Progress 2021: Rising Above

Progress

2021

Rising Above

Brewing hospitality

INSIDE: Meet the Citizen of the Year

www.chiltonchamber.org

Progress 3

Progress PUBLISHER Tim Prince GENERAL MANAGER Brandy Clackley

9

14

EDITORIAL Joyanna Love, managing editor Anthony Richards, writer Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith, freelance writer MARKETING Zack Bates, marketing consultant

46

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CUSTOMER SERVICE Kelsey Hubbard PRESSROOM & MAILROOM Chris Love, production manager Michael Turner, asst. production manager Malinda Nance, mailroom manager Progress is a special publication of The Clanton Advertiser P.O. Box 1379, Clanton, AL 35046 205.755.5747 clantonadvertiser.com

Editor’s Note 2020 was a tough year for many. In Progress: Rising Above, we celebrate how Chilton county made it through.

We feature stories of overcoming pandemic struggles, but also highlight those in Chilton County who persevere no matter the season.

39

5

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

9

CHAMBER CELEBRATES 70 YEAR

14

CONQUERING COVID

18

BREWING HOSPITALITY

25

THE BEST ADVICE

ON THE COVER: Staff of Much A Brew About Something.

4 Progress

29

AFTER ZETA

34

THEN AND NOW

35

HARVEST OF SUCCESS

39

THORSBY FFA TURNS HARD WORK INTO TITLES

45

CHILTON COUNTY SCAVENGER HUNT

46

MEETING THE BEEF NEED

53

POSITIVE 2020 MEMORIES

2021 CITIZEN

OF THE YEAR NAMED

Lee Jones dedicated to community STORY BY JOYANNA LOVE PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY

D

ependable volunteers are essential Terry Collier, executive director of the Emerfor any nonprofit to run smoothly. gency Assistance Center, said Jones does not These passionate and compasseek glory for her accomplishments. sionate people who work behind the As a member of the United Way board, she scenes often go unnoticed, yet deserve recognihas been influential in providing funding to tion. about 20 community nonprofits to continue efSuch is the case for 2021 Citizen of the Year forts to meet community needs.

Lee Jones.

Whenever Jones can help with an endeavor Jones has dedicated several years to helping by either of these boards, she is there. the local United Way and the Chilton County “We knew we could count on her,” United Emergency Assistance Center serve the comWay board member Mary Mell Smith said. munity. She serves on the board of both orgaOriginally from Brown, Alabama, Jones has nizations and volunteers sorting clothes donacalled Chilton County home for decades. tions for distribution and for sale at the thrift Smith met Jones when Smith joined the store at the Emergency Assistance Center an board in the mid-1990s. average of three times a week. During months “She is a fine Christian woman,” Smith said. when COVID-19 limited the number of those “She is dependable, dedicated … She loves peocoming for assistance, the center still served ple; she loves to serve.”

Lee Jones was recognized for her service to United Way up to 30 families a month with clothing needs.

Jones “very seldom misses” a UW board during a meeting in 2020.

“I have served on both boards with her and meeting, Smith said. find her to be a humble and wonderful lady “If we ever go out into the community to sowho never seeks out the limelight for herself,” Citizen of the licit funds, we can always count on her to be one of the board Year committee member Gay West said. “We believe she is an members that would go with us,” Smith said. unsung hero who works to make the community better for othJones has been a part of promoting the organization at events ers especially those in need.” at local businesses.

The committee felt that Jones was a good example of this In 2020, most requests for donations to the United Way annuyear’s theme Rising Above because she has continued to vol- al campaign were done through letters to follow social distancunteer whenever possible throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. ing guidelines.

Progress 5

6 Progress

“The committee felt that Jones

was a good example of this year’s theme Rising Above because she has continued to volunteer whenever possible throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Smith said as the United Way of Chilton County becomes a part of the United Way of Central Alabama, she will miss seeing Jones at board meetings.

Chilton County will have some representation on the United Way of Central Alabama board but not as many members as the separate board had.

Jones was recognized for her contribution and service on the board in 2020 during a United Way meeting.

Jones has served on the board for the Chilton County Emergency Assistance Center for about 20 years.

Board chair Curtis Smith said she has been a faithful member of the board.

“We are blessed to have good people like her,” Smith said. “She is really worthy of the award.”

Collier said Jones is an asset to the organization, commenting that he wishes he had about three more of her.

“She always gives us her schedule, so we can depend on her,” Collier said.

Jones’s service to the community goes farther back than her terms on either of these boards as she is a former Chilton County DHR employee.

Jones attends Union Baptist Church where she is active in ministries for those in need.

Progress 7

BE A COMMUNITY HERO E

Get involved

ach year, The Clanton Advertiser honors someone who is dedicated to Chilton County and has had a positive impact on the community. Anyone can have a positive impact on the community, but sometimes getting started can be hard.

Here are some tips:

• VOLUNTEER Chilton County has numerous nonprofits that could use a helping hand. If you have trouble finding one, contact the United Way of Central Alabama at 205-251-5131 for suggestions.

• DONATE Support local fundraisers for local nonprofits, schools and volunteer fire departments.

• JOIN A LOCAL CIVIC CLUB The Clanton Lions Club, Evening Lions Club, Jemison Lions Club, Clanton Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club of Chilton County are always looking for new members. Most can be contacted through Facebook.

• KEEP CHILTON BEAUTIFUL Pick up litter in your neighborhood. Plants flowers. Educate others on the negative community impacts of litter.

8 Progress

The Chilton Chamber of Commerce has introduced honoring certain members as “business of the month” in recent years.

BRINGING BUSINESSES TOGETHER Chamber celebrates 70 years of member service STORY BY ANTHONY RICHARDS PHOTOS FROM FILE

S

eventy years is a long time for any organization, and that is a mark the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating in 2021.

The Clanton Chamber of Commerce was established in 1947 before changing its name and making the transition to the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce with the goal of overseeing the county as a whole in 1951.

Billy Singleton served as Chamber president over the past two years and has been on the board of directors for four years. He has been involved with the Chamber for 20 years total.

According to Singleton, he believes that a Chamber of Commerce does not just represent businesses, but also the people within the community that operate and rely on those businesses.

Progress 9

Trick or Treat the Streets is a new tradition, but one that the community has come to love.

“One of the original mandates of the Chamber of Commerce is that it serves as a clearing house for problems of the people,” Singleton said. “We saw that in 2020 with the onset of COVID-19, the Chamber became a focal point for information about grants and other kind of funding to help businesses through this very difficult time.”

Some of the things that the Chamber assisted with included helping people with payroll protection loans, directing people to testing centers and taking the lead of the COVID-19 task force created by the county.

