Census deadline moved up; complete your form today!
The deadline for households to respond to the U.S. 2020 Census has been moved up a month. All responses are now due by Sept. 30.
With this new date comes a renewed sense of urgency and a commitment to counting all Alabamians so that our federal representation, Census-derived funding and ongoing economic development opportunities stand for current and future generations.
A unique event begins Sept. 2 with the launch of the Alabama Census Bowl. This March Madness-style competition among 32 counties throughout Alabama with low self-response rates will last four weeks, ending Sept. 30. Winners will receive up to $65,000 in funding for K-12 public school systems. Keep an eye on social media for more information, or visit census.alabama.gov
Space Camp reaches goal, but continues fundraising
The U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, home of the renowned Space Camp program, launched an effort in late July to raise $1.5 million to sustain museum operations and be able to reopen Space Camp in April 2021. In just a week, the Save Space Camp campaign reached its goal.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the Rocket Center, which closed March 13, 2020, in keeping with state health orders. The museum reopened in late May, but with far fewer than normal visitors. Space Camp did not reopen until June 28, and then with only 20 percent of its usual attendance. It will again close for weeklong camps in September.
The Rocket Center is continuing to ask for support for the campaign. Any amount over the initial goal will be used to offset losses due to the COVID-19 crisis and for programming. For more information, visit savespacecamp.com
First responders to be honored at parade event
Southern Preparatory Academy will hold a first responder and 9/11 memorial parade at 10 a.m. Sept. 10. The academy is located at 174 Ward Circle in Camp Hill, and the event will take place on the parade field.
First responders from all over Alabama are invited, and the guest of honor will be Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
Because it’s an outdoor event, organizers feel that guests will be able to social distance responsibly. Guests are asked to wear a facial covering and/or keep their distance from those who are not in their household. For more information, call 256-675-6269 or email lily.kowtko@southernprepacademy.org
Motorcycle ride commemorates Trail of Tears
The 27th annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride welcomes the community to a kickoff party on Friday, Sept. 18.
Beginning at 3 p.m., guests will enjoy food, vendors, door prizes and bounce houses lined up on Alabama Street in Bridgeport, Alabama. The headliner concert begins at 8 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.
The next day, Sept. 19, bikers will line up in downtown Bridgeport for their ride to Waterloo, Alabama. This annual ride brings awareness to the Trail of Tears route brought on by the Indian Removal Act of 1830. For more information, visit al-tn-trailoftears.net
Whereville, AL
Identify and place this Alabama landmark and you could win $25! Winner is chosen at random from all correct entries. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. Send your answer by Sept. 9 with your name, address and the name of your rural electric cooperative. The winner and answer will be announced in the October issue.
Submit by email: whereville@alabamaliving.coop, or by mail: Whereville, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124.
Contribute your own photo for an upcoming issue! Send a photo of an interesting or unusual landmark in Alabama, which must be accessible to the public. A reader whose photo is chosen will also win $25.
August’s answer
This artwork was created by artist Heath McClain, a Vinemont native, and was unveiled in late 2019 at the Art Park in Cullman. The work is the centerpiece of the Art Park, formerly known as City Park, at the corner of Main Avenue Southwest and Second Street Southwest. (Information from Cullman Tribune) (Photo contributed by Jesse Waldrop of Cullman EC.) The randomly drawn correct guess winner is Katie Loyd of Cullman EC.
