United States
María Camp is the Staff Reporter for The Franklin County Times newspaper and Franklin Living magazine.
Published articles and photographs include: The Franklin County Times, Franklin Living, The Times Daily, and Shoals Woman. Selected articles and photographs are available at: ByMariaCamp.com.
She has edited several books for Renaissance Valley Publishing, and is an abstract artist working primarily in acrylic for paintings and India ink for drawings. For more information about her art, visit: ArtByMariaCamp.com.
María is a volunteer at Burritt on the Mountain, a museum in Huntsville, Alabama, where she serves as a living history interpreter, day camp counselor, and event greeter, among other roles.
Some children in Franklin County 4-H this summer are having fun while gaining hands-on knowledge about horses. Several students are taking part in a 4-H Horse Club. At a meeting at the Canteen in Russellville earlier this month, participants learned about the parts of a Western saddle, colored a practice sheet to work on recalling [...]
More summer fun will be here before long. Vina's long-time community tradition, July Fest, will take place July 30 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the grounds of the Vina Fire Department. Now in its 31st year, the festival will offer entertainment including a car show, live music, food, vendors and free inflatables for [...]
During the regular meeting of the Russellville Electric Board July 20, general manager Charles Canida explained that REB's in-lieu tax equivalent payment to the City of Russellville has increased from $63,258.22 per month to $80,967.57 per month - an increase of $17,709.35 per month. Canida said the reason for the increase can be traced back [...]
FC Commission changes two polling places
Russellville now has a deputy fire chief. The Russellville City Council approved Russellville Fire Department Chief Joe Mansell's recommendation, made during its July 18 meeting, to promote Capt. Randy Seal to the role. It's a move Mansell said makes sense for ensuring things run smoothly, promoting increased safety for Russellville.
For Russellville High School graduate Sophie Hill, winning the crown at the Watermelon Festival pageant is a dream she's had for a long time - and that goal was realized Saturday. "This pageant is really special to me," explained Hill. "I've participated in it since I was a little girl, and my grandmother always made [...]
Russellville City Schools held an open house Monday for the public to view the new addition to Russellville High School. It will house all of the administrative offices and meeting spaces for RHS, the RHS special education department, the Spanish and English as a Second Language classes, art and all of the classes in the [...]
The Historic Roxy Theatre in downtown Russellville will soon be filled with music once again for the annual W.C. Handy's Evening at the Roxy featuring the "Great Pretenders" - locals performing the songs and stylings of the greats. "We are very fortunate to have local businesses, industries and individuals support this program as well as [...]
The Russellville Municipal Airport is getting ready to celebrate its grand reopening, unveiling the completed runway resurfacing project, with music, free food and drinks and fun. The reopening event will be held Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Prior to that, a pancake breakfast and fly-in for local pilots will take place from 7-9 [...]
Children attending Red Bay's summer reading program at the Weatherford Library this summer have been keeping busy each week. For library director Linda Ezzell, it's been an experience she describes as fun and educational, made possible thanks in part to a grant awarded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.
Denise Olive, state examiner of public accounts and audit manager for the district, presented the Fiscal Year 2021 audit report during the Franklin County Board of Education meeting July 19. The audit covers the period Oct. 1, 2020 through Sept. 30, 2021. Olive explained the audit determines "whether the board complied with applicable laws and [...]
The Historic Roxy Theatre in downtown Russellville is filled with music for its 21st edition of the annual W.C. Handy's Evening at the Roxy featuring the "Great Pretenders" - locals performing the songs and stylings of the greats. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
Cupcakes, cupcakes, everywhere - and a room full of smiles. That was the scene earlier this summer in the Russellville High School Family and Consumer Sciences classroom. Teacher Cindy Coan has, each summer from 2017 forward, offered her popular Cooking with Coan program for students once a week as part of the 21st Century Community [...]
The Canteen, located by the A.W. Todd Centre in downtown Russellville, got a spruce up recently. Tanner and Lindsey Hall, lead pastors at Cedars Church, worked alongside members of the community July 16 to paint the inside of the building. "This was part of our project for Serve Day 2022," explained Lindsey Hall.
Editor's note: In the Aug. 3 print edition of the Franklin County Times, this story about the potential landfill expansion mistakenly listed the next commission meeting dates as those scheduled for September, omitting the August dates. The commission met in a regular work session Aug. 8 and will hold its regular monthly voting meeting Aug.
Russellville's Addie Pickett Harbin had attended the Junior Miss program for several years and always admired the participants - a stepping stone on the path ...
High school students from Phil Campbell and Red Bay took part in the Alabama State FFA Convention June 7-10, joining fellow students from across the state to compete, receive awards, hear from guest speakers and tour sites like the Auburn University meat lab, beef unit and poultry technology center and local farming operations.
The annual Distinguished Young Women scholarship program, held in Norton Auditorium on the campus of the University of North Alabama, returns Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. Distinguished Young Women, formerly America's Junior Miss, was founded in 1958 as a way to reward the accomplishments of high school senior girls seeking to pursue higher education.
After another summer of fun and learning, the Russellville Public Library summer reading program finished with a splash, celebrating with awards and a pool party at the Russellville City Pool Aug. 5. Each child received one entry into a prize drawing for registering for the program and another for each event they attended throughout the [...]
