From smalltown roots to a thriving city how Chelsea has changed over the years PAGE 7
Chelsea lineman Brooks Dixon earns a spot at Berry College PAGE 22
Permanent jewelry and locally made finds at Ember & Luxe Co. PAGE 12
Matthew Allen Publisher 205-883-1877 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes
Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com
Emily VanderMey Listo Operations & Project Manager, Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com
Hollie Brown Community Events Editor hollie@jbmcmedia.com
Shweta Bratina Graphic Designer Leah Ingram Eagle Content Director (205) 807-0834 leah@jbmcmedia.com
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. Who We Are
Tony Bratina Cover Designer
March always feels like the downward slide toward the end of school and beginning of summer.
We’re wrapping up the third nine weeks of school and getting ready to head into the home stretch with spring break in sight. The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and we’re heading into spring.
This month, we’re celebrating a milestone that reminds us how far we’ve come. The City of Chelsea turns 30 this month, and inside these pages, we take a look back at what it took to bring incorporation to life — the vision, the grit, the meetings, the momentum. It’s a story about people who believed in what this community could become long before it had stoplights and subdivisions.
We’re also shining a spotlight on Ember & Luxe Co., a business that proves entrepreneurship here isn’t just about opening doors — it’s about creating experiences. Their story is a reminder that behind every storefront
is someone who dared to try.
And in sports, we celebrate Chelsea High School senior Brooks Dixon as he signs to play football at the next level — a moment that reflects years of discipline, support, and hometown pride. There’s something special about watching one of our own steps into what’s next.
As we head toward warmer weather, longer evenings, and calendars that start filling up fast, I hope this issue gives you a moment to pause and appreciate where we are — as a city, as families, as neighbors. Thirty years ago, Chelsea was an idea. Today, it’s a community still growing, still dreaming, still becoming.
Cheers to spring!
Leah Eagle, Content Director
Somebody said “Kindness is one thing you can’t give away. It always comes back”, I think when you are kind You are on the right track; When we give ourselves to Jesus And Jesus takes our sins away, God moves in and sin moves out We can have no better day; God puts love in our hearts Joy, peace, and kindness too, It makes the eye sparkle
When you smile at me, and I at you; Do unto others, as you would have them do to you, Is the Bible way to do; We cannot do kindness too soon
Because we don’t know how soon will be too late, Of doing kind things to our fellow man Lets us not wait.
Love You All
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
Long before Chelsea became one of Shelby County’s fastest-growing communities, it was a small, close-knit area with a fierce sense of identity—and a determination to protect it.
Chelsea’s roots stretch back to the early 1900s, when the area first began to coalesce as a recognizable community. In 1908, it officially became known as Chelsea. For decades, it remained unincorporated, rural, and largely governed by county oversight. But by the mid-1990s, growth pressures from surrounding municipalities threatened to change Chelsea forever.
The catalyst came on January 28, 1995, during a meeting of the Chelsea Volunteer Fire Department held in the auditorium of Chelsea High School. While the primary purpose of the meeting was to build support for purchasing a new fire engine, the final agenda item—Future of the Community—sparked something far larger.
Pelham officials were planning to build a fire station adjacent to the newly constructed Chelsea High School. To many residents, this signaled a looming annexation. The message was clear: if Chelsea wanted to protect its land, schools, and identity, incorporation was the only path forward.
After the meeting, those interested in taking action gathered, and 70 residents added their names to a list titled “People Interested in Chelsea Incorporation.” A formal incorporation committee soon followed, made up of Rita Smith, Jay Jerman, Bob Wanninger, Leonard Griffin, John Mooney, Chuck Lewis, Hal Midkiff, Harold Roberts, and Tim Crawford. Their shared mission was simple but powerful: protect Chelsea.
The committee met for the first time on January 30, 1995, at the home of Chuck and Amanda Lewis. They discussed whether the perceived threat was real and what legal steps incorporation would require. Choosing not to
hire an attorney, Lewis researched Alabama incorporation law himself, copying relevant portions of the Code of Alabama (1975) from the Shelby County Library.
Between February and May of 1995, the group held 15 meetings. It soon became evident that Pelham wasn’t the only concern—Birmingham and Hoover were also potential annexation threats. The decision was unanimous: Chelsea needed to act.
Armed with address lists, petition forms, and voter documentation, volunteers went doorto-door beginning March 19, 1995. These visits weren’t just about collecting signatures; they were opportunities to educate neighbors about what was at stake. By the end of the effort, 82 completed forms were submitted to the Board of Registrars, representing 369 signatures of eligible voters.
Hub Harrington, the mayor of Indian Springs and a practicing attorney, also assisted the committee, lending experience and credibility to the process.
On April 17, 1995, Shelby County Probate Judge Patricia Fuhrmeister ordered a special incorporation election for May 9. The vote was heavily promoted through print media, billboards, and pamphlets, as supporters rallied around the belief that change was inevitable—and that Chelsea deserved a voice in shaping it.
The results were decisive. On May 9, 1995, 87 percent of voters—320 residents—cast ballots in favor of incorporation, with just 46 opposed. At the time, the proposed municipality included 896 residents living in 323 households.
One week later, on May 16, Judge Fuhrmeister issued the official Order of Incorporation, formally creating the Town of Chelsea. That same day, she ordered elections for a mayor and five city council members. Though none of the original incorporation committee members sought office, they encouraged Carol Beavers to run.
In the June 22, 1995 election, Bob Combs, Earlene Isbell, John Ritchie, Carol Beavers, and Glen Autry Jr. were elected to the council, and Earl Niven became Chelsea’s first mayor.
The new council wasted no time. At its first meeting on July 11, annexation of Chelsea High School was identified as the top priority. By August 1, the ordinance was approved, bringing the school safely within city limits.
Then came an unexpected blow.
Opponents of incorporation filed a legal challenge on August 25, 1995, arguing that the original petition did not meet statutory requirements. A surveyor confirmed an error involving voter distribution, and on December 11, 1995, Judge Fuhrmeister issued an order setting aside the incorporation. Chelsea, once again, was unincorporated.
