2013 Summer Franklin Living

SUMMER 2013 VOL. 3 ISSUE NO. 2

Lakes, Dismals put nature on display Myrick puts personality into landscaping

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e thank you for taking time to sit back and enjoy this issue of Franklin Living.

We always look forward to producing a quarterly magazine that features the best of life in Franklin County, which is truly one of the greatest places in the world to live.

Inside this issue we have focused on two things our county can proudly boast of – our beautiful lakes and the Dismals Canyons.

Both attract visitors from across the world, in some cases, and we are blessed to have them right here in our own backyard.

We encourage each of you to get out this summer and enjoy some of the natural beauty we have to offer here - there is nowhere like it.

In this issue you will also find a heartwarming story about the ties between a Franklin County mission group and a pastor and congregation a world away as well as a feature on a Russellville woman who has made her yard take on a life of its own.

We also urge you all to visit the sponsors throughout this magazine who make Franklin Living something to look for.

W

FCNI Publisher Jonathan Willis with his wife, Mandi, and sons, Cade, 3, and Ty, 6.

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What’s happening?

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

On a mission

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Missionary re-connects with local group

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What’s hot

Check out these can’t miss summer items

Summer health tips

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Protect your hair from surf and sand

Personal touch

Myrick puts personality into landscaping

All natural

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Dismals a natural wonder of the world

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Sam’s dishing it

Dishes you must try for your summer cookouts

On the water

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County lakes a paradise for recreation and fishing

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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

Publisher Jonathan Willis Editorial and Photography Kellie Singleton and J.R. Tidwell Sales Peggy Hyde and Nicole Pell Composition Karen McAfee

FRANKLIN LIVING

WHAT TO DO Jam on Sloss Lake July 4 One of North Alabama’s largest fireworks displays takes place right here in Franklin County at Sloss Lake on Alabama 24 in Russellville. An afternoon filled with music, games and fun is highlighted by a spectacular fireworks show once the sun goes down.

The Cotton Flats Cruisers will also host their third annual car show during the day, featuring an assortment of classic cars and truck from across the area.

Rockin’ at the Roxy July 13 The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council hosts the Rockin’ at the Roxy concert series the second Saturday each month.

Vina July Fest July 27 The annual Vina July Fest attracts visitors from all over the area.

Come out and enjoy games, crafts and giveaways.

Rockin’ at the Roxy August 10 The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council hosts the Rockin’ at the Roxy concert series the second Saturday each month.

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Watermelon Festival

the second Saturday each month.

August 16 & 17 Come enjoy a good time in downtown Russellville this August at the Franklin County Watermelon Festival, hosted by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.

The Watermelon Festival has been recognized as one of the top attractions in the state of Alabama each August. The two-day festival includes concerts, games, crafts, vendors and all the watermelon you can eat.

Smithsonian exhibit

Labor Day

Come explore all the charm the small, Southern town of Red Bay has to offer at their annual Founders Fest celebration downtown. Take part in the games, enjoy the entertainment, see the arts and crafts and eat some of the delicious food provided by the vendors.

September 2

Rockin’ at the Roxy September 14 The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council hosts the Rockin’ at the Roxy concert series

September 14 - October 25 An interactive, educational and entertaining traveling Smithsonian exhibit will be on display at the Arts and Entertainment Center in Red Bay from Sept. 14 through Oct. 25. Don’t miss this exciting event.

Red Bay Founders Fest September 21

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OUT & ABOUT The Franklin County Relay for Life is always a special time as county residents work together to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Pictured from this year’s event are: 1.) Brad Bolton and Alan Rhudy 2.) Daniel and Glenna Bagwell 3.) Russellville Mayor David Grissom and daughter, Kate.

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OUT & ABOUT The Franklin County Relay for Life is always a special time as county residents work together to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Pictured from this year’s event are: 1. Elaine and Buddy Christian 2. Elliott and Ponda Gordon 3. Jane Voyles Michael Blanton and Abbigale Voyles

Members of the Russellville High School graduating class of 1953 recently gathered for their 60th reunion.

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OUT & ABOUT The Franklin County Relay for Life is always a special time as county residents work together to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Pictured from this year’s event are: 1.) Jimmy and Sandy Montgomery 2.) Josh Upchurch and Wanda Myrick 3.) Misty and Bryne George 4.) Nina and Mark McNatt 5.) Randy and Paula Lindsey 6.) Ray Yocom and Tonya James.

