2012 Winter Franklin Living

Franklin LIVING WINTER 2011 . VOL. 1 ISSUE NO. 3

bearing down for winter Winter meals perfect for any occasion

Terrace Manor

Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Inc .

Dedicated to Hope, Healing and Recovery

• Short-term rehab • Long-term care • Physical therapy • Occupational therapy • Speech therapy Quality Care from a staff who respects your health care needs.

Offering: Activities and enjoyable social programs.

Large private rooms for short term care.

Phillip & Sherene Wade

Medicare or private insurance may cover these stays.

390 Underwood Rd. • Russellville, AL

256-332-3826 FRANKLIN LIVING

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W

ell, Christmas came and passed and here we are beginning a new year.

It’s still hard to think that 2012 is already upon

us.

But, with a new year there is reason for hope and optimism about the future. Our county faced many difficult times in 2011, but it is my belief that those trials and tribulations have made us all stronger and united this community like no time before.

We will always mourn those lost in the tragic storms of April 27, 2011, but we should also never forget those who gave so freely of themselves to help their neighbors in their greatest time of need.

In the days following the storm and the immediate aftermath, it was amazing to see Franklin County residents join hand in hand to clean up and re-build. It was also impressive to hear people who traveled from outside this area to help talk about the strength and compassion Franklin Countians had for one another.

So, despite challenges that are still certainly ahead, there is great reason to believe that better times lie ahead in 2012.

From my family to yours, thank you all for making this the community that it is. Happy New Year.

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What’s happening?

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

What’s hot?

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View some of the hottest winter decorations and fashions

16

Getting crafty

East Franklin sisters push on in spite of storm

Winter health tips

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There are simple steps to follow in avoiding the flu

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In the kitchen

McReynolds’ find dream kitchen in new home

Big game grub

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Dishes you must try for your Super Bowl party

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Loving work

Man’s love for hunting turns into taxidermy career

Looking back

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Photos of Franklin County through the years

Atkins Marble & Granite Works, Inc.

(256) 332-2332 403 E. Lawrence Street Russellville, AL

Headstones • Grave Markers • Monuments • Cremation Urns • Memorial Benches • Memorial Portraits • Granite Marble • Bronze Markers Cemetery Vases • Lettering Cutting and all services we do at our local shop Owners: Grant & Beverly Atkins atkinsmarble@bellsouth.net

Redhawk Technical

FRANKLIN COUNTY ARCHIVES and RESEARCH CENTER 300 E. Limestone St. P.O. Box 298 Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-8827 archive@hiwaay.net

Mary C. (Chris) Ozbirn Director

In Business Since 1975

Services, LLC

“Your First Choice for Quality and Integrity” Specializing in high quality, cost effective solutions in contracting, business improvement, project management and nuclear safety

256-331-3432 www.redhawkts.com

Assistance With Knitting & Crocheting Projects

Gift Certificates Available

Anna Carbine - Owner Classes Available - Call For Class Schedule 215 North Court Street • Florence 256-349-2533 www.unraveledyarn@comcast.net www.unraveledyarn.net

Franklin

LIVING

Franklin Living is published four times per year by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. Copyright 2011 by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc.

P.O. Box 1088 • Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 • fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com 6

Specializing in Any Type Plumbing Repairs & Service Commercial or Residential

If it don’t Drain call Lane

Specializing in Sewer Replacement & Repairs • Sewer & Drain Cleaning • Water Heater Repairs & Installation • T.V. Sewer Line Inspection Equipment • Specializing in Finding Leaks under Concrete Floors • Field Line Installation /Repairs • Septic Tank Installation /Repairs

24 Hour Emergency Service

256-332-0198 • 3001 Hwy. 77 • Russellville

Publisher Jonathan Willis Editorial J.R. Tidwell and Kellie Singleton Photography Heather Mouser Sales Peggy Hyde and Nicole Pell Composition Karen McAfee Circulation Lisa Moody and Thomas Douglas Press Room Tommy Nichols, Alton Zills, Betty Jo Bray and Courtney Honey FRANKLIN LIVING

WHAT TO DO Rockin’ at the Roxy

Valentine’s Day

January 14

February 14

The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council hosts the Rockin’ at the Roxy concert series the second Saturday night of each month featuring the popular KGB band and special musical guests.

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

RMS showcase concert February 16

January 16

The RMS Showcase Concert featuring 6th grade music students, 7th and 8th grade choruses, the RMS Show Choir and RMS drama students will take place Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the RHS Auditorium.

Couponing workshop

The Fox on the Fairway

January 28

February 16-19

Community Education will sponsor an extreme couponing workshop on Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Franklin County Community Education Center behind Belgreen School. The workshop will feature “The Q-Tipping Mom,” who will teach participants how to save 50 to 80 percent off a grocery budget, where to get coupons, stockpiling tips and more. Cost for the workshop is $10 (due the day of class).

