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SHELBY COUNTY
A GUIDE FOR NEWCOMERS, VISITORS AND RESIDENTS 2012-2013
A special publication of Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.
Shelbycountyreporter.com
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SHELBY COUNTY 2012-2013
EDITORIAL Katie McDowell Amy Jones Wesley Hallman Neal Wagner Christine Boatwright PRODUCTION Daniel Holmes Jamie Sparacino Amy Baldis Jon Goering MARKETING Alan Brown Melissa Clark Thomas LaBoone Nicole Loggins Meagan Mims Barbara Buchanan Diane Fant LaShan Johnson Tracy Jones ADMINISTRATION Tim Prince Jan Griffey Mary Jo Eskridge Annie McGilvray Catherine Cousins
Shelby County magazine is published yearly by Shelby County Newspapers, Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. The magazine is distributed in the Shelby County Reporter in May, and is available year-round through Alabama welcome centers, Shelby County area chambers of commerce and local businesses and organizations. Additional copies may be purchased by calling the SCNI office at 205-669-3131, or by emailing circulation@shelbycountyreporter.com. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is prohibited. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Shelby County Newspapers, Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Please email advertise@shelbycountyreporter. com for advertising inquiries.
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Shelby County 2012
Table of Contents
37
10
Cityscapes
Alabaster
12
Calera
12
Chelsea
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Columbiana
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Harpersville
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Helena
15
Hoover
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Indian Springs village
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Montevallo
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Pelham
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Vincent
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Westover
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Wilsonville
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Wilton
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Features
At a glance
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Attractions in Shelby County
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The American Village
10
A canine-friendly county
11
County Information
21
Education
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Calendar
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shelbychamber.org • 205.663.4542 Shelbycountyreporter.com
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At a glance
35% Shelby County’s population increased 35 percent between 2000 and 2010, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. With a population of 195,085, Shelby County is the fifth largest in the state, behind Jefferson, Mobile, Madison and Montgomery.
Shelby County’s ranking in a 2011 Alabama State University study about quality of life in Alabama. “Counties in Crisis: Assessing Quality of Life in Alabama,” conducted by ASU’s Center for Leadership and Public Policy, ranked the state’s 67 counties in four areas: economy, health, public safety and education. Shelby County scored 122 of 140 possible points. The study found that 36.8 percent of Shelby County’s population has a bachelor’s degree, a higher percentage than any other county in the state.
#1
Get back to nature Oak Mountain State Park, just 30 minutes from downtown Birmingham, offers the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts to get away in the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking for primitive tent camping, a spot to hook up your RV or a rustic cabin to escape to, Oak Mountain offers a variety of lodging options. While you’re there, don’t miss the many hiking and biking trails and relaxing by the lakeside beach. With more than 50 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails set in a picturesque 9,940-acre park, there is something for all outdoor enthusiasts to appreciate and enjoy. It also offers a 18-hole golf course with pro shop and driving range, mountain bike trails, demonstration farm and rental horseback riding facilities. OMSP is located at 200 Terrace Drive in Pelham. Visit Alapark.com/ oakmountain.
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A day on the lake Impounded by Alabama Power Company in 1914, Lay Lake is now a favorite spot for boaters to play, fish or relax on the water. The 12,000acre reservoir, which is still used for hydroelectric generation, has 289 miles of shoreline. Located only 15 miles south of Columbiana the lake borders five counties and has seven public access areas. Best known for its spotted and largemouth bass, the lake is often the site of fishing tournaments, including the Bassmaster Classic in 2010.
For the birds The Alabama Wildlife Center, located within Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, rehabilitates birds from across the state, in addition to offering educational programs. The birds come to the AWC injured, ill or abandoned. They’re treated by the staff, primarily volunteers, and released back into the wild. The AWC’s mission also includes educating the public about wildlife. Approximately 15,000 people from across the country visit the AWC each year. Stop by the center for a free self-guided tour of the facility or the Treetop Nature Trail. Visit AWRC. org for more information.
Relax at a vineyard The Alabama Wine Trail features three Shelby County stops, including Morgan Creek Vineyards, Ozan Vineyard and Vizzini Farms. Whether stopping by for a tasting or a tour, these trail stops can be the perfect place to enjoy an Alabama sunset while relaxing over a glass of wine. Ozan Vineyard is located at 173 Shelby County 301, Calera. Call 205-668-6926 or visit OzanWine.com. Morgan Creek Vineyards is located at 181 Morgan Creek Lane, Harpersville. Call 205-672-2053 or visit MorganCreekWinery.com. Vizzini Farms is located at 800 Shelby County 87, Calera. Call 205-6850655 or visit VizziniFarmsWinery.com.
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The attractions of Shelby County By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT
Shelby County is bursting at the seams with attractions for families, kids and adults alike. Visit a trail of museums that meander through the county for an educational treat or take a cooking class with your special someone for a date night. With a list that’s ever-growing, you’ll find new activities around every corner. Family Fun Whether your family enjoys the great outdoors, arts and theater or more educational conquests, you’ll find all the family friendly attractions you could want in Shelby County. Lay Lake, the Cahaba River and Oak Mountain are appealing for swimming, fishing and hiking adventures, while The American Village and the museum trail will transport your family back into yesteryear. Consider watching a performance at a local theater, or sign up for art or photography classes.
