A family helping families
Blantons work together in real estate
PAGE 8
Bright A Future
is runner-up at Miss America’s Teen
Kicking it Around PAGE 16
Lee leads Hornets soccer
PAGE 21
Ali Mims
On the Cover Staff
Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 617-9609 matthew@jbmcmedia.com
Michelle Salem Haynes Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com
Lurenda Avery Marketing Consultant (205) 767-3362 lurenda@jbmcmedia.com
Leah Ingram Eagle Content Director (205) 807-0834 leah@jbmcmedia.com
Amy Phillips
Marketing Consultant (205) 515-2564 amy@jbmcmedia.com
Emily VanderMey Listo Operations & Project Manager, Graphic Designer emily@emilylisto.com
Who We Are
Chelsea Magazine tells the stories of the people, places, businesses, and history of Chelsea and surrounding communities. The magazine is published monthly and is available mid-month at locations in Chelsea, Mt Laurel, Westover, Harpersville, Wilsonville, and Columbiana.
Subscriptions by mail are available for $35 per year. Visit jbmcmedia.com/magazine-subscriptions to subscribe, or email subscribe@jbmcmedia.com to request a form to pay by mail.
Does your business want to connect with Chelsea residents? Email us: advertise@jbmcmedia.com, and let’s talk!
All content in this magazine remains the property of JBMC Media, LLC. Any requests to reprint or republish should be directed to matthew@jbmcmedia.com.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Shweta Bratina Graphic Designer
Tony Bratina Cover Designer
Ali Mims poses with her book, “Make Music With Joy” along with a puppet. Photography by Elizabeth Grandy Photography.
Dear Reader,
We finally made it through January!
I’m so excited about this new issue. We’re highlighting a few stars from Chelsea High School.
First, senior Ali Mims who was serving as Miss Alabama’s Teen was recently named first runner-up at Miss America’s Teen. She’s had quite the journey and there’s still more to come.
Writer Loyd McIntosh also talked to Chelsea High’s boys soccer coach, Lee Smith. In his 18th year coaching at Chelesa, he is also getting to coach his son.
You can also meet Cruz and Brenda Blanton, Chelsea realtors who also give back to the schools and the community.
We’ve also got Valentine’s Day this month. It’s one of my favorite holidays. Make sure you tell those important to you how much you love them.
Do you know of someone who deserves to be featured in our magazine? Is there some business news or an event coming up we can put in our calendar? Send me an email at leah@jbmcmedia.com.
Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy this issue.
Leah Eagle, Content Director
Christopher S. Carter, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Emily Bell Casey, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Rachel G. Henderson, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder
José (Jody) O. Ortega, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Charles T. Carnel, MD Cervical, Thoracic & Lumbar Spine
Wayne McGough, Jr., MD Arthroscopy, Elbow, Knee, Shoulder
Medicine Surgeon
The Blantons Chelsea House Hunters
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
After nearly two decades in Chelsea, Brenda Blanton has firmly planted her roots in the community. Now, alongside her husband, Cruz, she’s helping others do the same.
Brenda and Cruz met while working for the same sales company at different locations. When they married in 2016, Cruz moved from Hoover to Chelsea, embracing the city’s “All About Family” tagline.
Though Brenda had built a career in outside sales selling tech to hospitals, she found it unfulfilling. Encouraged by Cruz, she transitioned into real estate in January 2021. That leap of faith quickly proved successful—especially when Cruz, after flipping homes and working alongside Brenda, earned his real estate license two years ago. Now, as The Blanton Team, brokered by eXp Realty, they’re a powerhouse duo in Chelsea’s real estate market.
Brenda approached her first year with realistic expectations, unsure if she’d sell a single home. But when interest rates dropped, her business took off. She was even nominated for Rookie of the Year.
“In our second year, we hit ICON status—one of eXp Realty’s highest achievements. Only about 3% of agents nationwide reach that level.
Brenda Blanton
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BRENDA BLANTON
“We work really well together. Our strong work ethic is what initially attracted us to each other. We’re both competitive, and we have a hard time turning work off.”
Cruz Blanton
“In our second year, we hit ICON status—one of eXp Realty’s highest achievements,” she said. “Only about 3% of agents nationwide reach that level.
To be an eXp ICON means agents have achieved exceptional sales volume as well as represent the company’s core values. Only 3% of agents in the U.S. hit that status, Brenda shared.
Cruz played a pivotal role in Brenda’s early success, balancing his own job while helping her with real estate. Eventually, he made the bold decision to leave his salaried position and fully commit to the business. The move paid off—when Cruz officially joined in Brenda’s third year, they hit ICON status again.
“We work really well together,” Cruz said. “Our strong work ethic is what initially attracted us to each other. We’re both competitive, and we have a hard time turning work off.”
As a team, they each have their own clients but function as two agents working seamlessly together. Their complementary styles give clients options.
“We dive into our strengths and weaknesses,” Brenda said. “Cruz is very process-driven. When he joined, I realized the efficiency of automating things to handle production. I’m more of a socializer and networker and provide emotional support.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Cruz said their clients have the option to reach out to either of them, whoever they are more comfortable with.
“We have different styles too,” he said. “I tend to be more quiet and laid back. She’s more energetic and social. Some clients naturally gravitate toward one of us, and we want them to feel comfortable working with whoever fits their style.”
A large portion of The Blanton Team’s business comes from referrals and repeat customers, thanks to their client-focused approach. They take time to understand each buyer or seller’s concerns, then craft a solution to make the process smooth and stress-free.
