2020 July/August Franklin Living

TASTE OF FRANKLIN | JASON MILLER | FAITH: PHILIP GOAD

July/August 2020 Vol. 10 Issue No. 4

SMELL of SUCCESS

Franklin family monetizes homemade wildlife attractant

NATURE’S BOUNTY PACK YOUR PLATE WITH FRESH PRODUCE

COZY COTTAGE ENTICES AIRBNB GUESTS

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

Editorial ALISON JAMES CIERA HUGHES

Contributors PHILLIP GOAD HEATH GRIMES MONTANA HESTER EMILY MAYS

Marketing PEGGY HYDE

Administrative SOMMER MORRIS ____________________

Features 5 6 7 12 13 18 23 24 26

Faith Focus What’s Happening Cozy cottage Money Matters Sweet smell of success Embracing nature’s bounty 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.

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

ON THE COVER: Scott, Brenda and Joshua Lindsey have found a way to help their fellow hunters, spend time as a family and even make a little money doing it with their Buck Tea Outdoors wildlife attractant. Read about the Franklin County family business on page 13.

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FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

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ummer is here, and whether you’re spending a lazy afternoon on the front porch, riding in the backseat to a fun vacation spot, lounging by the pool or treating yourself to a long morning in bed, we have your perfect reading material right here.

As a child, my favorite magazines were Highlights, which is still in publication today, and the American Girl magazine, which ended its publication last year. Finding either of these waiting for me in the mailbox was a cause for celebration, and as soon as I could – typically right away – I would find myself a cozy spot and read them cover to cover.

The greatest hope I cherish now is that you feel the same way about Franklin Living as I once felt about these childhood favorites. I hope finding our lifestyles magazine in your mailbox, or in a local newsstand, every other month sends a little jolt of excitement down your spine, and you take your first opportunity to feast your eyes on its pages.

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Speaking of feasting, we have a great food-focused feature in this issue. From the Franklin County Extension, Katernia Cole-Coffey gives us a refresher on the importance of incorporating a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables into our diets – which is easy this time of year, when the farmers’ markets and our friends’ and neighbors’ gardens are burgeoning with tempting homegrown produce.

In addition to these tantalizing features, we also tackle home and hunting – get an inside peek at Rose Cottage, a Russellville Airbnb, and learn more about local family business Buck Tea Outdoors, which is spreading the love of hunting with an eye toward keeping it an affordable pastime.

Whatever your passion, you’ll find a good read within the covers of this month’s issue.

Alison James

Franklin Living

FAITH FOCUS

Is God in the center of every plan you make?

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hink of someone you would describe as arrogant. What are the traits and attributes possessed by this arrogant person? Hopefully, we would never fit the description of arrogance, right? But is it possible that in the eyes of James, the brother Jesus, we just might be described this way?

In the fourth chapter of his New Testament letter, James describes the fallacy of living life without making provision for God’s plan. As he attempts to get the attention of some people who have carefully planned a year of travel for the purpose of earning a living, James calls them out for not remembering the brevity of life. More importantly, he calls them out for excluding God from their planning process.

James compares the lives of his audience to a vapor that “appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).

Then he states, “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that’” (James 4:15). Ultimately, he goes on to describe their planning process without God as boastful and arrogant.

Again, we would never fall into the category of boastful arrogance – would we?

The first half of 2020 has been a powerful reminder that our best-laid plans can change both radically and quickly.

A new normal is being defined in our culture, and it appears that some of the things we have taken for granted might be forever different. In light of all that is going on, how can this inspired advice from James help us today?

First, it will bless us to live every day with the eternally important in mind. After all, God has provided an eternal solution that holds up against any negative circumstance of life.

Next, it will bless us to ensure that God is always the centerpiece of every choice and every plan. The goal should be to never plan anything for which the Lord’s full blessing cannot be invoked.

Finally, it will bless us to highly value today. Before describing our lives as vapor, James states, “You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow” (James 4:14). Yet, how often do we fall into the trap of ignoring the blessings and opportunities of today because of directing most of our energy toward planning tomorrow? Whether or not we always vocalize the words, “if the Lord wills,” our lives should always reflect that we never plan anything without God.

