Peach Living July 2022

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

This edition is a celebra tion of Chilton County’s favorites.

Although the win ners of our Best of the Best contest have been available online, this is the first time they will appear in print.

This year’s list features several businesses that Chilton County has held dear for years. However, several new names have come out as winners this year showing that popularity has grown.

Winners were decided by community votes on names on a list compiled from community nominations.

Main Street Café was a repeat favorite this year winning three categories. This edition features an interview with owner Nickki Gore Powell about the business and the keys to its success.

The Strawberry Festival was immensely popular in its inau gural year this year. We caught up with Miss Strawberry Starr Woods to get her thoughts on

her reign thus far.

As temperatures soar this summer, many are planning more time at the lake or the beach. If a little leisure read ing is a part of your vacation plans, we have some sugges tions for you. A few community leaders shared some of the books that they have enjoyed for our “What’s on your bookshelf?” feature.

In this edition, we also feature an event venue looking to offer unique opportunities as it grows in popularity.

Chilton County has a lot to enjoy this summer. As you look at the winners and finalists from this year’s contest, maybe you will discover a new place to visit or service to use this summer. It might even become your new favorite.

Have a favorite spot in Chilton County everyone should know about? Tell us about it at joyanna.love@ peachlivingmagazine.com.

Joyanna Love

INSIDE THIS

CELEBRATING IN SPANISH AMBIANCE

Rojases open Red Sparrow’s Villa

THE VOTES ARE IN!

Chilton County has chosen its 2022 favorites!

SOUTHERN FAVORITES

Main Street Café popular spot for comfort food

WHAT’S ON YOUR BOOKSHELF?

Summer

THE STARR BEHIND THE CROWN BLACKBERRIES: A SUMMERTIME DELIGHT

CHAMBER NEWS MARKETPLACE

Celebrating IN SPANISH AMBIANCE

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH

Alex and Xochitl (pro nounced SO-cheel) Rojas of Jemison, have an eye for recreating space and giving new life to a building. After graduating

from Chilton County schools, the couple founded Rojas Construc tion in 2012 and began “flipping houses” — renovating and restor ing properties for rental invest ment opportunities. After the Rojas family attended a friend’s wedding at a warehouse venue, it gave Alex the idea to open a party

rental venue in Chilton County. With Xochitl’s expertise in décor and hosting parties, the couple created Red Sparrow’s Villa — a modern hacienda in Chilton County.

“We purchased property with a warehouse on it,” Alex said. “We knew we wanted to make it into a

The villa’s arches are the first feature one notices past the wrought iron gates. Owner Xochitl Rojas said she and her husband wanted the style to be modeled after the features one frequently sees in Morelia or Guadalajara, Mexico — big arches, large entrances that are open from ceiling to floor, an open inner courtyard and rustic chandeliers.

Red Sparrow’s Villa

rental venue for parties, so that people could have weddings, birthday parties or their quinceñeras here. Xochitl has hosted parties and catered weddings before and had that business experience. I also love the business part of having a venue, so we saw this as a great business opportunity for us!”

The name Red Sparrow’s Villa comes from the family’s last name Rojas , which means red in Spanish. Sparrow comes from century-old stories

of when pirates used sparrows to help find land, so they would know which way to navigate.

Red Sparrow’s Villa is a unique, unexpected venue because of the architecture. The couple used design plans they had been saving to build their future dream home as inspiration when

recreating the space, an architectural style that is only common in Central Mexico.

“I wanted the style to be modeled after the features you frequently see in Morelia or Gua dalajara, Mexico — big arches, large entrances that are open from ceiling to floor, an open inner courtyard, rustic chandeliers,” said Xochitl. “I love the arches because it gives the structure something extra. My family is from Veracruz, and you don’t see this style architecture in Vera cruz or anywhere near the beach. It is a style that is more common in central Mexico.”

A picturesque gazebo sits quietly on a hill and overlooks the countryside at Red Sparrow’s Villa.

The Rojases have custom-built barn doors that are removed upon request and allow the fireplace to transform into an open-air patio venue, which overlooks the ballroom.

The Rojas used mostly recycled parts when renovating the property.

“The first phase was taking the metal siding off the side of the warehouse and using it as a roof instead,” said Alex. “We added brick, columns and arches. We have a ‘Bride’s Room’ with a separate bathroom. I added a kitchen and bathrooms and added more square footage. Most of the kitch en renovations came from recycled parts, including the cabinets and tile.”

One of the most unique features at Red Sparrow’s Villa is a covered outdoor fire place that has removable doors.

“We took a survey among our friends and asked them if they would prefer an outdoor fireplace or an indoor fireplace at a venue,

and the responses were half and half,” said Xochitl.

The mixed response resulted in the Ro jases having custom-built barn doors that are removed upon request and allow the fireplace to transform into an open-air patio venue. When all doors are opened, the end ing result is a large Spanish-style fireplace that overlooks the ballroom. They also in stalled modern creature comforts, such as air conditioning, heating and fans (indoors and outside) — in a style the couple describe as a “modern hacienda.”

