Press Release for 4th Annual Paddlin’ 4 Paws Cardboard Boat Regatta Races

“We’re gearing up for the 4th annual Paddlin’ 4 Paws Cardboard Boat Regatta Races on May 12 at Chimney Cove, Wedowee, as a fundraiser for the Randolph County Animal Shelter”, says organizer Patt High.  Last year’s 80 contestants ranged in age from 5 to 76 years old, and they rowed their hearts out for the 1500 spectators who were secretly cheering for them to sink.  Only 7 of the 34 boats sank, including during the finale, the Demolition Derby Race (ie Water NASCAR).  26 teams went home with photo plaque awards and bragging rights for a full year including teams that swam their boat in, and others that sank….so even ‘losers’ were winners !  Make a day of fun and frivolity for the whole family, including inner tube races before the main event, and the music by local favorite, the Lard Bucket Blue Grass Band.

So how do you get involved in these hilarious 200 yard races?  Easy, pick your crew, then attend class: 

First you decide how many of your friends/church youth/Scouts/school friends/social groups will help you build the boat, or if you want to race solo.  Your boat size depends on your crew and what awards and race(s) you are shooting for.  There are 5 races:  heat trials, grudge races, parent-child race, ‘everybody’ race, followed by the ‘D.D.-NASCAR’ race. 

Second, attend a free February boat builder’s class to learn how to build a ‘floater’.  Two previously raced boats will be on display while 3 experienced builders demonstrate techniques, and offer ‘hands on’ assistance for your boat.  Print materials are available at the Shelter and these two classes: 

A)  Saturday, 2/11:  10am to noon at the old Kiwanis Building at Kids Town Park in Roanoke, at Kiwanis Drive and Highland Avenue. 
B)  Monday, 2/13:  6-8pm, at the Lineville Elementary School auditorium at 88584 Hwy 9, in Lineville.

To get the most out of the class, High suggests you bring basic supplies, as a box cutting knife, and a ruler and marking pens.  All paid entries are eligible to receive a new sheet of cardboard 11′ x 5.5′, free, either at class or in Wedowee.  You will need truck tie-down’s for transport.  Paid entries also receive 10% off builder’s supplies at participating retailers. 

Your boat entry fee covers your race crew for up to 5 races.  Non profit groups and individual/friend’s boats pay a $25 entry fee.  A business boat entry fee is $50 (has their business name on the hull).  If a business ‘adopts’ a crew to build their entry, the business pays the boat entry fee of $50, plus $50 for the crew building expenses as caulking, KILZ and paint.

At www.highairs.com you can view prior race videos/photos, as well as download “How to Build a Killer Boat and Race It”, “Adopt a Boat” and Race Entry forms, as well as boat design diagrams.  Patt High, volunteer organizer for RCAS, can be reached at  256 363-1056 or highairs@gmail.com.  She is the go to person for the print program booklet, t-shirts ads, shoreline flag ads, and vendor booths. 

“Pirates, don’t miss the boat!”, says High.  “Our Dirt-Y GIRLZ boat has raced 9 times and is coming back !  Are you man/woman enough to go oar to oar with our crew of 4 seniors with an average age of 60+ ?  Or are you a shoreline sissy snail?  Show me what you got !!”

Thank you.

Patt High
Wild Woman
Volunteer fundraiser for the Randolph County Animal Shelter

The Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail is Open!

The counties of Autauga, Chambers, Chilton, Clay, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Randolph and Tallapoosa are proud to announce the opening of the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail, the fifth of eight trails that make up the Alabama Birding Trail system.  Since work began three years ago, we have been in touch with numerous groups and individuals who had the interest and nature-knowledge to participate in creating this tourism project.  The response has been very gratifying and the support received from each of the counties within the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail has been exceptional.  Everyone  realizes the importance of highlighting the various outdoor activities that each county has and how to bring them to the attention of the outdoor-loving public.  The project is also the perfect plan for a family to arrange their ‘in-state’ vacation.   Nationwide, wildlife tourism generates over $45 billion annually.

It is time for your Chambers’ annual meeting.  The annual meeting will be a lunch meeting on

Wednesday, October 26 – 12:00 – 1:30
First Baptist Church Life Center / Ashland Hwy. 9

The Chamber will be giving three awards at the annual meeting.  Please nominate a Business, Business Person, and Volunteer.

• Chamber Business of the Year
• Chamber Business Person of the Year
• Chamber Volunteer of the Year

Guest speakers will be Clay County’s own Bailey McKay, PhD and Director of the University of Alabama Economic Development Center, Nisa Miranda.

