bread & butter february

A modern look at lifein the old South

EventsCalendar

SPRING

INSIDE

Vol. 1, Issue 3

Bringing in thebutterfliesAuthor writesabout Alabamabutterflies

Feb. - April, 2011 / Free

Home inHartselleRajane Hamptonfinds herself rightat home here

256-355-20961218 13th Avenue S.E. • Decatur, AL One block south of Decatur General

Open Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm

S. Kinney Copeland, M.D.

George H. Godwin III, M.D.

Benjamin W. Light, M.D.Frank Fischer, MCAP, BHIS, ACA

We’re always “HEAR” for you.

When It Comes To Better Hearing,See Why So Many Patients

Put Their Trust In Us!It’s a matter of trust…• FREE hearing evaluations - We will test

your hearing to see if hearing aids willhelp.

• No high pressure sales pitch. Only qualityanswers to your questions by caring healthcare professionals.

• Ask about our Guaranteed SatisfactionTrial period and Lifetime Hearing Care.

• Complete Aural Rehabilitation Programs.

• 30 day trial period.

• We service all makes and models of hearing aids.

• Our staff has over 85 years combinedexperience.

Major Credit Cards Accepted.

Frank Fischer and DeDe Roberts

256-751-3033 • hartsellemedicalcenter.com ©2011 BCI

New Dayat Hartselle Medical Center

A NEW DAYFOR THEGREATESTGENERATIONComprehensive Mental Health Service for Seniors

At Hartselle Medical Center, webelieve growing older should be anatural and pleasant part of aproductive and meaningful life.That is why we’re proud to offercomprehensive mental healthservices for seniors based on afoundation of dignity and respect.It’s what your family deserves,and it’s exactly what you’d expectfrom neighbors who care.

Pharmacists (l to r): Mike Preuitt, Michelle Guice,Fred Langston, Bill Padgett.

Seated (l to r): Bernice Lambert, Tammy Burns, EmilyLong. Back row (l to r): Dianne Spears, Tracy Hardison,Heather Bennett, Erin Osborne, Holly Robinson, TonyaKimbril.

256-773-1998404 SPARKMAN STREET NORTHWEST • HARTSELLE • GILCHRISTPHARMACY.COM

CONTENTSBread & Butter Nov. 2010 - Jan. 2011

FEATURES8 Going Green to Save Green

Homeowner uses geothermal energy to reduce electric bill

12 Home in HartselleHamilton native Rajane Hampton finds

herself at home in Hartselle

14 Glimpse at ButterfliesAuthor of book about Alabama speciesof butterflies tells how to attract more

AND MORE

17 Time to Get ReadyCold weather tips for your spring garden

24 Life in the Fast LaneCookie Stoner talks about her talk show and

other activities of which she is a part

Bread & Butter • Feb. - April • 5

My first edition of Bread &Butter...

Even though I’ve only been herefor one month, I’m glad to be liv-ing and working in Hartselle.

I have worked at news and maga-zine companies for the past eightyears and I believe this has beenthe smoothest transition I’ve everhad in my career.

Everyone in Hartselle andMorgan County has extended hisor her best hospitality welcomingme to the area. I hope to be herefor a long time.

As the managing editor of Bread& Butter, I would like to ask foryour continued input in our maga-zine. We want our product toshowcase the best of whatHartselle and Morgan County haveto offer.

If you have any suggestions forthe magazine, please give me a callat 256-773-6566, ext. 11, or e-mailme at [email protected].

Time for new beginnings...Welcome to the third edition of

Bread & Butter. It is hard to believethat time has moved by that fast. Aswe were gathering information forthis edition back in November wehad thoughts of spring and the endof winter. Little did we know that wewould have one of the coldestJanuary’s ever as well as recordamounts of snowfall. Fast forward toFebruary and almost everyone youcome in contact with is wishing forwarm weather and springtime.

Spring is one of my favorite seasonsfor several reasons. Spring bringsthoughts of rebirth, new life, and thecontinuance of the circle of life. Italso contains Easter, which symbol-izes to all Christians the Resurrectionof Christ and His power over death.What a better way to celebrate thatthan in the beauty of nature withblooming flowers, green grass, andthe bounty of new leaves on the treesstretching towards heaven.

We hope that you enjoy the maga-zine and the content that we haveprovided for you. We appreciate all the support and kind words that you haveexpressed to our staff with the previous two editions. Special thanks to our advertiserswithout whose support we could not continue to publish the magazine. Please continueto support them and let them know you saw their ad in Bread & Butter. May you have ablessed spring and take time to “stop and smell the roses.”

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

✥Bread & Butter Magazine

✥

From the General Manager

From the Managing Editor

2 Physicians Hearing Care3 Hartselle Medical Center4 Gilchrist Pharmacy6 Cullman Regional11 First Southern Financial

Corums15 Cottage House

Macks Paint and Body16 Cahoots

Hartselle Eye Care17 ACE Auto Body

Colours18 Little Feet

Dowry Chest20 Bank Street Antiques21 Chad Hughey State Farm

Robins Nest22 Buzzy’s Jewelry

Warehouse Rugs23 1st Community Credit

Hartselle Heritage25 French Connection

Lilla 50126 Morningside27 Edward Jones28 Rajne Hampton

Hartselle Fine Arts29 Amanda Ks

Slate Gallery31 Dumas Floor Coverings32 Widner Family Dentistry

✥STAFF

General Manager andAdvertising Manager

Randy Garrison

Business ManagerTabbetha Williams

EditorialHaley AaronClif KnightAnn Kirby

DesignJill Copeland

Pam GrayBrent Maze


Randy Garrison

Brent Maze

✥CONTACT US

Bread & Butter is publishedquarterly by the

Hartselle Enquirer.To advertise or to get moreFREE copies, call 773-6566.


