HUSKIES VOLLEYBALL Preparing for the fall season. 12
Vol 11 | Issue 11 | September 2026 As Trussville As It Gets
Nona Ruth’s: Carrying on a legacy Mary Robertson carries on her grandmother’s legacy at Nona Ruth’s. See page 10
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2 • September 2026
Cahaba Sun
ABOUT US
Editor’s Note By Kyle Parmley There is something particularly serene about both the before and after of a football game. Now that football season has arrived, it takes me back to that place of anticipation, walking up to a football stadium before the big game. The band is playing, the players warming up, the energy building. No one knows what is about to unfold on that field. The game itself is great — it’s what we all truly came to see and witness ourselves. But I also find such peace in the aftermath. The bleachers cleared, the dust settled, the quiet
of night descending upon the gridiron. I call it a happy place. And it’s that time of year. I hope you were able to find this year’s Under the Lights magazine around town. If not, and you would like one, send me an email at kparmley@starnesmedia. com. Enjoy this month’s edition of the paper as well!
Production Assistant: Jenn Moon
ON THE COVER: Mary Robertson organizes her store, Nona Ruth’s. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
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Grow your nonprofit’s impact with an Agency Endowment Fund The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham pools financial contributions from individuals, families and businesses to support nonprofits and improve the quality of life in Central Alabama. The Foundation also offers its donors exciting ways to make giving simple and increase the impact of their gifts. For example, a nonprofit can create a permanent, income-generating asset by opening an Agency Endowment Fund with the Foundation. The Trussville Noon Rotary Club (TNRC) created its Agency Endowed Fund in 2005. “The club invests money with the Foundation, which increases the value of the money through investments,” Club President David Perry says. “The income supports scholarships and other charitable purposes.” TNRC strives to help qualified students finance their college educations and provides up to five college scholarships per year. TNRC has also contributed to such causes as Lovelady Center, Children’s of Alabama and Trussville Public library. Nonprofits who create a fund with the Foundation have their assets professionally managed as part of a larger, diversified portfolio, allowing for greater returns. Perry said that TNRC would recommend the Foundation to other organizations. The club created its own Foundation Fund in the 1970s, but had the Foundation take it over. “The decision to allow the
The Trussville Noon Rotary Club uses their Agency Endowment Fund to grow scholarships and expand their community giving. “The decision to allow the Foundation to run this fund beginning in 2005 has resulted in a significant increase in returns over what the Club could produce.” – Trussville Noon Rotary Club President David Perry Foundation to run this fund beginning in 2005 has resulted in a significant increase in returns over what the Club could produce,” Perry says In addition, the Foundation handles
all administrative, legal and reporting responsibilities. “It’s very easy to start a fund with the Foundation,” Perry says. “Fees are both reasonable and competitive.”
To learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, call 205-327-3800 or go to cfbham.org.
4 • September 2026
Cahaba Sun
CITY
Trussville’s community pool closing By STAFF Trussville Mayor Ben Short announced that the city’s community pool will close for good after this season, ending a run that began when the facility opened in 1954. The pool has served Trussville families for 72 years, and Short said its age sets it apart from most public facilities. “Few public facilities remain in active use for more than 50 years, and the longevity of this pool surpassing 70 reflects both its importance to our community and the dedication of the employees who have worked year after year to maintain it,” Short said. Short said the pool now requires extensive work each year just to open safely, and this season brought additional issues with the splash pad. Much of that equipment has also reached the end of its useful life, forcing the splash pad area to stay closed for an extended stretch this summer. Beyond the physical wear on the facility, Short pointed to the financial strain of keeping the pool running. Because of its size, the pool can only support a limited number of memberships, and the city has found it harder to justify major investments in an aging facility that reaches a small share of Trussville’s expanding population.
“After carefully reviewing the operational costs, maintenance needs, participation levels and long-term condition of the facility, I have made the difficult decision that the pool will not reopen following the conclusion of this season so we can begin to save funds and prepare for the future of this facility,” Short said. Short said the closure, while difficult given the pool’s history, opens the door to new possibilities for the property. Money previously spent on annual pool operations and repairs will instead go toward planning improvements the mayor said could serve more residents in the long run. As part of that process, Short said the city will hire a professional landscape architect to create a master plan for the site, a step he said will help determine what upgrades would best fit the needs of Trussville families going forward. “We are grateful for the generations of families who have enjoyed the pool since 1954, as well as the employees who have worked diligently to keep it operating,” Short said. “We look forward to engaging the community as plans for the future of this area begin to take shape.” Short is asking residents to share memories and photos of the pool as the city begins looking toward what comes next for the property.