Philip Goad began his work as minister at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville in March 2020. 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.

Franklin Living

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Runoff Election July 14

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.

American Legion Baseball July 7, 14 and 21

This summer, American Legion Post 64 of Russellville is sponsoring varsity and junior varsity teams consisting of current Russellville Golden Tigers, who saw their school seasons end abruptly in March. Varsity and JV home games for Post 64 are scheduled to be held at the Russellville High School Baseball Stadium. Varsity will play Haleyville Post 33 July 7, Post 229 Madison Mayhem July 14 and Post 229 Jets 1 July 21. JV will play the Post 229 Madison Mavericks at Bob Jones July 7, Hartselle Post 52 at home July 13 and the Huntsville Hooks at James Clemens July 14. All contests this season are slated for a 5:30 p.m. first pitch. Home game admission is $5, and concessions will be available for purchase.

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Alabama postponed its primary runoff election, originally scheduled for March 31, for July 14, in light of the coronavirus pandemic. In Franklin County, a Republican primary runoff will give voters the choice between Jeff Sessions or Tommy Tuberville for U.S. Senate, Beth Kellum or Will Smith for Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Place No. 2 and Stratt Byars or Veronica Copeland Stancil for county revenue commissioner.

LifeSouth Blood Drives Aug. 1 and Aug. 15

The LifeSouth bloodmobile will be in Russellville for two blood donation opportunities in August: Aug. 1 at Cricket Wireless on Highway 43 from noon to 7 p.m. and Aug. 15 at Big Star on South Jackson Avenue from noon to 6 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.lifesouth.org.

U.S. Census 2020 Through October

Although “Census Day,” April 1, has passed, anyone who has not yet responded is encouraged to complete the U.S. Census over the coming weeks online, by phone or by mail. The data collected during the census helps determine the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year, which supports local programs for schools, healthcare, community assistance, infrastructure and other important needs. To find out more visit 2020census.gov or census.alabama.gov.

Franklin Living

Cozy cottage Visitors find comforts of home in Russellville Airbnb Story and photos by ALISON JAMES

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at and Andy Richardson are avid travelers, having traversed the United States and countries around the world for personal vacations, business assignments and missionary efforts. Through all their travels, they discovered one detail can make or break any trip: the quality of lodging. Finding that key to comfortable travel inspired the Richardsons to offer a comfortable home-away-from-home for Franklin County visitors, establishing Rose Cottage as a local option on Airbnb.

“We’ve stayed at Airbnbs when we traveled, and we’ve found when you get to a place where everything is clean and safe, it just makes a big difference,” said Pat, a semi-retired Ohio native who moved to Russellville at a young age. “What we wanted to do in this place was create that quietness, coziness and even luxuriousness compared to what you might find in local hotels.”

When son Robbie Richardson and wife Tawanna purchased their Russellville home, they didn’t necessarily have a plan for the smaller rental house on the same property. Pat and Andy offered to get it in pristine condition and operate it as an Airbnb – fulfilling a dream they had cherished a long time, both to provide a nice option for travelers and to connect with the travelers themselves. “I’ve always enjoyed meeting new people, and that was one of the things that had drawn me to this,” Pat said. “All those years when I traveled for work, every day was a new set of people, and I miss that, honestly. I like people – I like to hear their stories and know what’s going on in different parts of the world.”

With Andy’s keen construction skills, cultivated during his international mission work, the Richardsons were able to get right to work on the two-bedroom guest house. It took about a year to turn it into the luxury accommodations the couple had in mind, requir-

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Airbnb Reviews for Rose Cottage “From the start this was an amazing stay. We were greeted with drinks, muffins, yogurt, juice, coffee and other snacks.

The place was very clean, updated and organized. Beds were comfortable and the host was very helpful and accommodating. 100% would stay here again and will only book this place when working in the area.”

“This Airbnb was better than any hotel experience I have had.”

“The absolute best Airbnb I have stayed in so far! Perfect touches, delicious morning treats. Classy upscale decor! Sparkling clean wonderful bedding – wish every Airbnb could be this nice!”

