2020 Franklin Living May/June

COOKING WITH COAN | JEREMY WILLIS | MOTHER’S DAY DIY

May/June 2020 Vol. 10 Issue No. 3

FRANKLIN

farm arm life Stocktons find herding happiness Rusty Armadillo Farm beckons visitors with agritourism ambitions

WILL STULTS | RALPH WINC HESTER

| ANNA CARO L PORTER

March/April 2020 Vol. 10 Issue No. 2

Heart for

H EALING Ru

ssellville woman soars with career as fl ight nurse

CATTLEMAN of the YEAR KREWE with a CAUSE

Editorial ALISON JAMES CIERA HUGHES Contributors CINDY COAN PHILLIP GOAD HEATH GRIMES GREG HAMILTON MONTANA HESTER EMILY MAYS Marketing PEGGY HYDE

Features 5

Faith Focus

6

What’s Happening

8

Herd happiness

14 Their piece of the sky:

Life at Rusty Armadillo Farm 19 Money Matters 20 Taste of Franklin

Administrative SOMMER MORRIS

24 Education Corner

____________________

25 DIY Mother’s Day

Franklin Living is published bi-monthly

by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. Copyright 2020 by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. P.O. Box 1088 Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com

ON THE COVER: Little Ellie Cay loves visiting the pygmy goats on Gran and Poppa’s – Lisa and Tim Stockton’s – farm. In fact, the Stocktons purchased their first goat when Ellie became obsessed with them at age 2. For their story, turn to page 8.

Franklin Living

26 Why I Love Franklin County

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14 3

FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

I

did not grow up on a farm.

We didn’t keep chickens, we didn’t grow vegetables, we didn’t cut hay.

It just wasn’t my family’s “thing.” Despite my father’s agricultural heritage – his father operated a large dairy farm for years – it wasn’t something that continued with the next generation.

Now, growing up in Tennessee, there was, of course, a strong farming culture. We went to the county fair every year, and we were often gifted fresh-picked tomatoes or cucumbers from friends or neighbors. My brother and I both participated in the 4-H Club, and we learned all about Tennessee ag topics by participating in the annual “Clover Bowl.”

But that was as far as it went, and I’ve always been fine with that – until putting together the feature for this issue of Franklin Living.

Now I want goats.

Be careful – you just might want goats too after you read about all the fun on the farm for the Stockton and McCauley families.

Besides being chock-full of adorable goat fun, this edition also brings you advice and information on finances, faith, education and community events. Turn to page 20 for some tantalizing recipes or page 25 for a few DIY Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Whether or not you fall in love with the idea of goat farming, this issue of Franklin Living has something for you to enjoy.

Alison James

Wholesale to Public

Franklin • Ashley • Best • Bassett • Liberty • Catnapper • Fairfield Flexsteel • Hooker • Homestretch• IFD • Southern Motion • Universal

69 Clark Drive, Russellville Industrial Park Off of Hwy. 243 Russellville, AL

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FAITH FOCUS

Don’t allow a physical pandemic to cause spiritual harm

H

ow long has it been since all of us were focused on the same thing? Perhaps 9/11, a previous war effort or the day our nation lost President Kennedy? Because of the uncertainties and the serious nature of the threat it poses, the battle against COVID-19 has our collective attention like nothing in recent times.

While every battle should be elevated to the throne room of God through prayer, we’re being instructed that much of our success in this battle will come from doing nothing.

Staying home. Doing life at a safe distance from other people. And while it is important to follow these instructions, there is an unintended consequence. While social distancing does protect us physically, it elevates our risk spiritually.

As our church buildings sit empty on Sunday mornings amid our attempts to create shared worship experiences via the internet, we have quickly realized something is missing. That “something” is each other.

God designed us to thrive through being in relationship and spending time together, and we’ve been reminded we need each other even more during anxious and uncertain times. How do we minimize our fears and keep anxiety at bay when we seemingly have less to do and more time alone at home to think about everything?

First, expressing gratitude is always an excellent place to start.

Psalm 92:1-2 reminds us that it is good to give thanks to the Lord by declaring his lovingkindness in the morning and his faithfulness by night. In other words, instead of beginning and ending the day with the latest round of scary news or mindless scrolling, how much better

would it be to begin and end each by thanking God? Similarly, Philippians 4:6-7 instructs Christians how to pray through anxious times. Paul writes, “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” The battle against this virus might be scary to us, but it isn’t a surprise to God. He is always our source of peace.

