2023 Franklin Living November-December

CHILLY DAY TITLES | HOLIDAY RECIPES | FAITH&FINANCE ADVICE

November/December 2023 Vol. 13 Issue No. 6

COLLEGE AVENUE REMEMBRANCES TREASURING TEXTILE HANDICRAFTS

Yearlong Yuletide

Family keeps spirit alive with permanent Christmas village

256.768.2344 256.768.2344 • 256.768.2353 • 256.768.2353

FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

A

nother year is drawing to a close.

We’re nearly in the thick of “the holiday season” – so hoop-de-do and dickory dock – and that means it’s time for 2023’s final installment of Franklin Living.

As you gather ‘round Momma’s table for a big Thanksgiving dinner, or pile into the family den for football watching, or dive into a gift-wrapping marathon, keep this magazine handy to add a few great reads to your holiday season.

For our Christmas spotlight, we give you Pam and Rickey Skidmore and their spectacular holiday display. The couple’s Christmas village has outgrown their house and now glimmers

with holiday cheer year are discover their passions and pursue round in their partially them relentless. enclosed garage. You Passion can be found on every page can read about this spe- of Franklin Living – at least, that’s what cial tradition on page 12. we go for. As usual, in addition to our We bring you remem- feature stories, we also share the spebrances from a bygone cial passions of our regular contributors era starting on page 21 – passion for financial education, paswith people’s memosion for faith, passion for reading and ries of College Avenue school in Russellville. literacy, passion for good food, passion Change has come to that for community.

It’s all inside. corner lot, but there are As the holiday season sets in and we many folks who will long cling to special begin the hustle and bustle that comes memories of all that transpired there.

On page 18, meet Margie Upton. This along with it, we wish you and yours a sweet Red Bay lady knows her niche: happy Thanksgiving and a very merry quilting and other textile-based han- Christmas. And don’t forget to hang up dicrafts. She has spent years engaged your sock. in quilting, embroidery and crochet for a hobby she calls her “happy place.”

We love sharing the stories of people

Alison James

Features

Editorial ALISON JAMES MARÍA CAMP Contributors KATERNIA COLE COFFEY PHILIP GOAD EMILY MAYS AMY DOLAN MCCOLLUM LORI SKINNER Marketing FRED ELLISON Administrative

4 What’s Happening 5 Money Matters 6 Taste of Franklin 12 Yearlong Yuletide 16 Faith Focus 17 Reading Recommendations: Chilly day titles 18 Treasured textiles 22 College Avenue remembered 28 From the Extension 30 Faces of Franklin County

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SOMMER MORRIS

____________________ Franklin Living is published bi-monthly by the Franklin County Times.

Copyright 2023 by TN Valley Media Inc. P.O. Box 1088 Russellville, AL 35653 256-332-1881 fax: 256-332-1883 www.franklincountytimes.com

Franklin Living

ON THE COVER:

The Skidmores’ Christmas village keeps the holiday spirit alive all year long. Read about it on page 12.

22 3

What’s Happening Check upcoming Checkout outall all the the upcoming community events! community events!

Submit community events for future issues of Franklin Living to alison. james@franklincountytimes.com.

Requests must of beFranklin received by the first Submit community events for future issues Living to of the month for consideration for the next edition.

All events arereceived subject alison.james@franklincountytimes.com.

Requests must be to change or cancellation.for the next edition. by the first of the month for consideration

Christmas at Sloss Lake

Dec. 3 Spring A new community event, Christmas at Sloss Lake Sports will be held at Sloss Lake Registration Park in Russellville Dec. 3 from 1:30-7:30 p.m. There

Jan. 1 through Feb. 1 will be food vendors, hoJan. 29 through 7 liday shopping March and mu-

sic,Russellville train ride, inflatables The and more.

The event is Parks and Recreation hosted by Purpose. For Department will more information, find begin spring the event on sports Facebook. registration with soccer signups Jan. 1 through Feb. 1. Youth soccer is for boys and girls ages 3-12, and cost is $35. Teams will play their games at the soccer fields by theDec. Chucky Center. Youth softball signup for girls 4, 5, 7,Mullins 14 ages 6-12 will begin Jan. 29 and continue through March 7, December brings Christwith a cost of $35. For more information 256-332-8870, mas call parades across ext. 14.

Franklin County. Red

Christmas Parades

Bay’s parade will be Dec. 4 at 6 p.m., with the theme of “O Come All Ye Faithful,” led by grand marshal Katrine Moore.

Vina’s parade will be the following evening, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m., with the theme “Candyland ChristJan. 11 and Feb. 8 parade will be Dec. 7 at 6 p.m., and Dec. mas.”

Russellville’s 14 second at 6 p.m.

Phil Campbell will wrap the Christmas parade The Saturday season, with the town’s tree lighting immediately following. night of each month at Access parade applications through the Franklin County 7 p.m. is theofmonthly Chamber Commerce website or by contacting the cities’ Kerry Gilbert Band respective city halls.

Rockin’ at the Roxy

concert at the Historic 4 Theatre in Roxy Russellville. The KGB will be joined by a special guest for

County TheFranklin Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular

Basketball Tournament

Dec. 7-10

Jan. 14-18

The Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular will take the stage with public performances Dec. 7-10.

Tickets are on sale now for $16 and may be purchased online through the link posted on the event’s Facebook page.

Red Bay, Tharptown, Vina, Belgreen and Phil Campbell basketball teams will face off on the court for the Franklin County Varsity Tournament.

Teams will play Dec. 3at Red Bay in this annual Red Bay’s Tree Lighcompetition among county teams. ting celebration

Red Bay Tree Lighting will be Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. at Bay Tree Park. Special choirs and instrumental groups will add to the atmosphere, singing favorite holiday tunes.

