A Sense of Community Drives Progress in Mentone

Our town is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. But the blessings don’t stop there. I’ve never seen a small community with so many people eager to give of their time to enrich the lives of others. On Tuesday, Aug. 26, you have the opportunity as a citizen of Mentone to vote in our municipal election. Voter involvement is important to the good work we’re doing that helps make Mentone one of the best small towns in America.

Looking at the original wood ceiling exposed in the Little River Art Gallery are (l-r) Mayor Rob Hammond, architect Alan Williamson, Councilman Hobson Kirby, and public works director Paul Nail.

Some of that good work is happening at the Moon Lake Campus, where the town took a sad occasion and turned it into something special for citizens and visitors alike. As a school, Moon Lake Elementary was considered by many as the heart of our community. When it was closed in 2021 and the property deeded to the town, we began work to create a space for shops, artists, galleries, restaurants, events, and other features to bring people together. Our efforts are paying off, with tenants in every space and events happening there on a monthly basis.

Architect Alan Williamson recently visited the campus to walk through the main building again and to present his drawings for the upcoming renovations. The town received a grant through the Appalachian Regional Commission to make numerous safety and aesthetic improvements. If all goes as planned, we will seek bids from general contractors for that project in late summer or early fall.

Elsewhere in the issue, you’ll read about the Mentone Fall Festival coming up on October 18. This event draws thousands of people to Moon Lake Campus, visitors who also shop and dine at the businesses throughout town. In order to make this a success, we need the support of our sponsors. Please do what you can to support the festival. And remember, the money the town raises beyond expenses is reinvested in Moon Lake Campus.

One of those projects is ongoing as I write this column. The HVAC system at the school gym stopped working several weeks ago, and contractors are installing a new system that will be much more efficient. It will also allow us to use the gym for additional activities throughout the year. This project is being paid for entirely by proceeds from last year’s Fall Festival.

There has been such a positive response to the classes being held on campus by Northeast Alabama Community College. These classes have included writing, music, homesteading, art, sourdough making, and more. Please email groundhognews@yahoo.com if you have ideas for non-credit courses you would like to see on campus.

I hope to see you at an upcoming Mentone Americana Nights, the free concert series on the fourth Saturday of each month through September at the Shigley Amphitheater behind Moon Lake Campus. This fun community event brings more live music to Mentone, while attracting people to the shops and restaurants on campus and across town.