Hello readers! I’m back with this week’s edition of What’s Up in Odenville.

Spring break has come and gone, and for me it’s the beginning of torture as I work to achieve my Malibu tan and beach body for summer. My now-former friend Star tagged me on social media in a 30-day fitness challenge that requires squats in 30-rep increments each time I go to the restroom, and to “plank” 30 seconds each morning and 60 seconds each evening. I had never heard of “planking” as an exercise, I thought that’s what pirates were ordered to do on pirate ships.

To begin to explain how badly my knees, thighs, arms and abs hurt after only two days is impossible. I’m beginning to think that walking a plank on a pirate ship would be a better option.

Let’s get to the news

The weekend will be the perfect time to go to the park, just in time for the new playground! The new equipment is on its way and should be in place by the end of the week at Odenville City Park. The removal and prep work has been complete for some time, but installation was delayed due to scheduling.

OYAA held Opening Day activities this past Saturday. The park was bustling with baseball and softball games as well as activities for the kids. Lots of chatter about how great the park looks. I was able to spend the day announcing softball and had the opportunity to see for myself – it looks amazing! Thanks to everyone that helped with the park improvements.

Scholarships

Odenville teens Barry Conaway, AJ White and Zac Tipton both received scholarships from UAB. Barry received the Academic Achievement Scholarship and the AFAPA Youth Scholarship. Barry attends Crossroads Christian School and plans to attend UAB in the fall to study pre-med.

Zac was chosen for Conference Assistant for summer and RA for fall at UAB. Mom Kim says “[We] couldn’t be more excited and proud of him, and boy is our checking account smiling!”

AJ White from Odenville has been accepted into the Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance as well as the Alabama School of Fine Arts. AJ has also been cast as Aladdin in the the Birmingham Children’s Theatre production this summer.

Congrats, guys!

Community Events

Odenville will be have a community-wide cleanup on Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers are needed as well as sponsors. T-shirts will be provided for volunteers, and hotdogs will also be served. For more info contact Casie Roberson at City Hall. (205) 629-6366

North Valley Church is hosting a church yard sale Saturday, May 7 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Spaces are 20×20 and $20 per booth. You keep your own sales. Register at mynvc.org

The Margaret Lions Club is hosting a Cinco de Mayo fundraiser for ‘Tips for Kids’ with DJ Ivan Correa and salsa dancing, Friday, May 6 at Mi Casita from 6-8 p.m. Celebrity waiters will be on hand to serve you! All tips and funds raised will go to the Children’s Place of St Clair County.

Lions Club is also selling tickets at Dollar General in Margaret from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to win a $1,000 gift card to Bass Pro Shops. Tickets are $25 or you can get five tickets for $100. The drawing will be held at 7 p.m. on August 23 at Margaret Elementary School. You do not have to be present to win.

The Miracle League in Moody will host the Miracles in Motion 5k Race and 1 Mile Run/Walk/Roll Saturday April 16 to help cover costs to replace field as current one is worn out. Registration for 5K is $25 – $10 for 1 Mile through April 9th, after that it will be $35 for 5K and $15 for 1 Mile. For more info contact Mary Chambliss at moodyangels@hotmail.com or call 615-300-3047.

The SCCHS Class of 1956 will have its Class Reunion on April 16 from 1:30-4 p.m. at the high school. For more, contact Rex Riddle at riddles@knology.net

SK Services in Lincoln is hosting a job fair Thursday, April 21 from 8 a.m.-noon at the Lincoln Senior Citizens Building. Cost to set up a booth is $25. If your business would like to participate, call Star Dudrow at (205) 763-1818 or (256) 589-9849. For those looking for employment, this is a great opportunity to have a face-to-face with potential employers. Good luck!

OYAA Cheerleading registration is coming up soon! Dates will be Saturday, April 23 from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, April 30 from 1-3 p.m., Wednesday, May 4 from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday, May 7 from 2-5 p.m. Cost is $250. Registration will be at the OYAA field house.

The Spring in the Cove Festival will be held Saturday, April 30 at Branch Cove across from Fred’s. Lots of arts and crafts, home made jams and jellies, kids activities, local food and more. For more info or to secure a booth for your business call (205) 446-3424, email SpringInTheCove@gmail.com, or check out the Facebook page Spring in the Cove.

The Greg Surles Memorial Ride is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, beginning at the Pell City Police Department at 8:30 am. All money raised goes to a fund that provides scholarships to high school seniors.

Email your news and events to OdenvilleNews@gmail.com.