By DAISY WASHINGTON / Community Columnist

When it comes to Paula Zabransky’s duties at the Country Store, she insists, “I don’t call it work, I call it play.”

The fall of the year signals preparation for one of several busiest times of the year for Shelby County Iron Works Park.

Up to 35 vendors participate in the park’s annual Fall Festival fundraising.

Artisans display an array of beautifully handcrafted items such as jewelry and leather belts.

The Christmas in the Park event, begins Friday, Nov. 30, and concludes with the park’s Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 1.

For Paula, a big part of the preparation involves decorating the property indoors and outdoors.

With the assistance of her cohort and longtime friend Bonnie Schrader, Paula has transformed several of the tiny wooden structures on the grounds into remarkable models reminiscent of the 1800s.

The undertaking required countless hours of cleaning, painting and other tasks. Among their accomplishments are a farmhouse and an 1800s circa school.

The school reproduction project took a month to complete.

The schoolhouse interior furnishings are complete right down to chalk slates, books, and inkwells. “These attractions keep visitors interested when they attend events,” Paula said.

Owned and operated by the non-profit organization, Historic Shelby Association, Shelby Iron Works Park was the South’s largest charcoal-fired blast furnace during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

It played a vital part during the Civil War in iron production, as well as post-war producing train car wheels.

Shelby was a company town with many of the buildings built by the company.

For 20 years she owned and operated a marina on Lay Lake in Shelby.

“I always tell everyone I sold worms for a living,” she said, chuckling. “I made a good living.”

The new kid on the RSVP block, Zabransky joined a year ago and has logged 333 hours.  “Volunteering is fun,” Zabransky said. “I used to volunteer at Shelby Baptist Association. There are needs all over. Somebody has to meet the need. I want to be that somebody.”

Her father was a Carpenter for Christ volunteer.

“My generation was taught to give back,” she said.

A member of Bethlehem Baptist for eight years, she serves on the Budget Committee, is an adult Sunday School teacher, is involved with singing activities and assists with Children’s Church as needed.

Paula is married to Brett, her spouse of 40 years, and has one daughter and one grandchild.

A Jacksonville, Florida native, she has resided in Alabama for the past 30 years.