Rescue, rehabilitate and rehome—the three-legged mantra of A Place for Annie has become the saving grace for many animals in need.
You voted. We tallied. Now see who you said Shelby County’s best retailers, restaurants, community events and more are.
OUTSIDE THE CITY: EXPLORING NEW YORK STATE
From the breezy coast to the tranquil lakes to the mighty falls, New York has a lot to explore outside its namesake city.
PHOTO BY KELSEA SCHAFER
PHOTO BY KELSEA SCHAFER
EDITORIAL
Michaela Bankston
Dave Domescik
Anna Grace Moore
Tyler Raley
Andrew Simonson
Noah Wortham
CONTRIBUTORS
Robert Dean
Christina Dennis
Lindsay Dyess
Dawn Harrison
Kelsea Schafer
Kate Seaver
Rebecca Thrasher Burchfield
Sarah Turner
DESIGN
Sydney Allen
Jamie Dawkins
Rowan Futrell
Connor Martin-Lively
MARKETING
Kelsey Alexander
Noah Brakefield
Evann Campbell
Octavia Campbell
Rachel Henderson
Rhett McCreight
Viridiana Romero
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Jo Eskridge
Alec Etheredge
Stacey Meadows
Lauren Morris
Kayla Reeves
Leslie Reeves
Brittany Schofield
Christina Dennis, Photographer
Christina Dennis is the co-founder and co-owner of Untold Imagery and is all about capturing real moments and genuine connection. She spends most of her time in the studio photographing boudoir and motherhood sessions—spaces where women can feel seen, strong and celebrated. She’s also a mom to a fiercely independent little girl, and she is someone who believes that art has the power to heal. If she’s not behind the camera, she’s probably building Lego castles, sipping on her third coffee of the day or daydreaming about her next adventure.
Dawn Harrison, Photographer
Dawn Harrison has been a freelance photographer with Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc. for almost 12 years and has had the opportunity to cover a variety of subjects from concerts to D1 sport championships. Her favorite thing to photograph is portraits of athletes in dynamic lighting. She is a licensed boat captain, and in her free time, she enjoys competing in billfish tournaments.
Kate Seaver, Writer
Pursuing her degree in journalism and mass communications, Kate Seaver is a Samford University student, who loves writing and photography and hopes to continue sharing her community’s stories for years to come. She is always captured by stories about people, and she challenges herself to seek out the interesting bits in even mundane topics. When not writing or taking photos, she enjoys spending time outside, taking in the beauty of creation.
Sarah Turner, Writer
Sarah Turner is a student-athlete, studying mass communication at the University of Montevallo. When she’s not competing for the university’s cross country and track and field teams, she’s probably on a couch somewhere watching sports. Sarah has a passion for sports journalism and broadcasting and loves being able to tell the stories behind the athletes on the court, field and track.
Shelby Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by Shelby County Newsmedia Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living Magazine is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newsmedia Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Shelby Living Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.
Shelby Living Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit ShelbyLiving.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $14.95 plus tax for one year by visiting ShelbyLiving.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.
Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@ShelbyLiving.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.
ON THE COVER
The Lady Hornets pull off a recordbreaking season, advancing to the AHSAA 6A Girls Basketball State Championship for the first time in program history.
BBellowing out spirited chants, crazed fans from across the state packed into Legacy Arena on Saturday, March 1 to watch the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s basketball state finals unfold. For the first time in program history, the Chelsea High School girls basketball team had made it to the state championship, where they faced off against the Park Crossing Thunderbirds–a team only having lost one game the entire season.
I remember scrambling, trying to find reporters and photographers to help me cover the slew of games that were being held that day, but everyone’s top watch of the day was none other than the Lady Hornets’ game. It’s not every day that your community’s underdogs fight their way to the top.
Talking with Chelsea girls basketball head coach Jason Harlow, I learned that to him, the word, “proud” is an understatement. He assumed the role of head coach seven years ago, and in the last four years, his teams have advanced to the Elite Eight or better three different times.
For “proud” to be an understatement, “blue collar work” had to become the norm. This phrase–adapted by one of my sports writers Sarah Turner–is used to describe how motivated and hardworking the Chelsea girls basketball team is. More importantly, this phrase has become a pledge of power for each of the Lady Hornets–like a badge of honor, discipline and work ethic are now a part of their daily uniforms.
Although the Hornets fell short 49-39 in the championship game, they still accomplished what no other team had done before them. I have never been so proud to watch a group of talented, female studentathletes make history.
In this issue, you will not only get to learn about Chelsea’s transformative basketball program (page 23), but you will also get to read about heartwarming stories involving faith, fortitude or friendship–bonds between both two-legged and four-legged friends.
Don’t forget to read up on the results of Shelby Living’s annual “Best of the Best” contest, which are featured on page 55! After receiving hundreds of nominations and votes, my editorial team has finally narrowed down just who the public thinks is the best in numerous categories.
Between basketball underdogs, a cocktail bar, animal rights activists and more, this issue has something for everyone to look forward to reading. I hope you all enjoy!
Best, Battle Tested
Photo by Dawn Harrison
Design by Connor Martin-Lively
“THE QUESTION
”
With the city of Pelham purchasing the Oak Mountain Amphitheater, what would you like to see the facility turned into?
I love the aquarium idea–maybe an aquarium with a restaurant–like what Nashville has.
-Stephanie Staggs Honeycutt
A smaller-scaled version of Tulsa’s Gathering Place.
-Tamara Hale
Farmers market, food trucks, brewery, live stage(s), local talent hub and more dining options!
-Vanna DeArman
New, bigger, nicer hockey arena for The Birmingham Bulls games!
-Loren Harmon
A humane society!
-Denise Dolbow Hanners
An entertainment district like Trussville has.
-Johnna Srofe Bullock
Another concert venue.
-Pat Murphy
Build a smaller venue similar to Sand Mountain Amphitheater in Albertville.
-Dale Joiner
@shelbylivingmagazine
Tag us in your Shelby County photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.
@jeffstatecollege
Jefferson State’s Judy Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day is this Saturday, March 15 at 9:00 a.m. To learn more or register, go to www.jeffersonstate.edu/5K today! Run, walk, or sleep in to support Jefferson State students in need. All proceeds from the race fund scholarships! After the race, enjoy free food, music, and family fun! All are welcome! We are monitoring the weather closely. For the latest updates, follow Jefferson State on social media or check your RunSignUp emails. @hairby.sydneyk
Subtle teasy lights with a big chop!
@kelseaschaferphotos
Extremely proud to share my EIGHTH cover of a magazine! @shelbylivingmagazine’s March/April issue features my photograph of Maddie Pozzo,assistant director of Special Equestrians. Special Equestrians is located behind Indian Springs School, and is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit that “serves to bring joy to people with special needs by nurturing their relationship with horses.”
@tracifox00
Thank you Hoover/Shelby Living for asking to feature our home and telling our story!
@__mooreorless__ is one talented writer! We are so very blessed! This is our 7th Home Rehab–been asking for some before pics–so, here’s a few and behind-the-scenes of our family artist!
ALABASTER CITYFEST
JUNE 7
ALL DAY
Thompson High School
Founded in 2003, Alabaster CityFest is back and is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees this year! Hosted by the Alabaster Arts Council, the free, all-day music festival will feature a competitive lineup of musicians, inflatables, yard games, food vendors and numerous exhibitor booths selling a variety of merchandise. “KidsFest” will also make its coveted return with hands-on activities for children of all ages to enjoy. While this event is open to the public, parking is limited–get there early! For more information, visit alabastercityfest.com.
THE GUIDE
AROUND TOWN
SATURDAYS IN MAY-AUGUST
Helena Market Days Helena Amphitheater
SATURDAYS IN MAY-SEPT.
Valleydale Farmers’ Market 4601 Valleydale Road
MONDAYS IN JUNE-AUGUST
Montevallo Farmers’ Market 660 Main Street
FRIDAYS IN JUNE-JULY
Columbiana Farmers’ Market South Main Street in Columbiana
SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE-JULY
Gross Out Camp Oak Mountain State Park
Regions Tradition
Greystone Golf & Country Club
Joining together some of the best PGA Tour Champion players and World Golf Hall of Fame members, the Regions Tradition has attracted golfers from across the nation since 1992 to compete in this annual tournament. Since its inception, the tournament has raised more than $24 million for its beneficiaries–namely, Children’s of Alabama. This year, other partner charities include Birdies for Charity, Folds of Honor and The Mike Slive Foundation. For more information or to buy tickets, visit regionstradition. com.
MAY 14-18 MAY
Calera Main Street’s Community Festivals
5
uMAY 2 | Calera’s Got Talent
uMAY 3 | Inaugural Cinco de Mayo Celebration
uJUNE 6 | Backyard Bash
uJUNE 21 | Fourth Annual Cornhole for a Cure
SELECT WEEKS IN JUNE-JULY
Kids’ Art Camp
Thomas Andrew Art, Home & Faith 2856 18th Street South
MAY 2
Derby and Dining Oris & Oak
MAY 3
We Love Homewood Day Homewood Central Park
MAY 3 Art in the Lot
Trinity United Methodist Church
MAY 3 Art in the Village Mountain Brook City Hall
MAY 10
Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue 5K
Meow-A-Thon and One-Mile
Whisker Walk
Veterans Park 4800 Valleydale Road
MAY 17
Spring Scramble 5K 2839 18th Street South
MAY 17
Pelham Palooza in the Park 555 Ballpark Road
MAY 17
The Molly Ringwalds Presented by Avondale Brewing Company
MAY 19-25
Women’s Pro Classic W50 Tennis Tournament Pelham Racquet Club
MAY 20-25
SEC Baseball Tournament
Hoover Metropolitan Complex
MAY 26
Because of the Brave 5K 3727 Highway 119
JUNE 1
Sean of the South Presented by the Shelby County Arts Council
JUNE 6
Electric Avenue - The 80’s MTV Experience Presented by Iron City Bham
JUNE 13
Family Kickball Night Pelham Recreation Center
JUNE 13
Movies Under the Stars 555 Ballpark Road
JUNE 14
Run, Ride & Rumble for PTSD Awareness 4500 5th Avenue South
JUNE 20
Coco Jones with Lady London Presented by Iron City Bham
JUNE 21-23
Southern 12s L4 Tennis Tournament
Pelham Racquet Club
MAY 17 & JUNE 14
Helena Old Town Live
5-10 P.M.
