NEW MISS HUNTINGDON CROWNED
Fifteen Huntingdon College women competed for the title of Miss Huntingdon in mid-March, where judges observed for self-expression, talent, poise, platform and the answer to a question posed on-stage. At the pageant’s conclusion, six prizes were awarded. Miss Philanthropic, voted by her peers, and Miss Congeniality, voted by her sister contestants, were awarded to Autumn Allday, a sophomore Exercise Science major from Valley Grande, Alabama. A new Crowd Favorite Award, voted upon via text by pageant viewers, was presented to Sidney Ison, a sophomore Biochemistry major from Huntsville, Alabama. Taylor Young, a junior majoring in Business Administration and Art from Wetumpka, Alabama, was awarded Second Runner-Up. Lindsey Hicks, of Tallassee, Alabama, a junior majoring in Elementary Education/Collaborative Special Education, was honored as First Runner-Up. Miss Huntingdon 2018 is Cassidy Oswald, a sophomore majoring in Religion and Psychology from Troy, Alabama.
BAPTIST HEALTH TEACHES KIDS ABOUT HOSPITALS
In late February, Baptist Health hosted its 35th Let’s Pretend Hospital, a weeklong event that helps children alleviate their fears of hospitals by introducing them to departments and activities that happen in a healthcare setting in a fun and non-threatening manner. This year, more than 2,400 area first graders from across the River Region participated.
BISCUITS ANNOUNCE SPORTSRADIO 740 AS NEW FLAGSHIP STATION
The Montgomery Biscuits and Cumulus Radio announced earlier this year that SportsRadio 740 AM is the new home for Montgomery Biscuits baseball for the 2018 season. Chris Adams-Wall will return for his third season as the “Voice of the Biscuits” to call all 140 games, both home and away. “Cumulus has been a tremendous partner of the Biscuits for 15 years, and we’re incredibly excited to broadcast our games on SportsRadio 740,” said Biscuits General Manager Scott Trible.
MAX OPENING CHANTILLY BRANCH
In February, MAX celebrated its ground breaking on its new location at the corner of Chantilly Parkway. The new two-story branch and will also house Wealth Management and Business Services. The Chantilly location will be MAX’s 10th branch in Montgomery County and MAX’s 18th branch overall.
CHAMBLESS KING RENOVATES AUBURN UNIVERSITY BUILDING
Chambless King, the architect of record for work on Auburn University’s Broun Hall, home to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, recently announced the completion of the renovation and an addition. The project, known as the Davidson Pavilion, was unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony in February. The early 1980s building is in the center of Auburn University’s campus and adjacent to the Ginn Concourse. The renovation includes a new two-story main entrance addition and upgraded public spaces with updated information technology, lighting, finishes, mechanical and electrical systems. In addition, new landscaping and exterior spaces are provided adjacent to the pedestrian Ginn Concourse. “The new Pavilion provides the students with an environment conducive to study and collaboration,” said Stephen King, Principal of Chambless King Architects.
ASU FEATURES "ME, TOO" MOVEMENT FOUNDER
“Me, too” movement founder Tarana Burke had a message for the audience about survivors of sexual abuse when she spoke at Alabama State University’s Distinguished Lecture Series on Marcy 16 at ASU’s Ralph D. Abernathy College of Education Hall. Her message was, “Create opportunities for survivors of sexual violence to heal.” The need to help others motivated the community organizer to commit herself to being there for people who had been abused. Burke, a TIME magazine 2017 “Person of the Year,” said the movement has become a rally cry for people everywhere who have survived sexual abuse and assault. During the Q&A portion of the program, Burke advised students how they can become active participants in combating sexual violence. “Get creative with your protesting and do something different that might catch more attention than a predictable protest,” Burke said.
CADDELL BEGINS NEW U.S. EMBASSY IN MEXICO CITY
Caddell’s Senior Vice President of International Rod Ceasar was among the special guests who manned a ceremonial shovel for the ground-breaking ceremony for the new $943 million U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Caddell’s $518 million construction contract is among the largest for new State Department diplomatic facilities and demonstrates the importance of the U.S./Mexico relationship. The multi-building complex is being constructed on an 8.5acre site in the upscale Polanco District of Mexico City, Mexico, very near the headquarters of Mexico’s richest man, Carlos Slim. The construction contract was awarded in September 2017, and completion of the project is anticipated in 2022.
