CHAMBER CHAIR RUX BENTLEY • MARTHA FULGHUM FINE ART • SPHS FLAG STAR CHENELLE HUNTER
SLICE OF LIME
PELHAM’S MARGARITA GRILL CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
TEE TIME
WILL SCHROEDER LOOKING FORWARD TO SENIOR SEASON AT BCS
COUNTY
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 ShelbyLiving.com Volume 17 | Issue 5 $4.95
HEROES
A LOOK AT THE 2026 SHELBY COUNTY HALL OF FAME CLASS
ShelbyLiving.com 1
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FEATURES
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES 52
Alex Dudchock
56 Howard Hill
60 Judy Merritt
66 Kenneth “Ken” Penhale
70 George Roy Sr.
74 James Spann
78 HIT THE ROAD
With autumn months comes the South’s Saturday ritual of tuning in to their favorite college team’s football games. This year, hit the road and experience the game day atmosphere live and in person at one of these SEC college towns.
2 September/October 2026
PHOTO BY CAROLINE SIMMONS
TOUCHDOWN TOWNS
52
41
PHOTO BY BLAIR RAMSEY
arts & culture
15 In Plein Sight: Martha Fulghum’s Fine Art Inspiration 24 Read this Book: Ashley Enoch’s Cozy, Fall Picks
schools & sports
25 Strokes of Joy: Golfer Will Schroeder’s Next Steps 32 Five Questions For: Chenelle Hunter, Spain Park High School Sophomore, Wide Receiver/ Linebacker + Small Forward/Shooting Guard
food & drink
33 Tequila Time: Two Decades of Margarita Grill
in every issue 4 Contributors 5 From the Editor 6 The Question 8 Instagram 9 The Guide 23 Arts Council Corner 84 Chamber Connections 90 Out & About 102 Marketplace 104 My Shelby County
40 Five Questions For: Jesus Melendez, General Manager at Margarita Grill
home & style
41 Renovated Dreams: Jason Thomas’ Curated, Luxury Home
ShelbyLiving.com 3
contributors EDITORIAL
Michaela Bankston Anna Grace Breedlove Dave Domescik Avery Forrest Andrew Simonson Madison Smith Noah Wortham
CONTRIBUTORS
Lindsay Dyess Blair Ramsey Kelsea Schafer Kate Seaver Caroline Simmons Katelyn Smith Ashley Tiedt
DESIGN
Sydney Allen Jamie Dawkins Morgan Lockhart Lavens Maginnis Miles Maginnis
MARKETING
Noah Brakefield Evann Campbell Octavia Campbell Rachel Henderson Junaid Khan Rhett McCreight Lauren Morris Tori Smith
ADMINISTRATION Amanda Boothe Carlee Chappell Mary Jo Eskridge Alec Etheredge Stacey Meadows Kayla Reeves Leslie Reeves Jennifer Robertson Brittany Schofield
Blair Ramsey, Photographer
Blair is a Vestavia Hills-based photographer whose company, Southern Intrigue Photography, specializes in sports action, portrait and commercial images. Blair has two sons, Cooper and Cameron, who have both had the privilege of being Auburn cheerleaders. Blair’s work can be found at southernintriguephotography.com, on Instagram @southernintriguephotography and Facebook @southernintrigue.
Kate Seaver, Writer
Pursuing her degree in journalism and mass communications, Kate Seaver is a Samford University student, who loves writing and photography and hopes to continue sharing her community’s stories for years to come. She is always captured by stories about people, and she challenges herself to seek out the interesting bits in even mundane topics. When not writing or taking photos, she enjoys spending time outside, taking in the beauty of creation.
Caroline Simmons, Photographer
Caroline “Nellie” Simmons is a multimedia artist from Alabaster. With a B.A. in theatre and studio art from the University of Alabama, she works as a freelance photographer and creative consultant. One can see her freelance photojournalism and sports work published in AL.com, The Tuscaloosa News, USA Today, Shelby Living and FloSports. Her clientele work including portraits, events and live performances can be seen on her website nelliesimmonsphoto.com and on Instagram @nellies.photos.
Ashley Tiedt, Writer
Over the last 15 years, Ashley Tiedt has contributed more than 100 articles to various publications in Alabama. From debutants to tattoos, and addiction recovery to local artists, Ashley specializes in telling unique stories that engage and inform audiences. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Ashley started her career in broadcast journalism. She resides in Mountain Brook, Alabama, with her family.
Shelby Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by Shelby County Newsmedia Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living Magazine is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newsmedia Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Shelby Living Magazine, P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit ShelbyLiving.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $14.95 plus tax for one year by visiting ShelbyLiving.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@ShelbyLiving.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.
4 September/October 2026
from the editor
I
ON THE COVER
I’ll never forget the first time I heard the name James Spann. I moved to Alabama for college when I was 18. It wasn’t long before a couple of my roommates were having a conversation, fangirling over the man I’d never heard of. I simply asked, “who?” which seemed even more reasonable to me after they informed me he was the local meteorologist, but they didn’t seem to think it was reasonable at all. Baffled I asked them if they had heard of the local meteorologist where I’m from and while they hadn’t, they also didn’t feel like it was a fair comparison. I didn’t get it. Fast forward a few years, and I found myself in the closet of my second-story apartment, sirens going off outside. Tornadoes are rare where I am from, so I had little familiarity and absolutely no plan—a great combination for making a scary situation scarier. I did however have Twitter, and for the first time, I followed along as James covered what was happening. There I found comfort in someone, albeit not me, knowing what was going on, and I started to get it. Last month, I interviewed James and his wife, Karen, for a story you can read on page 74 ahead of his induction into the Shelby County Hall of Fame. We talked about several things, including his calling for what he’s doing, his heart for protecting Alabamians and how he’s just getting started. Somewhere in all that, I got it. Along with James, five other legacies are being cemented in this year’s Hall of Fame class, including Shelby County’s first county manager (page 52), the first female president of a college in Alabama (page 60), Wilsonville’s own famous archer and actor (page 56), the man who laid the foundation for Calera’s future (page 70) and the man ensuring the preservation of Helena’s past (page 66). All six of these individuals have made great impacts in a variety of lanes, but they all have at least one thing in common: Shelby County. It’s a pleasure to highlight them in this issue for their commitments to this place we call home. Respectfully,
County Heroes
This year, six new people will be inducted into the Shelby County Hall of Fame for the legacies they have left on the county. Photo by Caroline Simmons Design by Jamie Dawkins
michaela@shelbycountynewsmedia.com
ShelbyLiving.com 5
“ ” THE QUESTION
What’s the best game day food?
Rotel dip, pizza, wings and meatballs! -Ty Dennis
Rotel dip, spinach dip, ham, and cheese sliders -Sanchez Tanniehill
My homemade Chili with cheese. It’s my mother’s recipe & we lost her in 1999. She could cook anything & it’s probably the closest to her dishes that I can cook. -Margie Alexander Russell
Lil’ smokies!
-Ashley Michelle
6 September/October 2026
Homemade cheese dip with all the fixins’!
-Kathy Ponder Lemmon
Sausage balls
-Stephen Lunsford
Wings
-Jessica Echols
7 Layer Dip and corn chips -Donna Gardner Hartley
Enjoy the evening. Support the mission. Change lives.
Dinner & Drinks Beautiful Views Live Music by:
OCT 25
TH
4:00 PM
THE RED BARN, LEEDS, AL
Presented by:
www.theredbarn.org ShelbyLiving.com 7
@shelbylivingmagazine
Tag us in your Shelby County photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.
@jeffstatecollege Orientation at the Shelby-Hoover Campus...welcome students!
@themerimoon It’s WINE WEDNESDAY at the Moon! Tonight we are featuring the Frey Organic Wine flight with our pairing board! We have pears with caramel sauce for the Chardonnay, Lemon Squares for the Sauvignon Blanc, Orzo Pasta Salad with the Frey Organic Red, and Conecuh sausage to pair with the Biodynamic Red.
@jeremy_raines_photo
@creationsgaloreandmoorellc
No surprise, @tonicbandofficial and @ cowboymouthofficial killed it during the June edition of @helena_old_town LIVE! Thanks for giving Helena and Alabama a great evening!
Some surprises are just too fun to keep a secret! We had the honor of creating this custom celebration cake for @alec_etheredge to celebrate his birthday, his 10-year work anniversary, and 20 Years of General Excellence celebration. Thank you to the @shelbylivingmagazine team for allowing us to be a small part of such a special surprise. Congratulations, @alec_etheredge! Wishing you all many more years of success!
8 September/October 2026
THE GUIDE
HELENA’S BUCK CREEK FESTIVAL OCT. 9-10 FRIDAY | 6-10 P.M. SATURDAY | 10 A.M.-8 P.M. Helena Amphitheater Park The highly anticipated Buck Creek Festival is back this October, featuring an array of familyfriendly musical performances, the annual duck race, kids’ activities and a vendor market. Learn more at helenasbuckcreekfestival.com. ShelbyLiving.com 9
THE GUIDE AROUND TOWN SEPT. 11-12 OSMP Bluegrass Camp Oak Mountain State Park SEPT. 11 Paul Thorn in Concert Shelby County Arts Council Song Theater SEPT. 12 Butterflies & Beyond Albert L. Scott Library SEPT. 13 Revvin’ 4 Research Charity Ride Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson SEPT. 15 “Cozy Coffee” Cookie Class with Whisk Confections 10:25 Tabletop Games
SEPT. 12
Tinglewood Festival 9 A.M.-5 P.M. Orr Park
Tinglewood Festival is a free event that is open to all. The festival will showcase a variety of artists and artisans, some of whom will compete in a wood carving exhibition, a
whittling contest and a wooden boat race. Attendees will also get to see a huge lineup of vintage automobiles and restored tractors. With food trucks, family-friendly activities, live music and more, this event is perfect for the whole family. For updates, visit tinglewoodfestival.com.
SEPT. 10
Taste of Shelby County 6-8 P.M. Inverness Country Club
Sample dishes from across the county during the annual Taste of Shelby County fundraiser at Inverness Country Club on Sept. 10 from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $50 if pre-purchased, $60 at the door and $75 for VIP. The event benefits the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tasteofshelbycounty.com.
Share your news and events! Email submissions to Michaela@ShelbyCountyNewsmedia.com to be considered for our next issue. 10 September/October 2026
SEPT. 18-19 Mike Gannon Memorial Championship BBQ Downtown Columbiana SEPT. 18-19 Growing in Grace Consignment Westwood Baptist Church SEPT. 19 Helena Market Days-Pop Up Market Cahaba Lily Park SEPT. 19 Pavilion Pawty Calera Courtyard SEPT. 19 Montevallo Luau Event Village on Valley SEPT. 20 Salsa in the Park Pelham City Park SEPT. 24 “Oktoberfest” Cookie Class with Whisk Confections Cat-n-Bird Winery SEPT. 26 Oktoberfest-Old Town Live Helena Amphitheater
THE GUIDE SEPT. 26-OCT. 31 Pumpkin Patch Old Baker Farm SEPT. 27 Together Under One Flag Pelham City Park SEPT. 29 Alabaster National Night Out 820 Colonial Promenade Pkwy. OCT. 2 Pumpkin Patch Opening Day Helena Hollow OCT. 2 Bron yr Aur in Concert Shelby County Arts Council Song Theater OCT. 3-4 Pumpkin Junction Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
OCT. 9-10
Calera Stampede 5-10 P.M. Calera Courtyard
Grab your boots and hats; the Calera Stampede returns for its second year. The
PCA Rodeo takes place on back-to-back nights in October and is a great time for the entire family. Find Calera Main Street on Facebook for more information and where to buy tickets.
ShelbyLiving.com 11
THE GUIDE OCT. 3 Fire Prevention Parade Main Street in Montevallo OCT. 4 Music in the Park Pelham City Park OCT. 10-11 Pumpkin Junction Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum OCT. 11 Siluria Sounds: Alabama Symphony Orchestra Alabaster Amphitheater OCT. 12 Columbus Day Old Baker Farm
OCT. 10-11
Cowboy Weekend SATURDAY | 9 A.M.-5P.M. SUNDAY | 1-5 P.M. Old Baker Farm
Old Baker Farm in Harpersville will host its annual Cowboy Day festivities on Saturday
and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11. There will be shootouts, reenactments, vendors and more. Don’t forget to pick out a pumpkin from the patch. Admission is $15 per person, but those ages 1 and under get in free. Learn more at oldbakerfarm.com.
