Meet the honorees of this year’s CHHS Hall of Fame
PAGE 14
Kiwanisfest debuts this month
PAGE 18
Maddox Batson on his rise to music fame
PAGE 8
On the Cover Staff
Who We Are
Chelsea Magazine tells the stories of the people, places, businesses, and history of Chelsea and surrounding communities. The magazine is published monthly and is available mid-month at locations in Chelsea, Mt Laurel, Westover, Harpersville, Wilsonville, and Columbiana.
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Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 617-9609 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com
Lurenda Avery Schools and Events Editor (205) 767-3362 lurenda@jbmcmedia.com
Bratina Graphic Designer
Leah Ingram Eagle Content Director (205) 807-0834 leah@jbmcmedia.com
Amy Phillips Marketing Consultant (205) 515-2564 amy@jbmcmedia.com
Emily VanderMey Listo Operations & Project Manager, Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com
Tony Bratina Cover Designer
Former Chelsea Middle School student, Maddox Batson, is making waves in the music scene.
Photo by Bailey Troutt
Shweta
Wow—March flew by like it was in a sprint to summer! But what a month it was, especially wrapping up with our family’s Spring Break cruise to the Bahamas. Nothing beats some sunshine, ocean breezes, and a little time to unwind!
Now, April is here, bringing the final stretch of the school year. Before we know it, we’ll be knee-deep in end-of-year events, celebrations, and then—hello, summer!
One of my favorite things about being editor of this magazine is getting to shine a light on the incredible people in our community. This month, our cover story features Maddox Batson, a former Chelsea Park Elementary and Chelsea Middle School student whose music career has absolutely skyrocketed in Nashville. I had a blast catching up with him about his whirlwind year. And get this—his longtime friend, Kate Green, is also making waves in the music industry, opening for Maddox on his current tour! It’s amazing to see two Chelsea kids chasing their dreams and making them happen.
Speaking of incredible students, Chelsea High School’s SGA is honoring the Class of 2025 this month, inducting seven new members into the Hall of Fame. Plus, their sponsor, Ryan Adams, shared some big news about what’s next for him—stay tuned!
Exciting news for festival lovers: Chelsea Kiwanisfest is making its debut on April 28! Hosted by the Chelsea Kiwanis Club, this brand-new event is stepping in for Fire at the Foothills and promises an afternoon packed with fun. Mark your calendars!
And last but not least, we recently celebrated a big milestone—our fourth issue! We hosted a launch party, connected with some fantastic local businesses, and shared our vision for what’s ahead. If you’re interested in advertising or have a great story idea, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach me at leah@jbmcmedia.com.
As always, thanks for reading—we love being part of this amazing community!
Leah Eagle, Content Director
Christopher S. Carter, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Emily Bell Casey, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Rachel G. Henderson, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder
José (Jody) O. Ortega, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Charles T. Carnel, MD Cervical, Thoracic & Lumbar Spine
Wayne McGough, Jr., MD Arthroscopy, Elbow, Knee, Shoulder
Chelsea’s
RisingStar
Maddox Batson on the Path to Stardom
By Leah Ingram Eagle
At just 15-years-old, Maddox Batson is already making waves in the country music scene. But before signing a re cord deal and racking up millions of views online, he was just a kid growing up in Chelsea, Alabama, balancing school, sports, and a love for music.
A Small-Town Start
Maddox moved to Chelsea when he was seven after his dad accepted a job in Sylacauga. He attended Chelsea Park Elementary and Chelsea Middle School, where he built friendships and developed his passion for music. He has fond memories of his teachers, but said that one stood out.
“Mrs. [Paige] Chatta, [his second-grade teacher] she made me feel very comfortable when we moved,” Maddox said.
During the summer before eighth grade, he began performing in Texas and sharing cover songs and funny videos on TikTok. His following grew quickly, and by March of his eighth-grade year, his life had changed dramatically.
“I went from a normal school kid to a music artist, which was a pretty big jump for a 14-year-old,” he said.
With his career taking off, the Batson family made the difficult decision to relocate to Nashville in September 2024 to be closer to the heart of country music. Maddox transitioned to homeschooling to accommodate his growing performance schedule.
From Sports to Music
Music has always been a part of Maddox’s life, but it wasn’t his only passion. Before fully committing to his musical career, he was a dedicated basketball and baseball player.
He was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease at age 13, which caused knee pain and hindered his ability to play sports. This forced him to take a break from sports, leading him to channel his energy into music instead.
“I couldn’t play sports, so I started posting videos of me and my dad singing on TikTok,” he recalled. “That’s when things started to change fast.”
By June 2024, his hard work paid off when he signed a record deal with Warner Records.
Finding His Sound
Maddox’s music is a blend of genres. Growing up, he was exposed to pop icons like Justin Bieber and One Direction through his older sister, while his parents played 90s country legends such as Keith Whitley, George Strait, and Toby Keith.
“Why not mix them together and meet in the middle?” he said about his evolving sound.
In March 2024, he released his first single, “Tears in the River.” This was followed up by more, including: “I Want to Know,” “X’s,” and “Southbound.” His songs quickly gained traction, accumulating millions of views.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BAILEY TROUTT
“I had expectations, but my fans blew me out of the water every time,” he said. “I was expecting one or two million views, then it went to four million, then 10 million. I love my fans to death and wouldn’t be here without them.”
Life on the Road
Maddox’s debut album, First Dance, dropped on March 21 and he wasted no time hitting the road for his Road to Indio tour. The tour kicked off in Columbus, Ohio, and will wrap up at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California, at the end of April.
He says he loves every part of touring—from playing at different venues to meeting fans and even enjoying downtime with hobbies like golf and pickleball.
A special highlight of his tour has been inviting longtime friend and fellow Chelsea native Kate Greene to open for him. The two have been playing music together since childhood.
“I always wanted to support her and get her name out there—she is a crazy good talent,” Maddox said. “I didn’t have an opener for my shows in December, so I called my childhood friend. It was the coolest full-circle moment. I was floored that she said yes!”
Staying Grounded
Despite his fast rise in the industry, Maddox remains grounded thanks to strong family ties. His parents travel with him, and he acknowledges their unwavering support in navigating the complexities of the music business.
