280 Living April 2016 by Starnes Media

280 Living

April 2016 | Volume 9 | Issue 8

neighborly news & entertainment

the

BEAT goes on

By JON ANDERSON It has been 15 years since Greystone resident Pat Morrow stepped off the podium as a high school band director, but the rippling effect of his presence can still be felt in the area’s schools to this day. Morrow spent 20 years as band director at Homewood High School and six years leading the Hoover High band before becoming the public relations coordinator for the Hoover school system in 2001. He retired six years later but those who know him say he left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of students.

See MORROW | page A30 Photo by Frank Couch. Stephie Soltys, a freshman at Oak Mountain High, recently signed a contract with IMG Models. Photo courtesy of IMG Models.

Teen juggles life as international model, student By ERICA TECHO Stephie Soltys is still a freshman at Oak Mountain High School, but that did not stop her from signing a contract with an international modeling agency. IMG Models, an agency based in New York, Paris, London, Milan and Sydney, has signed Soltys as a development model. The agency’s talent roster includes Kate Moss, Stephanie Seymour, Miranda Kerr, Karlie Kloss and several other well-known models. “If you go to New York, in Times Square, the billboards everywhere — that’s mainly IMG,” Soltys said. “I haven’t always wanted to do this, but I’ve always thought about it because people mentioned it to me.”

Pre-Sort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Memphis, TN Permit #830

See MODEL | page A29

INSIDE

Sponsors .............. A4 280 News ............. A6

Business .............. A12 Chamber..............A14

Events ..................A18 Opinion ............... B26

Faith .................... B27 School House ...... C6

Sports ................... C11 Calendar .............. C18 facebook.com/280Living

Spring Home Guide

Spring is in bloom, and it’s the perfect time to plant a garden, do some cleaning or start a home renovation. Find tips and tricks from area businesses in our Spring Home Guide to jump-start any project.

See page B1

The latest buzz Retired Chelsea High teacher ﬁnds a new joy in teaching others about his hobby — beekeeping.

See page C1

A2 • April 2016

280 Living

. . . g n i m o c s i r Summe y d a e r e b u o will y

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April 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ A3

280 Living

A4 • April 2016

About Us Editor’s Note By Sydney Cromwell I think I might be one of the few people in Alabama who likes winter. Big coats and scarves are my favorite things to wear, and the rare times we get real snow are the highlight of my year. But even I can’t deny that those first true spring days we have fill me with delight. The feeling of the warm sun on my face is an absolute productivity killer. Why be inside writing when I could be out enjoying these beautiful days? I’ve tried working outside, but it rarely works. I can tell other people are feeling the same urge because more and more of my interviews are scheduled for park benches and coffee shop patios. It’s hard to have a bad day in those first

weeks of spring. Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church is taking advantage of the beautiful weather for its Italian Festival, as is the Mt Laurel Spring Festival and Celebrate Hoover Day. Those are just a few of the outdoor events featured in this month’s issue, as well as charity walks, a field day and a barbecue cook-off. When you’re like me and can’t sit inside any longer, the 280 corridor has plenty to offer you in April.

BEHIND THE LENS By Frank Couch The Alabama High School Athletic Association has created an exciting championship environment with end-of-the-season tournaments like this year’s finals at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena. The Spain Park boys basketball team battled a Central-Phenix City team into an overtime game that left the Jaguars coming up a short. This picture shows Spain Parks’ Jamal Johnson winning control of the ball over Keiondre Jakes near midcourt in the Class 7A semifinal . The level of emotion and competition when players know their season could be over at the end of the game lends itself to great competitive moments like this. Technical Data: Nikon D810, Lens (mm) 200, ISO: 3200, Shutter: 1/800. Got a question or have an idea for another Behind the Lens? Email me at fcouch@starnespublishing.com.

Publisher: Managing Editor: Design Editor: Director of Photography: Video Editor: Page Designers: Community Reporters: Staff Writers: Sports Reporter: Associate Editor: Copy Editor:

Dan Starnes Sydney Cromwell Kristin Williams Frank Couch Cherie Olivier Cameron Tipton Emily VanderMey Ana Good Erica Techo Jon Anderson Emily Featherston Sam Chandler Kyle Parmley Lucy Ridolphi Louisa Jeffries

Advertising Manager: Matthew Allen Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Brittany Joffrion Rhonda Smith James Plunkett Jon Harrison Contributing Writers: Kari Kampakis Rick Watson Leah Ingram Eagle Marienne Thomas Ogle Steve Irvine Rachel Burchfiel Jesse Chambers Grace Thornton

280 Living neighborly news & entertainment

Contact Information: 280 Living PO Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@starnespublishing.com

Please submit all articles, information and photos to: sydney@ starnespublishing.com P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

Published by: Starnes Publishing LLC

For advertising contact: dan@starnespublishing.com Legals: 280 Living is published monthly. Reproduction or

use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. 280 Living is designed to inform the 280 community of area school, family and community events. Information in 280 Living is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/ photos submitted become the property of 280 Living. We reserve the right to edit articles/ photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.

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Please Support Our Community Partners 30 A Realty (A11) 5 star roofing (B21 Advanced Mower (A3) Advanced Turf Care (B18) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (C1) Alabama Outdoors (A31) Alabama Power Service (C18) Alabama Vein Center (C12) Alison Bruhn Style Consulting LLC (A17) Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center (C19) ARC Realty (A26) Archadeck (A17) Asbury United Methodist Church (A5, A22) Azia Medical Spa (A13) Batts’ Chimney Services (A21) Bellini’s (C7) Ben Franklin - One Hour (B25) Bin There Dump That (B25) Birmingham Academy of Dance (A23) Birmingham Bicycle Company (C17) Birmingham Botanical Gardens (A22) Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (C8) Blowfish A2) Brawley & Gilbert Orthodontics (A10) Cabinet Cures of Birmingham (B19) Cabinetry Refinishing & estoration (A1) Cahaba Glass (C17) California Closets (C9) Carbon Recall (B12) Central Alabama Cadillac Dealers (A8) Chelsea Party Center (A14) Chiropractic Today (C4) Citrus Solution Birmingham Carpet Cleaning (B23) Clark Holmes (A6) Classic Gardens (B24) Commute Smart (C9) Crown Construction (B24) Decorating Dens Interiors (B9) Dieguez-Marino Orthodontics (A16) Doorstep Delivery (A25) Dreamscape Landscape Development, LLC (C16) DSLD Land Management (B17) East 59 (B21) Encore Rehabilitation (C5) ERA King Real Estate Homewood (C11) Everyday Pet Styles (A28) Expedia CruiseShipCenters (A7) EZ Roof & EZ Restoration (B15) Fancy Fur- Paws and Claws (C19) Feast of Saint Mark Italian Festival (A28) Gardner Landscaping (B1) Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce (C8) Greystone Marketplace (B20) Griffith A t Gallery (B20) Hanna’s Garden Shop (B22) Healthy Smiles of Birmingham (C4)

Henderson & Walton (C13) Hollywood Pools Outdoor Finishings & Spas (B7) Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama (A15) Hutchinson Automotive (C3) Inverness Country Club (A12) Issis & Sons (B27) Junior League of Birmingham (C3) LAH Real Estate (A21) Leaf & Petal (A16) Michelson Laser Vision, Inc. (A25) Mountain Brook Art Association (A23) NAPA Auto Parts (A30) Neurogenx (C15) North Shelby Library (C6) Odyssey Early Schools (A27) Pak Mail (C19) Pastry Art (C13) Planet Fitness (A24) Plumb One (B23) Preserve Paints (B11) RealtySouth Marketing (C20) Red Mountain Theatre Company (A1) Relax the Back (B22) Rosegate Design (B8) Royal Automotive (B28) Scott Underwood Reverse Mortgage (A10) Secret Garden Shop (B5) Shelby Dermatology (A20) Sherry Best, Realtor (A5) Skelton’s Air (B18) Southeastern Jewelers and Engravers (C7) Southern Roots (C11) Spring Valley School (A31) St. Vincent’s Health Systems (A32) St. Vincent’s One Nineteen (C2) Sunrise Lawn Service LLC (B13) Terry Crutchfield, e/MAX Advantage South (B26) The Insurance Place (A18) The Maids (C2) The Tile Cleaner LLC. (B16) Therapy South Greystone (C10) Tom Williams BMW (C15) Town of Mt Laurel (A9, A19) Tutoring Club Greystone (C12) UAB Honors College (A29) Ultra Blast Laser Combat Center (A6) Uptown Nail Spa (A18) Urban Home Market (B3) Water Drainage Solutions (A13) Weigh To Wellness (A2) Western Sales and Services (B10) Window Decor HomeStore (B19) Woerner Landscapes (B14) Zig Zag (A27)

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April 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ A5

280 Living

A6 • April 2016

280 News Shoal Creek sidewalk waiver approved Planning commission also OKs resubdivision By ERICA TECHO The Shelby County Planning Commission agreed at its March 7 meeting that the Hamlets at Shoal Creek development does not need to build sidewalks. Caroline T. Little, president of Thompson Realty Inc., requested a waiver of the requirement for sidewalks in the development. The commission had previously approved a resubdivision of the Hamlets at Shoal Creek in November. The development will include 10 residential lots. “We gave them a waiver because there’s not sidewalks in the rest of the [Shoal Creek]

community,” said Shelby County Chief Development Ofﬁcer Chad Scroggins. It would not make sense to build sidewalks that connected to nothing, Scroggins said. The commission also approved a resubdivision of a property on County Road 43. Property owner Kirk Creel submitted the request to combine two lots into one lot, to be used for Creel Family Farm. Scroggins said Creel was present at the meeting, and a neighbor also spoke in favor of the resubdivision. No one spoke in opposition to the Creel resubdivision or to the sidewalk waiver, Scroggins said.

A sketch of the Hamlets at Shoal Creek, which received a sidewalk waiver at the March 7 Shelby County Planning Commission meeting. Rendering courtesy of Shelby County Planning Commission.

Shelby CFO: 2016 sales, lodging tax revenue increases By ERICA TECHO Shelby County is in a good financial position compared to this year’s budget and last year performance, County Chief Financial Officer Butch Burbage told the Shelby County Commission. Burbage reviewed the county’s revenues for the first four months of fiscal year 2016, including October through January. The county general fund is more than $500,000 ahead of where it was this time last year, Burbage said, putting it about 1.71 percent ahead. Sales tax saw a large jump, and Burbage noted

that in December, Shelby County recorded the largest amount of sales tax in its history. Overall, sales tax was over last year’s year-to-date total by more than $240,000. “We reported to you that we believed sales taxes were doing pretty good, and indeed they are,” Burbage said. The general fund is also doing almost 1 percent better than budgeted, Burbage said. It is around $293,697 ahead, he said, which is a positive sign for the ﬁscal year. Miscellaneous funds are more than 6.5 percent ahead of 2015’s funds, and Burbage noted an

increase in the lodging tax as a key point. The lodging tax is more than $350,000 ahead of 2015’s revenue. That amount factors in $156,000 in reimbursements on various projects, Burbage noted, which thereby inﬂates the amount. True revenue is around $196,224, which commissioners noted was still a good improvement. When comparing the year to date budget and the actual revenues, Burbage noted the miscellaneous funds fell short of what is budgeted. These numbers were nothing to get excited over, he said, and he expects the county to catch up by

the end of the year. “All in all, a very positive report,” Burbage said. Also at the Feb. 22 meeting, the commission: ► Approved an alcoholic beverage license for The Red Shamrock Pub for Sham Fest 2016. ► Awarded bids for security and electronic system maintenance for the Sheriff’s Office and Jail and the juvenile detention center in the amounts of $25,000 and $7,000, respectively. ► Awarded a bid for inmate footwear.

280Living.com

April 2016 • A7

Chamber Director April Stone stands with the first South Shelby Chamber of Commerce director, Bonnie Atchison, at the Coffee with the Mayor event in Chelsea. Photos by Erica Techo.

Chamber recognizes Niven, anniversary By ERICA TECHO For the last time in his elected position, Mayor Earl Niven attended the South Shelby Chamber’s Coffee with the Mayor breakfast. Members of the chamber and the Chelsea community gathered March 10 at Chelsea Community Center to thank Niven for 20 years as mayor and reflect on the city’s 20th anniversary. “It is wonderful to be here today because this is another milestone that we can see that has happened here in Chelsea,” said the chamber’s first director Bonnie Atchison. “Several years ago there was a group of people in our side of the county … and we wanted to come together as a group so that we would be able to build.” The chamber formally incorporated on Oct. 20, 1993, and Atchison reflected on seeing Chelsea incorporate in 1996 and grow into a successful city. As they worked to grow the chamber, Atchison said she would go to businesses throughout the county. “280 had begun to grow up, and there would be a business here, and I’d visit that business and another business, but the main person that was here was in all of that was Earl Niven and a beautiful lady named June,” she said, “and they were so good in helping me and helping Shelby County in making Chelsea what it is today.” Atchison said that the community feel is what makes Chelsea great, and she encouraged business owners and homeowners to continue greeting each other as neighbors even as the city continues to grow. Even though Niven is retiring, Atchison said the city is not losing him. There is no such thing as retiring, she said. “I’ll be at the first council meeting telling them what they’re doing wrong,” Niven said. Chamber director April Stone thanked Niven for the partnership the chamber has had with Chelsea and presented him with a gift from the chamber. Council member Juanita Champion, who is retiring after serving for 12 years on the council, was also recognized at the breakfast. Although he is not seeking reelection, Niven said he believes the city will be in good hands. He recognized the three council members running for mayor — Dale Neuendorf, Alison Nichols and Tony Picklesimer. “They’ll be bringing some experience to the office,” Niven said. “I told them the first five phone calls are free and then $125 a call.” Chelsea has benefited from its residents and businesses over the last 20 years, Niven said, and it has seen consistent growth during that time. He also thanked the businesses who provided food

It’s

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at the breakfast for the role they have had in the city’s growth. “Our city is still growing, and we are very blessed,” he said. The county also plays a role in Chelsea’s growth, Niven said, and he appreciated the Shelby County Commission’s help in building the Chelsea Community Center. The county helped fund the senior center, televisions and some outdoor recreation equipment in the building. “We have a lot to offer here, and this is just an example of our entire city,” he said. “We try to meet the needs of our people.” County Manager Alex Dudchock said Niven has been a great partner for the county, noting his open communication on county initiatives. “I feel like after these comments, I shouldn’t mess it up. I should just go ahead and quit today,” Niven said. “But I do have until Oct. 31, and I will be your mayor up until then because there’s some things on the table that I would love to see finished.” For the next mayor, Niven said his advice is to love Chelsea and to manage money well. If a person does not love Chelsea, he said, they do not need to run for mayor. “Chelsea’s growing, and again, we can’t do it just as a mayor and council. It takes everybody. It takes the people,” Niven said.

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280 Living

A8 • April 2016

Chelsea Council declares items surplus for future exchanges By ERICA TECHO The Chelsea Sports Complex tennis courts will not be built for a few years, but plans for the foundation are already in the works. At its March 1 meeting, the Chelsea City Council approved a swap between the city and The Brogdon Group that includes dirt for the tennis courts’ foundation. As Mayor Earl Niven had discussed at previous meetings, the city planned to declare as surplus 35,000 square feet of property at the end of Sports Highland Parkway. This land would be deeded to Brogdon in exchange for 50,000 square feet of dirt, which will in turn be used for the future tennis courts. Council member Juanita Champion said during pre-council she was concerned with the exchange. While she agreed the city’s property could be declared surplus, she said she believed Brogdon should purchase the property from the city. The city is planning to purchase 8.9 acres of land from Brogdon for the amount the company paid, and she said the company should likewise purchase this land from the city. The dirt would end up costing the city around $61,000, Champion said, to preserve it for the future project. “We’re going to have bare land out there that’s going to have to have sheeting or ﬁlm around it, and we don’t know how many years before that tennis court is going to be built,” she said. Niven said the timeline for the tennis courts is something that would be left up to the next council. “All we’re doing is prep work that in the long run is going to save us gobs of money,” Niven said. Council member Dale Neuendorf said the land is very valuable to Brogdon, and the deal does not account for that.

Chelsea celebrated its 20th anniversary at its March 1 City Council meeting. Photo by Erica Techo.

“We’re paying $57,000 so that we can give away right at a half-acre of very, very, very, very essential property that he has to have in exchange for getting dirt,” he said. “… I’m just not sure it’s best for the city.” Council members Alison Nichols and Tony Picklesimer said they felt the deal would save the city money in regard to transporting the dirt. “I think this is a very fair deal,” Picklesimer said. “Is the timing perfect? No, the timing is not perfect, but it is a very fair deal, a fair exchange. It’s getting something done with it.” During the council meeting, Champion voted

against the ordinance to make the land surplus and convey that land to The Brogdon Group. The other council members and Niven supported it. The council also discussed two resolutions to pay for soil preparation and erosion control on the 50,000 square feet of dirt. One resolution was to authorize a $46,604.40 payment to Shirley Brothers Excavating Inc. for soil preparation. This agreement included clearing and burning trees on the property for the future tennis courts, striping and stockpiling topsoil, installing headwalls and stone backﬁll at the property.

The other resolution was to authorize a $11,680 to Con-Site Services Inc. for erosion control at the future tennis court site. During the council meeting, Champion and Neuendorf voted against both resolutions. The other council members and Niven supported the resolutions, and they passed with the majority. The city also celebrated its 20th anniversary during the meeting. Niven thanked past council members and Chelsea residents who were in the audience and reflected on the city’s history. “Twenty years ago, we didn’t know what we were getting into, but we knew what we had,” he said. Niven also noted the city would hold a 20th anniversary celebration March 20. The ceremony will be at the Chelsea Community Center and will double as a ribbon cutting for the center. Also on March 1, the council: ►Approved an ordinance to declare an old block building at 104 Chesser Drive as surplus. Shirley Brothers will take the building down and fill in a hole behind the old fire station. ►Approved an ordinance for an additional Shelby County Contract Law Officer as part of the COMPACT 2020 Initiative. By agreeing to the initiative, the city will receive $35,000 to go toward an additional sheriff’s deputy who will work on drug-related issues in schools and with individuals. ►Approved a resolution to declare a mobile home located at 104 Chesser Drive as surplus. The mobile home will be advertised as available for purchase. ►Approved a resolution to accept a bid for a new chassis for a fire department rescue unit vehicle. The chassis would cost around $54,000 including a seven-year warranty, Niven said.

280Living.com

April 2016 • A9

A bumper sticker encouraged people to vote in favor of Sunday alcohol sales in Shelby County. Photo by Frank Couch.

Shelby County voters say yes to Sunday alcohol sales By JON ANDERSON Shelby County voters said yes to the idea of letting people buy alcoholic beverages in the county on Sunday afternoons. About 70 percent of voters who took part in the March 1 election, or 43,067 people, voted in favor of the amendment, while 30 percent, or 18,585 people, voted against it, according to unofﬁcial results from the Shelby County probate judge’s ofﬁce. Joe Molay, a resident of the Brook Highland community, was among those who voted in favor of the change. “Here we are in 2016, and if I want to buy alcohol, I have to leave Shelby County to go buy it on Sunday, which is totally ridiculous,” Molay said. Janice Thompson of the Greystone community in Hoover said people just drive into Jefferson County to get their alcohol on Sundays. “Keep that money and that income right here in Shelby County,” she said. Angie Kurosaka of Chelsea agreed. “I’m tired of seeing money go to Jefferson County, and I don’t want to have to drive to Jefferson County if I want a bottle of wine for an event,” she said. A study by an economics professor at the University of Montevallo estimated that allowing Sunday alcohol sales after noon would lead to an additional $10.9 million in sales of alcoholic beverages per year and create 171 jobs and almost $2.2 million per year in additional earnings for employees in the county. It also would generate an estimated additional $436,775 in taxes for the state and $545,969 in taxes for county and city governments, the study said. Karen Langevin of Riverchase said when she goes out to a Mexican restaurant on a Sunday,

she wants to have a margarita. “I’m not from here. I’m not a Bible Belter,” Langevin said. “Once you reach the age of 21, I think you ought to be able to make your own decisions. I don’t think you need government to tell us what to do. I deeply resent that.” Others, though in the minority at the polls, felt differently. “Sunday is meant for that day of rest,” said Sherita Wilson, a resident of Eagle Ridge Apartments in north Shelby County. “I’m a Christian, and I just believe that they should just keep that where it is — no alcohol sales on Sunday.” Chris Clark, a Brook Highland resident, said she knows some businesses may be hurt by the current ban on Sunday alcohol sales, but she believes there are enough opportunities for alcohol sales on other days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in January released a study saying that excessive drinking cost the United States $249 billion in 2010, including costs associated with lost productivity, early mortality, health care, crime and vehicle crashes. The University of Montevallo study acknowledged the repeal of the ban on Sunday alcohol sales in Shelby County would increase consumption of alcoholic beverages but said there is no strong evidence to suggest a signiﬁcant impact on accident fatalities. Janie Dollar of the Greystone community in Hoover, said if more alcohol is sold on Sundays, there will be more drunken drivers. “Also, that’s the Lord’s day,” she said. Don Brewer, another Greystone resident, said he personally thinks it would be nice to be able to buy a drink on Sunday, but he voted against the idea because he thinks it’s better for society overall to prohibit it.

Built with the belief that coming home is its own reward. Introducing the Cherry Laurel, the first of a new series of homes designed to complement and embellish the Mt Laurel experience. Our new homes not only include top-of-the-line products from brands like Kohler® and KitchenAid,® there’s also a heightened emphasis on materials and craftsmanship throughout. In a town known for its walkable community lifestyle, our new floor plans are equally compelling reasons to call Mt Laurel home.

Hoover officials ask judge to approve rezoning plan By JON ANDERSON After two years of planning and community debate, the Hoover school board is partnering with the U.S. Department of Justice and NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund to ask a federal judge to approve new school attendance zones. The parties reached an agreement March 7 on the rezoning plan approved by the Hoover school board and now are asking U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala to approve it. Haikala has scheduled a hearing on the rezoning plan for April 7-8. Hoover school officials hope she’ll approve the plan quickly so it can go into effect for the 2016-17 school year. Hoover schools Superintendent Kathy Murphy said she realizes not everyone is happy with the rezoning plan, but school officials

negotiated the best deal they could, considering the concerns of parents, the community and parties to the decades-old federal desegregation lawsuit. The rezoning plan could put nearly 2,500 children in a new school next year, school ofﬁcials said. However, a signiﬁcant number of those children could qualify to be “grandfathered” at their current school. The “grandfathering” option is being offered to students in grades 8-11 to let them stay in their current high school zone through the end of high school. Students with only one year left at their current schools (grades 1, 4 and 7) also would have the option to stay for one more year. Parents would have to provide transportation for any “grandfathered” students. For details about the rezoning plan, go to hooverrezoning.com.

Experience Mt Laurel at our Annual

SPRING FESTIVAL Saturday April 11th 10am-3pm

280 Living

A10 • April 2016

Hazardous Waste Day set for April 23 By JON ANDERSON Got spring cleaning in your blood and need a place to get rid of things that shouldn’t go in the garbage? The city of Hoover is holding its 18th annual Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, April 23 — collecting a host of items best left out of landfills. The event will once again be in the parking lot at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium from 8 a.m. to noon. Last year, 1,081 Hoover residents brought items, said Robin Mangino, the administrative services supervisor for the Hoover Public Works and Park Maintenance Department. That included enough paint and paint-related materials to fill three 30-yard rolloff containers and 17 boxes, 49 55-gallon drums of pesticides, eight 55-gallon drums of flammable liquids and solids, eight 55-gallon drums of antifreeze, six 55-gallon drums of batteries and 28 55-gallon drums of other hazardous materials, city records show. Residents also brought 650 gallons of used motor oil, 125 gallons of used cooking oil, 199 tires, seven boxes of aerosols, 30 fire extinguishers, 315 fluorescent bulbs and 876 compact bulbs, records indicate. The Hoover Police Department last

Workers unload a grill at a previous Hoover Household Hazardous Waste Day event. Photo courtesy of Ricky Linn/Hoover Fire Department.

year took in 687 pounds of leftover or expired medications, almost 78 pounds of ammunition, two handguns and one pellet rifle, Officer Brian Hale said. The Police Department also will collect fireworks, flares, gunpowder, military ordnances and souvenirs, explosives, reloading supplies and edged weapons. The Foundry Rescue and Recovery Center is expected to be on hand again this year as well, collecting electronic equipment such as TV sets, printers, computers, keyboards, power cables, radios and telephones. The Foundry

will refurbish and resell items that they can and recycle the rest. The city also will accept U.S. flags that will be turned over to the Boy Scouts for proper disposal. Household Hazardous Waste Day is open to Hoover residents only. Materials will not be accepted from people who live outside the city or from businesses. People should bring a valid driver’s license or current photo ID with their address included. MXI Environmental Services is the company hired to dispose of materials in an environmentally safe way.

Household Hazardous Waste Day ACCEPTED ITEMS

► Aerosol spray cans (with content) ► Automotive fluids (motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, gas and/or mixed gas) ► Batteries (automotive and alkaline) ► Caulk/glue ► Drain cleaners/openers ► Fluorescent tubes/light bulbs ► Household cleaners (bleach, oven cleaners, metal cleaners, polishes, toilet cleansers) ► Oil and latex paint, aerosol paint, paint thinners, paint strippers, paint removers (Please note that empty latex paint containers or hardened solid paint are safe to put in the regular garbage. People can bring liquids to a solid by mixing the paint with cat litter, sand or sawdust. Paint lids should be removed before going in the trash bin.) ► Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers ► Polish (auto and furniture) ► Wood preservative ► Wallpaper remover ► Grease and rust solvents ► Stains/varnish ► Standard vehicle tires (No commercial or heavy

equipment tires will be accepted.) ► Preservatives ► Lighter flui ► Kerosene ► Moth balls ► Insect repellent ► Waste cooking oil ► Fireworks, pyrotechnics and fla es ► Gunpowders ► Military ordnances/relics/souvenirs ► Ammunition ► Explosives and explosive materials ► Reloading supplies ► Firearms ► Edged weapons ► Prescription medication ► Non-prescription drugs ► U.S. flag

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED

► Refrigerators/freezers ► Stoves/microwaves ► Toasters/toaster ovens ► Coffee makers ► Oxygen bottles ► Smoke detectors ► Lawn equipment (weed trimmers and mowers) ► Medical waste (syringes) ► Radioactive material of any kind ► Asbestos ► PCB ► Air conditioners ► Unidentified ma erials and containers

280Living.com

April 2016 • A11

Chelsea COP recognizes outstanding members Chief Deputy Chris George speaks at the 17th annual COP awards banquet. As keynote speaker, George recognized the contribution COP members make to Chelsea through their volunteer work. Photos by Erica Techo.

