SHELBY COUNTY HALL OF FAME 51
Read on to learn more about Shelby County’s second-ever Hall of Fame Inductees and their legacies in our communities.
FALL IN LOVE WITH BLUEGRASS COUNTRY 80 HIT THE ROAD
When the lingering summer heat leaves you longing for crisp air and crunching leaves, Lexington, Kentucky, offers the perfect autumn getaway.
Michaela Bankston
Dave Domescik
Daniel Locke
Anna Grace Moore
Tyler Raley
Andrew Simonson
Noah Wortham
CONTRIBUTORS
Katharine Armbrester
James Culver
Rachel Culver
Lindsay Dyess
Kelsea Schafer
Kate Seaver
Katelyn Smith
Hudson Tinnell
Marissa Wilson
Brendan Young
Sydney Allen
Jamie Dawkins
Rowan Futrell
Connor Martin-Lively
MARKETING
Noah Brakefield
Evann Campbell
Octavia Campbell
Rachel Henderson
Rhett McCreight
Viridiana Romero
Tori Smith
Anna Marie Cleckler
Mary Jo Eskridge
Alec Etheredge
Stacey Meadows
Lauren Morris
Kayla Reeves
Leslie Reeves
Brittany Schofield
Katharine Armbrester is a freelance art journalist and contributing writer to multiple publications in the state, including Alabama Heritage. She also reviews contemporary literature for the Southern Review of Books and the Alabama Writers’ Forum. She graduated from the MFA creative writing program at the Mississippi University for Women in 2022, and she received her M.A. in history from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2019.
James lives in the Birmingham area with his wife, Rachel, a native of Homewood, and their three children, Callie, James III and John Michael. James is a graduate of Auburn University and spent years in Atlanta working as a graphic designer, creative director and photographer. He specializes in event, real estate and portrait photography, and he can be found on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @jculvercreative and at jculver.com.
Kelsea is a student at the University of Alabama, pursuing a news media degree in the College of Communications and Information Sciences. Her passion lies in capturing moments, telling the story and preserving memories. When not in class, she can be found photographing Alabama athletics, spending time with her family and friends or at the lake with her dog, Riley. Kelsea’s work can be found at kelseaschaferphotos.com and on social media @kelseaschaferphotos.
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.
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
Shelby County Hall of Fame inductee Mike Joiner helped establish the Shelby County Drug Court, leading to the restoration of thousands of lives.
Photo
by
Anna Grace Moore
Design by Jamie Dawkins
AA legacy is the lasting impact of those whose efforts changed the world. In Shelby County, eight of these wavemakers are being inducted into the second-ever Shelby County Hall of Fame on Thursday, Oct. 23 at American Village, and I have had the distinct pleasure of interviewing them or their loved ones this past summer.
A man with a heart of Job, Don Armstrong served in the U.S. National Guard; on the Shelby County Commission; in his church, First Baptist Church of Columbiana; and in many volunteer efforts throughout his life. Even after losing his wife and only two children, Don’s faith in the Lord never wavered.
Frank C. “Butch” Ellis, Jr. is Shelby County’s longest-serving attorney, having begun his law career in 1964. Revered as the “Atticus Finch” of Alabama, Butch’s years of service span decades and miles, and yet, he still continues to serve.
Joel Elwyn “Ned” Bearden, Sr. transformed his family’s dairy farms into two of the largest, most successful farms across both Shelby and St. Clair counties. In addition to running his business, he served as the president of the First Bank of Alabaster and on the Shelby County Commission.
Jackson Campbell’s work was paramount in furthering educational opportunities for students of color in the early-to-mid 1900s. He established both the Campbell Academy and the Shelby County Training School at a time when no other schools existed for African American youth.
Ellen Corbett served in different capacities at the University of Montevallo for 30 years, working with several of the college’s presidents. It was this work that connected her with Tom Walker, who sought her advice in founding American Village. She also went on to help found Leadership Shelby County.
Notably, it was Mike Joiner who transformed Shelby County’s approach to criminal justice, founding the Shelby County Drug Court in 2002. Through his work, more than 1,000 individuals have entered drug rehabilitation services and have since maintained their sobriety, rebuilding their lives.
Karl and Mildred Harrison both dedicated their lives to serving other people, with Mildred helping expand libraries across the country and Karl working to preserve our nation’s history, later founding the Karl C. Museum of George Washington in Columbiana.
Shelby County is now one of the fastest-growing, most affluent counties in Alabama, and much of it, I believe, is credit to these outstanding individuals. I hope in reading this issue that you all are reminded of those whose sacrifices helped build the communities we all know and love today.
” “THE QUESTION
How do they plan to support existing small businesses already located in their community?
-Jennifer Smiley
Do you really even care about the people that you claim to represent?
-Luke Trull
When will Helena finally get a Long John Silvers?
-Wade Jarrett
Are they going to slow down growth? If not they don’t need to be in office
-Adam Salser
Do you think that personal finances should be part of the public’s right to know?
-Helena Politics As Usual
Do you have conservative Christian values?
-Jeri Jackson
In Calera here, we would love to ask if we can get a moratorium on any new subdivisions for the next two years. Would any of them support that?
-Jenn Burgett
Why they chose which places they’re running for.
-Seth Self
Complete, Connected
When it comes to your care, connection matters. Baptist Health Medical Group is a comprehensive network of primary and specialty care providers — part of the broader Baptist Health system advancing care across Central Alabama. With more than 60 locations, our physicians deliver complete, coordinated care close to home. From annual checkups to women’s health and heart care, we bring everything together with you at the center. One for you. One for all. BaptistHealthAL.com/MedicalGroup
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.
@alabastercityschools
Warrior Day 2025 is in the books! Thank you ACS families!
@shelbycountyschoolsal Day 1!
It’s more than just the start of a new year… it’s the beginning of new friendships, big dreams, and endless possibilities. Here’s to a school year full of growth, laughter, and learning together! #ShelbyFirstDay #DoGreatThings #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence
We loved seeing our teachers and staff come together on Friday for our annual Back to School Institute meeting! We were joined by guests from our Board of Education, the @cityofpelhamal, and members of the Shelby County legislative delegation, as well as our amazing Pelham High School cheerleaders, who helped us start the morning with some dancing and laughs!
Today, we celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new RC3 Automotive Academy! The 5,600 square foot automotive shop features two vehicle lifts, a front end lift, and two classrooms, giving Hoover and Spain Park students hands-on experience with today’s advanced automotive technology.
HELENA’S BUCK CREEK FESTIVAL
OCT. 10-11
FRIDAY | 6-10 P.M.
SATURDAY | 10 A.M.-8 P.M.
Helena’s Amphitheater Park
The highly anticipated Buck Creek Festival is back this October, featuring an array of family-friendly musical performances, the annual duck race, kids’ activities and a vendor market, too. Vendors including A Bit of Honey Artisanal Pottery, BG’s Mini Donuts, Cahaba Riverkeeper, El Tejano, Exceptional Baits, G&G Loft Boutique, Harmony Church of Helena, Momo’s Cajun Eatz, Rapido Furiosa, Step Ahead Finance and more will be on-site, ready to serve those in attendance. Learn more at helenasbuckcreekfestival.com.
FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS THROUGH OCT. 31
FRIDAY | 9 A.M.-5 P.M.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY | 10 A.M.-6 P.M. Helena Hollow
It’s pumpkin season! Beginning on Friday, Oct. 3, attendees can visit Helena Hollow and experience the patch’s more than 25 different agri-entertainment attractions
including slides, swings and animals. Attendees can also take a hayride to pick a pumpkin in the patch. Friday online admission is $15.52, and weekend online admission is $18.57. Those ages 2 and under get in free. Pumpkins must be purchased separately on site. Find more information at helenahollow.com.
SEPT. 6
9 A.M.-5 P.M. Orr Park
The Tinglewood Festival is a free event that is open to all. The festival will showcase a variety of artists and artisans, some of who will compete in a wood carving exhibition, a whittling contest and a wooden boat race, too. Attendees will also get to see a huge lineup of vintage smoke show automobiles. With food trucks, family-friendly activities, live music and more, this event is perfect for the whole family. For updates, visit tinglewoodfestival.com.
SEPT. 11
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony & Patriot Day Celebration Vestavia Hills Civic Center
SEPT. 11
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Galleria Towers
SEPT. 11
Taste of Shelby County Inverness Country Club
SEPT. 19-28
Southbound Food Festival Sloss Furnaces
SEPT. 20
Head Over Teal 5K/10K The Preserve
SEPT. 20
Hold the Fort 10K, 5K & 1-Mile Warrior Walk Oak Mountain State Park
SEPT. 20
Morgan Creek Annual Grape Stomp Morgan Creek Vineyards
SEPT. 21
Pavilion Pawty Calera Courtyard 1120 17th Avenue
SEPT. 21
Salsa in the Park Pelham City Park
SEPT. 25
“Dinnertainment” Presented by The Exceptional Foundation
SEPT. 25-27
Vintage Market Days of Birmingham The Finley Center
SEPT. 29
Elevation Rhythm—Goodbye Yesterday Tour 2025 Iron City Bham
OCT. 1
Shaboozey—The Great American Roadshow Avondale Brewing Co.
OCT. 2-4
Greek Food Festival 307 19th Street South
OCT. 4
Jimmie Hale Mission Rescue Run Downtown Homewood
OCT. 4
The 62nd Annual Bluff Park Art Show
Bluff Park Community Park
OCT. 4-5
Pumpkin Junction Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
OCT. 5
Bolt for Breast Cancer 5K & Fun Run
Crestline Field at Crestline Elementary School
OCT. 7
Fourth Annual National Night Out Calera Courtyard 1120 17th Avenue
OCT. 9
Taste of Hoover Aldridge Gardens
OCT. 9-19
“The Butler Did It” Presented by the Homewood Theatre
OCT. 11-12
Iron Hills Country Music Festival Sloss Furnaces
OCT. 11-12
Cowboy Day Old Baker Farm
OCT. 11-12
Pumpkin Junction Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
OCT. 17
Haunt the Hills Wald Park
SEPT. 28-OCT. 31
WEEKDAYS | 3-5 P.M.
SATURDAY | 9 A.M.-5 P.M.
SUNDAY | 1-5 P.M. Old Baker Farm
Families are invited to visit this U-pick farm to find pumpkins ripe for harvest, and they can take a hayride, get on a train ride, meet animals at the petting zoo and
SEPT. 28
explore the corn maze while they’re there, too! Admission is $13 per person, but those ages 1 and under get in free. Old Baker Farm’s annual “Cowboy Day” weekend is scheduled for Oct. 11-12; American History Weekend will take place Oct. 18-19; and its annual festival weekend is set for Oct. 25-26. Learn more at oldbakerfarm.com.
Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama and Heart of Dixie HarleyDavidson together are hosting the 17th annual Revvin’ 4 Research Charity Motorcycle Ride, whose proceeds will benefit lifesaving breast cancer research. This hour-long, police-escorted ride will start at Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson and process through scenic Shelby County. Check-in and on-site registration begins at noon, and “kickstands” go up at
2 p.m. A post-meal will be provided to all participants after the ride. Find more details and register at bcrfa.org/events/ revvin-for-research/.
10 A.M.-3 P.M.
Amphitheater at Alabaster City Hall 1953 Municipal Way
The city of Alabaster’s Fall Fest is back and will feature carnival rides for children, food vendors, hay rides, inflatables, live entertainment, a trick-or-treat trail,
pumpkin painting and more! This event is free and open to the public; although, patrons do have to pay for food from on-site vendors should they wish to eat at the event. Those wishing to paint pumpkins may purchase them for $2 each. Visit cityofalabaster.com/228/fall-fest-oct for more information.
1 P.M.
Timberline Golf Club
The Calera Goes Pink Golf Tournament will return this October! Individuals and four-person teams are welcome to compete. At 1 p.m., the tournament will commence with a shotgun start. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama and lifesaving breast cancer research. To learn more, register or help sponsor this event, visit bcrfa.org/events/calera-goes-pink/.
Share your news and events! Email submissions to annagrace.moore@shelbyliving.com to be considered for our next issue.
OCT. 17
Birmingham Bulls vs. Evansville Thunderbolts Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena
OCT. 17-18
Calera Stampede PCA Rodeo Calera Arena 1127 17th Avenue
OCT. 18-19
American History Weekend Old Baker Farm
OCT. 18-19
Pumpkin Junction Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
OCT. 19
Harvest on Hoyt Hoyt Lane
OCT. 19
Ozan Haunted Wine Run 5K Ozan Winery & Vineyards
OCT. 19
2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s –Heart of Alabama Wald Park
OCT. 23
The Second Annual Shelby County Hall of Fame Ceremony American Village
OCT. 24
Birmingham Bulls vs. Macon Mayhem Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena
OCT. 25
Halloween in the Heights & Cahaba Heights Witches Ride Heights Village
OCT. 25
Megan Montgomery 5K Run/ Walk
Homewood Central Park 1632 Oxmoor Road
OCT. 25-26
Festival Weekend Old Baker Farm
OCT. 26
Homewood Fall Festival & Homewood Witches Ride
Homewood Central Park
OCT. 26
Fall-O-Ween Pelham City Park
OCT. 30
Seventh Annual Trunk-or-Treat Calera Courtyard 1120 17th Avenue
OCT. 31
Mystics of Mountain Brook Halloween Parade Crestline Village
OCT. 31
Monster Walk North Main Street in Columbiana
25
5-11 P.M.
Oak Mountain State Park
Runners, beware! The Halloween Havoc Half Marathon & Six-Mile Sprint will be night races on the trails at Oak Mountain State Park. The course will have an aid station at the halfway point of each race. Each distance is a full circle, so runners start and finish at the same location. Runners should be well-trained for this event as the course contains a variety of hilly terrain. Headlamps are required for all runners. Post-race refreshments will be available for participants after the race. The first, second and third-place winners in both the men’s and women’s divisions will be awarded prizes as well. Get more information and register at ultrasignup.com.
Kim Frolander’s spiritual gifts are aiding her ministry in Israel and beyond.
