Behind
the scenes
Volunteers make festival successful
In this issue:
C ouple find joy in small home living Operation Birthday Wish G roup provides free GED classes MAY 2020 • VOL. 10, NO. 3 • PEACHLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Peach Living PUBLISHER Tim Prince GENERAL MANAGER Brandy Clackley EDITORIAL Joyanna Love, editor J.R. Tidwell, managing editor Anthony Richards, writer Elisabeth Altaminaro-Smith, freelance writer Emily Reed, freelance writer MARKETING Zack Bates, marketing consultant CUSTOMER SERVICE Kacy Barrett PRESSROOM & MAILROOM Jimmy Ruff, production manager Michael Turner, asst. production manager Chris Love, asst. production manager Malinda Nance, mailroom manager Peach Living is published 6 times a year P.O. Box 1379, Clanton, AL 35046 205.755.5747 peachlivingmagazine.com On the cover: Jerry Harrison’s peaches have won first place at the Chilton County Peach Auction 21 times.
A note from the Editor Peak peach season is practically here, and that means thoughts turn to the annual Peach Festival. Traditionally, the pageants, auction and parade serve to promote this local industry and raise funds for local organizations. However, the Clanton Lions Club has been focused on the festival all year. We Joyanna talked with a few of the volunteers to Love get a behind-the-scenes look into just what it takes to make the festival a success each year. Success can mean different things to different people when they look at their life. Chilton County residents Russell and Deanna Lawlis found that chasing the stereotypical symbols of success left them lacking joy. The couple chose to build a 400-square-foot home and minimize material possessions. Read about their small home living journey and the benefits they feel they have reaped on Page 7. Some find fulfillment by helping others. In this issue, we feature two such people. Sara Beth Huntley has continued a project started by her sister to help children in foster care celebrate their birthdays. Tamera Hinton is a part of a group providing free GED classes to the community. We are always looking for interesting people and stories to feature in Peach Living. Have a story you think should be shared? Email me at joyanna.love@peachlivingmagazine.com.
Inside this edition OPERATION BIRTHDAY WISH
Sarah Beth Huntley helps foster children celebrate
7
4
SMALL HOUSE, BIG REWARDS
Couple finds enjoyment in simplified lifestyle
WHAT’S IN YOUR GARDEN?
Students in Betsy Porter’s class at Jemison Elementary share what they would grow in a garden.
16
GED CLASSES
MAKING THE PEACH FESTIVAL Clanton Lions Club shares a behind-the-scenes look
24
14
Local group provides free help
WIN THE BATTLE OF BUGS IN YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN CHILTON CLOSE-UPS
30
19 27
CALENDAR
peach living 3
Sara Beth Huntley was in the top eight in the state DYW competition
OPERATION
BIRTHDAY WISH Sarah Beth Huntley helps foster children celebrate STORY BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Sara Beth Huntley has continued the work of Operation Birthday Wish 4 peach living
Foster care families around the United States are “home� for a staggering 443,000 children each year. Children spend an average of two years within the foster care system, while some may wait five years or longer. According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), the average age of a child upon entering foster care is 8 years old. For many foster families that provide housing to several children, extra provision such as birthday parties are not practical, and many children go without celebrating their own birthday in a special way. To combat this, Sarah Beth Huntley, age 17 of Clanton, organizes and operates Operation Birthday Wish, which gives every foster child in Chilton County a gift on their birthday.
In 2010, Sarah Beth’s older sister, Ada Ruth founded OBW after a conversation about her mother’s own experiences while in foster care as a child. “While being in the system, there were some birthdays that my mother did without a birthday gift,” said Sarah Beth. “Operation Birthday Wish was started to ensure that every child is celebrated on their birthday, regardless of circumstance.” Upon Ada Ruth’s high school graduation, Sarah Beth took up the helm of Operation Birthday Wish and has been running the program with the help of the Student Government Association and FOCUS at Chilton County High School. Each month, the Department of Human Resources gives Sarah Beth a list of birthdates and birthday wishes. DHR social workers ask the foster children what gifts they might like to have. The list also includes their age, race and gender. With that information in hand, Sarah Beth works to find commercial and individual donors within the community to sponsor the cost of the gift and gift wrap. “We ask sponsors to at least spend $30 so that the gift can be something nice that the child really wants,” said Sarah Beth. “We want this gift to look nice, so the child will know that an effort has been made because they are special.” Sponsors can also purchase gift cards and donate them to the organization. “When a sponsor donates a gift card, I or someone from the SGA will shop for whatever is on the birthday list and use the card to purchase it,” said Sarah Beth. Sarah Beth recruits additional volunteers to pick up and deliver the gifts to DHR, where the social worker then takes the gifts to the children. Sarah Beth has used her platform as 2020’s Distinguished Young Woman of Chilton County to promote Operation Birthday Wish. Distinguished Young Women is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholarship, leadership and talent in young women. The deadline to register for the 2021 Distinguished Young Woman of Chilton County program is June 1, 2020. Registration can be completed at www. distinguishedyw.org See the Distinguished Young Women of Chilton County Facebook page for details. Huntley has also presented OBW at the State of Alabama FOCUS Rally in 2017 and the Clanton Kiwanis Club. She has created a partnership with Books-A-Million to not only sponsor a gift, but donate a book as well. Sarah Beth recently was accepted to multiple universities and has chosen to attend Vanderbilt. Even through great distance, she has structured OBW so that peach living 5
Sara Beth Huntley has used her position as Distinguished Young Woman of Chilton County to promote Operation Birthday wish. In the state DYW competition, she won an interview award.