By ERICA TECHO The Chelsea Citizen Observer Patrol was able to present Mayor Earl Niven with a check for $204,096 at their 17th annual awards meeting. The check is symbolic and represents the amount of money Chelsea COP has saved the city through its volunteer patrols and services over the year. COP members patrolled for more COP member and councilman Dale Neuendorf presents Mayor than 18,509 miles last year, Earl Niven with a check with a monetary representation of and Shelby County Sheriff’s COP volunteer hours. Office Chief Deputy Chris George said the city would have to hire about 11 more deputies to get that amount of work done. “You are the eyes and the ears and the heartbeat of Chelsea,” George said. As keynote speaker, George recognized the contribution COP members make to Chelsea through their volunteer work. Even if some of the changes they make seem small, George said there is no Mayor Earl Niven (right) presents the volunteer of the year way to measure the impact award to COP member Mike Cooley. they are having on the future. “Small acts of kindness, as insignificant as they may seem, add up,” he said. The actions of COP members are a testament to their love for Chelsea, George said, as well as a great example for what community members can do in the future. The awards meeting was held on Feb. 23, and community members, family members and law enforcement officers were invited to join. At the awards ceremony, Director Jim Thornton (left) presents member Bill Weldon with a lifetime presidential service award. COP director Jim Thornton recognized members for their award to John Devenyns and Matt Mellen, who accomplishments, including 100 percent meeting attendance, completing reported an erratic drive in November 2015. The more than 150 patrol hours in a year, complet- driver was arrested and charged with DUI foling a total of more than 1,000 patrol hours since lowing their report. Members of COP were also recognized with joining COP, helping grow the COP program the presidential service award. The collar pin and others. The 13 individuals who joined COP in 2015 is awarded at the bronze, silver and gold level, were also recognized, and city councilman Dale and the levels are based on total volunteer Neuendorf presented members Jess Rawls and hours. A total of 18 awards were presented, Hoyt Picklesimer with the rookie of the year award. and members Bill Weldon and Donald Shirley “As we all know, growth is the lifeblood of received lifetime pins, which represent more any organization,” Neuendorf said. “And we than 4,000 volunteer hours logged. Weldon live in a time right now when so many volun- holds the record for most volunteer hours with teer organizations, service clubs, groups that 5,213 hours logged. The final award of the night was the Volunteer have to give of themselves are really shrinking. And as you heard from Jim [Thornton], of the Year award, which was presented to Mike we have 13 new members in the COP pro- Cooley. “It’s a pleasure for me to make this presengram this past year, which is just absolutely tation,” Niven said. “This man has had a rough outstanding.” Two members were recognized for their patrol week; he lost a member of his family, his brother, activity resulting in a contribution to an arrest but we are mighty proud of Mike Cooley as our in 2015. Sheriff John Samaniego presented the volunteer of the year.”

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280 Living

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280Living.com

Now Open Zöes Kitchen has opened a freestanding location at Brook Highland, 5247 Highway 280. 995-2760, zoeskitchen.com

Child’s Play Therapy Center, a clinic offering occupational, physical, speech, music and behavioral therapy in a non-clinical, child-friendly environment, is now open in Chelsea at 48 Chesser Crane Road, Suite I. This is their second location in the Birmingham area, following their location in Hoover. 618-8095, childsplaytherapycenter.com

Bohemian Bliss, a women’s clothing store, is now open at 611 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 111, in the Village at Lee Branch. The store specializes in trendy and affordable women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry and gifts. Their clothes have a bohemian ﬂair with items like bell-bottoms and tie-dye prints. 438-6060, shopbohemianbliss.com

Financial Partners, a new 4 Blueprint ﬁnancial ﬁrm serving the needs of Realtors, builders and lenders, has opened at 1 Perimeter Park S. #100, Suite 190. 370-8460, blueprintpartner.com Willow & Wine Distinctive Gift Baskets is now open in Mt Laurel at 13 Olmsted Street. The shop specializes in boutique wines available in small batches. They also sell customized gift baskets. 569-5020, willowandwinegiftbaskets.com

Chad Hartsfield opened his State Farm office in late November at 460 Cahaba Park Circle. 783-5692, chadhartsfield.com

Ole Boys BBQ is now open in 7 Good Chelsea at 16634 Highway 280. This is the restaurant’s ﬁfth location, with others in Wedowee, Alexander City, Pell City and Sylacauga. 603-3332, goodolebbq.com a women’s fashion boutique, 8 Bevello, is now open in The Summit at 214 Summit Boulevard. bevello.com

Coming Soon Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille will open in April at 4 Perimeter Park S. This is the Austin, Texas-based restaurant’s ﬁrst Alabama location. 968-1597, perryssteakhouse.com

Core Chiropractic will be opening a structural correction chiropractic ofﬁce this month at 4851 Cahaba River Road, Suite 103. The clinic is owned by Dr. Garrett Chow, who focuses on structural correction of the spine, a speciﬁc and gentle approach. Dr. Chow is now scheduling patients for complimentary consultations. 206-9341, corebirmingham.com

Greystone Golf & Country Club, 11 4100 Greystone Drive, will open a new restaurant for its members, CELLAR 91, in mid-April. The menu will feature thin crust pizzas, innovative small plates, signature burgers, and fresh catch dishes. 980-5200, greystonecc.com The Summit, 217 Summit Boulevard, has announced that three national retailers will open their ﬁrst Alabama locations in the coming months. Lush, a retailer specializing in fresh handmade cosmetics and soaps; Soft Surroundings, a women’s clothing and home furnishings store; and American Threads, a jewelry, gifts and clothing boutique, will all open in the coming months. thesummitonline.com/birmingham

April 2016 • A13

Relocations and Renovations Highland Commercial Mortgage recently relocated their corporate office to 242 Inverness Center Drive in the Beaumont office park. The company is a fully approved FHA MAP lender serving clients across the country. Their services include construction, refinancing, acquisition and redevelopment loan programs for multifamily, affordable housing, and health care facilities. The Highland team has underwritten and originated over $3 billion in closed loans. 940-4200, hcmd4.com

“When it rains, we drain!”

OxyMed, a CPAP medical supply store, has relocated from 201 Cahaba Park Circle to 5025 Highway 280, Suite 101, in the Inverness Heights Market shopping center. 981-2333, oxymed1.com

News and Accomplishments RE/MAX Southern Homes, 104 Inverness Corners, was recognized by RE/MAX as the top ofﬁce in Alabama for both volume of sales, at $315,825,484, and highest number of transactions, at 1,244, for 2015. 313-8500, remax-southernhomes-al.com

Southern Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry recently celebrated work anniversaries of two longtime employees. Michelle Abrahamson celebrated her 16th anniversary in January, and Marilyn Canant celebrated her 31st anniversary in March. 991-2433, southerndentalbirmingham.com

Skelton’s Heating and Air Conditioning, 5511 Highway 280, Suite 217, was recently recognized as a “Top Ten” dealer for Trane HVAC products. In addition, they were recognized as a 2015 #1 Trane Comfort Specialist in the state of Alabama. The company is locally owned by Brian Skelton. 991-5878, skeltonsair.com

244-1114 Heavy Runoff ? Standing Water ? Erosion Problems? Storm Drainage Clogged ? WaterDrainageSolutions.com

Hirings and Promotions Dr. Danielle Gilbert has joined the orthodontic practice of Brawley & Gilbert Orthodontics, 100 Heatherbrooke Park Drive. 991-9545, drglenbrawley.com

Brownell Travel, 216 Summit Boulevard, Suite 220, has hired Laura Patterson as a travel advisor. Patterson has 30 years experience in the industry, and she specializes in cruises and adventure travel. 888-796-2839, brownelltravel.com

Anniversaries YourOffice, a 12,000-square-foot facility with a range of furnished, equipped offices ranging from private executive offices to shared team space, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. It is located at 4000 Eagle Point Corporate Drive. 314-5700, youroffice.com

Johnny Ray’s, 10569 Old Highway 280, Suite 3, Chelsea, celebrated its 12th anniversary on February 17. 678-8418, johnnyraysbbq.com/chelsea

Need a little boost in the bedroom?

Lisa Miller Oral Facial Surgery, 1 Inverness Center Parkway, Suite 200, is celebrating its ﬁrst anniversary in business this month. 789-5075, lisamillerofs.com

Cahaba Valley Animal Clinic, 2209 Cahaba Valley Drive, is celebrating its 26th anniversary this month. 980-0078, cvacvet.com

Closings 24

Mr. Harry’s Chickin De-Lux, 3 Mt Laurel Avenue, has closed.

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280 Living

A14 • April 2016

Chamber Fraud protection discussed at Greater Shelby Chamber luncheon By ERICA TECHO A credit card skimmer can be purchased inexpensively on Amazon.com, and it’s available with free shipping. “$Ninety-nine dollars — there’s your fraud starter kid,” said Shelby County Sheriff’s Office investigator Andrew Stanley. Stanley investigates financial crimes for the Sheriff’s Office, and he shared information on the trends investigators are seeing in Shelby County as well as how businesses and individuals can protect themselves. Cloned credit card fraud is one of the most prevalent cases, he said, because it can be easily done. Most of the time, criminals will use credit card skimmers, he said, which come in handheld devices or can be attached to gas pumps or ATMs. The skimmers copy credit card information that can then be scanned onto any card with a magnetic strip. Skimming devices are one of the easiest ways to obtain credit card information, Stanley said, but it is not the only way. Information can also be obtained through online piracy or spyware. Those methods can draw information from a retail website continuously or for the past few days, Stanley said, and that information is oftentimes uploaded to a spreadsheet. Bulk credit card information can then be used to create several cloned cars, and then those cards are used to purchase gift cards. Stanley said oftentimes, there is a ringleader who sends people out with the cloned cards. “The guy that’s the smart one doing all this, you’re never going to see his face out there,” Stanley said. One case the Sheriff’s Office is investigating involves a group out of Douglasville, Georgia.

People have been sent out with 40 to 60 cloned cards, and Stanley said the person organizing the criminal activity is making sure to send the cloned cards to the correct city. If a cloned card that has information from Hoover is used in Hoover, he said, banks are less likely to catch it. It can be difﬁcult for individuals to protect themselves against credit card skimmers or spyware on retail websites, but Stanley said that added risk comes along with added convenience. As business owners, however, Stanley said chamber members can keep an eye out for suspicious activity. People using cloned cards usually have a rental car, purchase multiple gift cards in a single transaction, put as much money on the cards as possible and will have multiple credit cards on hand, Stanley said. If anyone sees someone doing those things, Stanley said to take down the individual’s driver’s license number and/or their license plate number. That information could be useful to the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce in the future, he said. An individual was recently arrested in connection to the Douglasville, Georgia, credit card cloning ring, Stanley said, and he was found with 52 cards in his possession. He was making about $1,500 a day driving out to purchase gift cards with the cloned cards. The cards also looked like credit cards, with embossed numbers and logos. “He said, ‘I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t ask. I needed the money,’” Stanley said. Stanley also discussed organized retail theft, where groups of people will work together to steal items from a store and then resell them. “Very rarely are they stealing for their personal use,” Stanley said. The best way to protect against organized retail theft, he said, is to take extra security precautions.

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Luncheon

Shelby County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce investigator Andrew Stanley spoke at the Feb. 24 Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Photo by Erica Techo.

This can include surveillance to catch photos of suspects or license plate numbers, establishing a company policy for dealing with theft, training employees to watch for suspicious behavior and reporting all incidents to the Sheriff’s Ofﬁce. Vehicle theft by deception, the last crime trend Stanley discussed, is one that typically leaves the victim footing the bill, he said. Because these crimes often involve false account information that appears legitimate at ﬁrst, some insurance companies look at it as a civil, not criminal, matter and do not cover the incident. “I’ve spent just as much time talking with insurance companies, explaining to them this is theft, as I have trying to solve the case,” Stanley said. Stanley said while Shelby County is fortunate to have fewer violent crimes than other areas, they do have to deal with a lot of fraud cases. He closed by thanking the community for their help and their calls that lead to arrests. “This stuff, it’s not because I’m the best detective in the world,” he said. “It’s because I’m getting calls.”

The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will hold its third annual Student and Educator of the Year recognition program in April. The program is scheduled for the chamber luncheon April 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex. The recognition program will honor elementary educators of the year, secondary educators of the year and career track students of the year. All nominees will be recognized at the luncheon, and the winners will receive a one-time ﬁnancial investment to be used for continuing development. All students and educators must be nominated by their principal, and any questions can be directed to the chamber. The luncheon costs $20 for chamber members and $30 for “future” members. Reservations must be requested by Monday, April 25, and can be made by calling the chamber at 663-4542, emailing info@ shelbychamber.org or online at shelbychamber.org.

280Living.com

April 2016 • A15

Dudchock discusses county projects at luncheon By ERICA TECHO Shelby County took a hit with the Great Recession, but smart budgeting has helped it recover and continue to grow, county officials say. County Manager Alex Dudchock discussed improvements in the county’s general fund as well as projects that are underway at the March South Shelby Chamber of Commerce luncheon. After the first quarter of FY 2016, the general fund is more than $293,000 — or 0.94 percent — ahead of what was budgeted. Overall, Dudchock said county revenue is where they expected. “The best thing you’re seeing on the wall right now is we’re hitting our projections,” Dudchock said. Revenue is also back up to where it was in 2008, Dudchock said, as a result of budgeting and smart spending on part of the Shelby County Commission and other county officials. “Our County Commission has done an excellent job doing something that my dad taught me at a young age — you better live within your means,” Dudchock said. Although the county had to be “creative” to meet new budgets, Dudchock said most people could not notice there was a reduction in spending. The county was able to maintain the level of service it hoped to, he said. Along with a general fund improvement, Dudchock noted the county is also working to grow through various projects. At University of Montevallo, the county helped to build the new lacrosse stadium. In February, that stadium hosted the first collegiate lacrosse match in the state, Dudchock said. There are also plans for a University of

Montevallo Hotel and Suites as well as a new dorm to house more than 60 students. These are in the planning stages, Dudchock said, and are a way for the university to continue to grow. In the upcoming months, there are projects set for Oak Mountain State Park and the Shelby County Airport. Bike lanes on Terrace Drive and Findlay Drive are planned, and there are other plans to improve roads, bike lanes and possibly install a roundabout in the park. New hangars at Shelby County Airport were some of the projects Dudchock said he is most proud of. “We have never started a hangar project without a waiting list of at least 20 pilots and owners wanting to come in,” Dudchock said. “I’ve got a brand new one going in, this is our sixth one to construct. It is a ﬁve box hangar — it is 100 percent leased.” There are 21 people on the county’s waiting list at this time, he said, and hangars that are under construction are already fully leased. No landing fee is charged, and there are conference rooms available for use at the hangar. Providing those resources encourages businesses to ﬂy in and out of Shelby County, he said, and the money comes in through their refueling bill. “A little Southern hospitality, services,

County Manager Alex Dudchock discussed the county’s general fund and ongoing projects. Photo by Erica Techo.

using that asset to our benefit,” he said. Also at the luncheon, Dudchock noted the Sunday alcohol sales vote would go into effect the Sunday after the vote was certified, set to be March 8, which would mean businesses that already have liquor licenses would be able to sell as soon as March 13. The next South Shelby Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is a spotlight for nonprofits. It is scheduled for April 7.

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Luncheon The April South Shelby Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be a spotlight on nonprofits. The luncheon is scheduled for Huntley April 7 at Columbiana First Baptist Church. Liz Huntley, a local author and attorney, will speak at the event. Huntley grew up in a housing project in Huntsville, and when she was five years old, her father was sent to prison and her mother committed suicide. Huntley’s book, “More than a Bird,” focuses on her journey from a difficult childhood to high school graduation and into college. Tickets for the luncheon are $12, and no RSVP is required. For more information, visit southshelbychamber.com. Any nonprofits interested in setting up a promotional booth can contact Stone at director@ southshelbychamber.com or at 669-9075.

280 Living

A16 • April 2016

Letting dogs be dogs By SYDNEY CROMWELL For visitors to Howlin Hollows Farm, the clear focal point is the large barn with its freshly stained lumber and bright red roof. Owners Scott and Kimi Welch, however, take more pride in the fenced play areas that surround the barn on three sides. Howlin Hollows Farm opened in mid-December at 4420 Sicard Hollow Road, near the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex and Liberty Park Middle School. The facility offers boarding and doggie daycare centered around one idea, Scott said: being “a place for a dog to be a dog.” That philosophy was born out of the Welchs’ own experience in boarding their Labrador retrievers in places that didn’t offer many exercise options. Based on their history owning and training dogs, Kimi said their priority in opening Howlin Hollows Farm was the outdoor play area. Inside the barn, there is room for 35 boarding animals, plus six cat enclosures, and the Welchs decide how many dogs to admit for daycare depending on their workload each day. The Welchs live in a loft at the barn, which Kimi said is ideal in case an issue comes up with an overnight boarder. Outside, there’s thousands of square feet for large dogs to run and play, separate enclosures for small or older dogs who want a calmer experience and a natural area that has trees, pine straw and a waterfall and pond feature that will open when the weather gets warmer. Kimi said they monitor dogs

Howlin Hollows Farm • WHERE: 4420 Sicard Hollow Road • HOURS: Mon.-Fri., 7:30 am.-6 p.m., Sat. 3-5 p.m. • CALL: 977-7245 • WEB: howlinhollowsfarm. com

Kimi and Scott Welch, along with their dogs Diamond, Hoss and Savvy, recently opened Howlin Hollows Farm boarding and doggie daycare facility. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

throughout the day to let them in and out of the barn as they wish. There’s also the pool, which Kimi said many dogs, especially their own Labs, love jumping into even on cold winter days. It is specially designed with a gradual slope to enter or exit at each end, instead of steps, and varying

depths in the middle. “Our whole outdoor area — there’s no one else in town like that. We built this so a dog can be a dog and run around and play outside,” Kimi said. Despite opening in winter and dealing with rain and cold, Kimi said Howlin Hollows Farm has gotten

positive responses from pet owners so far and several dogs are already daycare regulars. Her favorite part of the job is meeting the variety of dogs, and dog owners, in Birmingham. “It’s very rewarding. We’ve met a lot of great people, a lot of great

animals, and we also want the environment to be a fun environment,” Kimi said. “[Dogs] are just like humans. None of their personalities are the same.” The Welchs want to hire a groomer to add more services at Howlin Hollows Farm, as well as a trainer. Both Scott and Kimi train their dogs to compete in American Kennel Club retriever ﬁeld trials, where the dog must locate and retrieve a game bird. Howlin Hollows Farm has room to add more boarding space in the future, but Scott and Kimi agree that the growth will be carefully limited. “It’s more quality than quantity,” Kimi said. “We’re not here to pack in a bunch of dogs because it makes the dogs unhappy, it gets loud, it gets stinky. So that’s not our intention.” Outside the barn walls, there’s more opportunity to expand. Kimi said they have more land that they could clear to create new spots for the dogs to play in the future. “Because that’s really what the dogs want to do,” Kimi said.

280Living.com

April 2016 • A17

Spring veggies, greens a favorite for Big Bad Breakfast’s chef

WHAT’S COOKING

By CHERIE OLIVIER and ERICA TECHO As spring approaches, so does the time to utilize fresh greens. For this month’s What’s Cooking, we asked Big Bad Breakfast’s chef Leo Oliver for a recipe that utilizes fresh greens. He loves to cook fresh collards with fried chicken, but because they don’t have collards at Big Bad Breakfast, he suggested the restaurant’s Yardwork Skillet, which combines veggies, fresh herbs and spinach. Q: What do you like about working at this restaurant? A: I’ve always enjoyed eating breakfast out more than any other meal. I love serving superior food made from handmade ingredients. I love that we cure our own smoked meats and make our own jellies and preserves. I love using local products when we can, like McEwen and Sons grits from Wilsonville. I love watching people’s reactions when they taste our food.

Big Bad Breakfast chef Leo Oliver holds his Yardwork Skillet, a hearty breakfast dish that combines vegetables and fresh herbs. Photo by Erica Techo.

RECIPE:

► 12 ounces new potatoes, roughly cut ► Salt and pepper, to taste ► 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, finely chopped ► 8 ounces diced yellow squash and zucchini ► 4 ounces diced tomatoes ► 4 ounces chopped onions ► 8 ounces fresh spinach ► 8 eggs ► 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled ► 6 ounces Swiss cheese, grated

STEPS:

1. Roast 12 ounces rough-cut new potatoes with salt and pepper. 2. Finely chop fresh herbs. (Suggestion: Use a mix of rosemary, thyme, sage, tarragon and parsley.) 3. Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium high. Add squash, zucchini, tomatoes and onions, and sauté until softened. Add new potatoes and heat veggie mix thoroughly. 4. Add fresh spinach, and allow

to wilt. 5. Add 8 eggs, and scramble. While eggs cook, add crumbled goat cheese. 6. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh herb

mixture. Stir mixture while cooking. 7. When eggs are cooked, top with grated Swiss and broil until cheese is melted.

Watch Leo Oliver prepare his breakfast dish:

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280 Living

A18 • April 2016

Events Your guide for run, walk events this month By JESSE CHAMBERS In addition to nice spring weather, the month of April will bring numerous walks and runs to our area. They are great chances to enjoy the great outdoors, meet people and get some exercise while also helping to raise money and awareness for great causes.

THE WALK FOR AUTISM/5K RACE TO SOLVE THE PUZZLE

The Autism Society of Alabama (ASA) will host the Walk for Autism and the 5K Race to Solve the Puzzle at Veterans Park on Saturday, April 16. The 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the walk at 9:30 a.m. The event will support the ASA’s efforts to improve services for the roughly 50,000 Alabamians affected by autism spectrum disorder. Registration is $35 for the 5K and $30 for the walk. To register, call 951-1364 or go to walkforautismal.com.

registration and package pickup will be held at the pavilion at 7 a.m. Participants are urged to pre-register. The fees are $30 for the 3-mile race and $35 for the 6-mile race. Late registration fees will be $5 more. For more information or to register, go to southeasterntrailruns.com/Tranquility-Trail-Run.html.

The Walk to End Lupus raises funds and awareness of Lupus in Veterans Park. Photo courtesy of the Lupus Foundation.

THE WALK TO END LUPUS NOW

The Walk to End Lupus Now will be held at Hoover’s Veterans Park, located at 4800 Valleydale Road, on Sunday, April 10, with check-in at 1 p.m., an opening ceremony at 2:45 p.m. and the walk at 3 p.m. The event will increase awareness of lupus, an autoimmune disease; raise money for research; and rally support for the 27,000 Alabamians who suffer from the disease. To

THE TRANQUILITY TRAIL RUN

The Tranquility Trail Run, sponsored by Southeastern Trail Runs, will be held at Oak Mountain State Park on Saturday, April 9. The event, with 6- and 3-mile races, will begin at 8 a.m. at the Redbud Pavilion. Late

Submit information on a run or walk event that is near and dear to you. Email the event name, date, time and location, registration fee and contacts for registration to kwilliams@starnespublishing.com. walks, a dance party, games for kids and healthy snacks for participants. UAB HealthSmart will offer health screenings. Funds raised will enable kids to attend Camp Seale Harris, Alabama’s only diabetes camp. There is no registration fee; all participants who raise $50 or more in donations will receive an official Diabetes Walk T-shirt. To register or for more information, go to campsealeharris. org.

RELAY FOR LIFE

The Birmingham chapter of the American Cancer Society will host the annual Relay for Life at Heardmont Park, 5452 Cahaba Valley Road, in Oak Mountain, on Friday, April 29, from 5-11 p.m. There are also Relays for Life in several other communities, including Homewood and Mountain Brook, in April. For more information or to register, call 800-227-2345 or go to http://relay. acsevents.org.

Spread the word

The Diabetes Walk supports Camp Seale Harris, a camp for children with diabetes. Photo courtesy of Camp Seale Harris.

THE DIABETES WALK FOR CAMP SEALE HARRIS

The Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris, benefiting Southeastern Diabetes Education Services (SDES), will be held at Veterans Park on Sunday, April 24, from 2-5 p.m. SDES, a nonprofit, educates and supports children with diabetes and their families to live well. The walk will feature 1K and 5K fun runs or

PURPLESTRIDE BIRMINGHAM

PurpleStride Birmingham, presented by UAB Medicine, will be held at Veterans Park on Saturday, April 23, at 10 a.m. The PurpleStride events are held nationally by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to boost awareness of the disease and raise money for research and patient support. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m. To register or for more information, go to http://bit. ly/1obnMty or to kintera.org/faf/home/default. asp?ievent=1144032.

280Living.com

April 2016 • A19

Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church holds an annual celebration of traditional Italian culture in April. Photo courtesy of Feast of Saint Mark.

