corridor in 2025. Here are five things worth attention in the new year.
Chelsea
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
U.S.
The
is set to begin construction on the
of
as soon as February, the Alabama Department of Transportation said. The project is expected to last two years. The project is designed to add to the capacity for cars traveling along the western end of the highway, which runs through Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills. According to data from ALDOT, the busiest point of 280, near Overton Road, has an average of nearly
vehicles traveling that point daily. By comparison, only the interstates are more
“It
and Dasha
Vibes, Electrified
The original VW Bus is an icon of peace, love, and free-spirited fun. The all-new Volkswagen ID.Buzz is the next generation’s take on that classic. We’re proud to say that Clint and Dasha McDaniel were the first to take home an ID.Buzz here at the corner of I-65 and Highway 31 in Vestavia. For every generational leap, there’s Royal.
The 2025 VW ID.Buzz marries the unmistakable silhouette of Volkswagen’s original bus with 21st-century sensibilities. Its pure electric drivetrain gives instant power and quick, easy charging, all with no tailpipe emissions. The interior has been updated from the 60s to the space age with riders in mind; the ID.Buzz boasts industry-leading third row leg room* and up to 145.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row removed and second row folded. Test drive this versatile, vibey nod to a timeless ride where I-65 meets Highway 31 in Vestavia.
Clint
McDavid with their new 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz
Editor’s Note By Taylor Bright
More than a year ago, the Alabama Department of Transportation announced it would embark on the widening of U.S. 280. Construction was supposed to begin last year, but there were no signs of the project starting throughout 2024. In this month’s edition, we have an update on when and what to expect as the road project begins. The work will begin at Rosedale Drive and go down to Grandview Medical
Center. Talking to area municipal leaders, they’re hopeful the widening will alleviate problems like drive time and curbing cut-through traffic from Vestavia Hills through Mountain Brook. But the process will take years to complete, and we don’t yet know what effect the construction itself will ultimately have on the roadways. However, as we get closer towards seeing work, we will keep you all updated.
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Defendants in lawsuit over Chelsea student’s death file a second motion to dismiss case
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
The judge in the case of a Chelsea High School student’s death has recently ordered the parents, who are the plaintiffs, to respond to the defendants’ motions to dismiss the case.
Gloria and Jeremy McQueen sued Shelby County Schools, the school board and employees of the schools that their son, Jackson McQueen, attended before he took his own life, charging that the school system did not do enough to prevent his death.
The defendants have maintained they were not liable for his death and have twice asked for the judge to dismiss the case. In response to the original motions to dismiss, the attorney for the McQueens filed an amended complaint. The defendants then filed another motion to dismiss the case.
Last month, Judge David Proctor directed the plaintiffs to “show cause” as to why “the motions to dismiss . . . should not be granted.” While the plaintiffs had filed amended complaints, they had not directly addressed the defendants’ motions to dismiss the case.
Anne Knox Averitt, the attorney representing the board, wrote in the motion to dismiss that the amended complaint, which added more details about Jackson McQueen’s time in Chelsea Middle School and High School, “almost exclusively adds facts relating to [Jackson McQueen’s] time in middle school — years before he passed away.”
Further, Averitt wrote that the complaint “even after three amendments, is a scattershot barrage of conclusory allegations that cannot be pieced together to render a viable cause of action.”
The McQueens said throughout his attendance
at the schools, including Chelsea Middle School, Jackson McQueen was called names, attacked and targeted by fellow students.
The allegations made by the McQueens in a court filing on Oct. 29 charged that the system didn’t do enough to prevent their son, Jackson McQueen, from taking his life, even though employees at the schools he attended were aware he was being bullied at school.
“In the year preceding his death, Jackson had come to believe that nothing would be done to
Statewide Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Service
stop, or even mitigate, the bullying and abuse he endured,” the filing said. “He expressed feeling hopeless and believed everyone at the school hated him. He could not understand why this was the case, but he could not be convinced otherwise.”
For six years, Jackson McQueen was a student in the Shelby County system, starting in fourth grade at Chelsea Park Elementary until his final year as a freshman at Chelsea High School.
In April 2022, Jackson McQueen died after
shooting himself at his home.
The plaintiffs’ filing says that personnel at the schools did nothing to curb the incidents, including not punishing those involved in the bullying — and in some cases disciplined Jackson McQueen for the altercations.
“The Defendants effectively cooperated in doing nothing to address the culture of bullying at their schools,” the suit said, “and their refusal to take action to protect Jackson amounts to the level of indifference giving rise to this action.”
Helical Piers
The front of the Shelby County Schools building in Alabaster. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Hoover council OKs new development guidelines
By JON ANDERSON
The Hoover City Council in December approved new architectural and design standards and guidelines for commercial and mixed-use areas.
The new guidelines and standards cover a variety of topics, including site design, building materials, landscaping, parking, traffic flow, lighting, signage and awnings.
The guidelines are not mandatory but are meant to give developers an idea of what types of developments and designs city officials would like to see for new construction or extensive remodeling or renovation projects, said Greg Knighton, the city’s economic development manager.
However, the council also approved very similar standards that could be enforced when a developer is seeking financial incentives from the city, Knighton said.
The stated goals are to:
► Cultivate a strong, individual sense of place in business areas
► Enhance vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle access between neighborhoods and business areas and within business areas
► Promote the use of green space and trees to complement development
► Improve the image of the city at gateways and along major corridors
► Encourage the development of walkable, mixed-use nodes in strategic locations that are active throughout the day/night/week
► Promote development patterns that create comfortable, safe, multimodal streets
► Foster creativity in development design that is balanced with cohesiveness and compatibility
The process is much more clear when the city is working with a “planned unit development” (such as Ross Bridge, Riverchase,
New building design guidelines in the city of Hoover call for façade designs to include projections, recesses, fenestration, changes in color or material and other forms of articulation to avoid long expanses of unchanging building wall. Rendering courtesy of Gresham Smith.
Trace Crossings or The Preserve) because those PUDs come with their own set of guidelines, Knighton said.
But city officials for some time have wanted to achieve more cohesive development or redevelopment in other parts of the city. There are three primary target areas in mind: Bluff Park, the U.S. 31 corridor and Lorna Road, but the new guidelines or standards can be applied across the city, Knighton said.
One example of a new guideline is that buildings should be placed close to and oriented toward the street, and vehicular areas should be placed to the side and/or rear of the building.
Others include that pedestrian connections should be provided to adjoining properties and neighborhoods whenever practicable, and streets, whether public or private, and collector drives should be designed as ‘complete streets’ with sidewalks, street trees and lighting.
See more of the new development guidelines in a longer story at 280living.com.
In the Classroom
GET TO KNOW ACCOLADES
Area high schools earn honors for AP scores
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
Several area high schools earned honors from The College Board, which administers the Advanced Program (AP) tests.
Oak Mountain High School earned a Gold distinction from the College Board. The school had 68% of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 48% of seniors scoring a 3 or higher (out of a possible 5) on at least one AP exam and 13% of seniors who took five or more AP exams.
The College Board’s AP Program allows high school students to take college-level coursework and potentially earn college credit.
Students at Spain Park High School study in an Advanced Placement class. Photo courtesy of Hoover City Schools.
Chelsea High School was named to the 2024 AP Honor Roll with a Silver distinction. The school had 55% of seniors who took at least
Roll is a tremendous honor and a testament to our school's dedication to empowering our students to excel academically,” Spain Park
Principal
Briarwood dance coach Kate Richardson
By STAFF
Kate Richardson is the new head dance team coach at Briarwood Christian School. A native of Vestavia Hills, she was previously on the Auburn University dance team.
Q: What inspired you to work in the education industry?
A: I really feel like I had a passion for high school and middle school-aged women, just because I remember the times of me going through school and having really hard things going on, but then having the escape of dance and having my friends at dance. I think that inspired me to be in education. I understand where they are, where their stresses are, what they're focused on. So I can empathize with them.
Q: What is something great about your school?
A: I think the fact that we can pray before games, and we can outwardly express our faith without having to think about rules and just tiptoeing around things, but we can be open about it and pray for one another. I just think it's cool that we can just be a part of something
Q: Tell us something about you that Dance is my biggest hobby, but I have passions like leading worship at my church and singing, playing guitar and piano, and
I’ve been working on those skills and trying to steward the gifts that God has given me to the best of my ability. But not a lot of people know that. I write songs, and I play music and sing and all that.
Kate RIchardson is the new dance coach at Briarwood Christian School. Photo courtesy of Kate RIchardson.
SCHOOLHOUSE
Spain Park student puts green beliefs into action
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
Rahul Karthik knew there was a vacuum at Spain Park High School. Coming out of the pandemic, his high school no longer had its environmental club, the Walden Society.