Annual meeting ticket prices:
$15 / person Chamber members
$20 / person non-Chamber
$100 / table seats 8

Seating is limited.  Call the Chamber today to reserve your seat or table.  Download Nomination Form:  Clay Chamber Annual Meeting 2011 (32)

Clay Chamber of Commerce
256-396-2828
claychamber@centurytel.net

Listed below is your 2011 Board of Directors. We are here to serve you – our members. Contact us if you need anything. Your input is valuable and we want to hear your suggestions and ideas on how to make the Clay County Chamber of Commerce better. Our goals are the same and together we can improve our Chamber, our cities, our county, and our quality of life. We all look forward to hearing from you soon.

President
Kathy Pinkston – katpin@kochfoods.com
Koch Foods
Ashland, AL 36251
256-354-1913

1st Vice President
Brad Strother – brad@facslions.com
First Assembly Christian School
256-354-4090

2nd Vice President
Debbie McKinney – debbieadmin@clayhosp.org
Clay County Health Care Authority
256-354-1178

Secretary / Treasurer
Jeanette Carroll – jcarroll513@aol.com
Cell: 256-276-1216

Billy Robertson – billy@cheaharealty.com
Cheaha Realty Services
256-396-2717

Sharon McNatt – shrnannsflowers@aol.com
Ann’s Flowers & Gifts
Cell: (256) 354-2613

Mike Coleman – mike@mikecolemaninsurance.com
State Farm Insurance
Ofc: 256-354-2272

Stan Gaither – aha@centurytel.net
Ashland Housing Authority
256-354-266

Lisa Runyan  – lrunyan@mindspring.com
Clay County Children Policy Council
256-354-9021

Mary Patchunka-Smith, Executive Director
256-396-2828
claychamber@centurytel.net

Stage Sponsors

Dodge Ram Trucks Clay County Automotive

Year of Alabama Music

Alabama Dept of Tourism

GOLD SPONSORS

A-G-L Solid Waste Disposal Authority, Century Link, Clay County Cattlemen’s Association, Eagle 102.3, First Baptist Church of Ashland, First State Bank, KOCH Foods of Ashland, Patriot Riding Stables and Retreat, SUBWAY of Lineville, Superior Gas, The Big 95 WHMA, The East Alabama Advertiser, Thunder 92.7 WTDR

SILVER SPONSORS

Adamson Insurance, Congressman Mike Rogers, Lineville Health and Rehabilitation, SERVPRO, Stop, Shop ‘n Swap, Talladega Cycle Sales

BRONZE SPONSORS

Andy ~ Prince of Party Rentals, Ashland Housing Authority, City Auto Parts, Clay Service and Electronics, Creekside Signs, First Capital Insurance, Gallet-A– Terracon Company, High Points Coffee and Books, Sims Masonry, Twin Creeks Veterinary Services ~ Dr. Seth Taylor DVM

Headliner Nashville Recording Artist John Stone

Click image to watch John Stone video

The 5th Annual Clay County Music & Arts Festival is set for Saturday, May 21st from 10 am until dark.  This annual festival, produced by the Clay County Chamber of

Commerce, rotates between Lineville and Ashland, Alabama. This year’s event will take place at the Lineville City Recreational Park located on Hwy 9 just north of the intersection of Hwy 9 and 48.

Excellent musical talent from around the area including headliner Nashville recording artist John Stone – download list below. You will not be disappointed! New for this year …. Clay County Autism Awareness 5K Run, Clay County Livestock Exhibit, Clay County Forestry Exhibit, Southeastern Antique Tractor Show, Clay County Children’s Policy Council Hands On Youth Art Exhibit and much more!

Now is the time for Sponsors and Vendors to get on board

Use the links below to download applications and registration forms. There is also a booth diagram so vendors can choose the booth they want. Don’t wait … get your booth early. When we held the festival in Ashland in 2010, we sold out fast.

Download Sponsor Info Packet – 2011 Festival Sponsorship Info Packet (208)

Download Map Showing Location and Parking Directions – 2011 Festival Parking Directions (187)

Download Vendor Booth Layout Map (All Booths SOLD) – 2011 Music Festival Vendor Booth Map (281)

Download Musical Lineup & Schedule – 2011 Festival Schedule (157)

Download Festival Poster – 2011 Music Festival Poster (124)

Youth Entrepreneurship Yard and Bake Sale

To benefit the Clay County Children’s Policy Council

Event Date: Saturday, May 7th 7am to Noon
Mandatory Meeting: Thursday, April 28th at 6pm
Where: Clay County Farmer’s Market

Our youth are very excited about this time of year. We’ve had many calls from parents and youth asking when is the next Youth Yard and Bake Sale. Last year’s event was a huge success.

Each Child participating in the Youth Yard Sale MUST attend the Entrepreneurship Meeting on Thursday, April 28 at 6pm at the Clay County Farmer’s Market. There is a $2.00 set up fee per family plus a Baked Good to be donated to the Clay County Children’s Policy Council for the bake sale.

