2015 March/April Franklin Living

Mar./Apr. 2015 Vol. 5 Issue No. 2

All About

Pets

Spoiled rotten little rascals and proud of it

Dogs on the trail

Hot on the trail with some of Franklin County’s hunting dogs

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Lending a hand

From the pound to precious and the people who help make it happen

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Pet or family member?

10

Some pets get the VIP treatment

Dogs on the trail Companions for the hunt

15 Cooking with Sam

22

Great recipes to share with friends and family

Lending a Hand Helping local animals find a home

6 8 20 21 28 30 4

24

Pet Pics Wellness What’s Hot Classifieds Looking Back Parting Shot

FROM THE MANAGER

I

am an animal lover and always have been.

I have almost always been a pet owner of some sort. I have had dogs, cats, gerbils, fish, a rabbit, and a turtle. My husband and I have three dogs.

One pug that is our house dog and two beaglemix dogs that our pug thinks are FCNI General Manager Nicole Pell with her husband, our pets. Pugsley Hans. knows they are the pets because she is one of us—human. I must admit, I think she is more human than dog. She has her own personality, her own attitude and she expects to get her way. You could say she was spoiled, but my husband and I don’t have any children and for all practical purposes, she is our child.

I will admit that we are complete suckers for those big brown eyes and pouty face. We will do whatever she wants.

But really, Pugsley gives more than she receives. She is always happy to see us when we get home. She loves us unconditionally, she doesn’t care if our socks match or if we are having a bad hair day. She just wants to be near us, and when I say near us I mean attached. Either sitting on our laps or a lot of the time when I am standing in the kitchen her nose is stuck to the back of my calf. She just wants to be with us. She loves us and we always look forward to coming home each day to see her.

Pets genuinely improve our lives. They make us happy. Pets just do what they do and they don’t care what anybody thinks. This edition of Franklin Living is dedicated to the pets of Franklin County, those that add joy to our lives without asking for a lot in return.

Of course, not all dogs are lap dogs. Some dogs are hunters. My husband Hans and I do not have our beagles for hunting purposes, but they love to run and chase rabbits, thankfully for me, they don’t ever catch anything. In this edition, we look at hunting dogs and what makes them tick. We also take a look at Gary and Mitzi McNutt’s family of pets. They feel as I do, that they really are part of the family. Finally we take a look at Shoals Animal Advocates that tries to rescue and find loving homes for local pets that have been abandoned. I hope many of you can find a way to help out this organization either by adopting, donating or volunteering.

I hope you curl up on the couch with your best four-legged friend and enjoy this edition of Franklin Living.

ON THE COVER: Honey, the dog on the front cover belongs to Kerry Gilbert of the KGB. Kerry feels that Honey is a member of his family also.

Photo by Kerry Gilbert.

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Franklin Living is published monthly

by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. Copyright 2011 by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc. P.O. Box 1088 • Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 • fax: 256-332-1883

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

General Manager NICOLE PELL News Editor MATT WILSON Sales PEGGY HYDE Circulation GERALDINE & JOSH BONDS Photography MITZI MCNUTT and LAUREN THORNTON TOBIN

www.franklincountytimes.com

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5

PET PICS

Abby Owners Joel & Debbie Aldridge of Vina

Belle Owner Karan Vincent of Russellville

Daisy Owners Kevin & Tia Stone of Russellville

Dudley Owners Jerry & Patti Kimbrough of Russellville

6

Allie Bama, Owners Michael & Debra Lawler of Phil Campbell

Bella, Owner Ramona & Brandon Reed of Nick Ahmed Auto Sales

Daisy, Owners Ricky, Kathy & Traci Hall of Russellville

Frizzle Owner Landon Hill of Belgreen

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PET PICS

Bailee, Owners Larry & Janice Dover of Russellville

Bruno Mars, Owner Jadonna Bowen Spruce Pine

Deuce, Owners Kevin & Tia Stone of Russellville

Garfield, Owner Sommer Morris FCT customer service rep

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Bama , Owners Lynn & Dana Hargett of Russellville

Bama, Owners Michael & Debra Lawler of Phil Campbell

Chewey, Owners Rick & Lynn Suddith of Russellville

Chipper, Owners Rodney & Jennifer Cox of Russellville

Dink, Owners Avon & Karen Wrinkle of Russellville

Dixie, Owners Rebekah & Jamie Myrick of Tharptown

Gertie Owner Jadonna Bowen of Spruce Pine

Greta Owner Matt Wilson FCT news editor

Bella, Owner Debbie Alexander of Russellville

Daisie, Owner Nicole Pell FCT general manager

Doc’s Last Boy aka Doc, Owner Willie Ergle of Phil Campbell

Gus, Owner Ramona & Brandon Reed of Nick Ahmed Auto Sales

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WELLNESS

Human food dangerous to pets Many pet parents do their best to ensure optimal health for their companion animals.

