2013 Winter Franklin Living

WINTER 2012 VOL. 2 ISSUE NO. 4

Museum captures city’s past Local hand bell choir makes a joyful noise

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inter offers a rare time when people have a chance to slow down a bit and enjoy some of the local flavor that Franklin County has to offer.

The holidays have come and gone and most people have a small window of time before their kids get back into full action of playing ball or taking vacations.

This issue of Franklin Living spotlights one of the county’s nicest attractions – the Red Bay Museum.

Few cities, regardless of size, have a museum as nice as the one in Red Bay. Franklin County is blessed in the fact that we have the Red Bay Museum, Spruce Pine Museum and Franklin County Archives and Research Center.

The Red Bay Museum is unique in the fact that it features many of the sights that were well-known in the town through the years. There is also a large display honoring country music legend and Red Bay native Tammy Wynette.

Whether you are a Red Bay native or just a fellow county resident looking for a nice way to spend the afternoon, I encourage you to take a trip and check out this treasured piece of Franklin County.

With so many great things to do here, you certainly don’t want to miss the Red Bay Museum.

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FCNI Publisher Jonathan Willis with his wife, Mandi, and sons, Cade, 2, and Ty, 5.

What’s happening?

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See the Calendar of Events for can’t miss winter activities

What’s hot?

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View some of the latest winter decorations and fashions

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Local woman turns home into Christmas showcase

Bringing history to life

Make a joyful noise

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How pets improve personal health

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Museum captures history of Red Bay

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Hand bell choir becomes a community happening

Winter health tips

Holiday spirit

From Sam’s kitchen

Sam Warf shares a sampling of tasty treats

On the trail

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Greenhill helps hunters track downed animals

Franklin

LIVING

Franklin Living is published four times per year by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. Copyright 2011 by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc.

P.O. Box 1088 • Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 • fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com 6

Publisher Jonathan Willis Editorial J.R. Tidwell and Kellie Singleton Photography Heather Mouser Sales Peggy Hyde and Nicole Pell Composition Karen McAfee Circulation Alton Zills FRANKLIN LIVING

WHAT TO DO Rockin’ at the Roxy January 12 The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council hosts the Rockin’ at the Roxy concert series the second Saturday night of each month featuring the popular KGB and special musical guests. Visit the historic Roxy Theater for a night filled with great live local music.

Digital photography courses • Monday, January 14th: “Basic Digital Photography” • Monday, January 21st: “Action and Sports Photography” • Monday, January 28th: “Outdoor, Wildlife, and Nature Photography” Come learn the art of photography with instructors Joe and Valerie Romans (www.josephromans.com).

All classes are from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Franklin County Community Education Center located on the campus of Belgreen School on Highway 187. The fee is $25 per class and payment is due before the class begins, at time of registration.

For more information or to register call Community Education at 256331-0005.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday January 21

Geneology workshop January 22 Are you interested in your family history? Are you interested in the history of Franklin County? Find FRANKLIN LIVING

out how to get started in your research with a “Genealogy 101” workshop taught by Chris Ozbirn, director of the Franklin County Archives, on Tuesday, Jan. 22, from 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Franklin County Archives, 300 Limestone St., Russellville. The fee is $20 per person and includes booklets and information.

The class is a four part series that starts off with the basic idea of how you start your research. The next three parts inform you where you need to go to do research and what kinds of material you need to use.

Information will also be given about the best web sites to use.

For more information call Franklin County Community Education at 256-331-0005.

Rockin’ at the Roxy February 9 The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council hosts the Rockin’ at the Roxy concert series the second Saturday night of each month featuring the popular KGB and special musical guests. Visit the historic Roxy Theater for a night filled with great live local music.

Valentine’s Day February 14

Love, Sex and the IRS February 14-17 The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts in Red Bay will present Love, Sex and the IRS,

by William Van Zandt and Jane Milmore and directed by Mark Richardson. The play will be performed February 14-17 and will include a dinner. Tickets will go on sale Monday Feb. 4. For additional information contact Mark Richardson at 256-356-3099 or Scotty Kennedy at 256-356-8758.

Rockin’ at the Roxy March 9 The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council hosts the Rockin’ at the Roxy concert series the second Saturday night of each month featuring the popular KGB and special musical guests. Visit the historic Roxy Theater for a night filled with great live local music.

Daylight savings time March 10

Easter March 31

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OUT & ABOUT One of the highlights of the Franklin County year is high school basketball season. Local teams and cheerleaders give fans plenty to cheer about as they support the Russellville Golden Tigers, Red Bay Tigers, Phil Campbell Bobcats, Belgreen Bulldogs, Vina Red Devils and Tharptown Wildcats.

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OUT & ABOUT

Pictured below are some of the hundreds of people that gathered for Russellville’s annual Christmas parade in December.