Jan. 20-26

Scale Back Alabama: Weigh-In Week

The Weigh-In Week for teams participating in Scale Back Alabama will be Jan. 20-26, kicking Dec. 7 off the two and a half Dec. 7 starting at 4:15 p.m. month program. SBA will be the Cultura Garis a free statewide den Club’s Every Light a weight-loss Prayer for Peace program campaign designed on the Franklin County to encourage Courthouse steps. The Alabamians to get event will feature songs healthy and have fun and speakers encouraging peace. Veterans, active midoing it. Since the litary, front-line workers, first challenge in 2007, Alabamians have lost more than 1 responderstoand million pounds. For morefirst information, signEMS up or to fin be honored. The offia local weigh-in site, visitwill www.scalebackalabama.com.

Russellville’s Every Light a Prayer for Peace and Tree-Lighting Ceremony

cial tree lighting, across the street in front of the Byars Building, will wrap up the event, immediately preceding the Russellville Christmas Parade.

LifeSouth Blood Drives Christmas in 22 and Feb. 1 CityJan. Lake Park

The LifeSouth bloodmobile City Lake’s Tree will be in Lighting Ceremony will be at 7:30 p.m.

Russellville The Christmas Jan. 22 atTree Trail will be open until Jan. 1 for visiIHP and Feb. tors to enjoy.

1 at Cricket Wireless. The bloodmobile will be at IHP from L9iving a.m. to 4 Franklin p.m. and at Cricket Wireless from noon to 7 p.m. For more Dec. 7

MONEY MATTERS

T

Make wise financial plans for college

is the season! – for college application submissions.

As if this isn’t a stressful enough process, the financial picture also needs to be considered. Attending college is a significant milestone in one’s life, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Here are some financial tips to help you get in step with your college financial goals.

Research Financial Aid Options Before applying to colleges, it’s essential to explore available financial aid options. This includes scholarships, grants, federal and state aid programs and private loans. FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a critical starting point for accessing many of these resources. When it comes to scholarships and grants, students should actively seek out opportunities based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement and unique skills or talents. There are various online platforms and local organizations that offer scholarships.

Consider In-State and Community Colleges In-state and community colleges often offer more affordable tuition rates compared to out-of-state or private institutions.

Many community colleges also have transfer programs, allowing students to complete their general education requirements at a lower cost before transferring to a four-year institution.

Create a Budget Developing a realistic budget is a fundamental step in managing college expenses. It should encompass tuition, fees, housing, meals, textbooks, transportation and personal expenses.

Establishing a budget helps students and their families understand their financial capabilities and limitations.

Minimize Unnecessary Expenses Cutting unnecessary expenses can make a substantial difference in the overall cost of attending college. This might include opting for used textbooks, sharing housing costs with roommates and avoiding excessive spending on non-essential items.

Consider Part-Time Work, Work-Study or Internships Part-time work or internships can provide valuable income and professional experience. Federal work-study programs offer part-time employment opportunities to eligible students, often on campus or within the community, and these jobs provide income while allowing students to gain valuable skills related to their field of study. However, it’s essential to balance work commitments with academic responsibilities to ensure success in both areas.

Emily Mays is vice president/chief administrative officer at Community Spirit Bank in Red Bay, working in finance for 15 years. She is an enthusiastic social media marketer, financial literacy advocate and go-local supporter.

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TASTE OF FRANKLIN

Savor the holidays

with dishes to satisfy all appetites Recipes by AMY MCCOLLUM Photos by LARA GUNDERMAN

THANKSGIVING FAVORITES Pecan Pie Chocolate Chip Pie Sweet Potato Casserole Cornbread Chicken and Dressing Green bean Casserole Pineapple Casserole Grape Salad Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Corn Casserole Spiral Baked Ham with pineapples and cherries Apple Casserole Cranberry Salad Potato Deluxe Casserole Broccoli Casserole Macaroni Casserole Pound Cake Black Walnut Cake Deviled Eggs Veg-all Casserole Homemade Dinner Rolls

CHRISTMAS FAVORITES

T

he holidays are a fun time for friends and family to get together. This is a time to reminisce and reflect on holidays past and the family we miss – and no holiday celebration is complete without those delicious casseroles, side dishes and desserts we all love!

Most families have a traditional menu they prepare each year. Different people prepare the same dishes each year, and the get-together would not be the same

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without them. I reached out to my Franklin County Facebook friends and asked, “What is your holiday must-have dish?” I have complied a list and included a few recipes shared with me. If you are looking for a new dish to try out, these will be sure to please! Add something new to your menu this year. It might just become a new favorite.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. I am looking forward to sharing new recipes with you in 2024.

Christmas Sugar Cookies with sprinkles Red Velvet Oreo Brownies Chocolate Fudge/Peanut Butter Fudge Peanut Butter Balls Fruit Loop Candy Mexican Pinwheels Chocolate Peanut-Marshmallow Candy Sausage Balls Homemade Chex Mix Cheeseball Red Velvet Cake Sweet Potato Pie Orange Slice Cake Mama’s Pound Cake Twice Baked Potatoes

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TASTE OF FRANKLIN BROCCOLI AND RICE CASSEROLE In memory of Eupha Williamson

Ingredients

• 1 package chopped frozen broccoli, cooked and drained • 1 cup cooked white rice • 1 jar Cheese Whiz • 1/2 stick butter • 1 small Vidalia onion, chopped • 1 small jar of mushrooms • 1 can of mushroom soup • 1 can of water chestnuts, chopped and drained

Instructions

1. Combine in a large mixing bowl the broccoli and cooked rice.

2. While the rice and broccoli are hot, add 1 jar Cheese Whiz or a half block – more or less – of Velveeta and 1/4 cup, more or less, of milk, stirring often until melted and creamy.

