2025 Holiday Deadlines: 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
Handsome Jack needs a home and a family to call his own.. Jack is big boy with a sweet disposition! He is 75 pounds mixed Catahoula and pit bull. He loved people and French fries. Young adult, Jack is possibly 3 years old and fully vetted, neutered and vaccines up to date! This handsome guy has had his adoption sponsored for the right adopter. Come by and meet Jack on Thursday or SaturdayLaurie Nevin, Hale County Animal Shelter, 334-624-8120.
Church & Community Events
Friends of Hale County Library Announce Centennial Celebration Gala
The Friends of Hale County Library invite the community to a spectacular evening commemorating 100 years of literary heritage and cultural service. The library will host a Centennial Celebration Gala at the Engle Gallery on Friday, May 2, at 6 p.m. This prestigious event will feature a silver auction and a special lecture by renowned historian Ian Crawford, exploring the theme “Edwardian Elegance: 100 Years of Fine Dining and Great Books.” Ken Bausano will provide music. Highlights of the evening include: Celebration of the library’s founding in 1925; Silver Auction featuring unique and historic items; Auction of an event at Lyon Hall in Demopolis; Lecture by Ian Crawford on Edwardian culture and literary history; Jazz by Ken Bausano. Open to the public, and 1920’s attire optional. This event offers a rare opportunity for community members to celebrate the library’s rich history and ongoing commitment to knowledge, culture, and public education. Hale County Library was established in its current location on Main Street in 1925 when the Tunstall family donated the historical building for use as a library. An open house and birthday party are planned for later this year upon completion of ongoing renovations. For more information, please contact Dianne Lewis, Library Director, at 334-624-3409.
Walking Thursday
Hale County-Alabama Extension, Move Alabama, invites you Thurs., April 24, 4-5 p.m. for Walking Thursday, Akron Town Park, 361 8th St., Akron. Benefits of Walking: burns calories, strengthens the heart, lowers blood sugar. Come enjoy a supported walk with the community!
Federation of Southern Cooperatives 7th annual Co-op Symposium
Come join us to celebrate and learn at our 7th annual Co-op Symposium! Our Rural Research and Training Cente, 575 Federation Rd., Gainesville, will host as we discuss the importance of Cooperatives, how the federation continues to support our cooperatives, and offer opportunities to those looking to start a cooperative. Join us on April 25th at 9 a.m. and register on our LUMA to register and keep up to date on all our upcoming events: https://lu.ma/ASAC
Tombigbee RC&D Supplies for Success
Are you a elementary school teacher in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, Sumter, or Tuscaloosa County? If so, Tombigbee RC&D is starting our Supplies for Success program aiming at aiding stocking teachers classrooms. We will be accepting applications until June 15. The application is a simple online form that will assess the needs of your classroom. Recipients will be notified via email by July 15. See the Faceboook page at Tombigbee RC&D for the QR code and application link.
April’s Grow More Give More Harvest of the Month is Cauliflower
Cauliflower will be ready to harvest 60 to 70 days after planting, when the curds (aborted flower heads) are 6 to 8 inches in diameter. However, the timing varies by variety. Find growing instructions as well as yummy recipes that use cauliflower at www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/april-grow-more-give-more-harvest-of-the-month.
ALBBAA launches Big Gobbler Photo Contest for 13th year
The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) is again sponsoring its Big Gobbler Photo Contest, giving hunters the chance to submit their best turkey hunting photos for a chance to win a prize package. The 13th annual Big Gobbler Photo Contest is designed to further educate the public on the abundance of natural resources found in Alabama’s 23-county Black Belt region. The 2025 Alabama turkey season began last week and runs through May 8. Hunters are limited to harvesting one gobbler per day, among other restrictions. In Alabama, hunters enjoy one of the country’s longest wild turkey seasons. Decoys are allowed in the spring season only, but only on designated dates. In addition, mechanical decoys are illegal in Alabama. Each gobbler harvested must be immediately recorded within 48 hours to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). All Alabama turkey hunting guidelines can be found online at https://www.outdooralabama.com/seasons-and-bag-limits/turkey-season. To enter the contest, hunters must upload, through the ALBBAA website, a photo of a turkey harvested during Alabama’s 2025 spring wild turkey season, and the gobbler must be harvested in the 23-county Black Belt region. The winner of the contest is selected exclusively through online voting. Entries can be submitted and votes cast online on the ALBBAA website – https://alabamablackbeltadventures.org/news-more/shoot-the-black-belt/big-gobbler-photo-contest/ Participants are limited to one entry and must fully complete the online form with the necessary information, including the county where the gobbler was harvested and identifying everyone in the photo. Visitors to the contest webpage are restricted to voting once per day, per e-mail, per IP address. In the case of any dispute, the decision of ALBBAA officials is final. Photo contest winners from the last two years are not eligible for entry. The ALBBAA reserves the right to approve or disapprove any submitted photo. Cause for disqualification of a photo can include, but is not limited to, the following reasons: The photo content presents the subject in an unethical or disrespectful manner. The photo content is perceived to cast a negative perception of hunters and their contribution to the management of wildlife. A voting violation which imposes an unfair advantage to others. In addition, any photo depicting any violation of ADCNR regulations will be disqualified. Only photos of turkeys harvested in the Black Belt during the 2025 season are eligible for the 13th annual Big Gobbler Photo Contest. For information, go to www.alabamablackbeltadventures.org.