Finally, we can discipline ourselves to find the opportunities for good even though the circumstances are scary. Romans 8:28 reminds us God can climb into any situation and work for the good of those who love him. Philippians 2:4 instructs Christians to selflessly consider the needs of others. Good always results when we choose to serve someone in need.

For example, when we do have to get out, can we offer to pick up some groceries for a high-risk person who must stay at home? Imagine the loneliness for people who live alone and cannot get out at all. Imagine how a card or a phone call will brighten their day. Through leaning into Scripture and taking positive action, we can ensure this physical pandemic doesn’t result in a spiritual one, too.

Philip Goad began his work as minister at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville in March 2020. He is married to Marla, and they have a daughter, Kayla Thorne, who is married to Josh. They also have a son, Preston, and one grandchild, Greyson Thorne.

Discover the value of enrolling in a local Medicare Advantage plan.

Call us today for easy-to-understand answers to your Medicare questions.

Your local Franklin, Colbert and Lauderdale agent: Jessica Tate 256-426-8823

Toll-free: 1-888-830-VIVA (8482) | TTY: 711 www.VivaHealth.com/Medicare

Hours: Mon - Fri, 8am - 8pm | Oct 1 - Mar 31: 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm Viva Medicare is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Viva Medicare depends on contract renewal.

Viva Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-830-8482 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使 用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務. 請致電 1-888-830-8482 (TTY: 711).

H0154_mcdoc2040A_M_09/15/2018

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What’s Happening Check out all the upcoming community events!

Submit community events for future issues of Franklin Living to alison.james@franklincountytimes.com. Requests must be received by the first of the month for consideration for the next edition. *All events are subject to change depending on the progression of the coronavirus.

Deadline to apply for Franklin County Junior Leadership May 14 Rising juniors have until May 14 at 4 p.m. to turn in applications to be involved in the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s Junior Leadership program through the next year.

Anyone who is interested in being a part of Junior Leadership can request an application by calling 256-332-1760 or emailing info@franklincountychamber.org.

U.S. Census 2020

Virtual Agriculture Field Trip

May-August

May 15

A l t h o u g h “Census Day,” April 1, has passed, anyone who has not yet responded is encouraged to complete the U.S. Census over the coming months online, by phone or by mail. Beginning in June, census takers will work to make sure everyone is counted.To find out more visit 2020census.gov or census.alabama.gov.

Every Friday through May 22, the Alabama F a r m e r ’ s Federation will be hosting virtual agriculture field trips on F a c e b o o k beginning at 10 a.m. These field trips will tour various agricultural sites across the state, and those tuning in live will be able to ask questions of the ag experts featured. May 15’s topic will be forestry.

Virtual Agriculture Field Trip

Virtual Agriculture Field Trip

May 8

May 22

Every Friday through May 22, the Alabama F a r m e r ’ s Federation will be hosting virtual agriculture field trips on Facebook beginning at 10 a.m. These field trips will tour various agricultural sites across the state, and those tuning in live will be able to ask questions of the ag experts featured. May 8’s topic will be greenhouse and nursery products.

Every Friday through May 22, the Alabama F a r m e r ’ s Federation will be hosting virtual agriculture field trips on F a c e b o o k beginning at 10 a.m. These field trips will tour various agricultural sites across the state, and those tuning in live will be able to ask questions of the ag experts featured. May 22’s topic will be cotton and row crops.

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Franklin Living

Farmers Markets Opening

Phil Campbell Hoedown

June

June 19-20

The Red Bay Farmers Market, located at 652 2nd St., NE, in the Family Fun Park will open for the season with sellers present Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday each week from 7 am. to 1 p.m., through September. The Franklin County Farmers Market, located in the pavilion next to the A.W. Todd Center, 202 Green Ave. SW, in Russellville, will open for the season in June, with farmers selling their produce Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon., through October.

The annual Phil Campbell Hoedown returns this year with its traditional slate of communityfavorite activities, from the car show and the bubble gum contest to the buck dancing and, of course, plenty of live music. Gospel music takes center stage Friday night, with more live entertainment Saturday. For more information visit http://www.philcampbellal.com/hoedown.

LifeSouth Blood Drive

June 20

June 9 The LifeSouth bloodmobile will be in Russellville June 9 at Bank Independent on Highway 43 from 11:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information or to donate blood through LifeSouth, visit www.lifesouth.org.

Rockin’ at the Roxy June 13 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. For more information contact a member of the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council or visit the KGB’s page on Facebook.

Franklin Living

Ronnie McDowell Concert Ronnie McDowell will perform at the Historic Roxy Theater June 20 at 7 p.m., having been postponed from the original date in March.