Feast of Saint Mark Food Festival marks 5th year By JESSE CHAMBERS The Feast of Saint Mark Italian Food Festival, an annual event celebrating traditional Italian culture, will take place at Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in the Brook Highland area Saturday, April 30, at 3 p.m. The festival, in its fifth year, will begin with a Catholic Mass, followed by food, dancing, live Italian music and youth activities. On the church grounds, some of Birmingham’s finest Italian chefs and sandwich makers will distribute samples of such items as fresh pasta, muffaletta sandwiches, gelato and Italian cookies. The festival is held on the first Saturday

following April 25, which is the feast day of Mark the Evangelist, the church’s patron saint. The “festa” — which celebrates the values of faith, family, food and fun — began in 2012 and has drawn about 3,000 attendees per year, according to event spokesperson Donna Francavilla. Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church is located on Highway 119, just east of Highway 280. Tickets are $25. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets include admission to all festival attractions and an authentic Italian meal in the Parish Life Center. For tickets and more information, go to feastofstmark.com.

Distinctive experiences in a unique setting—just around the corner. Locally owned and lovingly operated, the unique restaurants, boutiques, and small businesses of Mt Laurel deliver the kind of attentive service and genuine friendliness that appeals to our residents and visitors alike. Mt Laurel Hardware Store (205) 991-1015

Main Street Florist (205) 408-2717

Jimbo’s Soda Fountain (205) 408-2268

PharmSouth (205) 991-5265

Blissful Boutique (205) 991-0909

Area 41 Pizza Company (205) 995-4141

Pure Bliss Hair & Nails (205) 538-5972

Simply Infused Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Tasting Room (205) 408-4231

Mt Laurel Grocery (205) 991-1015

Asbury BBQ challenge to benefit The Shoe That Grows By ERICA TECHO Asbury United Methodist Asbury BBQ Church is hosting its inaugural barbecue challenge this Challenge/ month. Cornhole The April 9 event will include a barbecue cook-off Tournament and a cornhole tournament, and all proceeds will go • WHEN: April 9, toward purchasing pairs of 11 a.m. The Shoe That Grows. The • INFO: Teams set up shoes come in small and large from 8-10 a.m.; cornsizes, and each pair can grow hole starts at noon; five shoe sizes and last for judging at 4 p.m. five years. Its goal is to help • WEB: asburyonline. children protect their feet org/bbq from soil-transmitted parasites and diseases, according to theshoethatgrows.org. Bill Marcie, event orga- Proceeds from Asbury UMC’s brisket and they can sell their first BBQ Cook-off and Cornhole nizer for the BBQ Challenge, Tournament will go toward food, with 15 percent of sales said a barbecue cook-off has purchasing pairs of The Shoe going toward The Shoe That been discussed in the past, That Grows. Photo courtesy of Bill Grows. and they first heard about The Marcie. A $250 prize will be Shoe That Grows last year. awarded for people’s choice This event, he said, helps merge the two ideas. and for judges’ choice. “It’s a really neat concept,” Marcie said. The cornhole tournament has a $15 entry “People can get a pair of shoes that lasts fee per two-person team. First place will win five sizes, which is huge. We felt like this a trophy and cash prize, and second place will was the perfect opportunity to put them both receive a cash prize in the double-elimination together.” tournament. Asbury will use the money raised at the cookSpectators are also welcome, and tickets are off to purchase pairs of The Shoe That Grows, $10 for adults, $7 for kids age 5 to 12 and free for and those shoes will then be distributed locally kids under 5 years old. The ticket price includes and through the church’s Missions in Action tastings of all competitors’ barbecue, participagroup. tion in the people’s choice judging, live music Teams can register for the barbecue challenge and a kid’s zone. Food and drinks will be availand the cornhole tournament by going to asbury- able at an additional cost. online.org/bbq. The entry fee for a four-person For more information, contact Bill Marcie at barbecue team is $100, and it includes four spec- billmarcie@hotmail.com. To purchase a ticket, tator tickets. Teams can cook ribs, barbecue or visit asburyonline.org/bbq.

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280 Living

A20 • April 2016

Families enjoy food trucks and games during the church’s annual field day. Photo courtesy of Gary Purdy.

OMPC to host 2nd annual Field Day on April 24 By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church will host their second annual Field Day on Sunday, April 24. The event, which drew a crowd of more than 750 last year, will begin at 5:30 p.m. Designed to be like an old-fashioned field day hosted by schools, the event allows adults to be kids again, and kids to have fun being kids. “It’s designed to be a gift to the larger Oak Mountain area,” said Gary Purdy, pastor for outreach and young professionals at OMPC. “The point is just to offer a fun time not just for those part of Oak Mountain, but anyone in the community who would want to come along and bring their family.” Team events will include kickball, volleyball, tug of war and 50-yard races (such as three-legged race and wheelbarrow race). Individual events include cornhole, tetherball, four square and basketball. For the younger crowd,

there will be a kid zone with inflatables and obstacle courses. Activities will take place on the two soccer fields within close proximity to the church. A variety of food trucks will be on hand serving barbecue, Mexican and American fare and desserts, and will start serving at 5 p.m. Entertainment will include both live music and a lip-sync contest. “Oak Mountain Presbyterian is a place everyone drives past [on Highway 119], and we have a desire to use the property for fun and recreation more and more to the community,” Purdy said. Purdy said attendees are encouraged to recruit a team or participate, but they can also participate without a team. “It would be worth just coming for the food and music. You can have a lot of fun observing also,” he said. The event is free, but food will be for sale. For information, visit the church’s website at ompc.org.

Women enjoy various decorated tables and a silent auction over lunch as part of Hannah Home Shelby and King’s Home Shelby’s annual Tablescapes luncheon. Photo courtesy of Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary.

Tablescapes luncheon to feature Sister Schubert founder and CEO By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE The Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary will host its annual Tablescapes luncheon on Wednesday, April 6, at the Metro Church of God, 2800 Metropolitan Way. This is the largest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds benefiting Hannah Home Shelby and Kings Home Shelby. Patricia Barnes, founder and CEO of Sister Schubert’s baking company and a resident of Andalusia, Alabama, will be featured as the keynote speaker. She will also have copies of her new memoir cookbook, “Celebrations of the Heart,” for sale and signing. Barnes serves on the board of directors of the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame, is a Visiting Executive in the Lowder School of Business at Auburn University, and is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board and the Dean’s Board of School of Human Sciences. She is also president of the Barnes Family Foundation.

Janie Dollar, president of the 2016-17 Hannah Home Shelby Auxiliary, said Schubert will share her testimony and believes it will be one that’s inspirational, especially for the women from the Hannah Home who will be in attendance. The event opens at 10 a.m. to view the tablescapes and bid on silent auction items, which have been expanded this year. Dollar said there are usually 25 to 30 different designers and local stores designing tables. As part of the fundraising effort, guests can vote for their favorite tablescape with a contribution, and the one with the most votes wins. A catered lunch will be served at noon for upwards of 275 guests. “That helps us not only build our membership base, but helps us to get volunteers to go out to homes and work with the women and children,” Dollar said. Tickets will be available at the door at $40 per person, but reservations are recommended. To reserve a seat or for more information, contact Mary Saggus at mwsaggus1@gmail.com.

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280Living.com

April 2016 • A21

A family walks down a street in the Mt Laurel community during the 2015 spring festival. Photo courtesy of Town of Mt Laurel.

Mt Laurel Spring Fest scheduled for April 9 By JESSE CHAMBERS The Town of Mt Laurel has scheduled its 15th annual Spring Festival for Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event, designed to be a family-friendly affair, celebrates springtime in the South, according to the organizers. This year’s festival is scheduled to feature live music, as well as food from Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ Restaurant and food trucks, cooking demonstrations from

renowned chefs, and fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers. More than 170 vendors will offer art, jewelry, ﬂowers and other handcrafted goods. Activities for children will include inﬂatables, hayrides, face painting and a petting zoo. Admission to the event is free, but kids’ rides, food vendors and craft vendors will cost money. For more information, call 408-8696 or go to mtlaurel.com.

Former Alabama football and NFL standout Bobby Humphrey is scheduled to be the speaker for the Hoover Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on May 3. File photo by Jessa Pease.

Bobby Humphrey on tap for prayer breakfast By JON ANDERSON Former Alabama football and NFL standout Bobby Humphrey has been selected as the speaker for the 34th annual Hoover Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in May. This year’s event is set for 7:30 a.m. on May 3 at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham — The Wynfrey Hotel. Tickets are $25 and go on sale April 4 at the Hoover Library Theatre box ofﬁce or the box ofﬁce website. Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey said Humphrey was asked to be this year’s speaker because he’s a good friend who has accomplished so much and is an extremely good speaker. “I think they’re really going to enjoy it,” Ivey said. Humphrey, who played running back for the University of Alabama in the 1980s, set many records while in Tuscaloosa, including most 100-yard games, most 200-yard games, most kicks returned, most yards returned and most all-purpose yards. He was named to the All-SEC teams and chosen as an All-American during his sophomore and junior years and was a candidate

for the Heisman trophy during his junior year. An injury sidetracked him his senior year, but Humphrey was drafted by the Denver Broncos and rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 1989, earning the American Football League Rookie of the Year Award and a place in the starting lineup for the 1990 Super Bowl. In 1992, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins and became that team's leading receiver. After his NFL career, Humphrey became the first head coach for the Birmingham Steeldogs Arena Football 2 team. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 and named a member of the SEC Legends Class of 2014. He now is vice president for business development for Bryant Bank, manager for the Speed City Track Club and a member of the Hoover Parks and Recreation Board. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Hoover and have five children, all of whom have been athletic standouts as well. The deadline to purchase tickets for the 2016 Hoover Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is April 25. The event, organized by the Hoover Beautification Board, usually draws 550-600 people.

280 Living

A22 • April 2016

City gears up for Celebrate Hoover Day By JON ANDERSON The 2016 Celebrate Hoover Day at Veterans Park is set for Saturday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event is slated to feature live entertainment from musicians and dance groups, a kids’ play zone with inﬂatables, games, pony rides and a petting zoo, a business expo and a car show. The Birmingham Zoo is scheduled to have an animal exhibit, and the McWane Science Center is supposed to have an area with interactive activities for kids, said Erin Colbaugh, events coordinator for the city of Hoover. The day kicks off with the dedication of memorial pavers that have been bought in the last year to honor veterans in the Veterans Plaza at the park. The 10 a.m. ceremony also includes a re-enactment of the famous 1945 raising of the U.S. ﬂag on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II. The re-enactment will be carried out by the Howlin’ Mad Smith Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

The city also will serve free ice cream and a giant apple pie in a pan that is 10 feet, 3 inches in diameter and weighs 2,000 pounds (without the pie). Food vendors slated to be there include Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ, Papa John’s Pizza, Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits and Repicci’s Italian Ice. The Shred-It paper shredding company will provide free document destruction, and ProTech will be collecting electronic items such as computers, cellphones and printers for recycling. Both of those companies will be set up in the parking lot at Spain Park High School, where parking for the festival will be. An estimated 20,000 people showed up for the 2015 Celebrate Hoover Day, Colbaugh said. “We had perfect weather. It was just perfect the whole day with people there,” she said. “It’s just a great time together with family and friends. You can encourage people to come out and meet you at the park for free activities.”

Attendees hold their hands to their hearts as they recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the 2015 Celebrate Hoover Day at Veterans Park. Staff photo.

Homeschool Fair returns for second year By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

SATURDAY

Parents and students talk with exhibitors at the 2015 Homeschool Fair. Photo courtesy of Kristy Trent.

APRIL

11:00 IN THE MORNING

The 2016 Birmingham Homeschool Fair will be held Saturday, April 2, from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Sponsored by Master Scarsella’s World Class Tae Kwon Do and Alabama Family Connections Magazine, this is the second year for the event, which received a large response last year. Current home school families, and those interested in the possibility of home schooling, can ﬁnd about different ways they can homeschool in state of Alabama and get all their options. There will also be six or seven church schools available with information.

Kristy Trent, coordinator for the Birmingham Homeschoolers Community, said there are many people more open to home schooling now than in the past, and this event is a great way to gather information. “It’s been a great thing to draw the homeschool community and general community together,” Trent said. “We are all wanting to see our children succeed in their futures. This is a way of seeing all the different aspects of the community and how we can make it happen.” The University of Alabama will have representatives there explaining how high school students can complete college credit before

they graduate. There will also be groups that offer classes to all grade levels, so as students move into high school, the groups can assist parents with different subjects. Trent said there will be 50-75 exhibitors with information on camps, ﬁnancial planning, music lessons and more. Used curriculum will also be for sale. “It’s not just to be educationally driven, but also feature other things that beneﬁt families in general,” Trent said. Every visitor will receive a bag of goodies and information. Admission is free, but online registration is at birminghamhomeschoolfair2016.sched.org.

280Living.com

April 2016 • A23

Mt Laurel student to be honored at JDRF Gala

“

By SAM CHANDLER Like many kids his age, 8-year-old John Henry Kirkpatrick III looks up to Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Known for his signature Superman touchdown celebration, the former Auburn star can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. But to Kirkpatrick, a Mt Laurel Elementary School second-grader with Type 1 diabetes, it’s not Newton’s athletic ability that elicits his admiration. “I like that every time he makes a touchdown that he gives the football away,” Kirkpatrick said. “It looks really nice, and it’s sweet when I see it.” His affection is telling. A dedicated Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation advocate who has donated countless hours toward fundraising and awareness events, Kirkpatrick has been recognized for his own philanthropic diligence. One of five Alabama youth selected for the distinction, Kirkpatrick will be presented the JDRF Living and Giving Youth Honoree Award at the Night of Heroes Gala, held Saturday, April 16, at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. “Those chosen kids will kind of be the face for diabetes for this year, which is really a big deal for all of them that were chosen, to be able to speak out and be the face of Type 1,” Lori Kirkpatrick, John Henry’s mother, said. Heavily involved with the organization since his initial diagnosis in 2011, John Henry and his family — Lori, his father, John Henry Jr., and older sisters Annie, 13, and Lucy, 11 — have raised considerable funds for Type 1 research through their participation in JDRF’s annual One Walk. Participating under the moniker Biggun’s Bunch, a salute to John Henry’s nickname — Biggun — Lori said her family’s team has raised more than $20,000 since it began walking five years ago. Additionally, John Henry has used his

There’s so much on the horizon that now you’ve got JDRF parents who are not only saying we want life to be better, but we can actually see that light.

”

LORI KIRKPATRICK

Since John Henry was diagnosed with diabetes, the entire Kirkpatrick family has been active in fundraising and awareness projects for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Photo by Sam Chandler.

autoimmune disease as a platform, speaking at various fundraising events while also contributing to video and art projects highlighted at the annual JDRF gala. According to a JDRF press release, last year’s gala raised more than $470,000 for the organization’s Alabama Chapter, benefiting Type 1 research and treatment initiatives. “There’s so much on the horizon that now you’ve got JDRF parents who are not only saying we want life to be better, but we can actually see that light,” Lori said. For families like the Kirkpatricks, JDRF’s sheer existence offered a ray of hope in a seemingly dim situation. Shortly after John Henry’s third birthday in January 2011, Lori brought him to his pediatrician for a routine visit, noting a few

uncharacteristic signs she had noticed in her son: excessive thirst, irritability and frequent urination. Stemming from her career experience as an audiologist, Lori said she knew something wasn’t right when her 2-year-old stood in front of the refrigerator and constantly gulped down cups of water. “I just knew enough to be concerned, which really, really was a blessing,” Lori said. Upon hearing the symptoms, John Henry’s pediatrician immediately checked his blood sugar, confirming Lori’s suspicions. While normal blood sugar levels range between 100180 millimoles per liter, John Henry’s registered at a staggering 588. Instantly diagnosed with Type 1, John Henry was sent to Children’s Hospital, where he

remained for three days while doctors worked to lower his blood sugar. With no family history of the disease, the diagnosis sent the Kirkpatrick family in a tailspin. “You’re kind of blindsided when you’re told your child has this disease and there’s no cure for it,” Lori said, “and your thought is, ‘How?’ Where did this come from, and what do we do now?’” JDRF helped the family answer those questions. After learning about the organization’s mission and hearing a doctor speak about research at a JDRF event following John Henry’s diagnosis, the Kirkpatricks decided they were on board with the foundation. “I never thought I’d be a member of it, didn’t know it existed,” John Henry Jr. said, “but I guess until we have a cure and we can stop doing this fundraising, we’re going to be all in.” For more information about the Night of Heroes Gala, visit jdrf-alabama.ejoinme. org/2016nightofheroes or contact Stephanie Raymon at the JDRF Alabama Chapter at 205421-9964 or sraymon@jdrf.org.

280 Living

A24 • April 2016

On the world ’s stage

Abby Horton is a senior at Spain Park High School. Photo courtesy of Abby Horton.

Spain Park senior heads to international pageant By SYDNEY CROMWELL

bby Horton is no stranger to pageant gowns — the senior at Spain Park High works at Bella’s Bridal and Formal shop in Hoover. However, this past July was the first time Horton ever considered putting one on for her own turn on the stage. Between schoolwork, volleyball, her job at Bella’s, time with friends and preparing to study early elementary education at UAB, Horton readily admits, “I really have no time.” She had also never considered entering pageants before Gaspar Cruz, the director of the Miss Teen Continents pageant, visited Bella’s. Upon meeting Horton, Cruz encouraged her to compete, and Horton’s boss agreed with him. In July 2015, Horton competed against other girls from around the U.S. in the Miss Teen United Continents pageant. The week included daily practices and evening pageant events including interviews, swimsuit and evening gown competitions. “It was fun. It was a fast-paced week,” Horton said. “I didn’t realize how many girls do pageants so often.” Horton said her favorite part of the pageant was meeting the other competitors, as well as the pageant’s slogan: “Be your own kind of beautiful.” Her experience in her first pageant made Horton want to share it with others. “It does make you feel beautiful,” Horton said. “It’s a very confidence-boosting thing.”

According to the Miss Teen United Continents website, the pageant judges “search for the girl or woman who holds a dynamic background that leads in community service and self-conﬁdence. “ The pageant did not require an ofﬁcial platform, but Horton has one that she tries to exemplify during her year as Miss Teen United Continents: “Kindness matters.” She said she has learned that you can never tell what another person is going through, and because of that she always wants to be kind. She has taken this message not only to her day-to-day classes at Spain Park, but also to her former school, Greystone Elementary. Horton recently read books in the classroom of one of her former teachers and shared her message. “They’re at such a sweet age and I want them to keep that up,” Horton said. That classroom visit also brought an opportunity for Horton in the form of a potential student teaching position in the future. “So it’s opened a lot of doors,” Horton said. This summer, Horton will compete at the international level against girls from around the world in the Miss Teen Continents pageant on June 7-10. Horton said she is getting ready for the pageant, located in Las Vegas, and is thinking of creating a Wonder Woman costume to represent the U.S. in the international costume contest. “I’m so excited,” Horton said.

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280Living.com

April 2016 • A25

GOING GREEN Oak Mountain State Park will have a trail cleanup day this month. Photo by John Michael Simpson.

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Earth Day is Friday, April 22. This observance began with an interest in gathering national support for environmental issues. First celebrated in 1970, it emphasized the need for conserving the world’s natural resources. Today, Earth Day continues to be widely celebrated, often with the practice of planting new trees. A common way to celebrate Earth Day is to incorporate the three Rs — reduce, reuse, recycle

— into your family’s daily life, as well as eating local, planting your own garden or cleaning up a nearby park. If you’re looking to help out around the area, here are some Earth Day activities going on along the 280 corridor. ►April 16: Oak Mountain State Park Trail Cleanup. On Saturday, April 16, the park will have two opportunities for volunteers to help clean up Oak Mountain’s trails and also learn about the natural resources of the state and ways to protect them.

10 a.m. - Meet at Group Camp Road (just past the intersection of John Findlay Drive and Terrace Drive). 1 p.m. - Meet at the Lake Trail ( at the marina parking lot). For information, visit alapark.com/ oak-mountain-state-park. ►April 21: Earth Month Art Party + Silent Auction. Benefiting the Cahaba River Society, the event will feature a silent auction, live music, food and drinks in support of clean water. Admission is a $20 donation. The event will take

place from 5-8 p.m. For information, call 3225326 or visit tonyajonessalon.com. ►April 22: Hanna’s Garden Shop. To celebrate Earth Day and encourage people to plant, Hanna’s will offer each shopper 15 percent off any one tree, and will also give away one bag of soil conditioner with any purchase of one or more trees or shrubs. They will also have experts on hand to help answer any questions shoppers may have about finding the right plant for their needs. For information, visit hannasgardenshop.com.

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280 Living

A26 • April 2016

A decade of staying the course Bradley Johnson Memorial golf tourney continues to help others By MARIENNE THOMAS OGLE Bradley Johnson may no longer walk the fairways, but for the last 10 years numerous young players have followed his path, taking part in the golf tournament that bears his name. The Bradley Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament celebrated its 10th anniversary in March, a two-day event named for the Spain Park High School student and rising golf amateur who lost his life in a 2006 automobile accident at age 17. Held at Greystone Golf & Country Club, the tournament featured 15 Alabama high school teams with a total of 75 players. Proceeds go to the

nonproﬁt Bradley Johnson Memorial Foundation, established by Shari and Hugh Johnson in their son’s name and dedicated to providing ﬁnancial resources for male and female junior golfers for college scholarships and tournament participation. According to Shari, the foundation has awarded $180,000 over the last 10 years. “Bradley’s is a very public story. He took up golf at the age of 8, played for Spain Park and was nationally ranked when he passed away,” Shari said. “Ten years later we have been able to help dozens of kids — both boys and girls — get to the college level of golf, including some that are now

Hugh, left, and Shari Johnson, here with son Michael, established the Bradley Johnson Memorial Tournament 10 years ago in honor of their oldest son. Michael, who will graduate from Auburn in May, is ranked the second best college player in the country and the 31st amateur in the world. Photo by Janet Taylor.

tour players. It means so much to us.” The foundation’s assistance also means a lot to Will Wilcox, who has full status on the PGA tour, is number 67 on the FedEx Cup list and is ranked 136th in the world. From Pell City, Wilcox attended UAB and then Clayton State University. But as a senior, his scholarship money had run out, and between classes and having to wait tables, he was struggling to be

able to pursue his sport. “That’s when the foundation stepped up and helped me out ﬁnancially so I could still play golf,” he said. “It was so impactful for a senior in college and my future.” Wilcox, 29, said he was close friends with Bradley, though the threeyear age difference led them in different directions socially. “I loved the Johnson family, and

Bradley was just a freshman when everyone was saying he was the real deal,” he said. “People called him the next up-and-coming superstar from Alabama, and they were right.” Al Del Greco, today Samford University men’s golf coach, had a similar feeling when he was coaching the Spain Park High School golf team and Bradley was a student at Berry Middle School.

280Living.com

April 2016 • A27

The Spain Park High School golf team was the 2015 Bradley Johnson Memorial Tournament runner-up. From left to right: Hugh Johnson, Shari Johnson, Coach Brian Carter, Sam Prater, Conley Miller, Andrew Tomko, Thomas Luther and Patrick Martin. Photo by Janet Taylor.

Del Greco, who started the Spain Park golf program in 2001 and coached to 2010, said he “kept hearing about this kid in the seventh grade.” “’We had to convince the Berry principal to let him play, and I didn’t know if he was good enough to make the starting five, but I did know he would eventually help us,” Del Greco said. “He was so talented. he placed third in his first tournament.

Some kids just have that ‘it’ factor — they work, love the competition and nothing scares them, and that was Bradley.” During his days at Spain Park, Del Greco said he had the honor to coach another up-and-comer in Michael Johnson, Bradley’s younger brother by four years. Michael, who will graduate from Auburn in May and is ranked the

second best college player in the country with a world amateur ranking of 31, said his relationship with his brother Bradley was not that competitive, but rather a “classic big brother” situation. “He’d pick on me a lot but then stand up for me when I needed it,” Michael, 23, said. “And besides playing every Sunday with our dad, we didn’t golf together as much as people

think. He was four years older, a lot bigger and could hit the ball a lot farther.” Michael, who spoke at the memorial tournament last year, said his brother would love the event “because he loved golf, competing and especially building relationships with almost everyone he met.” “But as far as being remembered, it would depend on who you asked

because his close friends wouldn’t remember him for golf, and that’s what he’d want,” Michael said. “He’d never boast, just play a round then go hang out with friends. He loved being a normal kid.” Scott Barnes, a fellow Spain Park golf team member, said Bradley was the first to befriend him when he moved to Hoover from a small town as a high school freshman. “He was the one who reached out to me, bringing me into his group and made me feel like I belonged,” Barnes said. “He was the best golfer on the team, one of the best junior golfers in the country and pretty much had his pick of where he could play college golf, but you’d never know it.” Barnes, who serves as youth minister of Riverchase United Methodist Church, said he often speaks to young people about his friend. “Bradley’s funeral was packed with so many people from so many schools and every walk of life and I tell that to the kids and use him as an example of what I expect of them,” he said. “He wasn’t perfect, but the way he treated others is something we can all take lessons from.” Barnes said he and many friends make it a point to gather each year at the Bradley Johnson Memorial Tournament, making the event “almost like a class reunion.” “It’s been 10 years, but it seems like yesterday, and that shows the impact Bradley had on people,” he said.“He’d be embarrassed to be in the spotlight, but it’s great his memory and legacy go on. And we all want to see it continue for the next 10 years and 10 years after that.” For more information about the Bradley Johnson Memorial Foundation and Tournament, go to bradleyjohnsonmemorialfoundation.org.