“We have a process for every client but every client gets a different experience,” Brenda said. “We have a common goal to get this done and it’s a team effort. We’re fun, but we’re professional and make the experience a good one.”
Cruz added, “Our biggest goal with our clients is that we want to do such a good job that they
view us as their real estate agents for the rest of their life.
The biggest differentiator being a husband-wife team is that their family is fully dedicated to the business.
“When someone hires us, they’re hiring both of us,” Cruz said. “That means we’re always available. If life happens—whether it’s a sick child or an unexpected event—one of us can step in without missing a beat.”
Beyond real estate, the Blantons are passionate about supporting Chelsea. They’ve built relationships with top professionals in home-related industries and freely share their trusted network with the community—prioritizing Chelsea-based businesses whenever possible.
“We love the community and we love to give back,” Brenda said. “It’s not all about business. We have found the more you give to a community, the more they will give back and pour into your business.”
The Blanton’s live in Chelsea Park, and enjoy the neighborhood’s amenities including the pool,
lakes with walking trails and the strong sense of community.
“We were showing houses in the community when we decided to move here,” Brenda said. “The school is nearby and our church is at the front of the neighborhood [Double Oak Community Church].”
Their three children Chase (18), Kansas (14), and Ryder (7) attend Chelsea High School and Chelsea Park Elementary. The couple stays active in the community, serving as room parents for Ryder’s class and sponsoring local athletics, including Chelsea High School’s football, baseball, and basketball programs. Brenda has even coached Chelsea Youth Club softball.
Brenda serves on the board of the National Association of Women in Construction and is president of a business networking group. Both she and Cruz are involved in networking groups in Chelsea, where they meet with business owners every two weeks.
For more information about The Blanton Team, visit theblantonteam.exprealty.com or call Brenda at 205-706-9672.
In The Kitchen with Kathleen Phillips
Kathleen Phillips is a food blogger, food stylist, cookbook author, and former Oxmoor House test kitchen director (Southern Living cookbooks). On her food blog, GritsAndGouda.com, she creates Southern shortcut recipes. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. Food Blogger, GritsAndGouda.com
Muffuletta Dip
I make this easy Muffuletta Dip with an Alabama twist because my husband makes his own venison salami. Genoa salami or ham is the typical choice for this muffuletta sandwich-inspired dip.
If you love a good Muffuletta (Muffaletta) Sandwich made popular at the Central Grocery & Deli in New Orleans, you will flip over this dip. I simply took all the ingredients inside that sandwich- olive salad, deli meats and cheeses- and chopped them up!
Perfect for a Mardi Gras party, game day gathering or any party where good food and fellowship are found.
Ingredients
1/2 cup Italian pickled vegetables (Giardiniera) (Found next to olives)
1/3 cup chopped green olives
2 tablespoons chopped black or kalamata olives
2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini peppers
2 tablespoons chopped roasted bell pepper from a jar (can be omitted if pimiento-stuffed green olives are used)
1 garlic clove, minced (1/2 teaspoon)
1/2 cup chopped hard salami (Genoa or venison)
1/2 cup chopped capocolla, ham, or mortadella
3/4 cup diced provolone or mozzarella cheese (or combination of both)
2 tablespoons finely shredded or crumbled Parmesan cheese (grated tends to make the dip murky)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or the liquid from Giardiniera or green olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Tortilla chips, French bread crostini, or crackers
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours but it tastes even better overnight so the flavors and meld together. Serve with tortilla chips, French bread crostini, or crackers.
Note: If you don’t want to hand chop everything and don’t mind the mixture being a little finely chopped, chop everything in the food processor starting with the garlic clove alone, then add the rest. I’d still chop the meat and cheese with a knife.
Chelsea Library Calendar
The Chelsea Public Library has lots to offer for everyone in our city. Find our more in their calendar below.
BY
Every Monday: Dungeons & Dragons. Ages 12-14 Meets Mondays from 4-6 p.m.
Every Wednesday: For ages 15 and up. Meets Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m.
Every Wednesday: Tot Time. Toddler story time. Meets Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Every Thursday: Musical Munchkins. A toddler music and movement class. Meets Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Every Thursday: Chess Club. Meets Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Every Friday: Bring Your Own Craft. Meets Fridays at 1 p.m.
Feb. 8: Lego Day. Every second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Feb. 8: Friends of Chelsea Library book sale. Every second Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Feb. 10: Chapter Chat. 5 p.m.
Feb. 13: Adults book club. Meets every second Thursday at 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 18: YA Gotta Read This! 5 p.m.
Feb. 22: KZT S.T.E.A.M. Every fourth Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Feb. 24: Beyond Books: Cinema Savvy movie trivia. Adult program, registration required on website or at the library. 6 p.m.
ADDRESS: 16623 US-280, Chelsea, AL 35043
PHONE: 205-847-5750
WEBSITE: cityofchelsea.com/225/ Library-Home
HOURS:
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday: Closed
PHOTO
BRITTNEY FIELDS
This month’s books were selected by Kyleigh Hill from the Chelsea Public Library. She selected some books perfect for romance.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
This young adult fantasy follows the forbidden romance between a powerful prince and an ordinary girl as they try to survive their kingdom’s grueling laws pitting them against each other.
In this “unequivocally hilarious and delightful” young adult romp, a teen girl has the worst Valentine’s Day ever—only to relive it over and over again.
Is it ever too late to leave the friend zone? Discover the heartwarming friends to lovers romance that became a sensation on TikTok.
“Once Upon a Time” meets “The Office” in Hannah Maehrer’s laugh-out-loud viral TikTok series turned novel, about the sunshine assistant to an Evil Villain…and their unexpected romance.
