First News At Four

WAAY-31 First News at 4:00: Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:45:00 -0500

Today at 4:00,

Kinsey Russell, marketing director for the Merrimack Hall Preforming Arts Center, joins us talk about upcoming events.

Comedian John Heffron will perform at the center on October 25 and 26 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 - $30 for mature audiences only (17+). The Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center is on 3320 Triana Boulevard. For more information click here.

We’ll also have information on a bally fat vaccine, the new iPad Mini and a new beauty treatment that is a real slap in the face.

See you at 4:00.

Twitter: @LillianAskins

Facebook: LillianAskins-WAAY31

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Monday, October 22, 2012

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:45:00 -0500

Today at 4:00…

Carol Casey with the Huntsville Botantical Gardens joins us to talk about the “Give Back Day at The Garden.” The event is Sunday, October 28 and benefits the Free-2-Teach program. All you have to do is bring school supplies to donate, and you will receive free admission to the gardens.

It’s the 60th Season of the Huntsville Chamber Music Guild Celebrity Concert Series. On Friday, October 26, Christian Lane will perform. For ticket information click here. Lane will also provide an educational opportunity from 4:00 to 5:00 pm on Thursday, October 25th, at Trinity. This event is free of charge and open to all.

Also, we will get to an update on Shea Allen’s progress as she prepares for Stars Dancing for HEALS. See you at 4:00!

Twitter: @LillianAskins

Facebook: LillianAskins-WAAY31

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Thursday, October 18, 2012

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:45:00 -0500

Today at 4...

Today is the day. The Taste of Huntsville is tonight at the VBC starting at 5:30. Several dozen restaurants from the Valley will be serving up some of the signature dishes. All the proceeds go toward to local non-profits... Court Appointed Juvenile Advocates and Merrimack Hall's Johnny Stallings Art Program. Tickets are $35 at the door. You can get more information on the fare at tonight's event at www.facebook.com/tasteofhuntsville.

The Medical Alliance fashion show event is coming up Tuesday, October 23rd at 5 p.m. at the Westin. Belk Parkway Place is putting together some great fall looks for women, men and children. There will also be a silent auction and of course, dinner. Everyone will get a goodie bag and one lucky attendee will walk away with a $1,000 Belk gift card. Check out www.facebook.com/pages/Madison-County-Medical-Alliance/173929028197 for more.

Due to popular demand, Homegrown added an October Dine and Dash through downtown. Next Thursday, October 25th a trolley will take revelers on a trip to 5 different restaurants. Everyone on the trip will get a drink and appetizer sample at each stop. Tickets are $30. Check out www.homegrownhuntsville.com for more.

Brix Tapas and Wine Bar is ready to roll out its new fall menu. You can get a special preview on October 23rd at 6:30. The price is all inclusive. Tickets are $35 until October 20th. After that, they are $45. Check out www.brixhuntsville.com for more.

Monica Yother of MY Designs will tell us where you can get crafty and help out animals. Sunday at her studio at Lowe Mill there will be a Pony Painting Party. Each painter will get to paint their own fall themed canvass pony. Cost is $32 with %15 going toward a local horse rescue. For more information on other classes as well, check out www.MY-Designs.net.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:44:00 -0500

Today at 4...

In honor of Physical Therapy Appreciation Month, Nesin Physical Therapy is hosting a blood drive tomorrow. LifeSouth will be out from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Research Park location off Enterprise Drive. You can stop in an donate to help save Valley lives. There has been a major shortage of blood over the past few months, so any and all help would be welcome.

The Christian Women's Job Corps is getting ready for its annual Circles Luncheon at the VBC. The event will be Monday, November 5th at noon. Tickets are $50. Funds will go toward helping women get the training they need for better jobs. Log on to www.cwjc.net for more information.

The Tennessee Valley Jazz Society is feeling the rhythm this weekend. Ellis Marsalis is performing Friday night at 7 p.m. at the Cooper House. There are still some general admission ticket available for $30. Check out www.tvjs.webs.com for more.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:46:00 -0500

Today at 4...

The Junior League of Huntsville is counting down the days until Apple Annie Day. The fundraiser will put 25,000 apples into the hands of Madison County students. Apple Annie Day is October 26th at three locations. Stop by the Southeast YMCA, Madison County Courthouse or Lawren's next Friday to pick up your apples. For more information on the campaign check out www.jlhuntsville.com.

