November/December 2016 Vol. 6 Issue No. 6
Santa’s helpers spread joy in Russellville Bringing Christmas cheer Kids share turkey-making advice
Contact Russellville City Hall at 256-332-6060
304 Jackson Ave. N Russellville, AL
Russellville City Councilmen David Palmer, William Nale, Arthur Elliott, Jamie Harris, Gary Cummings, & Mayor David Grissom
A Great Place to Live, Work & Raise a family.
Give Your Home a Makeover… for the Holidays!
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The play’s the thing
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Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts delights theatre-goers for 20 years
Cooking with Sam Serve up a delicious bite
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Expert advice Kids share tips for turkey dinner
24 6 Faces of Franklin County 22 What’s Hot 23 Classifieds 26 Faces of Franklin County 28 Looking Back 30 Parting Shot 4
FROM THE MANAGER
I
love this time of year – the holiday season. Thanksgiving is always such a good time of family togetherness. You don’t have to worry about gifts; instead, you are just able to sit down and share a meal with your family and friends. That is, of course, after the large meal has been prepared that took at least 24 hours to cook and is FCNI General Manager Nicole Pell with her eaten in less than 30 husband, Hans. minutes. However, at least the fellowship lasts. In this edition of Franklin Living, we asked several first and second grade students how to cook a turkey. We hope think answers will give you a chuckle – I just hope none of you take their advice. While Thanksgiving is special, it’s Christmas that is my favorite holiday. As an adult I love that everyone is nicer and has a more giving spirit. As a child, it was always so exciting to get up on Christmas morning and see what Santa had left for me. But not every child is as lucky as I was. Some children might not have anything under the tree. Can you imagine thinking Santa Claus didn’t care about you? I hope many of you will donate to the Helping Santa program. It was for this very reason that the Helping Santa program was started. I hope each of you digs deep into your pockets and finds a large donation to give to the program. It is for a worthy cause: every child deserves to have a wonderful Christmas, full of joy and love. Also, in this edition of Franklin Living we feature the Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts, which recently kicked off the holiday season with “Christmas Belles,” which was a great way to get theatregoers in a jolly mood for Christmas. You won’t want to miss the BTCPA’s upcoming productions. Please keep in mind that Jesus is the “Reason for the Season,” and it is greater to give than to receive. I hope you don’t wait until the last minute to do all of your shopping – but I probably will. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
ON THE COVER: Cooper Flanagan loves Christmas, especially the lights and the music. He also likes presents – almost as much as he enjoys playing with the boxes and bags the presents came in. Cooper is the 18-month-old son of Lauren and Corey Flanagan, of Russellville. This beautiful setting complimentary from Angie’s Florist in Russellville.
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Franklin Living is published monthly by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. Copyright 2011 by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. P.O. Box 1088 • Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 • fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com
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General Manager NICOLE PELL Managing Editor ALISON JAMES Sales PEGGY HYDE Circulation TOMMY MORRIS Photography ALISON JAMES and TYLER HARGETT 5
FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Hosted by the Franklin County Development Authority, the annual Made in Franklin Expo brings local industry representatives together under one roof with students for Russellville City Schools and Franklin County schools, to give young scholars a peek into jobs and careers available right here at home.
Rachel Hilding, Linda Jimenez and Amelia Camacho
Johnna and Sheri Shannon Oliver
Jasmin Hamilton and Summer Baker
Kevin Patrick and Ashton Shipley
Jane Tinkham and Kailey Baker
Elisabeth Lerch and Katie Howard
Mary Ellen Allen, Sarah Seahorn and Vanessa King
Sebastian Villarreal and Dara Goggans
Matthew O’Connor and Kennedy Groce
Elijah Franks and Anahi Serna
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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Spencer Holland, Justin Howard and Caleb Willis
Jo J. Brown and Medina Peebles
Ellie Kerry and Addie Scruggs
Katherine Peacock and Karlie Greenhill
Gabriela Soto and Andrea Soto
Cassie Medley and Sherye Price
Cody Dunagan and Jim South
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The many benefits of family meals
F
amilies who resolve to spend more time together may reap a host of benefits. One of the easiest ways to enjoy family company is to dine together - with researchers saying it's one of the most important things parents and other caregivers can do for children. Hectic schedules have made it commonplace for many families to grab meals on the go, whether on the ride to school or during the commute home from work. Family meals may also play second fiddle to sports practices, extra hours at the office and trips to the gym. Sitting down for a nightly meal is great for the brain, the body and the spirit. Family meals are linked to fewer behavior problems and that is not the only advantage to family meals.
