Faces & Places 2021

2021

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO

CHILTON COUNTY FOR VISITORS, RESIDENTS AND NEWCOMERS

a special publication of

FACES AND PLACES 2021

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Chilton County — Ricky Porter ................................ 4 Clanton — Blake Shirah ......................................... 14 Jemison — Raynette Ellison .................................20 Thorsby — The Catons ...........................................24 Maplesville — Valle Grande Mexican Grill ...........28

PUBLISHER Tim Prince EDITORIAL Joyanna Love, managing editor Zach Seifter, writer Jerrett Posey, intern Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith, freelance writer MARKETING Zack Bates, marketing consultant CUSTOMER SERVICE Kelsey Hubbard PRESSROOM & MAILROOM Chris Love, production manager Michael Turner, assistant production manager Malinda Nance, mailroom manager

ON THE COVER

Raynette Ellison teaches culinary arts at Jemison High School.

FACES AND PLACES 2021

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CHILTON COUNTY

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE PRINCIPAL ENJOYS BEING LIFELONG CHILTON COUNTY RESIDENT STORY BY JOYANNA LOVE

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FACES AND PLACES 2021

S

ometimes when one grows up in a small town, they look for a way to leave as soon as they graduate high school.

But for Isabella High School Principal Ricky Porter, Chilton County has always been a home he has loved.

“I’ve never lived anywhere else,” Porter said. “… I have always been happy living in Chilton County, and I don’t really have a desire to go anywhere else.”

Porter grew up in the Providence community.

He attended Jemison schools and graduated from Jemison High School.

“It was a great experience. I had great teachers,” Porter said.

He went on to complete his bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Montevallo.

“Then, I came back and started teaching in Chilton County,” Porter said. “So, basically all my life I’ve just went to school.”

His extended family is here, and he is involved in his church, The Church at Robinson Springs.

“I enjoy doing what I do,” Porter said. “I have a wonderful family and life and don’t have a desire to go anywhere else or look for anything else.”

Although, he has had the opportunity to go somewhere else.

“I value the peace and satisfaction (here) more

than the few extra dollars that might be earned (elsewhere),” Porter said.

Porter and his family moved to Collins Chapel about 11 years ago. This makes for a short commute to Isabella High School, where he has served as principal for the past 15 years.

“It takes me 12 to 15 minutes typically to get here, so I don’t live right on top of the school which, in my opinion, is probably a blessing but at same time I can be here in 10 to 15 minutes,” Porter said.

Prior to becoming the IHS principal, he had worked for a year as the assistant principal at Thorsby High School.

“I had been a drivers ed teacher and P.E teacher … traveling to Thorsby, Isabella and Maplesville for about … five years, so when the position opened up at Isabella I was very familiar with the school and a lot of people at the school,” Porter said.

He said Isabella was similar to Thorsby, so he decided to apply.

Both IHS and THS had kindergarten to 12th grade, and preschool classes have since been added.

“It is quite challenging being the principal at … a pre-K-12 school,” Porter said. “I get to see a wide variety of all of it.”

Each level has different curriculum and assessments.

“It is very rewarding being the principal at a K-12 school or a pre-K-12 school because we get to see them from the beginning as kindergarten students all the way through until they graduate from high school,” Porter said.

The high school graduating class of 2021 had also received their kindergarten diplomas and sixth grade diplomas from Porter.

“(I was able) to watch them all the way through and just to have that experience with a lot of the students and a lot of the families is very rewarding,” Porter said. “It goes right along with our mission statement at Isabella, which is ‘ Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.’”

This focus begins in preschool by teaching soft skills and emphasizing good character traits.

“We try to approach it (education) holistically from pre-k and kindergarten all the way through to the 12th grade,” Porter said. “There are not a lot of K-12 schools, but it is very rewarding to work at one.”

Porter said his leadership team keeps things going smoothly.

“I rely greatly on them because it is impossible to be an expert in all of the different areas from K-12,” Porter said. “I have an instructional reading coach and an elementary counselor that does a tremendous job with the details of the elementary. I have a high school counselor, an assistant principal that is focused primarily on the high school side of the building.”

“Delegating different areas of responsibility” helps each school day be a success.

Porter said he still tries to know what is going on with all aspects of the school, “but I don’t feel like I have to personally oversee every little thing that goes on, that would be impossible.”

A desire to coach is what initially piqued Porter’s interest in working in education.

His coaching career includes Jemison High School and later Thorsby High School.

“I have coached every sport: football, basketball, baseball and softball,” Porter said.

At THS in 2004, he was the athletic director and head football coach before taking the THS assistant principal position.

“My goal always was to be able to make a difference in the lives of my players and my students, help them be the best that they could be, not only as athletes or students but also as adults once they leave high school,” Porter said.

While he was coaching, Porter taught physical education classes, drivers education classes and health classes.

He is in his 29th year as a Chilton County educator. While many may start to look to retirement at that point, Porter said he is still enjoying his career.

Porter and his wife Julie have three children. All of them attend Isabella, and they will be starting fourth, ninth and 10th grade in the 2021-2022 school year.

“I enjoy coming to school every day with them,” Porter said.

Of Julie, Porter said, “I married the love of my life.”

The couple met through her family members that coached with Porter.

“I got to know her and her family really well, and it just kind of grew from there,” Porter said.

They initially met while Julie was still in high school, but started a relationship after she graduated.

When not at IHS, Porter enjoys spending time with his family and serving at The Church at Robinson Springs.

CHILTON COUNTY FAST FACTS COUNTY COURTHOUSE 500 Second Ave N Clanton, AL 35046 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 1948 Clanton, AL 35046 PHONE NUMBER (205) 755-1551

WEBSITE chiltoncounty.org POPULATION 44,428 (2019 estimate) LAND AREA 693.98 square miles

COMMISSION CHAIRMAN Joseph Parnell 205-688-6991 COUNTY COMMISSION Joe Headley 205-287-1689 Jimmie Hardee 205-389-2181

Allen Williams 205-368-3338 Randell Kelly 205-688-0985 Darrell Bone 205-294-5540 Matthew Mims 205-389-6161 FACES AND PLACES 2021

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Peach Festival Perhaps Chilton County’s best known annual event is the Peach Festival, which occurs during harvest time in June. For two weeks, many events occur throughout the county, including a 5K run, pageants, parade, auction and the Peach Jam.

PEACH RUN

The annual Peach Run is sponsored by Cornerstone Fitness & Wellness in Clanton. There are both a 5K and a 10K run through downtown Clanton. One of the best places to watch the race is along Alabama Highway 145 between Cornerstone and downtown.

There are cash prizes and winners named in several age divisions in both male and female categories. For more information, call fitness director Lesia Childress at 205-280-6450.