The setback only strengthened residents’ resolve. A second incorporation effort began immediately, with volunteers once again gathering signatures. By January 31, 1996, the necessary documents were submitted, and a special election was scheduled for February 27.
The results were even more decisive than before: 92 percent voted in favor, with 278 votes for incorporation and only 24 against. The records showed 906 residents living in 326 homes within the proposed limits.
On March 1, 1996, Chelsea was officially incorporated—this time for good.
The only change in leadership following the second incorporation was the replacement of Carol Beavers, who was moving out of the country, by Shelby Blackerby.
Annexations began almost immediately, including the same chain of properties
connecting the original town limits to Chelsea High School. Chelsea expanded rapidly in both size and population, eventually meeting the criteria to become a city.
Commercial development followed, providing a stable revenue base. While police protection continued through the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Chelsea established its own Fire and Rescue Department. City leaders also invested in quality-of-life improvements, including parks, a public library, and the construction of Chelsea City Hall.
In 2011, City Council member Juanita Champion recognized the importance of preserving this pivotal chapter in Chelsea’s history. She contacted members of the original incorporation effort and asked them to document the story for the Chelsea Museum. Contributors included Tim Crawford, Jay Jerman, Chuck Lewis, Bobbie Rich, Rita Smith, Bob Wanninger, Leonard Griffin, Carol Beavers, and Earl Niven.
Their collective memory tells a story not just of legal documents and elections, but of a community that refused to be defined by outside forces. Chelsea’s incorporation was born from neighbor-to-neighbor conversations, kitchen-table
meetings, and a shared belief that the future should be shaped locally.
Today, Chelsea stands as a testament to what determined citizens can accomplish when they choose to protect their home—and their identity—together.
Chuck Lewis was one of the original team of incorporators. He and his wife, Amanda, hosted many of the incorporation meetings at their home.
“I don’t think it (the city incorporation) would have ever happened if the fire department hadn’t called that initial meeting,” Lewis said. “We found out the primary purpose of Pelham building a fire station next to the new Chelsea High School would be for them to be able to get to Highway 280 and annex that potential tax base. We didn’t want to lose our new high school.
“We speculated we’d have had to petition to come into Pelham and wouldn’t have had representation on the council or the decision makers that would enable us to secure what we thought we needed. We didn’t want to lose our potential autonomy, but wanted to make decisions for ourselves.
“As a group, we were totally in agreement that we needed to do something about it.
“After the first incorporation was overturned due to an error, we started over and did it again.
“There were a number of people who were just invaluable to the incorporation, especially Tim Crawford, and Jay Jerman. Without them, I don’t think we could have gotten all the signatures needed.
“I never knew what the opposition’s rationale was for being so strongly opposed. I never had a chance to sit down and talk to any of them.
Without the encouragment of Juanita Champion, the history of how Chelsea came to be may never have been recorded. A copy of this information is available at the Chelsea Public Library.
Earl Niven served as Chelsea’s first mayor for 20 years, from 1996-2016. During his tenure, the city’s population grew dramatically and Chelsea experienced significant residential and commercial development. A new Chelsea City Hall was built along with community facilities including the Chelsea Community Center (which opened in 2015 and was later renamed in his honor). The Chelsea Fire & Rescue Department went from volunteer to paid and emergency services expanded. He passed away in July 2025 at the age of 81.
“Watching Chelsea grow from just over 10,000 people to 18,000 in nine years was remarkable. We have such a family-friendly atmosphere that it became a “place to be” for families and young couples starting out.
The development of the Atchison Property was a game changer. All of a sudden Chelsea had a retail presence that we simply didn’t have before. Buffalo Wild Wings, Arby’s and the hotel additions were very significant.
The upgrade of our Park & Recreation facilities has been significant. Our high schools are seeing better quality players coming up because of the work of the P&R programs. The second gymnasium and locker rooms were a significant improvement to our Community Center.
Watching our Fire & Rescue Department double in size and capacity was remarkable. The addition of the new station on Hwy. 51 greatly improved our response time to the eastern side of our city.
The development around Publix has given us a new level of services that our citizens enjoy.”
Mayor Cody Sumners moved to Chelsea in 1986, 10-years before the city incorporated, and went into office in Nov. 2025.
“When I was growing up in Chelsea in the late 1980’s, my friends and I would ride our bikes all over the place. We would ride down Hwy. 39 and cross Hwy. 280 and go visit friends in Westover. Back then you could ride your bike for hours and only see a few cars on the side roads. You could not do that today anywhere in Chelsea.
There were no red lights in Chelsea. There were two gas stations on Hwy. 280 and nothing else until you got over the mountain to Hwy. 119. We would go to Childersburg to buy groceries.
The most mind blowing thing about the growth of our city is that I still remember when our Post Office was in the block building where Bikes4Kids is currently located. It was tiny, but plenty big enough for Chelsea. After the Post Office moved out of that building, it became Chelsea Video, where my friends and I would ride our bikes to and rent VHS movies for the weekend. Now, there are calls for a new Post Office that can handle a population of 16,000 residents and kids these days don’t even know what VHS movies are.”
At the Jan. 20 Chelsea City Council Meeting, city leaders approved $102,791.52 through the Chelsea Classroom Instructional Support Grant Program for our four local schools.
• Chelsea Park received $32,955.52
• Forest Oaks received $11,292.04
• Chelsea Middle received $27,902.38; plus an additional $13,001.09 (for choral program)
• Chelsea High School received $17,640.40
Thanks to Chelsea residents shopping locally, sales tax funds are being reinvested right back into our classrooms—supporting 34 grant submissions and helping provide our educators and school staff with the tools and resources they need.
During the Jan. 20 Chelsea City Council Meeting, Mayor Cody Sumners shared the following project updates:
• The Simmons property behind the community center has all been cleared and grass seed will be placed soon.
• The tennis complex at Chelsea High School has had storm drains installed as work continues.
• Construction on Fire Station 32 continues, and crews recently finished plumbing and HVAC, with drywall to come next.
