2025 Holiday Deadlines: MvT will be closed for Good Friday, April 18 and early deadline is Thursday, April 14. MvT will be closed for Memorial Day Mon., May 26. MvT will be closed Fri., July 4th and deadline is Thurs., July 3. MvT will be closed for Labor Day. Deadline is Fri., Nov. 21 for the Thanksgiving edition. We have to submit the paper early due to the printing company being closed for the holidays. MvT will be closed Nov. 24-30. Santa Letter deadline is by Fri., Dec. 5th. Deadline for the Christmas/Santa letter special edition for ads is Fri., Dec. 12. Deadline for BOTH the Dec. 24th and 31st editions is Thurs., Dec. 18. We have to submit both papers early due to the printing company being closed for the holidays. MvT will be closed Dec. 22-Jan. 1 for the holidays.
Hale County Animal Shelter Pets of the week
Bugsy Malone is a 12 month old neutered male cat. He is independent and prefers to stay busy instead of cuddles. Would make a great indoor/outdoor cat.Laurie Nevin, Hale County Animal Shelter, 334-624-8120. Please, do not bring us feral dog or cats. We received 2 today (Saturday) and are not equipped to handle either.
Church & Community Events
World Health Day
Join us at the Akron Public Library, 207 1st Ave. S., Akron, and the Hale County Community Health and Wellness Station as we we celebrate “World Health Day” on Mon., April 7, from 4-6 p.m. This year’s theme is “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”. We will be focusing on the various ages and stages of women’s health. There will be giveaways, health screenings, and free food.
ASF Foundation to Honor Dads at 42nd Alabama State Games
With registration for the 42nd Alabama State Games underway, the ASF Foundation is proud to announce that Dads will be recognized as part of the Honoring Our Heroes program during this year’s Opening Ceremony, which will take place June 13 at Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham. Athletes registering at ALAGAMES.com can register their Dads for recognition through the Honoring Our Heroes Program. Admission to all the June 13 events is free and open to friends, families and the public.
Hale County Free Community Health Fair
Your Hale County Extension Office is looking forward to seeing everyone at the “Hale County Free Community Health Fair” on Sat., April 12, 10 a.m. -2: p.m, at the Greensboro Recreation Center, 515 Greene St., Greensboro. Be sure to stop by our table and pick up information to enhance your quality of life!
Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium Launches Black Girls Defense Fund to Combat Dehumanization and Support Protection of Black Girls Mini-grants
Selma, AL (March 20, 2025) — The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium (SBGWC) announces the opening of its Black Girls Defense Fund: Resistance and Resilience Grant Application, providing financial support to organizations fighting against dehumanization and protecting the fundamental rights of Black girls and women in the South. With grants of up to $2,000, this funding opportunity is designed to strengthen community-led efforts addressing the unique challenges Black girls face that include adultification, dehumanization, and violence. Black girls are in need of legal support, protection, and advocacy in a world that robs them of their innocence as children. These mini-grants serve as catalysts for change, infusing resources into advocacy efforts where they’re needed most. They honor the powerful work Black women-led organizations are already doing while providing support that helps sustain their essential work during a time of increasing challenges. In an environment where funding for issues impacting Black girls and women is becoming increasingly restricted, even modest investments can make a significant difference. These mini-grants fill important gaps in resources, helping community leaders maintain momentum and address immediate needs while they pursue longer-term support. When we strategically deploy funds to grassroots organizations already deeply embedded in their communities, we help ensure that vital advocacy efforts for Black girls’ safety and wellbeing can continue uninterrupted. The application period runs until April 10, 2025. Eligible organizations must be working to support Black girls, women or femme identifying youth and operate in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, or Texas. Applicants must either hold 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by another nonprofit organization. For more information and to apply visit www.southernblackgirls.org/bgdefensefund. Since its founding in 2017, SBGWC’s work has been driven by the urgent need to counter narratives and systems that dehumanize Black girls and deny them protection, care, and opportunity. The Consortium is committed to addressing the significant philanthropic gap affecting Black-led organizations while building protective frameworks for Black girls’ wellbeing and advancement.