Set-up for Youth Yard Sale is Friday evening May 6th from 4pm—7pm. Youth must arrive at Farmer’s Market no later than 6:30am Saturday, May 7th.

Things to remember: Tables, Plenty of change, Plastic bags, Newspaper to wrap breakables, have prices on all your merchandise, etc.

Please help us pass this message to the Youth and Parents. Print the flier (click here), post at local businesses, and share with friends and family.

To participate, fill out the sign up form (download here) and mail to the Clay County Chamber of Commerce. The spaces are first come first serve. This is a great opportunity to do spring cleaning at your home and let your child see what’s it’s like to own his or her own business.

Make check payable to: Clay County Children’s Policy Council
Mail check and application form to Clay County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 85 Lineville, AL 36266.

For more info or questions, contact:
Mary Patchunka-Smith
256-396-2828
claychamber@centurytel.net

Does anything on the list below apply to you?

* I want the Clay County area to be a better place to live and make a living.
* I believe that the Clay County area holds a promise of better living.
* I want to promote the Clay County area in a positive manner.
* I want to be involved in making the Clay County area better.

If this sounds like you then Join the Chamber – click to download membership info and application 2011 Chamber Member Application* (174) – then complete and return to the Chamber. If you have any questions or need more information, call us at (256) 396-2828. We will be happy to assist you in whatever way we can. Click here for investment rate information 2011 Chamber Member Application* (174)

Benefits and Services of the Chamber

Membership in the Clay County Chamber of Commerce entitles businesses and individuals to numerous benefits and services, to include:

*Advertising and publicity
*Workshops and seminars
*Membership directory
*Business referrals
*Marketing and research
*Business and political contacts
*Monthly newsletter
*Annual Prayer Breakfast, Annual Dinner, Town Hall meetings and much more

Reasons for being a Chamber Member

1. Clay County Chamber of Commerce is proud of each and every business that invests in the county – big and small.

2. Clay County Chamber of Commerce promotes economic growth through the expansion of existing businesses to that of new companies.

3. Clay County Chamber of Commerce is an information center for hundreds of telephone calls, office visits, and inquiries annually on what to see and do in the county and where to live and work in the county.

4. Clay County Chamber of Commerce is committed to community development and improving the quality of life in Clay County.

5. Clay County Chamber of Commerce is all about promoting every aspect of the county.

6. Clay County Chamber of Commerce works hard everyday for YOU and your business!

Clay County Courthouse in Ashland, AL

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome you to Clay County, Alabama – The Heart of East Central Alabama. Thank you for your interest in the “peaceful place” that we call home. Our website is being updated almost daily as our goal is to provide you with as much information about our county as possible. We know it is impossible to cover every aspect of our county through this website so if you have any questions or need to contact us, please do. Contact info is below.

We hope you’ll take some time and navigate around our website. We want you to consider visiting Clay County and we’re always seeking new businesses to move here and help us grow. Clay County is a wonderful place to live. Enjoy the benefits of country living and if you still need a hit of the big city life, we’re only a two-hour or less car drive to the metro areas of Atlanta, Birmingham or Montgomery.

We’re only minutes from beautiful and clean Lake Wedowee and a short ride to Mt. Cheaha, the highest point in Alabama (click here to watch a short video on Mt. Cheaha State Park). We sit right in the Talladega National Forest with hiking trails, waterfalls, horseback trails, camping and just plain pretty scenery. And when was the last time you looked up into the sky and saw a gazillion stars? No light pollution here. Clay County is a stargazers paradise so bring your telescope.

Check out Clay County soon. Mark your calendar and attend the 2011 Clay County Music & Arts Festival on Saturday, May 21st, 2011 – all day. Guaranteed fun for the whole family. We know if you visit us, you’ll probably stick around for awhile – maybe a lifetime.

Contact us anytime – we’d love to hear from you. We have an Executive Director, Mary Patchunka-Smith, who mans our office Monday through Friday. She is a busy lady so if she doesn’t answer the phone right away, leave a message and she’ll get back to you very quickly. And, we even have high speed Internet service out here in the country, too. So, you can contact our Chamber through email as well. Our contact information follows:

Clay County Chamber of Commerce
88855 Highway 9 – P O Box 85
Lineville, AL 36266
256-396-2828 office
256-396-5532 fax
email: claychamber@centurytel.net
Executive Director: Mary Patchunka-Smith

Advertising opportunities are now open for the 2012 Edition of Clay County Life. Don’t miss out.  Production begins in the fall of 2011 and will release at the annual Prayer Breakfast in March 2012. Contact the Chamber to secure your advertising space now. Specialty pages sold out fast for the 2011 Edition.

Click the image below to start viewing the 2011 Edition.