South Huntsville Neighbors, June 2024
Steady for Life has a big announcement about classes at the Sandra Moon Complex. Huntsville's got a new City Administrator, John Hamilton - get to know him and what he's about in this month's issue. Pool Scouts of Huntsville helps you stay active with your family, and relax this summer with their tips for pool safety. IMP Huntsville is bringing us SpongeBob the Musical, and you can be there if you read more to find out how! This summer is bound to be packed with lots of excitement, stay healthy out there with tips from some of our contributors!
Steady for Life has a big announcement about classes at the Sandra Moon Complex. Huntsville's got a new City Administrator, John Hamilton - get to know him and what he's about in this month's issue. Pool Scouts of Huntsville helps you stay active with your family, and relax this summer with their tips for pool safety. IMP Huntsville is bringing us SpongeBob the Musical, and you can be there if you read more to find out how! This summer is bound to be packed with lots of excitement, stay healthy out there with tips from some of our contributors!
- TAGS
- elder care and senior living
- local politics
- civics and city planning
- entrepreneurship
- small business
- calendar of events
- autism and mental health
- business networking
- finance
- home improvement
- real estate tips
- interior design
- health and wellness
- travel
- culture and leisure
- music and theater
- arts and entertainment
- huntsville alabama
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ALSO INSIDE:
Sponge Bob,
the Musical -
Yes, really!
Get to know
John Hamilton,
City Administrator
Heal old injuries
with Return2Sport
© Best SHOWCASING Version OUR Media
COMMUNITY
JUNE 2024
L-R Austin Manhart,
Stephanie Manhart
holding Violet
Meet the Manhart Family,
Stephanie, Austin and Violet
Photo by Mandi Cook Photography
CALENDAR OF Events
JUN 2-8
Huntsville Youth Orchestra's
Tennessee Valley Music Festival
@Trinity UMC 607 Airport Rd SW,
Huntsville, AL 35802
Experience the harmonies of camaraderie
at TVMF 2024: The Music of Friendship.
Intermediate and advanced woodwind,
brass, and percussionists and all levels
of strings are invited to join the Huntsville
Youth Orchestra for an intense and
highly motivating week of music study.
Working closely with our accomplished
artist-faculty, students will participate in
daily chamber music ensembles, masterclasses,
large ensembles (orchestra, string
orchestra, band), and a special topics class
of choice (composition, conducting, choir,
jazz band, and more).
Starts June 2nd at 1:30pm, ends June 8th
at 5pm.
Tuition cost depends on track options
chosen, and date of registration. Register
early. Scholarships and 昀椀 nancial aid may
be available.
For more information contact:
hyo.exdir@gmail.com
Registration: hsvyo.org/tvmf-registration
© Best Version Media
JUN 7-8
8th Annual Reelin' N Smokin'
Backyard Barbecue Competition
@Ditto Landing
Reelin'-n-Smokin' is back for its 8th
year! This Kansas City Barbeque Society
sanctioned Backyard BBQ competition
will take place in the Ditto Landing
Campground where competitors will
compete for prize money & the coveted
Ditto Landing trophy! Contact Brandi
Quick for additional information 256-
882-1057
Time: June 7th at 5pm until June 8th at
4pm
dittolanding.org/event/29/8th-annual-reelin-n-smokin-backyard-bbq-competition
JUN 9
Huntsville-Madison County
Historical Society's Summer
Meeting- Taking the Stage:
Performance as a Social &
Cultural Platform
@Huntsville-Madison County Public
Library Main Branch Auditorium
915 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
We are looking at the push for human
rights through the lens of artistic media
and institutions. We want to explore
how the theater, comedy clubs, 昀椀 lm,
and other live performances are used for
expressing political, social, and cultural
platforms. Panelists: Dr. Noelle Hunter,
director of UAH's Human Rights Film
Festival, Kimberly Wilson and Jessica
Cotton, directors of Shenanigans Comedy
Theatre, and Jay Hixon, president of
Theatre Huntsville. Panel moderator: Dr.
SueAnne Grif 昀椀 th.
Time: 2-3:30pm
facebook.com/events/418197357478339/
JUN 15
SUPER Scavenger Hunt 2024
@Next Step Farms 465 Smith Vasser
Road Harvest, AL 35749
Open to all who enjoy a scavenger hunt!
Early registration - $25 for driver and
vehicle, $15 per additional rider. Day of
registration - $35 for driver and vehicle,
$15 per additional rider. Prices include
lunch. Lunch only - $10
Time: 8am-1pm
eventbrite.com/e/next-step-farms-superg
June...
JUN 22
Huntsville Water Lantern Festival
@Big Spring Park
Water Lantern Festival is an amazing
experience where you'll witness the
magic of lanterns as they light up the
water. The Water Lantern Festival was
voted #1 Festival by USA Today. Don't
miss this beautiful event!
Time: 5:30-9:30pm, Launch at 8:30pm
Cost: Ticket prices vary, book early.
waterlanternfestival.com/huntsville.php
The Black Jacket Symphony
Presents: Prince's Purple Rain
@Von Braun Center
Performed LIVE in its entirety at the
VBC Mark C Smith Concert Hall. Two
shows.
Time: 5pm or 9pm
Cost: $32-$37 via Ticketmaster
JUN 27
Cigar Box Guitar Lessons
@The Cigar Box Guitar Store,
Studio 106 (1st 昀氀 oor of Lowe Mill Arts
& Entertainment)
Free cigar box guitar lessons - almost
all of which can be played with just
one 昀椀 nger. Drop in for a few minutes or
stay for the entire lesson. No experience
required. Loaner guitars available.
Time: 12-3pm
Cost: Free
Questions? Call 256-886-8554
JUN 29
Leanne Morgan:
Just Getting Started
@Von Braun Center
See comedian, author and actress Leanne
Morgan perform all new material
at the VBC Propst Arena. Two shows,
limited tickets available.
Time: 4pm or 7pm
Cost: $35.75 - $95.75
via Ticketmaster
LeanneMorgan.com
Independence Day Celebration
@Ditto Landing
Ditto Landing's Independence Day Celebration,
in partnership with Christmas
Charities Year Round, held annually on
the last Saturday in June. Live music,
food trucks, 昀椀 rework display.
Time: Gates open at 5pm
with 昀椀 reworks at 9pm
Cost: Free
dittolanding.org/events
2 SOUTH HUNTSVILLE NEIGHBORS Submit Content at:
© Best Version Media
HAPPY June,
PUBLICATION TEAM
Publishers: Bob Druckman & Suzanne Druckman
Content Coordinator: Mandi Cook
Designer: Melissa Schlegel
Contributing Photographer: Mandi Cook
ADVERTISING
Contact: Bob Druckman
Email: bdruckman@bestversionmedia.com
Phone: 256-714-5155
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS:
Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you!
Deadlines for submissions are the 8th of each month.
Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.”
You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to:
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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:
Emergency ............................................................................................... 911
Huntsville Police South Precinct ............................................. 256-213-4500
Huntsville City Hall ................................................................. 256-427-5000
South Huntsville Public Library ............................................... 256-881-0257
Parks and Recreation .............................................................. 256-564-8026
School District 3 ...................................................................... 256-428-6800
CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES:
Content Due: .........................................................................Edition Date:
January 8 ................................................................................... February
February 8 ...................................................................................... March
March 6 ..............................................................................................April
April 8 ............................................................................................... May
May 8 ............................................................................................... June
June 7 ................................................................................................July
July 8 ............................................................................................. August
August 8 .................................................................................. September
September 6 .................................................................................October
October 8 ..................................................................................November
November 8 ............................................................................. December
December 8 ..................................................................................January
It’s vacation time and with that comes all the fun of exploring new
places, spending time with family or just complete relaxation; whatever
that looks like for you we hope that you will enjoy it.
Since our inception, South Huntsville Neighbors has been a proud
supporter of The United Way of Madison County. They have asked
us to help with a survey that you see below:
The United Way of Madison County Community Needs Assessment
is happening and they want to hear from YOU! This is an
important time in which United Way looks at important data and
listens to Huntsville/Madison County residents to understand. They
are interested in hearing what you are experiencing, what you see
around you in your neighborhood and in the larger community.
Take their simple survey today and share with co-workers, friends,
families, neighbors, and those you serve. Open now through June 30.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/UWMCCommunityNeedsSurvey
If anyone would prefer an interview or to participate in a focus
group, they can call Community Impact Director Cathy Miller at
256-518-8203 to arrange.
PHOTO BY MANDI COOK PHOTOGRAPHY
Our feature this month is the Manhart
family owners of Rocket City Remediation.
Their story is fascinating and one
of some twists and turns.
Please visit our sponsors and remember
that they are small businesses that
are the economic engine that drives the
growth in our area.
Like us on Facebook
See you next month,
Suzanne and Bob
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR:
Dr. Charles Lee, MD
Regenesis Stem Cell Center
(256) 715-8193
www.regenesisstemcell.com
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor,
or sponsorship, contact Bob Druckman at
bdruckman@bestversionmedia.com or phone 256-714- 5155.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and
advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of
Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations,
businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not
responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content
submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through arti 昀椀 cial
intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of
the submitting party. © 2024 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
– South Huntsville Neighbors
bestversionmedia.com JUNE 2024 3
COMMUNITY LEADERS
© Best Version Media
Meet John Hamilton, City Administrator, Huntsville, AL
By John Hamilton, City Administrator
While my title is City Administrator, my role is essentially
that of a deputy mayor. As an of 昀椀 cial appointed
by Mayor Tommy Battle, I’m here to assist
him with all his duties, whatever those may be,
wherever they may be needed.