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE
BY KELSEA SCHAFER & CONTRIBUTED
PParalleling the heroes’ journeys she writes, Christian author Kim Frolander’s testimony is riddled with plot twists, spiritual direction and saying “yes” to even the most unconventional invitations for ministry to abound. The founder of Ruth Israel Initiative, she has dedicated the majority of her life to fulfilling her own commission — connecting Christians with their biblical heritage.
The Pelham-based writer boasts 13 books — now almost 14 — across nonfiction, fiction and devotional genres. She is also handy with a paintbrush, having created dozens of prophetic works.
Whether singing or playing piano or guitar, she has led worship across the globe, serving in mission fields in the United States, Germany, India, Indonesia and Israel — a country she has visited now 17 times since 2006.
“I’ve been a believer in Jesus for as long as I can remember,” she says.
Born in Spain, Kim has lived all over the world, moving a total of 26 times across five different countries and six different states. Her mother told her that she accepted Jesus Christ into her heart at just 2 years old.
Having a personal relationship with the Father was
never something she stumbled into; instead, it has always been a part of her life.
After graduating from Kingwood Christian School, she went on to study accounting at Lee University before switching majors to study English and history, later graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
With her degrees in English and history and her background in accounting, in 2007-2008, she moved to Israel and worked at an international accounting office, where she managed donor funding worth more than $9 million shekels annually.
“I got to write all the checks by hand that we were giving away,” she says. “Oh my goodness, I’d be so nervous, but in doing that, I got to pray for Holocaust survivors by name. I got to pray for new immigrants by name. I got to pray for new brides because we had this bridal boutique that was a part of it, too. I got to pray for soldiers who were from abroad but serving in the country, and it stirred in me, more than just the desire to help someplace in the world, to do some big thing for God. It connected my heart to the heart of the Jewish people, whether they believed in Yeshua or not.”
Then in 2014, she became the missions coordinator
Kim Frolander leads guide-based tours of Israel nearly every year. Whether in smaller, six-person groups or groups of more than 40 people, those interested can learn about which tour groups would be best suited to their needs and find more information about registering at ruthisrael. org. Kim is also available to customize a tour for churches or small groups.
at the Inverness Vineyard Church. There, she led teams of people to multiple different countries, namely Israel, to serve those less fortunate and share the Gospel.
Her work in Israel prompted her to launch Ruth Israel Initiative, which is a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between gentile believers and Israel through education, travel and intercession. The name is derived from Ruth’s words to Naomi in Ruth 1:16: “But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.’”
Since its inception in 2018, the Initiative supports the idea that Christians should foster kinship with Jewish people, paying respect to Israel as the birthplace of the Messiah.
According to ruthisrael.org, “The Ruth Israel Initiative, Inc. exists to educate Christians on the Jewish roots of our faith through healing our understanding of ancient, historical and modern Israel. We desire to see believers in Jesus deepen their relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by connecting to the biblical geography and spiritual experiences that Jesus participated in when He was living in Israel.”
Through the Initiative, Kim leads study tours for
pastors, church groups and spiritual directors. She calls them pilgrimages — these trips are not just tourism. They are also spiritual encounters.
To aid attendees on their journeys, and for those interested in learning more about Israel, she has written books answering many common questions people have today: Are the Jewish people God’s chosen people? What will the future hold for Israel?
“Israel Basics: What Every Christian Should Know” is the first in the “Israel Basics” series. It describes the history and Old Testament prophecies of Israel, cultural and linguistic influences, the 1948 creation of the state of Israel and details about the ongoing IsraeliPalestinian conflict.
“A Spiritual Journey Through Israel: Travel Edition” is a well-written travel companion for believers traveling to Israel for their first time or their 50th. It meshes Scripture with imaginative exercises for readers to expand their worldview and strengthen their faith in God on-site in the Holy Land.
Kim, who writes under the pen name, “K.J. Frolander,” says she was not always so confident in her spiritual gifts, especially as a writer. In fact, she struggled severely with shyness during her youth.
When she was 19, she attended a church conference in Toronto, where she says she wrestled with God about speaking in front of the audience. After about
10-20 minutes, God won, she says, chuckling, and she was powerfully delivered from this grasp over her heart.
Decades later, her voice is now known across continents for her work as an author and advocate.
“Even in my teaching books about Israel, I’m telling a story,” she says. “I’m telling Israel’s story, and that all goes back to that first question of ‘What is your calling?’ that I had with the Lord when things started to move. It was, ‘I’m called to Christians to invite them up to their next level through story, prophetic words and worship leading.’”
Not only are her books educational, but they are also worshipful invitations for readers to encounter God in ways new to them.
“(Writing) definitely has opened some doors to have conversations that I wouldn’t normally have had,” she says.
Her obedience to God has also fueled her desire to write Christian fiction, such as her “Desert Sailors” series. Dubbed her “espionage-with-a-heartbeat” series, the first book follows a Naval intelligence officer and a Navy SEAL who are entrusted with rescuing imprisoned Americans in Afghanistan post-9/11, but little do they know of the danger that secretly awaits their arrival.
When asked why she thinks God has called her to be a writer, she says He enjoys adventure, too, maybe more than she does.
“Writing, especially novels, is a way of adventuring with (Him),” she says. “It encompasses more than just who you are because you get to jump into other people, other characters and write from their perspective, and you learn different things that way.”
In addition to writing, she says the Lord has also used her painting and her leading worship as part of His ministry. Often divinely inspired, some of her best works depict brushstrokes in tune with the movement in music.
While she initially took up painting as a hobby, Kim says the Lord altered her creative perspective over time to view her hobbies as opportunities to intercede.
“One of my jobs in Israel was leading worship,” she says, later adding, “everything that I feel is an invitation from the Lord to try as a hobby ends up becoming this outlet for creative energy.”
That perspective — obedient, open to possibility — colors her entire testimony.
As a single woman, she says she once imagined her life would look different. However, she has gotten to travel the world, leading mission trips throughout different countries and tours of Israel, things she could
not as easily do if raising a family.
In her waiting, she has impressed the love of God upon hundreds of people worldwide, potentially leading some to Christ in the process. Looking back, she now sees how each season of her life prepared her for the next.
“My job, my privilege is to get to enter into His heart for this people group, the Jewish people,” she says, later adding, “I am looking forward to introducing more Christians from America and other places if they want to get involved with the Jewish people to God’s heart for them.”
Whether writing novels, leading mission trips and tours or painting prophecies, Kim Frolander lives out her faith with open hands and a heart tuned to the Holy Spirit. Reflecting upon her youth, she says she never could have imagined just how far the Lord would take her.
And yet, here she is now navigating an incredible journey — all because of one word, “yes.”
To learn more about Kim Frolander’s ministry, visit ruthisrael.org or follow her on Instagram (@kimfrolander) or Facebook (Kim Frolander). Those interested in reading and purchasing copies of her books can visit Amazon or check them out for free at the Pelham Public Library.
Because Gwen came to Children’s for the diagnosis and treatment of her blood disorder, she received the best care available thanks to ground-breaking research made possible by clinical trials for cancers and blood disorders. The research happening today will lead to future cures, and it is happening here at Children’s of Alabama.
The Shelby County Arts Council is gearing up for a great fall of tribute performances in the Song Theater.
ARTICLE & PHOTO BY LINDSAY DYESS
There’s still time to see “Faces, Foundations and Folklore” by artist Banks Compton while on display in the EBSCO Fine Art Gallery. The show will close on Thursday, Sept. 25. Check out this muralist and painter from Demopolis, Alabama, as he explores personal experience, community identity and local stories preserved through symbolism. You won’t want to miss these beautiful paintings and samples of his mural work from around the state. You can also grab Banks’ hard copy book featuring photos of his latest murals when you visit the exhibit. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and during Song Theater events.
Exhibiting next in the EBSCO Fine Art Gallery will be “Sew Their Names,” a quilting project by the Mt. Willing Quilters of Lowndes County, Alabama, to honor the erased and forgotten names of enslaved people. This exhibit will feature quilts created by Wini McQueen, Yvonne Wells and Charlie Lucas, as well as work from the Mt. Willing quilters created with the descendants of the Wallace Plantation in Harpersville, Alabama, (now the Wallace Center for Arts and Reconciliation). The gallery reception for “Sew Their Names” will be Thursday, Oct. 16 from 6-8 p.m. This gallery opening is free and open to the public, and there will be light refreshments. “Sew Their Names” will be on display until Nov. 20, 2025. Be sure to listen to the SCAC’s Arts Council ladies present Conversations with Creatives for interviews
‘SEW
GALLERY RECEPTION: Thursday, Oct. 16 from 6-8 p.m.
ON DISPLAY: Through Nov. 20
with Banks Compton about his artwork, and with Wallace Center Executive Director Ebony Howard about “Sew Their Names.” Watch on the Shelby County Arts Council’s YouTube page or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Returning to the Song Theater on Friday, Sept. 19 will be blues singer-songwriter (and SCAC favorite) Paul Thorn! Paul will be performing tracks from his new album, “Life is Just a Vapor,” as well as some old favorites. In October, we will have another great lineup of performances in the Song Theater starting with the Intermission & Friends’ album release show on Sunday, Oct. 5 for “By & By,” an album of Red Back Hymnal classics; Tucson Rain, a tribute to Linda Ronstadt on Sunday, Oct. 19; and Bron Yr Aur, a Led Zeppelin tribute show on Friday, Oct. 24. Get your tickets now; availability is limited! Purchase tickets online at shelbycountyartscouncil. com or by calling 205-669-0044.
Be sure to follow along with all things Shelby County Arts Council on Facebook, Instagram (@shelby_county_arts and @theartscouncil_ ladies) and online at shelbycountyartscouncil.com.
THIS BOOK
Recommendations from Marissa Wilson
Library Director at the Parnell Memorial Library
By Mary Kubica | Thriller
Marissa Wilson started working at the Parnell Memorial Library in Montevallo, Alabama, as a part-time library assistant in November 2021. She frequented the library often as a homeschool mother, and eventually, the library asked her to work there. In October 2023, Marissa became a full-time librarian. Here, she recommends her top five favorite reads adults will love this Halloween.
A local mother and 6-year-old Delilah go missing in a small suburban community. How on earth does this happen? Eleven years later, Delilah shockingly reappears. Everyone wants to know what happened, but there are so many hidden truths from the past Delilah isn’t ready to share yet. Once the truth starts coming out, no one is prepared for what will happen.
By Freida McFadden | Thriller
Nurse practitioner Brooke Sullivan is at a men’s maximum security prison. There, she has three rules she must follow: One, treat all prisoners with respect; two, never reveal personal information; and three, never become too friendly with the inmates. None of her staff knows she’s already broken the rules, and nobody knows about her relationship with the prison’s most dangerous inmate, Shane Nelson. No one in the prison knows that Shane was Brooke’s high school sweetheart, nor do they know it was her testimony that put him in prison for a series of murders. And, that is something Shane will never forget.
By Alice Feeney | Thriller
There are always two sides to every story, and normally, one person is lying. Jack and Anna, a normal married couple, are normal till they aren’t anymore. When asked to describe his wife in three words, Jack says, “beautiful, ambitious and unforgiving.” When asked, Anna only has one word, “liar.” A woman is murdered in their small village, and Anna is asked to cover the case. Her now-ex-husband Jack, the presiding detective, is suspicious of her involvement, until he becomes a suspect in his own investigation.
By Jason Rekulak | Thriller
Mallory Quinn is fresh out of rehab and takes a job as a babysitter for Ted and Caroline Maxwell to look after their 5-yearold son, Teddy. Mallory falls in love with her new job. She has her own living space, goes running at night and life is looking up for her. She loves Teddy, who always has his sketch book and pencils on hand. Teddy is always drawing pictures of trees and animals, until one day he draws something different — a man in the forest dragging out a woman’s dead body. Mallory notices that Teddy’s artwork becomes more sinister and graphic. His stick figures become lifelike, way beyond what a 5 year old should be drawing. Mallory begins to wonder if his sketches are connected somehow to a long, unsolved murder. Even though it sounds crazy, Mallory is determined to decipher the sketches and to save Teddy before it’s too late.
By Alice Feeney | Thriller
Adam and Amelia cannot wait to go on their romantic anniversary to the Scottish Highlands. This weekend getaway in a remote location is exactly what they need. During their stay, their trip takes a dark turn, and they both start to think, “Can I really trust my spouse?” After 10 years of marriage, they also have 10 years of kept secrets. Most couples tell little white lies, but this truth is far more dangerous.
Tucker Smith, rising star in the angling world, is chasing his dreams and a lot of fish in a purple jersey.
BY KATHARINE ARMBRESTER
IIf one knows anything about bass fishing, then he definitely has heard of Tucker Smith. Only 23 years old, the Shelby County native likely has as many wins as the average pond has fish, if not more.
Becoming the first, three-time winner of the Bassmaster High School National Championship is just one feat in a long list of achievements for the rising star in the world of professional fishing. “I’m living a dream,” he says. “I wake up every day and don’t think it’s real.”
Born into a nature-loving family, Tucker fished from an early age. His grandfather and mother ensured he explored the ponds around his home in Shelby County.
Lay Lake, a 12,000-acre reservoir south of Columbiana, is a popular destination for fishing tournaments.
“There’s lots of big fish in there,” Tucker says. Attending sporting events near his home sparked his interest in competitive fishing.
“I figured out you could make money doing something you love to do, and I got pumped up about that,” he explains.
It was after an unexpected setback that he strengthened his resolve to pursue fishing. In the eighth grade, he sustained a severe leg injury, and it took a full year for his leg to mend.
As he recovered — first in a hospital bed and then a wheelchair — he devoured YouTube videos about angling.
“That was all I wanted to do,” he says, and when his leg healed, he leapt at the chance to fish every chance he could.
Tucker attended Briarwood Christian School, which supported his commitment to fishing, and his parents understood he was serious about his dream.
“They let me travel around fish,” he explains. “They let me drag a boat across the state on my 16th birthday.”
To sit in a boat in all manner of weather and wait for a fish to approach requires vast reserves of patience, and he obviously developed the virtue during his long convalescence. That patience, combined with the support of his loved ones and determination beyond his years, prepared him for his rapid ascent in the bass fishing world.
