Faces and Places 2022

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO

CHILTON COUNTY FOR VISITORS, RESIDENTS AND NEWCOMERS

a special publication of

TABLE OF CONTENTS Chilton County — Kathy Giles ................................ 4 Clanton — Awlahjaday Agee ................................ 14 Jemison — Beatriz Ragazzoni ...............................18 Thorsby — Daddy’s Kitchen ....................................24 Maplesville — Dawn Smitherman.........................28

PUBLISHER Tim Prince EDITORIAL Joyanna Love, managing editor Carey Reeder, writer Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith, freelance writer Scott Mims, freelance writer MARKETING Zack Bates, marketing consultant CUSTOMER SERVICE Ashlyn Postell PRESSROOM & MAILROOM Chris Love, production manager Michael Turner, assistant production manager

ON THE COVER JOYANNA LOVE | ADVERTISER

Beatriz Ragazzoni enjoys expressing herself through her paintings.

FACES AND PLACES 2022

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CHILTON COUNTY

RISING TO BEAUTY Kathy Giles chooses to see beauty despite adversity

STORY BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH PHOTOS BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH AND CONTRIBUTED

F

riends and family of Chilton County native, Kathy Giles, will attest that she is “as candid as they come.” Giles, age 45, spends her days living at the end of Higgins Ferry Road with husband Donald, who works as a Park Ranger there.

Her warm smile and friendly disposition allow her to greet and help campers from across the country at the park’s campground and boat launch. One of things people might first notice about Kathy Giles is that she is bald. She struggles with Alopecia Areata, an immune system disorder that attacks hair follicles, many times leaving the person completely without hair. It can last for a few months or years, which has been the case for Giles. Her history of Alopecia Areata started as a quarter-sized bald spot of the back of her head that she had since childhood.

Eight years ago, the quarter sized spot began to get bigger and over time left her completely bald. Her journey living without hair has been difficult at times, redefining her identity but shaping her confidence as a beautiful new woman.

“I have a beautiful custom-made wig that cost a ‘pretty penny’ sitting in my closet,” Giles said. “I have bought and been given so many hats and scarfs. I have worn hats every minute of every day since 2014, except when in my home. I don't care if it's a wig, hat or scarf — it’s not your own hair! It is hot, uncomfortable and itchy. Try wearing something on your head 24/7 for years and see how well you deal with it. It really takes away from a woman when she loses her hair. It is part of her identity. Think about every time you have your hair done, cut, braided, washed or anything. You do those

KATHY GILES | CONTRIBUTED

Kathy Giles and husband, Donald enjoy boating on Lake Mitchell. things because your hair is your looks and your confidence. Now imagine it all going away.

That's when you really realize what means the most to you. When you have nothing left to give the world but your heart and soul; no bells and whistles, just 100% you.”

Dealing with baldness is not her first encounter dealing with difficult life issues. As a small child growing up in Jemison, she was abused.

Later in junior high school she experienced bullying, which prompted her to drop out of the

eighth grade and get her GED. She began working as a construction laborer, but stopped working after she became pregnant so it would not injure her baby. She soon moved to Georgia with her child’s father and found herself living in her car and in dangerous circumstances.

“I was living at rock-bottom and eventually decided to move back home to Chilton County for a better way of life,” Giles said. “I take everything that has happened in my life and use those experiences as steps. When someone is

CHILTON COUNTY FAST FACTS COUNTY COURTHOUSE

After her diagnosis with Alopecia Areata in 2014, Kathy said she woke up one day with the realization that she was beautiful regardless of her diagnosis and no longer needed to wear hats or cover her head.

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

45,274 (2021 estimate)

LAND AREA

693.98 square miles

COMMISSION CHAIRMAN

Jimmie Hardee: 205-389-2181

COUNTY COMMISSION

Darrell Bone: 205-294-5540 Joe Headley: 205-287-1691

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FACES AND PLACES 2022

Randell Kelley: 205-688-0985 Matthew Mims: 205-389-6161 Joseph Parnell: 205-688-6991 Allen Williams: 205-368-3338 The Chilton County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Chilton County Courthouse.

FACES AND PLACES 2022

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The playground at Higgins Ferry Park is named Kathy’s Playground in honor of Kathy Giles. going through something difficult, it might be awful but give it five minutes. Things will change.”

