Royalty
Meet Miss Swedish Fest
Unique pets
Local couple keeps peafowls
In this issue:
Extension Office launches new program ‘Golden oldies’ come to WKLF Easy Going Travelers adventures JULY 2020 • VOL. 10, NO. 4 • PEACHLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Peach Living PUBLISHER Tim Prince
GENERAL MANAGER Brandy Clackley EDITORIAL
Joyanna Love, managing editor Anthony Richards, writer
Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith, freelance writer
Scott Mims, freelance writer
Emily Reed, freelance writer MARKETING
Zack Bates, marketing consultant CUSTOMER SERVICE Kacy Barrett
PRESSROOM & MAILROOM Chris Love, production manager Michael Turner,
assistant production manager
Malinda Nance, mailroom manager On the cover:
Ahnna Grace Mayfield is the reigning Miss Swedish Fest.
(CAPTURED BY CANDACE)
A note from the editor Here at Peach Living we like sharing the stories of community members that enjoy unique things. In this issue, we highlight a story I was especially excited about. Probably about two years ago, I found out that Pat Farmer, who I had met while covering another story, owned peafowls. Joyanna Never having met anyone who owned Love one of these creatures before, I was intrigued and excited to be able to talk to her about them. The story of how Jerry and Pat Farmer came to own a flock of peacocks and peahens is not what you might expect. We also highlight some fun things happening at Clanton’s local radio station. New shows are offering a wider variety of music for listeners on Saturday night. Roger Mims shares about his show “Roger’s Golden Oldies,” and his return to the world of radio. Miss Swedish Fest Ahnna Grace Mayfield also shared with us how her reign is going and what she has enjoyed. Many residents in Chilton County enjoy traveling. Some enjoy this as a group as a part of the Easy Going Travelers. The leader of the group took some time out to tell us about their adventures. Do you have a unique hobby you would like to share? Tell us about it by emailing joyanna.love@ peachlivingmagazine.com.
Inside this edition MISS SWEDISH FEST Ahnna Grace Mayfield enjoys being a role model
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4
A RETURN TO RADIO DAYS Clanton radio veteran returns to WKLF weekend lineup
FANCY FEATHERS
Couple enjoys keeping peacocks
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OPEN ROAD
24
14
Local travel group explores the great unknown
GROW MORE, GIVE MORE
Extension office starts project for home gardeners
CHAMBER NEWS
30
27
CALENDAR
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MISS SWEDISH FEST
Ahnna Grace Mayfield enjoys being a role model STORY BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH PHOTOS CANDACE PIERCE/ CAPTURED BY CANDACE
Chilton County is home to generations of gracious and beautiful women that serve as beauty queens. Thorsby’s annual Swedish Fest is no stranger to beauty marked with good altruism. The town of Thorsby has hosted a Swedish Festival since 1988, which includes a parade, booths, car show, Viking run and beauty pageant. Currently serving Miss Swedish Fest Miss
Ahnna Grace Mayfield enjoys being Miss Swedish Fest. 4 peach living
Ahnna Grace Mayfield, age 17, has enjoyed her role and the opportunity to use her platform to encourage others. “I have enjoyed representing the town of Thorsby, its history and people,” Mayfield said. “This has been a wonderful opportunity for me to meet people from all over the state. My queen sisters have been like family. We bonded from the very beginning.”
Ahnna Grace Mayfield was crowned Miss Swedish Fest in October 2019.
Mayfield has participated in pageants since she was one-month-old and knows from her own personal experience that many people, especially young girls idolize beauty queens and look to her as a role model. “I want young people and girls in particular, to know that you can do whatever you set your mind to,” she said. “If they want to be a beauty queen, I encourage them and tell them about the wonderful people I have met along the way.” During her reign, Mayfield has centered many of her community appearances on events that give affirmation and quality time to children. “My favorite events have been attending Thorsby School, reading books to children and attending Jemison’s Fairytale Show,” she said. “Those little girls see my crown and look up to me. They listen to what I have to say. It is important that they receive a positive message.” While Mayfield grew up with support from both of her parents, she knows that many children are dealing with issues in their family life or at school and are in need of a mentor. “When I was little girl and even now, my mother has always given me assurance,” said Mayfield. “She would tell me that I did well in a competition or say ‘if you don’t lift your head, your crown will fall.’ I want all children to have that support.” Despite Covid-19, Mayfield and her queen sisters have continued to promote and represent the county through peach living 5
Swedish Festival Queens Young Miss Carly Meank. Little Miss Farrah Scott, Miss Ahnna Grace Mayfield, Tiny Miss Natalie Burnett and Junior Miss Chloe Hagard were crowned in October 2019.
