As the New Year dawns, it is an exciting time to be in Montevallo, exciting because of the changes underway in our downtown and the kick-off of our Bicentennial Celebration. 2017 marks 200 years of Montevallo as a community. From its humble beginning as a small settlement established by Jesse Wilson and his brother and their respective families, to the vibrant blend of education,art, natural beauty and history we enjoy today. In the coming months we will celebrate our history with many activities and community events. I want to call your attention to the header area of our newsletter. Included there each month will be a photograph from the Montevallo archives. This month is a shot of Main Street in the snow circa 1960. A larger version is inside with a description. As part of the celebration, we are asking community groups and organizations to get involved and tell their story. We have many long standing civic groups and clubs, churches, fraternal organizations, and a Community Theater and Choral that are among the oldest in Shelby County. We will be including some of these stories in future editions of the Chatter. I love history and learning more about our hometown. Tell me your Montevallo story, share your history, or drop me a suggestion. You can email me at montevallochamber@gmail.com Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber. January is renewal month for many of our Chamber memberships. We depend on our business partner’s support for Chamber programs. This past year we have seen a growth in retail stores in our downtown, high speed data installation in our industrial park, successful luncheons, and business after hours networking events. The Chamber works every day to promote our local merchants and business community. Your support is crucial to continue providing tourism information, business demographics and recruitment tools for future development. We are actively involved with local city, county and state representatives regarding ordinances, building codes, and legislation that effect our members. When you renew your partnership or join the chamber you are investing in the future of your business and the future of our business community. As always, my door is open, the phone is never far from my reach, and email or a good old fashioned letter is welcome. Happy New Year! Let’s Get Rolling!

JANUARY 2017 | Vol. 15, No. 1

CHAMBER CHATTER

845 Valley Street • Montevallo, Alabama 35115 • montevallochamber@gmail.com • www.montevallocc.com • 205-665-1519

CHAMBER COMMENT

GOLD BUSINESS PARTNERUNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO

SILVER BUSINESS PARTNERSBOB BUTTERWORTHARGOS CEMENT LLC

MONTEVALLO FAMILY DENTISTRYMONTEVALLO DRUGTRUSTMARK BANK

REGIONS BANKABSOLUTE VAPE

For additional information about how to become a Chamber Business Partner, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Business Partner, contact Chamber Director Steve Gilbert (205) 665-1519

Chamber News

Steve GilbertExecutive Director

Upcoming Chamber Events: January 18, 2017 Luncheon “State of the City Ad-dress” with Mayor Hollie Cost. Annual Chamber Mem-bership Meeting, February 15, 2017 Luncheon “Alabama Career Center - Job Link Alabama” Ricky Littleton Guest Speaker March 15,2017 Luncheon “Parnell Library Founda-tion” - Greg Reece Guest Speaker. New Montevallo City Street Maps are available at the Chamber Office, City Hall and Parnell Library. Free.

A Ribbon Cutting was held at Trendy Chic Boutique on Friday December 4th. In attendance were Chamber President Cheryl Patton, Mayor Hollie Cost, Chamber Director Steve Gilbert, Chamber Ambassador Adele Nelson, Debby Raymond, Rusty Nix, Calvin Meadows Sarah Hogan, Marshell Wilson Owner, Grace Fletcher and Avery, Marla Bailey, Erica Street Welcome New Chamber Partner Elite Bail Bonds and Recovery, 717-B Middle Street. Owner is Hunter Lawrence.

ESTABLISHED 1949

EVERY FRIDAY - Main St. Tavern Open Mic hosted by Chase StewartEVERY SATURDAY - Main St. Tavern - Live Acoustic Music

January Calendar of EVENTS

12 riffs, drifts, shifts, and myths TANNER YOUNGMixed-media sculpture by the Department of Art’s newest faculty artist.Opening Reception and Gallery Talk, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Runs through Feb. 2, Bloch Hall Gallery

THURSDAY

23 MELANIE WILLIAMS, SOPRANO AND ALAN GOLDSPIEL, GUITAR Melanie Williams and Alan Goldspiel per-form a variety of works for voice and guitar with special guest clarinetist Lori Ardovino.January 23, 7:30 p.m., LeBaron Recital Hall

MONDAY

30 MUSIC FOR SAXOPHONE AND PIANOSUSAN FANCHER, SAXOPHONEINARA ZANDMIRE, PIANOJoined by Dr. Lori Ardovino.7:30 p.m., LeBaron Recital Hall

MONTEVALLO COMMUNITY NIGHTJoin the UM men’s and women’s basketball teams at Trustmark Arena.