Helena Amphitheater
Some of the best in the music scene will grace the stage at Helena Old Town Live, including Drayton Farley, John R. Miller and the LeAlan Carter Band on Saturday, May 17! The following month, Fuller, Cotter Hill and Adam Doleac will head the next show on Saturday, June 14. Between live music, vendor booths, family-friendly games and activities, there’s something for everyone at these free, outdoor events. Find more details at explorehelenaoldtown.com.
JUNE 27-28
Columbiana’s Liberty Day Festival
TIMES VARY
Main Street in Columbiana
Since its inception in 1986, Columbiana’s Liberty Day Festival has paid tribute to the Statue of Liberty and the men and women who have fought to preserve our nation’s freedoms. Join what will be thousands of attendees for this two-day festival, featuring the Liberty Day 5K, the Main Street parade, live entertainment, vendors’ booths, games, activities and more. Follow Liberty Day Festival on Facebook for updates.
ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom
6-9:30 P.M.
Open Field behind Dairy Queen off of Highway 280
Drawing more than 8,000 attendees last year, ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom is back again this June, featuring live entertainment, food vendors, family-friendly games, activities and more! To conclude the evening, there will be a grand fireworks display. This event is free and open to the public. To learn more, visit chelseafest.com.
STUDENTS’ CORNER
Tell your story to our communities.
Shelby Living wants to feature Shelby County students’ stories–especially graduating seniors. Tag @shelbylivingmagazine in your graduation photos on Instagram, and we will repost our favorites and publish a select few in our upcoming issue, too. Email annagrace.moore@shelbyliving.com for more information on how to submit your story to our magazine, and let your voice be heard. Congratulations, Class of 2025!
ARTS CULTURE&
ANOINTED ARTISTRY
Sue Frolander shares how an artist’s divine inspiration can yield a ripple effect of blessings for all humanity.
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE
PHOTOS
KELSEA SCHAFER
BY
AA slow waltz between brush and board, painting evokes every troubled Christian artist’s emotions as she desperately attempts to wrangle the depth of her talent on the blank canvas staring back at her. Her dwindling hope is waged against the fear her talent is nothing if not mundane.
Exactly who guides her hands through this journey is made known to her in time. Such an epiphany is often an artist’s enlightenment, and what she acquires from it is transformed into ministry.
Pelham-based artist Sue Frolander says she embarked on this creative journey young; however, she did not feel as though she fulfilled her talent until she could fathom the beauty in the ordinary.
The Oakland, California, native spent much of
her adolescence traversing the Western United States due to her father’s career. Growing up out West, now living in the South, she has cultivated a love for just how diverse an artist is God.
“My mother said I was born with a pencil in my hand,” she says, chuckling.
Bright-eyed and bubbling over with excitement, she remembers entering her first-ever art contest in the fourth grade. Just shy of 10 years old, she was challenged to listen to music and interpret what she heard visually.
Sue rationalized the long, drawn-out crescendoes must be deserts–dry spells in one’s cavity–as they fell to pianissimo, hushing in despair. She colored out distant peaks over the horizon in a rouge-hinted brown, weathering down her page with “strokes of
sand” scraping across the page.
To her surprise, she won a prize for that landscape chalk drawing. Little did she know how the Holy Spirit was sowing the seed of curiosity in her heart.
“The biggest piece of advice I ever got was from a fourth-grader, when I was drawing,” she says. “He said, ‘Well, you just draw what you see.’ So, that’s what I’ve always done–draw what I see.”
Fast-forward to 1989. Teenage Sue had just won another prize for a painting in her high school art class.
Fearless and full of confidence–a recipe for many, many learning lessons, she jokes–she started inviting people off the streets to her church, which then was located near the U.S. Naval Base close to her hometown.
A strapping, sun-bleached sailor, Jerry Frolander, first caught her eye, and while he agreed to attend one church service with her initially, he kept returning for the girl who captivated his heart. The
two tied the knot not long after and are celebrating 54 years of joyful union this year.
Time seemed to hasten, and before she knew it, Sue was being whisked away to Spain with Jerry on their first deployment together. A few years later, they returned to the U.S. with a baby souvenir as she says, their first-born daughter.
More bundles of joy soon followed, and Sue found herself nearly 30 years later as an empty-nester with time on her hands–something she had not experienced in decades.
A veteran of motherhood, she saw time to be a troubling thing if not something tangible in her hands. She decided to paint it away, returning with that childlike wonder that seemed to fuel her desire to create.
Picking up a few painting tricks, she went on to participate in a Sips ‘n Strokes class, where her instructor complimented Sue on her work, saying she ought to capitalize on her talent.
It was only then that she realized how she could be a good steward of her gift. Afterwards, the Lord sent Linda Harper her way.
“I started painting all of the children’s albums for her ministry, which is awesome, and that’s why I’m doing it for her because this is a real ministry that Linda is using to reach out to thousands and thousands of people that would never have it,” Sue says, later adding, “I pray about each one of them and ask the Lord to show me what he would have that picture depict.”
Linda, a renowned Christian singer, songwriter and musician, has spent the better part of her life in ministry, raising up thousands of children in the Gospel through teaching not only a love for worship, but also the love Christ Jesus has for all His children.
The dynamic duo realized they could reach even more children by combining their talents. The brainchild of their collaboration became an extension of Linda’s ministry, Linda Harper Music, which has produced hundreds of Christian songs for kids to learn about the Lord.
With the album covers designed and created by Sue, most music is accompanied by lesson plans or coloring books that she has also drawn or painted to encourage those listening to live out what they learn.
Watching children ask Jesus into their hearts is one of the most fulfilling rewards she could ever receive for her work,
Sue says.
Yet, the Lord was not done sowing her talent. Over time, Sue continued to paint divinely inspired portraits of the Lord or of His creation, often blessing those in need with paintings created just for them.
Reflecting on a time of intercession, Sue says God told her, “‘Your pictures bring peace. A person that’s needing relief can walk into the picture, be a part of the picture and feel less stress, feel peace in their spirit. That’s what your
ministry is–painting peace.’”
Soon, she adopted some of her adolescent confidence and began creating what she calls “scripture bags.”
These little ditties have a laminated, handpainted note of encouragement featuring a Bible verse. Along with a tiny cross and perhaps a goodie or two, these blessings are all wrapped neatly in a cellophane bag that she cuts and ties for recipients.
Now more than double the age she was witnessing on the streets, Sue says she prayed to the Lord for Him to guide her just as He did then. She did not know, at the time, why she was creating these bags or who they were for; however, she did know that when God spoke, she listened.
“People are so lonely that they need something tangible to know they’re loved,” she says, recalling Jesus’ message to her. “You get a card in the mail, and it just lightens your day.”
So, off she went, bags in tow. Doctor’s offices, supermarkets, gas stations–if one can name it, Sue says she has likely happened upon such a location, giving her scripture bags to anyone who
Raise Them Up Right
Parents interested in teaching their children about Jesus can visit lindaharpermusic.store or subscribe to Linda Harper Music’s YouTube channel to listen to free music designed to teach the Gospel. Album cover art, as well as many educational pieces, were created by Sue Frolander, who hopes every child feels the love of Christ through her art.
might need a dose of serenity or a little pick-me-up from heaven.
Time disguised as fear–that old, familiar companion–crept in, and Sue says she wondered if her art was making a difference. It was not until she went shopping one day that God revealed the impact of her obedience.
“One day, we went to the thrift store,” she says. “I started to hand the lady one of these bags, and she said, ‘Oh, you gave me one of these a long time ago, and I’ve loved it!’ She pulled it out from underneath the counter. She still had it! The stuff was still in it.”
Later that same day, Sue went to another store, once again offering a scripture bag to a store associate.
“She said, ‘Oh, you gave me one of these one time! Will you pray with me?’ So, I prayed for her,” Sue says.
After she finished shopping, she went to a nearby restaurant for lunch and found yet another opportunity to bless someone else. To what was Sue’s surprise but is no shock now, the cashier also recognized her, thanking her for such a sweet sentiment.
“She came over to the table afterwards and said, ‘Oh, you don’t know how much this means to me today because you gave it to me at the [drive-thru] window before, and it really was what I needed. Today, I really needed it, and I thank you for it. Will you pray for me?’ And, I did,” Sue says.
All she did was offer something she thought was so ordinary. Even still, the Lord revealed to her just how impactful her creations such as chalk drawings, album covers, coloring books or even pocket-size bags can be when utilized to empower and inspire His ultimate creation.
Because art is the physical manifestation of divine inspiration, Sue says one can channel her ingenuity into something creative and watch as Jesus reveals His love to her and through her, His love for all the world.
Talent is simply a kiss blown by God to humanity. Where it catches fire and changes lives is in the hearts of those who seek to pay their talents forward, thereby revealing the beauty in this broken world.
To get in touch with Sue Frolander about her art ministry or inquire about commissions, contact graceways.gallery@gmail.com.
THE SHINDIGS OF SUMMER
The Shelby County Arts Council is gearing up for a “summer of fun” this season.
BY LINDSAY DYESS
PHOTO BY BUTCH OGLESBY
The next exhibit opening in the EBSCO fine art gallery will be “Return to the B-Side,” the art of Tony Brock and Andrew Cost on Thursday, May 22. The inspiration for this exhibit comes from a B-Side group art show Tony launched in Tuscaloosa in 2012.
“The name is derived from the undiscovered gems you might find on the other side (the B-Side) of an old 45RPM record,” Tony says. “The name could also be interpreted as art that’s less traditional. In all actuality, the art included in a B-Side show can best be described as Pop-Art or Pop-Surrealism. Both my and Andrew’s art follows the B-Side path with nods to nostalgic pop-culture imagery including music, movies and comics. Pop-culture is a fun genre to interpret artistically.”
Join us for the “Return to the B-Side” gallery opening reception on Thursday, May 22 from 6-8 p.m. This reception is free and open to the public.
We have some great shows for you all in the Song Theater. Three on String return to the Song Theater on Saturday, May 17 with some of your favorite tunes. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Sean of the South will also perform on Sunday, June 1. If you haven’t seen one of his performances yet, what are you waiting for? Writer Sean Dietrich
brings his stories of life in the South to the stage with songs and special musical guests. Ticket information for these performances is available on shelbycountyartscouncil.com.
Be sure to come to support our talented SCAC music students at our summer music recital on Sunday, June 8, starting at 2 p.m. There will be a variety of performances in guitar, piano and voice from our students and instructors. This recital is free, and the public is welcome to attend!