Class size is limited so call 256-3310005 to pre-register by Jan. 25.

The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts will present “The Fox on the Fairway” Feb. 16 – 19 at the Arts and Entertainment Center in Red Bay. This play will also be a dinner theater for most of the performances. Tickets are $8 for the play and an additional $14 for dinner. Tickets go on sale one week before the show opens. Call 256356-9829 to reserve tickets. For more information contact Scotty Kennedy at 256-356-8758.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

tion is open to any Franklin County or Russellville City students in grades 3 – 12. Any Russellville 5th – 11th grade student that wants to be part of next year's robotics team must compete. Go to www.rcsrobotics.org for more details.

Miss RHS pageant March 3 The 30th Annual Miss RHS Pageant will be held on March 3 at 7 p.m. at the RHS Auditorium.

RCS spring holidays March 8-9 The 30th Annual Miss RHS Pageant will be held on March

President’s Day Rockin’ at the Roxy February 11 The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council hosts the Rockin’ at the Roxy concert series the second Saturday night of each month featuring the popular KGB band and special musical guests.

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

FRANKLIN LIVING

February 20

Robotics competition March 2 The RCS Robotics Team’s Annual Engineering and Design Competition will take place Jan. 17 – March 2. The competition opens Jan. 17 and projects will be due March 2 between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the RMS Cafeteria. The competi-

Rockin’ at the Roxy March 10 The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council hosts the Rockin’ at the Roxy concert series the second Saturday night of each month featuring the popular KGB band and special musical guests.

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

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Thank You for shopping with us.

976 Ronnie McDowell Ave. Russellville, AL 35654

“Servicing Franklin County since 1995”

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

1102 4th St. NW • Red Bay • (256) 356-9000

2 0 1 2 Activities • Easter Egg Hunt-March 24 at 10:00 a.m.

Russellville City Lake • Red Bay Egg Hunt-March 24 at 2:00 p.m. Bay Tree Park

Other Attractions • Bear Creek Canoe Run • Bear Creek Lakes • Red Bay Museum • Cypress Cove Farms-Frontier Days 3rd Sat. of each month • King Drive In • Roxy Theater-Live Entertainment 2nd Sat. of each month • Dismals Canyon • Bay Tree Council of the Performing Arts.next play in Nov.

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256-332-1122 906 South Jackson Ave. • Russellville sprymemorialchapel.com 8

FRANKLIN LIVING

OUT & ABOUT As we slip into winter and past the holidays, high school and junior high hoops take center stage in Franklin County with fierce action from the boys and girls teams at East Franklin, Phil Campbell, Belgreen, Vina, Red Bay, Tharptown and Russellville.

The Phil Campbell and Belgreen girls squared off early in the season.

Phil Campbell cheerleaders fire up the crowd.

Belgreen’s cheerleaders get Bulldogs fans ready for action.

"START RIGHT, START HERE"

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15220A Hwy. 43 Small Engine Parts and Service

SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • DELIVERY Go To www.STARTRIGHTSTARTHERE.COM. For Project Ideas and Specials.

256-331-0123 • Just Behind McDonalds • Russellville FRANKLIN LIVING

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OUT & ABOUT Russellville’s Lady Golden Tigers won the TimesDaily Classic.

Spinal Decompression System

Belgreen celebrated homecoming with a win over Vina in November.

Conditions Helped Back Pain Bulging, Degenerated & Herniated Discs Migraines & Chronic Headaches Neck Pain Sciatica

Dr. Rick Wooten

WOOTEN CHIROPRACTIC & Pre-Employment P.C. (256) 331-0208 Jackson Ave., Russellville 10

The Vina cheerleaders celebrate a basket by the Red Devils.

FRANKLIN LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow arranged a trip for Phil Campbell Elementary first grader Colby Wilson to attend Alabama’s Homecoming football game against Vanderbilt in October. Wilson’s family lost everything in the April 27 tornado.

Garrett LeClere is a tornado survivor from April 27, 2011. He lost both parents in the storm. He did not let that or a broken arm keep him from playing his first year of baseball.

Minnesota Twins outfielder and Florence native Josh Willingham is one of many people who have helped Phil Campbell Elementary School build a new playground. Willingham’s foundation donated $40,000 to the school.

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WHAT’S HOT

Soup just tastes better when it’s served with style. For stylish dining, try these bowls in the Skyros line by Isabella.

Want to stay warm this winter? Wrap up in this fashionable, printed wool jacket by Kial.

Ava’s China & Gifts Starting at $26.99

Ava’s China & Gifts $149.99 Other sweaters starting at $50

Brighten up any space in your home with a few decorative lamps.

