2013 December Franklin Living

December 2013

Marching Hundred continues competition Tradition Local man builds fastest car of its kind

LONG-LEWIS BRINGS TOP AUTO BRAND TO THE SHOALS AREA

MIRAGE

‡

iMiEV

‡

OUTLANDER SPORT

‡

OUTLANDER

Long-Lewis, well known for leadership in Automotive Sales and Customer Satisfaction, is excited to announce the Grand Opening of Long-Lewis Mitsubishi at their Florence location.

This new addition to the Long-Lewis Auto Group will create 20+ new local employment opportunities as well as additional growth to the local economy.

As the expansion of the Florence facility was nearing completion, it quickly became apparent that a new franchise would be perfectly represented in the newly renovated building.

7KH FKDOOHQJH ZDV Ă€QGLQJ WKH ULJKW IUDQFKLVH RU WKH ´ULJKW Ă€WÂľ When asked why he chose Mitsubishi over all other available brands, Todd Ouellette, President of Long-Lewis said, “It was extremely important to our team to choose a manufacturer with heritage, stability and a track record of quality. I was also very impressed with them from a value standpoint. The All New 2014 Mirage has a price point of just $11,995, nicely equipped with a 5 year bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10 year power train warranty. That is just unheard of in this industry.â€?

Although many will recognize the Mitsubishi as being part of the United States car market for over 30 years, few may know that Mitsubishi has been building quality cars since 1917.

Almost as long as Long-Lewis has been selling them. “When you’ve been fortunate enough to be part of company with over 100 years of history such as Long-Lewis, you have to give strong consideration to similar values and longevity when considering this type of expansion,� continues Ouellette.

Long-Lewis will continue to operate under it’s unique Customer Centered Buying Process (CCBP), that puts you, the FXVWRPHU ÀUVW &&%3 RIIHUV FXVWRPHUV D UHIUHVKLQJ DSSURDFK WR vehicle sales, with a non-commissioned sales staff that has no incentive or motive to sell one vehicle over another. Customers are better informed and in full control of getting exactly what they want and/or need. CCBP is proven and has withstood the test of time. Long-Lewis currently retails over 500+ vehicles a month from the Shoals locations alone and also delivers another SOXV XQLWV HDFK PRQWK WR WKH à HHW DQG ZKROHVDOH PDUNHWV No other Automotive Retailer in the region even comes close.

CCBP also earned them recognition as the #1 Ford Lincoln Dealership in the entire nation for Customer Satisfaction. “Our unique ability to give our customers the absolute best price up front, clearly marked on every vehicle, with no Doc Fees or hidden charges, ensures that our customers will be served with the highest level of honesty and integrity,� said Ken Pless, General Manager of Long-Lewis Mitsubishi.

‡

LANCER EVOLUTION

‡

LANCER SPORTBACK

‡

LANCER

When speaking of genuine concern for their customers, topics such as value, safety and vehicle warranty seem to be reoccurring themes. “Mitsubishi’s industry leading 5 year/60,000 Mile New Vehicle Warranty and 10 Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain :DUUDQW\ GHĂ€QLWHO\ VKRZHG XV WKHLU FRPPLWPHQW WR EXLOGLQJ quality vehicles,â€? continues Pless. Mitsubishi also boasts numerous engineering milestones, covering a broad spectrum. )URP VDIHW\ LQQRYDWLRQV WR XOWUD IXHO HIĂ€FLHQW SRZHUWUDLQV WKHLU commitment to both value and the environment are in many ways the envy of the industry.

In recent years, few area companies have shown the dedication to growth and expansion that seems to be a staple of Long-Lewis. In an effort to improve the total customer experience at the Florence location, the facilities have been expanded to include a newly opened Quick Oil Change Facility as well as a state-of-the-art Tunnel Car Wash. The three Quick Oil Change Lanes offer customers fast, quality maintenance services with no needed appointment. As a matter of fact, they can actually remain in their vehicle while being served refreshments as they watch all services being performed via large color TV monitors.

When speaking with the staff, you quickly pick up on the pride they have with their new facility. “We’re just excited to be able to give Florence and the surrounding communities both the experience and array of services that Long-Lewis has to offer,â€? continues Pless. It is this type of commitment to customer satisfaction that has made Long-Lewis the largest automotive retailer in the Atlanta Region spanning 4 States. They were recently recognized as the #1 Dealer in the Nation for Customer Satisfaction and also received recognition for being one of the ‘Top 100 Best Dealerships’ to work for in the Nation by Automotive News. “Our success stems from listening to the wants and needs of our customers as well as a combination of great employees, strong community involvement and our unconventional Customer Centered Buying Process. We are committed to staying the course and living out the core values that drive our decisions DQG GHĂ€QH ZKR ZH DUH WRGD\ Âľ FRQWLQXHV 2XHOOHWWH :LWK WKLV track record, their leadership with Mitsubishi is a certainty.

1602 Florence Blvd. | Florence, AL | 256.764.3351 | 800.832.2233 | www.LongLewisMitsubishi.com

Terrace Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. Dedicated to Hope, Healing and Recovery

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

Offering: Activities and enjoyable social programs.

Large private rooms for short term care.

Medicare or private insurance may cover these stays.