OCT. 14 Shelby County Women’s Business Council Summit The Grande Hall @ Old Mill Square OCT. 15 Taste of Hoover Aldridge Gardens OCT. 17 Helena Market Days-Pop Up Market Cahaba Lily Park OCT. 17-18 Pumpkin Junction Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
OCT. 30
Monsters on Main 4:30-5:30 P.M. Columbiana Main Street Columbiana’s beloved Halloween tradition returns the day before Halloween. Main Street will be shut down for the free, familyfriendly Monster Walk. Lines will form at the Shelby County Reporter and the Shelby County Museum for children to trick-or-treat the organizations set up lining the street. For more information, visit cityofcolumbiana.com. 12 September/October 2026
OCT. 17-18 Alabama Living History Weekend Old Baker Farm OCT. 18 Ozan Haunted Wine Run 5K Ozan Winery & Vineyard OCT. 20 Calera National Night Out Oliver Park OCT. 24 Montevallo Artwalk Downtown Montevallo OCT. 24 Fall Festival Mt. Laurel Town Center
THE GUIDE OCT. 24-25 Festival Weekend Old Baker Farm OCT. 24 Market at Westwood Westwood Baptist Church OCT. 25 Fall-O-Ween Pelham City Park OCT. 29 Eighth Annual Trunk or Treat Calera Courtyard OCT. 30 The Alabama Troubadours Shelby County Arts Council Song Theater OCT. 31 Megan Montgomery 5K Run/Walk Homewood Central Park
OCT. 31
Fall Fest
10 A.M.-3 P.M. Alabaster Amphitheater The city of Alabaster’s Fall Fest is back and will feature carnival rides for children, food vendors, hayrides, inflatables, live
entertainment, a trick-or-treat trail, pumpkin painting and more! Admission is free, and those wishing to paint pumpkins may purchase them for $2 each. Visit cityofalabaster.com for more information.
ShelbyLiving.com 13
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14 September/October 2026
Y 26 SHELB T THE 20 A S S K A O L O C L A AME ALL OF F H Y T N U CO
20 26
&CULTURE
ARTS
IN PLEIN SIGHT
Martha Fulghum draws out the beauty in ordinary places as she paints a canvas. BY MADISON SMITH PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER ShelbyLiving.com 15
T
There is something about the changing of seasons that invites people to slow down: the first cool breeze after summer, the warm glow of late afternoon sunlight through changing leaves, the quiet stillness before winter arrives. These are the moments that catch artist Martha Fulghum’s attention. For more than 50 years, she has spent her life preserving those fleeting moments on canvas. Even after decades as a professional artist, she said the excitement has never faded. “Whatever task is given to me, I want to do it ‘heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men’ and to bring glory to Him,” Fulghum said. “That excites me.” Long before galleries and plein air competitions, Fulghum was a child who loved to draw. “My love for art was a drive that was in me all along,” she said. Growing up in the Birmingham area, Saturday mornings meant watching Jon Gnagy’s “Learn to Draw” on television with a friend who shared her
16 September/October 2026
passion. Together, they sketched along with the program or colored using the treasured 64-count crayon boxes they had received for Christmas. School often proved challenging for Fulghum, but art became her sanctuary. “I would escape into the pages of my notebook and fill them with art instead of notes because it was the one thing I thought I could do well,” she recalled. Those notebook doodles became the first building blocks of an accomplished career. Her parents encouraged her interests by providing art supplies, and one memorable project transformed the family kitchen wall into a mural featuring a landscape and the family dog. Teachers also recognized her talent early. In high school, an art instructor entered her work into a local exhibition where it was displayed alongside professional artists she admired. To her surprise, she sold a piece. “I don’t remember if that piece was any good, but it was enough to make me believe I could maybe do this as a career,” she said.
ShelbyLiving.com 17
Her father supported her decision to study art while gently encouraging a backup plan. He suggested she learn typing and shorthand “in case the art career didn’t work out.” Instead, Fulghum decided the art career would work. “The Lord knew it was what I needed to do,” she said, “I’m beyond grateful that He has consistently provided jobs for me throughout my 50-plus-year art career.” Her studies at Auburn University and The 18 September/October 2026
University of Alabama at Birmingham gave her a strong foundation in perspective, figure drawing and color theory while exposing her to new artistic styles. Though she never specialized in commercial art, an advertising agency hired her for her illustration skills and trained her in layout design, opening the door to opportunities she never anticipated. Over the years, Fulghum worked as a commercial artist, medical illustrator, muralist and fine artist. Looking back, she believes every experience
prepared her for the next. “Each job has taught me skills that I’ve been able to use in later jobs,” she said. Perhaps the most physically demanding chapter was the mural business she operated with two fellow artists for 15 years. Together they painted virtually every subject imaginable, including ceilings that required countless hours balanced on ladders. Eventually, the strain caught up with her, and her neck locked up. Months of physical therapy followed, and she said she came to believe “the Lord was urging me to create smaller works that would no longer require a ladder.” That season of change led her outdoors. Plein air painting, creating artwork on location rather than from photographs or in a studio, opened an entirely new world to Fulghum. She embraced the constantly shifting light, changing weather and spontaneous nature of working outside that lead to treasures beyond finished paintings. “When plein air painting you remember everything about the day—the weather, who you painted with, the sometimes-wonderful scents and sounds, the color and the light.” One especially memorable afternoon found her
painting a house in Selma when sunshine gave way to a steady rain. Rather than pack up, she finished beneath a large umbrella because a prospective buyer was waiting. “It was one of the most pleasant painting experiences I’ve ever had under the gentle tapping of rain on my umbrella,” she said. Her artistic adventures have taken her to Tuscany through a watercolor journaling workshop, into private Alabama gardens and down quiet downtown streets after dark. Yet, she insists she can find inspiration almost anywhere. “I could really be happy painting most anywhere,” she said, while recalling standing beneath her own deck to paint snow-covered branches during one of Alabama’s rare winter storms. Although watercolor has been her companion for more than four decades, Fulghum has never stopped experimenting. She described the medium as a challenge she can still learn from. “It remains my favorite medium,” she said. Recently, she has also embraced oils and gouache, continuing to refine her craft by attending workshops and learning from fellow artists. “I hope to never quit learning since that’s how to continue growing as an artist,” she said.
ShelbyLiving.com 19
Some of her most meaningful work has extended far beyond Alabama. On a mission trip to Guatemala, Fulghum helped paint murals for a Christian children’s home in an area considered dangerous enough to require an armed guard nearby. Every afternoon, sheets of plastic protected the fresh paint from torrential rains. “It was the most exhausting but gratifying work, (knowing the murals might) cheer and comfort a child who was being brought there to live safely, to be loved, to learn about Jesus and to receive an education,” she said. That same sense of purpose carries into every commission she accepts. Before beginning a painting or illustration, Fulghum pauses to pray. “I start my projects with prayer and ask the Lord to guide my hands,” she said. Whether she is illustrating a book or painting a portrait of someone’s child, she understands the trust clients place in her. 20 September/October 2026
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ShelbyLiving.com 21
Even after five decades in the profession, Fulghum remains a student. As president of the Mountain Brook Art Association, she continues organizing events while working on new paintings and exploring fresh techniques. The Alabama art community has evolved dramatically since she first picked up a brush with social media and online workshops connecting artists around the globe. Still, her advice for aspiring creators remains rooted in fundamentals: strengthen your drawing skills, keep learning, build relationships and never stop practicing. Looking back across a remarkable career, it is clear Fulghum’s greatest masterpiece may not be any single painting but the perspective with which she approaches her work. Today, that same quiet passion continues to guide her brush across the page, capturing Alabama’s gardens, historic streets and changing skies with gratitude and grace. She embodies the sentiment that there is always another lesson to learn, another story to tell and another glimpse of beauty waiting to be discovered. To view more of Martha Fulghum’s art, visit marthafulghum.com, or find her on Facebook (Martha Fulghum Art) and Instagram (@marthafulghumart).
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22 September/October 2026
ARTS COUNCIL CORNER
COMPETITION TIME
Applications for the annual Robin Nance Metz Art Competition are open. BY LINDSAY DYESS PHOTO BY JEFF FASANO Fall is in the air at the Shelby County Arts Council. If cooler temperatures make you want to stay cozy inside, check out a performance in our cozy Song Black Box Theater! The SCAC brings you world class performances just down the street in Columbiana. On Sept. 11, SCAC-favorite Paul Thorn returns to the Song Theater. A Mississippi native, Thorn combines blues, rock and gospel to create his own brand of music. Check out his hits on his latest album “Life is just a Vapor” before checking out this great concert—you won’t be disappointed! Joining us on Friday, Oct. 30, are seasoned performers Rick Carter, Stan Foster, Donna Hall and William “Moose” Harrell of the Alabama Troubadours! Enjoy this show celebrating the singersongwriters of the 70s. This show will feature songs by artists such as James Taylor, Carole King, Cat Stevens and more. This is a can’t-miss show! If you’re looking to enjoy a theatrical performance, check out the SCAC’s first community theatre performance of Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias.” This classic story follows the unbreakable bond of six Southern women in a small-town Louisiana, beauty parlor. This debut show is directed by Dyllon Johnson. Performances will be on Oct. 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25. Tickets for “Steel Magnolias” as well as other Song Theater shows are available at shelbycountyartscouncil.com or by calling 205-669-0044. For those artists out there, don’t forget to submit your artwork for the annual Robin Nance Metz Art Competition! The
application opened Sept. 1. Alabama artists ages 18 and up can submit up to two artworks in the categories of painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, fiber arts, printmaking, digital art and fine art crafts. Work selected will be featured in the EBSCO Fine Art Gallery starting January 2027. There will be cash prizes selected for the best of each category and an overall best in show. The application fee is $45, and the entry deadline is Nov. 27. Don’t wait, submit today! For teen artists, keep an eye out for the High School Juried Art Show application opening early January 2027. To purchase tickets to these events, apply for the Robin Nance Metz Art Competition or to find out more info on any SCAC event, visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com or call 205669-0044. Be sure to follow the arts council on Facebook and Instagram (@shelby_county_arts).
ROBIN NANCE METZ ART COMPETITION Applications are open for the 2027 contest, and artists can submit work in the following categories: painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, fiber arts, printmaking, digital art and fine art crafts. WHO: Artists 18 and older DEADLINE: Nov. 27 APPLICATION FEE: $45 ShelbyLiving.com 23
ARTS & CULTURE
READ THIS BOOK
As the Leaves Turn Recommendations from
Ashley Enoch Children’s Librarian at Pelham Public Library
Ashley Enoch has been the Children’s Librarian at Pelham Public Library for the past five years. With a background in fine arts, she enjoys channeling her creativity into crafts, posters and programs every chance she gets. Admittedly autumnobsessed, Ashley prefers cozy sweaters to flipflops and loved pumpkin spice lattes long before the dawn of Instagram. Here, she recommends a few fall reads that pair well with a cozy blanket and cup of warm apple cider.
Thanksgiving in the Woods
By Phyllis Alsdurf | Picture Book Inspired by a real tradition in upstate New York, “Thanksgiving in the Woods” follows a child whose family spends the holiday preparing for a farmland feast with their extended family, neighbors and even a few new friends. Themes of simplicity and gratitude are woven throughout the story, and lush illustrations of twinkle lights, colorful leaves and home-cooked comfort foods will draw in young readers and caregivers alike.
The Adventures of Sophie Mouse: The Maple Festival
By Poppy Green | Juvenile Fiction Autumn is here, and Silverlake Forest is planning their biggest Maple Festival yet! Daydreamer Sophie Mouse is eager to help her mother Lily share her famous fall sweets with the community. However, when Sophie learns that their family bakery is temporarily short-staffed, she knows just the critter for the job— herself! Will the bustling festival prove too distracting for Sophie in her new assistant role, or is her creativity just what they need to help the bake stand shine in the crowd?
My Favorite Color is The Golden Hour
By Eva Austin | YA Romance When a crushing mistake derails her fall college plans, Emma Blackwell begrudgingly faces a new reality: living with her grandmother in Carlton Landing, Oklahoma while she finishes school. Even worse, while planning her next Jane Austen-inspired novel and trying to catch the eye of Kip, she encounters her childhood best friend-turned-nemesis, Bryson Dumar. Bryson’s presence is increasingly distracting, causing her to loosen her grip on old grudges and question if friendship (and maybe more) is worth rekindling.
The Second Story Bookshop
By Denise Hunter | Christian Fiction, Romance After her beloved grandmother passes, Shelby Thatcher is poised to inherit the bookshop she helped Gram run. To everyone’s dismay, Gram also bequeaths partial ownership to Gray Briggs, the boy who skipped town abruptly and broke teen Shelby’s heart. Small town gossip and a powerful family of bullies plague the otherwise quaint lakeside town of Granville, North Carolina, and dual timelines slowly reveal how the town sweetheart fell for its pariah. Shelby and Gray’s reunion as adults will unearth old feelings and wounds, forcing them to finally confront the factors that drove them apart years ago.
The Patchwork Players
By Jennifer Chiaverini | Contemporary Fiction For years, actress Julia Merchaud has spent one week each summer with her beloved friends at Elm Creek Quilt Camp in rural Pennsylvania. When Julia learns that her show will likely end after the upcoming season, and Elm Creek Quilt Camp is facing financial struggles, she concocts the perfect plan: invite the cast of the show to an autumn quilting retreat at camp. As motives surface and tensions arise, Julia will have to navigate career, friendships and the reality that what she wants may not be what’s best for the people she loves. 24 September/October 2026
SCHOOL
&SPORTS
STROKES OF JOY
Will Schroeder continues golf career while holding tight to lessons learned from his father. BY MADISON SMITH PHOTOS BY CAROLINE SIMMONS ShelbyLiving.com 25
W
Will Schroeder knows golf is not really a game about perfection. It’s about patience and learning how to recover after a bad shot instead of letting frustration ruin the next one. For the senior at Briarwood Christian School, that mentality has helped turn years of quiet improvement into major milestones. In the Shelby County Championship earlier this year, he finished first individually in tournament play with a score of 71 as his parents, Mitt and Tatum Schroeder watched in support. Though she wasn’t able to attend this tournament, his sister, Sara Tate Schroeder, has also been a steady supporter alongside their parents.
