RC&D continues making a difference
I’ve seen firsthand the difference the Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) can make. One reason I continue to appreciate RC&D is its commitment to local communities.
Recently, the agency announced it was supporting 106 projects with $899,368.22 in funding this year. Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties each received $179,873.64.
The council supported schools, volunteer fire departments, emergency services, law enforcement, festivals and nonprofit organizations across Franklin County.
As president of the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council, the group that operates the Historic Roxy Theatre in downtown Russellville, I especially appreciate their support of the theatre over the years.
The Roxy has been part of Franklin County for more than 75 years. Preserving a historic building means ongoing expenses that are not cheap.
RC&D grants have helped with maintenance and repairs at the theater. Projects like those are expensive, and that kind of support makes a tremendous difference for organizations like ours.
The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council is made up of volunteers who donate their time to make our community better for future generations and to preserve our history.
Every community has different challenges, and RC&D gives local volunteers and organizations the opportunity to solve problems that matter where they live.
I’ve always believed the best solutions begin close to home. The people who live in a place usually understand those needs better than anyone else.
I recently attended a RC&D meeting in Florence where representatives from Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties shared updates and discussed projects in their respective areas.
Red Bay Mayor Mike Shewbart, Katernia Cole Coffey, Susan Hargett and I represented Franklin County.
It’s always interesting to see what projects other counties are doing. You never know what might spark an idea closer to home.
Alabama’s Mountains, Rivers & Valleys RC&D invited Kelly McInnis, director of WaterWorks, to speak about the WaterWorks Environmental Learning Lab.
I enjoyed learning that the original Hartselle water treatment plant opened in 1941 and supplied drinking water for more than 50 years before pollution in Flint Creek forced it to close in 1993.
Rather than leaving the property unused, local leaders transformed the former treatment plant into a hands-on environmental science campus. I love hearing about communities that refuse to let historic places fade away.
Today, thousands of students visit the WaterWorks Environmental Learning Lab for field trips, Friday Night Science, Forest Field Trips, education labs, and other environmental programs.
That’s a wonderful investment in the future. Every child who develops an appreciation for conservation and the outdoors carries that lesson into adulthood.
Jennings Earnest, park naturalist at Joe Wheeler State Park, gave an enjoyable presentation.
He shared the history of “Fighting Joe” Wheeler and explained that Wheeler’s wife owned the original property. I always appreciate learning the stories behind places.
Earnest also described the Teacher-Educator Adventures Workshop, funded by the Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The workshop gives teachers hands-on experiences with nature while providing lesson plans, curriculum materials and teaching kits.
As a retired teacher from Russellville City Schools, I especially like programs that invest in teachers. One workshop can influence hundreds of students as those ideas make their way into classrooms across Alabama.
Other presentations included updates from Tami Allen, deputy commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, representatives of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Cosby Company.
It’s important to thank the legislators who help support the grants that make these programs possible. These grants help communities tackle projects that might never happen otherwise, and it’s important to show our thanks to the people who make those opportunities possible.
RC&D’s success depends on dedicated staff and committed volunteers. I appreciate Executive Director Lauranne James, Operations Manager Vanessa King, and Media Design Specialist Anna Morrison.
Their dedication helps volunteers, civic leaders and organizations strengthen communities across northwest Alabama.
