Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 883-1877 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes
Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com
Emily VanderMey Listo Project Manager & Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com
Leah Ingram Eagle Content Director (205) 807-0834 leah@jbmcmedia.com
Hollie Brown Community Events Editor hollie@jbmcmedia.com
Shweta Bratina Graphic Designer
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.
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 2026. All rights reserved.
Tony Bratina Cover Designer
As we enter June (and enjoy turning off the early morning school alarm for a few months), I look forward to longer, slower days spent at my neighborhood pool, time with friends and hopefully a beach trip, too!
In this issue is everything that makes summer in Chelsea special. Our cover story highlights several ways to enjoy the season right here in our city—from a local favorite (ChelseaFest & The Big Kaboom) to new opportunities for fun that bring neighbors and families together (Chelsea Farmer’s Market).
We’ll also introduce you to one of Chelsea’s newest small businesses: Chelsea Nutrition, where Grace Davis has opened a new drink shop. You’ll also meet Chelsea’s newest Hall of Fame inductees—individuals whose impact has helped shape the spirit of this city.
On the field, Loyd McIntosh has a feature on Chelsea High School women’s soccer coach Alli Gooch, whose leadership and dedication continue to leave a lasting mark on her players and the program.
As another school year comes to a close, we’re sharing highlights from across our local schools, celebrating the students, teachers, and families who make Chelsea such a strong and vibrant place to grow. And congrats to the recent graduates of the Class of 2026!
The issue wouldn’t be complete without a yummy summer recipe. Check out Loren Wood’s delicious grilled corn on the cob recipe that’s perfect for your next backyard gathering. We’ve got book recommendations from the Chelsea Public Library staff to help you slow down and enjoy a good read.
As always, thank you for letting us be part of your month. However you choose to spend these summer days, I hope you have fun!
Leah Eagle, Content Director
Hoorah troops, to all you that served That served America well, How thankful we are for you It’s more than we can tell; Whatever branch you served in Whatever rank you achieved, Thank for your courage Thank you for how much you believed; Believed in America
The land of the free, How beautiful to behold From sea to shining sea; I am proud to have served Alongside many of you, It’s the many in our cemeteries The brave and chosen few; Never forget the Soldier Who gave their all, So that America as a country Will never fall.
Spc 4 / Chaplain Eddie Burchfield Love you All “Hoorah”
Fresh Fire Evangelism, Chaplain Eddie Burchfield POB 53, Westover, Al. 35185 | 205-516-3427
By Leah Ingram Eagle
Fest & The BigKaboom
As summer begins in Chelsea, there’s a buzz of anticipation in the air and with it, the return of one of the community’s most beloved summer traditions: ChelseaFest & The Big KaBoom, the annual event that blends smalltown charm with a big celebration. And new this year is a Saturday Farmers Market at Chelsea City Hall.
This is the first year planning and executing the event for city event planner and promoter, Brandy Pate.
“ChelseaFest & The Big KaBoom has been a great learning experience,” Pate said. “Prior to my hiring in October, the city contracted with an event company to handle the majority of the ‘show’ portion of the event. When I started last fall, (former organizer) Gerri Roberts taught me everything she could from her many years of managing this event. My
Taco Tuesday
Pelican’s SnoBalls
Hello Lemon
4th & Inches
DixieDogs
Travelin’ Toms Coffee
Chick-fil-A Greystone
Tasso’s Lemonades
On the Run Concessions
Simones Kitchen ATL
Chelsea Sno-Shack
Frios Gourmet
main focus is coordinating all the food trucks, business vendors, Kid Zone, fireworks and sponsors for our event. It has been a very positive experience so far because at the end of the day it’s all about creating something fun and memorable for our community.”
Set for Saturday, June 27, this year’s event will be held at a new location. Since the former site is now under construction for a new
Corn King Get Fried, LLC
Wasabi Juan’s
DeRiones Gourmet Kitchen
Cafe BaBoy LLC
Tee’s Cakes & Pastries
retail development, attendees will now enjoy the event at the intersection of U.S. 280 and County Road 440, next to Metro Storage.
“The Big Kaboom is moving to a new location, and we hope to make it even bigger and better than ever,” said Mayor Cody Sumners. “The new location will allow us to have the large celebration that we have become accustomed to.”
Pate said she’s been working with police, fire, and city teams to make sure everything—from traffic flow to safety—is well thought out.
Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. with an opening introduction, followed by members of Chelsea Cub Scout Pack 353 leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Local leaders, including Mayor Cody Sumners, will be on hand to welcome the crowd.
The night will include a mix of music, food, and familyfriendly fun. The younger crowd can enjoy the Kid Zone, while adults browse vendor booths and grab dinner from a lineup of food trucks. Local performers will take the stage throughout the evening, and headliner, The Vinyl Junkies, will begin playing at 7 p.m.
The city received grants from Senator Dan Roberts and Representative Susan DuBose for activities for the event, along with a $2,500 grant from America 250AL to incorporate the 250th birthday of our nation.
“We will have the American Serviceman Living History Museum on site at the event as an educational experience and fun photo opportunity for families,” Pate said.
Four local churches churches are partnering for the KidZone which includes bouncy houses and activities including: Chelsea Community Church, Liberty Baptist Church, New Life Church and North Shelby Baptist Church.
“This yearly event is what our community is all about and something that we spend a lot of time planning for,” Sumners said. “We are looking forward to all of the vendors, food trucks, and a great night of music from the Vinyl Junkies, as well as the always amazing firework finale!”
After the sun sets, the grand finale begins at 9 p.m., a fireworks show that has become the highlight of the evening.
Held each year on the Saturday before the Fourth of July, ChelseaFest & The Big KaBoom has grown into the city’s largest event of the year, drawing thousands from Chelsea and beyond.
With a new location, a full lineup of entertainment, and a new spot to gather, this year’s festival will bring the same excitement in a new location for guests to spend the evening soaking in one of Chelsea’s favorite nights of the year.
A new tradition began in the city on May 2. Saturday mornings in Chelsea will now feature a farmers market held on the lawn of Chelsea City Hall.
“Bringing the Farmers Market back has probably been one of my favorite parts of this year,” Pate said. “It’s a completely different pace, but it really gives people a chance to slow down, connect, and support local businesses.”
The Farmer’s Market started because of a suggestion from Amy Nelson of Salt Artisan Bakery. Pate said the two of them were discussing the upcoming Spring Craft Fair at the community center, and Nelson asked if she had considered a farmers’ market.
“I did a little research and by the next day, we had the webpage up and running and accepting applications,” Pate said. “The resounding positive response has really motivated our team to keep our ears and minds open to what the Chelsea residents suggest and want to see for their community.”
