280 Living
March 2016 | Volume 9 | Issue 7
neighborly news & entertainment
heart child the
of a
By ERICA TECHO
L
orelei Posey doesn’t know who London Mullaly will be, but she is already anticipating his or her arrival. London is the name Lorelei’s godparents, Jenny and Jay Mullaly, have chosen for their future adopted child. Lorelei, a first-grade student at Chelsea Park Elementary, is helping raise money for their adoption. After participating in the Shelby County Art Show in April, Lorelei asked to have her own art show, where she could display all of her paintings.
Lorelei Posey stands with one of the paintings she has for sale, titled “My Very Own Starry Night.” Photo by Erica Techo.
See LORELEI | page A30
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Summer Camp Guide ...B15 Sports ............................... C2 Opinion ............................C12 Calendar ..........................C13
Shelby residents split on Sunday alcohol sales By ERICA TECHO
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Couple starts new chapter of their lives after falling in love and marrying each other in senior living facility’s first wedding.
See page B1
Gone Fishing Members of Chelsea High School’s fishing club form tight-knit bonds both on and off the water.
See page C1
The Beverage Place has been closed every Sunday since Joe and J.J. Rueschenberg bought the package store in Inverness Plaza 18 years ago, but after March 1, that could change. On March 1, Shelby County voters will be able to vote for or against Sunday alcohol sales on their primary election ballot. “I think it [Sunday sales] will definitely have a moderate impact if not a large one, and if not for us, even for the restaurants that are not allowed to sell on Sundays now,” said Joe Rueschenberg, who also owns The Pink Package Store on U.S. 280.
YOU’RE THINKING SPRING CLEAN.
When Shelby County legislators chose to place Sunday alcohol sales on the primary ballot, they were responding to ongoing requests from cities that saw the lack of sales as a detriment, state Rep. Mike Hill, R-Columbiana, said. “As long as I’ve been there, the cities and the county have just beaten the legislative delegation to death to try and get Sunday sales because they realized they’re losing some revenue they were missing,” Hill said. Joe Godfrey, executive director of the Alabama Citizens Action Program and Shelby County resident, said putting Sunday sales on the
See VOTE | page A31
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March 2016 • A3
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A4 • March 2016
About Us Editor’s Note By Sydney Cromwell Spring is on its way. The days may not always feel like it, but I’m convinced that warm sunshine is headed our way. I’m only a little disappointed we didn’t get any snow this winter. While you wait for spring to bring its flowers and warmer days, I hope you’ll enjoy the stories inside this March issue. Read about some of the businesses popping up along the corridor, including the intriguing Spy Pro Shop. I hope you’ll be inspired by the Danberry at Inverness couple who found a new love after age 80 and Darlene Waters, who is bringing the practice of meditation to the 280 area. Also, I particularly recommend reading the stories of Lorelei Posey, who is giving her art to
help a family friend raise money for adoption, and Dr. Alvin Atlas, who gives his veterinary expertise to help wilder patients. If the weather inspires you to shed the heavy coats and get outside, consider signing up for the Oak Mountain Color Run and get doused with paint and colorful powder to spice up your run. Whatever story catches your eye, I hope this issue of 280 Living gives you lots to enjoy.
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BEHIND THE LENS By Frank Couch After arriving early for the 2016 Polar Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park, I found Pelham fi efig ters Adam Moore and Steve Kiel in drysuits ready to man safety checkpoints for the participants. As they prepared to spend a couple of hours in the water, other fi efig ters rigged ropes, weights and buoys for teams to touch as they entered the water. The teams raised funds to support athletes competing in the Special Olympics, then took a dip into the chilly waters off the beach at the park. Technical Data: NIKON D810: Lens (mm): 24, ISO: 400, Aperture: 7.1, Shutter: 1/200.
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March 2016 • A5
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A6 • March 2016
280 News
Lacrosse eyed for expansion in Shelby By ERICA TECHO Shelby County hopes to build up its lacrosse programs, County Manager Alex Dudchock told the County Commission recently. Dudchock said the popularity of lacrosse creates a good opportunity for scholarships and to bring visitors into the county for tournaments. In 2015, the county helped complete a new NCAA track complex with a lacrosse field at the University of Montevallo. The university hosted a collegiate game Feb. 5, and Dudchock said the attendance was encouraging. “We’re trying to grow that [lacrosse], not only at the university level, but we’re having meetings with operators, one on the rec side and hopefully a very large club-like operator,” Dudchock said. “If you don’t remember, in 1996, we were in the early stages of the soccer club phenomenon.” Lacrosse could benefit the county in a similar way to soccer, Dudchock said. A new sport offers students scholarship opportunities and brings in visitors who then stay at local hotels, eat at local restaurants and shop at local stores, he said. Even though lacrosse is played at all high schools in Shelby County, athletes would be able to develop their skills through rec or club programs, Dudchock said, citing Jack Jasinski, an Oak Mountain High School graduate who now plays lacrosse at Ohio State. “It’s still not, like some states, a state high school athletic sanctioned sport, and that’s mainly because of resources at all the different high schools in the state of Alabama,” Dudchock said. “When you start adding a sport, you better be ready field-wise, equipment-wise, uniform-wise, coaching-wise. … It wasn’t too long
Spain Park and Oak Mountain high schools’ lacrosse teams play at Spain Park High School. Photo courtesy of Spain Park High School.
ago that soccer wasn’t even sanctioned.” Dudchock told the commission that if they heard of individuals hoping to build a lacrosse program, they could email the county. During his county manager’s report, Dudchock also discussed the county’s progress on its newest airplane hangar. The structural steel for the hangar has been received, and construction is beginning, he said. “As with our other projects, it has already been 100 percent leased,” Dudchock said. There is an active waiting list for the hangar, and Dudchock said anyone interested in leasing a spot in the hangar in the future can add their name to that list. Inquiries about the hangar can
be made by calling the airport office. The county is also looking to purchase an existing hangar. This hangar could be used for tenants or the Sheriff’s Office, Dudchock said. While Sheriff John Samaniego has offered to pay for half of the new hangar, which would be proportional to the Sheriff’s Office’s usage of the hangar, Dudchock said that would not be necessary. “Looking internally at what we have been able to secure as far as price and where we’re at, I believe it’s something for you to consider and something for you to communicate back to the Sheriff that his offer for going halves is not necessary for the hangar, but he possibly could
program that to other capital purchases," Dudchock said. Those capital purchases could include more vehicles, vans, helicopters or other equipment. Also at the Feb. 8 meeting: ▶ The commission recognized Shelby County Commission Chaplain Hugh Richardson. The commission previously passed a resolution at its Jan. 11 meeting, recognizing Richardson for his public service and dedication to the county. Richardson received a framed copy of the signed resolution and photo plaque from the commission. ▶ Several contracts were awarded, including a $105,000 bid from Double AA Construction Co. for roof replacement for the Department of Human Resources building. ▶ The commission accepted a $67,650 bid from Transportation South for a secure inmate transport unit for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Samaniego said the county would not have to purchase the vehicle this year because the bid is good for three years. ▶ The commission approved bids for printed items for the property tax commissioner and for stone for the highway department. ▶ The commission approved fees that will be imposed for alcoholic beverage licenses for fiscal 2016. ▶ Dudchock said Shelby County DHR hopes to start a capital expansion project, expanding its building toward the Safe House campus in Columbiana. ▶ The commission approved two contracts with the Alabama Department of Transportation, including road resurfacing and turn lane and intersection improvements at the intersection of Alabama 70 and Shelby County 26 in Columbiana.
280Living.com
March 2016 • A7
A tent covers the thirdfloor atrium in Hoover City Hall to prevent the spread of dust while it is being renovated. The estimated cost of the total Hoover City Hall project, of which the redundant data center is the most costly item, is $4 million. Photos by Marienne Thomas Ogle.
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By MARIENNE THOMAS OGLE Hoover City Hall is undergoing a partial renovation that not only includes updating of security and fire alarm systems and some cosmetic upgrades, but installation of equipment to ensure the continuity of the community’s technological services in case of an unexpected emergency. Melinda Lopez, director of the information management and reporting department and leader of the city employee team that helped develop the plan, said the primary focus of the work is on the second floor and is two-fold. “We’re installing a diesel generator there that will be able to operate the entire city hall if there is a power outage,” Lopez said.”In addition, there will be a disaster recovery site for data should something happen to the public safety center.” According to Lopez, the public safety center, located on Valleydale Road, is currently “the meat” of the city’s live data activity and supports email and phone communication. Electronic records and files for revenue, building services, fire, police, fleet and mapping data are also supported there. “So the disaster recovery site or redundant data center will give us a fallback for data if the public safety center was affected by a tornado or the like, and the new generator that will let city hall continue to run,” she said. The estimated cost of the total Hoover City Hall project, of which the redundant data center is the most costly item, is $4 million. To some extent, it is impacting each of the building’s four floors. Overall completion date is mid- to late summer. Other changes to the second floor include the construction of new conference and training rooms with state-of-the-art audio and visual technology for collaboration and video conferencing capabilities, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible public restrooms, and storage units. The building’s second floor occupants—about 20 employees of the finance, human resources, purchasing, and information management and reporting departments—have “found nooks and crannies” in the public safety center as their temporary homes while the work goes on, Lopez said. The five members of the third floor city clerk’s office staff are working from the building’s
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Construction workers make progress on the Hoover City Hall renovation, which affects all four floors, primarily with a new redundant data center.
media and conference room while upgrades are made in their area, Lopez said. “That work, including paint, millwork and carpet, is a timing priority because they need to be back in place in time for the Aug. 23 election,” she said. Lopez said the city considered renting space or temporary trailers for displaced employees. “But it was cheaper to fit everyone in our existing facilities and easier for them to connect to our network,” she said. Other changes include the addition of a small first floor data room to facilitate connection to the redundant data center, and renovation of the second and fourth floors elevator and lobby areas. Mike Ogles, director of the city technology department, said the project, particularly the equipment additions, will greatly benefit Hoover City employees and citizens. “This will ensure that technical services remain available without interruption and ensure functionality in case something happens at either site on the technical side,” Ogles said.”There is something good here for everyone because there are so many dependencies on technology in today’s world and everyday living.”
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A8 • March 2016
Hundreds petition for traffic light at US 280 intersection By ERICA TECHO Chelsea Park residents want a traffic light, and Bobby Clayton Jr. has more than 500 signatures to prove it. A few months ago, Clayton started a petition asking the Alabama Department of Transportation to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Chelsea Park Drive and U.S. 280. Clayton, who is a UPS delivery driver and has lived in Chelsea Park since 2007, said he started the petition because of the high morning and rush hour traffic, as well as the number of school buses that come through the intersection. “I’ve been here for 10 years, and I just don’t know why, with the school system, that they hadn’t seen it as a need,” Clayton said. Clayton said after receiving enough signatures, he planned to speak with Todd Connell, ALDOT’s district manager for Shelby County. “I wanted to get 100 names first so it’d let him know that I was serious,” Clayton said. “Then when I got 100, I got 200, then I got 300.” The petition gained traction on the Chelsea Neighborhood Watch Facebook page, where residents also discussed drivers traveling above the speed limit and future development in Chelsea Park as their reason for supporting. It had received more than 500 signatures as of press time, and after speaking with Connell, Clayton said he seemed receptive to the idea of adding a traffic signal. Chester Lewis has one of those 511
signatures on the petition. As a State Farm insurance agent, Lewis said many of his clients’ claims have been from accidents occurring at the intersection. He said a cautionary light during the day would be fine, but a red light is necessary during the morning traffic hours. “A small inconvenience to save someone’s life is well worth it in my opinion,” Lewis said. In order to consider a traffic signal for an intersection, ALDOT spokesperson Linda Crockett said her agency first must complete a traffic study. These studies typically must be requested by city or county officials and are not completed because of online petitions, she said. However, in this case, ALDOT did complete a traffic study for the intersection of Chelsea Park Drive and U.S. 280 and is reviewing a proposal about the intersection, Crockett said. “We chose to have the study made to determine the extent of the issue being reported,” Crockett said in an email. Reviewing the study will determine if a traffic light is needed, she said. “We’re working to expedite it, but I don’t have a timeline at this time,” Crockett said. Although a traffic signal may not resolve all issues at the intersection, Clayton said he believes it is an important step toward combating the 65 mph speeds on U.S. 280. “That’s why we need a traffic light so bad,” he said. “Keep in mind, people will still run traffic lights, but at least it’ll slow traffic down.”
Chelsea Park resident Bobby Clayton Jr. cited high traffic and dangerous conditions as the reasons he started an online petition for a traffic signal at the intersection of Chelsea Park Drive and U.S. 280. Photo by Erica Techo.
280Living.com
March 2016 • A9
Hoover mayor wants to add 10 police offi ers to combat violent crime
The Organic Hair Salon
Hoover patrol officers sit through a roll call. Photo courtesy of Ellen Williams/Hoover Police Department
By JON ANDERSON An uptick in violent crime is prompting Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey to ask the City Council for about $600,000 this year to pay for 10 new patrol officers for the Hoover Police Department. Ivey said Hoover’s crime rate was down in 2015, but there seems to have been a recent surge in crime since January, not just in Hoover, but across the metro area, state and country. The Jan. 5 fatal shooting of a U.S. military veteran outside his home in the Lake Cyrus community shook the city of Hoover, Ivey said. “The killing we had at Lake Cyrus impacted the community more so because the city is not used to that,” Ivey said. “That’s not what we’re used to hearing about.” Hoover police Chief Nick Derzis reportedly told a Birmingham TV station that he could use 20 more patrol officers, but 10 would help do the job. Bluff Park resident Dan Fulton said at a February City Council meeting that if the Police Department needs 20 more patrol officers, the city should provide them immediately. “We can’t afford to not have safety and security in Hoover,” Fulton said. He said he doesn’t care how fancy the houses in Hoover are, how fancy the new $70 million Sportsplex will be or how fancy the Riverchase Galleria is. “If this city is not safe and secure, people are not going to come here and shop, and they’re not going to come here to live.”
Ivey said he has always been a strong proponent of public safety and that, in this case, Fulton may be right. “In this day and age, I don’t know that there are ever enough (police officers),” Ivey said. There are now about 160 sworn police officers in the Hoover Police Department, and Ivey said 10 more patrol officers is something the city can afford. “It’s one of those things that you can’t afford not to do,” he said. He expects to present a mid-year budget amendment to the City Council by the end of March, he said. If approved by the council, the money would come from the city’s general fund, he said. Ivey said he knows many residents are looking for ways to secure their homes and he recommends motion detectors on floodlights as an inexpensive crime deterrent. “If there is anything that people don’t like that are bad people, it’s lights,” he said. In other business in February, the Hoover City Council approved a resolution declaring its intent to issue warrants to pay for the $70 million Sportsplex the city plans to build next to Hoover Metropolitan Stadium and authorizing the use of future borrowed money to reimburse capital expenses already being made for the project. “We’re trying to get the project moving forward,” Hoover Finance Director Robert Yeager said. The council also named Waldrep, Stewart & Kendrick LLC as the legal firm to handle the issuance of the warrants.
Chelsea council discusses sports complex projects By ERICA TECHO Chelsea officials are working out deals for development of two tennis courts and a second entrance for the city’s new sports complex, Mayor Earl Niven said. One of the deals is with David Brogdon of Brogdon Properties, Niven told the City Council during its Feb. 16 meeting. The city plans to declare a 50-foot-by-70-foot plot of land within the sports complex property as surplus. That land will then be deeded to Brogdon, and he will use it for a pumping station for The Highlands Community, a development near the sports complex, Niven said. In exchange, Brogdon will move about 45,000 yards of dirt, and the city will not have to pay for the dirt or the transport, the mayor said. The dirt will be for the parking area, road coming into the tennis courts and the foundation of two tennis courts, he said. The city also discussed purchasing land from Brogdon to be used for a second entrance to the sports complex. Brogdon plans to purchase about 13 acres of land near the sports complex and future Highlands Community, but he only needs about 4.1 acres of that land, Niven said. Once Brogdon purchases it, the land will be
subdivided, and the city can purchase the 8.9 acres Brogdon does not need, the mayor said. The land will cost about $90,000, which is the same amount Brogdon plans to pay for it, Niven said. The 4.1 acres Brogdon will own will be de-annexed so he can annex the land into Pelham, Niven said. Niven also is working out a potential exchange between Chelsea resident Allen Shirley for clearing the land for the tennis courts. Niven said Shirley would clear the property and remove an old block building standing on the property. In exchange, Shirley would get the trailer that is on the property, Niven said. In other business at the Feb. 16 meeting, the City Council: ►Annexed 3.64 acres off Shelby County 36 owned by David and Leslie Holcomb. ►Approved a resolution to pay the down payment on 28 air packs for the Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department. ►Recognized members of the Chelsea Wrestling Club, including state champions Justus Adams and Malachi Adams and others who placed. The next Chelsea City Council meeting is scheduled for March 1. The council has a work session at 5:30 p.m., followed by an action meeting at 6 p.m.
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Liberty Pkwy
280Living.com
March 2016 • A11
Now Open Avery Remodeling, 2004 Eagle Crest Court, is now open for business. Owner Ben Avery is offering remodel work and repair/ handyman services. 240-7066, averyremodeling.com
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Coming Soon Aesthetic Dermatology will open in April at 3750 Grandview Parkway, Suite 100. The practice is owned and staffed by the physicians at Shelby Dermatology, located in Alabaster. 621-9500
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Relocations and Renovations
Anniversaries The FARM: Functional Athletic Rehabilitation and Movement, 13521 Old Highway 280, Suite 125, celebrated its second anniversary in February. 419-1595, chirofarm.com
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Logan Deen State Farm Agency, 5479 Highway 280, Suite 120, celebrates its second anniversary in March. 582-2030, logandeen.com
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TherapySouth’s Greystone clinic has moved to 2823 Greystone Commercial Blvd. to a newer, larger space to serve patients. The service director at this location is Cathie Bonner. 408-1713, therapysouth.com
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Women’s Health Specialists of Birmingham has relocated from St. Vincent’s Hospital downtown to Grandview Medical Center.
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News and Accomplishments Backyard Adventures, 7023 Meadowlark Drive, received the Titan Award of Excellence at their corporate meetings in Austin, Texas, recently. The award is the top
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honor given out to dealers from around the world and is based on quality customer service and overall growth in sales. They were also recognized for being in the top four of all Backyard Adventures locations worldwide for sales in 2015. Locally the company is owned by Jeff Beabout, who opened the store in 2007. 408-4386, backyardalabama.com
Mr. Harry’s Chickin De-Lux, 3 Mt Laurel Ave., celebrates its first anniversary in March. 995-0512, mrharryschickindelux.com
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Simply Infused, 11 Olmsted St., celebrates its first anniversary in March. 408-4231, simply-infused.com
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Lisa Marie’s Everyday Pet Styles, 8687 County Road 11 in Chelsea, is celebrating its seventh anniversary. 678-9385, everydaypetstyles.com
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Superiorscape, 8327 County Road 51, Chelsea, celebrates its 23rd anniversary in March. 678-2425, superiorscape.net
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11 Does not appear on the map.
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280 Living
A12 • March 2016
SERVING UP
SUSHI Owners open 2nd restaurant in Lee Branch By MARIENNE THOMAS OGLE Angela Yang and Owen Ou heard the call of their customers and have opened a second Sushi Village restaurant in Lee Branch Shopping Center off Highway 280. The husband and wife team have operated their original Sushi Village location at 7001 Crestwood Boulevard in Irondale since 2012, Yang said. “But we have a lot of customers at that store that work in Irondale but live near 280 so when we started to talk about opening the second location, they’ve been watching and waiting,” Yang said. “Now we see them walking in the door and recognize them. And they bring friends and their friends bring friends.” The newest Sushi Village location opened its doors in January at 601 Doug Baker Blvd., across from Hobby Lobby, Yang said. According to Yang, both Sushi Village restaurants feature the same menu, with emphasis on a variety of special rolls and original toppings including spicy yummy, spicy mayo and dumpling sauces. There are tempura and hibachi dishes and more than 20 specialty rolls on the regular menu plus weekly and monthly specials, Yang said. “If you’ve never had sushi before I’d probably suggest crunchy shrimp or crispy, spicy crabmeat, or the snow mountain roll with snow crab on top and shrimp inside,” she said. “But not the California roll because it’s good but everyone knows it.” Yang said their chefs are also prepared to create customer choice dishes.
Sushi Village • WHERE: 601 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 101 • HOURS: Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 5-10:30 p.m.; Saturday: Noon-10:30 p.m.; Sunday: Noon-9:30 p.m. • CALL: 968-1588 • WEB: sushivillageal.com
“They’re happy to make things to order because everyone loves different things and we have a lot of fresh options that should make everyone happy,” she said. Desserts include fried cheesecake, fried ice cream and mochi ice cream, she said. Originally from China, Ou and Yang have operated eateries in other areas and came to Birmingham about 10 years ago. “We had lived in Decatur and were partners in a sushi restaurant there but moved here to open our own,” Yang said. “We have a huge family scattered across the country and most everyone owns a restaurant, so it seemed right for us to do it, too.” According to Yang, she doesn’t cook but husband Owen Ou once worked with the Japanese Iron Chef Morimoto before venturing out on his own. “While Owen oversees the kitchens, he loves to
Angela Yang and her husband, Owen Ou, opened their second Sushi Village location in Lee Branch in January. Photo by Marienne Thomas Ogle.
cook and can cook most anything,” she said. “But I work the front of the restaurant and while I can make a little Asian food at home, it isn’t much because I came to America when I was very young and my memory for recipes isn’t that great.” Yang said the couple is happy to rely on
their experienced staffs, and that game plan seems to be working. “People seem to be really glad to see us open our second store and are especially pleased that our pricing is very reasonable,” she said. “We always try to make less profit and give more to our customers.”