“At 15, things in this industry can be difficult to navigate,” he said. “Having good parents and a good team is everything. As a family, we keep our faith strong. God helps us navigate a whole bunch, and as long as we do it together, nothing can stop us.”
As for whether he’ll return to Chelsea for a performance?
“I’ll let my team know,” he said with a smile. “I love Chelsea to death. I grew up there, and it would be awesome to play a show back home.”
Chelsea’s Kate Greene
Forges Her Own Musical Path
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
From the moment Kate Greene first strummed a pink, heart-covered plastic guitar at a young age, music became an integral part of her life. The Chelsea resident, now 14, has transformed that early passion into a blossoming career—writing songs, performing on tour with her childhood friend Maddox Batson, and recording original music.
Kate’s journey began in third grade when she received that pink toy guitar from her Mimi. Though she didn’t know how to play, her parents encouraged her to take lessons. She soon upgraded to a beginner’s guitar from Amazon and enrolled at Mason Music in Greystone. There, she took lessons for several years, before joining their Rock Band League.
“I started out so tiny I couldn’t even stretch my hand across the fretboard,” Kate recalls. “I could only play three-string chords at first, but eventually, I learned more.”
While she initially struggled with practicing, a pivotal moment came during a performance at school when she decided to sing—a surprise to even her parents. “We didn’t know she could sing,” her mom, Mandy, says. “She just got up and did it.” From then on, Kate embraced songwriting and performing.
PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTNEY SUCHER PHOTOGRAPHY
Kate’s love for the stage isn’t new. In preschool, she famously stepped off the risers mid-performance to entertain the crowd. In elementary school, she and her friends would play “The Voice” at the lunch table, mimicking the popular singing competition.
Her natural performance abilities extended beyond music. At a soccer camp talent show, she won first place with a rap performance from Pup Star, later repeating it at an outreach event in Birmingham’s Railroad Park. She also participated in Broadway Kids productions with Maddox Batson. Though their Aladdin show was canceled due to COVID-19, the two continued their creative collaboration.
Maddox’s father, Dan, a champion mandolin player, encouraged Kate to explore bluegrass music. She and Maddox performed at a festival in Smithville, Tennessee. She also became a regular act at Cat-n-Bird Winery where she performed for several years.
Balancing music and education, Kate transitioned from Chelsea schools to a college-prep hybrid model at the Church at Brook Hills, attending classes school two days a week and completing assignments independently.
“It gives me more time for music and to hang out with friends,” she says. Her mom adds that the tailored education model has been a great fit for Kate’s academic strengths.
A major turning point came when Maddox invited Kate to join the last three shows of his tour in 2024. Initially hesitant, her parents agreed after encouragement from Maddox’s father.
“Dan told us, ‘Are you kidding me? She’s so gifted, you have to let her do this,’” Mandy recalls.
Kate took the stage in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville, performing covers and original songs. “It exceeded my expectations,” she says. “I connected with the crowd and loved every single aspect of performing.”
With sold-out shows and upgraded venues, she’ll be joining Maddox for six more performances on his current Road to Indio tour, including stops in New York City, Huntsville, Dallas, and Austin.
Her first professionally recorded song is awaiting release, and she’s carefully considering the best timing to share it. Though she’s her own toughest critic—admitting she doesn’t enjoy
listening to herself—she’s confident in her artistic journey. “I’m not worried about negative attention,” she says. “Most people in my life already know about my music, and I just love performing.”
Kate has filled notebooks with original songs and finds joy in every aspect of music, from writing to recording to performing. She draws inspiration from classic and contemporary artists alike, including Willie Nelson, Journey,
Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish.
“I feel like I could go into any genre and enjoy it,” she says. “Music is about making people happy, and that’s what I want to do.”
With a natural stage presence, a supportive family, and a rapidly growing fan base, Kate Greene is well on her way to forging her own path in the music world.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MANDY GREENE
A young Kate Greene strums her guitar before performing in a bluegrass festival.
Chelsea Library Calendar
The Chelsea Public Library has lots to offer for everyone in our city. Find our more in their calendar below.
Mondays: Dungeons & Dragons from 4-6 p.m. (ages 12-14)
Wednesdays: Tot Time at 10:30 a.m. (no meeting on April 16)
Wednesdays: Dungeons & Dragons from 5-7 p.m. (ages 15 and up)
Thursdays: Musical Munchkins at 10:30 a.m. (no meeting April 10)
Thursdays: Chess Club at 5:30 p.m.
Fridays: Bring Your Own Craft at 1 p.m.
April 12: Friends of the Chelsea Library Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chelsea Community Center.
April 12: Lego Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April 14: Chapter Chat at 5 p.m.
April 18: Library Closed
April 19: Pokemon Trading Club from 10-11 a.m.
April 21: Beyond Books at 6 p.m.
April 21: Dancing through the Decades at 6 p.m. Jasmine Thompson guides attendees through some fun dance moves from different decades. Registration required.
April 22: YA Gotta Read This! 5 p.m.
April 26: K.Z.T. Steam Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
BY
PHOTO
BRITTNEY FIELDS
This month’s books were selected by Lynn from the Chelsea Public Library.
“Bluebird, Bluebird” by Attica Locke
Set in a close-knit suburb in the grip of winter, A Quiet Life follows three people grappling with loss and finding a tender wisdom in their grief. In this beautiful and profoundly moving novel, three parallel narratives converge in poignant and unexpected ways, as each character bravely presses onward, trying to recover something they have lost. Emotionally riveting and infused with hope, “the soothing tone and warm worldview of this grown-up bedtime story will be good for what ails you” (Kirkus Reviews).
“Falling” by TJ Newman
You just boarded a flight to New York. There are 143 other passengers onboard. What you don’t know is that 30 minutes before the flight your pilot’s family was kidnapped. For his family to live, everyone on your plane must die. The only way the family will survive is if the pilot follows his orders and crashes the plane.