Pate said that opening day had such a great turnout—lots of families, live music, and several vendors actually sold out before noon, which was really exciting to see.”
There are currently 46 registered vendors, with several participating in all 12 dates as featured vendors, Pate said. Several vendors signed up for all 12 dates, making them featured vendors. They get to choose which dates they would like to participate.
• Cooper Woodworks
• Kennedy Farm of Chelsea
• Moose Meadows Farms
• Rob’s Southern Gourmet Sauce
• Pumpkin Swamp Seed Co.
• The Rustic Wildflower
• Salt Artisan Bakery
• With an H Permanent Jewelry & Adornments
“The Farmers Market is more than just a place to shop—it’s a place to gather,” Pate said. “It gives our residents the opportunity to support local growers and makers while spending time with family and friends in a welcoming environment. In the coming weeks, we will have even more produce vendors as the residents have expressed their love for fresh, local produce”
The market will be held each Saturday through Aug. 1 (except for two: June 27 for ChelseaFest & The Big KaBoom and again on July 4 in observance of Independence Day) from 9 a.m. to noon, inviting residents to start their weekend with vendors from the community.The atmosphere will be relaxed, welcoming, and local.
Each week will be a reflection of the season, featuring fruits and vegetables, flowers, and garden-ready plants. Local bakers and food artisans offer everything from sweet treats to
specialty items, and craftspeople will showcase handmade goods. No two Saturdays will look exactly alike—with different vendors and different offerings each week.
“We are really excited about the Farmers Market,” said Mayor Cody Sumners. “There are tons of vendors and community groups signed up and we even have some surprises planned for the opening and the last day.”
The Farmers Market will allow people to shop local and support small businesses in the community.
August 1 will be the farmer’s market End of Summer Smash. To close out the season, there will be live bands, bouncy houses, special guests and more to celebrate
The Chelsea Farmers Market is about more than produce and products. It’s about connection. Guests can meet and chat with local vendors and customers while also supporting local businesses.
Since the market is held outdoors, weather can occasionally play a role, with any updates shared through city channels if needed. But on most Saturdays, you can count on a relaxed, friendly atmosphere—and a really good reason to get out and enjoy the morning.
By Leah Ingram Eagle and Sadie Adams
The Chelsea High School SGA held its sixth annual Hall of Fame induction on April 29.
Meet the class of 2026:
A lifelong Chelsea resident who graduated from Chelsea high school in 1978, Poe owned a local business and served the Chelsea Volunteer Fire Department, eventually becoming fire chief. He served in this role for 12 years, completely transforming the department.
He brought the community together, led discussions with local leaders, and helped organize efforts to set the city’s boundaries and push for incorporation. His work protected Chelsea’s independence and saved residents money, leaving a lasting impact on the city. Poe dedicated his life to serving and protecting the Chelsea community until his passing in 2009.
A 2012 Chelsea High School graduate and multi-sport athlete who led the Chelsea girls soccer team to their first AHSAA State Championship her senior year. That season, Gooch was the AHSAA Championship MVP, CHHS Offensive Player of the Year, and received many other state and regional recognitions. After attending The University of South Alabama on a full athletic scholarship for the 2012, 2013, and 2015 seasons, she became the first Chelsea High School girls soccer alumni to play professionally, accepting an offer to play for Husavik,
Iceland for five months. Gooch returned to Chelsea in 2021, taking the role of Head JV Girls Soccer Coach until she stepped into the position of Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach in 2022. Since Gooch has taken over, the team has shown consistent improvement.
Chelsea High School was her first and only school teaching experience, where she worked for 25 years. Hired as a biology teacher, she later on taught anatomy and physiology. She was active in the Science in Motion program when it was first started in the state, which is now known as STEM. One of the senior sponsors, Gunn was a teacher who truly cared about her students and mentored them whenever the opportunity presented itself. An example of her care was seen during the “Snowpocalypse” of 2014, when she spent the night with stranded students in the library. She was always first to volunteer whenever help was needed, and left a lasting impact on Chelsea High School, all of her coworkers, and every student whose path she crossed.
A 2013 Chelsea High School graduate, Edwards went on to graduate from Auburn University with a degree in biomedical sciences. She continued her studies at the University of Florida College of Medicine where she earned her medical degree. She was also elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, and served as president of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Edwards completed her internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she remained as a dermatology resident and served as chief resident during her final year. She is now an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Haley recently retired at the end of the 2026 school year from his position as an 8th-grade science teacher at Chelsea Middle School. He maintained a presence in multiple programs across the school, including serving as a wrestling coach from 2015-2022. He has coached multiple great athletes, including future state champions, many of whom recognized him for encouraging them in their wrestling journey. Haley’s long-term teaching at Chelsea Middle has been a testament to his loyalty to both the school and students.
Colonel John Ritchie lived a long, impactful life. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and he went on to serve in the Korean War and Vietnam War as a part of the Air Force. He retired from Wright Patterson AFB, and went on to receive his MBA from Indiana University and his Masters Degree in Math Education from UAB. He taught in the Chelsea High School the math department for 11 years, and served as the sponsor of the CHHS Student Council. While making a lasting impact on students, he was also serving the community of Chelsea. Ritchie helped incorporate the community in the 1990s, and he is called one of the “founding fathers” of the City of Chelsea. Although he passed away in 2013, his legacy is not forgotten. The CHHS library was renamed to the Col. and Mrs. John Ritchie Learning Commons in 2015 by Principal Trucks.
One of his sons, Frank Ritchie, followed in his father’s footsteps. He served in the Air Force, and went on to teach at Chelsea High School for 35 years, teaching every math class except AP Statistics. At one point, he and his father made up the entire math department at Chelsea. He also coached football, volleyball, golf, soccer, and wrestling, inspiring students in and out of the classroom.
Emi
This year, the Chelsea High School SGA had the honor and privilege of presenting the first annual Emi Burton Service Award at the Hall of Fame Ceremony.
was an active member of the Chelsea community for over 20 years. She was always present to lend a hand, serving students, faculty and parents. She generously volunteered her time and energy to countless causes. She served on all four of the Chelsea schools PTO boards and was PTO president for two years at Chelsea High School. She poured her heart and soul into everything her daughter, Madison, was involved in. She was a constant presence within the Chelsea High School Stingettes Danceline, SGA, Peer Helpers, and anywhere else she sensed a need. Oftentimes, her efforts were not even seen, but were done behind the scenes with no desire for recognition. Burton lived a life rooted in love, service, and steadfast faith. She passed away on November 23, 2025, surrounded by love and pouring out love until the very end.
