Hartselle Living Aug. 2014

Inside this edition:

On top of the world

Sparkman leads No Fences Cowboy Church Hartselle women share a tradition of Auburn football

Two from Hartselle climb Mt. Rainier in Washington

Lopez helps students succeed and compete Vol. 4, Issue 8

2 • Hartselle Living

4 • Hartselle Living

table of contents

AUGUST 2014

TRAVEL 16. Adventures on Mt. Rainier

ON THE COVER Pastor Josh Sparkman rides his horse Peaches in an arena at No Fences Cowboy Church on Highway 55 in Falkville.

(Photo by Joy Haynes)

A group of three local men climbed Mt. Rainier, a stratovolcano towering 14,410 feet above sea level in the Cascade Mountain Range about 54 miles southeast of Seattle.

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

Departments 10

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

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

To advertise or to get more FREE copies, call 773-6566. www.hartselleliving.com Copyright 2014 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

12 GET TO KNOW: Kenny Lopez is an indispensable employee of Hartselle High School.

WAY OF LIFE: A group of area women love to travel together and cheer for the Auburn Tigers.

14

20 RELIGION: No Fences Cowboy Church offers a non-traditional outreach program in Falkville.

WELLNESS: Natural remedies can help reduce the stress of the new school year.

IN EACH ISSUE: Letters • 6 Calendar • 8 Scene • 22 Classifieds • 29 Last Word • 30

Hartselle Living • 5

LETTERS

What’s for supper?

A

ally the best ll of us option. In over addition, I 35 like to think years we are helpold, should reing the local member watcheconomy ing “Hee Haw,” by spendthe country ing money comedy show at local that ran for restaurants. many years. One Since we of the skits pernormally eat formed on many in Hartselle, of the shows we are also was Grandpa supporting Jones talking our friends about what and neighbors was for supper. who have Something along food estabthe lines of lishments.

“Hey, Grandpa, So, on to what’s for supwhat’s for per?” with his supper. We response full may not alof southern Randy Garrison • Letter from the Publisher ways want country cooking the same usually ending thing, so usually one of us will mention what we might be with cornbread and some kind of Paula Deen type of deshungry for, not really hungry for, or what sounds good for sert. Fried meat could many times be included in the supper a meal. Also again, since we are both tired, we tend to eat menu. locally. Now, a good sign that you eat out a lot is when the Now some may not use the word “supper,” but if you waitress or server already knows what you want to drink as have lived in the south for very long you recognize this as they seat you. Monday night at a local restaurant, the server the evening meal. Now some may have dinner, but southsaid she would have my sweet tea right out. However, an ern folks still have supper. Since our household is down to even more interesting phenomenon occurs when I call anjust my wife, Lynn, and me, I will usually get a phone call other restaurant for takeout for lunch. With the advent of or text in the afternoon asking what I want for supper. Of caller ID, when they answer the phone, the words I usually course, the dogs will have their usual dry dog food; they do hear are, “The usual, and you want hush puppies?” Now get the expensive kind – no cost-cutter food for them. some might think this is odd, but it is one of the pleasures To be honest, the question really is: where do I want to of living in a small town and being predictable. So regardo for supper? Since both of us work long hours, neither of less, of what Grandpa is cooking, Lynn and I will find a nice us really wants to go home and cook, or the least desirable, place to dine for supper in our great little hometown. clean the kitchen after cooking a meal, so going out is usu6 • Hartselle Living

Great Robbery lives on O

“bold invasion of robbery in Alabama’s history.”

The FBI still lists the incident as an open case, and it’s still one of the most debated incidents among Hartselle residents. I’ve heard stories of people who claim to know information about the case or who did it.

As the story goes, the gang, believed to have about 15 men, began about 1 a.m. that fateful morning. They cut the telephone Brent Maze • Letter from the Editor wires with a handsaw outside the Hartselle telephone exchange, $14,000, but the community rallied leaving the city without any conaround the bank. The bank was fully nection to the outside world.