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FRANKLIN LIVING

OUT & ABOUT The Franklin County Relay for Life is always a special time as county residents work together to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Pictured from this year’s event are: 1.) Popular local group Rewind performed at this year’s event 2.) Sandra Stone and Janice Pennington 3.) Sherry Oden and Megan Lovelace 4.) Maudie and Roger Bedford and Chris Ozbirn 5.) Kody Madden and Katelynn Gordon 6.) Kellie Singleton was named Franklin County’s ACS Volunteer of the Year.

FRANKLIN LIVING

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FRANKLIN LIVING

FAITH MATTERS

From the mission field

R

STORY BY KELLIE SINGLETON PHOTOS BY KELLIE SINGLETON and HEATHER MOUSER

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ussellville resident Grady Fuller has devoted most of his life to mission work in many different parts of the world and through that work, he has made some good friendships that have lasted beyond the borders of the foreign lands he has visited.

Recently, one of those friends made the near 8,000-mile journey from Kampala, Uganda, in East Africa, to catch up with Fuller and others in the small city of Russellville who visited Uganda on a mission journey

two years ago.

Pastor Vincent Victours with Life in Jesus Ministries in Kampala, Uganda, said it was great to see people like Fuller who have had such a great impact on his ministry efforts in his home country.

“I truly appreciate all the ones who have come to Uganda to help spread the gospel and love of Jesus to our people there,” Victours said.

“They play an important role in what we do there and we appreciate them so much.”

Fuller said Calvary Baptist

Church pastor Dr. Wade Wallace was the one who put him and several others in touch with Victours and his ministry in East Africa.

Victours said he had known Wallace for six years and he had helped spread the word about the need for missionaries in that part of Uganda.

“We had a team of about 18 people from the area who partnered with Bro. Vincent on this trip,” Fuller said.

“Andy Richardson led the construction team for work on the orphanage and school

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Pastor Vincent Victours with Life in Jesus Ministries in Kampala, Uganda, recently visited members from a local mission team that helped his church two years ago. He is pictured with Russellville resident Grady Fuller, who has made numerous overseas missions trips.

“It was a wonderful mission trip and a great time of reaching out to the people of Uganda.”

— Grady Fuller Russellville

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the ministry supports, Dr. Therese Lango from Florence led the medical team, Bro. Wade led the mission team and I represented the Gideons, who distributed 300 Bibles while we were there.

“It was a wonderful mission trip and a great time of reaching out to the people of Uganda.”

Victours said he knew firsthand how important the work of missionaries could be because it was a missionary who preached the gospel to him at the age of 16 that ultimately led to his salvation and faith in Christ.

Victours grew up in a Muslim family with a father who served as a leader in the Muslim faith through the National Islamic Board in Uganda.

Victours said he was attending Islamic Theological Seminary and was on his way to school when he was met by a missionary from Alabama at the border of Uganda and the Congo.

“The pastor’s name was Jimmy Jackson from Whitesburg Baptist

Church in Huntsville and he was there to do a gospel crusade,” Victours said.

“I was intrigued by what was happening – not the preaching of the gospel but of so many white people gathered in one area. That is something you just didn’t see every day, so initially, that is why I decided to go to one of the crusades. I didn’t go to hear the preaching.”

But Victours said the preaching was what held him in his seat and what ended up changing his life.

“Dr. Jimmy was preaching on hope and after his invitation at the end of the sermon, I gave my life to Jesus,” Victours said.

After that, Victours said he went home to tell his family, but they were outraged by the news.

“I tried to give my testimony but my sister was so mad that she jumped over and bit me,” Victours said, while showing the scar he still had from the teeth marks.

“My father was angry but he gave me two days to think about my

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Members of a mission team see patients during a trip to Uganda in 2011.

decision. When I did not change my mind, he chained my hands and my feet and drove me 270 miles to Mt. Elgon and left me there.”

Victours said he wasn’t sure what he was going to do until a cattle keeper discovered him there nine hours later who graciously took him in for several days.

He then made the decision to go back to Kampala, which is the capital city of Uganda.

Because the city is so big, Victours said it was more than a year before he saw anyone he knew, but when he ventured closer to his home, he met his mother, who was surprised to see him alive.

“She thought that I had probably been killed,” he said.

While his family’s mind was made up, Victours said he hoped to spread the gospel of Christ to others who were lost in Uganda.

