THANK THANK Y U! Y U!
Jeremy Reeves remembers daughter Elyse through memorial foundation that offers assistance to those with childhood cancer.
See who you said are Trussville’s best retailers, restaurants, community events and more.
From the breezy coast to the tranquil lakes to the mighty falls, New York has a lot to explore outside its namesake city.
PHOTO BY KATHLEEN IVY
EDITORIAL
Michaela Bankston
Dave Domescik
Anna Grace Moore
Tyler Raley
Andrew Simonson
Noah Wortham
CONTRIBUTORS
James Culver
James Culver III
Chase Holmes
Kathleen Ivy
Kristal Kizer
Daniel Locke
Kate Seaver
DESIGN
Sydney Allen
Jamie Dawkins
Rowan Futrell
Connor Martin-Lively
MARKETING
Kelsey Alexander
Noah Brakefield
Evann Campbell
Octavia Campbell
Rachel Henderson
Rhett McCreight
Viridiana Romero
ADMINISTRATION
Mary Jo Eskridge
Alec Etheredge
Stacey Meadows
Lauren Morris
Kayla Reeves
Leslie Reeves
Brittany Schofield
Chase Holmes, Writer
Chase is a Birmingham-based journalist and writer, who previously served Trussville as a news reporter for the Tribune. He enjoys bringing local stories to his community, highlighting small businesses and writing impactful articles to help people’s lives. In his free time, he continues to edit his first novel while writing the first draft of his second. He has two dogs, a cat and the best wife in the world supporting him.
Kathleen Ivy, Photographer
Kathleen is a Trussville-based photographer, specializing in weddings, business branding and lifestyle newborn photography. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Kathleen crafts photos that reflect genuine emotion and artistic vision. She also loves traveling to theme parks, playing mahjong and being silly with her two kids, Ben and Annie. Kathleen’s work can be found at kathleenivy.com and on Instagram at @kivyphoto.
Kristal Kizer, Photographer
Kristal lives in Trussville with her husband, Van, and they have three children, Anna, Kurt and Devan Kizer. Kristal is a native of Rogersville and is a graduate of Lauderdale County High School and Jacksonville State University. Her love of photography began when her children were babies, and being a former athlete, she found her photography passion in sports photography. Some of her work can be found on Instagram @kkizer.photos.
Kate Seaver, Writer
Pursuing her degree in journalism and mass communications, Kate Seaver is a Samford University student, who loves writing and photography and hopes to continue sharing her community’s stories for years to come. She is always captured by stories about people, and she challenges herself to seek out the interesting bits in even mundane topics. When not writing or taking photos, she enjoys spending time outside, taking in the beauty of creation.
Trussville Living Magazine is published quarterly by Shelby County Newsmedia Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Trussville 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, Trussville Living Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.
Trussville Living Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Trussville, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit TrussvilleLivingMag.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $14.95 plus tax for one year by visiting TrussvilleLivingMag.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.
Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@shelbycountyreporter.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.
SShortly before writing this, I spent a long weekend with my husband and a handful of his college baseball teammates.
As someone who has never been very athletic, I’ll never fully understand the shared bond of a dreaded, Monday-morning workout after staying out far too late on a Sunday. However, watching these men made its existence evident.
Though it has been nearly a decade since any of them stood on a field, time has moved forward, and their friendship remains unwavered. Some have become fathers and more, husbands. They’ve found jobs and traded in their baseball bats for golf clubs. Still, what ultimately defines them is their character, which Jeff Mauldin (page 19) strives to teach his players daily.
Though Coach Mauldin is one of the most successful baseball coaches in Alabama history, winning games is not his top priority. As he told me, even the ones who play professionally hopefully have decades left in their life after baseball, and he wants them to win at that.
I think winning at life looks different for each person and can change from day to day.
For Lauren Scott (page 11), it often involves losing herself in her passion for pottery and sharing that with her mother at Wildgoose Garden + Pottery. For the crew at Ferus Artisan Ales (page 27), they each use their strengths to come together and provide quality entertainment, food and drinks for others.
I imagine the Malone family (page 35) felt quite accomplished when they added a second bathroom to their five-member home and certainly, when they completed the addition.
Sometimes winning doesn’t even feel like winning, but rather, not giving up in the face of grief. Other times it looks like healing and helping others going through similar trials. I’m sure Jeremy Reeves (page 42) still has hard days since losing his young daughter, but he chooses to assist others in her name through the Elyse Reeves Foundation.
The winners of our Trussville’s Best contest begin on page 47. I encourage you all to take a look and celebrate those who won even if it was you they beat. Often the biggest wins come from being kind and lifting others up.
It has been a pleasure putting this inaugural issue together, and I look forward to many more wins with you, Trussville.
Hope you enjoy,
michaela@trussvillelivingmag.com
Beyond Baseball
Jeff Mauldin leads by example with his faith and how he treats his family.
Photo by Kristal Kizer
Design by Jamie Dawkins
THE GUIDE
TRUSSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY’S SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
JUNE 2-JULY 24
Trussville Public Library
Join the Trussville Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Challenge, where you can track your reading and attend fun events to win prizes all summer long! This year’s theme is “Color Our World,” so get ready for a vibrant summer full of creativity, crafts and classes. Learn to make pop art or a bath bomb; practice ballet or printmaking; beat everyone at Taylor Swift Trivia or a video game tournament. No matter your interest or age, the library has something for you this summer! For more information or to sign up, visit trussvillelibrary.com, or drop by the library today.
Photo by Megan McQueen
EVERY
Trussville Farmers Market
8 A.M.-NOON 101 Beech St.
The Trussville Fresh Farmers Market has returned and will take place every Saturday until November. A variety of
JULY 4
vendors arrive each morning with their handmade and homegrown products. For more information and to see specific vendors each week, find Trussville Fresh Farmers Market on Facebook.
Trussville Freedom Celebration
5-AROUND 9 P.M.
301 Parkway Drive, Trussville, AL 35173
Presented by First Baptist Church Trussville, Trussville Freedom Celebration will have food, music and of course, fireworks. Food vendors open at 5 p.m. and DJ Platinum will begin at 6 p.m. Act of Congress takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9 p.m. For more information, visit trussvillefreedomcelebration.com
AROUND
JUNE 2-5
“The Ultimate Hero” Vacation Bible School
First Baptist Church Trussville
JUNE 2-5
“Magnified!”
Vacation Bible School
NorthPark Baptist Church
JUNE 3 & 17
The Sewing Lab: Class for Kids Artsy Studio
JUNE 3
“The Wild Robot” Ferus Artisan Ales
JUNE 6
Monsters of Yacht Ferus Artisan Ales
JUNE 9
Books & Brews: “Memorials” by Richard Chizmar Presented by Trussville Public Library Ferus Artisan Ales
JUNE 9-12
Disney Mini Camp Ark Wings Gym
JUNE 9-12
Fine Arts Camp
First Baptist Church Trussville
JUNE 9-12
“Wonder Junction” Vacation Bible School
Grace Community Church
JUNE 10
“Shrek” Ferus Artisan Ales
JUNE 13
Tumble like my Daddy Ark Wings Gym
JUNE 13
DieDra and the Ruff Pro Band Ferus Artisan Ales
JUNE 14
New Sensation a tribute to INXS Ferus Artisan Ales
Photo by Raquel Duplin
JUNE 14
Make a Hat with Dad Artsy Studio
JUNE 16-19 & 23-26
Princess Dance Camp
First Baptist Church Trussville
JUNE 16-19 & 23-26
Kids Art Camp
First Baptist Church Trussville
JUNE 17
“The Lorax” Ferus Artisan Ales
JUNE 20
Cheyloe and her Sleepless Knights Ferus Artisan Ales
JUNE 20
Summer Solstice Pottery Night Wildgoose Garden + Pottery
JUNE 21
Back in Black: The Ultimate AC/DC Experience
Fine U Foundation Fundraiser Ferus Artisan Ales
JUNE 22-26
“Wonder Junction” Vacation Bible School
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
JUNE 23-27
“Live it Out”
Community Vacation Bible School
Clearbranch Methodist Church
JUNE 23-27
Color Wars Camp Ark Wings Gym
JUNE 24
“Lego Movie” Ferus Artisan Ales
JUNE 25 & JULY 30
Charcuterie Craft Club–Scrap and Yap Arsty Studio
JUNE 27
Iconic Women of Trussville Ferus Artisan Ales
SATURDAYS
Local Music Series
11 A.M.-2 P.M.
Ferus Artisan Ales
Almost every Saturday in the summer, Ferus Artisan Ales will have a local musician on stage. For more information, visit ferusales.com/events.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
CLASS OF 2025
Congratulations to Sydney Boggess, valedictorian, and the rest of the class of 2025! Wishing them the best as they enter their next chapter in life.
Photo by Angie Ruiz
JUNE 7: Cody Howell
JUNE 14: Zach Austin
JUNE 21: Cyle and Rachel Price
JUNE 28: David Hutchins
JULY 12: Mark Harper
JULY 19: Montgomery Highway
JULY 26: Rose Colored Trio
AUG. 2: Tommy Darnall
Kids’ Art Camps
Several businesses are offering day camps for your kids to tap into their creative side.
CRAFT CAMP
JUNE 9-13 & JULY 14-17
10 A.M.-NOON
Bookmarked
@boomarkedpaperie
DOLLHOUSE BUILDING CAMP
JUNE 23-27
9 A.M.-NOON Artsy Studio @artsybham
1
KIDS POTTERY CAMP
JUNE 23-26, JULY 7-10 & JULY 21-24
9 A.M.-NOON
Wilgoose Garden + Pottery @wildgoosegarden
Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
6:30-8 A.M.
Trussville Civic Center
Mayor Buddy Choat, along with the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce, invite you to the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast for faith-based fellowship. Breakfast will be available at 6:30 a.m., and the program will follow at 7 a.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the event’s page on trussvillechamber.com.