After moving back to Chilton County, she met her future husband, Donald during a traffic incident that he responded to as a police officer.

They married in May 2012.

After her diagnosis with Alopecia Areata in 2014, Giles said that she woke up one day with the realization that she was beautiful regardless of her diagnosis and no longer needed to wear hats or cover her head.

“We went to an amusement park, and when I got into the roller coaster, they asked me to take my hat off because hats weren’t allowed on the rides,” said Giles. “I got off and went to the front of the park and cried. It was an emotional moment.

Living on the river and being out in the boat, you also always hear ‘hold on to your hat, so it won’t blow away.’ It just became a daily struggle to always cover my head.”

During spring of 2022, Giles wrote on her social media page: “I refuse to wear hats for another minute. This is my new normal!

Everything happens for reason, this was my sign.”

She has not used any type of head covering since that post in April.

Giles said that all people have an insecurity that they are dealing with in life and the only way to conquer that fear is to talk about it.

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FACES AND PLACES 2022

“If you talk about what you are going through, it isn’t a secret anymore,” said Giles. “Don’t keep it to yourself. Start talking about it. Ask yourself ‘is this something temporary that will go away?’ If you don’t think you can get through it alone, focus on getting through it one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time.”

In recent years, Giles has found several people who were experiencing a crisis sitting at the boat launch (next door to her home) and spoke with them about the issues they were facing.

During the pandemic, Giles along with the Lake Mitchell Home Owners and Boat Owners Association (HOBO) and help from the community created “Kathy’s Playground.” The playground, which is named after Giles, is located at Higgins Ferry Park and features equipment that is age appropriate for 1-17 years old. The wide range of playground amenities were modeled with her grandchildren in mind to reach multiple age groups.

In her spare time, Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband, her four children: Micheal, Jacob, Kim, Jason and seven grandchildren. She also enjoys collecting driftwood pieces she finds on the lake and making furniture with them. Several of her driftwood pieces are featured in Much A Brew About Something Coffee Shop in downtown Clanton.

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, cookoff, pageants, parade, peach auction and the Peach Jam Jubilee. The festival celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 2022.

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 with 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 There are four categories in the Miss Peach Pageants: Little Miss (ages 5-7), Young Miss (8-11), Junior Miss (12-14) and Miss (1518). The pageants are always on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday night during the Peach Festival. Winners earn scholarships and numerous other prizes donated by local businesses.

PEACH JAM JUBILEE The annual Peach Jam Jubilee, sponsored by the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Clanton, 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.

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CHRISTMAS IN CHILTON PEACH PARADE

RELAY FOR LIFE

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.

Chilton County’s Relay for Life event, held in May, raises money for the American Cancer Society. The event includes entertainment, survivor recognition and fun activities. Cancer survivors and their supporters celebrate the continued fight against the disease. The 2022 event was held at Peach Park, Park, and the 2023 event will be held in Maplesville’s town park. For more information, contact Amy Jolley 205-294-980.

PEACH AUCTION The Peach Auction is held at Senior Connection, and always directly follows the Peach Parade. The 2022 event raised $50,000.

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.

ART FESTIVAL The Chilton County Arts Council sponsors an annual art festival featuring a variety of works from regional artists. More than 40 artists participate each year. The event is held at the Clanton Performing Arts Center. For more information, contact the Arts Council at chiltoncountyartscouncil@hotmail.com.

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 a lot 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 follows a route that weaves through downtown and showcases the Peach Queens and the Pride of Chilton County High School Band.

An official lightning of the town’s Christmas tree follows the parade.

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 Old Fashioned Christmas on the first Sunday afternoon in December. The event traditionally features food, vendors, music and a visit from Santa.

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FACES AND PLACES 2022

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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.

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FACES AND PLACES 2022

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 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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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.

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 2022

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. 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.

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CLANTON

Awlahjaday Agee is a part of the family funeral business Agee Brothers.

CURIOSITY AND

CALLING A

Agee serves on council, ministers through family business

STORY BY SCOTT MIMS PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY AWLAHJADAY AGEE

wlahjaday Agee recalls looking out the window of his parents' home as a boy and observing the goings-on at Agee Brothers Funeral Home next door. From behind the glass, he developed a curiosity which would eventually turn into a calling to not only take part in the family business but also to become a community leader.

