

• Chocolate — Buy some bite-sized candy bars, or sugar free chocolates. Limit yourself to one. Also, sip some low fat cocoa made with skim milk.

• Creamy — Dip carrots or whole grain pita bites into guacamole.

• Starchy — Try a baked sweet potato. It’s full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

• Crunchy — Crunch on Emerald Breakfast on the go! Berry Nut Blend, with nuts, fruit and granola clusters.

• Meaty — Enjoy chicken or turkey on whole grain bread.

Hartselle Living • 23

FOOD

Thrill of the Grill Prepare for the summer with these grilling tips and recipes rilling season is here, and that means it’s time to get fired up for the smoky flavor of your favorite foods cooked in the great outdoors over charcoal.

These grilling recipes were created by chefs from all over the country who participated in the Choice Steak Challenge to find out who has the best steakgrilling chops. Their recipes feature Walmart Choice Premium Beef, as well as delicious sides to try with each dish.

Find more recipes, tips and information at www.Grilling.com.

G

Key to Great Grilling Build the Right Fire — Use different briquet arrangements depending on what’s going on the grill.

• Thinner pieces of meat respond best to high temperature, direct-heat grilling, which requires spreading the coals out evenly across the grate.

• Thicker pieces of meat cook beautifully all the way through, without burning on the outside, with a two-zone fire.

• Stack briquets to one side of the grate for high and low temperature zones. Begin cooking directly over the coals until the outside of the meat has reached the desired doneness; then move the meat to the other side of the grate (the low temperature zone) to finish cooking.

Grilled T-bone with Everglades Rub Makes: 4 servings Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 8 -10 minutes 4 T-bone Steaks Dry Rub: 1 head roasted garlic (roast garlic in oven until golden brown and soft to mash) 4 tablespoons Everglades seasoning (available at Walmart) 1 teaspoon coffee, ground 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon dry thyme 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Rub each steak with an equal portion of roasted garlic paste on front and back.To prevent burning, do not get garlic paste on bone.

Divide dry rub seasoning for four steaks and thoroughly rub each steak. Place in food storage container in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours.This can be done up to one day in advance.

Preheat grill using Kingsford charcoal, until briquets are

24 • Hartselle Living

consistently ashed over.

Remove steaks from refrigerator and let come to room temperature.

Put steaks on grill; leave in one position on direct heat for 4 to 5 minutes, rotating to get nice grill marks and even flavor profile. Follow this timeline for medium rare.

– Recipe created by Chef Eric Lackey of Flamestone American Grill in Oldsmar,Fla.,on behalf of the Walmart Choice Steak Challenge presented by Kingsford charcoal and Coca-Cola.

Cherry Cola Smoked Chili Ribeye

Cherry Cola Smoked Chili Ribeye Makes: 4 servings Prep Time: 1 hour Cook Time: 15 minutes

4 Ribeye Steaks 1 lime, cut in half Cocoa Cherry Coca-Cola Marinade 1/4 cup Cherry Coca-Cola 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 tablespoon chipotle powder 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon black pepper Preheat grill using Kingsford charcoal, until briquets are consistently ashed over. Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl with a whisk until blended. Rub each of the steaks liberally with marinade and let stand for 1 hour at room temperature, or chill covered for up to 4 hours.

Discard any leftover marinade. Grill steaks for 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat on each side or until an internal temperature of 140°F is reached for medium rare. Grill each lime half for 5 minutes. Let steaks rest covered for a few minutes. Squeeze juice of grilled lime over each steak and serve.

Recipe created by David Larkworthy of 5 Seasons in Atlanta on behalf of the Walmart Choice Steak Challenge presented

by Kingsford charcoal and Coca-Cola.

