A view from on high

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I slid around the edge of the roof of the house removing the gunk that had collected in the gutters. Being a musician my hands were such a vital part of my life, I always came away with them skinned up from the adventure.

Cleaning out gutters didn’t phase me at that time and I often hopped right up there no matter how high it was moving around easing the path for the rain water.

It had become a nice supplementary business to the lawns I mowed as a kid. I started those when I was around 10 and pretty much continued through college.

Even as I had achieved some notoriety performing for the Grand Ole Opry and major concert events around the country, I still mowed, raked and cleaned gutters for those long established clients I had built up through the years.

I once heard Tennessee Ernie Ford say as his career was developing, one of the criteria he looked at before moving on from something to bigger pastures, was to make sure that there was more cows in that field than the one he was already in.

I don’t think that is what kept me doing for those folks. Many of them were like family, some older and I knew it would be hard for them to find someone to replace me after so many years of my helping them. But eventually I did have to phase out of all those extra jobs and move on in life.

I even recall feeling a bit of guilt in leaving a couple in particular to find someone else to meet those needs.

While I think back fondly on those times sitting up on the roofs working with my thoughts about what I would do with my life flooding through my mind as I looked out around the neighborhood, unlike my younger self, I am no longer anxious to jump up on the roof to think.

However, I still spend time each day, thinking about what God has in store for me in life.

Dreams never seem to fade; there is always something new that is just over the horizon.

A new record, a new book, a new job, a new friendship, a new way to serve and accomplish something for someone else.

These days I still like to look out over the neighborhood as I think. Instead of sticking my hands down in the muck and filling up a bucket with it, now I find a high point on a mountainside, sit there with God’s word and take in the beauty all around me as I read, think and pray.

Perhaps it is something in the genes that I discovered as a kid looking out from those roofs, that there is an almost innate desire within me to be high up – in the mountains looking out and drinking deeply from God’s creation. It seems to renew my soul and provide a perfect backdrop to dream and ask for God’s guidance and His inspiration to know how to illuminate the path that He has in store.

Have you found your rooftop? Do you know where you can be inspired to make a difference?

If you do not have a place, I hope this week you will take some time and find a place to restore your soul as you dream for your future and what you can make happen in your family and community that will make our world a better place.

The American’s Creed

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The American’s Creed

and The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’ 

Thank you to all of our great sponsors: Top of Georgia Economic Development Initiative, Smith & Wesley, Mountain View Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, William Marsh Chapter – National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, The Bank of LaFayette, William H.H. Clark, Marshall M. Bandy Jr. Law Office, Rhonda James, Boynton Lions Club of Ringgold, Georgia, Gateway Business Center,      Stateline Electronics, and AirPlay Direct.

Our film was entered in 36 film festivals worldwide and screened at the Tatras International Film Festival in Slovakia and the JEFF (Jinju English Film Festival) in South Korea, Castle Rock Film Festival in Colorado, and the Will Rogers Motion Picture Festival in Oklahoma.

We are currently submitting The Making of The American’s Creed to film festivals around the world, 20 so far. It won the Bronze Award at the Spotlight Short Film Awards in January 2024.

 

 

Join us as we create the opportunity of bringing this project to film festivals and ultimately to viewers via the internet. Sponsors who will support our efforts are still welcome. Contact us for more info on how you may help. Send a check to Randall Franks, P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755.

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Actors Randall Franks and Butch Culpepper on location in Chickamauga, Ga.

Director Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” of TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” wrote a screenplay reflecting his desire to encourage people upon the inspired patriotic words penned by his kinsmen William Tyler Page in 1917 that were adopted by the United States officially as “The American’s Creed” standing alongside the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. Cinematographer Eric T. Jackson is joining Franks to help him bring the unique historical drama set during the American Revolution to life.

Cinematographer Eric T. Jackson, Actor Evan A. Jackson and Director Randall Franks

In the storyline, American colonist Robert B. Shields of Virginia, played by Franks, heeds a request from his cousin George Washington to muster men from the western frontier to join him in the revolution in the 1770s. Shields sees the effort as an opportunity to inspire the seeds of liberty and freedom in these men and the generations to follow.

Slated as a short film with an accompanying documentary “The Making of ‘The American’s Creed’,” the project is filming in Chickamauga, Ga. at the historic Gordon Lee Mansion and surrounding city locations. Franks and internationally known finger-style guitarist Wesley Crider, who made a special appearance in the film, composed and performed the soundtrack on fiddle, guitar, and Appalachian dulcimer at Tim Witt Studios near LaFayette, Ga.

Director Randall Franks guides actors Ronald Melton, Robert Jones and Wesley Crider.