Belgreen High School held its second annual Bulldog Serve day Aug. 4. "We had 91 student athletes show up on one of their last days of summer to volunteer," explained Belgreen High School principal Megean Berryman. "It was a huge success." Berryman said the students helped get the campus ready in preparation for an open [...]
This past week the Phil Campbell City Council unanimously voted in favor of approving a donation for $2,100 to pay the balance owed on new uniforms for the Phil Campbell High School marching band. The request came from Band Booster President Tonia St. John, who spoke at the meeting.
During Wednesday's regular meeting this past week, the Red Bay City Council voted in favor of appointing Red Bay City Council Member Jason Vinson to fill the vacant position on the Red Bay Water and Gas Board. The matter of filling the vacancy was delayed at the July 6 council meeting because the council had [...]
"I'm sure you've all noticed the painting of the 17 streetlights downtown, and it's looking much better," noted Red Bay Mayor Charlene Fancher during the Wednesday meeting of the Red Bay City Council. The city's downtown lighting overhaul project has begun. At its July 6 meeting, the council had approved Robinson and Sons Construction to [...]
Franklin County got a safety upgrade recently thanks to a portion of the $435,894 CDBG-CV grant the county received from ADECA. "This is part of COVID relief money," explained Franklin County EMA Director Mary Glass. Each pack contains a variety of items, including elbow splints, products to treat burns, items to help stop bleeding and [...]
"It's a great day in the City of Russellville," said Mayor David Grissom, his signature line, to welcome to those attending the ribbon cutting at Russellville Municipal Airport Saturday morning. The day's festivities celebrated the grand reopening of the airport following necessary maintenance. "The project has taken a couple of months," explained Emily Evans, manager [...]
Russellville Elementary School is continuing Russellville City Schools' tradition of excellence. The Alabama State Department of Education named RES a Science of Reading Spotlight School - one of only 12 in the state. "This is a very special selection to us because it shows the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff," explained [...]
Summer was a little sweeter for those who participated in a special yearly event, Tomato Sandwich Day, hosted by the Franklin County Extension System and the Red Bay Farmers Market Aug. 6. Free tomato sandwiches and friendly conversation featured as the main events. "We were prepared for a hundred," explained Franklin County Extension Coordinator Katernia [...]
Finishing a long and rewarding career in education, with the last two years as principal at West Elementary School in Russellville, retiree Ann Scott has spent a lot of time in schools, and she said it's been time well spent. "I love children," explained Scott.
Van Stack, a CPA with Stack and Blair, presented the financial statement for fiscal year 2020-2021 during the work session of the Russellville City Council Aug. 1. In a nutshell: "You're doing well," explained Stack. "Your financial statements are done, and they look good." He said the city has "well-run enterprise funds" and reported $89 [...]
From types of water to waves, sea life and more, children in the summer reading program at Russellville Public Library learned about many things on and in the ocean, as well as the importance and dangers faced. McWane Science Center presenter Kim Gerlach gave an interactive presentation, including help from the audience to demonstrate various [...]
Originally from Itawamba County, Mississippi, Michael Nanney is a graduate of Itawamba Agricultural High School, attendee of Itawamba Community College, graduate of Delta State University - and now, principal at Red Bay High School. Nanney has about 20 years of experience in administration, nearly 14 of those years as a principal.
"I'm excited to be joining the school and community," explained Dawn Rogers, new principal at Phil Campbell Elementary School. Former PCES principal Channing Wright has departed to be the assistant principal at Russellville Elementary School. Before making her way to Phil Campbell, Rogers spent 25 years working in education in Itawamba County, Mississippi, with 18 [...]
Feeling creative? Love watermelons? Get those creative juices flowing with the yearly opportunity to participate in the Franklin County Watermelon Festival contests. Sponsored by the Franklin County Extension, with the usual and fitting theme of "Red, White and Green," contests include Cutest Baby/Child Photo Contest, Iced Tea Contest, Coloring Contest and Watermelon Recipe Tasting Contest.
"Kentucky has been hit hard by recent flooding, and many libraries have lost everything," explained Russellville Public Library Director Joshlyn Bowen. "It is our desire to help those in need during this difficult time." RPL will be accepting book donations to be sent to Kentucky until 4 p.m. Aug. 17.
Forty-three young women from Franklin, Colbert and Lauderdale counties, competed in the annual Distinguished Young Women scholarship program Saturday. Jayce Vinson, of Red Bay High School, was chosen as this year's Distinguished Young Woman of Franklin County. Sarah Morgan, a Colbert County resident and student at Russellville High School, was chosen as this year's Distinguished [...]
Plenty of sweet juicy fun is headed to Russellville Aug. 19-20 for the 41st installment of the widely-loved yearly Franklin County Watermelon Festival - right here in the Watermelon Capital of Alabama. From arts and crafts and watermelon contests to a car and truck show, food vendors, children's activities, games and musical entertainment, there's sure [...]
At a called Russellville City Schools board meeting this past week, RHS Principal Dr. Jason Goodwin was hired as the new administrative assistant at the RCS Central Office. Goodwin will serve along with current administrative assistant Claudia Askew under RCS Superintendent Dr. Heath Grimes. His new role will include several responsibilities, one of which will [...]
