Fifth Grader Inspired by Lineman's Visit!

A Glen Oaks Intermediate School fifth grader, Israel Jones, has a new career ambition after a special visit! He always dreamed of being an engineer, but now? He's also thinking about becoming a lineman!

"Joe the Lineman" Sparks Interest

Alabama Power's Lead Lineman, Shane Seeley, stopped by to read "Joe the Lineman" to the students. This heartwarming book, by Mario Dealba and Reka Jambrich, clearly made an impact.

Powering Up Safety Education

Alabama Power is teaming up with Better Basics to teach kids and the community about electrical safety, especially during storm season. Smart thinking!

Learning and Inspiration

Israel Jones shared what he learned: linemen work hard, help people every day, and step up during emergencies. "When I grow up, I want to be an engineer, but after today, I want to be a lineman as well.” How cool is that?

Community Connection

Seeley loves connecting with the community. The Glen Oaks visit included a close-up look at a bucket truck (aka boom truck!), a vital tool for linemen.

Safety First!

"It’s never too early to start learning about safety around electricity," said Seeley. "We’re thankful for the chance to be here today and spend some time with these students, having fun while sharing information that could help keep them safe.”

Expanding Horizons

Kris Talley of Better Basics added that visits like this broaden kids' horizons. Seeing a lineman from Alabama Power might just spark new career dreams!

Southern Fried Film Fest Lights Up Huntsville This Summer!

Get ready, ChumCity! The Southern Fried Film Festival is hitting our streets this summer thanks to some awesome grants!

Big Boost for Local Arts

Local and state grants are giving the annual film fest a serious boost, meaning even more amazing movies and filmmakers from all over will be gracing our presence.

Shout Out to the Supporters

Festival founder Trevite Willis is stoked! "We are incredibly grateful for the generous support," Willis said, giving mad props to Arts Huntsville, the City of Huntsville, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. These grants, totaling almost $32,000, are a huge deal and will make the festival even better!

Meet the Filmmakers!

"The ability to bring filmmakers to Huntsville and provide opportunities for direct interaction with audiences is invaluable," Willis added. Get ready to mingle!

Grant Breakdown

The festival snagged a $14,292 Arts and Cultural Grant from Arts Huntsville and the City of Huntsville. Plus, two grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts: one for $12,600 and another for $5,100!

Arts Council Love

Dr. Elliot Knight, executive director of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, shared their excitement, saying their grants are all about strengthening culture and improving life across Alabama, and the Southern Fried Film Fest nails those goals.

What to Expect

These funds mean organizers can reach more people, bring in top-notch flicks, and, best of all, bring the filmmakers right here to Huntsville for some face-to-face time with us film fanatics! Expect Q&A sessions and engaging panel discussions all weekend long.

More Than Just Movies

This festival is about connections, community, and boosting Alabama's arts scene!

The Southern Fried Film Festival is June 5-8 at various locations around the Rocket City.

Alabama's Got a Gig: Supporting Our Independent Workforce!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity citizens! Alabama's economy is changing faster than you can say "sweet home," and our Legislature is stepping up to help our growing army of independent workers.

A Win for Alabama's Freelancers!

That's right, folks! Our lawmakers just passed a super cool bill to support all you self-employed superstars. We're talking Uber drivers, Lyft wranglers, DoorDash heroes, talented entertainers, and all those freelance pros keeping Alabama awesome. With over 79,000 independent contractors rocking the state, this is HUGE!

Flexibility with a Catch? Not Anymore!

We know the gig life offers amazing freedom - perfect for busy parents, college hustlers, and those seeking supplemental income. But sometimes, that flexibility comes with a price, like missing out on traditional benefits.

Portable Benefits: The Future is Here!

But fear not! This new law is a pro-worker, pro-business game-changer. It modernizes our labor laws and makes sure independent workers aren't left behind. Governor Ivey signed it into law, and starting next year, businesses can voluntarily contribute to "portable benefit accounts" owned and controlled by the workers themselves. Think healthcare coverage, childcare, parental leave, and even retirement savings! The best part? Participation is voluntary and flexible. No mandates, just opportunity!

Smart Policy for a Stronger Alabama

This is the kind of smart government we love! It's not about dictating how people work, but about paving the way for them to succeed on their own terms. Alabama understands that a strong workforce means a strong economy.

Leading the Way Nationally

Alabama is helping lead the charge! While other states are still thinking about it, we're already acting. Even folks at the federal level are looking at expanding portable benefits nationwide.

A Bipartisan Win for Alabamians

This bipartisan bill is a golden opportunity to support our independent workers and fuel Alabama entrepreneurship. It's a major step in the right direction for freelancers, gig workers, and the self-employed. Portable benefits will remove barriers, spark job growth, and help more Alabamians control their future.

