NOVEMBER 2025
Creating Community with Mahjong Classes
Inside the Waves of Chelsea’s Amateur Radio Club PAGE 12 PAGE 14
Brayden Butler is 2025 Paraclimbing World Champion PAGE 7
Joseph & Katina Buff
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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All content in this magazine remains the property of JBMC Media, LLC. Any requests to reprint or republish should be directed to matthew@jbmcmedia.com.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Matthew Allen Publisher 205-883-1877 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com
Emily VanderMey Listo Operations & Project Manager, Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com
Leah Ingram Eagle Content Director (205) 807-0834 leah@jbmcmedia.com
Lurenda Avery Community Events (205) 767-3362 lurenda@jbmcmedia.com
Shweta Bratina Graphic Designer
Tony Bratina Cover Designer
Brayden Butler reaches new heights and wins a championship.
Photography by Jan Virt.
As the air turns crisp and the leaves change colors, November reminds us to slow down and reflect on the many things we’re thankful for—our families, friends, and the incredible community we get to call home.
This month’s issue celebrates that spirit of gratitude and connection. Our cover story, written by Loyd McIntosh, introduces us to Brayden Butler, whose story is sure to inspire. We’re also shining a spotlight on some of Chelsea’s educators with Q&As featuring each of our local schools’ Teachers of the Year.
You’ll also discover something a little different this month. Have you heard of mahjong? One Chelsea woman is bringing people together through this classic tile game, teaching newcomers and sparking a fun new community pastime.
And speaking of connections, the Chelsea Amateur Radio Club is growing and making waves (or airwaves!) as members share their love of communication and service.
As we head into this season of giving thanks, I hope these stories remind you, as they did me, just how many reasons we have to be grateful right here in Chelsea.
Warm wishes for a joyful and thankful November,
Leah Eagle, Content Director
Improbable Rise to World Domination Brayden Butler’s
BY LOYD MCINTOSH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAN VIRT
Brayden Butler is a world champion - literally and figuratively. At just 19-years-old, the Chelsea native recently returned from South Korea victorious, conquering one of the globe’s most prestigious climbing events.
Butler’s rise to “peak” athletic performance is remarkable, considering he only took up the sport a couple of years ago, and he’s barely old enough to vote. However, it’s even more remarkable due to a traumatic brain injury he suffered when he was just eight-years-old.
Early on, Butler was one of those kids who couldn’t be still if you bribed him with candy. By the time he could recite the alphabet, he was competing in motocross, traveling all over the Southeast racing motorcycles on some of the most demanding racetracks in the nation.
“I was eight-years-old, racing motocross super competitively 42 weekends a year,” said Butler, recalling his childhood largely on what he’s been told by his parents and relatives. “My whole family would get in the trailer and pack everything up with my infant sister, and we were gone every single weekend,” said Butler.
Butler had just qualified for the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships, a prestigious annual event held at Loretta Lynn’s ranch in Hurricane Hills, Tennessee, but needed to compete in one more race in Billingsley, Alabama, in order to solidify his top 3 ranking.
He was practicing at the track a day ahead of the race—a track he had raced on dozens of times—when everything changed in an instant.
“I came around the corner, and I dropped a gear, and then I went off the lip of this jump,” said Butler. “We believe the back gear locked up, which caused the back wheel to stop spinning.”
He explained that the back wheels, when spinning, act as a gyroscope balancing the bike in the air. When the back wheel stopped spinning, Butler was unable to control the motorcycle, causing a spectacular crash.
“I don’t remember any of this. From what people have told me, I was like, pretty much dead,” Butler said, with a hint of exaggeration.
Volunteer firefighters were the first on the scene, but Butler was eventually airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, where he spent close to a month recovering from his injuries. The accident caused a hemorrhagic stroke, a brain injury in which a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue.
While he only spent a few weeks in the hospital, the road to recovery would be long, tedious, and uncertain. It was unclear how long it would take, or even if he would walk without assistance. But what was clear was that his days of racing motorcycles were over.
“He had to learn to walk again, dress himself, all the things, and he couldn’t go back to motocross. I cry every time I talk about it,” his mom Christie said, adding that she spends a lot of time praying over her son.
With so little memory of the accident and time in the hospital, Butler has had to fill in the gaps, but recalls the recovery was almost like starting life over with a blank slate. However, he said that his young, not to mention his stubborn determination and—no pun intended— hardheadedness, were factors in his favor.
“I was an infant again,” he explained. “I couldn’t brush my teeth, I couldn’t get my clothes on, I couldn’t walk and speak. You could literally draw a line down the center of my body, and the left side was paralyzed. They told my parents we would need a wheelchair ramp at the house, and I was not settling for that.”
It was four months before Butler returned to school, but his teacher,
Gina Fuglaar, came to the Butlers’ home three days a week to help him stay on track. He also spent more than a year in intense therapy to rebuild the neuropathological pathways between his brain and his muscles.
Eventually, Butler regained enough strength and mobility to try sports, initially trying soccer, which he found difficult and, frankly, dull. True to his daredevil nature, he discovered downhill mountain bike racing, a sport that, while safer than motocross, made Christie nervous. Still, she said she can’t help but admire her son’s determination in the face of such adversity.
“He’s my X Games kid. He likes all things crazy,” she said. “He’s just crazy athletic and self-motivated and driven to do well.”
After six years of racing mountain bikes, Butler and his father went to Highpoint Climbing and Fitness in Inverness for an afternoon of indoor climbing in the fall of 2021. Butler had dabbled in the sport a little in the past; however, a week after their outing at High Point, the Butlers learned that the 2022 USA Paraclimbing National Championships were to be held in Birmingham the following March. Suddenly, a new course for Butler’s athletic life appeared.
“I thought, why would I not do it? It’s just 20 minutes down the road,” Butler said. “I literally went from never climbing to training five days a week for the next four months.”
Butler won third place in the Men’s RP2 category—classification for athletes with a moderate level of upper or lower limb impairment— qualifying for the U.S. National Climbing Team as well as important national and international events.
Now training for climbing full-time, Butler won sixth place in the IFSC World Cup that May in Salt Lake City. Next, he traveled to Bern, Switzerland, for the IFSC Paraclimbing World Championships in August 2023, finishing in fourth place, one spot short of advancing to the finals and a shot at a world title.
Earlier this year, Butler made it to the podium at the IFSC Paraclimbing World Cup in Innsbruck, Austria, and in May, he won first place in the 2025 World Cup in Salt Lake City. Following these successes, Butler set his sights on the holy grail—the 2025 Paraclimbing World Championships in Seoul, South Korea.
Butler traveled alone to Seoul a week ahead of the event to adjust to the 15-hour time difference and, since this was his first time in Asia, to take in a little culture, despite not knowing a single word of Korean. Over the following days, Butler explored Seoul on his own, getting lost a few
times, learning a little Korean, and adjusting to the unfamiliar environment.
His family joined him in Seoul in time for the championships and, despite his training and preparation, the competition got off to a shaky start. During qualifying rounds, Butler experienced some soreness in his shoulder, and he rubbed his fingertips raw from warming up on rough fiberglass holds, affecting his confidence just 20 minutes before his second climb of the opening round.