Several people were taken as hostages. insured for the money, and it opened the next morning for business as usual.

The lone casualty was dentist Dr. JohnI hope you get to see the re-enactment ston, who was shot in the leg by a robber. during Depot Days.

The robbers made off with more than

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HOW TO REACH US

n Sat., Sept. 20, Hartselle will get another taste of what it was like to be here during the morning of March 16, 1926.

Yes, College Street Players will once again perform “The Great Hartselle Bank Robbery” at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center during the Depot Days Festival.

I am pleased to say that I am planning to be a part of the production once again this year. We are in rehearsals for the big production, which will feature many other local actors portraying this event that has helped define Hartselle’s history.

This case is one of the most interesting events that I’ve ever read about. Early that morning in 1926, a band of robbers (the exact number is still unknown) performed an elaborate plan to wipe out the holdings of the Bank of Hartselle. As The Birmingham News reported, it was a

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 Sept. 2

Breastfeeding Support Group Cullman Regional Medical Center’s Breastfeeding Support Group’s next meeting is Tues., Sept. 2, from 9 to11 a.m. in the Ave Maria Room in Professional Office Building 2. This class is designed for mothers and their babies, who are currently breastfeeding. For more information, contact the CRMC Nursery at 256-737-2221.

Sept. 4-9

UUS LST 325 in Decatur A 328 feet long piece of American history will be docked at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur and will be available for public tours Sept. 4-9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The USS LST 325 is a World War II vessel that was part of the D-Day Invasion at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.

This ship is one of the last of her kind and is the only working LST in the United States. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-17 and free for children ages 5 and under. A $20 family pass is also available for 2 adults and 2 minor children. Tours last approximately an hour.

Group tour prices are also available and must be scheduled in advance through the Decatur Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information about the ship or to schedule group tours contact the Decatur Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 256350-2028 or 800-524-6181.

Sept. 5

Stand Up To Cancer Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society are sponsoring a viewing party for the Stand Up To Cancer telecast Sept. 5 at Buffalo Wild Wings on Beltline Road in Decatur from 6-8 p.m. The hour-long commercial-free broadcast will highlight the work of the SU2C’s “Dream Teams” of cancer researchers and acknowledge donors who make it all possible. The televised event will also feature celebrity ambassadors and musical performances. Register by Fri., Aug. 15 to attend the viewing party and receive 8 • Hartselle Living

The rain poured until just after 11 a.m. at last year’s Depot Days, but a little rain didn’t stop the crowd from flooding downtown Hartselle.

a T-shirt and luminaria bag. Registration is $25 per person at standup2finishthefight.org.

love offering will be taken up to help transients with gas and food as they pass through Hartselle.

Sept. 13

Sept. 15

Gun Loading Course Hartselle Police Department’s Special Services Division will conduct a basic NRA metallic cartridge-reloading course Sat., Sept. 13. For more information, email kroberts@hartselle.org or call Hartselle Police Department at 256-773-6534, Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Depot Days Pageant The fifth annual Depot Days Pageant will be Sat., Sept. 13 for Ages 0-18 at Sparkman Civic Center with Miss and Master categories.

Sept. 14

Community Worship Service The Hartselle Ministerial Association Community Worship Service will host a night of music Sun., Sept. 14. A

Down Memory Lane Down Memory Lane will be held Mon., Sept. 15 at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center at 305 College St. NE.

Sept. 15-19

Homecoming Week Homecoming week for Hartselle High School is Sept. 15-19, with many activities and events planned all week.

Sept. 18

HHS Chorus Concert A concert by the Hartselle High School choral department under the direction of Kate Dupuis will be Thur., Sept. 18 at the Hartselle High School auditorium.

EVENTS continued on page 9

EVENTS, from 8

Arab. Admission is $6.

Sept. 20

Frontier Days Beauty Pageant Miss Eva Frontier Days Beauty Pageant Sat. Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. at Journey Church (Eva Road across from Eva Ballpark). For more information contact Daphne Sloas at 256-796-5686 or 256-507-3686.

