Ringing in the new year with good news
By Jack Shelton
The PACERS Rural Community Newspaper Network (The Beatrice Legacy, The Pintlala Ledger, The Packers Bend Times, The Camp Hill Chronicle) has received a generous grant from the Daniel Foundation.
The first year of the grant will support publication of three editions of each of the papers and includes printing and layout and design costs. After the publication of these additional three editions, the papers should be self-sustaining, and that is a very crucial goal.
The newspapers warrant assistance from their communities including joining the staff, contributing articles, making financial donations, and spreading the good word about the papers. Volunteer help will greatly extend the value of the grant.
Funds from the Daniel Foundation will additionally be applied to training sessions on the evening of April 14, 2023, the night before the annual PACERS conference Saturday May 15, 2023.
Overnight costs of lodging and food will be covered by the grant.
The training session topics are layout/design and ad preparation/ sales. There will be space for four staffers/volunteers from each community. Its early but it will be very helpful if you sign up asap. To reserve a place, contact the editor(s) of your paper.
Funding will also make possible the building of a much-needed network website. The network has a lot to share that the website will facilitate. When the website is completed, details will be included in all the PRCNN papers
PRCNN consultants and newspaper staffers met with Caroline Clark, Senior Program Manager at Daniel, in November to discuss the papers.
The meeting was held at the Pintlala Library and hosted by Jerrie Burton who provided a real spread. Staffers present were Diann Harris, Sara Huff, Freddie Howard, Mary Howard, Jerrie Burton and Gary Burton.
They were joined by consultants Nan Fairley, Laura Anderson, and Jack Shelton and Pintlala student volunteer, Ashby Henry from Auburn University. The discussion revealed the successes and needs of the papers with insightful contributions from all attending.
The PRCNN and all the papers are very thankful for Daniel’s generous support which will enable important work and help move the network and papers to self-sustaining maturity. The foundation’s mission is included below.
Daniel Foundation of Alabama’s mission is to strengthen communities within Alabama and improve the quality of life for citizens from all regions of Alabama. We believe this can be achieved through support of effective organizations that are focused on building a healthy and welleducated population, living in a vibrant community.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Camp Hill receives $6.7 million grant from state
Contributed story
In September, Mayor Messiah Williams-Cole proudly announced in a letter to citizens and friends of Camp Hill the receipt of an historic grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for more than $6.7 million.
The mayor wrote, “It cannot be overstated how historic this amount of financial assistance is; it can also not be overstated how much work has been done by our Utility Department and Town Hall to position ourselves for this award.”
Public Works Director Jerrell Webb presented plans for use of the funds in November. The mayor noted that, beginning in 2023, there will be public updates at regularly scheduled Council Meetings every four months.
The mayor noted, “This assistance is a result of the hard work and preparation of our utility department, Representative Ed Oliver, our County Commission, Governor Kay Ivey, ADEM, and many others.”
A MEMBER OF THE PACERS RURAL COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER NETWORK 1
December 2022 | Volume 1, Issue 4
Camp Hill Joins the Equal Neighborhood Act
Contributed story
The town of Camp Hill joined the Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative in 2022. According to the ENI web site at www.enialabbama.org, ENI equips communities to address the pandemicrelated issues of today while building capacity to deal with the health and quality of life challenges of tomorrow.
The ENI held a kickoff event in Camp Hill at the municipal complext on Dec 3 Following opening remarks from Mayor Williams-Cold, ENI regional direct Dr Sabine Simmons spoke to introduce the program
Dr. Earl Suttle then provided a motivational message on leadership success.
he federally funded initiative is working across the state to expand health equity. In a note welcoming the town to the effort, organizers noted: “We are excited to welcome the wonder community of Camp Hill as an ENI partner community.”
Fifteen communities will partner with the Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative. According to the ENI web site, this is a community-shaped initiative involving youth and adults working together to improve health outcomes.
