Menu
Menu
UAB Epiphany recently held a Family Health and Fun day at New Birth Outreach Ministry in Demopolis, Alabama. The event was meant to entice people to get their blood pressure checked and gain insight on healthy ways to manage or lower blood pressure.
The UAB Epiphany project is a two- year research study that is funded by the American Heart Association. It is a lifestyle modification program and organizers are looking to enroll a total of 20 churches across the Black Belt region and enroll 460 participants who have elevated blood pressure. During the duration of the program, UAB Epiphany partners will enroll one church from each county within the Black Belt region.
Participants who qualify for this program are 19 years of age and older, self-identify as African American, have elevated blood pressure, and currently do not have any comorbidities. Should a person qualify for the program, there will be a two-year commitment. They will have a baseline of 6-, 12- and 24-months visit.
Through this program, participants get lifestyle modifications on how to become healthier, eating healthier foods, exercising, as well as learning how to cope with blood pressure. For more information on the UAB Epiphany program or to join the program, please call 1 (205) 996-2862.
The Black Belt Community Foundation Community Engagement Conversations Meeting & Dates
Marengo County………….. Ratliff Center……. Tuesday, July 25…… 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
306 1st Avenue Demopolis, Alabama
Bullock County ……………..Bullock County Courthouse ……………..5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Greene County ………… Robert H. Young Community Center …… 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Eutaw, Alabama
These meetings will be held to inform the latest iteration of BBCF’s Strategic Plan.
The meetings will entail discussion on organizations experiences with BBCF, how the BBCF can help meet the needs in the county, new ideas about programs and services and open questions for leadership teams. Sessions will be hosted by Quire Consulting.
For more information, questions and dates not listed, please contact William McCullum with Quire Consulting at (205) 202-0877 or via email at will@quireconsulting.com
The annual Back-to-School sales tax holiday began on July 21 from 12:01 a.m. and went to midnight on Sunday, July 23. This year marked the 18 year since the holiday was enacted in 2006. The shoppers had the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, and clothing free of state sales tax. The three day sale was created to give shoppers a temporary break from taxes on school supplies for the school year.
Marengo County was among the numerous counties and municipalities that participated in the holiday. For a complete list of tax-exempt and taxable items for next year, go to https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/sales-use/sales-tax-holiday
Hornets on the Move in Sumter County
The Sumter County ASU Alumni Chapter/NAA-ASU held the 3rd Annual Alabama State University Day on May 6 from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon at the Courthouse Square in Livingston, Alabama. There were many ASU participants along with other historical colleges and
universities alumni. The welcome and presentations were done by the Chapter president, Mr. Lucious Black, Jr., Opening Prayer by Dr. Liza Howard followed by the Alabama State Alma Mater lead by Mrs. Bernice W. Nixon and Mr. Ryan Campbell. Greetings were given by ASU
Trustee member, Judge Eddie Hardaway who also donated gift certificates and other monetary awards, Mayor Pro-tem Gerald Holloway and Mayor Willie Lake. A brief history and facts of Alabama State University were given by Mr. Wayne Washington, with presentations coming from ASU official, Dr. Freddie Williams, Jr.. Gift certificates, monetary awards and other door prizes were given to lucky ticket holders. Vice-President Eleanor James and President Lucious Black presented the scholarship awards. Delicious hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks were served and prepared by Mr. & Mrs. Lorenzo and Thelma Winston. Music was provided by Mr. Alfred Hale, Jr. The vendors that attended disseminated promotional items, brochures and pamphlets on substance abuse, mental health, vaccinations, voting and other topics. The Sumter County ASU Alumni Chapter would like to extend to all alumni to join the Chapter as it continues providing community activities and scholarships to deserving students. For more information and to join the Chapter, please contact the Chapter President, Mr. Lucious Black, Jr., Vice President, Eleanor James or any ASU Alumnus.
This 2023 ASU Day was dedicated in part to the late Mrs. Amy Issac, the former Chapter secretary.
