Issuu

SEPTEMBER 2026

ALL ROADS LEAD

Home How a popular radio DJ unexpectedly found her way back home PP

PAGE 6

THE KING LIVES ON

A 14-year-old keeps Elvis alive

PAGE 12

YOUTH WILL BE SERVED

Corner volleyball ready to prove themselves

PAGE 20

About Us About the Cover Who We Are North Jefferson Magazine serves the communities and people of North Jefferson County. Published every month, the magazine is available for free at more than 100 locations in Fultondale, Morris, Kimberly, Warrior, Tarrant, Mt. Olive, Trafford, Corner, and other areas. Subscriptions are available for $40 per year. Email subscribe@jbmcmedia.com for details on how to subscribe or send a gift subscription. Does your business want to connect with North Jefferson County residents? Email us at 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.

Staff Matthew Allen, Publisher matthew@jbmcmedia.com Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director (205) 613-7850 | rachel@jbmcmedia.com Michelle Salem Haynes, Media Sales Consultant (205) 381-1311 | michelle@jbmcmedia.com Kevin Lester, Media Sales Consultant (646) 956-6388, kevin@jbmcmedia.com Ted Perry, Cover Designer & Graphic Designer

The Alabama Show’s star has battled loss, health issues and stigma to take southern airwaves by storm. PHOTO BY HEATHER WARDEN

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Editors Note

Well…we survived Issue one. Launching a new magazine is a little like jumping out of an airplane and hoping you’ve packed everything you need on the way down. Thankfully, the response to our first issue was better than I could have imagined. Thank you to everyone who picked up a copy, shared it with a friend or simply told us they were excited to see North Jefferson finally have a magazine of its own. Now, on to Issue two. This month, our cover story takes you behind the scenes of the Alabama Show. Alabama is one of the most fun, interesting and insightful interviews I have done recently, and I hope that comes across in the story. Stories like this remind me that some of the best productions aren’t happening on television—they’re happening right here in our own communities. You’ll also meet Zach Maddox, a young Elvis tribute artist whose passion for performing has already earned him plenty of attention. Whether you’re a lifelong Elvis fan or just appreciate someone chasing a dream, I think you’ll enjoy getting to know him (and hopefully catching him at a show soon).

We’re also talking to Julie Doss about her new book that is designed to inspire and uplift the community–much like Julie does everyday. One thing I’ve learned already is that North Jefferson has no shortage of stories to tell. Every conversation seems to lead to another person we should meet, another business we should feature or another piece of local history that deserves to be remembered. That’s exactly what I hoped this magazine would become. We’re just getting started, and I’m excited about where we’re headed. Thanks for coming along for the ride.

And because it wouldn’t feel like fall in North Jefferson without sports, we’re highlighting Corner volleyball and the athletes who are working just as hard under the bright lights of the gym as their classmates are on the football field. Rachel Davis Karr, Content Director

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Contents

12 What’s Inside

Cover: All Roads Lead Home How a popular radio DJ unexpectedly found her way back home

The King Lives On: Zach Maddox channels Elvis

In Bloom: Local author encourages readers to embrace all of life’s season

Sports: Corner Volleyball looks to winning season

Golden Years: Gladys Yavorsky, Fultondale Senior Center

Business News

Happenings

Shortcut Recipe

Calendar

Local people, places and events

Hot Ham and Cheese Crescent Squares

Don’t miss these events

29 September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Feature

ALL ROADS LEAD

Home

How a popular radio DJ unexpectedly found her way back home Story by Rachel Davis Karr

If you’ve spent any time on Birmingham radio—or scrolling one of the local happenings Facebook pages—you may know Alabama as “the girl with the peacocks.” She’s okay with that. The peacocks, after all, are real. So are the chickens, rescue dogs, barn cats and the log cabin tucked away on 3.5 acres in north Jefferson county, where the morning radio host somehow found herself after years of living in cities like Seattle, Chicago, Detroit, Virginia Beach and Los Angeles. But behind the funny farm stories and the on-air antics is a