JUNE 28
Freebird – The Ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd Experience Ferus Artisan Ales
JULY 1
“Cars” Ferus Artisan Ales
JULY 7-11
The Greatest Showman Gymnastics Camp Ark Wings Gym
JULY 8
“Shark Tale” Ferus Artisan Ales
JULY 14
Books & Brews: “Episode Thirteen” by Craig DiLouie Presented by Trussville Public Library Ferus Artisan Ales
JULY 14-15 OR 15-16
Basketball Camps First Baptist Church Trussville
JULY 15-17
“The Great Jungle Journey” Vacation Bible School Calvary Chapel Trussville
JULY 15
“Wicked” Ferus Artisan Ales
JULY 18
A Murder of Crowes: A Tribute to The Black Crowes Ferus Artisan Ales
JULY 21-25
Ninja Camp Ark Wings Gym
JULY 22
“Frozen” Ferus Artisan Ales
JULY 29
“Inside Out” Ferus Artisan Ales
ARTS CULTURE&
PLANTED PASSION
The duo behind Wildgoose Garden + Pottery combines generational talents with new interests.
BY CHASE HOLMES
PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN IVY
WWinter is just an excuse for the plants of the world to hide away from the determined gardener for a while. When the cold breaks and it is time for nature to be renewed, the people of Trussville count on Wildgoose Garden + Pottery at the Amari Curb Market to have everything they need for a beautiful garden. Mother-daughter duo Sonia Spivey and Lauren Scott have been bringing the bloom to Trussville since 2021.
Located right off U.S. 11 in downtown Trussville, Wildgoose’s shaded, dark-sided building provides the perfect backdrop for all the vibrant colors of life to draw the eager gardener in. During the spring and summer months, various plants sit on metal racks, wooden platforms, picnic tables or voluminous pots around the building, ready and waiting for someone to take them home.
Before they reach their new owners, the plants are kept under the watchful and caring eye of the Wildgoose team. Spivey, known affectionately by
her family and the community as “Soni,” has been gardening for the entirety of her daughter’s life. Scott said their yard in South Carolina always looked picture-perfect.
“My mom was always an amazing gardener. Our yard looked like it could have been in Southern Living,” she said, recalling childhood memories of bounding through the carefully cultivated greenery of their old home.
Eventually, the pair decided to bring their talents to the Trussville community by opening their own shop. The perfect name followed them from their home state. Scott’s grandparents owned a farm called The Wildgoose. The legacy of that place in their family history made the decision to carry on the name an easy one. Before the farm, Scott’s great-grandparents ran a floral shop. Tending to plants runs deep in the family tree, interweaving itself throughout the generations like crawling ivy.
With Spivey’s and Scott’s hands at the generational
wheel, they decided to add a few new components to the family repertoire with Wildgoose.
Before their storefront opened, Scott began learning how to shape pottery in 2020. Since then, the craft has become woven into the fabric of her life and the identity of what makes Wildgoose special. Together with her friend, Josh Miller, they host a number of pottery classes in their workshop every week as well as seasonal classes throughout the summer.
Wildgoose even provides space for interested customers to come in and paint their own pottery during business hours. Their Paint-Your-Own
Pottery system means that any group of one-to-six painters can walk in without a reservation, paint their pottery inside the store and receive the finished piece within 10 days. Parties greater than six are not left out and can call ahead to reserve a table.
The painting process generally takes around 45 minutes; although, they do recommend setting aside some extra time for larger pieces. All ages are welcome, and they encourage parents to bring their children. A particular favorite they have seen are parents imprinting their children’s hands and feet on the pottery, capturing a brief moment of a child’s life.
This interesting marriage of gardening and pottery means that a customer could enter Wildgoose, pick out their plant, learn how to let their new green friend flourish and then create the pot it will grow in.
Scott said that for her, pottery is a way to lose herself in the art of shaping a piece, and she loves bringing that to the community in addition to their expertise and support for local gardeners.
To make sure the plants they sell can thrive, the duo is always willing to offer their advice. For anyone who thinks they are forever cursed to watch their plants die over and over, Spivey said it is all
about being patient and spending some time on proper research for their individual plant’s needs.
“Some people say they just don’t have a green thumb, but really they do,” she said. “They just need to give their plants a second chance.”
Some may expect there to be some grand secret for keeping plants alive, but Spivey said it’s really all about the basics.
“Always be aware of light and water requirements. When it comes down to it, that’s what really matters,” she said.
In many households and dorm rooms across the United States, you might find a succulent somewhere
happens Amazing
When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries and innovations happening today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures. And it benefits not only the patients and families who come to Children’s of Alabama, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.
“ ” Some people say they just don’t have a green thumb, but really they do. They just need to give their plants a second chance. Always be aware of light and water requirements. When it comes down to it, that’s what really matters.
- Sonia Spivey
Childrens AL •org
DOWNTOWN MAIN CAMPUS
1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233
We are here in your neighborhood at Vestavia Pediatrics. Call 205-978-3200 to schedule an appointment.
minding its own business. They are easy to maintain and generally happy if ignored for a little while. From there, the novice planter has a number of options for what their next indoor plant can be. Spivey and Scott recommend a Pothos plant, also called devil’s ivy. It is easy to care for, and it can bring a full and wonderful touch of green to anyone’s household as it grows and sprawls out over its pot.
They also recommend a Fittonia, also known as a nerve plant because of the way the leaves’ network of thick vessels resembles a nervous system. In some varieties, the vessels can even appear red, perfect for bringing a pop of color to a home.
For those wanting to dive into caring for harvestable plants, an herb garden is a great starting point for the budding home gardener, especially if there is not enough room out back for more expansive and time-consuming plants, such
as tomatoes or peppers. Basil is a particular favorite for herb gardeners. Most herbs can be comfortably grown in pots or even in the home.
Spivey estimates she has more than 50 plants in her home alone. She has many different varieties, but her favorites are all perennials. Scott said she has a particular liking for bird’s nest ferns, but like her mother, she said it’s hard to pick favorites with so many plants growing out in the world.
Whether someone wants to find their own favorite plant or discover the art of pottery, Wildgoose is proud to be the place where many in the community go to do just that.
“We are just really happy to be a part of the Trussville community, and we want to just be a place where everyone can come in and find the right plant or pottery piece for them,” Scott said. “That’s what it’s all about. Bringing everyone together and just being a welcoming place for everyone.”
Wildgoose is located at 109 Glenn Ave. in Trussville. It is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. To keep up with upcoming pottery classes and learn more about current stock of plants, follow the business on Facebook (Wildgoose Garden) and Instagram (@wildgoosegarden), or visit wildgoosegarden.com.
THIS BOOK
Summer Reading
Recommendations from Mike Blevins
IT Coordinator at Trussville Public Library
The House in the Cerulean Sea
By TJ Klune | Romance
Mike Blevins started at the library in February 2022. He finds his regular visits to the senior center, where he provides tech assistance to help seniors navigate the digital world with confidence, particularly rewarding. Outside the library, Mike pursues several nerdy hobbies, including leading epic adventures as a Dungeon Master. He also appreciates a good craft beer, good-naturedly annoying his friends and finding joy in the pages of captivating books such as these recommendations below.
“The House in the Cerulean Sea” offers a gentle, heartwarming romance, unlike typical dramatic tales. It’s a warm hug of a book, focusing on the slow-burn connection between the lonely Linus and the loving Arthur. Their relationship blossoms through understanding and acceptance within a supportive, found-family atmosphere. This tenderness and genuine connection and warm, loving environment, create a meaningful, fuzzy reading experience, making it a romance that feels real despite its magical elements.
Making It So
By Patrick Stewart | Nonfiction/Autobiography
This captivating autobiography by Patrick Stewart, a legend of stage and screen, shares his journey from humble beginnings to iconic status. The book offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into his impressive career. Beyond Hollywood stories, Stewart’s thoughtful, funny and insightful storytelling reveals the man behind his famous characters. It is recommended for “Star Trek” fans, theater enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a well-told story of passion and perseverance. It feels like a genuine conversation with a fascinating individual.
Dungeon Crawler Carl
By Matt Dinniman | Fantasy/Sci-fi
This book kicks off with a bizarre apocalypse: Earth transforms into a multi-level dungeon for the intergalactic game show “Dungeon Crawler World.” Regular-guy Carl, rescuing his ex’s cat, Donut, finds himself trapped in boxers and pink Crocs. The story blends dark humor with literary role-playing game elements as an AI narrator broadcasts their progress, complete with alien audience reactions. Carl and Donut navigate monsters and desperate survivors, form alliances and face betrayals in this wildly entertaining and violent competition that will leave you eager to dive into the next level.
Hemlock Island
By Kelley Armstrong | Horror
“Hemlock Island” delivers a creepy, gothic atmosphere with an unsettling twist on classic monsters. Beyond scares, a compelling mystery and underlying dread keeps readers hooked. The well-developed, though flawed, characters add to the unsettling tone. This isn’t just about gore; it’s atmospheric horror that keeps you guessing and genuinely creeps readers out. If you seek a gripping, unsettling horror story that lingers long after reading, this book is a solid choice that will make you double-check the shadows.
Skyward
By Brandon Sanderson | Young Adult Series
This young-adult adventure follows the determined and feisty Spensa as she fights to become a pilot despite her father’s disgraced legacy. The books soar with action-packed dogfights, found family and strange situations. Brandon Sanderson blends entry-level sci-fi elements with his signature, character-driven storytelling. With humor, mystery and plenty of “Sanderlanche” endings, these books are a must-read for fans of sci-fi and anyone looking for an engaging and uplifting story.
SCHOOL SPORTS&
FAITH, FAMILY, BASEBALL
Jeff Mauldin leads his players to become winners beyond their days on the field.
