Peach Living July 2022

BEST OF THE BEST 2022 WINNERS

IN THIS ISSUE: 4Main Street Cafés

key to success 4Meet Miss Strawberry 4A visit to Red Sparrow’s Villa

JULY 2022 • VOL. 12, NO. 4 • PEACHLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

PUBLISHER Tim Prince EDITORIAL Joyanna Love, managing editor Carey Reeder, staff writer Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith, freelance writer MARKETING Zack Bates, marketing consultant PRESSROOM & MAILROOM Chris Love, production manager Michael Turner, assistant production manager Malinda Nance, mailroom manager Peach Living is published six times a year by The Clanton Advertiser.

P.O. Box 1379, Clanton, AL 35046 205-755-5747 peachlivingmagazine.com

ON THE COVER

Nickki Gore Powell stands in Main Street Café.

(KEITH MCCOY | ADVERTISER)

peachliving living 22 peach

T

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

his edition is a celebraher reign thus far. tion of Chilton County’s As temperatures soar this favorites. summer, many are planning Although the winmore time at the ners of our Best of the lake or the beach. If Best contest have been a little leisure readavailable online, this is ing is a part of your the first time they will vacation plans, we appear in print. have some suggesThis year’s list features tions for you. A few several businesses that community leaders Chilton County has shared some of the held dear for years. books that they Joyanna However, several new have enjoyed for our Love names have come out “What’s on your as winners this year bookshelf ?” feature. showing that popularity has In this edition, we also feature grown. an event venue looking to offer Winners were decided by unique opportunities as it grows community votes on names on in popularity. a list compiled from community Chilton County has a lot to nominations. enjoy this summer. As you look Main Street Café was a repeat at the winners and finalists from favorite this year winning three this year’s contest, maybe you categories. This edition features will discover a new place to visit an interview with owner Nickki or service to use this summer. It Gore Powell about the business might even become your new and the keys to its success. favorite.

The Strawberry Festival was Have a favorite spot in immensely popular in its inau- Chilton County everyone gural year this year. We caught should know about? Tell us up with Miss Strawberry Starr about it at joyanna.love@ Woods to get her thoughts on peachlivingmagazine.com.

INSIDE THIS

EDITION

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4 THE VOTES ARE IN! 10 SOUTHERN FAVORITES 24 10 WHAT’S ON YOUR 30 BOOKSHELF? CELEBRATING IN SPANISH AMBIANCE

Rojases open Red Sparrow’s Villa

Chilton County has chosen its 2022 favorites!

Main Street Café popular spot for comfort food

Summer reading is not just for children

32 30 36 BLACKBERRIES: A SUMMERTIME DELIGHT CHAMBER 39 NEWS MARKETPLACE 45 36 THE STARR BEHIND THE CROWN

Meet the inaugural Miss Strawberry

24 32

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Celebrating IN SPANISH AMBIANCE STORY AND PHOTOS BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH

A

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

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from Chilton County schools, the couple founded Rojas Construction in 2012 and began “flipping houses” — renovating and restoring properties for rental investment 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.

Rojases open 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 peach living

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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

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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 Guadalajara, 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 Veracruz 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. peach living

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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 kitchen 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 fireplace 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,

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

The mixed response resulted in the Rojases 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 ending result is a large Spanish-style fireplace that overlooks the ballroom. They also installed 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.

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THE

VOTES

ARE IN! 10 peach living

Chilton County has chosen its 2022 favorites!

W

e 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 participated. If you are unfamiliar with some of the winners and finalists, we recommend 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

EVERYONE NEEDS PEACE OF MIND ... so why go anywhere else?

Finalists: Bone’s Backstreet BBQ and B&K BBQ Best Caterer Neighborhood Grill and Catering 309 Seventh St. N Clanton 205-755-2220

lifetime powertrain warranty 2 years no charge maintenance

open saturdays

award winning experience

Fast service

3 day exchange policy

low price promise

tire center

McKinnon Nissan 205-280-1101

YOU'LL BE GRINNIN' McKinnon Toyota 205-755-3430

I-65 Exit 212 across the interstate from the Giant Peach Water Tower

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 peach living

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Finalists: Durbin Farms Market and Olde Town Scoops

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

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

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

Finalists: The Jacks Family Dinner Bell and Pies

By Mike

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

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

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

Finalists: Gaisha’s Place and Neighborhood Grill and Catering

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

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

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

Finalists: Maddogs Grill and Hickory Chip

Finalists: Chandler Drugs and Hayes Drug

HEALTH & BEAUTY Best Family Doctor Dr. David Wilson, Clinic W 206 Medical Center Drive Clanton 205-287-3900

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

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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