3. Sauté onion in butter.

4. Mix drained mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, onions and water chestnuts into broccoli and rice mixture.

5. Pour in a lightly buttered casserole dish and bake in preheated 350-degree oven 25-30 minutes.

CANDY ORANGE SLICE CAKE Submitted by Deb Taff Aaron

Ingredients

NANNY’S CRANBERRY SALAD

• 1 cup of butter • 2 cups of sugar • 4 eggs • 1/2 cup of buttermilk • 1 tsp. baking soda • 3 1/2 cups of flour • 1 lb. dates, chopped • 2 cups of chopped pecans • 1 1/3 or one can of Angel coconut flakes • 1 lb. candy orange slices, chopped • 2 cups of powdered sugar • 1 cup of orange juice

Submitted by Julie King Hulsey

Ingredients

• 6-ounce box of cherry Jell-O • 2 cups of boiling water • 1 can jellied cranberry sauce • 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce • 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, well drained • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Instructions

1. First cream one cup of butter with two cups of sugar.

2. Add four eggs, one at a time, beating each one.

3. In a bowl combine the buttermilk, baking soda and flour.

4. Add the dates, pecans, coconut and chopped orange slices. This makes a stiff batter.

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5. Bake in a well sprayed or greased and lightly floured tube pan for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

6. Mix together two cups of powdered sugar and cup of orange juice and pour over cake while hot.

1. Dissolve the Jell-O into two cups of boiling water.

2. Add one can jellied cranberry sauce and one can whole berry cranberry sauce and mash until smooth. Let partially congeal.

3. Add the drained crushed pineapple and mix in the chopped pecans.

4. Let congeal for a few more hours.

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out with moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake or they will be dry, hard and crumbly.

11. Cool at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before cutting them.

QUICK LEMON PUDDING BUNDT CAKE Ingredients

• 15.25 oz box lemon cake mix (I use Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme) • 3.5 oz instant lemon pudding mix (just the dry powder, not made, not cook and serve) • 1 tsp. lemon zest • 1/2 cup water • 1/2 cup lemon juice, fresh • 4 large eggs • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Lemon Glaze: • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar • 1 Tbsp. cream or milk • 1/2 tsp. lemon zest

Instructions RED VELVET OREO BROWNIES Ingredients

• 15.25 oz. box red velvet cake mix • 1/2 cup melted butter • 3 eggs, divided – 1 whole, 2 separated • 1 tsp. vanilla • 8 ounces softened cream cheese • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini or regular size • 8 Oreo cookies, cut in fourths

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Spray a 9x12 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

3. In a large mixing bowl, mix the cake mix, butter, one whole egg, two egg

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yolks and vanilla on medium to medium high speed until a soft dough forms.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, two egg whites and sugar on medium to medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.

5. Add the chocolate chips in on low speed.

6. Spread the cake mix into the pan. Leave enough to make about 6 large dollops on top.

7. Pour the white mixture on top of the cake mixture.

8. Space out about 6 large dollops of the remaining red velvet mixture on top.

9. Place the cookie pieces on top.

10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cream cheese is set and a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the side comes

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Spray a 10-cup bundt pan heavily with baking spray.

3. In the bowl of a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the dry cake mix and lemon pudding powder and mix on low speed for 30 seconds.

4. Add the lemon zest, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup lemon juice and four eggs. Mix on low to medium speed for one minute.

5. Add 1/2 cup oil and mix again.

6. Fill the prepared bundt cake pan with batter.

7. Bake for 35 mins.

8. Cool for 10 mins then flip over onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

9. Lemon Glaze 1. Mix the confectioners sugar with the cream and lemon zest until fully combined.

2. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Franklin Living

TASTE OF FRANKLIN FRUIT LOOP CANDY This is a family favorite at my house for the holidays. The recipe is in memory of my childhood Sunday School teacher, Martha Pace, who died in the 2011 tornado in Phil Campbell. These make a great gift in a cute holiday package or tin.

Ingredients

• 24 ounces white chocolate bark • 1 cup Fruit Loops cereal • 2 cups dry roasted peanuts • 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Melt bark in microwave for one minute.

2. Stir thoroughly. DO NOT SCORCH! 3. Continue to melt in 20 second increments, stirring in between, until melted smooth.

4. Pour cereal and peanuts into melted bark one cup at a time, stirring well after each cup.

5. After coated well, add the marshmallows. You must do it in this order or the marshmallows will melt, and you will have a mess.

6. Spoon mixture onto wax paper in tablespoon-sized (approximately) clusters OR spoon into mini cupcake papers.

7. Allow to cool completely. You can put them on a tray and place it in the freezer to quicken the process.

8. Store in an airtight container.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT CANDY This candy recipe is another family favorite at my house for the holidays.

This one is in honor of my Aunt Doris Patterson, retired home economics teacher.

These also make a great gift in a cute holiday package or tin.

Ingredients

• 24 ounces almond bark, chocolate or vanilla • 1 1/2 cups of dry roasted salted peanuts • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe dish. Stir frequently until melted. Do not scorch.

2. Add peanuts and stir until peanuts are covered.

3. Add marshmallows and stir until completely covered. Be sure to add the marshmallows last so the chocolate is cooled and doesn’t melt them.

