2020 Franklin Living November/December

POINSETTIA POINTERS | FOUNDERS DAY | JOSEPH BALDWIN

November/December 2020 Vol. 10 Issue No. 6

CK E D the H ALLS

Posey Patch shares tips for live holiday decor

Bake up some fun with a

Cookie Swap

SCENES of the SEASON Couple welcomes all for Christmas at the McCollums

For information on how you can Promote YOUR Business in Franklin Living.

Editorial ALISON JAMES CIERA HUGHES

Contributors PHILIP GOAD HEATH GRIMES EMILY MAYS

Marketing SHELLEY OZBIRN

Administrative SOMMER MORRIS ____________________

Features 5 6 13 14 16 19 20 23 24 26

What’s Happening Christmas at the McCollums Faith Focus Poinsettia pointers Taste of Franklin Money Matters Deck the halls Education Corner Faces of Franklin County Why I Love Franklin County

Franklin Living is published bi-monthly

by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. Copyright 2020 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: As winter arrives bringing the holiday season, Adam and Lesley McCollum are getting ready to reprise their annual tradition of creating a beautiful holiday display on their front lawn, open for the community to enjoy. Read their story on page 6.

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FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

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ollow me in merry measure while I tell of yuletide treasure…

This year’s November/December edition is bringing the holiday cheer to hopefully fill you with the spirit of the season. 2020 has been a challenge none of us could have anticipated, but despite the hardships we have faced together, we’ve made it this far, and I think it’s fair to anticipate better days are ahead.

Tis the season to be jolly, and it is my hope that we can all enjoy our favorite holiday traditions.

Christmas festivities are never in short supply in Franklin County. This year’s Christmas parades are still on the calendar – as of my press deadline; my fingers are crossed nothing changes between now and then – and several local folks are showing us some great ways to enjoy the season.

For one thing, don’t forget to bring the outside in for the holidays. Even if you’ve – as have so many of us, including myself – opted for a reusable artificial tree to make its reappearance each year, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate live greenery into your decor. Ashley Bolton at The Posey

Patch has some decorating tips for you, especially when it comes to wreaths, and the Franklin County Extension provides care instructions for that holiday favorite, the poinsettia.

Once you have your indoors all set, you’re ready to head out to enjoy some community fun. In addition to Christmas parades, community events in Franklin County include the chamber’s Holly Day – check out “What’s Happening” on page 5 for details – and Christmas at the McCollums, which is becoming an annual tradition. To learn about how these holiday scenes got started and what the McCollums have in store for us this year, read their story on 6.

For a sweet treat to bring a little flavor to the holidays, Cindy Coan has all the information you need to plan a fun and delicious cookie swap party. Check out this edition’s Taste of Franklin County to get those deets!

I hope this magazine can be a small part of your holiday festivities.

Alison James

Discover the value of enrolling in a local Medicare Advantage plan.

Call us today for easy-to-understand answers to your Medicare questions.

Your local Franklin, Colbert and Lauderdale agent: Jessica Tate 256-426-8823

Toll-free: 1-888-830-VIVA (8482) | TTY: 711 www.VivaHealth.com/Medicare

Hours: Mon - Fri, 8am - 8pm | Oct 1 - Mar 31: 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm Viva Medicare is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Viva Medicare depends on contract renewal.

Viva Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-830-8482 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使 用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務. 請致電 1-888-830-8482 (TTY: 711).

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What’s Happening Check out all the upcoming community events!

Submit community events for future issues of Franklin Living to alison. james@franklincountytimes.com. Requests must be received by the first of the month for consideration for the next edition.*All events are subject to change depending on the progression of the coronavirus.

Christmas in the Bay Nov. 20, Dec. 6

Red Bay will lively in holiday style with its annual Moonlight Madness, Open House and Tree Lighting celebration. Moonlight Madness, which has been a tradition in Red Bay for years, will be Nov. 20. Local businesses will extend their hours to allow people to support local and get their Christmas shopping done with the convenience of evening hours. Hours will vary by business. Dec. 6 will be another big shopping day in Red Bay as local stores offer specials for Open House from 1-4:30 p.m. The afternoon fun all leads up to the city’s Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. at Bay Tree Park, during which special choirs will add to the atmosphere singing favorite holiday tunes.