PEDIATRICS EAST
Kids gather at the Trussville community pool during a summer swim session in a historic photo. The pool, which opened in 1954, will close for good after this season. Photo courtesy of Trussville Historical Society.
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September 2026 • 5
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BUSINESS
Local artist creates one-of-a-kind glass pieces by hand By DIANE POOLE Rhandie Weaver is a natural at creating pieces of art from glass. After seeing what her brother created following private school classes, she was inspired to try it herself. She hasn’t stopped since that first class in 1997. “I took a stained glass class, and it turns out I’m a natural. So I just went nuts after that,” Weaver said. The Trussville resident made so many pieces that she turned to friends to house her creations. But by 2000, she needed more space — and a way to fund her growing collection. “My friends’ houses got really full of glass, and I needed some money to buy more,” Weaver said. “So that’s kind of how the business ended up becoming a business.” Today, Weaver works in multiple forms of glass art, including stained glass, mosaics, carving and kiln-fused pieces, often combining techniques into a single design, and she works on many different pieces at the same time. “I can’t do one project,” she said. “I don’t have that kind of brain. I have to work on 20 things at the same time.” Her business name came from one of her earlier creations. “I was making a five-headed dragon with stained glass wings and wanted my business name to be something ‘Dragon Glass.’ I couldn’t figure out the color until I got to blue — and I thought, that’s it. Blue Dragon Glass,” Weaver said. Creating glass art comes with challenges. Materials are difficult to source locally, adding to the cost. “The closest places to buy glass are in Texas and South
Carolina. … This is a glass desert,” she said. Weaver is always looking for apprentices to keep up with demand. “An apprentice would basically start by learning stained glass by making their own panels. And then they would jump in to help on whatever I need. I just need help because I’ve got a lot going on,” she said. Her favorite piece is “Seth,” a wizard she made for herself that took a very long time to create. “I rarely make pieces for myself, but I wanted to make ‘Seth’ for me — and it took me six years because I had to stop and do other projects. But I finally got him done,” Weaver said. Weaver shares her craft by teaching classes at MAKEbhm in Avondale and Red Mountain Makers in downtown Birmingham, and she occasionally offers private lessons from her home studio. Students in her classes create their own pieces from start to finish, often leaving with an 8-by-10-inch panel or mosaic project. She said, “I’ll teach you stained glass, carving, etching, fusing — everything — so you can really learn the craft.”
Rhandie Weaver is the owner of Blue Dragon Glass. Photo by Diane Poole.
Some of Rhandie Weaver's many creations, including "Seth," above. Photos courtesy of Rhandie Weaver.
6 • September 2026
Cahaba Sun
BUSINESS
Business Happenings opening dates have been announced yet. bigwhiskeys.com
Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant and Bar
Construction has now begun on Culver’s, which will be coming to 5905 Trussville Crossings Blvd. in the former BancorpSouth building at Chalkville Mountain Road and Trussville Crossings Road. Culver’s opened in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1984 and opened its first Alabama location in 2018. The restaurant chain now has 16 locations in Alabama. culvers.com
COMING SOON
ANNIVERSARIES
Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant and Bar is bringing its scratch-made American menu, craft cocktails and sports-viewing experience to Trussville. This location will be the third for the restaurant in the state, with existing locations in Hoover and Alabaster. The Trussville location is being developed by Radiant Investment Group. No construction or
7 Brew Coffee is celebrating its second anniversary at 5982 Chalkville Mountain Road in Trussville. The drive-thru coffee shop offers classic coffee, hot, iced or frozen. They also have a variety of shakes, energy drinks and smoothies. 7 Brew has 37 stands across Alabama including locations in Birmingham, Alabaster, Chelsea, Calera, Moody, Troy and Homewood.
The coffee shop is open Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. 479-358-9274, 7brew.com Hattie’s Toyland, at 165 Morrow Ave., Suite 105, in Trussville, recently celebrated its second anniversary. Filled with unique, fun and quality toys, the store offers a variety of items including books, puzzles, outdoor toys, sensory-friendly toys, dolls, bath toys and more. They also have themed summer camps for a range of ages to explore their creativity and build confidence through play, crafts and characterinspired fun. Hattie’s Toyland is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 205-603-0856, hattiestoyland.com Do you have news to share about a business in Trussville or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
September 2026 • 7
CahabaSun.com
BUSINESS
Recently sold homes
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The way more children get ready for school. That’s the United Way. Learn more at uwca.org
8 • September 2026
SCHOOLHOUSE
Back to school Trussville City Schools welcomed students back for the 2026-27 school year in early August, filling hallways and classrooms with the energy of a new start. From kindergartners posing in paper crowns on their very first day to elementary staff decked out in bright, back-to-school colors, the excitement was evident across campuses. Teachers greeted students with reading circles and welcome activities, while administrators and staff members gathered to celebrate the occasion with colorful displays and hand-painted banners wishing everyone a happy first day. Photos courtesy of Trussville City Schools.
