Over the years, we’ve all grown so accustomed to busy and so numb to noise that we forget. We forget it wasn’t always this way. We forget the magic found in slowing down. We, our collective humanity, manufactured the rush, clamor and overstimulation of today. Sometimes it’s easy to forget there was a time before now when our greatest source of wisdom was rooted in wild things, and we didn’t carry the weight of the world in our back pockets.
But there is still magic that still exists if you know where to look. Out past the city lights and strip malls. Beyond the traffic and the noise. The houses get smaller, and the yards get bigger. Young and old congregate as peers at the local gas station on Saturday mornings to share coffee and the day’s plans. Local law enforcement isn’t above recovering lost pets. People still wave and ask about your momma. Kids still climb trees and roam pastures like small herds of cattle. And “Farm to Table” takes on a more literal meaning.
I know about this magic because I’m fortunate enough to live within its realm, although I didn’t always. I wasn’t born into it. But my four daughters were. They don’t know it yet, but they are part of dying breed: The children of magical childhoods. They also aren’t yet fully aware of the wild magic that surrounds them here. The gentle nods from nature. The ministry of simple things. The natural world in their backyard. Nature’s never-ending testimony for us to bear witness to.
I’ll do my best to remind them, though, to show them, to encourage them to slow down and adopt nature’s pace, to teach them that in life there is no easy fortune at the end. We only get what we put in. If we plant kindness and compassion, we will cultivate it. If we plant love and patience, they will surely grow. And of all the lessons this life has taught me so far, the truest for me is this: Both wisdom and children grow best in wild places.
I will continue to grow my children like my garden flowers: wild, rooted in the dirt, bathed in sunlight and creek water. I pray the earth will shape them just as much as my love. I want them to never to grow tired of the sounds the earth makes when we slow down to listen and don’t interfere. But mostly, I wish for them to live slowly, purposefully and be content. And that, once they see it, they never grow tired of life’s wild magic.
– Mackenzie Free –
Wife, mother, photographer & current resident of the unassumingly magical town of Steele, Alabama
Jay Patel’s story is a classic American success tale. With roots in India, he immigrated at the age of 28 to make his way in the world. His latest business venture in Cropwell is proof that his American dream, built out of the beliefs in work and service he learned in India, is coming true.
A new 9,500-square-foot complex is up and coming on U.S. 231 near Rabbit Branch, and within it, Isabella’s Mexican Cantina is now open for business, along with a new gas station, an impressive bait and tackle selection, soon-to-be liquor store and a “meat and three” lunch spot.
Isabella’s features high ceilings, contemporary art and lighting, as well as inside and outside seating and is quickly becoming a lake community destination spot. The restaurant is also gaining recognition for its trendy menu options, as well as a colorful bar, offering dozens of unique cocktails for any connoisseur’s taste.
Patel has made a career working in retail and is an immigrant from Gugjarat, India, home to Mahatma Gandhi, India’s heralded civil rights leader, as well as many prime ministers of India. Patel now owns four retail stores and one sit-down restaurant from Cropwell to Ragland and all the way to Clanton. The new complex is his biggest business venture yet, and he has a far-reaching vision for it. In total, the new complex sits on 26 acres first purchased in 2020.
Soon, Patel said, the store, also known as Jaybo’s, after his young son, will also offer lunch service, buffet style, with a meat and three menu that changes daily.
“I have found the hot bar is very popular with my customers from my other stores,” Patel said. “It is just one of many ways we aim to serve the community.”
Once the first phase of the project is complete, Patel plans to embark on the second phase on the property, which will include a startup of 100 units of boat storage, as well as residential community of two bedroom-duplexes with garage for rent.
“I lived in an apartment in town for many years,” Patel said. “I did not like it – the maintenance was not good, and there were some not-so-pleasant experiences. I knew I wanted to build a new, clean and properly maintained place for renters to live.”
There are still several more avenues Patel is exploring to complete the sprawling acreage. From recruiting other new businesses and retail shops to the addition of another restaurant, Patel said there are other developments in store for the property.
Patel already employs 14 employees across all his stores, and he does plan to hire more people as the need arises.