Christmas Parades Dec. 1, Dec. 3, Dec. 7 and Dec. 10

Vina, Russellville, Red Bay and Phil Campbell will get in the spirit of the holidays with their annual Christmas parades, each starting at 6 p.m. Vina will kick off parade season Dec. 1. Russellville’s parade will follow Dec. 3, and Red Bay’s parade will be Dec. 7.

Phil Campbell will wrap up parade season Dec. 10.

Franklin Living

Russellville’s Every Light a Prayer for Peace Dec. 3

Dec. 3 at 4:30 p.m. will be the Cultura Garden Club’s Every Light a Prayer for Peace on the Franklin County Courthouse steps, just prior to the Russellville Christmas Parade. Every Light a Prayer for Peace is observed statewide, coordinated in Alabama by Alabama Garden Clubs throughout the state. It has been celebrated since its inception Dec. 1, 1951, during the Korean War, instituted by Alabamian Dorothy Parrish with a special tree lighting ceremony. The local event will feature songs and speakers encouraging peace as well as the centerpiece of the event, the reading of the “Every Light a Prayer for Peace” poem.

Holly Day

Dec. 5

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s Holly Day will be Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the A.W. Todd Centre in Russellville. Families are invited to enjoy a day of fun including cookie decorating, games, Letters to Santa, entertainment, pizza and a drink, prize drawings and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is $5. For more information call 256-332-1760.

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Scenes of the season

Christmas with the McCollums delights visitors

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Story and photos by MARÍA CAMP

his will be the second year for Adam and Lesley McCollum of Phil Campbell to put out a large, extra-special Christmas display together; however, the family has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Christmas in a big way. It’s all part of Christmas at the McCollums.

In his childhood home in Tuscumbia, Adam learned to love Christmas at an early age. He said one of his favorite family traditions was going with his parents and grandparents to visit the extremely popular Wright’s house in Leighton to see the numerous lights and other decorations that filled their yard for many years during the Christmas season.

“That really inspired us,” Adam said. “When the Wrights decided to retire from it, there was nobody in place to continue the tradition. My parents and I started working on our own display.

We bought some of their pieces to include with ours.”

Wholesale to Public

Gather Around Beauty

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Tim McCollum, Adam’s father, said the family “created our own tradition of decorating at our house and inviting the community to drive by. We kept it up at least 10 years – probably more. Our first piece was a big blow-up snow globe with people in it that Adam bought with money he earned.

We probably got up to 150 pieces by the end of it. It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed looking at everything, and it was fun knowing how many people loved it. The best part was how Adam would get so excited every time a car drove by to see the display. It was something special we did together, for ourselves and for the community.”

Tim had decided he was ready to retire the tradition around the time Adam and Lesley got married. After a year’s pause since they were married a few weeks before Christmas, Adam and Lesley relocated the tradition to their home.

They put up decorations their first Christmas in Phil Campbell but did not officially encourage visitors that year. Adam said they added the drive-through component of the display in 2019.

With the tradition having moved from Tuscumbia to Phil Campbell, the McCollums spread the word via their Facebook page.

They have more than 1,300 followers, and they said they often hear from people who have enjoyed their displays and are looking forward to the next one.

“I actually put it in my marriage vows about continuing the tradition,” Lesley said.

“Adam loves it all, and we love maintaining and growing this tradition together. Last year he got a special mailbox, and we put it up for letters to Santa. All those who left a return address on their letters received a reply from Santa. There were around 70-80 letters. People drove by pretty much every night. We had a special Meet and Treat night, and we helped as elves, talking to people who stopped and handing out candy canes with a note about the true meaning of Christmas. We had a steady stream of visitors for a couple of hours that night.”

On average the couple adds 10-15 new pieces each year. “We try to add something big every year, and we like to have a theme,” Adam explained. “This year, the theme is Whoville, and our new piece is the Grinch.

Last year, it was the Nativity. We have a little bit of everything, including Smurfs, gingerbread and Charlie Brown” – the last being particularly important, as “I told Lesley I could give her a Charlie Brown Christmas.