Greg and Kathy Hovater.

Addyson and Sharmaine Fikes.

Hershel Fleming and Anne Tyler Zills.

Shane and Paige Bendall.

Former Russellville High School Marching Hundred members pose for a photo during a reception to honor former longtime RHS band director Curtis Ikard.

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OUT & ABOUT

Jessica Wood, Samantha Hartselle, Jacob Hartselle, Jason Hartselle, Kris Lloyd and Zoe Hartselle.

Sheila and Joe Tucker.

Sheriff Shannon Oliver and daughter Sterlyn.

Stevie Plemmons and Pat Seal.

Susan Godsey and Parker Watkins.

Troy and Brenda Oliver.

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OUT & ABOUT

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Alumni of the Russellville High School Marching Hundred gathered this fall to honor former longtime band director Curtis Ikard.

Pictured are Marching Hundred alumni who attended the event.

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OUT & ABOUT

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OUT & ABOUT

PCES school honorees.

Recently engaged Paul Dewberry and Joanie McAfee.

Phil Campbell Elementary students.

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Curtis Ikard hugs Paula Lindsey at a reception this fall.

Franklin County Fire Association members with Channel 19 staff.

Franklin County Career Tech students at Belgreen.

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Creating New Jobs

Promoting rural economic development.

State Senator Roger H. Bedford, Jr.

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WHAT’S HOT

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FAITH MATTERS

Making a joyful noise

T

he Joyful Ringers hand bell choir has been around for over 20 years, but only recently has the group evolved from a single-church ministry to a communitywide ministry tool and outlet for music lovers both young and old.

Phil Wright, who conducts the Joyful Ringers, has been part of the group since it was just known for being the hand bell choir STORY and PHOTOS BY for Calvary Baptist Church in KELLIE SINGLETON Russellville.

“I was a band director for 15 years and music is something I love,” Wright said.

“At that time, hand bell choirs were fairly popular in the area and several churches had their own choirs, including Calvary.

“I was part of the group for a long time before our director, Marsha Lankford, moved to Hackleburg First Baptist Church where her husband, Ernie, received a

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position as their music minister.”

Wright said after the Lankfords moved, no one else was able to take over the hand bell choir and the very valuable three-octave set of hand bells began to collect dust at the church.

“For eight years those bells weren’t even touched, and I realized what a tragedy it was that those instruments weren’t being used,” Wright said.

When Wright retired and had more time non his hands, he

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realized he wanted to fill it with something related to music.

“I’m a musician at heart and I just wanted to direct something,” he said. “I missed it.”

As soon as he remembered the set of hand bells at Calvary Baptist Church, he knew exactly what he wanted to direct – a hand bell choir.

“I didn’t want to be tied down to a specific place because I have children who live out of town and I wanted to be able to visit with them,” he said. “The hand bell choir would allow some flexibility and I thought it was way past overdue for this particular part of the music ministry to be resurrected.”

Wright said he garnered some interest among church members but most people were too busy to devote the proper time to practicing, so he went to the church leadership with a different idea.

“I went to our pastor and asked him about the possibility of turning the Joyful Ringers into a community hand bell choir,” Wright said. “They agreed that we could do that and that we could use the church to have our practices, so as soon as I got the go ahead from the church, I started contacting people.”

Wright said the first person he contacted was Marsha Lankford so she could be the assistant conductor. Once he got her and her husband, Ernie, committed to the project, he began to ask others in the area to join, and in 2008, the Joyful Ringer community hand bell choir was born.

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“I had been in a hand bell choir where I used to live and I really enjoyed it,” Berry said. “I’ve been involved with the Joyful Ringers since it was started and I’ve really loved it.”

Russellville High School freshman Rachel Balding, the youngest member of the Joyful Ringers, said she joined the choir for the very reason that it was something different.

Wright said the group ranges in age from a high school freshman to over 70 years old.

“We have people of all ages and background here,” he said.

He added that five local churches are also represented in the Joyful Ringers: Calvary Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Russellville, Belgreen Baptist Church, James Chapel Baptist and Hackleburg First Baptist.

“We may all be different ages and come from different churches but the thing we all have in common is that we love music and we love the Lord,” Lankford said.

“This is an effective ministry tool because it’s something different, and it brings many different people together.

“We want people to know we can praise the Lord and still have a good time doing it.”

Helen Berry, of Russellville, said when she moved back to the area after being away for many years, one of the first things she wanted to know was if Calvary had a hand bell choir.

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“I love music and a lot of my friends do, too, but this isn’t something they would think to do,” Balding said. “I like doing things that are a little bit different because I like to be unique.”

Member Kathy Cleveland, from Russellville, said the group has helped her connect with people she might not have met otherwise.

