When we launched Discover St. Clair Magazine 15 years ago, we consciously decided it would be a free magazine – a ‘gift’ to the community about this place we all share as home.

We soon found that although we distribute the magazine widely – about 6,000 print magazines – throughout St. Clair County, Trussville and Leeds and another 5,000 online, some readers wanted their own magazine delivered directly to their home.

Under our mantra, ‘Find a way to say yes,’ we obliged, and we’ve been delivering to subscribers through the mail ever since. At the time, we thought our content was compelling and our photography top-notch, but when people ‘bought’ a free magazine, we were flattered.

In subsequent years, when they handwrite a note enclosed with their check for renewal, we consider it the ultimate compliment.

As we reflect on our first 15 years, we want to return the favor and thank our readers and our advertisers for their support. Your confidence is not something we take lightly. This is your magazine, and we never lose sight of that.

Each issue is focused on bringing you something to discover, just as our name implies. It could be the stunningly creative wood carvings of artisan Eric Knepper. Or, it could be inside Museum of Pell City, where a newly built flight simulator is taking all ages on adventures or the fascinating model train exhibit nearby.

It could be what’s in store on the restaurant scene with the long-awaited openings of Longhorn Steakhouse and Olive Garden in Pell City in early Spring.

Or, you might want to get a preview of Dancing With Our Stars – where local celebrities use their latest dance moves to raise money for good causes in the community.

You might want to learn more about the upcoming Great Grownup Spelling Bee raising money for literacy. Dig a little deeper and see what kind of impact the literacy council is making on so many lives in St. Clair County.

How about more good news for Big Canoe Creek Preserve in Springville as it prepares to open a nature center in the historic Rock School? You can even explore the new enhancements to Jefferson State Community College’s workforce development program benefitting students and employers throughout the region.

As the St. Clair Mayors Association celebrates 25 years, discover how the cooperative effort among our leaders we benefit from today in one of the fastest growing counties in the state has ties to the organization.

And in our Traveling the Backroads segment, meet Tonya Forman – if you haven’t already – and be inspired by the energy she puts into being involved in her community and working to make it a better place.

Of course, photographer Mackenzie Free shares her insights on being a grownup in her regular Final Focus column.

It’s all here and more in this issue of Discover. Turn the page and discover it all with us!

Carol Pappas
Editor and Publisher