Southern fables usually go the other way around. A white woman is killed or harmed in some way, real or imagined, and then, like the moon follows the sun, a black man ends up dead. But when it comes to law and order, East Texas plays by its own rules—a fact that Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger working the backwoods towns of Highway 59, knows all too well. Deeply ambivalent about his home state, he was the first in his family to get as far away from Texas as he could. Until duty called him home. So when allegiance to his roots puts his job in jeopardy, he is drawn to a case in the small town of Lark, where two dead bodies washed up in the bayou. First a black lawyer from Chicago and then, three days later, a local white woman, and it stirred up a hornet’s nest of resentment. Darren must solve the crimes—and save himself in the process.
“Iona
Iverson’s Rules for Commuting” by Clare Pooley
Every day Iona, a larger-than-life magazine advice columnist, travels the 10 stops from Hampton Court to Waterloo Station by train, accompanied by her dog, Lulu. Every day she sees the same people, whom she knows only by nickname: Impossibly-Pretty-Bookworm and Terribly-Lonely-Teenager. Of course, they never speak. Seasoned commuters never do. Then one morning, the man she calls Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader chokes on a grape right in front of her. He’d have died were it not for the timely intervention of Sanjay, a nurse, who gives him the Heimlich maneuver. This single event starts a chain reaction, and an eclectic group of people with almost nothing in common except their commute discover that a chance encounter can blossom into much more. It turns out that talking to strangers can teach you about the world around you—and even more about yourself.
Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any 13-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished 14 years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites listeners into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances
“A Quiet Life” by Ethan Joella
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMAZON
“The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore
Members of the CHHS 2024 Hall of Fame
Chelsea High School SGA Honors 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
The Chelsea High School Student Government Association (SGA), under the leadership of sponsor Ryan Adams, is preparing to induct seven distinguished individuals into the Chelsea High School Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.
Since its inception in 2021, this tradition has celebrated those who exemplify excellence in learning, service, and character—individuals who have played an integral role in shaping the school and community. Over the past five years, the event has grown significantly, alongside the expansion of the SGA program itself.
A Legacy of Leadership and Growth
Adams oversees a dynamic SGA program that includes 13 elected positions and seven at-large members. Each SGA member is assigned a past Hall of Fame inductee as a liaison, fostering valuable networking opportunities. Similarly, each new inductee is paired with an executive SGA member to facilitate communication and build meaningful connections.
“We aim to create a professional networking atmosphere,” Adams said. “As a
natural by-product of this process, relationships organically form, strengthening our community.”
The selection process kicks off in January, with students conducting research, interviewing past inductees, and carefully evaluating nominees for each category. After a thorough selection process, the final votes are cast.
“The process takes about six weeks, wrapping up by the end of February,” Adams explained. “In March, we focus on securing sponsorships to fund the Hall of Fame event and other SGA initiatives throughout the year.”
What began as a simple idea with a $300 budget has flourished into a well-structured program with 20 student leaders, a sustainable system, and an annual event that has endured for half a decade. With over $10,000 in its budget and a steady $2,000 annual increase in sponsorship funds, the program continues to expand its reach and impact.
“Our sponsorship goal is $5,000 each year,” Adams said. “This steady growth has allowed us to enhance our initiatives, making each year’s event better than the last.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHELSEA SGA
Meet the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
This year’s honorees represent six categories:
Athletic Inductee: Jake Ganus
Ganus, a former Chelsea High School football standout, played at UAB before finishing his collegiate career at the University of Georgia. He later signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings and has served as the head football coach at Moody High School since 2021.
Community Inductee: Cody Sumners
Sumners, a 1993 CHHS graduate, recently retired after 25 years with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. A Chelsea City Council member since 2016, he is now running for mayor in the November 2025 election. His induction was announced as a surprise during a Chelsea City Council meeting in February.
Heritage Inductee: Coach Mike Sims
A 1973 CHHS graduate, Sims was a beloved basketball coach and assistant football coach. The high school gymnasium bears his name in recognition of his contributions to the school and community. Sims died in 2001, but his legacy continues to inspire.
Academic Inductees: Dr. Michael Antonetti and Dr. Jonathan Antonetti
This year, two brothers share the academic honor. Michael Antonetti (Class of 2004) is an anesthesiologist at Southern Anesthesia Management, while Jonathan Antonetti (Class of 2009) is a plastic surgery resident at UAB Medicine.
Student Impact Inductee: James Marshall
Marshall, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Chelsea Middle School, is the first current faculty member to receive this honor. He is also actively involved in Big Time Ministries, positively impacting students both in and out of the classroom.
Faculty Inductee: David Calhoun
Calhoun, a former CHHS principal, now serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Chief of Staff for Shelby County Schools. His contributions to education and leadership have left a lasting mark on Chelsea High School.
The Chelsea High School Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be honored at a ceremony on April 23 at 6 p.m. at Hargis Christian Camp. This invitation-only event recognizes the impact and achievements of the inductees. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities or attendance can contact Adams at w2adams@shelbyed.org.
Adams’ Ambitions
Adams, who has taught at Chelsea for 15 years and served as SGA sponsor since 2020, is also stepping into the political arena. He has announced his candidacy for Chelsea City Council in the November 2025 election.
“I’ve been an active member of the Chelsea community for as long as I’ve lived here,” Adams said. “There’s no better way to contribute than by representing the people and speaking from firsthand experience.”
With a strong foundation and dedicated leadership, the Chelsea High School Hall of Fame continues to grow, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Chelsea High School SGA honors class of 2025 inductees to Hall
of Fame
EXECUTIVE
Porter Davis, President
Sadie Adams, Vice President
Noble Latham, Treasurer
Caroline Thornbrough, Secretary Gabriel Fox, President Pro Tempore
SENIOR CLASS
Patrick Maddox, President Kaleigh Hall, Vice President Jackson Reynolds, Member At-Large
Grant Blakely, Member At Large
JUNIOR CLASS
Jordyn Peters, President Evelyn Scroggins, Vice President
Jenna Wolfe, Member At Large
Porter Schott, Member At Large
Adam Brooks, Member At Large
Brylee Bennett, Member At Large
SOPHOMORE CLASS
Adeline Keith, President
Joshua Poe, Vice President Addison Key, Member At Large
FRESHMAN CLASS
Ryn Baumbaugh, President Emily Davis, Vice President
Sean of the South
Sweet Ga. Barbecue
Columbus, Georgia. I was eating at a barbecue joint not far from the state line.