26 September/October 2026
This win continued a steady rise that has carried him to have the opportunity to play golf at the collegiate level. Along with Mitt, Will emphasized the talent that is demonstrated by almost every player present at the past tournament. Overall, Will described the experience as emotionally up and down throughout the day. As the round continued and the possibility of winning became more realistic, the pressure naturally increased. “It kind of dawned on me all of a sudden; I realized I actually had a shot to win,” he said. For people unfamiliar with competitive golf, Will explained that the sport is far more mentally
demanding than most realize. Unlike sports where mistakes can quickly disappear in the pace of the game, golf forces players to sit with every missed shot, every mistake and every frustrating moment. One bad hole can easily snowball into several if a player loses focus. Learning how to recover mentally has become one of the biggest strengths in Will’s game. “You’ve just got to know how to stay calm,” he said when discussing how he handles frustration during tournaments. That calmness comes through in nearly every aspect of the way he talks about golf. Whether discussing pressure or future goals, Will consistently returns to the importance of staying steady mentally and emotionally. But Will is more than a golfer. His daily life revolves
around balancing academics, athletics and preparation for the next chapter of his career. Like many student-athletes, Will’s schedule leaves little downtime. A typical day involves classes, practices, workouts and time spent preparing for tournaments. At Briarwood, academics are treated just as seriously as athletics, creating an environment where students are expected to succeed in both areas. “(Briarwood) really wants to make sure that athletes aren’t just athletes, but well-balanced people,” Will said. He first picked up a golf club in sixth grade, partially as an activity during quarantine, initially playing more for fun than anything serious. Throughout his training, the sport became something he genuinely wanted to improve at. ShelbyLiving.com 27
Tournament play became more important. Practice became more intentional. Golf shifted from a hobby to a goal. That work became especially important during Will’s junior year. At the time, Will’s driving distance was “behind the pack,” according to Mitt, which created a noticeable disadvantage on the course. However, during the summer of 2025, everything changed. Will hit a major growth spurt, gaining both height and strength, and suddenly the physical side of his game began catching up with the technical progress he had already been making for years. “He really started to hit the ball farther; he started to hit it far enough to be really competitive,” Mitt said. For Mitt, that summer became a turning point. The combination of Will’s improved distance, growing confidence and disciplined work ethic made him realize his son truly had the potential to pursue golf beyond high school and possibly turn it into a longterm career. “That’s when I knew in my heart and mind, he can really do this,” Mitt continued. That balance is something Mitt takes pride in as well.
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He clearly emphasized that golf was never supposed to come at the expense of Will becoming a wellrounded person. While tournament finishes and victories are exciting, Mitt spoke just as proudly about his son’s work ethic in the classroom and his ability to manage so many responsibilities at once. “It’s been really rewarding getting to watch an exponential growth in his performance,” Mitt said. “It was really just a game changer for Will.” While golf is technically played alone, Will’s story has never been only about him. Behind the tournament finishes, practice rounds and the endless drive this young athlete exhibits is a father who helped shape both the golfer and the person standing behind the clubs. Throughout every stage of Will’s growth in the sport, Mitt has remained a steady presence. Supportive without becoming overbearing, and encouraging while still allowing his son to develop the game on his own terms. Together, the two have built more than a golf career; they have built a relationship centered around countless hours of unwavering determination. Will credits much of that development to his father, who helped introduce structure and accountability into the process early on.
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“He helped push me to set standards for myself,” Will explained. Rather than pressuring him into success, Mitt focused more on helping him develop discipline and perspective. That support gave Will room to grow into the sport naturally while still understanding the level of commitment required to improve. “My dad would just say, ‘OK! You need to break 90,’ and then I would work hard to do that, and he’d come back and say, ‘You need to break 80,’ and then so on,” Will said. “He just pushed me to keep doing better.” As much as golf has shaped Will as an athlete, it has also strengthened the relationship between him and his father. When asked who had been the biggest influence on him throughout his golf career, Will did not hesitate. “I’d have to say my dad,” he said simply. From introducing him to the game in sixth grade to helping him stay calm during difficult tournaments, Mitt has remained a constant presence throughout every stage of Will’s development. Whether it was driving to practices, encouraging him after frustrating rounds or helping him learn how to take the game “one shot at a time,” the support never disappeared. Beyond the scores and accomplishments, Mitt expressed the proudest part has been watching his son mature into the kind of person capable of handling both pressure and success with humility. Watching Will reach the point where college golf is now a reality has been emotional for him. “I’m just so excited to be able to go watch him do it (at that level) because I’m going to be able to keep seeing him play,” Mitt said. After high school, Will plans to continue his golf career at The University of Montevallo, a school that’s close to home and felt comfortable. For Will, the university’s smaller environment and close proximity to home stood out immediately. After meeting the coach and spending time around the program, he said the school “felt right.” “It kind of felt like a little piece of home,” he explained. That comfort matters, especially for an athlete preparing to step into a much more competitive environment. Like many athletes moving to the next stage of competition, he understands the challenges ahead while still wanting to enjoy the experience as much as possible. According to Will, his biggest goal right now is to continue improving while still loving the game, a perspective that seems to reflect the values both he 30 September/October 2026
and Mitt have built together over the years. “It’s just really exciting, and I feel like this is a great next step,” Will said. “My goal is to just really play and contribute early.” Even with tournament wins, college opportunities and growing expectations surrounding his future, neither of them talks about golf entirely in terms of results. Instead, they speak about growth, and appreciating the experience itself. Mitt especially emphasized the importance of keeping golf enjoyable. For him, success has never only meant scores or trophies. It has meant watching his son grow into someone disciplined, humble and capable of handling both success and adversity. “It’s important for me that Will never loses the joy of playing the game, to just have fun is the most important part,” Mitt said. Long before college golf became reality, there was a father and son spending time together around the game. Now, as Will prepares for his senior season and to subsequently take the next step at Montevallo, the accomplishments matter, but the relationship built along the way seems to matter even more. After all, he may play golf as an individual competitor, but he has never really walked the course alone.
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SCHOOL & SPORTS
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Chenelle Hunter
Spain Park High School Sophomore, Wide Receiver/ Linebacker + Small Forward/Shooting Guard PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Chenelle Hunter has attended school in Shelby County since second grade, which is also when she began playing flag football and basketball. This year, she began playing soccer as well. She is hardworking and committed to her sports, where she is a leader and tries her best each day. What has your experience as part of the Spain Park High School flag football team been like? My experience with being a part of Spain Park Flag has been nothing short of amazing. I’ve learned how to better myself through it and leave it all out on the field. This sport has truly given me an escape and a support system. The coaches are amazing and are always wanting to see you get better; the friends and bonds that you make every season are something to cherish and keep, and I think that goes a long way with finding a reason to play. What is your favorite flag football memory? November 27, 2024. We’re in the semifinals against Hewitt, and we need a touchdown to even think about winning. My team is in the red zone, and it’s fourth down, and we can hear the crowd behind us roaring. We line up on the line, and I don’t even know what route I was supposed 32 September/October 2026
to be running. I just knew that the ball was coming to me, and I needed to get open, so I head straight toward the back of the end zone. My quarterback gives me a ball that I can go get, and I end up catching it with one hand and scoring. All I can remember is the excitement on the sidelines from my teammates because they knew we were still in that game. This is my favorite memory because I guess it has always given me this feeling of hope, and I can be that for my team, hope. Who is your all-time favorite coach and why? My favorite coach has to be my current coach, Coach Carmen. I’ve been playing for her since I was in seventh grade, and she’s seen me through every phase. She’s never given up on me and always believed that there was greatness inside of me. She’s a light to anyone she is around and just makes you want to pursue your dreams. She makes anything feel possible.
I don’t think I would be the player I am today without her. I’ve learned so much from her. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I’ve received was from my other flag coach, Coach Starr. He always says, “Don’t be sorry; be better,” which has always stuck with me because in sports there’s no room for feeling sorry for yourself. All you can do is focus on the next play or rep and do better. What are your future goals? In the future I want to go pro in either of my sports. Overall, I want to be a successful athlete and a role model to kids and encourage them to explore and find what they’re good at. I want to make sure that girls, especially, know that anything is possible if they put in effort and passion and to never give up on themselves because truly anything is possible.
&DRINK
FOOD
TEQUILA TIME
Margarita Grill nears 20 years of crafting a community with good food, live entertainment and margaritas. BY AMANDA BOOTHE PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY ShelbyLiving.com 33
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For nearly 20 years, Margarita Grill has been much more than a place to enjoy a great meal. It has become a place where families celebrate milestones, musicians find an audience and relationships are built one meal at a time. Behind the success are owners and brothers Javier and Rodrigo “RJ” Jerez. The journey from Nicaragua to Louisiana and eventually Alabama reflects years of hard work, resilience and deep appreciation for the community that supports them daily. Javier didn’t plan to spend his life being a restaurateur. He was born in Nicaragua and later joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Louisiana. After leaving the military, he enrolled at Louisiana State University with hopes of becoming a physical therapist. To help pay for school, he took a job waiting tables at Superior Grill, a Mexican restaurant in Shreveport, Louisiana. What began as a part-time
job soon became a career. “I found a restaurant that was looking for servers,” Javier said. “That’s where I first started my career in the restaurant industry.” As the years passed, he discovered a passion for hospitality. He learned that running a successful restaurant wasn’t simply about serving food. It was about creating an atmosphere where people felt welcomed, cared for and want to come back to. He spent the next few years learning every aspect of the business under Superior Grill’s owner, whom Javier credits as his greatest mentor. “Without a doubt, he was the main person who taught me what I know now about the restaurant business,” Javier said. “When I left, I told him I wanted to open a restaurant like his. He told me, ‘I wish you the best, and if you are going to copy me, copy me well.’” Those words became a guiding principle for Javier. In November 2006, Margarita Grill ShelbyLiving.com 35
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opened. At the time, Javier could never have imagined the restaurant would still be thriving nearly 20 years later. “If somebody would have told me we’d still be here almost 20 years later, I wouldn’t have believed it,” he said. Since opening its doors, Margarita Grill has grown into one of the area’s most recognizable restaurants. It’s a combination of Mexicaninspired cuisine, live entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere that has helped create a loyal customer base that spans generations. Just like anything in life, the restaurant has overcome many challenges. From staffing issues, food costs and other unexpected setbacks, overcoming these challenges is what shaped the business. Javier believes having a good attitude throughout these obstacles is what carries him through those hard times. “There are always challenges behind the scenes that people don’t see,” he said, “If you’ve got a great attitude, it makes things easier for everyone.” This mindset has helped him navigate many difficult moments throughout the restaurant’s history. One of the most difficult moments came in 2010 when he received a cease-and-desist letter from attorneys representing musician Jimmy Buffett.
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Living with a chronic health condition doesn’t mean childhood has to stop. At Children’s of Alabama, we make sure kids can keep doing what they do best—laughing, playing, and simply being kids. With expert care, advanced treatments, and a team that never stops believing in brighter days, The legal notice claimed Margarita Grill was infringing on the Margaritaville brand and demanded that Javier change the name. He responded by documenting the restaurant’s branding and demonstrating that it was not attempting to copy the branding. “It was a scary moment,” Javier said. “It taught me to stand behind what you’ve built.” While challenges help shaped the business, Javier said the greatest reward has never been the financial success. Instead, it has been meeting new people and growing relationships with customers. Over the past 20 years, the relationships only deepened. Families who visited the restaurant when their children were young now return with their grandchildren.
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“Now I’m seeing the kids of the people who first came here,” Javier said. “It’s like a second generation. They consider us part of their family, and to me, that’s an honor.” For Javier, those moments represent everything he hoped the restaurant would become. He wants every guest who walks through the doors to feel 38 September/October 2026
welcomed and at home. “I want people to leave with a good memory, not just because of the food, but because of how they felt around the people who served them,” he said. “That’s what creates lasting memories.” The Margarita Grill experience does not stop with the indoor dining room. There is also an
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS Margarita Grill is throwing a block party to celebrate 20 years in business on Friday, Nov. 13, 5-11 p.m. Nacho Daddy will be performing. Join them to celebrate two decades of good times and community! outdoor dining area with a stage for local performers, giving customers another reason to gather. Javier also hopes the restaurant can serve as a small stepping stone for musicians who perform at his restaurant. “We’re one of the few places around here that has live music every single night,” he said. “We’ve always tried to support entertainment in our community.” Supporting the community has always been a central part of his business. Whether it is providing a place for celebrations or giving entertainment, Javier believes restaurants can play a much larger role than simply serving meals.
