EMILY MAYS | LINDA EZZELL | PHILIP GOAD
July/August 2022 Vol. 14 Issue No. 4
BELIEVING BARBER Russellville’s James McCullar talks faith, history in haircuts
PENCIL TO PAPER Young Belgreen artist finds joy in her sketches
MASTERING MATERS County Extension shares juicy tomato tips
Hard act to follow
Russellville native Elizabeth Ragsdale boasts acting career in New York and Paris
FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR
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elcome to sweet summertime in Alabama. Pool parties, campouts, fireflies and fireworks – they are all part of the fun of July and August in the Deep South. I hope you’ll make this edition of Franklin Living part of the fun, too. Whether you’re in the back seat on a long car to your vacation spot, in your rocking chair on the front porch with a glass of ice cold lemonade or sunning by a backyard pool, this issue of our lifestyles magazine will give you a little something special to enjoy. As always, we have the skinny on your friends and neighbors, and their delightful stories might surprise you. Meet three amazing Franklin Countians – James McCullar, Elizabeth Ragsdale and Yoselin
Reyes – and be inspired by their tales of following their passions in life. Of course, we also have our usual special features for you, as always, from faith and financial advice to delicious recipes and a peek into what’s going on in our local school system. We appreciate our columnists who share their expertise in these areas, giving you a leg up in life. Whatever your interest, we’ve got something for you in this edition of Franklin Living. We often hear how much you enjoy this magazine, and that’s so gratifying. Please share it with someone you know to help make their sunny Southern summer a little sweeter.
Alison James
Features Editorial ALISON JAMES MARÍA CAMP Contributors PHILIP GOAD HEATH GRIMES EMILY MAYS Marketing SHELLEY OZBIRN Administrative SOMMER MORRIS
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What’s Happening Money Matters Taste of Franklin Faith Focus Hard act to follow Belief and barbering Pencil to paper Education Corner From the Extension Faces of Franklin County Why I Love Franklin County
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Franklin Living is published bi-monthly by the Franklin County Times. Copyright 2022 by TN Valley Media Inc. P.O. Box 1088 Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com
Franklin Living
ON THE COVER: Elizabeth Ragsdale has pursued a career in acting across the country and overseas. To read her story, turn to page 10.
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What’s Happening
Franklin County Basketball Tournament Jan. 14-18 Red Bay, Tharptown, Vina, Belgreen and Phil Campbell basketball teams will face off on the court for the Franklin July 23 County Varsity The annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival Pageant will Tournament. crown Teams the 2022 Watermelon Queen and her younger cohorts will play as theatreigning of this year’s festival. The pageant, Red Bayroyalty in which has entry categories for ages birth through 21 years this annual old, provides the opportunity for local young ladies to shine, competition among county teams. drawing accolades for qualities like prettiest smile, prettiest
Check theupcoming upcoming Watermelon Festival Pageant Checkout out all all the community events! community events!
Submit community events for future issues of Franklin Living toSubmit alison.james@franklincountytimes.com. Requests must be received by community events for future issues of Franklin Living to the first of the month for consideration for the next edition. alison.james@franklincountytimes.com. Requests must be received
by the first of the month for consideration for the next edition.
4-H Activities
Scale Back Alabama: Weigh-In Week
July 9, 11, 15 Spring The Franklin County Extension’s 4-H proSports gram will offer several Registration activities in July to
Jan. 20-26
Weigh-In VinaTheJulyFest
appeal to agesFeb. 9-18.1 Jan. 1 through Plants in the Park 7 Jan. 29 through March Workshop will be held The JulyRussellville 9 from 9-11 a.m. at Parks and Recreation City Lake Park in RussellDepartment will ville. The Horse Club will meet begin spring sports July 11 at The Canteen in Russellville, adjacent to the A.W. registration Todd Centre,with fromsoccer 5:30-7:30 p.m. An Equine Science Field Day signups Jan. July 1 through will be held 15 from 9-11:30 a.m., hosted by Rise Again Feb. 1. Youth soccer is for boys andPhil girlsCampbell. ages 3-12, cost Riding School, 240 Cochran Road, Forand more isinformation $35. Teamson will play their games at the soccer fields by required pre-registration and waivers, or any the Chuckyquestions, Mullins Center. Youth softball signup girls additional call 256-332-8880. Parents mustfor remain ages 6-12 will begin 29 and continue through March 7, on the premises for allJan. events.
with a cost of $35. For more information call 256-332-8870, ext. 14.
Rockin’ at the Roxy
Jan. 11 and Feb. 8
July 30Week for teams
participating in Scale
July Fest is an annual opportuBack Alabama will be nity for friends and neighbors to Jan. 20-26, kicking enjoy a time of fun and fellowsoff the two and a half hip, all while supporting the local SBA Vina month Rescue program. Squad/Volunteer is a free statewide Fire Department. Set for July 30, weight-loss July Fest will start at 10 a.m. and featurecampaign live musicdesigned along with a variety of vendors, including to encourage those selling food and handcrafted items. Festivities will also getregistration fee. The crowd-favorite includeAlabamians a car show to – $20 healthy and have fun with tickets on sale now at Vina Draw Down returns this year, doing it. Since the Town Hall. To top it all off, a fireworks spectacular will end the first challenge inup 2007, have lost more than 1 day. Festivities will wrap at 9 Alabamians p.m.
million pounds. For more information, to sign up or to find a local weigh-in site, visit www.scalebackalabama.com.
