Category: GCV News

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – As a proud graduate of Leadership Sylacauga, you remember the power of the connections built within your class – the stories shared, the laughter, the growth. Now it’s time to expand that circle. There is a special afternoon, designed to bring together alumni from all class years for a dynamic session focused on connection, collaboration, and leadership renewal.

The gatherig will explore “The Power of You & Making a Difference” – a reflective and energizing session that will help you assess your natural talents, refocus on your purpose, and reengage with your ability to lead and make an impact in your community and career.

This session will be facilitated by Teri Smiley of Starfish Partnerships, known for creating meaningful, high-energy leadership experiences that bring teams together and spark lasting impact.

Expect a fun and welcoming space to meet fellow alumni from other class years, along with interactive team-building activities that build trust, spark laughter, strengthen collaboration, and a lot more.

Join fellow Leadership Sylacauga Alumni on Wednesday, August 27th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. for this special Leadership Sylacauga alumni experience. Come ready and please dress in very casual clothes and tennis shoes. You will need to comfortably move around for the team building activities!

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Sylacauga City Schools Foundation is hosting their 70th Chair presentation next Wednesday, August 27th, at 4:00 p.m. in the Sylacauga High School foyer. This milestone Chair is honoring a very special family for not only the Sylacauga community but Sylacauga City Schools as well.

Lynn Hodges, a current SCSF board member, was a teacher and administrator in our school system for many years. Don Hodges was the Balfour representative that provided senior class rings and graduation invitations for decades of graduates, their two children (Bill and Donalyn) are graduates of Sylacauga High School as are their children, they both assisted in the family business at Balfour, and Donalyn’s husband (Chad Wilkinson) is our Athletic Director. This family depicts Sylacauga Aggies through and through.

“When I was recruited to organize this monthly event – the 3rd Thursday Block Parties in downtown Childersburg – the idea was to call attention to the growing number of businesses, a good time for the community with a purpose,” said Tom Roberts. “And this month it’s all getting bigger.”

New and existing businesses have two new neighbors, The Nevermore Bar & Grill along with Salon Paragon, both on 8th Avenue, across from another new entry, Another Level Cards. And a couple of other new Childersburg businesses are joining the big night as vendors.

“I talked with Felling Ranchy this morning, and they’ll be showing off their line-up of western fashion and consignment goods from their Highway 280 store. Hooked up with The Bargain Barn Liquidations to bring out some of their growing inventory from their amazing new store in the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center – brand new goods at liquidation prices.”

Regular vendors will be joined by several farmers market favorites with farm fresh eggs and home-cooked breads and treats, plus lots more new arts and crafts vendors, and even a bouncy house for the kids. All the candidates for next week’s municipal election have been invited to either set up tents, or chat with visitors on their own.

“And, besides our downtown eateries – The Chicken Coop and Domino’s Pizza – we’re expecting a trio of food vendors, plus the Pelicans SnoBalls truck,” added Roberts. “Bring the family for a fun night out and experience all that downtown Childersburg, and beyond, has to offer!”

There was rain throughout the area and gray, threatening skies above TigerFest 2025 at John Cox Stadium in Childersburg, but that didn’t scare off visitors for the big annual event.

Those visitors were greeting with a bunch of delicious food from food trucks, even more supportive exhibitors, and plenty of back-to-school information, and a long list of fun activities to enjoy well into the event, before rain finally came and cut short the celebration.

“A lot of folks, a LOT of folks have come out in support of our children,” said Mayor Ken Wesson, “Another impressive night for the people of Childersburg, coming together for a great cause.”

The Arc of South Talladega County is proud to announce the tremendous success of its recent BBQ Bailout Fundraiser, which raised nearly $12,000 to support individuals with developmental, cognitive, and intellectual disabilities in South Talladega County. The event was held on Friday, August 1st at The Corner Spot in Sylacauga.

Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of local municipal candidates and the incredible generosity of the public, the event brought together supporters from across the community for a fun and impactful evening. The following candidates were “locked up” for the cause and rallied donations to earn their release:

Greer Wright Bisignani – $1,050

Lee Perryman – $630

Nate Brewer – $1,087.25

Tina Sanders – $1,200

Jada Thomas-Combs – $760

Diana Thornton – $760

Matt Hubbard – $1,010

Tim Vincent – $1,013

Zac Mayo – $864

John Wesson – $783

Mayor Jim Heigl – $200 donation

Guests enjoyed lively conversations with candidates, watched the bailout fun unfold, and helped raise additional funds by purchasing over 200 BBQ plates, many of which were enjoyed on-site as the excitement continued.

The barbecue plates were prepared by Jon and Chelsey Strong, with supplies generously donated by members of The Arc’s Board of Directors.

A special thank-you goes to Becky Bolton, who provided use of The Corner Spot at no charge – helping make the evening even more successful.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to The Arc’s ongoing efforts to provide vital services, advocacy, and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families throughout every stage of life.

Every summer, in the weeks leading up to a new school year, No More Tears, Inc. gathers families in a local park with a Back-to-School event, where everything is free for those in attendance.

In keeping with this year’s theme, “Back Packs for a Brighter Future” over one thousand free back packs were given away, filled with school supplies. There were fun games, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos and cheese, snow cone treats, and more. And DJ Weechie supplied the music for a fun and rewarding day in Central Park.

It’s a fun and productive way to give back to the community for Sylacauga’s Meat Depot, and the beneficiaries are the high school athletic programs at B.B. Comer and Sylacauga High Schools. Now through July 29th, grab Powerade at 5 for $5 and help support local students, especially student athletes.

Hey, the students themselves know what this means. Student athletes have been showing up, spending a good bit of the little time they have left before school starts back.

Check out the boxes for our local schools near the door. Pick one, or pick both. Donate some Powerade. All the donations will be delivered to the schools to help the students start the school year strong!

As a total volunteer organization, the Childersburg Rescue Squad depends on donations and two major fund raisers to cover their expenses. They have announced plans for one of those fund-raisers, “Ride to the Rescue” on Saturday October 11, 2025.

The “Ride to the Rescue” event is a significant fundraising effort for the Childersburg Rescue Squad, aiming to support their missions both locally and beyond. The event includes a bike ride/race with two circuits: a 32-mile and a 64-mile route, starting at the B.J. Meeks Sports Complex in Childersburg.

The event also features a free concert the night before the race, a car-ruck-and-bike show, as well as BBQ plates for sale. The event is a testament to the squad’s commitment to community support and their efforts to enhance the lives of those in need.

When a call for help comes, the Squad answers. So far this year, the Childersburg Rescue Squad responded to: a lost person on Cheaha Mountain; a lost person in Munford; recovered a drowning victim in Morgan County and another one in Lake Lanier, GA; assisted with the tornado in Winterboro.

More recently, they rescued two elderly gentlemen stranded on Elliot Island during a heavy thunderstorm when their boat broke down. ALEA was unable to send help, and the St. Clair E-911 didn’t have anyone, so the Childersburg Rescue Squad responded. When a hurricane ravaged east coast states, the Squad spent two days immediately after the hurricane in Irwin, TN, building a landing zone so choppers could deliver supplies to a totally isolated area.

Seeing the total devastation in Irwin, the Childersburg Rescue Squad spearheaded a Christmas toy dive. Squads from all around Alabama filled a 55-foot tractor trailer and another smaller truck, delivering “Christmas” to over 6,000 children in the Irwin area.

Besides your attendance during their big October event, they are looking for sponsors, too. There are two sponsorship packages – $150 and $250 – that include signage during the event that will draw thousands of locals, as well as visitors from across the southeast.

Make checks payable to the Childersburg Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 204, Childersburg, AL 35044. Please send along your business card with your logo and name for the signs. Because you never know when it will be your family that needs their quick response.