MERF welcomes new board members
MERF is excited to announce the addition of three new members to our board of directors. These individuals bring various backgrounds and talents to the board, and are committed to our mission of supporting life-long learning in Mentone and Valley Head.
Adelaide Shamburger Drennen
Adelaide Shamburger Drennen was a lifelong resident of Tuscaloosa before she and her husband moved to Lookout Mountain in May 2020. Adelaide is a landscape designer and consultant, having practiced in Tuscaloosa for 16 years before moving here. She loves plants, hiking, fishing, spending time with family, and cool mountain air. She and her dog and two cats live in Cloudland overlooking the Shinbone Valley.
Karen Vest
Karen Vest has called Alabama home since 1994, and moved to a farm in Valley Head in 2016 with her husband, Charley. A retired Certified Paralegal, she was elected to the Valley Head town council in 2020. Vest was sworn in as Valley Head’s first female Mayor in April 2024. An avid gardener, Karen loves the outdoors along with hiking and kayaking. She loves her family and enjoys her children and grandchildren visiting the farm.
Stephen V. Smith
Stephen V. Smith joined the board after months of supporting MERF’s efforts with The Groundhog and is now its editor. His career spans more than three decades of publishing and marketing, including owning agencies with his wife and longtime business partner, Michele (who has designed The Groundhog since MERF acquired it). A native of DeKalb County, Stephen enjoys music, the arts, and spending time with his family (especially the couple’s adorable grandson).
While welcoming these new board members, we want to acknowledge the contributions of recent outgoing board members. Kelly Wright offering valued insight as a Valley Head PTO parent. Carol Hazell brought MERF years of support and professional expertise. Walt Pullen served wholeheartedly while also faithfully volunteering to maintain the MERF grounds for years. Their contributions to MERF’s work will always be appreciated.
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