My cousin, John, insisted that this joint serves the best barbecue in the state of Georgia. He made me promise to try it.
I ordered the ribs.
I ate them without sauce. The true test of ribs is to eat them dry. Barbecue sauce is like a beautiful woman. If she’s too sweet, she’s hiding something. If she’s too spicy, you’re going to be sorry in the morning.
Behind me was a young couple, eating. Early 20s. Maybe late teens. I could hear their conversation.
“Has your mom texted yet?” said the young man quietly. They were eating a massive plate of smoked meat.
“No,” said the young woman. “Not yet.”
“Do you think she’ll text you?”
“Don’t know. She’s definitely mad.”
“Bad mad?”
“Yes.”
“You think she’ll ever forgive us?”
The girl spoke with a mouthful. “I don’t know. She doesn’t like what we did.”
“You mean that we snuck off to get married?”
“It’s called ‘eloping.’ I think that’s what they call it when you run away to get married.”
“She doesn’t like that we ’loped.”
The boy was chewing as he talked. “I think lots of people’s grandparents ee-loped. My grandparents went to Donaldsonville to get married. You could get married in Donaldsonville back then, without your parents’ permission.”
“So how can it be so wrong if our grandparents did it?”
Shrug. “I know. And my grandparents are super old, too. My grandma is almost 60.”
I turned around to sneak a glance at them. She was pretty. He was so skinny, God love him. He would’ve had to stand up five times just to make a shadow. They were sitting on the same side of the table.
“My mom will come around,” she said. “As soon as we get good jobs. Don’t worry.”
“I’ll start looking for a better job as soon as we find a place to live.”
“God. Where are we going to live?”
“EE-loped.”
“I can’t believe we’re really married.”
“I know.”
I ate my ribs and listened. I have my mother in me. I can eavesdrop with the best of them.
“Anywhere. As long as we’re together.” I started working on my coleslaw and listened to them take inventory of their assets.
“How much do we have?” said the young woman.
“I have $329 in my checking. But I got a paycheck coming this week.”
“That’s not a lot.”
“That guy said he’ll rent us the apartment, so we’re good. We can do this.”
“Can we?”
“I’ll do whatever it takes. I won’t be a loser forever.”
“You’re not a loser.”
“Yes, I am. But I’m going to make you a good husband. I’m going to show them how much I love you. I’m going to break my back to prove it.”
“I’m going to do the same thing.”
“Maybe one day, our grandkids will be talking about how we ee-loped, the same way our grandparents did.”
Best barbecue in Georgia.
SEAN DIETRICH
In The Kitchen with Kathleen Phillips
Kathleen Phillips is a food blogger, food stylist, cookbook author, and former Oxmoor House test kitchen director (Southern Living cookbooks). On her food blog, GritsAndGouda.com, she creates Southern shortcut recipes. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. Food Blogger, GritsAndGouda.com
Festival Fare: Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
April is the beginning of spring and summer festivals and that means unique food truck food! Food and family fun are the highlights of outdoor festivals, for me.
I’m like a kid in a candy shop when I see the line of food trucks because I know there will be plenty of fresh, locally sourced food cooked in creative ways to satisfy the hungry crowd.
French fries, loaded fries and tater tot nachos are often among some of the most popular menu offerings. I’m sharing my recipe for Spicy Sweet Potato Fries...made in the air fryer! They really aren’t “spicy hot,” but rather coated in a spice mixture to add an extra layer of flavor to the sweet and savory sweet tater.
No worries if you don’t have an air fryer, I’ll include directions to bake in the oven and fry on the stovetop.
I hope you can get out this spring and feast on some festival fare. If not, I’ve got you covered with more shortcut recipes at GritsAndGouda.com
Use what you have, I say! Just follow my directions.
Ingredients
2 small sweet potatoes peeled and cut lengthwise into thin strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon table salt or 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 400°.
Toss sweet potatoes in a large bowl with olive oil. Combine all the spices except salt in a small bowl and sprinkle over the sweet potatoes, tossing to coat.
Place half of the sweet potatoes in the fryer basket, sprayed with an oil spray, and cook for 8 minutes. Do not overcrowd the basket. Turn or shake, cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until crispy and browned. Remove them from the basket and sprinkle with salt. Repeat procedure with remaining half of potatoes.
If you have a large air fryer, you may be able to cook the entire batch at one time.
Oven Fries: Use 2 tablespoons of oil to toss potatoes, line the baking sheet with parchment paper and bake at 425F for 20 minutes, turn with a spatula and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt.
Stovetop Frying: Use 1 tablespoon of oil to coat the fries so the spices will stick to them. Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a pot to 365F. Fry sweet potato fries in batches 3 minutes or until tender and lightly browned on edges. Remove to drain on paper towels; sprinkle with salt.
Chelsea Kiwanisfest Brings Fresh Energy to Spring Festival Scene
Kiwanisfest will replace the Fire at the Foothills Barbecue Competition and will take place at Melrose Park
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
A new festival is making its debut in Chelsea this month, offering a fresh take on a beloved community tradition.
The Chelsea Kiwanisfest, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, from 12-4 p.m. at Melrose Park, is stepping in to replace the long-running Fire at the Foothills Barbecue competition. With live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, and a family-friendly atmosphere, organizers hope the event will become a springtime staple for the city.
Scott Weygand, a member of the Chelsea Kiwanis and longtime organizer of the previous festival, said the club saw an opportunity to shake things up.
“We wanted to reinvent this spring event, get people re-energized, and come up with something new for the city,” Weygand explained.
While the barbecue competition won’t be part of this year’s festivities, attendees can still enjoy a variety of options from food trucks, all while soaking in live music at the Discover Shelby Stage.
This year’s title sponsor is Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union, helping to bring the vision of Kiwanisfest to life.
The festival’s setting in Melrose Park offers an inviting atmosphere for families. Guests can lounge on the grass while enjoying the music, children can explore the playground, and visitors can browse an array of vendor booths showcasing local crafts and businesses.
Community involvement is a major part of the event. Alongside members of the Kiwanis Club, volunteers from the Chelsea High
School Key Club will be on hand to assist, earning valuable community service hours.