The inside of the villa can accommodate 180 guests, although the patio and gazebo area allow more.

Red Sparrow provides tables and chairs

for up to 100 guests. If renters are in need of other amenities such as food, music and photography, Xochitl has a list of contacts that she can recommend.

Outside of construction and venue planning, Alex and Xochitl enjoy spending time with their four children: Israel, Yaretzi, Jurem and Levi.

Red Sparrow’s Villa allows Boy Scouts of America and Cub Scouts to use the villa free of charge, including the “Blue and Gold” Banquet and the annual Pinewood Derby, in which their children participate.

Red Sparrow’s Villa is located at 4280 County Road 25 in Jemison. For more information, visit the Red Sparrow’s Villa Facebook page

TOP: The ballroom accommodates 180 guests. However, the patio and gazebo accommodate more people.

ABOVE: An outdoor grill is available for party goers to use under a covered shed.

THE VOTES ARE IN!

Chilton County has chosen its 2022 favorites!

We changed the format for this year and saw an increase of participation to 2,377 people and 27,293 votes. This year, everyone could vote once per day.

Some new names have risen to the top of the leaderboard, but several businesses proved they are still Chilton County favorites.

Thanks to everyone who participat ed. If you are unfamiliar with some of the winners and finalists, we recom mend giving them a try. They might just become your favorite also.

DINING

Best Bakery Pies By Mike 1015 Lay Dam Road, Suite B Clanton 205-755-7854

Finalists: Gema’s Cupcakes and LaLa’s Cakes and Events

Best Barbecue Heards BBQ and Soul Food 8341 Alabama Highway 22 Maplesville 334-543-6856

Finalists: Bone’s Backstreet BBQ and B&K BBQ

Best Caterer Neighborhood Grill and Catering 309 Seventh St. N Clanton 205-755-2220

Finalists: Main Street Café and Gaisha’s Place

Best Pizza Domino’s Pizza 400 Lay Dam Road Clanton 205-258-5090

Finalists: Papa John’s Pizza and Pizza Hut

Best Hot Hamburger Main Street Café 613 Second Avenue N Clanton 205-755-2216

Finalists: Hickory Chip and Jack’s Family Dinner Bell

Best Ice Cream Peach Park 2300 Seventh St. S Clanton 205-755-2065

EVERYONE NEEDS PEACE OF MINDEVERYONE NEEDS PEACE OF MIND

YOU'LL BE GRINNIN'

Finalists: Durbin Farms Market and Olde Town Scoops

Best Breakfast

Main Street Café 613 Second Avenue N Clanton 205-755-2216

Finalists: The Jacks Family Dinner Bell and Pies By Mike

Best Lunch Main Street Café 613 Second Avenue N Clanton 205-755-2216

Finalists: Gaisha’s Place and Neighborhood Grill and Catering

Best Dinner Neighborhood Grill and Catering 309 Seventh St. N Clanton 205-755-2220

Finalists: Maddogs Grill and Hickory Chip

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Best Family Doctor

Dr. David Wilson, Clinic W 206 Medical Center Drive Clanton 205-287-3900

Finalists: Dr. Kristopher R. Wood, MD and Dr. Jeffery Price, Chilton Family Medicine

Best Eye Doctor

Dr. Maurice Lyn, 20/20 Eyecare 1100 Lay Dam Road Clanton 205-755-1351

Finalists: MyEyeDr. and Dr. Betsy Farris, EyeCare Associates

Best Chiropractor Dr. Tony Hughes, Hughes Chiropractic Clinic 713 Temple Rd Clanton 205-280-0028

Finalists: Dr. Matthew Mims, Jemison Family Chiropractic and Irwin Family Chiropractic Clinic

Best Pharmacy Wright Drug & Gift 206 Seventh St. N Clanton 205-755-3350

Finalists: Chandler Drugs and Hayes Drug

Best Hair Salon/ barber Grace Salon Spa 308 Sixth Street South Clanton 205-294-1065

Finalists: Studio 85 and Elite Salon

Thank you for voting us a finalist for Best Furniture Store

Ashley Minor and Time Pierce at locals' favorite spot for produce, Pierce Farms.

Best Fitness Center

Cornerstone Fitness & Wellness

110 Baker Ave.

Clanton 205-280-6450

Finalists: YMCA of Chilton County and Anytime Fitness-Jemison

Best Physical Therapist

Chilton County Physical Therapy

2030 Lay Dam Road

Clanton 205-755-6110

Finalists: Cornerstone Fitness & Wellness and

Encore Physical Therapy

Best Home Health / Assisted Living

The Gardens of Clanton 850 Scott Drive Clanton 205-280-0084

Finalist: Hatley Health Care

Best Dentist

Sharon New Glass 105 Medical Center Drive Clanton 205-755-1111

Finalists: Chris Baker Dentistry and (tie) Dr. Rex B. Hall and Dr. Richard N. Roy