One of the things I most enjoy about this job is that it is different
every single day. Much of my time is spent staying connected to
the community, our City departments and elected of 昀椀 cials. It’s my
job to look for problems, help solve them, and get the right people
involved to address the issue. It’s not always that something is
broken and needs to be 昀椀 xed. In some cases, it's realizing there's an
opportunity for some really good thing to emerge, and then getting
people engaged to leverage that opportunity. When that happens,
it’s way more fun than solving problems.
My leadership role in City Hall links back to what I did as an
Army of 昀椀 cer and Garrison Commander at Redstone Arsenal. A lot
of the job is making decisions. You've got folks bringing an issue.
You go through a sound decision-making process to make sure the
staff is following a sound decision-making process, then allocating
resources appropriately is a huge part of the job. It’s much the
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same now but with exciting opportunities to elevate and improve
our quality of life, such as helping realize the Mayor’s vision for
John Hunt Park, building The Orion Amphitheater to fuel our music
economy, and helping Council Members with speci 昀椀 c projects
in their districts.
There are also formal, assigned duties I'm particularly focused on
every single day. Mayor Battle has structured his executive staff
with speci 昀椀 c areas of responsibility. He’s assigned me departments
to oversee and supervise daily, and I spend a lot of time working
with some great leaders. While the Mayor remains involved with
all of his department heads, his job is extremely broad and demanding,
and he doesn't need to manage the day-to-day details of
every single thing going across the City.
My particular focus is on departments engaged in routine public
services. That includes Public Safety and Parks & Recreation as
well as employees engaged in the basic maintenance of our infrastructure
like Public Works and Landscape Management. Also
under my purview are departments that focus on supporting internal
municipal operations such as General Services, Information
Technology Services and Human Resources. I provide oversight
to these departments, meet with them regularly and make certain
they have what they need to accomplish their missions.
A third area of responsibility is when the Mayor needs me to be
somewhere. It may be an activity or event, ceremony, meeting
with an organization or providing senior representation from the
City. At City Hall, we value our role in supporting organizations
and businesses in our community and we work hard to be responsive
and stay engaged. This is a primary focus for the Mayor, but
he can't be everywhere and I am happy to step in to assist.
As you can imagine, the City of Huntsville is constantly changing,
evolving and growing. It’s exciting and rewarding to stay ahead of
these changes, to embrace new ideas and opportunities, to inspire
employees, and to serve our citizens.
Mind • Body • Sleep • Rise • Pet • Trim
256-945-7775 • getsunmed.com
5000 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville, AL 35802
Jan C Stephens M.E., CCC_SLP
Jennifer Vann M.S. CCC_SLP
valleyspeechtherapy@myyahoo.com
256.520.8995
4 SOUTH HUNTSVILLE NEIGHBORS Submit Content at:
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
© Best Version Media
Christmas Charities Year Round
Giving All Year Long
By Beth Haynes Executive Director CCYR
Step inside Christmas Charities Year Round and you will 昀椀 nd something
more magical than the Christmas season… Giving all year long. You will
see children receiving much needed clean clothing, adults receiving durable
medical equipment to aid with mobility and everyday tasks, teens
volunteering their time, and much more.
Since 1949, CCYR has been assisting those in need in Madison County by providing
basic needs. We are dedicated to ensuring those in need receive basic necessities, distribution
of clothing, school supplies, and durable medical equipment, clothing delivered
to our schools, and Christmas assistance to children and seniors to ful 昀椀 l our mission: To
improve the quality of life year-round for Madison County residents in need by providing
program services at no cost.
At CCYR our programs are based on the needs of the community and foster the community
to assist those in need without judgement, to build con 昀椀 dence and dignity, aid where it is
needed, and at no cost. We provide programs that provide pathways to help people lead,
live, and serve no matter where they are from or what challenges they face. We do this by
partnering with people and organizations who understand that building a better community
begins with providing basic needs to our youth and those that are underserved. We want to
offer the community a place where people can get the clothing, durable medical equipment,
support, and con 昀椀 dence they need to live a better life.
Residential & Commercial | Locally & Family Owned
Prismatic Cleaning Services
Windows Gutters
Exteriors High Dusting
Meticulous And Thorough
On Every Job
How can you help?
Give the gift of basic needs year round – donate clothing for our clients to ‘shop’ at no
cost in our clothing rooms.
Give the gift of basic needs at school – donate school aged clothing, school supplies,
and hygiene items that our Mobile Closet delivers to Huntsville City and Madison County
schools.
Give the gift of Christmas celebration – starting in October, donate new toys and gifts to
provide Christmas to children 2-18 or adopt a Senior.
Give the gift of mobility and healing assistance – by donating unused medical equipment.
We will clean and make sure each item is in working order and will distribute to those
in need at no cost regardless of income or health insurance status.
Give the gift of making the world a greener place – by donating unwearable clothing
and other unusable textiles to our recycling program.
CCYR is a 501c3 non-pro 昀椀 t organization in Madison County. We have 4 full-time staff and
100’s of volunteers that offer daily assistance to all of our programs throughout the year.
Help us continue our mission by visiting www.ccyr.org
Join us for an upcoming fundraiser:
Golf Tournament June 10th at Valley Hill Country Club - www.ccyr.org/golf
VIP area at Ditto Landing’s Independence Day Celebration June 29th - www.ccyr.org/VIP
Keep an eye on social media for details on our 75th Anniversary event!
We post our most needed items on Facebook and Instagram stories each week. Clothing
donations are accepted Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm, 3054 Leeman Ferry Road Suite P
Huntsville, AL 35801
Let's give love, get some back
The more you give, the more you'll have ~Michael Bublé
DAVIS, REDDING, & ASSOCIATES, LLC
— Integrated Financial Solutions —
www.davisreddingassociates-dra.com
LORA A. REDDING, CPA
Certified Public Accountant & CEO
Lora@davisredding.cpa
1058 Winchester Rd. NE
Huntsville, AL 35811
Phone: 256-746-9260
Trust, Integrity and Experience
You Can Count On
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING, TAX
AND FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS
Member of AICPA, ASCPA, TSCPA
Women in Defense, WEDC, Huntsville/Madison County
Chamber of Commerce
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DCAA Representation and Compliance,
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256.795.2990
prismaticcleaning@gmail.com
prismaticwindowcleaning.com
OVER 25 YEARS' EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
bestversionmedia.com JUNE 2024 5
YOUR HEALTH
© Best Version Media
How Long is Too Long to Deal with
an Injury Before Asking for Help?
By Dylan Glass PT, DPT, SMTC, Return 2 Sport PT & Performance
When you’re constantly active and pushing your limits, pain can
sometimes feel like just another part of the process. However, distinguishing
between minor aches and serious injuries is crucial to
maintaining your health, performance, and longevity in your sport.
Understanding the right time to seek professional help can prevent
long-term damage and ensure you stay on top of your game.
Understanding Tissue Healing Timeframes
The healing process is complex and varies depending on the type
and severity of the injury. Initially, the body enters an in 昀氀 ammatory
phase which can last several days and is characterized by symptoms
like pain and swelling. Following this, the proliferative phase sees
the damaged tissues begin to repair themselves, a process that can
last from a few weeks to two months. The 昀椀 nal phase, remodeling,
involves the strengthening of these tissues and can extend several
months to over a year.
Consequences of Healing in a Damaged State
What happens during the healing process is more important than
the injury itself. This is the time that your body creates structural
changes with a goal of 昀椀 xing itself. If we have the wrong kind of
adaptations through these phases, the outcome will not be optimal.
For example, if you fell and injured your knee and then avoided
using it and didn’t move it, utilizing the rest, ice, compression, and
elevation method but never restored mobility and strength, the outcome
would be a stiff knee. In other words, a snowball effect of
more problems.
Improper healing can increase the risk of future injuries and may
lead to chronic pain — a persistent pain that continues beyond the
normal healing time. Chronic pain can severely limit performance
and quality of life, making early and effective treatment essential.
Biomechanical Changes Due to Injury
Injuries often cause biomechanical changes as the body adapts to
avoid pain. These adaptations can alter movement patterns and place
unusual stresses on other parts of the body. For instance, limping to
avoid foot pain can lead to hip and back problems. Over time, these
compensations can become ingrained, leading to further injuries and
chronic issues that are more dif 昀椀 cult to resolve.
The Impact on Training and Goals
When injured, your training inevitably suffers. An unresolved injury
can hinder your ability to train effectively, stalling progress toward
your 昀椀 tness or performance goals. Persistent issues may mean
you’re unable to increase training intensity or volume, leading to
plateaus or declines in performance. Moreover, ineffective training
while injured often leads to frustration and decreased motivation,
which can impact mental health and may even cause you to quit the
sport you love to do.
Professional Help at Return 2 Sport PT & Performance
At Return 2 Sport PT & Performance, we understand the critical nature
of addressing injuries promptly and effectively. We specialize
in 昀椀 nding the root cause and solving sports-related injuries, ensuring
that every athlete receives personalized care to avoid the common
pitfalls. Our mission is to keep you, THE ATHLETE, doing what
you love, by improving movement quality, resolving pain and dysfunction,
and providing you with the knowledge and understanding
of how to take care of yourself and remain pain free long term.
Call to Action
Don’t wait until pain and movement limitations become a permanent
昀椀 xture in your life. If you’re dealing with an injury that’s not
improving, or if you’re noticing changes in your ability to perform,
it’s time to get some help from our Sport PT and running specialist
at Return 2 Sport PT & Performance. Call or go to the site below to
schedule a phone consultation today.