Phillip & Sherene Wade

390 Underwood Rd. • Russellville, AL

256-332-3826

D

ecember has finally arrived, and what better thing to do on a cold winter day than cozy up with a nice cup of coffee and our latest issue of Franklin Living.

This issue is full of the people and traditions that make Franklin County the special place that it is, and one of those traditions is something close to my heart.

For five years I was part of the Russellville High School Marching Hundred, and all the traditions and memories that go along with that are some of my favorites from my time in high school.

For years the Marching Hundred had hosted a band competition that was attended by bands from the tristate area, but after many years, the competition fell by the wayside.

Five years ago, current band director Gary McNutt revived the competition and it has seen a great amount of success and has brought a good deal of positive attention to the Russellville City Schools campus.

It’s refreshing to see young people working together to bring about an event like the Kudzu Klassic – to see them learning about healthy competition, good sportsmanship, a good work ethic, and working together.

This holiday season, follow the example of these high school students and cultivate a team spirit. Give to those in need, help others around you, and purpose to be a better citizen each and every day.

7

What’s happening?

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

Grace Girls

12

Local group focuses on giving back to the community

16

What’s Hot

Check out these products from area merchants

Raising awareness

18

Exploring the link between tobacco and cancer

FCNI managing editor Kellie Singleton with her husband, David, and their dog, Phoebe.

24

The beat goes on

Marching Hundred hosts traditional band competition

On your mark, get set

29

Local man builds fastest car of its kind in the nation

32

Cooking with Sam

Sam shares some easy and tasty recipes you are sure to enjoy

Remember JFK

36

Woman discovers 50-year-old newspaper underneath floor

Focused on Quality Vision Care

Atkins Marble & Granite Works, Inc.

for the whole family

Campbell Vision Center

Headstones • Grave Markers • Monuments • Cremation Urns • Memorial Benches • Memorial Portraits • Granite Marble • Bronze Markers • Cemetery Vases • Lettering • We engrave death dates

Dr. Jeremy Campbell MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

(256) 332-2332

256-332-1355

In business since 1926

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

403 E. Lawrence Street Owners: Grant & Beverly Atkins atkinsmarble@bellsouth.net Russellville, AL

Spent TOO MUCH?

Kevin G. Kelly, M.D.

Let us get you to your next check.

Serving your Family for over 30 years

14378 Highway 43

FAMILY PRACTICE Pediatrics • New Born Care 256-332-5901

Walk-ins Welcome General Medical Problems Plus • Sports Injuries • Work Comp • Employment Physicals • Immunizations • Routine Check-ups Ashley Ozbirn, CRNP, Dr. Kevin Kelly, M.D., Bonnie Marshall, CRNP

256-331-2092 (256) 332-1108 • 15347 HWY. 43 • RUSSELLVILLE 8:30-5:30 MON, TUES, THURS, FRI • 8:30-2:00 SAT • CLOSED WED & SUN

Franklin Living is published monthly

by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. Copyright 2011 by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc.

Open Daily until 6:00 pm

• www.russcare.com

13150 Hwy. 43 S. Suite 10 • Russellville, AL (at the intersection of Hwy. 24 and Hwy. 43)

General Manager Nicole Pell Managing Editor Kellie Singleton Sales Peggy Hyde Circulation Alton Zills

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

FRANKLIN LIVING

WHAT TO DO Christmas concert December 10 The Russellville High School and Russellville Middle School band programs will host a Christmas concert on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at the RHS Auditorium.

Toy Drive November 18 - December 21 Bank Independent has teamed up with WAFF 48 for the Joy of Sharing toy drive, which kicks off Friday, Nov. 29 through Dec. 21 at all Bank Independent locations.

This year, toys collected at the Russellville Bank Independent locations will go to the Department of Human Resources (DHR) of Franklin County for distribution.

Bins for the toy drive will be set up in the lobby of Bank Independent’s main location in Russellville and the village Square branch on Highway 42, also the Red Bay main office.

Helping Santa toy drive December 18-20 This year’s pick-up dates for the city of Russellville’s Helping Santa toy drive are Dec. 18-20 for those who

qualified to receive toys through this program. The Dec. 18 pick-up is for Russellville residents, the Dec. 19 pick-up is for Franklin County residents, and the Dec. 20 pick-up is for anyone else as toys allow.

New or slightly used toys for children ages newborn to 15 are still needed for this program and can be dropped off in any of the donation boxes located at businesses throughout the city. Monetary donations are also being received at Alabama Central Credit Union, First Metro Bank, all Valley State Bank locations in Russellville, Community Spirit Bank, all CB&S Bank locations in Russellville and Valley Credit Union.

Central Credit Union locations and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Ticket prices are: $25, $20 and $15.

Christmas Tour

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce is now offering the 2013 Christmas Keepsake featuring Northwest Shoals Community College, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Order the historical edition keepsake (second in a series) by calling 256-332-1760.

Keepsakes are $15, which is due when ordering. Also available is last year’s keepsake ornament featuring the Franklin County Courthouse (1893-1953) for $15.

December 20 Mark Schultz’s “What Do You Give A King” Christmas Tour will be in Russellville on Friday, Dec. 20th, 7 p.m. at the historic Roxy Theatre.