“We believe that Emi Burton served and affected so many that she deserves this award in her honor, bringing well-earned recognition to her and others to come in future years,” said SGA President, Sadie Adams. “This is an award that will celebrate those like Emi, who, behind the scenes, have poured their all into Chelsea and its people. This year, all the acknowledgement goes to the late Mrs. Emi Burton and her family. We are humbled to commemorate someone who left such an impact on the community, and we hope that Chelsea continues to feel the heart of Emi Burton with the help of this award in her namesake for years to come.”
Adams said that it has been a privilege to be part of the CHHS SGA for the past four years.
“Watching everyone connect and come together in honor and celebration of these incredible individuals truly shows what all this is about,” Adams said. “I’m so grateful for my time in the student government association and all that it has taught me. I’ve grown as a leader, speaker, peer, and person because of all those involved in not only this organization but the community. Everyone within each hall of fame ceremony played a pivotal role in the lives of others and the positive impact that we continue to spread throughout our community is something I will always cherish.”
On April 11, several groups came out to assist in cleanup around the city.
The 13U Chelsea Baseball Club and 11U Cyclones Chelsea Baseball Club cleaned up at Forest Oaks Elementary School and Chelsea Middle School. An adult volunteer group tackled Liberty Road, cleaning the entire stretch from the railroad tracks all the way to Liberty Baptist Church. Three ChMS Beta Club students also participated to earn community service hours along with their parents.
Keep Alabama Beautiful provided cleanup supplies for the day. The Chelsea COP Citizens Observer Patrol— Johnna Barnes, Kelly Paramore, and Robert Barnes — provided vehicles and helped keep everyone safe throughout the morning.
A post on the city’s website said, “One of the best parts of the day was seeing the waves, smiles, and encouragement from residents as they passed by. That’s what community is all about! This is just the beginning — we plan to host Chelsea Cares Community Cleanup Days several times a year, and we look forward to growing this effort with even more volunteers next time.”
Approval for a traffic signal at County Road 47 and Chelsea Corners Way. A new light will be installed which is the Aldi Parking lot intersection. According to Mayor Cody Sumners, it is being paid for by the developer of the shops, not the city.
Approval for a refinanced loan with Central State Bank for the Foothills Business Park. The city will be paying the same payments to pay the loan off sooner.
Amended the 2026 city council budget to cover some overages by some departments, primarily related to maintenance issues in the city and hiring of additional city employees.
Announced that the Building Official position in the city has been filled by Owen Watkins who was set to start on April 20.
Approval to create a building services department.
America’s Thrift Donation Center recently opened in the Publix shopping center next to Great Clips. The drop-off location makes donating easy. Donors can drive up and their staff will handle getting items from their car. They accept a wide variety of items including clothing, household goods, toys, books, and more.
The store is located at 609 Chelsea Crossroads and is open Mon–Sat from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Donations will help support Make-A-Wish Alabama, keep usable items out of landfills and provide affordable goods to families across our community.
For more information, visit: americasthrift.com/donate-in-chelsea.
Moon’s Day Spa held a grand reopening on April 17. Owner Moon Punjani welcomed the Mayor, city council, and city staff for a special ribbon cutting. Services include threading, waxing, lash extensions, facials and more. They are located at 16054 US Highway 280, Suite 1600 and open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Search Moon’s Day on Facebook for more information.
Zapopan held a soft opening on April 1 at 89 Chesser Plantation Lane in the former Applebee’s location. They are open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Chelsea High School Student Government Association attended the April 7 Chelsea City Council meeting. Students Sadie Adams, Student Government Association President was joined by Noble Latham, Junior Class President, and Grayson Smith, 9th-grade Class President. The group shared updates on the sixth Annual Chelsea High School Hall of Fame, recognizing outstanding individuals who have made a lasting impact on the school and community.
By Leah Ingram Eagle
For Grace Davis, the path to opening her second drink nutrition location didn’t begin with a business plan. She wanted to have a location closer to home.
Davis, who graduated from Oak Mountain High School, headed to Auburn for college. While there, she was introduced to loaded teas as a healthier alternative to coffee and energy drinks.
“As a college student, I needed the energy, but I didn’t want the crash. I fell in love with it,” she said.
After graduating from Auburn, Davis spent two years in the corporate world before deciding to pivot.
“I just felt like I wanted to take a leap of faith and open my own business,” she said.
Three years ago, she took over as owner at Square One Nutrition on Valleydale Road, but always knew she wanted her next location to be in Chelsea, where her husband is from.
After successfully operating that location for three years, she sold it to a new owner—freeing her to focus on her newest venture: Chelsea Nutrition, now open in the Publix shopping center.
While the new location represents growth, it also feels like a homecoming.
“Chelsea is where my husband graduated from, and where we’ve been forever—we met in high school,” Davis said. “After Auburn, we came back here. This is where we’re raising our family, so it was important to me to have a business here and really pour into this community.”
Chelsea Nutrition offers a menu centered on health-conscious energy options, including loaded teas, protein shakes, and specialty “beauty
drinks.” Many of the offerings are built around Herbalife products, which Davis first encountered during her college years.
“That’s what everyone used in Auburn, and I found the best results with it,” she said. “It’s backed by scientists and doctors, and over time I’ve learned more about the products and really believe in them.”
The menu reflects both variety and customization. Loaded teas deliver a boost of caffeine along with B vitamins for energy, focus, and mental clarity. Beauty drinks incorporate biotin and collagen, while specialty drinks add protein into the mix. For those looking for a meal replacement, the shop also offers protein shakes and protein coffees.
“We can also make anything without caffeine,” Davis added. “We have a lot of kids who come in, so we offer hydration options too.”
Chelsea Nutrition’s menu also carries a local twist. Davis has reimagined some fan favorites from her previous location with Chelsea-inspired names, helping create a sense of place and community connection.
“We wanted it to feel like it belongs here,” she said.
Among the most popular menu items so far: the sweet “Chelsea Sunrise,” the “Clock Tower” beauty drink, and the ever-popular “Captain America” loaded tea. On the shake side, flavors like fried
Oreo, cake batter, and banana pudding are customer favorites.
Davis secured the Chelsea location after actively searching for the right space—motivated in part by another major life milestone.
“With a new baby coming, I wanted to figure it out quickly,” she said. “I found this space and just felt like it was time to take the leap.”
In fact, Davis was just days away from being induced with her baby at the time of this interview and welcomed her daughter on May 4.
Chelsea Nutrition held a soft opening on April 10, with a grand opening planned for early June. Davis said she will step away briefly after her baby arrives, but plans to return after a month—with her newborn in tow.
In the meantime, a trained team—including staff from her former Square One location and college students home for the summer—is keeping things running smoothly. The business also offers delivery to local schools during the week.
