The April GCV Chamber Coffee was a quite “Event-Full” gathering

Radney-Smith Funeral Home extended their community involvement campaign, hosting the April Greater Coosa Valley Chamber Coffee this week, held at the Batter Up – Cater Up Event Center. Manager Shane Culver introduced his staff and discussed changing trends in the industry.

“Like so many other things in life, our business is evolving, and this event is another example of how Radney-Smith is embracing those changes,” said Culver. “We are becoming more about convenience and community-involvement, inviting community businesses like Cater Up to serve families in our facility. So many of those little old ladies that used to handle such in homes are gone now, and businesses like Cater Up can handle it without family and friends having to put it together, without having to clean-up afterwards.”

Culver went on to detail other funeral trends such as cremation, less funerals and more celebrations of life, “There is more emphasis on pre-planning and pre-arrangements to save grieving families from having to deal with details under such emotional circumstances. We are doing more community outreach, to become closer friends, neighbors, and extended family to the communities we serve.”

Examples are the recent 1st Annual Car Show in their parking lot, as well as continuing sponsorship and help in organizing of the Sylacauga Veterans Day Parade, “And we are quite open to more things that solidify our communities.”

Matt Zedeker, the new Head Football Coach at Childersburg High was introduced, “I was fortunate to come into this position in January, to better blend into the culture of the school. My family has long-standing connections to Childersburg, like my wife that attending school here, making it easier to be a part of the community, because we already are that. It already feels like home, because it is. We’re busy going about building an atmosphere for success, improving the things we need for our student athletes to succeed in sports, in school, and in life.”

In other school related news, Graciela Haney, the new Dynamic Learning Partner at CHS was introduced, “My job involves so much of everyday school life as an organizer, a facilitator, a fixer. One part of that is our high school and middle school showcase, coming up na May 2nd with two sessions – 1:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. It will be set up much like a science fair, with our students and teachers showing off all kinds of classroom and school activities. We hope you’ll all mark your calendar and be a part of it,”

Pate Story talked about the annual 1st Responder Softball Tournament, scheduled for Friday, May 28th at 6:30 p.m. at the Childersburg High Baseball Field.

And, if you haven’t already, mark your calendar for the annual Grits Festival at Kymulga Grist Mill Park. It is set for Saturday, May 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The May Greater Coosa Valley Coffee will be held on Tuesday, May 13th at 8:30 a.m., hosted by the Childersburg Parks & Recreation Department in the Limbaugh Community Center.

The Ben Nelson 5K & Fun Run helped Childersburg Kiwanis raise funds in support of area youth

A great crowd gathered on a crisp Childersburg morning for the 4th Annual Childersburg Kiwanis 5K & Fun Run, and the third year in a row the event honored the man who created the original fund-raising event, the late Ben Nelson.

“It’s an important event for the community, and one that has become an important means for Kiwanis in Childersburg to be of financial support in so many ways for youths in the area, from Kiwanis Park to scholarships for our graduating high school seniors,” said project chair Robbie Riddle, “It was great having Ben’s family out in support of a project that meant so much to our beloved former member.”

Scenes from the 5K & Fun Run

Riddle went on to thank those who came out to particiapte, along with many community sponsors, “Support from the community helps us do more for youths in the area. We still have some accounting to do, but it looks like the bottom line for the event will be close to 8 or 9,000 thousand dollars raised,” added Riddle.

5K Medalists

Sylacauga’s Caleb Pollard was the Overall male 5K participant, with Tammy Thornburg of Anniston leading the way as the overall female runner. The other top finishers were:

Harlyn Parrot (F – 9 & Under Division)
Makayla Lambert (F – 10 to 14 Division)
Macy Taylor (F – 15 to 19 Division)
Eden Kornegay (F – 20 to 29 Division)
Amber McDickenson (F – 40 to 49 Division)
Kim Puckett (F – 50 to 59 Division)
Timothy Ricks (M – 15 to 19 Division)
Tyler Arnold (M – 20 to 29 Division)
Tyler Culberson (M – 30 to 39 Division)
Ron Carroll (M – 40 to 49 Division)
James Chatman (M – 60 to 69 Division

SCP presents a new twist on an old tradition this weekend

Several decades ago, not wanting to leave out any child wishing to participate in a Sylacauga Community Playhouse childrens’ theater production, a tradition began where a custom script and a series of songs were created as “Alice in Wonderland” appeared for a “trial” before the King and Queen of Hearts, with all sorts of other characters testified in word and song.