No one knows why Juliette has such incredible power. It feels like a curse, a burden that one person alone could never bear. But The Reestablishment sees it as a gift, sees her as an opportunity. An opportunity for a deadly weapon.
A new true-crime fueled mystery thriller about a girl determined to uncover the shocking truth about her missing mother while filming a documentary on the unsolved case.
Never
Stuck inside and growing restless, Tricia stumbles on a collection of audio transcripts from Dr. Hale’s sessions with patients. As Tricia listens to the cassette tapes, she learns about the terrifying chain of events leading up to the doctor’s mysterious disappearance.
The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Lie by Freida McFadden
The Liquor Hub has moved from its location to 48 Chesser Crane Road.
The Winn-Dixie at 150 Chelsea Corners is set to close its doors in March and reopen as an ALDI after renovations take place”
The Marathon gas station located at 16634 Hwy. 280 W. has closed and the space will be a future home for Taco Bell and 7 Brew Coffee.
Construction has begun on the Waffle House location off Atchison Parkway next to Big Drip Auto Spa.
City Calendar
The Chelsea City Council will meet on Feb. 4 and 18. Precouncil meeting begins at 5 p.m. and the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. It is also streamed live on the city’s Facebook page- City of Chelsea, AL.
The city will participate in the severe weather preparedness tax holiday Feb. 21-23.
An Arbor Day celebration will be held at Chelsea Community Center on Feb. 22.
Waffle House is currently under construction.
The future home of Big Drip Auto Spa. Winn Dixie is closing in March.
The Liquor Hub’s new location.
MakingChelsea Proud
Chelsea senior named runner-up for Miss America’s Teen
BY LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
Just ten months after Chelsea High School senior Ali Mims was crowned Miss Hoover Teen in March 2024, the Harpersville native was named first runner-up at the Miss America’s Teen competition in Orlando, Florida on Jan. 4.
What a journey it has been for Ali, who has been participating in pageants since age two. Her mom, who was in Cinderella Scholarship Pageants at a young age, put Ali in them as well. Both women were crowned Cinderella Alabama Miniature Miss, and Ali was involved in the Cinderella pageants from ages two until 10 and gave up that title in 2019.
Ali’s mom, Haley Spates Houston, is the music teacher at Mt Laurel Elementary. She competed in Miss Alabama for three years and has always been involved in the organization. She knew if she had a daughter, she wanted to be the path she took.
“We are literally twins,” Ali said. “We couldn’t be more of the same person.”
As a 14-year-old freshman, Ali Mims competed for Miss Alabama’s Teen in the first preliminary pageant in Leeds and said it did not go well. However, a week later she competed in Miss Shelby County’s Teen and even though she was one of the youngest competitors, she won.
“Within that week, I worked and did everything I could,” she said. “That lit a fire within me that this is what I definitely want to do.”
While Ali’s sophomore year was a challenging time, she credits it with making her stronger. After reaching the top 10 at Miss Alabama’s Teen in 2023, she set her sights on winning the following year. Being crowned Miss Hoover Teen in March 2024 was a dream come true.
She began working with personal trainers, working on her talent, practicing her interviews. At age 15, she won Miss Tuscaloosa’s Teen.
“My mom and I were driving back and forth to Tuscaloosa every weekend to do community service there,” she said. “It made me fall in love with the University of Alabama, which is where I’m going in the fall, debt-free.
After winning Miss Tuscaloosa’s Outstanding Teen,
she made it to the top 10 in 2023 and then won Miss Hoover’s Teen in 2024, which she said “was such a godsend.”
“That experience was the best year of my life,” she said. She was also paired with (current Miss America) Abbie Stockard, who was Miss Hoover the same year and said the connection between the two was instant.
Ali said the last 10 months have been nonstop. She spent so much time practicing her walk, doing wardrobe fittings at The Clothes Tree, rehearsing her song and even designing her own evening gown for Miss America’s Teen. Ali described her style as a very tailored old-fashioned Miss America look. She was the only contestant dressed in black.
“I worked with a Jovani designer who drew my sketch on an iPad. It was designed in Japan and came in four months later. When I saw it, I stood there and cried. It was 10 times better than I thought it would be.”
Ali’s community service initiative is the Joyful Noise Foundation, which raises money to put musical instruments in special needs classes throughout the state and combines her passion for music and helping others.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMBER POLK
The 501(c)3 nonprofit already has raised more than $35,000.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a heart for special needs and music education and knew when I started competing I wanted to merge those two passions into one,” she said.
After doing research, Ali learned that 76% of schools in Alabama weren’t offering music education to students with special needs. She’s seen how music education helps bring out different emotions in students and has witnessed non-verbal students singing and playing instruments.
“My goal is always to take that 76% of students to 0%,” she said.
She has also authored a book, “Make Music with Joy” and has sent out 45 instrument grant boxes from Alabama, across the United States and all the way to Nicaragua and Africa. She has visited 45 classrooms at different schools across Alabama.
During the competition week in Orlando in January, Ali said she became best friends with all the girls there, as they were like-minded, driven, service oriented and all reaching for the same goals.
When she was announced in the top 5, Ali said she thinks she blacked out.
“I just looked up and started thanking Jesus. I’d done my best to get to that point. I saw my mom, dad and grandmother.”
Her Top 5 on stage question was about living up to today’s beauty standards. She didn’t have anything specific prepared for this, but she spoke about something she had never shared before- her anxiety. The only people that knew about this were her closest two friends and her family.