6 SOUTH HUNTSVILLE NEIGHBORS Submit Content at:
© Best Version Media
4601 Whitesburg Dr. Suite 103
Huntsville
256.715.8193
RegenesisStemCell.com
“As illustrated below, our patients typically experience significant knee, hip, spine, shoulder,
foot/ankle and hand pain reduction from injuries and disease such as osteoarthritis”
bestversionmedia.com JUNE 2024 7
YOUR HEALTH
© Best Version Media
HAPPI Health: Adult Medicine
By Adilene Guzman, Community Outreach Coordinator, HAPPI Health
When people see our logo repeatedly, they assume we are either
a dentist's of 昀椀 ce or a pediatrician. Yes, we specialize in pediatrics
but also in adult medicine, behavioral health, urgent care, and a
Hispanic clinic. We do it all except for dental. The adults in our
community must know we can provide care for them and their
families. We also make it easier by offering pharmacy and lab
services so our patients can get everything they need in one trip
to our clinic.
When you choose HAPPI Health as your primary care provider,
you're not just a patient-your part of our family. Our team of
seven healthcare providers, all specializing in family medicine,
is dedicated to providing you with personalized, high-quality
healthcare. We believe in building strong relationships with our
patients, ensuring you feel valued, heard, and understood. Our
goal is to help you achieve your optimal health, because your
well-being is our priority.
Annual well-checks at HAPPI Health are a crucial part of maintaining
your health. During these visits, you can discuss any current
health issues or concerns, get updated on vaccinations, and
undergo health screenings and blood tests. Depending on your
DR. KYLE
Phone (appointments):
256.519.3650
www.happihealth.org
Urgent Care
813 Franklin Street
SERVICES PROVIDED:
• Primary Care • Men's Health
• Urgent Care • Behavioral Health
• Women's Health • Pediatric Care
• Family Medicine • Spanish
• Physicals speaking clinic
HAPPI Health is proud to announce
we provide the COVID VACCINE
and COVID TESTING.
During the Covid-19 pandemic our
offices are offering TeleHealth Medicine *
visits to our patients.
* Please do note that you must be an established patient
of HAPPI to qualify for Telehealth Medicine visits.
115 St.Clair
Avenue STE 200
2597
Sparkman Drive
age, our healthcare team may conduct additional screenings. For
our Medicare-insured senior patients, we offer detailed assessments
such as the Cognitive test, STEADI falls risk assessment,
and PHQ-9, all designed to ensure your health needs are met
comprehensively.
Cognitive tests help to assess the patient's memory by asking a
few questions about knowledge of time, place, and person, concentration,
ability to use language, ability to perform a speci 昀椀 c
action, and ability to assess judgment. STEADI (Stopping Elderly
Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) fall risk assessment is a
screening that involves twelve questions related to feeling unsteady,
being worried about a fall, and recent fall history. PHQ-
9 (a nine-question health patient questionnaire) measures how
often a person has been bothered by nine symptoms of depression
over the past two weeks. The provider then accesses these
screenings and can go in and review all the testing done and
further detail their medical decision-making.
Other topics are also discussed, including Advanced care planning,
which involves talking to the patient about how to appoint
a POA (power of attorney) for medical decision-making if they
are ever in a position where they cannot make their own decisions.
This ensures everyone close to the patient knows who that
person is, so decisions aren't opposed and why it's important to
have an appointed POA. It also involves asking patients if they
have a living will; if they don't, the provider will encourage them
and give them information on how to do so. Senior assisted living
is another topic that is also looked into if the provider thinks
it may be time for a patient to start considering it. We help our
patients get informed and connected to any resources they need
during their healthcare journeys.
Taking care of our seniors and their families and making health
care accessible is part of our mission!
8 SOUTH HUNTSVILLE NEIGHBORS Submit Content at:
YOUR HEALTH
© Best Version Media
Our Journey To “The Moon”
By Kim Davis, Steady For Life
The year was 2011, when four friends sat around a table and began
dreaming about a program that would help our older friends who
were being challenged by balance issues, osteoporosis, arthritis, and
in some cases, isolation. We studied what the Center for Disease
Control had to say on these issues. We listened to some knowledgeable
medical professionals. We took some Senior Fitness courses
and practical training; we thought we were ready. Soon we had 50
“students” meeting for Balance classes in Mayfair’s Church Fellowship
Hall and Garden Room.
It became crystal clear that WE, 50 and 60 year olds, also needed to
be doing preventive weight bearing exercises, dances, stretches and
balance techniques to keep US from becoming fall compromised
and having some of the issues that typically accompany aging.
Thus, different levels of these actives were born, and we named our
program STEADY FOR LIFE. Soon the word spread of the work
we were doing and the positive results for many. We began getting
calls asking if we would provide classes in other parts of the city
and county. Many churches were open to donating space for such
classes as a community outreach if we would come. (See the location
list to the right).
Before long it was necessary to have a “home base” in a rented
space, and we continued to make that home in South Huntsville.
Fast forward a few years when the Sandra Moon Community Complex
was in the planning and developing stages. We eagerly attended
Council Member Jennie Robinson’s town hall meetings, and
we celebrated when the beautiful new library opened and the Arts
Council got their lovely wing. We played with our grandchildren on
the fabulous new playground and even had some Steady for Life
Pickle Ball lessons with Judy Hayes - all while dreaming of someday
having our South Huntsville Steady for Life classes there.
Steady for Life - Main
Sandra Moon Community
Complex
Arts Council Wing
7901 Bailey Cove Rd, Huntsville
First Baptist Church
600 Governor's Drive, Huntsville
First Baptist Church of
Meridianville
175 Monroe Rd., Meridianville
Locust Grove Baptist Church
171 County Lake Rd., New Market
Monrovia Church of Christ
595 Nance Rd., Huntsville
Monte Sano United
Methodist Church
601 Monte Sano Blvd., Huntsville
Mount Zion Baptist Church
228 Mt. Zion Rd, Huntsville
Nativity Episcopal Church
208 Eustis Ave, Huntsville
Owens Cross Rds. Church
of Christ
124 Eastwood Dr.,
Owens Cross Rds.
Valley United Methodist Church
1410 Drake Ave., Huntsville
The Lodge
451 Johns Rd NW, Huntsville
DREAMS DO COME TRUE! We are excited to announce that we
will welcome everyone to classes at “THE MOON” on June 1st!
We will be renting space from our friends at the Arts Council on
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. Look for our Steady for Life
sign at the entrance and visit us on our website www.steadyforlife.
org for more information. If you’d like to talk to someone at Steady
for Life in person, you may call us at 256-213-1976.
You Have Balance And Strength Goals
We Can Help Make Those Goals A Reality
INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING PROGRAM
We Are Now In The New Sandra Moon Community Complex
7901 Bailey Cove Road SE, Huntsville, AL 35802
256-213-1976
WINDOWS DOORS
AND SIDING
— ESTABLISHED 1986—
holts-siding-windows.com
256-288-0050
Honesty Integrity
and Professionalism
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YOUR HEALTH
© Best Version Media
Hearing Health Matters:
Linking Hearing Loss and the Brain
By Anita Giles MS,
CCC-A Audiologist,
Physicians Hearing Center
LinkedIn is a networking site for professionals to connect, collaborate,
share and learn. “The mission of LinkedIn is simple: connect
the world’s professionals to make them more productive and
successful”. Networking includes looking for new opportunities to
grow and learn, developing relationships with other professionals or
friends, and 昀椀 nding information, people, and/or education options.
Linking with all aspects of life requires similar networking capabilities
for us to be successful in life’s relationships. With hearing loss,
connection and communication networks are interrupted and we are
no longer linked in with life.
Our body is a complex network of many necessary and in 昀氀 uential
members uni 昀椀 ed to make us healthy, well, and who we are. The brain
is central to everything we do, think, and remember. It has billions of
nerve cells (neurons), trillions of 昀椀 bers and connections (nerve impulses)
that form a network linking it to all body parts (nervous system).
Nerve cells receive and send information, which is processed
to make us aware of what we see, hear, smell, taste, touch, and plans
our movements. The brain is the major site for thinking, awareness,
behavior, feelings, and involved in learning and memory.
Reasoning, memory and attention are brain functions essential for
independent living. Cognitive abilities, such as focusing, memory,
ability to learn and retain new things, decrease due to the normal
process of aging but other factors can alter function and the rate
of deterioration. What happens when the brain is deprived of vital
input for learning, information exchange and connection with others
that is provided by the ears – the sensation of sound?
Scientists have established a link between Hearing Loss (HL) and
cognitive function. Physiologically, the true organ of hearing is the
brain as it assigns meaning to the sounds that are transmitted from
the ears. Loss of hearing can impact a person’s ability to detect
sound (peripheral system) as well as the ability to process or under-
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stand sound in the brain (central system). Sound has the power to
stimulate the brain, which is why HL can have a profound impact on
health. People with untreated HL have been found to show cognitive
decline 30-40% faster than someone without HL. Brain scans
have shown that (HL) contributes to a faster rate of brain atrophy or
shrinkage.
Identifying and treating HL is important. Fewer sounds making
their way to the brain (auditory deprivation), shifts how it operates
and the ability to “hear’ or make sense of sound information
is lost. The auditory area shrinks or is reassigned to other tasks.
Untreated HL overworks the brain requiring assistance from the
parts of the brain involved in thinking and memory, decreasing
brain ef 昀椀 ciency. Social isolation often occurs when you can’t hear,
decreasing brain stimulation.
next steps for treatment. Properly 昀椀 t hearing aids are known to reduce
listening effort, leaving more cognitive resources available for
other brain tasks, re-stimulate areas of the brain that been deprived
due to loss of sensation, and improve social communication. Understanding
the link between HL and brain 昀椀 tness helps you improve
your overall health.
June is Alzheimer's Awareness Month
www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2020.00093/full
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096191/
www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/hearing-loss-america/
With life expectancy getting longer, making this added time healthy,
enjoyable and productive is linked to preventing and controlling
chronic diseases and conditions. Auditory deprivation can limit the
quality of life and independence. Although HL doesn’t cause dementia,
it increases the risk for developing dementia and SHOULD
NOT be ignored.
