2017 November/December Franklin Living

November/December 2017 Vol. 7 Issue No. 6

How lovely are thy branches Christmas cookies hit the spot Kicking o the season

Contact Russellville City Hall at 256-332-6060

304 Jackson Ave. N Russellville, AL

Russellville City Councilmen David Palmer, William Nale, Arthur Elliott, Jamie Harris, Gary Cummings, & Mayor David Grissom

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O Christmas tree

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Susan Hall celebrates season with trees full of memories

Bringing the holly jolly Chamber’s Holly Day kicks off season

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14 Musical

extravaganza Toyland reboot inspires holiday cheer

Made with love Ginger Stone enjoys delicious hobby

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Faces of Franklin County Cooking with Sam What’s Hot Classifieds Faces of Franklin County Looking Back Parting Shot

FROM THE MANAGER

C

hristmas time really is the best time of year. It is my absolute favorite.

I love that we see the best in people. There is a sort of Christmas magic in the air that makes us more generous to our fellow man. It also makes us much more sentimental – I always remember sweet Christmas memories of those we have lost. I love the nostalgic feeling that FCNI General Manager Nicole Pell with her Christmas brings. husband, Hans.

And of course, I love the Christmas lights, the Christmas trees, the Christmas hymns and the Christmas cookies – cookies like the ones Ginger Stone takes the time to bake for friends and family. There is nothing better than a homemade Christmas cookie. Fortunately, Ginger has found the patience to make them and decorate them beautifully.

To me, Thanksgiving always kicks off the Christmas season, but in Franklin County, it’s the appearance of Santa Steve Bell at Holly Day that really lets us know the holidays are upon us. The Franklin County Times has had the privilege of being the photographer at this event each year, and we love printing those photos of children with Santa in the paper. I can tell you firsthand, this is definitely not an event to be missed. I really do think Santa Steve Bell is the real Santa.

Another great event not to miss this holiday season is the Toyland performance at the Roxy. I hope you are all able to still get tickets. I remember coming to see the original show at Northwest-Shoals Community College, and like so many, I’m thrilled to see it return to the stage.

Like myself, Susan Hall loves Christmas and Christmas trees. But she understands it’s about more than just a decorated tree: it’s the memories and feelings each ornament stirs up.

Christmas is such an enjoyable time. This is my last “Franklin Living” issue to share with you as general manager here, but I have enjoyed being part of your Franklin Living family for the past several years. I have enjoyed each and every one of your stories and am so glad we have had the opportunity to share them.

I hope your Christmas is filled with good times, good fellowship – and lots of cookies for each of you. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

ON THE COVER: Susan Hall is the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce executive assistant, a retired educator – and a fervent lover of Christmas trees.

Seven trees light up the holidays in the Hall home, each with a unique theme, thick with ornaments that represent years of memories. For her story, turn to page 8.

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Franklin County Where YOU live, work and play!

Events, Activities and Parades Veterans Parade, November 5, 2 p.m.

Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts' "In-Laws, Outlaws, and Other People", November 9-12 4th Annual Christmas Card Contest 4th Annual Holly Day, Todd Centre, December 2 Christmas Parades: Red Bay, December 4; Vina, December 5; Russellville, December 7; Phil Campbell, December 14

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General Manager NICOLE PELL Managing Editor ALISON JAMES Franklin Living is published monthly

by Franklin County Newspapers, Inc.

Sales PEGGY HYDE

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Photography ALISON JAMES 5

FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY The community lined Jackson Avenue as football season neared its end for the Golden Tiger Homecoming parade. Hundreds turned out to view or participate in the annual tradition.

Photos by ALISON JAMES

The RHS cheerleaders

Barbara Burrow, Kathy Greenhill and Collin, Jennifer, Carson and Tracy McCalpin

Jama Rogers, Patsy McReynolds, MaryEllen Little and Amy McReynolds

Megan Warhurst, Houston Kitterman, Calen Bragwell and Josie Willis

Hudson and Coban James and Sophie and Samantha Darby

Anna Willis and David Willis

Jacqueline and Jace Hester

Teresa and Eli Aguirre

Amanda Higgins, Maggie Uptain, Phyllis Morrow and Joanie Uptain

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FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY

Davis Realty & Assoc., Inc. “We sell ANYTHING under the sun!”

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Loretta McCulloch and Ebony West

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Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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115 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville, AL 256-332-9920 Cell: 256-762-5671 7

O Christmas tree Susan Hall celebrates season with trees full of memories Susan Hall decorates Christmas trees each year to inspire the spirit of the holidays.

Story and photos by ALISON JAMES

Some people love Christmas – but some people really, really love Christmas. Susan Hall is in the latter camp.

In the Hall home in the Mud Creek community of Franklin County, a love for Christmas is evident before visitors even cross the threshold of the front door. Four ornament-studded Christmas trees welcome holiday guests right away – of the total seven Hall decorates every year.

The big tree in the living room is hung with ornaments from family and friends, as well as those each of her children made during elementary school and in their Sunday Schools classes. Crocheted bells and snowflakes were handmade by an aunt’s mother. Every single ornament reminds Hall of the story behind it.

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“Christmas is all about celebrating memories, and it’s all about celebrating life,” she said. “It causes me to pause and reflect and think about my kids growing up, friends I’ve met in my journey through life – I just love everything about Christmas.”