That production was recreated over a dozen times over the years, and the concept returns this weekend with a new twist. This Saturday, April 5th at 2:00 p.m., the Sylacauga Community will present “Character Sing-Along” at the Sylacauga Parks and Recreation Department.

Dressed as their favorite characters, actors and actresses will perform songs associated with those characters. Here’s hoping that the experience will lead the young and old to give the stage a try and keep a 45-year-plus S.C.P. tradition alive!

The Kiwanis Club of Childersburg’s 4th Annual Ben Nelson Run/Walk for kids is set for this coming Saturday

Four year’s ago Ben Nelson organized a 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk as a fund raising effort in support of the many Kiwanis Club of Childersburg projects on behalf of kids in the community. Now, the annual event is named in memory of the ong time Kiwanis member.

This year’s 4th Annual Run/Walk is scheduled for this coming Saturday, April 5th, starting at 6:45 a.m. for registration at Kiwanis Park, 4th Street at 4th Street SW in downtown Childersburg. The 5K Run starts at 7:45 a.m. with the Fun Run/Walk to follow at 8:00 a.m.

The Kiwanis Club of Childersburg asks for your help and participation in raising money for scholarships, Kiwanis Park maintenance, and other needs for the children in our community.

Sylacauga’s “Magic of Marble” Festival kicked off Tuesday, April 1st with some new events added to the line-up, including popular prequels

Sylacauga’s annual “Magic of Marble” Festival has officially started, running from April 1st through the 12th, and some of the fun started earlier. The Comer Museum is hosting the scavenger hunt for the Marble Festival this year. You can pick up the Forms are available at both the museum, as well as the BB Comer Memorial Library. It’s always fun to fun to watch everyone run around town and see if they could spot the featured marble throughout the beautiful city. Cash prizes are available!

Over this past weekend, the “Lunch & Learn” series at the Wallace Center for Arts and Reconciliation in Harpersville was held as a new addition to the festival line-up, hosting a special presentation featuring famed marble author Ruth Cook and Craigger Browne, a renowned Sylacauga sculptor.

Also new to the line-up this year is the return of guided tours of the historic Sylacauga Cemetery. That will feature some unique twists this year. You’ll be able to meet historical figures, as costumed actors will portray the stories of Sylacauga’s past residents, bringing their lives to vivid reality. You can uncover local legends, hearing captivating tales of the people who shaped our community.
You can marvel at the marble monuments, as you admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the stunning marble headstones, a true testament to Sylacauga’s marble heritage.

All in all, it’s a perfect Marble Festival activity, an engaging and educational experience for everyone! There are two presentations scheduled: Saturday, April 5th from1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and Sunday,

“Southern Trade Days” presents a fun family road trip to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame

Get ready for a great day filled with a wonderful mix of vendors, mouthwatering food trucks, live music, and fun for the kids with Billy Damon! It’s “Southern Trade Days” on Saturday, January 18th at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame!

Held inside the Fox Sports Dome at 3198 Speedway Blvd., next to the Talladega Speedway in Lincoln, there’ll be all kinds of vendors, offering everything from guy stuff to women’s categories, children’s items, and treasures both new or gently used. Whether you’re seeking something modern or vintage, hand made, brand new or more there’s sure to be something to catch your eye, appealing to folks of every age and taste.

And, don’t miss the sports cards, memorabilia and collectibles vendors hosted by The Flip Trade Show – perfect for all your man cave needs! There’ll be live music & entertainment from Mac & Cheese, Guntram Aderlik, and Montgomery Highway, plus special entertainment activities just for the younger crowd.

Childersburg native fashion designer is holding a Pop-up Show this weekend

Since his days as a college freshman, Childersburg native Arttravious Twyman has found a growing love for designing hot new fashion trends. The Stillman College marketing graduate has been holding successful “pop-up” shows on college campuses across the southeast.

This weekend, he’s showing some love for his hometown by holding a special holiday season show and sale in Childersburg, “I’m bringing my “SkyBlue Inspirational Clothing” line home to downtown Childersburg.

The name came to him as a slogan back in college, “It served as an inspiration to me, motivation to follow my passion and love for creating new fashions. It’s time to spread that love at home.”

Twyman chose the downtown event center, The Patio at 906 1st SW in Childersburg. He’ll be setting up shop for the day from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Indian Valley Elementary students enjoy “Operation Santa Drop”

The nearly 500 students at Indian Valley Elementary School were thrilled by an air-lift visit from Santa Clause Tuesday morning (12-17) to pick-up late Letters to Santa.