For soon-to-be ninth-grader Yoselin Reyes, being able to spend time creating art provides a great deal of enjoyment. The rising Belgreen freshman has been drawing and painting for a year or two and said she tends to draw when she gets bored.
During its work session Aug. 8 and business meeting Aug. 15, the Franklin County Commission continued discussions pertaining to Franklin County Land Management’s proposal to seek major permit modifications to the ADEM SWDF Permit No. 30-04.
Russellville Public Library assistant Perla Martinez received recognition July 31 at the annual conference of the Alabama Library Association in Montgomery. She was nominated and selected for a Library Roll of Honor Award for her continued contributions toward library services to the traditionally underserved populations in Alabama.
For 14-year-old Lakin Derrick, now a freshman at Russellville High School, this summer brought the exciting opportunity to sing as one of 80-85 children in the youth choir in the opening and closing ceremonies of the World Games in Birmingham. "Most of the songs we sang with the adult choir, but the adult choir also [...]
After a full weekend of festivities, another Franklin County Watermelon Festival is in the books. From vendors and craftsman, to the car show and contests, to live music and more, the festival boasted something for everyone. The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Franklin County Extension have announced the winners of their respective watermelon contests: [...]
At the City of Red Bay's most recent council meeting, topics under discussion included that of medical marijuana - and the potential for its sale within the city. Mayor Charlene Fancher noted that May 17, 2021, Gov. Kay Ivey signed Act 2021-40, which provided for the medical use of marijuana for patients with qualifying medical [...]
Russellville Electric Board general manager Charles Canida gave a report during the REB's regular meeting Aug. 16 regarding his attendance at the Aug. 3 TVA All Customers meeting in Nashville. He said part of the meeting's events included the TVA presenting a plaque to the REB in recognition of strong leadership and partnership with TVA, [...]
Tombigbee Communications held a kickoff event at the A.W. Todd Centre in Russellville Friday to announce its fiber-optic internet service called freedom FIBER. The need for access to high-speed, fiber-optic internet extends to rural areas, and Tombigbee Communications continues to expand into more regions to offer this critical service.
Russellville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Heath Grimes has been chosen as president-elect of the School Superintendents of Alabama. He will serve as president-elect for a year before becoming president. "I'm honored to be chosen by the organization and my peers to serve in this capacity," said Grimes.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle invited Russellville Mayor David Grissom to join a new council of regional leaders called the North Alabama 40. The goal, Grissom explained, is to foster greater regional cooperation by putting on biannual meetings that bring together 40 or so leaders from across the valley.
Effective Sept. 1, Russellville High School will have a new principal: Dr. Jeremy Madden, a Russellville native and 1993 RHS graduate. "I'm excited about having Dr. Madden serve in the capacity as RHS principal for our team," said RCS Superintendent Dr. Heath Grimes. "The success he has had at Fayette County High School is impressive.
Thanks to Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign, Russellville City Schools received a grant of $19,000 - and the Child Nutrition Program has put the pedal to the metal to put that money to good use. The No Kid Hungry grant opportunity provides funding to school districts to maximize child nutrition programs to ensure [...]
The Russellville Public Library has added some new attractions recently: an electronic game and learning table in the main area of the library and tabletop activity stations in the children's room. They're already set up and ready to use - much to the delight of patrons.
2022
For soon-to-be ninth-grader Yoselin Reyes, being able to spend time creating art provides a great deal of enjoyment. The rising Belgreen freshman has been drawing and painting for a year or two and said she tends to draw when she gets bored.
Visitors and community members alike came together in downtown Red Bay May 4 to watch as Jeremy Funderburk and his team transported a caboose from its temporary location at a trucking company lot just up the road to its new home across the street from the Red Bay Museum.
2021
East Franklin Junior High has a new principal this year, but LeAnn Trapp is no stranger to the school. In 2005 Trapp became the special education aide for a year before transitioning to reading specialist. Now she'll lead all EFJHS from the principal's office. Trapp is from Winston County, but her husband's family is from [...]
Each year the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce chooses high school juniors to represent the county as Junior Leaders over the course of a 10-month program. This year's student volunteers have been selected and are ready to go. Each student who wishes to be considered is required to complete an application, present recommendation forms and [...]
Rumor had it the Phil Campbell City Council would be considering a shake-up in the local volunteer fire department. The council was reportedly set to consider replacing PCVFD Chief Mike Rice at its meeting Tuesday, but after a 30-minute executive session, the council tabled any action on the agenda item.
"I'm ready to get this year started," said Channing Wright, new principal at Phil Campbell Elementary, a kindergarten through sixth-grade school. Wright just spent 11 years teaching kindergarten at West Elementary in Russellville. "This will be an adjustment," said Wright, "but it's one I'm looking forward to making."
While some students are just heading back to school, others - both in city and county schools - have been keeping busy with entertaining and educational activities all summer long. Local schools served the student popular over the summer with a safe place to be during the day, breakfast, a snack, lunch and engaging activities [...]
A native of Cherokee Jessica Clements is the first female police chief in Phil Campbell. It's not an achievement that fazes her. "I honestly don't think about it," said Clements. "We all have a job to do, and my officers and I work hard to perform our duties to the best of our abilities."
Adam and Lesley McCollum celebrate Christmas in a big way. It's all part of the McCollum Christmas tradition. For the third year, they are putting out an extra special Christmas display in their yard, complete with painted decorations - about a couple hundred in total - and, of course, lights.