Best Veterinarian

Healing Paws Veterinary 1705 US-31 N Clanton 205-755-7775

Finalists: Cox Veterinary Hospital and Pet Haven Veterinary Hospital

SERVICES

Best Florist

Pinedale Gardens 404 Lay Dam Road Clanton 205-755-3480

Finalists: Everyday Flowers by Ronny and

Jemison Florist & Gift Shop

Best Plumbing Company Pate’s Plumbing & Drain Services 370 County Road 410 Clanton 205-755-4331

Finalists: Whatley Plumbing and Jeff McMinn Plumbing

Best HVAC Giles Cooling Heating 603 Fourth Ave. N Clanton 205-755-3369

Finalist: Central Heating & Cooling

Best Pet Groomer Little Angels Pet Salon 1910 Seventh St. N Clanton 205-646-0102

Finalists: Kamp Krazy Bones and Bark and Bath Pet Grooming

Best Landscaper Unique Landscape 205-217-6154

Finalists: Lake Lawn Landscape and Above and Beyond Landscape and Lawncare

Wright Drug and Gift was voted Best Pharmacy.

PLACES

Best Peaches

Pierce Farms

1007 Seventh St. S Clanton 205-755-5354

Finalists: Peach Park and Durbin Farms Market

Best Produce

Pierce Farms

1007 Seventh St. S Clanton 205-755-5354

Finalists: Sunshine Farms Upick Strawberry Field and Peach Park

Best Place to worship

West End Baptist Church 2005 Second Ave N Clanton 205-755-0625

Finalists: Lomax Assembly of God and First United Methodist Church

Best Hotel

Holiday Inn Express 815 Bradberry Lane Clanton 205-280-1880

Finalist: Inn of Clanton

Best Daycare

First United Methodist Church 207 Eighth St N Clanton 205-755-0490

Finalists: West End Baptist and YMCA of Chilton County

Best Dance studio Donna’s Dancers and Tammie’s Twirlers https://www.facebook.com/Donnas-DancersTammies-Twirlers-385468341870224/

Finalists: Signature Studio of Dance SHOPPING

Best Gift Shop Hope’s Chest Boutique and Gifts 513 Seventh St. S Clanton 205-258-5600

Finalists: MorLyn’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts and Mulberry Hill Boutique

Best Furniture Store Barry’s Furniture 23930 US Highway 31 Jemison 205-688-4461

Finalists: Clanton Furniture and E. L Klinner Furniture Store

Best Clothing Store Hope’s Chest Boutique and Gift

513 Seventh St. S Clanton 205-258-5600

Finalists: Mulberry Hill Boutique and Trendy Chic Boutique

Best Garden Center

Holleywood Gardens

3010 Seventh St. N Clanton 205-755-2266

Finalists: Chilton Feed & Seed Co and Petals From the Past

Best Hardware Store

Russel Do It Center

2207 Seventh St. N Clanton 205-755-6690

Cornerstone Fitness was the community choice for

Center.

Finalists: Garrison Farm & Home Center and Barth Lumber

Best Farm Supply Store

Chilton Feed & Seed 717 Second Ave N Clanton 205-755-1391

Finalists: Jones Feed & Seed Co and Garrison Farm & Home center

Best Employer

Bone’s Backstreet BBQ 310 Sixth Street Clanton 205-258-5179

Finalists: The Jacks Family Dinner Bell and Mulberry Hill Boutique

Best Jewelry

Morlyn’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts 621 Second Ave. North Clanton 205-755-4340

Finalists: Hope’s Chest Boutique and Gift and Edwards Jewelers

Best Insurance agent

Deidra Gadberry – State Farm Insurance Agent

400 Sixth St. N Clanton 205-755-4495

Finalists: Shane Headley Insurance and Russ Bryan, ALFA

Best Insurance Agency

Deidra Gadberry – State Farm 400 Sixth St. N Clanton 205-755-4495

Finalists: Alfa Insurance and Davis & Davis Insurance Agency

Best Real Estate Agent

Holly Deavers, Exit Royal Realty 619 A Second Ave. N Clanton 205-258-5325

Finalists: Kim Lewellen, Realtor, EXIT Royal Realty and Adreane Barrington, Lucretia Cauthen Realty

Deidra Gadberry came out on top as Best Insurance Agent.

Pies By Mike was once again voted Best Bakery.

Clanton 205-336-7006

Finalists: Stokes Automotive and Fairway Automart & tires

Best Oil Change Clanton Express Lube 1801 Seventh St. N Clanton 205-755-5823

Finalists: Maplesville Service Center and Fairway Automart & Tires

Best Auto Parts Store NAPA Auto Parts — Jemison Auto Parts 9755 County Road 42 Jemison 205-688-2255

Finalists: AutoZone Auto Parts and NAPA Auto Parts — Clanton Auto Supply

Best Car Wash Peachy Clean Car Wash

1301 Seventh St. S Clanton info@PeachyCleanCarWash.com

Finalist: The Wash Best Tire Store Fairway Automart and Tires 2011 Seventh St. N Clanton 205-258-5445

Finalists: Maplesville Service Center and Bo Mart Tire & Services

Best Festival Peach Jam Sponsored by Chilton County Chamber of Commerce the last Saturday in June

Finalist: Peach Festival

Best Civic Club Clanton Lions Club Meets weekly Friday at noon at Walnut Creek Methodist Church

Gardens of Clanton residents enjoy activities at this year’s Best Home Health/ Assisted Living winner.