During this time, the Chamber was able to help obtain grants pertaining to Senior Connection’s food program and volunteer first responders.

“Even though I hate the reason for those opportunities, I was very proud of the way the Chamber responded,” Singleton said.

Janice Hull has had the honor of serving multiple stints as Chamber president since initially joining in 1982 shortly after starting Hull & Russell Certified Public Accountants.

She has learned a lot from those experiences that has made her the person and business owner she is today.

“It has helped me meet many people over the years,” Hull said.

According to Hull, some of these people have become some of her closest acquaintances.

10 Progress

“Anytime I went to a Chamber event, I met either a new client or a new friend,” Hull said.

The Chamber has grown in several ways throughout its 70 years and continues to develop with every year that passes.

The Chamber has commemorated its 70th anniversary by looking to the future with a relocation to downtown Clanton. It now has combined office space with the Industrial Development Authority of Chilton County in the River Bank building.

“It will be a really positive thing,” Singleton said.

This marked the third time the Chamber office has moved.

The first office was housed in the caboose located next to Peach Park, before moving to 500 Fifth Ave. N in Clanton.

Singleton believes the fact that they moved into the same building with the IDA makes this move the most substantial of all.

“The two organizations will complement each other very well, even though we will still be two separate organizations,” Singleton said. “We will be able to utilize personnel and equipment much more efficiently. Since our goals are somewhat common, it’s a natural fit.”

More than 300 members are part of the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce.

Shannon Welch speaks at the annual Chamber banquet.

Singleton is proud of the fact that the organization’s membership level has remained consistent even throughout the pandemic.

According to Singleton, that more than anything proves that the members see the benefits that exist as part of their relationship with the Chamber.

Although it did not happen while Hull was president, she pointed out that Peach Jam was an idea that really took off and has helped the Chamber evolve because it tapped into the county’s established peach culture.

It is now to the point where the Peach Jam in association with the Chamber have become a summer tradition locally along with the Clanton Lions Club Peach Festival.

“It is a signature event,” Hull said.

Planning for the 2021 Peach Jam Jubilee has already begun, as the event requires months of preparation.

“I know that the people of Chilton County are really looking forward to getting back into that normal routine that they really enjoy,” Singleton said.

According to Singleton, one of the most difficult decisions he’s faced in his life was the cancellation of Peach Jam in 2020, as a result of the pandemic.

“I saw the disappointment in the community, and it really impacted me how much it means,” Singleton said. “We promise to come back even bigger and stronger in 2021 to make up for not having it.”

Progress 11

46

205-755-4195 •

The Chamber was located at 500 Fifth Ave, N in Clanton, but now has office space in the River Bank building in downtown Clanton.

12 Progress

Peach Jam and the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce have become synonymous with one another.

The Chamber looks in good shape to have another 70 years of success, as talk of new businesses coming to the county continues and rays of economic growth surround the prospective Alabama Farm Center at Clanton’s Interstate 65, Exit 212.

“There’s a way we can capitalize and help the farm center,” Hull said. “If you come together with common interests, you can definitely achieve some big things.”

Looking forward, Singleton feels the excitement among residents surrounding the future of Chilton County, and he expects the Chamber to be the glue that can help the moving parts come together.

“We want to work with any group or municipality that needs our assistance,” Singleton said. “The Exit 212 project was one place where the Chamber and the IDA combined efforts. We hosted a lot of the Facebook and online presentations.”

The Chamber has not been short of creative initiatives in recent years, such as the historical cemetery walk and scarecrow show, designed to build community fellowship.

“I hope people were able to take advantage of those things,” Singleton said. “I think it’s even more important now than ever before.”

Progress 13

CONQUERING COVID One pandemic patient’s recovery story

Stephanie Rigsby with her family.

14 Progress

STORY BY JOYANNA LOVE PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

I

t started with a headache that would not go away on a Friday afternoon in September 2020.

Stephanie Rigsby thought she might have a migraine.

“Then my body started to hurt, so on that Monday I went to an urgent care,” Rigsby said.

When she went to the clinic, it was something more serious.

Rigsby was tested for COVID-19 using the rapid test and had a positive test result 20 minutes later.

“I thought, ‘Oh, no,’ because I have a job, and I have three kids and so that was the worst part of it having three kids there was no one who was able to come in and help with them,” Rigsby said.

The urgent care recommended rotating between using Tylenol and Ibuprofen, Rigsby said.

“That is basically what I did, but it didn’t help very much at all,” Rigsby said.

The fever continued and other symptoms developed as she fought the virus for 10 days.

“I had 103 fever the whole time that wouldn’t go away,” Rigsby said.

“I had severe body ache, like a severe head cold.”

Three days after her diagnosis, her husband Ryan also developed symptoms, which lasted for two days.

“He took care of the kids while I laid on the coach and felt like I was dying,” Rigsby said. “I stayed away from my kids as much as possible, but they are 10, 6 and 5, so its unavoidable to come in contact with them some.”

She was eating a taco for lunch one day when she discovered she could not fully taste it.

“I had sinus issues from it, so I thought that was just it,” Rigsby said. “It wasn’t 100 % loss in the beginning.”

She also lost her sense of smell. These symptoms lasted into 2021.

Rigsby went to the hospital because her fever was not going down.

“They ran the normal tests that they run for COVID patients, and they did some other tests and they were fine,” Rigsby said.

Shanon Hamilton, administrator of St. Vincent’s Chilton hospital in Clanton, said there were many unknowns when Chiton County had its first confirmed COVID-19 case because there was still a lot that was unknown about the virus.

His initial thoughts were “wondering what this would mean for our community and caregivers at our hospital.”

Getting accurate information and training to personnel was a challenge in the beginning.

Continuing to serve the community while keeping staff safe was the main focus.

“Fortunately, St. Vincent’s is a part of a larger organization Ascension … it is a national health system with a lot of resources expertise (and) knowledge that we can lean on being a part of a larger organization,” Hamilton said. “That was critical during and throughout this pandemic.”

This also ensured that the hospital had enough personal protective equipment for staff and provided needed information and training for personnel.

“I was concerned for the well-being of our patients, the community as a whole and for my family as well since I have two small children,” said Lauren Atchison, MSN ; manager of ICU/Med Surg/ Tele Unit. “We worked as a team and increased communication as we received it to our associates. The St. Vincent’s team was well organized and quickly came up with a plan to help our patients and staff feel as comfortable as possible during the early days of this pandemic.”

Patients with COVID-19 symptoms, like Rigbsy, came to the emergency department, and the hospital kept them separate during treatment.

“We are able to ensure that the patient gets the appropriate level of care,” Hamilton said.