Art Krewe is taking advantage of October's ode to beer with Artoberfest at the Huntsville Museum of Art. Come out Thursday night for some live music, beer tasting and of course, art. Tickets are $5 for members or $10 for non-members. You can find more information at www.hsvmuseum.org/art-krewe.

The Taste of Huntsville is also Thursday evening at the VBC. This year's proceeds will go toward CAJA and Merrimack Hall's Johnny Stallings Art Program. Several of Huntsville's best restaurants will present their fare at the event. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Everything kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Check out www.facebook.com/tasteofhuntsville for more.

Renaissance Theatre wants you to do the 'Timewarp'!!! It is that time of year again, time for The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Don your Magenta wig or Rocky boots and get ready for everyone's favorite Halloween cult classic. Shows start October 19th and continue on weekends through November 3rd. There will also be midnight shows on October 27th and November 3rd. Tickets start at $20. Check out www.renaissancetheatre.net for more.

Meredith's Sampler is also getting ready for Halloween as we head to one of the largest costume and decoration stores in the state. And watch my transformation!

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Monday, October 15, 2012

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:42:00 -0500

Today at 4...

The Westin Huntsville is hosting hospitality awards tonight for the best restaurants, bars and hotels in Alabama. We will be live there with more as the prepare to honor those who make Alabama a great destination for not only locals but travelers.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is getting into the Halloween spirit with Bootanica this weekend. From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, come dressed in your costume and tour the garden. You can also check out the Scarecrows and take a hayride while you are there. For more information log on to www.hsvbg.org.

Lancome has teamed up with St. Jude for a third year to help give sick kids a fighting chance. October 19th is Genifique Day, which means $7 for every bottle sold both in stores and online will go toward St. Jude. Lancome at Belk Parkway Place is participating. Check out www.lancome.com for more.

The Arts Council has a big month of events planned. We are at the halfway point, but there is still plenty to see and do. This weekend the TAC will be out for Saturday in the Square sponsored by Downtown 47. There will be vendors, artists and a lot of fun for whole family. It will start at 11 a.m. Saturday morning on the courthouse square in downtown Huntsville. Log on to www.artshuntsville.org for more.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Friday, October 12, 2012

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:43:00 -0500

Today at 4...

The North Alabama Spay and Neuter Clinic won a big victory in Montgomery this week. We will talk to them about what that means to the community. The clinic offers reduced price surgeries to fix your animal. For more information check out www.nalspayneuter.org.

It's almost time for All Hallows Eve...when ghosts and goblins will come out of slumber. Starting next weekend the historic Lowry House will host family fright night. This year it will run two weekends. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. For more information log on to www.thehistoricloweryhouse.com.

Tongue tied? Well, it is an actual medical condition. Dr. Don Wilson will explain what it actually means to be tongue tied and what can be done to correct it. Check out www.signaturesmile.com for more information on getting the smile of your dreams.

The Huntsville Madison County Public Library is hosting a part for all gods and goddesses....a masquerade ball. The gala will be at the main branch October 20th starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Check out www.hmcpl.org for more.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Thursday, October 11, 2012

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:42:00 -0500

It's 10-11-12! What a cool date!

Today at 4....

Fantasy Playhouse opens its newest show tomorrow night at the VBC. The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood runs this weekend and next weekend. We will get a behind the scenes look at the production. They are also getting ready for A Christmas Carol opening in December. For more information on Fantasy Playhouse check out www.letthemagicbegin.org.

The Taste of Huntsville is coming up October 18th at the VBC. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. You will get to sample cuisine from dozens of local restaurants...but you will not walk away with an empty stomach. Proceeds will go toward to different non-profits. Court Appointed Juvenile Advocates and Merrimack Hall's Johnny Stallings Arts Program. To check out a list of the restaurants participating head over to www.facebook.com/tasteofhuntsville.

Merrimack Hall has a new show tonight and tomorrow. Ruthie Foster will perform for two nights. Tickets are $30-35. Foster is a blues singer, even nominated for a Grammy. For more on tickets log on to www.merrimackhall.com.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:43:00 -0500

Today at 4...

Nexus Energy Center gave away two Extreme Home Makeovers to Madison County families. Today we will hear from one of the homeowners about the renovations, as well as, a couple of the companies responsible for making the upgrades. The changes will help make the house more eco-friendly, in addition to saving the homeowners some money on energy bills. There are plenty of ideas and rebates on the Nexus website at www.nexusenergycenter.org for more.