Depot Days Festival The 34th annual Depot Days Festival will be Sat., Sept. 20, and will begin with the second annual Hartselle “ThirteenOne” Half Marathon sponsored by the Hartselle Kiwanis Club. Depot Days will feature an adult art show, children’s art show, crafts, tractor and gasoline engine show, live entertainment, car, truck and bike show, children’s area, food and so much more.

Admission is free. Also, “The Great Hartselle Bank Robbery” re-enactment by the College Street Players will be held at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center.

There will be three different show times, 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Bluegrass Festival Eva Frontier Days 2014 (Celebrating 25 Years) will kick off Sat., Sept. 20, with a bluegrass festival at Eva School at 6 p.m. featuring Fireball Mail from Nashville and Freshwater Creek from

Sept. 23

Hay Ride Tues. Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. will be the World’s Largest Hay Ride at the Eva Saddle Club Arena on Frost Road.

Admission is $1 to ride with a hot dog and drink at the end.

Sept. 25

Hymn book singing There will be a community hymn book singing at Eva Methodist Church Thurs. Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.

Sept. 26

Music on the Square Music on the Square will feature Di-

xie Flavor in downtown Eva Fri., Sept.

26 at 6 p.m.

Sept. 27

Motorcycle Poker Run The sixth annual Bikes and Blades Motorcycle Poker Run will be Sat., Sept. 27, starting at Decatur VFW Post 4190. First bike out is 9:30 a.m. with entry fee of $20 per rider. Proceeds benefit North Alabama Special Olympics. To preregister or for more information, log on to www.pointmallardfsc.com Eva Frontier Days Sat. Sept. 27 is Eva Frontier Days with an antique tractor show and car show, parade at 11 a.m., craft show from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., baking contest at 10:30 a.m. with cash awards, live entertainment best dressed contest at 1 p.m., pig calling contest at 1:30 p.m., frog jumping contest at 4 p.m. and pig chase at 5 p.m. There will also be games for all ages, food vendors and much more.

Hartselle Living • 9

Kenny Lopez is a guidance counselor and cross country coach at HHS.

10 • Hartselle Living

GET TO KNOW

Kenny Lopez Lopez makes in impact on students in the classroom and on the running course through counseling and coaching STORY BY JAXON PEEBLES PHOTO BY CLIF KNIGHT

H

artselle High School’s senior guidance counselor and cross country coach Kenny Lopez is a popular man among Hartselle’s students and staff.

His job allows him to get involved in the lives of numerous students trying to achieve collegiate or athletic goals. He helps each student reach their potential with continuing their education, setting a personal record or sometimes both.

He is known for going above and beyond when it comes to helping students get scholarships. His former students praise his resourcefulness and willingness to aide them in finding and applying for scholarships.

His busy schedule includes talking with college representatives, keeping up with scholarship opportunities, counseling students nearing graduation, answering countless questions, preparing cross country workouts, tending to his runners and much more.

Lopez took a little time out of his hectic schedule to talk with Hartselle Living about his job and his life.

Hartselle Living: What is your teaching and coaching background?

Kenny Lopez: “I taught for five

years at Oak Park Middle School in Decatur as a science teacher. Eight years ago, I came to Hartselle High and took the position as guidance counselor. In 2010, Mr. Hyche approached me about starting and coaching a cross country program, and I told him I would.”

HL: What inspired you to coach cross country?

KL: “Although I am a runner myself, I didn’t know much about coaching the sport, but I did want to help runners achieve their goals and be the best they could be.”

HL: What is the most rewarding part of coaching?

KL: “It is awesome to see runners work so hard and achieve their goals. It is even more awesome to see runners go above what they think their limitations are and see that they can accomplish much more than they previously thought.”

HL: Does being a guidance counselor help create good relationships with your runners?

KL: “It helps them having a background of knowing me. I think it’s also helpful that they know they have someone they can come and talk to at any time.”

HL: What is it like to be a guidance counselor?