West Alabama Senior Citizens Appreciation Day 2025
Since 1987, the Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama has recognized senior citizens for their contributions to society by hosting an annual Senior Citizens Appreciation Day. We are excited to present this event at the Bryant Conference Center this year to celebrate older adults that are active participants who make positive impacts in their communities and the lives of others. This year’s theme is: “Flip the Script on Aging” The celebration will be held in the Bryant Conference Center at 240 Paul W Bryant Dr in Tuscaloosa on Thurs., May 8, from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 pm. The day will be filled with games, prizes, exhibits, free lunch and entertainment. All senior adults residing in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, and Tuscaloosa counties are encouraged to join us for a day of fun and fellowhips. Anyone age 60 and older may attend at no charge. Groups are asked to register in advance. For additional information and group registration please call the Area Agency on Aging at 333-2990 or 1-800-AGELINE if outside of Tuscaloosa county.
Annual Women in Ag Conference
Please join us for the 3rd Annual Women in Ag Conference, Fri., April 4 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. We will discuss Land Retention, starting a National Women in Ag Chapter, this year’s honorarium and more at New Generation Church and Fellowship Hall, 119 Louis Barnett, Jr., St., Eutaw. For more information call 205-652-9676. Register on Facebook @ Alabama State association of cooperatives or www.alabamastateassociation.coop.
Agricultural Outlook Meeting
Join Sumter County-Alabama Extension on April 15 at 12-2 p.m. at the Alfa Environmental Training Center for a free Agricultural Outlook Meeting. Presenters will Max Runge, Agricultural Economics Extension Professor and Ken Kelly, Farm & Agribusiness Extension Agent. Please RSVP by April 11 to Court Green-Johnson at 205-659-6796, or [email protected].
ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division Hosts 2025 Spring Boating Basics and License Course at Locations Across the State
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division is gearing up for another season of Boating Basics and License Courses offered at locations across the state. Each year, the Agency offers free hands-on classes that allow interaction with local ALEA Marine Patrol Troopers and important information on issues within the local bodies of waters that citizens in the area may visit frequently. Citizens who complete the Boating Basics course will receive a certificate in the mail after Troopers submit the individual’s information to the Agency’s Driver License Division. The Driver License Division will then add the vessel class to their Alabama Driver License. Please note that it may take up to 10 business days before the customer can go online to alabamadl.alea.gov or visit their nearest county probate office to purchase their updated Alabama Driver License. Children 12 years old or older are eligible for a vessel operator’s license, however, they will not be able to operate alone until the age of 14. April 17 – 18, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Greensboro Fire Dept., 554 Armory St., Greensboro, Sr. Trooper Jeromy Johnson – [email protected]. Carrollton: March 22, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, 188 Cemetary St., Carrollton, Sr. Trooper Ryan Wise – [email protected]. For more information, or to enroll in a class, please contact the Marine Patrol Instructor via the email provided on the schedule. A one-time application fee will be charged. There will be a issuance fee for the license.
Timberland Owners Learn About Minerals Under Their Land at Ala. Forestry Meeting
Dane VanDervoort, a geologist with the Geological Survey of Alabama (GSA), will be speaking about Alabama’s abundant geological resources at the Annual Meeting of the Alabama Forest Owners’ Association in Tuscaloosa on April 23rd. VanDervoort will give an update on the mineral resources of the state, and help landowners understand whether they should be considering minerals as an aspect of ownership of their forestland. Alabama’s rich mineral resources include coal, oil, natural gas as well as limestone and marble. Many Alabama cities owe their origins to minerals located in their region of the state. Moreover, the family histories of countless people in Alabama are intertwined with the production of minerals. Timberland owners work hard to keep up with the latest information about timber management, but few are knowledgeable about mineral resources. This meeting will give Alabama landowners an opportunity to be informed about the possibility of mineral resources under their land. At GSA, VanDervoort serves as the Manager of the Geologic Investigations Program’s Minerals Section where his work primarily focuses on Alabama’s critical and nonfuel mineral resources. A Georgia native, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Georgia Southern University and a Master of Science from Auburn University. The Alabama Forest Owners’ Association is a non-profit, self-supporting association, dedicated to providing management and ownership assistance to current and future owners of forest land. Forests cover 71 percent of Alabama. They produce clean water, clean air, diverse wildlife habitat, and raw materials for thousands of jobs. Alabamians are fortunate that most forestland in our state is owned by individuals and families.