The American’s Creed features Franks, Tina Brewer, Crider, Evan A. Jackson, Butch Culpepper, Ronald K. Melton. Jr., Robert E. Jones, Maggie Suits, Donald Benkis, Elaine Benkis, Dennis L. Jones, Ashley Robillard, John Francis, Cassandra Group, Gabriel Group, and Colton Buckles.

Actor/wrangler Butch Culpepper added both his talents and those of his film horses Charlie and Dollar to the film.

Period costumer Tina Brewer also shared her supervising talents for the project while also making costumes for “Capt. Shields” and ‘Sister Sophie.” She was supported by Ronald K. Melton, Jr. and Robert E. Jones who assisted on set with costumes and some props for the re-enactors. Also, thanks to Kathy Graham of It’s Sew Time, formerly in Ringgold, who made and donated the hair ribbon for “Capt. Shields.”

The Peach Picked Productions film is expected for release to film festivals in 2022. Producers wish to express special thanks to the City of Chickamauga mayor, council, staff and the residents for their support during the production of this film.

Film catering was provided by Choo Choo BBQ & Grill of Chickamauga.

Radio may access Randall Franks Music by visiting www.AirPlayDirect.com/RandallFranks/ .

 

 

Also support the effort by ordering a T-Shirt (Small-2X) $30 and a DVD $25 including The American’s Creed, The Making of The American’s Creed and an hour of music from Randall Franks and the Hollywood Hillbilly Jamboree and solo performances too! Or get both for $50.

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Orders may also be sent via mail for same prices to Randall Franks, P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755

George Washington

Trivia: Actor/director Randall Franks, who portrays a cousin of George Washington in the film, is actually a cousin of founding fathers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson; and also a kinsmen to John Adams, James Madison and James Monroe – founders who all served as president of the United States. Fifty-six men signed the document declaring Independence from Great Britain and the rule of King George III. Of those 56 men, 48 were Randall’s family members, so, I guess you could say his family all got together to create its own country on July 4, 1776.

Sister Sophie (Tina Brewer) keeps young Jamie Shields (Maggie Suits) entertained.

American Actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” recently joined Internationally known finger-style guitarist Wesley Crider, both of Ringgold, Ga., for a recording session. The duo was creating original music for the new short film “The American’s Creed” at Tim Witt Studios near LaFayette, Ga.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William Tyler Page, author of “The American’s Creed” Credit Line: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Harris & Ewing, [reproduction number, e.g., LC-USZ62-123456]

 

 

 

Northwest Georgia actor Randall Franks presents wrestling film memorabilia

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American TV actor Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” commemorates his participation 33 years ago in Hulk Hogan’s film “No Holds Barred,“ which debuted at #2 behind Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Franks (right) presents a special memorabilia donation to Paul Lee at the Turnbuckle Bar & Grill in Ringgold for display including photos from that set with Tiny Lister, Hogan, “In the Heat of the Night,“ as well as publicity stills. “I spent 10 days playing a wealthy wrestling enthusiast in one of my earliest film experiences, it was a great opportunity to meet many key people who would later open other doors for me.” The wrestling-themed restaurant is owned by wrestling celebrity Paul Lee, who is marking 40 years in the sport working with the WCW, USWA, AWF and WWA federations. He holds 35 titles for single and tag team wrestling. He hosts wrestling events regularly at his Circus Tent Arena, also in Ringgold.

Randall Franks and Wesley Crider set tempo for new film

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American Actor/entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” recently joined internationally known finger-style guitarist Wesley Crider, both of Ringgold, Ga., for a recording session. The duo was creating original music for Randall’s short film “The American’s Creed” in Tim Witt Studios near LaFayette, Ga. “I am looking forward to folks hearing the four unique movements of music we have created to underscore the emotions of the actors,” Frank’s said. “Wesley brought an amazing sense of timing and style to enhance my ideas with the fiddle.” Expected for release later in 2022, the film set during the American Revolutionary War was shot on location at the Gordon Lee Mansion in Chickamauga. From left is engineer Witt, Crider and Franks. (Photo: Randall Franks Media)

The bottom of the pile

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It is hard to walk away when you are at the bottom of the pile.

I remember fondly the springs and summers. Hours of play after completing my chores around the house. Of course, as I got older, I took on odd jobs like mowing neighbor’s yards to earn a little money.

In my neighborhood, we had a great group of children. We all would gather to play and race our bikes down suicide hill.

I remember one accident that sent me flying through the handlebars and sliding down the pavement for 20 feet or more. That still hurts just thinking about it. I had sores all over me from that adventure.

There were no cell phones — so the kids were kept on what I call time leashes. When we left the house, we were expected to come back by a certain time, usually mealtime.