Awlahjaday is the youngest of seven children, and his parents, Bobby and the late Emily Agee, were the president and treasurer-secretary of Agee Brothers, which was founded in 1975. His great-grandfather, Jack, served as vice president.

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At the age of 8, Awlahjaday's curiosity was finally rewarded when his dad decided to show him around.

“Curiosity got me into the business,” he said.

“Watching and looking out the window, I always noticed that there would be a lot of people coming in and out of this building, and my dad would come to this building and say, 'Hey, this is where I work.' So just being curious and wondering what goes on in that building. So, one day, he got me and brought me down, showed me around and just showed me how things work and things operated, and I've been here ever since. He was

amazed that I wasn't frightened or scared.”

Awlahjaday soon was allowed to ride in the hearse and go to funerals, where he would serve as an usher and pass out programs. He always had a desire to learn about the business, which at its heart is about being a servant.

“We meet people, and we help people at their darkest and (most) difficult times, and just being able to provide some type of reassurance or comfort to a grieving family — that's one thing that makes me want to continue to do this job,” Awlahjaday said. “I kind of also say that I feel like it's a ministry and a calling. A lot of people

think that they can do this job. You know, they might look at it and say that it's an easy job or it's a simple job, but it takes a special person to do it because it takes a lot out of you mentally and physically. You have to definitely have a mindset, and you have to have an anointance to be able to do what we do.”

By answering what he perceived to be a calling, Awlahjaday helped fulfill his father's vision for Agee Brothers, as it was Bobby's dream for the family to maintain ownership of the business hence the name “Agee Brothers.”

Through his experience, Awlahjaday has found that the needs of each family come first.

“No two families are alike — everyone is different, and everyone's needs may be different,” he said. “One family might require a lot of hands-on guidance, and another family might not require that. You just have to know your clientele and be able to go with the flow.”

The same is true for those who serve in a political office, just as Bobby did for years as a Chilton County commissioner. Again, the young Awlahjaday watched as his dad took phone calls and met with concerned residents, all the while wondering if he would want to be the one in that position.

In 2003, Awlahjaday began serving as a deputy coroner under Coroner Randy Yeargan, and was appointed to take Yeargan's position in 2014. He was the youngest coroner the county has had, taking the position at the age of 26. He was also the first African-American to serve in that position.

“It was definitely a learning experience because it is a lot that transpires and happens from a person passing away up until the time that they get to the funeral home of the family's choosing,” he says. “So being exposed to that, that really opened up my eyes to a lot. I was able to kind of get an idea of death full circle.”

In 2016, Awlahjaday was elected to represent District 4 on the Clanton City Council. He was 28, making him the youngest person to be elected to the District 4 position. Prior to being elected, he said he had two distinct visions — one of being in the council chambers and another of himself participating in an active meeting.

“I kept having visions of different things, and serving on the council was a vision that kept coming to me, so I feel like God kept giving me this vision that, ‘This is where I want you to be. You are already a servant to the people, but I want you to do more,’” he said.

Unbeknownst to Awlahjaday at the time, while serving he would face the biggest health scare of his life in 2020.

On June 24, he was in the middle of a business call when he started experiencing frightening symptoms.

“I never will forget, I was on the phone and all of a sudden I couldn't get my words out. I was mumbling, and finally I was able to tell the person on the phone, ‘Let me call you back.’ Then a couple minutes later, I started experiencing kind of a (tingling) in my arm, kind of a (tingling) in my face,” he recalled.

His first thought was that he was having a stroke. Awlahjaday started to lie down to try to feel better but convinced himself to go to the emergency room, where medical personnel ruled out a stroke and heart problems. He was transferred to St. Vincent's in Birmingham where doctors thought he had a rare blood disorder called TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) because of his platelet count.

TTP causes blood clots to form in small blood vessels throughout the body, compromising the oxygen in the blood.

“Normally platelet range is like 150,000 (per microliter of blood) or higher; mine was below 10,000 at that particular time,” Awlahjaday said.

A special test was required to confirm the diagnosis, but his life was at risk and doctors could not wait the three to five days to get test results. So, they started actively treating him for the disorder that day. A couple of days later, the diagnosis was confirmed.

In all, he spent 10 days in the hospital and was treated via plasma exchange and over the course of about six days. He was treated with Rituxan therapy, which is commonly used alongside chemotherapy to treat cancer, but is also used in the treatment of TTP. “Now it is in remission,” Awlahjaday said, noting that the mortality rate for TTP is up to 95 percent if it goes untreated, and many people do not survive the initial attack.