Heather Hare, an employee and close friend of the Patel family for years, said she could not ask for a better job or boss. “He is such a hard worker, but an even bigger family man,” Hare said. “It is instilled in his Indian culture that family should always come first, followed by hard work and service, and I have been welcomed by Jay and his family and also learned so much over the years.”
Patel added that he was taught as a young boy in India the importance of hard work and dedication to work. “Our culture is that our children see and learn from our hard work, we mold our children’s work ethic and drive to be successful,” Patel said. “But we also do not groom our children to one day take over for us – but to instead start over with their own businesses or become a doctor or whatever their passion is, so long as it includes service to others.”
Walking through the massive, original wood doors, you are immediately greeted by Beth or Scott as if you were an old friend just returning from a long trip away. They do seem to know most people who walk in; but even if you’re a stranger, you’ll soon become a new “old friend.”
“I fell in love with the place the first time I came,” says regular Renee Wood. “Beth is so sweet. She remembers every little thing about you. She’s caring and goes beyond anything you would expect.”
Wood just found out about the place in October but has been coming to Nichols Nook in Springville every Friday since then. “I look forward to it all week,” she says. “I’m off on Fridays, so we meet my brother-in-law and his wife here and catch up, then go play pickleball.”
Today they are working through the recent loss of her mother-in-law. As they reminisce about her, the coffee shop co-owner, Beth, walks up and joins the conversation. Intently listening, Beth suggests the Nook host a celebration of life for her and in minutes has it all planned out.
Beth and Scott Walker opened Nichols Nook in 2016 after dreaming of what the vacant storefront could be. Scott had visited it many times as a child when it was a TV and stereo shop. It had been many things since then, most recently an interior design shop. Avid walkers, they would walk past the building and comment about all the things “someone” could do with the building. Then it occurred to them that they could be that someone. They began to think about opening a bookstore in the space.
There are many spaces, indoor and out, where patrons can relax.
They got in touch with the landlord, and she liked the idea. Still, they were not convinced they could do it. So, the landlord gave them the key to the building for a couple of weeks. “We would come in here and just sit and pray. We were asking for a specific vision and direction,” Beth says. “We had a general vision,” echoes Scott. “But it’s definitely been organic. It’s changed and evolved a lot.”
Built in 1892, not long after the city was incorporated, the building had been preserved and renovated by the previous owner. Marian Brasher, the building’s current owner, was adamant that she wanted something locally owned that would bring life to the area. The Nook, as locals call it, has become that place. Originally opening as a bookstore and gift shop that offered coffee, it has evolved into a true community gathering spot with full barista service.
In addition to serving a variety of coffee drinks and baked goods, they are a gift store, reading nook, community gathering spot and event venue. They host book clubs, birthday parties, anniversary and graduation events and wedding parties inside and in their two hidden courtyards.
But, Beth says, they don’t want to just rent the space. They want to be able to add to the memories. “The space lends itself very well to being a comfortable inviting space to gather,” explains Beth. “But it’s more about the experience. We learn bits about the honoree so that we can add small personal touches that make it special.”
The key for the Walkers is a focus on community. “We get to know people, and they get to know each other,” says Beth. “We want to be a part of their community. There’s so much going on that it’s important for people to come in and leave the world behind, even if just for a few minutes.”
Many people have walked in for a quick cup of coffee and ended up staying for the fellowship. Some have even become close friends and employees. Loretta came over after work from the kids program she was running at the Methodist church across the street. She now works for them part time for free. She just loves talking to people.
Then there’s Carol, who, Beth says, just walked in one day and said, “I just know I’m supposed to work here.” And now she does. And Bob, an 82-year-old mobile mechanic, who used to have his own coffee shop in Gulf Shores before it was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, is a faithful customer and mentor. “He’s a great supporter. He comes in, meets people and talks to them. He’s part of what makes this what it is,” adds Scott.
Then there’s Susan, or “precious Susan,” as Beth calls her. She was taking a sabbatical from nursing and came into the coffee shop with her daughter. This was just a few days after they had opened. She immediately hit it off with Beth and Scott and ended up working for them. “I never did go back to nursing,” says Susan. “We have just enjoyed this journey together. It works because they care about the community.”
