2019 May/June Franklin Living

SHERIFF SHANNON OLIVER | TIGER PRIDE NIGHT | SAVING FOR SUMMER

May/June 2019 Vol. 9 Issue No. 3

Industry of the Year

BRILLIANCE Gardeners help beauty bloom

Mar-Jac finds Franklin roost

Painting and poetry Local artist embraces creative niche

Editorial ALISON JAMES LAUREN WESTER

Contributors MONTANA HESTER

Features 5

Money Matters

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What’s Happening

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Painting and poetry

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Faith

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Finding a roost in Franklin County

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Blooming brilliance

Marketing

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Faces of Franklin County

PEGGY HYDE

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Why I Love Franklin County

APRIL WARHURST EMILY MAYS TRAE DURDEN CHRISTOPHER WEBB MARÍA CAMP

TORI WAITS

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Administrative SOMMER MORRIS ____________________ Franklin Living is published bi-monthly

by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. Copyright 2019 by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. P.O. Box 1088 • Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com ON THE COVER: Brenda Oliver finds joy in her flowers, from growing them to creating fresh-cut arrangements. To learn more about the passion shared by local gardeners, turn to page 19.

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FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

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y favorite part of putting together this magazine six times a year continues to be the opportunity to share the stories of Franklin County people and their most deeply-held passions. Whatever the topic, I find myself drawn into by their commitment to their craft, their unending interest in the pursuit into which they are pouring their hearts.

I was a sophomore in college, writing a piece for “The Auburn Plainsman” about the Auburn University Student Space Program’s CubeSat project the first time I realized: Even if I am not personally invested in any given subject, I can still find a special kind of passion for it, vicariously, through those who are gracious enough to share their stories with me.

That conviction came to mind again for this issue of Franklin Living magazine. I must admit, I doubt I will ever be able to cultivate the

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artistic talent and drive exhibited by local artist María Camp; it would be a strange turn of events that would see me working at Mar-Jac; and no one will ever accuse me of having a green thumb like the gifted members of the Cultura Garden Club – the hydrangeas and azaleas I planted a year and a half ago are, I’m fairly certain, all dead.

But despite those personal limitations, the good folks I talked to for each of these stories were able to inspire in me a greater interest in the topics, just by sharing their own passion for the subjects at hand.

If you have something – be it a hobby, history, collectible or special skill – that ignites your passion, I would love to hear about it and, no doubt, spark my own interest in the thing that lights you up.

Alison James

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MONEY MATTERS

Summer Savings

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labama summers can wreak havoc on energy bills. That late afternoon sun will have the A/C running nonstop, especially if you’re cooking supper or doing any canning, then there’s the dreaded water bill once it’s time to start watering the lawn, flower and vegetable gardens.

A country girl at heart, for me, “city water” was just something Daddy turned on when the power went out.

You can bet my Momma was telling him real quick to, “Turn that city water off” when the power came on and the well was back running.

Now as a grown-up on that “city water” all the time, I understand why my mother was so conscientious of paying for water – especially when you’re using a lot more of it keeping the plants alive.

All these things in consideration, your power bill and water bill are two utilities you can work to save on during the summer months.

It’s reported that 70 percent of indoor water use occurs in the bathroom. Shorter showers can help compensate for the water you’re using on the lawn and gardens. You can even install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucets and toilets. Also, check for faucet or pipe leaks that need to be addressed.

Scrub dishes in a sink of soapy water instead of letting water run. Washing clothes

on the cold cycle, instead of warm or hot, provides some additional energy savings.

Now, how do you save on those energy bills? First and foremost, if your heating and cooling system is up in years, it’s a good time to consider replacing it with something more energy efficient.

The summer is the prime time to use other appliances wisely, as well. Only wash full loads of clothes and full loads in the dishwasher. Take a cue from the grandparents and string up an old-fashioned clothesline for items like jeans and sheets instead of running the dryer.

Using your ceiling fans can also cut down on A/C usage but only when you’re in that room. Shut blinds against direct sunlight and close doors and vents if you have rooms you’re not using.

