2011 Summer Franklin Living

FranklinLIVING .

SUMMER 2011 ISSUE NO. I, VOL. 1

summer fun • Hobby turns to passion for local man • Comfortable patio living • Kayaking popular on area waterways

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FRANKLIN LIVING

Terrace Manor

Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Inc .

Dedicated to Hope, Healing and Recovery

• Short-term rehab • Long-term care • Physical therapy • Occupational therapy • Speech therapy

Quality Care from a staff who respects your health care needs.

Offering: Activities and enjoyable social programs.

Large private rooms for short term care.

Medicare or private insurance may cover these stays.

Phillip & Sherene Wade

390 Underwood Rd. • Russellville, AL

256-332-3826 FRANKLIN LIVING

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M

any of the memories I have as a child growing up in Franklin County are of times spent riding bicycles and playing kickball with my close friends, and my parents, at campgrounds across the Southeast.

We traveled to various sites across the region in our 30foot long travel trailer that became a second home to us.

Fortunately, we had many great friends who did the same.

But the memories I cherish most are the times spent camping right here at home, in Franklin County. The lakes we enjoy, the amenities of the campgrounds we have, they are all second to none as far as I am concerned.

Franklin County is a special place. The natural beauty of the area provides fishermen and others countless outdoor opportunities.

But what I have learned as I have gotten older is that the people are what make this a special place to live and to raise our families. I hope that you will all see that through this new adventure we have set out on.

Our staff will be producing this exciting new product,

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What’s going on?

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

Full Steam Ahead

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Sam Kimbrough turns toy trains into life-long hobby

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Summertime Safety

There are many precautions to take while enjoying the outdoors

Patio Perfection

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Jeff and Nancy Bowling create an outside oasis

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Franklin Living, on a quarterly basis. We will focus on the people, places and ways of life here in this wonderful place we call home. There will be a section dedicated to the outdoors, cooking, faith, history and just everyday life in each edition of Franklin Living.

Our intention was to release the inaugural issue in May 2011, but following the devastating tornado that hit our county on April 27, we made the decision to push the release date back.

The timing did not seem appropriate considering what so many people were facing. This is, after all, a true lifestyles magazine and people were not enjoying the lifestyles they had once known.

But, as a little time has passed, the spirit of Franklin County residents has shown like it has at no other time.

Day by day, people are picking up their lives and getting back to normal.

That is what makes Franklin County special and I hope that we can provide you a lifestyles magazine of your own, something that we can all be proud of.

— Jonathan Willis, Publisher

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Art of the Pig

Simple recipies for tasty pork dishes to serve at your parties

In the Kitchen with...

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Suzanne Langcuster prepares a great Fourth of July meal

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Golden Gospel

‘Peaches” Winston finds his calling as music minister

Floating along

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Kayaking through Franklin County’s waters

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Redhawk Technical

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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

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• Specializing in Sewer Replacement & Repairs • Sewer & Drain Cleaning • Water Heater Repairs & Installation • T.V. Sewer Line Inspection Equipment • Specializing in Finding Leaks under Concrete Floors • Field Line Installation /Repairs • Septic Tank Installation /Repairs If it don’t Drain call Lane

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Publisher Jonathan Willis Editorial Scot Beard and Kellie Singleton Photography Heather Mouser Sales Peggy Hyde and Nicole Pell Composition Karen McAfee Circulation Terri Pounders and Thomas Douglas Press Room Tommy Nichols, Alton Zills, Betty Jo Bray and Courtney Honey FRANKLIN LIVING

WHAT TO DO month featuring the popular KGB band and special musical guests.

Visit the historic Roxy Theater for a night filled with great live local music.

Franklin County Marketplace

First Saturday each month Local arts vendors and farmers gather the second Saturday each month at the Farmers Market in downtown Russellville to showcase their homemade products. This is a great way to pick up some fresh, locally grown produce or some of the most beautifully handcrafted pottery and artwork you can find anywhere.