The City of Chelsea recently announced Crystal Mauldin as its first-ever Human Resources Director. Mauldin brings over 12 years of experience in the field. She most recently worked at the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, where she has been a classification and compensation advisor. Prior to that, she was the HR Director for the city of Lincoln, AL from 2022-2025. She began her new role with the city on February 2.
On Jan. 27, dozens came together in unity to reflect on leadership, faith, and community, not only throughout Chelsea but sister cities as well. The event was held at Hargis Christian Camp and more than 50 city leaders, local mayors, state representatives, Chelsea school principals, and faith leaders joined together in prayer over the city, residents, children, and community leadership. Mayor Cody Sumners shared his desire to connect our community and continue building strength and unity across Chelsea. He spoke of service, collaboration, and the importance of working together to ensure Chelsea remains a loving and supportive place to grow. Guest speaker Theoangelo Perkins, Mayor of Harpersville and Pastor and Founder of Liberty Christian Church of Harpersville, shared a message encouraging attendees to have the courage to step forward as leaders for what is right and good.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chelsea recently celebrated its one year anniversary, marking a year of providing comfortable accommodations and welcoming hospitality to the Chelsea community and its visitors. The hotel has 82 well-appointed guest rooms designed to serve both leisure and business travelers. In addition to overnight accommodations, La Quinta Chelsea features a meeting room and banquet space available for a variety of social gatherings, including birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and small weddings. “We are grateful for the warm welcome and support from the Chelsea community over the past year,” the hotel shared in a press release. “Our goal has always been to be more than just a place to stay— we want to be a partner in the community’s continued growth and success.”
The hotel is located at 44 Atchison Pkwy, Chelsea.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta
At the Jan. 20 city council meeting, Mayor Cody Sumners, with approval from the Chelsea City Council, presented a proclamation honoring Chloe Randall for her outstanding achievement as ABKC Junior National Handler of the Year.
Chloe, who is 14-years-old, earned the #1 ranking in the world through the American Bully Kennel Club Junior Handler Program—demonstrating exceptional dedication, leadership, sportsmanship, and skill.
Congratulations to the Chelsea High School Healthcare Academy Class of 2026, as they participated in the fourth annual White Jacket and CPCT Pinning Ceremony on Jan. 27. This year’s class achieved a 100% pass rate on the CPCT exam. These students will soon begin attending hands-on patient care clinicals at Shelby Baptist Medical Center and Heart South Cardiovascular Group.
INGRAM EAGLE
Amanda Grantham didn’t set out to open a boutique.
A former nurse and doula, she spent years walking alongside families through some of their most intimate moments. After growing up in Pelham and living in Calera with her husband, David, the couple relocated to Chelsea in 2016 after welcoming their first child and searching for a place to put down roots and Chelsea felt like home.
Then came January 2023—and the biggest surprise of Grantham’s life.
After struggling with pregnancies in the past, learning she was expecting her fourth child came as a shock. With a growing family, she knew the demanding, on-call nature of doula work would be difficult to sustain. What she needed was flexibility—something that allowed her to still create, serve, and support her family.
By June 2023, Grantham had completed online training, learned to weld, and entered the world of permanent jewelry. What began as a side gig quickly became what she calls a “saving grace” for her family.
“It took off way more than I thought,” Grantham said. “People were asking for private parties, and customers were coming to my house to get permanent jewelry.”
As demand grew, she explored the idea of a storefront— but lease options made it feel out of reach. Then one night, while dining with her family at Dos Botellas, she noticed an available space in the same strip.
“I called the next day and toured it,” she said. “I thought
Ember & Luxe Co.
48 Chesser Crane Road, Chelsea
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Follow on Facebook & Instagram
it was just a portion of the space—but it was the entire store.”
The owners were ready to move on and Grantham was ready to step in. The opportunity to sublease came together quickly— what she describes simply as “a God thing.”
“I called my husband after I left and said I couldn’t pick a better option,” she said. “By the end of the week, we were signing papers.”
After taking over the space Labor Day weekend last year, Grantham furnished the entire shop herself and officially opened Ember & Luxe Co. on October 11. She’s joined by Audra Smith, who is also trained in welding and manages the shop’s social media and website.
Permanent jewelry is the heart of the boutique—and its popularity has surged nationwide in recent years. Grantham loves the ease of it. The name Ember & Luxe Co. carries meaning, too.
“Ember represents the spark of welding—the moment each permanent piece is created,” Grantham said. “Luxe speaks to the quality of our jewelry.” Together, the name reflects both the craftsmanship behind each piece and the elevated materials that define the brand.
Grantham said she loves it because “it doesn’t have to be taken on and off every day,” and she feels “constantly accessorized.”
At Ember & Luxe Co., quality sets the shop apart. All permanent jewelry is gold-filled or sterling silver—never plated. The pieces won’t tarnish, fade, or turn skin green. Gold-filled jewelry features a brass core coated in 14K gold, offering the look and durability of fine jewelry without the cost of solid gold.
“It’s the best of both worlds,” Grantham said.
Beyond bracelets, customers can choose permanent anklets, necklaces, and rings. A full charm bar—featuring PVD stainless steel, anti-tarnish charms like birthstones, sports symbols, hearts, and crosses—allows guests to customize pieces that feel deeply personal.
The shop also offers plenty of non-permanent options: rings, earrings, custom necklaces, enewton-style bracelets, jewelry boxes, hats, and hair accessories. Younger guests love the bead bar, stocked with more than 20 cases of beads. They can fill a bag with beads and string to take home and create multiple bracelets of their own.
One room of the boutique is dedicated entirely to local vendors—a feature Grantham says “fell into her hands.”
“I have space for other people, and it gives them the opportunity to have a storefront without having to pay for a storefront,” she said. “They help me and I help them.”
Those vendors include Golden Belle Candle Co., Yellowhammer Designs, and Emmy’s Laundry Soap—the latter created by an 11-year-old entrepreneur who happens to be friends with Grantham’s daughter.
“I like the local fact of it and having an option for a place to go for gifts,” Grantham said. “I even shop for my own gifts here.”