Karthik, then a sophomore and now a senior, wanted a club for students who were interested in environmental issues, after he volunteered with YouthServe and saw pollution along the Cahaba River.
Karthik knew someone at the school who had created their own club and used that as inspiration to get started.
“So I knew it was possible that if students had the initiative, that they could go to the administration and request to start a club, and for that, you needed a minimum of 10 students to show interest,” he said. “So that’s when I kind of went around, asked my friends and asked others ... if people are interested.”
With the administration’s approval, The Green Earth Society was born.
“I had two major goals,” Karthik said. “The first one was I wanted to get youth involved in community service and show that even at their age, they can get engaged in the community.
[…] And secondly, through the club, I wanted to get one step closer into making Alabama a cleaner and greener state through the activities and events that we conduct.”
The club is part environmental issues and part environmental sciences, focusing on cleaning up the local environment, removing invasive plant species and conducting water testing.
Karthik has seen resounding success with the club in its two years of existence. Partnering with the Cahaba River Society and
Cahaba Riverkeepers, the Green Earth Society has cleaned up one ton of trash from around five cities in the metro area and removed 500 pounds of invasive plant species from Hoover.
“The reason we want to incorporate invasive species is because they don’t have predators, so they naturally take the resources away from the natural species that grow in Alabama, and that causes them to die out, and it results in a lack of biodiversity, and which also, at the end of the day, hinders the ecosystem of the Cahaba River,” Karthik said.
The club has also become popular at school. Karthik said the group has 100 members, 40 of whom are continuously active in all of the meetings and clean-ups.
“I’m definitely happy that I was able to have this opportunity at school where I can start my own club and get other youth involved,” Karthik said. “Being able to do what I enjoy and actually convert some of my ideas into real action is, I think, a great thing.”
BRIARWOOD SOCCER CLUB
Rahul Karthik, second from left, with members of Green Earth Society after a Cahaba River clean-up day. Photo courtesy of Rahul Karthik.
Business Buzz
NOW OPEN
The LaQuinta Inn in Chelsea opened in late November. The first hotel in Chelsea was a priority for city leaders. Ground broke in the summer of 2024 and the hotel held its grand opening shortly before Thanksgiving. It is located at 44 Atchison Parkway. 205-677-9002, wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta
Board in Birmingham, a new charcuterie-based restaurant, opened recently along the U.S. 280 corridor. Located between Hugh Daniel Boulevard and Greystone Highlands Circle, the restaurant specializes in charcuterie boards and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., after which the space is available for private events, from baby showers to corporate gatherings. 205-261-9853, boardbham.com
Kyuramen in Inverness opened last month. The national ramen chain is located at 950 Inverness Corners. It is the first location in Alabama. The restaurant describes itself as creating “the most unique and rich ramen dishes” using a variety of Japanese styles. Their honeycomb seating arrangements offer private dining experiences. If you want to be a part of the action, you can also sit at the bar and watch the chefs strut their stuff. For those anxious to try multiple dishes, the yinyang bowl is divid-
ed in half to allow room for two ramen choices. Their location also features a boba tea bar that can be ordered from even without dining in the restaurant. Kyuramen is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 205-968-1999, kyuramen.com
BOSS, an upscale clothing store, has opened at the Summit, the shopping center announced in late November. The world-famous brand had announced it would be coming to The Summit this past fall. BOSS is located between Bath & Body Works and Warby Parker. 205-460-8600, hugoboss.com
American Eagle, which offers casual clothing, opened at the Summit shortly before Thanksgiving. The clothing store describes its garments as “comfortable with a carefree vibe.” This is the third location in the area, joining the locations in Hoover and Leeds. American Eagle is located next to Aerie/Offline, near Chuy’s. 205-970-9719, ae.com
Do you have news to share about a business along the U.S. 280 corridor or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
280 Living is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight
Founded by award-winning organizer Kim McBrayer in 2001, Space Cadets has grown into a trusted name for residential renovations, space planning and high-quality organizing solutions. Stay tuned for even more exciting developments as the company plans to open additional Birmingham-area locations in 2025. 205-326-7025, spacecadetsorg.com
ANNIVERSARIES
Cottage Supply Company at 20 Chelsea Corners in Chelsea is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Jan. 29. They are a locally owned, one-stop shop for home improvement needs. 205-618-8001, cottagesupplycompany.com/chelsea
Upperline Health, the nation’s largest podiatry-focused healthcare group, has opened a new location along the U.S. 280 corridor in Greystone Park, offering a boutique-style experience for patients. The practice is led by Dr. Tameka Lee, a board-certified podiatrist with more than 26 years of experience. The new clinic aims to provide comprehensive foot and ankle care tailored to the needs of the local community. Dr. Lee, who previously practiced in western Birmingham, said she saw an opportunity to bring her expertise closer to home.Upperline Health’s new location is at 5511 U.S. 280, Suite 118. 205-813-8117, upperlinehealth.com
RELOCATIONS
Space Cadets, Birmingham’s premier organizing service and retail store, is excited to announce its relocation to The Mercantile on U.S. 280 in Brook Highland.
Christian Brothers Automotive, 6612 Tattersall Lane, recently celebrated the fourth anniversary of its Tattersall Park location. It offers a variety of auto care services including upkeep, maintenance and repair. 205-839-1455, cbac.com
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, 6401 Tattersall Drive, recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Tattersall Park location. 205-538-2700, walk-ons.com
SPOTLIGHT GET TO KNOW
Leon Williams is a sales manager at Diamond Gold Cars in Inverness Plaza. Photo by Jon Anderson.
Leon Williams, Diamond Golf Cars
By JON ANDERSON
Leon Williams is a sales manager for Diamond Golf Cars at Inverness Plaza.
Q: How long have you been in the business?
A: I’ve been here for five years, but I’ve worked sales … for 23 years.
Q: What other places have you worked in the past?
A: I was a manager for AT&T retail prior to this, and I worked for Hilton several years in Montgomery.
Q: How did you get into this business?
A: I was just looking for a change of pace from technology sales. … I came in as a parts manager role and learned the business from the inside out, as opposed to coming in as a salesperson. … About three years in, the
lead salesman here moved out of state, so that gave me the opportunity to move over here [into sales].
Q: Outside of work, do you have hobbies?
A: I like to travel, and I love to go to live events, whether it’s hockey, concerts, football. Those are the big three. ... I also collect guitars. I love guitars and musical instruments.
Q: Who are your favorite hockey and football teams?
A: Birmingham Bulls, Philadelphia Flyers, Alabama Crimson Tide, Carolina Panthers.
Q: What kind of music do you like?
A: All of it. This year, I’ve seen Stone Temple Pilots, Soul Asylum, Limp Bizkit, Riff Raff and Corey Feldman at Oak Mountain. I went to Megadeth and Lamb of God in Nashville a couple months ago.
Hair by Kim offers hair-loss solutions
By STAFF
A new store that offers a range of options for people suffering from hair loss has opened along U.S. 280.
Hair by Kim Alternative Hair Solutions opened this past fall in the River Ridge shopping center.
Owned and operated by Kim Laslo, a stylist and alternative hair specialist with over 30 years of experience, Hair by Kim focuses on providing personalized solutions for people experiencing hair loss. Laslo’s extensive background as a licensed cosmetologist, combined with her advanced training in hair restoration, offer clients a range of non-surgical options designed to build confidence and ease the challenges of hair loss.
“I’m passionate about helping my clients feel optimistic about their hair loss journey,” Laslo said. “With a range of products from wigs to extensions, we strive to meet personal needs and help individuals feel great about their appearance.”
The store caters to people who suffer from alopecia, trichotillomania or any other hairloss conditions, offering an array of human hair extensions, toppers, wigs and bondable hair replacement systems, all of which can be customized through coloring, cutting and styling. In addition, non-surgical hair growth treatments are available, including the
FDA-approved LaserCap, designed to stimulate natural hair growth.
Laslo is a member of the American Hair Loss Council and is certified with several alternative hair companies, including Easihair Pro, Short2Long and Jon Renau Hair Pieces. Because of the nature of the treatments, Hair by Kim is by appointment only. For bookings and more information, visit kimlaslo.com.
Hair by Kim recently opened in the River Ridge shopping center. Photo courtesy of Hair by Kim.
Sips and Bites
Casa Fiesta’s Jesus Bravo
By STAFF
Q: What made you decide to get into the
A: I just like this environment because I’ve tried other things. I worked for Wells Fargo at the call center, but I prefer face-to-face interaction rather than phone interaction. The adrenaline you get on a busy day, whether it’s running food, up at the front with customers or at the bar. … I like to be busy. I like to be active with people.
Q: What’s the best thing on the menu here?