Outdoor activities • Cahaba River, for entry locations: Cahabariversociety.org. • Lay Lake - Beeswax Creek Park, adjacent to Lay Lake on Highway 145. Laylake. info. • Old Baker Farm, 1041 Farmingdale Road, Harpersville. 672-7209. Oldbakerfarm.com. • Oak Mountain State Park - horseback riding, Treetop Nature Trail, Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain Golf Course, petting farm, swimming, boat rentals, fishing, 200 Terrace Drive, Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham. 620-2520. Alapark.com/oakmountain.
Educational attractions • Aldrich Coal Mine Museum, 137 Highway 203, Montevallo. 665-2886. • Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, 1919 9th Street, Calera. 668-3435. Hodrrm. org. • Kenneth R. Penhale City of Helena Museum, 5260 Helena Road, Helena. 369-1448 • Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington, 50 Lester Street, Columbiana. 669-8767. Washingtonmuseum.com. • Shelby County Museum and Archives, 1854 North Main Street, Columbiana. 669-3912. Rootsweb.ancestry.com/~alshelby/schs. html.
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• Shelby Iron Works, County Road 42, Shelby. 669-2576. Shelbyironworks.com. • The American Village, 3727 Highway 119 South, Montevallo. 6653535. Americanvillage.org.
Arts and theater • Shelby County Arts Council, 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana. 205-669-0044. ShelbyCountyArtsCouncil. com • South City Theatre Company, 109 Cloverdale Drive, Alabaster. 205-6212128. SouthCityTheatre. com. • Montevallo Main Street Players, Parnell Memorial Library Theatre 227 Park Road, Montevallo. 205-8378589. MontevalloArtsCouncil.org/mmsp. • Dixon-Ballog Glass Gallery & Studio, Pelham. 205-402-2333. DixionGlassGallery.com. • Sips N Strokes, 522 Cahaba Park Circle, Pelham. 205-408-2836. Sipsnstrokes.com. • Griffith Art Gallery, 109 Hilltop Business Drive, Pelham. 205985-7969. GriffithArtGallery.com.
Date Night Grownups need to have fun too! Shelby County offers numerous ways for adults to enjoy a date night out on the town. Enjoy time together learning a new hobby or taking a cooking class. Leave the old “dinner-and-a-movie” plan at home and try something new. • Harpersville DriveIn, 45 Woodland Road, Harpersville. 672-8484. Argodrive-in.com/ harpersville. • Pelham Racquet Club, 100 Racquet Club Parkway, Pelham. 621-3380. Pelhamracquetclub.com. • Jefferson State Community College: Shelby-Hoover Campus, 4600 Valleydale Road, Birmingham. 853-1200. Jscc.cc.al.us/CCCE/index.
• University of Montevallo: Department of Continuing Education, Highland Avenue, Montevallo. 358-8543. Montevallo.edu/Cont_Ed/ courses.shtm. • Shelby County Community Education Classes, 601 1st Street South, Alabaster. 6825941. Shelbyed.k12.al.us/ communityed.htm.
Kids Play Find a place in Shelby County to take your kids or act like a kid yourself. Whether your kids want to play sports, race go-carts, ice skate or pull on a pair of bowling shoes, pile the kids in the car and head toward numerous great attractions. • Sports Blast Shelby County, 19220 Highway 280 East, North Shelby. 980-1701. Sportsblastsc. com. • TreeTop Family Adventures, 1012 Dunnavant Valley Road, Birmingham. 637-3780. Treetopfamilyadventure. com • Oak Mountain Lanes, 300 Bowling Lane, Pelham. 403-7466. Oakmountainlanes.com. • Parks with playgrounds: Orr Park, Montevallo; Veterans Park, 7305 Highway 119, Alabaster; Veterans Park on Valleydale Road, Hoover; Buck Creek Park, 701 6th Avenue SW, Alabaster; Chelsea Recreational Park, 2966 Highway 39, Chelsea. • Miniature golf at Southern Golf, 2613 Pelham Parkway, Pelham. 621-4653. • Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham. 6206448. Pelhamciviccomplex.com
Prescriptions • Medical Supplies Hallmark Cards • Cosmetics Bridal Registry • Gifts And a Snack Bar! Main Street in Downtown Columbiana
669-6713
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The American Village Leaving a legacy of liberty
By Christine Boatwright About 75,000 visitors explore the American Village each year to learn about America’s legacy of liberty. The Montevallo landmark acquaints visitors with people and events of America’s founding and the “subsequent American experience,” said Communications Director Melanie Poole. “Here in this museum of ideas, visitors step onto the stage of American history and experience the power and drama of America’s journey for liberty, independence and self-government,” Poole said. “They are fully engaged and captivated by stories of the past, which become real, personal and relevant, helping them understand who we are as Americans today.” The American Village was founded in 1995 by Tom Walker off Alabama 119 in north Montevallo. Theater graduate William Stewart soon joined as the officer of interpretive services at the American Village. “My conversation with Tom Walker is what really sold me on the place,” Stewart said. “I had a skeletal idea of what they were trying to do, but when I talked to him, it occurred to me that this man is a visionary.” Stewart portrays a number of historical characters for school groups and other events. “I’ve always liked history. I probably knew more about European history, as more of an avid interest, but I knew about American history, as well,” Stewart said. Stewart said he spent time “nailing down details” and piecing together characters’ personalities and histories to accurately portray
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each character. He mostly portrays Patrick Henry, but has also represented Paul Revere, George Washington and John Tazewell, a clerk in the House of Burgesses and Virginia Convention, but his favorite portrayal is Chief Massasoit of the Wampanoag Indians. “It’s got to be a labor of love, because to be able to engage fifth graders, and we get them all ages, but to be able to show up every day to engage five rotations of one program you’ve been doing for 13 years, you have to love it,” Stewart said. “The instant gratification of it is what makes it work,” he added. “When you see the little light bulbs come on and realize something they didn’t know whey they came in, it helps you do it and keep the energy going.” One of the Village’s main goals involves teaching young people America’s heritage of legacy and self-government, Poole said. “There’s something compelling about debating the Constitution before a replica of the Rising Sun Chair in a room that is inspired by Independence Hall,” Poole said. “And while there are a few other Oval Office replicas in the country, this is the only one that is not preserved behind ropes to keep visitors at arms-length. “The American Village campus is designed to create a special environment where the ideals of liberty can be front and center stage,” she added. The American Village is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays for privately scheduled or special events. For more information, call (205) 665-3535 or visit Americanvillage.org.
