Issuu

Big Happenings at Big Canoe Creek • Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Mealer Saving Coal Mining History • 20 Years of Jeff State in Pell City

October & November 2026

Springville Theatre 50 Years and Counting

Saluting Veterans

Museum, Rotary honor their service

Wally’s Works

Remembering an amazing photographer

Discover The Essence of St. Clair October & November 2026

TRAINING GROUND

HOME BAKED

SPRINGVILLE THEATRE

Preparing to hike the world at Big Canoe Creek

Cottage cook serving up sweet treats and more

50 years of magic on the stage

Traveling the Backroads Elizabeth ‘Liz” Mealer

Big Things Ahead

Outdoor pavilion, playscape and more at Big Canoe Creek Page 14

Wally’s Works

A look at the works of an amazing photographer Page 36

St. Clair Coal Mining

Keeping the history alive Page 46

About THE Cover

Pell City Rotary

Jingle Bell Run to benefit Veterans Home Page 50

Veterans Salute

Special museum exhibit honors their service

Page 54

St. Clair Business

Jeff State: 20 Years in Pell City Page 62 Program a boost for hospital Page 70

Final Focus

Illusion of alternate endings Page 74

Gifted quilter Willie Mae “Snookie” Turner Beavers, 99, draped in her handiwork. This image, perfectly capturing the moment, was from a collection of photos taken by the late Wally Bromberg for a 2025 story. Some of his work is showcased in this edition.

Writers AND Photographers Carol Pappas

Carol Pappas is editor and publisher of Discover St. Clair Magazine. A retired newspaper executive, she served as editor and publisher of several newspapers and magazines. She won dozens of writing awards and was a Distinguished Alabama Community Journalist at Auburn. She serves as president/CEO of Partners by Design, which publishes Discover and LakeLife 24/7 Magazine®.

Graham Hadley Graham Hadley is the managing editor and designer for Discover The Essence of St. Clair Magazine and also manages the magazine website. Along with Carol Pappas, he left The Daily Home as managing editor to become vice president of the Creative Division of Partners by Design multimedia company.

Roxann Edsall

Wallace Bromberg Jr.

Roxann Edsall is a freelance writer and former managing editor of Convene Magazine, a convention industry publication. She has a degree in (broadcast) journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi, worked as a television news reporter in Biloxi and as a reporter and assignments editor in Birmingham.

Wally graduated from Auburn University where he graduated in 1976 with his BA in History and minors in German and Education. Wally’s skills in photography blossomed during college.After a 30-year career, he decided to dust off his camera skills and pursue photography full time.

Mackenzie Free

Paul South

Mackenzie Free is an experienced and nationally published photographer with a bachelor of fine arts degree. She is a Birmingham native now cultivating life on a farm in Steele with her husband and four daughters.

Paul South, a native of Fairfield, is an Auburn graduate with a degree in journalism and a double minor in history. He also has a Juris Doctorate degree from the Birmingham School of Law. Although sports writing was always his first love, he had a versatile career as reporter, columnist and first full-time sports information director at Samford University.

Molly Gilbert

Bob Crisp

Molly Gilbert discovered her love of storytelling early, inspired by the colorful tales of her close-knit Pell City family. Her favorite summer vacation memories were made on Lake Logan Martin — cookouts, tubing with cousins and catching fireflies at sunset. Now a Talladega resident with more than 30 years in writing and marketing, she enjoys capturing the people and events that make the lake so meaningful.

Bob Crisp has worked as a photojournalist and freelance photographer in St. Clair and Talladega counties for 40 years. The University of North Alabama graduate joined the staff of The Daily Home in 1986 where he won over 100 awards from the Alabama Press Association and The Associated Press. He has also worked in commercial photography, weddings and portraiture through Bob Crisp Photography.

Joe Whitten Joe Whitten was born in Bryant on Sand Mountain. When he arrived in Odenville in 1961 to teach at St. Clair County High School, he found a place to call home. Joe was active in the Alabama Writers’ Conclave and the Alabama State Poetry Society. The society named him Poet of the Year in 2000. Joe has also published several local history books.

From the Editor

Our home … special place, special people

Fall is always a special time of year in St. Clair County. Maybe it’s because of the wide open spaces revealing a stunning backdrop of forests beginning their seasonal change in colors. The transition from the summer’s greenery to vibrant reds, fiery yellows and the amber glows of orange is a spectacular burst of hues that never fails to evoke a smile, signaling this soul is more than soothed by the scene. I have always loved the outdoors. The woods, the mountains, the water – all of it – does indeed soothe my soul. I guess that’s why I’ve always been partial to Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve from the very first time I ever heard about it. You’ll see stories of its evolution gracing our pages throughout its history. And we’re glad to do them. It’s not just a story about the great outdoors, it’s the story of appreciating, protecting, preserving and enjoying a 422-acre treasure found right here in our own backyard. In the latest development, work is about to begin on an outdoor pavilion. A phenomenal nature playground is coming to fruition, and strides are being made toward the creation of a nature center. We’ll hear from a Springville woman who hikes the country but found her training ground right here at home at Big Canoe Creek. It’s a story of the impactful experience she discovers with each step she takes winding through the beauty of the preserve. It’s stories like those that we love to share, another compelling reason we’re glad we call this place home. Over the years, we have been blessed with a team of talented writers and photographers. Without them, many of these stories would go untold, unseen. One of those photographers was Wally Bromberg, whom we lost to a heart attack in August. Today, we continue to mourn his loss, and we remember him in this issue of

Discover through some of the outstanding work he did as a member of our team. He would often partner with writer/historian Joe Whitten in our Traveling the Backroads series. Our cover shot for this edition is one he took for Joe just a year ago, capturing the essence of a gifted quilter and spry 99-year-old, Willie Mae “Snookie” Beavers. He tells the story through a single photograph. Through his lens, we see her smile, her colorful handiwork and sense her unassuming playful nature that belies her clear-eyed wisdom. This issue of Discover is dedicated to Wally – our photographer, our colleague and our friend. Thank you, Wally, for being a part of our own story. Carol Pappas Editor and Publisher

Discover The Essence of St. Clair

October & November 2026 • Vol. 92 • www.discoverstclair.com

Carol Pappas • Editor and Publisher Graham Hadley • Managing Editor and Designer Dale Halpin • Advertising Patrick Stokesberry • Graphic Designer

A product of Partners by Design www.partnersmultimedia.com 1911 Cogswell Avenue Pell City, AL 35125 205-335-0281

One Foot in Front of the Other For Tara Martin, Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve has become a place to get stronger, slow down and find herself again Story by Molly Gilbert Photos by Mackenzie Free Submitted Photos The trails at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve are more than a place for Tara Martin to exercise. Just a half-mile from her home in Springville, the Preserve has become her personal playground, training ground and place to breathe. She walks, hikes and climbs its rugged trails as often as she can, sometimes covering 15 or 20 miles in a day. And when she leaves, she doesn’t feel worn out. “I come back feeling energized and recharged,” she says. “I feel awesome.” For Tara, the explanation is simple. There is something about being outside – surrounded by trees, streams, birds, wind and uneven ground – that restores her. “The Preserve cleanses me,” she says. “It gets my body in shape. It stops the chaotic brain.” Over the past two years, the Preserve has helped Tara become stronger physically and emotionally. It has been the place where she built her endurance, discovered a love of climbing and prepared for some of the biggest adventures of her life. But perhaps most importantly, it has become a place where she can simply be. “I feel very connected to nature,” she says. “There aren’t that many places where I feel that way, but I always do at the Preserve.”

FINDING HER WAY BACK

Two years ago, Tara was living a very different life. She was a wife and mother, and at work she was a lead support specialist overseeing about 100 caregivers. The job was demanding, stressful and essentially non-stop. For years, much of her energy went toward taking care of everyone else. “I never thought about my life and future – it was all about survival

Tara Martin by the creek DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Warming up

mode,” she says. “I went to work and was on call. I never thought about what I wanted. I just let myself go.” Then came a vacation she had dreamed about since she was a child. Tara and her husband, Mark, had planned a trip along the Pacific Coast, something she had looked forward to for years. But when the time came, she couldn’t enjoy it the way she had imagined. It hurt to walk. Her body wasn’t prepared for the demands of the trip, and the experience forced her to confront something she could no longer ignore. “I needed to get my life together,” she says. “I needed more movement.” She began making some changes. She sought out therapy and started walking at a park in Springville. She could put in the miles, but she wasn’t getting stronger. Then her son told her about Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve. It was close to home and offered something the park didn’t: elevation, hills and rugged, changing terrain. The Preserve’s trails climb and descend through the woods, with uneven footing, streams, creeks and fallen trees that make every walk a little different. “I started going out there every day, even if it was only a mile or mile-and-a-half,” Tara says. Soon, the miles added up. “I walked up hills and noticed my leg muscles had gotten so much stronger,” she says. “I realized how much I loved climbing.” Tara began wondering what she might be capable of beyond the Preserve.

TESTING HER STRENGTH

Tara was ready to put her new conditioning to the test. She traveled to Zion National Park in Utah, where she took on Angels Landing. For Tara, completing the hike was about more than reaching the top. Not long before, she had struggled simply to walk during a vacation she had dreamed about for years. Now she was tackling a demanding climb in one of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. She loved the challenge. The physical effort, the adrenaline and the satisfaction of accomplishing something difficult appealed to a part of Tara she was only beginning to discover. “I developed confidence,” she says. A month after returning from Zion, Tara reached another turning point. She quit her job. After years of a demanding position, she had reached a point where the work was no longer sustainable. She wanted a life with room for more than work – a life that allowed space for her family, her health and herself. She drove to Colorado, car camped and climbed the Manitou Incline, completing all 2,768 steps. Tara took three months off before finding a new job. Instead of simply slowing down, she used the time to explore what she could do.

CHOOSING A LIFE OF ADVENTURE

She went backpacking at Cheaha State Park and Sipsey Wilderness. In a five-month period, she climbed Yonah Mountain three times, Slaughter Mountain and Brasstown Bald, and tackled Calloway Peak twice.

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

ONE PROJECT AFTER ANOTHER

LANDSCAPES I HARDSCAPES I LAWNS I DRAINAGE EXPERTS

(205) 753-3000 GARDNERLANDSCAPINGLLC.COM EMAIL: GARDNERLANDSCAPING9@GMAIL.COM

Best Price on Large and Small Trees, Shrubs and Privacy Screens

“I’m always after the next bigger mountain,” she says. Each climb gave her another reason to believe in herself. She was seeking out steeper trails, longer distances and more difficult terrain. “When you weren’t able to do this before – low self-esteem and no confidence – and then you accomplish it, it’s such a point of pride,” she says. “When you thought you could do nothing and realize you can do everything, that’s life-changing.” The change showed in more than what she could accomplish on a trail. “I walk differently now,” she says. “I stand up straight. I move with confidence. I feel amazing as a human being.”

A LIFE WITH ROOM TO BREATHE

Now, Tara’s job has a more flexible schedule and gives her something her previous career had not: time. She could work and take care of her family without putting herself last. Exercise and time outdoors could become part of her regular life rather than something she squeezed in when everything else was finished. And she kept returning to Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve. Over the past two years, Tara has steadily lost weight, built muscle and developed the endurance she once thought was beyond her reach. What started as short walks became longer hikes. Miles became double-digit miles. “I can walk 20 miles now and it’s nothing,” she says. She credits the Preserve with giving her the terrain and consistency she needed to build that strength. But the physical benefits are only part of why she keeps coming back.

