Cullman, AL April 2026

Investing in what matters

When most people hear the word "invest," they think of money. Retirement accounts. Portfolios. Financial planning. And while yes, those are very important, investing is much broader than that.

It’s about investing your time wisely — choosing to spend that most precious commodity in the most impactful way possible.

It’s about intention. It’s about choosing to care.

Investing in your home — finally fixing up that front porch because home matters.

Investing in your family — showing up for ballgames, recitals, late-night talks and first jobs.

Investing in your community — volunteering to help your friends and neighbors. Investing in your health — because you can't do any of the above if you don't.

This month, in our "Invest" issue, we celebrate all the ways we pour into the places and people that shape our lives. It’s about improving what you have, building what you believe in and supporting the businesses that make Cullman special. It’s about recognizing that investment isn’t just a financial term — it’s a way of living with purpose.

Every time you support a local business, you’re investing in a dream.

Every time you open these pages, you’re investing in connection. Cullman is strong because its people invest here — not just financially, but with personal intention, with their time, their energy, their creativity and their hearts.

Thank you for investing in this community.

And thank you for allowing us the privilege of investing in you.

Regards,

MISSY GURLEY, PUBLISHER

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Missy Gurley | missy.gurley@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Wendy Sack | wendy.sack@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jay Betts, Jacob Fine, Thompson Traders, Cydni Robertson

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Ashley Freeman and Jacy Hawkins with Hawkins Medical & Wellness at Cullman's Mardi Gras parade 2: Jeremy and Jacy Hawkins with Ashley Freeman of Hawkins Medical & Wellness 3: Brooks Harbison enjoying the Mardi Gras parade 4: Nancy Frye (with Dr. Jonathan Echols) recently retired from Cullman Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. 5: Loving the detail on this back porch by Hamby & Campbell Construction. 6: We loved grabbing a Kathy Sims custom bookmark and bag from our local library! 7: Congratulations Declan Yearwood and Chrystalynn Beard!

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business monthly

SunReign Roofing & Solar

SunReign Roofing & Solar is redefining roofing in north Alabama. Offering residential and commercial roofing, solar energy installation and battery backup systems, SunReign helps owners protect more than just their roofs — they protect their future. With expert craftsmanship and low-interest financing available, it’s never been easier to invest in stronger roofs and smarter power. Rick Earwood | 256-620-0306 | rick@sunreignroofs.com | sunreignroofs.com

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Gray Urology Wellness

Gray Urology Wellness is committed to helping men and women feel their best through personalized, compassionate care. Offering advanced urological services alongside wellness treatments designed to improve quality of life, their experienced team combines innovation with discretion. Whether addressing routine concerns or specialized needs, Gray Urology prioritizes patient comfort and results.

1985 Alabama Highway 157, Suite B, Cullman | 256-300-2595 | grayurologywellness.com

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Set your schedule. Make an impact.

Build a life you’re proud of.

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.

INSIDE KATIE B. KIRKWOOD ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR DESIGN

DESIGN AS A VALUE MULTIPLIER

For many homeowners, design feels like an aesthetic choice. For Katie B. Kirkwood Architectural and Interior Design (KBK), it’s an investment strategy — one that protects budgets, enhances long-term value and elevates daily living.

The firm offers custom home design, architectural planning, interior design, finish and furnishing selections and construction project management. By integrating design and construction under one umbrella, KBK eliminates the costly disconnects that often arise when these disciplines operate separately.

The result is a streamlined, intentional process that reduces risk and maximizes return.

Founder Katie Kirkwood brings a rare combination of credentials to the table: dual bachelor’s degrees in architecture and interior architecture from Auburn University, a master’s in building construction and six years managing large-scale commercial construction projects. That background gives her fluency in budgeting, trade coordination and contractor pricing, which directly benefits her clients.

“Design is preventive maintenance,” she explained. “When decisions are made intentionally and documented clearly, you avoid the rework, delays and budget creep that happen when trades are left guessing.”