BY MICHAELA BANKSTON
PHOTOS BY KRISTAL KIZER
OOn the night a Mets scout from Alabama sat in the stands at one of Jeff Mauldin’s high school games to see the centerfielder, he happened to be the one on the mound. The scout took note of Mauldin and made a call to Jim Case, who was the pitching coach at the University of Alabama at Birmingham at the time. Growing up in Virginia, Mauldin did not know what UAB stood for, but that did not stop him from taking their call.
“They offered me a scholarship and never saw me pitch on the word of Joe Mason, the Mets scout,” Mauldin said.
On his visit to UAB, Mauldin bought into their schedule, playing teams such as Alabama, Auburn and Mississippi State.
“I wanted to pitch against people like that,” Mauldin said. “I wanted to play against the best.”
With that, he made the decision that UAB would be his next stop on the way to fulfill his dream of playing professionally. In his second year there, he met his future wife, Chrissy Mauldin.
Chrissy admitted she did not even know how to read the scoreboard, but she enjoyed hanging out with her neighbor, whose husband played collegiate baseball. She simply told him she would not mind dating a baseball player. The neighbor, also a pitcher at UAB, connected the Mauldins, who have now been married 27 years.
“[God] sent me to UAB to play baseball 10 hours away from my home, and it was to meet her,” Jeff said.
Later in his collegiate career, Jeff blew out his shoulder and had to sit out more than a year for two surgeries.
“During that year, I started seeing a different side of the game because I wasn’t playing and spent a lot of time with Coach Case,” Jeff said. “It started me looking at the game in a whole different way, and I fell in love with that part, the thinking part of it.”
He returned to the field for his senior season, but he knew he would not play professionally. Jeff spent the following year as a graduate assistant coach before landing his first full-time coaching job at Clay-Chalkville Middle School for the 1998 season. In his second year there, he was joined by Assistant Coach Jeff Schrupp, who had just retired from professional umpiring.
“I was blown away with the concepts and the preparation and the things that were being taught
to seventh and eighth graders,” Schrupp said. “The kind of things that you would typically see in college programs that he was teaching the seventh and eighth graders. That was my first impression.”
After a year together, they moved up to the varsity team and a few years later experienced their first injured player. Jeff said you obviously never want a kid to get hurt, but in that moment, he began to understand his path.
“I realized God put me in that situation of getting hurt to go into coaching, and even now, if a kid gets hurt, it’s like God reminding me, ‘You went through this years ago to help this kid go through it now,’”
Jeff said.
A few years later, Pelham High School wanted to hire Jeff as their head baseball coach, and he had one request—Assistant Coach Schrupp.
“You’re only as good as the people you surround
yourself with, and he’s a hall-of-fame teacher, hallof-fame coach,” Jeff said.
Despite not having an opening, Pelham found a place for Schrupp, and six years later, so did HewittTrussville High School. After 27 seasons together, they have clearly found a way to work well together.
“[Jeff] is more than willing to dole out responsibilities and then rely on you to be really good at what you do, which has always made me feel just very grateful because I didn’t have a desire to handle all the day-to-day things that a head coach has to do,” Schrupp, who spends his hours away from the field as an AP History teacher, said.
On the contrary, Jeff, who has an education degree, said he decided in college to focus his efforts solely on coaching without the extra task commitments teachers have.
Beyond the game, both men were newly married
when they first started working together and have grown close over the past 27 years.
“I’ve watched his three children all grow up, and they’re all now in college,” Schrupp said. “We just got old together.”
All three children spent a lot of time around baseball growing up. Chrissy said they made the choice for her to stay home with the kids even when it was difficult. Because of that, she and the kids were at most every game even late during the week because it was important they see their dad.
“They grew up on the baseball field, but they grew up with their daddy,” Chrissy said.
Of those three children, the oldest, Tyler Mauldin, played baseball at Hewitt-Trussville before playing in college. As far as coaching his son, Jeff recalled a mix of emotions.
“On one hand, I loved every second of it and miss
“
” It is humbling for both of us when we look at what he’s accomplished. There’s a lot of gratitude there because we know that the Lord had a hand in every step of everything that happened.
- Chrissy Mauldin
it still,” Jeff said. “On the other hand, the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do as a coach.”
The other two children, Sara Grace and Caroline Mauldin, spent many games in the stands behind home plate, cheering for their dad’s team and getting in the heads of opponents.
“I think coaching-wise, not life, but coachingwise, I think coaching Tyler has probably been his greatest joy, and for me, my greatest joy has been watching him coach Tyler and watching him watch the girls be the best fans in the world,” Chrissy said.
Along with all the joy, there is obviously a competitive component in sports, which the entire family embraces.
“We like to win in our family,” Chrissy said.
And win they have.
When Mauldin first arrived at Hewitt-Trussville, he was asked what one thing he needed. His answer:
middle school baseball.
“I feel like we have to do different things like that to close the gap with the bigger schools that we’ve got to compete against,” Jeff said.
Hewitt-Trussville ranks 26 of 32 7A schools in terms of enrollment. That is more than 1,000 students less than the school at the top.
Despite that gap, Hewitt-Trussville has seen great success under Jeff’s leadership, including its first state championship in 2016.
Personally, Jeff currently sits with 755 wins and a winning percentage above .760. Just last year, he became the sixth all-time and youngest Alabama baseball coach to reach 700 wins.
“You could have put him anywhere, and I think he would have probably attained that,” Schrupp said.
Later that year, he was inducted into the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Jeff has won two state championships with seven appearances. His teams made the final four nine times and won their area 16. He has seen more than 120 players go on to play in college, 11 players drafted into Major League Baseball and eight former assistants transition to be head coaches.
“He’s without question the best I’ve ever seen,” Schrupp said. “There is no doubt in my mind he could go tomorrow and succeed at both the college level and professional level. He’s that good.”
Even still, Jeff’s message to his players goes far beyond wins and losses.
“God’s already determined who’s going to win and lose this game,” Jeff started. “All we have to do is honor him and go play our best. He’s blessed you with the ability to play. He’s blessed you with the ability to be in this program, just go honor Him and go play hard.”
He also acknowledges that, at some point, baseball will end for each of them, and he aims to prepare them for life after that.
“He truly prepares players to be godly husbands, godly fathers,” Chrissy said. “He’s teaching them how to work in the workforce, how to be responsible, how to have some accountability when you make a mistake.”
Because of that, Jeff and Schrupp both said their favorite part of the job is when players come back. Some come to work out during breaks, and others stop by practice to introduce their babies or send invitations to milestone events.
“Whether you win a state championship or area championshipship or whatever, we want them to win in life,” Jeff said. “When you see them come back, it’s like a nod like, ‘Hey, job well done.’”
5 FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Sara Taylor School Counselor at Paine Elementary School and Trussville’s Best Teacher 2025
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Sara Taylor has worked for Trussville City Schools, which has a special place in her heart, since December 2022. Her time at Paine Elementary began many years before when she attended as a student. There she met her favorite teacher, Dr. Donna Brumlow, who inspired her to become a teacher. It only made sense for her to return to her old stomping grounds, and she has loved every minute of it.
What led you to your career in elementary education?
Not only was I inspired by my favorite teacher, but also my grandparents were teachers! Grandot taught second grade for many years, and Pop taught English. They have been my biggest inspirations since I was a child. I always wanted to be just like them.
What does a day in your life look like as an elementary school counselor?
No two days are ever the same! First, I wake up and have my 7 Brew coffee. Then, I stand outside of the school and welcome the students off the buses. Next, I teach my counseling classes and run my small
groups. I make lots of parent phone calls, and I receive many hugs. Sometimes, I get to pull a tooth for a student!
What is the most-rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is watching the children grow—in confidence, curiosity and kindness. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their milestones and know I played even a small part in their journey.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part would have to be supporting students when they’re
dealing with struggles that are outside of school and beyond my control. I can’t fix everything, but I do focus on being a consistent source of support and helping them build resilience and coping skills.
What would you like people to know about your job that many do not already know?
In my opinion, school counselors are a vital part of the school community, working behind the scenes every day to help students feel seen, safe and supported. Also, fun fact: We are the building test coordinators for state testing, so be extra nice to us around March and April.
FOOD DRINK&
BLISSFULLY BREWED
Ferus Artisan Ales offers a variety of food, beverage and entertainment options to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
BY MICHAELA BANKSTON
PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN IVY
AAs the summer sun beats down, friends gather at picnic tables to consume hearty burgers and cold beers. Others stand around high-top tables sipping margaritas until their tacos arrive. Parents enjoy a drink while watching their children run around until it is time to sit and order dinner. Live music fills the air as friendly dogs patiently wait for crumbs to fall their way, and that is just outside.
Inside Ferus Artisan Ales, the light is a little dimmer, but the vibe is just as high. Eye-catching
decor and cheerful hosts greet guests. Laughs abound as second and third rounds are ordered and the food arrives.
“We just want people to come in, have a good time, enjoy the food and enjoy the beer,” Operations Manager Randall Norman said.
Looking through the glass wall behind the bar, floor-to-ceiling vats fill the room. With these tanks, Head Brewer Matt Risner employs a mixture of art and science to turn bags of grain into the crisp
beverage the brewpub is known for.
Risner fell in love with brewing as a volunteer at another place before quickly rising up the ranks, and then he started with Ferus before they opened.
“It’s more for the love of the beer and love of the craft and what we do,” Risner said. “I’d much rather do this all day long and have fun doing it.”
After he completes his job, the chilled beer journeys from the back of the brewpub all the way to the bar via lines above. A bartender pulls the tap, and each guest’s desired drink flows into a glass.
At any given time, Ferus has around 20 different beers on taps. Their core beers include six different lagers, a couple ales and hoppy beers, a dark beer and seasonal sours. The other taps rotate depending on season, special events or other ideas Risner has brewing.
For those who prefer a liquor-based drink, Bar Manager Laura Dewberry has curated a menu of cocktails that do not take a back seat to the beer. Dewberry said when she first started, Ferus only had well liquor, but now has more of a full bar.
