🌱 Toyota USA Donates Over $6M To HCS + Hampton Cove Town Hall

Hey, friends! I'm here right on time with your Friday edition of the Huntsville Patch newsletter, filled with all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Humid with a t-storm in spots. High: 89 Low: 72.

Here are the top three stories today in Huntsville:

1. On Thursday, Toyota USA announced that it will be donating up to $6.7 million to Huntsville City Schools. The donation is part of Toyota's Driving Possibilities program, which aims to increase the industrial workforce with STEM education programs and support for classroom teachers. Some of the funding will go towards a new industrial tech program at the incoming Career Tech Center, and some of the funding will go towards teacher retention, training, and mentorship. (AL.com)
2. Residents near Hampton Cove had the chance to attend a town hall meeting regarding a proposed mixed-use development in the area. A group of developers have been in talks with city leaders regarding land that is located at the base of Green Mountain. Developers are aiming to develop the area with homes, shops, and restaurants. At the meeting, residents shared concerns about increased traffic and whether the existing infrastructure could handle the growth. Other residents support the development but fear there isn't a high enough population to support new businesses. (WHNT)
3. Following heavy storms earlier in the week, the Better Business Bureau is sharing information to help community members avoid storm damage-related scams. The BBB said it is a red flag if a purported contractor shows up in an unmarked vehicle or provides an invoice without any contact information. The agency recommends getting multiple written quotes for any needed repairs or clean-up and not offering payment until services have been rendered. (WHNT)

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Today in Huntsville:

Friday, August 11

• Rocket City Octane: Friday Night Cruise In & Street Party At Meridian Street (5:00 PM)
• Friday Night Art Walk At Courthouse Square (5:00 PM)
• Sluice Fest 2023 At Orion Amphitheater (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Huntsville recently ranked No. 1 on a list of "25 Tech Markets for Growth Potential." Huntsville came out on top based on its concentration of tech jobs, graduation rates, real estate, and labor costs. (City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government via Facebook)
• This Saturday, Aug. 12, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Elevate Conservatory will be holding an open house. Prospective students can learn about options for dance classes, meet the teachers, and enjoy a dance party. (Arts Huntsville via Facebook)
• Registration will be open soon for Fall Break Camp with Huntsville Parks and Recreation. Fall Break Camp will run from Oct. 2-6, and there are also options for arts and sports-focused camps. Registration will be available from Aug. 14-Sep. 11. (Huntsville Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (August 15)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 18)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. I'll see you around!

— 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.