A canine-friendly county By Neal Wagner When Shelby County Humane Society Executive Director Jenny Wilson heard she had won the 2011 Beneful Dream Dog Park Contest, it didn’t take her long to decide where she wanted the park to be built. The contest challenged Wilson and hundreds of other dog lovers across the nation to answer the question “If you had $500,000 to create a dream dog park for you and your best buddy, what would you do?” Wilson’s answer included detailed plans outlining an off-leash dog park with an agility course, water features, room for dogs to run, a do-it-yourself dog wash and a walking path made of bricks sold in memory of dogs to help fund the park’s upkeep. The folks at Beneful shared Wilson’s excitement for the project, and chose it as the contest’s grand prize. As a result, Wilson won $10,000 and a year’s worth of dog food, both of which she donated to the humane society. The grand prize also included a $500,000 dog park to be built anywhere Wilson wanted it. Although the project originally was “trending toward” a Jefferson County venue, Wilson fought to bring it to Alabaster’s Veterans Park. “She could have had it anywhere, but she fought extremely hard to bring it to Veterans Park,” said Alabaster Mayor David Frings. In February 2012, Wilson and the county’s dog lovers took the first step toward bringing the second Beneful dog park in the world to Alabaster when they broke ground on the project. Crews spent the spring months constructing the large park near the southeastern edge of Veterans Park. The Beneful dog park is scheduled to open in
Honey Belle the dog helps her owner, Jenny Wilson, center, and others break ground on Alabaster’s Beneful Dream Dog Park during a 2012 ceremony. The park is scheduled to open in summer 2012. summer 2012. When it is completed, the park will just be one of the dog-friendly offerings in the county. Canines and their pals can also run leash-free in the Mt Laurel community, which is off Dunnavant Valley Road in Birmingham. Developed by Mt Laurel residents in 2009, the community’s dog park offers an off-
leash area and separate areas for large and small dogs. Shelby County’s - and Alabama’s - largest park also offers accommodations for fourlegged members of the family. Oak Mountain State Park officials allow dogs to stay with their owners at all campsites, and even offer a pair of dogfriendly camping cabins featuring enough space for man’s best friend.
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City Of Alabaster ABOUT
City Hall
201 First St. N, Alabaster, Ala. 35007 205-664-6800 Incorporated: 1953 City council meetings: First and third Mondays of each month, 7 p.m. City hall office hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F Website: Cityofalabaster.com Population: 30,352
Important Numbers
Police: 205-663-7401 • Fire: 205- 664-6818 • Water: 205-663-6155
City Council Members David Frings, mayor Sophie Martin Scott Brakefield Bob Hicks
Jim McClain Rick Walters Tommy Ryals
Mayor Frings The Pat Wachter Bowl is held annually at the Veterans Skatepark.
City Of Calera ABOUT
City Hall
10947 Alabama 25, Calera, Ala. 35040 205- 668-3500 Incorporated: 1893 City council meetings: First and third Monday of the month, 7 p.m. City hall office hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., M-F Website: Cityofcalera.org Population: 11,620
Important Numbers
Police: 205-668-3505 • Fire: 205-668-3518 • Water: 205-668-3841
City Council Members Jon Graham, mayor David Bradshaw Chris Bunn Ed Gentry
Ernest Montgomery Bobby Joe Phillips Mike Roberson
Mayor Graham Thomas the Tank Engine rolls into Calera’s Heart of Dixie Railroad each spring.
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City Of Chelsea ABOUT
City Hall
11611 Chelsea, Chelsea, Ala. 35043 205-678-8455 Incorporated: 1996 City council meetings: First and third Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m. City hall office hours: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. M-F Website: Cityofchelsea.com Population: 10,183
Important Numbers
Police: 205-669-4181 • Fire: 205-678-6060 • Water: 205-678-9847
City Council Members S. Earl Niven, mayor Juanita Champion Robert Barnes
Mike Denton Tony Picklesimer Dale Neuendorf
Mayor Niven The Chelsea City Council and the members’ families, with Mayor Earl Niven leading the way, wish locals ‘Merry Christmas’ during Chelsea’s Christmas parade.