Cahaba Sun
September 2026 • 9
CahabaSun.com
SCHOOLHOUSE
GET TO KNOW
HTHS grad Kaleb Moode shaping next generation By APRIL COFFEY
Q: Please tell our readers about yourself. A: I was born in Center Point before moving to Trussville during my sixth grade year. I am the first from my family to attend college and to leave Birmingham. I spent my first two years at the University of Alabama before transferring to the University of South Florida. My experiences at USF helped to shape me into the person I am today. It was a truly international school with people from all over the world and from countless walks of life. Upon moving back to Birmingham, I found Cristo Rey Birmingham [formerly Holy Family Cristo Rey, or HFCR] by accident. During the summer of 2018, I was trying to find the old Holy Family Hospital, since my great-great-grandmother worked there, when I saw that HFCR was hiring a history teacher. I applied and received the job. I spent five years as a history teacher before transitioning into the assistant principal role. I am now entering my fourth year as assistant principal and ninth year overall. While teaching, I met my now-wife, Erin Williams. We enjoy
traveling and attending countless Dave Matthews Band concerts all around the world. Q: Is there a certain event or place in Trussville that signifies what you love about that community? A: The Starbucks on Hwy 11 stands out as a place that exemplifies the Trussville community. I spent a considerable amount of time there to decompress and work on lessons during my first year teaching. I have never met a stranger, so I inevitably started talking to people while I was there. There I met Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Anita Norton, who have been pillars in the Trussville community. The countless conversations with them and with others helped to build a sense of community that endures to this day. Q: Was there a particular teacher or class growing up in Trussville that led you to decide to pursue a career in education? A: I cannot narrow it down to one person, so I will give you three. Mr. Bob Haynes was my AP U.S. History teacher
Kaleb Moode, a 2012 graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School and current assistant principal of Cristo Rey Birmingham. Photos courtesy of Kaleb Moode.
and instilled a love of history that has stuck with me my entire life. I also had Mr. Nick Lemonds [Spanish] and Mrs. Simona Herring [Speech]. Both of their classes challenged my perspectives and pushed me out of my comfort zone. That helped me develop into the open-minded and accepting person I am today. Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in educational administration? A: I saw the successes from the unique approach I was able to take in my classroom and wanted to implement that on a schoolwide level. At Cristo Rey Birmingham, we serve over 31 ZIP codes, so our students come to us with various educational experiences. Being able to tailor our curriculum to meet their needs while preparing them for the rigors of college is my constant source of inspiration. Q: What do you love most about being the assistant principal at Cristo Rey Birmingham? A: I love the fact that since we are a small school I have a chance to get to know each student. We are able to tailor their schedule to empower them not only to get into college but graduate as well. By the time that they are ready to graduate I hope to have played a role in helping shape their future.
Kaleb Moode with his wife, Erin Williams.
To read the full Q and A with Kaleb Moode, go to cahabasun.com.