Watermelon Festival Aug. 19-20
July 9 and Aug. 13
Rockin’ at the Roxy
hair and prettiest dress. The Watermelon Queen, from the 1821 division, will cut the Opening Ceremony watermelon, award watermelon contest prizes and ride in the Russellville Christmas parade. The pageant will be held at the Russellville City Schools Auditorium, and audience admission is $5, cash only.
The second Saturday night of each month at 7 p.m. is the monthly Kerry Gilbert Band concert at the Historic Roxy Theatre in Russellville. The KGB will be joined by a special guest for each show. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children younger than 6.
The second Saturday night of each month at 7 p.m. is the monthly Kerry Gilbert Band concert at the Historic Roxy Theatre in Russellville. The KGB will be joined by a special guest for 4 show. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 each for children 6-12 and free for children younger than 6.
LifeSouth Blood Drives
The Franklin County Watermelon Festival has grown into the largestJan. community festival in 22 and Feb. 1 Franklin County. Hosted by the TheofLifeSouth Chamber Commerce, the twobloodmobile day event boasts non-stop musical entertainment, watermewill be in lon contests and more, like the Russellville presentation Jan. 22ofatthe Watermelon Queen, arts and crafts vendors, IHP and Feb. an antique car and truck show, 1 at Cricket free wedges of juicy watermelon, youth performances, themed The bloodmobile be at IHP from 9 a.m. to 4 festivalWireless. T-shirts for sale and more in will downtown Russellville.
p.m. and at Cricket Wireless from noon to 7 p.m. For more Franklin Livingquestions information visit www.lifesouth.org. For additional about appointments, eligibility and more call 1-888-795-
MONEY MATTERS
Money habits you wish you’d known sooner
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think everyone who is old enough to make their own money can attest to a lot of different money habits we wish we had known sooner in life. Here’s a few money truths we can all live by: ▸ Saving will always be the most important and the hardest lesson we learn. The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be. ▸ Having money in your account does not necessarily mean you have money to spend. As a kid, I can remember asking mom to “just write a check.” For today’s kids, it’s “just use your debit card” – but just because there’s money there doesn’t mean it’s available. As a banker, I can tell you: We live in a society of people who do not keep up with their account balances or check registers. That is a life lesson we should all be adhering to – keeping up with how much money we actually have! ▸ Comparison is a thief of joy. Buying something just because you want to be like someone else will never leave you truly happy. If you find yourself buying just for the sake of keeping up appearances – don’t. Wait two weeks, wait 30 days, then see if you still want it.
▸ When it rains, it usually pours. So, plan accordingly. Just about the time you need new tires, the washing machine is going to go out, or there will be a leak in the roof, or a kid will need braces. An emergency fund can make a lot of difference in these situations. ▸ Learn to live on less than you earn. This might mean getting budget-focused – which, I know, sounds horrible. It isn’t that bad if you think of it as more of a challenge than a punishment. The budget helps you figure out how much you have to spend, save, and splurge. Once you identify these numbers based on your income, all the other financial goals can fall into place. ▸ Diligence pays off. Everything mentioned above is fleeting if it’s just temporary. The best money habit we can learn is to stay diligent! Mistakes will happen, and just like a GPS, we must recalculate and get back on the right path. 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.
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Level up your
SUMMER COOKOUT Recipes and photos by AMY MCCOLLUM
Summertime puts most folks in the mood for a backyard cookout. Whether you’re firing up the grill or taking a dish to share at a friend’s event, one or more of these recipes is sure to hit the spot.
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Franklin Living
TASTE OF FRANKLIN HOMEMADE BLACKBERRY COBBLER This is a family recipe from my Grandma Peggy Wells. As a young girl I remember going to pick blackberries with her, and she would make a delicious cobbler. This recipe was my Grandpa Billy’s favorite.If you are not a blackberry fan, you can try blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, peaches or a combination of several. I chose to use blackberries and raspberries to give a more patriotic look.Note: If using frozen berries, be sure to add them when they’re frozen. If you let them thaw, they’ll be mushy, and the consistency will be off.
Mix until well combined. 4. Pour into a greased 9x9-inch or 6x10-inch baking dish. 5. Distribute the berries throughout the top. They’ll sink in further as they bake. If desired, you can sprinkle more berries on top once it’s started to bake and set to keep those closer to the top, about 30 minutes in.
6. Sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar over the top, reserving 2 tablespoons for later. 7. B ake for 50 minutes. 8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons sugar on top. 9. Bake for 10 more minutes or until the top is golden brown. 10. Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/4 cups plus 2 Tb. sugar, divided • 1 cup self-rising flour • 1 cup whole milk • 1/2 stick real butter • 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries, rinsed and patted dry • Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2. Combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of flour in a large bowl. 3. Stir in the milk, then the melted butter.
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TASTE OF FRANKLIN
SHRIMP PASTA SALAD I buy frozen, pre-cooked shrimp for quick preparation of this salad.
Ingredients:
HOMEMADE VANILLA ICE CREAM Here is another vanilla ice cream that is sure to please. This one was shared with me by the late Mae Thorne. Mrs. I love this recipe, and Mrs. Lindley’s, because they are easy and do not include raw eggs. Both Mrs. Lindley and Mrs. Thorne were wonderful Christian ladies who definitely fit the description of wonderful Southern cooks. They were both very influential in my life.