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Encore Physical Therapy

Jemison Florist & Gift Shop

Best Home Health / Assisted Living The Gardens of Clanton 850 Scott Drive Clanton 205-280-0084

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

Finalist: Hatley Health Care

Finalists: Whatley Plumbing and Jeff McMinn Plumbing

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

Best HVAC Giles Cooling Heating

603 Fourth Ave. N Clanton 205-755-3369

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

Finalist: Central Heating & Cooling

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

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

Finalists: Cox Veterinary Hospital and Pet Haven Veterinary Hospital

Finalists: Kamp Krazy Bones and Bark and Bath Pet Grooming

SERVICES Best Florist Pinedale Gardens 404 Lay Dam Road Clanton 205-755-3480 Finalists: Everyday Flowers by Ronny and

Best Landscaper Unique Landscape 205-217-6154

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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 peach living

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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

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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 Best Fitness Center. peach living

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Finalists: Garrison Farm & Home Center and Barth Lumber

Finalists: The Jacks Family Dinner Bell and Mulberry Hill Boutique

Best Farm Supply Store Chilton Feed & Seed 717 Second Ave N Clanton 205-755-1391

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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Best Real Estate Agency EXIT Royal Realty 619 A Second Ave. N Clanton 205-258-5325

Best Bank River Bank & Trust 620 Second Ave. N Clanton 205-755-2240

Finalists: RealtySouth — Chilton and AW Realty

Finalists: Truist and Regions Bank

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Best Auto Service Connell Automotive Services LLC

Peach Jam won Best Festival this year.

300 6th Street South Clanton 205-258-5406 Finalists: Major Muffler Center and Fairway Automart & tires Best Car Sales McKinnon Auto Sales 235 Price Drive peach living

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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 22 peach living

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. peach living

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

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Southern FAVORITES

Main Street Café popular spot for comfort food

STORY BY JOYANNA LOVE PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY

L

ocal 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 purchased 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. peach living

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“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

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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 estimation 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 popularity 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

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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 hamburger. 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 breakfast and lunch Sunday through Friday. Each day has its own specials on the menu.

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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 laureate 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 30 living people to hallucinate. The thatpeach causes

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.”

doctors, so she is kind of under this guise of her servant, but he is a man.

Book: “Mistress of the Art of Death” People listen to him, but she’s the series by Ariana Franklin doctor … It is really interesting to see “That was the original novel, and the back and forth play. It is a phethen she made a series out of it,” Kitchens said. “I think there are four nomenal series.”

Kitchens said she had gone to look books in that series … It is kind up the next book in the series, but of historical fiction that follows a woman that is in the art of death. She Franklin had passed away before writing another “Mistress of the Art of examines dead bodies in the 1100s when women weren’t supposed to be Death” book.

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.”

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.

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 everybody 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. peach living

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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.

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STORY BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

F

or the first time in history, Chilton County 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 abundance 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 historically 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 strawberry sisters, will meet with Gov. Kay Ivey, visit strawberry farms to learn more about production, visit the Gulf Coast, Peach events and local parades.

The Strawberry queens have already participated 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.

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STARR WOODS |CONTRIBUTED

Starr poses with Verbena Red Devils softball teammates during a game.

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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.

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 children 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.”

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Blackberries.3 A SUMMERTIME DELIGHT

BY KATIE NICHOLS ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM

A

UBURN 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

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

While the recipe calls for canned blackberries, 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.

ating on. Continue be ti di ad ch ea r te a time, to thoroughly af Add eggs, one at y. ff flu d an ht lig dition until until ing after each ad at be , re tu ix m creamed h a sieve and Put berries throug spray y. g ff in flu ok d co an e bl ht ta until evenly lig • Non-stick vege ture. Stir carefully ix m ed m ea ur cr flo to well. ose add ttermilk and stir • 4 cups all-purp bu to da so eg dd A tm d. rnately nd nu blende d buttermilk alte an • 2 teaspoons grou re tu ix m on ur am nd cinn Add the flo third of the • 2 teaspoons grou re by adding onetu ix m ce pi ed ls m al ea nd cr e, beginning to • 2 teaspoons grou the milk at a tim of lf ha eon ne d ri an d after marga flour Beat at a low spee • 1 cup corn-oil . ur flo h it w ng and endi Divide batter • 2 cups sugar til well blended. un on ti di gs ad eg d ch ke ea 25 to 30 min• 3 clean, uncrac ained ake at 350°F for dr , B . es ns ri er pa kb to ac in bl ly of rack for 5 even l in pans on wire • 2 16-ounce cans oo C . ne do l ti da un ing on king so utes or ns and finish cool pa • 2 teaspoons ba om fr e ov em Icing ttermilk minutes. R W hite Caramel h it w • ½ cup nonfat bu rs ye la e ic rack. Fill and baking pans re ua sq ch in 9two (recipe below). eg, m Directions: Coat tg nu , ur flo ne y. Combi a 10-inch tube with cooking spra ay bake this cake in well blended. In m l u ti Yo un : ir ip T St . ro ce P pi ls serve plain. cinnamon and al or until done, and ating until , es be ut by in m ne ri 45 ga r fo ar pan mm g a large bowl, crea add sugar, beatin ly al du ra G . th soft and smoo

ke a C y r r e b k c a l B

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MORE INFORMATION

For more information and additional recipes, visit www.aces.edu. Live Well Alabama has lots of easy recipes to make. Find them on www.aces.edu, as well as on social media.