The Golden Tiger senior class enjoyed a pool party at the Summit pool Tuesday to kick off their special year, as summer winds down to the first day of school.
Lynn Landers has big dreams for promoting history and art in Phil Campbell. She, along with other interested locals, are forming the Phil Campbell Arts and Historical Society, a civic organization in the process of seeking non-profit status. Landers, a Phil Campbell councilwoman, said she has been collecting items for years.
Northwest-Shoals Community College hosted the 2021-2022 Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education Signing Day for 18 students on the Shoals campus July 29, and the event included three students from Franklin County. The FAME program is a pathway to a challenging and well-paying career as a multi-skilled technician, according to coordinators.
Belgreen High School athletes now have an opportunity to give back to the community by being members of the Bulldogs Serve team. Their first community service project took place Aug. 5 on the campus of the school. They met in the gym at 9 a.m.
Work is ongoing to secure necessary funds to make Russellville's new public library a reality. It's been right at a year since the Norris family donated a piece of downtown property to the city to build a new library. The site is located directly behind Russellville City Hall.
The annual Northwest Alabama Distinguished Young Women scholarship program took place Saturday at Norton Auditorium on the campus of the University of North Alabama. The theme for this year was "Rise Up." Among five participants from Franklin County, Russellville's Madeline Cooper is the 2022 FC Distinguished Young Woman.
The old wooden water tank and tower, nearly 120 years old, was moved to its new home in Red Bay Thursday. The original location was next to the railroad, where it was used to fill the old steam locomotives with water. "Years ago, I preferred the water tank to stay in its original spot," said [...]
This lifestyle magazine covers the ins and outs of everyday living in beautiful Franklin County, Alabama.
Anna Carol Porter led a free combined session of qi gong and tai chi in downtown Russellville outside the A.W. Todd Centre Saturday for World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day. While relaxing music played, Porter led participants through a variety of slow exercises. She said the fluid movements can be adapted for standing, sitting [...]
One way some people are having fun this spring is by creating fairy gardens or adding to fairy gardens they have already. A fairy garden, for the uninitiated, is a decorative, miniature garden usually grown in a container or other small space. These "magical" gardens are filled with small plants and accessories.
For those looking to go a little greener to welcome the new season, environmentally-friendly local service group Krewe de Guard has some ideas to get started. "In spring especially, I think about cleaning, sorting and organizing," said Anna Carol Porter, founder of Krewe de Guard.
Ryan Champion of Spruce Pine started gardening with his grandfather when he was 5 or 6 years old. He has grown lots of produce over the years, and he has learned many gardening tips. "A lot of people don't realize there's more to it than just digging a hole and dropping seeds in," Champion said.
Kim Whitten of Phil Campbell knows a thing or two about cleaning. At one time she was professionally cleaning seven houses, in addition to her own. "For me, spring is a time for renewing, taking out the old and bringing in the new, getting rid of what we no longer want or need, changing décor, [...]
A lot of folks might not realize the diverse bird populations right here in Franklin County. Russellville resident Dianne Pace, a children's book author, artist and retired teacher, spends a lot of time making sure her backyard visitors have what they need and like - and over the years, she has learned plenty of tips [...]
"At every turn, I'm a one-person operation, but the support from the people around me has just been wonderful. That's what it takes for you to make it. If I didn't have that support, then I couldn't have my business."
2020
While many people are busy making plans to spend Christmas with their families, local woman Jocelynn James Edmonds instead plans to spend the holiday at the Franklin County Detention Center, as she has for the past several years. Nine years ago she spent Christmas in jail - but not by choice.
Russellville civic organization Krewe de Guard has scheduled its final fundraiser of the year for Dec. 20 from 1-4 p.m., bringing a cup of good cheer to the streets of Russellville. "Santa" Jamie Dozier, "Mrs. Claus" Anna Carol Porter and "Madea" Tammy West will - weather permitting - hit the town with hot cocoa and ...
Mountain View Baptist Church is holding a drive-through Nativity through Dec. 15 from 6-8 p.m. each night. The display, located at the church at 2110 Highway 81 in Phil Campbell, includes several painted wood cut-out animals - sheep, camels, donkeys and a cow. One of the camels is estimated to be eight or nine feet ...
Santa Jamie Dozier and Mrs. Claus Anna Carol Porter meet with children in front of the Franklin County Courthouse Sunday for a little holiday fun and photo opp. The event also served as a fundraiser for the Historic Roxy Theatre.
FRANKLIN LIVING- With fall in full swing and winter fast approaching, many people might be thinking of adding festive decorations to their homes. While ready-made options abound in stores and online, another choice is to go the do-it-yourself route. Ashley Bolton of The Posey Patch Flower Farm in Russellville said people shouldn't be afraid to DIY a holiday classic: a wreath.
"This has been a rough year for everybody, and we hope our Christmas display will brighten people up a bit. We all need something positive to look forward to. I hope this will help give children as well as adults a reason to be happy."
The Reedtown Beautification Garden Club began sprucing up Reedtown Park during a community workday Sunday afternoon. Activities included planting flowers, placing solar lights along part of the walking trail, hanging a bird feeder and painting a mural on one wall of the pavilion.