Also performing at the event is famed painter Brian Keith Daniel who is a renowned Christian artist from Atlanta. Tickets are on sale now at Stephenson Electric Service in Russellville, all Alabama

Certified Federal DOT Testing

Wooten Chiropractic & Pre-Employment P.C. Dr. Rick Wooten is now listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners for DOT Physicals

Christmas Eve service December 24 First Presbyterian Church, PCA, located at 201 N. Green Ave. in Russellville, will have their annual Christmas Eve candlelight service at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24.

Everyone is invited to come and celebrate the birth of Christ – the reason for the season. Get away from commercialism and experience the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas Keepsakes

FRANKLIN MEMORY GARDENS RUSSELLVILLE’S ONLY PERPETUAL CARE CEMETERY

Serving You Since 1960 Complete Ground Burial Services We o;er Ground Burial, Mausoleum, and Cremation Niches.

All may be purchased at need or pre-need to include the grave fee and bronze memorial.

OͿce on grounds located at 2710 Waterloo Road • Russellville

Carolyn Atkins Porter

256-332-2115

256-331-0208 • Jackson Ave., Russellville FRANKLIN LIVING

7

OUT & ABOUT A large crowd turned out for the grand opening of the Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park on Oct. 12. Pictured are 1) Sydney Medley and Chamber of Commerce director Cassie Medley. 2) Lowell Moore and Probate Judge Barry Moore. 3) RBCEP director Mike Franklin and Bradley Long.

8

FRANKLIN LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Jenny Harris and Crystal Harper

RBCEP activities director Tina Lawler and Don Bussey

Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow and Hodges Mayor Ed Crouch

Randy and Sharon Hester

Mike Franklin honors the memory of RBCEP Saddle Club member David Thrasher.

FRANKLIN LIVING

9

East Franklin Junior High Fall Festival

OUT & ABOUT

Mr. East Franklin Joshua Morgan Miss East Franklin Addie Cummings

Emma Rambo and Rachel McCleese Addie Cummings and Abby Garrison

Madison Wynn, Siddalee Rogers and Leela Baker Blake Hudson and Layne Johns 10

FRANKLIN LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

Macy Hardy

Nicole Thompson, Masson Borden, Colton Oliver and Levi Baker

Anna Brooke Garrison, Aspen Rambo, Emma Nichols and Carly Weeks

Destiny Mansell, Anna Benford, Cummings and Angel Morgan

Mr. and Miss East Franklin Contestants

Top ticket winners who threw a pie at the principal, Mrs. Hallman.

FRANKLIN LIVING

Addie

11

FAITH MATTERS

Grace Girls give back R

STORY BY KELLIE SINGLETON PHOTOS BY KELLIE SINGLETON

12

ussellville resident Alana Reeves hasn’t always lived in the area, but after marrying her husband, John, and becoming an official Franklin County transplant, Reeves developed a strong desire to become an active part of her new community.

One way Reeves got involved was through her and her husband’s church, First United Methodist Church in downtown Russellville.

Reeves quickly befriended several young women and ladies in the church who bond-

ed over their roles as wives, mothers and their shared Christian faith.

“Sometimes women just need a core group of other ladies who can be there for them and be a support system for them through all of life’s ups and downs,” Reeves said.

“I met some amazing ladies at our church and soon realized that I wanted us to be able to get together more often than just the times we would meet for church.”

Reeves said she tossed around the idea of a women’s support group for some time before

finally pitching the idea to a few friends.

“I had a good bit of interest, so the original plan was to just form a group and then pick a time where we could meet to share our concerns, prayer requests or the good things going on in our lives.”

What formed is now known as Grace Girls, and just like the idea behind the group, the purpose for the group continued to evolve.

“Once everything kind of got started, I realized that this could be more than just a support group or a social club,”

FRANKLIN LIVING

Left: The Grace Girls presented Russellville resident Shelia Upchurch with a painted pumpkin and a flower bouquet during their October fundraiser for breast cancer awareness.

Below: Member April Wooten accepts a check from Upchurch that was collected for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

FRANKLIN LIVING

13

Reeves said.

“We had the opportunity to use our group of ladies as a way to better our community and help other people.”

Once the girls got serious about the direction and purpose of their group, they had their first big gathering in July – a retro BBQ cookout to help raise money for Fame Girls Ranch.

“Of course we love being a part of this group and being there for one another, but one thing we all have in common is a love for the Lord,” Grace Girls member Kristy Blackburn said.

“If we don’t put that love into action, it’s useless.

We want to share that love and to help others.”

The next community service project the Grace Girls tackled was their Pink Pumpkin Palooza – a project they did in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.

“Each one of us has been affected by breast cancer in some way, either through a family member or a friend or acquaintance, so this seemed like a great cause to support as a community service project for the group,” Grace Girls member Nicole West said.

The girls took pre-orders for hot pink pumpkins that were hand-decorated by the members of Grace Girls at a special meeting on Oct. 8.

“We were grateful to have Shelia Upchurch share with us at the meeting about her experience with breast cancer and different preventive measures that can be taken,” Reeves said.

“After that, we had a paint party where we spray painted and decorated all the pumpkins that were ordered.”