events like attending Relay for Life’s virtual event on social media. “COVID has delayed some events, like the Peach Parade, but my queen sisters and I have kept in touch;” Mayfield said. “We have been video chatting and checking in on one another. We are excited to decorate the Swedish Fest float for the Peach Parade because it will be the first time we have seen one another in person since the virus began.” Sign-ups for 2020-2021 Miss Swedish Fest will begin in August. The winner of the pageant is given a $1,000 scholarship. “To the new Miss Swedish Fest that will be crowned in October, I know you will have a wonderful time during this experience. I hope that you have as much fun as I have and hope that you will continue to mentor and encourage children during your reign,” she said. In Mayfield’s spare time, she enjoys photography, volleyball, and is passionate about playing softball for Isabella High School. While she is undecided on what career path to take, she knows that she wants to help others. “Both of my parents are police officers and serve the community. I know that I also want to give back in some way,” Mayfield said. Her parents are Tera Easterling and Shane Mayfield. Her siblings are Logan and Zaylee. 6 peach living
Miss Swedish Fest Ahnna Grace Mayfield knows she is a role model to younger girls. peach living 7
Roger Mims, who worked for WKLF in the ’70s and ’80s, has returned to host a weekly radio program on Saturday nights from 5-7, “Roger’s Golden Oldies.” (SCOTT MIMS)
A RETURN TO
RADIO DAYS
Clanton radio veteran returns to WKLF weekend lineup
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STORY BY SCOTT MIMS PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Tune in to 95.5 FM, 1000 AM or wklfradio.com and you’ll hear something different—and perhaps something a little familiar. The Clanton station — which under its current ownership has been devoted to Southern Gospel music — is now offering a variety of rock ‘n’ roll, pop and big band sounds in a new lineup of programming airing each Saturday from 3-9 p.m. The newest of these offerings is “Roger’s Golden Oldies,” which airs in the middle of the block from 5-7 p.m. and features WKLF radio veteran Roger Mims, who DJ’d there from 1973-1987 and was previously known by his radio name Craig
Rogers. The program features classic rock ‘n’ roll and pop tracks primarily from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s (Although, Mims has been known to sneak in a song from the ’80s or even ’90s, if it’s popular or requested.) “There’s a lack of really what you can call oldies on the radio,” Mims said, explaining that nowadays, people tend to call music from the ’70s and ’80s “oldies” but the term “golden oldies” from which the program derives its name historically refers to songs from the previous two decades. “We just thought we’d make it available here even though it’s just a two-hour-aweek show,” he said.
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Mims keeps a close eye on the Billboard charts from yesteryear and likes to play songs that hit No. 1 or were high-selling singles, but that is not his only criteria for whether a particular song is air worthy. “It could be a top 40 hit or something even lower if it’s a great song,” he said. Mims’ interest in radio blossomed in his teenage years while tuning to WVOK in Birmingham, WBAM in Montgomery and WHHY in Montgomery. He also recalls listening to Rick Dees, who worked the morning drive in the early-to-mid ’70s on WSGN out of Birmingham. “The funniest DJ I ever heard,” Mims said of Dees. Like many who grew up in the era, Mims cut his teeth on Elvis, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Ricky Nelson, Neil Diamond, Buddy Holly, etc. In fact, if someone asks him one day what artists influenced him and then ask him again the next day, he is likely to give two completely different answers. “I have always loved music, especially the old rock ‘n’ roll oldies,” he says. “If anybody ever asked me to give a top artist, I don’t know if I could or not because there are so many great artists and great songs.” Mims graduated from Chilton County High School in 1970 and attended the National School of Radio and TV Broadcasting in Atlanta in 1970 and 1971. He 10 peach living
If anybody ever asked me to give a top artist, I don’t know if I could or not because there are so many great artists and great songs.” — ROGER MIMS
went on to work at WMLS Sylacauga, WJAM Marion and finally WKLF, where he remained for about 14 years until 1987. At the time, WKLF played primarily country but had begun incorporating rock and pop as FM took over the radio waves. Mims started hosting his new show March 7. He said he had dreamt of returning to radio and decided to make the move when he was offered the opportunity. For him, that opportunity came three years into retirement after working for nearly 30 years at Stokes Automotive in Clanton. peach living 11
“I love it. I have a ball,” he said. “I’m thankful to WKLF for giving me a chance to do it. All the response we’ve had so far (has been) positive.” The new show is sandwiched between two longerrunning shows that are new to WKLF. Airing Saturdays 3-5 p.m. is “In the Mood,” a big band show hosted by Scott Michaels that is carried by other stations across the country as well. Capping off the new lineup from 7-9 p.m. is The Dr. Dax Davis Show, hosted by Dr. Dax Davis. The show, which also airs in the Shelby County area, utilizes analog equipment and plays oldies similar to those heard on Mims’s program. Additional changes are planned for WKLF.
