Melissa Riopka
WHNT
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Past articles by Melissa:
Red Cross Month: Your donation matters
Join Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid and CPR. → Read More
Still Serving Veterans marks milestone, expands reach to help more veterans
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – This month, Still Serving Veterans marks 16 years of service. Retired Army Maj. Gen. Paulette Risher describes the mission of the Huntsville-based nonprofit as “helping veterans and members of the Guard and Reserve to build meaningful lives; specifically through employment and career transition services, VA benefits counseling and connection to critical life […] → Read More
The Pathfinder now offering extended residential program for men seeking long-term recovery from drugs, alcohol
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – More and more data shows that people suffering from substance use disorder are more likely to achieve long-term recovery when supported by a longer treatment program. Late last year, The Pathfinder of Huntsville increased the length of its primary residential program from 90 days to six months. After that time, residents can […] → Read More
Free tax-preparation site opening in Huntsville next week
The service is available to taxpayers who make up to $60,000 a year. → Read More
United Way of Madison County committed to spreading hope
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – As 2021 comes to a close, United Way of Madison County is committed to spreading hope. Working with it’s partner agencies, United Way serves the community by targeting resources to meet the greatest needs. It’s mission focuses on education, financial stability and health. The pandemic has created challenges for so many people. […] → Read More
Tickets on sale now for World Games 2022 in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Get ready for a new generation of sport competition. Birmingham is preparing to welcome 3,600 of the best athletes from around the globe to Alabama for the World Games 2022. Representing more than 100 countries, these elite athletes will go for the gold in 34 sports at more than two-dozen venues around […] → Read More
“Blue Christmas” offering hope, comfort and companionship this season
MADISON COUNTY, Ala. – For many, the holidays truly are the most wonderful time of the year. For others, the holidays can be a difficult time. The death of a loved one. An unexpected diagnosis. Divorce. Whatever the reason, this season of celebration can be a painful reminder of personal grief. The CARE Center knows […] → Read More
One-of-a-kind window displays, gifts part of UCP Huntsville’s “Flipping for the Future”
Huntsville, AL – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Huntsville, in partnership with area businesses, volunteers, and civic organizations, is once again transforming downtown Huntsville with nostalgic window displays and a chance to make a lasting difference in the community. UCP’s “Flipping for the Future” takes well-loved dollhouse castoffs and renovates them into dream gifts that are […] → Read More
Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood open through Jan. 2, 2022
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – If you’re looking for an old-fashioned holiday experience that promises fun for the whole family, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is open now. The event, presented by Humana, runs through January 2, 2022. More than five million lights, festive decorations, and stage productions are just part of the festival. “Christmas really is […] → Read More
Twickenham Fest and US Space & Rocket Center present “Music of the Spheres”
Twickenham Fest, a premiere chamber music festival held in Huntsville, will resume performances after a two-year hiatus. → Read More
North Alabama woman makes the morning drive brighter, one sign at a time
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The sun is shining but the temperatures are near freezing as Rachel Beard heads out for her morning walk. Bundled against the cold, carrying a coffee cup in one hand and a large neon poster in the other, she stops just a short distance from home. This almost daily routine has nothing […] → Read More
Give the gift of warmth this holiday season
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – This holiday season, why not give the gift of warmth? From now through December 10, 2021 the Alabama Non-Violent Offenders Organization (ANVOO) is collecting new and gently used winter clothing for clients and their families. There is a need for hoodies, jackets, coats and pullovers. If you don’t have any of these […] → Read More
2021 Galaxy of Lights opens at Huntsville Botanical Garden
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Galaxy of Lights, an annual holiday light experience at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, will open on Thursday, Nov. 11, for its 26th season. For the second year in a row, the event has been nominated in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights. “We are […] → Read More
Finding a path to recovery with Pathfinder, Inc.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Addiction does not discriminate. Millions of Americans from all walks of life suffer dependency on drugs or alcohol. It’s a problem that’s only grown worse during the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic. While finding help in the face of addiction may seem daunting, it is available. In Huntsville, The Pathfinder, Inc. […] → Read More
5th annual Bernard Blues & BBQ October 30-31, 2021
CULLMAN, Ala. – The 5th Annual Bernard Blues and BBQ is set for October 30 and October 31, 2021 on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School in Cullman. Hours for the event are 9:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and 9:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday. Admission is a $5 requested donation. Festival guests […] → Read More
Dive into fun during ODDtober at the Tennessee Aquarium
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – There’s something odd going on in Downtown Chattanooga. Just in time for the spookiest season of the year, ODDtober is back at the Tennessee Aquarium. Guests are invited to celebrate and discover the weird and wonderful side of nature, as they set out on a special self-guided QR code scavenger hunt to […] → Read More
Ahoy, mateys! Third annual Carnival of Giving coming to Ditto Landing Oct. 30, 2021
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – “Ahoy, mateys! I spy a cure ahead.” The 3rd annual Carnival of Giving is coming up Saturday, October 30, 2021 with a pirate-theme and a mission to raise awareness about pediatric cancer. The event, hosted by the Isaiah 41:10 Foundation, is a fundraiser for efforts supporting young cancer patients and research into […] → Read More
HEALS Inc. bringing out the stars to help kids
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Once a year, the stars align for a spectacular event; where you might see a CEO doing the tango, while a doctor takes a pass at the Paso Doble. Stars Dancing for HEALS turns community leaders into champions for children, with a competition that raises tens of thousands of dollars to provide […] → Read More
New partnership aims to help students with dyslexia, reading difficulties
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Thanks to a new partnership, thousands of children across Madison County will receive specialized help with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Together, Greengate School at Randolph, Madison City Schools, Huntsville City Schools and Madison County schools applied for a $50,0000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville Women’s Philanthropy Society.… → Read More
Gem, Jewelry & Mineral Show set for Oct. 8-10 in Huntsville
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Sparking gems and geodes, scavenger hunts and fossil digs, even a moon rock. You’ll find all that and more at the annual Huntsville Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Show. It’s taking place Friday, October 8 through Sunday, October 10 at the Jaycee Community Center in John Hunt Park, 2180 Airport Road, Huntsville. Hours […] → Read More