JANUARY 2026
Not all
Heroes Wear capes
A look behind the scenes at Chelsea Fire & Rescue
PAGE 7
SPORTS: Xander Echols chases NFL dreams
PAGE 20
ALL
Part of THE PLAN Meet Brandy Pate, the city’s new event planner/ promoter
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Table of Contents
12
17
7 10
Chel sea L i brar y
Cover Story
An in-depth look inside the Chelsea Fire & Rescue Department
City News
Find out the latest news in Chelsea.
12 Feature
Brandy Pate is keeping Chelsea connected in her new role
17 Recipe 20 Sports
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Date bars with oatmeal crumble
Xander Echols pursues NFL dreams
18 What to Read this month Library Calendar 19 Five book picks from the Chelsea Library staff
Upcoming events at the Chelsea Library
Sc ho o l News
25 Chelsea Park Elementary School 26 Forest Oaks Elementary School 27 Chelsea Middle School 28 Chelsea High School 29 Shelby County Schools COLUMNS
6 Editor's Note
New Year wishes from Leah Eagle
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16 Sean of the South 24 Counselor’s Corner Here comes the New Year
The effect of “Better Than”
Chelsea Magazine
About Us On the Cover
Staff
Matthew Allen
Leah Ingram Eagle
Publisher 205-883-1877 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Content Director (205) 807-0834 leah@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes
Emily VanderMey Listo
Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com
Operations & Project Manager, Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com
Shweta Bratina
Tony Bratina
Graphic Designer
Cover Designer
Chief Joe Lee has been leading the Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department for the past six years. Cover Photography by Elizabeth Grandy Photography.
Who We Are Chelsea Magazine tells the stories of the people, places, businesses, and history of Chelsea and surrounding communities. The magazine is published monthly and is available mid-month at locations in Chelsea, Mt Laurel, Westover, Harpersville, Wilsonville, and Columbiana. Subscriptions by mail are available for $40 per year. Visit jbmcmedia.com/magazine-subscriptions to subscribe, or email subscribe@jbmcmedia.com to request a form to pay by mail.
P ROU D MEMBER
Does your business want to connect with Chelsea residents? Contact us: 205-883-1877, advertise@jbmcmedia.com, and let’s talk! All content in this magazine remains the property of JBMC Media, LLC. Any requests to reprint or republish should be directed to matthew@jbmcmedia.com. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
P UBL I S HED BY
January 2026
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Editor's Note As we turn the page on another holiday season and step into a brand-new year, there’s an extra reason to celebrate—we’re on our 13th issue of Chelsea Magazine. It’s been a joy to share the stories, people, and progress of our community over the past year. Thank you for reading, supporting, and helping us grow. With Christmas behind us and a fresh year ahead, this issue is all about momentum and the people who keep Chelsea moving forward. Our cover story spotlights the Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department—a dedicated team whose service, training, and heart make our city a safer, stronger place to call home. We’re also thrilled to share some very exciting school news. All four Chelsea schools earned an A on the Alabama State Department of Education report card, and Chelsea Park Elementary has completed the journey to become a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. These achievements reflect countless hours of hard work from students, teachers, staff, and families, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate them. You’ll also meet Xander Echols, a former Chelsea High athlete who went on to long snap at both UAB and the University of Idaho. Fresh off his senior season, he now has his sights set on the NFL—and
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his story is one of grit, perseverance, and hometown pride. We’re excited to welcome a new recipe contributor this month as well—food stylist and recipe developer Loren Wood, whom we profiled in December. Don’t miss her first recipe debuting in this issue! And be sure to flip through photos from Chelsea’s first-ever Christmas tree lighting, a new tradition that brought joy and sparkle to our city this season. Plus, stay up to date with all the latest city happenings throughout these pages. As always, I love hearing from you. If you have story ideas, business news, accomplishments, or anything you’d like to share, please reach out to me at leah@jbmcmedia.com. Here’s to a fresh start, new stories, and another great year in Chelsea. Happy New Year!
Leah Eagle, Content Director
Chelsea Magazine
Cover
Serving With Strength and Heart
How Chelsea Fire & Rescue Protects a Growing Community BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department Chief Joe Lee and Deputy Chief Jeff Russell grew up here in Chelsea, when it was a rural community and graduated one year apart from Chelsea High School. Lee will be entering his sixth year with the CFRD after taking over the helm in Aug. 2020, followed by Russsell six months later. The two complement each other, and Lee said he couldn’t do this job without Russell. Their careers took different paths. Lee began working at the Bessemer Fire Department in 1992, and Russell began his career at Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service in 1991. Their lives went separate ways, but in the fire community, they were always aware of what the other was doing. When the opportunities at CRFD became available, both men were ready for a change. “The fact that he and I get to do this together makes it all the better,” Lee said. “He fills in my weak spots and I fill in his, plus we are friends on top of this. We make decisions together. I would hate to have to do that by myself. I trust his opinion. Jeff and I are in this with the same goals, so if I need advice, he’s there to give it and vice versa, and that makes life so much easier. Having someone as a friend who I know has my best interest and the department’s best interest at heart makes this job so much better.” Russell said being able to give back to the community where he is from is gratifying, and he’s pleasantly surprised at the number of residents that are so thankful for their service. “It’s overwhelming how thankful people are for our services and their gratitude toward us. It January 2026
Photography by Elizabeth Grandy Photography.
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Cover
makes it worthwhile.” Russell said. Lee said he and Russell are still in the process of creating policies and procedures. “We didn’t have a lot of those in place when Joe and I got here. The majority of our time is spent geared toward that, so when we do leave, they will have the foundation. We are fortunate that we have a staff behind us, they picked up responsibilities which in turn the department benefitted from that.”