SAVE GREENGoing green to

Hartselle retiree uses geothermal energy to save on utility costs


AT WORKGreen energy

Hartselle retiree cuts electricbill in half with geothermal

heating/cooling system

By Clif Knight

A Hartselle homeowner is saving as much as $200 a monthon his electric bill because of a natural energy source that isfree for the taking 200 feet under the ground.Franklin D. Turney of 405 Main Street, East, opted to heat

and cool his 1,800 sq. ft. house with a geothermal earth cou-pled heat pump (closed system) five years ago after comparingits advantages to those of a conventional heat pump. “I could’ve bought a 4-ton heat pump for about $5,000,”

Turney said. “Instead, I decided to go with a geothermal system that cost$11,000. Of that amount $6,000 was used to drill four five-inchwells and install 1-inch polyethylene pipes to a depth of 200feet in each well. Turney’s electric bills reached $300 a month during the cold-

est winter months and hottest summer months before heinstalled the geothermal system in March 2005. They droppedto less than one-half that amount afterwards. For example, dur-ing the first six months of 2010, they averaged. $92.73, withthe highest bill occurring in January 2010 at $114.68.Part of his electric usage comes from operating two 20-ft

freezers, an 18-ft. refrigerator, a stove, microwave oven, com-puter, television and humidifier.“I couldn’t be happier,” Turney said. “The savings made up

for the additional initial cost in three years. Now they’re gongto the bank or being used to purchase other things I want andneed and they’re tax free.”Turney’s geothermal system has a 2-ton lead compressor. a 2-

ton lag compressor and a vacuum pump, all located in thebasement. Attached to the unit are incoming and outgoingpipes filled with a mixture of antifreeze and water. They extendthrough a header, which is buried two feet underground, to thedepths of the four wells, which are filled with a water and sandmixture. Energy from the wells (65-68 degrees year around)is picked up by the continuous flow of antifreeze and waterinside the pipes and carried to the compressor where it isremoved and used inside as either warm or cool air. The lag compressor only runs when the lead compressor can-

not sustain the inside thermostatic setting. Each of the com-pressors only require 20 amps of power as compared to 40amps for a conventional 4-ton heat pump. An electrician by trade, Turney did most of the installation

work himself after completing a technician’s training programoffered by Hydro-Temp Corp., the maker of the compressors. He also took other measures to make his home more energy

efficient and environmentally safe.Overhead fans are used in each room of his house for air cir-

culation and the ductwork is designed so that room vents canbe closed without endangering the life of the system.By connecting an electric hot water heater to the heating and

cooling system he was able to produce warm water that is suit-able for washing clothes and other household uses. The elec-tricity for the hot water heater is only tuned on when hot wateris needed. He also installed a high intensity ultraviolet bulb in his heat-

ing and cooling system to trap and kill germs and other con-taminants before air reaches the ductwork.Turney has devoted many hours and much expense to the

restoration of his home over over the past eight years.

Hartselle homeowner Franklin D. Turney checks on the condition of a filterhe uses in a geothermal earth coupled system to heat and cool his home.


Turney’s home at 405 East Main Street was built in 1938-39 and was unoccupied for 13 years before he purchasedit in 2002.

He had a star-rated 16-gauge metal standingseam roof installed in 2010. It provides addi-tional insulation and replaces a 74-year-oldasbestos shingle roof. Earlier, storm windowswith reflective screens were installed.An ongoing project involves the restoration

of exterior wood trim and improvements inthe attic, including a ventilation system andadditional insulation.“This has turned into a bigger project than

what I anticipated,” Turney stated. “But it hasbeen a learning, challenging and therapeuticexperience. “I’m the kind of person who believes if it’s

worth doing it’s worth doing right.”Turney’s house was built by Street Evans in

1938-39 and purchased from the J. AlviaClements estate. Its architectural design issimilar to a house Street built for First UnitedMethodist Church in the early 1940s, which isnow known as The Faith House.”

• Set your heating system’s thermostat at 68°F during the day. Keep it lowerat night and when no one is home for several days.

• Lower your water heater temperature to 120° F and reduce water use bytaking shorter showers and using cold water for laundry whenever possible.

• Turn off lights, televisions and computers when not in use.• Remove and recycle your second refrigerator.• Keep curtains open on the south side of the house and closed on the

north side during the day.• Clean refrigerator coils and set the temperature to 36° to 39°F and the

freezer to 0° to 5°F.• Make sure the fireplace damper is closed when not in use.• Match the size of your pot or pan to the size of stove burner and cover

them with lids when cooking.• Once a year, drain about one gallon of water frorm the water heater to

remove sediment.• Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heat drying option.

10 low-cost energy-saving tips• Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors to stop air leaks. Seal

any gaps in floors and walls around pipes and electrical wiring.• Change air filters monthly.• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents; they use 75 per-

cent less energy and last 10 times longer.• Install aerating, low-flow faucets/showerheads and repair leaky faucets.• Tune up your heating and cooling system. Have your ducts inspected;

repair air leaks and seal and insulate ductwork.• Insulate! Add insulation to your attic, crawl space and any accessible exte-

rior walls. Add pipe insulation to first five feet of water heater. Install lightswitch and electrical outlet seals on exterior walls, Wrap your water heaterwith insulation or install an insulating blanket.