For the past 26 years he has performed in Russellville. His fundraising concerts have benefited the Historic Roxy Theatre, the Chamber of Commerce and the local economy. People come from all across the United States for his show. McDowell has a winning personality that has inspired a nationwide network of fans devoted to promoting everything he does.

Call 256-415-3270 to reserve tickets.

BTCPA’s “Cheating Cheaters” June 18-21 The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts in Red Bay will stage “Cheating Cheaters” as its summer production at the Weatherford Center.

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Herd

happiness Pygmy goats bring farming fun Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by MONTANA HESTER

W

hen little Ellie Cay was 2 years old, her mother used to sing that classic lullaby, “Hush Little Baby.” Although the promise of a mockingbird, diamond ring or looking glass didn’t mean much, “Mama’s gonna buy you a billy goat” captured the young animal lover’s imagination.

“Ellie decided she wanted her Poppa to buy her some goats,” explained Lisa Stockton, wife of “Poppa” Tim Stockton. Of course, the Stocktons first thought Ellie’s obsession with goats would eventually fade away. Tim tried to appease her by taking her to a farm with a petting zoo in the fall – but that plan had the opposite effect. “I think you’re just fueling the fire,” Lisa said she warned him. “Sure enough, she just became more and more enamored with these goats.” When Christmastime rolled around, Ellie broke down in tears when she didn’t get goats for her Christmas present. That was the final straw for Gran and Poppa Stockton. “We started looking, that day, for goats.”

Now four and a half years later, 6-year-old Ellie hasn’t lost her love for the animal, and the Stocktons have grown the belated Christmas present of two goats to a full herd. “The pasture looked really empty with just two goats, so we decided to buy a couple more,” Lisa explained. Then it was six more.

Then Ellie wanted babies, so they added a male – and that’s when the whole family fell in love with raising the sweet miniature goats.

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So while some animal lovers add a dog or cat to the family, the Stocktons became Pygmy goat farmers, and it’s an enterprise Lisa said has brought so much joy – to their family and beyond. “One of the highlights has been so many kids getting to come see the goats and play with them,” Lisa said. “They are honestly like little puppies or kittens. They love the affection.”

Lisa said the goats are “the easiest pets we’ve ever had.

We just like to pull up chairs and sit in the pasture and watch them.” Playful animals, Pygmy goats will happily jump around and maneuver obstacle courses, providing plenty of entertainment for their human friends. “I think for all of us, the goats have been an unexpected gift. They’ve brought a lot of enjoyment and a lot of fun. These are memories Ellie will have for forever.”

Ellie, who is the daughter of the late Casey Stockton, and her parents Kellen and Josh Simmons live in Helena, so Lisa said Ellie loves coming to Russellville to visit the farm. “There are so many lessons to be learned on the farm. She’s gotten to see the babies being born, and she’s seen the mothers take care of them,” Lisa said. She has learned the responsibility that comes with caring for live animals, too. “She tells us all the time that when she gets bigger she’s going to be a veterinarian. She has a big, big heart for animals, and those goats love her, and she loves them.”

Of course, the other Stockton grandchildren are fans of Gran and Poppa’s goat farm too. Taylor, 14, and Addy Beth, 12, children of Jason and Laura Stockton, love coming to visit from Tuscumbia, and 6-month-old Rawlins, son of Matt and Kristin Stockton, is sure to be the next goat-lover of the family. “It’s just been a cool journey for all of us,” Lisa said. “I try to share a lot of pictures on Facebook with people because what’s cuter than a 4-year-old playing with goats?” She said although being goat farmers is something she and Tim would never have anticipated, they fell in love with it. “You never know what journey God’s going to put you on or what he’s going to put in your life.”

The Stocktons breed every now and again, introducing a new male to the herd each time. They keep the females, growing their herd over time – they are now up to almost three dozen Pygmy goats.

“Ellie comes up with all sorts of names, and Addy Beth does too,” Lisa said. “Sometimes they name them after their friends or popular TV movies or cartoons.”

Ellie’s favorite right now is one she has named Juliet. “The first time I holded her she wouldn’t let go of me, and she just fell asleep in my

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lap,” said Ellie, who got to enjoy an extended visit recently during the coronavirus pandemic.

“They’re just really sweet, and you can hold the little ones, and they are really soft …

I really like animals, and I grew up with the goats, so they are like brothers and sisters to me.”

The last member of the goat herd is not a goat at all. Two years ago at Christmas the Stocktons added a Great Pyrenees to their farm to watch over the goats.

