By J.R. Tidwell / Editor

Many events are planned as part of the Chilton County Sesquicentennial Celebration week that will be held from Oct. 21 through Oct. 27.

Two of these events will both be held at Senior Connection in Clanton from Oct. 22 through Oct. 26.

150 Cents Dine and Discover will be a lunch/speaker series that will run each weekday and feature a different speaker and food from a different location each day.

This event will last from 11 a.m. to noon each day, and lunch will be provided for 150 cents.

The first speaker on Monday, Oct. 22, will be local historian Wayne Arnold, who will speak about Stanton and the Battle of Ebenezer Church.

According to a press release for the event by Derric Scott, the president of the Chilton County Historical Society, “Mr. Arnold has had a lifelong passion of researching the history of the local Stanton and Maplesville areas. It started when, as a child, he found the remains of a Civil War-era rifle in the local creek. He will discuss the history of the area and will show artifacts he has accumulated over a lifetime of collecting.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 23, Senior Connection will provide the speaker(s), with the topics revolving around local, notable history, including sports and a skit.

Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed and Frank Daniel will be the guest speakers on Wednesday, Oct. 24.

“Mr. Reed and Mr. Daniel will recount some history and events regarding education in the county,” said Scott in the release.

On Thursday, Oct. 25, Jimmy Harrison and Joseph Parnell will discuss the history and influence of agriculture in Chilton County.

The series will conclude with guest speaker Doris Ware on Friday, Oct. 26. Ware will speak on experiences she has had in her life, which spans over 90 years.

Senior Connection will have a “pot luck” style lunch on Oct. 23.

Local establishments, including Main Street Café, Farmhouse Café, Hickory Chip and The Store, will provide the food the other days.

Scott said Chilton Chamber of Commerce president Brad Carter had the idea for the lunch/speaker series “over a year ago.”

“Most of the people that were asked to speak or provide food were excited to do it,” Scott said. “It is a very nice thing for them to do. The 150 cents won’t really cover the cost of the food, so it is basically a donation.”

Also hosted by Senior Connection that week will be a history museum. It will feature historical artifacts like pictures and other items that are at least 50 years old.

The museum will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday Oct. 22-25, 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 26, and will also stay open during the parade and other festivities on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Anyone who has an item they would like to loan to the museum may bring it to Senior Connection on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 20 starting around 9 a.m.

Scott said things that might be used for the museum would be 50 years old or older and also small, portable and fitting to go indoors.

“The older, the better, but it doesn’t have to be from the 1860s” he said. “We want stuff that the current generation doesn’t see anymore and would find interesting.”

Crystal Keys Locksmith in Clanton has installed a security system at Senior Connection ahead of the museum in order to help keep the items safe.

The museum will be on display behind the stage at Senior Connection and will be available during the 150 Cents Dine and Discover series.

According to Scott, works of art made by different art classes in the county will be on display at Senior Connection during the week as well.

“Senior Connection has been super,” Scott said. “They are doing a lot of stuff for us.”