As Chelsea continues to grow, Davis hopes her shop becomes more than just a stop for a drink.
“I’m just excited to be here,” she said. “To build relationships, serve people, and be part of this community—it means everything.”
Set in a small Appalachian town where the death of a mysterious woman known as Birdie Rocas uncovers long-buried secrets. A schoolteacher, Kate, and a grieving psychic, Lydia, are drawn into Birdie’s hidden journals and strange legacy. As they investigate, they uncover the town’s deep folklore and a history that blurs the line between reality and something more mystical. At its heart, it’s about grief, inherited memory, and the clash between skepticism and belief in a place steeped in Appalachian magic and tradition.
This book follows two sisters, Kathryn and Melissa Baile, whose lives take very different paths as drought and hardship tear their family apart. Kathryn, a young girl with a physical disability, is forced into a dangerous journey after a dust storm separates her from her family. Meanwhile, Melissa has married into wealth but finds her new life is far from what she expected, as she faces emotional and physical abuse while struggling with her conscience. As both sisters endure extreme hardship, their stories unfold in parallel, showing how survival, faith, and love keep them connected despite distance and suffering.
This Western set in post–Civil War Texas features Cullen Murphy, a hardened former soldier who returns home to find his town overrun by outlaws and lawlessness. With no sheriff or marshal to restore order, Cullen takes justice into his own hands and becomes a one-man force of law. The story centers on his fight to reclaim his land and protect the town, showing him as a classic Johnstone-style frontier hero who lives by his own code when official justice fails.
A psychological thriller that is centered on a seemingly innocent brunch that turns into a nightmare. Ana Blacksmith gathers her sister Vera and friends to celebrate her breakup from her ex-boyfriend, Paul. But when Paul is suddenly found dead—and one of the women at brunch falls seriously ill—Ana becomes the prime suspect. As the investigation unfolds, secrets among the group surface, including a mysterious network tied to “ancient” methods of justice and revenge. The sisters are forced to confront their own complicated past while trying to figure out who killed Paul before Ana is blamed.
A legal thriller set in a small Alabama town, the book follows Judge Mary Stone, a respected but tough circuit court judge who is assigned a highly controversial case: a doctor is arrested for performing an illegal abortion on a teenage girl. The case quickly becomes a national flashpoint, dividing the town along lines of politics, religion, and morality. As pressure mounts from the governor, the community, and even threats of violence, Judge Stone must decide how to uphold the law while confronting deep personal and societal conflicts. When tensions escalate and even turn deadly, she is forced to navigate danger both inside and outside the courtroom.
A dramatic historical fiction novel set in Lexington, Alabama, centered on betrayal, friendship, and revenge. Main character Louise Brooks, a generous, hardworking businesswoman who runs a successful restaurant. She trusts her longtime best friend Della and her charming fiancé, Malcolm, but over time, she begins to realize both may be hiding dangerous secrets. As lies and manipulation come to light, Louise is forced to confront betrayal from the two people she trusted most. The story builds toward a tense unraveling where loyalty, jealousy, and greed collide, pushing Louise toward a shocking act of revenge.
Library Info 16623 U.S. 280, Chelsea, AL
Mon-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
Summer Reading 2026: Unearth a Story. Register at the library or on the library’s website. The program runs through July 8. All ages can participate and earn prizes.
Mondays- June 1, 8, 15 and 22: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 12-14). 4-6 p.m.
Mondays- June 1, 8, 15 and 22: SafeHouse Program: Dig Deeper. 10 a.m. A hands-on, art-based program for rising 6-12 graders. June 1- DIY scratch art; June 8- Make your own geode; June 15- Bookbinding basics; June 22- Dig kit.
Wednesdays- June 3, 10, 17 and 24: Tot Time. 10:30 a.m.
Thursdays- June 4, 11, 18 and 25: Musical Munchkins at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Thursdays- June 4, 11, 18 and 25: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 15 and up). 4:45-6:45 p.m.
Thursdays- June 5, 12 and 26: Bring your own craft. 5:30 p.m.
Fridays- June 5, 12 and 26: Bring your own craft. 1 p.m.
June 2: Movie “The Land Before Time.” 1 p.m. Chelsea Community Center. Popcorn provided.
June 2, 12, 16 and 26: Dementia Caregiver support group. 5:30 p.m. Licensed therapist and dementia care practitioner, Tracy Lambrecht will lead this support group to provide connections, education and community resources.
June 3: Program: Creating petroglyphs. 2 p.m.
June 6: Chess Club. 11:30 a.m.
June 9: Movie “Zootopia 2.” 1 p.m. Chelsea Community Center. Popcorn provided.
June 10: Program: Anniston Museums & Gardens presents Digging for answers: fossils. 2 p.m.
June 11: Book Club. 11:30 a.m.
June 13: Friends of the Chelsea Library Book Sale. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chelsea Community Center.
June 13: Lego Saturday. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
June 13: Super Saturday Story Time. 10-10:30 a.m. on the patio. For children in grades K-4.
June 16: Movie “David” 1 p.m. Chelsea Community Center. Popcorn provided.
June 16: Read. Play. Create. 5-6 p.m. Trivia for ages 12-18. Registration required.
June 17: Program: Making and painting your own dinosaur. 2 p.m.
June 20: Pokemon Trading Club. 10 a.m.
June 20: Chess Club. 10 a.m.
June 22: Beyond Books. 6 p.m. Special American-themed trivia to celebrate America’s 250 anniversary. Register on the library’s website or at the circulation desk.
June 23: Movie “The Good Dinosaur” 1 p.m. Chelsea Community Center. Popcorn provided.
June 24: Program- Dino Bingo. 2 p.m.
June 27: K.Z.T. Steam Day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Chelsea Community Center Spring Craft Fair was held at the Chelsea Community Center on April 25 and was a huge success.
Jane Ann Mueller, Megan Schmotz, along with Facility Manager Kym Abner assisted in the planning and organizing of this event that culminated with more than 60 vendors.
I come from a long line of porch sitters. This is why I am always on my porch. In my neighborhood, I am affectionately known as “that weirdo freak who’s always on his porch.” This is usually said in a positive way.
But I can’t help it. Since infanthood, the only place I ever wanted to be was a porch. There I’d be, wearing my onesie, crawling on the porch, drooling on myself, and testing the maximum capacity limits of my diaper. Whenever my mother’s friends visited, they would pick me up to take me inside and I would start crying. They would return me to the floorboards and say, “There’s something wrong with Sue’s baby.”
SEAN DIETRICH
People would continue saying this for many years thereafter.
My current porch is a modest, but peaceful place. You can hear faroff trains, passing through Birmingham. Or listen to neighborhood dogs communicating via International Bark Telegraph.
