The Renaissance Theater in Downtown Eutaw, Alabama, will host a community screening of Dwight Cammeron’s film “The Fourth Weekend in August.” The film starts promptly at 6:30pm on Thursday, October 8th.
Category: Community
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BBCF Greene County Community Associates hosts their first annual grantee showcase
Greene County’s Black Belt Community Foundation Associates: Mr. Johnny
Williams, Fatima Robinson, Mollie Rowe, Darlene Robinson, Nancy Cole,
Johnnie Morning, Mollie Gaines, Geraldine Walton and Samantha LenbetterBy Maya Quinn, editor
The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) Greene County Community Associates filled the Eutaw Activity Center’s main auditorium on Saturday, September 19th, to honor past and present grantees. Chairperson Darlene Robinson led the program, which featured a variety of Greene County organizations that used their grants to fund projects and build organizations committed to meeting the needs of Black Belt citizens.
Commissioner Elect Wesley Hodges describing how BBCF funded organizations such as the 21st Century Scholars impacted his life and the lives of others in Greene County Darlene Robinson began the program by allowing Mayor Corey Cockrell of Eutaw to extend his appreciation for the organization’s work, seen and unseen. “We’ve been doing this for 20 years,” Darlene explained. “Our goal every year is to fund more grantees.” The BBCF Greene County Community Associates hold various fundraising events throughout the year to have the ability to do so. Some funds are matched by the board, but the vast majority comes from cookouts, raffles, yard sales, and other creative ways to raise money.
After a selection by the Greene County Mass Choir, BBCF Member Fatima Robinson addressed the crowd with a spoken word piece to describe what the foundation is and embodies. “We are the heart of Central Alabama,” she stated in one of the lines, and “We pour love back into our communities” in another. The work also described a desire for improved infrastructure and connection. The BBCF community associates have been continually working towards these goals by “putting resources where they are most needed.”
Terrance Fletcher from BOSS TIES LLC came to bless the program and attendees. He described how BOSS TIES prepares students for careers in agriculture and entreprenuership. Following Fatima’s piece, the grantees were each given the microphone to describe what they were able to accomplish with their grants. A menagerie of projects and businesses attended to give testament to what it means to be in the Black Belt community. Many dedicated themselves to teaching financial literacy, carpentry, agriculture, civics, volunteer firefighting, senior engagement, and more. The entire showcase illustrated the foundation’s motto of “taking what we have, to make what we need.”
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County commission discusses budget proposal and hazard mitigation plans
By Maya Quinn, editor
The Greene County Commission met for a work session on Wednesday, September 9th, and for a regular session on Monday, September 14th. The meetings centered around plans for infrastructure improvements, safety plans, and budget planning for the upcoming year.
Registered Municipal Financial Advisor Mac Underwood presented the proposed budget for 2026-2027. At the end of August, the county’s unrestricted funds were as follows: $213, 144.27 at Citizens Bank and $690,792.33 at Merchants and Farmers. Underwood explained that the county’s health insurance rate and workers’ compensation had increased, with health insurance costing $10,700 per employee per year. He also noted in the budget that $265,000 from the racing commission funds was dedicated to highway department projects and vehicle maintenance.
Underwood expressed concerns regarding a lack of communication from the Sheriff’s Department on financial agreements with the commission. Presently, the commission is helping supplement 3 months of income for SROs (student resource officers) for $257,143, with the promise of reimbursement. The Sheriff has not come forth to the commission to discuss the agreement although they have reached out on numerous occasions.
Commissioners have yet to reach a decision regarding an increase on solid waste fees. The current budget outlines that expenses to run solid waste are approximately $600,000 and income is only at $300,000. The commission decided to discuss matters further during a called meeting on Monday, September 21st.
Kathy Gregory and engineer, Dennis Strickland, from the West Alabama Regional Commission attended the meeting with a proposal for a Safety Action Plan. The goal of the plan is to assess Greene County’s road safety data, traffic accidents, and other road hazards to decrease injuries and mortality rates. The key features of the plan include data driven safety analysis, community focus groups, local leadership commitment, and transparency throughout the process. The plan will be conducted in four phases and will give Greene County the eligibility to apply for certain grants on road safety improvement, denoting some roads may also be under ALDOT jurisdiction. The plans will be enacted at no cost to the commission, and they will receive assistance with securing the grants aforementioned. “We can make the roads safer for everybody,” Gregory explained.