Since launching full time in June 2024, the firm has expanded with Designer Amanda Franklin, who adds to the firm’s knowledge of high-end brands such as Thibaut, Visual Comfort, Kravet, Schumacher and Waterworks — and Studio Coordinator Haley Young, who manages wallpaper and fabric sales, communication, scheduling and procurement. Together, the team strives to ensure projects stay organized, efficient and aligned with client goals.

DESIGN AS A VALUE MULTIPLIER

One of the biggest misconceptions Kirkwood encounters is that professional design is a luxury. In reality, she said, it’s a value multiplier — much like hiring a realtor or financial advisor.

Designers bring industry knowledge, access to quality products and the ability to anticipate how one decision affects dozens of others. Without that guidance, homeowners often face expensive mistakes: incorrect lighting placement, poorly planned cabinetry, mismatched materials or layouts that require costly changes mid-construction.

“Spending fills a space; investing creates long-term value,” she explained. “Quality furnishings last longer, thoughtful layouts improve daily life and intentional design enhances both property value and homeowner satisfaction.”

THE HIGHEST RETURNS

Kirkwood said she sees the greatest long-term payoff in three areas:

1. Selecting the right contractor

The best outcomes happen when designers and contractors respect one another and work collaboratively. A strong contractor values the client’s investment, communicates well. That partnership protects both budget and overall project quality.

2. Thoughtful lighting and furnishings planning

Lighting and furniture layouts should be developed alongside construction documents, not after. Planning fixture placement, switches, outlets and furniture dimensions early prevents costly field changes and daily use frustrations. A beautiful space must also function well.

3. Investing in quality furnishings

Durable, well-made furniture offers long-term value through longevity and fewer replacements. When new pieces aren’t in the budget, antiques or well-crafted secondhand finds are often better investments than mass-produced alternatives. Quality furnishings can last generations.

PROJECTS THAT PROVE THE POINT

Kirkwood’s favorite projects are those where thoughtful design creates lasting impact. The vibrant wallpaper at Jubilee Kitchen + Bar that guests can’t resist photographing. Nurseries designed for beauty and the realities of long nights. Bathrooms tailored to each client’s routines. Historic renovations that reveal hidden stories.

“On Sewanee’s campus, we once uncovered early 1900s postage stamps hidden beneath layers of wallpaper so there was no depth left at the baseboards,” she said. “In a recent 1940s residential renovation, my client who grew up in the home discovered puzzle pieces she had dropped into an old HVAC vent as a child.”

Said Kirkwood, “Homes are long-term investments — financially and emotionally,” she said. “It’s an honor to help shape the spaces where life unfolds.”

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

Consultations can be scheduled through Haley Young at design@kbkirkwood.com. Follow the firm’s work on Instagram at @kbkarchandintdesign.

Investing in what matters most

LifeWork Physical Therapy is redefining health in north Alabama

In an era when health care can feel rushed and impersonal, LifeWork Physical Therapy is quietly reshaping what it means to invest in your health. Founded in 2017 by Owner and President Mike Tucker, PT, CSCS, Cert. DN, the practice grew out of a simple conviction: people deserve one-on-one, research-based physical therapy care delivered with compassion, integrity and individualized attention.

After two decades working in a variety of clinical and leadership roles, Tucker saw the industry shifting toward high-volume practice models with little patient engagement and hands-on care. “Patients deserve to be known,” he said. “They deserve care that honors and promotes their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.”

That belief became the foundation of LifeWork’s mission — and the reason the practice has grown from a single clinic in Hartselle to three thriving locations across north Alabama.

Said Tucker, “Striving to honor God with the resources entrusted to us, we opened the practice debt-free — and by His grace, we have remained debt-free since its inception. This was a blessing as it allowed us to have the necessary operating capital to protect our practice and not only retain but also care for our staff throughout many challenges we’ve faced. Being debt-free also created the margin to allow us to open our Decatur location in 2021, when the healthcare industry was most impacted by COVID. Then, in 2023,

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK PHOTOGRAPHY BY CYDNI ROBERTSON

we were fortunate to acquire the Cullman clinic, and we are excited to be serving this community with the same passion, mission and values that continue to help us grow and reach others.”

