Busy Days and Bright Plans Ahead for MERF

The past month has been a full and meaningful one for MERF as we’ve continued preparing for the 2026 Taste of the Mountain and Art Auction and moved forward with several projects that support our school and community.

Our Groundhog volunteers continue to amaze me with their dedication and flexibility — this newspaper truly wouldn’t be possible without them. Senior Lunch has remained a special time of connection, made possible by a caring volunteer team and the generosity of local businesses and organizations who share wonderful meals with us. We are also thankful to Moon Lake Baptist Church for graciously providing space when we need it.

The newly refreshed MERF House feels bright and welcoming. We’re excited to begin hosting rentals for gatherings and events while continuing to welcome longtime community groups that make the space feel like home. Behind the scenes, we’ve been busy coordinating grants, supporting projects, and staying connected with the donors and volunteers who help make this work possible.

Students at Valley Head School have had several exciting opportunities lately. MERF helped Valley Head fourth-graders take a field trip to the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, where they attended a performance of “The Comedians” and enjoyed lunch on the way home. Two students from Mrs. Lewis’s class even had their artwork featured in the concert program. We’re also happy to support the Valley Head Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club at their leadership conference in Mobile. Once there, they will grow their skills and confidence beyond the classroom.

Mrs. Lewis has been preparing her students for the upcoming art auction by guiding them through designing barn quilt patterns on aluminum board, carefully working through each step with patience and care. As they create, students are not only expressing creativity but also strengthening math skills and learning how to plan and carry out a design from beginning to end.

We were also proud to award Emma Harrison the Sue Henry Memorial Scholarship to support her continued studies at the University of Alabama. A graduate of Valley Head, Emma is finishing her kinesiology degree and plans to pursue a Master of Science in Athletic Training. She remains on the Dean’s List and serves as a student manager for the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team. Supporting hardworking students like Emma is one of the greatest joys in what we do.

Another project close to my heart is the Pollinator Paradise outdoor learning space at VHS. Thanks to a grant from the Alabama RC&D Council, this space will give students a place to explore nature and learn beyond the classroom. The design is led by Victor Wood of Victor Wood Landscape and Garden Design, and we hope it will be ready for students and teachers to enjoy by the end of the school year. More to come!

We are also grateful to the Tillotson-Menlo Charitable Fund for granting funds to help furnish the patio at the restored MERF House. We look forward to the porch becoming a peaceful place to sit, rock, and enjoy time together. Another recent grant awarded from the Alabama State Council on the Arts will provide much-needed art supplies for the upcoming auction and beyond, helping make creative learning more accessible for students.

MERF keeps moving forward with gratitude, learning more each day. The work we do — supporting students, welcoming neighbors, and creating spaces to learn and grow — is only possible because of our dedicated community.