Jam on Sloss Lake July 4 One of north Alabama’s largest fireworks displays takes place each Fourth of July at Sloss Lake on Alabama 24 in Russellville. An afternoon filled with music games and fun is highlighted by a spectacular fireworks show to cap off the Independence Day holiday. The Cotton Flats Cruisers will host their second annual car show as well, featuring an assortment of classic cars and trucks from across the area.

Vina Fest July 30 The annual Vina Fest attracts visitors from all over the area and includes games, crafts and an always exciting big give-away drawing.

one of the top attractions in the state of Alabama each August. The twoday festival includes concerts, games, crafts and all the watermelon you can eat. The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce hosts the event each August in downtown Russellville.

Red Bay Founders Fest September 17 The annual Red Bay Founders Fest continues to grow each year and promises to be filled with plenty of excitement and entertainment in 2011. Plans are being made to add several contests in 2011, including the addition of a fried pie cooking contest. You won’t want to miss this special treat in one of Alabama’s greatest small towns.

Rockin’ at the Roxy Watermelon Festival

Second Saturday each month

August 19 & 20

The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council hosts the Rockin’ at the Roxy concert series the second Saturday night of each

The Franklin County Watermelon Festival has been featured in numerous publications and recognized as

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SPRY MEMORIAL CHAPEL OF RUSSELLVILLE Ric Chambless and Jackie Peoples “Caring People, Caring for People”

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

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OUT & ABOUT Many Franklin County teens take part in activities with their church youth groups, such as these area students at Russellville’s Calvary Baptist Church. Calvary’s Wednesday evening worship services have grown to attract students from across the county.

Come join the family!

FAMILY PHARMACY THE DRUG SHOP of RUSSELLVILLE of RUSSELLVILLE

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Littleville (256) 332-4021

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OUT & ABOUT

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Focused on Quality Vision Care

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Campbell Vision Center

Dr. Jeremy Campbell MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

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Email: Hwy Russellville AL bluediamond q@cs com

WOOD-THOMPSON INSURANCE SERVICE

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Thank You for shopping with us.

Home • Auto • Life • Commercial Sheila Underwood

Serving our area for over 50 years!

130 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville, AL 35653

(256) 332-1381 • Fax: (256) 332-4835 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

J.C. Weeks Jr. PD • Donna Weatherford PD

1102 4th St. NW • Red Bay • (256) 356-9000 FRANKLIN COUNTY ARCHIVES and RESEARCH CENTER 300 E. Limestone St. P.O. Box 298 Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-8827 archive@hiwaay.net

Mary C. (Chris) Ozbirn Director

Sinclair-Lawrence & Assoc., Insurance For all Your Insurance Needs Call...

201 E. 4th St. • Sheffield (256)383-3553 FRANKLIN LIVING

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WHAT’S HOT

Add a stylish accent to your wardrobe this summer with a L’Amour handmade bracelet by Russellville native Alana Posey.

Get in the summertime spirit with a tote from the Viva La Vera collection by Vera Bradley.

The Cottage $25.00

The Cottage $68.00

Spice up your dinner party with multicolored dishes by Certified International.

Be the hit of the party when you show up with a specially made cake taker featuring your favorite school team. RHS, Alabama, Auburn and UNA styles readily available.

Other school teams available upon request.

The Cottage Starting at $12.00

The Cottage $25.00

Pack up and head to your favorite summertime vacation spot with a new matching luggage set. 13 in. to 22 in. Assorted styles and colors available.

Protect yourself from the hot summer sun with a colored straw hat and scarf. Assorted styles and colors available.

Let the neighbors know it’s “Time to BBQ” with mini garden flags. Assorted styles available.

Glitz N Glamour Hat $8.55 Scarf $3.75

Glitz N Glamour $10 - $15

Grab a brightly-colored handbag to match your summer mood.

Glitz N Glamour Starting at $26.00

Glitz N Glamour $12 - $22

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Pamper your feet this summer with these brown and turquoise arch support flip flops

by OKA b.

Everyone will know you’re “Licensed to Grill” when you use this black and red apron and mitt set.