LifeWork offers a wide range of services for patients of all ages. From orthopedic rehab and post-operative recovery to Parkinson’s care, dry needling, TMJ treatment, vertigo, and other specialty services. The Cullman location is home to one of the region’s few Certified Lymphedema Therapists, Kim Parker, who brings nearly 30 years of experience to the team.

But, what truly sets LifeWork apart is its commitment to individualized care. While many large practices rely on treating multiple patients at once, LifeWork therapists work with one patient at a time, ensuring focused attention and deeper engagement. “When people experience therapy this way, they tell their friends, families and coworkers,” Tucker said.  “If we take care of our patients, we’ve learned that they take care of us.”

LifeWork’s approach is rooted in faith as much as clinical excellence.

The practice’s mission — to provide hope and healing in a Christ-honoring environment — guides every interaction. “Jesus tells us to love God and love people,” said Tucker. “That’s the heart of what we do.” Staff members are encouraged to see each patient as a whole person, often offering prayer, encouragement or simply a listening ear alongside physical treatment.

“Everyone who walks through our doors is carrying something,” he said. “We get to help them physically, but we also get to offer hope.”

That same spirit shapes the internal culture. LifeWork’s team is known for its passion, professionalism, teamwork and commitment to growth. Therapists regularly pursue continuing education and advanced

certifications, while administrative staff stay current on insurance and reimbursement changes. “We don’t want someone who’s here for a ‘J-O-B,’” Tucker said. “We want people who are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of those around them.” The practice is also preparing to expand its services in the near future, including nutrition, wellness and preventive services across all of its locations, including Cullman.

“We exist for those outside our walls,” he said. “If even one person walks in burdened and walks out with hope, that’s success.”

Whether it’s a patient recovering from surgery, a senior regaining mobility or someone simply seeking a healthier future, LifeWork aims to be a partner in that investment.

Find LifeWork Physical Therapy in Cullman at 103 Second Ave. SE. 256-615-1800 | lifeworkpt.com

FOLLOW

THE ENGINEERING OF AN INVESTMENT

Purchasing a home is the foundation of your family’s financial future

ARTICLE BY SEAN BUNTIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEMINI HOME

Buying a home is the most significant investment most of us will ever make. In a growing community like Cullman, that investment represents more than just a roof over your head — it’s the foundation of your family’s financial future. When the stakes are this high, the quality of the information you receive during the due diligence process is your greatest asset.

While I operate strictly within the Standards of Practice for home inspectors, my path to this profession was forged in high-stakes environments. With 25 years in electrical engineering — including five years as a NASA International Space Station flight controller and nearly 20 years with Alabama Power as a system engineer — I spent my career analyzing the complex systems that power our world.

I don’t perform engineering evaluations in the field, but I do bring an “engineer’s eye” to every property. This means I am trained to spot the subtle “symptoms” of a defect — the small irregularities in an electrical panel or the minute signs of moisture intrusion — that others might simply overlook. An investment is only as sound as the information behind it, and at Gemini Home Inspections LLC, my goal is to provide a level of thoroughness that matches the weight of your purchase.

When I’m not evaluating a home’s condition, you’ll likely find me on the water. Having competed in over 75 Major League Fishing events, I’ve found a surprising carry-over between a tournament and an inspection: Both require a highly tuned sense of observation and the knowledge that the most important details are often hidden just beneath the surface.

BUILT ON RESILIENCE, DRIVEN BY PURPOSE

The mission behind Gemini Home Inspections was born out of a life-changing event. In September 2022, my family experienced a total loss when our home was destroyed by an electrical fire. While we were blessed that our family and pets escaped safely, we lost everything else.

Through the process of rebuilding, I realized I wanted to use my technical background to help others avoid the tragedy my family faced. I love helping people, and because our fire was electrical in nature, this work is personal. I’m not just checking boxes; I’m using 25 years of experience to help protect your family and your future.

This business would not be possible without my family. My wife, Katie, a Registered Nurse (BSN), and I have been married for 26 years since our days together at the University of South Alabama. Our oldest son, Sean, recently completed a five-year contract in the USMC, and our 16-year-old, William, is a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do with a beautiful spirit for guitar and art.