With the help of yet another Christian missionary, Victours obtained money to attend school – secondary school, high school and eventually Bethel Bible College in Nairobi, Kenya, when he was almost 28 years old.

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Pastor Vincent Victours with Life in Jesus Ministries in Kampala, Uganda, recently visited members from a local mission team that helped his church two years ago. Members of that team from Russellville are pictured above.

“When I finished college, I came back and began church planting,” he said. “Since that time, I have planted 45 churches, three of which I serve as pastor.”

Life in Jesus Ministries was born during this time, which, in addition to the church plants, also supports Life College School and Life Orphanage Home – two institutions that help educate and house the orphaned and poor children in the area and also teaches them Christian values.

“It is through the help of missionaries like the Bro. Grady and the ones from here in Russellville who help keep these ministries thriving,” Victours said.

“I just want to thank them for what they did and let them

know how their work is continuing to be used in Uganda.”

Fuller said he never goes on a mission journey to receive thanks for his efforts, but it is always great to hear that the work they have done has made an impact for the Lord.

“While I was there, I actually taught a class at Life College when they found out I was a history professor for 33 years,” Fuller said.

“It was wonderful to speak to those kids and to hear them sing and hear their stories and to share with them.

“I’m just so pleased that Bro. Vincent was able to come here and tell us all about how the school is doing and how the kids are learning and progressing.”

“It is through the help of missionaries like Bro. Grady and the ones from here in Russellville who help keep these ministries thriving. I just want to thank them for what they did and let them know how their work is continuing to be used in Uganda.”

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FRANKLIN LIVING

My Curves story began on Dec. 26, 2012. In the past, I have always been a very active person. I enjoyed walking and would even walk six miles daily, but as my children got older, their schedules got busier, and I had less time for myself. As a result, overtime, I had packed on close to fifteen unwanted pounds. I was also recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. I knew the extra pounds plus my inactivity were both contributors of this.

I had tried several diets such as Advocare, diet pills, I even skipped meals, but I didn’t see any results or the results were temporary. Finally, after Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, I had enough!

I didn’t wait for the New Year to begin my resolution; I started the day after Christmas.

Curves instantly became a part of my new healthy lifestyle.

I love Curves because it is so easy! There are women from all age groups and all shapes and sizes. The 30-minute commitment is very manageable in my busy schedule. After a few weeks of exercise, I wanted to try Curves Complete. It is a very simple program to follow and you see results quickly.

Curves Complete is easy to follow. The online resources are awesome! You can plan weekly meals online, the recipes are easy, and you can even print an itemized grocery list. I am a picky eater, but Curves Complete offers you

many options. On nights when restaurant has meal choices we have lessons or ballgames, available.

I can just pull up the on the go Besides the online support, the support at the gym is awesome! I enjoy the one-on-one coaching. The coaches are very enthusiastic. They would sit down with me and go over my meal plans. We would discuss my goals and what was or was not working.

After just three months on Curves Complete I have lost 20 pounds. I also no longer have to take blood pressure medicine. I am so excited that I met my goal. Curves has given me the knowledge I need to lose weight and to keep it off. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself. options on my cell phone and most every fast food chain or Suzanne Parrish

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FRANKLIN LIVING

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WHAT’S HOT

OUT & ABOUT The Franklin Civic-Social Club held their annual Fun Day at the Chucky Mullins Center in June.

Pictured below are: 1.)Local children participating in one of the day’s many games 2.) Jamere Rose practices getting the ball up the court 3.) Nigel Betts wears his no. 38 Chucky Mullins Ole Miss jersey 4.) Ryan Nelson, Joshua Davidson, Nigel Betts and Jay Goodlow pose for a photo 5.) Diamond White, Treyvia Pruitt, Nefertari West and Devin Jones take their turn in front of the camera 6.) Kids of all ages gathered for the fun at the annual Fun Day.

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WELLNESS

Protecting hair from surf and sun People are well aware that they need to protect their skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

But few may know they need to devote as much attention to protecting their hair.

In addition to exposing hair to potentially harmful UVrays, time outdoors in the sun can leave hair brittle, dull and more prone to breakage. People fail to realize that the scalp also is susceptible to sunburn and can take a beating when in the sun for many hours. If your hair is particularly thin, you may be more at risk for sun-related trauma to the scalp.