WHERE SHE FINDS PEACE

Tools of the training trade

For Tara, the Preserve is also a place of solitude and reflection. There is a spot she affectionately calls “Tara’s Rock.” She sits there to pray, meditate or simply eat her lunch. “I wanted to be able to have privacy and peace,” she says. She describes the experience of being in the woods in almost physical terms: listening to the wind and birds, smelling the rain, feeling dirt beneath her fingers. “Our bodies are composed of water; we are nature,” she says. “There’s nothing like being outside.” Those sensory experiences help her feel connected – not just to the landscape, but to herself. “It’s so cathartic,” she says. A 15-mile day on the trail doesn’t necessarily leave her depleted. Instead, she often returns home feeling recharged. “When I go out of state, it’s for the challenge,” she says. The big mountains give her that challenge. The Preserve gives her something else. Connection. “If you’re running up and down Yonah, that’s about endurance,” she says. “At the Preserve, I connect with the earth and nature.” That distinction is important to Tara. The mountains have become places where she can test herself, but the Preserve has become part of her everyday life. It is where she trains, but it is also where she returns to herself.

THE ADVENTURE IN HER OWN BACKYARD

Tara’s adventures have continued to grow. Her greatest accomplishment so far was completing the Cascade Canyon and Paintbrush Canyon Loop in Grand Teton National Park. The achievement represents just how far she has

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

come. And there is already another goal on the horizon: Mount Rainier. She’ll train for that challenge the same way she has trained for everything else – by putting in the miles and tackling the hills at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve. But Tara doesn’t believe someone needs to be preparing for a major expedition to appreciate what the Preserve offers. That’s one of the things she loves most about it. It is raw rather than perfectly manicured. Rugged rather than predictable. There are five trails with different terrain and challenges, making it a place for hikers, runners and mountain bikers. Kids can ride their bikes. Families can explore. Someone can spend hours covering miles or simply take a short walk through the woods. “You feel like you’re in the middle of the wilderness,” Tara says. “You feel so in tune with nature. You’re in a different world.” Having a place like this nearby is a tremendous asset.

PEDIATRICS EAST

Welcome, Dr. Jameson Ragsdale Accepting new patients

JUST START WALKING

Tara is proud of the mountains she has climbed. She is proud of the miles she can cover now. She is proud of the Tetons and the adventures that once seemed impossible. But when she talks about how she got here, her advice is remarkably simple. “It’s just one foot in front of the other,” she says. “Don’t focus on 10 miles. Focus on one step.” That’s how her transformation began. One step became another. A short walk became a longer one. A hill became a mountain. A difficult hike became evidence that she could do something she once thought she couldn’t. The process was gradual, but the effect was profound. For Tara, Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve has been part of learning how to take care of herself. “It has saved my life,” she says. “Not just physically, emotionally.” Sometimes the next adventure begins with something as simple as taking a walk in the woods. One foot in front of the other. l

Sunrise summit at Yona

DEERFOOT

TRUSSVILLE

6729 DEERFOOT PKWY, PINSON, AL 35126

520 SIMMONS DRIVE TRUSSVILLE, AL 35173

pedseast.org Appointments Available

205-836-8691

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Big things ahead for Big Canoe Creek New pavilion, nature playscape and more on the table for preserve

31 32 3

833 ’ 832 ’ 831 ’ 830 ’ 829’

830’

827

’

826

’

825

824 ’

8’

3’ 82

22 ’

821

+820’

26 820’ 819’ 818’ 817’ 816’ 815’ 814’

17 +828’

20 11

821

’

820’

819’

817’ 818’

SITE ELEMENTS 1 Existing Parking Lot 2 Existing Paved Trail

11 Boulder Edging 12 Zipline

20 Challenging Boulder Scramble 21 Easy Boulder Scramble

30 Asphalt ADA Pathway 31 Bench, Typ.

3 Existing Dirt Trail

13 Canoe Climber

22 Rope Climber

32 Loose Parts

4 Existing Tree, Typ.

14 Boulder Steppers with Creature Scavenger Hunt

23 Log Climber

5 Proposed ADA Path (Leading to Facilities)

15 Wood Plank Adventure Path

24 Log Edger

6 Poured In Place Safety Surfacing

16 Treehouse Platform with Buit in Benches

25 Log Table

7 Engineered Wood Surfacing (EWF)

17 Two Story Elevated Treehouse Platform with Roof. Net Climber Connects the

26 Nature Laboratory

8 Observation Deck with Overhead Structure, Picnic Tables, and Benches 9 Entry Archway 10 Signage

Lower Play Area, Main Platform, and Secondary Overlook.

19 +816’

827’

+828.6’

+820.5’

+828.25’

825’ 824’ 21 823’ 822’ 821’

28 27

829’

14 827 826’ ’

+828’

’

2 82

3 11

0’

5’

10’

20’

40’

27 Stick Fort Structure

18 Rope Ladder Connecting Ground Level, Main Deck, and Upper Deck

28 Stepping Stones

19 Tunnel Slide (from Main Platform to Lower Play Area)

29 Willow Arch

Canopy Climb Adventure Playscape - Concept Plan Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve

Story by Molly Gilbert Photos from Big Canoe Creek Preserve Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve has come a long way, and there’s more on the horizon. Another 72.5 acres adjoining the Preserve has been nominated for Forever Wild Land Trust consideration, which could eventually bring the protected area to nearly 500 acres. That process is still in its early stages.

September 2025

New construction projects are taking shape that will give visitors even more ways to explore, learn and enjoy this special area of Springville. “We have three major projects going on – everything is in the development stage,” says Doug Morrison, manager of Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve. Plans for the open-air pavilion are expected to go out for bid soon, with completion projected for May 2027. The Preserve has received septic tank approval, and Forever Wild Land Trust

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Tap Into A Better Way to Pay. Leave your wallet in your pocket and pay with the device you already carry every day. With Apple Pay® and Google Pay™, your debit card is ready for fast, secure purchases at millions of locations that accept contactless payments. Setup is simple, and using your digital wallet is even easier.

1-855-468-6872 | www.unionstate.net Member FDIC |

Equal Housing Lender

Apple Pay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Google Pay and Google Wallet are trademarks of Google LLC. Mobile wallet availability may vary by device, card, and merchant.

has already funded a waterline, both important steps toward future restroom facilities. Once complete, the pavilion will give the Preserve a place to gather, adding another dimension to a property that has become increasingly popular for outdoor recreation and education. The nature playscape is also working its way toward the construction phase. Most of the funding is in place, and the design is being adjusted to fit the available funds and take a phased approach. Morrison hopes work can begin in 2027. For families, the playscape will offer another way for children to experience the outdoors through play, exploration and discovery – the kind of experience that can turn a visit to the Preserve into a lasting memory. Then there is the Big Canoe Creek Nature Center, which will bring the Preserve’s educational mission into the heart of Springville. The Nature Center will be located in the historic Rock School (built in 1921) rather than on the Preserve itself. Thanks to community support, the Big Canoe Creek Preserve Partners are renting the building from the Springville Preservation Society, and grants have helped move the project into the design phase. A designer is currently working on the interior, while construction documents move through the approval process. Physical work inside the building has not yet begun. Doug sees the project as a natural fit for the community: a historic building being preserved while creating a new place to learn about the natural world around it. “It is a really special place,” he says.

Concept design for the Nature Center

A COMMUNITY BUILDING WITH IT

The projects may still be in development, but people are already investing their time and energy in the Preserve. This past spring, about 150 people came out for the Biggie Stomp 5K, an event that brought runners onto the trails with the added fun challenge of spotting Big Foot in the woods. Scout troops have donated several projects. One group installed a picnic table, hitching post and horse step along the Easy Rider Trail. “It’s good to see the broader community buy into the vision with their contributions,” Doug says. Springville Library has become another important partner. Librarian Jamie Twente secured a grant for science-based kits that can be used with homeschoolers, opening opportunities for children to explore subjects such as fireflies, butterflies and other local wildlife. The library also helped secure funding for interpretive signage along the 0.6-mile paved trail. A storyboard walk is planned with interchangeable 18-by-24-inch story panels that can bring naturethemed stories to the trail. These additions may seem small compared with the larger construction projects, but together they reveal something important about the Preserve’s future. It is a place where people can come to do something – walk, run, play, learn, gather – or simply slow down and notice what is around them. And there is still plenty to discover right now. The Preserve is open Wednesday-Sunday, with regular visitors continuing to return to the trails and new visitors finding their way there. The next chapter is already underway. For those who have watched Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve develop over the years, these projects offer something new to look forward to. For those who have never visited, there may be no better time to start exploring. l

Rendering of outdoor pavilion

Proposed playscape area

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

The Brooke Tollison Agency, Inc.

Moody’s growth rate has been phenomenal Finding the right property can be overwhelming.

Let me help you.

Paula Krafft, Realtor® 205-365-9612

Great claims service? Count on it! Brooke Tollison

paula@moodyrealtyal.com

ALL HOMES ALL LAND ALL AREAS ALL THE TIME

“Opening Doors Since 1985” Lifetime Member Club of Excellence St. Clair Realtor of the Year 2020

2206 Martin St. S Pell City, AL 35128 btollison@alfains.com

Moody Realty

(205) 884-3470 Cell: (205) 473-9080

205-640-7671

AlfaInsurance.com/brooketollison

Auto • Home • Life • Business • Farm

Serving All Your Real Estate Needs 2529 Moody Parkway Moody, AL 35004

Call Paula!

moodyrealtyal.com

Traveling the

BACKROADS

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Mealer The music of the Mealer Family Gospel Singers

Elizabeth at the piano 18

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Story by Joe Whitten Photos by Wally Bromberg and Submitted photos

Everyone brings a range of talent to performances

Music sings to all of us, although some genres sing more melodiously than others. This is true with both secular and sacred music. Today’s generation enjoys a different style of church song from that of their parents and grandparents. However, many folks from all generations enjoy Southern Gospel – which originated long before Bill and Gloria Gaither made it an international staple. The roots of gospel music can be traced to the spirituals composed and sung by 19th Century Southern slaves. For instance, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, coming for to carry me home” speaks of the slaves’ longing for freedom from bondage, which seemed to be possible only in eternity with God. This same theme of escape inspired a farm worker to write “I’ll Fly Away.” In 1928, Albert Brumbley worked on his father’s sharecropping farmland and, according to his son, longed to be somewhere other than picking cotton. (Sharecropper farmers often lived at the mercy of the landowner.) So, in 1929, the first year of the Great Depression, he wrote “I’ll Fly Away.” It was first recorded in 1932 and became an instant favorite. The slaves sang “I looked over Jordan and what did I see, a band of angels coming after me, coming for to carry me home.” Brumbley sang, “Some glad morning when this life is ‘o’er, I’ll fly away to a home on God’s celestial shore,” expressing the same longing to be free of the troubles of life. When it comes to “I’ll Fly Away,” Elizabeth “Liz” Mealer’s piano version of the song will have your hands clapping and your feet tapping. Liz’s musical history begins with her grandparents. The Murphrees moved from Blount County to St. Clair County, and the Wyatts moved from Georgia to St. Clair County, and both families attended Cool Springs Missionary Baptist Church just off Highway 23 between Springville and Ashville. Grandfather Wyatt knew music and taught singing schools. At Cool Springs Church Willie Mace Murphree met Alice Lucille Wyatt, and Liz described their courtship. “Most everybody walked to church back then or drove a wagon. When my mother and daddy started dating, he would come to her house, and they would walk to church. And my grandmother and granddaddy wouldn’t let them walk by themselves. They had to have the younger sisters and brothers walking with them.” On those walks to and from church, love budded and blossomed, and on Sept. 10, 1940, the couple went to Rev. George Williams’ home, where they became husband and wife. Liz recalled a family story: “After they married, they went to tell Daddy’s family. Daddy’s brother said he knew something was different when they drove up, because they were smooching in the car, and that didn’t happen while they were dating.” The marriage lasted for almost 65 years. To the Murphrees were born Billy, Elizabeth, Linda and Alice, and they all grew up being nurtured by their parents and Cool Springs Baptist Church. Church is where the three sisters learned to sing and began singing as a trio. Liz reminisced, “We just kinda picked up singing. From singing at church, we learned harmony from