Several Grace Girls members personally delivered the pumpkins on Oct. 9 adorned from head to toe in pink clothing, pink accessories and even pink fairy wings.

“We wanted to make this something fun and we wanted people to stop and say, ‘I wonder what those girls are doing,’” Reeves said.

“If we attract attention and get people curious about what’s going on, hopefully that will bring more awareness to the project since it’s something we hope to do each year in October.”

Reeves said they sold the decorated pumpkins for $20 each with $14 going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

“At the end, we ended up writing a check for $505 to Susan G. Komen,” she said. “It was great to know that with just a little time and effort, we were able to raise money that will support such a worthy cause.”

Reeves said the Grace Girls, which now has a membership of 12 ladies, are already planning their next project to benefit the community.

“We have a lot of great ideas and a lot of things we want to do,” Reeves said.

“I may not be a native of Russellville but I am raising my son, Rhett, here and I want to help make this area a better place to live through things like community service and helping other people.”

14

FRANKLIN LIVING

Creating New Jobs Promoting rural economic development.

State Senator Roger H. Bedford, Jr.

Your Hard Working Senator, Still Working For You!

Roger Bedford & Assoc. P.C. 256-332-6966 • fax: 256-332-6967 • 334-242-7862 • email: senbedford@aol.com Paid for by Roger Bedford, P.O. Box 370, Russellville, AL 35653

SPRY MEMORIAL CHAPEL OF RUSSELLVILLE Wishing you and your loved ones peace during the holiday season.

“Caring People, Caring for People”

256-332-1122

906 South Jackson Ave. • Russellville sprymemorialchapel.com FRANKLIN LIVING

15

WHAT’S HOT Dress your little one this winter in this adorable, two-piece black and white outÄt by Mudpie.

Ava's China & Gifts Starting at $47.99

Football season may be over, but you can show your team spirit all year long with an Auburn or Alabama themed casserole carriers.

Ava's China & Gifts $29.99 ea.

J.R. Watkins products make great gifts for the holidays or any special occasion.

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor Starting at $5.50

Poo-Pourri products are all the rage and Ava's has an assortment to suit every need.

Ava's China & Gifts Starting at $0.49 Alabama football fans can show their team spirit this winter with assorted scarves.

Glitz N Glamour Starting at $6.50

Rolando 14K gold bracelets t ts are the perfect present for your ou ou ur favorite lady.

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $130.00 Snowmen decorations are perfect all winter long.

Ava's China & Gifts Starting at $11.99 16

FRANKLIN LIVING

All Christmas decorations, like this assortment by Mudpie, are currently 20% oă through Christmas at Ava's China & Gifts

Pair this bright red necklace klacee Ätt and earring set with any outÄ be thi is to liven up your wardrobe this Christmas.

Glitz N Glamour $17.50

This red & green "family" frame

by Glory Haus is perfect for displaying your favorite holiday photo.

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $25.99

Cook the perfect dish for all your holiday gatherings using recipes from the acclaimed "Calling All Cooks" cookbook.

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $16.95

Stay warm and stylish in this beige sweater dress with crochet detailing by Pretty Angel.

Glitz N Glamour Dress $41.75 Necklace set $14.75

Select purses are now 40% oă at Glitz N Glamour

If you get stir-crazy this winter, grab a few pieces of this chevron-print luggage set and head oă to a warm destination.

Glitz N Glamour Starting at $11.75 Show oă your Roll Tide & War Eagle pride this season with the Alabama & Auburn beaded ornaments.

Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $8.99 ea.

WELLNESS

Exploring the link between tobacco and cancer

RHS students celebrated their commitment to remain smoke-free and drug-free during Red Ribbon Week on Oct. 28 – Nov. 1.

Pictured are officers with RHS FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) who tied red ribbons across the high school campus to raise awareness.

Tobacco and cancer have long been intertwined.

A 1982 report from the United States Surgeon General listed tobacco as the major cause of cancer death in the United States, and the American Cancer Society notes that those findings hold up more than 30 years later.

According to the ACS, tobacco use is responsible for nearly 20 percent of all deaths in the United States. Though that’s a troubling figure, it’s important to note that smoking tobacco is an acquired behavior, meaning roughly one in five deaths are preventable.

Smoking cigarettes is prevalent throughout society, as ACS data indicates that no ethnic group or race has proven capable of avoiding cigarettes. In 2011, the most recent year for which data is available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that roughly 44 million U.S. adults were smokers, and every race and ethnicity living in the United States was represented among those 44 million smokers.

While figures can go a long way toward shedding light on the link between smoking and cancer, with so many people across the globe continuing to smoke, clearly such figures have yet to strike a chord among the millions of people who continue to light up.

Perhaps a closer look at tobacco and its relation to cancer-related death is just what smokers need to put their cigarettes down once and for all.

How many people will die because of their smoking habit?

According to the ACS, roughly half of all Americans who keep smoking will die because of their habit. And since smoking has proven so pervasive among the various races and ethnicities living in the United States, it’s safe to assume smokers across the globe face similar fates if they continue to smoke.

