• The Goose Hung High Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, First Church of Nazarene, 5415 Highway 157, Cullman. Closed literature study, Sundays, 3 p.m. Handicap accessible.
• Open Minds and Miracles, Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, Monday-Saturday, 7 p.m., 406 Pine Ave.
S.W., Decatur.
• Hartselle Hope Group of Alcoholics Anonymous, 527 Sparkman St. S.W., Hartselle. Monday-Saturday, 7 p.m.; Monday-Friday, noon; Monday-Friday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Women’s meeting, Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Roger C., 910619-3313.
• J.S. Cocaine Anonymous (All Welcome), Monday and Thursday, noon and 8 p.m.; Saturday 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., 717 Alabama 67, Suite 4, Priceville.
• Beltine Recovery Group (12 Steps), Tuesday and Thursday, 7 p.m., Beltline Church of Christ Room 323, 2159 Beltline Road
S.W. All meetings are open to anyone. All meetings are non-smoking. For information call 256-620-0306.
• Stairway AA Group: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 5:30 a.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 8 a.m.; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday (Women’s), Sunday: 12:15 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday: 5:30 p.m.; Monday, Wednesday, Friday (Speaker): 7 p.m.; Sunday: 7 a.m.; Located in Gateway Shopping Center, 1820 Sixth Ave., #G3, Decatur. Entrance off of Magnolia St. S.E., in back.
All meetings are nonsmoking and non-vaping. Wheelchair accessible. For Open or Closed designation, see aahuntsvilleal.com. 256885-0323.
• For information regarding Overeaters Anonymous, call 505-891-2664 or visit oa.org.
• For information regarding All Addicts Anonymous, call 888-422-2476 or visit alladdictsanonymous.org.
• For information regarding Narcotics Anonymous, call 256-227-2986.
Al-Anon
• Al-Anon Meeting, Hartselle Hope Group, Monday and Friday: Face to face only, 7 p.m.; Wednesday: Zoom only, 7 p.m. For Zoom information call 256-612-7972 or 256-773-9626.
• Easy Does It Al-Anon Family Group meets Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 801 Jackson St., Decatur. All meetings nonsmoking. For more information call 256-341-7168. 888-425-2666, 256-8850323, al-non.alateen.org, alnw -al-anon.org.
• Celebrate Recovery, a 12-Step group for those affected by various addictions, Thursdays, large group meeting, 6:30 p.m.; gender-speci c groups, 7:30 p.m.; child care provided; Decatur Baptist Church, 2527 Danville Road S.W. 256-353-8579.
support groups
• Celebrate Recovery, Mondays, First Methodist Church Hartselle, 210 Hickory St. S.E. Dinner, 5:45 p.m., $3 suggested donation. Large group meeting, 6:30 p.m., followed by Small groups, Free childcare is provided. Follow the signs. The entrance is on the Short Street side of the church for Celebrate Recovery.
• Parkinson’s Support Group, 10-11 a.m., Decatur Rehab Access, 2349 Danville Road, Decatur. Second Tuesday of each month. No charge and everyone welcome. Join us for a group discussion on common issues that you face as you live with Parkinson’s disease or care for someone with it. We will also talk about planning ideas for future activities in the Decatur area. 256-973-4900.
• Camp Hope, a one-day grief camp for children (5-13) who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Hospice of the Valley’s Community Bereavement Center, 240 Johnston St. S.E. Call for schedule.
Page A2
Council votes to hire Mack
By Bayne Hughes For The Decatur Courier Journal
Birmingham Police Capt.
Torry Mack became Decatur’s next police chief in an unconventional way Monday night — if he agrees to accept the job.
Mack received unanimous support as chief on a night in which City Council President Jacob Ladner did not allow publiccomment,exceptforon ordinances or alcohol licenses as required by law.
The council chamber was full and unusually quiet. Half of the chamber was filled with people wearing black as they continuedtheirprotestsofthe deaths of John Scott Jr. and Steve Perkins.
The City Council is seeking to fill the chief’s position left vacant when Todd Pinion was
‘Impacting
pressuredtostepdowntocaptain in March following the review of DPD by Green Research & Technology.
The review was part of the City Council’s response to the fatal shooting of Perkins on Sept. 29, 2023, at his Ryan Drive Southwest home, by then-Decatur police officer Mac Marquette. Marquette was indicted for murder. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for June 9.
Several people attending the council meeting wore the
same kind of spit masks as Decatur police put over Scott’s head when he resisted arrest April 15, leading to a struggle that included police stunning him during his apparent mental health crisis.