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• Nine- to 14-year-old children who ate dinner with their families seemed to more frequently eat more fruits and vegetables and consumed less soda and fried foods. • Conversations around the dinner table provide an opportunity for children to expand their vocabulary and knowledge about key issues. Dinnertime conversation can be found to boost vocabulary even more than being read to. Young kids learned 1,000 rare words at the dinner table, compared to only 143 from parents reading storybooks aloud. At the family dinner table, parents can teach their kids how to speak well when among other adults and children without the distractions of television, phones and other electronic devices drawing kids' attention away. • Family dinners can help expand palates and get children to try new things.
• Family meals seem to help provide a regular, consistent opportunity to create an environment of inclusion for everyone in the family. Family meals also become a way to carry on family traditions and instill a sense of family unity. • Eating together may help prevent certain poor adolescent behaviors. Teens who have fewer than three family dinners a week are 3.5 times more likely to abuse prescription drugs and to use illegal drugs other than marijuana; three times more likely to use marijuana; more than 2.5 times more likely to smoke cigarettes; and 1.5 times more likely to try alcohol, according to reports. Family meals are more than just a chance to enjoy good food together. Such meals may benefit children for years to come.
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Santa’s helpers Toy collection and distribution program flourishes in Russellville
Story and photos by ALISON JAMES
S
anta is a busy man. He has no time to play. He’s got millions of stockings to fill on Christmas Day. But thanks to the Russellville Fire Department, Russellville Police Department and other members of the city and community, Santa Claus has a little help in Franklin County. It was Lt. Jeremy Glenn who first brought the idea of having a toy drive and distribution to the Russellville Fire Department in 2008, after a similar toy distribution program at his church. Although the department was quickly on board, “we really didn’t know how to go about it,” Capt. Randy Seal said. But the Helping Santa Toy Drive started in a big way, with 700800 children helped that first year. “You could choose one big toy and three little toys and one stuffed animal,” Glenn said. People would line up outside, and the RFD would let in a few at a time and walk through with them as they made their selections. Even that first year, and every year since, the event has been headquartered at the new Station 1 – although in 2008 it was just stud walls, without even the heating system installed yet. It was, from the beginning, a city-wide effort, particularly with assistance from the Russellville Police Department that has increased over time. The original way of distributing, the RFD quickly figured out, wasn’t ideal. “It wasn’t really fair because all the toys would get picked through by the people who came early, and of course we had people who wanted to take advantage of the system,” Seal said. In 2011 – the year of the tornado – the toy drive was a massive program that expanded to include clothing and
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RFD’s Grant Tarascou helps select toys to give to children in Franklin County as part of the Helping Santa Toy Drive.
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RFD Capt. Randy Seal said the Helping Santa Toy Drive is a true community effort to bring Christmas to needy children in Russellville and the county.
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furniture, too. But realizing that was too much, the department went back to toys only and began the current system of filling gift bags for each child to spread the toys out fairly. In October each year, the application process opens for people who need Christmas assistance from Santa’s helpers. The Russellville Police Department handles this part of the program, making sure paperwork is filled out properly and doing background checks. The RPD then provides the RFD with a list of all children to be helped, broken down by age and gender. Around the time the application period ends – Black Friday – donation boxes go out throughout Russellville, and the community begins toy and money donations, through mid-December. That’s when it really gets busy for the RFD. Firefighters and officers separate the toys into piles – for girls and boys, and for each age bracket – and begin to divvy them up. Giving each child one big toy and three small toys is still the aim; in addition,
the RFD draws names for “big-ticket” presents like bicycles. Volunteers are always around to help, including members of the RPD, and Seal said it’s a fun atmosphere, where everyone enjoys the time spent together. “We’re a bunch of big kids anyway,” Seal said. One volunteer group includes girls from Seal’s church – one of who even added to the festive atmosphere by bringing a Kool-Aid pie one year. And of course, some of the toys require … testing. “We got a bunch of plastic dollar store guns with the little plastic BBs in them one year,” Seal remembered. “They shot real hard, so we didn’t want to pass those out to a 5-6 year old boy … So we pulled them out, and being the kids we are, we ended up playing with them. We had a couple of trustees from the prison helping us, and one of them was in on it. It was just a bunch of fun.” One thing Glenn said he hopes people will remember is that the Helping Santa Toy Drive