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $40.00

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $21.99

Ladies can carry their lunch to work in style this summer with a polka-dot insulated lunch tote.

Give your food a stylish way to be served with this summer-style ceramic watermelon platter.

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $22.99

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $23.99

Can’t wait to head to the beach this summer? Feel like you’re already there when you use this Key Lime Coconut candle by WoodWick.

This container with a bird lid adds flair to any room.

Ava’s China & Gifts $79.99

Ava’s China & Gifts $24.99

Your summer vacation pictures will look great in these polkadot initial photo books.

Ava’s China & Gifts $13.99

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Measure out your ingredients for that Fourth of July apple pie with a multicolored measuring spoon set by Mud Pie.

Ava’s China & Gifts $16.99

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Proud to Provide Utility Services to Russellville and Surrounding Areas

Russellville Utilities 721 Jackson Ave. South Russellville, AL

256-332-3850 14

After Normal Business Hours Emergencies

256-332-2230 FRANKLIN LIVING

A city that’s proud of the past…. and building for the future Contact Russellville City Hall at 256-332-6060 FRANKLIN LIVING

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Full steam ahead Sam Kimbrough turns childhood toy into life-long hobby

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S

ome people try on hobbies like they try on shoes. One day they’re interested and the next day they’re not. But Franklin County resident Sam Kimbrough isn’t one of those people. When it comes to his hobby, Kimbrough knows the meaning of the phrase “in it for the long haul.”

Kimbrough has had a fascination with trains since he was a young boy growing up next to the train tracks in Haleyville.

“I always loved the steam trains,” Kimbrough said.“I have childhood memories of men covered in dust near the tracks and watching those STORY BY KELLIE SINGLETON big engines blow off that steam. It was very impressive to a child.”

PHOTOS BY Kimbrough’s two uncles both HEATHER MOUSER worked for the Central Railroad so he not only observed the trains, he learned a lot about them and about the railroad business from listening to their stories and advice.

“I thought I would work for the railroad one day but after my uncle got hurt, he talked me out of it real quick,” he said.

Even though he wasn’t going to have a career involving trains, the memories he had from his childhood kept Kimbrough interested enough to pursue a hobby that would eventually span a 16-year time period.

This hobby took the form of a scale model railroad complete with a surrounding city, coal mine, train sta-

Above, Sam Kimbrough shows off part of his vast model to a visitor.

Left, Louis Ertz Hardware is one of the many detailed miniature buildings that gives Kimbrough’s model town a realistic atmosphere.

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Kimbrough spent countless hours building the model. It takes about four hours to craft each of these trees by hand.

The mountain and depot Kimbrough built are big features in the model.

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tion and countryside that takes up the entire second floor of the home he shares with his wife, Martha.

Nearly 500 feet of railroad, purchased in three-foot sections, winds through the sprawling second-story of Kimbrough’s home that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world and a different era. A large mountain rises up in the center of the open room and nestled in its face is a mining company. The railroad curves through the room so the train can make a stop at the elaborate train station, complete with turntables handmade by Kimbrough, before continuing on to the train depot near the town where a boy and girl enjoy hotdogs outside the drug store. A small country church, shaded by trees, sits atop a hill overlooking the town.

No detail has been spared in making this alternate world as authentic and as close to scale as possible, and Kimbrough hand-crafted most of the details himself.

Kimbrough said he has worked on this project on and off for the past 16 years, but he never knew when he first got interested in the project that it would take so much time and energy.

“Several years ago, I went to a Line L train show in Memphis and while I was there, I heard some of the guys saying there was a man who opened up his home for people to see the scale railroad he had built,” Kimbrough said,“but I thought I had seen enough trains that day and I didn’t go.”

Kimbrough said he kept thinking about this man’s scale model railroad, so he decided he would give him a call on the off chance he might allow Kimbrough to come have a look.

“I found out his name was Louis Ertz and he was a big-name architect,” Kimbrough

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Above left, Sam Kimbrough displays the inside of one of the train cars.