Progress 15

This could mean transferring a patient to another St. Vincent’s location or treating them onsite.

This is the case whether it was COVID-19 or any other issue.

“We had to pull together during these challenging times to learn the best way to care for these patients, the safest way

16 Progress

to prevent spreading the virus to other patients, the most effective way to keep ourselves well,” Atchison said. “One of the challenges was increasing communication so that the patients and staff felt well informed and cared for, because this was a scary time for us all. Another challenge was constantly

changing and improving our practices to comply with the everchanging COVID guidelines as new research evolved.”

Atchison and other hospital personnel also dealt with the fear of bringing the virus home from work.

“This situation has impacted me personally because my son was diagnosed with COVID-19 over the summer,” Atchison said. “Nothing is more heart wrenching than watching someone you love be sick and having so little research on a virus that is so new, that you are unsure what to do to help them.”

The hospital was urging those with medical emergency to come to the emergency department because delaying care would just make the issue worse.

“We noticed that a lot of patients stopped seeking care for routine things because of the fact that they were scared or concerned about coronavirus,” Hamilton said.

Patients started coming back for routine appointments in December. Hamilton said community members need to go to appointments and “not to delay care” because there are measures in place to keep people safe.

When she was diagnosed, Rigsby was 31 and “a fairly active person.”

Shortness of breath was never really an issue.

On day 11, “my fever finally broke, and I started to feel better,” Rigsby said.

But, COVID-19 caused lingering fatigue.

“I get winded, and I just don’t have the energy that I used to have,” Rigsby said. “After those 10 days, it took a while just to be able to function.”

To try to recover her energy, Rigsby tried to exercise a few days a week.

“You just don’t have the will to want to do it because you’re tired,” Rigsby said. “I’ve just tried to push through it to get better.”

Even after she went back to work, her normal energy and stamina had not returned.

Rigsby said she had worn a mask and followed the recommended precautions, “but I still got it.”

She works as a substitute teacher and suspects she may have caught it at school.

Rigsby had been treated for mitral valve prolapse several years ago.

However, having COVID-19 has worsened this pre-existing condition.

Mitral valve prolapse is a condition where one of the valves in the heart gets stuck and does not open and close properly, causing irregular heart rate.

“It had happened every now and then, but since then (having COVID) it’s happened more often,” Rigsby said.

Her doctor recommended she see a cardiologist who gave her a heart monitor.

“This was the first time I had been back to the cardiologist in about six years,” Rigsby said.

Rigsby had been recommended to go because COVID-19 “can cause lung and heart damage, she said.

COVID-19 had impacted the Rigsby family even before her diagnosis when schools closed in March 2020 as a part of the Stay-at-Home Order.

This meant there was not a need for a substitute, so Rigsby was out of work.

The business her husband was working for also shut down for a while.

“Neither one of us was working,” Rigsby said. “It was difficult, but we had some savings that we had to use that we wouldn’t normally use.”

Ryan Rigsby also farms, so the family had income from that.

“It was definitely different, because you know you get used to a certain income and you base your budget on that, so it was definitely not our normal budget,” Stephanie Rigsby said.

She said they focused on “the bare necessities” until their jobs started again.

By December 2020, Rigsby had returned to work and was able to get back to her usual day-to-day routine.

Pictured from Left to Right: Allen Williams, Joseph Parnell, Randell Kelley, Joe Headley, Matthew Mims, Jimmie Hardee & Darrell Bone

Progress 17

BREWING

HOSPITALITY Coffee shop survives pandemic hurdles

STORY BY ANTHONY RICHARDS PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY

C

hilton County has become home for Charisse “CJ” Ramone in a short period of time thanks to coffee and a lot of perseverance.

Ramone is from Sacramento, California, but has been coming to Chilton County throughout her life as she remembers making trips as a kid back to where her mother was originally from.

Photos of nature taken by Ramone hang on the walls of the coffee shop.

18 Progress

“Seven years ago, my mom wanted to come back and live on my grandparent’s property here in Clanton next to her sisters,” Ramone said. “Every year (for six years), I would fly out here to visit my mom and the first thing I did when I came to Clanton was ask ‘Where can I get my iced white mocha?’”

She quickly realized that there were few specialized coffee shops in Clanton, so she decided

CJ with officer Smitherman.

Progress 19

Sylvia Nimmers makes up a frozen treat.

20 Progress

A Family Tradition For 100 Years 1921-2021

Charisse Ramone opened up Much A Brew About Something in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. to do something about that by opening up one of her own, while also moving to the area to live closer to her mom.

“A lot of people were telling me that the coffee business hasn’t really been a success here in Clanton,” Ramone said. “People have tried it, but it has never been a thing.”

Despite the lack of success in the past, she pushed forward and was determined to see if that was the case for herself.

“After sitting on the idea for eight months after coming over, one day I just did it,” Ramone said. “I thought to myself that if I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it.”

After finding a location, she had a plan in place to open Much A Brew About Something coffee shop.

However, her plan was suddenly interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which began to take hold around the same time she had gotten the lease to the building that would house her business.

“It was a very trying time with a lot of nights lying in bed wondering what I was doing,” Ramone said.

Much A Brew officially opened May 25, but again she encountered a speed bump in her journey and had to close down the shop

Mon. - Sat. 7 am - 6 pm Sun. 1 pm - 5 pm 2207 7th St N, Clanton, AL 35045

Progress 21

Katie Littlefield holds the Gomez, a chocolate frozen treat. for 21 consecutive days in July because she came down with COVID-19 and lost her sensations of smell and taste.

“During that quarantine, almost every single customer of mine reached out to check up on me,” Ramone said. “My phone was going off the hook throughout the three weeks.”

She opened things back up on Aug. 3, and she has been busy making coffee for the people of Clanton in the months since.

22 Progress

“I want to see Clanton grow,” Ramone said. “Things are definitely changing in that direction.”

One of the most popular menu items has been the Frappuccinos, but the menu is always growing.

“A lot of times the customers will come in and tell me what they want, and they will create a drink,” Ramone said. “It may end up on the menu.”

-

-

y

Progress 23

Ramone likes to introduce new drinks at least twice a month. Spiced candy cane and toasted marshmallow were two drinks introduced during the holidays.

One of the things Ramone loves most about owning a coffee shop is the amount of people she gets to meet and get to know on a daily basis.

“My customers are amazing and the Southern hospitality is unreal,” Ramone said. “They are so genuine, and when they walk through the door I melt with excitement.”

The majority of the bar at the coffee shop is built from pieces of Ramone’s grandparent’s old house that she played in as a child but had to be torn down a couple of years ago.

It was important to Ramone that the coffee shop reflect her family history and the fond childhood memories she had in Clanton.

