Remains of days gone by
One of the last original US 280 businesses still stands, but for how long?
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
There are still coolers in the old store on U.S. 280 — stocked with a few half-cases of beer, soft drinks and a shelf full of condiments where employees can place their food. The old cigarette shelves now hold local honey for sale.
In the front corner of the store, crickets and minnows remain for those fishing at Lake Purdy. It’s a time capsule — a living memory of how life was decades ago along this stretch of U.S. 280.
The store itself is almost like a museum piece, harking back to a time when the area was dominated by farmland. Now, U.S. 280 is a strip of heavy traffic bordered by miles of businesses. The structure serves as an office for Perrin & Son Landscaping Supplies, but it was once a gas station for travelers heading to or from weekends at the lake. That original gas station is now buried under the soil that raised modern U.S. 280, with the current structure built on top of it. The Perrin family still stocks a few items in the store.
Shelby County Jail to see improvements with mental health focus this fall
By EMILY REED
“Some of our customers will come in and grab a little something while they’re here, but if we were trying to make any living off of that, we would starve,” said Trey Perrin, the third generation of his family to work on this property.
See PERRIN & SON | page A18
A significant expansion at the Shelby County Jail is underway this year, with a heightened focus on mental and medical health units for inmates.
“This will help us to manage the inmates and allow us to have more room and be safer for the mental health workers who come and treat the inmates we have with mental health needs,” said Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego. “I think a lot of people don’t realize that we have professionals who come in and deliver services every day.”
The project has been in the works for several years, following the Shelby County Commission’s approval of an estimated $28 million to transform the current jail into four distinct areas.
See MENTAL HEALTH | page A16
Above: An aerial view of Perrin & Son Landscape Supplies from the 1970s with the store surrounded by trees that are now replaced by neighboring businesses. Photo courtesy of Trey Perrin.
Left: Trey Perrin points out old news clippings inside the original gas station his grandfather bought on U.S. 280.
Below: Signs outside of the store promote available products.
Photos by Taylor Bright.
Sheriff John Samaniego stands in his office in Shelby County. Samaniego has led the development of a mental health block in the Shelby County Jail to assist struggling inmates. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Appointment to
start living better. Make an
Better living starts with taking good care of yourself. At Grandview Medical Group, our primary care providers take the time to identify your health risks and can help you prioritize good health. Regular checkups and age-appropriate screenings are important to be healthy now – and to stay well in the future.
With same-day appointments and online scheduling, we make it easy to make an appointment right now. You can even see us from the comfort of home via telehealth.
Put your health first and start living better right now. Make an appointment at PrimaryCareAppointments.com/grandview, scan the code or call 205-971-DOCS.
Editor’s Note By Taylor Bright
Our cover story is about a throwback on U.S. 280.
If you’ve driven down U.S. 280, you may have noticed a small country store as you head south near the intersection with Highway 119.
Many years ago, it was one of the only gas stations on U.S. 280. With the closing of Lloyd’s, it is now one of the last remaining original businesses on the highway. We spoke with the family who owns it.
Speaking of Lloyd’s, we also have a story on the sale and current status of the property.
Finally, we feature a story on an important initiative in Shelby County addressing mental health and law enforcement. The county is investing in mental health resources to ensure appropriate treatment for inmates with mental health issues and to support the jail workers who care for them.
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Introducing the Starnes Media Creator Collective
By STAFF
Starnes Media, pub -
lisher of 280 Living, is set to launch the Starnes Media Creator Collective, a mentorship program designed to provide local high school students with hands-on experience in journalism, storytelling and media production. The initiative aims to cultivate essential life skills and professional growth among students from 11 high schools in its metro Birmingham coverage area.
“This initiative is personal to me,” said Tim Stephens, general manager and editor-in-chief of Starnes Media.
“I’ve seen firsthand how mentorship opportunities like this can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, instilling confidence, developing critical skills and inspiring creativity. The Creator Collective will help students discover their passion for storytelling while producing work that resonates
with their communities.”
Applications for the program will be accepted through Feb. 21. Eligible candidates include current high school seniors graduating in May, as well as sophomores and juniors who will be juniors and seniors during the 2025-26 academic year. Up to six students will be selected from each of the following schools to serve as correspondents for 280 Living.
► Spain Park High School
► Oak Mountain High School
► Chelsea High School ► Briarwood Christian School
Additionally, students who live in these communities, but do not attend one of the high schools listed above are welcome to apply as well.
Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, a writing or multimedia sample and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor.
The selection process will evaluate candidates based on creativity, commitment to the program’s mission, potential for growth and availability to participate in workshops and cover events both remotely and within the community during the course of the academic year. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for video conference interviews scheduled Feb. 26-28 with final selections announced on March 5.
The program is set to commence in March and will run through May 2026. Key milestones include an orientation in March, monthly workshops throughout the program duration, a graduation project this May and
a final showcase in May of next year.
Participants will benefit from mentorship provided by seasoned professionals, gaining practical experience in producing articles, videos and social media content. The program also emphasizes life skills development, focusing on areas such as resume building, college and internship guidance, financial literacy, personal branding, networking and time management.
“We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for students to explore their passion for storytelling,” said Dan Starnes, founder and president of Starnes Media. “By investing in the next generation of journalists
and content creators, we are contributing to their personal and professional growth and also enriching the quality of local journalism in our communities.”
Businesses interested in supporting the Creator Collective through sponsorship or advertising opportunities are encouraged to contact Tim Stephens directly at tstephens@ starnesmedia.com or by phone at 205-313-1780.
“Partnering with local businesses is essential to the success of this program,” Stephens said. “Their support will enable us to provide valuable resources and opportunities to aspiring young journalists in our community.”
Members of the Starnes Media editorial staff — from left, Jon Anderson, Sarah Owens, Savannah Schmidt, Tim Stephens, Kyle Parmley, Cady Inabinett and Taylor Bright — will serve as mentors for students selected to participate. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Stretch Zone helps clients move better with expert
At Stretch Zone Birmingham, you can relieve soreness, increase flexibility, improve your range of motion, and boost your athletic performance.
The certified practitioners at Stretch Zone, located in the Patchwork Farms Shopping Center in Vestavia Hills, customize programs to meet your unique fitness goals and help you lead a more active, fulfilling life.
Coming to Stretch Zone for stretching is far more beneficial than going it alone, says co-owner Beth Marlowe, a Vestavia Hills native.
“When you have someone do it for you who knows the stretches and knows the muscles, it feels different and is more effective,” she says.
Coming to Stretch Zone is “a whole experience,” she says. “It’s something everyone needs to try. We don’t stretch enough in our daily lives.”
Using the Stretch Zone Method, practitioners gradually help you increase your range of motion and use your nervous system to achieve lasting flexibility.
With patented strapping equipment, the staff follows specific protocols to properly position clients and maximize the effectiveness of each stretch.
“We do all the work for you, and the customer leaves feeling better than when they walked in,” Beth says.
Clients only need half-hour time slots to make progress.
“They feel really different in that 30-minute window,” Beth says. “You have more circulation in your body. If you have a pain in your neck, for example, it might go away or feel better. You get a sense your lifestyle has improved, and you can go conquer the day.”
The staff at the facility is highly trained.
“Most of them have gone to school in disciplines like physiology or kinesiology and understand anatomy,” Beth says. “They’ve worked with sports teams or played sports. Most are personal trainers. All are certified through Stretch Zone.”
Beth, who graduated from Vestavia Hills High School in 2006, has 12 years of experience in massage therapy and personal training.
Stretch Zone Birmingham also offers a fun, laid-back vibe that makes sessions enjoyable and stress-free.
“Everyone is friendly and down to earth,” Beth says.
“We don’t know a stranger. It has that good old Southern family feel to it.”
Stretch Zone Birmingham opened in 2017. Beth has been with the company since 2018 and became owner — along with her husband, Kevin “Cheeto” Marlowe — in 2024.