DPD took Scott to Morgan County Jail and after he suffered medical issues he was transported to Decatur Morgan Hospital. He died a week later at Huntsville Hospital.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. After Monday’s council
the students’
By R. Sirvell Carter For The Decatur Courier Journal
Ask Woodmeade Elementary Principal Aundrea Hanson to compare her experiences as a principal with her years as a teacher, and she will tell you she enjoys the impact she can make in her current role.
“Being a principal allows me to impact every student, whereas when I was a teacher, I was just impacting the students that I touched,” she said. “Being a principal allows me to impact every student by making sure each student has the opportunity to learn and grow to reach their potential at any age. Also, being a principal allows me to grow teachers and help them to become a master of their craft.
“I think that’s what I’m enjoying a lot is that I have an assistant principal, and I use my knowledge to train her to become a good leader.” Hanson’s inspiration to pursue a career in education came during her childhood.
“I think it goes back to growingupinaruralcounty,” she said. Hanson grew up in Eutaw, located in Greene County in west Alabama. “There weren’t many
careeropportunities(there),” said Hanson, 54. “During my childhood, educators back then were held in high regard by students, parents and the community. They not only served their students, they were so involved in the community and the community activities. Their selflessness and commitment to giving back inspired me to pursue a career in education.” Hanson achieved her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees at Alabama A&M and earned certificates from Georgia State and UAB. She
began her career teaching second grade for two years in SelmabeforejoiningDecatur City Schools.
She served as a reading interventionist at Leon Sheffield Elementary, West Decatur and Banks-Caddell Elementarybeforespendingone year as an assistant principal at Oak Park Elementary. Next she was hired as the principal of Benjamin Davis. After eight years at Ben Davis she became principal at Woodmeade.
“She has always been exceptional with data and the
ability to move test scores,” Decatur City Schools Superintendent Michael Douglas said in April 2022 upon her transfer to Woodmeade.
That ability has been evident at Woodmeade.
She has spent nearly three full years there. The school received a C on the state report card her first year before improving to a B in each of the next two years.
“I’m very pleased with where we are and how we are growing,” Hanson said.
meeting, the group picketed on the
front of
The protesters included some of the people arrested and then banned from City Hall after last week’s rowdy council work session.
Councilman Billy Jackson pushed for the council to move forward with the appointment of Mack even though Human Resources
Jubilee returns for 48th year
By Graciann Goodin For The
The Alabama Jubilee HotAir Balloon Classic, one of the largest and longest running hot air balloon festivals in the nation, returns to Decatur on Memorial Day weekend.
The 48th annual Jubilee will be held at Point Mallard Park. More than 30,000 guests are expected to attend, as well as about 60 pilots from across the nation.
“It’s definitely the most prominent festival we have and the widest range of travelers we see from all over the country,” said Emma Martin, communications director at Morgan County Tourism.
Leigh Ann Underwood, director of group sales and special events and Jubilee liaison for Morgan County Tourism, said she thinks Jubilee’s uniqueness attracts the crowds.
“It’s something that you don’t see happening everywhere,” Underwood said.
“Not every town has the place for it, the capacity, or even the people that’ll work.”
Pilots will compete, offer tethered rides and light up
Point Mallard with the fanfavorite Balloon Glow.
Brian Dial, communication chairman for the 48th Jubilee, recommends getting to the field mid-afternoon when planning to attend the evening events, Saturday’s Balloon Glow and Sunday’s fireworks show.
Thefestivalwillalsofeature the Hare and Hound Race and the Lynn Layton Key Grab.
Participating balloons include the iconic Decatur balloon, River City Drifter, Tweety, Yellow Bird, Chase from “Paw Patrol,” Police Dog, the watermelon, Seedquel and Pepsi. The event and on-site parking are free, but
sidewalk along Lee Street Northeast in
City Hall.
Mack
Jeronimo Nisa/For The Decatur Courier Journal photos
Woodmeade Elementary School Principal Aundrea Hanson has worked as a reading interventionist, assistant principal and principal in Decatur City Schools.
Woodmeade Elementary School Principal Aundrea Hanson walks with some of her students. She said she likes having an impact on numerous students as an administrator.
Decatur Courier Journal
Nature is their beat
Conservation officers bring law and order to outdoors
By Wes Tomlinson For The Decatur Courier Journal
Whether trekking through the woods or patrolling the Tennessee River, game wardens in north Alabama cover vast terrain and often face risks that equal or exceed those of other law enforcementofficers,especiallysince most individuals they encounter are armed, according to an FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. Luke Lemley and Brad Hasamear have been game wardens, or senior conservation enforcement officers, for over a decade now, working all over north Alabama. They were at the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries office in Tanner recently to train their 3-year-old beagle K-9 Bruno, and watched as he sniffed out the exact path the two officers had walked, no matter which way they went.