KL: “My days are hectic. I never know with what problem a student may come into my office. Many unexpected things are brought to me, but I usually just deal with everyday problems that students have such as college scholarships and schedule changes.”

HL: What do you think the importance of a guidance counselor is to a school?

KL: “I think they are important to the mental health of students and faculty. They also help students create opportunities for themselves to be successful and offer encouragement along the way.”

HL: Have you competed in any big races yourself?

KL: “I ran the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville in 2009. It was my first and only marathon. Now, I just run mainly for fitness. I also enjoy helping other runners reach their goals because that is just as rewarding to me as reaching a goal myself.

It takes a lot of time and dedication to train for a big race, and I just do not have much time for that anymore. I would like to run another marathon, though.”

Hartselle Living • 11

OUR WAY OF LIFE

Nearly four decades of Auburn

From left, Virginia Howell, Mary Wynn and Betty Sims pose for a picture while in Glendale, Ariz. for the 2013 National Championship.

12 • Hartselle Living

Local women travel to each and every Auburn home football game and at least one away game STORY BY JOY HAYNES PHOTOS SPECIAL TO HARTSELLE LIVING

S

even of the area’s finest women are arguably some of the biggest Auburn fans around.

Martha Templeton, Virginia Howell, Marjorie Hendrix, Betty Sims, Mary Wynn, Anita Baugher and Sybil Murphy sure know how to have a good time. They love to eat out and they love to celebrate birthdays or holidays, but most of all they love to watch Auburn play.

Some number of the ladies, usually Howell, Sims, Wynn, Baugher and Murphy, travel down to Jordan-Hare Stadium for each home game. They have also made it a mission to travel to at least one away SEC game a season.

So far, they have been to every SEC stadium except for the University of Missouri, but they plan to attend the next game Auburn plays there. The group has been to the last two national championships Auburn has been in, traveling to Glendale, Ariz. in 2011 and Pasadena, Calif. in 2014. They also have attended several other postseason games including SEC championship games and bowl games.

Most of the ladies have been friends for several years, some even growing up together. Wynn and Sims were childhood acquaintances going to church and school in Moulton together.

Their friendships started with Howell, Sims, Hendrix and Templeton going

out for special birthday dinners. Then Howell and Sims started going to Auburn games together and invited more friends to come along later.

They drive to every game they attend except for the national championships.

A typical home game includes an early morning, a late night and then getting up for Sunday school at church the next morning.

“We used to pack up Virginia’s van with all of our tailgating necessities and not unpack it until the season was over,” Wynn said. “Our kids say we know how to make a week’s vacation out of a daytrip because we like to stop everywhere and see everything, especially the antique stores. We take turns driving now, but we still love driving to the games. We get to laugh together and laugh at each other. We love spending time with each other as much as we love Auburn football.”

Their football group ranges from 6880 in age. Howell said they get some odd looks from people, but they are definitely having the most fun.

“Having a good time doesn’t depend on your age,” Howell said. “It depends on your personality and your disposition. We love to laugh and cut up and tailgate with the rest of them. Our kids don’t make the trip with us because they couldn’t handle us. My daughter prefers to meet us there, but all of our

kids offer bail money if we need it.”

They have countless stories about roadtrips, each one bringing a joyous smile to their face. Wynn can tell of when she was sick all the way to Tampa and Baugher was sick all the way back, but they were both well for the football game. Howell recalls a time when she drove back from Kentucky all night in a van that didn’t have a side mirror to make sure she was at her home congregation the next morning.

“One time we were in Morgan Town, W. Va. heading into the stadium,” Wynn said. “These young Auburn guys, who could only see us from the back in all of our Auburn garb, started cat-calling us until one guy finally came around in front of us and realized our age. We thought it was hilarious, but needless to say they were quite embarrassed.”

Wynn advises anyone who wants to stay excited about life to stay involved in something.

“Pick an interest,” Wynn said. “Get interested in something that’s worthwhile. It doesn’t have to be football. It can be anything that makes you happy and keeps you going. One of our common passions happens to be football, which allows us to spend a lot of time with our closest friends.”