Beth and her husband live in Chelsea, but she retains a deep connection to Vestavia Hills.
“My mom and dad still live in the same house where I grew up,” she says.
Vestavia Hills is “a great community,” Beth says. “It’s like a small town — very family-oriented, with friendly people.”
It’s gratifying to work at Stretch Zone and see clients make progress, Beth says.
“You see a 14-year-old athlete coming off an injury or surgery, and he achieves a better range of motion with his baseball swing,” she says. “Our oldest client is 101, and her ultimate goal was to improve her mobility and to feel 91, and she’s done just that. It’s all walks of life, ages 14 and older, and it’s gratifying to see what impact we make on each individual who walks in our doors.”
Clients get real results at Stretch Zone.
“If you stay with it, you can tell a difference quickly,” Beth says.
Bug Juice Gardens
PLANTSOFINTEREST
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
The site of the old Lloyd’s Restaurant is in the process of being cleared. The restaurant building no longer stands, and a sign at the front of the property reads, “Now Available.”
The family who owned the property where Lloyd’s once operated sold it for $5 million.
The property sold in mid-December, according to Shelby County property records.
Two parcels were sold: 5301 U.S. 280, where the restaurant stood, and 5305 U.S. 280, where the parking lot was located.
The 5301 U.S. 280 property sold for $3 million on Dec. 16 from PMS Shelby (c/o Tom Stevens) to JAD3 Hwy 280 Inc. The 5305 U.S. 280 property sold for $2 million on Dec. 11
from Eli’s Inc. (c/o Bogue Stevens) to JAD3. The properties total more than four acres: 1.59 acres for the parking lot and 2.5 acres for the restaurant site.
JAD3 appears to be affiliated with GenRev Development, which specializes in property development. GenRev is the entity that placed the sign advertising the property as available.
On Jan. 16, JAD3 sold the 5305 property to 280 New Day LLC for $2.9 million. The address given for New Day is the same as another development company, LIV Development.
LIV Development announced in February 2023 that it had launched New Day Car Wash while opening a location in Vestavia Hills. Lloyd’s, a mainstay of U.S. 280, closed in 2023. The owner, Eli Stevens, died in 2020.
Workers seen clearing the property on Jan. 13 where Lloyd's Restaurant once stood.
Photo by Taylor Bright.
Jeff State surgical tech program sees success
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
Donna Michelle Richardson is 5 feet 3 inches tall, and every inch of her exudes an energy that makes you think she might lift off the ground at any moment.
It’s that energy that made her the perfect choice when Jefferson State Community College was seeking someone to lead its new surgical technology program at the Shelby-Hoover campus.
Richardson, a surgical technologist with more than 20 years of experience, joined Jefferson State in 2023, bringing her expertise and obvious passion for the field to the classroom. The profession has treated her well, she said, offering financial freedom, opportunities to travel, and the bonds forged in operating rooms.
“God grants lots of knowledge to people on purpose, and it’s so you can help and give forward to people. And that was the deciding factor for me,” Richardson said. “I think I’m at a time in life that, yes, I’m living well, I still will be able to travel, but I can give back to my community. It needs that. They need to have good, viable people.”
Surgical technologists play a pivotal role in operating rooms, and the career offers significant earning potential—all achievable in just two semesters.
The program was launched following discussions between local healthcare providers and Jefferson State’s leadership about a shortage of skilled scrub techs. The college responded quickly, establishing the program in record time. The program was first announced in November 2023. Within nine months, the first class had graduated.
“I’m proud as a peacock of this program,” Richardson said.
The two-semester program trains students
in essential skills such as maintaining a sterile field, preparing surgical instruments, and assisting surgeons during procedures. Graduates are certified surgical technologists, qualifying them to step directly into high-demand roles.
Jefferson State’s program boasts an impressive job placement rate. Of the 14 students in the first graduating cohort, 13 secured jobs immediately. The only exception was a student who deferred employment due to pregnancy.
The program’s popularity has soared, with
more than 450 applicants vying for just 24 spots in the latest class. The college has already added a second cohort and a part-time instructor to accommodate the growing demand. Richardson envisions further expansion, including the possibility of evening classes and additional staff.
By training local students for high-demand jobs, the program not only supports individual career advancement but also addresses critical healthcare needs in the region.
“They’re not going to have to wander around
In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families – helping, healing, teaching and discovering.
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Surgical technician
Donna Michelle Richardson will lead Jefferson State Community College’s new surgical technology program at the Shelby-Hoover campus. Photo courtesy of Jefferson State Community College.
for a year trying to find that job. If you finish this program, you’re probably going to have a job agreement before you actually walk across the stage,” said David Bobo, director of communications at Jefferson State.
For Richardson, her goal is to leave behind a program that will allow others to follow in a profession that has rewarded her handsomely.
“I want my students to do better than I’ve done, and I’ve done a lot of stuff. I want them to be more successful than I am,” she said.
SCHOOLHOUSE
In the Classroom
GET TO KNOW ACCOLADES
By JON ANDERSON
Kristin Bundren, a science teacher at Spain Park High School, has been named Hoover’s 2024-25 Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Bundren said she is in her 18th year at Spain Park and taught one year as a long-term substitute at Hoover High School before that. She earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary science education from Auburn University.
“Mrs. Bundren is an amazing teacher because of the way she cares for her kids and the environment she creates in her classroom,” Principal Amanda Esslinger said. “She designs activities that are engaging and fun and help the kids master the content, but she also has such a calming presence. Kids love her because she obviously loves them, and you can see it in her room.”
said. “She doesn’t want to waste a minute. She’s awesome, and we’re so proud.”
Bundren emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation in her classroom, encouraging students to approach challenges with curiosity and resil-
By STAFF
David Bobo is president of the board for Shelby County Schools and the marketing and communications director at Jefferson State Community College.
Q: What inspired you to work in education?
A: You know one thing, one of my core beliefs is I believe every child deserves a champion who is going to believe in them, never give up on them and do everything they can to improve the life of that child. I really believe that is something that Shelby County Schools is pouring into young people, young students, every single day.
Q: Tell us about an educator who was important to you while in school.
A: I started working at Jefferson State Community College in 1994 so I've been there 30 years, and that was just a passion for me. Education is service, and education is helping others, and it's allowing others to get what they need to improve their life and their family's lives, so it is a great way to help others. And helping others is really the very short answer.
Q: The question is, what is something great about your schools?
A: I had some good ones for sure. Boy, gosh, there were, there were so many. I just think of how they cared. And I guess I have too many to name just one, but I'll say the ones that really changed my life were the ones that I try to emulate, and that is the ones who, it mattered to them, and they wanted to help you, and it was a personal mission for them to help you get there.
Spain Park ninth grade advanced biology teacher Kristin Bundren received the Secondary Teacher of the Year Award for the Hoover school district.
Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Board President David Bobo being sworn in for his latest term on the Shelby County Board of Education.
Photo courtesy of Shelby County Schools.
Window Decor & Design offers top-quality
treatments, interior design services
Pam Mitchell has worked in the window treatments industry for 30 years and has owned Window Decor & Design in Birmingham since 2015.
But Mitchell’s long career in the business has done nothing to diminish her passion for helping customers find the right products and applications for their homes.
“I absolutely enjoy what I do,” says Mitchell, who brings a wealth of skill and a practiced eye to her work.
“I don’t just look at the window treatment part; I look at the entire space and recommend what window treatment is best for the room,” she says.
A Window Fashion Certified Professional, Mitchell draws on her extensive knowledge of the products and services she provides at Window Decor & Design.
“There are many choices in window treatments, and not all of them may work in the space or window you are wanting to cover. Therefore, I am able to guide my customers in the right direction and not get overwhelmed with so many choices,” Mitchell says.
Window Decor & Design does not have a showroom, but it doesn’t matter.