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is designed to bring smiles to children’s faces on Christmas morning – and that means the toys need to be new or in great condition. While some gently-used toys are OK to donate, people shouldn’t use the opportunity to offload their old and damaged toys. If it belongs in a Dumpster, it doesn’t belong under the Christmas tree. “We get remote control cars that don’t have the remote control,” Glenn said. “We get baseball sets that don’t have all the parts and stuffed animals that have names on them and stickers pulled off of them … And their kids don’t play with them anymore because of that reason … We have people literally bringing in truckloads of stuff, and it’s a nice thought, but they’re bringing us stuff that needs to be in the dump.” So what should people donate? The RFD recommends toys in the $5-10 range and a focus on items for children younger than 5 and 13+, as these are the most difficult to buy for. “It seems like every year, the teenage boys and girls, we always have to buy stuff for them,” Glenn said. “Anybody who has a teenage kid or had one knows what they are going to like.” Recommendations include watches, jewelry, wallets, sunglasses, curling irons, footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, cologne and fashion scarf/glove sets. Once all the toys are divvied out, the RFD takes all monetary donations to local retailers to fill in any gaps. Usually, it’s the 0-5-yearolds and the teenagers who don’t receive as many donated items, and the RFD is happy to have help to decide what to buy. “Last year I just walked through the store and found a kid that age and said, ‘Here, go shopping with me,’” Glenn said. “We might leave with ten or 15 buggies full of stuff.” When every dollar is spent, the RFD lets families know when to come pick up the toys for their children. If there isn’t enough for all applicants, Russellville residents get first priority; then county residents; and then applicants who miss the deadline.
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The department always asks parents not to bring their children with them to pick up the toys. “We’re wanting to give them a chance for Santa to give their kids a Christmas. It kind of kills all that when they’re walking through with their kid to pick up the toys,” Seal said. “It’s not about it being from us. We don’t care about anybody knowing that. We want the parents to be able to give their kids a Christmas morning.” But some parents bring their children anyway – and that’s fun too. “We get to see the kids, how their eyes light up,” Seal said. “You can tell they just can’t believe it’s theirs.” For the past few years, the RFD has helped between 400-600 children each year. “Every time we have an increase in kids, the donations always increase. We’ve always had enough or more than enough,” Seal said. It takes the help of the community to make the Helping Santa Toy Drive a success each year, and the RFD said they hope people will remember that during the donation period. “It’s those you do help, who genuinely need the help, who are the reason you keep doing it,” RFD’s Andy Devaney pointed out. And for people who are reluctant to spend the money, Devaney had a little food for thought. “Your average meal is going to cost you $10 or more anywhere you go, and we do that all the time and don’t even think about it,” he said. “We can take about $20-25 per child and give them a whole sack, a garbage bag, full of toys for Christmas … For two meals, they are getting something to enjoy the whole entire year that otherwise they might not have. For those children, that might be the only Christmas they get.” And after all, as Devaney pointed out, the toy drive isn’t really just about toys. It’s about “building community relationships that people remember.” For more information on the Helping Santa Toy Drive, call the Russellville Fire Department or Russellville Police Department.
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RFD’s Heath Martin chooses a few things for the Helping Santa Toy Drive. The donation period begins Nov. 25.
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The Play’s the Thing Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts delights theatre-goers for 20 years Story and photos by ALISON JAMES
Jerry Self performs as Dub Dubberly, who plays Santa Claus, in the BTCPA’s November production, “Christmas Belles.”
W
hen the Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts drew open the curtain earlier in November to begin its season, members set out to do just what they have been doing for the past 19 seasons: bring a little more joy into the world. The BTCPA’s 20th anniversary of bringing quality productions to the Weatherford Centre in Red Bay began by bringing Christmas cheer to the stage. For the last few years, director Scotty Kennedy said, the group has made an effort to align its November production with the season by selecting a holidaythemed show – this year, “Christmas Belles,” the sequel to the group’s February production, “Dearly Beloved.” “The holiday season starts earlier and earlier every year. This is the middle of November, so people have started the holidays by then,” Kennedy said. “We wanted to see if that might bring more people in.” It’s proved to be a good way to kick off the holiday season. “By that time people are in the holiday spirit, and this is just a really good, funny way to start it off – something you can laugh at that helps put you in the mood.”