Each of the participating communities will develop a local health equity plan, draft a health resource directory and build a “healing zone”
In Camp Hill, Bianca Moss will serve as the community liaison. Those interested in learning more and getting involved with ENI can reach out to Moss.
Moss, the mother of two, graduated from Dadeville High School before earning her associate’s degree in allied health from South University in Montgomery. She plans to start in the nursing program at Central Alabama Community College this spring. A member of the Sardis Baptist Church in Camp Hill, Moss enjoys working with youth and giving back to her community.
Camp Hill food bank expands during holiday season
Contributed story
Volunteers at the Camp Hill Food Bank are staying busy during the holidays distributing food every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon from their new headquarters on the first floor of the church next to the new town hall. According to Bill Edwards, he and other volunteers, including C.J. Marbutt and Eliot Ware, work hard to meet community needs.
“The food bank is a big help. Some of those we serve often have to make a decision between eating, paying for medicine or eating,” Edwards said. “Some have to do without medication in order to afford food.”
Edwards and Marbutt said the idea of helping the hungry in the Camp Hill area started in 2016 with the goal of reaching 10 people. Today, the food bank provides food for 30 at-home clients who can’t get out in addition to the 30 or more who come to the food bank on Wednesdays.
Edwards explained that he and other volunteers pick up the weekly food goods from the East Alabama Food bank to keep the shelves stocked.
Plans are in the works to provide a clothing closet at the site as well. “We do have some people who need coats, gloves, socks,” Edwards said. He said those who would like to make clothing donations can “call us to pick them up.”
For the coming year, Edwards said volunteers and monetary donations are needed. Those wishing to contribute can call 334-332-4332 or e-mail
firstuuc@gmail.com. “Just $5 or $10 a month would go a long way,” he added. Donations are tax deductible. The First Universalist Church at Camp Hill helps support the food bank efforts. Edwards added, “The city was nice to allocate this climatecontrolled space to us.”
The Camp Hill Chronicle is dedicated to serving as a voice and source of information for the community. All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of the publisher’s ability. No responsibility is accepted for deletions, omissions, errors and/or inaccuracies unless special placement within the publication was purchased. Publisher reserves the right to place ads on a first-come, first-serve basis. No materials contained herein may be reproduced without exclusive written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed by contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. © Copyright 2021 by THE CAMP HILL CHRONICLE all rights reserved. Special thanks to all our advertisers, business associates, departments, contributing writers and all other supporting contributions involved in making this publication possible.
To learn more and stay connected with ENI, contact Moss at Bmoss1612@gmail.com or call 256 269-5917.
2
Volunteers at the Camp Hill food bank, Bill Edwards, C.J. Marbutt and Eliot Ware
Edward Bell graduate finds success as health care executive
Contributed story
Carolyn Hogan Caldwell, a 1979 graduate of Edward Bell High School, is currently the President and CEO of St. Mary Medical Center (Dignity Health) in Long Beach, California. St. Mary is a 389-bed academic facility with a Level II Trauma Canter that offers extensive healthcare services to the greater Long Beach Community.
Today, Caldwell is a healthcare executive with over 30 years’ experience in the healthcare industry. A medical technologist by training, Caldwell earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Alabama A&M University in zoology and chemistry and her Master of Science in healthcare administration from Texas Woman’s University.
She is an action-oriented executive who has a reputation for working collaboratively with key stakeholders to drive results and community alignment. Caldwell has always had a passion for working with communities and for working with vulnerable or under representative populations.
Because of her corporate leadership success as well as her leadership working to improve communities where she lives and works she has been recognized for her business acumen and community leadership with the following:
2016 Steve Chase 100 Women Award, Palm Springs Life 2016 Women in Business Award – Corporate Leader, Women Leaders Forum 2015 inspiration Award, Palm Springs Human Rights Commission Community Service Award 2015 recipient, 2005 Class of Women Who Mean Business in Kansas City; 2008 Most Influential Women in Kansas City; 2010 Class of Kansas City’s Influential Women; Women worth Watching in 2011 by the Profiles in Diversity Journal and the 2013 Hallmark award from Texas Woman’s University.