“We bring the showroom to you,” Mitchell says. “Our services include design consultations onsite at the home or office, as well as expert measuring and installation.”
It’s very important for Mitchell to see how a window treatment looks and functions in the customer’s home
before they make a final decision.
“Seeing a product in a showroom is different from seeing it in your home or office,” she says. “Lighting changes the colors. It’s also best to see a treatment in your actual window.”
Window Decor & Design offers all types of custom window treatments, including blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, and drapery hardware, as well as custom bedding and pillows.
Modern technology is having an exciting impact on many window treatments, according to Mitchell.
“The customers are really enjoying the motorized window treatments,” Mitchell says.
With the Smart Shades made by Hunter Douglas, users can easily control their shades with the press of a button, a tap on a mobile device, a voice command, or even automatically.
In serving her customers at Window Decor & Design, Mitchell draws on her extensive training, including a BFA in interior design that she earned at the Southern Institute of Interior Design at Virginia College in Birmingham in 2011.
Window Decor & Design
• Call: 205-437-9575
• Hours: Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday by appointment
• Web: blindsandshuttersof birmingham.com
In fact, Mitchell offers interior design services at Window Decor & Design.
“Having interior design knowledge and experience sets me apart from just a window treatment salesperson,” she says.
Drawing on her interior design training, Mitchell now creates custom accent walls for customers.
An accent wall is a wall in a room that has a different design, color, or material than the other walls.
Accent walls, which are very popular now, can be used to add interest, texture, and color to a room, and they also make a room feel larger and more spacious.
“I absolutely enjoy doing them,” Mitchell says. “There is so much attention to detail that I add to an accent wall to make it stand out in your space.”
For more information, call 205-437-9575 or go to blindsand shuttersofbirmingham.com.
Women of Brandino Brass help customers bring their homes to life
BRANDINO BRASS
Founded in 1948, Brandino Brass in Homewood is a highly respected local business that’s become a recognized industry leader.
Well-known throughout the Southeast and beyond, Brandino Brass is a top destination for anyone seeking a great selection of top-quality decorative and architectural hardware.
The products at Brandino Brass include everything from cabinet hardware and elegant door knobs to fireballs, custom brass shelving, bathroom accessories and more. The company carries many unique, high-end hardware makers and vendors, with some products available exclusively at Brandino Brass. The store features a growing array of interior and exterior lighting, including lamps, sconces, pendants and chandeliers. In addition, Brandino Brass offers a variety of prices and quality unmatched by the chain stores and prides itself on providing great customer service.
It’s easy to see why the company has become the go-to place for designers, contractors, architects and homeowners who are renovating or building a house. Among the Brandino Brass team members who’ve worked hard to create this well-deserved reputation are three talented women — Renee Genereux, Megan Brasher and Lorianne Jackson. Renee Genereux has worked at Brandino Brass since 2010 and is now a co-owner, along with Eric Brandino — grand-son of the store’s founder, Tony Brandino — and Jessie Isom.
Like all Brandino Brass staff members, Genereux wears “many, many hats,” she says. In addition to sales and administration duties, she oversees bookkeeping, helps with the warehouse and helps mentor her co-workers. “I enjoy working with all the designers, contractors, architects and artists I have met through my 13 years at Brandino,” Renee says. “You truly form a bond with customers in this role.”
Megan Brasher, who earned her interior design degree from Auburn University, has worked at Brandino Brass for almost 10 years. She focuses on
► WHERE: 2824 Central Ave., Suite 100
► HOURS: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Appointments preferred.
► CALL: 205-978-8900
► WEBSITE: brandinobrass.com
showroom sales but also manages the company’s social media, coordinates showroom displays and works in the warehouse.
One of the newest team members, Lorianne Jackson, joined Brandino Brass in October 2024 as a sales team member. “My role here is to help clients find the perfect balance of style, function, and value to fulfill their vision” she says.
Renee, Megan and Lorianne strive to help their customers pick out just the right products for them.
“Making sure all my customers feel taken care while working with me is my highest priority. Listening to the wants and concerns of clients is crucial to ensure a good experience as well as making sure to provide accurate, efficient answers when needed,” Renee says. “Being able to visualize and know what my customers want is something that has come with many years in this industry.”
“We are a premier supplier of high-end hardware in the Southeast because of our dedication to our clients. When they shop with us, they know they’re working with the most knowledgeable and devoted team in the industry” Lorianne says.
“Each client brings a different style and experience with every job,” Megan says. “When working with clients we work off of their inspiration and how they will be using the space. We discuss day-to-day activities and find hardware that best fits their lifestyle. There are no two projects alike.”
“Curating trust and lasting bonds with customers is something that you won’t find in many places, but it is
always a top priority at Brandino Brass,” Renee says.
The women believe that Brandino Brass is a unique, very special place.
“Something my clients tell me is how refreshing it is to finally feel like they’re a priority,” Lorianne noted, “no matter the size of their job.”
“Brandino Brass has brought a boutique environment to the building industry and has built a reputation through the years as the main source for hardware and lighting,” Megan says. “We strive to make sure all jobs are ordered and delivered properly, down to the smallest details.”
Renee, Megan, and Lorianne are proud of being women in the hardware business and believe that women make a strong, positive impact in the industry.
“The women at Brandino Brass all work together with our different perspectives, life experiences, work ethic and overall personality,” Megan says.
“I love seeing them succeed in their roles here at Brandino Brass, and I will always support them in every way I can,” Renee says.
“I’m so proud of this company!” Lorianne added. “Brandino Brass continues to support and give back to the community it serves, through annual donations to schools and nonprofit organizations, to being a sponsor of the Walk for Alzheimer’s for many years.”
Brandino Brass has curated a culture of support that the women are proud to be a part of.
“Brandino Brass has become home for me and a home for my family, as well,” Renee says. “I take great pride in this company and the people that I get to work with on a day-to-day basis.”
“We’ve created a casual, enjoyable work environment at Brandino Brass,” Megan says. “We all have individual roles and responsibilities each day, but also work together and help each other out whenever needed.”
Brandino Brass customers can view the store’s beautiful showroom in-person by making an appointment or through a virtual walk-through at brandinobrass.com.
Megan Huntley, Lorianne Jackson, Renee Genereux and Megan Brasher
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Enjoy great wine at a great price with Interveston Wine Club
If you love wine but are tired of paying high prices for it, there’s an easy solution.
Place an order with Interveston Wine Club in Birmingham and get the wines you love at great prices — far less than you’ll pay at most retail stores.
The club was opened in April by owner, Elaine Beiersdoerfer, and is managed by her husband, veteran wine merchant, Werner Beiersdoerfer.
Beiersdoerfer and Dan Meadows coowned and operated The Wine Cellar in Vestavia Hills for several years.
But Interveston Wine Club is not a retail or online store or even a traditional wine club.
Instead, wine lovers pay a one-time, lifetime membership fee of $25, then contact the club to inquire about the price of any wine they wish to order. If they like the price the club offers, Intervestston places their order. The club requires a minimum order of six bottles.
“Give me a shot,” Beiersdoerfer says. “Tell me your favorite wine, and let me price it for you.”
Beiersdoerfer saw a need for the club due to sharply rising wine prices.
When he operated The Wine Cellar, the markup for wine ranged from 3050%. Today, many retailers price their wines at two to three times wholesale. This makes it almost impossible for many wine enthusiasts ro buy quality products.
Before the Beiersdoerfers opened Interveston Wine Club, they noticed high prices for wine even at some discount retailers.
“They’re selling wine for well over wholesale price," Beiersdoerfer says.
“The profit margins seem to have increased over the years.”
That's the reason the Beiersdoerfers started Interveston — to bring the cost of wine down to where it was years ago.
“If you compare our prices to those at any store, you will become a real
wine fan,” Beiersdoerfer says. “I don’t know of anyone else in Alabama or the Southeast is offering this.”