MISS PEACH PAGEANTS

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FACES AND PLACES 2021

There are four categories in the Miss Peach Pageants: Little Miss (ages 5-7), Young Miss (8-11), Junior Miss (12-14) and Miss (15-18). The pageants are always on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday night during the Peach Festival.

Winners earn scholarships and other prizes.

PEACH JAM JUBILEE

The annual Peach Jam Jubilee, sponsored by the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce, is held the last Saturday in June.

Local entertainment also performs. There are food vendors and arts and crafts vendors, as well as kids’ rides, games and more.

Call the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce at 205-7552400 for more information.

PEACH PARADE

The annual Peach Parade is held the last Saturday in June. It starts at the Park Plaza shopping center near Clanton City Park and circles through downtown Clanton. For more information, contact the Clanton Lions Club on Facebook.

PEACH AUCTION

The Peach Auction is held at Senior Connection, and always directly follows the Peach Parade. The 2021 event raised $24,200.

The fundraiser benefits Clanton Lions Club and its charitable work, which includes providing glasses and eye care to children through Alabama Sight as well as supporting a number of local organizations.

FACES AND PLACES 2021

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Relay

for

Life

Chilton County’s Relay for Life event, held every April, raises money for the American Cancer Society. The event includes entertainment and fun activities. Cancer survivors and their supporters walk around downtown to celebrate the continued fight against the disease. For more information, contact Amy Jolley 205-294-980.

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FACES AND PLACES 2021

Art Festival The Chilton County Arts Council sponsors an annual art festival featuring a variety of works from regional artists.

More than 40 artists participated. The event is held at the Clanton Performing Arts Center. For more information, contact the Arts Council at chiltoncountyartscouncil@hotmail.com.

Christmas in Chilton Every year, the towns of Clanton, Thorsby, Jemison and Maplesville get into the holiday spirit by hosting Christmas activities.

Clanton, Thorsby and Jemison host parades.

Each parade features marching bands, pageant queens, rescue vehicles, politicians, children, flashy vehicles and lots of candy.

Clanton’s Christmas Parade is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chilton County and is held the first Friday in December at 6 p.m. It involves a route that weaves through downtown and showcases Peach Queens and the Pride of Chilton County High School Band.

Jemison hosts a Christmas tree lighting event the last week of November. The Jemison Christmas parade is traditionally held the first Saturday in December and prominently features Jemison High School’s Blue Regiment Marching Band.

Thorsby’s parade is traditionally held the first weekend in December and features the Swedish Queens and the Thorsby High School band.

Maplesville hosts Olde Fashioned Christmas on the first Sunday afternoon in December. The event traditionally features food, vendors, music, reading of the Biblical account and a visit from Santa.

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Independence Day Celebrations

Each year, Chilton County hosts several events to celebrate the United States of America’s birthday.

Clanton’s annual fireworks show is held on July 4 at 9 p.m. in Clanton City Park. For more information, contact City Hall at 205-755-1105.

Maplesville hosts fireworks at the community park on July 4 with festivities starting at around 7 p.m. For more information, call town hall at 334-366-4212.

The town of Thorsby traditionally holds an annual

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FACES AND PLACES 2021

celebration the last Wednesday in June. Each year, the event is held at Richard Wood Memorial Park and is filled with music and fireworks. For more information, contact Thorsby Town Hall at 205-646-3575.

A couple of celebrations are also held on Lake Mitchell, including the Cargile Creek Fourth of July fireworks show and boat parades. For more information, contact Jim McCormick with Lake Mitchell HOBO at jmac51@bellsouth.net.

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Veterans Memorial The Chilton County Veterans Memorial stands in front of the county courthouse on Second Avenue North in Clanton as a reminder of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

The memorial bears the names of Chilton County residents who died in combat in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon and Iraq.

Veteran Morris Price is credited for coming up with the idea while he worked as a property tax appraiser in the courthouse. Price, once a prisoner of war in Korea, also lost a brother in combat.

A drive was started to raise funds for a monument in 1985, and the dream became reality on Memorial Day 1986. The committee that oversees the memorial is made up of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans Associations.

Every Memorial Day, each name is read aloud as a crowd of citizens gathers to pay tribute to the fallen heroes.

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FACES AND PLACES 2021

Lake Mitchell Lake Mitchell is a component of the Coosa River that lies 10 miles east of Clanton.

The 5,850-acre lake averages 29 feet in depth and includes 147 miles of shoreline. Alabama Power constructed Lay Dam in 1923 to provide flood control and hydroelectricity to central Alabama. Since then, Lake Mitchell has become a source of recreation with attractions such as boating, swimming, and fishing.

The lake supports high densities of sport fish, such as largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, walleye, striped bass, hybrid, and white bass.

The Lay Dam tailwater area at the upper end of the lake is a popular recreational area for fishermen.

The Higgins Ferry boat launch is open to the public, and can be accessed by taking the Lake Mitchell exit off I-65, and taking County Road 28 until it dead-ends at Higgins Ferry Park.

Confederate Memorial Park The Alabama Historical Commission’s Confederate Memorial Park near Verbena is a museum, research facility, authentic historical structures, ruins and two cemeteries with more than 300 Confederate soldiers.

The 102-acre park hosts both local guests and tourists, and has the only museum in Alabama that is strictly devoted to the Civil War. New additions to the park include a pavilion for visitor use, signs built along Interstate 65 North and South attracting tourists, a replica of Civil War barracks and a nature trail.

The park hosts an annual battle in April to offer an up-close and personal view of the Civil War. Confederate Memorial Park is located at 437 County Road 63 near Verbena. For more information about the park, call 205-755-1990.

FACES AND PLACES 2021

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CLANTON FROM PARALYZED TO A

DREAM REALIZED BLAKE SHIRAH’S JOURNEY TO FOUNDING A COLLEGE FOOTBALL PROGRAM STORY AND PHOTOS BY ZACHARY SEIFTER

H

e could barely keep himself awake. He was surrounded by smoke. Glass and blood covered his body.

A woman came up to his smashed-in door to get a look at him. She turned her attention to the car floor, and her face turned pale in an instant. The only thing she could say to him was “don’t look down.”

Naturally, his curiosity was piqued, so Blake Shirah looked down, and what he saw would haunt his dreams forever.

It was his legs torn to bits, brutalized by multiple broken bones, and a pool of blood spilling out onto the car floor.

Even though he could see that his legs were destroyed, he could not yet feel it, and that realization was scarier than anything else.

He did not know it yet, but Shirah was paralyzed from the waist down. A drunk driver wrecked his car, and his body, to bits. He survived, but his career as a football player was over, and he was faced with the reality of multiple surgeries, physical therapy and the possibility of never walking again.