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Twenty years of BTCPA theatre will meet 60 productions, as the council has always held to its traditional three performances a season: November, February and April. Kennedy himself has performed in more than 30 of those and directed six or seven. “I like hearing those laughs. Once you get on stage and hear that first laugh, you’re hooked,” he said. “I just enjoy being on that stage and being a different character and drawing that laugh out.” Kennedy said he had no acting aspirations, but after a fair amount of cajoling, he decided he wanted to give it a try. Coaxing is a method that draws many new actors to the BTCPA – like Hannah Jackson of Red Bay, who played Patsy Price in “Christmas Belles.” “This was so far out of my comfort zone, the first time I was in a play,” Jackson said. She had brought her daughter, Mary Moore, to auditions, and the production was short an actress. Kennedy dragged her – not quite kicking and screaming, but hesitantly – onstage. Since that first performance, Jackson has taken part in three more BTCPA productions – each with daughter Moore. Her husband has also acted in a BTCPA play, as well as her other five children. “Because of this place, we have turned into a little acting family. It’s just a neat thing we have together,” Jackson said. “It challenged me. It brought something out of me I didn’t know was in there” – and she particularly loves what the community theatre has done for her daughter. “This is her happy place. She’d rather be here than anywhere else on earth.” Jackson said, for the cast, being on stage is about getting their minds off all the troubles and cares of everyday life – and helping the audience gets their minds off it, too. That’s something the BTCPA always aims for. In “Christmas Belles” audiences were treated to the hilarity of the behind-the-scenes of a Southern
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Christmas pageant in which everything goes wrong – a story Kennedy said is very relatable. “We’re just basically acting ourselves, and people are laughing at themselves,” Kennedy said. “It’s utter chaos.” An average cast for the BTCPA is 11 actors and actresses, who begin rehearsals a month or so before opening night. Tickets are always $8 – a point of pride for Kennedy, made possible by Community Spirit Bank. “We don’t pay rent, utilities – nothing. So we’re able to keep our ticket prices down to $8 a ticket,” Kennedy explained. “Now, we’ve been to Florence and Tupelo to see plays, and it’s $18, or $20-something if it’s a musical. And I would easily compare ours to Tupelo or Florence when it comes to our comedies. It’s such a bargain, and we’re able to do that thanks to Community Spirit Bank.”
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It’s not just one person’s opinion that says the BTCPA could go toe-to-toe with any Tupelo or Florence production, either. “Everybody brags on us – how good we do and what a great facility we have. We’re a positive influence,” Kennedy said. Abbey Jones, of Red Bay, who took the stage as GJ Dubberly in Christmas Belles, said the positive feedback is part of what reveals how valuable community theatre is. “I was in the grocery store one day, and this little old lady came up to me, and she said, ‘Oh, I just enjoy when you’re in those
ABOVE: The full cast of “Christmas Belles” is (seated front) Brittany Russell, (seated middle, left to right) Lisa Massey, Susan Grissom, Tina Smith, Hannah Jackson, (standing, left to right) Abbey Jones, Joey Allen, Jerry Self, Dylan Pearson, Randy Mink and Mary-Elizabeth Moore. LEFT: Miss Geneva (Mary-Elizabeth Moore) hashes out a little Christmas program drama with Honey Raye Futrelle (Tina Smith).
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plays so much,’” Jones said. “I had no idea who she was. She probably didn’t know me personally. But she knew I had been some of these plays, and she said it brought a lot of happiness to her. And I think that’s what this theatre is about … It’s just something to bring a smile to people’s face, and I think that’s a really beautiful part of theatre.” Performing brings happiness to the performers as well as the audience. Having recently extricated herself from an emotionally-abusive relationship, Brittany Russell, of Belmont, Miss., realized she needed to reawaken her formerly outgoing self, which had been muffled by the relationship until she felt like “a reclusive hermit.” Family encouraged her to audition for “Christmas Belles,” which succeeded in drawing her back out of her shell. Rehearsals became “the highlight of my day.” “I get to be somebody different,” said Russell, who played Twink Futrelle. “It just gives me a chance to be somebody I’m not – play dress-up and everything – and try something new instead of doing the same old stuff all the time.” Kennedy said the BTCPA welcomes newcomers and usually has at least one first-time performer in each show. The BTCPA attracts budding talent from Franklin County, Mississippi and the Shoals area.