“My husband and I had a wonderful stay at Rose cottage. The pictures do not do justice to how amazing this house really is. Not only was everything incredibly clean but there were so many thoughtful details put towards making our stay away from home absolutely perfect. We loved it and will definitely return.”

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ing nearly a complete rebuild. “He took it down to the dirt,” Pat said. “The shell was pretty sturdy, but it had been neglected for quite a while. It’s totally new, now.” After the home’s completion, Pat has taken point on operating the Airbnb, but construction was Andy’s domain. “It was a job. You had to be tough to hang with it,” Andy said. Plumbing had to be replaced; wiring had to be replaced. It wasn’t long into the process that he thought, “What have I gotten myself into?”

But as the cozy little cottage began to take shape, the Richardsons could start to shift their focus from construction to guest comfort – a tenet that has governed their lives. “We’ve always been given to hospitality,” said Pat. She combined that value with her own passion for choosing decor, linens and other details designed to make a visitor’s stay as comfortable as possible.

“We try to be a little bit upscale for our area and try to think of everything a guest would need. Of course, you can do that by thinking of anything you would need if you were traveling,” Pat said. “It has the amenities I think one would want. We just want guests to feel comfortable.”

And by all accounts, they are indeed comfortable in Rose Cottage, so named for the Rose of Sharon growing all around. Pat said all the visitors they have hosted since “opening for business” have been highly

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pleased with their accommodations. “Several of the ladies have complimented the decor and appreciated the linens on the beds,” said Pat. “It has a nice walk-in shower, and I think they like that, and the kitchen is well-equipped. Most all of them have complimented the cleanliness of the place.”

Pat said cultivating her interior design skills began in Nell Arnold’s home ec classroom at Russellville High School, where Pat took four years of classes. “She definitely had an influence on a lot of young ladies.

She was my favorite teacher throughout high school,” Pat said. “I’ve always been interested in beautiful fabrics, and I like to decorate. People have told me I have an eye for that.” Choosing furniture and decor for Rose Cottage was a “fun project” for Pat, who worked on planning and purchasing all during the construction phase.

“Some of the pieces were refinished; I did that part, and that was fun. I love going to antique stores and thrift stores and seeing potential in different pieces.”

Despite the challenges of reconstructing the small Russellville home, Andy said the end result made the work worthwhile.

“It’s a sense of accomplishment, to see your work completed,” said Andy, a Belgreen native who worked about 40 years managing a printing plant and now works part time on small remodels, in addition to his mis-

Franklin Living

sion work.

In addition to luxury linens, cozy furnishings and bonuses like full laundry capabilities, the other aspect that defines Rose Cottage as an upscale accommodation is Pat’s commitment to spotless cleanliness. “We clean after a guest leaves, and then we clean again before the next guest arrives, just to make sure everything is covered,” said Pat, who goes by a strict checklist and coordinates her efforts with a housekeeping team.

The Richardsons feel the home is conveniently located, near downtown Russellville and with easy access from Highway 43 and Highway 24. Pat said they hope to welcome everyone from business travelers to wedding guests. “We have been so fortunate. Every guest we’ve had have been model guests,” Pat added. “We’ve not had any disappointments. Everything has gone smoothly.”

The Richardsons first met in downtown Russellville, in the days when teens used to cruise the strip and enjoy treats at the

King Frosty. In addition to son Robbie, they have two daughters – Beth Pounders, who lives in Russellville, and Alissa Richardson-Evans, who lives in Sheffield. They also have four grandsons, two granddaughters and two greatgrandsons. Their mission work has been through Global Outreach International based in Pontotoc, Mississippi, plus local church trips, as well as working with several other mission organizations – serving from Thailand to Uganda to Haiti and Costa Rica – and locally Pat and Andy attend Russellville First Methodist, while Robbie attends Calvary Baptist.

“We’ve been blessed. We’ve had a good life, and we’ve been healthy enough to go and do things,” Pat said.

“We hope there is still travel in our future.” In the meantime, she will focus her energy on welcoming travelers to Russellville, where she hopes those staying at Rose Cottage will find comfort and safety – “just stretch out, relax and enjoy the place.”

