HEATH GRIMES | SWEET STRAWBERRY TREATS | PHILIP GOAD
March/April 2022 Vol. 13 Issue No. 2
Welcome spring World comes back to life as cold days of winter pass
SPINNING YARNS Phil Campbell artist tells her story
NOT-SO-FURRY FRIENDS Hedgehogs make perfect prickly pals
GET GROWING Extension encourages container gardening
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FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR
I
don’t know about you, but I always feel like hibernating through the winter. Not the holidays. Like mostly people, I revel in the joy of the Christmas season and feel inspired by the turning of the calendar into a New Year. I’m full of excitement, motivation and big plans as January begins, buoyed by the holiday fun and memories just past. But as the new wears off and cold gray days wear on – I quickly lose steam. The time comes to hunker down inside with a warm blanket, dreaming of warmer days and happier times to come. As March arrives, it would seem those happier times are here. Just like the delicate golden buttercups, I feel like I’m waking up to greet the sunshine, shaking off the frosty winter and welcoming a spring full of events and opportunities. With this edition of Franklin Living, we welcome spring and invite you to rediscover all the great things going on in
Franklin County. From upcoming events you won’t want to miss, to delectable strawberry recipes you just have to try, this issue is full of figurative and little treats. We also keep our continual focus on the people and traditions that make Franklin County the place we all love so much. Keep reading to learn more about a not-so-furry friend you just might want to welcome into your life and way to embrace gardening even if you’re short on space, and don’t miss the story spun by Phil Campbell textile artist Robin Swindle. Whatever your mood or interest, I think we have something to delight you in this edition. So say hello to spring, and enjoy a good read.
Alison James
Features Editorial ALISON JAMES MARÍA CAMP Contributors PHILIP GOAD HEATH GRIMES EMILY MAYS Marketing SHELLEY OZBIRN
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What’s Happening Money Matters Taste of Franklin Faith Focus Spinning her yarns From the Extension: Time to get growing Prickly pals Education Corner Faces of Franklin County
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Administrative
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SOMMER MORRIS
____________________ Franklin Living is published bi-monthly by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. Copyright 2020 by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. P.O. Box 1088 Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com
Franklin Living
ON THE COVER: Krewe de Guard hosts one of the first big community events of 2022, an annual Mardi Gras parade, in downtown Russellville. Avery Guinn joined the festivities with his accordion. To see more festive faces from the annual eco-friendly and charitable event, turn to page 26.
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What’s What’s Happening Happening
Checkout outall allthe the upcoming upcoming Check community events! events! community Submit community events for future issues of Franklin Living to Submit community events for future issues of Franklin Living to alison.james@franklincountytimes.com. Requests must bereceived received Submit community events for future issues of Franklin to alison.james@franklincountytimes.com. Requests must beLiving by theby first of the month for consideration for the next edition. alison.james@franklincountytimes.com. Requests must be received the first of the month for consideration for the next edition. events subject to change or cancellation. by theAll first of theare month for consideration for the next edition.
Rockin’ at the Roxy Spring Spring Sports Registration Sports
March 12 The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council has made plans for some outstanding shows at The Historic Roxy this First Jan.spring. 1 through Feb.up 1 will be the return of Rockin’ at theMarch Roxy,7March 12. Jan. 29 through The Kerry GilbertFeb. Band will be joined Jan. 1The through Russellville 1 byJan. Trinecia Hall Hodge, Derrick Stancil and Joe Holmes for a Moun29 through March 7 Parks and Recreation tain Breeze 2.0 reunion. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show is at 7 Department will The Russellville p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children begin spring sports Parks and younger thanRecreation 6. with soccer registration Department will signups Jan. 1 through begin spring sports Feb. 1. Youth soccer is for boys and girls ages 3-12, and cost registration withwill soccer is $35. Teams play their games at the soccer fields by signups Jan. 1 through the Chucky Mullins Center. Youth softball signup for girls March Feb. 12 1. Youth is for andcontinue girls ages 3-12,March and cost ages 6-12 soccer will begin Jan.boys 29 and through 7, The Scholarship Comwith aMullins costwill of $35. more information 256-332-8870, is Chucky $35. Teams playFor their games at the call soccer fields by ext. 14. Mullins mittee presents its second annualsoftball signup for girls the Chucky Center. Youth Football Camp 12 at29Russellages 6-12 willMarch begin Jan. and continue through March 7, ville High School stadium. with a cost of $35.football For more information call 256-332-8870, Different ext. 14.programs will be offered for those 8-12, those 12 and older and those with special needs. A number of special guests will be on hand. For tickets and more information visit www.cms1988.com/football-camp.
Registration
Chucky Mullins Football Camp
Rockin’ at the Roxy Jan. 11 and Feb. 8
Rockin’ The secondat Saturday Franklin County night of each the Roxymonth at Egg Hunts April 167 p.m. is the monthly
Jan. 11 and Feb.County 8Band Kerry Gilbert The Franklin concert at the Historic Chamber of Commerce The second Saturday Roxy Theatre in willnight once again host of each month at will be joined by a special guest for Russellville. The KGB Easter egg hunts across 7 p.m. is the monthly each show. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 Franklin County. KerryforGilbert Band children 6-12Rusand free for children younger than 6. sellville’s be at concerthunt at thewill Historic 10Roxy a.m.,Theatre Phil Campbell’s in willRussellville. follow at The noon, and KGB will be joined by a special guest for 6show. Red Bay’s will Doors be at open 3 p.m.atThese and typically each 6 p.m.events Cost isare $10free, for adults, $5 include prize drawings surprises as wellthan as a visit for children 6-12 andand freeother for children younger 6. from the Easter Bunny. For more information call the chamber at 256332-1760.
