52 ODES TO JOY: A JOYFUL LONG LIFE
Too Young to Be Seventy—by Judith Viorst*
Deep in my heart I believe I’m
Too young to be seventy.
There are times when I’m wearing my...
Stop the cycle of unhealthy habits during National Nutrition Month
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.— A lack of proper nutrition and physical activity is a major problem in Alabama. In fact, it is recognized as the...
Straw bale gardening great alternative to planting a garden
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Farmers and gardeners have been using compost for thousands of years, but that doesn’t mean it always has to be...
St. Bernard Abbey marks Ash Wednesday
CULLMAN, Ala. – St. Bernard Abbey on Wednesday marked the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent by marking students at St. Bernard Prep...
Bonus Pet of the Week: Jump into some fun with Jack!
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Animal Shelter has a lot of extra love, so Donna Ruttkay shares a bonus Cullman Tribune Pet of...
Spring tax guide to local CPAs
CULLMAN, Ala. - This tax season, the Tribune spoke with local certified public accountants, enrolled agents and tax preparers on why it is best...
Pet of the Week: Make some room for Murphy!
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay shares this week’s Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week: Murphy!
According to Ruttkay, Murphy is...
2022 Miss Southerner and Fair Queen Representative pageants held at CHS Saturday evening
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman High School hosted the 2022 Miss Southerner and Fair Queen Representative Pageant Saturday evening in the Cullman High School Gym....
52 ODES TO JOY: THE FOUR GARDENS to GROW JOY
AN ODE TO GARDEN JOY
A book and a glass of wine in a garden is all I need;
A sip, the sunshine,...
Pet of the Week: Share a smile with Salvatore!
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay shares this week’s Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week: Salvatore!
According to Ruttkay, Salvatore is...
Cullman Community Theater presents ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ at Stone Bridge
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Community Theater presented their production of Joseph Kesselring’s 1941 play “Arsenic and Old Lace” this weekend. The plot was...
52 ODES TO JOY: BOOK JOY
ODE TO BOOK JOY
Books are magic transportable.
Free libraries make them quite affordable.
It is well-known but still reportable,
Libraries need us...
Hee Haw Show returning to Hanceville in April
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Senior Outreach Organization will be presenting their version of the Hee Haw Show on Saturday, April 30 at the Hanceville...
Books and Brews book sale event to be held at Goat Island Brewing February...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Friends of the Libraries of Cullman County will be hosting a Books and Brews book sale at Goat Island Brewing...
CPD, NHTSA provide pedestrian safety tips for both walkers and drivers
CULLMAN, Ala. - According to the Cullman City Police Department, there were five pedestrians struck by vehicles last year locally.
The National Highway Traffic Safety...
St. Valentine’s Day: Just where did it come from?
Love can be a confusing thing, so it’s fitting that the calendar day devoted to love should be the subject of some confusion itself....
Picking the perfect Valentine’s Day roses
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Roses and Valentine’s Day go together like bread and butter. Unfortunately, some roses can begin to droop and wilt after...
52 ODES TO JOY: S.U.N.S.
ODE TO S.U.N.S.*
Smile-making is thinking and doing, all positively done.
Uniting is connecting with someone and with everyone.
Neighboring is sharing and...
Pet of the Week: Shake paws with Carl!
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay shares this week’s Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week: Carl!
Carl--Mini Rottie; approx. 1.5 yo;...
Bookmarked: Cullman County Public Library design competition names winners
CULLMAN, Ala. - If you’ve visited the Cullman County Library recently, a small desk lined with hand drawn bookmarks may have caught your attention.
A...
Guild Mortgage cuts ribbon on new Cullman office
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Woody Jacobs and others from within the community filled the sidewalk on First Avenue...
Hard at work: Blue collar Alabama in photographs
Each and every job is different and unless you have done that occupation, you may not realize the challenges involved. My page, Alabama at...
Religion Editorial – Refuse a common life
There’s an extremely antiquated mindset of masculinity that was passed down by our fathers, grandfathers--including our matriarchal figures that have embraced that men have...
52 ODES TO JOY: SPELLBINDING
ODE TO SPELLBINDING
Hocus pocus, fully focus.
Cast off the spell of the phone,
And fully succumb to the joy zone.
Presto, change-o, feel...
Exquisite Miniatures by Wes and Rachelle Siegrist at Wallace State’s Burrow Museum
HANCEVILLE, Ala. — The Evelyn Burrow Museum at Wallace State Community College welcomes EXQUISITE MINIATURES, an exhibition of miniature paintings by Wes and Rachelle...