• 1 lb. small (71-90 count per pound) shrimp – peeled, deveined and cooked • 12 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni pasta • 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped sweet Vidalia onion • 1 green bell pepper, diced • 1 cup mayonnaise • 1/2 tsp. salt • 1/4 tsp. pepper • 1 cup diced celery • 2 hardboiled eggs, diced
• 3 qts. half and half • 4 cups sugar • 2 Tb. vanilla
Instructions:
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender. Follow package instructions. 2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool to room temperature. 3. In a large bowl, combine cooked shrimp, pasta, onion, bell pepper, celery and diced eggs. Mix in the mayonnaise. 4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
“RICH” ICE CREAM What is summer without a delicious, homemade vanilla ice cream recipe? This one was shared with me by the late Mrs. Norvil Lindley. Mrs. Lindley lived in the Burnout community, close to Red Bay.
Ingredients:
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk • 2 cups sugar • 3-4 Tb. vanilla flavoring • 2 pts. whipping cream • Enough whole milk to fill the remainder of the ice cream freezer.
Instructions: Follow ice cream freezer instructions.
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Ingredients:
Follow ice cream freezer instructions.
GRILLED PORK CHOPS Ingredients:
• 3 Tb. brown sugar • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce • 2 Tb. Worcestershire sauce • 1 tsp. salt • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper • 1 Tb. minced garlic • 1/2 medium lemon, juiced – 2 Tb. • 4 bone-in pork chops
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients except the pork chops. 2. Add pork chops to a resealable bag or large bowl and pour the marinade over the pork chops. Squeeze as much air out of bag as possible and seal. 3. Marinate for at least two hours or overnight. 4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat. 5. Place pork chops on grill or in pan. Discard remaining marinade. 6. Grill over medium heat for four to five minutes on each side or until a thermometer inserted in the middle of the meat reaches 145 degrees. 7. Remove from grill.
GRILLED SQUASH Ingredients:
• 4 medium yellow squash • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the grill for medium heat. 2. Cut the squash horizontally into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick slices, so that you have nice long strips that won’t fall through the grill. 3. Heat olive oil in a small pan and add garlic cloves. 4. Cook garlic over medium heat until it starts to sizzle and become fragrant. 5. Brush the slices of squash with the garlic oil and season with salt and pepper. 6. Grill squash slices for five to 10 minutes per side, until they reach the desired tenderness. 7. Brush with additional garlic oil and turn occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
TUNA SALAD Ingredients:
• 2 cans tuna (10-12 oz. total), drained and flaked • 2 large hard-boiled eggs, coarsely chopped • 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 2 Tb. dill relish • 1/4 tsp. dried dill weed • Salt, to taste • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine the tuna, chopped eggs, mayonnaise, dill relish and dill weed. 2. A dd more mayonnaise, if desired. 3. Taste and season with salt and pepper. 4. Serve on a bed of lettuce or on fresh, toasted bread.
Franklin Living
FAITH FOCUS
First things first
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hen someone mentions the late Bobby Bowden, it is normal to associate his name with Florida State football – a highly successful program under his leadership. He also, however, played baseball during his college days. One day he smashed a troublesome “extra bases” line drive against Auburn. As he approached third, the third base coach was waving him home and encouraging him to hurry! Coach Bowden beat the throw, and as he touched home plate, the team exploded in celebration. However, Auburn’s first baseman yelled for the catcher to throw him the ball. When the first baseman touched first base, the umpire yelled, «Out!» While running the bases, Bobby Bowden never touched first base! During his coaching career, Coach Bowden turned his baserunning blunder into a powerful illustration – one that has application for both athletics and life in general. He would tell his players, «If you don’t take care of first base, it doesn’t matter what you do.» His point: A person’s priorities matter. The most important things must always be addressed first if success is to be achieved. Priorities can mean the difference between arriving on time versus being late. Priorities can mean the difference between enjoying leisure time versus working overtime. Priorities are often the difference between winning and losing. “First things first” is a concept that is rich with spiritual application. Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Respect for the Lord must be foundational for any person who wants to possess true wisdom. In other words, I don’t understand anything until I understand that respect for God is the one priority that must define my life! Productive self-examination requires determining whether everything about our lives is consistent with a healthy fear of God Almighty, and it’s not about what we say we believe: It is revealed through our actions and decisions. Solomon does something in Proverbs 1:7 that most of us don’t like. He states we will either be the kind of people who fear God and find true wisdom, or we will be fools. He tells us we will either be one or the other. He leaves no middle ground. Is your relationship with God your first priority? According to Scripture, coming to the Lord on his terms is the only way to possess real wisdom.
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Philip Goad has been serving as the minister at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville since March 2020.
Franklin Living
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Hard act to follow
From Russellville to Paris, New York and back: Elizabeth Ragsdale
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Story and photos by MARÍA CAMP rom Russellville to Paris to New York and back, Elizabeth Ragsdale has had a full life, traveling, writing, raising children and – a special passion – acting. “Acting is a wonderful creative outlet for me. I find it therapeutic,” explained Ragsdale. “I believe that God gives us all gifts and that this is one of my mine.” Ragsdale won a scholarship to the University of North Alabama when she was chosen as the first Miss RHS at Russellville High School. Part of her performance during the pageant was a musical theatre number, which impressed a judge who also taught acting at UNA. After graduating from high school in 1983, Ragsdale used the UNA scholarship, in addition to working two jobs, to pursue and obtain a degree in theatre.
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While a student at the university, she performed in a number of musicals, including “A Chorus Line,” “Pippin” and “Gypsy,” as well as other plays. “I love performing, and I’ve been fortunate to get to be part of so many wonderful shows,” Ragsdale said. Right after college graduation, Ragsdale made her way to Paris. “I was supposed to stay three months, but wound up staying two years.” From there, she went to New York to pursue acting. “That meant waiting some tables, too,” Ragsdale said, “but I learned a lot while I was there.” She performed in an off-Broadway show, “The Texas Telethon,” and had a small role on the long-running soap opera “One Life to Live.” “I also played various other roles on the show. I was in commercials. I did lots of things around New York,” she said. Ragsdale spent most of her time concentrating on theatre. “We put up showcases and invited agents, performing scenes for them. It helped get us in front of people in the industry.” She studied with Fred Kareman at his studio in Carnegie Hall – a class she had to audition for in order to attend. “It was full of Broadway actors and people doing movies and whatnot,” she said. “He taught the Meisner technique.”