Don’t forget that thermostat! Raise the temp on the air conditioning when you will be gone an extended period of time. Also, cleaning your air filter once a month can help your HVAC unit be more efficient.

Every little bit adds up when it comes to cutting costs. Small steps can help you save big throughout the duration of a hot, sultry summer, which you know is coming!

Before you know it, you’ll find good use for those savings – shopping for new school clothes, Halloween costumes and Christmas gifts.

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.She lives in East Franklin and has one daughter, Lola, 10.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Farmers Markets Opening May and June The Red Bay Farmers Market, located at 652 2nd St., NE, in the Family Fun Park will open for the season May 19, with farmers sellers present Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week from 7 am. To 1 p.m. The Franklin County Farmers Market, located in the pavilion next to the A.W. Todd Center, 202 Green Ave. SW, in Russellville, will open for the season in June, with farmers selling their produce Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon. The markets remain open through September and October, respectively.

RHS Spring Sing May 9 Spring Sing will be a new show at Russellville High School this year. The inaugural show will celebrate Latin American music and artists, including Selena and Paula Abuel along with tunes from “In the Heights.” Children who attend Youth Choir camp will learn two songs from the movie “Coco” and join the high school students in the performance, and a few special guests will also take the stage. The show will be presented in the RCS Auditorium; admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Rockin’ at the Roxy May 11 May 11 at 7 p.m. will be the monthly Kerry Gilbert Band concert at the Historic Roxy Theatre, with special guest, The Guinn Brothers.. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children younger than 6.

Mother’s Day Ride May 11 For the second year, Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park in Hodges will host a special ride in honor of Mother’s Day May 11, beginning at 9 a.m. Mothers can enjoy the park’s beginner, intermediate and challenging trails – full of beautiful scenery – for free.

FRANKLIN COUNTY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS First Baptist Church 213 Jackson Ave. N., Russellville June 2-5 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday-Tuesday 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday Theme: In the Wild: Amazing Encounters with Jesus Mountain View Baptist Church 2110 Highway 81, Phil Campbell June 2-6 6-8:30 p.m.

VBS welcomes children ages 3-18.

Need a ride? Call 205-993-4610.

North Highlands church of Christ 2101 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville June 16-19 6:30-8 p.m. each night Theme: LEGO & Let God VBS welcomes cradle roll through adults.

North Russellville Baptist Church 1401 Waterloo Road, Russellville June 22 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Theme: Wanted By God! Reward in Heaven.

VBS welcomes children ages 2-12.

Casey Stockton Memorial Scholarship Bass Tournament May 18 The annual scholarship bass tournament in memory of Casey Stockton will be held May 18 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cedar Creek Lake, launching from Slick Rock Boat Ramp. Entry fee is $60 per boat. For more information or an entry form visit the tournament’s Facebook page.

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RUSSELLVILLE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION EVENTS “The Way We Were” The Russellville Bicentennial Committee will host “The Way We Were,” featuring historical demonstrations, exhibits and portrayals on Saturday per month throughout the summer. These Saturday events will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Canteen on Washington Street May 4, June 8, July 13 and Aug. 10.

Cemetery Tours Celebration of Russellville’s bicentennial will continue with tours of two historic cemeteries, Sadler and Old Town, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Summer Slam May 21 Russellville Middle School students will present the annual Summer Slam May 21.

With a theme of Better Together, the show will include fun music from “Hamilton” and “Teen Beach Movie.” Admission will be $5 at the door.

Rockin’ at the Roxy June 8 June 8 at 7 p.m. will be the monthly Kerry Gilbert Band concert at the Historic Roxy Theatre, with special guest. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children younger than 6.

Phil Campbell Hoedown June 14-15

Pioneer/Veterans Day Parade Nov. 10, 2 p.m. on Jackson Avenue Russellville historical marker unveiling and Bicentennial Birthday Banquet Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m. at the A.W. Todd Center

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

Father’s Day Ride June 15 For the second year, Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park in Hodges will host a special ride in honor of Father’s Day June 15, beginning at 9 a.m. Fathers can enjoy the park’s beginner, intermediate and challenging trails – full of beautiful scenery – for free.