“It was an important stop on my schedule,” said Santa, “A lot of the students had not sent in their letters yet, so I scheduled a stop in Sylacauga. We had a bit of trouble with the sleigh, so the Lifesaver Helicopter crew stepped up to help, along with their fellow first responders in the area.”

Wade Pruitt, Manager of the Sylacauga Municipal Airport, who came up with the plan explained, “I remembered as a kid that a Birmingham helicopter pilot made such stops with Santa around the region. I talked with our Lifesaver 4 crew, and they said they’d be happy to join the project, as they suggested getting other area first responders involved, too. I’m so glad that everything came together, and the weather cooperated for a quite unique experience for the kids,”

Sylacauga Superintendent, Dr. Michele Eller was also on hand for the visit, “Things like this is why I came to Sylacauga in the first place, so many community partnerships coming together for the good of the community. Just look at all the smiles!”

In her capacity as a PTO Mom, Sylacauga City Councilman, Laura Barlow Heath added, “Such a magical time for our students, a time for smiles and joy to be treasured as lifetime memories.”

Santa presents a surprise check to the Sylacauga City Schools Foundation to help fund grant checks for teachers and classrooms!

A weekend CHS Alumni Picnic became a major community event

When old friends,Kesha Martin (‘97) and Maida Davis (‘00) started to put an idea into action, they had no idea what a Childersburg High School Alumni Picnic would become.

“We had heard of such events turning out fun,” said Maida Davis, “And we just wanted to get as many old friends from high school together as we could, an informal multi-class reunion. We had no idea what the response would be. We want to send out a big Shout Out to Brad Logan and the Parks & Recreation Department for trusting us with the stadium! Everybody appreciates it so much!”

They challenged CHS graduating classes to get together, erect some sort of tent for classmates to gather. Some organized pot luck dinners, while others collected and fired up grills and cookers, and others even brought in professional caterers. The result was enough picnic fare to feed a literal army.

Now, you have to have some sort of entertainment, and DJ Flexx was summoned to John Cox Stadium, bringing “Cuz” with him. They had the place hopping well into the evening, dancing as individuals, class groups, and even large line dances.

A cold morning turned into a sunny, mild afternoon as the crowd grew. And grew. And grew some more! Dozens turned into hundreds until the stadium grass was full of old friends reliving old times and renewing fun class rivalries. Cell phones came out, calling even more to join the fun. Cars were literally parked everywhere within walking distance.

The bottom line consensus was, “We’ve got to do this more often and watch it grow!”

It’s Christmas Parade Season!

When December rolls around, most every city, big and small celebrates the season with a festive parade. And there’s a way to watch most every one of them. Actually, it’s a place, our place on streaming tv – GCV-TV on Roku has a pair of crews out & about across the region, brining Christmas Parades to where you watch streaming tv. Here’s a sample of our crews at work:

Alexander City Christmas Parade from the “TGOIS” channel, hosted by Randy Clark

Piedmont Christmas Parade from The “Out & About” channel, hosted by Eddy Reese

All in all we’re expecting to air well over a dozen different Christmas Parades from all across the Greater Coosa Valley & beyond, north & south. Okay, here’s where you find them on GCVTV:

On the south end of the region, go to GCV-TV on Roku. Scroll over to the right for the “TGOIS” channel & click on it with your remote control. You’ll find all the south end Christmas parades, along with lots of other great local events.

On the north end of the region, go to GCV-TV on Roku. Scroll over to the right for the “Out & About” channel with Alabama Ambassador, Eddy Reese! Eddy has a couple of other channels on the network – Outdoors Alabama & Blessed to be a Light.

If you love Christmas music, we have several good “live” channels for that. Under the Wave Music Channels, you’ll find 24/7 Christmas music, from hymns to carols to classics to pop & country Christmas classics!

We also feature the “Christmas Concerts & Contatas” from choirs & musicians from across the region. And as we go through December, we’ll be on the lookout for and adding even more musical Christmas events! If you know of any, hit us up with a message or a link on our GCVTV Facebook page!

And while you’re there, you might want to check out all the channels under the “Good Old Days – GOD-TV” banner. Wow! Just Wow! Classic movies, including Christmas movies – We’re busy adding more… Find about a hundred or so On-Demand classic tv & cartoon channels under “GCV-TV Classic TV,” plus “GCV-Delicious” channels & “GCV-TV Lifestyle” channels.

And the best part of everything we offer on GCV-TV on Roku, it’s ALL family-friendly programming. You don’t have to worry about shows that are “rude” or “offensive” for you or your family.