A tabletop tree on the family’s “barrel table” is festooned with ornaments quilted by an Amish friend, along with a selection of birds’ nests. A third tree boasts scores of Hallmark ornaments.

“I started when my children were born. Each got one from me every year, and my mother for years did the same thing,” Hall said.

“Everything on there – there’s a story behind every ornament.”

A basketball ornament reminds of the family of the fateful season when tried out the sport, with less-than-ideal results. A Barney ornament recalls daughter Anne-Marie’s passion for the show as a toddler, and a Mickey Mouse figurine commemorates

FRANKLIN LIVING

the year she directed a Disney show as a first-year elementary teacher. A John Deere tractor ornament captures a passion for son Jonathan.

A Thomas Kinkade tree graces Johnathan’s bedroom, along with a tree aglow in the large chunky lights and ornaments he has received as gifts over the years. In Anne-Marie’s room, a “mystery tree” welcomes a different theme every year.

Nearly all of Hall’s ornaments are tissue wrapped for protection when they’re packed away, and all the Hallmark ornaments are stored in their original boxes.

But even when the ornaments and the other trees are retired until the next season, the “Hallmark tree” keeps its place of honor in the entryway. Hall decorates the tree throughout the year, swapping out different seasonal and holiday-themed items as appropriate – hearts at Valentines Day, springtime items for Easter – amongst the twinkle lights.

“I love lights. Lights to me are therapy,” Hall said.

As the holiday season approaches each year, Hall sets aside the hours necessary to thoroughly bedeck each tree. Ornaments are all placed amongst the branches strategically, hung with many pauses to reflect on the stories behind them, of the people who gifted each one – especially on what she calls her “student tree.”

Hall spent 22 years in the classroom in schools across northwest Alabama, as well as several additional years in administration. Each Christmas brought with it a parade of gifts from students, many of them ornaments she hangs on the tree, as well as other small items – that she nestles into the branches – and larger gifts that maintain a place of honor at the base of the tree. Many of them are dolls, which Hall collects. Snowflakes, Kewpie dolls and little engraved ornaments from Walmart grace the tree, along with unique items like ornaments from German and Guatemalan foreign exchange students.

For most of the ornaments and gifts, Hall remembers clearly who gave them, and she has even kept in touch with some of the students.

But other ornaments and presents came to her anonymously – and there’s a particular reason why.

Ornaments gifted from family and friends, as well as those created by her children when they were elementary age, adorn the tallest tree in the living room.

FRANKLIN LIVING

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Her student tree (right) and the tabletop tree that features simple Amishmade ornaments help light up the holidays for Hall.

“Barrington Bunny” is a heartwarming short story about a bunny who learns about his own selfworth and how to give of himself and demonstrate sacrificial love at Christmastime. Central to the story is the repeated message accompanying anonymous presents: “This is a gift. A free gift. No strings attached. Signed, a member of your family.”

Hall would read the story every year to her students to teach them about the spirit of giving.

Every year, she would find herself the recipient of anonymous gifts – usually little bunnies – bearing the tag, “This is a gift. A free gift. No strings attached.

Signed, a member of your family.”

One such anonymous gift made a particular impact on her, received when she was a teacher at Belgreen. Outside her classroom door in a brown paper sack one morning near Christmas, Hall found a small doll in a pink dress, with smudged cheeks Whether it’s dolls on her family and friend tree or a John Deere on her Hallmark and tangled blonde hair, and the familiar tag: “This tree, Susan Hall cherishes memories for every Christmas ornament she displays is a gift. A free gift. No strings attached. Signed, a member of your family.”

Through a combination of circumstances, Hall found out which of her students had given the doll – and she knew the little girl came from a family that had almost nothing. “That was the best she had. That was all she had,” Hall said. “I always put that little doll up at Christmas because it reminds me why we’re celebrating. It’s not, ‘Oh, how much did she pay for my gift, I need to give the same,’ or ‘She gave me a gift, so I should give her a gift’ … It’s not about money. It should never be about money, and it should never be about commercialism. It should be about remembering people.”

Susan and husband Terry have been married 38 years. Their children are Anne-Marie and husband Kevin Patrick and Jonathan and wife Brandi Hall.

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Bringing

holly jolly

to Franklin County Chamber’s Holly Day kicks off season Story Sto ry and ph photo photos os by

by ALISON ALISON JAMES JAM

“The “T he holidays” s” start sta tart rt at at a different eren er entt time for o everyone. eve very ryon one. e. diff For some, some so m , it’s the the h day day after aft fter er For Hallllowee Ha en – or even eve ven n earlier. earl ea rlie ier.r.

Halloween For others, othe o ot hers, it might hers ht be be Black Blac Bl ackk For Frid Fr iday ay orr sometime s me so meti time me in in midmid Friday Dece De cemb mberr.

For Fran nkl klin in December.

For Franklin Coun Co untyy, it’ss tthe he first Saturday Sat atur urda dayy County, Deccem mbe ber, when whe h n Holly H lly Day Ho Daay D in December, invi vite tess children chilild ch dren young you ung and and old old d invites com me kick o ff the season. to come off Th his is willl be the he fourth fou o rth h This ye earr for for the the h Franklin Franklin n County Coun nty year Com omme merc rce’s Holly Ho ollly Chamber off Commerce’s evven e t, held d at at the e A.W. A.W W. Day event, Cen nte t r in n Russellville.