The Reedtown Garden Beautification Club will hold a community event to plant flowers along the trail behind the Chucky Mullins Center in Russellville Oct. 4 from 2-5 p.m. Tammy West, club founder and leader, started the new group a couple of months ago. She said the club has grown to 12 members.
Out on Rusty Armadillo Farm in Hodges, Tracy McCauley is always busy. There are goats to feed, eggs to collect, micro-greens to harvest and fruit trees to nurture.
As social distancing remains the order of the day, people in rural areas are finding they still have plenty of space to roam and not come anywhere near within 6 feet of another soul. A ramble through the Franklin County countryside reveals these scene of pastoral peace.
FRANKLIN LIVING- A seasonal hotspot, the Franklin County Farmers Market is a major draw for local growers as well as the customers they attract with their tasty fresh produce. Located in downtown Russellville adjacent to the A.W. Todd Center, the market is open four days a week to serve buyers and sellers.
The Red Bay City Council held a special presentation and reception for the 2019 FFA String Band July 20 at 6:30 p.m. The event took place at City Hall prior to the start of the council meeting. The band competed in a national competition on television Oct.
With people across the state, nation and world finding new ways to wait out the coronavirus, some Franklin County folks are having fun watching and creating short-form videos on the free popular app TikTok. Kayden Headlee, a Phil Campbell sixth-grader, describes it as a wonderful way for people to have fun while also staying home ...
"Santa" and "Mrs. Claus" will be riding through neighborhoods on a golf cart this weekend to bring some early holiday cheer - and help raise money for a cause. The North Pole couple will be waving and blowing kisses to children - making sure to maintain social distancing of 6 feet or more, of course ...
FRANKLIN LIVING- One afternoon Laura Kroeger was hard at work in her career as an ICU nurse when a colleague, who was a flight nurse, made an off-hand suggestion: that she should become a flight nurse herself. Her answer: "You know - I should. It's something I've always wanted to do."
Franklin County folks are keeping busy with a variety of activities while practicing social distancing. Among them are reading, writing, painting, drawing and going for walks. Others include taking photographs and attending online yoga classes, guided meditations and religious services.
A one-year celebration was planned for Phil Campbell's Little Free Library March 21, but because of coronavirus safety measures regarding halting public gatherings, the event was canceled. Phil Campbell's Little Free Library was installed last year in Memorial Park. The grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony was held March 25, 2019, mostly in the First Baptist Church ...
The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts presents "Til Beth Do Us Part," the second show of its current season. As always, the community turned out in droves for the show. PHOTOS BY MARIA CAMP Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
The first Krewe de Guard Mardi Gras parade was held in downtown Russellville Feb. 8 at 4:30 p.m. Krewe de Guard, a recently-formed environmentally-friendly club made up of current and former Franklin County residents, works with existing groups to achieve common goals and chose the Russellville Public Library as its beneficiary of the Saturday parade.
Krewe de Guard, an environmentally-friendly group founded by Anna Carol Porter in February 2019 is hosting a Mardi Gras parade Saturday - with all the fun going to support a local library. Krewe de Guard, a group made up of current and former Franklin County residents, will host its first Mardi Gras parade in support ...
The Franklin County Cattlemen's Association held its annual meeting Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at the recreation center in Russellville. Steak dinners and door prizes, along with status updates and special recognitions, were all part of the evening's activities. The Franklin County Junior Leaders served the meal.
Mountain Valley Hee Haw celebrated New Year's Eve in its usual style - with a potluck, live music and dancing. Supper began at 7 p.m., and the music started at 8 p.m. and continued until midnight. Special guests included Chad Bradford, Big Joe and The Catfish Junkies. Owner Gene Welch Jr.
2019
PHOTOS BY MARIA CAMP The 2019 Spirit of Hodges Festival draws the community out to enjoy a fun fall day Oct. 12 in the Town Park. Live music was in great supply to provide the Saturday soundtrack. Visitors were able to shop the myriad vendors, and plenty of activities and fun were on tap for ...
July 27 at 1 p.m., local author John Cantrell held a book launch at the Russellville Public Library to promote his first book, "Kids on Patrol," a picture book about bullying. The story follows main character Jimmy Clofton and his friends as they have to deal with a bully and shows how they work together ...
Oct. 5 upwards of 30 people attended a free guided tour of Sadler Cemetery on North Jackson Avenue in Russellville as part of an ongoing series of bicentennial events being held in celebration of two hundred years of Russellville, Franklin County and the state of Alabama.
The Tharptown High School band, Pride of Wildcat Country, participated in the Northwest Alabama Marching Classic at Russellville High School Sep. 28 - one of 29 bands that participated. The band is in its sixth year - second year for the color guard. Saturday's event was the group's first marching competition.
"Art & Tradition at Spruce Pine Pottery" will be exhibited Sep. 22 through Nov. 1 at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N. Water St., Tuscumbia. The exhibit will represent the many potteries - places where clayware is made and fired - once found throughout Alabama.
Jam on Sloss Lake promises fun for the whole family in July, with inflatables, a car show, festival foods, live music and fireworks.
Two volunteers from the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art in Tuscumbia, Barbara Hendricks and Pam Wright, teach and guide students at Phil Campbell Elementary School in hand-building coil pottery. The TVMA has provided activities for area students for the past six years. PCES students got to design and craft their pots and, after they air-dried, ...