Assorted styles.

If you want to stay indoors and avoid the winter chill, have a dinner party using fine china from the French Perle line by Lennox

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $179.99

The Cottage Dinner plates $34.80

Nothing’s better on a cold night than a bowl of chicken and dumplings. Try these mixes by Plentiful Pantry that claim to be “Just Like Grandma’s.”

Assorted flavors available.

Ladies, carry all your essentials this winter in a stylish handbag by Flaunt. Other accessories available.

Ava’s China & Gifts $129.99

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $7.99 A wallet from Hobo International’s new line is the perfect accessory when you’re on the go. Assorted colors.

Looking for a different kind of candle to burn this winter? Try a 100% Soy Wax candle

by Swan Creek Candle Co. Assorted scents and designs.

Ava’s China & Gifts $100

Ava’s China & Gifts $13.99

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Who says serving casserole has to be boring? Spice up that dish with decorative serving pieces.

Keep your feet dry through this winter’s slush and snow in a pair of black scrunch boots by Corky’s.

Ava’s China & Gifts $18.99 each

The Cottage $60

Don’t be drab this winter! Dress the little girl in your life in a colorful, embellished fleece jacket and matching hat set by Bonnie Baby.

Stylish diaper bags by Kalencom are the perfect way for mom to carry diapers, toys and wipes wherever she goes.

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $79.99

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $22.99

Southern cooking is the perfect remedy to those wintertime blues. Whip up a meal your family will love using Paula Deen’s newest recipe book.

Checking the time has never been so fun with stylish watches by Slapwatch.

The Cottage $25

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $20

Don’t have a fireplace?

No problem.

Woodwick candles that crackle when they burn make you feel as cozy as if you had the real thing right in your home.

Bundle up this winter in a fashionable houndstooth jacket by Ronnie Salloway.

Perfect for any Alabama fan.

The Cottage $65

The Cottage $17.99

FRANKLIN LIVING

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Helen Keller Orthopedics 5-Star RATED for Joint and Total Knee Replacement 2011 by HealthGrades®

1300 S. Montgomery Ave. • Sheffield, AL 35660 • 256.386.4196 • www.helenkeller.com

Getting crafty East Franklin sisters overcome storm to open one of a kind business

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W

orking with your siblings might not be an ideal situation for some people, but East Franklin sisters Brenda Baker and Marilyn Garrison make it look easy.

The two sisters own and operate Homeplace Quilting & Handmades – a cute little shop located in the East Franklin community where cusSTORY BY tomers can find just about anything KELLIE SINGLETON they would need when it comes to quilting, sewing or needlework.

PHOTOS BY HEATHER MOUSER The shop is the culmination of 30 years worth of dreaming by the two sisters who have always loved to sew and who wanted to have their own shop where they could turn simple fabric and thread into heirloom memories that would last a lifetime.

Thanks to the teachings of their mother, Gladys Duboise, Garrison and Baker started sewing at a young age and continued to cultivate their skills wherever they could.

“We learned a lot through the sewing projects we completed when we were in 4-H and home ec classes in school,” Garrison said.“We just built on what we learned from our mother and then we picked up some things on our own.”

Baker said for the past 30 years, she and her sister had discussed opening their own business but never took the plunge to actually get started, but a little over a year ago that all changed.

“We were on a trip to the mountains and we stopped

Sisters Brenda Baker and Marilyn Garrison use their high-tech quilting machine that allows them to program certain specifications and patterns into the machine for more time-efficient quilting.

Homeplace Quilting & Handmades offers many selections when it comes to quilting or sewing supplies. Many types and colors of thread and fabric are available for purchase or to be used in your own project created at the shop.

Baker and Garrison have several completed quilts for sale at the shop in different patterns.

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at every quilt shop we found,” Baker said.

“After seeing those shops, we finally decided it was time to stop talking about it and just dive in, so that’s what we did.”

Once the decision had been made to move forward with their business, they knew exactly where they wanted their shop to be – in the lot next to their mother’s home where they spent their childhood days.

“This area is where we used to play when we were girls and we used to have a playhouse in the very spot where our shop is,” Garrison said.“Now we just have a bigger playhouse.”

Once construction on their shop was complete, the sisters moved in their state-of-theart quilting machine and many other supplies and began operating their business.

Things went well for a couple of months, but then something happened that no one could have predicted – on April 27, an E-F5 tornado came roaring through their peaceful East Franklin community and changed all their plans.

“We had damage at the shop, but Marilyn lost everything to the tornado. Her home was Baker stands near the wide selection of fabric carried at Homeplace Quilting & Handmades. Some of completely destroyed,” Baker said.“We closed up so we could make repairs to the porch the fabrics sold at the shop can only be found in specialty quilting shops and aren’t sold at chain retail stores. The sisters’ quilting machine can create quilts from a pattern while Baker and Garrison and the roof but we also closed up because it are free to work on other projects. was just a hard time for everyone in our community.