A: We’re really known for our Fiesta Bowl, which is a bowl of rice with all the protein on top — chicken, steak, shrimp, chorizo, grilled onions and cheese on top. We’re really known for our fajitas also. Our house special fajitas come with chicken, steak, shrimp.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: I have a 7-year-old. She’s in second grade at Inverness Elementary School. We usually go to the movies, go to the park. I just spend a lot of time with her.
Q: If you had more free time, what would you like to do?
A: If I could take off on Saturdays, go watch an Alabama game more often.
Q: What’s something people might not know about you?
A: I’m very sensitive. When I speak with my wife, we have heart-to-heart conversations, and tears come out of my eyes, but these guys [at work] never see me that way. They never see me cry with anybody. … They just see me as a manager.
LEADING THE WAY
Surgical
280 Living is spotlighting local restaurants in print and online. Submit your restaurant for consideration here: go.starnesmedia. com/restaurant-spotlight
SPOTLIGHT
Anything but boring: new charcuterie restaurant opens
By STAFF
Board in Birmingham may be the most distinctive new restaurant in the Birmingham metro area. Located along U.S. 280 in between Hugh Daniel Boulevard and Greystone Highlands Circle, the restaurant specializes in charcuterie boards.
Owner Corinne Sweet, who has spent three years running a catering business, opened the storefront last month.
Visitors can choose from a wide range of meats, cheeses, pickled vegetables, nuts, olives and sweets, guided by an in-house “charcuterie artist” to ensure each board is tailored to individual tastes. The finished product can be paired with wine or beer and enjoyed on-site or packed into a to-go box.
“You can do charcuterie boards where you just come in and pick them up, or we can have them delivered,” Sweet said. “But then when you come into the restaurant, it's kind of the Subway experience of charcuterie boards.”
Sweet said the restaurant also offers a robust sandwich and salad menu with humorous names like the “Rosemary Mary,” made with smoked gouda and cheddar on rosemary-Parmesan bread; the “Mount Lowell Mom,” featuring a caramel-flavored Gjetost cheese on rye; and the
“Vulcan Butt,” layered with fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto and spinach. “It's heaven,” Sweet said of the Vulcan Butt. “It smells so good, and it's just divine.” Board in Birmingham is open Tuesday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., after which the space is available for private events, from baby showers to corporate gatherings. Visit boardbham.com for more information.
From left: Dr. Campbell, Dr. Tate, Jett, Dr. Allison, Dr. LeBlanc, Dr. Wood, Dr. Dodgen
The “City Board” at Board in Birmingham, a new charcuterie restaurant that opened in December. Photo courtesy of Board in Birmingham.
Jesus Bravo is a manager at Casa Fiesta Mexican Grill in Inverness Plaza.
restaurant business?
Jesus Bravo is a manager at Casa Fiesta Mexican Grill in Inverness Plaza. Photo by Jon Anderson.
Perfect start to feeling great in 2025
By the numbers: 2023 vs. 2024
Recently sold homes along U.S. 280 Corridor
► ADDRESS: 636 Springbank Terrace
► BED/BATH: 6/5.5
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 5,128 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Greystone Legacy
► LIST PRICE: $1,000,000
► SALE PRICE: $970,000
► ADDRESS: 835 Fish Camp Road
► BED/BATH: 4/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,012 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Chelsea
► LIST PRICE: $339,800
► SALE PRICE: $343,650
► ADDRESS: 1029 Dunsmore Drive
► BED/BATH: 5/4.5
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,819 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Chelsea Park
► LIST PRICE: $535,000
► SALE PRICE: $527,500
► ADDRESS: 930 Greystone Highland Circle
► BED/BATH: 3/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,596 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Greystone Highlands
► LIST PRICE: $329,000
► SALE PRICE: $313,333
► ADDRESS: 1152 Windsor Square
► BED/BATH: 3/3
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,435 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Windsor Court
► LIST PRICE: $345,000
► SALE PRICE: $352,674
► ADDRESS: 142 Chesser Loop Road
► BED/BATH: 3/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,678 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Chesser Plantation
► LIST PRICE: $293,000
► SALE PRICE: $284,000
SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE
SPONSORED CONTENT
The Finley Awards: honoring integrity, character, compassion
As head coach at the old W.A. Berry High School in Hoover, the late Bob Finley taught his students as much about integrity and character as he did about football.
The cherished awards given each year since 1996 in Finley’s name promote the values he stood for.
The Finley Awards honor exemplars of outstanding character in the Hoover City Schools system, including one employee and one senior from each high school.
“Coach Finley was a humble, quiet coach and person,” says Aimee George, Finley Committee chairwoman. “He was a man of great faith, was active in his church and helped lots of people. He went above and beyond as a coach and teacher.”
“He was a man of character,” says Jennifer Hogan, principal at Hoover High School, “Coach Finley set positive examples for integrity, grit, humility, and hard work.”
January is the beginning of the Finley Awards season.
Three Hoover teachers will be honored for their work in the classroom at the “Teachers in the Trenches” awards ceremony, to be held Jan. 30 at 7:30 a.m at the Hoover-Randle Home & Gardens.
The committee will also acknowledge winners in February and host two events in March, including a recognition event for character winners in Grades K through 12 at the Finley Center on March 20 at 6 p.m.
Finley, who died in 1994, left a tremendous legacy because of all the people he influenced “We have so many people in the community who were coached by him at Berry or taught by him at church, so there’s a ripple effect,” George says. “They learned how to handle things in a hum-
ble, kind way because of Coach Finley.”
Hogan is one of the people who was deeply affected by Finley. A veteran educator, she played basketball for him at Berry in the 1980s.
“Coach Finley was like a father figure to me,”
Hogan says. “He pushed our teams hard and expected a lot from us. We didn't want to disappoint him. I feel very fortunate to have gotten to play for him.”
Hogan learned many lessons from Finley. For example, “preparation is key,” she says, referring to Finley’s rigorous study of their opponents, careful game planning and emphasis on fundamentals.
“As a teacher or school leader, I have made it a priority to be prepared for the benefit of my students and staff,” Hogan says.
Hogan and her teammates learned humility from Finley.
“Coach Finley never bragged on our team or was boastful about our success, and he showed grace whether we won or lost,” Hogan recalls.
Hogan also learned from Finley that you can be “fiercely competitive” and still be polite, she said. “He picked up trash in the bleachers after games. He was respectful to others.”
Finley’s example is always there in Hogan’s work as an educator.
“There have been countless days that I have asked myself, ‘What would Coach Finley think of this? What would Coach Finley do?’” Hogan says. Finley taught hundreds of young people — both athletes and non-athletes — about integrity, generosity and compassion, not only in what he said, but in how he lived.
For more about the Finley Awards, go online to hoovercityschools.net/finleyawards.
EVENTS
280 corridor events guide
EDITOR’S PICKS
Here are Taylor Bright’s recommendations for the best events and things to do around town this month.
Jan. 10: An Evening with Taylor Hicks. 7:30 p.m. Song Theater, Columbiana. Taylor Hicks is an Alabama treasure and winner of the fifth season of “American Idol,” but he is much more than that. He’s a true artist and gifted songwriter. Once again, by popular demand, Taylor is opening his annual concert series with us! Come join us in this intimate, 216-seat theater with superlative sound. There’s not a bad seat in the theater. See Taylor Hicks (duo) up close and personal, playing his originals and all your favorites. Limited space, get your tickets in advance! Tickets $40 (plus taxes and convenience fee) and non-refundable. The theater is at 105 W. College St. (located at the corner of West College St. and Walton St.) in Columbiana. Free parking is located around the building on Walton St. and Mill St. The facility is handicap accessible and reserved handicapped seats are available for patrons. For questions, call 205-669-0044 or email info@shelbycountyartscouncil.com.
Jan. 17: Barrels and Bootleggers. 5:30 p.m. Oak Mountain Interpretive Center. Join Oak Mountain for a presentation on the bootlegging history of these hollers and hills that are part of the state park. For more information, contact Lauren Muncher at Lauren.muncher@dcnr.alabama.gov or 205-620-2520.
Jan. 23: Sourdough Bread Basics. 7 p.m. Mt Laurel Library. How do you feed a starter? How long does my dough need to proof? Lauren from Five Loaves Micro Bakery will teach us all about sourdough bread baking. Registration required. Adults only, ages 18 and older.
OFFICIAL
Jan 7: Chelsea City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. Chelsea City Hall, 11611 Chelsea Road.
Jan. 13: Shelby County Commission Meeting. 8:30 a.m. Shelby County Administration Building, 200 West College St., Room 123, Columbiana.
Jan 21: Chelsea City Council Meeting. 6 p.m. Chelsea City Hall, 11611 Chelsea Road
Jan. 23: Shelby County Schools Board Meeting. 5 p.m., The Shelby Room, 601 1st St. S., Alabaster.