More recently, Javier took another step forward by adding Creekside BBQ to his list of owned restaurants in Pelham. Reflecting on his time in the restaurant industry, he does not measure success by the number of locations or restaurants he owns; he measures it by the people who continue to show support. “The reason we are still here is because the community gave us a chance,” he said. “Through the highs and the lows, they’ve stayed with us. That says a lot about what they see in us, and it reminds us of how grateful we are for them.” As Margarita Grill approaches its 20th anniversary, Javier reflected on the unexpected path that brought him there—from Nicaragua to military service, then college and waiting tables, to being a restaurant owner who is a huge part of the community. After nearly 20 years, Margarita Grill has become more than a local restaurant. It is a place where memories are made, music fills the air, families gather and a sense of community grows one table at a time. Margarita Grill is located in Pelham and is open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., with the bar remaining open an hour later each day.
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FOOD & DRINK
5
FIVE QUESTIONS FOR
Jesus Melendez General Manager at Margarita Grill PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Jesus Melendez has worked at Margarita Grill since it opened. Twenty years ago, he was looking for a job and heard that Rodrigo “RJ” Jerez, who he knew from Superior Grill, and his brother Javier Jerez were planning to open Margarita Grill. He was drawn to the connection he had with the brothers and knew he wanted to be part of it. Throughout the years, their connection has grown into more than coworkers, but family. How did you get your start in the food industry? I started in the restaurant industry 30 years ago in Louisiana, at a restaurant called Chile Verde. I began as a dishwasher and worked my way up, both there and at other restaurants, becoming a busboy, then a host, a server and eventually a manager. What’s been your favorite part of working at Margarita Grill? I’ve never really felt like it was just a job because I truly love what I do. It’s the people, the atmosphere and the environment we’ve created together. When you’re in a place you genuinely enjoy 40 September/October 2026
being, you don’t even notice the time passing. And now, 20 years later, here we are.
What’s the best item on the menu? My favorite is the outside skirt steak that we use because it’s something you really can’t find just anywhere. It’s the quality of How have you enjoyed crafting food for the meat and the way we prepare and cook the community of Shelby County and it that make it so special. Even after 20 beyond? years, I still haven’t gotten tired of it. I’ve enjoyed it so much because there’s something incredibly rewarding about As Margarita Grill looks to celebrate its creating a dish, watching people try it and 20th anniversary later this year, what’s seeing how much they enjoy and appreciate your favorite memory there? it. That feeling is priceless, and beyond There isn’t just one, I’ve met so many that, I simply love what I do. people here and made so many memories that I truly cherish. This place has made me stronger and motivated me to keep growing and moving forward, so it’s impossible for me to choose just one.
&STYLE
HOME
RENOVATED DREAMS Jason Thomas lives out dream crafting luxury homes. BY ASHLEY TIEDT PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY ShelbyLiving.com 41
Living Room The windows are original to the home, but Thomas added custom metal work to each pane, elevating the look. The custom drapes, made with fabric from King Cotton, open and close with the click of a button allowing for shade on a warm Alabama day. The chandelier is a MAISON LUMIÈRE Paris design, created by Thomas. 42 September/October 2026
Basement Den
O
Opening the door to a house by Jason Thomas Homes in Greystone is more like walking into an experience. His unique style, inspired by his years living in Europe, is unmistakably breathtaking and filled with beauty and warmth. In 2012, Thomas bought what he believed to be his dream home in Greystone and began an extensive renovation that would change his life in more ways than one. “I was clueless about renovating at the time, but I had the original blueprints, and I started to draw on them,” Thomas said. “I knew exactly what I wanted the house to look like.” With the plans drawn and contractors hired, renovations began. Halfway through the process, a devastating car accident paused everything. Doctors said he would eventually be told he would never walk again. “I’m hardheaded,” Thomas said. “When someone tells me I can’t do something, that just makes me want to do it more. The doctors don’t know how I’m walking now.” Recovery slowed the home renovation process down and caused it to last four years, but just like Thomas, it never stopped moving forward. Both moved at a slower pace than when it started, but the light at the end of the recovery and renovation tunnels ran parallel. When the home renovation was complete, Hollywood came calling, filming several movies, including “Inheritance,” starring Lily Collins and Chace Crawford. Additionally, Hibbett Sports and ESPN used the
Thomas purchased the home from an architect who ran his business from the basement. During the renovation, Thomas knocked out walls, opening up the basement into a more inviting space, which includes a seating area and a second kitchen.
home as a set. Thomas hosted parties and allowed organizations to host parties at his home as well, until former Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings nose tackle Michael Pierce showed up at his front door offering to buy the house. “I thought to myself, ‘I had my dream house, and now I’m getting kicked out,’ but I decided if I could redesign this house, I could do it again,” he said with a laugh. Using the profit from the sale of his home, Thomas bought two homes in Greystone, one to renovate and live in and one to renovate and sell. However, it wasn’t long before he was selling his home again. “The first Greystone house really put me on the map,” Thomas said. “People liked what I had done with it. They liked the details; I pay a lot of attention to the details. Once I get something in my head, I can’t get it out of my head until it is finished.” From there, the business snowballed and expanded. Thomas even owns a light fixture company now called MAISON LUMIÈRE Paris. He creates custom chandeliers made of real crystal and brass, in addition to more modern fixtures made of porcelain and metals. Whether through illumination, color palettes, mixed metals or archways, the unmistakable style and talent of Jason Thomas shine through like natural light into the homes he curates. Follow his renovations on Instagram at @mr.jasonthomas and MAISON LUMIÈRE Paris on Instagram at @maisonliereparis_byjt. ShelbyLiving.com 43
Breakfast Nook
Wine Wall
The breakfast nook features a custom MAISON LUMIÈRE Paris made of porcelain and brass. Thomas also commissioned the table, designing it himself.
A wine wall is a staple in all Jason Thomas homes. While Thomas does not drink often, the wall serves as a symbol of the consummate host, ready to entertain at a moment’s notice.
Kitchen The notches on the island and the stove hood were whittled by a carpenter during the renovations. The gold brass was added after the installation, and once completed, the ever-talented Stephen Ardovino returned to add the gold crown molding. 44 September/October 2026
Dining Room The wall mural, painted by Stephen Ardovino, complements the custom-recovered antique dining chairs. The fabric was purchased locally at King Cotton.
ShelbyLiving.com 45
Master Bedroom Thomas calls this room his “sanctuary.” Inspired by the many castles he visited while living in Europe, this room represents a place where he can escape the noise of the day and allow his still-recovering back to take a break and enjoy the silence and peace away from the outside world.
Louis Vuitton Room An avid collector of Louis Vuitton, this is Thomas’ favorite room in the entire house. He proudly displays a piece of luggage once owned by Nicki Minaj, purchased at auction.
Formal Office Natural light shines through the window, illuminating and complementing the darkly painted walls and the gold accents throughout the space. Blueprints of the home sit on the desk, showcasing the perfectionist within Thomas and begging the question, is the home truly complete?
Sitting Area Thomas was able to obtain signed prints by Salvador Dali, who once created a cookbook with his wife. She wrote the recipes, while he did the illustrations. Jason owns one of only five full sets of the illustrations in the world.
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Upstairs Office A 3D rendering of the first home Thomas renovated sits on his desk, serving as a reminder of where he started and how far he’s come. A painting of Thomas and his mother on his first trip to the beach adds to special memories in the room. Thomas says that when he walks into the room it feels like going home.
Backyard The back of the house features a lower level with a beautiful outdoor grilling area, perfect for entertaining. The second level features a covered and uncovered patio, allowing guests to enjoy the weather in whichever way they prefer.
Back Patio Once open to the elements, Thomas closed in the back patio, adding warmth and elegance to the space that overlooks the perfectly manicured backyard.
250 Inverness Center Drive, Hoover, AL 35242 • Call: 205.995.5575 • Text: 205.627.4207 ShelbyLiving.com 49
50 September/October 2026
SHELBY COUNTY
Fame HALL OF
INDUCTEES
THURSDAY, OCT. 22 AT AMERICAN VILLAGE
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Shelby County’s Playbook
S
ALEX DUDCHOCK DEFINED THE STANDARD FOR EMPLOYMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN SHELBY COUNTY FOR THREE DECADES. BY NOAH WORTHAM | PHOTOS BY CAROLINE SIMMONS & FILE
1982-1986, his proudest accomplishment was meeting his wife of more than 40 years, Natalie Rodgers, with whom he has three sons. The two have lived together in Shelby County since 1988, and she enabled him to be able to accomplish the work he set out to do. After graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in education, adult training and development, Dudchock got a job with Russell Corporation as a manager in the personnel department. In March 1988, an opportunity came up for Dudchock to try and get a role with Shelby County as the county personnel director. He was one of 37 sitting in the room one Saturday morning up for the role and performed well enough to be one of the few to proceed to the interview phase despite being one of the youngest candidates. In approaching his interview with the probate judge and four county commissioners for the role, Dudchock decided he would act just as he would on the job—a tactic that worked and helped to solidify him as a down-to-earth man who gets work done. A Place to Call Home “I still didn’t think there was any way I was getting Born the youngest of five, Alex Dudchock was the role because going through the interview raised in Graysville, Alabama, where he attended process, I acted the same way I knew I was going to the original Minor High School and secured a act if I worked for them or didn’t,” Dudchock said. scholarship to play at Auburn University as a “I was a very black-or-white type of guy. I wasn’t going to play any games.” defensive lineman. That same mentality carried into his role as While he deeply values his time at Auburn from Shelby County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state of Alabama, with an ever-increasing quality of life thanks to strong local schools, attractions such as American Village and amenities such as Oak Mountain State Park. However, Rome wasn’t built in a night, and neither was Shelby County. Much of the development of the county many call home was made possible thanks to the deliberate efforts of one man who believed in installing the right people into office and in investing in projects that make a difference in the everyday lives of residents. “I think most people would have no idea in their day-to-day life how much Alex Dudchock has positively affected their lives,” said Lindsey Allison, longtime Shelby County commissioner. “The blueprint for this county had to start somewhere, and it had to start with somebody, and it all leads back to Alex.”
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ShelbyLiving.com 53
“I think most people would have no idea in their day-to-
day life how much Alex Dudchock has positively affected their lives. The blueprint for this county had to start somewhere, and it had to start with somebody, and it all leads back to Alex.” — Lindsey Allison personnel director, in which he dedicated himself to the cause of hiring only those who met qualifications and were the best person for the role. After three years and four months in the role, Dudchock left and went to work in the private sector for Bill Harbert International Construction as manager of human resources and facilities security officer. Eventually, he was approached by former colleagues from Shelby County for a new role that was the first of its kind in the state of Alabama: the county manager. Allison joined Shelby County Commissioner Don Armstrong for an interview with Dudchock at Cracker Barrel to see if the former Auburn defensive lineman was interested in becoming the guiding hand of Shelby County. Despite an initial pause for consideration, Dudchock accepted the role, paving the way for other counties to copy Shelby County’s blueprint for how to run a local government. “I can tell you in hindsight, thank goodness I did it,” Dudchock said. “I have lifelong relationships with all walks of life, all socioeconomic backgrounds and occupations because of my tenure, and that is a blessing. Being able to see and develop those relationships was the most satisfying part.” Defining a Role During the early ‘90s, Dudchock and the Shelby County Commission inherited a different version of Shelby County than the one most are familiar with today. By fall 1992, the county was approximately $50 million in debt from multiple projects and had defaulted on the multimillion-dollar loan it had taken out for work on the sewer system. Through the combined efforts of county leaders, the city organized a tax to begin paying off that debt, and Dudchock spearheaded the direction going forward. The two major focuses during his time as county manager were on people and finances. If the county hired the right people for the job and stayed fiscally responsible, things would head in a more positive direction. Dudchock implemented a formal system of policies, job descriptions and procedures with a merit-based evaluation for all the departments the 54 September/October 2026
county was responsible for. That initiative established a formal compensation and benefits plan, which later served as the bedrock of the Civil Service Act, which Dudchock helped become state law. “We wanted servant-minded staff members at every level,” Dudchock said. “We wanted a high degree of personal and professional accountability, and our people delivered that. We successfully navigated two recessions with that. It goes back to the character and quality of all the people that are part of our team.” As the city found its way out of the verge of bankruptcy, Dudchock worked alongside Armstrong to keep the county’s budget clean while also providing the vital services residents needed. “People prior were making financial decisions they shouldn’t have been making, how they were going about spending money, and it showed that we had to do things differently,” Dudchock said. “The key is that you cannot do anything financially irresponsible and must ensure that the information that you provide to the final entity, which is the County Commission under Alabama law, is accurate and always flowing to them.” Despite working with 33 different sets of personalities on the Shelby County Commission during his time as county manager, Dudchock dedicated himself to ensuring that everyone had access to the same, accurate and detailed information so that the right decisions could be made regarding the budget. “We got out of financial trouble, and we set a standard for financial security, which one of the key components of was that we didn’t borrow money,” Allison said. “You paid as you go for all projects. Government should have a limited capacity, and Alex (Dudchock) was pretty astute at knowing what
we needed to participate in and what we didn’t.” Included in that balanced budget each year was funding for special capital projects that Dudchock oversaw to improve the quality of life in Shelby County. During his 26 years and four months as county manager, Dudchock oversaw the development, programming and implementation of more than 300 projects that benefit residents today. Dudchock paved the way for two Shelby County Courthouse expansion projects, a regional juvenile detention facility, a new water treatment plant and distribution system, a new county services building in Pelham, the expansion of Interstate 65, a new county animal services building and more than 20 major recreational park projects. “Without Alex Dudchock, Heardmont Park doesn’t exist and the thousands and thousands that have played and learned how to play sports on those fields would not have gotten to,” said Chad Scroggins, the current county manager. “There’s a lot of things that, quite frankly, wouldn’t be here today without Alex. Not only amenities that we can actually touch but also programs that help better the community.” After a combined 30 years of serving the citizens of Shelby County, Dudchock retired from his role as county manager in April 2020, with Scroggins succeeding him as Shelby County’s second county manager. In 2019, the Shelby County Chamber created the Alex Dudchock Community Leadership Award in honor of his years of contribution, and Shelby County honored Dudchock by naming the Shelby County Services Building on Highway 280 after him in 2021. “There is no one who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame more than Alex Dudchock,” Scroggins said. “When you think about his heart for this county, he gave it all for 30 years.” ShelbyLiving.com 55
The Long Shot
HOWARD HILL’S ARCHERY SKILLS TOOK HIM FROM WILSONVILLE TO AFRICA AND BACK TO HOLLYWOOD.