Interveston Wine Club is not selling wine by the bottle or pushing any particular product.
“The wine enthusiasts who are attracted to our club are the people who know exactly what they like,” Beiersdoerfer says. “They know exactly what they’ve been paying in a retail store. And they want to know what we’re selling it for.”
Interveston Wine Club
• Call: 205-283-2680
• Web: intervestonwineclub.com
Beiersdoerfer also uses his deep knowledge of wines to turn customers onto new brands
Based on a customer’s current favorite Cabernet, for example, Beiersdoerfer may turn them onto a similar wine that’s just as good but less expensive.
“Some people think that the more expensive the wine the better it tastes, but that’s not true,” Beiersdoerfer says. “If you like Silver Oak from Napa Valley, you’ll probably like Austin Hope, which is less expensive.”
Beiersdoerfer also suggests that buyers check out the featured wines on the Interveston website.
“I’ve had every one of them, and they're all great,” he says.
People can always find something in their price range, as well.
“The price range goes from $395.95 all the way down to $12.95,” Beiersdoerfer says. “Our discounts can range from $3-$50 or more per bottle, depending on the wine.”
For more information or to place an order call 205-283-2680 or go to intervestonwineclub.com
Construction on the expansion is expected to be completed by October.
The jail, built more than 20 years ago, was originally designed to hold roughly 236 inmates. However, the inmate population has outgrown the facility, and the new plans aim to provide more focused care for those incarcerated.
Currently, the jail has two pods. A third pod will be added, providing more beds along with dedicated spaces for inmates under mental health watch.
The medical portion of the jail will include approximately 23 beds, while the new mental health support space will have roughly 18 beds. An additional unit will feature 24 beds and support spaces.
As part of the renovations, the jail will also undergo a comprehensive update to bring its technology and central control systems up to modern standards.
In 2024, Samaniego said the jail hired a social worker to advocate for inmates.
“We have someone now who works to really help those who are incarcerated, whether it is helping them get a driver’s license, a GED, or various programs to work with them so that when they are released, they don’t go right back to where they were,” Samaniego said. “I really can’t say enough good things about the position and the work that our social worker does. It really has been a great thing added.”
The new mental health unit will allow for more direct supervision, with staff present at all times to monitor and ensure the well-being of inmates.
Samaniego noted that the current jail setup requires special blocks to be designated for inmates with special medical or mental health needs, but the facility often struggles with capacity issues.
“We have some cases that are more severe, and the more severe cases require more hands on deck,” Samaniego said. “This project will allow more supervision and ultimately more safety.”
The expansion plans include a segregation unit, a new mental health wing, expanded inmate property storage, repurposed office spaces, an expanded medical unit, and a new housing pod to
increase overall capacity.
While mental health issues are not new, Samaniego said society has become more accepting and focused on addressing them.
“Mental health issues are not new issues, but I think more people talk about it and accept it now than when they did, say, 20 or 30 years ago,” Samaniego said. “The state got rid of its mental health facilities years ago, and in the ’90s, you had alternative sentencing such as drug court or mental health court. I think the average person who is not familiar with law enforcement does not realize that 90 percent of our job is helping people. Mental health has always been a focus, but I think you are starting to have a more centralized focus on classifying these inmates. We are getting more severe cases now.”
Samaniego was elected Shelby County sheriff in 2014 and was re-elected for a second term, which began on Jan. 14, 2019.
The operational and administrative responsibilities of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office include overseeing the jail, which will have a 550-plus bed capacity upon expansion, and managing more than 240 employees.
“I think a lot of people would be surprised with all of the things our deputies have to come into contact with on a daily basis,” Samaniego said. “Making sure that they are equipped with all of the ways to handle the things they come into contact with is a big priority for me.”
Samaniego said deputies undergo training on mental health issues to better understand and address specific situations.
When construction is complete, Samaniego estimates the facility will feature the first dedicated medical mental health unit in the state.
“When you are dealing with construction on a facility like this, security is paramount,” Samaniego said. “We cannot put any of the inmates around construction, but I think so far all of it is going well, and we are excited to see how it all turns out.”
Samaniego described Shelby County as “forward-thinking” and commended the Shelby County Commission for recognizing the need for the project.
“I am very proud of all of the work that has gone into this and really thankful for the Shelby County Commissioners who saw the need we were having and really took notice of that,” Samaniego said.
Sheriff John Samaniego will introduce a mental health sector of the county prison in 2025 aimed at reducing violence and personal issues inside the cells. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Sixth-graders have fun, learn about healthy lifestyles at Camp Journey
Drug abuse and addiction are serious problems among students and young adults in America.
The Shelby County District Attorney, Shelby County Manager and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office are fighting back with a unique program called Compact, which seeks to battle substance abuse and promote happy, healthy lifestyles among young people.
The School Resource Officers and other law enforcement personnel who take part in Compact work closely with young people and their families.
Compact personnel provide information, resources and even professional interventions when needed and work to build good relationships with young people and their families.
That effort continues in June and July of each year when Compact — with the SCSO and the Shelby County Board of Education — hosts its annual series of events for rising sixth-graders called Camp Journey.
This year, Compact will host camps with Vestavia Hills City Schools, Alabaster City Schools and the Shelby County Schools in Chelsea, Helena, Oak Mountain and potentially more.
Camp Journey is free of charge and staffed by SROs from Compact and the SCSO.
“The students see the fun side of law enforcement, and we’re able to mentor the students by building those relationships,” says Janae Pinson, Community
Resource Coordinator for Compact.
“Having good rapport with them is the key to gaining their confidence and trust.”
The students at Camp Journey have fun, make new friends and take part in team-building exercises.
“We’re able to watch the students work together and achieve goals through teamwork that they may not even know,” Pinson says.
The camp helps the kids learn leadership and build values like integrity, character, courage and discipline.
The students learn more about the
issues they will face during adolescence, such as bullying and social media, and gain new skills to navigate those challenges.
In addition, they participate in an exciting, fully immersive Junior Police & Sheriff’s Academy, allowing them to see and experience first-hand what SROs and other first responders do.
“We love being able to hang out with the kids, and we learn so much from them,” Pinson says. “We have new knowledge about what kids at that age are facing and how to better communicate with them.”
Camp Journey
Compact’s annual series of events for rising 6th-graders will be held daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations:
• Helena Middle School: June 9-13
• Louis Pizitz Middle School: June 16-19 (4-day camp)
• Thompson High School: June 23-27
• Oak Mountain Middle School: June 23-27
• Chelsea Middle School: July 7-11
• Application deadline: May 1
• More information: For more details, ask the SRO at your school or email Janae Pinson at jpinson@shelbycompact.org.
It’s also gratifying to see some students beginning to mature after attending Camp Journey.
“We’re able to watch students who arrived on the first day nervous and unsure of what they would be experiencing end the camp with new friends and a newfound confidence in making the transition to middle school,” Pinson said.
For more about Compact, go to compact2020.com or call 205-605-1824.
Across the street, the former site of Lloyd’s Restaurant stands vacant and for sale more than a year after its closure. Meadow Brook sits just north of the property, and a Lowe’s is across the road from Perrin’s store.
All of this makes Perrin & Son a throwback. But it’s more than that. It’s a thriving business on six acres of land along one of Birmingham’s busiest roads, surrounded by a flurry of residential developments.
The same growth that shuttered the old gas station (competition being the main reason, according to the Perrins) is what has helped the family’s landscaping business thrive.
“All the new development and all this other stuff — that’s really helped the business,” Perrin said. “It was real slow when I first started, but it has picked up ground.”
The housing developments lining U.S. 280 have created a demand for landscaping supplies, particularly for contractors working in neighborhoods where homeowners associations enforce landscaping standards.
That gives Perrin & Son a distinct niche compared to Lowe’s across the highway.
“We sell a lot of things in bulk that Lowe’s doesn’t, and it usually works out more economical to buy it in bulk,” Perrin said.