Always prepared
As the fire department, Lee said it’s their job to be prepared to run emergency calls, including fire and medical emergencies. If it’s not a straight police matter, they respond, he said. “We have to be prepared for anything, trees on a house, power lines down. The more the city grows, the more people have emergencies. Businesses bring outside people in during the day which increases our opportunities to respond. We just prepare ourselves to handle whatever comes to us.” The CFRD is the largest item in the city’s budget. The annual operations budget is $1,294,000, which does not include the capital project at Station 32 and one last fire truck payment in 2026 for $342,000. Staff salaries average $3 million. Lee said the original Chelsea Fire Department was volunteer only, until after the city became incorporated and the current department came around in its current form in 2001. “Chief [Wayne] Shirley took it from volunteer to paid,” he said. “When I took over, our goal had been from the beginning to make this a primary fire department, meaning the people who work here, it’s their primary job. There were five full-time guys when I got here. Now we have 34 full-time employees who consider Chelsea their primary job.”
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They have also created an administrative staff to handle things including training, along with having a fire marshall officer and a dedicated EMS officer.
Projects and personnel
At the end of 2025, the department had three vacant positions and interviews were being completed to get back to being fully staffed in the new year. “We have 36 guys that work at the department,” Lee said “12 on duty every day- working 24 hours on and 48 hours off.” Lee said that not long ago, the department would have 100 applications for an open position, now it ranges around 10 to 15. “The younger generation is not pursuing this job like they were at one time, so we focus on training,” Lee said. “It becomes a competition for the good ones, hiring them younger, with less experience. We get young guys out of recruit school who are still going through paramedic training and give them a couple of years worth of training. It’s one of the top priorities for us.” Cpt. Billy Ricketts serves as the department’s training officer, working with department employees at the facility behind Station 33 – that houses a building where members can participate in live fire training, rescue training, and a confined space maze (a search and rescue type training featuring obstacles they may experience in real life.) The department hosts a class each year and brings in a well known person in the industry to teach it, and attendees come from all over the state and the Southeast. “It exposes our guys to the latest things in training, and it gets Chelsea Fire out there in these other places and helps build our reputation Chelsea Magazine
outside of our area, and it builds credibility to our department,” Lee said. “It brings revenue into the city as they stay in our hotel and go to our restaurants. I was told the night they were at the hotel, it was the biggest revenue Buffalo Wild Wings ever had for one night.” The department also hosts fire college classes in the training room at Station 33 where they teach fire college certifications. Three classes were held in 2025, bringing in people from surrounding departments, with hopes to do more. The department also has an EMS officer in Cpt. Stephen Leachman. 80% of their calls require EMS. Lee said there are a massive amount of laws and state regulations pertaining to EMS and transports and making sure everybody stays credentialed. Currently, construction is taking place at Station 32, the oldest station in the city. The city used the remaining ARPA funds to add 55% more space to that station for the million dollar plus project, which is anticipated to be complete by April, adding five more bedrooms and a firetruck bay. Prior to this, there were only two bedrooms in the station, only enough to house two employees. “It was a full-time job to make sure training is done, inspections are done, and we are in compliance with EMS,” he said. “We’ve grown and the city’s grown and we need a full staff here. I said in 2020 when I took over, we were a hodgepodge of different places. I wanted to create our own culture, our way of doing things. I believe that will carry on in the future, the standards we set. Those guys won’t know where it came from, but will be doing the things we set forth.” “The expansion was needed, as so many people are on the south end of the city,” Lee said. “We anticipate increasing staffing at some point.”
Planning for the future
Lee said his job is to give the city the best department he can give them based on the investment the city makes in it. He set a goal for the department and to get the city to invest the money, ultimately everything is his responsibility, he said. Russell’s primary responsibility is day to day operations and personnel issues. All the other departments are broken into the aforementioned divisions: training, fire marshall, and emergency management services. “We want to be the best we can be at that level,” he added. It’s about Chelsea citizens getting the best quality care based on the resources we have. I want to leave this place to the next generation knowing I did the best I could to make the best fire department here.” Looking to the future, Lee said new developments in the infrastructure of the city will benefit everyone, and he is looking forward to seeing the excitement of what’s coming.
• November had 184 calls • The busiest month was September, with 214 calls (not included are December numbers) • April was the slowest month with 151 calls • Station 31 ran twice as many calls as Stations 32 and 33 combined • 54% of calls were EMS related • As of Dec. 2, the department had responded to 2,161 calls in 2025. • Estimating over 2,300 calls for 2025, slightly up from last year.
“There are a lot of new developments in the city. I do think it’s inevitable and we might as well embrace that people see Chelsea as a desirable area.”
Both Lee and Russell will leave a legacy with this department for years to come.
At the Dec. 2, 2025 Chelsea City Council meeting, Lee gave a report sharing statistics from the previous months, not including December numbers.
“I grew up here, my family lives here,” Lee said. “This is home to me. I feel like it is to Jeff, too. It’s a blessing to come back here and help build something.”
January 2026
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City News November council recap During the November 18 city council meeting, the council approved the following:
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To accept a quote for fountain maintenance from Alabama Aquarium and Pond, which submitted the low bid of $250 per month.
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To amend the FY26 city holiday calendar, adding Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and doing away with Columbus Day and President’s Day.
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To authorize the purchase of a vehicle for the CFRD after the original was totaled in an accident.
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To repair paving in Willow Branch subdivision.
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To award $50,000 in extra-curricular grants to schools: Chelsea Park ($2,800), Chelsea Middle ($12,950) and Chelsea High ($34,250).
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To renew the Emergency Management Transport Services contract with Shelby County. This yearly contract that is a supplement from the county will reimburse the city transport services already provided to the city limits, totaling $67,290.