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Photos by Heather Warden, Warden Photography

woman whose journey home was forged through unimaginable loss—and whose greatest talent may not be making people laugh, but convincing them that impossible things are still worth trying. “I think people limit themselves,” she said. “And that’s just not true.” Growing up in Pinson, Alabama dreamed of working in radio, then left the state at 21 to chase it. One market became another until she had built a career spanning some of the country’s largest cities. // Continued on Page 8 //

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// Continued from Page 6 //

Then everything changed. At 33, while hosting a live radio show in Seattle, she unknowingly began having a stroke on the air. A speech pathologist listening to the broadcast recognized what was happening before Alabama did. “I thought my blood sugar was low,” she said. Instead, she was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered a hole in her heart that had caused the stroke. As she recovered, her mother traveled by bus from Alabama to Seattle to care for her. After returning home, tragedy struck again. Just four days after Thanksgiving, her mother died from an accidental overdose. Then came heart surgery. Then COVID. Then isolation. “It was the worst time of my life,” Alabama said simply. She came home without a plan. Living in her great-grandmother’s deteriorating 500-square-foot house, DoorDashing to pay bills and unsure what came next, she got a call from iHeartRadio. Birmingham’s longtime morning show had unexpectedly disappeared, and they needed someone to fill in temporarily. “I told them, ‘Don’t give me temporary. Give me the morning show.’” She meant it. On her very first broadcast, she dedicated the show to her mother.

“I wanted to make it so good they had to give me the job.” They did. Today, The Alabama Show broadcasts across Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Mobile and Memphis, blending humor, heart and complete unpredictability. Much of that unpredictability comes courtesy of Producer Blake, whom Alabama lovingly describes as the little brother she constantly torments. He’s experienced simulated labor using a TENS unit, survived pregnancy cravings, cared for an egg that “hatched” into baby chicks and endured elaborate themed weeks like Camp Chaos—all in the name of entertainment. “We basically torture him,” Alabama laughed.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

“Correct,” Blake quickly added.

Those stories have unexpectedly become part of her brand.

The sibling-style chemistry isn’t manufactured.

When someone introduces themselves as a listener, it’s often not

“It’s an actual relationship,” Alabama said. “I think that’s what people connect with.”

because of a celebrity interview or a viral segment. “It’s, ‘You’re the girl with the peacocks.’”

That authenticity has also helped Alabama break a few molds.

She’s perfectly happy with that.

Morning radio has traditionally been dominated by male hosts, particularly in Top 40 formats. Alabama wanted to prove a woman could lead the show—not simply sit beside it.

Not everything she’s passionate about is funny, though.

“Our audience is mostly women,” she said. “Women can do this.” Away from the microphone, her life somehow becomes even more colorful. A rescued dog on Interstate 65? She stopped traffic to save him.

Following her mother’s death, Alabama joined the board of Birmingham’s Addiction Prevention Coalition, helping organize its first fundraising gala and advocating for education, prevention and recovery resources throughout Central Alabama. “I wanted to do something that honored my mom.” That thread—finding purpose in pain—runs quietly through

A farmhouse? It somehow evolved into peacocks, chickens and enough animal stories to fill an entire podcast.

nearly everything she does.

“I keep saying I’m not getting any more animals,” she admitted. “That never seems to work.”

the social media following, Alabama says she’s still working on

It’s also why, despite the awards, the growing radio network and herself.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

She’s writing another book. Learning to care for birds. Volunteering with injured wildlife. Dreaming up live versions of her radio show where listeners become part of the experience. Mostly, she’s rediscovering the fearless young woman who once packed a tent, her dog Stevie Nicks and a notebook before driving across the country to find herself. Looking back now, Alabama refuses to let circumstances define what someone can become. Raised by grandparents. A mother battling addiction. An abusive father. Brothers who struggled with the criminal justice system. A stroke. Heart surgery. Grief.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

“Everything should have gone wrong,” she said. Instead, she returned home and built something bigger than she imagined. For Alabama, that’s the lesson she hopes people remember. “You can do whatever you want,” she said. “I think people believe they’re stuck because they’re from a small town or because they’re from Alabama. That’s not true. “We put limits on ourselves. There aren’t any.” Of course, if you happen to remember her as the girl with the peacocks, she’s perfectly fine with that, too.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Feature