Ember & Luxe Co. has also become a gathering place. Grantham regularly hosts events, from cookie decorating classes with Whisk Confectioners to Mahjong nights with Mahjong with Jami. Recently, she launched Sunday Spread, a monthly community exchange where participants bring homemade goods—bread, jams, and other creations—and leave with one of everything shared.
“It’s kind of like a favorite things party,” she said. “Everyone leaves with something new and homemade.”
Ultimately, Grantham hopes customers leave with more than jewelry.
“They didn’t just step into a store to buy something,” she said. “It’s about walking out with more than a product. A warm face. A cozy vibe. A memory—and the feeling that they supported something local in Chelsea.”
BY CHERITH GLOVER FLUKER
About 120 miles stand between Birmingham and one of the most relaxing resorts I’ve visited in a while: Cloudland at McLemore Resort. I’ve learned that I don’t always need a plane ticket to feel restored. I just need the right road trip. Cloudland at McLemore Resort delivered the kind of reset I was craving. Close enough for an easy getaway, yet far enough to feel like a true escape, the drive itself gently eased us out of everyday life.
Cloudland at McLemore is perched high atop Lookout Mountain in Rising Fawn, Georgia. And as soon as we reached the resort, I was mesmerized. I knew I was in for a treat. The resort feels suspended between sky and stone, which might be why it calls itself an “island in the sky.”
The views stretch endlessly in every direction. Stepping out of the car, I felt my pace instantly slow. I could tell this place was designed for rest and relaxation I was seeking. And, it didn’t disappoint.
Golf is undeniably the main draw at Cloudland. Even non-golfers, like me, can appreciate the way the courses are woven into the landscape. Watching golfers tee off against sweeping mountain backdrops is surprisingly peaceful.
The resort’s secluded location adds to its appeal. It’s serene and intentionally removed from everyday noise.
But that also means you’ll want to plan ahead. There aren’t nearby stores, so you’ll need to keep that in mind as you decide what to bring along. Once you’re at the resort, though, you won’t feel the need to leave.
Beyond the golf, there were plenty of ways to unwind. We strolled along the hiking trails and lingered by the heated pool and hot tub, where sweeping mountain views made it easy to lose track of time. The spa fit naturally into that slower rhythm, offering another way to fully settle into rest.
One of my favorite spaces at the resort was the library, a cozy, thoughtfully designed room filled with books and games that quietly invites you to unplug and stay awhile. Throughout the property, rocking chairs and comfortable seating are positioned in just the right places for sunrise coffee or sunset wine.
Meals followed the same unhurried pace as the rest of our stay. The Pocket Café made mornings and lunches effortless, with coffee and pastries that quickly became a daily ritual. In the evenings, it transformed into the gathering spot for happy hour, where drinks and easy conversation marked the close of the day.
Dinner offered two distinct experiences. One night, we dined at The Auld Alliance, a refined, intimate restaurant that felt far removed from typical hotel dining. The lighting was soft, the service thoughtful, and the meal encouraged lingering. On another evening, we opted for Croft, its more relaxed counterpart. It was comfortable, casual, and just right when we wanted to keep things simple.
Beyond those two restaurants, the resort offers additional dining options that make it easy to stay on property throughout your visit. Whether we wanted something light or simply valued the convenience of dining close to our room, every meal fit seamlessly into the same calm, unrushed rhythm.
Cloudland at McLemore is best suited for travelers who crave stillness over stimulation. It’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, and anyone looking to slow down without venturing too far from Birmingham. If you need a packed itinerary, nightlife, or constant activity, this may not be your place. But if your idea of a perfect getaway includes quiet mornings, wide-open views, and time that feels unclaimed, Cloudland delivers exactly that.
I am not complaining. So help me, I’m not.
Idiots complain. And I’m not a complete idiot. Idiocy is all about percentages. I’m only 40 percent idiot, the other 75 percent of me is bad at math.
But this morning I was logging into one of my personal accounts, entering my password, which is a long complicated password that is at least eight characters long, contains one capital letter, one symbol, one article of punctuation, and the blood of a sacrificial goat.
And I got to thinking.
SEAN DIETRICH
Did you know that the average American has an average of 168 passwords across personal accounts, with another 87 passwords for work accounts? Meaning that the ordinary American has an average of 255 passwords.
Then I found myself wondering how we got here. Have you ever stopped and thought about all the analog things that have disappeared from our daily lives?
For example, where did coin-operated horses outside supermarkets go? Why did we get rid of those?
How about gumball machines? Did my childhood dentist, who resembled Fred Mertz after a long night, confiscate them all?
What about prizes in cereal boxes? What happened to the free nautical whistle in Cap’n Crunch?
Missing-person photos on milk cartons? The black plastic thingies on the bottom of two-liter bottles? Shirley Jones?
How about playgrounds? Where are the playgrounds? One study found that playgrounds in the U.S. have decreased by nearly 40 percent. Many schools are tearing down swing sets and monkey bars.
Speaking of kids. Where are all the tiny bicycles? Where is the army of young people pedaling through my neighborhood, unsupervised?
And why did laundry detergent commercials stop advertising how their products remove grass stains from children’s clothing?
What about tree-climbing? One study found that three quarters of American kids have never climbed a tree.
Also, what happened to checkbooks? I tried to pay for an oil change yesterday. I tore the check from my little book and the young mechanic just said, verbatim, “Sorry, brah, we don’t take checks.”
Consequently, what is a “brah?” And how did I become one? Will I always be a brah? Will I have the opportunity someday to graduate from this status into another variety of feminine undergarment?
And bugs. Where are they going? Over the last 50 years, scientists estimate that we’ve lost 75 percent of the insect biomass. One main reason is believed to be crappy music on the radio.
No, I’m only kidding. There are no radios anymore. Automakers are removing radios from their cars and replacing them with more cameras.
We have roughly 85 million surveillance cameras in the U.S. They are everywhere from public parks to rental vehicles. Yesterday—this is true—I saw a camera mounted outside a porta-john.