“I adored my grandparents,” Ramone said.

Prior to opening up the shop, Ramone had never been a barista or worked with coffee. She just enjoyed drinking it and Vaneli’s is the coffee brand of choice at Much A Brew. wanted to help fill a void that Clanton had been missing.

According to Ramone, although she has been open for a little Vaneli’s handcrafted coffee is Ramone’s coffee vendor, which she established a relationship with before leaving California. more than eight months it feels like it has been two years, but Vaneli’s President and CEO Gene Lemos flew out from Cal- she has learned so much during that time.

“I’m so glad I did it,” Ramone said. “It is a great feeling to ifornia and stayed in Clanton for a week to help hook up Ramone’s equipment and train her as a barista. know that I chose the right path.”

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because Hugh has a long list of stuff he wants to do.

WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

Children’s of Alabama is dedicated to helping kids live the most fulfilling life possible. We put in a lot of time and training to make that happen.

CHILDREN’S DOW NTOW N BIRMINGHA M (RU SSELL C A MP U S) 1 600 7TH AV E NU E SOU TH BI R MI NGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 | C hi l drens AL. org

24 Progress

CHILDREN’S SOU TH P EDIATRIC OU TPATIENT C ENTER

GREENVA LE P EDIATRIC S A LA BA STER

1 940 E LME R J BI SSE LL R D,

1022 1ST STR E E T NOR TH, S U IT E 1 0 3 ,

BI R MI NGHAM, AL 35243

ALABASTE R , AL 35007

2 05-638-4800

205-663-9550

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“The Golden Rule, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’”

“Always do the right thing. You will never have to back down from it.”

— Michelle Perrin

— Jeff Mims

“If you have grit, determination and persistence, you will always make it through to brighter days because you can outlast the days that make you want to give up.”

“From my eighth-grade teacher, don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see.”

— Susan Meyer Hilyer

— David McCary

“The best advice to live by is to be happy.

My late father passed away at a young age. When he was on his deathbed I kept naming off things I would do and places I promised to see and he said, “don’t worry too much about those things in life. So many times, when life comes and goes people are unhappy because they didn’t achieve things like becoming a millionaire or getting the house with the white picket fence. Just focus on your happiness, and you will enjoy life more. That’s the key to a great life.”

— Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith

“When life throws a punch ... duck!”

— Carolyn Monfee Roberson

“From my dad, not only did he say this, but lived it.

Always, treat people with equal respect, regardless of their position in life.”

— Peggy Martin

“One of my favorite pastimes is reading, especially biographies and works of history.

I strongly believe that learning from those who came before us provides the best advice for a meaningful life. In seeking guidance and advice, I often look in the Bible to the book of Proverbs. One of my favorite passages is found in Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger.” President Thomas Jefferson offered similar counsel when he wrote, “When angry, count to ten before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.” I also believe that good advice often comes in the form of a challenge such as that offered by President Theodore Roosevelt who suggested that the greatest legacy of an individual life is the gift of an honorable name to his or her children.”

— Billy Singleton

Progress 25

“God only gives you so many days when you can put in a good hard days work so don’t complain too much about it.”

— Casey Knox

“No matter how long you are married, plan a date night at least once a month. Tell the truth and you never have to remember what you say.”

— Diane La Rose Knighten

“Do good for the sake of doing good, not for recognition or reward. If you have to tell people about your good deeds, you didn’t do them out of goodness.”

— Jessica Knotts-Fayette

“Spiritually - Always keep Jesus at the center of your life. Practically - Learn to laugh at yourself. If you take yourself too seriously no one else will.”

— Randy Reid

“The best advice I’ve received was to always take time to enjoy the little things in life, for those are the things that mean the most. I have three, kids so it’s hard to remember that when life gets overwhelming.”

“Margo Gibson once told me to ‘Pick and choose my battles wisely.’ I’ll never forget her and her wisdom.”

— Leighsa Robinson

— Stephanie Rigsby

“People often tell couples to never go to bed angry, to work everything out before bed ... but sometimes you’ve got to let the dishes soak overnight.”

“Before you react to a person, consider if they are worth reacting to!”

— June McDuffie

— Heather-Lynne Bean Hutchison

“My dad always told me: just do the next right thing. That’s the only thing we can control.”

“You never get a second chance at a first impression.”

— Susan M Cleckler

— Lance Driskell

“If your group is being chased by a bear, you just have to outrun one person.”

— Tyler Mitchell

26 Progress

“You can’t heal in the same environment that made you sick.”

— Haleigh Mims Johnson

“My daddy told me early in life ‘Let well enough alone.’”

— Dianne Sanders Varden

“Treat everyone like you would like to be treated, no matter a person’s station in life.”

— Janet Driskell

“If you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot at the end and hang on.”

— Regeana Wilson Funderburk

“God never gives us more than we handle.”

— Brittney Leigh Duke

“Walk away.”

— David Sneed

“Don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from.”

— Jason Griffin

Progress 27

“Philippians 4:19 ‘My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.’ This has been life changing for any time I have worried about something I don’t have- and when I trust in that statement, I have found it to be true. Every time.”

“Always remember where I came from and that I have a moral compass and to follow it.”

— Whitney Barlow

“This too shall pass.”

— Cheryl Holmes

— Terri Gilliam Connor

“If you quit, they win!”

“When I first joined the Commission, long-time commissioner Heedy Hayes told me to remember ‘you fight for what you believe in during a meeting, but you’re friends when you leave the meeting.’”

— Scott Ellison

“Trust but verify.”

— S Marie Castleberry

“Don’t forget where you came from and it’s okay to color outside the lines … it makes life more interesting!”

— Joseph Parnell

“The dumbest question is the one that’s never asked.”

— Jana Zuelzke

— Jason Kelley

T 28 Progress

AFTER ZETA

What remains of the tree that fell in Cassandra Littleton’s yard.

Community comes together to recover STORY BY JOYANNA LOVE PHOTOS BY JOYANNA LOVE

T

he wind was howling through the trees.

Rain was falling at a fast rate.

All of her outdoor dogs and cats had fled for shelter.

Then, a crash outside brought Cassandra Littleton, 62, of Jemison onto the back porch to see what had happened.

“It was just dark and I heard something go ‘blam,’ but I didn’t know what it was,” Littleton said.

As she looked out, the yard was a mess.

“It was real bad,” Littleton said. “Tin was flapping everywhere. I’m just thankful that I didn’t get hurt. No one else got hurt.”

Then she saw the source of the crash she had heard.

One of the many trees her late husband had planted near the house had fallen. However, the tree had crashed into his carpentry shop, not on the house.