Veterinary visits, exercise and diet play an integral role in pet health. Pet owners tend to be very selective when choosing commercial pet foods, but sometimes they›re less discerning when they offer scraps of their own food to pets.

It can be hard to resist the pleading eyes of a pet looking for a handout from the dinner table. While it is generally fine to offer a tidbit here and there, even small amounts of certain foods can cause illness or even death, and pet owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with foods that may be hazardous to pets.

Some foods people eat can be toxic or even lethal to pets. Avocado, for example, contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are also sensitive to avocado poisoning.

Grapes and raisins are other seemingly healthy foods that can be harmful to pets.

The toxin inside of these fruits is unknown, but grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. Cyanide is present in the seeds/pits of plums, pears and peaches, making these fruits potentially hazardous as well.

The ASPCA lists coffee, caffeinated products and chocolate as dangerous for pets as well. These items contain substances called methylxanthines that, when ingested by companion animals, can cause vomiting, panting, hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate.

Baking chocolate is the most toxic kind of chocolate to dogs.

Foods and products artificially sweetened by xylitol will cause insulin release in many species, and this can lead to liver failure.

Keep pets away from chewing gum, candy and toothpaste.

Common herbs like onions, chives and garlic can cause gastrointestinal irritation and may lead to red blood cell damage. Cats are more susceptible than dogs to these foods, but each species can be affected negatively.

Dog owners have frequently offered animal bones as a treat. However, these bones may harbor bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Furthermore, bones can splinter while they are being chewed, potentially lodging in the esophagus or intestines of the pet.

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The following are some additional human foods and beverages that should not be given to pets: ● alcoholic beverages ● apple seeds ● hops ● macadamia nuts ● moldy foods ● mushrooms

● potato leaves and stems ● salt ● tea ● tomato leaves and stems ● yeast dough ● walnuts

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Pet or member of the family?

Some pets get the VIP treatment Story by MATT WILSON Photos by MITZI MCNUTT

D

ogs, cats, rabbits, birds, rats, and snakes; you name it and people have found a reason and a way to take in various animals as pets these days. For some people the family dog spends most of its days in the yard. But others provide special beds, personalized dining options and even routine grooming in order to keep their precious member of the family spoiled and happy.

Americans spent over $58 billion on pet care in 2014, according to the American Pet Products Association, proving that we are suckers for puppy dog eyes and fluffy cat tails and we will spare no expense on taking good care of them.

Mitzi and Gary McNutt enjoy keeping their pets donned in football jerseys and other clothing from time to time. Csonka is the couple’s longhaired miniature dachshund, named after the famous Miami Dolphins football player, Larry Csonka. The couple also has three cats. One cat follows with the Miami Dolphins theme and is named Shula after the famous head coach for the team, Don Shula. The other two cats, Remo and Tallulah, round out the couple’s busy household of pets, but Mitzi McNutt

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said she and her husband also keep an eye on two other cats.

“There are two outside cats that hang around our house,” she said. “We have joint custody of those two,” she said laughing.

The couple enjoys their home filled with loving pets and McNutt said she couldn’t imagine not having pets.

“I don’t know what I would do if we didn’t have pets,” she said. “I’ve always loved animals, I’ve always felt that way about my pets, and I just don’t know what it would be like without them around.”

Mitzi and her husband don’t have children so they tend to focus a lot of their time and thoughts on the family members they do have in the house—their beloved pets.

“They know we love them,” she said. “They don’t know that they are annoying sometimes, but they do know that we love them. We love them like people, I guess.”

Mitzi said she knows of some friends that are a bit more over the top when it comes to loving their pets.

“I know a friend of mine that gets customized

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Csonka, a long-haired dachshund sleeps on the shoulder of his owner, Gary McNutt. Shula the cat wears a Jacksonville State University t-shirt.

Csonka decked out in his Miami Dolphins jersey.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Talullah the cat relaxes in the lap of owner, Mitzi McNutt.

11

dresses and stuff like that for their dog,” she said.

“We have not gotten to that point. Not yet.”

McNutt pointed out that the miniature dachshund does have his own car seat.