Robbie Hayes, president of the Chelsea Kiwanis Club, said shifting away from a barbecue competition made the event more manageable while still maintaining its appeal.
“We were looking at ways to do something that wasn’t so overwhelming to organize,” Hayes said. “It’s more about creating an enjoyable experience than handling a massive event. We can still bring the community together, but in a way that’s sustainable for our volunteers.”
Beyond providing a fun-filled afternoon, the event serves a greater purpose. Proceeds from Chelsea Kiwanisfest and the club’s annual pancake breakfast will help fund two scholarships for Chelsea Key Club members, reinforcing the Kiwanis Club’s commitment to supporting local youth.
“We want to create an atmosphere where people can come out and celebrate a community event in the spring,” Hayes said. “Being the first year, there might be some hiccups, but our goal is to establish a tradition that people look forward to for years to come.”
The festival is free to attend, though donations to the Chelsea Kiwanis Club are appreciated. Local businesses and vendors still have an opportunity to get involved by reserving a booth. Those interested can contact Scott Weygand at sweygand@cityofchelsea.com.
The band Nacho Daddy will headline the event, and as of our press time, other details were still being confirmed. For the latest updates, follow the event’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/kiwanisfest.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHELSEA KIWANIS FACEBOOK
Hop into Spring
Fun, easy Easter eats and how-to’s for the whole family
Get creative with your little ones and celebrate the joys of spring! From decorating delicious Easter treats to crafting colorful egg art, it’s an opportunity to make lasting memories together. Whether you’re baking sweet, bunny-themed cupcakes or painting keepsake Easter eggs, these activities are sure to inspire a touch of seasonal magic.
Easter Bunny Cupcakes
HOLLEY GRAINGER, MS, RD, HOLLEYGRAINGER.COM
Hippity-hoppity! Gather your little bunnies, along with a box of cake mix, applesauce, frosting, and adorable accompaniments, then whip up a batch of festive cupcakes.
Ingredients
1 box yellow, white, or chocolate cake mix
Want a cute idea for littles? Have them “plant” jellybeans in a container or the front yard. Sprinkle with a little glitter for “magic.” Overnight, replace them with swirl lollipops, Blow Pops, or Tootsie Pops, and watch their eyes light up the next morning!
Mini Carrot Cake Pancakes with Vanilla Greek Yogurt Frosting
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
Frosting, sprinkles, marshmallows, jellybeans, shredded coconut, and candy eyes for decorating
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Combine cake mix and applesauce, stirring until well incorporated. (Mixture will be crumbly, but do not add extra applesauce. It will come together as you stir.)
Spray a muffin pan with cooking spray or add paper liners. Use an ice cream scoop to fill each muffin cup.
Bake 14 to 16 minutes, or until cupcakes puff up, tops are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack.
Use frosting, sprinkles, marshmallows, jellybeans, shredded coconut, candy eyes, and any other desired candies to decorate cupcake bunnies. To make bunny ears, slice a large marshmallow in half on the diagonal. Flatten each piece into an ear shape and press each sticky side into sprinkles. Place in frosting on top of cupcake.
These decadent cakes are a clever way to work in many nutritious ingredients, including carrots, walnuts, Greek yogurt, and oats.
Ingredients
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
1½ cups matchstick carrots
½ cup walnuts (whole, halved, or pieces)
1 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons maple syrup
Directions
1 large egg
1 cup white whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon, plus extra, for sprinkling
¼ teaspoon allspice
5.3 ounces plain full-fat Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
• In the bowl of a small food processor, combine oats, coconut, and carrots. Pulse until combined and small pieces form (about ¼-inch pieces). Remove and set aside.
• Clean out the food processor bowl; add walnuts and pulse a few times to form smaller pieces. Remove and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, vanilla, oil, maple syrup, and egg.
• In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and allspice.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Gently stir in carrot mixture until combined.
• Whisk together Greek yogurt, brown sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl. Set frosting aside.
• Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, drop mixture by tablespoonfuls into the skillet, then sprinkle each pancake with a few chopped nuts. Cook each pancake for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until edges are dry and bubbles appear; flip and cook about 1 minute more. Serve immediately, drizzling each stack with frosting and sprinkling with cinnamon.
HOLLEY GRAINGER, MS, RD, HOLLEYGRAINGER.COM
Make a Resurrection Garden
This meaningful Easter project will last all season long.
Creating a resurrection garden is a wonderful way to celebrate Easter with your kids. Not only is it a fun craft, but it also helps teach the true meaning of the holiday in a handson way. This little garden tells the story of Jesus rising from the dead through simple decorations like a tomb, crosses, and beautiful plants. Plus, it’s easy to make, inexpensive, and can be enjoyed all season long as a daily reminder of the hope and joy of Easter. Pick a special spot to display your completed garden, like the kitchen countertop, where everyone can see it.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful Easter gift, consider making a resurrection garden or putting together a DIY kit for friends and family for a simple, special gift.
Below is a loose step-by-step guide to help you, but you can use whatever container, plants, flowers, and other decorations you like. Be creative—enlist your kids’ imaginations for ideas, and have fun!
Supplies
Shallow planter, bowl, tray, or dish
Potting soil
Small terra-cotta pot (for the tomb)
1-4 small plants (such as succulents or indoor grass)
Sticks or twigs (for the crosses)
Hot glue
Large rock or stone (to cover the tomb entrance)
Optional: Moss, grass seed, small pebbles, purple ribbon
Directions
Think of your resurrection garden like a little landscape. The tomb and three crosses should be the focus. The rest of the space will be filled with plants to make it look like a garden. Decide where everything will go before you start planting.
Fill your vessel planter tray with potting soil, leaving a little space at the top so it doesn’t overflow when watered. Place a small pot in the center of the tray to represent the tomb, then mound soil around it to create a “hill.”
Add plants around the tomb. If using moss, gently press it into the soil, or scatter some grass seed.
Make three crosses by hot-gluing small sticks or twigs together. Place them around the tomb to represent the crosses from the Easter story. You can drape a small piece of purple ribbon around Jesus’s cross, if desired. Place a large rock or stone at the entrance of the tomb to represent the stone that was rolled away when Jesus rose from the dead. Add pebbles to create a path to the tomb, if desired
To care for your garden, give it a light misting of water as needed. (Be careful not to overwater any succulents.) Enjoy!
