🌱 Free Fiber Optics Tech Training + Local Event Scalping Scams

Hey, friends! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Montgomery Patch newsletter. Let's get this Tuesday started off right, with a quick review of the most important things happening around town.

But first, today's weather:

A thick cloud cover. High: 79 Low: 57.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Montgomery? Partner with the Montgomery Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Montgomery today:

1. The Alabama Community College system is now offering rapid, no-cost training for fiber optics techs. Salaries and demand for fiber optic technicians and installers are on the rise, and training can be completed online in less than a week. Upon completing the online portion, trainees need to complete two days of hands-on training with instructors at any community or technical college in Alabama. The coursework covers the fundamentals of fiber optics, industry standards, and best practices, and participants who complete the training will also earn an ACCS Credential, which signals employment readiness. (Montgomery Independent)
2. Montgomery resident Hannah Nicolaisen impressed Katy Perry on American Idol with a performance of "Somebody to Love." Katy told her, “That last note reminded me that this is your path, and hopefully, you’re just on a rocket ride.” The song choice was for her top 20 performance, and she survived the cut determined by viewer votes from a previous episode. Nicolaisen earned a golden ticket during auditions and also pleased the judges in Hollywood Week and the Showstoppers round. (AL.com)
3. Montgomery venues issued a warning against online ticket scalping. The Montgomery Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF) experienced several instances of third-party websites hiking ticket prices for eventgoers. Alabama visitors who are unfamiliar with the venues are at higher risk for scalping-related scams. Layne Holley, ASF’s director of marketing and communications shared that the only place someone should buy tickets is from the ASF website or by calling the box office; the venue is unable to process refunds for tickets purchased through scams. (Montgomery Advertiser)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Montgomery Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Montgomery Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Montgomery:

• Lunch and Learn — Diabetes Prevention At The James W. Wilson YMCA (11:30 AM)
• Sushi Class At Common Bond Brewers (4:00 PM)
• Evening of Remembrance For Montgomery Homicide Victims At Freewill Baptist Church (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Have an upcoming event? The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum is available for all of your event needs! Call 334-625-4900 for more information. (Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum via Facebook)
• Congratulations to Coach Sanders from Jeff Davis High School for earing the title of MPS Safety Hero! On several occasions, her actions have de-escalated student crisis situations and thwarted potentially dangerous behavior. (Montgomery Alabama Public Schools - Official Site via Facebook)
• Save the date for Armory Learning Arts Center's "Abrakadoodle: Our Planet, Our World! STEAM Art Camp" for elementary-age students. The camp will run Jun. 20-22 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and includes art projects, games, and more! (Armory Learning Arts Center via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all soon for your next update.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!