Experts consider treating HL as a proactive step to help lower the
risk of cognitive decline. The adage “use it or lose it” applies to
brain and hearing health. Choose to “Use it and Improve it” by having
your hearing evaluated and treated. Schedule an evaluation with
an audiologist to determine presence, type, and severity of HL and
Helping You Live
Your Best Life
Non-Invasive Solutions That Can
Restore Your Health and happiness
SERVICES
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Chronic Knee Pain
• Back Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Hip Pain
• Arm and Hand Pain
• Foot and Ankle Pain
FIONA WELLNESS
CENTER
2905 Bob Wallace Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35805
256-489-3500
AESTHETIC SERVICES
• EMSCULPT
• Non-Invasive
Dr. Christine Spurlock DC
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TRAVEL
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Upgrade Your Road Trip: High-Tech Features Make RV Camping Easier Than Ever
By Kelsi Nuss, Web Director, Johnston RV
Intimidated by RV ownership? You’re
not alone. There’s a lot to learn when
it comes to using a camper, but the
experience comes with the amazing
promise of adventure no matter
if your goal is more family time together on the weekends, workfrom-anywhere
independence, or simply to see more of this great
country we live in up close.
Since the early days of recreational vehicles, the world of RV travel
has advanced signi 昀椀 cantly, lending ease to seasoned and new RVers
alike. Here are some high-tech amenities RVers today can have
at their 昀椀 ngertips to enhance comfort, convenience, ef 昀椀 ciency, and
safety when traveling.
Smart Climate Control
RVs with intelligent climate control systems allow you to customize
exact temperature settings and schedules using your Smartphone
and/or voice commands. Some RVs even have zoned climate control
options making it possible to customize the temperature in different
parts of the camper.
Advanced Entertainment Systems
Large HD LED TVs, sound bars, and home theater systems — oh
my! Many modern campers are also equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity
options and are pre-wired for smart TV and satellite TV, hightech
goodies that facilitate watching the big game, entertainment on
a rainy day, or enjoying a successful workday on the road.
Touchscreen Control Panels and
Smart Home Integration
Another high-tech feature found in modern RVs is a touchscreen
control panel that allows you to monitor and control everything
from lighting and temperature to security and entertainment in one
central hub. These may also include an app so you can control the
RV remotely from your phone, voice-activated commands capabilities,
and smart home integration capabilities. Smart home integration
can save energy costs, improve security, and let you personalize
the environment in your RV.
Safety and Security
Contemporary RVs frequently are equipped with sophisticated security
features including alarm systems, CCTV cameras, and remote
monitoring. This enables you to monitor your camper while you’re
not there, creating peace of mind and protection on your investment.
RV Automation
Automation is transforming the RV experience by simplifying essential
tasks. Automated leveling systems make setting up camp a
breeze by detecting uneven terrain and automatically adjusting the
camper’s leveling jacks, eliminating the need for manual leveling.
Automated awnings are another feature that says time and effort,
allowing you to focus on the joys of your journey.
Energy-Ef 昀椀 cient Appliances
Energy-ef 昀椀 cient appliances that save energy and lessen your carbon
impact are frequently found in high-tech RVs these days. LED
lighting, energy-ef 昀椀 cient refrigerators, and low-power HVAC systems
are a few appliances that will provide you the freedom to enjoy
home comforts on the road.
While availability of these high-tech features in new campers varies
from model to model, it is certain that manufacturers use them to
place priority on safe, enjoyable, user-friendly experiences for RVers
(or future RVers!) at the forefront of their designs. When choosing
your next RV, take into account these modern amenities and how
they can provide support and boost comfort while out on the road
and at the campground!
AUNT CONNIE’S
Pet Sitting Service
256-690-7027
Connie Glenn
OWNER
Taking Care of Your
Pets When You Can't
Over 50 years of experience
Aunt Connie Will Care When You’re Not There
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Sponge Bob The Musical IMP
Huntsville’s Next Production
By Jenni Wood, IMP Huntsville
Who lives in a Pineapple under the sea?” YOU
DO, when you join IMP Huntsville for our summer production
of SpongeBob the Musical!
You may already be familiar with the cartoon, SpongeBob
Squarepants, that 昀椀 rst aired in 1999, and is still on air today!
It quickly became the most popular animated show on Nickelodeon,
and one of the longest running American animated shows
in history. Whether or not you’re familiar with the cartoon, you
have most certainly noticed its large presence in pop culture.
For avid theatre goers, SpongeBob the Musical will surprise you,
as it 昀椀 ts the musical comedy genre to a “t” and then some! This
one checks all of the right boxes - it’s hilarious, fast paced, has
an element of “spectacle”, and even pulls at your heart strings.
There are even pirates. Everyone loves pirates.
What separates SpongeBob the Musical from others of its category
is that each song explores a different genre of music. We have
several different recording artists to thank for this, some of whom
you probably recognize. Sara Bareilles, John Legend, Plain White
T’s, Panic! at the Disco, Cindy Lauper, and David Bowie are just
some of the artists who have contributed to this musical. These
different genres of music allow us to explore different styles of
dance, from contemporary, to tap, to hip hop and of course, classic
musical theatre. Structurally, SpongeBob the Musical is unique in
this way. It also features a wide variety of pirates.
For our younger (and young at heart) audience members - we
have all of the characters you know and love from the show telling
a brand new story. Our “Heroes” SpongeBob, Patrick, and
Sandy, must work together to save the day when Bikini Bottom
faces catastrophe! And as you may have guessed, they’ll have
to thwart a scheme or two from Plankton in the process. We’ll
have the kiddos dancing in their seats (and maybe even the isles).
Audiences will recognize the homage to the cartoon with bright
colors, 昀氀 ying beach balls, jelly 昀椀 sh and maybe even a bubble or
two. And did we mention there are pirates.
To bring this story to life, IMP Huntsville has assembled a dynamite
team. We are delighted to bring our director, Russell
Stephens, back home to Huntsville from Orlando where he has
worked professionally for many years. Our other team members
include: Jenni Wood, as Assistant Director, Huntsville based
musician, Newt Johnson as our Music Director (Color Purple,
Beauty and the Beast, RENT), and Martez Clemmons as our
Technical Director and lighting design extraordinaire (Gentleman’s
Guide to Love and Murder, Color Purple). Under the artistic
direction of Vivienne Atkins and PJ Sligting, this team is
ready to deliver a high energy, utterly delightful show, full of
joy…and pirates.
You can experience SpongeBob the Musical June 27 - June 30th.
Please visit our website, imphuntsville.org, for dates, times, and
ticket information. We’ll see you in Bikini Bottom!
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■ Remodeling Hardscape
■ Exterior and Interior Renovations
■ Siding and Gutter Installation
■ Exterior Repairs and
Structural Repairs
Parks Roofing and Construction
Call Or Text 256.288.4241
or 256.755.7765
parksconstructional.com
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RESIDENT FEATURE
© Best Version Media
Meet the
Manhart Family,
Stephanie, Austin and Violet
By Stephanie Manhart, Photos by Mandi Cook Photography
We are the Manhart Family. We have me,
Stephanie Manhart, my husband, Austin Manhart,
our daughter Violet Manhart and our best
friend (Uncle) Calvin Jacobson. Austin and I
met while working together in restaurants.
We both have always had a love for food. We
had this professionalism about us that made
it extremely easy to work together. No matter
what kitchen we ended up in over the years
we always excelled when working together.
Over time we became close friends, bonding
over our work and similarities in our past. We
both had similar goals for the future. Before we
knew it that bond turned into admiration and
affection for one another. It was not long that
we decided to give US a shot.
The three of us have all left Huntsville, AL at
some point in our lives. I left to join the Army,
Austin left for college and Calvin left for family,
but we all ended up right back here in beautiful
Huntsville. Huntsville has always called
out, ready to give you a comforting place to call
home. Nowhere is without its troubles but how
can you beat a Huntsville Alabama sunset?
Trust us, you can't. This Valley has so much to
offer in so many ways, the culture, the restaurants,
the nature, and most of all the breathtaking
sky. They say home is where the heart is
and our heart belongs to Huntsville.
When we explore away from Huntsville our
favorite place to go is the beach; speci 昀椀 cally,
Panama City beach. It has been our go to destination
for 7 years now. This is partially due
to the fact that I lived there for 4 years and
was able to show Austin the wonders of the
beach. Austin found his in 昀椀 nity for the beach
through me. The best part is that there is one
thing you can always 昀椀 nd at the beach and it’s
Mini Golf! Now I wouldn't say we are pros
at mini golf but it is our favorite thing to play
together when traveling to any beach because
it's fun yet still competitive.
When I was a teenager I had no idea where I
wanted my life to go. I knew I wanted to make
a difference, I just didn't know how. I was helping
take care of my grandmother after a major
surgery and we were watching the news about
the war at that time. I told her I wanted to join
and make something of myself by serving our
country. Little did I know my grandma started
working immediately to make this dream
come true. 6 months later I turned 18 and a
few family members, including my grandma
had made my dream a reality. I served 4 years
with the United States Army and was deployed
for Operation New Dawn and Operation Iraqi
Freedom. It was a lot of hard work and dedication
but it gave me exactly what I needed and
14 SOUTH HUNTSVILLE NEIGHBORS Submit Content at:
wanted. I now had a strong respect for
myself that I did not have before. Being
a Veteran has given my life something I
didn't know I needed. To all of the young
women out there not knowing where to go
next, Chase your dreams. It will take hard
work and dedication to get there but if you
can hold onto the dream you can make it
a reality. Now not only am I a Veteran but
I am also a business owner. I would have
never made it this far had I not chased that
dream when I was 17.