“The doctors and everyone definitely say that I'm extremely blessed, and it is a miracle that one, that I got somewhere where I needed and two, that I even had symptoms,” Awlahjaday said. “A lot of people don't show any symptoms of TTP.” Awlahjaday admitted that he initially wondered why, or how, he survived TTP when many others do not. But as he continues to serve, those questions have faded away into faith, which is something he carries with him everywhere.

“Ultimately, something came over me, well, you know, I just started remembering that God's will is always going to be fulfilled, and God has a purpose for you and God has a calling for you, so evidently your mission or your assignment is not complete,” Awlahjaday said. “There's still more that God sees fit, that God wants you to do. I'm extremely blessed. I realize that I definitely count my blessings every day.”

CLANTON FAST FACTS 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

POPULATION

ELEVATION

600 feet (183 meters)

MAYOR

8,762 (2021 estimate)

Jeff Mims, 205-755-4051

LAND AREA

CITY COUNCIL

21.93 square miles

ZIP CODE

35046-0580

District 1: Billy Singleton, bsingleton@clantonal.gov District 2: Wade Watley, wwatley@clantonal.gov

District 3: Don Driver, DoDriver@ clantonal.gov District 4: Awlahjaday Agee, aagee@clantonal.gov District 5: Mary Mell Smith, msmith@clantonal.gov The Clanton City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 5 p.m. at Clanton City Hall.

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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.

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.

CHILTON COUNTY EXTENSION 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 coordinator Lucy Edwards at 205-280-6268.

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SWEET

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. The nonprofit that coordinates the shows has also established a scholarship program.

Details available on the Blast from the Past Facebook page.

SPOTS

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 205-755-0490.

YELLOWLEAF CREEK MILL ST. VINCENT'S CHILTON

HIGHWAY

BLAST FROM THE PAST

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

While most of the original equipment, including 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.

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

Although the machinery is not 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.

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. 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 205755-1672.

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 a garden area with a walking path, a food menu featuring barbecue and a playground. Peach Park is open 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.

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 milkshakes, Belgian Waffles, salads, soups and grilled gourmet, specialty and delistyle sandwiches are also served.

FACES AND PLACES 2022

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JEMISON

ON THE

Beatriz Ragazzoni stands with her painting symbolic of a family walking with Jesus.

CANVAS

Beatriz Ragazzoni enjoys mental focus of painting

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P

ainting has long been a passion for Beatriz Ragazzoni of Jemison.

Originally from Venezuela, Ragazzoni took art and ballet lessons from a young age, along with her siblings and cousins.

She said her mother encouraged her in these pursuits. Ragazzoni began painting at 13 years old.

She said the art teachers in the city all knew each other and

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOYANNA LOVE would have exhibit competitions at least every two years.

Ragazzoni entered national competitions from the time she was 13 until she was 22 years old.

For a while, painting was her profession, but now it is more of a hobby.

She said she enjoys being an artist because it does not feel like work, and it is a way to express herself.

“It is a very good therapy for my emotions and personal (wellbeing),” Ragazzoni said. “(It) keeps your mind sharp and focused. The creativity is always developing. It is always helping you to keep your brain active.”

She said investing in creative activities is important for everyone’s health, and more opportunities to be creative and learn about art need to be available to

children.

In 2002, Ragazzoni immigrated to the United States.

“The situation in Venezuela was turning to communism, and we had to make the decision to go out of Venezuela and give a better future for our children,” she said.

Ragazzoni and her husband Ernesto moved with their three children to Homewood and lived FACES AND PLACES 2022 19

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

FAX NUMBER

205-688-1109

WEBSITE

www.jemisonalabama.org

POPULATION

2,642 (2020 Census)

LAND AREA

in Shelby County until their children grew up. After their children moved out, the Ragazzoni couple moved to Jemison to have land and space to retire.

Moving to the U.S. changed the way Ragazzoni painted. She preferred to paint in oil while in Venezuela.