In his mayor’s report, Cody Sumners gave an update on the construction at Station 32, which will add another firetruck and four bedrooms. Sumners said that groundbreaking on the tennis court project was set for the beginning of December, with an estimated build time of 1214 months. Another new addition in the city will be on the property behind the community center in Melrose Park. The city is planning a storybook trail, a walking trail with different pages of a children’s book that will also include music and interactive things for children. The project is planned to begin in the spring.
Target coming to Chelsea
Valley Post opening All four Valley Post restaurants are now open. •
Hero Diner is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
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Rodney Scott’s is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
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Little Donkey is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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Luca & Lucy is open: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday,
Goodbye Trees Christmas tree recycling will be available from December 26 through January 5. Trees can be dropped off at the gravel lot at the Hwy. 47 athletic fields across from Liberty Baptist Church.
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During the Dec. 2 City Council meeting, two public hearings were held. The first was to approve and execute a development agreement with Franklin Land Associates/GBT Realty Corp. to provide economic development assistance for the development and construction of a commercial development on the corner of Chelsea Corners Way and Hwy. 47. Council President Scott Weygand stated that a traffic study has been conducted by Skipper Engineering. He said they have a plan that involves the city engineer, the county highway department and the Alabama DOT. The state and the county are working on the final details, but there will be changes–widening, additional lanes, new turn lanes. It’s very involved and will change the traffic flow over there. It should flow nicely once it’s completed. It probably would not open until late 2027. The second hearing was to execute a development agreement with Target Corporation to provide economic development assistance for the development and construction of a commercial development on the corner of Hwy. 47 and Chelsea Corners Way. Mayor Cody Sumners said that the incentive is a $15 million sales tax abatement, which will be 1.5 cents of the five cents that the city currently collects in sales tax will be returned to the Target store, up to $15 million or 20 years. The council unanimously approved the tax abatement to bring a Target location to the city of Chelsea. Chelsea Magazine
What do you want to see in an upcoming issue of Chelsea Magazine?
WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR STORY IDEAS, BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION UPDATES, COMMUNITY EVENTS, FUNDRAISERS AND MORE Email Leah Eagle: leah@jbmcmedia.com
January 2026
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Feature
Building Community With Creativity
Chelsea’s new event coordinator is thriving in new role
Photography by Elizabeth Grandy Photography.
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
And all of that has happened in just a matter of months.
When Brandy Pate talks about her work, her voice lights up with the same energy she pours into every sign, schedule, graphic and event she touches.
The journey to becoming Chelsea’s new Event Coordinator and Promoter began the way many big life changes do—hesitantly. When Pate first saw the job posted, she passed it along to friends. But they kept sending it back to her. Then, over Labor Day weekend, a visiting friend said something that stuck.
“I enjoy doing things that help uplift people,” she says. “I can help them see the best things in themselves and find out what their spark is. I like pouring positivity at people to be their best selves. This job lets me do that on a bigger scale.” If you’ve followed the City of Chelsea’s social media lately, you’ve likely already seen Pate’s spark in action. Her graphic design work has given the city’s online presence a fresh, polished look. Behind the scenes, she’s been helping launch new events, organizing information for residents, assisting with the city website, creating a newsletter, and sitting in on city council meetings to stay tuned in to the community she now serves.
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“She told me, ‘Don’t worry about what anyone thinks, just apply for the job, go in for an interview. Be yourself and if it’s meant to be, it will be.’” So she took the leap. The job description immediately resonated with her. She’d been planning elaborate parties for her children and PTO events for more than a decade—and suddenly there was a chance to do that for an entire city. Chelsea Magazine
Constantly creating Creativity has always been part of Pate’s life. She spent 10 years teaching children’s theater and still makes costumes for the Chelsea High School Theatre Department. She runs Crafting With Brandy, a business that delivers an average of 1,000 handmade pieces each week, from bulk shirt orders to Etsy sales. She also partners with local schools, giving 100% of the profits from her custom merchandise back to their PTOs, sports teams, and student groups. Another item she offers includes port zipper shirts for those going through cancer treatments. “I’ve never seen myself as a stay-at-home mom who owns a craft business,” she said. “I’m an entrepreneur who is investing in my family and now I’m investing in my neighbors.” Sleep, however, is optional. After full days at Chelsea City Hall, her nights are spent fulfilling orders, flipping furniture from estate sales, and working alongside her best friend, Katie Alder of That’s The Pointe Dance Studio, who helps her keep up with demand. “I put myself to sleep watching people build houses,” she laughs, referencing her late-night home renovation TV sessions with her husband, Adam.
Anchored by Community
For Pate, community is everything—and that shows in the relationships she’s built. She’s spent 11 years serving on PTOs at Forest Oaks, Chelsea Middle, and now Chelsea High. “I learned so much from all of these women,” she says. “Oftentimes I joke that I’m weird, but they embraced that and saw me as a creative person and who I am. That was my life. I had my business, my family and my PTO people. They have changed my life for the better.” Her children, Zoe (17) and Sam (14), have been adjusting to her new schedule, one that no longer allows her to be at every event. “They’ve never known me not being at everything. Now we’re adjusting, and they’re being so gracious and supportive. Hearing them say they’re proud of me is a pretty huge thing.”
A big role to fill
When she stepped into her new role on October 1, Pate was fortunate to have guidance from someone who had shaped Chelsea’s events for decades—Gerri Roberts, the city’s longtime parade organizer. “We became fast friends,” Brandy says. “The saddest part of the new job is that I don’t get to do it with her. I had found another me! She showed me everything and was very kind and gracious, as is everyone here. Everyone welcomed me immediately and are always willing to help, even though their plates are already full.” Roberts had already planned the 2025 Christmas parade, and Pate shadowed her through this year’s event to learn all the behind-thescenes details.
