🌱Artisanal Marshmallows From Mountain Brook + 2 Employees Of The Year

Good morning, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Mountain Brook Daily. Let's get this Friday started off right with a quick dive into the most important things going on these days in town, including updates on...

• Malissa Nelson cooks up artisanal marshmallows
• Two city workers tie for Mountain Brook employee of the year
• Meet interior decorator Katrina Porter

But first, today's weather: Clouds giving way to sun. High: 46 Low: 27.

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Here are the top three stories in Mountain Brook today:

1. Meet Mountain Brook resident Malissa Nelson who launched Deliciously, a company selling gourmet marshmallows, last fall. All of her products are made without corn syrup, artificial flavors or food coloring, according to the website. Prior to starting her business, which she hopes to expand, Nelson had a career working at Dean & Deluca, Amazon and other companies in marketing and communications. (Village Living)
2. Janet Forbes, assistant to the city manager, and Heather Richards, the City clerk, were both honored as Mountain Brook employees of the year at the Chamber's annual luncheon on Jan. 25. According to city officials, Forbes was instrumental in handling challenges with the city's previous garbage provider, while Richards took on new responsibilities during the recent municipal elections. (Village Living)
3. Over in Hoover, the cancellation of a Black children's book author scheduled to read at public schools has caused some controversy among parents. "I think it's not a detriment to the children of color necessarily, but to the children who are not exposed to different viewpoints," said parent Kiara Harris. The author will be reading at the Hoover library on Feb. 7. (WVTM 13)

Today in Mountain Brook:

• AEIVA Presents Donté K. Hayes: Objects of Tomorrow (12 p.m.)
• Girls JV Basketball vs Vestavia Hills — Spartan Arena (4:30 p.m.)
• Boys Freshman Basketball vs Vestavia Hills — High School Gym (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Meet interior designer Katrina Porter in the latest Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce member profile. "Katrina is an award-winning interior designer with a specialty in kitchen & bathroom renovation. Located in Office Park." (Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• The O'Neal Library is hosting Grady Hendrix in person on March 18. The details are in this video. (The O'Neal Library via Facebook)
• Registration is now open for the Mountain Brook YMCA's "February Kid's Night Out" at just $2 per child. (Mountain Brook YMCA via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Dashiell Allen

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Mountain Brook Daily? Contact me at mountainbrook@patch.com