Inside the United States, roughly 443,000 people die each year

18

from illnesses related to tobacco use. While many smokers are aware of the link between smoking and lung cancer, lung cancer is not the only cancer smokers are at a greater risk for than nonsmokers. In fact, smoking increases a person’s risk of developing a slew of cancers, including cancers of the larynx, oral cavity (mouth, tongue and lips), stomach, pancreas, cervix, kidney, and bladder.

Is tobacco use linked solely to cancer?

While the link between tobacco use and cancer is perhaps common knowledge, even among longtime smokers, cancer is not the only disease or ailment smokers are susceptible to as a result of their habit. Smoking is a major cause of many other potentially deadly health problems, including heart disease, aneurysms, emphysema and stroke.

But tobacco use can has been linked to other health problems as well. Women who use tobacco have a higher risk of miscarriage, early delivery and stillbirth than those women who do not smoke.

Tobacco use has also been linked to low birth-weight in infants and a higher risk of birth defects and sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. Smokers with preexisting conditions also should know that their habit could be making those conditions worse. Asthma sufferers, for example, might find the symptoms of their condition even more difficult to deal with if they take up smoking. Smoking also can worsen peripheral vascular disease, or PVD, a condition characterized by poor blood flow in the arms and legs. Nonsmokers with PVD can have surgery to improve their blood flow, but such surgery is ineffective among patients who continue to smoke, and many vascular surgeons refuse to operate on PVD patients unless they have quit smoking.

More information on the link between smoking, cancer and death, including the effects of smoking on life expectancy and quality of life, is available at www.cancer.org.

FRANKLIN LIVING

FRANKLIN LIVING

19

The following groups were recently awarded OUT & ABOUT grants through the Franklin County Community Development Commission, which is an entity set up through the efforts of Sen. Roger Bedford, Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, and other members of the Tennessee Valley caucus who worked to make sure TVA in-lieu of tax funds were being re-distributed in the counties where the money was generated. The committee consists of two appointed members, Brad Bolton and Kathy Hall, and a chairman, which rotates between the mayors of Russellville and Red Bay every two years. Currently Red Bay Mayor David Tiffin serves as the chairman. Funds are used to promote economic development, eduGreg Hamilton receives a check from Sen. cation, and recreation in the area.

Roger Bedford for the weight room at Vina High School.

Belgreen High School boys basketball coach Patrick Odom receives a check from Sen. Roger Bedford for his team.

Trey Willingham, Floyd Willingham Jr., and Emma Willingham accept a check on behalf of Belgreen High School from FCCDC representative Kathy Hall and Sen. Roger Bedford.

20

Jeanette Thorne & Heather Rhodes are presented a check from Sen. Roger Bedford for the Curt Thorne Scholarship Fund.

Tharptown teacher Melissa Harrison receives a check from FCCDC representative Kathy Hall and Sen. Roger Bedford.

FRANKLIN LIVING

OUT & ABOUT

The Phil Campbell Anglers receive a check from Sen. Roger Bedford.

The Russellville High School Junior ROTC receive a check from Sen. Roger Bedford and FCCDC representative Kathy Hall.

FRANKLIN LIVING

21

OUT & ABOUT

The Russellville Mini Midgets receive a check from Sen. Roger Bedford and FCCDC representative Kathy Hall.

“Your family’s health IS our business” HOMETOWN PHARMACY Pharmacist: Carrie DeArman

THE DRUG SHOP of RUSSELLVILLE

Behind KFC on Gandy St. Russellville (256) 332-7400

Located in Big Star shopping center (256) 332-8550

FAMILY PHARMACY of SHOALS

FAMILY PHARMACY of LITTLEVILLE

859 E Hobson St. Tuscumbia Pharmacist: Wes Mayfield & Susan Balch (256) 383-0123

At the caution light in Littleville (256) 332-4021

Pharmacist: Jeremy Lane

Pharmacist: Brad Bowling

FAMILY PHARMACY of RUSSELLVILLE

www.FamilyPharmacyGroup.com 22

Across from McDonald’s on Hwy. 43 (256) 332-5545

Pharmacist: Jody Kiel

FRANKLIN LIVING

FRANKLIN LIVING

23

The beat goes on Marching Hundred continues competition tradition

F STORY BY KELLIE SINGLETON PHOTOS BY KELLIE SINGLETON

24

or many years, the Northwest Marching Classic was a staple event hosted each year during the second weekend in October by the Russellville High School Marching Hundred.

Since its inception in 1983 under the direction of longstanding band director Curtis Ikerd, the Northwest Marching Classic attracted bands from miles around to the city of Russellville to compete in one of the top high school band competitions in this area.

However, like many traditions, the competition fell victim to several factors that saw the competition’s popularity wane in the early 2000s. More and more schools were choosing to host competitions of their own, several competitions were cancelled due to weather conditions, and eventually, the competition was cancelled altogether.

FRANKLIN LIVING

But after a five or six year hiatus, current Marching Hundred band director Gary McNutt decided it was time to revive the competition and give it a new face and name.

“When we were discussing a new name for the competition, we wanted to focus on a Southern theme – something that was identifiable and unique to the area – and we also wanted to incorporate the fact that our competition has brought in bands from the surrounding counties in Mississippi and Tennessee.

“We finally settled on a name that we thought was representative of this next phase in the Marching Hundred’s competition journey.”