Utilizing dogs like Bruno is a major step forward for conservation officers, according to Hasamear, especially when it comes to tracking poachers on private property.
“It takes a lot of the guesswork out of trying to locate someone that’s not trying to be found,” Hasamear said. “Before, you would have to go find somebody and they are parked right here, but you don’t have the reasonable suspicion enough to block them in and trap them there, and you come back to your truck and then they are gone.”
Lemley said in the case of both missing hitchhikers and poachers, their K-9s have found rifles, clothes and other objects left behind, helping the game wardens to establish strong leads on where they may be found.
“That’s the game-changer part for me is the dog being able to go back to where some
of the items may have been deposited or left as they were trying to evade us,” Lemley said. “Years ago, I’m sure I’ve had some success, but I know I’ve missed some. Some (poachers) would stick to that story of, ‘No, I was never hunting,’ but now when they see that dog, they start being honest.”
Hasamear has been a game warden for 11 years. Born and raised in a rural area north of Peoria, Illinois, conservation was not the field he was in when starting his employment.
“I started out as a food and safety inspector for the United States Department of Agriculture,” Hasamear said. “I had transferred to north Alabama while working for the USDA and so I moved here and changed careers in the same year.”
Lemley,whohas20yearsof experience as a conservation officer, was born on an Air Force base in Biloxi, Mississippi, but moved to Huntsville when he was 4 years old. It was around that time he began to think about becoming a game warden because of his love of being outdoors. However, he went a different route initially.
“I went to school for computer programming, and I
Panel warns of social media dangers
By Jean Cole For The Decatur Courier Journal
Teens and adults don’t understand the consequences of cyber bullying and extortion through social media, said attorney Patrick Caver, and more education is needed to alert them to the dangers.
He and several panelists addressed an audience last week during a mental health resourcefairsponsoredbyall the school districts in MorganCountyatCookMuseum ofNaturalScienceinDecatur.
“We are not going to keep technology from teens,” Caver said. But he does believe education and less screentimeisapathforward.
He mentioned a case in which a teenage boy clicked onasitewithaprettygirlwho asked him if he wanted to see more of her. At some point, the boy was asked to send a photo of himself undressed. When he did, the person replying said unless he wanted his preacher, class, family and others to see it, he had to pay $100 a month.
This type of electronic extortion goes on frequently, and Caver said the important thing is to make sure teenagers feel they can come to parents with this problem and make sure they know there is a legal remedy.
ApanelistwithInnerSpace CounselinginMadison,Summer Marchlinski, said it is importantforparentstoknow their children may not be getting enough sleep due to excessive screen time.
“Excessive screen time causes poor sleep quality and quantity,” she said.
Panelist Caris Synder, who writes books about mental health for teens and tweens, suggests preemptive strikes when it comes to teaching kids about social media dangers. She said parents should ask the tough questions of their tweens and teens beforesomething happens, such as what would they do if someone sent them a risqué picture. She suggested delaying kids’ social media exposure as long as possible by finding a peer or a friend who will delay with them. She suggests no social media until age 15. She also suggested making a contract with the childaboutthedo’sanddon’ts of social media to underline theseriousnessofthematter.
One of the reasons social media is so dangerous is its effect on the mental health of teens and tweens.
Social media, in any form, is dangerous for children, said Matt Adams, director of secondary education and mental health for Morgan County Schools.
worked a job moving pool tables and pinball machines before I took this job with the state in 2005,” he said.
Asarequirementtobecome a conservation officer, one must attend the police academy and receive the same training as other law enforcement officers.
Hasamear now works out of Lauderdale County, but he began his career in Lawrence County where he worked for over four years. He laughs as he recalls memories of finding remnants of old moonshine stills near Bankhead National Forest. He also remembers confronting the issue of poachers spotlighting game animals in the rural area.
Hasamear and Lemley said poaching — whether it’s hunting animals out of season or on forbidden property — has long been an issue in north Alabama.
“It’s a very small portion of the hunting population, but thereareguysineverycounty that’s all they think about is just to kill whatever it is,” Lemleysaid.“They’llsettheir mind on it, and they’ll do everything in their power to kill it.”
Poaching on private property carries a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first offense. Repeat offenses are punishablebyafineofatleast$2,000, mandatory revocation of all hunting license privileges for one year, and 10 to 30 days in jail.
Both wardens say working in rural areas late at night can be unnerving, especially considering the individuals they are investigating may be armed.
“One time, this lady who was camping on a management area tries to get us away from her tent and I saw this old man in there getting dressed,” Hasamear said. “Because they were unlawfully camping on a management area, after we wrote them a citation we ran them in the system and found out he was convicted of murder. So, there’s that kind of stuff.”