it will remain self-sufficient during her absence. Donors can visit OBW’s online Amazon account: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/1RLGOQSDYFBIJ?ref_=wl_share “The gift items listed on the Amazon account are from foster children,” Sarah Beth said. “Having this account will make it easier for those that want to shop from home and have it delivered.” However, Sarah Beth said that the partnership with the SGA and FOCUS are still vital to the existence of OBW. “In the future, donors may purchase presents and then leave it for us at Chilton County High School by the specified deadline,” said Huntley. “The student groups will then meet to wrap the presents, and take them to DHR for drop off.” For more information about Operation Birthday Wish, visit www.operationbirthdaywish.com or email operationbirthdaywish @gmail.com. 6 peach living
SMALL HOUSE, BIG REWARDS Couple finds enjoyment in simplified lifestyle STORY BY JOYANNA LOVE PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Editor’s note: The Lawlis family lives in unincorporated Chilton County. A house such as the one they built may not be allowed in cities or towns. Always check the building regulations of your town or city and contact the local building department before beginning a project.
Stress and bills were piling up, as were material possessions when Russell and Deanna Lawlis made the firm decision to simplify their life. For Russell, it was something he had been trying to do by degrees for years. He said he first realized he had too much stuff in 2000.
ABOVE: The Lawlis family
peach living 7
Wanting a more enjoyable lifestyle, Deanna and Russell Lawlis chose to donate all of the things they no longer needed and move into a 400-square-feet home.
The frame is up for the 400-square-feet home. 8 peach living
“Over the years its grown, the more I let go, the more I wanted to,” Russell said. “It’s really a freeing experience,” Deanna said. After chasing the American dream and trying to keep up with everyone else and buying the next nicest thing, Deanna reached a day when she stopped and thought “What are we doing? We are wearing ourselves out doing this. We are not happy. We are not living a happy life. We are stressed all the time.” Deanna said there were bills she was paying for things that she did not have time to enjoy. In looking to simplify life, Deanna considered moving into an RV. Russell started realizing he could get by with less after he bought a camper for weekend trips. “The more that I was in the camper, the more that I realized that the things that were in the house I wasn’t needing,” Russell said. This highlighted for him that he could enjoy life with just the essentials. “So, I started minimalizing everything — it took off and became a lifestyle from there,” Russell said. He began donating items that he did not use.
Walls begin to take shape.
“There is a level of freedom that comes with being a minimalist that you can’t really describe,” Russell said. Deanna and Russell were coming to the same conclusions about how they wanted to live their lives. When they got married in April 2019, the desire to reduce stress and be able to have a greater enjoyment in life led to the couple moving to about 20 acres in Chilton County and planning to build a small home. Living in a simple way surrounded by woods had a certain appeal to Russell as he thought back to his childhood and staying in small barebones hunting cabins on trips on the weekends. “I always thought it was so cool getting to go and stay in these places,” Russell said. “What a simple set up that was, you have a kitchen and a couple of bunks and everything is all in one room.” Not quite a tiny home, the Lawlis residence is 400 sq. ft. consisting of two main rooms, a closet and bathroom are off of the bedroom. The other room is the kitchen/ living room. A large sliding door separates the two mains rooms. Russell said a lot of thought was put into which ways doors would swing in order to maximize space. Russell said the space has everything that a typical house would have, just on a smaller scale. Building on a smaller scale also gave the couple more money for materials and appliances. Russell said he chose the thickest possible metal room, so that if repairs are needed he will be able to walk on the roof without having to worry about damaging the roof. “I was able to go with the better-quality plumbing ... I was able to go with solid wood cabinets (as opposed to particle board),” Russell said. The couple is also saving a lot on heating and cooling by living in a smaller home. “I was able to go with a very high grade of a split (HVAC) unit that we actually had ducted out into individual rooms,” Russell said. peach living 9
Roofing is done.