Please don’t misunderstand me. As I say, I am not complaining. I realize the Good Old Days were neither good, nor old. But I’m simply asking a series of nonsensical rhetorical questions, and I do this for a very important reason.
I forgot my password.
During winter cold snaps like the ones we have recently experienced, nothing warms the soul and hits the spot quite like a good bowl of hearty soup. This recipe is worth the time it takes to make. Full of flavor with aromatics, root vegetables, ancient grains, and tender meat to round out each bite, this stew is delicious and filling. I hope you enjoy it!
Note: This stew also works well with any left over pot roast, and cuts down half the time!
Yield: 6-8 servings
2 pounds lean boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon salt, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
2 quarts low-sodium beef broth
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 1/2 cups chopped carrot
1 1/2 cups chopped parsnip
1 (8-ounce) package green beans
1 cup barley*
Season beef on all sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add butter and melt. Add half the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining beef. Remove remaining beef to a plate and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add celery, onion, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring often, scraping up browned bits, until vegetables are soft, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add beef broth, thyme, and 2
cups of water. Bring to a boil.
Add reserved beef to soup and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, partially covered, until meat is almost tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
Stir in carrot, parsnip, green beans, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cover and simmer until the barley is tender, about 45 minutes. Serve warm, or
make ahead by cooling to room temperature and storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
*Regular or pearled barley is preferred to quick-cooking barley, as the barley will continue to absorb liquid and expand as the soup sits. This process will thicken the soup during storage. Just add more water when re-heating, for desired consistency.
“A Woman’s Place” by Lynn Austin
The call for defense workers during World War II unites four women-Virginia, Helen, Rosa, and Jean--at Seneca Shipyards in Michigan, and as they encourage, shape, and influence one another, they learn valuable lessons about life, love, and faith.
“Jar of Hearts” by Jennifer Hillier
This dark psychological thriller is about Georgina “Geo” Shaw, who once covered up what really happened when her best friend Angela disappeared as a teenager. Fourteen years after Angela’s remains are found and Geo has served time in prison, a detective from their past— Kaiser Brody—starts uncovering the truth about the murder and a serial killer connected to it. As new bodies turn up in the same manner and longburied secrets emerge, Geo must confront her past lies, obsessive relationships, and the chilling reality of what truly happened that night.
A historical fiction novel set during and after World War II that follows the intertwined lives of three women: Caroline Ferriday, a New York socialite turned humanitarian; Kasia Kuzmerick, a young Polish woman drawn into the resistance and later imprisoned at the Ravensbrück women’s concentration camp; and Herta Oberheuser, a German doctor whose choices at the camp reveal moral complexity. Their stories span from New York to Europe and explore war’s brutal impact, resilience, compassion, and the fight for justice.
“Reminders of Him” by Colleen Hoover
Kenna Rowan returns to her hometown after five years in prison for a tragic accident, hoping to reconnect with her young daughter. Facing hostility from her daughter’s guardians, Kenna struggles to rebuild her life and finds unexpected support—and love—in Ledger, her late boyfriend’s best friend. The novel explores grief, forgiveness, and second chances.
“The Intruder” by Freida McFadden
Casey is a woman living alone in a remote cabin as a hurricane hits. During the storm, she discovers a bloodied teenage girl, Nell, hiding on her property. Casey lets her inside, but tension grows as Nell’s story doesn’t quite add up. Nell ran away after severe abuse and came to the area to confront a man she believes is her father. Casey, grappling with her own trauma, makes morally questionable choices to protect Nell.
“Wayward Girls” by Susan Wiggs
A wrenching but lifeaffirming work of historical fiction based on a true story of survival, friendship, and redemption. Set in the turbulent Vietnam era in the All-American city of Buffalo, New York, six girls are condemned to forced labor in the laundry of a Catholic reform school, an institution reminiscent of the notorious Magdalene Laundries.
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
Mondays- March 2, 9, 16, and 30: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 12-14). 4-6 p.m.
Wednesdays- March 4, 11, 18 and 25: Tot Time. 10:30 a.m.
Wednesdays- March 4, 11, 18 and 25: Dungeons & Dragons (ages 15 and up). 4:45-6:45 p.m.
Thursdays- March 5, 12, 19 and 26: Musical Munchkins at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Thursdays- March 5, 12, 19 and 26: Bring your own craft. 1 p.m.
March 7: Chess Club. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
March 12: Book Club. 11:30 a.m.
March 14: Friends of the Chelsea Library Book Sale. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chelsea Community Center.
March 14: Lego Saturday. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
March 14: Super Saturday Story Time. 10 a.m. on the patio. For children in grades K-4.
March 16: Beyond Books. 6 p.m. Marvel/DC Trivia. Test your knowledge of all things Marvel and DC. Open to teens and adults.
March 21: Pokemon trading club. 10 a.m.
March 21: Chess Club. 11:30 a.m.
March 28: K.Z.T. Steam Day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Matt Weber is editor of Home Improvement & Repairs magazine based in Birmingham, Alabama.
Find more at www.homeimprovementandrepairs.com.
With spring approaching, your lawn should soon turn green again. The warm season turfgrass typical of lawns in the Southeastern United States will soon come out of dormancy by mid-April or early May. Common warm season varieties include Zoysia, St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Centipede, and these grasses typically go dormant when the temperature drops below 65º F.
Grasses come out of dormancy differently depending on the environment and temperatures in the area. For example, lawns down in South Florida may never enter dormancy at all during the winter, and many homeowners who live there will mow their lawn bi-weekly throughout the season.
For weed problems, consider an herbicide applica-
tion before spring. Mid-February is the best time for the first pre-emergent application in Central Alabama, and then a second application 60 days later. Pre-emergents, as the name suggests, are herbicides that you should apply before weeds surface from the ground, so if your lawn experiences the same kind of weed problem year after year, a pre-emergent could be a good solution. Weeds are usually categorized by grassy weeds or broadleaf weeds, and many herbicide products will state on their label which types of weeds they treat.
