The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.
Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by rketcham, 2019-12-17 10:12:32

Classic Cullman 2017 - 2018

2017-18 Classic Cullman

Big Bridge STAIRWAY TO
HEAVEN
No irony here. Big Bridge — the span
of County Road 222 that connects this FINE ‘N’ DANDY 45
portion of the lake’s eastern and western
shores — surprises first-time visitors by car
and towers over visitors by boat. It’s mag-
netic not just for its imposing presence but
for the access it offers. Big Bridge is located
alongside several of the lake’s best ameni-
ties: The Grille at Trident Marina, Smith
Lake RV and Cabin Resort, and Smith
Lake Condos. And, whether by water or
by land, the bridge serves as a waypoint for
lost travelers — and the locals whom they
ask for directions.

The Dam

The piece of engineering that quite literally
makes the lake, Smith Lake Dam is an
earth-and-rock structure that measures
more than 2,000 feet across and 300 feet
in height. A quarter-mile wide at its base,
it’s one of the largest dams of its kind in
the eastern United States. Constructed
to augment Alabama Power’s supply of
regional hydroelectric power, the dam iso-
lates a watershed that, thanks to its depth,
offers atypically cool water temperatures
that foster one of Alabama’s only habitats
for rainbow trout. Bonus fact: Smith Lake
consistently ranks as one of the cleanest
lakes in Alabama.

Stairway to Heaven

Ascending from the rippling waters below,
a spiral stairway winds its way to a private
residence many would consider heaven.

Perched among the trees and rock above
Smith Lake is a loft commanding a view
that spans the peaceful, rustic beauty of one
of Alabama’s most visited bodies of water.
From the water, the baby blue staircase’s
winding ascent appears almost vertical,
losing itself amidst the trees. Locals call it
the stairway to heaven — an apt name for
an apt feature.

Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce

GOAT ISLAND Goat Island

cullman aerial and real estate photography By now, it’s almost trite to say that every big lake
seems to be home to some spot or other that locals
GILLIGAN’S ISLAND refer to as “Goat Island.” But we somehow doubt
there’s another Goat Island anywhere that’s inspired
Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce its own brand of craft beer.

THE DAM That’s just the latest claim to fame for the Goat
Island at Smith Lake (the locally brewed beer, by the
cullman aerial and real estate photography way, is fantastic.) As for the island itself, it’s an unin-
habited refuge for animals, a handful of abandoned
structures, and the occasional curious trespasser. The
name is fitting: A colony of goats remained on the
newly created island after Alabama Power flooded
the Smith Lake watershed back in 1961.

Gilligan’s Island

Gilligan’s Island is just one example of Smith Lake’s
countless little residential hideaways. This south-
ward-jutting inlet is rimmed by private residences
that — much to their owners’ delight — typically go
unnoticed by the majority of boating traffic along
the lake’s wider thoroughfares. Because Smith Lake
is essentially a flooded natural gorge, its shore topog-
raphy offers hundreds of inlets and alcoves just off
the lake’s branching main channels. That’s one big
reason behind Smith Lake’s hot real estate market:
Resort-like seclusion that’s never too far from all the
action.

Haunted Resort

Why are abandoned places so captivating?

Beats us. But it’s a lot more fun to ponder that sort
of question while you’re out on the lake, gazing up
at the forsaken remnants of a haunted place like the
Pine Tree Trail Resort. Legal issues and an own-
ership carousel have left the resort — along with
its amenities — vacant and neglected. Parts of the
structure have given way to the forces of nature,
flooding the darkened interior spaces with sun and
rain through holes in the roof. Inside, a piano gathers
dust; insulation spills from breaches in ceilings and
graffiti-covered walls. Outside, a brackish swimming
pool waits for guests who never come.

It’s definitely not a place you’d want to stay — but
it’s exactly the kind of place that captures the imag-
ination.

HAUNTED RESORT 070200014608324

cullman aerial and real estate photography

FINE ‘N’ DANDY 53

OUTDOOR

46CulFlmINanEPar‘kNs &’ DANDYRecreation

Go Take a Hike

ENJOYING NATURE VIA
A LEISURELY — OR MORE
STRENUOUS IF YOU
PREFER — HIKE IS ALWAYS
JUST A STEP AWAY IN
CULLMAN.

FROM SPORTSMAN LAKE Cullman Parks & Recreation
PARK OR HERITAGE PARK
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HURRICANE CREEK PARK
CITY TO THE LEDGES AND
TRAILS OF HURRICANE If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, head over to Hurricane
CREEK PARK, THE LEVEL Creek Park for 60 acres of natural trails full of wildlife, rock faces,
OF CHALLENGE IS UP TO and beautiful scenery. Highlights include the Twilight Tunnel and
YOU. RUSTIC PATHS Dead Man’s Squeeze, both formed by the weathering of natural
REVEAL INTERESTING rock. Call 256-734-9157 for more information.
NATIVE VEGETATION,
WILDLIFE, AND AGED DUCK RIVER RESERVOIR Cullman Parks & Recreation
NATURAL FEATURES
THAT MAKE THE JOURNEY Cullman’s new Duck River Reservoir is flanked by more than 3
WORTHWHILE. miles of newly built trails graded for hiking and bicycle travel.
Take a walk around the area’s newest lake and stop off for a picnic
with a view of the water. Call 256-734-9157 for more
information.

FINE ‘N’ DANDY 55

pinterest cullman county commission

SPORTSMAN LAKE PARK SMITH LAKE PARK

The kid-friendly splash pad, putt-putt golf course, and train ride If you want some great fishing and water recreation options after

might get most of the attention — but Sportsman Lake Park is taking a hike, head over to Smith Lake Park. The grounds include

still home to several scenic walking and jogging trails. Located in nine cabins, more than 60 tent sites, and several pavilions and

the heart of the city of Cullman, the park also hosts a number of playgrounds for events. Finish your hike and walk out on the

organized runs each year, ranging from the Color Me Cullman 5K fishing pier to relax the afternoon away. Call 256-739-2916 for

to the equally colorful, late-night Rock and Glow 5K. more information.