The couple special ordered vinyl windows to further reduce the energy costs for the home. However, it took a little while for the pieces to be delivered. The Lawlis family moved in June 2019. “It’s awesome ... I wake up grateful every day,” Russell said. “It has been amazing,” Deanna said. Some tiny homes are mobile. However, since the Lawlises were not planning on going anywhere, building a concrete slab was less expensive than purchasing the trailer axle that would have been necessary to make the structure mobile.
A porch adds a homey touch to the structure. 10 peach living
One of the best things about it I think is ... we have so much more money to do with whatever we decide to do with it, we don’t have to worry about a lot of material things that we did before, so there is a lot of peace of mind in this house.� — RUSSELL LAWLIS Having a concrete slab also provides better support for the structure to withstand storms. The structure was built by Russell’s brother-in-law with some help from Russell. The project took about nine months to complete just working on it when they had time. Russell said he was grateful to his brotherin-law for the help. “One thing, I have learned through this is that each thing has its own order if it is done properly,� Russell said. The house has all the modern conveniences, just on a smaller scale. Once construction was complete, the couple focused on making the space cozy and comfortable for themselves and their young granddaughter who lives with them. “We are outdoorsy people, so ... you don’t find us just sitting in here all the time — spring, fall summer we are out doing something,� Deanna said. Hiking, camping and kayaking are some favorites. “Kayak fishing is big for us,� Deanna said.
Thanks for voting us
Best Bank
in Chilton County!
A sliding barn door separates the two main rooms and maximizes space. peach living 11
The compact living room is a play to watch TV, read and just relax.
The decor of the home reflects the family’s interests and “brings the lake house to us,” Deanna said. She said they have also enjoyed the community in Chilton County. Prior to moving to Chilton County, the family lived in a lake house on Lake Jordan. Deanna said finding things while getting ready to move that she had not used since she moved into the lake house further demonstrated for her that she could do without many of the items she owned. “One of the best things about it I think is ... we have so much more money to do with whatever we decide to do with it, we don’t have to worry about a lot of material things that we did before, so there is a lot of peace of mind in this house,” Russell said. “We don’t worry about a lot of expenses because we don’t have them.”
The kitchen is along one wall of the first main room 12 peach living
Desiree gets comfortable.
The change in lifestyle has also expanded to the couple’s jobs. Deanna had been an assistant bank manager, and Russell was an assistant manager a music store. Both were commuting each day from Titus to Montgomery. Now, both are semi-retired and selfemployed. “We are getting to do the things that we enjoy,” Deanna said. Their kayak fishing trips have increased. Deanna said she now has time for writing, which she has always enjoyed. Russell said he now has more time to hunt. “We own our life now, and I think that is the greatest blessing that we have been able to do with this,” Deanna said. Russell Lawlis makes sure the swing is level and ready for use.
peach living 13
WHAT’S IN YOUR Students in Betsy Porter’s class at Jemison Elementary share what they would grow in a garden.
Flowers —Deysi Acosta
Fruit — Marcus Alexander
Tomatoes — Ayden Carr
Flowers because me and my mom are going to plant flowers — Corvin Grier
Broccoli —Kade Harrard
Flowers — Julia Jimenez
Watermelon —Layla Nwaransky
Apples — Dillon Porter
Watermelon — Cora Rico
14 peach living
Watermelon — Edmar Robles
GARDEN?
Watermelon — Madyson Schrader
Apples — Daniel Valencia
Flowers —Cortlyn Wargo
Flowers — Laycee Smith
peach living 15
FURTHER
EDUCATION GED classes offered to the community STORY BY EMILY REED 16 peach living
What started as a temporary venture for Tamera Hinton and Rhonda Joyner in August 2018 to facilitate GED classes for the community, quickly turned into a more permanent solution. “Once we initially started teaching the classes, we went from five enrolled students to over 20 enrolled students in a matter of a couple of months,” said Hinton. “We saw the dire need for this class to the community, so we gave our all to see it prosper, grow and help others meet their goals.” Initially, both Hinton and Joyner served as facilitators through a local nonprofit organization, but the two left the organization in 2019 after resigning from the board of directors and decided to continue offering the classes to ensure all of the students were able to finish what they had started. “After we left, many students reached out to us asking if we could do private classes,” Hinton said. “After some thought and prayer, we decided to continue facilitating the classes.” The state of Alabama requires four core classes be taken on the GED exam including math, social studies, science and language. “The purpose of the GED classes is to assist those in need of a hands-on classroom experience peach living 17
where they have resources and teachers to help guide them through the lessons and retain the information needed to pass the state GED exam,” Hinton said. “The class is designed to benefit not only those seeking to obtain a GED, but anyone also taking the SAT or ACT as well as anyone just needing tutoring on high school and lower level college courses. We actually had a student that attended Troy University in the math class last year.” Hinton said the availability of the classes is an important resource to the community because there are often many people who have had to quit school for various reasons and need a GED for better opportunities in the workforce or to attend college. “We offer more than just classes,” Hinton said. “We really care about the people we help in our classes, and we have created a small community of friends that are there to help each other and support one another.” While the GED class offerings is not something new to the Chilton County area, Hinton said the benefits of receiving a GED differ from person to person. “The main goal is to finish,” Hinton said. “Once people finish and pass the tests, they feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. For many, the benefit of getting the GED is that it allows them to apply for more sustainable employment or a promotion in their current job or to pursue a college degree.” The classes are free and similar to a traditional classroom setting. During the outbreak of COVID-19, the classes are being offered online, twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. When classes resume to a regular schedule, they will be held at the Chilton-Clanton Public Library, 100 First Avenue in Clanton, in the conference room. Classes are free, and individuals are required to bring whatever helps them succeed, Hinton said. “We provide everything they need, textbooks, notebooks, writing utensils, and other learning tools. We mostly use our own financial resources to provide for the classes, but we do accept donations from friends and family that want to help us.” For more information about the classes, visit Facebook at RESET GED Prep Class. 18 peach living
MAKING THE
PEACH FESTIVAL Clanton Lions Club shares a behind-the-scenes look STORY BY JOYANNA LOVE PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Kevin Mazingo and Britt Culpepper with the 2019 Peach queens.