“Csonka has his own car seat and he does wear his Dolphins jersey sometimes,” she said. “We dress the pets up for fun mostly, but when we put a shirt on Csonka it does help to calm him down, too.

“I guess we do spoil them, but we love them as if they were part of the family,” she said.

McNutt said her brother and sister-in-law and she and Gary swap gifts for the pets as well.

“We get together and give each other’s pets Christmas gifts like treats or whatever,” she said.

“And we often plan gatherings out at my dad’s farm just so all the dogs can get out there and run around.”

The McNutt’s are a musical couple and spend a lot

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of time involved with the Russellville band program.

Perhaps it was a sign that Csonka was meant to come into their lives when Mitzi helped create a local mascot that turned out to look just like him.

“Years ago I was sitting and talking to some band parents about the Russellville dog, the popular snack at the concession stand, and everything the band was involved in” she said. “We decided that we needed a mascot for the band and I started drawing one up.”

The dog that she ended up drawing resembled a dachshund. They named the new mascot “Tempo” and it caught on.

“And when Csonka starting growing up and getting full grown he looked just like the mascot that I had created years before,” she said. “I guess it was meant for Gary to finally get him a dog that he had been wanting.”

CLOCLWISE FROM LEFT: Talullah the cat in her pirate hat. A full-grown Csonka gazes outside from the safety of an inviting lap. The puppy version of Csonka, sitting on a drum in the bandroom at RHS. Csonka donned in an Alabama football jersey runs wild through the yard.

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Dogs on the trail Companions for the hunt Story by LAUREN THORNTON TOBIN Photos by LAUREN THORTON TOBIN

H

ABOVE: Big John, a half bloodhound and half majestic, puts his nose to the air. Big John is owned

by Kevin Greenhill of Franklin County.

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unting dogs are used to find or retrieve game, be it in the woods or water, daytime or evening.

Regular hunter, Matt Fuller from Russellville, said he has hunted for over 20 years and has owned dogs since childhood. Fuller primarily hunts waterfowl game and trains his own dogs.

“You’ve got to be patient with dogs,” he said, further explaining how he begins training a puppy with a tennis ball and gradually moving up to a bumper.

Fuller said from the bumpers, he upgrades his puppy to decoys spread out over a maximum of 50 yards. At this point, the puppy should know what the call sign is, and when it hears it, the dog should know

to retrieve the game.

“In the summer I like to take the dog to the water as much as possible,” he said, noting that the best time to train a puppy for duck season is beginning in the spring through the summer.

“If you work it good enough and hunt enough, you can have a dog retrieve at nine months.”

The best dogs for water-based game is the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Spaniels (long-haired), Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and even the Standard Poodle, Fuller said.

Fuller said his grandfather used Feist dogs for rabbits and squirrels, but Bluetick Coonhounds, Pointers and Cur dogs are also helpful with hunting

15

TOP LEFT: Big John takes a rest in the truck on the way home from a long day of tracking. BOTTOM LEFT: Striker, a walker coonhound, does what he was trained to do.

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ABOVE: Striker and owner B.J.

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rabbits.

“If you want to limit out on squirrels, get a dog like a Feist or a Lab that will go tree a squirrel,” Fuller said.

Since there is an abundance of wild hogs, there is no limit or season for hunting them, Fuller said.

“Hogs go through and root land up,” he said.

Farmers may give hunters permission to hunt the hogs on their land in order to protect crops, Fuller said.

Fuller said the American Pit Bull dog is known for its bad reputation, but it is great for hunting wild hogs.

“Pit Bulls have a bad stigma to them, but they’re the (most) loving dog you can get,” Fuller said.

“They’re loyal, awesome hunting dogs.”

B.J. Kratz, a competition and pleasure raccoon — Matt Fuller hunter from Cedar Hill, said he has been hunting for about 16 years. Kratz said there are pros and cons to the preferred raccoon hunting dogs.

“It depends on what you like,” he said. “Bluetick Hounds and Redtick Hounds are better used for pleasure hunting because they’re slower than Treeing Walker Coonhounds.”

“Pit Bulls have a bad

stigma to them, but they’re the (most) loving dog you can get, they’re loyal, awesome hunting dogs.”

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Kratz has his own process to train puppies: Trap a ‘coon, skin it, play with it with the puppy, and when it’s six or seven months, take it running with the big dogs and let it start treeing.

“My Walker started treeing ‘coons on its own at eight months,” Katz said.

Joey Morgan, a hunter for 48 years, said his dog began treeing raccoons on its own since it was nine months old.