However, pre-emergent products never prevent 100 percent of the weeds, so spot spraying with a post-emergent product (dependent on grass type) can also help with weed control. Consistency is crucial for the most thorough weed control, so experts recommend developing an annual program for your lawn.
Fertilizing a lawn promotes healthy roots and the return of green leaf blades, but it should not be applied until the last frost has hit. For most of Alabama, experts recommend waiting to fertilize warm season turf until May. The only exception is St. Augustine grass in South Alabama where nitrogen can be applied in April.
Fertilizers are available in granular and liquid versions, and your local garden-supply center should be able to recommend a spring-season formula for your type of grass.
If you notice spots of brown or straw-like grass while the rest of your lawn comes out of dormancy, this might be a sign of lawn disease. Avoid applying fertilizer to a lawn with disease because the nitrogen in the fertilizer will feed the disease and worsen the problem. Apply a systemic fungicide first and wait several weeks before following with a fertilizer application.
Mowing heights vary for each grass type, but according
to experts, one rule applies for all of them: Never remove more than a third of the leaf blade during a single mowing to avoid stressing the plant. If your grass gets too long, gradually lower the blade over several mowings.
A good tip for spring is to make sure your lawnmower blades are sharpened so they neatly slice through the grass leaves instead of ripping them, which could cause damage that leads to lawn disease.
Dormant, warm season turfgrass doesn’t need much water until the active growing season kicks in. (The lawn will still need some water, but the rainfall Alabama gets over winter is usually enough to sustain dormant turf). Once the grass starts to green-up from winter dormancy, you should resume watering the lawn with about one inch of water per week including rainfall (spread over two to three waterings).
Follow these tips to help revive your dormant grass into a healthy green lawn ready for summer activities.
Special thanks to Bethany O’Rear of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System who contributed to this article.
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
On Friday nights in Chelsea, the roar of the crowd usually follows the ball — a long pass, a breakaway run, a touchdown dance in the end zone. Rarely does it follow the left offensive tackle.
That’s where Brooks Dixon has lived for years: in the trenches, doing the quiet, brutal work that makes everyone else shine. And now, as the only Chelsea High School football player in his class to sign to play college football, Dixon’s story is proof that sometimes the longest roads — and the least glamorous positions — lead exactly where you’re meant to be.
Dixon’s football journey began when he began playing the sport his first season at age seven, where he started with flag football in Childersburg. Sports were always part of the picture — he started baseball at just three-years-old — but football eventually won his full attention.
In 2017, Dixon and his family moved to Chelsea when he was in fourth grade, a transition that wasn’t always easy. By sixth grade, he took his first snaps in tackle football.In middle school, he played both sides of the ball. Once he reached high school, his role narrowed — but his responsibility grew. He became a full-time offensive player, eventually locking down the left tackle position, one of the most demanding spots on the field.
His job was to block the defensive linemen, protect the quarterback’s blind side and create lanes for running backs — all while rarely hearing his name called.
“Players at that position don’t get much recognition,” said his mom, Dusti Smith. “But it’s one of the hardest positions, and you’re on the field for every offensive snap.”
Dixon started every season he played, beginning in middle school, but the spotlight didn’t come right away.
“I’ve always been a starter,” he said, “but a lot of the fame didn’t
come until later in high school.”
As a freshman and sophomore, Dixon started every junior varsity game on Monday nights, then dressed out with the varsity squad on Fridays — earning occasional snaps under the lights. By the end of his junior year, something clicked.
“He became more aggressive,” Smith said. His offensive line coach put it more bluntly, calling Dixon “the nastiest lineman.”
The results showed. Dixon didn’t allow a single quarterback sack during his junior season, a stat his stepfather, Les Smith, knew college coaches would notice.
Still, Dixon wasn’t thinking about college football. His plan was simple: attend Auburn University and “see where the chips fell.”
The pace picks up
Recruiting interest came quickly — and unexpectedly — after Dixon’s junior year.
“I wasn’t surprised, but it kind of came out of nowhere,” he said. “It started slow and then increased.”
At his coach’s recommendation, Dixon attended the Rivals Combine Series in Dothan in February 2025. The nationwide event measures high-school prospects with professional-style testing and puts their verified data directly in front of college coaches.
Dixon stood out enough to earn an invitation to the elite, invite-only second day.
“The director pulled me aside and said, ‘We’re having a big competition tomorrow and we’d love for you to come back,’” Dixon said.
Day two featured position-specific training and one-on-one matchups — and real exposure.
“I met coaches and started building connections,” Dixon said. “I was nervous. This was my first big interaction with players who had real potential. I just trusted my technique and tried to be on my A game.”
Two months later, Dixon received his first offer — a call from Millsaps College, after a coach saw his highlight videos on X (formerly Twitter).
“Once you get one offer, a lot more come,” Dixon said. “The encouragement and affirma-
tion I got from college coaches — I’d never had that before.”
The summer of 2025 was a blur of camps, campus visits and workouts. Dixon traveled with his parents to schools across the South, attending camps at Mercer, UAB, Samford, West Alabama, Berry and more — all while balancing Chelsea’s summer training schedule.
By the time his senior season began, Dixon already held 11 college offers, spanning Division II, Division III and NAIA programs.
“Everybody says they want to go D1,” Dixon said. “I got every offer except D1. At first, I thought, ‘OK, I’ll play D2.’ But then I started researching. It became less about chasing D1 and more about getting a good career.”
That shift led him to Berry College.
Located in Mount Berry, Georgia, Berry boasts elite academics and a football program that has won its conference seven times in 14 seasons. The campus spans more than 27,000 acres, with a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio and small class sizes.
Dixon plans to major in exercise science, with goals of becoming a strength and conditioning coach, physical therapist or athletic trainer.
“Everything is top of the line,” he said. “They win. It’s a brotherhood.”
Though he committed before his official visit, spending a weekend on campus in January sealed it — bowling with teammates, a photo shoot in uniform, meetings with coaches and a night in the dorm he’ll live in this fall.
“It gave me assurance I made the right decision,” Dixon said.
Smith felt it immediately.