10 • September 2026
Cahaba Sun
COVER
Nona Ruth’s: Carrying on a legacy By DIANE POOLE Mary Robertson remembers that her grandmother used to host two parties in January. One was held on Friday night and one on Saturday night, so she could enjoy the same flowers all weekend. Because January temperatures were so cold, the food could simply be stored outside, long before families had multiple refrigerators. Robertson has fond memories of her grandmother, Nona Ruth, and that legacy is what encouraged Robertson to name the store after her. “I just think because of who she was,” Robertson said, “it was always a happy time at her house. She loved to decorate, she loved to entertain, and I wanted to honor her by naming the store after her.” A framed portrait of Nona Ruth hangs behind the counter. Nona Ruth’s is a locally owned home décor and gift boutique offering everything from bridal and baby registries to home accessories, bedding, jewelry, children’s gifts and seasonal décor. The store also provides personalized gifts, decorating consultations, and holiday decorating services for homes and businesses. For its first five years, Nona Ruth’s was in the yellow building on the corner near the intersection of Watterson Parkway and South Chalkville Road. But a conversation by the dumpster with her business neighbor Chase Nelms changed everything. “I’m tired of paying rent to somebody else,” Nelms said. “Me too,” Robertson responded. That brief conversation sparked the idea for the building they now share just down the road. Robertson has watched the city of Trussville grow as her business has grown. The city she has called home for years has evolved from a bedroom community into a destination. “I feel like Trussville is finally a place where people can spend the day,” Robertson said. One tradition Robertson knew she wanted to continue was the bridal registry. Inspired by a favorite gift store she visited years ago in Mississippi, Robertson arranges each bride’s selections on a display table so friends and family can see the collection together. Today, the store also offers baby registries, continuing the tradition of helping families celebrate life’s milestones. Bridal and baby registry purchases can also be made online. Carlee Bennett is Robertson’s “Elmer” — the glue that, she said, holds things together. Bennett began her role as a part-time employee while she was in college. After graduation with a business degree, she was hired full-time and now manages social media, runs the hot stamping machine that does personalization, does many in-home installations and
Mary Robertson poses in front of the portrait of her grandmother. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
goes to market with Robertson. Robertson and Bennett both agree that one of the store’s strengths is that they are both deeply involved in selecting merchandise. And although their tastes differ — Bennett is more “traditional” while Robertson is more “contemporary” — their different perspectives help them choose products that appeal to a wide range of customers. “We don’t get anything that we don’t love,” Bennett said on how they choose merchandise. “When we love the product ourselves, it shows, and I think that excites the customer, too,
because they see our excitement.” Bennett’s social media efforts have helped extend the shop’s reach well beyond Trussville. After following a Mississippi influencer online, she reached out on a whim about decorating the woman’s home for Christmas. Within days, Bennett and Robertson were making the four-hour drive to transform the home for the holidays — an opportunity Robertson called “a big moment” for the business. The amount of time Bennett spends doing the business’ social media varies depending on what is going on at the
September 2026 • 11
CahabaSun.com
COVER store. Sometimes she posts everyday personal stories to connect with customers personally. “Even the little mundane things,” Bennett said. “I posted a video this week of Mary starting her sourdough journey just because it’s a fun way to connect with people, especially those who aren’t local or don’t get to come by the shop.” While online shopping has changed retail, Robertson believes customers still crave something they can’t find on a website. “People still want that human interaction,” Robertson said. “They want to touch and feel the product. They want somebody to validate their purchase. They want to interact with people. We try to treat everybody who walks in the door like they’re a friend and not a customer.” The heart of the business is simple. “If you love it, you can sell it,” Robertson said. “I think that’s been a big part of Nona Ruth’s — finding things that we believe in and we love, and then passing them along to the people who shop with us.” In the years since opening the store in 2012, Robertson has built many cherished relationships with her customers. “People will tell you anything over a candle,” Robertson said. “They come in for a candle, but they’ve poured out their soul to you. We have regulars who don’t buy every time they come in — they just pop in to say hi or tell us about something exciting going on in their lives. That’s what I love best about all of this. Take out all the pretty stuff — that’s what I enjoy the most.”
11/30/26
Mary Robertson and employee Carlee Bennett.
Looking at the portrait of Nona Ruth hanging above the counter, it’s easy to see that Robertson has done more than build a successful business. She has carried on a legacy of making people feel at home.
Nona Ruth’s is at 115 Watterson Parkway, Suite 101, in Trussville. For more information, visit nonaruths.com, call 205-655-6599, or follow the store on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
12 • September 2026
Cahaba Sun
SPORTS
Huskies embrace standard set by historic 2025 run By KYLE PARMLEY A 36-year wait ended in October, when the HewittTrussville High School volleyball team advanced to the Class 7A state tournament for the first time since 1989. Now the challenge for the Huskies is turning last year’s breakthrough into a springboard rather than a peak. Hewitt-Trussville won the North Super Regional at the Finley Center to punch its ticket to the Birmingham CrossPlex, knocking off Hoover, Bob Jones and Austin to win the regional and knocking off Enterprise along the way before falling a few points shy of the state championship match. Head coach Andie Freedman guided that run and enters 2026 encouraged by what she has seen from her group this preseason. “I’m loving the preseason vibe of this team,” Freedman said. “I think that’s actually one of our strengths this year, is our team chemistry.” The Huskies spent June and July working out, attending team camps and traveling to Foley for a multi-day playdate, all in an effort to build on last season’s success. A group of five seniors is tasked with setting the tone. Aleah Taylor returns in the middle after a breakout junior season, while Presley Hull and Harper Looney anchor the back row as defensive specialists. Setter Kayleigh Nguyen piled up 983 assists a season ago to earn first-team All-South
Kayleigh Nguyen in the state tournament last fall. Photo by Shawn Bowles.