Russe ellville. e Todd Center $ per person admission, For a $5 n and and their parents children ca enjoy en njo joy games, game es, pizza and a can dr , something som ome ething sweet and – drink, attract c io on – a quick the main attraction v si vi sitt and ph p oto o wi w ith th Santa. visit photo with Festivittie Fe ies e from om 1 0 a.m. to Festivities 10 p .m m. are targeted, direc cto or 2 p. p.m. director Med dle leyy said, saaid id,, to children chi hild drre en Cassie Medley i kindergarten kin nde d rg gar arte ten te n th thro ro oug ugh h fifth h in through grad gr ade ad e – ““the the he ones one ness who wh ho still stilll grade believe.” Bu B course, ou u e, M edleyy believe.

Butt of course, Medley adde de ed, w h n chil he ch hilidr d en o ny added, when children off aan any age aand nd aadults dult du ltts al lts aalike, ike, ik e, ssee ee SSanta anta ant an age, Stev Stev eve e Be ellll – well, wel ell,l, they they almost almo most Steve Bell c n’ ca n t help hellp but b he ellie elie ieve ve. “He iss sso ve o can’t believe. aaw wes esom om me. His His personality, personaality, ho ow awesome. how e looks, looks ks, hi his cclothes, loth hes,” Me edl d eyy he Medley said sa id. “I justt get giddy. g ddy.” And she gi said. issn’t the only only one on one e who who gets a isn’t d whe h n Santa Saantta comes little excited when

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Jaxxon Ja axxon xxon xx on M Moreno, oren or eno en no, o, 5 5,, an aand nd d mom Moreno, mo om Jacy Jacy Ja c M orren o eno o,, ffrom rro rom om Miss., work TTishomingo, Ti ish s om min ingo go,, Mi M ssss.,., w ork or gingerbread on a g in nge gerb bre eaad d house ho ou use e Holly Day. aatt llast ast ye as yyear’s ear a ’ss H olllyy D o ay.. ay

FRRANKLIN A KLIN AN KKLLIN IN LIV IVING VIN ING

to town. The first glimpse of the jolly old elf ramps the excitement level through the roof at the Todd Center. “He can hardly get in the building,” Medley said.

“He might not even have on his coat; they just see that beard and start lining up. You can see it in their eyes – they are just so happy.”

Holly Day is one of the limited number of events Bell squeezes into his holiday schedule annually, arriving around noon to take his place of honor. He has been Holly Day’s Santa each year since the event began. He said it is an event he always enjoys, a way to give “something to give back to the community.”

“I do a lot of studio work, and there are just a lot of folks who don’t have the means to go to a professional studio and have photos done,” Bell said. All children, Bell said, should have the chance to meet the legendary bringer of gifts for good little girls and boys. “It’s just part of being a kid,” he said. “It’s that the time of year when a child feels like they are special and has something to look forward to.”

There is plenty going on to keep children entertained until the star of the event arrives. Last year attendees were invited to create their own “gingerbread houses” with an almost endless supply of graham crackers and candy. This year, Medley said, she is considering cookie-decorating stations. Regardless, some kind of sweet treat is always part of Holly Day. Local voice students will perform, and the winners of the Chamber’s card coloring contest will be announced. “I just love it. They make some of the prettiest cards,” Medley said. “Whatever our Christmas parade

theme is, that’s also the Christmas card theme, so it’s neat to see their take on it, their interpretation of the theme.” This year’s theme is Santa’s Toyland.

Holly Day grew out of a desire to provide just a little something fun for families to enjoy at Christmastime, Medley said. It’s an event that has grown every year and wouldn’t be possible, she added, without the help of her very own band of elves – the Junior Leaders.

“We couldn’t do it without them.

They sell the tickets and take tickets in exchange for pizza and a drink at the window. They also help keep the kids in line for Santa,” Medley said. Perhaps most importantly, she said, the Junior Leaders provide positive role models to the children, as examples of servant leadership. “I think that makes a big impression on those kids.”

Emma Henderson, a 2016 Junior Leader, was one of the helpers for last year’s event.

“It was pretty fun getting to help with all the kids and see them happy – that was probably my favorite part,” Henderson said. “I was in the gingerbread house line, helping the kids pick out the candies and make the houses.”

Henderson said she hopes to see Holly Day continue year after year.

“I think it’s something they should keep doing for all kids to be able to experience,” she said. “It brings the community together.”

Bell agreed. “It’s part of Franklin County now,” he said. “It’s been going on enough years that everyone looks forward to it. It’s the event to go to, to kick the holiday season off.”

Local voice students annually provide the musical backdrop for Holly Day, including Sydney Medley, who was one of last year’s performers.

Kaylie Strickland, 10, Isabella Mills, 10, and Averilla Mills, 12, create their gingerbread houses while waiting on Santa to make his grand entrance.

RIGHT: Santa Steve Bell is a prime attraction each year, drawing the spectrum of reactions. Hannah McCalpin, Titus and Amos Nix and Connor Flanagan were among the good little girls and boys to meet Santa last year.

FRANKLIN LIVING

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Musical extravaganza Plans were announced earlier this year to again raise the curtain on a favorite Christmas show, “The Legend of Toyland,” which will take the stage at the Historic Roxy Theatre in Russellville.

Toyland reboot inspires holiday cheer Story and photos by ALISON JAMES

As the familiar notes of favorite Christmas tunes swell through the glittering interior of the Roxy Theatre, children and adults alike will gaze in delight while beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Belle, Olaf and more promenade up and down the aisles for the long-awaited reincarnation of a Northwest Alabama Christmas favorite.

