Alison James, Columnists, Opinion, Z - TOP HOME
 By  Alison James Published 
5:05 pm Friday, July 16, 2021

Don’t miss this: Franklin Living

Ahem, ahem! May I present: The July/August edition of Franklin Living.

Right off the bat, I have to tell you: I love this edition’s cover story. How perfect is it to feature someone from Franklin County – from little ol’ Pleasant Site – who has had such a major hand in the space program, in the middle of the most patriotic time of the year? I feel like the space program is such a critical part of America’s legacy and heritage, and I was thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to share a story of Franklin’s connection to the cosmos.

But it’s not just Keith Bates who inspired me in this edition.

As I said in my editor’s not, with each issue of Franklin Living, I find myself filled with inspiration, prompted by the amazing people we interview across Franklin County. I never fail to be amazed by your stories and delighted to have the opportunity to share them.

After this edition, I want to open my own business like Sydney Medley, be part of the space program like Keith Bates and make my own goat milk soaps like Tracy McCauley.

Of course, none of these dreams are likely to be realized. I don’t think I have the patience or business acumen to be like Sydney, I know I don’t have the intelligence to follow Keith’s path, and I’m pretty sure that to make goat milk soaps, you have to have goats.

But it’s fun to dream, to connect with these stories of amazing people doing amazing things.

In each case, the people we are featuring in this issue followed their passions and their strengths to land them where they are today – and I feel like perhaps that’s the most useful truth we can draw from their stories. Like Sydney, like Keith, like Tracy, we should bravely follow life where it leads us, embracing the opportunities that come our way.

In the end, for me that means being a journalist – a storyteller – creating and sharing this magazine and the Franklin County Times, to give our people their moment in the spotlight.

In addition to these three delightful feature stories, I’m so happy we continue to get to share great recipes and information from Amy McCollum and Katernia Cole-Coffey. Even though Amy is now retired from her role as Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Phil Campbell, she continues to graciously provide her delicious recipes, and you should definitely check them out. And even the Katernia has to be one the busiest people I know, she always makes time for Franklin Living.

Don’t miss this edition’s cookout recipes and juicy watermelon information.

Also on Franklin County Times
Pilgrim’s renovations will add 100 jobs
Main, News, Russellville
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
March 18, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Pilgrim’s Pride’s poultry processing plant is undergoing a total overhaul that when completed will create 100 additional jobs. The over...
Hardware store hosts newest Connie’s Cabinet
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
March 18, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Austin Williams said Monday he hopes a cabinet in front of Green’s Dependable Hardware helps those in need for food but also serves as ...
New animal control facility to cost $485K
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
March 18, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — A new county animal control facility is set to be built next to the Franklin County Jail with construction expected to begin by month’s...
Hadrian, Navy partnering on project
News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
March 18, 2026
BARTON — Federal and local officials are gearing up for Friday’s public unveiling of a major defense project at the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park ...
Who defines professional competence in Alabama?
Columnists, Opinion
March 18, 2026
Irecently reviewed an extraordinary student paper. The student analyzed a proposed state policy, determined it conflicted with our profession’s ethica...
Gardens have their own notes in history
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
March 18, 2026
Gardens often carry more history than people realize. That felt especially true this month, as our March meeting and the Liberty Tree ceremony at the ...
High power bills has church seeking answers, solutions
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
March 18, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Electric bills that have more than doubled in the past two months have officials at Cedars Church working with the Russellville Electri...
Development near county line draws concerns
Franklin County, News
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
March 18, 2026
TUSCUMBIA — Concerns over a large land development in neighboring Franklin County are now reaching into Colbert County, where some property owners say...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *