The credit rating agencies Moody’s Investor Service and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service recently affirmed the City of Tuscaloosa’s Aa1 and AA+ ratings, respectively.
By Marlena Rice School is out, the days are longer, and all of the fun things we love to do in hot weather are just a stone’s throw away. What’s next? The summer birthdays we’ve waited all year to celebrate! As a summer birthday kid myself, I strongly disliked the fact that I couldn’t bring cupcakes to class during the school year and have everyone make a big fuss over me on my special day. As I grew up, I began to appreciate the fun of summer, and specifically, the summer parties that are fun (and easy) to host at home.
My own little one’s first few birthdays will likely just include immediate family and close friends, but his first birthday this past May was very successful, fun, and will likely be revisited in later years when we can invite friends from school. What did we do? We had a “Splash Bash!”
Actor Michael Thomas Walker returns to town to direct Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 'Hairspray'
By Brandie Rickett Bowden Some people who make their way to and through Tuscaloosa significantly decrease our degrees of separation from big names in the entertainment industry. Michael Thomas Walker is one such person. Born and raised in Huntsville, Walker moved to Tuscaloosa, where he received his BA from the University of Alabama. Since then, Walker has taken one step after another in establishing his place in theater, television, and film.
Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen, Tuscaloosa’s Morgan Green, competes nationally next week
The current Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen, Morgan Green, is set to compete for the title of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2015 from July 29 through August 2 at the Linda Chapin Theater located in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Selected in March, Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen is a 17-year-old student at Hillcrest High School. Throughout her year of service, she will travel the state advocating her platform, “Literacy: Pathway to Prosperity.” Morgan is the daughter of Keith Green and Gail Stringfellow and resides in Tuscaloosa.
Pie eating contest to benefit United Way partner agencies
United Way of West Alabama’s Young Leaders Society (YLS) will host its first Pie Eating Contest on Thursday, July 24th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Innisfree Irish Pub. Pie-eaters will be eating to benefit a United Way partner agency of their choice. Two winners will be announced—the person who eats one pie the fastest and the person who collects the most votes.
Area Students Participate in UA Early College
By Claire Harris Students in Tuscaloosa and Northport are earning up to a full year of college credit from The University of Alabama through UA Early College while still in high school. Surrounded by a robust support network, these students remain eligible for freshmen scholarships, even with 30 hours of UA credit.
Budding Softball Phenom Savanna Holmes Leads Team to State Title
By Stan J. Griffin The Hale County High School softball program, which has been coached by Lori Wyatt for nine seasons, has had its share of success, especially in recent years. The Lady Wildcats advanced to Lagoon Park in Montgomery for the Alabama High School Athletic Association State Tournament in 2009 and in 2013, where they finished in the top 6 both times.
Wyatt's team, however, finally broke through in a huge way this past season, bringing a little magic to the community of Moundville and also making some history as well, as Hale County achieved the school's first softball state championship, bringing home the coveted championship trophy from the state capitol.
One of the key weapons in the amazing success of the Lady Wildcats was 14-year-old pitching/hitting standout Savanna Holmes, the daughter of Chris and Sherri Holmes.
Alabama Blues Project summer camp features music, art, and theater
Alabama Blues Project will host its 2014 Summer Blues Camp at the University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa. The weeklong camp will be July 21-25, 9-5 p.m. The children will participate in art activities and learn about blues history from 9 a.m.- noon, break for lunch, and then receive blues music instruction from 1-5 p.m.
Northport Fire Rescue taking donations for family following tragic fire
Northport Fire Rescue is stepping up in a big way to help support a Greensboro family, after a horrific fire tragedy earlier this week. 29-year-old Melissa Rabon was killed in the blaze at her home on Monday. She leaves behind three boys, ages 2-12, who have only the clothing on their backs.
City of Tuscaloosa to Host 'Tuscaloosa Builds' Monthly Educational Session for Contractors
Tuscaloosa Builds, a City of Tuscaloosa program to help disadvantaged women- and minority-owned businesses participate in city construction contracts, will kick off a series of free monthly education sessions for contractors with "Contracting Basics" on Thursday, July 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the EDGE Business Resource Center, located at 800 22nd Ave.