H
BY MADISON SMITH | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Howard Hill, a native of Wilsonville, became internationally known for his skill with a bow and arrow. His career took him from hunting in the Alabama woods to Africa and even all the way to Hollywood. Hill began shooting a bow when he was about four years old. His father, who lived with the family on a farm along the river in Wilsonville, made him a small longbow from white oak and fashioned arrows from river cane. It didn’t take long for the young Hill to put his new bow to use. According to his nephew, Jerry Hill, Howard was hunting with his dog when the dog jumped a rabbit. When the rabbit circled back toward the area, Howard took his stance, drew his bow and killed it. “He was thrilled to no end,” Jerry said. “Him being a four-year-old kid, a little boy.” The experience was enough to fuel a lifelong interest in archery. Howard eventually developed his skills to a level that made him known for shots that other archers considered nearly impossible. His career expanded beyond traditional archery and hunting. Howard became involved in Hollywood, where his abilities with a bow made him a sought-after performer and stuntman. His work in the film industry gave him opportunities to travel and work alongside some of the era’s bestknown entertainers, including actor Errol Flynn. Jerry recalled that Howard traveled with Flynn aboard his yacht, the Sirocco, sailing along the coast of Mexico while shooting sharks and marlin from the boat. The two also sailed around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America. Rather than taking the Panama Canal, they went around the Horn, where they encountered severe weather.
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“They were going around the Horn, and it come up big storms, and the sea was real high and just throwing the boat one way and another way,” Jerry said. The conditions became dangerous enough that Howard and Flynn spent the night fighting to keep control of the yacht. “They actually had to take a rope, and each one of them tied themselves to the steering wheel of the boat to keep control,” Jerry said. The journey also included a stop at the Galápagos Islands, where Howard killed an elephant seal with his bow and arrow. According to Jerry, the animal was even larger than an African bull elephant Howard had previously killed. The elephant seal weighed approximately 10,000 pounds. “He said the elephant seal was the biggest animal he ever killed in his life,” Jerry said. Howard’s adventures in Africa were among the most notable parts of his career. In 1950, he traveled there to make a motion picture and hunt big game using a bow and arrow. His accomplishments were remarkable by any standard, but Jerry said his uncle did not believe his success came entirely from his own abilities. Howard was a deeply religious man, and he credited his faith for many of the shots he made under extreme circumstances. “He was a very Christian man,” Jerry said. “He gave all the credit to his ability when it comes to shooting a bow and making some of the shots that seemed impossible to other archers.” Jerry said Howard believed that even the world’s greatest archer could find himself in a situation where human ability alone was not enough. One example came during the 1950 African
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expedition when Howard shot a lion from approximately 150 yards away. His initial shot hit the animal but did not kill it, and the lion disappeared into some thorn bushes. Howard drew his bow again as the animal ran toward him. He continued moving forward and released his arrow, striking the lion between the eyes and killing it. Afterward, Jerry said Howard dropped to his knees and thanked God for saving his life. “He felt like God had controlled the shot of the arrow more than him,” Jerry said. That same combination of skill and faith was reflected in Howard’s approach to his accomplishments. Jerry said his uncle believed there were moments when an archer could do everything right and still be unable to explain how a difficult shot succeeded. Howard’s relationship with Jerry gave his nephew a different perspective on the famous archer. The two hunted together regularly, including rabbit, deer and duck hunting. Jerry remembered one particular deer hunt when several archers were sitting along a logging road. It was midmorning, and none of the hunters had killed a deer. Then a doe appeared at the other end of the road. Someone pointed it out to Howard, who decided to take the shot. His first arrow hit slightly low, 58 September/October 2026
but the deer continued walking. He immediately grabbed another arrow, drew again and adjusted his aim. The second arrow hit perfectly. “I remember that like it was yesterday,” Jerry said of the experience. Their relationship went far beyond hunting. Jerry said his uncle treated him as closely as a son. Howard and his wife did not have children and treated Jerry as if he were their own. “They felt like, well, maybe just wasn’t in God’s plan for them to have a child of their own,” Jerry said. The couple told Jerry that if he had not already had a mother and father, they would have gone to the courthouse and adopted him. “They didn’t think it’d be necessary but just wanted to let me know that I was as close to him as only a son could have been if he had had a son,” Jerry said. Howard eventually appointed Jerry as his successor to speak on his behalf and share his story when he could not do so himself. That responsibility gave Jerry the opportunity to hear many of Howard’s stories firsthand. He said there is still much about his uncle’s life that he could share.
“He felt like God had controlled the shot of
the arrow more than him.”
— Jerry Hill For Jerry, however, Howard’s legacy is not defined solely by the animals he hunted, the famous people he knew or the impossible shots he made. It is also defined by the man he was to the people closest to him. From a homemade bow in Wilsonville to Hollywood and some of the most challenging hunting and travel expeditions of his time, Howard built a legacy around a skill he began developing as a child. His career made him famous around the world, but his story remained connected to the Alabama community where it began. Now, as Howard is recognized in the Shelby County Hall of Fame, his accomplishments are being remembered alongside the personal stories of those who knew him best. For Jerry, that means remembering an accomplished archer, but also a mentor and someone almost as close as a father. And through Jerry’s memories, the legacy of Howard Hill continues to be told.
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Forging a Path
JUDY MERRITT’S RESILIENCE AND EFFORTS FOR ACCESSIBLE HIGHER EDUCATION CAN STILL BE FELT TODAY.
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BY KATELYN SMITH | PHOTOS FILE & CONTRIBUTED
As the first female president of a college in Alabama, Judy Merritt was instrumental to not only the schools and boards she worked for but to her students, staff and friends. She valued higher education and fought to give every student the opportunity to experience it. Her legacy has impacted more than just schools. It’s impacted many generations of college students to come. In 1943 in Jacksonville, Alabama, Merritt was born to longtime educators Lawrence Miles, dean of admissions at Jacksonville State University, and Beatrice Davis Miles, a teacher. Growing up in an environment of education curated by her parents was part of what influenced her own journey in education. At only 16 years old, Merritt entered The University of Alabama, her introduction to the many opportunities that higher education could offer. It would persuade her to pursue a career in it. “I think she saw what (higher education) did—it opens doors for everybody,” said Lindsey Allison, Shelby County Commissioner who was friends with Merritt. “I mean, she raised people up. She raised me up; she raised her students; I bet she raised everybody up. That was her motive; that was her goal; that was her calling in life.” After receiving her bachelor’s in secondary education and her master’s in counseling and guidance, Merritt started her career as the counselor of admissions for Jefferson State Junior College, now Jefferson State Community College, when it first opened in 1965. She loved being able to interact with students as the admissions counselor, and it was one of her favorite parts of working in education.
Merritt later returned to The University of Alabama and received her doctorate in educational administration. Afterward, she moved to be the vice president of student affairs at Florida International University. She returned to Alabama in 1979 to resume her career at Jeff State, but this time as president. “Just the things she was able to do, particularly if you go back and think about the late 70s where women and leadership roles were still forging their way in many ways,” said Keith Brown, current president of Jeff State. “And so, for her to get into the boardrooms and the leadership roles in the community, she really had to make a concerted effort and be very competent and capable as well.” Brown was a student at Jeff State while Merritt was president and recalled her being very personable and down to earth. To her students, she was never Dr. Merritt but was always known as Judy. She was quick to stand up for her students and do all that she could to further their education. “But she was never soft,” Brown said. “She was nice and approachable, but you knew there was a force behind her, and she could certainly wield her influence as needed.” That force certainly showed in her efforts to develop the Jeff State campus in Shelby County. The original college was in Center Point and a part of Jefferson County, but Merritt had a vision. She wanted to grow the campus throughout other counties so that community college could be an option for more people. Without her efforts and partnerships to help fund the project, the Shelby County campus might never have existed. In 1993, the second campus opened. She later ShelbyLiving.com 61
“Judy (Merritt) had a heart for serving people fundamentally, and she wanted to make sure that the
mission of the community college is to provide affordable and accessible opportunities to everyone. If there were any institutional barriers that prevented someone from pursuing their educational opportunities, she wanted them minimized to the full extent they could be.” — Keith Brown helped open two other campuses, one in St. Clair County and one in Chilton County. “I think here in Shelby County, the campus of Jeff State Community College on Valleydale Road is just a monument to her efforts to expand educational opportunities,” said David Nolen, board president of the Shelby County Historical Society. Merritt wanted everyone to be able to attend community college if they desired to. When Brown began working at Jeff State, they had an institutional deadline for students to apply for financial aid. When Merritt learned that they had established the deadline, she immediately said that they would not do that. She believed that if the admissions department could get the application processed in time and let the students know how much their financial aid package would be before classes started, then there was no need for a deadline. Because 60 percent of Jeff State students are first-generation college students, Merritt recognized that they might not have yet have the courage and confidence to apply so early in advance. “Judy (Merritt) had a heart for serving people fundamentally, and she wanted to make sure that the mission of the community college is to provide affordable and accessible opportunities to everyone,” Brown said. “If there were any institutional barriers that prevented someone from pursuing their educational opportunities, she wanted them minimized to the full extent they could be.” Even when she was just going to the grocery store, Merritt would take her time speaking to the cashier. She would ask them what they were planning on doing, and no matter what their answer was, she would talk about Jeff State and the opportunities available for them there. If they mentioned that money was an issue, she would tell them to talk to the vice president, Joe Morris at the
time, and they would sort it out. She was always recruiting students whenever possible. Merritt didn’t just affect Jeff State; her passion and service was also seen on the numerous boards she served on. “She served on the board of directors of several businesses, including Bruno’s, Energen Corporation and SouthTrust Bank,” Nolen recalled. “She was the first woman elected to the Energen Corporation board of directors, and she was the only female on the SouthTrust Bank board of directors.” She also co-chaired the United Way of Central Alabama and became the first woman to chair the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. There were many more boards she spent her time on. Her impact and influence can still be felt on Jeff State campuses today, especially the one in Shelby County. They even host a 5K in her name every year to bring the community together and honor her. “Everybody (at Jeff State) is important, and that’s been very much our culture here, and I would say that’s a lasting part of her legacy,” Brown said. Merritt, a pioneer of Jeff State, dedicated her life to helping students realize their own potential. To her, higher education was priceless.
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2026 Shelby County Hall
of Fame Cornerstone Awards
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Preserving History
KENNETH “KEN” PENHALE WORKS TO ENSURE FUTURE GENERATIONS HAVE ACCESS TO THE HISTORY OF HELENA AND SHELBY COUNTY.
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BY DANIEL LOCKE | PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES AND FILE
For nearly two decades, events have come and gone, playing a role in what the city of Helena is today, with no easy option for residents or visitors to view the photographs and artifacts that make up the story of the community. That changed 15 years ago. In 2011, Kenneth “Ken” Penhale helped establish a museum to put Helena’s history on display. When the museum, fittingly named the Kenneth R. Penhale City of Helena Museum, opened its doors, the history of the city that many have come to love was easily accessible. The Penhale family has deep roots in Helena that can be traced back to before the beginning of the 20th century. That connection and his personal love for the city and its history inspired the beginning of the museum. “We’ve been here since 1875,” Penhale said with a smile on his face. “My brother, (Charles “Sonny” Penhale), served as mayor for 45 years, and I’ve just actively collected the history of the town for a number of years. I just wanted to see the history preserved, not lost. Many of the old-timers are gone now. That’s what I’ve been working toward preserving.” David Nolen, who currently serves as the board president of the Shelby County Historical Society, first met Penhale through the organization, as Penhale played a role in its formation.
