2019 March/April Franklin Living by Franklin County

JAVA & JAZZ | PREMIER ANGUS GENETICS | MASON JAR ON MAIN

March/April 2019 Vol. 9 Issue No. 2

Creative careers

Meet three aspiring art students

Why I Love Franklin County Find out Natalie Bendallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Franklin favorites

Editorial ALISON JAMES LAUREN WESTER

Contributors

Features

MONTANA HESTER APRIL WARHURST

Money Matters

CHRISTOPHER WEBB

What’s Happening

Marketing

Creative careers

EMILY MAYS TRAE DURDEN

PEGGY HYDE TORI WAITS

12 Hand-picked herd 17 Cozy caffeination 21 Faith 22 A Taste of Franklin 24 Faces of Franklin County 30 Why I Love Franklin County

P.O. Box 1088 • Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com ON THE COVER: Nichole Putman is one student who is benefiting from arts education and plans to pursue art as a career. Read her story, and the story of other arts students, on page 8.

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FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

n these cold, gray, rainy days of winter, all I have really wanted to do is cozy up on the couch with something nice to read. If you feel the same, here’s some for you to cozy up with and beat the winter blues as springtime approaches: our March/April issue of Franklin Living. In this issue we shine the spotlight on arts education in Russellville City Schools. Meet RHS art teacher Melissa Grissom and get her perspective on the importance of arts education, plus take a peek at the talents of three students who plan to make art their future careers. For tasty treats we turn to Red Bay. For a cup of coffee and maybe something sweet, have you visited Java & jazz Café yet? This inviting little shop opened in October where Sno Biz was formerly located, and we think you’ll find it’s a great place to get your caffeine fix. Lara and Kenny Lee have brought something to Red Bay that many people have been asking for – and if you ask me, coffee is one thing

worth braving any type of weather for. So whether spring has spring or we’re still battling the final soggy days of winter, this is one spot in your community you should check out. We also pop into the Mason Jar on Main in Red Bay for something yummy. The Mason Jar is a favorite lunch spot, and if you’re feeling ambitious, you can try your hand at making the restaurant’s chocolate cobbler, the featured recipe in this issue. In this edition we also feature some of the hardest workers and nicest gentlemen I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet: Keith Ergle and Robbie Tidwell, who operate Premier Angus Genetics in Red Bay. To read about their unique cattle operation, turn to page 12. In short, there’s plenty to enjoy in this issue. Read about it inside and then go experience outside. Franklin County awaits you.

Alison James

Franklin Living

MONEY MATTERS

Keeping the vacation budget in check

re you already dreaming a b o u t vacation season? I know I am! Maybe you’re dreaming of the perfect trip, or maybe you already have your getaway planned. Either way, one thing is for sure: finances play a major role in what our summer plans look like. Here are four financial tips to help keep your travel plans (and pocketbooks) in check: 1. Plan for everything. Emergencies aren’t just a flat tire or lost luggage. Be sure to avoid a financial S.O.S. by planning ahead for all the vacation expenses you can think of. Eating out, hotels, gas, excursions, souvenirs and all the other extras quickly add up. If you have kids, you’ll spend a small fortune in sunscreen alone! Plan ahead and keep it real. 2. Be brave with your budget. You’ve examined what all expenses are likely to occur; now stick to your guns. It’s so easy to go overboard and “treat yourself” when away from your normal routine. Keep these considerations in mind not only when choosing your destination but also on what activities you choose to do once you get there. If your budget is extremely tight right now, look for adventures closer to home and start saving for that dream trip. You can even set up a special savings

account earmarked for the getaway. 3. How low can you go? There are major savings to be had if you’re willing to be flexible and do a little research. Do you have to travel during peak season? If not, off-peak times can lead to major savings and avoiding a lot of the crowds! Hotel alternatives are becoming more and more common. Check out all the new lodging options that are available – Airbnb, Home Away, etc. – and see where you might cut costs. Or maybe choose a destination based on where you have family or friends who would let you stay. 4. Really on a shoestring. Find a way to cut the costs. Travel with friends/family and share the lodging expenses. Cooking in, getting your food to go and hitting the grocery store saves a ton compared to eating out. Plan a shorter trip – a quick trip to local campgrounds, state parks or theme parks within driving distance cuts a lot of big-ticket expenses. Most importantly, enjoy that well-deserved time off. I vividly remember the plastic pool in the front yard with a garden hose just as much as I remember the first time my toes hit the sand at the beach. Home or away, memories will be made; make the most of them. Compromise where you can and challenge yourself to stay within your budget.

Grow With Us

www.alabamacentral.org Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in any of our 28-county service area is eligible for ACCU membership.

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, 10.

Franklin Living

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Rockin’ at the Roxy March 9

March 9 at 7 p.m. will be the monthly Kerry Gilbert Band concert at the Historic Roxy Theatre, with special guest Billy Lawson. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children younger than 6.

Partnership Banquet March 12

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Franklin County Partnership Awards Banquet March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the A.W. Todd Centre. Tickets are $40 each and may be purchased at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce in Russellville.

3rd Annual Cedar Hill Invitational March 16

The Cedar Hill Trap Range will be hosting its 3rd Annual Cedar Hill Invitational March 16 with registration starting at 8 a.m. and shoot starting at 9 a.m., with 100 single shots costing $48. Lunch will be available for $7 and includes a sandwich, drink, chips and dessert. A separate bake sale will also be held, proceeds from which will go to the Lost Creek Conservation and Wildlife Club. For more information visit Cedar Hill Trap Range on Facebook.

Ronnie McDowell Concert March 16

Ronnie McDowell will be performing at the Historic Roxy Theatre March 16 at 7 p.m. Call 256-415-3270 or 256-332-3270 to reserve tickets.