She is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives, California Hospital Association Board of Trustee, ACHE Governor .
and Board Member of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce 2021-2022.
Caldwell is a past member of the AHA Region 6 Policy Board and past Chair of the AHA Institute for Diversity for Health Management. She is a former board member of the American Hospital Association (AHA and served as the Chair of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce during the 2016-2017 FY.
Caldwell and her husband Daniel are the proud parents of two adult children Jonathon who resides in Seattle and Monique who resides in Atlanta with her husband Sean and two daughters Savannah and Sasha.
Local artist presents portrait to guitarist Larry Mitchell
Contributed story
Artist and community activist Vivian Green Harris presented Grammy Award-winning guitarist Larry Mitchell with a special painting in honor of his birthday and his contributions to the community of Camp Hill during a celebration in Opelika.
Mitchell has toured with Tracy Chapman, Billy Squire, Ric Okasek, 'The Cars' and was just recently on tour with Steve Vai. , Harris assists community leaders Chris Marbutt, Bill Edwards and Caroline Mayer in their efforts to reach out to help people and animals in the community.
She promised Mitchell the gift of a painting after he performed a concert at the Universalist Church.
The painting was presented to Mitchell as his birthday celebration held at the Heritage House in Opelika December 3 before a crowd that included his mother, musical artists, and fans.
3
Camp Hill celebrates a year of progress in 2022
Storm Shelter project moves ahead
By Jean Mosley
A new storm shelter is one milestone of 2022. The the old Cano Hill Clothing Factory at 325 S. Main Street in downtown Camp Hill.
The town of Camp Hill received a grant from FEMA that was matched with town funds to complete the project. The white shelter stands at the site of structure was built by Survive-Astorm based in Georgia Officials said the building was a safe and secure structure with a capacity of 85.
The building is complete with seating, a bathroom, heating and air conditioning, refrigerator, and pantry. Storm shelter questions should be directed to Jason Moran with the Tallapoosa County EMS.
New City Hall opens in Camp Hill
By Jean Mosley
The new Camp Hill Municipal Complex is now open, providing citizens with new services such as the availability of drivethru payment of utility bills.
Mayor Messiah Williams-Cole said the Town Council is continuing to explore all the possibilities for the new complex. Among the plans in place are space for a free monthly medical clinic. The food bank is now open in the annex next door.
In addition, a fitness center with a treadmill, exercise bike and more will be available for use and is expected to be ideal for senior citizens. Camp Hill Council meetings and a modernized municipal court are held in the new facilities.
The space allows for a huge expansion of services, the mayor said. Plans include a technology resource center open to all citizens. Literacy services, adult education classes and event space for meetings and parties will be available.
Improvements at the Camp Hill Recreational Park also moved ahead this summer that will enhance the appearance, availability, and convenience of the city park. Mayor Williams-Cole said improvements will include amenities such as a gazebo and grills.
In addition, more seating arrangements should improve the enjoyment of the local park. The town acquired an additional four acres of adjoining land that will allow for future expansions, the mayor added.
4
The front windows at the entrance of Camp Hill's newly built city hall.
BEARS summer program provides many opportunities
Contributed Story
The community celebrated the successful completion of the BEARS (Building Exceptional and Resilient Students) inaugural Summer Program on July 30 at the Camp Hill Municipal Complex.
The celebration highlighted the accomplishments of program open to Camp Hill residents ages 8 to 12 as they wrapped up a summer of learning and exciting field trips coordinated by Mayor Messiah Williams-Cole. Classroom leaders for BEARS were Miss Terion Harris, Miss Laila Heard and Miss Kaila Peterson.
The first year of the event was so successful that the 20 students have already signed up for the 2023 summer program now being planned.
The mayor said parent meetings are being held and fundraisers will begin soon.