Scott Michaels, longtime host of “In The Mood,” can now be heard on WKLF each Saturday from 3-5 p.m. 12 peach living
The “Dr. Dax Davis Show” now airs from 7-9 each Saturday night on WKLF.
Station co-owner and chief engineer Chris Johnson said he and Robert King purchased WKLF with the intent of getting involved in the community. “We’ve tried to do that,” Johnson said. This included airing Chilton County Commission meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re going to try to continue that even after COVID, as a public service,” Johnson said. New upgrades are underway, including a new tower and expanded coverage into Maplesville, Verbena, Jemison and south Shelby County. Johnson also hinted at further additions to WKLF’s programming, such as a country classic hour, but could not give more specific details. “We’ve had a really good response to our Saturday evening programming, and we are looking forward to continuing that,” King said. peach living 13
FANCY
FEATHERS
Couple enjoys keeping peacocks STORY BY JOYANNA LOVE PHOTOS BY JOYANNA LOVE AND CONTRIBUTED
Usually if a friend is offering someone a pet, they expect a cat or a dog — not a peacock. Yet, this is exactly how Jerry and Pat Farmer came to own their first Indian peafowls. The female birds are called peahens, and the males are peacocks. “At that time, Jerry, whatever came up, he took,” Pat said. Back then, Jerry said he had three chicken coops and up to 50 chickens at a time. Adding an aviary provided a place just for the peacocks. Jerry had met the friend offering the birds while working with the Chick Chain project at the Chilton County Extension Office. Each new bird the couple took in was about a year old. Jerry said the males mature at 3, and the females mature at 2 years old. The couple did not know a lot about the birds then, and they admit they are still learning. Jerry said learning about the birds has been one of his favorite things about having them. 14 peach living
A peahen sets on her clutch of eggs under the protection of bushes in the Farmers’ yard.
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A peacock’s tail feathers are soft. (CONTRIBUTED)
Pat said she has enjoyed watching them. After the initial two, the couple received more birds, and now has eight peafowls that roam and fly at will on their property. The aviary is largely abandoned now but serves as a safe place for a peacock that ran into the road to recover from a broken leg. Having this many birds around has meant taking precautions to preserve the Farmers’ tomato plants and back porch. Enclosing the back porch keeps the birds, and anything they might drop, out. “Peacocks are not for everybody,” Pat said. “They are not high maintenance other than the fact we had to screen in our back porch because they discovered it.” “They are like geese, messy,” Jerry said. “We would get up in the morning, and there would be three of them looking at us.” The couple has fenced in much of their garden to keep the peafowls from digging up the soil. Pat said she is developing a plan to redo her flower beds, researching which ones they will not eat. The birds are also loud, making a variety of sounds ranging from a caw to a clicking. “They are good watchdogs,” Pat said. 16 peach living
Although peacocks can fly, they often run from place to place.
Peacocks have a diverse palate. Pat said the birds eat ants, ticks, fleas, mice and snakes. However, the birds are also partial to some of the items in the Farmer garden. They love the tomato plant leaves and chives. Jerry said the birds like chives so much they will eat the shoots then dig up the roots to eat those as well. “They will eat almost anything — literally,” Jerry said. Jerry feeds the birds a combination of scratch feed, pellets, raw peanuts, cat food and dog food. “The one they love the most is the dog food,” Jerry said. The peafowls will also graze. The colorful display of feathers usually associated with peacocks is used to attract females. The males spread out their feathers in a fan shape and begin a time-honored ritual. “It’s almost a dance,” Jerry said. “A lot of times they (males) back up to them.” The rearmost feathers on the peacock are very fluffy. “It’s like a ball of down,” Jerry said. Pat said the females can fan out their feathers also, but she is not exactly sure why they do it.
A peacock shows off his feathers around dusk. (CONTRIBUTED) peach living 17
This peacock likes to perch on the top of an out building.