Maybe that helped convince her to marry me,” Adam quipped.

Adam said he thinks everyone needs a little bit of joy right now. “Everything is bigger and more impressive when you’re a kid – there’s a special magic to it all. This

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has been a rough year for everybody, and we hope our Christmas display will brighten people up a bit. We all need something positive to look forward to. I hope this will help give children as well as adults a reason to be happy.”

The McCollums said they want to encourage everyone to drive by and to get a closer look by following the circular drive. They usually start working on decorations around the first of November, with the scenes completed by Thanksgiving or the day after. The house is located at 5075 Gravel Hill Road. Additional information is available by calling 256-810-0425 or visiting the Christmas with the McCollums Facebook page.

The McCollums wish a merry Christmas and happy new year to all.

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“This has been a rough year for everybody, and we hope our Christmas display will brighten people up a bit. We all need something positive to look forward to.”

Franklin Living

FAITH FOCUS

What will you be thankful for?

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or many of us, Thanksgiving is at the top of the list of favorite holidays. What a blessing to have a day devoted to counting blessings, spending time with family, watching football and – of course – eating and eating and eating some more.

I do wonder, though, if counting blessings will be more of a challenge for many of us this year.

Scroll social media briefly and you will notice a resounding theme. According to many, 2020 cannot end soon enough! Undoubtedly, there has been much to lament and, in the eyes of many, much less to celebrate.

While the coronavirus has taken its toll on us in multiple ways, it should be noted that 2020 isn’t the first time Thanksgiving has been celebrated amidst challenging times, and it likely won’t be the last.

The celebration of Thanksgiving traces back to a custom that began in 1621 when Dutch settlers at Plymouth Plantation joined in giving thanks to God for their first harvest in this new land. Yet even then, gratitude to God was being expressed following a year of significant loss. Only half of the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower survived to celebrate that first harvest, 50 of them having fallen victim to the hardships of that first winter. Even so, those remaining found a reason to be thankful.

As Bible readers, we know Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” We also know that’s God’s instruction to be grateful is intended for every day rather than for just for a single day.

While we might have to reflect more deeply to accurately count our blessings this year, I believe there is still much for which we can be thankful.

Those of us who have suffered loss can be grateful for our memories. The ability to remember the good times spent with loved ones is a blessing from God. Further, we can be grateful for the blessing of time. While we might not know how much we have left, every day is a gift from God, and he deserves to be thanked.

For those who were blessed to be “safer at home” for an extended period with family members, we can be thankful for having had the opportunity to spend that time with those we love most.

Finally, we must always remember our most important reason to be thankful to God: No pandemic or hardship can nullify the opportunity for salvation that Jesus and his sacrifice make possible for those who will follow him. As we sometimes sing, what a blessing it is to know that this world is not our home!

Philip Goad is the minister at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville. He is married to Marla, and they have a daughter, Kayla Thorne, who is married to Josh. They also have a son, Preston and one grandchild, Greyson Thorne.

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Working hard for you

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Selling North Alabama

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(256) 483-1158

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(256) 460-8064

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Thank God and you for a wonderful year!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Marty Vandiver Agent Assoc.

(256) 810-9292

Jorge Rendon Office Manager

Diane Workman Office Manager

115 N. Jackson Ave. Russellville, AL

(256) 332-9920 Cell: (256) 762-5671 13

Poinsettia pointers Katernia Cole-Coffey County Extension

Make your home festive with this classic holiday staple Courtesy of the FRANKLIN COUNTY EXTENSION Photo Contributed

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oinsettias are a simple, beautiful way to make your home festive for the holiday season. Growing up, my mom would purchase them to match her dĂŠcor and add items to embellish them such as greenery, beautiful fabric bows, ornaments and other accessories.

Poinsettias can be purchased almost anywhere, such as a local nursery, chain store garden centers and florists, and they are even located at the entry of local one-stop shopping stores. Therefore, there is no excuse not to have your home festive for the holidays!

Poinsettias come in numerous colors, such as pink, white and bicolored, but red is still the number one color choice when it comes to sales. At one time there was a yellow variety, but it was not considered a great holiday color.