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

people showing us what alto and tenor and the lead, or soprano, was.” So, when Liz was 14, Linda 10, and Alice, 6, they began singing as a trio. “My granddaddy Wyatt,” Liz recalled, “had always said he wanted a female trio, and he didn’t have three girls. So, he was very proud of my sisters and me when we sang.” She also recalled when she and her sisters sang and entertained the community when they rode home after gathering vegetables. “My Uncle D.C. Murphree owned land through the woods from Daddy’s. One day he came up to borrow Daddy’s trailer to go and gather vegetables and corn at his field through the woods. So, we three girls got in the trailer and went with him and helped him. On the way back, we started singing. And when we got to the house, my uncle said, ‘Boy, I felt like a King sitting up there driving and you girls singing.’ ” They later found out that people in the community who lived about a quarter of a mile from each direction had heard them singing and had enjoyed the concert as the vegetable trailer rolled along. How Liz taught herself to play the piano and read music makes an interesting story. “My Granddaddy Wyatt taught singing schools, and when I was about eight years old, I was at my grandparents’ house one day, and I was picking around on the piano. So, he wrote down the music scales for me and showed me the notes on the piano. That’s when I started trying to learn to play the piano.” Did she teach herself to read music? “I did. When I had a question, I would ask Granddaddy. He taught me the flats and sharps. Also, my Uncle Ray Wyatt had a piano in his garage that he was not using, so he had it sent up to my mother and daddy’s house for me to practice on. I would practice one thing over and over. I would work on one thing for so long, trying to get it right,” she chuckled, “that sometimes my mother would say, ‘Go find something else to do. I’ve heard that all day long.’” Those hours of practice made Liz a skillful pianist, a talent she continued to perfect. She recalled playing for Convention Singing, which is a Southern gospel genre unto itself. “Brother T.D. Scott was involved in the Convention style singing at that time, along with Curtis Lee and V.L. Bailey. Around 1971 or ’72, the St. Clair County Singing Convention sponsored a singing school – one week in Pell City and one week down at Moody at the Church of the Valley, and they asked me to be the pianist for that school. That was a really good experience for me, because I learned a lot. There was a lot about music that I didn’t know – and I still don’t,” she laughed, “but it was good for me to learn the techniques pertaining to Convention singing.”

Cleaning the tour bus

The Murphree sisters, Liz, Linda, and Alice with their father

Cody Mealer, Brandon Jones, Amber Mealer. Front: Wayne Mealer, Terry Chapman, Sharon Mealer Watters, Elizabeth Mealer, Christie Mealer Hosf

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

The Murphree Sisters Trio continued through their high school years and for some time afterward. However, when the sisters married and had families of their own, it became more difficult to get together. The named changed to The Murphree Family when sister Linda dropped out and brother Billy Murphree started with the group. Liz married Paul Mealer, and he also sang with The Murphree Family. Eventually Billy dropped out and the Sunrise Trio evolved with Paul, Liz and son-in-law C.T. Watters. This group continued until COVID brought about C.T.’s death. The Mealer children and Liz then formed The Mealer Family gospel group. Paul sang until his death in 2012. The Murphree Family and the Sunrise Trio sang not only in St. Clair County but also in surrounding counties as they became well-known. “We traveled some, when my husband was alive,” she said. “God blessed us with obtaining a bus, and we traveled to Georgia, Tennessee and some in North Carolina and a lot in Alabama.” Since Paul’s death, the Mealer Family has sung locally. Paul usually drove the bus and was given the nickname “Possum Killer” because so many possums were frozen in place by the glare of the bus’ headlights. Whatever the name of the group, their mission was to sing the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever they were invited. Many rural churches had a yearly Homecoming Sunday, and the group became regulars at these events. They also enjoyed singing for revival meetings. Liz recalls a special revival. “We were singing for a revival at Bethany on County Road 22 in Shoal Creek Valley. We had sung, and the preaching was finished, and they had given the altar call. I was playing the piano with my back toward the congregation.” (At an altar call, those who desire to pray or those seeking salvation come to the front and kneel in prayer in front of the pulpit.) “I was playing softly while people were praying,” Liz continued, “and one of our group came up to me and said, ‘You know who they’re praying for, don’t you?’ I said, ‘No, I don’t.’ And he said, ‘It’s your granddaughter.’ So, Wayne’s daughter had come up to the altar for salvation, and I didn’t know it.” That was a happy occasion and happy memory for all the family. Even in church services or revival meetings funny things can happen – sometimes proving that God has a sense of humor. “We were at a small church one time in another county. It was their Homecoming, and we were on stage singing, and we kept seeing a head popping up and down behind a bench. They had spotted a mouse, and the preacher, who was very short, was trying to kill the mouse, and his head bobbed up and down as he chased it.” When asked if she remembered what they were singing, Liz laughed and said, “No. In fact, I think we got so tickled that we had to stop.” The recollections continue. “Once at a church in north Alabama, there were two wicker containers beside the pulpit. And our guys shook them to make sure they didn’t have any rattlesnakes in them. They agreed that if the baskets rattled, we would not participate in that service,” Liz concluded with a laugh. And children can cause spontaneous laughter. Wayne Mealer, being a guitarist, had given his little son a little guitar which he took along to singings with his dad and family. “We were singing at St. Clair Springs Baptist Church this time,” Liz reminisced, “and my grandson, Cody, about 4 or 5 years old, had a toy guitar and a harmonica. Of course, he wanted to play his guitar as we sang. So, he just stood up there, you know, and

he was really getting into it with his guitar; he was going back and forth, when all of a sudden, he pulled that harmonica out of his pocket and started playing it.” Laughing at the memory, Liz admitted, “There was just no way the Holy Spirit could move then, because everybody in the church was just doubled over laughing.” However, let’s not forget that Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” It is quite likely that God was smiling down at her grandson. The current group consists of the Mealer children: Wayne, Sharon and Christie who sing. Terry Chapman plays bass guitar, Wayne’s son, Cody – who got his start with a toy guitar and harmonica – plays drums. Terry and Cody also sing occasionally as does Wayne’s daughter, Amber. A faithful friend, Brandon Jones, often goes with the group to help with sound equipment. Where career paths lead After graduating from St. Clair County High School in 1965, Liz attended a business college in Birmingham, which eventually resulted in her working in the two St. Clair County courthouses. However, her first job was with Baggett Transportation Company in Birmingham. And on a lunch break from this job, she and Paul Mealer had their first date. Liz recounts how this came about. “My daddy worked at United Chair in Leeds, and Paul’s cousin worked there with my daddy. They wanted me to meet his cousin who had just moved here from California. So, he called me and we talked, and

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

GOOD

Neighbors

SHARE GOOD NEWS!

The Hendersons know you will love our fast fiber internet!

From streaming and gaming to working, learning and staying connected, Coosa Valley Technologies delivers fast, reliable fiber internet to families like yours! If you're interested in bringing CVT to your neighborhood, let us know! Fast speeds. Reliable connections. Local support.

Show your interest! Visit CoosaValleyTech.com/interest

then we met one day for lunch at Shoney’s, which was close to where I worked. And that’s how we started dating.” They married in 1967 and the marriage lasted until Paul’s death in 2012. They had three children: Paul Wayne, Sharon Elizabeth and Christina “Christie” Lynn. Working in Ashville, courthouses In the winter of 1975, an attorney who had recently moved to Ashville needed an office worker. Liz applied and got the job. In filing documents and doing research at the courthouse, Liz got to know those working there. And although she stopped working for the attorney in 1977 to be a stay-at-home mom, it was this job that eventually led to Liz’s courthouse work. She took care of home and family until daughter Christie was in the third grade, and not until then did she feel free to return to outside work. Liz knew Circuit Clerk Jean Browning from local singing events as well as from the years she worked in the Ashville attorney’s office. Knowing that Liz was interested in returning to work, Jean encouraged her to take the state test to qualify to work in the courthouse. She took the test, passed it, and was on the official list of available workers. In 1991, Jean had an opening in the Circuit Clerk’s office. Liz applied and was hired. Stories unfold there, too. A friend of hers was doing research in the Probate Judge’s office where old newspapers, estate records, etc., were housed until they were moved to the Ashville Museum and Archives. The friend showed up in the Clerk’s office and said, “Liz, I had to tell this to somebody and you’re it. I was copying newspaper articles and a researcher from out-of-state turned to me and said, ‘Where is the town of Crapwell?’ Without cracking a grin, I managed to tell her, ‘That’s Cropwell, and it’s below Pell City,’ but I had to tell somebody so I could laugh out loud.” Liz confessed the two still laugh about it today. Liz worked in the Circuit Clerk’s office until 2003. In that year, she began working in the Revenue Commissioner’s office where she worked until she retired in 2017. During her time there, she was elected Revenue Commissioner. She divided her time between Ashville and Pell City and was fortunate to be in Ashville when a sudden weather event occurred in February 2010. This was after Paul had become incapacitated and homebound. Liz hired someone to stay with him in the daytime while she worked, and then she took care of him at night and on weekends. This February morning seemed to go well. “They had not predicted any severe weather,” Liz recalled. “But then, all of a sudden, it began to freeze, I told those who lived furthest away from the courthouse to go on home. The bad weather got closer to us, and I told everybody to go home.” Liz herself made it home to Paul safely, but she admits “It was treacherous. “I just crept along. It was about eight and a half miles from my house to the Ashville Courthouse, and I drove about 25 miles an hour all the way home.” Other courthouse workers that day got home by firetruck or police car. A woman of faith The care and concern for her work staff reveals Liz’s character formed at home, at church, and through her Christian faith. When asked about her faith in God, she told how it began. “I was saved when I was six years old. Brother George Williams was preaching the revival at Cool Springs that year, and we had daytime and nighttime services, and in the morning

service on Friday of the revival, Brother Williams gave the invitation to accept Christ as Savior. I felt the drawing of the Holy Spirit. He must have said, ‘If anyone feels like they needed to be saved, raise your hand,’ because I remember raising my hand, and my mother saying, ‘Raise it high.’ I went up to the altar and was saved at six years old.” However, she wasn’t baptized until three years later at the Cool Springs Baptist Church’s baptizing pool in Canoe Creek on John Ramsey’s property. Liz described baptizing day at the creek. “The day before baptizing, Brother John Ramsey, a deacon, would build steps to go down into the creek. Then on Sunday before baptizing began, he would go into the creek and slash around and scare the snakes away.” Those reading this account will agree that this was an act of Christian compassion and love. Other deacons would gather in the creek behind the pastor during the baptism. Liz’s father was one of those deacons when she was baptized. “Baptizing was usually in August after revival,” Liz reminisced, “and usually there were several people saved in the services, so we would have a big baptizing. We would all gather down at the creek – and it was so pretty there. We would sing a song or two acapella. Nearly always we sang ‘Shall We Gather at the River,’ and maybe another one or two.” As far as anyone knows, the Canoe Creek snakes were nonreligious and never participated in a Cool Springs baptism. Through all the changes that have come through the years, Liz’s faith has sustained her. And as a gospel singer, she loves many songs, such as “Who am I that a King would bleed and die for,” or “Hold to God’s unchanging hand,” or “The Old Rugged Cross.” One that is especially meaningful to her is “The Unseen Hand,” referencing that although we cannot see God, He is leading His children through the joyful days and sorrowful days of this world. There is an unseen hand to me That leads through ways I cannot see. While going through this world of woe, This hand still leads me as I go. I’m trusting to the unseen hand That guides me through this weary land, And some sweet day, I’ll reach the strand, Still guided by God’s unseen hand. One who rests in such a faith, faces life with a steadfast confidence in God. l