Submitted by Mrs. Bernice W. Nixon, the Chapter writer and photographer.
Career Day
at
Amelia L, Johnson High School
April 28, 2022
The Marengo County Coalition attended the Career Day at Amelia L. Johnson in Thomaston, Alabama
The Coalition set up a booth in the Gymnasium with over 10 other vendors and organizations.
Pencils, pens, sling bags, umbrellas, phone holders, t-shirts that says Marengo County Coalition “Let’s Say No Together” on the front and back were given out along with 55 pamphlets and flyers on Substance Abuse.
The Marengo County Coalition Coordinator met with the Commissioners at the Monthly Commissioners’ meeting to share information about the presence and work that is provided on Substance Abuse and Underage Drinking by the Marengo County Coalition.
This meeting was held AT 9:00 on April 12, 2022, at the Commissioners’ office in the Courthouse.
101 E. COATS AVE.
LINDEN, ALABAMA 36748
The Alabama State University Alumni of Sumter County
Sponsored a Black & Gold Day at Sumter Central High School
On February 16, 2022
9:00 A.M. until 12:00 Noon
Mr. Freddie Williams, an ASU recruiter was the guest speaker along with President Lucius Black and Vice President Eleanor James
Fashayla Davis and Antonio Hutchins received scholarships from Alabama State University and another deserving student will receive a scholarship from the Sumter County Alumni in May, 2022
CELEBRATING A UNIQUE EVENT IN THE CITY’S HISTORY, DEMOPOLIS, AL HELD ITS FIRST ROOSTER DAY ON APRIL 9, 2016
Rooster Day is a full day of fun in downtown Demopolis, AL starting with a 5K run leading into an arts and crafts fair and ending with a rooster auction and dance. This fundraiser was inspired by another fund raising event – the original rooster auction in 1919. Click here to learn more Rooster Day history and fun facts.
The Marengo County Historical Society (MCHS) created Rooster Da y as a fund raiser that celebrates the area’s rural roots, talented artists and craftsmen, innovative students and love of a good time. Click here to learn more about MCHS and the use of Rooster Day proceeds!
The Marengo County Coalition disseminated promotional items and passed out Substance Abuse information.
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday
January 17, 2022
Lewis Chapel
Linden, Alabama
“Happenings at the Ratliff Center”
Demopolis, Alabama
Edward Ward, Director
Thank you for your participation!!
Bernice W. Nixon, Marengo County Coalition Coordinator…Reporting
Downtown Gazebo
December 13, 2021
1:00-5:00 P.M.
The Marengo attended the Linden, Alabama
Christmas Fair in the Downtown Gazebo
The marengo County Coalition attended and set up
a booth. 30 short and long sleeve shirts, with the
slogan “Just Say No Together” were given away.
Wristbands, sanitizer pens, umbrellas along with 50
pamphlets/flyers were disseminated to booth
visitors.
The fair ended with a parade through the town.
Demopolis Alabama
December 4, 2021
7:30-3:30 P.M.
The Marengo County set up a booth in Demopolis, Alabama for the Christmas Fair in the Square.
The Fair in the Square was sponsored by the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce. Exhibits spaces were open to craftsmen, retail merchants, and food vendors. Booth numbers were assigned, and the Marengo County Coalition was #32 with no charge to attend. The coalition gave out t-shirts, wristbands, sanitizer pens, shoulder sling bags and disseminated over 75 brochures and pamphlets on substance abuse.
The fair was one of the events in the weeklong Christmas on the River event hosted each year since 1972.
The Marengo County Coalition meets the first Tuesday of each month through Zoom at 10:00 A.M.
If you are interested in joining the Marengo County Coalition, please call Bernice W. Nixon at 1(251)355-9846 or Kendrick Pugh at 1(251) 769-0627.
***************
“We are constantly striving to bring a positive change to Marengo County Youth and Adults with a strong focus on underage drinking and knowledge about others drugs and suicide.”
Peer Helpers Training
Marengo County Central Office in Linden, Alabama
Held on November 16, 2021
8:30until 2:30 P.M.