“These are all brand-new fiberglass holds that are super aggressive. It’s like grabbing onto sandpaper,” he said. “I get off the wall and my fingertips are bleeding.”
With a fresh tape job on his digits and readjusting his mindset, Butler rallied, dominating his second climb, winning the qualifying round, and securing a favorable position for the finals.
“I finally got on my second climb, and thought, ‘You know, you just gotta put it all out there,’” Butler said. “I was quite confident I was going to make finals, but I wanted to win.”
He went on to win the qualifying round, which allowed him to climb last in the finals. With the practice area crowded, Butler had only a short 10-minute warm-up period.
Despite limited time to warm up, he stayed calm and focused, reminding himself to treat this climb like a normal training session. Once on the wall, he said everything fell into place. “I took a deep breath, read my climb and, man, I felt amazing,” said Butler. “It’s like I was floating.”
As he climbed higher and pulled off increasingly difficult moves, Butler could feel the energy of the crowd, pulling himself the last 20 feet of the wall. At this point, he knew victory was in his grasp, pushing higher and leaving no doubt that he was the best climber in the world.
“The crowd erupts. People are just screaming,” Butler said. “I can hear my parents yelling, and then I thought, ‘Okay, now I have to do this for me.’ It’s more than just winning, it’s about pushing myself as hard as I can.”
Butler won first place in the men’s RP2 category, ahead of Manikandan Kumar from India and American climber Benjamin Mayforth. More than a victory, it was proof that his years of dedication and perseverance had finally come together on the world’s biggest stage.
“I wanted to prove that I was the best, and in order to do that and be satisfied with it, I needed to dominate,” Butler said. “I didn’t want to win by a small margin or because someone made a mistake. I wanted to win because I trained hard and I was the best.”
Follow Butler’s climbing journey on Instagram @brayden.climbs
Business Alliance
Final state of the city
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer delivered his final State of the City address during the Chelsea Business Alliance meeting on Oct. 7.
During his speech, Picklesimer reflected on accomplishments from his nine years as mayor and shared updates on the city’s continued growth.
He noted that home construction is rebounding, with more than 450 home sales in 2024. The housing market remains strong, with more than 700 new homes expected to be built in the next five years, he said. The council also recently passed a moratorium on rental homes in the city.
“We remain a very family-friendly city, and that’s why people and businesses want to come here,” he said.
Chelsea has also seen growth on the commercial side. The city’s first hotel opened earlier this year, and Waffle House recently completed development on Atchison Parkway. The area will soon be more walkable, thanks to a more than $1 million grant for a sidewalk and lighting project that will stretch from the former Applebee’s to the LaQuinta Inn. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 and wrap up in 2027.
On the business front, Picklesimer said, “We like to think of ourselves as open for business. The new Taco Bell and 7 Brew are off to a great start, and there are other promising developments in the negotiation stage.”
A business incentive package for Chelsea Plaza has been approved, marking the largest single commercial and retail development in the city’s history. A long-awaited Chick-fil-A will anchor the center, which will sit on 14.5 acres and feature parcels ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 square feet.
“The total investment is $75 million, and the area will also create, in essence, a city center—which our city has needed for a long time,” Picklesimer said.
Later this year, the Valley Post development off Highway 41 will open with four restaurants from the Pihakis Restaurant Group: Little Donkey, Luca’s Italian, Rodney Scott’s BBQ, and Hero Donuts.
Picklesimer also announced that the field next to Aldi is under contract for a large retail development. While details have not yet been finalized, he said the terms of the incentive plan have been tentatively agreed upon.
The city’s one-cent education tax has generated $1.7 million in classroom grants for Chelsea’s four schools. The council recently approved $30,000 for each school to use at their discretion, along with more than $100,000 in additional education grants.
Picklesimer praised the city’s partnership with the Shelby County Board of Education as it moves toward completing the 2022 master plan. The largest and final piece will be an $11 million project adding a second gym at Chelsea High School, allowing the city to host large sports tournaments that will also benefit local businesses.
Construction on a new competition tennis complex will begin soon, featuring eight courts for both high school athletes and the community to enjoy.
At the Chelsea Community Center, the addition of a second gym has been a welcome improvement, and parks and recreation programs continue to grow.
“I’m very proud of how the city looks and feels,” Picklesimer said. “The ‘All About Family’ city slogan remains as important today as it did when the city was incorporated in 1996.”
As he looks toward retirement, Picklesimer said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family—and hunting.
“A lot has changed in nine years, and it has overwhelmingly been good,” he said. “It has been a huge honor to serve this city, and I look forward to its continued success.”
PHOTO BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer delivers his final State of the City address
Airwaves of Service Inside Chelsea’s Amateur Radio Club
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
When Mike Jared first started tinkering with radios, he had no idea it would lead to a thriving club of nearly 40 licensed operators right in Chelsea.
“I had a friend stop by my house, saw my radios, and said, ‘Are you a ham operator?’ Neither of us knew the other was one,” Jared said. “That’s when we decided—maybe we need to start a club. It started with just the three of us talking. None of us even had licenses at the time. We said, ‘Why don’t we get our ham license?’”
After their friend got his license, it wasn’t long before Jared and his wife followed.
What began as a small idea in July 2023 quickly gained momentum. By that September, the newly incorporated Chelsea Alabama Amateur Radio Club (CAARC) already had 21 charter members. Today, it boasts 38 licensed amateur radio operators in accordance with the FCC (including 10% women), who are all passionate about communication, community, and preparedness.
For Jared, amateur—or “ham”—radio is about much more than a hobby.
“The club’s purpose is to promote amateur radio (knowledge), and be ready to provide communication in a local, regional or national emergency,” he said.
That mission became clear after Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina on Sept. 27, 2024, leaving parts of North Carolina and East Tennessee without cell service or internet for weeks. One of the CCARC members deployed to a remote outpost manned by Amateur Radio Operators and provided emergency communications in a real-life emergency helping provide crucial information for the rescuers.
“People were severely injured, and ham radio was the only way to get help,” Jared said. “That’s really why we’re here.”
How Ham Radio Works
There are three levels of FCC licensing: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra—each unlocking access to more frequencies. “About half
of our club is at the Amateur Extra level,” Jared said.
Ham operators use a mix of handheld radios, mobile units in vehicles, and larger base stations at home. Entry-level handhelds can be purchased for under $100, and getting licensed costs around $35 through the FCC.
“You can become a ham operator for about $150 and a little bit of work,” Jared said.
Each ham operator is assigned a unique call sign by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), based on their region. Radios operate on designated frequencies that allow users to transmit and receive signals locally—or even across the globe.
The club operates three repeaters—strategically located across Shelby County—that extend the reach of local transmissions.
“Someone with a handheld radio in Lake Martin can talk to someone in Tuscaloosa by linking repeaters,” Jared said. “With a high-frequency setup and the right atmospheric conditions, you can talk from your home to Australia. Your radio signal bounces off the ionosphere and comes back down to Earth.”