Combine damage from the sun with the drying factor of chemically treated pool water or saltwater, and you have a recipe for bad hair.

There are a number of ways to protect the hair and still enjoy some fun in the sun.

• Wear a hat when out in the sun. A hat will serve as a barrier from direct sunlight. A hat will protect your face while covering your head and most of your hair. When swimming, opt for a swimming cap that will cover the hair and guard it from pool chemicals or seawater.

• Use a leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioners or even regular conditioners can be combed through your hair before you head to the pool or beach. The conditioner will coat the strands of hair and protect it from drying out and other sun damage.

• Rely on an SPFproduct. There are leave-in treatments for hair and scalp that are a conditioner and sunscreen all-in-one. But if you need something that works in a pinch, simply dilute a little standard sunscreen with water and spritz it through the hair, paying attention to the scalp and other easily burned areas, like the ears and nape of the neck. You can also mix sunscreen with a little conditioner and work it through your hair.

• Rinse your hair after swimming. Saltwater and pool water may continue to cause damage after you finish swimming. Once you’re through, rinse your hair with cool, clean water to get out as much salt or chemical residue as possible. Also rinse out any sand that may have become lodged in your hair, as sand can rub against hair and cause breakage. When you have time for a shower, use an after-sun shampoo specially designed to thoroughly clean hair after it has been exposed to the sun.

• Keep hair from turning green. Few people hope to have their hair turn green after swimming in a pool. Unfortunately, such a transformation is somewhat common, particularly for those with blonde or light-colored hair.

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Contrary to popular belief, it is not the chlorine itself that causes hair to turn green, but rather oxidized metals in the pool water that bind to the protein in the hair shaft. Copper is the metal that produces the green tint and is often found in algaecides. The chlorine added to the pool may speed up the oxidizing process but is not the actual cause of the color. Special shampoos that chelate the metal in the hair follicle can help remove the green. Also, try rinsing your hair with a mixture of clean water and baking soda after swimming.

• Avoid excessive hair styling. Highlighting or coloring the hair directly before a fun-in-the-sun vacation can dry out or frizz hair even further.

Furthermore, the sun and the saltwater will naturally highlight hair even further, so you could end up with a different color than you initially intended. If you have colored your hair, keep it pinned up and under a hat when out in the sun. Also, minimize drying hair with a hair dryer, and cut down on your use of heat-based styling aides. These appliances can just compound hair damage.

It is important to protect the hair and scalp when spending significant time in the sun. Whether you cover up or lather on sunscreen, there are a number of ways to reduce hair damage that results from sun exposure.

FRANKLIN LIVING

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Putting personality into landscaping

D STORY BY KELLIE SINGLETON PHOTOS BY KELLIE SINGLETON

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uring the spring and summer months in Franklin County, many residents can be found outside, gardening tools in hand, with a determination to transform a homely piece of land into something beautiful, useful and meaningful.

Russellville resident Wanda Myrick is one of such people who take pride in their gardens and the plants they cultivate year after year.

Myrick’s home on North Jackson Avenue is constantly admired by those passing by and it’s little wonder why so many motorists and residents are drawn to her landscaping.

Since moving into the two-story limestone home in 2007, Myrick has consistently added more and more plants to the lush landscaping that not only covers the front yard but the side and back yards as well.

Vibrant hues of green can be found in the different varieties of bushes and shrubs and in the gorgeous 10-inch ferns that adorn her shaded front porch.

“It’s something about the shade that seems to really have allowed my ferns to grow larger

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than I anticipated,” Myrick said. “I currently have the 10-inch ferns in 12-inch pots to accommodate them and they still seem to be doing well.”

Most of the pops of color that can currently be seen at Myrick’s home come from several groupings of potted red geraniums, and the color choice for these plants wasn’t just a coincidence.

Anyone who knows Myrick knows that she is a devoted fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, so her red blooms pay homage to her favorite sports team.

“Gardening can be a great way to showcase your personality and

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display your interests in a different kind of way,” Myrick said.

“Of course I love the red colors because of Alabama football but I have other plants that have meaning as well.”

Myrick said she has an abundance of purple-hued plants, such as her purple lantana and purple verbena, in memory of her nephew, Will Scott, who passed away in 1998 at the age of four after being diagnosed with leukemia at just 18 months old.

“Purple was Will’s favorite color and it’s also the color for the American Cancer Society,” Myrick said.