Metro honors, and Jaden Padro rounds out the group after rejoining the program. Looney was the Class 7A softball state tournament MVP this spring, as the Huskies won yet another state title. This will be her first season on varsity, and she said the carryover between sports has shaped her mentality on the court. “Playing for each other was a big thing through last softball season for us,” Looney said. “When something didn’t go our way, it was, ‘What can I do for my team now?’” Outside hitter Johnna Cox and libero Christiana Callens
also return after each earning All-South Metro recognition last season, Cox with 466 kills and Callens with 544 digs. Sophomore Loren Purnell adds another proven piece after an honorable mention nod as a middle blocker. Juniors Tenley Santiago and Hannah Osborne, sophomores Cooper Caradine and Arra Merchant and freshman Sydney Lyle round out the varsity roster. Freedman said she expects that experienced core, paired with the newcomers pushing for playing time, to keep the bar high. “We’ve collectively set that standard and now we have agreed to hold each other to that standard,” Freedman said. The Huskies will again navigate one of the area’s toughest gauntlets, in an area with Hoover, Tuscaloosa County and Vestavia Hills, but Freedman said the approach will stay fixed on process over outcome. “We have a very tough area,” Freedman said. “So, we can’t be so hyperfocused with the outcome, but more so about how we do things in our gym.” The Huskies opened the season Aug. 20 against Auburn before beginning to work through a schedule loaded with contenders like Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Spain Park and Mountain Brook. The Class 6A state tournament returns to the CrossPlex Oct. 29-30, with Hewitt-Trussville hoping to be back on that stage with more left to accomplish.
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September 2026 • 13
CahabaSun.com
SPORTS
Huskies open new region slate against familiar foes in September By KYLE PARMLEY
SEPT. 4 VS. HOOVER
Hewitt-Trussville High School’s football team opened its season on the road at Auburn before returning home to host Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, and the Huskies now turn to region play. Three familiar region opponents kick off HewittTrussville’s Region 3 slate in September before an open date closes out the month.
Hoover holds the edge in this series at 23-7 all-time and has outscored the Huskies 737-452 across those meetings, but Hewitt-Trussville has won two of the last three regularseason meetings, including a 17-14 comeback win last September at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The rematch shifts to Trussville this year. Hoover enters its third season under head coach Chip English, who has gone 16-8 there.
SEPT. 11 AT TUSCALOOSA COUNTY This one has not been much of a series in recent years. Hewitt-Trussville has won 10 of the 11 meetings and holds a 405-130 scoring edge across those games, including a 49-7 win last season that helped lock up a home playoff game. Tuscaloosa County enters its second season under head coach Cris Bell, who went 47-49 with four playoff appearances in nine seasons at Oak Mountain before a one-year stop at Robertsdale. Tuscaloosa County has had four different head coaches over the last three seasons. Hewitt-Trussville kicker Tony Hrbacek (96) gets off a punt during a game between Hoover High School and Hewitt-Trussville. Photo by Barry Stephenson.
SEPT. 18 VS. PRATTVILLE The all-time series sits tied at 1-1 after Prattville pulled
off a 24-21 upset last season, scoring off a mishandled Hewitt-Trussville snap and a fumbled punt to hand the Huskies one of their more jarring losses of the year. Bobby Carr enters his second season leading the Lions. An impressive year at Carver-Montgomery preceded his arrival in Prattville, and last year’s win was a signature moment of his first season with the program. The Huskies will be looking to even the series on their own field this time after playing the first two meetings on the road.
SEPT. 25: OPEN The Huskies get a break after three straight region games to open the season before diving into the second half of the region schedule in October.
LOOKING AHEAD Hewitt-Trussville finished 8-3 last season and made the playoffs for a sixth straight year. October brings four more region games and a regular-season finale: the Huskies travel to Oak Mountain on Oct. 2, host Thompson on Oct. 9, travel to Vestavia Hills on Oct. 16, host Spain Park on Oct. 23 and close out the regular season against Pike Road on Oct. 29.