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MONEY MATTERS

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Resuscitating your financial resolutions

f you’re like most, January goal setting seems like a lifetime ago. Our entire society has undergone an extraordinary upheaval – and right along with it went a lot of our 2020 BIG plans.

For me, the first three months of the year, I spent saving financially and working out physically for a dream vacation – one that involved climbing my first 14-footer (mountain), scaling a via ferrata and conquering the Manitou Incline. After returning from a conference mid-March, however, my world – like everyone else’s – came to a screeching halt.

Since bankers are “essential,” our work didn’t stop or slow down – quite the opposite – but everything else did. I stopped training for my 14-footer. My painstaking saving quickly gave way to more take out than usual because of longer work hours, online shopping – which I like to refer to as “blame it on quarantine purchasing” – and many other out-of-the-ordinary habits.

Now that the dust is starting to settle somewhat and we’re dipping over the mid-point of the year, it’s time to resuscitate what’s left of our 2020.

As I’m thinking on this, I keep looking for my “why” on certain goals. I think that is the most im-

portant step we can take to getting things back on track. Properly establishing why we are doing something makes a challenge easier to tackle.

Basically, the “why” is what it means to you at the end of the tunnel.

Our futures are not governed by our pasts, although sometimes it feels that way. We have the ability at any point to pivot and change directions entirely. The following are tips to establishing your “why”: • Make a list of what’s important to you. It’s best to do this quickly without limiting yourself by overthinking it. It’s your list – it’s a judgement-free zone.

• Identify why it’s important.

Take a look at what’s on your list and spell out why these points are important to you.

• Find the value in each of your answers to you to help set your goals.

Everyone’s goals, financial and otherwise, are different. Taking some time to analyze that can do us all some good.

Create your roadmap with checkpoints along the way so you can see your progress. Roadmaps, like life, also have detours.

As we work toward goals new and old, they tend to change along the way, and that can be the best part.

ESTABLISHING YOUR “WHY” A quick example • What’s important to me: my home • Why it’s important: safe shelter for me and my daughter • Value: safety and excitement to possibly build a new home one day • Goal: continue saving toward a future home build 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, 11.

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Franklin Living

Sweet smell of success Franklin family monetizes homemade wildlife attractant

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Story by ALISON JAMES Photos by MONTANA HESTER

cott and Brenda Lindsey and son Joshua first think of themselves as hunters, not as businesspeople – but sometimes, the two can go hand in hand. The Lindseys are making a name for themselves with their Buck Tea Outdoors wildlife attractant.

“I’ve always hunted all my life, and Brenda’s hunted a good bit of hers as well,” said Scott, who is a purchasing agent with B&B Roadway Security Solutions and a minister for Belgreen United Methodist and Halltown United Methodist. He said going from a hunting enthusiast to product creation just made sense. “We found some things that worked for us and wanted to share them with others.”

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In summer 2019 the Lindseys began mixing and testing their very own wildlife attractant solution – a highly-concentrated aroma that can be sprayed on stumps, shrubs or other surfaces to pique the quarry’s interest and draw it to come investigate. “There are a lot of products online, and I was raised on a farm growing up, and we used different kinds of flavoring for feed for wildlife,” Scott explained. “I hunt, but I don’t like to spend all of my paycheck buying stuff for hunting. I want to do it in the most cost-efficient way I can.” With the ability to create his own attractant in big batches, Scott was able to eliminate the cost of purchasing an array of products – and the Lindseys soon began sharing their own unique mixture with friends. Those friends spread the word, impressed by how well the product worked, and encouraged the Lindseys to market their attractant. Interest in the product began to grow, across the community. “It kind of all fell together,” Brenda said.

Scott said the burgeoning family business went through several test batches to pinpoint the best ingredients and recipe for the attractant. With the base mixture finalized, they next moved into creating different aromas to attract different wildlife in different areas – everything from cherry, persimmon and maple to licorice and peanut butter. “That smell will bring that animal in,” Brenda explained. “You can spray it on the ground or on corn or anything.”