“So many people had lost so much and we were just trying to pick up the pieces.”

After several months of rebuilding, the sisters got their shop back to where it was before the tornado hit and Garrison is now in a new home.

“The Lord has been so good to all of us,” Garrison said.“We are blessed to have each other and blessed to have this place.”

Once they got back to work, Baker said they

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Homeplace Quilting & Handmades offers several quilting patterns like the ones shown in this pattern book.

Above and Below: Garrison works on an Alabama-themed quilt. She said football quilts have been popular this season.

Guides like these help ensure each pattern is executed with precision.

have stayed busy, especially through the Christmas holidays, but she said her time at the shop never really feels like work because it’s something she enjoys – a fact that is good news to customers who can expect quality work from the two sisters who love what they do and are committed to doing a good job with each project.

FRANKLIN LIVING

“For me, this is just my therapy.

I get here and start working and before I know it, it’s time to go home,” she said.

At their shop, the sisters can create custom quilts, like the popular quilts made out of old Tshirts, or customers can bring in the top of a quilt and they can complete it.

In addition to the quilts, Baker

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Garrison and Baker pose by their quilting machine.

specializes in quilted purses and handbags and Garrison specializes in needlework such as crossstitching and crocheting.

The shop also carries fabric of all kinds, many of which can only be found in quilting shops, and sewing supplies for do-it-yourself crafters who want to make their own homespun masterpieces.

“What I love about sewing and about having this shop is the fact that you can create something so unique from just a spool of thread,” Baker said.“If you have something made here, it is special. It’s not just some-

thing you could find in a store.”

Garrison said they have a fabric or pattern for just about anyone.

For football fans, the shop carries several Alabama- and Auburn-themed fabrics and patterns to make quilts or purses and they even have a deer pattern that Baker said has gone over extremely well this hunting season.

Whatever the sewing or quilting project may be, these two sisters will make it while wearing a smile because they’re really “living their dream” in their East Franklin quilt shop.

“What I love about sewing and about having this shop is the fact that you can create something so unique from just a spool of thread,” Baker said.

“If you have something made here, it is special. It’s not just something you could find in a store.”

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WHEREVER YOU GO,

WE GO.

Tiffin

Tiffin Motorhomes: Keeping the Customer Happy

Melvin Dotson joined Franklin County’s Tiffin Motorhomes in March of 1976 to start the company’s parts department.Nearly 36 years later, he’s still part of the Tiffin family that is the nation’s top-selling Class A manufacturer of motorhomes.

Today, Dotson is supervisor of Tiffin’s door plant at the Red Bay facility and one of the company’s longestserving employees. He has worked in the door plant since 1984.

“The people you work with here become family, everyone from upper management to all of the employees,” says Dotson, who lives

in Red Bay. “If you care about the people you work with, then you don’t mind coming to work and you’ll stay where you’re at.”

Dotson appreciates the responsibilities he has at Tiffin, the suppor t he has from his employers, and the members of his team in the door plant. He says the Tiffin management team trusts him to do his job, and he passes that trust down to his employees.

“I teach them that they wouldn’t want to give anybody a product that they would not want to have themselves,” Dotson says.

“Do it just like you would want it. Do good work.

That doesn’t mean we’re not going to make mistakes, but if we do, we’ll fix it and move on.”

Dotson says the door plant takes pride in the entry doors and luggage doors it produces.

Once those products leave the door plant, they will

become part of a brand new Tiffin motorhome. “I don’t think our employees would look at it any differently than I do. We make it our practice to do the best work we can and I think it shows up in our product.”

It’s that type of attitude for quality that keeps Tiffin customers happy.

“I learned from Bob Tiffin that to make this motorhome company run, you have to please the customers and the dealers, and he will bend over backward to make that happen. That’s the attitude I adapted from Bob. We’ll do whatever we can to make the customer happy.”

105 2nd Street N.W. • Red Bay, AL • 256-356-8661 22

FRANKLIN LIVING

WELLNESS

Winter Health Tips

The flu is a very preventable illness during the winter months, if we take the time to prepare.

Follow these guidelines to keep your family healthy this winter.

When you see "Get Your Flu Vaccine Here" signs and banners outside pharmacies and in doctor's offices, you might think, "it's winter already; isn't it too late for that?"

The answer is no.

Flu season typically peaks in January or February and can last as late as April or May," says Dr. Anne Schuchat, Assistant Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service and Director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

"We are encouraging people who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated now."

