Hosting the Cultural Garden Club’s October meeting were Carol Dykes and Eva Diaz. The members enjoyed refreshments in the Dykes’ historic barn that has been remodeled for such gatherings.

The program was presented by Chris Ozbirn, Franklin County Archives director. She shared the success of the recent Sadler Cemetery Tour.  

As Ozbirn stated, “In this cemetery you will find some of the most prominent founding members of this town. Among them are four doctors, four lawyers, two probate judges and a state representative.”  

For the cemetery tour, volunteers dressed in period clothing and gave in-character speeches as some of the people who are buried there.

It’s not every day a state, county, or city celebrates its 200th birthday. So three years – 2017-2019 – have been dedicated to special events, educational programs, community activities and statewide initiatives that teach, inspire, and entertain.  

Ozbirn, who is also the County Bicentennial Committee chairperson, reported that to finalize the 200th Bicentennial Celebration for our county and city, a Birthday Dinner will be held Nov. 21 at the A. W. Todd Center. Prior to the dinner a special presentation will be held at Russellville City Hall to commemorate the 200th birthday for the City of Russellville.  

The dinner will feature a dulcimer group for entertainment, beautiful centerpieces, door prizes and a menu similar to food that was served back in the day. Some local citizens have planned to dress up in period clothing for the event. Tickets for the dinner may be purchased for $15 at the Franklin County Archives. 

Plans were discussed for the annual Every Light a Prayer for Peace. This event will be held prior to the Russellville Christmas Parade, Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m.  

Also planned is the annual Veteran’s Reception that will be held in the Franklin County Courthouse at 3 p.m. the same day.

Downtown Christmas decorations were discussed, as well. The members voted to purchase some new velvet ribbon for bows to replace the ones that are faded. A tentative date was set to begin decorating downtown following Veteran’s Day.

Club members were given information on the District I Fall meeting that will be held at the Valley Hill Country Club in Huntsville Oct. 17.