Call 256-734-3052 for more information.

cullman area chamber of commerce Stony Lonesome OHV park Facebook

CLARKSON COVERED BRIDGE STONEY LONESOME OHV PARK

Tap into history with a hike around the century-old Clarkson Get dirty at Stony Lonesome OHV Park and set out on the
Covered Bridge, one of the most well-known attractions in 1,456-acre park loaded with trails designed for everything from
Cullman County. The covered, wooden bridge was constructed in ATVs, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, horses and hikers. If you want
1904 and originally used by farmers to cross Crooked Creek. It’s something with a bit more structure, the park hosts events
since been rebuilt and renovated and is today a testament to Cull- year-round, ranging from twice-monthly Night Rides to the
man’s history and how far it has come. Call 256-739-2916 Mud Run 5K. Call 256-287-1133 for more information.
for more information.

56 FINE ‘N’ DANDY

MILLER ROOFING3304 3rd Ave S • Jasper AL 35502
(205) 384-9768 • (256) 734-9762

• LICENSED Home owned and 070201525508020
• BONDED operated since 1968
• INSURED 49 years of experience
AL. CONT. LICENSE #14925 FREE ESTIMATES! providing quality roofing
products and outstanding
service to our customers.

www.millerroofingalabama.com

Camp Liberty, in
Battleground, Alabama
is proud to call Cullman County our home.

WEDDINGS, REUNIONS AND RECEPTIONS “From the sight of the huge American Flag, to the
sound of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ played each day,
it’s clear that Camp Liberty is a very special place.”

• Affordable Weddings and Receptions • Comfortable Lodging for up to 150
• Parties, Meetings and Training Programs • Commercial Kitchen and Dining Hall
• Church Camps and Retreats • Spacious 5,200 sf Reception Hall
• Family, Class and Military Unit Reunions • Ziplines, Ropes Course and Laser Tag
• Pool Parties, Company Picnics and Team Events • Military and Law Enforcement Discounts

libertyweddingchapel.com Camp-liberty.com

Please call us today at 844-962-1776 to discuss
how we can be the site of your next special event.

FINE ‘N’ DANDY 57

BUZZWORTHY

ByThreds
Beesand

the
BY BENJAMIN BULLARD

Melanie Byrd doesn’t even like honey. “Here” is the Byrds’ 20-acre farm property in
eastern Cullman County, just a stone’s throw
“She won’t even eat it!” exclaims her husband down U.S. Highway 278 from Holly Pond. It’s a
Jeff, the self-described brawn in the Cullman place they come to build things up. 
couple’s hobby farming partnership — a part-
nership that’s part brains, part brawn, and all It’s a place where their 8-year-old son, Cole,
heart. can be immersed in a world where causes lead
to their effects; where things grow because he
“She’s the one who has the ideas, and I’m the helped them to. When it’s time to harvest the
one who makes things happen,” Jeff elaborates. honey from the Byrds’ four bee hives, Cole is
“We live in Cullman, but we come out here right there in the middle of the action.
seven days a week. We are out here — and man,
is it work — but we’re out here every day. We “He’s not afraid of the bees,” says Melanie. “One
love it.” of the things about being out here every day is

the cullman times/benjamin bullard

FINE ‘N’ DANDY 59

the cullman times/benjamin bullard that it gives you these kinds of opportunities. Even with me …
well, I’m the last person — the last! — who anyone ever would
50 FINE ‘N’ DANDY have thought would be out here farming. My farming career is a
curve in life’s road that I never expected to follow, but I’m so glad
I did.”

Melanie, an Alabama grad who grew up in Tuscaloosa and
planned on going all the way through law school, shifted her
priorities after the family lost their Pinson home to a fire in 2008.
Instead of rebuilding at their old property, they began actively
looking for a new place to raise their son.

“Even though I worked in Birmingham, it seemed that every
time I had to go out of town for anything, I inevitably ended up
in Cullman,” explains Jeff, who works in banking. “Cullman was
already a great place, but it’s changed for the better even more
just in the past few years. We ended up moving here —and we
don’t regret it.”

“I didn’t finish law school,” adds an obviously regret-free Melanie,
“but I did settle into a paralegal job at a firm in Birmingham. But
after we had Cole and moved to Cullman, it became clear, after
a series of bad weather events, that both of us could no longer
commute to Birmingham to work, so I ‘retired’ as a paralegal and
became a full-time ‘mom-slash-farmer.’”

Melanie, like the rest of her family, has jumped into the farm-
ing life with both feet. On top of the time she puts in at the
farm each day, she’s also begun blogging about her experience:
The successes, the failures, and all the unexpected little joys and
tribulations that happen along the way. Take a peek at Melanie’s
blog at shefarmsbama.com if you’ve any lingering doubts about
her enthusiasm, or her husband’s conviction that she’s the brains
behind the family’s farming ambitions.

Despite her aversion to honey, the bees were Melanie’s idea. And
when the Byrds’ first foray into beekeeping resulted in two lost
hives last year, Melanie did the only sensible thing she could
think of: She went out this year and bought four.

“We’ll definitely have honey this year,” she says. “When we went
down and did our first check on the [new] hives, you’d pull out a
frame and it was loaded with honey — way ahead of schedule.”
“Yeah!” Jeff interjects. “And you know what? I want to be one of
those people at the Festhalle farmers market. That’s my ‘retire-
ment.’ Not because you can make any money at it, but because
it’s the life I’m building toward. I want to hang out and talk to
people at the farmers market with my jars of honey, and talk to
my cows out here at the farm. Doesn’t that sound pretty good?”

No argument here, Jeff. In fact, it sounds pretty ... sweet. But
there may be little rest or relaxation in the Byrds’ brand of retire-
ment, especially if Cole — whose big ideas are already rivaling
his mom’s — gets his way.

“I think we should open up a honey store,” he says. 

THIS CULLMAN FAMILY’S HOBBY FARM
IS A HAPPY HIVE OF ACTIVITY

the cullman times/benjamin bullard

Helping Cullman Build...since 1892!

700 7th Avenue SW, Cullman Mon. - Fri. 7am-5pm,
FAX 737-8102 Sat. 8am-Noon
www.buettnerbros.com 070200021608284

FINE ‘N’ DANDY 61

A Schulte Building Systems Company Inland Building Systems (IBS) has completely modernized and expanded its
manufacturing facility in Cullman, AL. We now have a state-of-the-art plant
with a new plasma cutter, rebuilt flange line, new Conrac line and independent
welding stations. The hydraulic transfer station was relocated for more efficient
flow. We’ve increased our capacities and improved service levels with tighter
tolerances and shorter delivery times.