A few years prior, Shirah was a local football player, and recent Chilton County High School graduate. During his time at CCHS, the offensive lineman dominated on Friday nights, and he received an offer to play college football at Huntingdon College in Montgomery.

He played there for a few years, and after graduating had the chance to play professionally in the Indoor Football League (IFL).

After a year there, he felt like he needed a change, and change was presented to him in many different forms. He began coaching high school football at Calhoun High School. He also started a semiprofessional football team in Chilton County called the Chilton Tigers.

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FACES AND PLACES 2021

Blake Shirah founded and will coach the Chilton Prep Academy Pirates. He overcame much adversity, like being paralyzed from a car accident, along the way to founding the program.

The number one thing on Shirah’s mind though was giving back to the Chilton County community. He saw the struggles of young people, particularly young athletes in the county. He knew many of them had the talent to play sports beyond their high school years, but could not make it happen, so they never got a college education.

Shirah sought to change that, starting a nonprofit organization that worked to give Chilton County athletes the opportunity to play college sports and receive a college education. He dreamed one day of beginning his own college football program in the county.

That dream would have to wait though.

After he was finished playing in the IFL, Shirah received another opportunity to play football, this time internationally in Mexico.

He wanted to keep playing, so he seized his chance to continue his playing career.

While training before the move, Shirah worked as a solar panel salesman. His work took him across the Southeast, and eventually to Panama City, Florida, where he unknowingly worked his last days on the job.

One night after work, his co-worker wanted to go out for drinks. Shirah was not in a drinking mood, but he wanted his co-worker to be safe, so he offered to drive. They were on their way back home when they came upon a hill.

In an instant, his life changed forever.

“I was in the far-right lane, and came over the hill, and as soon as I came over all I saw were headlights … 60-something miles an hour hit head-on,” Shirah said. “All I knew is I couldn’t feel my legs, and I knew that it was really bad.”

Blake Shirah and the Chilton Prep Academy Pirates team following a summer practice.

It took the paramedics over 30 minutes to get Shirah out of his car. The engine had been smashed into Shirah, burning his hands.

He had glass all over his body. He not only broke both of his legs, but also his hip and multiple ribs.

In the ambulance, Shirah was in desperate need of blood. He had lost so much that his veins had shriveled up, so the paramedic had to come up with something else to get Shirah an IV. “He told me, ‘Look man, I’ll be honest with you, this is going to be the worst pain you ever feel in your life, but we’re doing this to save your life,’” Shirah said. “So, they had to take an eight-gage needle, and they drilled into my collarbone with no pain medicine, nothing to numb it, nothing.”

Once at the hospital, Shirah was surrounded by doctors. He was rushed to emergency surgery, but not before he could sign a waiver clearing the hospital in case they had to amputate the leg, all while falling in and out of consciousness.

He did not know if he would wake up with one leg or two, but Shirah fell asleep one more time, hoping for the best.

The doctors saved his leg. However, when he woke up he still could not feel them on

the surface. He was paralyzed from the waist down. But, he could feel the pain inside his leg caused by his broken bones. That was not the worst news of that day though.

“The doctors told me ‘You have a very slim chance of ever walking again,’” Shirah said.

Things looked bleak for the former CCHS offensive lineman. He was faced with a choice. He could either accept what the doctors told him, and live out the rest of his days in a wheelchair, or fight to walk again.

He made up his mind, and chose to rehab.

“I made two promises,” Shirah said. “No matter what happens, I’m going to be on a sideline again. I’m going to coach again, whether it’s in a wheelchair or in a golf cart. I was going to coach, and I was going to dance with my wife again.”

The rehab process was slow. Shirah began just by doing small physical therapy workouts to build up strength in his legs. He got to the point where he could get himself out of bed and into his wheelchair. He kept getting better and better, but rehab came with other challenges besides physical ones.

“There were days I felt like giving up,” Shirah said. “There were days that I didn’t want to live anymore. I told my mom ‘I don’t want to live like this anymore. I can’t feel my legs, I can’t walk, I’m hurting so bad, I can’t do anything. I can’t even use the bathroom on my own. I don’t want to live anymore.’”

CLANTON FAST FACTS CLANTON CITY HALL 505 Second Ave. N., P.O. Box 580 Clanton, AL 35046-0580 PHONE NUMBER 205-755-1105 FAX NUMBER 205-755-7650

WEBSITE clantonal.gov

ELEVATION 600 feet (183 meters)

District 2: Wade Watley, wwatley@clantonal.gov

POPULATION 8,794 (2019 estimate)

MAYOR Jeff Mims, 205-755-4051

District 3: Don Driver, DoDriver@clantonal.gov

LAND AREA 21.93 square miles

CITY COUNCIL District 1: Billy Singleton, bsingleton@clantonal.gov

District 4: Awlahjaday Agee, aagee@clantonal.gov

ZIP CODE 35046-0580

District 5: Mary Mell Smith, msmith@clantonal.gov FACES AND PLACES 2021

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Shirah was questioning himself and God, looking for a reason why this horrific accident would happen to him.

“The whole time that I was in the hospital and couldn’t get up I was like ‘Why?’ I know I’m not supposed to, but I questioned God. ‘Why me? Why did you do this to me? Why did you save me just to make me like this?’”

Shirah reflected on those questions for some time, but he eventually found his answer. He turned back to that dream of starting a college football program in Chilton County, and soon after receiving a settlement check from the accident, he had what he needed to get a program started.

While trying to get the program off the ground, Shirah finished rehab. He overcame more obstacles to get to the end, being told that it would take him at least a year to be able to get himself out of a wheelchair and walk. Just months after the accident, Shirah

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FACES AND PLACES 2021

was walking on his own without any support.

Now able to move around, Shirah was able to fulfill one of his promises. Not only would he start a football team in Chilton County, he was going to coach it.

He turned to an old friend, CCHS football coach Tal Morrison for support. Morrison helped Shirah start the Chilton Tigers semi-pro team, allowing them to play in the CCHS football stadium. When Shirah called him to explain his ideas for a college football program in the county, Morrison was once again ready to give a helping hand.

“Goals of his [Shirah] are to see young men from this area be able to reach goals that he might have achieved with getting the opportunity to play college football,” Morrison said. “He wants to give them another avenue to be able to potentially reach some of those goals … He’s alumni, and we want to help in any way we

can with our alumni and guys that played here,” Morrison said.

CCHS once again granted Shirah access to the football stadium for his college team, which he named the Chilton Prep Academy Pirates. Shirah received approval from the Chilton County Board of Education to use the stadium as well.

Shirah faced other obstacles though. He had a team, but didn’t have a school for his players to attend. However, he was able to pair up with some local community colleges such as Jefferson State to get his players into school while playing for the Pirates.