RECURRING EVENTS Historical Society Meeting The Spruce Pine Historical Society meets the first Tuesday of every month. It’s free to join. For more information call Kim Adamson at 256-436-3992. Mountain Valley Hee Haw There will be live music at Mountain Valley Hee Haw in Phil Campbell on Highway 79 every Saturday night beginning at 6 p.m., featuring The House Band. For more information call 256-810-4840. Bible Collection The libraries at Russellville First Baptist Church and Red Bay First Baptist Church are accepting donations of new and used Bibles (in good shape) and New Testaments to send to the Love Package Ministry (formerly Edwin Hodges Ministry). Bibles will be sent to foreign missionaries to use and distribute. Drop Bibles off Monday through Thursday during office hours. Call 256-332-4085 for more information. Grief Support Getting Well Together, a grief support group, will meet each month on the third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Russellville. This is a free support group for anyone who would like to attend, provided by Kindred Hospice of Florence. For more information call 256-764-0873. Shrine Club Meetings Meetings are held in Russellville on the second Tuesday each month at the Cutter Barber Shop; Spruce Pine 608 meets the second and fourth Thursday. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meets each Monday evening at 6 p.m. at the Russellville Recreation Center. Weigh-ins begin at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to drop in for a free meeting visit or call 256-446-5962 for more information.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT Franklin County The Franklin County Commission meets in a work session every second Monday at 5 p.m. and holds a voting meeting every third Monday at 8:30 a.m. Both meetings take place at the Elizabeth Lucas Courthouse Annex on North Jackson Avenue, across from the Franklin County Courthouse. To reach a county commissioner, call 256-332-8850. Hodges The Town of Hodges is scheduled to meet the second Monday monthly at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. To speak to your council representative, call city hall at 205-935-3445 or email townofhodges@centurytel.net. Phil Campbell The Phil Campbell City Council meets every first and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. To speak to your council representative, call city hall at 205-993-5313. Red Bay The Red Bay City Council meets every first and third Monday at 7 p.m. at city hall. To reach city hall call 256-356-4473. Russellville The Russellville City Council meets every first and third Monday at 6 p.m. at city hall. To reach city hall call 256-332-6060. Vina The Vina Town Council meets every first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at town hall. To reach town hall call 256-356-4996.

Franklin Living

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Relay for Life Open Bass Tournament March 30

Relay for Life is hosting its 15th annual open bass tournament March 30 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Slickrock Boat Ramp. Entry fee is $70 per boat. First place prize is $1,000. There is a five fish limit per boat. Only two contestants are allowed per boat. For more information contact Rhonda Boyles at 256-627-4112.

A Taste of Ireland March 30

The Russellville Public Library will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Daythemed event March 30 at 6 p.m. Local author Eamonn Walsh will be talking about his book “One Irishman’s Life’s Journey,” and the Wildwood Trio will be performing. Everyone is welcome to this free event.

Easter Egg Hunts April 13

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunts April 13 in three locations: Russellville at Eastside Ball Park, Phil Campbell at the Memorial Park and Red Bay at the Hoyt Keeton Walking Trail. Children are invited to come search for eggs, win fun prizes and meet the Easter Bunny.

Rockin’ at the Roxy April 13

April 13 at 7 p.m. will be the monthly Kerry Gilbert Band concert at the Historic Roxy Theatre. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children younger than 6.

Creative careers

Russellville students get their start in art

Nichole Putman cherishes dreams of becoming an art teacher.

Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by MONTANA HESTER and CHRIS WEBB

hen the average person thinks about art and creativity, they might conjure up images ranging from finger-painting as a child, to doodling in the margins of notes and grocery lists, to marveling at the works of the masters hanging in museums. While many, however, might see art as a simple hobby or casual interest, for others it’s something much more – a calling that speaks to the very soul. “Artists are called to share their gift. It is something you have to do,” explained Melissa Grissom, Russellville High School art teacher. “Sometimes there are no words for what you are trying to say. It is just a feeling, and you know when it is right. That is the place for art in our lives.” As an educator of the arts for more than 20 years, Grissom has been able to help many budding artists share their gifts and hone those talents. While some will always cherish their artistic endeavors as a personal way to bear their souls, others will take it one step further – as Grissom did in making it her career. “I enjoy teaching art because of the feeling of accomplishment that a student gets when they have completed a task,” Grissom said. “The student is proud of the project and themselves. That is something you can’t put a grade on. I enjoy watching students grow by learning new ways of thinking. Art can make you lose track of time doing something that you love.” Three RHS students Grissom has taught who plan to turn their passions into careers are seniors Nichole Putman and Kalynn Suggs and 2017 graduate Nate Franklin. Their stories of how art has shaped their lives bear resemblances even as they stand alone, as unique as any artist’s masterpiece.