During the first year of the event, students learned about everything from communication to culture. Students enjoyed multiple field trips, including a trip to the Equal Justice Initiatives’s Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration.
Students were both shocked and interested by the photos, videos, and artifacts found at the museum. Class leaders reinforced lessons that should be learned from history by answering all questions.
BEARS student also visited the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial and the CNN Center headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. They visited the birth home of King and two museums dedicated to the Kings.
Other field trips included a trip to the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, which capped off a week focused on healthcare and wellness as students learned about doctors, physical therapy and more.
The mayor said he was excited about the inspiration, learning and fun the program provided, adding that he is looking forward to the 2023 program. He thanked the Southern Preparatory Academy for providing field trip transportation and others who supported the effort.
Fire department update
Camp Hill celebrates a year of progress in 2022
Bears students during a field trip to the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, AL.
5
The Beulah Fire Department provided the town with a new tanker truck for the Camp Hill Fire Department. Tanker 619 is a 2,500-gallon tanker with a pump. The truck replaced the town’s old Tanker 1110 and was celebrated by the town and firefighters with CHFD in October.
Annual Black History program plans for 2023
By Jean Mosley
Plans for the upcoming 2023 Black History Month celebration are being made and will be announced soon, according to Camp Hill Mayor Messiah Williams-Cole.
In 2022, the mayor hosted his first Black History Program since he took office and issued a Resolution 2022-22 in recognition and appreciation of some residents of the community on February 28. There was a packed house at the new Camp Hill City Hall annex, formerly the Camp Hill Baptist Church. This was the first public event scheduled in the new facility.
The mayor presented several community-service awards at the Black History Program in the name of famous persons in U.S. history.
The 2022 Jane Bolen Students of the Year Award was given to Cameron Brooks and Nhylee Banks, both then students at Dadeville High School.
The 2022 Earl Graves Business of the Year Award was given to Jeff Bandy, a local business owner in the town of Camp Hill. The 2022 Chadwick Bozeman Golden Rule Award was given to Karen Shelly.
The 2022 Phyllis Wheatley Most Artistic Award recipient was Jean Mosley, retired teacher/librarian.
The 2022 Robert Abbott Entrepreneurship Award recipient was Jamarion Wilkerson
The 2022 Jesse Owns (known as the Buckeye Bullet) Award was given to Phil Dowdell
The 2022 Catherine Johnson Hidden Figure Award recipient was Lynda Doss Avery.
The 2022 Bayard Rustin Leadership Award was given to C.J. Marbutt
The 2022 Claudette Colvin Bravery Award recipients were Yahsha Murph and Calvin Pogue, Jr.
The 2022 Ella Baker Humanitarian Award was given to Dr. Shirley Heard.
OPINION
By Sylvia Trimble Bozeman, Ph.D.
If you have driven through Tallapoosa County on Alabama Hwy 50 lately, you might have come across a marker with the name Edward Bell High School engraved on it. Instead of driving on by, this landmark is worth a stop, because upon closer review of this double-sided marker, you will find an important piece of the rich history and legacy of education in Camp Hill, Alabama.
With the unveiling of this historical marker on October 24, 2015, the community celebrated the legacy of public education for African Americans in Tallapoosa County.
The marker is a memorial to Edward Bell High School, originally founded in 1931 as Tallapoosa County Training School, the first high school in the county for African American students.
With its first two high school graduates in 1933,
The 2022 Carter G. Woodson Lifetime Achievement Award (posthumously) was given to: Willie Frank Smith and Emma Maude Holloway (posthumously), and to Lee Rowe, Jr
Yahsha Murph, one of the recipients of the Claudette Colvin Bravery Award, said that this award was very much appreciated and that she was surprised. She had not expected to be honored in such a way, and she did not take the action that she and Calvin Pogue took on the disastrous night that Eugene Shelly was injured and his house was destroyed by fire expecting to receive any honorarium or accolade.
A neighbor was in trouble, and she just reached out to help, she said.