Above right, the frieght depot features a man unloading a car and a horse and buggy picking up supplies.

Left, a steam locomotive pulls a train past the mountain.

said.“When I called him he agreed to let me come see what he had and that’s really where I learned most of my tricks.”

Kimbrough said he developed a friendship with Ertz over the years and Ertz even drew up plans for the home Kimbrough built more than 16 years ago so it could accommodate the mind-boggling scale railroad upstairs.

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“I actually got up there about six months before we moved in and started working on it,” Kimbrough said.“It’s taken a lot of hours to get it to where it is now.”

“A lot of hours” is an understatement considering it takes Kimbrough approximately four hours to make one tree and the mock countryside is completely covered in them. Not to men-

tion the hundreds and hundreds of tiny details Kimbrough must pay specific attention to if he’s going to achieve the authenticity he’s striving for.

“The theme I chose was the year 1938, so everything is geared toward that time period,” Kimbrough said.“The reason is because the Southern Railroad had their first diesel engines in 1939 and I never

liked the diesels.”

Such an impressive tribute to the “iron horses” has no doubt drawn some attention over the years from people who heard about the scale model and wanted to see it for themselves, but Kimbrough said he never did it for the attention.

“This all started because of the love I had for trains and it’s just something I enjoy doing.”

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OUT & ABOUT One of the annual highlights for many Franklin County residents is the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The event was postponed for several weeks this year due to the April 27 tornado, but still attracted many residents when it was finaly held on May 31.

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OUT & ABOUT

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Home Is Where It Takes You!

Tiffin Motorhomes: Building a Success Story Mickey Collum has made the short drive from his Franklin County home to Tiffin Motorhomes in Red Bay for more than 37 years. He started working for the company in 1974, building sidewalls and insulating coaches back when Bob Tiffin was trying to get his then two-year-old company in gear. Collum is still with Tiffin today as one of nearly 1,300 employees for the country’s leading manufacturer of Class A motorhomes.

“It’s a whole lot different,” says Collum, who now works in the plant’s woodworking department where he builds lavatories, cabinets and more. “It’s a lot more high-tech.

The biggest change has been with all of the

technology that’s come in.”

But while Collum has seen many changes at Tiffin Motorhomes, one thing hasn’t changed. It’s still a family-owned, familyoriented business.

“I’ve known the Tiffins all my life and there’s not a better family,” says Collum.

“You can’t beat Bob Tiffin and the world should be full of people like him.”

Collum uses words like honesty and loyalty when describing the founder of Tiffin Motorhomes. He talks about how the company has always tried its best to make superior motorhomes, while also providing good jobs to support families in Franklin County and throughout the area. “It hasn’t always been easy, but Bob Tiffin had a vision and stuck with it.”

Now with sons Tim, Van and Lex Tiffin working with their father to guide the company as it nears its 40th anniversary, Collum expects more success and growth in the future. “In Bob Tiffin, they have the best role model in the world to follow.”

Tiffin Motorhomes 105 2nd Street N.W. • Red Bay, AL • 256-356-8661

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WELLNESS

Summer Health Tips How to keep yourself healthy during the tough Alabama summer months

Eat right! Fortify your health with a nutritious diet. Many people don’t know it, but one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from life-threatening diseases is to eat a healthy diet.

As a matter of fact, if you are one of the many Americans who do not smoke, eating well – along with being active and maintaining a healthy weight – is your best defense against disease.

Limit sun exposure! Try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is the time the sun’s rays are strongest. Sunburn is the No. 1 summer health problem.

Our advice is to use sun block if you’re going to be exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. And for those men who shave their heads, wear a hat.

Avoid heat stroke! Protect yourself from heat stroke and dehydration by wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, etc.

If you work outside make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or Gatorade and stay away from sodas that have

FRANKLIN LIVING

caffeine as well as alcoholic beverages.

If you do become overheated, be alert to symptoms of heat stroke, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, rapid pulse or body temperature of 104 degrees or more.