Ellie wanted a dog like Max from “The Grinch;” although the goat-dog doesn’t look like Max, they pay tribute to the idea by calling her Maxie. “She has a trail, almost a perfect square all around our fence,” said Lisa, “and that’s where she patrols and looks out for those goats.”

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Their piece of the sky Family pursues agritourism dreams at Rusty Armadillo Farm Story and photos by ALISON JAMES

O

n 61 acres of rural beauty in Hodges, Tracy and Doug McCauley and their children enjoy the peace that comes from finding a place that truly feels like home. It’s a sense of tranquility they want to share with the world.

The McCauleys and their adult children, Erik Zorger, 33, and Ashley Todd, 34, hail from Ohio but lived for 12 years in the Florida Keys before making their way to Alabama. Doug first came across the Hodges farm for sale in 2005 – on eBay, of all places – and, with a shared interest in moving to Alabama, he and Tracy pursued buying the farm. Just a few weeks later after a visit to the area, they decided to take the plunge.

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“We have been so thankful we made that decision every single day. It felt like home as soon as we got here,” said Tracy. She grew up on a farm, and Doug grew up in a small town, so they both missed the wide open spaces of a rural lifestyle. “We love the property, and we think it has so much potential.”

That pulsing potential has led the McCauleys to consider a number of endeavors since they moved to the farm as their full-time residence in late 2008/early 2009, after the first few years of treating their purchase as a vacation home. As the cost of living in the Keys grew, so too did their love for their Alabama property – so they soon quit the Florida life entirely and moved to Hodges. “Everything here was paid off, so that security was a huge draw,” Tracy said. “We loved the Keys, the time when we were there, but we felt like we had seen the best of it. Things had shifted. So this became our happy place. When we finally sold the house in Florida, it was a relief to finally be out from the stress” – and embrace their new stress-free life in north Alabama.

Their new property had, in some ways, little to recommend it when they first got started, but since then the McCauleys have built a barn complete with spacious deck for relaxing, and they have completed a sprout house that is targeted to be used for aquaponics in the future. They also enjoy plenty of animal life with goats, chickens and their three rescue pups, Gigi, Ladybug and Tiger Lily. A young crop of fruit trees and berry bushes is growing near the house, and trails Doug has cleared through the woods allow for many a hike

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or golf cart ride through nature, with views to awe and inspire.

Altogether, the McCauleys call it Rusty Armadillo Farm, a name inspired by an old wind chime.

Doug and Tracy have spent the past few years getting established, during which time Erik and Ashley followed in their footsteps to north Alabama; Erik lived in Russellville for a while and moved back to the area after a stint in Ohio, and Ashley has recently moved up to live and help work the farm.

Now the McCauleys are ready to share their Hodges home with others – and they have plenty of ideas for how to go about it.

“We want our place to become a destination,” Tracy said.

“There are so many things we have to offer … We know some ideas will come to fruition and some won’t, but I love our plans.

There’s just so much beauty that we want to share.”

A cornerstone ambition for the Hodges farm is to offer their wide open spaces as an agriculture-centered getaway. Plans include building a small number – perhaps half a dozen – of cabins or other lodging options like yurts or cob constructions throughout the property and invite visitors to come learn about aquaponics, organic farming, animals and other agricultural pursuits. A package might include a weekend stay with an evening of live music and cozy campfires, plus a country breakfast.

Art Barn Sundays are similarly designed to bring people to the farm for relaxation and recreation. The McCauleys plan to invite their artist friends to lead classes on creative endeavors, and visitors can enjoy the open air barn as an inspiring place to work on any number of artistic projects.

Agritourism at Rusty Armadillo Farm would run from October to May to avoid the muggiest, buggiest months of the year,

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wrapping up just as the cowcumber magnolia buds blossom.

The McCauleys are also deep into sprouts, with a goal of developing a “sprout route” to sell microgreens to local and regional restaurants. “I’ve seen it done, and I really think that what we have is so marketable,” Tracy said. A foundation in sprouts could lead to the growth and sale of other produce, from lettuce varieties to flowers. Rusty Armadillo Farm has recently been approved for a grant to construct a greenhouse, and although forward progress had to be put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, Tracy said they are ready to move forward as soon as life stabilizes.

Ten goats – a mix of Saanen, Pygmy and Nigerian dwarf breeds – call the farm home, along with four chickens. The McCauleys would eventually like to add rabbits and maybe a couple of cows or pigs to their farming family, along with maybe more exotic like alpacas, as they once raised ostriches in Ohio. “We’re getting there. We have lot of help and lots of ideas. Nothing happens in a day,” Doug said.