Learning from the Ancestors: Historical Influences on Contemporary Native Art
From Feb. 3-May 31, the Jones Archaeological Museum at Moundville Archaeological Park will feature a temporary exhibit focusing on Moundville and Mississippian influences on contemporary Native American artists. Learning from the Ancestors: Historical Influences on Contemporary Native Art emphasizes the re-centering of museums from tribal perspectives by connecting the past to the present. This Collaborative Arts and Museums Project is sponsored by a grant from the Collaborative Arts and Research Initiative. It is organized by Dr. Ted Clay Nelson, Director of Moundville Archaeological Park, Dr. Mairin Odle, Associate Professor of American Studies, and Mr. Brent Greenwood, Director of Fine Arts for Chickasaw Nation. This temporary exhibition is a collaborative effort between Jones Archaeological Museum staff, University of Alabama faculty, students, and Native artists. It will be focusing on Tribal Nations from the Southeastern United States and Artists primarily from Alabama, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Artist demonstrations and Meet and Greet opportunities will be scheduled throughout the run of the exhibit.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is struggling to cope emotionally this holiday season, reach out. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress, resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Visit 988lifeline.org for more.
Join Us for the At Home Beekeeping Series!
Calling all beekeepers! Our online series is back, offering educational information and updates on timely beekeeping topics. Attend meetings from the comfort of your home using your computer or mobile device. Each session includes a Q&A segment for all your beekeeping questions. For more information, visit: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/bees-pollinators/at-home-beekeeping-series/ Dates and Topics: 2025 Dates and Topics: April 29 Honeybee Nest Architecture, Michael Smith, Auburn University. Recordings from this series are available for only two weeks after each session on the Lawrence County Alabama Extension Office Facebook page. For more information on the “At Home Beekeeping Series,” contact Allyson Shabel at [email protected].
School Events
UA Spring Commencement Dates Announced
UA will hold spring commencement with eight ceremonies May 2-4 at Coleman Coliseum on the UA campus.
SSCC Terrific Tuesday Concert Series
Shelton State Community College’s 2024-2025 Terrific Tuesday Concert Series continues this spring with a performance on the Martin Campus. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. All performances will be at 1 p.m. in the Alabama Power Hall unless otherwise noted on the schedule. Upcoming performances and artists include the following: April 1 Faculty from the Mississippi University for Women; April 8 Jameson Moore | Saxophone | SSCC Student Recital; April 15 SSCC Jazz Combo | *Martin Atrium; April 22 Honors Musicale. For more information, contact Lillian Wesley at 205.391.2399 or [email protected].
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Success By 6 of United Way of West Alabama is proud to provide Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library books FREE to children ages birth to 5 years old in Greene, Hale, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa counties. Once a month, your child will receive a new book by mail. You only need to do two things: register your child and pledge to read the books to him/her. Please, climb on board Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library! Since UWWA launched the Dolly Parton Imagination Library: 13,467 children have participated in the program in Greene, Hale, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, and Tuscaloosa Counties. 10,427 children have “graduated” from the program. 443,856 books have been delivered to children in West Alabama. Sign up at https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/
UA Preview: This Week at The University of Alabama
| March 31, 2025 📰 BEST BETS Celebrating Outstanding Students and Faculty The University of Alabama will recognize the achievements of outstanding students and faculty during Honors Week, culminating in the Tapping on the Mound ceremony on Honors Day on Friday. Why This Matters: The Tapping on the Mound ceremony has been a university tradition since the early 1900s. University honor groups Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board, Blue Key National Honor Society and Anderson Society will induct members. Outstanding students and other special awards will also be presented. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne at [email protected]. Student Veterans Lay Wreath at Tomb of Unknown Soldier Four UA student veterans laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., earlier this month. Why This Matters: This shared moment among the vets marked the first time any current UA student or student from a school in the Southeastern Conference participated in this ritual honoring U.S. military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice. For more information, contact Jennifer Brady at [email protected]. Student Singers Perform Internationally The University of Alabama’s premiere vocal ensemble, University Singers, completed an international tour over spring break, performing at three prestigious venues in Germany. Why This Matters: Forty student singers performed at Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche in Berlin, Providenzkirche in Heidelberg, and Nikolaikirche in Leipzig, where Baroque composer, Johann Sebastian Bach, once worked. It was the University Singers first international performance in 14 years. 📅 EVENTS Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre: Syzygy April 2-5; Rowand-Johnson Hall Slow Art Day April 4; Gorgas House Museum Crimson Couch to 5K Run/Walk April 4; Walk of Champions at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium Bark to the Beat Music 5K April 5; Butler Field Spring Fling April 5; UA Arboretum |