“I was invited by Judy Baker to be part of the group and I decided to give it a try,” Cleveland said. “I’m glad I did because I’ve made lots of good friends through this group.”

The Joyful Ringers will start back their practices for the new year on the fourth Thursday in January and will meet each Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church’s Lenox Room.

“The only requirement we have to join is being able to read music well,” Wright said. “Right now we all seem to be Baptists, but we welcome anyone in the community who can read music to come and join us on Thursday nights. We would love to have you.”

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WELLNESS

How pets can improve personal health

Rather than heading to the pharmacy for solutions to common ailments, a majority of people may be able to stop at the nearest pet store or animal shelter and find a finned or furry remedy instead.

Studies that link positive health benefits to pet ownership abound. According to WebMD, one study found that 48 stockbrokers who adopted a pet experienced lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did people who did not own pets. Another study found that individuals suffering from serious diseases, such as cancer or AIDS,are far less likely to experience depression if they have a strong tie to a pet. Plus, pets have proven beneficial to seniors struggling with loneliness.

Any pet can try a person’s patience at times, especially when a kitty has used a sofa as a scratching post or when a pooch needs to be let into the yard at 3 a.m. But for many pet owners, the benefits of having a pet far outweigh the negatives. Here are some of the many ways that pet ownership can be good for your health.

• Lower blood pressure: Petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure, as can watching a fish swim around a tank. Those with hypertension may want to purchase or adopt a companion animal to help lower their blood pressure.

• Reduce stress: Stress is something people face on a daily basis.

According to a National Health Interview Survey, 75 percent of the general population experiences at least “some stress” every two weeks, and many times that stress is moderate to severe.

Research has indicated that when people spend time with a pet their levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, is lowered while their level of serotonin, a hormone associated with improved mood and well-being, is increased.

• Lower cholesterol: Lifestyle factors associated with pet ownership, particularly a focus on increased physical health and activity, can help lower cholesterol levels. Also, having a pet works to reduce stress, which may keep individuals from looking to fatty foods as sources of alleviating anxiety.

• Fight depression: Many therapists have prescribed pet therapy as a method to alleviating and recovering from depression. A pet is an unconditional friend and can provide that listening ear a person needs to talk through problems. Also, walking and taking care of a pet devotes attention away from problems and inward thinking.

• Improve physical activity levels: Heading to the gym is one way to get a workout, but spending an hour walking the dog or tossing around a ball for a game of chase and fetch is another way to get the heart pumping. Many dog owners benefit from the “forced”exercise that goes with daily walks. Some people choose to exercise with their pets, enjoying the companionship and the physical activity.

• Reduce stroke incidences: There has been evidence that cat

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owners are less likely to suffer strokes than people who do not have cats. Researchers are not sure of the connection, but surmise that cats have a more calming nature than other types of pets.

• Greater opportunities for socialization: Humans are social animals and need to interact with others. Pet owners have a tendency to want to share time and experiences with other pet owners.

Pets can provide opportunities for people to get together.

• ADHD therapy: Children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often benefit from working with a pet or having a pet as a family companion. Playing with a pet is a great way to release excess energy and focus on tasks. Also, a pet with his or her unconditional love can help someone with ADHD overcome self-esteem issues. Similar results are possible when pets are used as therapy animals for children with autism and other behavioral disabilities.

• Reduce propensity for allergies: Children who grow up in homes with cats and dogs are less likely to develop common allergies and even asthma, research suggests. In fact, children who live around two or more dogs or cats before their first birthday are less likely to have allergies of any sort, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.

Research presented at the 10th International Conference on Human Animal Interaction found pet owners were the least likely to have to visit the doctor. The survey of more than 11,000 respondents from Australia, China and Germany found that over a five-year period pet owners made 15 to 20 percent fewer annual visits to the doctor than non-pet owners.

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FRANKLIN LIVING

hen you walk into the East Franklin Home of John and Veronica Stancil at Christmastime, unless you are a professional interior decorator, you might leave feeling like your holiday decorations leave a lot to be desired.

When you first walk into the home, you’re greeted by not one, but three exquisite Christmas trees that all look as if they came straight from a magazine.

The solid white Christmas tree just inside the front door is adorned with blue and brown embellished ribbon, an assortment of silver ornaments and two ornate angels dressed in white.

The traditional green tree near the family’s entertainment center, which is the largest one in the Stancils’ home, boasts varying shades of browns and golds and features bejeweled ornaments, several angels normally used on the top of a Christmas tree, and fancy ribbon that starts at the top of the tree and cascades down the tree to the floor.

The final tree in the Stancils’ front room is very tall and slim and features a hodgepodge of ornaments Veronica and John’s two sons, Justus and Jonah, have made over the years.