“When I started selecting plants

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to put in my landscaping, it was just natural for me to pick out plants with purple tones in memory of Will. Even though he was only with us for a few short years, he touched so many lives and is still loved and missed.”

Besides the red and purple colors, Myrick has flowering plants in many other hues and tones, such as her vibrant orange and dark crimson day lilies, the soft coloring of her cream and light blue hydrangeas, the bold colors of her dark pink and blue hydrangeas and her coleus, and the mixed colors in her variegated lantana.

“Mainly I just choose plants that I like when I’m selecting things to plant around my home,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to be able to walk through the yard and see so many things blooming and growing that I enjoy.”

Myrick said that is another perk of gardening – the satisfaction of knowing you have played a part in growing something that is so beautiful.

“For me, gardening is a stress reliever,” she said. “At the end of the day, I can come home and start my gardening and by the time I am through, all the stress built up during the day is just gone.

“I love to baby the plants and really take care of them as they grow, which takes a good bit of time and effort.

“But even though it may be hard work, it is so rewarding in the end to see that hard work pay off when you have a yard that you can enjoy and that other people can admire.”

Even though Myrick’s yard may look as if she has been a gardener from the time she learned how to walk, Myrick said she actually got into the hobby in 2000 when she moved to a home with more room to utilize well-maintained landscaping.

“My mother was a wonderful gardener with a true green thumb and I always admired her ability to grow such beautiful plants,” Myrick said.

“She was my inspiration for getting into the hobby as soon as I had the space and the chance to.”

For those who are just starting out wit their gardening hobby or for those who might be interested, Myrick said there were a few things to remember.

“The most basic tip is to make sure you have good soil,” she said. “I use Miracle-Gro and make sure the soil is going to be able to hold the water and not let the plant go dry.

“You also want to make sure you are choosing plants that will work well in your yard. If you have a really sunny yard, you don’t want to choose plants that need a lot of shade.

If you have an abundance of shade, you don’t want to choose plants that need lots of sunlight.

“There are many other specific, particular tips to maintain a healthy garden, but basically you just need to understand that it takes time and patience – the plants don’t just grow without any help.

“You need to weed them, water them and take care of them, and if you do those things, you will have beautiful plants that you can enjoy for years to come.”

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FRANKLIN LIVING

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OUT & ABOUT Area you baseball and softball teams have been busy this spring and many will be playing in allstar tournaments throughout the summer. Pictured below are: 1.) Abrianna McCullough 2.) Kayden Harvey 3.) TheranPounders 4.) Jacob Barnwell 5.) Tanner James 6.) Bryant James.

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T

ucked away quietly in the southeastern corner of Franklin County is a natural wonder that would make even the most seasoned world traveler stand in awe of the beauty and majesty found in STORY BY such an unlikely place.

KELLIE SINGLETON Dismals Canyon Conservatory, located PHOTOS BY off the beaten path in Phil Campbell, KELLIE SINGLETON is something that many people in the county often forget about when thinking of things to do or places to go in the area, but just one trip will remind visitors why it has been held in such high esteem by environmentalists and filmmakers alike in recent years.

Dismals Canyon was deemed a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interiors in 1976, which makes it one of only 596 such places in the United States.

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Dismals Canyon is privately owned and operated and features 96 acres of natural beauty right here in Franklin County’s own backyard.

At the country store located at the trailhead, visitors to Dismals Canyon are given a map, which highlights the manmade trail through the canyon.

Phil Campbell native Kevin Cheek has grown up in the area near the canyon and has worked on and off at the canyon since 1999.

Cheek’s grandfather actually purchased 100 acres of land across from the site of Dismals Canyon after he returned home from fighting in World War II, and Cheek’s father helped construct some of

over the world.

“We have had several people from Australia, from Asia, and many parts of the United States,” he said.

“We’ve also attracted many botanists and nature enthusiasts who have come to study the many natural species of plants and wildlife we have here. The area that’s around ‘Secret Falls’ is classified as a natural arboretum because there are 27 species of native trees that grow within 100 feet.”

Another rare phenomenon found in Dismals Canyon are the thousands of insects known as ‘Dismalites.’ These

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the trails when they were being created in 1956.

“The man who owned Dismals Canyon in the 1950s was an engineer with TVA and he was the one who opened the canyon to the public. That was when the steps were first built to get down to the canyon floor,” Cheek said.

