280 Living October 2022

FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY

Alan Miller lands ‘dream job’ as president of American Village

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

Chelsea resident Alan Miller has quite an impressive resume, and in his new role, he can add to it.

Along with his continued work in the Marine Corps and his past work as the former chief assistant district attorney for Shelby County, Miller recently began his next adventure as the president and CEO of American Village in Montevallo.

He said it may have surprised people that he accepted the position.

“For a lot of people, it was unexpected that it was an opportunity I would take advantage of, but for me, it’s an absolute dream job,” Miller said. “When the board decided to extend the opportunity to me, I was thrilled beyond words. It's hard for me to explain how excited I was.”

In October 2021, Miller returned from a deployment in the Republic of Georgia as a military advisor and was in the process of getting his private attorney practice back underway when he learned about the opportu nity at American Village. He said he knew immediately that was something he wanted to do.

Construction continues on the new track at Chelsea High School as the Hornets host Tuscaloosa County on the new turf field Sept.

Playing on home turf

Chelsea High School debuts new turf field for football season

the season on Sept. 2.

The project, which Mayor Tony Picklesimer said had been discussed for several years, was a four-way partnership between the city of Chel sea, the city of Westover, the Shelby County Commission and the Shelby County Board of Education.

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

After less than four months of work, the Chelsea High School football team stepped onto its new turf field to play its first home game of

Ride to Remember

Browse 2. Photo by Todd Lester.

David Calhoun, assistant superintendent of operations for Shelby County Schools, explained that since the project was on school system property, it had to go through the school

Garden

Sean Dietrich (also known as Sean of the South) has a new book that explores a promise made to his wife coming to fruition.

through our annual guide for advice and resources on seasonal home improvement projects.

American Village President and CEO Alan Miller at the President’s House at American Village in Montevallo. Photo by Erin Nelson.

15-MONTH CD

Together we can climb toward your financial goals.

In an uncertain economy, ensuring the stability of your finances is crucial. Talk to a SouthPoint Bank team member about options to keep your money safe and climbing.

We’ll help your new family get off to a beautiful start

If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, we know you have questions. The physicians at Grandview Obstetrics & Gynecology are here to help answer them – and with new providers, including Benjamin Rauh, D.O., it’s easier than ever to make an appointment. From nutrition and exercise to birth plans and post-delivery support, we are trained and focused on giving you personalized maternity care. And, we’re proud to deliver at The Birthing Center at Grandview Medical Center.

To schedule an appointment, call 205-941-6498 or visit MyGrandviewHealthOBGYN.com

Grandview OB/GYN also includes Drs. J.C. Brock, Emily Craner, Dale Greene, Margot Potter, Natalie Reddington, Erin Showalter and Lewis Schulman.

Benjamin Rauh, D.O. OB/GYN

About Us

Editor’s Note By Leah Ingram Eagle

So, fall is my favorite season, but October is my favorite month.

There are so many fun things going on this month, and we high lighted a few of them in this issue. Old Baker Farm will have their pumpkin patch ready for families to come and pick out their pump kins, along with their Cowboy Days and Festival Weekend. Our family has been going there since my 13-year-old son was walking!

Also around town, Hay Hoover is set for Veterans Park on Oct. 15, the Mt Laurel Fall Festival will be Oct. 16 and Oak Mountain State Park hosts its annual Harvest Fes tival on Oct. 22.

Besides all the fun fall events, there are Friday night football games to look forward to, as well

as gameday Saturdays to watch your favorite college team. Our sports editor, Kyle Parmley, has all your football news online after the Friday night games, a recap on

Tuesdays and a preview of upcom ing games on Wednesdays. Kyle and one of our writers, Gary Loyd, are also hosting a weekly high school football podcast, which you can watch on our Under the Lights YouTube channel.

If you know of a great story, a new business or a feature that would be great for 280 Living, please email me at leagle@ starnesmedia.com. Hope you enjoy this issue and happy reading!

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Client

Sports

Assistant:

Dan Starnes

Leah Ingram Eagle

Jon Anderson

Neal Embry

Kyle Parmley

Eric Taunton

Melanie Viering

Erin Nelson

Ted Perry

Simeon Delante

Amanda Cherry

Sean Dietrich

Sarah Gilliland

Alana Smith

Warren Caldwell Eric Richardson

Digital Marketing Manager:

Services Manager:

Designer:

Administrator:

Specialist:

Brandon Merkel

Matt Spivak

Emily VanderMey

Don Harris

Bob Willard

Anna Jackson

Sarah Villar

For advertising contact: dan@starnesmedia.com

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

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

Published by: Starnes Publishing LLC

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.

Please recycle this paper.

Accel Clinical Research, Achieve (A11)

Alabama School of Fine Arts Foundation (A12)

American Village (A7)

ARC Realty (A15)

Arnold Mooney Campaign (A8)

Bedzzz Express (B1, B24)

Bellini’s Ristorante (A20)

BHMDEX (B16)

Birmingham Braces (B1)

Brandino Brass (B16)

Bromberg’s (B7, B12)

Brookwood Baptist Health Tenet Physician Resources (B9)

Budget Blinds (B17)

Cabinetry Refinishing & Restoration (A1)

Cahaba Glass (B10)

Cardinal Roofing (A23)

Carpet Warehouse Galleria (B19)

Children’s of Alabama (A21)

Chiropractic Today (B2)

Christmas Village (B8)

Clark Holmes Smith Oral Facial Surgery of Alabama (A28)

Compact 2020 (B10)

Danberry at Inverness (B6)

Door Restore (B21)

Element Wellness (A6)

ENT Associates of Alabama (A24)

Etc. (B3)

Family Medical Supply (A18)

Fancy Fur - Paws and Claws (B13)

Floor Coverings International (A13)

Gardner Landscaping (B14)

Gold & Silver Loans & Jewelry (A17)

Grandview Medical (A3)

Groome Transportation (A12)

Guin Service (A19)

Hearing Solutions (A23)

IOP Services LLC (B11)

Kete Cannon, ARC Realty (A11)

Legend Windows (A22)

Luckie’s Pinestraw (A1) Mold & Mildew Solutions (B18)

NAI Chase Commercial (A9)

Nature One Landscape Design (B22)

Oak Highland Design Decorating Den (B22)

One Man & A Toolbox (B21)

Overture Tributary Vestavia Greystar (A14)

Pak Mail (A7)

Patti Henderson, Flat Fee Real Estate (B12)

Piggly Wiggly (B9)

Proveer at Grande View (B2)

Ray & Poynor (B11)

Rockett’s Bug Juice Gardens (A26)

Royal Automotive (B23)

Sewing Machine Mart (A13)

Shelby County Chamber of Commerce (A26)

Sikes Children’s Shoes (A22)

Southeastern Jewelers and Engraving (A20)

Southern Blood Services (A17)

Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (B6)

Southern States Bank (B8)

Southpoint Bank (A2)

Space Cadets (B20)

The Church at Brook Hills (A16)

The Neighborhood Plumber (A24)

TherapySouth Greystone (A27)

United Way of Central Alabama (A21)

Valley Bank (A25)

Vapor Ministries/Thrift Store (A10)

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (A18)

We’ll Do It (A5)

Please Support Our Community Partners Find Us

Pick up the latest issue

► Alabama Outdoors

► Cahaba Ridge

Chiropractic Today

► Chelsea High School

Chelsea Library

Cowboy’s

Window World of Central Alabama (B13)

Lloyd’s

Mt Laurel Library

280 Living at

following locations:

► North Shelby Library

Oak Mountain High

Spain Park High

St. Vincent’s 119

Somerby at St. Vincent’s

Winn-Dixie Chelsea

Winn-Dixie Inverness

Want to join this list or get 280 Living mailed to your home? Contact Anna Jackson at ajackson@ starnesmedia.com.

A Briarwood fan celebrates the win during a game between Spain Park and Briarwood on Aug. 26 at Lions Pride Stadium.

Photo by Todd Lester

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

Plans have been approved for the city of Chelsea to pursue over $1.8 million in trans portation projects for FY 2023.

The Chelsea City Council approved the 2023 Transportation Plan during its Sept. 6 council meeting. The largest of the six projects is a 5,500-foot walkability corridor/pedestrian way on Old U.S. 280 along Chesser Drive at a cost of $750,000. With the addition of Arby’s and Buf falo Wild Wings and a hotel project underway, this will make it easier and safer for people to navigate that area by foot. The other projects in the 2023 Transportation Plan include:

► A new road to connect Chesser Road to U.S. 280 West

► A new road to connect Chesser Road and Old U.S. 280

► Repaving Chesser Crane Road

► A re-alignment to improve the safety of the Liberty Road and Shelby County 47 intersection

► Upgrading the Liberty Road Bridge and culvert

The council approved for Mayor Tony Pick lesimer to execute a memorandum of agree ment of the lodging tax paid for by the Auburn Hospitality Group, which is building the new LaQuinta Inn & Suites.

Regarding the new restaurant development off Shelby County 41 in the former Treetop Family Adventure, the council gave approval to execute a development agreement with Dunnavant Valley Dining, LLC. Mayor Pick lesimer thanked Melody Whitten of 58 INC. for her assistance throughout this process and

developer Mike Moran for bringing more busi nesses to Chelsea.

A $25,000 donation was approved to Bikes 4 Kids to assist the nonprofit organization in hosting an upcoming rodeo event.

Mayor Picklesimer said with annual city events that include Fire at the Foothills in the spring, The Big Kaboom in the summer and the Christmas Parade in the winter, this could be an annual event for the fall.

“Hopefully this is something our citizens and neighbors will support so we can add another event to our city calendar each year,” Picklesi mer said. “We are looking forward to the event and thanks to Charlie Bradford and all the Bikes 4 Kids folks and also to the Barber Company, who owns the property behind the Dairy Queen where the event will be held.”

Also during the meeting, the council approved:

► A proclamation declaring September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

► A proclamation declaring the week of Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week

► A moratorium on issuance of building permits and business licenses for certain types of businesses

► A restaurant retail liquor license for Dos Tequilas

► To pay the city’s bills

City of Chelsea passes largest budget to date

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

The fiscal year 2023 budget for the city of Chelsea was approved during the Sept. 20 meeting of the Chelsea City Council.

According to Mayor Tony Picklesimer, this is the city’s largest budget ever, at $20.5 mil lion. The number has continued to rise each year as Chelsea continues to grow.

In 2021, the sales tax, use tax and major rev enues were projected at 6% but ended up at 12%, doubling what was projected, according to Wayne Barber, with DeLoach, Barber and Caspers, P.C., who gave the budget report.

“Because of the way the economy is right now, we went conservative again and that $20 million is only a projected 6% increase, and very likely you’ll end up higher than 6%,” Barber said. “But we took the conservative approach, just in case.”

Projected expenditures are $24 million and revenues $20 million, a $4 million deficit. Barber said the way to make up the deficit is through bond money. Around $7 million of bond money is in the bank waiting to be used, and Barber said a good portion of those funds is in this budget. About $6 million of that will be used for projects.

“Take that out and you're very much on the surplus side [$484,000],” Barber said.

The educational sales tax is projected to bring in $2.2 million, but Mayor Picklesimer said he isn’t sure just how much will be spent on school projects in FY23.

“If we approve more than that, we simply have to amend the budget,” Picklesimer said. “But this covers a couple of projects that I know are going to be asked for.”

Capital projects that were mentioned during the meeting include:

► $3.6 million for another gym at Chelsea Community Center ($2.5 of that is capital proj ects money and $1.1 million ARPA funds)

► $1.8 million for the ABC distribution center

► $1.8 million for the Shelby County 47/39 road project

► $1.3 million for completion of the High way 11 Sports Complex

► $621,000 for a two-tier concession stand at the Highway 11 Sports Complex

► $500,000 for paving activities

► $200,000 for an amphitheater project

► $150,000 for sidewalks and landscaping

If all the projects are completed, there will be $1.6 million left in bond money to carry over to FY24.

Barber said other expenditures are primarily related to people.

“The mayor is proposing raises across the board,” he said. “Everybody would get at least 3% except part-time seasonal [splash pad employees]. I sat down with the mayor and went one by one by department and most people are getting a 5-8% raise.”

The Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department employees were approved for a 10% raise in addition to their normal 3% step raise. That would increase the fire department’s budget from $4.2 million to $4.6 million, with half of that going to salaries. It would also include one new position for a training and EMS officer.

Fire Chief Joe Lee said the raise would keep the department competitive with other cities, but not put them ahead.

“Most of the other cities we are trying to keep up with are getting raises also, so we would have been way behind. This keeps us in the ballpark with people we are competing against,” Lee said.

Shelby County Commission adopts FY23 budget

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

The Shelby County Commission adopted the operating budget for fiscal year 2023 during their meeting on Sept. 12.

County Manager Chad Scroggins said there has probably been more hours and effort on this budget than any in his 20 years with the county.

“I appreciate all the staff members and all the accounting staff, Phil [Burns, chief operat ing officer,] and every one of our managers,” Scroggins said. “It’s a tighter budget than you’d think because of so many changes, but we’re looking forward to implementing it for our residents.”

The FY23 revenue projections are $166,610,288, compared to the FY22 total of $150,524,786. Expenditure projections for FY23 were $186,955,184, up from FY22 expenditures of $150,435,358.

New positions in the FY23 budget include a mental health services coordinator, who will coordinate service providers, contracts and grants to manage the delivery of mental health services by contractors, and a part-time deputy coroner to assist with the workload of the coroner’s office.

Some of the capital projects and special project and initiatives include:

► Support for school resource officers

► Replacement of an existing water dis tribution main line on County Highway 280

► Talladega/Shelby and South water plant connections

► Completing construction of MSW Cell Number 5 at Shelby County Landfill

► Design and evaluation of an additional pod at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office’s jail

► Dunnavant Valley Greenway Phase 2 extension

► Pickleball courts for Veterans Park on Valleydale

► Park improvement grants

► An emergency medical services response initiative

► A recycling initiative

The general fund will receive $108,909,356 of FY 2023 revenues, which will include:

► Highway department: $19 million

► Water services: $13 million

► Landfill: $6 million

The commission will use $28 million of reserves to fund the jail expansion.

“The main difference between the total revenue and expenses of $20 million on the budget summary is the ARPA [American Rescue Plan Act] funding received in prior years that will be spent in future years of $21 million,” Naugher said.

Major expenditures for the year include:

► General government: $30 million

► Public safety: $39 million

► Health, welfare and recreation: $4 million

► Water services: $20 million

Commissioner Lindsey Allison said in her 30 years of service, there have been some intense financial budget periods.

“We have a very difficult economic environ ment and we’re trying to estimate how we can be good stewards with our taxpayers’ money,” Allison said. “I’m very appreciative of what the staff does to look out for our citizens.”

The commission also approved an appli cation to the Alabama Department of Eco nomic and Community Affairs (ADECA) for a grant to provide recreational trails in the new

Double Oak Park. The grant would cover 80% of the project and the total proposal is esti mated at $571,429 with the county providing a minimum of 20%.