BTCPA’s “Finders Creepers” June 20-23 The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts will stage “Finders Creepers” as the summer 2019 show. Hercules Nelson’s aunt and uncle invite him and a friend to the spend the weekend with them. Uncle Bob is a mortician, and it’s not long before the boys are dealing with a corpse come to life – before they realize there’s more to the story. The show will be presented at the Weatherford Center in Red Bay.

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Painting poetry and

Local artist shares her creative spirit

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Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by CHRISTOPHER WEBB

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n María Camp’s bedroom-turnedart studio, her creativity finds its arena to flourish – even when it’s at the expense of her living space. “I have a 30-by-30 painting I’m working on right now, and I can fit exactly one in my room. I have to really hold my breath to get by it to get to my closet,” Camp said. Her bedroom is home to her works in progress, where she can be found standing next to her bed with the canvas or other painting surface lying on top of it. “That’s the biggest good surface I have to keep everything all spread out in my bedroom.”

Camp “dabbled” in artistic pursuits during her youth, attending art summer camps at the Bear Creek Education Center in Hodges and taking the occasional art class in school; it wasn’t until 2015 however, that she truly unlocked her creative spirit, when she was invited to a paint party at a friend’s house. The casual atmosphere helped her inspiration flow. “It made it feel more accessible. We had fun, and my painting came out better than I thought it would,” said Camp. That

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In digital art, as in the top left, Camp manipulates digital images to be something completely different. She also paints abstract pieces.

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success motivated her to fully commit herself to her love for artistry for the first time. “I just thought, why not?”

For Camp, pursuing her artistic dreams has led her to what she describes as a welcoming community, full of both hobbyists and professional artists who are willing to share their techniques. She frequently turns to YouTube to check out the skills and designs of fellow artists and incorporate their advice and creativity into her own.

“When I’m not actively doing art, I’m pretty much always thinking about it,” Camp said. “Sometimes it’s hard for me to do anything because I get so many ideas, or I’ll be in the middle of one idea and I’ll get 12 more.”

Painting is a primary outlet for her creativity, with a favorite technique being one in which paint is applied directly to a canvas and “swiped” into unique designs with a paper towel. In these abstract pieces, Camp said she also enjoys employing sgraffito, an Italian word that involves scratching through a surface to reveal a lower layer of a contrasting color – with a special contour tool or even just using her fingernails.

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“Any time I get a chance, I try to encourage people, if they really are interested in art, not to think ‘Oh, I can’t do it.’ It’s not magic. You just have to start somewhere. Everything starts somewhere. The Mona Lisa wasn’t the first painting Da Vinci ever did. You never know when you might paint your Mona Lisa.”

—María Camp

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“Sometimes I’ll just put some yellow paint down and see what happens. If it doesn’t work out, I can always change it,” Camp said. “It’s very liberating; it’s very therapeutic and freeing. When you say something with art, there’s not really any other way to express that thought.”

In addition to painting, Camp finds her artist voice in creating poetry, which she sometimes shares on Instagram alongside images of her visual works of art. She also creates digital art, in which she uses a variety of apps to manipulate an image until she has created something entirely new. A typical image of a person or a downtown sight – once it’s been changed to black and white, enhanced with a rainbow palette and had other special effects applied – can result in something completely different.

“You don’t even know what it’s going to become when you start out,” said Camp.

A 1998 Russellville High School graduate, Camp majored in Spanish and minored in journalism at the University of North Alabama. Although she has still pursued journalistic opportunities, her art has taken her focus. Camp said she has sold two commissioned poems through her Etsy shop, Happy Anvil Art, and while she is working on ways to market her own art, she is also looking into teaching art lessons – particularly for painting in abstract. “I think this area would be really good for it because I think a lot of people would enjoy it, and a lot of people don’t understand what abstract art is,” Camp said. “They think it’s just throwing paint on a canvas. So I think there’s plenty of potential there.”

Although Camp said she would be happy to create more works of art to sell, she’s also in the business of giving her art away – particularly small works that can be left for others to find in unexpected places, in a movement known as art abandonment.