City Of Columbiana ABOUT
City Hall
107 Mildred St., Columbiana, Ala. 35051 205-669-5800 Incorporated: 1837 City council meetings: First and third Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. City hall office hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F Website: Cityofcolumbiana.com Population: 4,197
Important Numbers
Police: 205-669-5800 • Fire: 205-669-5800 • Water: 205-669-5805
City Council Members Allan Lowe, mayor Frieda Abrams Stancil Handley
Ouida Mayfield Tom Seale Jim Strickland
Mayor Lowe A rider competes in the Extreme Bull Riding event at the Exhibition Center in Columbiana. Shelbycountyreporter.com
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Town Of Harpersville ABOUT
Town Hall
83 Town Hall Lane, Harpersville, Ala. 35078 205-672-9961 Incorporated: 1944 Town council meetings: First and third Monday of the month, 5:30 p.m. Town hall office hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. M-F Website: Townofharpersville.com Population: 1,700
Important Numbers
Police: 205-672-2490 • Fire: 205-672-7959 • Water: 205-672-9961
City Council Members Theoangelo Perkins, mayor Janet Gill Beverly O. Johnson
Shirley Middleton William Rayfield Randy Wood
Mayor Perkins Harpersville residents dressed in Civil War-era attire raise the flag at the start of the Harpersville Homecoming ceremony.
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City Of Helena ABOUT
City Hall
816 Shelby County 52 E, Helena, Ala. 35080 205-663-2161 Incorporated: 1917 City council meetings: Second and fourth Mondays of the month, 6 p.m. City hall office hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F Website: Cityofhelena.org Population: 16,793
Important Numbers
Police: 205-663-6499 • Fire: 205-663-5809 • Water: 205-663-1670
City Council Members Charles W. “Sonny” Penhale, mayor Katherine Ennis Leigh Hulsey
Barbara Hyche Cris Nelson Jerry Pate
Mayor Penhale Helena city workers Randall King and Cliff Wilson hang Christmas lights in Old Town.
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City Of Hoover ABOUT
City Hall
100 Municipal Lane, Hoover, Ala. 35216 205-444-7500 Incorporated: 1967 City council meetings: First and third Mondays of the month, 6 p.m. City hall office hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F Website: Hooveral.org Population: 81,619
Important Numbers
Police: 205-444-7700 • Fire: 205-444-7655 • Water: 251-3261
City Council Members Gary Ivey, mayor John Greene Rear Admiral John T. Natter, U.S. Navy, Ret. Trey Lott
Mari Morrison Brian Skelton Gene Smith Jack Wright, council president Mayor Ivey
The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event was held at Hoover’s Veterans Park.
Indian Springs Village ABOUT
Town Hall
2635 Cahaba Valley Road, Indian Springs, Ala. 35124 Incorporated: 1990 Town council meetings: First and third Tuesdays of the month, 7 p.m. Website: Indianspringsvillage.org Population: 2,363
Important Numbers
Police: 205-669-4181 • Fire: 205-991-6439 • Pelham Water Works: 205-620-6420 • Birmingham Water Works: 205-251-3261
City Council Members Steve Zerkis, mayor Herb Robins Brenda Bell-Guercio
Brian Stauss Jack Mendel Stewart Dudley
Mayor Zerkis Indian Springs School students look around the Fertile Minds Learning Garden while chef Chris Vizzina chats with garden director Bob Pollard.
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City Of Montevallo ABOUT
City Hall
545 Main St., Montevallo, Ala. 35115 205-665-2555 Incorporated: 1817 City council meetings: Second and fourth Mondays of the month, 7 p.m. City hall office hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F Website: Cityofmontevallo.com Population: 6,447
Important Numbers
Police: 205-665-1264 • Fire: 205-665-9204 • Water: 205-665-9045
City Council Members Ben McCrory, mayor Rusty Nix Willie Goldsmith
Sharon Gilbert Hollie Cost Dee Woodham
Mayor McCrory Montevallo began hosting art walks this past year. Vendors and artists line Main Street for evenings of creativity and community.
City Of Pelham ABOUT
City Hall
3162 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, Ala. 35124 205-620-6400 Incorporated: 1964 City council meetings: First and third Mondays of the month, 7 p.m. City hall office hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F Website: Pelhamonline.com Population: 21,352
Important Numbers
Police: 205-620-6550 • Fire: 205-620-6500 • Water: 205-620-6420
City Council Members Don Murphy, mayor Teresa Nichols Bill Meadows
Steve Powell Ron Scott Karyl Rice
Mayor Murphy A hockey player shows off his on-ice skills before the crowd at the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at the Pelham Civic Complex. Shelbycountyreporter.com
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Town Of Vincent ABOUT
Town Hall
25 Florey St., Vincent, Ala. 35178 205-672-2261 Incorporated: 1887 Town council meetings: First and third Tuesdays of each month, 7 p.m. Town hall office hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F Website: Townofvincent.com Population: 2,024
Important Numbers
Police: 205-672-2261 • Fire: 205-672-8070 • Water: 205-672-2878
City Council Members Ray McAllister, mayor Johnny Edwards Ralph Kimble Jr.
Larry King Mary Lee Reynolds Bridgette Jordan Smith
Mayor McAllister The Town of Vincent boasts the stat’s largest Christmas tree in its downtown.
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City Of Westover ABOUT
City Hall
3312 Westover Road, Westover, Ala. 35147 205-678-3375 Incorporated: 2001 City council meetings: First and third Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. City hall office hours: Open via phone call from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Website: Westoveralabama.org Population: 2,200
Important Numbers
Police: 205-669-4181 • Fire: 205-678-3375, ext. 705 • Water: 205-678-9847
City Council Members Mark McLaughlin, mayor Samuel Mann Larry Riggins
Annette Tyler Buzz Ingle Jeanne Champion Fisch
Mayor McLaughlin Westover’s annual Music in the Park event welcomes residents and seniors alike for fun and fellowship in the city’s municipal park.