MONDAY

CYNTHIA MACCRAE, PIANORussian masterworks: Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No. 1 and Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Dr. Lynn Faulkner will play the orchestral reduction for the Prokofiev on second piano.7:30 p.m., LeBaron Recital Hall

26THURSDAY

2 MONTEVALLO STREETSCAPE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS2-4 PM, Public Parking lot access fromCity HallMONDAY

13 POETRY SLAMSign up starts at 8 p.m. Eclipse Coffee & Books

FRIDAY

10 UM REGISTRATION - NEW STUDENTSClasses resume Jan. 11th.

TUESDAY

4 MONTEVALLO CITY SCHOOLSSTART 2ND SEMESTER

WEDNESDAY

COMMUNITY MEETING CALENDAREVERY 1ST TUESDAYHistorical Commission, 6:30 p.m., City Hall

EVERY 2ND & 4TH MONDAYCity Council Meeting6:00 p.m., City Hall, 5:30 p.m. Work Session

EVERY 1ST & 3RD MONDAYMontevallo Civitan Club, 5:30 p.m., UBC

EVERY 4TH MONDAYMontevallo Cooperative Development District (MCDD)4 p.m., Meets at Parnell Library

EVERY TUESDAYBoy Scout Troop 525, 6:30 p.m., Scout Lodge

EVERY TUESDAYMontevallo Community Chorale, 7 pm, Meets in the Choir Room of Davis Hall.

EVERY THURSDAYCub Scout Pack 525, 6:30 p.m., Scout Lodge

EVERY 2ND WEDNESDAYMontevallo Water & Sewer Board Meeting, 9:00 a.m.

CHILDCARE CENTER OPENS REGISTRATION SonShine Child Development Center, a ministry of Southside Baptist Church, is now registering children ages 6 weeks through 4 years. The center located at 340 Hicks Street. You can call to arrange a visit at 205-476-8083.

SISTER CITY COMMISSION NEWS The Montevallo Sister City Commission is looking for student travelers. The MSCC is organizing a trip to our sister city Echizen Town, Japan around July 1 until July 10, 2017. (Dates may change) If your family is interested in sending a student age 13-16, please email MontevalloSisterCity@gmail.com to receive an application or ask questions.

COMMUNITY ACTION Community Action is currently taking applications for Shelby County LIHEAP (heating, utility assistance) at ehe Shelby Emergency Office. Low income families only. Seniors only 50+ or disabled only. The two dates for applying are January 5th and January 31st, 2017 from 8:45-3:00. For general signup call 205-610-8916 or 205-669-3836. You will need to make an appointment first. Areas served are Montevallo, Wilton, Calera, Helena, Alabaster, Pea Ridge and Almont. You will need to have a picture ID, SS cards of entire household, proof of income for the prior month for the entire household. and a power bill (must be in head of household name - no exceptions). Please contact Felicia Lilly, Shelby County Coordinator at 205-669-3836, Ext. 2 for more information.

CIVITAN NEWS Members of the Montevallo Civitan Club are wishing everyone a happy new year. Their big event in January is “Game Night”. Everyone looks forward to that all year.

Montevallo 1817 - 2017 Bicentennial

Main Street Montevallo circa 1960. Taken from lawn of the Reynolds home (approximate location of CVS) Corner of building where It’s About Time Barber Shop is located today. Kroell Home (Owl’s Cove) UMOM located there today. John Cunningham’s Pure Service Station (now Montevallo Citgo) Montevallo

Montevallo History Notes... JANUARY January 30, 1941 – College Night Leaders announced Miss Jean Farr of Alexander City Gold Leader, Miss Allee Robbins of Birmingham, Assistant Gold Leader Miss Nell Wooten of Montevallo Purple Leader, Miss Ann Canon of Opelika Assistant Purple Leader. January 17, 1946 – an advertisement from Kent Dairy in the Montevallo Times asked residents to “Please place empty milk bottles outside due to a shortage of bottles in order to continue milk deliveries.”