FRANKLIN LIVING

And so was born the Tri-State Kudzu Klassic Festival of Bands.

“Hosting a band competition is a great thing for our band program for several reasons,” McNutt said.

“The most obvious reason is that it is a big fundraiser. We are able to make profits through our concession stand sales, our program sales, and parking fees.

“This allows us to have funds for things we need throughout the year, whether it’s for marching season or concert season.”

But McNutt said hosting a marching competition was also an educational and social experience that he believed was important for his students.

“Our students work during the festival

25

assisting the judges, loading and unloading equipment for other bands, selling programs and doing other tasks, so It gives them an appreciation for what all goes into preparing for and executing a competition,” McNutt said.

“But also with a competition, the students are exposed to other band students and get to see what these students are doing within their programs. The band community is a great community to be a part of and this gives the students a little more exposure to that community than they get with just the brief interactions with another band at a football game.”

Once all the planning was finalized, the first Kudzu Klassic was held in 2008 and was hosted in a festival format, which meant participating bands competed against themselves to receive top ratings.

“When we first brought the Kudzu Klassic back, we wanted to ease into it at first to get back in the swing of things, so we thought a festival format as opposed to a competition format would be the best way to reintroduce our competition into the market,” McNutt said.

“There is a market for these types of events, and we needed to re-establish ourselves since we hadn’t had a competition in several years.”

To avoid conflicts with other competitions and with the school system’s fall break, the Kudzu Klassic was slated for the last weekend in September instead of the traditional second weekend in October.

“The festival seemed to go over really well,” McNutt said, “but last year, we decided to move back to a traditional competition format where the bands are not only competing against themselves for ratings but they are also competing against each other for best in class awards and for the highest honor – the Curtis Ikerd Challenge Cup. “We have had the competition format for the past two years and the bands really seem to enjoy it.”

This year, McNutt said they made an additional change that seemed to bring the competition closer to its original roots.

“We got some feedback from other schools who said they were looking for a competition the second week of October,” McNutt said.

“This was traditionally when the Marching Classic was always held and since there weren’t as many conflicts with that date as there had been in the past, we made the decision to move the Kudzu Klassic back to that weekend.

“It seemed fitting for the competition to come full circle like that.”

McNutt said they had 18 bands from across the area that participated in this year’s Kudzu Klassic, and they hoped that number would keep expanding.

“The competition seems to grow every year, which is due in large part to the outstanding job our band parents do in executing the competition and making sure things run smoothly,” McNutt said.

“Another great attribute is our school system’s campus and our facilities. We always receive great feedback on the field and the surrounding facilities, which is a testament to our school system as a whole.

“We hope more bands continue to sign up for the Kudzu Klassic and we hope it grows more every year.”

26

FRANKLIN LIVING

FRANKLIN LIVING

27

O

n Monday through Friday, and even many nights and weekends, Phil Campbell resident Nathan Weeks spends his time serving and protecting his community as an investigator for the Franklin County Drug Unit.

STORY BY It’s a job that he truly enjoys doing because he’s able to KELLIE SINGLETON help other people and make a difference in this area.

PHOTOS BY But every free moment that he isn’t on the job or spendKELLIE SINGLETON ing time with his family, Weeks is doing something else he loves – racing and working on his 2010 2SSRS Camaro, which has been classified as the fastest stock displacement stock bottom-end fifth generation Camaro in the nation.

“This is just something that’s a passion of mine and something I’ve loved doing since I was a teenager,” he said.

“You just really can’t describe the feeling you get when you’re racing. It’s not like anything else.”

But the amazing thing about Weeks’ Camaro is not just the fact that it’s the fastest car of its kind in the nation.

FRANKLIN LIVING

“This is just something that’s a passion of mine and something I’ve loved doing since I was a teenager. You just really can’t describe the feeling you get when you’re racing. It’s not like anything else.”

— Nathan Weeks

29

It’s the fact that Weeks bought the car original from GM in March 2012, and within a few months, he had completed all the necessary work to convert the stock car into the racing machine that it is today.

Weeks’ vast knowledge of what it takes to make a car ready to race comes from his time working at Harrison Buick Pontiac GMC where he was a junior certified technician.

“Working there was where I learned a lot of the things it takes to build a car up and to get into the computer system and program it to do the things you have built it to do,” he said.

“With new cars, you can’t just adjust the carburetor like you would in an older car. You have to manually tune the computer on the car so it understands the new functions, and my time working as a certified technician taught me how to do that.”

Weeks said he began working on the car about two weeks after he purchased it.

Within two months time, he had installed everything necessary to convert the sleek, silver Camaro into a silver bullet built for speed, including converting the windshield washer reservoir into a methanol tank for the methanol injection system and a supercharger that gives the engine more power.

“It took a lot of work, and I invested a lot in this car, but I got it close to where I want it to be,” he said.

“Of course it’s still a work in progress and there are things I’ll be doing and modifications I’ll be making this winter before race season gets going again, but I’ve been pretty happy with the results so far.”

Weeks was also recently invited to a fifth generation Camaro shootout at the Chevrolet Performance Parts LSX Challenge Series in Bradenton, Fla., where they will be trying out all the new parts, some of which he uses in his car.