ALABAMA PHYSICIANS CONTRIBUTE BILLIONS TO STATE FINANCIAL HEALTH
Alabama’s more than 8,700 patient-care physicians fulfill a vital role in the state’s economy by supporting 101,770 jobs and generating $16.7 billion in economic activity, according to a new report released by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama and the American Medical Association. “Urban or rural, large group or solo practitioner, Alabama’s physicians are major economic engines,” said Medical Association President Jerry Harrison, M.D. The report measured the economic impact of Alabama’s physicians according to four key economic barometers: jobs; output; wages and benefits; and tax revenues. While this new study illustrates that physicians carry tremendous responsibility as skilled healers charged with safeguarding healthy communities, it also shows their positive impact is not confined to the exam room.
WCOV-TV MAKES $5,000 DONATION
WCOV-TV FOX 20 recently showed its support for the Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA) by providing a $5,000 donation to the organization. “MACOA couldn’t provide or sustain our services to local seniors if it wasn’t for the strong community support from businesses like WCOV,” said Donna Marietta, Executive Director of MACOA. MACOA has been serving River Region seniors for 45 years. In addition to Meals on Wheels, MACOA runs a variety of programs designed to enrich the lives of the elderly. MACOA also runs several Senior Activity Centers in the Montgomery Area and is instrumental in putting an end to elder abuse. WCOV Owner David Woods said, “WCOV has been a business volunteer for MACOA’s Meals on Wheels, running the Cloverdale route for many years. We have seen the impact they have on the lives of senior citizens in the River Region.”
AT&T ADDS ACCESS IN CENTRAL ALABAMA
AT&T has expanded internet access throughout Alabama to better serve those in rural and urban areas, relying on the nearly 1.7 million strand miles of fiber optics that cover Alabama to keep the state’s residents and businesses connected. As part of its FCC Connect America Fund commitment, AT&T has deployed high-speed internet service to unserved and underserved locations in parts of 32 counties.
WARREN AVERETT DONATES $10,000
Warren Averett hosted its 2018 Great Gatsby Casino Night at Montgomery Country Club in February. For the second year the event has been held to raise money for local organizations through the Central Alabama Community Foundation (CACF). With the help of many generous sponsors, Warren Averett was able to raise $10,000 to present to CACF.
ALABAMA DELEGATION HONORED
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently honored 249 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 48 members of the U.S. Senate with its annual Spirit of Enterprise Award, given in recognition of their support for pro-growth policies in the first session of the 115th Congress. The Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award is given annually to members of Congress based on their votes on critical business legislation as outlined in the Chamber’s How They Voted scorecard. Several members of Alabama’s congressional delegation were among those recognized: Senator Richard Shelby; Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-1); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-2); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-3); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-4); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-5); and Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-6).
LOCAL REALTOR COMPLETES TRAINING
Sally Hodges of EXIT Best Homes Realty joined real estate professionals at Ambassador Training, a two-day course designed to improve public-speaking skills and develop confidence when speaking with people one-on-one, in small groups or to an audience. Ambassador Training is the brainchild of EXIT Realty Corp. International’s Director of Leadership Bob McKinnon. “We are excited that Sally Hodges has graduated EXIT Realty’s Ambassador Training Program. This training will elevate her public-speaking skills and enable her to better serve her community,” said McKinnon.
VOLUNTEERS CLEAN ALABAMA RIVER
The first Renew Our Rivers cleanup of 2018 took place in mid-February at Swift Creek Landing in Autaugaville. The cleanup was performed by volunteers and was coordinated by Autauga County PALS, Army Corps of Engineers, the town of Autaugaville, Autauga County Rescue Squad, Autauga County Litter Crew, Autauga County Commission, Advanced Disposal Systems and Alabama Power. Volunteers for Renew Our Rivers, one of the Southeast’s largest river cleanup campaigns, have collected more than 15 million pounds of trash and debris since the program’s inception in 2000. This year, 30 cleanups are planned through November on seven different rivers throughout the state.
MAX 15th ANNUAL COMMUNITY RECEPTION HONORS LOCAL DIFFERENCE MAKERS
On February 1, MAX held its 15th Annual MAX Community Reception, an annual event that brings together business, political and community leaders to celebrate community successes and recognize organizations and individuals who have made a significant difference in the quality of life in Central and East Alabama. This year, MAX honored Hope Inspired Ministries and Valiant Cross Academy for their efforts in contributing to a better River Region community. Along with the MAX Community Achievement Award, MAX was also honored to present Hope Inspired Ministries and Valiant Cross Academy with a check for $3,000 to further support both organizations’ efforts.