Making changes
All the while, Ragsdale said she had a general timeframe in mind about how long she would pursue trying to break into acting on a full-time basis. “I knew I would try to make it as an actor until I was about 30 and then think about a family and about pursuing something else,” explained Ragsdale. “New York was the cream of the crop in every area – theatre, music, restaurants. It has the best of everything, and there’s an energy in New York that I have never felt anywhere else. It’s magical.” It’s also, however, a tough city to make it in, largely because of the cost of living being so high. For those who feel inclined to try the New York life, Ragsdale said she recommends giving it a try while young and before having commitments like children.
Franklin Living
Beth Thead, as Becca, and Elizabeth Ragsdale, as Nat, rehearse “Rabbit Hole” at the Shoals Theatre in Florence.
“Unless you are mega wealthy, it’s especially hard to do it when you’re older and have kids,” she said. “It’s pretty expensive even when you’re single, not to mention you need a lot of good connections. If you really want to do it, you need to try it, but New York is not a place everyone can handle.” Ragsdale’s last audition in New York was for Tony’s wife on “The Sopranos.” “When I didn’t get the role, I realized making it in the world of acting largely comes down to a lot of luck and who you know,” Ragsdale said. “I took it as a sign to move on and went back to Paris.” She said she doesn’t feel like she failed in New York but instead was just never in the right place at the right time.
“I didn’t really understand or know my own country until I was on the other side looking in,” said Ragsdale of what she’s learned from living abroad. “Seeing other people’s perceptions of us provides a new perspective. I’m not totally French, and I’m not totally American anymore.”
Writing
Ragsdale said she used some of her time in Paris for writing – a passion she describes as essentially equal to her love of theatre, though she hasn’t yet devoted as much time to it. She said she wishes she had focused on her writing more, and that’s now one focus for her future. Ragsdale began writing from a young age – poeReturning to Paris try, songs and “all sorts of things.” She earned a mi“I kept at it until I wanted to shift gears and have nor in journalism while attending UNA, wrote for Acting is a wonderful a family.” school newspaper, “The Flor-Ala,” and did an creative outlet for me … the When she returned to Paris, Ragsdale stayed internship at a local television station that’s no I believe God gives for about 16 years. She said she mostly focused longer in operation. on her family while in Paris the second time, with “I wrote a fiction book in Paris, but I haven’t us all gifts and that this acting taking a back seat. shopped it around yet, though it’s ready,” she said. is one of my mine. “I participated in theatre from a different angle in “I’ve written several children’s stories, but they don’t Paris,” recalled Ragsdale. “I directed the nativity play have illustrations yet. I want to focus on writing in in a church every year; it was a huge event, and I fit in this next chapter of my life.” every child who liked to sing or play any kind of instrument, re-writing the story of Jesus’ birth in several ways, including from Getting personal the perspective of the angels and a version that was more focused Some of her writing is of a more personal nature, having to do on Mary. The church would be packed for the event, and they with a matter she discussed in the second part of an HBO Max dowound up having to have two performances to meet the demand.” cumentary. Released this past October, the documentary is titled She eventually settled down with her now-ex-husband for “What happened, Brittany Murphy?” and is about the unexpected about 14 years, and they raised two children together. “We were death of the actress, under mysterious circumstances, in 1999, and are still great friends,” explained Ragsdale. “My kids were when she was 32. raised in Paris. When they got to be high school age, we moved Murphy’s husband, Simon Monjack, died five months later, at back to this area because they wanted to graduate from an Amethe age of 40. Monjack is where Ragsdale connects to the story. rican high school.” “I knew Simon,” she explained. “I was engaged to him, and I had Her children are now 22 and 19. The older one is working in his child.” Paris and living with his father, and the younger lives with her “My oldest is Simon’s son,” Ragsdale explained. “He abandoned me in Florence. One graduated from RHS, and the other graduated when I was pregnant with his son, and now it’s time to tell my story.” from Florence High School. They have triple citizenship – British, She goes into the details further in the documentary, as well French and American – and Ragsdale has French and American as in a “People” magazine article and an “L.A. Times” article, both citizenship. published in 2021.
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As a result of the attention received from the documentary, Ragsdale now has an agent helping her look for a publishing home for the memoir she wrote about the time she spent with Monjack.
She has also played Aunt Ev the past three summers in Tuscumbia’s annual “The Miracle Worker” production about Helen Keller’s life.