On November 16, a Peer Helpers’ Training Was held at the Marengo County Board. Mrs. Cathy Seales, the Curriculum Specialist, was the inviting host. Twenty-two peer students were in attendance along with their leaders. The students were from three of the schools in the district, Amelia L. Johnson, Marengo County High and Sweetwater High.
Other invited guests were Mrs. Whitney Mcdole, the Marengo County Schools mental health coordinator and Mrs. Bernice W. Nixon, the marengo county In Action coalition coordinator.
On July 31, Mayor Gwendolyn Rogers and the city of Linden sponsored a Back-to-School Splash and Health Fair in the Austin Park.
It was a great day!
The Marengo Coalition under the direction of Bernice Nixon, was present along with other vendors. The Marengo County Coalition disseminated over 60 shoulder sling packs packed with footballs, flash drives, earbuds, cold cups, wrist bands, face masks, pencils, pens, frisbees, and pamphlets on substance abuse.
The Coming Together Organization, Pride of Tuscaloosa, Marengo County Coalition & the Demopolis Police Department partnership with the Theo Ratliff Center to sponsor a drive through Back-to-school Event. This event was held on August 7, 2021, from 9:00 until 12 noon. Bookbags and other school items along with back sling bags which included footballs, frisbees, flash drives, earbuds, substance abuse pamphlets were disseminated. Hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, and cold drinks were served.
Much success this school year and stay safe….
Bernice W. Nixon, Marengo County Coalition Coordinator
The camp was held at the Marengo County Extension on July 9 from 9am until 12noon. The Marengo County Coalition disseminated drug information and passed out frisbees to all the 30 participants.
For more information on the summer camps, please contact the Marengo County Extension Office at 2400 East Coats Ave in Linden, Alabama. Submitted on July 11, 2021, by Bernice W. Nixon, Marengo County Coalition Coordinator
The Marengo County Coalition met with the Marengo County Extension Office in a grassroot community meeting held on the 13th of July at 12:00 noon.
The invites included the mayor, police department, business holders and other stakeholders in the community.
Various topics were discussed, and presentations were made on programs offered by the Extension office. Each stakeholder had the opportunity to share in the discussion as to how the community could participate in the Extension projects and what projects were needed in the community.
Bernice W. Nixon, Coordinator & Prevention Specialist
The Marengo County Coalition sponsored a “Peer Helpers’ Week”, Via Zoom from each school, May 3-7, 2021.
The week of activities included the following:
Monday, May 3: Each peer helper read to at least one class. Also, the peer helpers within their schools gathered in one location with their leader at 1:00 p.m. for a zoom presentation from Ms. Jennifer Bucurel (PRIDE of Tuscaloosa) on Stress: What it is and ways to handle it. And a presentation from Kendrick Pugh (West Alabama Mental Health Coordinator) on The Dangers of Alcohol Use, Marijuana Use & RX Drugs.
Tuesday, May 4: The students wore green shirts to recognize Mental Health Week
Wednesday, May 5: students wore green ribbons and their Peer Helpers’ newly ordered T-Shirts. At 1:00 p.m., the students gathered in one location at their individual schools for a presentation from Whitney McDole (Marengo County Mental Health Coordinator) on Bullying.
Thursday, May 6: Peer Helpers were recognized during morning announcements and Stress Kits were distributed to all faculty & staff by the Peer Helpers.
Friday, May 7: Peer Helpers distributed “Thank You “ cards to all staff and each Peer helper was given a Lanyard Pack that included a baseball T-Shirt, folder, and identification card. Each Peer Helper received a goodie bag and Certificate signed by the Coalition Coordinator.
On May 14, 2021 from 10:00A.M. until 2:00 P.M., the Marengo County Coalition in partnership with the Demopolis Police Department and the West Alabama Mental sponsored The “Drug Take Back Day at the Demopolis Walmart. Prescription drugs were collected and Drug Pamphlets were pass out.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Marengo County Coalition is proud to have joined in partnership with the Demopolis Police Department, the Linden Extension Office and the 4-H, who provided bags for the events. Looking forward to summer events with them.