• Look for Energy Star label when replacing large or small appliances.• Use power strips for home electronics and turn them off when equipment

is not in use. T Vs and DVD players still use [power when the switch is off.• Replace worn-out seals on your refrigerator and freezer.• Plant a tree! Shade trees placed on the south or southwest side of your

home will keep it cooler.

SAVING ENERGY AT HOME

Cracker Barrel Grand Opening

Cracker Barrel in Hartselle held its grand opening celebration on Jan. 28. Storeworkers offered city leaders and others a complimentary breakfast before itsgrand opening Jan. 31. Executives from the restaurant chain joined servers,manager, Hartselle Chamber of Commerce members and city leaders for theribbon cutting after the breakfast was served. Future customers received freesampler platters with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and hash browns, along withbiscuits and gravy. Cracker Barrel is open 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday throughThursday and 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Photo 1:Trent Preuitt, MarkMizell, Eddie Preuitt and Jason Preuitt talk while waiting for their food. Photo 2:Police chief Ron Puckett, Jeremy Griffith, Stan Holt and Frances Holt all enjoytheir meal. Photo 3: Bob and Becky Young take a moment to smile for the cam-era while Frank and Nanette Miller enjoy their breakfast.

1 2

3

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FIRST SOUTHERN FINANCIAL

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HOME IN HARTSELLE

Rajane Hampton

Story By Haley AaronPhotos by Clif Knight

As she stood in the midst of the crowd atHartselle's football stadium, RaJane Hamptonvowed she would never come back to Hartselle. On the night of November 18, 1982, Hamilton

native Hampton probably wasn't alone in her dis-like of Hartselle. Feelings were bound to run highamong Hamilton Aggies fans after their team suf-fered a shocking loss in the state playoffs. Before the game, Hartselle coach Don Woods

had predicted a challenging game, and commend-ed Hamilton's fans. "They have a lot of pride intheir school and community and they take theirfootball seriously like our folks do," he said. Hamilton came into the game with a perfect

record for the season. However, they left the fieldwith a 35-14 loss at the hands of a Hartselle teamthat had an 11-4 record."Hartselle killed us, just killed us," Hampton

said. "When we were leaving the ballgame, I said'With God as my witness, I will never come backto Hartselle, Alabama again.'Ironically, just a few years after that fateful foot-

ball game, Hampton would meet her future hus-band, Mark Hampton, a Hartselle native - and aformer Hartselle High School football star.

While she still doesn't consider herself a trueHartsellian (a term no one can claim "unlessyou're born on the soil of Hartselle," she said),Hampton finds herself at home in Hartselle, grid-iron grudges aside.

"Now I've been living here for 16 years, so thattells me you might get what you wish for,"Hampton said, laughing. Hartselle's small town pace suits Hampton, who

said she was used to knowing or being "kinned to"almost everyone in her small hometown. "I likethat you can walk into Wal-Mart and know a lot ofthe people," she said. "That, I think, is my favoritepart, that it's a small town." Rajane Hampton with her pet Yorkie, “Hoochie Pap.”


While Hampton may not completely claim the term "Hartsellian," shehas found her place in Hartselle, nonetheless - raising two children andworking as associate broker and co-owner of United County Four OaksRealty & Auction in Hartselle.. Her children, Ali and Chad Hampton, are Hartselle High School gradu-

ates. Ali is a senior at the University of Alabama, where she is involvedin several performing arts venues. Hampton's son Chad will is in his freshman year at Jacksonville State

University. The Hartselle High School graduate received a scholarship toplay football for the college, where his father played in the 1980s.Hampton is already counting down the days until the 2011 football sea-son starts.On Saturdays this fall, Hampton and her husband will most likely be

found in the stands at Jacksonville State. "We bought a little RV so wecan tailgate," Hampton said. "So I won't be going to Alabama ballgames anymore, I'll be going to Jacksonville State." While Hampton looks forward to watching her son play football,

watching her children move away to college has been difficult."Any time you make the transition of going to an empty nest its

tough," Hampton said. "And I don't know whether I'm sad that he's goneor I'm sad because I'm living with my husband alone." However, there are a few pluses to being an "empty nester" - including

less laundry and less cooking. "I would say I'm Betty Homemaker and cook dinner and all that, but I

don't," Hampton said. “I don't like to cook, not like I used to."In addition to tailgating, Hampton plans to spend her time playing with

her young nieces and nephews. Hampton's family also has a new addi-tion: a 10-month-old Yorkie puppy with an unusual name. "When I'm getting rid of a kid, I got a new puppy," Hampton said,

laughing. "Hoochie Pap is our new child." For a while, Hoochie Pap was a dog with no name. He came into the

family after tragedy struck the family's five-year-old Yorkie, Finley. "Ihad a Yorkie puppy and he got hit by a car," Hampton said. "It devastat-ed me. So in my grief, I bought a puppy and I haven't been able to findhis name." However, Hampton's husband soon gave a name to the inquisitive

puppy, which he named in honor of a childhood friend. "Hoochie Papworked with his daddy, and he's always loved Hoochie Pap," Hamptonsaid. "Hoochie Pap was always in everybody's business and that's howhe said this dog is."

When Hampton isn't tailgating or taking care of Hoochie Pap, she'sprobably on Facebook, a social networking website where users cancommunicate with a large group of friends through messages andupdates. Hampton, a self-proclaimed "Facebook addict," said she checks her

Facebook and email accounts every morning. "It's so fun," Hampton said. "I've met up with people I haven't seen in

years." From current church friends to long lost high school friends, thewebsite has allowed her to stay in touch with people from all stages ofher life. "It makes a big difference," Hampton said. "It makes a big world small

in the connections."

Realtor Rajane Hampton shows Katie Randolph a new home in Wild Plum Subdivision.