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

AUTO • HOME • PROPERTY BUSINESS • LIFE • HEALTH BANKING • ANNUITIES

MAKE THE SWITCH. GET THE Win!

(L to R) Mike Higginbotham, Addie Vick,

Danielle Bush & JP Dailey

BRING YOUR EXISTING LOAN FROM ANOTHER LENDER TO WINSOUTH AND GET 1.25% OFF YOUR CURRENT RATE. ELIGIBLE COLLATERAL INCLUDES AUTOS, BOATS, RVS, CAMPERS, MOTORCYCLES, SIDE-BY-SIDES & MORE.

JP DAILEY INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. 2109 7th Avenue, Suite 2 Pell City, AL 35125 jp.dailey.ts4s@statefarm.com

205.525.5525

PUT OUR EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR YOU

VISIT WINSOUTHCU.COM OR CALL AND SPEAK TO A REPRESENTATIVE TODAY!

The Robinson Law Firm rlflaw.net

205-594-5133

Voted St. Clair County’s Best Lawyer 2018

ASHVILLE ASHVILLE Sixth Avenue-Court Avenue-Court Street Street West West Sixth PELL CITY CITY PELL 1911 Martin Martin Street Street So, So, Suite Suite BB 1911

This special does not apply to existing WinSouth loans. Subject to membership and credit approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Rates may vary based on individual creditworthiness. Minimum rate to be offered is 4.00% APR. APR= Annual percentage rate. Members must provide paperwork displaying current rate to get the 1.25% lower rate and can't extend existing term of loan.

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

Manual Therapy

Lymphedema

Pelvic Health

Orthopedics & Sports

And More

Hand Therapy

PELL CITY

SPRINGVILLE

85 Plaza Drive Pell City, AL 35125

300 Springville Station #600 Springville, AL 35146

(205) 338-6106

(205) 738-2210

Tyler McGrady, Clinic Director Luke Brasher, Asst. Clinic Director

Katelyn Roberti, Clinic Director

TALLADEGA

GADSDEN

125 Stephen J White Memorial Blvd, Talladega, AL 35160

465 George Wallace Drive Gadsden, AL 35903

(256) 315-9693

(256) 439-1550

Jake Justice, Clinic Director

Allen Engle, Clinic Director

Whether it’s time with family, staying active, or getting back to what you love, you deserve to move without limits. We’ll help you find the root of the issue so you can feel better and move better. Scan to schedule a visit with us at a clinic near you!

Learn. Test.

Business Cards JOHN 13:34

Urgent Fighting to end Care breast cancer Services

Don’t Wait. Detect Early. Save Lives. Breast cancer is most treatable when found early. Your health can’t wait — and neither should you.

Call UAB St. Vincent's St. Clair at 205-814-2136 to schedule your 3D mammogram

NOW OPEN AT PELL CITY LOCATION

Address: 1310 WA Goodgame Pkwy Phone: 205-417-1977 Email: Contactus@helmshealthcare.com

HelmsHealthcare.com

STAY G STRON

UNION STATE INSURANCE, INC. 1920 1st AVENUE NORTH, PELL CITY, AL 35125 (205) 884-1670 CELL: (205) 369-3048 JOE PAUL ABBOTT joepaula@aol.com Member FDIC

n i e v e i l e B

ope

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF

ST. CLAIR COUNTY SESSION 250

BILLY J. MURRAY SHERIFF

HOP

bmurray@stclairco.com 48 6TH STREET, SUITE 300 1610 COGSWELL AVENUE, SUITE 206 ASHVILLE, ALABAMA 35953 PELL CITY, ALABAMA 35125 205-594-2140 205-884-6840 www.stclairsheriﬀ.org

S E N AT O R

LANCE BELL

PROUDLY SERVING DISTRICT 11 AS YOUR STATE SENATOR. “I am honored to be your voice in Montgomery and working with local leaders to ensure that the district continues to move ina a positive direction for all of our citizens” Paid Political Advertisement by Friends for Lance Bass

Cathie Weber

6421 Dry Creek Road Pell City, AL 35128

205-338-1799 csrspecialtyprinting@gmail.com

FIND THE CURE

Detect. Survive. • Medicare Advantage & Supplements • Dental & Vision • Ancillary Plans • Travel Insurance

1605 Martin St. S. Suite 4 Pell City, AL

youngheartmedicare.com | angie@youngheartmedicare.com | 205-338-1417

Specializing in antiques, vintage and new home furnishings and decor 3440 Martin Street South, Suite 12, Cropwell (256) 921-8524

PBD DESIGN

Partners by

A MULTIMEDIA MARKETING FIRM

Ashley F. Green, CISR, CPIA Insurance Agent Phone Fax Cell

205.900.2720 205.900.2744 404.353.6813

ashley@theashagency.com 20 Cropwell Drive, Suite 130 Pell City, AL 35128

Caran Wilbanks

Your Friendly Lake & Neighborhood Realtor

205.368.9772

2319 Cogswell Avenue/ Pell City AL 35125 Visit me Online at PellCityRealtor.com

Magazines • Advertising • Graphic Design Websites • Communications

Discover The essence of St. Clair

MAGAZINE

We Believe in the Power of Pink

Story by Roxann Edsall Photos by Mackenzie Free

Sydney Warren making cinnamon rolls

What began as an outlet for creativity and therapy has grown into a thriving cottage business for Pell City’s Sydney Warren. Each Saturday morning, customers can stop by the Little Bear Bakery porch stand for fresh sourdough breads, cookies, muffins, cinnamon rolls and other baked goods, or place orders in advance for pickup. Warren also brings her sourdough treats to occasional popup markets. Warren named the micro bakery Little Bear Bakery in honor of her firstborn, Thomas, now 3, whom she often called her “little bear.” She says he’s the inspiration for her leap of faith in starting her business. Her pregnancy with him was defined by a rare medical condition called hyperemesis gravidarum or HG, which causes severe and debilitating nausea for the entire duration of the pregnancy. Her condition was so severe that, even as much as she loved her work, she had to leave her job. Essentially bedridden, she required intravenous fluids multiple times a week. “I couldn’t do anything (during the pregnancy) without being sick. “I used to be super consumed with my job as a baker in Birmingham,” says Warren. “I worked for a small bakery. I started out doing their marketing, but with a small business,

you kind of wear all the hats and help where needed. That’s where I really dove into the baking part. It was a cinnamon roll-based bakery that began as a micro bakery.” The plan had always been for her to go back to work after Thomas was born, but the health challenges she had just endured caused her to rethink that plan. “When I got pulled out of my work situation so unexpectedly because of being so sick, it kind of made me reevaluate what I wanted in life,” Warren remembers. “It was kind of God’s way of pulling me out of something when I probably wouldn’t have done it on my own. I just didn’t want to miss any of the firsts with my baby – the first words, first steps, all the first moments.” Sydney and her husband, Austin, decided they would try to make it work without her income. To help her deal with postpartum anxiety and the loss of her career identity, she began baking again, this time at home. “My sister helped me figure out how to do sourdough starter,” said Warren. “I could tend to the baby, and then whenever I put him down for a nap, I could go and do my stretching folds or feed my starter. It really worked with the needs of his schedule.” This new sourdough breadmaking

Chocolate chip cookies and caramel pecan sticky buns ready to go

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Customers line up for goodies

began to grow until she had way too many loaves than her family could use. Warren decided to try posting on social media to see if anyone would be interested in some bread. “I was like, hey, I have extra loaves,” Warren recounts. “The next day I took four orders.” Those customers turned into repeat customers, and the business grew from there. From her experience helping to build the micro bakery she worked for in Birmingham, Warren knew how to get licensed. “I helped her to grow that business large enough to get a storefront,” explains Warren. “So, I had that knowledge about needing a cottage license and how you have to follow these specific rules and everything like that.” The new family of three were living in Moody at the time, but wanted to return to Pell City, where both she and Austin grew up. By the time Jack, their second “little bear” arrived, they had moved back to be near family. “I didn’t really have to start over, but Pell City was a new market for me,” Warren admits. “It was a little overwhelming. It got so wild with people wanting stuff every day. “If you’ve ever worked with sourdough, you know it’s a process that takes time,” explains Warren. “The process takes about three days by the time you feed the starter, allow it to rise, mix the dough, stretch it, fold it intermittently, allow it to rise again, shape it, ferment in the fridge, then finally score and bake it.” To meet the growing demand for her baked goods, Warren started making extras over and above the preorders. Those extras consistently sold out too. “I started thinking about ways people wouldn’t have to contact me to see if I had something available. I said maybe I could do a bakery stand that could be self-serve. Then they could just come to the stand and buy what was available.” Thus, the Little Bear Bakery stand was born. Each Saturday morning beginning at 10, the self-serve bakery stand opens its doors on Warren’s porch in the Oak Village