It’s not just modern equipment, we’ve:

• Added over 130 employees since the reopening
• Provided training for earning certifications
• Opened satellite engineering offices in Portland, TN and Eufaula, AL in

addition to our main Engineering and Drafting department in Cullman
• Increased our market share significantly in 2014

Our award-winning engineers and highly skilled draftsmen can design more
complex metal buildings and we can deliver higher quality products to your
jobsite quicker.

We look forward to serving the growing needs of our customers from the
Southeast and Midwest regions of the US.

IBS – the brand new metal building company that is more than 100 years old!

Call 1.800.438.1606 or visit www.inlandbuildings.com.

070200079208042

62 FINE ‘N’2015155CCM01.indd 1 DANDY 6/5/2015 1:08:17 PM

cullman aerial and real estate photography funzone facebook

ELEVATE Cullman Facebook Sit a Spell

FAITH & FAMILY

64 The Steeples of
Cullman

WELLNESS

67 The Barre Scene

LEISURE & PLAY

70 In the ‘Zone

HOUSING

72 A Home Larger than Life

LAKE LIFE

76 More than a Marina

SIT A SPELL 63

FAITH & FAMILY

58 FINE ‘N’ DANDY cullman aerial and real estate photography

Sof tCeT'ehupel'llme' san
BY BENJAMIN BULLARD
' ''
'
'' ' '
'

There’s a moment in the afternoon when the sun sinks low From an architectural and design point of view, what makes
in the sky and the western-facing twin sandstone spires of so many of Cullman’s churches special is how integral
Cullman’s Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church light up they are to the surrounding built environment. When the
in pink. members at Grace Episcopal Church decided in the early
2000s to tear down the beautiful white wooden sanctuary
Driving east into the city, Sacred Heart stands out against and place a bigger masonry complex of structures on the
the sky, signaling to newcomers and longtime residents same site, many lifelong locals thought the character of the
alike that Cullman is a place where faith holds a place of surrounding residential area would never be the same.
prominence in the hearts of the people who live here.
More than a decade later, anchored by a thoughtfully
Cullman’s eastern approach may be singular, but it’s by no articulated brick design conveying equal parts sanctuary,
means the city’s only steepled vista. reverence, and community engagement, today’s church
grounds have all but erased those early fears.
Descending south into Cullman along U.S. Highway 31,
you’ll see a city whose low and peaceful skyline is punctuat- A few blocks to the east, St. John’s Evangelical Protestant
ed by churches: Sacred Heart’s two massive spires and First Church conveys a similar approach to street-level integra-
Baptist Church’s narrow, threadlike steeple. tion. Thanks to a series of recent expansions, St. John’s is
now a daily hub of tremendous activity. Yet the St. John’s
There’s a Currier & Ives quality to Cullman’s roofscape. In campus greets its verdant, tree-lined neighborhood with a
a downtown where even the largest commercial buildings genial modesty that belies its size. St. John’s, like so many of
rarely rise above two or three stories, Cullman’s abundant Cullman’s churches, is, in a word, neighborly.
houses of worship gracefully distinguish its skyline —
without dominating. A drive through Cullman, with an eye out for the visual
appeal of its churches, is a revelatory experience, even to
Up close, these churches impress in their details. The longtime residents. Whether anchoring a corner along a
soaring, sleek, inverted keel shape of its roofline sets busy highway — as does the new East Side Baptist Church
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church apart in a city where churches — or sitting quietly off the beaten path — like the Fourth
abound. At St. Bernard’s modern, cubic Abbey Church, the Street Church of Christ on the city’s west side — Cullman’s
nautical theme is on the inside, its ceiling evoking the hull houses of worship help narrate the area’s rich past while
of the boat that bears one’s soul to Heaven. connecting it with the values of the present.

SIT A SPELL 65

No two of us are alike.

a memorial service should reflect that.

Rely on your Dignity Memorial® provider to capture
the essence of a person’s life in a single ceremony.

MOSS SERVICE FUNERAL HOME 070200106308277

CULLMAN 070220159908075

256-734-1821 MossServiceFH.com

M4443_7005_Moss_PNT_Pers_3-75x4-75_C.indd 1 8/3/16 4:48 PM

070201594908012

66 SIT A SPELL

WELLNESS

metro creative connection

BTAheRRE CULLMAN’S
DANCE LIFE TAKES
SCENE ON A NEW TEMPO

BY NATALIE BONNER Rachel Eidson is bringing the
barre scene to Cullman — and if
you don’t know what that means,
you likely will soon.

SIT A SPELL 67

ELEVATE Cullman

Barre dance classes are an eclectic mix of other styles, such your muscles are going to shake. Then we stretch out so that
as Pilates, yoga and ballet, combined to create an energizing you continue to build flexibility along with that strength.”
workout with a fresh, upbeat appeal.
The workout sculpts, slims and stretches your entire body in
By day she’s an attorney, but in her spare time Eidson is a a fun way that’s an ideal approach to staying in shape. No
Barre enthusiast locals credit with bringing the innovative dance experience is required — just a passion for fitness and
dance exercise to the Cullman area. She even offered a barre a little fun.
class at The Factory, an established local dance studio, before
deciding to open her own facility, ELEVATE Cullman, in the “The beautiful thing about Barre is that it’s very intense, so a
city’s downtown. young person could come in here and get a serious workout,”
says Eidson. “But it has almost no impact on your joints,
Eidson worked with a Barre fitness franchise in Huntsville so an older person could also do this with very reasonable
for almost five years before moving back to Cullman in 2015. modification. The low impact makes it very friendly for a lot
She realized how much she missed her regular Barre workout of people.”
and decided that if she wanted to keep doing it, she might
as well be teaching other people and sharing her passion for Barre isn’t the only unique class Eidson offers. ELEVATE
Barre. also hosts Piloxing, a combination of boxing with standing
Pilates and Barre, along with yoga classes. Located next door
“There are several Barre techniques out there,” she says. “Most to Duchess Bakery on First Avenue, ELEVATE Cullman
of them come from the same Pilates foundation. It combines offers 20-25 classes a week under five instructors.
classic dance exercises with a lot of Pilates and a core focus to
build strength, endurance and flexibility. Nohealani Naehu, owner of The Factory, caught her case of
dance fever early in life and has been moving and grooving
“What we are working uses isometric movements and what ever since. Naehu and affiliates saw a need in the community
we call ‘static holds’ to work a muscle group to total fatigue. for a competition dance school that offered a variety of styles,
So if you are in the class and you’re doing the series correctly, and The Factory has filled that niche in the Cullman area.