SUMMER DRINK PICKS
LAURA’S DIRTY FILTHY MARTINI
BRITTANY’S STRAWBERRY MOJITO MITCH’S COCONUT
LEMON SOUR BLACKBERRY MARGARITA
UNDERWORLD HAZY TROPICAL DOUBLE IPA
BOCK TO THE FUTURE
“We’ve expanded our bar program to have something for everyone now, as opposed to when we first started, it was strictly beer, mostly,” Dewberry said. “Now we have a partner that pairs with our beer in our cocktail program, and they work nicely together.”
Ferus uses scratch-made syrups to craft each cocktail. They have their standard cocktails and rotate new ones each season. Some of the most popular include margaritas, rum punch, Ferus Mule and Feral Peach tea—their play on a Long Island. Dewberry’s personal favorite is the jalapeño margarita, which she warns “is not for the weak.”
The current featured cocktail menu includes six
signature cocktails each crafted by a bartender. Dewberry’s concoction is a dirty, filthy martini. For the summer, they have also added a new blackberry margarita.
To further the partnership of tasty beer and exquisite cocktails, Risner has begun incorporating bartenders into brewing some days.
“I show them the process, so they can educate all the customers that we have of how this is done,” Risner said. “I think it’s just very important in the craft beer industry to do that.”
Regardless of what someone wants to drink, a knowledgeable bartender is there to help. More than that, they can offer a warm smile and
“We just want people to come in, have a good time, enjoy the food and enjoy the beer.
”
– Randall Norman, Operations Manager
CHEFS PICKS
Starter FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
Served with succotash and remoulade sauce
Entree (Dinner Menu)
MAPLE BOURBON SALMON
Served with green beans, rice and a bourbon sauce
Dessert CHEESECAKE
Silky caramel apple cheesecake with a cream icing on top conversation.
“You come here, you get to drink something delicious, but you also have somebody that feels like your friend behind the bar,” Dewberry said.
Whether one arrives at dinner time or comes to day drink, once their stomach starts to rumble, Head Chef William Thompson and his crew have guests covered. Thompson started working at Ferus about a year and a half ago, but his love for restaurants began years before at a restaurant that let him come in and clean when he was only in middle school.
“That’s when I started falling in love with being in the restaurant industry,” Thompson said.
That love led him to earn a culinary degree and eventually to Ferus where he has expanded the menu to include more dinner options, such as pork tenderloin, beef tenderloin and salmon.
“That’s just to give them the variety they deserve,” Thompson said.
Of course, they also have more traditional bar food, including several different types of burgers, pickle-brined chicken tenders and pretzel sticks. For a guest avoiding animal products or someone just wanting something different, they offer fried buffalo cauliflower, Thompson’s favorite menu item, and a vegan barbecue sandwich.
Thompson also encouraged guests with food allergies to inquire about options. He said he can break down anything on the menu, give the finest options and even make gluten-free chicken tenders.
“That’s important to me because my mom has a lot of food allergies,” he said.
In addition to the everyday menu, Thompson creates weekly lunch specials and fish specials for dinner that often include a different touch on classic dishes with an added impactful flavor.
“My goal here is to keep bringing them new flavors that remind them of home,” Thompson said.
Ferus truly has something for everyone and enough space to accommodate them all. With the
summer heat and concert season in full swing, there are even more reasons to get out. Whether looking for dinner on Tuesday or a full Saturday out, bring the kids–or don’t–and enjoy the experience.
Ferus Artisan Ales is located at 101 Beech St., Suite 111 in Trussville. It is open MondayThursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information or to see upcoming events, visit ferusales.com.
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Raquel Duplin
Venue Manager | Private Events Manager | Marketing Manager | In-house Designer at Ferus Artisan Ales
PHOTO BY KATHLEEN IVY
Raquel Duplin has worked at Ferus Artisan Ales since before it opened. She started posting teasers on social media in fall 2018 of the upcoming brewery. She manages marketing, the venue and private events. In addition, she designs the website, labels, swag and anything else Ferus needs. Outside of work, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and many rescue animals, as well as cooking, gardening, hosting friends, crafting and renovating her home. She spends her spare time coordinating events outside of work. The Birmingham Punk Rock Flea Market, which started in 2016, is one of her favorite events to do.
How did you get your start in the food industry?
McDonald’s? I have not had too many jobs. I tend to stick with them for a while and keep myself busy with outside projects when I get bored. After McDonald’s, I was a server, bartender and mural painter for Mellow Mushroom. A few years later, I was a barista at a DIY venue/art space in Pennsylvania. In 2016 I ended up back in Alabama and took a position as a catering manager for Saw’s BBQ and Post Office Pies. I also briefly did some social media marketing for Avondale Brewery.
How has your role changed from starting the brewery to now?
When we first opened, I was in charge of social media marketing, catering, graphic design and helped with front-ofhouse operations. When anything starts
off, you wear a lot of hats. Ha–I still do. Ferus has been a transformative experience. I transitioned into event coordination and bookings as well as expanding my marketing knowledge beyond social media. I am very grateful for this opportunity to grow all these years, and I still continue to do so.
What has been your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is doing so many different things for my job. Some days I am behind a computer coordinating events, sending contracts, writing newsletters and advancing shows. Some days I get to draw all day for a new design or concept. Some days I get to come up with content for our social media pages. Some days I get to meet with individuals that want to take an idea and turn it into something bigger, and just by facilitating
a space and marketing resources, I can help. No day is the same; I think that is why I still enjoy my job and continue to work here.
How have you enjoyed working with the community of Trussville?
I have enjoyed getting to know the Trussville community. It is a tight-knit community that likes to support one another. Ferus wouldn’t exist without all of the support from Trussville. I love creating events and an atmosphere that brings people together. That could be a baby shower in the private event space or a tribute show that gets a crowd moving and singing along.
What is the best food-and-drink combo at Ferus?
The easiest question! Pretzel Sticks with a pilsner.
HOME STYLE&
RENEWED HISTORY
Brent and Destini Malone welcome the neighborhood to their historic home with distinctive charm.
BY MICHAELA BANKSTON
PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN IVY
Face of the Home
Their home in the Cahaba Project was originally built in 1938. While the Malones have maintained the historic nature of the house, they have adapted it to their style, which they hope people feel welcome in.
BBrent and Destini Malone bought a house in Trussville after they married in 2005. As they began having children, they realized different needs their current house was not meeting. Between the amount of traffic on the road and the rattlesnakes in the backyard, Madelyn, now 18, and Rylan, now 12, did not have many places to play. Consequently, they looked for a new place and fell in love with the historic Cahaba Project, where they would bring the children to ride bikes.
“We just love the streets, the old trees, the character of the old houses, the size of the lots,” Brent said.
They looked for a few years before Brent saw someone on the front porch of an empty-looking home in the area. The owners were working on repairs after decades of renters. Brent simply asked if they had thought about selling, and the timing worked out.
After purchasing the home in 2015 and renovating it, the couple and their two children moved into the 1,200-square-foot, three-bedroom, one-bathroom home the following year.
A few years later, they decided it was time to
expand. Conveniently, Brent, a builder by trade, has completed many house flips and renovations. He, with a little help from both of their fathers, completed the addition, which included an upper level.
“I kind of just wanted to challenge myself to see if I could do it,” Brent said. “I wouldn’t do it again, but I’m glad I did it.”
Later that year, they would find out Destini was pregnant with Linley, now 5, making the expansion even more necessary.
Each of the three children have had some say in their own rooms to highlight their individual preferences. As for the rest of the house, many pieces or parts came from other houses and buildings set to be demolished. Like Brent, his dad is a home builder and helped with connections on those. In particular, several pieces came from “the Wheeler house,” the second oldest house in Trussville.
They have gathered furniture and decor along the way from estate sales, antique shops and anywhere they find it.
“If we find it, and we like it, we just get it,” Destini said.
Living Room
Compared to the original living room, this much larger space accommodates many people. Family, friends, coworkers and even friends of friends gather to celebrate Christmas, Easter, Halloween and any other gathering at the “holiday house.”
Lockers
Just off from the living room, these lockers were installed for the kids to put their backpacks in when they get home. Brent acquired them from a school in Ensley that was being demolished.
Entryway
The front door came from the Wheeler house. Brent built the entryway to house the door.
Kitchen and Breakfast Nook
The kitchen is far larger than the original kitchen. It centers around a large island Brent built using framing timbers from the Wheeler house. They sourced the nook’s table from an estate sale at the Wheeler house, later stripping the table down to reveal its natural finish.
Dining Room
This room was originally the kitchen and has undergone a complete transformation to become this now-exquisite dining space, which is Destini’s favorite room in the house. The original house did not have a dining room.
Butler Pantry
The butler pantry is the beginning of the addition but still holds a piece of the original. Brent moved these built-in cabinets from the original kitchen, now dining room, to here.
Rylan’s Room
Rylan is a big Marvel fan, which is the basis for his room, featuring posters, artwork and his action figure collection. Part of his collection of heroes rests on the shelves beside his bed, effectively posed to save the day.
Madelyn’s Room
Madelyn chose the decor for her room, which is inspired by her love of horses and dream of being a barrel racer.
Screened-in Porch
When the weather is nice, the Malones like to eat dinner on the porch. This is also where they spend many fall Saturdays rooting for the Crimson Tide.
PAUL “BEAR” BRYANT
“We were kind of bred to be Bama fans.” - Brent Malone
Brent’s grandad was good friends with Paul “Bear” Bryant, and this photo of them golfing rests in the living room.
Brent’s and Destini’s
Closets
More than a closet, Destini called this Brent’s “man cave of wonders,” which includes an antique barber shop chair along with his own drawings and favored memorabilia. Destini’s extra-large, walk-in closet loops the addition back to the original house where it connects to Linley’s room.
JEREMY REEVES REMEMBERS DAUGHTER ELYSE THROUGH MEMORIAL FOUNDATION THAT OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WITH CHILDHOOD CANCER.