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More Than a Great School Sometimes the right school is worth looking just beyond your neighborhood. Founded in 1958, Highlands has spent nearly seven decades building an educational community centered on academic excellence, curiosity, character and leadership. Today, students learn through rigorous academics, project-based learning, STEM and STEAM, hands-on experiences and opportunities that encourage them to think critically and creatively. Highlands also brings a global perspective to the everyday student experience. Students
engage with three world languages — Chinese, French and Spanish — while learning about cultures and perspectives beyond their own. With a 45% diverse student population representing 36 zip codes, Highlands offers children the opportunity to grow within a community that reflects a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. Just 20 minutes away, a different kind of educational experience is closer than you think. Schedule a tour and discover Highlands for yourself.
YOU’RE INVITED - JOIN US ON CAMPUS! September 3, 2026 Experience Highlands (all grades) | 8:15-9:15AM October 1, 2026 Highlands School Boarding School Fair | 1-5PM October 3, 2026 Storytime at Highlands (4k/Kindergarten) | 9-10:30AM October 13, 2026 Experience Highlands (Middle School) | 8:15-9:15AM
14 • September 2026
Cahaba Sun
EVENTS
Save the Date
ACTA JR. MUSICAL THEATRE CLASS
► For more events news, connect with the Cahaba Sun online by scanning the QR code. ► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Kyle Parmley at kparmley@starnesmedia.com.
POSITIVE CHOICES PREGNANCY GIVE BLOOD, GIVE HOPE: RESOURCE CENTER 5K AND AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD FUN RUN DRIVE AT FERUS
► Where: ACTA Theatre, 225 Parkway Drive ► When: Thursdays, Sept. 3 to Nov. 19, 4-5:30 p.m. ► Cost: Registration required; see website for price ► Details: Young performers can build confidence and strengthen their stage skills during ACTA Jr.’s fall Musical Theatre Class. Designed for ages 8-18, the weekly program gives students an opportunity to explore singing, acting and movement in a positive, encouraging theater environment. The fall session runs Thursdays through Nov. 19 and offers aspiring performers a fun way to develop their talents while connecting with other young people who share an interest in musical theater. ► More Info: actatheater.com
► Where: Trussville Mall Pavilion, 400 Parkway Drive ► When: Sept. 5, 8-10 a.m. ► Cost: $30 ► Details: Lace up for a morning of fitness and community support during the Positive Choices Pregnancy Resource Center 5K and Fun Run. Participants can take part in the race while helping support the work of Positive Choices and its pregnancy resource services. The event offers a familyfriendly way to get moving, connect with others and contribute to the organization’s mission. ► More Info: trussvillechamber.com
► Where: Ferus Artisan Ales, 101 Beech St., Suite 111 ► When: Sept. 8, 2-6 p.m. ► Cost: Free; donor registration encouraged ► Details: Help support the local blood supply during the American Red Cross Blood Drive at Ferus Artisan Ales. Donors are invited to give blood in Ferus’ private event space and make a direct impact in the community, with each donation having the potential to help save lives. Appointments can be made in advance through the American Red Cross. ► More Info: redcrossblood.org
TAKE BACK THE DAY CONCERT
ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING
CHAMBER LUNCHEON
► Where: Trussville Entertainment District at Ferus Artisan Ales, 101 Beech St., Suite 111 ► When: Sept. 11, 6 p.m. ► Cost: Free to attend; donations accepted ► Details: Honor the lives and sacrifices connected to Sept. 11 during the annual Take Back the Day Concert in the Trussville Entertainment District. The tribute was created by Roy Williams in memory of his brother, U.S. Army Maj. Dwayne Williams, who was killed in the attack on the Pentagon. The community event uses live music to transform a solemn anniversary into an evening of remembrance, gratitude and celebration. ► More Info: ferusales.com
► Where: ACTA Theatre, 225 Parkway Drive ► When: Sept. 11-12 and 18-19, 7 p.m.; Sept. 13 and 20, 2:30 p.m. ► Cost: Tickets required; see theater website for pricing ► Details: Enjoy an evening of laughs as ACTA Theatre presents “Elvis Has Left the Building.” Set in December 1970, the comedy follows Elvis Presley’s manager, “The Colonel,” as he scrambles to find an Elvis impersonator after the King mysteriously disappears. Mistaken identities and frantic schemes unfold in this lighthearted production that kicks off ACTA Theatre’s 2026-27 season. ► More Info: actatheater.ludus.com
► Where: Trussville Civic Center, 5381 TrussvilleClay Road ► When: Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. ► Cost: $25 cash or check; $26 credit, debit or Venmo ► Details: Join the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce for its September luncheon, bringing together local business owners, professionals and community leaders for networking, lunch and community updates. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon program at noon. The monthly gathering offers a chance to build connections and stay informed about issues and initiatives affecting the Trussville area. ► More Info: trussvillechamber.com