Be safe in water! More than 300 children under the age of five drown in residential swimming pools each year in the U.S. The following safety tips can help improve the odds: avoid swimming past your ability in rough water; never swim alone or leave young children unattended; make certain the pool is deep enough before diving into the water; fence all home pools with a latch out of the reach of small children; and learn CPR. Watch out for poison ivy! Poison ivy and poison oak are everywhere this time of the year and they can cause serious health issues.

Keep a distance from them, if possible.

If you think you’ve been exposed to it, you can use Ivy Block, an over-the-counter medication to protect yourself. After exposure, wash the skin with soap and water. Calamine lotion can be used to relieve the itching.

Beware of bugs! Insect About the expert: bites are common in summer- Martha Henderson is a registered nurse in the time and have emergency services the potential of department at Russellville causing serious Hospital, where she has health probworked for more than lems. seven years.

Bite or sting At Russellville Hospital, the Emergency Department is wounds should staffed with emergency be kept clean medical professionals and and dry and if is available 24-hours every red streaks day. appear a physician should be consulted. Persons who are highly allergic should always have their medication when outdoors.

Practice safety with lawn and garden tools! Accidents involving chainsaws, lawnmowers and other cutting tools occur often during the summer months.

All precautions should be taken to avoid them.

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Jeff and Nancy Bowling, of Russellville, do most of their cooking in their outdoor kitchen.

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our home is supposed to be a place where you can be yourself – where you can kick off your shoes, relax and enjoy a few peaceful moments in your own personal haven.

For Russellville couple Jeff and Nancy Bowling, their haven comes in the form of their outdoor living space, which includes their refurbished sunroom and a sprawling deck area with plenty of amenities to keep the couple and their friends and family entertained for hours.

The Bowlings started their outdoor living remodel in May of 2004 when they made the decision to turn the screened-in back porch into the spacious sunroom they have now.

“We never used the screened-in porch because there wasn’t really a way to control the temperature and the pollen and dust always seemed to be a problem,” Jeff Bowling said.“The sunroom was the perfect choice because it would be functional and comfortable while allowing us to still be close to the outdoors.”

The wall-to-wall windows in the sunroom look out onto the

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Patio Perfection STORY BY KELLIE SINGLETON PHOTOS BY JONATHAN WILLIS

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Bowlings’ impressive deck area and the dense wooded setting that makes the home seem to be tucked away from the hustle and bustle.

“The sunroom and deck just blend from one to the other, so it’s hard to separate the two spaces in your mind,” Nancy Bowling said.“We have each area set up so when we entertain, we can have people in both places and still feel like we’re all together.”

In the sunroom, a big-screen TV, neatly hidden behind a dark brown cabinet when not in use, can be seen from the deck area when the blinds are raised.

Surround sound that carries throughout the entire house also extends outdoors, which allows those who are cooking in

the outdoor kitchen or relaxing in the stylish deck chairs to watch what the others are watching inside.

“We really spend most of our time in one of these two areas during the spring, summer and fall months,” Jeff Bowling said.“There is a grill with side burners, a deep fryer and a sink in the outdoor kitchen so we can even do most of our cooking out there when the weather is nice.”

Also in the couple’s outdoor living space is Nancy Bowling’s eclectic collection of garden art gathered from several places in the U.S. An elaborate chain-link candleholder – handmade by a friend of the family – a colorful metal turtle and two bottle trees (one standing seven feet tall)

are a few of the items that give color and personality to the space.

“I love things that are different,” Nancy Bowling said.“It’s nice to be surrounded by all these pieces that have a story and mean something to me when I am spending my time out here.”

The Bowlings said they both enjoy spending time together cooking and relaxing in the outdoor living area they have created, but they said they also enjoy entertaining.

“For us, remodeling this area gave us a place to spend time together and with our family and friends,” Jeff Bowling said.

“It’s our favorite spot in the house and probably the best investment we could have made.”

Left, a grill is an essential part of every patio.

Below, the Bowlings have installed an outdoor cooking area complete with grill, sink, prep area and storage, which makes hosting parties on the patio much easier.