280Living.com
March 2016 • A13
Bellini’s owner to establish casual, family-friendly restaurant at Lee Branch By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Doug Hovanec is on a mission to bring great food to the 280 corridor. The Bellini’s owner is opening his second restaurant, an American style tavern and beer garden in the former Bella Cucina space at Lee Branch. Revolve Kitchen & Brew started in the mind of Executive Chef Sean Butler several years ago. He envisioned a community gathering place with a great atmosphere and exceptional food. “Doug and I kept talking about things we were missing in this area,” Butler said. “The idea of the restaurant progressed. We chose the name because things will always be changing at Revolve. As we go, we will track the menu items that people enjoy. There will always be a chef's feature for one to two weeks at a time.” Butler, a Chelsea resident, moved to the area from Colorado in 2002. He started Food Studio B, an all-organic natural café. He and Hovanec became friends, and Bellini’s acquired the assets from Food Studio B and Butler stayed on to run it. “We talked about doing something together,” Butler said. “We were both tired of being by ourselves. He's the numbers guy and I’m the food guy.” Since opening Bellini’s, Hovanec always knew he wanted to expand, but wasn’t looking to open another fine dining restaurant. “We decided on the concept of a social beer hall,” Hovanec said. “We both love beer and great food so it was a good mix. We also wanted to open something cool and fashionable on this side of town.” Butler said that Revolve will have the same service, quality and passion of Bellini’s translated into a more casual environment. The restaurant will have an industrial feel, featuring
Revolve Kitchen & Brew • • • •
Doug Hovanec, left, and executive chef Sean Butler will open Revolve Kitchen and Brew this spring. Photo by Frank Couch.
brass, subway tile, reclaimed stained wood, locally made tables and an open polished concrete tiled floor. The space will seat 80 inside, including space at the bar and high-top community tables. An outdoor covered patio will also be used for three of the four seasons. As for the menu, Butler said the goal is to “bring a basic Southern approach, blend flavors we all enjoy, but put it on paper in a way that people can understand.” The menu will boast the same quality as Bellini’s, but less expensive, with entrees under $20. Featured items will include whole birds,
porterhouse, Gulf Coast fish, brisket, short ribs, fish and chips, burgers and sandwiches. Appetizers available will be brats, fresh oysters and deviled eggs, among others. Soups will also be available, along with four desserts. The kid’s menu will be designed with the same approach, offering items kids like to eat, but prepared in a healthy way. “The collective menu is things from our spouses and families that people love and enjoy,” Butler said. “People can come in three to five days a week and have something different every time.” Butler said the goal is to add excitement.
WHERE: The Village at Lee Branch, 611 Doug Baker Blvd. CALL: 538-2368 WEB: facebook.com/revolvekb/
Some events include brewery takeover nights, beer dinners and live music. The Lee Branch location of Revolve Kitchen & Brew will be the test location, and the duo plans to open more in the future. “We are trying to find a balance of where we are in the 3,000 square foot space,” Butler said. “We won’t be a franchise, but solely a company-owned restaurant. We know within Alabama there needs to be more of these out there.” Revolve plans to debut in late April or early May, and will be open six days a week for lunch and dinner. The outcome of the March 1 Sunday alcohol vote will determine if they will be open on Sundays. Hovanec plans to continue opening restaurants along the 280 corridor, and is currently working on two more concepts. Everything can be made out of the catering side, which has grown substantially, and produced in the restaurants. “My goal is to expand Revolve and evaluate after six to nine months and determine where we want to go,” Hovanec said. “As for future growth, I expect it every six months to a year assuming things permit. It goes back to the concept of great service and high quality food for the best price. Every niche we go into it’s the same premise.”
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280 Living
A14 • March 2016
Spy Pro Shop, private investigator office opens on U.S. 280 By ANA GOOD
Jim Casteel and his daughter, Crystal Hubbard, inside their family-owned Spy Pro Shop in the Greystone Park Business Center off U.S. 280. Photo by Ana Good.
Jim Casteel is a big proponent of hiding in plain sight. A private investigator for more than 26 years, Casteel knows the techniques and tools it takes to catch someone red-handed. Inside his newly opened Spy Pro Shop, located in the Greystone Park Business Center, cleverly hidden cameras and James Bond-like gadgets cover the walls and fill the display cases. “We hope to equip do-it-yourselfers and provide private investigator services all under the same roof,” Casteel said. The inspiration for the brick-and-mortar business came in the summer of 2015 when it became clear that more and more PIs were in need of easy-to-obtain, high-quality surveillance gear, Casteel said. Many local PIs picked up the latest gear at their yearly convention, but when plans for that fell through, Casteel seized the opportunity and began conceptualizing plans for a store that would serve professionals and amateurs alike. Rather than just sell machine-made equipment, Casteel knew he would also sell his own creations — think tiny hidden cameras and disguised recording devices — as well. Even before he became a PI and built custom gadgets to aid in his own work, Casteel said he fooled around with cameras and the inner workings of electronics for as long as he can remember. His father and grandfather retired from the military, and they both specialized in mechanics and electronics, he said. “My grandfather used to say that if someone was smart enough to invent it, you should be smart enough to take it apart and put it back together,” said Casteel.
280Living.com
March 2016 • A15
Above: A kids’ section inside Spy Pro Shop provides entertainment for spies in the making. Photo by Ana Good. Left: The store also offers personal protection products, especially for women, which range from flashlight stun guns to pepper spray cans and sharp keychain add-ons. Photo by Ana Good.
Building and wiring were just part of his childhood, he said. Inside the back room of his shop, spare parts, wires and tiny cameras sit waiting for Casteel’s next invention. Careful not to reveal exactly where he’s hidden cameras before, Casteel said it’s often where people least expect it. “Let’s just say I like to hide cameras and recording devices in ordinary household items,” he said. But for all the mystery and trickery that is involved in his trade, Casteel is also all about doing things by the book. He was front and center in efforts to make it Alabama law for PIs to be licensed through the state’s regulatory board. When it finally happened a few years ago, Casteel was in the room when Gov. Robert Bentley signed the law into effect. “The licensing not only protects us as PIs, but it also protects the consumers,” Casteel said. Today, Alabama consists of about 120 licensed private investigators, ensuring quality and keeping the business and benefits of the trade within state lines, Casteel said. Before the licensing
law, the state would lose a lot of money when customers sought licensed PIs outside of Alabama — something that doesn’t happen as often anymore, he said. Casteel is now the president of the Alabama Private Investigators Association and is a member of several associations, including the Counsel of Investigative Leaders, the National Association of Investigative Specialists, the Alabama Private Investigator’s Association and the National Council of Investigation and Security Services. He is also a licensed PI in Alabama, Florida and Texas. “That helps when some of the investigations we do take us across state lines, especially because surveillance and recording laws vary drastically from state to state,” Casteel said. Whether he’s tailing an individual suspected of cheating on a spouse, or a former employee suspected of disability fraud, Casteel said he and his employees are successful because of a combination of experience, tools and training. Casteel said he’s been known to hunker down
under camouflage equipment, set up surveillance at pricey condos along the Gulf and photograph culprits from half a football field away using powerful lenses. Calls for spouse surveillance always pick up around the holidays, when men and women tend to become more secretive, he said. They might only be acting sneaky to buy a special gift for their loved one, he said, but on the other hand, that special gift might not be coming home. Calls for surveillance also pick up when the school year begins and ends, he said. “Anytime there are any drastic changes in schedules, red flags get raised,” he said. Because of the sensitive matter of surveillance, often times involving infidelity, children and custody cases, Casteel always recommends retaining a lawyer before employing his services. “Surveillance isn’t cheap,” he said. “It can sometimes cost as much as $3,500-$6,500 per case, so I always tell people to ask a lawyer if what we will be able to photograph or videotape will benefit them in trial.”
That’s where the other side of his shop comes in, he said. For those not able to afford the high cost of hiring professionals, Casteel’s shop offers the tools necessary to help catch a thief in the act or secretly record an important conversation for a fraction of the cost. “We sell equipment ranging everywhere from $39 to several hundred dollars — something to fit everyone’s budget,” he said. The store also offers personal protection products, especially for women, which range from flashlight stun guns to pepper spray cans and sharp keychain add-ons. A kids’ section provides entertainment for spies in the making. Just recently, Casteel has also been repairing and rebuilding hoverboards following their sudden spike in popularity. “We do a little bit of everything, discreetly and professionally,” he said. For more information, visit Casteel’s website at spyproshop.org or call 824-4492. Spy Pro Shop is at 5511 U.S. 280 East, Suite 218.
280 Living
A16 • March 2016
High charity goals for High Cotton Candle Company By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Walking into Tracey Hogan’s Brook Highland home, the smell of candles fills the air. Just inside the front door, the room to the right used to be her office but has been transformed into her storefront. Organized bins store all her ingredients, and shelves hold her many varieties of unique candles wrapped in white boxes and tied with a bow. It’s been just over a year since Hogan acquired the rights to High Cotton Candle. It was last February when she became a small business owner. With a degree in finance and background in sales, she knew she could run a company but had to teach herself the candle-making process. “I had no doubt I could figure it out,” she said. “I did a bit of research, but I felt like I knew how to do it and started doing it,” she said. Hogan has seven lines, which include Signature, Clean, Floral, Cravings, Celebrations, Autumn and Holiday. She continues to experiment and create more. Her most popular fragrances are Southern Hospitality, Amazing Grace, Flannel, Southern Sangria and Gulf Coast Getaway. She created the Black Label line over the summer and features more masculine scents. One of her favorite parts of owning a candle business is smelling a scent and being able to recreate it as a candle or room spray. “If I smell something I like, such as men’s cologne or my favorite perfume, I’ll go try to recreate that. I’ll just start pouring oils until I get the same fragrance then test it in soy. That’s the happiest feeling, being able to make my friends their very own candle. It’s fun hearing everyone’s story and why they’re picking that
High Cotton Candle • WEB: highcottoncandleco.com and on Facebook and Instagram
fragrance for a certain person.” It’s a process just to get one candle made. Once the wax is mixed, it has to be poured, the wick cut and placed, stickers and warning label applied, boxed and tied with ribbon that coordinates with the specific candle line. Hogan mixes and hand pours all the candles in her home office. Because they contain wooden wicks, essential oils, and come in reusable glass cubes and recyclable wooden boxes, Hogan has future plans of becoming certified organic. High Cotton Candles are currently sold in over 20 local stores throughout the Birmingham area. From her online orders, Hogan has shipped her candles all over the United States and even to other countries. Monogramming has also become a huge part of her business, and she gets many orders for bridesmaids’ gifts and corporate gifts for employees. Several companies also brand Hogan’s candles, which she pours and they put their own label on it. Her main purpose for running the business is to make money to support her passion: animal rescue groups. She currently donates to seven regularly, some local and others regional and national. Ten percent of every item she sells goes directly to the charities. She is in the process of making a section on her website dedicated to each charity, providing a link where direct
Tracey Hogan poses inside her High Cotton Candle office. Hogan has seven candle fragrance lines, including Signature, Clean, Floral, Cravings, Celebrations, Autumn and Holiday. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.
donations can be made, whether or not a candle purchase is made or not. “The scope of my giving is all in relation to how big my company is,” Hogan said. “If my company gets bigger, the checks I can write get bigger. That’s where my heart is. I feel the need to save as many animals as I can. I don’t care how hard I have to work, or how many candles I have to sell, to help animals is why I’m here.” Hogan’s goal for this year is to use her
platform to get into school systems to educate children and pass literature on to their parents about adopting pets from shelters. She also hopes to go before Gov. Robert Bentley and lawmakers to get laws changed on animal rights, especially regarding backyard breeders. “I found out a long time ago that I have a big voice. I get loud when I’m passionate about something,” Hogan said. “I am the voice for the ones who don’t have a voice for themselves.”
280Living.com
March 2016 • A17
Ashley Mac’s versatile quiche an easy fix for brunch
WHAT’S COOKING
By CHERIE OLIVIER For the March edition of What’s Cooking, we asked Ashley Mac’s for a brunch or breakfast recipe. Ashley McMakin suggested this spinach and mushroom quiche for a versatile dish. “I have served this dish for so many occasions, from a baby shower or a quick lunch to an easy weeknight dinner for the family,” McMakin said. “I like to serve this with an Ashley Mac’s Baby Bleu Salad or our Baked Cheese Grits.” Q: What do you like about working at Ashley Mac’s? A: It is a huge blessing and honor for my husband and me to run our own business. We have an amazing staff, great customers and get to do what we love.
RECIPE:
► 6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled ► 4 large eggs, beaten ► 1½ cups half and half ► ½ teaspoon salt ► ½ teaspoon pepper ► 2 cups chopped fresh spinach ► 2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms ► ½ cup chopped onions (optional) ► 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a combination of any of your favorite cheeses) ► 1 pie crust
STEPS:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 2. In a large bowl, whip together eggs, half and half, salt and pepper. Stir in bacon, spinach, mushrooms, onions (if using) and 1½ cups cheese. 3. Transfer mixture to pie crust and top with remaining cheese. 4. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Watch McMakin prepare her brunch quiche:
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http://280living.com/videos
Ashley McMakin, owner of Ashley Mac’s, shows off her spinach and mushroom quiche recipe. Photo by Cherie Olivier.
280 Living
A18 • March 2016
Chamber Sankey: SEC athletes get job done on and off the field By KYLE PARMLEY Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey had a message to deliver at the 35th annual meeting of the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce in February. “We do things exceedingly well” in the SEC, the leader of the conference told chamber members at the luncheon meeting at the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena. Sankey, who was chosen to replace Mike Slive as commissioner on June 1 of last year, said being the conference’s eighth commissioner is “a very different reality than I expected.” He lauded the efforts of the conference to do things the right way and spent much of his speech recognizing individual student-athletes for their exploits outside of competition, a side many do not see. “If you educate well and compete successfully, you can change the world,” said Sankey, who has lived in Shelby County since 2002. A few of the examples Sankey gave will be familiar to many football fans in the area. He mentioned Da’Shawn Hand, a defensive lineman on the University of Alabama football team. Hand helped the Crimson Tide to its 16th national championship, but Sankey noted how Hand is also an engineering major. Kris Frost, a senior linebacker on the 2015 Auburn football team, is a student of aviation management, not your run-of-the-mill major for a high-profile football player. Malcolm Mitchell, a wide receiver on
the football team at the University of Georgia, joined a reading group and has written a book. Sankey’s final example to drive home the point was Thomas Davis, a linebacker for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, who competed in Super Bowl 50. Davis attended Georgia but left early to pursue a career in the NFL. He has since completed his degree since beginning his professional career. The two quarterbacks in this year’s Super Bowl, Peyton Manning and Cam Newton, were not only players, but also graduates of the University of Tennessee and Auburn, respectively. Manning elected to stay for his senior year, while Newton left early but came back to Auburn each spring to earn his degree. Sankey left each visitor a small card with the following vision of the SEC: “Educating scholars and supporting champions provides the platform for developing leaders who will influence the world.” Also at the annual meeting of the Greater Shelby County Chamber, the 2015 chairwoman of the chamber’s board of directors, Lisa McMahon of the Warren Averett CPA firm, passed the gavel to the new chairman, Paul Rogers of NobleBank & Trust. Other officers for 2016 are: Keith Brown of Jefferson State Community College, chairman-elect; John Browing of Cahaba Valley Computer Services, vice chairman for business development and support; Jim Purvis of A.C. Legg Inc., vice chairman for
Greg Sankey
communications and marketing; Kathy Copeland of White Rock Quarries-Vincent Hills, vice chairwoman for community and workforce development; David Platt of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, vice chairman for finance and administration; Charlie Stevens of Thompson Tractor Co., vice chairman for investor development; and McMahon, as immediate past president. Kendall Williams, director of the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation, was named 2015 Ambassador of the Year.
Preview of
MARCH Luncheon
The Chamber’s March community luncheon will feature a presentation on “Green Business Practices” and the potential benefits to having a “green business” approach. The Existing Business & Industry Work Group is hosting the program. The meeting will be held on March 30 in the banquet hall at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena. Doors will open at 11:00 a.m. for business networking and the program will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $20 per person for chamber investors and $30 per person for “future” investors and includes a luncheon buffet. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact the chamber at info@shelby chamber.org or by telephone at 663-4542, or register online at shelbychamber.org.
280Living.com
March 2016 • A19
Brookwood Baptist official explains heath care merger, discusses Medicaid By ERICA TECHO The recent partnership between Brookwood Medical Center and the Baptist Health System developed due to changes in the health care marketplace, an official for the merged company told the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce in February. Greg Johnston, chief operating officer for the newly named Brookwood Baptist Health, said increases in health care costs and insurance rates contributed to the need for a new approach to health care. Baptist Health System looked at its model and realized the cost of care meant patients would likely begin “price shopping” and making decisions influenced by costs, Johnston said. Health care costs are growing at an unsustainable rate, and with the Birmingham health care market being one of the toughest in the nation, a partnership meant an opportunity to add value by creating a clinically integrated network, he said. “We really believe, if you look at the Birmingham market, there really isn’t a health care system that could provide a very, very coordinated way to take care of patients, and what we believe will happen in the new world,” Johnston said. The new world, he said, means passing the risk of keeping people well to health care providers. At this time, insurance companies carry that responsibility through premiums and paying health care costs, but they cannot influence how one person’s different health care providers, including primary care doctors and specialists, communicate, he said. “They can’t really manage care the way providers manager care. They can manage rates, and they do a very good job of that, but they don’t necessarily manage the way health care is delivered and look for gaps in care,” Johnston said. “The whole system, if you really
Brookwood Baptist Chief Operating Officer Greg Johnston speaks at the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce’s February luncheon. Photo by Erica Techo.
look at it, is pretty broken.” When health care providers rely on sick patients or patients who need specific care to make money, it can lead to unnecessary tests or treatment costs, he said. “Frankly, we need to figure out how to reverse that so that we get paid for keeping you well, and not getting paid only when you need something,” Johnston said. Baptist Health saw an opportunity in the Birmingham market to bring more integrated care, but they could not do it on their own, he said. The partnership with Tenet Healthcare Corporation, owner of Brookwood, was mutually beneficial because it would have been difficult for Tenet to build a network without Baptist Health, and Baptist Health benefited from Tenet’s financial strength, he said. Moving forward, Johnston said Brookwood Baptist Health plans to create more affordable, accessible, accountable and coordinated care. Consumers want to know about cost, convenience and online resources when it comes
to health care, and Johnston said they plan to focus on those points in their network. “We think this is going to be a really strong asset of us coming together,” Johnston said. “Being able to figure out … how we can make this network of physicians and hospitals and digital imaging centers and surgery centers feel like it’s one entity to everyone so we can have that convenience everyone is looking for in the market.” Medicaid also is an important topic and should be a point of discussion in this year’s state legislative session, Johnston said. From a hospital standpoint, there is no general fund money for reimbursement, he said. That means most hospitals are funding their own Medicaid programs, he said, so most health care organizations support increased federal support of Medicare. “This is very important to our economy and to the health of our community that we have a very well-funded and accepted Medicaid program,” he said.
Preview of
March
Luncheon
Alex Dudchock
Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock will speak at the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce’s March luncheon. Dudchock will give the stateof-the-county address, and the luncheon spotlight will be on municipalities. The luncheon will be March 3 at Columbiana First Baptist Church from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. No RSVP is required, and the cost is $12 per person. The sponsor for the event is Renasant Bank. Columbiana First Baptist Church is at 208 North Main St. For more information, visit southshelbychamber.com/events/.
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280 Living
A20 • March 2016
New president eyes technology, social media to boost chamber’s membership
“
By LAUREN TOBIN This is the year for technology in the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, new chamber President Chris Schmidt said. The chamber plans to increase its use of technology and social media sites so businesses are able to get the most updated information about each other and the city’s needs, said Schmidt, a vice president at Daniel Corp. who became the chamber’s president Jan. 21. “The chamber’s mission is to help connect businesses in the area,” Schmidt said. “We want to have ways for businesses to more easily communicate with one another by investing in technology and working more with social media.” The use of technology, he said, is part of a bigger plan: to grow membership. “The biggest thing we want to do is grow membership and make it feel as if belonging to the chamber has benefits and value, rather than it just ‘being something to do,’” he said. “Any little bit we can give back to the community bodes well for the chamber at large.” Working with businesses to provide more opportunities to residents is what the chamber is about, Schmidt said. Along with helping businesses network, the chamber hosts fundraising events to raise money for scholarships. “We promote programs already in place, but we also think of other things like the job fair that kicked off last year,” he said. “Fundraisers are a dual purpose because it’s scholarships and networking.” The scholarships are designed to include numerous types of students, Schmidt said. “You may not have a 4.0 GPA, but you may show us there’s something special about you and you need help, and we provide that,” he said.
The biggest thing we want to do is grow membership and make it feel as if belonging to the chamber has benefi s and value, rather than it just ‘being something to do.’
”
CHRIS SCHMIDT
Chris Schmidt of Daniel Corp. speaks to the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce as its new president. Photo courtesy of Rhonda Pyatt/Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce.
Schmidt said board members are talking about ways to expand the scholarships and brainstorming ideas such as making them available for trade schools in addition to four-year universities. Schmidt said community events in the city, such as the Christmas tree lighting and the Pig Iron BBQ Challenge, help business owners connect with residents and find out more about what residents need. “Hoover is a great place to do business because there are major highways that intersect there, and that promotes a business environment,” he said. “We’ve got a good board and people dedicated to the city.”
Schmidt is a longtime chamber member and has served on the board of directors for five years. He moved from first vice president to president at the chamber’s January luncheon. Other officers for 2016 include Joel Smith of Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall as first vice president; Jerome Morgan Jr. of Oncort Professional Services as second vice president; Kathleen Spencer of Spencer Consulting Group as secretary; Megan Randolph of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors as treasurer; and Joe Thomas of Capstone Financial Group as immediate past president. Thomas also will serve as chairman of the board of trustees, and Terry Turner of Gentle,
Turner and Sexton will continue as legal adviser to the board of directors. New board of directors members elected to serve from 2016-18 are Paul Dangel of the Hyatt Regency Birmingham ‒ The Wynfrey Hotel, Sylinda Daniel of the Snelling employment agency and Tynette Lynch of Aldridge Gardens. Continuing to serve on the board for the 20152017 term are Rihan Jamil of BB&T Bank, Steve Preston of Brookwood Medical Center and Terry Shea of Wrapsody. Continuing on the board for the 2014-16 term are Jason Cobb of America’s First Federal Credit Union, Gregg Maercker of First Commercial Bank, Ira Levine of Levine & Associates and Reginald Jeter of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. The Hoover chamber also recently handed out awards for 2015. Daniel was named Chamber Member of the Year, while Randolph was honored as Board Member of the Year and Lynn Ray of BTI was chosen as Ambassador of the Year.