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BTCPA’s Franklin County
Franklin “ABasketball FarceCounty of Nature” Tournament Basketball Tournament April 21-24 Jan. 14-18 Jan. The14-18 Bay
Red Bay,
Tree
Council Red Bay, for the Tharptown,Arts Vina, Performing Tharptown, Vina, Belgreen and in Red and Bay will Belgreen Phil Campbell Phil Campbell host its third basketball teams basketball teams production of will face off will face off on the season, on “A the court the court for Farce of for Nature,” thethe Franklin Franklin April 21-23 at County Varsity County Varsity Center. This show is written by Jessie the Weatherford Tournament. Tournament. Jones,will Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten and directed Teams play Teams will play byRed Scotty at Bay inKennedy. For information about group prices atannual Red Bay theatre in and dinner options, contact Beth Hammock at this this annual 256-668-0045. competition among county teams. competition among county teams.
Almost Elton John Scale Back Alabama: April 23 Scale Back Alabama: Weigh-In Jarred Price willWeek Weigh-In Week
Jan. 20-26 to return
the Historic Roxy TheJan. Weigh-In 20-26 Theatre to presWeek for teams Weigh-In entThehis show, participating in Scale Week for teams Back Alabama will be “Almost Elton participating in Scale Jan. 20-26, John,” at kicking 7 p.m. off the tribute two and ato half Back Alabama will be This month program. SBA Jan. 20-26, kicking Elton John feais aoff free statewide the two and and a half tures Price weight-loss month program. SBA his band, The campaign designed is a free statewide Rocket Men. to encourage weight-loss Price firstto perAlabamians get campaign designed formed the healthy andathave fun to encourage Roxy 25, doing it.Sept. Since the Alabamians to get first challenge 2007, Alabamians have lost more than 1grand pi2021. He willinbe bringing his beautiful red baby million pounds. For to sign or toall find healthy and have funinformation, ano for the show.more Tickets are on sale now,upwith seats are areserved, local weigh-in site, visit www.scalebackalabama.com. doing it.for Since the $20-35. first challenge in 2007, Alabamians have lost more than 1 million pounds. For more information, to sign up or to find a local weigh-in site, visit www.scalebackalabama.com.
The Roxy’s LifeSouth Blood Drives
Salute toLifeSouth Broadway Blood Drives
Jan. 22 and Feb. 1
The LifeSouth bloodmobile Aprilbe28 will inthrough May 1 Jan. and Feb.“The 1 Roxy’s Russellville A new22 musical, Jan. 22 LifeSouth at The Salute to Broadway,” will be IHP and Feb. April 28 through bloodmobile presented 1 at Cricket will1beatinthe Historic Roxy May Wireless. The bloodmobile will be at IHP from 9 a.m. to 4 Russellville Theatre. This Wireless production, p.m. and at Cricket from noon to 7 p.m. For more Jan. 22and atvisit written directed by Hillinformation www.lifesouth.org. For additional questions and Feb. aryIHP Malone Hall, willeligibility pay trib-and more call 1-888-795about appointments, Cricket ute1 at toLifeSouth many Broadway hitsneeds at Russellville Hospital. 2707. supplies blood
Wireless. bloodmobile through theThe decades. Show- will be at IHP from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.will andbeat7Cricket Wireless from noon to 7 p.m. For more times p.m. Thursday Franklin living information visitand www.lifesouth.org. For additional questions and Friday, 2 p.m. 7 p.m. about appointments, eligibility and more call 1-888-795Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. 2707.information LifeSouth supplies blood needs at Russellville Hospital. More will be available soon.
Franklin Living Franklin living
MONEY MATTERS
Keeping the travel budget in check
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an you hear the ocean waves calling your name? Or are you looking forward to a nice staycation at home? Either way, one thing is for sure: finances play a major role in what our summer plans look like. Here are three financial tips to help keep your vacation plans – and pocketbook – in check this travel season! Remember financial planning: Emergencies aren’t just a flat tire or lost luggage. Be sure to avoid a financial S.O.S. by planning for all the vacation expenses you can think of. Dining, hotels, gas, excursions, souvenirs and all the other extras quickly add up. Stick to your budget: You’ve examined what all expenses are likely to occur; now, stick to your guns. It’s so easy to go overboard and “treat yourself” when away from your normal routine. To stay on track, consider choosing attractions that offer discounts on certain days or non-peak times or even offer free admission. If your budget is tight right now, look for adventures closer to home and start saving for that dream trip in the future. Be flexible, if possible: There are major savings to be had if you’re willing to be flexible and do a little research. Do
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you have to travel during peak season? If not, traveling during off-peak times can lead to major savings. When booking a cruise, you can usually save money by making your reservation six months to a year in advance. Research where your hotel is located; can you select one within walking distance to popular attractions instead? Is public transportation available? Hotel alternatives are also becoming more and more common. Check out all the new lodging options that are available, like Airbnb and Home Away, and see where you might cut costs. Or maybe choose a destination based on where you have family or friends who would let you stay. Most importantly, enjoy that well-deserved time off. Whether you decide to hit the open road or just stay home and hit snooze, make the most of your time. Home or away, memories will be made, so soak it all in!