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The Bowlings have two sets of patio furniture to accomodate larger crowds. One set is open and promotes conversation.The other is covered, which makes it an ideal eating area.

The scenery around the area is as important as the patio itself.The Bowlings have a paved walkway leading to a set of benches near an arbor to give the area added beauty.

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Decorations play a key role in setting the atmosphere for your outdoor space.The Bowlings have placed a pair of benches below a tree and added a bottle tree to generate conversation.They have also used flowers to add color to the area, a metal sculpture for character and a candle stand for a traditional touch.

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OUT & ABOUT The Franklin Civic Social Club does a number of projects throughout the year, including helping needy families at the holidays and host the annual Fun Day for Kids at the Chucky Mullins Center in Russellville. The group promotes the importance of education and leadership to students in the community.

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HEATHER MOUSER PHOTOGRAPHY 256.606.8261 heather.mouser@ymail.com

FOOD

Art of the Pig Try these recipes to spice up your summertime barbecue

Chili-Rubbed Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa Serves 4 4 pork bone-in rib chops, about 3/4-inch thick, trimmed 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder 3/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon Salt Pineapple Salsa*: 3 slices pineapple, cut crosswise about 1/2-inch thick, trimmed OR 3 slices canned pineapple, drained 1 jalapeño pepper, halved lengthwise, seeds and veins removed 1 tablespoon lime juice In a shallow bowl, combine chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Sprinkle both sides of pork with spice mixture.

Prepare a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Grill pork until internal temperature reaches 160F, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Grill pineapple (if using fresh) and jalapeño until lightly charred, two to three minutes per side. Remove chops from grill and let rest five minutes.

Meanwhile, dice pineapple and finely dice jalapeño. In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, jalapeño, and lime juice. Season to taste with salt.

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Sweet & Smoky "Pork and Beans" 1/2 Honey 2 tablespoons premium fish sauce 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 2 1/2 teaspoons paprika, divided 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 1/4 pounds) 2 slices bacon, diced 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, undrained 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon coarse grind black pepper 1 can (15 ounces) adzuki beans, drained and rinsed 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix honey, fish sauce, lime juice, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and red pepper in small bowl until well blended.

Brush pork with glaze.

2. Roast 20 to 30 minutes or until desired doneness, brushing with glaze halfway through cooking time. Let pork stand 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, remaining 1/2 teaspoon each smoked paprika and garlic powder, ginger, sea salt and pepper; cook 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Gently stir in beans. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Slice pork on an angle into thin slices and serve over bean mixture. Garnish with green onions.

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Almond Crusted Pork with Mango Relish Mango Relish: 2 large, ripe mangos, peeled, pitted and diced 1/4 cup minced red onion 1/4 cup minced red bell pepper 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Almond Crusted Pork: 3/4 cup chopped, toasted almonds, divided 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 2 pounds pork tenderloin 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste For relish, stir together mangos, onion, bell pepper, vinegar, mint, and salt and pepper in a medium bowl; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Finely chop 1/2 cup almonds and stir in brown sugar and seasonings. Brush pork with oil then season with salt and pepper; roll in almond mixture, pressing into the surface.

Transfer to a piece of heavy-duty foil and press any remaining nuts onto the top. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally to brown each side, for 35 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 160°F on a meat thermometer.

Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing.

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Know your cuts of meat It’s important to know which cuts of the pig are better than others when cooking pork.

Some parts are fatter than others. When you’re getting ready to barbecue, it’s important to know what’s best for your situation.

HEAD: This can be used to make stocks and soups.

SPARE RIBS: Pork butt is in fact from the upper part of the shoulder. Boston Butt, or Boston-Style Shoulder, cut comes from this area, and may contain the shoulder blade.

LOIN: This can be cured to give back bacon or Canadian-style bacon. The loin and belly can be cured together to give a side of bacon. The loin can also be divided up into roasts. This is the cut where baby back ribs are derived. You can also get pork cutlets and pork chops. Pork tenderloin is usually almost free of fat.

