2010 Progress

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PROGRESS 2010

A city that’s proud of the past‌. and building for the future Fine recreational opportunities that include a city swimming pool, tennis courts, ball fields and beautiful parks Highly acclaimed city school system situated on one of the most beautiful campuses in the state Working to provide better services with a new fire station, industrial park with spec building and a renewed effort to revitalize downtown

Contact Russellville City Hall at 256-332-6060 PROGRESS 2010

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Madden’s ultrasound offers first glimpse of baby

By Melissa Cason melissa.cason@franklincountytimes.com You’ve just discovered you are expecting a new baby. It could be your first, second or third child — it really doesn’t matter.

The excitement grows every day as the baby begins to develop, but it will still be months before you hold your little bundle of joy in your arms.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t see your baby grow.

Decades ago, expecting mothers were overjoyed just to hear their baby’s heartbeat, but today, as technology has evolved, so has the way mothers, and fathers, bond with their unborn child.

Angelique Madden has been an ultrasound technologist for 17 years, and in that time, she has introduced countless parents to their unborn baby via ultrasound.

While Madden is trained to conduct ultrasounds for everything, she opened Little Blessings 3D Imaging for expectant parents.

“I’ve been open here for about a year,” Madden said. “It’s going very well. It’s amazing to see the excitement the parents have.”

Madden said her patients come in for gender determination and for the 3D ultrasound later on in their pregnancy.

“I do a lot of gender determination,” Madden said. “Expectant parents just can’t seem to wait to find out if they are having a boy or a girl.”

Madden said gender can be determined by 16 weeks gestation, but obstetricians wait until the 20 week mark to perform a second ultrasound.

“The ultrasound is done at 20 weeks to measure the baby’s growth so it’s really more than just to determine the baby’s gender,” Madden said. “But, learning the baby’s gender is what parents look forward to the most.”

Madden said her 3D ultrasound is also very popular with parents.

“A lot of times grandparents and greatgrandparents accompany the moms and

Contributed This 3D image from Little Blessings offers parents a glimpse of their child’s face months before it leaves the womb. dads for the ultrasound and everyone’s reaction is amazement.”

Madden said the new parents are amazed by their baby’s growth and the excitement of seeing the baby for the first time even though birth is still months away. The grandparents and great-grandparents are a different story.

“Decades ago all parents got to do is hear the baby’s heartbeat,” Madden said.

“Ultrasounds were rarely done even as recent as 30 years ago. So grandparents

are just amazed they can see the baby’s growth instead of just hearing the baby’s heartbeat.”

Madden said she enjoys introducing new baby’s to their parents and grandparents before birth.

“Having the ultrasounds done is something parents can’t put off because once the baby’s born, the opportunity to get pre-birth pictures is over and can’t be reproduced, and I’m happy to be a part of that,” Madden said.

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Nurse finds satisfaction with labor and delivery

By Melissa Cason melissa.cason@franklincountytimes.com Childbirth is considered one of the most difficult experiences a woman can face.

With a good support system and a calm atmosphere, however, many women meet their newborns with tears and a joyful heart.

In most cases, the labor and delivery nurse is the centerpiece of a new mother’s support system.

Registered Nurse Tina Law is one of four labor and delivery nurses at Russellville Hospital. In her 19 years of nursing, she has assisted with thousands of deliveries.

Law said she knew she wanted to become a labor and delivery nurse as soon as she made the decision to enter nursing school. “I knew I wanted to work in labor and delivery because of my nurses I had while having my own children,� Law said. “Having been through childbirth twice before becoming a nurse, I understood what a difference having a good nurse can make for the mothers and the rest of the family.�

Since earning her nursing degree from the Northwest Shoals Community College Nursing Program in 1990, Law began working at Russellville Hospital and doesn’t plan to make any changes in her employment. “I really enjoy working with the doctors here, and I really love working in Russellville,� Law said. “It’s a really good place to work.�

Law assists with 300 to 500 deliveries each year, and finds working with new moms rewarding and very satisfying. “It’s mostly happy stuff,� Law said. “When things go bad, it’s devastating, but thank God those occasions are very few and far between.�

Law said she enjoys being a part of something so special for each family.

Law said there is really no specific job for labor and delivery nurses because each nurse has to jungle different duties such as tending to the new babies in the nursery, assisting mothers with their recovery, caring for the babies after cesarean sections, and helping them nurse their new babies. “My favorite part is helping with the breastfeeding,� Law said. “It’s a real satisfying feeling helping new moms nurse their babies.�

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PROGRESS 2010

Jonathan Willis/FCT Labor and delivery nurse Tina Law tends to one of Franklin County’s newest residents.

Law said the new babies are so special and sweet. But, it’s a big job keeping them happy when the nursery is full. “Sometimes you can walk in the nursery and see us holding a baby and charting at the same time,� Law said. “Trust me; those babies get plenty of attention from us while they are with us.�

Helping new dads is also a part of helping the families during the childbirth process. “One guy hit the floor right on his face,�

Law remembers. “It’s usually the big guys that do the fainting. The ones you wouldn’t expect.�

While Law loves her job, it’s not all fun and games. She said once a mom is in active labor, it’s a fulltime job being with her and helping her through everything, whatever happens. “Knowing what to do and when to do it is a big part of our job,� Law said.

Law said if there is a situation with a baby, the hospital has a pediatrician attend the delivery, but in uncomplicated deliveries, the nurses provide the baby’s initial care.

“The first two minutes of a baby’s life is the most critical,� Law said.

Law said she feels like the babies are in total shock when they come into the world. “Imagine having a confined space, and suddenly, you can move your arms and legs out, “ Law said. “I’m sure it shocks them. It would anybody.�

Law said the nurses work quickly to get the babies evaluated, bundled up and given back to mom as soon as possible. “About 95 percent of our births are healthy babies,� the nurse said. “It’s because our obstetricians work hard to detect problems before delivery. It really makes a difference.�

Law said after 19 years of nursing, she still runs into family members or former patients who remember her for her care during the birth a new baby. “It’s amazing the people who come up to you and say ‘you helped me deliver my baby’ or ‘you were my sister’s labor and delivery nurse’. There’s just no better feeling in the world.�

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Babies of 2009

2009 Welcomes Several New Additions to Franklin County

Madison Fretwell

Olivia Rae Mixon

Ava Claire Moses

Chloe Rayne James

Birth date: July 30, 2009 Parents: Tyler & Sarah Fretwell Grandparents: Ronald & Renee Fretwell, John & Kim Boston

Birth date: September 8, 2009 Parents: William & Sena Mixon Grandparents: Deb & John Holland, Dolly & Dan Lyon, David & Nancy Mixon

Birth date: October 15, 2009 Parents: Megan & Drew Moses Grandparents: Roger Hooker & Robin Childers, Jill & Gary Harris and the Late Phillip Moses

Birth date: July 28, 2009 Parents: Brandon “Booper� & Tonya James Grandparents: Ray Yocom & the Late Gladys Yocom, Kenneth & Sandra James

Colton David Martin

Abigail Victoria Whatley

Isabella Rose Malone

Brayden Andrew Nelson

Birth date: September 27, 2009 Parents: David & Leanne Martin Grandparents: Sammy & Barbara Stults, Wade & Sherry Martin 6

Birth date: November 11, 2009 Parents: Chris & Jennifer Hill Whatley Grandparents: Jim & Vickie Hill, Kerry & Judy Whatley

Birth date: October 16, 2009 Parents: Bradley & Melanie Malone Grandparents: The Late Ralph Malone & Joyce Malone, Stratton & Judy Barnes

Birth date: July 4, 2010 Parents: J.B. & Jennifer Nelson Grandparents: Lloyd & Machelle Williams, Connie Sears

PROGRESS 2010

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Baseball Complex, Dismal Cayon, Close proxinity for area lakes

Great Schools

Kindergarten - 12th grade school, part of Franklin County System, Home of the Northwest-Shoals Community College, the state first public junior college.

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PROGRESS 2010

We welcome business and industries and invite everyone to come be a vital part of our growing community.

Please call City Hall for more information 205-993-5313 7

Breaking the bank: newborns are expensive

By Melissa Cason melissa.cason@franklincountytimes.com While new babies don’t really need a whole lot, anyone who’s welcomed home a new baby can tell you making room for your new baby takes more work than imaginable.

Making the room for the new baby can be a daunting task. What does the baby really need? What will you, as a new parent, really need to care for your infant?

These questions are harder to answer than you think. Just visit your local baby aisle if you have any doubts.

Let’s start with the nursery.

The baby’s room should be a welcoming environment.

According to national retailers, each piece of baby furniture will cost at least $150 each.

Of course, if you’re a thrifty shopper, deals can be found. On the other hand, there are higher-end baby furnishings, and there really isn’t a price cap on the amount that could be spent on these furnishings.

The main piece of furniture for this room is the baby’s crib.

While several other pieces of furniture can go into this room, the crib is the focal point of the room, since it is where your baby will sleep.

The most popular cribs are the convertible cribs that grow with your child. These cribs turn into a toddler bed and then into a full sized bed for you older child.

These cribs begin at about $250, but can be used throughout your child’s life.

Some families opt to use older cribs. If you plan to use an older crib, be sure to research current safety guidelines to make sure the crib is as safe as possible.

Now on to the other furnishings your

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baby might need.

Will you need a changing table, and other baby furnishings?

Only the individual parent can answer this question, and depends on how much time you plan to spend in your baby’s room. Most parents don’t spend a large number of hours in there, so it may be more economical to use the crib as a changing table.

Another major purchase for your new baby is the car seat and carrier system.

Many stores stock travel systems, which combine a carrier car seat and a stroller large enough to get your child through his or her toddler years.

While many parents opt to purchase the travel systems, carriers and other car seats can be purchased separately. Travel systems run about $200 for each system while car seats or carriers cost around $90 depending on the model.

Again bargains can be found, but it will take a thrifty shopper to find them.

Now that the major purchases have been taken care of, now it’s time to find clothing for your new baby.

Babies do a lot of sleeping in the early months so sleepers, onesies, and other sleep-time clothing are more economical for the first few months.

If parents look closely and research different stores, a new baby can be outfitted for about $150, which includes several receiving blankets, towels, washcloths and other needed items.

Again, there is no real price cap on baby items. Parents can spend a fortune in preparation for the new baby, or they can get by with the neccessities for about $600.

This price does not include diapers, feeding items, or the smaller items.

It only includes the furnishings, travel system and clothing.

Now that you have welcomed your new bundle of joy, parents will find that the baby’s first years will cost more than some would expect.

DIAPERS The first thing we associate with babies is diapers. Over the course of the next year, the average child will go through thousands of diapers.