The Medical Alliance is hosting a Fashion Show with the help of Belk Parkway Place on October 23rd at the Westin starting at 5 p.m. There will be a silent auction before the dinner and fashion show kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 and you can pick them up at Belk.

Theatre Huntsville brings several performances to the Valley every year. Right now, the cast of "It's a Wonderful Life" is in the middle of rehearsals before opening night on November 9th. Everyone knows the story of the timeless holiday classic. For information on getting tickets or to find out about auditions for future shows log on to www.yourseatiswaiting.com.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31FirstNews at 4: Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:44:00 -0500

Today at 4...

Taste of Huntsville is coming up next week. It is your chance to sample for the best fare in the city while helping out a couple of great causes. This year Taste of Huntsville is awarding proceeds to Court Appointed Juvenile Advocates and Merrimack Hall's Johnny Stallings Art Program. The event is at the VBC October 18th. Tickets are on sale now for $30 or you can buy them at the door for $35. Check out www.facebook.com/tasteofhuntsville for more.

The Pickwick Belle spent the summer cruising around Decatur, but just because the season is changing doesn't mean it will be docked until Spring. There are Fall Cruises Thursday and Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m. as well as, dinner cruises on Friday nights. Check out www.pickwickbelle.com for more on the schedule.

Thursday it is time to "amore" the arts in Madison. Stop by Blue Pants Brewery from 6-9 p.m. for the Madison Arts Council fundraiser. Donations will be accepted at the door. There will be live music and of course, local beer. For more log on to www.madisonarts.org.

The UAH Art Department has three exhibits up this month. There will be a reception tomorrow afternoon from 4:30-6:30 op.m. All three exhibits are now open and the last one closes October 30th. For more information email art@uah.edu or call 256.

Meredith's Sampler is going local. We head to the Sandwich Farm where everything is made fresh from locally grown veggies and baked bread.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Monday, October 8, 2012

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 15:45:00 -0500

Today at 4....

The 60th annual Alabama NAACP Convention is coming up next weekend in the Rocket City and there are plenty of events going on for you to get involved in during the gathering. The convention will be October 18-21st at the Huntsville Marriott. For more information on the list of events check out www.naacpalabama.org.

Fall is a great time to make some seasonal changes to your garden. The Huntsville Botanical Garden wants to help make sure you get the perfect plants in the ground. The Fall Plant Sale is this weekend, October 13-14th. You can get your soil tested, seek expert advice and find fun for the kids. Log on to www.hsvbg.org for more on events at the Garden.

The Alabama Youth Ballet is the next stop on our campaign to "fall into the arts". Dancers are busy in rehearsals for this year's production of The Nutcracker. It is a timeless ballet and perennial favorite during the holidays. Check out www.alabamayouthballet.org for more.

Shea Allen only has a few more weeks to perfect her dance for the Stars Dancing for HEALS competition. She is feeling pretty confident about the performance now that several of the hardest elements are looking good. The competition will be aired live right here on WAAY 31 on November 5th. You can vote for Shea and give some money to help Madison County kids get the healthcare they deserve at www.healsinc.org.

Plus, we will be having a party in honor of the move to Parkway Place. Stop by after the show to say hey.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Friday, October 5, 2012

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:42:00 -0500

Today at 4...

We will be live from the Huntsville Museum of Art as we continue to Fall for the Arts this month. The museum is getting ready to open a new exhibit on Saturday. Art in Clay will be open tomorrow. Several more exhibits will be on display in the upcoming weeks, as well as, classes for adults and children. Check out www.hsvmuseum.org for more.

X the TXT! A new campaign focusing on the dangers of texting while driving will be taking its message to the Madison Street Festival tomorrow. There will be a driving simulator and lots of information about how distracting it is to text and drive. There is also a pledge you can sign to take a stand. Log on to www.lankfordbattle.com for more.

The North Alabama Spay and Neuter Clinic is in a fight to keep its doors open. If the state forces the clinic to close, there will a lot of homeless animals waiting even longer to get fixed before they can be adopted. We will get the latest on the fight. Check out www.nalspayneuter.org for more on the legal issues.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Dr. Don Wilson with Signature Smile wants to focus on pink too. Your gums are just as important to getting the smile you desire as the white teeth. For a smile evaluation call 256.SMILE97 or log on to http://www.signaturesmile.com for more.