Students of Russellville Academy for the Performing Arts present their spring recital at the A.W. Todd Center. Small ensembles of different ages brought their skills to the stage to applause from parents and friends. Students were instructed by Lindsey Hall and her assistant instructors.
FRANKLIN LIVING- Tiger Pride Night on Russellville City Schools campus welcomed students, parents, faculty and staff and the community to come together to learn about RCS programs, watch a little Golden Tiger baseball and celebrate everything RCS is about. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
Teaching assistants Hannah James and Ellen McGee, instructor Lindsay Hall and princesses Kaylee Butcher and Kennedy Watkins enjoy a day of princess fun at Russellville Academy for the Performing Arts. Princess songs and games accompanied twirling and stretching, punctuated by pizza, snacks and lots of smiles.
The annual Franklin County Junior Cattlemen's Summer Field Day was held June 29 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Madden Brangus Farm in Spruce Pine. Ali Cantrell, director of education and outreach for the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, was on hand to speak about beef cuts.
Sherry Hutcheson, Spruce Pine resident and FACS teacher at Red Bay, has been quilting for 10 years, a skill she learned from her mother and older sister. She brings her quilts to The Little Stitch in Red Bay to have the machine quilting done because she doesn't enjoy that part; the owner of The Little ...
Russellville Academy of Performing Arts hosts the Glitz & Glam Saturday Summer Camp June 30.
Sheri and Jody Farris, owners of the restaurant Mason Jar on Main, 102 4th Ave. SE, Red Bay, recently expanded what they offer. June 21 was the official grand opening of Back Door at the Mason Jar, located in the back of their restaurant. It connects to the restaurant area but also has its own ...
The Phil Campbell City Council met at 7 p.m. July 2. Mayor Steve Bell and all city council members - Danny Brown, Lynn Landers, Mike McQuary, Eddie Barton and Jim Cartee - were present. From a fairly short agenda, the council discussed and acted on several items. A backhoe injector pump has stopped working, and ...
Crafting opportunities for children have been in regular supply this summer at The Little Stitch in Red Bay. July 17 owner/instructor Jeffery Dick held a slime creation class. Ingredients included Borax, distilled water, white and clear Elmer's glue, food coloring and shaving cream as the basic ingredients for two types of slime.
July 16 the U.S. Space & Rocket Center marked the 50th anniversary of the July 16, 1969, launch that put the first men on the moon. In homage to the milestone anniversary, the rocket center planned a special record-breaking event - and with Russellville's historic success in student rocketry programs, Russellville City Schools decided to ...
Shenandoah, featuring Marty Raybon, performed Sept. 5 at the Marriott Shoals Conference Center in Florence for the Fourth Annual Tunes and Tees Music Event, a yearly fundraiser for FAME Girls' Ranch, located between Russellville and Littleville. "What we do at FAME is take care of girls who cannot live with their families because of the ...
Jeffery Dick, a 2006 graduate of Red Bay High School and owner of The Little Stitch in downtown Red Bay, discovered his lifelong passion for sewing at 5 years old when he began to learn the basics from his mother.
In honor of the return of high school football, Phil Campbell Elementary students enjoy Spirit Day Friday at PCES. For 50 cents or $1, students were able to emblazon themselves with face painting and face tattoos as well as dozen bracelets and stickers in honor of the occasion.
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce delights visitors to downtown Russellville Friday and Saturday. The annual festival boasts music, vendors, tasty treats, car show, tractor show and other fun activities for all ages. For more photos from the weekend festival, pick up a copy of the 8-21 Franklin County Times.
An inflatable slide, bounce house, games, live music, food trucks and free backpacks with school supplies - all were components creating ROC the Lot Sunday in downtown Russellville. Redemption Outreach Church hosted its annual ROC the Lot event from 5-8 p.m. in front of the church.
Music-lovers of all ages turned out for the monthly Rockin' at the Roxy show in Russellville in June.
The Red Bay City Council met July 15. The work session started at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting began at 7 p.m. The mayor and all city council members were present. In city departmental reports, Parks and Recreation director Dean Hubbard reported: The new splash pad is doing well.
It's been five years since Marty Raybon rejoined the band that originally formed in Muscle Shoals in 1985, after his 17-year hiatus. It was last ...
Nora Baker (4), Sadie Marie Nichols (5), Heidi Smith (4), Iris Hall (4), Kerry Grissom (5) and Brilynn Green (5) enjoy a day of all things fancy, including a tea party, photo booth and plenty of dancing and twirling at Russellville Academy for the Performing Arts.
Photos by Bart Moss and Maria Camp
With summer underway, there can be a need to find interesting ways to fill school-free days. The Little Stitch, 104 4th Ave. SE, Red Bay, is having an ongoing summer series of classes for children Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, every week except for the Fourth of July week.
As explained by one description by NASA, if Earth were the size of a United States nickel, the moon would be about as big as a coffee bean. The moon is an average of 238,900 miles from Earth, and NASA reports show about 30 planets the size of Earth could fit between the earth and ...
While the Russellville Public Library has two bookcases permanently dedicated to books for sale, there is currently a surplus of books available to be purchased. In an effort to regain storage space and help get more books out into the community, two tables are set up for patrons to peruse the surplus titles for sale.