“I’m nervous every time a storm comes because he planted all these trees … now look how big they have got,” Littleton said.

Littleton said she was thankful that the tree had not fallen in the opposite direction on top of her home.

She estimated that the tree was at least 30 years old. Littleton said the tree had been in a

Cassandra Littleton

Progress 29

30 Progress

For meeting details, check our Facebook page Clanton Kiwanis Club or email club president, Ann Mims at amims@river.bank

­

Cassandra Littleton was thankful that the tree fell on her late husband’s workshop and not on the house.

ditch and she thinks that the heavy rainfall filling the ditch and rushing past the tree contributed to it falling.

Moving the tree posed a problem.

“Who was I gonna get to do that?” Littleton said. “My church members are all elderly people.”

A neighbor told her about the Chilton Baptist Association Disaster Relief teams and she put in a request for help.

One team of about four or five men came out to remove the tree and stack the wood.

“They did a great job,” Littleton said.

Littleton said she was thankful to the Chilton Baptist Association and the Autauga Baptist team that came out. She said if it was not for them “I would have never gotten this done.”

Several in Chilton County had similar stories of damage and downed trees after Tropical Storm Zeta swept through the county on Oct. 2829. Community members came together to help clear trees from roads

and clean up neighbors’ yards. Many needing more serious help contacted the Chilton Baptist Association. CBA disaster relief director Joe Mims said the organization received 80 requests for assistance, and teams started assessing damage and getting to work mid-morning the day after the storm.

This was the second time in 2020 that the teams had responded to a local natural disaster. Straight line winds had come through Jemison, Thorsby and Clanton in April causing damage that Mims compared to that of a hurricane.

Requests are categorized by the urgency of the need. Mims said trees that were on houses were a top priority, followed by trees in the yards of people who could not remove them by themselves because of age. Those, like Littleton, who had no one else to help them were extremely grateful.

Critical need requests resulting from Tropical Storm Zeta were fulfilled by Nov. 7.

Local response teams were joined by a team from Autauga County to help pick up the pieces.

“We were very, very fortunate it could have been a lot worse,” Sheriff John Shearon said.

Despite widespread damage from Tropical Storm Zeta, no one died from the damage. The only storm-related fatality was deemed by the

Progress 31

Cassandra Littleton describes seeing the storm damage for the first time after stepping onto her porch.

32 Progress

Chilton County Coroner to be from a house fire in Maplesville started by a candle being used when the power was out.

Shearon was a part of teams working to clear roadways immediately after the storm. Volunteer firemen, city crews, county crews and multiple other volunteers were busy clearing trees wherever they could safely do so.

Mims had told Littleton it would likely be two days before a team could be out. However, Littleton said they were there in a day.

The structure that the tree fell into on the Littleton property had been the carpentry shop her husband used before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

“He did everything,” Littleton said. “He was a Jack of all trades.”

He died July 10, 2020.

Littleton said if he had been there, he would have been out in the yard trying to move the tree himself, despite being in his 80s.

While the house has a storm cellar, Littleton said she had never had to use it, so it was not ready for use during the storm.

“This is the first storm that we have been through, and it damaged something,” Littleton said. “It has gotten bad before but not this bad.”

Next time, she plans to be better prepared.

Although power was out in some parts of Chilton County for several days, Littleton’s power came on after one day.

After the tree was removed, Littleton could begin cleaning up what remained of the workshop with the help of friends.

“My church members, they are always here to help me,” Littleton said of Pate’s Chapel Church.

After the storm cleared, Littleton said her animals came right up beside her safe and sound.

“They all joined me like they knew what was going on,” Littleton said. “I walked around to see if there was any more damage and it surprised me that it was just that tree that fell … Thank the Lord.”

An interior look at damage to the workshop.

Progress 33

The remnants of Hurricane Zeta caused damage to this house on 6th Street.

The renovation nears completion to make this home livable again.

THEN AND NOW

This building on 6th Street was a grocery store before it became an Ace Hardware.

Today, the former Ace Hardware has been turned into an event venue.

Super Saver was a major grocery store on Jemison’s Main Street in the 1970s.

34 Progress

Today, new businesses have located on Main Street in Jemison, including a restaurant, boutique and an ice cream shop.

HARVEST of SUCCESS Peaches create positive impact on economy STORY BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH

G

enerations of local families have looked to the peach as a symbol that represents the face of Chilton County. When local residents see a giant peach outside of a business or hanging on the front door of a home, it is a symbol so close to one’s hearts that it means “welcome, you are home.” For lo-

cals traveling back from the beach or mountains, the symbol of the peach is quite literally the sign of being home as they pass by the “Big Peach” water tower at Interstate 65, Exit 208. The peach has become Chilton’s claim to fame, as many families like to stop and “stretch their legs” when passing through its rural towns and

Progress 35

36 Progress

“Fruit farming in Chilton County

generates an annual economic impact of $14.6 million, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, with peaches being the state’s leading commercial fruit. ” grab a basket to take home. Besides being beautiful, the peach represents an honest, decent living and lifestyle.

Each year, the peach crop faces multiple obstacles, and occasionally suffers hardship, from cold at the wrong time and dry seasons. Yet, the peach crop always resiliently comes back. That resilience has helped Chilton County flourish for the last century and helped to sustain our local economy. It is an annual multi-million dollar industry, which makes peaches even sweeter.

Chilton County’s “peach-mania” is thought by some to be initiated by immigrants to the area in the 1800s.

Swedish farmers planted about 150 peach trees on 10-acre plots, and netted 75 cents per crate. Since then, Alabama peach orchards have grown to “exceeded 11 million pounds and produce $6,182,000 from about 1,500 acres” in 2015, according to the John D. Fair in “Encyclopedia of Alabama.” Alabama’s state fruit tree is designated as the peach, with roughly 80 percent of Alabama’s peach industry coming from Chilton County.

This year, the Farmers Market Authority utilized Chilton County peaches to help feed Alabama’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The intent of the SFSP is to serve nutritious meals to youth, age 18 and under, at no charge during the summer months when school is not in session. The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. The program purchased $130,000 of Chilton County peaches during the summer of 2020 to provide food to three different county school systems, but mostly in Elmore County.

“We hope to expand that number and provide even more Chilton peaches to our school systems,” said Don Wamble, director at Alabama’s Department of Agriculture and Industries Farmers Market Authority. “We also have farmers that visit the school system and talk to the children about farming. The children love knowing where their food comes from. You can’t put a value on telling kids ‘this peach was grown locally.’”

Wamble encourages county school boards and nutrition directors to purchase locally-farmed produce instead of ordering from commercialized distributers because of the local economic impact, quality and freshness.