Story By Paulette OgardPhotos by Sara Bright


The following is a list of frequently asked questions pro-vided by Paulette Hayward Ogard, the author of“Butterflies of Alabama: Glimpses into Their Lives.” Thebook is a full-color, richly illustrated guide to 84 known“true” butterfly species found within the state.Ogard has taught classes on wildflowers and native plants

at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and conductedworkshops throughout the southeast on wildlife habitats,butterflies and butterfly gardening. Her articles haveappeared in American Butterflies and other publications.The photographs for the book were provided by Sara

Bright. She is a professional photographer whose work hasbeen featured in Canoe, Southern Living, Birder’s World,Outdoor Life, Geo and Portico and is on permanent dis-play at McDonald’s Corporation, Alabama Power,Wachovia Bank and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

What is the life cycle of the butterfly?Butterflies have a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa

and adult.Life begins with the egg. A caterpillar (or larva) emerges

and spends its time eating and growing, often shedding itsskin several times to accommodate its increase in size.When maximum growth is achieved, the caterpillar trans-

forms itself into a chrysalid, the pupal stage. After under-going amazing structural changes within its structure, theadult butterfly emerges.

How long do butterflies live?The life span of an adult butterfly is often numbered in

mere days. However, some species spend the wintermonths in a slowed-down state called diapause and maylive several months.

What happens to butterflies in winter?Some butterflies spend the winter as adults, flying on

warm days to seek a source of food. Others survive in eggstate, while still others over winter as caterpillars, usuallysheltered in vegetation.Many species spend the winter encased in their

chrysalides and emerge when spring arrives. Some butter-fly species are unable to survive freezing temperatures inany stage and die after the first hard freeze. They mustrecolonize northern areas each year.

Where do butterflies go when it rains?Butterflies seek shelter when it rains. Some hide under

large leaves, some crawl into dense vegetation and some

sit head down on grass stems or branches. Crevices inrocks and buildings also provide dry places to rest.Wooden butterfly houses make fine garden ornaments, butthey rarely shelter butterflies.

What do butterflies eat?Adult butterflies eat liquid flood. Many sip flower nectar,

but some take nutrition from non-floral sources like treesap, rotting fruits and even animal droppings.With one exception, butterfly caterpillars eat various

parts of plants. Each species eats only certain kinds ofplants. The caterpillars of the Harvester butterfly are actu-ally carnivorous, feeding solely on wooly aphids.

What plants attract butterflies?Flowers that produce nectar attract butterflies, especially

those that have a strong fragrance. Native wildflowers andheirloom plants are important because they tend to be nec-tar-rich.Butterflies are also attracted to the plants that feed cater-

pillars. These are called host plants and vary according to

The Eastern TigerSwallowtail caterpillaruses the fake eyes toscare off predators.

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Getting Bodies Back

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species. For example, Monarchbutterflies eat milkweed plantswhile Black Swallowtail larvaeeat parsley, dill and fennel – allmembers of the carrot family.

What purpose do butterfliesserve?Butterflies pollinate some plants,

but basically they function as animportant part of the food chain.Butterflies and their caterpillars arevaluable primary sources of foodfor many birds and their nestlings,reptiles, amphibians and even otherinsects.

How do butterflies defend them-selves against predators?Butterflies have developed many

amazing adaptations to protect them-selves against predation. When atrest, some resemble dead leaves whileothers bear large false eyes on theirwings that they flash to frighten pred-ators.Many caterpillars, eggs and

chrysalides are remarkably camou-flaged, so closely resembling plantparts that they virtually defy detection. Some butterflies

and caterpillars resort to chemical war-fare and sequester poison moleculeswithin their bodies that sicken would-beeaters. The caterpillars of some speciesenlist the help of ants, trading theirown sweet secretions for the ants’ pro-tection against other creatures.

Are there fewer butterflies nowthan there used to be?

Most scientists agree that loss ofhabitat has been a negative impact onbutterfly populations. While manyAlabamaians believe this to be true,we have very little data to prove it. Itis extremely important that we learnmore about each species so that wecan conserve it.

What can I do to help butter-flies?

Everyone can do something tohelp butterflies. Make landscapesand gardens butterfly-friendly byplanting host and nectar plants.Keep records of the butterflies thatyou see so that our knowledge

base increases. Most important, supportefforts to conserve habitats that sustain butterflies, theirplants and other wildlife.

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256-773-4418hartselleeyecare.net


TIME TO GET READYCold weather tips for your spring garden

From Alabama Cooperative Extension System

A successful home garden is the result of careful planningand constant attention and wintertime is a good place to startthe process. Here are some tips that will help you get started:• Site selection—choose a site with full sun. You cannot

grow vegetables in competition with trees on in shady areas.The soil should be well drained and free of harmful chemical

or debris.Chemical weed control will be improved by preparing the

seedbed well. Destroy old crop residue and turn it underearly enough for it to decompose. Spread manure and applylime and fertilizer as recommended by a soil test. • Soil Management—Improve your garden soil by adding

organic matter such as compost, leaf mold or well-rottedsawdust.

Radishes are one of the easiestvegetables to grow.They growbest when it’s cool and wet.

HIGHWAY 31 N • HARTSELLE • 256-773-2132Front (l to r): Regina Lupo-Owner, Becki McCleskey.Back (l to r): Brandy Moore, Donna Lawrence, Pat Faulk.


• Lime and fertilizer—A soil test is the only way to determinelime needs and the best way to determine fertilizer needs. Youcan get information for soil tests at the county Extension office.Test at least every two years. For most vegetables the soil pHshould be around 6-0 to 6.5. Mix lime into the soil a month ortwo before planting.• Seed and plants—Seed are cheap; get the best available.