“They’re just fun to watch,” Pat said. While the birds are not usually aggressive, the males are territorial and do not always take to newcomers. This resulted in one of the birds being run off the property once. He wandered in to the road and was injured, but he is recovering well. “In the fall, the peacocks lose all of those long feathers for the winter,” Jerry said. Last year, he saved some and now has them on display in a vase. This is the first year that the peahens have laid eggs This Indian peacock is one of several that Pat and Jerry Farmer now own.
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and are setting on them. It will take 28 days for the eggs to hatch. “They lay in what they call clutches, anywhere from three to six eggs at a time,” Jerry said. He expressed doubts as to whether any young peafowls would actually hatch. Now that the females have started setting on the eggs, they are only leaving them for a few moments at a time to eat. “They lay a pretty big egg,” Jerry said. Similar to chicken eggs the non-fertile eggs of the peahen are edible.
A peahen stands in the shade to stay cool.
“If a person eats two eggs for breakfast, they only need one of these,” Jerry said. Pat commented that the eggs are mostly yolk. On hot days, the birds can be found in shady spots in the yard under bushes and trees — one even likes to perch on Jerry’s tractor. The birds also enjoy spending time roosting in the Farmers’ trees. “I’ve heard if they don’t like a place, they’ll just leave,” Jerry said. Apparently, the birds like it at the Farmers’ place because they are staying put. Peahens have fewer colors than peacocks.
A peacock recovering from a broken leg stays in the aviary.
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OPEN ROAD Local travel group explores the great unknown STORY BY EMILY REED PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
The open road, and unseen places, provide motivation to travel for a group of Chilton County residents known as the “Easy Going Travelers.” “There is something about going to a place you have never traveled before and discovering things you never knew,” group founder Evie Greene said. “My greatest delight is to travel with someone who is seeing something for the first time.” When Greene, a retired teacher from Maplesville Elementary School, found herself facing the reality of spending a lot of time by herself, she decided to live life to the fullest and did something she had always wanted to do: book a trip with a tour guide.
Evie Greene holds a version of “Anne of Green Gables” by L. M. Montgomery while on a bus in Prince Edward Island, where the story is set.
My greatest delight is to travel with someone who is seeing something for the first time.” — EVIE GREENE 20 peach living
“Anne” from “Anne of Green Gables” with Evie Greene at the house that celebrates the book series.
A lighthouse on Prince Edward Island was one stop during the group’s visit.
Evie and Dale Greene at the Grand Canyon.
“It was on that first trip that I got hooked,” Greene said. “I had so much fun. After so many years of teaching school, I had taught geography and was finally getting to see so many of the places I had taught about for so long. It was incredible.” The friendships Greene formed with some of the people she first traveled with also served as motivation to continue traveling, which served as the catalyst for Greene creating The Easy Going Travelers group. The year was 1994 when Greene first booked a bus from Montgomery for 50 people to travel with her. “I invited church people and community friends, and we went to Atlanta, Georgia to an Easter church service for a one-day trip,” Greene said. “Everyone just had a wonderful time, so we decided we just had to keep on doing it.” The day-trip to Georgia turned into a second trip, which then turned into overnight trips. At first, the group would only take a Christmas trip and a trip or two in the summertime, but now, the group takes trips regularly. “We can go at any time now,” Greene said. “My husband is now retired, and he can go as well, so as long as we have people wanting to go, we do.” Greene admits that the Covid-19 outbreak this year resulted in the cancellation of the group’s trips planned for the remainder of the year. “We did have to cancel our upcoming trips because we just didn’t want to take the chance,” Greene said. “We are hopeful we will be able to get back on the road next year.” The group limits travelers to around 45 people to allow plenty of “stretching” room on the bus. Greene said some of the travelers are from neighboring states, or neighboring cities, but by the end, everyone is good friends. “You can learn a lot from people when you travel with them,” Greene said. “We take a break every two hours when we travel, and we bring snacks, snacks and more
Thorn Crown Chapel in Arkansas near Eureka Springs.
Evie Jo Greene at the JFK Museum in Maine. peach living 21
Evie Jo and Dale Greene at the Biltmore in North Carolina.