BY DANIEL LOCKE
WWhen Jeremy Reeves lost his 17-month-old daughter, Elyse Reeves, to brain cancer, his entire world came to a halt. Ten years later, incredible work has been done in her memory.
After searching for God’s plan throughout the tragic loss, Reeves started the Elyse Reeves Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting the families of children going through cancer treatment.
“I was asking God a lot of questions, and eventually, I got my answer from multiple families, who were following her journey that were touched in such a way that was just incredible,” Reeves said. “There’s been three little girls whose parents named them Elyse because of how wonderful my daughter was and how much she impacted their life.”
He mentioned another woman from New York City, whom he has never met, but upon hearing Elyse’s story, this woman converted from atheism to Christianity and began helping other families of children with cancer.
“I saw God’s plan. He was using my daughter to make an impact, so I felt I had to keep that legacy and create a foundation in her memory,” Reeves said.
The foundation aims to assist these families by minimizing the financial burdens they may face while getting their children the help they need. Many families in these positions have to make difficult decisions, such as whether to pay for their child’s treatment or their bills.
“If the family is someone that’s having financial difficulties while trying to be with their child, we want to take that burden away from them,” Reeves said. “We pay their mortgage directly to the mortgage company. We will pay straight to Alabama Power, the water company, the gas board, whatever it may be.”
Reeves has gotten a significant amount of support throughout the state of Alabama as well as in his local community of Trussville. When the foundation puts on an event to raise awareness and funds, the community comes out in big
numbers. This maximizes the number of families who are able to receive the help they desperately need.
“Alabama in general has been a huge support,” Reeves said. “We do an event every September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, that has 4,000-5,000 people show up. We do it in a fun, family-friendly environment that’s outdoors. We generally bring in somewhere between $75,000 and $100,000 after we clear all expenses. That goes to help these families.”
As beneficial as events and fundraisers are for the foundation and for bringing the community together, Reeves’ favorite part is seeing the impact the organization can make up-close.
“This father in particular had to take off work to go meet with these doctors to figure out where to go,” Reeves remembered. “These were decisions the mother could not do alone, so he elected to go to the doctor, and he lost his job. We stepped in and were able to pay their mortgage and all their utilities for six months.”
“He’s hit rock bottom. His son could literally lose his life, but he’s also lost his job. They have other kids that need a roof over their heads. They were going to lose everything if our foundation hadn’t stepped in,” Reeves continued.
If the child and their family do not get the happy ending they hope for, the foundation is there to help as well.
“
” I saw God’s plan. He was using my daughter to make an impact, so I felt I had to keep that legacy and create a foundation in her memory. -Jeremy Reeves
“Sadly, we’ve even helped with funeral costs for the children that unfortunately lost their battle, and their families were not able to fund having a proper burial for their child,” Reeves said. “We’ve even had to take care of those expenses.”
The foundation’s primary focus has not always been giving financial support directly to families affected by childhood cancer. It formerly contributed the funds it raised to larger research foundations and hoped it went where it needed to.
Reeves and the foundation’s board of directors decided they would rather see the raised money directly impact those who needed it, avoiding the risk of the money being used improperly.
“If you are being generous enough to donate your hard-earned money to the cause to help children, we decided that we’re going to protect your money and make sure that it went to something that was truly benefiting the families,” Reeves said. “In the beginning, we wouldn’t have been able to do that because we were just donating all the money to a foundation and just trusting that they were being the right steward of our money, but really, it was going to pay other people’s salaries.”
While Reeves has received support from a vast network of individuals, he could not help but voice his appreciation for some of the people who have been by his side from the beginning. In addition to his family, including his parents, who help at every event, two of his longtime friends have played a vital role in helping the foundation make a difference.
“Tim Meeks is on the board of our foundation and has been for eight years now along with Corey McCord,” Reeves said. “They both were good friends of mine that I called and told that I had
this inspiration of creating the foundation and creating an event called Ride for a Cure. They didn’t hesitate. They said ‘I’m on board, let’s do it,’ and it was just remarkable. They’re the two guys that have been with me since day one for the past eight years, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”
When Reeves was met with a tragedy unfathomable to those who had not gone through it, he had a choice. He decided to use the situation for something positive. Despite her short, 17-month life, Elyse has laid the groundwork for many families to get the support they need when dealing with cases of childhood cancer.
Reeves knows the work is nowhere near finished and wants to be able to help many more families in their time of need. As the foundation’s impact grows, so does its need for volunteers.
“We’re always looking for more support for people to help us get out and spread awareness for childhood cancer along with helping our team,” Reeves said.
Anyone interested in supporting the foundation or learning more about it, contact elysereevesfoundation@gmail.com, and follow the nonprofit on Facebook and Instagram.
TRUSSVILLE’S BEST WINNERS 2025
Who’s the best? We asked, and you answered. Thousands of votes were cast in our inaugural Trussville’s Best contest. Read on to find out our readers’ favorites in Trussville.
Photos by Michaela Bankston, Kathleen Ivy & Contributed
BEST BAKERY, BEST BRUNCH, BEST SWEET TREATS
Edgar’s Bakery
BEST ART GALLERY, BEST FIELD TRIP DESTINATION, BEST LOCAL PERSONALITY, BEST PLACE FOR A FAMILY OUTING
Paint All the Things and Owner Jennifer Boykin-Bryan
COMMUNITY
BEST ART GALLERY
Paint All the Things paintallthethings.art 205-655-3958
Runners Up: The Gallery Trussville, Principle Portrait Group
BEST ATTRACTION
The Gateway - Trussville Entertainment District trussvillegateway.org
Runners Up: Trussville Playstation, Ferus Artisan Ales
BEST FESTIVAL
Trussville Dog Daze
Runner Up: Community Caroling and Tree Lighting
BEST FIELD TRIP DESTINATION
Paint All the Things paintallthethings.art 205-655-3958
Runner Up: Trussville Playstation
BEST LOCAL CAUSE
Dancers Against Cancer facebook.com (Dancers Against Cancer Trussville Al)
Runners Up: T.E.A.M. - Trussville Ecumenical Assistive Ministry, Fine U Foundation
BEST LOCAL PERSONALITY
Jennifer Boykin-Bryan - Owner, Paint All the Things paintallthethings.art 205-655-3958
Runners Up: Misty Westover - Meals by Misty, Mayor Buddy Choat
BEST OUTDOOR SPOT
Trussville Greenway greatruns.com/birmingham-altrussville-greenway
Runners Up: Trussville Veterans’ Memorial Park, Civitan Park Bridge
BEST COFFEE Maple Avenue Coffee House
BEST PASTOR
Pastor Buddy ChampionFirst Baptist Church fbctrussville.org 205-655-2403
Runner Up: Pastor Paul BrasherCentral Baptist Church
BEST PLACE FOR A FAMILY OUTING
Paint All the Things paintallthethings.art 205-655-3958
Runners Up: Ferus Artisan Ales, Trussville Playstation
BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S BIRTHDAY
Hattie’s Toyland hattiestoyland.com 205-603-0856
Runners Up: Trussville Playstation, Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP
First Baptist Church fbctrussville.org 205-655-2403
Runners Up: Faith Community Fellowship, Northpark Baptist Church
BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL
Hewitt-Trussville High School trussvillecityschools.com/hths 205-228-4000
Runner Up: Cahaba Elementary School
BEST TEACHER
Sara Taylor - Paine Elementary School trussvillecityschools.com/paine 205-228-3200
Runners Up: Leigh Riley - Paine Elementary School, Melanie Dimler - Hewitt-Trussville High School
FOOD & DRINK
BEST ASIAN CUISINE Umami umamitrussville.com 205-508-5737
Runners Up: Thai Basil & Sushi, Mr. West’s Asian Kitchen
BEST BAKERY
Edgar’s Bakery edgarsbakery.com 205-987-0790
Runners Up: Cahaba Breads & Bagels, The Three Earred Rabbit
BEST BARBECUE
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q jimnnicks.com 205-661-3100
Runners Up: Full Moon Bar-B-Que, Moe’s Original BBQ
BEST BARTENDER
Laura Dewberry –Ferus Artisan Ales ferusales.com 205-508-3001
Runner Up: Austin Blanton - MTVMarty’s Trussville
BEST BEER SELECTION
Ferus Artisan Ales ferusales.com 205-508-3001
Runners Up: Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Steele Hall Brewing
BEST BARTENDER, BEST BEER SELECTION, BEST BREWERY, BEST BURGER, BEST COCKTAILS, BEST LUNCH SPOT, BEST PATIO DINING Ferus Artisan Ales and Bar Manager Laura Dewberry
BEST BREWERY
Ferus Artisan Ales ferusales.com 205-508-3001
Runner Up: Steele Hall Brewing
BEST BRUNCH
Edgar’s Bakery edgarsbakery.com 205-987-0790
Runners Up: Ferus Artisan Ales, The Three Earred Rabbit
BEST BURGER
Ferus Artisan Ales ferusales.com 205-508-3001
Runners Up: Five Guys, MTVMarty’s Trussville
BEST CAJUN CUISINE
Half Shell Oyster House halfshelloysterhouse.com 205-598-5009
Runners Up: Cajun Steamer Bar & Grill, Ferus Artisan Ales
BEST CASUAL RESTAURANT
Taco Mama tacomamaonline.com 205-905-8226
Runners Up: Ferus Artisan Ales, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
BEST CATERER
Meals by Misty mealsbymisty.com 205-508-5993
Runners Up: Taco Mama, Ferus Artisan Ales
BEST CHEF
Misty Westover - Meals by Misty mealsbymisty.com 205-508-5993
Runner Up: William ThompsonFerus Artisan Ales
BEST COCKTAILS
Ferus Artisan Ales ferusales.com 205-508-3001
Runners Up: Corbeau Wine Bar, Taco Mama
BEST CAJUN CUISINE, BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT, BEST SEAFOOD Half Shell Oyster House
BEST COFFEE
Maple Avenue Coffee House facebook.com (Maple Avenue Coffee House)
Runners Up: 7 Brew Coffee, Cookie Dough Magic
BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT
Half Shell Oyster House halfshelloysterhouse.com 205-598-5009
Runners Up: Ferus Artisan Ales, Taco Mama
BEST ITALIAN CUISINE
Tamburro’s Italian Home facebook.com (Tamburro’s Italian Home) 205-508-3990
Runners Up: Costa’s Mediterranean Cafe, Fox’s Pizza Den
BEST KID-FRIENDLY DINING
Chick-fil-A chick-fil-a.com 205-661-0544
Runners Up: Ferus Artisan Ales, Pinchgut Pies
BEST LUNCH SPOT
Ferus Artisan Ales ferusales.com 205-508-3001
Runners Up: Taco Mama, The Three Earred Rabbit
BEST MARGARITA
Taco Mama tacomamaonline.com 205-905-8226
Runners Up: Munoz Mexican Grill, Ferus Artisan Ales
BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Munoz Mexican Grill munozmexicangrill.com 205-655-8224
Runners Up: Casa Fiesta, La Cazuela Mexican Cuisine
BEST MILKSHAKE
Chick-fil-A chick-fil-a.com 205-661-0544
BEST CATERER, BEST CHEF
Meals by Misty and Owner Misty Westover
Runners Up: Cookie Dough Magic, The Three Earred Rabbit
BEST PATIO DINING
Ferus Artisan Ales ferusales.com 205-508-3001
Runners Up: Corbeau Wine Bar, Taco Mama
BEST PIZZA
Cappella Pizzeria capellapizzeria.com 205-895-4679
Runners Up: Pinchgut Pies, Fox’s Pizza Den
BEST SEAFOOD
Half Shell Oyster House halfshelloysterhouse.com 205-598-5009
Runner Up: Cajun Steamer Bar & Grill
BEST UPSCALE RESTAURANT, BEST WINE SELECTION
Corbeau Wine Bar
BEST SWEET TREATS
Edgar’s Bakery edgarsbakery.com 205-987-0790
Runners Up: Bendy’s Cookies & Cream, Pastry Art Bake Shoppe
BEST UPSCALE RESTAURANT
Corbeau Wine Bar corbeaubar.com 205-508-3750
Runners Up: Umami, Half Shell Oyster House
BEST WINE SELECTION
Corbeau Wine Bar corbeaubar.com 205-508-3750
Runners Up: La Farre Markt, Ferus Artisan Ales
HEALTH & FITNESS
BEST CHIROPRACTIC CARE PRACTICE
Discover Chiropractic discovertrussvillechiropractic.com 205-661-6600
Runners Up: Serena Family Chiropractic, Trussville Chiropractic P.C.
