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.