We have a haint blue porch ceiling. Rocking chairs. The hanging ferns on my porch are my favorite.
We have eight ferns in total. They are healthy and lush because my wife makes me place them in the yard, one by one, whenever it’s about to rain. This is because my wife sincerely believes rainwater is better than hosepipe water. Which is an old wives tale, of course.
Just like the wives tale that says children can’t swim for an hour after they eat lunch or they’ll drown, which is scientifically proven to be false. For decades, however, due to this misinformation, millions of young Americans missed countless carefree swimming hours, whilst their mothers caught up on the latest installment of “Days of Our Lives.”
I often begin my porch-sitting early. Before sunup. I see the whole day begin.
The birds start about 5 a.m., in preparation for sunrise—which is a pretty big deal in Bird World. The birds get louder and louder. Soon, the whole earth has become a bird sanctuary, and they’re all celebrating dawn.
No two bird calls are the same. There are chirps, twitters, warbles, hollers, screeches, cries, hoots, cheeps, caws, whistles, chatters, bellowing, croaking, trilling, buzzing, whipoorwilling, clicking, peeping, chattering, and chick-a-deeing. You can get lost in all the bird noise you hear on my porch.
I don’t know when we quit building front porches. Once upon a time, every house had one. People would sit outside to count cars and wave at neighbors. Today, we have back decks. Nobody counts cars anymore. Even fewer wave.
But then, a LOT has changed since olden days. One hundred years ago, America had sidewalks. Today we have a staggering 80 percent fewer sidewalks. At one time in history, 70-some percent of American schoolchildren rode bikes. Today, that number is getting close to single digits.
We used to have newspapers, magazines, and comic books. Today, we have phones. Once upon a time in America, nearly 80 percent of Americans—even young professionals—admitted to occasionally taking daily naps. Now, only 17 percent of Americans nap.
But when you sit on your front porch, you fall back in time. You see neighborhood cats. Ferns. Birds. If you’re lucky, you might even drift off to sleep for a minute.
When you wake up, you’ll realize that even though things are different than it was a hundred years ago, life is still good.
People are still wonderfully insane. Kids still ride bikes—somewhere in America. Naps still happen, people are just too proud to admit it. People still greet their neighbors. Birds still sing.
And something is still definitely wrong with Sue’s baby.
Matt
As spring brings in more sunshine and warmth, it comes time to inspect your home for winter damage. If hidden problems go unaddressed, the damage will usually exacerbate over time.
Begin at the top and check the roof. Even down in the South, snow, ice buildup, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures can loosen shingles, damage flashing, and expose the transitional areas around chimneys and vents. Minor repairs such as replacing a few shingles or resealing flashing may be enough to restore protection.
Roof inspection may require a professional, but you might find a reputable contractor who will conduct the inspection free of charge. DIY’ers might attempt to visually inspect the roof from atop a ladder, but if the roof is taller than a single story, it might be wise to call a pro. Alternatively, you can use a pair of binoculars, and these days, it is common to inspect the roof with a drone.
Next, check the siding, because hail, freeze-thaw cycles, and wind-driven debris can cause dents, dings and cracks. Wind and sun damage can loosen panels or warp sections of siding. Cosmetic damage may be annoying, but cracked or loosened pieces are prone to water intrusion and should be addressed immediately. Any water that penetrates the building envelope will cause further damage over time.
Although brick, vinyl, and metal siding are generally low-maintenance cladding options, certain types of siding must be maintained routinely. Natural wood siding requires regular sealing, staining, or painting to help prevent water and sun damage, and fiber cement (i.e,. Hardie Board) requires recaulking over time to protect against moisture.
Windows and doors should be checked next, because they are among the most common sources of drafts and moisture leaks. Over the winter, seals can shrink, weatherstripping can deteriorate, and debris can build up in tracks, creating small openings that allow air and water to enter.
Seal any air leaks with new weather-stripping around windows and doors. Gaps in the non-moving joints around these areas should be sealed with caulk. Clean away any debris from the window tracks that might interfere with the seal. Don’t forget to check and seal any gaps around the garage door, which is often a problem area for drafts, moisture intrusion and insect entry.
A decorative option for exteriors is to use moisture-resistant trim made from PVC or polyurethane to seal cracks and gaps. Pro tip: If you use pressure-treated wood trim on house exteriors, make sure to prime and seal all sides and edges of the boards to protect from moisture—even the areas that will not be visible.
Protect your house foundation using a two-fold approach. Step one is to clean the gutters and downspouts of any leaves and debris that accumulated over winter. If the gutters get clogged, rainwater will overflow them and accumulate around the house foundation, which you don’t want.
Step two: Direct all rainwater at least 10 feet away from the foundation using downspout extensions and the slope of the grade. This will ensure water does not saturate the soil and increase hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls. Proper grading always drains away from the home, reducing the risk of settlement, damage and leaks.
Living with a chronic health condition doesn’t mean childhood has to stop. At Children’s of Alabama, we make sure kids can keep doing what they do best—laughing, playing, and simply being kids. With expert care, advanced treatments, and a team that never stops believing in brighter days, we help families navigate their healthcare journey with confidence, strength, and hope.
This same principle of water management applies to all areas of your property. Water tends to flow downhill. If rainwater cannot go where you want it to go, then the water will inevitably go where you don’t want it to go. Clear any exterior drains that might be clogged from winter debris—even the roadside culvert inlets. Although those drainage areas should probably be maintained by a local municipality, if the drain hasn’t been serviced by the time a storm hits, then your yard may still get flooded, whether the drain maintenance was technically your job or not.
We are here in your neighborhood at Greenvale Pediatrics - Brook Highland. Call 205-995-1004 to schedule an appointment.
By Loyd McIntosh
On Wednesday evening, April 29, Alli Gooch was inducted into the Chelsea High School Hall of Fame, along with five other significant individuals who have given their time, talent, and energy to make this little corner of north Shelby County a better place. The honor was richly deserved, even if Gooch, a teacher and girls head soccer coach, is just barely on the north side of 30.
In fact, it wasn’t all that long ago that Gooch was sitting in classrooms learning from some of the other inductees.
‘It’s still kind of sinking in because of the people that I was inducted with last night, three of those people were my teachers,” Gooch said, less than 24 hours after the induction ceremony. “It’s just so interesting to be such a full circle comeback from walking the walls of Chelsea High as a student to being inducted alongside some of the teachers that I had as a student, 14 years later.”
A 2012 graduate, Gooch is one of the most accomplished athletes ever produced by Chelsea High School. A soccer phenom who went on to play in college and professionally overseas, Gooch—then known as Alli Cochran—led the Hornets to the Alabama 5A state championship, the school’s first, during her senior year.