The local peach industry also provides significant employment for Chilton County through planting, pruning, spraying, picking, markets, basket weaving, the tourism and restaurant industry, a number of canned peach products, trucking and transportation of the peaches and entertainment though the county’s annual Peach Festival.

Fruit farming in Chilton County generates an annual economic impact of $14.6 million, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, with peaches being the state’s leading commercial fruit.

Locals enjoy the sweet fruit from multiple produce stands spread throughout the county, but Wamble said most of Chilton’s marketplace peaches are purchased by out-of-towners and people passing through the community.

HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 5:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. CLOSED SATURDAY SUNDAY 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Progress 37

“This year, the Farmers Market Authority

utilized Chilton County peaches to help feed Alabama’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The intent of the SFSP is to serve nutritious meals to youth, age 18 and under, at no charge during the summer months when school is not in session.”

The strategic placement of peach stands on major highways and at Interstate exits means travelers wanting a peach fix do not have to look far.

The Farmers Market Authority also sells Chilton County peaches to those out of town at Pepper Place, a large outdoor market of farmers in Birmingham.

“Every year, we have people show up a month before peaches are ready and ask if we have any peaches yet, and then a month after the peaches have ended, people still come around asking if we have any left,” Wamble said. “Most all of the shoppers at Pepper Place go there to shop specifically for the peaches. They may buy other things while they are there, but when they set out and leave their home, they have peaches on their mind.”

Agriculture in general and peach growing specifically are expected to be an important part of Chilton County’s economy for years to come.

205-280-6291

38 Progress

Thorsby FFA showcases their state championships in the Peach Festival Parade.

t

o s

e e y

e e

s

SEED OF SUCCESS Thorsby FFA turns hard work into titles

STORY BY ANTHONY RICHARDS PHOTOS BY TERESA GARRISON

T

horsby FFA has been a dynasty over the years in terms of how many times they have won state and went to nationals.

By competing at the national level, the students gain an experience and a memory that will last a lifetime, while also representing not just their school but the Thorsby community as a whole in the process.

One of the things that makes Thorsby FFA so great is the family atmosphere that resonates throughout the program.

A literal example of the family atmosphere is Mesha Mims, who joined FFA after hearing about how great it was from her twin sister Tori.

“I didn’t really pay much attention to what she was doing until I was in eighth grade,” Mesha Mims said.

“She won and got to go to nationals her ninth-grade year, and I thought it was so cool that she got to go to Indianapolis.”

Mesha’s goal is to one day compete at nationals, which she has qualified to do so in October 2021 alongside her twin sister as they are on the same team.

Thorsby FFA’s foundation for success has been built by winning state championships.

The foundation is now so established that winning championships has become the bar with which the program and its members are measured.

Progress 39

Zip-lining was one of the fun things Thorsby FFA members got to do during their trips to the FFA National Convention.

No one understands this more than Luke Peek, who was crowned a state champion in dairy evaluation for the first time as a senior.

“I had been on this team for about four years now, and we had always been just short of it (state championship),” Peek said. “We finally proved that we are the best in Alabama.”

Peek had been part of the program since seventh grade, which is the earliest a student can take part in their school’s FFA. He has been an officer within the program the past several years and had a successful high school career by most standards.

However, there was an obvious void missing and that was a state title and a trip to nationals on his resume.

According to Peek, FFA always seemed to fit who he was as a person more than other clubs at Thorsby.

“It just hits more at home for me,” Peek said.

Getting over the hurdle that was the state competition was a big deal for Peek, especially since he has seen his share of fellow and former classmates go to nationals over the years.

Knowing that his name will be linked with the champions that have come through the Thorsby FFA program is something he cherishes.

“It was rewarding to me because of all the work that I had put in over the years,” Peek said.

40 Progress

Milking cows was one of the things students got to do when they visited Mississippi State University.

Thorsby’s success is even more impressive due to the fact that they represent a smaller school and often times beat much larger schools during their championship runs.

There is no doubt that chasing titles has become a tradition for Thorsby FFA and agriscience teacher Brian Lucas would not have it any other way.

Lucas understands that the championships represent the hard work and attention to detail that his students put forth on a regular basis.

To him, the dedication to the preparation leading up to a major competition is what makes all the difference once that competition finally rolls around.

Lucas has been the orchestrating Thorsby FFA’s success since he arrived in 2013.

“I was the new kid on the block, and they (students) had to take some time to adjust to me,” Lucas said. “But, I had a group of seventh graders that I realized real quick had some potential.”

The seventh graders were in the same boat, as they too were new to the FFA program and were learning on the go.

“I decided to start with the young kids that first year, just to get our feet wet,” Lucas said. “I took two teams that qualified for state that first year. It was a good experience for them, and it lit the fire for them.”

Progress 41

Students learn about meats during a trip to Auburn University.

Here, we stay focused on what’s important.

You.

Clanton and Jemison 205-755-0250 | 205-688-4186

Truist Bank, Member FDIC. BB&T now Truist. To learn more, visit BB&T.com/Truist

At the time, they had no idea that they would be the foundation with which Thorsby FFA’s tradition of success would be built upon.

However, that first taste of sucess made them hungry for more and the potential that Lucas initially saw began to come to the forefront.

In 2014, Lucas’s first group to qualify for nationals was a meats evaluation team, which was compiled entirely of eighth graders.

That group won the state competition and punched their ticket to the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis.

“We really didn’t have any expectations,” Lucas said. “I don’t know who was more shocked, me or them, when we found out they won.”

The stories that the group brought back and shared with their fellow classmates about the trip to nationals, helped introduce the national convention as a realistic goal to shoot for on a yearly basis.

“That was a new world for us,” Lucas said.

The gravity of that team’s achievement hit Lucas the first night they were in Indianapolis as they waited in a huge convention hall to have their picture taken on orientation night.

42 Progress

Come Home To Neighborhood Banking Marion 601 Washington St Marion AL 36756

Jemison 24747 US Hwy 31 Jemison AL 35085

Maplesville 8091 AL Hwy 22 Maplesville AL 36750

(334) 683 6131

Member FDIC

www.marion-bank.com

Selma 2400 US Hwy 80 W Selma AL 36701

Clanton 601 2nd Ave N Clanton AL 35045

(334) 877 2214

(205) 990 5353

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORT U NI T Y

The annual FFA National Convention is held in Indianapolis.

Progress 43

Thorsby FFA is all about providing hands-on experiences for its members.

Transfer Programs - Career Programs Dual Enrollment - Affordable Tuition Personal Attention - Four Convenient Campuses Flexible Scheduling - Guaranteed Credit Transfer

(205) 856-7704 jeffersonstate.edu Jefferson State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its admissions, programs and activities in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

44 Progress

According to Lucas, he glanced around the room and then looked at his kids and realized that he had brought a group of eighth graders to compete against college kids for the most part.