4. Drop them in mini cupcake papers and let cool completely.

Franklin Living

SWEET POTATO AND APPLE CASSEROLE Submitted by Sammi Jo McConnell

Ingredients

• 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin • 2 cups of peeled, sliced apples • 1 cup of sugar • 1 tsp. salt • 2 tsp. corn starch • 3 cups of miniature marshmallows • 1 tsp. cinnamon • 1 cup chopped nuts • 1 stick of butter

Instructions

1. Place sweet potatoes in buttered 13x9 baking dish.

2. Add marshmallows and apples on top of potatoes.

3. Mix sugar, salt, cinnamon and nuts.

Sprinkle over apples.

4. Mix corn starch with 1/2 cup water until smooth. Pour over all.

5. Dot with stick of butter.

6. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

EASY GRAPE SALAD This recipe makes at least 12 cups of grape salad, enough for 12 one-cup servings. This salad is best enjoyed the day you make it, not prepared ahead.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened • 1 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup granulated sugar • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • 4 pounds red seedless grapes, chilled (about 10 cups) • 3/4 cup of brown sugar • 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar and vanilla.

2. Carefully fold in the grapes and gently toss until evenly coated.

3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix brown sugar and walnuts.

4. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on top of the grapes.

5. Cover and chill at least one hour or overnight. Serve cold.

6. Notes: If the cream cheese is not softened to room temperature, the cream cheese and sour cream won’t combine well. The mixture will be lumpy. If this happens, stir it quickly with a whisk. If you know small children will be eating the salad, consider quartering the grapes. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The salad might get watery over time but is still safe to eat.

CHOCOLATE CHIP PECAN PIE This is my children’s favorite dessert I make for the holidays

Ingredients

• 1 premade pie crust, deep dish, or a homemade pie crust • 1 cup light corn syrup • 1/2 cup of sugar • 1/4 cup of butter, melted • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • 3 eggs • 1 cup of semisweet chocolate morsels • 1 1/2 cups of pecan halves or pecan pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place premade pie shell on baking sheet.

2. In a large bowl, combine corn syrup, sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs. Whisk until combined.

3. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans.

4. Pour mixture into prepared pie crust.

5. Bake for 60 minutes or until middle is set and bubbling.

6. Cool completely before slicing.

7. Note: If the crust starts to brown before the pie is done, cover with strips of aluminum foil.

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Yearlong Yuletide Christmas village illuminates local garage, spreads seasonal cheer Story and photos by MARÍA CAMP

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Franklin Living

F

or Spruce Pine resident Rickey Skidmore and his wife, Pam, the love of Christmas fuels their motivation for a special ongoing project. It all started 10-12 years ago when his mother-in-law got tired of decorating and gave them the eight or so Christmas village houses she had and encouraged them to “do something with them.”

What began as a few pieces of a Christmas village in their den on a smallish square table eventually grew until it had to be moved to a playroom, displayed on a pool table fitted with a cover Rickey made. That arrangement that lasted about two years.

Eventually, the couple closed in half of their garage, around five or six years ago, to house the collection. The sprawling village fills the space but still has room to grow vertically, and plans are already in the works for coming additions. The Skidmores have 11 new houses that haven’t been incorporated yet.

“My mother, Margaret Seal, gave us our first set, a farm set,” recalled Pam. “She gets real excited about it every Christmas to come see it. We give her a lot of the credit, and she loves that. We started buying the houses and adding to it, and it just keeps growing. We always have our family Christmas, over 20 people, and one of the main things is they want to go see the Christmas village, so that just makes us proud. Last year, we had our first open house, mainly for our church family, and they really enjoyed seeing it, too.”

“I don’t hunt or fish. This is my hobby,” Rickey explained. “I think we’ve got a little over 120 different houses right now, and I make all my backdrops, carving them out of Styrofoam and painting them.

Every few years, I try to change it up a little bit. I end up buying more houses, and then I have to make room for them, so I have to make the village higher.”

Most of the pieces are from Department 56 or Lemax. While Rickey said they can be on the pricey side, he goes to estate sales and buys “very few” of them new, which keeps the cost down.

Franklin Living

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His wide-ranging collection includes a host of different houses, shops and restaurants, plus an operational train and moving streetcar. Other moving pieces include a Ferris wheel, windmill and popcorn machine.

Colorful lights illuminate the village and the sounds of Christmas music from some of the pieces fill the space with seasonal cheer – so much so, in fact, that they opted to turn the sound off of many of the pieces so as to keep the atmosphere from becoming overwhelming.

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“One area is a neighborhood, and I have a carnival going on in one section, a farm set up in another one, and a different area has a downtown section,” Skidmore explained. “We actually have two different campgrounds. I bought 1/64 scale model Hot Wheels for one of my campgrounds.”

Future plans include adding two drive-in movie theatres. “I’m going to have to tear out a whole bunch and rewire a lot of stuff to be able to fix it the way I want it,” he said. “About two years ago I redid

the wiring with bigger and heavier wire to make sure I don’t overload anything, and I can cut it all off with a couple of switches.”

Rickey said he enjoys the variety of the pieces and the general atmosphere, and he likes spending time in the space even outside of the Christmas season.

“There’s a Santaland with elves and other North Pole features, and we have a ski resort with a snow slope. We add to the village with whatever we have and make the decorations look as realistic as we can.”

While he said it’s difficult to pin down a singular favorite piece, he does have some favorite areas of the village. “Probably some of my favorite pieces are from the carnival or the log cabins. We added the campgrounds because we like to camp, and the kids always enjoy the carnival type stuff because there’s a lot of motion and a lot of stuff with it, including a moving merrygo-round and other rides. There’s probably more motion in the carnival than in the other areas. It’s a lot of fun.”