A Big Vision for Chelsea’s Future
The pace isn’t slowing anytime soon. Mayor Cody Sumners has expressed a desire for the city to host regular events, giving residents more reasons
January 2026
to stay, shop and connect locally. Pate is already brainstorming for 2026, with ideas ranging from an Autism awareness art show to a summer farmers market, a Fire at the Foothills-style celebration, and a signature event marking Chelsea’s 30th anniversary in March. “If we keep the economy here and have the amenities here, we will have the money to do things the city needs,” she said. Pate is clear about one thing—Chelsea isn’t trying to imitate its neighbors. “I don’t want to mimic our sister cities or compete with their events,” she said. “Our cities in Shelby County get along so well and work collaboratively. People can find similar activities each month, so our residents can go to each and have a different experience with no comparison in any way.”
Making Chelsea home
Pate describes herself as an “Air Force brat” who grew up moving often, living in over 20 different places. Born on a military base in Spain, she eventually came to Chelsea in 2006 to be a nanny for her sister’s children. Once she married her husband, she knew she didn’t want to leave. “I wanted to build a family and life, and I chose Chelsea,” she said. “I’ve been to a lot of places, and this was the place I thought would be the place to raise my children. I hope I never leave. I love it here.” As she settles into her new role, Pate sees her work as both a privilege and a responsibility. “I think it’s pretty evident the community wants to keep their hometown feel,” she says. “Many want the amenities and to see us move forward. What I think is important is being respectful of what we currently have and keeping the charm. Growth is inevitable—but you can choose how you manage it.” For Chelsea, growth is already underway. And with Pate’s creativity, heart, and hometown devotion leading the way, the future looks bright, busy, and beautifully crafted.
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Photos
O’ Christmas Tree Photos by Leah & Todd Eagle
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Chelsea Magazine
January 2026
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Sean of the South
Here Comes the New Year It’s the New Year and, judging by people’s resolutions, they think they’re supposed to be doing all sorts of impressive things like losing weight, saving more money, training for marathons, etc. Well, I’m making some changes this year, too. Only I’m making little changes. Big changes never last for me. It’s little ones that stick. So, I’m going to start by making my bed every morning.
The taste of chocolate. The smell of summer rain. Colonoscopies. I’m going to tell people I love them. Not just family and friends, but anyone who crosses my path. I’m going to use these words often. “I love you, I love you, I love you,” I’ll go around saying.
SEAN DIETRICH
When I was a kid, my mother believed, firmly, that making the bed set a positive tone for each day. I firmly believed that. So, each morning I let my mother make my bed. But now that I’m older, I’ve decided to make our bed every morning. Another change I’m making: I’m going to play with my phone less. Phones are time-suckers. So, I’m not going to play on my phone. Instead, I’m going to spend quality time playing on my wife’s phone.
I’m going to say yes more than I say no. I’m going to worry less. And whenever I catch myself worrying, I’m not going to worry about it.
And if I can’t do any of the above because I’m too uncommitted, too undisciplined, or just flat lazy. I’m not going to be disappointed in myself. I’m going to eat some bacon and congratulate myself. Because at least I made the bed this morning.
I’m going to eat more bacon. Life is too short to deprive oneself of bacon. A woman named Susannah Mushatt Jones of Brooklyn, New York, lived until age 116. She was skinny and healthy and she ate a serving of bacon every day. But frankly, I don’t want to live to 116, so I will also eat queso dip to offset things. I’m going to give to homeless people more often. Every time I drive past a homeless guy, I think to myself, “He’s just looking for drugs.” But my conscience knows better. And addicts need lunch, too. I’m going to run some 5Ks or 10Ks, for good causes. I’m going to do this because I enjoy running, because I like meeting people, and above all, because there is often free beer at the finish line. I’m going to have more fun and not apologize for it. More fishing trips. More camping trips. And I’m finally going to get around to making that honey-do list. In fact, I’m going to write the list right now, so my wife can get started. I’m going to laugh more. And if I can’t laugh, I’m going to make someone else laugh. And if I can’t make someone laugh, I’m going to drink beer. More pizza. More pasta. More salad. I’m going to make an effort to enjoy tiny moments in my life. Not just the big ones. I mean the happenings that I never pay attention to.
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Chelsea Magazine
In The Kitchen with Loren Wood
Date Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Makes 16 bars
Cookie Base: 1/2 cup softened butter 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter* 1 large egg 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup date spread** 1 cup chopped pitted dates, optional
Oatmeal Crumble: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup old fashioned oats 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup cold butter cut into cubes 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350. Spray an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray. Line with parchment paper, allowing 2-inches to overhang on all sides. Spray parchment paper; set aside. The parchment overhang will help you remove the bars from the pan after baking.
Cookie Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat butter and brown sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Turn the mixer off and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add peanut butter, egg, vanilla, and salt. Mix on medium speed until smooth and combined, about 2 minutes. Turn the mixer off and add flour. Mix on low until a soft dough forms. January 2026
Transfer dough to prepared baking pan. Press an even layer into the bottom of the pan, being sure to cover edge to edge. Bake until the edges are light golden, about 12 to 13 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, spread date spread (or desired jam/jelly/preserves) over the cookie base being sure to cover completely. Sprinkle chopped dates onto date spread, if desired. Set aside.