The King

Lives On How one 14-year-old found Elvis

Story by Rachel Davis Karr Photos courtesy of Wayne Maddox

The story begins, appropriately enough, with a jacket. When 14-year-old Zack Maddox was helping his family sort through boxes of belongings after the death of his grandmother, he picked up an old Elvis Presley jacket and asked a simple question. “Who is this guy?” That single question set him on a path no one in the family could have predicted. Today, the Warrior teenager performs as an Elvis tribute artist, entertaining crowds across the Southeast, competing in Elvis competitions, singing at nursing homes and charity events and, perhaps most importantly, carrying on a legacy that has unexpectedly connected three generations of his family. “My mom and my twin sister were absolutely crazy about Elvis,” Zack’s mother, Sonya Maddox, said. “Mom passed away in 2020,

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Feature

and a few years later Zack finds her coat, wants to know who Elvis is, and now we’re all hooked. We all became huge Elvis fans because of Zack.” After discovering Elvis through the 2022 biographical film, Zack immersed himself completely. He studied every dance move, watched concert footage, learned the music and began developing the unmistakable swagger of the King of Rock and Roll. The obsession never faded. “He has probably watched everything that’s got Elvis in it,” Sonya laughed. “He’s constantly telling me facts I never knew. He’ll come in and ask, ‘Mom, do you know why Elvis stayed on the top floor of the International Hotel?’ or tell me who was singing backup on one of the records. He really studies him.” His transformation has become more convincing with time. Dark hair dye, stage outfits and even a little makeup help complete the look, though his parents say the real magic happens the moment he walks onstage. “It’s like a light switch,” Sonya said. “He puts that outfit on, steps onto the stage and suddenly he’s this performer. Sometimes I just sit there thinking, ‘Where did this kid come from?’”

In less than three years, Zack has competed in multiple Elvis competitions, earned second-place finishes and People’s Choice honors, performed in Tupelo, Mississippi—the birthplace of Elvis—and appeared at benefits supporting organizations including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners and local charities. He also performs at churches, community festivals and nursing homes, all while taking weekly voice and guitar lessons. In late July, he won third place in the Burning Love Fest in South Carolina. For someone so young, it’s an impressive résumé. But his parents say the awards aren’t what define him. At one competition, Sonya noticed Zack making a point to shake hands with every young performer as they left the stage. When she asked why, his answer caught her off guard. “Sometimes people don’t clap for me, and it hurts my feelings,” he told her. “I just want them to know I’m clapping for them.” He makes sure every performer hears the same message.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Feature

“He tells me all the time, ‘Mom, I don’t care if I win... “‘I just like getting up there, singing, dancing and making people smile.’” - Sonya Maddox “You did a good job.” It’s a simple act of kindness that says as much about Zack as any trophy ever could. “He tells me all the time, ‘Mom, I don’t care if I win,’” Sonya said. “‘I just like getting up there, singing, dancing and making people smile.’” That desire to bring joy extends beyond the stage. When he isn’t performing, Zack spends time with friends, participates in a weekly Bible study, attends church, sings karaoke, takes music lessons and keeps up with school through Jefferson County Virtual School, a schedule that gives him the flexibility to travel for performances. His father, Wayne, handles much of the behind-the-scenes work, managing social media, scheduling appearances and helping Zack prepare before each show. Together, they’ve watched what started as curiosity become something much bigger. Before every performance, Zack bows his head for a quick prayer. Then he tells his mom the same thing. “I’m going to do Elvis good, Mom.” For Zack, honoring Elvis has never just been about the jumpsuit or the songs. It’s about carrying forward the joy, charisma and generosity that made the King unforgettable. And if the smiles on the faces in every audience are any indication, the young tribute artist from Warrior is doing exactly that.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Navigating the Medicare Maze. Pam Harrison and Tammy Jones provide independent advice, to cut through the Medicare red tape to find the options that truly benefit you, and no cost to you. They answer some frequent questions to help you get started. Q: Does Medicare cover prescription drugs? A: Original Medicare does not typically cover most prescription medications. You may need a separate Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Q: When can I enroll in Medicare? A: Most people can enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period, which begins 3 months before turning 65, includes your birth month, and ends 3 months after. Q: Do I need to enroll in Medicare if I still have employer insurance? A: It depends on the size of your employer and the coverage you have. Some people can delay certain parts of Medicare without penalty while still covered by employer insurance. The Harrison Agency can help you determine the best time to enroll.