On average, regardless of brand, most diapers cost about $10 per pack. How many packs a baby goes through per week depends on the baby’s size.

Experts say that parents change about six to ten diapers per day on average. So, parents can expect to spend about $15 per week on diapers.

Expect to pay around $1,000 for diapers the first year.

FORMULA While breast milk is considered by experts to be the best, and most economical choice, many parents opt for formula to feed their baby.

On average, formula costs about $5 per day to feed a new baby, which totals $1,840 for the first year.

Assistance is available for families that qualify to help offset the cost of formula.

When the baby gets older, solid foods will be added to your baby’s diet. Since, there are different types of baby food, and introducing soft table foods is an option, there is really no way to get an approximate cost of feeding other than formula costs.

OVERALL COST So with the basic cost of diapers and formula, the average cost of a baby’s first year, not including medical expenses and clothing expenses, the tab can add up to about $3,000.

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There is much to consider in choosing child care

By Melissa Cason melissa.cason@franklincountytimes.com Most families in our country today are two income families, which means that when families add a new baby into the mix, a decision about childcare has to be made.

There are several options to explore when it comes to who will look after your little one. There’s daycare, babysitters and preschools.

Becky Barnett is the director of Mars Hill Preschool in Russellville. For nearly 20 years, she has seen children come through her program before they enter kindergarten.

“We try to give each student age-appropriate activities, and everything is structured,” Barnett said. “It seems the children thrive better under a structured environment, and I believe the structure helps them in elementary school because they know what to expect.”

Mars Hill accepts children at age three, and Barnett said the average child goes to kindergarten at five or six.

“We have several children now who are turning six this year, but we also have parents who have opted not to send their children to school until age six,” Barnett said.

“In the older classes, we help give them skills needed for kindergarten.”

Melissa Cason/FCT Pre-schools offer affordable and educational opportunities for young parents in Franklin County.

Barnett said contrary to popular belief, every child who attends preschool cannot read when they enter school.

“We help them with their sounds and other

important skills, and some children can read when they leave here, but not every child will be able to read when entering kindergarten,” Barnett said.

Preschools are different from daycares and babysitters. According to nationally published information, daycares offer a structured environment as well, and some do teach the children with different lessons.

Babysitters, on the other hand, are just thatsomeone to watch your child while you work.

Some babysitters do make a conscience effort to teach the children skills, but that would be up to the individual sitter.

As for the cost, babysitters’ rates vary from sitter to sitter. Some work at very economical rates while others may charge more.

Another thing to consider when choosing a caregiver is the number of children that will be there with your child. Are there enough caregivers to ensure all of the children are cared for?

On the other hand, daycares and preschools cost about the same. Expect to spend about $100 per week in childcare if you opt to use these facilities.

Regardless of what form of childcare you choose, experts say it’s important for the parents to do their homework and thoroughly check out the facility or caregiver.

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PROGRESS 2010

Franklin County offers several pre-school options

By Kellie Singleton For the FCT In today’s society, and especially in today’s economy, it is a growing trend for young mothers to pursue the careers they had before having children.

The declining market and rising costs have many families feeling the need for two incomes instead of one. This is even more true for those who are trying to manage as a single parent.

But when this situation presents itself, the next thought on parents’ minds is usually, “What will our children do while we’re at work?”

Franklin County Juvenile Probation Officer Kevin Strickland and his wife found themselves asking that same question.

“We both work and had to have some form of reliable childcare,” Strickland said. “It had been our experience in using private daycare that sometimes the daycare worker would not be available to keep our child during the workday, and we would have to find our own care for that day.”

So what does a parent do when he or she wants to provide for their children by providing a sufficient income, but they are uncertain of how those same children will be cared for in the mean time?

The answer for many parents is preschool.

“Reliable childcare was our number one reason for enrolling our child in preschool,” Strickland said. “But in speaking with several kindergarten teachers, we learned that children who are in a structured preschool program performed better and had less trouble adapting to the public school setting.”

To a parent, it almost seems too good to be true that your child can be adequately cared for while also learning important lessons and skills to prepare them for their future.

But this is exactly what preschool offers.

“We felt preschool gives the child a chance to learn socialization skills without us micromanaging their behavior,” Strickland said. “They learn to interact independently with other children, and they are more com-

Melissa Cason/FCT Preschools offer Franklin County residents an opportunity to give their children a head start on elementary school. There are several preschool options in Franklin County. fortable and relaxed at school and thus able to learn better.”

Even with the advantages, a parent’s decision to send his or her child to preschool can still be a big decision to make.

According to Strickland, he and his wife considered factors such as class size, location, price and consistency in staff before they chose a preschool for their child.

Franklin County has a few options for preschools right here in the county.

Mars Hill is located on N. Lawrence St. in Russellville. They are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

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They can be contacted at (256) 331-2731 for additional information about the facility and prices.

Another option for low-income families is Head Start, located in Russellville on Highway 80. This preschool program is free to those who qualify. They are in operation Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information call (256) 3329370.

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Tapp is dancing into her future at a young age

By Nathan Strickland nathan.strickland@franklincountytimes.com Ambitious and fearless are the two words that best describe Taylor Jo Tapp.

Even though this bright and enthusiastic young lady is only 11 years old, the sixth grader believes she has already figured out her life’s journey.

“I want to go to Alabama and be on the Crimson Cabaret and graduate with a business degree so I can open up my own dance studio,” she said.

Tapp describes herself as “bubbly” and “hyper” compared to most students her age.

“At my old school my nickname was bubbles because of my personality,” she said.

“I’m hardly ever down or sad, I try to have fun, I don’t like to be bored.”

The sixth grader is very involved in extracurricular activities. As a member of a competition dance team, Tapp spends six hours each week concentrating on performing routines for future events.

Even though she is at a young age, there are already things Tapp misses from her childhood.

“Man I wish we still had naptime,” she said. “I use to hate naptime, but now by sixth period I’m like lets take a nap.”

Tapp transferred from Colbert Heights to Russellville to, according to her, follow her dreams. “I really love it over here better,” she said. “It’s a whole lot different from what I’m use to.”

But when she takes a look at where she came from, there are some things she misses.

“We had a playground at my old school and we got to do whatever, I had my aunt as a teacher so it was fun,” she said. “I miss my friends the most, but we still get to keep in touch.”

Russellville Middle School drama teacher Patrice Smith said Tapp has the personality to overcome any situation.

“It's difficult for any student to change schools, but the middle school years are especially trying,” Smith said. “She had to make new friends, although with her outgoing personality, I am not too sure how difficult that really was for her.

“Also she had to get used to a new school system. Russellville carries a distinctive expectation for its students. We value a rich tradition of excellence that I am sure she

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Nathan Strickland/FCT Taylor Jo Tapp moved from Colbert Heights to Russellville to help her persue her dream of becoming a dancer. picked up on the minute she stepped into our school,” Smith said. “It's just all about being able to get used to a new environment. Frankly, I think she did quite well.”

Smith said Tapp could probably be anything she wants to be when she grows up.

“She is quick to give help to others in her class and cares nothing for status or ability.

She will be one of those kids that no matter what she chooses to do, she will be successful,” Smith said. “She is well mannered and polite; in the South we call that being ‘raised right.’ I know her parents are so

proud of her.”

Tapp’s brother, Thorn, is in the third grade at RES and, according to her, wants to be an Auburn football player one day. She said her parents, Katrina Latham and Jimbo Tapp, believe that Russellville will help her and her brother achieve the goals they have set for themselves.

“Since Russellville is a bigger school and has a dance line my parents believe that I will have a better chance at getting recognized and it will help me do what I really want to do,” she said.

PROGRESS 2010

Moving on: RES student tackles switch to RMS

By Nathan Strickland nathan.strickland@franklincountytimes.com Many grade-level school systems are setup differently. Some are strictly kindergarten through 12 in one single building; others may have two buildings to hold the load of students.

But when people go to visit Russellville’s school system, some have been known to mistake it as a college campus.

Russellville city schools are spaced out into four separate institutions. Each of them has their own rules and methods on how to run the school.

John Pierce, 10, is a fifth grader at Russellville Elementary. He wants to be a professional baseball player when he grows up.

But before he can do that, he must conquer switching schools. Next year, Pierce will have to switch buildings and head to Russellville Middle so he can attend the sixth grade.

“I’m a little bit nervous, but I’m kind of excited too, just to get over there and try to get to trade classes,” Pierce said. “We already trade here into two classes, but over there you get to trade into like six different classes.”

Pierce says there are things he will miss, but he will be glad to have other opportunities.

“I will probably miss all the parties we get to have here, because you won’t get to have as many over there,” he said. “But I am looking forward to more freedoms I get to have.”

Russellville Elementary fifth grade teacher Monica Balding said she has a few fears about her students moving up.

“My greatest fear for them is being able to handle the responsibilities of six different teachers, six sets of expectations of classroom procedures, remembering locker combinations and dressing out for P.E. class,” she said. “I am encouraged though because we swap classes here now so they at least have the experience of getting from one place to the other.”

Nathan Strickland/FCT Russellville fifth-grader John Pierce is eager to move to Russellville Middle School and tackle the challenges that await him there.

Overall, Balding believes the campus blueprint teaches students things they will face in the future. “ I think what we have here is special in that they go to the middle school with the same 200 kids that they have spent kindergarten through fifth grade with, so at least personalities that are around them are nothing new,” Balding said. “ I love the fact that they have to transition to somewhere new and have to learn the lay of the land again, where the restrooms are and what the lunch rules are. This prepares them for

going out to the real world and figuring out their way around.”

Balding said children who have stayed in one building their entire grade school career are at a disadvantage.

“If they had spent all of their career in one facility, I think a transition to a college situation where each class you take is in a separate building on most campuses, that learning to find your way around experience, I don’t think others have had as much experience as our kids have, so I see that as a positive,” Balding said.

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PROGRESS 2010

Hill sees varsity football, driving in his teen years

By Nathan Strickland nstrickland @franklincountytimes.com Stepping into the teen years can be scary. A little thing called puberty starts to set in and the realization of responsibilities becomes more real.

But there are always advantages and disadvantages in the circle of life relating to situations that contribute to one’s growth as a person.

Russellville eighth grader Chris Hill said hopefully his passion for football would take him places.

“I like playing football, that is pretty much all I play,” he said.

“I’d like to go pro in football someday. I also play a little bit of basketball here and there and I like to ride my bike.”

Hill, 13, comes off as a real modest character when he meets someone for the first time.

Hill thinks of himself as being quiet, but willing to help anyone if they need it.

Once he gets to know a person and sheds his nervousness he opens up and acts just like any other kid his age. Hill will head to Russellville High School next year with hopes to play on the varsity football team.