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snacks, but by the end of every trip, we are all very close and have a lot of great memories.” The group has traveled to Gatlinburg, Tenn.; Branson, Mo.; South Carolina; New York; Washington D.C; Louisiana; Texas; Florida; Ark Encounter: Noah’s Ark in Kentucky; Maine; Nova Scotia; Arizona; Georgia; New Mexico; Amish Country in both Pennsylvania and Tennessee and various parts of Alabama. Travelers often contact Greene after hearing through word-of-mouth about some of the group’s previous trips. “We do sometimes put a trip we are planning to take on Facebook, but we do not advertise most of our trips, it is simply word of mouth,” Greene said. “We now have travelers that have joined us from all over the state, as well as neighboring states.” Greene said anyone interested in traveling is welcome to contact her about a future trip. “We have no stipulations when it comes to who goes with us,” Greene said. “It is mainly seniors because it is rare you find someone that can take off 13 days to go somewhere. We do not encourage small children, unless their parents, or grandparents can come with them, but we love to go and would love to have anyone willing to go with us.” All of the trips include a lot of laughs, and plenty of games played, most especially — bingo. “I was sitting at the Grand Canyon recently eating my lunch when I got a phone call from a lady in Mississippi telling me she would like to go to Prince Edward Island,” Greene said. “I told her, ‘well OK, let’s start talking about it.’” Greene said for her and her traveling friends there is no adventure too big. “Going and seeing the beautiful places we have all around us is a true gift,” Greene said. “It is just the best time.” For more information about the Easy Going Travelers, Greene said contact her by calling 334- 327-8309.
TOP: Ark Encounter features a full-size replica of Noah’s Ark in Kentucky. LEFT: Easy Going Travelers visit Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick.
The Easy Going Travelers group visited Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. There were 43 travelers enjoying the beautiful countryside of Canada. peach living 23
GROW MORE, GIVE MORE Extension office starts project for home gardeners
STORY BY JUSTIN MILLER, EXTENSION COMMUNICATIONS
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Home gardeners can now use their passion for gardening to make a difference in their communities through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System “Grow More, Give More” project. “We are excited to launch this project that not only teaches people the ins and outs of gardening, but also helps provide much needed food assistance to communities across Alabama,” said Bethany O’Rear, an Alabama Extension home grounds regional agent.
Grow More “Grow More, Give More” is a collaborative effort between Alabama Extension horticulture agents and Alabama Master Gardener Extension volunteers. Designed for both novice and experienced gardeners, this project provides the information required to have a successful vegetable garden. This project goes one step further and encourages
Five Gallon Bucket Garden Supply List This five-gallon bucket supply list is a part of the Alabama Extension Grow More, Give More project.
Makes four buckets
• Four 5-gallon buckets* • Four 25-quart bags potting soil mix (avoid “garden soil” for container gardens) • Pine mulch or other mulch to conserve soil moisture • 1⁄2 cup gypsum per plant (summer garden) • 1-pound granular fertilizer for vegetable gardens (use according to label) • Insecticidal soap (for soft-bodied insects) • Bt dust or spray (organic sourced insecticide for controlling caterpillars, aka worms) • Fungicide (fungal plant diseases can seriously impact plant health) • Sturdy tomato cage, twine, or other way to support large or climbing plants Seeds or transplants for early spring and late summer planting (cannot tolerate high heat): beets, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, lettuce, mustard greens, radishes, spinach, and turnips
Seeds or transplants for late spring and summer planting (mature plants cannot tolerate frost): cucumber, eggplant, peppers, tomato, and zucchini
Helpful tools include:
• hose, nozzle, or watering can to transport water to garden area • gardening gloves • hand trowel • hand cultivator *When using a 5-gallon bucket as a garden container, ensure that the bucket is food-grade plastic and not previously used for storing toxic materials. Drill or punch holes every 3 inches into the bottom of the bucket to allow for drainage. A 2-to-3-inch layer of gravel or small rocks below potting mix may also promote good drainage by preventing the potting mix from clogging the holes. The volume of one 5-gallon bucket is equal to 0.76 square feet. Four 5-gallon buckets is equal to 3 square feet. Use this to understand how much fertilizer to apply.
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citizens to use their garden bounty in ways to meet community needs. Many home gardens are started in early spring, but your garden doesn’t have to end with summer. In Alabama, we are blessed to be able to garden year-round. July and August are perfect for getting a fall garden started. Be sure to check the planting guide for vegetables that thrive in fall gardens. (“The Alabama Vegetable Gardener” at www.aces.edu has a complete listing of crops and planting dates.) Alabama Extension horticulture agents are distributing plans for growing vegetables at home. These plans cover some of the basic growing information related to commonly grown Alabama vegetables. “These plans will have information specific to different garden types, such as how to grow tomatoes in a five-gallon bucket,” O’Rear said. “We will suggest supplies needed, where to place it, when to plant it and how to maintain it.” Plans are also available for large container gardens, raised beds and in-ground row crops.