68 SIT A SPELL

Naehu stresses the importance of staying fit Call today to ask about our Pest Shield 365 service
and how that’s shaped the growth of her dance
facility. Protecting Cullman from
UNWANTED Visitors!
“It’s good for adults to keep dancing, because it’s
a fun way to exercise and teaches rhythm, which • Pest Control • Termites
is not something everybody has naturally,” she • Pestshield365.com
says, pausing for a beat before bursting into a
grin. “It’s better than having to drag yourself to • Annual Green Pest Control
the gym when you can have a fun dance class RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
with your friends and burn a ton of calories. It’s
straight up cardio. When this truck pulls up,
you know you’re getting
“As far as the Barre method goes, it’s targeting the finest pest control
specific muscle groups and giving you cardio. It’s team in North Alabama!
like plyometric movements and lifting weights.
If you’re looking for a fun class, you really should For placing Target Pest Control
take a Barre class.” as one of the Top Choices for

Naehu attended one of Eidson’s classes and “Best Pest Control in Cullman”
quickly became a fan.
739-5487
“It kicked my butt,” she says. “This is coming
from someone who dances every day. It targets a www.targetpestservice.com
lot of muscles, and all the movements are really
small. They are ballet-based. They even use ballet SIT A SPELL 69
terms and ballet movements. Pure Barre or Barre
is what they call it. It’s awesome. I totally recom-
mend it. It’s a great workout.”  

Founded in June of 2013, The Factory offers a
variety of dance classes — ballet, tap, jazz, hip
hop, contemporary, belly dancing, acrobatics, and
power tumbling — as well as some adult classes.
Located at 802 Main Avenue, the studio has con-
tinued to provide a creative outlet and advanced
training for both novice and elite dancers.

Although her company doesn’t yet offer Barre
classes, Naehu says she’s a fan of the style and
is happy to see Cullman embrace the new trend
with the opening of ELEVATE Cullman.

No matter what physical activity you choose,
Cullman is a fitness-friendly place, with a multi-
tude of dance complexes, gyms, trails and parks.

The only thing to do now is find your passion and
get fit … while having a little fun.

070201381608180

LEISURE & PLAY

IN THE ‘ZONE

BY SAM ROLLEY

funzone facebook The name literally says it all.

Funzone.

Fun. Zone.

Zone of fun.

And who doesn’t like having fun?

Located near Heritage Park relatively
close to Downtown Cullman, Funzone
is packed with just the kind of carefree
activities children of all ages — and even
adults — can enjoy.

The property’s scenic, 18-hole miniature
golf course is designed to give novice
golfers a fun putting atmosphere while
incorporating enough water hazards
and sand traps to keep even the most
experienced golfing enthusiasts
entertained.

Smaller children aren’t left out of the
fun, either, getting the chance to try for a
hole-in-one with the kid-sized clubs the
park offers.

If you’re more interested in the
diamond than the links, Funzone has
reopened its collection of batting
cages, where baseball and softball fans can
get their swing on. Cullman’s outsized
enthusiasm for baseball assures the cages
stay busy with young people who take
America’s pastime seriously, but it’s also a
great way for anyone who wants to hone
their skill while simultaneously relieving a
little stress.

70 SIT A SPELL

Saving the best for last, Funzone guests just have
to take a lap or two around the main attraction
— the “Funzone 500” go-kart track, which
features exciting twists and turns sure to bring
out the speedy side in anyone. Children ages 7
to 12 can put their budding skills to the test in
rookie cars, while those 13 and older are free to
hit the track in full-sized karts.

There’s even a special track for the little ones,
where 4- to 6-year-old riders can strap in and
put the pedal to the metal — alongside a parent
or other responsible grown-up, of course.

Besides being a fantastic option for a family
outing or even a “let’s be kids” date with that
special someone, Funzone can also be booked for
parties, church groups or business events.

For more information on hours of operation
and pricing, visit Funzone’s Facebook page
at facebook.com/funzonecullman or call
256-735-0704.

funzone facebook

SERVICES WE OFFER: 256-739-3555

• Air Conditioning Service/Repair • National Accounts www.QualityStaffingSolutions.com
• Alignments • Nitrogen
• Batteries • Oil Changes “Matching Employee Skills
• Belts & Hoses • Radiators with Employer Needs”
• Brake Service • Tire Repair/Flat Repair
• Cooling System Maintenance • Tire Rotation Voted BEST
• CV and Drive Axles • Transmission Service Staffing Agency in Cullman
• Front End • Wheel Balancing
070201803008133
209 2nd Ave. NW
Cullman SIT A SPELL 71

256-734-5212

www.mcgrifftirepros.com

070200101208045

HOUSING

Living Alabama’s
history in the historic

Folsom home

the cullman times/benjamin bullard

the cullman times/benjamin bullard

A Home Larger than Life

BY BENJAMIN BULLARD

Cullman’s Greg Donnelly chuckles when asked what it’s like in a neighborhood crammed with them, the Folsom — er,
for his family to live in a house that’ll never truly be theirs. Donnelly — house has an upper story with a full footprint;
one that doesn’t narrow or taper to strike a visual impression
“We laugh because it will never be known as ‘the Donnelly of modesty. It’s a robust house, one that, if only incidentally,
house,’” says Greg. “It’s forever immortalized as the Folsom fully suits the outsized legacy of its famous former occupant. 
home … and it has an unbelievable history.” The house has stories, says Donnelly ... and he’s just talking
about the ones he knows.
For the past 16 years, Donnelly and his wife, Kaye, along
with their children — Rebecca (22) and two sons, Carver “Many of our friends grew up in the neighborhood, and the
(19) and Shae (17) — have made their home at the address stories are endless,” he says. “From the famous ‘pay phone’
where one of Cullman’s most famous residents used to take that Big Jim installed because of all the traffic through the
his mail. house to the infamous pool table in the basement, where all
the late-night parties occurred.
That’d be Alabama’s 42nd governor, a man who’ll forever cast
a long and friendly shadow over the state’s storied political “One of the more entertaining mysteries of the house is, if
past. you ask 15 people where that pay phone was, you’ll get 15
different answers — and they’re all adamant they’re right.
James Elisha Folsom Sr., known to history — and to locals I think that’s because some of the house has structurally
— as “Big Jim,” made the massive, gracious house on the changed, so it confuses people. When I asked Jim Folsom
city’s east side his family’s home during, and then long after, [Big Jim’s son and Alabama’s 50th governor], even he was a
his political fortunes had been assured.  bit confused where it had been.”