Rickey said he handles most of the work related to the structures and wiring, but Pam enjoys helping him decorate. “We

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make a lot of the decorations or get things to decorate in the houses and yards and other areas and make it so it looks like there’s snow and lawn decorations – miniature items to add interest,” he explained. “We’ve probably put more than 200 trees into it. I’ve got one area where a little train goes through a mountain, and I have trouble keeping it running, so it doesn’t run very often.”

He said their kids have always “really enjoyed” the village, but that’s not their only Christmas décor: Once they had grandchildren, he resumed Christmas decorations outside their home. “We’ve been married 43 years, and when we first got married, I used to decorate outside every year, but it was costing so much money,” Rickey explained. “We use LED now, and it’s a lot cheaper. You don’t have that much of a power spike on it. We usually have a month and a half or so of working pretty solid getting everything up. My son and older grandchildren come help me get the lights up on the house, and I do most of the lawn decorations. We enjoy working on it all together, and it’s just a hobby for us.” He said they usually try to have the outside decorations, including around 30 inflatables, ready by the day after Thanksgiving. The effort brings joy to family members as well as neighbors and friends.

“Watching the kids that come to see everything is the best part,” Rickey said. “The expressions on their faces, the bright lights and all – they just light up every time they see them. That’s where I get all my reward from: watching them have a good time with it.”

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FAITH FOCUS

Here’s the best gift you can give this year

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year! From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, our calendars are jam packed with shopping, cooking and making it to all the places we are supposed to be. The truth is, “the most wonderful time of the year” can be exhausting – and, for many of us, there is one dreaded thing about the holiday season: spending time around a person who has hurt us in some way. It’s a relationship that was broken at some point in the past and never resolved; unfinished business remains between you and that person.

Imagine what it would feel like to move past those feelings of hurt and resentment and extend forgiveness to the person who has hurt you. Forgiveness might just be the best gift you can give during the holidays this year.

To forgive – we know it’s a requirement for the person who is following Jesus, and we know Jesus explained why. He stated, “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions” (Matthew 6:14-15, NASB).

Why can it be so difficult to forgive? Obviously, the pain we experienced from the offense is real, and it’s natural to not want to be hurt again. Be it financial, emotional or in extreme cases physical, the pain often lingers long after the relationship is broken. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do our best to respond in a Biblical way.

The ideal goal when extending forgiveness is full reconciliation – restoring the relationship to the level it was prior to the offense. That’s the way God forgives us! However, there will be times when forgiveness without full reconciliation is the wise choice. The relationship won’t be restored to the level it was before. Perhaps it will include setting some boundaries to prevent that person from wrecking your life in the same way a second time.

Allow me to offer one more reason why forgiving someone might just be the best gift you can give this holiday season. When you forgive, you are actually giving yourself a gift that keeps on giving.

Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom put it this way: “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and to discover the prisoner was you.” When I withhold forgiveness, I’m the one who pays an ongoing price.

Is there someone you need to forgive? If so, don’t wait. Forgive them now. It probably won’t be easy, but when you extend forgiveness, you will be blessed.

Philip Goad has been serving as the minister at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville since March 2020.

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Franklin Living

RECOMMENDED READING

READS FOR A CHILLY DAY

T

he weather has turned cold, even here in the sunny South. As winter approaches and many folks find themselves with a little spare time between holiday events, ’tis the season for a cozy title or two. Northwest Shoals Community College library director Lori Skinner has these chilly day titles to recommend:

“The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp”

By Leonie Swann

If quirky, eccentric senior citizens hot on the trail of a murderer sounds like a good time, make sure you pick up “The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp” by Leonie Swann. This darkly comedic murder mystery follows a group of seniors in the sleepy English countryside who attempt to solve a murder, in order to pin another death on the murderer – that of the body they are hiding in a shed. The characters, including Hettie the tortoise, are delightful and engaging, which adds up to a cozy mystery and a thoughtful portrayal of aging. Originally published in German, translation is provided by Amy Bojang.

“The Twenty-Ninth Day: Surviving a Grizzly Attack in the Canadian Tundra”

By Alex Messenger

Fans of wilderness survival will enjoy the award-winning “The Twenty-Ninth Day: Surviving a Grizzly Attack in the Canadian Tundra” by Alex Messenger. Filled with roaring white water, big fish, grizzlies and wilderness triage, Messenger’s tale shares the realities of a backcountry canoeing trip that shifted from exhilarating to life-threatening in a matter of minutes.

“A Holly Jolly Diwali”

By Sonya Lalli

Visit the beautiful beaches of Goa and celebrate Diwali in Sonya Lalli’s fun novel, “A Holly Jolly Diwali.” When practical analyst Niki Randhawa spontaneously books a last-minute trip to India for her friend’s wedding, she meets Sameer Mukherji and is drawn into their mutual attraction. With a surprise change in her career, at the end of her vacation Nikki must decide if she will return to her practical life or embrace a boldness that the old Nikki would never have dreamed to pursue.

“The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas”

By James Patterson and Ted Safran

A new modern holiday classic, “The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas” by James Patterson and Ted Safran will delight the whole family. A heartbroken family has given up on Christmas and everything else after the loss of the one who held them all together. After the children disastrously attempt to set their dad up with a date online, mysterious and chaotic gifts begin to appear each day. As the family bands together to deal with the chaos of each gift, they find a way to move through their grief and become close to each other once more.

“The Complete Autumn and Winter Cookbook”

By America’s Test Kitchen

Chilly weather, short days and special occasions might have you ready to flex your culinary muscles with comforting recipes. America’s Test Kitchen has you covered with a collection of seasonal recipes that celebrate the flavors of fall and winter in “The Complete Autumn and Winter Cookbook: 550+ Recipes for Warming Dinners, Holiday Roasts, Seasonal Desserts, Breads, Food Gifts, and More.”