“You make little bits of art, and you put a note on the back letting people know it’s free, and they can take it if they want to. It’s a way to inject something positive into the world,” Camp said. “It just makes me happy. It feels like something fun.

Most of the time you will never know who finds it.” Camp’s art abandonment pieces are done on 2.5-by-3.5-inch artist trading cards.

When she needs a spark of inspiration, Camp might visit a new spot or simply people-watch in a crowded area. She sometimes snaps photos on the sly of people passing by – images she later

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digitally manipulates into something completely different, with a commitment to people’s privacy – or takes pictures of facial expressions in a television show. “Ideas are not that hard. There are so many things that can be inspiring, just going about our day.”

For the future, Camp said she plans to keep seeking out new opportunities – with an eye toward participating in more art shows and perhaps even pursuing an artist residency – and no matter what, she will keep dreaming big.

“Sometimes you don’t know what you can do until you investigate, so I think it’s really good to be open to what’s out there,” Camp said. “Any time I get a chance, I try to encourage people, if they really are interested in art, not to think ‘Oh, I can’t do it.’ It’s not magic. You just have to start somewhere.

Everything starts somewhere. The Mona Lisa wasn’t the first painting Da Vinci ever did.

“You never know when you might paint your Mona Lisa.”

FAITH

Kicking and Screaming

“F

or God so loved the world t h a t He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 God’s abundant love for the whole world, specifically all the people in the world, is so great that He sacrificed Himself on a cross to pay the price of our sin. This bedrock truth of our Christian faith is a call to action, a militant passage for those who embrace Jesus as our Savior also to embrace the people of this world in love.

There is no exception, no compromise and no negotiation when it comes to our love for others. Because He has loved us so, we must love one another! It sounds good; it’s a great ideal; but all too often, those of us who follow Christ fall short of this vital expectation.

He calls us into ministry, but we resist. He invites us into His presence to worship, but we neglect the opportunities. He says follow Me, and we focus on so many other things in this life that grab our attention and our desire. He challenges us to grow, but we reject growth because we love comfort.

Kicking and screaming we go along, complaining about His way of life – comparing it to the standards of this world and forgetting the eternal implications.

Christian writer and apologist C.S. Lewis wrote, “We are halfhearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us,

like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.

We are far too easily pleased.”

We start kicking and screaming if our silly sensual pursuits are interrupted by spiritual obligation. Isn’t it time for you and me to restore God’s purpose in our lives?

Instead of kicking and screaming, rebelling against the One who loves us so, we must seek Him and His Kingdom first! Dreaming of His glory and delighting in His Word! There is infinite joy that awaits you in Christ. His masterpiece of your life isn’t complete until you humble yourself before Him. He’s calling us to open our minds to His will.

What change in perspective could redirect our minds into His presence once again? Instead of focusing on the sensual things that bring us trivial pleasure, focus again on Him and His love.

He’s calling us to open our hearts to His way. Instead of following our hearts, let’s lead our hearts to Jesus. He wants us to open our hands to do His work. Through your influence, through your sacrifice, through your love for others – there are so many ways you can serve God. We must express our love through actions that lead to spiritual renewal and spiritual growth!

There’s no place for rebellion in the hearts of Christians. God has filled it with love for Him, love for others and a love to reach heaven: our eternal home.

God bless you all.

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.

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Finding째a째roost째in Franklin째County

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Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by APRIL WARHURST

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ar-Jac Poultry closed the books on its first full year of operation in Franklin County at the end of 2018, and as a nod to its success the area, the hatchery and feed mill company was named Industry of the Year at the 2019 Franklin County Partnership Awards Banquet.

“I would like to think it’s our involvement with the community through our sponsoring of the Phil Campbell Hoedown and other things we’ve done to help in the community since we started building these two facilities up here,” said Keith Martin, live operations manager for the Spruce Pine-based operation. “We’re a very community-minded company, and we’re very grateful to be here in Franklin County. The community has been very welcoming and open to us, and we like to give back whenever possible.”