PHOTO BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
Mike Jared is one of the founding members of the Chelsea Alabama Amateur Radio Club.
Prepared to Help, and to Have Fun
While emergency response is a key goal, camaraderie and curiosity keep members coming back.
“We have fun working on the radios,” Jared said. “We practice at least once a week, and we’re always learning.”
Members practice weekly on the air in Simplex Nets and Repeater Nets. These provide the training so that the conversations are organized and productive, the way they would need to be during an actual emergency.
The club recently participated in a national American Radio Relay League contest competing against all other 49 states during a Simulated Emergency Test (SET) that mimics real-world disasters. A SET was held on Oct. 11 that simulated a hurricane making landfall in Mobile and moving through central Alabama, involving Chelsea’s three fire stations and three Cahaba Valley stations. Members sent operators to all the stations to provide communication during the simulated event.
“The goal was to learn how to organize chaos,” Jared said. “We had controllers and operators passing information in a controlled, efficient way. The AARL studies these sets, and Alabama has actually won the national event the last three years in a row.”
On Nov. 27, the club will provide communications for the annual Turkey Trot 5K race that takes place in Chelsea.
They’ve also recently begun operating a Weather Net, which allows any licensed operator to call in and report weather conditions in their area.
“Our Weather Net was noticed by the National Weather Service in Calera who connected us and asked us to become involved in their Alert group to provide them with our observations from within our operating area,” he said.
Members have been invited to attend the Alert training to become Sky-warn certified members and many have already been certified. The National Weather Service’s Skywarn program trains operators to report severe weather conditions directly to meteorologists.
“We’ll be starting free training sessions soon to help people earn their licenses,” Jared said. “You just pay for your study materials.”
They’ve also reached out to the Chelsea Fire Department, where several firefighters have shown interest, and to Liberty Baptist Church, offering to start a youth group focused on radio.
Jared said it’s inspiring to see young people join the airwaves.
Ham operators use a mix of handheld radios, mobile units in vehicles, and larger base stations at home.
“They know who we are and that we’ve been through training,” Jared said. “When we call in, they trust the information.”
Community, Connection, and Classes
The club is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, funded by membership dues and donations. They meet the third Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Chelsea Senior Lodge—and sometimes for cookouts or social gatherings. Anyone interested in amateur radio is welcome to attend, whether or not they are licensed.
“The youngest person I know got her license at age eight,” he said. “There’s an 11-year-old girl who checks in regularly on our repeater net. Her parents and grandparents are all operators. Her little brother— he’s eight—will probably be licensed by next summer.”
For the past two years, members of the CAARC have participated in the Annual Make-a-Wish Wilderness Challenge, providing communications to aid in the tracking of the runners through the Talladega National Forest. They report information as requested and provide a means of contacting emergency responders to report injuries in the remote areas.
For Jared, being part of the Chelsea Amateur Radio Club means both community and purpose.
“I’ve always wanted to be in a position to help in an emergency,” he said. “There’s very little one person can do, but if you’re a trained radio operator, you can make a real difference. When there’s a problem, we should be ready. That’s what all this is about—being prepared to help, and having fun while we do it.”
“BAOFENG
Craving and creating
Introducing Mahjong to Chelsea community
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
Jami Brannon had never been the new girl before. Growing up in Mobile, she attended the same school from K4 through 12th grade and the same church her entire life.
After her then fiancee, Michael, accepted a job at Radio Alabama in Sylacauga two years earlier, Brannon joined him at their home in Chelsea Park in 2019– the day after their wedding. Just as they were settling in and looking forward to meeting neighbors and making friends, COVID hit, putting those plans on hold.
“I came to Chelsea not knowing a soul,” she said. “I moved away from family and friends and I was craving community. “We chose Chelsea
because we loved the area, and it wasn’t a far drive to Sylacauga. It was more of a hometown feel instead of hustle and bustle. It’s nice since it’s always a 15-minute drive from anywhere.”
Brannon was working from home doing social media management for six small businesses (and painting) and wanted to have something to get her out of the house and around people. She began working at Magnolia’s Gift Shop part-time, then ended up going full-time and becoming the manager at the Chelsea store.
“I loved meeting people in our community and helping them find the perfect gift decorations for their home,” she said.
A few years later, she accepted a social media marketing position with
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL BRANNON
Grandview Medical Center. When she and Michael welcomed their twins, Grace and Michael, in 2022, she transitioned to a hybrid schedule—a blessing that allowed her to work from home while raising the babies. But just before the twins’ first birthday, she made the decision to step back from corporate life and focus on her family.
“When you’re a stay-at-home mom, it’s lonely until you find your community and group of friends,” she said. “After (the twins) were two, I felt like I could go and do things with them by myself and get out more and I made some new friends.”
That’s when an old hobby from her friends in Mobile sparked something new—Mahjong.
Brannon didn’t know anyone in the Chelsea area who was playing or teaching the game, so she invited her best friend, Bekah from Mobile, to come teach a class, quickly filling all 12 spots. It didn’t take long for Brannon to realize this game offered more than just strategy—it offered connection.
“From then, I was hooked. It was my new favorite thing,” she said. I had the idea that maybe I should teach or do it for fun for myself. I’m not the person who would normally teach anyone anything, since public speaking is not the most comfortable thing for me.”
The game of Mahjong is about community and connection, the very thing she had been craving.
“I thought, ‘Why not me?’ she said. “I can share this game in love with other people and help connect with other ladies in our community. It gets women around other women for a screen-free interaction where you can make new friends and enjoy playing the game.”
She dove into learning everything she could, researching Mahjong brands, studying the rules, and reading up on the game’s long history. She became a certified instructor through Oh My Mahjong, drawn to their stylish tiles, colorful mats, and vibrant tablescapes.
The Game That Connects
Mahjong is a traditional Chinese tile game that dates back to the 19th century. It made its way to America in the early 1900s, and in 1937, the National Mahjong League was formed to standardize the rules.
Typically played by four people, the goal is to build specific sets or combinations of tiles before anyone else does—a blend of strategy, skill, and luck that’s often compared to rummy or dominoes. American Mahjong, which Brannon teaches, uses an annual card from the National Mahjong League to determine the valid tile combinations for that year.
“It’s not only a fun game but it’s aesthetically beautiful,” said Brannon, who is an Oh My Mahjong certified instructor under their brand.
“It’s a mix of strategy, luck, laughter and shared time around the table.”
Brannon said Mahjong is an old game that a lot of people haven’t heard about, but is resurging in popularity due to social media and because the Mahjong companies have colorful mat and tile options.
“It has garnered a new generation of Mahjong players. It’s the millennial moms’ new Bunko,” she said.
Classes and open play
For the past few months, Brannon has been teaching Mahjong 101 for beginners, and Mahjong 102, which is more of an intermediate course. She also hosts guided play classes for those who know the basics, but need a little help. She taught 40 people in her first month and said she’s surprised at how fast her new venture has grown.
