Author: Joyanna Love
Restoring the Skies: Local aviation mechanic enjoys restoring helicopters
STORY BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH PHOTOS BY JOYANNA LOVE AND CONTRIBUTED Whether watching an action movie on television, taking an aerial tour on vacation or seeing old military documentaries, helic... Read More
Local icon: Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Chilton’s Big Peach
STORY BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY JIM GILL People passing through Chilton County on Interstate 65 and Lay Dam Road have beheld a terrific sight for decades — the “Big Peach... Read More
Face to Face: Freddy Smith finds father after years of searching
Story By JOYANNA LOVE “I used to sit around and imagine my dad finding me and coming and saying, ‘I’m his dad. I am here to take care of him, and then I’d belong.” Freddy Smith essential... Read More
With a thankful heart: Local volunteers carry Thanksgiving tradition of serving community
STORY BY EMILY REED PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED Every Thanksgiving, many volunteers show up to Clanton First United Methodist Church to help make the holiday special for those throughout the community. “Than... Read More
Mosaic of fabric: Melinda Maddox creates quilted artwork
STORY BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED Quilting is a favorite cultural pastime in the South. Although quilting dates back to ancient Egyptian times, American quilts have made their own... Read More
Take Flight: Central Alabama Sport Flyers pursue hobby of RC aircraft
For eons man has desired to take flight. But for many, there are obstacles to this dream — sometimes it is the lack of nerve to fly a plane; sometimes it comes down to the lack of funding. Yet, for ... Read More
Unexpected Reunion: Online course connects student with former teacher
STORY BY ELISABETH ALTAMIRANO-SMITH PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED Everyone has a special adult mentor that impacted their childhood in a positive, meaningful way. Often, it is a teacher that makes a difference i... Read More
Journey of stories: Myra Jones turns family history into book
By JOYANNA LOVE/ Photos Contributed As a child, her uncle’s stories were a mystery. Something for only the adults to enjoy. Yet, the bits and pieces and the laughter she overheard made her want to h... Read More