June is also summer theater camp month at the SCAC! This summer’s performance will be some of your favorite selections from the classic, educational, musical short films, “Schoolhouse Rock!” Our theater camp, “Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr.,” will take place from June 11-13 and June 16-20 with the final performance on Saturday, June 21. Sing along to some of your favorite Saturday morning “Schoolhouse Rock” songs while learning about mathematics, grammar, science, history, civics and much more! Camp is for ages 7-18 and will cost $250 per person. Visit shelbycountyartscouncil. com for registration and information.
To follow everything happening at the Shelby County Arts Council, follow us on Facebook, Instagram (@shelby_county_arts) or visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com or call 205-6690044.
Stories of Summer
Recommendations from Rebecca Thrasher Burchfield
Library Supervisor at the Pelham Public Library
The Misfits: A Copycat Conundrum
By Lisa Yee | Fiction
For the past eight years, Rebecca Thrasher Burchfield has served the Pelham Public Library as Library Supervisor for Children’s Services. Some of her favorite coming-of-age stories are ones about tweens figuring out just how brave, kind or smart they really are through tales of adventure and resilience. With summer approaching, Rebecca recommends these five reading selections tweens will dive into cover-to-cover this season.
When a classmate starts receiving threatening notes, Olive Cobin Zang and the Misfits are on the case. Is it a coincidence that small earthquakes start shaking up San Francisco? It appears that some of the pieces in an art museum are being swapped for fakes, too. Fans of fast-paced crime-solving will enjoy this adventure!
Hoops
By Matt Tavares | Fiction
Based on a true story, it’s 1975 in Indiana, and the Lady Bears of Wilkins Regional High School are building their basketball team from scratch. This includes making their own uniforms, practicing at the elementary school and getting help from the art teacher-turned-coach. All they want is an equal chance as they set their eyes on the state championship.
The Mona Lisa Vanishes
By Nicholas Day | Non-Fiction
This is the true story of how the theft of the “Mona Lisa” transformed it into the most famous painting in the world. Complete with conspiracy theories, sensational ideas and a few secrets behind the painting, this book is a must for any fans of this mysterious piece of art!
Healer of the Water Monster
By Brian Young | Fiction
Nathan is ready for a calm summer with his grandmother, Nali, on the Navajo reservation where she lives. When he discovers that something is eating Nali’s heirloom seeds, he finds an injured water monster named Pond, who is invisible to adults, as they can no longer see such beings. Soon Nathan is off on an incredible journey to the “Third World” to help heal both Pond and his own family.
Something Like Home
By Andrea Beatriz Arango | Fiction
When Laura Rodríguez Colón is made to go live with her aunt, Titi Silvia, she forms a plan to live with her parents again. Suddenly, she finds a lost puppy, and her plan changes. Maybe a therapy dog can get her a chance to visit her parents! This novel in verse is sure to touch the heart of anyone who has ever wanted to feel at home.
When two leading healthcare systems come together, extraordinary things happen. As Baptist Health Shelby Hospital — now strengthened by award-winning healthcare leader Orlando Health — we are bringing you expert medical care with the patient-first approach you deserve. With an even brighter future ahead, we’re excited to enhance exceptional, faith-based care in your community. Giving you more reasons to choose well. BaptistHealthAL.com/ShelbyHospital
SCHOOL SPORTS&
BATTLE TESTED
The Lady Hornets compete in the team’s first state championship in program history.
BY SARAH TURNER
PHOTOS BY ROBERT DEAN AND DAWN HARRISON
BBirmingham was buzzing on Saturday, March 1.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s basketball state finals were underway, and 14 new champions from across the state would be crowned.
However, few teams brought as big of a crowd to Legacy Arena at the BJCC as the Chelsea Hornets did. Swaths of royal blue filed in to watch Shelby County’s very own take a shot at even more history.
The phrase “the road ends here” was displayed on the arena video boards. Every team, coach, player and parent knew how important this moment was.
Looking around the arena, it almost seemed like it could’ve been a home game for the Hornets—the Chelsea community showed up in full force. The Hornets had a tall task in defeating the formidable
Park Crossing Thunderbirds out of Montgomery, who had only lost one game all season.
This was a huge milestone for Chelsea’s program—playing in the team’s first-ever state championship. Yet, there were moments throughout the season where even playing in this game didn’t seem like a remote possibility.
After their eighth loss of the season on Jan. 4, Chelsea head coach Jason Harlow said he found himself wondering if his squad would even win 20 games this year.
Jason is a Missouri transplant who took the reins of the Chelsea High School girls basketball program seven years ago and has done nothing but raise the bar since. This year’s senior class has made it to the
Elite Eight or better in three of their four years as Hornets.
Jason knew the standard he had set would continue into this season, when he saw his 2023-24 team walk off the court for the last time after an Elite Eight loss to Hewitt-Trussville.
“Knowing what we had coming back, I felt like we were ahead of schedule for this year,” Jason says.
This year’s squad had four seniors—all of whom played a major role in last year’s postseason. Jason knew that players such as Caroline Brown, Sadie Schwallie, Sydney Caroll and Haley Trotter were going to make an unprecedented impact on the program.
Haley will walk away from the program as the alltime leading scorer and rebounder in Chelsea basketball history, and all four players are a part of
the winningest class in program history.
“I remember walking out of the press conference at the [Elite Eight] and kind of taking Caroline Brown and Haley Trotter aside and saying, you know, we’ve got to learn from this,” Jason says. “We have potential to be back in this game next year if we do things the right way.”
This season meant a move down to 6A for the Hornets; although, the move didn’t make their season easier by any means. Adversity defined the Hornets’ 2024-25 season, demonstrated by the gauntlet of a schedule the team played early on.
The Hornets played Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Bob Jones and Hillcrest all before January, and all five teams ended their seasons ranked in the top 20 in the state. Jason explained that playing this schedule only benefited the
Hornets as it would prepare them for the second half of the season.
It allowed for players to develop into leadership roles as well.
“We’re battle tested, and there’s nothing we hadn’t seen from an athletic standpoint or a philosophical standpoint,” he says.
With all of these tough games, some tough losses came, too. The Hornets, who were expected to be a major player in Class 6, were now 12-8 after a road trip to Pontotoc, who ended up winning the Mississippi state championship.
Then, something clicked, and the wins started rolling in.
“Right after Christmas time, I felt like our seniors really stepped up from the leadership standpoint as we got into area play,” Jason says.
The Hornets went on to win 19 straight games by an average of 27 points. Jason credits that success with the work ethic and culture of his team and players.
“I think we’re a defensive-oriented team, and the Chelsea community is full of that,” Jason says. “It’s kind of a blue collar community, south of Birmingham, and kind of how our kids play.”
He tells his players that if you work hard, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish, especially when you’re around people who all value that sentiment. He explains it’s difficult to make it through the Chelsea girls basketball program on purpose, from conditioning all the way to the weight room, because he knows it develops an unbreakable bond.
“It’s just kind of a sisterhood that develops with that,” he says.
The grittiness and scrappiness that the Hornets had developed in practice together took them further than a Chelsea team had ever been before. Chelsea was now gearing up to take on Mountain Brook in the state semifinals, who they lost to on the road back in December, 51-49.
Jason knew there was a chance his squad would see the Spartans again with the way the bracket
every child takes center stage.
played out, and he knew how important that rematch would be. The Hornets came out on top when it mattered most, putting on a dominant defensive show, winning 56-28 to advance to the state championship.
“That felt like they really took care of business,” he says, later adding, “I was extremely proud of them.”
Just two short days later, championship game day arrived, and it was do or die for Chelsea.
“I think we felt good about the way we were playing,” he says. “I think we also understood that we had an enormous task ahead of us.”
The Hornets won the tip and had possession of the ball first but struggled with rebounding and creating opportunities to get shots off in the first half.
Chelsea found no answers for Saniya Jackson—one of the state’s best players—and went into the locker room down 24-14.
However, the Hornets did what they do best, doing their own blue collar work to cut the lead to just three points after Sadie nailed a triple as time wound down in the fourth quarter.
Chelsea wouldn’t go down without a fight, but the Thunderbirds ultimately emerged as state champions, sealing
At Children’s of Alabama, kids are the center of our world and our mission is to provide the very best care available to every child. It’s why we are here.
1600
the deal 49-39.
“It was poetic justice that they made it to the state finals,” Jason says.
The Hornets ended the season as the number 11 team in the state, and younger players such as sophomores Olivia Pryor and Juliann Bass, who played in the state final along with the seniors, will continue the Chelsea precedent that has been set.
“We have a lot of kids coming back that have playoff experience that have played in a lot of big
games,” Jason says. “We know they’ll step up from leadership standpoints, and hopefully, we find ourselves next year in a similar situation.”
He is confident in the legacy that this team has left not only on the program, but also on the entire Chelsea community.
“There’s going to be a lot of little girls that got to watch those kids that want to be the next Haley Trotter or Sadie Schwallie,” Jason says. “They’ll do great things and only take this program further.”
We want the early learning years to be an experience that truly delights both parents and their children. We commit to pursuing excellence in all areas so that the years spent with us are an investment in the child’s future. Our desire to continually set standards and exceed expectations sets the stage for a childcare experience that families are excited to be a part of!
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
5
Lilla Ray
Miss Spain Park 2025
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
On Saturday, Jan. 25, Spain Park High School crowned Lilla Ray as its Miss Spain Park, as well as its Miss Photogenic. Lilla, a senior, is actively involved in peer helpers, FCCLA, National Honor Society and even works part-time at TherapySouth Riverchase. Among her many roles, she considers her daily task of modeling kindness and respect for her fellow students to be her most important responsibility and what kind of legacy she hopes to leave behind after graduation. Here, she details her gratitude for winning this competition.
How did it feel to win Miss Spain Park?
When I realized that I won Miss Spain Park, I was immediately overcome with gratitude and felt honored to be chosen. I was also shocked as I have never competed in a pageant before. I was proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone, and I felt so much love and support from my friends and family. It was a very special moment for me to share with them.
How has your participation in extracurriculars contributed to your becoming a more well-rounded student?