280 Living

A28 • April 2016

Organizer shares spring cleaning tips By ANA GOOD Now that spring has sprung, it might finally be time to muster up the motivation and tackle that closet packed full of the “I’ll wear this when I lose 20 pounds” clothes. Though it might be easier to grab the dog leash and enjoy the great weather instead, up-and-coming professional organizer Georgina Elkin said jumping into the clutter will help more than just your closet. “Organizing and de-cluttering can be a cathartic experience,” said Elkin, who lives in the Greystone area of U.S. 280. “In my experience, people always have a reason for not doing it. You need to commit to doing it in order to get it done.” Those reasons, she said, can vary from emotional attachments to being overwhelmed by the magnitude of a project. “If your stuff can’t breathe,” said Elkin, “how can you?” Elkin Elkin said she’s always been of fan of organization and tidiness. Growing up as the daughter of a contractor, one who was always in the middle of one project or another, made Elkin want to keep her personal spaces, at least, as tidy as she could. Her love for organization only grew as she got older, she said, and when she learned that people would pay for organization advice, Elkin began taking classes with the National Association of Professional Organizers. Elkin said she aims to become an official NAPO Certified Professional Organizer®, one who has completed 1,500 hours of paid client work during a three-year period, this year. Elkin has organized everything from her own kitchen pantry to the closets, bedrooms and toy rooms of friends and customers. For those who are simply overwhelmed with

Elkin recommends using separating bins, small boxes and even designating a drawer to house speciﬁc things — like only candles. Photo by Ana Good.

where to start, Elkin recommends starting small. “Start with a drawer,” she said. “You’d be surprised just how organized you can make a small space.” Elkin recommends using separating bins, small boxes and even designating a drawer to house speciﬁc things — like only candles. Crucial to the process, whether big or small, she said, is to not only to reorganize a space, but to also remove items that simply do not belong anymore. When it comes to clothes, for example, Elkin said its best to keep two sizes up from your current size and two sizes down — nothing more. “You need to be a realistic when it comes to your closet,” she said with a laugh. “When a woman or a man reaches a certain age, it’s probably best to stay away from old college clothes.” Sometimes it helps, she said, to think about what good that clothes might do for someone else. “I like to say that if you don’t take your clothes out to have a good time anymore, you should give them up so they can go have fun with

someone else,” Elkin said. Donating clothes to shelters, collection sites and even churches can help accomplish that. There are also online boutique shops that will take designer clothes— sometimes for a proﬁt — she said. When it comes to toys, Elkin recommends a similar mentality. “Talk to your kids about why it’s time to give away some toys rather than just take them away,” she said. “Explain to them that rather than sit in a corner, old toys can help make other kids happy.” In her own home, Elkin said she makes purging toys a regular occurrence. Her son, a second-grader at Highlands School in Mountain Brook and a Cub Scout there, knows to expect it. “Before Christmas, he knows it will be time to sit down with me and go through the toys he no longer plays with,” said Elkin. “I also take him with me when I donate the toys so that he will understand what will happen to what maybe once was his favorite toy.”

Elkin is also a believer of the “in one toy, out one toy,” practice, where her son must choose a toy to donate each time he receives a new one. In the kitchen, Elkin said it’s all about maximizing efficiency. “Put things where they make sense,” she said. “You want your pots, pans and spoons to stir, near the stove. You want things you use on a daily basis, like cups and plates, within arm’s reach.” Seldom-used items, like large standing mixers or ice cream machines, said Elkin, should be stored high-up. “Don’t be afraid to go ‘up’ in tight spaces,” she said. “When there isn’t room around you or on floor-level, you can always install shelves to maximize the space available. Just be sure to keep a step-stool handy.” Creating an enviable pantry doesn’t have to cost a fortune, said Elkin. Well-established professional organizers charge approximately $100 an hour, and beginners, like her, will charge around $50 an hour, she said. For those do-it-yourselfers confident enough to do it on their own, Elkin recommends a high-low mix. “There are so many resources out there,” said Elkin. “I’ll go to Big Lots to pick up things like bins and boxes and splurge a little more on sturdy storage shelves and waterproof bins for priceless possessions like photographs.” Elkin said that in a bedroom for example, a good splurge would be on something like a bed, mixed in with online consignment finds — like a headboard — that can be repurposed to your style. “A good starting point,” she said, “is to start with what you have and add from there. I’m a big fan of the clearance rack at just about any store. Pottery Barn, for example, always has a clearance rack at the back of the store.” Organization is important, she said, in a 900-square-foot apartment the same way it is in a large, multilevel house. “Just because you have the space,” she said, “doesn’t mean you need to keep it.” For more tips and information from Elkin, visit noworganizethis.com. To contact Elkin, email her at gelkin@noworganizethis.com.

280Living.com

April 2016 • A29 Stephie “Stevie” Soltys recently signed with IMG Models, an international modeling agency. Photos courtesy of IMG Models.

MODEL

CONTINUED from page A1 Soltys’ modeling career kicked off after she did a photo shoot with a local photographer last spring. After clearing it with her mom, the photographer submitted some of the photos to a mother agency, an agency that helps promote and build portfolios for models. That’s when the calls started coming in. Soltys received contracts from two mother agencies, and she decided to sign with Ludlow-Scout, an agency out of Atlanta and New York. After signing with that agency, Soltys’ social media began getting more attention. She had producers, photographers and agents commenting on her photos, Heidi Soltys said. “The mother agent called and said, ‘You’re not going to believe this, but IMG is interested in Stephie,” her mother said. Letting their daughter model was not a quick decision for Ed and Heidi Soltys. They wanted to make sure she was entering a good situation.

“The main concern that I had was that modeling has such a bad rap a lot of the time,” her mother said. “But after a lot of praying about it, and Ed and I talked about it, we just realized she could create a platform for a good girl model, a Christian model.” This means no nudity or age-inappropriate photos. Talking with IMG helped quell some of their parental concerns because the agency emphasized how they research photographers before sending models to shoots, her mother said. Soltys’ domain name “Stevie” was also a sign that IMG would be a good ﬁt. The name came up because the agency already has a Steffy and Stephanie on the roster, and they suggested Stevie as an alternative. “My grandmother is called Stevie,” Soltys said. “Her name is Stephanie, that’s where I get my name from, but she’s nicknamed Stevie.” Soltys’ mother said she got a little teary-eyed when the agency mentioned that name. The agency’s emphasis on Soltys remaining active in school also was important to her parents.

“She loves being with her friends,” Heidi Soltys said. “I didn’t want anything to take her away from school. They stressed that school comes ﬁrst, and that was when I knew.” Soltys will remain active at Oak Mountain, where she participates in show choir and maintains good grades. IMG does not expect her to miss out on the typical high school experiences, such as homecoming or prom. As Soltys gets older, she might have to miss out on school to go to high-proﬁle photo shoots — such as a feature ad in Vogue, her mother said — and that is where an emphasis on good grades is important. If Soltys has to miss a test, it is important she is in good standing and is able to make it up. As parents, however, they remain selective in shoots. Ed Soltys said they will turn down shoots that come up last minute or where their daughter will have to miss an important school activity. “We’ve exercised that several times in the last couple of months,” he said. “We still exercise that as parents, try and get control of that.” Her parents also appreciated that IMG seems open to letting Soltys remain a kid. The agency

enjoyed her quirky, fun nature and looks to emphasize those qualities, they said. Soltys said she hopes what makes her different can help set a good example. “I just want them [teenage girls] to look up to me, and I want to be a good role model,” Soltys said. “I just want them to see that it’s OK to be a kid still, and you can still do what you want, live your life.” While her agent helps determine which professional photo shoots she attends, Soltys is also encouraged to cultivate a social media presence. On Instagram, she likes to let her full personality show through. “I don’t limit myself to just modeling pictures,” she said. “I like to show that I have friends and I like to have fun.” As her journey with modeling continues, Soltys said she looks forward to traveling to IMG’s worldwide ofﬁces and meeting different photographers. But for now, she’s glad to take things as they come. “I’m just really excited for all of these opportunities, and I’m just going to take it one step at a time and see how it plays out,” she said.

THERE’S A FIRE

BURNING IN THE

HEART OF BIRMINGHAM. UAB Honors College provides opportunities and fresh ways of thinking to enrich the minds, hearts, and potential of promising young people. Supporting the UAB Honors College — through donations or through your own student’s unique spark — provides experiences, scholarships, and limitless possibilities, so students can set their world on re. Learn how your contribution can fan the ame at uab.edu/honorscollege.

280 Living

A30 • April 2016 MORROW

CONTINUED from page A1 Even though he left the high school band world, Morrow has maintained his connections to music. He started an orchestra program at Meadow Brook Baptist Church about 13 years ago and then moved to direct the orchestra at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood about eight years ago. In late December, with new triplets bringing his total number of grandchildren to ﬁve, Morrow decided to retire again — this time from Dawson Memorial. “I am ofﬁcially retired from, I guess, everything at this point,” said Morrow, who just turned 69. “I’m just a normal person.”

NOTES ‘ROUND THE WORLD

Morrow, who lives in Greystone with his wife, Margaret, got his start in 1969 as a band director at General Forrest Junior High School in Gadsden. The next year, he became band director at Emma Sansom High School, but he gained notoriety after coming to Homewood in 1975. When he arrived at Homewood, there were 35 students at his ﬁrst band practice. By the time he left 20 years later, the band had grown to 170 members. Morrow became the ﬁrst high school band director from Alabama to take a band to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. He even took the Homewood band to perform in the New Year’s Day Parade in London and two St. Patrick’s Day parades in Ireland. They won both the Dublin and Limerick, Ireland, competition parades, and the trophies still sit in the band room. “He had a vision when he got here of putting the Homewood band and the Homewood community on the national and international stage,” said Ron Pence, who followed Morrow at Homewood and is in his 20th year there. Morrow succeeded, and “the tradition is still going strong now,” Pence said. The Homewood band made its eighth appearance in the Macy’s parade in 2011, and it was

Pat Morrow directs the Homewood High School Patriot Band in Washington, D.C., at the inauguration of President George H.W. Bush in 1989. Photo courtesy of Pat Morrow.

Morrow who arranged two songs for the band’s TV appearance. The band also went to the Tournament of Roses Parade again in 2014 and now, approaching 400 members (about 40 percent of the high school’s student body), is scheduled to go to the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia in November. “Everybody still knows Pat,” Pence said. Many of the parents of current band members were students of Morrow. “It’s certainly a family tradition for a lot of folks in the Homewood area,” Pence said. “His legacy still lives on here at Homewood.”

NOT SETTLING FOR LESS

Martha Ann Cole Wilson was Homewood’s

ﬁrst female drum major in 1989 and 1990. Wilson, who now lives in Tupelo, Mississippi, with children of her own, still vividly remembers three stars that Morrow put up in the Homewood band room, emblazoned with the words “pride,” “perfection” and “professionalism.” “He wanted those three things in his program,” Wilson said. “He didn’t settle for less. He strived for perfection.” She recalled one time when the band disappointed him and he took one of the stars down until the band redeemed itself. “There was a level of expectations that were high. Everybody wanted to please him,” Wilson said. “You didn’t want to disappoint him. You wanted to make him proud.”

Those stars still hang over the podium in the band room. Morrow had a commanding personality, Wilson said, but he loved his students. “He was warm and friendly, but you knew he meant business,” she said. “The students respected him … You knew he knew what was best for us. You knew he had your back.” Jack Farr, a former Homewood High School principal who later became Hoover’s superintendent, recruited Morrow to become Hoover High School’s band director in 1996. Morrow took the Hoover band to the Orange Bowl Parade that fall and later on trips to Holland, Germany and Belgium. The last band trip he organized was to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — two

280Living.com

April 2016 • A31 High School from Florida for a matchup with the Hoover Bucs. The game was being aired by ESPN, and the network had lined up an outof-state band for a free concert to add to the fanfare. Someone from Hoover researched the band’s lyrics, which Morrow described as highly offensive, and parents began to protest. Morrow said he tried to get ESPN to cancel the band, but ESPN already had signed a contract. So to prevent a public relations disaster, Morrow followed the money. He tracked down an executive with Procter & Gamble, the advertising sponsor for the game, and shared the band’s lyrics. The executive agreed there was a problem, and the band got nixed, Morrow said. He quickly found a replacement band to put on the free concert.

FOND MEMORIES

Morrow, a former band director for Homewood and Hoover High schools who retired as the spokesman for Hoover City Schools in 2007 and then as the orchestra director for Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in December, rehearses with the orchestra at Meadow Brook Baptist Church. Photo by Frank Couch.

months after the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center. Harry McAfee, who followed Morrow at Hoover High and now serves as executive secretary of the Alabama Bandmasters Association, described Morrow as a great musician and teacher. “He’s always earned a lot of respect from his students and still has a lot of respect and admiration from those that were in his band programs all those years,” McAfee said. “He’s a great guy … He was very helpful to me, very supportive in making the transition for me into the Hoover system.”

THE ‘PR’ MAN

Morrow was not only a good musician; he was a fantastic promoter, McAfee said. He planned

excellent trips for the students and had a knack for public relations, which is what made him good in his role as a spokesperson for the Hoover school system, McAfee said. “He’s really good at dealing with people and problem-solving and talking to the media — presenting things in a positive way,” McAfee said. Morrow said one of his biggest challenges as a public relations person was in 2002 when a student at Hoover High stabbed a classmate to death at school. The school was immediately crawling with media, and Morrow — still fairly new to his public relations role — said Hoover police were a great help in managing the ordeal. Three years later, Morrow helped Hoover High avoid a messy situation when the nation’s No. 1-ranked high school football player — Tim Tebow — rolled into town with Nease

Morrow said the best part about being a band director for him was a combination of arranging the music his bands would perform and the opportunity to get know a lot of students and hopefully make some impact in their lives. He was greatly surprised when he first came to the Birmingham area how many students came from one-parent families, he said. “For a lot of them, band was like a second family and helped them get through some tough times,” he said. The worst part of the job was having to deal with parents whose children did not make auxiliary groups such as the danceline, majorettes or color guard. “It usually got kind of testy at times,” he said. Also, some of the booster meetings were intense in the early years when he was young and some parents probably didn’t think he knew what he was doing, he said. Later in his career, those meetings were no problem, he said. Morrow said he’ll never forget the many trips he was able to take with his bands. He fondly recalled the Homewood band’s first trip to the Macy’s parade and how the press made a big deal about a band coming from Alabama. “Some of them showed up, I think, to find out if our kids were going to be wearing shoes,” he said. He put the fear of God in the Homewood

enjoy life outside.

students before they went on the trip, he said, telling them to stay on his schedule and in his sight. They took him literally. When they were watching a movie in Radio City Music Hall, he left the theater to go to the concession stand, and all 130 of them busted out the doors because they thought he was leaving, he said with a laugh. Wilson said the band trips were great then, but “now I think everybody realizes that he provided us with educational opportunities that really were once in a lifetime.”

STILL MAKING MUSIC

In 2009, Morrow was inducted into the Alabama Music Educators Association’s Hall of Fame. Then, in 2013, he was invited back to a Homewood marching band alumni reunion and got to lead almost 200 alumni in a performance before a football game. “It’s fun getting to see all of them,” he said. “Every one of them thought the band they were in their senior year was the best band ever.” He hears from band alumni on Facebook every week, he said. Though Morrow has retired from directing the church orchestra, he’s still involved with music. He had sold his old trombone when he started directing at Dawson years ago, but this past summer, he bought another one. “I missed that old thing,” he said. “I hadn’t played in almost nine years.” He has started playing in the orchestra at Meadow Brook Baptist and is rehearsing with a civic band called Celebration Winds that is led by McAfee and includes many current and former band directors and music teachers. Their rehearsals are in the band room at Hoover High. “That’s kind of strange, being back in my old band room,” he said. He also has played with some alumni bands from Auburn University, where he served as drum major in 1968. He twice has served as the alumni band drum major in pregame performances and played with the band this past fall before the Furman football game. “It was fun to get to play ‘War Eagle’ a couple more times,” he said. “I’m not up to the level I was at when I left Auburn University, but I’m trying to get back to it.”

280 Living

SECTION

Community B26 Opinion B26 Faith B27

Spring

neighborly news & entertainment

Home Guide special advertising section

INDEX

Spring is in bloom, and it’s the perfect time to plant a garden, do some cleaning or start a home renovation. Find tips and tricks from area businesses to jump-start any project in our guide.

Urban Home Market ......................B2 ...................... Secret Garden Shop .....................B4 ..................... Hollywood Pools/ American Pest Control.................B6 Rosegate Design ..........................B8 Decorating Den Interiors .............B9 Western Sales and Services ....... B10 Preserve Paints .......................... B11

Carbon Recall ............................ B12 Sunrise Lawn Service ................. B13 Woerner Landscape Source ........ B14 EZ Roof ...................................... B15 The Tile Cleaner......................... B16 DSLD Land Management ............ B17 Advanced Turf Care.................... B18 Skelton’s Heating and Cooling ... B18

GARDNER LANDSCAPING

Landscaping with attention to detail and customer needs Grant Gardner grew up with a love of landscaping that naturally led him to the work he is passionate about. “I am a very visual person and have an ability to look at a piece of property and visualize what it will take to make a landscape that the customer will be proud of,” said Gardner. He has worked in the landscaping business for 16 years, developing the skills that led him to open Gardner Landscaping in 2007. Gardner’s goal is to ensure customer satisfaction. Each job is done to the owner’s speciﬁcations. “We at Gardner Landscaping want to be known as the best landscaping company in Alabama. We believe we have the attention to detail that will make our customers happy,” he said. Gardner Landscaping offers full service landscaping, installation and design, irrigation, outdoor living areas, landscape lighting, patios and

walkways, decks, gazebos, lawn maintenance, ﬂowers, shrubs, trees, lawn aeration, landscape cleanup, drainage systems and fertilization and weed control. There is also a garden center, Gardner Nurseries, fully stocked with a wide variety of plants, ﬂowers, trees and shrubs. Gardener Landscaping is a one-stop shop for all of your lawn care and landscaping needs. “We are able to provide the detail to what we do that makes our customers happy. We are able to complete projects within a short period of time and are responsive to our customers’ needs,” Gardner said. Gardner Landscaping works with all types of budgets and strives to provide customers with landscaping they will take pride in and that will increase property value. For more information, please call 823-3168 or visit gardnerlandscapingllc.com.

Cabinet Cures of Birmingham Birmingham..... B19 Window Decor ............................ B19 Grifﬁth Art Gallery ................... B20 Greystone Marketplace............. B20 East 59 ...................................... B21 5 Star Rooﬁng ........................... B21 Relax the Back...........................B22 Hanna’s Garden Shop .................B22

CitruSolution Carpet Cleaning ...B23 Plumb One .................................B23 Crown Construction ...................B24 Classic Gardens .........................B24 Bin There Dump That .................B25 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing/ One-Hour Air Conditioning .........B25

B2 • April 2016

Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

280 Living

URBAN HOME MARKET

Springtime inspiration abounds for rooms needing pick-me-up

pring — we crave it, long for it, wish it would come early. As we look at the cloudy sky, we imagine our hands raised in the air, grasping and drawing back the curtain of gray for a glimpse of blue sky. We watch the sun as it sets and cheer for it to set later and later, as we know it soon will. And with it, we linger a little longer outside. There is something about this time of year that brings hope. We made it through January and passed by February enjoying ﬁres around the hearth and sipping hot cocoa. And just when we think we can’t take another day of winter, spring joins us and we smile. It comes alongside us

with fresh ﬂowers and more warm-than-cool breezes. The trees seem to smile, too, as they sprout buds and become pretty. Everything and everyone is a little happier. It’s this time of year when our homes long to smile, too … a small pick-me-up is needed. It’s like it signals to us, calls to us from the other side of the room for some colorful throw pillows or a patterned rug, maybe a table lamp to brighten a dreary corner. Our homes get tired of winter, too, and could use a touch of spring. Imagine opening the doors of Urban Home Market and walking into Pinterest and beautiful springtime. We often hear wonderful compliments such as this from our

customers wandering throughout the store: “It’s like being inside Pinterest!” This is what makes the trip to Urban worth the drive: the inspiration we provide. The creative energy is palpable as displays and vignettes are arranged by our team, taken down, and then re-created as a new idea is born. Here, you will ﬁnd friendly faces and helpful staff to greet and show you around. Or, you may just wish to leisurely browse throughout the showroom. Our top-notch designers are the best the industry has to offer, and amazingly, their services are complimentary inside the store or in your home. Now, that’s something to smile about!

Just as spring and longer sunsets bring a smile to our faces, visiting Urban Home Market will also. As warmth edges into the atmosphere and buttercups emerge, hopeful that winter is on its way out, our interiors await you. From the helpful, friendly staff, and the award-winning designers to the stunning and inspiring showroom, Urban beckons you to return again and again. We look forward to welcoming you and to becoming part of your happy spring. – Written by Tammy Heinss. For more information, visit Urban Home Market at 1001 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite #101, call 980-4663 or visit urbanhomemarket.com.

280Living.com

Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

April 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ B3

B4 • April 2016

Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

280 Living

SECRET GARDEN SHOP

Creating harmony with nature is Secret Garden Shop’s goal

ector Hoyos, founder of Dreamscapes Landscape Service and the newly opened Secret Garden Shop and Learning Center came to Birmingham ﬁve years ago with $125 and a dream. Today that dream surrounds him every day. Hoyos was a missionary for 15 years. Now his mission is to share the dream that he has built with others. Dreamscapes is a full service landscaping company with the simple objective of ensuring that clients have the highest level of service at all times. Hoyos is committed to creating a landscape plan to encompass all seasons to assist in guiding customers in maintaining and optimizing their property. The company prides itself on creating unique landscapes from concept to completion. Hoyos’ positive energy is infectious, and his innate ability to connect with the earth and share his passion with others motivates

everyone around him. The Secret Garden is his new ministry where he can share that love of the earth with others. Customers can count on Dreamscapes Landscapes and The Secret Garden to do the job to their speciﬁcations and budget. The team will come to your home or business and discuss your needs, and then they will provide an estimate for services, which range from hardscapes, landscapes, outdoor kitchens, pools, spas and wood designs. For those not sure where to begin with their landscaping needs, Hoyos can create the dream of their outdoor landscape and hardscape creating a vision that suits each customer’s needs and is personalized to their tastes and desires. He is devoted to making your dream a reality. The Secret Garden is one way that he is doing that. From those early beginnings, Dreamscape Landscapes has grown into one of the most respected landscaping companies

in Birmingham. Now, Hoyos is sharing his expertise through launching the Secret Garden in March. Here customers can gain vital information through classes and free consultations. Hoyos envisions the Secret Garden as a learning center, where guests can come for advice and classes on gardening. The Secret Garden is ﬁlled with ﬂowers, perennials, annuals, mulch, plants and shrubs. Customers can browse and Hoyos is on hand for free consultations. Headquartered in Chelsea, Dreamscapes Landscapes offers landscape design, irrigation, lawn care programs, tree/shrub programs, maintenance, masonry, carpentry and water features. “We constantly strive for new and better ways to serve customers,” said Hoyos. Dreamscapes can add the perfect touch to your home and garden and make your dream of a livable outdoor space to gather family

and friends a reality. Hoyos attributes his success to his high standards and his honest approach in working with his customers. His work speaks for itself and includes a wide variety of jobs. “We offer the best knowledge, price and service,” he said. In addition to landscapes, Dreamscapes also does hardscapes. Their professional hardscaping services include professionally prepared and graded substrates and/or foundations. They offer customized patio, walkway and outdoor living options, making each customer’s home an extension of themselves that is designed with their desires and needs in mind, so that their outdoor living area is as comfortable as their indoor living area. It all began with a dream and one that Hoyos loves sharing with his loyal customers. As he says, it’s all about harmony. “Let us help you make harmony with nature.” For more information, call 678-2411 or visit mydreamscapelandscape.com.

280Living.com

April 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ B5

Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

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B6 • April 2016

Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

280 Living

HOLLYWOOD POOLS/AMERICAN PEST CONTROL

Spend your time relaxing by the pool in a pest-free backyard

pring is here, which means it’s time to step outside and enjoy your backyard oasis. Conveniently located on U.S. 31 in Vestavia Hills, Hollywood Pools and American Pest Control are proud to help you keep your outdoor living space beautiful. Hollywood Pools was founded in 1986. Having been in the business for 30 years, they know how enjoyable spending time outdoors can be. Outdoor living spaces offer places to gather with friends and family, and a swimming pool is a great way to enhance time spent outdoors while also adding value to your property. Hollywood’s construction services include swimming pool installation, outdoor ﬁre pits, fountain design and installation, in-ground spa installation and decks. Hollywood Pools also specializes in pool

renovations, including re-plastering, replacing pool tile and installing new vinyl liners. Additionally, Hollywood Pools knows that a safe, clean pool requires regular maintenance, including cleaning and the addition of chemicals to maintain proper water chemistry levels and inhibit the growth of bacteria and algae. Their experienced, dependable technicians offer regularly scheduled maintenance and cleaning to residents and facilities in Vestavia Hills, Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Homewood and Hoover. Their technicians visit the same locations and residents on a weekly basis to foster personal, trustworthy relationships. After all, your pool is an integral part of your home and lifestyle. Hollywood Pools stocks only the best grills and grilling accessories. Weber Grills allow for precise temperature control, essential for the tastiest barbecue. The Big

Green Egg stands alone as the most versatile outdoor cooking product on the market. The Big Green Egg will exceed all of your expectations, and with many sizes to choose from, there is a Big Green Egg to ﬁt any lifestyle! Founded in 1945, American Pest Control has been providing dependable residential and commercial pest control for 71 years. Whether you are buying a new home or need preventive maintenance for an existing structure, they specialize in termite control and extermination of common pests and rodents. American Pest Control’s technicians are specially qualiﬁed professionals who know how to eliminate all types of pest problems. They can provide service to protect your home or business from future infestation, as well as offer tips for prevention. Pesky mosquitoes limit your time spent outside,

and American Pest Control offers mosquito control that allows you to enjoy your outdoor living space. Tips for eliminating mosquitoes from your home include emptying water from flowerpots, pet dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers and other items that collect water. Clear out any clogged rain gutters and remove discarded tires. Be sure to fix leaky outdoor faucets, and make sure lids on trash cans are secure. This month, Hollywood Pools will have a Family Fun Day on Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will feature free food, drinks, popcorn and inflatables. All in-store merchandise will be discounted at 10 percent off regular price. It is a great day for family and to stock up on pool chemicals for the upcoming season. For more information, visit hollywoodpoolandspas.com.