“At 15, I developed anxiety that made me compulsively pull my hair out,” she said. “I had a bald spot for a few months. You can’t stop or control it.”
It’s been almost a year since she has been free from trichotillomania, saying she was strong enough to stop and she did. She also knew that it was meant to be that she shared that on her platform at the competition.
Ali said she believed in connection with transparency, but hadn’t been transparent about her own struggle and speaking about it felt like a weight off her shoulders.
“My Top 5 on-stage answer got more publicity than if I would have won,” she said. “At that moment, Jesus wanted me to talk about it and change people’s lives. That reached so many people. I had 1,300 messages the next day. Girls were saying I was their new role model, which made me feel so
strong and not embarrassed.”
Before the announcement of the winner, Ali said she was holding hands with my best friend Peyton (Bolling, Miss Arkansas’ Teen). We told each other backstage that we were so happy for each other. When they called her name, I was so happy for her.”
Ali said it wasn’t until a few minutes later that reality set in. She hadn’t won, but she said she literally lost nothing.
“I gained so much from those two weeks,” she said. “I learned so much about myself, other people, and the organization. While I didn’t win the crown, I feel like I won so much more. It’s been a few weeks since I got home, and I learn every day that it was God’s plan for me to get first alternate.”
The very next day, her good friend Abbie Stockard was crowned Miss America. Ali said she was just “passed out on the floor weeping.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
happens Amazing
Her reign as Miss Alabama’s Teen will end when a new one is crowned in March. She will also be fulfilling duties for Abbie Stockard, who is now serving as Miss America, since there was no first alternate crowned during the Miss Alabama pageant.
As for what’s next, she is considering competing in the Miss Hoover pageant. “I’m not 100% sure, but I don’t want to take a year off competing. It’s been my whole life since I was two and I’ve sacrificed so much for all this,” she said.
She said that Abbie is technically not allowed to do things unless it’s under her national title, so she will be stepping in for her for many events and appearances.
Ali turns 18 in March, and plans to head to the University of Alabama in the fall, where she has already chosen her roommates: Miss Kentucky’s Teen, Miss Connecticut’s Teen and Miss Nebraska’s Teen.
“Alabama gives all 51 girls who compete in the Miss Teen a scholarship,” she said. “The Miss University of Alabama preliminary lead to Miss Alabama, so hopefully I will do that someday.”
She was also offered a full scholarship to Samford University, her mom’s alma mater. They have made the decision to begin offering Miss Alabama’s Teen a scholarship for years to come.
She said some people have made remarks about her attending U of A, which has somewhat of a “party school” reputation, but Ali said she feels it’s an opportunity for her to be the girl she’s always been and stand up for what’s right.
“I’m so excited about it,” she said. “I plan to rush and be in a sorority. Why pass up the opportunity to spend four years with these girls as my roommates?”
She plans to major in sports broadcasting and hopes to be a news anchor on a national level someday.
She will miss her mom, but is glad she will only be a 40-minute drive away. She also plans to come back to her home church as often as she can, Metropolitan Church of God in Hoover, where her mom is the worship leader.
Ali said she is so thankful for the outpouring of support from her hometown of Harpersville and also the city of Chelsea. She was able to attend Chelsea schools since her mom taught at Mt Laurel Elementary and chose to stay when the rezoning was completed, instead of going to Oak Mountain.
“The Chelsea School system is so supportive of me and the principals and teachers instilled so much
in me,” she said. “I love Chelsea, and I’m glad I stayed.
Chelsea High principal Dr. Brandon Turner has already asked her to sing the national anthem at graduation in May, something else her mom did when she graduated from CHHS.
“We are very proud of Ali for all her accomplishments,” Turner said. “She has been diligent in achieving her goals and has shown tremendous work ethic and dedication, particularly in her philanthropic endeavors related to her journey. Ali is a wonderful example of our stated virtues of Learning with Integrity, Serving Others, and Courageously Upholding her Character. She serves as a great reminder to what can be accomplished by hard work and sets a positive example for people of all ages. We continue to be excited for her and happy that she represents CHHS and Shelby County Schools.”
Ali said Superintendent Dr. Lewis Brooks and his wife, Reisa, have also been very supportive and
opened the door for opportunities.
Brooks said he has had the privilege of knowing Ali’s family and watching her grow up over the years and said that she embodies the very best of what our school district represents: scholarship and service.
“Ali has represented our school district with grace and excellence in everything she does,” he said. “She is not just a student; she is a leader, a role model, and a beacon of light for all who have the privilege of knowing her. My wife and I are so proud of her, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things she will accomplish in the future.”
He went on to describe Ali as “a gift to our community” and said he knows she will continue to shine brightly, “reminding us what it means to lead with joy and serve with purpose.”
Ali has hopes of winning Miss Hoover in July and dreams of being crowned the 100th Miss America.
A Futbol Legacy
Chelsea High School Soccer Coach Lee Miller
BY LOYD MCINTOSH
It’s been almost 20 years since a former UAB field goal kicker from Starkville, Mississippi took over the boy’s soccer team at Chelsea High School.
Since then, Lee Miller has racked up a solid resume, transforming Chelsea into one of the top soccer teams in the area. While a state title has, so far, eluded the Hornets futbol team, Miller has had loads of success on the field at Chelsea.
At the time of this writing in late January, Lee’s overall coaching record is 251–182-28, including his stints at Erwin High School and Hewitt-Trussville early in his career. His teams have won five area championships— including a girl’s area championship during his first year at Chelsea in 2008— two state quarterfinal appearances, and one appearance in the state final four in 2011.