Emily Mays is vice president/chief administrative officer at Community Spirit Bank in Red Bay, working in finance for 15 years. She is an enthusiastic social media marketer, financial literacy advocate and go-local supporter. She lives in East Franklin and has one daughter, Lola.
13480 Hwy.43 - Russellville, AL
• Ashley • Southern Motion • Jackson Catnapper • Best Home Furnishings • Home Stretch
256-332-0965
WWW.HELENKFURNITUREINC.COM
Mon. Tues. Thurs. Fri. Sat.: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Sunday: Closed Franklin Living
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TASTE OF FRANKLIN
Berry delicious
Turn sweet strawberries into any number of tasty treats Recipes by AMY MCCOLLUM Photos by LARA GUNDERMAN
Amy McCollum is highlighting a few of her favorite strawberry recipes just as schools are selling them as fundraisers. “If you’re like me and bought a flat, these recipes will come in handy,” McCollum said. “You can freeze some of the berries and make some of the yummy treats later on.” For McCollum, strawberries’ value lies in their versatility. “You can make muffins, shortcake, pancakes, smoothies, candy, milkshakes, cookies – and the list goes on,” she said. They also remind her of her growing up years in the 1980s. “I loved Strawberry Shortcake and watched many of her cartoons as a child. When she made a comeback in early 2003, my daughters Leah and Anna Beth enjoyed all the dolls, toys and cartoons again. It was great to see them enjoy something I did as a kid. “I also took them to pick strawberries at LouAllen Farms in Lawrence County when they were little. It was a great agricultural lesson for them, even at a young age.”
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STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SALAD Ingredients:
• 2 cups boiling water • 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen strawberries • 2 (3 oz.) packages strawberry gelatin dessert mix • 1 (8 oz.) container thawed frozen whipped topping • 3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese • 3/4 cup melted butter • 2 cups crushed pretzels
SIMPLY DELICIOUS STRAWBERRY CAKE Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Instructions: 1. 2.
3.
4.
5.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. For the crust, mix the pretzels, butter and three tablespoons of sugar. Press this mixture into a 9×13-inch pan and bake for seven minutes. Set aside and allow to cool. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 3/4 cup of sugar. Fold in the whipped topping and spread over the cooled crust. Refrigerate until well chilled. In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water and allow to cool slightly. Add the strawberries and pour over the cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate until serving time. To serve, cut slices and top with a dollop of whipped topping.
1 (18.25 oz) box white Duncan Hines cake mix 1 (3 oz.) box strawberry-flavored instant Jell-O 2 cups of strawberries, pureed, plus 1/4 cup puree for frosting 4 large eggs 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup water For the frosting: 1/4 cup softened butter 1 (8 oz.) package softened cream cheese 7 cups confectioner’s sugar 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract freshly sliced strawberries for garnishing
Instructions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
7. 8.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans or one 13x9 cake pan. In a large bowl, combine cake mix and gelatin. Add pureed strawberries, eggs, oil and water; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into pans and bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks. For the frosting: In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in 1/4 cup of strawberry puree and the vanilla extract. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar, beating until smooth. Spread frosting in between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries, if desired.
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SIMPLE STRAWBERRY LEMONADE
CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRIES Ingredients: • • • •
1 lb. large strawberries, washed and dried 8 oz. milk chocolate baking chocolate 4 oz. white chocolate baking chocolate Decorations: 1 cup crushed pecans, 1 cup mini semichocolate chips
Instructions: 1.
2. 3. 4.
5. 6. 7. 8.
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Place milk chocolate and white chocolate in two separate bowls. Melt in the microwave according to the package. Grab the strawberry by the stem or insert a toothpick into the top. Dip the strawberry into the chocolate and allow the excess to drip off. If decorating with nuts or chocolate chips, after the excess chocolate has dripped off the strawberry, lay it on a plate of nuts/chocolate chips. Gently press the nuts/ chocolate chips into the chocolate. Place on wax paper to harden. Drizzle with white chocolate if desired. Strawberries are best served the day they are prepared but may be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Tip: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and place on paper towels to dry. You might need to pat the berries. The chocolate will not stick to the strawberries if they are still wet.
Ingredients: • • • •
8 scoops (1 1/3 cups) Country Time Lemonade 1 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, blended Water
Instructions: 1. 2. 3.
Mix lemonade, sugar and strawberries in a gallon jug. Fill the rest of the jug with water. Serve over ice and garish with a lemon slice.
STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM Easy no-egg recipe
Ingredients: • • • • • • •
2 cups whole milk 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups mashed fresh strawberries 2 drops red food coloring (optional)
Instructions: 1. 2.
In a large bowl, combine the milk, cream, sugar, salt, vanilla, strawberries and food coloring. Pour the mixture into the freezer bowl of an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s directions.