January 9, 1947 – Lewis M. Smith Vice President of Alabama Power Company spoke to the Montevallo Rotary Club. A yearly subscription to the Montevallo Times Newspaper cost $2.00 January 20, 1949 – The New 1949 Chevrolet was on Display at Montevallo Motors. Taken from the “Montevallo Times Archives” W.M. Mack Wyatt Collection.

typeshopinc@aol.com • 616 MAIN ST. • MONTEVALLO, AL • 205-665-5818 • FAX 205-665-0411

WIDE FORMAT PRINTINGCOPY• FAX • PRINTING • STAMPS

• INVITATIONS • SPIRAL BINDING, ETC.

RENEW YOURCHAMBER

MEMBERSHIPTHIS MONTH!

665-1519www.montevallochamber.com

MONTEVALLO COMMUNITY NIGHT/UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO BASKETBALL Join the University of Montevallo men’s and women’s basketball teams for Montevallo Community Night on Monday, Jan. 30 at Trustmark Arena. The Falcons will be recognizing local school and community leaders during halftime of each game. Be on the lookout for free family passes to the Falcons’ games against Clayton State University. The women’s game will tip off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. Follow the Montevallo Falcons on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and visit www.montevallofalcons.com for additional announcements leading up to the game.

BOYS AND GIRLS

CLUB NEWS

TEEN CENTER NEWS The teens enjoyed baking holiday treats and holiday café specials. On Friday, December 16th, the teens got out of school early, so we took advantage of that extra time by going ice skating at the Pelham Civic Center! They were able to get a great discount on tickets because they’re members. A few of them had never been before, so it was really cool getting to see them experience something new!

There are some exciting changes coming up at the Teen Center! Most of our staff attend the University of Montevallo and are continuing to pursue their degrees. We are excited for all of their achievements, but also sad to not see them as often as usual. Lindsey Tillman, the current unit director, has been asked to help out at another club within the organization and will begin working up there during most days of the week. Montevallo’s very own, Maurice Valentine, will be filling in at the Teen Center. We are so excited to be adding him to the team! If you don’t know him already, feel free to stop by and meet him.

If you have any questions, would like to register your teen, or would like to volunteer, please call 626-8222.

As you might imagine, December was an exciting time at the Boys & Girls Club. From arts, and craft, movies, games, including special reindeer games, each day will be packed with fun with friends. We all went home tired each day, but had big smiles on our faces! We had our annual visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and Dexter the Elf. We enjoyed singing carols for our senior neighbors and for the SEA breakfast fund-raiser. Special thanks for people who helped make November great fun, including UM student Samantha Brasher, and members of the UM golf team. We also would like to say thank you to Montevallo High School for letting us once again, raise the flag at home football games. That is a great way for our members to serve their community and learn how to honor our flag.Sadly, we have to say good bye to Miss Adele Ariola, our UM Social Work intern who has been with us all fall. She was a wonderful addition to our staff and helped in too many ways to count. Perhaps the favorite was when she taught us a little about her home country of Belize.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR JANUARYFROM UM FINE ARTS DEPARTMENTriffs, drifts, shifts, and myths TANNER YOUNG Mixed-media sculpture by the Department of Art’s newest faculty artist. This exhibition combines Young’s interest in music, humor, and storytelling in large-scale and intimate sculptures, these works present familiar objects in a new context. Much like storytelling, which develops from sensitivity to environment and relationships, these works emphasize connections to relate disparate ideas and to create a new narrative.January 12, Opening Reception and Gallery Talk, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.Runs through February 2Bloch Hall Gallery MELANIE WILLIAMS, SOPRANO AND ALAN GOLDSPIEL, GUITAR Melanie Williams and Alan Goldspiel perform a variety of works for voice and guitar with special guest clarinetist Lori Ardovino.. January 23, 7:30 p.m., LeBaron Recital Hall. CYNTHIA MACCRAE, PIANO Russian masterworks: Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No. 1 and Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Dr. Lynn Faulkner will play the orchestral reduction for the Prokofiev on second piano. January 26, 7:30 p.m., LeBaron Recital Hall MUSIC FOR SAXOPHONE AND PIANOSUSAN FANCHER, SAXOPHONEINARA ZANDMIRE, PIANO Guest Artist Susan Fancher is an internationally-recognized concert saxophonist and Professor at Duke University, Durham, NC. One of the leading collaborative pianists of North Carolina, Inara Zandmane is staff accompanist at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. They will perform a program of works including Ravel’s Sonatine, Bach’s Double Concerto for two soprano saxophones, New Stories by Chang and San Antonio by Harbison. Dr. Lori Ardovino will join them on the Bach Double Concerto. January 30, 7:30 p.m., LeBaron Recital Hall.