The group finished 20th out of 45 teams.

“We go and compete against schools that are 10 times bigger than we are,” Lucas said. “I have found out that if you set the goals high, they will do everything they can to try an achieve it.”

Since the first team broke through, the program has had 29 state champions, three American FFA Degree recipients and a national finalist.

“We’re in Chilton County, and there’s a lot of agriculture here, but it’s not like it used to be,” Lucas said. “A lot of these (students) just don’t have the hands-on experience of growing up in it like our competition does out west. To me, that is what’s so impressive.”

All success over the years has had a lasting impact on Lucas just like it has for his students.

Lucas got a glimpse of the lasting impact FFA can have for those involved after he received a call one day from a man who attended FFA growing up in Florida, but was now living in Thorsby and wanted to give a donation to the local FFA chapter.

“I hope one day when they leave and become adults, whether I’m here or another teacher is here, they look back and understand the importance of the FFA and the agriscience program and how much it helped them,” Lucas said. “I hope that whatever stage of their life they are at or whatever part of the country they are in, they support their local FFA program. There’s going to be a point of time in life where you’ve taken care of you, so now take care of someone else.”

SCAVENGER HUNT Discover a new side of Chilton County through this scavenger hunt with something for the whole family 1. Find five different peach images around the county

2. Take a photo by one of Wilson Spottedbird’s murals

3. Test out the Chilton/ Clanton Public Library’s flight simulator (Clanton location only) 4. Find a copy of Peach Living Magazine (Hint: check out the Peach Living Magazine Facebook about section for locations) 5. Try a locally-owned restaurant you have never been to 6. Take a photo by the historic Methodist Church in Verbena 7. Take a stroll down the historic main street of Clanton, Jemison, Maplesville or Thorsby 8. Enjoy the scenic views of Minooka Park 9. Find Clanton’s lighthouse 10. Learn about Thorsby history at the town museum (By appointment only. Contact the Town of Thorsby for appointment times at 205-646-3575.)

11. Find a Kindness Rock at Goose Pond Park in Clanton 12. Learn about gardening best practices with a visit to the Chilton County Master Gardeners demonstration garden (120 County Road 756, Clanton, AL 35045) 13. Look for forgotten treasure at an antique or second-hand store 14. Visit three local ice cream shops and determine your favorite 15. Find the Clanton guitar store 16. Attend a sporting event at each of the local high schools

Residents can learn how to fly remote-controlled planes with this flight simulator at the This is just one of the local murals painted by the late Wilson Spottedbird. Clanton branch of the library.

Peach Living can be found at multiple places in the county.

This former bank now houses Thorsby’s historical collection.

Take a stroll in downtown Clanton.

See what’s new on Jemison’s historic Main Street.

Progress 45

Chilton countryside is filled with imagery that reminds one of the back drop of a painting.

MEETING THE BEEF NEED Calfee family farm stays strong

STORY BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH PHOTOS BY KEITH MCCOY

C

hilton countryside is filled with imagery that reminds one of the back drop of a painting. Miles of cows gazing on green rolling pastures fill the roadways and horizons, which allows oneself to take a breath of fresh air away from life’s hustle and everyday bureaucracy. Farm land is wide-open space that slows down life’s pace. Shannon and Dana Calfee are cattle farmers in the

In 2020, amid COVID’s grocery crisis, the Calfees helped hold family tables together by selling beef to local consumers.

Isabella community and richly grounded in that farming lifestyle. In 2020, amid COVID’s grocery crisis, the prices of beef sky-rocketed at grocery stores and at times were unavailable for purchase. However, the Calfees helped hold family tables together by selling beef to local consumers. Not only has their cattle farm thrived, but Calfee Cattle Farms will expand the size of their beef and pork industry in 2021.

Shannon Calfee grew up in the Isabella community. Like his father and grandfather, his love of farming is part of who he is. Childhood memories of working on the farm are part of the fabric of his life.

“When I was a child, during the Carter years, farming was difficult,” said Shannon. “We lived in a rented house. Things got better after that, but looking back those were the best days of our lives.”

46 Progress

n

e

r

Shannon and Dana Calfee

Progress 47

Dana, Shannon, Emma and Anna Calfee

I-65 Fruit Market • Clanton • 205-755-1672 • www.durbinfarms.com 48 Progress

Calfee Cattle has 150-175 of Semi-Angus Simmental cows Shannon’s father and grandfather farmed 10 acres of corn and stored it in their corn crib. Shannon and his brother also cut and bailed hay on farms from Isabella to Valley Grande.

“My father farmed during the day but also worked the night shift in coal mines,” said Shannon. “He would leave a list of chores for us to do around the farm. At the age of 10 and 12, my brother and I would hook up equipment and go to work! We had

a 1966 Ford 1-Ton Truck that we would put in ‘granny-gear.’

While it idled and slowly started to drive itself, we would get out and jump on the back of the truck to shovel the corn out.”

These days, Calfee Cattle has 150-175 of Semi-Angus Simmental cows and 190 hogs. Beef is sold all-natural, without hormones, antibiotics or steroids by the quarter, half or whole.

Some consumers will occasionally ask for smaller items such

Progress 49

The Calfee family has plans to expand their cattle business in 2021. as a few steaks or a slab of bacon (pork) which can usually be accommodated by pairing the order with another consumer’s needs.

Once Calfee’s consumers contact him for an order, they are put onto a list until the cow is ready to be processed. Calves feed for at least 18 months before they may be sold for harvesting. Once the cow is ready, an appointment is made at the processor and upon arrival is weighed according to its “live weight.” Afterward beef is sold at the going rate for price per pound.

In 2015, Dana Calfee left her public job to help manage the farm’s business and marketing needs. She also helps educate potential consumers on the differences of flavor and marbling which depends of the diet of the cow.

“This year (2020), we have received thank-you cards and messages on Facebook of people thanking us when they couldn’t find meat

50 Progress

-

8

e

s

Shannon and Dana Calfee are cattle farmers in the Isabella community and richly grounded in that farming lifestyle.

Progress 51

Shannon Calfee started helping his father on the farm at a young age. and thankful that we didn’t change our prices,” said Shannon.

“Those messages are an affirmation to us and one of the reasons we do this.”

Shannon and Dana have two daughters, Emma and Anna, ages 11 and 9, that they hope are influenced by being a part of a family owned and operated farm.

52 Progress

“We hope to pass the farm to them one day,” said Dana. “It is important that they see the work that goes into this business.

If you want something in life, you have to get out and work for it. Things in life are not handed to you.”