Franklin Living
STRAWBERRY-PECAN BREAD
STRAWBERRY BUTTER
Makes one 9-inch loaf
Yields about 1 1/4 cup
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Instructions:
• • • • • •
2 cups self-rising flour 3/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar, divided 1/2 cup chopped pecans 3/4 cup whole milk 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted (real butter, no substitutes) • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest • 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries 1. 2.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9-inch loaf pan with baking spray with flour. 3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 3/4 cup sugar and pecans and make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. 4. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter and lemon zest. 5. Stir milk mixture into flour mixture just until combined 6. Gently stir in strawberries. 7. Spread batter into prepared pan. 8. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. 9. Sprinkle hot loaf with remaining 1 teaspoon sugar. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. 10. Run a knife around edges of pan. Remove loaf from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack. Serve with strawberry butter.
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• 1/2 cup butter, softened • 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar • 1/2 cup coarsely mashed strawberries • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In a medium bowl, beat butter with a mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add confectioner’s sugar and beat until fluffy. Gradually add strawberries, beating until combined. Beat in lemon zest and vanilla. Serve immediately with the Strawberry Pecan Bread.
Amy Dolan McCollum is retired from 27 years in education. She holds a home economics degree from the University of Montevallo. The last 13 years of her career she served as the Child Nutrition Program director for Franklin County Schools and as the Family and Consumer Science teacher at Phil Campbell High School. She is married to Tim McCollum, and they have five children – Leah and Lara Gunderman, Anna Gunderman Pressnell and Adam and Brendon McCollum – and one granddaughter, Brooklyn McCollum.
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FAITH FOCUS
Be first by being last?
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Bethany Ellison
Malone
Attorney at Law 503 West Main Street Tuscumbia, AL 35674 www.bethanyellisonmalone.com
• Wills • Probate • Estate Planning • General Practice
hen you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation. Many of us of us are familiar with that old saying, and most of us have tried it. From getting a teacher to “chase a rabbit” while covering a boring topic, to attempting to refocus the spotlight of scrutiny away from self onto someone else, we can all identify with wanting to change the subject. In Mark 9, the apostles have been arguing about which of them is the greatest. In dealing with this ugly and divisive attitude, Jesus prescribes something both unexpected and counter intuitive: In verse 35, he states, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Taking a child in his arms – an example of the unimportant in first century culture – he adds, “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me but Him who sent Me.” He needs them to understand that they way they treat people – especially those regarded as unimportant – is also the way they are treating God. The room is suddenly un-
comfortable – and it’s at this point that John attempts to change the conversation. By disparaging a nameless outsider who has been casting out demons in the name of Jesus, John hopes Jesus will move on to a new “problem.” As the master teacher, it’s not surprising Jesus doesn’t allow himself to be derailed. He demands, by employing hyperbole, that the apostles do anything and everything necessary to ensure that the ugly attitudes within them are corrected. He concludes by encouraging them to be like salt “and be at peace with one another.” So how will the apostles fix this? In a word, these leaders desperately need to learn humility. For us today, I suspect a lack of humility often hinders us from reflecting Jesus in our lives. In light of all God has done for you, have you responded to him in genuine humility? If Jesus wanted to have a conversation with you about the way you are following him, would you want to change the conversation? May the Lord bless each of us with humility!
Philip Goad is the minister at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville. He is married to Marla, and they have a daughter, Kayla Thorne, who is married to Josh. They also have a son, Preston, and one grandchild, Greyson Thorne.
256-383-9444 10
Franklin Living
Spinning yarns Robin Swindle, Phil Campbell spinner, tells her story Story and photos by MARÍA CAMP
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obin Swindle’s love of working with yarn started more than 20 years ago, when she bought an illustrated book and used it to teach herself how to crochet. These days, she still crochets but also knits, weaves on a loom and spins her own yarn using a spinning wheel. HOW IT STARTED The desire to take up spinning began with concerns about having enough yarn on an ongoing basis. “During the beginning of the pandemic, I got worried the stores might run out of yarn,” explained Swindle, “and I started Googling and found out people still make handspun yarn, so I set about learning how.” While on vacation in Gatlinburg in No-
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vember 2020, she discovered the Smoky Mountain Spinnery, a large specialty store for those creating all types of fiber arts. “I could spend all day in there,” said Swindle. “As soon as I walked in, I knew it was precisely my kind of place.” She started looking for a drop spindle, an inexpensive way many beginners start to learn how to spin yarn, and she wound up selecting one with a dragonfly because that’s her favorite insect. After a 10–15 minute in-store lesson on how to make yarn using the drop spindle, she said it was pretty much a matter of practice. “I just had to keep going with it. I was ‘bit by the bug’ right away, and I fell down all the rabbit holes.” She is mostly self-taught, using books and YouTube videos. She has also
started learning to weave, having received a loom as a Christmas gift in 2021. SPINNING WHEEL Swindle said she soon saw the limitations of working with only a drop spindle for spinning and realized she wanted a spinning wheel. She began digging deep into research about the different types and costs. “Some of them are quite expensive, but I just kept looking,” she explained. “During the February ice storm last year, I found the one I ended up getting, a Saxon-type spinning wheel. I bought it through Facebook Marketplace from a lady in Arkansas.” One feature of the wheel holds special significance for Swindle. Her father had passed away from multiple myeloma with-
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in the previous two or three weeks, and the date of manufacturing on the bottom of the wheel is his birthday in the year she was born. FIBER QUALITIES AND TYPES Swindle said different fibers have varying qualities, and that makes each one more desirable for certain types of projects than others. While unsure whether she has a favorite, Swindle said plain wool is the easiest to work with, as well as the most versatile. “Some wools are softer than others, and some are very coarse. A lot of people use those for making rugs,” she explained. “Wool can be spun thin or thick, and a lot of people spin it into ‘art yarn’ – leaving bits of a curly lock hanging out and just having one end spun in. A lot of weavers use art yarn because it’s more textured and adds an aesthetic many find desirable.” She said some people use just the roving, which is when wool has been combed and fibers are straightened out, choosing to knit or weave with it. In contrast, spun silk “tends to want to be thinner yet doesn’t come apart well so that it can be spun thinner.”