But those three trees aren’t the only ones in the home.

An ornate tree sits at the foot of the bed in the master bedroom; a snowy, 9-foot tree full of red bird ornaments greets those in the dining room, and both Justus and Jonah have their own Christmas trees in

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In the holiday spirit STORY BY KELLIE SINGLETON PHOTOS BY KELLIE SINGLETON

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their room decorated the just the way they like.

And the Christmas decorations don’t end with the trees.

Beautifully crafted garland adorns each door facing and entryway featuring everything from classic red and gold ornaments and ribbon to whimsical turquoise, purple and hot pink ornaments and bows.

The Stancils’ dining room table is perfectly set with gold dinner plates and salad plates featuring red birds – the theme in the dining room.

A tall, red centerpiece sits in the middle of the table holding poinsettias, pinecones, red sprigs and greenery, and the holly berry glasses contain floating candles.

A separate table in the front room contains features a snowflake theme with silver plates and white snowflake china, snowflake glasses, silver napkins and small snowflake-shaped dessert plates.

Several nativity scenes have been placed around the home as well as candles, more greenery, wreaths and other various decorations.

As you can imagine, a home with this much holiday cheer doesn’t just happen overnight.

Veronica said she first got into extravagant Christmas decorating after going on the Tour of Homes that used to be held in the city of Russellville.

“I saw all these gorgeous homes with these over-the-top decorations that made the homes just feel full of Christmas spirit and I decided then I wanted to make my home look that way,” she said, “but I had no idea how I would afford it. Christmas decorations – the really pretty ones – don’t exactly come cheap.”

Most people would say that Veronica has definitely succeeded at making her home a winter wonderland each year, but just as she felt intimidated at first by how much she thought it would cost to decorate her home, people would probably leave her home thinking the same thing: “How could I ever make my home look like hers and not break the bank?”

But Veronica said it’s easier and more affordable than you might think.

The key to Veronica’s over-the-top Christmas décor is being a smart and thrifty shopper.

“The best time to start shopping for Christmas

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decorations is actually right after the first of the year,” Veronica said.

“All the stores put their Christmas items on clearance and most things are on sale for half off or more.”

Veronica said this type of decorating takes a great deal of patience and creativity because oftentimes she is trying to take many little decorations and put them together to create something great.

“You have to always be on the lookout for things that can be repurposed and turned into something they weren’t originally intended for.”

For instance, the large, decorative crosses in the Stancils’ largest tree aren’t actually meant to me Christmas tree ornaments.

“Those are really wall hangings that people use for everyday décor,” she said. “I found several of these that were marked way down and thought I could use them in the trees to make a bigger statement, and they ended up working out great.”

The same goes for the many tree-topper angels she has used like ornaments in several of her trees.

“You just have to tap into your creativity and think outside the box,” she said.

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“A lot of times I’ll buy just one item and a whole theme for a tree or room or table can be created from that one item.”

She said that was the case with her snowflake-inspired table and table settings in her front room.

“I bought one item with a snowflake on it and then it all just sort of started coming together,” she said.

Stancil said she also saves money by purchasing the ribbon she uses on her Christmas trees and garland during the after-Christmas sales or throughout the year at places like Hobby Lobby that often run the ribbon at half price.

She has further saved over the years by learning how to tie her own bows, reusing items she’s had for several years, utilizing items given to her as gifts and being patient and waiting for things she wants to go on sale.

“Decorating for Christmas is just something I love to do, but I needed to find an affordable way to do it,” she said.

“If you really concentrate on buying throughout the year, thinking outside the box, getting creative and waiting on sales, you can find really nice Christmas decorations for more than half the regular cost.”

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“If you really concentrate on buying throughout the year, thinking outside the box, getting creative and waiting on sales, you can find really nice Christmas decorations for more than half the regular cost.�

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Museum captures city’s C history

itizens in the city of Red Bay take great pride in their town and in the town’s history – a fact which is evident if you happen to stroll through the downtown area and notice the well-kept parks, the happy store fronts and the friendly people offering a smile and a STORY BY wave as they pass by you in their cars.

KELLIE SINGLETON But there is one place in the city where the vast history PHOTOS BY and tremendous pride in that history is more evident than KELLIE SINGLETON anywhere else.

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The Red Bay Museum, conveniently located in downtown Red Bay, was a project the town’s Civitan Club took on nearly a decade ago that was officially opened to the public in 2004.

Scotty Kennedy, a member of the Red Bay Civitans who is very involved with the museum, said even though the project officially got underway in the 2000s, the club first got the idea to have a museum after publishing a Red Bay history book over 20 years ago.

“We knew we had all of these artifacts from the town’s past and we started thinking how great it would be to preserve all these things and keep them in one place,” Kennedy said.