“When I introduce Mahjong in my 101 classes, I always say welcome to your newest obsession,” she said. “Mahjong is everything that I’ve always been searching for and that’s why I want to share it with others. As much as we all like to have our alone time, we all truly need community and connection. There’s nothing like getting together with other people, connecting, laughing, and knowing you’re seen and valued.”
During the three-and-a-half hour classes, the first 30 minutes are for socializing and snacks, then the rest of the time is learning about the game and the rules and playing two rounds. Brannon said by the second game, participants feel a lot more comfortable with it.
“The NMJL card is the biggest barrier of entry to the game,” she said. “It’s knowing the line to pick based on your tiles and knowing when to pivot, when the line you picked isn’t working out based on your tiles.”
Around town, Brannon has taught two classes at the Chelsea Public Library and open play at SoCal Smoothie Company and Mahjong & Mimosas at Cat-n-Bird Winery. She’s also added date night classes for couples. She has already taught her husband, Michael, to play. Brannon said he did a great job, but she wound up winning all four games they played. He said he found it challenging, but easier than he expected.
“Mahjong has grown through word of mouth and social media, and I get a lot of referrals through friends who have attended my class,” Brannon said.
Beyond the social benefits, Brannon says the game also offers mental health perks. Studies have shown that Mahjong can improve memory and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
When she’s not teaching, Brannon plays with the newly formed Birmingham Mahjong League every other week.
“I went into it not knowing anyone, and it’s been fun to play with other ladies who love the game and to meet new people,” she said.
For Brannon, Mahjong has become much more than a pastime—it’s a way to bring people together.
“I love helping people whether it’s in building their brand and social media presence, helping people learn a new game that I love, or teaching my twins new things and watching them grow,” she said.
As a Mahjong instructor, Brannon has an affiliate code with 10 different companies to share with others to provide a 10% discount on their purchases. Follow Jami Brannon’s classes and Mahjong adventures on Facebook and Instagram at @MahjongWithJami.
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
What to Read this Month
Whenever I have even a little bit of free time, you can find me either picking up items for my TBR (to be read) list at the Chelsea Library, or at home reading on my back porch or in bed.
I started reading on the regular back in 2022, when I devoured all of Colleen Hoover’s books. From there, I moved to Taylor Jenkins Reid and Laura Dave. Then, I read my first thriller book, “The Last House Guest,” by Megan Miranda.
After that, I was hooked. For the last two plus years, I’ve been on a thriller reading rampage. My top five authors have been Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden, Mary Kubica, Shari Lapena and Lucy Foley.
Earlier this year, I gave in and started listening to audio books. I enjoy listening to (different) books while I’m driving, so I have two books going at the same time.
I’m super active on GoodReads, sharing what I’m reading, what I want to read, and what I’ve read. I had a goal to read 50 books this year, which is pretty ambitious considering all of the things I’m involved in. I passed my goal in October and am now up to over 56 books! I’ve already surpassed my numbers for 2023 (43 books) and 2024 (54 books).
Since I consider myself somewhat of a reading connoisseur, I thought I’d give the ladies at the library a break and share some of my top book recommendations.
“The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden
Millie is a young woman with a troubled past who takes a live-in job working for the wealthy Winchester family. At first, the job seems like a lifeline—she’ll have a place to stay and a fresh start. But soon, Millie realizes something is very wrong inside the Winchester home. Nina Winchester, her employer, behaves erratically, and Andrew, Nina’s handsome husband, seems too good to be true. As Millie uncovers the family’s disturbing secrets, she discovers that nothing—and no one—in the house is what it seems.
“The Wife Upstairs” by Rachel Hawkins
Meet Jane, a broke dog-walker new to Birmingham, Alabama. In the wealthy neighborhood of Thornfield Estates, she quietly pockets trinkets from her clients—until she meets Eddie Rochester, a rich, brooding widower whose wife, Bea, vanished in a boating accident. As Jane and Eddie grow close, she’s haunted by Bea’s glamorous legacy and her own dark secrets. *Freida McFadden has a book by the same name and I also highly recommend it!
“The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave Before Owen Michaels disappears he smuggles a note to his beloved wife of one year: Protect her. Despite her confusion and fear, Hannah Hall knows to whom the note refers—Owen’s 16-yearold daughter, Bailey, who lost her mother tragically as a child and wants nothing to do with her new stepmother. *Movie streaming on Apple TV+
“The Couple Next Door” by Shari Lapena
Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all—a loving marriage, a beautiful home, and a new baby. But when they return home one night to find their daughter gone, their perfect life shatters. As the police investigate, secrets begin to surface—about Anne’s struggles, Marco’s business troubles, and their complicated relationships with their wealthy neighbors. Each revelation twists the story further, proving that no one is as innocent as they seem.
*Reportedly being developed into a television series by Paramount Television
“A Flicker in the Dark” by Stacy Willingham
When Chloe Davis was 12, six teenage girls went missing in her small Louisiana town. By the end of the summer, Chloe’s father had been arrested as a serial killer and promptly put in prison. Chloe and the rest of her family were left to grapple with the truth and try to move forward while dealing with the aftermath.
*Was previously reported to be an upcoming HBO Max series
*A movie based on the book will be in theaters on Dec. 19.
Chelsea Library Calendar
Library Info 16623 U.S. 280, Chelsea, AL
Mon.-Thu.: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205-847-5750 | cityofchelsea.com/225/Library-Home
Mondays: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 12-14). 4-6 p.m.
Wednesdays: Tot Time. 10:30 a.m.
Wednesdays: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 15 and up). 4:45-6:45 p.m.
Thursdays: Musical Munchkins at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Fridays: Bring your own craft. 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 and 15: Chess Club. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Nov. 4: Teen Book Club. 5 p.m. Discussing “Old School” by Gordon Korman.
Nov. 8: Lego Saturday. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nov. 13: Second Thursday Book Club. 11:30 a.m. Discussing “The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: The True Story of the Magic Of Reading” by James Patterson and Matt Eversman.
Nov. 15: Pokemon Trading Club. 10-11 a.m.
Nov. 17: Beyond Books. 6 p.m. Create a Christmas Tree from books. Space is limited; registration required.
Nov. 22: K.Z.T. Steam Day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PHOTOS BY BRITTNEY FIELDS
Thanksgiving Arrives
The Cracker Barrel is slammed. And loud. Inside, there isn’t much in the way of elbow room. There are heaps of people. And I am trying to master the wooden Triangle Peg game.
The object of this game, of course, is simple. Leave the fewest pegs remaining on the triangle as possible. Finish a game with only one peg is left; you are a NASA-level genius. Two pegs; you are moderately clever. Four pegs; your parents are first cousins.
SEAN DIETRICH
I love Cracker Barrel. But then, I have a long history with this institution. I’ve eaten at Cracker Barrels from Beaverton, Oregon, to Prattville, Alabama. I’ve eaten here on Thanksgiving, the day I graduated college, the morning after my wedding, and the day after my father died. The food suits me.
The overhead music always has steel guitar in it. The people in the giftshop always ask how you’re doing. And if you’re bored, you can always embarrass your wife by buying a Davy Crockett hat and wearing it into the dining room.