THE BEGINNING
The business started in “about” 1958 or 1959, said Jamie Perrin, the son of founder James Perrin and father of Trey.
James Perrin was just 20 years old when he bought the property with help from a banker who believed in his ability to repay the loan.
Jamie grew up in the house behind the old gas station where the family lived at the time.
“I was brought home from the hospital here 60 years ago,” he said.
The family now lives in Chelsea, having
moved years ago.
Initially, the business operated as a gas station — a logical choice for a road experiencing g rowing traffic. When the state expanded U.S. 280 in 1970, the road level was raised in front of the gas station.
“When they built the new highway around 1970, for some reason they built it up about 15 feet right in front of our store,” Jamie said.
“So we were going to be off in a tremendous hole. Well, my dad was friends with the guy in charge of grading the highway, and he came up with the idea of tearing the roof off the store and building a new store on top. They filled all that in out there, and we weren’t off in such a hole.”
While the gas station was now level with the highway, the new road also brought new competition. Jamie recalled that a station called Parade, where the RaceWay now sits near Walmart, was one of the first challengers.
In 1982, the family pivoted from the gas
station business to landscaping supplies.
“My dad had the forethought that we have to diversify and do something,” Jamie said.
SELLING OUT?
Perrin & Son now operates on six acres. Behind the old store is a bustling operation with 12 employees — and closer to 20, including contractors.
The property is home to mounds of soil, mulch, and gravel, with heavy machinery moving the materials to keep the area orderly. The family also runs a delivery truck. Most of their business comes from landscaping crews working in residential neighborhoods like Greystone and Meadow Brook.
Trey plans to take over the business one day and believes the location is key to its success.
“I don’t think I would ever want to move from here and restart somewhere, because the biggest thing is location,” Trey said.
For now, the decision about selling rests
with Trey’s parents.
Jamie said the family has received offers over the years. His father, James, was once offered $4.2 million for the property 35 or 40 years ago but refused to sell.
“But he said it ain’t for sale at no price. I’ll die right here,” Jamie said.
While Jamie has also turned down offers, he’s more open to the idea than his father was.
“I’ve been here 53 years,” Jamie said. “I’m ready to go home.”
Jamie has a price in mind.
“$10 million, and I’m going to the house,” he said.
POST-PANDEMIC MARKET
The commercial real estate market has been unpredictable since the pandemic, said Glenn Ponder, director of sales, leasing, and development for NAI Chase Commercial Real Estate Services in Birmingham.
“The markets shift, but it was time for a change, and I think COVID just forced that,” Ponder said. “I think something was going to happen, but COVID changed it in a weird way that I can’t understand.”
Part of the challenge is the rising cost of construction post-COVID.
“It’s getting tougher and tougher to build with these construction costs,” Ponder said. Ponder noted that land sellers often overestimate the value of their property, not factoring in the buyer’s costs for site preparation, building materials, and other expenses.
“If you’ve got a site in Trussville that’s half a mountain and your site prep work is $900,000 an acre, then you’re already falling behind the eight ball right there,” Ponder said. “It’s just difficult to get landowners to understand that because now they think their property is worth gold.”
For Jamie, if the right offer doesn’t come, he’s fine with Trey continuing the business.
“If it’s the Lord’s will, it will work out. If it don’t, I’ll be like my dad, and I’ll die here.”
Perrin & Son Landscaping Supplies
An aerial view of the intersection of 280 and 119 on Jan. 14. The Perrin & Son building, once surrounded by trees and open land, is now immersed in commercial buildings. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Left: Jamie Perrin sits on a swing where his father, who started Perrin & Son, enjoyed sitting looking at U.S 280. Right: Trey Perrin, the third generation of Perrin & Son Landscape Supplies, stands in front of the original gas station his grandfather bought on U.S. 280. Photos by Taylor Bright.
NEUROPATHY SEMINAR & FREE SCREENING
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Stubbs, DC
Basketball teams prep for postseason run
By KYLE PARMLEY
The high school basketball playoff run is set to begin in February.
Boys and girls varsity squads from Briarwood, Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park are among the teams looking to make a magical run.
As of press time, teams were in the midst of regular season area play.
Making that run first requires advancing past the area tournament. Chelsea and Spain Park are
each in Class 6A, Area 8, along with Pelham and Helena. Briarwood competes in Class 5A, Area 8, alongside Central-Clay County, Shelby County and Sylacauga. Oak Mountain is in Class 7A, Area 6, pitted against Hewitt-Trussville, Hoover and Vestavia Hills.
Those area tournaments will be played between Jan. 30 and Feb. 8, with two teams from each area moving on to the next round.
For Briarwood, Chelsea and Spain Park’s boys and girls, the next round is the sub-regional round. The winners of the area tournaments host
a sub-regional game, while the runners-up hit the road for their sub-regional.
Oak Mountain’s boys and girls play in 7A, which has half the teams of the other classes, so the Eagles would advance straight to the regional tournament if they are one of the top two.
Should any of the Briarwood, Chelsea or Spain Park teams win in the sub-regional, the regional tournament awaits. Any of them that advance will play in the Central Regional in Montgomery. Oak Mountain would head to
Jacksonville State University for the Northeast Regional. The regional tournaments are scheduled for Feb. 11-20.
Two wins are required at the regional tournament to qualify for the state final four, held at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena from Feb. 24 to March 1.
Last season, Briarwood’s girls made it to the sub-regional round. Chelsea’s girls reached the regional final, while the boys made it to regionals for the first time in eight years. Oak Mountain’s boys also advanced to the regional tournament.
Left: Chelsea’s Haley Trotter (23) protects the ball during the game against Homewood on Nov. 19. Right: Oak Mountain’s Blake Benson (13) shoots the ball in a game against Hoover on Jan. 9. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
Treating patients like family
EYES ON CHELSEA VISION CARE
At Eyes on Chelsea Vision Care, Dr. Jessica Palmer and her staff offer patients a wide range of top-quality products, technologies and services.
Even better, they provide this excellent care in a warm, friendly, supportive atmosphere.
“We treat our patients like family,” Dr. Palmer says. “We greet them with a smile and help them see life more clearly.” Services include primary eye care, such as eye examinations and prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and handling emergencies like pink or red eyes.
Eyes on Chelsea provides myopia control with drops and contact lenses, vision therapy for crossed or lazy eyes and glaucoma treatments.
They have numerous dry-eye treatments, including drops, nose sprays, specialty contact lenses and Cynosure Envy radiofrequency treatments.
Dr. Palmer and her staff also pay close attention to patients and their concerns.
“I really listen to what a patient is telling me,” Dr. Palmer says.
She takes time to fully explain the results of eye exams to patients and present clear treatment options.
Dr. Palmer and her staff also continually seek out new innovations to better serve patients, such as OPTOS retinal imaging for patients who don’t want their eyes dilated.
A long-time Chelsea resident, Dr.
Palmer received her optometry doctorate at UAB in 2005 and has practiced for almost 20 years in Chelsea and Sylacauga. She was named Shelby County Healthcare Practitioner of the Year for 2022.
The practice also serves the pediatric community, thanks to Dr. Rena Lewis, with 30 years of clinical and teaching experience.
Services We Offer
Dr. Jessica Palmer
Dr. Rena Lewis
Nephrology Associates provides expert care for Alabamians with polycystic kidney disease
NEPHROLOGY ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetic disorder that affects about 1 in every 1,000 people. As the most common inherited kidney disease, ADPKD accounts for nearly 5% of patients who eventually develop end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The condition is caused by genetic mutations primarily in one of two genes — PKD1 and PKD2 — which lead to the formation of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, among other effects
These cysts grow over time, often crowding out healthy kidney tissue and impairing kidney function. The growth of these cysts can lead to kidney failure, eventually requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. As the cysts enlarge, patients may also experience symptoms such as early satiety (feeling full quickly), back pain, and abdominal discomfort.