Finalist: Clanton Kiwanis Club

Best Church Choir West End Baptist 2005 Second Ave N Clanton 205-755-0625

Finalist: Clanton First United Methodist and New Life Church

Best Nonprofit Butterfly Bridge, Children’s Advocacy Center butterflybridgecac.org

Finalists: CareNet of Chilton County and YMCA of Chilton County

Pets could not vote in Best of the Best, but many owners chose Little Angels Pet Salon as top dog.

Nickki Gore Powell has owned Main Street Café for 17 years.

Southern FAVORITES

Main Street Café popular spot for comfort food

STORY BY JOYANNA LOVE PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY

Local favorite Main Street Café in Clanton has been serving up homemade Southern classics for the past 17 years.

The restaurant was born in October 2004 when Nickki Gore Powell and her father Larry Gore pur chased an existing restaurant in downtown Clanton and changed the name.

This original location was next to Corner Park.

“I actually always loved cooking,” Powell said. “I grew up with grandparents that loved to cook.”

She said they were “excellent cooks” that showed her the secrets to Southern dishes.

Powell further prepared for running her own restaurant through training from the owner that was selling.

“I was very fortunate that she took the time to teach me everything,” Powell said.

The owner selling the restaurant showed Powell how the restaurant had been run, from the recipes to the ordering of supplies.

“She was a very successful business woman,” Powell said. “… She was an excellent cook … the customers were there. It was just a matter of me learning and picking up when she left and retired, just picking up and doing the same thing that she did.”

Ten years later the restaurant was moved to its current location. This larger location expanded the opportunities for the restaurant with a larger seating area, upstairs room for catered events and a much bigger kitchen.

More than 130 people can dine at Main Street, compared to 88 at the original location.

“It also allowed me to start doing catering,” Powell said.

Her father was a major part of the renovation before the new location opened.

Powell said he was her business partner, “but he didn’t love it like I did.” He eventually went back to his first career.

“Pretty much everything here he has redone and touched, so it’s like having him here with me even though he is passed away,” she said.

Powell is still very hands-on with the business. She can usually be found with the kitchen crew cooking up the classics that have kept customers coming back.

“I hear over and over again people enjoy that things here are homemade,” Powell said. “They are from scratch.”

From making their own batter for fried foods to

making the salad dressing to making the icing for desserts, everything is made onsite.

“I hear over and over again, ‘I haven’t had food like this since my grandmother was alive,’” Powell said.

Southern comfort food requires a good eye for esti mation and a lot of taste testing.

“There is not a lot of measuring,” Powell said.

Breakfast regulars come when the doors open at 5:30 a.m. or before.

“A lot of these people have been eating here since I was across the street, and a lot of these customers eat here twice a day,” Powell said.

She said consistency is one of the keys to the popu larity of their breakfast menu. Some customers order the same thing every morning, and their usual order is on the grill even before they sit down.

With the emphasis on everything being done from

scratch, fresh eggs are used as opposed to the kind that comes in a carton.

“I buy four cases of 30 dozen eggs a week,” Powell said.

Powell said she has been blessed to have several staff members who have worked with her since she opened. The majority of the employees have been there for at least 10 years.

A typical work day for Powell starts a 7 a.m. helping with breakfast and preparing for lunch, “Then I am in the kitchen until we close,” she said.

When the restaurant closes for the day, Powell handles the administrative side of the business.

Community members have made their

enjoyment of Main Street’s food known loud and clear by voting to ensure it was the winner of three categories in Peach Living’s Best of the Best contest this year.

These included best breakfast, best lunch and best hot ham burger. In a town where hot hamburgers are a local specialty, Powell thinks hers stands out because of the homemade gravy and making the hamburger patty by hand from ground chuck.

Main Street’s hot hamburger stays classic with gravy and onions and the option of adding cheese.

“I have just been so blessed,” Powell said. She said over the years customers and staff have become like family.

Powell said she was thankful for her team that makes the restaurant possible.

The restaurant has faced the challenges everyone has in recent years with the COVID-19 pandemic and now higher prices on supplies, but it has remained a destination eatery for many locals.

“It’s a tough business to be in,” Powell said. “If it wasn’t for the Lord and my family and the people that work here with me, I wouldn’t be (in business still).”

Main Street Café, 613 Second Ave. N, is open for break fast and lunch Sunday through Friday. Each day has its own specials on the menu.

WHAT’S ON YOUR BOOKSHELF?

Summer reading is not just for children. A good book can be a good companion at the lake or the beach. A few community members shared some books and authors they have enjoyed.