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Feature

Bloom Where You’re

Planted Story and photos by Rachel Davis Karr

For years, readers have known Julie Doss as a storyteller, artist and creative spirit—the woman behind heartfelt Facebook posts, commissioned pet portraits and colorful projects that seem to spring from whatever new idea captures her imagination. Now, she’s sharing something more personal. Her new book, In Bloom: A Journey of Growth and Empowerment, steps away from the humor and lighthearted storytelling many have come to expect from Doss. Instead, it offers an honest look at the challenges many women quietly face as they move through life’s changing seasons. “I kept having similar conversations with different friends,” Doss said. “Whether it was our kids growing up and

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

leaving home, adapting to aging or struggling with confidence, we were all dealing with the same things—but we weren’t always saying them out loud.” Those conversations became the foundation for In Bloom, a 22-chapter guide to personal growth that blends Doss’ own experiences with practical encouragement. Each chapter explores a different aspect of navigating change, while optional reflection questions invite readers to identify what brings them joy, set meaningful goals and create a life that feels intentional. The book concludes with a 30-day gratitude journal designed to help readers focus on everyday blessings. “I wanted people to know that nobody’s life is perfect,” she said. “Life isn’t always easy, but it’s worth adapting, growing and continuing to move forward because everybody deserves to be happy.” Although writing the book took only a few months, bringing it to life required much longer. Doss designed the cover, formatted the manuscript and self-published the book through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform, handling every step of the process herself. That independence didn’t happen overnight. Years ago, Doss accepted what she laughingly describes as a “$40 writing job” to create a local Birmingham travel guide for a publishing company. The paycheck wasn’t impressive, but the education was invaluable.

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Feature

“I did it because I wanted to learn the formatting and publishing process so that one day I could write my own books,” she said. “Looking back now, I think, ‘$40? That was a lot of work for $40.’ But it taught me everything I needed.” The message behind In Bloom also reflects Doss’ own journey. Over the years, she’s navigated difficult seasons, including an abusive relationship, divorce and a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes shortly after giving birth. Those experiences shaped her perspective and ultimately gave her the confidence to share what she’s learned. “I struggled with whether I should even publish it,” Doss admitted. “I kept thinking, ‘Who am I to tell people how to live?’ But then I reminded myself I’ve overcome a lot. This book isn’t for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be. If it helps one person heal or live a happier life, then it’s worth it.” That desire to bring joy extends well beyond the pages of her book. Doss still paints commissioned artwork—particularly pet portraits—and recently turned her attention to growing flowers on her family’s property in Morris. Together with friend Mary Jo Bartlett, owner of The Byrd House, she uses those flowers for “Joy Drops,” creating bouquets that are given away throughout the community simply to brighten someone’s day. Working in the flower garden ultimately inspired the book’s title. “Life is a lot like gardening,” Doss said. “You can’t expect beautiful flowers without putting in the work. You plant the seeds, you water them, you care for them and sometimes you have to prune away the old blooms so new ones can take their place.” She believes personal growth follows the same pattern. “We have to plant good things in our lives, take care of ourselves and sometimes let go of old habits or mindsets that are holding us back,” she said. “I believe we all have the ability to bloom into the person we were created to be. It takes intention, patience and a willingness to do the work—but it’s worth it.” In Bloom: A Journey of Growth and Empowerment is available through Amazon, and Doss hopes its message finds exactly the readers who need it most. As she sees it, success isn’t measured in sales, but in the possibility that one person might close the final page believing a brighter season is still ahead.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Sports

Ready to Rise Story by Rachel Davis Karr

There is a youthful energy surrounding Corner High School volleyball this season. New head coach Savannah Ellison knows her team may not have a long list of upperclassmen, but what it lacks in age, it makes up for in experience, athleticism and enthusiasm. “We’re younger,” Ellison said. “But they are experienced.” After serving as Corner’s junior varsity coach last season, Ellison steps into the varsity head coaching role this year, while former head coach Coach Carlisle remains on staff to help guide the program. For Ellison, who grew up in nearby Gardendale, the opportunity feels a little like coming home.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Photo courtesy of Corner Volleyball