“This is a great opportunity for me,” he said. “I’m just excited that they invited me to come down for the event.”

Besides participating in the shootout, in the offseason Weeks said he would mainly be working on his car and participating in street car shootouts until race season comes back around and he’s racing every weekend.

“This has been a real big part of my life,” he said. “The speed, the adrenaline rush, the challenge of it all – it’s just something I really love.

30

FRANKLIN LIVING

“But it’s neat because it’s something I’ve been able to share with my family, too. And now my 12-year-old daughter loves it like I do. It’s great to get to share this with her and watch her fall in love with all of it the way I did.”

Weeks said he’s been building and racing cars since he was 15 years old, but the car he has now has been one of the most satisfying projects because it was something he started in order to prove he could take a fifth generation Camaro and make it race-ready.

“Nobody’s spending money to build these kinds of cars because they’re so heavy and not something you would typically build to race,” Weeks said. “People said there was no way I could make a fifth gen Camaro a fast car. This car is 4,200 pounds, but for me, that’s the whole point. It’s more of a challenge to take a car that no one else is willing to work with and turn it into a fast car and prove them all wrong.”

And with a Camaro that will go from 0 to 115 mph in six seconds, it’s safe to say that Weeks is definitely proving them all wrong.

FRANKLIN LIVING

31

FOOD

Cooking with Sam Recipes by Sam Warf

Corn Casserole 1/2 c. Butter 1 Small Onion, chopped 1/2 c. All Purpose Flour 1/2 t. Salt 1/2 t. Pepper 4 c. Milk 6 Eggs, slightly beaten 2 c. Cheddar Cheese 2 12 pkg. Niblet Corn 1/2 c. Fresh Parsley 3/4 c. Bread Crumbs 3 T. Melted Butter In a 4 quart oven melt, butter and add onions and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Stir in milk and cook for 4-5 minutes. Gradually stir in eggs and cheese. Stir in corn and parsley. In a small bowl mix bread crumbs and butter and pour over top. Place in 350 degree oven and bake uncovered for 55-65 minutes or until knife comes out clean.

Mac-N-Cheese 1 pkg. of Pasta 1 Stick of Butter 3T. Flour Salt & Pepper to taste 2 c. Milk 2 c. Cheddar Cheese 2 c. Velveeta Cheese 8 oz. Sour Cream 2 T. Hot Sauce 1 c. Grated Parmesan Cheese 1 c. Bacon, cooked Mix butter, flour and milk in a pan. Cook until it gets thick. Add cheese, hot sauce, salt, pepper and butter. Pour over pasta.

32

FRANKLIN LIVING

FOOD

Squash Dressing 6 c. cooked Squash 1 8 inch skillet of Corn Bread 1 Onion 1 Red Bell Pepper 1 c. Celery 1 can Cream of Celery Soup 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup 1 1/2 T. Sage 1/2 t. Onion Powder - optional 1/4 t. Garlic Powder Black Pepper & Salt 1 c. Water Cook Onions, Peppers and Celery until clear.

Mix all ingredients together. Cook at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

FRANKLIN LIVING

33

Apple Salad 1/8 t. Salt 2 Large Apples 1/2 c. Raisins 1/4 c. Chopped Pecans 1/4 c. Chopped Celery 1/8 c. Mango

Coconut Balls 1 8 oz. pkg. of Cream Cheese 1 8 oz. Crushed Pineapple well drained 1 c. Chopped Pecans 1 c. Coconut Flakes

Chop apples and celery into small pieces. Mix all together and chill before serving.

Mix Cream Cheese, Pineapples and Nuts together. Let chill for one hour. Roll in to balls about the size of a quarter. Makes 24-30.

Asparagus & Cheese Crescent Rolls 1 pkg. Crescent Rolls 1 lb. asparagus, woody stems removed 3 oz. Sour Cream 1/2 c. Cheddar Cheese 1 t. Lemon Juice 1/4t. Salt & Pepper 1 egg lightly beaten for wash 1/4 c. cooked bacon, minced Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine, cheese, salt, pepper,lemon juice and bacon. Steam asparagus and pat dry. Roll out rolls and spread the mixture on each. Place asparagus in middle and roll. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

34

FRANKLIN LIVING

OUNG WELDING SUPPLY, INC. 101 East 1st Street • Sheffield, AL

256-383-5429 We offer Welding Equipment Sales & Service • Medical & Industrial Gases • Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service

4 locations To Serve You: Columbus, MS • Savannah, TN Sheffield and Haleyville, AL

Northwest Home Health an affiliation of Russellville Hospital and Lakeland Community Hospital

Russellville (256) 331-0006 (256) 331-0046 (800) 553-0491

Phone Fax Toll Free

Haleyville (205) 485-7341 (205) 485-7379 (800) 464-1816

Our classic paint with our latest technology.

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

Serving Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Marion, Walker, and Winston Counties

Sinclair-Lawrence & Associates Insurance For all Your Insurance Needs Call...

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

2513 E. Avalon • Muscle Shoals (256)383-8335 35

Remembering O JFK Local woman finds 50-year-old newspaper just days before the milestone anniversary of his assassination STORY BY KELLIE SINGLETON

PHOTOS BY KELLIE SINGLETON

36

n November 23, 1963, the American people sat in shock and disbelief as word traveled across the nation that President John F. Kennedy has been shot and killed in Dallas the previous day.