HOW ADPKD IS DIAGNOSED AND MANAGED?
ADPKD is often identified through imaging studies, like ultrasounds or CT scans ordered by a doctor, especially when a patient has a family history of the condition. Interestingly, about 25% of new cases occur in individuals with no prior family history. This can result from a new, spontaneous mutation or in situations where patients have limited knowledge about their family health history.
In addition to kidney cysts, patients with ADPKD often experience early-onset high blood pressure (hypertension) and are more prone to developing kidney stones. These issues often prompt imaging tests, which can ultimately lead to a diagnosis of ADPKD.
Genetic testing has become much more accessible in recent years. It can help confirm the diagnosis and offer valuable information on the specific genetic mutation present, providing patients with a deeper understanding of their condition.
Once diagnosed, patients can benefit from lifestyle changes to manage the disease. For example, increasing fluid intake may help slow cyst growth by suppressing antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which encourages cyst growth. Controlling blood pressure is particularly important in ADPKD patients, and stricter blood pressure control is typically recommended compared to patients without the condition.
The approval of Tolvaptan in 2018 has been a significant development in ADPKD care. This medication blocks ADH and is specifically targeted at patients with ADPKD who are at risk for rapid
progression. Tolvaptan can significantly slow the progression of the disease, potentially adding valuable years before patients require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Its use requires special monitoring and management by a nephrologist.
Coinciding with the arrival of Tolvaptan, new methods for assessing kidney disease progression in ADPKD patients have been developed. One such method involves measuring a patient’s height-adjusted total kidney volume through specialized imaging. This measurement allows doctors to track how quickly the disease is advancing, predict which patients are at risk for rapid progression, and identify those who will benefit most from treatments like Tolvaptan.
A PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO ADPKD CARE
For more than 10 years, I’ve had the good fortune of specializing in the care of patients with ADPKD. My training in this field began when my institution participated in clinical studies of Tolvaptan. I’ve been among the first nephrologists in the state to incorporate its use into the management of patients after its approval. This experience
► CALL: 205-226-5900
► WEB: nephrologypc.com
helps me guide patients and work through any complications that may arise.
Because ADPKD is a familial condition, I often have the privilege of caring for multiple generations in a family. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience to get to know families and guide them through the complexities of this condition together.
COMPREHENSIVE CARE AT NAPC
At Nephrology Associates, P.C. (NAPC), we are proud to offer comprehensive care for patients with ADPKD. Our team has the expertise needed to diagnose and manage ADPKD, from early-stage care to addressing complications as the disease progresses. We have experience interpreting the specialized imaging needed to characterize the disease, obtaining genetic analysis, and providing treatment.
We also work closely with kidney transplant centers, providing proactive referrals for patients who may benefit from a kidney transplant. At NAPC, we’re dedicated to guiding our patients every step of the way, helping them navigate the complexities of ADPKD treatment.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ADPKD or is experiencing related symptoms, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, learn more about your treatment options, and take control of your kidney health.
JAMES HARMS, M.D. was born in Evanston, Illinois, and grew up in Houston, Texas. He attended Texas A&M University, where he graduated with a degree in biomedical science. He later attended UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Dr. Harms continued his training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for internal medicine residency and nephrology fellowship, where he served as chief nephrology fellow during his final year of training.
Dr. Harms is board-certified in both nephrology and internal medicine. He is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Society of Nephrology.
James Harms, M.D.
TherapySouth providing ‘Hands On Care, Close to Home — and Work!’
THERAPYSOUTH
Q: Why should someone see a physical therapist?
A: Most often, patients are referred to one of our clinics by their orthopedic surgeon or primary care physician to assist with recovery from an injury or procedure. But, physical therapy is beneficial to anyone seeking pain relief and improved function. The physical therapy approach is to evaluate the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems and address movement limitations or malalignments that are affecting mobility and causing pain. When patients come to physical therapy first, they can often avoid unnecessary surgery and medication. Through intentional exercises and hands-on treatment, patients can get back to their hobbies, everyday tasks and more.
Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral to schedule an appointment at TherapySouth?
A: Patients are able to schedule an appointment without a physician’s referral. Your therapist will perform an initial evaluation to determine if therapy is appropriate for you. They will work with your primary care physician, or physician specialist to create your best care plan. To schedule an appointment, patients can call the clinic directly or visit our website to check appointment availability and set up an initial visit.
Q: What makes TherapySouth stand out in the physical therapy industry?
A: TherapySouth is a private, physical therapist-owned practice that has been serving the greater Birmingham communities for over 15 years. Our numerous convenient locations across the metro area allows us to live out our message of providing “Hands On Care, Close to Home — and Work!” Our staff develop relationships with each patient and truly make the clinic environment feel like a family. With access to quality physical therapy care, we believe we can help our community live better, healthier lives!
Q: What would you like potential patients to know about your practice?
A: We take our core values very seriously. We are a company based on faith that believes in family, integrity, service, compassion, fitness, perseverance, and giving. We try to instill these values in all our employees and encourage them to live them out not only at work as professionals, but also in their personal lives.
Q: What does a first visit look like at TherapySouth?
A: During the initial evaluation, your therapist will
take a thorough history of your condition or injury and review past medical history that may influence your case. Appropriate baseline objective measures will be recorded to evaluate throughout your treatment, such as range of motion and strength. Together, you and your therapist will discuss and set goals to help you achieve maximum function. Your therapist will determine a treatment plan and prescribe a home exercise program for you to perform at home to compliment therapeutic activities performed in the clinic. In addition, skilled manual techniques are utilized to further enhance recovery. Your therapist will communicate and coordinate with other health care professionals as needed to provide optimal care.
Q: Your team offers traditional orthopedic services and wellness services. Can you explain the difference?
A: We are passionate about helping patients go beyond recovery and become stronger and more active in their everyday lives. In addition to traditional treatment for orthopedic injury, we often work with competitive athletes, weekend warriors, or anyone looking to improve their performance. Wellness
Greystone
► WHERE: 2823 Greystone Commercial Blvd., Birmingham
► CALL: 205-408-1713
► WEB: therapysouth.com
Chelsea
► WHERE: 100 Chelsea Corners Way, Suite 100, Chelsea
► CALL: 205-678-7272
► WEB: therapysouth.com
Patchwork Farms
► WHERE: 3056 Healthy Way, Suite 116, Vestavia Hills
► CALL: 205-783-5270
► WEB: therapysouth.com
services include dry needling, KT tape application, stretching, soft-tissue mobilization, and more. Wellness services can be purchased as time block packages to maximize the success of treatment.
Q: How has TherapySouth grown and changed over the years?
A: Our founder and CEO, Steve Foster, PT, started TherapySouth in 2006 with a vision for the practice to be therapist-owned and provide quality hands-on care, close to patient’s home and work. While the practice has grown to over 45 clinics across Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi — our commitment to core values and clinical excellence remains the same. In addition, all clinics are owned and operated by physical therapists – ensuring the highest quality of care for our patients. This growth has led to more opportunities for continued education, specialization in needed services and improving the wellness in our communities. We are excited to continue growing our team and to be able to provide resources and training for our staff to make positive impacts in the lives of their patients.
Bo Dawson, PT, DPT | Clinic Director - Greystone
Renew Dermatology at Greystone promises high-level care, same-day appointments
RENEW DERMATOLOGY
Jennifer Bares, a board-certified dermatologist at Renew Dermatology, may have studied dermatology under world-renowned doctors in New York, but when it came time to set her roots, she knew she would return to Alabama with her husband.
“We just wanted to be closer to family when we started having kids, and we decided to move back because both my parents and my husband’s family are here in town,” Bares said.
Upon returning, she joined Renew Dermatology, which has offices in Homewood and Greystone.