ABOVE: Twink Futrelle (Brittany Russell) gets a stern talking to by sister and brother-in-law Frankie Futrelle Dubberly (Susan Grissom) and Dub Dubberly (Jerry Self ). RIGHT: Miss Geneva (Mary-Elizabeth Moore) makes calls in the BooKoo BoKay (left). Raynerd (Randy Mink) carts away Patsy Price (Hannah Jackson) in his little red wagon after a little too much Christmas cheer.
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ABOVE: Snooty Patsy Price (Hannah Jackson) derides the Tabernacle of the Lamb Christmas pageant. BELOW: (left) Honey Raye Futrelle (Tina Smith) bemoans problems both personal and pageant related. Twink Futrelle (Britanny Smith) sulks over her relationship woes.
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For Jones, part of the joy comes from living in the town where she performs. “This is my town,” Jones said. “Getting to meet new people and form new relationships with the cast members is just a lot of fun. I have so many people I consider friends now, and so many of the older adults here I consider mentors – people who have talked to me and helped me and been a really great encouragement in my life.” It’s not just Jones who receives that positive
feedback. Kennedy said there’s always a flood of praise in the receiving line after each show. “You’ll have people come through the line and say, ‘Oh, this is just what I needed. I needed a laugh tonight,’” Kennedy said. “We help bring people’s spirits up with the comedy.” The second production of this season will be “Curious Savage,” by John Patrick, Feb. 16-19, 2017. To stay up-to-date on everything the council has going on, visit the group’s Facebook page.
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FOOD
Cooking with Sam Recipes by SAM WARF
1. Preheat oven to 350˚. Line baking sheets with silicone baking mats. 2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar 1 cup butter, softened with a mixer at medium speed until creamy, 1 cup sugar about 2 minutes, stopping occasionally 1 large egg to scrape sides of bowl. Beat in egg and 2 tsp. vanilla extract vanilla until combined. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour fl our, baking powder, and salt. Gradually 1 tsp. baking powder add flour mixture to butter mixture, 1/4 tsp. kosher salt beating until combined. 18 red (or preferred color) translucent 4. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and roll dough to 1/4hard candies, *crushed
Star Glass Cookies
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inch thickness. Cut dough with a 3 1/2 inch star cutter, and place on prepared pans. Cut out center of cookies with 1 1/2 inch star cutter. Gently reroll scraps and cut to use all dough. Refrigerate pans for 20 minutes. Fill center of cookies with crushed candy. 5. Bake until candy has melted and completely filled cutouts, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool on pans for 5 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire racks. Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Eggnog Cheesecake Crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup sugar 6 tbsp. butter, melted 1 egg white, lightly beaten Filling: 1 12 oz. jar hot caramel topping 4 large eggs, divided 4 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 cup eggnog 2 tbsp. bourbon 1. Preheat oven to 300˚. 2. For crust: In a medium bowl, stir together all ingredients until well combined. Press mixture into bottom and 1 inch up sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 6 minutes. Let cool completely. Leave oven on. 3. For filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together caramel topping and 2 eggs until smooth. Pour into prepared crust and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool for 1 hour. 4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour and cinnamon with a mixer at medium-high speed until creamy, 4 to 5 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape sides of bowl. Add remaining 2 eggs, one at time, beating just until combined after each addition. Stir in eggnog and bourbon. Slowly pour batter onto caramel layer in pan. 5. Bake for 1 hour. Turn oven off, and leave cheesecake in oven with door closed for 4 hours. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
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Holiday Pantry Cookies 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 11 oz. bag white chocolate chips 1 1/2 cups roasted, salted pistachios, chopped 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries 1. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars with a mixer at medium-high speed until fluffy, about 4 minutes, stopping occasionally
Lemon Tarts 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 1/2 tbsp. lemon zest 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 large eggs 4 egg yolks 8 tbsp. fresh lemon juice, divided 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. unflavored gelatin Tart Shells (recipe follows) 1. In the work bowl of a food processor, pulse together granulated sugar and zest until well combined. In a medium bowl, beat butter and lemon sugar with a mixer at medium speed until fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape sides of bowl. Add eggs and yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in 6 tablespoons lemon
to scrape sides of bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating just until combined. Fold in white chocolate, pistachios, and cranberries. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or for up to 3 days. 3. Preheat oven to 350˚. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. 4. Using a 1 3/4 inch spring-loaded ice cream scoop, scoop dough 2 inches apart onto prepared pans. 5. Bake until edges are lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on pans for 5 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on a wire rack. Store in airtight container for up to 5 days. juice, vanilla and salt. 2. In a small bowl, stir together gelatin and remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice, let stand until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Pour butter mixture into a medium saucepan, and cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until a candy thermometer registers 170˚. Remove from heat and whisk in gelatin mixture until dissolved. Pour mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing wrap on surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until thickened and cold, 4 to 6 hours, or for up to 24 hours. 4. Spoon lemon mixture into Tart Shells. In a medium bowl, beat cream with a mixer at high speed until soft peaks form. Add confectioners sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe whipped cream onto tarts. Serve immediately.