Each year as peach season reaches its peak community members enjoy various activities as a part of the Peach Festival. What attendees may not realize is that the Miss Peach pageants, Peach Parade and Peach Auction they are attending represent hours of work by the Clanton Lions Club and other volunteers asked to help, mostly Lions family members. It takes 50 to 100 volunteers each year to make the festival a success. This year, the festival will look a little different. The club made the decision in April to cancel the pageant for this year amid COVID-19 concerns. The annual judging of peach baskets is set for July 10 and the parade for July 11. Winning peach baskets will not be auctioned off this year but will be donated to community organizations, hospitals and first-responders. The club’s focus for the festival is to promote the local peach industry, which produces more peaches than anywhere else in Alabama, and raise funds to help community organizations. The president of the club serves as the chair for the Peach Festival and works to get efforts rolling each year. Different groups help with the event they are most interested in, but every member volunteers at some point during the week of activities. “Even though the festival is not until June, it is pretty much a yearlong planning process,” Clanton Lions President Chris Speaks said. peach living 19
Cindy Mazingo, Debbie Culpepper and Michele Headley with 2018 Peach queens.
Pageant director Debbie Culpepper said meetings are held year-round related to the festival. The pageant committee traditionally meets on a monthly basis and twice a month January through June. There are several things that have to be finished even before the festival starts. Designs have to be selected. Promotional items, such as T-shirts and hats have to be ordered. The plaques for the Peach Auction winners have to be purchased.
20 peach living
Since the club has put on the festival for so many years now, Speaks said it goes fairly smoothly, and if there are any issues Lions Club volunteers are “quick to step in and get things handled.” “I have been involved with the auction for years that is where we make our money for giving back to the peach growers (prizes for winning baskets), and we also give back to the community,” auction chairman Glenn McGriff said.
He said the auction is also a time “to promote the peach growers and their family — that’s what the bottom line is all about — promoting our peach industry.” Funds raised to benefit the community go toward scholarships, the Lions Sight Foundation and donations to local nonprofits. A panel of volunteer judges ranks the baskets before they are auctioned off. Judges usually include someone from Auburn University and some local judges. Recent peach auctions have raised $20,000, McGriff said. “We usually have 25 to 30 baskets, the growers have been real good to us,” McGriff said. Jemison FFA and Thorsby FFA are regular volunteers at the auction, helping to set up. Senior Connection has become a partner for the event in recent years allowing the auction to be held at the facility. “It has worked out better, and we appreciate Senior Connection letting us use their facility,” McGriff said. After being a part of the auction for about 40 years, McGriff said his favorite part is getting to know the peach growers. “I just love having a connection with the peach growers and their families and getting to know them,” McGriff said. “I admire what they do, making a living off the land. They have to depend on Mother Nature and the Good Lord. I’m always fascinated by how hard they work and the hours they put in. People just don’t realize ... I just like promoting our county and promoting the peach industry because that is what we are known for.” Speaks said he enjoys all of the Peach Festival activities. Last year, he joined McGriff in visiting some of the peach farmers and enjoyed getting to meet them. Two weeks before the auction is scheduled to be held, the Lions Club gets peach baskets to the growers that have agreed to have peaches in the event. For the pageants, venues have to be secured and pageants sign up and practice events have to be scheduled and ads for the program sold. The sashes that each queen receives are handmade so making sure these will be done on time is also a part of the committee’s responsibilities. Efforts to sell ads for the program books begin in February.
Cindy Mazingo and her sister Michele Headley, who works with the girls during the year going to events, with the 2019 Peach Queens at the Peach Auction.