Even without that provenance, the 5,000 square-foot house Despite its indelible distinction as the Folsoms’ house, the
is memorable. It’s a hulk of a structure, dominating the Folsoms aren’t the only connection between the home and
small lot on which it sits. Unlike many other historic houses Alabama politics.

SIT A SPELL 73

IT’S FOREVER IMMORTALIZED
AS THE FOLSOM HOME …

AND IT HAS AN
UNBELIEVABLE HISTORY

— and of course, their supporters from Cullman. I believe
we raised close to $70,000 that night for his campaign. 

“Both Jamelle and the late Bama Folsom [one of Big Jim’s
seven children] attended that party, and it was a joy to see
how they reacted to being in their old home. Bama actually
roamed every inch of the downstairs, sharing memories
from her childhood. Jim Jr. and Marsha are wonderful peo-
ple, and we’ve enjoyed knowing them. Nowadays, we don’t
see Marsha as much as we’d like … but you may catch Jim
Jr. and me sipping a whiskey from time to time out at the
country club at Terri Pines.”

The Donnellys haven’t changed too much about the house,
thanks to some renovations a previous owner had made
right before they moved in. But the one change they did
make has grown into a local legend in its own right.

the cullman times/benjamin bullard “We have a total of 11 rooms in the house, including the
kitchen, den, parlor, entry foyer, dining room and child’s
playroom. Well, that last one has become quietly famous,
as about 12 years ago, I built a full ‘Irish pub’ in the house,”
says Donnelly. “Back before 2010 or so, when Cullman
was still ‘dry’ and it was against the law to sell alcohol, that
room was probably the worst-kept secret in the city!”

“According to history, two governors and three first ladies With the Donnellys’ children growing into adulthood and
lived there,” says Donnelly. “Cornelia Wallace [wife of the home’s most recent significant updates now closing in
former Alabama Gov. George Wallace] was kin to the on two decades past, the house, says Greg, is finally ready
Folsoms and lived there for six months or so.” for some freshening up.

Big Jim passed away in 1987, but his wife, Jamelle, who “After 16 years of raising three children in the home and
died in 2012, continued to live in Cullman. The Donnellys the house settling a little more, we need to fix a few things
have maintained their friendship with the Folsom family, and give it a facelift,” he says. “We’re currently redoing the
and conversation about the house — and, really, all things hardwood floors, making several internal repairs, and then
Alabama — continue to enrich their connections to the just some normal cosmetic changes, painting and upgrading
past. some of the lighting fixtures.”

“We had the pleasure of meeting Jamelle, Jim Jr. and [his But he doesn’t want to change things too much — and he’s
wife] Marsha early in our move to Cullman,” he explains. just fine with living inside a piece of history inherited from
“When Jim Jr. ran for lieutenant governor, a few of us de- one of Alabama’s most iconic political names.
cided to throw a fundraising party at the house for him. It
was a huge success. His campaign manager had spread the “Our love of the house is deep,” says Donnelly, “because of
word, and we had dignitaries from all over North Alabama our love of the neighborhood. We have made wonderful
friends here. It’s just a fantastic place to raise a family.”

74 SIT A SPELL

Wal-Mart
Logistics and
Transportation:
Cullman, Alabama

070202037908009070200488708020 “Our People Make the Difference”

WHITLOCK’S Providing exceptional service to our stores in Alabama,
Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia for over 34 years.
GENERAL STORE/CAFE Consistently doing our part to “Save our customers money
so they can live Better” yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
• Fishing & Camping Supplies
• Live Bait • Plumbing • Groceries Distribution Center #6006
Transportation Office #6806 070200151308067
General Store Phone: 734-8230 • Cafe Phone: 734-8395

6446 County Road 222 • Cullman, AL

When You Need the Best Care

Hours:
Monday-Saturday • 8:00am-7:00pm

Sunday • 12:00noon - 7:00pm

256.737.0880

1701 Main Ave. SW, Ste. A
Cullman, AL

Heritage Professional Bldg.

www.cullmanurgentcarecenter.com

070201208508178

SIT A SPELL 75

FEATURE

Trident: the cullman times/benjamin bullard
More than
a marina

70 FINE ‘N’ DANDY

BY NATALIE BONNER the cullman times/benjamin bullard

Take in this scene: You’re relaxing on your boat, TRIDENT MARINA
skimming across the serene surface of Smith LAUNCHES LIVE MUSIC
Lake, taking in the fresh summer breeze when CONCERT SERIES AND
you hear the notes of live music floating across
the water. Curious of this lakeside concert, LURES THE CROWD
you pull your boat closer to the action. Sounds TO THE LAKE
pretty good, right?

That’s the experience Trident Marina wants
lake lovers from all over to come out and enjoy
each summer. The multi-faceted marina recent-
ly started a Summer Concert Series, featuring
live music throughout the warmer months.

Co-owner and CFO Jeff Tolbert, Jr. explained
the appeal behind the decision to showcase
local artists and provide them with a unique
platform to show off their talents.

“The Summer Concert Series was my father’s Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce
idea. We started it two years ago with live mu-
sic and bands, and now we are slowly starting
to progress. In the next couple years, we would
like to bring in some bigger name acts,” he said.
“The Summer Concert Series takes place at the
lake under a pavilion, with the lake serving as
the backdrop. There is a large, grassy green area
where you can stay and listen, or grab a table at
The Grille, or even come float by in your boat
and tie up to one of our docks.”

SIT A SPELL 77

the cullman times/benjamin bullard

THE MULTI-FACETED Every weekend during the summer, the marina fea-
MARINA RECENTLY tures a band with no cover charge to attend. Whether
STARTED A SUMMER you come via boat or car, the goal is to enjoy live, local
music, eat some great food, and take in the beautiful
CONCERT SERIES, scenery on Smith Lake.
FEATURING LIVE MUSIC
The best way to keep track of upcoming artists sched-
THROUGHOUT THE uled to perform is to check both the marina and the
WARMER MONTHS restaurant’s social media accounts on Facebook and
Instagram (Trident Marina and The Grille at Trident
Marina).

With the passing of Senate Bill 322, which allows
marinas with onsite restaurants within Cullman,
Walker and Winston counties to serve alcoholic
beverages, business should continue to amp up for
Trident Marina.