Here are some ways to make your home festive this holiday season using poinsettias: 1. Place them in decorative containers such as silver urns, brass urns, baskets, wooden bowls, etc.

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Add items such as bows, greenery and ornaments to spruce them up!

2. Display them in a grouping. I like to group in odd numbers.

3. Place cut stems in vases by themselves or with holiday greenery such as magnolia, cedar, holly or pine and nandina berries.

4. Place them on your dining table, entryway table, kitchen island or coffee table, by your fireplace or stairs or in the bedroom and bathroom. You can also place them by pieces of furniture that you want to stand out, like tables and chairs. For a festive bathroom, try holiday-themed guest towels and a scented candle plus a poinsettia plant in a decorative container.

5. Make the outside of your home welcoming by grouping poinsettias outside your front door.

6. Take the use of poinsettias a step further and make a poinsettia Christmas tree!

They also make great gifts!

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Selection and Care of Poinsettias One of the most popular flowering potted plants in U.S., the poinsettia hits its peak in popularity during the holidays. Did you know – the colorful parts are actually the bracts of the small, green inconspicuous flowers in the center of the plant.

SELECTION Make sure to buy a high-quality plant.

It should have flowers that are tightly closed or just beginning to open, and it should appear full, with uniformly dark green leaves from top to base. Other tips for choosing the perfect poinsettia include: • Leaves should be completely free of insects and disease.

• Plant should be strong enough to stand on its own without staking.

• Don’t buy a plant that has been stored in a sleeve or looks wilted and whose soil appears wet.

Ask for a protective sleeve to shield the plant from the wind, rain and cold temperatures when you leave the store.

Cold air – below 50 degrees – can cause severe shock and leaf drop. Once your poinsettia has made it home, keep these tips in mind for its care and keeping.

CARE 1. The plant will last much longer if you place it in an optimum location that suits its needs. Poinsettias like bright, but not direct, sunlight – such as near a sunny window. Direct sun will discolor the bracts, but low light causes leaf drop.

2. Poinsettias have no tolerance for moisture extremes. Make sure to keep it neither too wet nor too dry.

3. Avoid temperature extremes, like drafty locations and heat vents. Maintain a temperature no higher than 70 degrees, and try placing the plant in a pan of gravel half-filled with water to keep humidity higher around the plant in a dry winter home.

4. Don’t fertilize until after Christmas,

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if you plan to keep it around after the holiday. When the time comes, use a soluble fertilizer, 1/4 teaspoon to one gallon of water, once a month until April.

POST-HOLIDAY CARE Poinsettias are perennial and can last many years with the proper care. They will be at their most attractive in your home for two to four weeks but can flourish six to eight weeks with excellent care. After that you will need to move them outdoors to continue their postholiday care, if you wish to keep them.

In early April cut the plant back to 6 or 8 inches and place it outside in the shade. Continue to water, and fertilize regularly when new growth begins. Repot to a larger pot in May; use potting mix similar to what it has been growing in. Pinch growing tips every 4-6 weeks during the summer to make the plant bushy, stopping after Sept. 1.

Bring the plant indoors before the threat of cool weather to prepare to enjoy for another holiday season!

REFLOWERING A poinsettia is a short-day plant, so you must decrease the day length – or photoperiod – in fall to stimulate flowering. Day length should not exceed 10 hours.

Beginning Oct. 1 for eight to ten weeks, place the plant in complete darkness every day from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Do not expose the plant to a single burst of light during this dark period. During the day, place it in bright, indirect sunlight. Your plant should be in flower by December.

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TASTE OF FRANKLIN

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Franklin Living

Sweeten the season with a

Cookie Swap F or a little extra fun this holiday season, consider hosting a cookie swap.

What is a cookie swap? For this wonderful party idea, each guest brings a batch of their favorite cookie to “swap” or exchange with the other guests.

In the end, each guest leaves the party with a box of a variety of homemade cookies to enjoy through the holiday season.

PARTY PLANNING Create a festive invitation for each guest with the date, time and location of the cookie swap. Note how many cookies each guest should bring for exchanging as well as sampling and any specific instructions on how you prefer the cookies be displayed or packaged. An RSVP is nice to include on the invitation so you can plan accordingly. It is best to specify whether cookies should be homemade, store-bought or short-cut cookies, such as slice and bake.