For millions of people each year, the flu can bring a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and miserable days spent in bed instead of at work or school. However, you may not realize that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications each year.The flu can also be deadly.

Between 1976 and 2007, CDC estimates that annual flu-associated deaths in the United States have ranged from a low of about 3,000 people to a high of about 49,000 people.

FRANKLIN LIVING

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. It's available in two forms: a shot and a nasal spray. While the flu shot can be given to just about everyone, the nasal spray is approved only for use in healthy people ages 2 to 49 years and who aren't pregnant.

Anyone can get the flu, but some people are at greater risk for serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization and even death. For those at greater risk for complications, getting the flu vaccine is especially important.

People at greater risk include: • Children younger than 5 years old, but especially children younger than 2 years old • Pregnant women • People with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2), or heart and lung disease • People 65 years and older It's also important to get the vaccine if you care for anyone in one or more of these high risk groups, or for babies younger than 6 months because they are too young to get the

vaccine.

Many children need two doses of flu vaccine to be fully protected. If a child has not received his/her first dose, get them vaccinated now.

For those who have been vaccinated with one dose, parents should check with the child's doctor to see if a second dose is needed.

After a busy holiday season, you might be reluctant to add one more thing to your to-do list. But it's worth it.

"Getting the flu vaccine is simple, and it's the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu," says Dr. Schuchat.

Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor's offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers.They are also offered by many employers, and are even available in some schools. So next time you see a sign that says, "Get Your Flu Vaccine Here," stop in.

Or, make an appointment with your doctor or clinic today. Visit www.flu.gov and use the Flu Vaccine Finder to find the nearest location where you and your family can get vaccinated.

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

Come join the family!

FAMILY PHARMACY THE DRUG SHOP of RUSSELLVILLE of RUSSELLVILLE

Greg Lane

15385 Hwy. 43 Russellville (256) 332-5545

318 S. Jackson Ave. Russellville (256) 332-8550

HOMETOWN PHARMACY

FAMILY PHARMACY of LITTLEVILLE

609 Gandy St. NE Russellville (256) 332-7400

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Littleville (256) 332-4021

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FRANKLIN LIVING

www.familypharmacygroup.com

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Amy McReynolds stands near her Sub-Zero freezer that she says is a big help when you’re storing food for a family of five.

W

hen you’re a working parent with three children, finding time for your family to spend together can sometimes be a daunting task, but for the McReynolds family, it was just a matter of finding the right space.

John and Amy McReynolds both have full-time jobs – John working as an attorney at Bedford, Rogers & Bowling in Russellville and Amy as the guidance counselor at West Elementary School.

When they get off work, there are always a hundred things that have to be done: their son, Andrew, who is a second grader at Russellville Elementary School, has homework to complete; their three-year-old

In the kitchen STORY BY KELLIE SINGLETON PHOTOS BY HEATHER MOUSER

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twin girls, Ellie and Avery, are ready to play; supper has to be made; toys have to be picked up; laundry has to be done; and, every now and then, the McReynolds family like to be able to just relax.

Amy said when they were house hunting earlier this year to find a place that would accommodate their family of five more comfortably, she knew a home with a great kitchen was essential for their family.

“The kitchen is just the hub. It’s somewhere everyone usually ends up gathering,” Amy said.“I thought that if we found a home with a kitchen that was big enough for everyone to enjoy it all at once, it would be the best way for us to all

spend time together in one place.”

When the McReynolds found the home they’re currently living in, Amy knew immediately she had found the right space for her family to gather.

The home they purchased in April of this year was built in the 1960s, but thanks to the previous owners, the state-of-the-art kitchen had been updated with modern conveniences to make any working family’s life a bit easier.

With the Wolf dual fuel, six-burner stove that features a double oven and a grill, John was set for family barbecue nights without having to leave his family to go outside to whip up the meal.

With the Sub-zero refrigerator and freez-

er combo, Amy was able to organize and store all the food her brood would need for a couple of weeks.

And with the abundance of storage space provided by the custom-made, vintage-style cabinets and drawers throughout the kitchen, the kids had more than enough places to store their favorite afterschool snacks.

“What we got was functionality – everything serves a purpose and everyone can be in the same room without feeling crowded,” Amy said.“While I’m cooking or if John is grilling, Andrew can do his homework at one counter while the girls play nearby. It just works out great for everyone.”

Above: The McReynolds’ twin girls, Ellie and Avery, enjoy helping Amy in the kitchen.

To the right: Amy pulls some treats from the oven.

Some of the girls’ favorite things to whip up in the kitchen are sweets like the ones pictured below.

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Amy said their state-of-the-art kitchen has given her family a place to spend time together. She uses baking with Avery and Ellie as a chance to send quality mother-daughter time with the girls.