“It is just a lot of organizing, and we are so thankful that we have so many people in the community and within the Lions Club that help,” Culpepper said. “That is what really helps make this so successful.” Volunteers also secure door prizes and gifts for the peach queens. “About April each year, I start calling and visiting local businesses in the county to see if they would like to donate to our queen gifts and door prizes,” Lions Club member Cindy Mazingo said. “We have always had such generous support from our local merchants,
Lions Club members Steve Forrest and Neal Bice provide door security during the Little Miss Peach Pageant. peach living 21
TOP: Judy Martin (1964 Miss Peach), Caydee Grace Miller, Julia Culpepper and Larry Culpepper working the lobby before the event starts. BOTTOM: Britlee Culpepper, Julia and Larry Culpepper selling Peach Festival T-Shirts.
and we very much appreciate each and every single contribution they make to our festival each year. When we crown a new queen each night, they all refer to it as their ‘Christmas in June.’” Mazingo has volunteered in this role since 2017. “When I initially call to ask for donations, I let everyone know their gifts will be picked up two weeks prior to the pageant with the exception if it is a baked good,” Mazingo said. “Some go ahead and tell me to come get their gifts then but most wait until June. Culpepper and Michele Headley also help me pick up some gifts as well. Once we have everything picked up, this allows me plenty of time to organize each new queen’s gifts and door prizes for each pageant. This past year, we had between 40-50 door prizes each night and each queen gift tables were around 50 gifts as well. We were truly blessed!” During the pageants, there are volunteers selling tickets and T-shirts, security volunteers, those hosting the hospitality room and female volunteers helping the girls get ready for each part of the pageant. About 35 club members volunteer each night of the pageants. 22 peach living
“We give fresh peaches to all of our winners, so we have a volunteer that just goes and gets peaches every day for us,” Culpepper said. In recent years, getting contestants for the pageant has been challenging because of all the options for things to do in the summer now. Culpepper said increasing the scholarship opportunities available through the pageant has helped draw interest. “The thing that is most inspiring and is kind of my passion is the scholarships for the girls that was one of the things that I really started trying to build several years ago,” Culpepper said. “... I love being able to give that to give back to some of the young ladies in the community that are really working hard and trying to further their education.” Last year, the Lions Club and community partners awarded more than $11,000 in scholarships during the pageants. Almost every contestant in the Miss Peach category walked away with at least one scholarship. “We try to not just make it a pageant, even for our little ones, we want them to have fun, we try to encourage kindness and friendship and trying to get them to make good and healthy friendships along the way with children from other schools that they may not know,” Culpepper said. “... We want it to be about a way to give back to the community.” She said community sponsors, donations and support “has been one of the main reasons the festival has been so successful.” “We are just thankful for all of our volunteers because if we didn’t have them, we definitely wouldn’t be able to Judges discuss the entries at the peach auction. have a pageant,” Culpepper said. Traditionally, many volunteers are involved in processing all of the applicants’ paperwork and NOW OPEN & ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS coordinating rehearsals and parties for the queens. A group of volunteers also helps with the scholarships by Clanton Pediatric reading the essays that have been submitted. Associates, PA “Chilton County is the best,” Mazingo said. “Everyone has always went above and beyond to help out each year ... Come grow with us! Everyone that I call on is always so generous to continue their support of our pageant year after year. This makes 1011 Lay Dam Road my job very rewarding, and I hope everyone notices in Clanton, AL 35045 our program book the list of merchants who so graciously (205) 280-4990 support our festival so we can all do the same for them.” The Peach Festival will be held July 10 and 11 this year.
Donny Martin and Glenn McGriff sell Peach Pageant programs peach living 23
WIN THE BATTLE of bugs in your vegetable garden STORY BY MALLORY KELLEY, REGIONAL EXTENSION AGENT 24 peach living
Yesterday when you checked the garden, the tomatoes were green and healthy as were the potato plants. Today, the tomato leaves are stripped, and the potato leaves are riddled with holes. Yes, overnight your garden has been attacked by invading insects. The battle is on, but to conquer the invaders, first you must identify the enemy. The most common and most damaging insect pests of the vegetable garden are worms, squash bugs, squash vine borers, leaf-footed bugs and stinkbugs. Those are the most common and damaging, but needless to say, there are lots of enemies to your vegetables. Scouting at least once a week for any of these insects can greatly increase your garden success, but when scouting you need to know what you’re looking for. Before using any insecticide, it is always best to identify the insect. In many cases, you could be killing the “Good Guys” who help control the “Bad Guys” and if you don’t know, then don’t spray! Always be sure the product is labeled for that
Mallory Kelley, Regional Extension Agent
specific insect and labeled for the crop you are spraying it on. When the insect is properly identified targeting the exact type of insecticide to that pest will keep from harming the beneficial insects.