Don’t seed too thickly. Plant small seed, such as turnips andcarrots, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Plant larger seed, such asbeans and cucumbers, about one inch deep.Use only stocky, healthy, fresh plants. Set them at the same

level they originally grew in the pot. Always water transplantsto settle soil around roots. Set tall tomato plants deeper thanthey grew originally. The following vegetables are recommended for early spring

planting: Cabbage grows best during cool temperatures. It does not

withstand heat common to Alabama summers and, therefore,should be planted as an early spring or fall crop. Cabbage canbe either seeded directly or transplanted but does best whentransplanted. Growing transplants from seed requires three tofour weeks.Lettuce is an important cool-season vegetable and one of the

easiest to grow. It withstands light frost but can be damaged byfreezing temperatures.

Leaf lettuce is by far the easiest to grow, therefore the mosthighly recommended for the home garden. Space lettuce 12inches apart in rows 30 inches apart.Onions give a good return for the space occupied and should

be included in every home garden. For green onions, plant seedas soon as the soil can be worked in the early spring. If youwant to grow large bulb onions, set out transplants in earlyspring, four to eight weeks before the anticipated last killingfreeze in your area. Transplants should be no larger than a leadpencil and spaced about two to three inches apart in the row.Radishes are one of the easiest vegetables to grow. They do

best when grown during cool weather with plenty of moisture.Under these conditions, they grow rapidly and produce crisp,tender roots. Many varieties are available that mature about 25days from seeding. Irish potatoes have their yield influenced by season, variety,

soil type, moisture availability and the amount of nutrientsavailable to the plant. Highest yields are obtained in years withcool temperatures and adequate moisture throughout the grow-ing season. They require a large amount of fertilizer for goodgrowth and production, Plant three to four weeks before the lastkilling frost.Spinach is a quick maturing cool-season crop of high nutri-

tional value. Some varieties mature in only 40 days when plant-ed during favorable weather.

Cabbage is also another vegetable that growsbest during cooler temperatures.

Life is Short…

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120 Main Street West • Historic Downtown Hartselle • 256-773-0825

Few days of the year are as festive as Mardi Gras. Also known as"Fat Tuesday," Mardi Gras is the annual party the night before theLenten season begins.Historically a night to indulge in food before the Lenten fasting sea-

son began a day later with Ash Wednesday, today many Mardi Grasenthusiasts are less focused on religious significance and more onrevelry. While the day still bears meaning to many Christians, it's not

uncommon to see revelers of all faiths living it up on Mardi Gras. Forthose who can't make it to New Orleans this year, the following guideshould help when hosting a Mardi Gras party at home.

AttireEven if you can't make it to the Mardi Gras celebrations in

Louisiana, you can still encourage guests to wear the colors of thecountry's most famous Mardi Gras celebration. Purple, green andgold are the official colors of Mardi Gras, and no Fat Tuesday cele-bration is complete without decorative beads. Feather masks are alsopopular Mardi Gras accessories, and hosts can encourage guests tocome to the party wearing their favorite mask to add some mystery tothe festivities.

FoodWhile Mardi Gras revelers typically flock to New Orleans for

drinks, the region's cuisine is among the most delicious in the world.When guests start arriving, serve up some Mardi Gras-inspired appe-tizers, including shrimp or crab mold, shrimp canapes or sauteedmushrooms.When it's time to ring the dinner bells, don't forget to include craw-

fish on the menu. Crawfish etouffee or crawfish stew should satisfy aguests' crawfish needs. And no Mardi Gras gathering is complete

without some delicious jambalaya, with plenty of sausage, rice,onions, celery, and the rest of the fixings that make jambalaya one ofthe region's most beloved dishes.

MusicFew cities in the world can boast the rich musical tradition of New

Orleans. Hosts can help guests get in the Mardi Gras mood by play-ing Carnival music throughout the party. Guests will no doubt take tothe dance floor as the sounds of New Orleans Mardi Gras bellowsthroughout the home. Make an Mp3 playlist exclusively for the partyand be sure to include these traditional Mardi Gras favorites:• "Big Chief, Parts 1 & 2" -- Professor Longhair• "Carnival Time" -- Al Johnson• "Iko Iko" -- The Dixie Cups• "Fire On The Bayou" -- The Neville Brothers• "Walking To New Orleans" -- Fats Domino

SafetyMardi Gras has always been a night of great celebration, and some

revelers have been known to celebrate a little too much. Fat Tuesdayhosts should prepare for such guests ahead of time by taking car keysaway from guests the moment they arrive and arranging for at leastone person in attendance to serve as the night's designated driver. Inaddition to a designated driver, keep the local cab company's phonenumber nearby should a guest need a ride while the designated driveris driving someone else home.Another safety measure is to make sure guests have alternatives to

alcohol at their disposal. If alcohol is being served, make sure there'salso soda, coffee, tea, and other beverages on hand, as well as plentyof snacks for guests who might still be hungry after dinner has beenserved.


MORGAN COUNTYMARDI GRASMORGAN COUNTYMARDI GRAS

Hartselle High School held its annual Les AmiesWinter Formal in January. Top left, the Les AmiesSenior Club members pose for a photo. Bottom left,Breana Riley and Ryan Host, Laken Hamilton andHunter McCaghren, Elisa Ferguson and Jake Kimbrill,Maela Lanier and Jacob Garrison, Audrey Smith andJosh Patterson, Cory Livingston and RylandBlankenship, Savannah Lacey and Brian Malone.Bottom right, Meghan Stephenson, Breana Riley,Abby McHugh, Katie Gentle and Chelsea Bennich.