Nichole Putman

Sights set on arts education The 18-year-old daughter of Judy and Alan Putman, Nichole Putman remembers a love of drawing that stretches back to her childhood. “I would sit at my family’s dinner table drawing with colorful pencils for hours on end,” she said. “I would take so much pride in my little doodles that our fridge was covered with drawings. Of course, as a child I took interest in cartoons, and that started to be a heavy influence in my drawing style. I started to draw more animated characters and people. It wasn’t until middle school that I was introduced to traditional art. It was at 13, she said, that she truly

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embraced art as a whole-hearted passion. Now she tries to do something artistic every day, whether its creative journaling or a simple sketch. She is also a member of the Russellville High School Marching Hundred, playing the flute and piccolo. Q1: What kinds of art do you most enjoy? A: I tend to paint realistic pictures in many different mediums. I use acrylic and oil paints, pastels, pen and ink, charcoal and, my favorite, watercolor. I do like to draw in a very animated cartoonstyle every once in a while. Q2: How do you get in your creative zone? A: I get into my creative “zone” one of two ways. I tend to listen to relaxing music, like jazz or classical, while I draw. The second thing I do is have some sort of Disney movie playing in the background. Between the beautiful songs and light-hearted stories, it just gets me in such a good mood to draw. My surroundings inspire me and my art. I really enjoy nature and old buildings. If I’m ever stuck on a piece, I like to take a breather and come back to it later. Art takes time, and if you stare at something too long, you’ll never know if it’s finished. I also like to look up pictures online of other artists’ pieces for inspiration. Q3: What do you enjoy about being creative? A: I enjoy the time I spend with myself while I work. It gives me the ability to enter a new and exciting world that I have created all on my own. I tend to be excited when I start a new piece. My mind is flowing with creativity, and my heart is roaring with passion whenever I start. Then I inevitability panic when I go to actually start the drawing process. On the other hand, I feel a breath of relief and self-pride in myself for finishing a piece. Q4: How do you plan to pursue art as you grow older? A: I want to become an art teacher for middle through high schoolers. I plan on attending Athens State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in art education. I also plan to have a small side business where I will take art commissions for interested individuals. I also would love to have a summer art class for younger children. My dream job would be to be an art teacher at a school that never had an art class before. I want to build my own art department for a smaller school. I could build a brand-new passion in children that never had a way to be creative. Q5: Who in your life has encouraged or inspired your creativity? A: I have to give credit to my art teacher, Mrs. Grissom. She has helped me with my art and has also pushed me to try challenging techniques. I also draw inspiration from a Japanese animator named Hayao Miyazaki. His films are so seamless, and each frame is hand painted. The backgrounds for each fill are painted using traditional art techniques and media. Putman has participated in a number of artistic efforts over the years, including competing in the Times-Daily Design an Ad contest and creating a mural for the Russellville Public Library in celebration of 50 years of art education in Russellville City Schools. Some of her art will be displayed at the Artistic Renderings of Youth in Florence in the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts building March 27. “Nichole has served as the art club president for four years during her high school career,” Grissom said. “She is always willing to work hard to achieve excellence in whatever she does. She loves creating art and helping others. Her art is very detailed. She will make a wonderful art teacher.”

Nate Franklin

Going into graphic design From pre-school days spent drawing dinosaurs, to middle school efforts to design sports team logos, Nate Franklin has always pursued his artistic interests. As a junior in high school

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Kalynn Suggs wants to design her own webcomic.

he began to realize a passion of graphic design. “I wanted to do something business related, and graphic design uses business and creativity,” Franklin explained. When he’s not busy with classwork at Northwest-Shoals Community College or working on an artistic project, Franklin said he also enjoys playing basketball, spending time on the lake, going out with his girlfriend and pursuing his passion for Scripture and Jesus Christ. Q1: What kinds of art do you most enjoy? A: I like to try and get involved with all different types of media and techniques. I use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for all the artwork I do now, but I always start out with a pencil and sketchbook. I love making digital paintings on Photoshop. Most of the digital paintings I do are personal and many times based off Biblical scripture. I also love to design logos or graphics. It is so fun to me, getting to design a logo for a business or group and see it resemble a group of people and what they represent. Q2: How do you get in your creative zone? A: What I love to do while I work is listen to music. I’ll let a playlist go, and I’ll start to work. I get so keyed in, I just block out my surroundings and get so focused. I do use inspiration from other artists and get ideas, but I always want to make something different and use my creativity. I like to create something never done before and use my own style. Q3: What do you enjoy about being creative? A: I love the challenge of trying to make something creative and different and new. The most satisfying part of a project is seeing the finished product and seeing businesses and other groups using it. Q4: How do you plan to pursue art as you grow older? A: I definitely want to become a graphic designer and minor in marketing. I am transferring in the fall to UAH. Graphic design would definitely be a dream job for me. A career doing what I love would not even feel like a job. So I could see this being a career and hobby. Q5: Who in your life has encouraged or inspired your creativity?

Nate Franklin is pursuing a career in graphic design.

A: I would like to first off thank my family for encouraging me and always supporting me – also for always looking at what I make and giving advice. I would also want to thank my high school art teacher, Mrs. Grissom, and my college art teacher, Jane Frederick Sharp. Both of these women pushed me to be the very best and helped developed my craft. Franklin’s latest project was designing a T-shirt for his church, Calvary Baptist, and he is planning to release some new Scripture artwork soon. “I’ll go through a book of the Bible and create a painting with theological meaning. I believe I can preach the gospel and tell the good news through my artwork,” Franklin explained. He has also been brainstorming ideas for Major League Baseball logos, with the buzz about an MLB team headed for Nashville, Tenn. “I have a contact with the main investor who is working with MLB to bring baseball to the Music City,” Franklin said. “How cool would it be if one of my logos ended up on an MLB uniform?” Grissom called Franklin “a gifted artist who is able to work in different art media.” “His artistic abilities range from portraits to graphic design,” Grissom added. “He has a positive spirit of kindness that spills over into his art.”

Kalynn Suggs

Cartooning for a living Kaylnn Suggs first discovered her artistic passion as a thirdgrader. The 18-year-old daughter of Billie Jo Suggs and Carlo Suggs said she now draws every day and is working to design her own webcomic. Q1: What kinds of art do you most enjoy?