“I might get to play with the varsity next year,” Hill said.

“Coach Gilmer told me I was good enough to go ahead and play at the varsity level, but that decision is totally up to the coaches. If not then I’ll just play for the ninth grade team.”

The soft-spoken teenager would like to have a Ford truck when he becomes old enough to drive. Hill said he believes he will be a good driver when it comes time for him to get behind the wheel.

Hill’s father, William, is a military man and has been a great influence in his life.

“My dad serves as a chaplin in the military,” he said. “He goes around and preaches to anyone who might want or need it. He might get sent over to Afghanistan pretty soon. There he will be working in hospitals where he will be fixing air conditioning and refrigeration units.”

Hill said he has had to grow up fast and take care of the family since his dad has been away.

“It’s like I have to act older and take care of my mom and little

PROGRESS 2010

Nathan Strickland/FCT Chris Hill, 13, looks forward to the day he can swap his bicycle for a car. brother since my dad isn’t here,” he said.

Hill’s father got to come home for two weeks during Christmas and New Year’s, but headed back after the short visit. Hill said he is glad his father got to come home, but wishes he could stay home for a little while longer.

Hill’s father is scheduled to return sometime in February.

Hill’s mother, Malina, believes her son is in a class of his own.

She said even though she was partial because Chris is her son, she believes he is one of the most respectful kids around.

“I am proud of him. He is just a real good kid,” she said. “From the time I was pregnant with my younger son, Dion, Chris has always just been smart and picks things up real easy.”

Malina said since her husband has been gone, Hill has really matured for his age.

“It means a lot to me that Chris is here, if it would have just been me then there would have been a lot of things not get done that I was not able to do by myself.”

In 2007, a drunk driver hit Hill, his mother and his little brother.

The wreck was a head-on collision, which pinned Malina and Hill inside the car.

Malina said that event brought Chris and his younger brother closer.

“Dion did everything he could to get me and Chris out of the

car,” Malina said. “Since then, Chris has seen how much Dion loved him and since that time, Chris has taken it upon himself to take care of the family.”

Hill said the event changed his way of looking at things.

“We were hurt pretty bad.

Chris was in a wheelchair and I couldn’t walk, but we got through it,” Malina said. “One time, well this will show you what kind of kid he is, even though he was in a wheelchair — he had a broke ankle and broken right arm — he knew I couldn’t do anything and I am usually up doing all sorts of things.

“I tried to get up and do something and Chris turned to me and said not to worry about it.

He knew he was going to be able to walk before me, and he said once I get out of this wheelchair you won’t have to worry about anything anymore and that is just what kind of kid he is and he is still that way today,” Malina said.

Hill said if football didn’t work out he would like to work in a church or be a surgeon.

For now, Hill takes things one day at a time and anxiously waits for the day to come when he will be able to drive.

15

Kamri Sears gets taste of big life at young age

By Scot Beard scot.beard@franklincountytimes.com One of the lessons learned as we grow older is that some things are not as easy as they once were.

Tharptown eighth-grader Kamri Sears is finding out that holds true for basketball.

Sears dominated the youth leagues of Franklin County and spent her seventhgrade season playing for the ninth-grade team.

This year the 13-year-old made the move to the varsity squad and found out it is a much different game.

"We didn't run, lift weights or work out (in youth league)," Sears said. "When we ran it

was because we wanted to."

She said not only has the work load changed, but the level of competition is better.

"In seventh grade I wasn't used to getting my shots blocked," Sears said. "Against R.A. Hubbard I had my shot blocked three or four times."

Sears' size - she is the tallest player on the Tharptown varsity squad - was an advantage for her in youth leagues because she could establish herself under the basket to score and grab rebounds.

Unfortunately she is not very tall compared to players on other varsity teams she is only five-foot-six-inches tall.

Sears got a good taste of what she used to

Scot Beard/FCT Tharptown’s Kamri Sears is a seventh grader who just finished her first season of competition at the varsity level.

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do to youth league opponents when she played against Belgreen earlier this season. Belgreen has several players who are bigger than Sears and she said the player that intimidated her most was six-footer Brooke Davis.

"I looked up at her and thought she would kill me," Sears said. "I knew the only way I was going to score was by out running them."

Sears said even the fans are different.

She was a member of the county championship youth league team last season and few people outside of friends and family paid little attention to the accomplishment.

Sears said even her time on the ninth-grade team was spent in relative anonymity.

When Tharptown won the area title, she said everybody noticed.

"On varsity everybody knows you," Sears said.

Of course, that recognition comes with a price.

She said it is more difficult to plan vacations during the summer because of workouts and summer games. Even her school day has changed a bit.

"When you come up to varsity, your friends might be in P.E., but you have to come up here and work," Sears said. "I don't get to see them very much."

That street goes both ways.

The age difference between Sears and her teammates means she did not have the opportunity to forge strong friendships with them in the classroom. That lack of familiarity occasionally makes Sears feel like an outsider.

"I feel awkward being in my grade," Sears said. "It feels different because I don't hardly see (her teammates). When we’re at practice we don't talk as much."

In time, however, Sears' classmates will catch up with her on the varsity squad. By then she will no longer be the outsider trying to find her place on the squad.

She will be the skilled veteran that will try to lead the program - and her friends deep into the playoffs.

"By my senior year I will be a lot better," Sears said.

Until then, Sears will have to endure the growing pains that every young teenager must endure. Her skills might have earned her an early slot on the varsity squad, but even this young phenom can't jump ahead in time.

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PROGRESS 2010

Area teens find old, new ways to pass the time

By Nathan Strickland nathan.strickland@franklincountytimes.com A few years ago, teens that had just gotten their license could not wait to “Ride the Strip” or “Kick the Loop” while hanging with friends and having a good time.

These days, rules have been enforced in downtown Russellville and speed bumps have been installed at the Chevron/McDonalds in Red Bay. The video game and Internet revolutions have seemed to take over the lives of teens throughout Franklin County. With the rise of social networks like MySpace, Facebook and Twitter, teens stay either glued to their computers at home or to their high-tech cell phones.

But there are those who like to get out every once in a while.

Tyler Medina, 15, attends Belgreen High School. He said there is just not a lot to do in this area.

“We usually just hang out, travel to Florence or just stick around Belgreen or Russellville,” he said. “We mostly just play ball and occasionally roll yards and that’s pretty much it.”

Medina is involved in several Belgreen High School sports including basketball, baseball and track.

“There is really not much to do around here other than school sports,” Medina said.

Red Bay High School senior Brooke Wood heads to another state to hang out with her friends.

“A lot of people around here like to go shopping in Tupelo, Miss.” she said. “We also just like to ride around and stay in town. Most of the people I go to school with like to stop at Big Star and hang out.”

Wood, 17, has gotten to the point in her life where relationships play a factor in a teenager’s life.

Nathan Strickland/FCT Russellville’s Kadin Pounders spends his down time helping out with church activities. He even goes on mission trips, like the one pictured above in Costa Rica.

“Most of my friends have boyfriends so we are mostly with them,” Wood said. “We don’t hang out as often as we use too.”

Some teens get involved with organized groups to have fun.

Russellville High School sophomore Kadin Pounders hangs out with his church family.

“I like being involved with my youth group at church,” he said. “We usually go to World Changers every year. I have been four years in a row and it is really fun.”

Pounders, 15, likes to go on mission trips to help the less fortunate.

“I have been on a lot of mission trips, but I got a chance to go to Costa Rica last sum-

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mer,” he said. “I got to help a missionary build a building for children in the area. We also dug out a water well so the kids could have clean running water to drink.”

In Russellville, Pounders plays for the Russellville Golden Tiger football team. He said some of the kids he goes to school with do different things.

“My friends and I hang out and go to basketball games in the winter. We also like to play video games, get on the computer and play a little football at ‘Porkchop’ during the offseason,” he said. “I know of some guys and girls who hang out in the Wal-Mart parking lot before going home at night.”

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PROGRESS 2010

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Teens look to trade buses for personal vehicles

By Nathan Strickland nathan.strickland@franklincountytimes.com There are many transportation methods kids use to get to school.

Parents that have to be at work early usually resort to putting their kids on the school bus.

Other parents take their own kids to school, dropping them off as they head to work or back home.

Once children hit the age of 16, parents have a big decision to make — bus or car.

Parents seem to be very cautious when it comes to handing over the keys these days.

There have been many tragic accidents

Nathan Strickland/FCT Tharptown students Chloe Lane, above, and Breadon Sellers, below, use different forms of transportation to get to school. Lane rides the bus and Sellers uses a car.

18

involving teen drivers happen in the past, so parents have a right to be hesitant to let their child behind the wheel.

Tharptown High School sophomore Breaden Sellers, 16, just passed her drivers test in December.

Her mother, Susie, is a teacher at Tharptown High School and, according to Braeden, she is very cautious about giving her child the keys.

“We live in Tuscumbia and she won’t let me drive to school yet, but every now and again I get to drive by myself,” Sellers said.

She said her mom has her reasons.

“My mom says the worst part of my driving is when I’m in parking lots,” Sellers said. “She thinks there are just too many cars that are likely to get hit by me.”

There was a time when Sellers had no choice but to take the car on her own.

“There was a time where I forgot my basketball shirt and had to drive to my house to get it,” she said. “It was scary and made me nervous because I had to drive through the construction in Littleville.”

Sellers said people make crack jokes about her driving ability.

“I took my test in Sheffield and passed it,” she said. “But my friends and some teachers get scared about the idea of me driving.”

Even though her dream car is a Mercedes, Sellers hopes her parents will get her a Ford Mustang with a pink racing stripe someday. Sellers said she lets people’s comments toward her slide.

“Their comments just makes me want to drive even more and prove to them that I am a good driver. I figure the more I drive the more practice I’ll have and the more I will learn,” she said.

Sellers said her friend Chloe Lane was trying to get her license too. Lane, also a sophomore, turned 16 in October and hopes to get her license soon.

Lane rides the bus to school in the mornings. She said it’s not as bad as people make it out to be.

“There are other kids who are 16 that ride the bus,” Lane said. “So it’s not like a bad thing, I’m just ready to experience driving.”

She is excited about someday getting her license so she won’t have to ride the bus.

Even though she is anxious about driving, Lane said there are things she is going to miss about riding the bus.

“I’ll miss having fun with the friends I made on the bus,” she said. “Some of those friends I have on the bus I don’t get to see at school as much, so yeah, I’ll miss hanging out with them.”

Lane’s parents come and get her and take her home in the afternoons because she is involved in after-school activities.

Once Lane decides to go and get her license and Sellers gets a little practice under her belt, both should be hitting the road comfortably pretty soon.