Make sure you have a table large enough to allow all the cookies to be displayed and easy to reach during the exchange, then think about packaging. Provide boxes or bags for the guests to fill during the exchange.

Plain white gift boxes can be handdecorated with each guest’s name using markers, stickers, paint or other supplies, and tissue paper lining the box gives it an added touch. Another

idea is to have guests bring their cookies individually packaged for each guest attending; this would be a good idea for small parties.

ADD TO THE FUN 1. If your exchange is for only a few guests, ask that each guest provide a copy of the cookie recipe for each guest. Not only will you leave with a box of cookies but the recipes as well.

2. When it comes to party time, exchanging the cookies and sample tasting is the main event, but having another activity for guests to participate in is also fun. Remember to keep the activity age appropriate. Some ideas include an ornament exchange; an ornament craft; or a recipe box craft. You can also give out awards for the prettiest cookies, biggest, most unique, etc.

3. If you and your guests are comfortable with technology, incorporate it into your party. Have a Snapchat filter for the evening, or create a #hashtag just for your event and encourage your guests to use it when posting pictures on social media.

Create a shared photo album on your smartphone so you and everyone attending have a copy of all the pictures taken.

4. Expand the menu: Serving one or two savory treats at the party will help with the feeling of sugar overload. Con-

Cooking with Coan Cindy Coan Russellville High School

sider adding sausage balls, cheese straws, cracker snack mix or chips and dips to your party menu.

5. Make this event an opportunity to gift others in the community, too. Share the bountiful cookies and the holiday spirit by taking cookies to older shut-in community members, first responders, nursing homes and more.

Why not host a holiday event this year? Everyone who celebrates the holiday season puts so much effort into decorating their homes, it is a shame more people do not host holiday events to share their hard work. Don’t worry if your couch is 10 years old and a little worn or if you need to freshen the paint in the bathroom; your guests will not notice anything but how gracious you are to open your home for the event.

JELLY SNOWDROPS Makes about two dozen 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 egg, separated 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup plain flour 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 jar tart jelly

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1. To prepare meringue: Beat one room temperature egg white until stiff peaks are formed.

Slowly add 1/4 cup white granulated sugar and mix until blended.

2. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

3. Beat butter, brown sugar, egg yolk and salt with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

4. Add flour and nuts and mix well until blended.

5. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Press thumb into each center and fill with 1/2 teaspoon tart jelly. Top with prepared meringue.

7. Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

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M&M CHRISTMAS COOKIE BARS

FUDGE CHEWY PECAN CHIP COOKIES

Makes 18-36, depending on size of cut

Makes about three dozen

2 sticks butter, room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup firmly-packed light brown sugar 3 large eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups Christmas M&Ms, plus more for topping 1 cup mini chocolate chips, plus more for topping 1/2 cup white chocolate morsels 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line a 9x13 baking dish with foil; leave some overhang to make removal easier. Spray foil generously with non-stick cooking spray.

3. In a mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

4. Add in eggs and vanilla extract and continue to beat.

5. Lower the speed of the mixer and add flour, baking soda and salt and mix until combined.

6. Add M&Ms and mini chocolate chips and give a final stir by hand.

7. Transfer cookie dough to prepared baking dish. Press additional M&Ms, mini chocolate chips and white chocolate morsels into top of cookie dough.

8. Bake 35-40 minutes. Do not overbake.

9. Lift cookies from pan with the foil and cool on wire cooling rack.

10. Cool completely before cutting.

SAND TARTS 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/4 cup powdered sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup finely-chopped pecans 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted, for coating cookies 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. With an electric mixer, cream together butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar.

3. Add flour and pecans and mix on low until incorporated.

4. Shape dough into small balls, about the size of walnuts, and place on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper.

5. Bake for 30 minutes.

6. While cookies are still hot, roll in a bowl of sifted powdered sugar.

7. Let cookies cool, then roll again in powdered sugar.

8. Store in air-tight container.

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1 box brownie mix 1/2 cup water 1 egg 1/2 cup plain flour 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 cup chopped pecans 6 oz. package chocolate chip morsels 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, flour, water, oil and egg.