SUPERHERO CEREAL BRUNCH: A SUPERHERO EXPERIENCE! ► Where: Ferus Artisan Ales, 101 Beech St., Suite 111 ► When: Sept. 27, 1-3 p.m. ► Cost: Tickets start at $60 for one child and one adult; additional family packages available ► Details: Calling all superheroes! Ferus Artisan Ales invites families to a special afternoon featuring Wonder Woman, Batman and Spider-Man. Young guests can take part in superhero training, design their own masks and pose for photos with their favorite heroes. A cereal bar with a variety of milk and nondairy options is included, and each child will receive a cereal bowl as a souvenir. An adult must remain on site throughout the event. ► More Info: ferusales.com
TRUSSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
► Sept. 1: Pokémon Club, 4-5 p.m., LBK Auditorium. ► Sept. 2: Lunch & Learn: Avoiding Fraud, 11 a.m. to noon. ► Sept. 3: Children’s Storytime, 9:30-10 a.m., LBK Auditorium. ► Sept. 8: Snack Around the World, 4-4:45 p.m. ► Sept. 10: Teen Homeschool Hangout, 1 p.m. ► Sept. 10: Cult Classic Cinema: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” evening screening, LBK Auditorium. ► Sept. 14: Books & Brews: “If We Were Villains” by M.L. Rio, 7:15 p.m., Ferus Artisan Ales. ► Sept. 18: Classic Cinema: “The Magnificent Seven,” 2-4 p.m., LBK Auditorium. ► Sept. 21: B.Y.O. Book Club, 4-5 p.m., Cahaba Room. ► Sept. 29: Adult Book Club: “The Ghostwriter” by Julie Clark, 6-7 p.m.
► Sept. 10: Planning and Zoning agenda workshop, 5:30-6:30 p.m. ► Sept. 14: Planning and Zoning meeting, 5:30-7 p.m., City Hall Annex. ► Sept. 22: City Council meeting, 5:30-7 p.m., City Hall Annex. ► Sept. 23: Civil Service Board meeting, 2:30-5 p.m., City Hall Annex. ► Sept. 28: Design Review Committee meeting, 6-7 p.m., City Hall Annex. For more information about Trussville government meetings, visit trussville.org.
For a complete list of September events and registration information, visit trussvillelibrary.com/events.
HOUSEHOLD DROP-OFF
2026 Events
September 12
9-11:30 AM
October 17
8-11:30 AM
Electronics/TVs /Paper Shredding Birmingham City Hall / Linn Park 710 20th St N, Birmingham, 35203
Household Hazardous Waste/ Electronics/TVs/Paper Shredding Site 1: Camp Bessemer 3295 King St, Bessemer, 35023
Site 2: Camp Ketona 121 County Shop Rd, Birmingham, 35217
For more information call 205-325-8741 or scan QR code Your digital data is secure and will be destroyed during recycling at no additional cost.
16 • September 2026
Cahaba Sun
EVENTS
Kids Market promotes business spirit at a young age By EMILY REED
Kids ages 5-17 with an entrepreneurial spirit are welcome to participate in the Trussville Kids Market Sept. 13 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. The event is part of a larger network of markets popping up across the United States helping to give kids of all ages the opportunity to discover their potential, pitch business ideas and work to accomplish them by selling handmade goods for the public to purchase. The concept is for each interested child to run a mini business, sell their creations, keep their profits and develop realworld skills in the meantime. “The Kids Market is entirely run by kids, so they are the ones doing the work — from creating products and setting up their booths to talking with customers and making sales,” said Jessica Harris, the Birmingham market manager. “At this market, you will find a wide variety of kid-created products including handmade crafts, jewelry, apparel, artwork, toys, games and more. Each booth reflects the creativity and unique style of its young entrepreneur.” Harris said the Trussville market has been partnering with Ferus Artisan Ales during their Toons and Treasures event since 2024, and the Kids Market has become a fun annual tradition for the community. “We love being part of an event that brings families
together while giving young entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their businesses,” Harris said. Typically, the market has between 20 and 40 young entrepreneurs participating. “Unlike a traditional vendor market, every business at the Kids Market is owned and operated by a child,” Harris said. “It gives the kids opportunities to learn responsibility, customer service, communication and financial skills. It is more than just a market — it is a hands-on learning experience that empowers the next generation of business owners.” Harris said they anticipate a great market with hopefully cooler weather, which helps prompt people to want to be outside more. “We hope people will get out and support the kids and enjoy the community,” Harris said. “We host Kids Markets in Trussville and many surrounding cities, and kids from all over the area are welcome to participate.” Interested families can sign up for any of the markets by visiting kidsmarkets.com. “For us, a successful market isn’t just measured by attendance or sales, it is seeing kids having fun, learning valuable life skills, building confidence and giving back to their community,” Harris said. The market will be held at 101 Beech St. in Trussville on the grassy area near Ferus Artisan Ales. Check-in for vendors begins at noon and goes until 1:30 p.m.