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Flax – called linen once it’s woven – is a dry fiber, a quality that is not as desirable because the fibers don’t stay together as well. Swindle said some wheels have attachments to hold a bowl of water to help when working with very dry fibers. The most unusual fibers she has worked with include camel and yak. Swindle explained she found a company, Paradise Fibers, that has a monthly fibers club, which she looks forward to as a good way to try spinning different types of fibers into yarn. GETTING TO WORK Swindle explained some fibers have crimp, a sort of “memory.” She described it as having a similar quality as curly hair, which can be straightened but goes back to its naturally curly state when washed. “Yarn with crimp holds together better. Wetting the yarn, ‘setting the twist,’ after fibers with crimp are spun into yarn, helps them hold together better.” Fibers that don’t have enough crimp might work when used on their own but would not be at their best without blending with fibers that do have crimp. Different types of fibers can be spun into a blended yarn, a technique Swindle sometimes uses in her work. This helps to combat less desirable qualities, like being overly dry. “Some fibers need to be blended,” Swindle said. “One lady I know of uses fiber from a Himalayan cat, and a lot of people spin dog hair. Some use a certain type of alpaca fiber.” Choosing the best fiber really depends on the project. “Angora fibers wouldn’t work with a wool hat or anything that needs to hold its shape because they don’t have crimp, and they tend to stretch, but they would be great for a scarf.”
St. Patrick's Celebration Now through March 18 Try your luck at opening our treasure chest! You could win jewelry or a gift certificate. Plus, save some GREEN on these beautiful jewelry selections and more!
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White Gold Diamond Cluster Necklace Set
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Rose Gold Round and Baggett Necklace
LaFonn Sterling Silver, CZ, Necklaces & Earrings
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361-C 2nd Street (next to Subway) Belmont, MS 662.454.3158
www.goldendreamsjewelry.com
Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri., 10 - 5; Closed: Wed., Sat., & Sun.
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Swindle also goes through the processes of dyeing some of the fibers she spins into yarn, which adds another degree of originality to her work. “Protein fibers (anything that’s animal fur or silk) need heat and acid to be dyed,” explained Swindle. “I use food coloring gels, but many people buy commercial dyes; however, for centuries, natural dyes, like parts of plants and vegetables and even coffee and tea have been used.” Swindle said flax, cotton, bamboo and other baste fibers need fiber-reactive dyes or tie-dye colors. “They can be stained with other things, but it will be much lighter and might eventually fade,” she explained. So far, she has only dyed wool. “It’s not difficult, but certain colors need more heat and acid to get the color to bind. It might sound like a lot of work, but mixing colors is fun.” For the rainbow fibers, she dyes them either on top of the stove or in the oven on a low temperature. “I did those with commercially-prepared roving and used food coloring, soaking them in warm water mixed with citric acid for a couple of hours and then squeezing the water out and arranging the fibers in a roasting pan.” At that point, she waters down the food coloring gel and applies it where she wants it. “I put it in the oven on 200 degrees until the water is clear,” meaning all the dye is bound to the fiber. ENJOYING THE PROCESS “I make a little bit of everything,” said Swindle. “Scarves, blankets, toys. I have made bunnies, cats, hedgehogs and even an octopus that was around four feet long. I have done tapestry crochet. One time I crocheted a rug out of clothesline. I’ll cro-
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chet a scarf from hand-spun yarn. I love spinning, but I still use commercial yarn, too.” She said she finds spinning, weaving, crocheting and knitting “extremely engaging. It’s easy to get caught up in what I’m doing, and it’s relaxing, but I also feel like I’m getting something done. It helps me to have something to sit down and focus on.” SELLING AND TEACHING Swindle explained not everyone understands the significance of handmade goods. “Even if I make the same thing twice, there are variances. You’re getting something one of a kind when it’s made by hand.” She makes it a point to share that truth, promoting greater awareness and appreciation for the fiber arts. In addition to making projects for her own enjoyment, Swindle sells her yarns and finished works, in addition to sharing what she’s learning through her YouTube channel, which shares the name of her Etsy shop, SpinCrochetRepeatRCC. For those interested in trying spinning or another fiber art, Swindle said she recommends giving it a try but starting small. “Don’t buy the most expensive of everything if you’re just wanting to try it out. Many of the tools can be handmade. People have been spinning for millennia.”