Oatmeal Crumble: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, add flour, oats, dark brown sugar, and salt until combined. Add butter and using your fingers press into dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and holds together, no dry flour remains, it forms into pebble-sizes. Sprinkle Oatmeal Crumble evenly over the date spread layer (or jam/jelly/preserves). Sprinkle sliced almonds over crumble. Bake until the crumble is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven to a wire rack to cool complete-
ly, at least 3 hours. After 3 hours, remove from the pan using parchment overhang, and cut into 16 (2-inch) squares. Serve immediately after cutting, or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. I adore dates and feel they are often misunderstood or commonly overlooked as a baking ingredient. They are full of natural sweetness and add moisture to baked items such as cookies and bars. These bars include dates in two forms, pitted and chopped, and as a spread. Date spread can be purchased at health food stores such as Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, or Whole Foods. I used the Lior brand. I encourage you to try this recipe as printed. You will be delightfully surprised at how delicious they are! But, as mentioned, feel free to substitute your favorite jam, jelly, or preserves. The recipe will work regardless. Note *Avoid using natural peanut butter or other natural nut butters as they can affect the consistency and moisture levels of your cookie base. **You can sub any type of jam, jelly, or preserves here in any flavor for the date spread.
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Chelsea Library What to Read this Month
Top Picks from the Chelsea Library Staff Is reading more one of your New Year’s resolutions? Here are some books to add to your list courtesy of Paula from the Chelsea Public Library.
“The Bullet that Missed” by Richard Osman It is an ordinary Thursday, and things should finally be returning to normal. Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club is concerned. A decade-old cold case—their favorite kind--leads them to a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers. Then a new foe pays Elizabeth a visit. Her mission? Kill or be killed. Suddenly the cold case has become red hot. While Elizabeth wrestles with her conscience (and a gun), Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim chase down the clues with help from old friends and new. But can the gang solve the mystery and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?
“The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger Clare and Henry share an extraordinary love story shaped by Henry’s Chrono-Displacement Disorder, which causes him to involuntarily travel through time. Though they meet at mismatched ages and face unpredictable, often dangerous disappearances, the novel follows both of their perspectives as they work to build a normal life together. Their attempts to pursue careers, friendships, and a family are continually challenged by Henry’s uncontrollable condition, creating a poignant and unforgettable story about love enduring across time.
“These Summer Storms” by Sarah Maclean After five years away, Alice Storm returns to her family’s Rhode Island island for her father’s funeral—only to learn he’s left behind an inheritance game requiring the family to spend a week together completing assigned tasks. Trapped in the mansion with her chaotic siblings, judgmental mother, and her father’s compelling secondin-command, Alice must confront long-buried secrets and old wounds. Over one tumultuous week, grief, love, and family tensions collide in a story about healing and rediscovery amid emotional summer storms.
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“No Two Persons” by Erica Bauermeister Alice has always wanted to be a writer. Her talent is innate, but her stories remain safe and detached, until a devastating event breaks her heart open, and she creates a stunning debut novel. Her words, in turn, find their way to readers, from a teenager hiding her homelessness, to a free diver pushing himself beyond endurance, an artist furious at the world around her, a bookseller in search of love, a widower rent by grief. Each one is drawn into Alice’s novel; each one discovers something different that alters their perspective, and presents new pathways forward for their lives. Together, their stories reveal how books can affect us in the most beautiful and unexpected of ways―and how we are all more closely connected to one another than we might think.
“The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau” by Kristen Harmel For decades, jewel thief Colette Marceau has followed her late mother’s code of stealing only from the cruel to help those in need—a legacy rooted in their work for the French Resistance in WWII. But in 1942, a raid tore her family apart: her mother was executed, her young sister Liliane was found dead in the Seine, and a valuable diamond bracelet vanished. Seventy years later, the long-lost bracelet appears in a Boston museum, forcing Colette to confront her past. As she searches for the truth behind the bracelet’s journey—and her sister’s fate—old secrets resurface, rival claims emerge, and Colette faces the possibility of finally uncovering a murderer and healing her long-broken heart. Chelsea Magazine
Chelsea Library Calendar Library Info 16623 U.S. 280, Chelsea, AL | Monday-Thurs: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205-847-5750 | cityofchelsea.com/225/Library-Home
PHOTO BY BRITTNEY FIELDS
Jan. 5, 12 and 26: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 12-14). 4-6 p.m. Jan. 7, 14 and 21: Tot Time. 10:30 a.m. Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 15 and up). 4:45-6:45 p.m. Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29: Musical Munchkins at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30: Bring your own craft. 1 p.m.
Jan. 10: Lego Saturday. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 17: Pokemon trading club. 10 a.m. Jan. 17 Chess Club. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 19: Beyond Books. Book Club for adults. 5 p.m. Discussing “Everytime I Go on Vacation Someone Dies” by Catherine Mack. Jan. 20: Teen Book Club. 5 p.m. Jan. 24: K.Z.T. Steam Day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jan. 8: Book CLub. 11:30 a.m.
January 2026
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Sports
Living The Football Life Upside Down
Former Chelsea High long-snapper has sights set on the NFL BY LOYD MCINTOSH
Xander Echols’ football career is completely upside down. Literally and figuratively. Speaking figuratively, the Chelsea native’s football trajectory has been unconventional to say the least. After graduating from Chelsea High School in 2020, Echols played at UAB for three years under three different coaches – Bill Clark, interim coach Bryant Vincent, and a tumultuous season under Trent Dilfer. Needing a change of scenery and a fresh start, Echols resurfaced 2,000 miles away in Big Sky country, playing two more years of college football at the University of Idaho. A path starting in Chelsea, going through Birmingham, and ending in Moscow, Idaho, seems a little upside down if you ask this writer. Echols’ football career is literally upside down. That’s because of his position on the field as a long snapper.
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Many of you reading this story may have no idea what a long snapper is, and when he’s performing his position as expected, the long snapper practically goes unnoticed. When things go wrong, though, the spotlight can be intense and ruthless. You may only see the long snapper on the field five or six times in a game, during punts, field goals, and extra points. He’s the guy bent over, head down, looking backwards between his legs, rear in the air, firing the football past his knees at warp speed to the holder or punter. Unlike other positions where you have second or third down to try again after an incomplete pass or a two-yard run when the team needs five, the long snapper has to deliver the goods every time he runs on the field. He must be precise every single time. If not, the chances of ending up on the ESPN blooper reel are extraordinarily high.
