In 1957, a group of women who came together as friends to serve their community established the Novella Club of Columbiana.

Their motto, “Let us believe in the present and its opportunities, in the future and its promise, and in the Divine joy of working for the betterment of all” has guided them all these years.

In 1995, the club was looking for a permanent fundraiser and “Christmas in August” was born.

The annual antique, arts and crafts show helps fund the many Novella projects including the Relay for Life Cancer Survivor Dinner. The dinner is a free event for cancer victims and their families.

It also funds their Blanket Ministry for patients at the Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation nursing home, a scholarship to a SCHS female senior, a scholarship for the Miss Shelby County Pageant and other support to local schools.

After the tragedy of Sept. 11, the club decided to change the theme of the arts and craft show to a patriotic theme where red, white and blue decorations greet all who attend.

The highlight this year will be the debut of Novella’s “Country Cookin” cookbook.

The new cookbook will be seen and sold for the first time at this year’s show. Cookbook Chair Lisa Sallas, along with her committee, have made a beautiful, economic cookbook for $10.

The cover page is decorated with a beautiful pencil drawing of a rose, the club’s flower, drawn by Novella artist Bonnie Atchison.

All the recipes are from the clubwomen, their families and friends.

The 14th–annual Antique, Arts and Crafts show will feature several vendors who have been to each show since its inception. Those vendors include Brown’s Pottery from Clanton; Florence Payne and her home-made antique jewelry; Linda and Ed Crotwell and their fine gems and jewelry; and Bennie Holcombe’s ceramics. Other vendors featured this year are: Betty Dancer, Children’s Clothing; Teresa Wamble, painted gourds; Karen Sweeney, stationery; Ruby Payne and Liz Masoner, doll clothes and photography; Melanie Cooper, crochet and gifts; Linda Plummer, candles; Columbiana Culture Club, cookbook; and the Shelby County Historical Society.

There will also be a plant sale, antiques, bake sale, breakfast pastries and lunch for sale.

Door prizes will be given every hour. Come visit and support Novella Aug. 1 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in Elvin Hill Elementary’s air-conditioned lunch room.

It will be a great way to stay cool on a hot summer day and see some beautiful antiques, arts and crafts, as well as the new first edition “Country Cookin.”