From left, Mary Wynn, Betty Sims, Virginia Howell, Martha Templeton and Marjorie Hendrix attended the SEC Championship game between Auburn and South Carolina.

These ladies have been attending Auburn football games individually or as a group for nearly four decades.

Only Wynn is an Auburn alumna, but most of them have children who went to AU.

Hartselle Living • 13

Pastor Josh Sparkman is most at home on his horse Peaches when he is not preaching at the No Fences Cowboy Church on Highway 55 in Falkville.

RELIGION

Church for the unchurched No Fences Cowboy Church in Falkville offers a home for nontraditional Christians STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOY HAYNES

J

osh Sparkman’s doesn’t’ have an easy job, but most would say it’s less demanding than his former position as a full-time fireman with the Decatur Fire Department for seven years.

Sparkman has been the pastor at No Fences Cowboy Church since it started. Sun., Aug. 17 marked their third year in Morgan County. He started No Fences after visiting a cowboy church in Wyoming years earlier.

“I’ve always grown up going to church, but Wyoming isn’t like here where there’s a church around every street corner,” Sparkman said. “I asked someone where people went to church, and he told me about a cowboy church, so I thought I would try it. I immediately thought we should have 14 • Hartselle Living

something like it back home because it was a really different experience. I feel like this is what God was leading me to do.”

No Fences is based on the idea of church for the unchurched rather than for the churched. Their inspiration comes from Luke 5 with Jesus’s example of fellowshipping with sinners, even if others didn’t agree with his methods.

“There are a lot of barriers and traditions that have to be broken down to reach people,” Sparkman said. “Everything we do is for the unchurhced, not the churched. So we don’t have a certain standard of dress, and we don’t pass an offering plate to eliminate these barriers and reach as NO FENCES continued on page 15

NO FENCES, from 14

many as we can. We also use outreach events to reach those that wouldn’t normally go to a church.”

Music at No Fences is from a live country band. Sparkman said they try to incorporate nontraditional songs into their services that can bring familiarity to the people attending worship.

“We like to start off services with a country song called ‘Where Corn Don’t Grow,’” Sparkman said. “Once it’s finished we explain how it can be interpreted as the story of the prodigal son. We use other country songs and change the words to make them gospel songs. We try to offer something familiar that has a positive meaning to it.”

No Fences is considered a nondenominational church that believes in the Bible and salvation “by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ.” They are not affiliated with any other specific church, but there are more than 18 other cowboy churches in Alabama and over 400 nationwide, according to Sparkman.

Each year they put on events to attract visitors and people from the community. These events include trailrides, sortings, youth rodeos, horse shows, barn dances and their Day of the Cowboy free event. No Fences hosted Day of the Cowboy for the first time last year and had about 6,000 people attend. This all-day event features breakfast, dinner, Above: Peaches, Pastor Josh Sparkman’s horse, waits to be saddled at the No Fences Cowboy Church. Below: Pastor Josh Sparkman rides vendors, western heritage celebrations and a ranch rodeo.

Peaches inside the arena at No Fences Cowboy Church in Falkville.

Sparkman said his job is not easy, and he never saw himself as a full-time pastor, but it is highly rewarding knowing he is able to reach so many people that wouldn’t normally consider going to church. He views pastoring as similar to his days at the fire department.

“I get that same feeling of knowing I was able to help someone here at No Fences that I used to get as a fireman,” Sparkman said. “There’s nothing like the reward factor to both of those jobs. You know you are really able to make a difference, and you might have been the only person that could help them. We aren’t here to compete or to reach regular church people. We are here as a mission field right here in Falkville.”

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

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Call 256-773-4046 Hartselle Living • 15

This is a panorama from the climb up Mt. Rainier during Kirk Miller, Jon Anderson and Cory Johnson’s June trek.

TRAVEL

Over a mile above the clouds

A search for adventure leads three men up Mt. Rainier in Washington

H

STORY BY JOY HAYNES PHOTOS BY KIRK MILLER

artselle may not have treacherous mountain peaks to climb, but it does have climbing and hiking enthusiasts such as Kirk Miller and Jon Anderson.