He also created a scholarship fund for his players using the money from the settlement. That money goes to tutoring, ACT prep and the conference fees that each player is charged, among other things.

“Football is great, but football is just a motivator,” Shirah said. “These kids they play foot-

ball, but these kids are getting their education … They’re not in the street, they’re not doing things they’re not supposed to do.

They’re in school, and they’re playing a sport to keep them involved in that school and keep their grades right.”

While the program is starting out with just a football team, Shirah hopes that it grows, and he is able to expand in the next few years to include multiple sports like baseball, softball and volleyball.

For now though, he is focused on the Pirates football team, who will be trying to establish themselves in their first year of play.

For Shirah, he will also be trying to establish himself as a college football coach. He will try to make the most of his second chance at life with this program, all while using the worst experience of his life to make a positive impact on the Chilton County community.

Emergency Management Agency Both the Chilton County and Alabama Emergency Management Agency Headquarters are located in Clanton, separated by just a few miles on U.S. Highway 31.

The AEMA serves as the coordinating agency for disaster preparation, response and recovery statewide. The fact that the AEMA is headquartered here provides the county with an estimated 100 jobs, not to mention the revenue that comes with it.

On the county level, the Chilton County EMA helps prepare residents for all kinds of disasters and threats to the area. This includes winter storms, tornados, fires, drought and hazardous material spills.

For more information on the AEMA, visit www.ema. alabama.gov, and for the Chilton County EMA, visit www. chiltonema.org.

Chilton County Extension Office The Chilton County Extension Office serves as the county’s branch of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, which connects Alabamians on the significant issues the state is facing at any given time. The system’s mission includes 4-H and youth development, economic and community development, food safety and preservation, animal science, farm management, forestry and nutrition. Chilton County’s office offers several programs throughout the year, including canning workshops, gardening classes, youth outdoor adventure camps and volunteer opportunities.

For more information on the Chilton County Extension Office, contact County Extension at 205-280-6268.

Blast

from the

Past

One of the most enduring events in Chilton County has been the musical fundraiser “Blast from the Past.” A tradition that started at Chilton County High School, this opportunity is now open to public high school students from around the county. Students sing and dance to popular songs from past decades.

Ricky and Sheri McKee started the program in 1993.

The cast practices for two months leading up to the opening night.

The show is offered three times during the last weekend in February.

Details available on the Blast from the Past Facebook page.

St. Vincent’s Chilton St. Vincent’s Chilton is Chilton County’s only hospital.

Established in 2016, the hospital has an emergency room, intensive care, surgery and a wing of specialty clinics. The hospital is a part of St. Vincent’s Health System allowing for shared electronic medical records by request among the six locations in three cities. St. Vincent’s Chilton was designed to be one of the most energy efficient hospitals in the country with the latest medical technology.

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Yellowleaf Creek Mill Yellowleaf Creek Mill is a grist mill in Clanton that dates back to the 1850s.

While most of the original equipment—such as the millstones, sifter, grain elevator and pulleys— are still in good shape, Brogdon made several improvements and additions to the mill, including new plumbing, patios and décor suitable for gatherings.

A popular wedding venue, the grist mill contains furnishings that provide a modern flair to the historic site, while still restoring its original beauty.

In addition to weddings, Yellowleaf also hosts parties, banquets, receptions, proms, reunions and other events.

Previously owned by the H.H. Miller family, the mill is connected to Yellowleaf Creek, which runs into Lay Lake.

Although the machinery isn’t currently producing corn meal, the site is excellent for tourists who wish to reconnect with 19th century history.

To make an event reservation or schedule a tour, visit the website at yellowleafcreekmill.com.

Pancake Day Pancake Day is held at First United Methodist Church of Clanton on the second Saturday of February each year. It is a fundraiser organized by the United Methodist Men. All proceeds go toward charity and mission work.

Plates consist of about three pancakes and two sausage patties, plus all the seconds (or thirds) you can handle.

The Methodist Men work a dry run the Friday night before each Pancake Day to ensure things go smoothly the following morning. Ten men usually come in at midnight to grill the sausage ahead of time, which takes between four and five hours.

Just a few hours later, at 5:30 a.m., the real show starts. To purchase a ticket, see a Methodist Men member or call the church office at 205-7550490.

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FACES AND PLACES 2021

HIGHWAY

SWEET SPOTS Chilton County has several attractions located right off Interstate 65.

DURBIN FARMS MARKET Durbin Farms Market, located off Exit 205, began as a seasonal fruit market and now features a sandwich shop, fruits and vegetables and a selection of plants and gifts at LJ’s Boutique. During the summer months, the business is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

During the rest of the year, the business is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. For more information, contact Durbin Farms Market at 205-755-1672.

PEACH PARK The park, located off Exit 205 includes a fruit market with homemade peach ice cream, homemade cobbler, fried pies and a gift shop.

Peach Park has added a garden area with a walking path, a food menu featuring barbecue and a playground. Peach Park is open during the peach season from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, contact Peach Park at 205-755-2065.

TODD’S PRODUCE Located off Exit 205, Todd’s Produce offers fresh fruits and vegetables, an ice cream parlor and a children’s boutique.

In addition to fresh produce and ice cream, Todd’s specializes in peach bread and peach preserves.

Todd’s Produce is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during peach season.

For more information, call Todd’s Produce at 205-294-5157.

milkshakes, Belgian Waffles, salads, soups and grilled gourmet, specialty and deli-style sandwiches are also served.

Favorites include their pecan chicken salad plates and homemade cakes. For more information, visit www.heaton.com.

HEATON PECAN FARM Heaton Pecan Farm, located off Interstate 65 Exit 208, features treats and homemade delights for everyone to enjoy.

The business is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours in the summer of 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Milk chocolate and white chocolate pecan halves are the farm’s best sellers. Several flavors of homemade ice cream and FACES AND PLACES 2021

19

JEMISON

RECIPE

FOR THE

FUTURE RAYNETTE ELLISON LEADS SUCCESSFUL CULINARY CLASS STORY BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

H

ome Economics class has come a long way since its conception in the late 1800s.

The initial purpose of home economics was to prepare young women to manage the home professionally and place value on the art of housework in society. Lessons on how to cook, sew, take care of children, host house guests and garden were the fundamental basis of teaching plans. Jemison High School teacher Raynette Ellison has spent decades perfecting and updating the craft of home economics. Lesson plans have

changed dramatically during her lifetime. To keep with modern times, what was once known as “Home Economics” has transitioned to “Family and Consumer Sciences,” and for Jemison High School students is now a Culinary Arts program, which prepares students for a realistic workplace.

Ellison graduated from Jemison High School in 1985 and took Home Economics during her high school years.

After graduation, Ellison graduated from the University of Montevallo, majoring in retailing with business as her minor.