While attending Briarwood, Tucker became the first, three-time winner of the Bassmaster High School National Championship, co-winning the first two competitions with Grayson Morris, and the third with fellow Shelby County native Hayden Marbut. This three-fold achievement, Tucker believes, opened up a lot of doors for him and led to his first sponsors.
“It started to put my name out there into the bass fishing world,” he says.
After his acceptance to Auburn University, he was soon recruited by Auburn alum Logan Parks to compete for the Bassmaster Elite Series. The two won Bassmaster’s College Team of the Year in Tucker’s freshman year.
Then, both young men won the 2023 Bassmaster College Classic. Next, they won the Johnny Morris Bass Pro Shops U.S. Open National Bass Fishing Amateur Team Championship.
MAJOR LEAGUE FISHING TOYOTA SERIES
1st Place | June 2025 | Lake Champlain
BASSMASTER COLLEGE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1st Place | August 2023 | Pickwick Lake
COLLEGIATE BASS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1st Place | May 2023 | Lake Hartwell
BASSMASTER COLLEGE CLASSIC
1st Place | March 2023 | Watts Bar Lake
JOHNNY MORRIS BASS PRO SHOPS MILLION DOLLAR US OPEN FINALS
1st Place | November 2021 | Table Rock Lake
BASSMASTER HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1st Place | October 2020 | Kentucky Lake
BASSMASTER HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1st Place | August 2019 | Kentucky Lake
BASSMASTER HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1st Place | August 2018 | Kentucky Lake
Together, they split the grand prize of two trucks, two boats and $1 million.
“It really helped out financially, in order to chase my dreams and try to make it to the professional level,” he says, humbly admitting becoming a professional bass angler is an extremely difficult feat to achieve.
When asked if his accomplishments are above average for his age, he simply states, “I’ve been very blessed to be sure.”
Getting to win both a high school national championship and a college national championship was “something that was huge for both of us,” Tucker says, and he believes the feat has been done only one time before in the world of amateur bass fishing competitions.
He used his portion of the winnings to enter the opens, which are qualifying tournaments for the
Bassmaster Elite Series — the highest level of professional bass fishing tournaments in the world. He qualified for the Elite Series in 2024, winning “one of those blue trophies,” which, as he says, was “really amazing for me, a dream come true.”
Aaron Martens — the late, three-time winner of the Bassmaster Angler of the Year — met Tucker through a Briarwood connection and became an inspiration and mentor to him. Tucker considers Aaron “one of the best professional fishermen of all time” and was thrilled to fish with him before he passed away shortly before the Johnny Morris tournament.
Aaron wore purple when competing, and Tucker now pays tribute by doing the same.
“I run a purple boat and wear a purple jersey,” he explains. “I always try to implement some purple into my patterns every year, in order to try and carry on that legacy.”
“I’m living a dream. I wake up every day and don’t think it’s real.”
– Tucker Smith
The professional fishing community is small, he says, and he is thankful he had opportunities from a young age to learn how to network, market himself and grow his personal brand. As one who benefited from constant support from friends and family, he wants to give back to the next generation of hopeful anglers.
He now enjoys participating in several kids’ camps every year.
“It’s an awesome sport,” he says. “It’s a great way to get them outdoors, and it’s fun whether you catch something or not.”
Enjoying the pastime of fishing was one of the enduring lessons from Aaron, Tucker believes.
“That’s something that not only the younger generation needs to know but everybody: Fishing is fun,” he says. “You can get caught up in the bad moments when you’re competing — like losing a fish — but you’ve just got to remember to have fun and don’t take it for granted.”
Looking to the horizon, Tucker plans to keep Aaron’s memory alive, doing what they both love — fishing, appreciating the fun of the pursuit and the peace in the moments that impress upon one after the line falls slack.
To follow Tucker Smith’s professional fishing career, follow him on Instagram (@tuckersmithfishing) or on Facebook (Tucker Smith).
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
In June 2025, Shelby County Schools appointed Jan Curtis as its new coordinator of instruction. Now with more than 25 years of educational experience, Jan first joined the Shelby County schools system as an administrator at Helena Intermediate School in 2019. She then served as principal of Oak Mountain Elementary School for five years before accepting a position with the school district. Here, she discusses her excitement for her new role.
What is your background in education?
As the daughter of an educator, I was inspired from an early age to pursue a career in education. My mother made a profound and lasting impact throughout her career, and I aspired to follow in her footsteps. I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a focus in elementary education and educational leadership. I began my teaching career in Athens, Alabama, just days before my 21st birthday. My years as a classroom teacher and reading coach were deeply rewarding and formative. This year, I am honored and excited to step into this new role, which offers the opportunity to support and collaborate with stakeholders across both elementary and secondary schools.
What excites you most about your new role?
I look forward to collaborating with administrators, instructional coaches and teachers to develop effective, inclusive strategies that meet the diverse needs of all
learners. I am also eager to visit schools and classrooms to witness the impactful teaching and purposeful learning taking place across our district.
For the 2025-26 school year, what are some goals you hope to accomplish?
One of my primary goals is to ensure that professional learning opportunities are thoughtfully differentiated to meet the unique needs of each school. One of the ways I plan to support this goal is by bringing leading voices in education to our district. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. John Almarode to speak with many of our educators this October. His visit will help lay the foundation for much of our professional learning this year, which will be grounded in the latest research on effective instructional practices, as outlined in his newly released book, “Teacher Clarity.”
How is the community’s support of our schools crucial to student and teacher success?
Each school zone is fortunate to be
supported by a network of dedicated community partners. Through these partnerships, the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation is able to fund numerous grants that directly impact teaching and learning in our classrooms. From active parent involvement to these vital contributions, our community plays a critical role in creating a strong, collaborative environment where learning can thrive.
How do you hope to impact students, teachers and families through your position?
The Shelby County Schools Strategic Plan serves as the guiding framework for our work, outlining a clear vision and structured approach to achieving district goals. Among its five core commitments are leadership development and recruitment and retention, both of which are central to my focus. My goal is to ensure that all educators have enriching opportunities for professional growth and that our leaders are equipped to cultivate positive, collaborative work environments.
Katie Troncale manages a restaurant that values atmosphere and experience as well as good food.
BY KATELYN SMITH
SSage Bar & Grill has many sounds. Although a place to eat, there can be laughter, fellowship and music heard within its walls.
Outside, there might even be tables in the parking lot set up for a community party of fun and mingling.
Katie Troncale is the founder and owner of this restaurant, a place that also serves as a hangout spot for the city of Calera. Week after week, the community loves to gather in the bar and grill to enjoy good food and the laid-back atmosphere.
The restaurant is a place for all ages. With live music, karaoke, sports-watching, hula hoops, chalk and pool tables, it offers not only fresh, mouthwatering food, but also fun for the whole family.
“I want this to be a place where anyone can come,” Katie says. “So, that’s why we make sure we keep the environment neat and clean and fun.”
Katie was born and raised in Hoover, where she played softball for most of her life. After suffering a leg injury and fracturing her neck in high school,
the rod put in to treat her injury started to cause problems when she played softball in college.
She was forced to return home in 2004 to have the rod removed and resumed working after that.
She had actually begun working in the restaurant world when she was 15 years old at Johnny Rockets. After returning home, she started at Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q.
From there, she began to work her way up in the food and service industry, holding every position and learning the ins and outs of managing a restaurant.
She was initially drawn to the fast pace of the food industry and the people that she got to meet on the job.
“I like helping people,” she says. “It’s just a really easy way of doing it, and you can help people with the smallest amounts, but in the biggest ways, just by spending some time with them and changing their day, or helping them, talking to them or
whatever it may be. You see a lot of stuff in the restaurant world, and it’s definitely not like any other job.”
While she was working at Jim ‘N Nick’s, she discovered that she was pregnant, leading her to suddenly start thinking seriously about what she should do with her life.
“That’s when everything kind of changed,” she recalls. “That’s really when I started pushing the boundaries of my professional life.”
Her idea for Sage Bar & Grill came out of nowhere. She previously helped create and build three vape shops as a project manager, and afterwards, she was given the opportunity to open her own business.
What could she do, and what did she know how to do? She conceived the idea of opening her own restaurant, now a staple in Shelby County, offering delicious food that keeps customers coming back for more.
Katie decided to name it after her son, Joseph Sage. The word “sage” means wisdom to her, and she frequently uses it to dispel any negativity surrounding her life.
On July 27, 2021, she officially opened Sage Bar & Grill in Calera, and it began to grow. However, she and her staff encountered a major setback the
Fork Fulls HAMBURGER STEAK
Grilled onions, mushrooms and brown gravy
HAND-CUT RIBEYE
Melts in your mouth
Salads
SPRING SALAD
Spring mix, feta, pecans, strawberries and grapes with raspberry vinaigrette
following September, just two months after opening.
After suffering from a significant health issue, Katie was stuck in the ICU in the hospital for a few months, causing the business to fall into the red zone. She had to undergo seven surgeries in total, leaving her out of the restaurant.
Luckily, even though Sage was in crisis mode, the amazing staff helped keep it afloat.
“We got hit pretty bad, and when I got back, I just needed to start over,” Katie explains. “So, January
of 2022 is when I got back, and it was basically a start-over period.”
She began to hire new employees and start out on a smaller scale than originally planned. Other than being the restaurant operator, she also stepped in for any role, such as cooking, bartending, serving and anything else that needed to be done.
Katie’s fiancé also quit his job and began to work the bar for her, which, to her, was a massive contribution to the restaurant’s success. She also hired two kitchen managers, Jorge and David, who are brothers and oversee all kitchen operations.
With a lot of hard work and team commitment, the team slowly crawled out of the red, and the restaurant began to grow.
“It’s been a huge life lesson,” Katie says.
Today, the restaurant is more popular than ever, and its menu is only one of the things that keep people coming back.
Some of the menu’s stand-out items are the burgers, each made with high-quality meat and grilled to perfection. With a variety of cheeses and fresh toppings to dress them with, they are a classic option.
One of Katie’s favorites is the shrimp and grits, inspired by the grits her grandfather made with her
every morning when she was younger. With creamy cheese grits topped with grilled shrimp, Conecuh sausage, crumbled bacon, tomatoes and feta cheese, this dish is by far a crowd-pleaser.
Another popular meal is the smoked meatloaf, whose meat is locally sourced from Vision Farms and is glazed with homemade barbecue sauce for a delicious flavor. Any of the menu’s dishes would be well-paired with the collard greens, which undergo a six-hour cooking process that everyone appreciates.
All of Sage’s meat, from the steaks to the chicken, is hand-cut and made completely fresh for customers. Sage also has three crawfish boils a year, taco nights and many other special features.
“I try to hone in on the whole experience when people come in,” Katie says. “It’s going to taste good, but it’s going to feel good, too.”
Sage Bar & Grill has been built from the ground up and only continues to grow with each new customer. The friendly staff invites anyone to pull up a chair, mingle and stay a while.
Their motto? Enter as a customer, leave as family.
Sage Bar & Grill is located at 4979 Highway 31 in Calera. For more information and to contact the restaurant, visit sagebarandgrill.net.
To schedule an appointment OR
5 FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Cynthia Bertolone Founder of C’s Cake & Coffee House
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Founded in 2019, C’s Cake & Coffee House has become a beloved staple in the city of Montevallo. The menu sports a plethora of specialty coffees, pastries, sandwiches, salads and soups. Here, founder Cynthia Bertolone describes her love for her business and her pride in being a Shelby County business owner.
What is your background in the food industry?
My initial background experience began when I was working in corporate America with Drafter Manufacturing Engineering. After many years, I decided to leave my career to work side by side with my husband Michael Bertolone in the food industry, where we owned a restaurant and a bakery. In 2019, we opened C’s Cake & Coffee House in Montevallo.
What is your favorite item to make, and why is it sentimental to you?
My favorite item to make is our exceptional, great-tasting specialty coffees, where I create various flavors such as my signature coffee, C’s Cinnamon Honey Bun Latte. Customers may choose their preference of hot or iced, and we also offer frappes. These specialty coffees that I create are sentimental to me because I put my heart and soul into every cup.
Which menu items are your most popular?
At our coffee shop, we make hearty
panini sandwiches, and the most popular is the C’s Cuban, which consists of pork that I roast for five hours. The meat is wellseasoned and is topped with my special, creamy Mojo Sauce, which is made with citrus flavors, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper, and all of this is layered together on Ciabatta bread. Another fan-favorite is the Muffuletta, which is made with Italian cold cuts and olive tapenade on Focaccia bread.
What do you recommend newcomers try first?
When new customers walk into my shop, they are amazed as to how much I have to offer. “A little bit of this and a little bit of that” is what I always recommend to all my newcomers. A small group can share a panini sandwich and a piece of C’s famous sliced cakes whose flavors include strawberry, chocolate mousse, coconut or red velvet cheesecake. A new item that has exploded in popularity is our sweet crepes.
What is your favorite part about being a business owner in Shelby County?
I take pride in providing great customer service, making sure that my customers are receiving excellent service, quality food and exceptional, specialty coffees. The reviews on Google, Yelp and Facebook tell me that I must be doing something right. The best aspect of being an entrepreneur in Shelby County, and being near the University of Montevallo, is meeting new students and their families, welcoming them to my coffee shop. Parents are thrilled that their children can use their Falcon Flex Card to purchase any item in my store. Students can access free Wi-Fi, so they can study and do their homework in-house. As students get to know me, they tend to call me “Mamma C” because I take great interest in their educational progress. I treat these students as my own children, and parents love that about me.
C’s Cake & Coffee House is located at 1241 Valley Street in Montevallo. It is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. For more information, follow the business on Facebook (C’s Cake & Coffee House).
Lee and Joan Friedman’s Chelsea home is the cornerstone of meticulous craftsmanship.
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE
NNestled in a verdant escape, The Highlands of Chelsea neighborhood spans more than 700 acres, with homes perched atop grassy knolls that offer striking views of the surrounding valley. These very sights drew two Atlanteans to build their forever home here in Highlands — arguably, the most beautiful neighborhood in Shelby County, they say.
Lee and Joan Friedman first toyed with the idea of moving to the Magic City when both of their sons established their careers in Birmingham. Lee, who spent years in education administration in the Atlanta public school system and the Westminster schools, says he was first drawn to the area for its natural respite.