I have served as a peer helper for three years. Currently, I am the vice president of FCCLA. I also am a member of both the Latin and math honor societies at Spain Park, as well as National Honor Society. Outside of school, I serve on the Sweetheart Service Guild, Spain Park Young Life and I currently work part-time as a physical therapy tech at TherapySouth Riverchase. I feel my involvement in various activities has allowed me to develop new skills and
perspectives that have greatly contributed to my personal growth. I also believe the experience I’ve gained has contributed to me being a well-rounded student.
What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate from Spain Park, I plan to attend the University of Alabama–Roll Tide! I’m still undecided on my major, but I have confidence that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. With that being said, even though I don’t know what I plan to pursue as a career, I definitely see myself helping and encouraging people five or 10 years down the road. One thing I am sure about is that no matter what life throws my way, I will continue to stay true to myself and always let my true personality shine through.
What has been the most impactful moment of your high school career thus far?
Reflecting on my four years at Spain Park, the most impactful moment came at the end of my junior year when I experienced a significant change that
shaped my senior year. While it took some time to adjust, it became a tremendous learning opportunity. I realized that the things I once deemed most important do not define me at all. God has a greater plan–one that always works out and leads to bigger and better things, often when you least expect it. I truly grasped this when I was crowned Miss Spain Park!
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen, in order to help them make the most of their time at Spain Park High School?
My advice to incoming freshmen is to remember to take a step back from all the new things happening around you and focus on yourself. It is important to set goals for yourself whether they’re big or small. Also, just simply enjoy your time because Spain Park is a wonderful school. One day, you’re getting lost in the halls on your first day, and then, you blink, and you’re walking the halls for the last time. Four years truly can feel like just four months!
FOOD DRINK&
A DASH OF SOUL
The Steakhouse of Helena is thriving under new ownership, paying tribute to its legacy of inspired chefs.
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE
PHOTOS BY UNTOLD IMAGERY
TThe pride of Helena Old Town, The Steakhouse of Helena offers an inviting yet unpretentious atmosphere, ushering customers both young and young-at-heart through its doors and escorting them back in time as evidenced by the building’s exposed brick and rustic charm.
Wafting through the air, the scent of collard greens basting in ham hocks or peach cobbler bubbling in the oven engulfs the restaurant in a sweet haze. All of the menu items are seasoned with perfection–many meals having been labors of love taking decades to perfect and serve to the customers’ delight.
Now, the steakhouse sports two new owners, who are excited to carry on the restaurant’s Southern hospitality, adding their own twist on tradition. Enter stage right, co-owners Yohonna Johnson and Duncan Ndungu.
A Huntsville native, Yohonna first made the trek to the Magic City to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham, studying business. While in college, she started working in the food industry
to support herself.
This journey took her down many avenues within the industry: working as a dishwasher, hostess, server and now, entrepreneur. In March 2016, she opened her first business, Sylvia’s Catering, as a tribute to her first role-model, her mother.
“She gave my brother and I a very good life,” Yohonna says, later adding, “It was only right that I pay homage to my mother because everything that I am is because of her.”
Yohonna first began preparing small meals for friends and family out of her home, but as her clientele grew, so did her business’ demands. She relocated her workspace to a commissary kitchen and worked to expand her menu, focusing on classic, Southern dishes inspired by Sylvia’s recipes.
During this time, she also began working at the Bywater Oyster Bar & Grill in Trussville, where she first met Duncan. After the Bywater closed and relocated to Helena Old Town, Yohonna and Duncan followed along, working at the restaurant’s new location.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about tough times financially for the industry, and the Helena location eventually closed in 2021. Still wanting to keep her catering business afloat, Yohonna recruited Duncan for his managerial and cooking expertise, and now, Sylvia’s Catering is celebrating its ninth anniversary and serves hundreds of clients a year.
“Duncan is such a phenomenal guy,” Yohonna says. “He’s taught me probably 80 percent of everything I know in this business. He is so multifaceted.”
New ownership moved into the former seafood restaurant’s space in Old Town, transforming the building into a vintage, Southern-inspired steakhouse. In 2022, the building’s owner contacted Yohonna and Duncan about purchasing the steakhouse, having met them both through their working at the Bywater years previously.
Though the team initially refused the offer, they were met with a counter offer in March 2023 that was too good to pass up. Thus, The Steakhouse of
Helena, as locals know it today, was born.
“I’ve been blessed with some pretty amazing positions over the years,” Yohonna says, smiling.
Strolling inside the steakhouse, one is first greeted with cheerful salutations as he is escorted to his table. Looking around, he notices the building’s brick peeking through the weather-worn walls, revealing its rich history dating back to the early 1900s.
At first glance of the menu, he takes into account the plethora of Southern, homestyle dishes–all inspired by the restaurant’s chefs and their families’ recipes. Staples such as the smothered porkchop and chicken and dressing are hot commodities, always peaking at the top of the most customerrecommended items.
Yohonna says longtime fans love the signature ribeye–pair it with the homestyle mashed potatoes, seared broccoli and iced tea, and one will experience a symphony of flavor in every bite. On Sundays, many customers choose Sylvia’s pot roast, which is
a recipe Yohonna has emulated for the restaurant and has seen thrive in each of her customers’ smiles as they take their first bites.
The chicken tetrazzini, too, is another fan-favorite and tastes like a delicacy alongside either the roasted green beans or the menu’s famous creamed corn. Of course, one would be remiss not to sample the restaurant’s oldest recipe–Southern fried chicken, hand battered and fried till golden brown and piping hot–best served with housemade macand-cheese and collard greens.
“Everyone loves our salmon, too,” Yohonna says. “We do a seared salmon with a honey garlic drizzle that’s really amazing.”
While the menu sports a variety of classic dishes, Yohonna says they are delicious only because they
are “dashed with a bit of soul,” reminiscent of those who first helped her develop a love for food and the gaps food bridges in relationships. She grew up cooking with her mother and grandmothers, and even decades later, she still strives to invest the love they had into the recipes she creates today.
Now two years into co-owning The Steakhouse of Helena, Yohonna says she and Duncan have made a fine pair, but the business’ success has been a team effort. She credits the restaurant’s head chef Brian and head server Amber for their time and talents in creating the reputation of the steakhouse today.
“Brian is so hardworking,” she says. “It’s very rare that you meet someone like Brian in the business. He’s consistent, he’s a hard worker, he doesn’t
complain. He shows up every day and gives 300 percent. He has been instrumental in running the kitchen.”
While customers may dine for the first time for gossip of good food, Yohonna says they keep coming back because their experiences exceed their expectations. This culture of hospitality is first created by the staff, starting with warm greetings at the front door.
“Anything that needs to be done in that restaurant, even in the kitchen, Amber is going to make sure it
gets done,” she says. “She is our right hand. We couldn’t do it without her.”
A 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Yohonna says nothing has beat being able to work hand-in-hand with Duncan, running her dream businesses. When she started out, she was a struggling student, trying to make ends meet.
Today, she is living her dream, providing for her family and paying tribute to the people who have invested into her dream. None of this, she says, would be possible without the support of local patrons.
“We are so grateful for the love and support that we have received from everyone in Shelby County,” she says. “I can’t express how thankful we are for that. It’s so special to us.”
Looking forward, Yohonna hopes to continue serving Shelby County for many more years to come, growing The Steakhouse of Helena’s reputation as the best steakhouse in town, and arguably, the South.
The Steakhouse of Helena is located at 4085 Helena Road. It is open Wednesday-Saturday from 4-9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, follow the business on Facebook (The Steakhouse of Helena).
Voted Best Dental Practice in Shelby County 2025
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
John Bernard General Manager of Cattywampus
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
The new bar on the block and all the rage in downtown Columbiana is none other than Cattywampus–the city’s own speakeasy-inspired bar on Main Street. Newly opened in January 2025, Cattywampus’ general manager John Bernard believes this local watering hole both pays tribute to the history of the building with the exposed, 100-year-old brick interior and copper bar top, as well as gives a nod to the “cattywampus” position of the building–hence the unique moniker. Here, John details the origin story of Cattywampus and the best items to order on the menu.
How did you get started in the food and drink industry?
I started as a dishwasher in a sports pub, when I was 17 years old. Twenty-nine years later, the only position between the front and the back of the house that I haven’t worked is as a chef. Before moving to Alabama to open Cattywampus, I was the head bartender of Porco Lounge & Tiki Room in Cleveland, Ohio.
What is the origin story behind Cattywampus?
Cattywampus means anything that is askew or diagonally positioned. The intersection at 100 North Main Street is not straight–it’s a little cattywampus. Our building is currently two stories but was once three stories–it’s a little cattywampus, too. Some folks think opening a cocktail and spirits lounge on Main Street in Columbiana is very “cattywampus.” Overall, cattywampus is a word that one of
the bar’s owners uses all of the time, and it just stuck.
How did you create the menu?
The menu is an ongoing collaboration between the staff and our patrons. The Pickle-Tini, Columbiana Margarita and Espresso Affogato were created by staff in response to what folks like around here. The Triple Whiskey Old Fashioned, Strawberry French 75, Jungle Bird and Dirty Martini are all classic drinks that folks around here deserve to have.
What are the best items to order on the menu and why?
You can order drinks on and off the menu because we have a variety of spirits and house-made syrups and mixers. You can stop by for happy hour and get a Habanero Margarita or Whiskey Sour. If you want an after-dinner drink, try a Butter Pecan Martini poured over our
house-made vanilla ice cream. If you’re having a rough day, get a Long Island Iced Tea or a Zombie.
For your more adventurous customers, which beverages are both bold and terrific?
The Chai Old Fashioned is an unusual mix of house-made spiced chai tea and Irish whiskey. It’s smooth, a little sweet, a little spicy and a little smokey. The Cat. 5 Hurricane is tart, citrusy and sweetened with Fashionola syrup. The Pickle-Tini is exactly what you think: Pickle juice and vodka served with a sandwich-style sliced pickle.
Cattywampus is located at 100 North Main Street in Columbiana. It is open Tuesday-Thursday from 3-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday from 3-11 p.m.; and Sunday from 2-9 p.m. For more information, visit mycattywampus.com.
HOME STYLE&
INSPIRED MEMENTOS
Benard and Brianna Tamburello’s Shoal Creek home pays tribute to their familial legacies.
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE
PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER
EEnveloped in a patch of serenity, this waterfront manor lies in the heart of Shoal Creek, sporting breathtaking views of the surrounding forestry and golf course. First built in 1991, the house has hardly been updated and is still the staple of artistic opulence decades later.