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“It’s not the most glamorous position on the football field,” admitted Echols while taking a break from packing to fly back home to Birmingham. “If you don’t do your job perfectly, the chances of the ball game flipping are huge. “It’s a very fast operation between not just me and the punter, or me, the holder, and the kicker. I can’t do my job without them, and they can’t do their job without me,” says Echols. “If I mess up, I may have to wait 20 minutes to redeem myself.” Like many kids, Echols began his football career as a youngster in the Pee Wee leagues, playing many positions while learning to play the game. However, Echols and his coaches discovered he was uniquely gifted at long snapper after giving him a shot at center in the fifth grade. He’s been a specialist at that position ever since.
later that year in the bowl game, which was fantastic because they were ranked No. 13 at the time, which was the highest-ranked team UAB had ever beaten. So it was just a great time. “He (Clark) was a great mentor because he wasn’t just there as a coach. He was there to improve you as a person and improve you as a player, which was fantastic,” Echols adds. “Sometimes football can become just business, but Clark wasn’t like that at all.” After his third year at UAB, Echols entered the transfer portal and received offers from a handful of smaller Division I universities, like Louisiana-Monroe, Alabama A&M, and Georgia Southern. He chose the University of Idaho, located in Moscow, where he excelled for two seasons.
“I was snapping the ball so fast that our quarterback could not get his hands up in time to catch it,” explains Echols. “I found long snapping with that kind of ball speed actually helped, so I ended up transferring and doing that all through middle school and high school.”
While in Moscow, he played on a team that almost defeated a highly ranked Oregon and went 10-4 in 2024. Echols said he liked the coaching staff, which reminded him of his one season under Clark. However, he was unprepared for the Idaho weather when he stepped off the plane in January 2024.
He developed into one of the top long snappers in the nation in high school, with many recruiting services ranking him among the top 30, including Kohl’s Professional Camps. During the Kohl’s showcase in June 2021 – his senior year at Chelsea – he was ranked No. 29 in the nation with an average snap speed of .68 seconds, or approximately 48 miles per hour.
“It was 64 back at home, I was in shorts and a sweatshirt, and flew up here, and it was negative 18. I was like ‘y’all didn’t tell me about this.’ I went to Walmart and bought every thermal they had,” says Echols, adding that Idaho’s domed stadium, the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, made playing football in the extreme climate bearable.
As a comparison, the NFL long snappers average between .65 and .75 seconds per snap. Echols was firing balls in that range while in high school. Despite his obvious talent for the position, many major colleges are reluctant to offer scholarship spots to long snappers, especially freshmen. So Echols accepted a spot on the UAB football team playing for Clark, square in the middle of the program’s triumphant return. “It was amazing. I got an opportunity that not a lot of other people have, except for the guys on that team,” says Echols. “We beat BYU
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Echols graduated with a degree in criminology, but currently has his eyes on a shot at the pro level. He is preparing for an NFL combine in Naples, Florida, this month, followed by a pro scouting event in Idaho this March. Whatever happens next, Echols is certain it will turn his life upside down, literally and figuratively. “It’s been a heck of a journey. More in-depth, twists and turns than just those little high points,” says Echols, “but it’s definitely been a fun one, that’s for sure.” Chelsea Magazine
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Counselor’s Corner with Neely Haynes Neely Haynes, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, is a Certified Synergetic Play Therapist and is the owner of Harbor Counseling, located at 1063 Narrows Way, Suite D., Birmingham, AL 35242. harborcounselingllc.com
Better Than Better than. Those two little words tend to elicit pretty significant reactions that are usually on the defensive side. We have taken those two words and allowed them to limit us. We then have a tendency to shut down, pull away, and disregard the person who we perceive “better than” us and in the process disregard ourselves. It boils down to something along the lines of, “If they are better than me, I am not enough.” I am here to tell you that is a lie. It’s a lie we tell ourselves so we don’t have to grow or be vulnerable. “Better than” is actually one of the greatest opportunities for us to level up. I love to break this to you, but there will always be someone who is further along, more skilled, more disciplined, hotter, smarter, funnier, more creative…pick your category. That moment is an opportunity to look at yourself and get inspired, to go deeper, understand why you want something in the first place, and figure out what it would take to pursue it in a way only you can. Or it becomes an opportunity to stay small, resentful, and afraid, watching other people live out the things you desire because you aren’t willing to face your own fear of failure or rejection to get there. The defensiveness around “better than” usually comes from old wounds, those moments in childhood or adolescence where being “less than” meant rejection, humiliation, or punishment. So of course, as adults, when someone demonstrates strength where we feel tender, we brace ourselves. We throw that armor up. We shut down the entire learning process just to protect our ego for a moment; heaven forbid someone thinks your idea is stupid. They are telling you about themselves more
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than they are telling you about you. The people who are better than you, you don’t have to be them. You just get to learn from them. Let it deepen your awareness of you and how you are the only person who can show up in this world the way you do in the depths of the both/and. That you can simultaneously be skilled and unskilled and allow those who are more skilled to be your guiding light to finding that more skilled version of yourself. This is where people get it twisted: Inspiration does not equal inadequacy. Someone else’s strength does not equal your failure. Their “better” does not mean you’re “not enough.” Every person you admire is simply living proof that what you want is doable. And let me be clear, this isn’t about comparison. Comparison is corrosive. Inspiration is expansive. One drains you, the other fuels you. One keeps you stuck and small, the other gets you moving and allows you to take up space, too. If you stopped taking “better than” as an attack and started receiving it as guidance, your entire world would shift. You’d stop abandoning yourself. You’d stop staying small. You’d stop fighting growth because it feels uncomfortable. You’d start asking the right questions: “What is this showing me about myself ?” “Where is the opportunity at this moment?” “Better than” doesn’t have to be a threat. It can be a ladder. And maybe, just maybe, the only reason it feels threatening is because deep down, you know you’re capable of more.