Grilled Corn and Peach Salad with Queso Fresco Makes: 4 servings 4 ears sweet corn, shucked 4 fresh peaches or nectarines, pitted and sliced in half 1/2 small red onion, sliced 1 head frisee (or your favorite lettuce), chopped 4 sprigs fresh mint, chopped 4 sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped 2 limes, juiced 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 6 ounces Queso Fresco 1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and quartered Salt and pepper to taste Preheat grill using Kingsford charcoal, until briquets are consistently ashed over. Grill corn for 7 to 10 minutes over medium heat, turning every two minutes until kernels start to soften. Remove from heat, set aside to cool. Grill peaches and onions for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove from heat, set aside to cool.

Once cooled, remove corn from cob; slice peaches and onions. Place in large mixing bowl. Add lettuce, mint, cilantro, lime juice and extra virgin olive oil.

Season with salt and pepper and toss. Grill the Queso Fresco over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until grill marks appear. Remove and crumble.

Serve the salad over avocado slices and garnish with the crumbled cheese.

Recipe created by Johnny Hernandez of La Gloria in San Antonio on behalf of the Walmart Choice Steak Challenge presented by Kingsford charcoal and Coca-Cola.

Hartselle Living • 25

Riding the T CainTrain Hartselle sibling trio gaining recognition, as group gets first headline event in Birmingham STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRENT MAZE

aylor, Logan and Madison Cain have been playing and singing together since they started in church several years ago.

The three siblings enjoyed it so much that they are continuing to play music together, even through their college years.

“We just enjoy being together and making music,” Logan said. “I always want to be close enough so that we can make music together.”

Madison, Taylor and Logan – all three separated by two years of age – formed their own band entitled CainTrain. The band recently won a contest to open for a concert at WorkPlay Theatre in Birmingham featuring popular contemporary Christian artist Dave Barnes.

For the contest, the band created a video on YouTube covering Whitney Houston’s “Dance With Somebody.” Taylor said their video got more than CAINTRAIN continued on page 27

26 • Hartselle Living

event. Madison said they usually write all of their songs together.

33,000 views during three days of the contest, helping them “We don’t like split up the song for each of to work on difwin the date at WorkPlay. ferent parts,” she said. “We do it when we’re all together. It “It was just awesome to get that works a whole lot better that way kind of attention,” Taylor said. than when we try to do it a part.”

The trio, which is the children Taylor said their style of music of Charley and Shari Cain, are all is diverse. They grew up liking at Troy University. One’s studying artist such as Steven Curtis marketing, another is in broadcast Chapman and Amy Grant. They journalism while the other is finalso currently like other artists ishing up a degree in music indussuch as Needtobreathe and Barnes, try for a December graduation. but they said they want to have the CainTrain with Rachael & Co. Concert “All three of our majors kind of WHAT: Natives at Workplay Theatre, Birmingham same type harmony as Lady work together,” Taylor said.

TICKETS: $8, available at (showcases new, local talAntebellum. www.workplay.com ent from Birmingham area) In April, the band opened that “Our range of music is very WHEN: Thur., June 14, 2012, ONLINE: http://www.facenight and two months later, they diverse,” Taylor said. “We might at 8 p.m. book.com/heycaintrain/ or will get their own show at WHERE: The WorkPlay on Twitter: @caintrainband do a little Aaron Carter from the WorkPlay. This show, which will late 90s to contemporary, folk, be on June 14, will feature a blues and even rap.” heavy Hartselle flavor. Opening for CainTrain will be Rachael The band credits a lot of their success to their parents, Jeff and Co., another band based out of Hartselle featuring lead and JT Bush, Rachel Fleischman and others, but at the top of singer Rachael Fleischman. the list is God. To prepare for the concert, Taylor said the band has been “We just want to thank God,” Taylor said. “He’s the only working on a number of original songs for the Thursday night reason why we’re doing this.

CAINTRAIN, from 26

Mack working with grandson Tim Peebles

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Hartselle Living • 27

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

Rent one room or the entire building

Call 256-773-4046

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THE LAST WORD

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– Henry James

30 • Hartselle Living

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