MONTEVALLO FILM CLUB The Montevallo Film Club is currently working on a film, “Pre-Destination,” for which they recently held auditions. They hope to make their casting decisions soon and begin production during University of Montevallo’s 2017 Spring Semester. Their last film, “It’s Just a Game,” was accepted into The Sidewalk Film Festival-Teen Horror Category, SABC Ekurhulenin International Film Festival (South Africa) - Best Cinematography Category, and TIFF Video Challenge (Cyprus Egypt) - in the category of Short Film. The club has only been established for almost a year, and they are currently seeking support, looking for sponsors, and have started a gofundme account to try and generate funds. They will need money for props, some equipment, make-up, wardrobe, all the usual items in film production. They’re also in need of other miscellaneous items. You can find their GoFundMe at www.GoFundMe.com/MFCShortFilm. To contact the Montevallo Film Club you may email Montevallofilmclub@gmail.com. or go to their Facebook page, Montevallo Film Club.

THIS MONTH AT Library Hours:Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

www.cityofmontevallo.com

JANUARY SCHEDULEWe will be closed Monday, January 2nd for the

New Year holiday. We will also be closed Monday, January 16th in

observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

TUESDAYSJanuary 3rd: After School Movie, (new animated DVD about a boy who must locate his father’s magical suit of armor)January 10th: After School Movie, (new children’s movie based on the book of the same name by Katherine Paterson)January 17th: After School Movie, (new DVD about a children’s home where the children have very strange talents)January 24th: After School Movie, (new children’s movie about baseball)January 31st: After School Movie, (new children’s horse movie)**Call for Titles at 3:30 PMWEDNESDAYS Storytime with Mr. Mac every Wednesday at 9:15 a.m.January 11th: FREE Computer Class with Dr. Ratchford from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.January 11th: Scale Back Alabama Starts. See library for weigh-in dates and times.THURSDAYS January 5th: Adult Coloring Class. Over 18 only. 6-7:30 p.m.January 12th: ESOL Registration and Class. Classes are free but books are a one-time charge of $25. Class will meet January 12, 19 and 26.FRIDAYS January 6th: Magic Tree House Club. For boys AND girls. 3:15-4:30 p.m.January 27th: Lego Club. For boys AND girls. 3:15-4:30 p.m.

All programs including crafts and movies are subject to change at the library’s discretion. Library event calendars are available at the circulation desk. All library events are free to the public unless specifically indicated. For more information, including the children’s policy please visit our website at www.cityofmontevallo.com

Vallocycle Notes – SETTING YOUR SADDLE A bicycle seat is also known as a saddle. Proper sad-dle positioning reduces fatigue, increases comfort, and im-proves the efficient transfer of power to your pedals. Most modern saddles can be adjusted in three ways (height, po-sition over seat post, and incline). Follow these tips on set-ting the appropriate saddle height: • Adjust Height: While sitting on your bike place your heels on the pedals. Adjust your saddle height so your leg is in a straight line from hip to heel when fully extended (no bend). If your legs are not locked in a straight line at full ex-tension, raise your saddle height. On the other hand, if you find yourself rocking side to side while peddling with your heels on the pedals, then lower your saddle height. This way, when you pedal with the ball of your foot on the pedal, your knee will have a slight bend. • Adjust Position: If your bike has this function, the mechanism will be located under the saddle. While sitting on your bike, place the balls of your feet on the pedals. Move the crank to a horizontal position, so that your feet and pedals are equidistant to the ground. If your front knee is not directly above the ball of your foot, then adjust the saddle forward or backward for correct alignment. • Adjust Level: If your bike has this function, the mecha-nism is also located under the saddle. If your saddle is not parallel to the ground you may be placing too much pres-sure on your backside or upper body. Ensure it is parallel to the ground for maximum comfort. If you would like help adjusting your saddle, join us for our next group ride! We meet in the front of University of Montevallo on Main (UMOM) on January 11th at 6:30pm, depart at 7:00pm. ValloCycle is Alabama’s oldest citywide bike share. For more information visit vallocycle.com, contact vallocycle@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.