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Franklin Living
FROM THE EXTENSION
Add splendor to your porch or patio with colorful container gardening Photos by MARÍA CAMP
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ardening in containers is one of the most versatile and creative forms of garden design. Planting a container garden is much like creating a floral arrangement – except live plants are enjoyed for a whole season. Almost any plant grows in a container when proper conditions are provided and adds a versatile splash of color and art wherever desired. Some other reasons for container gardening are as follows: Your backyard or traditional gardening space is limited or unavailable. Your time for gardening is limited. Your mobility is limited to working in raised beds or containers. Your gardening site is unsuitable for growing desired plants because of the soil conditions, unsuitable sun or shade or other environmental factors. You have a desire to be a creative garden artist! The biggest disadvantages to growing plants in containers are the maintenance requirements of watering and fertilizing. Here are some helpful techniques for successful container gardening, including choosing containers and potting mix, selecting plants, planting, fertilizing and watering. CHOOSING A CONTAINER Generally, plants can be grown in anything that will hold growing media and allow proper drainage. Some of the more traditionally used containers include terra cotta pots, plastic pots, hanging baskets, wire baskets lined with sphagnum moss or fibrous liners, concrete planters, planter boxes, whiskey barrels, 5-gallon buckets, tubs and bushel baskets. Some of these containers are more durable than others. Be creative when choosing a container. Selecting a container that fits the look you wish to create is half the fun of container gardening. Containers can be window boxes, wooden wine crates, tires, bags of potting soil or even your favorite old boot. Some self-watering containers have been manufactured to improve drainage and also have built-in reservoirs for watering plants. Whatever container you
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• Decide whether the container needs to be attractive, if it’s in a place of high visibility. • Containers can be painted to create a different look or to create a cooler surface that will reflect heat. • Consider whether you might want to move the container to a different location later. If so, keep in mind the weight factor. Styrofoam peanuts can be used in the bottom of the container rather than filling it fully with potting mix. Also, the new fiberglass or Styrofoam planters are lightweight and decorative.
choose, consider the following: • The container must have a bottom hole for adequate drainage. • The container must be large enough to hold the minimum amount of medium required for mature plants to grow. • The type of container used depends on the location and the plant selected. Avoid using black containers in full sun. Remember that terra cotta and other porous containers wick water away from plants.
SELECTING A POTTING MIXTURE It is important to select a growing medium that drains well but that will also help keep plants from drying out between waterings. Keeping containers moist yet well drained is the most important key to successful container gardening. The best growing mixture is one that is soil-less. Soil-less media are free of any disease pathogens, insect pests and weed seeds. They are also generally lightweight and porous, allowing for a well-drained yet moisture-retentive mix. Premixed growing media for container gardens are available from garden centers. However, be careful not to use peat or peat-lite mixes alone. By themselves,
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these media tend to become compacted, too lightweight and difficult to wet. You can create your own blend by using peat moss, vermiculite or perlite, sterile potting mix or compost – make sure it is thoroughly composted – and coarse builder’s sand. To determine how much lime might be needed to bring the pH into the 6.0-6.8 range, send a sample of the mixture to a soil testing laboratory. Some commercially prepared growing mixtures have an added wetting agent, which is a great help when it comes to planting and watering. You could consider adding water-absorbing polymers or “gel” that absorbs and retains up to 400 times its weight in water. These poly-
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mers are nontoxic and last for a number of years before breaking down in the environment. Read the label carefully to understand the proper amount of polymer needed for a specific container size. Most potting mixtures become compacted and plants become root-bound over time. It is best to replace containers with fresh media at least once a year or every other season. Plants remaining in the same pot for a year or more also need root pruning to maintain health and vigor.