Donation-based Qigong classes were offered at First United Methodist Church in Russellville June 6. Instructor Anna Carol Porter of Holistic Harmony taught the classes. Porter grew up in Russellville and recently moved back after living in California, where she said she learned to love Qigong.
June 7 the Russellville Public Library held its second summer program. Library worker Perla Martinez read the book "Animal Parade," written by Christine Ricci with illustrations by Tom Mangano - a story was about Dora and her friends and the challenges they encountered and solved along the way as they traveled to see an animal ...
The City of Red Bay and the Red Bay Police Department held a reception at Red Bay City Hall Monday to honor German Shepherd K-9 Unix - born April 4, 2006, in Hungary - and his handler, Lt. Scottie Belue, on the occasion of Unix's retirement.
The Russellville Public Library kicked off its annual summer reading program May 31 with an educational animal show by Animal Tales Mid-South. The group's mission is to educate, entertain and inspire by traveling around and conducting shows for a wide variety of audiences. Each program is designed to be fun while promoting learning in an ...
Anna Carol Porter of Holistic Harmony is offering donation-based Qigong classes at First United Methodist Church, 311 Jackson Ave. N., in Russellville June 6. Porter, who will instruct the classes, is a native of Russellville. She recently moved back from California, which is where she learned about and came to love Qigong.
2019 Red Bay Graduation Photos
2019 Russellville Graduation Photos
2019 Vina Graduation Photos
2019 Phil Campbell Graduation Photos
2019 Belgreen Graduation Photos
At 2 p.m. May 22, Phil Campbell Elementary School held a special ceremony to dedicate the Sylas Hardin Memorial Garden, located at the front of the school, and to acknowledge the first two recipients of the scholarship fund in his name: Brianna Palmer and Brent Gonzalez of Phil Campbell High School.
May 31 the City of Red Bay will feature the Southern gospel band Purpose in Heritage Park, beginning at 6 p.m. "Since 2012, we usually have a couple of musical events in the summer," said Red Bay Mayor Charlene Fancher. "The bands can take up an offering, but we don't charge admission."
With school ending for the year, many will be looking for creative ways for their children to spend summer days. The Russellville Academy of Performing Arts is hosting a series of Saturday day camps that will meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. It is not necessary to be a current student at RAPA ...
West Elementary School second-grade teacher Chasity Parker received recognition from the Air Force Association May 20 as the Tennessee Valley Chapter Teacher of the Year for 2019. The award covers grades kindergarten through eighth, and recipients are chosen for their outstanding work in STEM education.
May 15 was an exciting day at West Elementary - the culmination of an ongoing project between high school students and their much-younger fellow students. It all started when a student mentioned pen pals in class at Russellville High School, and it turned out some of the other students didn't know what pen pals are.
May 12-18 was National Prevention Week, an annual observance to increase public awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health. May 13's theme was Preventing Prescription and Opioid Drug Misuse, and visitors to the Wendy's in Russellville had a chance to take part in the campaign.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARÍA CAMP The Book Lovers Study Club held its last meeting of the year at Bennett Hall May 9. Hostesses were Debbie Nale, Leah Masterson and Cindy Bailey. Sixteen members enjoyed a seated dinner in a historic setting decorated with gingham tablecloths and spring flowers. The theme of the meeting was celebrating Book Lovers Study Club's 90 ...
May 4 Russellville's First Free Will Baptist Church held a toiletry giveaway. At least 25 women's toiletry bags and about 20 men's bags were given out at the event, which began at 9 a.m. and continued until the available bags had been handed out. Approximately 25 "combined" bags were distributed - bags containing items in ...
The American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life of Franklin County held the 2019 Cancer Survivor Dinner April 23 at the A.W. Todd Center ...
The American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life of Franklin County held the 2019 Cancer Survivor Dinner April 23 at the A.W. Todd Center in Russellville. Larry and Janice Dover coordinated this year's event, and entertainment was provided by the trio Three Strong. Carrie Rickman, a breast cancer survivor, was the featured guest speaker.
Countless soldiers have fallen in the line of duty, but one battle stands out in history and in Franklin County: the Battle of Meuse-Argonne. It ...
Russellville City Schools hosted Tiger Pride Night April 11.
At the Russellville City Council meeting April 15, the council passed a resolution to recognize April 2019 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month. The resolution points out, "National statistics show 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped at some point.
The annual Russellville City Schools Education Foundation Banquet was held April 8 at the A.W. Todd Centre, honoring a number of Golden Tigers. The Foundation, established in 2012, is a non-profit organization that operates outside of the school system. It distributes grants to teachers and scholarships to students.
By María Camp / For the FCT A bit of the Emerald Isle came to the Russellville Public Library March 30 with a free author and music event at 6 p.m. Eamonn Walsh, a native of Dublin, Ireland, has lived in Tuscumbia since 2004 with his wife Gail Seale Walsh, a Russellville native.
Music-lovers converged in downtown Russellville for the Mountain Breeze 2.0 concert at the Historic Roxy Theatre Feb. 9.
Literacy is being celebrated and encouraged in the Phil Campbell community with the development of a Little Free Library that will be placed in Memorial Park. March 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a ribbon cutting revealing the library, which was started by Phil Campbell Elementary School librarian Andrea Hogan.