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Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

April 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ B7

B8 • April 2016

Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

280 Living

ROSEGATE DESIGN

Planning redesign? Think Rosegate Redesigning or decorating? Rosegate Design has you covered. Opened in 1999 by interior designer Nancy Norris, Rosegate Design is known for its friendly, creative and enthusiastic staff, which has included partner Abby Leib since 2013. Rosegate offers comprehensive outside design services and a turnkey workroom for custom window treatments, bedding, upholstery and pillows. There’s an on-site design center stocked with designer fabrics and samples. It’s the perfect resource for designers, decorators and those wanting a beautiful home. To lend some professional advice for those who want a fresh, trendy new look, Norris gave some guidance. Q: What advice can you offer for beginning the process of redesigning a room? A: Do your homework. I always have clients look through magazines to get an idea of their style. We also have a valuable website and a Pinterest page that can help clients get ideas. I do like to sit down with clients and find out what their lifestyle is along with how they like a room to function. I like to find out if they have kids, pets or any kind of special needs. Q: With so many patterns and prints, what advice can you give to balancing colors in a room? A: Usually do the big pieces in solid fabrics, and then mix the patterns on pillows, ottomans and window treatments. A rule of thumb is use large patterns with medium and small patterns. Q: How do you pair the perfect furnishings with window fabrics? A: Select furniture style and the window treatment style, and then select the fabrics that will look best on each. They need to complement each other. Everything can’t be the dominant

piece or so-called focal point. If the furniture is bold, go easy on the window treatment and vise versa. Q: What are some great brands for trendy furniture that’s easy on your wallet? A: We carry a few wonderful lines that are affordable including Four Seasons, Dovetail and Furniture Classics.

Q: What advice can you give on using pillows and bedding to tie a room together? A: In the neutral world we live in, you can use patterns and textures on pillows to give you great style without being committed forever.

A: We can make sure that the client is purchasing the correct size furniture as well as using scale and proportion in the total design of the project. We have resources that can give them a personal custom look to their space.

Q: How can interior design consultants help?

For more information, call 980-5014 or visit therosegate.com.

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April 2016 • B9

DECORATING DEN INTERIORS

Beat the heat with beautiful windows Summer is right around the corner and looks like it could be another scorcher. Everyone is looking for ways to reduce their cooling bills, but there are a few beautiful ways you may have overlooked — window treatments. Draperies, roman shades, blinds and shutters can be effective in keeping the summer heat outside where it belongs and reducing the stress on your cooling unit. Sunshine pouring through your windows brightens a room and creates a cheery atmosphere. Unfortunately, it can also do irreparable damage to your furniture, flooring and upholstery. When it comes to drapery panels and roman shades, there are many ways to line them to increase the energy efficiency. Interlining, a flannel lining, can be used between the decorative face fabric and lining providing a great “blanket” for your room. Blackout lining can also be used to provide even greater protection from the heat. French blackout is another form of lining that uses four layers of fabric to provide the ultimate room darkening treatment. It is ideal for those who sleep during the day and need total light blockage. Woven Wood blinds also make a great light and heat barrier for your rooms. Treatments can also be combined to increase your energy efficiency and make a distinct look for your room. You might start with wood blinds and add panels or a valance, or you may use woven wood blinds alone. Another look is to add a soft shade with a valance or just use stationary panels or full draw draperies. No two custom window treatments are exactly alike. Add the thousands of fabrics available, and the possibilities are endless! Finally, no one wants to live in a fish bowl. We all value our privacy, and window treatments are a great way to not only keep the heat and cold out but also the prying eyes of passersby. The proper window dressing will

shield you and your belongings from inquisitive glances. This is particularly important to those who live at street level in areas where foot trafﬁc abounds. The job of an interior decorator is to help you choose the right fabric, treatment and hardware to enhance your space. Whether you want to block light, create privacy, camouﬂage a window mistake or frame a beautiful view, an interior decorator and an

experienced workroom can help you avoid costly mistakes when it comes to window treatments. Think of window treatments as the jewelry for your room. You wouldn’t wear Versace to the ball and forget your earrings or necklace! Decorating Den Interiors has been providing their clients custom window treatments and home furnishing for over 45 years. Laura Purvis owned and operated a custom window treatment

workroom and decorating business for over 14 years. For all your window treatment, furniture, accessory, ﬂooring and wall covering needs, let the professional designers at Decorating Den Interiors help you create the room of your dreams. Call Decorating Den Interiors for your free consultation today! For more information call Laura Purvis at 447-4589 or visit decdens.com/laurap.

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WESTERN SALES AND SERVICES

Serving metro area since 1948 Locally owned and operated, Western Sales and Services was founded in 1948 by Art Liles and Robert Bowie in West Birmingham. In 1955 Art Liles became the sole owner until his death in 1972. At that time, he left the business to his wife, Myrna, and three sons, Bill, Johnny and Sid. Sid managed the business until his retirement in 2015. At that time, he entrusted its management to his business partner, Josh Durden. Today, Western Sales and Services is a HVAC and plumbing company that services all brands of heating and cooling products and water heaters. “We are also more diverse than other companies by also offering geothermal heat pump service and installation as well as in ﬂoor hydronic radiant heating,” Durden said. The company still relies on the values that it was founded on: fairness and honesty. Western Sales and Services strives to “be fair to our clients and take care of their needs,” Durden said. At Western Sales and Services, their integrity is more important than sales. “We offer products and services to enhance indoor air quality (IAQ) and a client’s life’s, but we want educated clients that understand what they are buying and what it can do for them and it’s our job to inform them in a way that is educational,” he said. “We do quality work at reasonable prices, but above all we are honest. Our industry has a history of taking advantage of client’s lack of knowledge in regards to products and services. We go above and beyond to be sure that our clients decide what is in their best interest. One problem we encounter often is that homeowners don’t realize certain components of their system are still under warranty even at 15 years old and

some of our competitors don’t inform the client, they simply try to sell a new unit. We let clients know if they have any warranty left and let them decide,” he said. They are committed to honesty above all else and quality work. “Don’t be fooled by companies offering free services, free furnaces or $29-$49 tune up

specials. You get what you pay for, and if something sounds too good to be true, it normally is,” he said. One of the company’s special features is NATE certiﬁed technicians which is equivalent to ASE auto mechanics. “So we employ the best and we train them. We are one of only a handful of residential

service companies in the Birmingham Metro that are certiﬁed to service and install geothermal heat pumps and as far as we know, we are the only company in the state that has been trained to service and install hydronic ﬂoor heating,” he said. For more information, please call 787-8674 or visit westernsalesandservices.com.

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April 2016 • B11

PRESERVE PAINTS

Offering selection, expertise for your next painting job Preserve Paints offers a large variety of Benjamin Moore Paints, tools and the expert knowledge for any of your home projects. Preserve Paints offers custom color matching, interior and exterior decorating advice, expert advice on prep work, paint applications, paint products, product material estimations. They also offer paint delivery. They are committed to giving their customers excellent service. Their goal is to “ﬁrst and foremost, satisfy the customers by listening to their questions, problems, or needs and developing a plan for their project ensuring the customer has a great experience at Preserve Paints,” said Marcus Taylor, operations manager at Preserve Paints. Taylor began as a painter 16 years ago. He then became a sales associate about 14 years ago and for the past six years has been working with Benjamin Moore paints. His knowledge and expertise is valuable for customers who are seeking the right look for their home. He is familiar with trends in styles and colors for your home and can guide you through the process of ﬁnding the right colors to make your home the place that feels special and unique to you. The staff at Preserve Paints are experts in the knowledge of Benjamin Moore products and color selection as well as providing the best customer service. They also feature the only state of the art Benjamin Moore paint color decorating center in Alabama. They carry a large selection of

sundries such as paint brushes, rollers, pans sandpaper and painter tape. They also offer pressure washer rentals and paint delivery to make your job easier. They can also provide customers with in-depth information on how to paint just about anything inside or outside of your home.

Customers can expect “excellent customer service, expert advice and the best products on the market,” Taylor said. “We offer a large variety of paints, desk stains and paint applicators. We also offer chalk paint and metallic glazes.” For paint, color, knowledge and all the tools

to make your project a success, visit Preserve Paints and let their team shore with you their expertise and vast selection. For more information, stop by their store at 2815 Greystone Commercial Blvd., Suite 500, call 588-1585 or visit smart1dev.com/devs/ preservepaints.

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280 Living

CARBON RECALL

Make a difference one property at a time Carbon Recall is focused on making your home or business as energy efficient as possible, creating a healthy and cost effective environment. Their comprehensive plan for each property guarantees that all the elements work together efficiently to bring the lowest cost to the property owner. “We start by meeting with clients to discuss their needs and establish a plan to achieve it. We personally assess the energy efficiency and performance of the property, ensuring that our custom designed proposal will work better for the customer’s timetable, budget and overall objectives. Then we provide a comprehensive plan, usually requiring the integration of many moving parts, into a simple solution that optimizes energy use, energy production, comfort and savings,” said Sebastien Kidd, Clean Energy Consultant. Sebastien was recently awarded Carbon Recall’s Birmingham franchise. His mechanical engineering degree from Georgia Tech, business experience and passion for efficiency and resource utilization makes him an ideal candidate to serve the Birmingham area. Sebastien and his family have lived in the Greystone area for six years while he has been working at a nearby manufacturing facility. His experience has been with one company from an engineering intern to plant manager, across multiple manufacturing sites and countries. He is excited to start this new adventure with Carbon Recall and sharing

his passion for efficiency. With 24 years of experience in energy efficiency and process improvements, Sebastien, utilizing the Carbon Recall system, is prepared “to help homeowners or businesses lower their overall bill and carbon footprint via energy efficiency improvements,” said Darko Kapelina, president of Carbon Recall LLC. Carbon Recall turns a complex process into one that is smooth and simple to help customers

have the most energy efficient property possible and save money, as well. They will help customers move away from inefficient systems and the inefficient use of resources and utilities towards cleaner and more sustainable alternatives that are healthier for the property and its occupants while lowering utility expenses. They have the tools and knowledge to help property owners improve its impact, whether that impact is environmental for some or financial for others.

Energy efficiency has already seen a massive shift in tools and products that are readily available now to make a difference. Carbon Recall can help property owners implement these at high return on investment with quick results. They can increase the efficiency of your property from top to bottom so that everything is working together, including insulation, plumbing, sealing, heating, air conditioning, solar and design. They also work with contractors when a home is being built to ensure overall efficiency is designed in from the beginning. Utilizing Carbon Recall’s services can assist in retaining property values on existing homes to be competitive with new homes on the market. New homes are being built to higher standards than just a few years ago, and those new standards are reflected in their energy bills. “We help homes maintain their value,” said Sebastien. “Carbon Recall is unique in that we provide a full solution to our customers. We will assess their site for all inefficiencies and provide products and services to improve them. We’re interested in providing solutions that our customers desire, from simple comfort to a net zero property. Our full encompassing solution is typically at a lower cost to the customer in the long run as we ensure each component is designed to be optimized as a whole.” For more information, please call 719-6886 or visit carbonrecallbirmingham.com.

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April 2016 • B13

SUNRISE LAWN SERVICE

Creating beautiful lawns and lasting relationships Sunrise Lawn Service has served the Birmingham area since 2009. “Our mission is to provide Birmingham residents with a high-quality fertilization and weed control service. We strive to build relationships with our customers to help them achieve a beautiful landscape,” said Kelley Zwiebel, who teamed up with Joey Hamaker in 2012. “We have always had a mutual respect for each other’s abilities. That spring, we met and decided to join forces. We discussed our business plans to develop the company, and we have been putting it into action ever since.” The company specializes in lawn fertilization. “We want to do one thing and do it well. We provide landscape fertilization services for residential and commercial accounts,” he said. Having the beautiful lawn of your dreams requires more than regular watering and weekly mowing. Sunrise Lawn Service can design a plan that addresses each and every aspect of your lawn’s health and growth needs. Their program is a constantly evolving system of products that have been developed over the past 15 years. Their experienced technicians are trained to provide quality care to use the right materials at the right time to get the results you expect. Zwiebel advises homeowners to prepare their lawns now for summer. “The absolute most important thing to do is apply pre-emergents to prevent crabgrass and many of the summer weeds. Pre-emergents create a barrier within the lawn to prevent the germination of weed seeds,” he said. Their team is very experienced in treating the various grass types prevalent in the area, including Bermuda, zoysia, centipede and St. Augustine. Their licensed and experienced technicians are trained to provide quality care, using the right

materials at the right time each season. All of the Sunrise Lawn Service team is passionate about what they do and committed to quality service. “We feel what sets us apart from the others is our people,” he said. “Our guys have a passion for what they do. We take great pride in creating beautiful lawns. At the end of the day what matters most is that the person treating your lawn cares and is going to take the time to do it right.” A great team is one of the keys to their success. “Just like in football and baseball, you must have the best person that you can ﬁnd in each position throughout the organization,” he said. “In addition, we promote a family environment that makes people want to come to work. Everyone feels that they have a voice in the operations on the business.” Sunrise Lawn Service is currently offering 50 percent off of the ﬁrst lawn application (up to 10,000 square feet), a savings of up to $35. For more information, call 849-9229 or visit birminghamweedcontrol.com.

✓ Crabgrass Pre-emergent ✓ Fertilization & Weed Control ✓ Insect & Disease Control ✓ Results Guaranteed!

B14 • April 2016

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WOERNER LANDSCAPE SOURCE

Trust the turf from Woerner Q: What is the philosophy or mission behind Woerner Landscape? A: Woerner Landscape Source is dedicated to the sale of premium lawn grasses and landscaping products. In keeping with our fundamental belief in long lasting, substantial quality, we choose to offer both retail and wholesale consumers only the best quality products available on the market.

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Q: What services do you offer? A: Woerner Landscape Source offers customers expert advice on home landscaping materials. We are able to connect with each customer and confidently suggest proper sod varieties, discuss hardscaping options and ideas, and suggest the best decorative plant products to fulfill any needs and home environment. We are also able to serve as a link for our retail customers to connect to our vast network of professional landscapers in their local area. Q: What do you strive to give customers? A: We strive to give our customers the landscaping products that fit their budget without sacrificing quality. To back those products up, we give customers the expert advice they need to make their home landscaping project a success. The staff at Woerner Landscape Source works diligently with customers to find the solution to each individual’s landscaping situation. We have many different landscape arrangements in our area, and every situation can have a different solution based on their environment. Q: How long has the company been in business? How did it get started? A: In the late 1970s, as the turf grass market demand increased in the Southeast, the Woerner

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family, who were well known in Baldwin County, Alabama, as premium quality turf farmers, realized that customers outside of their local town needed access to high quality sod in quantities that were smaller than traditional wholesale orders. Around the year 1979, in an effort to expand their market share of turf grass sold in the Southeast, the owners of Woerner Turf opened their ﬁrst nursery outlet in Pensacola, Florida. This outlet successfully created a means to distribute small orders of sod, which was grown at our own farms, to the markets outside of the farm’s local city limits. About 12 years ago, Woerner Landscape Source branched out from selling just

sod at the outlet, to providing a whole variety of landscape supply to both retail and wholesale customers. We are now known to be a premium supplier of landscape material such as sod, natural stone, pavers, plants, mulches, bulk material, pinestraw, and many more products. Over time, this concept of a sod retail outlet grew into multiple, complete landscape supply centers across the southeastern part of the United States. We now operate out of ﬁve successful retail/wholesale locations in Birmingham, Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Q: What’s the secret to the success of the business? A: The secret to the success of our business is our employees. Our staff members are trained experts when it comes to providing customers with the information they need to successfully landscape their home. We know the questions to ask customers that help us align their landscaping goals with their home’s outdoor environment. By asking the right questions, and understanding the customer’s goals, we know exactly what to recommend so that our customers receive the best results and fullest satisfaction. Woerner Landscape Source works closely with our network of landscapers providing them with information on the latest and greatest products and landscaping practices so they can better serve the customers we share. For more information, call 981-4496 or visit woernerlandscape.com/.

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April 2016 • B15

EZ ROOF

What to know about roofing We asked roofing specialist Gerry Rotter of EZ Roofing what homeowners should be aware of regarding roofs. Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about replacing his/her roof? A: Talk to a professional. Find someone who is fully licensed and insured, with experience and a good reputation. Always use a company that is rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau. Remember, if you have any warranty issues that arise, you want a company that will be around, that you can find years down the road. Look up the address of the business using Google Earth. Choose a company with a brick-and-mortar business, not one operating out of a basement. Find reviews and ask for references. The biggest thing — ask questions. Your roofing contractor should be knowledgeable about products and solutions for your individual project. Also, ask about warranties. What extended warranties can you provide? What is your labor warranty? Q: What are some signs that you need a new roof? A: One sign is if you notice your shingles are curled, cracked or missing, or you find shingles on the ground. Age is also a big factor. If your roof is at least 20 years old, you may need a new roof. Are your neighbors getting new roofs? Homes built around the same time period and in the same location will experience the same types of weather conditions and natural wear. Did your neighborhood experience a hailstorm or high winds? You may have damage that is covered under your homeowner’s insurance. When in doubt, call a professional roofer to give you a free consultation. A roofing professional can

tell you how much life is left in your roof, if there is storm damage worthy of a filing a claim, and what action is recommended. Be careful, though. There are groups that I refer to as “storm chasers” that just go after insurance claims and encourage you to file a claim, whether there is one or not! This can increase your rates. Make sure you are talking to someone who has your best interest in mind. Q: Why should a homeowner choose EZ Roof as his/her roofing contractor? A: EZ Roof is locally owned and operated and has been in business for over 10 years. We are fully licensed and insured and have worker’s compensation and general liability. EZ Roof has an office and showroom located at the corner of Valleydale Road and Caldwell Mill Road. You can visit us in person and view real samples of the products we use. You can always put a face to the name. EZ Roof has a full-time staff, which means we do not subcontract out our roofing jobs. You will always be getting someone reliable, professional and experienced on your job. We also make payment easy. We do not collect anything up front, but rather upon completion and satisfaction of the job. Financing is also offered to help with the upfront expense of a new roof. We pride ourselves on our reputation and treating our customers like we would our own family members. I encourage you to look us up and read our reviews. EZ Roof is top rated on professional roofing sites, has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has an A rating with Angie’s List. For more information on EZ Roof, call 968-1034 or visit ez-roofer.com.

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280 Living

THE TILE CLEANER

Keep your tile looking like new Keeping your tile looking like new can be a challenge. The mop and bucket approach just leaves a sticky residue behind. The Tile Cleaner, founded in June of 2015 by Adam Bidner and Mike Marquess, uses state-of-the-art technology to keep your tile and grout, natural stone, travertine, granite and other hard surfaces looking like new. “We are not a mop and bucket company. Every time someone uses a mop and bucket, dirt is not being completely removed. Residue is left behind,” Bidner said.

They rely on The Surface Cleaner, which uses a pressure that is safe to use for your floor but removes dirt and soil. “It will return your flooring to its original, new-looking state,” Bidner said. “We also have this technology in a handheld mini-version which works great for vertical surfaces, such as tiled showers and small bathroom areas.” The mini-tool can be used indoors or outdoors for such things as fireplaces, block or concrete walls, brickwork and even graffiti removal. In addition, their edging detail tool reaches those

hard-to-get-to areas so that they can get to edges, corners and tight areas. It also works perfectly for touchups on areas that you may miss while cleaning. It can be used for countertops and backsplashes, whether it’s in kitchen homes, restaurants or commercial establishments. The Tile Cleaner can also repair and replace most types of tile and stone issues that can arise, including cracked tiles, loose grouting, water damage and repairs to all types of underlayment.

The locally owned and operated company prides itself on their “fair and honest interaction with our clients.” Customers can expect to receive the best service available, quality work and honest communication. The Tile Cleaner is currently running a special for tile cleaning of 20 percent off for jobs over $200 if serviced within 30 days after acceptance of estimate (maximum value of $400). For information call, 291-2005 or visit birminghamtilecleaner.com.

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Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

DSLD LAND MANAGEMENT

Design your dream landscape DSLD Land Management is a full-service design/build landscape contractor ﬁrm. We are a family owned and operated company that strives to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients. During our initial consultation, all on-site factors are considered from function to form, with special emphasis given to economy and value added work. DSLD Land Management, Inc. opened its doors in 1983. Today, DSLD has built an excellent reputation in landscape construction as a prominent design/build company that services central Alabama. Over the past 30 years DSLD has been recognized and featured multiple times in publications such as Southern Living Magazine and Builder’s Architect Magazine. DSLD welcomes projects of any scope and size, and stands ready to serve our clients with a full staff of licensed and degreed designers, a full-time administrative assistant and one of the most experienced ﬁeld service teams in the business.

DAVID H. SHARP

Pursing his life-long interest in horticulture and business, coupled with a background in drainage and soil erosion, David Sharp was inspired to create the ideal landscape construction company specializing in residential design and installation. This inspiration is now DSLD Land Management, a full service design/ build landscape contractor ﬁrm founded in 1983. David studied geotechnical engineering at the Ohio State University. While a student at OSU David was offered and accepted a scholarship to Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where he graduated with a degree in business administration.

integrated into everyday ofﬁce work,” she said. “When you are working toward a common goal, it gives purpose and life to the task at hand. Also, having been in business for over 30 years and having established themselves as leaders in the Design, Build Landscape community, it’s inspiring to see what has already been accomplished and leaves me motivated to ﬁnd ways to leave my footprint and invest in such an inspiring company.”

Soon after graduating David became interested in applying his background in geotechnical engineering and business administration to a new course of study in ornamental horticulture. In addition to learning from the environment around him, David has developed a more thorough understanding of various cultural landscape design applications from his travels throughout Europe and Asia visiting gardens and landscapes in over 20 countries. David ﬁrmly believes in the value of family. Not only does he enjoy his family, but also works to improve the lives of families with at risk children. David sits on several national board of directors where he volunteers on behalf of foster and adopted children across the country.

J. COLE SHARP

Growing up alongside his father, Cole Sharp learned the family business from the ground up. Cole attended Jefferson State Community

College where he studied computer information systems technology and mathematics. In addition to his major courses, he took horticulture courses to enhance his knowledge of the family business. Today Cole is fully engaged in the day-to-day operations of DSLD; from sales to installation as well as providing technical support.

AMY SHARP

Amy Sharp joined the team in January as ofﬁce manager. She loves being a part of the family-owned business and lending her organizational skills to keeping the business running smoothly. “I love the team mentality that David has

MEGAN A. MCNAIR

Megan McNair is a landscape designer. She is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in landscape horticulture with an emphasis in landscape design. While obtaining her degree from Auburn University, Megan was able to develop a strong foundation in landscape design. She has advanced training and specializes in software such as Dynascape and ProLandscape. Megan looks forward to continuing her career with DSLD Land Management and creating spaces that reﬂect the lifestyle, purpose and attitude of our projects as well as injecting it with her personal ﬂair. For more information, visit DSLD Land Management at 1178 Dunnavant Valley Road, call 437-1012 or visit dsldlandmgmt.com.

B18 • April 2016 ADVANCED TURF CARE

SKELTON’S HEATING AND AIR

Focusing on customers to create beautiful lawns Advanced Turf Care, locally owned and operated since 2010, is committed to providing the highest quality lawn care for customers. “We have the expertise to develop a lawn care plan that will make our customers’ lawns flourish,” said Grant Gardner, owner of Advanced Turf Care. “We have lawn technicians who have a personal interest and pride in making sure that the customer has the best looking lawn possible. We are responsive to our customers’ requests and work extremely hard to meet their needs.” Advanced Turf Care offers fertilization, weed control, tree and shrub applications, ornamental bed weed control, lime application, fire ant control and lawn aeration. “We give our customers individualized and personal attention. We are not one of those

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companies that works on volume and a cookie cutter business plan,” Gardner said. Advanced Turf Care’s customers’ needs are their top priority, and customer satisfaction is the result. “Our customers tell us that once they give us time to correct their lawns, they have the best looking lawn they have ever had,” he said. The community is very important to Advanced Turf Care. Their employees work with customers to ensure they have the lawn they desire and keep it in excellent condition. Advanced Turf Care makes it easy to have a beautiful lawn, so that you can spend your time with family and friends and have the beautiful home you value. For more information, call 305-7949 or visit advancedturfcare.com.

Your comfort is our concern Your comfort is their concern at Skelton Heating and Air. Recently named the No. 1 Trane Comfort Specialist in the state of Alabama, they are committed to providing exceptional heating and cooling services to homeowners and commercial establishments. Brian Skelton founded the locally owned and operated company in 2002. Since that time, Skelton has worked diligently at creating long lasting relationships with customers, which has resulted in successfully serving the Birmingham Metro community and employing nearly 20 people. “Skelton’s Heating and Air Conditioning has been serving residential and commercial customers for many years,” Skelton said. “All of the equipment we use and recommend is certified to be of exceptional quality. “Additionally, we constantly strive to reduce our costs in order to offer reasonable prices to our customers. In an emergency,

Skelton’s is available to ensure that you stay comfortable. And since a major portion of our business comes from referrals, our continued success is a reflection of our commitment to our customers.” Skelton’s prides itself on courteous and prompt service. They offer a full range of air conditioning and heating products and services while providing outstanding on time service and repairs. Qualified technicians and installers provide knowledgeable equipment advice. Services include equipment replacement, preventative maintenance, complete system installation, duct work and service repair. Skelton’s is running a special spring promotion from March 15 through May 30 in which customers can buy a qualifying Trane system and choose either no interest until January 2021 or a trade allowance up to $1,000. Special terms apply. For more information, call 991-5878 or visit their website, skeltonsair.com.