The Hornets were nothing short of dominant that season, racking up
a 13-3-2 record, their only losses coming to 6A and 7A powerhouses Homewood, Vestavia Hills, and Briarwood. Gooch had a terrific season, including a five-goal outing against Moody High School in the quarterfinals, and scoring a goal and helping Chelsea defeat Athens, 3-2, in the championship game.
That first championship came during Gooch’s only year playing for the high school. Like many highly recruited soccer players in Alabama, Gooch was unable to play high school soccer while focusing on her club team, the avenue through which most soccer athletes are recruited. Since high school soccer in Alabama is played in the spring instead of the fall like most states, and AHSAA rules forbid kids from playing both club and high school soccer at the same time, Gooch couldn’t play high school while going through the recruiting process.
“A lot of the girls on the team were irritated with me that I didn’t play high school because I was one of the better girls,” Gooch said, adding that some of the players a grade ahead of her really wanted to play during her junior season, a year in which the Hornets lost in the state championship game to Spanish Fort.
“I didn’t have my scholarship and, at that time, I was heavy into recruitment season,” Gooch explained. “I had already been in talks with South Alabama, but they just hadn’t had enough chances to see me to get me an offer.”
Following her junior year, Gooch signed with South Alabama and, tired of the travel and pressure of club soccer life, she joined the high school squad for her senior season. Now playing for the love of the game as well as for her friends, teammates, and community, the 2012 championship is a highlight of her time at Chelsea High School.
“I kind of felt like I was missing out on something,” Gooch said. “All my school friends were doing it, and I just wanted to be local, and once I got my scholarship signed, I really didn’t need to play or travel. Coming back for my senior year was just fun. It was just something that I was able to do for my hometown in front of my family. It was mainly just about being a part of the community at that point.”
Following graduation, Gocch headed to Mobile to play for the University of South Alabama Jaguars. Her four years at USA were a bit of a rollercoaster. During her freshman year, Gooch played under head coach Mike Verga, who had also guided her through the Olympic Development Program, and she started nearly every game of the 2012 season.
However, a coaching change brought a more stark atmosphere that drained her love for the game, and after her sophomore campaign, she stepped away entirely—or so she thought. Head coach Graham Winkworth asked her to play in an alumni game, then invited her back as a walk-on for her senior year. Gooch accepted the invitation and, once again, felt the pressure roll off her back and played for fun.
“It was the most relaxing soccer I think I’ve ever played,” Gooch said. “I knew it was my last season, and I thought, ‘just give it all you got. You’re done after this.’ I really just enjoyed it.”
Once again, she thought her competitive playing days were behind her. However, a new opportunity soon fell into her lap.
She landed in Lakeland, Florida, and while working for a regional soccer association and playing in adult leagues, she crossed paths with a former University of South Carolina standout who was coaching a local club team. She casually posed a life-changing question to Gooch after practice one night.
“She was like, ‘Hey, I’m about to go to Iceland and be a player-coach. You want to go with me?’ I was like, What? No? Like, I need more details than that,” she says.
It turned out her teammate had previously played professionally in
Iceland and had arranged a contract with a lower-division club called Völsungur based in Húsavík, a small town in northeast Iceland. Gootch eventually said ‘yes,’ packed her bags, and in May 2017 flew to Iceland, once again rediscovering her passion for soccer.
“You could literally walk from one end to the other in maybe 15 or 20 minutes. The whole town would come out, park their cars, and honk their horns when you scored a goal. It was so cool,” Gooch said. “I got to love the game again, and I think that’s what fueled being able to play over in Iceland. I just enjoyed it at that point.”
After playing one season in Iceland, Gooch eventually made her way back home to work for the Birmingham Legion professional soccer club, doing group sales, where she met her husband, Cason. She began working for a Chick-fil-A in Birmingham, eventually rising to catering director over two years. Then she was invited to come back to Chelsea High School by her old head coach, Jonathan Hammett, who was looking for some JV coaching help.
She accepted, working 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chick-fil-A and driving directly to 3:30 practice at Chelsea. In 2022, Hammett stepped down after 25 years, and she took over as varsity head coach. She credits Hammett for his support and, as a person of deep Christian faith, believes God has led her into and through some truly interesting and rewarding experiences.
“If it were not for him, I would not have the accolades or the records or anything that they read off at the Hall of Fame last night,” Gooch says. “He did everything he could to keep it alive for as long as he did.
“It was all just kind of God-driven, literally,” she adds. “It was just kind of like, ‘oh, there’s the open door. Let me walk through this one.’”
In three seasons at the helm, Gooch is putting her stamp on the Chelsea girls soccer program, leading the team to two consecutive winning seasons with more success sure to come. However, Gooch says she isn’t motivated by records, titles, or accolades, but by her love for the game, her players, and her community.
“I love being the head coach, but it’s not for the title,” she said. “I do it because I love the sport and I love the girls, and I’m just thankful I have the opportunity to be the head coach.”
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
So I swam with a whale shark this past weekend. Yes. You read that correctly.
One thing you should know is I am absolutely terrified of sharks. Not the whale shark. The other ones with the teeth. And there were some in that tank. Reef sharks. Sawtooth sharks. Leading up to this whole experience with a friend of mine, I kept thinking, “What if I am too afraid to do this?”
But I kept remembering this is one of those once in a lifetime things. I got in the water, looked down, and saw the most amazing things I think I have ever seen. Manta Rays swimming right at my face. I could have reached out and touched one if I wanted (we weren’t allowed to, though). At one point, the whale shark got right next to my shoulder, and it was one of the most glorious things I have ever gotten to experience up close and personal. All of that fear I had was completely eradicated. I was so amazed by everything that the fear just melted away.
The reason I am sharing this with you is not to encourage you to go spend a bunch of money on an excursion somewhere if that doesn’t float your boat (pun intended). It is to help you realize that all of that harping and preaching I do about routines and have to’s before want to’s, is to remind you that you need to lean into all of those things, routine, resiliency, boundaries, so you can thoroughly explore the want to’s. Life is supposed to be about balance, about routines so we can go out there and do the random thing on a Tuesday.
I wanted to remind you in this column that all of that scheduling, box checking, routine making, hard stuff has a purpose. And it isn’t to “fix” your life, your kids, and your house. Although, sometimes it feels like that. It is to create a stability so secure that you can venture out into deeper waters and be afraid and do it anyway. It isn’t to keep you grounded like fog at an airport. It’s meant to be like roots for a really tall tree so that no matter what storms or breezes roll through, you can not only hang on but also enjoy. Again, it’s about balance.