Today, an elderly couple is sitting next to me as I fiddle with the peg game. The old man is skinny. She is frail. They are shoulder to shoulder.
The man is wearing a hospital bracelet. His entire lower leg is in a medical brace. His face is bruised purple. There is dried blood on his forearms. He is resting his head onto the old woman’s shoulder because it looks like he’s been through hell itself.
These men are modern day saints. You can have your reality TV stars and your social media influencers. Show me an EMT, and I’ll show you the embodiment of all that is good in America.
Meantime, behind me is a young family with several kids. Four boys. Three boys healthy looking. One is not. One child is small and slight, with a colostomy bag. He has another electronic device mounted on his head, just behind the ear. I believe it’s a neuroprosthetic implant for those with hearing problems.
The boy stares at his older brother’s plate and says, “Can I have some of your pancakes, J.D.?”
J.D. rolls his eyes. “You mean, you already finished your pancakes? You pig.”
“I was hungry, J.D.”
She is helping him drink his Coke with a straw.
“Thank you, Judy,” he says between sips.
She just pats his head.
On the other side of the dining room is a table of paramedics. They are young, wearing buzz cuts, cargo pants, radios mounted on their shoulders. Their eyes are drooping, the coffee evidently isn’t helping. It looks like they’ve had a long night.
I eavesdrop on their conversation:
“What’re you doing for Thanksgiving?”
“Sleeping,” says the other.
“Yeah, well, I’m just gonna give my kids KFC and go back to bed, I’ve worked two ten-hour shifts. I’m about to start hallucinating.”
J.D. does something incredible. Although he is a teenager, and although he is at that age where kids are notoriously selfish, the teenage boy relinquishes his pancakes and places them onto his little brother’s plate. J.D. hasn’t even taken a bite of his pancakes yet, and still, he gives them away.
The little boy’s face glows like a landing strip. “Thanks, J.D!”
Across from me, I see the elderly woman is now feeding the elderly man. She is administering spoonfuls of grits to his mouth, blowing on them to cool them down, then dabbing his chin with a napkin. Occasionally, she kisses his forehead.
Then, the room fills with a loud beeping sound. Everyone’s heads turn to look at the EMTs, whose radios are squawking and hissing. The paramedics stand. They leave cash on the table. They slam their coffees.
They jog out of the restaurant, and we all see them through the windows. Off to save a life. They pile into their vehicles, sound the sirens, and speed toward hell itself.
As it happens, I’m not smart enough to conquer the peg game, but I know a few things. I know that people are beautiful. I know that life is a treat that does not last half as long as we expect. I know that the elderly couple beside me embodies the purest of love known to humans. I know that J.D. is a good brother.
And I know that this Thanksgiving, all EMTs should be granted a pay raise.
ILLUSTRATION BY 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
Air Fryer Chicken
If your Thanksgiving table is looking a little smaller this year, skip the ginormous turkey and make my Air Fryer Whole Chicken instead. It’s juicy, golden, and the perfect size for a cozy gathering or Friendsgiving. Plus, it leaves your oven wide open for casseroles, sides, and all those pies waiting their turn.
I’m a big fan of those $5 rotisserie chickens from Sam’s and Costco, but sometimes you just want that same flavor without the drive. This air fryer version hits the spot—simple to season, quick to cook, and every bit as good as store-bought. Now, you can focus on the important things like choosing between pumpkin or pecan pie.
Ingredients
1 (4-pound) whole chicken (giblets removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
(Optional Step) I like to tie the chicken legs together with unflavored dental floss or kitchen twine. It’s not a must, but sure improves the appearance when serving the chicken whole.
If you’re cooking the chicken strictly to chop or shred for other recipes, just go ahead and spread out the legs in the air fryer. It will actually cook it a little faster that way.
Preheat a 5- to 6.5-quart air fryer at 360°F for 3 minutes.
Season Chicken
Meanwhile, rub or brush the entire outside of the chicken with oil.
Combine the garlic salt, onion powder and paprika, then sprinkle it over the entire chicken. (Or use your favorite seasoning blend.)
Air Fry Chicken Whole
Place the chicken, breast side down, in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 360°F for 30 minutes.
Carefully turn over the chicken with tongs. Cook for another 20 minutes or until an instant read thermometer registers 170°F in the thickest part of the thigh and 165°F in the breast.
Carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest 10 minutes before cutting for the juiciest chicken results.
Yields: One (4-pound) whole chicken, cooked, will equal approximately 3 to 3 ½ cups chopped or shredded chicken. It will serve 4 to 6 people cut into legs, thighs, and breasts.
My LOL doll. OLIVIA
Mrs. Cooley’s Class is Thankful for…
With Thanksgiving coming up later this month, we checked in with Mrs. Cooley’s Kindergarten class at Chelsea Park Elementary and asked them what they were thankful for.
Having a PS5 and a VR headset. COLSON
My mom. CARRA Planes.WARREN Presents. LORENZO Myparents. CARTER Mymom. TRIPPMyfriendsandmy familyandmypets andeverything! ALEYAH Myhouse! SADIE My parents giving me new toys! RAY My mom working. AJ TheunicornduckieIgot fromthetreasurebox.OAKLEY Myparents.CARTER Myfriends.AVA
Wrap Up Some Thanksgiving Fun
Colorful turkey craft to keep little hands busy
Looking for a fun and festive way to keep the kids entertained during Thanksgiving break? This adorable yarn-and-ribbon turkey is the perfect holiday project. It’s simple to put together and makes a bright addition to your Thanksgiving table or mantel. Using materials you can find easily at the crafts store, this turkey is a great way to encourage creativity while celebrating the season.
Materials
• Wooden discs or cardboard
• Brown yarn
• Assorted ribbon
• Orange and red felt
Instructions
• Googly eyes
• 2 clothespins
• Scissors
• Glue gun
1. Cut out two cardboard circles, a larger one for the body and a smaller one for the turkey’s face. (We used wooden discs in 3- and 6-inch sizes.)
2. Wrap the larger circle with brown yarn, overlapping pieces as you go, until the surface is mostly covered. Secure the ends of the yarn with a dab of hot glue.
3. Cut several pieces of ribbon, about 6 to 8 inches long each. Fold each piece in half to form a loop, and hot-glue them around the back edge of the turkey’s body to create colorful “feathers.”
4. Glue googly eyes onto the smaller circle. Cut a small triangle from orange felt to make the beak, and attach it below the eyes. Add a red felt or ribbon wattle under the beak.
5. Hot-glue the turkey face to the front of the yarnwrapped “body.”
6. Clip two clothespins to the bottom of the turkey to create legs, allowing it to stand on your mantel or table.
Neely Haynes, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, is a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and is the owner of Harbor Counseling, located at 1063 Narrows Way, Suite D., Birmingham, AL 35242. harborcounselingllc.com
Radical Accountability
I have noticed a huge accountability crisis these days. This is where I have to be honest and say that sometimes I can feel frustrated with my own profession in how it can encourage too much labeling and not enough accountability. I think understanding why you’re doing what you’re doing is very important, but that is only the first part of the equation because understanding does not equal permission. I am going to say that again: understanding does not equal permission.
