Heart Health & Heroes: Hope, Healing, and Honoring Service

Make A Difference Minute: A Neighbor to Generations

On this Make A Difference Minute, we’re remembering Joe Negri, the beloved musician and actor known to generations of children as Handyman Negri on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. While many remember him as the friendly neighbor who walked through Fred Rogers’ television neighborhood, Joe’s contributions went far beyond a television role. An accomplished jazz guitarist and educator, he became an important part of one of the most influential children’s programs in television history. In this conversation, Joe reflects on how he became part of Fred Rogers’ world, the relationships he built with the Neighborhood of Make-Believe characters, and even the playful skepticism of his immigrant father, who never quite understood how Joe could carry on conversations with puppets so naturally. Joe Negri passed away just days before his 100th birthday, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of music, kindness, creativity, and service. For countless children and families, he will always be remembered as a trusted friend who helped make the neighborhood feel a little warmer and more welcoming. This Make A Difference Minute is dedicated to Joe Negri and the joy he brought to generations. This MADM is brought to you by Athens Bible School, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: You Can't Be What You Don't See

On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Marlee Phillips with the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy sharing how the Girls Inc. Eureka program is introducing young women to career paths they may have never considered before. For many students, exposure is everything. If they've never met a woman working in construction, design, architecture, marketing, project management, or the skilled trades, those opportunities may never cross their minds. Through hands-on experiences and connections with women already working in these fields, the Eureka program helps girls see possibilities for their future. Marlee explains that the construction industry is much broader than many people realize. Whether a student enjoys design, social media, business operations, management, or hands-on building, there are countless opportunities available. Sometimes all it takes is seeing someone who has already walked that path. As Marlee says, "You can't be what you don't see." This MADM is brought to you by Bankston Motor Homes, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: The Small Things Mean a Lot

On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Ashley Russell of Athens, Alabama, sharing how small acts of kindness have helped carry her through cancer treatments and chemotherapy. When people hear about a cancer diagnosis, they often wonder what they can do to help. Ashley's answer is simple: the little things matter. A surprise package in the mail filled with items to help during chemotherapy. A bag prepared by friends with snacks, blankets, fuzzy socks, and comfort items. Head wraps given with love after losing her hair. Help with her child when she needed support. None of these acts could take away the diagnosis, but each one reminded Ashley that she wasn't facing the journey alone. Sometimes encouragement doesn't have to be grand or expensive. A thoughtful gesture, a helping hand, or simply showing up can make a difficult day a little easier. This MADM is brought to you by Hydration Lounge, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Facing the Unknown: Ashley Russell's Journey Through Cancer

Tonight, I'm joined by Ashley Russell of Athens, Alabama. What started as a back injury and time away from work quickly turned into something much more serious when doctors discovered a mass on her kidney and adrenal gland. Since then, Ashley has faced countless doctor visits, scans, testing, surgery, chemotherapy treatments, and the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Ashley is not only fighting for her health, but also trying to care for her 10-year-old daughter while navigating the financial strain that often accompanies a medical crisis. During our conversation, she shares her journey, the challenges her family has faced, the support that has helped carry her through, and the hope that keeps her moving forward. I hope you’ll join us as we shine a light on Ashley’s story and the realities many families face when serious illness enters their lives. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️

Make A Difference Minute: More Than Job Training

On this Make A Difference Minute, I have Dr. Tommy Davis, Executive Director of the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy, sharing why their mission goes far beyond preparing people for careers in the skilled trades. While the academy was created to help address workforce needs, Dr. Davis quickly realized something even more important was happening. Lives were being changed. He shares the story of a man who entered the program while experiencing homelessness and living in a tent. Through training, determination, and opportunity, that individual found employment, gained stability, and eventually moved into a home of his own. Dr. Davis also talks about the confidence that comes from learning practical skills, working with your hands, and discovering what you're capable of accomplishing. For many students, the academy becomes more than a place to learn a trade. It becomes a place to rebuild belief in themselves and create a new path forward. This MADM is brought to you by Premier Structures, Inc., proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️