The following new business items were approved:
- CIMS, a local government data system, contract for $1000.00 per month
- Travel for Assistant Engineer to travel to Montgomery, AL on October 21-22,2026 for a Bridge Refresh Course
- 2027 Severe Weather Preparedness Holiday, February 26-28, 2027
- Approval of repairs for bridge on County Road 20
- Hazard Mitigation Plan Phase II Resolution
- Moving CD from Robertson Bank to Merchants and Farmers for a better rate; increase from 3.25% to 3.98%
- Board appointment to DHR District 2: Geraldine Walton
- Payment of claims
During public comments, local leaders came forward with requests for the commission. Anita Lewis is working on building a free resource center for Greene Countians to minimize travel and costs. She requested assistance with procuring a building for the center, stating that she would gather funds for its repairs. Greene County Health System CEO Rodgerick Williams came asking for financial assistance with the $100,000 of free care the hospital provides monthly to county citizens. Williams explained that the hospital has been providing services such as drug and alcohol programs to those in need.
The county commission’s next work session is scheduled for October 7th, 2026, at 5:00 pm. The next regular session is scheduled for the following Monday, October 12th, at 5:00 pm in the W.M. Branch Courthouse.
Featured Image: Mac Underwood, financial advisor for the Greene County Commission
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Blue Mass service held to honor local first responders
By Maya Quinn, editor
On September 10, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church held a Mass service to honor local first responders and in remembrance of those who lost their lives on 9/11. The Reverend Richelle Thompson organized the readings and songs for the service; the themes centered on the courage and sacrifice that love requires. “Even after 25 years, the memory remains remarkably close for some…” Reverend Thompson began the service by acknowledging those involved in the tragedy and asking the congregation to remember those who responded to the attack with tremendous courage. She then spoke on the courage and love of Greene County’s first responders, who are imbued with the same courage as the first responders from that fateful day. She stated that they act with a deep love and care for their neighbors, and that we should respond in kind. “Love does not depend on the size of the city or the number of volunteers.”
The congregation then listened to several readings during the service that emphasized a call to courageously love those around us, as that is what is right to do. The gospel readings on the teachings of Jesus, John 15:9-17, remind us that love is an action that must be practiced. Reverend Thompson reminded us that “courage does not just belong in the history books…it lives here today in ordinary people who answer the call.”
As many of the local first responders were preoccupied with important meetings and calls, the church had meals delivered to the Greene County EMS for EMTs on call that night. You can visit St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church for service on Sundays at 403 North Main Street, Eutaw, AL 35462.
Featured Image: Councilwoman Carrie Logan and the Reverend of St. Stephen’s Episcopal church, Reverend Richelle Thompson
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Dancy announces write-in campaign for District 5 School Board Seat
I, Carrie Dancy, am launching my write-in campaign for District 5 School Board Seat, for the November 3, 2026 General Election. I am a longtime servant of Greene County and a former member of the Greene County Board of Education, District 5. During my years of service, I worked alongside educators, families, students, and community members with a commitment to strengthening the local school system and advocating for students.
After coming within 47 votes of retaining my seat, I am still committed. I will remain engaged in the community and continue my interest in the future of Greene County schools.
I understand the unique opportunities and challenges facing a rural school community. My focus remains on students, supporting educators, listening to families, and contributing to thoughtful decisions that help move Greene County schools forward.
I am a candidate with a history of service, a connection to the community, and a continued commitment to the children and families of Greene County, and I will continue to stand for our community. I ask that you write-in Carrie Dancy on voting day, November 3, 2026. I bring my experience, knowledge, and years of service on the Greene County School Board for District 5.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall. We need your support
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Local agency provides interactive dementia education for nurses and Eutaw seniors
By Maya Quinn, editor
The Alabama Area Agency on Aging recently visited Eutaw, Alabama, to offer educational sessions for nursing home staff and Eutaw seniors. They supplied resources, information, and helpful advice on preventing and caring for people with dementia. Each session included interactive elements that helped participants understand a dementia patient’s condition and perspective.
The Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama aims to promote independence, dignity, and quality of life for older adults, those with disabilities, and their caregivers. They serve the counties of Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, and Tuscaloosa. They provide a wide range of services in each community, such as caregiver support, insurance counseling, health promotion classes, and advocacy for residents in long-term care facilities.
Recently, Dementia Friendly Project Coordinator Delane Poague secured the BOLD (Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act) Grant to provide community paramedic dementia training to hospitals and senior centers. Poague and agency representatives Kayla Clark and Karlenne Renna are traveling to West Alabama counties to deliver dementia-friendly training to businesses and host BOLD Memory Cafes for seniors.
At Greene County Nursing Home, Poague and her colleagues trained nurses in effective and compassionate communication with dementia patients and caregivers. Nurses earned professional development hours for their participation.
Nurse wearing gloves with cotton balls in the fingertips to simulate neuropathy Poague explained that dementia is a disease within the Alzheimer’s umbrella, and those diagnosed face the harsh reality of their brains deteriorating. Those affected can lose all five senses and become nonverbal. The disease may progress gradually or suddenly worsen overnight. “We’re going to have to enter their world,” she said, emphasizing that caregivers must adapt to patients. It’s vital for caregivers to set patients up for success by planning extra time, educating families, and organizing and monitoring medications. Approaching patients from the front, speaking clearly, and patiently waiting for responses with a smile can significantly improve care.
Sunglasses with stickers to simulate ocular degeneration Patients with dementia might also have other conditions that make daily tasks, like buttoning clothes or tying laces, even harder. To help nurses understand their patients’ perspectives, Poague had nurses wear gloves with cotton balls to simulate neuropathy, and sunglasses with stickers to mimic ocular degenerative I conditions, as peripheral vision often diminishes first. At the end of the activity, she asked nurses how they felt, noting that no one received assistance or extra time to finish tasks. Many expressed frustration and feelings of abandonment.
The session ended by providing nurses with a framework for recognizing individuals with dementia in emergencies and a care pathway for caregivers. The REACT framework stands for Recognize, Engage, Assess, Connect, and Transfer. An important message was that caregivers must also care for themselves.
After the nurse training, the Area Agency on Aging visited the Eutaw Senior Activity Center for a memory cafe session with information, snacks, and bouquet arranging. Flower arranging stimulates the five senses and can evoke memories linked to colors and scents.
Poague educated attendees on practices that may reduce the risk of dementia. She encouraged seniors to change their routines slightly, such as switching hands when brushing teeth or hair. She also shared nutrition information about the Brain Diet, also known as the Mediterranean diet. Seniors received handouts before creating their own bouquets to take home.
For more information on the Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama, contact (800) AGE-LINE or (205) 333-2990. Their address is 4200 HWY 60 N, Northport, AL 35473. Visit http://www.westalabamaaging.org for upcoming events in your area.
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Tigers rally past Choctaw, 22–14, in season opener (1-0)
By Joe L. Powell and Ke’Undra Cox
BUTLER, Ala. — Greene County High School opened its season with a statement Friday night, overcoming an early two-touchdown deficit to defeat Choctaw High School, 22–14, on the road.
Choctaw controlled the opening quarter and appeared poised to run away with the game early. With 6:12 remaining in the first, quarterback Roderick Crawford connected with Miles Ray on a 40-yard touchdown pass. The Tigers’ two-point conversion attempt failed, giving Choctaw a 6–0 advantage.
The home team struck again with 1:39 left in the quarter when Tracey Poke broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run. Crawford followed with a successful two-point conversion, extending Choctaw’s lead to 14–0.
But Greene County refused to fold.
The Tigers’ comeback began on special teams with 9:30 remaining in the second quarter. Eric Williams blocked a Choctaw punt, resulting in a safety and putting Greene County on the board. Greene County’s offense then found its rhythm.