Benard and Brianna Tamburello first happened upon this beauty when searching for their “forever home.” Benard’s cousin Ben Tamburello, who is a real estate broker with ARC Realty, connected them with then homeowners Richard and Eta Yeary, who were only the second owners of this house and yet had lived in it since ‘93.
Funnily enough, the Yearys–prior to living in Shoal Creek–were residents of Mountain Brook and ended up selling their home to Roger Bass, who first built this house in Shoal Creek. The two families simply “swapped houses” and remain friends to this day.
Ben knew this creekside estate was both spacious and sentimental, making it the perfect fit for his
cousins who pride family above all else. On closing day, during the first hour of owning their new home, Benard and Brianna opened their front door, and a bird who had lived above the front porch for years flew inside, spending nearly an hour “welcoming” them into the home.
Brianna chuckles, remembering how long it took to get the bird back outside. Now, she excitedly waits for the nest’s eggs to hatch this summer.
In addition to this rather unorthodox greeting, the Tamburellos have come to love everything about their home. They believe it was a blessing from the Lord and have chosen to honor this gift by paying tribute to their familial legacies. Strolling through the home, one will see every room is adorned with artwork or artifacts, reminiscent of their family’s spirituality and culture.
Nestled in nature, the property flaunts some terrific sights, but its true beauty lies within each four-walled room–the memories of loved ones preserved through such sentimental mementos.
The heart of the home, the kitchen is where fellowship first brews. With their love language being hospitality, the Tamburellos spend much of their time laboring over meals, bonding with their loved ones in this generational birthplace of fellowship.
Breakfast Nook
Providing some respite before busy days, this homey dining area is engulfed in natural light that seeps through the windows each morning. The Mexican terracotta tiles that extend throughout the kitchen and nook were all handlaid and add a sense of warmth to the home.
This acrylic-on-wood depicts a street vendor in a lively, open-air market in Syracuse, Italy. While visiting the market, Benard says vendors would constantly yell out how they have the “best” bread or fish or jewelry–no matter what they were selling. Everyone was selling “only the best.” He and Brianna purchased this piece from a Syracusian artist so as never to forget the locals’ vivacious spirit.
Coffee Room
This gorgeous room adjacent to the kitchen is where the Tamburellos enjoy their coffee in the mornings.
An original by Gina Hurry, this painting, “Tree of Life,” was gifted to Brianna by Benard for their wedding anniversary.
These wood paintings, as well as the sculptures adorning the kitchen counter on page ___, are traditional, Sicilian wedding gifts to ensure good luck and many blessings in a couple’s marriage.
Renowned Birmingham artist Nelson Grice loves Vecchia Pizzeria & Mercato. He gifted this sculpture of Pulcinella to Benard and Brianna as a wedding present. Pulcinella first originated as a recurring character–often a plebian in the 17th century–in comical skits performed by the Italian Commedia dell’arte. This character is known for having his fair share of troubles, but he always finds a way forward, usually garnering some laughs along the way.
Master Bedroom
Handcrafted by Upcycle Birmingham, the master suite’s headboard is made of recycled wood from a barn in Kentucky. Preserving lovefilled memories, the potted lily in the window nook is nearly 45 years old and was first planted at Brianna’s grandmother’s memorial.
Master Bathroom
This spacious room’s light, sophisticated feel is complemented by the marbled vanity and shower, as well as the freestanding tub.
Benard’s father Benard Tamburello, Sr. loved to water ski, and he autographed this pair skis before he passed. Today, they rest in the entryway as a sweet reminder of his legacy.
Entryway
Adorning the entryway is a bench dating back to 1800s England. It was gifted to the Tamburello family by Eta, who previously owned an antique market.
Dining Room
This gorgeous tablescape is decorated with remnants of their blended families’ histories. The white china, which was Benard’s mother’s wedding china, has been in his family for more than 50 years. The red china was gifted to Brianna by her mother, who has been collecting intimate pieces as keepsakes for her daughter for years. Even the beautiful character cups, which were made in Milan, Italy, were gifted to them by their friends.
Living Room
The formal living room is decorated top-to-bottom with beautiful pieces of art.
Another original by Gina Hurry, this awe-inspiring portrait of the Virgin Mary was hand-painted onto an unscretched canvas, mimicking the effect of painted tapestries in Biblical times.
Guest Bedroom
When guests come to stay, they have the pleasure of staying in this bespoke bedroom, whose great window offers a beautiful view of the front lawn.
Grace Unleashed
Rescue, rehabilitate and rehome—the three-legged mantra of A Place for Annie has become the saving grace for many animals in need.
By Anna Grace Moore | Photos by Kelsea Schafer
Dogs, donkeys and horses–oh, my! Love knows no bounds at A Place for Annie, where all animals are honored as part of God’s creation.
The brainchild of husband-andwife duo Eddie and Georgia Claridy, A Place for Annie is an animal sanctuary located on the Claridys’ six-acre property in Wilsonville. Founded in 2019, the nonprofit first began taking in abused or neglected canines and equines, in an attempt to provide a safe haven for these animals to live out the rest of their days.
Currently boasting a roster of 18 different dogs, donkeys and horses, the sanctuary not only takes in disabled, elderly, special needs or hard-to-place animals, but it also helps rescue and rehome stray animals in Jefferson, Shelby and Chilton counties. Although, Eddie and Georgia have driven as far as Pennsylvania and back to save even just one animal’s life.
None of the sanctuary’s residents are up for adoption. Instead, they all live together happily as one big family.
“When I started volunteering, I began to frequent disenfranchised shelters, and I started taking home the deaf, the blind, the partially paralyzed, the hospice,” Georgia says. “We began to collect these animals. Then, we both became immersed in animal advocacy with the Animal League of Birmingham.”
Thirteen years into running the sanctuary, Eddie says they have helped save more than 400 animals.
“A lot of animals may never have touched our hands, but we facilitate them,” he says. “We’ll see one through social media and say, ‘I’m going to find this one a home.’”
The Claridys have never turned down an opportunity to help rescue an animal in need. Their reputation
as animal advocates has spread throughout the state of Alabama, with some shelters calling monthly about finding homes for longtime stays on euthanasia lists.
“We are one of the worst states in the country to be a dog, cat, any animal,” Georgia says. “The only way out of this crisis is to spay and neuter and adopt.”
The catalyst for this compassionate ministry ignited in 2012, when Georgia saw a three-legged Labrador stray, Max, debut on a TV segment, “Pet of the Week.” She rescued him, giving him to her own son, Gabriel, who was a student at the University of Montevallo at the time.
“Max lived at the frat house in Montevallo and
went everywhere with Gabriel,” Georgia says, chuckling. “When we adopted him, that just kind of stirred something over in me.”
A blink of an eye passed, and Georgia found herself rescuing two other three-legged dogs–one of whom gave the sanctuary its name, Annie, the sweetest, little Cocker Spaniel. In 2019, the Claridys moved from where they lived in Leeds to their current home in Wilsonville, downsizing their house but increasing their acreage to provide respite for more animals in need.
Now, they work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to care for their residents–many requiring around-the-clock medical attention and care. Yet, they would not have it any other way.
A Cast of Characters
Take a look at A Place for Annie’s residents’ names, breeds and suspected ages:
uHubba Bubba: Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix, 12
uRocky (JR Martinez): Maltipoo, 13
uMallie Ann: Pug-Chihuahua mix, 14
uBiggie Smalls: Chihuahua, 5
uChaney Louise: Terrier mix, 13
uEmmy Lou: Terrier, 8
uRufus Edward: Chihuahua, 9
uBeatrice Inez (Bea): Pitbull, 10
uTJ Maxx: Pitbull-Pointer mix, 2
uBuster Clyde: Black and Tan Hound, Age Unknown
uMolly Ringwald: Chihuahua, 6
uPedro Carmean: Chihuahua, 5 Months Old
uSir Elton John (EJ): Standard donkey, Age Unknown
uKiki Dee: Mammoth donkey, Age Unknown
uApollo Too: Mammoth donkey, 1
uPeaches Diane: Mini horse, Age Estimated between 8-10
uBrown Betty (Bebe): Mini horse, Age Estimated at 3
uKookie Elizabeth: Quarter Horse, 17
“It’s something that we feel called to do,” Georgia says.
She and Eddie have named every one of their animals, often conjuring up unique monikers after famous musicians or actors. Sir Elton John “EJ,” for example, is a Standard donkey who first came to A Place for Annie after having been neglected for 10 years.
Georgia says donkeys are herd animals who need community, but he lived alone, scrounging for food and water–basic necessities–for the past decade. She notes that donkeys are extremely intelligent animals.
Historically, she says they have also been overlooked or misunderstood; yet, they play significant roles in the Bible and are one of only two animals God allowed to speak in the Old Testament.
“Donkeys are the chosen mode of transportation of the living God,” Georgia says. “Jesus did not ride
into Bethlehem on a horse. He rode in on a donkey for a reason.”
They take all of their animals seriously, she says. In fact, one of the sanctuary’s Mammoth donkeys–Kiki Dee–came all the way from Signal Mountain, Tennessee, to live at the sanctuary, but little did anyone know that she was pregnant.
In April 2024, Kiki Dee gave birth to Apollo Too–named after Georgia’s 39-year-old rescue horse who passed away the previous October. After Kiki Dee began showing, Eddie spent months researching how to assist in animal births.
During the wee hours of the morning, Eddie actually delivered Apollo Too on his own because the veterinarian was unavailable. He says for a guy who sells insurance as a living, helping a donkey give birth was so far out of his wheelhouse but was an incredible experience to witness.
“It’s the only new life we’ve ever had here, and it’s
the only new life we ever intend to get because that’s not our mission, but it sure was nice,” Georgia says.
Because space is limited, A Place for Annie only takes in canines and equines coming from extreme situations. Two of the sanctuary’s horses, Peaches Diane and Brown Betty “Bebe,” survived a barn fire that killed 17 other horses.
Most of the canine residents are rescues coming from terrible conditions. One in particular, Beatrice Inez or “Bea” for short, has had arguably the worst life out of any of the other animals before coming to
live at the sanctuary.
When first picked up by Sylacauga Animal Shelter, Bea was pregnant, malnourished, ridden with fleas and even had pellet holes throughout her body. Having been a long-term stay at the shelter, Bea risked being euthanized if she was not adopted soon.
Georgia, while visiting the shelter, noticed Bea and decided to help her find a home. She ended up finding a home for Bea, but her new family’s other dog attacked and nearly killed her not long
afterwards.