vegetable varieties have a more compact growth habit, such as Fanfare cucumber and Husky Gold tomato. Look for AllAmerican Selections Winners, many of which are excellent choices for container gardening. The primary keys to successfully growing vegetables in containers are to plant them in the proper-sized container and to keep them watered. Vegetables are about 99 percent water. When growing them in containers, it is especially important to ensure conSELECTING PLANTS sistent moisture. Choose a container Most vegetables are grown in a par- large enough that plants don’t dry out ticular season of the year, making them between waterings. For example, toexcellent container garden plants. Some matoes must have a container with a
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minimum of 5 gallons potting mix. Smaller vegetables, such as radishes and lettuce, can be grown in a half gallon or less. Plant a kitchen container garden that includes herbs, salad greens, garlic and other easy-to-grow vegetables. Many of salad greens can be thinned and harvested throughout the cool season, and leaves and herbs can be snipped as needed. MIXED CONTAINERS Container gardens do not have to be limited to one type of plant. Vegetables can be interplanted with herbs, annuals or vines. Some veg-
etables can be used as ornamentals with their contrasting colors, textures and forms. Research has shown that interplanting and companion planting interrupts disease and pest cycles. The limiting factors when mixing plants in the same container are the same requirements for light and water. If you’re considering aesthetics, work toward a design balance, coordinating colors, textures, variety, height and flow. PLANTING Before planting the container garden, first determine how the plants will fit or be arranged in the container. Cover the drainage hole in the container,
using pieces of broken pottery or mesh screen, to prevent the potting mix from clogging the hole. Fill the container about three-fourths full. Moisten potting mix thoroughly. Allow it to settle, and then add more media if needed. Always remove plants from their propagation or nursery container before planting. Starting with healthy, disease-free and pest-free seeds and plants ensures success. If direct-seeding a container garden, plant seeds at the proper planting depth and season according to the germination and planting recommendations. After the seeds germinate and the plants put out their first true leaves, thin the seedlings to the recommended spacing by pinching out extras. This reduces root disturbance and allows seedlings to grow without competing with each other. FERTILIZING Some soilless mixes used for container gardening do not contain fertilizers. In this case, you will need to add trace elements that plants would otherwise obtain naturally from garden soil. Slowrelease fertilizers supplying all the nutrients needed for a container garden are available. Nitrogen is slowly released to plant roots, providing necessary fertility throughout the growing season without burning plant roots. Fertilizers are salts and when overused can burn or kill plants. These salts can build up in potting media over time and also in porous container materials, such as terra cotta. Wash porous pots with a 10 percent bleach solution before planting to remove salt buildup from previous crops. If additional fertilization is needed, a water-soluble fertilizer like Miracle Grow, Peters and others can be used to supplement. Follow label directions on all fertilizers, and keep records of planting and fertilization dates. WATERING The most critical and time-consuming part of maintaining container gardens is watering. This is particularly true as plants mature and roots crowd the container. As a general rule, plants grown in full sun require thorough watering two to three times a week. Mature plants might have to be watered once or twice a day during the hot days of summer. Tips to remember:
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• Porous containers, such as clay, dry out more quickly and can wick water away from plants. • Growing plants that require full sun should not be put in black containers. • Water-holding polymers or gels retain moisture for the more needy plants. • Watering time can be reduced by installing a drip irrigation system with an automated timer. • Containers can be placed on trays filled with gravel or marble pebbles covered in water, keeping them cool and providing moisture without creating a drainage problem. Change this water regularly to prevent mosquito problems. Blake Mason and mother Tanya A FEW FINAL TIPS Capalla operate a farm in Phil Container-grown garden Campbell and do some containplants are more susceptible to er gardening, amidst their many freezing, requiring winter pro- efforts. tection such as mulching, using wind screens, putting the container in the ground or moving the container to a protected area. Some vining plants require staking and trellising, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and ornamental climbers. Anchor these containers to prevent them from blowing over. Clean used containers before planting in them. A 10 percent bleach solution kills any pests and removes fertilizer salts. Season porous containers before planting in them by soaking them in water. Do not allow them to dry out. Styrofoam peanuts in the container bottom reduces the weight. Harden-off newly propagated plants by exposing them gradually to full sun and wind. Place containers on legs, bricks, coasters or saucers to allow drainage and to protect the surface underneath.
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Prickly business New pet leads to hedgehog breeding for Graham family Story and photos by MARÍA CAMP
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or the Graham family, their hedgehog adventure started a little over a year ago when their oldest son, Hudson, now 11, wanted a hedgehog for a pet. When mom Lacy Graham started looking into them, initial information revealed they were little animals that could command a big price. She later found a white hedgehog in Moulton for considerably less – a male, Bandit, 9 weeks old at the time. “He’s very relaxed and chill, and he sleeps a lot, but he loves people,” said Hudson. “I just like hedgehogs. They’re so cute,
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and they get used to you and friendlier if you play with them enough. They’re very curious.” Since they’re nocturnal, hedgehogs are active at night and sleep during the daytime. “They’ll crawl up my arm sometimes, and they can be really funny,” Hudson said. “They can jump and roll into a ball to protect themselves. It’s really interesting to watch what all they do.” Hayes Graham, 3, shares his brother’s enthusiasm for hedgehogs. Eagerly watching, he is always happy to spend time with them. Another hedgehog in the Graham family line-up of pets is Breanna, distinguished
by her chocolate coloring – darker than their other hedgehogs – and she became the mother of two babies in late 2021. Lacy said the babies have to be old enough, eating and drinking on their own, no longer nursing, and then they can be sold to new homes. Breanna welcomed another litter in February. Breanna is a couple of weeks younger than Bandit, and the Grahams got her when she was 6 weeks old. They said she’s getting friendlier and does really well when caught in the right mood. February brought Breanna’s third litter. “There were four the first time, and one of them went to a couple from Arkansas who were here visiting family,” Lacy said.