We can truly understand our behavior, but I feel as though we have gotten away from the accountability aspect of it. And that is often included by attaching it to a mental health diagnosis. “I can’t be organized because I have ADHD.” “I have a hard time socializing because I have anxiety.” “I can’t clean up or take care of myself because I have depression.” “I can’t learn boundaries and social cues because I am neurodivergent.” Truthfully, all of those will be true if you believe them. Diagnoses are jumping off places for us to understand what we are working with, but they are not defining us as a person, nor should they hinder us from growth. I am not saying those diagnoses do not exist or that they do not have challenges and accommodations, but the goals should be the same regardless: for us to continue to grow and deepen our ability to be in our lives and relationships, and strengthen our resilience. We have to lean into radical accountability to do this.
Radical accountability is like when you drop something and it breaks. Maybe you were pushed. Maybe you tripped. Maybe something outside of
your control was a factor there. At the end of the day, radical accountability says, “I broke it.” To do so is empowering, because now you can actually move into dealing with what’s in front of you and the consequences of what happened. We have to stop making excuses for ourselves, our emotions, and our experiences, even in the worst of circumstances. Being able to say, “I did it. It was me. I broke it.” needs to happen more than it is.
My basketball coach sat all of us down when we moved up to varsity and told us that he was going to yell at us, and if he heard from our mamas, we would run. That you will be on time for practice regardless if you couldn’t drive, and that, “If you’re early you’re on time. If you’re on time you’re late, and if you’re late, you’re selfish.” If you came in as the buzzer went off that indicated the start of practice—do not ask, you had to run 10 laps. If you missed practice because you were sick, you owed 10 suicides for every practice missed. And if you were a starter, you sat the first minute. This was not to be mean. This was fair. This was radical accountability. You showed your team that you were committed, regardless of illness, vacation, poor planning, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings. We need more of this from therapy, regardless of your diagnosis. Accommodations? OF COURSE, so long as they are not hindering you from becoming the best version of yourself you can be. We have to lean into this more, and stop blaming others, circumstances, our emotions, and our diagnoses for our actions. Radical accountability is freedom.
CPES Teacher of the Year Art teacher Austin Self
Austin Self said he didn’t initially set out to teach elementary school, but was fortunate to have several exceptional teachers who recognized his appreciation for art.
School News: Chelsea Park
“Their encouragement was crucial, and it highlighted the importance of nurturing artistic abilities from a young age,” he said. “Over time, I developed an appreciation for elementary education because I’ve observed that many adults lack the ability to transform ideas into visual expressions. Teaching these foundational skills early on provides individuals with more time to develop and refine their own abilities.”
Q. How long have you been teaching?
This will be my 11th year.
Q. How do you keep your students excited about coming to your class each week?
I love creating art, and I believe the students can sense that enthusiasm, which makes them
CPES named Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Chelsea Park Elementary was recently recognized as one of the newest 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Lighthouse Schools in the nation. CPES will be honored for this special recognition at the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference in Orlando in December.
Their Facebook post read, “We want to thank our students, parents, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders for all their hard work and support during this school improvement process. Chelsea Park is a special place, and we are thankful for everyone’s support in helping us provide the best education and educational experiences for our students!”
eager to learn what I have to share.
Q. What does being named “Teacher of the Year” mean to you?
It came as a bit of a surprise. I try to focus on making a positive impact by being as helpful as possible to my school and students. This recognition is an honor, and it reinforces the importance of dedication and passion in education. It motivates me to continue creating a supportive and inspiring environment where students can thrive and succeed.
Q. What are your hopes or goals for the upcoming school year?
I aim for a successful school year by achieving
several goals. I plan to host an end-of-year Art Show, boost student participation in my after-school arts, games, and new sports club, and effectively implement Chelsea Park’s new initiative of in-school clubs at the end of every nine weeks. I will be leading a chess club as part of this initiative and hope students will develop an interest in it.
Q. What’s the funniest or sweetest thing a student has ever said to you?
I have heard countless absurdly hilarious things come from children over the years. I cannot begin to pick the funniest. I’ve always found the sweetest thing is when a child draws something specifically for me. I have a filing cabinet filled with drawings I have kept over the years.
Q. If you could tell your students one thing they’ll always remember, what would it be?
If it feels difficult, it probably matters. You don’t build strength by being powerful. You build it by showing up when you feel powerless. So if you feel tired, uncertain, and behind, you might just be in the middle of becoming, and that’s exactly where you’re supposed to be.
National Custodian Day
The custodians, Mrs. Cindy, Mrs. Tina, Mr. James and Mrs. Joanne, along with maintenance man Mr. Darrell, were recognized for National Custodian Day on October 2.
FOES Teacher of the Year
Maria Tarry, ELL teacher, who is in her 30th year of teaching.
Principal Stevi Sims said that Tarry goes above and beyond to help her students succeed and feel safe and happy at school.
“She communicates so well with ESL families and makes her students feel loved on an individual, personal level,” Sims said. “Mrs. Tarry is constantly thinking of what is best for our students and she is purposeful in everything she does. She is a leader and never ceases in her pursuit of excellence.”
Q. What inspired you to become an elementary school teacher?
Becoming a mother and realizing how much I love being around and talking with children.
Q. What do you love most about working with your ELL students?
Them and their families. They are the sweetest, kindest in the entire school!
Q. What does being named Teacher of the Year mean to you?
I feel very honored that my fellow teachers think that much of me.
Q. What do you think makes your classroom special?
My students.
Q. How do you keep your students excited about learning every day?
I try to relate what we are learning to their unique and different backgrounds. We talk
about many different countries, their cultures, geography, and festivals.
Q. What’s the funniest or sweetest thing a student has ever said to you?
There are so, so many things over 30 years. One student asked me to go to grandparents breakfast with her since her grandparents were in another country. A kindergartener once told me that I would have to take my teeth out when I got old because that is what his grandmother does every night.
Q. What’s the best piece of advice another teacher ever gave you?
In any situation where you are unsure of a
decision, always go in favor of what is best for the student.
Q. If you could tell your students one thing they’ll always remember, what would it be?
That I love them.
Q. What are your hopes or goals for the upcoming school year?
To make it memorable for my students, and to enjoy our time together.
Q. How do you hope your students remember you when they move on? That they were loved and valued.
Custodian Appreciation Day
FOES celebrated Mr. James, Ms. Megan and Ms. Jenna (not pictured) with a special cookie treat on October 2 to recognize them for their service and dedication to the school.
School News: Chelsea Middle
ChMS Teacher of the Year
Summer Lollar, 6th-grade Challenge English Language Arts and 6th-grade Scholars Bowl Coach
Currently in her eighth year of teaching, Lollar has taught English Language Arts to every grade from 6th through Dual Enrollment English 101 (except for 9th grade).
Q. What inspired you to become a teacher, and what drew you to middle school in particular?
Many years of playing in my grandmother’s “school room” inspired me to become a teacher. I would spend hours in the summer writing on her chalkboard, “assigning” lessons from retired grammar textbooks, and creating presentations based on information I would take from her set of encyclopedias. I have always loved learning, and I am drawn to the middle-school age group because they still show their own love for learning.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working with middle-school students?