It’s not a stretch to care about the community that has been so much a part of Scott’s life. A graduate of Springville High School, he is a third-generation business owner in his hometown. His aunt and uncle, “Ma” and Lee Laster, opened the Laster’s Soda Shop and Pharmacy in 1927. When they passed, his aunt, Ovada Burtram, ran it until the late 1980s, when it was sold.
One of the outdoor Nooks
His great-grandfather, Pink Simmons, ran the Simmons Motor Company in Springville. Pictures from these old businesses hang over the couch, an heirloom from his grandmother, in one of the coffee shop’s reading nooks. The couch, itself, has a bit of history to it. Purchased from Bromberg’s in Birmingham in the late 30s or early 40s, it survived being hit by a truck that ran through his grandmother’s house.
Even the name of the coffee shop celebrates family and community. Beth’s maiden name was Nichols. She lost both of her parents to cancer when they were in their 60s. Her mom, Kay Nichols, was a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher in Springville. Her dad, Ron, also loved reading and had an affinity for both coffee and tea. So they came up with the name Nichols Nook to honor them. They believe it’s a place both of her parents would have enjoyed.
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the business. They had to shut down in 2019 to realign and improve the business model. Just about the time they were planning to reopen, issues related to the pandemic forced their doors to remain closed. They were able to reopen in the summer of 2021, but then had to close for two months after their family struggled through COVID-19 themselves.
They credit their oldest son, 21-year-old Ben, with being a huge help in reopening the business. “He’s been key to our success,” says Scott. “We couldn’t have made it without him.” Ben adds, “It’s cool to be a part of their business, to see it grow and to see all the people we’ve met through it.”
His future plans will take him away from the family business, though. At the end of the summer, he will begin a job as a commercial pilot. His brother, 13-year-old Sam, may one day take over the barista duties. For now, says Beth, his other interests are “much cooler” than the business.
What could be “cooler” than coffee? After all, President Thomas Jefferson called coffee “the favorite drink of the civilized world.” Coffee may be the favorite drink, but Nichols Nook makes it a favorite experience.
You can find them on Main Street in Springville or on the web at Nichols-nook.business.site.
Officials break ground on 18-acre campus in Odenville
Story and photos by Carol Pappas
On a hilltop above Odenville a vision is rising up to meet the needs of the community and well beyond the city’s borders.
ONEeighty Church, just as the name implies, represents the degree to which lives can be turned around, and that’s the purpose of the 18 acres that hilltop overlooks. Officials have broken ground on a massive new campus near Interstate 59 on Alabama 174 at Odenville.
The church began in a vacant Ace Hardware building in Springville as a ministry of Clear Branch United Methodist Church in 2009. Two years into it, it grew to become a standalone church. Cam Price was pastor for a year and a half before Gresh Harbuck became the pastor, and she named it ONEeighty – symbolic of turning lives around. Four years ago, it launched as non-denominational and has now grown well past its walls.
Leaders were led to build a new church and other buildings on the acreage and even though it began in Springville, Harbuck said they never viewed ONEeighty as a Springville church. “It’s a community church – one gigantic circle of owners. They take ownership in the Great Commission. Members pay dues. Owners have responsibilities and are on a mission, winning one more for Jesus Christ.”
Pastor Gresh Harbuck motions toward the hilltop where the church will grow its new home.
When they were first looking for a new home, Realtor Lyman Lovejoy envisioned the ideal place as a piece of property that wasn’t even for sale. “They won’t sell it to me, but they might sell it to you,” he remembers telling them. He is credited with approaching the owner with the idea of transforming the piece of land into a place of worship and life-changing experiences.
The owners understood the vision, too, noting that it would be the perfect legacy for their father. And the deal was done.
“Our goal is to really focus on people who never would walk into a normal church,” said Harbuck, describing it as “very contemporary,” welcoming “all walks of life” to venture through its doors.
The growth has been evident. Easter Sunday, apparently all roads led to ONEeighty Church with people attending from Argo, Odenville, Pinson, Gadsden and Springville. “We’re not an Odenville church,” Harbuck said. “We’re not a Springville church. We’re a community church. We want lukewarm Christians to turn into purpose-filled Christians who will be the hands and feet of Jesus. We want to help the hurting and the broken.”