Miller, Anderson and Cory Johnson of Decatur trekked to Washington State June 10-14 on a trip to climb Mt. Rainier, a massive stratovolcano and the tallest peak in the Cascade Mountain Range at 14,410 feet.

The group had previously been hiking the Appalachian Trail, which they were able to finish in its entirety this summer. Miller wanted to try something a little more adventurous and began talking the other guys into joining a guided trek up Mt. Rainier.

Miller said he liked the idea of Mt. Rainier because of its similarity to Himalayan Mountains.

“I had once considered climbing Mt. Rainier in college, but I didn’t really know the first thing about a trip like that,” Miller said. “After we had been doing the Appalachian Trail 16 • Hartselle Living

for about a year, I started thinking about Rainier again and how we could train for such a harsh climb. I liked Rainier because it has a Himalayan experience without having to leave the U.S. It’s the most glaciated, it’s steep, it’s a volcano, there are crevasses to deal with and the weather is terrible. It’s just a jewel for this kind of stuff.”

Miller and Anderson started seriously talking about climbing Rainier in August of 2013. When they realized how quickly guide services started filling up, they decided to get a spot immediately. They talked Johnson into going as well and began training.

Training consisted of running stadium steps at J.P. Cain, hiking a shear cliff face on a friend’s property as quickly as possible and trekking a hilly area off Highway 36 on alternating Saturday mornings. They also decided to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail in February to prepare themselves for hiking and sleeping in the cold weather. Two

months before the trip, they started training more intensely, incorporating CrossFit into their regular training.

They also mentally prepared themselves by reading books on mountain climbing. They read of Ed Viesturs who is the only American to have climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen in his book “No Shortcuts to the Top.” The week before the group left for Rainier, six climbers were presumed dead after the second deadliest accident on Rainier. Miller said this was a little unsettling, but the accident was on a well-known dangerous ridge that they would not be climbing.

“We knew that group was on Liberty Ridge, which is known for it dramatic rescues and deaths,” Miller said. “We

From left, Cory Johnson, Jon Anderson and Kirk Miller celebrate at the summit of Mt. Rainier. They reached they top around 7:25 a.m.

June 14, 2014 after an all-night climb from Camp Muir.

already knew we were going on the Ingraham Glacier and Disappointment Cleaver route with RMI Expeditions, so we didn’t have to worry about Liberty Ridge. Those climbers were in the most dangerous part of the mountain.”

Their families were a little concerned about their safety, but they were very supportive.

“My wife, Rachelle, was great,” Miller said. “She enjoys doing most anything outdoors with me, so she understood my interest.”

Once in Washington, the group reached the foot of Mt. Rainier where the snow was knee-deep in the parking lot of the ranger station. They went through gear checks and a day of climbing class where they learned about pressure breaths and rest stepping to conserve their energy.

On their first day of climbing, they dealt with a dreary mixture of sleet and rain for hours until they finally emerged on a glacial plain above the clouds. Their feet never touched the ground from all the snow and ice. Halfway through the climb, they stayed at Camp Muir, a tiny supply bunk furnished by RMI Expeditions. They began their trek to the summit again around midnight, climbing for an hour at a time and taking five-minute breaks until they reached the top around 7:25 a.m. on June 14.

Miller said the climb was difficult, but definitely worthwhile.

“We were running on fumes when we got to the top,” Miller said. “Of the 18 people in our two groups only about 10 or 11 made it to the summit. I was so proud because all three of us were able to make it, even though Jon was a little RAINIER continued on page 18 Hartselle Living • 17

RAINIER, from 17 affected by the altitude sickness. That was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on. It took me three weeks to get back to work mentally because all I could think about was standing on top of Mt. Rainier.”

Miller said the climb was the adventure he had been wanting.