“The Twelve Dogs of Christmas”

By Susan Wiggs

After Brenda and her husband rush their beloved pup to the emergency vet on Christmas Eve, Brenda’s life changes drastically when strange lace undies are removed from the poor pup’s stomach. “The Twelve Dogs of Christmas”

by Susan Wiggs sees Brenda a year into her breakup, heart frozen toward all things Christmas, and volunteering with a local dog rescue operation in Houston, Texas. While transporting 12 sweet pooches to their forever homes in New York, things go amok when she deals with a blinding snowstorm and an escaped mutt.

Lori Skinner is the head librarian for Northwest Shoals Community College. She can be contacted at 256-331-6288 or lori.skinner@ nwscc.edu. NW-SCC Libraries are open to the public and look forward to serving your library needs. The library now has an app, Librista, available on android and Apple devices.

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Treasured textiles Creating for love: Red Bay woman enjoys her craft Story and photos by MARÍA CAMP

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or Red Bay resident Margie Upton, hours spent quilting and crocheting is time well spent. While she has shown her work, sold or given it away, the time spent creating is what she said is the most rewarding – time that’s uniquely relaxing and satisfying.

Upton, a Franklin County native who grew up in Atwood, said she’s been making quilts for around the last 10 or 12 years. Though she was around quilting growing up, she didn’t get it into it herself until much later, and she taught herself how to do it.

“My mother, Gertrude Taylor Davidson, made all the quilts at home,” she explained. “I got into quilting after my husband was given an old quilt top that belonged to his grandmother.” Upton said she took the quilt apart and reassembled it to make it more precise so the design would work better. “I got all of the squares even, and I put it back together, and that was the first quilt I quilted. I wasn’t really thinking about getting into quilting before that,” she added.

“I realized I enjoyed the process, and I kept going with it, adding more projects over the years.”

Upton’s sister Shirley Davidson Hindman, who lives in Russellville, gave her a pattern that a woman had given her years before.

“I started out with that one next.”

Her next project was also inspired by a sister. “My sister who passed away around 30 years ago, Shelby Davidson Oliver – she painted all of her quilts, and she was doing a United States quilt, but she passed away before it was finished,” Upton explained.

She and Hindman took it upon themselves to finish what she had started. “When my other sister and I got the quilt from my niece, we couldn’t figure it out at first, but when we finally got it figured out, everything went perfectly, and I embroidered the hexagons that she didn’t have painted. We finished that quilt and kept it for a few years before giving it to her granddaughter for graduation.”

Upton said she enjoys the variety of creating different types of quilts.

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“We have made probably three more United States quilts from that pattern,” Upton said, “and I’ve just been going ever since.”

Other quilts she has made include a “grandma’s flower garden,” which involves using random blocks and putting them together, embroidering them and quilting them. “I gave them to my nieces and nephews.” She said she’s not sure just how many quilts she has made over the years. “I gave four away, and my sister and I did the three United States quilts together, and I’ve done three of the grandma’s flower garden quilts and a patriotic quilt,” she said. “I helped my sister do some quilting for her grandkids, too.”

For Upton, quilting is a hobby that brings relaxation and happiness. “I’ve just gotten through embroidering 35 blocks of the patriotic quilt ‘Stand with America,’” she said. “I’ve got it ready to strip and put together as a top and quilt anytime I have the time to work on it.”

Upton said the time spent on an individual quilt varies according to the project. “It probably took six or seven months for me to make the cathedral window quilt,” she said. “As far as the patriotic quilt and getting it put together, I could sit down and quilt that in less than a month if I just really took the time to sit down and do it.”

She said she’s “always doing something.”“I’ll go and buy pillowcases when I’ve got nothing to do, and I’ll put appliqués on them, and I will embroider them for Christmas gifts or something of that nature,” Upton said. “I still embroider decorative table pieces, and I have a tablecloth I crocheted. I have done lots of crocheted afghans and baby blankets.”

When she needs a different project to work on, crochet often provides just the thing. “On occasion, someone will ask if I’ve got a baby blanket,” she added. “The last big afghan I did, I sent it to the

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safe house up at Florence.” Upton said she’s been enjoying working with a bag of thread a woman gave her recently.

“I’ve just been sitting and piddling with that, you know, and I thought I could make a little blanket or something out of the thread – but I’ve done lots of afghans, mostly given to family.

She said her quilting and sewing projects are “so relaxing,” noting she’s a person who “has to be doing something, working with my hands.”

Upton said she has been sewing since she was “big enough to set up my mother’s treadle sewing machine.” “I made my own clothes up until just a few years ago, and I still have a few pieces that I’ve made.”

She said her mother didn’t need a pattern; Upton would just come home from school sometimes to find a dress laying on the bed, ready to try on. “It just came to her naturally, and all three of us girls, we’ve all sold and made our clothes. We learned a lot of it from home economics in school.”

While sewing is her hobby, she also used the skills for a career. “I worked in garment factories from the time I was out of high school until I retired a few years ago, and I’ve always sewed all my life,” she said. “With other sewing, even when I was at home growing up, I made doll clothes, and I just loved watching my aunt.” Upton said her aunt helped her a lot in getting started with crochet and other projects, though she picked up the quilting on her own.

While working at Golden Manufacturing, she had five or six friends who enjoyed working on crafts together, and they called themselves “the Golden Girls.” “That was really fun,” she recalled.

The reason she keeps sewing and doing her other handiwork is simple: “It is just my happy place.”