Gratitude and praise
Ragdale said she wouldn’t be where she is today without the Keeping busy encouragement and support of Lela Wright Ray, once her teacher In the meantime, Ragsdale said she is continuing to keep busy, and now her friend. “Lela Ray started the Miss RHS pageant. She’s not only with community theatre and other personal writing pro- the reason I went ahead and did everything I’ve done and didn’t jects, but also with her job as a paralegal for Joey James LLC Atto- just stay in a small-town mindset,” Ragsdale said. “She encouraged me to follow my dreams.” rney at Law in Florence. “I did this type of work in Paris and New “She is a huge part of what allowed me to do that,” Ragsdale York, too,” she said. added, “and she’s still encouraging young women in the Franklin Ragsdale has taught three workshops at Cypress Moon Studios County pageant system, happily helping them to be their in Sheffield, for children, young teens and adults. She has best and have the courage to believe in the possibility also been in a number of plays – more than she says of their dreams. She’s a big supporter of the arts she can remember. and an artist herself. We attend productions toShe said one memorable role was Charlotte in gether, and I love doing that with her. She even “Moon Over Buffalo.” “We were performing it at visited me in Paris once while on holiday.” When I didn’t get the role, the Ritz Theatre in Sheffield, and it was one of Ray said she has nothing but praise for the great roles of my life,” she said. “We had I realized making it in the world Ragsdale’s talents. a terrific cast, and my role was very fast and of acting largely comes down to “Elizabeth came into my life when she was slapstick. There was even a sword fight. We in high school. I coached her in pageants, a lot of luck and who you know, got in one full week of performances before and I took it as a sign to move on theatre and drama, and she was in my drawe had to shut down due to COVID.” ma classes. We’ve kept up over the years,” Ray She was rehearsing as Tatania in “A Midand went back to Paris. said. “She’s an excellent actor, always really summer Night’s Dream,” and 10 days away from studying her roles and doing her research. opening, that production had to be shut down “She doesn’t just take the script and memorize because of COVID-19 exposure. the lines,” added Ray. “She really becomes the cha“I love Shakespeare,” Ragsdale said. “I’ve also been racter she is playing. We corresponded the whole time in ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ and ‘King Lear.’ I’ve done every she was away, and I cherish our friendship. I’m very proud of her.” Shakespeare play for the past three years in the Shoals. They try to do one a year.” What’s next? Ragsdale was recently cast in “Rabbit Hole,” a Pulitzer-winning “I don’t know how long I’ll stay in the area this time,” explained play scheduled to be performed at the Shoals Theatre in Florence. Ragsdale, “but I think I’ll always have a home here. I bought a little The role is one she said she’s looking forward to even though it house in Florence, and I have a ton of cousins still here. My dream has some heavy components dealing with grief. She noted it’s a would be to keep a home here and also have one in New York and “tough script” but also has comedic elements. Paris. That’s my goal.”
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Franklin Living
BELIEF AND BARBERING James McCullar builds community and faith at hometown barbershop Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by MARÍA CAMP
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A
small white building on the hill overlooking North Washington Avenue in Russellville can be easily identified as a barber shop thanks to the iconic striped barber pole on the front porch – and, of course, by the large sign identifying it as McCullar and Reed’s. The McCullar in question, James McCullar, has been cutting hair in Russellville more than six decades. The local barber joined the profession in 1961, at the age of 19, on the advice of his father. As the young man’s high school days at Phil Campbell were coming to an end, his father encouraged him to pursue barbering because, in a clever witticism, “that business grows every day.” “I wanted to be my own boss, and I enjoyed people,” McCullar explained. “I got to thinking, ‘I’ll never get to meet more people than being in that business.’ It’s been very joyous and rewarding. Not only that, but I learned – which contributed later to my ministry – about the nature and disposition of people.” He attended barbering school in Hamilton and soon had people in his own chair, clipping and styling and making new friends. It’s always been about the people for him – the relationships, the community, the opportunity to build connections. “Every day I looked forward to being there,” he said. “I looked forward to getting to meet new people and share in their experiences. The fellowship was so enriching. Sometimes your heart would really be touched by some of the experiences some of those people had to endure.” There’s so many stories that flood his memory, McCullar has a hard time bringing particular ones to mind. “You had to keep an optimistic attitude about things,” McCullar added. “I learned to discard the pessimism. Just keep a positive approach to people and be thankful, above all things.” McCullar reflects back on his early years of barbering, when all day long he could glance out the window and see horses and wagons traveling up and down the streets of Russellville. He recalls it as a better time, when downtown was packed with stores carrying local made-in-America clothing, and when people were more conscientious and fastidious about their appearance – and wanted regular, consistent haircuts to look neat and presentable. It was a time he’d be at the shop before sun up to serve customers, and he still be there cutting hair long after dark. Of course, that was back when a haircut cost 75 cents. He built the shop he’s in today several years ago, but he started out right nearby the current location, in a shop across from Felton Hardware, before the bank bought him out. Over time McCullar has worked in partnership with more than a dozen other barbers in his shop – but his favorites, hands down, have been his wife Ruby and his daughter Renee Reed. Ruby, whom he married in 1962, worked with him for nearly 30 years. His daughter Renee joined them when she was 20 or 21. He teases them that he had to work with them because they couldn’t get a job anywhere else. He said he has also taken great pleasure in working with Belinda Kilpatrick, who has been at the shop for 31 years now.
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Franklin Living
721 South Jackson Avenue • Russellville
256-332-3850
After Hours: 256-332-2230
ADVERTISING T THA S K STIC CALL 256.332.1881
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McCullar frequently serves as an interim preacher at local congregations and also shares the gospel at nursing homes – as well as to people visiting his barber shop.