Vintage Magnolias grand opening and ribbon cutting to be held Friday
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Hanceville’s newest business, Vintage Magnolias, will be holding a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday the Feb. 4 beginning 10:00...
City of Hanceville preparing for warm-weather events
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Though winter's chill will be for another month at least, some cities in Cullman are already working to spread the word...
Leldon’s ‘Art in the Warehouse District’ event to take place February 4
CULLMAN, Ala. - Local home décor retail shop Leldon’s will be hosting “Art in the Warehouse District” on February 4 from 4:00 p.m. –...
52 ODES TO JOY: NEIGHBORING
ODE TO NEIGHBORING
Neighbors come in lots of flavors;
Lovers, haters, givers, takers.
Not to belabor, though no message greater,
Love all neighbors on...
Wallace State Singers offering singing Valentines
HANCEVILLE, Ala. — The Wallace State Singers from Wallace State Community College are offering singing Valentines for those who would like to express their...
President of the Cullman Beekeeping Association teaches candle making class at the Agriplex
CULLMAN, Ala. - As a part of the Cullman County Extension Office and North Alabama Agriplex’s Prepare for the Fair Series, Phillip Garrison, president...
Cullman Community Theater to present “Arsenic & Old Lace”
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman Community Theater returns with its dinner theater production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” at Stone Bridge Farms on Feb. 18-20,...
Pet of the Week: Cuddle up with Echo!
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay shares this week’s Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week: Echo!
According to Ruttkay, Echo is...
52 ODES TO JOY: UNITING
ODE TO UNITING
(Dedicated to John Lennon and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
I have a dream and I’m inviting
All to end the fighting...
‘Backstage Photography’ exhibit held at Brooke Desnoes Ballet Academy
CULLMAN, Ala. - Brooke and Vincent Desnoes held a “Backstage” photography exhibit Thursday evening at Brooke Desnoes Ballet Academy. The purpose of the event...
Local choir Cullman Women Sing make successful return to the stage with performance: ‘Take...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Women Sing Choir performed its first concert in two years on Tuesday evening at the Seventh Street Baptist Church....
Good Hope eatery Stash House Distillery offering local investment opportunities
GOOD HOPE, Ala. - Patrick “Katdaddy” Watson is giving the Cullman community an exciting opportunity to invest in his business The Stash House, a...
Simply Southern television show brings Extension expertise to wider audiences
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s partnership with Simply Southern TV is expanding. In 2022, viewers can learn ways to transform their landscapes...
Applications open for senior farmers market vouchers
DECATUR, Ala. - Spring is on the horizon, and local farmers markets are preparing to open in a few months. This also means applications are...
52 ODES TO JOY: SMILE-MAKING
ODE TO SMILE-MAKING
When you’re smiling, the muscles it takes are 17.
But, when you’re scowling, it takes 43 and looks so mean.
When you’re smiling,...
Performing Arts scholarship auditions scheduled at Wallace State
HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College’s Performing Arts programs will hold scholarship auditions for the 2022-2023 academic year on Feb. 11 and March...
2022 Annual Polar Bear Plunge draws first-time divers at The Cullman Wellness and Aquatic...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Wellness & Aquatic Center held its annual Polar Bear Plunge Saturday morning, Jan. 8. The event allows anyone willing...
Goat Island Brewery shares several upcoming events on the books for the new year
CULLMAN, Ala. - Goat Island Brewing has kicked off the year with a bang, as the bookings for January 2022 are already piling up....
Cullman County Master Gardeners share 2022 initiative for feeding birds during the winter
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Alabama Master Gardeners are educators trained by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. During their last meeting, they discussed taking an...
How to better prepare for power outages this winter
CULLMAN, Ala. - Over 1400 members in Cullman Electric Co-op’s service area were without power from about 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. due to...
Start off the new year this January with a visit to ‘Glow Wild: An...
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Birmingham Zoo will be celebrating Glow Wild: An Animal Lantern Celebration on select evenings, on January 6 – 9 and...
Local band ‘Don’t Think Twice’ to play show at Cullman venue/restaurant Valley Tavern and...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Local band “Don’t Think Twice” will be appearing at Valley Tavern and Grille Friday, Jan. 21. Valley Tavern and Grille is...
She Reads: 2022 Recommended Reading List
CULLMAN, Ala. - Well, here we are, we have made it to the conclusion of 2021 and as we’re introduced to 2022, we might...
52 ODES TO JOY in 2022
Ode to AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS
My country ‘tis a sunny land of joy-giving heroines and heroes,
Like Don Ho, Quentin Tarantino, Edgar Allen Poe and Rudolph Valentino.
And,...