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AN ENDURING LEGACY College Avenue Elementary looms large in memory Story and photos by MARÍA CAMP

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nce upon a time, in a place not far away, there stood a school. More than bricks and books and tests and games, it’s where generations passed through as they made their way along childhood’s rambling path to adulthood.

Although no two experiences were the same, many who passed through its halls share fond recollections. With demolition complete this past July, the sun has set on Russellville’s College Avenue Elementary for the last time, marking the end of an era.

The 1998-1999 class was its last. The buildings remained in use for a time by other organizations, including SafePlace, HeadStart and what would eventually become the SPAN program. Eventually, necessary operating and maintenances costs grew too large to justify continued use of the space.

Though the buildings no longer stand and were long out of use and in a state of disrepair, many decades of memories endure for the generations who attended and worked there – perhaps for none more so than for Joe B. Pride III, the school’s last principal.

“I came in one morning, and the maid met me at the door. She said, ‘I can’t go in Mrs. Hamilton’s room,’ and when I asked her why, she said there was a mouse in there,” recalled Pride. “It had gotten in the trash can and was banging up against the side.” It’s one of many memories he has

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of his time there. Pride served 19 years in the role, from 1980-1999, following Dan C. Hindman’s tenure as principal.

They both started out working at Russellville High School together in 1969.

“I was moving in my apartment when Armstrong landed on the moon,” Pride said, “and I started teaching that fall.” Pride said Hindman “stayed one year teaching government and then came over here as the principal. “I stayed there through the 1979-1980 school year, and that’s when he left, and I came over here to be principal.”

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At RHS, Pride taught history, government and economics. Raised in Tuscumbia, Pride attended Cave Street Elementary for first and second grade, and then Main Street Elementary, “the old Deshler High School,” where he attended third, fourth and fifth grades. He attended Florence State Teachers College, now known as the University of North Alabama.

Pride made a couple of final trips to College Avenue this year. During one, he shared memories of his time there, along with history of the school. He recalled the tall ceilings and tall windows, which he

said provided a lot of airflow, something he explained was practical to help get by with an initial lack of air conditioning.

Window units eventually were added, and wall radiators were a well-known staple of the school. Other features former students and faculty recall include the wood floors and doors.

Pride explained he got “a couple of opportunities to go other places,” but “I just loved Russellville.” He spoke proudly about his time there, speaking highly of students and staff through the years.

He said although he’s glad he made the decision, he didn’t always know he would want to be a principal. “I wanted to work with young people, and I had been at the high school for 11 years when the opportunity came up to move over here. I was scared to death, and if it hadn’t been for the faculty, I wouldn’t have made it,” he shared, adding he knew one or two from teacher meetings, but none well, at the time he started.

Some of his favorite memories include an incentive program in which students could earn, through good behavior, the privilege to have a group lunch with the

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principal – something he recalls happily, for the opportunity to get to know the students better. “I got such a kick out of doing it,” he said. “Being able to sit down at lunch with the students and be in a different setting than the cafeteria and get to know some of the students and let them get to know the principal – that’s a big deal.”

He also remembers the Super X Good Times Club, a school feature already in place before he started as principal. He said he’s not sure who started it. After learning the six-times multiplication table, a student received a special pencil.

Upon completion of memorizing and reciting all the multiplication tables, students received metal badges.

Pride said he also has fond memories of the food. “The chili was absolutely delicious, and so were the cinnamon rolls,” he said with a smile.

Pride isn’t the only person with many fond memories of College Avenue. There are students memories, too – like for Slade Gilmer, who attended from the fall 1995 until spring 1997. “It was an older building even back then – something different from anything I’d seen as I kid,”

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he recalled. “We played basketball and crab soccer. I played a bunch of kickball. I remember being introduced to the book ‘Where the Red Fern Grows,’ and I remember being just blown away by it.” Gilmer said he thinks he developed a bit of a reputation when he was in school there.

“When I was a kid, I started reading encyclopedias at my grandmother’s house. If I got done with my assignments at school, I would grab an encyclopedia and start flipping through it.”

For Stephanie Mayfield, who attended as a student in the ’70s and later taught at the school, her years there represents good times in her life. Hired by Pride in August 1989, Mayfield describes College Avenue as “a special place.”

“When you think about College Avenue, you can still hear the slide of feet on those polished floors,” Mayfield said. “I can still hear the hiss of the radiators and hear

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An old photograph reminds Lela Ray of her time at College Avenue.

the children outside playing kickball. I’ll never forget walking outside after lunch and going and letting the kids have about five or 10 minutes outside and catching leaves falling off the trees.”

Mayfield said the experience was “like a home.” “It was a happy place,” she added. “The large windows, the cabinets – the classic old school atmosphere.”

HISTORY “This particular building was built around 1931,” Pride said, indicating the main school building. He explained it replaced “a wooden structure that had burned in 1929,” noting it housed grades one through five until 1951, when what he referred to as the “lower building” was built. That added four rooms to the school, which were initially used for firstgrade classrooms. He said this was done in order to accommodate the growing student population.

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Students from the school’s later years will recall this building as the location of the cafeteria – originally housed in the basement of the main building, where the library was later located – and the chorus room.

“Around 1972, when West Elementary was built, they moved first, second and third grade over there, which left four-

th and fifth grade in the main building,” Pride explained. “The lower building was empty until the ’80s, when the state came out with their kindergarten units. Up until that time, there were several private kindergartens here in Russellville but not a public one.”

At that time, the lower building was the only one available for a public kindergarten program. Pride said this resulted in what might sound like an unusual organizational structure, as it meant the school had kindergarteners in with fourth- and fifth-graders. “But it worked fine,” he added.

Pride said during the ’80s and ’90s, the school kept increasing in enrollment.