Toyland is coming to town.

Whether it’s visions of sugarplums, sleigh bells ringting-tingling or halls decked with boughs of holly, everyone has a picture in mind of what makes the holidays the most magical time of year. For many people in this region, the holidays were long-defined by the musical extravaganza “The Legend of Toyland,” a festive tradition that ended in 2011 after a 30-year run at Northwest-Shoals Community College. The beloved show is making a triumphal re-entry, revived by the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council with a complete rewrite by original playwright Lanny McAlister.

“It has been a complete thrill,” he said. “This has been a real treat for me.”

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FRANKLIN LIVING

Elaborate set design is aimed at capturing the magic of the season.

Lexi Crittenden, 15, and Amber Ergle, 15, both of Phil Campbell, are two of almost four dozen performers bringing Toyland to life.

When Hillary Hall and Chase Sparks approached McAlister about doing a rewrite of the show for the Historic Roxy Theatre, as a fundraiser for the theatre, they said he readily agreed. “It’s been something everyone has wanted for years,” Hall said.

“The Roxy’s Legend of Toyland” will take the stage for multiple performances Nov. 29 through Dec. 3, including several shows set aside for schools. Tickets first went on sale during the Franklin County Watermelon Festival in August, and Sparks said the response has been tremendous.

In early November, several of the

shows were close to selling out. Public performances are scheduled for Nov. 29-30 at 7 p.m., Dec. 1 at 7 p.m., Dec. 2 at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 3 p.m.

Hall and Sparks are serving as assistant directors in coordination with McAlister, who began a re-write of the show in February to ensure its suitability for the smaller venue. He said when has was approached to do the rewrite, it was a chance he couldn’t turn down. “They gave me the opportunity to revive it, and I took it. The pressure and magnitude of it may kill me,” he joked, “but so what?”

Meg Sornberger, 15, and Abby Davis, 15, both of Belgreen, have worked hard with their fellow cast members to bring Toyland to the stage.

“It has been really exciting to see how they have moved it from the big gym to make it more personal here at the Roxy.” —Shannea Flanagan, 19, Russellville

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Lanny McAlister, left, wrote and is directing the show, aided by assistant directors Hillary Hall and Chase Sparks.

The more intimate venue will help bring the show to life in a whole new way, backdropped by a more elaborate set than the staging at NW-SCC. “It’s layered really well. It all works together,” Sparks said.

McAlister said he always hoped he would someday have the chance to bring Toyland back to the stage.

“I think people are going to be really surprised with it. I’m real pleased to do it this way.”

The show features 45 performers who have been rehearsing diligently, preparing for the 13 scenes of the one hour, 15 minute show. Local actors and actresses have been tasked with portraying a variety of roles, from dolls, to princesses, to toy soldiers. Kandi Parker, 25, of Russellville, is one of those performers, and she said she was eager to participate in Toyland because of “the kids, the love and the magic that it brings.”“There’s just something about it,” she said. “I love it.”

Lexi Crittenden plays one of the toy soldiers as well as the part of Elsa.

“When I was little I always loved to watch it, and I just really love being in it,” she said. Amber Ergle performs as one of the dolls. “I love everything about Christmas,” she said. “I love the Christmas spirit.”

The atmosphere of the show, Sparks said, is “like you’re entering a Christmas world, and all these toys are coming to life, kind of like in the ‘Nutcracker’ – it’s like it’s in a dream,” he said. “It’s very intricate. Seeing it all come together and hearing the music with it is very exciting.”

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Justin Branch, 16, of Phil Campbell, and Courtney Hill, 16, of Haleyville, move armloads of glitzy costumes.

An extensive wardrobe is needed to outfit the cast, Revisiting the show was a poignant especially since most performers portray more than trip down memory lane for McAlister. one character.

“A lot of students came through in the 30 years. It was just full of memories for me. So I enjoyed that,” he said. He has always kept the memory of Toyland alive. “Once you do something, you always think about it. It didn’t get cold on me. I’ve wanted to do it for a long time.”

Susan Crittenden and Melissa Godsey are playing a big part in bringing the production to the stage, writing choreography and directing the cast to learn their steps and bring Christmas spirit and nostalgia to the Roxy. For each of them, the show holds a special place in their hearts.

“Choreography brings the story that (McAlister) has written to life,” explained Crittenden, who performed in the show herself for two years and then helped choreograph the show for 15 years in its heyday. “Adding the movements and the facial expressions and exaggeration of all the moves just brings what he has written on paper to life.”

With both these women having prior experience performing as well as choreographing the show, McAlister said he knew they were the perfect choice to be involved in the reboot.

“I was tickled when I called them and everything fell into place,” said McAlister.

For more information visit The Roxy’s Legend of Toyland on Facebook. For online ticket sales visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/the-roxys-legend-oftoyland-tickets-38217060256.

Karlee Faust, 15, of Phil Campbell portrays Belle. “I wanted to do it because I loved watching it when I was little, and I love dressing up.”

“When I was little I got to see the show, and then they stopped it. I was really excited they brought it back.

My mom was in it too, so I’ve always heard about how fun it was.” —Abby Swinney,18, of Phil Campbell

FRANKLIN LIVING

Festive décor will greet theatre-goers the moment they set foot in the Roxy.