“It felt like where God wanted him to be from day one,” she said. “Everything else we did compared back to Berry.”
Dixon verbally committed to Berry College on December 23 — the birthday of his biological father, Mike Dixon, who passed away when Brooks was just 15-months-old. He made it official on National Signing Day, Feb. 4.
Between now and August, Dixon is grinding through Berry’s daily summer workout program, preparing for freshman orientation camp in June and reporting to campus on Aug. 11.
His senior year accolades reflect just how far he’s come:
• First Team All-County
• First Team All-Region
• Second Team All-Metro
• Chelsea High School Lineman of the Year
• Chelsea Senior Scholastic Award
A year earlier, he’d earned only an All-County honorable mention.
“That surprised me,” Dixon admitted. “It had me a little down on myself.”
Smith sees it differently.
“The word we always prayed over him was perseverance,” she said. “He came to Chelsea as a transplant and didn’t always feel like he fit in. But he never backed down. He kept his faith, kept his head down, and kept working. This feels like everything is coming full circle.”
For a lineman who built his career doing the unseen work, Brooks Dixon’s future is finally impossible to miss.
College Offers (11)
Millsaps College
Hendrix College
Kentucky State University
Louisiana Christian University
Miles College
Shorter University
Hampton-Sydney College
Maryville College
Lyon College
Centre College
Berry College
Huntingdon College
(Note: Berry College — committed and signed)
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
Gratitude. It’s one of those words we think we know what it means. We think it means something happy and that it’s silver linings only. When we are really struggling with life and its heaviness, gratitude feels aggressive, like we aren’t allowed to feel negative emotions. We have it all wrong. Gratitude is not a faux happiness, or a thank you for this horrible experience, where you fake it ‘til you make it. It is an embodiment of the both: that we can be broken-hearted and still see that it serves a purpose, even if we don’t know what that is yet.
The best way to describe this is how we all have an ex (boss, spouse, friend, paramour, etc.) that, at the time, the loss felt absolutely devastating. Fast forward a few years, or decades, and you realize that experience was actually a gift, even though you couldn’t see it at the time. That, had you stayed in that situation, your life would have been harder and worse, even though in the moment you could not fathom things being better without
this person. Being able to look back and see how it actually was a gift in disguise is gratitude. And practicing gratitude allows you to basically become a time traveler and step into that mindset in real time, even though you don’t know the end of the story, yet. It’s a trust of the cycle that we all experience. It also allows for all of the negative emotions we don’t want to feel, need to feel, and also think that if we are being thankful we aren’t supposed to feel.
Gratitude fosters resiliency and a deeper trust in yourself and others. When there is a loss, you hurt and you also move forward, allowing other people and opportunities to fill in in ways you didn’t even fully see while you were in the trenches. Gratitude fosters creativity so that you don’t just survive, but you will be able to thrive in the face of terrible life experiences. It also fosters allowing for the real humanness of disappointment and heartbreak, as opposed to putting your head in the sand-whether
that’s through pretending everything is fine when it’s not, or getting bogged down in everything being wrong and it can never be right again.
We are all designed to suffer, and we all believe the lie we are told that suffering isn’t supposed to happen. I truly believe it is. Not out of some sadistic mindset, but because I have personally experienced how suffering leads to purpose, connection, and resiliency. Do not believe the lie that life is supposed to be easy because you will always be disappointed and left wanting. Do not believe the lie that you just also have to say thank you and pretend like you’re fine when you’re not either. Learn the balance of being broken hearted and not becoming closed off to life. Allow yourself to explore your heartbreak-feel it fully while also being open to who and what shows up even in the darkest of times. And truthfully, the more connected you become with yourself and who you are, the more you are never truly alone.
Chelsea Park Elementary received $32,955.52 in grants made possible through the Classroom Instructional Support Grant Program. These funds will support a variety of learning tools, including:
• Hovercams for three classrooms
• Mystery Science computer program
• Special education learning tools and reading library
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Smart/Promethean Panels for four classrooms
• Bolt Robotics and City Golf Mat for STEM
• Epson PowerLite projector
• Art tools and supplies
CPES students dressed up to celebrate the 100th day of school on January 22.
Dr. Paula Tolbert is a gifted specialist at Chelsea Park Elementary School who recently spoke at the National Board Certified Teacher conference on Jan. 31 at Grissom High School in Huntsville. Her session was titled “Committed to Students: Knowing Them, Growing Them,” and explored how a teacher’s commitment is demonstrated through intentional efforts to understand students’ learning styles, expressive styles, and individual interests. She discussed how these elements influence the way students absorb information, communicate their understanding, and stay motivated in the classroom.
Mrs. Pruitt’s first graders enjoyed learning about United States symbols. Lesson materials were part of the Alabama Semiquincentennial resources that were provided to teachers for being named an Alabama Semiquincentennial School.
Mrs. Staples’ Kindergarten class explored the concept of subtraction with a fun round of bowling.
Forest Oaks recently received $11,292.04 in grants from the city, made possible through the Classroom Instructional Support Grant Program.
These funds will support:
• Blocks and loose parts for handson learning
• MacBook and laptop technology
• Interior door locks for added safety
• Dramatic play resources
• Lollipop paddles for PE
• Instructional tools for ELA and Math
FOES recently hosted the Heart Challenge. Our amazing PE coaches have enjoyed combining our jump rope unit with the Kids Heart Challenge. They both promote healthy hearts and healthy lifestyles. Students engaged in lots of exercise and had a lot of fun while improving their jumping skills. Students raised $6,893 to help save lives through this campaign!
First grade students at Forest Oaks Elementary marked the one hundred and first day school on Jan. 23. They came to school dressed with puppy ears, black spots and tails, originating from the “101 Dalmatians” theme. All instructional activities, including writing, math and even physical exercises, were all centered around the number “101.” By far the most exciting activity of the day was a STEM activity challenging our first graders to build a puppy playground. Some were even complete with a swimming pool.
