A Christmas Festival to Warm All Hearts

The Valley Head Town Council met January 6. Our first order of business was the swearing-in of our new council member, Nathan Owen, who was unanimously voted in last December. He will finish out the term for former member Jack Martin, who resigned in November. DeKalb County Circuit Clerk Todd Greeson performed the oath of office while Owen’s friends and family looked on.

Our town Christmas Festival was a hit! Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Gingerbread Man, and the Grinch posed for photos with the children (and adults). We had over 20 vendors with all types of beautiful crafts and retail items. The two hot chocolate stations proved to be very popular with the young and old alike! Valley Head students displayed their gingerbread houses at the Masonic Lodge. Lea Long’s kindergarten won 1st place in the decorating contest, and Cindy Bethune’s second-grade class won 2nd place.

Both classes were treated to a pizza party provided by Valley Head Discount Food Mart. Bealey’s Signs won 1st place in our business Christmas window contest, receiving a fabulous gift card for our very own Tiger’s Inn restaurant. Second place was awarded to North DeKalb Primary Care, who received a beautiful pink poinsettia. The Christmas parade was well attended. Numerous floats and multiple first responders took part in the parade, along with members of the Valley Head football team, cheerleaders, and other school groups. It was a chilly, windy night, and we appreciate all who participated and everyone who came out to watch.

The council voted unanimously to adopt an amended dog ordinance at the January 6 meeting. The public is welcome to ask for a copy. The new ordinance imposes penalties and fines for dog owners who violate the ordinance.

Also, a unanimous vote adopted an ordinance deeming the former Rib Shack building no longer needed for the town’s use. The building will be put on the market for sale in the very near future.

The Valley Head Volunteer Fire Department has received two new sets of turnouts to replace old sets. The new sets were funded by an $8,000 grant awarded by the Alabama Mountains, Rivers & Valleys RC&D Council. We would like to thank the council and Lester Black for funding this grant. We hope to raise additional money and apply for further funding to replace the eight additional sets of worn-out turnouts for our volunteers.

The Valley Head Town Council meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Our work session begins at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend both. If you would like to address the council, please contact Town Hall no later than four business days prior to the meeting to complete the proper paperwork.