By Dwayne Adams
dwayne@southerntorch.com
Four years ago I moved to Heflin, Alabama, where the green, rural scenery and narrow, tree-lined streets connected a handful of neighborhoods, providing a rich backdrop for a fresh start in a new town. I never would’ve guessed that I’d soon find myself designing logos, flyers, signage, banners, direct mail, t-shirts, and a host of other materials for almost every annual event throughout Cleburne County!
Prior to 2012, I was content to just punch a clock, but the good people of Heflin had other plans. Being a bit of a homebody, and an undeniable introvert, I honestly didn’t get out much, but as I continued to meet more and more people, I found myself being slowly pushed out of my comfort zone. I started by contributing artwork for the Rudy Rooks mayoral campaign, which was a crash course all by itself (he won, by the way), and which would lead to a long line of political direct mail down the road. Later, I joined the Cleburne County Fair Committee where I volunteered creative services for marketing and promotions. I joined the local Chamber of Commerce, which enabled me to attend networking events like “Business After Hours.” And I designed for everything from Relay for Life, to Heflin’s annual Strides of March and St. Pawtrick’s Day Pet Parade, to the latest stage productions from the Heflin Arts Council, to the city’s holiday light show and “shop local” campaign. Quite a contrast from just punching a clock.
You may wonder why I’m telling you all this. Well, it’s simple, really. It was the people of Heflin that showed me the real value of community, and it’s because of them I recognized a demand throughout the county for services that aren’t always easy to find. Services that I could provide! So, suffice it to say, I owe a real debt of gratitude to the friends I’ve made throughout East Central Alabama. But… everything changes. Careers evolve. Paths diverge. And last Summer, a new client was about to change everything. The Southern Torch.
Originally, I worked remotely from Heflin. Over a period of 6 months or so, I had attended a few staff meetings at the Southern Torch office in Rainsville. I got along swimmingly with everyone on staff, and was happy to finally match faces and personalities with names. But Heflin was still very much my “home base.” But just like four years ago, the good folks at the Torch had other plans. With a little coordination and assistance, I made the decision to come to Fort Payne and begin my next fresh start, and I could not be happier about the decision!
Aside from all the friendly faces I had already met in this area, what immediately struck me about my new home was its rich natural beauty, with the relatively low-lying areas of Fort Payne starkly juxtaposed against Lookout Mountain! I was traveling along Highway 35 recently, returning home from a friend’s house in Centre. As I began the final descent into downtown, I turned off my radio, rolled down my window, and just took in what I was witnessing, staying silent and ignoring the 40 degree temperatures. The scene would have made a wonderful post card. As I gazed through the leafless trees of the wintery forest covering the side of the mountain, hundreds of street lights danced along Gault Avenue and weaved through the neighborhoods I was approaching. Beautiful! It was nothing short of energizing.
I realize that in terms of natural beauty, Highway 35 is just the tip of the iceberg, but you must keep in mind that aside from Mt. Cheaha, we don’t see a lot of that in East Central Alabama. There is still much to discover. Of course Little River Canyon and DeSoto Park are on my list. And I’m already finding local hangouts that suit me perfectly like The Spot and Vintage 1889 (if you see me out in public, you’re likely to see me with a latte and my laptop). But if my experience in DeKalb is anything like my experience in Cleburne County was, what will make my experience most enriching is the people. And I can already say I’m impressed by the love DeKalb County citizens clearly have for their mountain home. Yes, Northeast Alabama is looking bright indeed. I look forward to what the future will bring, and I thank the citizens of DeKalb County for welcoming me with such open arms!