Individuals interested in becoming conservation officers can apply online at www. outdooralabama.com by visiting the “Careers” section under the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Applicants must be at least 21 years old to qualify.
Excessive screen time and lackofsleepcancausekidsto havemoreoutburstsatschool and home, she said.
Caver said it is not unusual for him to address audiences of teenagers and find that many don’t go to sleep until between midnight and 3 a.m. andsomedon’tsleepatalldue to excessive screen time. He said this means students are nodding off in their morning classes, which harms learning.
Trey Chowning, technologydirectorforMorganCounty Schools, said the problem with social media is that it trains the brain to want a reward every 30 seconds or so. This makes focusing on a subject in school very difficult. He noted that social media topics that make viewers upset or angry keep viewers engaged longer.
He said the key to changing children’s behavior is for parentstomodelthebehavior they want to see in their kids. Don’t spend a lot of time on your own phone and expect them not to, he said.
News iN Brief
School relaunches STEM camp
The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science in Mobile has relaunched its STEM Leadership AcademySummerCampforsixth through ninth graders.
After taking a pause due to campus upgrades and expansion, the school will once again offer the overnight camp experience this year, according to a news release.
Session 1 is June 2 through 6, and Session 2 is June 9 through 13. Cost for the overnight camp is $500 and includes all meals and field trip fees, if applicable.
Day camp is $375 and includes lunch and field trip fees, if applicable. Mini-medical school is an additional $100. Refunds can be requested until May 20. Registration and more information are available at: asms.net/summer-camps/alabama-stemleadership-academy.
Campers will engage in STEM courses including 3D printing, ACT test prep, mini-medical school, underwater robotics, engineering,
“It is linked to increased anxiety, depression, selfharming behavior and suicidal ideation,“ he previously said. “Studies have shown thatjustreducingscreentime by 30 minutes can reduce these effects by up to 35%” Allofthepanelistsstressed theneedforparentstostepup and be the parent when it comes to social media. Caver said if the parent bought the phone, then the phone belongs to the parent.
“There should be a rule thatmomanddadlookatyour phone if you are a teenager,” Caver said. “Never ask what thepasswordis—youshould already know.”
He said the threat of predators is real.
“They are trying to get to your kids,” Caver said.
He said a recent law enforcement sting that occurred in Limestone and Morgan counties netted 10 to 12 men who showed up in response to a social media post to get what they thought was a 14-year-old child.
Aside from the panel discussion on social media, one teacher asked students to think deeply about mental health.TajwanaJohnson,who teachesartatDecaturMiddle School, asked her students to think about their emotions and put them into drawings. Throughout the rooms allocated for last week’s event weretablesfilledwithmental health drawings done by students.
labs of doom, geology of Minecraft,industrialdesign, technology and entrepreneurship, rocketry, robotics and more.
Writing & Arts Summit
in June
Athens State University’s Summer Writing & Arts Summit will take place June 26 on the main campus in Athens, and June 27 at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
The summit will include workshops in the areas of writing, painting, sculpting, music, drama, photography, graphic design and more. The free event is aimed at writers, artists and anyone interested in the creative arts.
Lunch will be included on the first day and refreshments on the second day. Although the event is free, registration is required.
Those interested can register by visiting linktr.ee/ athensstatewritingcenter and clicking on Athens State University Summer Writing Summit.
Jeronimo Nisa/For The Decatur Courier Journal photos
Senior conservation enforcement officer Luke Lemley launches his boat at the Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Senior conservation enforcement officer Brad Hasamear works with Bruno.
Caver
SUBSCRIBIN GM EANS MORE
Communications manager begins job in City Hall
By Bayne Hughes For The Decatur Courier Journal
Decatur’s new communications manager, Samantha Magnuson, knows she has a big job ahead of her.
Magnuson started with Decatur on Monday, filling a position that’s been vacant since 2022.
“It’s exciting to really build a department and create a strategy for our communications,” Magnuson said Thursday during a meeting with staff at The Decatur Daily.
“What I’ve seen in my experience is a lot of municipalities don’t have a plan quite established.”
When asked about her initial priority, Mayor Tab Bowling laughed and said, “Which one?”
Bowling said he knows City Hall has a lot of communication needs as Magnuson comes in during a controversial period. Her hire was almost a direct result of criticism the city received in recent years for its communications and public relations.
The city’s last communica-
Chief
From page A1
DirectorRichelleSandlinsaid
she had not completed the preliminary process that includes background checks and a compensation agreement with Mack.
Jackson moved, and Councilman Kyle Pike seconded, a resolution that the council appoint Mack as police chief at a salary of $151,431 plus benefits and moving expenses.
