❤️ The Last Newsletter

A new city council president, plus glow-in-the-dark pickleball and a chance to intern with the City of Huntsville!

Author

Andrew Smith
December 20, 2024

Happy Friday!

Merry Christmas to all 8,573 8,613 of you! If you’re like me and haven’t finished your holiday shopping yet, there’s still a little time to finish it!

Sorry if the headline made you panic, but this is the last newsletter… UNTIL CHRISTMAS! We will take Christmas Eve off, so we won’t be back in your inbox until next Friday.

But don’t worry—we will be back in time to help you plan your New Year’s festivities!

On a different note, congrats to John H. and Lindsey W. on winning our giveaway!

Alrighty, let’s get to it!

THIS EMAIL IS PRESENTED BY AMERIGO AND CHAR

🎄 Tis The Season To Give And Receive!

Click the image to purchase.

This holiday season, earn a $20 bonus card for every $100 in plastic gift cards purchased from Amerigo and Char restaurants! A great way to give a gift and get a gift for yourself.

Gift cards can be used at both locations and make the perfect gift for the foodie in your life.

This deal ends on December 24th, so take advantage of it while it lasts!

👨‍🚀 Blast Off

🚀 New City Council President Promises Change

Big changes are coming to the Huntsville City Council! District 5’s John Meredith is stepping up as council president for the third time, and he’s ready to make a difference.

Meredith’s first move? Bringing back live streams of public comments during meetings. Earlier this year, the council stopped streaming these, but Meredith didn’t support the decision.

“Government is by the people, for the people,” he said. “We have to let them speak.”

That’s only the beginning. Meredith has big plans for District 5, including building new roads, adding mixed-use spaces, and pushing for a new police station. He pledges to be focused on turning community ideas into real change.

Meredith was appointed council president by a unanimous vote.

🚀 Taking Flight

🌟 Glow in the Dark Pickleball

Get ready to play pickleball in a whole new way! Crush Yard is bringing glow-in-the-dark pickleball to Huntsville. A specific location and opening date have not been announced yet.

There will be eight indoor courts, a fancy restaurant, a private event space, and an arcade. You can enjoy gourmet food, desserts, and a self-serve bar with drinks like wine and beer.

🚧 Slaughter Road Improvements

The city plans to improve the Madison Boulevard intersection on Slaughter Road. The project will cost $5.375 million and will add turn lanes and upgrade signals. The goal is to reduce traffic jams.

The Huntsville Area Metro Planning Organization will provide around 80% of the funding, and the city will provide the remaining 20%.

💥 Intern With the City of Huntsville

The City of Huntsville is now accepting applications for its 2025 Summer Intern Program! If you're 19 or older and have a high school diploma or GED, you can apply.

The eight-week program runs from June 2 to July 25. Interns will work up to 29 hours a week and earn $12.76 an hour. There are spots available in different departments like Engineering, Parks & Recreation, and more.

The deadline to apply is February 5 at 6 PM.

❤️ Premium Explorer Shoutout

Thank you to our Premium Explorers for making Huntsville Explorer possible!

🏡 Century 21 Home Explorer

If you’re looking for a new home, I’ve got a great one for you today. I love this house for a few different reasons:

  • Historic Old Town home in 5 Points with easy access to Downtown Huntsville

  • Vintage charm with an open layout

  • Ample closet and storage space

The exterior has been recently painted as well!

🗓️ Explore The Rocket City

Got a fun event coming up? Let us know about it!

Rocket City Light Show at Toyota Field

Enjoy a musical drive through nearly one million Christmas lights! After, be sure to walk inside the ballpark for holiday activities, hot beverages, fire pits, and visits from Santa! Get tickets.

Skating in the Park at Big Spring

Get in the holiday spirit with some ice skating at Big Spring Park! After, be sure to walk through the Tinsel Trail and enjoy over 400 Christmas trees! More info.

Saturday, December 21

  • Storytime with Santa at The Bunny Hive: Enjoy cookies and milk and a story with Santa himself!

  • Hoppy Holiday Market at Straight to Ale: A perfect chance to finish your last-minute Christmas shopping!

  • Winter Solstice Market at Lowe Mill: The last artist market of the year at Lowe Mill!

  • Holiday Play Day at Brahan Springs Park: Drop your kids off for fun holiday games and crafts while you finish your last-minute shopping!

  • Laser Holidays at Campus 805: Experience your favorite holiday songs in a one-of-a-kind laser show!

  • Holiday Fireworks at Ditto Landing: A free firework show at 7 PM!

  • Winter Wonderland Party at The Little Gym: There will be face painting, sleigh rides, cookie decorating, and a visit from The Grinch!

  • Mrs. Claus Snow Stroll at Stovehouse: Walk through the snow and check out all the shops on Gas Light Alley!

  • Santa Con at The Camp: Throw on your best Santa-inspired outfit!

  • Funky Sweater Christmas Party at Straight to Ale: Dust off those wild sweaters and bring your funky flair!

  • Sanders Family Christmas Play at Burrit: Enjoy over two dozen Christmas carols (Additional shows on Sunday, too)!

  • The Molly Ringwalds at Mars Music Hall: Enjoy covers of your favorite 80s music!

  • Live Music at Stovehouse: April Pendergrass will perform live!

  • Live Music at Church Street Wine Shoppe: Otis Walker will perform live!

  • Live Music at Rhythm on Monroe: Lisa Chang will perform live!

Sunday, December 22

  • Jazz Brunch at The Orion: Enjoy a gourmet grazing buffet with delicious seasonal brunch items!

  • Star of Bethlehem at the Space and Rocket Center: Learn about the celestial phenomenon that led the Magi to the Nativity (additional showings on Dec 23 and 28)!

  • Candlelight Christmas Concert at Stovehouse: Listen to your favorite holiday songs like never before!

  • Wicks and Wine at University Pickers: A hands-on candle-making class!

  • Irish Trad at Mad Malts: Enjoy traditional Irish folk music!

  • Rocket City Bluegrass Jam at Straight to Ale: Sit back and enjoy some bluegrass music or bring an instrument and join in!

  • Live Music at The Camp: Joe Canada will perform live!

Monday, December 23

Tuesday, December 24

🤔 Give Us Some Feedback

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Thank you for making it to the end! Just a reminder that we will be taking Christmas Eve off, so I won’t be back in your inbox until next Friday.

Merry Christmas!