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280Living.com
March 2016 • A21
Chamber honors top public safety workers By JON ANDERSON The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce in February celebrated the city’s top public safety workers of 2015. The business community gathered at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham — The Wynfrey Hotel to honor police and fire standouts:
POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Cyle Cutcliff was named Police Officer of the Year for his bravery in assisting with a Dec. 18 fire call. Shortly after 1 a.m. on Dec. 18, Cutcliff was dispatched as a secondary unit to a fire at an apartment complex in Riverchase. He was the first to arrive and immediately notified dispatch that the 700 building at Garden Brook Trail was fully Cutcliff involved with fire and flames visible from the roof, police Chief Nick Derzis said. With little regard for his own safety, Cutcliff went into a smoke-engulfed corridor and began to bang on doors to wake residents and evacuate the building, Derzis said. Cutcliff kicked in the door to an apartment directly below the burning apartment and woke an elderly woman who had not heard the banging, Derzis said. “His actions surely saved her from injury or possible death from smoke inhalation,” Derzis said. Cutcliff, 44, of Riverchase came to work for Hoover as a detention officer in 1992. In 1995, he was hired as a patrol officer and continues in that role now. Other finalists for 2015 Hoover Police Officer
of the Year were Officer Kyle Brohl and Sgt. Jim Thornton.
TELECOMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR
David Sibley on Oct. 3 received a frantic call from a man whose wife was in labor with contractions just three minutes apart, Derzis said. Sibley dispatched paramedics and began telling the man what to do, Derzis said. Within three minutes and prior to the medics’ arrival, the baby was delivered at the caller’s home, but the father reported the Sibley umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck, Derzis said. Sibley calmly and quickly instructed the man how to remove the cord from around the baby’s neck and to clean the baby’s nose and mouth to ensure the baby could breathe, Derzis said. Paramedics arrived quickly, and the baby and mother were taken to the hospital with no complications, Derzis said. “If not for the experience and quick actions of telecommunicator Sibley, this joyous occasion might have ended up different,” Derzis said. Sibley, who lives in Irondale, has been in public safety since 1982, including many years as a paramedic for an ambulance company and six years as a telecommunicator for Hoover.
DETENTION OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Sr. Cpl. Tyrone McCall on Feb. 25 of 2015 was routinely checking inmates’ mail for illicit material or contraband and discovered a book with a minor discrepancy around its spine, Derzis said. He found a foil-wrapped package of marijuana in the spine of the book and then listened to the
inmate’s phone calls and found a conversation that incriminated the inmate and an outside party in promoting prison contraband, Derzis said. “This single act of diligence and attention to detail prevented a controlled substance McCall from entering the jail, which otherwise could have been the catalyst for an array of problems inside the jail facility,” the chief said. McCall, 44, of Hoover spent four years as a corrections officer for Birmingham before joining Hoover as a detention officer 12 years ago. He was promoted to corporal in 2014 and senior corporal this past fall.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR
Ricky Linn was chosen Firefighter of the Year because of 22 years of dedicated service, fire Chief Chuck Wingate said. He joined Hoover in December 1993 after a 20-year career with Birmingham. He was promoted to apparatus operator in 2006, fire inspector in 2007 and senior fire inspector in March 2015. He has been Linn involved in many projects beyond normal duty, Wingate said. He helped start the technical rescue team and has trained firefighters from Hoover and other departments through the Alabama Fire College. Linn has a special talent for relating the
importance of fire prevention, especially to children, Wingate said. Linn also each year assists in preparation for Camp Conquest, a summer camp in Alexander City for children with burn injuries. He handles many behind-the-scene duties, such as coordinating the Honor Guard and helping coworkers with difficult projects. “He is always willing to help his fellow man,” Wingate said. “He’s a go-to guy.” Linn, 63, is a former member of the Hoover City Council. He lives in Bluff Park.
PARAMEDIC OF THE YEAR
Capt. Tim Lawson was selected Paramedic of the Year. As a member of the joint police and fire special response team and tactical medic program, he has helped procure equipment and regular training for that group, Wingate said. Recently, Lawson worked with police to standardize bleeding control equipment, namely tourniquets, so all procedures and Lawson equipment for the two departments are uniform and easier to deploy in a tactical or hazardous situation, Wingate said. “This will save valuable time and effort in making split-second decisions by our police officers and EMS personnel,” the chief said. Lawson also worked with the technical rescue team and helped develop and implement training for the rapid intervention team. Lawson, 39, lives in Bluff Park. He joined Hoover in March 1999 after working for the Rocky Ridge Fire District. He was promoted to lieutenant in February 2010 and captain in January of this year.
280 Living
A22 • March 2016
Community
Ann Heard-Nesbitt is a senior clinical dietician for Cooper Green Mercy Health Services. Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.
By ERICA TECHO North Shelby County residents Ann Heard-Nesbitt and Kelly Carlton have been selected to receive 2016 Women of Distinction Awards by the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama. The pair are among 15 women to be recognized at an awards luncheon at the Harbert Center in downtown Birmingham on March 11. Award winners are nominated based on their civic, academic or professional involvement and contributions to the community. Ann Heard-Nesbitt is a senior clinical dietician for Cooper Green Mercy Health Services, and Kelly Carlton is executive vice president and chief operating officer of United Way of Central Alabama. Winners of the Women of the Distinction award provide a good example for Girl Scouts, said Hannah Wallace,
Girl Scouts to honor 2 North Shelby County residents director of communications and marketing for Girls Scouts of North-Central Alabama. These girls are growing up in an online world, and it can be difficult to plug them in with real-world mentors, Wallace said. “Our girls need role models,” she said. “They need real inspiration, role models who lead by example in their specific community.” Heard-Nesbitt will be honored in the Healthy Living category of the Women of Distinction Awards. She said community service is an important part of life because it allows individuals to share their gifts with others. “I truly believe that everyone, regardless of ability to pay, is entitled to information and skills to improve their health and quality of life,” Heard-Nesbitt said. “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that health education is based on one’s
personal desire for self care and not determined by their level of education or socioeconomic status.” Carlton will receive the Today’s Leader award during the ceremony. She said during her time working with the United Way, she has seen gaps in service for certain groups. She said she feels compelled through her faith to help those individuals, and she is thankful her job gives her the opportunity to help. “As a Christian, we have been commissioned to love and help those that require basic necessities of life,” Carlton said. “I have learned these gaps are not only within walking distance from our home and work, but sometimes reside in our own families.” Local Girl Scouts have written questions for this year’s award winners, and the winners will provide answers in a short video to be shown at the awards luncheon.
Kelly Carlton is executive vice president and chief operating officer of United Way of Central Alabama. Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.
“They’ll really be able to see what makes these women tick, how hard they had to work to get there,” Wallace said. Some women also remain involved with Girl Scouts by volunteering, participating in fundraisers and speaking with troops in the area. At the luncheon, each woman will give a short speech regarding her award. Tickets are $60 for general admission and $45 for Girl Scout members. Proceeds from the luncheon support Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama. “I think the greater importance is that you’re supporting Girl Scouts, and not just a national brand of Girl Scouts, but the [groups] right outside your door,” Wallace said. For more information about reservations or sponsorships for the luncheon, contact Tonya Mines at 800-734-4541, ext. 1030 or tmines@girlscoutsnca.org.
Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon • WHERE: Harbert Center, downtown Birmingham • WHEN: Friday, March 11 at 11:30 a.m. • COST: $60 general admission; $45 for Girl Scout members
” Stacy Flippen found our perfect empty nest.” When Sally and Ben May decided to buy a new home for their next phase of life as empty-nesters, they turned to Realtor Stacy Flippen with ARC Realty to guide the process. “Stacy brought energy, persistence, and professionalism to our search for a home in Homewood,” says Sally. “Not only did she deliver the desired result, she became a friend and neighbor along the way.” Stacy’s knowledge of the area and connections with other Realtors were keys to the May’s success. “We couldn’t keep up with the pace of houses being bought and sold in Homewood,” says Ben. “Stacy’s tenacity and determination led us quickly to the house we now happily call home.” Stacy says being a part of ARC Realty also gives her a distinct advantage. “ARC is a Birmingham-based company. Our leadership team understands this community and is committed to providing the best customer experience.”
A Relationship Company 4274 Cahaba Heights Court, Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35243 205.969.8910
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280Living.com
March 2016 • A23
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Shelby County District Judge Jim Kramer stands with the Character in Action award winners from Oak Mountain area schools. The students are, from left, Jacob Oliver, Gregory Morris, Julia Beuche, Alyssa LaCally and Julian Nicholson. Photo by Erica Techo.
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Oak Mountain students’ strong character lauded Awards presented at Shelby County Drug Free Coalition meeting By ERICA TECHO Some people have a knack for getting along with others, and Oak Mountain High School’s Gregory Morris is one of them, according to people who observe him at school. Morris was one of five students in the Oak Mountain community recognized recently for the strength of their character. Teachers, counselors and administrators at the five Shelby County schools in the Oak Mountain area had the opportunity to nominate a student for the Character in Action award, sponsored by the Children’s Policy Council. The five students received their awards at a meeting of the Shelby County Drug Free Coalition. Students who receive Character in Action awards embody leadership characteristics such as responsibility, respect and self-discipline, said Emily Litrell, a social worker for Shelby County Schools. Students must be nominated to receive the award. “What we’re trying to do in Shelby County Schools is create well-rounded students on their path to adulthood,” Litrell said. This was the second year in a row Morris received the award. He was nominated at Oak Mountain Middle School last year, and faculty at Oak Mountain High School who nominated him did not know, Litrell said. “Gregory’s ability to relate to others and make friendships is extraordinary,” Litrell said, reading quotes from nominating teachers. “He treats everyone with respect and seems to truly respect individual differences.” Teachers who nominated Jacob Oliver, an Oak Mountain Middle School student, noted his dedication to his schoolwork and others. “He never forgets to make up work. He never asks for extra time, and he never tries to get out of doing his work,” Litrell read from the nomination comments. “He runs errands for his teachers and constantly helps his classmates when needed.” Oak Mountain Intermediate School student Julian Nicholson was nominated for his responsibility, dedication to academics and willingness to befriend others.
“
What we’re trying to do in Shelby County Schools is create well-rounded students on their path to adulthood.
”
EMILY LITRELL
“A great example of Julian and his friendliness is his willingness to befriend students who do not necessarily make the best choices behaviorally,” Litrell said. “Julian tried to be a role model for these students who don’t necessarily have any friends.” Julia Beuche, an Inverness Elementary School student, was recognized for the multiple leadership roles she holds at school. Bush is team captain in gym class, a library master who assists students in finding and checking out books and a peer helper in music class. “Julia’s daily attitude is doing the right thing, even if no one is looking,” Litrell said. “She has a genuine, truthful and sincere approach to her friends and school.” Alyssa LaCally is an active participant in Oak Mountain Elementary School’s Leader in Me program, and she helped display the “seven habits” at their school. The seven habits are qualities students are encouraged to exhibit, such as prioritizing their work, beginning tasks with the end in mind and being proactive. “Alyssa is kind to everyone," Litrell said. "If she notices that someone is having a bad day, she makes it her personal mission to make their day better.” To conclude the presentation, Shelby County District and Juvenile Judge Jim Kramer thanked the parents and administrators present at the ceremony. All of the individuals in these students’ lives have made a positive impact to create strong leaders, Kramer said.
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280 Living
A24 • March 2016
Events Canadian musician brings shows to the South By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Alan Doyle has traveled all over the world, but he has only made two stops in Alabama in his 23 years as a musician: one at The Nick in 2003 and another opening for Hootie and the Blowfish in Tuscaloosa. The second trip, Doyle said, opened his eyes to the state’s passion for football. “I’ve been to several of the biggest football towns in the U.S.,” Doyle said. “It’s an amazing thing, to think where I come from, that much infrastructure for a college university sport is unfathomable. In Canada, we don’t even have pro sports teams close to that.” Doyle will return to Alabama this month along with his band, the Beautiful Gypsies. They are performing a two-night set at Hoover’s Library Theatre over St. Patrick’s Day. Doyle began his career in 1993 as lead singer for the Canadian band Great Big Sea. Years later, he formed a friendship with one of their biggest fans, actor Russell Crowe. He has written and performed with Crowe over the years, and the two remain friends. After more than two decades with Great Big Sea, and albums selling over 1.2 million copies worldwide, Doyle began his solo career in 2010. This January, he debuted his second solo album, “So Let’s Go.” It has already received a nomination for a Juno Award (the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy) for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year. Doyle said after branching out on his own, he contacted some “hotshot friends” to form his band, Beautiful Gypsies. Comprised of former bandmates and people he had been wanting to tour with, their show features a mixture of Doyle’s songs along with Great Big Sea tunes. Doyle sings and plays guitar, bouzouki, mandolin and banjo. In addition to his musical career, Doyle’s
Photo courtesy of Missing Piece Group.
Alan Doyle • WHERE: Hoover Library Theatre • WHEN: March 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. • TICKETS: $25 • WEB: hooverlibrary.org/thelibrarytheatre/2015-2016/alan-doyle
resume also includes actor and author. He has starred in stage, television and film productions, and wrote his first book in 2014. “Where I Belong” focuses mostly on his years growing up in Petty Harbour, Newfoundland.
“I’m from a little fishing town of 500 people,” he said. “Growing up there was really different than most people my age. My life was much more similar to my father’s friends than my own. The town was one of the last ones to modernize in any way.”
Doyle said all the music he learned as a kid was from his parents. His mother was a piano teacher and her favorite instrument was the piano accordion, which is still one of Doyle’s favorite instruments as well. “It is quite Irish. I learned mandolins and accordions and sea shanties and Irish songs,” he said. “Folk music was a big part of my young life, and I have always played it in my adult life as well.” He describes his music as “kind of a modern interpretation of what people would know as Atlantic seafaring music, and includes lots of chanting and influences of Irish culture. “There are a lot of accordions and fiddles and even in the pop, country and rock and roll songs, there is always a tinge of Celtic and Irish sounds. It’s very vocal-based, and the audience is often encouraged to sing a lot. It’s a very including kind of music.” Doyle said he loves traveling and is thrilled to get paid to go around the world and see things and meet people. “I always say my biggest blessing is that I get to do this for a living and get to see the world. Not only do I get to see a town, but I have a reason to be in the town that day. I get to leave a little part of myself there, and in a strange way I feel like I’m a part of it for 24 hours. I love that feeling,” Doyle said.
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280Living.com
March 2016 • A25
Participants in Oak Mountain High School’s Color Run 5K usually find themselves covered with different colors of powder when they get through with the run. Photo courtesy of John Milton.
Casino games are part of the fun at Taste of Teal, scheduled for Saturday, March 12. Photo courtesy of Doris Moody.
Taste of Teal fundraiser Color Run returns to planned for March 12
Oak Mountain High By JESSE CHAMBERS The students of Oak Mountain High School will host the third annual Color Run 5K at Oak Mountain State Park on March 12, raising money for cancer research at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. The race was started in 2014 by Mollie Shealy and Mandy Kelly, who were seniors at Oak Mountain, to honor grandparents who had died of cancer. But the student-managed run – despite its serious purpose – is “fun, community-oriented and family-friendly,” said Claire Kendrick, the event coordinator. By the end of the run, each participant is covered with powdered paint, a “fun element” that Shealy and Kelly added to the race, Kendrick said. “The powder actually symbolically represents different types of cancers that we are
fighting to find a cure for,” she said. About 200 people took part in the event last year, and organizers hope to draw about 400 this year, Kendrick said. Those attendees will include Shealy and Kelly, who are now in college. “They always come back to participate and start off the race,” Kendrick said. Being a volunteer at the event is “incredibly meaningful,” Kendrick said. “It allows us to make a difference in the fight against cancer as well as honoring the survivors as well as all our loved ones whom we have lost their lives to this horrible disease,” she said. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the race begins between 8:45 and 9 a.m. The $40 entry fee includes a shirt and runner’s bag. Oak Mountain State Park is at 200 Terrace Drive in Pelham. For more information or to sign up for the run, go to oakmountaincolorrun.com.
By JESSE CHAMBERS
The annual Taste of Teal Gala, a fundraiser for the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation, is to be held at Cahaba Grand Conference Center on Saturday, March 12, at 6 p.m. The event will feature dinner prepared by the Cahaba Grand chef, live music performed by the UAB Jazz Ensemble, live and silent auctions, and casino games. Beth Shelburne, news anchor with WBRC-TV FOX 6, will serve as emcee for the program, according to event spokesperson Lindsay Giadrosich. The Foundation, created in 2009 in honor of Laura Crandall Brown, who died of ovarian cancer at the age of 25, has raised over $250,000 for early detection research grants, offered emotional and financial support to patients and worked to boost public awareness of the signs and symptoms of
gynecologic cancers. Each year, the Taste of Teal Gala honors people in the community who have offered their time and talents to improve the lives of cancer patients with the “Legacy of Laura” awards. Honorees in 2016 will include Ginny Bourland, an ovarian cancer survivor, and Coretta Collins, a nurse practitioner with a passion for increasing awareness of gynecologic cancers in the African-American community. “The foundation is privileged to recognize these individuals, who really embody Laura’s ideals of compassion and service to others,” Giadrosich said. Tickets are $100 each and include drinks, dinner, musical entertainment and $1,000 in casino money. Attendees can also sponsor tables. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to thinkoflaura.org. Cahaba Grand Conference Center is located at 3660 Grandview Parkway.
280 Living
A26 • March 2016
MEDICAL SERVICES
directory special advertising section
Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center, A26
Birmingham Speech and Hearing, A27
Neurogenix Nerve Center, A28
Alabama Vein Center, A27
Skin Wellness Center, A29
Children’s of Alabama, A28
OrthoSports, A29
Focused on community wellbeing Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center has been committed to provide the greater Birmingham area and their patients with the best treatment through their values of care, advocacy, service, integrity and accountability. While its primary office has remained in Homewood throughout the past 50 years, the practice has grown to include six locations. Other locations include Hoover, Chelsea, Alabaster, Cullman, and Trussville (opening June 2016). “Allergies, asthma and immune diseases can have a drastic effect on an individual’s quality of life. Our team of physicians, nurse practitioners and highly trained staff work together to help diagnose and treat patients who suffer from pediatric and adult allergies, skin disorders, sinus issues, asthma and immunological issues, as well as food and drug allergies,” said Helen Combs, practice development manager. Six board-certified pediatric and adult allergists, who include Dr. Weily Soong, Dr. Maxcie Sikora, Dr. John Anderson, Dr. Meghan Lemke, Dr. Sunena Argo and Dr. Amy CaJacob, provide patients with innovative care. These physicians are board-certified, uniquely trained and are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies (including environmental, food, insect and drug allergies), asthma and frequent cough, rhinitis (hay fever), sinus infections, eye allergies, Hereditary Angioedema and other immunological conditions. The specialists diagnose a patient’s conditions by collecting a complete medical history of each patient, performing a physical examination on the patient and assessing the patient’s environmental and other allergen exposure history. They may also perform tests, such as allergen skin tests and lung function tests. It is highly significant if the patient’s allergy symptoms occur in association with exposure. Allergy diagnostic tests such as skin tests or blood tests provide similar confirmation of what your health history tells your allergist. The focus is on achieving
a diagnosis and providing effective care and patient education to restore an optimal quality of life for our patients. “We believe all patients should be treated with, respect, kindness and courtesy. Our practice has been committed to providing the greater Birmingham area and our patients with the highest quality of care through our values of advocacy, service, integrity and accountability. We believe in spending the extra time to educate our patients, as well as serve our community through education, preventative medicine and outreach programs,” said Combs. The core values of Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center are reflected in the company’s social responsibility commitments across a number of areas. “As the largest allergy and asthma practice in Alabama, we are dedicated to contributing to the well-being of the communities in which we live, work and play. Our social responsibility efforts include corporate giving, local community relations, volunteerism, diversity and inclusion, ethics and compliance, wellness and sustainability initiatives. We partner locally to support, enhance, and continually improve upon these efforts, in addition to the progress we are making to positively impact the health and wellness of the individuals within our communities,” said Combs.
FAST FACTS Diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma, food allergy, sinus, immune diseases Homewood, Hoover, Chelsea, Alabaster, Cullman, and Trussville (opening June 2016) 205-871-9661 Visit alabamaallergy.com for an appointment
280Living.com
March 2016 • A27
Alabama Vein Center offers expertise and excellence
FAST FACTS Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m.– 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m.-noon 700 Montgomery Hwy., Ste 210 823-0151 or 877-268-VEIN info@alabamaveincenter.com alabamaveincenter.com
Alabama Vein Center was founded in 2002 with the goal of creating a dedicated vein center of excellence for the treatment of venous diseases with state of the art technology and procedures. Dr. Charles Austin Hunt II, MD, FACS, RPVI, owner of the Alabama Vein Centers, is a board-certified expert in the vein treatment field. He was trained in phlebology by Dr. John Kingsley, an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of venous disorders. Dr. Hunt has performed over 10,000 endovenous laser procedures to treat varicose vein disease. He specializes in treating venous disorders and performing endovenous laser ablation, microphlebectomy and sclerotherapy. With five locations throughout Alabama, including their primary location in Vestavia Hills, as well as offices in Tuscaloosa, Prattville, Cullman and Oxford, these experienced professionals are committed to the highest quality care for their patients. Dr. Hunt’s handpicked staff is highly qualified, some with 15 to 20 years of experience in the field. All of their employees are licensed and credentialed highly skilled medical professionals in their particular area, including medical assistants, scrub technicians, ultrasonographers, registered nurses, nurse anesthetists, physician assistants, and estheticians. They have successfully treated more than 30,000 patients experiencing some type of vein disorder. Alabama Vein Center has trained physicians and staff from all over the world, including Japan, Australia, Germany and Canada, as well as the United States, demonstrating modern techniques in the treatment of vein disease. Alabama Vein Center’s experienced staff
consults with large numbers of patients who may have struggled for years with their issues or have not been treated successfully in other facilities. The Vein Center is staffed with highly credentialed registered vascular technologists who are experts at accurately evaluating the venous system with ultrasound. Staff licensed CRNA’s (nurse anesthetists) provide safe conscious sedation to patients during laser treatment procedures to make them more comfortable and pain free. The Vein Center treats patients experiencing a wide variety of leg symptoms such as pain, swelling, fatigue, itching, burning, aching, restless legs and non-healing wounds. Once a diagnosis is made, a personalized treatment plan is then designed specifically to target the patient’s concern. They educate the patient to help them understand their specific venous problem and the best treatment option for resolving it. They also offer a comprehensive follow-up program to ensure excellent long-term results. Procedures offered include: Endovenous laser ablation (obliteration of primary diseased veins via laser), microphlebectomy (removal of large, painful varicose veins via micro incisions), sclerotherapy (injections of unsightly spider veins), vein wave (radio frequency treatment of smaller spider veins on the face), compression therapy (wide assortment of compression stockings), and varithena (ultrasound guided injections of problematic recurrent varicose veins). They also perform cosmetic treatments such as Botox, Juvederm, microdermabrasion, and offer a variety of skincare products such as Latisse and Skinceuticals. For more information, visit www.alabamaveincenter.com.