PROGRESS 2010

Reaching future goals requires planning in high school

By Kellie Singleton For the FCT The bright lights of the stadium. Regal music being played by the band. Cameras snapping pictures. Families smiling and waving. Speakers droning on about the future.

Your name being called. Walking across the field. Holding the result of over 12 years of work in your hands. Hats being thrown.

People giving hugs.

You’ve done it. You’ve graduated.

Graduation is a very exciting time in the life of an 18-year-old. Your whole future stretches out before you with, what seems like, endless possibilities: college, jobs, careers and families.

But, before a high school senior can get to this pivotal point in his or her life, there are many, many steps, plans and preparations to go through.

Jesley Godsey, 18, a senior this year at Russellville High School, started planning for her future early on in her high school career.

“I started thinking about my future and graduating when I was a sophomore,” Godsey said. “That’s when I realized that in almost all the classes you take, there are a lot of things you will need in your career and in college.

“As far as classes go,” Godsey continued, “my Algebra and English classes will be the most beneficial to me. Those are two major subjects that you will need in life.”

Joseph Stanford, 17, also a senior at RHS, felt that high school has prepared him for what he faces ahead.

“The most useful thing was learning how to interact with different kinds of people,” Stanford said. “The computer classes and dual-enrollment classes I took will also help me adapt to the college classroom.”

In addition to classes, Godsey also feels like her extracurricular involvements have prepared her for different life situations.

“I’ve been part of the RHS Color guard for three years and served as a captain this year,” Godsey said. “It’s never easy being a

PROGRESS 2010

Nathan Strickland/FCT Jesley Godsey, left, and Joseph Stanford, right, get help from Russellville High School guidance counselor Donna Goodwin as they plan for life after graduation. leader among your friends. That was a big responsibility, and I feel like I learned a lot from it.”

Godsey also participated in the youth group at First United Methodist Church in Russellville and the mission team there.

“I’m still in the process of deciding what I want to do as soon as I graduate,” Godsey said. “But in 10 to 15 years, I hope to have graduated from college and be working. My goal is to be successful and make enough money to be able to support myself.”

After graduation in May, Stanford has

made the decision to pursue college in the fall and has similar long-range goals.

“In several years, I see myself as a college graduate with a stable job,” Stanford said.

“That seems like the right path for me.”

Juniors and seniors in high school should utilize resources like their guidance counselors so that they can gather information about potential paths for their future.

Whatever a high school senior’s plans may be, the most important part is to be adequately prepared for their future that lies ahead.

19

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PROGRESS 2010

Career goals begin at Northwest Shoals for Nix

By Melissa Cason melissa.cason@franklincountytimes.com Attending college is one of the most memorable events in a young person’s life.

Some students go to a four-year institution just after high school, but many students in Franklin County begin their college career closer to home at Northwest Shoals Community College.

Hannah Nix, of Phil Campbell, is one of those students who began their formal education at Northwest, but transferred to Wallace State Community College in Hanceville after obtaining her basic core credits.

“I went to Northwest all last year, and I started at Wallace State this fall in the Diagnostic Imaging Program,” Nix said.

Nix said she plans to earn her credentials to become an x-ray technician, and will complete her certification at Wallace State in May 2011.

Nix’s career goals include working in a hospital after graduation, specializing in MRI and CT imaging.

Nix became interested in diagnostic imaging after receiving a back injury while playing softball and cheerleading while in high school.

“I had to have x-rays, MRI and a bone scan,” Nix said. “I remember thinking ‘this

Hannah Nix would be cool to do’.”

Now Nix’s days are filled with attending class, completing clinical, working and studying.

“It’s hard to keep up with the coursework,” Nix said. “It seems all I do is study.”

Nix currently lives with her parents in

Phil Campbell, but realizes she will probably have to move once her education is complete.

“I’m in no rush to move out,” Nix said.

“I’m going to live with my parents as long as I can, but I do realize I may have to move outside of the county in order to get a job in my field. But, I definitely want to stay close to home.”

Nix said she was thinking of maybe living in Decatur or Huntsville after completing her education.

Outside of school, Nix is an average 20 year old with a passion for fashion.

“I love to shop,” Nix said. “I especially have a thing for shoes. I buy a pair of shoes every time I go shopping.”

Nix admits she is not just a social shopper.

She has no problem with shopping alone.

“I like to shop with other people, but I do shop by myself, too,” Nix said.

While Nix definitely enjoys her favorite pastime, she is smart enough to not become buried in debt.

“I don’t really have credit cards so my shopping is usually done with cash or my debit card,” Nix said. “So at least I don’t have a really big bill after I get my shoes.”

Nix said she estimates she shops at least twice per month. To finance her passion, she works part time at Russellville tan salon, Pro Tan.

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21

A Family Tradition 63 Years and Counting

Webb Oil Company, Inc.

Russellville, AL—The company traditions of reliable petroleum products, excellent service and superb value live on in Webb Oil Company, Inc. Harold R. Webb first opened the company’s doors in 1947 as a wholesale fuel distributor.

He strived to deliver quality fuel to the industrial and agricultural sectors of Franklin, Marion & Colbert Counties at competitive wholesale prices. In 1974 Harold’s son James H. Webb, Sr. (‘Jim’ as he was affectionately known) joined the ranks of Webb Oil and together they grew the company exponentially by diversifying into the convenience store business.

Following the deaths of Harold Webb in 1992 and Jim Webb in 1996, the company continued it’s growth trend under the leadership of Jim’s wife, Sibyl P. Webb. Sibyl single-handedly increased the company’s reach by leaps and bounds.

Among the many accomplishments, she built the Webb Oil Truck Stop on Highway 24 in Franklin County—the largest fuel stop/convenience store in the area. Sibyl continues as President of the corporation today.

Sibyl’s son James H. Webb, Jr. joined Webb Oil Company in 2003 after receiving his Business Management Degree from the University of Alabama. James is currently serving as Vice President of the corporation.

In April of 2009, James implemented a Loyalty program as a way of giving back to the community and rewarding the consumers for their continued dedication to Webb Oil Company. In the ten months since the program’s inception, Webb Oil Company, Inc. has given over $15,000 back to the loyal customers that have helped make the company what it is today.

FUELPlus, as the program is called, has allowed Webb Oil Company, Inc. to stay in business through one of the most trying years in our nations economic history. James is also in the process of launching their website—www.webboil.com—where business will be able to order their products and consumers can get all the information they need concerning our products and services.

The website will also allow customers to manage their FUELPlus account, as well as see upcoming specials.

Webb Oil has sold petroleum products

22

under a variety of brand names—from Texaco to Parade—but the quality of the products and services has not waivered. The latest change that you may have seen is Webb Oil Company’s new ‘Webb’ branded fuel and “WebbSite’ convenience stores.

More and more petroleum marketers are moving toward creating their own independent brand in an effort to bring a more competitive price to the end user—you, the consumer. With the introduction of the hypermart superstores, the small petroleum jobber has had to try to adapt to a changing market.

Webb Oil Company, Inc. is no different.

“If the customer stays true to the locally owned businesses which have sustained our local economy for over half a century, then those companies will continue to be able to give back for years to come,” said James Webb—adding, “every single penny spent with a giant super-company goes back to that company’s home office and the revenue not only goes out of our county, but out of our state as well, and is to never be seen again.”

Webb Oil employs approximately twentyfive residents of Franklin County and has 6 WebbSite c-stores in the area. “Our employees are the face of our business,” says Webb—adding, “There have many key employees in the past that have made a tremendous positive impact on the company, and especially the current crew--I thank you.”

Webb Oil Company Inc. was founded in Russellville and continues to be a staple in the petroleum industry today. They also continue to deliver fuel, oils, and lubes to farms, poultry houses, jobsites, industrial plants, and retail convenience stores to name just a few.

For a list of stores where you may purchase quality Webb Oil Company, Inc. products or your own personalized quote for your farm or business, call (256) 332-0925.

Keep buying from locally owned businesses for your family’s future.

PROGRESS 2010

PROGRESS 2010

23

Warren realizes dream of owning bakery shop

By Nathan Strickland nathan.strickland@franklincountytimes.com Angie Warren has always dreamed of taking her creative food ideas and incorporating them into her own restaurant type business one day.

Warren said she has been involved in the food world since she was 16 years old, with an exception of plant work here and there.

Later on in her life she got a job decorating cakes for Piggly Wiggly grocery in Red Bay. There, Warren said she fell in love with baking.

“I had to leave Piggly Wiggly to pursue a job that paid a little more because everyone wants to better themselves,” she said. “I

enjoyed the world of cakes so much that I decided to bake decorated cakes on the side. I sold them to people around town then people began to ask me to cater events for them.

That business began to grow and got to the point where it was taking over my home.”

On November 18, 2009, her dreams to open her own business became a reality.

Warren partnered up with Deb Smith and Lisa Reese to open up a dual business consisting of flowers and food. Warren said it was fate the way it all came to be.

“I was approached by Deb and Lisa and asked if I wanted to go into business with them,” she said. “Several doors began to open up for me. It had to be the good Lord because I didn’t really have the money to get a building, but he just opened up the doors and we got one.”

Warren and her partners were able to find a building located at the corner of Highway 19 and Highway 24 in Red Bay. The next step was naming the business.

After giving it some thought they had a moniker — Devine Creations featuring Katie Kakes Bakery and Deli.

The name “Katie Kakes” represents Warren’s side of the business. The name would bring a significant meaning to the business.

In 2003, Warren was pregnant with a baby girl that her and her husband had named Katie.

Katie Warren was born on November 17, 2003. She lived for a few seconds, and then

Nathan Strickland/FCT Angie Warren, left, takes money from a customer at the Devine Creations featuring Katie Kakes Bakery and Deli, pictured below, in Red Bay.

24

passed away shortly after being born.

Warren said the tragic event pushed her toward food.

“After I lost her, I began to lose myself in the kitchen,” she said. “I turned to food, not to eat but to cook and it has become a form of therapy for me. My satisfaction comes when I set a plate of my food in front of someone and they eat it and say ‘man that is good’ that is an ultimate high for me. That’s when I smile and say OK I have done my job.”

Warren said her little girl was the inspiration that pushed her toward this career.

“My husband John and I were at the business one night because I had to finish some cakes or something. I was tired and didn’t feel well, but I turned to him and said ‘you know what keeps me going, when I have been here for 12 or 13 hours at a time’, it is because I know this is all for Katie. She is the one who brought this passion to cook in my life and I am thankful for it all.”

At the beginning, Warren said her side of the business was just going to be bakery type deal, but the demand for her food became relevant.

“I figured we would do a few sandwiches here and there, but the baking was suppose to be the big thing,” Warren said. “I still bake cakes and cater events and I will continue to do that, but when the word got out about us opening people began asking if I was going to do a plate lunch.”