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Well-stocked store

Sydney checks on a loaf of sourdough bread 32

neighborhood not far off Interstate 20 in Pell City. The shelves are overflowing with beautifully packaged baked goods to satisfy the sweet tooth or savory appetite. Warren says 99 percent of what she makes uses her sourdough starter. Her specialty sourdough loaves include cheddar jalapeno, butter croissant, garlic butter and herbs, and other flavors when she has time. She dresses those up for the holidays, making them in the shapes of pumpkins, turkeys and bunnies. Sweets include the cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones, candied pecans, cookies and the extremely popular oatmeal cream pies. “I really, really love the oatmeal cream pies,” Warren gushes. “It’s two sourdough oatmeal cookies sandwiched with the yummy, fluffy, icing. Store-bought doesn’t even hold a candle to these.” Unique handmade craft items are also available at the stand. Warren’s sister, Taylor Funderburg, sells her “Taylor Made” vintage and upcycled products like fabric bags, potholders, bowl cozies, oven mitts and even some vintage clothing at the stand. Payment for both the baked goods and craft items can be made through an honor box or by digital payment platforms using a scan code. Denise Pollard of Pell City is one of Little Bear Bakery’s repeat customers. “This is the third or fourth week I’ve pre-ordered the sourdough bread,” she says. “I’ve tried two other places, and hers is superior. It’s a little denser and cuts really nice. The flavor of her sourdough is much stronger and it’s really good.” She’s also a fan of the brookie and the oatmeal cream pies. As her family schedule allows, Warren brings her products to Seed and Sun Bloom’s market days on May’s Bend Road and to other popup markets. Her husband, who works as an intensive care nurse at Children’s Hospital, is her biggest cheerleader. When he’s not working, he steps up to support her by helping set up the markets, loading her car or helping with the boys. Her “little bears” are always ready to help out as taste testers. Warren emphasizes that she is a mom first and a business owner second. She admits that sometimes it feels like it’s a fulltime job, with 12 hours of work on bake day alone. “I work 30 to 40 hours a week, but I work around nap times,” she explains. “Each day I have a set of things I can do to prep, which makes bake day easier.” There are three critical components to Warren’s sourdough success. Accurate timing at various stages of the process is paramount, a fact that she learned the hard way. She says it is also important to add ingredients by weight, rather than by volume. That, she says, guarantees a more accurate and consistent product. The last essential element in the process is steam. As soon as she puts her loaves in the oven to bake, she adds a cast iron skillet below them and adds water several times during the baking time. There have been failures, Warren admits. But often failures bring adjustments and improvements. Sometimes they even bring new products, like one of her very first porch sales when she made 18 sourdough loaves and didn’t proof them long enough. “They tasted good but didn’t rise well,” recounts the baker. “They didn’t look good, so I cut them up and turned them into

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

REMEMBER TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 3 PAID FOR BY MIKE ROGERS FOR CONGRESS

Imagine your home, totally organized!

Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices, Pantries, Laundries, Hobby Rooms and more...

40% Off

Plus

Free Installation PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA 15% Off

Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $980 or more, 30% off any order of $680 or more, on any Closets, Garages, Home offices, or other products with any complete unit purchase. Take an additional 15% off any order of $980 or more. Free installation with any complete unit order of $850 or more. Not valid with any other offer. Offers and prices are subject to change without notice. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Offer Expires on 3/22/2026. Offer not valid in all regions.

18 MONTHS SPECIAL FINANCING! With approved credit. Call or ask your Designer for details. Not available in all areas.

Call for a free in home design consultation

205-442-0558

DSC

www.closetsbydesign.com Follow Us

Locally Owned and Operated! Licensed and Insured.

It all begins with a sourdough starter

Family taste test

Cinnamon rolls ready to bake

sourdough croutons.” The incident made her add to her offerings because while she didn’t have time to make more sourdough loaves for the sale, she had time to make cookies and muffins, which were a huge hit. As a licensed cottage bakery, Warren follows an extensive set of rules and regulations established by the State of Alabama, which includes what types of foods she can sell. That list excludes anything that requires refrigeration. The Cottage Food Law also requires each item to be labeled with the business name, address, name of the food, allergens, and a list of ingredients. Warren uses a thermal printer to make the labels that she specifically designs for each of her products. One of the benefits of being a cottage business is a better work/life balance. “The whole point is to be here for my family and to connect with community,” said Warren. “It’s been my prayer that it will grow authentically. I may think I know what I want, but the Lord’s plans are so much greater and more fulfilling than anything I think I need.” l Editor’s Note: For more information check, the bakery out on Facebook or Instagram. Connect with Little Bear Bakery online at littlebearbakery. square.site and place your order to ensure you get exactly what you want or just visit them at the stand Saturday mornings. The Little Bear Bakery stand will be dressed for fall and offering new items like pumpkin bread and apple cinnamon muffins in addition to the usual sourdough goods.

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF... OR THE BIG STUFF Leave it all to Dana. She’s got it covered!

Why Dana? ◆ EXPERIENCED ◆ HARD WORKING ◆ MARKET EXPERT ◆ CLIENT-FOCUSED

The Literacy Council of St. Clair County offers a helping hand with FREE programs:

Free Classes and Flexible Scheduling (205) 378-9072

• Adults learning to read or improve reading skills • One on one reading classes • Classes to help with reading skills and comprehension of what you have read • GED preparation • ESOL Classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Every Tuesday night on second floor of Pell City Municipal Complex (above the Pell City Library)

FREE CLASSES.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING.

(205) 378-9072

DANA ELLISON

(205) 369-1413 danaellison@lahsothebysrealty.com

THE WORKS OF

Wally Bromberg

A Life Well Done: September 9, 1955 - August 21, 2026 Story by Carol Pappas, editor & publisher

Photo courtesy of Bob Crisp Today marks a bittersweet moment for our team at Discover, The Essence of St. Clair. We mourn the loss of longtime photographer Wally Bromberg, and we celebrate his talent that graced our pages through photographs for many years. In fact, his photo credit sits atop yet another story in this edition, sadly his final one for us. I met Wally years ago when we both wound up in Pell City. It’s surprising we hadn’t met before. We’re the same age, grew up in Birmingham and attended Auburn University at the same time. But our creative paths did later cross, and I am incredibly thankful that Wally has been part of our success story over the years. His photo credit reflects not only the name of who took the pictures,

it is synonymous with a keen ability to capture the moment for our readers. More than a few times, his work became our most popular covers. Teddy, the Wonder Dog, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon training to be a pet therapy dog, quickly comes to mind. So do the Kelly Creek kayakers riding the rapids near Winnataska. His photos of goats chowing down on overgrowth blanketing a hillside near Ashville that needed clearing offered us a glimpse into an unusual veteran-owned business called Rent a Ruminant. And especially on hot, summer days, I often flashback to his cover shot of a little girl quickly enjoying an ice cream cone before it melted into a memory.

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Wally was intellectually curious. While most photographers silently go about their business, not Wally. Sometimes, I had to interrupt him to get my own questions in. But that was Wally, he just wanted to know. And afterward, it was not unusual for him to pontificate on what he had learned. That, too, was Wally. What impressed me the most, though, is his sense of community. He wanted to give back. His faith led him to serve others through Rotary and other avenues. He and wife, Nettie, opened The Gallery of Eden for hers and others’ artwork, his photography and her art classes. It became a gathering place on Tuesday nights when he hosted a ‘community pickin’ for musicians, friends and neighbors sharing music and fellowship. That was Wally, too. At the time of his death, he was putting the finishing touches on a new, larger gathering place, an art and music center called Beebo’s Place and Wolf Creek Coffee. He envisioned it as a gathering spot for artists and musicians to showcase and share their talents, and people could come together and enjoy each other’s company in fellowship. And while there, of course, they could enjoy a good cup of coffee. Again, that was Wally – bringing community together. It has been our honor for Wally to be a part of our team. His legacy lives on in our magazine and in the lives of so many he touched. That, indeed, was Wally, and he will be missed for a long, long time to come. l

Worship With Us! SERVICES: 8:30 a.m., 9:40 a.m. , and 10:30 a.m. 1000 Bruce Etheredge Pkwy. Pell City, AL 35128

Glorifying God, Making Disciples, and Blessing others in Jesus’ Name.

PASTORS: Rev. Wes Savage Rev. Josiah Hodge Rev. Tiphanie Gatgens

ExperienceNewLife.org

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. Psalm 95, NIV

Production of Beauty and the Beast

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Circus Magic

For Shakespeare, “The play’s the thing.” But for 50 years at Springville Community Theater – no matter if it’s iconic works like Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma, P.L. Travers Mary Poppins or the stage adaptation of E.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan – the people, not the play, matter most. It’s been that way since June Mack founded the theater, where everyone who auditions gets a part – beginning with that inaugural play in 1976 – a one-night production of her work, Circus Magic, a joyous musical fantasy for kids of all ages. Tucked away in a drawer in Mack’s Springville home are handwritten notes to the new cast at its first postaudition meeting. Fifty years ago, she told them, “If this troupe continues in future summers – it has to be easier at any time than it will be for us this summer. But that’s half the fun of it – We’re the troupe that has a chance to make something out of nothing – absolutely thin air.”

Mary Poppins

Peter Pan

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

The freedom and adventure continue. In the beginning, sets were crafted from cardboard. Now, muslin stretched over wood frames sets the scene. In 1976, Mack and two others crafted sets. Now a small volunteer army does the work. Mack, a UAB professor, recalled the early days. The first cast had 18 members, the next, 60, with ages ranging from 7 to 75. “It was really fun, because I got to do everything. And when I needed help, I would send someone a handwritten note asking them to do this job. And I had in my head (that) I would never ask the same person to do the same job two shows in a row.” After bursting out of the gate with four Mack-written shows, the company now produces a new show every three years. “Now, there are so many people, directing the actors is more than a full-time job,” Mack said. “I really rely on people in all these other positions. They’re so brilliant. I can never say enough about the amazing creative power and devotion of the crew who handle the sets, art, sound and lights, costumes, props, box office... All of that has been a steady group of incredible people.” What if someone had told her 50 years ago this thing would take off? “I can’t even think past tomorrow, so I couldn’t have fathomed 2026,” she said. “I probably would have said something crazy like that. But back then, it did cross my mind. If it did happen, what a birth moment we were experiencing.” From the beginning, Mack, a graduate of Hollins College, Florida State University and Harvard University, had a simple mission – to make people feel appreciated. “I made it clear from the very beginning that what we wanted to do was to give children, particularly, a chance for their parents to be proud of them and that might carry over to home life. That was the goal then and still is,” Mack said. The actors and crew at the heart of Springville Community Theater are energized by the work, so much so that there’s talk of producing shows more often, like they did in the beginning. It’s all part of what has become after 50 years “an amazing thing.”

Oklahoma!

Circus Magic 42

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

RECREATIONAL LOANS

1FINANCING AVAILABLE*

Get Started → gof mcu.org/RV

Membership is required. All loan applications are subject to credit approval and eligibility verification. Loan to Value (LTV) financing up to 115% may be offered based on the borrower’s creditworthiness and applicable underwriting standards. Financing is available exclusively for recreational vehicles (RVs), motorcycles, and boats; off road vehicles are not eligible. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply. Federally insured by the NCUA.