County Administration Building, 200 West College St., Room 123, Columbiana.
COMMUNITY
Mondays: D&D for ages 12-14. 4-6 p.m. Chelsea Public Library. No programming Jan. 1-6.
Wednesdays: D&D for ages 15+. 5-7 p.m. Chelsea Public Library. No programming Jan. 1-6.
Wednesdays: Tot Time. 10:30 a.m. Chelsea Public Library. Toddler storytime. No programming Jan. 1-6.
Thursdays: Musical Munchkins. 10:30 a.m. Chelsea Public Library. Toddler music and movement class. No programming Jan. 1-6.
Thursdays: Chess Club. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Chelsea Public Library. No programming Jan. 1-6.
Jan 5: National Bird Day —Tiny but Mighty Raptors. 3 p.m. Oak Mountain Interpretive Center. Come on out and meet some of Alabama’s smallest raptors up close. Bring a camera and enjoy the feathery fun. For more information, contact Lauren Muncher at Lauren.muncher@dcnr.alabama.gov or 205-620-2520.
Jan. 9: Adult Book Club. 11:30 a.m. Chelsea Public Library.
Jan. 9: Mt Laurel Book Club. 1 and 7 p.m. Mt Laurel Library. Meet at the library to discuss “The Glassmaker” by Tracy Chevalier.
Jan. 9: Family Fun Nights: Game Night. 6:30-7:30 p.m. North Shelby Library. For children and their families. No registration required. Gather your family and join us at the library for some family fun with board and switch games.
Jan. 10 and Jan. 24: Ukulele Storytime. 9 a.m. Mt Laurel Library. A story program ideal for 19 to 36 months and a caregiver, siblings welcome. Stories, music and bubbles make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. No registration required.
Jan. 10: Lego day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chelsea Public Library.
Jan. 11: Friends of Chelsea Library book sale. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chelsea Public Library.
Jan. 11: La Hora Cuento. 10:30-11:30 a.m. North Shelby Library. Todas las edades. No se require registro. Ven con tu familia a escuchar cuentos, cantar y divertirnos en español! Este evento es para niños de todas las edades.
Jan. 12: Friends of North Shelby Library Board Meeting. 2-4 p.m. North Shelby Library, Mueller Annex Classroom.
Jan. 13: Chapter Chat. 5 p.m. Chelsea Public Library.
Jan. 14: YA Gotta Read This! 5 p.m. Chelsea Public Library.
Jan. 25: KZT S.T.E.A.M. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chelsea Public Library.
Jan. 28: Language Club. 5-6 p.m. North Shelby Library. Practice and learn languages with like-minded individuals who all have the same goal of improving their language education.
ARTS
Fridays: Bring Your Own Craft. 1 p.m. Chelsea Public Library. No programming Jan. 1-6.
Jan. 11: Crafty Saturday. All day. Mt Laurel Library. Stop by the library to make a craft or take it to go. While supplies last.
Jan. 13: Mt Laurel Knitting Group. 2-4 p.m. Mt Laurel Library. Bring your knitting, crocheting or embroidery project and craft at the library. The group will meet the second Monday of the month. Hosted by Jamie Skripnik.
Jan. 14: Spring Butterflies with Chris Cruz Designs. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. North Shelby Library. Join us for another creative and fun mixed media program with local artist Chris Cruz.
Jan. 17: Pizza and Paint. 4:30 p.m. Mt Laurel Library. Tweens will paint a piece of artwork and enjoy some pizza together. Registration required.
Are we missing an event on our calendar? Let us know! Contact Taylor Bright at tbright@ starnesmedia.com with your event information. 1 2 3
Jan. 27: Shelby County Commission Meeting. 6 p.m. Shelby
Jan. 20: Beyond Books: Herbalist Rhonda Dial. 6 p.m. Chelsea Public Library. Adult program. Registration required online or at the library.
Jan. 24: Mini Snowman Painting. 3-4 p.m. Mt Laurel Library. Come paint a mini snowman canvas. All ages. Registration required.
Jan. 31: Tie-Dye Teddy Bears. 4 p.m. Mt Laurel Library. We will read a story, make our tie-dye teddy bears and share a snack. All ages. Registration required.
RECREATION
Jan. 12: Southeastern Outings Second Sunday Dayhike. 12:45 p.m. Oak Mountain State Park office parking lot. Enjoy a moderate four-mile walk in the woodlands near Birmingham on a Sunday afternoon. This is an excellent outing for introducing your friends to Southeastern Outings and for making new friends who enjoy the outdoors. Parts of this hike may be off the color-coded trails. There will be some ups and downs. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 8 and up who are able to walk the distance and complete the hike are welcome. Please bring $5 per person ($2 seniors) park admission fee plus your drink. For more information, contact Randall Adkins at 205-719-7719.
Jan. 25: Hiking 101. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oak Mountain Interpretive Center. Enjoy a beginner hiking class. The group will go over equipment and the basics of “Leave No Trace” for enjoying a hike in nature! Park gate fee is $5 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. For more information, contact Lauren Muncher at Lauren. muncher@dcnr.alabama.gov or 205-620-2520.
Did we miss something?
Charles T. Carnel, MD Cervical, Thoracic & Lumbar Spine
Christopher S. Carter, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Emily Bell Casey, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Rachel G. Henderson, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder
José (Jody) O. Ortega, MD Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Wayne McGough, Jr., MD Arthroscopy, Elbow, Knee, Shoulder
Animal tales: Mt Laurel Public Library hosts educational animals
Photos by SAVANNAH SCHMIDT
In December, the Mt Laurel Public Library hosted an Animal Tales event that had both kids and adults excited to meet unusual creatures. Animal handler Kaitlyn Thomas asked kids to read and answer a riddle that described each educational animal. Out of the boxes popped two special guests, Taco the gecko and Venus the boa. Some kids eagerly waved their hands to hold or touch the animals, while others shyly observed. Four brave girls held Venus in their arms, and Thomas demonstrated the boa’s ability to coil around its prey. Yet the animals proved the predator stereotype wrong, as they stayed relaxed and let the kids look closely at their distinctive traits.
Great ideas often occur in the most comfortable of settings, and Bellini’s is no exception. With that in mind, in 2008, after discussing ideas over a bottle (or 2) of wine, the concept of Bellinis was formed.
Come relax, enjoy your own glass of wine among friends, and see where your discussions take you.
Bellinis is Birmingham’s only Italian Infused Steakhouse featuring the highest quality steaks hand-cut for perfection and grilled over our wood burning grill, house made pastas, seafood, and classic Italian dishes.
Cajun Risotto
SPORTS
All-South Metro Volleyball
Buchanan, Gill earn awards
By KYLE PARMLEY
The 2024 high school volleyball season featured plenty of phenomenal individual and team seasons. With the quality of volleyball in the Birmingham area, simply being selected to the annual Starnes Media All-South Metro Team, in conjunction with Under the Lights, is an honor.
Chelsea senior Lauren Buchanan takes the overall Player of the Year award after capping off an illustrious career. After five years of trying, she helped her Hornets team get to the state tournament and to a final four finish for the first time in program history.
Mountain Brook’s Mae Mae Beatty is the Offensive Player of the Year after leading the way for the Spartans. Beatty has been a force on the outside for the last few years for Mountain Brook and really took on a leadership role for the team this year.
Hoover’s Sydney Durban is the Defensive Player of the Year after putting together one of the most productive campaigns imaginable for a libero. Durban’s defensive prowess was one of the reasons the Bucs advanced to the state final four for a second straight year.
► Player of the Year: Lauren Buchanan, Chelsea
► Offensive Player of the Year: Mae Mae Beatty, Mountain Brook
► Defensive Player of the Year: Sydney Durban, Hoover
► Coach of the Year: Jamie Gill, Chelsea 1ST TEAM
► Outside hitter: Lauren Buchanan, Chelsea. Likely the best player in program history, Buchanan posted 764 kills and 346 assists for the season for the Texas Tech signee.
► Outside hitter: Mae Mae Beatty, Mountain Brook. The Montevallo signee posted 462 kills and 281 digs for the Spartans.
► Outside hitter: Millie Burgess, Vestavia Hills, surpassed 1,000 career kills as a junior, going for 566 kills and 313 digs on the year.
► Setter: Cara Belcher, Chelsea, finished with the most career assists in program history, posting 1,357 assists in her senior year before heading to UVA-Wise.
► Setter: Mia Wilson, Briarwood. The lone senior on Chris Camper’s first team, posting 807 assists and 190 digs.
► Setter: Cailyn Kyes, Spain Park, set a school record with 895 assists to go along with 334 digs.
► Libero: Sydney Durban, Hoover, posted an eye-popping 870 digs in her senior season before heading to UAH.