“I first met Ken (Penhale) sometime during the 1970s,” Nolen said. “I don’t remember exactly when, but it was during that time frame after he and some others organized the Shelby County Historical Society. (Penhale) was elected as the first president of the Shelby County Historical Society. There number one mission was to restore the old courthouse, and he did a lot of the demolition and restoration work himself.” Establishing the historical society was not something Penhale planned on doing, as he had a lot on his plate providing for his family. Despite this, he helped get the organization off the ground, and the county has benefitted from it for quite some time. “I’ve always been interested in history going back to grammar school,” Penhale said. “Margaret Sizemore, at the time she was the dean of women at Samford University, kept after me to found the historical society. I had three small kids and was working six days a week. I didn’t have a lot of time. She persisted, and I gave in and did it, which was a lot of fun. I got to know a lot of interesting people from different parts of the county.” Penhale’s work in preserving Shelby County’s history did not stop there, as his brother called on him to help establish the Helena museum. Penhale received a sizeable amount of help from ShelbyLiving.com 67
“Listening to his stories
and understanding the way things were in the past, I see the importance of it. If our kids now don’t know what the past was like, they can’t make the future better, not only for themselves but others.”
— Maria Avery Dalen
the community as countless people have contributed photos and artifacts since the museum opened. He still welcomes additions on a regular basis. “I had a pretty good photo collection already, and it didn’t take a lot of work to get people to bring things in,” he said. “It’s just been continuous, people donating things to the museum.” There is a lot that visitors can learn when touring the museum, but Penhale personally hopes they leave with a better understanding of how Helena came to be and the resources that helped the town develop and grow over time, eventually becoming what it is today. “It started as a mining railroad town,” Penhale said. “People complain about the railroads, but they don’t consider that the railroad was here first. The railroad first came through during the Civil War, 68 September/October 2026
and the Union Army destroyed it. It was rebuilt in 1872, and that’s when the mines reopened. The early history is what I wish people really knew, how the town was founded and what made it prosper.” For him, one of the most rewarding parts of running the museum is the reactions people have when visiting, as it allows the history of the city to come to life in front of their eyes. He has received countless compliments over the years, pertaining to everything from the layout to the large number of photographs and artifacts available for viewing. Penhale has recently started to receive help running the museum from his granddaughter, Maria Avery Dalen. Having her there to assist him has been beneficial, and it has brought him even more enjoyment in operating the museum. “It’s a big help,” Penhale said. “She’s my
granddaughter, so I’ve instilled history in her over the years. She’s been a big help; she comes in and helps me on Saturdays.” Assisting her grandfather with the museum operations means a lot to Dalen as well. She gets to learn more about the community while spending quality time with him. “It means the world to me because I see his love for it, and then that love has been passed down to me throughout my childhood and adulthood now,” Dalen said. “It’s a great time to be together. I get to ask him questions and know what his childhood and early adult life was like. It’s a glimpse into history.” Having the opportunity to help Penhale in the museum has given Dalen a deeper understanding of history. This creates a bigger impact, as she then
gets to pass those lessons along to the students in her classroom as a schoolteacher. “Listening to his stories and understanding the way things were in the past, I see the importance of it,” Dalen said. “If our kids now don’t know what the past was like, they can’t make the future better, not only for themselves but others.” Throughout all the work Penhale has put into preserving the county’s history, the honor of being inducted into the Shelby County Hall of Fame was not one he expected. Regardless, it means a lot to him to be so highly regarded, and it shows him that the effort he put in and sacrifices he made were realized. “I wasn’t expecting anything like that,” Penhale said. “It’s an honor to be recognized. To be appreciated for what you enjoy doing means a lot.” ShelbyLiving.com 69
Vision for the Future
GEORGE ROY SR. SET A FOUNDATION OF GROWTH AND LEADERSHIP THAT HAS LEFT A LASTING IMPACT ON CALERA AND OTHER PARTS OF SHELBY COUNTY.
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BY DAVE DOMESCIK | PHOTOS FILE & CONTRIBUTED
For more than three decades, George Roy Sr. helped guide Calera through one of the most transformative periods in its history. From expanding city limits and building infrastructure to championing parks, schools and economic development, Roy’s fingerprints remain visible across the city nearly two decades after his tenure ended. This year, that legacy will be recognized permanently as Roy is inducted into the Shelby County Hall of Fame. Those who knew him best described a leader whose greatest strength wasn’t simply having a vision for Calera’s future, but possessing the determination to see it through, even when the path was unpopular. “Visionary is a word that has to be associated with George (Roy),” Central State Bank CEO Mitt Schroeder said. “His ability to see what Calera could become growth-wise, and not only envision it but make it happen, was very good.” Roy served the city for roughly 40 years, first as a city council member before spending 34 years as mayor. Before entering public office, he enlisted in
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the U.S. Navy at just 16 years old during World War II and served in the Philippines before returning home and dedicating his life to Calera. Shelby County Historical Society Board President David Nolen said Roy’s service extended far beyond city limits. “He served the citizens of Calera for a long, long time, but he was a Shelby County person too,” Nolen said. Nolen pointed to Roy’s appointment to the Committee of 19 during Shelby County’s financial struggles in the early 1990s, where Roy helped recommend difficult fiscal solutions despite knowing they might prove politically unpopular. “He was willing to take a stand in favor of those tough issues because, in his mind, it would benefit the county as a whole,” Nolen said. That willingness to make difficult decisions emerged as the defining theme among those who spoke of Roy. Former Calera City Council member Ernest Montgomery said Roy never lost sight of what he believed was best for the city’s future. “When he believed in something, he was very
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hard to deter from that,” Montgomery said. “He had a vision to see the city grow.” At a time when some residents preferred Calera remain a small town, Roy pushed for residential growth, arguing that attracting families would ultimately bring businesses. “He always said if we’re going to get business, we’ve got to get rooftops,” Montgomery said. “People couldn’t always see the big picture, but I think he had a better vision that change was definitely needed.” That long-term thinking helped reshape Calera. During Roy’s administration, the city expanded northward, annexing land around what is now Shelby County Airport and preventing Calera from becoming landlocked. The city dramatically expanded its sewer capacity years before rapid growth arrived, built new water infrastructure and positioned itself to attract major employers and retailers. Schroeder recalled that even bond underwriters questioned Roy’s decision to increase Calera’s sewer capacity by more than 500 percent in a single expansion. “Most cities are just chasing growth,” Schroeder said. “He built the infrastructure first.” Roy also helped secure the land that would
“Visionary is a word that has to be associated with
George (Roy). His ability to see what Calera could become growthwise, and not only envision it but make it happen, was very good.” — Mitt Schroeder become Calera’s renowned parks and recreation complex while supporting construction of a new high school and improving roads, utilities and public services. Commissioner Tommy Edwards, Roy’s grandson, said those projects required courage because many faced significant public opposition. “If you’re going to be a leader, you have to be willing to make decisions,” Edwards said. “You’re not ever going to make everybody happy.” Edwards recalled the criticism surrounding development of Calera’s park complex, but said Roy believed sacrificing in the short term would create something that generations would enjoy. “Without that decision, we wouldn’t have what we have today,” Edwards said. Former educator Ken “Beaver” Mobley watched 72 September/October 2026
those changes unfold firsthand after moving to Calera as a child in 1965. “He dreamed big,” Mobley said. “He was a fierce defender of the city of Calera.” Mobley credited Roy with expanding utilities, annexing land around Interstate 65 and creating the foundation for the city’s explosive growth. “The footprint of the city today is because he had the vision to expand,” Mobley said. Despite his determination, those closest to Roy emphasized that he never stopped listening. Montgomery said Roy welcomed differing viewpoints before explaining why he believed another course was better. “He would listen to what people had to say first,” Montgomery said. “Then he’d tell you why he felt we needed to go a different direction.”
Schroeder experienced that leadership personally as a young banker learning economic development. He recalled Roy correcting him after a meeting with a prospective employer, explaining the importance of understanding an audience and presenting Calera’s strengths accordingly. “He did it like a parent,” Schroeder said. “He was stern, but he explained why.” Those lessons extended beyond business. Mobley described Roy as someone who always asked how a decision would benefit children and future generations. “Anything that had to do with a child or the betterment of the future for a child, he was game,” Mobley said. “He was always thinking ahead.” While Roy’s public accomplishments are extensive, Edwards said they represent only part of his grandfather’s legacy. Raised by Roy and his wife, Edwards became emotional recalling the man outside the mayor’s office. “He loved to get the family together,” Edwards said. “As much as he put into the city, what he did for all of his kids and grandkids, that’s what embodied him.” Edwards credited Roy with shaping not only his
childhood but also his own approach to public service. “The best lesson he ever taught me was that when you make a decision, make sure it morally fits what your belief system is,” Edwards said. “Then stand behind it.” That same conviction, Nolen believes, ultimately earned Roy his place among Shelby County’s most influential leaders. “I think he was selected because of his longtime public service, not just to Calera but to Shelby County also,” Nolen said. “He was a true public servant.” For Schroeder, Roy’s influence reaches far beyond the city he led. “I believe South Shelby County would not be what it is today without him,” Schroeder said. While roads, parks, schools and businesses stand as tangible reminders of Roy’s work, his greatest legacy may be the example he set for future generations of leaders. “He embodied what a leader is,” Edwards said. “When you look at somebody going into a Hall of Fame, you look at a body of work. His body of work wasn’t just what he accomplished as mayor. It was the character he showed every day.”
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The Weather Guy
FOR NEARLY HALF A CENTURY JAMES SPANN HAS BUILT A CAREER THAT HAS MADE HIM A HOUSEHOLD NAME THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
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BY MICHAELA BANKSTON | PHOTOS BY CAROLINE SIMMONS & FILE
over the state. His school gave him a few days off to volunteer to help with communication, which became a pivotal moment in his career path. “I saw things, quite frankly, a 17-year-old child really didn’t need to see that night and in the next couple of days,” James said. “I think that was an important step of preparing me for what I’d do for the rest of my life.” The following year he began attending The University of Alabama in pursuit of a degree in *** electrical engineering. “Nobody ever told me that weather was a viable Originally from Greenville, a small town in South Alabama, James Spann has loved weather since he career option, so I just thought I’d just be a volunteer storm chaser or spotter or whatever and do it as a was a child. “When I was growing up, there were no cellphones, hobby,” James said. “I would find out that it was a no video games, and in the summer, we’d just go career.” Of course, James has had quite the career so far. play in the woods,” James said. “One of the greatest At 22 years old while still in college, his first joys was just sitting on the ground looking straight broadcast job was at a station in Tuscaloosa in 1978. up at clouds on a hot summer day.” He and his mother later moved to Tuscaloosa, Soon after he was offered a job at WSFA, a legacy which he called “kind of the weather capital of the station in Montgomery. The following year he world,” referencing the violent weather and constant landed his first Birmingham role at Channel 13 at tornado outbreaks at the time. Through his hobby of just 23 years old. A year later he received a call from Karen. One of ham radio, which was critical in communication during weather disasters prior to cellphones, he her sorority sisters needed help finding homecoming began volunteering as a teenager to help during court judges. She thought of James, who she knew of from high school, and decided she knew him well those situations. His senior year of high school, the 1974 Super enough to give him a call and ask. He said he would do it, but after checking his Outbreak took place and tornadoes were flying all Each Sunday morning, children at Double Oak Community Church in Mt Laurel are greeted by a man in a golf polo, cargo shorts and fun socks. They call him Mr. James, and he will spend the next hour or so sharing his faith with them. “That’s the best thing about his week and the most important part of his week,” Karen Spann said of her husband’s role leading children’s worship.
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contract, James realized he was not allowed to. He felt so bad, he offered to take her out to dinner to make up for it. “And so we went out, and I immediately knew I was going to marry him,” Karen said, while later adding, “I do not know what it was, but I knew that this was the person God wanted me to marry.” Their first date was in December 1980. They got engaged in March 1981 and married June 6 the same year, which is also James’ birthday. “She’s great,” James said of his wife of 45 years. “None of this would be possible without her.” After 5 years, James was transferred to the DallasFort Worth area to work at the largest station the company owned. After his two-year contract ended at the top-10 market, the couple decided they wanted to come home to Alabama, and James thought he was finished with TV. “I’ve never had any interest in being some big TV guy or whatever; I’m a weather guy,” he said. So in 1986, James and a couple friends bought a radio station in Demopolis. That was until three years later when he was offered a job at Channel 6 in Birmingham. “I knew to effectively reach people and message people, (TV was) the right way to do it, so I came back to Birmingham in 1989, and we’ve been here ever since,” he said. He was with Channel 6 until 1996 when a new station was formed. Now known as ABC 33/40, where James still works part time, the owner at the time made a commitment that captured his interest. “I changed channels in 1996 because mainly they gave me the freedom to go on TV as long as I wanted to,” James said. “That’s the first time where I had the chance really to be me, just to go on and stay on.” While it has become commonplace for weather coverage to overtake regular programming in times of severe weather, such as tornado coverage, ABC 33/40 was the first and only area station doing it at the time. “We had a horrible F5 tornado April 8, 1998 that came through the western part of Birmingham; it killed 34 people,” James said. “We were the only station that stayed on for hours and hours, and that was a lifeline for these people. Of course after that, the other stations started doing the same thing.” While that storm changed TV stations, it was a later one that served as “a wake up call” to James. On April 27, 2011, 62 tornadoes tore through the state on the same day. “252 people died on my watch, and that ain’t gonna happen again,” he said. “That’s inexcusable; we can’t let that happen again.” 76 September/October 2026
“If I didn’t do TV weather,
I’d be a third grade science teacher. Those are my people.”