It was Joshua who came up with the name, Buck Tea Outdoors. “He loves sweet tea; I think that was part of it,” Brenda said. As a moth to a flame, as a Southern man to his sweet tea – so deer, turkey and hogs to the Lindseys’ attractant spray.

Since their beginnings last year, the Lindseys are carrying on production in the way they started: from their home. “Our kitchen becomes a laboratory, pretty much,” said Scott. The family can mix up a batch of attractant – a gallon at a time – in about half an hour, and together they tackle all parts of production and operation, from labeling and filling the 32-oz spray bottles, to managing the brand’s social media and website, to maintaining local distribution at Stidham’s Feed Store in Russellville and CJ’s Grocery in Belgreen.

“I think we’ll probably always look at adding new products and growing, as long as that’s what the Lord has willed.”

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“Hunting is a pastime, and we wanted to make it something that would help others to enjoy the outdoors as much as we do.�

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Of course, everyone has their niche tasks, too; Brenda’s keen sense of smell, for example, is crucial when developing new favor variants. “We’re always looking for different flavors,” said Scott, adding they have also already had people make requests for specific scents. Green apple, white oak and persimmon are their current bestsellers. “I think we’ll probably always look at adding new products and growing, as long as that’s what the Lord has willed for us.”

In addition to the wildlife attractant in its variety of scents, Buck Tea Outdoors also offers turkey calls and T-shirts, and the Lindseys are continuing to work to expand their product line. Though primary sales are to their local customer base in Franklin County and the surrounding north Alabama region, the family has also seen their products reach customers from far and wide through internet sales, including their most-distant sale to someone in Wisconsin.

As Buck Tea Outdoors continues into its second year in operation, the Lindseys said their foundation has remained constant: running their business together as a family. “It was not about doing this to get rich; it was to allow others to enjoy the same success we’re having at a comfortable cost so they aren’t breaking the bank,” said Scott. “Hunting is a pastime, and we wanted to make something that would help others to enjoy the outdoors as much as we do. We’re able to do that by being a family-owned business and keeping our overhead down.”

And although Buck Tea Outdoors is a time-consuming venture – at least 10 hours a week for production to keep up inventory, not counting the hours spent in distribution and marketing – for the Lindseys, it’s time well spent. “We work

together as a family, so regardless of what we’re doing, we’re still spending time together,” Scott said. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” Bonus – there’s still time enough to hunt together in favorite spot across Franklin and Colbert counties.

The Lindseys have found success even in the hunting “offseason.” The season varies from state to state, and Scott said even between seasons, hunters are eager to keep attracting wildlife to their desired hunting grounds.

Away from Buck Tea Outdoors, Brenda is an overdraft supervisor for CB&S Bank in Russellville. Joshua is starting his sophomore year at Russellville High School and is on the RHS football team.

Scott said the family has received wide-ranging positive feedback on their attractant. Facebook fans and friends will post pictures of the animals the attractant has helped them bag, and reviews include praise noting they “go above and beyond to make sure customers are happy and I’m looking forward to using these products come October” and “If you’ve never used Buck Tea, you might want to try it.”

They also, however, welcome negative feedback as well – whatever is needed to improve the product. “I enjoy seeing the people and hearing the stories of how the product has worked for them,” Scott said. “One guy said he’s never gotten pictures of big bucks so early in the season as he did using our product.”

To find out more about Buck Tea Outdoors, find the business on Facebook or visit https://buck-tea-outdoors.square. site. Those with additional questions or comments can email buckteahunting@gmail.com.

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TASTE OF FRANKLIN

Nature’s bounty

Katernia Cole-Coffey County Extension

Embrace summer season’s plentiful produce Story and photos by ALISON JAMES

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ith long summer days returns an abundance of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables that so many miss during the winter months. Franklin County Extension Director Katernia Cole-Coffey is a strong advocate for this summer splendor, for adding a hearty variety of healthy homegrown produce to one’s diet – and that doesn’t just mean tossing a boring old salad.

