Toyota Makes it Better at Merrimack Hall

 You may have seen the articles in The Huntsville Times or even on the Internet. Perhaps you had the opportunity to attend Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. for the ceremonial launch of the new four-cylinder engine this past September 29, 2011. Atsushi Niimi, the executive vice president of Toyota Motor Corp., traveled from Japan for this grand celebration that included a $50,000 check made out to Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center. An audience of over 800 people and Merrimack Hall's very own Project UP students performing, our community honored the newest fuel-efficient Toyota engine to be produced in the Tennessee Valley.



Johnny Stallings Arts Program - Project UP students with Governor Robert Bentley



The Senior Company of Merrimack Hall's Project UP stole the stage in their vibrant cerulean blue costumes as they danced to the song, "Rainbow Connection," made famous by Kermit the Frog himself. Meeting Governor Bentley was a highlight for many of our students. In particular, Emily, a teen with Down syndrome, walked up to the governor, wrapped her arms around him and said, "I love you Governor Bentley!" Her mother later told the Merrimack staff that she had no idea her daughter was such a fan.



Emily hugging her hero, Governor Bentley

Before the ceremony, our staff invited the students to come to Merrimack Hall for a chance to play beauty parlor and eat breakfast together. Each of the girls was seated at her own make-up and hair station while the staff curled hair and applied their pink lipstick. The boys buttoned up their brand new collared shirts and avoided the powder booths!

 

Katie is ready for her photo shoot

 

Susie and Rachel posing for a picture!





 



Klaudia and Kinsey playing in the make-up.



We are so thankful to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama for supporting our outreach program, and for putting their faith in our good stewardship of their funding. This recognition is an important honor for Merrimack Hall and the performance opportunity was a dream come true for our students.

As we continue to grow our roots deep into the Rocket City, cultivating the arts is gaining momentum. Merrimack Hall is deeping its impact in the lives of North Alabama while also bringing awareness to the needs of Merrimack Mill Village, the arts and culture community, and individuals with special needs and disabilities.  



Dancers and Artists, Take Your Place!

You know it's that fall season as the summer heat waves dwindle admist the brisk autumn nights. Here at Merrimack Hall, it's a much anticipated time because it marks the beginning of our Johnny Stallings Arts Program! With our dance classes tapping and twirling away in the dance studio and theatre, and the art students painting and creating in the house out back, the rustle of the leaves is merely white noise compared to the hustle and bustle here!

Our Johnny Stallings Arts Program provides a place for over 85 children, teenagers and adults with special needs to create, dream and perform to their loving hearts' content! Our outreach includes Dance Your Dreams for ages 3-12, Project UP for ages 13-up, Inspired HeARTS for all ages. We are thrilled to have our first adult art class this year from; these students are from a local group home and visit us once week.

This 2011 Performance Season, Merrimack Hall will clear the stage on December 1 for Believe, the dance students' Christmas performance. We've all seen our favorite Christmas movies, ballets and musicals, but make room for this unforgettable, tear-jerking, dancing and singing show! These kids practice for months, and their spirit is contagious to everyone around them.

Check out last year's performance and visit merrimackhall.com for tickets!

http://merrimackhall.com/believe11.html