Chelsea Magazine
School News: Chelsea Park
Veterans Day Program The third grade classes did a great job singing in their Veterans Day program. The CPES administration said they were proud of them and Mrs. Ardovino for all their hard work.
Blue Ribbon School Chelsea Park Elementary received its Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence award in November. Thank you to everyone who made this happen for our students, faculty, staff, and the Chelsea Community. The Continuous School Improvement Team is celebrating the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Lighthouse Award with Helena High, Helena Middle, Helena Intermediate, and Oak Mountain Elementary at the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference. The team is learning so much about leadership, effective teaching strategies, and community partnerships.
A festive feast Kindergarten classes at CPES enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Feast.
Extracurricular Grant for CPES Chelsea Park Elementary was recently awarded $2,800 through the City of Chelsea’s Extracurricular Grant Program. As part of their National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence process, CPES is implementing student clubs during the school day — giving students in Kindergarten through 5th grade the chance to explore new interests, grow socially and emotionally, and build confidence. These clubs will include opportunities such as Nature & Space Explorers, Team Building, STEM, Creative Writing, Drawing, and more. The city is proud to partner with the school as they expand programs that invest in the whole child and enrich the student experience. January 2026
Balloons over CPES Miss Reynolds’, Miss McIntyre’s, and Mrs. Campbell’s classes participated in a parade celebrating “Balloons Over Broadway” by making their own version of the Macy’s Day Parade.
Historical Field Trip Second graders at CPES recently enjoyed a field trip to American Village in Montevallo.
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School News: Forest Oaks Culture Day FOES held its First Annual Culture Day on November 13. Dancers from The Ballet Folklorico of St. Thomas performed two traditional dances for all of the students. There were also presentations led by family members, current FOES students and Chelsea High School students on various cultures such as Italy, Colombia, Norway, Poland, and many others. The students “traveled” amongst their grade levels to learn about the various cultures with their passports in hand and ready to be stamped upon their arrival.
Perfect Score Congratulations to the Forest Oaks CNP team for a perfect score!
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Chelsea Magazine
School News: Chelsea Middle Raise your voice Congratulations to London, Ellie, Louie, and Sophia for being accepted to the 2026 Alabama All-State Choirs, and to all the ChMS students who auditioned.
Learning research skills Mrs. Welborn’s class had a field trip to Southern Research where they researched, developed, and designed medicines for their patients.
November students of the month: 8th grade: Kerrington Harvey 7th: Walker Haynes 6th: Bella Hendrix
Veterans Program On November 7, ChMS celebrated the 2nd Annual Veterans Day Program and Parade. The choir and band both performed. Many veterans were in attendance, and speakers included Lt. Deon Tilley, Mayor Cody Sumners and Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks.
Grants from the City The City of Chelsea awarded ChMS an extra-curricular grant of $12,950 to be used for stripping and waxing the gym floors and for a mower. The school also received a Classroom Instructional Support Grant in the amount of $10,733 to pay for:
Canned food drive The Peer Helpers held a canned food drive and students brought in donations. All items were donated to a local organization for the holidays.
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Special Education resources
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Instructional expansion resources
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Musical equipment
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Family & Consumer Sciences resources
A perfect score
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Art resources & technology
Congratulations to the CNP Staff on another perfect 100 score.
January 2026
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School News: Chelsea High
STEM Goes Red Students from CHHS attended STEM Goes Red and gained firsthand experience, connected with inspiring professionals and learned about jobs across STEM fields.
Books for FOES The Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy delivered books to Forest Oaks Elementary.
Around 200 middle and high school girls from across the district recently participated in the event, sponsored by the Greater Alabama American Heart Association to encourage young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. These events bring middle and high school girls together for a day of learning, experimentation, and inspiration, connecting them with STEM professionals and highlighting career opportunities in fields where women are historically underrepresented. The program aims to inspire female students and to provide them with the tools and resources needed to succeed in STEM fields.
Grant funding Mayor Cody Sumners recently presented another check to Chelsea High; this time for The Extracurricular Grant Program. Sumners and Grant Task Force member Brandy Pate presented Assistant Principal Philip Cosper with an Extracurricular Grant totaling $34,250. These funds will support a variety of important improvements and student programs at CHHS including: •
A New Indoor LED Display for the main gymnasium ($26,074.30), an upgrade that will support a wide range of sports, educational events, and presentations.
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A 7x12 Trailer for Show Choir & Choir ($3,615.50), to allow safe, efficient transport of props and equipment for performances throughout the year.
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DECA Ladies’ Blazers ($280) Awarded to Mrs. Clark to support her outstanding marketing program and help students present themselves with confidence at competitions.
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Track Surface Repairs ($2,000) Awarded to Coach Lee to patch and improve the track, creating a safer training and competition environment for both high school and middle school students.
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Winter Guard Equipment ($2,280.20), to assist with the purchase of a floor tarp, costumes, props, and set pieces to support this growing team.