The resolution, approved with a 4-0 vote, says he will take office June 2 and become a Decatur resident within 12 months of his appointment. Councilman Hunter Pepper was absent.
City Attorney Herman Marks said appointing a police chief or director prior toHumanResourcescompleting its preliminary process goes against city policy.
“Certainly, you can do what you wish,” Marks said. “But the normal process is the background check should be completed before you appoint an individual to a position.”
Jackson said he recognizes they’re not following the process, but Mack has already done a polygraph for the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission. He said he still expects HR to do background and credit checks.
“I think we should move on now,” Jackson said.
Sandlin said she has already been working with Mack through the process.
She said she hopes to completethisprocesssoshecould put a vote on Mack’s appointment on the City Council agenda May 19.
She pointed out that the council resolution “doesn’t change anything as far as the
Meetings
256-350-5585.
• Parents Forever, support group for parents who have lost a child (any age) to death. Call for schedule.
Hospice of the Valley’s Community Bereavement Center, 240 Johnston St. S.E. 256350-5585.
• Brothers-in-Arms, a men’s Grief Support Group, Hospice of the Valley’s Community Bereavement Center, 240 Johnston St. S.E. Call for schedule. 256-350-5585.
• Empty Arms, for those grieving the loss of a child during pregnancy or within the rst year of life, Hospice of the Valley’s Community Bereavement Center, 240 Johnston St. S.E. Call for schedule. 256-350-5585.
• Respectively Yours, for those grieving the loss of a parent, Hospice of the Valley’s Community Bereavement Center, 240 Johnston St. S.E. Call for schedule. 256-350-5585.
Magnuson
tions person left almost three years ago, and city leaders chose to fill this gap without a fulltime employee. They hired Steve Garner’s Do It with You Marketing company on an independent contract of $1,300 a month, or $15,600 a year, to handle its social media posts. Garner’s contract was month-to-month, which Bowling said ended Wednesday with Magnuson’s hire.
After paying Ellen Didier’s RedSageMarketing$168,000 a year to do the “Positively Decatur” marketing campaign, the City Council approved in November a $200,000 per year contract extension to continue the campaign.
The city hired an interim communications person, Tim Hall, of Tim Hall Communications, in June on a six-month contract. When the contract ended in November, Hall rec-
ommended before leaving thatthecitymakeitafull-time position. The council approved in December upgrading the PR person to a manager-level position.
HumanResourcesDirector Richelle Sandlin said Magnuson’s starting annual salary is $94,713.
Magnuson said Bowling’s “broad” instruction as she gets started “is to help manage the message that goes out from City Hall.”
Magnuson said her top priority is building community trust, especially relating to the fatal police shooting of StevePerkinsandthedeathof John Scott Jr. after an arrest.
“We are all aware of the events that have been happening,” she said. “So now we want to make sure that people understand those who work in Decatur City Hall are truly public servants and they want the best for the city. Building that relationship is a priority.”
A University of North Alabama graduate, Magnuson, 35, has been in the media business for 14 years. She started at the WHNT televi-
sion station in various roles, including producer. She then worked for eight years as the city of Madison’s communications manager.
She said she has been hired to improve all of the city’s communications platforms, whether digital or interpersonal. The city website is going to be a primary project that she’ll be working to improve.
“We want to make sure that is a window to the world and a connection for Decatur residents,” Magnuson said. “And we also want to tell Decatur’s story and make sure we showcase the great things that are going on in this city. We have to make sure the website is up to date and be that portal of information.”
Magnuson said she also wants to be a bridge between media and the city.
“I’ve worked in media and news, so I know that it’s a tough gig,” she said.
Magnuson and her husband, Doug, have two children. He works at Fresenius Kidney Care on Spring Avenue Southwest.
timing” of when Mack would start as police chief. Ladner and Jackson said they got good references on Mack from people he supervised and from people he’s worked for over the years.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things,” Ladner said. Ladner said he knows they have a process and he was OK with not following it in this situation.
Pike and Jackson said they wish Mack could start earlier. However, Sandlin said Mack has commitments in May, including retiring from Birmingham Police Department on March 30, so he could not start until June 2.
Jackson said after the meeting that he believes they have the right choice for the job after talking with Mack and his references. He said he’s also impressed with Mack’s 30-year career with the Birmingham Police Department.
• Stolen Sorrow, for those coping with the homicide of a loved one, Hospice of the Valley’s Community Bereavement Center, 240 Johnston St. S.E. Call for schedule. 256-350-5585.
• Survivors of Suicide (SOS), for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, Hospice of the Valley’s Community Bereavement Center, 240 Johnston St. S.E. Call for schedule. 256-350-5585.