— James Spann Just over a year ago, James and a team launched Alabama Weather Network, which he called “a dream come true.” The new network covers all 67 counties in Alabama whenever severe weather strikes for however long is needed. According to James, it will help with issues from previous years, especially in more rural communities who have had more limited coverage in the past. Aside from his job, James has done school programs for 48 years. “If I didn’t do TV weather, I’d be a third grade science teacher,” James said. “Those are my people.” He can also be found on Sunday mornings at Double Oak Community Church leading the children’s worship service and pouring into the next generation. “It’s the greatest part of the week,” James said. Throughout the week James could be anywhere in the state, covering the weather or teaching others about it, but each Sunday he shows up to encourage and teach the next generation in the county he calls home. ShelbyLiving.com 77
HIT THE ROAD
Touchdown Towns
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Where will your weekends take you this fall? With autumn months comes the South’s Saturday ritual of tuning in to their favorite college team’s football games. This year, hit the road and experience the game day atmosphere live and in person. Let this guide help you plan your trip to a nearby college town and read on for details and traditions of several Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams. By Kate Seaver | Photos by Avery Bane-Tennessee Athletics, Hunter Peacock, Jason Homan, Rachel Carswell/ Visit Auburn-Opelika, Steven Bearden Photography, The Bell Hotel, UGA Sports Communications, Visit Auburn-Opelika, Visit Knoxville, Visit Oxford MS, Visit Starkville & Visit Tuscaloosa ShelbyLiving.com 79
HIT THE ROAD
Bryant-Denny Stadium
TUSCALOOSA Closest to the greater Birmingham area is the University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa. Although their mascot Big Al is an elephant, they’re more commonly known as the Crimson Tide. The Tide play at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with over 100,000 seats that fans regularly fill up. Dress to represent the team with the classic crimson and white school colors or houndstooth print, popularized by former coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, and learn the song “Dixieland Delight” to feel right at home. For a convenient accommodation close to the action, stay at the Hotel Capstone, which is currently rebranding to Graduate by Hilton. The hotel is located on campus and within walking distance of the stadium. Dine at Avenue Pub for traditional American fare, or try the Thai nachos or pepper jelly chicken sandwich. Need a break from the action? Walk along The Riverwalk, the paved trail along the Black Warrior River near downtown.
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Avenue Pub
The Riverwalk
Hotel Capstone
Jordan-Hare Stadium
AUBURN The next closest SEC destination is the Loveliest Village on the Plains, Auburn University. Just about two hours away from the Birmingham area, the Auburn Tigers play in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Their loud chants of War Eagle originated with an eagle of a Civil War veteran that became their symbol of good luck. Official school colors are orange and navy blue. Stay a short walk away from the stadium at The Collegiate Hotel, a former Auburn dorm renovated by alumni. For a good meal to fuel up before the game, visit the classic Toomer’s Drugs on the corner between campus and downtown. Founded as a drug store in 1896, the establishment Toomer’s Drugs
now serves fresh lemonade, food, ice cream and Auburn memorabilia.
Toomer’s Corner
If the Tigers win, be prepared for the classic tradition of rolling Toomer’s Corner with toilet paper hanging from the tree branches. The Collegiate Hotel
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HIT THE ROAD Davis Wade Stadium
STARKVILLE Less than two and half hours from Birmingham are the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, Mississippi, occasionally referred to by the nickname, StarkVegas. The Bulldogs play at Davis Wade Stadium in their classic school colors of maroon and white. Mississippi State’s most iconic traditions include the cowbells ringing in victory and the chant of their fight song and slogan, “Hail State.” For a quaint hotel in walking distance from everything on campus and in town, stay at the restored Hotel Chester. Eat some fabulous barbecue at Two Brothers Smoked Meats, where every meal is a hit, especially the pulled pork sandwich.
Hotel Chester
Two Brothers Smoked Meats
OXFORD
Just under three hours from Birmingham is the town of Oxford, Mississippi, home of the University of Mississippi “Ole Miss” Rebels. The Rebels play at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Before donning cardinal red and navy blue, learn the words to the “Hotty Toddy” chant. Before kickoff, the entire stadium will lock arms and sway as they sing “Come With Me.”
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
Bouré
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Have a Creole-inspired dinner at Bouré, and eat shrimp and grits and jambalaya on the large balcony overlooking the historic Square. Also located in the Square, The Oliver Hotel is the perfect place to stay on your Oxford visit.
ATHENS
The Bell
Only three and a half hours from Birmingham is Athens, Georgia, home of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. The Dawgs play at Sanford Stadium among a large sea of fans clothed in the school colors of red and black.
Paloma Park
Right before kickoff, point to the trumpeter from the band playing “Battle Hymn of the Bulldog Nation.” After a major win, head to the Chapel Bell as the fans continue an old tradition of ringing the bell throughout the night. For a unique stay close to campus, try The Bell hotel, originally a phone and telegraph building from 1916. While in Athens, make sure to try Taqueria Del Sol and taste the enchiladas and house margarita. Another fun dinner option is Paloma Park for Tex-Mex and live music.
Sanford Stadium
knoxville Farthest from Birmingham on this roundup, but close to many hearts, is the University of Tennessee Volunteers, in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Vols are around four hours away, but the drive is worth seeing the iconic checkered end zones at Neyland Stadium.
The Volunteers’ live mascot is Smokey the bluetick coonhound. Make sure to learn the words to “Rocky Top,” as it will play after each touchdown every game. For the ultimate Tennessee experience, stay at the Graduate Knoxville to fully
get in the mood for your game day. Try eating at Sunspot on the edge of campus for a Southwestern, Caribbean and Latin American meal and daily drink specials. While you’re in town, hit up Knoxville’s Market Square for shops and other restaurants.
Neyland Stadium Sunspot
Market Square
ShelbyLiving.com 83
Newsletter
The Shelby County Chamber BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
September 2026 Chamber Events Sept. 1
Ambassador Work Group 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Shelby County Chamber
Sept. 2
Career Readiness Work Group 8:30-9:30 a.m. The Shelby County Chamber
Sept. 2
Small Business Workshop 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Shelby County Chamber
Sept. 9
Small Business Work Group 4-5 p.m. The Shelby County Chamber
Sept. 10
Governmental Affairs Work Group 8:30-9:30 a.m. Sain Associates – 280
Sept. 15
Washington Fly In ALL Day Washington DC
Sept. 16
CoffeeNET Event 8:30-9:30 a.m. 10:25 Tabletop Games
Join The Shelby County Chamber for a “CoffeeNET” Be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 16, and join The Shelby County Chamber for a CoffeeNET event hosted by 10:25 Tabletop Games - Alabaster from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. The morning meeting is designed for networking, coffee and light refreshments—all before heading to the office.
1301 COUNTY SERVICES DR. 84 September/October 2026
CoffeeNET events are a great way to make new business contacts, so bring plenty of business cards. There is no cost to attend however reservations are requested by no later than NOON on Monday, September 14, to assist in preparation. Please contact The Shelby County Chamber by phone at 205-663-4542, or
Hosted by
register at jordan@shelbychamber.org.
PELHAM, AL, 35124
September 2026 Chamber Events Sept. 17
Go & Grow Workshop 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Shelby County Chamber
Sept. 24
Business After Hours 5:30-7 p.m. Jefferson’s – Hoover
Sept. 30
Community Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena For information on Chamber work groups and how to get involved visit shelbychamber.org or email info@shelbychamber.org
205 - 663 - 4542
SHELBYCHAMBER.ORG ShelbyLiving.com 85
Newsletter
Sept. 22
Quarterly Investor Reception 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Shelby County Chamber
Newsletter
Business After Hours The next opportunity for Shelby County’s premier business networking event is scheduled for Shelby County’s newest hotel - La Quinta Inn & Suites in Chelsea. Bring plenty of business cards, and come ready to make some serious business contacts from 4:30 until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6. The investment, which includes
hors d’oeuvres and two beverage coupons, for any Chamber investor is $10 per person and $20 for “Future” investors. Reservations are required, so please register via email at jordan@ shelbychamber.org, by phone at 205-663-4542 or online at www. shelbychamber.org by no later than noon on Monday, October 5.
Business After Hours events are premier networking opportunities, offering investors and guests the
chance to meet business professionals representing products and services in a relaxed, social setting. Investors attending have an opportunity to exchange business cards and become acquainted with other businesses throughout the community. Bring plenty of business cards! Sponsored in 2026 by: Sawyer Solutions, LLC
Quarterly Investor Reception On Tuesday, September 22, take some time to make sure your organization is taking full advantage of all your Shelby County Chamber Investor Benefits. Yes, there truly is such a thing as
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a “free lunch”—especially on September 22! We encourage you to come for some business networking and to learn how to maximize your investment. Whether your organization is a new or long-time in-
vestor, you’ll want to make plans to join us from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at The Shelby County Chamber. A complimentary lunch will be provided for all attendees. Reservations are requested, and space
is limited, so please contact the Chamber via e-mail at info@shelbychamber.org, by phone at 205663-4542 or register online by no later than noon on Friday, September18, to reserve your place.
Co-Sponsors
Celebrating Growth
Donahoo Physical Therapy Vincent
All Original Pizzeria Alabaster
Dutch Bros Coffee Alabaster
The Farm Company - 10 Year Anniversary Columbiana
King and Queen Mexican Cantina Alabaster
205 - 663 - 4542
First Watch Alabaster
The Swing Bays Calera
The Archive Society Pelham
Wilson Buidling & Outdoor Supply Alabaster
SHELBYCHAMBER.ORG ShelbyLiving.com 87
Newsletter
Absolute Health Family Medicine Alabaster
Newsletter
October Community Luncheon “State of the County” The Annual “State of the County” presented in 2026 by Shelby County & Shelby County Newsmedia Inc. and cosponsored by Sawyer Solutions. This presentation is hosted by the Governmental Affairs Work Group on October 28, 2026. Doors Open: 11:00 a.m. for business networking, and the program begins at 11:45 a.m.
We’ll hear from Shelby County Manager Chad Scroggins on progress made this year and what’s in store for Shelby County in 2027. For more information, or to make a reservation, please contact the Chamber at info@ shelbychamber.org, by telephone at 205-663-4542 or use online registration.
Presenting Sponsors
October Connections Luncheon “State of our Schools” The Chamber’s October Connections Luncheon, presented in 2026 by Avadian Credit union and hosted by the Chamber’s Career Readiness Work Group, is scheduled to feature presentations from Alabaster City Schools, Hoover City Schools, Pelham City Schools and Shelby County Schools during the annual “State of Schools Throughout Shelby
County.” The Community Luncheon will be held on October 1 in the banquet hall at the Grande Hall at Old Mill Square in Columbiana. Doors will open at 11:00 a.m. for business
networking including showcase tables, and the program will begin promptly at 11:40 a.m. Organizations engaged in educational programs and activities are invited to participate in the showcase feature. Contact the Chamber with questions or for more details on availability for a showcase table at 205-6634542. The investment is $25 per
person for Shelby Chamber investors and $35 per person for “Future” investors and includes a lunch. Reserved corporate tables of six are available for $160. To ensure your participation, reservations are required by Monday, September 29, please contact the Chamber at info@ shelbychamber.org, by telephone at 205-663-4542 or use online registration.
September Community Luncheon “Annual Public Safety Awards” Join us on Wednesday, September 30, at the “Annual Shelby County Public Safety Awards” where we’ll honor public safety officials from throughout Shelby County. Each year we are privileged to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in public safety.
This program, presented in 2026 by Galactic, Inc. - Employer Services and co- sponsored by Turner Promotions, is an opportunity for the business community to give thanks to our public safety personnel and honor them for the outstanding service and sacrifices they make each and every day in keeping
1301 COUNTY SERVICES DR. 88 September/October 2026
our respective communities a safe place to live, work and play. Doors will open at 10:45 a.m. with the buffet line opening at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, 500 Amphitheater Drive, Pelham.
Reservations requested by no later than noon on Friday, September 25. The investment for the event is: Chamber investors $25, “Future” investors $35. Register online or call the Chamber office at 205663-4542.
PELHAM, AL, 35124
F i n d U s O n l i ne |
Access our member directory
2026 Board of Directors As of Aug. 1, 2026
OFFICERS
(Executive Committee) Chamber Chair Rux Bentley Rux Carter Insurance Chair-Elect Jeff Purvis A. C. Legg, Inc. Vice Chair, Business Development & Support Traci Fox T Fox SalonSpa Aveda Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing Chad Scroggins Shelby County Vice Chair, Community & Career Development Holly Dean Baptist Health Shelby Hospital Vice Chair, Finance & Administration Chris Wilder Sealing Equipment Products Company Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs Steven Smith Specification Rubber Products Vice Chair, Investor Relations Melissa Dixon CDI Janitorial Services
DIRECTORS Josh Coker Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Jessie Gilliland Spire Alabama Wade Kallaher Birmingham Coca Cola Bottling Company Atisthan Roach Vulcan Materials Company Keith Strickland Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood Terri Williams A T & T - Alabama Ken Coreno Central State Bank Khiari McAlpin Knox Vinehouse Nursery John Platt Bryant Bank Anna Catherine Roberson Alabama Power Company Dr. Sara Robicheaux Stephens College of Business / University of Montevallo Brian L. Wilson EBSCO Industries, Inc. Leah Bigbee Jefferson State Community College
Immediate Past Chair Kevin Morris AmFirst
205 - 663 - 4542
Brant Malone Avadian Credit Union Micah McLaughlin Irons Media Group Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.