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Austin has a strong love for cars that we
both share together now. When he was a
teenager his 昀椀 rst car was a 1998 Mustang
SVT Cobra that he pulled out of a 昀椀 eld
that was nowhere close to being roadworthy,
so the work began. He pulled the engine
and transmission and restored them.
Now that the Mustang was running great
he began working on restoring the inside,
everything had to come out. Once the car
was roadworthy he moved onto working
on upgrades and the love for cars only
grew from there. After the Mustang he
worked on restoring a 1987 Oldsmobile
Cutlass Deluxe.
After Austin and I met we began working
together on restoring and 昀氀 ipping
cars. We have worked on a 2003 Ford
F150 Lariat step side, after that was a
2004 Crown Victoria that led us to be
able to get 2003 Cobalt that we 昀氀 ipped
for a 2016 Chrysler 300S. While working
on making the Chrysler a show worthy
car we also began work on one of
Austin's dream cars which was a 2005
Dodge Magnum RT sport wagon that we
made into a show car and traded for a
1968 Mercury Montego MX Convertible.
As of today we are working to get
the Mercury to its former glory and with
Austin's knowledge and our combined
love for cars the sky's the limit.
In our down time we love to explore other
restaurants because our love of food never
faded. We love Boarhogs BBQ. We even
had our daughter's 1st birthday there. The
staffs are all very friendly and the food is
absolutely delicious. We don't just love
BBQ though; we also visit Pane E Vino
downtown, El Mariachi on Winchester
Rd, and Ding How II near Whitesburg
Dr because variety is the spice of life. We
love to explore family friendly environments
where our family can try new types
of food but also enjoy the classics that we
have become accustomed to.
Austin and I have always been a member
of one church or another no matter where
in the world life has taken us. Even during
my time in the military. I had a chance
to experience other churches and religions.
This really helped open my eyes
to all walks of God, not just what I was
raised with. I believe that us attending
and welcoming the lord into our lives has
helped with our compassion and understanding
towards others and their needs.
Calvin may not be a member of a church
but that does not mean he is without compassion.
Whenever disaster strikes, be it
strong storms, 昀氀 ooding, 昀椀 re, he is always
right there to help. He will load tools into
his truck and head out to help. He will
cut trees away that have fallen on houses,
pull people out who are trapped after a
tornado, built retaining walls during big
昀氀 oods and he will do it all without expecting
anything in return. His big heart
is part of why we love and trust him as
our best friend, business partner, and as
Uncle Calvin to our daughter.
As a child, Austin's father was one of the
top 10 environmental engineers in the region.
Austin was always there with his
dad to help in any way he could and grew
a strong respect for what his father did in
order to help people. When the time came
and we had climbed as high as we were able
in the food industry we felt that there was
something missing in our lives. The food
we cooked would make people happy but
we wanted more. We wanted to make a difference.
We sat down one night with Calvin
and started talking about our future. Calvin
worked as a home inspector and a foundation
expert whereas Austin worked with
mold and fungus for several years prior to
being a Chef and as a foundation expert
alongside Calvin for a few years after. I on
the other hand had been working for several
years as a paralegal, so it was as if our company
was screaming at us in plain sight, Mold
Remediation! We could start a business where
all we do is help people have a better living.
We had the knowledge and the drive to make it
happen. So we buckled down and started saving
our start up funds. Things were tight for a
while but we made up the funds we needed and
昀椀 led the proper paperwork to make out business
a reality. With our license and insurance
in place we started working right away. Living
in Alabama we are always 昀椀 ghting some sort of
mold or fungus. It is something that has always
been here and will always be here so why not
have a company that can help others live a more
comfortable and healthy life. Having mold in
your home or business is not a choice, it just
happened on its own, but we have made the
choice to be the trusted business you can call
when you need someone with the expertise to
handle the situation
“Your local Mold experts! 10 years of experience”
MOLD SOLUTIONS
• Water Damage Repair
• Mold Testing
• Mold Remediation
• Mold Inspection
• Full Home Airspace
Fumigation
• Crawl Space
Encapsulation
BEFORE
AFTER
Austin Manhart 256-603-9766
Calvin Jacobson 256-425-6421
rocketcityremediation@gmail.com
rocketcityremediation.com
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AT HOME
© Best Version Media
Embrace the Sunshine: Summer Interior Window Treatments to Lighten Up Your Space
By John Akins, ShadeCraft LLC
As the sun dances high in the sky and warm breezes whisper
through open windows, summer invites us to embrace the vibrant
energy of the season. When it comes to interior design,
selecting the right window treatments can enhance the summer
ambiance, allowing sunlight to illuminate your space while
maintaining comfort and style. From breezy sheers to practical
shades, here's a guide to summer interior window treatments.
Sheer Elegance: Sheer curtains epitomize summer sophistication.
Delicate and airy, these translucent fabrics gently 昀椀 lter
sunlight, casting a soft glow that brightens up any room. Opt
for light pastel hues like soft blues or pale yellows to evoke a
sense of tranquility reminiscent of a sun-kissed afternoon. Sheer
curtains not only allow natural light to 昀氀 ood your space but also
provide a subtle layer of privacy, making them an ideal choice
for those seeking both beauty and functionality.
Solar Shades for Sunnier
Days: When the summer
sun beats down with intensity,
solar shades come
to the rescue. Crafted
from UV-resistant materials,
these shades block
harsh sunlight and glare
while preserving your outdoor
view. Choose from a
range of opacities to tailor
the level of light control
to your preference. For a
Solar Roller Shades
modern touch, consider
motorized solar shades that
offer effortless operation at the touch of a button, allowing you to
adjust sunlight with ease as the day progresses.
Cool and Crisp - Linen Roman Shades: Linen roman shades exude
a timeless elegance that effortlessly complements the breezy
ambiance of summer. The natural texture of linen adds depth and
character to your windows, creating a relaxed yet re 昀椀 ned aesthetic.
Sheer Roman shade
Opt for light and neutral tones
such as crisp whites or soft
beiges to enhance the feeling
of freshness and openness in
your space. With their classic
design and thermal insulation
properties, linen roman shades
strike the perfect balance between
style and functionality,
keeping your home cool and
comfortable throughout the
summer months.
Tropical Vibes - Natural Woven Shades: Bring a touch of tropical
paradise into your home with natural woven shades. They can
infuse your space with natural warmth and texture, evoking the laidback
charm of a beachfront
retreat. The unique texture
of bamboo 昀椀 lters sunlight,
creating a dappled effect that
adds depth and dimension to
your surroundings. Whether
you're seeking shelter from
the midday heat or simply
craving a touch of exotic
昀氀 air, natural woven shades
offer a stylish solution for
summer window dressing. Drapery with natural shade
In conclusion, summer interior window treatments should strike
a harmonious balance between light, comfort, and style. So, embrace
the sunshine and let your windows become a canvas for
summer's natural beauty, illuminating your home with warmth
and vitality.
At ShadeCraft, we offer a full line of custom window treatments
to accommodate almost any application. As you begin planning
your window treatment updates, we encourage you to give us a
call for any initial advice you need. Also, don’t forget to ask us
about any special promotions being offered.
You Are Unique. We Get It . We Help Design
Get Ready For a Great Window Treatment Experience.
Shades | Blinds | Shutters | Draperies
Latest Styles and Features
In Home Or Virtual Consultations
We Measure and Install
256-867-0968 • www.shadecraftshades.com
Total Stress-Free Relocation and Downsizing Solution for Seniors
Robert and Annette Alley
Certi 昀椀 ed Relocation and
Transition Specialists
Relocation • Downsizing
Decluttering • Home Cleanouts
Estate Sales • Online Auction
Free Consultation - No Obligation
600 Boulevard South SW Suite 104, Huntsville, AL
ralley@caringtransitions.com
256-808-2844(O)
Scan Me
256-609-0904 (C)
caringtransitionshuntsville.com
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
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AT HOME
© Best Version Media
The Dryer Vent Squad’s Step-by-Step Instructions
for Effective Dryer Vent Maintenance By Trent Iley Owner Dryer Vent Squad
A Guide to Cleaning Your Dryer Vent effectively is essential for
home safety and appliance ef 昀椀 ciency. In this comprehensive guide,
we’ll walk you through the necessary steps to ensure your dryer
operates safely and at its best. Learn how to prevent lint build-up,
reduce 昀椀 re hazards, and extend the life of your dryer with our easyto-follow
instructions.
• Identifying the Dryer Vent Location: Identify where your
vent exits the house. This is usually on an exterior wall or roof.
It’s important to know this location as it’s where you’ll be doing
most of the external cleaning. Proper safety equipment might
be necessary.
• Safety First – Disconnect the Dryer: Safety is paramount. Ensure
the dryer is unplugged from the power source. If you have
a gas dryer, it’s crucial also to turn off the gas supply to prevent
accidents.
• Removing the Vent Cover: Gently remove the cover of the exterior
vent. This might involve unscrewing it or prying it open
with a tool. Be careful not to damage the body or the 昀氀 ue. If
there are missing louvers call us for a replacement.
• Cleaning the Vent Opening: Using a vacuum cleaner with a
hose attachment or a specialized vent cleaning brush, thoroughly
clean the Lint and debris from the vent opening. This step is
vital for preventing blockages that can lead to 昀椀 res.
• Interior Cleaning – Inside the Dryer: Head inside and vacuum
where the vent connects to the dryer. This step is often
overlooked by our competitors but is crucial for removing Lint
that accumulates inside the dryer.
• Utilizing a Vent Cleaning Kit: Use a dryer vent cleaning kit
for a comprehensive clean. These kits typically include a long,
昀氀 exible brush and extension rods that can reach deep into the
vent, ensuring a thorough clean.
• Reassembling the Vent System: Carefully reattach the vent to
the dryer after cleaning with 4” worm clamps. Con 昀椀 rm that it is
securely connected and that there are no cracks or leaks where
Lint could escape.