Fusing modern farmhouse with craftsman design, the facade features board-and-batten siding, natural wood accents and gabled peaks that contribute to its stately curb appeal.
After touring several vacancies in the neighborhood, the Friedmans interviewed two different home builders before choosing to work with P. Ray Construction. A husband-and-wife duo, Patrick and Jonica Ray’s work is the hallmark of fine craftsmanship.
When designing the Friedmans’ home, they implemented a refined, farmhouse-style feel, marrying rustic charm with refined living. The home’s facade features gabled peaks, stout, timber columns and a wide front porch, marked with flagstone from SiteOne Landscape Supply, which all contribute to its country aesthetic.
Stepping indoors, one first notices the expansive
entryway, whose custom-built, antique sliding barn doors and shiplap siding sets the tone for the rest of the home. This walkway opens into the living room — or the great room, as the family calls it.
The European French Oak flooring contrasts nicely with the pine, tongue-and-groove ceiling, which stands more than 18 feet tall. Wall to wall hang gorgeous, original pieces of artwork from artists all over the nation (the Friedmans estimate they have more than 100 paintings in their possession).
As one turns his gaze to the kitchen, he will stand in
Exuding rustic elegance, the entryway’s shiplap siding and sliding barn doors — compliments of Southern Accents Architectural Antiques — set the house’s tone back to a simpler time, offering a warm welcome to those entering for the first or the 100th time.
awe of its splendor. Jonica selected custom, handmade cabinets by Heath Hughes and paired them with type quartz perimeter countertops and soapstone for the island. For the backsplash, she chose a subtle, patterned tile from Cottage Supply to play into the farmhouse feel.
Although, no matter the room or the architectural detail, the Friedmans maintain the best part of their home is that it is their most prized work of art — an original home created by two exceptional artisans, Patrick and Jonica Ray.
Underneath a coffered ceiling, the backsplash’s geometric tilework, the brushed brass fixtures and the island’s bold soapstone’s hues elevate the kitchen in a harmonious blend of beauty and functionality.
Dubbed “the great room,” the living room’s vaulted ceiling and exposed wooden beams crown this luxurious room; whereas, the whitewashed brick fireplace bordered by the recessed shelving anchors this thoughtfully curated space. The expansive, gridded windows allow natural light to flood the open concept, adding to its warm hospitality.
Pictured to the left are more than a century’s worth of historical artifacts belonging to the Friedman family, most notably the cuffs of a World War II-era Naval uniform worn by one of their relatives. An original by Peter Max, this painting, dubbed “Liberty Head,” is a symbol of pride and patriotism and rests among the shelves framing the great room’s fireplace.
Adorning this hallway connecting the kitchen, laundry room and Lee’s office are paintings from some of the Friedmans’ favorite artists. The door leading to the garage features a light-up exit sign. Pictured to the right is an original, lithograph painting of Jackie Kennedy by Lee’s best friend, Bulgarian artist Ross Rossin. Below, Joan painted this landscape of an old Sinclair filling station for Lee for Father’s Day.
HOME BUILDER: Patrick Ray, P. Ray Construction
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Jonica Ray, P. Ray Construction
KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS: Maranatha Stone & Floors
KITCHEN CABINETS: Heath Hughes
KITCHEN APPLIANCES: AllSouth Appliance Group, Inc.
FIXTURES & FINISHES: Inline Lighting & Antique
Salvaged Fixtures
PLUMBING FIXTURES: VW Gallerie
BARN DOORS: Southern Accents Architectural Antiques
PLANTATION SHUTTERS: Exclusively Shutters
EXTERIOR BRICK: Alabama Brick
EXTERIOR WALKWAY: SiteOne Landscape Supply
LUMBER, WINDOWS, DOORS & ROOFING: Oak Mountain Building Supply
LANDSCAPING: MTZ Landscaping
1
2
Combining
THURSDAY, OCT. 23 AT AMERICAN VILLAGE
DON ARMSTRONG’S EXAMPLE AND LEADERSHIP TRANSFORMED SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL CITIZENS’ OUTLOOK ON LIFE.
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED & FILE
AA man with a heart after God’s own, Donald Wayne “Don” Armstrong was revered for his unyielding faith, his love of family and his devotion to serving his constituents. Since his passing on March 6, 2025, patrons have reflected on the civil servant’s 84-year-long life, marked by his model faith.
A 1958 graduate of Shelby County High School, Don earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Alabama College (now the University of Montevallo).
The Wilsonville native left his hometown after school, joining the U.S. Army National Guard in 1963 where he served for six years before being honorably discharged.
According to his nephew Mark Armstrong, Don was such a family man that he once hitchhiked from his post in South Carolina all the way back to Wilsonville to visit his family. If nothing else, his love for other people was one of his most defining characteristics.
After leaving the service, Don began his career with U.S. Steel and later, U.S.S. Agri Chemical, working for nearly a decade in Georgia before once again returning to his roots in the late 1970s–this time, for good.
He even returned to live in the same house in which he grew up.
“The house that he grew up in is still standing,” Mark says, smiling.
Don first felt led to enter public service in the mid-to-late 1980s. He ran for election twice before becoming elected to the Shelby County Commission in 1991. At the time, the former County Commission oversaw the building of a new sewer system on the north side of the county.
Although the project was expected to be financed by local customers, the revenue generated was unexpectedly low, costing the county severely. In
fall of 1992, Shelby County was $50 million in debt and later defaulted on its multimillion dollar loan originally acquired to pay for the new system.
Determined not to fail during his first term in office, Don contacted then-Alabama State Rep. Mike Hill and then-Alabama State Sen. Frank C. “Butch” Ellis, Jr. with a rather ambitious solution: a 1 cent sales tax increase across the county.
Although hesitant at first, they backed Don’s proposal and his outlining of a bill that would cease the increase after 10 years, with the funds raised directly paying off the loan, nothing else. Afterwards, Don and the County Commission created a 19-person committee to raise awareness of the situation’s severity, holding public hearings at each end of the county.
Despite initial outrage, Don won over the majority public opinion, and the sales tax increase was approved in 1993. In less than the proposed 10 years, the county paid off its full debt.
In a 2025 interview with the Shelby County Reporter, Mike said, “It was an amazing turnaround, and from that day on, Shelby County was in a different class than every other county in the United States, and it was all because of him. I knew then that Don was God-led. He did things that we just thought were impossible, and they were always successful.”
Don served as Shelby County District 9 Commissioner from 1991-2005. In 2005, he was appointed to be Shelby County Property Tax Commissioner, a role in which he served until 2025.
Throughout his service, he established the county’s “no debt” policy, meaning if the county did not possess the funds to pay for a project in full, the project did not happen. He also created Shelby County’s “county manager” position, establishing the current form of municipal government.
His hire Alex Dudchock served as Shelby County Manager for 32 years, completely transforming
“iT wAs An AmAzing TurnAround, and from that day on, Shelby County was in a different class than every other county in the United States, and it was all because of him. I knew then that Don was God-led. He did things that we just thought were impossible, and they were always successful.”
— Mike Hill
Shelby County into one of the fastest-growing, most affluent counties in the state.
“I had the pleasure of working with Don for over three decades in some form or fashion,” Alex said in the interview. “He lived by example. He was a tremendous Christian, and he was instrumental as one of the leaders on the County Commission when we navigated two recessions. He was able to not only champion what was right for treating employees appropriately and keeping talent at all levels of employment, but he also stressed that we continue delivering quality services.”
One such service was making efficient use of taxpayer dollars. Don realized just how much the county was paying for both a tax assessor and a tax collector, prompting his advocacy for the combining of both positions to one role, property tax commissioner, of which he was later appointed and served for 20 years.
His fiscal reform defined his career, earning him the trust of thousands of constituents across the county. And yet, he was always remembered for his humility, never wanting anything more than what was just and fair.
A civil servant, Don’s faith guided his decisionmaking. An ordained deacon, he served at Sherwood Baptist Church in Georgia, and later, First Baptist Church of Columbiana, for a combined 43 years or more.
“He was a man that loved the Lord Jesus Christ,” Mark says. “He took his faith very seriously. He did enjoy life. He enjoyed serving others.”
During his youth, Mark remembers his uncle taking him quail hunting and on hunting trips to reserves in Mississippi. He recalls all of the Alabama football games they bonded over, cheering on the Tide.
To him, Don was more than just a civil servant— he was a father figure who led by example.
In 2011, Don endured the unimaginable, losing his wife, Virginia, and afterwards, both of his sons,
Scott and Shane, at different times. Though his grief was immense, Don never once blamed the Lord, Mark says.
Instead, Don’s faith grew stronger, and he channeled even more of his efforts into serving his community, once again filled with that same determination that defined him as a new commissioner. He was not going to allow his grief to hold him captive; rather, he was going to use it to connect with people who were hurting, people who needed support.
And, that is exactly what he did for the next 14 years until his passing earlier this year.
Don went on to impact thousands of people, impressing upon each of them the power of faith
during bleak times. He is remembered most for his caring spirit, never taking credit for his political accomplishments.
“He’s one of the best men I’ve ever known in my life,” Butch said in the interview. “It was an honor to have known him, frankly, and to call him my friend for so many years.”
While qualities of honesty and integrity are often far and few between among politicians, Don Armstrong was a diamond in the rough, standing out as a servant-hearted leader, a man for the people. Though his passing has left a void in the county, his character and example will stand the test of time, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.
C. “BUTCH” ELLIS, JR.’S DECADES-LONG CAREER HAS INFLUENCED PUBLIC POLICY AND CREATED SIGNIFICANT IMPACT FOR SHELBY
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED & FILE
TThroughout Shelby County, the name Frank C. “Butch” Ellis, Jr. is a cherished moniker, often synonymous with service and integrity. For more than 50 years, Butch has served as the county attorney for Shelby County, quietly shaping public policy by prioritizing the needs of his constituents above all else.
Cities including Calera, Harpersville, Helena, Montevallo, Pelham, Westover and Wilton have also benefited from his service as their city attorney. His decades-long career not only is proof of his heart for other people, but also his widespread influence that extends far beyond the threshold of his law firm.
No stranger to hard work, Butch was born and raised on his family’s dairy farm—land still belonging to his family—in Columbiana. He rose before the roosters each morning at 3 a.m. to feed and milk the cows, clean pens, deliver milk, and he still made it to school on time before the final morning bell. Every afternoon, he returned home to his callus-forming job.
After graduating from Shelby County High School, Butch began his collegiate studies at the University of Montevallo before transferring to Auburn University to study mechanical engineering. His son
Corley Ellis jokes that due to Butch’s lack of mechanical aptitude, a professor encouraged him to pursue a different career path, prompting his changing majors.
But, he did not stay in The Plains for long. Corley says his parents, who began dating in high school, briefly broke up due to long distance when Butch was still a student at Auburn.
“When he hung up the phone from that conversation, he dropped all of his classes and transferred to the University of Montevallo,” Corley says, later adding, “I think he hitchhiked back to Montevallo to court my mother, which I’m glad he did.”
In 1961, Butch graduated from Montevallo, and just one year later, he accomplished what he considers one of his greatest achievements— convincing Diane Bentley Ellis to become his wife. The pair is celebrating 53 years of joyful union this year.
In 1964, he accomplished yet another feat, graduating summa cum laude—the top of his class— from the University of Alabama School of Law. He began practicing law with Wales W. Wallace that September, forming their joint firm, Wallace & Ellis, and what would become the iconic practice, Ellis Head Owens & Justice, on North Main Street in Columbiana.
At just 24 years old, Butch became Shelby County’s first-ever county attorney and the city attorney for Pelham in 1964. Since that time, he has become the city attorney for several more municipalities, earning a reputation as a hard worker.
Over the years, he has also served clients in a plethora of different aspects, from estate planning to civil disputes to criminal cases. He is known to this day for arriving at the office before dawn each day, eating breakfast and lunch in his law firm and often leaving long after dark.
He was elected to the Alabama State Senate in 1982, serving 10 years in office. There, he served as chair of the Senate Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee and as the senate floor leader.
Corley recalls visiting his dad in the state senate as a kid, always being referred to as “Butch Ellis’ son.” He never tired of hearing that phrase.
“To this day, I credit that as what probably planted the seed of (my) being a public servant,” says Corley, who was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives for District 41 in 2016.
One of Butch’s most notable accomplishments in office included working with then-Shelby County District 9 Commissioner Don Armstrong and thenAlabama State Rep. Mike Hill in pulling Shelby County out of a looming $50 million debt, thanks to a 1 cent sales tax increase bill that passed in 1993.
The trio helped form a committee of 19 people to spread awareness about the bill, holding public hearings across Shelby County, before its passing. This county-wide commitment to amplifying public opinion led Butch to later help establish Leadership
Their aim was to mentor rising leaders and encourage people to get involved in local government. Leadership Shelby County officially formed in 1994, with Butch serving as its first-ever president.
While holding public office, Butch’s roles also included serving as chair of the Fish and Game Subcommittee of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. Not only did his leadership earn him a prestigious public service award from the Montgomery Advertiser in 1991 and 1993, but he also was selected as one of five Outstanding Senators in 1990 by the Senate membership due to his unwavering commitment in his role.
Butch also chaired the University of Montevallo Board of Trustees for 23 years; served as president of the Shelby County Bar Association; and is a member of both the Alabama Bar and American Bar associations.
Although his father has held many roles, Corley says Butch still credits milking cows before first light as some of his most influential, character-building work.
THe mAn beHind THe legend
Known as a straight arrow, Butch was just as fair as an attorney as he was a father, according to his son.
During his youth, Corley recalls getting a speeding ticket but not fearing the consequences as his father’s influence could have easily wiped this blemish off the record. Instead, Butch turned this ticket into a
“being THAT selfless, CommuniTy-driven person that wants to give back to the community and others and do as much good as they can, that’s a great life.”
— Corley Ellis
life lesson that would stick with Corley forever.
“I went to him, and he scolded me a little bit, but he said, ‘Okay, son, I’ll see what I can do. Come back and see me tomorrow after school,’” Corley says.
“Tomorrow after school, I come back and go to his office and he said, ‘I got some good news!’ I thought, ‘Here we go.’”
