News from Talladega

There’s a Free Community Christmas Toy Initiative this weekend in Talladega

There will be a free Community Christmas Toy Initiative for families throughout the City of Talladega on Saturday December 20 at the Spring Street Recreation Center. The event lasts from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., or while supplies last.

The initiative is collaborative effort of the Talladega Seven Organization and the Talladega Police Department. It will provide a wide variety of toys for youth in attendance. Members of the Talladega Police Department will also be present to offer safety education, reinforcing the importance of community engagement and youth well-being.

The Spring Street Recreation Center is located at 502 South Spring Street. For more information or to inquire about volunteering or donations, please contact Ms. Debra Johnson, spokesperson for the Talladega Seven Organization at (256) 401-7002.

Eight Talladega County educators have earned National Board Certification

Talladega County Schools is proud to announce that eight educators have earned National Board Certification, and two educators have achieved Maintenance of Certification this year. National Board Certified Teachers represent the highest standards of our profession. Their achievement reflects deep expertise, reflective practice, and an unwavering commitment to student growth.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding professionals for reaching one of the highest accomplishments in the teaching profession.

New National Board Certified Teachers:

Tara Armbrester, District Special Education Specialist

Shannon Byers, Reading Coach, Lincoln Elementary School

Anita Foy, Science Teacher, Childersburg Middle School

Joanna Finch, Band Director, Childersburg High School

Katie Hendrix, Gifted Education Teacher, Lincoln Elementary School

Hannah McBurnett, Media Specialist, Charles R. Drew Middle School

Meghann Stuart, Special Education, Childersburg Elementary School

Pam Thomas, Counselor, Childersburg High School

Maintenance of Certification:

Dr. Carol Edwards, Childersburg High School

Ashley Gable, Assistant Principal, Munford Elementary School

We are incredibly proud of each educator for pursuing this rigorous process and for the difference they make every day for the students of Talladega County Schools. A special thank you to Tammy Bailey (Charles R Drew Middle School) and Elizabeth Russell (Lincoln High School) for mentoring, guiding, and leading our NBCT Cohort.

Fire Danger Advisory Rescinded Statewide by Alabama Forestry Commission

As drought conditions across the state improve with recent beneficial rainfall, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) is rescinding the Fire Danger Advisory for all Alabama counties. The agency is constantly monitoring conditions and will continue to make recommendations regarding outdoor burning to ensure the safety of Alabama’s forestland and citizens.

The AFC continues to urge anyone conducting outdoor burning to follow safety recommendations, including not leaving a fire unattended until it is out (cold to the touch), having the necessary equipment and personnel to control the fire, and having a garden hose or other water supply on hand for smaller debris burns. The agency also recommends exercising extreme caution and staying informed about local weather updates due to the potential for windy conditions this time of year.

Wildland fire in the Renfroe area of Talladega County

The Talladega County Emergency Management Agency is monitoring the wildland fire in the Renfroe area of Talladega County. At this time, per Talladega Fire Department the fire is contained. Heave smoke will linger in the area and visibility will be very low. If you must travel in the area please use extreme caution.

If you need assistance with sheltering please call Talladega County EMA at 256-761-2125 and select option #5.

Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative employee earns national certification

Lucas Browning, energy services representative at Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative, recently earned his Key Accounts certification from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The certification recognizes Browning’s advanced training in supporting large commercial and industrial members.

“Lucas’ Key Accounts certification strengthens his already impressive skill set and enhances our cooperative’s ability to support the industries and businesses that drive our local economy,” said Jon Cullimore, CVEC general manager. “He consistently demonstrates professionalism, dedication and a genuine commitment to serving our members. We are proud to have him on our team.”

To earn the Key Accounts certification, Browning had to take online courses and pass an exam as well as complete a business plan for key accounts and a member engagement plan. The certification equipped him with the knowledge to monitor and support energy use, coordinate reliability needs, support economic development and resolve issues.

“This certification program builds on my ability to serve as a relationship manager, energy advisor and problem-solver to our largest customers,” he said. “It has strengthened my understanding of how to anticipate their needs, communicate proactively and help them make informed decisions that benefit their operations.”

In addition to his work with key accounts, Browning leads several member-focused programs that reflect the cooperative’s mission of service and innovation, including free energy audits for homes and businesses seeking to improve efficiency.
For more information, go to http://www.coosavalleyec.com/energy-services.