Renew Dermatology, established in 2018, recently expanded to Greystone in August 2023 to meet increasing demand. In addition to Bares, co-owner Kristy Curl and nurse practitioners Caroline Wilson and Taylor Holsombeck serve the Greystone office.
“Greystone was an obvious choice for us because I had already seen patients in that area for seven years prior to opening Renew,” Curl said. “After a brief hiatus while establishing the Homewood office, I wanted to be able to move closer for those established patients who had been making the trek down 280 for me. With my ties to the
► WHERE: 2827 Greystone Commercial Blvd. in Greystone and 1651 Independence Court in Homewood
► CALL: 205-580-1500
► WEB: renew dermatology.net
Greystone community, and with Dr. Bares family ties, it was an easy decision.”
The Greystone team is excited to be able to serve the area and other communities further down 280.
“It’s been such a pleasure to be back,” Curl said.
The Greystone clinic focuses on a mix of medical and cosmetic dermatology.
“We do all types of medical dermatology from run-of-the-mill acne, warts, and pediatric eczema in addition to mole and skin cancer checks,” Bares said. “On the cosmetic side, we take pride in our expertise with the injectables including botulinum toxins and dermal fillers.”
Bares said she enjoys seeing a wide range of patients and loves the variety dermatology affords her.
“I might have an acne patient to start the day. And then I move into doing a skin check, making sure someone doesn’t have any skin cancer,” she said.
Bares also emphasized accessibility at Renew Dermatology.
“Sometimes dermatology gets a bad rap, because it can take months and months to get an appointment,” Bares said. “You hear people say ‘I need to see a dermatologist, but they couldn’t see me until next year.’ That’s not actually the case with us. Because we brought two new providers on last fall, myself and Taylor, our nurse practitioner, we are actually able to get even new patients in usually within a couple weeks. If there are people out there that feel like they need a dermatologist and need one sooner rather than later, we’re available.”
For Bares, the opportunity to get to know people in the community and help them in a variety of ways is what she enjoys most.
“Seeing the different patient ages, being able to follow them. And then, as well, being able to do a little bit of that creativity and artsy side with the cosmetics is one thing I think makes dermatology the perfect specialty, because it pairs all those things together.”
Business Buzz
BUSINESS HAPPENINGS
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
McLeod Software has partnered with Motorcity Systems to enhance its LoadMaster Symphony Mobile Communications platform. This certified integration enables seamless data flow between McLeod’s LoadMaster platform and Motorcity’s ROLLER mobile app, a driver-focused solution offering messaging, workflow, and truck-safe navigation.
205-823-5100, mcleodsoftware.com
The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce is offering free business coaching sessions with Bradley Koch every Tuesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the chamber offices at 3000 Riverchase Galleria, Suite 375. To reserve a spot, go to promo.4sightcoach.com/chamber-office-hours.
205-988-5672, hooverchamber.org
As of Jan. 1, APCO Employees Credit Union (with
LEADING
locations at 6400 Tattersall Park Drive in Hoover and 370 Chelsea Crossroads) and Mutual Savings Credit Union announced the official approval of a merger of the two credit unions. Mutual Savings Credit Union now operates as a division of APCO Employees Credit Union, and both credit unions will work toward a full systems conversion expected to be completed in 2025. 205-547-9400, 205-678-2715, apcocu.org, mutualsavings.org
Brookwood Baptist Health has officially rebranded to become Baptist Health, and the system’s five central Alabama hospitals and other facilities have undergone name changes as well. That includes the Baptist Health freestanding emergency department at 7131 Cahaba Valley Road. Baptist Health on Oct. 1 became part of Orlando Health, which serves the southeastern United States and Puerto Rico. Orlando Health manages dayto-day operations of the system in partnership with the Baptist Health System.
205-725-6800, baptisthealthal.com
PERSONNEL MOVES
RealtySouth recently welcomed Khalilah Williams to its Chelsea office, located at 331 Chelsea Corners Way, Suite 101, Chelsea. As a professionally trained and licensed Realtor, Williams is committed to providing clients with powerful marketing strategies, utilizing current technology tools and staying informed on market trends. Williams looks forward to serving clients in the years to come.
205-440-9069, khalilahwilliams.realtysouth.com
Burn Boot Camp has promoted Brandi Davis to be the regional community manager for all four of its Birmingham-area locations (Meadow Brook, Hoover, Homewood and Vestavia Hills). She has been a member of Burn Boot Camp since May 2019. She taught first grade for 10 years at McAdory Elementary School and has been
WAY
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
a substitute teacher for Hoover City Schools for many years. She also was the hospitality chairwoman for Gwin Elementary School and Hoover High School for years. 205-913-8154, burnbootcamp.com
ANNIVERSARIES
The Florist in Chelsea is celebrating its one-year anniversary at 11728 Chelsea Road. Tiffany Miller, the owner, has over 10 years of experience with flowers and a passion for supporting local artisans. Her shop offers beautiful floral arrangements alongside products from 11 local artisans. The Florist in Chelsea specializes in fresh-cut flowers, custom glass vases, candles, handmade jewelry, and unique stone fire pots. The shop also supports other small businesses and offers delivery within a 15-mile radius. 205-123-4567, floristinchelsea.com
CLOSINGS
Swoozie’s recently closed its location at The Summit. Known for its unique gifts, stationery and party supplies, Swoozie’s served as a go-to destination for celebratory and personalized items. 205-555-6789, swoozies.com
From left: Dr. Campbell, Dr. Tate, Jett, Dr. Allison, Dr. LeBlanc, Dr. Wood, Dr. Dodgen
By STAFF
Sips and Bites
Julie Gardner is a community sales ambassador with Taziki’s, which has locations around the Birmingham area, including one on Colonnade Parkway off U.S. 280.
Q: Tell us briefly about the restaurant.
A: Taziki’s is modern Mediterranean, and it is fast casual. You can find us throughout the Birmingham area. The very first Taziki’s opened 26 years ago, founded by Keith and Amy Richards. The entire mission and vision of the restaurant came from one of their trips to Greece. They wanted to create amazing food and foster a sense of community around it.
Q: What is your favorite item on the menu and why?
A: My new favorite menu item — because it changes from week to week — is the Monday special: the chicken portobello mushroom sandwich. I don’t know what wonderful, awesome buttery sauce they put on that, but it is so delicious. It’s a hidden gem. You’ve got to try it, but it’s only available on Mondays.
Q: What sets you apart from your competitors?
A: What makes Taziki’s unique is its commitment to community and culture. Without community, we’d just be in the kitchen cooking, so we value connecting with our neighbors in town.
Q: Anything new or upcoming we should know?
A: When it’s cold outside, so many times you just want a warm bowl of soup. Well, Taziki’s is the place to get some soup. We have our regular lemon chicken soup with rice in it, so check us out when you need to warm up a little.
By STAFF
Kyuramen in Inverness opened in December. The international ramen chain is located at 950 Inverness Corners, where Newk’s previously operated.
It is the first location in Alabama for the chain, which has more than 100 locations worldwide. Founded in 2014 by Gary Lin, a New York entrepreneur, Kyuramen aims to offer a taste and experience that feels like stepping into a quiet shop in Japan.
Its honeycomb seats and curtained booths provide private dining experiences, while bar seating is available for visitors who prefer to be part of the action.
The restaurant also offers a unique way to try multiple dishes with its yin-yang bowl, which is divided in half to allow for two ramen choices.
Kyuramen’s menu features a wide array of ramen options, showcasing the savory flavors for which the chain is known. Its signature dish, Tonkotsu Ramen, is a standout, with creamy pork bone broth, tender chashu pork, and a marinated soft-boiled egg. Other highlights include Sapporo Miso Ramen, known for its earthy and robust flavor, and innovative offerings such as
fried rice burgers and omurice — a Japanese omelet dish served over seasoned rice.
The staff strives to prepare food to the highest standard and create a welcoming environment for all customers.