“Veggies are good for the body, for overall health. They provide fiber, vita18

mins A and C, potassium and folic acid, and it’s a good way to eat light. Sometimes our meals can be a little bit too heavy,” Cole-Coffey explained. “Fresh fruits and vegetables are very refreshing, and if you combine a lot of them, you can get a lot of nutrients you need in order to be healthy. Most vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories – and no cholesterol, unless you add different seasoning and fat.”

Cole-Coffey said she encourages choosing delicious and inviting ways Franklin Living

to add vegetables to one’s menu, like a tantalizing summer watermelon salad – spring mix jazzed up with watermelon, red onion, English cucumbers, basil and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing – or a tempting plate of of tasty oven-roasted tomatoes. Garden vegetable sandwiches are another yummy option. “For a different twist on tomato and cucumber sandwiches, spread garden cream cheese spread on bread instead of mayonnaise,” Cole-Coffey recommended. “Add different spices and seasonings to make the flavor pop.”

Fruit smoothies are another option and a great way to get children to welcome more healthy choices into their diets.

Although summer is peak season for many of the most-loved fruits and veggies, Cole-Coffey said people shouldn’t discount the many ways to preserve them for enjoyment year-round, from canning and pickling to freezing.

Squash pickles are favorite for ColeCoffey, along with homemade jams.

Oven Roasted Tomatoes 3 lbs. tomatoes 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon basil 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

2. Wash tomatoes and cut them in half.

3. Toss tomatoes in oil top with garlic, basil, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese.

4. Place in baking dish and roast to desire doneness, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Franklin Living

Refrigerator Dills Makes about 5 quarts 6 pounds pickling cucumbers 3/4 cup pickling salt 18-24 large heads of fresh dill weed 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced 1 1/2 gallons water 6 tablespoons mixed pickling spice 1. Use 4-inch cucumbers. Wash them well.

2. Cut a 1/16-inch slice from blossom ends and discard. Leave a 1/4-inch stem attached.

3. Place cucumbers in a 3-gallon fermentation container. Add dill.

4. In a large pot, combine water, salt, garlic and pickling spices. Bring to a boil.

5. Cool and pour over cucumbers in container. Cover with a plate and weight it.

6. Keep it at 70-75 degrees for one week.

7. Then, fill jars with pickles and cover with pickling liquid. Close jars securely with lids and store in the refrigerator.

8. Pickles may be eaten after three days and should be used within two months.

Tomato Juice Drink 1 cup tomato juice 1/2 tsp. lemon juice celery salt to taste black pepper to taste garlic powder to taste dash hot sauce dash Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup ice 1 celery stick for garnish 1. In a glass add tomato juice, lemon juice, celery salt, pepper, garlic powder, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.

2. Pour over ice.

3. Garnish with celery stick.

Strawberry Jam Makes about 4 half-pints 2 pounds strawberries 3 cups sugar 1. Wash berries and remove caps.

2. Crush berries in a large, thick-bottom saucepan and add sugar.

3. Heat slowly to a boil, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves.

4. Then, increase heat and boil rapidly until mixture is thick, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

5. Fill hot jars immediately with jam, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles.

6. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids.

7. Process in a boiling water-bath canner: half-pints, five minutes, or pints and quarts, 10 minutes.

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Peach Pineapple Butter

Pickled Pepper Onion Relish

Makes about 10 half-pints

Makes about 9 half-pints

5 pounds peaches 1/4 cup bottled lemon juice 2 cups drained unsweetened crushed pineapple 2 cups sugar, or to taste

3 cups finely-chopped sweet red peppers 1 1/2 cup sugar 3 cups finely-chopped green bell peppers 6 cups white vinegar (5 percent acidity) 6 cups finely chopped onions 2 tablespoons pickling salt

1. Use firm, ripe peaches that have no evidence of insect or disease damage.

2. Wash peaches and dip in boiling water for 30-60 seconds until skins loosen.

3. Dip quickly in cold water and slip off skins.

4. Cut peaches in half and remove pits.

5. Grind peaches in a food processor, using a medium or coarse blade or crush them with a fork or potato masher. Do not use a blender.