“We wanted to showcase a way of life that many people still remember but that many others don’t know anything about.

“This building became available and we decided to move forward with the idea and really turn it into something special.”

And special it is.

Just one glance when you step inside the front door will tell you that the Red Bay Civitans left no detail unfinished when it comes to the museum.

As you first walk in, patrons are greeted by an original sign from the Red Bay Hotel, as well as the original front desk and staircase, which leads to the museum’s second floor.

Continuing down the line are artifacts and memorabilia from several of the old departments stores and shops that helped the town of Red Bay thrive in its earlier years.

Represented are two of the general merchandise stores, Feldman’s and Nabers & Co. Hardware, as well as Waldrep’s – which housed the town’s post office before there was a

formal stand-alone post office building.

In these displays are letter holders, a desk and a chair that are original to that post office as well as goods and items used in each store.

Across from these displays is a long, solid marble countertop that was originally found in the Red Bay Drug Company, which was later known as Faust Drugs.

The entire display behind the counter has been recreated to look like an old time fountain and pharmacy with the original soda fountain, display case and cash register and other varied items placed just as they would have been back then.

Also in the first cluster of displays is a section devoted to the Red Bay Theatre that contains the original box office ticket window, seats and lighting as well as memorabilia from movies that were shown there; a section devoted to the area’s vast agricultural history with farming equipment and an original milk processing machine from a local dairy; an old country store set-up with original scales and items that would have been found in such a place; and a medical display representing the city’s hospital and the Red Bay Medical Clinic.

Kennedy said a very impressive find was the original cashier window from the Bank of Red Bay that contains the original wood, iron bars, glass pieces, light fixtures and even the original vault door.

Around the corner is a room that feels much like a small chapel since it has items from many of the area’s churches.

Beautiful stained glass windows and the organ pipes from Red Bay First United Methodist Church’s old building adorn the walls as well as an old pulpit and chairs, and items from Red Bay Church of God, Red Bay First Baptist Church, Red Bay Freewill Baptist and the First

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Methodist Episcopal Church in Vina are represented as well.

Just next to the church display is a set-up containing artifacts representing the city’s governmental and political history including a table and chairs that were in the old City Hall; maps and old documents; and a long section devoted to Rep. Carl Elliott – a congressman who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949-1965 and was instrumental in the Library Services Act the National Defense Education Act, which has helped more than 30 million students nationwide obtain loans for their college education.

Rounding out the downstairs displays are sections on the area’s Native American roots; a military display featuring uniforms and artifacts from most of the wars and conflicts; a cotton farming display original signs from Red Bay Ice & Gin cotton gin; artifacts from the Red Bay Garment Factory that employed mostly women; a steam whistle from Smith Lumber Co. that signaled the time of day for many people across town; a “home life” display with items typically found in homes such as an old Victrola record player, and old stand-up radio, a wood and

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kerosene stove, washing machines from the 20s and 40s, and other various items; and an impressive display about the Red Bay Depot. with the ticket counter, an original chair, bench, sign and telegraph machine and a telegraph pole.

The upstairs portion of the Red Bay Museum has separate rooms devoted to recreations of the Red Bay Hotel dining room; the hotel kitchen; an actual hotel room; an old one-room schoolhouse classroom; and many items from the Red Bay School from various time periods including letterman sweaters, band uniforms, and other items.

The final and most elaborate display is a tribute to Tammy Wynette, the First Lady of Country Music who claimed Red Bay as her hometown.

The Tammy Wynette display includes many of Tammy’s dresses, photographs taken when she came to Red Bay for various functions, all of her album covers, iron pieces from the Nashville home of Tammy and then-husband George Jones, and lots of other memorabilia.

“We tried to think of everything when it came to this museum,”

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Kennedy said. “We wanted it to be a true representation of how our town has evolved over the years and I think we succeeded at doing that.

“We always have people who come through here from out of town who are so impressed with the quality of the museum, but

we have folks from right here in town who come for the first time and can’t believe something like this exists here.

“We’re definitely proud of the museum and we hope everyone in the county has a chance to come see this piece of Franklin County history.”

The Red Bay Museum is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. and by appointment.

Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students and free for children 6 and under.

The museum is supported by admission fees and proceeds from the Civitan Depot thrift store, which is located directly beside the museum and is open on Fridays for most of the day starting at 8 a.m.

Group tours are available for schools, civic clubs, churches and other groups. To plan a visit or to schedule an appointment time, call Scotty Kennedy at 256-356-8758.

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FOOD

From Sam’s kitchen

When Russellville resident Sam Warf sold his popular floral business, The Blossom Shop, earlier this year, he originally planned to use his new free time to relax and enjoy the things most people enjoy in “retirement.”

But those who know Warf know that he doesn’t “relax” for very long so he was soon searching for a new project to begin.