Of the church’s approach, Harbuck explained, “This is a great place to fall in love with Jesus.” Small groups are how they disciple people, giving them a more intimate, close-knit experience. The youth group is packed with activities and is “growing by leaps and bounds.” Celebrate Recovery – one of the largest in the state – continues to make a sizable impact on addictions throughout the region. It partners with Lovelady Center, Brother Bryan and jail ministries in Ashville and Oneonta.
Celebrate Recovery, coordinated by Ministry Leader Joyce Simonson, was 300 strong before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. They still feed 200 there every Friday night. “We view ourselves as recovery ministries,” said Harbuck, who once served as CR Ministry Leader himself.
Looking ahead to what that Odenville hilltop will become, Harbuck said, the new church campus will house the worship center, a sanctuary that can seat 600, lobby and children’s area in the first phase on top of the site. Second phase will be a dining hall, small group rooms and offices, and the third phase is a courtyard outside the worship area.
Beyond that, “God gives us the next steps,” Harbuck said. “We will look at the needs of Odenville. If the needs in the community change, we’ll change.
Johnny Evans and James Barker, who are active in the church and have a background in contracting, will oversee the project. Cline Construction is the builder.
“Even though we’re moving the building, it doesn’t mean the DNA changes,” Harbuck stressed. “We want to be a light to the community, helping the outcast and broken,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Lay Leader John Rich called it “a big milestone for us. This is a community church – one group, all together. This means a lot.”
And it means much to the community that surrounds it. “Thank you for your vision,” Odenville Mayor Buck Christian told those in attendance at the groundbreaking. “We’re excited to see what the future holds. The campus will be explosive” in terms of growth. “Welcome to Odenville. We are extremely excited about what this will mean to Odenville. The growth potential is unlimited.”
Harbuck agreed. “God has been blessing us and growing us.”
County named for Revolutionary War soldier, American statesman
Story by Robert Debter Submitted Photos
On Nov. 20, 1818, the Second Alabama Territorial Legislature representing 20 counties, seven of which had been created by the Mississippi Territorial Legislature (Washington, Madison, Baldwin, Clarke, Mobile, Monroe and Montgomery) and the remaining 13 (Morgan*, Lawrence, Franklin, Limestone, Lauderdale, Blount, Tuscaloosa, Marengo, Shelby, Bibb**, Dallas, Marion and Conecuh) established by the First Alabama Territorial Legislature earlier that year.
The first county created by the Second Territorial Legislature was taken from the northern portion of Shelby County and would bear the name of St. Clair.
A county older than the state itself draws its name from far away roots in Scotland. On March 23, 1734, at at Thurso Castle, in Thurso, County Caithness, Scotland, William and Margaret St. Clair welcomed a newborn son and bestowed the name, Arthur. After completing his formal education, he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and was apprenticed with Dr. William Hunter in England for a time. But like so many of his warrior ancestors, he heard the call of adventure and could not deny it.
Arthur St. Clair
In 1757, just in his early 20s, the young St. Clair purchased an ensign’s commission in the British Army and came to America during the French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years War. He served in Canada during this almost decade-long conflict and was present at the Siege of Louisbourg.
For his heroism, Arthur was promoted to the rank of lieutenant (originally known as leftenant). The year 1759 saw the young soldier at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in Quebec, where Lt. St. Clair seized the colors, which had fallen from the hand of a dying soldier and bore them until the day was won. In May of 1760, he married Phoebe Bayard of Boston, whom he had met while his regiment had been stationed there. They were joined in holy matrimony at Trinity Church in Boston. They would have 58 years and seven children together.
Two years after marrying, Lt. St. Clair resigned his commission and moved to Bedford, Penn., to survey land for the Penn Family. In 1764, the St. Clairs settled in Ligonier Valley, Penn., and through the establishment of several mills, St. Clair would eventually manage to become the largest landowner in western Pennsylvania. The parlor of his home, “The Hermitage,” remains preserved at the Fort Ligonier Museum.
