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
Hill addresses challenges before congressional panel
Main, News, Russellville, ...
SMALL WATER SYSTEM
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Eric Hill, general manager of the Russellville Water and Sewer Board, traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to speak before Congress ...
Phil Campbell adopts buildings ordinance
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
March 4, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — Town councilmembers have approved a buildings ordinance which establishes requirements for inspections, notices, hearings and enforcem...
Bendall takes regional role at UNA
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
March 4, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Dr. Natalie Bendall has accepted a regional in-service center director’s role at the University of North Alabama. In her new position a...
Tax season brings relief for workers
Columnists, Opinion
March 4, 2026
Americans across the country are preparing for tax season as W-2s make their way to everyone’s mailboxes. People often compare filling out their tax f...
GFWC clubs support parks system
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
March 4, 2026
When our GFWC Book Lovers Study Club met recently, we focused on something that belongs to all Americans -- the National Park Service. Patricia Cox, c...
Bishop, McCulloch lead RHS softball to 4-1 start
High School Sports, Russellville Golden Tigers, Sports
Brannon King For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Russellville varsity softball team successfully opened the 2026 season with a 4-0 start before falling in the fifth game of the week. The Lady Gol...
Belgreen wins 4 of 5
Belgreen Bulldogs, High School Sports, Sports
Bart Moss For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Belgreen Bulldogs are off to a hot start under new veteran coach Jonathan Raper. After dropping their opener to Dora, the Bulldogs won four straig...
RHS loses 4 in Showdown
High School Sports, News, Russellville Golden Tigers, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
March 4, 2026
The Russellville High baseball team defeated the Hatton Hornets in the home opener, then lost four games in the PB South Alabama Showdown. RHS hosted ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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