Informational Resources Worried about getting started? Don’t fret. Extension agents will help growers every step of the way by providing informational resources through a variety of platforms. Master Gardener Extension volunteers are also dedicating their time to support the project. “These resources are great tools that help guide home gardeners through the entire process,” she said. “In addition to the publications and informational articles on the Extension website, the ‘Grow More, Give More’ project will have brief online tutorials, social media posts and one-on-one assistance through the Master Gardener Helpline.”
Give More According to O’Rear, the goal is that people will use their extra produce to make a difference in their communities. “People who grow more than they can use are encouraged to share with neighbors or donate it to local food assistance efforts,” O’Rear said. “As people learn to Grow More, we hope they will Give More, too.” 26 peach living
We realize that for some gardeners it may be easiest to carry a small bag of extras across the street to a neighbor or take a box to their local school while some people may prefer delivering a harvest to a regional food bank. “Here, There and Everywhere” recognizes that every single donation of produce is valuable, whether it’s across the street or across the state. Whatever you may choose, thank you so much for being a part of this “Grow More, Give More” effort!
HERE Consider dropping off extra vegetables to neighbors who are shut in by age or illness or are affected by job loss and would appreciate fresh produce (and a kind note or a flower perhaps).
THERE Schools, community centers and places of worship are being called upon to address food insecurity in ways you may not realize — why not reach out and see if there’s a new need you can help fill.
EVERYWHERE Statewide charities (Society of St. Andrews, a crop gleaning charity www. endhunger.org) and regional operations like Community Foodbank of Central Alabama (www.feedingal.org) will coordinate donations, particularly in larger quantities. When you donate produce, consider completing the online survey. https://auburn.qualtrics.com/ jfe/form/SV_e3BUEDhh5ZfDMq1 Or, send a picture of your donation and a note about where you donated it to westgay@aces.edu. FacebookTwitterPrintMore
More Information For more information on this project, visit the “Grow More, Give More” page on the Alabama Extension website, https://www.aces.edu/go/ growmore Questions about gardening? Call the Alabama Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877-252-GROW (4769). In Chilton County, call the Chilton County Extension Office at 205-280-6268 for information on organizations that accept fresh produce.
NEW MEMBERS
PLEASE JOIN US IN SUPPORTING OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY!
LEWIS DEVELOPMENT – Lewis Development is a Real Estate Development company based out of Montgomery. Owned by Jeffrey and Valerie Lewis, the company plans to develop a small subdivision and senior apartment complex in Chilton County. You can contact them at 334-424-7008. POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN – Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen will be opened for business soon! Located on Hwy 31 across the road from Wal-Mart Super Center, Popeyes is a fried chicken fast food chain. Their hours of operation will be Monday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. The restaurant is currently hiring, and you can apply at premiercajun.traitset.com and select Store # 13252. GAME ZONE OF CLANTON is located at 1620 7th Street North in Clanton, right beside Baugh Ford. Game Zone offers a fun atmosphere for all ages, with over 30 arcade games and the largest laser tag arena in Alabama! They also offer packages for hosting parties. Game Zone is opened M – F from 1 – 10 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information call 205-990-8025 or visit their website www.gamezoneclanton. com. You can also find them on their Facebook page “Game Zone Laser Tag Center”. WOOD N WATER TAXIDERMY is located at 1807 Fourth Avenue North in Clanton. Wood N Water is a veteran owned and operated business. They specialize in all types of mammals, birds, fish and exotics. Wood N Water is opened Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon. For more information, call 205-755-1714 or visit their website www.wood-nwater.com. You can also find them on their Facebook page “Wood-N-Water Taxidermy.” THE ALABAMA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION is the member-driven voice of Alabama’s education employees. AEA members are teachers, education support professionals, administrators, professors, future teachers, and education retirees. Their hours of operation are Monday – Friday 8:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.. You can contact them by phone at 334-834-9790 or toll free at 800-392-5839, or their website www.myaea.org. PLAIN AND SIMPLE GIFT SHOP is located at 11404 County Road 42 in Jemison. They offer antiques, primitive and farmhouse style décor and gift items. Plain and Simple is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call 205-688-4321.