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CABINET CURES OF BIRMINGHAM

April 2016 • B19

WINDOW DECOR

Get custom cabinets without the custom-cabinet price tag

Your one-stop shop for home decor

Cabinet Cures of Birmingham owner Wendi Peeks found a career she loves in an unlikely place. “I never expected to end up in the cabinet business, but two years ago, I stepped out of my own kitchen and into literally hundreds of others. After 20 years as a tutor for high school and college math, the business was a natural fit for my two passions: geometry and client relationships.” Refacing, not remodeling or refinishing, is the up and coming go-to option in a kitchen makeover because of its flexibility, affordability, quality, design and convenience. Cabinet Cures provides custom work without hidden costs and without the need to change out countertops, floors, backsplashes or appliances. Doors and drawer fronts are replaced with solid, wood cabinetry, and

Pam Mitchell has more than 15 years of experience in providing custom window treatments. Her store, Window Décor Home, provides customers with custom window treatments including blinds, shades, shutters, draperies and hardware. They have bedding and pillows and a large selection of fabrics, and offer full interior design services. They are the only Hunter Douglas Gallery in Birmingham, showcasing window coverings, including customer favorites like Duette® Honeycomb Shades, Silhouette® Window Shadings, Luminette® Privacy Sheers, wood blinds, shutters and more. They feature hundreds of choices for color, texture, fabric and function. They are now offering custom sliding barn doors and hardware and exterior wood shutters. Window Décor’s experienced design

boxes are clad in wood skins of the same species and finish — no laminates, ever. Design choices fill the range from trendy to classic. Detailed measurements, skilled trim carpentry, an eye for design and detail and a relationship, not just a job, are what make Cabinet Cures your cure for the common cabinet. Go from ordinary to extraordinary! The average kitchen reface cost is about $9,000 and takes five days to complete, and you get an 83 percent return on your investment. “Come visit my Inverness showroom, bring pictures of your kitchen and ideas, and let’s make it happen together,” Peeks said. For more information, visit cabinetcures.com or facebook.com/CCBham, or call Wendi at 598-0331 to set up a design consultation.

Transform your old cabinets to NEW in just 5 days!

REFACE, don’t REPLACE Call 205-598-0331 • New Solid Wood Doors and Drawer Fronts • Painted or Stained • Custom colors & styles • No laminates EVER • Soft-close, hidden hinges • New knobs and pulls • Professionally finished and installed (no subs) • Save $$$$ over remodeling We want a relationship, not just a job!

Owner: Wendi Peeks Showroom (Inverness Village): 5291 Valleydale Rd., Suite 121

professionals work with customers to find solutions and provide great looks for your home. They take care of all measuring and installation needs to ensure the perfect fit. Mitchell has always had a love for interior design and found a special niche with window treatments. She is passionate about providing clients quality products. “With constant upgrades and nonstop innovation, I will continue to strive for higher standards and to be the best that I can be at what I do.” Her work continues to inspire her through “meeting new people and putting smiles on their faces, when I can turn their home or office into that masterpiece.” Window Decor can take care of all of your home décor needs. For more information, call 437-9575 or visit their website, alabamawindowdecor. com.

B20 • April 2016 GRIFFITH ART GALLERY

GREYSTONE MARKETPLACE

Perfect art, framing for home Rick and Dave Griffith are passionate about art. The twin brothers and their parents turned that passion into a business in 1987 with the opening of Griffith Art Gallery, which specializes in oil paintings and readymade frames. “We represent about 100 different artists, ranging from emerging and up-and-coming, to world famous modern masters,” Dave said. “We have more than 2,500 original paintings in the gallery and specialize in providing the most beautiful hand painted art to our community at very reasonable prices. We believe that everyone can enjoy owning wonderful art that fits their budget.” The brothers continually add to their stable of artists to provide an inventory of one-ofa-kind creations. “In addition to the huge selection of original art, we also offer ready-made frames of our own design, with up to 10,000 unique styles under one roof. Representing multiple

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Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

lines of custom framing, our every day price is always lower than any coupon pricing,” Dave said. “Using all acid-free materials, we are a full-service, custom-framing gallery. Rick or I will personally assist you in selecting the perfect framing choice for any situation. Most framing can be completed in less than a week, usually the next day or possibly while you wait.” Griffith Art Gallery is the perfect place to find that special addition to your collection. “We strive to provide for our customers a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere in which they can peruse thousands of original and unique paintings and frames with the opportunity to take anything they might like home to look at without any obligation,” Rick said. “We want our customers to be so happy with anything they purchase that they wonder how they did without it.” For information, call 985-7969 or visit their website, griffithartgallery.com.

Discover distinctive décor, gifts Greystone Marketplace, located in the heart of Greystone on U.S. 280, is known as Alabama’s most unique store. Great design, quality furnishings and a variety of merchandise are what you find when you walk in Greystone Marketplace. With 25,000 square feet and 70 vendors, Greystone Marketplace offers a wide range of unique, new, vintage and antique furniture. The store is filled with a large selection of lamps, chandeliers, mirrors and artwork. The store offers a wide range of new furniture styles. From chic and modern to comfy urban casualness and the time-tested traditional, there is plenty to choose from, with professionally decorated vignettes to help customers visualize their room. Vendors scour auction houses, estate sales and flea markets to find the largest selection of mid-century, vintage, one-of-a-kind items. Whether decorating a bookcase, adding interest to a coffee table or looking for the perfect

bauble for a vanity, Greystone Marketplace has a great selection of accessories. It also offers a unique selection of casual chic clothing, fashion-forward sterling silver, costume and religious jewelry and handmade necklaces, earrings and bracelets made from vintage treasures, creating one-of-kind pieces of wearable art. Among the store’s many gifts, customers will find a luxurious line of infant clothing and baby gifts. The shop offers free gift-wrapping for any item. Greystone Marketplace has an in-house floral designer whose floral creations enhance any room. Find out for yourself why Alabama’s discerning shoppers choose Greystone Marketplace for distinctive interiors and truly unique upscale for less. For more information, visit Greystone Marketplace, 5475 U.S. 280, Birmingham, call 995-4773 or visit their website, GreystoneMarketplace280.com.

Upscale for Less!

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Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

April 2016 • B21

5 STAR ROOFING

EAST 59

5 Star Roofing has you covered

Linger and shop at East 59 East 59 is the perfect eclectic shop to find the just the right touch for your home or garden! With a wide variety of one-of-a-kind pieces, no matter what you are searching for, you can find it in their East Lake location and at the perfect price point. The locally owned and operated café and vintage shop features custom-made tables, antiques, accent items, picture frames, lighting fixtures, rugs and art. They also carry Farmhouse Paint, which was created specifically for painting furniture. They will be offering classes in April in furniture painting for home do-it-yourselfers. “We try to carry a balance of custom, vintage and non-custom items,” said Stephen Tolbert, one of the store’s founders and owners. East 59 was born from a dream that has evolved to touch other lives and even revitalize a neighborhood. Stephen and his wife Amber, along with Michael and Jeannine Glenn, Carl and Pam Bates, and their daughter, Anna Brown, all partnered in the venture that opened a year ago. Their vision was to create a place where people could gather,

collaborate and experience community in East Lake. This vision has evolved into a multifaceted community space, where locals can enjoy a cup of coffee, savor healthier breakfast and lunch options, browse vintage furnishings, attend classes and host small events. “It was a family dream,” said Stephen. “We wanted to offer a place for a healthier options from fast food with our café at a price point for the local market.” The café features breakfast and lunch entrees, as well as catering, box lunches and to-go dinners. They even have space for events, which have included area business board meetings, showers and other events. The ambiance of East 59 feels like home, a gathering space where people of diverse backgrounds are invited to engage and exchange ideas. It’s all very collaborative. What makes East 59 even better is you can take a little piece of it to your own home to create that same welcoming ambiance of jovial conversation and comfortable elegance For more information, call 838-0559 or visit east59.net.

5 Star Roofing and Restoration has all of your roofing needs covered. The family-owned business is fully licensed, insured and maintains the highest Better Business Bureau rating. “Our core business is to offer repairs and replacements of commercial and residential roofs,” said Adam Brook, operations manager. “Additionally, we have the experience, size and depth of knowledge to offer full storm restoration services including framing, siding and interior repair.” 5 Star Roofing and Restoration partners with GAF, the manufacturer of the best-selling shingle in America, to supply the highest quality shingles, professional sales training and factory installation certification. Their sales reps are factory trained, and the company maintains factory installation certification. They are committed to serving customer needs and providing them with prompt, professional service. “We strive to exceed customers’ expectations during every phase of the job process,” Brook said. “We achieve this goal by building into our processes our vision that quality and excellence are valued over short-term rewards. We believe the secret to our success is consistently holding to our core values of quality,

honesty, integrity, ethics and accountability.” Spring is the perfect time to make those updates and small repairs to your roof to prevent further damage. Brook advises to “repair small leaks quickly, keep your roof and gutters free of debris, and install the proper attic ventilation to extend the life of the roof.” He advises to have your roof inspected annually to look for tiny cracks in the shingles, granulation loss and seal around roof penetrations. Check out their $99 roof tune up for spring. For information, call 518-8433 or visit 5starroofer.com.

B22 • April 2016

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Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

RELAX THE BACK

HANNA’S GARDEN SHOP

Feel, work and live better About 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain, and eight out of 10 will experience it at some point in their lifetime. Whether back pain is caused by sciatica, scoliosis, a herniated disc or just simple stress, there are things people can do to find relief. Realizing the need for a solution, Bob and Tracy Duncan recently opened a Relax The Back store in the Cahaba Village Plaza. The retailer sells ergonomic products to prevent and relieve back and neck pain. Consultants develop custom solutions for clients in six areas of spinal health: sleep, recliners, massage, fitness, travel and office products. Clients can choose from 300 products including Tempur-Pedic mattresses and pillows, massage chairs and more. “We’ve already had lots of people stop in to explore our products, and it’s been fun to

introduce them to all the great items we have to make them more comfortable throughout their day,” Tracy said. “We are excited to ﬁnally be open,” Bob added. “When Tracy and I decided to go into business for ourselves, we wanted to make sure that it was with a company we believed in, and Relax The Back is just that. It allows us to help people who suffer from neck and back discomfort, as well as people who are looking for ways to live a better, more comfortable life. Our products are for everyone and every budget.” “Birmingham is a great place for a store like ours. It has a long tradition of health care innovation and excellence, which mirrors our company’s philosophy.” For more information, call 979-3222 or visit their website, relaxtheback.com/stores/ birmingham.

Little steps build beautiful path “Can’t you just feel the sunshine…?” – James Taylor Spring is springing — have you noticed? Time to get outside and plan your garden’s revival. No need to rush it. Little steps will do. Hanna’s garden experts are here to lead you down a beautiful garden path. Hanna’s has everything you need to bring forth nature’s wonder in your own personal landscape — a vast selection of annuals and perennials, shrubs, fruit and shade trees and plenty of choice evergreens. Did we mention Encore azaleas, Knockout roses, Limelight hydrangeas, Okame ﬂowering cherries? Or, Cherokee Princess dogwoods and Dynamic crape myrtles? You’ll ﬁnd all these and much more in Hanna’s four acres at the foot of Oak Mountain — truly Birmingham’s best selection of plants, shrubs and trees. Hanna’s also carries everything you need

for a lush lawn — including ﬁve varieties of sod (by the piece or pallet), soil testing kits and Fertilome lawn applications — to control pests and weeds, and nurture your yard now. If you’re not ready to tackle the whole bloomin’ yard, start small — perhaps with a few container plants. Hanna’s offers a wide selection of houseplants, seeds, herbs and veggies — and the perfect containers for them. They’ll even plant a container with plants of your choosing. If Hanna’s sells it, they can also deliver it — including landscape rocks. Everything comes straight to your garden — healthy and ready to enrich your lifestyle. All from Hanna’s, the plant savvy garden shop with a passion for growing things — and for sharing its unparalleled garden expertise. Hanna’s Garden Shop is located at 5485 U.S. 280 East. For more information, call 991-2939 or email support@hannasgardenshop.com. Visit hannasgardenshop.com.

Come and hang with us at

AROUND THE CLOCK SOLUTIONS FOR BACK PAIN

5:00 AM

6:30 AM

Hanna’s Garden Shop

8:00 AM

to protect your plants from the last cold snap of the year! 6:00 PM

9:00 PM

A 24-HOUR APPROACH Experience increased comfort, decreased pain and a host of beneﬁts by combining stretching and the neutral posture concept (above right) with a 24-hour approach.

Hang with us at Hanna’s and see our great selection of hanging baskets, which can easily be brought inside if the weather turns cold again.

NO INTEREST FINANCING AVAILABLE*

From begonias to geraniums or ferns – get ‘em now and save!

Mountain Brook (Hwy 280 by Whole Foods) 2800 Cahaba Village Plaza 205.979.3222

Come for the healthy plants.

Mon - Sat: 10 am - 6 pm *Subject to credit approval. See store for details.

Come back for the expertise.

Open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm Saturday 8am-5pm | Sunday 11am-5pm 205-991-2939 | hannasgardenshop.com On Hwy 280, across from Drivers Way.

with any purchase of $50 or more! 280L0416

2:00 PM

Free 10” Hanging Basket Subject to availability. One coupon per customer. Good through May 3rd, 2016.

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Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

CITRUSOLUTION CARPET CLEANING

BEFORE

DURING

April 2016 • B23

PLUMB ONE

AFTER

Providing safe carpet cleaning CitruSolution Carpet Cleaning uses all natural products to leave your carpets like new, and it is safe for children and pets. Their patented CitruSolution cleaning formula uses natural citrus extract to neutralize and break down dirt and stains in your carpet, keeping your carpets cleaner longer. In addition, carpets dry faster because the award-winning CitruSolution process uses minimal moisture, so they don’t pump gallons of chemical and water into your home. The citrus-based solution dries quickly and leaves a fresh scent in your home. CitruSolution is an innovative system that doesn’t require large quantities of water, soap or detergent. Soap-based cleansers soak the carpets, leaving behind a sticky residue. The film on the carpet attracts dirt and can cause old stains to reappear. The innovative CitruSolution system doesn’t use steam to clean, therefore there is no need for the use of large quantities of water and, as a result, your residue-free carpet will stay cleaner longer. CitruSolution Carpet Cleaning locations serve Jefferson and Shelby counties.

The company was established in 1990 and is committed to providing clients with the highest standard of dependable, trustworthy service with consistent quality care. “We offer guarBraun anteed pricing over the phone,” said Mike Braun, owner of CitruSolution Carpet Cleaning Birmingham. “There’s no bait and switch. We stand behind our work with an unconditional money back guarantee. “Many real estate professionals in the area have used us for years because of our dependable service. We want our customers to know that they can count on us to provide quality, dependable work,” he said. For more information, please call 6787708 or visit their website, citrusbirmingham.com.

Dedication to detail and commitment to community Plumb One, family owned and operated since 1997, takes pride in giving customers the highest quality service available to meet all of their plumbing needs. They offer residential and commercial service repairs on water lines, sewers, backed up sewers, sink, tub and drain repairs, faucet repairs and replacements and have emergency service available 24/7. Plumb One was founded by Barry Isbell of Trussville who had a dream, a borrowed van, and $1,000. Today, Plumb One consists of a warehouse, office and fleet of trucks, as well as various heavy equipment. Through commitment to customers and community, Plumb One continues to thrive. Whatever your plumbing needs, Plumb One can provide customers with the best service and quality work available.

Residential services include new construction or remodeling, bathroom and kitchen plumbing, laying gas lines or plumbing, appliance connections and running pipe throughout the house. They include a oneyear warranty on new construction from the date of completion. Plumb One is committed to providing the surrounding communities with honest, reliable and affordable solutions to all of their plumbing needs. “What sets us apart from other companies is our dedication to detail. We strive to repair your problem the first time, but if we can’t, we will continue to provide quality service until the job is done to your satisfaction,” said Robin Isbell, vice president and owner of Plumb One. For an estimate or more information, call 640-2848 or visit plumbone.com.

B24 • April 2016

Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

CROWN CONSTRUCTION

280 Living

CLASSIC GARDENS

Exceeding customer expectations

Making your garden grow

Homebuilding can be a challenging undertaking for those thinking about that dream home. That’s where Crown Construction can make the difference. Since 1989, Crown Construction has been successfully designing and building quality custom homes. “We want to give our customers the highest quality product available — one that stands the test of time,” said Mike McLeod, president. The team at Crown Construction is passionate about home building. McLeod treats every project as a partnership, offering clients his undivided attention to guide them through every phase of the home building process from inception to the design and building phase of the project. They pride themselves on being responsive to their clients. “Communication is so important. We respond to our clients immediately when they call, always within the hour,” said McLeod. He is aware that building a home can be a

Mike Pender was born with a passion for gardening. In 1973, at the age of 20, Mike actually started getting paid for his passion when he went to work for the Southeast’s largest landscape company. Then in 1980, he and his wife, Ann, stared their own company, Classic Gardens. Classic Gardens offers a large array of landscape services from irrigation and night lighting to sod installation, fixing drainage issues, shrub and tree installation and building hardscapes such as sidewalks, patios, retaining walls and outdoor kitchens. Mike and Ann, along with a talented staff, assist customers across four counties with their gardening problems. Classic Gardens is widely known for their expert lawn care service, being able to diagnose problems that no one else can. Classic Gardens applies products to your lawn on a

stressful time for the client and one in which they are making biggest investment of their lives. That’s why Crown Construction strives to make the process as stress free as possible and result in the client’s dream home. “There are lots of ways to build a house, and we want to provide a quality product. We like to sit down with the client and explain the building process. We discuss everything up front and then give them a lock and key price before going forward, so they know what they are getting,” he said. In addition to homebuilding, Crown also offers home additions, basement build outs, kitchen and bath remodeling, home theatres, storm repairs and fire restoration. Crown Construction strives to exceed customer expectations to give them the home of their dreams. For more information, call 981-2445 or visit crownco.net.

timely basis to keep weeds out and grass green. They also make sure fungus and insects stay under control. What highlights Classic Gardens is not only do they offer you the above services, but also they have a beautiful garden center that you can visit and see a huge variety of shrubs, trees and gorgeous flowers. Classic Gardens has been the top selling garden center in the entire nation 20 years in a row of Fertilome Lawn Care Products. The reason is that Classic doesn’t just try to sell you a product, they know the product line inside and out and tell you what to use, when to use it and how to properly use the product. When you come into Classic Gardens, don’t forget to ask about their secret Tomato Program and they will show you how to grow 300 pounds of tomatoes in a pot you can sit on your back deck! For information, visit classicgardens.com.

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Spring Home Guide | Special Advertising Section

BIN THERE DUMP THAT

April 2016 • B25

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PLUMBING ONE HOUR AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING

Don’t let money drip away! Prioritizing customer service After many years of working as a facilities manager, Scott Klesius started Bin There Dump That in May 2015. The company provides residential-friendly dumpsters for homeowners and commercial contractors/roofer/property managers. Located in Pelham, Scott and his team can provide dumpster service throughout the entire Birmingham metro area. These dumpsters are perfect for any renovation or household clean-out projects. “Bin There Dump That aspires to be the name recognized as the premier disposal company in our market, as we deliver top quality service, customer value and satisfaction,” Klesius said. Klesius cites a few key reasons that Bin There Dump That is unique in the dumpster retail industry. “We answer the phone promptly, listen

respectfully and suggest solutions professionally. We show up when promised — saving you time and stress. The vehicles and bins are clean, and we have professional and courteous drivers. The bin ﬁts into the driveway, which saves labor and time and usually allows you to park your vehicle inside your garage. The driveway area is swept before we leave, showing respect for your property,” he said. Providing great customer service in an industry where the focus on the customer has been very low has gone a long way to ensure the success of Bin There Dump That. “We strive to provide excellent customer service, primarily by doing what we say we will do,” Klesius said. For more information, call 406-5850 or visit their website, dumpsterrentalsbirmingham.com.

Your typical household headaches — be it water heater failure, bursting pipes or a breakdown in heating and air — can be tackled with one phone call to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating. “We have been servicing the community for over 100 years,” Vice President Dan Stomoff said. “We started as Evans Services in 1901 and have been keeping the area cool and comfortable ever since. Though we have changed our name to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating, we are still building on our decades of experience.“ The companies pride themselves on an extensive list of guarantees to their customer, including, but not limited to: ► On-time technicians and plumbers ► 100 percent satisfaction ► No overtime rates — EVER ► Friendly, courteous and skilled professionals Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating have

helpful tips and tricks to help you save money: ► For leaky faucets and showerheads, make sure your washers and gaskets are tight. Replace them if they are worn with newer, water efficient options. ► The most common cause of a leaking toilet is often the inexpensive, rubber flapper. Check for wear and replace if needed. ► Inspect your irrigation system and garden hoses. The spigot where the hose is attached to your home is a common area for leaks. ► Most HVAC filters are disposable and should be replaced every month. Reusable filters that are designed to be cleaned with a vacuum or garden hose can be cleaned even more frequently to maximize their effectiveness. If you’re running your air conditioner with a clogged filter, you’re forcing your system to work harder, which wastes energy. It also accelerates wear on your HVAC fan and other components, which costs you more in system maintenance. For more information, call 205-533-7992 or visit benjaminfranklinplumbing.com/.

280 Living

B26 • April 2016

Opinion My South By Rick Watson

With spring comes baseball

Members of the New Neighbors League Club hold a check for $500 to Camp Smile-A-Mile during a holiday gathering. Photo courtesy of Mary Carbonara.

New Neighbors League Club donates to camp The New Neighbors League Club of Birmingham recently made a $500 Christmas donation to Camp Smile-A-Mile. The club offers the chance for women who are new to the Birmingham area to participate in lunches, outings, games and coffee meet-ups to get to know others in the area. Camp Smile-A-Mile provides recreation and education opportunities for pediatric cancer patients and survivors, as well as their families, at no cost. To learn more about the New Neighbors League, visit newneighborsbirmingham.com. – Submitted by Mary Carbonara.

Baseball season gets underway this On the occasions when the coach put me month, and I hope the Atlanta Braves have in the infield at shortstop, I demonstrated an amazing grasp of those concepts in a better year than they had last year. My mom loved the Braves and spent real time. In less than a millisecond after every waking hour watching them on TV. the crack of a white-ash bat, my eye and She hated West Coast games because they brain calculated all the factors to make an started after her self-imposed 8:30 bedtime, instantaneous decision on where to place but otherwise if they were on TV, she was my glove to catch a ball traveling at what watching. seemed like the speed of light. Anyone who visited her during game Early spring was like heaven, with greentime might as well pull up a seat, munch ing trees and warm sun on the back of my some popcorn and watch the TV, which freshly starched uniform. was normally louder than rap music blarThe things etched into my mind are the Watson ing from a teenager’s jumbo car stereo chalk lines and red clay infields that were speakers. as dry as snuff. The fat white bases at the I never called or visited while the Braves were on corners looked like unbaked biscuits. I can also remember unless I had my game face on. Whenever I called after the smell of my cowhide glove with lanolin oil rubbed into game time to check on her, I’d ask how the Braves did. the palm to keep it soft as a cotton diaper. By the end of “Aw, I don’t want to talk about it,” meant they’d lost, so the season, my arms and neck would be tan as teakwood. I quickly changed the subject. Someone once said that baseball is 20 minutes of action But her love of baseball went back much further, to packed into three hours. I thought that was funny, but when I was a kid playing little league. She never missed there’s a lot of truth to it. When I played I remember one of my games. Her cheers were the loudest when we spending a lot of time standing around scratching and won, and when we lost, her face was the longest. spitting. It’s a good thing cell phones with video cameras Once when we played in Hull in a Saturday afternoon hadn’t been invented then, because there would probably game, an opposing pitcher hit me with a late-hooking cur- be some unfortunate footage of me floating around on veball. While grimacing from the shooting pain, I noticed YouTube. her out of the corner of my eye. She was about the “stripe The Braves are on TV tonight, so in honor of my mom, the legs” of every opposing player with a keen hickory. I plan to pop some popcorn, eat a hot dog and watch some She took baseball and the health of her son seriously. baseball. I struggled with math in school but when I reflect back, I realize I understood a great deal more about geometry, Rick Watson is a columnist and author. His latest book, trigonometry, angle, trajectory, telemetry and velocity “Life Changes,” is available on Amazon.com. You can than my school test scores indicated. contact him via email at rick@homefolkmedia.com.

280Living.com

April 2016 • B27

Faith Life Actually By Kari Kampakis

Raise the child you have, not the child you want I have a friend who found out her daughter had cancer after a visit with her 2-year-old’s pediatrician. Her daughter’s blood work was off, and this led to more testing and a diagnosis. Her daughter is doing great now, and last year we celebrated her five-year remission. But one thing that’s always stuck with me was a realization my friend had shortly after learning about the cancer. She told me that when her daughter was a toddler, her spirit and spunky personality could drive her up the wall sometimes. She wanted her to be calm and easy. But after the diagnosis, she realized God made her tough for a reason. He gave her a special armor on purpose, because He knew she’d need it to handle the grueling and aggressive treatments she’d face to fight cancer at a young age. I often think of this story as I raise my kids and watch other kids grow up. Like most parents, I came into parenting with preconceived notions. I projected into the future and fantasized about who my kids would become and how blindingly perfect they’d be. In some ways, I envisioned them as my second chance. I secretly hoped they’d be like me, only smarter and more talented, so I could be their mentor and put my life experiences to good use. But guess what? Not one child is my mini-me, and that’s a good thing. My girls are all authentic and wired their own way, and while I certainly relate to parts of their personalities and see myself in them all the time, I also recognize

enough differences to understand how their life is not my do-over. Forcing my dreams and ideas on them would never work, because their destiny has nothing to do with mine. I once heard advice on the radio to “raise the child you have, not the child you want.” The words hit me hard because at the time, I was trying to mold my children to match the idealized visions in my head. I made the mistake many parents make by failing to consider their natural and God-ordained bent. Obviously, we parents are responsible for helping our children become responsible citizens. We’re called to correct poor behavior, maximize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses and model moral excellence. But if we want our children to discover their best life possible — a life filled with purpose and passion — we also have to respect their inherent design. This means training them in a direction that allows them to be true to themselves and who God made them to be. God made no mistakes in creating our kids. He did it with great attention and intention. None of us know yet how God is planning to use our kids, or what He may be equipping them for in the future. A trait that seems like a flaw can be a lifesaver in certain situations. A trial that seems like a burden can seem like as a blessing when all is said and done. A strong-willed girl who isn’t afraid of challenges and arguments, for instance, may be

exactly what her peers need when an injustice arises, and they need a brave leader to take charge. A sensitive boy who barely speaks a word may become a prolific artist who eloquently expresses those deep human emotions that help people connect and feel less alone. A girl who doesn’t make the basketball team five years in a row may become a rock star entrepreneur who later credits her failures in helping her develop the fortitude and perseverance she’d need to go the distance. And a boy who stutters and struggles with speech may develop an unbelievable work ethic that makes him try harder than everyone, never give up on himself, and ultimately reach a position of influence where he can help kids who face his former struggles. The point is, there is no “one right way” a child should be. God created each child to carry out a special mission. Only time will tell what their mission is. And if you think about it, good parenting is largely about preparing our kids for their mission. It’s about forgetting our fantasies, becoming a student of our children, and seeing God as the authority of their life, choosing to work with His plan rather than against it. It takes every personality under the sun to make the world go ’round. We need kids who are gentle, passionate, quiet, spunky, fearless, driven, outspoken, observant, funny, practical, reserved and bold. We need social butterflies,

bookworms, worker bees, wallflowers, steel magnolias and firecrackers. We need survivors, old souls, free spirits, athletes, tough cookies, geniuses and late bloomers. And despite any differences we notice among kids, there’s one term that applies across the board: world changer. Every child is meant to be a world changer. And every child deserves the right to change the world by being who they are, not who others want them to be. It’s a pivotal moment when we parents learn to respect and celebrate our kids’ personalities without wishing for them to change. Whether this moment comes immediately or after an epiphany like my friend had, it’s good to remember how we all have the tendency to try and convert and control certain qualities in our kids that aren’t meant to be converted or controlled. Giving our children the permission to be themselves makes them happier and us happier, too. It leaves room for God to work in our children’s lives and pleasantly surprise us as we see His plan unfold and understand how His design for them fits perfectly with that plan. 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.