“But when I got here in the United States, … it was very difficult to paint with oil because oil takes a longer time to get dry, and in winter times it could take like 20 days to get dry between each coat of painting, so I began applying the

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FACES AND PLACES 2022

8.1 square miles

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

ZIP CODE 35085

CITY COUNCIL

ELEVATION

719 feet (219 meters)

MAYOR

Eddie Reed

District 3: Allen Wilson District 4: Rex Bittle 205396-4145 District 5: Sam Reed 205238-9288

District 1: Donna Manasco dmanasco@jemisonalabama. org District 2: Donnie Lane 205-688-2898

The Jemison City Council meets the first and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Jemison City Hall.

A more modern piece by Beatriz Ragazzoni. same techniques of oil to acrylic,” Ragazzoni said.

She said oil gives a broader

range of color shades, but acrylic can be used to get a similar result in less time.

These techniques are some of what Ragazzoni is teaching other Jemison residents through her painting classes at the Jemison Public Library. Ragazzoni heard the library was looking for someone willing to teach art classes and offered to do them.

“Her ability to teach is phenomenal,” assistant librarian Cheryl English said. “The way she teaches how to blend colors and make something light, how she makes light on a canvas is just amazing.”

English said a grant from the United Way of Central Alabama paid for the supplies for the class.

Ragazzoni referred to her seven students as “very talented.”

“My intention here is not just to allow them to put paint on a canvas,” Ragazzoni said. “I want them to learn how to work with color.”

She has done this through teaching about texture, shading and transitioning as well as encouraging students to use their imagination.

Ragazzoni said her enjoyment of painting makes it easy to teach.

Each of Ragazzoni’s painting has hours and hours of time invested in it. A large painting can take Ragazzoni six to eight months to complete.

When she was younger, much of Ragazzoni’s work was landscapes and things she could see.

Later, “(my) spiritual relationship with the Lord took me more to express what I have inside, my relationship with him,” she said.

“All of these abilities come from the Lord,” Ragazzoni said.

One of her favorite paintings portrays her interpretation of the empty tomb after Jesus rose from the dead.

She said the painting is so meaningful to her because it reflects “the principles that guide my life.”

Ragazzoni said it is sometimes difficult to get across the message she hopes to convey through her work.

“I want to keep it educational,” Ragazzoni said.

Another painting she was excited to complete was of a historical arch in Venezuela honoring those who had fought for the freedom of the country.

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.

STARWOOD II FARM 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.

Team building events for up to 10-35 people are offered to conduct offsite 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.

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.

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 various events throughout the year.

OWNER - Chad Maddox

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 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/.

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 FACES AND PLACES 2022

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THORSBY

GARCIAS SPICE UP THORSBY WITH

DADDY’S KITCHEN

A STROLL DOWN

MAIN STREET

JEMISON PUBLIC LIBRARY

OLDE TOWN BOUTIQUE & GIFTS

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.

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 everyone. 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.

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.

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

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A

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CAREY REEDER

round 25 years ago, Victoria and Salustio Garcia made the journey to the United States from Acambay, Mexico to chase new opportunities.

Salustio began work in California before coming to work in Alabama. When he returned to Acambay and got Victoria, the two made their way to the Yellowhammer State.

“We decided that we would work here because we like the place,” Victoria Garcia said.

The couple worked in many different restaurants throughout their time together, and when it came time to develop a plan for their own business, the food industry was the path they chose.

“We decided to use our own recipes and start the business,” Victoria Garcia said.

The couple picked Thorsby as their location and opened Daddy’s Kitchen restaurant on May 10, 2015. Victoria Garcia said that she and Salustio were looking at many cities around central Alabama, but

settled on Thorsby for its easy-going vibes.

“We were looking for a business to put somewhere and decided to do it in Thorsby because it is a nice place here, and we like it here because it is quiet,” Victoria Garcia said. “I never found a place like this. This place is better than the (buildings) I saw in Pelham or Hoover.”

The restaurant has two dining areas with around 20 tables in each.

Victoria Garcia said she has seen Thorsby grow since moving to the area.

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

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 bread distribution program. Volunteers are essential to the Center. For more information, visit the Son Light Center Facebook page or call 205-287-1703.

Victoria Garcia stands under the Daddy’s Kitchen sign in Thorsby.

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Victoria and Salustio Garcia live in Thorsby with their five children.

The couple are the only employees at Daddy’s Kitchen with the help of their children from time to time.