► Libero: Ella Kate Wright, Mountain Brook, battled injury and still had 384 digs in a great season.
► Middle: Kennedy Vincent, Hewitt-Trussville. The senior had 227 kills and 113 blocks.
► Middle: Aubrie Lay, Oak Mountain, posted 189 kills in her final season before
heading to Mississippi Christian University.
► Middle: Alexa Benda, Spain Park, capped her career with 279 kills and 112 blocks.
► Right side: Lila Willett, Chelsea. The Pearl River Community College commit had 222 kills for the year.
► Right side: Marion Haskell, John Carroll,
posted 306 kills to lead the way for the Cavs.
► All-around: Jordan Madsen, Vestavia Hills. The two-sport athlete and versatile volleyball player had 325 kills and 123 digs.
► All-around: Olivia Guenster, Hoover, moved to the outside after beginning the season on defense and had 259 kills with 569 digs.
2ND TEAM
► Outside hitter: Bea Wiggins, Spain Park. The junior had a standout season, with 348 kills and 293 digs.
► Outside hitter: Alexis Rudolph, Chelsea. The sophomore had 377 kills.
► Outside hitter: Madelyn Bromley, Hewitt-Trussville. The Wallace State signee had 294 kills and 235 digs in a productive senior season.
► Outside hitter: Ellie Watts, Homewood, had a productive year with 206 kills and 208 digs for the Patriots.
► Setter: Grace Stewart, Mountain Brook. The senior racked up 847 assists and 214 digs in her first year as a starter.
► Setter: Madi Lopez, Hoover, had 596 assists and 280 digs as one of two setters.
► Setter: Addison Jenkins, Hoover, finished with 489 assists and 180 as one of two setters.
► Libero: Sophia Bagley, Chelsea. The junior stepped in and registered 375 digs.
► Libero: Camdyn Kyes, Spain Park. The eighth grader had 485 digs and 108 assists.
► Setter: Kayleigh Nguyen, Hewitt-Trussville; Kam Coleman, Homewood; Isabella Marino, John Carroll.
► Libero: Christiana Callens, Hewitt-Trussville; Anaya Patel, Oak Mountain; Lillie Hill, Vestavia Hills; Amelia Browne, Hoover.
► Middle: Ally Ross, Oak Mountain; Ava Scott Windham, Vestavia Hills; Marley Cowan,
►
Vestavia Hills; Clara Crawford, Briarwood.
Right side: Kayla Terrell, Hoover; Eden Rainbolt, Hoover; Mae Noerager, Homewood.
Left: Briarwood's Mia Wilson (4) sets during a match against Vestavia Hills in September at Vestavia Hills High School. Center: Chelsea’s Lila Willett (12) plays it over during a match against Jasper in August at Chelsea High School. Right: Chelsea’s Cara Belcher (14) sets during a match against Jasper in August at Chelsea High School. Photos by Kyle Parmley.
Above: Chelsea's Lauren Buchanan (7) hits the ball during a match against Jasper in August at Chelsea High School. Photo by Kyle Parmley. Below: Aubrie Lay (9) of Oak Mountain spikes ball in a match against Calera at Oak Mountain High School in September
Photo by Savannah Schmidt
SPONSORED CONTENT
The Lakeshore Foundation is a life-time affair for one Over-the-Mountain family
The Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham is a world leader in fitness, athletic performance and health promotion for people with disabilities, as well as veterans and seniors (with or without a disability).
A nonprofit founded in 1984, the foundation serves about 4,000 people annually and is a leader in paralympic and adaptive sports training, disability advocacy and inclusive fitness.
Lakeshore Foundation creates a supportive environment where people can thrive physically, mentally and socially.
The facility has served athletes from around the world who come to Birmingham to train or compete. Lakeshore is a U.S. U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training site and is home for two Paralympic sports — USA Wheelchair Rugby and Boccia United States.
The Lakeshore Foundation is also a long-time family affair for the Kambers of Homewood.
Daniel Kamber is a Membership Professional and a Masters Swim Coach at the facility.
In addition, his “whole family is active at the Lakeshore Foundation,” Daniel said. “My father Michael and my mom Sherry are both highly involved, and my dad serves on the board.”
Daniel’s been a Lakeshore Foundation member since 1991, when Sherry heard about the facility’s Super Sports Saturday program for disabled kids.
“I involved Daniel, and he found his love of swimming,” Sherry said.
Daniel started working at the foundation in 2001.
“Everything I do here is gratifying,” he says, calling the foundation “a great organization.”
Last year, the Lakeshore Foundation leveraged its decades of experience in adaptive sports and opened the new Sports Science & Performance Center (SSPC).
The SSPC provides disabled athletes with an unrivaled training experience at a great facility along with data-driven workouts, personalized meal plans and help with mental performance
“As an athlete with a disability, the presence of the SSPC at Lakeshore Foundation is incredibly powerful,” Daniel says.
Daniel is a paralympic swimmer and was a member of the U.S. Paralympic National Team in 2004 in Greece and in 2011 at the Para PanAm Games in Mexico.
SSPC serves elite athletes and aspiring athletes, with or without disabilities, along with a diverse roster of seniors and other clients who are seeking a supportive facility where they can maximize their fitness, strength
HELPING TEENS LEAD
Lakeshore Foundation
• Where: 4000 Ridgeway Drive
• Call: 205-313-7400
• Web: lakeshore.org/sspc
and balance.
This includes Sherry.
Six months ago, she also began training with Brandon Kane at the SSPC to build more muscle and improve her flexibility and balance.
Sherry does weightlifting, the medicine ball, TRX and lots of balance moves.
“I saw and felt results and felt stronger,” Sherry said. “My program is based on scientific data.”
“My mother tells me all the time she is loving it and getting stronger every day,” Daniel said. “I notice also.”
“SSPC is the perfect fit for someone who really wants to see results and not just go through the motions,” Sherry said.
“I enjoy having my mother active in the SSPC,” Daniel said.
Sherry also enjoys daily walks at the field house at the foundation.
“It’s especially nice to walk with all the friends that I have made on the track,” she says.
“Lakeshore Foundation being centrally located here in Homewood, so it’s very easy to access,” Sherry says. “There is no reason not to consider what the facility has to offer.”
For more about the Lakeshore Foundation, including volunteer opportunities, call 205-313-7400 or go to lakeshore.org
For more information about the SSPC, go online to lakeshore.org/sspc.
Sherry Kamber trains with her son Daniel Kamber at the Lakeshore Foundation. Daniel Kamber works with visitors of the facility, and his mother uses the facility for her workouts.
SPORTS
All-South Metro Football
Brock Bradley wins Player of the Year
By KYLE PARMLEY
The 2024 high school football season was one to remember. In the Under the Lights coverage area, eight of the 11 teams qualified for the playoffs, with Hoover making the deepest run, getting to the Class 7A semifinals.
The annual Starnes Media AllSouth Metro Football Team, in conjunction with Under the Lights, has been selected to honor the top performers from the season.
Spain Park junior quarterback Brock Bradley had an outstanding season to earn Player of the Year honors. Bradley led the Jags to 12 straight wins and an appearance in the Class 6A quarterfinals. He finished the year with 2,667 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, adding six rushing touchdowns as well.
Mountain Brook junior running back Stuart Andrews was named the Offensive Player of the Year after emerging as the Spartans’ workhorse. Andrews carried the ball 25 times per game and excelled in an important role in the Mountain Brook offense.
Hewitt-Trussville junior linebacker Parker Floyd is the Defensive Player of the Year after helping lead the Huskies to the best defense in Class 7A. The Huskies allowed just 9.5 points per game all season. Floyd totaled 105 tackles on the year and scored five offensive touchdowns as well.
Here is the team in its entirety:
► Player of the Year: Brock Bradley, Spain Park
► Offensive Player of the Year: Stuart Andrews, Mountain Brook
► Defensive Player of the Year: Parker Floyd, Hewitt-Trussville
► Coach of the Year: Chip English, Hoover
1ST TEAM OFFENSE
► QB: Brock Bradley, Spain Park; named Player of the Year after an outstanding season.
► QB: Will O’Dell, Oak Mountain; a breakout season for the dualthreat, throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and rushing for more than 1,000 yards.
► RB: Stuart Andrews, Mountain Brook; named Offensive Player of the Year after running for 1,805 yards.
► RB: Chase Stracener, Chelsea; ran for 1,601 yards and scored 17 touchdowns.
► WR: Corey Barber, Spain Park; the leading receiver in the area, going for 1,429 yards and 17 touchdowns on 74 catches.
► WR: Kylen Newell, Homewood; went over 1,000 receiving yards, scoring eight touchdowns.
► WR: Zach Fitzgerald, Oak Mountain; broke out in his senior season, catching 51 passes for 904 yards.