Scroggins said he is excited for the Double Oak Park project to wrap up and that a ribbon cutting will be announced for October.

A lodging tax rebate was approved for the City of Chelsea’s first hotel. The city will be receiving the rebate from the commission for the new LaQuinta Inn and Suites. The purpose of the tax rebate is to assist the city in payment of the economic development incentives to AU Chelsea Hospitality Group, LLC. The county will rebate a portion of the county’s lodging tax revenue derived from the hotel for a term of five business years.

A PROVEN CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN

Arnold centers his life and priorities around:

• Faith -

• Family

•

church

House District

strong

•

•

•

Learn More at

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your representative!

Shelby County Manager Chad Scroggins and CFO Cheryl Naugher discuss budget items at the Shelby County Commission meeting in September 2021. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Several Chelsea project updates discussed at commission meeting

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

After spending the past several meetings discussing budgets and compensation studies, Shelby County Manager Chad Scroggins gave an update on several projects in the works through out the county, namely in Chelsea, at the Aug. 22 meeting of the Shelby County Commission.

“We’ve got several projects that are finishing up or getting closer to completion,” Scroggins said. “The field and track project is trying to make its deadline [at Chelsea High School]. That is really a Shelby County Board of Education project, but we are a large investor in that. Trey Gauntt and his team have been in touch with the board of education and contractor frequently to make sure that project moves along.”

Gauntt added that the paving was set to take place this week and hopes it will stay on sched ule despite rainy weather.

Scroggins said there is significant progress being made on the Shelby County 43 Double Oak Park parking lots. The restrooms were poured in late August.

The county’s construction crew recently built an awning at the 280 County Services Building where Shelby County buses pick up students in the recently rezoned areas of The Narrows, Dun navant Valley and Highlands Lakes to transport to Oak Mountain schools.

Commission chairman Kevin Morris said he has received a lot of comments on the new park signage going up at different parks throughout the county.

“They’re a lot more visible, a lot more attrac tive and meet the aesthetics of the area.. The small things matter,” Morris said.

Scroggins credited county employees Kendall Williams, Trey Gauntt and David Willingham for their work on the signs. The next two signs will be placed at Double Oak Park and Beeswax Park. The signs are themed to the different parks.

“Our tourism group is doing a phenomenal job nailing down some of these things we are always on the edge we’re trying to get, we’re actually getting them,” Scroggins said. “They are doing a lot of good things behind the scenes.”

Newly appointed County Engineer David

Willingham gave his first report to the commis sion and stated Christie Hester was promoted to Manager of Development Services and that the transition to his new position has been a smooth one.

The commission approved an update of the Shelby County Emergency Operations Plan, as FEMA guidance changed in Sept. 2021, which was a complete revamp.

“We put it before our local emergency pre paredness committee, voted on it and got it approved and now it’s official,” said Shelby County EMA Director Michael Asdale.

Also during the meeting, the commission approved:

► A bid on pressure sealed forms to Forms Plus Services

► A bid for access control hardware to Accredited Lock Supply Co., Convergint, Crosby Communication, LLC and Basesix Systems

► A bid for facilities dumpsters collection to Republic Services

► A bid for a commercial van to Stokes Automotive

► A bid for an IP camera to Convergent Technologies

► A transfer of retail beer and table wine license for Chuck E. Cheese on U.S. 280

New trash service in effect Oct. 1

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

Residents in unincorporated Shelby County, along with several other municipal ities, will have a new trash service provider beginning Oct. 1.

After Republic Services chose not to renew their contract with the Shelby County Com mission earlier this year, the contract was put out for bid.

“The first bid result that we had [was] one bid and the basic package at $35.99 per month (up from $12.89 per month), which is very expensive compared to what it currently is,” said Environmental Services Manager Brandon Hamilton. “We put it back for bid again and the results came in lower. Waste Management was the lowest bidder. It would have tripled if we went with the initial bid.”

The new bid was awarded in July to Waste

Management at a cost of $20.69 per month. Curbside recycling will not be provided, as the cost of recycling has increased substan tially. The county will place two recycling bins at Heardmont Park, primarily for card board and paper products. The commission will pay around $160,000 per year for those bins to be emptied.

Residents will continue to use their current collection carts, but recycle carts will be collected. Additional carts can be purchased for $10.35 per month. In the event that the pickup days change, residents will be notified. Carts should be out for pickup at 6 a.m. on collection day.

Those using autopay will need to contact Waste Management to set up an account at 800-333-7724 or wm.com.

Trash service for the city of Chelsea will remain the same.

County Engineer David Willingham gave his first report to the commission since taking over the position after Randy Cole’s retirement. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.

Leadership Shelby County introduces class of 2023

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

The 32 participants in this year’s Leadership Shelby County class were introduced during an alumni breakfast event Aug. 23.

Chad Scroggins, who serves on the board of directors, addressed the crowd and said these people are already leaders in their communi ties, and they will be connected with entities and groups that serve others in Shelby County.

“We’re not here to develop you as leaders, we’re here to expose you to opportunities and those opportunities to serve others,” Scroggins said.

He said the program, which began in 1994, is only getting better. Participants complete reviews and provide comments after each class in order for the board to continue to make the program better.

The participants in this year’s class work in government, education, service agencies, bank ing, manufacturing, utilities, healthcare, legal and religion.

Scroggins said the class is very diverse and everyone in it is unique and has a set of talents.

He also shared the importance of service to others.

“If there’s a way you can serve someone else, that's where you’ll make the most impact,” Scroggins said.

Shelby County Probate Judge Allison Boyd introduced the members of this year's class:

► Ainsley Allison, City of Pelham

► Brandon Hamilton, Shelby County Com mission Manager

► Brian Puckett, Mayor of Helena

► Brian Wilson, Ebsco Industries

► Chance Hallmark, AmFirst

► Christy Byars, Brookwood Baptist Health

► Christy Ellis Brasher, Ellis Properties, Inc.

► CJ Guercio, BP Payroll Owner

► Derrick Morrissette, Mind of Christ Church

► Dominga Gardner, Jefferson County Commission

► Fred Hawkins, City of Alabaster

► Greg Samuels, University of Montevallo

► Ian Cooley, Spire

► Jackie Montgomery, Shelby County Commission

► Jacob Tidmore, Shelby County Tax Commission

► Jamia Williams, Alabaster City Schools Board Member

► Jay Dennis, First Bank Shelby County

► Kim Kiel, Principal, Pelham High School

► Leah Bigbee, Jefferson State Community College

► Leonard Smith, Southern Company Services

► Mathew Epps, Helena Middle School Principal

► Melissa Youngblood, Shelby County Schools

► Michael Hensley, Shelby County Public Defender

► Mike Evers, SEPCO

► Mimi Penhale, Shelby County Legislative Delegation

► Mindy Dent, The Atomic Agency Partner

► Mitt Schroeder, Central State Bank

► Paul Gilliam, Sain Associates, Inc.

► Phillip Hunter, ALFA/Hunter Trees District

► Ricky Ruston, City of Columbiana

► Shannon Buse, Rux Carter Insurance

Agency

► Stephanie Petelos, Boardman, Carr, Pete los, Watkins, Ogle, PC

Leadership Shelby County selects around 30 participants for each year’s class. The pro gram begins with a two-day event in September, where participants learn the dynamics of team building and team bonding.

Over the next eight months, they will partic ipate in full-day sessions that focus on different aspects of the county. These include govern ment, healthcare, education, justice, economic development and tourism before graduation is held in May.

Nominations are always open for people who have demonstrated leadership ability in their field, have exhibited interest and commitment to the future of Shelby County, and have the potential for exercising substantial leadership in the future.

Applicants must live or work in Shelby County to be eligible to participate in the program.

For more information, visit leadership shelbycounty.com.

The Leadership Shelby County class of 2023 was recognized at the Leadership Shelby alumni luncheon at Jefferson State University on Aug. 23.

Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.

Sixth class of Leadership Hoover gets busy

By JON ANDERSON

The sixth class of Leadership Hoover plans to get started in October learning more in-depth about the city, after a welcome break fast in August and team-building retreat in September.

The new class includes 34 people from a variety of fields and industries, including edu cation, government, law, hospitality, health care, religion, advertising, financial services, real estate, nonprofits and utilities.

The goal of Leadership Hoover is to gather together a group of leaders and emerging leaders who are interested in expanding their leadership skills, deepening their sense of civic responsibility, becoming more involved in helping the community and learning about Hoover’s issues and needs.

The group typically meets once a month to explore different facets of life in Hoover. The effort began with a meet-and-greet breakfast in August at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham — The Wynfrey Hotel and a team-building retreat in September at the McDowell Conference and Retreat Center in Winston County.

In October, the class plans to focus on public safety, likely hearing from leaders in Hoover’s police, fire and emergency communications departments and touring facilities such as a Hoover fire station, the Hoover jail, the Police Department’s new Frank and Pam Barefield Training Center and the National Computer Forensics Institute.

In November, the focus will be on education (K-12 and postsecondary), and in December, the group will hear from city, county and state government leaders.

In January, the class will examine economic development, and then in February, the focus will turn to Hoover’s diversity with a “one community day.”

The class in March will examine small busi nesses and entrepreneurs and in April will ana lyze various things that add to Hoover’s quality of life, such as park facilities and the Hoover

Public Library.

The nine-month effort concludes in May with a graduation ceremony and presentation of projects the various groups have undertaken. Each group typically by December must iden tify and have approved a project they want to tackle to help improve life in the city.

The fifth Leadership Hoover class took on projects dealing with fighting fraud, revital izing a city park, supporting the Riverchase Career Connection Center, keeping residents informed of happenings and building a data base of amenities in the city.

Leadership Hoover’s executive director from last year, Lori Leonard, left in the spring to take a job as director of marketing for the Hunts ville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Jennifer Whisenant, executive director for the Birmingham Automobile Dealers Asso ciation and a member of the Leadership Hoover board of directors, is serving as interim execu tive director for the Hoover group.

The 34 members of the sixth class of

Does your child or teen suffer from moderate or severe migraine?

Now enrolling: a clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a dissolving tablet called rimegepant in children and teens

6 to 17 years old with moderate or severe migraine.

Rimegepant is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the acute treatment of migraine in adults.

To be eligible for this study, participants must:

• Be 6 to 17 years old

• Have a history of migraine for 6 months or longer

• Have a history of 1 to 8 moderate or severe migraine attacks (lasting more than 3 hours without treatment) per month during the past 2 months

• Be able to understand the assent form and have parent(s)/caregiver(s) who can give informed consent

This is not a complete list of study requirements. The study doctor will review all requirements with you and your child or teen.

To learn more about this study, contact:

(205)757-8212

Leadership Hoover are:

► Keneisha Alford, The Achievement Network

► Amanda Borden, Hoover Public Library

► Zebbie Carney, Eugene’s Hot Chicken

► Charles Decroes, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

► Mike Dozier, Alabama Power Co.

► Shane Eaker, Encompass Health

► Felicia Fortune, Your Kid’s Urgent Care Alabama

► Jason Franklin, City of Hoover

► Damian Gilbert, Regions Bank

► Layla Hamilton, Eisai

► Nathan Harris, Abogados Centro Legal

► Monique Houser, Cahaba Safeguard Administrators

► Tammie Howard, Burton Advertising

► Guy Hunt, Noble Bank & Trust

► Larry Ingram, LaBella Associates

► Amanda Knerr, Hope for Autumn Foundation

► Ty Moody, Einstein’s Playground

► Phillip Moultrie, Valent Group

► Kelly Peoples, City of Hoover

► Irina Pritchett, Regions

► Philip Richards, Alabama Medicare Advi sory Group

► James Robinson, Spire

► Christian Ronalds, Birmingham First Sev enth-Day Adventist Church

► Jeanie Shea, Jeanie Shea LLC

► Billy Silver, U.S. Steel Corp.

► Vino Sivam, Regions Bank

► Greg Triola, Books-A-Million/Preferred Growth Properties

► Alice Turney, Riverchase Elementary School

► Chris Washington, Division 12 Consulting

► Raquel Morgan Williams, Alabama Power Co.

► Tensia Arrington Williams, Blue Cross and Blue Shield

► Uriah Williams, Morgan Stanley

► Liz Williford, Southern Nuclear

► Jennifer Wilson, Regions Private Wealth

Members of the sixth class of Leadership Hoover pose for a photo at a meetand-greet breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham

— The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover on Aug. 25. Nineteen of the 34 members of the new class were present. Photo by Jon Anderson.

Chamber

Superintendents discuss ‘state of the schools’

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

The four superintendents in school systems throughout Shelby County gave updates on their districts during a luncheon on Aug. 31 at the Pelham Civic Complex.

The Shelby Chamber partners with all the schools throughout Shelby County to make sure the students are prepared for the future work force needs of businesses. Programs include Keeping it Real (12th grade), Communication Matters (11th grade), the Student and Educa tor of the Year program each spring, a part nership with the Ready to Work Group and 58 INC. with apprenticeship programs and career tech programs.

Lewis Brooks (Shelby County Schools), Amanda Wilbanks (chief academic officer for Alabaster City Schools, representing Wayne Vickers), Dee Fowler (Hoover City Schools) and Chuck Ledbetter (Pelham City Schools) were in attendance to represent their respective school districts.

Each superintendent began by giving an update on new initiatives within their school systems and then answered questions from the chamber’s career readiness work group.

Brooks shared that Shelby County Schools are ranked in the top third of schools in the state, and last year Shelby County was one of only two districts in the state recognized as a Science of Reading Spotlight school district and Mt Laurel Elementary was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. Shelby County Schools had over 1,500 graduates last year who earned over $45 million in scholarships.

Regarding how the school district meets the mental health needs of students, Brooks shared that Shelby Cares is in its fifth year. The program contracts with mental health therapists through out the county to meet the needs of students.

“No student is involved unless their parents are aware of that. A lot of therapists working with us are former counselors in our district that are now working independently,” Brooks said. It's important to us to make sure we have a vehicle or avenue to make sure we have [those services].”

Regarding preparing students for post-edu cational experience, Brooks said that Shelby County Schools has increased dual-enrollment opportunities in partnership with Jefferson State Community College and is working to increase their career tech programs.

“I want the CTEC program to continue to

grow and we are working on other programs to make sure businesses have the opportunities to hire our students,” Brooks said.

Brooks said he had worked for three of the school systems represented at the luncheon, as an administrator in Pelham City Schools and Alabaster City Schools in addition to his role with Shelby County. He said he knows the qual ity of teachers, leaders, students and parents in those communities.

Fowler of Hoover City Schools shared that Spain Park and Hoover High have 96% grad uation rates, 90% of students are accepted by a college or university and 60% have scholarships

with an average of over $38,000.

When responding to a question about teacher shortage and pay/benefits, Fowler said they pay their teachers above state levels, which allows them to attract teachers to their district.

“We’ve been blessed with additional local funds that allow us to have extra teachers in our district,” Fowler said. “We offer additional staff development and were named the fourth-best place in the state.”

Fowler added that Hoover was ranked by Niche as number four in the state as the safest schools and number five as the best school district.