Life is not meant to be perfectly managed. It’s meant to be experienced. And while structure matters, we have to be careful not to confuse safety with stagnation. Doing “dangerous” things carefully, trying something new, speaking up, failing, stepping into the unknown, is how we build confidence and resilience. It’s how we learn who we are. It’s how we live.
What I felt in that water wasn’t reckless. It was alive. Present. Grounded in the reality that I don’t control everything, and I don’t need to in order to be okay. Because somewhere along the way, we started believing the goal is to create a life where nothing goes wrong. But a life where nothing goes wrong is also a life where very little is actually felt. Life is supposed to be the whole thing: the good, the bad, the uncomfortable, the unexpected. We spend so much time trying to fix our lives, our homes, our kids, and ourselves that we forget to actually be in them.
Swimming with that whale shark didn’t change my life. But it reminded me of something I don’t want to forget: I don’t want to just build a life that looks good on paper. I want to live one I can actually feel, and I want to encourage you to do the same!
Kenia, Logan, and Hudson represented CPES at Governor Ivey’s App Challenge and CS Summit. They created an app called “Monkey Math” that allows students to practice adding and subtracting.
Mrs. Cooley’s class observed caterpillars turned into butterflies, and were able to say goodbye and watch them fly away.
Mrs. Capps and Mrs. Hogan’s classes read Liberty and learned facts surrounding the symbolism of our freedom and what the Statue of Liberty means. CPES is an official Alabama Semiquincentennial School.
CPES art teacher Mr. Self was selected as the Shelby County Chamber Educator of the Year Nominee and received special recognition at the Shelby County Chamber’s Award Luncheon.
Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Burton were celebrated for Assistant Principals Week. They care about the CPES students, faculty, and staff deeply.
The CNP lunchroom workers at FOES scored a perfect 100!
Forest Oaks held its first annual “Touch a Truck Day” and our students had an amazing time exploring a variety of vehicles and meeting the professionals who operate them every day. It was a day full of hands-on learning! The kids loved asking questions about different careers and hearing the stories behind them.
Some of Forest Oaks’ 5th graders attended the Camp McDowell field trip April 6–8, and it was an unforgettable experience! Students enjoyed a variety of activities, including canoeing, tackling the climbing wall, and participating in the birds-of-prey evening program. Many stepped outside their comfort zones to try new skills and embrace new experiences—and they loved every minute of it!
Congratulations to Mrs. Maria Tarry for being named the “Shelby County Chamber Educator of the Year” for Forest Oaks! Mrs. Tarry is the English Language Learner Teacher for Kindergarten through 5th grade.
The Forest Oaks Spring 2026 concert, held on Wednesday, April 29, was a tremendous success. Students performed six songs centered around a “flying” theme, including “Touch the Sky” and “I Believe I Can Fly.” Their performance was outstanding, showcasing both their talent and enthusiasm, and it was clear they put in a great deal of effort to make the evening memorable.
Cheers and well wishes filled the halls of FOES to see these amazing students off to the Special Olympics.
CHMS Choir performing the National Anthem at the April 19 Birmingham Legion Soccer game!.
8th-grade students from Mrs. Stallings, Ms. Welborn and Mr. Fort’s classes took a trip to CTEC and Blue Bell in Sylacauga.
Mr. Self, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Robinett were celebrated for Assistant Principal’s Appreciation Week .
The Chelsea Middle School Baseball team were the SOCON Champions!
Mrs. Ashlee and Mrs. Lee were recognized for administrative professionals day.
April 4 was National School Librarian Day. Thank you to Heather Stafford for all that she does for ChMS.
Congratulations to Summer Lollar. She was not only ChMS teacher of the year, but also named The Shelby County Chamber Educator of the Year!
Congratulations to Jay Hillman, Sarah Brock Ramsey, and Payton Sumners! They participated in this year’s Youth Leadership Shelby County program.
The group had the opportunity to visit McLeod Software, where Tom McLeod spoke to students and then a representative from each department gave a rundown about what they do and offered some life advice. Then, the students journeyed to the McWane Center and attended a Vex Robotics lab. It was a fun and educational day for these engineers
Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Epperson were recognized for all they do in the CHHS Library.
Chase Diamond and Landon Hartline won the high school division of the Governor’s App Challenge. The winners were announced during the Alabama Computer Science Summit, where Dr. Mackey, the State Superintendent, presented the awards.
Congratulations to the 2026 Prom King & Queen- Mr. Lawson Williamson & Miss Nora House
Congratulations to Ms. Baggett for being awarded the OwensYoung Technology Award! This award included $1,000 to be used for classroomrelated technology.
Congratulations to the inaugural class of Shelby 101 participants, who were recognized during a special graduation celebration at the Board of Education.
Shelby County Schools and the Addiction Prevention Coalition worked in partnership on Friday, April 24 to have all SCS nurses trained in the Youth Mental Health First Aid course. The SCS school nurses are frontline responders for student wellness. This comprehensive training teaches staff how to recognize warning signs, respond effectively, and connect students struggling with mental health issues to the right supports to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
The district-wide business competition entered an exciting new chapter this year with its rebrand as the Next Gen PRO Challenge. Formerly modeled after a traditional FBLA-style competition, this updated event reflects our commitment to evolving alongside our students’ needs and interests. The Next Gen PRO Challenge expanded beyond business-focused events to include a broader range of competitive opportunities, allowing students to showcase skills in marketing, communication, technology, digital and visual design, entrepreneurship, and even video production.
Congratulations to the Chelsea High School and Shelby County High School bands for representing Shelby County Schools at the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, Texas—the world’s largest nighttime illuminated parade. Performing in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators and millions more watching live, these students showcased their talent, dedication, and school pride in a special way.
Nine Shelby County School counseling programs received national recognition from the American School Counseling Association. The Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) recognizes schools that have successfully implemented the ASCA National Model framework to show evidence of direct and indirect services to students, program planning, and improved student outcomes resulting from the school counseling program. Included in these were Chelsea Park Elementary and Forest Oaks Elementary.
As the weather warms and summer months approach, the grilling season is upon us. For weekend get-togethers, backyard barbecues, or just weeknight family dinners, this recipe is perfect for quick side-item.
This versatile dish can also be served off the cob. Just cool slightly after grilling, cut from the cob, and combine with the cream mixture for a tasty side dish that pairs nicely with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or quesadillas.
If you prefer your corn on the tender side, just boil it for 5 to10 minutes before grilling. Be sure to drain and pat dry to remove any excess water before brushing with oil and grilling.