The kitchen’s vast amount of counter space not only houses kitchen essentials but is also a place to display cherished items like the McReynolds’ collection of gingerbread houses they had out for the holidays.

Amy said the kitchen also serves as a fun place for the “mommy and me” time she spends with their girls baking treats in the double oven.

“Cooking is something I really enjoy

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doing when I have the time. It’s a relaxing thing for me,” she said.“I love to bake cookies with the girls and John and Andrew love it when we do because they enjoy helping us eat them!

“I’m very glad that we are able to make our kitchen a place for our family to spend quality time together and I look forward to spending many more years together here.”

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The McReynolds’ kitchen has plenty of storage space that Amy says has been a very important factor in keeping the space neat and organized.

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The kitchen wouldn’t be complete without the Wolf dual fuel, six-burner stove that features a double oven and a grill.

Ellie sits on a stool as she prepares to help her mom make some sweets for her dad, John, and her brother, Andrew.

Avery is ready to decorate the treats the girls helped make.

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FOOD

Super “Bowl�

Score big with guests at your Super Bowl party Grilled Chicken Wings with Roquefort Dip 3 lbs. chicken wings, cleaned and trimmed Select wings of roughly equal size for evenness of cooking Ingredients Marinade: 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Blue Cheese Dip 1/2 cup Mayonnaise 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon onion, grated 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled Directions Preheat the barbecue on high.

Cut each wing at the joint to make two pieces, and discard wing tip if still attached. In a large re-sealable bag, whisk together vegetable oil, garlic, spices and vinegar.

Add chicken wings and toss to coat.

If using rotisserie basket, spray or brush lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Place chicken wings on bottom of basket, cover with the top part, and fasten on tightest setting to secure the wings in place.

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Cooking grids will need to be removed, and a drip pan placed beneath. If using rear rotisserie burner, set to high.

If using lower burners, set to medium. lace the basket on spit and in the rotisserie and start the motor. Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 45 minutes to an hour.

If cooking directly on well oiled cooking grids, turn heat to low, and cook, turning frequently until golden brown and crisp, 30 - 45 minutes.

Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that all wings are cooked through and ready to eat.

Stir together all the dip ingredients.

May be made ahead of time and chilled until ready to serve with chicken wings, celery and carrots.

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Texas Chili Soup 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cups chopped onion 4 teaspoons minced garlic 1 pound ground pork 1 pound ground beef or turkey 2 cans (29 ounces each) diced tomatoes 3 cans (15 to 16 ounces each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed 1 quart beef or chicken stock 4 stalks celery, chopped 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon salt Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, for garnish 2 green onions, chopped 8 ounces sour cream In a large pot, warm the butter over low heat and saute the onion and garlic until golden. Add the ground pork and beef and cook until browned.

Drain off half of the fat. Add the tomatoes, beans, stock, celery, chili powder, pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt and simmer until the flavors meld, 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Serve in bowls sprinkled with cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

Few foods fit a season as well as chili fits winter. As the dead of winter looms large, foodies know full well nothing can warm the body up better than a bowl of chili.

Baked potato soup 3 bacon strips, diced 1 small onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon pepper 3 cups chicken broth 2 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 cup half-and-half cream 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce Shredded Cheddar cheese Minced fresh parsley Directions In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Set bacon aside. Saute onion and garlic in the drippings until tender. Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper; mix well. Gradually add broth. Bring to boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes.

Add the potatoes, cream and hot pepper sauce; heat through but do not boil. Garnish with bacon, cheese and parsley.

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EyeCare Professionals, P.C. CHOOSE THE RIGHT EYECARE PROFESSIONAL...

YOUR SIGHT DEPENDS ON IT!

DR. MARTHA MORROW DR. STUART GREENBERG DR. WAYNE STEVENS

COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY EYE HEALTH EXAMS & VISION CARE

Amaretto apple streusel cupcakes 6 3/4 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups) 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 2 tablespoons amaretto (almond-flavored liqueur) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 large egg 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream 1/4 cup 2% reduced-fat milk 3/4 cup finely chopped Gala apple 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour Streusel: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons butter, chilled 2 tablespoons sliced almonds Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 4 teaspoons 2% reduced-fat milk

Most Insurances Accepted

256-332-5440 RUSSELLVILLE

MOULTON • RED BAY

Preparation Preheat oven to 350°. Place muffin cup liners in 12 muffin cups; coat with cooking spray. Weigh or lightly spoon 6.75 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 6.75 ounces flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Combine granulated sugar, cream cheese, and 1/4 cup butter in a large

bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until well blended. Add amaretto, vanilla, and egg to sugar mixture; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Combine sour cream and 1/4 cup milk in a small bowl; stir with a whisk until well blended.

Combine apple and 1 tablespoon flour in a small bowl; toss well.