“Before that, my father can remember my grandmother carrying him through what’s now called ‘Fat Man’s Misery,’ which is a narrow opening, about 16 inches wide, that was the original way you accessed the canyon floor.”

Since the canyon was opened to the public, Cheek said they have had visitors from literally all

creatures are said to be closely related to the rare glowworms found in Australia and New Zealand and they light up parts of the canyon starting at twilight by emitting a blue-green light that helps them attract food.

“We actually do guided nighttime tours to see the Dismalites, and we’ve actually had many people participate in the tours this season,” Cheek said.

“We’ve been doing the night tours since March but I took my first tour just before Memorial Day weekend and the Dismalites have been as bright and numerous this

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“When you come to the Dismals, it’s like you’ve stepped into another world. The vibrant colors, native plant life, natural caves and beautiful waterfalls are just indescribable. If you are tired of a ‘pluggedin’ America full of electronics that has lost that element of realness, come take a break at Dismals Canyon. This truly is a place where nature is at its finest, and for Franklin County residents, it’s just down the road.”

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year as I’ve seen them in 10 years. It really is a breathtaking sight to see thousands of these glowing insects covering the walls of the canyon.”

In addition to visitors who have a love and appreciation for nature, Cheek said they also have several school groups who tour the canyon each year because of the scientific and historical significance the canyon holds.

The canyon map explains in detail the area’s vast historical significance and the early inhabitants that roamed the canyon floor in the days before settlers and explorers had ventured into this region of the New World.

According to the Dismals Canyon website, the canyon was originally occupied some 10,000 years ago by native tribes like the Paleo, Chickasaw and Cherokee Indians.

Many native artifacts have been discovered throughout the canyon and

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sites such as the “Kitchen,” “Temple Cave,” and “The Dance Hall,” held special significance for the tribes who used these places for gatherings, rituals and ceremonies.

And because the canyon offers such a breathtaking view and ample amounts of vibrant plant and wildlife, the canyon has also hosted several film crews, most notably crews from the Discovery Channel who filmed the special “When Dinosaurs Roamed America,” and in 2011 the Discovery Channel came back to get footage for another upcoming series.

Besides the abundance of natural beauty in the canyon itself, Dismals Canyon offers two cabins for guests to stay in while they visit the area.

And for those who want to remain closer to nature, primitive outdoor campsites are also offered.

Swimming is also available in one of the natural pools that is filled with

spring water that remains at 58° in the summertime.

“If I had to tell someone why they should visit Dismals Canyon, I don’t know that I could actually put it into words,” Cheek said.

“We had a person on one of our night tours who told us that it was like something out of the movie ‘Avatar,’ and while we laughed about it, I knew exactly what this teenager meant.

“When you come to the Dismals, it’s like you’ve stepped into another world. The vibrant colors, native plant life, natural caves and beautiful waterfalls are just indescribable.

“If you are tired of a ‘plugged-in’ America full of electronics that has lost that element of realness, come take a break at Dismals Canyon. This truly is a place where nature is at its finest, and for Franklin County residents, it’s just down the road.”

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Dismals Canyon Conservatory 901 Highway 8 Phil Campbell, AL 205-993-4559

Dismals Canyon Conservatory is open 7 days a week.

The current operating schedule is as follows: Monday – Thursday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dismalite Nighttime Tours are currently offered on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 8:30 p.m.

For more information or for cabin and campsite rates, visit www.dismalscanyon.com.

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FOOD

From Sam’s kitchen

Philly Cheesesteak Hoagies Hoagie Buns or Sub Rolls 2 Thin Ribeyes Small Onion, chopped 1/4 c. Bell Pepper 1/4 t. Garlic Powder 2 t. A-1 Sauce Salt Pepper 1 c. Cheddar Cheese In a large skillet or griddle cook Ribeye sliced thin. Cook on other side cook, Onion, Pepper, Garlic, Salt and Pepper.

Cook until tender. Combine together. Add A-1 and cheese.

Toast buns and add mixture and serve.

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Potato Salad 6 potatoes (cubed) Salt Pepper 8 oz. Sour Cream 1/2c. Onion 2 t. Celery Seeds 1/4 c. Celery 1/2 c. Sweet Pickles 3 Boiled Eggs 1 c. Bacon Cook potatoes until tender. Drain, and add Salt, Pepper, Onion, Celery, Pickles, Eggs, Sour Cream and Bacon.