Students in the Alabama First 4K class at University Baptist Church choose books from the Little Free Library outside their classroom.

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY Little Free Library is a national “take a book, return a book” free book exchange created to promote a sense of community, literacy, and the love of reading” and has placed 50,000 libraries around the country. UBC is located at the corner of Overland and Shoshone and the LFL is open to anyone wishing to use it.

MONTEVALLO YOGA FESTIVAL This spring Montevallo will host its first ever Yoga Festival. The festival will be held Saturday, May 20, 2017 on the campus of the University of Montevallo. The goal of this festival is to broaden community awareness to the many health benefits of Yoga. It is also the goal of this festival to connect people to teachers, products, and information that will assist them on their journey for optimal health. The festival is a one-day event starting early Saturday morning. We have arranged for lodging on campus for those who wish to stay Friday night. The day will begin at 7am with meditation followed by breakfast and registration. Three meals are included in the ticket price. The day will be divided up into blocks of time during which people can select classes to attend. The classes will cover a variety of yoga styles, as well as, concepts such as nutrition, meditation, acupuncture, dance, massage, energy healing, hula hooping, and music. Again the idea is to connect people to the resources needed in creating healthier lifestyles. The day will conclude with a closing ceremony and a concert on the Green Amphitheatre near Flower Hill. The meals for this event will be organic and mindfully sourced. Each meal will be designed with the purpose of representing food combinations that fuel and heal the body. Simple, minimally processed meals combined with daily exercise are the corner stones for a yogic practice. Ideal health is achieved when the body and mind equally receive care! The cost of the festival is $60. This includes 3 meals, all the classes, concert, t-shirt, and a hug. Actually hugs are FREE!!! We have 30 rooms (2/room) set aside at Ramsay Hall for Friday night, May 19th, an additional cost of $20/person, guests must provide their own linens and towels. Choosing a healthy lifestyle creates a cascade of positive effects, not only in one’s life, but also in one’s community. It is our privilege to provide a venue where people can access important health information and create relationships centered on improving our community. Please come and join us on May 20, 2017 for a day of learning and inspiration. We look forward to seeing you there! Montevallo Yoga Festival on Facebook and Instagram.

UM CELEBRATES DECEMBER COMMENCEMENT On Friday, Dec. 9th, 263 students were recognized for the completion of degrees at UM’s fall commencement held in the McChesney Student Activity Center. A massive crowd of family, friends and other supporters cheered as UM presented its last class of 2016. Adding to the evening’s festivities, graduating senior and vocalist Margaret Marie Brewer of Pelham, performed the special music for the ceremony. Retired Nevada Supreme Court Justice Nancy Saitta delivered the keynote address. Saitta offered graduating seniors principles for navigating the pathways of life with her three Ps for success: perseverance, passion and progress. She explained that progress from perseverance and passion is what makes a successful professional. She emphasized to graduates to never confuse their paths with their destinations. Saitta encouraged the audience to go beyond their comfort zone, explaining “any goal worth reaching should scare you a little.” She instructed the seniors, “You possess all the resources you need to climb your mountain. Never be afraid to fail – better an ‘oops’ than a ‘what if.’” Following the address, John W. Stewart III, president of the University of Montevallo, conferred degrees: 188 candidates for bachelor’s degrees, 67 candidates for master’s degrees and 8 candidates for the educational specialist degree. To view the full list of graduates: http://www.montevallo.edu/fall16_grad/.

Created by Steve Forrester

TRASH PICKUP FOR JANUARYFRIDAY, JANUARY 6FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

RECYCLE PICKUP FOR JANUARYFRIDAY, JAN. 13

FRI. JAN. 27

NOW REGISTERING CHILDREN AGES 6 WEEKS

THROUGH 4 YEARS.