News of the assassination broke on television and radio programs, and all across the country, newspaper offices were sent buzzing as staffers scrambled to gather information about the tragic event for the next day’s paper.

Many people who remember Kennedy’s assassination probably remember reading about it in the newspaper the next day or seeing clusters of people gathered around the Nov. 23 paper, shaking their heads and even shedding tears as they mourned the loss of the country’s leader.

Hodges resident Bryna Lawler wasn’t around on Nov. 23, 1963, to pick up a paper and read about President Kennedy’s untimely death, but 50 years later, that’s exactly what she did.

Earlier in November, Lawler, who is the access lab and distance learning teacher at Vina High School, was helping her husband, Josh, and some of his family clean out and make repairs in his grandmother’s home in Hodges.

As they were pulling up flooring in the kitchen, Lawler said they stumbled on something she couldn’t believe was underneath the plywood planks.

“After my husband’s grandmother was placed in the nursing home, my brother-in-law bought her house and we have been helping with the remodeling,” Lawler said.

“There was a small water leak in the kitchen, so in order to make repairs, we had to take up some of the floor.

“When they pulled up the plywood, I noticed there were stacks and

FRANKLIN LIVING

stacks of newspapers that were apparently being used as insulation.”

Being a teacher and someone who loves history, Lawler said she was immediately interested to see how old the newspapers were.

“My husband teases me sometimes because, as a teacher, I’m always saving things that I think I might can use in the classroom for projects.

“I thought that some of the papers might have some interesting facts or information that I could share with my students, but I had no idea how important one of those papers would be.”

Near the top of the stack of papers, Lawler said she said a copy of the Birmingham Post-Herald with a large picture of JFK on the front underneath the headline “DALLAS SNIPER KILLS PRESIDENT, JOHNSON TAKES OATH OF OFFICE.” “I immediately grabbed the paper because I knew I had found something pretty special,” Lawler said.

“And it was even more special that I happened to find this paper right before the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination. What are the odds of something like that happening?”

Lawler said she found all the sections of that day’s paper, gathered them up, and brought them home to keep them safe until she could bring them to school to show her students.

“There has been a lot of coverage on TV and in the news in the past few weeks since this was the 50th anniversary of the assassination, so I know a lot of the students had been hearing about it anyway,” Lawler said.

FRANKLIN LIVING

“I immediately grabbed the paper because I knew I had found something pretty special... What are the odds of something like that happening?”

- Bryna Lawler

37

“I wanted to make sure our students had a chance to see this newspaper because this was a major part of our country’s history, and this was the account that was given the day after President Kennedy’s assassination took place.

“Students can read about these events in a textbook, but there’s just something special about seeing it in a 50-year-old newspaper that was printed the day after it happened.”

Lawler said the students were very interested in all the articles about President Kennedy, but they were also interested in the bits of local news scattered throughout the paper as well.

“Besides the articles on the assassination, I think the students were impressed by some of the ads showing how drastically different the prices of different items were 50 years ago,” she said.

“I really think it was just a good, all-around history lesson for these kids, and it all came from a newspaper I found underneath a floor.”

38

FRANKLIN LIVING

Franklin County Business & Service Directory

GUARANTEED

Gonzalez Roofing & Architectural

Russellville Hotel & Suites

PEST CONTROL

Sheet Metal

Termite & Pest Control Commercial & Residential Locally Owned & Operated Tommy Orrick John Felix 256-710-1401 256-324-1268

with VISTA

without VISTA

SAVE ENERGY & REDUCE • Banquet & Conference Facilities Avail.

• 40” HD flat panel Televisions • Complimentary Deluxe HOT Breakfast • Free Wi-Fi • Large Whirlpool Suites

13770 Hwy 43, Russellville, AL

256-332-1002

Each Best Western branded hotel is independently owned and operated.

HEAT AND GLARE, ASK US HOW? FREE ESTIMATES

Sergio Gonzalez

256-394-3785 Commercial & Residential

19 Years Experience • Perfection by Design

256-383-5217 • cell: 256-248-5362 1501 Broadway • ShefÀeld

Metal RooÀng - snap lock, standing seam, etc. • Chimney Caps • Gutters • Siding metal or vinyl • Materials - color Ànish, 16 oz & 20 oz. copper, aluminum, etc. • Radius Roofs • Domes • Bay Windows

If you would like to advertise your business or service in this directory, call Nicole at 256-332-1881

NEED GRANITE OR QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS?

Prices starting at $29 sq. ft. installed Full of exotic colors.

CNC

STONECRAFTERS, INC. • Digital drawings • Machine cut & polished.

Also available in the leathered look.

205-993-4399 • 205-993-4448 CNC IS FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

152 Camp Rd • Phil Campbell, AL www.cncstonecrafters.com

FRANKLIN LIVING

39

LOOKING BACK

Do you know these faces?

40

FRANKLIN LIVING

Do you know these faces?

FRANKLIN LIVING

41

PARTING SHOTS

The Franklin County Times staff would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”

- Calvin Coolidge

42

FRANKLIN LIVING

FRANKLIN LIVING

43