He also earned Birmingham Metro Coach of Year Honors in 2019 and 2023.
Just weeks away from the beginning of the 2025 season, Miller’s viewpoints on the Hornets’ prospects are a mix of buoyant optimism and stone-cold realism.
“We could do anything from win the state championship to not make the playoffs. That’s kind of the situation we’re in and it’s unfortunate,” said Miller.
In recent years, the Hornets have bounced back and forth from 7A to 6A, but they always seem to be in the same region as some of the state’s best teams.
Last year, Chelsea was in 7A Region 6, along with Hewitt-Trussville, Spain Park, and Oak Mountain, the 2024 state champions and routinely one of the best teams in the nation.
Chelsea High boys soccer coach Lee Miller, with his son, Luke.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEE MILLER
“Last year, Oak Mountain, in my opinion, had the best high school team that has ever played in the state of Alabama and they were in our area,” Miller says. “We lost four games last season and three of them were to Oak Mountain.”
This year, Chelsea is back in 6A and placed in Region 8 with other traditional powers Spain Park, Pelham, and Briarwood. Even though the Hornets advanced to the state 7A quarterfinals a year ago and have a loaded roster for 2025.
One of those players is Miller’s son, Luke, a junior captain with 36 goals and 24 assists during his time at Chelsea and holds school records for interceptions and tackles. Others include Max Wever, a senior forward with 39 career goals; senior captain Harper Jones, a midfielder with two goals in a 2024 Sweet Sixteen win; Elijah Huggins, a senior center back and defensive anchor; sophomore Daniel Teixeira, a versatile attacking midfielder; and Parker Dean, a junior forward/winger who, Miller says, is poised for a breakout season.
Miller said he can’t help but wonder what his team’s potential would be if many of the state’s best teams weren’t bottlenecked in one or two areas. Still, with a bevy of talented players coming back, “I wish we had a different draw,” said Miller. “I wish somebody would have thought this through better, but the state does with the state does. They have their reasons and we have to live with it. I expect an absolute battle just to make the playoffs. Obviously, we expect to do it, but it’s going to be tough.”
Regardless of how the 2025 season plays out, Miller had already cemented his legacy as one of the most successful high school coaches in the state of Alabama. Not bad for a kid from the Magnolia State.
Lee Miller grew up in Starkville, Mississippi, discovering his love for soccer at an early age. Miller recalls the first time he heard of the sport was when a friend in his kindergarten class said his mother had signed him up to play soccer.
“I went home and complained to my mom that she didn’t sign me up for soccer and she said ‘I didn’t even know you wanted to play in the first place,’” recalls Miller. “She signed me up and that started all this unbelievable ball that’s been rolling down the hill for decades now.”
While soccer remained his favorite sport throughout his childhood, Miller excelled as a placekicker. He was recruited to kick for Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi, earning All-American honors in the mid-90s, catching the eye of an assistant coach at UAB.
Miller had heard rumors that Watson Brown, an assistant coach at Mississippi State in the early 90s, was up for the UAB job, piquing his interest in becoming a Blazer, in a big way.
“I went to high school with (Brown’s) daughter and even though I didn’t know him, I knew who he was, and I felt pretty good about that hire,” Miller explains. “I told that coach on the spot ‘I’m committing, I’m coming,’’ Miller says. “The coach said ‘well, all right. We’ll see you in August’ and I said “No, no no, I’m coming right now. I’m transferring immediately.”
After graduating in 1997, Miller landed his first head coaching gig in that same year at Erwin High School (now Center Point High School) before taking over at Hewitt-Trussville for the 2000 and 2001 seasons. After getting married, he spent the next five years in Miami before returning to the Birmingham-area in 2006 and landing a job as an assistant coach at Thompson High School for the 2007 season.
A year later, Miller was hired at Chelsea and coached the boys and girls teams in 2008, focusing solely on the boys team since 2009. Over his 18 years leading the Hornet’s soccer program, Miller’s
influence can be gauged far beyond his win-loss record. Many of his players have moved on to college squads at UAB, Huntingdon, and Birmingham-Southern, and a few are now head coaches at area schools such as Mortimer-Jordan and Hewitt-Trussville. He has also put forth time and effort to encourage elementary-age in the community to play soccer, helping the sport take root throughout north-Shelby County and beyond.
Despite his success, Miller maintains a humble perspective on his role in the Birmingham-area’s soccer scene.
“It takes a village,” he said. “It’s not just me, but I’m kind of this central voice that says, ‘hey, let’s get these kids that are six, seven, eight, nine years old, and encourage them to play soccer. I’ve tried to be an influence on people for the sport and be a positive ambassador.”
Chelsea High School opens the 2025 season at Mortimer Jordan on February 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Sean of the South
The Feel of a Real Newspaper
Newspapers have a smell. If you’re lucky enough to find a physical newspaper in our digital world, you’ll notice the smell first. Fresh newsprint paper. SoySeal ink. Still warm. It’s a unique scent.
I grew up throwing newspapers. Not on a bicycle. My mother and I threw newspapers, riding in her beat-up Nissan. We threw papers every day of the week. Weekends. Holidays. Rainy weather. Snow. Thanksgiving. Christmas Eve.
Our mornings went as such:
We awoke at 2:30 a.m. We arrived at West Marine at 3. Whereupon a delivery truck would pull up, carrying a pallet of the “Northwest Florida Daily News.” The pallet was about the size of an average Hardee’s.
Then, Mama and I would hole up in her car, wrapping newspapers while eating breakfast. Usually, Pop Tarts, or ham sandwiches.