Buy local now more than ever! Please support our Chilton County businesses! #ChooseChilton www.chiltonchamber.org #ShopWhereYouSeeThePeach Pictured are Chamber board members: Jeff Jordan, Brandy Clackley, Steve Mims, Connie Bainbridge, Marilyn Colson, Brian Roberts, Peggy Hall, Shanon Hamilton, Brad Jackson, Shannon Welch, Lucinda Champion-Little, Van Forrester, Kevin Corley and President, Billy Singleton
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Chamber Happenings Lake photo contest being held Everyone knows that nothing beats “Lake Life!” The weather is getting just right for those outings and we have some of the most beautiful places here in Chilton County! With that being said, we need your help! We are updating the pictures on our website and we want to use YOURS! What would draw someone in to wanting to visit (or move to) Chilton County more than some fun on the water? Send us your pictures to info@chiltonchamber. org and we may select it to be featured on our website! We do have a few rules for these: 1. Individuals in the images must be appropriately dressed and display appropriate behavior. 2. We need action or nature shots, not “selfies” etc. 3. Images should make someone want to visit Chilton County and experience the beauty and fun it has to offer. 4. Please include where the picture was taken in your email. Pictures that are selected to use on our website will include a caption and give the photographer “photo creds” and will also receive a $25 gift card!! So get out there and enjoy the water and send us your pics!! #LakeLife #ChooseChilton Photos selected so far are: 1. Lay Lake Fishing – photo by Denise Farmer (located on the home page of the Chamber Website) 2. Eagle on Lay Lake – photo by Steve Smith - submitted by Gloria Cuthbert (located on “Parks and Recreation” section of “Visit Us” tab) 3. Fun on the Water – photo by Renee Hall (located on “Parks and Recreation” section of “Visit Us” tab) 4. Herons feeding – photo by Steve Smith – submitted by Gloria Cuthbert (located on “Parks and Recreation” section of “Visit Us” tab) 5. Dog sunning on the pier – photo by Renee Hall (located on the “Parks and Recreation” section of “Visit Us” tab)
March Business of the Month — Exit Royal Realty
Herons feeding – photo by Steve Smith – submitted by Gloria Cuthbert
Eagle on Lay Lake – photo by Steve Smith - submitted by Gloria Cuthbert
Fun on the Water – photo by Renee Hall
Lay Lake Fishing – photo by Denise Farmer
Board President, Billy Singleton presents Senior Connection director, Vanessa McKinney with a check from The Chilton County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in the amount of $5000.00 for aid in feeding and caring for the needs of the senior citizens of Chilton County amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chilton County Chamber Newsletter
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Dog sunning on the pier – photo by Renee Hall
Junes Business of the Month — St. Vincent’s Chilton
Chamber honors graduating ambassadors. The Chilton County Chamber of Commerce awarded graduating Student Ambassadors a $500 scholarship.
Kallen Harris recently graduated from Chilton County High School. She plans to attend Troy University. Nicolas Ray recently graduated Jemison High School and plans to attend South Alabama.
Gracie Harrison recently graduated from Maplesville High School and plans to attend Jefferson State Community College in Clanton. Krista Davis recently graduated from Isabella High School and will attend Jefferson State Community College in Clanton.
Ethan Ivy recently graduated from Jemison High School and plans to attend The University of Montevallo. Hannah Grace Childress recently graduated from Jemison High School and plans to attend Jefferson State Community College’s Clanton campus for one year, before transferring to Mississippi State University.
NOW OPEN & ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Clanton Pediatric Associates, PA Come grow with us! 1011 Lay Dam Road Clanton, AL 35045 (205) 280-4990
peach living 29 www.chiltonchamberonline.com
CALENDAR
Editor’s note: These events were scheduled at press time. Events may have changed due to COVID-19-related issues.
Wednesdays
Rotary Club of Chilton County meets each Wednesday at Peach Park in Clanton at noon. Anyone interested in learning more about your local Rotary Club or becoming members are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP for lunch details to Gordon Swenson at (205) 907-4219.
Tuesday -Friday
Jemison Public Library has re-opened to the public. The library will be open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Story Time has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic until further notice.
Sundays
Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, 14731 County Road 51 in Jemison, is experiencing new ways to worship and doing so within the current laws! We invite everyone to join us on Sundays, weather permitting, at 10 a.m. in our church parking lot. Do not get out of your car. Tune your radio to 87.9 and listen to Brother Phil deliver our message. Brother Phil will be preaching from the church porch. If you have any questions, please call 205-755-5556.
Fourth Thursday of each month
2020 Environmental Education Webinar Series Alabama Extension’s Urban Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resource Management Team presents the Environmental Education (EE) Virtual Webinar Series. Join us on the fourth Thursday of each month at 11:00 a.m. CST for training sessions on traditional conservation topics as well as new and emerging issues in environmental education. This free virtual webinar series offers effective best management practices (BMPs) aimed at safeguarding human, animal and environmental health, and practical solutions to help reduce your ecological footprint. Whether you are an educator, an environmental professional, or a nature-lover, join us to discover how you can become a better steward of the environment. Each webinar offers professional contact hours by the AAMU/UAH Regional In-service Center on the PowerSchool platform. Certificates of Completion are available to all registered live attendees who attend 45 minutes or more of any webinar. Contact Allyson Shabel at ams0137@aces.edu or 256-612-6766 for more information.