Susan Crittenden and Melissa Godsey are choreographing Toyland.

Chase Sparks is one of the assistant directors for the show.

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FOOD

Cooking with Sam Recipes by SAM WARF

Cranberry Slush 1 package (3 oz.) raspberry gelatin 1 cup boiling water 4 cups cranberry juice 2 cups cold water 2 cups rum 1 can (12 oz.) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

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1 can (12 oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 6 cups lemon-lime soda

In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in the cranberry juice, cold water, rum and concentrates.

Transfer to a 3-quart freezer container.

Cover and freeze for 12 hours, stirring occasionally. Can be frozen for up to one month.

To use frozen cranberry mixture: In a punch bowl, combine cranberry mixture and soda. For one serving, combine 1/2 cup cranberry mixture and 1/4 cup soda in a glass. Serve immediately.

FRANKLIN LIVING

Tomato Bacon Cups 1 small tomato, finely chopped 1/2 cup mayo 1/2 cup real bacon bits 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 tsp. dried basil 1 tube (12 oz.) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, separated into 10 biscuits In a large bowl, combine the tomato, mayo, bacon, cheese, onion and basil and set aside. Split each biscuit into three layers, and press each layer into an ungreased miniature muffin cup. Spoon tomato mixture into cups.

Bake at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Dark Chocolate Carrot Cake 1 package dark chocolate cake mix 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 package (3.9 oz.) instant chocolate pudding mix 1 cup 2% milk 3 eggs 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 3 cups shredded carrots 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted and divided 2 cans (16 oz. each) cream cheese frosting In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, cream cheese, pudding mix, milk, eggs and cinnamon. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for two minutes.

Stir in carrots and 1/2 cup walnuts. Pour into three greased and floured 8-inch round baking pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Sprinkle top with remaining walnuts. Store in the refrigerator.

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Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle

20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (do not overbake). Cool on a wire rack; cut into ¾-inch 1 fudge brownie mix (13x9-inch pan size) pieces.

1 package (10 oz.) peanut butter chips Cut peanut butter cups in half; set aside 1/3 cup 2 packages (13 oz. each) miniature peanut for garnish. butter cups In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes 4 cups cold 2% milk for two minutes. Add peanut butter and vanilla 2 packages (5.1 oz. each) instant vanilla pudding mix and mix well. Fold in 1 1/2 cartons whipped 1 cup creamy peanut butter topping.

4 tsp. vanilla extract Place a third of the brownies in a 5-quart glass 3 cartons (8 oz. each) frozen whipped topping, bowl; top with a third of the remaining peanut thawed butter cups. Spoon a third of the pudding mixture over the top. Repeat layers twice. Cover Prepare brownie batter according to package with remaining whipped topping; garnish with directions. Stir in peanut butter chips. Bake in a reserved peanut butter cups. greased 13x9-inch baking pan at 350 degrees for Refrigerate until chilled.

Marbled Orange Fudge 1 1/2 tsp. plus 3/4 cup butter, divided 3 cups sugar 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream 1 package white baking chips (10-12 oz.)

1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème 3 tsp. orange extract 12 drops yellow food coloring 5 drops red food coloring Grease a 13x9-inch pan with 1 1/2 teaspoons butter.

In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cream and remaining butter. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved.

Bring to a boil, and then cook and stir for four minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in chips and marshmallow crème until smooth.

Remove one cup and set aside. Add orange extract and food coloring to the over the top. Cut through with a knife to remaining mixture and stir until blended. swirl.

Pour into prepared pan. Drop reserved Cover and refrigerate until set. Cut into marshmallow mixture by tablespoonfuls squares.

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Audrey’s Gifts Au ts and Décor, an $34.99. $3

With a magneticc construction, this constru his decorative piece decora e is a great place to display everything from eve m holiday shopping holi ng receipts, to recipes, rece pes, greeting cards. to g ds.

Audrey’s Gifts and Aud Décor, $26.99.

Déc

An oversized Santa key will ensure the big man can leave presents on Christmas Eve – chimney or no chimney. Ava’s China and Gifts, $39.99.

An interchangeable, Velcro-closure wrap adds a distinctive to your throw pillow.

Ava’s China and Gifts, $14.99.

Put your faith on display – at Christmastime or all year round.

Choose from a variety of sayings and colors. Audrey’s Gifts and Décor, $10.99.

Everyone gets a treat with this Night Before $21.99.

Christmas tray. Ava’s Ava s China and Gifts, $21

Inspire the spirit of the season with a reminder to Believe in Magic. Ava’s China and Gifts, $11.99.

20

FRANKLIN LIVING

Classifieds To place an ad in Franklin Living, call 256.332.1881

Great Jobs ARE Out There... If You Know Where to Look! AIDT recruits, screens and trains qualified applicants for outstanding jobs statewide. All at NO COST to you! Visit www.aidt. edu/jobs today to view your opportunities!