Wrapping was the hardest part. You had to roll each paper into a tight tube. Then you shoved the paper into a tubular plastic sleeve which was about the same circumference as a No. 2 pencil.
Once a newspaper was wrapped, you tossed it into the backseat, where your kid sister sat. She had pigtails. She was busily wrapping newspapers of her own.
Your hands would look like a coal miner’s.
There’s not much on the radio at 3 in the morning. But if you didn’t mind AM, you could listen to classic reruns of Paul Harvey. We were big Paul Harvey fans.
When we finished, the backseat was so weighted with newspapers, the rear axle sagged against the pavement, shooting sparks into the night at full speed.
My sister rode in back, buried in rolled-up newspapers. I rode up front, reciting the current list of subscribers.
And this is where the real work began. We all had roles. Mama was a pilot. Kid Sister was munitions. I was a tail gunner.
I would crank down the window and throw newspapers across Northwest Florida. We delivered several hundred billion each morning. Sometimes more.
We sped through neighborhoods, throwing. The morn-
ing-shift cops knew us by name, and never pulled Mama over for speeding. She took corners on two wheels. We called her Mama Earnhardt.
Occasionally, we’d park and throw papers on foot. We’d walk the breezeways of apartment buildings, tossing armfuls of newsprint.
We stocked news vending machines. We wore heavy satchels, weighed with papers, and dropped them at people’s doorsteps. We delivered to hotels. Offices. You name it.
We also received complimentary papers. And we always read them. Front to back. After all, this was our product.
One Sunday morning, after throwing papers, the sun was rising. We parked in front of Winn-Dixie, eating donuts and drinking coffee.
My sister was reading the funnies. Mama was reading the want ads. I was reading a column written by a humorist. And I remember saying aloud, “One day, I want to write for newspapers.”
My mother lowered her paper. Her face was tired for a young widow.
“One day,” she replied, “maybe you will.”
Yesterday, I picked up a copy of a local paper. I saw my name in print. Beneath the byline were 600 poorly written words. Suddenly, I could hear Paul Harvey’s voice on a scratchy Nissan stereo. I could taste Pop Tarts and coffee. I could smell the newsprint.
Because, as I say, newspapers have a smell.
SEAN DIETRICH
Holy Moly Motherhood
Contentment
Being in a state of peaceful happiness and satisfaction.
Man, that sounds wonderful. I’m not sure I’ve quite found that state, but it sounds wonderful nonetheless.
When I was about to start nursing school, I had a little one-bedroom apartment that I could barely make the rent on. It was nice enough and it was safe, but it was lacking so much that I envisioned for my future. When I wanted to take my dog for a walk, I would drive over to a nice, quiet neighborhood, and stroll down the street. I’d pass neat and tidy houses, with trees that I didn’t know the names of. Swings would be on porches, wreaths on doors, and bicycles left in driveways. It was the American Dream.
Alana Smith
“When I get married, I am going to have kids in a house like that, on a street like this, with a yard in the back for you,” I’d tell my Jack Russell. “Then, I’ll be content.”
Today, almost 20 years later, I’m walking a different dog, down a similar street, living out what I pictured back then. But as I walk, I still think of goals I’m chasing and have thoughts of “when we aren’t paying for day care, we will do this…” and “when I have more time, I can do that…and then I’ll be content.”
I think we are all chasing contentment in some way. I know I am. I yearn to be satisfied and at ease. I hope that at some point in my life, after I’ve checked all the boxes and done all the things, that I’ll be parked on a lake pier somewhere, rocking my chair in contentment. I hope the wind is in my face and I’m thinking of how good fortune and hard work have led to a life well lived. I sure hope that’s how it plays out, anyhow.
But, why wouldn’t I be content now, instead of in the future? My kids are healthy. We have food on the table. I have a house to call home. A family. Some good friends. I have transportation to a job that isn’t too bad. I have a good dog that listens to me talk. The American Dream, right?
Yet, I find myself searching for the next thing most of the time. The next project for our house. The next exciting addition to our lot. The next vacation. The next opportunity. The next challenge. I’ll finally reach the peak of something I’ve worked so hard for, and, shortly after, I’ll want to go just a little further, or make something just a little better.
Some days, I’ll sit down on my porch and watch my kids play in the yard, and I’ll get a sweet glimpse of contentment. I really am happy and fulfilled, honestly. But then, I’m right back after whatever thing needs to be done or planned. I guess I just don’t like to be stagnant. And as a mom, we are all just really busy tending to everyone. But even more than that, maybe it’s just human nature—our desire to constantly move forward. To improve. To better our situation for ourselves and the ones who depend on us. I don’t really think that’s a bad thing, when I think of it like that. Maybe I need to focus less on the end goal and more on the journey. Because when I’m finally sitting in the rocking chair on the pier, the journey—with its struggles and its growth— will be all that’s left to think about. And surely then, I will be content.
School News: Chelsea Park
Liberty Learning
Second graders from Mt. Laurel, Forest Oaks and Chelsea Park Elementary School filled the Chelsea Park Elementary Cafeteria at the end of January. After finishing 10 weeks in the Hands on Liberty Program, they gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and honor local heroes from the stage. The “Hands on Liberty” series and accompanying activities and lesson plans teach crucial lessons in civics, character, financial literacy and social studies to a tech-centric generation. And in the closing piece of the program, Helping Hands, students are applying those crucial lessons in the real world. Students chose heroes who embodied the traits of amazing
citizens and read essays from stage before presenting them with Liberty Pins. They learned that “when you honor a hero, you become a hero!”