A: I involve myself in many types of art. I don’t really enjoy doing realistic art though. Q2: How do you get in your creative zone? A: Music helps me create. I get more inspired and ideas begin to form when I listen to different types of music. Sometimes just sitting around and thinking keeps me from getting “art block.” Q3: What do you enjoy about being creative? A: I enjoy the fact that I can impress others by drawing and painting. When people enjoy my work, I feel happy and proud. When I finish any project and create a piece, I feel complete and proud of what I created. Q4: How do you plan to pursue art as you grow older? A: When I get older I want to have a career in graphic design.

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My dream job is to create my own cartoon/comic series. I want to have my own franchise. Q5: Who in your life has encouraged or inspired your creativity? A: My family has encouraged me to pursue my art. When I was younger my Meamaw taught me how to draw Snoopy. I think she really got me started with art. “Kalynn has been involved in art throughout her high school career,” Grissom said. “She always strives to create art that is original. Her style of art is unique and forward-thinking.” Grissom said Suggs strives to do her best at whatever she attempts to do. “She won the Times Daily Design An Ad NW-SCC scholarship her junior year. She will make an excellent graphic designer. She has a unique style that is innovative.” Grissom has seen firsthand the way art can make a difference in a student’s life. A lifelong artist herself, Grissom has brought art

into school systems in Decatur and Cullman, as well as her alma mater at RCS. For budding artists who are still discovering their talents, Grissom recommended practice and patience. “Keep a sketchbook and never throw your work away. You can always go back to it and look at it from a fresh perspective to find new inspiration,” Grissom said. “The more you practice, the better your art becomes. Be open to trying new things outside your comfort zone. Never quit and keep trying. Find people that are role models that have accomplished what you want to achieve.” At the end of the day, Grissom said art is something all can experience and appreciate – whether they consider it a personal passion or not.“Art is a wonderful thing that enhances communities, schools and individual lives. Art is a universal language that everyone speaks. It is something that can be felt with the heart and can touch a person’s spirit without saying a word.”

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Hand-picked herd

(From left) David Tidwell, Drake, Keith Ergle, Miles Ergle, Robbie Tidwell and Milton Ergle represent three generations of cattle farming in Phil Campbell. Faithful dog Sadie is part of the Premier Angus Genetics team.

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Cousins breed cream-of-the-crop cattle at Premier Angus Genetics

Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by MONTANA HESTER

obbie Tidwell and Keith Ergle grew up together, working side by side on their fathers’ cattle farms in Franklin County. The cousins always said one day they would have a farm of their own together. Now that dream is a reality. Tidwell and Ergle don’t have a run-of-themill cattle farm, though. It was in 2013 that Ergle attended a cattle sale in Missouri and called Tidwell to pitch an idea: a cattle farm based on embryo transfer and using genetics to breed the best cattle in the industry. Tidwell was on board, and the two started Premier Angus Genetics just a few months later. Tidwell and Ergle are third-generation – and their sons are fourth-generation – cattle farmers, so the heritage runs deep in their families. With their foundation in commercial cattle, Tidwell and Ergle were ready to “level up” to producing registered purebred seedstock. “We find cows with the best genetics you can find anywhere in the country, and we buy those cows and bring them back here, and through the process of embryo transfer, we will stimulate a cow to produce multiple eggs at a time. Then we find the best bulls we can find in the country and buy semen from those top-genetics bulls across the country to fertilize those eggs,” explained Ergle, who serves as president and CEO of the Phil Campbell-based farm. “It’s no different than the science that is used in reproduction in humans. We place those embryos in surrogate mothers – we can them recipients – and those surrogate mothers have the calves as their own, nurse those calves, and then when they are of weaning age we pull them off the cows, raise them up to breeding age and sell them to someone who wants to start a cattle business of their own.” Ergle said the science of the process intrigued him, and “I knew it was an opportunity for us to do something in this area no one else does. That’s what started it all.” Tidwell, who serves as vice president and CFO, explained why someone might choose an animal with defined genetics: namely, the information that can be distinguished by knowing the cow’s DNA, like “what size the calf is going to grow up to be, if it’s going to

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be a good milk-producer, if it’s going to be an easy calving, what size calves they are going to be producing. You can tell all of that from the genetics.” “We are able to pull DNA samples from our cattle as soon as they hit the ground and send it in to the American Angus Association,” Ergle added. “The American Angus Association can analyze that DNA.” They are not, however, creating GMO cattle – a point both men find it important to emphasize. “All we are doing is taking what God made in the best of the cows and the best of the bulls and pairing those together using some science,” explained Ergle – and, as Tidwell added, “giving them the nutrients they need to allow them to exceed in the potential they have. There’s a lot that goes into getting the cattle to excel in the potential that they have.” Everyone who works at Premier Angus Genetics is beef quality assurance certified, Ergle said. “We handle all of our cattle without the use of prods and sticks and yelling at them and shoving them around,” he explained. “We treat them really well. In addition to that, we don’t pump them full of hormones or steroids or anything.” The operation also includes a beef business, branded Premier Angus Beef. Their product is USDA approved, and right now they can’t keep up the

supply to meet the demand. They also sell hay to the public. For both men, Premier Angus Genetics is a side business; Tidwell operates Northwood Machinery, and Ergle works in healthcare with Restore Therapy Services. That means late nights, early mornings and long weekends working their 300 acres – plus the 700 acres they lease – to make it happen, plus scheduling precision. They both said all the hard work is worth it because it’s work they both love. Members of their family work alongside them, and sometimes they even have friends who volunteer to come help for free, just to have the opportunity to be a part of it all – even though it’s not easy. “At any point you might have cow poop from your toes to your ears,” Ergle said. But they work hard, play hard. “Say we have a good hard day’s work – then we’ll get some of our angus beef and have a cookout,” Tidwell said. “It’s a blast. (My son) Alston plays guitar, and a couple other people around here play, and they all get together, and we have a really good time.” Tidwell and Ergle both give credit to their fathers, David Tidwell and Milton Ergle, for raising them in the cattle industry as well as for continuing to work with them today – although both fathers were skeptical about the genetics-based concept at first. Ergle’s father told him, “You’ll never make it in this business. You’ll never sell one cow,

Working hard for you

Willodean Davis (256) 762-5671

Selling North Alabama

Kathy Senkbeil

Bonnie Gray

(256) 483-1158

(256) 460-8064

Marty Vandiver

Dianece Nix Hollingsworth

(256) 810-9292

(256) 335-6590

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Randy Gray Agent Assoc.