ASHLEY KITCHENS

Book: “Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno- Garcia

“I got this from a recommendation from Ashley Jones, who is poet lau reate of Alabama right now,” Ashley Kitchens said. “She did our Pioneer Con (a Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society event) book reading list two years ago … and just gave a really great list of books to check out, and I thought, ‘Oh, that sounds interesting’ … I like kind of darker stories … It is really a cross to me between writing styles of like (Edgar Allen) Poe and probably Flannery O’Conner.”

“Mexican Gothic” is set in a small Mexican town and centers on a house that causes people to hallucinate. The

book follows the story of a woman who goes to the town to rescue her cousin.

“It’s a really easy read,” Kitchens said. “The first chapter is just kind of getting you into the information flow then second chapter on — it is gripping.”

Book: “Mistress of the Art of Death” series by Ariana Franklin

“That was the original novel, and then she made a series out of it,” Kitchens said. “I think there are four books in that series … It is kind of historical fiction that follows a woman that is in the art of death. She examines dead bodies in the 1100s when women weren’t supposed to be

doctors, so she is kind of under this guise of her servant, but he is a man. People listen to him, but she’s the doctor … It is really interesting to see the back and forth play. It is a phe nomenal series.”

Kitchens said she had gone to look up the next book in the series, but Franklin had passed away before writ ing another “Mistress of the Art of Death” book.

KIM ARRINGTON Book: “Glory Road” by Lauren Denton

“She is an Alabama author … and all of her books are placed in south Alabama, so I like reading things that have an Alabama connection,” Kim Arrington said.

JASON GRIFFIN Book: Ballplayer by Chipper Jones

“That is the autobiography of Chipper Jones,” Jason Griffin said. “I read it in 2017 when it came out. Chipper Jones is one of my all-time favorite Atlanta Braves, so with them winning the World Series last year, I started rereading it … Chipper Jones is my age, so I can relive my childhood by reliving his accomplishments through the years. I have been a diehard Braves fan since I was 6 years old … It (the book) brings back some memories of my ball playing days and my coaching days.”

DAWN SMITHERMAN Author recommendation: Mary Higgins Clark

“Where are the Children” was the first book by Mary Higgins Clark that Dawn Smitherman read, when she was in high school, but now she has read most of her books — some of them twice.

In this book, “They kidnapped her kids, and ev erybody thought that she did it. So ‘Where are the Children’ was the name of the book and that was like what her husband would say.”

Suspicion rises because of her past.

Smitherman enjoys the way Clark tells her stories and that they are well researched, even though they are fiction. The books are not gory or full of legal jargon like some other mysteries might be.

THE STARR BEHIND THE crown

Meet the inaugural Miss Strawberry

JANIE FLEMING | CONTRIBUTED

Woods enjoys “getting dressed up; doing hair and make-up” and plans to attend Cosmetology College after graduation.

STORY BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

For the first time in history, Chilton Coun ty has added a Strawberry Festival to its agricultural heritage. Strawberry season 2022 was a fruitful year for Chilton County farmers, which had a large fruit production that has lasted from early spring until June. In April, strawberry season had its kick-off with a well-attended Strawberry Festival at Richard Wood Park in Thorsby. Among the faces in the crowd, were the newly crowned Strawberry Queens. Miss Strawberry Starr Woods, with the help of her queen sisters, will spend a year visiting Alabama officials and attending state events to bring awareness to the sweet abun dance that Chilton County agriculture offers.

“The Strawberry Festival benefits our county,” Woods said. “It helps our farmers and brings money into the community. Thorsby has histor ically been known for its strawberry production. The first train cart of strawberries hauled in Alabama was loaded in Thorsby.”

This year, Woods, along with her strawber ry sisters, will meet with Gov. Kay Ivey, visit strawberry farms to learn more about produc tion, visit the Gulf Coast, Peach events and local parades.

The Strawberry queens have already partic ipated in the 2022 Chilton County Relay For Life.

Woods, age 17, is a senior at Verbena High School where she participates in cheer, softball, basketball and color guard. She is described by friends as “active, fun and outgoing.” Outside of school, she enjoys swimming, inner tubing on the river, riding Jet skis, drawing nature scenes, listening to country music and learning about cosmetology.

“I like to meet new people and love getting dressed up; doing hair and make-up,” said Woods.

During the school year, Woods is in the cosmetology program at LeCroy Career Tech Center.

At the end of her reign as Miss Strawberry, Woods will receive a $1,000 scholarship, which will go to the school of her choice. She plans to use the money to further her education in cosmetology at the Mitchell

JANIE FLEMING | CONTRIBUTED

Miss Strawberry Queen Starr Woods stands in front of rows of Chilton County strawberries.

STARR WOODS |CONTRIBUTED Starr poses with Verbena Red Devils softball teammates during a game.

School of Cosmetology in Alabaster and use her cosmetology income to help pay her way through veterinary school.

As Chilton County’s first Strawberry Queen, Woods would like to leave a lasting impression on the young people she meets.

“I am one of 10 children,” she said. “My siblings’ age ranges from one to 22 years old. I am in the middle of those age groups, and as a middle child, I think it is perfect. I have older siblings that I can look up to and younger siblings that I can help.