People who had tried food at events Warren had catered were eager to taste a full menu.

“I just decided to sale a few plate lunches a day to kind of help ends meet,” Warren said.

“The plate lunch has really taken off and so we will continue to meet the demand of the people.”

Warren said the business is divided up into two sections, a flower/gift shop on one side, and a café/bakery on the other side.

Warren’s food side, with the help of her partners and husband John, has been very successful since its doors opened.

“The public has really responded well to the food and I am really proud,” Warren said. “I was humbled by the fact that people wanted to eat my food. Most people around here have been able to try my food at one time or another and were willing to come here. I mean from day one we have been swamped.”

Warren said it still feels like she is dreaming because she never thought it could happen.

“I sat down one day outside my mother’s house and I had tears rolling down my face, not sad tears but happy tears because this was something that I thought I would never see,” she said.

Warren appreciates her hometown of Red Bay for the support they have shown her through the years.

Devine Creations featuring Katie Kakes Bakery and Deli is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., Fridays from 5:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

PROGRESS 2010

Local offices look to help job market, employees

By Kellie Singleton For the FCT Finding gainful employment can be a challenge during any type of economy, but in hard economic times such as these, it can be near impossible.

Just ask Franklin County resident, Mikey Hovater. Hovater has been searching for a job since he graduated from college in May. “No jobs are available here for my [social services] degree or they all require a minimum of two years,” Hovater explained.

“How can you get a job to get experience when every job you look into requires a minimum on experience? It gets frustrating.”

When it comes to jobs, the economic situation isn’t the only obstacle Franklin County has to overcome. With a population short of 10,000, Russellville is Franklin County’s largest city. And when compared to cities like Florence, Huntsville and Birmingham, Russellville seems to fall short where employment is concerned.

Hovater feels that more variety in the types of jobs available would benefit the county.

“It seems as if Franklin County is mostly skilled labor or low-wage retail and fast food oriented,” Hovater said. “If more industry could come in to mix things up, I

believe it would help. This may not help me find a job but it could help others out on their job searches.”

But there are those in Franklin County who want to see a change in the economy and the perspective people have of job hunting in a smaller community. One of those people is Mitchell Mays, Executive Director of the Franklin County Development Authority.

“We continue to develop our industrial parks,” Mays said. “One of the biggest developments that we think will give us the best shot at recruiting a new industry is the Russellville Spec Building # 1 which was just completed in November 2009.

“Even though the economy has been very slow the last couple of years, since we have completed the Spec Building, we have had interest from prospects,” Mays said.

But when it comes to getting the economy back on track here in Franklin County, Mays and others at the Development Authority don’t just sit back and wait for industries to come to them.

“We continue to aggressively market our buildings and sites at tradeshows and consultant events,” Mays said. “And we assist our existing industries as they consider expansions.”

Even with the hopefulness that the Development Authority provides, many

Franklin County citizens are still having difficulty with their personal searches for employment. But according to Mays, there are tools available to help the unemployed.

“A tip I would give to anyone who is looking for a job is try to acquire a skill that employers will desire, and sometimes that may mean going back to school,” Mays said. “Job seekers may also want to visit the Hamilton Career Center. They are at Northwest Shoals Community College – Phil Campbell Campus each Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.”

Other tips Mays gave included visiting company websites to check for job openings, visiting the community college to earn a Career Readiness or Certified Worker certificate, and visiting websites such as www.alabamajoblink.com and www.alabama.jobs.com.

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25

Martin’s acting career takes off in the Big Apple

By Nathan Strickland nathan.strickland@franklincountytimes.com January marks two and a half years since Russellville native Sonequa Martin moved to New York to pursue her acting career.

Martin, 24, attended Russellville High School and graduated in 2003 as the class Salutatorian.

She said in the beginning she wanted to go into psychology, but in tenth grade she got involved in the theater program where she took part in the thespian festival and decided that was what made her “soul happy.”

Martin said the director of the production “Play On” her junior year in high school told her what to do.

“He was the first person to tell me I needed to continue with acting,” she said. “And I was like, ‘How do I do that?’ He told me first of all I need to go to college, major in theater, get classical training and then move to New York or L.A. I can remember where I was standing and right then I decided OK, that’s what I’ll do then. That’s what I do.”

Martin chose to attend the University of Alabama because it is well known as one of the best theater universities in the Southeast. There, Martin auditioned for a scholarship and, according to her, “flubbed” the audition. She got the scholarship and began working towards a career in television and film.

“I performed my head off in college,” she said. “I was taking these classes with these wonderful professors, and by my junior year I was doing shows at night.

“I had also joined the Individual Events Speech Team, which is like a competitive acting and public speaking. You put a lot of different materials together and perform them by yourself,” Martin said. “We traveled all around the country and competed with different colleges and universities. I had a scholarship from that as well.”

Martin’s university team was in the top ten in the nation.

“It really broadened my craft and helped me to widen my ability as an actor,” she said. “I ended up getting two national championships out of it and I got to see a lot of different places.”

Martin graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in theater with a minor in business management and obtained a 3.5 GPA through graduation. Martin said she was set, initially, on heading to Los Angeles until right before the spring season of her senior year.

“I was L.A. bound and there wasn’t anyone that could tell me differently,” she said.

“But I had a mentor that was really pushing me towards New York or to take on grad school.”

He told her that Los Angeles might not be the best career choice right out of school.

“My mentor said that with my type, L.A. was only going to want one thing from me, and that was not what he wanted for me. He

26

said go to New York where they will appreciate your training and your craft.”

Martin then switched directions and started considering the Big Apple.

“The university actually sets up these events called showcases for all the graduating seniors. They rent out a space and invite industry professionals to the event, and they had set up one in New York City. I did not want to go, I said to myself why would I want to go there when I was heading to L.A.” Professors from the university ended up convincing Martin into acting in the showcase and that is ultimately what convinced her New York was the place to be.

“Honestly God just kind of stepped in and changed my mind. I had never been to New York, so I felt like it was really fast paced and I thought everyone was mean,” Martin said. “But once I arrived God just took over and opened all of these opportunities for me. I got an agent from the showcase and I was just like whoa, this is amazing.”

Warner Brothers also picked her to read for one of their pilot shows.

“I looked at my situation and decided to pick up and move to New York on July 20, 2007, two months after I graduated.”

Once Martin arrived, her agent started sending her to auditions one after another.

Martin said the first gig she landed was a commercial for ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

Martin said the thing that really kicked off

her career was when she got cast in an independent film titled “Toe to Toe” in February of 2008. The film is currently featured on Netflix and is set to hit theaters in New York and Los Angeles soon.

“They had gone with someone else at first and I was upset for a bit because I really wanted that part, I just knew that part was mine. But you know they say rejection happens about 97 percent of the time in this business, so I got over it because that’s what you have to do,” Martin said.

“One day my agent called me and said they wanted me to read again for the part of Tosha (the lead role in the film) and I was like huh? I thought they had cast that already? He said they did but the person they cast had a scheduling conflict so they let her go,” Martin said. “I went and read for it and got the part.”

The film sent her to Maryland for about two months.

Martin said there were some “heavy hitters” that had roles in the film and she even got to know one “legendary” actor during the production. Martin said taking on a lead role was really draining, but worth it.

“There were times where I would come home and really evaluate if this was what I wanted to do, because it is really hard work and there are long, crazy hours and it just takes so much out of you. But of course I was like yes, this is what I want,” Martin See MARTIN, 27

Contributed Russellville’s Sonequa Martin, right, has built a successful acting career in New York City, appearing in a handful of television shows and the independent film “Toe to Toe” pictured above.

PROGRESS 2010

Martin

Continued from 26

said.

Right after she finished the film, Martin jumped into the television world where she got a role on USA Network’s “Law and Order.”

Not long after that, work started rolling in for the inspiring, young actress.

Martin got involved in another independent film then hit the T.V. world again with a rather lengthy part on Lifetime Network’s smash hit “Army Wives” where she played the role of a teenager who was being recruited by the Army.

As Martin climbed the ladder of success, she continued on and booked another spot on CBS Network’s “The Good Wife.”

Within two years in New York, Martin had gone from small town Russellville girl to showing up on the latest television series, hitting such networks as USA, Lifetime and CBS. Currently, Martin is in a production titled “Fetch Clay Make Man” which is based on the true story of the unlikely friendship between Muhammad Ali and Hollywood’s first black movie star, Stepin Fetchit.

Martin is playing the role of Ali’s first wife. The play opened January 15 in Princeton, New Jersey.

Martin hopes the future will be as good to her as the past couple of years have been.

“I want to keep going and pursue career advancement because you know, my whole reason for doing this is very specific. I just want to be a vessel…I want to help people, inspire people, change people. Those are the reasons that shape my dreams for the future,” she said.

“It’s not about the red carpet, fame or stardom. It is more so about having those things so that I can be a positive influence, so I can use my voice to help someone. I would love to be a regular on T.V. and be involved in more independent films or mainstream films.”

Martin believes God has a plan for her life and will point her in the right direction.

“I used to plan things out and they never went how I planned,” she said.

“My hope for the future is just that I can work consistently. It has been consistent since last spring and I hope it keeps going, that’s all I really want.”

Martin’s advice to younger people who are thinking of a career in the arts is to be sure.

“Make sure your heart is in the right place, if your heart says you are meant for it then just go.

Concentrate on your craft and most importantly, you must have a firm foundation because this industry will rip you apart if you’re not grounded,” Martin said.

Martin’s parents still live in Russellville and, according to her, have gotten used to the idea of their daughter living in New York.

Martin said she has created a family type unit where she lives.

“Nothing can compare to my real family, but it is nice to have an alternate support system to be with you through your journey,” she said.

Martin said her family has come to visit a couple times so it is not bad.

Martin plans to continue her life up north and hopes to become a big-time star someday.

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PROGRESS 2010

Mid-life crisis is not as common as people think

By Nathan Strickland nathan.strickland@franklincountytimes.com The fear of not knowing what the future holds can have an affect on almost anyone, and once a person reaches the age of 40, thoughts of a mid-life crisis start to creep up into their brain.

A mid-life crisis is defined as a difficult, turbulent period of doubts and reappraisals of one’s life.

The condition, which some might call a disease, produces a period of looking back in an attempt to try and figure out how one has arrived at this point in life.

In 1978, psychology researchers Roger Gould and Daniel Levinson concluded that the mid-life crisis is just a normal transition experience by a majority of people.

Northwest Shoals Community College psychology professor Kenneth Brackins said the studies have changed since then.

“More recent studies have failed to detect an increase in emotional turbulence at the mid-life stage,” he said. “Studies found that two to five percent of the total population believe it has long been a part of a sort of folklore. It is clear that the fabled mid-life crisis is not typical.”