Add flour mixture and sour cream mixture alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat just until blended. Fold in apple mixture. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

To prepare the streusel, combine 2 tablespoons flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in 2 tablespoons butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal; stir in almonds. Sprinkle streusel evenly over cupcakes. Bake at 350° for 27 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes on a wire rack, and remove the cupcakes from pan.

To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar and 4 teaspoons milk in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle glaze over cupcakes.

WWW.ALABAMA2020.COM

se habla espanol 34

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Kevin G. Kelly, M.D. Serving your Family for over 30 years FAMILY PRACTICE Pediatrics • New Born Care

256-332-5901 and

Blue Diamond Aviation

Serving Franklin County and the surrounding areas since

Harry Mattox Airport Manager/Flight Instructor

Email: Hwy Russellville AL bluediamond q@cs com

Airport

Fax

Cell

WOOD-THOMPSON

Family Care Clinic WALK-INS WELCOME

Russellville Municipal Airport

INSURANCE SERVICE, LLC Sheila Underwood

Home • Auto • Life • Commercial

Serving our area for over 50 years!

130 N. Jackson Ave. • Russellville, AL 35653

(256) 332-1381 • Fax: (256) 332-4835

Russellville Utilities Robin Cross, CRNP, Dr. Kevin Kelly, M.D. Bonnie Marshall, CRNP

Proud to Provide Utility Services to Russellville & Surrounding Areas

General Medical Problems Plus • Sports injuries • Work Comp • Employment Physicals • Immunizations • Routine Check-ups No Appointment Needed Mon. - Fri. 8:00a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday 10:00a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Sunday 1:00p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

256-331-2092 • www.russcare.com 13150 Hwy. 43 S. Suite 10 • Russellville, AL (at the intersection of Hwy. 24 and Hwy. 43)

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721 Jackson Ave. South Russellville, AL

After Normal Business Hours Emergencies

256-332-3850

256-332-2230 35

Mike Jones Financial Advisor - AAMS

Spent TOO MUCH? Let us get you to your next check.

128 N. Jackson Avenue Russellville, AL 35653 Ofc. 256-332-7924 Toll Free: 888-383-7332 mike.jones@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

Consider The Lilies Floral Design for all occasions Weddings • Tuxedo Rental • Variety of Gifts • Wool Dusters • Leanin Treecards • and More

112 4th Ave. SE • Red Bay • 256-356-8313

(256) 332-1108 • 15347 HWY. 43 • RUSSELLVILLE 8:30-5:30 MON, TUES, THURS, FRI • 8:30-2:00 SAT • CLOSED WED & SUN

Our classic paint with our latest technology.

benjaminmoore.com B & M PAINTS-WINDOWS & DOORS 16180 HWY. 43 RUSSELLVILLE, AL 35653 256-332-3441

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Focused on Quality Vision Care for the whole family

Campbell Vision Center

Dr. Jeremy Campbell MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

256-332-1355 14378 Highway 43

eye exams • vision therapy • contact lenses • prescription eyeglasses • sunglasses • designer & budget frames

Hospice of North Alabama has been providing Franklin County and surrounding areas with compassionate hospice care since 2004. Our professional services include assistance from Registered Nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. The hospice benefit is covered, with no cost to the patient, by Medicare and most major insurance plans.

We are proud to introduce your community educators.

Jason Harris

Ashley Burchell

Ashley and Jason grew up in Franklin County. Both have been involved in many aspects of the medical community for a number of years. They are very knowledgeable about hospice care and the benefit it provides to patients and families. Please contact your physician or our team about the hospice benefit.

1-877-632-7001 13760 Hwy. 43, Suite 8 • Russellville, AL www.hospiceofnorthalabama.com

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

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

117 S. Jackson Ave. • Russellville (256)332-2061

2513 E. Avalon • Muscle Shoals (256)383-8335 37

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Passion becomes M profession STORY AND PHOTOS BY J.R.TIDWELL

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artin Jackson of Russellville is not a hard man to find.

Most days he is about eight miles down Highway 24 from Russellville at his shop.

He runs a business called Dixie Taxidermy, where he does animal mounts and deer processing.

“I’ve been in this location for four years,” Jackson said.“Before that I had a shop at my house in Russellville. It’s always been in Russellville. I was born and raised here.”

When someone enters the shop, he or she will immediately be surrounded by past work. Two walls have competition ribbons.

The wall on the left holds three ducks and an antique birdcage.

An antique glass case sits near the left-side wall encasing three European skull mounts. A fox and a fox skin sit atop the case. To the right is a deer mount that Jackson won a first-place ribbon for at a convention.