While Corley’s ticket did not go on his permanent record, he did have to pay the fine; take an eighthour defensive driving course; spend the next four Saturdays washing every police car at the police station; and thank the police chief for this opportunity.
After completing his community service, Corley says he went to thank the chief, only to realize his punishment was far harsher than what even the police had in mind.
“He said, ‘Son, come around, I need to tell you something,’” Corley recalls. “‘Just so you know, I told your dad I wanted you to take a four-hour defensive driving class, and that was it. He said, add an extra four hours and have him wash the police cars for the next four Saturdays.’”
Corley chuckles, remembering just how mad he was initially, but over time, he came to appreciate one of the greatest lessons he ever learned from his
father: respect for the law and other people.
“He never hesitated to let you make decisions but also live with those consequences,” Corley says, later adding, “that’s one thing I admire about him is that he let us suffer the consequences when we needed to.”
Even at 85 years old, Butch is still practicing law, taking on pro bono cases here and there and prioritizing people in need. Corley jokes that even if his father were to retire, he would still find a way to continue serving.
In fact, he says Butch most resembles Harper Lee’s Atticus Finch in her 1960 novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
“Being that selfless, community-driven person that wants to give back to the community and others and do as much good as they can, that’s a great life,” Corley says of his dad.
In many ways, he says Butch is Shelby County’s own Atticus Finch, a man whose selfless heart and civil service will echo for generations in the heartbeat of rising leaders, eager to uplift the people they serve.
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED & FILE
TThe dawning sun rising over Shelby County was, to some, the most beautiful time of day in this farming community nearly 100 years ago. Its fertile lands, teeming with chirping birds and lowing cattle, yielded dreams for young, bright-eyed farmers, itching to make a name for themselves.
The year was 1929. Twenty-year-old Joel Elwyn “Ned” Bearden, Sr. set out to build a business on these lands with only aspiration and not much else to his name.
“My grandfather came down here and bought this property—it was a couple hundred acres then— for him and his brother Merrill,” recalls his grandson and namesake, Elwyn Bearden.
Together, Ned and Merrill created what was then known as Paramount Jersey Dairy Farms with just 29 cows on their new landholdings in Helena. Their launch, however, could not have gone worse.
“Many days, they would get up and milk all the cows and pour their milk out because there was no market for milk,” Elwyn says. “Nobody had jobs. Nobody had money.”
Yet, somehow, even during The Great Depression, Ned endured.
The first chapter of Ned’s life was riddled with loss and adversity. Born in 1909, he lost his mother just two years later when she passed away in childbirth.
His father later remarried and had five more children, and Ned shouldered significant responsibility from a young age in helping provide for the family. He never made it past the eighth grade as his father unenrolled him from school, forcing him to work on their family farm.
That sense of duty defined Ned for the rest of his life.
Over the years, his relationship with his stepmother turned sour, and he was often forced to sleep outdoors in the barn. Despite his harsh upbringing, Ned retained his eternal optimism, determined to turn the cards he was dealt into a winning hand.
Eventually, Merrill left Paramount for a more lucrative escapade.
“He told my grandfather what he could do with the dairy farm and said, ‘There’s no money in
“iT’s eAsy To emulATe somebody like THAT.”
— Elwyn Bearden
milking cows. There’s a lot of money in moonshine!’” Elwyn says, chuckling.
From then on, Ned bore the weight of the farm alone.
Farm life was taxing, yet comical. Back then, Elwyn says Helena did not have fence laws, so the Beardens’ cows would often wander into other people’s property, sometimes discovering bootleggers’ stills in the nearby woods.
“He’d come home and wake my grandmother, Irene, up, and she would make a pot of coffee. Then he’d go back out there and hold the cow’s head up and pour the coffee down the cow’s throat, trying to get the cow to sober up,” Elwyn says, chuckling. “This happened more than once.”
Despite such challenges, Ned expanded his land to 743 acres over time. His farm, later known simply as Bearden Farms, became a staple in the county.
According to Elwyn, in the mid-to-late 1940s, Ned helped establish Consolidated Dairies with a group of other dairy farmers, led by Dr. Ben Carraway of then-Carraway Methodist Medical Center. Initially, Ned did not possess the buy-in funds, but due to the graciousness of a fellow farmer, he received a loan that secured his place in the cooperative.
“Back then, they delivered milk to houses,” Elwyn explains. “There weren’t a lot of grocery stores, so they had tons and tons of refrigerated trucks. They delivered milk and put it on your front porch every day.”
Families were given embalmed glass milk bottles with their names on them. Delivery drivers would pick up the previous day’s bottles and replace them with that day’s orders. Stay-at-home mothers would often wait at the door with cash to pay the milkmen.
The 1933 Agricultural Adjustment Act gave the federal government control over the price of milk to ensure fair prices for both farmers and consumers, due to the failing economy. Originally, Elwyn says farmers might have earned $12 a hundredweight, but by the late 1900s, the government’s pay stayed stagnant while production costs grew steadily, pushing many farmers out of business.
“When I was growing up, there were probably
400 to 500 dairy farms in the state of Alabama,” Elwyn says. “As of right now, there are maybe five, six or 10.”
Even as dairy farms kept closing left and right, Ned held on to the very end. In a 1963 issue of Progressive Farmer Magazine, the Bearden family was named the magazine’s “Master Farm Family.”
Then in 1972, Ned made a bold move. He purchased a 600-acre farm (Shel-Clair Farms) that spanned both Shelby and St. Clair counties from Dr. Carraway in Vincent. This farm—first run by Ned’s son Ralph Bearden and now, Ralph’s sons Randy and Wayne Bearden—initially was a solution to the fast-growing urbanization around Bearden Farms.
And yet, Shel-Clair Farms proved so successful, the family kept both farms running. Shortly thereafter, in 1977, Ned was named “Man of the Year” in agribusiness by the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce.
It was not until he passed away at age 90 in 2000 that the Bearden family sold the last of their cows, ceasing operations on Bearden Farms. Shel-Clair Farms later closed down its dairy production in 2005 and transformed into a crop-and-beef enterprise.
Although farming was the foundation of the Bearden family business, Ned’s reach expanded far past his farm’s fence line. Due to his reputation, he was invited by then-president George Scott of the First Bank of Alabaster to join the bank’s board of directors.
After George’s passing, the bank selected Ned to be the next president in 1968.
“Here is (the bank) picking anybody they want to in our county, and anybody on the board at that time, and for some reason, they chose my grandfather to be the bank president, which shocked him and all of us,” Elwyn recalls.
But, just like his weathering the trials of The Great Depression, Ned accepted his appointment and made it his mission to succeed. He began each morning in overalls, milking cows, cleaning pens.
After a shower and a shave, he would head to the bank in a suit and tie, where he would spend all day shaking hands, getting to know other people, vouching for good, honest folks if they needed a loan. He was known to never break eye contact when speaking with another person.
When customers would trade in silver dollars for paper bills, Ned would often divide the silver pieces
up equally among the staff who wanted them. He also let his employees have first dibs on buying stock in the bank, whenever a shareholder wanted to sell.
“He was a consummate politician—he just naturally liked people,” Elwyn says.
As laws were dissolved about banks crossing county lines, bigger financial institutions swept into Shelby County. Fearing the First Bank of Alabaster would not survive, Ned convinced the board to sell and oversaw the bank’s merger with SouthTrust Bank, ensuring all of his employees kept their jobs.
Though it meant the loss of his appointment, Ned did not hesitate to put his people first.
The same year he was appointed as bank president, Ned was elected to the Shelby County Commission in 1968. He served for 12 years until 1980, ushering in a new era of financial independence for the county and its residents.
He also served as president of the Shelby County Farm Bureau for 12 years; a trustee of Helena School; a board member of the Shelby County Board of Education; and as an elder at both Central Church of Christ and Riverchase Church of Christ, according to his obituary.
Ned even donated part of his land to Pelham High School when the campus was first being built in the early 1970s. As a tribute, the school’s football stadium now proudly bears a familiar moniker, Ned Bearden Stadium.
To Ned, there was no greater gift in life than that of a good education.
Ned Bearden left a profound impact in Shelby County—his story, a true rags to riches tale, that in the end, proved his greatest achievements were not the acres he acquired nor the institutions he led, but the relationships he cultivated throughout his lifetime.
“It’s easy to emulate somebody like that,” Elwyn says, smiling.
From farming to banking, from serving on commissions and boards to serving in his congregation, Ned’s story is one Elwyn hopes will inspire young dreamers everywhere because with it, comes the promise that a little grit and a lot of gratitude go a long way in winning the game of life.
The best part? It doesn’t matter the hand one is dealt, only how he chooses to play it.
KARL AND MILDRED HARRISON’S CONTRIBUTIONS FURTHERED THE GROWTH OF SHELBY COUNTY IN PERPETUITY.
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED & FILE
“one of my fAvoriTe memories, and I didn't realize until after I worked for him, is he kept a Christmas cut out of his paycheck for every employee, so that he could give them a cash bonus out of his own money.”
— Helen Phillips Dean
SStrolling through the quaint town of Columbiana, one still feels the enduring presence of Karl and Mildred Harrison—their legacy still standing tall in the face of the Mildred B. Harrison Regional Library and the Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington. The husband-and-wife duo worked their entire adult lives giving back to the community, and today, their sacrifices now benefit numerous others, looking to follow in their footsteps.
A diehard fan of the Crimson Tide, Karl, a Shelby County native, attended the University of Alabama for his undergraduate studies, and later, the Birmingham School of Law. It was while he was taking night school classes to earn his law degree that he was invited to a small get-together with friends.
Mildred, on the other hand, grew up in Savannah, Georgia. She attended Wesleyan College, and afterwards, Emory University, to earn her master’s degree in library sciences.
She, too, received that invitation to rendezvous with friends.
There, the pair had an unconventional first meeting: One of the hosts pulled Mildred aside, saying not to get involved with Karl because he wouldn’t go far in life. Karl, never having played bridge before, walked away from that card table with two victories that evening—the most important being the attention of then-Mildred Bennett.
One of Karl and Mildred’s daughters Helen Phillips chuckles, telling the story. She says the pair went on to date for three years before tying the knot in June 1937.
“When he asked mother to marry him, he had to go over to Savannah,” she says. “My grandfather was a purchasing agent for the Central of Georgia Railroad. He made daddy wait out in the lobby an hour before he saw him. When daddy went in, granddaddy said, ‘Karl, can you keep Mildred in the style of life she’s accustomed to?’ And daddy said,
‘Mr. Bennett, I have a hundred dollars, a set of law books and two chairs.’”
True, the young lovebirds’ beginnings were anything but lavish, but together, they helped build Shelby County into what it is today.
mr. CollATerAl
Karl began practicing law in Columbiana in 1936. Just three years later, he was elected to the Alabama State Senate, where he served from 1939-1943, and subsequently, the Alabama House of Representatives, serving from 1947-1955.
While his law career defined much of his life, his greatest impact on others was actually serving in the banking industry. As a young man, his sister passed away in a horrific house fire, so he visited the First National Bank of Columbiana, asking for a loan to give her a proper burial.
The bank denied him, however, stating that he had no collateral.
“When daddy walked out—this is prophetic, and you can see God in daddy’s life—when he left the bank that day, he said, ‘One day, I’ll own this bank, and we won’t treat people like this!’” says Carol Smith, another of the Harrisons’ daughters.
Over time, Karl bought stock in the bank, eventually becoming the majority shareholder and later, the president of the bank.
“Every child that came in there, he would give them a dollar, and he said, ‘Spend half of it, and when you get to be my age, you’ll have some money,’” Phillips says. “Years later, we were in Publix, and the girl behind the counter came out and said, ‘I know who you all are, and I remember going to the bank and your daddy would give me a dollar!’”
Karl is remembered fondly for his compassion. Several times when customers were denied loans, he would quietly give them much-needed funds out of his own pocket.
“One of my favorite memories, and I didn’t realize until after I worked for him, is he kept a Christmas
cut out of his paycheck for every employee, so that he could give them a cash bonus out of his own money,” Helen Phillips Dean, Karl and Mildred’s granddaughter, says.
Karl dedicated his life to blessing other people. But, as his ministry was in law and banking, Mildred’s was in books.
pioneering librAries in sHelby CounTy
In 1933 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the New Deal, the Works Progress Administration began seeking out librarians. In 1939, the Alabama Public Library Service hired Mildred as its first field consultant, leading her to travel all across the state to set up libraries in rural areas.
A year later, she was hired as the county’s firstever librarian in 1940. Despite the fact that she now had employment, she actually did not have a library, but a local judge allowed her to set up her collection of books in one of the rooms in the Shelby County Courthouse.
“Mildred was strong and tenacious,” Dean says. “She fought hard for what she believed in. There are many stories of her going after the County Commission to get the funding she wanted.”
Filled with excitement, Mildred would load up
her car with books, traveling all across the county and rotating books between schools, businesses and homes. Rain or shine, she always made her deliveries.
When Shelby County created its own library board, Mildred was selected to chair the board in 1946, a position she held for 51 years. Then in 1964, the Shelby County Library was built.
“I could see how God moved through her,” Smith says, smiling.
Thanks to her efforts, Shelby County saw tremendous growth in library numbers, each location starting with just 100 books. Today, this network is made up of 11 different libraries that now serve thousands of residents across the county.
In 1970, Gov. Albert Brewer appointed Mildred to the Alabama Public Library’s state executive board, where she served from 1971-1976 as board chair. The state continued to honor her legacy, naming both the Shelby County Library and the local library system in her honor, along with the state library board room.
Outside of the library, Mildred was a member of the David Lindsay chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served as chapter regent twice. She and Karl stayed active in their church, often volunteering in their community, until their deaths in 1997.
Despite Karl and Mildred’s many contributions to Shelby County, their most iconic is none other than their establishing the Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington in 1982. According to Phillips and Smith, after Mildred learned of an extremely rare, historical collection in Chelsea, she and Karl ventured out to see it.
There, they connected with Charlotte Smith Weaver, a direct descendant of Martha Washington. At the time, Weaver’s familial collection had largely been purchased by George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
“Daddy said, ‘If you will let me buy your collection—what you have left—I will do a museum in Columbiana, and I will make you two promises: It will never leave Shelby County, and no one should ever pay to see their own history. It was paid for long ago,’” Phillips says.