Mar-Jac first broke ground for the feed mill in 2015, and hatchery construction followed in 2016. Full operations at both commenced in November/December 2017.

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Working hard for you

“We’ve gone through some bumps, as you do with any new facility startup, but the feed mill is moving right along as expected, and the hatchery is making progress every day,” said Martin. Now that Mar-Jac has its first year under its belt, Martin said a current focus is shaking the “under construction” image. “We’re trying to shift our focus from inside the building to the outside – looking at our grounds and things like that.

We’ve already got shrubs and plants, and at the entrances and we have our signs up, but we’re looking at the total grounds, wanting to plant better grass and, from there, try to keep on looking outward. Our goal is to be one of the places in the county you can drive by and say ‘Wow, that’s really a well-kept facility.’”

For Mar-Jac’s 70-75 employees at the Spruce Pine facilities, production output is a key focus. The feed mill produces the necessary feed to supply all Mar-Jac operations in Alabama, some 150 poultry growers across the state plus a few in northeast Mississippi. That’s about seven thousand tons of feed per week, Martin said, produced with ingredients that arrive at the facility on 18-wheelers. At the hatchery, MarJac hatches all chickens that then go to Mar-Jac broiler growers – 1.7-1.8 million chicks a week.

“Our industry is driven by large numbers; it takes those numbers to feed the people,” Martin said. “You probably eat our chicken more than you realize. If you eat at a local fast food restaurant, you’re more than

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likely eating Mar-Jac chicken” – not to mention the Mar-Jac product widely available for purchase in grocery stores. “It’s fun for me to be involved with it – to go to a restaurant and sit down and realize, ‘I had a part in this making it to here.’ There’s a level of satisfaction that comes with producing a local product.”

Although Martin described the Spruce Pine operations as largely automated, with the hatchery being one of the most automated hatcheries in North America, still, “it takes a lot of people and a lot of moving parts” to make it happen, from unloading trucks, to mixing and pelleting feed, to delivering feed to farms and aiding in all stages of the process at the hatchery. “The feed mill typically runs around the clock during the week,” Martin added.

A number of Franklin County residents are employed at Mar-Jac – “We have several people who have come in and become an integral part of our operation who literally live down the road,” Martin said – and he added Mar-Jac is always ready to hire good employees, especially as it eyes potential future plans.

“We are always looking for growth opportunities as a company,” said Martin, although adding Mar-Jac is focused for now on settling into a solid daily and weekly rhythm at its Franklin County operations. “Whenever you’re starting up a new facility, there are going to be things you run into that you might not have previously run into in other jobs in the industry, but we’ve been able to work with the company

Willodean Davis (256) 762-5671

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(256) 483-1158

(256) 460-8064

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(256) 810-9292

(256) 335-6590

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(404) 858-7229

Jorge Rendon Office Manager

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115 N. Jackson Ave. Russellville, AL

(256) 332-9920 Cell: (256) 762-5671 17

we purchased equipment from and the contractors we used to get through those trouble spots, and we’ve also been able to work with the area utilities and things of that nature to build a positive relationship and work through any problems that arose there. For the most part, everything is operating fairly well. We are able to keep a good ample supply of all ingredients and materials we need.�

Martin said people who are interested in working at Mar-Jac can contact the company’s HR department at the Jasper facility by calling 205-387-1442.

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Gardeners help beauty blossom in Russellville

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Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by MONTANA HESTER

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hen spring has sprung, a delight for many is getting back outdoors and getting their hands and their hearts into their passion for gardening.

This is certainly true in Russellville, where members of the Cultura Garden Club are focused not only on cultivating beautiful blooms in their own gardens but on beautifying the entire city with gorgeous growing things. For many of these women – about 20 who meet monthly except in the summer – gardening has been a lifelong love.

“I’ve always liked planting out in the yard with my mom,” said Susie Hovater Malone, who has been a Garden Club member for more than 30 years. “It’s just a good pastime. It’s good therapy; it just gives you time while you’re planting to think about things. I get my thoughts together and think about new ideas and brainstorm.”