By Kratz and Morgan’s definition, “treeing a ‘coon” is to let the dog out to find the raccoon after which the dog will bark to let the hunter know its location and once it runs a raccoon up a tree, the dog will let out a long “locate” bark. If a hunter is shooting the raccoons, he or she will shine a light in the tree, find the raccoon, aim and shoot.

“What you want is the dog to tree its own ‘coon by itself,” Kratz said.

If the hunter is like Kratz, who hunts for pleasure, he or she will have the dog tree the raccoon and move on to find the next one.

Morgan said he remembers when he lived in Michigan during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s when hunters were paid for raccoon furs.

“We had lots of big ‘coons,” he said. “We got paid $12.50 per ‘coon and take it to the fur man. Daddy got paid more money doing that than he did working at his job.”

Kevin Greenhill from Russellville has been using dogs for 10 years to track deer for hunters who shot,

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but did not kill the deer.

Greenhill said he started out bow hunting and decided to train his own dog to track. His friends then wanted his dog to track for them, and word gradually spread.

“Word sort of spread, then I put out fliers when I was sure he could do it, and it’s grown from there,” he said.

Although Greenhill is confident in his hound’s abilities, there are some deer that can’t be found, he said.

“People don’t realize if they’re walking down the trail, the blood gets on their shoes, then they start walking left and right leaving scent everywhere,” he

said.

It’s this mistake that can cause a dog to lose scent of the deer. The dog can still smell the deer even after the blood trail is gone, but when the scent (such as blood stuck to a boot) is strewed over a large amount of space, the dog has a harder time tracing it, Greenhill said.

“It’s sort of like walking in red paint with sponges on their feet,” he said. “It gets red spots all over.”

Greenhill said if a hunter looks over 200 yards and still hasn’t found the deer, his or her best bet is to back out and call a tracker.

“If it’s not found in 200 to 250 yards, something is wrong. That deer should be dead.”

OPPOSITE PAGE LEFT: Kratz take a break from hunting to enjoy the sunshine. OPPOSITE PAGE RIGHT: Roxy, an American pit bull, gets some backyard exercise.

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WHAT’S HOT Add some fun to dinnertime with this pink bib with Lion detailing

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Make play time more fun with this “Fetch” dog toy by Mud Pie. Ava’s China & Gifts $11.99

Gifts for Pet Lovers Reward your pup with these cheese dog Treats by Beware of Dog. Ava’s China & Gifts $6.99

Show off your loyal companion to everyone who comes over in this bone – themed picture frame. Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $32

Show your school spirit with these golden paw socks by Two Feet Ahead. Audrey’s Gifts & Décor $6

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Surprise your pup with a new chew toy by Mud Pie. Ava’s China & Gifts $8.99

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FOOD

Cooking with Sam Recipes by SAM WARF

Lemon Loaf 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 2 tbsp. softened butter 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. lemon extract 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup coconut oil 1. Combine first 4 ingredients.

2. Use a mixer, blend the rest, add to dry ingredients.

3. Pour batter into a greased 9x5 loaf pan 4. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Icing (optional): 1 cup powdered sugar plus 1 tbsp.

2 tbsp. whole milk 1/2 tsp. lemon extract Mix and spread when cake is cool.

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Skinny Chunky Monkey Cookies 3 Ripe Bananas 2 cups oats 1/4 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce 1 tsp. vanilla Mash bananas, add the rest, stir, let set for 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drop by teaspoonful on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes.

Coleslaw 1/2 cup mayo 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup milk 1/4 cup buttermilk 2 1/2 tbsp. of lemon juice 1 1/2 tbsp. of white vinegar 1/2 tsp salt 1/8 tsp pepper 8 cups of chopped cabbage 1/4 cup shredded carrots 2 tablespoon minced onion

Coconut Pecan Pralines 2 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup evaporated milk 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup butter 1 tsp. vanilla

2-2 1/2 cups chopped pecans 2 1/2 cups coconut Mix all ingredients, except coconut and cook for 3-4 minutes. Drop by spoonful on wax paper, sprinkle with coconut & let harden.

Mix mayo, milks, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper together.

Then add cabbage, carrots and onion.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. (Better overnight.)

Pecan Bars 1 can of crescent rolls 3/4 cups chopped pecans 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup corn syrup 2 tbsp. butter 1 tsp. vanilla 1 egg, beaten Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Press dough in 9x13 pan, firmly. Bake 8 minutes. Mix all ingredients in bowl. Pour onto partially cooked dough. Bake 18 to 22 minutes. Cool for 1 hour.