One fan of the farm is 6-year-old Zoe, Ashley’s daughter. “She loves it,” Ashley said. “It’s like she has her own petting zoo.” Zoe got to enjoy an extended visit to the farm this spring during the coronavirus, and she said her favorite part of farm life is helping with the chores, like feeding the goats and chickens.

“I like to play with the baby goats and pretend I’m a goat,” Zoe said.

She’s not alone in her love for the farm, however. Each family has their own way of describing what the tranquil little corner of north Alabama means for them. “I enjoy the feeling that I get from the farm. It brings me peace,” Tracey said. “If I’m stressed, I go for a walk, and it’s therapeutic. It just makes me happy.”

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Therapeutic is the word Ashley uses, too. “This has always been my therapy,” she said. “I feel like I can breathe up here – not just physically but emotionally. This is where I feel most at home.”

For Erik, the idea is freedom. “There’s a freedom you get from being on the farm,” he said. “I like that I can walk back into the woods, lean against a tree somewhere and just clear my head and relax.”

Doug said he loves having his own “piece of the sky” and not being surrounded by close neighbors at every turn, as they did in Florida. “If you’re in town you can’t really see the sky, but out here you can come out and watch stars and the moon,” Doug said. “I enjoy my piece of the sky.”

A concrete slab marks the spot where the McCauleys hope to build their first visitor lodging.

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MONEY MATTERS

Choose your financial mindset during unexpected times

I

n good times and bad, it’s important to be smart with our money. In thinking about this, considering all the recent events our society has adapted to, it can be challenging to determine what is “smart.”

I believe this really all comes down to your personal financial situation. For me, it feels like I’m spending more at the grocery store, but I am eating out less. I’m not spending money going to the movies or getting my hair done, but I am buying more loaded teas and have had some pretty sporadic online shopping purchases.

Some articles you read say you should “treat yourself” as a form of self-care, while some doom-and-gloom articles recommend hoarding up every penny because you don’t know what’s yet to come. In a way, both tips are accurate. The key is to determine what works best for you and your family.

Here are three tips that can work for everyone: Save – If you haven’t noticed, that’s always going to be No. 1!

We should maintain our saving strategies as best we can all the time. If your income has recently been affected, you might be saving less, but continuing to set at least some money aside will keep you on track.

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2

Budget – I think everyone’s budget has recently changed. We are all spending money in different ways. It might be time to take a look and evaluate what’s working (or not). Also, look for spending hot spots.

Challenge – After you have assessed the financial picture, challenge yourself to make the needed changes. If your financial picture is looking different these days, find the cuts or changes you need to make for right now and make those. If you see some spending hot spots, challenge yourself to reel that back in. We can all challenge ourselves to “no spend” days, weekends or even weeks.

Most importantly: don’t panic. Have faith and evaluate your financial situation. Make the adjustments as needed and try not to begrudge mistakes along the way. Everyone is on a learning curve right now, and nobody has a playbook.

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Emily Mays is vice president/senior marketing director at Community Spirit Bank in Red Bay, working in finance for 13 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, 11.

Thank you...To all medical staff, first responders, police, firemen, essential workers for your dedication and sacrifice in these past and present times 907

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TASTE OF FRANKLIN

Comfort foods combine to create meal to delight

Cooking with Coan Cindy Coan Russellville High School

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W

hether it’s an annual observance like Mother’s or Father’s Day, a special gathering to celebrate a graduation or birthday or even a casual family dinner on a Tuesday night, this menu of comfort food favorites – lasagna, salad and caramel pie – is sure appease the appetite.

Cindy Coan, FACS instructor at Russellville High School, said she loves serving up a tasty lasagna for a variety of reasons, like its nearly universal appeal to its versatility for serving at a range of occasions. “It is a comfort food but also can be dressed up and served at more formal meals where you want to impress your guests,” Coan explained, noting the dish serves a crowd but also freezes well.

It’s also, Coan added, “the perfect food to share with neighbors. I often share a pan of lasagna with friends who have had a new baby or neighbors who have had a sickness or who need a pick me up.” Coan will include a recipe card, with instructions for baking or freezing, with each gifted lasagna.

For added tastiness, Coan recommends fresh ingredients. “During the summer when fresh tomatoes are a’plenty, I like to make a batch of homemade spaghetti

sauce and put up bags in the freezer.