Caregivers & Nurses ALWAYS THERE IN-HOME CARE Immediate need, Flexible hours, Benefits available. Call for more information 256-539-1400 www.alwaysthereinc.com American Proteins, Inc. Hiring Drivers: Home Daily, Great benefits package (including health, dental, vision insurance), paid vacation and holidays, 401k retirement plan.) Requirements: •Class A CDL with tanker endorsement •1 year verifiable driving experience. Contact Jamie Sewell: 256-70-6133 or Ronnie Demonia: 256-9706109 EOE ANN’S ALTERATIONS 600 Limestone Street, Suite #6 Hartselle, AL 256-773-4213 MEDIA TRANSFER SERVICE VHS, C-VHS, 8mm, SD Card, Phones transferred to DVD Records, Cassettes, 8 Track, Reel to Reel transferred to CD BAKER PRODUCTIONS STUDIOS IN CULLMAN 256-7390388 Carroll Fulmer Now Hiring Class-A CDL Drivers.

Over-the-road positions Available. Dry vans.

No hazmat. Must have one year over-the-road experience and a clean MVR. Competitive pay and bonus package. Good home time. Call 800-6339710 ext. 2 Now Hiring Drivers. Carry Transit. Decatur, AL Good • Excellent FRANKLINPay LIVING

Benefits & Home Time.

Must Have 18mos OTR Experience & Class A-CDL w/Tanker Endorsement.

Apply: www.CarryTransit. com Lenders’ New 1st Time Homebuyer’s Plan at Clayton Homes, Cullman.

You can be APPROVED! 256-734-1930 CRAWLSPACE SOLUTIONSYOU CALL, WE CRAWL! If you have •mold •mildew •cracked brick •standing water •rotten wood --- We install •floor supports •french drains •encapsulations •moisture barriers. Licensed & Insured. Call Chris Simmons 256.436.0014 NOW HIRING: North AL Excavating Company Seeking experienced Operators, Laborers, and Paving Crew Professionals.

Drug Test Required.

Please email resume to ctsoffice@scottsboro.org No phone calls please.

EOE Dixon Storage 911 5th St., Red Bay Open 24/7 Under New Management 256412-2812 or 256-702-1552 Welder Training. Short Term Licensing. Call for Details 866-432-0430 ESDschool.com Yanmar Tractor 900+ hours $2500. New Big Bee Bushhogs: 6ft-$950; 5ft-$800; 4ft-$750. New JBar Rock Rake: 6ft-$525; 5ft-$475. (256)565-8695 Call-No texts!

Round Hay 5x5 (in shed, under cover) Mixed hay. $45/roll. Square bale.

Mixed Hay. $5/roll or $4.50/100. Located in West Point ALABAMA 256-7344202 DRIVERS- Hanna Truck Lines is seeking

Professional Flatbed Drivers. 53 cpm No surprises: Starting pay (all miles): 51 cpm, 52 cpm at 6 months, 53 cpm at 1 year. 100% Outbounds loads, Pre-loaded & Tarped. 75% Inbound No Tarp. Late Model Peterbilt Trucks. Air Ride Trailers.

Home weekends. Low cost BCBS Health & Dental Ins. Matching 401K. Qualifications: 18 months Class A CDL driving experience with 6 months flatbed; Applicants must meet all D.O.T. requirements. Contact recruiting at 1-800-6347315 or come by HTL office at 1700 Boone Blvd, Northport. EOE Come Home to Holiday Plaza Apartments (Behind Foodland) Equal Housing Opportunity 256-332-2960 A Home to Make your Dreams Come True 706 Cedar St NW, Hartselle MLS 1073036 $149,900 Call or Text at: 256-2005043 Joy Carter Keller Williams Realty KDC Properties, Inc. 256-355-9090 P.O. Box 987 Decatur, AL 35602 kdcpropertiesinc.com J. Wesley Cain, AL #286; TN #6499 Box Trucks Needed A growing company needs independent contractors with vehicles to deliver office and medical supplies all over N AL. Clean BG/MVR/drug test. Must be customer friendly!! Weekly settlements! Call Shasta @ LSO Final Mile. 256-4610069 or email Shasta.

Lanford@lsofinalmile.com Now Booking! Spring, Summer, and Fall. Estate, Antique, Farm Equipment and Real Estate Auctions.

Call Auctioneer Chris McNatt • ASL#1474 •

TSL#5074 • Firm 2652 • 256-874-3786 Platinum Paving - Paving Contractors 251-5839499 or 1-844-728-4644 Save money when our men & equipment are in the area! Don’t DelayCall Today! •Driveways •Parking Lots •Roads •Patchwork •Resurfacing •Sealcoating •New Installations - 30+ years Experience, FREE ESTIMATES, Licensed • Insured NOW LEASING! Plantation Garden Apartments 55 and Older Community 1 & 2 bedroom apartments Income based limits, extra storage, open floor plans, carpeted, beautiful settings, fully furnished kitchens Call 256-616-6408 Lake and Pond Fish Stocking: Bass, Bluegill, Shell Cracker, Grass Carp, Catfish, Minnows & more!

Aerators & Fountains.

CALL FOR PRICES! WE DELIVER! 615-977-0752 Smith Motors Two locations on Hwy 31, Decatur Lot #1 256-3509938 Lot #2 256-350-9937 smithmotorsautosales.com SURVEILLANCE CAMERA MONITORED 24 HOURS A DAY STORAGE BUILDINGS For Rent, All Sizes Russellville, AL Call Jerry 256-332-9253 256-4125392 Mon-Fri. 9am-4pm SERVICE TECH Accepting applications for service tech position. Experience, References, Clean MVR Required. Sunshine Homes, Inc. Call 256-3567033 Town Hill Mini Storage 160 Units Vacancies All Sizes 256-332-9928 Valley Heating & CoolingHVAC Installers & Service

Techs Must have a valid driver’s license. We offer competitive pay, insurance, employer matched 401K, guaranteed 40+ hours/ week. Overtime available!