Warf, who is an avid cook, said he finally had the idea this August to turn another passion of his into something more than just a hobby enjoyed by his family and friends.

“Cooking is my stress release and something I’ve always enjoyed doing,” Warf said. “When I can’t sleep at night, I’ll get up and bake a cake and it always makes me feel better.

“I started thinking that maybe I could use cooking in a way that would allow me to share this passion of mine with other people and be able to something fun and exciting at the same time.”

Warf said he remembered Russellville resident Suzanne Langcuster having a cooking show on the local TV station, WMTY TV 45 in Russellville.

“I really enjoyed the cooking show Suzanne had and I thought maybe I could do something similar since that show

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doesn’t air anymore.”

Warf said he called the station and spoke to Randal Ayers, who is the program director at WMTY. “It was funny because when Sam called me, we had just been discussing the possibility of getting another cooking show going again,” Ayers said.

Warf said he and Ayers began talking and working out the logistics.

“We had several things we had to get for the kitchen set they have at the station in order for everything to work out just right,” Warf said.

“Doug and Betsy Green were so good to us and donated a Whirlpool range and Big Star has been so generous to supply the food I use for the show.

“Everything just started coming together and it began looking like the show was going to work out great.”

“Sam’s Kitchen” is now a weekly show on WMTY and also airs in other parts of northwest Alabama, Florida and Mississippi.

The show has a Facebook page that can be viewed at www.facebook.com/samskitchen.AL and a website that can be viewed at www.samskitchen.com.

New episodes air each Tuesday at 7 p.m. and will be available on the samskitchen. com website.

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Sam’s Coconut Sheet Cake 1 box Yellow cake mix 1 can of Eagle Brand Milk 1 lg. Cool Whip 1 can of Mandrian Oranges 1 can of crushed Pineapple 1 jar of cherries Cook cake as directed punch holes in cake and pour Eagle Brand Milk over cake.

Mix together Cool Whip and Coconut. Cut oranges into small pieces or blend.

Sprinkle coconut on top. Top with cherries.

Spinach Sausage Balls 1 lb of Sausage 1 9 oz pkg of Spinach, thawed and squeezed 2 cups of bisquick 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning 1/8 teaspoon of garlic 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper Preheat oven to 400 degrees Roll into balls and place on cookie sheet Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown

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Artichoke Dip 14 oz of artichokes 1 cup of moterella cheese 1 8 oz sour cream 1 8 oz cream cheese 1 cup of parmasan cheese Hot sauce to taste Preheat oven to 350 degrees Spray glass pan well Pour mixture into glass pan bake for 25 minutes top with cheese

Fruit Salad 1 small can of pineapple chunks 1 jar of cherries 1 can of manderian oranges 1/2 cup of prcans 1/2 cup of cocnut 8 oz of sour cream small package of marshmellows Mix all ingredients well together and serve!

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FRANKLIN LIVING

FRANKLIN COUNTY ARCHIVES and RESEARCH CENTER

Consider The Lilies Floral Design for all occasions Weddings • Tuxedo Rental • Variety of Gifts • Wool Dusters • Leanin Treecards • and More

112 4th Ave. SE • Red Bay • 256-356-8313

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Director

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Services, LLC

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Specializing in high quality, cost effective solutions in contracting, business improvement, project management and nuclear safety www.redhawkts.com 256-331-3432

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Russellville (256) 331-0006 (256) 331-0046 (800) 553-0491

Phone Fax Toll Free

Haleyville (205) 485-7341 (205) 485-7379 (800) 464-1816

Serving Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Marion, Walker, and Winston Counties

Franklin County

Where YOU live, work and play!

2013 Activities

Easter Egg Hunt - March 16 at 10 a.m. - Russellville’s City Lake Park Easter Egg Hunt - March 16 at 2 p.m. - Red Bay’s Bay Tree Park Annual Partnership Banquet - March 21 at 6:30 p.m. - A. W. Todd Centre

Other Attractions

· Bear Creek Lakes · Red Bay Museum · King Drive In · Roxy Theatre-2nd Sat. of each month · Dismals Canyon · Hodges Equestrian Trail · Bay Tree Council of Performing Arts (next play in Feb.) Of¿ce Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. · 256-332-1760 Website: www.franklincountychamber.org · Email: info@franklincountychamber.org

Sinclair-Lawrence & Associates Insurance For all Your Insurance Needs Call...