Raynette Ellison applied and received grants for her classroom at Jemison High School to be transformed into a commercial kitchen and café.

JEMISON FAST FACTS CITY HALL 14 Padgett Lane Jemison, AL 35085 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 609 Jemison, AL 35085 PHONE NUMBER 205-688-4492

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FACES AND PLACES 2021

FAX NUMBER 205-688-1109

ZIP CODE 35085

WEBSITE www.jemisonalabama.org

ELEVATION 719 feet (219 meters)

POPULATION 2,630 (2019 estimate)

MAYOR Eddie Reed P.O. Box 609 Jemison, AL 35085 205-688-4492

LAND AREA 8.1 square miles

CITY COUNCIL District 1: Donna Manasco, dmanasco@jemisonalabama.org District 2: Donnie Lane, 205-688-2898 District 3: Allen Wilson District 4: Rex Bittle, 205-396-4145 District 5: Sam Reed, 205-238-9288

However, during an honest conversation with a professor, she decided to continue her studies and later received her master’s degree in Home Economics in 1991.

“When I was in high school, I could already see then that Home Economics was changing in our culture and that more women were starting to focus on their careers in the workplace instead of be at home,” Ellison said. “When I was in Home Economics in Ms. Guy’s class, one of the things we did was walk around the room with a book on our head to teach good posture and poise.”

The Home Economics class name and some of the key teaching points changed in 1994 when the class became known as Family and Consumer Sciences.

While traditional Home Economics focused on preparing women to care for a husband and children, Family and Consumer Science offered lessons to meet the needs of modern students — for personal growth and professional opportunities. Fields covered during the class included: culinary arts education, food science, nutrition, health and wellness, interior design, child development, personal finance, textiles, apparel and retailing.

While important for both young men and women to learn about these, Ellison saw a unique opportunity for Jemison High School to provide an elevated culinary arts program for students with an interest and desire to directly enter the workforce after graduation. Ellison’s new class would cover culinary arts, restaurant and food services, hospitality and tourism.

In 2014, in conjunction with Career Tech, Ellison applied and received grants for her classroom at Jemison High School to be transformed into a commercial

ABOVE: Students make pasta in Jemison High School culinary class. BELOW: The JHS culinary student motto.

kitchen and café. Students from other Chilton County Schools can apply to the program.

Students who take her culinary classes can progress into three levels. Culinary Class Level 1 covers the details of food preparation. Level 2 teaches job skills. Students who take this class apply with a resume for the position that they desire inside Jemison High School’s J. Hop Café. The various positions are those you would find in a similar setting: cook, server, cashier and table manager. Afterward, students are interviewed by Chilton County restaurant owners to help them when applying for future jobs. Level 3 focuses on hospitality, tourism and food service. Upon the completion of class, students have learned the importance of food safety and have been tested and ServSafe approved, which is an essential asset to all licensed kitchens.

Since J. Hop Café opened in 2014, the restaurant has flour-

ished. Ellison and her students provide a weekly menu that is available to school employees and the community. The menu changes weekly depending on what lesson plans Ellison is covering.

Ellison challenges her students with various competitions throughout the year such as “The Best Gingerbread” or “Best Burger.” She said she has had many talented students create a delicious marriage of flavors on their own. Some of her favorites the students have created are the Teriyaki-Pineapple Burger, the Fried-Green Tomato Burger with Bacon Aioli Sauce and Autumn Cheesecake.

“It is so fun and so rewarding when they taste what they have created,” Ellison said. “It is exciting! Their face lights up, and they say, ‘I can do this!’”

Ellison and her students have catered various events around the county including Butterfly Bridge’s annual Flutter event, private political events, football banquets, a state superintendents meeting for the Alabama School Board as well as other events held at the Clanton campus of Jefferson State Community College. Some of these events have had up to 500 guests in

attendance.

Ellison has a slogan for her students to remind them to act as professionals.

“I tell them, ‘You are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen,’” Ellison said. “They keep that professionalism. These are my children. I respect them, and they make me proud.”

Ellison herself is a wellknown and loved cook within the county and can usually identify secret ingredients when tasting foods.

Raynette Ellison’s interest and love for cooking and hosting came from her grandmother and aunts.

“They always created their own recipes,” she said.

After 30 years of Home Economics and the evolution of her career in culinary cuisine, this year marks the end of her career at JHS, and Ellison will retire in 2021.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and all of the transitions over the years as the class changed,” Ellison said. “For the future, I plan to focus all of my energy to family. Over the years, they have supported me. Teaching this class has been several jobs in one: being a teacher, a restaurant owner and a caterer. I have called my husband and family several times and asked them to pick up ingredients at the grocery store for me. They have always been my support. Now it is time to spend more time with them and maybe take a few trips.”

Future plans for J. Hop Café’s restaurant service will continue under the guidance of Rachel Rachels who will begin in the 2021-2022 school year.

“We took culinary classes together, and I think [Rachel] will carry my program to new heights,” Ellison said. “I am excited to see what she does with it.”

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A STROLL DOWN

MAIN STREET JEMISON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Formerly located in city hall, the library is now located on Main Street in what is said to be the original city hall for Jemison.

The building was also a fire station at one time and the bay door remains intact. The building had undergone a beautiful transformation during the remodel and library relocation. The character of the brick structure remains intact with modern elements, such as computers and comfortable reading areas to serve city residents.

TRUE BLADES BARBER SHOP

Owner Orlando Weeks set up shop at 170 Main Street in 2008. He offers a wide variety of styles, depending on what a customer wants. The atmosphere has a man cave vibe that invites customers to come and relax. Weeks said he sees his role as a barber as an opportunity to share knowledge and wisdom, especially with younger clients. The shop is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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FACES AND PLACES 2021

OLDE TOWN SCOOPS

Enjoy hand-dipped ice cream cones, milkshakes and sundaes.

IGLESIA CENTRO PENTECOSTAL JEMISON

This church holds service twice a week: Sunday at 11 a.m. and Wednesday at 8 p.m.

OLD TOWN EATERY

Specializing in Southern favorites with a focus on healthier options, Old Town Eatery opened at 134 Main Street in the spring of 2019. Owner Rachel Rachels takes a farm-to-table approach using produce that is in season. With an ever-changing menu, there are many options to choose from. The weekly and daily specials can be found on the restaurant’s Facebook page — Old Town Eatery Jemison.

OLDE TOWN BOUTIQUE & GIFTS

This store offers a wide variety of women’s clothing, baby gifts, jewelry, themed-tumblers and specialty items with personalization options available.