Les Amies Winter Formal


Hartselle High School held its annual Les AmiesWinter Formal in January. Top far left, “LoveRemains the Same” was the theme of the event.Top near left, Audrey Smith and Josh Patterson posefor a picture before the event. Bottom left, Les AmiesJunior Club Members take time to pose for a photoduring the formal. Bottom right, Katelyn Hill,Elizabeth Russell and Kelsey Bonner smile for thecamera.

212 Main St. WHartselle

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60 Day Layaway

Photo courtesyof

The PortraitStudio,

Destin FL

Cookie Stoner stays busy from workingas a receptionist at her husband’s lawfirm to hosting her own talk show.


Story By Haley Aaron

Watching Cookie Stoner in action is like staring intothe heart of a whirlwind. At her husband’s law officein Decatur, the office phone rings first, and thenStoner’s cell phone follows almost immediately.Stoner juggles the two phones with a flurry ofmotion, answering with a quick “hello” for clientsand a “Hello, Dahling,” for friends.“Do you think Oprah does this?,” Stoner quips, jug-

gling phones.Well, maybe not. But then again, Oprah doesn’t host

her own talk show and answer her own phone, muchless work as a receptionist. She has people for that.Stoner answers her own phone, as well as the

phones at her husband’s Decatur law firm. It’s justanother day in the life of Cookie Stoner – reception-ist, talk show host and human whirlwind.After working in marketing and sales for several

years, Stoner became a receptionist in 2002.“I always say I came in to answer the phones and I

talked myself into a job that I couldn’t get out of,”Stoner said. “I love working here with the clients andbeing with my husband and having his back. Butthere was something missing creatively.”Stoner told her friend, Kelley Gillikin, about her

desire to find a new creative outlet.“She said, ‘What do you want to do?’ and I said, ‘I

really just want to entertain people,” Stoner said.“I’m kind of embarrassed to say that, but that’s whatI want to do.”Gillikin encouraged her to speak with a local pro-

ducer, Jurgen Beck. Stoner made the call and pitched“a fun, campy talk show.”A new show (and a cast oflocal stars) was born.

LIFE IN THE FAST LANECookie Stoner

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The show, “Cookie Logic,” comes from an expres-sion that Cookie’s husband Allen Stoner created todescribe his wife’s view or the world.“Allen’s a very, very smart guy; he’s very analytical;

he very much thinks before he speaks and he willanalyze the smallest thing,” Cookie said. “I am morethe shoot from my hip, fly by the seat of my pantskind of girl.”Naturally, they view things differently from time to

time, and when …“If it was something that made perfect sense to me

and he didn’t get it, he would say, ‘Oh, that’s CookieLogic,’” she said.In the show’s introduction, Stoner playfully acts like

a self-centered prima donna, admiring her looks in astorefront window and “strutting her stuff,” whileeveryone else walks by, paying no attention to herantics.But while she may act like a “ditzy blond” on the

show sometimes, looks can be deceiving.“A lot of what I do – acting like, ‘Oh, I’m just the

cutest or the most charming,’ – is really being ahyperbole or an exaggeration of myself,” Stoner said.“I’m not that confident or narcissistic. A lot of that isjust an act.”In fact, Stoner has a serious side that most people

don’t see, especially if they only know her throughwatching the show.“Even though I may come across very hyper or out-

going and to some, very scattered; deep down, I’mvery organized,” she said.Her organizational skills help keep the show run-

ning smoothly behind the scenes as she contactspotential sponsors and times the show’s segments,down to the 25-second goodbye sequence. While Stoner enjoys performing, she said the goal

of her cable show isn’t to be the center of attention;instead, she wants give her guests and advertiserstime to shine.“We want to give everybody their 15 minutes of

fame, but since we’re a 30 minute show, we can onlygive them 9 minutes,” she said.

Cookie Stoner hostsher own talk showcalled “Cookie Logic.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE…One customer at a time.

We can help with any of your financial needs.

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Sweets on a stick are the perfect treat. There's a pop for all seasons, all reasons. For parties, desserts, everyday and spe-cial occasions, pops are tops! They can be as simple as classic cake ball pops - crumbled cake mixed with icing, thenshaped into balls and dipped into melted candy. Or, create hundreds of other pop shapes and flavors from cake, brown-ies, cookies and crispy cereal treats.These recipes are only the beginning. "Pops! Sweets on a StickTM," a new book from Wilton, features 112 pages

packed with pops. Visit www.wilton.com to order the book, pops supplies, find recipes and much more. Pop to it!

1 box (about 18 ounces) cake mix 1 box (about 3.4 ounces) instant pudding mix4 eggs1 cup water1/3 cup vegetable oil1/2 cup Creamy White Decorator Icing1 bag (14 ounces) Candy MeltsLollipop Sticks

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray two 8-inch or 9-inch round pansor one 13 x 9 x 2-inch sheet pan with vegetable pan spray.

In large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, waterand oil; beat at medium speed with electric mixer 2 minutes.Pour into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes for roundpans; 35 to 40 minutes for sheet pan, or until toothpick insertedin center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove

from pans to cooling grid and cool completely. Divide cake inhalf; freeze one half for future use.

In large bowl, use hands to crumble cake until no largechunks remain. Add icing; mix with fingers until well combined.Form mixture into balls. Chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours.

Melt Candy Melts according to package directions. Dip sticksinto melted Candy Melts and insert into cake balls; let set.Waituntil candy is completely firm before dipping the pops com-pletely in melted Candy Melts.