BEST DENTAL PRACTICE
Millington Plagenhoef Dentistry millingtonplagenhoef.com 205-655-7774
Runners Up: Trussville Dentistry, Great Smiles Orthodontics
BEST DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE
Total Dermatology totalskinandbeauty.com 205-380-6161
Runner Up: Associated Dermatologists
BEST DOCTOR
Dr. Mark McClintockVisionFirst Eye Center visionfirsteyecenter.com 205-949-2020
Runners Up: Dr. Andrew SmithComplete Health, Dr. Mark Bearman - VisionFirst Eye Center
BEST ESTHETICIAN
Aesthetics by Ashton aestheticsbyashton.com 205-617-3985
Runners Up: Brittany MartinMockingbird Day Spa, Brittany Phalen - Illuminate Lashes and Beauty
BEST EYE CARE PRACTICE
VisionFirst Eye Center visionfirsteyecenter.com 205-949-2020
Runners Up: EyeCare Associates, Eyes on Main
BEST FITNESS CENTER
Recharge Fitness rechargefitness.co 205-440-2195
Runners Up: 24e, Club4 Fitness
BEST ORTHODONTICS PRACTICE
Great Smiles Orthodontics bracesbygreatsmiles.com 205-655-3939
Runner Up: Birmingham Orthodontics
BEST PEDIATRIC PRACTICE
Pediatrics East - Children’s of Alabama childrensal.org/pediatrics-east 205-836-8691
Runners Up: Van & Parker Pediatric Dental, Tots ‘n’ Teens Pediatrics
BEST PHARMACY
Nelms Pharmacy nelmspharmacy.com 205-655-6133
Runners Up: Carroll Pharmacy, Publix Super Market at The Shoppes at Deerfoot
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE
M3 Endeavors m3endeavors.com 205-508-3811
Runners Up: Radius Physical Therapy, EW Motion Therapy
BEST SPA
Mockingbird Day Spa mockingbirddayspa.com 205-508-3611
Runner Up: The Salt Spa
BEST URGENT CARE
MedHelp medhelpclinics.com 205-547-3920
Runners Up: Premier Urgent and Family Care, UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s
BEST WOMEN’S HEALTH PRACTICE
Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology birminghamobgyn.com 205-933-8334
Runners Up: After Hours, Eastern OB-GYN PC
BEST BOUTIQUE AND BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
Sister Shirts
SHOPPING & SERVICES
BEST ACCOUNTANT
Dennis Mark Wright CPA PC facebook.com (Dennis Mark Wright, CPA, PC) 205-655-3635
Runners Up: David BowersTrussville Tax & Accounting LLC, Pamela A. Dunn, CPA
BEST ANIMAL CLINIC
Deerfoot Animal Clinic deerfootanimaclinic.com 205-661-9630
Runners Up: Little Cahaba Animal Hospital, Trussville Animal Hospital
BEST ATTORNEY
Shami Malone - Chamblee & Malone LLC alabamalawyer.org 205-856-9111
Runners Up: Carl Chamblee Jr.Chamblee & Malone LLC, Brooks Burdette - The Burdette Law Firm
BEST AUTO SERVICE
Murdock Tire & Auto Repair facebook.com/murdocktire 205-844-5600
Runners Up: Courtesy GMC, Harbison Tire & Auto Service
BEST BANK
Bryant Bank bryantbank.com 205-661-5900
Runners Up: Regions Bank, PNC Bank
BEST BOUTIQUE
Sister Shirts sister-shirts.com 205-659-5880
Runners Up: Tula J Boutique, Anderson Ave
BEST CHILDCARE
Wee CenterFirst Baptist Church fbctrussville.org 205-655-1328
Runners Up: Noah’s Park, AIM Academy
BEST CREDIT UNION
AmFirst Federal Credit Union amfirst.org 205-655-3360
Runners Up: Southern Energy Credit Union, Avadian Credit Union
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
Sister Shirts sister-shirts.com 205-659-5880
Runners Up: AmFirst Federal Credit Union, Eighteen South
BEST LOCAL REAL ESTATE
AGENCY, BEST LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT AND BEST LOCAL REAL ESTATE TEAM
Taylor Jackson
BEST DANCE/GYMNASTICS STUDIO
Miss Kelley’s School of Dance misskelleys.com
205-655-7776
Runners Up: Birmingham Academy of Dance, Tumble Heart
BEST DRY CLEANER
Complete Cleaners complete-cleaners.com 205-655-1516 205-661-1617
Runner Up: Parkway Cleaners
BEST ELECTRICAL SERVICE
Gospo Electric gospoelectric.com 205-703-6777
Runners Up: OnTime Service, Diligent Electrical Services
BEST FLORIST
Shirley’s by Norton’s nortonsflorist.com 205-655-1600
Runners Up: Sunnie Leigh Floral Design, Whistle Stop Garden Shop
BEST GIFT SHOP
Wrapsody shopwrapsody.com 205-508-0682
Runners Up: La Farre Markt, Hattie’s Toyland
BEST HAIR SALON
The Phoenix Salon callphoenixsalon.com 205-655-4888
Runners Up: Salon Swag, Salon Blonde
BEST HOME BUILDER
Brandon BowenBuild South facebook.com/BuildSouthLLC 205-789-9454
Runners Up: Donnie Jones - New Generation Building & Design Inc., Dig the South Construction LLC
BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE
Ace Hardware acehardware.com 205-494-0012
Runners Up: Home Depot, Wildgoose Garden + Pottery
BEST HVAC SERVICE
Trade Flow tradeflowservices.com 205-778-3569
Runners Up: Hemphill Services, Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER
Caroline Price - Nona Ruth’s nonaruths.com 205-655-6599
Runners Up: Elizabeth Womack, Laurie Brooker - Interior Style LLC
BEST JEWELRY STORE
Agnew Jewelers facebook.com (Agnew Jewelers) 205-661-3422
Runner Up: Alabama Wholesale Diamonds
BEST KIDS’ CLOTHING STORE
Caroline and Company shopcarolineandcompany.com 205-508-3467
Runners Up: Hattie’s Toyland, Wildflowers Children’s Resale Boutique
BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY
The Southern Landscape Firm thesouthernlandscapefirm.com 205-635-6986
Runners Up: Beauti-Scapes, Triple Care Lawn & Landscape LLC
BEST LAW FIRM
Massey, Stotser & Nichols P.C. msnattorneys.com 205-838-9000
Runners Up: Chamblee & Malone LLC, Blount Law LLC
BEST LOCAL INSURANCE AGENCY
Alfa Insurance - Brian Bozeman Agency alfainsurance.com/agents/brianbozeman 205-655-1688
BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S BIRTHDAY, BEST NEW BUSINESS (OPEN ONE YEAR OR LESS), BEST SPECIALTY STORE AND BEST TOY STORE
Hattie’s Toyland
Runners Up: The Grogan Agency Inc., Aaron Kidder State Farm Insurance Agency
BEST LOCAL INSURANCE AGENT
Melissa McCay-HoukAlfa Insurance 205-603-1585
Runners Up: Brian Bozeman - Alfa Insurance, Casey Mann - State Farm, JP Dailey - State Farm
BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Benzaia Photography benzaiaphoto.com 205-540-3774
Runners Up: Alishia Photography, Ashley Owens Photography
BEST LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY
Taylor Jackson Group brokered by Real Broker LLC alhousetohome.com 205-308-8887
Runners Up: Monica Thach - Keller Williams Trussville, RealtySouth
BEST LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT
Taylor Jackson - Taylor Jackson Group brokered by Real Broker LLC alhousetohome.com 205-308-8887
Runners Up: Lee MarlowRealtySouth, Kellie UsryRealtySouth
BEST LOCAL REAL ESTATE TEAM
Taylor Jackson Group brokered by Real Broker LLC alhousetohome.com 205-308-8887
Runners Up: Keller Williams Trussville, Bret Rogers Realty Group - Keller Williams Trussville
BEST MORTGAGE AGENT
David Markle - Assurance
Financial assurancemortgage.com/assurance_ officers/david-markle 205-281-0362
Runners Up: Marco TurnerProsperity Home Mortgage, Kristi Graham Scott - Premier Mortgage Resources
BEST MORTGAGE GROUP
David Markle - Assurance Financial assurancemortgage.com/assurance_ officers/david-markle 205-281-0362
Runners Up: AmFirst Federal Credit Union, Marco Turner - Prosperity Home Mortgage
BEST NEW BUSINESS (OPEN ONE YEAR OR LESS)
Hattie’s Toyland hattiestoyland.com 205-603-0856
Runners Up: Anderson Ave, Ella’s on Main
BEST OIL CHANGE
Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers expressoil.com 205-655-9690
Runners Up: A+ Tire & Auto Repair, Murdock Tire & Auto Repair
BEST PET BOARDING/TRAINING
The Dog Stop thedogstop.com 205-655-7297
Runner Up: Good Dog Training & Kennels
BEST PLUMBING SERVICE
Trade Flow tradeflowservices.com 205-778-3569
Runners Up: Hemphill Services, Standard Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
BEST SPECIALTY STORE
Hattie’s Toyland hattiestoyland.com 205-603-0856
Runners Up: Nona Ruth’s, Wrapsody
BEST STORE FOR HOME FURNISHINGS/DECOR
Ella’s on Main ellasonmain.com 205-508-3187
Runners Up: Nona Ruth’s, Wrapsody
BEST TIRE SERVICE
Murdock Tire & Auto Repair facebook.com/murdocktire 205-844-5600
Runners Up: Harbison Tire & Auto Service, Courtesy GMC
BEST TOY STORE
Hattie’s Toyland hattiestoyland.com 205-603-0856
Runner Up: Bookmarked
BEST USED CAR DEALER
Trussville Wholesale Autos trussvilleautos.com 205-655-4713
Runners Up: Southern Wholesale Automobiles, Alabama Affordable Automotive
Outside the City
Exploring New York State
Looking to escape the heat of an Alabama summer? Wanting to get away from the tourists crowding the Florida beaches? Consider heading up north to the quiet atmosphere of New York State. From the breezy coast to the tranquil lakes to the mighty falls, New York has a lot to explore outside the city.
