Recent Events Have Tremendous Success, Thanks to MERF and Community Support

Happy spring everyone! I don’t know about you, but when the sun is out, I feel happy all around. I love this time of year, because it is full of rejuvenation and growth for all living things.

The recent Valley Head Art Night was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of MERF, art teacher Caroline Moore, and a dedicated group of volunteers from her family. The event brought together a vibrant community of artists, students, and parents, all celebrating the creativity and hard work of Valley Head’s young artists. It was an evening filled with pride, joy, and excitement for everyone involved.

Caroline Moore is nearing the end of her first year as a contracted art teacher with MERF, having made an impact on over 300 students. As the school year wraps up, Caroline is excited about the future, eager to return next year with a fresh, safe, and engaging roadmap for her students.

Ms. Cooper and Ms. Manning gear up for the Sea Lab field trip with students.

This month, MERF also helped fund two enriching field trips for Valley Head students. The first trip took students to the Sea Lab on Dauphin Island, Alabama, a premier marine education and research center. This hands-on experience gave students an invaluable opportunity to explore marine science in action. The second field trip took students to the DeKalb County Criminal Court, where they observed live legal proceedings and had the chance to engage with the presiding judge, who offered valuable life advice and career guidance.

Speaking with the teachers involved in these trips was truly inspiring. Many shared how hard their students work to earn a spot on these trips, often by writing essays and maintaining excellent grades. Teachers go above and beyond, seeking out grants and organizing these life-changing experiences outside of their regular classroom duties. The field trips provide students with crucial life skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and logistics, while also offering them a chance to step outside their usual environments. As one teacher at VHS put it, “Experiences like these can change a student’s entire perspective on life.”

MERF is proud to continue supporting these types of educational experiences and is deeply grateful for the ongoing support of the community, which makes these opportunities possible.

Taste of the Mountain and Art Auction was held on April 12 at Camp Alpine.

The recent Taste of the Mountain Art Auction raised significant funds, as guests came together to support both the mission of MERF and the arts community. None of this would have been possible without the generosity and dedication of so many individuals. A special thank you goes to the many local artists who donated their work, adding beauty and inspiration to the evening. We also want to acknowledge the local businesses whose support played a crucial role in the success of this event.

Heartfelt gratitude goes out to the many volunteers whose time, energy, and hard work made the event possible. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful. To our board members, thank you for your leadership and vision, which helped bring this event to life.

Finally, we would like to extend our gratitude to Alpine Camp for hosting this celebration in such a beautiful and special space. It provided the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening.

Thanks to your continued support — whether through donations, volunteering, or simply attending MERF events — we are able to provide these enriching experiences for our students, educators, and the broader Mentone community. Together, we are fostering a brighter future for our children and ensuring that the arts continue to thrive in our community.

Katie Hand is executive director of MERF. For more information, visit MERFhouse.org, email merf.mentone@gmail.com, or call 256-979-4962.