35 years of better hearing Since its founding in 1980, Birmingham Speech and Hearing has provided our community with exemplary hearing healthcare services, community education and speech-language diagnostics and therapy. Birmingham Speech and Hearing’s qualified professional staff is licensed by the Alabama Board of Examiners for speech-language pathology and audiology and nationally certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and the American Academy of Audiology. Birmingham Speech and Hearing was founded in 1980 and has just celebrated 35 years of business. The faithful staff is committed to recognizing the individual value of each patient. Their service-oriented mission is demonstrated by local hearing health education, encouraging a culture of discovery in its staff, strengthening relationships with other healthcare practitioners in the area, and making investments in the community. Birmingham Speech and Hearing offers comprehensive audiology services including hearing evaluations, consultations, hearing aid sales, fittings and repairs, batteries, adjustments, custom earpieces for hunters and musicians and swimming. They provide assistive listening devices such as alerting systems, amplifiers for television and telephone as well as affordable FM systems. Audiology services for hearing impaired children are provided in all local area school systems. Lip reading classes and auditory processing evaluations are also available. Speech and language services, including diagnostic evaluations and therapy, address articulation, receptive and expressive language, stuttering and voice disorders. Screenings for speech, language and vision/hearing are available at local private school and child development centers. Difficulty with hearing loss can be a debilitating problem for both children and adults. Good hearing is essential for young and old alike. Compromised hearing can negatively affect the development of social skills, cognition, balance and safety. Some of the more common causes of hearing loss include exposure to noise in the work environment or
recreation, infectious disease, physical trauma, ototoxic drugs or chemicals, birth defects and developmental syndromes. The aging process is a significant factor, along with genetic susceptibility. Birmingham Speech and Hearing provides diagnostic testing followed by a recommendation of technology to assist the patient’s hearing needs. “Anyone can come in for a complete audiological evaluation if they are experiencing hearing problems. Once an evaluation is completed, we discuss potential technology to meet the needs determined by each personal lifestyle as well as budget. Our standard practice procedure is to offer a 30-day no-obligation, risk free trial period. Hearing technology should meet individual needs in a variety of lifestyle settings, be comfortable and affordable. Our goal is to help each person experience life to the fullest with the best equipment for them,” said Cynthia Serota, M.S., CCC-SLP, director of Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates. Products from all major manufacturers are offered, including Oticon, Lyric, ReSound, Phonak and Widex. Special financing options are available for those who qualify. As with hearing problems, speech and language problems can affect people of any age. When babies and young children do not acquire age-appropriate communication skills, they may be at risk for further problems. While some children outgrow speech and language difficulties, others may need professional help to reach their potential. Speech-language pathologists have the knowledge to evaluate and treat people of all ages who have communication delays and disorders affecting speech sounds, swallowing, voice, fluency (stuttering is disrupted fluency), receptive language (understanding what people say) and expressive language. “We are deeply proud to serve the men, women and children of our community, including military personnel,” said Serota. “We look forward to continuing our mission of service to this community in the future!”
Hear • Speak • Listen • Learn • Live
FAST FACTS Speech and hearing health services 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 4 Office Park Circle, Suite 301 871-3878 birminghamspeechand hearing.com
280 Living
A28 • March 2016 l
U.S. News & World Report
This icon is not the official U.S. News & World Report best hospitals emblem.
2015-16
BEST CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS
CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA IS . . . l The third largest pediatric hospital in the United States l Licensed for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets l The first LEED-certified hospital building in Alabama l One of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state l The pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB l Home to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually l Site of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country
Russell Campus
1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233
Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Lowder Building McWane Building Children’s on Third Outpatient Center Children’s Park Place
Children’s South
205.638.9100
1601 5th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1208 3rd Avenue South 1600 5th Avenue South
l Home to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast l One of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama
1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 205.638.4800
Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services, specialty care clincis and After Hours care
l Provides care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders
Pediatric Practice Solutions Primary Care Locations Alabaster (Greenvale Pediatrics) Bessemer (Pediatrics West) Birmingham (Midtown Pediatrics) Brook Highland (Greenvale Pediatrics) Clay/Chalkville (Pediatrics East-Deerfoot) Homewood (Mayfair Medical Group) Hoover (Greenvale Pediatrics)
McAdory (Pediatrics West) Montgomery (Physicians to Children/Central Alabama Children’s Specialists) Mountain Brook (Over the Mountain Pediatrics) Pell City (Pell City Pediatrics) Trussville (Pediatrics East) Vestavia (Vestavia Pediatrics)
www.ChildrensAL.org
Breakthrough medical neuropathy treatment
FAST FACTS Peripheral neuropathy and chronic nerve conditions Monday through Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 1849 Data Drive, Suite 1 549-4899 NeurogenxNerveCenterAlabama.com
The Neurogenx NerveCenter of Hoover specializes in restorative treatment for peripheral neuropathy and chronic nerve conditions. They are accredited specialists in the cutting-edge Neurogenx Electronic Signal Treatment (EST) Technology. Until now, nerve conditions have been very difficult to treat effectively. Neurogenx is not pain management, but rather a breakthrough treatment that is effective in more than four out of five patients. Neurogenx EST technology is FDA-cleared and provides a clinically-proven, non-invasive, non-surgical treatment for neuropathy and chronic nerve conditions that affect both the upper and lower extremities. Dr. Jeremy Allen, medical director at Neurogenx in Hoover, is a pain management specialist who is passionate about helping people overcome pain issues so that they can live their lives to the fullest. The NerveCenter’s friendly and compassionate staff and accessible Hoover office make it easy for patients to find the supportive care and treatment they need. The Neurogenx Treatment safely uses cutting-edge, patented, high frequency electronic waves to gently reach deep down through muscle and tissue to relieve neuropathy symptoms and severe neuromuscular pain. Neuropathy most often causes tingling, pain, burning and numbness in the hands and feet. The symptoms are a result of nerve damage due to diabetes, chronic nerve issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia. “The Neurogenx Electronic Signal Technology treatment changes all that,” said Paul Todd, executive director for the Neurogenx Center in Hoover. The non-invasive treatments create change on the cellular level, creating an environment that helps regenerate and restore nerve endings. As a result, patients find relief from pain and
numbness and are able to regain the balance they may have lost, so they can have a better quality of life. “Anyone suffering from issues of nerve pain and numbness can come in for a free evaluation to determine if they are a good candidate for the treatment,” said Julie Barks, patient advocate at Neurogenx NerveCenter. The Neurogenx treatment can provide a successful solution for patients with complex neuropathic issues that aren’t responding to traditional protocols or for patients who no longer wish to rely on pain medications. Trained Neurogenx specialists begin with a medical history and comprehensive physical exam to fully understand the details of the patient’s condition. From this evaluation, a treatment plan is established for the patient. The initial evaluation takes less than an hour. Treatment sessions normally take 45 minutes to an hour. Opened in July of 2015, the Hoover NerveCenter was the country’s first stand-alone Neurogenx facility. Due to growing awareness of the treatment’s success, there are now six Neurogenx NerveCenters nationwide: including locations in Ohio, Tennessee and Florida. Ten more NerveCenters are expected to open in the next six months. Neurogenx is unlike any other treatment currently available. “This exclusive medical device uses a very broad range of electrical frequencies with sophisticated waveforms that are similar to the ones generated by the human body,” said James Martellini, Neurogenx program director. “This compatibility is what creates the overwhelmingly positive medical results. Retesting with nerve conduction studies and nerve fiber density testing, usually starting six months post-discharge, objectively validates these results.”
280Living.com
March 2016 • A29
We get your body back to living life again Dr. Francisco Caycedo, M.D., is a specialist in foot and ankle surgery, sports medicine and musculoskeletal ultrasound at OrthoSports Associates located at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Dr. Caycedo specializes in sports medicine, total joint replacement, foot and ankle surgery and general orthopaedics. OrthoSports Associates, established in 2011, provides the highest level of orthopaedic care to its patients with one on one care in modern, state of the art facilities. Dr. Caycedo received his medical degree and residency training from the University del Valle, Cali, Colombia. He continued his orthopaedic residence at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He received his fellowship training in Birmingham with the American Sports Medicine Institute in the foot and ankle division. Dr. Caycedo has taught Orthopaedics in Colombia and in the United States, most recently at the University of Virginia, where he served as team physician to the university’s soccer team, was the medical director of the Prosthetic and Orthotics Clinic, and the medical director of the Fontaine Sports Medicine Clinic. “At OrthoSports Associates, we want our patients to be more conscious of their overall health so they can achieve a sense of harmony. As we improve our relationship with ourselves first and then our peers, it affects our overall well-being.
It’s my job to read between the lines to see how we can help and then show the patient a plan like a picture. Then they have choices,” he said. Dr. Caycedo explains how a symptom may be a sign of something else going on in the body. “Our practice can also show the patient the correlation between something going on that is causing them pain that may stem from their diet or smoking or lack of exercise,” he said. “We want to see people transition into well-being. That’s why we also help connect our patients to additional resources on the St. Vincent’s One Nineteen campus whether it’s fitness, massage or even a consult with a dietician. Exercise and massage are no longer only luxuries. They can be important for overall well-being. OrthoSports Associates wants people to know that they are not alone, that they have support, as well as motivating feedback,” he said. Dr. Caycedo feels his approach to his practice fits perfectly with the St. Vincent’s focus on overall health and wellness. By being located within the St. Vincent’s One Nineteen facility, Dr. Caycedo’s practice offers patients easy access to a wide range of its services including physician specialties, diagnostics, physical therapy, fitness center, spa, dieticians and a surgery center.
FAST FACTS Sports medicine, foot and ankle surgery and general orthopaedics 7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 100B 939-0447 orthosportsassociates.com/doctors/ caycedo
Skin Wellness Center of Alabama The Skin Wellness Center of Alabama was founded in 2009 by Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, who also serves as the medical director. Dr. Hartman and his staff are committed to providing patients with comprehensive, state-of-the art care in medical, surgical and cosmetic services in a warm, inviting and innovative office environment. Not only do they serve the Birmingham community, but they also help to train dermatology residents and students at UAB, as well as treat local personalities and celebrities that travel from as far away as Atlanta and New York for their services. Dr. Hartman serves as assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. A native of New Orleans, he attended Emory University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. After earning a doctorate of medicine from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, he completed an internship in internal medicine at Tulane University Medical Center and a residency in dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. Dr. Hartman is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. During his training, Dr. Hartman traveled to study at UCLA and Howard University, where he was an apprentice with experts in cosmetic procedures for all skin types. This knowledge has provided the basis for expertise in tailoring dermatologic surgery and cosmetic procedures that are safe and effective for patients from many diverse backgrounds. “Dermatology is important because the skin is the largest organ in the body,” said Dr. Hartman. “It is an indicator of internal problems and can provide clues to diseases of other organs. It is also the primary line of defense against infections,
environmental allergens, sun damage and trauma.” Services provided include: Fraxel Laser Resurfacing, Coolsculpting, Photofacials, Liposonix, Clear and Brilliant Laser, laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, Cryoshape for Keloids, Dermaplaning, Botox, Dermal Fillers, SilkPeel Microdermabrasion, mole removal, skin cancer surgery, benign lesion removal, customized anti-aging regimens, acne treatment, phototherapy and many others. Dr. Hartman’s staff includes Rayna M. Dyck, MD, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, respectively from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, summa cum laude with University Honors. She received her Doctorate of Medicine in 2009 from the Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota. Brittany Rigsby, CRNP, graduated magna cum laude from Samford University School of Nursing with a Master of Science in Nursing. April Smoke, Lead Aesthetician, is Board Certified by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology. Kinsey Carden is an Aesthetician in both Chelsea and Homewood locations, who received her education at Body Logic School of Esthetics and is board certified with the Alabama Board of Cosmetology. “Our focus is on the whole patient, not just the skin but the overall physical health, emotional health and social well-being. Skin is the most visible organ and when disorders arise, the whole world can see. That can take an emotional toll on a patient and we don’t take that lightly. We believe that beautiful skin must first be healthy. Our treatment strategies focus on this belief. We also have a staff that is diverse across all parameters and a patient population to match. Any patient can feel welcome, valued and understood at our office,” said Dr. Hartman.
FAST FACTS Medical, cosmetic and laser dermatology Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Birmingham: 1920 Huntingdon Road, 871-7332 Chelsea: 398 Chesser Drive, Suite 6, 678-7518
280 Living
A30 • March 2016
Chelsea Park Elementary student Lorelei Posey sorts through her art supplies. Photo by Erica Techo.
LORELEI
CONTINUED from page A1 “She just thought that was the coolest experience, to go to an art show and have her art featured,” said Kathy Posey, Lorelei’s mother. When her parents agreed to have the show, they encouraged her to think of a charity or cause she could support with any money they raised. While Lorelei does not know specific charities at her age, her mother said she has an understanding of which causes are important to her, including the Mullalys’ adoption. “We didn’t tell her, ‘Do your art show for that,’ but we told her this [adoption] is the sort of thing people need to support, and she kind of moved into that,” Posey said. “We were, of course, excited because we love Jenny and Jay, and we love her.” In December, Lorelei held her art show at the Chelsea Senior Citizens Lodge. At first, Posey said, they expected it to be a cute activity that would raise a few hundred dollars. Lorelei sold prints of her artwork, and they raised more than $3,000 for the Mullalys’ adoption. Support from the community was overwhelming, Posey said, and more support has come in as people order prints of Lorelei’s work from their Etsy page. The money, however, has become a secondary goal. Through Lorelei’s story and the Mullalys’ journey, Posey said they hope to inspire people to support adoption or take the leap to pursue adoption, if that is what they want. “We want people to see the love of waiting families, that their child is going to be so greatly loved by families who can’t have kids but want to have kids,” Posey said. Adoptions can cost $50,000, Posey said, and sometimes that number is daunting to waiting families. She said she hopes Lorelei’s efforts show those families it is possible to get the support to pay for an adoption, and some families have decided to pursue adoption since hearing their story. “It’s given a lot of folks hope to be able to chase that dream for themselves,” Posey said. People are more apt to listen to a child and be inspired by a child, Posey said, and she believes
that is one reason people have been inspired and encouraged by Lorelei’s efforts. “They always say it takes the heart of a child, and it’s true,” Posey said. “… It’s because people love to love on kids, people are more apt to listen to this story. And I think God uses children in special ways because they don’t have an ego in a way, like most adults do.” Since the art show, Lorelei’s prints have been ordered in locations around the world, including a school in Hungary and in Jay Mullaly’s home country, England. “It kind of renews your faith in humanity because there is so much negativity in the world, and so many bad stories about evil,” Posey said. “You just kind of get into this place where you think there’s no good left in the world … and then you do something like this, and you are part of something like this, and you see that people do care. People do
care about other people and want the opportunity to be involved in something bigger than themselves.” Since the art show, they have raised almost $4,000 for the Mullaly family. While they have thanked Lorelei, Posey said they have also given Lorelei a great gift. “It’s just exciting to really watch her develop her heart through this process,” Posey said. “She’s about to turn 7 [in March], so it’s been about a year that we’ve watched her develop the mindset of giving to others and generosity and completely being selfless in what she’s doing.” Lorelei has talked about holding a yard sale for the Mullalys or hosting a lemonade stand, and Posey said Jenny Mullaly has been amazed at Lorelei’s love for their future child. “What blows her away is Lorelei’s love for somebody she doesn’t even know,” Posey said.
Watch Lorelei Posey talk about her art:
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The Mullaly family had a home study completed in late January, and after its approval, they could receive a call about a child at any time. Posey said they are all ready to welcome baby London into a loving community. “When Jenny and Jay get the call, and we hear they’ve been matched with a family, we’re going to have a big party,” Posey said. Prints of Lorelei’s artwork are available on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/FantasticArtShow. They have also started a GoFundMe page for the Mullalys at gofundme.com/fantasticartshow.
280Living.com
March 2016 • A31
VOTE
CONTINUED from page A1 ballot is another step in the easement of alcohol sale restrictions. “What’s happening is you’re seeing the consistent removal of all the restrictions on alcohol, which by the way is a mind-altering and addictive drug,” Godfrey said. “So the more you remove the restrictions, the more society pays for the alcohol-related problems.” Restaurants in Shelby County were able to obtain a club license to sell alcohol on Sundays until around six years ago when legislation took away club licenses. Restaurants that already had club licenses were grandfathered in, but Hill said issues with new businesses started arising. “That seemed like a pretty good compromise in the beginning, and then we realized we weren’t getting any new restaurants in Shelby County … because now, they not only had to compete with Jefferson County for Sunday sales, but they no longer could have a club license,” Hill said. This competition from within the county and across county lines pushed legislators to pursue Sunday sales. Wade Crawford, director of marketing for Quality Restaurant Concepts, said for restaurants with club licenses, this law would only simplify Sunday sales by eliminating the need for club memberships or special records. The Applebee’s in Chelsea, which is owned by Quality Restaurant Concepts, has had a club license since it opened. Crawford said even though they can sell alcohol on Sundays, conservative values in the county and throughout the Southeast mean not many people purchase it. “We don’t do a whole lot of alcohol sales even if we have it,” he said. “We’re just very conservative down here.” Sunday sales would likely have a greater impact for grocery and package stores, Crawford said. At his two stores, Rueschenberg said people who are not from Shelby County frequently stop by on Sundays. “They’re pulling on the door and they’re not really from around here, and they don’t understand why we’re not open on Sunday,” he said. Beer and wine distributors from Shelby
Signs encouraging voters to support Sunday alcohol sales have been posted in Shelby County. An official cialswith withthe theAlabama AlabamaCitizens CitizensAction ActionProgram, Program,which which opposes opposes Sunday Sunday sales, said sales, opponents said opponents don’t have don’tenough have enough resources resources to to produce produce signs. signs. Photo Photo by by Frank Frank Couch. Couch.
County would benefit from another day to sell, and they would see more sales from people passing through town, Rueschenberg said. A lot of people travel on Sundays, and he believes the county could benefit from their business. “I think that it would be beneficial for any tourism that is within the community,” he said. “It may help conventions that they may want to hold at the Pelham Civic Center or wherever.” Godfrey said he does not see Sunday sales as an economic boost. Arguments that say alcohol sales will improve the economy are just a ruse, Godfrey said. He believes alcohol-related issues could actually increase and end up costing the county more. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention released a study in January on the cost of excessive drinking. That cost was $249 billion for the United States in 2010 and included the cost of productivity loss, early mortality, health care costs, crime and car crashes. “We’re having huge problems, and those figures with the CDC include lost time at work, mortality issues, incarceration and trial situations,” Godfrey said. “All these different things are included in that cost, and that’s probably a conservative cost. … Oftentimes it’s people who don’t drink who have to pay the price.” Quality Restaurant Concepts has opened restaurants in dry and wet areas, and their decisions related to alcohol typically reflect the community where they are moving, Crawford said.
But for people who want to drink or purchase alcohol on Sunday, Crawford said they will just cross county lines. “I think it’s a ‘duh,’” Crawford said. “It’s just something we need to be doing. People are obviously leaving Shelby County on Sundays if they want to drink, and the county has been missing on those Sunday alcohol taxes for forever.” The fate of Sunday sales is now up to Shelby County voters, Hill said, and if people vote “no,” the delegation will let that stand. “The delegation has pretty much said that if it doesn’t pass, we’re not coming back next year with it,” Hill said. “One of these days, another delegation may do it, but this is one shot.”
280 Living
SECTION
B
School House B8 Real Estate B13 Summer Camp Guide B15
Tying the knot neighborly news & entertainment
Danberry at Inverness hosts its fi st wedding
By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE
D
anberry at Inverness hosted its first resident wedding on the afternoon of Feb. 5. Hank Boger, 90, and Mary Ann Hinkle, 85, exchanged vows in front of a standing room
only crowd. The bride wore a knee-length lilac lace dress, and the groom wore a black tux and bow tie. The ceremony was brief, but beautiful. Cody Lytton, director of resident services, performed the ceremony, one of the fitness trainers, Cleo Clency, read a poem “Every Day I Love You,” and fellow Danberry resident Pat Fiol sang “I Believe.” The couple had a whirlwind romance. They knew each other, but they didn’t begin their relationship until December. The couple had attended exercise classes and pool volleyball together, but the spark happened during a happy hour for residents with December birthdays. “We both went to the happy hour, and Mary Ann invited me to sit with her and some other friends,” Boger said. “I didn’t realize it was a trap!” Boger said he had been noticing Mary Ann long before then.“There was a spark there already. We sat together and talked, and that was the beginning,” he said. Hinkle said before she even met him, she saw that Boger had a strong family, just from the visits he had with his children and grandchildren. Hinkle suffered a fall outside on New Year’s Eve. As she as being loaded on the gurney, Boger and his daughter came down and saw what was
The wedding of Mary Ann Hinkle to Hank Boger was a first for Danberry at Inverness, a senior living facility. Friends, family and residents filled a meeting room Friday, Feb. 5, to see the couple exchange vows. Photo by Frank Couch.
going on. “Hank came over and held my hand and was so sweet,” she said. “There must have been some magic in that moment, because everything from then on went very fast.” Boger would send Hinkle an email every morning. One day several weeks later, his email said he had a question to ask her after volleyball that day. “When we got to my room, he asked me if I was going to sit down,” she said. “When I did,
this 90-year-old man got down on his knee and asked me if I would marry him.” Hinkle told him she wanted to check with her kids to see what they thought first. “They told me it seemed fast, but that I was a wise lady and they’d leave it up to me,” she said. When asked what it feels like to find love at this stage in life, the couple smiled and said that neither of them were looking for a relationship.