With 7:10 remaining before halftime, quarterback Prentice Taylor Jr. kept the ball and raced eight yards for the Tigers’ first touchdown. The two-point attempt was unsuccessful, but Greene County had cut the deficit to 14–8.
Less than a minute later, Taylor struck again—this time through the air. With 6:51 remaining, he connected with Cornelius Hunter for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Another unsuccessful two-point attempt left the game tied at 14.
The Tigers continued to apply pressure as the quarter progressed. With 4:20 remaining on the clock, Taylor broke loose on a 28-yard quarterback keeper, helping set up a one-yard scoring opportunity as Greene County completed its turnaround.After surrendering 14 unanswered points in the opening quarter, Greene County’s defense shut Choctaw out the rest of the way as the Tigers secured the 22–14 victory.
Taylor Leads Greene County Offense
Taylor turned in a strong performance under center, completing 14 of 23 passes for 174 yards while also making an impact with his legs.Chance Richardson accounted for 92 receiving yards, Javeon Carpenter added 50 yards and Quentin Walton finished with 28. On the ground, Rodney Banks carried the ball six times for 49 yards, while Walton added 30 yards on two carries.
Greene County also made several game-changing plays defensively and on special teams. Cornelius Hunter returned an interception 35 yards, while Roderick Bulock recorded one solo tackle and seven assists. Lathuren Peebles contributed one solo tackle, six assists and a sack, and Javeon Carpenter added five assists along with a blocked punt.
The victory gives Greene County an impressive start to the season, not simply because of the final score, but because of how the Tigers responded after falling behind 14–0.
Greene County will return to the road for its next matchup against Dallas County High School, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
Featured Image: Greene County High School Tigers at their opening season game vs Choctaw High School’s Yellowjackets (Joe Powell and Ke’Undra Cox)
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Children’s Policy Council details local needs assessment and upcoming September conference
By Maya Quinn, editor
The Greene County Children’s Policy Council (CPC) met on Monday, August 26th at 10:00 am in the W.M. Branch Courthouse. Members discussed upcoming initiatives for Greene County’s youth and families as well as progress within each committee.
Attorney Tonjula Carey, district judge-elect, opened with a meditation for policy council members. The theme cautioned against burnout and reminded attendees to take time to replenish themselves. This can be done by setting boundaries, gently slowing down, and permitting ourselves to clear away what no longer serves us.
Program Director of Community Outreach and Engagement from the Alabama Department of Family and Childhood Education, Nichole McCants, informed attendees with updates from the Alabama Children’s Policy Council. She announced that a conference would be held September 21-22, 2026. The event will feature a guest speaker and opportunities for attendees to earn Continuing Education Units approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Judge Lillie Jones Osborne will be awarded the Champion for Children Award at the event for her CPC work: Little Library, Little Outdoor Pantry, and Read Greene Read. Greene County will be featured in the CPC newsletter for these initiatives.
McCants also detailed the results of the Greene County needs assessment for the upcoming year. The top three categories are mental health, parental involvement and family engagement, and substance use. She encouraged the council to visit Alabama Family Central online for resources that are curated by county and can upload their own agency.
Following Nichole McCants updates, the floor was opened for updates from the council’s committees: early care, education, health, strengthening family, safety, parental involvement, and economic security.
Judge Osborne gave updates for early care and education, informing attendees that the council paid for children to attend other camps instead of hosting and coordinating their own. She stated that the One Book, One Community reading of Imagine That and The Square Nosed Pig was a huge success. The next reading event will be held in December, and the council is searching for community members to come read their favorite stories.
The council also partnered with Eutaw Housing Authority to give all children a school supply-filled backpack to begin the year. They are currently in search of mentors for students at Robert Brown Middle School starting in September. The council hopes to send every student to the Legacy Museum in Montgomery this year as well.
Following Judge Osborne’s updates, Mildred Morgan with Strengthening Families reported eight families graduating from their spring session. She stated that to hold a session this fall, the program needs four more volunteers to lead the parent and teen class.
Safety Committee leader Jeremey Rancher plans to speak with student athletes about drinking and substance abuse during homecoming weekend, on October 9th. He wants to organize regular sessions throughout the school year during periods when teens will be out of school or out late to deter dangerous behavior.