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Franklin Living
These days McCullar is partially retired, working one full day a week at the shop. He started cutting back on his hours about seven years ago. Despite the joy he has found in his years of barbering – “I don’t think there’s anybody who could have looked forward to being in their business more than I have. Of course, you know I’ve had to have enjoyed it, being in it 61 years” – he finds far more fulfillment in his primary life passion: sharing the gospel, which he has been doing nearly ever since his conversion, at age 32. “The experiences I had were nothing to compare with experiences in my ministry. That was so much more joyous, rewarding, so much more spiritually beneficial,” said McCullar. “I like to share my Lord. Nothing could bring more joy and contentment in life.” He began preaching and pastoral work soon after becoming a Christian, answering the call to ministry. He has preached at many churches in the local area and into Mississippi, frequently serving as an interim for churches between full-time assignments. He has spoken at nursing homes and officiated funerals – more than 1,000 of them – as well as many weddings. “It’s all about bearing fruit for God and keeping self out of the way,” explained McCullar, who has spent countless hours reading the scriptures. He makes notes about his studies in stack after stack of spiral notebooks, which he keeps to reference. “The most important fact in my life is my faith in Christ and being able to serve him in the ministry these 45 years,” he said. “That’s the one thing I can boast of: being in Christ. Living a life through faith in Christ will exceed and excel all these other things you might accomplish. A lot of people don’t give that any thought, even as a Christian. We need to weigh things out – decisions, determinations that we make – to really know, ‘Am I demonstrating Christ? Am I living according to his goals?’ “It’s a joy to share the Lord. It’s the sweetest joy in life, and I tell you what, I wouldn’t take anything for it.” In addition to their daughter Renee, James and Ruby have two sons, Phil and Mark, seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
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Pencil to paper
Young artist finds joy in her sketches Story and photos by MARÍA CAMP
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or soon-to-be ninth-grader Yoselin Reyes, being able to spend time creating art provides a great deal of enjoyment. The rising Belgreen freshman has been drawing and painting for a year or two and said she tends to draw when she gets bored. “I draw when the mood hits. When I draw, I feel happy,” explained Yoselin, who added she generally sketches her drawings in pencil and then traces over them with markers. She started painting around the same time as she began drawing. “What I do most is draw, but I also enjoy painting with acrylics and watercolors. Friends at school see my drawings and ask me to draw things, and sometimes that’s how I try something new.” Yoselin said her favorite subjects to draw are anime characters. The anime character she likes drawing most is the spiky-haired Killua Zoldyck, but she also draws characters from the show “Demonslayer.” “Listening to anime music while I work helps me focus, and I enjoy watching anime with my 12-year-old brother, Da-
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niel Reyes,” she said. “We do art together sometimes.” She also draws a variety of other subjects, including her favorite plant, cherry blossoms, and her favorite animals, horses, as well as animals like tigers and foxes. Yoselin said she hadn’t taken an art class at first, noting she “just drew randomly at school,” but when her brother Daniel started taking an art class during school, she asked one of her teachers if she could take art, too. “I went to art class once a week during school after that,” she said. “Hopefully, I can do that again next year.” Her favorite project from the art classes is an oil pastel piece mimicking Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”
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“I knew about the painting a little, and I had used oil pastels a little bit before this,” explained Yoselin. “I enjoy experimenting with different art techniques when I get a chance.” She said she also likes to draw skulls with floral embellishments. “I look up images on Google to find things to practice drawing.” Her mother, Veronica Reyes, expressed her pride in her daughter’s work. “Yoselin has surprised me. Her drawings are amazing, and I’m so proud of her,” Reyes said. “We enjoy working to inspire her by compliments and pushing her to do more, like drawing people’s faces.” Reyes said her daughter’s young cousin loves her drawings and always wants to get one. “All of the family is proud of her, and we give her drawing challenges. She leaves us with our mouths open when the final piece is done.” Reyes said she doesn’t know where her daughter got that talent. “It’s something special. Yoselin’s a really great girl. She also helps out a lot and is really responsible.” During her art classes, Yoselin drew a special portrait for one of her teachers, Susan Crittenden – of Crittenden’s son Levi with the Bobcats baseball 2021 blue map trophy. She said she spent two to three weeks on that one – a lot more time than she usually spends on a drawing. “I enjoyed it,” she said. “It was a big challenge, and my teacher was happy with it. The drawing was a surprise for her son’s birthday, and she said he loves it and has it hanging in his room now.”
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Yoselin’s creativity doesn’t stop there. She also enjoys photography and crafting. “I want to thank everybody for their support of my drawings and paintings,” she added. “When I grow up, I want to be a vet and keep doing art. I’ve got a lot of art projects I want to try.”
Do you know a young achiever who deserves the Franklin Living spotlight? Contact María Camp, maría. camp@franklincountytimes. com, for consideration for a future edition.
Franklin Living
EDUCATION CORNER
We couldn’t have asked for a better year
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t is summer now, but I am still feeling the excitement from all our students and teachers were able to accomplish this past school year. We ended up with three state championships – in baseball, doubles tennis and marching band; two red maps – in soccer and girls tennis; and many other accomplishments by our athletic, extracurricular and fine arts groups. Our CTE students earned certifications that will get them ahead in their chosen careers and claimed top spots at state competitions. Our students in all grades showed growth and improvement academically according to recent data we have received. It is always encouraging to see how the hard work and dedication our students and teachers pays off. We couldn’t have asked for a better year. Even though many think of teachers as having a break all summer, the reality is that our teachers are already gearing up for the new school year. If you pass by our schools, you’ll see cars in the parking lot during the day and lights in classrooms during the evening. Teachers are making preparations for the upcoming year – not because they have to but because they care. They care so much about each student, and I have seen that firsthand. Our teachers are constantly putting in the work to make sure the students in their classrooms are able to succeed. We have been so encouraged by the data we’ve received showing just how much of an impact our teachers made this past school year. Our students are making great strides academically, and it’s a direct result of how much our teachers invest in their students’ education. From creative, hands-on learning activities to engaging and informative lessons, our teachers are always looking for ways to make learning fun and exciting for their students. The result is students who love to learn! Our teachers really are a treasure. I can’t thank them enough for all they do. We truly have the best educators around at RCS. While I know our teachers are prepping for the new year, I hope they’re enjoying some much-deserved rest this summer as well. They have certainly earned it! I hope all of our RCS family is enjoying their summer and everyone is as excited as I am for another great year starting in August.