“It’s like a brand-new experience,” said Boger. “Like the icing on the cake. I think both of us were kind of in an extended mourning period [after losing their spouses] and it just happened. Good things happen for a purpose, and I’ll accept that.” After the engagement, the couple went to see Cody Lytton, who is an ordained minister, and asked if he would perform the ceremony. Lytton then called Lori Krueger, Danberry’s director of sales and marketing, to tell her they were having their first wedding. The staff was more than happy to assist with the planning. “It was like our wheels were turning so fast in our head, because not only were we super excited for them, but the wedding was two weeks away,” Krueger said. “We couldn’t let them just walk into the ballroom on a Friday afternoon without the perfect setting.” After searching online, Krueger found décor to rent, including an archway. The flowers chosen were calla lilies and pink roses. The wedding cake would be strawberry. They also helped the couple choose rings, and for Boger, a new suit and black dress shoes. Krueger also assisted in planning the couple’s honeymoon to Gulf Shores. Krueger said this has been an exciting time for everyone at Danberry. “For all our directors here, this is our first experience in the senior industry to have residents get married,” she said. “All of the residents are super excited as well and couldn’t be happier for them. I think it’s a perfect example that love has no age limit.” Hinkle will take Boger’s name and move into his apartment at Danberry.
Experience the excitement and urban luxury of 20 Midtown. 10-foot+ ceilings Spacious floor plans Full height window wall looking out to balconies A flat screen TV pre-mounted in each living room and bedroom Publix, Starbucks, Chipotle — and more dining and personal services to be announced soon Walkable to Regions Field, Railroad Park, Iron City, WorkPlay and much more
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280 Living
B2 • March 2016
Your Health Today Who’s in charge? By Dr. Irma Leon Palmer
“I believe that everyone chooses how to approach life. If you’re proactive, you focus on preparing. If you’re reactive, you end up focusing on repairing.” John C. Maxwell With health, there is no standing still. You are either actively moving forward, or actively moving backwards. Just like pushing a ball uphill, the second you let go, it begins a steady decent. As with one’s health, once you lose ground, you have to invest effort to move your health back in the right direction. By now, it is no secret that daily exercise, nutritious meals, regular spinal adjustments, adequate sleep and rest are all necessary steps in moving your health upward and forward. The truth is, that everyone needs to be vigilant in proactively pursuing total wellness because there are already so many unhealthy and unavoidable toxins already present. I feel we as a society need to adjust our approach on health. We need to accept the reality that unless we take charge of our
health, it will take charge of us and our future. If you are currently experiencing poor health, look at your lifestyle and make some changes. At Chiropractic Today, we make sure everyone who enters our office leaves with a greater understanding of true health. Sadly, many expect their medical doctor and medications to be in charge of controlling their health. However, the responsibility and capacity is within the individual. Living on daily medication is not health and wellness living. While medications may be necessary to maintain function while health is poor, they only keep you in a survival mode. Many in our society are on the verge of disease, illness and disability, however, this new normal is not normal. It’s reactive and sadly, it’s widely accepted. A mental and societal shift is needed regarding health and our body. A shift towards understanding that a totally functioning body and the systems within it reflects true health and wellness reflects in. We are actually designed to thrive, not fail. Just as plants genetically do not fail unless given them the wrong environment to thrive, our health will also fail due to our negative choices over time. We require nutritious
foods, exercise, rest, sleep and uninterrupted nervous system flow to thrive. We are genetically designed by God to be self-healing, self-rejuvenating, and self-repairing. Pursuing health has to be more longsighted than losing weight for an upcoming beach trip, wedding day, or event. Over time, by doing such, you will have increased mobility, energy and vitality even into your later years of life. Simple habits such as thinking-ahead with meal planning by doubling healthy recipes can avoid rushed runs through a drive-thru after a hectic day. I prefer to see gradual changes within a hectic life than drastic, unsustainable measures. The goal is to produce consistent, sustainable changes one can stick to. One things to be careful of in your pursuit of health is the over-exaggeration or the obsession with eating healthy and staying “up with the latest”. Health fads and faulty research come and go faster than fashion trends. Balance and moderation is key. Again the bottom line, each person must take charge of their health, through proactive supplementation, chiropractic care, life-giving foods and a positive mindset!
So what does a health approach look like? We suggest you take time to formulate realistic goals and the “why” behind them. Losing weight is a wonderful goal if it is necessary, but what deeper meaning rests behind that weight loss? Does the extra weight cause you to shrink back socially or not feel free and attractive to your spouse? Does it keep you from staying active with your grandchildren, or from participating in your favorite hobbies? Finding your ”why” is step one. Next, determine feasible action steps in your eating, thinking, and moving that you can focus on and fully incorporate into your lifestyle. Creating lifelong habits is the ultimate goal! If you would like help with achievable goal setting, meal planning, healthy recipes, exercise regimens or overall wellness, schedule a free consultation with us at 205.991.3511. We offer many natural paths to wellness. A 21-day cleanse may be a great jumpstart for you, or starting with some basics like drinking more water or experimenting with new vegetables. We are here to help you succeed! There is no better day to take charge then today!
280Living.com
March 2016 • B3
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280 Living
Benefiting Birmingham pets The Animal League of Birmingham supports area rescue groups
A runner finishes at the Animal League of Birmingham’s annual Paws for a Cause fundraiser. Photo courtesy of Animal League of Birmingham.
280Living.com
March 2016 • B5
Members of the Animal League of Birmingham at their annual Paws for the Cause fundraiser. Photo courtesy of Animal League of Birmingham.
By ERICA TECHO The Animal League of Birmingham does not have a building, and it does not take in pets, but last year it helped serve more than 800 dogs and cats. Rather than help individual pets, this Shelby County nonprofit helps support animal rescue groups and shelters in Birmingham and surrounding areas, and its lack of a home base means more animals can benefit. “We’ll probably never have a facility,” said Peggy Cropp, who serves on the league’s board and as its president. “We are able to therefore use all of our money strictly for our cause, and we don’t have to pay rent; there is no overhead.” The Animal League of Birmingham started when a lack of manpower meant Paws for the Cause, a 5K and fun run benefiting the Shelby Humane Society, almost couldn’t continue. Donna McFeeters, a co-founder and treasurer for the league, said their organization came together to continue the event. In 2014, the Animal League raised $10,000 to go toward spaying and neutering at the Shelby Humane Society. After that donation was made, the humane society called to say they had a matching donor, so they received $20,000 in total for their spay/neuter program. “That was probably one of our best moments,” Cropp said. The seventh annual Paws for the Cause took place in October, and they used the money to improve the lives of animals — 100 new beds, one per kennel, and high-quality food were purchased. “To me, the money that we got from that race this past year and the year before were the most powerful donations we’ve ever made to Shelby Humane Society,” Cropp said. While Paws for a Cause benefits the Shelby Humane Society specifically, the Animal League holds several events throughout the year that benefit multiple nonprofits. “We didn’t really get into this to be a rescue,” McFeeters said. “We want to help rescues. We know sometimes they take in animals that need medical care, and they don’t have funds for the medical care, or rescues that get in a bind and need food and don’t have the money.” When a shelter or rescue is struggling, the group is also able to help rescues and shelters
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quickly, Cropp said. One shelter was in need of donations, and Cropp said they were able to quickly get $1,000 to them. “There was no grant process. It didn’t go on for days, weeks,” Cropp said. “There weren’t animals starving, waiting for that to happen. It was literally an overnight vote we took.” Functioning this way is necessary with shelters, Cropp said. Sometimes, a shelter’s need is immediate and they cannot wait for a fundraiser or donor. “A lot of times their cries for help are not well thought out, meaning sometimes it’s an overnight, desperate emergency SOS,” Cropp said, “and that is where we are very beneficial to their organizations.” The Animal League currently has about 30 members, but March is their “Friends and Family” recruitment month. They hope to add 20 new members in 2016. “We’re always looking for more members because the more manpower we have, the more we can do and the more money we can raise,” McFeeters said. “Then, the more money we can give to organizations to help them.” Volunteers organize and work at events and meet once a month. The volunteer work is fun and rewarding, Cropp said, but participating is about more than just loving animals. “Everybody says, ‘Oh, I want to join because I love animals,’ and that’s fantastic, but you need to be willing to get dirty, too,” Cropp said. “We don’t mess around.” Cropp and McFeeters said if people are looking for a way to help out, they also encourage people to volunteer at shelters. “It takes people to come and volunteer,” McFeeters said. “An animal is a lot more desirable if they’re clean, if they don’t smell. If they’re healthy and look good, and if you go into the shelter and volunteer, even if you just go and walk dogs, they’re happier.” For more information about the Animal League of Birmingham, visit theanimalleagueofbirmingham.com or find them on Facebook.
280 Living
B6 • March 2016
t. This will be ring 2015’s Shamfes has fun on stage du amfest 2015. ine Sh tSh at Ou es for rid l er va ildren enjoy carni Above: The drumm Ch ft: Le . ing rm rfo year pe OutShine’s second ler. Photos by Madison Mil
SHAMFEST 2016
Food trucks, beer tents, kids’ zone and music planned for March 12 By MARIENNE THOMAS OGLE They’ll be dancing in the street — Manning Street — on March 12 during the 2016 Shamfest in Mt Laurel. The St. Patrick’s Day festival, in its fourth year, is hosted by the Red Shamrock Pub and co-sponsored by Area 41 Pizza Company. The all-day event features food trucks, beer tents, kids’ zone activities and lots and lots of music. Kay Dailey, co-owner of The Red Shamrock with husband Henry, said the band lineup will feature “a little bit of everything” including rock and roll, country and pop. “Gates open at 11 a.m. and the first band begins at noon,” Dailey said. “The outdoor bands play until 10 p.m. when the indoor after-party begins and runs until whenever.” This will be Deputy 5’s fourth year to headline Shamfest, and Tommy O’Barr, lead guitarist and fiddler, describes the event as “one of the few but one of the best street festivals around.” “There’s not many of these smaller festivals anymore and that’s a shame,” O’Barr said. “Being onstage and looking out and seeing that many people having such a great time is the best.” O’Barr and his band mates — co-founder/ lead singer Breck Carroll, bassist Don
Breland and drummer John Simpson — first got together 12 years ago and since have been playing old and new country with a mix of rock and roll throughout Alabama and the four surrounding states. “Breck and I met when our bands were competing for a job in a local club and, while neither of us got the job, he and I got together and formed Deputy 5,” he said.“We had all played with different bands but when we got together there was chemistry and something worked.” O’Barr, of Irish descent, said while he’s always busy with the band during Shamfest — they’re onstage for three hours with only one 20-minute break — he enjoys the spirit of the event and encourages others to do the same. “We’re really honored to be back because The Red Shamrock does things right with a top-notch stage and sound company,” O’Barr said. “There are things there for everyone, and I guarantee you’ll have a great time.” A well-known band along the 280 corridor, OutShine bass player and founder Jay Juliana said the group is looking forward to its second appearance at Shamfest. “It’s really getting big and we’re so excited they invited us back,” Juliana said.“We love Kay and The Red Shamrock crew. They always make everyone feel welcome.”
Juliano, who lives in Hoover and works full time as a realtor with Century 21 Meyer Real Estate, describes Outshine as a party band. “We play ’80s and ’90s classics and love to put our own spin on the songs,” he said. “We started the band seven years ago and this is one of our favorite events — the music, the food and lots of fun for everyone.” Jason Armstrong and Greg Brasher — The Whiskey Dix — are back in the Shamfest lineup for the second time after missing last year. Both from the Hueytown-Pleasant Grove area, they’re an all-acoustic duo that performs comedy mixed with eclectic music including R&B, country, rap and rock, Armstrong said. “You get a lot of entertainment for just two guys,” he said. “It’s like going to a concert and a comedy club at the same time.” In addition to performing, Armstrong freelances as a graphic designer and Brasher works as an anti-money laundering investigator. “But the band pays the bills and that’s great,” Armstrong said. The Whiskey Dix has opened for a number of larger bands but also plays fraternity houses, weddings and parties. “But one of the reasons we love
Shamfest is the family atmosphere,” Armstrong said.“We’ve been doing this for six years and can look at a crowd and tell what’s appropriate. And Shamfest is fun for everyone, no matter their age.” Admission to Shamfest is $15 and children age 12 and under are free with a paying adult, said Dailey. IDs will be checked at the gate and each person will receive an armband accordingly. VIP tickets are also available for $25 and include a VIP tent, seating and private bartender, she said. “We’re also animal friendly, and chairs are welcome but coolers aren’t allowed,” Dailey said. Manning Street is off County Road 41 and parking is encouraged along that road, on surrounding streets and in Mt Laurel shopping areas, Dailey said. “We’ll have four sheriffs on duty throughout the festival so security will not be an issue,” she said. According to Dailey, more than 3,000 people participated in Shamfest in 2015 and event attendance has increased yearly. “So we’re expecting a big, big crowd and that’s my favorite part,” Dailey said. “Sometimes I’ll stand on a bar stool so I can see over the crowd and watch everyone having such a great time. We don’t make a lot of money, but it sure is a lot of fun.”
280Living.com
March 2016 • B7
Darlene Waters leads a meditation class at her Lemon Tree Yoga business in The Village at Lee Branch shopping center in Hoover. Photos by Syndey Cromwell.
DE-STRESSING ONE BREATH AT A TIME
North Shelby County woman builds business on meditation By SYDNEY CROMWELL Breathe in, breathe out. It’s a simple act. You do it thousands of times every day, but breathing is also the core of Darlene Waters’ meditation practice. Waters, a resident of The Narrows community in north Shelby County, has been teaching meditation for more than 20 years. She started simple — a few moments sitting cross-legged on the bed each morning — to make herself a more patient parent. This led to learning in classes and eventually teaching to share the benefits that meditation gave her to others. “It definitely can bring a sense of calm, peace and clarity,” Waters said. “That is a very different place to go through life instead of constant kneejerk reacting.” Regular meditation has been shown to reduce stress levels and increase positive outlooks, and some studies have connected it to reduced symptoms of pain, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease and anxiety. Despite this, Waters said most people aren’t familiar with the practice. “Life is crazy. We’re always being pulled in all these different directions,” Waters said. “So if you have a tool, most people would use it. They’re just not aware it exists.” There are many styles of meditation, some using mantras, candles or music. In Waters’ classes at Lemon Tree Yoga in The Village at Lee Branch shopping center, she uses breathing to redirect her clients’ focus inside themselves. She describes herself as something of a “mechanic” as she leads the class, redirecting people’s thoughts and energy when they have difficulty focusing. Some of Waters’ clients have been coming to her classes for 15 years. “Teaching is the best way to learn. No question. My students have always and continue to be my best teachers,” Waters said. “It’s not about what you know. It’s about what you can help them with.” First-time students often come in with hesitations or a lack of information. Waters said some confuse meditation with yoga or think they can completely achieve perfect inner focus or enlightenment in a week. She said the best way to approach meditation is as a mental trip to the gym, which takes time and effort just like
Waters said common reactions to meditating mirror what she has seen in her own life: more compassion and less stress.
a physical workout. Some also worry that meditation is incompatible with their religious faith in some way. While meditation can be linked to praying or spiritual practices in many religions, Waters said that the practice at its most basic level is about relaxation and self-awareness, not a particular religion. “It is what you make of it,” she said. For those who overcome those hesitations and begin taking meditation classes, Waters said at first they typically find it easier to meditate in the group rather than at home. When they make it a daily practice, the effects of meditation begin to show in their lives. “After a couple months, they’ll come in and say, ‘You know I’ve been doing that as you suggested, and I didn’t have time the other day. I was rushed. And you know, my whole day was different. It was just off,’” Waters said. These reactions mirror what Waters has seen in her own life: more compassion, less stress and the ability to calm herself in difficult situations. “It’s my passion to be able to share it with others, to give them the skill that changed my life,” Waters said. Waters also teaches classes at PH Balanced Fitness and Villager Yoga in Vestavia Hills, and she wants to start a basic meditation class for businesses looking to offer the service to employees. From community centers to schools and nursing homes, Waters said she’d like to see meditation in any place that people gather. “Everyone can benefit,” she said. “There’s really nowhere I wouldn’t like to see it.”
280 Living
B8 • March 2016
School House
OMES students help make buses safer Oak Mountain Elementary students exit a bus during a simulation activity. Photo courtesy of Rebekah Austin.
By GRACE THORNTON Debbie Horton may be principal of Oak Mountain Elementary School now, but she doesn’t feel all that far removed from her bus-driving days. “When I first started teaching in Midfield, I drove a bus — we drove our own students on field trips,” Horton said. “I know firsthand the importance of the safety features of a school bus.” So when a doctoral student from Auburn University approached her about OMES students helping with a study aimed at improving school bus safety, she was “all in.” “We felt fortunate to be chosen for this research project because we felt like it could benefit students all over,” Horton said. The study, done by Auburn doctoral candidate Yousif Abulhassan and his research team, walked young elementary school children through simulation activities to measure their ability to get out of a school bus in an emergency without adult help. “Currently school buses are the safest mode of transportation,” Abulhassan said. “The purpose of conducting these studies is to make school buses a safer mode of transportation. With the data collected, we are able to better understand the physical capabilities of children and identify areas of improvement in the current emergency evacuation system.” So students, like second-grader Drew McCullars, participated in exercises to see how fast they could exit the back of a school bus turned on its side, as well as out of the front and back of a school bus standing upright. “We had to pull the lever and then push the door open by ourselves when the bus was on its side,” McCullars said. “And in the other one, we
had to jump out the back of the bus onto some mats that they had put out. They wanted to see if everyone would be able to get out of the bus if something happened.” They did it sometimes with adult instructions and other times without, said second-grader Caroline Kester. “If they said the front of the bus was on fire, a kid would need to open the latch of the back door so that we could jump out,” she said. “If the back was on fire, then we would go through the
front and down the stairs.” The study measured the children’s hand span, the length of their arms and the force of their strength, Horton said. “Some of the children could get the back door open easily when it was turned on its side, and others had a harder time,” Horton said. The study highlighted some simple things that could be done to improve the ability of children to evacuate on their own, she said, such as a simple ratcheting system on the back door to
keep it from closing again after children lift it up. “It would keep it from pinching their fingers or hands and allow them to wriggle their way out,” she said. The activities were completely safe for the children, but the research team still took precautions, such as having the children wear helmets and jump onto mats, Horton said. “We are very excited and hope that all of his work will help make school buses even safer,” she said.
280Living.com
March 2016 • B9
From Oak Mountain
to New York City
2009 graduate finds his ay in job with Amazon By ERICA TECHO Software engineering is almost the liberal arts of the engineering world; at least that’s how Seth Denney saw it in college. “In my mind, because I had grown up being very science-focused, it was sort of a leap of 280 Living faith,” Denney said. “I felt periodically will like it was almost akin to feature alumni jumping into a liberal arts from schools degree.” in the U.S. 280 Even though he didn’t area, catching know it, that leap of faith up with them was a first step toward his to see what job as a software engineer they’re doing at Amazon and a move to now. To recomNew York City. mend someone When Denney gradufor this feature, ated from Oak Mountain contact Erica High School in 2009 and Techo at erica went to Auburn Univer@starnes sity, he planned to study publishing.com. computer engineering and physics. He had always loved science, with a family history of electrical engineering, and he wanted to continue that study in college. “My plan tentatively was to go do physics for the academic route … and to get a job working as a researcher somewhere,” Denney said. After signing on to do research with theoretical
Seth Denney, a 2009 Oak Mountain High School graduate, now works as a software engineer at Amazon. Photo courtesy of Seth Denney.
atomic physics professor Francis Robicheaux, he got his hands on software for the first time. They used software to model subatomic particle interactions, and the speed and the efficiency of
the software intrigued him. “The power that you could get with software — it really drew me in,” Denney said. He continued working with software and
eventually took the plunge to change his major to software engineering. The change was a challenge, he said, because it involves more logic than it does hard sciences, but he continued to love working with software to optimize processes. As graduation at Auburn approached, Denney received offers from multiple companies — including Facebook and Google — and chose to take a job with Amazon. He started as a software engineer in June 2014 and said the past year and a half has been a time of growth. “Just being able to look back and see how much I have learned and how much I’ve improved in so many dimensions in just a year and a half is mind-blowing to me,” Denney said. The Amazon office is not what people might think, especially if they think most tech companies operate like Google in “The Internship.” While there are not nap pods or slides, Denney said the office’s location in New York City and a healthy work-life balance help the company appeal to potential employees. “Being a tech company that still is competing for a lot of the same talent, it still makes pretty modern offices,” Denney said, noting they have a great cafeteria and frequently have dogs roaming the office. “Amazon is a very lean-running company … every cent that Amazon makes is reinvested into itself and new product areas.” At Amazon, Denney works with Amazon’s “big data,” which includes data points such as
280 Living
B10 • March 2016
Seth Denney ► High school: Oak Mountain High School ► Year graduated: 2009 ► Current residence: New York City ► What he’s doing now: Working as a software engineer for Amazon price, product, retailer, purchase time and more. He works to combine the retail data and make it actionable, meaning it can be analyzed and used to manage relationships with vendors. “There’s just an incredible amount of data supporting the retail business,” Denney said. After compiling the data, they send it to the vendors who sell Amazon products for later sale and distribution. The sheer size and scale of Amazon’s business presents some challenges, but Denney said that is one reason he
has developed as a software engineer. “It creates opportunities for learning and challenging yourself,” he said. Denney said from an early age he benefited by being close to the Oak Mountain school system. Both of his parents worked at Oak Mountain Middle School at a time, so he got to be more than just a student in the system, Denney said. As a member of the Oak Mountain High School band, Denney said he learned about responsibility and goal management. He also worked as an independent tutor for fellow students, where he developed problem-solving skills. “That, I think, is where I learned an incredible amount of things that I learned later on because I learned how to frame problems from other people’s perspective,” Denney said. “Being able to have that introspection and put yourself into other people’s shoes, that is an incredible skill.” Denney said he expects to keep learning as a software engineer at Amazon, and he is excited about his trajectory in the company. He has had the opportunity to talk with people working at startups and has thought of starting his own business eventually, but he doesn’t plan to leave Amazon anytime soon. “The right idea would have to come along first,” he said.