Of course, if any of us got into mischief, the news traveled faster than us and the punishment was waiting for us when we got home. In my case, a few choice words from Mom followed by “You just wait ‘til your father gets home.”

Those waits coupled with the sound of my dad pulling his belt out of his pants were always worse than the whipping themselves.

One thing about it, my father never punished me undeservingly, and while I can’t remember a single whipping, I sure learned the life lessons that accompanied them.

My friends and I had about a two to three-mile radius in which we played that encompassed, fields, woods, several neighborhoods and some stores. We had a Colonial Grocery Store, a Krystal, a gas station, dry cleaners and a Gulf Service Station within our travel patterns.

We would get in our share of disagreements with each other. That would lead usually to some hurt feelings and some rolling around on the ground ‘til someone would say “Uncle.” We always seemed to come through it. There really were no children who caused trouble in my age bracket. A few older ones sometimes got into mischief, but we always managed to keep out of trouble.

Do not get me wrong, there were bullies. We were just blessed not to have them on our street, at least for very long. I remember when I was about seven there were two brothers who took great pleasure in picking fights with me. At least, it seemed that way at the time.

A boy my age named Chris Sands moved in. His parents had just divorced, and at that time, it was not as usual, as it is now. I’ll never forget one meeting with those brothers that had me at the bottom of a wrestling match that I just could not win. Chris was the new guy in the neighborhood and saw that I was being unfairly targeted for this fight and stepped in to pull the other boys off me. From that moment on, he was my friend — that is until he later moved away, and I lost track of him.

While time has erased many of the memories of the time we spent together hanging out as kids, that one action by the new boy on the block sticks in my mind. He saw something that was not right, and he did something about it. Not knowing the social lay of the land and the dynamics of the neighborhood hierarchy, he stuck his neck out for me. That is bravery.

Now I’m not advocating fighting as a way to resolve issues for children or adults. I was taught that it takes much more courage to walk away than to actually fight. But when they jump on you, there are just a few hurdles you have to get over before you can walk away.

I learned a valuable lesson from Chris that day. I have always tried to stick up for others, but sadly, especially when I started to serve in local politics, I found there were few willing to stick up for you as the bullies come out to tear you down, especially during an election.

Folks often do not like to stick their neck out to help other people, but when someone does, it makes our community a better place. Even during an election, it is better to walk away and not engage in the lowering of the standards of decency often practiced by other candidates and their backers.

We are truly blessed with people who work every day to help those who face many kinds of battles.

A little funny to uplift

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One of my readers said that I needed to share a bit of comedy in my column to raise the spirits of the folks back home. Well, I don’t know if I can do that but I’m willing to take aim at it. 
One of my favorite places to find funny comments or situations is in church and sometimes the funniest thing you find relates with youngin’s and church thinkin’
I remember a few years ago my nephew asked me if he had a guardian angel. I told him ‘Sure you do. Your guardian angel is always with you.”
“Does he eat with me?” he asked.
“Sure,” I said.
“Does he sleep with me?”
“Sure,” I said.
“That must have been who kicked me out of bed last night,” he said.
 
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Now I won’t take credit for this next one, its one I heard from an older feller which will remain nameless:
Do you know where radio was invented?
Where?
The Garden of Eden.
What?
God took Adam’s rib and made the first loudspeaker.
 
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A little-known fact about Noah’s Ark:
There were three camels on board.
The first was the camel many people swallow while straining at a gnat. 
The second was the camel whose back was broken by the last straw.
And the third was the one who shall pass through the eye of a needle before a rich man enters the kingdom of Heaven.
 
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Farmer Jud and his wife Jeweldine, a childless farm couple prayed to have a child.
As an answer to the prayer, the couple received the blessing of triplets.
The preacher commented as to how their prayers were answered.
Jud said, “Yep, but I never prayed for a bumper crop.”
 
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A lady searched endlessly to find the love of her life with no success so she finally turned to prayer:
“Oh Lord, I am not asking for a thing for myself but please send mother a son-in-law.”
 
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A father asks a prospective son-in law “Can you support my daughter in the manner she is accustom to?”
He replies “ She ain’t gonna move is she?”
 
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I have always heard that bread cast on the water always returns. Bread cast on the water, may return but all the bread we send overseas sure doesn’t.
 
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Laughter has always been an important part of life in our family mainly because of the nature of our ancestors to lean towards being stoic in their approach in life. That approach comes even more naturally to me than laughter does. I am often asked “Why don’t you smile more.” My answer is sometimes “I am smiling on the inside.” Moments of joys and laughter are even more cherished to me. May laughter always fill your days because God does have a sense of humor otherwise, he would have never made someone quite like us, would He?