“I wanted to be closer to home,” she said. “I love Corner.” That excitement extends to the team she inherited. The Yellow Jackets will feature just two seniors and a handful of juniors, with much of the roster made up of sophomores and freshmen. Fortunately, many of those younger players arrive with solid volleyball backgrounds after developing through Corner’s middle school program. “We’ve got a lot of really talented girls,” Ellison said. Leading the way is sophomore outside hitter Cree Bandy, who saw varsity action as a freshman and is expected to be one of the team’s top offensive weapons. Incoming freshman Sidney Bossie

Corner High School VOLLEYBALL

2026 Schedule

is another player Ellison believes can make an immediate impact with her size and ability at the net. The coach also points to sisters Alivia and Ace Claire Payne, along with middle hitter Jolee Beth Weathers, as key contributors on a roster loaded with strong front-row talent. The timing may also work in Corner’s favor. The Yellow Jackets move into Class 3A this season, a change Ellison believes better fits the program and provides an opportunity to compete for a successful year. Success, however, won’t come without preparation. While many students spend summer mornings sleeping in, the volleyball team has been hard at work. Players have spent three days each week lifting weights from 8 to 9 a.m. before heading straight into practice until 10:30. Several athletes also compete in club volleyball, and the team uses summer play dates and tournaments to gain valuable match experience before the regular season begins. It’s a demanding schedule, but one Ellison says her players have embraced. Now she hopes the community will embrace them as well. “Volleyball is more of a sport that sometimes I feel like can be overlooked,” she said. “But it’s such a fun sport to watch. If you come and watch one, it’s actually very enjoyable.” With a talented young core, experienced hitters and a coach eager to build on last season’s foundation, Corner believes this year’s team has the pieces to make some noise. The Yellow Jackets may be young, but they won’t stay under the radar for long.

8/22

Falcon Frenzy

8/24

Tarrant/ Oak Grove

8/25

Hillcrest/ACA

8/27

Gardendale

8/29

Hayden Varsity Tournament

8/29

Comer JV Tournament

8/31

Fultondale

9/1

Cordova / Hayden

9/5

Boaz JV Round Robin

9/8

Pleasant Grove

9/9 - 12

Varsity Gulf Shores Tournament

9/17

Moody/ St. Clair

9/21

Cordova

9/22

Fultondale (V/JV) / Susan Moore (V)

9/26

Comer Varsity Tournament

10/1

Pleasant Grove/ Ramsay/ MJ

10/3

Varsity County Tournament

10/5

Tarrant

10/6

Susan Moore

10/8

Ashville (V) I Shades Valley (V / JV)

10/10

JV County Tournament

10/13 - 17

Area Tournament

10/21 - 23

Super Regionals

10/27 - 29

State Tournament

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Senior Profile

Glady Yavorsky FULTONDALE SENIOR CENTER When Gladys Yavorsky walked through the doors of the Fultondale Senior Activity Center for the first time, she didn’t know a single person.

After retiring in 2016 and later moving to Fultondale, she found herself looking for connection. She had followed the senior center’s Facebook page for months before finally deciding to attend that first dance.

She had spent the day in Birmingham with friends, watching a Broadway performance, and noticed the center was hosting a dance that evening. She almost talked herself out of going.

Now, she not only attends activities, but also volunteers three mornings each week, helping prepare Meals on Wheels deliveries, serving lunch and assisting wherever she’s needed.

Instead, she walked in alone, found an empty table and sat down.

“I love it,” she said. “These people are like family.”

She had been there only a few minutes when another member, Sylvia, crossed the room with a simple invitation. “Come sit with us. You’re not going to sit by yourself.” That one gesture changed everything. “I’ve been here ever since,” Yavorsky said with a smile. “We’re like family.” Originally from California, Gladys was 17 when her family returned to Alabama so her father could escape the Los Angeles smog that aggravated his health. Life would eventually take her to Arkansas, Texas and the mountains of North Carolina before bringing her back home. Along the way she raised her family, worked for two decades as a surgical scrub technician at St. Vincent’s East and cared for her husband through his battle with cancer before his death in 2013. “I loved my job,” she said. “If I was physically able, I’d still be doing it.”