6. Place pulp in a large, thick-bottom saucepan and heat over medium heat.

7. Stir constantly until peaches are tender.

8. Place pulp in a jelly bag or a strainer lined with four layers of cheesecloth. Allow juice to drip about 15 minutes. Save the juice for later use.

9. Measure 4 cups of the drained pulp into saucepan.

10. Add the pineapple, lemon juice and sugar and mix well.

11. Heat to a boil over medium heat and boil gently, about 1015 minutes, stirring enough to prevent sticking. Cook until butter is thick and has taken on a glossiness or sheen.

12. Fill hot jars immediately with the butter, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace.

Remove air bubbles. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids.

13. Process in a boiling water-bath canner: half-pints, 15 minutes, or pints, 20 minutes.

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot and boil gently about 30 minutes or until mixture thickens and volume is reduced by one-half.

2. Fill hot jars with relish, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles.

3. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids.

4. Process in a boiling water-bath canner: half-pints, five minutes.

5. Note: Jars of relish that will be used within one month do not need to be processed. Simply cover them securely with lids and store in the refrigerator.

Notes: Non-nutritive sweeteners may be used. If aspartame is used, its sweetening power might be lost within 3 to 4 weeks.

For variations, use any combination of peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums.

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Spicing things up Not sure how to add a little extra pizzazz to your fruits and veggies?

Try these seasonings for a tasty upgrade: • Fruit: allspice, cinnamon, cloves, curry, ginger, mace, mint, nutmeg or pepper • Broccoli: mustard, nutmeg or sage • Carrots: dill, nutmeg, parsley, rosemary or thyme • Cucumbers: basil, dill, parsley or everything bagel seasoning • Eggplant: oregano or parsley • Mushrooms: garlic and sage • Peas: marjoram or mint • Potatoes: chives, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic, mace, rosemary or tarragon • Squash: ginger or nutmeg • Tomatoes: allspice, basil, cloves, cumin, fennel, marjoram or oregano • For watermelon or cucumber with a new twist, try sprinkling with Tajín Clásico seasoning, a chili lime blend made with mild chili peppers, lime and sea salt.

Ditch the plastic plates this summer and make each meal feel special with just a little extra attention to detail.

Cole-Coffey recommends instead of “saving” those beautiful dishes and serving pieces, use and enjoy them!

A red, white and blue color palette is a popular, patriotic theme for summer gatherings around the table.

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Franklin Living

EDUCATION CORNER

RCS braces for fall return amid continuing pandemic

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ummer time for a school system tends to be a bit more relaxed, even though we have administrators, staff and teachers who have duties and responsibilities they still have to attend to in the summer months.

This summer, however, similar to this past spring, has been a lot different than in years past thanks to the ongoing pandemic our country is still experiencing.

We know many parents and students have concerns about what the upcoming school year will look like, and we still don’t have all those answers. While we are waiting on official word from our state superintendent, Dr. Eric Mackey, on guidelines for our schools, we want to make sure we let our parents, students, teachers and staff know that we are working hard on plans to return to school in August at our regularly scheduled time with as much normalcy as possible.

Obviously, when we receive our official guidelines from the state, some adjustments to current plans might have to be made.

As of now, though, our district has been working on ways to keep our students and staff safe while still providing a nurturing learning environment that resembles what our “normal” usually is.

We know as we move into the fall months and information about the virus changes, we will have to adapt accordingly. There might be periods of time when we will move to a blended education model of in-person and virtual learning.

There might also be times we have to move to a completely virtual

model for brief periods this next school year.

There are many variables that are all dependent on everchanging information about this virus, but we are diligently working to make sure we have all that we need in place to make these multiple scenarios possible if and when they become a reality.

For in-person learning, RCS will practice social distancing as much as possible, and there are plans to limit intermingling and large group gatherings, although the specifics for how to implement those plans won’t be finalized until we receive official guidelines from the state. Masks will be permitted for those who choose to wear one, and we also have plans to offer completely virtual options for those who feel it is unsafe to return.

A lot is up in the air right now, and this has been an uncertain time for all of us. But the things that remain constant are our dedication to our students, teachers and staff and our desire to provide the best education possible at all of our schools.