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Town Of Wilsonville ABOUT
Town Hall
9905 N. Main St., Wilsonville, Ala. 35186 205-669-6180 Incorporated: 1897 Town council meetings: First Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Town hall office hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F Website: Wilsonvilleal.com Population: 1,827
Important Numbers
Police: 205-669-4181 • Fire: 911 • Water: 205-669-6180
Town Council Members Rosemary Liveoak, mayor Dennis Blackerby Calvin Gill Patricia Johnson
Lee McCarty III Terry Newman Alan Revis Melissa Rosetta Mayor Liveoak
Scouts from Wilsonville explore things they caught in the lake on their way to earning their Eco-badge.
Town Of Wilton ABOUT
Town Hall
100 Depot Street, Wilton, Ala. 35187 205-665-2021 Incorporated: 1819 Town council meetings:First Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m. Town hall office hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F Website: Wiltonalabama.com Population: 687
Important Numbers
Police: 205-669-4181 • Fire: 205-665-1264 • Water: 205-665-2021
Town Council Members Joe Fancher, mayor Casie Nathews Jessica Martin
Carol Wisor Deborah Hudson
Mayor Fancher Hundreds of attendees visit Wilton Baptist Church each December to participate in the church’s Night in Bethlehem presentation. 20 Shelby County 2012
shelbycountytourism.org
Shoal Creek - 1984, 1990 PGA Championships - Home of the Regions Tradition — a Champions Tour Major
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ARTS AND SCIENCES Biology Chemistry English Foreign Languages French History Interdisciplinary Studies Mathematics Political Science Psychology Social Sciences Social Work Sociology Spanish Speech-Language Pathology COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS Acting Broadcasting Ceramics Communication Studies Design and Technology Directing Drawing Graphic Design Instrumental Performance Journalism Mass Communication Music Musical Theatre New Media Painting Photography Piano Performance Printmaking
Sculpture Theatre Vocal Performance STEPHENS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Accounting Finance Management Marketing COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Child and Family Studies Dietetics Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Elementary Education Family and Consumer Sciences Education Health Promotion Kinesiology P-12 Education Retail Merchandising PRE-PROFESSIONAL STUDIES Pre-Dentistry Pre-Engineering Pre-Law Pre-Med Pre-Nursing Pre-Optometry Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Veterinary Medicine NEW MINORS OF NOTE Environmental Studies Game Studies and Design Public Relations
UNIVERSITY of MONTEVALLO 205.665.6030 • go.montevallo.edu
From the Superintendent
From the desk of Superintendent Randy Fuller
The Shelby County School System has enjoyed a rich tradition of excellence in education for many years. Through the efforts of our faculty, staff, and administrative leaders, along with the support of our parents, government officials, business leaders, and citizens, we have maintained a position as one of the outstanding school systems in the state of Alabama. Families are moving to Shelby County for this reason. We have had a steady increase in enrollment every year for the past 10 to 15 years. We have developed four components that direct our system to continued success. The first of these components is Continuous School Improvement (CSI). School improvement is the key to success in all of our schools. This process seeks improvement in all aspects of a school – from instruction to the care and operation of our facilities. This year, we added a new component to the Continuous School Improvement process by developing a three-tiered Marketing Plan that includes the school district, the high school zone communities, and each individual school. Through Strategic Planning, the second component, we have developed a long-range organizational vision to guide us through the next five years. In addition to developing system-wide goals, the plan identifies 12 strategic areas and provides goals for each. The plan will help us offer the students that we serve the best education possible and address the needs of our growing community. The third component is Leadership Development. This component incorporates a rigorous plan to enhance and grow current and future leaders in our schools. This plan includes professional learning, quarterly Central Leaders meetings, Leadership Academy, and other innovative programs that are in the development stage. One area of focus for leadership development this past year was the i·am21 initiative, which helped to promote the integration of authentic, meaningful 21st Century skills in the classroom. The school district offered an intensive year-long professional development plan for all administrators to help them better understand how important these skills are for students and to assist them in making effective technology integration decisions for their schools. The fourth component, Instruction, seeks to provide educational excellence by designing quality curriculum and instruction through a unified K-12 effort. Through the process of developing initiatives and priorities for our various grade levels and evaluating results, we will develop an outstanding blueprint for our children’s future. A great example is the My Future initiative, a systematic approach that prepares students for “real-world” transition. My Future fosters career exploration, identification, and preparation so that each student graduates with a meaningful life plan. Calera and Chelsea High Schools are piloting major components of My Future this year before the program is expanded to all high schools next year. Another element of the initiative is the My Future web portal, a comprehensive webpage linking students and parents to career exploration, career planning, workforce information, college investigation, and portfolio sites. We also recognize the important role parents play in the education of their children and the need for an active partnership between home and school. With everyone’s active involvement and support, especially during these difficult economic times, we can continue to make Shelby County schools even better every year. Thank you for your continued support!
Randy Fuller System Accomplishments • Highest graduation rate in system’s history — 93% • Continued above-average ACT scores. For 2011, the average system composite score was 22.1; the state average was 20.3. • Oak Mountain High School was named a National Blue Ribbon School, one of an elite group of 304 schools from across the nation.