Some people may fall into a proverbial trap, conducting some mid-life questioning such as: Who am I? What am I? Where

am I going?

It can be unsettling for some one to lose their way as their biological clock keeps ticking.

According to Levinson a mid-level, midaged businessperson looking ahead 10 to 20 years and seeing a life spent in a Wall Street cubbyhole, may suffer from severe depression.

A homemaker with two kids leaving the home and a 40 year-old birthday on its way may feel that he or she is unraveling at the seams.

Both persons feel a lack of self-worth and loss of purpose.

Some people at this point can be thrown into extra marital affairs, which is common these days, by the desire to prove to themselves that they are still attractive.

Brackins said those people might resort to those things but many take the high road.

“Many folks find that these years present opportunity for new direction and fulfillment,” he said. “Many people are at the height of their productive powers during this period. Most of today’s robust 45-50 year-olds can look forward to another 30-40 healthy years. Yet some people in this age group experience what researchers refer to as a mid-course correction.”

Brackins said the key to coping with the

mid-life crisis is to deal with it and move on.

The bottom line is that people do have choices, but the best decision would be for people to handle each situation to the best of their ability then pick up and keep living life.

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29

RHS’ Lier trades combat zones for the classroom

By Melissa Cason melissa.cason@franklincountytimes.com It isn’t too uncommon for professionals to change careers during their 40’s in an effort to accommodate family schedules or other personal and professional responsibilities.

But, one Russellville teacher took his career from the battlefield to the classroom by retiring from the armed forces after 22 years of service and becoming a ROTC instructor.

Lt. Col. Norman Lier said he loved serving as an officer in the United States Army, but says teaching really isn’t that different from his role in the military.

Lier began his military career in UNA’s ROTC program.

Under the program, Lier was obligated to serve three years in the Army after graduation.

“I loved Army life,” Lier said. “I was obligated to stay for three years and I stayed for 22. I stayed because I loved the military life.”

Lier said his career in the military has given him and his family more opportunities than the average civilian.

“When you’re working, you are working, but when you get time off, you have time to see the sights,” Lier said.

“When I was stationed in Germany and got time off, boom I saw Europe in three days. It was great.”

30

During his career in the Army, Lier spent his days training soldiers. His days began at 6:30 a.m. and ended around 7 p.m. unless his unit was completing field training, which lasted around the clock until the unit returned to the base.

“Military life is twenty-four seven,” Lier said. “And I loved it.”

Lier said his decision to retire from the Army came with the death of his wife.

“I had three children still at home, and I decided to retire and move to Florence to be near her family,” Lier said.

After relocating to North Alabama, Lier began substitute teaching, and the rest is history.

Lier returned to UNA, and completed his education in secondary education in history.

He completed his student teaching at Colbert Heights High School.

“Believe it or not, teaching really isn’t that different than what I was doing in the Army,” Lier said.

“In the Army, I taught adults, and now I teach younger students. It’s still teaching. I taught for 22 years before leaving the Army.”

Lier was hired to head the new ROTC program at Russellville High School, which has been successful with the students.

“This semester, I have 45 students, which is a little more than the 30 we started with,” Lier said.

Lt. Col. Norman Lier

PROGRESS 2010

Early planning can lead to earlier retirement

By Kellie Singleton For the FCT Retirement — that elusive time somewhere in the future that most people begin thinking about the day they start to work.

That time when trips can be taken, hobbies can be pursued and relaxation can finally become a reality.

And retirement already is a reality for many of Franklin County’s citizens. However, while they enjoy the relaxation and vacations, they have discovered there are a few more realities than they originally thought about.

This may seem like an article for the middle-aged, but according to one Franklin County citizen, Jan Page, the thought that retirement should be considered on the first day of work is right on the money.

“Retirement should be the first thing you ask your employer about,” Page said. “There are so many benefits out there, and the sooner you start to take advantage of them, the better it will be for you.”

Page retired from teaching after 36 years of service to this county.

She spent the majority of those years teaching first grade at Red Bay School.

Page, however, did not take her own advice to start planning early.

“Retirement wasn’t really on my mind until I had been teaching almost 25 years,” Page said. “I knew I could receive benefits at this point, but I didn’t really know how to go about it.”

Thanks to a friend, Page learned that (AEA) had excellent retirement counselors that could guide her step by step through the retirement process. She signed up for one of the workshops immediately and started learning how to plan for her future.

Retirement sounded great, like it does to most people that have been working hard for 25 years.

But there were some things to consider.

“I could have retired from teaching after 25 years and found another job to keep me occupied,” Page said. “But after going through the [retirement] workshop, I realized that I should prob-

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ably just stay where I was until I was absolutely ready. I loved my job, and the benefits would be better if I waited.”

Unlike Page, Franklin County Assistant District Attorney Doug Evans is still working full-time.

“I haven’t started thinking about [retirement] yet,” Evans said. “But when I turned 65 and started getting Medicare material in the mail, it hit me – I can’t work forever.”

But Evans, like most people who are considering retirement, worried about what he will do with his free-time. Being the Assistant District Attorney is a very timeconsuming occupation and not having those responsibilities anymore could leave him more free-time than he might want.

“I like to go and do things,” Evans said. “I don’t like staying at home all the time.”

Page felt the same way about the excess free-time she would have on her hands.

“Being a first grade teacher is a big responsibility and something that keeps you going constantly,” Page said. “So my biggest concern at first was what I would do to make up for it.”

Another major concern for those considering retirement is their financial situation.

“I was worried about living on just my husband’s salary and my pension,” Page said. “I was told that for the last year that I worked, I should put the pay check I received into a savings account and not touch it. Then, my husband and I were to try living off just his salary.

“We did this for almost a year and realized that our financial situation would be fine,” Page said. “That was such a relief to know. I recommend trying this

strategy out if you or your spouse is concerned about living on one salary.”

Evans also said as he thinks about the future, his financial situation is something major that he must consider.

“It’s hard for me to save money,” Evans said. “Therefore, the state retirement system helped me, and I put extra money in it to supplement my retirement.

“When you think about your financial situation when you retire,” Evans said, “you have to keep inflation and the cost of living in mind. You have to think, ‘Can I continue to live as I have become accustomed?’ and ‘Is Social Security going to last?’

These are all things you have to consider and things you must start planning for.”

Evans said that he still plans to work after he makes the decision to retire. This is also a decision Page shared with him.

“I have the privilege of doing contract work one day a week for the Franklin County School System at the Community Education Center in Belgreen,” Page said. “I work on curriculum and enjoy still being a part of the school system.”

Retirement does not have to be as daunting as many might think. According to Evans, simple steps like not getting into credit card debt or avoiding taking out second mortgages are crucial. Above all, the best thing you can do is to just make up your mind now to get mentally and physically prepared for your future.

“If there are workshops, take them. If there is a counselor, talk to him or her,” Page said. “Do all that you can, because your future starts today.”

FRANKLIN COUNTY ARCHIVES and RESEARCH CENTER 300 E. Limestone St. P.O. Box 298 Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-8827 archive@hiwaay.net

Mary C. (Chris) Ozbirn

Director 31

First-time grandparents enjoy new additions

By Kellie Singleton For the FCT Each parent can distinctly remember the feeling that washed over them as they looked on their first-born child for the very first time.

Pride, joy and amazement probably don’t even come close to capturing those emotions.

But, as wonderful as that moment was, there also seems to be something special, in a different kind of way, when someone becomes a first-time grandparent.

Russellville Water Board Manager Doug Clement experienced these feelings when he first laid eyes on his granddaughter.

“Things with a grandchild can be different,” Clement said.

“When my children were younger, I didn’t seem to have the time. I was always busy. But with my grandbaby, I seem to always have time to do whatever she wants to do.”

Nancy Cooper, Russellville City School’s Safe and Drug Free Schools counselor, also described having a grandchild as being different from having a child.

“I was thrilled when we found out and cannot wait to play with the baby,” Cooper said.

“It’s different with a grandchild because I can have a lot of fun without all the responsibility.”

The feelings are still fresh for Cooper who just found out recently that her oldest daughter and her husband were expecting their first child, and it will be a boy.

While the feelings that firsttime grandparents experience can be different than being a

parent, Clement still feels like some things are the same for children and grandchildren.

“I never believed that love could be different,” Clement said. “The love of your own child and the love of a grandchild – there is no difference.”

Clement’s granddaughter is just 20 months old, so the feelings are still fresh for him as well. He remembers what it was like to hear that he was going to be a grandfather.

“Well, I felt a lot older when that announcement came,” Clement joked. “Before that I didn’t feel that old. But when I keep her all day and am exhausted, that tells me time hasn’t forgotten me!”

Still, at the end of the day, albeit a tiresome one, Clement can’t deny how he feels about the new addition to his family.

“At the end of a work day, coming home and walking through the door and hearing from the other room ‘Pa Pa’s home,’ my heart melts and my soul is full,” Clement said. “You can’t wipe the smile off my face.”

Nathan Strickland/FCT Soon-to-be first time grandparents Nancy and Randy Cooper, right, show the sonogram of their daughter and sonin-law, John and Charlotte Millard.

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PROGRESS 2010

These Franklin County Churches would like to invite you to visit their church.

Tharptown Friendship Holiness Church Services Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship - 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday Night Worship - 6:30 p.m.

Singing, 1st Sat. of Every Month - 7:00 p.m.

Pastor: Brother William Mears 256-685-3441 1613 Hwy 80 • Russellville (1.5 miles past Tharptown High School) For more information Call Marilyn at 256-577-4319

Vina First Baptist Church 106 Church Street • Vina, AL 35593

Pastor Jerry Swimmer would like to invite you to visit our Church.

Sunday: Bible Study - 9:00 a.m.

Worship - 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study - 6:30 p.m.

If you don’t have a church home, give us a try!

996 Village Wood Dr. • Russellville 256-331-3700 • 256-668-3733

• Morning Service @ 10:00 & 11:00 • Evening Service @ 5:00 & 6:00 • Wednesday Night @ 7:00

Isbell Church of Christ Sunday Morning Bible Study - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night - 7:00 p.m.

Exodus 20.8 Remember the Sabbeth day, to keep it holy.

Vina 1st Baptist

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Everyone Welcome!

Early Morning Services 8:30 am Late Morning Services 10:30 am

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First Baptist Church Russellville Partnering with the Franklin County Baptist Association and the Alabama Baptist Convention

TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE First Baptist Russellville Downtown Across from the Roxy 33

Retirement coming soon for Goggans, McAlister

By Kellie Singleton For the FCT Many of Franklin County’s citizens are nearing the time when they can retire, and this means they have begun to think about what they will do with the free time they will suddenly have.