EDWARD BELL HIGH SCHOOL HISTORIC MARKER
LEST WE FORGET
the school at Camp Hill was a pioneer educational institution for students of Tallapoosa County and beyond. The marker is a reminder of a dream that came true!
The original school building in Camp Hill was one of seven Rosenwald schools built in Tallapoosa County to provide education for African American youth. At a total cost of just over $9,000, half of the funds for the five-teacher type school building in Camp Hill came through donations from the African American community residents, according to records in the Fisk University repository. [Online go to Rosenwald Database (fisk.edu).]
History has it that Professor Lee S. Moss, the first principal, walked miles collecting chickens, eggs and other farm produce and sold them to raise funds for a school building.
Finally, the original school building, with its later additions made using re-purposed donated materials, was replaced, and the school was renamed Edward Bell High School in honor of a past principal
In 1958 a new building was erected.
To announce the unveiling of the marker, the Opelika-Auburn News carried an extensive article on November 2, 2015, with the caption “Camp Hill builds historical marker, celebrates legacy in education” and included a photo of the marker above the article.
This educational marker was installed near Mt. Lovely Baptist Church and next to the original site of Tallapoosa County Training School. How many local people, even graduates of the school, have stopped to read the marker with a brief history of the school on one side and the school song on the other side?
Perhaps a visit there can provide a trip down ‘memory lane’, reviving significant points in your own education and bringing a renewed appreciation for the people who supported and advocated for your education.
It may also be a reminder of the commitment of our ancestors to the development of youth,
and the legacy of a community’s undaunted efforts to create educational opportunities for future generations.
6
A historic marker sits outside what used to be Edward Bell High school, which opened in 1931 and served the Camp Hill Community until it closed in 2015
An interview with Coach Taylor and his son
By Za’Mora Floyd, Harmony Harris and Ki’Ava Maddox
Once Coach Michael Taylor started working with athletic training for his two sons, his saw others in the Camp Hill area who could benefit. In 2017, he started a camp to train youth in all sports. Taylor is the assistant coach for track (jv), high school defensive line coach and conditioning coach for the team in Dadeville.
What made you want to start the camp?
“The main reason is that so many kids don’t have a father figure in their life to help with sports or show them how to do different things in life. I wanted to help all kids in all sports from ages 3 to 18 to help those who don’t have a lot of family, not just in sports but in life period.”
How do you describe your coaching? and How do you keep athletes motivated?
"Between military and father-figure style. I aim to toughen kids up and love them at the same time. I work to show them drills, working on speed and talking to them about student athletics and the importance of staying out of trouble.”
Meet Josh Taylor
What is the most difficult part of being a youth and high school coach?
"The most difficult part is that you can’t see a kid 24 hours a day. I worry about them when I can’t be with them, but I can be a father figure when I’m with them.”
How do you deal with difficult parents?
“I can’t worry about what they say because the main thing is to love their kids so I can’t let the parent get to me because at the end of the day I have to train that young man or lady.”
What was the most difficult decision you had to make as a coach?
“Every year when you decide who can start in the game and who will finish the game. Sometimes kids don’t get a chance to play and you know you have to sit there and watch this so that’s the most difficult part.”
Describe one of you most successful moments as a coach?
“Watching my son and others lead and going through high school as a great athlete. Being able to help my son make it into college and get a scholarship.”
What skills do you have that have made you successful as a coach? “Showing tough love all the time. Kids figure out the love and even if they get made, they get over it.”
What do kids get out of your camp?
“The main thing is to have confidence. They need to get our of their mind the message that they can’t do it. When they actually try to get better and better at what they do here and in life instead of just saying they can’t do it. That’s the main thing.”
Michael Taylor’s son is now a defensive back with the Faulkner University football team. He plays alongside his friend, Jamarion Wilkerson, a wide receiver at Faulkner, also from Camp Hill. Both graduated from Dadeville High School.
What’s it like playing college football?