410 East College Street • P.O. Box 1910 • Columbiana, AL 35051 (205) 682-7000 • www.shelbyed.k12.al.us
Terms: 1988-94; 1994-2000; 2000-06; 2006-12 Dr. Lee Doebler is Department Chairman and Professor of Counseling, Leadership, & Foundations at the University of Montevallo. He received his Ph.D. and M.Ed. from the University of Mississippi, specializing in school psychology. Dr. Doebler received his B.A. from Grace College in Indiana. Dr. Doebler has served on the Shelby County Board of Education since 1988. He has served as Board President for 20 years. Dr. Doebler has been married for 46 years to Sherrie Doebler, and they have four daughters and ten grandchildren.
Pe
Mr. Steve Martin - Vice President
Terms: 1988-94; 1994-2000; 2000-06; 2006-12 Mr. Steve Martin is retired from careers in journalism and publishing, higher education, health care and real estate. He received his B.S. in Communications – Journalism from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Mr. Martin has served on the Shelby County Board of Education since 1988. He has served as Vice President for 16 years. Mr. Martin has been married for 42 years to Linda Martin, and they have two daughters and one grandchild.
Mr. Aubrey Miller Term: 2010-16
Mr. Aubrey Miller is Executive Director of the Alabama Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation — dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. He is also the founding pastor of Faith Church. He received his B.A. in English from Samford University and his M.A. in Communication from the University of Alabama. Mr. Miller has been married to Beverly Miller for 35 years, and they have two daughters.
Ms. Peg Hill
Terms: 2002-08; 2008-14 Ms. Peg Hill is a retired principal and teacher from Shelby County Schools. She received her Ed.S., M.Ed., and B.S. from the University of Montevallo. She is currently on the Board of Leadership Shelby County, member of the Columbiana Kiwanis Club, and Ambassador for the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Hill has served on the Shelby County Board of Education since 2002.
Mrs. Jane Hampton Term: 2010-2016
Mrs. Jane Hampton retired from the Shelby County School System after thirty-seven years as a teacher and principal. Mrs. Hampton received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Auburn University and her Masters and Ed.S. from the University of Montevallo. She is a graduate of Leadership Shelby County and serves on the Shelby County Arts Council Board of Directors. Mrs. Hampton has been married to John B. Hampton for 40 years and has two daughters.
School Board
Dr. Lee Doebler - President
Instructional Programs Shelby County Schools offer comprehensive instructional programs for students in grades K-12.
Alabama Reading Initiative
All elementary and intermediate schools are ARI trained. The Montevallo schools are ARI trained at all three grade levels — elementary, middle and high.
National Board Certified Teachers
Shelby County currently has 60 teachers who have earned National Board of Professional Teachers Standards (NBPTS) Certification. The designation recognizes that these teachers represent the very highest level of professionalism in their chosen field. National Board Certification is achieved through a rigorous performance-based assessment that takes nearly a year to complete. Through this process, teachers document their knowledge of the subject matter they teach, provide evidence that they know how to teach their subjects to students effectively, and demonstrate their ability to manage and measure student learning. This year, Shelby County had 14 teachers earn National Board Certification.
Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative
Several schools in Shelby County have completed the training in both math and science and are considered to be fully implemented AMSTI sites. These sites are Calera Elementary, Calera Middle, Chelsea Intermediate, Chelsea Middle, Columbiana Middle, Meadow View Elementary, Montevallo Elementary, Montevallo Middle, Oak Mountain Elementary, Pelham High, Shelby Elementary, Thompson Intermediate, Valley Intermediate, Vincent Middle/High, and Wilsonville Elementary. Several other Shelby County schools have fully implemented the math training for AMSTI to become Local Leadership Academy in Mathematics (LLAM) Schools. Those schools include Creek View Elementary, Elvin Hill Elementary, Mt Laurel Elementary, Valley Elementary and Vincent Elementary.
Advanced and Gifted Programs
Shelby County has gifted education programs at the elementary, middle, and high school. Honors courses are also offered, starting in middle school and continuing through high school. Each high school has Advanced Placement classes – 20 different AP classes are available across the system. In-system distance learning and ACCESS distance learning classes can be arranged when needed. High school students also have the opportunity for Dual Enrollment or Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit for college level courses through agreements with the University of Montevallo, the University of Alabama, UAB, Jefferson State Community College, Central Alabama Community College, and Wallace Community College.
Career and Technical Education
Students in Shelby County Schools who plan carefully may be placed in high-wage, high-skill, or high-demand occupations by participating in Career and Technical Education. CTE programs are in all middle schools, high schools, and at the School of Technology. Gone are the days of “trade” or “vocational” schools. The programs are much more technical, rigorous, relevant, and aligned with business/industry standards for the workforce of tomorrow. Students have an opportunity to enter the job market with a high-paying skill, or they may continue their education. Many of the programs offer articulation and/or dual credit with neighboring postsecondary community colleges.
Library Media Services
Shelby County offers Library Media Centers and Library Media Specialists at all elementary, middle and high schools. The school district has also implemented a new competition called Battle of the Books. Six-member teams of middle and high school students compete against each other in a scholars bowl type format based on eight books that have been pre-selected for them to read and discuss.
Fine Arts
Shelby County Schools has a strong emphasis on fine arts in all schools including music, art, and drama. Students who excel in the arts have the opportunity to showcase their talents through various band competitions, choral festivals, the Shelby County Showcase of Bands, the Superintendent’s Art Show and drama productions.
English as a Second Language
The ESL Department of Shelby County Schools supports the mission of Shelby County Schools, which recognizes the diverse student population of the school district and seeks to educate all students by facilitating, advocating for, and leading in the appropriate instruction of English language learners, national origin minority, and immigrant students. Additionally, the ESL Department aids all schools and the school district in communicating with families in a language they understand in order to ensure parental and student understanding of school culture and rules, parental involvement, instructional goals and objectives, as well as student achievement.