► TE: Bruce Littleton, Vestavia Hills; eclipsed 1,000 total yards as a do-it-all back for the Rebels.
► OL: Daniel Ellis, Mountain Brook; allowed no sacks and was selected for the Alabama/Mississippi
All-Star Classic.
► OL: Walker Williams, Homewood; allowed only one sack and led a potent Homewood offense up front.
► OL: Mason Holloway, Hewitt-Trussville; a two-year starter and the top lineman for the Huskies.
► OL: JD Livingston, Vestavia Hills; graded out at 91% on the year for a productive Rebels offense.
► OL: Trot English, Hoover; Alabama-Mississippi All-Star for the Bucs.
► ATH: Luke Reynolds, Briarwood; did everything for the Lions, scoring 16 touchdowns despite missing three games.
► ATH: Mac Beason, Hoover; threw for 2,315 yards and 19 touchdowns, while averaging 35 yards per punt.
► K: Whit Armistead, Homewood; made 9-of-11 field goals with a long of 42 yards.
► ST: Jackson Kalnoske, Chelsea; the senior had no bad snaps in three years as a starter.
1ST TEAM DEFENSE
► DL: Garrett Witherington, Briarwood; had 13 tackles for loss and 19 quarterback pressures as the focal point of the Lions’ defense.
► DL: Romello Cooper, Chelsea; racked up 56 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
► DL: Colton McIntyre, ClayChalkville; one of the Cougars’ top players as a sophomore, finishing with eight sacks.
► DL: PaLanding Drammeh, Hoover; racked up 50 tackles with five sacks.
► LB: Grayson Bruno, Vestavia Hills; the leading tackler for the Rebels with 89 tackles.
► LB: Cameron Torbor, Hoover; racked up 89 tackles and eight sacks
in a dominant season.
► LB: NaKarius Allen, ClayChalkville; went for 76 tackles and notched eight sacks.
► LB: De’Narrius Crawford, Hewitt-Trussville; posted 91 tackles and broke up five passes.
► DB: Spence Hanna, Vestavia Hills; top producer for the Rebels, finishing with 88 tackles.
► DB: Harris Crumpton, Mountain Brook; notched 90 tackles and broke up four passes.
► DB: Xavier Starks, ClayChalkville; the junior posted 70 tackles.
► DB: Will Phillips, Hewitt-Trussville; the top defensive back for the Huskies, registering 52 tackles along with returning punts.
► ATH: Parker Floyd, Hewitt-Trussville; won Defensive Player of the Year after finishing with 105 tackles.
► ATH: Michael Igbinoghene, Hewitt-Trussville; the Tulane signee
scored four offensive touchdowns, deflected three passes and made plays on special teams.
2ND TEAM OFFENSE
► QB: Will Myers, Homewood; despite missing two games, threw for 1,187 yards and totaled 19 touchdowns.
► QB: Aaron Frye, ClayChalkville; threw for 2,160 yards with 20 total touchdowns in his first year as starter.
► RB: Dakarai Shanks, Spain Park; ran for 1,292 yards and scored 13 total touchdowns.
► RB: Aaron Osley, ClayChalkville; one of four backs in the area to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards.
► WR: Aubrey Walker, John Carroll; played both ways for the Cavs, racking up 658 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
► WR: Dylan Cope, Hewitt-Trussville; led the Huskies with 503 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
► WR: CJ Durbin, Chelsea; a top target for the resurgent Hornets, catching 53 passes for 576 yards.
► TE: Jabari Staples, ClayChalkville; made the most of his 24 grabs, scoring eight touchdowns.
► OL: Bradley Haizlip, Oak Mountain; the junior led the Eagles’ offensive line in pancakes.
► OL: Rocco Gray, Mountain Brook; two-year starter and graded out at 94%.
► OL: Toby Richard, Hoover; the 6-foot-3, 305-pound lineman helped lead the Bucs to the semifinals.
► OL: Landon Page, Vestavia Hills; the senior had 85 knockdowns on the season.
► OL: Anthony Mokry, John Carroll; the Cavs’ center was the team’s top lineman.
► ATH: Jonah Winston, Hoover: played several roles for the Bucs offense, scoring five rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns and playing some quarterback.
► ATH: Charlie Taaffe, Vestavia Hills; accounted for nearly 2,500 total yards in first year as starting quarterback.
► K: Josh Renfro, Oak Mountain; capped off his season with a 43-yard game-winning field goal against Chelsea.
► P: Drew Ollis, Hewitt-Trussville; averaged 39.8 yards per punt along with playing defensive line.
► ST: Hardy Butler, Homewood; the junior long snapper has been rated one of the top in his class.
2ND TEAM DEFENSE
► DL: Ethan Walton, Oak Mountain; totaled 58 tackles, including 16 for loss.
Above: Spain Park QB Brock Bradley (5) attempts a pass during a September game against Helena at Husky Stadium in Helena. Photo by Todd Lester. Left: Chelsea RB Chase Stracener (3) runs for a touchdown during an October game against Helena at Chelsea High School Stadium.
Photo by Todd Lester.
Left: Oak Mountain quarterback Will O’Dell (18) in an October game against Hewitt-Trussville at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium. Photo by Shawn Bowles.
Right: Spain Park WR Corey Barber (17) attempts to catch a pass over McGill-Toolen DB LaMarien Miller (23) during a November game at Jaguar Stadium in Hoover. Photo by Todd Lester.
► DL: Boyd Cooper, Mountain Brook; finished with 47 tackles, three forced fumbles and 11 quarterback pressures.
► DL: Justyn Hartley, Hoover; had seven sacks to lead the Bucs defense.
► DL: Patrick Smith, Clay-Chalkville; had six sacks for the Cougars.
► LB: Hampton King, Mountain Brook; had 66 tackles, including 10 for loss.
► LB: Briston Hardy, Chelsea; posted 128 total tackles on the year, with five pass breakups among several impressive stats.
► LB: Trust Darnell, Homewood; finished with 96 tackles, including 12 for loss.
► LB: EJ Kerley, Spain Park; posted 140 tackles, tops in the area.
► DB: CJ Tidmore, Homewood; posted 78 tackles from the secondary.
► DB: Deon Callins, Clay-Chalkville; had 60 tackles.
► DB: Sam Canale, Briarwood; emerged
as a top player for the Lions, posting 58 tackles and three interceptions.
► DB: Joe Cross, Spain Park; intercepted five passes.
► ATH: Jamar Moultrie, Hoover; played defensive back and returned kicks for the Bucs.
► ATH: Rylan Hamm, Briarwood; the Lions’ leading tackler with 78 tackles on the year.
HONORABLE MENTION OFFENSE
► RB: Marty Myricks, Oak Mountain; Evan Ausmer, Homewood; Deuce Alston, Hewitt-Trussville; James Kelly, Hewitt-Trussville; Joshua Woods, Clay-Chalkville; CJ Cowley, Spain Park.
► WR: Chris Warren, Hoover.
► TE: Jackson Martin, Hewitt-Trussville; Brayden Robertson, Briarwood.
► OL: Caleb Boylan, Vestavia Hills; Luke
Kelly, Oak Mountain; Trot English, Hoover; Storm Fain, Hoover; Christian Bennett, ClayChalkville; JT Jones, Clay-Chalkville; Adam Brooks, Chelsea; Will Pohlmann, Chelsea; Barnabas Karanja, Briarwood; Hudson Reed, Spain Park; Jackson Bell, Spain Park; Carter Fountain, Briarwood.
► K: Garrett Heinemann, Briarwood; Joseph Del Toro, Clay-Chalkville.
► ATH: Kaleb Carson, Homewood; CJ Davis, Hewitt-Trussville.
HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSE
► DL: Joey Lewis, Oak Mountain; Will Ray, Homewood; Tyson Bacon, Hoover; D’ante Seals, Hewitt-Trussville; Baasel Alabsi, Hewitt-Trussville; Randell Cole, ClayChalkville; Nic Gagliano, John Carroll.
► LB: Jacob Watson, Vestavia Hills; William Yoder, Oak Mountain; Colton Moore, Oak Mountain; Miller Lee, Mountain Brook;
► DB: Jayden Aparicio-Bailey, Oak Mountain; Kolby King, Oak Mountain; DK Bolden, Hoover; Maleik Smiley, Homewood; John Griffin, Homewood; Caden Ali, Hewitt-Trussville; Sam Parrish, Chelsea.
Starnes Media's publications cover several communities throughout the Birmingham metro area. Schools included for consideration on this team were Briarwood, Chelsea, ClayChalkville, Hewitt-Trussville, Homewood, Hoover, John Carroll, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Spain Park and Vestavia Hills. The team was selected by Starnes Media’s sports department, in collaboration with the coaches.