(404) 858-7229

Jorge Rendon Office Manager

Kaylee Rickard Office Manager

115 N. Jackson Ave. Russellville, AL

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

Cousins Keith Ergle and Robbie Tidwell (back left) are carrying on the cattle-farming legacy of their fathers, David Tidwell and Milton Ergle (right), and teaching what they know to the next generation – like Keith’s son Miles and Robbie’s step-grandson Drake (front left).

one bull. You’re an idiot.” But Tidwell said after their first crop of calves sold, they were able to make believers out of their dads, who now help work the operation as well as purchase cattle from their sons. “We couldn’t do it without them,” Tidwell said. “They out-work us.” Ergle agreed, adding, “They won’t let us do anything on the farm without them being there … When our dads can no longer help us, we will have to either hire outside help or retire from our ‘day jobs’ and do this full time.” For both farmers, family is an important aspect of Premier Angus Genetics. Tidwell and his wife Beverly have two children,

21-year-old Alston and 15-year-old Anna, as well as step-grandson Drake. Ergle and wife Elisha – who serves as photographer and web designer for the business and is beef spokesperson for the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association – have 10-year-old son Miles, 11-year-old daughter Rylee and 7-year-old daughter Kastyn. “For me it’s about having the opportunity right here in Phil Campbell, Alabama, to do what the top cattle producers in the world are doing,” Ergle said. “There’s no place I’d rather be than with my family right here on these farms.” Tidwell agreed. “There’s no other place like it on earth.”

Cozy

caffeination Java & jazz offers place to get a cuppa in Red Bay

“W

Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by APRIL WARHURST

e just want people to come here, hang out, feel welcome, slow down or meet a new friend. We want it to be a special spot.” That’s what Java & jazz Cafe owner Lara Lee was hoping for when she and husband Kenny opened the cozy coffee shop in

downtown Red Bay in fall 2018 – that, and a place to get a good hot cup of joe. The Lees moved to Red Bay a year ago from their home on the Wisconsin/Illinois state line. Their new home, just north of the city in Pleasant Site, puts them halfway between their daughters and

their grandchildren in Oklahoma and South Carolina – a place they found after house hunting all over northwest Alabama. “It’s a very beautiful area, and it’s rural where we live, but we’re close enough to Florence that if we want to go to a ‘big city,’ we can,” Lara explained. “We never thought about Red Bay, but back in the ’50s and ’60s, many people migrated from Red Bay to our little town of Zion (Illinois) for work. Both my husband and I grew up with children whose parents were from Red Bay and Fulton … Our lives are a journey of faith, and we believe the Lord directed us to live right here in Red Bay.” But even as the Lees were falling in love with their new home, they realized something was missing – something important.

“We’re used to having coffee shops around, and we found there wasn’t one here, and we’d have to drive to Fulton or Russellville to get to a coffee shop,” Lara said. The coffee culture was strong in their area of Wisconsin/Illinois, and Lara said she still wanted a coffee shop and that culture in arm’s reach. “It’s a social gathering place. You go and meet a friend there over a cup of coffee and a doughnut or a pastry, or you would go and have a business meeting or read a book. Typically a coffee shop will lend itself to knowing people are going to stay there for a period of time. It’s not like a restaurant, where you have to turn tables and if people just sit, the waitresses aren’t making any money – so it’s not like a restaurant in that respect.” Lara has work experience in administration, and from working with a number of small businesses through the years, she learned what it takes to run one, “especially the nitty gritty things people

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don’t like, like taxes and payroll and finances – all that other stuff that’s not so glamorous.” So armed with her business savvy, her love of coffee and her confidence that the market was ripe – “As I began to talk to people in the community, it was very obvious to me: everybody said ‘I wish Red Bay had a coffee shop’” – she decide to open her small business where folks from Red Bay, across Franklin County and beyond could pop in for a cuppa. As the wheels on Lara’s plan began to turn, the first thing she needed was a storefront. In perfect timing, she found out the owners of Sno Biz planned to move locations, and she said it seemed like the perfect opportunity. Husband Kenny, however, first met her confidence with uncertainty. “He didn’t think it would happen. We’re new to the community, we’re retired, we don’t have any financials established down here, and we could be a risk to somebody,” Lara said. But as fate or the Lord would have it, “we weren’t; we flew through it, and every single door was wide open.” With all the details falling into place so smoothly, Lara said Kenny came right on board, and the two of them got to work. They closed on the property Sept. 7 last year and, with long days of hard work, opened Java & jazz Oct. 20. “We transformed the place. The colors were bright – very bright, yellow and pink and light blue, everything that goes with fun and kids and snow cones,” said Lara. The aesthetic didn’t work for a cozy coffee shop. The shop layout also didn’t work. But after moving some walls and wiring around, plus repainting, Java & jazz began to take shape. “We were under a deadline because I had already contracted some dear friends from up north, professional entertainers who do balloon twisting and face painting, to come down and be here for

“We just want people to come here, hang out, feel welcome, slow down or meet a new friend. We want it to be a special spot.” Franklin Living