We chose Cullman for its beauty — the downtown atmosphere, the annual Christkindlmarkt, and the way we actually get to see all four seasons. But mostly, we stayed because of the people. The support this community showed us after our fire cemented our love for this town. At Gemini, we are proud to be part of the Cullman business community, ensuring that as our neighbors invest in their homes, they do so with the peace of mind they deserve.

Contact Gemini Home Inspections LLC at 256-5715791. Mention this article in Cullman City Lifestyle for a $25 discount on any home inspection performed within Cullman County.

Facebook: @GeminiHomeInspections | Web: GeminiHomeInspection.com

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

ELEGANCE IN the everyday

GLS SUPPLY ON THE REFINED DETAILS THAT DEFINE A HOME’S MOST ESSENTIAL SPACES

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THOMPSON

There are rooms in a home that do more than serve a function; they shape the rhythm of  life. The kitchen where mornings begin with ritual and intention. The bathroom where the day’s noise dissolves into quiet. These spaces — intimate, yet essential — are where craftsmanship, comfort and long-term value converge. And for GLS Supply in Cullman, they’re the canvas on which thoughtful design becomes lasting investment.

WHERE LUXURY LIVES IN THE EVERYDAY

In the modern home, the kitchen has evolved beyond its utilitarian roots. It’s now a place of gathering, of conversation, of connection. It’s where families linger long after dinner and where guests instinctively gravitate. GLS Supply understands that the most meaningful upgrades in this space are the ones that elevate both beauty and ease.

Today’s discerning homeowners are drawn to fixtures that blend innovation with refinement. Touch and touchless faucets introduce a sense of effortless sophistication. Glass washers streamline entertaining with quiet precision. Instant, hot-filtered faucets turn simple tasks into small luxuries, from steeping tea to sanitizing a workspace. Filtered drinking water faucets offer purity at the turn of a handle, while discreet push-button air switches for disposals keep the countertop serene and uncluttered.

“These elements are the jewelry of the home,” said Showroom Director Michelle Jackson.  “They’re the pieces you interact with daily, and when chosen well, they transform the experience of living in the space.”

It’s this philosophy — that luxury is found in the details — that guides GLS’ approach.

THE QUIET POWER OF QUALITY

In an era of endless options, selecting the right fixtures can feel overwhelming. GLS Supply serves as a curator, helping homeowners navigate a world where craftsmanship and engineering matter as much as aesthetics.

The most enduring choices begin with materials. Ceramic disc valves in faucets ensure smooth performance and prevent leaks. Stainless steel and cast iron sinks offer resilience and timeless appeal. Tubs with reinforced finishes maintain their luster and structural integrity for decades. And

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water-filtration systems with certified ratings and intuitive maintenance elevate both wellness and convenience.

“People often underestimate the impact these fixtures have on a home’s longevity,” Jackson explained. “Quality materials and reputable brands aren’t indulgences — they’re investments in performance, efficiency and peace of mind.”

This is the kind of luxury that doesn’t announce itself loudly. It’s the quiet confidence of knowing a space will age gracefully.

THE VALUE OF TOUCH IN A DIGITAL WORLD

While online browsing has become second nature, GLS Supply believes that true understanding comes from the tactile. Its showrooms invite homeowners to experience products the way they’re meant to be experienced — through touch, weight and presence.

A solid brass faucet has a richness that can’t be conveyed in a photograph. A well-crafted freestanding tub has a grounded stability that speaks to its quality. These nuances reveal themselves only in person.

“When customers can feel the materials, they immediately understand the difference between good and exceptional,” said Jackson. “It leads to choices that are not only beautiful, but also enduring.”

This hands-on experience often becomes the turning point in a remodel or new build — the moment when a confident choice is made based on what (literally) feels like the right decision.

A PARTNERSHIP ROOTED IN TRUST

What sets GLS Supply apart is not only the caliber of the brands it carries, but also the care with which it guides each customer. The approach is personal, attentive and a genuine desire to help homeowners create spaces that reflect their visions.