July
The 2020 Chilton County Arts Festival has been CANCELED 30 peach living
Wednesdays in July
Alabama 4-H at AAMU Virtual Robotics Camp Alabama 4-H at AAMU is hosting a Virtual Robotics Camp for youth ages 10-13! Come join the fun! You will learn how to use block coding to program a virtual robot. All you need is a laptop or tablet, Internet connection, and a positive attitude! Camp will take place every Wednesday in July from 1:00-2:00. Registration is required. Contact Jessica Williams jlw0018@aces.edu or 256-309-9119 Register online at https://auburn.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tJwtd-usqjMpG9xskI1FTF6i3PBn3A8yS3_u
Tuesdays and Thursdays in July
STEM in the Garden: Teacher Training Webinar Series Alabama Extension’s Home Grounds Team knows that for a school’s outdoor classroom to be successful, the garden must be grown and maintained correctly. The STEM in the Garden webinar course will train teachers on basic gardening principles, ways to align the Alabama gardening calendar with your school year calendar, and solutions to common problems associated with outdoor classrooms. STEM in the Garden will strengthen your garden knowledge, while maximizing your school garden’s STEM teaching capability. This course follows along with Clemson University’s outdoor classroom curriculum, STEM in the Garden, which is recommended for purchase to accompany the class. 9 CEUs are available with this course (1.5 per session) through the AAMU/UAH Regional In-service Center on the PowerSchool platform. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will only be awarded to those who attend the entire session of each webinar in the STEM in the Garden series. Presentations 50 minutes each with a 10-minute break between sessions. For more information, visit http://www.aces.edu/go/STEM or contact Allyson Shabel at ams0137@aces.edu or 256-612-7677.
July 3
Lake Mitchell HOBO fireworks show at 9 p.m. at the mouth of Cargile Creek.
July 4
Lake Mitchell HOBO Pontoon parade begins at Higgins Ferry heading south at 10:00 a.m. The speed boat Parade at 2:00 out of Blue Creek heading north.
July 4
Independence Day
July 4
Maplesville Fireworks show in the town park as soon as it gets dark. Kona Ice will begin selling at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Blackbelt Sewer and Drain, the town of Maplesville and Boom Fireworks.
July 8
Deadline to submit artwork for the Roy Wood Peach Festival Art Show. Sponsored by River Bank and Trust. Artwork may be pertaining to the peach industry or a subject of your choosing. Drawings, watercolors, pastels and any works on paper must be matted framed and complete with wire to hang. Up to two entries per person. Cash prizes given for first, second, third and honorable mention in a junior and senior division.
July 10
Chilton County Peach Festival judging of the best peaches in Chilton County
July 11
August
En Fuego has been canceled.
Aug. 22
20th Anniversary Family Fun Burger Burn Flotilla 88, Station Waxahatchee, 1105 County Road 759, Clanton, AL 35046 It’s time to blow off a little steam and have some fun! Come and help us celebrate Flotilla 88’s, 20th anniversary! Bring a friend, bring your boat, bring your swim suits and prepare to get wet and spend time with old friends and make some new ones at the flotilla Burger Burn family day! This event is open to anyone who is a member of US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 88, friends of the flotilla and anyone interested in the CG Auxiliary! Registration required at https://www.eventbrite.com/ e/20th-anniversary-family-fun-burger-burn-tickets103328566524?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse
Chilton County Peach Festival Parade hosted by the Clanton Lions Club **Please obey all traffic/pedestrian laws and regulations to ensure your safety and the safety of others!
We hope you enjoy your stroll through downtown Clanton. For our visitors, the people of Chilton County extend a warm welcome and invite you to visit our local shops and restaurants to experience true Southern hospitality. Be sure to visit our numerous vegetable and fruit stands throughout the county to sample a wide variety of locally grown produce.
We are proud of our county and encourage you to explore all Chilton County has to offer. The Peach Path is a cooperative effort of the City of Clanton, The Chilton County Chamber of Commerce, and the Chilton County YMCA. We appreciate the support and efforts of Dr. Jeff Price in making The Peach Path project possible. peach living 31
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20 Years Experience
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N E P O Clanton 1501 7th Street North Maplesville 9411 AL Highway 22
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