Unlock Strategy

can build your website in a WEEK (Without you having to write a single word of content)

We do all the work! From concept to launch, we build your professional-quality, affordable website in 7 DAYS

SUPER FAST AI-OPTIMIZED GOOGLE RANKING FREE HOSTING AVAILABLE FOR MOST SITES Thanks to Animal Savers of Pell City for letting Unlock build their new site

ASPCI.org

UnlockStrategy.com

LOCALLY OWNED | 205.616.2203

Mack sees the energy and excitement before, during and after every production as the cast navigates the treacherous waters of stage fright and fear, and the crew figures out how to create near-impossible stage magic. And after some time to recharge their batteries, they’re ready to roll again. Through it all, they bond. “You get very nostalgic and retrospective on something like a 50th,” Mack said. “These crew people are saying, ‘People don’t understand, but we love the hard work’.” She adds, “It makes you really proud of it when it’s over. I see the actors go through that. They learn how to work and memorize and come every day and do the hard work. At first they think, ‘We can squeeze this into our busy lives.’ Then, they realize they have to squeeze their busy lives into something smaller because this is really demanding. I think it’s because of that, when it’s over, that they are enormously proud of what they’ve done … That’s when they say they want to do this again.” Longtime SCT performer Merle Dollar has known Mack since childhood at Springville Methodist Church. Dollar compares work to having a baby. “You forget about the labor pains,” she said. “After two or three months, it’s ‘Let’s do another play.’” For Mack, a Springville native, it’s all about opening doors for people to create and for the audience to watch their friends “do something really outrageous that I can’t imagine them doing. That’s a great feeling. “To me, the entire thing is about making an opportunity for people to create,” she said. “We don’t get enough of that. It’s a sanity thing. People have to have self-expression somewhere in their lives or they’ll go crazy.” Two of SCT’s seasoned performers, Dollar and Charline Harbison, credit Mack for SCT’s success. Dollar was in the cast for Oklahoma, South Pacific, The Wizard of Oz and others. Mack has a simple formula that has fueled the theater for all these years. That formula sometimes involves writing extra scenes to include more cast. “She never turns anyone away,” Dollar said. “If you audition, whatever part you audition for, even if you don’t get the part you wanted, she will find a place for you in the play … She goes the extra mile to do that. It’s fun.” A recent revival of that first play, Circus Magic, marked the theater’s landmark anniversary. Some of the original cast were in the audience. What is it about Mack that keeps people coming back? “Boundless enthusiasm,” Dollar said. “It’s like she doesn’t age. She’s like this little pixie person. She has this enthusiasm and energy like Tinkerbelle. (It’s like) ‘Come play with me. Let’s have a good time. Let’s create this magical thing, this magical world.’ And once you are into the rehearsals, it never stops. She’s constantly uplifting.” Dollar added, “She’s the ultimate teacher.” Harbison has been part of the company since 2007. She’s performed in Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma, South Pacific and other productions. She’s even served behind the scenes as assistant director and acted in another troupe, the Canoe Creek Players. Why are theater and other arts organizations important, especially in a small town? “It’s a way of bringing folks together,” Harbison said. “And

Mary Poppins

maybe if they need a little escape from things that maybe aren’t so great in their life at a particular time, it gives them a moment of enjoyment and letting those cares and concerns go for a while. June’s plays are always fun.” Now, 50 years on, the theater is attracting actors and crew from across St. Clair County and as far away as Birmingham. For Mack, that’s a daily surprise. For the theater group that performs mostly at Springville Middle School, a venue with no backstage and where classrooms are dressing rooms. The group also performed Oklahoma and Annie Get Your Gun outdoors at Homestead Hollow. But wherever the venue, every type of person has a part to play on stage and behind the scenes in this complicated thing called a show. “That’s why I talk about human nature, as opposed to ‘We’re doing this theater thing in Springville’,” she said. “Because we’re really not doing this theater thing in Springville … We do people. Theater is the vehicle. It works perfectly because there are so many facets. Every type of person can find a place where they belong.”

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Oklahoma! At Homestead Hollow

Oklahoma! performed outdoors

South Pacific

Mack recounts a story from a cast member in SCT’s 1981 production of Oklahoma that illustrates the point. The cast member – then a teenager – was faced with a tricky home life. “She said, ‘That changed my life because that was when I could do something that I could be proud of, and my parents could see it, and everything changed.’ She stepped into a space where she could express herself and be valued.” “All I do is set up a frame. I say all of you can step into it and see what happens,” Mack said. “People show up. They do stuff, and their lives change. It’s been that way for 50 years. We’re not doing theater. We’re just setting up an opportunity for people to come and play like we know what we’re doing, which is really fun.” The fun continues after the final curtain. It’s a 50-year legacy of unbridled joy. “That’s when the magic happens. (The actors) come off the stage, and people tell them how great they were, or how funny they were. They’re signing autographs. It’s so cute,” Mack said. “This has just been a feel-good thing from the start.” l

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Sometimes history hides in plain sight. For St. Clair County native, Austin H. Stone, it was tucked away inside an old iron lockbox hidden in his great-grandfather’s house in Whites Chapel. After purchasing the home from his grandparents in 2022, Austin was exploring a small area where an old water heater had once been when he made an unexpected discovery. Inside the lockbox were employment records, safety certifications and other documents connected to the Acmar mines – a chapter of local history that had largely faded from public memory. “I couldn’t believe nobody had looked at this before,” Austin said. “I felt like I was meeting my great-grandfather and learning all about the community I grew up in at the same time.” That discovery sparked years of research and ultimately led to the publication of The Ghosts of an Empire: The History of the Alabama Fuel and Iron Company in St. Clair County. But for Austin, the story was never just about coal. It was about people. It was about family. And it was about preserving the stories of his hometown. Discovering the Story Beneath Familiar Places Austin grew up surrounded by reminders of the area’s coal-mining past, though he didn’t fully understand what they meant. Like many local kids, he spent his childhood exploring the woods, riding around town and gathering with friends in familiar

places. “We used to hang out in the old church, but didn’t know it was built by the company,” he said. “We’d see street signs for Acmar Road, but we never really thought much about it.” As a teenager, Austin admits he was one of many who looked around and thought there wasn’t much worth noticing. “I was one of those teenagers who said there’s nothing here,” he said.

The lockbox changed that perspective. Suddenly, the places he had known his entire life began revealing a hidden story. “I didn’t even have a name of the mining company until I found that paperwork,” he said. “It kind of snowballed from there.” Following the Trail Austin began digging through newspaper archives and historical

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

records, searching for answers. Eventually, his research led him to the University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections, where he worked through five archival boxes containing corporate records from the Alabama Fuel and Iron Company. The deeper he dug, the larger the story became. At one time, communities such as Whites Chapel, Margaret, Acmar and surrounding mining settlements were part of one of Alabama’s most significant coal-producing regions. The Alabama Fuel and Iron Company grew into one of the state’s largest coal producers, employing generations of local families and helping shape the economy and identity of western St. Clair County. “It used to be a big deal in our town,” he said. “I couldn’t believe how important they were.” Austin learned that the company played a significant role in supplying coal during World War II and that entire communities grew around mining operations, supporting schools, churches, homes and businesses. What surprised him most, however, wasn’t the scale of the industry. It was the sacrifices made by ordinary people. Appreciating What Came Before The more Austin learned about his great-grandfather’s life, the more personal the research became. His great-grandfather spent 25 years working underground in the mines while raising five children – one of whom had special needs – during some of the most challenging years of the 20th century. “The more I learned about the Great Depression and what my greatgrandfather had to deal with, the more I became really appreciative of all the things he did,” Austin said. “It really brings to the forefront of your mind what it really took to get to where we are today.” Just as important were the women whose stories often go untold, so Austin made a point of including their contributions in his book. While miners spent long hours underground, wives and mothers were growing food, washing clothes by hand and taking care of the children. “It wasn’t just the men. They couldn’t have done what they did if the women weren’t keeping everyone fed

Exploring mouth of main entrance to Acmar No. 3 Mine. An explosion in 1922 killed 11 men in same mine

and taken care of.” For Austin, these stories offer a new appreciation for previous generations and the obstacles they faced. It’s an important reminder that the communities we enjoy today were built through countless sacrifices made by people whose names may never appear in history books, but whose impact can still be felt generations later. Preserving What Could Be Lost As St. Clair County continues to grow, Austin sees another challenge emerging. New subdivisions, businesses and developments are transforming parts of the landscape. While growth brings opportunity, it can also erase physical reminders of the past. Many historical sites have already disappeared, and others survive only in photographs and memories.

“I have a problem with the way things get lost to history,” Austin said. That concern became one of the driving forces behind his book. Rather than leaving fragments of stories scattered across archives, newspaper collections and family records, Austin wanted to create a single resource where others could learn about an industry that shaped the area for decades. “I really wanted to make an even and concise record so anyone can go to one spot and get the information.” His work continues beyond the pages of the book. Austin has helped identify individuals in historical photographs, worked with local historians and residents who have shared family artifacts, and is involved in early efforts to establish historical markers connected to significant events in the area’s mining history.

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Austin and Jennifer Stone with daughter, Margaret, 3, at local book signing

A Gift for Future Generations As the father of a young daughter, Austin often thinks about the family members she will never meet. That reality has reinforced his belief that preserving history isn’t something to put off until later. He encourages readers to become historians of their own families, whether it’s a family story, an old photograph tucked into a drawer or memories shared around the dinner table. “I would encourage people to ask questions of their older relatives while they still can,” Austin said. “If it’s important enough to you to remember, it’s important enough to write it down.” In many ways, that’s exactly how The Ghosts of an Empire began – with a few forgotten documents, a sense of curiosity and a determination to honor those who came before us. “The people who built these communities are gone, but their stories don’t have to be,” Austin said. “If we take the time to ask questions, write things down and share what we know, future generations can understand where they came from and what it took to build the places they call home.” l Editor’s Note: The Ghosts of an Empire: The History of the Alabama Fuel and Iron Company in St. Clair County is available through Amazon. Readers can also follow Austin on Facebook for future author talks and community history presentations as Austin continues sharing the stories he uncovered along the way.

Stone’s generations of family from left, front row: Carolyn Lawley, Vivian Newton Lawley (great grandmother), John Lawley (great grandfather, coal miner at Markeeta, Acmar; Imojean Lawley Walker (grandmother), Helen Lawley Brown, Brenda Lawley Stewart, John Clayton Lawley DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Pell City Rotary Jingle Bell Run latest community service effort When racers line up Dec. 12 for the fourth edition of the Pell City Rotary Jingle Bell 5K, 10K and 1-Mile Fun Run, they will be running to make a difference in the community with every single step. It is the latest effort by Pell City Rotary Club to put its motto – Service Above Self – into action, joining a series of major events by Rotary each year that puts tens of thousands of dollars into nonprofit causes making an impact across the community. It began as the spark of an idea by Serge Brazzolotto during his term as president to create an event that would bring community together and raise major funding for worthy organizations. Chaired by Bill Ellison in its early years, he and Brazzolotto have provided a strong foundation on which to build. The Jingle Bell Run ignited a movement that gains more momentum with each year. In just its three-year history, it already has provided over $160,000 to organizations, such as the St. Clair Sheriff’s Boys Ranch to build new housing and provide other renovations and support across its campus. Funds have gone to The Children’s Place St. Clair Child Advocacy Center, providing a coordinated, child-focused response to victims of abuse; Ann’s New Life Center to assist women in crisis, distressful or unplanned pregnancies; Arc of St. Clair for facility renovations to better serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and WellHouse to provide greater opportunities to serve trafficking victims from all over the country here at home. This year, the Jingle Bell Run turns its attention to veterans at

This year, runners will be raising funds for a working, handicapped-accessible garden for veterans

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

WHERE LEADERS MEET

Concept for the garden includes raised planting beds, water feature, butterfly garden and more

Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City. Proceeds will go to help build a fully handicapped-accessible garden for the nation’s heroes right here at home. By creating raised planter beds, an herb garden and beautiful flower garden with water features, it will offer veterans of all mobility levels “a place to grow, gather and thrive,” said Hiliary Hardwick, director of the veterans home and a Rotarian. An underutilized outdoor space has the potential to become a special place for veterans and their families. It will feature built-in, raised planter beds designed for wheelchair accessibility, allowing residents to comfortably plant, cultivate and harvest without unnecessary physical strain. A vibrant herb garden filled with fragrant favorites can be enjoyed in the home’s dining program or during special cooking activities. The colorful flower garden with soothing water features creates a peaceful retreat for veterans and their families, and blooms will attract butterflies and pollinators. Gardening can be therapeutic for the veterans in a variety of ways with physical and mental health benefits, social engagement and a sense of purpose. The vision also includes being part of the local Farmer’s Market to share their harvest with the community. “This garden will become a place where every resident can participate, a space where independence is restored, friendships flourish and memories grow,” Hardwick said. Jingle Bell Run Chair Whitney Bateman agreed. “This is an incredible project we are so proud to help bring to fruition. It’s an honor for us to be able to give back to our veterans who sacrificed so much for us.” Bateman noted that the event has grown with each year, and this year, there’s even more excitement surrounding it because of its focus on veterans. “Our sponsors are coming forward in greater numbers to get involved, and our racers are lining up to register to be a part of it. We have a lot of fun activities planned, so watch our Facebook page for more details.” “All of our events have a single purpose in mind – to serve our community,” said President Casey Cambron. “From the FatherDaughter Dance to the Ray Cox Memorial Golf Tournament to the Annual Tennis and Pickleball Tournament, we focus on making an impact through our service throughout the community.” Because sponsorships mean so much to the success of every event, Rotary is able to give grants totaling thousands of dollars to worthwhile organizations all across the community every year. As Joe Paul Abbott, longtime Rotarian and chair of the Golf Tournament, says: “Because you give, we can give.” And that’s a lasting legacy indeed. l

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

5 DENTISTS HERE TO MEET 7 HYGIENISTS YOUR NEEDS

DENTAL

Dr. Abigail Thomas, Dr. Elizabeth Dennis, Dr. David Sawyer, Dr. Andrea Cibulski and Dr. Hannah Henley.

Accept Most Insurances • Implants • Same Day Dentures Accepting New Patients • Emergencies Welcome

CALL US TODAY! 205-338-2970 402 COGSWELL AVE PELL CITY, AL 35125

LEARN MORE EDENFAMILYDENTISTRY.COM

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Honoring those who serve

VETERANS Museum of Pell City readies for annual salute to soldiers

When Museum of Pell City opened its doors in March 2023, its first major project focused on paying tribute to veterans, a tradition that has continued each November since. That first year, the museum built a major military exhibit and culminated a months-long oral history project with a video featuring veterans of World War II, including D-Day, Korean War and Vietnam War called War and Remembrance. Interviews of veterans from Pell City’s Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home as well as other local veterans recounted their experiences in military service and the grim realities of war. On Nov. 6, the museum

Keynote speaker Jason Nunley

WE THANK YOU FOR

Business Cards Proud to serve those who served for us

UAB St. Vincent’s St Clair

St. Clair County honors and thanks all the veterans for their bravery, sacrifice and commitment to this great country.

Pictured Left to right, Bob Mize, Joey Stevens, Stan Batemon, Ricky Parker & Jeff Brown

Stan Batemon Commission Chairman Jeff Brown District 1 Commissioner Ricky Parker District 2 Commissioner Joey Stevens District 3 Commissioner Bob Mize District 4 Commissioner

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026 2025

YOUR SERVICE VETS!

Thank you Vets!

THE TOWN OF RAGLAND

Honors All Who Served

VETERANS DAY

220 Fredia St. Ste 102, Ragland, Al 35131 205 472-0400 • townofragland.org

• Medicare Advantage & Supplements • Dental & Vision • Ancillary Plans • Travel Insurance

1605 Martin St. S. Suite 4 Pell City, AL

youngheartmedicare.com | angie@youngheartmedicare.com | 205-338-1417

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF

ST. CLAIR COUNTY SESSION 250

BILLY J. MURRAY SHERIFF

bmurray@stclairco.com 48 6TH STREET, SUITE 300 1610 COGSWELL AVENUE, SUITE 206 ASHVILLE, ALABAMA 35953 PELL CITY, ALABAMA 35125 205-594-2140 205-884-6840 www.stclairsheriﬀ.org

HONORING Ashley F. Green, CISR, CPIA Insurance Agent Phone Fax Cell

205.900.2720 205.900.2744 404.353.6813

A GOOD PLACE TO CALL HOME

ashley@theashagency.com 20 Cropwell Drive, Suite 130 Pell City, AL 35128

VETERANS

We Salute Our Veterans

is welcome in BUSINESS IS THRIVING. Everyone our church. Services at 10:30am POPULATION IS GROWING. Alternating Traditional & Contemporary 3rd Ave N, Pell City • (205) 338-3374 QUALITY OF LIFE IS HARD TO2200 BEAT. PELLCITYFUMC.ORG

open spaces, growing subdivisions, new2026 schools, largest water DISCOVER The Essence of St. ClairWide • October & November 2025 system in the county, convenient commuter location --

Honoring those who serve

VETERANS

Crowd enjoys watching veteran take a flight on simulator at 2025 event

will present its annual Salute to Veterans with a focus on coming home and the difficult transition from battlefield to homefront. A reception will be held in the banquet room of the Pell City Municipal Complex at 10 a.m., followed by keynote speaker, Jason Nunley, a special operations veteran with deployments including Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa. After military retirement, he rose through his family’s pipeline supplier business and is now its president and chief executive officer. The museum will premier the latest video in its veteran series: A Soldier’s Return, A Mother’s Battle. The video features an intimate interview with Michelle Tumlin, mother of a returning soldier who took his own life after struggling through the transition of coming home. She has turned the tragedy into her own battle to help

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

WE SALUTE OUR HEROES! S E N AT O R

LANCE BELL

PROUDLY SERVING DISTRICT 11 AS YOUR STATE SENATOR.

Specializing in antiques, vintage and new home furnishings and decor

“I am honored to be your voice in Montgomery and working with local leaders to ensure that the district continues to move ina a positive direction for all of our citizens”

3440 Martin Street South, Suite 12, Cropwell (256) 921-8524

Paid Political Advertisement by Friends for Lance Bass

Caran Wilbanks

Your Friendly Lake & Neighborhood Realtor

205.368.9772

2319 Cogswell Avenue/ Pell City AL 35125 Visit me Online at PellCityRealtor.com

UNION STATE INSURANCE, INC.

Member FDIC

1920 1st AVENUE NORTH, PELL CITY, AL 35125 (205) 884-1670 CELL: (205) 369-3048 JOE PAUL ABBOTT joepaula@aol.com

Veterans - we thank you today and everyday for our freedom

The City Of

MOODY Alabama

SALUTES MILITARY VETERANS

Cathie Weber Pell City’s go-to for pizza & ice cream. Pell City’s go-to for pizza & ice cream. Crisp crust. Premium toppings piled high. Crisp crust. Premium toppings piled high. 6421 Dry Buffalo, CreekHot Road 205-338-1799 Wings in BBQ, Honey, Lemon Pepper,Wings & Garlic in BBQ, parm. Buffalo, Hot Honey, Lemon Pepper, & Garlic parm. flavors hand-scooped ice cream to finish it right. 36 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream to finish it right. Pell 36 City, ALof35128 csrspecialtyprinting@gmail.com 205-813-0354 205-813-0354 1917 Cogswell Ave. 1917 Cogswell Ave. www.theparlorpc.com www.theparlorpc.com

PELL CITY’S GO-TO FOR PIZZA & ICE-CREAM Pell City’s go-to for pizza & ice cream. Crisp crust. Premium toppings piled high. Wings in BBQ, Buffalo, Hot Honey, Lemon Pepper, & Garlic parm. 36 flavors of hand-scooped ice cream to finish it right. 205-813-0354 1917 Cogswell Ave. www.theparlorpc.com

1917 Cogswell Ave. • www.theparlorpc.com

205-813-0354

We honor the men and women who have Served bravely on behalf of The United States of America MAYOR: Nick Rutledge COUNCIL MEMBERS: Linda Crowe Matt Morris Ellis Key Chad Williams Wes Harrell

2025 DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

Honoring those who serve

VETERANS

Michelle Tumlin at the Houston Project

veterans, founding a nonprofit to assist returning veterans. She created a shop in downtown Pell City called Houston Project in honor of her son, Houston Tumlin. The shop sells military-themed apparel and products with all proceeds going to vets. In addition, she joined another mother, Sharon McDaniel, in lobbying successfully for a law in Alabama that provides gun safes at gun stores for veterans who may be contemplating suicide or other harm. It’s a voluntary, temporary firearm surrender program for veterans – no questions asked. The Houston Hunter Act, is actually named for those two mothers’ sons, who were lost to suicide – Houston Tumlin and Hunter Whitley. “We talk often about service and sacrifice in war, but in growing instances, we see that the battlefield is not the only struggle soldiers face,” said Museum President Carol Pappas. “Michelle’s story gives us a better understanding of a battle of a different kind – coming home.” The museum’s military exhibit is being redesigned and expanded and will be open for tours following the program. l Editor’s Note: Museum of Pell City is located in a 4,000-square-foot suite on the second floor of the Pell City Municipal Complex. It is open to the public free of charge on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

We support our

VETERANS JOHN 13:34

We’re here when you need us!

1310 WA Goodgame Parkway

HelmsHealthcare.com (205) 417-1977

St. Clair, Alabama

Business Review

Anniversary celebration draws crowd to Pell City campus 62 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • Business Review • October & November 2026

Story by Carol Pappas Photos by Bob Crisp and submitted

Stepping Stones, Milestones Jeff State Community College celebrating 20 years in Pell City Looking forward from a starting point, some might call those stepping stones up ahead. But looking back on the 20-year history of Jefferson State Community College in St. Clair County, one would be hard-pressed not to conclude they were all milestones. The late Jefferson State President Judy Merritt could not only see the proverbial forest – and the trees – she saw a community college campus thriving like the pines and hardwoods towering above her at the time. Joined by staunch advocates of greater access to higher education closer to home, former Pell City Mayor Guin Robinson, St. Clair Economic Development Executive Director Ed Gardner Sr., St. Clair Commission Chairman Stan Batemon, EDC Chairman Tommy Bowers and Realtor and community leader Dick Whatley, the vision took shape. What would grow from those woods a stone’s throw from Interstate 20 is the thriving community college they envisioned. At the 20year mark, the proof is in the numbers: • 10,000+ students served. • 2,076 non-credit students benefitting from learning opportunities. • 1,131 high school students earning college credits in dual enrollment. • 514 nursing graduates filling much needed roles in the healthcare sector throughout Alabama and beyond. “From the beginning, this community embraced Jefferson State,” said President Keith Brown at a community breakfast celebrating the 20th anniversary. “We thank you for welcoming us, and all you do for the college.” “Community partners, Pell City leaders, the St. Clair Economic Development Council, and Judy Merritt and the college, all came together,” said Robinson, now Jefferson State Dean of Economic Development. “The vision was never about a building, but it was to create opportunities that did not exist close to home. Jefferson State has become integral to the community, and its success belongs to the entire community.” Officials talked of the opportunities it has provided over the past two decades. They cited

Mayor Bil Pruitt (right) presents Jefferson State President Keith Brown and Dean of Economic Development Guin Robinson with resolution commemorating anniversary