While some might look at the soil and the sun, the watering and the weeding and see only hard work, Malone isn’t the only one who finds her flower garden provides a place of peace. “I enjoy being

outside, and I enjoy seeing the fruits of my labor,” explained Martha Sibley, who keeps her outdoor space beautiful through teamwork with husband Don. “When the plants start coming out and blooming in the spring, and the grass is green and the flowers are blooming – it’s just a beautiful sight to see.

“My favorite season is summer when all the plants are blooming,” Sibley added.

“Christmas, of course, is always a fun time too, but really working in the pots and all – that’s what I really enjoy.”

For these fervent gardeners, the joy doesn’t end when the flowers are in full bloom in their lawns or landscaping. Many of them find their greatest pleasure in cut flower arrangements they create for themselves or to share with others.

“I love to see a seed grow from a tiny seed into a flowering plant,” said Brenda Oliver, who first joined the Garden Club about 40 years ago. “Just about any time of the year, I can go out in my yard and find something I can make an arrangement with – without having to go out and buy anything. I love to make arrangements and put them in my house or make them for someone else.” Fellow flower-lover Judy Baker said she feels the same. “I love to have fresh-cut flowers in the house, and

Wholesale to Public

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Franklin County Business & Service Directory I keep them at least seven or eight months out of the year from the yard. I don’t have to buy them because there are usually plenty of them in the yard.”

Malone, a retired teacher, also enjoys fresh-cut arrangements in her home – “It makes everything so fresh, and the flowers smell so good” – and she will also use her expertise to help create centerpieces for the First Baptist Church Homecoming. “I love decorating. I like to decorate for just about every season that comes along, inside or outside.”

Malone said gifting an arrangement can be such a thoughtful gesture, which is an area where Oliver particularly shines. “She makes beautiful flower arrangements, and she doesn’t think anything about carrying them to someone’s house or to the nursing home,” said Malone. “It just brightens up a person’s day.

It’s a good way of spreading cheer.”

For Oliver, a retired teacher whose husband is former Russellville mayor Troy Oliver, knockout roses are her favorite flower “because you can make a pretty bouquet with them and it will last and last and last and last.” She said she also loves azaleas and snowball bushes.

Hydrangeas are a favorite for Baker, who treasures her yard full of perennials that bloom year after year without much work.

She credits her 63-year-old house’s first occupants for her flower fortune. “Dr. Pritchard owned the house and built the house.

They had four sons, and his wife must have had those boys out in the yard every day. I have daffodils and daylilies that come up every year, and I have tons of irises,” said Baker, who is a retired teacher, as is husband Wade Baker. “In the spring, I’m really in bloom.”

Like Malone, many of the Cultura Garden Club members first found their passion for flowers through gardening alongside their mothers. “When I was little, Mother let me have a little

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FRANKLIN COUNTY Building, Connecting, and Discovering!

Events and Activities Phil Campbell Hoedown, June 14-15 Jam on Sloss Lake, July 4 Watermelon Festival Beauty Pageant, July 20 Vina Fest, July 27

Attractions ƔBear Creek LakesƔRed Bay MuseumƔCypress Cove Bird TrailƔDismals ƔRoxy Theatre-2nd Sat. of each monthƔRock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park ƔKing Drive InƔBay Tree Council of Performing Arts

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corner of the vegetable garden,” Oliver recalled. “She gave me some seeds, and I planted them, and my corner came up first.” Her mother told her she had green thumb, and “that was probably when I first got interested.” Sibley also looked to her mother for her first gardening lessons. “My mother Kitty Earline Hardin was a huge gardener in Moulton,” said Sibley, who retired from the health department after 29 years. “I would garden with her, and she would try to teach me how to do things. We mainly got started together with daylilies – she was known as the lily lady in Lawrence County. She gave me so many of my flowers from her yard. That’s where I got my start, from her. She was so enthusiastic about it, if you were around her, it just rubbed off on you.”

With such a heritage from their mothers, finding a passion for flowers by learning it from someone else, it’s perhaps no surprise these women and others with similar passions would find an opportunity to come together and be in community thanks to their shared love for gardening.

