Here’s to a Year of Completions

It was a wonderful Christmas season in Mentone, and I hope everyone reading this had moments of joy with those you love. I’m anticipating a strong year for our town, in part because it’s going to be a year of completions.

The first among these will be the completion of our sidewalk expansion. We faced several delays on the second phase of this project, but the construction crews moved quickly once work began. We will schedule a ceremony to officially open this phase in the coming weeks, and we encourage you to join us in the celebration.

Once complete, Mentone will have sidewalks extending from Scenic Drive/County Road 89 at the top of the mountain to Moon Lake Library and Moon Lake Campus. This will benefit residents, visitors, and businesses alike. Walkable towns create health and recreation opportunities while increasing walk-in traffic for businesses along the path.

Another completion will be the renovations to the main building at Moon Lake Campus. After months of studies and plans by architects, the team at TARCOG (Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments) is ready to advertise the project for bids. The Town of Mentone will receive and review those bids. The winning contractor must complete the project this year.

The renovation will have many benefits. It will make much-needed structural improvements to the main building on campus. It will make it safer for visitors and tenants. And it will protect this important historic structure and help preserve it for future generations.

The clearing you’ve seen taking place at Brow Park will lead to a new phase that will add a hiking trail below the top edge. This will provide our residents with additional recreational opportunities while attracting visitors to this new park feature. We also hope to receive grant money to add an observation deck and improved picnic areas. Hopefully, this work can be completed in 2026 as well.

While this year will be one of completions, may it also be one of new beginnings. We hope to see new businesses open and existing businesses thrive. We hope new community programs bring more access to the arts, from visual arts to music. And we hope existing programs will reach more people and build more relationships within our town.

Speaking of community, I hope to see you at the Groundhog Day Community Celebration on Saturday, February 7, at the Moon Lake Campus. It’s going to be another fun event for kids of all ages — and adults, too! Come be part of the fun!