To apply call 256-353-2004 Vine ripe tomatoes, squash and all kinds of peppers. VEST U-PICK-IT. EVA, AL. 256-796-2070 Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205) 561-8118 & get your career started!

WestRock Corrugated Division- Now Hiring Machine Operators and Maintenance Technicians Openings We are currently seeking career-minded individuals for General Labor, Machine Operators and Maintenance Techs at our Lewisburg, TN Corrugated plant located at 700 Garrett Parkway, Lewisburg, TN. Excellent benefits begin after 30 days! Competitive pay!

No phone calls- you must apply online at www. westrock.com or onsite at: 700 Garrett Parkway, Lewisburg, TN. WestRock Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce: Minorities/ Females/Disabled/ Veterans.

Wiley Sanders Truck Lines Inc $1,000 SIGNON-BONUS DRIVER PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE JUNE 2017!! Longevity-Bonus.

Quarterly Safe-Driving AWARD. Competitive Pay Package. PAID Orientation. NEW Fleet of Trucks. Call 1-855-7779785 & ask for Dale or Brandy. Nights/weekends, call Jeffrey: 334-372-5049 Ron: 1-850-454-4276 Richard: 334-492-0803

21

Made with love Ginger Stone busies herself with delicious hobby Story Sto ry and an photos photo os by

by ALI ALISON SON N JA JAMES MES

Cookies and d Ch Christmas hri rist stma m s just just seem see eem m to go go hand ha nd-in-hand, and the e ho h lildays p ro ovide viide tthe he hand-in-hand, holidays provide perf pe rfec ectt op oppo port rtun unit ityy fo forr Ru Russ ssel ellv lvvilile le’s ’s G inge in gerr perfect opportunity Russellville’s Ginger Stton one e to t fl flex herr sk skil ills ls iin n on one e of h er ffavorite avor av orit ite e Stone ex he skills her hobb ho b ies – gourmet gour urrme m t cookie c ok co o ie creations. cre reations n. hobbies SStone ton o e describes herself hersellf as a beginner beg egin inner in in cook okie ie baking bakkin ing g – having havi ha v ng only onl n y picked p ck pi c ed up up the the cookie pastim me la last stt yyear earr af ea aafter fte te ter er a tr rip p to to Oklahoma Okla Ok laho homa ho ma to to pastime trip d ug da u ht hter er-i -inn-la law, w, w ho o iiss a ba bake kerr and ke and see her daughter-in-law, who baker decorrat a or b prof ofes essi sion on. “T The w orkk she or she cake decorator byy pr profession.

“The work phen enom en omen nal a ,” Stone Sto one n said. said. d “She “Sh S e can does is phenomenal, She he has has as this thi h s incredible incred ed dib ble e talent. tal a en ent. make anything. She art rtis ist. t.”

She is really an artist.

During the visit, visit it, Stone S on St one e found fo oun und d herself h rs he rsel e f roped el rope ro ped pe d te de deli licaate ffrosting rost ro sttin stin ng fl flow ower ow es er into helping creat create delicate owers som omet ethi hing ng she she found, fou ound nd,, nd for a wedding cakee – something rprise rpri se,, she she enjoyed. enjo en joye yed. d. “She “Sh She e to her very great sur surprise, o over ovve er a weekend, week we eken end, d,” Stone Ston St one e had 16 cakes to do em – I made mad ade e 800 800 handmade hand ha n ma m de said. “One of them sho ho owe ed me m how how w to to do it, it, t, and and n I flowers. She showed d in in there the h re he e and and d did did it. it.” just jumped

Cookie tasters always give Stone’s treats rave reviews.

22 22

FRAN RRANKLIN AAN NKKLLIIN N LIV IVING VIIN NG

Little flowers were one thing. But then Stone watched as her daughter-in-law worked on a large batch of cookies.

“I’ve always hated making cookies. I just would rather bake pies or something that’s not so tedious,” Stone said. But as she watched her daughter-in-law decorating a batch, she thought, “‘You know – I wonder if I could do that?’ So I came home, and I got to looking at the Internet.”

She read page after page of baking and decorating tips. She perused dough recipes, frosting concoctions and decorative designs. Then she went in full force.

“I actually saw a cookie that I thought was the most beautiful thing on earth. And I said, ‘You know what? I think I’m going to try that.’ It was really way too complicated for me – but I pulled it off.”

She sent that first exquisite cookie to her brother, who was in his final days of fighting colon cancer. It was to be the first in dozens upon dozens of decorated cookies she has created since.

Stone doesn’t bake her cookies to sell, but she has shared them for church functions, small get-together and as gifts for friends. She aims to make them look pretty – but that’s not the only consideration.

“I want a cookie that tastes good,” Stone said.

“I’m not a cookie decorator; I am a cook. It’s made with real butter, vanilla extract – I don’t use ‘imitation’ anything – and I use a good brand of flour.”

Stone considers herself a novice cookie baker and decorating, but it’s a hobby she has grown to love.

Creating beautiful cookie decorations is an intensive, time-consuming process.

FRANKLIN LIVING

23

She uses Royal Icing. Every icing color requires three different consistencies to be used in different applications in her decorating. It takes at least four hours, Stone said, to fully decorate one batch. It’s something she has to be in the mood for and at a time when she has a little spare time; she said she probably bakes up a few batches about once a quarter.