This homemade spaghetti sauce elevates this lasagna recipe,” Coan said. She also suggested home chefs consider growing fresh basil in a pot near the kitchen door.

“Chopped fresh basil sprinkled on the top of the cooked lasagna just before serving is another technique for adding freshness and makes even the most inexperienced cook seem well seasoned.”

Scratch-made salad dressings – to top whatever salad mix you like – and rich caramel pie round out this tempting meal.

“Raspberry vinaigrette dressing is a little sweet, which complements the flavor of the lasagna. My students are often hesitant to try a new dressing because they are so accustomed to ranch dressings, but they find they love the flavor,” Coan said. “The Olive Garden Copycat recipe is more tangy. It also complements the flavor of pasta and cheese dishes.” The pie is another student favorite and, like the lasagna, is a good candidate for freezing. “The recipe makes two pies. This allows you to serve one and keep one for another event, or it will also serve a crowd and can be made ahead. Wrap with clear plastic wrap when freezing.”

Franklin Living

Lasagna One of the many reasons to love this lasagna recipe is that you don’t have to cook the noodles first before layering the dish.

1 pound ground beef 3 cups (28 oz. jar) spaghetti sauce 1 1/2 cups water 1 3/4 cups (15 oz. container) ricotta cheese 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded cheddar 1/2 cup grated parmesan 2 eggs 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 8 oz. package lasagna noodles, uncooked 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a 3-quart saucepan, brown meat and drain. Add spaghetti sauce and water and simmer about 10 minutes.

3. In a bowl, stir together the ricotta,

half the mozzarella, half the cheddar, the parmesan, eggs, parsley, salt and pepper.

4. Pour about 1 cup of meat sauce to cover the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish.

5. Arrange three uncooked lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce and cover with another cup of sauce.

6. Repeat layers of lasagna, sauce and cheese filling.

7. Top with layer of lasagna and remaining sauce, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

8. Cover with foil. Bake 45 minutes.

Remove foil and bake additional 15 minutes.

9. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. Makes 10-12 servings.

10. Alternate method: This recipe can be made with cooked lasagna noodles by following the same instructions except OMIT the addition of 1 1/2 cups of water to the spaghetti sauce.

Working hard for you

Willodean Davis (256) 762-5671

Selling North Alabama

Kathy Senkbeil

Bonnie Gray

(256) 483-1158

(256) 460-8064

Marty Vandiver

Greg Masterson

(256) 810-9292

(256) 810-8563

Assoc./Broker

Agent Assoc.

Jorge Rendon Office Manager

Agent Assoc.

Assoc./Broker

Kaylee Rickard Office Manager

115 N. Jackson Ave. Russellville, AL

(256) 332-9920 Cell: (256) 762-5671 Franklin Living

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Caramel Pie 1/4 cup margarine 7 oz. coconut 1 cup chopped pecans 8 oz. cream cheese 1 can of Eagle brand milk 16 oz. Cool Whip 12 oz. caramel topping 2 deep dish pie shells 1. Cook pie crust according to package directions.

2. Melt magazine in a skillet and sautĂŠ coconut and pecans in margarine. Set aside.

3. Cream together Cool Whip, milk and cream cheese.

4. Let pie crusts cool completely.

5. In cooled pie crusts, layer Cool Whip mixture and pecan mixture.

6. Drizzle with caramel on top.

7. Cover and freeze until just before serving.

8. Store in freezer.

Raspberry Vinaigrette 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar 1/2 cup raspberry preserves 1/2 cup white sugar 2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1/4 tsp. dried oregano 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 1. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the ingredients.

2. Shake well until blended.

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing 1 packet of Good Seasonings Italian Dressing Mix 3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. white vinegar 1/4 cup water 1/2 tsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 Tbsp. mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip) 1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Whisk briskly so there are no clumps of mayo.

3. Keep refrigerated.

4. Yields 1 1/2 cups.

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EDUCATION CORNER

Unprecedented end to the school year

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fter many accomplishments and much success, the Franklin County Schools were forced to shut down for the safety of employees, students and communities. The public health crisis created by the coronavirus caused an unprecedented end to the school year. The traditions that are characteristic of the school system, such as spring sports, prom and walking across the stage to receive a diploma, became events that had previously been taken for granted. These traditions of old were replaced by social distancing, virtual learning, educational packets, meal plans and, in many cases, anxiety.