Located at 340 Hicks StreetCall us to arrange a visit: 205-476-8083

SONSHINE CHILDDEVELOPMENT CENTER

A MINISTRY OF SOUTHSIDE BAPTIST

always been and remains readily available at City Hall for any questions or concerns and is the keeper of all public documents related to the project. hlehman@cityofmontevallo.com Sarah Hogan, Montevallo Main Street Director, is our direct line of communication between the city and our Main Street businesses and residents. She will work closely with our Chamber of Commerce to coordinate and promote events throughout the project with the ultimate goal of helping our businesses thrive through construction! shogan@cityofmontevallo.com Kirk Hamby, our Public Works Director, will support the project through city services, collaborating throughout the project’s completion. We are incredibly blessed daily by the work of Kirk and the entire public works crew. I am confident that they will serve as an exemplary ancillary team when called upon. Khamby@cityofmontevallo.com Trey Gauntt, Shelby County Chief Engineer, has represented the city throughout the project’s development and has led the bidding process in conjunction with ALDOT. We are extremely fortunate to have him on board and he will be available for support and direction throughout the project. tgauntt@shelbyal.com

The Latest News . . . Based on the lessons we’ve learned from talking to countless business owners, city officials and residents from other communities who have lived through similar projects, maintaining open lines of communication is the key to success. As a result, we will do our best to communicate with everyone affected by this project. For most of our downtown businesses, we already have email addresses or other means through which to deliver project notifications and updates. We have also created a special page on our website through which everyone can stay informed with regard to the Streetscape Project’s progress. (http://www.cityofmontevallo.com/385/Downtown-Montevallo-Streetscape-Project) In fact, if you click the “Notify Me” icon on that page, you can easily sign-up for project-related news and other important notifications.

The Best is Yet to Come! . . . Our Downtown Streetscape Project has been in the works for nearly a decade. During Mayor Anderson’s administration we developed the vision. Mayor McCrory helped us devise a way to fund the project. During our last administration, we worked through the construction planning process. Now, with the new administration, we are ready to break ground. Our contractors tell us the project could be completed by Christmas next year. At that point, nearly $5 Million in direct improvements to our city’s aesthetics and infrastructure will have been made. Our downtown will not only look better, it will also function better. Many of our underground utilities will be replaced. Overhead power lines will be minimized. Traffic signals and street lights will be updated and our traffic flows will be better managed. Perhaps most importantly, our downtown will become more ADA compliant meaning our local businesses, shops and restaurants will soon be accessible to all our citizens. Because of this investment on the part of so many, our downtown and our community as a whole will reap the rewards for generations to come. The best is truly yet to come!

CITY OF MONTEVALLO NEWSMayor’s Message...

Hollie C. Cost, Mayor

“Life is a journey, not a destination.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

January 2nd marks the kick-off of our much anticipated Downtown Streetscape Project and we couldn’tbe more excited! It is quite fitting that in the year of our bicentennial celebration, this 200-working day project will kick-off January 2nd at 2:00 p.m. for a two hour time period with a give-away of 200 commemorative items in the parking lot across from City Hall, first come-first serve.

The Journey . . . During our December town hall meetings, we learned that the contractors plan to start the project on the southeast side of Main Street, across from City Hall and move northward block by block. Once they complete the project on the southeast side, they will begin working on the southwest side of Main Street, adjacent to City Hall again working from south to north. Construction will begin with the hardscape, street lights and utilities, progressing to landscaping and then the final coat of paving. Contractors will complete the majority of one side of the block before moving on to the next block, only starting the third block after the first is complete. Most importantly, the priority during construction is to keep Main Street open for business! The streets will remain open as will the business entrances. Residents are encouraged not only to continue their shopping habits during this time but to increase them. A construction project of this caliber only happens once in a lifetime and is evolving each and every day, so don’t miss out on the action! I now humbly present to you…..the makers, the movers and the shakers who will bring our shared vision to life.

The Makers . . . Cornelia Sanders of Volkert Engineering is our fearless project manager, serving as the liaison between the city, the contractors and all other aspects of the project. Cornelia resides in Troy and has an office in Montgomery. She will keep City Hall apprised of all plans through consistent communication including weekly meetings. Cornelia.sanders@volkert.com As our general contractor, Chilton Contractors’ reputation is unparalleled with regard to their dedication to customer satisfaction, clear communication and site maintenance. Trent Plier is our project manager and will oversee the construction throughout the project. tplier@chiltoncontractorsinc.com Scottie Edwards is project superintendent and will be the daily boots on the ground. sedwards@chiltoncontractorsincl.com. Allen Payton, president of the firm, will monitor the project and is available if there are issues that are not easily resolved locally. allen@chiltoncontractorsinc.com

The Movers and Shakers: Our local team . . . Herman Lehman, Montevallo City Clerk, has been involved with this project from its inception. Working in a leadership role through three different city administrations, he is perhaps the most knowledgeable individual on the team regarding the project’s history and scope. Herman has