How thankful they are to be in a safe, fun learning environment. Many days, I have students leaving class after working their hardest stop to tell me “Thank you!” before heading out the door. At first, I questioned what they were thanking me for, but I am so apprecia-
tive of their outlook on the opportunity to come to school and know they are a part of something great!
Q. What does being named Teacher of the Year mean to you?
Being named Teacher of the Year is such an honor. I am proud to know that I have shown the administrative team, my colleagues, and students that I will do whatever it takes to make ChMS a positive place for everyone.
Q. What do you think makes your classroom or teaching style stand out?
My students learn quickly that I hold them to very high expectations because I know they are capable of their best every day. I do my best to find a balance between pushing students to challenge themselves while fostering the idea that it is okay to make mistakes and fail forward.
Q. How do you keep middle schoolers engaged and motivated to learn?
I try my best to find fun and engaging ways to reiterate the skills that we practice. That might
look like a basketball tournament-style review competition, dressing up as a Hollywood director when we read plays, or using music and a disco light to analyze figurative language. Anything to add a little humor makes a skill more memorable!
Q. If you could give one piece of advice to your students as they head to high school, what would it be?
Get involved! Find a club, sport, organization that relates to your interests. Participate in as many school events as possible and enjoy those moments with your peers!
Q. What are your goals for this school year
This school year, my goal is to continue to find ways to make connections with students through the learning process. I want every student to feel that they have a place in our school and that they have someone on their team.
Custodian Appreciation Day
The ChMS PTO recognized the school’s custodians on October 2 for their hard work and dedication to the school.
Volleyball teams are SOCON champs
Congratulations to the ChMS 7th- and 8th-grade volleyball teams on their SOCON Championships! Both teams went undefeated during the tournament.
School News: Chelsea High
CHHS Teacher of the Year
Aline Bou, Math Teacher
In her 19th year teaching, Bou currently teaches AP Precalculus and Algebra II with Statistics, and has previously taught Algebra I, Geometry, and Math Modeling.
Q. What inspired you to become a teacher, and what led you to work at the high school level?
I’ve always enjoyed mathematics and knew early on that I wanted to major in math in college. Ironically, I used to say I would never teach! After graduation, I began my career as an actuarial analyst with a large consulting firm. When my son was born, I felt a strong pull to make a change. Teaching gave me the chance to share my love of math and still be present for my family.
While I was at Samford, I had two professors, Dr. Stanley and Dr. Foreman, that made a big impact on me. They were so kind and patient, and they made math feel approachable. I wasn’t someone who always “got it” right away. I had to work for it. I was the student asking a lot of questions and showing up at office hours until it clicked. Their support stayed with me, and I try to bring that same encouragement to my own classroom.
I chose to teach at the high-school level because I truly enjoy this age group. They’re funny, thoughtful, and starting to discover who they are. I get to build meaningful connections with them and show that math isn’t just about numbers. It’s also about perseverance, problem-solving, and confidence. My goal is for every student to leave my class feeling capable and maybe even liking math a little more than when they walked in.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working with high-school students?
I love the connections I get to build with high-school students. They make me laugh, challenge me, and surprise me each day. I also love supporting them beyond the classroom, whether that’s cheering them on at athletic events or watching their performances in band or theater.
Q. What does being named Teacher of the Year mean to you personally and professionally?
I absolutely love what I do! Being named Teacher of the Year is an incredible honor. I’ve only been at Chelsea High for three years, so to have my colleagues recognize me in this way is very special and deeply appreciated. Teaching is hard work, and we often spend countless hours preparing because we want to give our students the best. Even after 19 years in education, I’m still learning and striving to grow. For others to see and acknowledge that dedication means the world to me.
Q. How do you keep your students engaged and motivated— especially as they’re preparing for college or careers? Keeping students engaged starts with helping them see that math matters, not just for tests, but for life. In my classroom, we focus not
only on the mathematical content but also on the skills that will carry them into college and careers: problem solving, perseverance, and collaboration.
Q. What’s one of the funniest or most meaningful things a student has ever said to you?
One funny note that I’ve received, “Thank you for being a reasonably fun teacher!” One of the most meaningful cards that I’ve received (and re-read some days), “Mrs. Bou, Your class has been a game changer for me! I have developed a much better understanding of math, and even an enjoyment. You’ve always been open to help me reach an understanding of the content, and you make a noticeable effort to prepare your students for success. You always take note of what we struggle on, and talk to us to show us that you care. I greatly appreciate the energy you put into your class and students, and I can’t express enough how meaningful that is to me. It is important to have a teacher who cares about your success, celebrates your wins, and pushes you to exceed expectations. You have been that teacher for me, and for that, I thank you deeply.”
Q. What are your goals for this school year?
Last year was my first opportunity to teach an AP course, and while it was definitely a challenge, I loved how it stretched me as an educator. Now that I have one year behind me, my main goal for this school year is to make AP Precalculus even better. Over the summer, I attended an excellent training specific to the course, and I’m excited to incorporate more hands-on and collaborative learning opportunities.
Q. What advice would you share with someone just starting out in teaching?
Seek out colleagues in your content area who are really good at what they do: watch them teach, ask questions, and learn from their experience. Most teachers are happy to share ideas and help you along the way. Also, celebrate the small wins. Some days you will feel like you nailed it and other days your perfectly planned lesson will fall apart and that’s okay. Use those opportunities to learn, adjust and improve.
CHHS Principal Dr. Brandon Turner said that Ms. Bou is a valued professional in all aspects of her job here at Chelsea High School and was very deserving of this honor.
“A great academic highlight for Ms. Bou is the fact that all of her students last year in Advanced Placement Precalculus made a passing score on the AP exam, which is very difficult to accomplish. However, she not only is great at teaching her content, but also works well with colleagues and shows a genuine concern for her students as people. There is never an instance in which she does not work towards the overall goals here at CHHS, and we are thankful to have her as part of our staff.”
School News: Shelby County
Choral workshop
On Octover 7, singers from all Shelby County middle and high schools who were planning to audition for All State Honor Choirs gathered at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center for a choral intensive workshop. Their choir directors worked with them on their audition pieces to better prepare them for the November auditions.
Chelsea High School News Continued
CHHS Homecoming Court
Congratulations to the 2025 Homecoming Queen, Willow Simpson, and her court.
9th grade: Phoebe Garrard; 10th grade: Alley Parker; 11th grade: Ava Andrews; 12th grade: Olivia Bachus, Sophia Bagley, and Alyssa Daigneault.
Porter Schott was voted Homecoming King.
Attendance Awareness
September was Attendance Awareness Month and Shelby County Schools saw a reduction in absences during September. The central office wants students (and parents) to make attendance a priority every day, and shared a calendar can help plan vacations and events to avoid missing important instructional time.
CSI meetings
District leaders, administrators, and teachers gathered for CSI (Continuous School Improvement) meetings in October. The meetings are an important part of the Shelby County Schools instructional process, where data is reviewed and improvement plans are developed to ensure student success.