Mon-Sat. 9am-5pm ... Closed Wednesday

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opening day, so I had to be ready,” Lara said. “It’s pretty remarkable. We give all the glory to God.” Kenny and Lara were able to do much of the work themselves, between his technical and construction know-how and her interior design skills. “You have to work with the space. The space is the space,” Lara said. “I wanted it to feel comfortable, cozy, when you walked in – like a respite from the crazy world outside. But I didn’t want it to be like your living room, per se. I wanted it to feel sort of minimalistic, not too cluttered – not crowded but comfortable.” With that in mind, Lara said paint choice was a crucial element. “I wanted something that would be warm but also inviting to men – I wanted them to be comfortable being in here too, and color affects people,” Lara explained. “I wanted people to come in and go, ‘Ahh. This is nice. I want to stay here.’” She painted the top half of the walls a muted blue called “skinny jeans;” the color on the bottom half is “espresso bean.” Between the paint colors and the décor, Lara said she has received many compliments on the general feel of the shop. “I wanted it to be eclectic. Eclectic is a way to describe me. So I wanted it to be not all the same – not all the same chairs or tables.” Without any backers or investors, she worked within a firm budget. Purchasing all the coffee-making equipment was a must, but some décor items were gifted to her, and some came from her own home, like three comfy chairs. “But I can’t bring anymore or my house won’t have any place to sit,” she joked. Many of their customers are Tiffin visitors, and Lara said they make it a point to welcome these travelers in to sit, sip a cup of something and chat about their travels. They also make special overtures to military and first responders/police officers, who can come in on Tuesdays for a free cup of coffee or 10 percent off any other coffee item as part of “Black Rifle Coffee Company Day,” when Java & jazz serves this grind from a veteran-owned, veteran-benefiting company. “My husband is the supreme barista,” said Lara. She and Kenny are both self-taught in the art of coffee-making, both attending, as she put it, the “Youtube School of Barista.” “You have all of these higherend coffee shops around the world, and they are more than happy to share how to make drinks, how to froth … We would watch and learn and practice, and that’s how we learned.” The shop offers a

wide menu, and Lara said they prioritize using local ingredients and brands when possible – like sourcing coffee from My Brother’s Cup Coffee Co., in nearby Fulton, Miss., and using Alabama-based Red Diamond Coffee and Tea. “We use minimal ingredients. We don’t have any fillers or powders, and we don’t add extra sugar. We just use the coffee and then our syrups and sauces and our milk products,” Lara explained. “Right away we put a water filtration system on our water; it’s highly filtered, so it’s very good water. That’s very important because you have to start with good water. If you don’t have good water, you’re not going to have a good drink.” In their first few months of business, Lara said Java & jazz has been well received. “Everybody that has come in from the communities, they have all been like, ‘We’re so glad you’re here, and we’ve needed a coffee shop.’ It’s been very favorable.” The shop welcomes Tiffin travelers and other visitors from near and far, but many Java & jazz fans are from the local area. Red Bay’s Jason Rosenburg said he stopped in one day to do a little work in his role as a content/social media manager for two different companies, and his only regret was that it took him as long as it did to make his first visit. “Everyone was talking about it. I had meant to get in sooner but finally found the time to do, and I’m so glad I did,” Rosenburg said. “The atmosphere is very peaceful. Jazz music playing – it felt like going to a friend’s house and visiting. The owners were so nice and made me feel welcome.” Rosenburg said they struck up a conversation about his upcoming move to Mexico, and the Lee shared about their own travels. “I ordered a caffé mocha white, and it was amazing. Before I left I ordered a mint herbal tea which was also very good.” Courtney Sparks lives in Golden but loves to stop by Java & jazz for a caffeine fix when she’s in Red Bay. “I just love coffee and was really excited to have a coffee shop in Red Bay,” she said. “I loved it. The owners were so friendly, and the atmosphere was really relaxed. I know if I ever needed a place to go study or work, I could go there.” She praised the Black Rifle and My Brother’s Cup coffees and said she usual orders a regular coffee or whatever the shop is featuring when she stops in. “I’d just really recommend stopping by for anyone that gets a chance.”

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FAITH

Love has everything to do with it

f you’ve ever noticed how the Cheeseburger in the advertisement looks 100 percent better than the cheeseburger you receive, then you have experienced the letdown of a high expectation. Maybe it was a car. The paint was shiny, the interior was clean, but after driving off the lot, the radiator blew, and you’re stranded by the side of the road. Reality didn’t measure up to your expectations. A college student once asked, “If the transformative power of Christ is so strong, why aren’t more Christians living transformed, abundant, spirit-filled lives?” God’s word teaches that a Christian is “transformed by the renewing of our minds.” This renewing is a daily experience. If believers aren’t spending time in the word of God, neither renewal or transformation are going to happen. Instead, that Christian will experience and exhibit a slow “conforming” to the ways of the world. This is why we don’t see Christians living the abundant life Jesus called us to live. If Christians were spending time with the Lord, through His word, the transformation would be obvious. A side note to those reading this who maybe don’t follow Jesus. Just because you’ve encountered a few hypocrites,

don’t totally dismiss the faith that has done so much to enrich the world around us! Jesus said others will know we are His disciples if we love one another. Love has the ability to cover a multitude of sins. Love can change hearts and lift spirits. Love is the most vital characteristic of a Christfollower. Sacrificial love draws us to a Savior who gave Himself for us. Love demands much of us in the service of others. Outspoken atheist Sam Harris once said, “We must pay attention to the frontiers of our ignorance because on the frontiers of our ignorance is where new things are discovered and found.” Although I disagree with him about many things, I agree with this statement. It applies to Christians in the sense that we must search the Scriptures daily to eliminate ignorance and continue the process of divine transformation. It is in the reading of Scripture that faith is grown and true love is discovered. Jesus made it clear that our love for others, even our “enemies,” is required if we choose to follow Him. It’s the answer to the young man’s question about how Christians live. It’s the answer to our own doubts and fears. What’s love got to do with it? Everything!

