February 2012 Newsletter
The Chamber's Annual Awards Luncheon was Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center in Talladega. A big thank you to all who contributed to the success of this event: our speaker, Mr. Eli Gold, the staff of Shocco and to everyone who helped make this event possible with your support. The award nominees for 2011 were recognized at the luncheon and the winners were announced. Congratulations to the following 2011 award winners:
Small Business of the Year-Professional Apothecary
Medium Business of the Year-Talladega Campus of Central Alabama Community College
Large Business of the Year-The First National Bank
Nonprofit of the Year-The Red Door Kitchen
Citizen of the Year-Mr. Robert Weaver
With the newly elected 2012 Chamber Board members announced at the luncheon, our 2012 Chamber Board of Directors include Fran Pope, President; Ray Miller, First Vice-President; Joel Taylor, Second Vice-President; Andy Whiddon, Past President; Chip Moore, Treasurer; Keela Brown, Brian Gann, Suzanne Lacey, Grant Lynch, Tina Seals, Billy Sparkman, Chad Woodruff, and Executive Director Mack Ferguson.
The Mardi Gras Celebration in Talladega kicks off with the annual parade on Saturday, February 18th at 11:00 a.m. The route will come up East Battle, around the square to South Court Street, and end on South Street, East. There is no cost to participate and all entries are welcomed-just be unique, decorate your entry and have plenty to throw (Moon Pies or beads). To sign up, call the Ritz Theatre, 256-315-0000.
The partying continues that night beginning at 6:00 p.m. with Alabama's largest Mardi Gras Ball north of Mobile at the Speedvision Dome. Classic on Noble is catering and Party Nation is the band. Order tickets for the gala and auction through the Historic Ritz Theatre online at www.talladegaritz.com or by phone, 256-315-000.
On February 11th, the Childersburg Historical Preservation Commission will host a Mardi Gras Ball and Silent Auction at the Bella Luna Special Events Center beginning at 7:00 p.m. The night's menu features a "Taste of New Orleans" and music will be provided by Vintage 6. Purchase tickets at Childersburg City Hall, Childersburg Chamber of Commerce, Pam's Hair Heaven, and 8th Avenue Gallery.
Talladega offers some great programs and facilities to reach your fitness goals.
- Check out the Spring Street Recreation Center's fitness room with its Nautilus equipment and cardio treadmills and ellipticals or the Olympic sized pool where a variety of programs are offered: water aerobics, fibromyalgia aerobics, swim lessons and more! Fitness for Life with certified personal trainer Patrick Williams begins February 7th. In addition to these programs, Zumba is offered on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:30 p.m. with instructor Karen Allen and on Saturday mornings with Celeni Sasser at 10:00 a.m. Cost is $5 per class and your first Zumba class with Karen is free for a limited time. Contact Karen at 256-315-7140 or kallen@talladega-insurance.com and contact Celeni at 205-410-2373 or zumbawithceleni@gmail.com.
- Citizens BMC, 604 Stone Avenue in Talladega, has a FitnessPlus Health & Wellness Gym that features cardio and toning and strengthening equipment, weight machines, free weights, an indoor track and classes for aerobics, Zumba, and yoga (mats and steps furnished). Citizens BMC and FitnessPlus are partnering with employer groups to offer discounted memberships to the gym. For more information on the gym and corporate memberships, contact Kelly Gilmore at 256-761-4693 or Kelly.gilmore@bhsala.com.
Friday, February 3rd: Fellowship, fun, bingo, door prizes and brunch! Lincoln Parks and Recreation and local businesses are hosting a Valentine's Day Brunch and Bingo for Senior Citizens at the Lincoln Sr. Building from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Call 205-763-1006 for more info.
Saturday, February 11th: DJ Mike "Doin it Rite" Guthrie, games, snacks, and door prizes! The Activities Committee of Talladega is hosting a "Valen-Teen Bash" for teens at the Bemiston Recreation Center in Talladega from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. $5 single; $8 couple. Buy tickets at Talla Floral or the Chamber in advance. (Tickets may be purchased at door if available.)
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 17th for this Alabama School for the Blind's annual fundraiser. The 5K starts at 8:00 a.m. and the Redskin Romp Kids' Run/Walk is at 9:00 a.m. Before March 2nd the entry fee is $15 and after it's $20. (There is a $3 discount to Anniston Runners Club members.) Ages up to 16, the fee is $10. All proceeds benefit the Alabama School for the Blind boys and girls track and field teams. For further information, contact Valerie Burrage at 256-493-8414 or burrage.valerie@aidb.state.al.us or Troy Haynes at 256-310-3041 or Haynes.troy@aidb.state.al.us or visit www.aidb.org.