“Every day the path to the top of Rainier changes,” Miller said. “The guides have to go a different course every time because crevasses are opening up or avalanches are making paths impassable. We knew we weren’t really in a lot of danger, but it was still exciting to see where paths used to be and know how the mountain changes so much. I was looking for a challenge, and this really gave me a reason to push myself. I’m 39 years old, and I got in the best shape of my life for this.”

The group is considering another trip in the future, but they want another adventure, possibly outside the U.S. Miller said they are looking into climbing Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina, which is the tallest peak outside of the Himalayas.

“We definitely want to do another climb,” Miller said. “This is something everyone should put on their bucket list before they lose the health to do it.

It gave me something to put my mind to and focus on. It was physically demanding, but the hardest part was booking the trip and making the commitment.

It was nerve-racking to take that step, but it got me over a mile above the clouds at the top of Mt. Rainier.”

A view of Mt. Rainier from the foot

18 • Hartselle Living

Kirk Miller at the top of Mt. Rainier

From left, RMI Expeditions guide Katrina, Kirk Miller, Jon Anderson and Cory Johnson rest at their final break before returning to Camp Muir.

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Hartselle Living • 19

Certain foods and staying active can reduce stress naturally.

WELLNESS

Natural ways to alleviate anxiety Keep stress levels down with these tips as the school year begins

N

o one is immune to anxiety, which can be triggered by a number of factors. The start of school can cause much more stress than the typically lazy days of summer. New schedules, early mornings and after-school practices can cause stress on the whole family. Many people who deal with anxiety can trace their episodes to family, finances or work, but other circumstances, including personal health or even fear of change, can lead to anxiety that’s difficult to manage.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most com-

20 • Hartselle Living

mon mental illness in the United States, affecting roughly 40 million adults age 18 and older. Anxiety can lead to physical health problems that can cause even more anxiety. While many rely on prescription medication to treat their anxiety, those suffering from anxiety disorders may want to discuss natural alternatives to such medications with their physicians. The following are some natural ways to treat anxiety that may help anxiety sufferers deal with their disorder without the need for medication.

ANXIETY continued on page 21

ANXIETY, from 20 Chamomile: An ancient medicinal herb, chamomile is experiencing a resurgence of sorts. The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids that increase its medicinal properties.

In fact, a study at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center that examined the efficacy of chamomile at treating generalized anxiety disorder found that patients who took chamomile supplements for eight weeks experienced a significant decrease in their symptoms compared to those given a placebo. Chamomile tea has grown increasingly popular in recent years, but those suffering from anxiety may want to discuss with their doctors chamomile supplements as a means to treating their anxiety.

Exercise: Treating anxiety does

not necessarily have to involve putting something into your body. Exercise can be an effective antidote to anxiety, especially for those people whose anxiety can be traced to their concerns about their long-term health. Regular exercise improves mood and supports long-term health, and for some anxiety sufferers that’s enough to alleviate their condition.

Even a relatively short 30-minute daily workout can be very effective at treating anxiety.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3

fatty acids can benefit the body in a variety of ways. Though most widely associated with promoting cardiovascular health, omega-3 fatty acids also have been linked to alleviating anxiety. In a 2011 study published in the journal “Brain, Behavior, and Immunity,” students who received

omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids before an exam experienced a 20 percent reduction in anxiety symptoms over those who received a placebo. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon and other oily, coldwater fishes. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements also are available, but men and women should discuss such supplements and any potential side effects with their physicians before taking anything.

Anxiety is a significant concern for millions of people across the globe. But those suffering from anxiety may be able to treat their conditions naturally.

Hartselle Living • 21

OUT AND ABOUT

The College Street Players presented Roger and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center with performances Thurs., Aug. 14- Sat., Aug. 16. Top Left: The Prince (Andrew Sybert) holds Cinderella’s lost slipper. Top Right: Cinderella (Amanda Johnson) sits in her magical carriage. Bottom Left: The Queen (Quinci Evans) makes last minute adjustments to her make-up before her performance in “Cinderella” to a full house Thursday evening. Bottom Right: Cinderella (Amanda Johnson) sits in the magical carriage with her Fairy Godmother (Leah Craft) ready for the royal ball.