BISCUITS EXTEND RELATIONSHIP WITH TAMPA BAY RAYS
The Montgomery Biscuits and Tampa Bay Rays announced that they have extended their Player Development Contract through the end of the 2020 baseball season. To celebrate this extension and 2018 being the 15th year of a Rays-Biscuits partnership, the Biscuits also announced that they will wear a new powder blue on-field jersey and hat during each of the Biscuits Sunday home games. The new powder blue jersey will be emblazoned with the letters “MGM” in honor of Montgomery’s abbreviation, complete with the Rays sunburst on the far right and the Biscuits’ fan favorite “Monty” biscuit. The New Era 59fifty hat features the Biscuits primary home logo over a powder blue base with navy bill and the Tampa Bay Rays “TB” logo on the side of the hat. The hat, along with an assortment of other powder blue apparel items to mark 15 years of partnering with the Rays, are now available for purchase. “The Tampa Bay Rays cherish their relationship with the Montgomery Biscuits and the City of Montgomery,” said Mitch Lukevics, Director of Minor League Operations for the Tampa Bay Rays.
KICKBALL BACK IN MGM
Home Team Sports launched its Montgomery Spring 2018 Kickball season in March. Several factors set this kickball league apart, according to Montgomery-based Home Team Sports co-partner Jeffery Runyon. “We are the only true local league in Montgomery (local ownership),” he said. “We’re also the least expensive league.” Registration is $45 per player compared with other leagues charging $55 and $65 per player. The league is open to adults ages 21 and older with all types of athletic ability.
YMCA CELEBRATES 150 YEARS
On March 1, the YMCA of Greater Montgomery celebrated is forward-thinking leaders and its service to its community that has been ongoing since 1868. Volunteers and staff have anchored neighborhoods, reinforced family bonds and helped thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds live healthier lives.
OPRAH DINES AT LOCAL RESTAURANT
On a recent visit to Montgomery, celebrity Oprah Winfrey dined at Central restaurant with friends. “The whole restaurant was excited to see Oprah Winfrey chose Central as her place to dine while she was visiting the city,” said Jason McGarry, Central’s new Executive Chef.
HUNTINGDON OFFERS DUAL ENROLLMENT & SUMMER ACADEMIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Huntingdon College is offering summer opportunities for high school students to either explore career pathways or earn credit toward their undergraduate degrees. Three summer academies allow rising high school juniors and/or seniors to explore vocational callings in ministry, health and medicine, or community and economic development. In addition, the College will offer a new Dual Enrollment Program during Summer 2018: two summer classes designed specifically for rising high school juniors and seniors, each allowing students to earn three hours of college credit. Students must apply for the program with the signature of their high school guidance counselor by May 15 and may enroll in one or both classes.
CAPELL & HOWARD, P.C. OPENS OFFICE IN BALDWIN COUNTY
Capell & Howard, P.C.’s newest office is open for business in Baldwin County. For more than 70 years, a commitment to two core values — professional leadership and civic responsibility — has defined Capell & Howard. The full-service law firm, with more than 40 attorneys, is dedicated to seeing Alabama thrive. “We are proud to announce the opening of a new branch office in Fairhope and even more excited to continue to build more relationships and friendships in Baldwin County and South Alabama,” said Managing Director Courtney Williams.
CITY HONORS CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST
The City of Montgomery celebrated civil rights activist Claudette Colvin with a tribute on March 2 at the City Hall auditorium. Colvin was just 15 years old when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery bus on March 2, 1955 – about nine months before Rosa Parks also refused to give up her seat. Colvin, who attended Booker T. Washington High School, rode the bus to and from her childhood home in King Hill, which is near Capitol Heights. The tribute included speaker Margaret Burch, who was a passenger on that same bus in 1955. She was joined by Attorney Fred Gray, who represented Colvin and other plaintiffs in a case where the court ruled that Montgomery’s segregated bus system was unconstitutional. The event also included a screening of the short film “A Letter to Claudette Colvin” by Atlanta film director Victoria Wilson.