Lewis Brooks (Shelby County Schools), Amanda Wilbanks (Alabaster City Schools — representing Wayne Vickers), Dee Fowler (Hoover City Schools) and Chuck Ledbetter (Pelham City Schools) review questions during the Aug. 31 chamber luncheon, where each spoke on the state of their schools.

Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.

Business Happenings

NOW OPEN

The Element Wellness Center has opened in the Tattersall Park development at 6600 Tattersall Lane, Unit B. The center’s philosophy is to provide wellness by nurturing the body and leveraging strategic, controlled stressors inspired by nature. 205-326-7333, elementwellness.me

Bamawear/Tigerwear is now open in the Chelsea Med Plaza near Walmart. Bamawear has two other locations located in Pell City and Childersburg, but the Chelsea location has both Alabama and Auburn gear. 205-338-1625, bamawear.com

COMING SOON

SanPeggios Pizza has announced three forthcoming locations in Homewood, Five Points South and on U.S. 280. SanPeggios currently has three locations in the Birmingham area in Chelsea, Trussville and on Valley dale Road in Hoover. sanpeggiopizza.com

mer Zaxby’s location at 4629 U.S. 280 in Birmingham. guthrieschicken.com

Precision Tactical Arms, which specializes in weapons manufacturing, will soon open their third brick-andmortar location at 105 Inverness Corners. 205-703-8212, ptarms.com

The firearms dealer Redland Rifle Company, located at 4755 U.S. 280, plans to open on Oct. 10. 205-797-1911, redlandrifle.com

The lifestyle fitness facility Burn Boot Camp is coming to Meadow Brook with a new location at 1801 Doug Baker Blvd. The company began franchising in 2015 and now has 400 awarded franchise locations in 38 states. burnbootcamp.com/locations/meadowbrook-al

RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS

to Domino’s and across from the Sherwin Williams paint store. 659-287-0018, tacobell.com

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

N.A.I. Chase Commercial RE was awarded the lease assignment for Inverness Center North 40, 42 and 44 Inverness Center Parkway. 253-961-4660, chasecommercial.com

Construction is underway for a new Sonic drive-in restaurant on Meadowview Drive, just off U.S. 280 be tween Inverness and Meadow Brook. sonic.com

Ashley McMakin, founder and chief executive officer of Ashley Mac’s, a fast casual café, catering and gour met-to-go business with five Birmingham locations, is Alabama’s Gold Retailer of the Year in the Annual Sales $5 Million to $20 Million category. Ashley Mac’s is one of 11 businesses being honored as the 2022 Retailers of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association. ashleymacs.com

ANNIVERSARIES

The Brook Highland location of Beef O’Brady’s at 5279 U.S. 280 celebrated its one-year anniversary in Septem ber. 205-637-6661, beefobradys.com

The chicken restaurant Guthrie’s is opening in the for

Taco Bell has completed its relocation from 5192 Cald well Mill Road in the Valleydale Village shopping center to a stand-alone location at 4525 Valleydale Road next

PT practice proves to be ‘uncommon’

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

Nate Bower moved to Birmingham to pursue his dream.

Bower grew up in Minnesota, the son of a Mayo clinic surgeon. While he entertained the idea of becoming a physician, his love for sports and athletics led him to choose the path of phys ical therapy.

“I grew up playing a number of sports even into college, and I wanted to stay close to that,” Bower said. “Physical therapy was the best option for me.”

Bower attended physical therapy school in St. Louis, and after completing his sports physical therapy residency in Wisconsin, he decided to put himself with “the best of the best in sports medicine.” He and his wife moved to Birming ham where he accepted a job at Champion Sports Medicine.

“My wife found a position at UAB and I found a great job at Champion and it worked out,” Bower said.

During his time there, Bower worked his way up from staff member to management, followed by a leadership role. He said he always knew in the back of his mind that his goal was to start his own practice.

He decided to take the leap, leaving his posi tion on good terms, and opened Uncommon Physical Therapy in May 2022 in Greystone.

The mission of his business was to put others' needs above his own.

He chose the name Uncommon for his prac tice from a Herb Brooks quote in the movie, “Miracle.”

“He [Brooks] had a quote in the movie that said, ‘You can't be common; the common man goes nowhere; you have to be uncommon.’ I was also reading this book by Tony Dungy called

‘Uncommon.’ I woke my wife up at 2 a.m. and told her I had the name for the business,” he said.

Bower said the name speaks to what their story is: coming to Birmingham and inten tionally trying to create this uncommon feel about healthcare.

“Sometimes you feel like a number or aren’t getting individual attention,” he said. “That’s why we went to this model of one-on-one. I feel the care provided is just more personal. It develops relationships that are more meaningful and I think the outcomes are better.”

Bower decided his practice would be an

out-of-network health care provider, so customers pay out of pocket but can file with their insurance if it provides out-of-network benefits. He believes the traditional insurance model inhibits his ability to properly examine, diagnose and provide inter vention in the way he feels is best for his patients.

“The whole idea is just to get away from the tra ditional model,” he said. “I think people deserve something better. There are only a few practices similar to this in Birmingham, but around the country the cash-pay model is flourishing. I think it improves the accessibility to health care and makes it easier on the patient when they have

Uncommon Physical Therapy

► 7350 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 104 (Greystone)

► 507-358-9993

► Uncommonpt.com

► Appointments are available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

someone they trust and confide in.”

Bower is the sole practitioner at Uncommon Physical Therapy and said his business is differ ent because his patients don’t have to have an injury to receive physical therapy services.

He works with youth clients, including athletes in soccer, baseball and golf, to help prevent inju ries from occurring.

His other services are tailored to specific pop ulations, including a program for golfers. Bower recently completed the Titleist Performance Insti tute and is now certified as a medical provider under the company. The clinic has a golf simula tor where Bower can view the client’s swing and break down biomechanics that can help improve their mobility and power, or work to put less strain to prevent injuries.

Other programs are for running, strength and conditioning and recovery.

Faith, family and friends are what matter most to him, Bower said.

“The Birmingham community has become our family,” he said. “The people here have been incredible to us since we stepped into Alabama and this is our way of giving back to others.”

Overture Tributary | 55+ Active Adult Living Offering Countless Activity Programs at Overture Tributary

Overture Tributary’s celebrated reputation in Birmingham is owed to more than just its first-rate, premium apartment and cottage style homes.

The active adult community’s lifestyle innovation and wellbeing emphasis are perhaps its most significant differentiators. They encompass detailed measures to keep every resident feeling energetic, engaged, fulfilled, and connected with their neighbors. It’s a community whose idea of creating a satisfactory experience does not end with the home finishes and technological conveniences (though those are essential, as well), but continues to include individual wellness in a wide sense of the concept.

Through detailed planning and professional oversight, led by a full-time Lifestyle Coordinator, residents can depend on routine exercise classes and activities to maintain or

further develop their fitness/ health. The community’s extraordinary fitness center is comprehensively outfitted for both individual training and enjoyable group sessions in the adjoining yoga studio. Organized gatherings might also include chess and billiards contests to keep the strategic wheels spinning.

Overture Tributary exists to help residents develop strong community ties with one another. The idea is that your family lives nearby for regular visits, while your neighbors are right next door and ready to join you on the next fitness outing, game night, language course, spa day, or evening trip to a local restaurant. Choose how to spend each day, organize new activities of your own, have the family over for a meal, and treat every day as a chance to reach every wellness goal on your terms.

Nate Bower, owner and physical therapist of Uncommon Physical Therapy, works with Kevin Garcia, a student athlete at Pelham High School during an appointment Sept. 13. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Hoover mom opens Nursing Queen storefront to serve breastfeeding needs

By AMANDA CHERRY

When Quinn Reitz had her first child, she found herself disappointed with the breastfeed ing clothes on the market at the time.

So the Hoover mom decided to start her own business called Nursing Queen in 2017. She began operating out of her Green Valley home as an online retailer, but last year she opened a storefront and warehouse in Pelham.

Most of her business remains online, but Reitz says she loves meeting the customers and babies when they come by the store.

After her first child was born, she was look ing for loose and flowy shirts with more discreet nursing openings. What she found at the time were clingy clothes with obvious nursing flaps.

Although she had been a TV news reporter and had no experience in fashion design, she began to look into designing her own breastfeed ing clothes. She sought resources online about how to start a clothing line and searched high and low for possible clothing factories.

One factory told her she needed to go back to the basics: understanding fabric. She started by visiting a fabric expo in Miami, and now she can see a shirt in any store and identify its exact blend of fabric, she said.

Once she got a feel for the fabric, she started Nursing Queen with a hoodie and a tank top. Now she works with overseas manufacturers to produce a variety of styles, and she tests the styles and fabrics herself.

Reitz opened Nursing Queen’s brick-and-mor tar location in June 2021 because the business was taking over her house. When she had filled the garage, the basement, and the guest room and had added a storage shed to the backyard, she realized she was at max capacity. Now, instead of her team packaging items on the washer and dryer, they have several work tables and shelves in their warehouse.

Nursing Queen’s work hours are convenient for their staff of mainly mothers because they all come in after school dropoff and leave at the same time to pick up their children from school.

When designing the clothes, Reitz takes inspi ration from mainstream clothing. She’ll be wear ing something and think, “How can I make this breastfeeding-friendly?”

She hides zippers behind ruffles and in the seams of tiered dresses and color-blocked tops. Styles are trendy and bright but also comfortable and wearable. Nursing Queen’s clothes are also designed to be more discreet. While breastfeed ing, the top of the breast and the stomach remain covered, and often no one can tell the person is nursing.

Nursing Queen’s clothing allows breastfeed ers to avoid wearing a nursing tank top under a normal shirt, a practice that can be hot during

Alabama summers. When it’s cold outside, the company’s sweatshirts allow users to remain covered instead of having to pull up a regular sweatshirt and uncover their stomachs.

Those who breastfeed their babies while in a baby carrier also find the nursing clothes help ful so they don’t have to juggle multiple layers of clothing while wearing the carrier, she said. Styles with a zipper all the way across are pop ular among pumping moms because the shirts allow them to pump both sides at once.

As a bonus, many customers report the clothes are stylish and discreet enough to continue wear ing after they’re done breastfeeding, Reitz said. They just pop the zipper pull inside the shirt

where it cannot be seen.

Reitz has many more ideas for her business and said she will continue to expand her offer ings. For example, she would love to create formal wear for nursing parents and beautiful dresses for attending children’s baptisms.

Reitz affirms that moms can decide with their babies how best to feed them, but “we’re here to support breastfeeding moms, pumping moms and exclusively pumping moms if you choose that.”

For more information, visit nursingqueen.com or find someone at the store weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 206 Oak Mountain Circle in Pelham.

Quinn Reitz, owner of the Nursing Queen, shows a modification she designed on a shirt that provides easy access for breastfeeding at the Nursing Queen warehouse.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Ashley Mac’s recognized as a Retailer of the Year by Alabama Retail Association

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

Ashley Mac’s is one of 11 businesses being honored as the 2022 Retailers of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association.

Ashley McMakin, founder and chief executive officer of Ashley Mac’s, a fast casual café, catering and gourmet-to-go business is Alabama’s Gold Retailer of the Year in the annual sales $5 million to $20 million category.

McMakin started catering home-style food like her mother and grandmother cooked out of the Homewood condominium where she and her husband lived as newly weds. In 2007, Ashley Mac’s catering and to-go opened in Bluff Park. Today, Ashley Mac’s has five locations in the Birmingham metro area, including one on the U.S. 280 corridor on Valleydale Rd., and others in Cahaba Heights, Homewood, Hoover and downtown Birmingham. Ashley Mac’s cor porate headquarters is in Vestavia Hills.

“I had no idea what God had in store for us when I started a little catering business back in 2005,” McMakin said. “I’m thank ful He called us to serve in this industry and for all the people He has provided to make Ashley Mac’s what it is today.”

The Retailer of the Year judges com mended McMakin for opening a new café during the pandemic and capitalizing on the take-home trend. “Ashley Mac’s has a well-known carry home business. Begin ning with the pandemic, this business line exploded,” McMakin noted in her entry.

The Alabama Retailer of the Year awards began in 1999, and honors retailers who have demonstrated growth, innovation and a commitment to their respective commu nities. This year’s winners were selected from 42 entries submitted from a pool of 55 nominees.

McMackin is set to release some of her recipes in a cookbook that will be published in spring of 2023.

Community

Have a community announcement? Email Leah Ingram Eagle at leagle@starnesmedia.com to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue.

Indian Springs Kiwanis to hold Halloween Festival on Oct. 23

The Indian Springs Kiwanis Club will hold a community “Halloween Fest” on Sunday, Oct. 23 at Oak Mountain Middle School from 5 to 8 p.m. This event will raise funds for the Oak Mountain High and Oak Mountain Middle School robotics programs.

The event will feature games, an indoor trunk or treat, a Halloween costume contest, a spaghetti dinner, prizes, and more!.

“The Indian Springs Kiwanis Club is proud to host this fun event for our community,” said Kiwanis Club President David Bobo. “It will provide an addi tional opportunity for both young and old to show-off their Halloween costumes a week early, and it will benefit the incredible robotics pro grams at the Oak Mountain middle and high schools.”

The club is seeking $1,000, $500, and $250 sponsors for the event. Sponsors will receive special recognition during the event and rec ognition on the club’s social media.

“The Indian Springs Kiwanis Club selected the robotics programs because they provide wonderful opportunities for students to learn science, technology, engineering, math, and real-world problem-solving skills while

competing with students around the world,” said Bobo. “The programs have competed at five WORLDS competitions, won three state championships, won 10 tournament champi onships, won six robot skills championships, and more.”

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6 and under. To purchase tickets or make a donation, go to isvkiwanis.org/spaghetti22. For more information, call 205-613-4114.

– Submitted by David Bobo.

The salad trio meal at Ashley Mac’s at City Hall Plaza in downtown Homewood. Ashley Mac’s won the Gold Retailer of the Year award. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Indian Springs Kiwanis Club President David Bobo poses with members of the Oak Mountain Robotics team. Photo courtesy of David Bobo.

A ride to remember Birmingham author pens new book

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

Author Sean Dietrich and his wife, Jamie, finally followed through with a plan they came up with early in their marriage.

And being the writer he is, Dietrich decided to write about it.

“You Are My Sunshine: A Story of Love, Promises, and a Really Long Bike Ride” will be released on Oct. 11.

The couple had only been married a few years when Jamie had a health scare in 2006. She made Dietrich promise that they would go on a big adventure together one day, and they did, 14 years later.

Dietrich said that life happened and they forgot about the promise — or at least he did. It wasn’t until a fitness magazine mistakenly arrived in the couple’s mailbox that the idea for their bike ride on The Great Allegheny Passage and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath trail was born. Dietrich said that magazine article was the catalyst that reminded Jamie about their plan from years before.

To get ready for their bike journey, the couple practiced riding, which Dietrich said added a new element to their relationship. He admit ted he’s not coordinated with bikes, so Jamie purchased a used three-wheel trike that he rode the entire trip, even though the terrain definitely wasn’t made for a trike, he said.