280 Living neighborly news & entertainment

SECTION

School House C6 Sports C11 Real Estate C17 Calendar C18

THE

BUZZ BEES ABOUT

Retired teacher finds joy in teaching others about his hobby By SYDNEY CROMWELL Each of the white boxes in George Baldwin’s backyard has a distinct personality inside — about 30,000 of them, in fact, and they’re always changing. And to successfully collect the honey in his hives, Baldwin has to understand each of these personalities by heart. “You think you know what bees are going to do, and next thing you know, they’re gone,” Baldwin said. At his Meadowbrook area home, Baldwin

See BEES | page C16

George Baldwin sells honey and beeswax candles from the products of his beehive. The lighter honey is collected from early spring and summer harvests, while darker honey is collected at the end of summer when the bees have been collecting pollen from different plants. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

Breathing should be the last thing on your mind. Celebrating 50 Years

Our board-certified allergists at Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center are committed to the peace of mind that comes with every effortless breath. We provide children and adults with the individualized care needed for a better quality of life. Specialized Diagnosis and Treatment: • Asthma

• Food Allergies

• Sinus Issues

• Drug and Insect Allergies

• Seasonal Allergies

• Eczema and Hives

• Chronic Infections

Weily Soong, MD Maxcie Sikora, MD John Anderson, MD Meghan Lemke, MD Sunena Argo, MD Amy CaJacob, MD James Bonner, MD, Emeritus

Make an appointment with our board-certified allergists today.

Call 205.871.9661

visit www.alabamaallergy.com

280 Living

C2 • April 2016

AFORLOVE ALL ANIMALS Dr. Alvin Atlas has special place in heart for wildlife By SYDNEY CROMWELL

Dr. Alvin Atlas has been treating pets and wildlife at Riverview Animal Clinic for nearly 30 years. Right: Atlas bandages the wing of an owl, which is expected to make a full recovery and return to the wild. Photos by Sydney Cromwell.

When you’ve seen an alligator laid out on your exam room table, the average dog or house cat can seem a little tame. For 28 years, veterinarian Dr. Alvin Atlas has treated mainly dogs, cats and other pets at Riverview Animal Clinic on U.S. 280. But as one of only a few area vets who will treat local wildlife, Atlas occasionally sees something a little more exotic come through the door. Atlas, along with fellow Riverview vet Dr. Chris Campbell, is one of the veterinarians of choice for the Alabama Wildlife Center, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, Camp McDowell, Lake Guntersville and several other wildlife rescue or education centers. He also treats birds of prey for falconers. The animals he has treated range from hummingbirds, pelicans and owls to coyotes, bobcats and reptiles. Before the Birmingham Zoo had a full-time veterinarian, Atlas provided services for their exhibit animals, too, including ostriches, ﬂamingos and a particularly memorable leg amputation on an alligator. “You’ve got a skill set as a veterinarian. Obviously there’s more we can do for dogs and cats and bigger animals,” Atlas said. “[But] if we can do it in a parrot, we can do it in an owl. It’s not completely transferable; it doesn’t completely go back and forth, but it’s close enough.”

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280Living.com For wildlife rescue services such as the Alabama Wildlife Center at Oak Mountain State Park, Atlas provides examination and treatment for free as a community service, as he believes the work they do needs more funding. “We support them and what they do, and we try to give them a break on services,” he said. Atlas’ path to treating Alabama wildlife started with an interest in reptiles as a child. He worked with the Southeastern Raptor Center while at Auburn and connected with the AWC when he came to Birmingham. Turtles are Atlas’ favorite animals, and he frequently sees injured pregnant turtles come into the clinic. For more than 30 years, he has been incubating turtle eggs and releasing the hatchlings. He even has a special cabinet above his refrigerator that is the perfect temperature to house them; when he and his wife remodeled their kitchen, he made sure a new “turtle cabinet” was installed. “It just worked out that way. It’s just warm enough with the heat coming off the back of the refrigerator,” Atlas said. “My wife’s a pretty good sport. I use all her Tupperware to incubate the turtle eggs.” There is a lot of crossover between treating wildlife and pets due to their similar physiology and ailments. However, as Atlas pointed out while examining a barred owl that came to Riverview in January, most family pets don’t require heavy leather gloves to handle. “Sometimes they are so highly stressed that treating them is part of the problem, so you may want to do something that’s more remote and not as invasive that a pet might tolerate better,” Atlas said. “The prey animals, some of them — just handling them can push them over the edge.” Looking down at the barred owl waking up from anesthesia in his arms, Atlas commented that birds of prey and other hunting animals are typically able to handle treatment more easily, even if he has to ﬁnd a creative way to treat them. “This guy’s pretty good,” he said. The owl’s injured wing was bandaged and, after being conﬁned at the AWC to allow time to heal, he is expected to be releasable. Even with three decades of experience, Atlas has occasionally let his guard down at the wrong time. He recalled treating a great blue heron, and

April 2016 • C3 Left: Dr. Alvin Atlas looks at an X-ray of an injured barred owl, seen below. The owl was treated and is expected to recover and be released to the wild.

taking the opportunity to show the Riverview staff how to safely handle a wild bird. However, his grip on the heron wasn’t quite as good as he thought. “It turned around and bit me right on the nose,” Atlas said. Since he got started as a vet, Atlas said he has been able to treat more severe wildlife injuries and illnesses. He enjoys the challenge, as well as the opportunity to make sure every animal gets what it needs. “It’s satisfying on several levels. These are animals that sort of fall through the cracks. There’s always people who will take in the warm and the fuzzy ones, you know, because they want to. There’s this emotional connection with warm and fuzzy mammals, and even with the raptors, but a lot of it’s really hit or miss,” Atlas said. “People take them in and start doing incorrect things. Now, in the days of the Internet people are doing better things, but being a veterinarian gives me an advantage.”

280 Living

C4 • April 2016

Your Health Today By Dr. Irma Leon Palmer

Have you been diagnosed with any of the following: carpal tunnel, neuropathy, Alzheimer’s, allergies, ADD/ADHD, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, migraines, celiac, eczema, or lupus? If your answer is yes, your body’s natural inflammatory process needs to be put in check! Doctors may tell you that medications are the only way to control the symptoms, but there are many natural and safe alternatives we would like to share with you. (We encourage you to research Integrative medical doctors in your area that can slowly and safely ween you off of medications and use natural techniques to bring balance to your body systems). For example, Alzheimer’s is chronic inflammation that destroys brain cells; Carpal Tunnel results from chronic inflammation causing extreme muscle tension that shortens tendons in the arms and wrist and compresses nerves. Inflammation is a huge topic with so much useful information available, so here we will provide you with just the tip of the iceberg. For more extensive information, visit our website and click on “Patient Resources” for the Inflammation tab. Inflammation is a perfectly normal and imperative biological response. It is a necessary healing method of the body. The body uses inflammation to heal and protect itself from cuts, wounds, and infection. It is a way the body is able to repair tissue damage and so much more. Without inflammation, we would never be able to heal from any infection or wound. However, due to contributing factors such as the typical Western diet, apathetic

Are You Inflamed? Part One

lifestyle, smoking, stress, and excessive sugar intake, this natural process quickly escalates to a damaging force that initiates a myriad of health complications. Inflammation is generally commenced by a foreign bacteria or virus entering the body or by an injury such as torn ligaments or sprained wrists. The inflammatory process is activated to eradicate that threat and begin healing right away. God has made our bodies to heal themselves from the inside out, however, when we are constantly presenting dangerous and foreign substances into our systems through chemically processed foods, over-thecounter medications, soft drinks, chemical-based cleaning products, etc. our body stays in a constant inflammatory state and it quickly gets out of hand. What many people do not realize is that many inflammatory diseases begin in the gut, even if there are no presenting gut issues or obvious digestive distresses. Do you ever notice that you get bloated, have a headache or bathroom issues after eating certain foods? These are ways our body is telling us “I don’t like what you put in me”, and it is important that we listen to these messages. Many individuals experience digestive distress when eating dairy products but they ignore those signs because they would rather enjoy the ice cream, cheese or sour cream. As food goes into the body, it creates either positive or negative effects such as increased/decreased energy, gas, or loose stool. Therefore, it is understandable that the poor choices we make as far as food, smoking, or excessive sugar have the very real potential to slowly

increase that under-the-radar inflammation to worsen until the symptoms are visible to us. Headaches today can become migraines tomorrow, and possibly lead to debilitating issues such as Alzheimer’s or dementia farther down the road. We must start listening to our bodies and taking seriously what we put inside of them. There are many natural options for reducing inflammation. Through powerful probiotics, fermented foods and a gut-friendly diet of plant-based foods, one can strengthen the gut flora and their overall immune system, which is absolutely vital to reduce so many health problems. Other options include lifestyle habits. For example, specifically for arthritic pain and joint inflammation, one of the best things you can do is exercise! Staying active is extremely important even though it may, at first, seem counterintuitive. If the joints hurt, wouldn’t increasing movement increase discomfort? No! If joints are aching and painful, sometimes the last thing that seems enjoyable is exercise, however, the synovial fluid in our joints becomes thick and gel-like when the joints do not have adequate movement. Even gentle stretching, short walks and simple aerobic exercises will help that fluid to become more viscous and the joints will feel well lubricated and less stiff. Exercise also keeps the body at a healthy weight, removing strain from the joints, and strengthening muscles that surround and support those joints. Along with regular exercise, we cannot stress enough the importance of the food/fuel quality you choose to put into your body. To Be Continued Next Month….

280Living.com

April 2016 • C5

Leaving no book — or sprout — behind Highland Lakes resident Dawn Reeves publishes, illustrates children’s book By ERICA TECHO Whenever she told the story of rolling uneaten Brussels sprouts under her neighbor’s furniture, people said it would make a great book. And in 2015, Dawn Reeves took their word for it. Reeves, a Highland Lakes resident, turned her childhood hatred for the miniature cabbages into the children’s book, “I Do Not Eat Brussel Sprouts.” “It’s actually a true story, and the Tawillingers were our neighbors who lived next door to us in Indiana,” Reeves said. The book was written and illustrated by Reeves, who describes herself as a lifelong writer. While she has had work published before, this was the first time she could produce the artwork to accompany her words. The chance to enter a child-like mindset for the illustrations was one of her favorite parts, she said. The text of the story, however, is not what someone would expect in a children’s book. “It’s funny, one of the first people to read this book got something that was very important to me, and that was the strategic use of some large words,” Reeves said. As she wrote the book, Reeves said she felt it was important to includes words such as “debilitating” and “emphatically” to build her readers’ vocabularies. She would rather overestimate her reader’s ability than underestimate it, she said. “I didn’t want to dumb the book

Left: Highland Lakes resident Dawn Reeves published her book, “I Do Not Eat Brussel Sprouts,” last year. Photo by Erica Techo. Reeves said illustrating her book, seen above, was one of her favorite parts of the publishing process. Courtesy of Dawn Reeves.

down because it was children reading it,” she said. “It also encourages further conversation between the reader and their parents.” Bedtime stories were one way she helped invoke creativity in her own daughter, who is now 15 years old. Throughout her childhood, they transitioned from reading stories to making up stories based on a few characters or items. “It’s nice to know that stories don’t have to come from somewhere,” Reeves said. “They can come from anywhere.”

She hopes her book will have a similar impact on young book lovers. Since publishing the story, she has held readings at schools in Shelby County and said students have connected through a mutual dislike of vegetables. “Children have loved the story, and it’s so funny because they respond with ‘I don’t like Brussels sprouts either,’” Reeves said. “After I read the book, that’s the only time I confess the fact that I absolutely love Brussels sprouts as an adult.” Passing along a love of books

and vegetables are two of her goals, Reeves said, but the book presents opportunities to discuss other habits as well. During her readings, Reeves said she discusses the importance of Southern graces and table manners as well, noting not everyone should roll uneaten vegetables off of their plate like the main character does. Reeves hopes the number of events she has will increase over the summer, she said, which will also give a greater chance to give back. At each school, Reeves will

bring books to sell, and 30 percent of the profits go back to that school’s library. Funding is moving away from school libraries, Reeves said, and she wants to make sure students continue to have access to books. “I am a firm believer that we do not have to leave books behind,” she said. “I still have my childhood books. My mom tells me to let them go, and I always say, ‘No!’” For a schedule of Reeve’s upcoming readings of “I Do Not Eat Brussel Sprouts,” visit 280living.com.

280 Living

C6 • April 2016

School House

Greystone students jump for fun, health in new club By RACHEL BURCHFIELD Every Thursday after school, the sounds of Beyonce’s “Move Your Body” — a song written for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! program — can be heard from Greystone Elementary School’s gym. For an hour and a half, between 40 and 50 students in second through ﬁfth grade are part of Greystone’s inaugural jump rope club, the Jumpin’ Jags. “Move Your Body” is the club’s performance song this year — one that Leta Hoit, physical education teacher and jump rope club teacher, said has a great beat and a meaning behind the lyrics. “Greystone students love to jump rope,” Hoit said. “They welcome the challenge of learning new tricks and celebrate their excitement when they accomplish that challenge.” When the team arrives at practice, they hang out together for the ﬁrst 15 minutes, eat a snack and talk to each other. Then they sit with their squad and the squad leaders mark attendance, Hoit said, checking to see who is wearing their team shirt and who brought their jump rope to practice.

“We come to practice dressed as a team,” she said. “We have a team T-shirt and the jumpers have their own rope. They are responsible for this rope during the school year. The older students have several opportunities to share their leadership qualities by being a squad leader and mentoring the younger students.” The ﬁrst half of practice is spent reviewing learned jump rope tricks, Hoit said, and the second half of practice is spent learning new jump rope tricks. “We do save time to practice double Dutch and other large group jump rope tricks,” Hoit said. The team’s practice music is a variety of upbeat tunes. The team’s routines are created by Hoit, kindergarten teacher Kimberly Carns, and the older students on the team. Many students come in with some basic jump rope skills through their physical education classes, Hoit said. “In physical education at Greystone we teach a unit in jump rope, where they learn the basic skills of jumping rope,” she said. “Since this is our ﬁrst year as a team, jumpers must be able to jump using the single bounce for at least 30

There are 40 to 50 second- through ﬁfth-graders who are members of the Jumpin’ Jags, Greystone Elementary’s new jump rope club. Students all wear their team T-shirts to practice. Photo courtesy of Leta Hoit.

seconds. Most tricks are performed using the single bounce.” Next year, Hoit said, the jumpers will come into the club with a long list of tricks they already know — at least two tricks are learned at every practice. Some of their favorites: crisscross, double under, helicopter, jogger, boxer, side swing cross and the toad, Hoit said. “We tell them they are professionals,” Hoit said. The team’s last performance of the year will be for the team members’ families. “It will be a fun time for the students to show off the tricks they have learned,” Hoit said. It is an experience that has been beneﬁcial to the students involved, she said.

“The goal for the jump rope club is to share the joy of jumping rope by performing the art of jump rope,” Hoit said. “It is a wonderful feeling looking forward to something that we enjoy, especially when it is at school and even more special after school. These students get excited when it is Thursday and they can stay after school to do something they love — jumping rope.” Hoit hopes the club will be around for years to come after a successful ﬁrst year. “Next year we will continue to practice, practice and practice,” she said. “The next step is to create a longer routine and learn two routines. Jumpin’ Jags will deﬁnitely be around for the years to come!”

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280Living.com

April 2016 • C7

TEACHING

TECH

Inverness Elementary educator named Support Teacher of Year By SYDNEY CROMWELL The walls of the computer lab at Inverness Elementary are decorated with iconic Mickey Mouse ears. In one corner is a sign counting down to the next trip to Disney World — the most recent one was over spring break. And when students leave the computer lab, teacher Julia Thomason always says the same thing: “Y’all have a magical day!” “I have kind of a Disney thing,” Thomason said, adding that Disney is a love shared by multiple generations of her family. Inverness Elementary faculty recently named Thomason their 2015-2016 Support Teacher of the Year for her work in the computer lab and a separate reading lab, which provides book sets for teachers to use in their classrooms. A Meadowbrook resident, Thomason started out as an active parent at IES. Eleven years ago, her daughter’s former second-grade teacher offered Thomason an aide position in a reading intervention program. “I said I would love to because I was up here all the time anyway,” Thomason said. In addition to reading intervention, Thomason spent a couple years working in special education

Julia Thomason teaches in the computer lab at Inverness Elementary and is this year’s Support Teacher of the Year for the school. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

before she started teaching in the computer lab four years ago. “I have always enjoyed being here. I love working with the kids, I love seeing the kids get something in here, when something clicks with them,” Thomason said. She only gets about a half hour every week with each class. This year, as part of a countywide change, Thomason is teaching all of her students how to use a Google email address and programs such as Google Classroom, Docs and Sheets instead of Microsoft Ofﬁce. Even kindergartners are using the new programs, though Thomason said they didn’t get email addresses until the spring to “let them get

used to the alphabet and their names ﬁrst.” The kids seem to enjoy the change, especially because they can access the programs at home and use their email address to play school-approved games. Sometimes, however, Thomason’s younger students take some time to get used to a desktop computer and mouse instead of a touchscreen. “That’s a lot of fun and very interesting at the beginning of the year,” Thomason said. Thomason also uses typing programs and Code.org to begin teaching web coding to her students. The site’s lessons are built into games, so the children enjoy learning their new skills.

“Kids will be expected to code in high school at some point. So they’re wanting us to let them do that on a regular basis,” Thomason said. Since students are growing up around technology and will continue to use the same skills and programs throughout high school, college and their careers, Thomason said she enjoys the chance to teach something she knows will be useful for the rest of her students’ lives. “It’s something they’ll use forever. That’s the really rewarding thing about it. I know what they’re doing in here, they will beneﬁt from, you know, throughout their lives,” Thomason said. “What they’re doing in here is something they will carry on.”

C8 • April 2016

getting a

CLOSE UP

280 Living

on politics

By ERICA TECHO

Chelsea students at the World War II memorial. Photo courtesy of Neely Griggs.

Ryan Adams first attended the Close Up Foundation’s Washington, D.C., program in 1997. Now an AP U.S. History teacher at Chelsea High School, Adams returned to the program with his students in November. “One of the things Close Up asked of the participants was, ‘It’s not what you do when you’re there. It’s what you do when you go back,’” Adams said. “It’s kind of, well I don’t want to say cheesy, but it took me 18 years for me to give back.” Close Up is a weeklong program where high school students from around the country learn about U.S. history and government processes. Eight students from Chelsea attended the 2015 program, and they were the first group from Shelby County to attend, Adams said. “It was really cool because the senators had heard of it [Close Up], but they’d never really met us,” said CHHS junior Neely Griggs. “It felt really good to be part of something that was just getting off.” After receiving approval from Chelsea Principal Wayne Trucks regarding the trip, Adams said he presented the idea to all of his AP U.S. History classes as well as the other A.P. history classes at the school. Griggs said her passion for politics and hope to plan for the future were two reasons she attended. “I really love D.C., so of course that was a factor, but I’ve always been interested in politics and I just wanted to learn more,” she said. “I wanted to get a better idea of what I could do, what could be possible occupations.” CHHS junior Cade Pruitt said he also enjoys studying government and politics, and he thought going to the nation’s capital would provide a chance to learn more. “I thought going to Washington, that’s where it all goes down, so where else would be better

to go?” Pruitt said. Students were able to meet Sen. Richard Shelby and Rep. Gary Palmer, who represent Shelby County in Washington. As one of the first groups from a Shelby County school, Adams said their group made an impression on the legislators. “Even if other schools in the Shelby County area become involved, we were still the first,” Adams said. “We still made that first impression, and we only get that chance once.” Students were able to ask the congressmen questions and hear more about how government operates on the national level. Pruitt said it was also interesting to interact with the people in Washington on behalf of Chelsea. “I thought it was awesome because they’re representing us up there, and they have a tremendous responsibility and power, you could say, because they represent our beliefs and thoughts,” Griggs said. In addition to its educational benefits, Adams said the trip aims to build interpersonal connections for students. Pruitt said the chance to talk openly with students from other states helped him learn about the differences and similarities throughout the country. “If I could narrow it down, all of it was great, but I think for me, the best part was just getting to meet all of those people from around the country and getting to talk to them and learn about their cultures and societies,” Pruitt said. Students confronted the stereotypes they held about other states, Pruitt said, and were encouraged to discuss their political, religious and social beliefs. “It really pushes you out of your comfort zone, and it makes you talk and voice your opinions,” Griggs said. “It widens your worldview, and I think it really just teaches you.” At the end of the week, each group selected a

“

280Living.com

April 2016 • C9

It really pushes you out of your comfort zone, and it makes you talk and voice your opinion. It widens your worldview, and I think it really just teaches you.

”

NEELY GRIGGS

Above: Chelsea High School students talked with Rep. Gary Palmer during the Close Up program in Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of Shelby County Schools. Right: Chelsea students at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. Photo courtesy of Neely Griggs.

representative to recap their group’s experience. Pruitt was selected to represent his group, and he said while most of his classmates would describe him as quiet, he was able to show off his public speaking skills during his presentation. “He absolutely commanded the room,” Adams said. “It was so awesome to see. The experience I had 18 years ago, I’m seeing it now.” This year was an ideal time to attend Close

Up, Adams said, because of the Chelsea community. When Adams first taught at Chelsea High School in 2005, a smaller student body meant the program might not have grown; it could have been a “one and done” effort, Adams said. The growth Chelsea has seen in the last decade, Adams said, means a greater chance for community support. “I’m given the best and brightest in Chelsea,

so why not expand what the best and brightest can do?” Adams said. Although he went into the trip expecting Chelsea to attend Close Up every other year, that plan changed after he saw his students’ reactions. By the end of the week, Chelsea High School was signed up for Close Up 2016. Adams said he hopes more students can attend future programs, and he plans to raise funds in order to make that a reality.

Palmer will visit Chelsea in March to address the student body and encourage more students to participate in Close Up, and Adams said he hopes community members will also hear about the program and support it financially. “These students, they represent Chelsea,” Adams said. “They [Chelsea residents] can give to this cause because it promotes Chelsea, it promotes this area, it promotes Shelby County.”

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280 Living

C10 • April 2016

HILLTOP STUDENTS IN UAB FAIR

Chelsea High School students helped serve breakfast at Mt Laurel Elementary earlier this year. Photo courtesy of LeighFran Jones.

Chelsea High students help serve breakfast at Mt Laurel By ERICA TECHO

Benjamin Appling, left, and Liam Falconer represented Hilltop Montessori School on March 5 at the UAB-CORD Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Falconer received an honorable mention in the Junior Division of the Engineering category and Appling received second place in the Junior Division of the Environmental Science category. Photo courtesy of Michele Wilensky.

Mt Laurel Elementary School’s Mystery Servers program aims to increase breakfast participation, and a visit by the Chelsea High School football players and cheerleaders earlier this year helped fulﬁll that goal. Some of the football players and cheerleaders stood behind the breakfast line, and others walked around the cafeteria and talked with students. Some of the

elementary school students also asked the Chelsea High School students for autographs. The Mystery Servers program helped increase breakfast participation by about 25 percent, said LeighFran Jones, child nutrition program area manager for Shelby County Schools. Students tend to perform better when they eat breakfast, so the whole school beneﬁts, Jones said.

280Living.com

April 2016 • C11

Sports

Jags fall in overtime thriller in Final Four Spain Park ends season 23-10 By KYLE PARMLEY

Austin Wiley picked up a double-double in the team’s ﬁnal game, with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Photo by Frank Couch.

