FC 19 for 2019 proves a challenge
Alison James, Columnists, COLUMNS--FEATURE SPOT, Opinion
 By  Alison James Published 
3:45 pm Monday, April 29, 2019

FC 19 for 2019 proves a challenge

At the end of 2018, as the old year died giving way to the new, I shared with you a special set of New Year’s resolutions – ones specific to Franklin County.

Although a lot of people avoid making New Year’s resolutions, I usually do make them. I guess people want to avoid the arbitrariness of Jan. 1, or maybe they don’t want to face the guilt they will feel if they don’t achieve their goals.

I can understand that. My personal resolutions aren’t going too well so far, and I haven’t made progress on my Franklin County resolutions either.

They say accountability is one of the best ways to meet your goals, so with the first third of 2019 gone, here I am with an update, and you will have to hold me accountable.

I haven’t eaten at Doe’s yet. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

I haven’t watched a show performed by the Bay Tree Council, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity this summer.

No. 3 on my list was to go boating on the Bear Creek Lakes. The summer season is approaching and with it my chance to accomplish this goal. All I need is a boat…

Support a nonprofit effort? Not yet. Hike through the Dismals and take the Dismalites tour? Not yet.

Visit our local libraries, go to a Rockin’ at the Roxy show, take a walk at City Lake Park?

Not yet, not yet, not yet.

Are you sensing a theme?

Yes, I’ve let four months go by without accomplishing any of my goals. Yikes. It’s an old cliché but still true – time flies.

The good news is, I still have plenty of time to enjoy most of “tasks” on my 2019 list. I’ve not yet missed my chance to watch the fireworks over Sloss Lake and enjoy a picnic there; attend our community festivals; tour the Red Bay Museum; or be a costumed attendee at Trunks of Treats. There is still time to have lunch at Fourth Street Grill, shop local, visit Cypress Cove and take advantage of our wonderful farmers’ markets.

The bad news is, two of my aspirations for this year have slipped through my grasp. I won’t be spending a night at Hotel Red Bay, and I won’t be getting my photo with the Easter Bunny at a Chamber of Commerce Easter egg hunt.

There’s that twinge of regret non-resolution-makers try to avoid.

Despite my lollygagging, there’s no reason I can’t use the remainder of the year to accomplish the rest of my goals. I want to be able to look back on 2019 and say, “Yes! That was the year I ____________.”

This can be the year you ____________, too. Let’s not let the next eight months pass us by.

Also on Franklin County Times
Oliver wants 5% pay hike for his staff
Main, News, Russellville
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
August 12, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver hasn’t seen much turnover within his department lately and he wants to keep it that way. Oliver ...
Flock council policy faces vote Monday
Main, News, Red Bay, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
August 12, 2026
RED BAY —A second Flock Safety automated license plate reader has been installed as the city prepares for a special meeting Monday on a proposed polic...
Local water systems have security measures in place
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
August 12, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — As cyberattacks on U.S. water systems climb nationwide, local officials say a combination of rigorous safety protocols and old-fashione...
Heat advisory for the Shoals starts Wednesday afternoon
Z - News Main
By Kevin Taylor For the Franklin County Times 
August 11, 2026
FLORENCE — The Tennessee Valley Area, including the Shoals, will be under a heat advisory starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday through 7 p.m. Friday. Heat ind...
Russellville business burning off propane
News, Russellville
Griffin Traylor 
August 10, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Suburban Propane, which is located at the intersection of Alabama Highway 24 and U.S. Highway 43, is in the process of burning off prop...
Successful paving plan draws Florence’s interest
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
August 5, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Pondering whether Florenceshouldestablish its own paving department, officials only had to look about 20 miles south to see the benefit...
Mills named principal at West Elementary
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
August 5, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Gayla Mills is beginning her 31st year in education and her first as West Elementary’s principal. Mills taught third grade when that gr...
Disciplinary point system gets ‘amped up’
Main, News, Russellville
By Ella Seaton For the FCT 
August 5, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — As Alabama students head back to school, there is a new incentive for staying out of trouble. This school year, school disciplinary pro...

Leave a Reply

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