The trip took place during the pandemic. Since Dietrich had to cancel all his perfor mances and bookings, it opened up the couple’s schedule to take the trip.

The book takes readers through their 250-plus-mile trail ride across four states and also shares insights on the couple’s relationship.

“This is the first [book] I've done about me

and Jamie,” Dietrich said. “I wrote this for her.

I wanted something that showed our relation ship dynamic. I feel like it's unique. We don't have kids. She's the boss and I'm the follower. She's the person who plans out every day of her life for the next six years.”

Dietrich said he didn’t go into this planning to write a book. Several of his columns he wrote during the trip were published in local newspa pers in the areas where they were riding, and he then became aware that people were interested in what they were doing.

It was about halfway through the ride that he thought it may be a good story. He began by writing about the trek in his notebook, and by the end, it was full and eventually turned into a 50,000-word book.

After completing the manuscript, Dietrich took a train to Pittsburgh, then rented a car to follow the trail again to do some fact checking. He said he couldn’t believe they had completed it, adding that they must have finished slower than everyone else who has ridden the same path.

“About one million people do that trail each year,” Dietrich said. “When you're out there, you realize how cool it is that people put their lives on hold to come out and do this. It's liberating.

I won’t do it again, though.”

Dietrich said he has lost several friends during the past few years, and he became acutely aware that life is short. This trip was a moment in time where he and Jamie were healthy enough and young enough to do it, and even though they may never get the chance to do anything this remarkable again, he will always remember it.

Dietrich has a dozen more events scheduled for this year, several of which are near 280 Liv ing’s coverage area. For more information on the events and the new book, visit seanofthe south.com.

Sean Dietrich’s column appears each month in 280 Living. Read his latest column on page A22.

The cover art for Sean Dietrich’s new book, “You Are My Sunshine: A Story of Love, Promises, and a Really Long Bike Ride.” Art courtesy of Sean Dietrich.

Chelsea family helping to ‘bridge’ gaps

By SARAH GILLILAND

When Chelsea resident Anna Endico attended a meeting in November of 2021, an organization called Neighborhood Bridges was brought to her attention.

The chance to bring this community out reach organization to Chelsea was something she felt passionately about. She immediately went home and shared what she’d learned with her husband.

“I went home and told Jerry all about it and we prayed and felt led to step up and take on this opportunity,” Endico said.

Neighborhood Bridges is a 501(c)3 charita ble organization that was launched in January 2017 to respond to the growing rate of poverty in suburban and rural America. Their mission is to “bridge communities with schools in pro viding basic needs, removing barriers, and seek ing equity for students so they can engage and succeed in school and life." To date, there are 21 communities in the state of Alabama being served by Neighborhood Bridges.

Those in leadership positions in Chelsea schools were familiar with the success of Neigh borhood Bridges in other local communities such as Hoover, Alabaster and Trussville. After reaching out to the organization about starting a chapter in the Chelsea community, Neighbor hood Bridges launched in the spring of 2022.

The Endicos volunteer as the area directors for the Chelsea branch.

“We approve needs posted, promote through our social media channels and make sure dona tions are delivered back to the advocates who posted the need,” Endico said.

Community response has been

overwhelmingly positive since its launch, Endico shared.

“Having launched Neighborhood Bridges Chelsea with less than one month remaining

in the 2021-22 school year, we were able to quickly mobilize and get six needs filled impact ing 45 students in our first 30 days.”

Not only is the community benefiting from

the organization, Endico said that her family is being uplifted as well.

“It was life changing for us as well,” she said.

Needs posted on the community website are varied and are updated regularly. Typical needs posted include school supplies, snacks, clothing and monetary donations.

“We partner with local school counselors, social workers and administrators to give them the tools to post needs on behalf of their stu dents (all without identifying who is being served) and then we engage our community via email subscription and social media to fill those needs,” Endico said.

Community needs are posted on Neighbor hood Bridges social media accounts for the local groups on Facebook and Instagram and the organization also sends emails through their website when needs are posted.

For those interested in starting a Neighbor hood Bridges in their community there is a three-step launch process:

► Gather a committee of eight to 10 leaders in the community for a meeting. This commit tee can be any combination of school leaders, chamber members, church leaders, city leaders, or other important local figures.

► Decide on a person or persons who can serve as volunteer area directors.

► Identify advocates in the community. Neighborhood Bridges will train these advo cates via a Zoom session to learn how to iden tify and share needs in the community.

For more information about Neighborhood Bridges, visit neighborhoodbridges.org. Spe cific community information can be found on the website by searching the “Communi ties” tab.

Neighborhood Bridges founder and CEO Rick Bannister and area directors for Chelsea Neighborhood Bridges chapter, Anna Endico and her husband Jerry Endico. Photo courtesy of Anna Endico.

SCBOE members complete board training

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

The five members of the Shelby County Board of Education were recognized by Superintendent Lewis Brooks on Aug. 25 for completing the required training hours of the Alabama Associ ation of School Boards governance act for the 2021-22 school year.

Jimmy Bice, David Bobo, Jane Hampton, Peg Hill and Aubrey Miller received certificates for meeting their required training hours. Brooks presented each member with a certificate and thanked them for their work and diligence serv ing on the board.

Brooks also announced that Dr. Reisa Brooks will be serving next year as the president of the Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA), on the council of leaders in Alabama schools board of directors for 2022-23.

On Aug. 25, Superintendent Brooks went to Calera High School to give Journey Shaper Awards to the volleyball team for showing

sportsmanship, kindness and character during their match against Sylacauga’s volleyball team after they presented Sylacauga’s players with a poster and flowers and held a moment of silence at the onset of the game to honor former Syla cauga player, Brighton Clary, passed away over the summer after an ATV accident. They were the first students to ever receive the Journey Shaper recognition.

Deputy Superintendent Lynn Carroll shared that the schools are using the Open Court reading program to assist students in meeting the require ments based on the Alabama Literacy Act. The program has a band for foundational skills, a band for reading and responding and a band for English Language Arts for K-5th grades.

“We are trying to do everything we can to boost academy achievement in early grades,” Carroll said. “We really want teachers to focus on using this board-approved curriculum. We’re excited about the very intentional plan this pro gram has to offer for our literacy instruction and feel it will be a good foundation for our students.”

Shelby County Schools

CFO John Gwin looks over budget numbers at the Sept. 15 Shelby County Board of Education meeting at SCISC in Alabaster.

Photo by Leah ingram Eagle.

SCBOE hears budget information, approves student services director

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

The Shelby County Board of Education had its first public hearing of FY2023 budget during the Sept. 15 meeting.

CFO John Gwin made the presentation and shared the projected expenditures and revenues for FY23. A second hearing will be held at the next meeting where it will be voted on by the board.

General fund revenues were projected at $223,263,030, while the expenditures were projected at $217,166,954.59. Capital proj ects and fund expenditures were projected at $41,575,000.

Marisa Pinchin-Polk was approved as the student services supervisor for Shelby County Schools. Pinchin-Polk has over 14 years of experience in public education and is currently the principal at New Direction.

The board also approved the following items:

► Out-of-state field trips for the govern ment/civics class at Oak Mountain Middle

School for a trip to Washington, D.C., and Williamsburg, Virginia; for the Oak Mountain High School marching band to perform in the National Cherry Blossom Parade in Wash ington D.C., and for the Helena High School marching band to perform in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York.

► ATBE General liability/errors and omis sions fund participation

► Renewal of the auto insurance party for the bus fleet

► A CNP bid for milk to Regional Produce

► Personnel actions

► Bus subs and aides

► A TEAMS contract for teachers meeting all criteria

► An amendment to substitute staffing services that increases the pay for substitute teachers

► The five-year capital plan

► Bid for a change order for emergency repairs at Oak Mountain Middle School

► Bid for new canopies for Oak Mountain Middle School and Shelby County High School

Superintendent Lewis Brooks, far left, presented board members Jimmy Bice, Jane Hampton, Aubrey Miller, Peg Hill and David Bobo with certificates for meeting their required training hours at the Aug. 25 meeting. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.

Events

Fall fun at Old Baker Farm

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

Just a few miles down U.S. 280 past Chelsea, The Old Baker Farm has welcomed guests for years.

Each year, owners Jerry and Pam Baker host a variety of events, one of the most notable being the you-pick pumpkin patch.

Through Oct. 31, the pumpkin patch is open weekdays from 3 to 5 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m.

Activities include a corn maze, train ride, hay ground and hayride. The farm is also home to a variety of animals including a petting farm for children to see them up close.

In addition to pumpkins, sunflowers can be purchased for $1 per stalk and cotton bolls are four for a dollar.

All guests must purchase a pumpkin to enter, except for children age one and under.

Admission is $11 with a dollar discount for paying cash.

Also taking place during the month of

Old Baker Farm

• WHERE: 184 Furrow Lane, Harpersville

• WHEN: Open through Oct. 31, weekdays 3-5 p.m.; Saturdays

9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m.

• COST: $11; $1 discount for paying cash

October is Cowboy Days, which are set for Oct. 8 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Oct. 9 (1 to 5 p.m. )

The farm is open for guests on Columbus Day which falls on Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Festival Weekend will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 22-23.

The Old Baker Farm is located at 184 Furrow Lane, Harpersville. For more information, visit oldbakerfarm.com.

Hoover’s fall festival moves to weekend and daytime

By JON ANDERSON

The city of Hoover’s annual fall event at Vet erans Park is making some changes this year.

Say goodbye to the Hoover Hayride and Family Night, and say hello to Hay Hoover, a similar event that is being moved to a day time weekend date.

Typically, the fall event has been held on a Thursday or Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m., but this year it will be on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The city’s new events coordinator, Brittany Callaway, said Thursday nights presented a challenge because it was a school night. Par ents had to rush home from work to get kids dressed up in costumes and to the park, and then wind up the night in time for kids to get enough sleep before school the next day, Callaway said.

Friday nights were a challenge because of conflicts with high school football games, she said. Having the event on a Saturday will avoid both of those problems and allow for the event to be extended from three hours to four hours, Callaway said.

Also, moving to the daytime keeps the city from having to worry about lighting issues, she said. It’s hard to light up a park that large that doesn’t have significant permanent night lighting, she said.

Hay Hoover

• WHERE: Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road

• WHEN: Oct. 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• COST: Admission is free; food available for purchase

Kids still will be encouraged to dress up in costumes and have a chance to ride on hay rides and receive candy from businesses and organizations organized by the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce. There also will be food trucks, pony rides, a petting zoo, air brush tattoos and soccer activities provided by a group called Soccer Shots.

People load onto a trailer for a hayride at the 2021 Hoover Hayride and Family Night at Veterans Park in Hoover. Photo by Jon Anderson.

Photo by Erin Nelson.

Harvest festival returns to

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

Oak Mountain State Park will host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will feature a variety of local vendors selling handmade clothing, jewelry, woodworking, paintings and more.

There will also be a variety of Food trucks so guests can enjoy food and snacks.

Activities will include hayrides, rock climbing wall, archery lessons, face painting, crafts, pony rides, bounce houses, yard games and music.

There will also be guided hikes to partici pate in, and some of the educational ambas sador birds will be on the terrace to help teach guests about native wildlife.

Admission into Oak Mountain State Park is $5 for ages 12 to 61, $2 for ages 4-11 and 62 and older. Active military, retired military

Harvest Festival

• WHERE: Oak Mountain State Park

• WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• COST: Admission is $5 for ages 12-61, $2 for ages 4-11 and 62 and older; Free admission for active mili tary, retired military and veterans

• WEB: Search “Oak Mountain State Park Harvest Festival” on Facebook

and veterans are free.

Oak Mountain State Park is located at 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham. For more details about the event, search “Oak Mountain State Park Harvest Festival” on Facebook.

Mt Laurel Fall Festival back for 22nd year

By SARAH GILLILAND

The annual Mt Laurel Fall Festival returns this month for the 22nd year.

When the town of Mt Laurel was developed over 20 years, the idea was to provide its residents with a walk able environment and to preserve as many trees in the area as possible.

When the festival first began, it was a small affair, but over the years it has grown into a highly anticipated event that draws locals and visitors from surrounding communities.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, visitors will once again be able to come out and enjoy the festival. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine.

EBSCO Industries has always been a head lining sponsor, and this year ARC Realty is also a main sponsor of the festival. The ARC Realty office in Mt Laurel assists the commu nity with existing sales and new construction.

“ARC has not only a financial investment in Mt Laurel, but a desire to foster commu nity and relationships,” said Tiffany Bittner, an agent with ARC Realty. “ARC sponsors the event in order to continue the legacy of the fall festival. We are all about relationships and believe helping to organize and put on the festival each year helps to promote a strong sense of community.”

The festival is the town’s “unofficial kick off” to the fall season. Visitors can expect to encounter vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. While details of the specific entertainment acts are still being finalized, guests can expect to see singers, instrumental acts, and even a performance by the Mt Laurel Ballet.

Located in the town square of Mt Laurel, visitors will find the event easily accessible and family-friendly.

“The town square is blocked off around the fire station along Manning Place, Haw thorn Street, Mt Laurel Avenue, and Olmsted

Mt Laurel Fall Festival

• WHERE: Mt Laurel town square

• WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• COST: Free; tickets for the Kid Zone

• WEB: Search “Mt Laurel Fall Festi val 2022” on Facebook

Street,” Bittner said. “The event runs down Olmsted toward the community playground with a special “kid zone,” which will include several rides and inflatables.”

While the festival itself is free to attend, vis itors who wish to ride rides in the Kid Zone must purchase tickets to experience those attractions.

There will be over 200 vendors selling items including jewelry, pottery, homemade treats and local farm goods, providing many options to support local businesses while shopping at the festival.

For more information, search “Mt Laurel Fall Festival 2022” on Facebook.

Children participate in horse rides through the Rusted Roof Barn at the 2021 Harvest Festival at Oak Mountain State Park. Photo by Erin Nelson.

A firefighter hands a child a tot finder fire safety sticker at the 2021 Mt Laurel Fall Festival. Photo by Eric Taunton.

Appreciation for unseen good deeds I saw you. It was at an old Piggly Wiggly. The kind with swinging doors and neon let ters that don’t all light up. I watched you open the door for an old woman who used a walking cane.

You couldn’t have been older than 12. You swung the door open, then wheeled an emp ty shopping buggy toward the lady.

You said, “Here you go, ma’am.”

She thanked you. You blushed. It was a fine moment.

I also saw you when you stopped traffic to help that dog. You were driving your FedEx truck, making your route. It was a mutt. Tan and white. A pup with hardly any meat on its bones.

You ran across three lanes of traffic, waving your hands at the cars.

I could read your lips. “Stop! Stop! Please!” you were say ing.

Three lanes of traffic rolled to a halt. Our vehicles formed a stand-still line while you

coaxed a scared animal out of the center lane.

Once, I saw you help a child in the Home Depot find his mother. The boy was lost. He walked beside you.

When you found his moth er, he ran to her. It was a Holly wood-style ending. You stood back several feet to take it all in, smiling.

And, by God, I saw you.