• Testing the Dryer: Once the vent is reconnected, plug the dryer
back in (and turn on the gas if applicable). Run the dryer for a
few minutes to ensure its operating correctly and that air 昀氀 ows
freely through the vent.
Regular dryer vent maintenance is not just about ef 昀椀 ciency; it’s
a critical safety measure. Lint build-up can pose a signi 昀椀 cant 昀椀 re
hazard. Cleaning your dryer vent at least once a year, or more
often if you notice your dryer’s performance declining, is a good
practice. Additionally, suppose you have pets or a large family.
In that case, you should clean the vent more frequently due to
increased lint accumulation.
Remember, a clean dryer vent ensures your home’s safety and improves
your dryer’s ef 昀椀 ciency, saving you time and energy costs in
the long run.
The Importance of Regular Dryer Vent Maintenance:
Regularly cleaning your dryer vent is more than just a household
chore; it’s a crucial practice that ensures your dryer’s safety, ef 昀椀 -
ciency, and longevity. Lint build-up in the vent poses a signi 昀椀 cant
昀椀 re hazard. It hampers your dryer’s performance, leading to longer
drying times and increased wear on the appliance.
Enhanced Safety:
The primary bene 昀椀 t of a clean dryer vent is enhanced safety. Lint is
highly 昀氀 ammable. When it accumulates in the vent, it increases the
昀椀 re risk. Keeping the vent clear reduces this risk, protecting your
home and family.
Improved Ef 昀椀 ciency and Cost Savings:
A clean vent allows your dryer to operate at peak ef 昀椀 ciency. When
air 昀氀 ow is restricted by lint build-up, your dryer has to work harder
and longer to dry clothes, which consumes more energy and increases
your utility bills. Regular cleaning can thus lead to noticeable cost
savings over time.
Extended Dryer Lifespan:
Regular maintenance of the vent system can also extend the lifespan
of your dryer. When the vent is clogged, the dryer can overheat,
leading to potential damage and the need for repairs or replacement.
Better Clothing Care:
A well-maintained dryer vent ensures that your clothes are dried
evenly and promptly. This is gentler on fabrics and helps maintain
the quality and longevity of your clothing.
Environmental Bene 昀椀 ts:
Ef 昀椀 cient dryers use less energy, which is not only good for your
wallet but also better for the environment. By reducing energy consumption,
you contribute to lower carbon emissions.
Keep Your Dryer Vents Clean
AVOID HOME FIRES!
To Schedule Service Call:
(256)715-2030
Dryer Vent Squad
of Huntsville
huntsville@dryerventsquad.com
dryerventsquad.com/huntsville
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AT HOME
© Best Version Media
Navigating Home Insurance:
Understanding Your Policy
By Todd Powers Alfa Insurance
Congratulations on acquiring the home of your dreams! Now that
you've made this signi 昀椀 cant investment, it's crucial to safeguard it
effectively. Understanding your homeowner's insurance policy is the
昀椀 rst step in ensuring comprehensive protection for both your property
and belongings. Let's delve into the essentials of your policy and
explore how you can tailor it to your speci 昀椀 c needs.
Alfa's homeowner policy offers a comprehensive package, encompassing
coverage for property damage and liability. While the base
policy provides extensive protection, it's essential to note that certain
losses, such as 昀氀 ood and earthquake damage, may require separate
policies for coverage. Your dedicated agent can assist you in assessing
the need for additional policies tailored to your circumstances.
Coverage Breakdown:
• Main Dwelling Structure: Your home is not just a structure; it's
the heart of your sanctuary. This coverage ensures that in the event
of a covered loss, whether it's damage from 昀椀 re or other perils,
your home can be repaired or rebuilt according to the terms of
your policy.
• Other Structures: From sheds to fences, many properties boast
additional structures. Most policies automatically allocate coverage
for these structures, typically up to 10% of the home's value.
However, for additional peace of mind or if you have structures
exceeding this limit, your agent can help you secure additional
coverage.
• Personal Property: Your home is a re 昀氀 ection of your personality,
昀椀 lled with cherished possessions. Personal property coverage
safeguards your belongings, including furniture and clothing. Certain
high-value items like jewelry may have limited coverage, but
your agent can advise on supplemental coverage options.
• Loss of Use: Unexpected disruptions like property damage can
render your home uninhabitable. This coverage alleviates some
of the 昀椀 nancial burdens associated with temporary relocation and
increased living expenses during such challenging times.
• Personal Liability and Medical Payments: Accidents can happen,
even in the safest environments. This coverage protects you
昀椀 nancially if someone is injured on your property and you're
found liable for their medical expenses or property damage.
Understanding Coverage Options:
When it comes to how losses are reimbursed, most policies offer
two options:
• Replacement Cost: This option reimburses you for the cost of
replacing or rebuilding your home or belongings with new items
of similar quality, without factoring in depreciation.
• Actual Cash Value (ACV): ACV considers depreciation, reimbursing
you for the cost of replacing your property minus its depreciated
value.
Optional Coverages: In addition to the core coverages, consider
optional add-ons like Home Systems Protection and scheduled personal
property coverage for valuable items such as jewelry or electronics.
Your agent can guide you through these options based on
your needs.
Selecting a Deductible: Your deductible amount affects both
your premium and out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim.
Balancing your deductible against your budget and risk tolerance is
crucial when selecting the right amount.
In summary, understanding the nuances of your homeowner's insurance
policy empowers you to make informed decisions about
your coverage. For personalized guidance and to ensure you have
the protection you need, contact your local Alfa Insurance Agent,
Todd Powers, at 256-883-8598 or email tpowers@alfains.com.
Todd and his team are committed to helping you safeguard your
home and belongings effectively, providing peace of mind for
the future.
Innovative, Compassionate, Effective
1813 University Drive Suite 102
Huntsville, AL 35801
256-410-9350
www.rebeccawinterslaw.com
rebecca@rebeccawinterslaw.com
Divorce • Custody • Modifications • Adoptions
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Finding a Roo 昀椀 ng
Contractor you can trust….
By Carl Hopper, Hopper Roo 昀椀 ng
Finding a good roofer/contractor is like 昀椀 nding a good mechanic
you can trust; it’s not easy! Finding an honest, trustworthy company
is one thing; affordability and reliability is another. Some
companies are too big for their britches which makes it easy
for potential customers to get lost in all the paperwork. Bigger
companies sometimes do not have time for customer service after
the work is done; they are just looking for the next project.
Many companies 昀氀 ooding into neighborhoods after a big storm
are out-of-town roofers; good luck getting them to come back if
there is ever an issue. If they do come back, you are scheduled
so far out that by the time they get there the damage is already
done and the homeowner has to pay someone else to do the repair
out-of-their-own pocket. Larger companies also have much
higher overhead which mandates them to forward that expense
to the homeowner or property owner.
Here at Hopper Roo 昀椀 ng and Remodeling we are a small, family
owned business focused on customer service and satisfaction.
Our business is referral driven which speaks volumes. We pride
ourselves in the fact that we have more than 250 昀椀 ve-star reviews.
We actually answer the phone and reply to text messages
and emails. We want to help homeowners protect their investment.
We want the homeowner to have a positive experience
with our company and will go out of our way to make sure that
happens. We want to be Huntsville’s local roofer!
In addition to roo 昀椀 ng, we also install gutters and siding. We repair
fascia and sof 昀椀 t rot. We professionally paint inside and out.
We also remodel homes and would be happy to show you some
of our work. We would be happy to be your one-stop-shop for
all your home's needs!
Come join the family at Hopper Roo 昀椀 ng and Remodeling!
YOUR Vision,
OUR Focus
COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS
Schedule your appointment online or call today!
256-808-2345
www.legacyvisioncenter.com
11310 Memorial Parkway SW
Suite G, Huntsville (next to Marco’s Pizza)
We accept most vision
and medical insurance
plans including:
› VSP
› Eyemed
› Davis Vision
› Spectera
› Southland
› Superior Vision
› United Healthcare
› BCBS
› Viva
› Medicare
› Aetna
› Cigna
› NAMCI
AL CERT # 21014
We Offer
Solutions To Fit
Your Needs
PACKAGE SYSTEMS
HEAT PUMPS
MINI SPLIT SYSTEMS
Open 24 hours EMERGENCY SERVICES
256.503.4490
talenthvac.com
LOCALLY OWNED
When You Need Services, Rely On The Company
Your Friends And Neighbors Choose In Huntsville
• Air Conditioning Repair
• Air Conditioning Maintenance
• HVAC Installation and
Replacement
Combined over 40 Years Of Experience
• Indoor Air Quality
Solutions
• Duct Work Repair
• Natural Gas Work
customerservice@talenthvac.com
203 Brown Street NW, Huntsville, AL 35805
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Identifying and Troubleshooting an
Unbalanced Garage Door
Is your garage door showing signs of imbalance? This issue poses
a signi 昀椀 cant risk, regardless of how often you use your garage.
Understanding the symptoms and how to troubleshoot can prevent
potential accidents and costly repairs. Let's delve into what causes
an unbalanced garage door and how to address this issue effectively.
What Causes an Unbalanced Garage Door?
Your garage door's springs wear out over time due to factors like
weather conditions, inadequate lubrication, and dust and dirt buildup.
A balanced garage door relies on its springs to evenly support its
weight through proper tension. However, the door becomes unbalanced
if these springs exert insuf 昀椀 cient or excessive tension. This
imbalance can strain the door opener, leading to premature wear
and malfunctions.
Moreover, issues with the tracks or the springs themselves can
contribute to imbalance. As the door operates, the springs must
adjust to counterbalance the weight. Failure to do so results in an
off-balance door.