Yields 48 tablespoons Makes 48 - 1-tablespoon sized cake ball pops (each about 1

1/4-inch diameter)Makes 24 - 2-tablespoon sized cake ball pops (each about 1

1/2-inch diameter)Makes 16 - 3-tablespoon sized cake ball pops (each about 1

3/4-inch diameter)

BASIC CAKE BALL POPS

MEDIUM CAKEBALL POPS

Create a rainboweffect with 3 layers ofcolor! Works with anytrio of Candy Melt col-ors, or try light, mediumand dark shades of thesame color. LightenCandy Melt colors byadding melted WhiteCandy Melts.What you will need:• Dark Cocoa, White

and any favorite colorCandy Melts, melted• Candy Color Set

(optional)Dip cake ball pops

completely in meltedcocoa or white candy;place in DecoratingStand and chill untilfirm. Create 2 shadesof each candy color byadding more or lessWhite Candy Melts, orusing Candy Colors.Dip pops in lightestcandy shade, coveringbottom 2/3; chill untilfirm. Dip pops in dark-est candy shade, cover-ing bottom 1/3; chill untilfirm.1. Start with a pop that

has already been com-pletely candy dippedand chilled as yourbase color. Dip pop 2/3deep in second color ofmelted Candy Melts.Tap and chill until set.2. Dip pop 1/3 deep in

third Candy Melt color.Tap to remove excess.3. Place pop on parch-

ment-covered cakeboard and chill untilfirm.


THE STARS ARE ALIGNED

Each serves 11 box (18 ounces) yellow cake mix Eggs, water and vegetable oil to make mixCookie Treat SticksYellow, Blue, Orange, Green* and Red Candy Melts

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray Silicone Star PopsMold with vegetable pan spray.

In large bowl, prepare cake mix following packageinstructions. Pour into prepared mold supported bycookie sheet, filling cavities 2/3 full; insert sticks.

Bake 16 to 21 minutes or until toothpick inserted incenter comes out clean. Cool in mold 20 minutes;remove from mold to cooling grid and cool complete-ly.

Melt Candy Melts in disposable decorating bags.Cut tip of bag and pipe top, bottom and middle starswith melted candy; let set. Pipe remaining 2 stars; letset. Pipe outline details using melted candy.

*Mix green and yellow candy for green shown inphoto.

TRY TRIFOCALS!Each serves 1Medium Cake Ball PopsWhite, Red, Orange and Green Candy Melts, meltedGarden Candy Color Set (black used)Candy Eyeballs, spice drops, banana-shaped hard candies

Dip cake balls in melted candy. Place in Decorating Stand; chill until firm.With pointy knife, cut small holes insides of cake balls for ears. Insert banana candy, securing with melted candy. Cut small piece of spice dropand shape for nose. Attach nose and eyes with melted candy. Pipe black tinted candy mouth, let set. Pipewhite candy dot teeth.

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COCOA KABOBS

Each serves 1Small and Medium Cake Balls,* not on sticksLight Cocoa and White Candy Melts, meltedTurtle Crunch, Cookies 'N Cream Crunch, toastedcoconut, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips11 3/4-inch Lollipop Sticks

Dip cake ball pops in melted candy. Roll in various top-pings. Let set on parchment-covered cake board. Usemelted candy in disposable decorating bag to pipe a ringof candy about 4 inches from end of stick; chill until firm,then overpipe. Place sticks on parchment-covered cakeboard until firm. Slide four cake balls onto preparedsticks, alternating sizes.

*2 cake balls each size per kabob.

Morningside of Decatur is a close-knit community of neighborsready to welcome you into their newly renovated home. Ourresidents love living here because Morningside is more than justa place to live - it's a place for living!

Share your experiences, participate in social and recreationalactivities and see what makes Morningside special. Stop bytoday for a complimentary lunch and tour.

Morningside, Decatur’s finest Assisted Living, just got a makeover, and we’re inviting you to stop by for a visit!

A Fresh New Look at Morningside

PetFriendly

2115 Point Mallard Drive SEDecatur, AL 35601

256-350-0089©2010 Five Star Quality Care, Inc.

March 5

Tiger Roar RunThe inaugural Crestline Tiger Roar Run will

be held Saturday, March 5, beginning at 8:30a.m. at Crestline Elementary School.Entry fee is $20 before Feb. 25 and $25

afterward for the 5k run.The fun run entry fee is $10. All 5k entries

include a T-shirt. For more information, pleasecontact Angel Rollins (256-751-0646 [email protected]), Nanette Pride (256-256-2274405 [email protected]) or EricaStewart (256-698-5780) or [email protected])

March 10

Social Media WorkshopThe Women's Business Center of North

Alabama (WBCNA), the Rural MorganCounty Industrial Development Board(RMCIDB), and the Hartselle Chamber ofCommerce have partnered to offer a SocialMedia Workshop entitled, "Linked In andTwitter Small Business Boot Camp," onThursday, March 10, from 1-4:30 p.m. atHartselle Utilities. Cost to attend is $25.Register online by visiting the WBCNACalendar at www.wbcna.org. Contact ChrisGattis at [email protected] or TinaBennett at [email protected]; or callWBCNA at 256-535-2094 with questions.

March 17

Neil Berg's "101 Years of Broadway" Princess Theatre Center for the Performing

Arts--Following the enthusiastic response tolast season’s hit "100 Years of Broadway,"Berg now brings his all new production, to thePrincess. For more information, log on towww.princesstheatre.org.