I saw you pay for that woman’s meal in the Mexi can restaurant. The waitress seemed surprised when you suggested it.

She answered, “You wanna do WHAT, sir?”

You whispered, “I wanna pay for that lady’s meal.”

Then, you pointed to a wom an across the restaurant. She wore a Hardee’s uniform. She had three kids. They were loud, rowdy, sipping dangerous amounts of caffeine and car

By Sean Dietrich

bonated sugar. You paid, then stood to leave. You never got to see the wom an’s reaction. But I did. She was shocked. It was all over her face. Before she left, she placed a tip on the ta ble.

Everybody won that day. Even me. It was something to see, sir. Yes, indeed.

Sometimes, I worry that you feel like you’re fighting a los ing battle — whoever you are. You might believe the things you do go unnoticed. And for all I know, maybe you’re right.

After all, the world has its eyes glued to glowing screens. News outlets obsess over ex plosions and blood.

Turn on the TV. Read a paper. Another day; another dogfight between angry old men wear ing Italian suits and lapel pins.

But if you ask me, it’s all a bunch of horse pies. And I mean the whole thing. The

scandals, the mass hysteria, the gore, the infomercials.

But anyway.

You don’t care about those things. And good for you. You’re after bigger fish.

You care about old people, homeless vets, lost boys, ter rified mutts, single parents, drug-addicted infants, prison baptisms, elderly chaplains and animal shelters.

Friday-night art classes for the sexually abused, bat tered women’s shelters and childhood cancer victims. Hard-working women in Hard ee’s uniforms. Old women at supermarkets.

I know you. And I want you to know you’re a lot more im portant than you think. In fact, you’re the only bright thing left in this damned old world.

And I want you to know that I see you.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist and novelist known for his com mentary on life in the American South. He has authored nine books and is the creator of the “Sean of the South” blog and podcast.

Sean

Dietrich

Holy Moly Motherhood By Alana Smith

for pumpkins

You know what I love?

Fancy pumpkins. But you know what I also love?

Having enough money to keep the lights on at my house. So why on God’s green earth did it just cost me $147 to beautify my porch for fall? And, that was just the pump kins! That didn’t count any corn stalks or scare crows or hay or mums or blow-up spiders.

You know that you can’t just buy one orange pumpkin for $4.99 like you could in 2008. Oh no. We need stacks of pumpkins. And pumpkins leaning on pumpkins. And pumpkins rolling down your steps like your front door just coughed them up. And bumpy pumpkins, green pumpkins, and both tiny and ginormous ones. Some of those pumpkins are so big that you couldn’t even roll them to the car — you’d lit erally pee your pants just lifting that bad boy into your trunk. You for sure wouldn’t carve it, because it would take until Thanksgiving to get all of the seeds out. Holy moly. Forget Charlie Brown — these pumpkins are straight up bibbi di-boppidi-boo carriage material. Look out Cinderella, I’m coming for you.

On my porch there are white round pumpkins and white flat pumpkins, and pretty pumpkins named Fairytale which are apparently the most fancy pumpkins of all, coming in at $18.99. One of my

small pumpkin stacks could have bought me a brand new bra. But oh no—I’ll go wearing my one bra and that fancy pumpkin stack will sit there until it melts into goo one day before Halloween.

It’s a real wise invest ment, I tell you. I’m definitely in the wrong profession if a pack of pumpkin seeds is five dollars and it will grow a whole patch of pumpkins that cost twenty dollars a pop. I don’t know what that math is, but you’ll probably make a million dollars being a pumpkin farmer in Alabama.

Nevertheless, I love fall and I love a fancy pumpkin, so the cost is what it is. There’s no eating out this week, kids, just take your PB&J outside and admire the pumpkins! Happy fall and I hope y’all can get both pumpkins and gas in your car this week!

Alana Smith is a nurse anesthetist, writer and boy mom (ages 7 and 2), who lives in north Shelby County with her husband, kids and Boxer, Sam.

When she’s not writing or chasing little humans, she can usually be found in the aisles of Target. She shares her writings at Holy Moly Motherhood (on Face book and Instagram), where she takes on all things motherhood and marriage.

Smith

system’s architect. The Shelby County Board of Education approved the project in early March 2022, and the contractor (Specialty Turf Supply in Helena) was given the green light to begin on May 10.

“The terms were a 120-day contract, which would make Sept. 7 the projected completion date, barring any unforeseen issues that could potentially arise during construction,” Calhoun said.

Construction projects often come with delays. Calhoun said during the grading phase of the project in early summer, when the contractor was taking off the field’s crown (approximately 300 truckloads of dirt), they ran into large rocks that were not anticipated and plans were adjusted to excavate those out of the field.

However, the field was ready by Sept. 2 for the opening home game.

Both Calhoun and Picklesimer said the turf field will make Chelsea comparable to programs at other 7A schools.

First year head football coach Todd Cassity said the staff and players are excited about the new turf field.

“Every day as we would go to practice, the guys were looking to see what they had done differently to the field,” Cassity said. There was a lot of anticipation to get on the field and do something special.”

“We hope that it will continue to get us to the same level as the other 7A teams. It will allow us to be able to get on the field at any point during the season, rain or shine.”

Cassity added that with the new turf designs, the difference between grass and turf is very min imal, but the players seem to enjoy playing on the turf a lot better because it has a consistency to it.” The blue end zones will feature the words “Chel sea” on one end and “Hornets” on the other, along with the Chelsea “C” on the 50-yard line. This field will have markings for a soccer field.

FUNDING THE PROJECT

Since the City of Chelsea initiated the proj ect, they chose to do all the work contained in the base bid, plus some additional work in the

Alternate No. 1 (D-zone) package, which con sisted of additional work/enhancements in the end zone areas where the various field events for the track program are located, Calhoun said.

The four entities involved in the project had different financial levels of responsibility. Pick lesimer said the original estimate for the project was $1.4 million, but the bid came in at $1.7 million, plus 10% for the cost of architect and engineering fees.

The City of Chelsea put in $1 million towards the project, using funds from the one-cent educa tion tax; the Shelby County Commission put in $400,000. The Shelby County Board of Educa tion agreed to pay the architect and engineering fees (around $170,000) and the City of Westover gave $100,000.

ADDITIONAL LOCKER ROOM PROJECT

Separate from the turf field project, on June 10, the City of Chelsea voted to pay $190,000 for a locker room and coaches office renovation.

Cassity said work on the locker room project is already underway, as upgrades to the hallway are taking place and the players have already been shown what the new lockers will look like.

“The upgrades will make the guys feel as if they are appreciated and hopefully it will attract

more players to want to be a part of the football program,” Cassity said.

Cassity added that the team is working daily to continue to get better. He has high expecta tions for them and wants them to have the same expectations.

During the city council meeting after the locker room project was approved, Picklesimer said, “With a new locker room, new weight room, new playing surface and new stands, what more could a high school player or coach want?”

“It's beautiful,” Picklesimer said. “I knew it would be. It’s just going to be spectacular.”

The Hornets have their final home game on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. against Spain Park.

GETTING ON TRACK

Along with the turf field for the football team, the track team will have an eight-lane compe tition track and a space to host track meets. In August, the city of Chelsea approved funding of $95,000 worth of new track equipment for the team.

The Chelsea track teams have been sharing space at Heardmont Park with Oak Mountain High School in order to practice for high jump ing, long jumping, discus throwing and javelin throwing. Once this project is complete, they can do all those things on their home turf.

Chelsea will join Helena High School as the only other school in the county to have a compe tition track. Calhoun said the track will be wider than the previous one, which wasn’t regulation size. It will also be striped with lanes. During track meets, all events will take place in the end zones.

With a regulation track, Chelsea High School will have the ability to host meets for both middle school and high school. Money raised from these events will allow the team to pay for meet entries, transportation and more. Meets will also bring visitors into the city.

“For our seniors, I was wanting to send them out with a bang,” track coach Trey Lee said. “They’ve been waiting since 6th grade for this track, so we want to honor them and send them out with the best possible high school career.”

While indoor track begins in late fall, the out door season doesn’t begin until March, giving the crews plenty of time after football season to finish the project.

“That's why it was so important to me to not only be the largest contributor in the track itself, but also to make sure they had all new equip ment,” Picklesimer said. “There will be a new state of the art beautiful track and we wanted them to have the right equipment they needed to host a meet.”

Construction continues on the new track at Chelsea High School as the Hornets host Tuscaloosa County on the new turf field Sept. 2. Photo by Todd Lester.

4 ways you can prioritize saving for tomorrow, today

There’s no time like the present to focus on savings. Like eating right or getting in shape, the key is to start now and not to wait for next month or a “better” time.

With the holidays nearly upon us and the close of another memorable year just around the corner, you might find yourself taking stock of the various parts of your life. Your finances should be one of the first areas you examine, so you can be sure you have the right financial habits in place.

Here are four key areas you can act on now to set up successful savings habits that will stick well into the new year.

1. Set up a realistic budget – Particularly going into the holiday season, being realistic with your money is crucial. Instead of thinking how much you want to spend on a gift, look at what you can afford. Setting how much money you can put in savings each month is the same. I see many people setting a monthly savings amount that is too high so they end up having to dip into their savings frequently to cover expenses. Detail your reoccurring expenses, debt, and income to determine what you can allocate towards holiday fun and what your optimal savings number is.

2. Make it automatic – This is one of my favorite tips when it comes to saving, as it truly makes a difference in sticking to your goal. Similar to how you might set up a utility bill payment, you can set up reoccurring automatic withdrawals from your checking account to a savings account so that you save money without having to think about it.

3. Find money by trimming back – Spending habits are like eating habits, and they can get away from us when we’re not paying attention. Some of those spending habits add up fast. Take your morning coffee, for example. You could make that morning brew at home and save that $5 each time instead. Also, check your reoccurring subscriptions and unsubscribe to anything that’s not crucial. Then allocate that “found” money to your savings!

4. Divide up your savings into short- and long-term categories – Differentiate your savings goals and match them up with the correct savings product. A short-term savings example is that you might want to save $2,000 to go to Florida this winter. You’d use a savings account so that you could access the funds when you need to, without penalty. Long-term savings would be used towards investments that you’ll use farther into the future, like for retirement. Choose a type of long-term savings vehicle like market investments when you won’t be touching it for a while and you’re looking for a higher rate of return.

Interest rates are rising right now, so keep that in mind as you meet with your banker to determine the right savings products for your goals. It’s tough to see clients who are keeping thousands of dollars in their checking accounts because they’re afraid of what else to do with it. Now is not a time to put those dollars under the mattress - it’s time to see how you can make your money work for you.

Joe Taunton is a Market Manager for Valley Bank based out of the Meadowbrook branch off Highway 280. He has been in the banking industry for 10 years and enjoys helping people and small businesses progress in their financial journeys.

©2022 Valley National Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. Equal Housing Lender. All Rights Reserved.

“When I found out Tom [Walker] had decided to step down and serve as president emeritus and they were looking for a new president and CEO, I was really excited to apply for the position. It's one of those things you don't want to get your own hopes up when it's something you're that excited about,” he said.

The job fits perfectly with Miller’s love for country, which led him to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1990. Since that time, he has served as an artillery officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and 2008 and most recently returned from a deployment to the Republic of Georgia where he served as a foreign security forces advisor to members of the Georgian Defense Forces.

Miller continues to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve and is currently assigned as a Marine Corps Liaison to the Federal Emer gency Management Agency (FEMA).

EMBRACING HIS NEW ROLE

Miller is now making the trek from his home in Chelsea, where he and his family have lived since 2008, to Montevallo each day.

Miller took over for Tom Walker on July 18 and began the process of getting to know the people who work there, the work they do, and gaining a better understanding of his role.

“Tom Walker has done incredible work there,” Miller said. “When we first moved to Shelby County in 2003, we visited American Village then and I was just blown away with the entire concept. The beautiful campus, the incredible work that's been done there, the historical interpretations. I loved everything about it.”

As president emeritus, Walker will remain active with American Village and Miller said that he is glad to have his predecessor to help and advise him if needed. He knew going in that he had very big shoes to fill.

“I can't tell you how many times I've been told, ‘Congratulations, but you realize you’re

the guy coming in after Bear Bryant and Nick Saban rolled up into one,’” Miller said. “The great thing about that is, I still have Tom there if I'm faced with a decision and I’m not sure which way to go. He's been great about being willing to sit down with me and help me think through things and make sure we’re staying on a persistent and productive course.”

Miller said the most exciting thing is a new school year, when the campus will be filled with students enjoying all the different programs that are available.

“It's a fun way to come out and learn more about American history, and the way the American government functions,” Miller said. “We take those educational things and present them in a way that's a lot of fun for kids.”

THE CAMPUS, RECENT ADDITIONS AND MORE TO COME

Miller said the 188-acre campus at Ameri can Village creates a “completely immersive educational experience,” taking guests from a

pre-revolutionary country to the Declaration of Independence and the beginning of the Revolutionary War, throughout 20 historical ly-inspired buildings.

These include Liberty Hall, whose interior is patterned after The East Room of The White House; Liberty Bell Garden, which contains a full-sized replica of the Liberty Bell; a brick replica of Williamsburg's Colonial Courthouse of 1770 and Washington Hall, which was inspired by George Wash ington's Mount Vernon home. It serves as the centerpiece of the campus, and the primary building used for programming.

One of the recently completed projects is the West Wing of Independence Hall. From there, guests walk into the Boston Harbor on the night of the Boston Tea Party.

In the future, after the Independence Hall structure is completed, guests will leave that experience and walk into the end of the Revolutionary War and the beginning of the Constitutional Convention. There, they will have an opportunity to learn about all the debates among the country’s founders.

NEXT STEPS

Miller said he believes his first six months will be a learning phase. He said the most important thing is to make sure American Village continues the incredible success it has had and continue to spread the word about American Village, especially for those who have never visited.

“I think a lot of people are aware of it, but just haven't taken advantage of the oppor tunity to come out to experience it,” Miller said. “It's something easy and fun you can do right here in Shelby County.”

PLANNING A VISIT

American Village brings in about 80,000 total visitors per year. During the school year, it is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to the public while the school groups are on the grounds. Group tours are also available.

The next big event will be a Veterans Day observation on Friday, Nov. 11. For more information, visit americanvillage.org.

very first

a contact

some new

that paid for my annual investment right away. Now, not all of the individuals I meet end up being customers, but they have friends and business associates so the networking goes beyond just the people

meet at

Brendan Young portrays Maj. John Andre, of the British Army, as he stops a group of second graders from Vestavia Hills Elementary West during a reenactment from the Revolutionary War at American Village in Montevallo. Photo by Erin Nelson.

OCTOBER IS

AWARENESS MONTH

TherapySouth is proud to help patients regain control of their lives through restorative movement and wellness as part of our Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program. Our PTs work with you and your medical doctor to create an individualized and comprehensive plan to restore the physical strength and sense of well-being that you may have lost during treatment. We’d love to be part of your team!

Scan this code to schedule an appointment with Your PT today!