• The Willows, for widows under 60, 5:30 p.m., Bereavement Center, Hospice of the Valley, 240 Johnston St. S.E. Call for schedule. 256-350-5585.
• Caring Friends, for adults with any signi cant loss from a death (any relationship), 240 Johnston St. S.E. Call for schedule, 256-3505585.
• Friend to Friend, at-school group for school-aged students grieving the loss of a close loved one, call for details, 256-350-5585.
• Better Together, for men and women with loss of a spouse to death who are
Mack is division manager of Special Operations, which includes tactical operations like SWAT, K-9, explosives, Crime Suppression Unit and snipers. He also has special enforcement, a crime-reduction team, an intelligence unit and a recon unit.
He previously was director of Birmingham PD’s training program, did a short stint in InternalAffairsandworkedin SWAT. However, he has never been a police chief.
“These are all things our department needs now,” Jackson said.
Jackson said he feels the DPD needs the leadership as soon as possible, especially following the deaths of Scott and Perkins, which have led to ongoing protests against the department and the city.
Pike said he told Jackson before the meeting that he would second the resolution appointing Mack as police
past the rst year of their loss. Social focus. Call for schedule, 256-350-5585.
• Agility, Balance, Strength exercises, 10:30 a.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Jackson Street and Eighth Avenue (Albany District), Decatur. For anyone who wants to stay t. No charge. Donations for leader welcomed.
Tuesday
• Tops AL #0055 Meetings (take off pounds sensibly), 9 a.m., Aquadome, 1202 Fifth Ave. S.W., Decatur. Dean Terry, 256-565-6484.
• The Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter for Cullman and Morgan Counties, 11:30 a.m., Java Jaay Café, 1713 Sixth Ave. S.E. Decatur. All Purple Heart recipients are invited to
Jubilee
From page A1
shuttle pass. Children 2 years old and younger are free. Handicap parking at Point Mallard is available for the event.
Between a 40-person Jubilee committee, the pilots, onsite first responders, and all other volunteers, the festival requires the help of around 200 people to operate successfully.
“The majority of (the work) is volunteers that are stepping in that just care so much about the community, who, at one point or another, attended the Jubilee and loved it and wanted to get more involved. I love that,” Martin said.
She noted that in recent years attendance has increased, including more visitorsfromoutoftown.She speculated that the event’s increased popularity could be spurred by social media.
“In today’s age, in the digital world, where social media is so prominent, everybody is looking for that great photograph for their Instagram page, or the unique experience to document,thenextawesomevlog to put out,” Martin said. “The scenery that you get at the Alabama Jubilee just provides so much of that kind of aesthetic — that really trendy post.”
chief because he thinks they have the right person for the job.
Pike said Mack was “impressive” in his interview, and he had good conversations with the candidate since that interview.
“I’ve got a lot of trust in him,” Pike said.
McMasters initially had reservations about Mack because he was the only person interviewed for the job. But Tuesday he said he’s good withMack’shirenowbecause they opened the application period up an additional two and a half weeks.
“I was very impressed with his interview,” McMasters said.
McMasters said he does believe they should do the background checks “on the front end,” before they interview a candidate.
— bayne.hughes@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2432
attend. Clifford Gissell, 256338-5617 or tothemax42@ gmail.com.
• Pilot Club of Decatur, 6 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, Decatur. decaturpilot71@gmail.com.
Wednesday • The Decatur Civitan Club meeting, noon, Canton House Restaurant, 609 14th St. S.E., Decatur. Visitors are welcome. Come hear an interesting program by a local speaker. For more information call 256-565-5207.
saTurday
• English Learning Class, 7 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2006 Modaus Road S.W., Decatur. Free, offerings will not be solicited or accepted. All are welcome. For more information, text/whatsapp 256-604-6310. Gratis Clase de Inglés. Los Sábados a las 7 p.m. La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días, 2006 Modaus Road S.W., Decatur. ¡Todos son bienvenidos! Por más información, WhatsApp a 256-604-6310.
AlAbAmA Jubilee
The Alabama Jubilee will take place Memorial Day weekend, May 24–25. Among the activities planned for the festival:
saTurday
• Morning ight: 6–8 a.m.
• Evening glow and ight: 5–8 p.m.
sunday
• Morning ight: 6–8
Martin and Underwood recommend visitors bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on, as well as cash for food or art vendors. Dial recommends getting there early to see balloon flights.
Job
From page A1
Michele Gray King, Decatur school board president, has witnessed firsthand how Hanson’s leadership as a school administrator has facilitated growth.
“I worked with her (while Hanson was principal at Ben Davis) being the board representative for District 1,” King said. “She drives for excellence. When she went over to Woodmeade, she made strides getting the building in tiptop shape. The present teachers love working with her. She has a passion for all kids.”