“When I first saw (Alabama), it was a very nice place … A lot of rain and I love that,” Victoria Garcia said. “I never lived in a place like this. In California and those places, there is a lot of people in the streets and a lot of cars, I like the country.”

Some of the recipes at Daddy’s Kitchen are Garcia family recipes that have been in their family for years. Other recipes on the menu are from the couple’s experience working at different restaurants.

There is traditional Mexican food on the menu like burritos, flautas and fajitas, but also American food such as hamburgers and chicken fingers. Victoria Garcia said her menu is more like a Tex-Mex style of cooking.

Victoria and Salustio have built a solid customer base with many regulars that travel from all corners of Chilton County to get a taste of their food.

Robert Johnson and his wife eat lunch at Daddy’s Kitchen every Friday afternoon. Johnson moved to Thorsby last August and drove by the restaurant many times before, but did not think to try it.

“It is a hole in the wall type of restaurant,” Johnson said. “When we did stop and try it, we really liked the hole in the wall. Ever since we tried it we have been coming back,” His go-to order is the taco salad that Johnson said is “the best taco salad in the region.”

“You go to other places and you either get a lot of meat or a lot of lettuce, but she decorates hers up so you get a little bit of everything,” Johnson said. “Other places the shell gets hard so you leave it there, but not hers. You eat every bit of that shell.

That is why I

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.

FARMHOUSE CAFÉ ABOVE: The main dining room inside Daddy’s Kitchen BOTTOM LEFT: A shredded chicken burrito topped with lettuce and cheese sauce served with rice and beans. come here every Friday.”

Like most businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on Daddy’s Kitchen with the couple closing the doors for the first few months in early 2020.

However, during the summer of 2020, Daddy’s Kitchen opened its doors again. Food was served from a small drive-thru window on the right-side of the building, and the Garcias were able to get back to feeding their hungry customers.

Steve Wilson, who has been coming to Daddy’s Kitchen for several years, was one of many delighted to see the restaurant back open after the pandemic.

“They are wonderful folks and great food,” Wilson said.

Wilson said his favorite items on the menu are the flautas and fajitas.

“I have tried other things over time, but I migrated back to those two,” Wilson said. “It is very authentic in the way she makes her food, and it is really good.”

Victoria and Salustio Garcia have established themselves in Thorsby as some of the best Mexican food in the area, which Victoria said could not have been done without the support of her customers.

“I’m very grateful for my customers and my people because I do not have advertising or anything, but they still come and eat and they like my food,” Victoria Garcia said.

“That makes me happy.”

Daddy’s Kitchen is located at 876 Dakota Road in Thorsby and is open from 10:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. seven days a week.

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.

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.

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 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 will take place on Oct. 1 this year.

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

THORSBY FAST FACTS CITY HALL

P.O. Box 608 Thorsby, AL 35171

PHONE NUMBER 205-646-3575

FAX NUMBER

205-646-2414

WEBSITE

ELEVATION

POPULATION

MAYOR

LAND AREA

TOWN COUNCIL

thorsbyal.com

2,064 (2020 Census)

5.2 square miles

ZIP CODE 35171

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696 feet (212 meters)

Robert Hight 205-646-3575

Council Seat 1: Neil Benson 205646-2936 Council Seat 2: Tonya Ray 205-6463575

Council Seat 3: Justin Killingworth 205-767-1937 Council Seat 4: Marvin Crumpton marvincrumpton@centurytel.net Council Seat 5: Glenn Littleton 205646-3638 The Thorsby City Council meets on the First and Third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Thorsby Municipal Annex.

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STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

MAPLESVILLE

Thorsby hosted the Chilton County Strawberry Festival for the first time in 2022. The inaugural event was a huge success, highlighting local growers with art contests, strawberry shortcake eating contents, a pageant and live entertainment. The event is planned for April. More information available on the Chilton County Strawberry Festival Facebook page.

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.

JOYANNA LOVE | ADVERTISER

Dawn Smitherman has served at Maplesville town clerk since 2014.

DOWN-HOME

DEDICATION Smitherman serves as clerk in the town she always called home

M

STORY BY JOYANNA LOVE PHOTOS BY JOYANNA LOVE AND CONTRIBUTED

aplesville has been home for town clerk Dawn Smitherman for the majority of her life.

In the front office of town hall, she keeps things going from processing pay-

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roll for employees to answering community members’ questions and processing business licenses.