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Hedgehogs have been growing in popularity in recent years, and Lacy’s struggle to locate one at an attainable price gave rise to the idea of breeding and selling them. She said there are special considerations that must be taken into account. “You can’t touch the babies for a couple of weeks after they’re born,” explained Lacy, “or the mother will eat them. You put the hedgehogs in a closet with just food and water and leave them alone. They grow amazingly quick, and all of their quills are developed at just two weeks old.” The other hedgehog addition to the Graham household is Flower, a female hedgehog with a dark face and wider quills. She is a little more than a year old and is very timid. They haven’t had her long and are hopeful she will become more comfortable with them in time. While hedgehogs have sharp teeth, Hudson said it doesn’t really hurt if they bite. “It’s just like a pinch.” The Grahams aren’t sure what kind of hedgehogs theirs are, but they suspect they might be African Pygmies. In the wild, hedgehogs typically live alone, and so they should generally be kept alone. When hoping for babies, Lacy puts the breeding pair together for a couple of weeks and separates them for a week. The father hedgehog must be kept away from any babies. At the Graham house, hedgehogs eat dry Purina kitten food and get dried mealworms for treats, as well as cheese and fruit. “As with any pet, they can be moody at times,” explained Lacy. “You have to be patient, and it’s important to plan on handling them a lot to get them used to people. If they just stay in their enclosure and are never held, they’ll hide all the time.” Patience and time are needed to build a hedgehog’s trust. For Lacy, she finds them relatively low maintenance pets, a feature she likes. She notes people need to do their research about what to expect and exactly how to take care of them correctly before making the decision to purchase one, as they aren’t the right pet for everyone. “They can be messy,” said Lacy, “like when they do their business while
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running on their wheels.” She said while some people use wired cages, the wires can be problematic because hedgehog feet can get stuck if they climb. For this reason, an exercise wheel, which is a necessity for a hedgehog, should be of the variety that is smooth all the way around so their feet and legs won’t get caught when they are running. They also need an enclosure with a good amount of space – more so than a lot of pets of similar size. Other things they need include large tubs to play in, a water dispenser that hangs on the side, a snuggle sack or blanket and a heat lamp or heating pad – the kind made for animals, not humans. Lacy said it’s also important to have special thermometers and make sure the right temperature range is maintained. The Grahams are quick to point out
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that hedgehogs and porcupines are quite different, noting some people incorrectly think of hedgehogs as baby porcupines. Some people find them uncomfortable to hold, but their quills are not sharp – though petting a hedgehog is very different from petting other animals like dogs and cats. For more information about hedgehogs and to discuss the possibility of welcoming one home, contact Lacy via her Facebook page, H&H Hedgies.
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EDUCATION CORNER
Change moves us forward
I
t’s that time of year when all of us start anticipating a change from the cold of winter to the warmer days that come with spring. Things that seemed dead and forgotten begin springing back to life. The trees change from barren limbs to limbs budding with leaves. Flowers begin to bloom. A horizon that seemed cold and colorless begins to change into one that is filled with color. Spring is full of changes that can be seen all throughout nature, and for the most part, those changes are welcome and exciting as they signal the natural progression of life all around us. Change isn’t always easy, but it is sometimes inevitable, which is true for us here at Russellville City Schools. We have a good bit of change on our horizon, from the demolition of the old College Avenue Elementary School to the continued work on the new main building at Russellville High School. We know these changes come with lots of emotions, especially for a community full of alumni and people who are deeply connected to our schools. But we also know that what’s best for our students, teachers and the community at large is what is ultimately best for RCS – even when it comes to these big changes. When I first took the job as superintendent at RCS, I knew I was walking into something special. The strong sense of tradition and the close-knit community that supports our schools isn’t something you find in every school system. I made a commitment to learn about the rich traditions at RCS and to respect and honor those traditions as much as I could. Over the years, I’ve learned so much about the system’s history, and it’s given me a greater insight into the dedication most RCS alumni have for our schools. Part of that history is the old College Avenue Elementary School, which I know holds many memories
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for our community. It’s been great to see and hear the stories of days spent in those halls. It’s an important piece of our system’s legacy, which is something I and our board members have all taken very seriously. The decision to finally move forward with the demolition of this school wasn’t made lightly. It was made considering all factors and scenarios, including ones that sought to preserve the building. Once all factors were considered, it was clear it was much too expensive to renovate the deteriorating building, and those resources could better serve our students elsewhere. It’s part of the necessary change that has to be made for progress to take place. The biggest evidence of progress at RCS is the new addition to our high school, which is coming along nicely. This beautiful new building will allow for more adequate space for our students, new labs and new technology and a better educational experience for our students, which we believe encompasses the “excellence” we are known for. It’s a big step toward the future of our system and a new and exciting piece to add to our system’s history. When I think about the passing of the old – symbolized through College Avenue School – and the birth of the new – symbolized through the new high school addition – I realize the changes we’re experiencing are just the natural changes that must take place in order to move forward, similar to winter fading away into spring. Change is never easy, but it can be exciting as it leads to new possibilities, new traditions and a brighter future for everyone.
Heath Grimes is the superintendent of Russellville City Schools. He and his wife Amy have three daughters: Leah, Halle and Erin.
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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
‘Send Me No Flowers’
The Bay Tree Council of the Performing Arts stages “Send Me No Flowers,” bringing hilarity to the Weatherford Centre in Red Bay. Photos by MARÍA CAMP
Andy Baer and Gail Baer
Hannah Haddock and Mary Moore
Mollie Thorn and Anna Carol Porter
Cris and Chuck Cashion
Martha Sibley, Lela Wright Ray and Beverly Fuller
Gretchen Davis, Talli Hamilton and Thania Barrientos
Krewe de Guard’s Mardi Gras
Revelers take to the streets of Russellville to celebrate Mardi Gras and support the Russellville Public Library – all in an eco-friendly way. Photos by MARÍA CAMP
Lela Wright Ray, Santa Jamie Dozier and Ashley Cummins
Avery Guinn
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Becky Dozier
Patricia Cox
Trinity West, Tammy West and Katernia Cole Coffey
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