Wallace State’s 2nd Annual mOTivAted Virtual 5K to take place Jan. 9-15
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Wallace State Occupational Therapy Assistant Program will be hosting their 2nd Annual mOTivAted Virtual 5K 2022 from Jan. 9 -...
Ring in 2022 with these Cullman-based events!
CULLMAN, Ala. - This weekend, 2021 will come to a close and Cullman is ready to see it out with a bang. With several...
Skating in the Park offering an exciting way to ring in the New Year
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - For those looking for a fun New Year’s activity and who enjoy gliding on ice, Skating in the Park in Huntsville...
Seasonal depression–Being neighborly could be the difference
CULLMAN, Ala. - Although for most, the holidays bring many fun events and family time, for others, they can be reminders of loss and...
Cullman drive-in theater to return for a spring 2022 season
CULLMAN, Ala. - Brandi and Seth Powell’s dream of owning a drive-in theater was finally realized this Christmas season. They had nine Christmas movies...
Local heritage group decorates Confederate graves
CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. - Members of Cullman County’s Sons of Confederate Veterans Organization, Thomas Jefferson Denney Camp #1442, got together Saturday, Dec. 11 to...
Cullman Women Sing preparing for upcoming concert
CULLMAN, Ala. - Local choir group Cullman Women Sing will be performing their first concert since the 2020 COVID-19 shutdown Tuesday, January 18, 2022. The...
Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House listed in Top 7 Coolest Coffee Shops in Alabama
CULLMAN, Al. - In a recent blog post from Best Things Alabama, Berkeley Bob's Coffee House was listed as one of the “Top 7 Coolest...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Holiday Island Birthday Party
“Let’s get away from sleigh bells. Let’s get away from snow.
Let’s make a break this holiday, dear, I know the place to go.
How’d ya...
She Reads: The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
“When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.You will assume you are reading about a jealous ex-wife.You will assume she is obsessed...
Pottery shop in Hartselle to offer Beginner Pottery Throwing Classes
CULLMAN, Ala. – Keramos, a pottery shop in Hartselle, will be offering a Beginner Pottery Throwing Class on each Friday of the month, starting...
Birthday Shoutout: Happy 90th birthday to Carrel Wesley Neal!
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Tribune would like to wish Carrel Wesley Neal a happy birthday! Christmas Eve has always been important to Carrel,...
Dreher’s hosting Christmas Eve Bubbly Brunch and New Year’s Eve Party
CULLMAN, Ala. - Dreher’s Cocktail Bar and Restaurant will be celebrating Christmas Eve with their new Christmas Eve Bubbly Brunch on Friday, Dec. 24....
The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament holds Christmas Open House event
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, home to Our Lady of the Angels Monastery, held its Christmas open house all...
The City of Cullman celebrates German roots with Christkindlmarkt Dec. 17-18
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman hosted its first German-themed Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) on Friday, sponsored by the Town of Cullman. The German theme is an...
She Reads: ‘Me Before You’ by Jojo Moyes
There are some novels that we return to after a while; books that resume their places in our hearts as we turn their pages...
‘It’s given me a lot of joy’
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman native Taylor LeShea Allen started her business Crew Collective Co. in October 2021 after the loss of her baby boy...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Creating Joy Birthday Party
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” These words, spoken by U.S. First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, inspire all to create joy and cultivate optimism...
Over 800 seniors pack out Stonebridge Farms for annual Christmas party
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Senior Center held its Christmas party at Stonebridge Farms Friday for the first time in two years. The...
Vinemont writer Hallie Christensen now a published author
VINEMONT, Ala. – A Vinemont native’s middle-grade novel was recently published through Sweetwater Books. Her book, “Enchanted Misadventures with Great-Aunt Poppy,” released Oct. 12,...
Cullman Ballet Theatre School performs holiday classic ‘The Nutcracker’
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Ballet Theatre School presented its first full production of “The Nutcracker,” where all performances quickly sold out. There were...
She Reads: ‘Of Women and Salt’ by Gabriela Garcia
“Of Women and Salt” by Gabriela Garcia, follows Jeanette, a young woman who is battling addiction and in search of the deeply hidden truths...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Starry Starry Night Birthday Party
“Starry Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh, one of the most joy-giving paintings in the history of art, is a major crowd-pleaser at MOMA...
Pet of the Week: Take a joyride with Maggie Mae!
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay shares this week’s Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week:
Maggie Mae is a 2.75-3-year-old Shepherd/terrier...
Dreher’s plays host to Chamber event ‘Burgers and Brews’
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Chamber of Commerce held its Burgers and Brews event at local Dreher’s Cocktail Bar & Restaurant Monday evening. While...
Guest Editorial: Finding inspiration in Cullman’s music scene
CULLMAN, Ala. - Whether on warm summer evenings or brisk winter nights, people head into local venues to shake off the work week and...