And SNAP wants to help control the animal population while you have a good time. SNAP on Tap is tomorrow night at 6 p.m. from Straight to Ale. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. There will be prizes given away, a silent auction and live music. Check out www.snapalabama.org for more.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Thursday, October 4, 2012

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:43:00 -0500

Today at 4...

United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley is "teeing" off for this year's Irons Cup Golf Tournament. The four-man scramble is take place Monday, November 5th at the Ledges. There will be several contests and prizes for the golfers. For more information on how to sign up check out www.ucphuntsville.org.

Taste of Huntsville is coming back to the VBC October 18th from 5:30-8 p.m. You can try dishes from some of the Valley's best restaurants. This year all the proceeds go to two deserving non-profits. Court Appointed Juvenile Advocates and Merrimack Hall's Johnny Stallings Art Program. We will hear from Debra Jenkins, the founder of Merrimack Hall, about the importance of supporting Taste of Huntsville. Check out www.facebook.com/tasteofhuntsville for more on the event.

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra is getting ready for a busy fall. Saturday night's performance "The Voice of the Piano" will be at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the VBC. There will be more shows leading up to the big New Year's Eve performance. Check out www.hso.org for more on the events.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:41:00 -0500

Today at 4....

The Huntsville Madison County Public Library loves to read and needs your help for this year's Vive le Livre...Long live the book!!! The event will be October 23rd at the VBC. Journalist Jon Meacham will be the guest speaker. Jon will tell tales of life as a writer and reporter. For more information check out www.huntsvillelibraryfoundation.org.

Divorce isn't just difficult on adults, when kids are involved it can become a very delicate situation for parents. Lysa Parker will offer some co-parenting tips so that everyone, especially the kids win. Lysa offers parenting classes for all stages of childhood. Check out www.parentslifeline.com for more.

The UAH Theatre Department is getting ready for opening night of "Bright Night in Boise". The cast and crew are working hard before curtain call on October 10th. Shows will run through the 20th. For more information on getting tickets to the performances log on to www.uah.edu/la/departments/theatre.

And Jim Parker's next Songwriter's Series Concert is this weekend. Show starts at 6:30 at the VBC Playhouse on Friday, October 5th. Check out www.jimparkermusic.com for more this month's show.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:41:00 -0500

Today at 4...

Taste of Huntsville is just a couple of weeks a way. October 18th at the VBC South Hall from 5:30-8 p.m. you can sample for Rocket City cuisine and bonus, help out two great local non-profits. This year's proceeds will benefit Merrimack Hall's Johnny Stallings Arts Program and Court Appointed Juvenile Advocates of Madison County. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. There will also be free parking! Check out www.facebook.com/tasteofhuntsville.

Eugene Fleming knows a thing or two about making it on Broadway after spending 25 years in the theatre community. Fleming will host two master classes at IMP this weekend. The workshops will be Saturday at Lee High School's theatre. The first is for ages 9 to 13 at 10 a.m. The next is at 1 p.m. for 14 and up. The classes are $30 per student or $10 to just watch. Check out www.imphuntsville.org for more.

The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating a big month....from it's birthday to the premiere of the ABC show "Nashville". And there is a lot going on in honor of the celebrations. For a complete list of all the happenings check out www.opry.com.

Get ready to salsa the night away. As a part of the fall into the arts campaign, Salseroblanko wants you to get on your ballroom shoes and take a twirl around the dance floor. From weekly classes to Salsalabama Jam 2012, there are options for every skill level. For more log on to www.salseroblanko.com.

Meredith's Sampler is back at Lyon Family Farms for more fall fun!

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Monday, October 1, 2012

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:48:00 -0500

Today at 4...

Time is running out if you want to place an item in the time capsule that will be buried at the Veterans Memorial in Huntsville until 2062. This week is the last week to drop off donations. October 4th will an open house at the memorial from 5-7 p.m. Ambassador applications will also be taken during that time. Kids are invited to be an ambassador for the time capsule and be there when it is opened 50 years from now. For more on the program check out www.huntsvilleveteransmemorial.org.

Suicide is often a topic that many people shy away from discussing, that's why organizers of the Out of the Darkness Walk want to get people talking. The walk will be Sunday, October 7th at Brahan Springs Park in Huntsville starting at 2 p.m. Check out www.afsp.org for more on the event.