That day is getting closer for Susan Goggans, Special Education and Inclusion

teacher at Russellville Middle School.

“I’m in my 33rd year of teaching and plan to retire after three more years,” Goggans said.

After such a fast-paced career filled with so much responsibility, Goggans is looking forward to slowing down a bit – but not completely.

“I really enjoy doing things for my church, First Presbyterian in Russellville,”

Nathan Strickland/FCT Gayle McAlister enjoys cross stiching in her spare time and looks forward to enjoying the craft more when she retires in three years.

Goggans said. “When I retire, I want to be able to devote even more of my time to service there and to other service organizations. I enjoy doing things for others.”

And even though she loves to help others, Goggans also looks forward to the time she can have for herself and her family.

“Of course I look forward to spending more time with my family and my grandchildren,” Goggans said. “I also want to focus on some of my hobbies and interests.

I would even love to learn some new things, like learning to play the flute. That is something I’ve always wanted to do, and now I’ll have the time.”

Goggans added that traveling to a few places would be on her list as well.

“I’ve always wanted to visit Mt. Rushmore and the Northwest,” Goggans said. “I’m hoping I can find the time to have that experience.”

Fifth grade teacher Gayle McAlister shares more with Goggans than her current profession of teaching.

She is nearing retirement as well and has similar hopes for the way she will spend her time.

“I know I will spend a lot of my time taking care of my family and being a carpool for my grandchildren,” McAlister said.

“But I also look forward to the fun activities we will do. My husband and I want to travel to the Dakotas, the Great Lakes and up the East coast.”

Like Goggans, McAlister also looks forward to the moments where she can take time to focus on some of her interests.

“I hope to get back to cross stitching,” McAlister said. “That was one of my favorite hobbies, but when teaching I didn't seem to have time. I’m also looking forward to enjoying that second cup of coffee.”

Retirement seems so promising with time for self and family, but the green grass on the other side still has its drawbacks.

“I’m going to miss seeing my friends every day,” McAlister said. “We have so much fun when we are together. They have meant so much to me, and I plan to go back and visit them often.”

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Stancils’ enjoying life without the daily grind

By Nathan Strickland nathan.strickland@franklincountytimes.com Lonnie and Dorothy Stancil of Spruce Pine use to have a set routine every morning before they hurried off to work.

Dorothy would wake up a little after 4 a.m. to fix breakfast and lunches before her and her husband’s busy workday began.

Lonnie would stumble out of bed an hour later, helping himself to a well fixed breakfast then helping his wife make the bed every single morning.

“I married one of the oldie goldies who gets up early in the morning and likes to cook breakfast for their husband and I thank God for her,” Lonnie said.

Dorothy said being home with her husband doesn’t bother her at all.

“I enjoy it,” she said. “I do it most of the time anyway, I mean he was at work and I was at work and then we would come home to one another. Now our most time apart happens when he cleans outside in the garage and I clean inside the house. That is just how we do things.”

Lonnie said he has all day to do things around the house.

“A lot of times now, I will start cleaning the bathroom, then we may get called to go visit someone from our church who is in the hospital, whenever we get back I may go take a nap and it might be right before I go to bed before I finish cleaning that bathroom,” he said. “I would do that because I know I don’t have to worry about time like I use to and I have the time to waste or spend doing whatever.”

Almost one year into their retirement, both Lonnie and Dorothy are amazed at what a relief it is not to have to hurry anymore.

“I love it,” Lonnie said. “Since we have both retired, our usual day consists of getting up, making the bed, going to the church and walking, coming back and eating some breakfast then waiting for one of the kids to call to see which direction we need to go in.”

Both Lonnie and Dorothy retired on December 31, 2008. Both believe they are very fortunate to be able to finish at the same time.

“I hardly ever go anywhere without Dorothy,” Lonnie said. “We have always done everything together; we cut grass together, work in the garden together, do

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chores together, we have just always done it together.”

Some days the Stancils reflect on the old workdays.

“I got up the other morning and looked out the window and it was raining and dreary outside, then I turned to Dorothy, who use to deliver the mail for a living, and asked her ‘Don’t you miss working on days like this.’ And she turned to me and said ‘No,’ then we just laughed about it,” Lonnie said.

After 22 years of service, Lonnie, 66, retired from the Wrangler plant located in Hackleburg. He said the thing he misses most is the social environment.

“I miss the people that I worked with the most,” Lonnie said. “I thought I might miss work entirely just as far as getting up and going to work, but I really don’t.”

He said retirement is something to look forward too.

“What I like about it is I can pretty well do what I want to, when I want to and how I want to. And if I don’t want to then I won’t,” he said.

“I guess I like the freedom from the pressures of punching the clock and the relief of not having to hustle to get things done

when I get home. I can do it at my own pace.

“I also like the fact I get to spend lots of time with my grandkids now.”

Lonnie said having the time to plan trips with the family is another great perk of retirement.

“The difference of being retired, if the money lasts, is that you can pick up and go and take trips with your family, but if you are working it is hard to schedule those sort of trips together,” Lonnie said.

These days the Stancils have created another routine. They have taken the old saying, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away,’ seriously.

Every evening the Stancils escape to their cozy den and enjoy a sliced apple while catching the latest news on the television.

“I have never stayed awake long enough to catch the ten o’clock news cast, because I knew I had to go to bed early for work the next day,” Lonnie said. “I don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

The most important thing to the Stancils though is their faith.

“God has blessed us in that we have lived long enough to see retirement and we have wonderful kids and grandkids. We have just enjoyed every aspect of retirement so far.”

Nathan Strickland/FCT Lonnie Stancil, left, and Dorothy Stancil, right, enjoy a sliced apple every day while watching the news.

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If I could change one thing

By Kellie Singleton For the FCT There are always those few things that you inevitably wish you had done differently when you were younger - those few times where it would be helpful if you could step into your own version of Back to the Future.

Everyone has looked back with a pang of remorse and thought, “Man… I wish I had______.” These are just a few such instances from some Franklin County citizens.

“Instead of spending every penny I had from age 8 through 18 on baseball cards, I would have spent money on something that took up a lot less space in the attic.”

— District Attorney Joey Rushing, Russellville “I would have saved more money and not spent it on unimportant things.”

— Teresa Seal, Russellville “I wish I would have learned to swim.”

— Marilyn Stout, Phil Campbell “I wish I had learned a lot earlier that my mother really did know what she was talking about when she gave me advice.”

— Nikki Trapp Tutich, Russellville “I really wish I would have continued with my piano lessons.”

— Carol Ann Hardy, Russellville “I wouldn’t change anything.

Everything I did made me who I am today.”

— Kathy Hovater, Russellville “I wish I had gone into photography right out of high school.”

— Kenneth Clark, Russellville “I wish I would have continued on with college when I had the opportunity.”

— Karen Blevins, Spruce Pine

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“I wish I had married my second husband first!”

— Rebecca Thomason, Russellville “I only want to live in the present and prepare for the future.”

— Circuit Judge Terry Dempsey, Belgreen “I would have finished college.

I went to college full time for two years and then worked full time at Ole Miss. While employed, I could have taken two free classes each semester.

Had I done that, I could have gotten a degree for free.”

— Paula Mullens, Russellville “I would have been more involved in church when I was younger.”

— Susan Godsey, Russellville “I would have learned how to play the piano and the banjo.

And I also believe that I would have said some things that I didn’t, and not said some things that I did.”

— Pat Seal, Russellville “I would’ve liked to have had a big family instead of just one child.”

— Ida Elliott, Russellville “I wish that I had gone to college and gotten into law enforcement at a younger age.”

— Sherri Hubbard, Red Bay “I would have gone to nursing school, built a new home, and had a child with my husband.”

— Elaine Christian, Russellville “I’ve really enjoyed the sporting events that I’ve gone to with my girls, so I wish I would have played sports when I was in high school.”

— Shelia Woods, Russellville “Looking back I wish I had been able to stay home with my children when they were little.

Children grow up so fast. Every day with them is precious.”

— Circuit Clerk Anita Scott, Phil Campbell

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Terrace Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. 390 Underwood Rd., Russellville 256-332-3826 Phillip & Sherene Wade PROGRESS 2010

Families have many choices for elderly care

By Nathan Strickland nathan.strickland@franklincountytimes.com When age takes a turn for the worst and folks are unable to take care of themselves in their later years, there is an option for help.

Assisted living and nursing homes are similar, but extremely different at the same time.

The best-case scenario is that everyone will be able to take care of him or herself and live in the place they have lived for years and years until age takes them into the next life.

But when elderly family members become a burden to other relatives, there are places that offer care for them.

Lawrence Place assisted living in Russellville was shut down in January 2008.

Fortunately, Southern Rural Home Health purchased the building and re-opened as Southern Manor assisted living. The building has been newly renovated and has 34 spacious rooms to offer.

Southern Manor is home to only 10 patients, so there is plenty of spots available. Southern Manor administrator Tammy Trapp said there are definitely differences between assisted living and nursing homes.

“In assisted living we just assist patients with their daily activities. They have their own private room and they can come and go as they please. If they want to go and spend the night with family they can,” she said.

“It’s really like an apartment for them. They can bring their own furniture and decorate their room how they want to. We just assist with their baths if they need it or we do their laundry its just like home really.”

Trapp admits to having never worked at a nursing home, but she said she has an idea of how they work.

“Nursing homes provide skilled nursing care, assisted living does not,” she said.

“Now, home healthcare can come in here and provide care if the doctor has ordered it, but we just assist them with things like their medication and stuff only if they need it. “ Burns Nursing Home in Russellville maintains a high quality of service, caring for 57 patients with 74 employees.

Burns Nursing Home administrator Larry DeArman said there are over 1,000 ways nursing homes differ from assisted living.

“The safety code is different. Regulations are different. There are a number of things that are different,” he said.

“We have licensed nurses and aids on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help with our patients needs.”

DeArman said some families have to find a place for their elderly to stay and have assistance 24/7.

“We are not a military or anything like that,” he said. “We do have regulations we have to follow, but we don’t have strict rules.

People still have their rights here.”

DeArman said most of the patients are admitted by a doctor, but there are instances where that has changed.

“In some cases, if a doctor has admitted a

PROGRESS 2010

Nathan Strickland/FCT Glenda Brackin, an aide at Southern Manor Assisted Living in Russellville, helps long-time resident Thomas Evans. Franklin County has several assisted living and nursing home options available. spouse of someone, that someone can move in too,” he said. “As a matter of fact we have a husband and wife team where one is living here and the other is staying in an assisted living. The wife gets her caretaker to bring her over to the nursing home to see her husband every week. It seems to be rough on them, but they stay on the phone a lot talking back and forth until one of them falls asleep.”