Briarwood Junior High student wins Shelby County spelling bee
Shelby County students compete in scholars’ bowls Middle and high school students showed off their academic knowledge in the Shelby County Schools annual district Scholars Bowl, held Feb. 2-5. In the sixth grade competition, the Chelsea Middle team placed second overall and Oak Mountain Middle placed third. Chelsea’s Joel Young was the overall individual top scorer, and Oak Mountain’s Houston Graham took the high score for his school. OMMS seventh graders placed third as a team in the seventh grade competition. Aidan Dokland of OMMS and Holden Griswold from Chelsea were the top scoring individuals on their team and were part of a three-way tie for third place in individual scores. The eighth grade team from OMMS took the
victory in their grade’s bowl, led by individual high scorer Elizabeth Camp. Chelsea Middle’s students did not place as a team, but student Akayla Isbell took the third place individual score. The varsity high school teams faced off on Feb. 5, with Oak Mountain set to face off in the championship against Shelby County High later in the month. OMHS student Cole Sullivan took the individual top score, with Chelsea’s Joshua Silas in second place. The B-team competition was also won by OMHS with help from top-scoring student Adam Pendry. Chelsea High’s students did not earn one of the top three individual spots, but Cici Olsen and Kaila Palisoc led the Hornets in scoring. - Courtesy of Shelby County Schools.
Shelby County Spelling Bee winner Katie Groves (right) and second place winner Morgan Elizabeth Jeffries (left). Photo courtesy of Shelby County Schools.
By ERICA TECHO Students from across Shelby County participated in this year’s spelling bee on Jan. 29. Katie Groves, a student at Briarwood Junior High, won the Shelby County Spelling Bee. Columbiana Middle School student Morgan Elizabeth Jeffries finished in second place.
Other students included Hilltop Montessori student Liam Falconer, Thompson Middle student Abby Malkove, Helena Middle student Jacob Ritondo, Our Lady of the Valley School student Kirstan Grace Davie, Evangel Classical Christian School student Lindsay Culpepper, Chelsea Middle student Akayla Isbel and Montevallo Middle student Katie Ozley.
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280Living.com
March 2016 • B11
Clockwise from bottom left: Chelsea High senior Kaci Coleman received a Tuskegee University Achievement Scholarship. She is pictured here, standing in back with her mother. Sitting are Shelby County Tuskegee University Alumni Club President William Mathis (center), and University representatives Courtney Griffin (at left) and Regina Burden (at right). Photos courtesy of William Mathis. Chelsea High senior Joshua Silas received a Tuskegee University Distinguished Presidential Scholarship. He is shown here, standing in back with his parents. Sitting are Shelby County Tuskegee University Alumni Club President William Mathis (center), and University representatives Courtney Griffin (at left) and Regina Burden (at right). Chelsea High senior Daishion Dominic Howard received a Tuskegee University Achievement Scholarship. He is shown here (in center) with his father, (second from left), University representatives Courtney Griffin (far left) and Courtney Griffin (fourth from left) and Shelby County Tuskegee University Alumni Club President William Mathis (far right).
Chelsea students honored at Shelby County Tuskegee alumni meeting The Shelby County Tuskegee University Alumni Club recently recognized three Chelsea High School seniors for scholarships they received from Tuskegee. Joshua Silas received Tuskegee’s Distinguished Presidential Scholarship, while Kaci Jones and Daishion Howard were awarded University Achievement Scholarships.
The alumni club from Shelby County celebrated the scholarships at a meeting at the Greystone YMCA. Regina Burden, Tuskegee’s vice president for student affairs, and Courtney Griffin, Tuskegee’s interim executive director of enrollment management and coordinator of institutional research, attended. - Submitted by William Mathis.
280 Living
B12 • March 2016
Paul Wallce from team Mattress Firm takes a running dive into the lake at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 30. Teams raised funds to support athletes competing in the Special Olympics, then took a dip into the chilly waters off the beach at the park. Photos by Frank Couch.
TAKING THE PLUNGE 2016 Polar Plunge raises more than $11,000 for Special Olympics
Pelham Fire Department Explorers takes to the water.
Pelham Mayor Gary Waters after his plunge in a pink bunny suit.
Participants in the costume contest played it up for the judges before they hit the water.
By FRANK COUCH Bonfires crackled on the beach at the Oak Mountain State Park swimming area as close to 100 people ran, dove or gingerly walked into the frigid lake waters as part of the 2016 Polar Plunge on Jan. 30. The event was put on by the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and helps pay for the Alabama Special Olympics, which draws more than 14,000 athletes. “It is a great time and fun experience, said Debbie Sumrall, a deputy with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. “We get to meet our athletes, and you get to see who you are raising money for.” Teams and individuals raised money from
sponsors as they pledged to jump into the lake in the middle of winter. An announcement that over $11,000 was raised during the event brought a roar from the crowd of mostly dry spectators. Before the participants hit the water, a costume contest was held on the beach. Among those who plunged into the lake were people dressed as a penguin, rabbit, Great Gatsby characters and a mermaid. The winners from Shelby County 911 dressed as trolls. Teams from police and fire departments and businesses took turns making a short run across the beach before they got wet. The Pelham Fire Department had a boat in the water and divers donning dry suits to monitor swimmers as they made the frigid swim.
280Living.com
March 2016 • B13
280
Real Estate Listings MLS #
Zip
Address
Status
Price
740540
35242
3012 Brookhill Drive
New
$439,900
740714
35242
113 Dunstan Drive
New
$369,500
740687
35242
6309 Mill Creek Way
New
$224,900
740681
35242
1032 Dunnavant Place
New
$319,900
740672
35242
643 North Lake Circle
New
$250,000
740633
35242
1090 Baldwin Lane
New
$459,900
740627
35242
157 Birch Creek Drive
New
$389,900
740565
35242
1217 Narrows Point Nook
New
$179,000
740555
35242
3731 Cumberland Trace
New
$238,500
740446
35242
1006 Highland Lakes Trace
New
$529,900
740423
35242
3113 Highland Lake Road
New
$345,000
740467
35242
4948 Caldwell Mill Road
New
$699,000
740408
35242
5353 Meadow Garden Lane
New
$279,000
740374
35242
5552 Heath Row Drive
New
$248,000
740294
35242
829 Aberlady Place
New
$709,000
740275
35242
1013 Pinecliff Circle
New
$419,900
740217
35242
4004 Kings Circle
New
$675,000
740188
35242
705 Park Ridge Circle
New
$520,000
740181
35242
4068 Milner Way
New
$389,900
740090
35242
858 Meadow Ridge Lane
New
$244,900
Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on February 15. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.
3012 Brookhill Drive
4948 Caldwell Mill Road
280 Living
B14 • March 2016
Faith Life Actually By Kari Kampakis
Forgiveness does the body, soul good “God doesn’t always give you the people you would have chosen to be in your life. He gives you the people you need — to help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person God meant you to be.” FRANCINE RIVERS, AUTHOR OF “REDEEMING LOVE” When I was younger, I tended to let messages about forgiveness go in one ear and out the other. Quite honestly, it didn’t make sense for me to forgive people who had wronged me or done something to justify my distaste for them. And while I never intentionally hurt anyone, I didn’t mind seeing my least favorite people struggle. When others talked about them, I secretly delighted. And if they went through a rough patch ... well, that was karma kicking in. That was them getting what they deserved, a lesson on why they should be nicer to people. But the problem with holding grudges, wishing ill will or forgiving someone only when it comes easily is that this mindset takes a toll over time. It hardens our heart and creates
layers of bitterness and resentment that build up like plaque. The more plaque we add, the harder it is to clear out. It’s easier to understand this as we age and feel the emotional damage that resentment can create in our bodies. Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It hurts us more than the person we refuse to forgive. It makes our heart hard and bitter instead of soft and loving. And this is why forgiveness is as much for us as it is the offender. It is why we’re called to forgive people even when we don’t feel like it or when it seems unnecessary. As my priest, Father Bob Sullivan, once said in a sermon, “We’re told to practice forgiveness on a small level every day, so that when something big happens, we know what to do.”
To me, the operative word here is practice. Forgiveness is an art, and like any art, it takes time to learn. It requires patience, hard work and prayers. Only with God’s help can we acquire the strength to genuinely forgive others and the wisdom to discern how. Let’s be clear: Forgiveness doesn’t always mean you should let an offender back into your life, your house or your trusted circle of friends. It doesn’t require you to be a doormat or fall back into a toxic routine. To me, forgiveness is about two things: letting go and learning. It’s about accepting the past, moving on, and learning to turn any pain you’ve experienced into purpose for the future. After all, it’s our seasons of suffering that best prepare us for the seasons to come. It’s our seasons of suffering that best shape our testimony, the story we’ll one day share with others to encourage them and offer them hope through their struggles. I can’t tell anyone how to apply forgiveness to their life, but I can share a few thoughts that help me. I’ve learned, in my ripe old age of 43, that I can forgive someone who doesn’t ask to be forgiven. I can practice forgiveness daily by not getting angry at the young man who steals
my parking place, the cashier who is rude or the person who makes a cutting remark. Instead of jumping into defense mode, I can let it go. I can forgive the offender and ask God how I might be able to show them love instead. Every individual who crosses our path has something to teach us. And through forgiveness, we open up our heart to lessons that build character, compassion and faith. It’s not the events in our lives that define us, but who we become as a result. And if we allow the past to change us for the better, we can’t regret it. We can see even bad experiences for what they are — seasons of life that prepare us for the next season, where hope is plentiful and God’s faithfulness in helping us overcome challenges becomes more evident than ever. Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Mountain Brook mom of four girls, columnist, and blogger for The Huffington Post. Her first book, “10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know,” is now available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. Join her Facebook community at “Kari Kampakis, Writer,” visit her blog at karikampakis.com or contact her at kari@karikampakis.com.
280Living.com
March 2016 • B15
summer camp
G U I D E special advertising section
As days turn warmer, it’s time to start thinking about summertime at last, and no summer is complete without a camp experience. Peruse our guide to learn more about which programs best fit your child’s personality, interest, age and availability. No matter which you choose, it’s time to jump in for fun and adventure this summer!
Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy
Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy offers a vast array of summer programs for three year olds through eighth graders that will enhance your child’s education in the arts, science, math, nature and sports. Camp types range from art activities with a fun flair where students are led through an art class and leave with a work of art each day to building and designing activities where students will make structures using a variety of items including Legos and recyclable materials. Additional offerings will include space exploration, cooking, sports and wild safari days. Students will learn valuable collaboration, communication and problem solving skills in all of our summer camps. Bruno Montessori will also be offering academic camps to keep your brain engaged over the summer. Basic concepts will be reviewed and reinforced in a fun and supportive environment. Be a step ahead when school starts back in the fall. Bruno Montessori’s summer programs are
Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy • WHERE: 5509 Timber Hill Road • CALL: 995-8709 • WEB: jbma.org designed to allow children to explore their interests from an early age through creative, fun and challenging experiences. Summer camps are a great introduction to our school and learning environment. Summer camps are led by Bruno Montessori teachers and we welcome the opportunity to get to know you and your family. All camps take place on our beautiful wooded campus, where exploration and curiosity are encouraged and nurtured. Please visit our website at jbma.education for a full list of summer camps and dates.
summer camp
B16 • March 2016
G U I D E
280 Living
special advertising section
YMCA Summer Day Camp focuses on youth development Youth development is the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical processes that all youth uniquely experience from birth to career. A successful developmental process fulfills children and teens’ innate need to be loved, spiritually grounded, educated, competent and healthy. Trading stories and sharing a favorite book or song with a new friend. Being greeted with smiles and high-fives from staff and teammates after scoring the winning point. Always fitting in, just for being you. This is what Summer Day Camp at the YMCA of Greater Birmingham is all about — ensuring kids get more out of their summer break: more friendships, more achievement, and more belonging. The Y is a place where kids feel safe, welcomed and can express their individuality in an environment that provides positive relationships, encourages parent engagement, and helps children realize their passions and talents. It’s also loads of fun! To learn more or to register, go online to ymcabham.org/best-summer. Other YMCA Summer Opportunities YMCA Camp Cosby The YMCA of Greater Birmingham’s sleepaway camp, Camp Cosby, offers a one-week, co-ed, safe and structured experience for children ages 6 to 16 on the shores of Logan Martin Lake. YMCA Camp Cosby gives children a chance to play hard, make new friends, and have the adventure of a lifetime in a safe, fun and structured environment. Your camper will develop new skills, gain confidence, make friends and have an amazing experience. campcosby.org
Day Camp at Hargis is really camp! Located on 200+ wooded acres complete with swimming pool, hiking trails, fields for games, rock face for climbing, and our own private lake, it is the perfect backdrop for the traditional camp activities that we offer. Activities include: ►Hiking ►Fishing ►Canoeing ►Lake swimming ►Archery ►Rock climbing ymcabham.org/hargisretreat
YMCA Hargis Retreat Unlike other day camp programs, Summer
Summer Adventures In Learning (S.A.I.L.) The Summer Adventures In Learning program
BEST
TIME
EVER!
BEST. SUMMER. EVER.
Summer Day Camp
YMCA OF GREATER BIRMINGHAM #BestSummerEver
REGISTER TODAY!
ymcabham.org/bestsummer
works with struggling students in grades 3-5 who need extra help. Summer Adventures In Learning is designed to help prevent learning loss, offer chances to explore new interests and skills and close the achievement gap for children from lower income communities. ymcabham.org/sail THINGAMAJIG® Invention Convention Friday, July 22 THINGAMAJIG® is a daylong event that combines STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), active fitness and play, creative eco-art and team challenges into one child-focused festival. Learn more online at ymcabham.org/ thingamajig.
YMCA Day Camp • WHERE: 5414 U.S. 280 • CALL: 981-0144 • WEB: ymcabham.org/greystone
280Living.com
summer camp
G U I D E
March 2016 • B17
special advertising section
The Altamont School
Odyssey Early Schools at Inverness and Trace Crossings
Summer at Altamont is open to interested 1st-12th graders from all schools with an eclectic array of exciting choices for campers, from sports and music to theatre and astronomy, among many others. Camp takes place from June 6-July 15. Courses and camps offered at Altamont during the summer bring exciting options for acceleration, enrichment and credit. Summer programs are a great way for prospective families to learn about Altamont and current students to get ahead for the upcoming year. Credit Courses: High school credit courses include Altamont-required half-credit courses Speech, Laboratory Technology and Health, plus full-credit courses in Honors Geometry and 9th Grade Honors Ancient and Medieval Civilizations. Elective Classes: Offerings for middle and elementary students include photography, astronomy, cooking, theater, languages and so much more. We also have enrichment classes in math and English, as well as an
Camp Odyssey is an exciting day camp for children entering first through third grades. The children get to go on field trips virtually every day of the entire summer, going to incredible places throughout Birmingham and even outside our area. Their days will be filled with hands-on activities, arts and crafts and non-stop games, plus a summer curriculum that will bridge the gap between school and summer vacation so that they’re prepared to return to school in the fall. Here are a few of the many features that make Odyssey’s summer camp a better and more complete experience for your child and family. ►A 12:1 ratio, consisting of children in only a three-year age range, guarantees that your child will be with similar children at the same developmental stages and in a smaller group than that offered by other providers. ►It’s an all-day camp, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., providing our parents with the utmost flexibility in managing their work. ►It is a full-summer camp, running from the day
The Altamont School • WHERE: 4801 Altamont Road South • CALL: 879-2006 • WEB: altamontschool.org/ summer
intensive writing workshop. Sports and Music Camps: Hugely popular basketball and soccer day camps are open to players of all skill levels, from rising 1st through rising 12th grade. New music offerings this year include band camp, jazz camp and string camp. Whether it’s enrichment, enlightenment, entertainment, merriment, advancement or just a way to burn off some of that pent-up energy, Altamont has what your child needs this summer: something constructive to do.
Camp Odyssey • WHERE: Inverness 104 Heatherbrooke Park Drive, Trace Crossings 401 Emery Drive • CALL: Inverness 991-0039, Trace Crossings 988-8829 • WEB: odysseyearlyschool.com
that the public schools finish their semester until the start of the next school year. ►Daily field trips – your child will never just sit at Odyssey. ►Degreed camp counselors who are certified in CPR and first aid The End of Summer Talent Show is always a hit! The children practice throughout the summer to make the show memorable. Please call today to secure your child’s spot in this awesome summer camp!
summer camp
B18 • March 2016
G U I D E
280 Living
special advertising section
The Tutoring Club at Greystone
Exclusively Ballet and Dance
The Tutoring Club at Greystone is offering a remedy to the summer slump. It is now registering for its summer learning program, which engages students with individualized programs and one-on-one instruction. The New York Times reports that, on average, the summer learning loss in math and reading for American students is one month or more per year. Tutoring Club’s summer learning program is the perfect opportunity for children to avoid boredom during the summer while maintaining knowledge learned in the classroom. Parents can chose between different programs for their children, including Amazing Math, Rx Reading, The Write Way, Tutorup, Study Skills and College Prep. The programs are offered for most age groups, with Rx Reading offered for all children from pre-kindergarten to high school. The Tutoring Club gives one-on-one instruction combined with an individualized program
Welcome to Exclusively Ballet and Dance 2016 Summer Workshop from June 6-July 28, 2016! There are a variety of workshops for each age group from beginner to advanced. For ages 8-12 there are classes Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 in ballet, prepointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, and hip hop. For ages 13 years to adult there are classes in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, modern, contemporary, variations and jump and turn. Classes are $180 per week and $350 for two weeks. Fairy Tale Dance Days for ages 3 to 5 years old offers theme-based classes for favorite fairy tales. Children will love dancing along with their favorite stories and create related crafts. Classes are $20 per session. For ages 6 to 12 years old, there’s V.I.P. (Very Important Princesses), where dancers will learn basic ballet steps and dance to
Tutoring Club • WHERE: 5479 U.S. 280, Suite 112 • CALL: 981-7155 • WEB: birminghamtutoringclub.com
for children. The summer learning programs are designed to prevent loss of knowledge from lack of studying in students. The Tutoring Club makes learning fun for students and makes time most likely spent at the computer or TV more productive. Most teachers highly recommend students review school materials regularly over the summer, and the summer learning program does just that and more.
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Start the year off right! • Math • Reading • Writing • Algebra • Geometry • Chemistry • Study Skills • ACT & SAT Prep and more!
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Inverness/Greystone 981-7155 Cahaba Heights 968-5151
www.birminghamtutoringclub.com
Exclusively Ballet and Dance • WHERE: 7154 Cahaba Valley Road • CALL: 995-9220 • WEB: exclusivelyballet.com
all their favorites from Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast and more. They will decorate wands and crowns and create their own Princess Costumes, complete with hair and makeup. Classes are from July 11-13 from 10 a.m. to noon, and tuition is $70. For more information on these and other classes, visit exclusivelyballet.com.
summer camp
280Living.com
March 2016 • B19
G U I D E special advertising section
St. Vincent’s One Nineteen St. Vincent’s One Nineteen offers a range of fun and educational camp options for kids and teens to enjoy in the summer. What really differentiates these summer programs is that while they’re fun for kids, they’re also framed within the health and wellness environment of St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Kids enjoy a wide range of activities, but also learn important health information and habits that will benefit them throughout their lifetime. Full summer camp offerings include: Camp One Nineteen continues to be one of One Nineteen’s most popular offerings. Available for kids ages 5-12 years, this camp is offered June-August from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. Campers enjoy various activities, including sports, indoor/outdoor activities, weekly themes, and swimming – all in a safe and fun environment. St. Vincent’s One Nineteen offers cooking classes and demonstrations throughout the year, but local kids and teens have a special opportunity to learn in-depth cooking skills during their summer cooking camps. Teens can enjoy “Culinary Boot Camp: A Cooking Academy for Teens,” which is designed to teach those ages 13 to 18 years basic knife skills and cooking techniques. Teens learn sautéing, roasting, grilling and braising from a trained chef, while also making new friends and learning about basic nutrition and healthy eating habits. This camp is available June 6 to 10 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Thyme to Cook for Kids” classes for younger kids fill up quickly, so be sure to book your spot early. Kids can choose from the following weeklong camps: June 13-17 session (6-9 year olds), June 20-24 session (10-12 year olds), July 18-22 session (6-9 year olds), July 25-29 session (10-12 year olds). The theme for the June sessions will
Nineteen offers the following: Speed School (ages 7-11 years) – lays the foundation and is only offered every Tuesday and Thursday in June or July; Foundation Training (ages 8-11 years) – provides the next level of physical preparedness for the young athlete and is offered yearround; Specific Development (ages 12-18 years) – equips the motivated athlete with strength and speed to gain an edge in his or her sport and is available year-round. Spots for these popular programs will fill soon. For more information on one or more of St. Vincent’s One Nineteen summer camps, visit onenineteen.com. To reserve your camper’s place, call 408-6600.
be “Cookin’ in the USA” – featuring different regions of the country, including the South, while the July sessions’ theme will be “Cookin’ with the Stars” and focus on famous chefs’ recipes. While our Sports Performance programs are offered year-round, St. Vincent’s One Nineteen
always see an influx of young athletes in the summer months who want to focus on excelling in next year’s sports. Trained by a highly skilled team of coaches with more than 25 years of experience at colleges and universities across the country, these programs fill up quickly! One
CAMP OFFERINGS
Treat your kids to a summer filled with fun and adventure with camp at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen!
• WHERE: 7191 Cahaba Valley Road • CALL: 408-6600 • WEB: onenineteen.com
Treat your kids to a summer filled with fun and adventure. Treat them to Camp One Nineteen!
Kids,119 ages 6-12, will spend their days enjoying exciting CAMP
Kids, ages 5-12, willand spendmaking their daysmemories this summer enjoying activities and making activities to last exciting a lifetime. Campmemories to last a lifetime. Activities include: swimming, playing games, making ers can swim, play games, make crafts, and learn to cook crafts, and learning to cook. A variety of day and weeklong camps are available.