“Playing college football is really fun, and I love everything about it. But, it’s not a walk in the park because a lot comes with it: early morning weights, countless meetings, study hall, class, practice, and away road trips. To me, all of that is easy because I have to keep my eyes on the prize.”
How was your childhood?“Everything about my childhood was great. Growing up with my dad as a coach wasn’t hard or easy because he stayed on me about the little things. In life that would make me a great person. Now that I’m older, I see why he stayed on me like that.”
What’s it like playing college football with Jamarion?
“Playing football with Jamarion is great because it brings back old memories from playing in high school with him, especially with how we trained each other every summer to prepare for the season.”
What’s one of your most successful moments so far?
“One of my most successful moments would be starting in my first college game this year and leading the team in tackles against the Number 3 team in Division 1 FCS football.”
What other sports do you love other than football? and What motivated you to become an athlete?
“Other sports that I love are track and field, basketball and fishing.
“What motivated me the most was just growing up and watching sports on tv and watching my older brother play.”
Is is difficult being a student athlete in college?"
“Being a student athlete is as easy as you make it. For me, it’s easy.”
PHOTO: Courtesy of Ki'Ava Maddox
7
PACERS annual conference scheduled for Spring 2023
By Dr. Jack Shelton
Covid, Covid, Covid! For several years the virus has prevented the PACERS Annual Conference. Not this year! We are meeting face to face again. Join us. The conference will be held at the David Mathews Center, 3727 Highway 119 Montevallo, on Saturday, April 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The conference will celebrate the great work done by the members of the PACERS Rural Community Newspaper Network: The Camp Hill Chronicle, The Beatrice Legacy, The Pintlala Ledger, and The Packers Bend Times.
Camp Hill will be well-represented. Jean Mosley, editor of The Chronicle and PACERS board member, will join a panel with editors from Beatrice, Pintlala, and Packers Bend to share their thoughts on their community papers.
After their presentations, there will be a time when community members can comment on the meaning of their papers for their communities. So please come and support your papers and share your thoughts. Meet, share with members from other communities and those who support The Chronicle including Professor Nan Fairley, director of the PRCNN and volunteer advisor to The Chronicle.
In addition to presentations by adult staffers, Ki’ava Maddox, Za’mora Floyd, and Harmony Harris, Chronicle student staffers will also serve on a panel with young people from other newspapers to describe their experiences as would-be journalists.
Ms. Mosley and these great youngsters are strong contributors to the life of Camp Hill so come to the conference to celebrate their good work and to hear their thoughts about newspapering.
Camp Hill Chronicle student staffers
Many thanks especially for Mayor Messiah Williams’ support of these young people and The Chronicle. The Chronicle keeps a unique record of the life of Camp Hill. It is an ongoing record of the community and is filled with stories about local matters and people.
The paper has been very well-received by non-resident members of the community tying them closer to their hometown. So, The Chronicle is a significant unifying publication. Please pitch in and help. You can contribute articles and financial support and join the staff! Contact Jean Mosley to sign up and do your part.
Camp Hill and Edward Bell High School developed and implemented a number of highly successful PACERS’ programs. Music with Larry Long resulted in great Camp Hill songs one of which
“Old Camp Hill” is in the PACERS Smithsonian collection “Here I Stand”.
The student published newspaper that preceded The Chronicle, and Hot Shot Photo served the community well.
And students were able to learn through the garden, greenhouse, and aquaculture projects. Photos from the photography project hang in the library.
If you were a part of these projects as student or teacher or benefitted from them, come to the conference to catch up with PACERS, share memories and be a part of this postCovid reunion.
It is early but you can already register by contacting Jack Shelton at jackshelton@prodigy.net.
8
Student staff members of The Camp Hill Chronicle and The Beatrice Legacy attending journalism day at Auburn University in Oct. 2022. From left to right. Ki’ava Maddox, Za’mora Floyd, Harmony Harris, Cynthia Tucker, Deliyah Johnson and Za’naerial Marshall.