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF KENDALL KENNEDY
Spring Cleaning
During this time of year, we begin to see a resurgence in yard sales, closet purges, and spring cleaning before the hectic pace of summer sets in. Don’t let it overwhelm you—House Peace, a Birmingham-based organization company, offers some great tips for managing the mess.
“One of our biggest passions at House Peace is teaching our clients about the practice of ‘chaos resilience’ in their everyday lives,” says founder Tara Bremer. Chaos resilience is returning to your organization system when chaos happens. “Because chaos continues to happen, even after we get organized. It’s a reminder not to panic, but to get back to the plan and utilize your personal magic ingredients for restoring order,” she says. Tara notes that it’s not just about getting organized, but it’s also teaching your brain how to recall what to do when the organization falls apart.
Before you unleash the label maker on your house, take time to revisit some of the organization systems already in place. Tara suggests asking questions such as:
• Is this shoe bin still meeting the needs of my family, or do we need to look for something that works better?
• Why are the coats piled up in the place where we keep soccer supplies?
• I can never find a phone charger in this house. Didn’t they all used to be in one spot?
“You don’t have to throw everything out and start over completely,” Tara says. “Just perform a little maintenance and return to the systems you have put in place.”
Colleen Dixon, a House Peace organizer who lives in New York City, also references chaos resilience when giving her apartment a refresh. “One thing that is certain no matter what your life is like is that there will be moments or even seasons of chaos,” she says. “Maybe your kids are in a sport that dictates your life every year for a couple of months, or maybe a loved one gets sick, and you’re focused on caring for them for a period. Maybe your daily life feels a bit chaotic on the regular, like mine does from the hours of 3-7 p.m. in the post-school, pre-bedtime survival hours. No matter how or why you experience chaos, the fact is that we all do, so it’s important that we implement systems when we
have the capacity to do it so that we can go back to those systems when we feel overwhelmed with life.”
Colleen notes the most important aspect of chaos resilience is that everything must have a home. “When things don’t have a home, how do we know where to put them when we’re ready for our space to be peaceful once again? This can look different for everyone, but the goal is for you (or anyone in your home) to be able to pick up an item and know where it goes when it needs to be put away,” she says.
Next up: labeling. “Labeling is an important part of the process, because it reminds you and everyone else in your house where the designated home is for each item,” says Colleen. “So, if you’ve decided that the children’s art supplies belong in a lidded bin on a shelf in their closet, that lidded bin should be labeled ‘art supplies,’ so that you, your spouse, your children, and any potential babysitters all know exactly where to put the crayons and markers when it’s time to tidy.” One of the places Colleen finds labeling to be especially helpful is her kitchen “admin” drawer. “This drawer—often referred to as a “junk drawer,” but do we really want junk in our home?—houses many items that don’t necessarily have another place to live and that we access often, such as pens and pencils, paper clips and rubber bands, scissors, etc. Because six people live in our home and not all six of us can read the labels I’ve put on the organizers in the drawer, it occasionally gets a bit disheveled. Thanks to labels, I can quickly and easily put everything back where it belongs when the drawer gets out of hand, or I can ask another person to do it, because the organizing work already happened, and we just need to get back to how it was when the work was initially done.
“Chaos has a tendency to paralyze us,” Colleen says. “Sometimes it’s because our brains simply can’t function at full capacity because of the emotional or logistical burden we’re carrying, and sometimes it’s because we must prioritize whatever is urgent and everything else is just going to have to wait for another day. If we allow ourselves to create a space that is resilient to that chaos during a season that is calmer, when the stuff hits the fan later, we can almost brainlessly enter back into that peaceful space because we set it up in such a way that is easy to recover.”
For more information about chaos resilience, organization, or to schedule a consult with House Peace, visit housepeace.net, or follow them on Instagram @house.peace.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HOUSE PEACE
Drawer organizers and labels help keep this admin drawer in chaos resilient shape.
21 Chelsea Seniors Sign to Play at The Next Level
BY LOYD MCINTOSH
If you need proof that Chelsea has some of the best student-athletes in the state, check out this statistic: In March, 21 student-athletes from Chelsea High School signed letters of intent to play sports at the next level. Beginning this fall, rosters of community colleges and universities from all over the Southeast will feature names of athletes who wore the Hornets jersey proudly and are ready for the next phase of their athletic careers.
Leading the way are a pair of players, Romello Cooper and Jackson Reynolds, who helped lead the Chelsea football team to six straight wins to open the 2024 season and earn a spot to the 6A playoffs.
Cooper, a 6 foot, 3 inch defensive end, will play college football locally at Samford University. Chelsea Head Football Coach Todd Cassity said Cooper is not only a great athlete, but an exceptional student as well and believes Cooper has the
potential to contribute immediately as the Bulldogs look to improve on a 4-7 record in 2024.
“He has really worked hard over the past four years to put himself into a position to be able to sign with Samford both on the field and in the classroom,” says Cassity. “He was probably one of our fastest players and was very strong in the weight room. He improved his pass rush over the past few years, and I expect Samford is excited to see that continuing to improve as they see him at the edge position.”
Cooper said he popped up on Samford’s radar screen after running the 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds at a local football camp. The performance caught the attention of offensive line coach Shawn Bostick, who, Cooper says, offered him a scholarship almost immediately.
“After I did some individual drills, Coach Bostick came over to me and said, ‘You’ve got an offer from us,” explains Cooper, adding that everything from Samford’s culture to the coaching
staff has been a perfect fit. “It felt like home to me.”
Reynolds, a 6 foot, 2 inch, right tackle, signed with Maryville College, a small, private NCAA Division III in east Tennesee. Cassity says Reynolds’ desire to develop his skills will serve him well in Maryville.
“His character and work ethic to improve every year has been his key to being able to sign with Maryville,” says Cassity. “Jackson was a very good run blocker for us, as he had a great punch. He also had great feet to allow him to move well for an outside linebacker.”
Among the other athletes signing with 4-year universities are Sydney Carroll and Lauren Buchanan. Carroll, a 6 foot, 2 inch senior currently playing first base and pitcher for the Hornets and a key player with the Hornets’ softball team since the eighth grade, will take her skills to the Magnolia State post-graduation.