Apple Salad 1/8 t. Salt 2 Large Apples 1/2 c. Rasins 1/4 c. Chopped Pecans 1/4 C Celery 1/8 c. Mayo Chop apples into small squares. Chop Celery into small pieces. Mix well together and chill.

Serve cold.

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Coconut Balls 1 pkg of Cream Cheese, Soften 1 8oz. crushed pineapple, well drained 1 c. chopped pecans 1 c. coconut flakes Mix soft Cream Cheese, Pineapple and nuts well. Round into balls size of quarters. Roll in coconut. Makes 24-30

Fried Okra Cakes 16 oz. Cut Okra 1/4 t. Pepper 1/4 t. Salt 1/4 t. Garlic Small Onion, Chopped fine 1/4 c. Corn Meal 1 Egg Mix All Together. Cook in Olive Oil on medium heat or until brown evenly on both sides.

Flip twice.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies 1 box Lemon Cake Mix 1 Egg 2 c. Cool Whip, thawed 1/2 to 1 c. Powdered Sugar In a large bowl n=mix all but sugar. Drop spoon fulls of mixture in to sugar and completely cover. Drop onto cookie sheet and cook at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.

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The spring sports season was an eventful one for Franklin County Teams. Pictured below are: 1.) Phil Campbell’s Cameron Harris gets a big hit in a Bobcats’ game earlier this year 2.) Russellville’s Drew Malone won a single’s state title in tennis action 3.) Tharptown’s Kassy Baker prepares to bunt

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

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

S

STORY BY J.R. TIDWELL PHOTOS BY J.R. TIDWELL

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ummer is upon us here in Franklin County, and that means it’s time to take full advantage of the warm weather this season provides.

If your idea of fun in the sun involves any kind of activity in or around the water, the Bear Creek Development Authority (BCDA) has you covered.

“We have four lakes within our system: Upper Bear, Little Bear, Big Bear and Cedar,” said Shannon McKinney, BCDA manager.

“They range in size from Cedar, which has the largest surface area at 42,000 acres, to Big Bear, which has 670 surface acres. You have a lot of open water in places like on Cedar and you have more of a riverine feel when you go on places like Big Bear and Upper Bear.

“Upper Bear is quite spread out and has long feeder arms that run into it. It gives it more of a river-like appearance. There is outstanding scenery at all the lakes.

“At Upper Bear you’re in the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau so you get some of the rocky outcroppings you see.

“Down at Cedar it opens up a little bit and you get more of the rolling hills. There is a lot of range of scenery and a lot of things going on.”

No matter what kind of activity you enjoy in the summer that involves the water, the lakes of the BCDA can facilitate.

“We’ve got you covered as far as all of your water sports go: fishing, skiing, swimming and boating,” McKinney said.

“Any of that stuff can be done at all of our lakes. If you want to go out and get away from everyone you might go skiing on Big Bear.

“I’m from that area, and we would go down there in the afternoon and the water would be like glass because no one would be out there.

“If you want to be out and about where there is a crowd, then you’ll gravitate towards Little Bear or Cedar.”

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If a woodland getaway surrounded by Mother Nature is more your thing, then the BCDA has everything you need for a weekend camping trip or any longer excursion into the woodlands of Franklin County.

“We have five different campgrounds all up and going all at or near capacity,” McKinney said.

“They usually are near the Fourth of July. We’ve been getting a lot of calls from people wanting to book cabins.

“The first open weekend we have now is towards the beginning of August. We do have some slots available through the week.

“Generally that’s the way it runs during this time of year. When school is out you have people looking for something to do or to get away for a weekend while the kids are out of school.

“Once school starts back things start tapering off again until Labor Day. We’ll have availabilities from then on out. Cabins can be rented year-round, but the campgrounds are seasonal.

“We are having a good camping season so far. The camps are

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really busy. We are excited where things are going.

“We are looking to have some better years when the economy gets going. We are looking to add some more campsites and get some more things going in the future.”

The only thing a person needs to have full access to the different lakes and surrounding woodlands of the BCDA is a permit.

“If you are between the ages of 16 and 65 you will need either an annual or daily pass to visit the BCDA properties,” McKinney said.

“The annual pass is $22 for a year, or you can buy a daily pass, which is good for 24 hours from whichever time you want it to start, for $3.25. That’s it.