“I enjoy it because every cookie is its own challenge, and every technique is its own challenge,” she said. “It allows me time to just reflect. If I’m struggling with something or want to plan something, I can just take this time with my cookies and just think.”

Stone said she likes to bake cookies that taste delicious as well as look beautiful.

Frosting must be mixed to just the right consistency for “flooding” cookie tops.

Christmas and cookies go hand-in-hand.

Stone is particular about creating cookies that look just so.

24

FRANKLIN LIVING

35

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

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

JEFFREY CHENYI, M.D

Dr. Chenyi is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and specializes in comprehensive care for the entire family including child, adolescent and adult healthcare.

15225 Highway 43 • Suite I Russellville, Alabama

CHENYI Family Medicine

FRANKLIN LIVING

256-331-2700 25

FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY The truest Tiger fans didn’t let a chilly autumn rain keep them from turning out for Homecoming versus the Phil Campbell Bobcats this season.

Photos by ALISON JAMES

Reagan Humphries, Bailey Bolton, Harlee Raper, Kayleigh Scott and Taylor Funderburk

Bobby and Sandra Forsythe

Shannon and Amy McKinney

Tom and Linda Harmond

Jason and Rebecca Moore

Annaliese Rogers, Katherine Price and Abby Hicks

Morgan Duncan and Tyler Hall

Isabella Fowler and Anna Seahorn

Julianna Blackburn and Teresa Lawler

Lexi Crittenden, Emily Galviano, Cypress Quinn, Maggie Fowler and Anna Benford

26

FRANKLIN LIVING

FACES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY

Shelby Nichols, Kayleigh Milam and Isabella Mills

Sarah Eaton, Kaylie Lindley, Makenzi Gasaway, Emma Nethery and Jaycee Vinson

Jaqueline Parsons

Franklin County Business & Service Directory Russellville Hotel & Suites Call us today!!

For Spring Maintenance • Banquet & Conference Facilities Avail.

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

13770 Hwy 43, Russellville, AL

256-332-1002

Each Best Western branded hotel is independently owned and operated.

Let us Earn your Business

14404 HWY. 43 RUSSELLVILLE, AL Want the convenience of the Franklin Living Magazine arriving right in your mailbox?

Installment Loans

Mon-Sat. 9am-5pm ...

Closed Wednesday

14001 Highway 43 Ste 22 Russellville AL 35653-2849 Phone (256) 332-9808

Subscriptions to the Franklin County Times

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nds The bo ice of serv

Keep .A.L. R.E

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are only $42.51per year

Call the Franklin County Times 256-332-1881

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

27

LOOKING BACK

Looking back photos courtesy of the Franklin County Archives

28

FRANKLIN LIVING

LOOKING BACK

Looking back photos courtesy of the Franklin County Archives

FRANKLIN LIVING

29

PARTING SHOT

“This is a gift. A free gift. No strings attached.

Signed, a member of your family.” ~“Barrington Bunny,” Martin Bell

30

FRANKLIN LIVING

TifÀn Motor Homes

105 Second Street NW • Red Bay, AL 256-356-8661 When Mike Pounders Àrst began working at TifÀn Motorhomes in 1994, the company had four or Àve computers. Today Pounders is IT director of the company, overseeing the operation of about 350 computers – not counting the support for servers, mobile devices, laptops and the like – and a sevenperson team where every employee has a unique role in user support and SAP continuance.

“The TifÀns are a great family to work for,” Pounders said. “I love what I do. No two days are the same.”

He started on the assembly line at TifÀn, working full time and going to college part time. After a stint in engineering, he got to put his computer programming background and skills to work in 2003, as a computer programmer systems analyst for the company.

In 2007 when the company undertook a massive SAP implementation, he began managing the IT department – a role he has held ever since.

Of course, things have changed in his department since ten years ago.

“Technology is always changing.

There’s always the latest and greatest thing,” Pounders said. “Evaluating those changes and Àguring out which ones make sense for TifÀn (is paramount).”

The IT department is in charge of all computer systems and telecommunications systems for TifÀn, and Pounders said his team is constantly either upgrading current systems or implement-

Mike Pounders ing new programs and software. Troubleshooting and Ànding ways to use technology to make operation easier are constant focuses.

“Getting to use technology to solve problems – that’s probably the thing I enjoy most. When we implement a new system and it works well and makes someone’s life a little easier – I enjoy that,” Pounders said.

He graduated from Belmont High School and Itawamba Community College and is near to completing a bachelor’s degree at Ole Miss.

He and wife Maria have three children: Ryan, a Naval ofÀcer, and his wife Ashley have two sons, William and Shepherd, and they live in Jacksonville, Fla.; Kelli, an Ole Miss grad, works as an accountant in Tupelo, and she and husband Trey live in Bloody Springs, Miss.; and Kaitlyn is currently enrolled at Northeast Community College with plans to transfer to Ole Miss.

In his spare time, Pounders enjoys hiking, backpacking, Áy Àshing and enjoying National Parks in the west, like Yosemite and Glacier.

www.tifÀnmotorhomes.com

The Dr. John D. Burns Rehabilitation Center at Burns Nursing & Rehab Professional, Compassionate, Personalized Care Close to Home!

When you’re here... You’re family!

7701 Monroe St. N.W. • Russellville, AL 35653 • 256-332-4110