Bethany Ellison
Malone
Attorney at Law 503 West Main Street Tuscumbia, AL 35674 www.bethanyellisonmalone.com
• Wills • Probate • Estate Planning • General Practice
256-383-9444
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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FROM THE EXTENSION
MASTER MATERS
with this information from the Franklin County Extension
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Info from KATERNIA COLE COFFEY, Extension director Photos by MARÍA CAMP or home farmers whose tomato crops are ripening and ready to harvest, here are some thoughts to bear in mind.
Health Benefits of Tomatoes
Tomatoes are packed with vitamins for good health benefits: • Iron • Vitamin C • Vitamin B6 • Manganese • Vitamin A • Fiber • Calcium • Potassium • Fat-free • Lycopene • low in sodium
Making Tomatoes Even Tastier
Ingredients to add extra flavor to your tomatoes include olive oil, balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar, basil, mozzarella, oregano, parmesan, feta cheese, arugula, garlic, thyme, dill, parsley, rosemary, onion, chives, marjoram, savory or tarragon.
Pickling Produce
Pickles add zip and zest to meals, snacks and party refreshments – if they are good pickles. They enhance the flavor of some foods that contain nutrients essential to good health. Pickling is one of the oldest known methods of food preservation. The many varieties of pickled and fermented foods are classified by ingredients and methods of preparation. The four general classes are brined or fermented, fresh pack or quick process, fruit pickles and relishes. • ACIDITY: The level of acidity in a pickled product is as important to its safety as it is to the taste and texture. Do not alter vinegar, food or water proportions in a recipe or use a vinegar with unknown acidity. Acidity should be at least 5 percent. Use only recipes with tested proportions of ingredients. Good sources are the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Center for Home Food Preservation websites. You must have a minimum, uniform level of acid throughout the mixed product to prevent the growth of botulinum bacteria. • SELECTING PRODUCE: Use only good-quality produce. Select firm, ripe fruits. • SALT: Pure granulated salt with no non-caking material or iodine added is best. Pickling salt, sea salt fine grain and pink Himalayan fine grain salt can all be used and can be found with other salts at the grocery store or in the canning section. Iodine can cause pickles to darken, and non-caking material may prevent fermentation during the brining process and turn the brine cloudy. Refined table salt should not be used for brining. Never use ice cream salt or rock salt for pickles. • VINEGAR: Use a good-grade, 5-6 percent acid, 40-60-grain strength. Cider vinegar, used in most recipes, has a good flavor and aroma, but it might turn pickles brown. Distilled white vinegar is often used when a clear color is desirable.
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• SPICES: Tie whole spices in a thin cloth bag; remove them before pickles and relishes are packed. Whole spices, if left in the jar, will not only darken the pickles but also could cause some off-flavor. Ground spices tend to darken pickles. Be sure to use fresh spices, ground or whole. Store spices in a cool place, about 70 degrees, in airtight containers. • SUGAR: Most recipes use white granulated sugar; however, some use brown sugar. If you plan to use a sugar substitute, follow recipes developed for these products. Sugar substitutes are not recommended in pickling because heat and/ or storage may cause bitterness, and the sugar substitutes do not plump the pickles and keep them firm the way sugar does. • HARD WATER: Do not use hard water from the tap. Boil hard water in a stainless steel or unchipped enamel boiler for 15 minutes and remove from heat. Cover and let sit for 24 hours. Remove any scum that might have formed. Slowly pour water from the container so sediment will not be disturbed. Discard sediment. Water is now ready to use.
A Later Crop
For those contemplating a late planting, here are some tomato-growing tips to keep in mind. With all the tomato varieties available, deciding which ones to plant can be fun yet confusing. The Alabama Extension has conducted many tomato programs over the years and included a tomato taste test as part of the program. Choosing which variety can be overwhelming, but a few new cultivars might be worth a try.
Tomato Growth Habit
Tomatoes are categorized into two groups depending on their growth habit: determinate and indeterminate. A determinate plant will grow until a certain point, and the terminal buds will produce
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FROM THE EXTENSION flowers instead of more vegetative growth. Determinates will produce fruit and then stop producing after a few weeks. They can produce some fruit later in the season but not as much as the indeterminate plants. For this reason, many determinate plant growers will plant tomatoes later in the season if they are looking for a later crop. The indeterminate plants can be more of a challenge to stake but will produce fruit all season if disease issues are managed properly.
Tomato Acidity
Many people will refer to tomatoes as being high acid or low acid, but most tomato varieties have relatively the same acidity. It is actually the sugar content that varies with different tomatoes. Therefore, a “high acid” tomato would actually be a low sugar content tomato. A “low acid” tomato would have a higher amount of sugar. As a general rule, high sugar content tomatoes are typically not red in color; rather, they are shades of orange, yellow or purple.
Fruiting Determined by Temperatures
Hot summer temperatures can impact fruit set for tomato plants. Not only are high daytime temperatures a problem, but high nighttime temperatures can cause a reduction in fruit set, as well. Thankfully, heat set tomatoes will set fruit at higher temperatures. Heat set tomato variations include Bella Rosa, Florida 91, Phoenix, Redline, Solar Fire, and Sun Leaper.