The Calfees will expand their beef production by 30 percent and their hog production by 50 percent in Spring 2021.

POSITIVE MEMORIES OF 2020 Despite the challenges of 2020, many rose above them to create positive memories for the community. Here are just a few of the good things that happened in 2020.

JANUARY CCHS, ISABELLA PREPARE FOR STEP UP IN CLASS Chilton County High School and Isabella High School were the only local schools to move up following the AHSAA’s most recent re-classification a couple of weeks ago.

Once the dust settled, the Tigers found out they would be moving up to Class 6A, while Isabella would take the step up to Class 2A. It presents a major change for both schools in a variety of ways.

For CCHS, 6A is nothing new. It will only have been two years since they last called it home.

It will be the second stint that Isabella has spent in Class 2A, with the previous one from 2008 to2013.

FEBRUARY MCGEHEE’S 300 WINS LEAVE LASTING MARK Stacy McGehee recently earned his 300th victory as a varsity boys basketball head coach and was recognized for his achievement prior to Maplesville’s final home game of the season on Jan. 31.

Reaching 300 wins usually means coaching for a lengthy period of time, which McGehee has done as he is about to complete his 22nd season coaching boys basketball.

HUMANE SOCIETY BECOMES DEBT FREE The Humane Society of Chilton County celebrated a milestone during its meeting on Feb. 21 with the announcement of all debt being paid off.

“We have awesome donors,” Renee Helms of the Humane Society of Chilton County said.

In a previous meeting, President Lee Helms had stated the organization had been $100,000 in debt three years ago.

Board members expressed their joy and appreciation at the announcement.

The announcement was made during the financial report, which also stated the organization had $25,825 on hand.

JUNE VA OFFICE OPENS IN CHILTON COUNTY Military veterans in Chilton County will now have more readily available options at their disposal following the official opening of a Veterans Service Office at 110 Sixth St. S in Clanton.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the location June 4, as a crowd of local veterans, government officials and Chilton County Chamber of Commerce members attended the event.

“Of the many things that I’ve supported while on the Commission, personally I don’t know if there’s anything that has humbled me like this,” Commissioner Steve Langston said.

Langston helped oversee the project from the start after first bringing it to the attention of the Commission months ago.

MINOOKA PARK RENOVATIONS UNDER WAY Renovations to Minooka Park’s campground are moving right along once again following a period of interrupted progress due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Several different projects are in the works, including the construction of a pavilion and bathhouse as well as the addition of several camp sites.

According to Commissioner Steve Langston, when he began overseeing the project in November 2019, the park had 18 camp sites with only 10 full hookups, providing campers with water, sewer and electricity.

JULY CHILTON COUNTY SCHOOLS PURCHASES 4,000 LAPTOPS Chilton County Schools has purchased enough Chromebooks for every student in seventh to 12th grades to have one.

The devices were purchased with a portion of the CARES Act funding the school system applied for through the state department of education.

CCS Superintendent Jason Griffin said 4,060 laptops have been ordered using $1.28 million of the CARES Act funding it received.

Progress 53

AUGUST EXIT 212 MASTER PLAN LAYS OUT 20-YEAR VISION A draft of the 2020 master plan for Interstate 65, Exit 212 in Clanton in conjunction with the Alabama Farm Center at ALFA Centennial Park was unveiled during a presentation July 29.

It was a highly-anticipated unveiling and was something that had been in the works for the past year.

The process started with a trio of stakeholder meetings in July 2019 held at the Alabama Power building that included more than 300 residents interested in the project at hand.

CAEC receives grant to bring Chilton broadband Central Alabama Electric Cooperative has received a $8.2 million Broadband ReConnect Program grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development division.

Some of these funds will be used to expand Central Access’s fiber broadband internet network to Chilton County residents.

“Anytime you bring two great organizations together, what you look for is how you can increase the benefit to the community,”

DECEMBER

JEFF STATE WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM RECEIVES $160,000 A new workforce development opportunity is coming to Clanton thanks to a $160,000 donation and the work of community partners.

The City of Clanton, Jefferson State Community College Clanton Campus, The Chilton County Industrial Development Authority, the Chilton County Commission, Alabama Rural Economic Center, Dunn University and privately-owned industries in the Birmingham region announced the donation from Economic Development Partnership of Alabama funds during a press conference on Aug. 21.

SEPTEMBER VERBENA FIRE PLANNING NEW STATION Verbena Fire and Rescue is taking the first steps to constructing a new fire station.

Chief Jonathan Cagle said the plan would be for this new station to be the main location that the department responds from.

A groundbreaking was celebrated on Aug. 29, but just when construction will be completed is unknown.

OCTOBER BOISE CASCADE DONATES CARDIAC MONITOR Thorsby Fire Department can now save lives more effectively thanks to Boise Cascade donating a new cardiac monitor to the department.

According to Thorsby Fire Chief Josh Parker, a new monitor costs roughly $20,000.

The donation comes just in time because the monitors the department has are obsolete after years of usage.

“You can’t get parts for them, and no one services them anymore,” Parker said.

54 Progress

ST. VINCENT’S RECEIVES COVID-19 VACCINE From Ascension Associates at Ascension St. Vincent’s Chilton, which is part of Ascension St. Vincent’s, began to receive the COVID-19 vaccination the week of Christmas. The first associate to receive a vaccine was Veronica Edwards, RN, an emergency room nurse at Ascension St. Vincent’s Chilton.

“Working on the front lines, I have witnessed first-hand the strain that this pandemic has placed on hospitals, co-workers and families,” Edwards said. “I have researched the vaccine and feel knowledgeable of my decision to be vaccinated. I feel this will be beneficial in protecting my family and patients.”

THORSBY HIGH SCHOOL RECEIVES $35,000 Thorsby High School was awarded $35,000 in state grant funds by Sen. Cam Ward in his final school visit as senator on Dec. 2. Ward has been appointed director of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles by Gov. Kay Ivey.

Principal Corey Clements said he only found out on Nov. 30 that the school would be receiving the funding, so specifics of how it all would be used had not been determined. However, he did say a portion would be used to replace the floor in the weight room.

The first step to saving energy is seeing how you use it.

Want to learn how to lower your power bill? Alabama Power gives you the tools you need to manage your daily energy use. Our online resource center helps you find the energy-saving tips, products and programs right for you.

And with our energy checkup, you can learn about your home’s energy use and get recommendations on how to save money. You can even set email alerts to help monitor how you’re using energy. We offer all of this so you’ll have the tools you need to help lower your power bill.

AlabamaPower.com Explore ways to save at AlabamaPower.com/energyusage Manage your bill by logging in at AlabamaPower.com/myusage

© 2021 Alabama Power Company