When Georgia found out, she adopted her right away, but she was no longer the loving, trusting dog Georgia had first met.
“She’s my favorite because if she wasn’t my favorite, she wouldn’t be anybody’s favorite,” Georgia says. “Everybody needs to be somebody’s favorite.”
The most amazing miracles happen when one opens her heart to love. One fateful night, the barn near the Claridys’ camper caught on fire. Their daughter Randel, who just so happened to be sleeping inside of the camper, never heard the commotion.
However, Bea did. She began barking with all of her might, running up and down the fence.
“I walked out there, and Bea was just going crazy,” Eddie says, initially unaware of the danger. “I turned the corner, and [the barn] was on fire!”
Bea barked for so long and so loudly that she woke up Eddie and Georgia, who were able to rescue their daughter and help put out the fire right before the property would have gone up in flames. Because of Bea–the dog who had been abused by humans the majority of her life–numerous people and other animals’ lives were saved that night.
As a thank you, Georgia wrote the children’s book, “Beatrice,” honoring the rescue who, because of the second chance she was given, was able to rescue countless others. Georgia says she hopes Bea inspires others to lead lives of compassion, learning to love beyond appearances.
“God did not create us in the same image, but He created us to share the same space,” she says, later adding, “we are called to be good stewards of animals.”
While Eddie and Georgia may never be able to rescue every stray, they say they will never stop advocating for animal rights, furthering their mission to rescue and rehome every two or fourlegged friend–and all those in between–that comes their way. After all, God’s love knows no bounds.
Thus, theirs does not, either.
To learn more information about A Place for Annie or make inquiries about animals in need, follow the nonprofit on Facebook (A Place for Annie, A Canine Sanctuary).
SHELBY LIVING’S
BEST OF THE BEST WINNERS 2025
Who’s the best? We asked, and you answered. Thousands of votes were cast in Shelby Living Magazine’s annual Best of the Best contest. Read on to find out our readers’ favorites in Shelby County.
Photos by Sydney Allen & Contributed
FOOD & DRINK
BEST ASIAN CUISINE
Panda House 750 Colonial Promenade Pkwy., Suite 4900 Alabaster, AL 35007 205-620-0833
Runners Up: Golden City –Columbiana, Hunan Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
BEST CAJUN CUISINE
Cajun Boys & Our Poboys 3120 Hwy. 52 West Pelham, AL 35124 205-624-4612
Sara Beth’s Gymnasts 10699 Old Hwy. 280, Bldg. 2, Suite 2 Chelsea, AL 35043 205-910-3668
Runners Up: That’s The Pointe Dance Studio, Calera Dance Academy
BEST DRY CLEANER
Champion Cleaners – Calera 4204 U.S. 31 Calera, AL 35040 205-668-4727
Runners Up: W&S Cleaners, Deluxe Cleaners
BEST EVENT/WEDDING VENUE
Henley Estates – The Barn at Henley 247 Hwy. 61 Columbiana, AL 35051 205-475-3217
Runners Up: Cat-n-Bird Winery, Camelot Manor
BEST FARMERS MARKET
Montevallo Farmers’ Market 660 Main St. Montevallo, AL 35115 205-665-1519
Runners Up: Burnette Farms Market, Helena Market Days
BEST GUN STORE
We thank our sponsors for supporting CityFest and Shelby County residents for voting us Best Festival again! We’re planning and looking forward to June 7, 2025!
Family Pawn 873 1st St. North Alabaster, AL 35007 205-664-4032
Runners Up: HDC HuntStore and Gunsmithing, Alabama Guns & Outdoors
BEST HVAC SERVICE
3D Air Services LLC 108 Preserve Cir. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-883-3899
Runners Up: Champ’s Air Solutions, LLC; Jon Parker – Parker Brothers Heating and Air LLC
BEST ELECTRICIAN
Total Power Electric
The Alabaster Arts Council thanks these and other fine sponsors:
2960 Pelham Pkwy. Pelham, AL 35124 205-855-9297
Runners Up: Dunn’s HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical, Best Electric LLC
Jayco Dealer 320 Co. Rd. 304 Calera, AL 35040 205-668-6267
Runners Up: Camping World, Great American RV SuperStores – Calera
BEST USED CAR DEALER
Donohoo Auto 8122 Helena Rd. Pelham, AL 35124 205-536-9814
Runners Up: Carplex LLC, Driver’s Way – Pelham
COMMUNITY
BEST ATTRACTION
Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Dr. Pelham, AL 35124 205-620-2520
Runners Up: American Village, Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
BEST CITY PARK
Orr Park
277 Park Dr. Montevallo, AL 35115 205-665-2555
Runners Up: Veterans Park –Alabaster, Pelham City Park
BEST COMMUNITY CENTER
Parnell Memorial Library
277 Park Dr. Montevallo, AL 35115 205-667-3052
Runners Up: Pelham Recreation Center, Chelsea Community Center
BEST COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Jackie Batson – Calera Main Street Executive Director 1120 17th Ave. Calera, AL 35040 205-690-0069
Runners Up: Maurice Mercer –Pelham City Council President, Susan Lehman – Realtor with Team Lehman Realty LLC
BEST GOLF COURSE
Ballantrae Golf Club 1300 Ballantrae Club Dr. Pelham, AL 35124 205-620-4653
Runners Up: Timberline Golf Club, Oak Mountain Golf Course
BEST PLACE FOR A FAMILY OUTING
Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Dr. Pelham, AL 35124 205-620-2520
Runners Up: American Village, Parnell Memorial Library
BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY
Sara Beth’s Gymnasts
10699 Old Hwy. 280, Bldg. 2, Suite 2 Chelsea, AL 35043 205-910-3668
Runners Up: Party Art, A Birthday Place
BEST PLACE TO WORSHIP
Unity Christian Center 111 Edmondson Ln. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-596-2962
Runners Up: Collectivus Church, Church of the Highlands –Greystone Campus
BEST PASTOR
Pastor Sylvester Mixon, Jr. –Unity Christian Center 111 Edmondson Ln. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-596-2962
Runners Up: Pastor Ben Nelson –Collectivus Church, Pastor Chris Hodges – Church of the Highlands
BEST PUBLIC LIBRARY
Parnell Memorial Library 277 Park Dr. Montevallo, AL 35115 205-667-3052
Runners Up: Pelham Public Library, Columbiana Public Library
BEST SENIOR LIVING FACILITY
Chelsea Hidden Acres
Assisted Living 254 Hidden Acres Cir. Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-8906
Runners Up: Danberry at Inverness, The Crossings at Riverchase
Outside the City
Exploring New York State
Looking to escape the heat of an Alabama summer? Wanting to get away from the tourists crowding the Florida beaches? Consider heading up north to the quiet atmosphere of New York State. From the breezy coast to the tranquil lakes to the mighty falls, New York has a lot to explore outside the city.
By Kate Seaver | Photos by Discover Long Island, Niagara Falls Canada, Niagara Falls USA, Visit Finger Lakes & Contributed by Inlet Seafood Dock & Restaurant (Facebook)
NIAGARA FALLS
The unofficial “eighth wonder of the world,” Niagara Falls provides a cool escape from the typical southern summer. Renowned for its beauty, it pushes more than 2,000 tons of water over the falls every second. Carve out time during your vacation to explore the falls’ natural serenity and enjoy the breezy summer weather.
WHERE TO STAY
Stay in the famous Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls to see the view from your bedroom window. You’ll see the unobstructed vantage point when you open your eyes in the morning! On the Canadian side, Old Stone Inn is a historic, boutique hotel with dining options ranging from cabins to domes, so you can eat in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. The Inn has a wine bar open Thursday through Sunday and also has a dog-friendly policy.
Old Stone Inn
WHAT TO DO
For your daytime excursions, make sure to hit the Maid of the Mist boat tours to see the falls from down in the water! Descend into the gorge, and feel the mist on your skin from the wooden walkways with the Cave of the Winds experience. Another popular attraction is the Seneca Niagara Casino with popular live entertainment. Less than a 30 minute-drive away, the city of Buffalo has more dining options and urban activities.
Make sure to bring your passports to see the view from the Canadian side, too! In Ontario, Niagara Falls offers more hot spots such as Skylon Tower Revolving Restaurant, Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and WildPlay Zipline to the Falls.
WHERE TO EAT
The Top of the Falls restaurant is the only local dining spot where you can take in the sights while enjoying dinner! This restaurant serves locally-made food and beverages rich in modern American cuisine alongside several classic dishes.
THE FINGER LAKES
While touring your way through the beautiful state of New York, catch some R&R at the tranquil Finger Lakes. Located a few hours east of Niagara Falls, you’ll find this region is known for its ample wineries and vineyards, sporting beautiful outdoor views. The Finger Lakes, referred to locally as FLX, have mild summers with daily temperatures reaching a balmy 70-to-80 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling down in the evenings.
WHERE TO STAY
The area around these glacial lakes is full of historic inns and bed-and-breakfasts that will transport you to the earlier days of the United States. A few popular selections include William Smith Inn—a B&B in the home that once belonged to historical figure William Smith. The Lake House on Canandaigua is a lakefront resort featuring multiple, luxury restaurants and lake-facing balconies that feel like grandma’s front porch. Geneva on the Lake, a stately villa built in the style of Italian Renaissance architecture, hosts multiple restaurants of its own and is a short drive from Geneva’s historic district. Belhurst Castle, built between 1885-1889, has it all: a riveting history, a winery, fine dining and a salon with a spa.
WHAT TO DO
Activities common for this region are equally easygoing. Stroll along the waterfront walking path at Seneca Lake State Park, or get into the lakes via kayak for an easy trip riding the current. Rent a pontoon for a day with Finger Lakes Boat Rentals, or set off kayaking or paddleboarding with Seneca Lake Kayak. Cruise along the Canandaigua Lady, a paddlewheel steamboat offering lake tours and meals from May through October each year.
Of course, a visit to the largest wine region in New York would be incomplete without a tasting and a visit to a vineyard! Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail features seven different wineries. Purchase the digital passport for perks and discounts at the different locations on the trail.
Pay a visit to Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, which is located in a historic home overlooking Keuka Lake, and celebrate the pioneer of the Finger Lakes wine industry. Red Newt Cellars hosts a hearty, sit-down lunch on the weekends to pair with your tasting. Buttonwood Grove Winery features live music on the porch on Saturdays during the summer and even has on-site cabins for an overnight stay.