Spain Park stormed back in the fourth quarter to force overtime, but fell just short in a 63-61 loss to Central-Phenix City in the Class 7A Boys State Semifinals. The Jags’ season ended one game shy of the state final, and they finished 23-10 under first-year head coach Donnie Quinn. “Both teams laid it out there, and they made one more (play),” Quinn said following the game. Keiondre Jakes picked up a steal and a layup to give Central-Phenix City the lead with 58 seconds to play. The Red Devils held on, as Spain Park’s Austin Wiley had a look at the rim in the closing seconds, but was blocked away. When asked his thoughts on the conclusion of the contest, Wiley said, “I’m not going to complain and say that I think I got fouled, but I just have to play through it and I should’ve made it.” That the game made it to overtime is a testament to the resilience shown by Spain Park in the second half. Central-Phenix City took off with a 10-point lead early in the fourth quarter, as Jamal Johnson was on the bench with four fouls. Johnson returned to the floor and helped the Jags erase that deficit in just over two minutes. The run happened right after an 11-0 burst from Central. The Jags’ 16-2 run gave them a four-point lead midway through the fourth quarter. “Coach wanted us to press and I knew we had

to get some easy steals to get us back in the game. I tried to hustle and leave it on the floor and make some opportunities for my teammates,” Johnson said. Johnson picked up his fourth foul with 2:52 left in the third quarter, but returned in the final minute of the period. “Jamal runs our team,” Quinn said. “If I can’t be out there playing myself, then I’ve got to have somebody out there who is in charge. That’s what he does.” Johnson led the team with 20 points to go along with nine boards and four steals. “If you don’t leave him out there, you may not be close in the game. It’s a matter of making that decision, holding him out as long as I can but then knowing that we got to get him in there and trusting him not to pick one up,” Quinn said. The junior point guard played with that fourth foul until picking up a controversial charging foul driving to the basket late in the overtime period. Wiley and Justin Brown each eclipsed a double-double for the game. Wiley picked up 19 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks, while Brown scored 15 and grabbed 10 boards. Spain Park will say goodbye to three seniors in Brown, Jameson Floyd and Bailey Defalco. Quinn said he would go back and remind his team of all its accomplishments to avoid looking at the season as a disappointment. He summed the final game up perfectly.

280 Living

C12 • April 2016

Hornets, Eagles conclude successful seasons on court By KYLE PARMLEY Chelsea and Oak Mountain took different paths to the regional round of the state playoffs, but both programs finished the season strong. The Hornets started off the season 3-13, and rallied, winning 10 of their final 15 games to finish with a 13-18 mark. They defeated Pell City and Oxford in the Class 6A, Area 10 Tournament to qualify for Sub-Regionals. In that round, Chelsea narrowly avoided defeat, holding off Fort Payne in overtime after allowing a big lead to slip away in the fourth quarter. The Eagles enjoyed a great season, putting together 11 consecutive wins before their playoff defeat. They knocked off the likes of Chelsea (twice), Helena (twice), Pelham, Hoover, and Spain Park through the course of the year. An easy win over Tuscaloosa County in the semifinals of the Class 7A, Area 5 Tournament qualified Oak Mountain for Regionals. Both teams missed their chance at a Final Four appearance by the slimmest of margins. Chelsea had Center Point on the ropes in the fourth quarter in the Northeast Regional Semifinal, holding a nine-point lead with two minutes to play. Center Point hit a pair of three-pointers to tie the game at the end of regulation and to win in overtime, respectively. The tough loss will do nothing to diminish what the team accomplished. The Regional appearance was the second in as many years for the Chelsea basketball program, the first two times in school history. “Yeah, it was tough, but it was just a matter of us coming together because we all haven’t played together for a long period of time,” junior Joseph Lanzi said of Chelsea’s ability to rebound after a slow start to the season. “It was a matter of us gelling and I was proud that we could do that at a crucial time at the end of the year.” Oak Mountain won a thrilling affair against Sparkman in the Northwest Regional Semifinal,

Chelsea and Oak Mountain enjoyed successful seasons on the hardwood. Photo by Cari Dean.

as Wyatt Armstrong hit a late three to give the Eagles the win. The Eagles faced area foe Hoover for the fourth time in the season in the Final, with Oak Mountain winning two out of the previous three. Hoover’s Wes Banks hit a three from the corner as the buzzer sounded to end the Eagles’ successful 25-8 campaign. Oak Mountain ﬁnished with the second most wins in school history, claimed the highest ranking in school history at No. 5 in Class 7A, and advanced to the Elite Eight for the ﬁrst time since 2002. “Losing the way we did to Hoover, a game away from the Final Four, is tough,” Oak Mountain head coach Chris Love said. “Once you step back from that and look at the season as a whole, you realize how special this team and this season was. They were a tough, hardnosed group that competed on a daily basis. They did some things that are special in the history of Oak Mountain basketball.”

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280Living.com

April 2016 • C13 Head coach C.J. Hawkins, left, hopes to lead Spain Park back to the state tournament this season. Far left: Shortstop Mary Katherine Tedder has been committed to Texas since her freshman year. Tedder is the Lady Jags’ main power source in the middle of the lineup. Photos by Kyle Parmley.

Lady Jags battle for more success By KYLE PARMLEY Adversity can bring out the absolute worst in people and organizations. But it can also bring out the absolute best. Count Spain Park’s softball team as the latter. Look back to an early-season contest against Tuscaloosa County, a Top 10 program in Class 7A last season that knocked off defending state runner-up Sparkman the weekend before. The matchup alone was one thing, but the Lady Jags were dealing with the absence of two of their lineup regulars. You could find one of them — Auburn commit Jenna Olszewski — in the press box with a brace on her arm. If you want to pile on, consider that they were trying to replace an all-star in the circle — MK Bonamy is now playing at Notre Dame — with a pair of freshmen, Caroline Kendrick and Kate Campbell. Right fielder Caroline Parker will also

log some innings when needed. Not to worry, though. The Lady Jags had things under control. Mary Katherine Tedder, a “stud” in the words of Spain Park head coach C.J. Hawkins, got things started with a bang. The junior shortstop came up in the bottom of the first inning with a runner on, and with one swing of the bat made the score 2-0. Her line shot over the left-center field fence. Leadoff hitter Kynadi Tipler came to the plate with the bases loaded in the second inning, and laced a double to the opposite field for a 4-0 Spain Park lead. Her hit was proof that practice breeds fruit. “I’ve been practicing, working on hitting outside (pitches) to right field,” Tipler said. “When I got that pitch, I knew I could hit it well and score those people.” There is a good reason Tedder has been

committed to the University of Texas since her freshman year, as she doubled the score in the fourth inning of that game with a grand slam. Her laser focus at the dish allows her not to worry so much about the home run ball, but just hitting the ball as hard as she can. “My mindset is if she throws it in here, I’m going to bust it. If she throws it in there, then I just swing as hard as I can and if it goes, it goes,” Tedder said. Tedder attempted to give credit to everyone else for her success. “I could never do it without my teammates for encouraging me through every pitch,” she said. Kendrick got the start that night, and never let Tuscaloosa County see a glimpse of hope. She pitched a complete game of six innings, allowing just one run (unearned) on three hits, four walks, and two strikeouts.

Bailey Bowers finished off that game with a three-run double to give the Lady Jags an 11-1 victory. The only run Spain Park allowed in the game? An error by Tedder allowed that one in, as she became more animated discussing a botched grounder than either of her big home runs. Not that anyone was upset with her, but she said, “I felt so bad. I don’t even know what happened.” Spain Park fell to Hewitt-Trussville in the regional round of the state playoffs a year ago, and the Lady Jags hope to return to the state tournament once again this season. The hope is that the adversity faced early in the season will breed success come playoff time. For Tipler, a senior, it will have to if her dream is to be realized. “I want to leave Spain Park saying that we won state,” she said.

280 Living

C14 • April 2016

MORRIS’motivation

Playoff memories burn strong for Jake Morris, as he hopes to get deep into the postseason in his senior campaign. Briarwood Christian will need Morris’ offensive contributions to make a playoff push. Photos courtesy of Todd Kwarcinski.

Briarwood Christian senior fuels drive to win with memories of playoff loss By KYLE PARMLEY Jake Morris remembers the play well. “It was going over,” he said. Morris was the starting centerfielder for Briarwood Christian School as a sophomore in 2014, and saw the most pivotal moment of his young varsity baseball career unfolding in the Class 5A state playoff quarterfinals. The Lions were facing a strong Southside-Gadsden team in the series. In the fourth inning of the first game, Southside’s Brock Love scorched a ball to straightaway center. “Honestly, I had no idea where the fence was,” Morris recalls, now in his senior season and one of the leaders for Briarwood. “It was a shot. I turned around and ran as fast I could.” Morris needed the help of a teammate, though. In a dead sprint, there was no time to take his eyes off the ball. “Brayden Housel was in right field at the time. He’s the one who started screaming, ‘Fence! Fence! Fence!’ I just jumped and felt the fence…hit the fence, grabbed (the ball) and pulled it back in,” he said. “It was a great moment.” His head coach, Steve Renfroe, recounts the moment the same way, and added, “It’s one of those moments a kid will remember, and it was at a big time.” “We saw it happen, and that’s the moment we realized how big of a moment it was for this team,” teammate and fellow senior Luis Fuentes said. “It was insane when it happened.” The win propelled Briarwood to a

sweep of Southside and a berth in the semifinals. Last season, the Lions moved up to Class 6A. Briarwood advanced to the quarterfinals once again and won the first game of its series against Pinson Valley, but faltered in the final two games of the series and saw its season end, a moment Morris has not forgotten. “I’ve been a little bitter about that throughout the offseason and throughout football. I don’t know how we lost that. That’s given me more motivation to work harder in the offseason,” he said. Getting to that series with Pinson was no small feat, as Briarwood defeated Homewood in a deciding Game 3. The Lions twice rallied from behind, being down four runs early and allowing two runs in the top of the ninth inning. Briarwood scored three in the bottom half to walk off the winner. “I remember going to Baumhower’s after the game and we were sitting there,” Fuentes said of the team’s public outing after the win. “We saw the TVs. We saw us winning the game and everybody rushing the field, and we just went crazy and started screaming. People started staring at us, but we didn’t care.” The 2016 version of the Lions contains just four seniors in Morris, Fuentes, Trey Mitchell and Carter Bankston — who signed to play football at the United States Naval Academy. Fuentes credits the whole team as having a “strong bond,” even outside the senior class. “All glory to God for giving us this great group of guys,” Morris said. “We love each other. We always joke around

and have fun together.” Briarwood has the benefit of experience at the highest levels on its coaching staff. Renfroe coached at Auburn University for over 20 years, while assistant coaches Wes Helms and Matt Guerrier each had long Major League careers. “Coach Renfroe keeps telling us we have great knowledge here,” Morris said. “We have the best coaching staff in Alabama and one of the best in America.” Morris doesn’t voluntarily offer up attributes and skills that make him stand out from other baseball players, but there is one thing he can’t escape from: his fiery-red hair. “Flamo” and “Ginga-Ninja” are some of the nicknames the mane has gotten him. The Briarwood student section down the first base line always exclaims, “flame on” when Morris comes up to bat, which always gives him a smile. The only problem is that he’s now starting to “flow it out,” and he lives in fear that he will be asked to cut it. One of his coaches forced him to do so during football season, but he hasn’t been required to do so in baseball. He’s flirting with disaster, though. “He told me during football season to get it cut, and I had to cut it. But I was standing next to him and someone came up to him with long hair, and my hair was longer than his. He told him to get a haircut, but he hasn’t told me to get it cut yet,” Morris said. But after the last two seasons ended too soon for his liking, the hair will be the least of Morris’ worries come playoff time.

280Living.com

April 2016 • C15

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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.”

280 Living

C16 • April 2016

Watch George Baldwin talk about his bees:

Want to benefit be s? To support bees in your backyard, consider planting some of the following species: • Alyssum • Anise hyssop • Aster • Bee balm • Black-eyed Susan • Butterfly eed • Clover • Echinacea • Geranium • Poppies SOURCE: GARDENER’S SUPPLY COMPANY

Doris, left, and Neal Snider examine a frame from one of their beehives. Keeping bees can be therapeutic and enjoyable, Doris said. Photo by Sydney Cromwell.

BEES

CONTINUED from page C1 keeps between 40 and 50 beehives. He started out with two hives in 2010 to help his under-pollinated garden, and the hobby grew from there. Baldwin is now a master beekeeper, an achievement that took him three years of learning. Beekeeping is a retirement project for Baldwin, a 28-year teacher who spent the last 10 years of his career at Chelsea High School. He taught biology, environmental and earth sciences. Now, Baldwin uses his teaching background to pass on his beekeeping knowledge to others through the Shelby County Beekeepers Association. “I like teaching, and so I’m teaching classes about bees now,” Baldwin said. “If you ask 10 different beekeepers the same question, you’re going to get 10 different answers. But they’re all probably going to be correct.” Baldwin was one of the handful of people who founded the Shelby County Beekeepers Association, which he said now has about 200 members across the county. Neal and Doris Snider, who live on Highway 119 and have kept bees since

2000, were also among the first members of the association. The Sniders also started out with beekeeping to improve their garden, and are now teaching other beekeepers, as well as church, student and garden club groups. Neal recalls how his first pair of hives were quickly joined by around 35 more when a friend decided to get rid of his hives. “All of a sudden we were into it big time,” Neal said. Baldwin and the Sniders sell their honey at honor system stands on their properties, as well as beeswax candles. The Sniders also make beeswax moisturizer and lip balm and honey soap, and Baldwin sells nucleus colonies to beekeepers who are starting out. “The first year… we had 35 gallons of honey and what in the world are we going to do with this stuff? And we let a few people know we had it, and poof! It was gone,” Neal said. Even when the Sniders had 90 hives producing about 340 gallons, the jars of honey would fly off the stand on their back porch. “It hasn’t even gotten cooled yet and they’re buying it,” Neal said. “Our honey sells out by October,” Doris added. Since the bees quit making honey when the

weather gets cool, they can’t sell any more until the spring. “After that if you sell out, you don’t get any more until the next year,” Baldwin said. Baldwin collects his honey twice per year, around Memorial Day and Labor Day. Collecting and extracting the honey takes three to four days. He’s learned through mistakes that he needs to gather the honeycomb frames on a “clear, bluebird day” with no wind or rain, primarily in the middle of the day when most bees are out foraging, to reduce his chances of being stung. “I do get stung every now and then, but it’s usually my fault. I didn’t put my gloves on or I took my hood off and was walking around somewhere and a bee decided to sting,” Baldwin said. “They’re working and they’d rather do their work than be aggressive.” The Sniders, on the other hand, collect small amounts of honey about once per week from their hives, before the frames get too heavy. That way, they have a small but constant stream of honey from spring to fall. “We put that honey in jars and put it in the stands because people are just begging for honey the first week of May,” Neal said. Keeping bees can be therapeutic and enjoyable, Doris said. She and Neal are both cancer survivors, and she is retired. However, they don’t keep

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280living.com/videos

the bees because it’s a moneymaker. Recently, beekeeping has become much more difficult for keepers. There are new viruses, pests and a list of honeybee diseases “as thick as the Bible,” Doris said. While bees are producing honey, pesticides can’t be put in the hives or the honey will be inedible. Combined with cold winters, it has become a lot harder to keep a hive alive. This winter, the Sniders lost about 10 of their hives. In winter 2014, they began with 72 hives and only 27 survived. “The old normal was losing 15 percent. The new normal is losing 50 percent. Even the state head beekeeper … he came to the state meeting this spring and said he’d lost half of his bees,” Neal said. “It’s not good, but it happens. Diseases, queen failures, there’s multiple reasons,” Doris said. Beekeepers across the nation are seeing increased numbers of hives failing. According to the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, U.S. bee colonies experienced about a 42 percent loss from April 2014 to April 2015. Since bee pollination is crucial to commercial production of fruits, many types of produce and animal feed, the decreased population could have critical consequences at the dinner table. “We’re losing our bees,” Baldwin said. “If the bees leave, we don’t have but about three or four years on Earth.” That’s why Baldwin and the Sniders are active in teaching classes and mentoring newer beekeepers in hopes of growing Alabama’s honeybee population. Doris said she will talk to “anybody that will listen about bees” in the community to let people know how important they are. “We decided to stay into bees because we studied and realized bees are in trouble… we feel like we’re doing our little part, our little share of trying to keep the bees alive,” Doris said. If you want to purchase local honey, the Sniders are located at 6112 Cahaba Valley Road, and Baldwin’s stand is at 6726 Bear Creek Road. To learn more about beekeeping, visit shelbybees.org.

280Living.com

April 2016 • C17

280

Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

743369

35242

4112 Kesteven Drive

New

$434,900

743569

35242

4124 Heritage Oaks Circle

New

$270,000

743446

35242

199 Narrows Peak Circle

New

$209,900

743417

35242

201 Lenox Lane

New

$259,900

743377

35242

1034 Oak Meadows Road

New

$289,900

743375

35242

1418 Highland Lakes Trail

New

$379,000

743320

35242

3228 Brook Highland Trace

New

$429,999

743267

35242

232 Meadow Croft Circle

New

$184,500

743248

35242

1287 Legacy Drive

New

$889,900

743209

35242

3301 Tartan Lane

New

$379,900

743169

35242

2005 Little Ridge Circle

New

$254,500

743405

35242

1132 Legacy Drive

New

$849,900

743168

35242

4147 Somerset Ridge

New

$625,000

743160

35242

367 Highland View Drive

New

$949,900

743148

35242

324 Olmsted Street

New

$519,000

743123

35242

1121 Ashford Lane

New

$419,900

743072

35242

5300 Meadow Brook Road

New

$495,000

743051

35242

1057 Royal Mile

New

$989,900

743471

35043

237 Chesser Road Loop

New

$199,900

743470

35043

2028 Chelsea Park Bend

New

$189,900

4112 Kesteven Drive

1132 Legacy Drive

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on March 14. Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

STORE CLOSING

HUGE DISCOUNTS ON BIKES & ACCESSORIES

THANKS FOR 12 GREAT YEARS!

(205) 870-8330 www.BhamBicycle.com 1105 Dunston Ave • Crestline Park Next to Saw’s Juke Joint on Dunston Ave

280 Living

C18 • April 2016

Calendar 280 Events April 2: Birmingham Homeschool Fair. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Resources and information for homeschooling families, exhibitors, curriculum share and sale. Visit birminghamhomeschoolfair.com. April 5: Greater Shelby Chamber Small Business Mentorship Program. 8 a.m. Greater Shelby County Chamber, Pelham. Visit business.shelbychamber.org.

April 8: Greater Shelby Chamber Health Services Work Group. 8:30 a.m. Location varies. Visit shelbychamber.org/benefits/work- roups.

April 12: Greater Shelby Chamber Small Education Work Group. 8:30 a.m. Location varies. Visit shelbychamber.org/benefits/work- roups.

April 9: Tranquility Lake Trail Race. 8 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive. 6-mile race and 3-mile race. Visit southeasterntrailruns.com.

April 13: Greater Shelby Chamber Existing Business & Industry Work Group. 8:30 a.m. Location varies. Visit shelbychamber.org/ benefits/work- roups.

April 6: Greater Shelby Chamber Ambassadors Work Group. 11:30 a.m. Location varies. Visit business.shelbychamber.org.

April 9: Walk for ZERO in 2020. 9-11 a.m. Valleydale Church, 2324 Valleydale Road. Benefiting the Pregnancy Resource Center in Pelham Community event to reduce the number of abortions in Shelby County until there are zero. Food, music, vendors and more. Visit savalifeshelby.org.

April 7: South Shelby Chamber Membership Luncheon. 11:30 a.m. Columbiana First Baptist Church, Columbiana. $12. Visit southshelbychamber.com/events.

April 10: Southeastern Outings Dayhike. 1 p.m. Oak Mountain State Park. 4-mile walk in the woodlands. $5 park admission, hike is free. Visit seoutings.org.

Chelsea Library Events 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.

April 23: 5th Annual Dixie Vintage Car Show. 8 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive. Free admission, $25 to register car. Call 706-7614. April 28-May 8: Oak Mountain Spring State Fair. $8 admission, $5 parking. Visit oakmountainstatefair.com

April 16: Oak Mountain State Park Trail Clean Up. Oak Mountain State Park. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call 620-2520

April 28: Greater Shelby Chamber Governmental Work Group. 8:30 a.m. Location varies. Visit shelbychamber.org/benefits/work- roups.

April 19: Jimmy Buffett. 8 p.m. Oak Mountain Amphitheater. $49.50-$136. Visit margaritaville.com.

April 30: Seasonal Photography Hike. 9 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive. Call 620-2520.

April 20: Greater Shelby Chamber Board of Directors’ Meeting. 8:15 a.m. Location varies. Visit shelbychamber.org.

North Shelby Library Children April 2: Lego Club. 10–11:30 a.m. The 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. April 12: Picture Book Club: Don’t Let the Pigeon Go to Book Club! 4 p.m. Join us for stories, games, crafts, and snacks featuring a different favorite book character each month. All ages welcome. Registration required.

April 13: 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. April 8: Preschool Kitchen Science. 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. April 20: Homeschool Hangout. 1 p.m. April is Field Trip month for Homeschool Hangout. Caregivers and participating homeschoolers will meet with us at the Birmingham Zoo for a special program on Sea Lions

and Animal Training with Animal Trainer extraordinaire, Celeste Hicks. Pre-registration at the North Shelby Library is required. Call 439-5504 for more information. April 25: Author Visit: Alan Katz. 6 p.m. Join us for an extra special visit from children’s author Alan Katz for a talk and book signing! All ages welcome. Story-Time Programming Mondays (April 4, 11 and 18): Toddler Tales. 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, fingerpl ys 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.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY STARTS WITH THE RIGHT CALL Barron Jefferson – Lineman, Power Delivery

Here are a few very important things you should know about underground power lines and how to work safely around them. More and more power lines are being buried underground. This poses a considerable threat for both construction workers and do‑it‑yourself homeowners. Even if you’re undertaking a seemingly harmless job, such as digging a hole for a new fence, the risks are still there.

Color codes for marking underground utility lines White

Proposed excavation

You’ve probably heard the “Call before you dig” mantra many times. But take it to heart, nothing good happens when a shovel plunges into a live power line.

Pink

Temporary survey markings

The number to call is easy to remember: 811. Call, preferably 48 hours in advance of your project, and the representative will notify all the appropriate utilities. Pretty easy.

Red

Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables

Yellow

Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials

Orange

Communications, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit

Soon after the call, various technicians will come out and put colored spray paint in the places where there are lines. At right is a chart to explain which one is which.

In an emergency, call: 1-800-888-APCO (2726) For more electrical safety tips, visit AlabamaPower.com/safety.

Before you dig:

Blue

Potable water

Dial 811

Purple

Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines

Green

Sewers and drain lines

Please take this simple step before digging. It’s easy. And it’s free. You’ll save a lot of headaches—and maybe even your life.

280Living.com

April 2016 • C19

Tuesdays (April 5 and 19): 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.

Fridays (April 1, 8, 15 and 22): 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.

Wednesdays (April 6, 13, 20 and 27): Mr. Mac (Storyteller Extraordinaire!). 10:45 a.m. Stories, puppets, and lots of music for every member of the family. All ages. No registration.

April 11: 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.

Thursdays (April 7, 14, 21 and 28): 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

April 16: 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.

com for more information.

April 9: Mt Laurel Festival Craft. 10 a.m.-3 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.

April 19: Don’t Let the Pigeon Come to the Picture Book Club. 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.

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April 23: 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 the Mt Laurel Library at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail. com for more information. Adults April 7: Mt Laurel Book Club. 7 p.m. The Book Club will meet at the library to discuss “Whistling Past the Graveyard” by Susan Crandall. Contact Sara at 991-1660 or mtlaurellibrary@gmail.com for more information.

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Performing Creativity Every Day:

3-4

Thurs » 6pm » FREE UAB’s AEIVA

USPS

CREATIVITY, INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP LECTURE

SPECIAL HOLI DINNER

Sun & Mon » Taj India

CLASSIC BOLLYWOOD FILM Mughal-e-Azam Tues » 6pm » FREE UAB’s AEIVA

14-17

THE SECRET GARDEN featuring NOTINEE INDIAN DANCE

Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sat-Sun 2pm Red Mountain Theatre Company

BLAZER BOLLYWOOD BASH

Bollywood-style entertainment, food trucks and dancing Thurs » 6pm » FREE UAB Campus Green Presented by UAB’s Alys Stephens Center

ALABAMA ASIAN CULTURES AND FOOD FESTIVAL Sat » 9am-3pm Zamora Temple

DIRECTORS AND DOCUMENTARIES NIGHT

with filmmakers Harjant Gill and Shantanu Suman Fri » 6pm » FREE UAB’s AEIVA

THE EPHEMERAL VISUAL ARTS OF INDIA

with Dr. Cathleen Cummings Tues » 6pm » FREE UAB’s AEIVA

TASTE OF ASIA

Sat » 6pm UAB’s Alys Stephens Center

Packing ‘n Shipping of one item?*

HOLI~A FESTIVAL OF COLORS Sat » FREE

Children

April 15: All Ages Storytime. 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.

UAB’S ALYS STEPHENS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER INVITES YOU TO JOIN US AND OTHER BIRMINGHAM ARTS ORGANIZATIONS FOR A MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION OF INDIAN CULTURE.

Mt Laurel Library

April 15: 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.

EPHENS PERFORM S A LY S S T UAB’ ARTS CENTER PRESENTS ING

RED BARAAT PERFORMANCE Thurs » 7pm » FREE UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Presented by UAB’s Alys Stephens Center

21-24

WELCOME SHIVA NATARAJA TO BMA

Tues-Sat10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm FREE » Birmingham Museum of Art

CLASSIC BOLLYWOOD FILM Deewaar Tues » 6pm » FREE UAB’s AEIVA

THE SECRET GARDEN featuring NOTINEE INDIAN DANCE

Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sat-Sun 2pm Red Mountain Theatre Company

INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC

Fri » 7-10pm » FREE Birmingham Museum of Art

YOGA LECTURE

Thurs » Noon » FREE

YOGA COMMUNITY CLASS Thurs » 5:30pm » FREE UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Presented by UAB’s Alys Stephens Center

NOTINEE DANCE

Thurs » Noon -1pm UAB Hospital North Pavilion Presented by UAB’s Institute for Arts In Medicine

For more information about IndiaFest visit

AlysStephens.org #ASCIndiaFest