From the desk of Council Member Michelle Watkins, District 1

Happy Holidays

This holiday season, I find myself deeply grateful for the incredible community that makes District 1 so special. Over the past year, your unwavering support, love and prayers have been a true source of strength, creating a bond of unity and understanding that transcends all challenges.

Your active engagement continues to inspire me, and I’m always uplifted by constituents who share ideas and voice concerns. I enjoy the time spent with family, friends and supporters I meet at community events or cherished places like the Johnson Legacy Center (above) or the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited to build upon our shared spirit of collaboration, ensuring a year of success and prosperity for all. I wish you and your loved ones joy and warmth.

Michelle Watkins and Family

A Claus for Celebration

The inaugural Claus for Celebration tree-lighting ceremony at the Johnson Legacy Center was a great success, with a full house brimming with holiday cheer. Attendees enjoyed hot chocolate, posed for photos with Santa and enjoyed festive music from the Jemison High School Band and Choir as well as saxophonist Alex D. Banks. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined in the celebration as well as Parks & Recreation staff members and volunteers who helped. We look forward to making this a cherished holiday tradition for years to come.

Environmental Love

Council Member Watkins, alongside Mayor Tommy Battle, Huntsville's Green Team, numerous community volunteers and Village of Promise, participated in a tree-planting event at the Cavalry Hill Community Center. Despite the brisk weather, the group planted over 100 trees as part of an ongoing initiative to expand the city’s tree canopy.

Swim Lesson Donation

A big thank you to State Rep. Laura Hall for allocating $10,000 to Huntsville Parks & Recreation to support swim lessons at the Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center. Rep. Hall has been a strong advocate for ensuring children in District 1 have access to life-saving swim lessons. With nearly 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths annually, including 1.57 per 100,000 people in Alabama, these lessons are vital for safety.

Community Appropriations

Council Member Watkins recently allocated District 1 Improvement Funds to support local projects, including $5,000 each for Huntsville Parks & Recreation and Jemison High School's football and basketball teams. These funds can be used at each council member's discretion to benefit the community or organizations making the request.

One Table Huntsville

The annual One Table Huntsville event in Big Spring Park brought together hundreds of people from all walks of life to share a meal. Council Member Watkins attended and enjoyed quality time with constituents and friends like her mentee, Amilliyah Miller. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with new faces, so if you haven’t attended, be sure to be there next year.

EMA Tour

Jeff Birdwell, Director of the Huntsville-Madison County EMA, recently gave Council Member Watkins a tour of the agency’s facilities at City Hall. The EMA plays a crucial role in keeping the community safe during natural disasters, from tornadoes to ice storms. It was an insightful look behind the scenes.

Deck the Districts

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Deck the Districts holiday light competition. We had a fantastic response with many creative entries. Council staff are currently reviewing the submissions and will present recommendations to council members. Winners will be announced at the Dec. 19 City Council meeting.

COMING UP

Dec. 19: City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Dec. 25: Christmas Day, Municipal Offices Closed

Jan. 1: New Year’s Day, Municipal Offices Closed

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305 Fountain Circle
Huntsville, AL | 35801 US

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