WHERE TO EAT
Get out and see more of the region—have dinner at F.L.X. Table for an intimate dinner party atmosphere. Named “Best New Restaurant” in the nation by “USA Today” in 2017, this restaurant is reservation-only, and the bookings are released two months in advance.
Roots Cafe features live music at its farm-to-table restaurant. Reservations here are highly recommended, and they serve meals for lunch and dinner Thursday through Saturday, as well as Sunday brunch.
Belhurst Castle
MONTAUK
Known as the quieter, more authentic side of the Hamptons, Montauk provides a laidback, coastal experience that really embodies what it means to “vacation.” Visit this charming hamlet for the smalltown atmosphere, and enjoy the slow, luxurious life of the East Coast.
WHERE TO STAY
For a European feel, stay in the stately Montauk Manor. This historic, castle-like accommodation creates an experience like no other. This hotel offers full amenities including sunset yoga on the lawn and tennis courts.
The classic Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa offers oceanfront rooms and amenities including a private beach, spa and bathhouse. Choose between rooms, cottages and residential-style accommodations.
WHAT TO DO
To get a taste of the rustic, slow-living that Montauk embraces, take your family horseback riding at Deep Hollow Ranch. The ranch provides rides for all ages, and everyone 8 years old and older can participate in the beach rides. For the safety of the horses, there is a weight limit of 240 pounds.
Don’t miss the classic Montauk Point Lighthouse, which was originally commissioned by President George Washington and is the fourth-oldest working lighthouse in the United States. Admission is $15 for adults or $5 for children under 12.
Every Thursday during the summer season, the Montauk Farmers Market hosts more than 40 vendors selling everything from flowers to fresh produce! Swing by to take home a locally made souvenir.
Ditch Plains Beach is a popular public beach with scenic views of the cliffs. Enjoy a sunset stroll, and bring along your dog for some exercise.
WHERE TO EAT
When staying on the coast, it would be a crime not to partake in fresh seafood on the water.
Inlet Seafood Dock & Restaurant will serve up its famous tuna nachos while you enjoy the sunset views and the full-service bar. On Sundays after 4 p.m., kids eat free! Gosman’s Restaurant has been serving fresh seafood to the Montauk community since 1951. Harvest on Fort Pond serves Montauk Italian fare and creative garden cocktails, too.
Inlet Seafood Dock & Restaurant
The Shelby County Chamber
BUSINES S CONNECTI ONS
May/June
‘25 Chamber Events
May 6
Ambassador Work Group 11:30AM-1:00PM
The Shelby County Chamber
May 7
Career Readiness Workgroup
8:30AM-9:30AM
The Shelby County Chamber
May 8
Governmental Affairs Work Group
8:30AM-9:30AM
Sain Associates - 280
May 8
Connection Luncheon
11:30AM-1:00PM
Grande Hall at Old Mill Square
May 13
Chelsea Business Alliance
11:30AM-1:00PM
Chelsea Community Center
May 14
Small Business Work Group
4:00PM-5:00PM
The Shelby County Chamber
May 21
“Small Business of the Year” Community Luncheon
11:00AM-1:00PM Pelham Civic Complex
May 22
CoffeeNET
8:30AM-9:30AM
Aveanna Healthcare
May 26
Chamber Closed in Observance of Memorial Day
For information on Chamber work groups and how to get involved, visit shelbychamber.org or email info@shelbychamber.org.
The Shelby County Annual Small Business Awards Luncheon
Make plans to join us for the May 21 "Chamber Community Luncheon" celebrating the positive economic impact small businesses have on Shelby County. Nominees for Shelby County's 2025 Small Businesses of the Year in five categories will be recognized, and the recipients in each category will be announced.
The event is presented by Regions Bank. The investment, which includes lunch, is $20 for Chamber investors or
Presented by:
$30 for “future” investors. Seating is limited, so please register by calling 205663-4542 or by contacting info@shelbychamber.org.
CoffeeNET
Be sure to mark your calendar for Thursday, May 22 and join The Shelby County Chamber for a CoffeeNET event hosted by Aveanna Healthcare (245 Cahaba Valley Parkway, Pelham, AL 35124) from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The morning meeting is designed for investors to enjoy networking, coffee and light refreshments all before heading to the office.
CoffeeNET events are a great way to make new business contacts, so bring plenty of business cards. There is no cost to attend; however, reservations are requested by noon on Wednesday, May 21 to assist in preparation.
To register, call 205-6634542 or contact Jordan Powell at jordan@shelbychamber.org.
Hosted by:
Co-Sponsored by:
Second Quarter Chelsea Business Alliance Luncheon
The second quarterly meeting of the Chelsea Business Alliance—an affiliate of The Shelby County Chamber—is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13 at the Chelsea Community Center (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.).
The investment for the event, which includes lunch, is $20 per person. To help us prepare properly with the caterer, please be sure to register by noon on Friday, May 9 to Kirk Mancer at kirk@shelbychamber.org.
2025 Shelby County Tourism & Recreation All Star Awards
For the fifth year, multiple business groups in Shelby County are collaborating to recognize those entities in the tourism and recreation business sector which excel each day in making Shelby County a more attractive destination for tourists and visitors.
Calera Main Street, Columbiana Main Street, Discover Shelby, Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, Montevallo Main Street and The Shelby County Chamber are accepting nominations for the 2025 Tourism and Recreation All Star Awards program in four categories: Lodging, Restaurant and Attractions, Recreation and Advocate. Completed nomination packets in all categories are due to The Shelby County Chamber by 5 p.m. on April 11.
All 2025 nominees will be recognized at the Shelby County Tourism & Recreation All Star Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 8 at the Old Mill Square facility in
Columbiana. Recipients in each of the four categories will be announced at the luncheon.
June 18 Go & Grow Workshop
Whether you’ve started your own business—or are thinking about it—this Go & Grow Workshop offers attendees valuable information they can use!
The workshop, facilitated by Michael Smith the Chamber's Entrepreneur-in-Residence—will be on Wednesday, June 18 from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Chamber. The investment for this workshop, which includes lunch, is $15 per person for Chamber investors or $25 for “future” investors.
To ensure we have a proper headcount, please make reservations by noon on Monday, June 16 by contacting Kirk Mancer at kirk@shelbychamber.org or by
calling 205-663-4542 or by registering online.
Strategic Coaching Workshop: How to Deal with Difficult People & Difficult Situations
Team leaders often share their frustrations on getting their teammates focused proactively on goals, invested in problem-solving and owning the solution to completion. At times, they see their teammates reacting to clients, prospects and each other. They are frustrated at the lack of results from people in “react” mode.
On June 4, you and your leadership team are invited to join Sandler Training in Alabama by KSA, Inc. from 1:30-3 p.m. for an interactive virtual workshop on strategic coaching.
This virtual workshop will help you develop a framework you can apply to uncover what matters to your direct report and guide a coaching conversation focused on facilitating—and empowering them—to proactive action. The results? More revenue, higher customer retention and higher employee satisfaction.
Ambassador of the Month
Rob Gerchow
Congratulations to Rob Gerchow for earning Ambassador of the Month!
Rob has lived in Shelby County for the majority of his life. He is married with four adult sons and three grandchildren. He has worked for
Servpro for 10 years. Servpro is one of the most recognized cleaning and restoration companies in the world. For more information, contact Servpro of Birmingham at 205-664-6770, or visit servproshelbycounty.com.
Sponsored by:
Business dreams really do come true. At least, they did for Kristy Keiffer. Since 1993, Kristy has trusted AmFirst with her personal financial needs. So when she dreamed of franchising a Frio’s Gourmet Pops in 2018, she knew where to go for great rates on equipment loans and reliable business checking. We helped Kristy make her business dreams a reality. Because Frio’s Gourmet Pops is more than just a business. It’s personal.
amfirst.org /business
Be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, June 18, and join The Shelby County Chamber for a CoffeeNET event hosted by Alabama Credit Union (2675 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35244) from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The morning meeting is designed for investors to enjoy networking, coffee and light refreshments all be-
CoffeeNET
fore heading to the office.
CoffeeNET events are a great way to make new business contacts, so bring plenty of business cards. There is no cost to attend; however, reservations are requested by noon on Tuesday, June 17 to assist in preparation.
Please contact The Shelby County Chamber by phone at 205-
Hosted by: Co-Sponsored by:
663-4542 or contact Jordan Powell at jordan@shelbychamber.org to register.
Quarterly Investor Reception
On Tuesday, June 24, take some time to make sure your organization is taking full advantage of all your Shelby County Chamber Investor Benefits.
Yes, there truly is such a thing as
a “free lunch,” especially on June 24! We encourage you to come for some business networking and learn how to maximize your investment. Whether your organization is a new or long-time investor, you’ll
want to make plans to join us from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Chelsea Community Center.
A complimentary lunch will be provided for all attendees. Reservations are requested, and
space is limited. So, please contact the Chamber by email at info@shelbychamber.org, by phone at 205-663-4542 or visit online to register by noon on Monday, June 23.
Find Us Online
Sign up for our weekly newsletter | Access our member directory
2025 Board of Directors
New Investors
(January 11, 2025 - February 14, 2025)
uSouthern Wealth Builders
uVSC Fire & Security, Inc.
uCardinal Accounting
uInfinity Communications Group
uThe Travel Escapes LLC
uTransworld Business Advisors of North Central Alabama
uVideo Visions Media Marketing
uAllcover Insurance Agency, LLC
Your Chamber at work
(February 15 – March 14, 2025)
- Responded to 126 requests for business and community information
- Promoting Chamber investors as well as Chamber and community events through the following social media outlets:
- Chamber Facebook: 7.3K “total followers”
- X (Twitter): 2,926 “followers”
- Instagram: 1.8K (5 new) “followers” and 346 “post reaches”
Zachary Kirby Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County
John Platt Bryant Bank
Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.
Amy Sturdivant (ExOfficio) 58 INC
MONTEGRAS BALL
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Montevallo Mainstreet held its inaugural MonteGras Ball on Saturday, Feb. 1 in Anna Irvin Hall at the University of Montevallo.