The 2024-2025 “Helping Hands” heroes for Chelsea Park were:
• Nurse Anna-Michael Longshore
• Hannah Burton
• Cindy Gasaway
• Alison Jeffries
• Julie Middleton
Perfect Attendance
Here’s a look at the CPES students who had perfect attendance the second nine weeks of school.
Grant received
Dr. Paula Tolbert recently received a state department grant, Healthy Heights: Combining Nutrition Science with Drone Technology.
Special Treat
CPES teachers received a special popcorn treat courtesy of the Double Good fundraising community who donated the popcorn.
School News: Forest Oaks
Liberty Learning
Second graders from Mt. Laurel, Forest Oaks, & Chelsea Park Elementary School filled the Chelsea Park Elementary Cafeteria at the end of January. After finishing 10 weeks in the Hands on Liberty Program, they gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and honor local heroes from the stage. The “Hands on Liberty” series and accompanying activities and lesson plans teach crucial lessons in civics, character, financial literacy and social studies to a tech-centric generation. And in the closing piece of the program, Helping Hands, students are applying those crucial lessons in the real world. Students chose heroes who embodied the traits of amazing citizens and read essays from stage before presenting them with Liberty Pins. They learned that “when you honor a hero, you become a hero!”
Leadership Lab
Forest Oaks hosted a Leadership Lab along with the Alabama Reading Initiative through the State Department of Education on December 3, 2024. Administrators from Shelby County, Vestavia Hills, Pelham City, Chilton County, Talladega County, Homewood City, Bibb County, Hoover City and Tuscaloosa County attended the event. The purpose of this training was to help participants gain a deeper understanding of the implementation of the science of reading through data informed decision making. Administrators had the opportunity to observe classroom instruction taking place in 1st and 2nd grade classrooms. Participants then observed a debriefing session held by Stevi Sims, Principal, and Amanda Burks, Instructional Coach, where these instructional practices were discussed and highlighted.
The 2024-2025 “Helping Hands” heroes for Forest Oaks were recognized by the following classes:
• Mrs. Taylor Colburn (Mrs. Brown’s class)
• Deputy Ken Prady (Mrs. Coats’ class)
• Mr. Jaden Chatman (Ms. Posey’s class)
• Mrs. Maria Tarry (Mrs. Quattlebaum’s class)
• Ms. Megan Stancil (Mr. Wilkinson’s class)
Spirit Night
FOES hosted a Spirit Night at McDonald’s on Jan. 16. Many FOES students and their families came out to support the event and Mrs. Odle’s class won a cookie party.
School News: Chelsea Middle
Honor band students
CHMS band students recently had the opportunity to audition for the Shelby County Honor Band. The following students were selected:
• Sophie Engle, Flute
• Annabel Dacey, Clarinet
• Brooke Harbor, Clarinet
• Meilee Alatea, Clarinet
• Mayumi Kim, Clarinet
• Cheylyn Agneaux, Clarinet
• Isabelle Heaton, Clarinet
• Charlee Hillin, Clarinet
• Molly Gaither, Clarinet
• Willow Agneaux, Clarinet
• Abigail Junkins/Clarinet
• Shrey Newhal, Bass Clarinet (1st chair)
• James Waller, Bass Clarinet
• Caroline Zieba, Alto Saxophone
• Gabriel Mauldin, Alto Saxophone
• Leah Street, Tenor Saxophone
• Bennett Wood, Baritone Saxophone
• MJ Mantooth, Trumpet
• Emiliano Maldonado Don, French Horn
• Madison Bell, Trombone (1st chair)
• Owen Gurtler, Trombone
• Reese Blackwell, Trombone
• Owen Thorne, Trombone
• Nelson Berthiaume, Euphonium
• James Perkins, Tuba
• Ryan Bankston, Percussion
• David Wallace, Percussion
Family and Consumer Science project
The 6th and 7th Grade FACS students recently completed their sublimation projects.
Recipe Race Winners
FACS students competed against one another in a race to double and half recipes in the Amazing Recipe Race. Students completed five levels in record time.
School News: Chelsea High
Pinning ceremony
The Chelsea High School Healthcare Academy hosted the 2025 White Jacket & CPCT Pinning Ceremony on January 29. This was the third annual event, which was created as a rite of passage to celebrate senior Health Science Internship students who received a national Certified Patient Care Technician credential and earned the privilege to attend hand-on patient care clinicals at Shelby Baptist Medical Center and Heart South Cardiovascular Group. A reception was held following the event.
Basketball
Both the girls and boys basketball teams are seeded first in their area, and will be hosting their respective tournaments CHHS.
Adulting
Seniors participated in an “Adulthood Day” on Jan. 22, where they heard from various professionals who covered topics such as: Managing Money, Car Care, Driving Safety, Insurance Information, Healthy Lifestyles, Contracts and Legal Advice, Successful Job Interview Skills and How to be an Effective Employee.
Construction update
The front entrance renovation is an exciting project that will give the high school main entrance a prominent, new look. So far, the weather has been very cooperative with allowing the work to move forward with few delays and set-backs. According to David Calhoun, Assistant Superintendent of Operations for Shelby County Schools, the project is currently on schedule to be completed later this spring, probably in April.
Show Choir competes
The Out of the Blue Show Choir recently participated in a competition at the Capital City Classic in Montgomery. They won Best Show Design, Best Vocals, and 1st Place Overall in their division.