Owner Tiffany Gaines said she wants to have something for everything. The store is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SON LIGHT CENTER

Established in 2005, the Son Light Center seeks to meet the needs of the community by providing food and worship services. The thrift store on Main Street helps finance the ministry is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The ministry has expanded to include outreach to those who cannot leave their homes, a food pantry and a bred distribution program. Volunteers are essential to the Center. For more information, visit the Son Light Center Facebook page or call 205-287-1703.

Hidden Meadow Vineyard This four-acre vineyard at 664 County Road 606 features a variety of wine crafted on-site.

There are 15 varieties including those made from muscadines, grapes local blueberries, blackberries and Chilton County peaches. The winery includes a family-built wine selling and tasting house with a processing room behind it.

In addition to buying bottled wine, visitors can sit out on the winery’s wooden porch overlooking the vineyard and have a glass of wine.

The winery is open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For questions or more information, call 205-688-4648 or visit the website at www.hiddenmeadowvineyard.com.

MUNICIPAL COMPLEX

The Jemison Municipal Complex is available for events. It is also the site of the annual Jemison Library Fairytale Show and Master Gardener meetings. It can hold up to 440 people and has a sound board, microphones, a laptop plug in, two screens and two projectors available for use. Reservation of the space is available by appointment. To reserve, call the library at 205-576-6760.

MINOOKA PARK

Minooka Park located between Jemison and Calera in North Chilton County on U.S. Highway 31 offers a 25-mile trail system, used for ATV and dirt bike riding, walking, hiking and horseback riding. The trails offer views of some of Central Alabama’s most breathtaking scenery and cover various terrain. A wide variety of birds can also be seen, which has led to this trail being added to the Piedmont Plateau Trail. Minooka’s trails are also part of the National Trails System and the Passport to Fitness, a project of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to promote fitness opportunities in Alabama.

The park offers several piers for fishing in Minooka Lake. The lake is also visible from a large deck behind the main office building, the main pavilion and an overlook below the pavilion.

Minooka offers many RV campsites equipped with 30- and 50-amp electrical service and water supply, and 10 sites offer sewage hookup. A dump station is located just outside the campground.

For more information, including maps and complete list of fees and regulations, visit the park’s website at chiltoncounty.org/ minooka-park/.

BLACK AND BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL

Petals from the Past, a nursery specializing in heirloom plants, sponsors an annual festival in early June in celebration of the and blueberry harvest. The event usually features tastings, agricultural earning opportunities, vendors, music, a petting zoo and hay rides.

For more information, call 205-646-0069 or visit their website at www. petalsfromthepast.com.

MISS BLACKBERRY PAGEANT

The Jemison Lions Club holds the annual Blackberry Pageant in April. The pageant raises funds for the club’s efforts to help the community. The Queens participate in the Black and Blue Berry Festival and various events throughout the year.

Starwood II Farms Starwood II Farm is located in Jemison and was purchased by Buddy and Diane Stith in 2005.

Starwood offers a rustic setting with a lakefront, covered pavilion and ventilated barn creating the dream wedding scene.

Four cabins are available for the bride, bridesmaids, groom, groomsmen and family to have a comfortable environment to prepare and dress for the big day.

Valet parking, tables and chairs are provided.

Corporate meetings or outings also can be hosted with fly fishing, skeet shooting, an outdoor pavilion and more available.

Fly Fishing offered onsite teaches the techniques of casting, tackle, cleaning and catching. It usually runs around four hours for beginners with breakfast and brunch provided.

This is a great way for Boy Scouts to earn their “fly fishing” badge.

Team building events for up to 10-35 people are offered to conduct off-site meetings, manage sessions or provide director meetings.

The scenery provides great photo opportunities for engagement, family, senior portraits and more. For more information, call (205) 936-5308 or stithbuddy@gmail. com.

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THORSBY

A DECADE OF

SERVING STUDENTS

W

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JERRETT POSEY

hiteflag Student Ministry at Thorsby First Baptist Church (TFBC) has seen significant growth over the past two years, and that is not by chance.

Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions 2021 Youth Pastor of the Year Justin Caton and 2021 Youth Ministry Spouse of the Year Bridget Caton have been serving TFBC’s youth ministry for nearly a decade now, and while change is a constant in youth ministry some things have remained the same.

“Consistency, prioritizing 24

FACES AND PLACES 2021

the Word and fervent prayer is why God is allowing this ministry to grow,” Justin Caton said.

“It’s definitely not because of me. That isn’t me trying to be humble or anything, I don’t believe I could do something like this without God’s help.”

To remain consistent at the peak of a pandemic was no small task, and it took some out of the box thinking to achieve it.

The consistency came from the church allowing them to meet in-person again sooner than other places did, and the creation of the program Whiteflag

Plus, Justin Caton said.

“I had just finished meeting with our small groups, and I was so frustrated,” Justin Caton said. “I was telling Bridget that I had three guys that were new believers, three guys that were ready and wanting to be discipled, and I had three guys who just came for the snacks and to hang out. All the groups are great to have, but I didn’t have the time or the help to give all of them what they needed.”

Bridget Caton, who is also a teacher at Thorsby High School, thought of Google Classroom.

“When we were talking about people learning in differ-

ent stages, it reminded me of Google Classroom at school,” Bridget Caton said. “You can’t start someone new in a discipleship group and expect them to be on the same level as the other students, so we came up with four different stages.

Justin will come up with different ideas, and I will type them out for everyone.”

This became Whiteflag Plus, an online discipleship program distributed through Google Classroom. The program was such a success that the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions has created a similar program based off of Whiteflag Plus,

FAR LEFT: Justin, Bridget and Cooper Caton pose for a photo on the Whiteflag Building’s stage. LEFT: “You belong here” is written on one of the building’s walls.

THORSBY FAST FACTS TOWN HALL P.O. Box 608 Thorsby, AL 35171 PHONE NUMBER 205-646-3575 FAX NUMBER 205-646-2414

with help from the Catons.

Consistency as a youth group is also important in youth ministry. The Catons have served TFBC for nine and a half years now, which can be appealing to students whose lives are constantly changing.

“Students don’t have a lot of consistency in their lives,” Justin Caton said. “They may not have it in their families, and they don’t have it in their teachers and coaches that are constantly coming in and out of their lives. We have nearly ten years of trust though, and that is a big thing.”

Just simply seeing Justin and Bridget Caton still together can be a big deal to students, as well. Students that have a typical or complete family dynamic are becoming less common, and when they see the Catons together it can give them hope for their future families, Bridget Caton said.

“It is heartbreaking to know

that an overwhelming number of people come from broken homes,” Bridget Caton said. “I came from a home similar to what these students have gone through, and maybe it’s giving them a little bit of hope to know they can come out of it, because I did.”

After consistency, studying the Bible is the Catons’ next focus. Justin Caton said students previously would have several different gospel presentations through out the week that might not be connected to one another, making it harder for them to learn about each topic.