He became surveyor of the Cumberland District in 1770, a justice of the court of quarter sessions and common pleas, a member of the proprietary council and justice, clerk and recorder of the Orphans’ Court.
In 1771, Gov. John Penn appointed him first prothonotary of Bedford County and deputy register for the probate of wills. Three years later, he was appointed magistrate and prothonotary of the newly established Westmoreland County. Penn described him as “… a gentleman … and in every station of life has preserved the character of a very honest, worthy man …”
Soldier, hero
St. Clair, commissioned as a colonel of a Pennsylvania regiment in 1776, raised and trained his regiment in the dead of winter and then marched six companies north to reinforce the American Army in Quebec. Unfortunately, St. Clair arrived to find the army in full retreat upon the death of Gen. Richard Montgomery, for whom the capital of Alabama is named. Col. St. Clair, through familiarity of the terrain and British strategy, saved the army from certain capture.
For his bravery, he was promoted to brigadier general and ordered to join Gen. George Washington and help him raise a militia in New Jersey. On Christmas night, St. Clair’s troops, now under the command of Washington, crossed the Delaware into Trenton and attacked the Hessians at dawn on the 26th. The Continental forces were victorious with 22 Hessian mercenaries killed, 84 wounded and 918 captured.
The empire struck back on Jan. 2, 1777, attacking Princeton and routing the small garrison that escaped over the Assunpink Creek to where Washington had posted several cannons. These cannons, along with musket fire, managed to stalemate the British forces.
That night, a council of war was called and many of Washington’s generals advocated for retreat. St. Clair’s lone voice championed attack. He proposed a daring plan to outflank the enemy and take Princeton. For this, St. Clair’s brigade was given the honor of marching ahead of the advancing army, and his battle plan resulted in a resounding victory for the Continental Army.
It was here that Arthur St. Clair and George Washington formed a strong bond that would last for many years. Even when some would later contest and question the Scotsman’s abilities, Washington, with one exception, always remained supportive and faithful to his friend.
St. Clair was promoted to major general for his “fierce bravery and loyalty” and given command of Fort Ticonderoga in New York. Previously a British stronghold, the fort had been captured in 1775 by Gens. Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold “in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress.” St. Clair arrived in early June 1777 and found the fort in disrepair. Worse yet, it was ill supplied and manned by a garrison of only 2,500.
Winthrop Sargent
Gen. John Burgoyne, “known more for his baggage train than his battles,” according to local historian Joe Whitten, laid siege to the fort with an impressive force of 8,000 British regulars and 2,500 auxiliary members.
Not seeing for the needless waste of life, St. Clair ordered the fort evacuated and later recounted, “I know I could have saved my reputation by sacrificing the army; but were I to do so, I should forfeit that which the world could not restore, and which it cannot take away, the approbation of my own conscience.”
The same cabal who endeavored to replace Washington as commander in chief with Horatio Gates lobbied strongly against St. Clair, decrying him as a “coward” and “traitor.” A court martial was convened, and the trial concluded with St. Clair being acquitted, “with the highest honor, of the charges against him.” Afterwards, naval hero Capt. John Paul Jones wrote to him, “I pray you be assured that no man has more respect for your character, talents, and greatness of mind than, dear General, your most humble servant.”
A leader
Following his vindication, St. Clair continued his active leadership. He commanded at West Point, suppressed a mutiny, continued raising troops and sending them south to aid Washington and Lafayette and served on the court martial that condemned Maj. John Andre, the co-conspirator of turncoat Benedict Arnold. He joined Washington at Yorktown four days before the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. In November, he was given orders to reinforce Gen. Nathanael Greene in his campaign to expel the British from the Carolinas.
Lawmaker
The general returned to Pennsylvania following the war and was elected to Congress in 1785. The Pennsylvania Herald reported, “Quorum having been formed in Congress, they proceeded to the choice of President for the ensuing year, when his Excellency Arthur St. Clair, Esq., was elected.”
During his 1787 term, the Northwest Ordinance was adopted, and the U.S. Constitution was drafted. In 1789, he had the great joy of assisting in the inauguration of his friend as the first president of the United States and had once been named as a possible candidate for the vice presidency.