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.
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.
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
UWA’s Creative Arts Programs Take Center Stage at New Campus Amphitheater
The University of West Alabama will host “Arts @ the Amp,” a comprehensive arts celebration, on Saturday, April 26, at the university’s new amphitheater near the Student Union Building. The recently constructed multimillion-dollar amphitheater serves as the inspiration and venue for this inaugural event. The celebration begins at 1 p.m. with visual art exhibitions featuring student work across various mediums, including 3D printed art, ceramics, drawings and paintings. Stage performances begin at 2 p.m., centered on the theme “Where is Love?” The UWA Choir and soloists will perform jazz arrangements of classics including “What a Wonderful World,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and a finale of “What the World Needs Now” featuring the Arts @ the Amp Vocal Boot Camp participants. The program also includes theatrical performances by UWA drama students presenting integrated scenes from contemporary works. The performance schedule integrates music, dance, theater and poetry from performers of all ages, including students and faculty. Community members are invited to participate in the Vocal Boot Camp, a group vocal workshop beginning at 10 a.m. on the same day. Participants will receive vocal training and perform alongside the University of West Alabama Choir during the finale. The event, organized by UWA’s Communications and Creative Arts Department under the leadership of Department Chair Greg Jones, represents a collaborative effort between faculty and students. The university welcomes donations to support UWA’s Creative Arts programs. Contributions can be made online atwww.uwa.edu/donate/cae or in person at the event. Vocal Boot Camp: Basic Training for Every Singer, April 26, 10 a.m.-noon (workshop) Wallace Hall 113 Music Laboratory, for students, faculty, staff and community singers ages 10 and up. Boot Camp participants will sing at the 2 p.m. performance. Arts @ the Amp Performance: April 26, 2-3:30 p.m. (performance) The Amp. Free community event, donations accepted.
Shelton Singers Spring Concert
Shelton State Community College’s Shelton Singers will present their spring concert on Tues., April 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Paul W. Bryant High School in the Auditorium. The event is free, and the public is invited to attend. Under the direction of Dr. J. F. Mark Brown and in collaboration with the Tuscaloosa Fine Arts Academy Singers of Paul W. Bryant High School, the concert will showcase the work of these talented groups of students under the theme “Music Lead the Way.” To learn more about Shelton State Fine Arts, visit sheltonstate.edu/finearts.
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 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
RISE Center Hosts Fundraisers The University of Alabama RISE Center will host its annual RISE Tournament of Champions golf fundraiser April 24-25 and CHIP in for RISE April 29. Why This Matters: Fundraising support has been instrumental in the program’s longevity and its ability to provide much needed early intervention services to children of varying abilities in the Tuscaloosa area. There are eight RISE programs across the country and RISE Tuscaloosa is the only program where all children needing therapy services continue to attend RISE Center at no cost. For more information, contact Rosemary Klein at [email protected]. Renowned Management Professor Receives Burnum Award Dr. Dan Bachrach, professor of management and Robert C. and Rosa P. Morrow Faculty Excellence Fellow in the Culverhouse College of Business, is the recipient of the 2024 Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award. Bachrach will provide a special lecture titled “Leadership and Scholarship at the Culverhouse College of Business” and be presented with his award during a ceremony April 23 at 4 p.m. in the Deshe Parlor on the fourth floor of Alston Hall. A reception will follow. Why This Matters: The Burnum Award was established by Dr. and Mrs. John F. Burnum of Tuscaloosa to recognize and promote excellence in research, scholarship and teaching during a distinguished UA career. 💬 CURRENT COMMENT With April designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Dr. Adam Knowlden is available to discuss his research in drunken, drowsy and distracted driving. 📅 EVENTS Gathering in Gorgas House Open through May 2; Gorgas House Museum Saturday in the Park: Spring Wildlife Day April 26; UA Moundville Archaeological Park |