By Kate Seaver | Photos by Discover Long Island, Niagara Falls Canada, Niagara Falls USA, Visit Finger Lakes & Contributed by Inlet Seafood Dock & Restaurant (Facebook)
NIAGARA FALLS
The unofficial “eighth wonder of the world,” Niagara Falls provides a cool escape from the typical southern summer. Renowned for its beauty, it pushes more than 2,000 tons of water over the falls every second. Carve out time during your vacation to explore the falls’ natural serenity and enjoy the breezy summer weather.
WHERE TO STAY
Stay in the famous Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls to see the view from your bedroom window. You’ll see the unobstructed vantage point when you open your eyes in the morning! On the Canadian side, Old Stone Inn is a historic, boutique hotel with dining options ranging from cabins to domes, so you can eat in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. The Inn has a wine bar open Thursday through Sunday and also has a dog-friendly policy.
Old Stone Inn
WHAT TO DO
For your daytime excursions, make sure to hit the Maid of the Mist boat tours to see the falls from down in the water! Descend into the gorge, and feel the mist on your skin from the wooden walkways with the Cave of the Winds experience. Another popular attraction is the Seneca Niagara Casino with popular live entertainment. Less than a 30 minute-drive away, the city of Buffalo has more dining options and urban activities.
Make sure to bring your passports to see the view from the Canadian side, too! In Ontario, Niagara Falls offers more hot spots such as Skylon Tower Revolving Restaurant, Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and WildPlay Zipline to the Falls.
WHERE TO EAT
The Top of the Falls restaurant is the only local dining spot where you can take in the sights while enjoying dinner! This restaurant serves locally-made food and beverages rich in modern American cuisine alongside several classic dishes.
THE FINGER LAKES
While touring your way through the beautiful state of New York, catch some R&R at the tranquil Finger Lakes. Located a few hours east of Niagara Falls, you’ll find this region is known for its ample wineries and vineyards, sporting beautiful outdoor views. The Finger Lakes, referred to locally as FLX, have mild summers with daily temperatures reaching a balmy 70-to-80 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling down in the evenings.
WHERE TO STAY
The area around these glacial lakes is full of historic inns and bed-and-breakfasts that will transport you to the earlier days of the United States. A few popular selections include William Smith Inn—a B&B in the home that once belonged to historical figure William Smith. The Lake House on Canandaigua is a lakefront resort featuring multiple, luxury restaurants and lake-facing balconies that feel like grandma’s front porch. Geneva on the Lake, a stately villa built in the style of Italian Renaissance architecture, hosts multiple restaurants of its own and is a short drive from Geneva’s historic district. Belhurst Castle, built between 1885-1889, has it all: a riveting history, a winery, fine dining and a salon with a spa.
WHAT TO DO
Activities common for this region are equally easygoing. Stroll along the waterfront walking path at Seneca Lake State Park, or get into the lakes via kayak for an easy trip riding the current. Rent a pontoon for a day with Finger Lakes Boat Rentals, or set off kayaking or paddleboarding with Seneca Lake Kayak. Cruise along the Canandaigua Lady, a paddlewheel steamboat offering lake tours and meals from May through October each year.
Of course, a visit to the largest wine region in New York would be incomplete without a tasting and a visit to a vineyard! Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail features seven different wineries. Purchase the digital passport for perks and discounts at the different locations on the trail.
Pay a visit to Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, which is located in a historic home overlooking Keuka Lake, and celebrate the pioneer of the Finger Lakes wine industry. Red Newt Cellars hosts a hearty, sit-down lunch on the weekends to pair with your tasting. Buttonwood Grove Winery features live music on the porch on Saturdays during the summer and even has on-site cabins for an overnight stay.
WHERE TO EAT
Get out and see more of the region—have dinner at F.L.X. Table for an intimate dinner party atmosphere. Named “Best New Restaurant” in the nation by “USA Today” in 2017, this restaurant is reservation-only, and the bookings are released two months in advance.
Roots Cafe features live music at its farm-to-table restaurant. Reservations here are highly recommended, and they serve meals for lunch and dinner Thursday through Saturday, as well as Sunday brunch.
Belhurst Castle
MONTAUK
Known as the quieter, more authentic side of the Hamptons, Montauk provides a laidback, coastal experience that really embodies what it means to “vacation.” Visit this charming hamlet for the smalltown atmosphere, and enjoy the slow, luxurious life of the East Coast.
WHERE TO STAY
For a European feel, stay in the stately Montauk Manor. This historic, castle-like accommodation creates an experience like no other. This hotel offers full amenities including sunset yoga on the lawn and tennis courts.
The classic Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa offers oceanfront rooms and amenities including a private beach, spa and bathhouse. Choose between rooms, cottages and residential-style accommodations.
WHAT TO DO
To get a taste of the rustic, slow-living that Montauk embraces, take your family horseback riding at Deep Hollow Ranch. The ranch provides rides for all ages, and everyone 8 years old and older can participate in the beach rides. For the safety of the horses, there is a weight limit of 240 pounds.
Don’t miss the classic Montauk Point Lighthouse, which was originally commissioned by President George Washington and is the fourth-oldest working lighthouse in the United States. Admission is $15 for adults or $5 for children under 12.
Every Thursday during the summer season, the Montauk Farmers Market hosts more than 40 vendors selling everything from flowers to fresh produce! Swing by to take home a locally made souvenir.
Ditch Plains Beach is a popular public beach with scenic views of the cliffs. Enjoy a sunset stroll, and bring along your dog for some exercise.
WHERE TO EAT
When staying on the coast, it would be a crime not to partake in fresh seafood on the water. Inlet Seafood Dock & Restaurant will serve up its famous tuna nachos while you enjoy the sunset views and the full-service bar. On Sundays after 4 p.m., kids eat free! Gosman’s Restaurant has been serving fresh seafood to the Montauk community since 1951. Harvest on Fort Pond serves Montauk Italian fare and creative garden cocktails, too.
