🌱 City Council Talks Budget Priorities + New Sensory Art Class

Hello, everybody! I'm here right on time with your Wednesday edition of the Huntsville Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Rather cloudy. High: 84 Low: 59.

Here are the top three stories today in Huntsville:

1. The budget for the City of Huntsville is set to be unveiled later this week, and in the meantime, council members speaking out about their priorities. Three of the five council members have already expressed agreement that street repairs and renovations should top the list. Councilman Bill Kling is also advocating for street sweepers in the budget, while Councilwoman Jennie Robinson is interested in increased funding for trash pickup services, as well as maintenance for drains and ditches. The city's budget will be introduced at the city council meeting this Thursday, Sep. 14, and the council has a deadline of Oct. 1 to approve it. (WAFF)
2. The Greater Huntsville Humane Society is seeking donations of pet food for a program that aims to reduce the number of pets surrendered to local shelters. Kings Community Kitchen provides pet food to low-income pet owners, who can apply for pet food nine times a year and may receive up to 30 pounds of food. The shelter is accepting donations of cat food, dog food, and animal treats. Spencer Batcheller, the CEO of the Greater Huntsville Humane Society, explained that families sometimes surrender pets because they can't afford pet-related expenses, and this program has helped reduce the number of surrendered animals at the shelter. (WAAY)
3. A new Sensory Art Class is now available with Huntsville Parks and Recreation. This therapeutic recreation program takes place on Mondays from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the Johnson Legacy Center. This program is appropriate for children at least 6 years old, and families are welcome to join. Classes are free and registration is not required. (Huntsville Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

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Today in Huntsville:

Wednesday, September 13

• Trail Care: Green Mountain At Green Mountain Nature Preserve Astalot Trailhead (8:30 AM)
• Music On The Patio Featuring Brooklyn Ray At Grimaldi's (6:00 PM)
• Open Mic Night At Coppertop Dine And Dive (7:00 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know an outstanding community leader in Huntsville? Nominate them here for a chance to be featured on Patch!

From my notebook:

• If you're looking for information about your city council member, school zone, or garbage route, you can check out the interactive map at HuntsvilleAL.gov. (City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government via Facebook)
• The Huntsville Botanical Garden has announced an upcoming class called "Planting a Foundation for Backyard Diversity and Wildlife Habitat." This event will be held on Sep. 23 and will cover topics such as plant selection and maintenance to create a diverse backyard ecosystem. Click here to register. (Huntsville Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• There is still time for students to apply to the NASA Pathways Program! The deadline for applications is this Friday, Sep. 15. (Huntsville/Madison County Chamber via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow for your next update.

— Joyce Nash

About me: Joyce is a freelance writer and poet whose work has appeared in the Hello Gloria newsletter and Nine Cloud Journal. Her background ranges from journalism to fitness instruction and spans the east coast to the West. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two cats.