3. Stir with a spoon until dough is formed. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans.

4. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

5. Bake 8-12 minutes.

6. Cool 15-20 minutes.

GRINCH COOKIES 1 box yellow cake mix 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 egg Green food coloring Powdered sugar 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

3. Beat butter, vanilla, egg and cream cheese until fluffy.

4. Mix in cake mix.

5. Add green food coloring until the dough is the color of the Grinch.

6. Chill the dough for 30 minutes or overnight.

7. Roll into balls and dip in a bowl of powdered sugar.

8. Place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart.

9. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

10. Cool on cookie sheet five minutes. Remove to wire cooling rack to finish cooling.

Franklin Living

MONEY MATTERS

Beware of cyber threats as holiday shopping begins

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recent statistic shows phishing and spoofing scams are up 400 percent since the arrival of COVID-19. Cyber threats have evolved and increased exponentially, happening more frequently and with greater sophistication than ever before.

With the holidays drawing near, these scams will increase even more. Unending online shopping and the onslaught of junk emails pouring into our inboxes set us up for possible cyber attacks.

You are your best defense with it comes to staying safe. Taking a defensive stance before you click on anything can make all the difference in your online protection. Keep these best practices in mind as we head into the busiest shopping season of the year.

1. Password management: I know we are all in password overload, but make sure you never use the same password for other sites that

you use for your banking information. If your password is cracked, the more sites you used it on, the more opportunities for criminals to access your information.

2. Links = risk: Cybercriminals are more innovative than ever at creating emails and texts to prompt you to click a link. A common scam is a text message or email telling you there was a problem with a shipment and that you should click the link to learn more or track your package. Always go back to your order confirmation email or the website from which you ordered to track your package.

3. Trust your gut: If something seems suspicious, DON’T CLICK IT. Check things out from sources you trust. Look up the phone number

or web address yourself instead of trusting something sent to you to click on or call. It is also totally fine to hang up on someone you don’t trust – even if they say it’s your bank.

Hang up, call a number you know and trust and verify the information. The financial ramifications can be extensive if someone gains access to your accounts.

4. Most Importantly: Know you are always a target. The mindset of “It won’t happen to me” is a thing of the past. To cyber criminals, everyone is a potential victim. Be cautious year and even more so during the holidays.

Emily Mays is vice president/senior marketing director at Community Spirit Bank in Red Bay, working in finance for 14 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.

SPRY MEMORIAL CHAPEL OF RUSSELLVILLE

Wishing you a

Happy Holiday Season!

“Caring People, Caring for People”

256-332-1122

907 South Jackson Ave. • Russellville sprymemorialchapel.com

Holiday how-to:

Deck the halls with live foliage Story and photos by MARÍA CAMP

With fall in full swing and winter fast approaching, many people might be thinking of adding festive decorations to their homes. While ready-made options abound in stores and online, another choice is to go the do-it-yourself route.

Ashley Bolton of The Posey Patch Flower Farm in Russellville said people shouldn’t be afraid to DIY a holiday classic: a wreath.

Homemade wreaths don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. As little as $10-15 and 30 minutes can result in a Christmas craft to deck the halls in true holiday style.

Bolton said while building a wreath is a simple enough project to complete alone, it also makes for a fun activity for families to work on together. Some of her favorite materials to use are sprigs of cedar, for appearance as well as scent; berries; a big bow; and a string of battery-powered lights. Other materials needed include a roll of wire, or “sticks” of wire, wire cutters and a metal ring for the base. Twigs of pine and green pine straw also provide a nice scent and are readily available. The Posey Patch Flower Farm is one source for materials, with stems available by the bunch for people to purchase if they want, as well as completed wreaths for those who prefer not to make their own.

“Even a basic wreath, with or without a bow on top, is quite attractive,” Bolton said.

“It’s all a matter of preference and what materials you have available. It can be as simple or as complex as you want, and it works well for indoors or outdoors. Even trimmed bits from a Christmas tree can be used, if they are green.”