If one spring is damaged or loose, it disrupts the balance, causing
uneven movement and noticeable noise during operation. Promptly
addressing signs of spring wear is crucial to prevent further damage
or breakage.
Overhead Door Company of Huntsville/North Alabama
overheaddoorcompanyofhuntsville.com
overheaddoorcompanyofhuntsville.com
WE SERVICE AND REPAIR MOST ALL BRANDS
256-772-3674
256-772-3674
We are the ONLY authorized Overhead Door Brand
Distributor in North Alabama
Local - Since 1968
Garage Door Repairs and Installations
Garage Doors and Operators
Commercial and Residential
overheaddoorcompanyofhuntsville.com
256-772-3674
256-772-3674
Local - Since 1968
Family Owned and Operated
by the Warren Family
www.overheaddoorcompanyofhuntsville.com
Local - Since 1968
Family Family Owned Owned and Operated
by the and Warren Operated Family
by the
Warren Family
Local - Since 1968
Family Owned and Operated
by the Warren Family
By Tammy Warren, Co-Owner
Overhead Door Company of
Huntsville/North Alabama
Symptoms of an Unbalanced Garage Door
• Slow Operation: If your garage door takes longer than usual to
open or close, it could indicate an imbalance.
• Complete Inactivity: A door that refuses to move may suffer
from signi 昀椀 cant imbalance issues.
• Unusual Noises: Strange sounds during operation, such as
grinding or squeaking, can signal an imbalance.
• Uneven Movement: Watch for any unevenness in the door's
movement when opening or closing.
• Visible Sagging: A slanted or sagging appearance when the
door is fully open suggests an imbalance.
Performing a Garage Door Balance Test
Conducting a balance test can help detect and address imbalance
issues early on. Here's a step-by-step guide to performing this test:
• Close the Door: Shut the door from inside the garage.
• Detach from Opener: Release the door from the opener using
the manual release mechanism according to your opener type.
• Move the Door: Manually move the door to open and close
positions. Ensure smooth movement, and lubricate rollers and
hinges if needed.
• Halfway Lift: Lift the door halfway manually and release gently.
It should stay in place or move slightly without force.
• Reconnect to Opener: If the door passes the balance test, reattach
it to the opener according to the instructions on your opener.
Preventive Maintenance for Balanced Doors
In addition to periodic balance tests, preventive maintenance can
help keep your garage door in optimal condition. This includes
regular lubrication of moving parts, inspecting springs and cables,
and cleaning tracks and rollers.
By staying proactive with maintenance, you can extend the lifespan
of your garage door and minimize the risk of imbalancerelated
issues.
Conclusion
Maintaining a balanced garage door is essential for safety and
optimal performance. By understanding the signs of imbalance,
conducting regular balance tests, and implementing preventive
maintenance measures, you can ensure your garage door operates
smoothly and safely.
When to Seek Professional Help
Remember, when it comes to garage door springs and serious
balance issues, always rely on the expertise of a professional
for a safe and effective solution.
Overhead Door Company of Huntsville/North Alabama is
here to assist with any garage door issues beyond DIY 昀椀 xes.
Don't hesitate to reach out for professional help that you can
trust. Call us at 256-772-3674 to schedule your service today.
overheaddoorcompanyofhuntsville.com
20 SOUTH HUNTSVILLE NEIGHBORS Submit Content at:
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House-hunting can be overwhelming for 昀椀 rst-time and seasoned
homebuyers alike. That’s why it’s important to address their questions
early on in your relationship. Here are four topics to share with
your new clients:
1. Explain why research is essential.
Advise your clients to decide what's most important to them in a
home – in other words, the "must-haves", or “needs” - and what's
negotiable. Some needs might be personal to you, like an artist who
needs space to store canvases and supplies. A list of must-haves
might include master bedroom on the 昀椀 rst 昀氀 oor, walk-in pantry,
hardwood 昀氀 oors, recessed lighting, etc. Many clients today are interested
in the energy ef 昀椀 cient homes, for example those with an
Energy Star rating, and homes that have GREEN features and are
environmentally friendly. The same applies to their preferred neighborhoods.
A homebuyer might prefer a certain school district, commute
time to work, nearby walking parks or dog parks, proximity to
restaurants and shopping, etc.
2. Be realistic.
Ensure clients understand that the perfect home doesn't exist. Obviously
your “must-haves” are important, but maybe there are some
wants you’re looking for that you could live without (two car garage,
wrap around porch, jacuzzi, etc.). Suggest to your clients that they
follow the "triangle concept": price, features, and location. They can
often 昀椀 nd a home that meets two sides. But it may be dif 昀椀 cult to 昀椀 nd
that dream home that meets all three.
3. Review 昀椀 nances and credit.
Ensure your clients understand they need enough money for a down
payment (depending on type of loan) and have them check their
credit scores. Be sure to remind them that a basic FICO score is not
the same as a mortgage FICO. Any errors in credit reports need to be
corrected before they start the homebuying process.
4. Get prequali 昀椀 ed for 昀椀 nancing 昀椀 rst.
Clients need to know the advantages of a loan pre-quali 昀椀 cation
before they begin viewing homes, and a lender can provide these
quickly and easily. A "pre-qual" letter tells them what they can afford
and enables them to concentrate their search on homes within
their price range. Remember, a good realtor is your best friend. A
good lender is your “next” best friend.
© Best Version Media
Don’t Let House Hunting Be Overwhelming
By Darin Windham,
Realtor, Key 昀椀 nders Group
RE/MAX TODAY
So, when house-hunting, the more research and preparation
you do on the front end will help lead to a much more pleasant
home buying experience - and it might help you 昀椀 nd that “near
perfect” home!
Darin can be contacted at 256-652-9032
or darin@key 昀椀 ndersgroup.com
“Happy Clients Are The Key To Our Success"
DARIN WINDHAM
REALTOR
256.652.9032
darin@key 昀椀 ndersgroup.com
www.Key 昀椀 ndersGroup.com
HAPPY CLIENTS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS!
Safe Nurturing and Fun Environment for ALL KIDS!
Vanessa and Joaquin Tucker-Owners
OPEN
7 DAYS
A WEEK
A GYM
FOR ALL
KIDS
256.585.2179
info@werockthespectrumhuntsville.com
www.werockthespectrumhuntsville.com
326 Sutton Road SE Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
Field Trip • Classes • Private Play Dates • Open Play
Birthday Parties • After School Care • Camps
12
pieces of
occupational
equipment
includes zip line
and so much
more!
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Terry Campbell
FREE DECORATING SERVICE
Every Wednesday
HUNTSVILLE
DECORATING CENTER
256.536.4479
huntsvilledecorating@gmail.com
816 Regal Drive, S.W., Huntsville, AL
A Few Tips For Safe Summer Swimming
By Rontario "Ron" Hicks, Pool Scouts of Huntsville
What better way to keep your family safe than to learn a few tips?
Just know that your friends at Pool Scouts have your safety in mind.
Pool Scouts of Huntsville understand the importance of safety for
family and fun. Rocket City has welcomed Pool Scouts of Huntsville
for over three years, and we have performed over 730 services
to families within the Tennessee Valley to maintain a safe and clean pool all year
round. One way to keep our families and communities safe is by educating families
on pool and water safety. Here at Pool Scouts of Huntsville, May is all about water
safety. We start the month with our commitment to providing money for every service
we perform to Hope Floats who give out swimming scholarships to children to
help to decrease kid drowning within the community. Here are few pool and water
safety tips to keep in your toolbox:
According to Upper Valley Aquatic Center, there are ten essential tips to keep your
family safe this summer. (www.uvacswim.org)
• Never swim alone. - Swimming should only happen when a lifeguard is on duty.
Lifeguards don’t just watch the people in the pool, lake, or ocean. Their job is
also to watch the water and advise swimmers on any safety concerns and questionable
conditions that might arise. Lifeguards respond to those in need very
quickly.
• Swimming lessons reduce a child’s risk of drowning by 88%. - A study from
the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that children
who participated in swim lessons had an 88% reduced risk of drowning.
• Never take your eyes off your child while they are in the water. Drowning
is silent and takes two minutes. A child can drown in less than one inch of
water. - PUT AWAY YOUR PHONE. We understand that parents need to relax,
too. But when your children are in the water, it’s time to be alert. As a rule of
thumb, a parent should always be within arm’s reach of a young child. This rule
is valid whether they’re swimming in a pool, lake, ocean, or bathtub. Parents of
older children should stay close and always keep an eye on their children. Even
ones who are strong swimmers need supervision because they’re prone to trying
tricks, 昀氀 ips, and dives — all things that can be dangerous in the water.
The best way to remain vigilant when your children swim is to put your phone
away and enjoy hanging out with each other! If other adults are present, you can
take turns watching the pool, so everyone gets an equal chance to relax. Working
together to protect your children is the best way to prevent an accident.
• Only 56% of adults can perform all 昀椀 ve basic swimming skills. A report from
the American Red Cross shows that many Americans believe they are better
swimmers than they actually are. While 80 percent of Americans said they could
swim, only 56% can perform all 昀椀 ve basic skills needed to swim safely.
• The safest place in the water is on your back, 昀氀 oating so you can breathe and
call for help. Floating allows you to stay near the water's surface, where you can
rest and take a breath while waiting for help to arrive in an emergency. Floating
on your back is one of the 昀椀 rst things you learn in swimming lessons.
• Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children between
the ages of 1-4. To reduce the number of drowning deaths and eliminate this
statistic, Pool Scouts partnered with Hope Floats Foundation to raise money to
assist in providing swim lessons for underprivileged children who may not have
an opportunity to learn how to swim.
Pool Scouts has donated over $58k to the Hope Floats Foundation which provides
scholarships to children for swim lessons in our communities, we are honored to
partner with Hope Floats and believe we can help save lives in our community.