Get your tickets now to this 3rd Annual Fundraiser to benefit Lakeside Hospice and the Christian Love Pantry and enjoy lunch, original table designs, and guest speaker, "Bargainomics Lady" Judy Bates. The event is Saturday, February 25th beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 2200 3rd Avenue, Pell City. For more information, contact Christine Smith or Tracy Whitten (Lakeside) at 205-884-1111 or The Christian Love Pantry, 205-338-2358.
- The Center for Excellence, 510 Tuskegee Street in Talladega offers educational programs for ages 2 -6 years and after school programs through age 12. For more info, contact Eboni Truss, 256-493-4437.
- CACC, Talladega campus, is offering an ACT Boot Camp February 6th - 9th in advance of the February 11th ACT test. Registration is limited to the first 18 students so call 256-480-2090 or email lembry@cacc.edu for info on class space.
- Crochet classes are held at the Talladega County Extension office every 2nd and 4th Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Cost is $20. For more info, contact instructor Josiephine Morris at 256-362-0628 or morristalladega@aol.com.
- The Alabama Cooperative Extension is offering two workshops on fruit pruning on Wednesday, February 15th. At the Craft Blueberry Farm, 4060 Eastaboga Road, Talladega, a blueberry pruning workshop will be offered from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. At the Curtis Watts Farm, 351 Oak Grove Road in Munford, a muscadine pruning workshop will be offered from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. To register or get more info, contact the Talladega county Extension office at 256-362-6187. Registration fees are $5 per person.
- Drop by the Chamber and pick up a Goody's coupon book filled with various in-store and online coupons good through February 27th.
- The 12th Annual Sports and Leisure Show is February 3rd and 4th at Quintard Mall in Oxford.
- March 3rd: Boy Scouts of America Cheaha District American Values Dinner at Shocco Springs Baptist Convention Center featuring speaker Chris Hammond, a former major league baseball pitcher and honoring Joe Patterson, Marie Player and Joe Duck.
- April 13th and 14th: April in Talladega featuring historic homes, heritage Hall Museum exhibit, Friday night Wine & Cheese Reception, "April on the Square" on Saturday night, St. Peter's Taste of Talladega Luncheon, A.J. Powers Memorial Plank Road Station, and more.
- April 14th: Talladega Classic Car Club's 41st Annual Car Show, Chamber parking lot.
Sleeping Giant Veterinary Clinic
Talladega Junior Welfare League
The Daily Home
Armstrong-Osborne Public Library
Northgate Place Apartments
Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative
Heritage Hall Museum
Talladega Rotary Club
Downey EyeCare
First Educators Credit Union
Terry Hogge Electric, Inc.
TBM Home Assistance Services
LifeSouth Community Blood Center
Stringer, Montgomery and Montgomery
SES Graphics
Baker Foods
New South Express
Dorothy Power
Talladega Junior Welfare League
The Daily Home
Armstrong-Osborne Public Library
Northgate Place Apartments
Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative
Heritage Hall Museum
Talladega Rotary Club
Downey EyeCare
First Educators Credit Union
Terry Hogge Electric, Inc.
TBM Home Assistance Services
LifeSouth Community Blood Center
Stringer, Montgomery and Montgomery
SES Graphics
Baker Foods
New South Express
Dorothy Power
Catalog Returns and Etc. is located at 815 East Battle Street (Citi Trends/Sav-A-Lot Shopping Center). This store has something for everyone and the merchandise changes weekly, so go by often and see what treasures you can find. Phone number: 256-268-7124.
The Home Depot is another store where you can find something for everyone. Mr. John Betts is the manager of this Pell City Home Depot located at 289 Vaughn Lane. The phone number is 205-405-8127.
Dandy RV KOA Campground is a new campground located at 20 Garrett Circle in Anniston. The phone number is 256-241-2295 and the fax is 256-241-2296. The contact for the campground is Tammie Cooley and you can reach Ms. Cooley at 256-624-9100, ext. 112. Visit the website at www.dandyrv.com.
Taylor Rhea's Cleaners is a family owned and operated cleaners in Talladega and is located at 308 East Battle Street. Call Taylor Rhea's at 256-362-0106.
Thank you, members, for your support, and please let us know how we can help you. We encourage all members to contact us with information you want publicized. If we are not publicizing events that are important to you, please let us know. Also, let us know if any of your pertinent business information has changed or if you are not receiving information from us on a regular basis. Dues can be paid by credit card now, if you prefer.