New Members (May 15-June 12, 2026)
uPaul J. DeMarco, Attorney at Law (ReInvestor) uTriaVision uMassage 119 and Wellness uAnimal – Angels Foundation
Teresa Vick Regions
uFire Safety and Protection (FSP)
Laura Clarke Pinnacle + Synovus
uAK & M Cleaning Services, LLC
John Collier Trustmark Bank Alec Etheredge Shelby County Newsmedia Becky White Sain Associates Jennifer Pemble Warren Averett, LLC Aubri McClendon McClendon Counseling & Consulting Amy Sturdivant (Ex-Officio) 58 INC The Hon. Scott Brakefield City of Alabaster Shelby County Mayors’ Association (Ex-Officio)
uThe Swing Bays uProfessional Translations (Re-Investor)
Your Chamber at work (May 16-June 12, 2026) - Responded to 54 requests for business & community information. - Promoting Chamber investors as well as Chamber & Community events through the following Social Media outlets: - Chamber Facebook: 7,924 “total followers” 20K “views” - X (Twitter): 2,869 “followers” - Instagram: 1,862 “followers” - LinkedIn: 1,195 “followers”, 17 “unique visitors,” 279 “post impressions” - WBC Facebook: 622 “followers”
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OUT & ABOUT
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CALERA FIRST FRIDAY
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PHOTOS BY GERALD HICKS
The courtyard in the heart of Calera’s historic downtown district was packed with people ready to celebrate America’s 250th birthday during First Friday on July 3. 1.
Joyce Jones, Roenia Janigan, Annette Pattom and Mike and Shone Jones
2.
Brooklyn Byrd, Braxton, Bailee and Marcus Dowdell
3.
Krystal and Ty Boman
4.
Nedra Moore and Shelishe Lewis
5.
Hudson Comeact, Clinton Morris, Bryon Devinner, Ean Williamson and Jerrim McCain
6.
Henry and Kadeshia Davis
7.
Bryan Blankenship and Vince Wiser
8.
Alyssa, Alexandria and Frankie Shine, Apollo Ellington and Valerie Holman
9.
Emily Shirley, Josh Campbell and Calvin Morgan
10. Lisa Guarino, Cassie Snipes, Alicia Anderson and Deidre Garcia 11. Lindsey Davis and Scott Robicheaux
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OUT & ABOUT
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s n o i t a l u t a Congr Pelham
THANK YOU SHELBY COUNTY FOR YOUR NOMINATIONS!
WE’RE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE FOLLOWING WINNERS
BALLANTRAE GOLF CLUB BEST GOLF COURSE IN SHELBY COUNTY
PELHAM SENIOR CENTER
BEST COMMUNITY CENTER IN SHELBY COUNTY
PELHAM SPLASH PAD BEST WATER ACTIVITY IN SHELBY COUNTY
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OUT & ABOUT
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FIRE ON THE WATER
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PHOTOS BY DAVE DOMESCIK
Pelham’s annual Fire on the Water fireworks show, enhanced this year amidst the America 250 celebration, drew hundreds of Pelham residents and visitors to Oak Mountain State Park for an evening of food, fireworks and fun. 1.
Charlotte and family
2.
Treasure, Makiyah and Tamiyah
3.
Gretchen DiFante, Rick Wash and Chris Townes
4.
Jin-Chao and family
5.
Sharon and John Smith
6.
Caroline Simmons
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Burrell, Tim and Skip Mize
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The Mendez Family
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The Shah Family
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10. The Townes Family, Stacey Primero-Currier and Kenneth Paschal 11. Fred, Maria and family
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FREE COMMEMORATIVE GLASS
13 oz Belgian. See website for 2026 Design.
15th year | A Craft Tasting Event November 7-8, 2026 | 12:30pm-3:00pm Hoover Met Complex | Hoover, Alabama Craft Brews & Bevs | Breweries | Homebrewers Beer Snacks | Wine | Mr. Mancave Football Display Tented + Open Air | 2-Day Festival Admission www.mossrockfestival.com ShelbyLiving.com 93
OUT & ABOUT
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SWEET HOME 250
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PHOTOS BY TYLER RALEY
People from all over the state and beyond came together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States at American Village during Sweet Home 250 on July 3-4. 1.
Kenneth and Melanie Call Amos
2.
Bill and Nanette Foster
3.
Anna Bradley and Eliza
4.
Steve and Annette Pickett
5.
Monica and Bruce Burson
6.
Wes and Elliot Sharp
7.
Elder Wilson and Elder Misinale
8.
John and Catherine Harris
9.
Walter and Juliette
10. Helen, Eleanor and Jon Scolamiero 11. Ella Fields, Kelli Denard and Maggie Behrle 12. Ben and Natalie Harrelson and Ryan Day 13. John Wagner, Mikella Anderson and Melanie Poole
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OUT & ABOUT
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SILURIA SOUNDS
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PHOTOS BY NOAH WORTHAM
On July 18, in Alabaster, the community gathered together to listen to live music during another installment of Siluria Sounds with The M-80s and The Wildflowers. 1.
Kristi, Blaine, Julianne and Olivia Minton, Lori Walley and Will Richards
2.
Brett and Genet Holcomb
3.
Kelley and Carl Orso
4.
Maurice, Kimberly, Breanna and child
5.
Payton, Sherry, Rebecca and Tracey
6.
Caleb Nielsen and Ashlie Firzlaff
7.
Toni and Chris
8.
Easton, Will and Kian
9.
Ashley and Lisa
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10. Tom and Deanna Adams 11. Spencer and Stephanie Harris, Trista Ehlers and Shirley and Merle Waltemyer 12. Audrey and Twillia Maynor
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Voted Best Dental Practice in Shelby County 2025
Complete Family Dental Care Routine, General, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry
To schedule an appointment OR (205) 624-4450
Based on 680+ patient reviews
www.alaestheticimplant.com
ShelbyLiving.com 97
OUT & ABOUT
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MUSIC ON MAIN AND SUNSET MARKET
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PHOTOS BY NOAH WORTHAM
Residents were treated to an evening of live music and dined at local businesses during the final installment of Music on Main and Sunset Market on Friday, July 24. 1.
Gloria and Mason Herrod and Lyndel Ellison
2.
Steven and Dana Johns and child
3.
Jon Harrison with David and Kiyra Gallups
4.
Ron and Helen Greene, Dee, Ryan, Thomas and Abigail Starkey and Braxton Townsend
5.
Ben and Lindsay Talley
6.
Debbie Dennis and Don Belcher
7.
Carlee, Ari, Cooper, Giovanni and Daniel
8.
Susan Linnell and Greg Harris
9.
Robin, Carlee, Bryana and Drake
10. Denise and Jason Shaw and Kevin Gay 11. Terry and Debbie Dobbs 12. Stokes, Hope and Sam Skellie
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OUT & ABOUT
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HELENA MARKET DAYS
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PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER
On Saturday, July 25, the City of Helena hosted the final weekly farmers market this season, where the community shopped and selected fresh produce from farm to table. 1.
Amanda Sharp
2.
Morgan and Duke
3.
Reagan and Robert Welch
4.
Amanda Smitherman, Kelley Morgan, Cassidy Lucas, Charlotte Fitzgerald, Matt McDonald, Will Whatley, Krysten Griffin and Henry Matzke
5.
The Spradlin Family
6.
Reid Bowen
7.
Susan Swindal
8.
Tony Ellis
9.
Maria Dalen, Frances Nhindes and Butch Botters
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10. Kim Ford 11. BJ and Cody Coker 12. Michelle Hall and Teresa Cooper 13. Emily Meinberg 14. Dominick and Avianna Smitherman
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Marketplace Shelby Living Magazine • 205.669.3131
Automation Personnel Services Hiring IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774. Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007 Now Hiring For Utility Positions Starting pay $15.14/ hour Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at: www.bc.com Become a Dental Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedental assisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!
Central Alabma Wellness Mental Health Services Office locations in Calera, Clanton, Pelham, and 280! 205-651-0077 Visit our website to learn more centralalbama wellness.org
Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-245-6500 •TDD#s: 800-548-2547(V) •800-548-2546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer Security Guard for Gated Community in North Shelby County Full-time or Part-time. Must have pistol permit. Call Brittany 205-991-4653 ETS Restorations & Tree Service “From street to walls, we do it all” •Retaining Walls •Concrete Work •Demolition •Landscaping •Tree Removal •Tree Trimming
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•Bobcat Work •Hardscapes •Hauling FREE ESTIMATES!!! CALL NOW (205)209-7787 (205)683-3257 Hill Brook Manor Apartments 300 Sumner Dr. Calera, AL 35040 205-668-2020 Affordable Living Apartments Available 1 BR for $665/month 2BR for $705/month Software Engineers III - eBusiness in Birmingham, AL: Email resume to Motion Industries, Inc. at: mottalentacquisition@ motion.com (Must REF: Job Title in subject line). Current Products Lead Engineer, ACX – positions offered by Autocar, LLC (Center Point, AL). Dev, mnge & mentor current prods engins to rootcause & solve des issues & supp all ACX Refuse engin’g needs on product line. Must be willing to travel domestically 5%. Please submit resume to legalcompliance@ gvwgroup.com. Reference job id: 9326335.
Manufacturing Engineer – positions offered by Autocar, LLC (Center Point, AL). Responsible for manufacturing eng’ing, industrial & process eng’ing related functions w/in scope of responsibility at Autocar. Please submit resume to LegalCompliance@ gvwgroup.com. Reference Job ID: 9737474.
Production Engineering Technician – Positions offered by HL Mando America Corporation (Hogansville, GA). Increase first pass yield by improving measurement systems & optimize machining processes. Submit resume to cindy.smith@ hlcompany.com. Reference Job ID: 8445038.
P&F COIN COMPANY: We Pay The Highest Prices In Town! 561 First St. N, Alabster, AL 35007 “WE BUY & SELL GOLD & SILVER” *Scrap/Broken Jewelry *Gold & Silver Bullion * Sterling Silverware Sets * Vintage Watches *And More! Find Us On Facebook! 205-624-3033 admin@ pfcoincompany.com
Pelham’s Newest Community! Tower Homes Community, Huntley Ridge, is nestled conveniently near I-65, I-459 and Highway 31 and is now selling 3BR/2BA homes starting in the $320s. Call today to schedule a showing!
Now Hiring! Termite Treaters and Inspectors Work with a great local company, in business for over For All Your Masonry 50 years. BC/BS insurance, 401k, Needs opportunities •Block available. No •Brick experience required •Concrete Repair Must have a good •Brick Cleaning driving record and •Painting be able to pass drug Call 205-643-0729 screen. Email to or email facsmith@charter.net srichardson642@ or call 205-369-6250 gmail.com Vulcan Termite and to get your FREE Pest Control ESTIMATES!
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MY SHELBY COUNTY RUX BENTLEY
The Shelby County Chamber Chair 2026 + President at Rux Carter Insurance Agency
Local Eats
Culinary Variety If I’m craving a great hamburger, I’m heading to Davis Drug in Columbiana or Oak House in Mt Laurel. For barbecue, Tin Top BBQ in Columbiana is hard to beat. For a special night out, it’s Chuck’s Fish. Our agency has celebrated Christmas there for several years, and my wife and I have made so many memories there.
Community Fellowship Making Memories
The People When I think about Shelby County, I don’t think about a particular place as much as I think about the people. Shelby County has always been home, and it’s the people here who make it such a special place. Every community in Shelby County has its own personality. That’s one of the things I love most about living here. We’re building communities where people know each other, support one another and truly care. That’s what makes Shelby County home.
Outdoor Sites
Friday Night Lights For me, it’s a Friday night under the lights at any Shelby County high school football stadium. I know that may not be the traditional “outdoors” answer, but there’s nothing quite like it. Growing up, my dad filmed football games for Shelby County High School, so I spent countless Friday nights in press boxes with him. The sights, the sounds, the marching bands, the lights and the sense of community are part of who I am. Our oldest daughter, Maddie, was a cheerleader at Briarwood Christian School, and it was special getting to experience those Friday nights all over again.
Sentimental Spots
Mildred Street My grandparents lived on Mildred Street, and some of my favorite childhood memories were made along there. I spent countless hours riding my bike with my cousins, riding to The Columbiana 500 Club pool and simply enjoying the summers. When our kids were little, we would take “trash walks” together down Mildred Street, picking up litter while spending time together. It was a small thing, but it reminds me that taking care of your community starts with loving where you live.
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Liberty Day and Monsters on Main Liberty Day is everything that’s good about small-town America wrapped into a weekend. Columbiana’s Monster Walk is a sight to behold! Main Street is always packed, and to say that our staff at Rux Carter Insurance goes all out is an understatement! Both events are reminders that community isn’t just a word—it’s something you can actually experience.
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