– all in a safe and friendly environment!
THYME TORate COOK Member
Where learning is fun AND tasty! This fun class will dare kids to discover new ways to cook $30/day old favorites, investigate new foods, and explore healthy cooking. Weeklong camps are available in June and July forRate a variety of age groups. Non-Member
$35/day
SPORTS PERFORMANCE
Athletes, ages 7-18, will enjoy our Sports Performance program designed Register for the day or week by calling 408-6556. to help them excel in all sports. Participants will learn strength and power Spaces are limited. development, linear speed, change of direction, foot speed, plyometrics, and flexibility from a highly skilled team of coaches. The program is available year-round. For more information, visit
onenineteen.com/fitness and TO REGISTER, click on the CALL Camp 408-6600. One Nineteen link!
For more information on all camps, visit onenineteen.com. 7191 Cahaba Valley Road
St. Vincent’s One Nineteen
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663-6426 • 2591 Pelham Parkway • Pelham, AL 35124 • Hrs: 9 -5p M-Sat Starnes Publications March 2016
280 Living neighborly news & entertainment
SECTION
C
Sports C2 Opinion C12 Calendar C13
FISHING FRIENDSHIP and
Chelsea Anglers form tight-knit bond on, off water By MARIENNE THOMAS OGLE While many relish the solitude of fishing, several young people in Chelsea welcome sharing the experience. The Chelsea Anglers is a high school fishing team devoted to learning the finer points of the sport while participating in team competition. The group — this year made up of 15 boys and one girl — was established seven years ago and is coached by Russ Dennis. Dennis, a quality manager for the Nemak auto parts manufacturing company, said his brother taught him to fish more than 20 years ago. “My job is stressful, and fishing is a release that I’ve enjoyed from day one,” Dennis said. “One of the primary purposes of the Chelsea Anglers is to introduce the love of fishing to the kids, and when the opportunity to coach came up, I knew it was the kind of thing I’ve wanted to do for many years.” The Chelsea Anglers’ season coincides with the school year. August marks the beginning of regular meetings and promotion of membership within the
See FISHING | page C10
Members of the Chelsea High School fishing team meet for a group photo. Photo by Frank Couch.
280 Living
C2 • March 2016
Sports NATIONAL SIGNING DAY 2016
PAYTON BISSO ▶ SPORT: Soccer ▶ POSITION: Forward ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
GOING TO THE
NEXT LEVEL N
University of North Georgia ▶ LOCATION: Dahlonega, Georgia ▶ MASCOT: Nighthawks
MARKELL CLARK
By KYLE PARMLEY
ational Signing Day was the celebration of another strong year of high school athletics along the U.S. 280 corridor. Spain Park, Chelsea, Briarwood Christian and Oak Mountain combined to recognize more than 25 student-athletes as they signed National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at the college level. Here’s a brief profile of each student-athlete, sorted by high school:
▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Defensive tackle ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: United States Naval Academy ▶ LOCATION: Annapolis, Maryland ▶ MASCOT: Midshipmen
DESTINI ENGLAND ▶ SPORT: Softball ▶ POSITION: Infielde ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: University of Alabama at Birmingham ▶ MASCOT: Blazers
Photos by Kyle Parmley, Cherie Olivier, Frank Couch and courtesy of Tina Mills.
HAYDEN FREEMAN
CHESTER HUTCHERSON
▶ SPORT: Baseball ▶ POSITION: Outfielde ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Linebacker ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
Florida Southwestern State College ▶ LOCATION: Fort Myers, Florida ▶ MASCOT: Buccaneers
THOMAS LUTHER
Tuskegee University
▶ LOCATION: Tuskegee, Alabama
▶ MASCOT: Golden Tigers
WADE STREETER ▶ SPORT: Golf ▶ POSITION: N/A ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Running back ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ LOCATION: Florence,
▶ LOCATION: Fairfield, Ala ▶ MASCOT: Golden Bears
University of North Alabama
Miles College
Alabama
▶ MASCOT: Lions
JONAH TIBBS
ama
TYLER SUMPTER ▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Kicker/punter ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
Troy University ▶ LOCATION: Troy, Alabama ▶ MASCOT: Trojans
▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Defensive line ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Furman University
▶ LOCATION: Greenville, South Carolina
▶ MASCOT: Paladins
280Living.com
March 2016 • C3
KYNADI TIPLER
CHASE YOUNG ▶ SPORT: Softball ▶ POSITION: Third base ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Cornerback ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ LOCATION: Dover, Delaware ▶ MASCOT: Hornets
▶ LOCATION: Columbia,
Delaware State University
PERRY YOUNG
Lindsey Wilson College Kentucky
▶ MASCOT: Blue Raiders
McKENZIE BRYANT ▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Linebacker ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ SPORT: Softball ▶ POSITION: Shortstop/
outfielde ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Wallace State Community College ▶ LOCATION: Hanceville, Alabama ▶ MASCOT: Lions
University of Cincinnati
▶ LOCATION: Cincinnati, Ohio ▶ MASCOT: Bearcats
JOEL CHEATWOOD
MARKUS FREDERICK
▶ SPORT: Baseball ▶ POSITION: Pitcher/infielde ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ SPORT: Soccer ▶ POSITION: Goalkeeper ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ LOCATION: Boaz, Alabama ▶ MASCOT: Parsons
▶ LOCATION: Goodman,
Snead State Community College
JAKE POSEY
Holmes Community College Mississippi
▶ MASCOT: Bulldogs
ALEX SMITHSON ▶ SPORT: Baseball ▶ POSITION: Pitcher ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ SPORT: Softball ▶ POSITION: Infielde ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
University of Montevallo
Southern Union State Community College ▶ LOCATION: Wadley, Alabama ▶ MASCOT: Bison
▶ LOCATION: Montevallo, Alabama
▶ MASCOT: Falcons
SOPHIE WILSON
CARTER BANKSTON ▶ SPORT: Soccer ▶ POSITION: Defender ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Defensive line ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ LOCATION: Troy, Alabama ▶ MASCOT: Trojans
▶ LOCATION: Annapolis,
Troy University
JOSHUA BROWER
United States Naval Academy Maryland
▶ MASCOT: Midshipmen
R.J. JENNINGS ▶ SPORT: Soccer ▶ POSITION: Forward ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Linebacker ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
▶ LOCATION: Lookout Mountain,
▶ LOCATION: Columbia,
▶ MASCOT: Scots
▶ MASCOT: Blue Raiders
Covenant College Georgia
Lindsey Wilson College Kentucky
280 Living
C4 • March 2016
KAI CHRISTENBERRY ▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Cornerback ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Gallaudet University
▶ LOCATION: Washington, D.C. ▶ MASCOT: Bison
AVERY HOLSOMBACK ▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Defensive back/ linebacker
▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
University of the Cumberlands
▶ LOCATION: Williamsburg, Kentucky
▶ MASCOT: Patriots
JUSTICE HAMMOND ▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Center ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Miles College ▶ LOCATION: Fairfield, Alabama ▶ MASCOT: Golden Bears
ARMOND LLOYD ▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Defensive tackle ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Samford University ▶ MASCOT: Bulldogs
HALL MORTON ▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Defensive tackle ▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: Samford University
▶ MASCOT: Bulldogs
WARREN SHADER ▶ SPORT: Football ▶ POSITION: Safety/running back
▶ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
University of the Cumberlands
▶ LOCATION: Williamsburg, Kentucky
▶ MASCOT: Patriots
280Living.com
March 2016 • C5
Oak Mountain High School freshman Nicole Payne, left, nears the end of the 7A girls 400-meter finals, in which she set a 7A state meet and CrossPlex high school record time of 55.25 seconds. Oak Mountain High School junior Cole Stidfole notched a third-place finish in the boys 3,200 meters with a time of 9:38.42. Photos by Sam Chandler.
Oak Mountain, Spain Park runners break state records By KYLE PARMLEY Nicole Payne of Oak Mountain High School and Daniel Nixon of Spain Park High were among the standouts at the state indoor track and field championships at the Birmingham CrossPlex. Schools from all over the state descended on Birmingham Feb. 5-6 for the event. Payne, a freshman, not only won the Class 7A girls 400-meter run. She also set a 7A state meet and CrossPlex high school record time of 55.25 seconds. Payne also placed fourth in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:20.48. Spain Park's Nixon, a senior, clocked a blistering Class 7A state meet record time of 1:55.51 to clinch his second career 800-meter state title. He was the runner-up in the 400 meters, notching a time of 49.54.
The Westminster School at Oak Mountain competed in the Class 1A-3A division and produced some solid performances as well. Maddie Hoaglund placed third in the girls 3,200 meters and sixth in the 800 meters. Her best performance of the day was a runner-up finish in the 1,600-meter run, with a time of 5:26.44. Jacob Carrell was second in the boys 800meter run, breaking the two-minute barrier with a time of 1:59.54 for Westminster. He was also fifth in the 400 meters. Rebecca Thompson finished fourth in the girls 400 meters with a time of 1:03.64. Oak Mountain’s Cole Stidfole placed third in the boys 3,200-meter run with a time of 9:38.42. Payton Youngblood finished fifth in the 7A boys high jump with a leap of 1.82 meters, or 6 feet. Glynel Humphrey recorded a fifth
place finish in the 7A boys 400-meter run with a time of 51.28. Damon Wright was third in the boys shot put with a heave of 15.98 meters (52 feet, 5¼ inches). Christian Strong came home fourth in the boys 60-meter hurdles, clocking a time of 8.56 seconds. In overall team results, Westminster finished sixth in 1A-3A girls and seventh in boys. In Class 7A, Oak Mountain's girls finished seventh, and Spain Park’s girls came in 11th. The Spain Park boys came in fifth, while Oak Mountain’s boys finished ninth. Others placing in individual events for Westminster included Payton Metcalf, Hannah York, Hallie Porterfield, Rachel Faulk, Katie Croushorn, Colin Thomas, Pierce Moffett, John Porterfield, John Lusk and Alice Boone. The girls 4x200-meter relay team took home first
place. The boys 4x800-meter relay team placed second, while the 4x400-meter relay team finished third. For Oak Mountain, Lauren Beard, Jazmyne Crumpton, Phoebe Cooper, Evie Bell, Abbie Davis, Kate VanBeek, Garrett DeAraujo, Sean Drummond, Gunner Cunningham, Kai Christenberry and Justice Hammond placed in their events. The girls 4x200-meter and 4x400-meter relay teams each finished fourth. At Spain Park, Jerome Kirkland, Sarah Sims McGrath, Makayla Hay, Mary Katherine Tedder, Zoe Shore, Kristen Hopkins, Kaleigh Carney, Jalen McMillan, Trey Robinson, Cole Dillard, Joseph Reese, Thomas Jordan and Shannon Lott all placed in individual events. The boys 4x200-meter and girls 4x800-meter relay teams were fourth, and the girls 4x400-meter team was third.
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280 Living
C6 • March 2016
TRIPLE THREAT Hockey one of many competitive arenas for Sampsell triplets
Hockey has taken the Sampsell triplets all across the United States and into Canada. Photo courtesy of Mercedes Sampsell.
BE PREPARED FOR WINTER STORMS Ken Fine – Lineman, Power Delivery
Before the Storm
After the Storm
1. Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supply kit in your vehicle.
1. Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold but avoid driving when those conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog.
2. Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
3. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. 4. Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
2. Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the task.
3. Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
5. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
CAUTION: Carbon Monoxide Kills • Never use a generator, grill, camp
stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire. • Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
In an emergency, call:
For more safety tips, visit AlabamaPower.com/stormsafety
1-800-888-APCO (2726)
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As an Alabama Power customer, we want you to know we are prepared for the winter season. When a major storm hits, you can be assured our linemen will be on the job to quickly and safely restore your service. Meanwhile, there are things you can do to be better prepared for severe winter weather and its aftermath.
280Living.com
March 2016 • C7
C
By STEVE IRVINE ompetition comes naturally to the Sampsell triplets. Hockey is the most consistent outlet but certainly not the only one for Collyn, Justyn and Dylan Sampsell. “Anything we do is competitive —school, hockey,” Collyn said. Before he finishes the thought, Justyn chimes in. “It’s not just hockey, we do it in hunting and stuff that you’re by yourself doing it,” Justyn said. “Who gets the most deer, who gets the biggest deer, who shoots the biggest gun, stuff like that, even small things. We compete at everything.” While that is true, hockey has provided an opportunity for their competitive spirit to come out in sports. The 15-year-old triplets, who are sophomores at Chelsea High School, first began playing hockey at the age of 5. They first learned to skate a year before, pushing chairs across the ice at the Pelham Civic Complex for balance. The love for the sport came naturally because their father, Mike, grew up playing the sport in his home state of Indiana. Mike Sampsell played college hockey and still participates on men’s league teams. He transferred his love of the sport over to his sons. “It kind of helps when you have a parent that’s played and kind of can help you,” Justyn said. “You kind of grow up around it. He is someone you can ask ‘Hey, what do I do on this or what do I do on that?’”
All three became accomplished players and each excels in different areas. Collyn is offensive minded on the ice, Dylan is a defensive-minded forward, and Justyn plays goalie. Dylan has advanced the furthest by playing for the Triple-A Thunder Hockey team in the 2012-13 season. “We were eighth or ninth in the nation at one point (in 2012), for Triple-A teams,” Dylan said. “Traveling all over, practicing three days a week, it was great. It was fun. The next year, I was getting ready to play again. It was a lot of traveling. My parents really said they didn’t want to do it anymore. I came back down here to play.” They now play together, including with the Birmingham Bulls, a Double-A team that also travels throughout the country. Hockey, on different teams over the years, has taken them all across the United States and into Canada. One of the highlights was an outdoor tournament in Chicago. Mercedes Sampsell, their mother, jokes that the family could have a beautiful lake house with the money spent on hockey travel. “One of my favorite things we always used to do was take the van,” Collyn said. “I think it was like a 2001 Ford van. We’ve had it since we were born. We took it everywhere. It had like 200,000 miles on it. There were so many memories in there.” Some of the most competitive times for the triplets, however, are during the house league at the Pelham Civic Complex. They often find themselves on different teams, which increases the competitiveness. The ride home, at least
for the loser, is so intense that two cars are needed. “The car ride, from when we were five to now, when they lose, they are not happy at all,” Dylan said. “It gets really bad. The whole way home, we’re talking about blaming the refs and stuff like that. It’s not like ‘Good job, good job man.’” One area they don’t mind disagreeing on is where hockey will take them in the future. Collyn has dreams of playing professionally with a stop in college hockey first. Dylan feels he’ll have the ability to play hockey at the next levels but eventually wants another sport to take him. “I’ve been in golf the past three years — I’m down to about a 3-handicap,” Dylan said. “Hopefully, this year, I’ll be playing in a bunch of tournaments. I’ll still play men’s league (hockey), but I won’t take it to the next level. Golf, hopefully, will take me there.” Justyn is the most undecided, at least for now. “Yes, I want to play the rest of my life, but who knows,” Justyn said. “I’m 15 years old. You don’t know where you’re going to go, what you’re going to college for, what you’re going to do period. I could become something crazy. You never know.” For now, they are just enjoying hockey and are appreciative of their parents’ role in the journey. “They’re our biggest supporters,” Collyn said. “They take us everywhere. They’ve sacrificed a lot for us. They want us to do what we want to do.”
280 Living
C8 • March 2016
Nixon’s quest to best Spain Park runner finds his tride in mid-distance event By SAM CHANDLER
Spain Park High School’s Daniel Nixon dashed to a second individual Class 7A 800-meter title at the Birmingham CrossPlex on Feb. 5. Photo by Sam Chandler.
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As he surged in to the bell lap of the Class 7A 800-meter indoor state final on Feb. 5, Spain Park senior Daniel Nixon faced a season-defining decision. Trailing his fiercest competitor, Mountain Brook’s Drew Williams, by a stride’s length with only 200 meters to go, he could either make his move or stay settled in second. To Nixon, the defending 800 state champion, the choice was clear. After months of preparation — early morning runs, grueling interval sessions, core and weight workouts — he had simply worked too hard to come this far and lose. “I knew that was my moment to go, so I had to go get it,” Nixon said. Mission accomplished. With fluid arm swing and powerful stride, Nixon motored down the backstretch, leaned into the final curve and unleashed a furious kick in the closing 50 meters, holding off Williams by a tenth of a second to claim his second individual state title. What’s more, his blistering time of 1 minute, 55.51 seconds set a new state meet record and represented the fastest mark of the indoor season by an Alabama prep runner. “I just told myself this is it. This is my last race indoors [in my] senior year at Spain Park High School, running in high school, so I knew that I had to leave it all on the track,” Nixon said. For someone who finished dead last in his first state meet appearance in 2014, the progression
“
280Living.com
March 2016 • C9
I just told myself this is it. This is my last race indoors [in my] senior year at Spain Park High School, running in high school, so I knew that I had to leave it all on the track.
has come full circle — twice. As a middle schooler at John Herbert Phillips Academy in downtown Birmingham, Nixon’s mid-distance career originally began like so many others at the youth level. As punishment for dropping the baton in a relay, Nixon’s coach relegated him to running an 800. “It didn’t feel too good, but it wasn’t the worst,” Nixon said. Although the blunder-induced penalty was an isolated occurrence, it gave Nixon his first taste of what would eventually become his signature race. Triggered by his family’s move to the Hoover area following eighth grade, Nixon enrolled at Spain Park in the fall of 2012 for the start of his freshman year, joining the football, basketball and track teams upon his arrival. A tri-sport athlete as a ninth-grader and 10th-grader, he primarily focused on the sprints during outdoor track season, further developing his innate speed. That’s until, during the spring of his sophomore campaign, head track and field coach Michael Zelwak urged Nixon to attempt an 800. In his first time running the event since middle school, he notched a time of 2:03.34, placing ninth against some of the state’s top competition at the Vestavia Hills King of the Mountain Invitational. “I was like, ‘Whoa, that’s pretty good,’ especially coming off of doing sprinting things and not even doing what everybody else in my area had been doing,” Nixon said.
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DANIEL NIXON
Instantly converted, Nixon shifted his energy and attention to the mid-distance events. A testament to his talent, he sealed a trip to Gulf Shores less than two months later, qualifying for the Class 6A state meet. His trip to the coast, however, didn’t go as planned. Nixon’s relative inexperience revealing itself, he crossed the line in 23rd place to finish dead last. “I had no clue what was going on down there, but I used that and trained hard the whole next season,” Nixon said. After deciding to step away from football and basketball prior to his junior year in order to fully pursue track, Nixon’s investment paid off. Following a third-place finish in the 800 at the 2015 7A indoor state meet, he roared to a statement-making victory at last spring’s outdoor state championship. Presented with a shot at redemption, Nixon rolled to a time of 1:54.49, capturing his inaugural state title. “I just knew I had to go out there and trust God and do the best I could,” Nixon said. “It felt great.” Still navigating the college recruitment process, Nixon, backed by his faith, family and coach, will be training for a third straight crown in his premier event this spring. “If he continues to work hard and does what’s asked of him and obviously can stay injury-free, I think he’s capable of going low-1:50s, no question,” Zelwak said. “He has that ability.”
Spain Park’s Daniel Nixon, flanked by Mountain Brook’s Griffin Riley, left, and Drew Williams, right, earned top spot on the podium. Photo by Sam Chandler.
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Left: Reese Dennis took part in the fall 2015 Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association tournament held at Lay Lake, placing 13th. Center: Zane Loveday was the overall winner of the fall 2015 Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association tournament held at Lay Lake. Right: Reese Dennis’ displays his catch from the fall 2015 Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association Tournament. Photos courtesy of Russ Dennis/Chelsea Anglers.
FISHING
CONTINUED from page C1 schools, Dennis said. “The fall is dedicated to teaching the basics to new members, pre-fishing and, through the end of December, participating in individual competition,” he said. “The Chelsea Anglers are actually competing against each other to get enough points to be a member of our 10-man team that will go on to compete in three tournaments held in February through April.” According to Dennis, the 10-man team is divided into pairs, each with an adult to captain their boat. There are about 195 boats with students from other schools in the three regional competitions, each trying to gain enough points to qualify their group to go to the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association
“
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Getting out there, seeing the sunrise and God’s beautiful earth and catching his fish — i ’s all outstanding to me. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it.
tournament in May at Joe Wheeler State Park near Decatur. “While this is occurring, the other members are taking part in tournaments sponsored by area boating companies, merchants or state organizations,” he said. But, Dennis said, competition fishing is about more than plaques and titles. “Most fishing leagues — we belong to two — are offering money that can be applied to college
BRAYTON LOWERY
tuition,” he said.“Being a Chelsea Angler gives members the chance to win those kinds of funds.” While the Chelsea Anglers gain points based on the number of tournaments in which they fish and the weight of the fish they catch, they also get points for community service and fundraising. “We have to rely on sponsors and others to be able to do what we do,” Dennis said. Each of our kids is responsible for a minimum of $200 in donations that go toward entry fees, league
memberships and gas and maintenance for the captains’ boats.” The captains — there are eight this season — are usually parents of members and provide their personal boats in order to allow all 16 Chelsea Anglers to fish. While Mark Pigford has no children, he said he jumped at the chance to take on the role when Dennis, a fellow Nemak employee, asked. “There were two kids that needed a boat in order to take part, and it was the Christian thing to do,” Pigford said.“What impressed me most was how the team has grown and how eager the kids are to learn. We’d be in a tournament for eight hours with no bites, but they never quit.” One of Pigford’s anglers, Lindsay Walton, is new to the group this year and the only female on the team. “She’s somewhat of a beginner but soaked it up like a sponge,” he said. “She learned how to
280Living.com throw a baitcaster and got so good, I gave her an old one of mine. She asked me to take her picture to show all her friends.” Walton, 14, not only showed pictures to her friends but said she’s talking to some of them about joining the Chelsea Anglers next year. “I’d fished some but never done a tournament, and a friend on the team told me it was a lot of fun,” she said. “My dad had taught me the basics, but now I’ve learned how to tie knots, what lures to use and am fishing six to eight hours each time.” Walton said she’s surprised there aren’t more girls on the team. “Not only is fishing a lot of fun, it’s a great thing to know,” she said. “And everybody can do it because it’s not a gender sport like softball or baseball.” Reese Dennis, a 13-year-old first-year Chelsea Angler and Russ Dennis’ son, said he got hooked on fishing when he was 6. “My dad and I were in a family reunion fishing competition and caught 11 bass and a few catfish,” he said.“From that day, I started to fish a lot.” Calling himself “not much of a social person,” Reese said he normally fished only with his dad, but his dad encouraged him to join the Anglers. “I didn’t like the idea at first, but when I got 11th out of 195 kids in my third qualifying tournament, that made me feel really good,” he said. “And now I fish more with my teammates than my dad, and I believe I’ll join up again next year.” Zane Loveday, 17, has been a Chelsea Angler for six years and is the senior member of the group. When his family moved here from Mississippi several years ago, he knew no one and credits fishing for his many friendships. “It’s great to fish as a group, and I’ve gotten to know so many people,” he said. “On-water competition is serious, but when you’re off the water, you can make a lot of good friends,even from other schools, and that’s different than sports like football.” Loveday, who plans to pursue his nursing degree at Calhoun Community College in Decatur, said dedication is the one thing all Anglers must possess to succeed. “There’s a lot of preparation, including reading maps and studying the lake to find the best
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Above: The Chelsea Anglers’ lone female member, Lindsay Walton, took part in the fall Lewis Smith Lake Tournament. Left: Peyton Long, left, and Reese Dennis hold their fish caught during the B.A.S.S. Lake Martin Tournament in December. Photos courtesy of Russ Dennis/Chelsea Anglers.
locations, preparing your tackle and cleaning the boat,” he said. “It takes work, and you have to be committed to putting in time both on and off the water.” Though he’s been fishing since he could hold a rod, 15-year-old Brayton Lowery said this was the first year he had time to be an Angler. “I play baseball, which has the same season, but hurt my arm, so I decided to join and am so glad I did,” Lowery said. “I’m one of 10 who qualified to fish in the three regional competitions, and I’m hoping we’ll be able to go to the state tournament in May.” Regardless of the tournament results, the sophomore said his decision to join the team was a good one. “Being around others who love to fish,
spending time with friends and doing what I love is great,” he said.“Getting out there, seeing the sunrise and God’s beautiful earth and catching his fish — it’s all outstanding to me. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it.” The Chelsea Anglers’ 10-man team vying for a spot in the May tournament includes Lowery, Loveday, Reese Dennis, Quintin Dorough, Hunter Gulledge, Will Looney, Jacob McGuire, Bailey McKinney, Jett Moore and William Pace. Other members of the Chelsea Anglers are Ayden Bradley, Carson Freeman, Peyton Long, Nick McNeal, Lindsay Walton and Cody Wonn. Anyone interested in donating to or sponsoring the Chelsea Anglers can contact Coach Russ Dennis at (256) 872-1174 or russdennis44@ gmail.com.