Bolton said a lot of people like to include magnolia leaves “because they are beautiful and easy to find. Another good option is pinecones,” she added. “If using natural flowers, dried flowers are best. Silk flowers are a good alternative. Lots of things can be used as decorative accents to make the design even more interesting. If pulling sprigs off a tree, try to avoid the lower, newer pieces because new growth tends to be ‘pokey.’ Reach for the older, less-sharp green pieces instead.”

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“Even a basic wreath, with or without a bow on top, is quite attractive. It’s all a matter of preference and what materials you have available. It can be as simple or as complex as you want, and it works well for indoors or outdoors. Even trimmed bits from a Christmas tree can be used, if they are green.”

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BASIC DIY WREATH STEPS  Step 1: Cut a length of wire and wrap it in and out all around the center area on the top of the metal ring, twisting it as needed to secure it in place. A basic “sun” design of triangles provides a good foundation for the rest of the wreath.  Step 2: Add the greenery. Weave the sprigs in and out around the frame and secure them by twisting the wire around as needed. After the initial layer is secured, weave in more greenery, making sure to lay the second layer on top of the first, overlapping to provide a fuller design. This technique also helps improve the appearance if using sprigs that are smaller than desired. Keep securing with additional wire, twisting it around to hold pieces in place.  Step 3: Get the branches and cut them to the desired size. Assemble pinecones and other such items as desired to include as needed. Add them to the wreath.

Include colorful berries, if available.  Step 4: Once the wreath is completed, check for any elements that maybe didn’t come out quite right.

Cut them off and add in some new pieces. This is something that can be done in the coming days and weeks to keep the wreath looking fresh even longer, too.  Step 5: Spritz the wreath with water every couple of days – whenever it’s looking “droopy or dry.” Frequency depends on whether the wreath is indoors or outdoors and how hot or cold it is. Heat and dry air will cause the greenery to go bad faster, so indoor wreaths are likely to need spritzing more frequently.

Bolton encouraged wreath-makers to remember to have fun along the way.

Another seasonal décor option, in addition to a wreath, is to bring in a small spruce tree – from one’s own property if available or purchased from a local garden center – and decorate it with battery-operated lights, berries and bows.

The Posey Patch Flower Farm is located at 5588 Highway 63 in Russellville. Find out more via Facebook, Instagram, at 256-412-3510 or at www.poseypatchfarm. com.

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Franklin Living

EDUCATION CORNER

Can’t mask our excitement

T

his has certainly been an unprecedented semester thus far for Russellville City Schools, navigating school life in an ongoing pandemic.

We've implemented new protocols, cleaned and sanitized more than ever before, worn masks even though it wasn't fun, socially distanced from our friends and coworkers when we'd rather be giving hugs and high fives, altered or canceled events and gatherings, utilized virtual learning and worked harder than we ever have to preserve our sense of normalcy.

With so many factors to consider, the potential has been there all along for things to go wrong this semester – but for the most part, we have been unbelievably fortunate in how this semester has played out so far, and that's in large part due to the cooperation and dedication present in our system.

I'm a firm believer that a system is only as good as its leadership, and for RCS, that begins with our school board. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to help our system navigate these trying times than our current board. At every turn, they have been supportive of the decisions I and others have made, all while keeping the students' and teachers' best interests in the forefront of their minds. They've looked at the whole picture and have taken very seriously their role in making our schools a safe place in the midst of an unsafe world. I have appreciated their forward thinking and their willingness to do what is necessary, even if it wasn't popular, to keep our schools open. Their dedication has been as unwavering as this pandemic has been unpredictable, and their unique perspectives and life experiences have been just what we've needed to lead during a difficult time.

I am also extremely proud of our school administrators, faculty and staff.

These people have gone above and beyond, taking on extra responsibilities and extra work just to make sure our students adjusted as well as possible to their "new normal" for this school year. They've made learning fun and interactive, even while social distancing and wearing masks. They've helped enforce the new protocols so we could preserve our in-person learning format. They've supported one another and their students – and they've been so dedicated in all they do.