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With a broom in his hand and some birds bird to keep him company, this happy hap snowman will never get lonely lone at your home. Ava’s China and Gifts, $36.99.
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This jolly, happy soul doesn’t mind holding your goodies for you! Audrey’s Gifts and Décor, $11.99.
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SURVEILLANCE CAMERA MONITORED 24 HOURS A DAY STORAGE BUILDINGS For Rent, All Sizes. Russellville, AL. We Accept Credit Cards. Call Jerry 256-332-9253 or 256-412-5392 Mon-Fri. 8am-5pm Sat. 8am-12pm Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928 Become a Dental Asst. in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 and get your career started! Lenders Need 20 Families for Special Financing Program. New SW from $19,900! 1904 sqft 4BR, $49,900! Clayton Homes, Cullman 256-734-1213 All Apps Accepted Trade In and Repo Sale!!! 28x52 3BR NADA 20119 Sale $14,900 16x80 3BR NADA 17614 Sale $10,900 Lenders have Financing Available 256-734-6284 Lenders’ New 1st Time Homebuyer’s Plan at Clayton Homes, Cullman. You can be APPROVED! 256-734-1930 HOMES FOR SALE Financing Available (wac) Low Down Payments Sheffield, Hackleburg, Town Creek, Courtland, Moulton & Falkville Call Matt 1-855-847-6808 Come Home to Holiday Plaza Apartments (Behind Foodland) Equal Housing Opportunity 256-332-2960 KDC Properties, Inc. 256-355-9090 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, AL 35602 kdcpropertiesinc.com J. Wesley Cain, AL #286; TN #6499
New 6’ PowerLine Tiller: $1,600 New 4’ Deep-V Bush Hog: $750 6’ Big Bee Bush Hog: $900 New 5’ Sunburst Box Blade: $450 256-565-8695 (no text) We Buy ATVs Motorcycles & Utility Vehicles Motorsports Superstore 888-880-2277 Hamilton, AL VEST FARMS U-Pick or We-Pick fresh fruits and vegetables. Eva, AL 256-796-2070 CAGLE SOD FARM 419 Hybrid Bermuda • $1.35 sq.yd. Meyers Zoysia • $2.50 sq.yd. Empire Zoysia • $3.00 sq. yd. DELIVERY AVAILABLE 662-365-3152 www.caglesod.com JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! AIDT is seeking qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide. All at NO COST to you! www.aidt.edu/jobs MIXER TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED Now hiring full-time CDLqualified mixer truck drivers. Must have good driving record and pass drugscreening. Benefits: •Highly-competitive pay •Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance •Matched 401K •Paid Vacation/Life Insurance Apply: 4200 Stringfield Road Huntsville, AL 35806 Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Immediate need, Flexible hours, Benefits available. Call for more information 256-539-1400 www.alwaysthereinc.com
Now Hiring Drivers Carry Transit • Decatur, AL Good Pay • Excellent Benefits & Home Time Must Have 18mos OTR Experience & Class A-CDL w/Tanker Endorsement Apply: www.CarryTransit.com NOW HIRING Elder Care Of North Alabama is in need of caregivers in the Hartselle and Decatur area. (256)351-6565 or apply online: www. eldercareofnorthalabama. com Want a job you Love? Come work with us as a Caregiver or CNA! • Competitive Wages • Shift premium for Weekends • Flexible Schedules • Friendly Staff • Endless Opportunities Apply today at: www. homeinstead.com/250 or call 256-883-3080. DRIVERS WANTED •Experienced Class-A CDL Drivers •Safe & Clean Driving Record Required •Competitive Salary Package Call 205-935-8668 Burger King Hiring General, Assistant & Shift Managers Top Pay/Monthly Bonus/Vacation/ Medical Benefits. 3yrs fast food experience required. Fax resume: 334-649-1112 or apply at: www.joinbkalabama.com NOW HIRING HVAC & Electrical technicians. Competitive pay and great benefits. Experience required. Email resume to wendy@shoalsmpe.com or stop by to fill out an application. 15891 Hwy 43, Russellville, AL 35653