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On-water competition is serious, but when you’re off the water, you can make a lot of good friends, even from other schools, and that’s different than sports like football.
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ZANE LOVEDAY
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Opinion Peanut butter and sweet tea ... Mmm, mmm good Freshman Tucker Contorno stepped up and was an important piece in Spain Park’s championship run. Photo by Frank Couch.
Jags boys win inaugural bowling championship By KYLE PARMLEY The Spain Park boys bowling team will forever be the first team to win an AHSAA State Boys Bowling Championship, as the Jags took home the title on Jan. 30. “We just set the standard,” coach Stephen Hobbs said. The state tournament was a two-day event at Oak Mountain Lanes in Pelham. Teams competed on the first day for seeding – in which Spain Park earned the No. 2 seed – before competing in a 16-team bracket format on the second day. Spain Park defeated Fairhope, Benjamin Russell, Mary G. Montgomery, and Stanhope-Elmore to win the title in bracket play. Sophomore Jalen Johnson scored an average of 194 in the state tourney, and had the highest overall average on the team for the entire season. Andrew Harris led the team with a 198 average in the tournament, and Tucker Contorno is a freshman who stepped up in a big way as well. Other members of the team are John Gotham, James Waller, Ryan Caraway, Dan Charles, Alex Culwell, Brady Cooper, Devin Dowdle, and Wyatt Lumsden. “We have eight guys on the varsity team and they all contributed,” Hobbs said. “They all bowled well when they needed to.” The Jags finished the season with a 20-1 overall record in dual matches, with the lone loss coming in the first match of the season. The girls team fell to Scottsboro in the second round of the state tournament.
March is Peanut Butter Lover’s month. Now there’s a holiday I can sink my teeth into. Jilda and I love peanut butter. Back during the lean years when we first married and lived in the trailer, we ate peanut butter out of necessity, but that wasn’t really a sacrifice. Like many of you, we grew up on PB&J sandwiches. Each day when my mom packed our lunches, she’d lay slices of Merita white bread in a row. Then she’d slather on a layer of peanut butter as thick as my hand and add a scoop of jam from the pantry that she’d canned the previous fall. My favorite was blackberry jam, even if it did leave tiny seeds stuck between my teeth. We really didn’t trade lunches at school back then because everyone had the same thing. When I unwrapped the wax paper, I left enough at the bottom to hold the sandwich while I ate it. One bite and a rope of peanut butter would ooze out from between the crust. This required that I constantly lick around the edges while I ate. Sometimes I’d get a thick glob of peanut butter stuck in the roof of my mouth, which caused me to talk funny. We usually bought our groceries at the Piggly Wiggly or Jitney Jungle in Sumiton, but some of my neighbors received government assistance each month and they got commodity peanut butter. It came in what looked like gallon cans. That peanut butter was thick and rich. It smelled better than our store-bought stuff. Nothing goes better with peanut butter than sweet tea. A memory that stands out in my mind is one summer afternoon when I visited a neighbor’s house. His mom had just made a
gallon jug of sweet tea. She added the sugar and stirred it with an ancient spoon. She folded a dish towel and placed it over the mouth of the jar to keep the flies out before placing it on the counter to cool. The afternoon sun coming through the screen door in the kitchen highlighted the twirling sugar in the jar, turning it into an amber-colored snow globe. I stood there watching until the sugar dissolved. That scene stuck in my head. My friend washed his hands and dried them on his britches before snagging a few biscuits left over from breakfast. He scooped some peanut butter inside and squeezed them closed. His mom set a couple of glasses of ice on the cabinet. The cubes popped and cracked as she poured the glasses full of warm tea. We sat on their back porch with our legs dangling off the edge and enjoyed our peanut butter biscuit. In the past, I’ve had peanut butter and banana sandwiches, as well as some peanut butter and dill pickle. These days, I eat peanut butter and wheat crackers as a snack. When apples are in season, Jilda slices them into wedges and puts them in a bowl with a glob of peanut butter on the side. We then dip the ends of the sweet wedges into the peanut butter. It’s a great snack that is good for you. As your culinary adviser, I recommend you have a peanut butter sandwich today in honor of Peanut Butter Lover’s Month.
My South
By Rick Watson
Rick Watson is a columnist and author. His latest book, “Life Changes,” is available on Amazon.com. You can contact him via email at rick@homefolkmedia.com.
He’s not really a superhero
but he’ll introduce you to one
Highlands United Methodist Church www.fivepointschurch.org
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Calendar 280 Area Events March 1-6: Birmingham Duplicate Bridge Regional Tournament. 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily. Hilton Perimeter Park Hotel, Colonnade Center. Featuring Frank Stewart, syndicated and international bridge speaker and author will give a special talk on Thursday, March 3, at 12:45 p.m. Call 563-8189.
March 2: Lenten Lecture Series. 6:30 p.m. St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, Chelsea. Lecturer will be Dr. Dennis L. Sansom, chair and professor of philosophy, Samford University. A light supper will be served from 6:00–6:30 pm. Location is St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, 4163 Highway 39 in Chelsea. Free. Visit stcatherinesal.com.
and door prizes. 305-0679.
event-reg/select-race?e=32455552.
March 5: Kiwanis Annual Pancake Breakfast. Liberty Baptist Church, Chelsea. 7 a.m.-11 a.m. Tickets $5. Silent auction. Proceeds benefit the King’s Home, Chelsea High School Band and Key Club Scholarships. Visit chelseakiwanis.org.
March 11: Relay for Life. Mt. Laurel. 6 p.m.12 a.m. Visit relay.acsevents.org.
March 1: Greater Shelby Chamber Small Business Mentorship Program. 8 a.m. Greater Shelby County Chamber, Pelham. Visit business.shelbychamber.org.
March 3: South Shelby Chamber Membership Luncheon. Columbiana First Baptist Church, Columbiana. $12. Visit southshelbychamber. com/events.
March 9: Greater Shelby Chamber Existing Business & Industry Work Group. 8:30 a.m. Location TBA. Visit shelbychamber.org/ benefits/work-groups.
March 2: Greater Shelby Chamber Ambassadors Work Group. 11:30 a.m. Greater Shelby County Chamber, Pelham. Visit business. shelbychamber.org.
March 4-5: “GiveThem Grace” Parenting Seminar. Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church. Friday, 7-9 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-noon. Elise Fitzpatrick speaking. $10 tickets, Visit ompc.org.
March 10: Coffee with the Mayor of Chelsea. 8:30 a.m. Chelsea Community Center. Visit southshelbychamber.com/events.
March 2: Greater Shelby Chamber Small Business Work Group. 4 p.m. Location varies. Visit shelbychamber.org/benefits/ work-groups.
March 4-5: Birmingham Amateur Radio Club Hamfest. Zamora Shrine Temple, 3521 Ratliff Rd. Friday, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m.4 p.m. Emergency communication forums, vendors
Chelsea Library Wednesdays: The Tot Spot. 10:30 a.m. 30-minute storytime for preschoolers with reading, singing and dancing. Fridays: BYOC, Bring Your Own Crochet (Craft). 10 a.m. Knitters, smockers and all sewers welcome. March 12: Lego Club. 9:30 a.m. For ages 5 and up. Creations will be displayed at the library.
March 10: OMMS Glow Run. 6:45 p.m. Oak Mountain Middle School. Walk, jog or run while “glowing” through the lighted course. $25 students ages 5-18, $30 adults. Ages 4 and under, free. Online registration: https://endurancecui.active.com/
March 12: 2016 Taste of Teal Gala. Cahaba Grand Conference Center, 3660 Grandview Parkway. Benefiting the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation. $75-$100. Visit thinkoflaura.org. March 12: The Oak Mountain Color Run. 8 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park. 5K benefiting cancer research at UAB. $40. Visit oakmountaincolorrun.com. March 18: Keeping it Real Program. 7:30 a.m. Chelsea High School. Volunteers assist 9th grade students as they pay bills and make life choices. Visit southshelbychamber.org. March 19: Night Excursion at OSMP. 6:30 p.m. Oak Mountain State Park. Walk through the woods and listen for animals of the night. Two-mile walk. Visit shelbycountytourism.org.
North Shelby Library Computer Classes March 8: Computer Comfort. 9-10 a.m. An introductory class covering the computer and various basic functions such as computer components and Windows navigation. We will discuss file management and go over other concerns you have about using a computer. Space is limited, registration required.
March 15: Internet for Beginners. 9-10 a.m. The basics of navigating and searching the Internet for those with little to no experience. Space is limited, registration required. March 24: Email for Beginners. 9-10 a.m. Learn how to use Gmail to send and reply to messages. We will also cover folders, drafts, and attachments. Time permitting we will cover contacts. If you have a Gmail account already, please. Space
is limited, registration required. Children March 1-31: Spring Craft. Stop by the Children’s Department in March to pick up a craft to take home or make in the department. All ages are welcome. Supplies are limited. March 5: Lego Club. 10-11:30 a.m. The
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North Shelby Library Cont. library provides the Legos, the kids provide the imagination and creativity. Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 10:00 and 11:00 to build spectacular creations. Creations will then go on display in the Children’s Department. All Ages Welcome. No registration is required. March 9: Picture Book Club. 4 p.m. Join us for stories, games, groovy crafts, and snacks. All ages welcome. Registration required. March 10: Newbery Pie Book Club. 1 p.m. Join us for a yummy book club where we will be talking about Newbery books and eating some delicious pie. All ages are welcome (including adults). Registration is required. Check our website for more information. March 11: Preschool Kitchen Science: Magic Milk. 10:30 a.m. Stop by for stories, songs, and STEAM-y (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) science experiments for preschoolers. Supplies limited, registration required. March 12: St. Patrick’s Day Concert with Four Shillings Short. 11 a.m. The International music duo Four Shillings Short are coming to town for a special concert celebrating the music, poetry and storytelling tradition of Ireland. The husband/wife duo of Aodh Og O’Tuama from Cork, Ireland and Christy Martin will bring the history, leg-
ends, and traditions of Ireland to life in a captivating concert “A Celebration of Ireland” – featuring music, poetry & stories from the Irish Tradition. Join us for this exciting musical event. All ages welcome, no registration required. March 16: Homeschool Hangout: Birds and Beak Adaptations. 1 p.m. March is ‘in like a raptor and out like a song bird’ with a visit from the Birmingham Audubon Society and Teacher Naturalist Helena Uber-Wamble. Ms. Uber-Wamble will be presenting Birds and Beak Adaptations. Homeschoolers will discover what birds eat by examining the shape of the bill. While rotating through interactive stations, students will determine how the beak is used in gathering food. Students will then be able to determine what a bird eats while examining several bird skulls. Ages 8-12. Registration is required. March 27: Easter Egg Hunt. 9:30 a.m. for babies to age 3, 10 a.m. for ages 4 and older. Bring your Easter basket and hop on over to the library to join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt! Babies up to 3 year olds will hunt eggs in the Meeting Room beginning at 9:30. Kids 4 and up will hunt eggs in the Children’s Department beginning at 10:00. Join us for refreshments and special prizes! No Registration is required.
Story-Time Programming Mondays: Toddler Tales. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each storytime. Ages 19-36 months. Registration Required. Tuesdays: Baby Tales. 9:30 a.m. A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to talk and share with each other. Ages: Birth to 18 months. Registration Required. Registration will begin one week prior to program date. Wednesdays: Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!). 10:45 a.m. Stories, puppets, and lots of music for every member of the family. All Ages. No Registration. Thursdays: PJ Story Time. 6:30 p.m. Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies, and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All Ages. No Registration Required. Teens Fridays: Gaming. 3:30-5:45 p.m. Come to the teen department each Friday afternoon for open
gaming: board games, card games, Wii, XBOX ONE, and Minecraft. Teens need a parent permission slip on file to attend. Contact Kate at 439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.org for more information. March 10: Indiana Jones Night. 6 p.m. Watch a movie, go on a treasure hunt, and eat snacks! Planned by the Teen Leadership Council. Contact Kate at 439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.org for more information. March 12: Volunteer Day. Help the library and earn community service hours! Volunteers can work 1-2 hours on a variety of tasks. Limit 5 volunteers; must be in grades 6-12. To sign up for a time, please contact Kate at 439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.org. March 14: Anime Night. 6 p.m. Join us in the teen department for an evening of anime. The audience will pick what we watch. Treats will be served and costumes are welcome! Contact Kate at 439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.org for more information. March 17: Teen Tech: 3D Printing. 6:30 p.m. Come to the library to create an object that we will print on our 3D printer! Registration required. Register online or contact Kate at 439-5512 or nsyouth@shelbycounty-al.org for more information.
Mt Laurel Library Children Fridays (March 4 and 18): Toddler Tales. 10 a.m. Stories, songs, fingerplays, and more make up a lively 30 minute program designed especially for short attention spans and their caregiver. Ages 36 months and younger. Registration begins January 2 and is required. Contact the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more
information or to register. Register online using the Calendar on mtlaurellibrary.org. Fridays (March 4 and 18): Storytime with Ms. Kristy. 11 a.m. Stories, music, and more for every member of the family. All ages. No registration required. Contact the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more information.
March 12: Crafty Saturday. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Drop in to make a craft at the library. All ages with parent help. Registration is not required but supplies are limited. Contact the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more information. March 15: Picture Book Club: Dinosaur vs. 4 p.m. Celebrate a beloved book series with
stories, games, and a craft! Registration required. Register using the library’s online calendar at mtlaurellibrary.org or call 991-1660. March 26: Lego Club. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The library provides the Legos, the kids provide the imagination and creativity. Families are welcome to drop in anytime between 11 and 1 to build spectacular creations which will be displayed in the library. Contact
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Mt Laurel Library Cont. the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more information. March 28-April 1: Spring Break Craft. Stop by the library to make a craft. All ages with parent help. Registration is not required but supplies are limited. Contact the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more information. Adult Programming March 3: Mt Laurel Book Club. 7 p.m. The Book Club will meet at the library to discuss The Love of a Good Woman by Alice Munro. Contact Sara at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more information. March 7: Eat Right for Your Blood Type. 6 p.m. RN Judith Beavers will discuss how
to eat to improve your health. Copies of the book she references will be available to purchase after the discussion for $5 each. Contact the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail. com for more information. March 10: Get out of Automatic: Beginning Photography. 12:30 p.m. Unlocking your and your camera’s artistic potential with Woody O’Neal. Bring your lunch, the library will provide lemonade and coffee and dessert. Contact the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@ gmail.com for more information. March 22: Get out of Automatic: Beginning Photography. 6:30 p.m. Woody O’Neal will teach you how to unlock your and your camera’s artistic potential. Contact the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more information.
St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Events Mondays: Next Chapter Book Club/ Greystone Chapter. 4:30-5:30 p.m. The Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) offers weekly opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to read and learn together, talk about books, and make friends in a relaxed, community setting. This group meets at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen in the Wellness Area. The current book the group is reading is Divergent by Veronica Roth. For more information, please visit: facebook.com/nextchapterbookclubgreystonechapter. Wednesdays: Baby Café. 10 a.m.-noon. We invite breastfeeding moms to join us for our lactation support group meeting. Moms will have the opportunity to meet with a lactation consultant, as well as network with other breastfeeding moms. The group is designed to give breastfeeding moms encouragement and support, as well as helpful information and tips from our expert. This event is free, and registration is not required. March 5: Lupus Support Group. 10 a.m.noon. This group supporting lupus patients and their families meets the first Saturday of every month. This month’s topic is Preparing for your Doctor’s Visit. This event is free and sponsored by the Lupus Foundation of America, Mid-South Chapter. 1-877865-8787. March 6: Girl Power. 2-3 p.m. This class is designed to help girls ages 8 to 12 years understand and accept the natural changes that occur with early adolescence. The program addresses developing a positive self-image, while accepting the physical changes that accompany puberty. Girl Power is for girls and a female adult relative or friend. The cost is $5 per girl. Call Dial-A-Nurse to register at 939-7878. March 8: Blood Pressure/Body Mass Index Screening. 8-11:30 a.m. A representative from St. Vincent’s Wellness Services will be screening for blood pressure and BMI in the front entrance. This screening is free. March 12: Charcot Marie Tooth Support Group. 2-3:30 p.m. Join us for a new support group for patients and families who have Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), which is an inherited form of peripheral neuropathy. For more information on CMT, visit cmtausa.org. This event is free. March 15: Comprehensive Diabetes Education. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. If you have diabetes or are at risk, this seminar is a must. A physician’s
s, d n a h e k a e sh w e r o f e B s. d n a h d l o we h
referral is required, and pre-assessments given preceding the class date. To register, please call 939-7248. March 15: Wellness Screenings. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. We’ll be offering cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference screenings by appointment. Results and interpretation are available in 15 minutes with a simple finger stick. The cost for St. Vincent’s One Nineteen members and for non-members is $20. Call 408-6550 to register. March 16: Breakfast with the Doc: Allergy Season. 8-9 a.m. Join Kristopher Lay, MD, an otolaryngologist with Alabama Nasal & Sinus Center, as he leads a discussion on how to diagnose seasonal allergies. Dr. Lay will share information about traditional and new therapies for allergies, as well as information about food sensitivities. Bring your questions and join us for a light breakfast with one of our experts. Free, but please call 408-6550 for reservations. March 18: Cook Once, Eat Twice. 11 a.m.-noon. If you are struggling to get dinner on the table, join this demo style cooking class for some time saving strategies to prepare healthy meals for you and your family. You’ll learn to prepare food that can be used for multiple meals, as well as tips for long-term meal planning. This event is $12 per person for tasting and recipes with a minimum of six participants required. To register, call 408-6550. March 19: Camp Open House. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn more about the wide range of fun and adventurous camp options for your children at our Camp Open House event. The Open House will feature Camp 119, Specialty Camps (basketball, volleyball, science and dance), our Sports Performance Program, Thyme to Cook for Kids and Teen Cooking Academy. A special discount will be offered to those who sign up at the Open House. March 23: CPR for Family and Friends. 6-8 p.m. Join us for a classroom-based, practicewhile-you-watch DVD and instructor-facilitated program on how to perform the basic skills of CPR in adults, children, and infants. The class focuses on how to help an adult, child, or infant who is choking. It is designed for parents, family members, friends, older siblings, and babysitters ages 11 years and older, who want to learn CPR, but do not need a course certification card. To register, please call 939-7878. The cost is $20 per person.
At RealtySouth, real estate doesn’t simply equate to hard negotiation and paperwork. For us, it’s more than a transaction. It’s the relationship that matters most. For nearly 60 years, we’ve been running in the same crowds. If I look familiar, it’s not necessarily because I sold your cousin’s home. We are in the same carpool line every afternoon. Our children have been classmates for years. Your community is our community. We are proud to be your neighbor. It’s Who We Are.
www.realtysouth.com
Who We Are CLASSMATES ad-VillageLivingHALF.indd 1
2/9/16 1:58 PM
CONGRATULATIONS, CAROLINE! Caroline Jackson, a recent UAB graduate took advantage of the VW College Graduate Program on her Certified Pre-Owned Passat! Caroline Jackson and her father, Gary.
Volkswagen College Graduate Program
Up to
800
$
* When you buy or lease a new VW through Volkswagen Credit, VW will make your first month’s payment— up to $800!
*Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) will cover the first month’s payment up to $800, for new, unused or near new Volkswagen models. Customer is responsible for any payment amount over $800. Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen models do not qualify. Must lease or finance through Volkswagen Credit to be eligible for this offer. Can’t be combined with any other first payment programs.
3010 Columbiana Rd · At the Corner of I-65 and Highway 31 in Vestavia
(205) 823-3100 · www.gotoroyalvw.com
Where you’re always treated like royalty!