White Caramel Icing • 1 cup evaporated skimmed milk • 2 ½ cups sugar • ½ cup corn-oil m argarine • 1 cup finely chop ped raisins • 1 cup finely chop ped pecans

and margarine mel ts. Bring to a boil and cook without stirring un til mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermomet er or a small amou nt forms a soft ball when it is dropped in cold w ater. Remove from heat; cool to lu kewarm. Beat until Directions: Combi almost creamy and thick en ne milk, sugar and ough to spread. Add margarine and nu in a heavy saucepan raisins ts and beat. . Stir well. Cook ov er low heat, stirring constantly, This recipe will ice until sugar partially two 8-inch round dissolves or square layers or a 9x13-inc h sheet cake.

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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

We would love to have your company, group, or organization added to our expansive membership group. A Chamber membership will not only allow you access to many special events, but will also provide great networking opportunities to help grow your business. For information on membership, please contact us at 205-755-2400 or info@chiltonchamber.org.

Chilton County Chamber Newsletter

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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS The Chamber recognized C & C Trophy and Sign as the April Business of the Month of April 13. C & C Trophy and Sign is location at 209 6th Street North, Clanton.

The official ribbon cutting for Apple & Lo Boutique was held on May 3. Apple & Lo is located at 213 Seventh Street North, Clanton.

The official ribbon cutting for The Harrold Agency was held on May 10. The Harrold Agency is located at 124 Sixth Street South, Clanton.

The official ribbon cutting for Farmhouse Boutique was held on May 31. Farmhouse Boutique is located at 2903 Pineview Road, Clanton.

The Chamber recognized Maymay Made It as the May Business of the Month on May 16. Maymay Made It is located at 1616 Seventh Street North, Clanton.

NOW OPEN & ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Clanton Pediatric Associates, PA Come grow with us!

1011 Lay Dam Road Clanton, AL 35045 (205) 280-4990

Chilton County Chamber Newsletter

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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.

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.

Commission Chairman Jimmie Hardee and Chamber Board President Connie Bainbridge offer opening remarks at the Chamber's ‘Breakfast with Commissioners’ event on April 20.

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Сorporate sponsors PLATINUM

GOLD

Hull & Russell, PC

SILVER

BRONZE HEATON PECAN FARM

COPPER

Chilton County Chamber Newsletter

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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.

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.

JULY 3 Fireworks sponsored by Lake Mitchell HOBO at 9 p.m. in the mouth of Cargile Creek. People Maplesville Fireworks show at the town park. DJ begin to gather in boats on the main water as early Glen Riley will start music at 6:45 p.m. Fireworks as 8:30 p.m. will start as soon as it gets dark 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

JULY 16 Chilton County Arts Fest at Jefferson State Community College, 1850 Lay Dam Road in Clanton, hosted by the Chilton County Arts

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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. Includes guided tour of historic Savannah, Musical Revue Show at Savannah Theatre, tours of historical 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.

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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.)

Marketplace Peach Living • 205.669.3131

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,

PeachLivingMagazine.com

Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted.

Clanton (205)280-0002.

Pelham (205)444-9774.

work •Weekly pay •Your preference of schools.

Contact Anne Gamble: O: 205.682.7062 M: 205.532.1122 anne.gamble@kelly services.com

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

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

$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,

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

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20 Years Experience

FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

ROPER & WILSON ATTORNEYS AT LAW Buying or Selling?

Close with Roper & Wilson Exceptional Service with a Small Town Feel!

◆ Real Estate Closings ◆ Title and Deed Preparation

(205) 769-6145 TWILSON@ROPERANDWILSON.COM AROPER@ROPERANDWILSON.COM

CLANTON LOCATION 111 6TH ST. N. CLANTON, AL 35045

BIRMINGHAM LOCATION 3829 LORNA RD, SUITE 302 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35244

No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than those performed by other lawyers.

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CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

N E P O Clanton 1501 7th Street North Maplesville 9411 AL Highway 22

n a i d Guar

334-244-9999 | MyGuardianCU.com

Think

Federally Insured by NCUA | Equal Housing Opportunity

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