The tomato hornworm can create issues for a garden. (Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University Bugwood.org) peach living 25
All worms in the vegetable garden come from the eggs laid by moths, (cabbage loopers, tomato fruitworms, armyworms and hornworms). There are many different chemicals that will control these, but your go to should be sprays or dusts with the active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis. This is a bacteria that is a gut poison to worms and worms alone. It has a zero post-harvest interval, which means you can apply the product and eat the fruit the very same day. The key to success against worms is to keep this product present on the plant. The most effective control is just after eggs hatch when caterpillars are still small. Once the worms get large, the BT is usually ineffective and most of their damage has already been done. On insects that have piercing sucking mouth parts, like stinkbugs, beetles and leaf-footed bugs, you should use products that will target the nervous system of the insect. The problems with many of these is they kill not only the bad insects, but most times the beneficial insects as well. Below are active ingredients of products you will find for homeowners that control insects through nervous system interference: bifenthrin, carbaryl, spinosad and imidacloprid. All of these belong to different chemical classes or are derived from different means. For example, spinosad is labeled and used in organic production and is derived from a soil bacterium. The post-harvest interval changes depending on the active ingredient and also what plant it is applied to so always read the label. Neem oil will control many of the insects already listed above such as: aphids, caterpillars, and many of the beetles, along with squash bugs, and pickleworms. Neem oil is made of many components with Azadirachtin as its main active ingredient. It reduces insect feeding and acts as a repellent. It also interferes with insect hormone systems, making it harder for insects to grow and lay eggs. Azadirachtin can also repel and reduce the feeding of nematodes. Other components of neem oil kill insects by hindering their ability to feed. To win the war against the “Bad Guys�, gardeners can arm themselves by learning more about insect identification, scouting strategies, and management tactics. Go to aces.edu and search for the Alabama Vegetable Gardener, ANR-0479, Part 15, Vegetable Garden Insects. For other gardening related questions, call the Master Gardener Helpline at: 1-877-ALAGROW (252-4769). 26 peach living
CHILTON CLOSE-UPS
2020 Water Festival Thorsby students enjoyed learning about water at the event.
A Thorsby student smells a liquid in order to guess what it is.
Brian Smith of the Alabama Forestry Commission talks to students about water filtration. More than 600 students from schools in Chilton County took part in the event.
A Thorsby student pours vinegar into the group’s water.
Students watch the oil after it is poured into the water.
Brian Smith helps a group of student filter their water
Students filter dirt from the water.
Students pour their water through a filter.
Students watch as the water goes through the filter. peach living 27
CHILTON CLOSE-UPS
Feasting on success The following are photos from the 2020 Mustang Feast. The annual event serves a major fundraiser for all Isabella athletic programs.
28 peach living
peach living 29
CALENDAR
Editor’s note: These events were scheduled at press time. Events may have changed do to COVID-19-related issues.
The Peach Parade is a fun part of the Peach Festival that many in the community participate in.
Every Monday Clanton First United Methodist Church, at 207 Eighth Street North in Clanton, hosts Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12 step program to address any hurt, habit or hangup. Meetings are every Monday evening at 5:45 p.m. beginning with a free dinner and followed by a large-group meeting at 6:30 p.m. Men’s and women’s small groups meet at 7:30 p.m. Celebration Place, a pre-covery program for children ages 5-13, meets at the same time and teaches children at an early age how to deal with hurts, habits and hangups that happen in their lives. For more information, please contact the church office at 755-0490. Every Tuesday Chilton-Clanton Public Library Storytime for ages 3 and up at 10 a.m. Every Wednesday The Rotary Club of Chilton County meets each Wednesday of the month 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. 30 peach living
Every Wednesday Jemison Public Library Storytime 10 a.m. Every Thursday Clanton Kiwanis Club at noon in the First united Methodist Church Activity Center Every Thursday Maplesville Public Library Storytime 10 a.m. May 9 Disabled American Veterans Chilton Chapter 33 will meet at 11 a.m. and the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Unit 33 will meet at noon on the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Senior Connection Facility at 304 Park Plaza in Clanton (next to Farmers Home Furniture). Any interested veteran & family members are invited to attend. The veteran in your family does not have to be disabled for you to participate. If you are looking to support the veteran in your community and help veterans in need, the DAV Chapter & DAV Auxiliary Unit are the places for you. There will be a Pot Luck lunch, bring your favorite dish. Fellowship will follow the meetings to discuss the DAV and DAV-A. Don Frazier 205-755-7575