Lighting for Your Home & Outdoor Space Our showroom is the place to start when it comes to lighting your home!

Shoals Lighting

2308 Woodward Ave., Muscle Shoals • 256-383-1437 Monday-Friday 8 to 5 - Saturday 9 to 2

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Trae Durden has been the preaching minister at North Highlands church of Christ in Russellville since January 2013. He is married to Leann Durden, and they have a daughter, Darcy Grace (15), and a son, Dalton (12).

Franklin Living

A Taste of Franklin

Franklin Living

Mason Jar on Main

opened in downtown Red Bay in September 2015. The hometown café offers made-to-order breakfasts and daily lunch specials, serving up favorites like philly steaks, chicken fingers, scrumptious soups and the signature Mason Burger. The restaurant is a popular spot for dine-in and carry-out, and visitors praise the food as well as the cheery atmosphere and friendly service. Try your hand at making owner Sherrie Farris’ chocolate cobbler. Chocolate Cobbler • • • • • • •

1 ½ cups of hot water ½ cup of cocoa 1 stick of butter 1 cup of self-rising flour 1 teaspoon of vanilla ½ cup of milk 1 ¾ cups of sugar

Mix all together and bake with love at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY The Foster Grandparent Program of Russellville and the Franklin County Cooperative Extension System hosted the third annual Go Red for Women Luncheon Feb. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the A.W. Todd Centre in Russellville. Attendees enjoyed vendor booths, health screenings, lunch and guest speakers. Photos by ALISON JAMES

Alpha Sean Gunn, Jerline Hughes and Cornelia Jones

Carol Glass and Betty Moore

Barbara Wade and Sanara Denise Mills Darlyne Hargett, Veronica Welborn and Corinne White

Joyce Collum, Brenda Goodloe and Paulette Sharp

Lisa Mason and Sarah Peppers

Lennis Reams, Martha Taylor and Shirley Rambo

Cora Burfield and Lillie Hall

Tyler Melton and Jeanne Isbell

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Ruth Shaw and Margie Phillips

Annie B. West and Linda Graham

Hattie Freeman and Annie Suggs

Celeste Nix and Leslie Bahena

Ida Robinson and Rena Prince

Teresa Alexander and Kausanna Nunery

Delois Downton, Alicia Young and Katrinia Usher

Erica Adams and Wendell Greenleaf with Kindred Hospice

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Stephanie Bates and Jeslyn Hyde

FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Music-lovers converged in downtown Russellville for the Mountain Breeze 2.0 concert at the Historic Roxy Theatre Feb. 9. Photos by MARĂ?A CAMP

Tamra McGee, Noah Borden and Donnie McGee

Sandra Oliver, Randy Oliver, Nellie Cottrell and Joey Holmes

Carr Touchstone and Emily McKinney

Larry Mangum, Kay Ramsey, Erin Mangum, Steve Boatwright and Patti Boatwright

Ruby Raper, Luann Willingham and Barbara Hovater

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Tina Bass and Chuck Mullins Gary Hallman, Randy Kilpatrick, Barry Hill, Debby Hallman, Judy Kilpatrick and Rita Hil

Rusty Pugh, Brandy Pugh, Paisley Pugh and Yvonne Pugh

Delora Jones, Sherry Harper and Yvonne Stidham

Pat Davis, Doris Denton, Myra White, Braxton Davis and Halle Hart

Ann Gault, Barbara Smith, Ann Tompkins and Judy Grissom

Shelia Childress, Jeanne Elkins, Deroma Montgomery and Debra Spillers

Beverly Thorp and William Thorp

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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY

LET US CAPTURE

Linda Bevis and Glenn Bevis

Joe Cooper and Cindy Cooper

Don Lokey and Belinda Lokey

bluebirdredbirds.com

Sharon Morris and David Morris

Renee Fretwell and Ronald Fretwell

Stephanie Oliver and Chad Oliver

Debbie Potter and Terrell Potter

YOUR LOVE STORY Brenda Oliver and Susie Malone

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Marketplace Franklin Living • 256.332.1881

Need appliance or air conditioner parts? How about a water filter for your refrigerator?We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts! Call 1-800-841-0312 www.A1Appliance.com Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Immediate need, Flexible hours, Benefits available. Call for more information 256-539-1400 www.alwaysthereinc.com Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers. Over-the-road positions Available. Dry vans. No hazmat. Must have one year over-theroad experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package. Good home time. Call 800-633-9710 ext. 2

Church Transportation and Logistics, Inc Now Hiring Birmingham, AL based Transportation Company looking for Class-A CDL-Drivers •Average 22,500/mileswk•Must be at least 23yrs-old•Starting pay at .43/mile increase to .45 in 6-months•18-months driving exp. Call:205-9251977 Ext:2309 or Email: recruiting@church transportation.net Lenders’ New 1st Time Homebuyer’s Plan at Clayton Homes, Cullman. You can be APPROVED! 256-734-1930 Now Hiring Heavy Equipment Operators and CDL Drivers Competitive pay and benefits. Pre-employment drug test required Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Call: 205-298-