1. Bill and Mary Lawson
2. Herman and Susan Lehman with Patricia Honeycutt and Courtney Bennett
3. Amy and Charlie Watts
4. John Miller; Richard and Sharon Anderson; Kirk Lightfoot; Jan and John McKinnon; and Michelle and Billy Hill
5. Sean and Beth Hilty
6. Cara Fain, Courtney Bennett and Brandon Long
7. Daniel Hicks and Ragan Sennett with Jenna, Michelle, Charlie and Christopher Snow
MAGIC CITY DESSERT COMPETITION
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE
Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc. sponsored the second annual Magic City Dessert Competition, which was held at City Club Birmingham on Saturday, Feb. 8. Proceeds benefited Cahaba Valley Health Care—a nonprofit that provides free dental and vision care to the less fortunate in Jefferson and Shelby counties.
1. Taylor and Mason Brooks
2. Danielle Gersmehl
3. Pam Weaver and Jennifer Dimbo
4. Kenneth Lobo and Sarah Vaughan
5. Jon and Kristal Bryant
6. Chabrea Martin and Samone Mendenhall
7. Zachary Beason and Carmen Lopez
8. Amanda Windle, Taylor Tylicki, Amy Jason and Judy Pittman
PHOTOS
DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE
BY TYLER
RALEY
The Helena Athletic Association sponsored its annual father/daughter dance on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Helena Sports Complex, allowing fathers and daughters from all across the community to come together for a night of fun.
1. Blake Wells and Rylan Clark
2. Max and Abby Grenett
3. Sam and Brooklyn Prentice
4. Anthony and Callaway Phillips
5. Daniel Stewart and Chloe Grace
6. Tanner and Mila McMurry
7. Joe, Mae and Libby Lowden
8. Will and Pariah Given
9. Donald and Sophia Pledger
PHOTOS
PELHAM DENTAL CARE GRAND OPENING
PHOTOS BY DAVE DOMESCIK
Pelham Dental Care, a local dental practice, opened its new location at 201 Amphitheater Road on Friday, Feb. 14. The event was the practice’s grand opening and featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, as well as various Pelham residents coming together to celebrate a new chapter in the business’s storied history.
1. Drew Herring, Lester Mason, Nicholas Kentros and Matt Schweikher
2. Toro and Brandon Boggan
3. Jaclyn Bates and Nicholas Kentros
4. Sierra and Emma
5. Sean Gunnels, Nicholas Kentros and Coty Hulgan
6. Gloria and Kaylin
7. Megan Delfin with Megan and Nicholas Kentros alongside Kyle Church
COLLEGE NIGHT
PHOTOS BY NOAH WORTHAM
Purple Side and Gold Side competed during the University of Montevallo’s annual homecoming tradition, College Night, on Saturday, Feb. 15.
1. Bridget McCurrach, Victoria Machan, Daphne Trammell and Susie Machan
2. Khila Corrothers and Isaiah Wilson
3. Julia Bedingfield, Mackenzie Bowen and Josie Cofield
4. Julianna Holmes, Jake Manley and Emily Koehn
5. Madison Smith, Cally McMichael, Libby Allred and Ava House
6. Larkin Kelly, Nathan Wilson, Jackson Holsomback and Jazmine Williams
7. Lily K. Collins, Charisa Moore, Taylor McLendon and Mia Wilson
COWBOY DAY
BY NOAH WORTHAM
The city of Columbiana hosted its 17th annual Cowboy Day celebration on Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday Feb. 22 with a rodeo, vendors and plenty of Wild West activities for visitors to enjoy.
1. Sasha Knighten, Officer Justin Thomas, Officer Taylor Zales and Damien Davenport
2. Brook and Brooklyn Bellizio
3. Dannie and Casey Schrull with Anna, Eva and Steven Hopson alongside Lashawn Scholl and Nesia Hulsey
4. Kenny Ratliff and Lane Connell
5. Richard and Susan Bishop
6. Turner McCoy, Rowdy Tatum, Fisher Brown and Campbell Blair
PHOTOS
KIWANIS CLUB OF CHELSEA PANCAKE DAY
PHOTOS BY TYLER RALEY
Residents of the city of Chelsea gathered together to enjoy pancakes and sausage at the Kiwanis Club of Chelsea’s annual Pancake Day.
1. Tyler and Knox Hendon
2. Dale Wilson and Nolin Hendon
3. Paul and Payton Sumners
4. Nathan and Karen Epperson with Jesse and Anna Marie Perrin
5. Victoria Nguyen, Cara Belcher, Lucille Gabert and Melissa Strange
6. Diane Thomas, Kendra Ricks and Grayson Tolley
7. Freddy Ard and DeWaine Jones
CHAMBER CONNECT
BY NOAH WORTHAM
Recipients of the Shelby County Chamber’s Small Business of the Year award discussed their success at a luncheon at the Grande Hall in Columbiana on Thursday, March 6.
Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007
Now Hiring For Utility Positions Starting pay
$15.14/hour Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at: www.bc.com
Central Alabma Wellness Mental Health Services Office locations in Calera, Clanton, Pelham, and 280! 205-651-0077 Visit our website to learn more centralalbama wellness.org
Shelby County Schools
Substitute Teachers
Limitless opportunities for passionate people!
•Free pre-hire training
•Paid orientation
•Ongoing professional development
•Steady, yet flexible, work •Weekly pay
•Your preference of schools Contact Anne Gamble:O: 205.682.7062 M: 205.532.1122 anne. gamble@kellyservices. com
Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-2456500 •TDD#s: 800548-2547(V) •800-5482546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer
Security Guard for Gated Community in North Shelby County Full-time or Part-time. Must have pistol permit. Call Brittany 205-9914653
University Baptist CDC Pre-K In Montevallo NOW HIRING Lead Teachers for First Class 4 Pre-K program. Long Term substitute for spring semester and maternity leave substitute April-May. Lead Teacher subs must have a bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education/ Development. Experience in First Class program and Bilingual skills a plus. For questions or resumes, contact Lorrie Ozley:
universitybaptistcdc@ gamil.com Preschool preregistration for 20252026 school year January 15-March prek. alaceed.alabama.gov
Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedental assisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!
ETS Restorations & Tree Service “From street to walls, we do it all” •Retaining Walls •Concrete Work •Demolition •Landscaping •Tree Removal •Tree Trimming •Bobcat Work •Hardscapes •Hauling FREE ESTIMATES!!!
CALL NOW (205)2097787 (205)683-3257
Breakpoint Manager – positions offered by Autocar, LLC (Center Point, AL). Understand eng design & specified auto parts, & work w/ both Planning & Purchasing on best time operationally & financially to change suppliers, parts, or both. Submit resume to legalcompliance@ gvwgroup.com.
AUTOMATION L2 SPECIALIST
Danieli Taranis LLC (Chelsea, AL) to be rspns. for dvlpng, cmmsng, prvdng rmte
spprt, & trnng rel to L2 autmtn sys; prfrmng startup & cmnng of dedicatd mchnes/ aggrgte accrdng to rel tchncl dcmnttn; prfrmng intrnl tstng of apps; drwng up & prprng oprtr mnuals; prfrmng hrdwre instlltn, elctrcl & ntwrk cnnctns, & autmtn intrcnnctns chckup; instllng & cnfgrng sys sftwre & dbas; intgrtng a combo of prgrmng mdles dvlpd w/ mxd lang envrnmnts; prfrmng Lvl2 srvr bckgrnd srvcs & Lvl2 clnts (OWS/PWS/TWS) apps instlltn; & prfrmng Lvl2 autmtn sys cold & hot tst. Master in Eng, CompSci or rel w/ 3 yrs of prior wrk exp in pos off or rel w/ DCACom PLC driver; DCADispatcher mssge brokr; Delphi prgrmng lbrry; DACI frnt-end WPF C# prgrmng lbrry; & DASI C# prgrmng lbrry. Mst knw (thru acdmc trnng or wrk exp) Orcle, SQLite & MS Access dba mngmnt sys; Telerik UI for WPF; & SAP Crystal Rprts & Rprt Viewer rprtng pltfrms. Resumes to c.hegarty@ danieli.com
Multiple Full-time positions for Personal Care Aides in BIRMINGHAM, AL is immediately available. Provide personalized assistance to individuals with disabilities or illness who require help
with personal care and activities of daily living support (e.g., feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and ambulation). May also provide help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry. No Minimum Requirement.Send Resume to: Dan Pahos, Owner, Home Instead, 2059 Columbiana Rd., Birmingham AL 35216
Now Hiring! Termite Treaters and Inspectors
Work with a great local company, in business for over 50 years. BC/ BS insurance, 401k, opportunities available. No experience required Must have a good driving record and be able to pass drug screen. Email to facsmith@charter.net or call 205-369-6250
Vulcan Termite and Pest Control
Wanted Maintenance/ Handyman to assist with vehicle and land upkeep. Must pass background & drug test, have reliable transportation, be able to drive a manual transmission and be willing to work. Apply in person at 115 Commerce Drive Pelham, AL 35124
Vulcan Termite and Pest Control
MY SHELBY COUNTY
JOHN SAMANIEGO
Shelby County Sheriff
Career Highlights
A Tribute to All
In 2020, I was awarded the opportunity to serve on President Trump’s Commission on Law Enforcement to help improve the future of our profession. That honor, along with being recognized as the 2024 Alabama Sheriff of the Year by the Alabama Sheriff’s Association, has been incredibly fulfilling.
Making Memories
Becoming Elected as Sheriff
One of my most cherished memories in Shelby County has been the honor and the privilege local citizens have given to me–serving as Shelby County Sheriff. All three times, I have had the joy of being surrounded by my family and the men and women of the SCSO.
A Dream Career
Serving Shelby County Citizens
My journey in law enforcement began more than 45 years ago after graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in social work. Understanding there was much involved in the continuum of care for families in need, I sought out an opportunity to be on the frontline of care–intervention and prevention. After my first week on the job, I knew this was my calling. I later joined the SCSO as Chief Deputy in 2003 and still feel privileged to protect and serve this wonderful community 22 years later.
Off-Duty Hobbies
Duck Hunting
While Shelby County has so many beautiful parks, community events and local restaurants, nothing quite beats being waist-deep in the cold water, duck hunting with my closest friends. A pastime I’ve enjoyed for years, duck hunting is fun, but as I’ve gotten older, I think I enjoy the fellowship more than the hunt.
The Frontlines
March 22, 2023
Looking back on my career, March 22, 2023, left a profound impact on me. Two of our deputies were shot while performing a welfare check that fateful day. This event underscored the inherent risks our deputies face daily and reinforced my commitment to ensuring their safety and well-being. There are not enough words to express my gratitude for the bravery of our deputies.