Cut into bars.

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Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuits 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup fine corn meal 3 tbsp. sugar 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt Pinch of cayenne pepper

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 2 tbsp. diced jalapenos 3/4 cup & 2 tbsp. of heavy cream Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix all dry ingredients. Make a well in the center, add wet and slowly mix together. Turn dough out of bowl and cut into biscuits. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

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Lending a hand Helping local animals find a home Story by BRYAN BAKER Photos CONTRIBUTED

ABOVE: Lady, left, was a pregnant stray found in Russellville. She had 3 pups. They are rescue confirmed. Please sponsor them by donating towards their vetting expense.

Many other puppies from Russellville go into the rescue, including Lab & Bulldog mixes. Tony, center, is a 7-9 years old Affenpinscher. His owner surrender from Franklin County. He’s heartworm positive. Please sponsor him by donating towards his vetting expense.

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S

hoals Animal Advocates works diligently throughout the week to ensure the safety and rescue of stray animals across Northwest Alabama. They find pets new homes not only in Alabama, but also all across the United States.

SAA is a non-profit organization that operates out of the Quad Cities, but also reaches out to the surrounding communities including Franklin County.

They have rescue centers set up in several towns across the region. Their goal is to find stray animals a loving family and home. The current Franklin County location the group operates from is the Russellville Animal Clinic.

The group started as a small organization that placed animals from the area with new owners.

They were working as a group of volunteers with the Colbert County Rescue organization. The group

decided that it would be more beneficial working and operating as a non-profit organization. SAA has had an impact in Franklin County by setting up a shelter where citizens are encouraged to bring stray animals in hopes that they will find a new companion.

Stephanie Flannigan, President of SAA, said that the group is constantly working to keep these animals healthy. Those in charge of the organization have come a long way over the last few years and have made a difference in the animal community nationwide.

“We aren’t just finding homes for our animals in Alabama,” Flannigan said. “We are getting ready to make a run to Florida soon. We have animals from our shelter being transported two or three times a week.”

Flannigan and her crew are in the transport business as well. She said they tend to make several

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runs a week transporting animals to different areas where the future pet owners reside.

SAA takes pride in making sure people are aware of what they are doing. The group hosts different events each month to give people a better understanding of what they actually do. Their website lists upcoming adoption events, how to donate time or materials, as well as some of the animals that are available for adoption.

The organization does not have a central location, and operates from different animal clinics around the area. The recent addition of the Franklin County area is just part of the group’s goal of helping all animals find a loving home. However, their program is effective only with the help of those in the community.

SAA does not have a limit on the animals that they shelter. Flannigan said that the group takes all

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animals of any age.

“We work with some that are four days old and have to be bottle fed,” Flannigan said. “I’ve got one of the senior dogs from the Russellville Clinic living at my home now.”

The adoption process from SAA is something that takes a little time. The group takes applications for the animals before they send them to a new home.

Phoebe, a Pomeranian, had over 100 applications turned in over a two-week span.

The group plans on having adoption events in the upcoming months at Tractor Supply in Muscle Shoals and Pet Depot in Florence. However, the Russellville Animal Clinic is boarding the animals weekly.

Check the group out on Facebook or visit their website at www.shoalsanimaladvocates.com. For any additional information call 256-712-4414.

LEFT: Simba’s an innocent Golden Retriever pup from Franklin County that someone took to the vet to euthanize because he was a stray and had mange. Simba went to Fur-Ever Home Rescue in Virginia.

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PET PICS

Harley Balentine, Owner Butch Balentine of Balentine Properties

Maximux, Owners Nick & Anita Ahmed of Nick Ahmed Auto Sales

Phoebe, Owners David & Kellie Singleton of Russellville

Scooter Bug, Owner Murphy Gunnison of Phil Campbell

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Honey, Owner Kerry Gilbert of Russellville

Mia, Owners Peggy & Jackie Fowler of Phil Campbell

Jody, Owner Chris Ozbirn of the Franklin County Archives

Minnie Owner Sandra Kimbrough, from East Franklin

Puggles Owners Rebekah & Jamie Myrick of Tharptown

Tinkerbell , Owner Kayla Kinard of Phil Campbell

Pugsley, Owner Nicole Pell FCT general manager

Toto Owners Robert, Ann, Allison & Kayla Hicks of Spruce Pine

Kodee, Owners Larry & Janie Dover of Russellville

Miss Blossom Owner Sam Warf of Russellville

Reb Owner John Seal of Russellville

Tuby Bear, Owners Eddie & Melissa of Russellville

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PET PICS

Lilly, Owners Rodney & Jennifer Cox of Russellville

Lady, Owners Susan Goggans of Russellville

Mr. Big, Owners Nick & Anita Ahmed of Nick Ahmed Auto Sales

Rebel, Owner Marie Roberts of Phil Campbell

Tyson, Owner Emily Honey of Russellville

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Oliver Owner Jane Martinez of Russellville