Building the Future of Work, Today!

We're not just recognizing the future of work – we're helping build it! Massive thanks to State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and State Rep. Neil Rafferty (D-Birmingham) for sponsoring this awesome legislation!

Hope Inspired Ministries: Faith and Practicality Lifting Up Our Community

Hope Inspired Ministries (HIM) isn't just about faith; it's about real-world solutions for folks seeking employment. Like they say, faith without works... you know the rest! HIM blends prayer and Bible study with practical job skills training to help individuals land, keep, and excel in the right jobs.

Breaking Down Barriers

According to HIM's Executive Director, John Bowman, sometimes people can't access support because of hurdles like lacking ID, transportation, housing, or medical care. HIM steps in to clean up the mess, offering workforce development with a heavy dose of social work.

Witness the Impact: Hope Heals Luncheon

Want to see the amazing work HIM is doing firsthand? Their annual Hope Heals luncheon is happening! Program participants will be sharing their incredible journeys with storyboards and life maps.

Success Stories

Birmingham Municipal Court Judge Andra Sparks will emcee the event, and lead a discussion with two HIM grads: Gerica Cammack, an apprentice chef at Urban Ministry who recently competed nationally, and Robert Fleissner, now an area manager at Sanpeggio’s Pizza! HIM isn't just about getting a job; it's about thriving in the workplace, in the community, and in life!

Powering Potential

Alabama Power Foundation is a longtime supporter, with Workforce Development Manager Tom McNeal serving on the HIM board. McNeal emphasizes that HIM ensures everyone has the chance to build a brighter future, regardless of background.

Expanding the Reach

Founded in Montgomery in 2012, HIM expanded to Birmingham in 2017 and Lowndes County in 2020. They also partner with organizations like The Foundry Ministries and the Alabama Department of Youth Services to implement their curriculum.

More Than Just Job Skills

HIM's curriculum covers conflict resolution, interview skills, financial literacy, and resume writing, plus Alabama Career Essentials. Coaches help participants overcome barriers, from doctor's appointments to getting ID. After six weeks of classes, participants complete a three-week internship. 85-90% of graduates find employment!

Community Impact

Bowman believes HIM benefits entire communities by reducing crime and boosting the economy. Turning unemployed individuals into contributing members makes a HUGE difference!

Everyone Needs a Hand

HIM actively recruits participants from various sources. Bowman reminds us that anyone can be a decision or two away from needing help.

Insta-Guardians: More Ways to Keep Teens Safe Online!

Instagram's stepping up its game to protect young users! They're rolling out new features to get more teens into their "Teen Accounts," which offer a safer online experience. Think limited contact, controlled content, and time-limit tools – all to help teens navigate the digital world responsibly.

Parents & AI: A Tag Team for Teen Safety

So, how are they doing it? First, they're directly engaging with parents, sharing info about the importance of accurate age reporting. They've even teamed up with experts like Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist, to provide tips for talking to your teen about online safety.

But that's not all! Instagram is also testing AI tech to sniff out accounts that might belong to teens pretending to be older. If the AI flags an account, it gets automatically switched to Teen Account settings. Don't worry, though; if the AI gets it wrong, users can easily update their profile.

Why All the Fuss?

Instagram says these efforts are about creating a safer space for teens. Over 54 million teens worldwide are already using Teen Accounts, with a whopping 97% of 13-15 year olds choosing to keep those protections in place. And feedback has been great – over 90% of parents say the protections are super helpful.

Still a Work in Progress

Instagram admits nailing down a user's true age is tough, but they're committed to making it happen. Parental approval and app store age verification are still seen as key to the process. Stay tuned for more updates as they work to keep our teens safe and sound online!

Alabama the Beautiful: Let's Keep It That Way!

It's no accident our state is called "Alabama the Beautiful!" We're all starting to appreciate our natural wonders more and more, and folks are fired up about protecting them.

There are tons of awesome organizations, big and small, working to conserve Alabama's beauty. But getting involved can feel a bit daunting. Want to make sure our state's stunning geography is protected for generations? Then dive into the Renew Our Rivers cleanups! It's the perfect way to jump in.

Renew Our Rivers: A Big Deal!

Renew Our Rivers kicked off in Gadsden, at Lake Neely Henry. This year marks the 26th year of this amazing statewide effort! Last year alone, nearly 3,400 volunteers yanked about 107 tons of trash from lakes and waterways. Over the past 25 years, more than 104,000 volunteers have removed a whopping 13.4 million pounds of garbage from Alabama's shorelines!

Renew Our Rivers is one of the biggest river cleanups in the whole country. Alabama Power has gotten fantastic support from local groups, community partners, and volunteers. Find a cleanup near you and help protect Alabama's natural beauty!