“We don’t have a typical day,” Smitherman said.

MAPLESVILLE FAST FACTS TOWN HALL

P.O. Box 9 Maplesville, AL 36750

PHONE NUMBER 334-366-4212

FAX NUMBER

334-366-4210

WEBSITE

www. townofmaplesville. com

POPULATION 636 (2019 estimate)

LAND AREA

3.3 square miles (8.5 square kilometers)

ZIP CODE

36750

ELEVATION

351 feet (107 meters)

MAYOR

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

TOWN COUNCIL

District 1: John Caudle 334-3664211 District 2: Sheila Hall 334-3660052 District 3: Hal Harrison 334645-7026 District 4: Ray Charles Mitchell raymitchell1966@ gmail.com District 5: Patty Crocker 334-3664432 The Maplesville Town Council meets on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Maplesville Town Hall.

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ABOVE: Dawn with her husband James.

DAWN SMITHERMAN | CONTRIBUTED

FILE | ADVERTISER

LEFT: Dawn Smitherman with town hall co-workers at the 2020 Treats on Main. Helping start the annual event is one of her proudest moments as town clerk.

Some days the to-do list she has made for herself gets superseded by things that come up needing immediate attention.

“The only thing that is set in stone is Thursday is payroll,” Smitherman said.

Budget season is always a busy season for her, but these days the business of the government office seems more constant.

“There is not really a dead time anymore,” Smitherman said.

She said notes and leaving unfinished things on her desk are helpful in helping her combat her ADD and stay on task in a position that naturally includes multiple interruptions a day.

Meeting new people is what she enjoys most about her job.

“Even though I have lived here all my life, there are still some people around here that I didn’t know … and then meeting other people from outside that come in,” Smitherman said.

She has called the town home for all but one or two years of her life when 28

FACES AND PLACES 2022

she was a child and her family moved to Jasper.

Smitherman’s previous jobs gave her a good foundation to be a town clerk.

Smitherman had worked in a bank and the Clanton hospital. When the hospital closed, she went to work as the receptionist at Bibb Medical Associates in Centreville. Later, she worked in the medical office’s billing department.

In February 2014, she was able to come back home to work when she was selected as town clerk.

Smitherman had heard about the position from her husband James who had seen the posting at town hall while paying the water bill.

“He was the one who was excited and came back and told me because I wouldn’t have to drive,” Smitherman said. “At the doctor’s office, you never knew when you were going to leave, if patients ran over. I was the receptionist so I had to stay, and he didn’t like me being on the road in the

winter sometimes at dark.”

She has thoroughly enjoyed not having to commute for work. She lives close enough that she has sometimes gone home for lunch.

However, the position is not just work behind a desk, as Smitherman is a part of teams coordinating holiday decorations for the main street.

She said her greatest accomplishment during her tenure has been establishing Treats on Main as a Halloween tradition.

“Me and Diane Chapman … we started that,” Smitherman said. “We were looking at doing something like other towns do.”

The event features community businesses, churches and residents handing out candy and other treats along the street the town hall is on. The street is closed for a few hours for the event.

She feels the greatest accomplishment for the town as a whole since 2014 is the establishment of a second storm shelter.

With the addition of this shelter, more residents will have a safe place to go in inclement weather.

The importance of such a shelter for the town was highlighted to Smitherman in 2012 when her son’s trailer was destroyed. He was at Smitherman’s house when it happened.

The town has been through its fair share of inclement weather in recent years including tornadoes and remnants of Hurricane Zeta.

Living and working in the small town means the majority of the town knows Smitherman and will reach out directly with questions and concerns.

On weekends, Smitherman said she “loves to go fishing with my husband” on Lake Mitchell or Lake Jordan.

“Fishing is totally relaxing,” Smitherman said.

She enjoys the company and the peaceful atmosphere — as well as the lack of cell phone service.

“I started doing that because my mom in her later life … she started fishing with my dad,” Smitherman said. “They would go down to the coast ... and she said it was something they could do together, so that is how I actually started doing it … never realizing that I would really like it.”

She also occasionally enjoys doing chalk paint projects.

Dawn and her husband James have four children and five grandchildren.

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24-HOUR CHALLENGE

EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH

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.

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.

MAPLESVILLE RAILROAD DEPOT HEARDS BBQ AND SOUL FOOD 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, which is still on display.

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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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