1/3 cup crema* or sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon chipotle pepper
1 ½ teaspoons lime zest
2 ½ tablespoons lime juice
8 ears corn, husks and silks removed
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup crumbled Cotija* or feta cheese
¼ teaspoon Tajin***
Garnish: fresh cilantro and lime wedges
Preheat grill to 400F.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together crema, mayonnaise, garlic salt, chipotle pepper, lime zest, and lime juice until combined; set aside or refrigerate for up to 3 days if not using immediately.
Using a spoon or basting brush, coat corn with olive oil and season with salt.
Place corn on grill grates over direct heat and grill for 3 to 5 minutes, using tongs to turn as needed. (The idea is to brown and slightly scorch the corn in order to caramelize it. This caramelization allows the corn to release sweetness and enhance the flavor.)
Remove corn to a serving platter. Drizzle with crema mixture, sprinkle with cheese, and Tajin. Serve warm.
Garnish with cilantro and additional lime wedges to squeeze over, if desired.
Crema is a loose Mexican table cream that is mild in flavor. It can be
found in the cheese section with Mexican cheeses in most grocery stores. Sour cream can be substituted, but your mixture will be thicker and may require more lime juice to reach your desired consistency.
Cotija is a firm, dry, and crumbly Mexican cheese with a salty flavor. It does not melt and is excellent for grating over tacos, salad, and Mexican corn. Feta can be substituted for Cotija.
**Tajin is a popular Mexican seasoning blend with a tart and tangy flavor. It is made from ground chile peppers, sea salt, and dehydrated lime. It’s perfect for finishing dishes, rimming cocktails, or sprinkling over watermelon or mango. Seasoning salt can be substituted for Tajin.
Chelsea Events
June 1-30: Chelsea Splash Pad. Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m. Wednesday morning Sensory Play from 8-10 a.m. Melrose Park. For pass prices, visit Cityofchelsea.com
June 1-5: Rainforest Falls VBS. 9 a.m. to noon. Liberty Baptist Church. Free VBS for ages 3 through 5th grade. At Rainforest Falls VBS, your kids will explore what it means to be rooted in a relationship with God. Register at lbcchelsea. churchcenter.com
June 2: 3rd Annual Splash into Summer Bash. Melrose Park. For more information, visit cityofchelsea.com
June 2: Chelsea City Council Meeting. Precouncil at 5 p.m. Meeting at 6 p.m. Chelsea City Hall,11611 Chelsea Rd. cityofchelsea.com
June 5: Food Truck Friday. 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Hours may vary slightly depending on vendor availability and demand.) City Hall Lawn. La Antojeria Snack Bar N More. Mini pancakes, crepes, ice cream, corn in a cup, nachos, hot dogs, shaved ice.
June 6, 13 and 20: Chelsea Farmer’s Market. 9 a.m. to noon. City Hall Lawn. Experience fresh locally-grown produce, artisanal goods, and community atmosphere. Visit cityofchelsea.com
June 16: Chelsea Precouncil Meeting. Precouncil at 5 p.m. Chelsea City Hall, 11611 Chelsea Rd. Visit cityofchelsea.com
June 19: Food Truck Friday. 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Hours may vary slightly depending on vendor availability and demand.) City Hall Lawn. Nettie B’s Grill. Polish Sausage, wings, burgers, Philly steaks, hotdogs, loaded nachos and fries.
June 21: Father’s Day at the Splash Pad. Melrose Park. Dads get in free with child admission. Visit cityofchelsea.com
June 27: ChelseaFest and the Big KaBoom. 6-9:30 p.m. 263-271 County Road 440. Music on the main stage, food trucks and vendors, and one of the largest fireworks shows in Alabama. Visit chelseafest.com
Chelsea Community Center
Mondays: Beginner Pickleball 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mondays: Intermediate Pickleball 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday Friday: Advanced and High Trial Pickleball Sessions 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Wednesday and Friday: Beginner and Intermediate Pickleball 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday: Pickleball Open Play 6-9 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Senior Aerobics Class First class: 8:15-9 a.m.; Second class: 9-9:45 a.m. A 45-minute class that centers around ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). Taught by Keri McIntire, a certified instructor specializing in senior fitness. Free.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Chair Aerobics. 10 a.m. Chair exercises to upbeat music and choreographed for fun movements and resistance training. Equipment is supplied. Free.
Thursdays: Mahjong & Mingle. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This group is all about fun and learning. Bring your own tiles if you have them, your player card, plus a drink and a snack to enjoy while you play. Experienced players will be there to help guide you and teach beginners along the way.
Thursdays: Senior Day Pot Luck and Games. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring a dish to share. Dominos, Rummikub, and Rook card games. Fellowship and fun. Free.
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: REFIT Classes. Tuesday 4:15-5:15 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Thursday 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Saturday 8:30-9:30 a.m. Combining positive music with powerful moves to work your body, mind, and soul. Email getrefitwithshelley@gmail.com for more information or visit the REFIT website to learn more. Classes are free.
Monday and Thursday: Rev + Flow. Mondays 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Thursdays 5:15-6:15 p.m.REV+FLOW strengthens bodies and sculpts muscles through targeted music-based movement and resistance training. Classes are free.
Mondays: Card Players. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chelsea Community Center. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning, this community card-playing group welcomes all. Meet new friends, enjoy great games, and make lasting memories. Free.
Hardcore Jeet Kune Do Self Defense Class- Monday (adult ages 17+) 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Wednesday (adult ages 17+) 6-8 p.m.; Friday (youth ages 8-16) 4:30-6:30 p.m. Family atmosphere that improves coordination and increases coordination, agility, and flexibility. For more information contact 205-7064728.
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.
Wednesdays: Textile Club. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sewing, crocheting, embroidery and quilting. Bring your project and a sack lunch. Adults only.
Sundays: AA Meeting. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join the AA meeting for support, strength, and understanding. Together, we face the journey to recovery one day at a time. Take the first step—hope starts here. 205-677-2052 ext. 1.
Tuesdays: Oyama Karate 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Area Events
June 2: Alabaster CityFest. 9 a.m. Front lawn of Thompson High School. 1921 Warrior Parkway, Alabaster, AL 35007. Trace Adkins as headliner will perform at 9:00 p.m. In addition to the headliners, the event will feature a regional music lineup and a host of other attractions, including vendors and food trucks. There is free admission to all music acts. For more information visit alabastercityfest.com
June 25: Stars of Alabama Softball Camp. 11:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Veterans Park Alabaster. Hosted by DC Elite Softball, the Stars Over Alabama Star Camp Exposure is built for players who are serious about playing at the next level. This is not a sit-back camp—this is a recruiting environment where college coaches are actively evaluating talent. Open to grades 6 through college sophomore. Over 20 college coaches(D1, D2, NAIA, and JUCO) have confirmed attendance. For more information and to register visit the Facebook Event page.