Darrell Wates, Kiwanis Club of Decatur president, collaborated with Hanson as part of the organization’s community project to upgrade Woodmeade’s courtyard.
“Dr. Hanson was very instrumental and very helpful in working through that process,” Wates said. “The
Underwood said the event has grown to be more than a balloon festival. During the warmer hours of the day, when the balloons aren’t in the area, families can enjoy the live music, bouncy houses, an arts and crafts show, a carshowandanantiquetractor show.
Dial said the Jubilee Committee hopes to include some type of “touch the truck” event Sunday afternoon to further fill out the festival.
— GraciAnn.Goodin@ DecaturDaily.com or 256340-2437
kids will be able to use that for so many purposes now. Teachers are able to use the outdoor classroom and a lot of other things.”
As the head of the annual Kiwanis Pancake Day fundraiser that benefited the Woodmeade project last year, Wates saw how Hanson assisted with the event.
“She brought a whole team from Woodmeade out to help us with Pancake Day,” he said. “She jumped right in and worked hard and was a pleasure to work with.”
As she moves forward, still sparked by the educators of her youth, Hanson articulated her approach to her mission as an educator.
“I love the people that I serve,” she said. “I believe in treating people with dignity and respect. I’m consistent. I’m fair. I make decisions based on what’s good for the students. If it’s not good for the students, then it’s not good for Woodmeade. Also, I don’t mind doing hard things.”
By Eric Fleischauer/For The Decatur Courier Journal Balloons take flight at last year’s 47th annual Alabama Jubilee.
Bayne Hughes/For The Decatur Courier Journal
Protesters march outside Decatur City Hall on May 5 after the City Council meeting. They were unhappy with the Decatur Police Department and its alleged role in the deaths of three Black men.
Getting ready to make a splash
Preparations going full tilt for Point Mallard’s opening day
By Bayne Hughes For The Decatur Courier Journal
Long days help with time running out to prepare Point Mallard Park Aquatic Center for the opening day of the summer season, May 24.
Parks and Recreation Events and Marketing Manager Nicole Belcher told the Kiwanis Club of Decatur on Thursday that employees are starting early and working until dark almost every day to prepare the park.
Belcher said they’re cleaning, painting, mowing, working on the pools and basically doing anything that needs to be done so it’s ready for guests. While this is crunch time,shepointedoutthework isn’t limited to the summer.
“We work 365 days a year getting the park ready for the next season,” she said.
Two big parts of the preparation are hiring seasonal workers and selling season passes. The season pass period opened Thursday, so people can get their passes and avoid lines that are likely to occur beginning with opening day, she said.
Point Mallard hires about 400 employees, most of whom are seasonal workers and teenagers, each summer for the Aquatics Center. Only nine of the employees are permanent, full-time workers.
Blakeley Baxter, who started as a teenager and worked her way up, is the new Aquatics Center supervisor.
While they’ve had problems with hiring in recent years, things improved last year. Stephanie McLain, Parks and Recreation operations manager, said they are doing better than they did last year.
“We still need to fill positions, we always do,” McLain said. “But we’re doing well so far.”
Belcher said they had a recent run of applications because many of the teens are just realizing they need or
Rosi Guerrero does maintenance work on a expansion joint in the wave pool this week as
‘It’s a great rst job for a teenager because they learn how to work in the public. I love seeing how much a 16-year-old grows from the rst day to the end of the season.
want a job for the summer. The minimum age to work at Point Mallard is 16. Pay ranges from $10.50 to $12.50 an hour, depending on experience.
They try to hire about 120 lifeguards each summer not only for Point Mallard, but also the Aquadome and CarrieMatthewspool.Lifeguards start at $12 an hours and increases depending on experience and whether it’s a supervisory position, McLain said.
McLain said it’s urgent that those interested in becoming a lifeguard apply now because they must get certified before the season starts. The city pays for this Red Cross certification. Call Cameron Harris at the Aquadome, 256-3414953, to apply.
Ifapotentialemployeecan’t swim, Belcher said they have plenty of openings that don’t require swimming. She said they need about 100 or so for the park’s five concession stands. The remaining employees work in maintenance, customer service and the gift shop.
Belcher pointed out that Parks and Recreation also hires summer employees at Point Mallard’s golf course and campground, at Wilson Morgan Park and more.
She called Point Mallard the perfect summer job for teenagers whether they can swim well or not. McLain said they try to be flexible and work around teenagers’ busy activities, whether it’s football workouts, band practice, baseball, softball games or
Museum named North Ala. STEM Center
By Erica Smith For The Decatur Courier Journal
Gov. Kay Ivey has designated the Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur astheNorthAlabamaSTEM Center, and the state has appropriated $9.5 million for the museum’s education budget that it plans to use for an expansion.