“Investing in your home is a significant commitment,” Jackson said. “These decisions deserve time, thought and expertise. We want our customers to feel confident that they’re choosing pieces that will serve them well for years to come.”

From navigating installation considerations to refining the final selections, GLS acts as a partner in the process — one who understands that luxury is not just about appearance, but about how a space supports the life lived within it.

WHERE BEAUTY AND LONGEVITY MEET

In the end, the most successful kitchen and bath designs are those that marry elegance with endurance. The faucet that feels substantial in the hand. The tub that becomes a sanctuary. The water that tastes clean and pure. The kitchen that functions as beautifully as it looks.

GLS Supply believes that when homeowners invest in quality, they’re not simply enhancing their properties, they’re elevating their daily lives.

The local GLS Supply showroom is located at 153 Fourth St. SW in Cullman. View photos online at www.glssupply.com or www.instagram.com/gls_supply.

‘Investing in the community means listening first, showing up consistently and building systems of support’

RESILIENCE THROUGH CONNECTION: THE QUIET WORK TRANSFORMING CULLMAN COUNTY

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY BETTS

Investing in the community is a lived philosophy — one director Melissa Betts carries into every corner of her work at The Link Family Resource Center (formerly The Link of Cullman County), where community investment begins with something simple.

“Investing in the community, to me, has always meant neighbors taking care of neighbors,” she said. “A better place to live. A better place to raise your family. A place where you are proud to say, ‘I’m from here.’”

That belief is modeled from her childhood. Her parents didn’t just talk about service – they lived it. Her mother began her career with the American Red Cross the day Betts started kindergarten.

“Watching her serve others from that point on shaped my understanding of what it means to invest your time, talents and leadership into the well-being of a community,” she said. “In many ways, collaboration and service were simply the environment I grew up in.”

Today, that shapes her leadership at The Link, where community investment is defined not by grand gestures but by consistent presence, deep listening and the creation of support systems that help families move from crisis to stability.

“Investing in the community means listening first, showing up consistently and building systems of support,” Betts explained.

RESILIENCE THROUGH CONNECTION

If there’s a single word that threads through Betts’ vision, it’s resilience. She’s quick to challenge the idea that resilience is something people possess or lack. Instead, she sees it as something built — intentionally, communally and over time.

“It requires intention, effort and the right support systems,” she noted.

At The Link, that support doesn’t come from trying to do everything alone. Instead, the organization acts as a connector — linking families to resources, agencies and partners already working throughout the county. It’s a model that recognizes resilience grows when people know where to turn, when systems catch them before a setback becomes a spiral and when relationships are strong enough to carry someone through a difficult season.

THE POWER OF SMALL INVESTMENTS

Ask Betts about the most transformative moments she’s witnessed, and she’ll tell you about a conversation, a ride, a referral — small acts that opened the door to something life changing.

The man living unsheltered in Cullman for nearly three years. Many recognized him; few asked him

CONTINUED >

what he needed. Through a partnership with a local church, someone finally did. “When he realized we could help him go home, his entire countenance changed,” she explained. “You could see hope return across his face. A single conversation led to reconnection, dignity and a path forward.”

The young father in a parenting class at The Link who found himself in a tense encounter with a family member. “The old me would have blown up and overreacted,” he admitted. But he remembered a lesson from class — step back, breathe, ask if it’s worth it — and chose differently.

The widower who feared losing the home he built with his late wife. “He’d filed a fraud claim on his Social Security card and was instructed to set up his account online, but he didn’t know how. He’d been redirected from office to office and didn’t have the computer knowledge to navigate it alone. I invited him to sit beside me, and together we opened his account. Not only was it reinstated, but more than enough benefits were waiting for him,” Betts shared.

“None of these moments required a grand program,” she said. “They required presence. Listening. Partnership. That, to me, is resilience. That’s prevention. It’s the quiet work of equipping people with tools, support and relationships so they can respond differently when life gets hard. These moments may seem small, but they create lasting change —strengthening families, restoring hope and ultimately building a healthier, more connected community.”