Pet adoptions during the holidays—the pros and cons
CULLMAN, Ala. – Gifting adopted pets for Christmas can often be a wonderful and creative idea for the holidays. However, though some people would...
Susan Moore hosting inaugural Christmas parade Dec. 11
BLOUNT COUNTY, Ala. - The town of Susan Moore in Blount County is holding its first ever Christmas Parade and Festival. The festival will...
Berlin Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Breakfast With Santa fundraiser thanks sponsors for successful turnout
BERLIIN, Ala. - The Berlin Volunteer Fire Department held a Pancake Breakfast with Santa fundraiser on Saturday. The event took place from 7:00 a.m....
Arley Senior Center Christmas party taking place Dec. 6
ARLEY, Ala. - The Arley Senior Center will be holding a bingo, potluck and silent auction Christmas party at the Arley Fire Department on...
Wallace State hosting Christmas Spectacular December 9
HANCEVILLE, Ala. — If you need a little Christmas, the Wallace State Fine and Performing Arts programs will provide some holiday spirit during its...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Wonderful World Birthday Party
“The Wonderful World of Disney,” a hugely popular television show on Sunday nights for 25 years, gathered America around a tribal fire for magical...
Bonus Pet of the Week: Enjoy the outdoors with Jasmine!
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Animal Shelter has love to spare these days, so Donna Ruttkay shares a bonus Cullman Tribune Pet of...
Cullman continues holiday tradition with Christmas Parade and tree lighting ceremony
CULLMAN, Ala. – This 2021 holiday season saw a return to tradition Friday evening when Cullman celebrated its annual Christmas in Cullman parade and...
Law enforcement urges extra safety this holiday season
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Police Department and Cullman County Sheriff’s Office shares the importance of security at home and offers safety tips while...
Cullman Community Band gears up for their Christmas Concert
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Community Band has announced that their Christmas Concert will be held on Monday, December 6, at the Cullman High...
Snead’s Farmhouse hosting book tour event this weekend
CULLMAN, Ala. - Judy Snead of Snead's Farmhouse and Deitra Deal will be doing a reading of their new children’s book, “It Takes Two...
Cullmanites share their favorite recipes for the holidays
CULLMAN, Ala. - For many, the meals shared with their friends and families are the highlight of the holidays. Everyone wants to bring something...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Life as Opera Birthday Party
“Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back and, instead of bleeding, he sings,” wrote American joy-giver, Robert Benchley. Another music critic...
Pet of the Week: Go exploring with Vera!
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay shares the Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week:
Vera is a 1-1.5-year-old hound/terrier/Cur mix. She...
Cullman Forge meets every first Sunday at Peinhardt Living History Farm
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Alabama Forge Council is a non-profit organization founded in 1985 by Jim Batson to teach and promote the art of...
Sacred Heart Church holds annual Turkey Bazaar
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church Knights of Columbus held their annual Turkey Bazaar Saturday evening, awarding parishioner Andy Gravemen...
Winter Wonderland Senior Night returns to Sportsman Lake
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Commission on Aging and Doug Davenport with the Parks and Recreation department are partnering to present the Winter...
Plan ahead to ensure your turkey is ready to roast
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — People across the nation are looking forward to a more normal holiday season this year. To keep this holiday safe...
Miss Alabama to compete in Miss USA pageant Nov. 29
TULSA, OK - Miss Alabama, Alexandria Flanigan of Cullman, will be competing in the 70th annual Miss USA pageant to be held on Nov....
‘Humbug! A Christmas Carol’ returns to The Princess Theatre!
DECATUR, Ala. - Bank Street Players have announced their return to the Princess Theatre Stage with latest production of, “Humbug! A Christmas Carol.” After...
‘Christmas at the Grotto’ returns with expanded schedule
CULLMAN, Ala. - St. Bernard Abbey’s Ave Maria Grotto, Cullman’s most popular attraction and one of Alabama’s must-see tourist destinations, will open evenings following...
Pet of the Week: Strike up the band with Banjo!
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay shares the Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week:
Banjo is a 2-year-old Catahoula/hound mix. He...
365 AMERICAN JOY-GIVERS for 2021: The Carnegie Hall Birthday Party
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Only the most-accomplished performers play Carnegie Hall. Built in 1891 by the philanthropist visionary...
Cullman Master Gardener’s distribute sweet potatoes to non-profit organizations in Cullman
CULLMAN, Ala. - The North Alabama Agriplex hosted the Cullman County Master Gardener’s meeting Wednesday morning. The Gardeners welcomed Adrienne Standridge, coordinator for the...
