By Katie McDowell/General Manager

Most people are curious about what it is like to work for a newspaper.

I regularly get questions about how we print the paper, take photos, the hours we work and more. People are particularly interested in how we come up with story ideas. Many people believe that is the hardest part of the job.

They are wrong, of course. Coming up with story ideas is probably the easiest part of the job, especially in a place like Shelby County. The tricky part is figuring out which stories to write because there are simply too many stories for us to write them all.

This is always most obvious to me during the spring. March to May is the equivalent of a marathon for a newspaper reporter.

As soon as the weather starts warming up, a newspaper reporter finds herself with a packed schedule with 5ks, banquets, library classes and more.

The next few weeks include some great opportunities for Shelby County residents. Don’t miss out of the chance to get involved!

• ALABAMA WILDLIFE CENTER VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION: An AWC volunteer orientation will be held April 1 from 2-4 p.m. At this free session, you’ll learn about our mission and history, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support AWC’s work
• MONTEVALLO ARTS FEST: Montevallo Arts Fest will take place at Orr Park April 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ride for Life begins at 9 a.m. at the Traffic Safety Center and arrives at Orr Park at 3 p.m.
• DOLORES HYDOCK, STARCH IN THEIR PETTICOATS: They were tough, resourceful and ready for anything. Pioneers, homesteaders, professional gamblers, mail order brides … these were some of the women who added their own shine to the golden horizon of the American West in the 1800s. Diary excerpts, letters, newspaper clippings and photos help tell their remarkable stories. The event will be April 11 at 8 p.m. at the Shelby County Arts Council. The cost is $25.
• LEADERSHIP SHELBY COUNTY GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Leadership Shelby County Golf Tournament benefiting youth scholarships will be held April 20 at Inverness Country Club. To register, call (205) 542-9039 or email Calgunn@bellsouth.net.