The challenges that have been created by the pandemic shifted the focus of traditional education to the physical and emotional well-being of our students, support for parents, safety and the reinforcement of standards taught throughout the school year. These challenges were met with hard work and enthusiasm by the employees of the Franklin County Schools district. Words can never express the gratitude I have for administrators, teachers, CNP workers, bus drivers, nurses, maintenance, custodians, aides, resource officers, board members, EMA, first responders and volunteers.

There was no blueprint for how to handle the challenges created by COVID-19, but the employees of Franklin County

Schools handled the situation with willingness to do what’s best for the kids, as they always do.

Senior Class of 2020, Congratulations! You have reached a significant milestone in your lives. None of us envisioned that the last two months of your senior year would end like they did. There are many special events and traditions you missed as a result of this unprecedented health crisis. It saddens me to know you were not able to experience and enjoy

them.

Please know the health crisis DID NOT minimize what you have accomplished over the past 12 years. It brings me great joy to realize your many accomplishments and the lasting impact you will have on your schools.

I wish you all the best in the next chapter of your lives.

The word unprecedented will forever be linked to the year 2020. May the Franklin County Schools’ graduates of 2020 accomplish unprecedented achievements throughout the rest of your lives.

Greg Hamilton is superintendent of Franklin County Schools.

He and his wife Jessica have four children: Taylor, Carolyna, Dakota and Ty.

RCS shows strength and resilience

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have said many times that Russellville City Schools is unparalleled when it comes to the quality of educators and staff we have, but for the past month, this statement has never been more true.

What educators and educational staff have experienced during this pandemic is unprecedented. We have had no road map to navigate the situations we’ve found ourselves in. Yet our administrators, our teachers and our staff members have handled this situation with such resilience. They have done whatever needed to be done to make sure our students could finish their school year strong.

Our CNP staff has made sure our students would still be fed.

Our custodial and maintenance staffs have kept our schools clean, sanitized and well-maintained. Our administrative staff has planned and strategized and kept operations running. Our teachers are making themselves available to help their students virtually to make this easier for them and their parents. I have heard so many instances of our teachers and staff going above and beyond, and I am proud to call them colleagues. I am thankful for their efforts and for their dedication. Our community should be so proud of each RCS employee and how they have kept our schools afloat during this time.

And speaking of proud, I would be remiss if I didn’t also speak about how proud I am of our students and our parents as well.

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For our students, ending the school year two months early might have sounded like something exciting at first, but as this pandemic has lingered, our students have missed their fellow classmates, their teachers, their activities and the sense of normalcy they were used to. They have had to adapt and take on even more responsibility when it comes to their education. And our parents have had to step in and help their children adapt to these changes and to going to school virtually, many of whom are doing this while still working and helping their households navigate this pandemic as well. Our students and our parents have showed such resilience and such a commitment to making this work, no matter what.

None of this has been easy for any of us, but I am so proud of RCS. It’s been an honor to see the Golden Tiger Pride shine through and the spirit of charity and helpfulness that’s been displayed. I truly believe we will all come out stronger and more grateful for the big and small things in our lives than we ever were before. And that’s something I hope we carry withy us for years to come.

As always, it’s GREAT to be a Golden Tiger!

Heath Grimes is the superintendent of Russellville City Schools. He and his wife Amy have three daughters: Leah, Halle and Erin.

Franklin Living

Go DIY or get creative this Mother’s Day

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et’s honor and pay tribute to mothers and mother figures May 10 with these low-cost Mother’s Day Ideas.

• How about a special Mother’s Day brunch/breakfast in bed or lunch? Treat your mom to brunch, breakfast in bed or lunch by using the back yard, sun porch or pool area as a backdrop. Dress these areas up with pillows, signs and potted plants.

Make her favorite dishes for a memorable meal.

• Try making an Epsom salt foot scrub. You can mix a few simple ingredients and place the mixture in a decorative airtight container. Here’s a recipe you can try:

Peppermint Foot Scrub with Epsom Salt 1 cup Epsom salt 1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil 3-4 drops peppermint oil Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a glass jar.

To use: Scrub your feet for 10 minutes with this mixture. Leave it on for another 10 minutes.

Wash and follow up with a moisturizer.

• Use washable tempera paints and construction paper to create handprint art or other beautiful creations. The artist can make handprint flowers or write “Five Reasons Why I Love Mom” – or take time for all family members to make their handprint and create a family handprint tree and put in a frame.

• Fill a Mason jar or decorative container with items for a manicure/pedicure. Items might include fingernail polish, cotton balls, fingernail polish remover, file, clippers, foot scrub and toe separators/spacers.

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• Make Mother’s Day memorable and heartfelt by writing a letter or making a card. Let her know how appreciative you are to have her and how much she is loved. Be creative! You could also add a bouquet of flowers with this idea.