OPPORTUNITIES TO INVEST IN THE COMMUNITY

Betts said she sees countless opportunities for residents to invest their gifts, passions and time.

“Connect your gifts to an organization that holds your heart and reflects your values,” she encouraged.

At The Link, volunteers are essential. Nearly 100 people serve weekly in The Pantry alone, and others take on staff-level responsibilities. The need is ongoing — all volunteers play a role.

Said Betts, “Our door is always open. We invite anyone who is curious about serving to come take a tour, see the work firsthand and discover where their gifts might fit. There’s room at the table, and there is meaningful work to be done.”

THE LINK HAS RECENTLY MET THE STANDARDS TO JOIN THE ALABAMA NETWORK OF FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS AND IS CHANGING ITS NAME TO REFLECT IT.

“THIS NEW NAME, THE LINK FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER, DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE LESS FOCUSED ON CULLMAN COUNTY - IT ACTUALLY STRENGTHENS OUR COMMITMENT TO BRING BROADER STATE RESOURCES HERE,” SAID BETTS.

A COMMUNITY SHOWS UP

If Betts ever needed a reminder of the power of community investment, she found it during a recent government shutdown. Families who’d never needed assistance before turned to The Pantry. The need surged, but so did generosity.

“Food donations increased. Monetary gifts increased. Volunteers showed up in greater numbers,” she recalled.

The Pantry, which operates entirely on donations and volunteer labor, rescued nearly 77,000 pounds of food per month during that season — more than double its typical amount. Today, nearly 1,000 households shop through the neighbor’s-choice pantry each month, selecting foods that best meet their needs.

“That season reminded me resilience isn’t built by one organization,” Betts said. “It’s built when a community decides to care.”

HEART OF THE WORK

For Betts, investing in the community is a calling and a privilege. She said she often thinks of John Wesley’s words: “Do all the good you can, for as long as you can, for as many as you can.”

708 Ninth St. SE, Cullman | www.LinkingCullman.org

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 4TH

Sportsman Lake Park Easter Egg Hunt

Sportsman Lake Park | 9:00 AM

This free event is an annual community favorite. The egg hunt will begin at 9 a.m. Get there early so you don't miss out on the fun! Please be sure to bring your baskets.

APRIL 11TH

4th Annual Cullman Family Expo

Cullman County Agricultural Trade Center | 9:00 AM

This annual event hosted by the Cullman County Child Development Center PTO facilitates local community resources for Cullman-area families. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. It is a day of free, inclusive family fun and raises funds for ongoing needs and projects to enhance services for the precious kiddos with disabilities who attend the CDC. Facebook/Cullman Family Expo

APRIL 11TH

SafeKids Expo

Sportsman Lake Park | 10:00 AM

The annual SafeKids Expo is free for children 12 and younger (must be accompanied by an adult). It's a fun-filled day of face painting, putt putt, popcorn, hot dogs, drinks, chips and music. Local agencies will be providing child safety information. Hosted by Brooks' PlaceChild Advocacy Center of Cullman from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Facebook/SafeKids Expo

APRIL 13TH

Links for Literacy Golf Tournament

Terri Pines | 8:00 AM

Hosted by The Link of Cullman County, this tournament is held every year onwwv the Monday after the Masters. Whether you swing, putt or drive... grab a few friends and ditch the office for a day. Come on - it's for a good cause! 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ LinksForLit2026 or email tiffanywright@linkingcullman.org for more info.

APRIL 25TH

Under the Stars at the Silo

JG’s Campen Life RV Campground | 6:00 PM

6-9 p.m. featuring Brett Carlisle. Pick fresh tulips for $1 per stem before the concert. 2060 County Road 438, Cullman, AL, 35057. Get more information at jgscampenlife.com.

APRIL 30TH

6th

Annual Clothed in Cullman

The Venue at Cotton Creek | 5:30 PM

The sixth annual Clothed in Cullman dinner with silent auction and prizes will be held at The Venue at Cotton Creek. Doors and silent auction open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30. This event is a fundraiser for Curt's Closet. Facebook/Clothed in Cullman