“Some people refer to us as an old folks home, but we see it as we are just taking care of the people who need to be cared for,” DeArman said.

Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers have come together as one in recent years.

Terrace Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center administrator Phillip Wade said the rehabilitation aspect of nursing homes hasn’t been a part of the business long, but it helps older citizens make a transition from the hospital to home.

“A lot of facilities are doing rehab now, but some are still hesitant about incorporating it into their business,” he said.

“Changes in regulations has helped us offer a 20 day rehab program for patients who, for example, have hip replacement surgery and don’t want to stay in the hospital. They can come here to our facility, finish their rehab, and slowly make the transition back to their home life. It is a really efficient program.”

Terrace Manor’s facility has been around

since the 1960s and has been an independently owned, hands-on operation for every year since its establishment, Wade said. They are equipped with 75 employees and operate with 63 units.

“The government has went to a five star rating and I believe it is safe to say we are the only five star rated nursing home in the county,” Wade said.

37

Franklin County citizens remember simpler times

By Kellie Singleton For the FCT With all the modern conveniences of today, it sometimes seems like it couldn’t be any better than it is right now.

The vast knowledge contained on the World Wide Web can be just a click away thanks to cell phones.

That friend that no one has heard from since high school can be found on Facebook.

When you want a hamburger for lunch, you don’t have to kill your own cow to prepare it yourself. You can just drive right on over to McDonald’s and order one – in a drive-thru.

Times certainly have changed, but there are those in Franklin County who remember the way things used to be in the “good ol’ days.”

Franklin County residents Bill and Rhoda Jackson have fond memories of their childhood and the way they used to do things back then.

Bill grew up right here in Franklin County. His parents were farmers, and he and his friends found some interesting ways to entertain themselves on the farm.

“One of my most vivid memories of my childhood is of corn cob fighting,” Bill said.

“We’d gather up old corn cobs that were lying around the barn and pick teams. One team would be in the loft and the other would be on the ground. The goal was to make it either down or up the ladder to the other team without getting knocked down by a corn cob.”

“I think that was mean,” Rhoda said while laughing. “My pastimes were much tamer than that. I played basketball at the gym at my school.”

Rhoda, who grew up in Green County, Ark., played on her school’s basketball team for five years.

“Transportation was much different back then,” Bill added. “Riding around in my Toyota is much different than riding around in a horse-drawn wagon.”

“Yes,” Rhoda joked. “The horse power was

Nathan Strickland/FCT Lanny McAlister scrolls across the screen of a new cell phone, but he vividly remembers using the old rotary phones for years.

38

slightly different back in those days.”

Lanny McAlister also grew up right here in Franklin County, and he remembers what it was like to be a teenager during simpler times.

“I remember football at the old Thomas Stadium, good times at the old Russellville High School and sock hops,” McAlister said. “I miss those carefree high school days.”

Carefree days and simpler times seem to rank close to the top of the list of things people miss about the way things were.

“When things were simpler,” Bill said, “families could spend more time together because things weren’t so rushed back then.”

According to McAlister, the rushed lifestyle and the new technologies have caused the family dynamic to change.

“The children are no longer children,” McAlister observed. “They are small adults and are required to perform as such. There is no time to be a child.”

Thanks to the new technologies, children today have plenty to keep them occupied.

But back then, children were still able to find plenty to entertain themselves with.

Bill spent many an afternoon climbing trees.

“These weren’t big trees,” Bill said. “They were saplings, really. We would climb on one and then swing it over to one next to it.

We’d keep going like that to see who could make it the farthest without falling off.

Now that was fun.”

Even though technology has been cause for many of the changes that have taken place over the years, it still has its rightful place in society.

“I enjoy things like e-mail and my cell phone,” Rhoda said. “I can keep up with my family that lives far away, so it’s nice to have that. I’m not very familiar with all the technology, but I do like to use what I know.”

“I don’t get into technology much,” Bill said with a smile. “I was raised simple, and I’m still simple.”

“While I enjoy and use [different technologies], I long for a simpler time when adults and children can get to know each other and enjoy life,” McAlister said.

McAlister is grateful for the small town upbringing he experienced and attributes that for the way he feels about simpler times and a strong family life.

The Jacksons are grateful for the upbringing they experienced, as well.

“Everything I went through as a child helped me go through things as an adult,” Bill said. “It made me strong. I could do without things now because I went without things then.”

“My father taught me that your word was your bond,” Rhoda added. “You don’t see much of that anymore, and I’m thankful for the morals and integrity I learned back then.”

PROGRESS 2010

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PROGRESS 2010

Burial customs evolve, but do not go out of style

By Scot Beard scot.beard@franklincountytimes.com The death of a loved one can be a trying time for many families.

One of the ways of dealing with the stress and sorrow is through a funeral service, which allows families and friends the opportunity to get closure.

Time changes everything, but when it comes to customs dealing with the dead, many practices have evolved but not disappeared.

Jackie Peoples of Spry Funeral Home in Russellville has long been fascinated with the history of burial customs through the ages.

“I could talk about the history for hours,” Peoples said.

He said the ancient Roman custom of hiring professional mourners has fallen out of style, but many of the events surrounding death have survived to this day.

“Flowers are now used as a sign of empathy,” Peoples said. “Many years ago they helped musk the odors of death.”

Some practices were forgotten for several thousand years but came back into popularity about 150 years ago.

Egyptians were the first culture to embalm the dead. They had four different techniques and the one applied to the deceased depended on his or her social rank.

The poorest were drug out into the desert and left for several weeks. The high salt content removed the moisture in the body, leaving a very well preserved corpse.

“Actually, the embalming the poorest people got was a little better than the ruling class,” Peoples said. “They weren’t going to drag the king in the desert and leave him there for a while.”

Eventually the practice ended, but a revival began during the American Civil War. Many families had their sons embalmed so they could get the body home for burial.

Peoples said many people have a misconception about embalming.

“A lot of people think embalming will make the body last forever,” Peoples said.

“The goal is to slow down the process.”

Other parts of the funeral industry have also evolved over time.

The job of the modern funeral director is derived from two occupations – sexton and furniture maker.

Sextons were caretakers at cemeteries and the furniture makers also built caskets.

“You would go to the furniture store and buy a casket and they would deliver it to your house and decorate your parlor for the wake and funeral,” Peoples said.

“Just about every home had a parlor in it for such occasions.”

That is why the rooms funeral homes use for

visitations are called parlors.

Over time wakes – where family would sit with the recently deceased overnight – became less popular in the traditional sense.

The modern version of the wake is called visitation.

“It is a lot more personal, but less formal than a funeral,” Peoples said.

“It allows people to visit with each other and share their thoughts.”

Another tradition that has evolved is burying loved ones in family plots.

In some areas in Alabama, it is not unusual to find a small cluster of graves outside of cemeteries where a few generations of a family are buried.

These are few and far between Peoples said because the most popular place was the church cemetery.”

“Everybody wanted to be buried at the church,” Peoples said.

“The areas around the churches were the closest places to God.” He said it is still possible to create a family cemetery, but the state rules and regulations people have to go through to get the site approved are usually more hassle than most people want to deal with.

He said now many people get a section of plots close together in the church cemetery or purchase a grouping of plots at commercial cemeteries for their families.

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PROGRESS 2010

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Atkins creates lasting memorials from granite

By Scot Beard scot.beard@franklincountytimes.com Throughout the existence of mankind a select few have made a big enough impression on the world that they have left a lasting legacy in the history books.

Many others are forgotten in the vast sea of time.

Grant Atkins of Atkins Marble & Granite Works, Inc. in Russellville is helping the average person in Franklin County from avoiding the same fate of all of those forgotten souls.

His craft keeps the memory of individuals around long after they have died — he builds stone memorials.

“It’s rewarding work,” Atkins said. “I get to help a troubled family by providing a need and (the tombstones) will be there for hundreds of years.”

He is the fourth generation Atkins to work at the business, which dates back to 1926. He started when he was 16 years old and now his son, John, works at the company.

In addition to making tombstones, Atkins also makes pet markers and marble signs for subdivisions, parks and churches.

Atkins said the process of making memorials and the materials used have changed over the years, but today’s stones are more intricate and last longer.

“The first step is to sit with the customer and decide what they want,” Atkins said.

“Through a process of elimination, the stone is selected.”

There are several options at every step.

First customers decide if they want a flat stone or an upright. This usually depends on the regulations of the cemetery in which the stone will be placed.

Some cemeteries only allow flat stones with bronze plaques while others have no restrictions.

Atkins said there is one unwritten restriction that is enforced at every cemetery.

“You can’t have more stone than you have property to set it on,” Atkins said.

Once the type of stone is selected, the customer then chooses the stone’s look.

Different types of rocks are used for memorials, but granite and marble are the two most common. Atkins said, however, that a rock is not a rock.

Granite cultivated from Georgia will have a different look from granite cultivated from Italy.

One of the biggest differences in the granite is the size and types of grains that give the rock its speckled look. Some granite might have red grains while another has black.

The tightness of the grains also affects the look. Small grains packed tightly together makes the stone look more like a single, uniform color while large, loose grains offer a more spotted stone.

Atkins said even two pieces taken from the same quarry might not have the same design when it comes to natural grains in the rocks.

“Many people are used to manufactured

42

Scot Beard/FCT Atkins displays several available memorial stones in front of his business, above.

A stencil, left, is placed on the stone to help Atkins design the memorial. products where everything is identical, but from weathering, but better tools used today help the stone survive the years. these stones were made by nature.”

“Older stones were made with steel tools,” Once the color is picked out, customers then Atkins said. “We now have carbide tools for decide what kind of design they want.

Atkins said the combinations of possibili- deeper cuts. They also used softer stones ties are nearly endless. The sides and top of years ago.”

He also said the surfaces of today’s stones the memorial can be left rough or polished.

Images can be carved into the stone or the are polished much better than older stones stone can be shaped into hearts, angels, cross- and that helps prevent weathering.

Atkins said the job does not get old because es or other shapes.

If the stone is a dark color, Atkins can even each tombstone is as unique as every person put a multi-color scene on the stone. The dis- is unique.

He also likes to see his diverse work at local play at the business is a black stone with a fall scene with red, yellow and orange leaved cemeteries.

“The cemetery is my art gallery,” Atkins trees.

“It has to be a dark stone for contrast,” said.

Atkins said.

Atkins said he could even carve personalized photos into the stone.

After the customer approves the information and design of the memorial, Atkins said the stone could be at the gravesite in six to eight weeks.

The first step of the process uses a plotter to create a stencil.

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Dyes are used to provide contrast to letters and the outlines of designs to make them more visible.

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