Upcoming Cleanups

Here’s the schedule:

April

• April 25th at Smith Lake
• April 26th at Weiss Lake

May

• May 3rd at Lake Jordan
• May 10th at Lake Mitchell
• May 20th to 21st at Smith Lake

June

• June 14th at Alabama River

August

• August 9th at Valley Creek

September

• September 4th to 5th at Smith Lake
• September 17th to 18th at Smith Lake
• September 22nd to 27th at Neely Henry Lake
• September 27th at Village Creek
• September 19th to 20th, September 30th at Dog River

October

• October 1st to 2nd at Mobile River
• October 4th at Lake Mitchell
• October 9th at Plant Miller
• October 10 at Smith Lake
• October 21st and 23rd at R.L. Harris
• October 31st to November 1st at Lake Martin

A SoulGrown Alabama contribution

Arab Gets Ready to Rumble with New Recreation Center!

Get ready, Arab! The city just broke ground on a brand-spankin' new recreation center, promising a slam-dunk of fun for everyone!

Partnering for Playtime

Working alongside Goodwyn Mills Cawood and Fite Building Co., Arab is leveling up its recreational game. This center will be the place for athletic events, tournaments, and all sorts of community gatherings.

38,000 Square Feet of Awesome

Clocking in at a whopping 38,000 square feet, this athletic haven will cater to your favorite indoor sports. Think basketball, volleyball, and more! We're talking a massive 26,800 square-foot sports floor with four competition areas, bleachers for cheering, and curtains for dividing the court. Game on!

More Than Just Sports

But wait, there's more! This facility also boasts a concession stand for those mid-game munchies, meeting space, locker rooms, a multipurpose room, and even offices for the Arab Department of Parks and Recreation staff.

Top-Notch Team

Goodwyn Mills Cawood is handling the architectural, interior design, engineering, and landscaping magic, while Fite Building Co. brings it all to life. Big shout-out also to Structural Design Group and Rocket MEP for their expert skills!

See You in 2026!

Mark your calendars! Construction is slated to wrap up in Fall 2026. Get ready to experience a whole new level of recreation in Arab!

Women in Agriculture: Connecting, Communicating, and Inspiring!

Over 200 women in agriculture were buzzing with inspiration after the Alabama Farmers Federation Women's Leadership Conference in Auburn! The message was clear: Communicate. Engage. Connect.

A Place for Everyone

Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) chair Rachel Chastain emphasized that agriculture, and the Federation, has a place for everyone. "That is what makes the Federation so special," she said. "You can come here and not have to be bashful about your faith. It is a true foundation of our organization.”

Faith and Fellowship

Keynote speaker Megan Smalley, author of Give Grace, drove home the importance of living a faith-filled life. Kesha Holoway from Blount County found Smalley's message particularly impactful. "Megan encouraged us to give grace and embrace the beauty of life’s brokenness through faith. Everyone has a story, and this conference has opened my eyes to that.”

Chastain shared that Smalley’s description of groups like these as "cup-filling" perfectly captured the event's essence. "When we are on our own farms, we feel isolated and try to juggle so much," Chastain explained. "This conference serves as a reset as we engage and connect with like-minded ladies.”

A Family Reunion

Cheryl Lassiter from Choctaw County called the Women’s Leadership Conference a family reunion. "It feels like each lady here is a part of my extended family," Lassiter shared. "We all have the same struggles, and we have the same love for agriculture. I’ve been coming for 25 years, and it feels like nothing has changed. That’s why I love this group.”

Workshops and Networking

The conference was packed with a welcome session, four breakout workshops, and a networking event. Cognitive coach Judi Pritchard spoke on dementia, while Stacey Little of Southern Bite brought laughter with his kitchen hacks.

Farm-City was another key topic, and the Farm-City workshop was a highlight, where women exchanged ideas for activities in their counties and classrooms. A farm-focused panel and a tailgate-themed networking event further enhanced the experience.

A Welcoming Community

"Agriculture is not just one commodity; there is a place for all," Chastain reminded attendees.

Kim Earwood, Women’s Leadership Division Director, emphasized the uniquely wonderful community of women in agriculture. “The State WLC planned an incredible conference, ensuring each lady who walked into the door would feel welcomed, loved and valued. We are strong because of the women we surround ourselves with.”

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Ooh La La!

Wardrobe Malfunction Alert!

Someone's summer dress was definitely working overtime! Let's just say this German beauty nearly gave onlookers a free show. Her, shall we say, assets were practically begging to be set free! Talk about a close call... and a whole lotta sizzle! ChumCity readers, what do you think? Hot or not? Let us know in the comments! 😉