Local teams wrap up regular season in October

By KYLE PARMLEY

The high school football teams at Briarwood, Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park will round out the regular season in October, all four looking to make a push to the play offs with a strong finishing stretch of games.

Briarwood plays in Class 6A, Region 3, while the other three schools are all 7A, Region 3 foes, now that Chelsea has ascended to 7A and joined the likes of Oak Mountain and Spain Park.

Briarwood has made the playoffs every year since 1993 and looks to continue that streak once again. The Lions begin the month by hosting Calera on Oct. 7. The two teams have not met since 1993, but the Lions have won the last two after Calera won the first six meetings between the teams.

The Lions head to Alexander City to face Benjamin Russell on Oct. 14, renewing another series that has had a long hiatus. Briarwood and Ben Russell have split six previous meet ings, with Briarwood losing in the playoffs in 2001 and 2005.

Briarwood travels to Homewood on Oct. 21 to wrap up the region slate. The Lions knocked off Home wood 21-18 last fall in a great game and has won each of the last two years. Homewood leads the series 10-6.

The Lions host Fairhope on Oct.

28 to round out the regular season.

Spain Park will open the month with a trip to Chelsea on Oct. 7. Spain Park and Chelsea have met twice previously, with the Jags earning 14-point wins in 2012 and 2013. Like Hoover and Chelsea, this is another game featuring first-year head coaches, with Tim Vakakes’s

squad squaring off against Todd Cas sity’s Hornets.

Spain Park hosts Hewitt-Trussville on Oct. 14 in another region contest, with the Jags hoping to keep it closer than it has been the last couple years. Four of the first five games between the Jags and Huskies were tight affairs, but Hewitt has blown out the

Jags each of the last two seasons, including a 38-17 victory last year.

A playoff berth could be on the line for one or both teams on Oct. 21, as Spain Park hosts Oak Moun tain to complete region play. Spain Park has dominated the series against Oak Mountain up until the last two years, when the Eagles have notched

convincing wins over their nearest 7A foe.

The Jags round out the regular season Oct. 27 at Pelham. Spain Park holds a 7-5 edge in a series that is being renewed for the first time since 2013.

Chelsea hosts Spain Park and trav els to Hoover and Hewitt-Trussville to conclude the regular season, as the Hornets take their open date in Week 10. After the game against Spain Park, the Hornets head to Hoover to face a Bucs team for the first time in program history.

The Hornets have also never faced Hewitt-Trussville, where they head for the final game on Oct. 21.

Oak Mountain has a tough stretch to finish the season, playing two road games and a home game before taking an open date Week 10.

The Eagles begin the month by heading to Thompson on Oct. 7. Thompson has dominated the series over the last five years (six meet ings), including wins of 45-7 and 48-0 last season.

Oak Mountain then hosts Vestavia Hills on Oct. 14 for the Eagles’ final home game of the campaign. Oak Mountain has gotten the better of the Rebels each of the last two years, including a 24-14 win last fall. Oth erwise, Vestavia has controlled the series, holding an overall 13-5 edge.

The Eagles head to Spain Park on Oct. 21 to finish out their regular season.

Briarwood wide receiver Drew Mathe (12) tries to evade Spain Park defensive back Stopher Walls (4) during a game on Aug. 26 at Lions Pride Stadium. Photo by Todd Lester.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a se rious liver condition affecting nearly 100 million people in the U.S. according to the American Liver Foundation. Although NAFLD may have no symp toms, it can progress to the 2nd stage of NAFLD which is NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) for which there is no pharmaceutical treatment option!

Specifically for NAFLD, it is caused by excess fat in the liver, and not from being exposed to alco hol. The actual medical term is hepatic steatosis. It’s the most common “chronic” liver disease in developed countries and it’s more prevalent in men than women. In fact, men over the age of 40 with central obesity and elevated fasting blood sugar, as well as elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) blood test results are commonly affected.

Recently, at the 2022 Endocrine Society annu al meeting, researchers presented their findings stating they found “a significant link between those whose diet contained the most fructose”. One researcher on the study, Dr. Theodore Fried man from Charles R. Drew University, said: “We found that when adjusting for the demographics and behavioral factors (smoking, modest alcohol consumption, diet quality and physical activity), high fructose consumption was associated with a higher chance of NAFLD among the total popu lation and, Mexican Americans.” Also, according

to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NAFLD is more common in individuals who are obese or have obesity-related conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes.

Another factor that is associated with liver dam age is iron overload. Although iron is necessary for biological functions, too much can do tremen dous liver damage. In fact, damage from too much iron may be greater than that from iron deficiency anemia. Nearly all adult men and postmenopausal women are at risk for iron overload since there are no efficient means for the body to excrete excess iron. However, donating blood is a good way to lower excess amounts of iron which, if left untreat ed, can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Commonly, high iron levels are found in individuals with alco holic liver disease and NAFLD.

What else is linked to liver disease? Glyphosate and Roundup. Roundup, the weed killer, is very dangerous because it contains glyphosate, which is the active ingredient. Researcher from the Univer sity of California San Diego School of Medicine found patients with NAFLD and NASH had higher residues of glyphosate in their urine, an association that held true regardless of other factors in liver health, such as body mass index, diabetes, age or race. Researchers found that “exposure to glypho sate may lead to more severe forms of liver dis

ease, and subsequently an increased risk of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and higher mortality rates than the general population from liver-related and non-liver-related causes”.

One reason for such a high prevalence of NAFLD and NASH is a deficiency or insufficiency in Vita min B12 and choline. Research by a Ph.D. in nu tritional science named Chris Masterjohn, revealed that choline insufficiency or deficiency may play a more significant role in the development of fatty liver disease than fructose. According to Master john, “your body uses choline to rid itself of excess fat. Without enough choline, it can trigger fatty liver. Yet, the most significant culprit remains ex cessive fructose. Without enough choline, the fat is deposited in the liver”.

Consider prevention. Incorporate Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin which is found in animal food. A second essential nutrient is choline. Cho line plays a significant role in human health, from neurotransmitter synthesis to cell structures and has a large impact on the development of NAFLD, atherosclerosis, and neurological disorders. The body can produce some choline endogenously in the liver but not enough to meet human needs.

Additionally, notice your lifestyle choices and look at adding supportive liver nutritional herbs and vitamins. The following are a few recommen dations of vitamins and lifestyle. Ensure you get

enough B vitamins, choline and folic acid. Reduce exposure to toxic foods, specifically high fructose corn syrup, by reading ALL labels. Then, add supportive supplementation to protect your liver such as: 1-Milk thistle, a herb that has been used for thousands of years to support liver, kidney and gallbladder health. In modern times, silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle, has been used to treat alcoholic liver disease and hepatitis. 2-Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) the third-most consumed supplement, yet many people don’t realize how clinically effective it is, including the role it plays to protect your liver. Taking CoQ10 helps lower levels of serum AST, which is a blood marker that indicates liver disease and/or damage. The reduced version of CoQ10 is ubiquinol which is absorbed three to four times better than CoQ10. Lastly, 3-N-acetylcysteine (NAC) a precursor needed to produce glutathione, also called the “master an tioxidant.” Importantly, NAC helps support liver health in those with hepatitis C and other chronic liver diseases.

In a nutshell: eliminate high-fructose corn syrup from your diet, don’t use Roundup, and make sure to purchase organic, non-GMO produce. Be sure to get enough B vitamins and choline from your food or supplements. Come ask us if you have more questions. Resources: mercola.com

Sports

UNDER THE LIGHTS

Right: Oak Mountain jumped out to a big lead and hung on to beat Northridge 23-14 in the season opener. Cole Kelly (33) blocked a punt to help the Eagles leap to that big advantage.

Below: Chelsea sophomore Carter Dotson (14) has grown into his role throughout the season and it all paid off in the win over Oak Mountain on Sept. 8. He was efficient in the win over the Eagles, going 19-of-26 for 183 yards and a touchdown.

The high school football season is in full force, with Briarwood, Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park’s games featuring plenty of standout performances and electric moments. Here’s a look at some of the biggest moments from the first few games of the year. Photos by Shawn Bowles, Laura Chramer, Todd Lester, Erin Nelson and Barry Stephenson.

Spain Park’s Jonathan Bibbs (3) has helped provide production for a young Jags offense.

Bibbs caught five passes for 81 yards against Hoover, including a 15-yard touchdown from Evan Smallwood that tied the game in the second quarter. Hoover eventually went on to win 24-10.

Above: Briarwood quarterback Christopher Vizzina (17) is leading the way for the Lions during his senior year. The team has had a couple thrilling wins already, including a 23-21 win over Spain Park, in which he threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Brady Waugh on the game’s final play. He finished that game with three total touchdowns and 350 allpurpose yards.

Below: Oak Mountain receiver Sawyer Smith has given sophomore quarterback Will O’Dell a solid option early in the season. In the 21-17 win over Pelham on Aug. 26, Smith caught a 68-yard touchdown pass that gave The Eagles a 21-9 lead at the time.

Briarwood receiver Brady Waugh (5) has made plenty of big plays in his career, but perhaps none was bigger than his 9-yard game-winning touchdown reception as the Lions beat Spain Park.

Briarwood defensive back Caleb Keller (2) came up with an interception in the Lions’ win over Spain Park.

Oak Mountain running back Trey Vassell (5) went over the century mark three times in the Eagles’ first four games, including beginning the season with 22 carries for 108 yards and two touchdowns in the 23-14 win over Northridge on Aug. 19.

Spain Park running back Zamir Farris (0) has been a focal point of the offense so far this season. Against Briarwood, Farris scored a 27-yard touchdown run that sparked a comeback effort. He also caught a 29-yard receiving touchdown to start the game’s scoring.

Chelsea kicker Jack Seymour (10) is one of the most reliable in the area. Despite Chelsea’s loss in the game against Calera, Seymour connected on field goals of 42 and 41 yards to get the Hornets on the board.

Chelsea running back Emerson Russell (1) has broken out in a big way for the Hornets offense this season. He had a big game in a narrow loss to Tuscaloosa County, but the following week, his 27 carries for 170 yards and two touchdowns were enough to help his team to a 21-14 win over Oak Mountain.

Spain Park senior quarterback Evan Smallwood (7) has adapted well to the new Jags offense this season, proving to be a great leader for the team. In the season-opening game against Calera, Smallwood scored on an 8-yard run in the final minute to give his team a 14-10 win.

Varsity Sports Calendar

FOOTBALL

BRIARWOOD

Oct. 7: vs. Calera. 7 p.m.

Oct. 14: @ Benjamin Rus sell. 7 p.m.

Oct. 21: @ Homewood. 7 p.m.

Oct. 28: vs. Fairhope. 7 p.m.

CHELSEA

Oct. 7: vs. Spain Park. 7 p.m.

Oct. 14: @ Hoover. 7 p.m.

Oct. 21: @ Hewitt-Truss ville. 7 p.m.

OAK MOUNTAIN

Oct. 7: @ Thompson. 7 p.m.

Oct. 14: vs. Vestavia Hills. 7 p.m.

Oct. 21: @ Spain Park. 7 p.m.

SPAIN PARK

Oct. 7: @ Chelsea. 7 p.m.

Oct. 14: vs. Hewitt-Truss ville. 7 p.m.

Oct. 21: vs. Oak Mountain. 7 p.m.

Oct. 27: @ Pelham. 7 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

BRIARWOOD

Oct. 1: Priceville Tourna ment. Priceville High School.

Oct. 4: Tri-match vs. Corner, Westminster-Oak

Mountain. 4 p.m.

Oct. 6: vs. Helena. 5 p.m.

Oct. 11: Tri-match vs. Al tamont, Homewood. 4 p.m.

Oct. 12-15: Area tourna ment. TBD.

Oct. 19-21: Super regional tournament. TBD.

Oct. 25-27: State tourna ment. TBD.

CHELSEA

Oct. 1: @ Hillcrest-Tuscalo osa. TBD.

Oct. 4: @ Homewood. 5 p.m.

Oct. 6: @ Vestavia Hills. TBD.

Oct. 7-8: Margaret Blalock Tournament. TBD.

Oct. 11: Tri-match vs. Hoover, Sparkman. Hoover High School.

Oct. 12-15: Area tourna ment. TBD.

Oct. 19-21: Super regional tournament. TBD.

Oct. 25-27: State tourna ment. TBD.

OAK MOUNTAIN

Oct. 3: vs. Hewitt-Truss ville. 5 p.m.

Oct. 4: vs. Vestavia Hills. 5 p.m.

Oct. 6: @ Spain Park. 5 p.m.

Oct. 7-8: Margaret Blalock Tournament. TBD.

Oct. 12-15: Area tourna

ment. TBD.

Oct. 19-21: Super regional tournament. TBD.

Oct. 25-27: State tourna ment. TBD.

SPAIN PARK

Oct. 4: vs. Hoover. 4 p.m.

Oct. 6: vs. Oak Mountain. 5 p.m.

Oct. 7-8: Margaret Blalock Tournament. TBD.

Oct. 12-15: Area tourna ment. TBD.

Oct. 19-21: Super regional tournament. TBD.

Oct. 25-27: State tourna ment. TBD.

Metro

HOMEWOOD

Aspiring Paralympian excels in national championships

By ERIC TAUNTON

Twelve-year-old Gage Hendrix has only played basketball and swam at the Lakeshore Foundation for two years, and he has already earned multiple gold, silver and bronze medals at two Junior National championships.

Brought to you by our sister paper:

thehomewood star.com

Last year, Hendrix earned a gold, two silver and a bronze medal in Junior Nationals and this year he’s won one gold, two silvers and one bronze medals in this year’s Junior Nationals.

“They’re fun and I have a lot of friends,” Hendrix said.

“Lakeshore, in general, has been a lifesaver for us since he started, especially since he’s gotten into athletics,” said Haley Hendrix, Gage’s mother. “I think it’s given him an oppor tunity to feel included and that he can compete."

Gage said he’s always wanted to play sports but his doctors advised against it because of his cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects the muscles, coordination and balance.

One day, one of his doctors suggested he start playing sports at the Lakeshore Foundation, and Gage has been there ever since, Haley said.

“It’s been good for me as a human being and also as a parent,” Haley said. “To see him grow and to see him build those relationships has been great. I think being a part of a team builds so much character in kids and this afforded us the opportunity to do that.”

Feeling accepted by other kids has always been a struggle for Gage, he said.

Because his cerebral palsy is less visible than most people’s, it’s harder for people to under stand why he’s unable to do certain things, he said.

“If you walked up one flight of stairs and he walked up that same flight of stairs, his body feels like he walked three more flights of stairs than you did,” Haley said. “If you walked a mile and he walked it with you, his body thinks he walked three more miles than you did.”

Since he started playing sports at Lakeshore Foundation, Gage has made a lot of friends and

has gained more confidence in himself, Haley said.

“What it [Lakeshore Foundation] means to us as a family is huge and the difference we’ve seen in Gage is huge,” Haley said. “He wouldn’t tell people for years that he had CP. Because he could walk and he didn’t need anything, he would just say, ‘I don’t know why I can’t do that,’ or ‘I don’t want to.’ After he started doing Lakeshore and sports, he did a PowerPoint presentation in one of his classes about the Paralympics and he posted a picture of himself with all his medals and they were like, ‘What? What is that?’”