BELLY: The belly is a fatter meat that can be used for steaks or diced stir-fry meat. Belly pork may be rolled for roasting or cut for streaky bacon.

BACK LEGS: Although any cut of pork can be cured, technically speaking only the back leg is entitled to be called a ham. Legs and shoulders, when used fresh, are usually cut bone-in for roasting, or leg steaks can be cut from the bone.

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ith the Fourth of July around the corner, Suzanne Langcuster fires up the grill to prepare ham slices to highlight a light summer meal and heads to the oven to bake an All-American cake for dessert.

Suzanne’s ham slices can be served with a variety of side dishes, but she recommends summertime favorites such as cole slaw and corn on the cob for a true Fourth of July experience.

After feasting on the fine meal, enjoy a slice of Momma’s Strawberry Cake — decorated in the traditional Red, White and Blue theme with whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries.

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Momma’s Strawberry Cake 1 box Duncan Hines cake mix (straw berry or yellow) 1 pint of heavy whipping cream 4 tablespoons sugar 1/2 cup sugar 2 medium packages of strawberries (slice the strawberries from one package, and cut the strawberries in the other package in half ).

1 small package of blueberries Slice one package of strawberries and mix with 1/2 cup of sugar, allowing the mixture to sit in the refrigerator overnight.

Prepare cake in two round pans according to directions on box.

Whip cream and 4 tablespoons of sugar into whipped cream (store bought whipped cream can also be used).

When cake cools, place strawberry slices and liquid in bowl on bottom layer. Top with whipped cream then add the second layer of cake. Top second layer with whipped cream. Decorate top of cake with strawberry halves and blueberries.

Sugar Ham Slices 2 Fully cooked center-cut ham slices, 1 inch thick 1 cup brown sugar (packed) 1/3 cup horseradish 1/4 cup lemon juice Score each side of the ham slices ? inch deep in a diamond pattern. Combine remaining ingredients in saucepan, heat to boiling, stirring constantly.

Place ham slices on grill three inches above medium coals.

Cook for 15 minutes on each side, basting frequently with brown sugar mixture.

FRANKLIN LIVING

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FRANKLIN LIVING

OUT & ABOUT The Phil Campbell Hoe Down is held each June and includes games, crafts and plenty of music. The 2011 event took on special meaning as it marked the 100th anniversary of the town’s incorporation and was held just two months after a devastating EF 5 tornado ripped through the town, leaving 26 county residents dead and hundreds more homeless. The 100th anniversary celebration showed a town filled with strength, hope, faith and resilience.

FRANKLIN LIVING

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FAITH MATTERS

Golden Gospel STORY BY KELLIE SINGLETON

PHOTOS BY HEATHER MOUSER

L

ong-time Russellville resident Harlan “Peaches”Winston wasn’t sure how much he would enjoy music when his parents signed him up for piano lessons when he was eight years old.

A bout with rheumatic fever left the boy who loved athletics unable to play contact sports, and while his parents thought music lessons would be a good alternative, Winston said he felt otherwise.

“I thought it was stupid at the time because it was just me and a bunch of girls,”Winston said.“All my friends were playing football and I was stuck with the girls playing piano.”

Winston said he wanted to quit, but his teacher said she saw something in him – a talent she thought was rare.

“I just thank God for the experience now,”Winston said.“I thank Him for my parents and my music teacher making

“I never thought I would be a full-time minister of music, but it is one of the greatest joys of my life. I enjoy adding my flavor to the songs and seeing how God will work through the music.”

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me stick it out.”

Winston said, looking back on the experience, he is proud of his musical training because it brought him to his passion – worshipping the Lord through music on a daily basis.

Winston has served as the full-time music minister at Mt. Pleasant Ministries in Leighton for the past 15 years, a position he accepted when he retired from his job at the Russellville Park and Rec Department.

“I never thought I would be a full-time minister of music, but it is one of the greatest joys of my life,”Winston said.“I enjoy adding my flavor to the songs and seeing how God will work through the music. You just have to surrender yourself to God and let Him work through you.”