22 SOUTH HUNTSVILLE NEIGHBORS Submit Content at:
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• Floatation devices are never a substitute for supervision.
• Learn CPR in case of emergency. - Contact the Red Cross
of Huntsville, Alabama, to learn more about a CPR class, or
visit https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/scienti 昀椀 c-advisorycouncil
for more details.
• Don’t play breath-holding games. While swimming, children
shouldn’t hold their breath for a long time, as this can cause
drowning and several other severe risks. Ensure children understand
that competing to see who can hold their breath underwater
and similar games can be dangerous. They should not
be part of any water-related activities if a swimmer holds their
breath too long or hyperventilates before going underwater.
They are at a 0. higher risk of passing out underwater. Children
who swim competitively should learn proper breathing techniques
to avoid problems during practices or meets.
• Don’t jump in the water to save a friend: Reach Throw,
Don’t Go. - If a child sees their friend struggling to keep their
head above water, their 昀椀 rst instinct may be to help. However,
doing so could lead to both people drowning. The reach, throw,
and don’t go technique involves using a long object to pull a
struggling swimmer to safety. By using this technique, children
can help their friends without putting themselves at risk.
Pool Scouts of Huntsville want to ensure you are fully equipped
and ready for all your summer activities. Our technicians are
happy to provide pool owners with a basic overview of their
equipment and upkeep. The scout’s team is also available to teach
classes about water safety to HOAs and other recreational organizations
to decrease childhood drowning within Alabama. Our
education highlights that drowning is one of the leading causes
of death for children; over 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings
across the United States annually (Avg. of 11 drownings per day).
Fencing around household pools at home reduces childhood
drowning by 83%.
Safety can include year-round pool cleaning, maintenance, pool
school 101, and chemical water balancing. You must maintain
a cleaning regimen to prepare your pool for belly 昀氀 ops and toedipping
events. Cleaning your pool is highly recommended at
least once a week. Having your pool walls, steps, and 昀氀 oors
brushed periodically will remove dirt and debris from your system.
Skim your pool surface to remove leaves and other items
regularly. It is essential to have your 昀椀 lters checked to ensure
the water is circulating correctly. Verifying if your pool chemical
balance and PH levels are safe will allow you to enjoy your
pool on those sunny days.
Focusing on these tips will decrease bacteria and algae growth
for those days of relaxation. Incorporating these simple practices
will keep your pool in great shape all year round. Your
family will be ready for fun, fun, fun! Your friends at Pool
Scouts of Huntsville are here to help you keep your family safe
while bathing in the sun.
Pool Scouts is the #1 industry leader in cleaning and equipment
maintenance for commercial and residential pools along with
specialization in HOA Pools. We provide ongoing, recurring
pool cleaning and maintenance to residential and commercial
pool owners, giving them back their precious time to enjoy family
and friends while leaving the arduous work to us. The principles
of Pool Scouts as an industry leader are their certi 昀椀 cations,
quality of service, advanced technology, text noti 昀椀 cations, pre/
post service photos & reports, and the Scout’s Guarantee. Pool
Scouts offer multiple packages that include kick-start services,
opening and closing, and weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly services
vital to ensuring your pool is swim-ready throughout the
summer.
Contact Rontario Hicks with Pool Scouts by phone at the of 昀椀 ce:
256-863-3727, or on his cell: 256-907-7888
Would You Like
Peace of Mind?
Tanya
Hendrix
Estate Planning Attorney
SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY,
AVOID FEAR & UNCERTAINTY
Schedule a Legal Strategy Call Now
256.361.1221
www.huntsvilleestateplanninglawyers.com
tanya@huntsvilleestateplanninglawyers.com
600 Boulevard South SW STE 104,
Huntsville, AL 35802
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed
is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
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How Credit Scores Affect Your Insurance Rates
By C. Knighten, Founder Sozo Digital Media, LLC
Have you ever wondered ‘why’ your neighbor
two doors down is paying less for their homeowners’
insurance when your homes have similar
square footage and features? It has a great
deal to do with your FICO Score.
Yes, we know - you never imagined that your bankruptcy from 5
years ago could still be haunting you. Sadly, collections can stay on
your credit for up to 7 years or whenever the statute of limitations
runs out. As for a bankruptcy, it can hang over your head for a total
of 10 years. No matter the circumstances that created these issues
your credit and especially bad credit can cost you a bundle during
your lifetime!
What do companies look at when reviewing your
Credit Score:
• Your payment history in 昀氀 uences 35% of your score.
• Another 30% is affected by the amount you owe.
• Time span of your oldest account.
• Your Credit Mix, auto loan, mortgage and credit cards.
• Frequency and number of hard credit inquiries and new accounts
opened.
How to Boost your Credit Score:
• Consistent, on-time payments.
• Keep your CUR (Credit Utilization Rate) below 30%.
• Having a long credit history shares your spending behavior.
• Review your credit report on Equifax, Transunion and Experian.
• Pay down high balances on your cards.
Overall, while your credit score is a key factor that insurance companies
consider, they also focus on their own version, known as the
credit-based insurance score!
This exists to help them determine how likely you are to 昀椀 le a claim.
If you have a higher "insurance score", then insures view you as a
“low risk’ which can lead to lower premiums. However, if they see
a "low insurance score", then you are more likely to 昀椀 le a claim and
thus, will have higher premiums for comparable insurance coverage.
Additionally, age and gender also have their own effect on your insurance
rates. Teenagers and younger adults are subject to higher
rates which is commensurate with their lack of driving experience.
Males under the age of 25 will have even higher rates as they are
ranked as a "high risk" statistically as they are often involved in car
accidents and considered not as responsible as older males.
24 SOUTH HUNTSVILLE NEIGHBORS Submit Content at:
© Best Version Media
Other factors that are involved include your state's regulations and
your rates can also be broken down even further based on the zip
code where you live. High crime areas have a de 昀椀 ned effect on your
homeowners rate as your home is more likely to be burglarized than
other areas of your city.
There are many factors that can cause both, your homeowners and
auto insurance rates to be more expensive than the guy next door.
If you have questions about your current policies and would like an
opportunity to have a professional agent review them, please give us
a call at 256-539-5307, or check out our website to learn more about
us: www.wh-ins.com
We are always happy to help one of our neighbors!
APOLLO
ANIMAL HOSPITAL P.C.
Locally Owned, Full Service
Veterinary Hospital
We Strive To Provide Compassionate,
Preventative Care With The Best
Diagnostic Tools Available To Us
256.881.4862
7604 Memorial Parkway SW. Huntsville, AL 35802
Find Your Home, We'll Take Care Of The Rest
Loan Of 昀椀 cers In Your Neighborhood
Looking To Re 昀椀 nance
We Can Help
CURATOR OF CUSTOM TRAVEL
"What's on YOUR
"Bucket List"?
PAIN
Relieving Pain. Restoring
Function. Renewing Hope.
All From Your Home.
Rated One Of The Top 3 Music Schools In Huntsville
Let’s get you
back to what
you love!!
256-776-7215
americanmobilept.com
letsgetmoving@americanmobilept.com
HUNTSVILLE, MADISON AND SURROUNDING AREAS
— MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED INCLUDING MEDICARE —
FREE SAMPLE LESSON
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PROGRAMS OFFERED
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Songwriting and so much more
5045 Memorial Parkway NW, Huntsville 35810 • themaitlandconservatory.org
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Mercedes–Benz 2024 Maybach
By Bob Druckman, Publisher South Huntsville Neighbors
The Mercedes-Benz Maybach is not for everyone but the luxury it
affords is truly amazing. It is based on the S-Class and its features
put it in the class of the world’s most luxurious vehicles.
Every occupant of the Maybach is treated like royalty. From the rear
reclining massage seats to the rear beverage cooler to the electronically
operated doors, the Maybach delivers in every aspect. Don’t
like potholes, the air suspension ride virtually eliminates them.
The 2024 features a new Night Series appearance package. The
Night Series has dark chrome exterior accents with rose gold headlamps.
It is available in gray, black and white or a two tone Onyx
Black or Mojave Silver. The Night Series allows the buyer to choose
either all black upholstery or a black and white combination.
Engine Transmission and Performance
Every S580 sedan has a 496hp twin – turbocharged 4.0 liter V-8
engine with a 48 volt hybrid system. The S680 has a 621hp 6.0 liter
V-12, and all come with the Mercedes exclusive 4Matic all wheel
drive system. The ride is as quiet as it can possibly be. Standard
features include soft close doors, an air suspension system, a 30
speaker Burmeister stereo system and a rear seat entertainment system
with two 11.6 inch touchscreens. This only scratches the surface
of what’s available.
Interior Comfort and Cargo
The Maybach has a seven inch longer wheel base than the S-Class
sedan with plenty of room to be comfortable .All models come with
high grade leather on almost every place that can be touched, a 64
color ambient lighting system, heated and ventilated front seats with
massage, four position memory settings, heated rear seats with power
adjustments and massage, an air ionizing system with fragrance
and a panoramic sunroof.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Maybach has the latest MBUX infotainment system with a 12.8
inch OLED touchscreen. A 12.3 inch digital cluster is also standard.
Its navigation system has video directions along with Apple Car-
Play and Android Auto. It also has wireless connectivity, 6 USB-
C ports, a 30 speaker Burmeister Stereo sound system, a wireless
phone charging pad and a rear seat entertainment system.
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Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Mercedes doesn’t manufacture a vehicle unless the safety features
are second to none. The Maybach offers the latest and most technologically
advanced safety features. Standard features include; automated
emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure
warning with lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control
with a semi autonomous driving mode.
The Maybach embodies the Mercedes-Benz motto
"The Best Or Nothing."
11317 S. Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL.35803
256.883.1204
www.ceramicharmony.com
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