Moving to the next level Congratulations to the Chelsea High baseball players who signed scholarships to play at the next level: • • • •
Brock Garrett (Central Alabama Community College) Grant Hill (Grand Canyon University) Luke Neill (Snead State Community College) Silas Osbourn (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College)
Brown heading to La Tech Congratulations to Caroline Brown on signing to play softball at Louisiana Tech University. Chelsea Magazine
School News: Shelby County Shelby 101 participants finish first semester Shelby County Schools wrapped up the first semester of Shelby 101, offering participants an in-depth look at the Human Resources and Leadership Development during the third session. The session highlighted the district’s intentional strategies for finding and retaining top talent, fostering a positive school culture, and cultivating the next generation of leaders.
Teachers of the Year Rebekah Austin from Oak Mountain Elementary School and Derek Dupuis from Helena High School were honored as Shelby County Schools’ Teachers of the Year during the annual Teacher of the Year celebration held on November 18 at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center.
Attendees heard about the district’s focus on leadership development, which is considered an essential component for finding and retaining employees, improving organizational effectiveness, and ensuring the district’s long-term health. SCS has implemented a comprehensive strategy to develop both new and current staff.
Austin was named the elementary winner, while Dupuis earned the title for the secondary grade spans. They were chosen from the top eight finalists, who were also honored along with winners from every school.
Superintendent to retire On Dec. 3, Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks announced his impending retirement after over 30 years in education.
The other top eight finalists included: Tracy Kies from Calera High School, Katie Justice from Calera Middle School, Robert Irwin from the Career Technical Educational Center, Summer Lollar from Chelsea Middle, Julia Tanner from Oak Mountain Intermediate, and Caycie Fields from Vincent Elementary School. Other winners from Chelsea schools included Austin William Self from Chelsea Park Elementary and Aline Bou from Chelsea High.
According to The Shelby County Reporter, Brooks said, “Serving the schools and community of Shelby County has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Brooks said. “I am truly grateful for everyone who has supported the incredible work that is happening in our schools. I look forward to continuing to serve while completing my term.” That will put his retirement in January 2027. He said he wanted to give those wanting to run for the position plenty of time to start the process.
SCS receives an A Shelby County Schools recently announced the system once again achieved an ‘A’ on the Alabama State Department of Education’s newly released State Report Card for the 2024-2025 school year. This remarkable achievement marks the third consecutive year that the district has earned this top honor, showcasing a sustained commitment to excellence. The ‘A’ rating reflects an overall score of 91 and is a testament to the hard work and dedication across our entire district. The Alabama State Report Card evaluates school system performance based on a comprehensive set of key indicators designed to measure student success and system quality. Those indicators include: January 2026
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Academic Achievement: Measures the number of students scoring within each of the achievement levels in English language arts and math.
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Academic Growth: Measures individual students who demonstrate improvement in English language arts and math. SCS achieved a perfect score of 100 in this area.
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Graduation Rate: The percentage of high school students who graduate within four years of entering ninth grade. SCS had a graduation rate of 94.49 percent. Chronic Absenteeism: The percentage of
K-12 students who missed 18 or more school days (excused or unexcused). SCS saw a 2.48 percent decrease in this rate to 11.05. •
College and Career Readiness: The percentage of students who met at least one of the indicators for being prepared for college or a career.
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Progress in English Language Proficiency: Based on the percentage of English Learner students who met their growth targets.
This honor includes all four Chelsea schools: Chelsea Park Elementary, Forest Oaks Elementary, Chelsea Middle and Chelsea High.
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Events in and around Chelsea Jan. 2 and 16: Chelsea City Council meetings. Chelsea City Hall, 11611 Chelsea Rd. Precouncil at 5 p.m. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. cityofchelsea.com
Chelsea Community Center Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Senior Aerobics Class. 8:15-9 a.m. and 9-9:45 a.m. A 45-minute class that centers around Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The focus is on functional exercises that keep participants healthy, energetic and more independent. All levels and abilities are welcome. Bring small hand weights and a water bottle. Class is taught by Keri McIntire, a certified instructor specializing in senior fitness. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Senior Chair Aerobics Class. 10-11 a.m. Chair exercises to upbeat music and choreographed for fun movements and resistance training. Equipment is provided. Free. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Advanced Pickleball. 8-11 a.m. Chelsea Community Center, Gym 1. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Beginner Pickleball. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chelsea Community Center, Gym 2. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Intermediate Pickleball. 1-9 p.m. Chelsea Community Center, Gym 1. Mondays: Yoga Class. 6:30 p.m. All levels of experience are welcome at this free yoga class every Monday. Bring a mat. Monday and Thursday: Rev + Flow by REFIT. Mondays at 5:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. A workout that strengthens bodies and sculpts muscles through targeted music-based movement and resistance training. To register, visit refitrev.com. First Monday: Spectrum Support of Chelsea. 6:30 p.m. Are you a mom navigating the journey of raising a child on the autism spectrum? No matter your child’s age, you’re not alone. Spectrum Support is a welcoming, supportive space for mothers to share experiences, resources and encouragement. For more information contact Jerica Boley at 205-305-3651. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: REFIT. Tuesdays 5:15 and 6:30 p.m.; Thursdays 6:30 p.m.; Saturdays 8:30 a.m. A class that combines cardio movements with toning, flexibility, strength training and stretching for an hour of fitness. To register, visit refitrev.com. Tuesday and Thursday: Ti Da Na Martial Arts Class. Tuesday and Thursday 2-4 p.m. Tuesday: Oyama Karate. Tuesday 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Activity Room. Wednesdays: Textile Club. Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sewing, crocheting, embroidery and quilting. Bring your project and a sack lunch. This is an adults only event. Thursdays: Senior Pot Luck and Games. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring a dish and enjoy playing games with fellowship and fun. Saturday: Pickleball Open Play. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chelsea Community Center, Gym 1. Sundays: 2:30 p.m. AA meeting. Join others for support, strength and understanding.
Area Events Jan. 3, 9, 10, 19, 30 and 31. Bulls Hockey at the Pelham Civic Center.
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