From 1788 to 1803, St. Clair served as first governor of the Northwest Territory and named the city, Cincinnati, Ohio. His second-in-command, Winthrop Sargent, would serve from 1798-1801 as the first governor of the Mississippi Territory, from which Alabama was carved in 1817.
Return to duty
In 1791, St. Clair was once again called into action. As major general, he was tasked with suppressing Native-American resistance, and his force, originally consisting of 2,000, eventually dwindled down through illness and desertion to less than 1,000.
The combined forces of the Miami, Shawnee and Delaware numbered over 1,000 and on Nov. 4, 1791, ambushed the American force. St. Clair, ill with gout, suffered a devastating defeat, and the cries of cowardice and incompetence were once again revived.
Arriving at Philadelphia, St. Clair immediately requested a court martial to clear his name. This was denied by President Washington who called him “worse than a murderer” and demanded his resignation as commander of the Army. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives began an investigation and sided with Gen. St. Clair. They found secretary of war, quartermaster general and other officials in the War Department had ill manned, equipped and supplied Gen. St. Clair’s expedition. The Congress voted against a resolution on the committee’s report, so St. Clair was never officially vindicated.
He was allowed to remain governor – a position he found increasingly difficult following his humiliating forced resignation as commander of the Army. St. Clair, a Federalist, believed that the Ohio Territory should be admitted as two states instead of one to increase the power of his party in the federal congress.
He delivered a speech at the Ohio Constitutional Convention that railed against the Convention and President Thomas Jefferson, “acting like a father betrayed by his son, he used a paternalistic tone and discussed his contributions to the territory, outlining what he had accomplished in fourteen years ….” Jefferson responded by removing St. Clair from office.
Returning home
At almost 70 years of age, the old soldier returned to the Hermitage and facing debts from loans he had given out during the Revolution, attempted to rebuild his wealth. However, the stars in their courses fought against all his attempts to replenish his life, and sheriffs began to sell his property for all the debts he had incurred.
St. Clair beseeched Congress for money he was believed owed to him for his services to his country. The Hermitage was sold, and the St. Clairs moved to a log house called “Chestnut Ridge,” situated near Youngstown, Penn. Several months later, the legislature of Pennsylvania finally granted St. Clair an annuity of $8,400, and shortly before his death, he received from Congress $2,000 in discharge of his claims and a pension of $60 a month.
On his way to Youngstown to purchase goods, St. Clair was thrown from his wagon and found unconscious on the side of the road. He was tenderly carried back to his home, where he passed away surrounded by his family on Aug. 31, 1818, after a departing message of peace forevermore. By November of that same year, St. Clair County, Ala., would be created and bear his name.
Patriot
He was buried at the St. Clair Cemetery in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Penn., and his monument, a gift from his Masonic brethren reads: “The Earthly Remains Of Major-General Arthur St. Clair Are Deposited Beneath This Humble Monument, Which Is Erected To Supply The Place Of A Nobler One Due From His Country.”
Always the patriot, in his own words: “I hold that no man has a right to withhold his services when his country needs them. Be the sacrifice ever so great, it must be yielded upon the altar of patriotism.” l
Editor’s Note: Of Alabama’s 67 counties, more than a dozen are named in recognition of those who have some connection as leaders, statesmen or soldiers to the American Revolution. Arguably, none gave so much and received so little in return as Arthur St. Clair. But his name lives on in this Alabama county.
* Originally “Cotaco [co-take-oh]” until renamed in 1821 for American Revolutionary leader, Brig. Gen. Daniel Morgan of Virginia.
** Originally “Cahawba” until renamed in 1820 for William Wyatt Bibb, territorial governor and first governor of the state of Alabama, shortly after his untimely death.
When Spotlight took center stage five years ago at Pell City Center for Education and Performing Arts, it was simply an idea to nurture and grow love of theatre – in all its forms – among young people. Today, it is as its name implies – illuminating.
It casts its light on acting, set design, writing, podcasts, short film, directing, sound, lights, music and all that goes into a production as part of Spotlight’s successful script.