That sense of belonging is exactly what makes the Fultondale Senior Activity Center such a special place. The calendar rarely sits empty. Members gather for card games, dominoes, crafts, guest speakers and live entertainment. Monthly dances have become a favorite tradition, with themes ranging from luaus to the ’70s and ’50s, complete with decorations and costumes that transform the center into a different era each month. The center also reaches beyond its walls, hosting community events, collecting pet food for local rescues and welcoming seniors from throughout north Jefferson County—not just Fultondale. For Gladys, whose children, grandchildren and growing number of great-grandchildren are now spread across Alabama and beyond, the center has become another kind of family. Sometimes all it takes is one invitation. A seat at a different table. And the willingness to walk through the door.

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Business News

August Chamber Luncheon The August luncheon of the North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce featured Kerry Stevenson, of One Heart at a Time, Inc. He discussed how winning habits create a culture of champions through practical principles that are easy to remember and put into practice every day.

Petsmart Opening Soon in Fultondale A PetSmart location will be opening in the old Books A Million location in Fultondale. An official opening date has not been announced, but renovations are underway and the store has been taking applications.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Fultondale Business recognized for excellence AlphaGraphics, located at 903 Decatur Highway in Fultondale, was recognized at the AlphaGraphics national conference in Chattanooga, held July 22-25. They were recognized as a Certified Center, indicating that they have consistent color and print quality on completed jobs. They were also named to the Silver Circle, an honor given to select franchisees based on sales numbers. Additionally, they were recognized for a $300,000 record sales month, and were named the "New Franchise Owner of the Year. "These awards mean a great deal to us," said Keith Mitchell, owner of the Fultondale franchise. "Our team does an incredible job, allowing us to be in position to earn these recognitions." PHOTO COURTESY OF KEITH MITCHELL, ALPHAGRAPHICS BIRMINGHAM DOWNTOWN

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YOUNG ARTISTS

ITALY IN ALABAMA

STUDENTS DECORATE HYDRANTS IN HONOR OF AMERICA

VECCHIA’S AUTHENTIC NEW ADDITION PAGE 22

START THE DAY RIGHT

CELEBRATE HOOVER DAY: A FREE, FAMILY EVENT

YOUR NEW FAVORITE BREAKFAST SPOT

PAGE 12

A decade

of educating

Vintage BIG DAY

Wedding dress boutique opens in Hueytown PAGE 18

ON YOUR

PELHAM’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CELEBRATE A MILESTONE

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Happenings

Fultondale High School SRO trains others Over the summer, Fultondale High School’s SRO, Jefferson County Deputy Will Johnson, was busy helping train other School Resource Officers in Active Shooter Training. Fultondale Elementary School’s SRO, Lisa Turner, participated in the training.

Fultondale Senior Center hosts Luau Fultondale Senior Center hosted luau as its monthly dance for July.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Warrior Library Foam The Warrior Library’s Summer Reading Program wrapped up with a Foam Zone Finale this morning full of fun and treats for the kids.

North Jefferson students represent at FBLA Nationals Jakob Meherg and Ladarious Dixon represented North Jefferson Middle School in San Antonio at the FBLA National Leadership Conference this summer. They competed on the national stage against some of the best students in the country. In addition to showcasing their skills, they networked with peers and professionals, participated in engaging workshops and explored the vibrant city of San Antonio.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Happenings

Huntingdon College Economic and Community Development Scholars Program Jonathan Cope from Mortimer Jordan High School and Bryanna Cornejo from Fultondale High School participated in the Huntingdon College Economic and Community Development Scholars Program. They had the opportunity to learn from experts about the importance of economic and community development at the state and local levels. Jonathan and Bryanna were two of 23 high schoolers representing 17 Alabama Chambers of Commerce during the program.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

North Jefferson students win big at FCCLA National Conference Ellison McGaughy (Focus on Children) and Emily Luna (Interior Design) represented North Jefferson Middle School received a gold and silver medal respectively at the National FCCLA Leadership Conference in Washington DC.