117 S. Jackson Ave. • Russellville (256)332-2061 FRANKLIN LIVING

2513 E. Avalon • Muscle Shoals (256)383-8335 37

Russellville Utilities Proud to Provide Utility Services to Russellville & Surrounding Areas

Mike Jones Financial Advisor - AAMS

128 N. Jackson Avenue Russellville, AL 35653 Ofc. 256-332-7924 Toll Free: 888-383-7332 mike.jones@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

721 Jackson Ave. S. Russellville, AL

256-332-3850

After Normal Business Hours Emergencies

256-332-2230

SPRY MEMORIAL CHAPEL OF RUSSELLVILLE “Caring People, Caring for People”

256-332-1122 906 South Jackson Ave. • Russellville sprymemorialchapel.com 38

FRANKLIN LIVING

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Kevin Greenhill, of Russellville, helps hunters track downed animals that have not yet been found.

On the trail STORY BY J.R. TIDWELL PHOTOS BY J.R. TIDWELL

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H

unting is a popular activity throughout the South, and many people in Alabama take part in the sport.

Given the rural environment of Franklin County, it is only natural that many locals hunt as well.

Every hunt is a different situation, and every kill brings about a new story to tell.

Sometimes, however, a deer that has been shot

and wounded does not drop immediately and becomes hard to track.

If a hunter is unable to find his or her prize after taking the shot, he or she is left with only a few options.

One is to give up on finding the deer, which is definitely not the first choice for those who work hard to make a kill.

Thanks to Kevin Greenhill of Russellville and his

39

helpers, there exists another option; tracking a deer after being shot.

Greenhill keeps and trains dogs that can follow the blood trail to the kill when the hunters cannot find the deer unaided.

“I’ve hunted ever since I was nine years old,” Greenhill said. “I do a lot of bow hunting. I saw this in Texas.

I saw them out there tracking, so I thought I’m going to get a dog like that and train him to track. I took my dog Tracker, a little beagle-walker mix, and just started putting him on blood. If I shot a deer and it ran 10 or 15 yards I’d get Tracker, put him on the blood, tell him ‘dead’ and let him go to it. He would track down to it, and he finally started figuring out what I wanted him to do. Then I got into the training with him. I take liver drags, make a trail and put him on it. I kept making it harder. I started using him to find my own deer and those shot by friends of mine, and once he got good enough I figured I’d take some calls from different people.

That’s basically how it started.“ Greenhill has been doing this for six years now. He takes calls during season and will track deer for people when he is not at his day job in the lumber industry.

“In the early part of the season around October during bow season I don’t have that many,” he said. “We might have one or two calls a week maybe. From December to January when bigger bucks start showing up around here I get more calls.

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Sometimes we get two or three a week.”

Tracking a deer for a customer is a process, and Greenhill has to have answers to certain questions in order to know what he’s dealing with.

“The first thing I’ll ask a customer is how the deer reacted to the shot,” he said. “Every deer that you shoot will have some type of reaction to the bullet. That will tell me basically where that deer is hit at. If it’s hit in the stomach it will hunch up, if he’s hit closer to the front shoulders towards the heart or lungs he’s going to tear out of there wide open.

If he just stands there on the first

shot you probably missed him. Next thing I’ll ask him is how far away the deer was when it was shot. Based on how the deer reacts I can find out where it was hit, and if it was hit in the stomach like in the liver, then I know I need to wait so many hours before I go after him. I’ll ask where is he at, what time he was shot, and kind of go into whether or not I can find that deer based on the information.”

Since Greenhill is tracking a wild and elusive creature, no two jobs are ever the same. The same goes for the amount of time it takes to track down a deer that has been shot by

FRANKLIN LIVING

a hunter.

“It depends,” he said. “If the deer is dead, then most of the time we find it within 300 yards of where they stop losing blood. If the deer is still alive then we might track it three or four hours and never find it.”

Greenhill has two different dogs that he and his helpers, Heath and Tiffany Thorne, use to track deer.

Tracker is the veteran of the two, but the new dog on the block is Big John, an 18-month old specifically bred for this line of work.

“Big John is an 84-pound half bloodhound half majestic hound.” Greenhill said. “He He came out of Virginia Virgin i ia from a guy who breeds them. I use him a lot treeing cats and mountain lions.

He’s got a really good nose.

The bloodhound side is for scent and staying focused; the majestic hound side is f o r

drive and aggressiveness for the hunt.”

Everyone has that one story that stands out from the rest whether it involves something in his or her life or work.

The following is that particular story for Greenhill when it comes to his work as a tracker.

“I tracked a deer for Chris Bentley about three years ago,” he said. “That deer was shot at 5:30 one evening.

He shot him three times, and he time hit him all three times, th knocking him down twice. He didn’t call me until 1 p.m. the d day. When I got down there and next da started at 2 p.m. it had rained on it that night. It was 20 hours before I started tracking it. It took an hour for Tracker to work tthe trail and find him. Once we jumped up. He was still alive. I did he ju on him from 2:30 to 5:30. I saw stayed o him up iin front of me three times. The must stay on a leash, so I walked dog mus stayed with him. I actually walked and stay up onto that deer within five steps in

a creek. Since I didn’t have a weapon I couldn’t put him down. I radioed my helper and Chris Bentley and told them I found it, but it was still alive and where it was. Then the deer took off running, and I ended up tracking him until dark.