We are already getting excited about all the things that make up our fall semester, like Friday Night Lights in the stadium with our football team, cheerleaders and Marching Hundred; volleyball games; cross-country meets; extracurricular activities; and just being together again on our school campuses. We hope and pray all of this will be a reality, but we know that whatever the school year brings, we will face it together.

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

Does your back go out more than you do?

WOOTEN CHIROPRACTIC Injuries • Drug & Alcohol Testing Nutritional Care • D.O.T. Exams

256-331-0208 Jackson Avenue • Downtown Russellville

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

Franklin Living

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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY A seasonal hotspot, the Franklin County Farmers Market is a major draw for local growers as well as the customers they attract with their tasty fresh produce.

Located in downtown Russellville adjacent to the A.W. Todd Center, the market is open four days a week to serve buyers and sellers.

Photos by MARIA CAMP

James Hester

James and Rose Cooper

Calvin Bolden

Candae Hamilton

Eddie Russell

Annie Thorn

Jimmy Manning

Bessie Riley

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Franklin Living

FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY

Junior Barrett

Tammy West

Delorise and Elton Camp

Franklin Living

Minnie Taylor

Rickey McCray

Elaine and Danny Wingo

Veronica Welborn

Mike and Sonya Witt

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Why I Love Franklin County

Jason Miller

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ranklin County Commissioner Jason Miller is also a local business owner of Miller’s Affordable Furniture and a former firefighter. The lifelong Franklin County resident is a 2000 graduate of Russellville High School and a graduate of the Florence Fire Academy. He has been married to his wife Belinda, city clerk for the City of Russellville, for eight years. They have three children: Hunter, Jaxon and Eliza.

“I love the landscape of Franklin County: From the Dismals Canyon to our lakes and city parks, there’s more here than meets the eye.”

1. Tell us about your role as a county commissioner and what makes it meaningful.

I chose my job as a firefighter because I had a desire to help and protect people, and I was proud to have the opportunity to do that in the community I grew up in. With a family that included small children, I eventually began to look for a way I could still fulfill my desire to help others but in a way that would allow me to spend more time with my family. After prayerfully considering my options, I chose to run for county commissioner in District 2. After I was elected, I left my job with the fire department and dedicated my time to helping people in a different way that would allow me to make positive changes and be part of the decisions that would improve the quality of life for Franklin County citizens, which I’ve truly enjoyed.

2. What do you enjoy about your job as a local business owner?

My day job as the owner of Miller’s Affordable Furniture has also been fulfilling. This is a family business my father started in 1995, and I’m proud to be part of that legacy and part of the local business community in Russellville.

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

Little Bear Lake is my favorite place to visit. I enjoy fishing, and you can’t beat the scenery. Franklin County really is a beautiful place.

4. What are your favorite Franklin County restaurants?

Frosty Inn and 43 Grill are probably my favorites. Frosty Inn has been around for a long time and is part of my memories growing up, and you can’t beat their food. 43 Grill is a great restaurant and an asset to the city. I enjoy having somewhere to get a nice, sit-down meal locally.

5. Why do you love Franklin County?

I love Franklin County because it’s home. This is where I grew up and where I’m now raising my own family. I love the people and the general spirit of helping your neighbor and being there for one another. I love the small-town hospitality. And I love the landscape of Franklin County: From the Dismals Canyon to our lakes and city parks, there’s more here than meets the eye.

FAST 5 1. Favorite hobby: Watching my kids play basketball.

2. Favorite food: Ribeye steak 3. Goal or ambition: To make a positive change in our community and help make Franklin County the best it can be.

4. Church: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Russellville 5. Something people might not know about me is: I started my first business when I was 19.

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Franklin Living

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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).

H0154_mcdoc2040A_M_09/15/2018

Thank you...To all medical staff, first responders, police, firemen, essential workers for your dedication and sacrifice in these past and present times 907

Apply Online Today! www.pilgrims.com

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Our vision is to become the best and most respected company in our industry, creating the opportunity of a better future for our team members.

Franklin Living