The museum provides camps and classes with hands-on learning experiences. Students from the public, private and homeschool sectors from 21 Alabama counties attend the museum. That comes to more than 18,000 students annually on field trips with more than 7,000 of those students participating in the camps and classes.
“This is a jump start into a phase two that we have already begun,” Cook Museum Executive Director Scott Mayo said Tuesday of the funding and STEM Center designation. “Our dilemma has been with these sorts of numbers we do run out of space. … So, we get toward the end of the school year and we’ve had schools that we just have not been able to fit in. Part of this is just an expansion of scope, to be able to allow more schools to take advantage of the museum itself, and also our labs.”
He said the expansion would allow the museum to provide more in-depth classes and get into new subjects.
anything else.
“It’s a great first job for a teenager because they learn how to work in the public,” Belcher said. “I love seeing howmucha16-year-oldgrows from the first day to the end of the season. Some come in unable to talk to people because they’re so into a cellphone. They learn how to talk and deal with people.”
Belcher said they have a 70% return rate with their employees.
“A lot of kids grow up at the park,” she said. Application are available at pointmallardpark.com.
Belcher said they’ve had alsoscheduledseveralspecial events for the summer:
• May 24: Alabama Jubilee
• June 16: Swim With the Mermaids
• July 4 : Spirit of America. Fireworks show only this year.
•Sept.1:Lastdayofseason
• Sept. 6: Pooch Party Day. Visitors can bring their dogs to swim in the park’s pool.
— bayne.hughes@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2432
Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said obtaining the funding was a joint effort by the Morgan County delegation, the Cook Museum team and Decatur City Council President Jacob Ladner. They all went to Montgomery and presented to Ivey their vision for the North Alabama STEM Center to be located at the Cook Museum. Orr said in 2023 Ivey gave considerable funding to create a West Alabama STEM Center in Tuscaloosa. Orr said Ivey proposed giving the museum $7.5 million to become the North Alabama STEM Center. He said when it came before the Legislature, they added an additional $2 million. Orr is chairman of the Senate education budget committee.
Mayo said the planned expansion of the museum will provide broader experiences to students.
“As part of this expansion, there will be additional lab space. We’ve currently got threeSTEMlabs;wehopeto almost double that capacity,” he said. “The labs aren’t just square footage. … There’s all sorts of equipment and we’re working with some experts now on bringing some of that equipment here to the museum to where the kids can see it, they can experience it and interact with it in real time.”
Ivey said the state’s future depends on its ability to prepare students for the workforce, and STEM education is a key to that.
“This significant state investment reflects the outstanding work the Cook Museum of Natural Science has accomplished in STEM education,” she said. “This expansion will undoubtedly strengthen educational opportunities for students andsupportworkforcedevelopment in one of the state’s fastest-growing regions.” State Superintendent Eric Mackey said four of the fastest-growingschooldistrictsin thestateareinnorthAlabama.
“We continue to attract and grow STEM-related workforceopportunities,”he said. “The Cook Museum is in the heart of the region and is already doing an excellent job serving our educators and school systems as a resource,particularlyforour elementary students.”
OrrsaidtheSTEMCenter designation and planned expansion will have economic benefits for Decatur.
“I think it’s significantly important for an expansion to happen to bring more tourists and more visitors to town, which certainly helps drive the economy —restaurants, hotels, shops, etc.,” he said, including “more foot traffic coming to Decatur as the Cook Museum becomes the destination attraction.”
Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling said the designation as the North Alabama STEM Center “enhances Decatur’s reputationasacitythatvalues education, innovation, and the future of our children.”
Mayo said the $9.5 million from the state will be a part of a much bigger plan.
“In this investment from the state, we’re going to have toraiseplentyofprivatefunding just like we did with the original museum,” he said.
“It’sgoingtolightafireunder some fundraising efforts. If nothing else, maybe look at it as a catalyst.”
Mayo said they do not have a timeline for when the expansion will happen.
“As we move this process along and we do start coming up with tentative timelines, we’ll get that out just as soon as we’re able to. We’re excited about it, and we do want everyone to know where we’re going,” he said.
“We want to keep doing what we’re doing, only better.”
ThenonprofitCookMuseum of Natural Science opened as a 62,000-squarefoot educational institution and tourism destination at 144 Fourth Ave. N.E. in June 2019.
Jeronimo Nisa/For The Decatur Courier Journal photos
Sawyer McLemore paints the wave pool using a special mix of paint and sand this week as the Point Mallard Aquatic Center gets ready for the season opening.