May 12 Chilton County Chamber of Commerce Coach Corner Luncheon at noon in the Alabama Power building on Highway 31. Chilton County Schools football coaches discuss the upcoming season. Cost is $12. May 16 Central Alabama Performing Arts Guild will hold its Literary Guild meeting from 2-4 p.m. This month’s theme is “Copyrights and other stuff writers need to know.” Attendees will learn how to protect their work, how to credit information from other sources and legal questions that should be asked. This month’s hands-on activity will be creating fun pen names. For meeting location information, contact Central Alabama Performing Arts Guild on Facebook, capaguild@gmail.com or 205-907-0008. May 13 Central Alabama Military Retirees will meet at 11 a.m. at the Kountry Kitchen at 1759 County Road 28 in Clanton. Any interested military retirees, spouses or family members are invited to attend. Bonnie Frazier 205-755-7575 May 19 Relay for Life Survivors Dinner 6 p.m. at West End Baptist Family Center. (Invitation Only) May 29 Chilton-Clanton Public Library Summer Reading Program
June 23 Ventriloquist Ron Lighty at the Chilton-Clanton Public Library, 10:00 a.m. June 20 The Chilton County Extension Office will host the 2020 Chilton County Peach Cook-Off at the Senior Connection building at 10 a.m. Entry Forms for youth and adults will be available at the Extension Office beginning mid- to late- May. A food demonstration will be conducted during the judging portion of the program. For information about the event, call Gay West, County Extension Coordinator, at (205)410-3593. June 20 CAPAG’s Literary Guild will host a surprise author guest speaker from 2-4 p.m. For meeting location information, contact Central Alabama Performing Arts Guild on Facebook, capaguild@gmail.com or 205-907-0008. June 27 Peach Jam Jubilee 1-10 p.m. featuring music, vendors and fun for the whole family July 10 Chilton County Peach Festival judging of the best peaches in Chilton County July 11 Chilton County Peach Festival parade
May 30 Chilton County Relay for Life, 512 Ollie Ave. in Clanton 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays in June Chilton-Clanton Public Library Movie time and popcorn at 3:30 p.m. June 2 Chilton-Clanton Public Library Sand Art craft 10 a.m. June 9 Chilton-Clanton Public Library will host Mr. Larry Magic’s Magic Show at 10 a.m. June 16 Ventriloquist Gene Cordova at the Chilton-Clanton Public Library, 10:00 a.m.
Chilton County Relay For Life will be held on May 30. peach living 31
Marketplace Peach Living • 205.669.3131
Need appliance or air conditioner parts? How about a water filter for your refrigerator? We have it all at A-1 Appliance Parts! Call 1-800-841-0312 www.A-1Appliance. com Mechanic needed. Must have own tools and five years experience. Apply in person: 1105 7th St N, Clanton. Or call for appointment 205-755-4570
Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walkin applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)4449774.
Avanti Polar Lipids is looking for full and part time employees. Submit resume to jobs@ avantilipids.com HIRING •Highly proficient EXPERIENCED FULL CASE ORDER math skills required. •High school SELECTORS diploma required. $18.58 per hour plus production Bama Concrete $$$ incentives. Now Hiring: Grocery order Diesel Mechanic selection using 4 Years Minimum electric pallet jacks Experience. & voice activated CDL Preferred. headsets. Great Competitive Pay. benefits including Blue Cross health & Great Benefits. Apply in person: dental insurance & matching 401k. Pre- 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 employment drug test required. Apply Bent Creek Online: WWW. Apartments. AGSOUTH.COM Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom. On-site Automation Manager. On-site Personnel Maintenance. Services Hiring 3001 7th Street. IMMEDIATELY North Clanton, AL For: Automotive 32 peach living
PeachLivingMagazine.com
35045. TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) 800-548-2546(T/A) bentcreek@ morrowapts.com Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer Immediate need for LPN’s. Full time LPN Position with sign on bonus. BMC Nursing Home. Responsible for patient care and supervision of CNA staff. Will also provide treatment and meds for residents. Apply online or call Human Resources at 205-926-3363 bibbmedicalcenter. com Boise Cascade Now Hiring for Utility Positions. Starting pay $13.66/ hour. Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at www.bc.com Core Focus Personnel 205-8263088 • Now Hiring Production Mill Worker, Jemison. 12hrs (days/nights), ability to pass drug test, background check, physical.
Positions working in outside temperature conditions. Previous manufacturing experience required. $11.75/hr to start. ETS RESTORATIONS •Retaining Walls •Concrete Work •Demolition •Landscaping •Construction •Tree Removal •Tree Trimming •Bobcat Work •Hardscapes •Hauling Residential & Commercial FREE ESTIMATES!!! CALL NOW (205)209-7787 $2000 SIGN ON BONUS NEW PAY SCALE TO QUALIFYING DRIVERS EVERGREEN TRANSPORT, is accepting applications for local drivers in the Calera and Leeds, AL, area. Must have Class A CDL, good driving record, 1 yr verifiable tractor trailer experience. Good pay and benefits. Apply in person at 8278 Hwy 25 South, Calera, AL, or call for info 205-668-3316.