After several years, the annual Franklin County Junior Cattlemen Beef Cook-off has resumed. The event took place March 1 at the A.W. Todd Center in Russellville as a collaboration between the Franklin County Cattlemen and the Franklin County Extension System.
Feb. 2 from 2-6 p.m., Ashley Scott Brindley held a grand opening for her first hair salon, Studio B, located at 3417 Broad Street in Phil Campbell. Friends, family and members of the community attended in support of Brindley, who is the owner and sole stylist at the downtown salon.
2018
The annual Franklin County Relay for Life, an event to celebrate local cancer survivors, caregivers and fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society, took place May 4 at the Russellville High School stadium. This year's theme was the survivor and caregiver experience.
PHOTOS BY MARÍA CAMP Children get the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce's annual Holly Day.
An event at the University of North Alabama's Guillot Center Aug. 20 commemorated the signing of the National Defense Education Act and remembered Carl Elliott for his role in its creation and passage. Sept. 2 will mark 60 years since the passing of the bill.
By María Camp / [email protected] The annual Northwest Alabama Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program was held at 6 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Norton Auditorium on the campus of the University of North Alabama. The theme for this year was "Becoming Your Greatest Self." Elizabeth Ann Pierce of Russellville High School was selected as Franklin ...
2017
The Franklin County Cattlemen's Association held a field day for its chapter of the Alabama Junior Cattlemen's Association Saturday at Michael Pounders' farm in Phil Campbell. The day started by educating members about the proper judging methods of cattle meant for food production versus cattle intended for breeding.
By María Camp for the FCT Oct. 12, the Franklin County Cattlemen's Association cooked free hamburgers for the participants of a Red Cross blood drive that was held at the Russellville Fire Department.
The North District of the General Federation of Women's Clubs of Alabama held its fall meeting Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Russellville.
By María Camp for the FCT The annual Red Bay Founders Day Festival took place Sept. 16 in Bay Tree Park, and many would agree it was well-attended. A variety of food and craft vendors were on hand, and bands performed throughout the day.
By María Camp for the FCT The annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival Beauty Pageant took place at the Russellville High School auditorium July 22 and produced this year's Watermelon Queen. Chloe Erin Brown, a 2015 graduate of Phil Campbell High School, was declared the 2017 Watermelon Festival queen.
By María Camp for the FCT The annual Northwest Alabama Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program was held Aug. 5 at Norton Auditorium on the campus of The University of North Alabama. Franklin County's 2018 Distinguished Young Woman is Alison Bryant. Twenty-eight young women from Franklin, Colbert and Lauderdale counties competed in the categories of scholastics, interviewing, fitness, talent and self-expression.
By María Camp for the FCT A release party for Teri Lynne Underwood's new book, "Praying for Girls," was held at Calvary Baptist Church in Russellville July 29. "My biggest prayer for this book," said Underwood, "is that those who read it will be better equipped to pray with boldness and confidence for their daughters."
By María Camp for the FCT July Fest, an annual community event in Vina, took place July 29. Vina Fire Chief Michael Moomaw said the festival benefits the rescue squad as well as the fire department. As with most community gatherings, food is a big part of the festivities at July Fest.
2012
Artist profile: Nicole Hugaboom - July/August 2012
Artist profile: Kathryn Rice - July/August 2012
2011
Profiles of local mayors: Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, & Tuscumbia -- Bobby Irons, David Bradford, Ian Sanford, and Bill Shoemaker.
Photographic artist profile: Trina Ross - July/August 2011
Artist profile: Vanessa Flakes - July/August 2011
Artist profile: Lisa Tyler - July/August 2011
Artist profile: Carol Howdyshell - July/August 2011
Artist profile: Barbara Sherrill - July/August 2011
2010
Rebecca Linam - Local author/teacher pursues multiple interests - March/April 2010
Artist profile: Ellen Goode. - July/August 2010
Artist profile: Maxine Williamson. - July/August 2010
Artist profile: Judy Coker. - July/August 2010
Artist profile: Sue Whitfield. - July/August 2010
Artist profile: Jody McFarland - July/August 2010
2009
John C. Campbell Folk School - North Carolina -- Fall 2009
Videos
About Me
María Camp A one-year celebration was planned for Phil Campbell's Little Free Library March 21, but because of coronavirus safety measures regarding halting public gatherings, the event ... Read more The Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts presents "Til Beth Do Us Part," the second show of its current season.
"When I'm not actively doing art, I'm pretty much always thinking about it. Sometimes it's hard for me to do anything because I get so many ideas, or I'll be in the middle of one idea and I'll get 12 more."
María Camp is a freelance abstract artist working primarily in acrylic for paintings and India ink for drawings. Her art includes both objective and non-objective pieces. She is also a freelance writer, editor, and photographer.
I've nearly let the month of May go by without sharing some thoughts on our latest magazine. As I note in this issue, my favorite part of putting together Franklin Living six times a year is the opportunity to share the stories of Franklin County people and their most deeply-held passions.
One of several people interviewed in a podcast recorded at the Chattanooga Zine Fest.
Show Full Description Hide Full Description María Camp creates abstract acrylic paintings, usually on Ampersand Hardbord, Gessobord, or Claybord, with professional acrylic paints, inks, and mediums. She enjoys incorporating texture into many of her pieces. Her inspiration comes from how she feels and what she observes in the world around her.