The floor was then yielded to the council’s agencies and supporters. Alabama Department of Public Health representative Janise Norman came to remind the council of her Safe Sleep Initiative. The program includes safe sleeping arrangements for infant families and safe sleep training sessions. She can be reached at (205) 759-6166 or Janise.Norman@adph.state.al.us
The council is eager for project ideas that meet the needs of children and families in Greene County. The next meeting will be held on October 19th. To learn more about the policy council and its resources, visit: https://www.alcpc.org/
Featured Image: Nichole McCants and Judge Osborne
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The Black Belt Folk Roots Festival Continues
Submitted by Dr. Carol Prejean Zippert
The 51st annual Black Belt Folk Roots Festival, held August 22-23, 2026 in Eutaw, AL, embraced the challenge of community celebrating community. The 2025 Festival marked the 50th anniversary but instead of signaling a conclusion to this mainstay event, the call was loud and clear: The Festival Must Continue. The Society of Folk Arts & Culture answered the call.
Dr. Carol P. Zippert, Director of the Society and the longtime volunteer coordinator of the annual Festival, enlisted the creative help of two young women who know the culture of the Black Belt Region and could infuse new energy and inspiration for a transitioning leadership. Barbara Amerson Hunter, who assisted Zippert with the festival for many years, and Teresa Atkins, an experienced event planner, entrepreneur and educator assumed the front-line production of the 51st annual Black Belt Folk Roots Festival. Three hearts and heads working together.
Hunter and Atkins reviewed records of the components leading to the production of the annual Festival. This included considering participating artists (blues and gospel singers, dancers, storytellers, food ways and craft vendors, and artists mentoring children); contacting all participants, technicians, and on-site workers; securing tents, tables, chairs and shop fans, ordering souvenir t-shirts and securing additional funding as costs rose.
To the delight of all attendees, the Festival featured several artists who are longtime participants, including bluesmen Clarence Davis, Jock Webb, Nigel Speights, Terry ‘Harmonica’ Bean, The Fingerprint Band, Russell Gulley, Mississippi Blues Boys; gospel artists included Eddie Mae Brown, New Generation Men of Promise, The Melody Kings, the Mississippi Traveling Stars, the Golden Gates, Greene County Mass Choir, and St. John Baptist Church Choir.
Local artist, Maya Steele again guided the children (under the Kids Tent) in expressing their creative gifts using simplistic materials. Maya is committed to helping our youth know that they have a place at the Festival.
The special treat for all at the Festival were the young artists sharing music, spoken word and variety of crafts and food. Their presence extended the hope that even as traditions evolve and cultural expressions change, our history must continue to be lifted as our powerful story. The gifts we share at the Festival reflect how we live together, how we care for each other and how we build community.
Featured Image: Jock Webb and Clarence Davis performing an ol’ timey blues set
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Federation to hold 59th Annual Meeting and 25th Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony, August 13-15, 2026
Submitted by The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund
The Federation is excited to announce the 59th Annual Meeting & 25th Estelle Witherspoon Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund taking place August 13–15, 2026. Centered around this year’s theme, Sustaining the Future: Innovation, Resilience, and Member Engagement, the event will begin in Birmingham on Thursday, August 13, and conclude in Epes, Alabama on August 14 and 15.
This special gathering celebrates decades of leadership, advocacy, resilience, and progress in strengthening Black farmers, landowners, cooperatives, and rural communities across the South. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect, reflect on the Federation’s enduring impact, and honor individuals whose contributions continue to shape the future of cooperative and community-based development, including legendary civil rights attorney Fred David Gray, whose lifelong fight for justice has helped shape the course of American civil rights history.
The meeting will include workshops on land retention, cooperative development and advocacy for Black farmers and rural development. There will also be farm and forestry tours of demonstration projects and information on the Master Plan for the Federation’s Memorial Legacy Park at the organization’s Rural Training and Research Center.
For more information, contact the Federation’s Rural Training and Research Center near Epes, Alabama at 205-652-9676.