SERVICE TECH Accepting applications for service tech positions. Experience, References, Clean MVR Required. Call 256-356-4427 Ext. #33 Sunshine Homes OTR DRIVERS WANTED 24 years or older. Hazmat preferred but not required. Full benefit package available. Pneumatic tank equipment. Dry bulk hauling. $500 SIGN-ON BONUS HOME EVERY OTHER WEEKEND Apply Online: vernonmilling.com 800-753-1993 Fundraisers/Greeters Needed for Charity Greeting customers OUTSIDE of Grocery, Department Stores and Special Events. Travel involved ...Must have car, driver’s license and be willing to travel! Comp/Exp paid...P/T WORK. Seniors welcomed! 866.212.5592 or Email resume to: jely@veteransoutreach.com A New Career Starts Today RN & LPN Positions Available Full Time or PRN, 12 hour shifts with every other weekend off, Excellent Benefits. EOE. Apply in person! Woodland Village Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, 1900 Olive St. SW, Cullman, AL 35056 256-739-1430 Now Leasing HALLMARK CRESTMOOR APARTMENTS 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Units Available W/D Hookups•Pest Control Water/Garbage/Sewer Included 1060 Mountain View Road, Hartselle (256)773-7072
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Owen Washington, 6 “Put whatever you like on it and cook it on the stove.”
Bryan Hernandez, 8
Lily Green, 7
“You just put itt in the oven. ”
“First you buy it and then you bake it, and then you can get more food.”
Expert chefs-in-the-making Brayden Messer, 6
“Kill one, peel it, cut off the head because you don’t want to eat the eyeballs, then cook it and eat it.”
We asked first and second graders at Belgreen and West Elementary School how to make a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. They have this straightforward advice:
Josie Kimbrough, 7
“You buy a turkey and then you cook it in the stove and when you get it done you put pepper and salt on it, and then you eat it.”
Maddison Melecio, 6
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“You might want to catch a turkey and kill it and put it in the oven and eat it for Thanksgiving.”
FRANKLIN LIVING
Ally Beard, 8
Sam Hamilton, 8
“You cook it for at least five hours. You take the juice out of it, then put sauce on it, then eat it, then eat dessert.”
“You have to maybe have some dressing, like some beans and gravy, and bake chicken with the turkey, on the grill.”
Madeline Willis, 7
“First you have to buy the turkey, then you have to get the oven ready. You have to turn it on and turn it up to 350. And then you have to put the turkey in the oven and you have to wait for a while, like 20 minutes. Then you have to make sure it’s cooked all the way. You can put a thermometer in there or break into it. If it’s just right, then youu make sure it cools off, andd then you can serve it.”
Alexia Groce, 8
“You need to go buy one first, and nd he then you cook it. You put it in the ime boiler, and I don’t know what time you put it on, but you put it on a time, and then you start to cook it. ake When it’s cooked, you need to make t, sure it’s cooked the right amount, and then your turkey’s done. ” FRANKLIN LIVING
Luke Greenhill, 6
“You have to buy it at Walmart or any store that has it, and then you’ve got to put it in the oven for at least five hours or maybe less. I don’t know how to make it. My dad puts sauce over it, 57 sauce. Then you eat it. ” 25
FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Veterans and proud Americans converged in Russellville in early November for a parade, reception, movie and Russellville City Schools program – all designed to honor this country’s bravest and most sacrificial.
Judy, Alan and Brooke Putman and Caroline and David Patrick
Evelyn Saint and Shirley Borden
Rex Pinkard and Dan Williams
Denette Nichols and Jennifer Bragwell
Denese Carson and Phyllis Smith
Elaine Christian and Jimmy Murphree
Willie and Andrea Bolton
Tommie Evans and Tina Pitt
Jenna and Brandi Barnett, Brandi Greenhill and Tommy Epperson
Dr. James Johnson and Gladys Johnson
Dennis Hatton, Janice and Clyde Winkler and Loretta Hatton
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FRANKLIN LIVING
FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Judy and Rick Neighbors, Lori Dubois-Coy and Shane Cochran
Zayra Perez and Kacie Fleming
Franklin County Business & Service Directory Russellville Hotel & Suites Call us today!! For Winter Maintenance • Banquet & Conference Facilities Avail. • 40” HD flat panel Televisions • Complimentary Deluxe HOT Breakfast • Free Wi-Fi • Large Whirlpool Suites
13770 Hwy 43, Russellville, AL
256-332-1002
Each Best Western branded hotel is independently owned and operated.