In addition to CEPA’s community theatre troupe, younger versions are now flourishing through Spotlight Clubs at Pell City, St. Clair County, Moody and Victory Christian high schools. A kids drama program has evolved, and the awards ceremony for all of it held each year is now an event tantamount to the Oscars.
Shelby Duke, Spotlight coordinator
Born in 2015 in a collaboration with Jefferson State Community College, the CEPA program was gaining popularity for those interested in performing arts but was shuttered as a result of the COVID-19 shutdowns in 2020.
Shelby Duke, Spotlight program coordinator, said that the program had to get creative in order to keep the program’s momentum moving forward. “In 2020, when the pandemic hit, we began using digital means to keep people involved in Spotlight since we could not be in the theatre for a few months,” Duke said.
In September of 2020, Duke said, the program began cultivating a digital media platform and expanding into a podcast in Spotlight Studio called The Black Box. “In October of 2020, we released our first podcast and asked our clubs to write podcasts as well,” Duke noted. “We had several podcast scripts submitted, and we made a season out of it.”
Spotlight Studio is also a place where people can find videos of the various clubs involved with the program, short films and other projects within it. Building on its successes, the program is in the midst of transforming another podcast into a short film.
Perhaps one of the most creative outlets within the program, The Black Box Podcast, is a dramatic audio theatre experience where club members write their own scripts for the podcast and record them. Subjects last year included a wide variety of subjects from comedy pieces about Christmas to more serious subject matters.
Miss Christmas Business developed by the St. Clair County High School club debuted at the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham in 2021.
“We are planning on releasing a podcast this month, Project SEM;COLON written by Pell City High School student Anna Claire Hawthorn. Project SEM;COLON is a podcast and future short film that shines light on suicide awareness,” Duke said. “Anna Claire and other PCHS students have worked so hard on this project, and I am extremely proud of them.”
A catalyst for all, regardless of age and performing arts experience, “this program brings people together who have an interest in theatre,” Duke said. “It has become a community of people who share that love or want to see what things are all about. It is open to anyone who wants to give theatre a try – on and off the stage.”
In addition to the program’s new digital platforms, Spotlight is still home to plays and musicals upon which it built its reputation. It also hosts a Summer Drama Camp for Spotlight Kids Club.
Now in its fifth year, Spotlight annually shines the light on its own through the Spotlight Awards, a way to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the program and its members over the year. “We have categories for everything from actors awards to the best in crew awards,” Duke said. “It is also a way for us to get donations that go to the Spotlight program as well. We have food and entertainment to continue to build the Spotlight Award community and celebrate our wonderful talent.”
Another face also joined the Spotlight team this year, Nicholas Fason, who will be serving as Spotlight Studio coordinator and will be overseeing digital productions like podcasts and Spotlight Films.
“I am very excited to be stepping into the Studio coordinator role,” Fason said. “I am very passionate about giving students and community members every opportunity to express themselves.”
Fason will be coordinating between students and community members. “I am honored to be given this opportunity to make sure that we can execute the vision of the students and their creative endeavors,” Fason said.
The potential for the future is not lost on CEPA Executive Director Jeff Thompson, who along with Jefferson State’s Leslie Warren and Nicholas Kin, founded the program five years ago and carefully laid the groundwork.
In an impassioned speech at the Spotlight Awards Ceremony, Thompson discarded his notes, stepped from behind the podium and delivered a dramatic rallying cry for the program.
Five years ago, he said, he, Warren and Kin “had an idea that there would be enough of you out here to show this community that theatre was important, to keep this thing running, to keep more people coming through these doors year after year, doing play after play, growing exponentially, making people realize your art is important. And you’ve done it for five years, letting this community know that what you love is important,” he told the capacity audience of young people.
“And that’s what I love. I love that you love it. I love that you want to do it. I love that it matters to you. I love it that you chose it. I love it when you try hard and succeed, and I love it when you try hard and don’t. I love you, and I appreciate you.”
For five years, he said, “you’ve shown me, you’ve shown this board, you’ve shown everybody in here that we matter, and that’s what I want you to know tonight is that you matter. The things that you love matter. Keep doing them. Keep trying. Keep working. Be better every year. Happy five years, St. Clair County!”