As Strawberry Queen, I want to be a big sister and role model in the same way that I am to my younger siblings. I want to be someone that chil dren can look up to, especially my younger queen sisters.”

Woods said of the role models in her life, her mother has made the biggest impression.

“As a single mom, she has worked hard to help us achieve what we want and need,” said Woods. “I see her doing it all by herself, and I think to myself — ‘if you can do it, so can I.”

JANIE FLEMING | CONTRIBUTED

Strawberry Queens at Chilton County Relay for Life, left, Junior Miss Anna Lewellen, Little Miss Macie Lovelady, Tiny Miss Ellie Clark, Young Miss Harper Cleckley and Miss Starr Woods.

Blackberries.3

A SUMMERTIME DELIGHT

BY KATIE NICHOLS ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. —

Blackberries are ripe for the picking. The little white flowers scattered across the ground in April are now blackberries that are ripe for the picking. Cobblers are a quick and easy choice for a seasonal dessert, but the

Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Auburn Cookbook has a blackberry cake reci pe that will also put those berries to good use.

While the recipe calls for canned black berries, and makes the cake edible yearround, ‘tis the season for using fresh blackberries— whether from a produce stand or picked in the woods. Frozen berries would also be a good substitute.

Blackberry Cake

• Non-stick vegetable cooking spray

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 2 teaspoons ground allspice

• 1 cup corn-oil margarine

• 2 cups sugar

• 3 clean, uncracked eggs

• 2 16-ounce cans of blackberries, drained

• 2 teaspoons baking soda

• ½ cup nonfat buttermilk

Directions: Coat two 9-inch square baking pans with cooking spray. Combine flour, nutgmeg, cinnamon and allspice. Stir until well blended. In a large bowl, cream margarine by beating until soft and smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating

thoroughly after each addition. Continue beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, to creamed mixture, beating after each addition until light and fluffy. Put berries through a sieve and add to creamed mixture. Stir carefully until evenly blended. Add soda to buttermilk and stir well. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to creamed mixture by adding one-third of the flour and one-half of the milk at a time, beginning and ending with flour. Beat at a low speed after each addition until well blended. Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 min utes or until done. Cool in pans on wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from pans and finish cooling on rack. Fill and ice layers with White Caramel Icing (recipe below).

Pro Tip: You may bake this cake in a 10-inch tube pan for 45 minutes, or until done, and serve plain.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information and additional recipes,

White Caramel Icing

• 1 cup evaporated skimmed milk

• 2 ½ cups sugar

• ½ cup corn-oil margarine

• 1 cup finely chopped raisins

• 1 cup finely chopped pecans

Directions: Combine milk, sugar and margarinein a heavy saucepan. Stir well. Cook over low heat,stirring constantly, until sugar partially dissolves

and margarine melts. Bring to a boil and cookwithout stirring until mixture reaches 240°F ona candy thermometer or a small amount forms asoft ball when it is dropped in cold water. Removefrom heat; cool to lukewarm. Beat until almostcreamy and thick enough to spread. Add raisinsand nuts and beat.

This recipe will ice two 8-inch round or squarelayers or a 9x13-inch sheet cake.

205 Sixth Street North Clanton, AL 35045 205-755-2400 www.chiltonchamber.org info@chiltonchamber.org

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

THE LAMBERT AGENCY

Beth Hicks 205-755-7283

1429 7th Street South, Clanton, AL 35045 www.lambertagency.com

SERVPRO OF CHILTON COUNTY 2 256-750-7268

Wayne Willard 1222 U.S. Highway 82, Kellyton, AL 35089 servprochiltoncoosa tallapossachamberscounties.com

SOUTHERN TOWNE MARKET

205-388-3445

Tara Ellison 20272 U.S Highway 31, Thorsby, AL 35171 southerntownemarketal. com

CLANTON HOUSING AUTHORITY

205-755-1801

Casey Welch 512 Ollie Avenue Clanton, AL 35045 cwelch@clantonha.org

MATT BENSON - STATE FARM

205-258-5715

Matt Benson P.O. Box 1775 1013 Lay Dam Road, Clanton, AL 35046 matt@agentmattbenson.com

LIBERTY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

205-389-2328

Debbie Jones P.O. Box 885, Clanton, AL 35046 info@lcalions.org

CAGLE’S HONEY FARM

205-217-2579

Justin and Roberta Cagle caglehoneyfarm@gmail.com

CUNNINGHAM

PRESSURE WASHING

205-961-2800

Jesse Cunningham 6 County Road 8, Jemison, AL 35085 thatscunninghamclean.com

COCA COLA BOTTLING

205-961-2800

Larry Cobb and Mike Baker 4919 Westport Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108 cocacolaunited.com

GREEN’S GRAIN AND FARM SUPPLY

205-755-1920

Griffin Green 601 7th Street North Clanton, AL 35045 greensgrain@gmail.com

BOND FIRE RANCH 302-399-4612

Brian Eddy 631 County Road 16 Clanton, AL 35045 bondfireranch@gmail.com

36seven50 BOUTIQUE 205-287-5520

Amanda Burnett 8307 Hwy 22 Maplesville, AL 36750 boutique36seven50@icloud.com

SUITS ME

205-258-5133

Lisa Nicholas 1002 Seventh Street South Clanton, AL 35045 suitsme22@yahoo.com

205-755-2400

info@chiltonchamber.org.

SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS

The

The

CHAMBER HAPPENINGS

Members of the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce board recently posed for a photo with a building mural provided by C & C Trophy and Sign. The mural is located outside their office at 209 Sixth Street in Clanton.

Commission Chairman Jimmie Hardee and Cham ber Board

President Connie Bainbridge offer opening remarks at the Chamber's ‘Breakfast with Commissioners’ event on April 20.

ABOVE: Major League Fishing angler, Dustin Connell talks to Chamber guests during a lunch meeting regarding tourism at Lake Mitchell Marina on April 22. BELOW: Chamber member O-Flex was among many companies that attended the inaugural Clanton Career Fair, held at Jefferson State Community College in Clanton on May 17.

Сorporate sponsors

PLATINUM

GOLD

Hull & Russell, PC

SILVER BRONZE

HEATON PE CAN FAR M

COPPER

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

JULY 1

Chilton County Arts Council hosts Art Quest featuring vendors and classes from MayMay Helms and Chris Cruz at 10 a.m. Registration for the classes can be completed at chiltoncountyartscouncil.com/event-calendar. html.

JULY 3

Fireworks sponsored by Lake Mitchell HOBO at 9 p.m. in the mouth of Cargile Creek. People begin to gather in boats on the main water as early as 8:30 p.m.

JULY 4

Pontoon boat parade will line up at Higgins Ferry at 10 a.m. and head south to Cargile Creek and around toward Blue Creek. Anyone with a

pontoon boat is welcome to join this parade. Just decorate your boat and yourselves and come get in line.

The Speed Boats line up at 2 p.m. at the Blue Creek Marina and head to Cargile Creek and then along Chilton shoreline north to Higgins Ferry. before dispersing. This is open with anyone with a speed boat.

Maplesville Fireworks show at the town park. DJ Glen Riley will start music at 6:45 p.m. Fireworks will start as soon as it gets dark

JULY 16

Chilton County Arts Fest at Jefferson State Community College, 1850 Lay Dam Road in Clanton, hosted by the Chilton County Arts

Council 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. featuring food, fun, gifts, appraisals (Trash or Treasure) and classes. Come shop vendors selling unique handmade items.

AUG. 5

Chilton County Arts Council hosts Art Quest featuring vendors and classes from MayMay Helms and Chris Cruz at 10 a.m. Registration for the classes can be completed at chiltoncountyartscouncil.com/event-calendar. html.

OCTOBER 11-14

Senior Connection Trip to Savannah, Ga. In cludes guided tour of historic Savannah, Musical Revue Show at Savannah Theatre, tours of histori cal sites, and more. $459 per person, includes meal gratuities and motorcoach transportation. More info contact Vanessa McKinney at 205-217-1328.

ONGOING

Cooper’s Cemetery Fund is currently accepting donations for upkeep of the cemetery from those with loved ones buried there.  Any contributions would be greatly appreciated.  Contributions can be mailed to Edward Easterling, 1277 County Road 495, Verbena, AL 36091 or Tim Boswell, 305 Ruth Street, Clanton, AL 35045.

MONDAYS

The local Celebrate Recovery group for those wanting to address any hurts, habits or hangups meets at First United Methodist Church on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 205-288-6208.

WEDNESDAYS

Rotary Club of Chilton County meets each Wednesday at Senior Connection  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 Brandy Clackley at 205-294-1721.

THURSDAYS

Clanton Kiwanis Club meets at noon at the First United Methodist Church Activity Center (Except for the fifth Thursday of the month.) Visit the Clanton Kiwanis Club Facebook Page or contact president Joyanna Love at joyanna.love@clantonadvertiser. com for details. Come be a part of helping children in the community.

FRIDAYS

Clanton Lions Club meets at noon at Walnut Creek Methodist Church.  (Except for the fifth Friday of the month.)

NOW HIRING TRUCK

DRIVERS. Home most every night! Earn $50,000$85,000 delivering palletized loads to grocery stores within 300 mile radius of Birmingham. Minimum 2 years tractor- trailer experience required. Steady work & great benets!