Rosie, Owner Nicole Pell FCT general manager

Yoda, Owners Nick & Anita Ahmed of Nick Ahmed Auto Sales

Little Man & Dory, Owner Connie Valdez of Russellville

Ollie, Owners Eddie & Melissa Landers of Russellville

Scarlett, Owner Sacora Martinez of Russellville

Zak & Darla Owners Ramona & Brandon Reed of Nick Ahmed Auto Sales

Max & Snoopie, Owner Kris Spencer of Red Bay

Otis , Owner Cody Bowen of Phil Campbell

Sam Owner Emory Allen of Russellville

Zoey Owners William & Chesley Smith of Russellville

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LOOKING BACK

Looking back photos courtesy of the Franklin County Archives.

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FRANKLIN LIVING

Franklin County Business & Service Directory Russellville Hotel & Suites

with VISTA

without VISTA

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256-332-1002

Each Best Western branded hotel is independently owned and operated.

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RUSSELLVILLE, AL

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

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PARTING SHOT

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

– Anatole France

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Tifn Motor Homes

105 Second Street NW • Red Bay, AL 256-356-8661

Will Hill

Will Hill can be found each day installing ramps on both the gas and diesel product lines at the Tifn Motorhomes main plant in Red Bay. But, away from work, there’s no telling where he may be.

Hill serves as a minister with Praise Tabernacle in Russellville and also serves in the motor pool with the 115th Signal Battalion in the Alabama National Guard. In fact, shortly after coming to work for TMH in 2007, he was deployed for a year to Afghanistan where served as a chaplain for the unit.

“Just having a peace with God and knowing and trusting Him made that time easier and knowing that I could be there for the people who needed me, that was good,” he said.

He said the time spent in Afghanistan reminded him just how much there is to be thankful for and served as a constant reminder that God is faithful and protective.

The unit was deployed for parts of 2008-

2009.

Hill said that he was appreciative for the Tifn family and to TMH for being supportive of him and his military service.

“They have been good employers and supported me,” said Hill, who has two sons, Deyon, 16, and Chris, 18, with his wife, Malina.

He now watches as his children carry on a football legacy that he started as part of the rst of ve consecutive state championships at Hazelwood High School in Town Creek. Hill was an all-state player for the 1988 Golden Bears team that established a legacy at that school that is still unprecedented in Alabama. His children played at Russellville High School.

“That was a lot of fun being part of those teams and winning the state championship, but it’s a lot of fun watching my boys too,” he said.

Hill worked for more than 15 years at a chicken processing plant in Russellville before moving to TMH.

Ramona Dyar has worked at Tifn Motorhomes for more than nine years, but she has more than 20 years of experience in a manufacturing facility.

Prior to coming to work at TMH in August 2005, Dyar spent 13 years at Buccaneer Homes in her hometown of Hamilton, Ala. After an accident took her out of the tile shop, she worked in the wire shop for some time before moving into her current role as material handler for the interior door station at the main plant in Red Bay. As material handler, she is responsible for placing all orders and making sure the line has all the materials they need.

“I have to make sure that everyone has what they need so the line can continue to operate on schedule at all times,” she said.

Dyar is very much a family-oriented person, spending a great deal of her time with her mother and her husband of 28

years, Danny, and their son, Jeremy.

The couple owns and operates a construction business that keeps Danny and Jeremy on the road quite a bit, so Ramona cherishes those times when the family is all at home together.

“Danny really likes getting to work with Jeremy and spending so much time with him,” she said. “And I really like the time we all get to be together at home.”

She occasionally tags along with her son and husband on hunting trips, but admits that’s not really her “cup of tea.”

“I like to shop,” she said unabashedly.

“That’s what I like to do.”

Ramona said that she has enjoyed her time at TMH and working alongside her co-workers and the management team that she works for.

“It has been good to me and my family,” she said. “There are a lot of good people here and the Tifn family has been good to work for.”

Ramona Dyar

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www.tifnmotorhomes.com

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