The Groundhog

09/30/2025

Need help with daily activities? Durable Medical Equipment (DME)—like walkers, wheelchairs, certain diabetes supplies, and oxygen—may be covered under Medicare Part B when prescribed by your doctor and obtained from approved suppliers. With Original Medicare, coverage is typically 80%, with you or your supplement responsible for the remaining 20%. Medicare Advantage plans set their own costs and rules.

High-cost brand-name meds? SenioRx may help eligible adults (55+ or on disability, with no LIS/Medicaid). Contact DiAnne Callahan at the DeKalb County Council on Aging: 256-845-8590. For one-on-one Medicare guidance, SHIP counseling is available—call Lynn Hixson at 256-845-8590.

Read more: https://readthegroundhog.com/durable-medical-equipment-helps-with-daily-activities/

09/29/2025

The Mentone Fall Festival is bringing big talent to the mountain! On Saturday, Oct. 18, Alabama’s own Three On A String — members of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame — will headline with their signature mix of music and comedy.

Also performing is acclaimed singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis, a longtime Mentone resident whose songs have been recorded by Joan Baez, Art Garfunkel, Dar Williams, and even Garth Brooks (“You Move Me”).

Alongside the music, the festival will feature more than 80 art vendors, food, family activities, and all the charm of the historic Moon Lake Campus. Proceeds support the restoration and revitalization of this beloved community space.

Read the full story in The Groundhog: https://readthegroundhog.com/three-on-a-string-to-headline-mentone-fall-festival/

09/27/2025

09/27/2025

What’s your favorite James Taylor song? Music starts in a couple of hours … come on out!

Today’s the Day! 🎶
Join us today, September 27, for Mentone Americana Nights at the Shigley Amphitheater on Moon Lake Campus!

🎵 Mentone Ukes
🎤 Kevin Long
🎸 Dennis Parker
🕒 Music starts at 3:00 p.m.
🛍️ Arrive early to explore the galleries and shops
🍽️ Grab a bite at Moon Lake Kitchen
🌄 Family-friendly fun | 🎟️ Always FREE

It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon — live music, local shopping, and good food, all in beautiful Mentone. See you there!

09/26/2025

Get your entries ready! The Flower Show at the DeKalb County Fair is coming up October 21–25, with this year’s theme: “Night at the Movies.”

Anyone can enter — from cut flowers and herbs to container plants and floral designs. Categories include Horticulture, Design, Botanical Arts, Education, and Youth. Prizes will be awarded, and check-in help will be available to make sure entries are labeled correctly.

Don’t miss this chance to show off your garden’s best blooms and creativity!

Read the full story in The Groundhog: https://readthegroundhog.com/get-those-flower-show-entries-ready/

09/25/2025

What do your kids need from the library?

Moon Lake Library wants your input to shape children’s programs for the year ahead. For the past four years, Little Library Learners has offered free storytime, games, songs, and activities — but now the library is asking families directly: What would best support your kids?

Share your ideas by emailing [email protected]
or contacting Lynn Vanderhoff at 404-783-6771.

Read the full story in The Groundhog: https://readthegroundhog.com/what-do-your-kids-need-from-the-library/

09/24/2025

There’s a lot to look forward to in Valley Head this fall! A new family-owned taqueria from the Reyes family (of Albertville/Boaz) is opening downtown in the former barber shop space.

Mark your calendars for Hot Rods in the Valley on Saturday, Sept. 27, 4–8 p.m. around the square—Tiger’s Inn and Side Street Deli will have dinner specials.

We’re also pursuing grants with TARCOG to pave four additional streets. Welcome to new council member Scott Pepper—the new council and mayor will be sworn in Monday, Nov. 3, 6 p.m. at Town Hall; reception to follow. And don’t miss Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 25, in conjunction with Hot Rods in the Valley.

Town Council meets the first Monday at 6 p.m. at Town Hall—everyone’s welcome.

Read the full story in The Groundhog: https://readthegroundhog.com/much-to-look-forward-to-this-fall/

09/23/2025

September was known to the Cherokee people as ᏚᎵᏍᏗ (Duli̱sdi), the Nut Moon — a season of gathering hickory, walnut, chestnut, and acorns, and a time for gratitude and preparation. One traditional story tells of Grandmother Squirrel, who reminded the people to see the Creator’s abundance, to share, and to give thanks.

This month’s Cherokee Word of the Month also invites us to celebrate with a simple community activity: a Nut Moon Gratitude Gathering. Collect a nut, decorate it with a symbol of thanks, and share it with others — a small reminder of the wisdom in noticing what we have and preparing with care.

Read the full story in The Groundhog: https://readthegroundhog.com/cherokee-word-of-the-month-%ea%ae%aa%ea%ae%85%ea%ae%9d%ea%ae%a7-duli-sdi-the-nut-moon/

09/22/2025

This month’s Mountain Kitchen brings a taste of Andiamo Lodge, courtesy of Colleen Duffley. She shares two favorites that showcase seasonal flavors and her signature comfort-with-style approach:

Baked Eggs with Gruyère Cheese Grits — creamy, savory, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Apple-Cider Bundt Cake (or Muffins) — made with apples from Mentone’s own Little River Orchard and honey from Shinbone Valley Bee Company.

Read the full recipes in The Groundhog: https://readthegroundhog.com/the-mountain-kitchen-recipes-from-andiamo-lodge/

09/20/2025

The Mentone Fall Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Moon Lake Campus — and this year introduces a new activity: the Scarecrow Competition!

The theme, “The Spirit of Mentone,” invites entries that celebrate what makes our mountain town magical — from artists and musicians to woodland creatures and community characters. Prizes will be awarded for creativity, recycled materials, and People’s Choice. Entry is free and open to all — individuals, families, groups, schools, and churches.

Bring your scarecrow to Moon Lake Campus on Friday, Oct. 17 between 1–5 p.m. Festival day will also feature kids’ activities, a special Fall Art Show by local students, live music, art vendors, food trucks, and family fun.

Read the full story in The Groundhog:

The annual Mentone Fall Festival returns on Saturday, October 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic Moon Lake Campus, and this year introduces a new activity — the Scarecrow Competition! This year’s theme, “The Spirit of Mentone,” invites participants to showcase what makes

09/19/2025

Mentone Americana Nights closes its season with a special evening of music at the Shigley Amphitheater on Saturday, Sept. 27. Headliner Dennis Parker — longtime member of Ricky Skaggs’ band and a veteran touring artist — will lead a James Taylor Tribute alongside Jeff Taylor and Brad Benge.

For Parker, Taylor’s music has been both an inspiration and a source of comfort throughout his life. Now, he brings that passion to the stage in a heartfelt celebration of one of America’s most beloved songwriters.

Don’t miss this final Americana Nights performance at Moon Lake Campus, also including music by Kevin Long and Mentone Ukes. Music begins at 3 p.m. and admission is free.

Read the full story in The Groundhog: https://readthegroundhog.com/dennis-parker-brings-james-taylor-tribute-to-the-mentone-americana-nights-stage/