“We knew the opportunities that the lake had from
a tourist standpoint and from an economic develop-
ment standpoint. We are very much a tourist location
and a vacation hotspot,” he said. “When people go
on vacation, they want to kick back and relax and not
necessarily have to entertain and cook the whole time,
but also go out and enjoy the additional amenities.
So this bill will allow all of the marinas on the lake

78 SIT A SPELL

in the tri-county area the opportunity to build a 070201252708140
restaurant in a nice facility that would allow them
to serve alcohol, further adding additional ameni- Discount Printing
ties for the lake.” Company

Tolbert added that the downstream effects of the Brochures • Flyers • Business Cards • Books • Invitations • Forms
bill’s passing extend further than just alcohol sales, We now offer Full Color Envelopes
explaining the bill will also attract major commer-
cial development on the lake, including hotels, (256) 739-5162
more rental properties, and more traffic in general.
“It’s essentially an economic development bill. [email protected]
For All Your Printing Needs
What we want to do is transform the image of our Since 1980
lake and, more specifically, our property,” he said.
“This will allow us to generate enough revenue 070201615808046
to build a nice multi-story, multi-use facility that
will act as a restaurant and commercial space 070201537308018
where corporations can utilize this event space
for corporate meetings, or even an event space for Want an Dr. Darnell can make that dream come true.
weddings. This is a couple years down the road, You’ll be absolutely amazed!
but it will allow us to do that.”
incredible smile? Dr. Darnell is an experienced cosmetic and family dentist
Trident Marina has been around since January who has improved thousands of smiles through the miracle
of 2016, taking over what was formally known as of cosmetic dentistry.
Ryan Creek Marina. Located next to Big Bridge,
the location provides a wonderful resource for 920 Olive Street, Cullman • 256-734-6444
those who want to store or rent a boat, grab a bite
to eat at The Grille, or enjoy some live music and Alabama Dental Practice Act requires the following: No representation is made that the quality of the dental devices performed is greater than the
other events held throughout the year. quality of dental services performed by other dentists.

“We rebranded it as Trident Marina with the Katherine Morgan, Agent
main goal to supply first-class service to boaters
on the lake,” Tolbert said. “One way is in storage. 909 Fisher Street SW
We have reliable storage where if you have a boat Cullman, AL 35055
and need to store it, you can do so in our dry-stack Bus: 256-734-4640
building, which holds over 400 boats, or in our [email protected]
wet slips. We have an opportunity in service as
well since we have dedicated maintenance service State Farm, Bloomington, IL
technicians on this side of the lake.” 1211999

In addition to those amenities, the marina features
fuel service with fuel pumps available 24/7, allow-
ing anyone on the lake to fuel up any time of the
year.

“Our whole goal is to bring as many people to the
lake as possible and to really show what a jewel
we have here in Cullman County,” Tolbert said.
“If you haven’t been to this end of the lake lately
or seen the marina next to Big Bridge, you must
come out and see it because it’s certainly not what
it used to be. Changes are happening every day.”

070200691408049

80 SIT A SPELL

070200040708136

the cullman times/benjamin bullard the cullman times

Y’all Listen Up

RETAIL

82 The Store that Has It All

BUSINESS

86 Only a Call Away

INDUSTRY

89 Cool Air Anywhere

EDUCATION

91 Getting Technical

cullman area chamber of commerce Y’ALL LISTEN UP 81

Mary
Carter

the cullman times/amanda shavers-davis

RETAIL the cullman times/amanda shavers-davis

THE STORE THAT
HAS IT ALL

BY TRENT MOORE

Stay in Cullman for any length of time, and you’ll soon
catch on to a handy piece of local lore: If there’s something
you need that can’t be found anywhere else, odds are it’ll be
sitting on a shelf down at the Mary Carter Store.

Located in historic Downtown Cullman, the Mary Carter
Store is a throwback to the city’s simpler days. It’s an
old-fashioned general store that places a decidedly modern
emphasis on service and convenience. Mary Carter carries
everything from paint to Radio Flyer wagons, and offers
services ranging from key copying to picture framing. It’s
the kind of place that caters to locals’ independent, DIY
side. Some of the store’s most popular items are guns,
fishing tackles and Lodge cast iron cookware.

Raymond Young bought the shop decades ago and teamed
up with Fred Osborne, his eventual brother-in-law, to run
the shop. Now, Osborne runs the store’s frame division,
while Young manages the hardware section.

Mary Carter is a staple of Downtown Cullman’s identity,
its visually memorable cupola serving as a sign post when
giving directions. The staff is renowned for offering helpful
advice to shoppers on pretty much any do-it-yourself
project.

The shop was ground zero during the 2011 tornadoes
that tore through the city’s downtown area. Those storms
ripped the roof from the building and caused significant

Post-Cancer Surgery Apparel & Accessories for Women Landau  Urbane  Cherokee Barco
Chemo Caps Med Couture  Alegria  Peaches
Wigs & More!
Grey’s Anatomy and Many More
Judy Watts Grissom
Complete Line of Scrubs, Shoes Lab Coats & Accessories
[email protected]
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00 Saturday 9:00 - 2:00
Over 250 Wigs In Stock! 256-347-5993 300 2nd Ave SE • Cullman • 734-0662
2201 2nd Ave. NW • Cullman, AL 35058
070200147208185
070220533408098
Y’ALL LISTEN UP 83

damage. Yet, like many neighboring business owners,
Young and Osborne simply rebuilt — and carried on.
“I think it kind of woke us up. What it did for us, it
helped us to rejuvenate and update a lot of things,”
Young said. “I’ve been here 52 years, and it’s about as
good for retail as it’s been in a long, long time. Some
of the buildings were getting into rough shape, and
this forced the rejuvenation and work that’s gotten us
back in business.”

Along with being part of Cullman’s cultural fabric,
the Mary Carter store also has another claim to
fame: A famous customer who immortalized the
shop in song. Cullman native Hank Williams Jr. was
a frequent Mary Carter customer, and the store once
famously framed a Playboy centerfold for William,
leading the country legend to give the store a
shoutout in his 1979 song “I Got Rights. He opened
with the line: “I went down / to the Mary Carter
paint store / I said ‘Give me one of them Smith &
Wesson magnum 44s.’”

the cullman times/amanda shavers-davis It’s only natural Hank would immortalize a store like
Mary Carter. It’s the kind of place no Cullman native
— or any frequent visitor — ever forgets.