State School Board Vice Chair Marie Manning with former State Sen. Jim McClendon

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • Business Review • October & November 2026 • 63

Business Review Jefferson State Community College

Leaders gather at breakfast to celebrate college impact examples like the scores of first-generation college students and a 40-year old mother going back to school, a step she would not have taken had it not been close to home. In a video marking the anniversary, Batemon, a Jefferson State alumnus himself, noted that the college’s local presence has “affected economic development in a very positive way.” Former State Senator Jim McClendon, instrumental in securing state funding for expansions and improvements at the college, talked of its importance in the everyday lives of citizens. “It produces people working in our county and taking care of folks.” Marie Manning, former superintendent of education for St. Clair County Schools and vice chairman of the Alabama State School Board, reasoned that the college has meant “more than can ever be expressed,” providing countless educational opportunities for St. Clair Countians. Shiloh Swiney, chief nursing officer at UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair, has seen firsthand the value in the hospital’s partnership with Jefferson State and its Nursing and Allied Health School at the Pell City campus. “We have students doing their clinicals here nearly every semester, and their students are always top notch. They are good with the patients. They’re able to come here and gain real world experience.” In turn, the hospital’s hiring benefits from filling positions with skilled graduates. “It’s a powerful opportunity for both,” Swiney said. “We are honored to play a role in their education and development. We are so glad to have them here.” In presenting a Pell City Council resolution recognizing the anniversary, Mayor Bill Pruitt called his tenure “an incredible opportunity to be a part of a lot of growth and development from the groundwork laid decades before,” adding “thanks to those that came before us.” Robinson offered his thanks to the community “for everything you’ve done and continue to do. This grew from

State Sen. Lance Bell with former Sen. Jim McClendon years of community conversations. Residents needed greater access to higher education and workforce development without leaving the area.” That presence began in Moody, gained momentum and settled in a larger, bolder vision in Pell City. “It came together around workforce development and economic development,” Robinson said. They asked questions like, ‘What does it look like?’ and ‘How can we best serve for the long term?’ “Judy Merritt’s leadership cannot be overstated. If Judy Merritt got behind a project, it happened.” Her successor, Brown, was on the team overseeing the building of it. Now, he oversees its success story. Robinson singled out other early movers and shakers that led to the opening – Industrial Development Board Chairman Bob Barnett and former Mayor Bill Hereford, who gave the first donation for the campus. “They recognized what a community college presence could mean.” At 20 years and counting, it provides an opportunity not only to reflect but to look ahead, Robinson said. “Jefferson State allowed students to get a college education and training in their own community, and it has made a tremendous difference in the lives of students and their families. Our responsibility is to build on 20 years and continue. Our greatest days are ahead.”

64 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • Business Review • October & November 2026

EDUCATION THAT MEETS YOU WHERE YOU ARE.

AND TAKES YOU WHERE YOU WANT TO GO.

1-888-453-3378

jeffersonstate.edu

Jeﬀerson State Community College does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation with regard to any program, activity or employment.

Business Directory

Business Cards

Business Directory

I PULL TRAILERS

Any Size - Any Distance

Grooming•Boarding•Daycare Crystal Denney

1607 Martin St S, Pell City, AL 35128 205-577-3141 Text Scott205-884-PETS today! Hours: 8-5 Mon.-Fri.

(7387)

X-Dross Jewelry & Clock Repair

Business Review

Investment program a boost for UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair

At presentation from left, back row: St. Clair County EDC Executive Director Don Smith; Council President Jud Alverson, Sen. Lance Bell, City Manager Tim Kurzejeski, County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon, Luke Standeffer of UAB, City Planner Brie McMahan; front row: Councilman James McGowan, UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair Administrator Lisa Nichols, Metro Bank President Jason Dorough, Goodgame Company President Jason Goodgame, Chief Nursing Officer Shiloh Swiney of UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair, State Rep. Randy Wood, EDC Director of Industry and Workforce Development Jason Roberts

Story by Carol Pappas Photos courtesy of UAB When St. Vincent’s St. Clair Hospital opened in a new facility overlooking Interstate 20 in 2011, the community welcomed it with a celebration worthy of a hero’s return. It had outgrown the aging St. Clair Regional Hospital building it occupied since 1970, and it just couldn’t keep pace with one of the fastest growing counties in the state. But 15 years ago, that all changed with a new state-of-the-art hospital built to serve the county’s burgeoning population. The population continues to soar, and needs have grown along with it. That’s why when UAB Health System, Alabama’s largest employer with a worldwide reputation in medicine, bought Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System two years ago, officials in St. Clair welcomed the move with equal fervor. After all, it was a sizable step in keeping up with the momentum today’s fourth fastest growing county in the state. It should come as no surprise that the local community has embraced the hospital, recognizing its integral role in quality healthcare here at home and is investing in its future. Made possible through the Rural Hospital Investment Program, investments in new equipment have come from Metro Bank, $500,000; Goodgame Company, $250,000; and a 10% match from City of Pell City and St. Clair County. The program was created to help eligible rural hospitals across Alabama receive additional funding by providing a tax credit for qualifying donations made by Alabama taxpayers. It helps eligible rural hospitals secure additional funding through tax-credit-qualified donations made by Alabama taxpayers and enables local investments in equipment, technology, and other critical healthcare needs that improve access to care for rural communities. “We are incredibly grateful to our community partners for their vital support in helping us enhance the medical care

70 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • Business Review • October & November 2026

more than just buildings. WE’RE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAKE OUR COMMUNITY HOME.

At Goodgame Company, Inc., relationships are not the only thing we build, but they are the most important. We’re proud to be part of our community and to support the organizations that help make it a better place. We believe in giving back, building strong relationships and being a good partner to the communities we serve. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support the people and organizations working every day to make our community a better place to live, learn and grow.

PROUD TO SUPPORT

Goodgame Company • 2311 3rd Avenue South • Pell City, AL 35128 205.338.2551 • goodgamecompany.com

Business Review UAB St. vincent’s St. Clair

Nichols talks of importance of investment by Goodgame, Metro Bank, county and city we provide to our patients in St. Clair County and beyond,” Hospital Administrator Lisa Nichols said at a presentation recognizing the investment. “Their generosity allows us to invest in resources that strengthen access to care in the communities we serve.” This funding will be used to purchase medical equipment for both providers and patients to help enhance the level of care they provide. “We could not do what we do without the support of our community,” said Shiloh Swiney, chief nursing officer at UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair. “Investments like this reflect our community’s commitment to ensuring local residents can access the care they need close to home.” “Quality health care is a critical part of a strong and growing community,” added State Sen. Lance Bell. “This local engagement is exactly the outcome we had envisioned when this program was recently created by the State Legislature. It allows state tax dollars to be redirected by local taxpayers to support local rural hospitals. UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair hospital is an incredible asset in our community.” St. Clair County Economic Development Council Executive Director Don Smith agreed. “This investment in UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair by Metro Bank and Goodgame Company strengthens an asset that serves our residents, supports our workforce, and makes St. Clair County a better place to live and do business,” he said. “We thank Senator Bell and the state legislators for creating a program where our local businesses, the City of Pell City and St. Clair County can work together to invest in the future of our community.” At a special presentation where community leaders and healthcare partners gathered to celebrate the investments, Hospital Administrator Lisa Nichols said the funds generated will enable the purchase of 38 new hospital beds with cutting edge safety features and an ABG machine to treat patients with

respiratory issues. County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon called the presentation “an exciting day for our hospital and the health care of our citizens.” He noted that when UAB purchased the St. Vincent’s Health System, the St. Clair hospital was “one of the most desirable in that purchase.” He, too, lauded the state’s formulation of a plan that encourages local investment, which bodes well for the future. “I see only good things for healthcare in St. Clair County.” “The hospital is a vital part of our community, and Metro Bank recognizes just how much it means to the residents of Pell City and St. Clair County,” said Metro President Jason Dorough. “Our Board felt that participating in the Rural Hospital Investment Tax Credit program was an excellent way to give back to the community that has been so supportive of us. “Rather than spending heavily on advertising, Metro Bank has always preferred to invest in projects that benefit our community. We also believe that strong healthcare services are critical to attracting new businesses and creating employment opportunities in Pell City.” Jason Goodgame, president of Goodgame Company, talked of his strong ties to the hospital. “Our connection to UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair goes back to the construction of the hospital itself, when Goodgame Company had the privilege of serving as construction manager for the St. Clair County Health Care Authority during the development of this facility,” Goodgame said. “Because of that history, this investment is especially meaningful to us as a company and as a family. We have been proud to play a role in helping bring quality healthcare to St. Clair County, and we are honored to continue supporting the hospital’s mission through the Rural Hospital Investment Program.” The partnership “demonstrates what can be accomplished when organizations work together to invest in the future of our community,” Goodgame said. “Together, we are helping ensure local residents continue to have access to quality healthcare close to home.”

Smith describes impact this program has on hospital’s ability to make improvements in healthcare

72 • DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • Business Review • October & November 2026

SPIDER BE GONE OF ALABAMA

S P I D E R B E G O N E O FA L . C O M You’ve invested a great deal of money in your home. Invest in a Spider Be Gone System to keep your home free of spiders, mosquitos, dirt daubers, red wasps and all other flying and crawling insects.

David & Cameron Smith, Owners sbgofalinfo@gmail.com

205-296-8340

Final F cus Life through the lens of Mackenzie Free

The illusion of alternate endings I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately… How different life might have been if I’d made different choices. If I’d applied myself better in school… If I’d chosen a different career… If I’d married a different person… If I’d moved farther away… If I’d followed my heart more… If I’d followed my heart less… If I’d said no… If I’d said yes… But just how long could I have traveled that different road before somehow circling back around to find myself where I am? I don’t really know how free will and God’s sovereignty work together—how both can coexist. But I believe they do. I’ve lived long enough now to look back and see how some of my choices caused detours. They have taken me down weird roads or changed my direction, only to somehow wind back to become part of the road I’m on today. So maybe, for those of us who have given our lives to Him, a wrong road doesn’t mean a different ending. Because no road can take us beyond His grasp & His ability to redeem our path for His divine purpose. Maybe the roads we didn’t take wouldn’t have changed the ending at all. Maybe they only would have changed the way we got to where we are. Maybe alternate endings are just an illusion. Maybe… - Mackenzie Free -

Wife, mother, photographer & current resident of the unassumingly magical town of Steele, Alabama

DISCOVER The Essence of St. Clair • October & November 2026

THE BEST FINDS are the ones you weren’t looking for!

At Lake House, our one-of-a-kind antiques, vintage pieces and curated home decor are just waiting to be discovered.

YOUR QUEST FOR CURIOSITIES AND ODDITIES BEGINS HERE

Adam and Jacob Castleberry - Curators 1708 Cogswell Ave. Pell City, AL 35125

205-448-5354

Tuesday-Friday 11-5, Saturday 10-2 • lakehouseantiques.net

Transform Your Ride

Let our customization team make your vehicle a one-of-a-kind • Customized just for YOU and Your Perfect Fit All makes and models. Specializing in Fords.

“If you can dream it, we can build it!

PellCityFord.com Pell City, AL | 205-884-0000 I-20 Exit 158 • Hwy 231

CALL 205-227-0100