It is the mission of the Marengo County Children’s Policy Council to identify needs and resources to protect children and their families through the collaboration of individuals and agencies serving our county.
The Marengo County Children’s Policy Council’s Community in Action (CIA) Project is to reduce underage drinking in our community, resulting in notable improvements in our community in raising awareness of the problem and reducing 30-day use, and increasing the perception of harm for underage alcohol use. Our county has received a Partnership for Success (PFS) Grant to continue and extend these efforts throughout Marengo County.
CIA consists of key stakeholders in our community, those who know the dangers of underage drinking and have joined together to reduce and ultimately eliminate this problem in our community. It is our goal to create sustainable strategies, projects, and activities to deter underage alcohol use by increasing readily available resources for children and teens and increase parental disapproval. This task can be accomplished by bringing more key stakeholders in the community in alignment with the mission and efforts of the CIA. With this understanding, I, La Toya Witherspoon-Marengo County’s Coalition Coordinator, would like to formally invite you to join CIA. Bring your ideas, plans and resources to help make a stronger, more aligned stance against underage drinking– Let’s Say NO Together!
It is the mission of the Marengo County Children’s Policy Council to identify needs and resources to protect children and their families through the collaboration of individuals and agencies serving our county.
The Marengo County Children’s Policy Council’s Community in Action (CIA) Project is to reduce underage drinking in our community, resulting in notable improvements in our community in raising awareness of the problem and reducing 30-day use, and increasing the perception of harm for underage alcohol use. Our county has received a Partnership for Success (PFS) Grant to continue and extend these efforts throughout Marengo County.
CIA consists of key stakeholders in our community, those who know the dangers of underage drinking and have joined together to reduce and ultimately eliminate this problem in our community. It is our goal to create sustainable strategies, projects, and activities to deter underage alcohol use by increasing readily available resources for children and teens and increase parental disapproval. This task can be accomplished by bringing more key stakeholders in the community in alignment with the mission and efforts of the CIA. With this understanding, I, La Toya Witherspoon-Marengo County’s Coalition Coordinator, would like to formally invite you to join CIA. Bring your ideas, plans and resources to help make a stronger, more aligned stance against underage drinking– Let’s Say NO Together!
Judge Vincent Deas Chairman | Mentral Ledbetter | Tiffany Smith |
Kevin Bell | Patricia Moore | Agt. Jason Ward |
Carol Dixon | Susanna Naisbett | Robert Ware |
Officer Darren Glass | Natalie Quinney | Shenika Williams |
Kim Gibson | Chief Tommie Reese | Rev. David Willis |
Gina Johnston | Andy Renner | YOU |
Judge Vincent Deas Chairman | Mentral Ledbetter | Tiffany Smith |
Kevin Bell | Patricia Moore | Agt. Jason Ward |
Carol Dixon | Susanna Naisbett | Robert Ware |
Officer Darren Glass | Natalie Quinney | Shenika Williams |
Kim Gibson | Chief Tommie Reese | Rev. David Willis |
Gina Johnston | Andy Renner | YOU |
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/NIDA_NDAFWBingoCards_Web.pdf
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/NIDA_NDAFWBingoVocabSheet_Web.pdf
https://www.responsibility.org/…/underage-drinking-statistics
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0387-dangers-teen-drinking
www.drugrehab.com › Addiction › Alcohol › Effects on Families
www.niaaa.nih.gov › … › Special Populations & Co-occurring Disorders
https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/underage-drinking
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/NIDA_NDAFWBingoCards_Web.pdf
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/NIDA_NDAFWBingoVocabSheet_Web.pdf
https://www.responsibility.org/…/underage-drinking-statistics
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0387-dangers-teen-drinking
www.drugrehab.com › Addiction › Alcohol › Effects on Families
www.niaaa.nih.gov › … › Special Populations & Co-occurring Disorders
https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/underage-drinking