6799 or email us at: jtate@forestryenv.com G&G STEEL, Inc. is currently seeking qualified Welders & Machinists Apply in person or at www. ggsteel.com Competitive pay and benefits. EOE-Minorities/Females/ Vets/Disabled DRIVERS Hanna Truck Lines is seeking Professional Flatbed Drivers. 53 cpm No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 51 cpm, 52 cpm at 6 months, 53 cpm at 1 year. 100% Outbounds loads Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. Air Ride Trailers. Home weekends. Low cost BCBS Health & Dental Ins. Matching 401K. Qualifications: 18 months Class A CDL

Call today to connect with a

SENIOR LIVING ADVISOR INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

driving experience with 6 months flatbed; Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements. Contact recruiting at 1-800-634-7315 or come by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE 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 Now Booking! Spring, Summer, and Fall. Estate, Antique, Farm Equipment and Real Estate Auctions. Call Auctioneer Chris McNatt • ASL#1474 • TSL#5074 • Firm 2652 • 256-874-3786

Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256-3509938 Lot #2 256-350-9937 smithmotorsauto sales.com Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928 Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedental assisting.com or call (205) 561-8118 & get your career started! White Oak Transportation is hiring CDL-A drivers in your area. Great Pay! Excellent Benefits! Visit our website www. whiteoaktrans.com for more information EOEM/F/D/V

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Joan Lunden, journalist, best-selling author, former host of Good Morning America and senior living advocate.

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Why I Love Franklin County

Natalie Bendall

atalie Bendall has been married to Brett Bendall for 23 years, and they have two sons, Blake and Brayden Bendall. Brett is the president/CEO of Sustainable Safety Solutions, located in Franklin County. Blake is a senior at Auburn University majoring in business finance and is engaged to his high school sweetheart, Hannah Prince. Brayden is a senior at Russellville High School and plans to pursue an education in business entrepreneurship upon graduation while playing college golf. A 1995 graduate of Russellville High School with an associate’s degree in general education from NW-SCC, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from The University of North Alabama and a master’s and education specialist’s degree in instructional leadership from The University of North Alabama, Natalie is working on her Doctorate of Education degree virtually through the University of West Alabama. How long have you lived in Franklin County? I have lived in Franklin County for 35 years. My family moved from Littleville to Duncan Creek when I was in first grade. I remember how excited I was to be able to go to Russellville to school. What is your job title, and what does your work entail? I am currently the assistant principal and career and technical education director at

Russellville High School. I am responsible for managing the district career and technical education program. As an instructional leader, I am highly involved in the development and improvement of instructional programs in career and technical education as well as the core curriculum at Russellville High School. I support strong community collaboration and pursue partnerships with local business and industry. This is my 15th year as a member of the Russellville City Schools family. Just as family members have the opportunity to wear many hats, I have been blessed to wear many hats at Russellville City Schools: elementary teacher, elementary administrator, middle school administrator, high school administrator and career and technical education director. What do you enjoy about your job, or what about it is meaningful to you? I originally chose to be a teacher because it was the “mommy” thing to do. Brett and I got married in August after I graduated high school. Within two years, I had my first son, Blake. I knew if I was a teacher, I would be off when he was out of school and would have the summers to spend with him. Little did I know I would fall in love with education and students. Every position I have held has enabled me to impact lives in different ways. I know that God has placed me exactly where He wants me to be.

I love my job, and I strongly believe children are our most valuable assets. To ensure the growth of our community, we must work together to support them. What is your favorite place to visit in Franklin County? My favorite place to visit in Franklin County is Cedar Creek. I love spending time with my family near the water. All of my boys love to fish and camp, so some of my favorite memories are of our time at Cedar Creek. What are your favorite Franklin County restaurants,

and what do you like about each of them? This is a super hard question because I love Franklin County food and I really do not love to cook. If I had to pick just a few of my favorites: Speedy Pig’s chicken fingers, Pilgrim’s chicken salad, 43 Grille’s grilled chicken, Doe’s fried shrimp, The Grind’s breakfast rolls, Frosty Inn’s peanut butter milkshake and Taylor’s pink fluff. Why do you love Franklin County? I love Franklin County because it is the perfect picture of small-town America.

FAST 5

1. Favorite hobby: painting and collecting Fenton. 2. Favorite food: ice cream. 3. Goal or ambition: I would love to write a book one day. 4. Church: Faith Church in Florence, where we were married 23 years ago. 5. Something people might not know about me is: I occasionally write and post to a blog called Exponential Impact.

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OUR VISION To become the BEST and MOST RESPECTED Company in our industry, creating opportunities for a better future for our team members.

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275 Team Members Celebrating their 75,000th Home Recipients of our special home are Richard and Paula Hill. Sold by Timberline Homes of Dothan, AL. The Hill’s lost their previous home during the devastating Category 4 Hurricane Michael, while living in one of the hardest hit areas—Bayou George, FL. Mr. Hill is a general contractor, specifically building shopping malls. “We’re honored to provide a new home to someone that specializes in a similar profession and understands the quality of construction that goes into every home we provide,” said Clayton Russellville General Mgr. David Brewer. The Hill’s were presented with framed signature board with each Team Member’s name that had a hand in building their home; also provided with a special gift basket for Richard and Paula, along with their two dogs-Dusty and Dolly. Southern Homes began production in 1989 and in 2014 relocated in Russellville. They are one of 40 home building facilities that is a part of the Clayton Home Group. “This incredible milestone wouldn’t be possible without the hard work our team members put in every day. Our team members take great pride in building beautiful, quality-constructed homes for so many families to make memories in,” said Clayton Russellville TMX Mgr. Mollie Carter. Clayton offers traditional site-built homes and prefabricated housing, including modular homes, manufactured homes, tiny homes, college dormitories, military barracks and apartments. Southern Homes – Russellville, AL - (256) 277-7200 Our Team Builds Happiness so that Families can Make Memories.