Diseases
When deciding which tomato to grow, disease resistance is an important factor. No tomato is resistant to all diseases. You will have to choose resistant varieties based on the most problematic diseases in your garden. It is pretty common to find tomatoes resistant to Fusarium Wilt, Verticillium Wilt and Root Knot Nematodes, as well as several varieties resistant to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus. However, it is also possible to find a few tomato cultivars resistant to Early Blight, Late Blight, Gray Leaf Spot, Tomato Mosaic Virus, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, Bacterial Speck, Bacterial Wilt and a few other diseases. Again, you will not find a tomato resistant to all of these diseases; however, you can find tomatoes resistant to one or more.
Use of the Tomato
There are several different uses of a tomato to consider before planting. If you are planning on canning tomatoes, the paste type, Roma type, tomatoes are a good option. Popular paste tomatoes include Granadero, Mariana, Plum Crimson, Plum Regal and Pony Express. Slicing tomatoes, grape tomatoes and cherry-type tomatoes are available and are favorites among producers. Recommended slicing tomatoes with good disease resistance include Amelia, Bella Rosa, Crista, Mountain Gem, Mountain Magic, Mountain Merit, Red Bount and Red Defender. There are thousands of other slicing tomatoes available. Cherry types include Matt’s Wild Cherry, Mountain Belle, Sun Gold, Sun Sugar and Super Sweet 100. Recommended grape types with good disease resistance include BHN 410 and Mountain Honey.
Planting Location
Many farmers grow tomatoes in high tunnels and greenhouses. There are recommended tomato cultivars for high tunnel production and tomatoes for greenhouse production as well. If you want to
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try some of the tomato cultivars and are struggling to find them at garden centers, planting seeds might be the best option. Contact the local Extension office for more information on recommended tomato cultivars or growing tomatoes from seeds. A vegetable planting guide with recommended planting dates can be found on the Alabama Extension website, www.aces.edu, or by contacting the Franklin County Extension at 256-332-8880. Tomatoes from Michelle Kemp’s produce stand in Red Bay
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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Almost Elton John and The RocketMen perform at the Historic Roxy Theatre, packing the house for a fun night of music. Photos by MARÍA CAMP
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Brooke Navarro, Paul Rebman and Mary Grace Rebman
Kellie Calderon and Marcos Calderon
Deedra and Barry Moore
Pamela Tank and Jon Antoine
Sharon Bolden and Michelle Duboise
Memphis pianist and vocalist Jerred Price
Franklin Living
FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Russellville High School hosts its 2022 graduation ceremony, with family and friends on hand to celebrate the seniors as they take the next step into their futures. Photos by MARÍA CAMP Catarina Sum, Kimberly Avalos, Maira Zavala Marquez, Nicole Foster, Joanna Rayo and Yoslin Pinto
Katlyn James and Hannah Figueroa
Natalia Rocha and Juan Cano
Grace McDermitt and Maddy Green
Travis Smith, Harley Smith, Adaleigh Smith, Gracie Smith, Dezeree Smith and Kaylee Smith
Conner Byars, Brayden Hill and Austin Boyd
Jeremy Velez and Elmer Villalobos
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
41st Annual Watermelon Festival August 19 -20, 2022 More Franklin County Events: July 23rd - Watermelon Festival Pageant July 30th - Vina Fest
www.FranklinCountyChamber.org 256.332.1760 Franklin Living
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WHY I LOVE FRANKLIN COUNTY
A little chat with
Linda Ezzell
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inda Ezzell graduated from high school in Belmont, Miss., and went on to Northeast Mississippi Community College and studied business courses. She has worked in Red Bay for the past 20 years, serving as the library director at Weatherford Public Library, and said she thinks of herself as being from both Alabama and Mississippi. She has one son, Brent Bolding; one grandson, Trey Bolding; one granddaughter, Britan Bolding Crow; and a 10-month-old great-granddaughter, Chloe Crow, “who has us all so in love with her.”
1. What does your work as library director involve? I am the only person who works at the library, so part of the time I wear many hats. I am responsible for all of the library’s circulation and ordering of books and the other services we provide to the public. I make sure my patrons are taken care of the best that I can and try to make their visit to the library a happy one. There are always tasks like reports and filing and straightening the books on the shelves, even if no patrons are in the library. 2. What do you enjoy about your job? I had never worked in a library, but when I saw the ad in the paper describing the job duties, I thought it sounded like something I would enjoy because I love to help people. I was interviewed and hired, and 20 years later, I’m still here working. I enjoy helping my patrons find a book or suggesting something for them to read. I like to suggest titles they might not have seen or be familiar with, and it makes me happy when they bring the book back and tell me thanks for the suggestion because they really enjoyed the book. 3. What is your favorite place to visit in Franklin County? I like to ride around on what we consider back roads and see old home places where people used to live. It makes us reminisce about days gone by. I also think that Dismal Gardens is so beautiful. 4. What is your favorite Franklin County restaurant? I like a lot of the restaurants around, but I love Mexican food, and Rancho Viejo has really good cheese dip and salsa and chips. Also, I like The Grind because I like special flavor coffees, iced or hot. The Steakhouse in Red Bay, owned and run by Lori and Brent Collum, has opened back up, and it is really good. 5. Why do you love Franklin County? Most of the towns in the county are small compared to some areas, but they have what we need, and there is lots of industry around and very good schools and churches. Friends and neighbors are always willing to help each other when help is needed.
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FAST 5 1. Favorite hobby: Traveling 2. Favorite food: Mexican 3. Goal: To keep the library growing and up to date and keep patrons excited about coming to the library 4. Church: Ladies Sunday School Class 5. Something people might not know about me: I really don’t feel comfortable getting up in front of a group to speak.
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