City & Community News
Chelsea City Council
Tennis complex coming soon
During their October 7 meeting, the Chelsea City Council approved a bid for construction of a competition tennis complex. The complex will officially belong to the city but will be used by the tennis team at Chelsea High School.
Milam & Company LLC had the lowest bid for the project at $2,498,503.16.
Business News
Council member Casey Morris said that it will be located at the Highway 11 Sports Complex on Ace Ave. and feature eight courts, two pavilions and a large clubhouse area. “It’s an exciting project that has been a long time coming,” Morris said.
Mayor Tony Picklesimer added that it was actually one of the visions of former Mayor Earl Niven and said he is very happy to see it happen.
The November city council meetings will be on November 3 and 18 at 6 p.m. with the pre-meeting at 5 p.m.
Aldi Grand Opening
Aldi was scheduled to have a grand opening on October 30 at 150 Chelsea Corners Way.
The store offers groceries, including fresh produce, along with seasonal products and more and provides an option for curbside pickup through Instacart. stores.aldi.us/al/chelsea/150-chelsea-corners-way
Cardiac
Solutions Now Open at 100 Jade Park, Chelsea
Cardiac Solutions provides AED devices, training and support for schools, businesses and healthcare, along with management programs across the country. Hours are Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 888-223-2939, cardiac-solutions.net
Ember & Luxe Co. Grand Opening
Ember & Luxe Co. held a grand opening on October 11 at 48 Chesser Crane Road, Ste. K., Chelsea. The store features Permanent Jewelry by Amanda, along with items from local makers. The jewelry is hand welded, waterproof and sentimental and options include permanent bracelets, necklaces, rings and anklets; Stacking rings, customizable loop rings, bangles and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The store is closed on Sunday, Monday and Friday. 205-445-9036, instagram.com/ember.luxe.co
High Cotton Boutique Grand Reopening
High Cotton Boutique held a grand reopening at their location at 415 Chelsea Crossroads on October 3, followed by a ribbon cutting on October 8. Former owner Christy Mock is back as owner with lots of fresh styles of clothing and accessories. Hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205-899-2368, highcottonboutique.com
Modern Dental is coming to 16691 U.S. 280, Chelsea in December 2025.
According to their website, the practice is a re-imagined experience rooted in trust, comfort, and whole-person wellness. Their new space in Chelsea is designed to offer comprehensive, high-tech care in an environment that’s calm, welcoming, and judgment-free. Dr. Steven Beard is the owner, and services include implants, cosmetics, sedation, emergency and general dentistry. Hours are Monday and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 205-855-6476, themoderndental.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF HIGH COTTON BOUTIQUE FACEBOOK High Cotton Boutique ribbon cutting.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMBER & LUXE CO. FACEBOOK Ember & Luxe Co. Ribbon Cutting
Events in and around
November 1: Back to One: Take 5 Hero Shot Book Release Party. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11661 Old Hwy. 280. Noon to 4 p.m. Back to One: Take 5 HERO SHOT by Antonia Gavrihel will be released in November 2025. The author will have autographed advance copies at the pre-release book signing.
November 1: Music with Marshall Mikesell and Food by Blacktop Bistro. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11661 Old Hwy. 280. Music 1-4 p.m. and food noon to 3 p.m. cat-n-bird.com
November 8: Music with Otis Walker and Food by Orbit City Street Food. Cat-n -Bird Winery, 11661 Old Hwy. 280. Music 1-4 p.m. and food noon to 3 p.m. cat-n-bird.com
Chelsea
November 15: Music with Jim N I Duo and Food by Smash Masters. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11661 Old Hwy. 280. Music 1-4 p.m. and food noon to 3 p.m. cat-n-bird.com
November 17: Create a Tree from Books. Chelsea Library, 16623 Hwy. 280. 6-7 p.m. Learn how to make a cute Christmas tree out of book pages. More details at cityofchelsea.com.
Chelsea Community Center
November 1: Fall Craft Fair. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop from local crafters, artists, bakers and small businesses while enjoying a festive community atmosphere. The event is free to the public.
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.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Advanced Pickleball. 8-11 a.m. Chelsea Community Center, Gym 1.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Beginner Pickleball. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chelsea Community Center, Gym 2.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Intermediate Pickleball. 1-9 p.m. Chelsea Community Center, Gym 1.
Saturday: Pickleball Open Play. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chelsea Community Center, Gym 1.
Monday and Thursday: 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.
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: 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.
Tuesday and Thursday: Ti Da Na Martial Arts Class. Tuesday and Thursday 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday: Oyama Karate. Tuesday 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Activity Room.
Mondays: Yoga Class. 6:30 p.m.. All levels of experience are welcome at this free yoga class every Monday. Bring a mat.
Wednesdays: Textile Club. Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sewing, crocheting, embroidery and quilting. Bring your project and a sack lunch. This is an adults-only event.
Fridays: Spectrum Support of Chelsea. Fridays at 12:30 p.m.. 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
November 1-2: Moss Rock Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Hoover Met at 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway. The Moss Rock Festival is an eco-creative festival that celebrates art, design, nature, and sustainable living, featuring juried artists, live music, a beer garden, and various interactive experiences. Details at mossrockfestival.com
Nov. 5-9: Christmas Village Festival. Times vary. BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. Enjoy a festive holiday market featuring handmade crafts, seasonal décor, unique gifts, and a cheerful atmosphere perfect for family shopping. More details at christmasvillagefestival.org.
November 8: Appalachian Festival. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oak Mountain State Park. 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham. Experience the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian region at Oak Mountain State Park’s first annual Appalachian Festival. This family-friendly event offers artisan demonstrations, live music, food trucks, and coincides with the XTERRA Appalachian Trail Festival. More info at alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park
Nov. 11: Veteran’s Day Parade. 1 p.m. Downtown Birmingham. The heart of Birmingham will come alive with patriotic pride as crowds gather to honor service members during one of the nation’s oldest and largest Veterans Day parades. More information at nationalveteransday.org/parade.
Nov. 16: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet. 4 p.m. Alabama Theatre, 1817 Third Ave. N., Birmingham.Share the joy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet with family and friends and give the gift of a spectacular, memory-making holiday experience set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Tickets and more details at alabamatheatre.com.
November 20-22: Market Noel. Nov. 20, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Nov. 22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Finley Center, 5508 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover. Market Noel, presented by The Junior League of Birmingham, brings together more than 100 unique and diverse vendors from across the country for a four-day shopping event. Special events include Preview Noel, JLB Hearts Birmingham, Milk and Cookies with Santa and Brunch with the Big Guy. More information at marketnoel.net.
Nov. 22: Opening Night of Glow Wild at Birmingham Zoo. Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Road, Birmingham. Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo is a dazzling nighttime event featuring massive, glowing lantern displays that light up the zoo with vibrant colors and magical scenes for all ages to enjoy. Learn more at birminghamzoo.com.
Marshall Mikesell PHOTO COURTESY OF CAT-N-BIRD WINERY