I have been absolutely amazed by our students. Their overall ability to adapt and overcome the challenges they have faced this semester has been nothing short of inspiring. They've added a new layer to the Golden Tiger Pride that is so synonymous with our system – a layer that includes never giving up, persevering when it's hard, and showing up even when it's not convenient. They're still achieving, growing and learning, and they've embodied our newest hashtag of #CantMaskOurExcitement.

All of these groups of people have made me extra proud these past several months to be their superintendent. And I feel confident that with their continued support and dedication, as well as the support and cooperation from our city and community, we can finish this school year with a strong second semester, too!

As always, it's GREAT to be a Golden Tiger!

Call for appointment

MISSION MEDICAL 256-398-7212 Family Practice & Women’s Health

“Our Mission is YOUR Good Health”

Walk-Ins Welcome!

Melanie Malone, CRNP Jean Stowe, CRNP

la Se Habnol Espa

Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm Most Insurance Accepted 14001 Hwy. 43 Suite 24, Russellville, AL Franklin Shopping Center

Heath Grimes is the superintendent of Russellville City Schools. He and his wife Amy have three daughters: Leah, Halle and Erin.

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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Red Bay’s Founder’s Day festival provided an opportunity for community members and visitors from near and far to converge on Bay Tree Park for some traditional fun, including contests, live music, vendors, games and more.

Photos by CIERA HUGHES

Katie Cummings, Camille Lynn, Addy Files and Anna Skidmore

Bristal Kent

Lee Johnson, Samantha Johnson, Stella Johnson and Mia Johnson

Scott Terrell and Dallas Terrell

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Tori Wells

Officer Vandiver and the Vandiver family

Kasey McCalpin, Jackson McCalpin and Steven McCalpin

Franklin Living

Noel Turner and Scout

Liberty Merritt, Erin Merritt and Stella Merritt

Christmas Decor and Gifts Willow Struzik, Alex Rogers and Chyanne Rogers

Clothing • Gifts • Boutique • Home Decor • Bridal Registry 13720 Hwy 43 Russellville, AL 35653 Kim and Mike Cook

256-291-7090

Why I Love Franklin County

Joseph Baldwin

J

oseph Baldwin has lived in Franklin County for 50 years, calling Atwood home. The 1989 Vina High salutatorian and his wife Misty, a Hamilton native who has been an insurance agent the past 23 years, have been married for 10 years. He attended Northwest Junior College, UNA and the University of Alabama and now lives on the Bear Creek Lakes. He is also ran unopposed for Franklin County Commissioner District 3 on the Nov. 3 ballot.

1. What is your job title?

I have held several jobs, but most of my work-related time has been spent as a farrier for 31 years and a working musician for 20-plus years.

“Franklin County has been a place where my ambitions have turned into fulfilling jobs, my jobs have allowed me to meet new friends, and those friends have helped me achieve several goals.”

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2. What do you enjoy about each of these roles? How did you become involved in them?

Both of these jobs seemed to simply derive from my hobbies as a young man and have put me in a position to meet new friends on almost a daily basis. That’s probably the most rewarding aspect of the time I spend doing these things.

3. What is your favorite place to visit in Franklin County?

Sometimes my farrier work takes me outside of Franklin County, but music has led me to the ends of our great country. Misty and I have had the opportunity to visit many states where I have been invited to perform. Even though the experience of our travels has been greatly rewarding, I’m always very happy to return to my Franklin County home in Atwood. Our home is near Big Bear Lake, which holds many memories of my youth and my time spent fishing with my grandpa, Robert Baldwin.

4. What is your favorite Franklin County restaurant?

Misty and I frequently dine at several restaurants in the county. I honestly love all of them because my favorite food ... is food. Haha!

5. Why do you love Franklin County?

Franklin County has been a place where my ambitions have turned into fulfilling jobs, my jobs have allowed me to meet new friends, and those friends have helped me achieve several goals. I love each and everyone of you, and I love our county.

FAST 5

Favorite hobby: Firearms Favorite food: Food Goal/Ambition: To have a positive, uplifting impact in everything I do and to everyone I meet.

Church: Through the years, Church of God, Freewill Baptist and Church of Christ.

Something people might not know about me: I was kind of a nerd growing up. I loved reading encyclopedias and working with computers.

Franklin Living

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