Thus, the museum was born.
Today, it features artwork, furniture, jewelry, letters and more from the Washington family dating back to the 1700s. Several items of note include Martha Washington’s prayer book (1783) and George Washington’s writing instruments.
After several cuts in funding from the county, the museum was near the brink of closure just a few
years ago. But, in February 2024, the museum’s board announced the museum would be relocating on loan to American Village in 2026, where it will thrive in perpetuity.
“American Village, I believe very strongly, is going to be a footprint all over the country,” Smith says, later adding, “the museum was all God’s heart, and it’s all coming to fruition in a time when our country needs to love our country again and love the people.”
In 1999, the museum was presented the George Washington Honor Medal by the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge. It has also since been featured in publications including the Daughters of the American Revolution’s American Spirit Magazine and American Profile.
Karl and Mildred Harrison’s paths may have first intertwined over a game of bridge, but from that serendipitous meeting, their conjoined desires became about more than just winning a game of cards; they became the necessity to build bridges of their own, guiding those in need to the help they deserved.
While their legacy sits physically in the form of libraries and a museum, their true impact is the bridge on which they carried Shelby County forward, uplifting hundreds of people on their journeys.
ELLEN CORBETT’S HAND IN SERVING AT MULTIPLE SHELBY COUNTY INSTITUTIONS HAS CATERED TO THE RISE OF GENERATIONAL LEADERS.
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED & FILE
TTrue leadership is measured by the impact of one’s character, not the volume of her visibility. Born in Fayette but raised in Bluff, Alabama, Ellen Corbett learned early on the values of humility and servitude.
These lessons she later imparted to hundreds of mentees throughout her lifetime, helping establish pivotal institutions that are now shaping the future of Shelby County.
“I think I’m the luckiest person in the world to have worked at the University of Montevallo, American Village and Leadership Shelby County— three of the most successful places in Shelby County,” she says, smiling.
formATive yeArs And eArly CAreer
After two of her sisters attended the University of Montevallo, Ellen moved to Montevallo in 1955, later taking classes at the university. Her education fell to the back-burner as she prioritized raising her four children, all while working full-time.
Although, she did go on to leave an indelible mark at the university, not as a student, but as a mentor.
In 1963, with her daughters ages 10, 8, 6 and 4, Ellen was hired by Dr. Howard Phillips at the Oliver C. Carmichael Library, working at the circulation desk. Her responsibilities included more than just cataloging reading material.
She spent her time guiding students through research projects, writing papers and always prioritized sourcing answers to their literary questions. Though she did not realize it then, her mentoring students would define a significant majority of her career.
After five years, Dr. Delos Culp hired her as administrative assistant to the president, and she served him along with subsequent presidents Drs. Kermit Johnson, James R. Vickery, John Stewart and Robert McChesney.
“I knew nothing about the university because I was not from Alabama,” Robert recalls. “She was an invaluable source of information. She was my
institutional memory.”
His decision-making was largely influenced by her expertise.
“There were times when I decided, ‘Well, I need to do this,’ and she would say, ‘Dr. McChesney, you might not want to do that,’ and then she would proceed to tell me why she didn’t think that was a good idea,” he says. “She was always right.”
menToring Tom wAlker
During her time at Montevallo, Ellen became a mentor to Tom Walker, then a student at the university who was serving as special assistant to the president. She remembers Tom fondly.
He often scheduled one-on-one meetings with Robert, eager to discuss improvements to campus and acting as a liaison between the faculty and student body. His passionate rhetoric, however, often saw him on the other side of the discussion table from Robert, both literally and figuratively.
On more than one occasion, Ellen also found herself offering advice to Tom, encouraging him to make his voice heard but to do so with respect.
Tom never forgot her guidance. Years later, when he set out to create American Village, he sought Ellen’s mentorship once more.
“As Tom transitioned to the American Village, she was still a huge support for him in the process of getting that institution created and up and running,” Robert says.
While Tom was writing American Village’s bylaws, Ellen was organizing volunteers, helping navigate logistics and the initial launch of what then seemed to be a far-fetched idea. Day after day, she made numerous calls, pleading Tom’s case to hopeful donors and community leaders.
On Nov. 30, 1999, American Village opened for the first time. Today, visitors can tour 20 different, historically-inspired buildings, watch Revolutionary War reenactments, meet patriots of the past including Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson along with Alexander Hamilton,
Ben Franklin and more.
American Village has now gained national recognition, boasting thousands of visitors every year. In 2017, Tom was appointed to the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, which is responsible for planning the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2026, according to americanvillage.org.
Ellen still remembers when Tom was a young, aspiring student with a simple dream drawn on a napkin. She says watching him transform his vision to one of the most successful, well-known living history museums in the nation over time was incredibly rewarding for her.
“She’s the glue that holds the different groups together,” Tricia Corbett, Ellen’s daughter, says. “That’s why Dr. McChesney and Tom Walker trusted her judgment. They knew she was the one who could pull it off.”
founding
leAdersHip sHelby CounTy
Before American Village even opened, Ellen was already instrumental in helping launch another pivotal institution.
In 1992, Shelby County wound up $50 million in debt, due to miscalculations surrounding the financing of a new sewer system. As the county’s leadership faced backlash, the Shelby County Commission turned to their greatest asset: local citizens.
In a 2019 article by the Shelby County Reporter, County Attorney Frank C. “Butch” Ellis, Jr. said the
county realized it needed consistent influence from the citizens in local government to prevent such a situation from reoccurring.
“We realized at that time that we all have a stake in this county,” Butch said in the article. “If the county was going to prosper and realize its potential, we had to tap into that community leadership we had and needed to develop.”
Thus, Leadership Shelby County was born in 1994.
While Butch served as the program’s first president, Ellen served as the first program coordinator, later known simply as director, for 12 years until 2006. Under her leadership, a new class of up to 40 citizens were nominated and selected each year to go through a nine-month-long course to further their understanding of local government and encourage them to get involved.
Participants have gone on to become leaders throughout Shelby County, with some now holding public office or owning businesses, and others active in the school system, nonprofits, places of worship and more. Several class projects have included partnerships that fundraise for worthy causes or local students.
Today, Leadership Shelby County now has a youth leadership program and offers scholarships, too. That first class in ‘94 included just 26 participants, but Ellen saw to it that class sizes grew each year.
The program now has hundreds of graduates since its inception 31 years ago.
“I met so many interesting people that I never
“sHe’s THe glue THAT Holds THe differenT groups TogeTHer. That’s why Dr. McChesney and Tom Walker trusted her judgment. They knew she was the one who could pull it off.”
— Tricia Corbett
would have met otherwise,” Ellen says, reflecting on the program’s impact.
In each of her roles, whether as a wife and a mother, or as a mentor and a program director, Ellen led from behind the scenes, quietly empowering some of Shelby County’s most impactful wavemakers.
“There’s leadership by authority, which people with titles have, and then there’s leadership by influence,” Robert says. “Ellen chose to be a leader by influence. She was never the person with the title, but she was the person behind the person with the title, who was influencing those decisions.”
This approach led her to touch the lives of so many, including university presidents, the founder of American Village and hundreds of students, teachers, politicians, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, government employees, pastors and more through Leadership Shelby County.
And yet, she never once sought recognition.
“She doesn’t want to be in the spotlight,” Tricia
says. “She wants everybody else to shine. But isn’t that what a servant-leader really does?”
Though her work went largely unknown for decades, the Shelby County Hall of Fame offered well-deserved acknowledgement.
Ellen, of course, received the news of her induction with humility.
“Who would ever have thought I would be getting this award?” she says, chuckling. “I’m not sure I deserve it at all, but I surely am excited about it.”
Ellen’s work fanned the flames of ambition within numerous leaders in Shelby County. Her legacy is not defined by titles, but by the people and institutions she influenced.
Once a young girl from a small town, Ellen Corbett is now one of the most revered leaders in Shelby County. The mother of mentors, she has found and fulfilled her calling, igniting a compounding effect of servant-hearted leadership within wavemakers stretching far beyond these county lines.
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE | PHOTOS BY ANNA GRACE MOORE
SShelby County born and bred, the Hon. James Michael “Mike” Joiner’s familial history runs five generations deep in the county. Growing up around Indian Springs, he remembers riding his bike along Highway 119.
His father worked for the power company, and his mother, the post office.
“Neither of them had ever gone to college, but they both recognized the incredible benefits of education for both me and my brother,” Joiner says.
This connectivity has defined his career, rooted in servitude and compassion.
Joiner attended Valley Elementary, Thompson Middle and Indian Springs schools, all of which he credits for establishing his love of learning. He was a member of one of the last graduating classes at Indian Springs back when it was an all-boys institution.
He did not venture far for college. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history at Samford University and his juris doctor from the Cumberland School of Law.
He cut his teeth at a small practice in Alabaster right out of law school.
“I practiced for a short period of time with another lawyer in Alabaster, and then he decided to
leave that practice, and I kind of inherited pieces of it,” Joiner says. “Within a year or so of coming out of law school, I’m there by myself as a solo practitioner, having developed some relationships, basically figuring out how am I going to make a living doing this.”
At the time, his wife was working as a nurse, providing the family with steady income and health insurance. Joiner remembers long nights spent trying to keep his practice alive.
“It was a one-man office,” he says. “I remember when I hired my first employee, my secretary. She took a pay cut to come work for me because she wanted to come into that type of environment, a great young lady that we knew through church. That first year, she made more money than I did! Every year, it got better. God blessed us greatly.”
The 10 years he spent practicing instilled in him two things: a no-quit attitude and a lifelong commitment to serve.
“I’ve just had an incredible number of blessings of circumstances that have led me in various decisions and directions,” he says.
Then in 1992, he ran for a newly created circuit judgeship.
“There was a local lawyer who wrote an article for the paper who basically predicted that I would win, and his words were, ‘He’ll win because he’s got more relatives in Shelby County than there are beer
“As i look Around AT THe wAy god HAs blessed me, I think God expects me to try to do what I can to share those blessings.”
— Judge Mike Joiner
cans in Lay Lake!’” Joiner says, chuckling.
Sure enough, he won and took office in January 1993. In 2005, he became the presiding judge and continued serving until January 2011.
Throughout his career, Joiner’s establishment of the Shelby County Drug Court in 2002, and later, his helping implement more courts throughout the state, has been his most impactful service to hundreds of individuals.
“During the time that I presided over criminal cases in this county, I tried three different teenage boys’ cases,” he recalls, later adding, “all three of them were sentenced to death row, and all three of them were involved in crime that they might not have been involved with but for the involvement of drugs.”
Heavy is the hand that holds the gavel, but heavier was Joiner’s heart, aching at these decisions.
Then-assistant district attorney Barry Page later presented the idea of a “drug court” to Joiner. The court operates more as a rehabilitation system, prioritizing accountability and treatment.
Across the country, judges were using these courts for nonviolent offenders—many whose only crime was possession. Drug court participants would meet weekly with counselors, attorneys and the presiding judge in court, get tested and receive orders for treatment.
Sometimes, participants were ordered to attend support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous. If they complied and tested negative, their court appearances would lessen with time, eventually leading to their “graduating” drug court and hopefully, maintaining sobriety.
“I realized if we could address that issue (drugs), then maybe we could avoid incarceration for those individuals because incarceration did them no good, and we can’t afford it,” Joiner says.
He assembled a team of 10 different individuals in the justice system and traveled to Dallas and Los Angeles for national training before implementing the program in Shelby County. Over time, he would help train others to establish similar systems in
their own courtrooms.
Now, 65 of Alabama’s 67 counties have drug courts.
Joiner’s drug court has three rules: be honest, show up and don’t do drugs. However, he knows that recovery is hardly ever so simple.
“For a lot of these folks coming in, telling them to quit using heroin is like telling you to quit breathing,” he says. “You would have as much success in voluntarily quitting breathing as they do voluntarily quitting using drugs without some help.”
Most participants in his drug court spend about a year in the program before graduating—some just six months, others several years. Joiner says a study by the Shelby County District Attorney’s office found that roughly 80 percent of his drug court graduates were not arrested again within five years of graduating.
“They wanted to see how it was working and concluded that it was a roaring success,” he says.
Several graduates have gone on to become dentists, accountants, lawyers and more.
One pharmacy student’s poor life choices wound her up in Joiner’s court. She went through his program, completed her treatment and later earned her license to practice pharmacy.
To him, this is what drug court is all about: second chances.
Another participant impressed him with her sense of fashion.
“I hadn’t worn a bow tie since I was 4 years old, but there was a young lady in the group who, every week, would come just really well-dressed,” he says. “So, we made it a point to talk about bow ties. She said, ‘Judge, you need to wear a bow tie.’ I said, ‘I’ll tell you what. When you get to graduation, I’ll wear a bow tie.’”
In 2025, Joiner watched her graduate from drug court. The two celebrated her achievement by both wearing bow ties and taking a picture together.
“Nowhere else in the criminal justice system do you get to have those types of experiences,” he says.
One of the most powerful moments of his career came in the form of a letter.
“She says, ‘Since getting clean, I found something I never thought I would find again, purpose,’” Joiner
reads, smiling. “‘I now understand that my life has meaning, that I’m capable of change, that I found the man of my dreams—someone who sees the real me, not just the brokenness. I’m beyond thankful for my counselor and for my judge, both of whom believe in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.’”
It’s moments like these, he says, that show him he’s making a difference.
Joiner’s ring of influence is not limited to Shelby County, however. In 2011, he was appointed by Gov. Robert Bentley to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, where he served till 2019 and as the presiding judge on the court of the judiciary from 2013-2018.
His years of service also include co-founding and serving as president of the Alabama Association of Drug Court Professionals. He also served on the executive committee of the Circuit Judges Association and the Alabama Public Safety and Sentencing Coalition.
In 2016, he joined the board of directors of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, now known as All Rise, later serving as its chairman from 2023-2025.
“We changed the name from National Association of Drug Court Professionals to All Rise,” he says. “The thinking is that when we help one rise, we all rise.”
In May 2025, Joiner was inducted into the Goldstein Treatment Court Hall of Fame.