“It has really built a lot of friendships over the years,” said Malone of the Cultura club, which began and was federated in 1951. “We are really close, and we have our times to get together.” Sibley shared similar sentiments about spending time with other club members – “people I might have never known or had fellowship with if I hadn’t been in the Garden Club. That’s been real treat.”

“We’re all friends. We meet together as a group, and there’s all kinds of people in our group – people from all walks of life,” Oliver added. She said she has enjoyed

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“We’re really proud to be able to do things downtown. We have fundraisers, and it’s a lot of work. It gives us pride in our community and in our town … It’s a good service for our area – something that we can give back to our community.”

—Susie Hovater Malone FRANKLIN LIVING

seeing the group grow and become more proactive over the years.

Oliver said the first pots the Garden Club did in downtown Russellville – which remains a staple club project to this day – were ones that had been confiscated by the sheriff ’s department in a drug bust. Club members bought paint to spruce up all the terracotta pots, while Extension director Katernia Cole furnished soil and Oliver sourced some dirt from a lake near her house. “We put all kinds of dirt in those pots to fill them up.� The club bought little shrubs for each pot and then added flowers – although the shrubs later turned out to be less than ideal. “Some of the shrubs got so big that the ones that survived we planted at City Hall and the A.W. Todd Center,� Oliver said. “They got so big the pots would tip over on a windy day because they were top heavy.�

In addition to flowered fellowship and learning new gardening topics, Garden Club members are committed to its cause of community beautification. “We’re really proud to be able to do things downtown,â€? said Malone. “We have fundraisers, and it’s a lot of work. It gives us pride in our community and in our town ‌ It’s a good service for our area – something that we can give back to our community.â€?

Sibley agreed, noting the community involvement aspect as a primary draw for her to join the club. “I wanted our town to be pretty and wanted to people to enjoy living here and raising their families here,� Sibley said. “The more we can do for our community – the payment is knowing that our town is a better place to live in because it looks prettier,� Oliver agreed, noting “the satisfaction in knowing you have made the world a better place to live in.�

Garden Club membership is by invitation only and is limited to 25 members. Malone said any interested prospective members can contact any current member to learn more.

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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Tiger Pride Night on Russellville City School campus welcomed students, parents, faculty and staff and the community to come together to learn about RCS programs, watch a little Golden Tiger baseball and celebrates everything RCS is about.

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Connor, Jennifer and Wyatt McFall

Tori Tiffin, Caroline Sparks, Madeline Cooper and Katie Cummings

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Karen Thorn, Kayla Odom, Whitney Glover and Amanda Ridge

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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY A night of youth sports at Hal Kirby Park brought Russellvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youngest athletes and their family and friends out for a little diamond action.

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Why I Love Franklin°County

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ranklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver has been leading the local department for about nine years, as he began his third term as sheriff in 2018. The Russellville High School alum graduated from Jacksonville University Law Enforcement Academy and has been in law enforcement for nearly 24 year. He and his wife Tange have three children: Johnna, 19, Sterlyn, 15, and Brannon, 12.

How long have you lived in Franklin County?

Lifelong resident

30

What do you enjoy about your role as sheriff?

I believe my job was a calling.

It was something at a young age that I was interested in. I enjoy talking to and helping people. I believe that being elected by the people is a huge honor, and it means a lot to me and my family.

What is your favorite place to visit in Franklin County?

Franklin County as a whole is my favorite place.

What is your favorite Franklin County restaurant, and what do you like about it?

I don’t have a specific place that would be my favorite. I

enjoy eating and enjoy visiting them all.

Why do you love Franklin County?

I love the people of Franklin County, and I appreciate all they have done for me and the Sheriff’s Office.

FAST 5 1. Favorite hobby: Spending time with family and our small cattle farm 2. Favorite food: Fish and steak 3. Goal or ambition: To continue to serve you as your sheriff 4. Church: Cowboy Church of Franklin County 5. Something people might not know about me is: I’m pretty much an open book. I’m just a plain and simple person.

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