Kids Market ► Where: 101 Beech St., Trussville ► When: Sept. 13, 1:30-4:30 p.m. ► Details: For kids ages 5-17. Interested families can sign up online. ► Web: kidsmarkets.com
This year’s Trussville Kids Market will be held Sept. 13. Photos courtesy of Kids Market.
September 2026 • 17
CahabaSun.com
LIFE
Young farmers focus on clean chicken and family legacy By KELLI S. HEWETT Scratch Made Farm sits on 380 acres of fourth-generation rolling family land in St. Clair County, but its real footprint stretches into freezers and dinner tables all over the Trussville area. Hunter Morgan grew up here, on what he calls a multigenerational hobby farm of cows and horses. His grandfather bought the land decades ago, and his father kept it going. Hunter and his childhood friend-turned-sweetheart-turnedwife, Madison, married and began life in Tennessee. But during pregnancy with the first of their two children and later with their son’s food allergies, they felt the tug of home and a call to a new chapter: a more health-conscious life, including growing and processing their own pasture-raised chicken. “We knew we wanted to expand outside of just eggs for our family into meat,” Morgan said. “We decided that if we were going to jump into that endeavor for ourselves, that we should offer that to the community as well.” They studied and found mentors and traveled to research workshops. It all began with 25 chickens. “We didn’t know what we were doing,” Morgan said. When it was time to kill and process the birds, it took them all day. Now, with professional equipment and a small crew of family, friends and customers who asked to help, the numbers look very different. “We now can do on the farm 150 birds from dispatch, where we kill them, to where they’re on an ice water bath in three hours,” Morgan said. “What used to take us 25 for all day long, we’re doing 150 in about three hours.” Madison didn’t grow up in this life. The former nurse traded scrubs and hospital shifts for chores, gardens and processing days that would make many of her relatives squeamish. “My family thinks that this is a very — I don’t want to say strange lifestyle — but it’s very taboo to them in terms of wanting to raise your own chickens and process those chickens,” Morgan said. “My family is very supportive, but their support is they watch our children on days that we process chickens, and they purchase chicken from us.” Morgan said she’s never been weak-stomached, and a medical background certainly helped. By the end of their first year in 2024, they had raised 250 birds. The next year, 500. This year, they are on track for just under 1,000 — all raised on pasture in 12-by-12-foot floorless movable coops that Hunter or Madison drags forward 12 feet every morning, often with their toddlers alongside. “We knew we wanted to raise them movable coops, in a regenerative way … better for the animal, better for the soil,” Morgan said. They process everything by hand on the farm under a federal small-flock exemption, controlling the entire chain from day-old chick to freezer-ready bird. For Morgan, that control is about trust — for his own family and for neighbors dealing with serious health issues. “It’s worth it to us to be able to go out into the freezer and to be able to eat chicken, that we know where it came from, we know how it was raised, we know how the animal was
Madison and Hunter Morgan have returned to his family farm to grow their own chickens for eggs and on-site chicken processing as Scratch Made Farm. Photos by Kelli S. Hewett.
The Morgans say neighbors, especially those with food allergies, have appreciated having fresh, clean chicken and eggs that are raised and fed with healthy ingredients.
treated,” he said. “We can trust the whole chain, because it was us who did it,” Morgan said. But for the Morgans, it’s so much more than a business. It’s a choice for a particular way of life and a legacy. “It’s very sentimental,” Madison said, watching her children explore the same fields where she once rode Hunter’s pony, Strawberry. “I think it’s so special to know that hopefully one day our children will love this property just as much as we do and want to live here and want to raise their family here.” The long days, early mornings and predator problems might be enough to send another young family running to a subdivision. For the Morgans, it’s motivation. “You grow up somewhere, and you love somewhere
Before the Morgans launched Scratch Made Farm, they experimented with backyard chickens.
enough, you’ll do what it takes to protect it,” Morgan said. “And so our hope is our children know where their food comes from, and they love the farm and the place that I grew up enough to protect it.”
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