070200117208051

84 Y’ALL LISTEN UP

Y’ALL LISTEN UP 85

BUSINESS

Sequence
Health:

Only a call away

sequence health

86 Y’ALL LISTEN UP

ON THE
CUTTING
EDGE OF
HEALTHCARE

BY DAVID PALMER

When Sequence Health selected Cullman as the home
for its newest resource center in 2016, the company
didn’t just bring jobs — it brought a unique new trend
in healthcare.

Described as a “boutique medical contact center,”
Sequence Health is readying a permanent move into
its newly constructed facility after relocating from
Georgia and getting off the ground at its seed location
on the campus of Wallace State Community College.
What’s Sequence Health all about? The company
offers patient acquisition, management, and retention
services to, in its own words, “realize optimal results at
every point along the care continuum.”

In short, Sequence Health helps care providers
streamline the many-layered services they offer both
at the point of care and during follow-up, giving both
patients and providers a single point of access for
the often-labyrinthine web of paperwork, orders,
prescriptions, and aftercare instructions that typically
accompany a doctor’s visit or hospital stay.

As part of its move to Cullman, Sequence Health
will utilize a 15,000 square-foot space in the city’s
Industrial Park 3. The park is an ideal location for the
company to establish its cutting-edge resource center,
providing a robust technological backbone ensuring
all Sequence Health clients can speak to a customer
service representative — and get the information they
need — whenever necessary.

Y’ALL LISTEN UP 87

Sequence Health assists with patient care
coordination by consolidating all processes
before, during and after a patient’s care.
The company’s services feature automated
messaging, survey engagement tools, and a
support network that includes a fully staffed
medical call center. 

Care teams and care plans are coordinated
and communicated with the patient,
allowing improved relationships and
providing cost-effective care that patients
expect and providers appreciate. If it can
make a patient’s life easier and a provider’s
care plan more effective and affordable,
Sequence Health strives to make it happen.

“We evaluated several locations in the
Southeast before concluding that Cullman
was right for us,” said Sequence Health CEO
John Richmond. “We were impressed with
the city leaders, the people here, and their
passion for the community. We can’t wait
to put down roots here.”

sequence health

070200014408015

88 Y’ALL LISTEN UP

hessaire

hessaire

Y’ALL LISTEN UP 89

INDUSTRY

INNOVATING, RATHER THAN FOLLOWING, PLAYS A
BIG ROLE IN HESSAIRE’S RAPID AND CONTINUED GROWTH

BY NATALIE BONNER Pond as of 2016) is the company’s home — and they’re
proud to be part of the community. Not only is Fan
Hessaire might just be one of Cullman’s coolest serious about Hessaire’s products, he’s also a big believer
businesses. in the people who make them and the community they all
call home.
Founded in 1996 by a group of local investors, Hessaire “Hessaire is proud to be a member of the Cullman
launched out the gate and is still in growth mode. Chamber [of Commerce],” he said. “We are a contributor
The company’s founders identified a need in the market to the growth initiative and a sponsor of the annual Rock
and zeroed in, starting out by manufacturing prop and the South musical festival. We have been fortunate to find
fan blades tailored toward HVAC OEMs (Original talented and dedicated employees in Cullman who have
Equipment Manufacturers), Agriculture OEMs and helped us to grow and succeed.”
industrial/commercial ventilation.  You can find Hessaire products online at The Home
Depot, Frontgate, and at Air & Water. Check out
Hessaire stepped up its game in 2010, when it began Hessaire.com to learn more about this dynamic Cullman
manufacturing complete fans for commercial and innovator, and to find their products at a retailer near you.
industrial use. In the short time since its founding,
Hessaire has developed a reputation throughout the hessaire
Cullman community as a responsive, go-to source for
alternative cooling options.

Innovating, rather than following, plays a big role in
Hessaire’s rapid and continued growth.

“Hessaire is dedicated to quality and customer
satisfaction,” said Hessaire Digital Media Manager
Kayla Stinnett. “We strive to produce a high-quality
product that will satisfy the customer’s needs and set the
standard for the market. We continually invest in R&D
and our engineering department to ensure that our
product is one of the most innovative on the market.”

The company is showing no signs of slowing down.
In 2011, Hessaire acquired Fanpac, an evaporative cooler
and evaporative cooling component manufacturer that
designed private-label coolers — the kind stocked and
sold by Home Depot, Lowes and other major retail
outlets. Only three years ago, Hessaire also introduced a
line of portable evaporative coolers for the retail market.

“Hessaire’s retail portable evaporative cooler products are
leaders for their performance and style,” said Hessaire
President Jerry Fan. “We have been successful in our
markets because we provide value for the channels and
the consumer. For our industrial products, we stand out
for our quality and engineering.”

While Hessaire’s products travel the world to reach
consumers all over, the Cullman area (specifically Holly

90 Y’ALL LISTEN UP

EDUCATION

the cullman times BY TRENT MOORE

Getting Rockets and robots are getting kids excited about
Technical engineering in the Cullman area.

LOCAL SCHOOLS Who knew?
USE ROCKETS AND
ROBOTS TO TEACH The Cullman County Board of Education, that’s who.

ENGINEERING Over the past five years, the Cullman Area Tech-
nology Academy (CATA) has organically grown its
engineering academy to get local students learning
about everything from structural design to calculating
a rocket’s rate of ascent.

Billy Troutman, CATA Principal, said they use a
rocketry program and robotics competition as a way
to engage students and help them learn the nuts and
bolts of engineering — even if they may not realize
that’s what they’re doing by getting that rocket off
the ground, or that robot to follow commands.

Y’ALL LISTEN UP 91

WE’RE TRYING TO PREPARE
STUDENTS FOR THE NEXT

STEP AND LET THEM
EXPLORE ENGINEERING

“Obviously, I think the robotics and rocketry
is a great, general push for what they’re doing,”
Troutman said. “I think it’s a way to appeal to
kids who have an interest in different areas of
engineering, to learn more about them.”

the cullman times/BENJAMIN BULLARD Throughout the program, Troutman said stu-
dents cover everything from general engineer-
ing principles, to manufacturing and physical
execution of engineering, to the function of
bridges and basics of structural engineering.
Students can even earn their credentials in the
computer-aided drafting programs used to draw
up the designs.

The program currently includes approximately
30 students at the technology academy.

“It’s a great, general pre-engineering course,” he
said. “We’re trying to prepare students for the
next step and let them explore engineering.”

For more on CATA, visit www.cata.ccboe.org or
www.facebook.com/CULLMANCATA.

Your injection molding future starts here

Join a culture where you’ll be respected and valued! Your ideas matter. You matter.

