๐Vaughn-Blumberg Services Spreads Holiday Cheer with Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser
DOTHAN,ย ย ย ย ย ย Vaughn-Blumberg Services is making the holidays a bit easier for local families this season by offering affordable gift-wrapping services, with all proceeds benefiting programs that support individuals with intellectual disabilities in Houston County.
Shoppers can stop by the nonprofit to have their gifts wrapped at budget-friendly rates based on package size. Prices start at just $3 for small items like video games, watches, or DVDs, and go up to $10 for extra-large gifts such as dollhouses or oversized boxes.
For those with a long list to tackle, Vaughn-Blumberg is also offering three Signature Packages:
Small boxes are complimentary, and other box sizes are just $1 each. Customers who bring their own wrapping paper can enjoy a $10 discount.
Organizers ask community members to allow adequate time for wrapping โ especially as Christmas approaches. To schedule services or ask questions, call 334-793-3102.
Vaughn-Blumberg Services is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities and helping them actively participate in the community. Every bow and ribbon wrapped this season helps support that mission.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is rallying residents to put a spotlight on the stateโs standout small businesses as the U.S. Small Business Administration begins accepting nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards.
This announcement follows her recent proclamation recognizing Saturday, Nov. 29, as โSmall Business Saturdayโ across the state โ an effort to boost awareness and celebrate local entrepreneurs.
Governor Ivey says Alabamaโs business owners have what it takes to be recognized on a national level.
โAlabama is full of innovators and hardworking folks who take risks every day to grow their dreams,โ Ivey said. โWe want the nation to know what our businesses are achieving here at home. I encourage everyone to nominate the entrepreneurs who are making a real impact.โ
Award categories include:
Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
Women-Owned Small Business Person of the Year
Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
Rural-Owned Business of the Year
Nominations must be submitted online no later than 1 p.m. CT on December 22, 2025.
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler emphasized that National Small Business Week is a chance to recognize the backbone of the nationโs economy โ the 36 million businesses operating in communities big and small.
โThese companies are the engine that keeps America moving forward,โ Loeffler noted. โThey provide jobs, invest in neighborhoods and strengthen our economic foundation.โ
National Small Business Week is scheduled for May 3โ9, 2026.
To help with the nomination process, the SBA Alabama District Office will host virtual informational workshops on December 3 and December 17 from 11 a.m. to noon CT.
Additional details, nomination forms and eligibility guidelines can be found at sba.gov/nsbw.
Winners from Alabama and other states will advance to compete for the national title of Small Business Person of the Year, with further opportunities to be honored in categories such as exporting, disaster response, procurement and Alabama-specific recognitions.
Local law enforcement is helping make Christmas brighter for children across Henry County through this yearโs Toys for Tots donation drive.
Residents are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys for both boys and girls. Items such as play guns, play knives, grenades, or any type of toy weapon are not accepted, ensuring gifts remain safe and age-appropriate for all children receiving them.
Donations can be dropped off now through December 5th at either of the following locations:
๐ Headland Police Department ๐ Henry County Dispatch 212 S. Main St. or 9 Park Street โ Headland, Alabama 36345
Every donation brings joy and hope to a child in need this holiday season. The Headland Police Department and Henry County Dispatch thank the community in advance for their generosity and support. Letโs make this Christmas a little brighter for families!ย
DOTHAN,ย ย ย ย ย ย The Wiregrass has a young rider making big strides on the global stage.
Twelve-year-old Emalyn Quiller recently returned from Oklahoma City, where she competed at the prestigious Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show โ an event considered the height of competition for Morgan riders around the globe. She rode in the Walk-Trot Western Pleasure and Equitation division for riders ages 10โ11.
Her passion for horses began at just 5 years old, thanks to her grandmother, who introduced her to the show ring. This year marked a major milestone โ her first-ever world championship appearance.
โIt was definitely nerve-racking at first, but it was so much fun,โ Quiller said with a smile. โGetting to carry the flag in the arena was the best part โ such an honor!โ
Success at this level demands dedication: long hours of riding practice, caring for horses, and preparing for competition. Quiller trains at Clearmeadow Morgans and Riding Academy, where hands-on involvement is the heart of the program.
Owner and trainer Karen Gardner said she revamped the program two years ago to make it a true team effort. โWe decided there would be no grooms, no shortcuts,โ Gardner explained. โEveryone pitches in โ parents and kids โ and watching them take pride in their horses is incredibly rewarding.โ
Clearmeadow is known for housing pure-bred American Morgans, whose lineage can be traced back to a single founding stallion from 1789. Quillerโs equine partner, Avanti, is one of those special horses โ and her best friend in the ring.
โHeโs the sweetest,โ she said. โWhen I first met him, I just knew he was the one. He looks right at you and nods his head like heโs saying, โCome on!โโ
With her first world championship now under her belt, this rising star from Dothan is already looking ahead to whatโs next โ and cheering crowds in the Wiregrass will certainly be watching.