Haley said sports are “in their family’s DNA.”

She used to be a competitive cheerleader and Gage’s father played college and semi-pro foot ball, Haley said.

The first sport Gage competed in was swim ming, which showed his parents a different side to him they hadn’t seen before, Haley said.

“Swim team was awesome and we loved it because it gave him confidence,” Haley said.

“We didn’t even know he was competitive.”

He started playing basketball soon after and loved the teamwork aspect of the game, Gage said.

“When you’re swimming you’re by yourself but at the same time you’re not,” he said. “With basketball, you have to work together and you have to work as a team and be a team.”

Haley said their family appreciates that the sporting events at Lakeshore aren’t condescend ing or “cutesy.”

She said players are aggressive and competi tive, but they are also encouraging to one another.

“Especially in basketball, where we see the same people at all of these different tournaments all over the country,” Haley said. “They’re very friendly, encouraging and they’ll watch the other games and cheer for you but when it’s their turn, that friend stuff goes out the window.”

Gage said he’s excited to continue playing sports at Lakeshore Foundation and hopes to one day compete in the Paralympics.

Business

Mason Morris VP, Commercial Banking Officer NMLS 1381711

If

to share with the community about your

business along the

Gage Hendrix has grown personally and competitively through sports at the Lakeshore Foundation. Photos courtesy of Haley Hendrix.

Maximize Your Health with your benefits.

Now is the time to check your insurance deductible.

If you’re close to or have met your annual insurance deductible, your out-of-pocket costs could be significantly reduced. Now could be the ideal time to schedule any appointments or procedures you’ve been putting off. Why wait to start feeling better? Make an appointment today.

Appointments tend to fill up quickly as the year closes. We opened additional time through December so you can book early.

VESTAVIA HILLS

Comedian Cho lined up for education foundation fundraiser

By JON ANDERSON

Comedian Henry Cho is scheduled to per form at the Stardome Comedy Club on Oct. 4, to help raise money for the Hoover City Schools Foundation.

The event, to be called Comedy for Kids, will include a catered meal from Ragtime Café. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets range in price from $75 to $150 per person.

Brought to you by our sister paper:

Get in the Halloween spirit with festive events at the Vestavia Hills Public Library

By ERIC TAUNTON

6:30 to 8 p.m.

hooversun.com

“We invite everyone to turn fun into funds at the Comedy for Kids event this fall,” said Paul Dangel, president of the foundation’s board of directors, in a press release. “Henry Cho and his versatile comedic style will be a hit!”

Cho, who can be heard nationally several times weekly on Sirius XM channels 97 and 98 and Pandora Radio’s PG Comedy Radio Channel, is known for his clean comedy, forgoing profanity and objectionable material.

The Hendrick Hoover Automall is the title sponsor for the Comedy for Kids event.

“Giving back to organizations within the Hoover community like the Hoover City Schools Foundation fits our mission perfectly,” said Joel Smith, general manager for the Hendrick Hoover Automall. “Our children are our future leaders, and anything we can do to support their learning efforts is a worthwhile cause.”

The Hoover City Schools Foundation recently awarded nearly $45,000 in grants to teachers, and this new event will help the foundation do more

Comedy for Kids

• WHERE: Stardome Comedy Club

• WHEN: Oct. 4, 6 p.m.

• COST: $75 to $150 per person

• DETAILS: Benefiting Hoover City Schools Foundation

• WEB: hoovercsf.org/events

for this school year and beyond, said Shelley Shaw, executive director for the foundation. The foundation is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Tickets for the Comedy for Kids event can be purchased on the foundation’s website at hoovercsf.org/events.

The Vestavia Hills Public Library once again has activities to entertain people of all ages this month.

In the children’s department, the month kicks off with Courtney’s Library Stop on Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. in the community room.

Brought to you by our sister paper: vestavia voice.com

Every first and third Saturday of each month, children get to hear stories, sing songs and dance with Ms. Courtney.

On Oct. 5, Ms. Lisa will host Story Friends in the children’s pro gram room at 10:30 a.m. to read stories, sing songs and dance.

On Oct. 28, the children’s department will end the spooky season with its Spook tacular event in the community room from

Families can join Barry Mitchell and Sam the Turtle to help them solve a Halloween candy mystery.

October kicks off in the teen department with the writing group on Oct. 5 in the community room.

Teens will be able to build their writing skills and provide each other with feedback at 4 p.m.

The month continues with a chess club in the historical room at 4:30 p.m., which allows teens to learn chess or to continue improving their skills on Oct. 6.

In the amphitheater, teens will be able to cel ebrate the spirit of Halloween with pumpkin painting on Oct. 18 at 4 p.m.

On Oct. 28, teens can keep it going by watch ing anime horror movies and shows in the his torical room at 4 p.m.

In the adults department, adults can also paint pumpkins in the spirit of Halloween at Handmade with Holly in the community room on Oct. 5 at 11 a.m.

Parent Talk Line

205-605-1827

Concerned about your teen? Wondering how to handle your teen’s choices? Just need someone to listen to you? Want to talk to another parent confidentially?

Talking helps.

The Compact Team Parent and Teen Talk Lines are available

Monday - Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Messages will be returned the following business day.

*For emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.

Teen Talk Line

205-605-1830

Need help working through a problem? Stressed out? Concerned about things in life? Just need someone to listen to you?

Talking helps.

Families attend an event at Vestavia Hills Public Library. Photo courtesy of Vestavia Hills Public Library.

Comedian Henry Cho, known for his clean approach to comedy, is scheduled to perform at the Stardome Comedy Club on Oct. 4 to help raise money for the Hoover City Schools Foundation. Photo by George Walker IV, The Tennessean.

IF THE HURTING GETS WORSE, ADDITIONAL HELP IS PROMPTLY AVAILABLE

Intensive outpatient counseling is available. IOP Services, LLC is the only independent program of its kind in our state.

IOP provides nine hours of treatment each week. If the emotional distress worsens and weekly therapy is not enough - we are available.

Treatment is provided in group therapy, which is uniquely engaging, inspiring and effective.

Covered by most insurance plans.*

Immediate Evaluation is Available!

Chelsea Library

CHILDREN

Thursdays: Kids Coding Club. 4-5 p.m. Ages 9 and older

Oct. 1 and 15: Chess Club. 2-3 p.m. Registration required.

Oct. 8: Lego Day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oct. 11: Virtual Music & Books Club. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Oct. 22: K.Z.T. Hands On S.T.E.A.M. Day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TEENS

Oct. 8: Lego Day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oct. 10: Teen Book Club. 5-6 p.m.

Oct. 22: K.Z.T. Hands On S.T.E.A.M. Day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ADULTS

Oct. 10: Medicare Info. 10-11 a.m.

Oct. 13: Book Club. 10-11 a.m.

North Shelby Library

FAMILY/ALL AGES

All month: Tiny Art Exhibition. Ages five and older.

Oct. 6, 13 and 27: Family Fun Nights. 6-7:30 p.m.

Oct. 20: Drop-In Monster Pumpkin Decorating. 4 p.m.

EARLY LEARNERS

Wednesdays: Storytime Friends. 10:30 a.m. Ideal for ages 3-5. Registration required.

Octubre 1: La Hora del Cuento. Ven con tu familia a escuchar cuentos, cantar y divertirnos en español.

Este evento es para niños de todas las edades. Se require registro.

Oct. 4: Touch & Feel Tuesday Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Ages 18 months to three years. Registration required.

Oct. 25: Baby Tales. 10:30 a.m. Birth to 18 months. Registration required.

CHILDREN

All month: Activity Bundles. Pre-K to first grade.

All month: Craft Kit-to-Go.

All month: Monthly STEM Kit-to-Go.

All month: In-House Scavenger Hunt: Star Wars. Tuesdays: Tech Tuesdays. 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Oct. 19: Homeschool Hangout: Tornado Towers. 1 p.m. Registration required.

Oct. 19: K-5th Homeschool Art Craft Kit To-Go. 1 p.m. Registration required. K-5th grade.

Oct. 31: Trick or Treat at the Library.

TWEENS

Oct. 7: Spanish Club. 5 p.m. Ages 8-17.

Oct. 10: Spookcraft: A Creative Minecraft Challenge. 4 p.m. Registration required.

Oct. 13: Tween Spooky Story Workshop. 4:30 p.m. Registration required.

Oct. 17: Tween Leadership Council Meeting. 4:30 p.m. Registration required.

Oct. 21: Tween Scare Your Cookies Off. 4:30 p.m. Registration required.

TEENS

All month: Candy Conflict: Bracket Challenge.

Oct. 6: Teen D&D Resin Art. 5 p.m.

Oct. 10: Spookcraft: A Creative Minecraft Challenge. 4 p.m.

Oct. 10 and 24: Teen Dungeons & Dragons. 6 p.m. Oct. 20: Teen Paint Night. 6 p.m. Registration required.

Oct. 22: Teen Volunteer Day.

Oct. 22: AMONG US IRL. 6 p.m. Registration required.

Oct. 28: Teen Leadership Council Meeting. 4 p.m.

ADULTS

Oct. 4: Acrylic Painting Class. 9 a.m.

Oct. 11: Wreath Making Workshop – Thanksgiving. 6 p.m.

Oct. 12 and 26: Language Club. 5 p.m. Registration is required.

Oct. 17: Alabama Humanities Presents: Starch in Their Petticoats: True Stories of Strong Women Who Settled the West. 11 a.m. Registration required.

Oct. 18: True Crime Digital Book Club. 6 p.m. Registration required.

Oct. 20: NSL Book Club. 10:30 a.m. Registration required only if you are meeting via Zoom.

Mt Laurel Library

FAMILY/ALL AGES

Oct. 4: Activity Room Open House. 3-6 p.m. Oct. 15: Fall Festival. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CHILDREN

Oct. 7 and 21: Ukulele Storytime. 10 a.m. Ages 19 months to three years.

Oct. 8: Crafty Saturday.

Oct. 29: Spooky Science. 2 p.m.

TWEENS

Oct. 27: Tween Pumpkin Painting. 4 p.m. Registration required.

ADULTS

Oct. 6: Mt Laurel Book Club. 1 and 7 p.m.

Oct. 10: Mt Laurel Knitting Group. 2-4 p.m.

Oct. 17: Fall Take and Make. Registration required.

Oct. 20: Lunch and Learn – Local Author. Noon. Registra tion required and begins two weeks in advance.

When it comes to landscaping, Alabama has it made: There’s a broad variety of trees and shrubs to choose from here.

Now is the perfect time to try some out, according to the experts at Gardner Landscaping.

“Fall is often considered the best time of year to plant new trees and shrubs,” Grant Gardner said.

But how do you choose which ones? A lot of factors come into play when it comes to selecting the right plants for your landscaping, Grant said — factors like sun exposure, soil type, the slope of the landscape and your own preferences in color and type.

“At Gardner Landscaping, we take pride in coming up with a plan that meets the needs of each customer and landscape,” he said.

That attention to detail is one of the things that sets Gardner Landscaping

apart from many other landscapers. Another is that they have the personnel and resources to get your project completed quickly.

“We will normally provide you with the pricing for your project within one day from when we meet with you,” Grant said.

Gardner Landscaping specializes in trees and shrubs, and they can use trees and shrubs to create beautiful entertainment and privacy areas.

Grant said, “More customers are looking to spend more time around their homes now. We have the best prices in town on large and small trees and shrubs to have great looking landscapes, privacy screens, shade and curb appeal. We also do a lot of clean ups, drainage and landscape borders, as well to get your property where it’s managed correctly. Please call us today, we have the vision to create these enjoyable areas. We would love to help you!”

Brandino Brass in Homewood is a destination for homeowners, designers, contractors and architects in search of a huge selection of top-quality decorative and architectural hardware and a growing array of interior and exterior lighting.

Family-owned and operated, the company “is a dealer for many one-of-a-kind hardware vendors,” says Brandino’s Lynn Steffek. “Several of these products are only available through Brandino Brass.”

The friendly, knowledgeable Brandino sales team helps customers find just the right look, and customers can view the company’s beautiful showroom through a virtual walk through on their website.

But Brandino Brass also works with customers who live far away from the showroom — outside Alabama or even outside the South.

“Even though our showroom is located in Birmingham we can still help you with your design project,” Steffek tells out-of-state clients.

The Brandino staff uses modern technology to serve these customers. They use Facetime to view layouts and construction sites. Email allows them to show products from all over the world and share photos

with customers. Some suppliers make it possible for customers to design their own hardware.

Brandino Brass recently assisted a homeowner who is renovating a historic, 1830s-vintage stone manor house near Baltimore, Maryland.

She and her husband initially worked with a supplier in Maryland but weren’t satisfied.

They heard good things about

Brandino from their interior designer, who has a Southern background.

The homeowner took great advantage of the electronic tools Steffek mentions.

“I was Face Timing and emailing back and forth and sending pictures with the Brandino team like you would if somebody was only 20 minutes away,” she says.

Brandino also helped the homeowner navigate what she calls the “crazy demands and requirements” on the project made by the local historical board, the state of Maryland and others.

The Brandino team was “super-knowledgeable with the whole historic portion,” the homeowner said.

“They also carried all the

bands that we needed — and the brands we needed are from off the beaten path,” she said.

In addition, the Brandino staff offered a trademark Southern friendliness, “answering phone calls and responding to emails and being helpful and following up,” she says.

The homeowners have turned to Brandino for all of their metal goods, including hardware, fittings and lock sets for cabinets and doors.

“We also renovated pieces of furniture and got hardware from Brandino, like an English-style dresser that needed special Sheraton-style knobs,” she said.

The homeowner faced an “overwhelming” number of choices, but Brandino Brass has been there the whole way, she says.

“They’ve been so so helpful, and we’ll keep working with them through the remainder of the project,” the homeowner says.

This attentiveness is typical of the Brandino Brass approach.

The company “strives to deliver excellent white-glove customer service so every customer is satisfied,” Steffek says.

For more, call 205-978-8900 or go to brandinobrass.com.

BHMDEX can help you enjoy your life outdoors

BHMDEX LLC, located in Chelsea, offers complete outdoor project design services to create the best possible outdoor space.

Owner Blake Bassham shares BHMDEX’s goal is to help clients “enjoy life outdoors.”

“Our slogan is ‘Enjoy Your Life Outdoors,’” Bassham said. “We look to give people that nice outdoor space to enjoy. With more and more people choosing ‘staycations,’ you need to enjoy the space you have.”

Bassham studied Industrial Design at Auburn University and later fell in love with creating outdoor structures.

“I have always had an interest in architecture,” Bassham said. “After leaving Auburn, I went into the exhibit design industry and managed my own design/build firm where we built retail stores, museums and other interior-type projects. I later got into construction and enjoyed all aspects of that, but later fell in love with creating outdoor structures.”

BHMDEX, LLC offers complete design services for their clients’ outdoor projects.