The Inverness location also features a boba tea bar, which allows customers to order 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. For more information, call 205-968-1999 or visit kyuramen.com.
Crab Cakes
Kyuramen, a new ramen restaurant in Hoover opened recently in Inverness. They serve traditional Japanese dishes and offer boba team.
Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Community calendar FEB
The Alabama Troubadours
► Where: The Song Theater, 105 W. College St., Columbiana
► When: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.)
► Call: 205-669-0044
► Web: shelbycountyartscouncil.com
► Tickets: $35 (+tax/fees)
► Details: Celebrate the music of John Prine with a star-studded lineup, including Rick Carter, Stan Foster, Donna Hall, and William “Moose” Harrell. Featuring soulful renditions of Prine’s classics, this performance blends authenticity with exceptional talent. Donna Hall, an Alabama and Georgia Music Hall of Fame member, delivers stunning duets alongside Carter. Free parking and accessible seating are available. Patrons must bring paper or mobile tickets. Tickets are non-refundable.
Lore: Wisdom and Folklore from the Wild
► Where: Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, Oak Mountain State Park
► When: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
► Call: 205-620-2520
► Web: alapark.com/parks/ oak-mountain-state-park/park-events
► Details: Explore nature’s global folklore in this engaging program at Oak Mountain State Park. Learn fascinating stories from the past and meet teacher creatures ready to share tales of their own. This free program is included with park entry. It’s a family-friendly event offering insights into our natural world’s rich history. The program emphasizes the interconnectedness of human culture and wildlife, inspiring attendees to value and protect the environment.
Mt Laurel Knitting Group
► Where: Ann Price Activity Room, Mt Laurel Library, 111 Olmsted St.
► When: Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, 2–4 p.m.
► Details: Join fellow crafters at this monthly knitting group in a welcoming, relaxed environment. Share techniques, swap ideas, and enjoy creative camaraderie. Knitters, crocheters, and other needlework enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited. Whether you’re working on a new project or completing an old one, this gathering offers inspiration and community. Hosted by Jamie Skripnik, the event does not require registration, making it easy for anyone to participate. Come and connect over your love for crafts.
The Great Backyard Bird Count 2025
► Where: Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, Oak Mountain State Park
► When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, 10–11 a.m.
► Call: 205-620-2520
► Web: alapark.com/parks/ oak-mountain-state-park/park-events
► Details: Contribute to citizen science by joining the Great Backyard Bird Count. Identify and count birds in this collaborative effort to help scientists track avian populations. Learn from park staff as they guide you through the count and share insights into bird identification. After the event, data will be submitted to eBird for use in scientific research. This activity is suitable for nature lovers of all ages, providing an opportunity to connect with the outdoors and make a meaningful contribution to conservation efforts.
Joining The Shelby County Chamber just may be the best decision we’ve made since we started. Everything this Chamber offers – business networking opportunities, one-on-one business consulting, workshops and the increased visibility we receive as investors – has benefited our company. We realize that making this annual investment is something we need to do to keep our business moving forward. For more information on how your business can benefit by investing in The Shelby
email or call info@shelbychamber.org |
Helical Piers
Journey to Miss America
Miss Hoover 2024 Abbie Stockard talks about being ‘authentically Abbie’
By JON ANDERSON
Abbie Stockard never competed in beauty pageants or scholarship competitions growing up.
Although she watched the Miss America competition with her mother and sister over the years, she never imagined she would one day hold the title herself.
So when the 22-year-old Auburn University student who won Miss Hoover 2024 and then Miss Alabama 2024 heard her name called out and felt the Miss America crown put on her head in Orlando on Jan. 5, the moment felt surreal.
“I entered my first pageant my freshman year of college on a whim,” she said.
She took part in the Miss Auburn University competition hoping to earn money
to help pay for college. She came in third runner-up but also gained determination to keep trying.
The next weekend, she participated in the Miss Cahaba Valley competition and won, earning her a spot in the Miss Alabama competition. She was third runner-up her first year in Miss Alabama in 2022, then fourth runner-up as Miss Trussville in 2023 and then finally won Miss Alabama in 2024 as Miss Hoover.
But Stockard said she believes the key to winning isn’t competing in many pageants.
“You win by going in and staying true to your unique and beautiful self, not conforming to what you consider is America’s idea of perfect,” she said.
Stockard said she did indeed do a lot of preparation for Miss America, working out daily to stay physically fit, daily practicing her dance routine she did for her talent and doing extensive preparation for interviews and on-stage questions.
“The judges’ one-on-one interview — they can ask you anything, so I spent the past six months educating myself on social and political issues, making sure that I could formulate
opinions basically to anything that’s happening in our nation, but also globally,” Stockard said.
For winning Miss America, Stockard received a $50,000 scholarship, bringing her total scholarships from competitions to more than $89,000. She had to take a year out of school as Miss Alabama, and now that will be extended with a year as Miss America. She plans to return to Auburn to finish her undergraduate nursing degree and then obtain a doctorate in nurse anesthesia and become a pediatric nurse anesthetist.
Stockard also will be using this year to further shine a spotlight on cystic fibrosis and the need for a cure. Her best friend has cystic fibrosis, and raising awareness about it and money for research is a passion for her.
“I have a heart of compassion and joy and service, and so I have found that I have the greatest sense of fulfillment when I’m giving of myself to others,” she said. “That’s when I’m at my personal best, so that’s what I want to make the focus of my year — serving others and truly using this position of influence to touch the hearts and the lives of the people across our nation.”
Miss Alabama 2024 Abbie Stockard takes a walk as the new Miss America 2025 in Orlando on Jan. 5. Photo courtesy of Houston M Photography
Young Abbie Stockard Miss Cahaba Valley 2022 Miss Trussville 2023
Miss Hoover 2024
Miss Alabama 2024
Photos courtesy of Kimberly and Abbie Stockard.
Faces of the 280 corridor
Spreading love through the art of flowers
By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT
Tiffany Miller, owner of The Florist in Chelsea, works hard to send beautiful arrangements to her customers during the Valentine’s Day shopping rush.
Miller previously worked as a flower delivery driver in Columbiana. Three years ago, she took a leap of faith and opened her own shop on Alabama 119.
“My favorite flowers may be tulips since they keep growing,” Miller said. “My flowers come from farms in Ecuador. Once a week, I get a case of flowers from the airport.”
Miller also shares her love of flowers with local schools. Last year, she partnered with Chelsea High School to create a pop-up shop where girls could choose their prom flowers. She donated a percentage of the profits back to the school.
When preparing for big events like dances or holidays, Miller has learned not to limit herself. Before Feb. 14, the flower shop receives more than 10 times the orders of a typical week, she said. To meet the demand, Miller enlists the help of her son and husband to ensure flowers arrive to everyone’s special someone on time.
“After 15 years, I still love delivering flowers and seeing the surprise on people’s faces when they realize someone thought about them,” Miller said.
Tiffany Miller arranges Valentine’s Day flowers at her shop called the Florist in Chelsea off of U.S. 280 in Chelsea. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
These Wedding Gurus Found Their Perfect Match
Michael and Linda Adler know a thing or two about tying the knot. As the owners of the Barn at Shady Lane, a wedding venue here in the Birmingham area, they make dreams come true all the time. We’re proud to have done the same for them when we helped match them with their new 2025 Volvo XC60. As creative people with a passion for music, the Adlers love the refined Scandinavian design and excellent sound system on board their new XC60. For every ride there’s Royal!
There’s way more to the 2025 Volvo XC60 than meets the eye. This midsize SUV comes with AWD standard. Its mild hybrid powertrain means using less gas and fewer tailpipe emissions with no loss of performance. Plus, it’s brainy to boot, with Google built-in to make your drive smarter than ever. Test drive yours where I-65 meets Highway 31 in Vestavia.
Michael and Linda Adler with their new 2025 XC60 B5 AWD.