By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

PELHAM – Shelby County Amateur Radio Club President Geno Newman recognized Pelham Mayor Gary Waters and Fire Chief Danny Ray with plaques during a council meeting March 16 in appreciation for allowing the club to meet in Pelham.

Hub Harvey, Emergency Management Supervisor for Shelby County, was on the agenda to present the plaques with Newman, but was unable to attend the meeting.

“Our radio club was homeless,” Newman said. “We were getting desperate. The mayor was most gracious in giving us a place to hold our meetings.”

Nearly three years ago, the city gave the club permission to meet at the Pelham Fire Department’s training center facility.

Newman said the club previously met at a location off Lakeshore Drive until space issues prompted a move.

“Not only are they a good neighbor, they’re a good asset for us,” Waters said.

Newman also gave Ray plaques to give to other fire department employees.

“My words can’t really tell you how I appreciate it,” Newman said.

Pelham High School graduate Elliot Spillers, who recently became the University of Alabama’s second black Student Government Association president, visited the council March 16 and led the Pledge of Allegiance before the meeting started.

Councilman Maurice Mercer lauded Spillers for not giving up on the presidency after losing the election.

“To see one of Pelham’s own rise on the campus as a junior there is incredible,” Mercer said. “I’m expecting even greater things.”