Left: Briarwood LB Luke Reynolds (8) runs the ball during an October game against John Carroll at Lions Pride Stadium. Photo by Savannah Schmidt. Right: Chelsea defensive end Romello Cooper (9) fights off a block during a September game against Pelham at Ned Bearden Stadium. Photo by Richard Force.
New Shelby County Commissioner Josh Sisk begins term
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
Josh Sisk had never seriously considered running for public office, but the State Farm billing supervisor and Hoover resident knew he loved his adopted home enough to want to serve it.
“I had never thought about it before until it was brought up to me, and the more conversations I had, the more I got interested in it,” Sisk said. “The more I learned, the more I saw and the more people I met, the more my excitement grew to serve in the role because the more I found out about my own county, the more I loved my county and learning what a wonderful place it is to live.”
Sisk, 46, recently took the oath of office to become the newest Shelby County commissioner, serving District 6, which begins along U.S. 280 and spreads west along Valleydale Road past I-65.
Originally from Cliffside, North Carolina, Sisk spent his formative years in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and met his wife, Megan. Now married for 20 years, the couple has two children attending Spain Park High School.
Sisk, a Republican, defeated his Democratic opponent, Anondo Banerjee, for the seat in November. But, Sisk says he was not motivated by a particular political issue, but rather by civic pride in Shelby County.
That same motivation drove him to immerse himself in the county’s workings even before his election, attending commission meetings and community events to better understand the responsibilities of the role.
“My primary focus now is to continue learning,” Sisk said. “There’s so much to discover
about my district and the county as a whole.”
Sisk emphasized listening and teamwork as central to his leadership philosophy. He credits fellow commissioners and county officials, including outgoing District 6 Commissioner Jeff Brumlow, who was drawn out of the district in the latest redistricting, for making his transition a smooth one.
“They’ve been incredibly supportive, answering my questions and introducing me to key people,” Sisk said. “It’s clear that everyone is working together with a single agenda: doing
what’s best for Shelby County.”
One of Sisk’s priorities is addressing mental health and substance abuse challenges within the county’s incarcerated population. Working closely with the Sheriff’s Department, the county is developing programs to divert individuals who struggle with these issues away from traditional incarceration and into treatment facilities.
“These efforts aim to break the cycle and ensure people receive the help they need,” Sisk said. “Shelby County is leading the way in
Balancing his new role with his career, family and community commitments, Sisk relies on strong support from his wife, Megan, whom he called “incredibly supportive.”
As he starts his term, Sisk’s enthusiasm for Shelby County is as strong as when he first decided to run for office.
“This isn’t about changing something that’s broken,” he said. “It’s about continuing to move forward and contributing to the success of a community I deeply love.”
Prevent insects from making your home a place to live and dine this New Year by keeping your space clean & tidy.
Bugs love to hide in any crevice or near food sources. Eliminate open food containers, cluttered rooms, dirty dishes, & damp areas.
Alabama on this front.”
Josh Sisk steps up to the role of Shelby County Commissioner following his election in November 2024. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Chris Sykes helps programs at AWC soar
By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT
Chris Sykes lives out his dream daily as the executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park.
“I never worked with birds before, but I was always passionate about birds,” Sykes said. “I grew up in a rough childhood and wondered how to escape that environment. So I would go outside and start noticing birds and bird songs.”
“I realized there were places where you could change the world,” he continued.
After the passing of the center’s former director, Doug Adair, in 2022, Sykes left his position at Birmingham Audubon to work at AWC. He plays an essential role in the fundraising work for the center to continue its conservation efforts.
“But every once in a while, I will be staring at a screen for too long, so I go hang out in the clinic or hold a bird,” Sykes joked. If more people knew tips on how to handle birds that are injured or in the wrong place, Sykes said, they could help reduce the number of birds that organizations like AWC take in and care for. For instance, a fallen nest can be placed in a small basket and relocated.
In the future, Sykes hopes to grow AWC’s educational and rehabilitative programs to protect bird species all over Alabama.
Sykes visits Shelby, the center’s resident bald eagle, in her enclosure.
Chris Sykes, the executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park, holds a Eurasian eagle-owl. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
Sykes feeds a vulture in its enclosure.
Sykes visits injured birds the Alabama Wildlife Center’s clinic.
CONTINUED from page 1
That's a pretty good run. So my wife is ready for us to do something different.”
Picklesimer said he will continue to work at Pennsylvania Steel, where he does sales, but the hours won’t be as long since he won’t be wearing two hats.
“I'm going to take a more active role in that business,” he said. “But I would say I want to semi-retire.”
Picklesimer said he was proud of a number of achievements by the city government while he served as mayor, including buying the library, improvements at the Highway 11 Sports Complex, the addition of the second gym at the Chelsea Community Center and a third fire station.
But, the biggest accomplishment may be the passing of the one-cent sales tax for schools in 2019. The revenue generated from that has been used to invest in a wide variety of improvements at the schools in Chelsea in cooperation with Shelby County Schools, which administers the schools.
“We've literally given about $6.5 million at the high school, $4.5 million at Chelsea Park Elementary and almost $2 million in classroom grants,” Picklesimer said.
CHELSEA CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT
Chelsea’s new mayor will be a non-voting member of the city council because the city will have a new government implemented after the 2025 municipal elections.
“Changing government is probably the biggest thing we've got going in 2025,” Picklesimer said.
The fast-growing town in Shelby County has exceeded the amount of people it can have under its current form of government.
In Alabama, only municipalities under 12,000 residents may have a government comprised of a city council with the mayor as a council member. The change means the mayor will be separate from the council.
Chelsea has grown leaps and bounds in the last 10 years, from just over 10,000 people in the 2010 census to more than 15,000 residents in the 2020 census. Now the U.S. Census Bureau estimates the town has nearly 17,000 residents.
The new council will elect a council president and a council vice president. Currently, the mayor presides over the council meetings, with a mayor pro-tem who presides in the mayor’s absence.
“The meetings will look the same, but the mayor will not be sitting on the bench,” Picklesimer said.
The mayor will not be able to vote as part of the council under the change, but state law allows the mayor to have veto power, which can in turn be overridden by a 2/3 council vote. All of Chelsea’s council, including the mayor, are elected at-large by the whole population, so any changes upcoming will not affect voting districts.
280 EXPANSION
The project with the greatest impact for residents of 280 in the upcoming year will be the widening of the 280 corridor, which is expected to begin in 2025. This edition covers the expansion project in more detail on pages 1 and 30, but it bears repeating in this list because of how many people it will affect.
The project will have several components, starting at the Rosedale Drive intersection in Homewood and ending where 280 crosses the Cahaba River:
► Resurfacing of both directions of 280 from Rosedale Drive to Lakeshore Drive.
► Widening of 280 in both directions from Lakeshore Drive to I-459.
► Resurfacing of U.S. 280 from I-459 to the Cahaba River by Grandview Medical Center.
► Replacement of the Pump House Road bridge.
Josh Phillips, a spokesman for ALDOT, said the resurfacing will maintain the road and add to its safety and the expansion was needed for the amount of traffic on 280.
“We’re trying to lower travel times for people on the roadways,” he said. “280 has grown so much that adding capacity just becomes necessary to try to keep traffic moving as much as we can through there so that people spend less time on the road and more time doing the things they want.”
TATTERSALL PARK
The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission voted last month in favor of amending the zoning plan for Tattersall Park to allow for up to 355 apartments and condominiums, despite significant opposition from nearby residents.
But the battle is not over, with the zoning request moving over to the Hoover City Council this month. Martha Jackson, Hoover’s zoning clerk, said she expects the Tattersall Park plan will go to the City Council for a vote on Jan. 21.
Ebsco Industries and its partner, CR Endeavors, say they want to build 170 apartments for people ages 55 and older, 107 additional apartments and 30 condominiums as part of a mixed-use development on 33 undeveloped acres in Tattersall Park, which is between Greystone and Alabama 119.
The condominiums were considered a concession to Greystone residents who said they preferred condominiums over apartments. However, many Greystone residents and other nearby communities still weren’t satisfied with Ebsco’s concessions and opposed the plan before the zoning board last month.
“We don’t want Tattersall rezoned,” said Greystone resident Ashley Lovell.
Lovell said after the meeting she didn’t feel very represented by the zoning board and is more determined than ever to take up the matter with the City Council this month.
“I’m excited to get in front of a group of people who are actually elected officials who have moral obligations to listen,” she said. “We’re going to band together and keep working hard.”
HOOVER ELECTIONS
The Hoover city election is set for Aug. 26, and Mayor Frank Brocato said he plans
to run for a third term. No one as of mid-December had announced their intention to run against him, but there has been plenty of speculation.
Hoover police Chief Nick Derzis’ name has surfaced as one, but Derzis said he doesn’t plan to run.