22 • Hartselle Living

The College Street Players presented Roger and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” at the Hartselle Fine Arts Center with performances Thurs., Aug. 14-Sat., Aug. 16. Top Left: The Prince (Andrew Sybert) discovers that the lost slipper belongs to Cinderella (Amanda Johnson).

Top Right: Director Jenny Faulk poses with Aliza Mote, 2, in Cinderella’s carriage during intermission Thursday evening.

Middle Left: Cinderella (Amanda Johnson) sings of her night with the Prince. Middle Right: The Fairy Godmother (Leah Craft) bows after her performance.

Bottom Photo: The Herald (Jalen Brown-standing) and the Steward (Zachary Amos) try Cinderella’s lost slipper on the Step-Mother (Sonja McKelvy).

Hartselle Living • 23

A Purple Heart Memorial Ceremony was held in Hartselle Sat., Aug. 6 to honor Purple Heart recipients of Morgan and Cullman counties. Top Left: Steve Larsen plays taps at the end of the ceremony. Top Right: Buffalo Soldier Calvin Smith represented the Honey Bears unit at the Purple Heart Ceremony. Middle Left: Retired U.S. Army Col. Mike Bowers, left, was a guest speaker, and Clifford Gissell, Unit 2212 commander, emceed. Middle Right: Robert Turner sounds a bell in memory of Purple Heart recipients. Bottom Left: Doris Stewart, left, and niece, Shelia Miller, attended the memorial in memory of their brother and father, Leonard Vernon, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Bottom Right: Sierra Mason, Amy Maddox, Bethany Aldridge and Sarah Sanders of the Priceville High School JROTC color guard raise the American flag.

24 • Hartselle Living

The Cains Trio, made up of Taylor, Madison and Logan Cain, played a benefit concert Sat. July 26 at Hartselle High School for HHS Cheer. Top Photo: From left, Taylor, Logan and Madison Cain perform at the HHS Auditorium.

Middle Left: Madison Cain sings and plays bass. Middle Right: From left, Sam, Rachel and Thomas Fleishman open for the Cains Trio. The Kiwanis Club presented $500 gift cards to each Hartselle school out of proceeds from their Bill Camp Memorial Golf Tournament.

Bottom Left: Vic Wilson, left, accepts a gift card for HHS from Kiwanis President Ron Puckett.

Bottom Right: Dr. Robbie Smith accepts a gift card for HJHS from Kiwanis President Ron Puckett.

Hartselle Living • 25

Falkville and Brewer High Schools held their band camps at the end of July. Top Left: Rebeckah Shedd listens to instructions during marching camp Thurs., July 31. Top Right: Christian Campbell, left, and Patrick Dailey look over the marching formation Mon., July 21. Middle Left: Band students find their positions for marching Mon., July 21. Middle Right: Drum Major Kelly Lockhamy directs the Falkville band. Bottom Left: Trea Harris stands at attention with his snare during Falkville’s band camp. Bottom Right: The xylophone section prepares for another song during the first day of Brewer’s band camp.

26 • Hartselle Living

The annual Priceville Cruise-In was at Veterans Park Sat., Aug. 16 with a large turnout thanks to the beautiful weather. Top Left: From left, Terry Jones from Hulaco, Mike Brown from Dodge City and Pam Seibert from Double Springs enjoy the Priceville Cruise-In. Top Right: From left, Jason Roden, Sharon Maxwell and Darryl Johnston pose for a photo. Middle: Bea Barber, left, and Peggy K. Lamb sit in their favorite car at the Priceville Cruise-In. Bottom Left: Jimmy Anderson, left, and Joannie Cartee admire an eclectic van. Bottom Right: Some of the cars at the Priceville Cruise-In were decorated with personal flare.

Hartselle Living • 27

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28 • Hartselle Living

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Hartselle Living • 29

THE LAST WORD

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed.

Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.”

Denis Waitley

30 • Hartselle Living

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