“We have simplified our reading plans,” Justin Caton said. “It used to be like this; we would ask them to read in Colossians, then they might hear a message from Genesis in Sunday School, then one from Revelations in the Sunday service, and then I might do a message in Leviticus for mid-

week. How can you take all that in? So we simplified it, everything they read and hear is from the same scripture for that week.”

Justin Caton gave the example that if the scripture was on Ephesians chapter one, that the students would read it for themselves, hear sermons about it on Sunday and at midweek, there would be more content about the chapter on Whiteflag Plus and their discipleship groups would cover it that week as well. That way the students can gain a deep understanding of the scripture.

The Catons have also emphasized prayer in their and in the students lives. Both Justin and Bridget Caton have made prayer closets, similar to the movie “War Room,” where they have lists of people and things that they pray for throughout the week. During the school year, they also had a group of five to eight students

WEBSITE www.townofthorsby.com POPULATION 1,941 (2019 estimate) LAND AREA 5.2 square miles

ZIP CODE 35171 ELEVATION 696 feet (212 meters) MAYOR Robert Hight 205-646-3575 TOWN COUNCIL Council Seat 1: Neil Benson 205-646-2936 Council Seat 2: Chastity Chapman 205-646-3575 Council Seat 3: Justin Killingworth 205-767-1937 Council Seat 4: Marvin Crumpton 205-646-3575 Council Seat 5: Glenn Littleton 205-646-3638

FACES AND PLACES 2021

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come to their home at seven in the morning on Tuesdays before school to pray.

“Something you will hear us say around the church is, ‘Nothing of eternal significance will happen without fervent prayer,’” Justin Caton said.

“So at 7 a.m. every Tuesday morning, we would invite students to our house to pray.

There isn’t any breakfast, just coffee, and it’s a sacrifice for them, because they have to be there at seven. They will come and pray for their friends, their families, for revival in their generation and for God to use them in that revival.”

Another project the Catons have been working on is an after-school program called Open Door with Pastor Orlando Weeks of the Word Christian Center. During 2020, many after-school programs closed down, and most of them are not free. Seeing this need, Weeks

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and Justin Caton started a free program every Tuesday afternoon from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

“Open Door has been really cool to see, and to be able to connect with different families,” Justin Caton said. “That is a desperate need in our community, and to see students go from failing reading to passing reading, or one student’s grandparents saying that they were better with their manners.

That was a beautiful thing to see.”

The Catons are proud of how far Whiteflag Student Ministries, Open Door, Whiteflag Plus and their other projects have come, but their work is never done. They do not do these things for their own glory, but because they believe God has put them in their positions for a reason.

Justin Caton said they will continue their work at TFBC for as long as God wants them there.

SWEDISH FESTIVAL

The town of Thorsby gets together every October to celebrate its heritage by hosting the annual Swedish Festival at Richard Wood Park.

The event will be held Oct. 9 this year from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The festival features numerous activities for the entire family, including a parade, car show and 5K Viking Run. Richard Wood Park has most of the activity with arts and crafts booths, food vendors, games and other attractions.

The beauty pageant takes place on the Saturday before the festival with the official date to be announced.

For more information regarding the event, contact Thorsby Town Hall at 205-646-3575.

RICHARD WOOD PARK

Richard Wood Park is near the intersection of Alabama Avenue and Franklin Street.

Individuals can enjoy a walking track, playground, exercise equipment, pavilion, picnic area and grills.

HELEN JENKINS CHAPEL

Helen Jenkins Chapel, located on Concordia Avenue, is named after Helen Jenkins, a former principal of Thorsby School.

Built in 1903 by Norwegian Lutherans, the building served as a church until the early 1960s. The last Lutheran pastor, however, served until 1911, and the church was sold to the Congregational Church.

The Congregational Church was a major supporter of Thorsby Institute, a private school open from 1906 through 1957. Many students and faculty members attended the church, so when the school disbanded, the church followed soon thereafter. But the school would

ultimately be what helped save the chapel.

In the early 1960s, the building was sold to the Masons and became the Thorsby Masonic Lodge. The Masons gave it to the town in the late 1980s. It was used by the Thorsby High School band until 1997. The following year, the town formed a committee to restore the structure, which was in despair.

Graduates of Thorsby Institute, along with local businesses and other generous individuals, raised the money to restore the chapel back to its former glory.

FARMHOUSE CAFÉ

This destination lunch spot works with local farmers whenever possible when purchasing vegetables. Although there is a consistent menu, the majority of regulars opt to go with the featured daily specials on the food bar. The food bar offers the option for one of two meat choices along with a selection from several vegetables. Each day has varying meat and vegetables options with certain meats on a rotating basis. Farmhouse Café is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SCANDINAVIAN CEMETERY

The Scandinavian Cemetery in Thorsby came into existence when Swedish Lutheran Church members bought the land in the late 1800s. Two founders of Thorsby, T.T. Thorson and J.F. Peterson, have several relatives buried in the Scandinavian Cemetery, formerly known as the Concordia Lutheran Cemetery. In 2009, the cemetery was added to the Alabama Historical Commission’s Alabama Historical Cemetery Registry.

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MAPLESVILLE

The staff of Valle Grande Mexican Grill are like family.

A TASTE OF MEXICO Valle Grande is a popular spot in Maplesville

T

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOYANNA LOVE

he scents of onion, tortillas and flavorful meat greet customers as they wait outside on a busy Friday night.

Valle Grande Mexican Grill has become a destination restaurant in the town of Maplesville, popular with residents of not only the town but Chilton County and beyond.

Sergio and Monica Sanchez opened the restaurant in 2017.

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FACES AND PLACES 2021

While it shares a name with their original restaurant in Valle Grande, the goal from the start with the Maplesville restaurant was to be able to do things their own way, uniquely Sanchez and authentically Mexican.

The couple had purchased the building in 2016 and spent about a year getting it ready.

“The first restaurant we opened just to have something extra … I was the director of the

cable company in Montgomery, and she was helping us with the office, and we just opened the restaurant (in Valle Grande) to have something to fall on in, something in case the cable company didn’t work,” Sergio said.

“The cable company sold out, and I decided not to go to work for the new company and that is when we made the decision to open a location where we could start our own.”

At the location in Valle Grande, the couple was limited

in some of the things they could do because they were renting the building.

“We weren’t really able to say that we had worked on it with our ideas, our vision,” Monica said.

They wanted to have a restaurant that really reflected who they were and their Mexican heritage.

“We focus a lot on how we grew up,” Monica said.

Both are from small communities and lived close to family members.

The Maplesville location uses

Attention to detail is important to Monica and Sergio Sanchez and the staff. photos from Sergio’s hometown of Michoacán and Monica’s hometown of Jalisco in the décor.