After the addition to West Elementary was built, the kindergarten program was moved over there, leaving fourth and fifth grade at College Avenue. With “such a small faculty and (just) two grade levels,” Pride explained this resulted in the students getting a lot of attention and really getting to know everyone. “The way the building’s built, you could hear a door close at the end of the hall. Everybody knew what everybody was doing,” he added.

Plans have not yet been announced for what will happen to the space where College Avenue once stood, but one thing is certain: though the buildings are gone and the students and staff have long since moved passed their days there, College Avenue Elementary has an enduring legacy that will not soon be forgotten.

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FROM THE EXTENSION

Have a merry, family-friendly holiday season By the FRANKLIN COUNTY EXTENSION SYSTEM

F

or most folks, the holidays are a time for family, and that provides the perfect opportunity for fulfilling part of the County Extension System’s mission. The Franklin County Extension First Teacher Program works with parents and children as an enrichment opportunity for many families of northwest Alabama. Our program is designed to inform, support and encourage parents in their vital role as their child’s first teacher. During one-hour home visits, we discuss child development, complete a parent/child activity and talk about the family’s well-being. This is all completed with a certified parent educator to ensure the child gets the best possible development in their early years.

OUR EVIDENCE-BASED MODEL The Evidence-Based Home Visiting Model is the comprehensive parent education model used by Parents as Teachers affiliates. The model provides a wide array of services to families with children from prenatal through kindergarten, and also offers deep insights into early childhood development. Since 1984, our model has been rigorously tested by peer-reviewed studies and shown to produce outstanding results for families.

DELIVERED BY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS There are four dynamic components to the Parents as Teachers model: personal visits, group connections, resource network and child and caregiver screening.

Together, they form a comprehensive set of services with seven goals/outcomes: 1.

Increase parent knowledge of early childhood development and improve positive parenting practices.

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2. Provide early detection of developmental delays and connection to services.

3. Improve parent, child and family health and well-being.

4. Prevent child abuse and neglect.

5. Increase children’s school readiness and success.

6. Improve family economic well-being.

7.

Strengthen community capacity and connectedness.

EMBRACING POSITIVITY AND POSSIBILITY Parents as Teachers operates with shared set of values and beliefs that define our culture, guide our conduct and inspire our successes. All children will develop, learn and grow to realize their full potential, with the group’s mission to promote the optimal early development, learning and health of children by supporting and engaging their parents and caregivers.

Help build your child’s development skills during the holiday season with the following activities!

SKILL BUILDING • Build math skills by counting ingredients in holiday meal prep – five apples, three tomatoes, two cups of flour.

• Assign your child table-setting responsibilities to help them match the number of items needed to the number of family members: four plates or six? How many forks, knives and spoons? What about napkins and glasses?

• Improve reading and vocabulary skills by reading recipes; this will help with understanding directions.

• Have young children hold items such as spoons helps to strengthen their grip and improve fine motor skills when learning how to write.

• Teaching children how to take turns helps with patience and social skills.

CRAFTING

Crystal Candy Canes

Supplies

• Borax – found in the laundry detergent aisle • Water • Mason jars – a wide mouth is preferable • Pan • Spoon • Measuring cup • Tablespoon • Pipe cleaners – red, green, white • Popsicle sticks • Ribbon

Instructions

1. Make pipe cleaner candy canes. Cut your pipe cleaners in half and twist different combinations of green, white and red pipe cleaners together to make candy canes.

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FROM THE EXTENSION 2.

Make the borax solution. Boil water, turn off the heat, add borax and stir to mix, as it won’t completely dissolve.

Pour into jars and place in an area where they won’t get knocked around.

It will take about two cups of water and 6 tablespoons of borax per small mason jar.

3. Use the Popsicle sticks to hang the pipe cleaner candy canes in the jars. You don’t want the candy cane to touch the sides or bottom.

4. In a few hours you will see crystals beginning to grow on the candy canes.

By the next day, 18-24 hours later, the candy canes will be covered in sturdy, cool-looking crystals. This is suspension science.

5. Let the crystals dry. Take them out and place them on paper towels to dry a bit.

6. Use a magnifying glass to check out your crystal candy canes.

7. Add a piece of ribbon and use them to decorate for the holidays. Hang them in a window or on your Christmas tree.

Leaf Painting with Salt

Supplies

• White PVA school glue or craft glue • Salt • Watercolor paint palette • Water • White cardstock or watercolor paper • Paintbrush • Leaf Template

Instructions

1.

Print or draw a leaf template onto cardstock and then outline the leaf with glue.

2. Sprinkle salt over the glue, as you would with glitter.

3. Tap the paper to settle the salt into any grooves, then gently lift the paper and shake to remove any excess salt.

4. Dip the paintbrush in water and blend with the watercolor to soften. Saturate the paintbrush with watercolor.

5. Gently touch the paintbrush to the salt.

Watch how the color will spread!

6. Allow the picture to dry completely before displaying or gifting.

Thank you for allowing us to take care of your family.

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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY PUMPKIN PALOOZA The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce held the third annual Pumpkin Palooza in October, kicking off Oct. 7. Community members were invited to stroll the scarecrow trail to admire the creations put together by local businesses and groups.

Photos by MARÍA CAMP

Danielle Hargett, Hazel the dog, McKenzie Hester and Kelley Hester

Christian and Ayla Prince

Maria and Citali Mojica

Kinsley and Blake Landers

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Jake, Kendra and Lee Ward

William and Skylar Harris

Blaze Bishop, Brooklyn Yancy, Michelle Marbutt, Emily Mays, Elizabeth Joyner and Melanie Dobbs

Deedra and Barry Moore

Brilynn Green and Ella Beckloff

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