Mortimer Jordan FCCLA Nationals Mortimer Jordan had five studen. Kyleigh earned a Gold Medal and was a National Finalist (Top Ten) in Sports Nutrition Level 3. Gwyneth earned a Silver Medal in Job Interview Level 3. Lily & Laylyn earned a Bronze Medal in Chapter Service Project Portfolio Level 3. Caroline earned a Gold Medal in Career Investigation Level 2.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

In The Kitchen with Kathleen Phillips Food Blogger, GritsAndGouda.com Kathleen Phillips is a food blogger, food stylist, cookbook author, and former Oxmoor House test kitchen director (Southern Living cookbooks). On her food blog, GritsAndGouda.com, she creates Southern shortcut recipes. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.

Baked Apple Fritters No fryer, no messy cleanup. These shortcut fritters bake up with crisp edges and moist in the center, loaded with all the fall warm spices filling your kitchen. Lots of chopped apple (no need to peel!) and applesauce (hello snack pack) helps keep them tender on the inside. A simple powdered sugar glaze slathered over top really gilds the lily! It’s a small batch recipe, making only 10 fritters, making these sweet treats perfect for a quick breakfast or an after-school snack.

Preheat the oven to 425F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease the pan.

Add the dry ingredients into the bowl on top of the applesauce and apple mixture, without stirring yet.

INGREDIENTS

Beat the egg in a large bowl with a fork or spoon. Stir in the applesauce, sugar, and vanilla.

Before stirring together, add the apple to the flour mixture on top. Toss the apple with the flour mixture to coat the apple.

1 large egg

Chop the apple. No need to peel!

NOW, you can stir the dry ingredients into the applesauce mixture just until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not overmix. The batter will be lumpy and you will still see a little bit of flour, like a muffin batter.

For more easy apple recipes visit GritsAndGouda.com and follow me on FB, IG, Pinterest and Youtube.

¼ cup applesauce, sweetened or unsweetened ⅓ cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pro Tip: This is a trick to avoid having to use an apple corer. Make 4 slices, close to the core, from top to bottom.

1 medium apple (peeling is optional) I used Gala (about 1 cup chopped)

Now, chop enough of the apple to get 1 cup. Set aside, for now.

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

In a food processor, add the flour, baking powder, apple pie spice and salt. Pulse until combined.

1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon apple pie spice or ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons salted cold butter cut into 6 pieces Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk (any milk will work)

INSTRUCTIONS

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

Add the cold butter pieces. Pulse just until the butter is cut into tiny pieces and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix. No food processor? Two ways to incorporate the butter if you don’t have a food processor. Use a pastry blender in a bowl. Or, use your fingertips pressing and mashing the butter into the flour until it is the size of little peas.

Drop the dough/batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet with a large spoon, 2 inches apart, to get 10 fritters. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly brown on the edges and done in the middle. Remove to wire racks. Glaze: 1. Combine powdered sugar and milk in a bowl right before glazing them. 2. You can either dip the tops in the glaze. Or, I found it easier to spoon or drizzle the glaze over the fritters while on the rack. You can wait until they cool or slightly warm… although I always sneak one while still warm!

Calendar

Local Events North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Fultondale Event Center September 3, October 1, November 5 and December 3 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

North Jefferson Republican Patriots Gardendale Civic Center September 17, October 15, November 19 and December 17 6:30-8 p.m.

Kimberly Founders Day Kimberly Truck Stop September 19 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Warrior Day Main Street October 17 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

15th Annual Barking at the Moon Festival

Above: Barking at the Moon Festival

Below: Kimberly Founders Day

Fultondale Bark Park October 25 1-5 p.m. The event will feature costume contests for children and dogs, craft and food vendors, tentor-treat and weiner dog races. The event is free to attend and leashed, friendly dogs are welcome.

Morris Blue Spoon Chili Fest Morris Town Park November 21 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

September 2026 | North Jefferson Magazine

CUSTOM WOODWORKING Handmade in Bluff Park, Alabama