Under Winston’s direction, the choir has sung at many churches across Alabama and a few of the members make up a praise team that performs at

Above,Winston leads the choir at Mt. Pleasant Ministries in Leighton through a practice.

Below, the choir finds its rhythm and will help the congregation praise God through songs when services begin.

FRANKLIN LIVING

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the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations held in the area.

“Whenever we get compliments, we just tell them to give the praise to God because we wouldn’t be anything without Him. I just can’t say that enough,” he said.

Winston plans to continue his work in the music ministry for as long as he can because he said he has personally experienced what a joy it can be to others.

“When you sing and look out at the congregation, you can see how the music blesses the people,”Winston said.“What we have at our church is the Word of God set to music. It is scripturally sound because if someone is touched by a song and wants to know more about it, we want it to be an opportunity for them to learn more about the Lord because that’s really what it’s all about.”

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FRANKLIN LIVING

“There are a lot of caves, caverns and waterfalls.

You feel like you are somewhere else.”

Scottie Belue begins his journey near Big Bear Dam.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Floating along STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOT BEARD

FRANKLIN LIVING

O

ne of the best features of Franklin County for the residents who enjoy the great outdoors is the abundance of water for various recreational activities.

While many the boats ripping through area waters are towing skiers or searching for a good spot to fish, there is a group of Franklin County residents who like to enjoy the waters at a slower pace.

Scottie Belue and several of his friends navigate the waters of Franklin County many times a year, enjoying nature from the view of their kayaks.

“It is big-time stress relief and good exercise,” Belue said.“It is amazing how beautiful it is.”

While Belue and his friends explore the waters outside of Franklin County, there is one journey they say is their favorite — the ride from the base of Big Bear Dam to Red Bay Bottoms. The journey takes about six hours, but that is because the trip offers several diversions.

“There are a lot of caves, caverns and waterfalls,” Belue said.“It feels like

41

you are somehere else.”

In addition to the scenery, those who embark on the expedition also have the opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife. During previous trips the group has seen several deer, eagles and a bobcat napping on a limb as the kayaks glided a few feet underneath the lazy feline.

Of course, there are some snakes, but Belue said there are not too many and the ones the group does encounter are easily avoided.

Each journey begins with all the kayakers doing a brief check to make sure they have applied bug spray, sunscreen and life jackets. The other thing each of the kayakers brings on the trip is garbage bags.

“Our biggest pet peeve is seeing trash,” Belue said.“We always bring extra bags so we don’t leave trash.”

The group makes several stops on the trip to explore the wilderness or eat. On some trips they will drop a fishing line in the water to test their angling skills.

But the most important thing to the group about the trips is to have a good time. Whether they are changing course to avoid a snake or pulling the paddle out of the water to allow the stream to carry them down the creek, the kayakers enjoy each journey down the waters of Franklin County.

Members of the expedition line up to launch their kayaks.

The group rounds a bend in the creek near the start of the trip.

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Kayaking can be an enjoyable experience where you stop paddling and allow the current to take you on your adventure.

“There is wildlife galore. We have seen deer, an eagle, a bobcat and a few snakes, but there are not too many snakes.�

Big Bear Dam is the starting point of a trip to Red Bay that includes caves, caverns, waterfalls and wildlife.

With everyone safely in the water, the day-long journey to Red Bay begins.

FRANKLIN LIVING

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LOOKING BACK

A stroll through time: Downtown Russellville through the years Photos courtesy of the Franklin County Archives and Research Center

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FRANKLIN LIVING

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PARTING SHOTS

Throughout the years, many changes have taken place in Franklin County since its inception in the early 1800’s. One thing that has remained constant for most of that time, however, has been the county’s ability to depend on the Franklin County Times. We have been your neighbor and source for news since 1879.

We look forward to embarking on this new journey, with the addition of Franklin Living to our publications, and can’t wait to grow with you. Be sure to grab a copy of the next edition of Franklin Living in September 2011.

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