Homeplace Quilting & Handmades Specializing in longarm quilting, fabric, supplies, gift items & classes Now open ... Mon-Sat ... 9 am - 5 pm
Let us Earn your Business
14404 HWY. 43 RUSSELLVILLE, AL Want to advertise in Franklin County¼s ONLY award winning magazine?
Think you don¼t have the
$$ GREEN $$? Advertise Right Here. 865 E. Lawrence Street (Formerly Copper's Framing & Glass Shop Building)
Russellville, AL
256-398-8795 256-324-1032
Great Ads on a Budget. Call Nicole 256-332-1881
Want the convenience of the Franklin Living Magazine arriving right in your mailbox?
Subscriptions to the Franklin County Times
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Call the Franklin County Times 256-332-1881
If you would like to advertise your business or service in this directory, call Nicole at 256-332-1881 FRANKLIN LIVING
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LOOKING BACK
Looking back photos courtesy of the Franklin County Archives.
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FRANKLIN LIVING
LOOKING BACK
Looking back photos courtesy of the Franklin County Archives.
FRANKLIN LIVING
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PARTING SHOT
“In the eyes of children we find the joy of Christmas. In their hearts we find its meaning.” ~Leland Thomas
Lauren Flanagan and son, Cooper
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FRANKLIN LIVING
TifÀn Motor Homes
105 Second Street NW • Red Bay, AL 256-356-8661
Ricky Johnson When TifÀn Ricky Johnson graduated Red Bay High School in 1989, he began his Àrst foray into the workforce with Lance Garment, packaging dress shirts for department stores. Just a few months later he signed on with TifÀn Motorhomes, but at that time, it wasn’t about landing a dream job. “I was literally just trying to Ànd a job that paid more until I got through with college,” Johnson said. “But after I got started here, I liked it and enjoyed the people I worked with, and college
wasn’t as important at that point.” So he stayed, and today he’s manager of the parts department. Johnson started out on the production line, working with electrical wiring, where he stayed for about a year before plant manager Bill Emerson suggested a move to an open position in the parts department, since the more Áexible schedule would Àt better with Johnson’s attempts to take college classes on the side, at the time. Johnson was reluctant to leave the people and duties he was already comfortable with, but he ultimately decided to take the plunge. “When I Àrst started in the parts department, there were only Àve people. Only Àve people total,” Johnson said. Today there are 50 – plus another ten employees in shipping, a task that was, in the early ‘90s, the responsibility of the Àve parts department employees. The department has grown in other ways, too, reÁecting the company’s growth as a whole “Back then, we probably wouldn’t ship hardly 200 boxes a week. We’re ranging between 1,200-1,700 per week now.” Johnson’s department takes parts orders and service calls from private customers as well as dealers – “anything from a cabinet door knob to an air conditioner. A window … a faucet … some tile. Anything that can break on a motorhome.” When Johnson started in his role, he remembers all the work that was done
by hand. “We had a big long book from UPS that had carbon paper in it, and we had to write down the name, address and zone that package went to, and then we would hand-write the label and tape it on the box,” he said. “Shortly after that we wound up going to a computer system. I remember I had some coworkers who just hated that thing.” Computers have been a game changer in the TifÀn parts department, as they are nearly everywhere. Johnson can remember a time before the department maintained a customer database – computers made that possible – and a time when parts and part numbers were kept in a physical book that wasn’t always easy to navigate and nobody even bothered keeping track of inventory. Soon, another computer-based improvement will launch – an online ordering system for parts. Every day, Johnson and his department work answering phone calls and email and getting people the parts they need to ensure an enjoyable TifÀn Motorhomes experience. It’s a job Johnson takes in stride, and one he has stayed with so long because of the “TifÀn family.” “If I worked for people who were difÀcult to work with, it would make the job a lot harder,” he said. “But they are just good people. Good Christian people. You can talk to them on a daily basis if you need to, and if you’ve got a problem, they will Àx it … They make this company have a good feel.”
www.tifÀnmotorhomes.com
Hwy 43 N. Hamilton, AL
(205) 921-2197
www.FikesChevy.com