Inlet Seafood Dock & Restaurant
Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce
Ambassador of the Year
Greg Armstrong
Ambassadors
Fran Aldridge, Keller Williams
Greg Armstrong, GEICO, Armstrong Services
Ben Horton, Cahaba Fire Company
Randy Jinks, SunRize Advertising & Marketing
Donna Lowery, The Mortgage Firm
Travis Loyd, Abide Roofing
Shelly Mitchell-Talley, Trussville YMCA
Natalie Norton Spott, Bryant Bank
Edra Perry, Keller Williams
Dave Reynolds, SYSCO Foodservice
Deanna Schrecongost, Bryant Bank
Jamie Townes, EIB Systems
Alicia Tibbs, The Lioce Group
Jeff Walker, Prestige Alarm
Jennifer Welch, Target
Chamber Staff
Melissa Walker, Director/Events
Heather Weems, Membership Coordinator
Board Members
Amanda Short, President Trussville To Go
Kimberly Farr, Vice President SPOC Automation
Sandra Vernon, Treasurer Trussville City Schools
Eddie Seal, Past-President Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens
Brian Bozeman The Bozeman Agency
Drew Lolley Courtesy GMC
Lee Marlow RealtySouth
Virginia Morris
Hitchcock Maddox Financial Partners
Ashli Posey Tula J Boutique
Tony Riley Trussville Gas & Water
Laura Williams Bryant Bank
Alan Taylor City Council Liaison
Lt. Chuck Bradford Public Safety Liaison
Celebrating Growth
Artsy Studio March 8, 2025
City of Trussville Fire Station #4 March 12, 2025
Dobbs Ford February 19, 2025
Ella’s on Main February 13, 2025
Esthi Moon Wax Skincare & Apothecary January 23, 2025
Henrietta’s Deli March 13, 2025
New Day Car Wash February 21, 2025
Scarlet Raven Gaming February 7, 2025
The Golffice January 7, 2025
Toups Family Dentistry January 3, 2025
Valley Dental March 19, 2025
Quest for Health Chiropractic
Parcels Too Business Center
Business of the Month - January
Business of the Month - February
Keller Williams Trussville
Business of the Month - March
our
Past Events
Toast of the Town winners
Ned and Goldie Paine Memorial Gatekeeper Award - Individual – Kristi Bradford
Ned and Goldie Paine Memorial Gatekeeper Award - Group - Leadership HewittTrussville (Amber Benson)
Prestige Alarm Unsung Hero Award – Stacy Frazier Chamber Ambassador of the Year – Greg Armstrong Veteran of the Year – Scott Hughes
Eddie Seal, Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens
Golf Tournament
April 7, 2025
Presenting Sponsor: M3 Performance and Physical Therapy
Taste of Trussville May 1, 2025
Presenting Sponsor: SYSCO
Restaurant Week May 2-18, 2025
Presenting Sponsor: Trussville To Go
August 9, 2025 Dog Daze 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free to the community
August 1, 2025
Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast 6:30-8 a.m.
Tickets are $20 per person/$200 for a reserved table.
“TOAST
OF THE TOWNCELEBRATING TRUSSVILLE’S BEST”
On Monday, Jan. 27 at Corbeau Wine Bar, Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual “Toast of the Town,” honoring Ned and Goldie Paine Gatekeeper Award recipients alongside other annual award winners.
1. Karen O’Brien, Virginia Vinson, Karla Self and Vickie Bailey
2. Heather Weems, Melissa Walker and Terah Honnet
3. Michael French, Elisa French and Logan Blake
4. Alicia Tibbs, Kimberly Farr and Amanda Short
5. Mayor James Douglas Stewart and Kimberly Myles-Stewart
6. Cashmere Williams and Bridgette Kennedy
7. Karen Holloman, Diane Bobo, Yolanda Taylor, Cathy Peters and Fran Aldridge
8. Stacy Frazier and Kristi Bradford
9. Eddie Seal
10. Dante Graham, Greg and Elizabeth Armstrong and Alicia Tibbs
11. Tony and Leigh Riley
12. Dave Reynolds and Brian Farr
13. Sandra Vernon and Amber Benson
14. Rob Langford and Scott Hughes
15. Jennifer Kirkland, Isabella Kirkland and Christy Taylor
PHOTOS BY MICHAELA BANKSTON
TCS FOUNDATION CASINO NIGHT
PHOTOS BY JAMES CULVER AND JAMES CULVER III
On Saturday, Feb. 15 at Ferus Artisan Ales, Trussville City Schools Foundation held its sixth annual Casino Night fundraiser, where they raised more than $42,000.
1. Telra Rocker and Jasmine Sledge
2. Chris Adwell and Chas Brown
3. Nikki Franklin, Lauren Scott and Heather Johnson
4. Alexandra and Alex Plagenhoef
5. Kenley Nelms and Brannon Dawkins
6. Amanda and Ben Short, Drew Lolley and JR and Lynn Malchus
7. Kayla and Kobi Floyd
8. Bill and Lisa Bright
9. Alex and Roni Deal
10. Trace and Melanie Gallant
11. Brylee Kate Barnett and Avery Barnett
12. Sarah Moss, Jessica Adwell, Alexandra Plagenhoef and Lindsey Brown
13. Nick and Ansley Romano
14. Lauren Scott, Vanessa Romano and Connie Stovall
15. Mike Kelley and Adriana Serra
16. Preston and Karson Palmer
17. Scott Sutton and Matt Crowson
18. James and Christina Patterson
19. Kristin and Blake Turner
CHILDREN’S ENTREPRENEURIAL MARKET
On Saturday, March, 29, Ferus Artisan Ales hosted the second annual Toons & Treasures Market, where kids set up booths to sell their art, sweets and other treasures.
1. Sutton and Nolan Trowbridge
2. Kaiden and Kenneth Howard
3. Maximus, Zoe and Jordan Dow
4. Alivia and Amaia Randolph
5. Jocelyn Villalobos
6. Conner Krenz and DJ Crim
7. Kylee and Charleigh Bochwell
8. McKenzi Bender and Shaquita Thomas
9. Kinley Montgomery and Kinzlee Harrison
10. Zoey Podro
11. Luna Setzer
12. Lainey Ewing
13. Jaylen Martinez and Connor and Avalynn Glover
14. Fox Setzer
15. RJ Taylor
16. Rosey Shackelford
PHOTOS BY MICHAELA BANKSTON
TRUSSVILLE SPRING CARNIVAL
BANKSTON
From Thursday-Saturday, April 3-5 next to Church of the Holy Cross, Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Trussville Spring Carnival.
1. Owen and Joshua Makovicka
2. Addy Ragsdale and Porter Tarvin
3. Baby Aurora and Family
4. Mady Carroll and Chapel Taylor
5. Parker Smith and Tatton Looney
6. Kenneth, Cyndi and Auburn Phillips
7. Kayleigh and Skylar Nguyen
8. The Dailey Family
9. Penny and Kayla Moore
10. Joy Standridge and Michelle Moskal
11. Harlow Standridge and Emmie Moskal
12. William, Scarlett and Emily Stacy
13. Susan Bates and Addie Colbert
14. Isaiah Blake and Dylan Dubbert
15. Sadie Hall and Mo Scott
PHOTOS BY MICHAELA
CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT
On Monday, April 7 at Grayson Valley Country Club, Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce held its 18th annual golf tournament.
1. Bryan Ayers, Tom Kelly, Joey Goshien and Trey Lott
2. Ben Bracewell, Jeremy McDonald and Chase P’Pool
3. Sam Love, Matt Dunlap, Chris Whitten and Barrett Milam
4. Hunter Johnson and Chad, Connor and Aiden Rhodes
5. Seth Stone, Matt Coleman and Jackson King
6. Eric Mason, Jason Jones, Joe Waller, Brian Limbaugh and Caitlin Brothers
7. Joe Knight, Mayor Buddy Choat and Stan Hogeland
8. Adam Bomar, Will Townsend, Dante Graham and Houston Bendall
9. Patrick and Will Younghouse, Dave Reynolds and Jonathan Collier
10. Andrew Simonson, Alec Etheredge, Mike O’Kelley, Noah Brakefield
11. Chris Burdette, Brooks Burdette, Josiah Burdette and Leslie Bice
12. Todd Beard, Matt Wright, Corbin Parker and Jack Hoehl
13. Jack Sittre, Dave Forehand, Jacob Sittre and Chase Forehand
14. Greg Armstrong, John Beyer and Chris Cremers
15. Keith Miller, Jackson Hatton, Jeff Walker and Milton Wald
PHOTOS BY MICHAELA BANKSTON
GEE’S BEND QUILTER’S WORKSHOP
PHOTOS BY MICHAELA BANKSTON
On Friday and Saturday, April 4-5 at Trussville Public Library, China and Mary Ann Pettway, two of the Gee’s Bend quilters, led a workshop for quilters of all ages as part of the Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation’s third annual Heritage Days.
1. Melissa Hendrix and D Hendrix
2. Mary Ann Pettway
3. Sharon Henderson
4. Tonia Mayton
5. Amber Hill
6. China Pettway
7. Christy Hudson
8. Kimberly Moore
9. Deborah Campbell
10. Clare Clifford
TRUSSVILLE BUNNY WALK
PHOTOS BY MICHAELA BANSKTON
On Saturday, April 19 at the Trussville Entertainment District, TED businesses handed out Easter eggs for kids to collect along with other festive treats and activities to celebrate the holiday.
1. Lauren, Hudson, Dave and Everly Reynolds
2. Sean, Gabriele and Simon Dailey
3. Jayla, Kensley and Kyomi Canada
4. Ragan Weller, Mackenzie Henry and Hannah Kate Weller
5. Derek, Mandy, Mason and Mateo Rios
6. Kelsee and Preslee Philpott
7. Christina, Noah, Penelope and Oliver Gardner
8. Elliot Gulibeau
9. Juliette and Connor Gerdts
10. Mia Grace Jackson
MY TRUSSVILLE REAGAN HANSON
Miss Trussville 2025
Get Outdoors
Trussville Greenway
The best place to get outdoors is the Trussville Greenway. I love going there because I am able to walk my dogs while getting fresh air and enjoying the beautiful scenery in Trussville.
Fellowship in Community
Community Tree Lighting Ceremony
My favorite event the city hosts is the Trussville Tree Lighting. It is a great way to kick off the holiday season and bring the community together in admiration of the glowing tree at the heart of Trussville.
Eat Local City Bowls
My favorite dish to get at a restaurant in Trussville is the OG Bowl from City Bowls. It is perfect in the summer after a pool day with friends, and I am so glad there is a City Bowls in Trussville.
Making Memories
Miss Trussville
One of my favorite memories I have made is winning Miss Trussville. Being able to represent my hometown has been a dream come true, and I have loved getting to play a role in so many events around the city.
Sentimental Spots
Trussville Public Library
A sentimental place I love to visit is the Trussville Public Library. As a kid, I would constantly check out books and participate in the summer reading programs. I have loved being able to watch the library evolve as our city has grown.