The next wall over houses several deer heads, mostly bucks. The

FRANKLIN LIVING

shop counter houses a rare site even among hunters, a piebald doe. The mount has white spots across the skin, marking that this deer was part albino. The eyelashes on either side of the face are even different colors.

Behind the counter sits an antique telephone from 1905.

When Jackson is not mounting, processing, or showing off deer mounts, he enjoys collecting older things like the case, the cage and the phone.

Jackson said he has been a hunter and fisherman for most of his life. About a decade ago, he decided to turn a hobby into a profession.

“I’ve been doing taxidermy for 10 years,” Jackson said.“I started out doing 15 or 20 deer heads a year. Now I do close to 150.

We do small mammals; bobcats, fox, birds. We also do fish, European skull mounts, camouflage European skull mounts, antler mounts, full-body mounts. Just anything you want really.”

After doing taxidermy for several years, Jackson decided to branch out in his business.

“I just kind of wanted to venture out into the deer processing, too,” Jackson said.“I came up on this place for sale about four years ago. I bought it; well, the bank bought it for me. We’ve been doing processing for four years and I’ve been doing taxidermy for 10 years, and it just keeps growing and growing. It’s turned into a fulltime job.”

Covering 150 orders for deer mounts is a time consumThis fox sits in the Dixie Taxidermy office in Russellville.

Martin Jackson, owner of Dixie Taxidermy, shows a blue ribbon he was awarded for his work.

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ing process. Jackson said that about the only time he is not working is on Sundays.

“I try not to work on Sundays,” he said.

Whenever he does find a little spare time on his hands, he will take a couple of examples of his work to a convention.

“I go every now and then to a taxidermy competition,” Jackson said.

“Southern Regional Taxidermy Convention [SRTC] is for all of the southeast. I carried this one to last year to Memphis, Tenn., and won the two ribbons here. They judge you on your habitat plus the deer itself. It’s hard to find time to compete because there’s just so many mounts to do.”

Jackson has also been to a couple of conventions held by the National Taxidermy Association.

“NTA has something every year,” he said.“Sometimes they have it in Huntsville; sometimes they have it

Jackson stretches the skin of an animal he was preparing.

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Dixie Taxidermy has been awarded several ribbons for their taxidermy work.

“We’ve been doing processing for four years and I’ve been doing taxidermy for 10 years, and it just keeps growing and growing. It’s turned into a full-time job.”

— Martin Jackson, Dixie Taxidermy FRANKLIN LIVING

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in South Dakota, just different places. The higher the competition, the harder it is to win first place. You have people from all across the United States in it. I started out in the amateur division and I won it for my very first entry ever, about 10 years ago.”

Having a business like Jackson’s has some obvious benefits in the world of taxidermy competition.

“By doing the processing, I get a lot of extra capes [the deer skin],” he said.“If I run across a real pretty one I’ll keep it. When we do somebody’s mount we use their skin.”

Jackson has seen his fair share of things in this world, but he said that he has had some interesting requests from shop patrons.

“The strangest thing I’ve ever mounted — and I’ve done two of them — would be a doe with just the forehead skin and ears,” he said.“I called it a doe ear mount. It was a person’s first deer that they had ever killed, I cut the top off and tanned it, then fixed the skin and the ears on a plaque.”

Jackson has had some even stranger requests that he decided not to answer.

“I’ve had some requests for pets, but I’ve never done one,” he said.“I don’t think I’d want to get into the pets.”

Steps in the mounting process Jackson has a customer bring the deer carcass in. He splits the deer from end to end to remove the entrails and blood. He then removes the skin and has it tanned. He used fast-setting putty to put the ears in the correct position. He must also turn the cape out and sew up any holes. He uses the putty to recreate the bumps that were once present on the deer’s nose. He puts the cape on an ordered form, which must be obtained after taking careful measurements.

He screws the rack onto the form. He glues the cape to the form, where it must dry for two weeks. He puts on the finishing touches, like glass eyes.

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LOOKING BACK

A winter wonderland: County residents have braved many winter storms through the years Photos courtesy of the Franklin County Archives and Research Center

Top:The old Franklin County Courthouse that was replaced in 1954 Below: Downtown Russellville in the 1940s.

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Do you know these faces?

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PARTING SHOTS

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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$AVE MONEY .... $AVE GAS Proud to have been serving Franklin County for more than 4 years

$HOP AT HOME IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

256-277-0700

Located in Franklin Shopping Center Hwy 43, Russellville, AL

Your #1 local pharmacy!

Hours of Operation: Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sat 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Bob Smith, R.Ph, Rodney Logan, Owner & R.Ph, Paul Lovelace, R.Ph and Stapp Harrison, Pharm D

256-331-1919

Years of experience, Friendly Staff with fast Friendly Service

Still your local compounding Headquarters for Franklin County 48

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