Despite his widespread recognition, he jokes he retired from the Court of Criminal Appeals in 2019 and stayed retired for less than two weeks before deciding to return to the Shelby County Drug Court.
Being able to create a direct impact in other people’s lives, for him, felt irreplaceable.
“As I look around at the way God has blessed me, I think God expects me to try to do what I can to share those blessings,” he says, referencing his return to drug court.
Truthfully, he has never been too motivated by fancy titles or shiny plaques on his office’s walls; rather, what fuels his passion, really, is seeing lives transformed by his work. He chuckles, saying, one day he will retire, but that day is not today, and it probably won’t be tomorrow, either. He still has more work to do, more individuals to help.
And while Mike Joiner’s retirement may not be set in stone, his career is concrete proof that courtrooms do more than just pass judgement—in his case, they help restore lives.
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED & FILE
IIn a world plagued by segregation and shadowed by fear, Jackson Campbell emerged as a guiding light, a man with a dream so simple yet profound: equality for all.
Born in 1874 in Tallapoosa County, Jackson’s parents were sharecroppers who were likely descendants of enslaved people. Although he battled arduous times growing up, he championed educational reform for students of color, helping open the door to integration in Shelby County.
Jackson himself was a graduate of the Tuskegee Institute, where he was first influenced by visionary Booker T. Washington, renowned for his beliefs of education being the key to self-improvement and societal progress.
“He took the education that he earned at Tuskegee and was willing to spend his lifetime basically passing on that education to the African American community here in Shelby County,” explains David Nolen, Shelby County Historical Society Museum & Archives board president.
After graduating, Jackson moved to Shelby County around 1907, where he honed in on that same vision, establishing Campbell Academy—a private school for students of color.
“Even though educational opportunities were limited at the time for black children, Jackson believed they still deserved the opportunity to improve their lives through education,” David says.
Campbell Academy was open to both male and female students in grades 1-9 and was located in Hillsdale, which then sat halfway between the Columbiana and Shelby communities. Curriculums included reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic.
Parents of students paid a small fee to send their children to school since the academy was not a part of the public school system. Then in 1913, Jackson expanded the school to include a second location in Covenant Congregational Church in the Shelby Ironworks area.
For nearly two decades, he served as a teaching principal at both of these academies. He and a handful of other teachers taught multiple students, each class a mix of ages from 5 to 15 or older.
But by 1923, an underlying issue made itself known: No upper schools existed for African American students.
At the time, Alabaster, Columbiana, Montevallo and Vincent each had public high schools for white students. Determined not to settle, Jackson set out to change that.
“He took it upon himself to raise the money to establish the school that became open to black children,” David says.
Jackson managed to raise $3,000 in donations from local communities. The state of Alabama contributed $2,200 for the school building and $1,000 for furnishings; whereas, the County Board of Education donated $1,000, and the Julius
Rosenwald Foundation, which funded schools for African American children in the Jim Crow-era South, gave $1,300.
Altogether, Jackson raised $8,500—a remarkable feat during that time—for a public high school for students of color. Utilizing the funds, the state purchased 13 acres along County Highway 47 in between Columbiana and Shelby to build the new school, and on Oct. 5, 1925, the Shelby County Training School officially opened.
“The Shelby County Training School was the only high school in Shelby County available to black children, until Prentice High School was opened in Montevallo in 1950,” David explains.
Closing both of his academies in 1925, Jackson opened the training school with grades 1-9, and each following year, he added a grade until finally 12th grade was offered by 1929. The original school building included four classrooms and two work rooms, one for boys and one for girls.
In these work rooms, the boys learned about agriculture and trades, and the girls learned about
domestic work such as cooking, washing clothes and sewing. An outstanding 184 students were enrolled on opening day.
In total, the school had 163 elementary and 21 secondary students that first year. Jackson served as the school’s first principal from its inception until the end of the 1945 school year.
David estimates nearly 4,000 students attended Jackson’s schools during his lifetime.
“He stood up for his people, his race, his community during a period of our history when there were so many obstacles thrown up that prevented African American individuals and students to gain an education, to gain a good job, to vote,” David says. “He was willing to confront those obstacles and work to overcome them.”
After nearly 40 years in education, Jackson passed away in 1946 at age 72.
The Shelby County Training School itself did not cease operations until the end of the 1969 school year, when Shelby County finally began enforcing integration. In the fall of that year, the training
“He
sTood up for His people, His r ACe, his community during a period of our history when there were so many obstacles thrown up that prevented African American individuals and students to gain an education, to gain a good job, to vote. He was willing to confront those obstacles and work to overcome them.”
— David Nolen
school became the campus for what is now Columbiana Middle School.
Its high school-age students, along with those at the only other black upper school, Prentice, integrated into Montevallo High School.
In an age where the Ku Klux Klan terrorized African American communities, Jackson displayed extraordinary courage, advocating for equality in education.
David recalls his own upbringing in 1960s Columbiana, especially the polarizing hostility between the black and white communities.
“I know that anyone who stepped forward to oppose, either subtly or blatantly, efforts like that, had to have a great degree of courage,” he reflects.
Even still, Jackson’s resolve yielded
opportunities for students of color to receive what would have otherwise never been available to them. Though the moniker “Jackson Campbell” may not echo as loudly in Civil Rights history as others, his impact is etched into the very foundation of what is now the Shelby County school system.
“Without his efforts, if no one else had stepped up, there’s no telling how poorly educated children in the black community would have been,” David says, referring to Jackson as a Civil Rights hero.
Jackson Campbell’s legacy is evident that in a world of darkness, all it takes is one courageous light to spark a revolution. In Shelby County, that light now burns brightly in the hearts of aspiring young students in every school, walking in his footsteps.
The City of Montevallo congratulates the 2025 Shelby County Hall of Fame inductees & their families. We look forward to celebrating with you at The American Village, here in Montevallo! cityofmontevallo.com
American Village is Alabama’s Semiquincentennial Celebration Capitol. Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with us! Visit americanvillage.org and america250al.org for all the upcoming events.
By Kate Seaver | Photos by VisitLEX, Keeneland & Contributed
When the lingering summer heat leaves you longing for crisp air and crunching leaves, Lexington, Kentucky, offers the perfect autumn getaway. Known as the “Horse Capital of the World” and “Bourbonland,” Lexington is renowned for its unique culture and welcoming environment. From apple orchards and bourbon trails, to horse riding and fine dining, curate the autumn trip of your dreams in bluegrass country.
Distinguished society and cultured lifestyle go hand in hand in Lexington, which was once referred to as the “Athens of the West.” It has retained much of its history, now hosting restaurants and inns in these historic homes.
Lyndon House Bed & Breakfast In a building that has been standing since 1883, this adorable bed-and-breakfast provides a cozy interior to match its classic exterior. The breakfast is fantastic and a perfect example of southern hospitality. The establishment features a full-service bar offering local bourbons and is in close proximity to all of the wonders of Lexington.
21c Museum Hotel This hotel in downtown Lexington seeks to blend contemporary art with hospitality. Featuring an art exhibit with more than 50 pieces, the hotel promises guests quite distinguished accommodations. For a truly unique experience, book the Nightwatch suite — a hotel room and an art installation in one. For the more average enjoyer, 21c offers usual hotel rooms. Around the corner and connected to the building is Lockbox, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant.
Elwood Hotel & Suites If you see a mural of flowers blossoming around the corner of a building, you know you’ve reached this boutique hotel. This pet-friendly accommodation highlights its abundance of natural light and homey atmosphere. Elwood features a restaurant of its own, too. Fiddletree Kitchen & Bar provides live music and comfort food.
The land of bourbon serves delicious southern cooking and good eatin’ everywhere you turn.
The Merrick Inn Merrick was the name of a highly successful thoroughbred raised on this horse farm in the early 1900s. In this historic house that was built before the Civil War, this restaurant serves elevated southern cuisine for brunch through dinner. Try the shrimp and grits, chicken cordon bleu or the fried chicken for a sure winner.
Joe Bologna’s Restaurant & Pizzeria This Italian pizzeria is housed in a former synagogue with preserved architecture and stained glass windows. The breadsticks, pizza dough and sauces are all made in-house. The breadsticks are an absolute must-try, especially paired with garlic butter. Enjoy this restaurant throughout the week, but know it is closed on Mondays.
Explore these pubs and distilleries, making Lexington famous for its bourbon:
uBarrel House Distilling Company —
The barreling house of the old Pepper Distillery is where this distillery is located, and it offers tours and tastings. Stop by the Elkhorn Tavern beforehand for food and cocktails.
uJames E. Pepper Distillery — This historic distillery operated from the American Revolution to 1967 and was reopened in 2017. It still uses original recipes.
uLexington Brewing & Distilling Co. — Known as the beer of bourbon country, this brewery uses fresh bourbon barrels to produce barrel-aged beers. It’s the only combination-brewery-and-distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
uWise Bird Cider Co. — Although not bourbon, this cidery creates small-batch craft ciders using 100 percent freshly pressed apples.
With many family-friendly activities tied to the countryside and rolling farmland, Lexington boasts the ability to craft the perfect fall itinerary for every visitor’s interest.
Visit Orchards — Eckert’s Versailles Orchard, located 20 minutes outside of Lexington, will fill your belly with apple butter and warm cider donuts, while the kids run through the corn maze and pick apples and pumpkins.
Evans Orchard & Cider Mill boasts fun for the whole family with a play area and a barnyard for the kids, as well as a farmers market with fresh produce picked daily.
Horse Riding Kentucky Horse Park offers horseback riding on a guided, 35-minute-long trail ride suitable for beginners. This park also holds live shows, has grounds for camping and a horse museum.
Viewing History At the Mary Todd Lincoln House, discover the family home of our 16th president’s first lady. Book a self-guided or guided tour to learn about her life and politics during her time. Stop by the historic Patterson Cabin, built around 1780, by one of the area’s earliest settlers. Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate, the distinguished estate belonging to Henry Clay, offers tours to learn about and appreciate Clay’s contributions to United States politics. He represented the state of Kentucky in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives during the Antebellum era and helped found the National Republican Party and the Whig Party.
Venture outside the city for a day to take in the beautiful fall foliage and hike at Red River Gorge. Go to The Arboretum, a 100-acre public garden to soak in more of the fall foliage. See a concert or catch a show at the historic Lexington Opera House, a theater built in 1886. A classic Lexington landmark, Thoroughbred Park captures the city’s commitment to the equine world with several bronze, lifelike statues capturing the spirit of racing near the finish line.
A trip to Lexington would not be complete without a visit to Keeneland, the nation’s largest Thoroughbred auction house. A national historic landmark open 365 days a year to the public, Keeneland holds seasonal, world-class racing as well. Created to be a gathering space for all, Keeneland has beautifully landscaped grounds that everyone can enjoy.
uStart your day with breakfast at Keeneland Track Kitchen. You could find yourself eating alongside the trainers, jockeys and owners!
uChoose from the five offered tours of the grounds for whatever piques your interest. You could see the morning training workouts, the behind-the-scenes of the auction house or the operations of the stables, including care of the horses.
uAttend a race during the Keeneland Fall Race Meet held Oct. 3-25. Be aware, there is no racing on Mondays or Tuesdays, so plan accordingly to incorporate or avoid the races in your trip.
SEPT. 3
Career Readiness Workgroup
8:30AM-9:30AM
The Shelby County Chamber
SEPT. 9
Ambassador Work Group
11:30AM-1:00PM
The Shelby County Chamber
SEPT. 9
Business After Hours
5:30PM-7:00PM
Jefferson’s Restaurant
SEPT. 10
Virtual Workshop with Sandler Training
1:30PM-3:00PM via Zoom
SEPT. 10
Small Business Work Group
4:00PM-5:00PM
The Shelby County Chamber
SEPT. 11
Governmental Affairs Work Group
8:30AM-9:30AM
Sain Associates - 280
SEPT. 16
Washington Fly In ALL DAY
Washington D.C.
Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at the annual “Shelby County Public Safety Awards” luncheon, where we’ll honor public safety officials throughout Shelby County. Each year, we are privileged to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in public safety.
This program — presented in 2025 by UAB St. Vincent’s — is an opportunity for the business community to give thanks to the fire, police and sheriff personnel and honor them for the outstanding ser-
vice and sacrifices they make each day in keeping our respective communities a safe place to live, work and play.
Doors will open at 10:45 a.m. with the buffet line opening at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, (500 Amphitheater Drive, Pelham, AL 35124).
Reservations are requested by noon on Monday, Sept. 22. The investment is $25 for Chamber investors or $35 for “future” investors. Register by calling 205-6634542 or by visiting shelbychamber.org.
The next opportunity for Shelby County’s premier business networking event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Jefferson’s Restaurant (4524 Southlake Parkway, Suite 20, Hoover, AL 35244).
Bring plenty of business cards, and be ready to make some serious business contacts from 5:30-7 p.m. The investment, which includes hors d’oeuvres and two beverage coupons for any Chamber investor, is $10 per person or $20 for “future” investors.
Reserve your place by contacting Jordan Powell at jordan@shelbychamber. org, by calling 205-663-4542 or by visiting shelbychamber.org by noon on Monday, Sept. 8.
Business After Hours events are premier networking opportunities, offering investors and guests the chance to meet
business professionals and represent their products and services in a relaxed, social setting. Investors attending have an opportunity to exchange business cards and become acquainted with other businesses throughout the community.
A University of Alabama at Birmingham graduate, Charmaine Dye earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree with cum laude standings. She has been serving the Shelby County Chamber as an ambassador since 2011. She is also a 30-year veteran in the trade industry and a certified trade broker by the National Association of Trade Exchanges. Charmaine has been named the No. 1 Broker for the United States and Canada and is a recipient of the Million Dollar Trade Volume award. She still con-
tinues helping past trade clients which include Closettec Alabama and VanGogh Window Fashions. In 2017, she was named Co-Ambassador of the Year for The Shelby County Chamber, and in 2018 and 2024, she was named the Ambassador of the Year for the chamber as well. Currently, she is a board member of Save-A-Life Shelby and has served this organization since 2017. Currently, she is working on her master’s degree to become a BCBA, teaching children with autism spectrum disorder.
