Members of the GFWC Book Lovers Study Club kept busy during March with a variety of activities. The first project was the sixth annual Cancer Awareness and Fundraiser Walk which kicked off the first of the month and ran through March 16. Book Lovers’ goal is to continue promoting the awareness of cancer and to raise money to assist cancer patients with expenses and travel to M.D. Anderson for cancer treatment.

Thanks to the following sponsors that assisted with the T-shirts and other donations for this very worthwhile fundraiser: CB&S Bank; First Metro Bank; Pilgrim’s; Valley State Bank; Sibley Oil; Russellville First Methodist Women; Jimmy & Sandy Montgomery; Community Spirit Bank; Brenda & Troy Oliver; Burns Nursing & Rehab; Bedford, Rogers, Bowling & McReynolds, PC, and the participants. The Book Lovers’ Walk to Wellness was in Memory of Roger and Maudie Darby Bedford.

The Downtown Art Crawl, held March 15-April 11, is another another way members have kept occupied with local pursuits. This was the first year for the Book Lovers Art Crawl. The project gave an opportunity for local Franklin County artists to display their artwork in businesses in downtown Russellville. The purpose of the project is to draw attention to the need for visual arts in our community and to bring citizens to our downtown area. Several beautiful artworks are displayed in the windows of local businesses, available for public enjoyment while out and about.

Book Lovers Study Club members supported the 20th Annual Empty Bowl Luncheon to Feed the Hungry by attending and participating as models. This event took place at the Marriott Conference Center in Lauderdale County. The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and Trinity Ceramic Supply sold tickets for the county-wide project.  The money raised is used to feed the hungry in Franklin, Colbert and Lauderdale counties. Easter baskets were also distributed through the Franklin County DHR.

Other March projects included “Living the Volunteer Spirit Celebrating our Everyday Heroes – School Nurses, Read Across America—Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, Women’s History Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month and Easter. Book Lovers gave mementos to school nurses for their dedication, duties and responsibilities to students. Members also volunteered to read to students in the elementary schools.

The March 14 meeting took place at Russellville First Baptist Church. It was more of a work session for organizing the club projects for March. Hostesses included Michelle Sibley and Brenda Oliver. The Green Room was decorated for St. Patrick’s Day and the refreshments featured green treats, including cupcakes, fruit salad and sandwiches.