March 25

Gospel ConcertHartselle Parks and Recreation is hosting a

gospel concert on March 25 featuring the soulriveting sounds of New Ground, Strait-Way, andGlory Road Quartet. Advance tickets are avail-able at the civic center for only $10. Tickets willbe $15 at the door the night of the concert. Theshow will start at 7 p.m.

April 7

Big Band Bash XVIIITheatre for the Performing Arts, 112 2nd Ave.

NE--Benefit concert celebrating the talents ofAlabama musicians playing the classic big bandsounds. The event showcases the best jazz bandsfrom area school and around the state. For moreinformation, log on to www.princesstheatre.orgor call 256-340-1778.

April 8-10

Morgan County Home & Garden ShowMake plans now to participate in the 2011

Morgan County Home & Garden Show, April 8-10 at Morgan County Celebration Arena. Thisevent is being organized by the Decatur-MorganCounty Chamber, , Decatur Morgan CountyConvention & Visitors Bureau, Hartselle AreaChamber, Morgan County Celebration Arenaand Morgan County Homebuilders Association.For sponsorship information and details onbooth space, please call (256) 584-6725 or logon to www.hartsellechamber.com.

April 9-10

Alabama Chicken and Egg FestivalMoulton Lion's Club Fairgrounds will host a

two day family festival where everythingrevolves around cool live Americana and Bluesmusic, chickens and eggs. egg roulette, chicken

wing eating contest, hard boiled egg eating con-test, egg toss, and egg drop, are just a few of thecontests. The live exotic chicken display will beenlarged this year to accomodate a new chickenshow. Arts & Crafts, Motorcycle Chicken Run,Agriculture Photo Contest, and an excellenthands-on children's area continue to be crowdfavorites. Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-5p.m. For more information, call 256-905-0700or log on towww.AlabamaChickenandEggFestival.com.

April 10

Art Studio 5KHartselle Art Studio and Gallery will sponsor a

5K and 1-mile fun run Sunday, April 10, at 3p.m. beginning at Hartselle Fine Arts Center.The run will benefit its Art Scholarship Fund.

April 9-May 15

Cullman Dogwood & Azalea Driving TourCullman's Historic Districts--Tour two of

Cullman's historic districts at the height of floralbeauty. Maps available at Cullman CountyMuseum, 211 Second Ave. NE and the CullmanArea Chamber of Commerce, 301 2nd AVE SW.Sponsored by the Cullman County HistoricalSociety. For more information, call 256 734-0454.

April 22

Cottontail Classic Midnight 5kThe City of Hartselle is hosting its Inaugural

Cottontail Classic Midnight 5K on Friday, April22 at midnight. The race will begin at CrestlineElementary at 600 Crestline Drive and is run ona flat, certified course. The fee is $20 if paid byApril 15. If paid after that date, the fee is $25.T-shirts will be given to the first 100 to register.A last minute registration is planned on the nightof the race beginning at 10:30 p.m.

Out & About

Calendar of events

RaJane C. Hampton, ABRAssoc. Broker/Co Owner

Four Oaks Realty & Auction725 Main Street West

Hartselle, AL 35640Office: (256) 502-9905

Cell: (256) 476-6156Email: [email protected]

www.rajane.comEACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.

– Tickets available at the Center –Call 256-773-4046 for additional information

&Annual Benefit Dinner Silent Auction

April 30, 2011Silent Auction SNEAK PREVIEW April 29th 6:30-9:00pm

Out & About

Calendar of events

April 22-23

Athens Best Buckin' BBQ CookoffLimestone County Sheriff's Rodeo Arena--

State Championship and KCBS sanctioned bar-beque cookoff. Live music, great food, children'sactivities and more. 10 a.m.-until. For moreinformation, call 256-603-5251 or log on towww.bestbuckinbbq.org. Admission charged.

April 23

Kiwanis Easter Egg HuntCome hopping down the bunny trail to the

Kiwanis Annual Easter Egg Hunt. It will be inSparkman Park between the baseball fields andthe pavilions on April 23 at 10:00 a.m.. Thehunt is opened to children of all abilities. Therewill be prize eggs in each division. (Ages 0-2,3-5, 6-8, and 9-10) This is a free event.

Easter Dog Bone HuntBring Spot and Rover to get in on the Easter

excitement at the Annual Dog Bone Hunt. It’sjust like an egg hunt for the kids but it’s a bonehunt for the dogs!! The event will be in thepavilion area of Sparkman Park on April 23beginning at 1:00 p.m. Please bring a bag to takehome the bones. We will be judging the dogs inthe following categories: cutest dog, mostunusual dog, best Easter costume, biggest dog,smallest dog, most vocal dog, and looks mostlike owner. All dogs must be on a leash. Onedog per person please. This is a free event.

Hee Haw Variety ShowA. W. Todd Coliseum--Come out and enjoy

Lawrence County's version of "Hee Haw".Music and comedy acts performed by the citi-zens of Lawrence County. Admission will be adonation to The American Cancer Society. 5p.m. For more information, call 256-565-0820.

April 27-30

Racking Horse Spring CelebrationMorgan County Celebration Arena--Second

largest Racking Horse Show in the U.S. withentries from 25 states competing for honorsand cash prizes. 6 p.m. For more information,call 800-524-6181 or log on to www.decatur-cvb.org.

April 30

Fine Arts Center Dinner and SilentAuctionThe Hartselle Fine Arts Center will have its

annual benefit dinner and silent auction April30 at the Arts Center. Silent auction begins at5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Ticketsare available at the Arts Center. For moreinformation or to purchase a ticket, please call256-773-4046.

The HartselleKiwanis EggHunt will beApril 23 atSparkmanPark.

The last word

“No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.“

- - English Proverb


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