Now Hiring Heavy Equipment Operators and CDL Drivers Competitive pay and benefits. Pre-employment drug test required Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Call: 205-298-6799 or email us at: jtate@ forestryenv.com Industrial Coatings Group, Inc. is hiring experienced -Sandblasters -Industrial Painters - Helpers. Must be able to pass drug test and e-verify check. Must be willing to travel. Professional references required. Please send resume to: icgsecretary@ hotmail.com or call (205)688-9004 Owner Operators Wanting Dedicated Year Round Anniston, AL www.pull4klb.com Lancaster Place Apartments. Location, community & quality living in Calera, AL. 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments available. Call today
for specials!! 205668-6871. Or visit hpilancasterplace. com Now Hiring!! •CaregiversADL’s, assist with medications and some lifting 7am3pm, 3pm-11pm, 11pm-7pm •Activity Director Part-Time •Cooks-some 12/ hr shifts Call Shay McNeal 205-6202905 Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/ A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer Are you a motivated professional? Are you looking for a dynamic career? Are you ready to control your own level of success? See why McKinnons’ is an exciting place to work and grow. Now accepting applications for Sales, Service, and Detail Shop. Apply with the receptionist. 205755-3430
MedHelp Clinics Now Hiring •Front Desk Receptionists with billing experience •Certified Medical Assistants with at least 2yrs of experience We are looking to fill full-time & parttime positions at our Pelham and Birmingham locations. We’re always looking to hire qualified personnel Open 7 days a week 8am-8pm MondayFriday 8am-6pm Saturdays 1pm-6pm Sunday Qualified Applicants should apply at: www. medhelpclinics.com Shake up your career!!! Are you looking for something new and FUN? Milo’s is always looking for great managers to come join our growing and dynamic team. Apply online at miloshamburgers. com Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certified CNA’s and/or Home Health aides in the Clanton, Marbury and Maplesville areas. Must be able to pass complete background check,
have reliable transportation and have a strong work ethic. Serious inquiries only. Call 334-4090035 or apply on-line at www. Oxfordhealthcare. com Specializing in all your hair care needs SERENITY SALON Barber/ Stylist Chairs Available for Rent 2 Convenient Locations •2005 Valleydale Rd. •Pelham •3000 Meadow Lake Dr. Suite 107 Call Nichole 205-2405428 Nursing assistant to care for high functioning quadriplegic home health patient in Jemison. Must have valid drivers license. Part-time. Call Mr. Wilbanks 205-9083333 CLOCK REPAIR SVS. * Setup * Repair * Maintenance. I can fix your Mother’s clock. Alabaster/ Pelham. Call Stephen (205)6632822 Electrician - FT Supreme Electric, local-based company in Pelham. Must be willing to learn &
work hard. Go to: supremeelectrical.com Print employment application under Contact Us. Mail to: Supreme Electric 231 Commerce Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 or call 205453-9327. Wilton Water and Gas Board HIRING WATER TECHNICIAN •Full-time position available •We offer BCBS health insurance & state retirement •Starting pay $12/ hr depending on exp. Duties include but not limited to: •Reading Meters •Repair Leaks •Installing Water Lines •Repair & Replace Flush Plugs •Replace Gas/Water Meters •General Maintenance of Gas System •Cutting Grass •Maintain Town Properties and Main Buildings •Generally Available to Respond Within 30/min to Emergency CallOuts, at Anytime of Day/Night Year Round •Skilled Operation of Backhoe & Variety of Hand Tools Requirements: •Valid AL DL •HS Diploma/GED Apply In Person or Contact Melissa with questions: 205-665-
2021 Email resumes: melissa@wilton-al. org Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstone dentalassisting.com or call (205)5618118 and get your career started! Popeyes Seeking friendly, motivated, dependable Crew Members. OPEN INTERVIEWS DAILY 2:00pm-5:00pm 3300 Pelham Parkway. Immediate Openings! Start work this week! Apply online: work4popeyes kitchen.com GENERAL LAWN CARE Specialist in large yards 2+ acres. Serving Chilton, Coosa & many more areas. Bi-weekly, weekly or one-time services available. SPRING CLEANUP SPECIALS! Call Alex today for details: 205-955-3439 ~Military & Senior Discounts~ 10-20 Acre Tracts Partially cleared. Ideal for pasture. Isabella school district. $3000 per acre. Possible owner financing with 10% down. Call 334-524-7722 or 256-595-8425 peach living 33
FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS
20 Years Experience
34 peach living
CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
N E P O Clanton 1501 7th Street North Maplesville 9411 AL Highway 22
n a i d r Gua
334-244-9999 | MyGuardianCU.com
k n i h T
Federally Insured by NCUA
| Equal Housing Opportunity