Columnists, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
2:59 pm Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Retired educators learn about Chamber’s involvement in county

Cassie Medley, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce executive director, presented the program at the Franklin County Educators Retiree Association’s March meeting.

Mrs. Medley updated the membership on all the activities the Chamber of Commerce sponsors throughout the year. During her 10-year tenure, the Chamber and its activities have grown tremendously.

She thanked the many businesses, industries, schools, civic organizations and more for their continued support of the Chamber of Commerce.

The Franklin County Chamber sponsors seven festivals annually throughout the county: the Phil Campbell Hoedown, the third weekend in June; Jam on Sloss Lake, the Fourth of July; Vina July Fest, the last Saturday in July; Franklin County Watermelon Festival, the third weekend in August; Red Bay Founder’s Fest, the third Saturday in September; Spirit of Hodges Festival, second weekend in October; and Spruce Pine Day, third Saturday in October.

All these festivals have free admission.

Russellville is known as the Watermelon Capital of Alabama.

She also reminded everyone how Franklin County has many beautiful sites and venues that offer recreational and performing artistic events. Some of these are the Historic Roxy Theatre, the Dismals, King Drive-In, Red Bay Water Park, Red Bay Museum, the Bear Creek Lakes and the Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts productions.

The Chamber also sponsors Christmas parades and Easter egg hunts throughout the county.

Cassie gave accolades to the Junior Leadership members for their volunteer services, such as helping with the Watermelon Pageant and Festival; helping with Christmas Holly Day; helping with Pumpkin Palooza; serving as waiters/waitresses for various events; and helping organizations with community projects.

Nancy Cooper gave the devotion on The Beatitudes. She shared information on The Chosen app  episodes on YouTube, which can be accessed on your phone, computer or smart TV.

Another guest speaker was Melba Wiegard, district director of Alabama Educator Retirees Association. As an active advocate for teachers and retired educators, she has been involved in AEA and AERA for 40 years.

Wiegard gave an update on the legislative session and reported the largest budget has passed the House. The legislators still have a few more days in session and bills to consider.

The AERA annual meeting will be held April 19 in Birmingham. Gov. Kay Ivy will be the keynote speaker.

Six delegates from the Franklin County Educators Retirees Association will attend and represent our association.

Officers served refreshments to the members at the close of the meeting.

Also on Franklin County Times
County school board adopts $52M budget
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE Franklin County Schools has adopted a $52 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $2.5 million increase over last year. The bud...
Judge denies YO status for Phinizee
Main, News, Z - News Main
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 17, 2025
FLORENCE — Youthful offender status was denied Tuesday for a 17-year-old charged with the death of a 13-yearold during what authorities said was a rob...
RCS passes $43.3M budget
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- The city school board has approved a $43.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Witt said revenues...
Program tackles stress of caregiver burnout
News, Records, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- Many people deal with caregiver burnout. Kids and Kin childcare partner Marquita Wilson presented a program at the Russellville Public...
Flavil Wayne McCaig
Obituaries
September 17, 2025
Flavil Wayne McCaig Sept. 12, 2025   Flavil Wayne McCaig, 82, of Russellville, passed away Sept. 12 at his residence. He was born March 3, 1943, to Au...
Cultura Garden Club begins its year with roses and plans for fall
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
September 17, 2025
The Cultura Garden Club held its first meeting of the year. President Cheri McCain presided. She provided information on projects and programs for the...
We can’t afford to lose electric vehicle industry
Columnists, Opinion
September 17, 2025
In Alabama, we understand what it means to build things that matter. We’ve long been home to builders and winners – our steel won wars and built the s...
Firefighters, cadets honor 9/11 with stair climbs
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Firefighters and RHS JROTC cadets participated in a stair climb in recognition of the 24th anniversary of 9-11. Sgt. Grant Tarascou and...

Leave a Reply

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