Students chosen for Shelby County Honor Band
Congratulations to the following CHHS band students made the Shelby County High School Honor Band:
• Ada Blackwell, flute
• Celso Cuffia, trumpet
• Chloe Statham, trumpet
• Jordan Lee, trumpet
• Ella Gurtler, horn
PTO hosts back to school lunch
Faculty and staff enjoyed celebrating back to school after the holiday break. They enjoyed Station 31 for lunch from the CHHS PTO and raffle prizes from Crafting with Brandy.
Winter guard shows off
Congratulations to the Chelsea High School Winter Guard on their preview show performance in January.
Infield project
The SCBOE recently approved a project to install artificial turf on the baseball and softball infield areas. According to David Calhoun, Assistant Superintendent of Operations for Shelby County Schools, this is a project that Mayor Tony Picklesimer, has worked to secure donations from businesses and vendors (that the city works with) to pay for the majority of this project. The local school athletic program is paying for the remaining balance. The total cost to install the artificial surfaces on both fields is approximately $600,000. Actual work should begin in February, and barring any unforeseen issues that would impede progress, be completed over the summer.
School News: Shelby County
Chelsea Zoning Update
The SCBOE recently approved changes to the Chelsea School Attendance Zone.
Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, the following changes were approved:
To extend the Chelsea school attendance zone boundary to the most eastern intersection of Westover Road (Old U.S. 280) and Westover Circle and to extend the Chelsea school attendance zone boundary to the intersection of Hwy 49 and Hwy 61.
Board recognition
January was Board Member Recognition Month. The Shelby County Board of Education Members dedicate their time, talents, and vision to ensuring the success of our students and staff. Their commitment to academic excellence and empowering the next generation is truly inspiring. Members of the Shelby County Board of Education are: David Bobo, Amber Polk, Peg Hill, JiJi Davis, and Billy Holliday.
Talking “The Talk”
Author Dale Alexander, best known for his insightful book “The Talk (about money)” visited several Shelby County high schools in January (including Chelsea High) to share insights with students eager to learn about financial literacy and responsible money management.
Alexander, a seasoned expert in personal finance, has dedicated his career to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for financial success. His latest book, “The Talk (about money),” has gained widespread acclaim for its practical advice and easy-to-understand insights into the world of finance. The speaking engagements give students a unique opportunity to engage directly with Alexander. The author has shared anecdotes from his journey, discussed key concepts from his book, and offered valuable tips on budgeting, saving, and making informed financial decisions.
Events in and around Chelsea
Feb. 22: Live music with Rebekah Gilbert from 1-4 p.m. and food truck from noon-3 p.m. Cat-n-Bird Winery 11701 CR-280, Chelsea. cat-n-bird.com
Area Events
Feb. 11-16: “SIX” Broadway National Tour. Showtimes vary. BJCC Concert Hall. 2100 Richard Arrington Blvd. N. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over! Purchase tickets at ticketmaster.com
Feb. 13: Lee Brice: You, Me & My Guitar with special guest Rebecca Lynn Howard. 7:30 p.m. The Alabama Theatre. 1817 3rd Avenue N. With more than 3.7 billion on-demand streams, Brice has enjoyed massive success at country radio, digital streaming services and on the road. He has reached the #1 spot at Country Radio with Platinum-selling Memory I Don’t Mess With, which consecutively follows three prior #1s: One of Them Girls, I Hope You’re Happy Now with Carly Pearce, and Rumor. Purchase tickets at ticketmaster.com.
Feb. 14: Marc Broussard–Time is a Thief Tour. 8 p.m. The Lyric Theatre. 1800 3rd Avenue N. Marc Broussard is an artist with a unique gift of channeling the spirits of classic R&B, rock and soul into contemporary terms. Marc released multiple albums with major labels for 10 years, but has recently returned to his independent roots having released multiple successful original and covers records. Purchase tickets at ticketmaster.com.
Feb. 15: Bark & Wine. 5:30- 9:30 p.m. Rosewood Hall, Homewood. A benefit for Shelby Humane. The night will include a cocktail hour, silent auction, seated dinner, couple’s photos, a puppy and kitten kissing booth, a wine tasting, live music by The Negotiators and more. Tickets available at shelbyhumane.org/barkandwine.
Feb. 19: Annual State of our Communities Luncheon presented by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. 11 a.m. Pelham Civic Complex 500 Amphitheater Road. For more information, or to make a reservation, please contact the Chamber at info@ shelbychamber.org, by telephone at 205-663-4542 or register online at shelbychamber.org.
Feb. 21-23: Birmingham Home Show. Times vary. BJCC North Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. The 51st annual Birmingham Home Show will feature a multitude of local businesses to assist with ideas for home improvements and updates. The show will feature Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb from HGTV’s Unsellable Houses, Fresh Ideas Stage, Hometown Flavor Cooking Stage, Custom Container Living and a Kids Workshops. Learn more at birminghamhomeshow.com.
Feb. 21: Big Top Glenwood. 8 p.m. to midnight. The Fennec. A night of circus fun while making a difference for children with autism and other behavorial health needs. Hosted by the Glenwood Junior Board. Tickets available at glenwood.org/ bigtop or call 205-970-1353.
March 1: Mardi Gras Gala. 5:30 p.m. Grande Hall, Columbiana. Fundraiser for the Shelby County Arts Council will feature a reception, silent auction and dinner to follow. Hosted by the Federated Women’s Clubs of Columbiana. Dance the night away to the tunes of Matt DeVine & The Big Greasy Brass Band. Proceeds raised from this event will support SCAC programs. Tickets: $75 individual; $125 per couple; $400 reserved table of 8. shelbycountyartscouncil.com/2025-mardi-gras-gala/
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOAN MARCUS
“SIX”
Marc Broussard