• Garden Stepping Stones – This is an idea we used one year with our 4-H Summer Fun Shops. We used Quickcrete and poured the mixture into aluminum pans sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. You can decorate the stones with pebbles, colorful tiles, stained glass or a child’s hand or footprints. Also for the garden lover, create a unique gift basket with a watering can, garden hose, garden hat, hand-painted flowerpots with different designs, garden gloves seeds and garden tools.

• If mom is a reader, make her a bookmark and suggest a book she would like to read.

• For the tea-lover, find a teapot or teacup and add a box of teabags. Have a Mother’s Day Tea Party! Bring out teacups, linens and silver – anything pretty. Prepare finger sandwiches, teacakes, mini desserts or other yummy treats. Take time to dress up and put on hats and take photos!

• Serenade Mom with music. Put your musical talent to good use with a special concert on the front porch, back patio or any spot you choose. Give Mom the seat of honor, dress the area up with potted plants, handmade signs and pillows and then sing or play your heart out!

Serve lemonade, cupcakes or cookies afterward.

• If you cannot think of anything, give her a gift certificate that entitles her to a service from you, like cleaning out the flowerbed or washing her car.

Katernia Cole-Coffey is coordinator of the Franklin County Extension. She has worked in Franklin County since July 2008.

FRANKLIN COUNTY Building, Connecting, and Discovering!

Events and Activities Phil Campbell Hoedown, June 19-20 Jam on Sloss Lake, July 4 Watermelon Festival Beauty Pageant, July 18 Vina Fest, July 25

Attractions

● Bear Creek Lakes ● Red Bay Museum ● Cypress Cove Bird Trail ● Dismals ● Roxy Theatre-2nd Sat. of each month ● Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park ● King Drive In ● Bay Tree Council of Performing Arts Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ● 256.332.1760 www.FranklinCountyChamber.org ● info@franklincountychamber.org

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Why I Love Franklin County

Jeremy Willis

J

eremy Willis is a familiar fixture at Russellville High School as the director of the Marching Hundred band, as well as the concert and pep bands for RHS. A 1999 Russellville grad, Willis earned his bachelor’s degree in music education and French horn from the University of North Alabama, where he was the French horn/mellophone section leader and historian and vice president of Kappa Kappa Psi. He and his wife Jennifer, who is children’s ministry coordinator at First Baptist Church of Russellville and a substitute teacher for Russellville City Schools, have three children, daughters Madi and Avery and son Eli.

“I have lived all over the South, and I have never felt at home anywhere except in Franklin County.”

1. What do you enjoy about your role as RHS band director?

I moved around a lot when I was growing up because my dad was in the Navy. My family is from here, and I was lucky enough to end up here for high school. Band was where I fit in, and I thought I could do this for a living. The best part of my job usually doesn’t happen while my students are in high school but when they’ve been out of school for a while; they will tell me how much band meant to them or how much it helped them. I get

to teach students how to be decent human beings through music. It’s a pretty cool gig.

2. What is your favorite place to visit in Franklin County?

I have two must-see Franklin County views, and they are both in Russellville. The first is, when you are leaving Walmart on Cross Street at night, if you look to your left after you top the second hill, you can see all the street lights in downtown Russellville. The second: if you are going to Highway 24 from Lawrence Street at dawn or dusk, when you approach the stop sign, you can see a valley of trees with a colorful sky backdrop.

3. What are your favorite Franklin County restaurants, and what do you like about them?

El Patron has the best salsa, and Doe’s Eat place has the best steak I have had at any restaurant ever.

4. Why do you love Franklin County?

I have lived all over the South, and I have never felt at home anywhere except in Franklin County. I would say we have the best community in Alabama.

FAST 5 1. Favorite hobby: Disc golf 2. Favorite food: Ribeye steak 3. Goal or ambition: To leave this world better than I found it 4. Church: First Baptist Russellville 5. Something people might not know about me is: I am currently trying to grow a “yeard,” or my beard for a year with minimal trimming. I’d like to enter beard competitions and see if my mustache has a terminal length.

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Franklin Living

Call for appointment

MISSION MEDICAL 256-398-7212 Family Practice & Women’s Health

“Our Mission is YOUR Good Health”

Walk-Ins Welcome!

Melanie Malone, CRNP Jean Stowe, CRNP

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Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm Most Insurance Accepted 14001 Hwy. 43 Suite 24, Russellville, AL Franklin Shopping Center

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Franklin Living