Blue Cross health & dental insurance only $60/wk family coverage. Matching 401k plan. Apply online at WWW.AGSOUTH.COM

HIRING EXPERIENCED

PIPE LAYERS & CDL

DRIVERS REV Construction seeking Experienced Pipe Layers CDL Drivers Class A or B 2yrs dump truck exp. preferred Benets include: BCBS Medical Insurance, 401k Paid holidays & vacation time. Email resume:mtucker @revconstructioninc.com Fax: 205-349-1862 Call: 205-349-1860

Now Hiring! Termite Treaters and Inspectors. Work with a great local company, in business for over 50 years. BC/ BS insurance, 401k, opportunities available. No experience required. Must have a good driving record and be able to pass drug screen. Email to facsmith@ charter.net or call 205-369-6250. Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

Now hiring RN’s and LPN’s throughout Alabama! $250 community referral bonus for RN’s and LPN’s. Signon Bonuses available at select locations! For more information please contact: Paige Gandol Call/text: 724-691-7474 pgandol@ wexfordhealth.com

Automation Personnel Services Hiring

IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator,

Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774.

O-Flex Metal Finishing Electrical Maintenance Technician $22.00-$25.00/ hour REQUIREMENTS:

•Knowledge of electrical work, American Electricians’ Handbook, Local/National Electrical Codes •Read mechanical drawings

•Recognize safety hazards

•Lift/move heavy objects

•Work in tight spaces

•Mechanical diagnostic skills •Basic computer & math skills EXPERIENCE:

•Electrical-5 years •Plant/ facilities maintenance

•Forklift/hand truck

•Boiler •Allen-Bradley PLC

•Eurodrive VFD •Computer work order system Apply in person: O-Flex Metal Finishing 725 Keystone Drive, Clanton

$80,000+ Yearly Potential Sales positions available at Burton Campers. Please call Mickey Price for phone interview: 205-668-0075

LAND FOR SALE

180 acres, located on Walnut Creek. Will not divide property. Call for more information: 205-369-5641

Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benets.

Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007

Kelly Education • Shelby County Schools • Hiring Substitute Teachers.

Limitless opportunities for passionate people! •Free pre-hire training •Paid orientation •Ongoing professional development •Steady, yet exible,

work •Weekly pay •Your preference of schools. Contact Anne Gamble: O: 205.682.7062 M: 205.532.1122 anne.gamble@kelly services.com

Oxford Healthcare in Montgomery currently hiring certied 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 334-409-0035 or apply on-line at www. Oxfordhealthcare.com

Now Hiring For Utility Positions Starting pay $14.42/hour Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at: www.bc.com

Chilton and Shelby County Treatment Center Now Hiring Masters in counseling/social work and related elds. Email resume to: donnajoiner53 @gmail.com Or call 205-755-4300 for more information.

Lancaster Place Apartments. Location, community & quality living in Calera, AL. 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments available. Call today for specials!! 205-668-6871. Or visit hpilancaster place.com

Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500

•TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A).

Ofce Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/ Employer

Come visit us at Riverside Baptist Church this Sunday for Bible Study at 9:15 or worship at 10:30! 1919 Highway 52, Helena. More info at rbchelena.org

South Haven Health & Rehab NOW HIRING!!!

•LPN’s & RN’s -$5,000 Signon Bonus for Full-Time shift •CNA’s Apply in person: 3141 Old Columbiana Rd Birmingham,AL-35266

Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting. com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

NOW HIRING FT/PT Farm Equipment Operator, Lawn Maintenance and Fork Lift Driver Needed. Drug and Background Check Required. COMPETITIVE PAY. Call 205-688-0258 to set up an interview.

H&H Enterprises, Inc Alabaster, AL has an immediate opening for a Portable Building Delivery Driver. Delivery Driver will be primarily be responsible for loading, delivering, blocking and leveling portable storage buildings. The delivery driver will also be responsible for completing other tasks associated with our business. All delivery driver applicants must be customer service driven and represent our company in the upmost way. We are an established 33 year old company with 19 retail locations. We look forward to adding to our team to continue working toward future success. Portable Building Delivery Drivers job duties: • drives a company vehicle in a safe, courteous and responsible manner • load portable buildings at the store and veries the condition of the truck, the manifest and other

paperwork associated with the deliveries to be made • drives to the delivery destination, conrms order with customer, unloads, blocks, levels and obtains conrmation signature

Delivery Driver job requirements: • Applicants will need a valid Class D driver license. No CDL is required • Pass DOT driving physical Delivery Driver Salary starting at $600.00 + per week based on experience. To Apply: Send Resumes to tracy.thomas@ hhenterprises.com or Call 205.664.9191 ext 125.

H&H Enterprises, Inc. Alabaster, AL has an immediate opening for a Delivery Driver. Delivery Drivers will be primarily responsible for the delivery and set up of portable buildings. All applicants must be customer service driven and represent our company in the upmost way. We are an established 35 year old company with 18 retail locations. We look forward to adding to our team to continue working toward future success.

Delivery Drivers: • must have a good driving record • must have a Class A CDL license • must be able to deliver wide load buildings Salary is $900.00 plus per week depending on experience Direct Deposit is available Health/Dental and Vision Insurance To Apply: Send Resumes to tracy. thomas@hhenterprises. com or Call 205.664.9191 ext 125.

We’re Hiring -All Positions www.altogether great.com OR www.compass groupcareers.com Morrison’s Healthcare Food Service 1000 1st Street N. Alabaster, Alabama 35007 205.620.8107