Federal Programs
Title I provides federal aid money to school districts around the country based on the number of lowincome families in the district. Each school district uses Title I funds to pay for extra educational services for children. The purpose of Title I is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at a minimum, proficiency on challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments. Shelby County currently has six elementary schools receiving Title I funding.
Guidance and Testing
The Shelby County Comprehensive School Counseling and Guidance Program seeks to provide all students with the skills necessary to achieve academic, career, personal and social success. Shelby County counselors work as collaborative partners in education with students, parents, teachers, school administrators and community members to ensure that all students maximize their potential and become productive members of society.
Capital Improvement Projects The Shelby County School District has three major capital improvement projects underway. The three projects include the renovation of the old Shelby Academy facility into a new Calera Middle School and the construction of two new schools – Chelsea Elementary and Helena High School. The renovations to the old Shelby Academy facility began this past fall and are expected to be completed by the start of the 2012-2013 school year. The project includes the renovations to the existing facility, along with additional construction of a new cafeteria and classrooms. The new school will house grades 6-8 and will create a change in grade structure at all the Calera area schools. Calera Elementary will house grades K-2; Calera Intermediate (current Calera Middle location) will house grades 3-5; Calera Middle will house grades 6-8; and Calera High School will house grades 9-12. The new Chelsea Elementary will be located off County Road 337, behind the current Chelsea Intermediate/Chelsea Middle School. Grading at the site has begun and construction will begin as soon as the site preparation is completed. The new school will house grades K-5. Mt Laurel Elementary and Chelsea Park Elementary will also change to K-5 grade structure. The current Chelsea Intermediate School will become part of Chelsea Middle School. The new Chelsea Elementary School is expected to be open by the 2013 school year. Site work has also begun at Helena High School, which will be located across the road from Helena Middle School. Construction on the building will begin as soon as the grading work is completed. The new school will house grades 9-12 and will help to eliminate overcrowding at Pelham High School, which currently serves students from Helena.
Calera Middle School
Chelsea Elementary School
Helena High School
Technology in our schools
Technology in Classrooms
The Shelby County Schools 21st century initiative, known as i·am21, started off its second year with a 7% gain in the number of teachers who say they regularly use technology for teaching and learning. Despite the fact that funding for school technology was cut from the state budget three years ago, our classrooms, with the help of generous parents, continue to evolve into digital learning environments. As a result, 20 schools now have building-wide wireless networks. In addition, students are increasingly bringing eBook readers and other personal digital devices into the classroom.
Collaborative Classroom Project - This semester a dozen classrooms, spanning grades four through eight, will become part of a pilot program aimed at establishing technology-rich, collaborative learning environments. Each classroom has been outfitted with 10 netbook computers, wireless access, and a digital projector. To help students get in the habit of ‘putting their heads together’ in order to solve problems and grasp new ideas, their teachers arranged desks so that each small group shares a computer. Although a one laptop per child model has its advantages, it can also reinforce a pattern of silent, independent work. This new environment, including the arrangement of student desks and the limited number of devices, is designed to ensure that students have technology at their fingertips, but, more importantly, that they develop their collaborative skills as they work. Website Helps Students Connect Career Goals with Local Employers – Shelby County students can now easily discover which local companies they could someday work for based on their career interests. This Shelby County Schools website lists hundreds of local employers, categorized by career clusters. This list, supplied to the District by the Shelby County Economic and Industrial Development Authority in Pelham, can also help students find companies that might offer them summer jobs or jobshadowing opportunities. Students are surprised to see so many businesses and organizations listed since they often only see the ones they pass by in their own communities.
www.shelbyed.k12.al.us
calendar art | community | fairs | music | parades | school | theatre
Spring Best BBQ Cook-Off The Shelby County’s Best BBQ Cook-off Corporate Competition is held each spring, typically in late March, in downtown Columbiana. Prizes are awarded for best ribs and sauce. Visit Southshelbychamber.com. Art Festival The Montevallo Art Fest is held each April in Orr Park. Easter egg hunt Oak Mountain State Park, located at 200 Terrace Drive in Pelham, hosts an Easter egg hunt each year in April. They event typically features 10,000 eggs, food and drinks, hayride, moonwalk, cake hop, face painting and more. A Taste of Shelby County The Greater Shelby County Education Foundation and The Partnership of Shelby County host the Taste of Shelby County each April. Proceeds benefit the Greater Shelby County Education Foundation. Vendors from across Shelby
County will offer a “taste” of their specialty dishes from their menus at the event. For more information, visit the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s website at Shelbychamber.org. Buck Creek Festival The Buck Creek Festival is held in Helena. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts and the annual duck race in historic Old Town Helena. Harpersville Homecoming The Town of Harpersville celebrates Homecomings each May with fun-filled family days.