Some of them Sergio took when they visited.

His favorite is one of an elderly man on a bicycle in Jalisco.

Monica’s father moved his family to Texas after years of working in the U.S.A. and visiting his family in Mexico. The paperwork took about two years in the 1990s to get everything ready for the family to move.

The family eventually moved to Montgomery.

Sergio’s brothers had moved to Wetumpka, and he joined them when he was 15.

“Leaving parents, friends, everything behind,” Sergio said.

He started working in his cousin’s restaurant.

Sergio had initially been through Maplesville during a car event for his Valle Grande restaurant. He liked the town and wanted to open a restaurant there.

However, at the time, he waited until Maplesville approved restaurant alcohol sales before pursuing opening a restaurant there.

The customers are the highlight of the restaurant for Sergio.

“We fell in love with the town,” he said. “That is why we decided

to move and build a home here.”

The family moved to Maplesville in 2018.

“The main reason we decided Maplesville is because we loved the school,” Monica said.

Inspiration for food comes from their heritage, their family and what they enjoy cooking at home.

Monica said customers are now the “people that we go to school with that we see at the pharmacy, and it feels like the restaurant literally brings whole families together.”

It is common to see customers go over to another table to say hello to friends.

“There is nothing else here that brings them together like the restaurant,” Monica said.

“Good food and a goodfamily environment” is how she described the restaurant.

Good customer service and high standards for the food is important to the couple.

Saturday specials are used as a way to introduce customers to authentic Mexican dishes that are not on the menu.

“This restaurant has become more than just a restaurant,” Sergio said, agreeing with Monica that it has brought FACES AND PLACES 2021

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Monica and Sergio Sanchez opened Valle Grande Mexican Grill in Maplesville in 2017. RIGHT: Photos from Michoacán, Sergio’s hometown, are on the wall.

the community together.

The Sanchez approach to the food at the restaurant shifted about two years ago, when Sergio, out of necessity, started working in the kitchen.

Previously, the restaurant had been recipes that had been used at restaurants that Sergio’s brothers owned. With Sergio in the kitchen, the focus on food turned to being authentically, grilled Mexican food as opposed to a Tex-Mex fusion that many were used to.

In 2020, business was slow when restaurants could only do carry out orders because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We tried to create like a family package, because at that point we didn’t know what was hap-

pening,” Sergio said. “A lot of people were out of work … We were trying to make like a family meal really cheap, so people would be able to take food home.

We did that for like three or four months.”

Sergio said this down time allowed him to work on a new menu, which was smaller, but focused on being authentic without repetition of dishes. With a smaller menu, the emphasis for excellence also increased.

“I think people in the South are ready for a good meal, different flavors, different colors, different everything,” Sergio said.

The goal is for the food to taste like it would if someone was in Mexico in the town where the recipe originated.

The next iteration of the menu is focused on getting them even closer to this goal.

“Make it shorter, so if we have 20 items, those 20 items will be incredible,” Sergio said. “You can order one or the number 20, and it will be (an) amazing dish because we are just going to dedicate ourselves to those dishes.”

The couple said the employees make this level of excellence possible and keep the restaurant a success.

Each plate is viewed in light of if the person would be proud to serve it to their own family.

The couple said the Maplesville restaurant has a combination of passion and attention to detail that is not easily replicated.

“It could be done … but it won’t be the same,” Monica said.

The staff are like family and spend time having fun together outside of work a couple times a year.

MAPLESVILLE FAST FACTS TOWN HALL P.O. Box 9 Maplesville, AL 36750 PHONE NUMBER 334-366-4212 FAX NUMBER 334-366-4210

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WEBSITE www.townofmaplesville.com

ZIP CODE 36750

POPULATION 636 (2019 estimate)

ELEVATION 351 feet (107 meters)

LAND AREA 3.3 square miles (8.5 square kilo meters)

MAYOR W.C. Hayes Jr., 334-366-4383

TOWN COUNCIL District 1: John Caudle, 334-366-4211 District 2: Sheila Hall, 334-366-0052 District 3: Hal Harrison, 334-645-7026 District 4: Richard Davis, 334-366-5214 District 5: Patty Crocker, 334-366-4432

24-HOUR CHALLENGE

The Perry Mountain 24-Hour Challenge is an annual motorcycle race held at Perry Mountain Motorcycle Club on the first weekend in June. The event pits riders from all across the country against each other, against the 10-mile course and against the clock.

The concept is simple: Go as hard as you can as long as you can. The team/ rider with the most laps completed after 24 hours wins the event. Riders tackle all kinds of terrain and elevation changes, along with mechanical issues. There are more than 14 classes of riders, with most entries coming from teams. Riders in the Ironman class, however, choose to take the challenge by themselves.

The event brings in dozens of vendors and hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts from all across the country into Chilton County, as it is only one of two events like it in the nation.

MAPLESVILLE RAILROAD DEPOT

First built in the 1850s, Maplesville’s train depot marked the end of the age of the stagecoach in the town, as businesses moved to create the current downtown around the railroad.

But as the automobile became the preferred means of transportation, the depot fell into disuse.

The Maplesville Historical Society has worked to transform the depot into a museum.

The society was founded in 2007 in an effort to prepare the town for its bicentennial celebration as part of former Gov. Bob Riley’s Great Alabama Homecoming initiative.

One of the group’s first projects was to build a pictorial museum in the town’s historic depot, and several other projects are in the works.

EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH

Ebenezer Baptist Church in Stanton was the site of a Civil War battle on April 1, 1865.

According to the marker in front of the church, Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest led 1,500 Confederate cavalrymen into Union Army General James H. Wilson’s force of 7,500 near Ebenezer, hoping to

stall Wilson on his march toward an arsenal at Selma.

Ebenezer’s pastor, Bro. Danny Rasberry, said people still visit the church hoping to find a rumored bullet hole on the exterior, but that was likely located at a previous building that burned in 1916.

One clue to the past is the cedar trees that tower over a cemetery up the hill behind the church. On a tombstone is written that the federal government asked the church not to cut down the trees because Union soldiers are buried there and the trees would serve as a memorial to the dead. The church is celebrated its 200th anniversary in July.

HEARDS BBQ AND SOUL FOOD

This small eatery has become a local favorite since it was opened in 2017 by Roman and Shakira Heard. They have been a finalist or semifinalist in several food contests statewide. Roman is always changing the menu to find new favorites. Hours and specials can be found on the Heards BBQ and Soul Food Facebook page.

VALLE GRANDE MEXICAN GRILL

Authentic Mexican cuisine and margaritas. Limited-time menu items offered on an occasional basis and announced on the Valle Grande Mexican Grill of Maplesville Facebook page.

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