“I would like to announce that I have made a decision to continue my softball career at Mississippi State,” announced Carroll on her X profile.
Carroll’s accomplishments include leading the Hornets in home runs in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and ws named to the AHSSA All-Metro First Team in 2024.
Buchanan, a 6 foot, 1 inch outside hitter on the Chelsea volleyball team, signed to play college for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
“Lauren is an exceptional player that can do it all! She is a versatile attacker that can attack with aggression and hit shots. Lauren has strong leadership skills and is a great teammate,” wrote Chelsea High School Volleyball Coach Jamie Gill on the recruiting website Field Level (fieldlevel. com). “We are so proud of you. Your hard work has paid off and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish as a Red Raider. Wreck ‘Em!”
Among the athletes choosing the junior college route is soccer player Harper Jones. A 5 foot, 9 inch midfielder, Jones will attend Wallace State, as the junior college looks to restart its men’s soccer program after the program was discontinued in 2013 due to a lack of in-state competition.
Chelsea Head Soccer Coach Lee Miller said Jones’ on-field toughness and leadership qualities will make him a valuable asset to the new Wallace State soccer team.
“Harper Jones has been a great player in our program. He’s a hard-nosed competitor, a ball winner, a great distributor, and a leader,” says Miller. “We are so proud of his hard work and development, and Wallace State is getting a top-quality young man and an excellent soccer player!”
Haley Trotter, a six foot power forward/shooting guard for the Chelsea girls’ basketball team, signed to play for Shelton State Community College. Trotter was a leading force behind the Lady Hornets historic season, advancing to the AHSAA 6A State Championship game in March. Trotter, the winner of multiple local and state awards including the Alabama Sports Writers Association First Team All-State, will join a Shelton State program that advanced to the 202425 NJCAA DI Women’s Basketball National Championship game on April 1.
CHHS athletes headed to play collegiate sports
• Sydney Carroll, Mississippi State softball
• Lauren Buchanan, Texas Tech volleyball
• Romello Cooper, Samford football
• Hannah Quick, track and cross-country at South Alabama
• Payton Hunsaker, Nicholls State baseball
• Paxton Stallings and Aiden Hughes, Coastal South Community College baseball
• Cade Mims, Georgia Highlands Community College baseball
• Chase Lackey, Gadsden State Community College baseball
• Mack Breazeale, Southern Union Community College baseball
• Katie Hopson and Emma Parmley, Marion Military Institute softball
• Alaysha Crews, Snead State Community College softball
• Juliette Edwards, Alabama-Huntsville track and cross country
• Conner Campbell, Lee University track and cross country
• Jackson Reynolds, Maryville College football
• Lila Willett, Pearl River Community College volleyball
• Harper Jones, Wallace State Community College soccer
• Harper Carter, Southern Union Community College soccer
• Haley Trotter, Shelton State Community College basketball
• Austin Jones, Covenant College, golf
Romello Cooper will play football at Samford.
School
A Seuss Surprise
Mrs. Culverhouse’s kindergarten class enjoyed some special visitors in honor of Read Across America week.
Jump for Joy
Students were able to cash in their Park Points for a Jumpy Day, which was a huge success. The CPES PTO was on hand providing help and support.
Making math fun
Mrs. Morrison’s class enjoyed a day of math fun at Fractioni’s Pizzeria. They finished off math with a fresh slice, and read “Pizza Mouse.”
Pep Rally for ACAP
Something Special
Several CPES students participated in the Shelby County Schools’ Special Olympics event.
CPES 2nd-5th graders attended an ACAP pep rally the week before Spring Break. The faculty and staff participated in the relay contests, and the Chelsea Middle School band and cheerleaders were there to help get everyone into the spirit and get the students excited and motivated to do their best on their ACAP assessments in April.
Students pay visit to assisted living facility
Dr. Paula Tolbert and the GRC students at Chelsea Park Elementary recently visited the Chelsea’s Hidden Acres Assisted Living Facility and gave special treats to the residents.
FOES Science team competes at E3
The FOES science team, led by Mrs. Cox, worked hard to prepare for and represented their school well at the E3 competition. They thanked TASSCO for providing shirts and lunch for the team.
A fancy ride
The $500 level Read-A-Thon winners enjoyed a VIP breakfast at Black Family McDonald’s and a limo ride to school.
Lunch with Officer Prady
Students who reached the $200 level during the school Read-AThon enjoyed dining with FOES SRO Officer Prady.
St. Patty’s sweet treat
FOES faculty and staff tasted the rainbow with some loaded teas from 4th and Inches on St. Patrick’s Day.
School News: Chelsea Middle
Superior band rating
The ChMS Concert Band received an Excellent Rating on stage and a Superior Rating in sight reading at the District 4 Alabama Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment in March.
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 ChMS Starlets!
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Chelsea Middle School Cheerleaders!
Coding competition
The ChMS coding club attended the Byte of Code competition at SCISC last month. Lillie Thompson and Kinsley Murphy placed third in the robotics competition and Jacob Larson and Kaston Sengdara placed second in the coding competition.
Honor choir
ChMS Choir had four students attend the annual UAB Honor Choir and performed at the Alys Stephens Center downtown. Laine, Ava, Leah, and Tristin sang wonderfully and represented CHMS extremely well. They were among about 300 other middle school students from around the state who learned three pieces in one day then performed it after just a few hours of rehearsals.
Cook-Off winners
Three 8th-Grade FACS students participated in the Shelby County Cook-Off at the University of Montevallo. Congratulations to Brynlee Deems who received first place in the Junior Dairy division for her Key Lime Pie and to Chloe Beasley who received third place in the Junior Poultry division for her Turnip Green Soup!
Science projects
Ms. Hudgins 8th-Grade Science students became young scientists as they built simple electromagnets and explored the forces at work. They investigated how to increase the strength of their electromagnets and saw firsthand how magnetic forces interact with objects.
School News: Chelsea
Teacher grants
The Shelby County Education Foundation awarded two checks to CHHS teachers for their Inspire the Journey grants. Mrs. Kortright won funds for the Spanish Club Convention and Mrs. Bagette won funds for her Computer Science class final project.