The Arts Council wants everyone in the Valley to get excited about fall with a little music, theatre and just about anything creative. Every day during October we will highlight a local arts organization to talk about upcoming events and why it is so important for the community to support the arts. Today, Joanna White from the Arts Council will start things off. Check out www.artshuntsville.org for more on events.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden is ready to help you plant a great fall garden. The fall plant sale is coming up October 13-14th at the Garden. Experts will be on hand to help you plant what's right for your home and you can even get your soil tested. There will also be tons of activities for the kids. Log on to www.hsvbg.org for more.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Friday, September 28, 2012

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:45:00 -0500

FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY!!!!

This afternoon we are taking the show to new heights. The Courtland Airshow is coming up tomorrow. You will be able to see some world class flying until the sun goes down. Gates open at noon and the flights start at 3 p.m. Admission is $10. There will also be arts and craft and food vendors on site. Check out www.courtlandairshow.com for details on the event.

The North Alabama Spay and Neuter Clinic is continuing its fight with the state veterinary board to keep its doors open. Now, an online petition is available for you to weigh in on the issue. Here is the link www.nalspayneuter.org.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Thursday, September 27, 2012

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:43:00 -0500

Today at 4....

Merrimack Hall will host the Blind Boys of Alabama for two nights. The shows are tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $37-45. For more information on the show check out www.merrimackhall.com.

The Huntsville Community Chorus Association will kick start the International Festival weekend tomorrow night with the 5th annual Something old, new, borrowed, blue concert. The show will be in the First Baptist Church Sanctuary. The festival will follow on Saturday at Spragins Hall. Check out www.thechorus.org for more on the show.

A special Thursday edition on Meredith's Sampler this week as we travel into the sky for the Courtland Airshow. Yes, I actually got to help fly a plane!

Brighton Collectibles at Bridge Street Town Centre is raising awareness and fund for Breast Cancer research. The $50 bracelet is pink, of course, with $10 going to Huntsville Hospital's Breast Cancer Center. Check out www.brightoncollectibles.com for more on the bracelet.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:44:00 -0500

Today at 4...

If you have noticed your chin and neck area is succumbing to gravity, a lift can give you a nice long youthful look. Dr. Landon McLain from BLUE Cosmetic Surgery will talk about Neck Rejuvenation. For more on the services at BLUE check out www.bluemedspahuntsville.com.

Leaving unused and expired medication around your house can be dangerous for you and others. Teen drug use is on the rise and prescription pills are a popular way for them to get their fix. The Huntsville Police Department and Madison Police Department teamed up with other county agencies to "take back" your unwanted pills. There will be three drop off locations around the county on Saturday, October 13th from 9 a.m. to noon. Stop by either the Jaycees Building on Airport Road, Flint River Baptist Church in Hazel Green or the Madison Police Department on Hughes Road to get rid of your medication. For more information on the event call the Huntsville Police Department.

The Junior League of Huntsville is once again hoping you will heed the saying "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away." Apple Annie 2012 is now taking pre-sales. You can order crates of apples and proceeds will go toward putting 25,000 apples in area public schools. Sales continue through October 5th with Apple Annie day on October 26th. For more information on how to order check out www.jlhuntsville.com.

Sheila Dieu from Le Gourmet Chef is ready to give away quite a prize...you won't want to miss this latest offer. Tune in to find out how you can enter.

See you at 4!

WAAY 31 FirstNews at 4: Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:44:00 -0500

Today at 4....

Ever wondered exactly how vaccines might be affecting you and your family.Dr. James K. Olszewski from Rocket City Chiropractic is hosting a vaccine workshop this Thursday at 6:30 to help inform you about vaccinations. For more information on the workshop check out www.rocketcitychiropractic.com.

Who doesn't love to save a little money? Aside from the Capital One baby, the answer is just about everyone. Active older adults have the chance to learn new ways to save through coupon clipping. Heather McIngvale is teaching a class Tuesday, October 2nd at the Commons from 5 to 6 p.m. The class is free but a $5 donation is appreciated for the Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center. You do need to register by October 1st to attend because space is limited. Call Liz at (256) 361-0101.

Meredith's Sampler is back at Lyon Family Farms just in time for pumpkin season. The farm boasts a wide variety of pumpkins...the tradition, tasty and the ugly.

See you at 4!