Brocato said he loves representing Hoover.
“I think we’ve got some incredible projects that we’re working on, and I’d love to be a part of that to see them kind of come to fruition,” he said.
Those projects include the expansion of the National Computer Forensics Institute, renovations at the Hoover Met, the new I-459 interchange, other road improvements, a performing arts center, Riverwalk Village and redevelopment at the Inverness Office Park.
Brocato and Council President John Lyda have come under fire heavily in the past year, with some council members and residents saying city officials lack transparency and accountability.
“A lack of transparency leads to a lack of trust,” Councilman Steve McClinton said.
Brocato said comments about a lack of transparency and accountability are unfounded and come from people who are just trying to gain a political advantage in the election.
“That’s not the feeling throughout the city,” he said.
There are problems in the city’s Finance Department, and they have been disclosed and are being addressed, Brocato said. But city finances are strong, and the city got a positive 2023 audit, he said.
Left: A member of the Spain Park High School mountain biking team rides the trails at the South Trailhead at Oak Mountain State Park during practice. Staff photo. Right: Ebsco Industries and Radiant Investments are proposing to put more than 300 multi-family units, a hotel, retail and restaurant development on 33 acres in Tattersall Park in Hoover. Map courtesy of the city of Hoover.
Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer wishes the city a Happy New Year at Chelsea City Hall.
Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Mayor Frank Brocato at Hoover City Hall.
Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
A drone shot over part of the 280 section that will be under construction in 2025.
Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Southern Blood Services: saving lives one donation at a time
Southern Blood Services is a small specialty plasma center in Hoover that gives its donors, most of whom are women, a marvelous chance to help save lives.
Founded in 1999, the center collects high-quality, antibody-enriched plasma from qualified donors that is then used to manufacture life-saving drugs.
This includes Rho(D) Immune Globulin — a critically important drug used to save the lives of babies whose blood types are incompatible with their pregnant mothers.
When a mother has a negative blood type and her baby has a positive blood type, there’s a risk the mother’s antibodies will attack the baby’s blood. This can cause the baby to become sick and even die.
The Mothers Needed Program, or the Rh Incompatibility Program, at Southern Blood Services helps provide women with Rho(D) Immune Globulin.
The primary focus of Southern Blood Services is the collection of needed antibodies from people who’ve developed them through pregnancy, blood transfusions or vaccines. The donors are women, or men who are Rh negative.
Without its many dedicated donors, Southern Blood Services would not be able to help facilitate the production of the life-saving Rho(D) Immune Globulin many
expectant mothers need.
“They donate so this vaccine can be made,” says Martina Sertell, director of the Birmingham location of Southern Blood Services, “These are women who realize how much they are helping other women have children.”
The favorite part of Sertell’s job is the people she meets, including the donors who are helping so many women and families.
more general Red Cell Antibody Program that can help people who’ve been exposed to viruses by boosting their immune systems with those antibodies.
If you have been immunized for these viruses or have another antibody of some kind, your donations could help someone gain immunity to a virus to which he or she has been exposed. These red cell antibodies are rare
Southern Blood Services
• Where: 3800 Colonnade Parkway Suite 200, Birmingham
• Call: 205-967-8189
• Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Web: southernbloodservices.com
sample drawn so we can identify and measure your antibody.
In addition to the comfort they find in helping other people, donors at Southern Blood Services can also receive financial compensation of up to $700 per month.
If you qualify as a red-cell antibody donor, your blood will be used in production of blood typing materials, and you will earn compensation for each donation. The Red Cell Antibody Program is a plasma program, and you can safely donate plasma twice a week if your antibody is needed. Each donation takes about 45 minutes.
Southern Blood Services is located at 3800 Colonnade Parkway, Suite. 200. There are also collection facilities in Tuscaloosa and Nashville.
The project will have several components to it, starting at the Rosedale Drive intersection in Homewood and ending where 280 crosses the Cahaba River:
► Resurfacing of both directions of 280 from Rosedale Drive to Lakeshore Drive.
► Widening of 280 in both directions from Lakeshore Drive to I-459.
► Resurfacing of U.S. 280 from I-459 to the Cahaba River by Grandview Medical Center.
► Replacement of the Pump House Road bridge.
Josh Phillips, a spokesman for ALDOT, said the resurfacing will maintain the road and add to its safety and the expansion was needed for the amount of traffic on 280.
“We’re trying to lower travel times for people on the roadways,” he said. “280 has grown so much that adding capacity just becomes necessary to try to keep traffic moving as much as we can through there so that people spend less time on the road and more time doing the things they want.”
The project total cost has not been released because the Department of Transportation is still taking bids, Phillips said.
Until those bids are in and have been accepted by the department, he said, there will be no decision on which part of the project will begin first because ALDOT will not know the availability of the crews.
Phillips also said the project’s start date would be dependent on the weather, since the laying of asphalt needs to have consistent warmer temperatures to be applied.
“You’re probably looking at February-ish before you see something being done out there, as far as any clearing or taking up anything,” he said. “And then March before you see asphalt.”
Due to these variables, Phillips said while the project could start in February, it could be anywhere in the window of the first quarter of 2025.
There will need to be preparation on the sides of the road for the widening portion of the work, which may involve clearing plots of land and moving dirt.
The department will work at night, Phillips said, in an attempt to mitigate traffic disruption along the corridor.
“There will be some times where we have traffic impacts — we’ll have to shift lanes over a little bit or whatever,” he said. “But that’s why a lot of the work’s being done at night, to hopefully minimize those traffic impacts.”
Phillips said the widening would take the majority of the time, and the resurfacing generally takes much less time.
The project’s start comes a year later than what was originally announced. In December 2023, the project was expected to have started in late spring 2024.
While Phillips didn’t know why the project was moved, he said road construction projects have a window in which to begin so that the temperatures reach a point where asphalt can be applied. A number of factors could have caused missing the window for the 280 expansion project, he said, including utility relocation or design changes.
“If you miss this window, it doesn’t just bump it two months, three months,” he said. “It ends up bumping it an entire year.”
For the municipalities closest to the project,
there is hope the project will not only create better traffic flow on 280, but also alleviate some of the cut-through traffic that people use to avoid 280.
“Hopefully, some of that will help divert more traffic down 459 and 280 as opposed to cutting through the center of Mountain Brook,” said Sam Gaston, the city manager of Mountain Brook.
The city currently has cut-through traffic around Overton Road and Cherokee Road.
The on-ramps for both locations will now be incorporated into the new lanes. Residents had been concerned that the new design would create more back-ups at the intersection, which is controlled by traffic lights. Gaston said he was told the timing at those lights would be changed to accommodate any traffic backup on Overton Road.
Mountain Brook City Councilwoman Graham Smith said as other areas have grown, the new residents have used Mountain Brook as a shortcut.
“Liberty Park has blown up,” Smith said. “And we’re thrilled for our neighbors. We’re happy for Vestavia, but we need some traffic planning that would potentially remediate and
take some volume off of our roads, our local roads.”
Another point of contention during the planning was the expansion of the Pump House Road bridge, which runs over 280. Pump House Road is another road that drivers use to cut across Mountain Brook to get access to 280.
“I understand when you’re trying to build a large project that there’s going to be pressure points in those areas,” Smith said. “However, we’re not looking to have the bridge expanded to bring more traffic to those local back roads. I would consider that a local back road versus an artery to drive traffic to Liberty Park. We’re hoping that they will utilize 280 and take 459 and see that as the best option.”
The City of Vestavia Hills says it also hopes the expansion will ease the number of cars cutting through residential neighborhoods and incentivize drivers to use the main thoroughfares.
“The traffic volumes on the U.S. [280] highway corridor have surpassed the original projections for the roadway for quite some time,” said Cinnamon McCulley, assistant city manager of Vestavia Hills. “We are hopeful that the additional lanes will help ease congestion, increase efficiency and allow drivers to utilize Highway 280 as opposed to cut-through routes through surrounding communities.”
However, in the short term, McCulley said she expects more traffic in those residential areas while construction is underway.
“I suspect cut-through traffic will temporarily increase in the Mountain Brook and Cahaba Heights areas as drivers attempt to avoid delays that generally occur with road projects,” she said.
But both Gaston and McCulley said changing those traffic patterns wouldn’t be such an easy thing given the psychology of the drivers who believe cutting through residential neighborhoods is quicker than traveling 280 and I-459.
“We understand it may take some time for drivers to adjust their commuting routes,” McCulley said, “but feel sure drivers will utilize Highway 280 if it proves to be as efficient as anticipated.”
The entrance ramp onto U.S. 280 from Lakeshore Dr. crowds with rush hour traffic as commuters head home on Nov. 18. The construction will add a lane from Lakeshore to I-459 by the Summit. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
