🌱 Harry Potter Musical Performance + Madison Hospital Support Dog

Hello again, friends! It's me, Joyce Nash, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and warm. High: 95 Low: 72.

Here are the top three stories in Huntsville today:

1. The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra is setting up for a magical performance next spring. On Apr. 26, 2024, the orchestra will perform the score of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone while audience members watch the movie on a 40-foot screen. The performance will take place at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, and tickets will go on sale this Friday, Jul. 28. (WHNT)
2. The North Alabama Drug Task Force, led by the Huntsville Police Department, has charged a detention officer at the Madison County Jail with possession of marijuana and conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime (distribution). Tarmaine Edward Knight, 23, was charged after an investigation revealed that he was making plans to smuggle narcotics into the jail, although there is currently no evidence that Knight went through with his plans. More charges are anticipated as the investigation continues. (HuntsvilleAL.gov)
3. Thanks to a donation from the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, the nearby Madison Hospital will be welcoming its first Canine for Coping facility dog. Apple, a black Labrador, was originally trained by incarcerated trainers at the Mule Creek Correctional Facility in California before undergoing additional training at Guide Dogs of America. Apple will provide support to patients at Madison Hospital as they undergo procedures or experience grief. Apple, alongside her handler, licensed psychological technician Joe Taylor, will also provide support for patients with dementia, Alzheimer's, and mental health care needs. (WAFF)

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Today in Huntsville:

Wednesday, July 26

• Riveting Reptile Day At Hays Nature Preserve (10:00 AM)
• Music On The Patio Featuring Emma Klein At Grimaldi's (6:00 PM)
• Latin Dance Night At The Electric Belle (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• It's almost time for "Shop LOCAL-OPOLY!" If you'd like your small business to be included in this event, contact the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. (Huntsville/Madison County Chamber via Facebook)
• Huntsville Utilities was recently recognized by the American Public Gas Association with a Gold Level SOAR Award. These awards are given to utilities that demonstrate system integrity, system improvement, workplace development, and safety for employees. (Huntsville Utilities via Facebook)
• This Saturday, Jul. 29, Huntsville Parks and Recreation and the Huntsville Police Department are throwing a Back-to-School Bash. There will be a dunking booth, water inflatables, and back-to-school exhibitors. (Huntsville Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another 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.