Melissa Dixon is the vice president of CDI Janitorial, a company she owns with her husband Charles, who started the business nearly 40 years ago in 1987. Her favorite part of her job is proving that husbands and wives can indeed work together successfully and peacefully. She retired seven years ago from teaching in the Shelby County school system for 25 years as a journalism and advanced literature educator. She is very active in the chamber, serving as an ambassador; on the executive board; in the Governmental Affairs Work Group; and on the Women’s Business Council. She is proud to represent the chamber as others grow to learn and love everything that Shelby County offers.
Melissa and Charles have two grown sons and love music festivals and the lake life.
SEPT. 24
Community Luncheon “Public Safety Awards” 11:30AM-1:00PM
Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena
SEPT. 25
Ready To Shred 9:00AM-2:00PM
Chelsea City Hall
For information on Chamber work groups and how to get involved, visit shelbychamber.org or email info@ shelbychamber.org.
- Responded to 49 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): 2,800 “followers”
- Instagram: 1,821 “followers” and 346 “post reaches”
- LinkedIn: 1,142 (7 new) “followers,” 11 “unique visitors” and 323 “post impressions”
- WBC Facebook: 576 (4 new) “followers”
Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 1:30-3 p.m. and learn a framework you can apply to uncover what matters to your direct report and guide a coaching conversation focused on facilitating and empowering your staff to proactive action. The results are more revenue, higher customer retention and higher employee satisfaction.
Here’s what you will learn:
• Transition from hands-on problem-solving to strategic leadership, enhancing team empowerment and reducing burnout. This shift is crucial for leaders looking to build a resilient and proactive team culture.
• Master the art of effective coaching to foster team self-reliance and efficiency.
Discover how to guide your team to find solutions independently, boosting their confidence and your organization’s overall productivity.
• Gain practical frameworks for impactful coaching conversations, applicable in real-world scenarios. These frameworks will serve as your roadmap to conducting meaningful and result-oriented coaching sessions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your leadership approach and create a coaching culture that drives revenue.
Building a business takes a trusted partner. Hossein Eshghi, owner of HE Construction, found that at AmFirst. When Hossein ventured into construction and home remodeling, he needed reliable business checking and great rates on equipment loans. AmFirst was happy to support him. Because HE Construction is more than just a business. It’s personal.
The Chamber’s October Community Luncheon, which is hosted by the Chamber’s Career Readiness Work Group, is scheduled to feature presentations from Alabaster City Schools, Hoover City Schools, Pelham City Schools and Shelby County Schools during the annual “State of Our Schools Throughout Shelby County” luncheon.
This community luncheon will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2 in the banquet hall at the Grande Hall at Old Mill Square in Columbiana. Doors will open at 11 a.m. for business networking, which includes a vendor showcase. The program will begin promptly at 11:40 a.m.
Organizations engaged in educational programs and activities are invited to participate in the showcase feature. Contact the Chamber with questions or for more details on availability for a showcase table at 205-6634542.
The investment is $25 for Chamber investors or $35 for “future” investors and includes lunch. Reserved corporate tables of six are available for $160.
To ensure your participation, reservations are required by Monday, Sept. 29. Contact the Chamber at info@shelbychamber.org or by phone at 205-663-4542 to register.
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As of 7/17/25
(Executive Committee)
Chamber Chair
Kevin Morris AmFirst
Chair-Elect
Rux Bentley
Rux Carter Insurance
Vice Chair, Business Development & Support
Traci Fox
T Fox SalonSpa Aveda
Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing
Chad Scroggins Shelby County
Vice Chair, Community & Caree Development
Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College
Vice Chair, Finance & Administration
Tampia Anderson
The Arc of Shelby County
Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs
Melissa Dixon
CDI Janitorial Services
Vice Chair, Investor Relations
Jeff Purvis
A. C. Legg, Inc.
Immediate Past Chair
April Harry Warren, Averett, LLC
Holly Dean Baptist Health Shelby Hospital
Meribeth Gilbert McLeod Software
Daniel Morgan Express Employment Professionals
Nedra Moore Creations Galore and Moore
Chris Stricklin Dunn Companies
Chris Wilder Sealing Equipment Products Company
Josh Coker Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Scott Gossett Spire Alabama
Wade Kallaher
Birmingham Coca Cola Bottling Company
Atisthan Roach Vulcan Materials Company
Keith Strickland Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood
Terri Williams A T & T - Alabama
Ken Coreno Central State Bank
Khiari McAlpin Knox Vinehouse Nursery
Anna Catherine Roberson Alabama Power Company
Steven Smith Specification Rubber Products
Dr. Sara Robicheaux Stephens College of Business / University of Montevallo
Brian L. Wilson EBSCO Industries, Inc.
Laura Clarke SYNOVUS
Zachary Kirby Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County
Aubrey Miller Higher Expectations Consulting
John Platt Bryant Bank
Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.
Amy Sturdivant (Ex-Officio) 58 INC
The Hon. Scott Brakefield City of Alabaster Shelby County Mayors’ Association (Ex-Officio)
u Entrepreneurial Growth Solutions / EOS
u The Heavenly Donut Company
u REFUEL Boot Camp – Birmingham
u ERA King Real Estate – Calera Office
u 7 Brew – Alabaster
u PB&A Services
u Meri Moon (Montevallo Partnership Investor)
u Something EveryBODY Kneads u New Day Car Wash
u Jefferson’s Restaurant (ReInvestor)
u Alphawash
u HealthChoice2Go Vending
u A 2 Z Signs
u EL Jalisco – Valleydale
u Cricket Wireless
u Alfa Insurance – The Brent Smith Agency
u ElectroDash
PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER
On Friday, May 2, the Hoover City Schools Foundation hosted its spring fundraiser with attendees wearing derby attire and enjoying catering by Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.
1. Britt Patterson, Tracy True Dismukes, Traci Fox and Toni Bast
2. Courtney Sims and Courtney Johnson
3. Shelley and Mike Shaw
4. Frank and Frances Brocato with Gina and Brian Harris
5. Briana and Matthew Morton
6. Steve and April Lawrence
7. Alan and Donna West
8. Porsha Young and Layla Hamilton
9. Kelly Pendleton and Payton Sides
The Shelby County Chamber held its annual All-Star Tourism and Recreation Awards luncheon on Thursday, May 8 to celebrate those who continue to leave an impact.
1. Martha Pineda, Cheryl White, Susan Lehman, Missy Lehman, Susana Vasquez, Brandleyn Nelson and Erika Patlan
2. Lindsay Dyess and Chris Cruz
3. Kenny Dale Cost, Debbie Byers, Brittany Bickle, Calvin Morgan and Dennis Torrealba
4. Aleadria Ross and Antonio London
5. Justine McCain and Marquell Durham
6. Phillips Willis and Carl Orso
7. Shelby Lockwood, AnnaRuth David and Elise Hearn
On Wednesday, May 21 at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, the Shelby County Chamber hosted its annual small business awards luncheon, honoring local entrepreneurs for their impact on the community.
1. Traci Fox, Liz Grandy and Christine Sizemore
2. Cathy Hitt and Dee Starkey
3. Adele Nelson, Walt Czeskleba, Rachel Phillips and Courtney Bennett
4. Torie Rinehart Nix and Ali Payne
5. Sasha Johns
6. Denise Weaver, Ana Dearaujo, Criss Smiley and Will Koepsel
7. Kenny Dale Cost and Dennis Torrealba
8. Elora, Benji and Liz Sawyer
9. Michael Williams, Lora Vaughn, Mary Christina Thomas and Jeff Purvis
10. Rusty Nix and Steve Gilbert
Spain Park High School held its annual commencement exercises at Samford University’s Pete Hanna Center on Wednesday, May 21 to celebrate the graduating class of 2025.
1. Michael Johnson, Nicholas Beaupre and Garrett Rogers
2. The Brazile family
3. Brayden Matherson and Ava Schach
4. Tre and Pierina
5. Blal Yahya with Kahled and Baqir
6. Katie and Rachel Ponder
7. Hudson
8. Nikki and Ryen
9. The Proper family
10. Marley McLaughlin
11. Henry and Harris Gregory
12. Kameryn Stevenson
BY
NOAH WORTHAM
Visitors enjoyed food trucks and learned about the various resources offered by organizations during P.R.E.T.T.Y. Day in the Park on Saturday, May 31 at Veterans Park in Alabaster.
1. Madisyn and Shay Bailey with Annie McClain
2. DeVonte Hassell and Kaiia Plummer
3. Mo Shorts, Christie Hill, Alike Johnson and Joy Cook
4. Cheryl Rowser and Cherry Pandora
5. Ashley Bridgmon and Jennifer Stokesbary
6. Mattie Cleckler and Erica LamarConey
7. Natarsha Jackson, Clara Young and Tijuana Everhart
PHOTOS BY NOAH WORTHAM
Calera Main Street hosted its Backyard Bash First Friday event on June 6 at the Calera Courtyard with an array of activities and food trucks for residents and visitors alike.
1. Sandra and John Roberts with Alicia and Charles Anderson
2. Harper Rounsvall, Prudence Fuller and Ava Moody
3. Kylee and Brandon Ward
4. Candice Rounsavall and Debbie Byers
5. Kaitlyn Nettles, Emma Carmichael, Brayden Myers and Carter Dunkin
6. Kendal Woodard with Blaire and Reese
7. Nathan and Allen Byrd
BY NOAH WORTHAM
The 2025 edition of Alabaster CityFest took place on the front lawn of Thompson High School on Saturday, June 7 and featured a regional music lineup with a host of other attractions, including vendors, food trucks and more.
1. Eric and Vel Hall
2. Greg and Shelley Selman
3. Ray and Angela Bustamante
4. Anderson Cruce and Brennan Lee
5. Tera and Tommy Bugg
6. Gabby Jones, Zane Nelson and Haley Smith
7. Anna Snyder and Dee Starkey
8. The Combs family
9. Luke Rehberg and Luke Pavlick
10. Sydney Attaway and Loreli Hutchinson
11. Anthony and Keshia Jackson
12. Lee and Cheyanne Overton with Tasha Jewell
13. Jackson Spencer and Ella Boyles
14. Carol Weaver and Carla Schmidt
15. Robin Holcombe and Kollins Pedrick
16. Brittany Richardson and Brandon Ledlow
17. Elijah Henderson and Grace Freeman
18. Jayveon Mays, Zay Henley and Bralen Coleman
BY ANNA GRACE MOORE
On Wednesday, June 11 at the Grande Hall at Old Mill Square, Mia Mothershed delivered a powerful talk about networking and building relationships during the Shelby County Women in Business Council luncheon.
1. Taylor Allen, Elise Hearn, Kristen Cottingham, Brittany Hamilton, Karen Evans and Shea Barnett
2. Mia Mothershed and Tracey Goreed
3. Ralyn McLaughlin, Abby Schmucker and Laci Graul
4. Katelyn Smith, Dawn Carden and Lisa Jones
5. Amanda Parmley, Charmaine Dye and Jen Helvie
6. Traci Fox and Rachel Henderson
Automation Personnel Services
Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla.
Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774.
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
Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500
•TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A). 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 205-991-4653
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)209-7787 (205)683-3257
Hill Brook Manor
Apartments
300 Sumner Dr. Calera, AL 35040 205-668-2020
Affordable Living Apartments Available
1 BR for $665/month 2BR for $705/month
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.
Software Engineers
III - eBusiness in Birmingham, AL: Email resume to Motion Industries, Inc. at: mottalentacquisition@ motion.com
(Must REF: Job Title in subject line).
P&F COIN
COMPANT:
We Pay The Highest Prices In Town!
561 First St. N, Alabster, AL 35007 “WE BUY & SELL GOLD & SILVER”
*Scrap/Broken Jewelry
*Gold & Silver Bullion
* Sterling Silverware Sets * Vintage Watches *And More! Find Us On Facebook! 205-624-3033 admin@ pfcoincompany.com
For All Your Masonry Needs
• Block • Brick
• Concrete Repair
• Brick Cleaning
• Painting Call 205-643-0729 or email srichardson642@ gmail.com to get your FREE ESTIMATES!
Sales Associate (Part-Time) at Earthly Treasures Thrift Store: Earthly Treasures has part-time sales associate positions available. The person applying for this position will be cross trained to function/ work in all areas of the thrift store.
To download the application or get more information for this position stop by the thrift store or go to our website at shelbybaptist.org/jobopportunities/
Pelham’s Newest Community!
Tower Homes Community, Huntley Ridge, is nestled conveniently near I-65, I-459 and Highway 31 and is now selling 3BR/2BA homes starting in the $320s. Call today to schedule a showing!
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
Public Relations Manager for the City of Alabaster
The Copper Train & Taqueria Garibaldi’s
It is tough to narrow down my favorite meals and restaurants in Shelby County because we have so many amazing options. I’d have to say it’s a tie between the pimento cheese sandwich at Copper Train in Alabaster, or the eggs with Mexican sausage at Taqueria Garibaldi’s in Pelham. (That last one is on the lunch menu, but the staff is often nice enough to make it for dinner, too).
Buck Creek Trail
It’s hard to beat the sights at Buck Creek Trail. It’s a peaceful, shaded walk, and there is always plenty of wildlife. It passes through the remains of the old Buck Creek cotton mill, and there are several side paths to explore. My oldest son and I also enjoy fishing near the old mill dam. I’m sure my younger son will enjoy it just as much when he gets older!
Pelham High School I graduated from Pelham High School in 2003, and the school holds so many great memories for me. I met my wife, Christie, and several lifelong friends there. Over the years, I’ve had many opportunities to go back and visit, and being there always brings a smile to my face.
Alabaster Public Relations
This is absolutely my dream job! I covered the city of Alabaster throughout the 10 years I worked at Shelby County Newsmedia Inc., writing for the Shelby County Reporter. I developed so many great connections in the city. I genuinely love getting to tell the city’s stories in my current role and keeping the residents, visitors and businesses informed of all the great things happening here.
Ceremony
Alabaster does such a great job of hosting some amazing events throughout the year, with more coming soon! One of my favorites is the Christmas-themed water tower lighting event we host each December. It’s always on a Friday night (usually the coldest night of the year), the city’s Festival of Trees is on full display and there are a ton of activities and entertainment for everyone.