Since opening our doors in 1987, we’ve grown by listening to ✓ ✓ ✓ADVANCED FOCUSED TRUSTED 070201769208039
what our customers need and focusing on the processes, products and
services to help them succeed. We always need people who are excited to become 230 County Road 1601 • Cullman
part of a team working hands-on to solve complex problems. If you’re ready to start
building your future, Royal Technologies is ready for you. Apply online today. 877-451-6396

www.royaltechnologiescorp.com www.gotoroyal.com

92 Y’ALL LISTEN UP

4D FARMS FACEBOOK cullman oktoberfest website

SKYDIVE ALABAMA Southern Roots

FESTIVALS

94 Real Men Wear
Lederhosen

AGRITOURISM

98 Farming Meets Fun

ATTRACTIONS

100 Chute for the Sky

CLASSIC CULLMAN

104 Blast to the Past

COMMUNITY

106 Calendar of Events
109 Chamber Membership

Directory

SOUTHERN ROOTS 93



FESTIVALS

Real men

wear

lederhosen

BY DAVID PALMER

When the lively sounds of Volksmusik fill
the air at the Festhalle Market Platz, it
marks the beginning of the annual celebra-
tion of Cullman’s German heritage. 

Oktoberfest, marking all things German
— and Cullman — engages the commu-
nity in both history and entertainment,
with everything from the Chicken Dance
to German-style beer on tap. At the heart
of the festival is the work and vision of
the community’s founder, Col. John G.
Cullmann. 

Cullmann, a political refugee from Germa-
ny, came to the United States, eventually
arriving in north Alabama. When he came
across present-day Cullman County in
1873, he envisioned the area becoming the
garden spot of America through the efforts
of German farmers and other skilled
workers who had immigrated. In three
years, through hard work and the growth
of railroad transportation and shipping,
Cullman became a city. One year later, the
county was formed. 

Oktoberfest comes alive with the
Volksmusik — the people’s music — tra-
ditional German clothing, food and of
course, beer (interestingly, the latter’s first
Oktoberfest appearance came in 2011).
The weeklong celebration, annually led by
a hand-selected Burgermeister, has been
around for years, but as Cullman grows and
its heritage is more widely publicized, the
festival grows each October. 

tHE CULLMAN TIMES SOUTHERN ROOTS 95

OKTOBERFEST COMES ALIVE WITH THE
VOLKSMUSIK — THE PEOPLE’S MUSIC — TRADITIONAL
GERMAN CLOTHING, FOOD AND OF COURSE, BEER.

Upon arriving in Downtown Cullman the cullman times
for Oktoberfest, the architecture of the
well-preserved buildings and the wide
sidewalks pose a well-maintained his-
torical backdrop, inhabited by thriving
local businesses that appeal to visitors
from across the region. 

Oktoberfest is free and features plen-
ty of activities for families, as well as
authentic German food and a variety
of music beyond the traditional tunes
of the Alpines. The Festhalle, with its
colorful vegetables and fruits from local
farms, is always the center point for the
celebration. 

For more information, visit www.cull-
manoktoberfest.com.

96 SOUTHERN ROOTS

SOUTHERN ROOTS 97

AGRITOURISM

4d farm facebook BY SAM ROLLEY

Farming Even if you’ve grown up in an agricultural community like many
Meets folks in the South, you’ve probably never seen a pumpkin slingshot
Fun in action, fired a corn cannon or cheered on a pig race. But if you
don’t want your youngsters to miss out on such unusual agricultural
NESTLED IN THE LUSH activities, you’re in luck. Just outside of Downtown Cullman, there’s a
COUNTRYSIDE JUST A place where farming meets fun.  
SHORT DRIVE OUTSIDE
CULLMAN, 4D FARM IS A Located in Welti, about 12 miles east of Downtown Cullman, 4D
PLAYGROUND OF PUMPKIN Farm provides the ultimate on-the-farm experience for children of all
PATCHES, CORN MAZES ages.  
AND FRIENDLY ANIMALS
The venue is open seasonally and available for parties and field trips. It
98 SOUTHERN ROOTS has all the old fun farm standbys, including a fall pumpkin patch, corn
maze and hay rides.  

But uniqueness is where the educational 4D Farm really shines.  
The farm’s owners, Rusty and Beth Daniel, didn’t set out to own an
agritourism business when they bought the property where 4D Farm
now sits in 2004. The farm began as a poultry operation, not unlike
hundreds of others located throughout Cullman County. The family
still operates a working farm on the property, complete with four
broiler houses.  

If you drive past 4D Farm on County Road 703, chicken houses
certainly aren’t the first things that’ll catch your eye. A whimsical

barn juts out of the otherwise conventional
rural landscape. Another structure has a bit of
a treehouse aesthetic, too tall and narrow to
be mistaken for a no-nonsense farm structure.
Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice the barn
is home to goats that spend much of their time
intently watching the action below.  

And, boy, is there action to see.  

On a busy day, they may witness hundreds of the cullman times
children having a blast playing in a sea of corn
kernels, climbing and jumping on mountains of
oversized hay bales, laughing with joy as they
cruise down an 80-foot slide located on the
property, taking a spin on the cow train and hay
ride, or taking a break and enjoying a snack. 
But 4D Farm is far more than an oversized
agricultural playground. The Daniels are, after
all, a farm family — and they love teaching their
visitors about the ins and outs of rural life. 
Beth worked as an educator in Cullman County,
before the Daniel family made the decision to
homeschool their children and begin their 4D
Farm adventure. Her education background and
her husband Rusty’s agricultural background
combine to make every visit to the farm a great
learning experience.  

“It was difficult to step away from teaching
because I love it,” Beth told The Cullman Times
shortly after the family opened the farm to the
public. “But I wanted to spend more time with
the kids. In doing that, I’m now getting to
continue teaching, not only my own kids but
those who come and visit as well.” 

For more information on 4D Farms, visit
www.4dfamilyfarm.com.

070200014608323 Paint • Sundries • Carpet
Wood • Floorcoverings

Ceramic
O.F. Richter & Sons, Inc.

Commerical and Retail

308 First Street SE
Cullman, AL 35055

256.734.0582
Fax 256.734.9264

www.ofrichterandsons.com
070200111008287

SOUTHERN ROOTS 99

ATTRACTIONS

Chute for the SkySKYDIVEALABAMA

SKYDIVE ALABAMA


Click to View FlipBook Version