Then we pulled off and left him. I had to work the next day, so I came back 24 hours later, I flagged it where I left him, I put Tracker back on him and tracked him 200 or 300 yards down a holler and there was no more blood. They ended up finding that deer a few days later in the holler. I quit on the deer. Tracker was barking and still wanting to go, but Bentley told me just to call it off since we hadn’t found him. I flagged it there and left. A couple of days later he was upset that he didn’t find it. I told him to go back to that flag and finish walking the holler out and you might find him. He went back and found him lying dead 200 yards from the flag. He was probably dead that night, and Tracker wanted to keep going, but I had already trailed the deer for two hours trying

to find it. 24 hours later with no blood Tracker really had to work. He got him in that holler; I just didn’t go far enough with him. He was a 142 inch 10 point; a big deer. That’s the longest I’ve tracked one, through rain and several hours.”

If a hunter is in need of help in tracking down an elusive kill, Greenhill can be reached at 256-412-8393.

“I don’t have a set charge,” he said. “I just tell them they can give me a donation.”

41

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FRANKLIN LIVING

Citizens pack the streets of downtown Red Bay in this undated photo.

FRANKLIN LIVING

LOOKING BACK

43

LOOKING BACK

44

FRANKLIN LIVING

LOOKING BACK

Overview Warren pony truss bridge over Little Bear Creek on Jackson Military Rd Location Franklin County, Alabama Status Closed to all traffic History Built 1936.

This bridge was part of the old Jackson Highway route. It was closed in 1984. The road is closed on the north side about 3 miles north of the the bridge. This area is private property.

It is gated at the south side on Co Rd 61. This bridge is in very poor condition. The north side of it is slumping. It appears to be too dangerous to walk on.

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PARTING SHOTS

Yellow ribbons adorned the homes and businesses throughout Franklin County in the fall to mark the return of the 115th Signal Battalion following a one-year deployment to Afghanistan. Each soldier and their respective family members and support groups are owed our deepest gratitude and thanks for their bravery and sacrifice. Thank you to all of you and welcome home!

46

FRANKLIN LIVING

Tiffin Motorhomes WHEREVER YOU GO, WE GO.

“Putting employees and customers first” Vina native and current Red Bay resident Amanda Hester has worked for Tiffin Motor Homes for the past 10 years.

She currently serves as a human resources clerk – a job that Hester said entails a “little bit of everything.”

A typical day for Hester includes a lot of paperwork, which might not sound very exciting to most people, but Hester said she enjoys what she does because she gets to help other people who work for Tiffin on a daily basis.

“Sometimes my job can be stressful because I run the payroll for all of our employees and I take care of all the benefits like health insurance and 401Ks, so you can imagine there are a lot of different facets to what I do,” she said.

“But at the end of the day, I really enjoy the people I work with and the fact that I get to help them. When they have questions about their insurance or concerns about their retirement funds, I can sit down with them and help them resolve any problems they’re having, and it’s good to know that a person can leave my office feeling a lot better than when they walked in.”

“The Tiffins are a great family and they care about the quality of the products they are producing. It’s nice to work for a company that puts the employees and customers first.”

Hester said she also loves that she was able to find a job with a quality company just miles from her hometown of Vina and minutes from her current home in Red Bay. “Being able to work close to home gives me more flexibility, especially when it comes to being there for all the activities my children are involved in,” Hester said.

Her 12 year old daughter, Paige, is a junior high cheerleader, and her 10 year old son, Skyler, plays basketball, so Hester said she and her husband of 13 years, Josh, stay busy keeping up with them.

Amanda Hester “My life outside of work is Human Resources Clerk mainly all about our kids,” Hester said.

And when they aren’t busy supporting their children, always has a smile on his face and Hester and her family can be found always asks me how I’m doing,” she at the church she grew up in – said. “That concern they have for First Baptist Church of Vina. their employees carries over into the concern they have for their customers.

Besides the fact that she gets to help her fellow Tiffin employees, Hester said she considers herself blessed to work for a company that truly cares about its employees.

“Every time I see Bob [Tiffin], he

105 2nd Street N.W. • Red Bay, AL • 256-356-8661 • www.tiffinmotorhomes.com

Serving Franklin County Since 1919

Sibley Oil Company Providing for the Farmers!

Making things Simple and Easy!

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256-637-2221 6 Stores to serve you in Franklin County Legacy • Cedar Creek • 24 West • 43 North • Downtown Russellville • Phil Campbell