New band leadership
The 2025 Drum Majors of the Marching Hornet Pride have been announced: Head Drum Major: Cassidy Short; Assistant Drum Major: Ella Gurtler; and Assistant Drum Major: Jordan Lee
Coding competition
The CHHS Coding Club members participated in the Byte of Code District competition at SCISC.The web based portion won third place and the robotics portion won first place.
Staff sweet treat
The CHHS PTO teacher appreciation committee provided a trail mix bar for staff last month and it was a hit!
Math teams win big
All of the CHHS Math Teams placed at the Shelby County Math Tournament.
Geometry - 2nd place; Algebra 1 - 2nd place; Algebra 2 - 3rd place; Advance - 3rd place
Mike Pham was the first place top scorer out of ALL Shelby County Algebra 1 math teams, and Colby Surrett was the 2nd place top scorer out of ALL Shelby County Advanced math teams.
The CHHS top scorers for each team were: Carter Roach - Geometry; Mike Pham - Algebra 1; Jacob Hotchkiss - Algebra 2; and Colby Surrett -Advanced
School News: Shelby County
Leadership training
Leadership teams from each Shelby County school came together before Spring Break to participate in district-led professional learning. Teams gathered together to monitor progress on their Continuous Improvement plans, form next steps, and consider future improvements.
Taking a byte
The 2025 Byte of Code competition was held recently, as students joined together to tackle several coding/ robotics challenges centered around the theme of automotive manufacturing. The students also had the opportunity to hear from individuals that work with Mercedes-Benz, and they brought along several vehicles for the students to see.
Board certified teachers
Several Shelby County teachers recently earned or renewed National Board Certification. Those who earned NBCT for the first time included Jana Baker (FOES), and Paula Tolbert (CPES). Those who maintained their certification included Shannon Galamore (CHHS).
Making math fun
Several local students won awards at the Shelby County High School Math Tournament
Advanced Math Individual High Scorers included Colby Surrett (CHHS)
Overall Individual Winners Top Three: 2nd Place- Colby Surrett (CHHS)
Team Champions, Advanced Math: 3rd Place- Chelsea High School Special Olympics event
Pure determination, endless encouragement, and unstoppable joy. Athletes from all over Shelby County Schools participated in the 2025 Special Olympics Track & Field event last month.
Science Fair fun
Several
Overall Winner: 1st Place: Peyton Moody –Egg-Sploring Embryos (ChMS)
“The Wow Factor Award” – Peyton Moody Egg-Sploring Embryos (ChMS)
“The Curiosity Catalyst Award” – Owen Gurtler Will Fortnite Make You Fat? (ChMS)
Maintenance Award
Dr. Lewis Brooks recognized the SCS Maintenance Department with a Journey Shaper Award for their tireless work to repair Calera Intermediate from tornado damages. The school was only closed one day thanks to the work done over the weekend by our dedicated maintenance staff.
Events in and around Chelsea
Chelsea Events
April 16: Easter Cookie Class at 6:30 p.m. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11701 CR-280, Chelsea. cat-n-bird.com.
April 17: Girls Night Out featuring live music, a food truck and vendors at 6:30 p.m. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11701 CR-280, Chelsea. cat-n-bird.com.
April 19: Easter Brunch featuring live music and a delicious brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11701 CR-280, Chelsea. cat-n-bird.com.
April 26: Crawfish Boil featuring live music and crawfish from 12-6 p.m. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11701 CR-280, Chelsea. cat-n-bird.com.
Chelsea Community Center
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Senior Exercise Class. 9-9:45 a.m. A 45-minute class that centers around Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The focus is on functional exercises that keep participants healthy, energetic and more independent. All levels and abilities are welcome. Bring small hand weights and a water bottle. Class is taught by Keri McIntire, a certified instructor specializing in senior fitness.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Senior Chair Exercise Class. 10-11 a.m. Chair exercises to upbeat music and choreographed for fun movements and resistance training. Equipment is provided. Free.
Mondays and Thursdays: Rev + Flow by REFIT. Mondays at 5:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. A workout that strengthens bodies and sculpts muscles through targeted music-based movement and resistance training. To register, visit refitrev.com.
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: REFIT. Tuesdays 5:15 and 6:30 p.m.; Thursdays 6:30 p.m.; Saturdays 8:30 a.m. A class that combines cardio movements with toning, flexibility, strength training and stretching for an hour of fitness. To register, visit refitrev.com.
Thursdays: Seniors Day Potluck and Games. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring a dish to share. Dominos, Rummikub and Rook card games. Fellowship and fun. Free.
Fridays: Spectrum Support of Chelsea. Fridays at 12:30. Are you a mom navigating the journey of raising a child on the autism spectrum? No matter your child’s age, you’re not alone. Spectrum Support is a welcoming, supportive space for mothers to share experiences, resources and encouragement. For more information contact Jerica Boley at 205-305-3651.
Area Events
April 12: Yacht Rock Revue. 7 p.m. Avondale Brewery. 201 41st Street S., Birmingham. Join Yacht Rock Revue for an unforgettable night of smooth ‘70s and ‘80s hits from artists like Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, and Steely Dan. Visit avondalebrewing.com for more information.
April 12-13: Birmingham Spring Craft & Vendor Market. Riverchase Galleria. This two-day event brings together talented artisans, crafters, and local vendors offering unique handmade goods, home décor, boutique items, and more. Whether you’re looking for the perfect spring gift or just want to browse and support small businesses, this market is the place to be. More information at hometownvendormarket.com.
April 27: Alabama Bridal and Wedding Expo. 1-5 p.m. BJCC Exhibition Halls. 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham. The Alabama Bridal and Wedding Expo is the ultimate event for engaged couples, featuring top vendors, wedding inspiration, and everything you need to plan your perfect day. More information at bridalshowsal.com.
May 4: Allison Krauss & Union Station - Arcadia Tour: 7:30 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall. 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham. Don’t miss Allison Krauss and Union Station on their Arcadia Tour, delivering a captivating mix of bluegrass, folk and country classics with their signature harmonies and masterful musicianship. More info at bjcc.org.
Allison Krauss & Union Station
Yacht Rock Revue