Principal Stevi Sims said Forest Oaks was thrilled to receive $11,292.04 in grants from the City of Chelsea’s Classroom Instructional Support Grant Program. Technology, additional safety items, PE equipment and classroom manipulatives will be purchased using these funds. Congratulations to Mrs. Caroline Cole, Mrs. Mayela Clinkscales, Mrs. Elisabeth Harris, Deputy Ken Prady, Mrs. Jennifer Reaves and Coach Valorie Vaughn for being the lucky recipients.
ChMS was one of the 6th-grade scholars bowl teams to compete at SCISC in January.
The 6th-grade school high scorers included: Cecily Hendrickson and Alex Etress.
Cecily Hendrickson was also named first place 6th-Grade Individual Performer and ChMS won first place at the event.
The ChMS 7th-grade team earned second place at the event. Eli Miller was second place in 7th grade individual performers and also one of the 7th-grade school high scorers.
The ChMS 8th-Grade scholars bowl team earned first place at the Scholars Bowl competition in January. Owen Gurtler was one of the 8th-grade school high scorers. Brady Clark was third place in the 8th-grade individual performers.
The Chelsea Middle School show choir was recently invited to the Shelby County Instructional Services Institute to sing for Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks, members of the school board, stakeholders and community members of Shelby 101.
Congratulations to Davy Phillips, Kaleice Herlong and Ali Adzima who were recently chosen to represent ChMS at the Shelby County Schools Superintendent’s Art Show.
Chelsea Middle School received grant awards in the amount of $40,903.47 from the city. These funds will support:
• ACAP Success workbooks (Math, ELA & Science) All Grades
• New Science experiment lab
• MacBook Pro technology
• Wall padding for the gym
• Basketball goals
• Exterior door lock / entry system
• Choral risers and storage carts
The CHHS junior varsity were named the JV county champions at the Scholars Bowl tournament in January. Noah Hendrickson was the top scorer. The varsity scholars bowl team came in third place and the top scorer was Brayden Smith.
In January, Chelsea High School received $17,640.40 as part of the city’s Education Grant Program.
Congratulations to Luke Miller for being selected as the Chelsea High School Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete and Caroline Thornbrough for being selected as the Chelsea High School Bryant-Jordan Achievement Athlete. The Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete Award recognizes student athletes who excel both academically and athletically, showing dedication in the classroom and in competition. The Bryant-Jordan Achievement Award honors student athletes who have overcome obstacles and achieved success through perseverance, determination, and hard work, while also demonstrating academic success and leadership.
Chelsea High seniors participated in an Adulthood Day in January, to prepare them for life after graduation.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026
Valedictorian Sarah Serrano and class of 2026 Salutatorian Carson Smith.
Congratulations to Addie Harris who signed to play soccer at Southern Union State Community College.
The first Shelby 101 session of 2026 was held in January and was a great day of learning and connection.
Participants received an instructional overview from Dr. Lynn Carroll and Dr. Leah Anne Wood, heard about Gifted and Advanced Programs and Special Education, and took a field trip to the Linda Nolen Learning Center. The day also included a look into instructional strategies at both the elementary and secondary levels.
The morning began with a performance by the Chelsea Middle School show choir, directed by Ms. Jillian Harig, and wrapped up the day browsing the art show gallery in the Shelby Room—all showcasing the creativity and talent across the district.
Cheers, high-fives, and great memories were made at Oak Mountain Lanes during the recent Special Olympics Bowling event. Students from across Shelby County Schools participated in the event.
January was Board Member Recognition Month, and we are grateful for the leaders who help guide Shelby County Schools every step of the way.
Our Board of Education members give their time, insight, and dedication to support students, staff, and families across our district. Their leadership helps ensure our schools are prepared for the journey ahead and rooted in excellence.
SCBOE members are: David Bobo, Amber Polk, Peg Hill, JiJi Davis, and Billy Holliday.
Student creativity was celebrated in January at the 2026 Shelby County Schools’ Superintendent’s Art Show. Congratulations to all chosen artists, category winners, and Superintendent’s Choice honorees.
In Grades 9-10 (category 2), winners included Jackson Hall (1st place) and Curt Cashion (2nd place) from Chelsea High School.
In Grades 11-12 (category 1), Victoria Nguyen from Chelsea High School won second place.
March 3: Chelsea City Council Meeting. Pre-meeting at 5 p.m. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. Chelsea City Hall 11611 Chelsea Rd. cityofchelsea.com
March 7: Spring Shop Local Market. Noon to 6 p.m. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 1661 Old Highway 280, Chelsea. Featuring locally crafted decor, jewelry, art, food, and more. Music will be provided by Jonathan Stephens from 1-4 p.m., food will be available from The Lil’ Bougie Foodie from noon to 3 p.m., and shopping will be open noon to 4 p.m.
March 17: Chelsea City Council Meeting. Pre-meeting at 5 p.m. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. Chelsea City Hall 11611 Chelsea Rd. cityofchelsea.com
March 26: Enchanted Garden Cooking Decorating Class. 6:30 p.m. Cat-NBird Winery, 1661 Old Highway 280, Chelsea. Join Shannon Lescarini, owner of Whisk Confections, for a fun, upbeat, hands-on cookie decorating class! No experience needed. You’ll learn royal icing basics, layering, texture, and decorating tips—then leave with cookies you’ll be proud of. Ages 10+ welcome. Tickets include cookies, icing and tools, instruction by Shannon, take-home box and recipes, complimentary beverage and fun, creative afternoon. Reserve your spot online at cat-n-bird.com
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). The focus is on functional exercises that keep us healthy, energetic, and independent. All levels and abilities are welcome. Bring small hand weights & a water bottle. 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: 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 to the public.
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 205-706-4728
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 2p.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.
March 28: Monster Jam. 5:00 p.m. Protective Stadium. Monster Jam is the ultimate adrenaline-fueled motorsports experience, featuring 12,000-pound monster trucks performing jaw-dropping stunts, high-speed racing, and gravity-defying freestyle competitions. With fan-favorite trucks like Grave Digger and Megalodon, world-class drivers push the limits in a thrilling display of power and precision. Purchase tickets at BJCC.org