Summer Montevallo Farmers Market Head to Montevallo to stock up on locally grown produce. The market is held behind the First Baptist Church on Middle Street June through August on Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m. Call 205-665-1519. Columbiana Farmers Market Purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables at the
Columbiana Farmers Market May through October on Saturdays starting at 7 a.m. in the Shelby County Courthouse parking lot. Mt Laurel Farmers Market and Craft Fair The Mt Laurel Farmers Market and Craft Fair is held downtown every Saturday from June through October. Activities, music and family fun are available all day long. The Big Kaboom Fireworks Celebrate America’s Independence at The Big Kaboom Fireworks at the Chelsea Park Subdivision. The celebration, which features free fireworks and entertainment, is typically held the day before the Fourth of July. Free admission. Independence Day at The American Village Enjoy fun, food and fireworks at The American Village on July 4 to celebrate the nation’s 235th birthday. See and hear George Washington, Patrick Henry, Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson and visit with Teddy Roosevelt in his magnificent White House East Room. Gates open at 11 a.m. and programs begin at noon. Admission for adults and children age 5 and over is $5. All active military and veterans enter free. The American Village is located at 3727
Highway 119 in Montevallo. Liberty Day The Liberty Day Celebration is held the last Saturday of June in downtown Columbiana. Events will include arts, crafts, food, children’s carnival and activities, Classic Cars CruiseIn, museum tours, military displays, live music both Friday night and all day Saturday, Hall of Memories (First Baptist Church), Miss Shelby County and Miss Alabama signing autographs, walking tours, patriotic parade, fireworks display, and more. Helena Movies in the Park Movies in the Park in Helena will begin in June. Join locals and visitors for a free movie ouside on a giant inflatable movie screen at the Helena Amphitheater in Old Town Helena. Alabaster CityFest The 10th annual Alabaster CityFest will be held Saturday, June 2 at Alabaster’s Municipal Park. For more information, visit Alabastercityfest.com.
Fall Grape Stomp Morgan Creek Vineyard’s annual Grape Stomp is the biggest event of the year celebrating the harvest or “crush” as it’s known at
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wineries. Visitors get to stomp grapes with their feet in wooden barrels, take free tours, enjoy free wine tastings, plus enjoy food and other fun activities. The event is typically held in September. 205-6722053. Shelby County Alabama Fair The Shelby County Exhibition Center, typically held over five days in September, includes entertainment, booths, contests, educational exhibits, rides and other amusements. Harvest Festival The Town of Mt Laurel holds a harvest festival in midOctober. Come enjoy a farmers market and craft fair, complete with hayrides, moonwalks, cotton candy, music and more. Visit Mtlaurel.com Living History Day Old Baker Farm holds its annual American Civil War and Living History Day in October. The event is only open to school groups grades 3 through 6. Demonstrations include artillery firing, infantry manual of arms, learning and participating in some basic infantry marching drills, Calvary, signal corps and old fashion soap making. Visit Oldbakerfarm.com. Cotton Pickin’ Celebration Old Baker Farm holds its Cotton Pickin’ Celebration in late Ocotober. Exhibitors from all over the South will bring handmade Indian arts and crafts, baskets, brooms, goats milk soap and more. Come
enjoy live music, an antique tractor show and parade and pedal tractors for the kids. Visit Oldbakerfarm.com Monster Walk Celebrate Halloween safely with your kids in downtown Columbiana with a parade. Trick-or-treat at local businesses. Whigmaleerie Day Wilsonville celebrates its Scottish heritage each October with Whigmaleerie Day. Come to downtown Wilsonville to enjoy town exhibits, a musical stage, children’s rides, Revolutionary War camp reenactment, chili cookoff, antique tractors, cars and trucks and more. Visit Wilsonvilleal.com.
Winter Christmas Parade The Alabaster Christmas Parade is held annually, traditionally in December. Call 205-664-6840 for more information. Columbiana Christmas The Columbiana Christmas Parade is held each December downtown. Columbiana Tour of Homes The Columbiana Tour of Homes will be held in December. All proceeds are used for Beautifucation Board projects for the city of Columbiana. Artists Market The Shelby County Arts
Council hosts its annual artists market each December. Numerous artists will have their works available for sale and a silent auction will also be held. Proceeds from the auction will be used to fund art scholarships for qualifying children younger than 18. The Shelby County Arts Council is located at 104 Mildred Street in Columbiana. Visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com. Christmas Tree Farm Old Baker Farm in Harpersville hosts a Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farm seven days a week from 9 a.m. to dark from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. Visitors enjoy complimentary hot apple cider, candy canes and hayride through the Christmas trees before they pick out their tree. Visit Oldbakerfarm.com. Shelby County Celebration Help celebrate Shelby County’s 195th birthday in February. The Shelby County Historical Society will host an afternoon of speakers and events to celebrate the occasion. Call 205-669-3912. Have a Heart for the Arts The sixth annual Have a Heart for the Arts luncheon benefiting the Shelby County Arts Council will be held Feb. 11 in Columbiana. The event will feature a fashion show with clothes from local boutiques. Visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com. Tree Lighting The Town of Vincent
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traditionally holds its Christmas parade and tree lighting in early December. Westover Christmas Parade Enjoy a holiday parade, complete with Santa and marching units in downtown Westover. Visit westoveralabama.org. Chelsea Christmas Parade Celebrate Christmas in downtown Chelsea with a parade with beautiful floats. Visit Cityofchelsea.com. Cowboy Parade This parade, which is usually held in mid-February, will feature non-motorized vehicles such as wagons, horses, mules, donkeys and more. It also includes cowboy demonstrations, herding, blacksmith, roping and various other activities. Free admission. Cattlemen’s Rodeo The Shelby County Cattlemen’s Rodeo is held each February at the Shelby County Expo Center, 1 Argo Road, Columbiana, 35051. The rodeo has been held since 1989 and usually includes a live rodeo, chuck wagon races, bull riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling and bareback riding. Call 669-6921 or 669-7806 for more information. Arbor Day The city of Montevallo will celebrate Arbor Day Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at Orr Park.
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