“Kids under the age of 16 and kids over the age of 65 don’t need to have one. The yearly permit covers hunting, fishing and any of that stuff.

“A lot of people don’t realize that there is hunting available in the area around the lakes. People can come by and look at or purchase a map of the area so they know what is going on.”

For information about a BCDA permit, enquiring about a cabin rental or for any other information about the BCDA, call the main office at 256-332-4392. The office is located at 1111 County Road 88 in Hodges.

If you are interested in a cabin rental, a reservation is highly recommended so you can reserve the time period you would like.

“Call the number here at our office, and we’ll be glad to check dates for you, tell you what we’ve got and go from there,” McKinney said.

“We put new furniture in all 11 cabins just a month ago. They have a new, fresh look with all new upholstery. Those are booking up for the summer.

“You can’t call this week and want something on the upcoming weekend. It’s probably not going to happen. Labor Day is already gone in September, but we have other big weekends available around that time.

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“I like being on the lakes during that time because the cooler air is starting to come in but the water is still warm.

“That’s a good time to be out as well. Just because you can’t get in during peak season in the summer doesn’t mean you can’t come out, because during the fall months we’ll still have cabins available.”

Plenty of people have already visited BCDA property this summer looking for fun and adventure. No matter what kind of activity, trip or vacation you may want to take that involves the woods or water, the BCDA has worked hard to make sure you get the most out of your experience at one of its fine locations.

“We’ve got sand put on the beaches, things are cleaned up and ready to go and guys are mowing each day to keep things maintained and up and going where the public can use it,” McKinney said.

“There are fishing piers, you can fish below the dams or you can fish in the lakes themselves. If you have a boat you can fish anywhere you want to.

“Just about any water-related sports or activities we’re going to have it. Pavilions are available for the public at several of

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our areas.

“We just want to ask people to get out and enjoy the scenery we have here in Franklin County.”

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LOOKING BACK

Do you know these faces?

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LOOKING BACK

Do you know these faces?

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FRANKLIN LIVING

Do you know these faces?

FRANKLIN LIVING

LOOKING BACK

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PARTING SHOTS

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

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FRANKLIN LIVING

Tiffin Motorhomes WHEREVER YOU GO, WE GO.

A Fixture at Tiffin Donald Holland has worked in just about every position there is to work in during his 40 years as an employee at Tiffin Motorhomes in Red Bay. Holland said he worked in the construction business, but when business turned slow, his brother suggested he apply for a job at Tiffin since that was where he was working at the time.

Holland said he applied for and received the job and he has been a fixture at the plant ever since.

“This company has been very good to me,” Holland said.

“I like the people I work for and work with, and I like what I do.”

Holland said he started out with the company in 1973 working in the electrical department. At the time, the plant was much smaller than it is today.

“When I started out, there were only two of us in the electrical department that wired the whole unit,” Holland said.

“The company was a lot smaller, and it’s been amazing to see how it has grown over the years.

“It started out as a couple of buildings and has grown to what it is today. I never did believe it would grow this

much, but I really think it’s all because of the way Bob [Tiffin] runs this business and the way he treats the employees and the customers that has made it grow.”

Over the years, Holland has worked in several different departments and has served as a supervisor over the wire/ electrical department, the parts/plumbing department, the appliances department, the metal department, the cabinet shop and the window installation department.

“Being a supervisor can be a lot of responsibility but I had a lot of good people working with me, and that makes all the difference,” he said. “We have good employees here who care about what they do.”

Holland said he stepped down from the supervisor position and currently works in the small parts and woodwork department cutting parts and running the saws.

“I didn’t think I’d ever stay at one place for so long but I have enjoyed my work,” he said.

And he must really enjoy his work to have driven from his home in Iuka, Miss.,

Donald Holland each day for the past 40 years.

“When you find a good job – a good company – like this, you just stick with it,” he said.

When he isn’t at work, Holland said he liked to spend time with his wife of 46 years, Betty, their children, Donna and Jackie, and their five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Holland said he also enjoys collecting Coca Cola memorabilia, driving his ’65 Mustang, and going to yard sales to buy things he can fix up and resell.

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

The Hospice With A Heart

Proudly Serving All of North Alabama

256-332-7001 13760 13760 Highway Highway 43, 43, Suite Suite 8 8 •• Russellville, Russellville, AL AL www.hospiceofnorthalabama.com www.hospiceofnorthalabama.com