“We will consult with our clients and then come up with the best possible solution for their problem or their dream project,” Bassham said. “We develop 3-D computer renderings so that our clients can see what the project will look like once built.

”If you are looking to build a new deck, pergola, fence, playhouse, patio or other outdoor structure at your home, we can help,” Bassham said. “Most of our clients have an old deck that needs to be replaced or has requested the addition of a new structure to an otherwise unused

BHMDEX LLC • 205-516-3105 • bhmdex.com

portion of their property. We can come in and create a plan that will maximize their enjoyment of their backyard.”

BHMDEX LLC uses the best possible materials for your dream project.

“We are always striving to better ourselves and the projects that we create,” Bassham said. “We are known for over-engineering the construction of our projects, especially our decks.”

“Far too often we see decks that are separating from a house or simply have not been constructed properly. We take pride in building our structures to last. We also want you to be able to enjoy your deck with as many people on them as you would like and not fear that the deck will not support it.”

BHMDEX LLC counts it a privilege that clients welcome them into their homes.

“Every one of our clients are treated as if they have a million-dollar project,” Bassham said. “Whether it is a small set of stairs that needs a repair or a 1,500-square-foot deck, we are grateful that they have chosen us.”

Not only does BHMDEX LLC share the value of their services, but keeping their clients educated throughout the process is also important.

“We always want our clients to be educated on what they are looking for in a project,” Bassham said. “This includes the types of materials available, the pros/cons of the materials, and ways to repair/maintain what they currently have. We are also always trying to educate ourselves on the best building techniques, and new trends that will give our clients the best possible project.”

Blake Bassham

window coverings for fall

The window covering experts at Budget Blinds take the time to understand you and your needs and provide custom window treatments that are perfect for your home.

Budget Blinds has any window covering you could ever want.

They offer blinds, including wood, faux wood, aluminum, vinyl and composite, as well as vertical blinds and vertical blind alternatives.

They offer all kinds of shades, such as roller, Roman, cellular, bamboo, woven wood, pleated, sheer, graphic and solar.

Budget Blinds has wood, café and composite interior and exterior shutters.

In addition, many window coverings are now motorized and can be controlled remotely.

“You get the convenience of being able to control window coverings when you’re not at home, using the apps on your phone,” Budget Blinds co-owner Steve Thackerson says.

You can also tie motorized window coverings into your home’s automation system and control them using Alexa or preset them to open or close any time of the day or night.

In the fall, with colder weather, Budget Blinds can show you how to use window coverings — cellular shades, cellular shutters

Find beautiful

and custom draperies — to help insulate your house.

“The cellular shade is the number-one rated insulator on the market,” Thackerson says.

The shades have small cell pockets on the side that prevent hot air or cold air from coming in, Thackerson says.

“Cellular shutters, when the louvers are closed, block out a

lot of the heat or cold, and the composite material is a very good insulator,” he says.

Customers can visit the Budget Blinds showroom or schedule a free in-home consultation.

And if a customer finds something they like in the showroom, the Budget Blinds staff goes to the customer’s home to take measurements and make

sure the product will work.

“Once you see a window covering in your home, that color or style might not match, or it might not fit the window properly,” Thackerson said.

Budget Blinds also provides custom, professional installation by experienced consultants.

Thackerson has an additional edge on his competitors because

Budget Blinds is an international company that is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

“We get the same products but better pricing and better warranties,” he says.

In fact, Budget Blinds “gets an extra warranty that no other retailer gets in the window covering industry,” Thackerson says.

In addition to the manufacturer’s basic warranty, Budget Blinds offers a one-time replacement warranty with no questions asked.

“We will replace all of the products one time, no matter what happens to them,” Thackerson says.

“During a storm, a dog may go crazy and tear up the blinds,” he says. “We can replace them at no cost to the customer.”

In addition to the Budget Blinds 30th anniversary, Thackerson and his wife, Michelle, the co-owner, have run their franchise for 28 years and enjoy serving their customers in Greater Birmingham.

They have one of the largest individual Budget Blinds franchises and one of the few franchises with its original owners, Thackerson says.

To learn more, call 205-8243300 or go to budgetblinds.com/ birmingham.

Mold & Mildew Solutions offers new basement waterproofing division

Mold & Mildew Solutions • 205-252-9506

alabamamold.com

Lee Ramey, owner of Mold & Mildew Solutions, has inspected countless homes, basements and crawl spaces in Birmingham since 1985 in search of the mold and moisture that can damage people’s health.

“I’ve spent years perfecting a healthy way of removing mold from crawl spaces and homes, along with water management solutions to prevent mold,” Lee says.

“Wet, nasty crawl spaces can wreak havoc on your home and the health of your family,” he says, citing such conditions as allergies and respiratory illnesses.

Mold & Mildew Solutions offers a wide variety of services, including mold and moisture inspection, mold surface testing, indoor air quality testing, VOC (volatile organic compound) testing, mold remediation, crawlspace encapsulation, basement mold removal and prevention products, and moisture proofing for crawl spaces and basements.

The company is also opening a new basement waterproofing division, says Office Manager Candace Ramey, Lee’s daughter.

“We want to take care of your health and your possessions,” she says.

The company also follows rigorous industry standards and scientific principles. “We do

things the right way,” she says.

Lee says crawl spaces are not intended to be part of the breathing environment, but, because of the stack effect, air travels from the bottom of your home to the top.

In fact, 25% to 50% of the air we breathe on the first floor of our home comes from the basement

or crawl space, he says.

The moisture in your basement or crawl space can come from several sources, such as humid air, groundwater seepage and moisture from concrete walls and floors.

“This moisture can drift into your home by way of vapor,” Lee says. “The organic material your

house is made of sucks up the moisture and causes mold to grow inside your wall cavities.”

“High relative humidity causes rot, mold and energy loss, and attracts pests,” he says.

These problems are personal for the Mold and Mildew Solutions staff.

“Everybody who works here has

a personal story about how mold has affected them or one of their family members,” Candace says.

This includes her father, whose mother had respiratory issues.

Lee — known as “The Mildude” — even wrote a book, “Mold Does Not Have to be a Scary Subject,” that you can download from the company’s website.

Mold & Mildew Solutions also strives to earn the customer’s trust, Candace says.

“We start off with an inspection and build trust from there,” she says. “We find out where the issue is and focus on the solutions they need or what will be best for their situation and budget.”

Mold and Mildew Solutions will perform a thorough inspection of your crawl space, basement or home interior and provide you with a report — with digital pictures and thermal imaging, if applicable.

Lee also owns a second company in Birmingham, To The Rescue, which cleans rugs, carpets, upholstery, furniture and hardwood and offers water and flood damage restoration.

To schedule a consultation with Mold & Mildew Solutions, call 205252-9506 or go to alabamamold. com.

To contact To The Rescue, call 205-252-5326 or go to totherescuebirmingham.com.

Finished basements are like having a bonus room under your house. But when water affects your living space and, the health of your family, you have a bonus problem! Now it is time to call Mold & Mildew Solutions, LLC for water and mold management solutions.

Specialists say that up to 50% of the air we breathe comes from the crawlspace or the basement.

We strive to conduct the highest standards of dust containment, and mold control while installing permanent water management systems. We do not want to disturb your indoor air quality

WE CARE ABOUT THE HEALTH OF YOUR FAMILY!

We want to communicate with you well so that our employees will know how to respect your home, your valuables and more than anything YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

Provide healthy and dry indoor air for your family by trusting Mold & Mildew Solutions.

We care about your comfort. Basement Waterproofing is not a pleasant experience, but we can overcome the challenges together

For A Healthier Home with Water & Mold Management Solutions Call

205-252-9506 alabamamold.com

If you have seen your basement flood before, it will flood again.

More than 27 years serving the community

Carpet Warehouse • 205-989-5678 • carpetwhse.com

Carpet Warehouse has served the Birmingham area for over 27 years. Locally owned and operated by Tim and Tracy Lanier, Carpet Warehouse is conveniently located on Highway 150 in Hoover across from CarMax and offers a wide selection to fit every need and taste — from traditional to contemporary.

Whether you’re looking for carpet for your home or other types of flooring — including hardwoods, laminate, luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile — Carpet Warehouse has something for everyone. It also offers in-home design services, free home consultations and free estimates.

Whether you are a general contractor or a do-it-yourselfer, you’ll find the best selection of top-quality flooring at the guaranteed lowest prices at Carpet Warehouse, which even beats the big-box stores.

“Our super-low overhead enables us to truly sell for less,” Tim Lanier said. “from our family to yours — our crews are all time-proven craftsmen.”

Carpet Warehouse offers top brands like Shaw, Mohawk, Masland, Armstrong, Bruce and Mannington, just to name a few.

“There’s really too many to mention,” Lanier said. “If it’s flooring, we have it.”

Some of the store’s most popular types of flooring are carpet, hardwood and luxury vinyl tile and planks. The luxury vinyl planks are perfect for families with children and pets.

“They look like hardwood, but they are waterproof and pet-proof,” Lanier said.

Whether you're shopping for a single room, re-decorating your entire house, or seeking the solution to a complex flooring challenge, the expert Carpet Warehouse staff can help.

Customers can browse their supplier’s websites and, if they need design expertise, the knowledgeable professionals at Carpet Warehouse can help them pick and match their colors with ease.

For 27 years, our family has served the Over the Mountain area. We are a company you can trust. The secret to our success is our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction at the lowest prices.

TIM LANIER

The Laniers enjoy sharing their high level of expertise with customers.

“For 27 years, our family has served the Over the Mountain area. We are a company you can trust. The secret to our success is our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction at the lowest prices. You don’t survive for 27 years unless you are doing things right,” he said.

Space Cadets has everything a person needs to get organized with something for every budget

Space Cadets • 205-326-7025 • spacecadetsorg.com

There’s nothing worse than trying to live and work in a cluttered environment. This is especially true for the many Americans who are spending more time at home than they used to.

“Even though we’re venturing out more now, we’re still spending more time at home than before the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kim McBrayer, owner of Space Cadets.

The pandemic impacted our habits, plus many people are still working from home, Kim said.

Space Cadets has everything a person needs to get organized, and there’s something for every budget. There are $5 solutions and $50,000 solutions to clutter — and everything in between.

There are built-in cabinets for those who want a touch of elegance, and there are fixed ventilated shelves for those who want to get organized on a budget. At the retail and design center, customers can shop a variety of organization products for closets, kitchens, garages and more.

“You don’t have to buy services from multiple companies,” Kim said. “We’re a one-stop shop with everything you need to get organized.”

The best sellers at Space Cadets in 2022 are custom

closets. This is a great way to reorganize your home and make sure you have a perfect place for everything you own.

There are a variety of closet choices for every budget, and each one is a high-quality design.

The closets can be customized to

your home and your needs.

The process at Space Cadets starts with a consultation, called a Space Walk. At this meeting, clients discuss their trouble areas, specific needs, budget and expectations.

Next is the design phase. If a

product system is required, one of the Space Cadet designers prepares a plan and estimate for your review.

The production phase is the moment the client has been waiting for. Here, the Space Cadets organize with great care

and attention to detail and leave the space better than they found it.

Space Cadets also helps with relocations. “This is either for someone moving into a new home and wanting to get started with a clean slate, or for someone preparing to move and wanting to purge the unnecessary to lighten the load for the movers,” Kim said.

Kim urges customers to call Space Cadets in the early stages of their home remodels or construction to get in the pipeline for ordering and preparation.

“Don’t wait until the last minute,” she said.

This need for early booking is due in part to continuing supply chain issues, but it’s also due to the Space Cadets schedule.

“We need to get involved at an earlier date than we used to because we’re booking so far out,” Kim said.

In addition, custom closets “are so popular and are in great demand, like never before,” Kim said.

Anyone interested can stop by the retail shop in Brook Highland to find all sorts of cool storage items and gadgets, as well as take a walk through the showroom and design center for great ideas on how to improve their space.

A Closet Oasis

We typically visit our closets as we start our morning and in the evenings to wrap up the day. What would it be like to have a space of tranquility instead of chaos?

Sometimes clutter happens because the storage system is ineffective or the right tools are missing.

At Space Cadets, we believe that good design promotes easy organization and having a quality storage system in place will help you make your closet an oasis of peace in your home.

#SHOPLOCAL

Brook Highland Plaza 205.326.7025

5287 Hwy 280 South Suite 261 Birmingham, AL 35242 spacecadetsorg.com

& A Toolbox celebrates 25 years of great service to

Door Restore can keep your door looking its best

Door Restore • 205-492-5866

If your home needs routine maintenance or minor repairs, you may think you can do it yourself and save money.

However, even if you believe you have the right skills and tools to do a job, it will likely take you a lot longer than it should, because you don’t do home repairs every day.

Most home projects, even small handyman jobs, are better left to the experienced professionals at One Man & A Toolbox, now celebrating its 25th anniversary.

One Man & A Toolbox can handle any small project, including minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical fixes. They can also do painting, caulking, shelving and more.

“Any odd jobs around your home, we’ll get them done right the first time,” said owner Jay Moss.

Moss and company can also do many other special tasks, like putting up decorations or assembling a swing set.

“No matter how crazy you think the task is, call us and we’ll try to figure it out,” Moss said.

One Man & A Toolbox can also tackle larger home improvement projects.

Moss warns homeowners against calling unlicensed, uninsured repairmen from Angi or Craigslist. Many will ask for money to buy materials before starting and won’t return or won’t be available for warranty issues that arise after the job.

One Man & A Toolbox has skilled, reliable employees who are licensed, insured and bonded.

And the company is here to stay. The 25th anniversary “shows the good reputation we have to be able to stay in business,” Moss said.

Call 205-823-2111 or go to oneman-toolbox.com.

An entry door is a great feature and can make a first impression when it comes to your home’s curb appeal. However, years of exposure to sunlight, rain and frost can cause significant damage and leave signs of wear on wood doors and iron doors.

Door Restore has been restoring doors since 2004, offering maintenance and restoration to clients in the Birmingham area.

“We only work on doors; it’s our specialty,” owner Van Etheridge said. “We never take your door away to refinish it, keeping your home secure.”

Etheridge likes working with his hands. Majoring in art, Etheridge took his talents painting murals and specialized in wall finishes while restoring iron and wooden doors.

“When the economy crashed in 2008, I went to work selling pharmaceuticals,” Etheridge said. “I was still restoring iron doors part-time on the weekends for a prominent builder. When the pharmaceutical company sold and laid off the sales team, I started back working with my hands and started Door Restore.”

Door Restore offers a maintenance program that will keep your door looking its best for years while saving you money.

“Wood doors weather quickly and

• door-restore.business.site

need top coating every one to two years, depending on exposure to sun and rain,” Etheridge said. “This is why when you use Door Restore, we choose a maintenance program for our clients that provides maintenance once a year including a top coat to save the homeowner money in the future.

“Iron doors have a special oil rubbed bronze finish or other metal hues in them,” Etheridge said. “We are able to restore your door to the original finish.”

can expertly restore your door on-site without removing it, keeping your home secure.

Let Angelia bring your interior design vision to life

Oak Highland Design • 659-207-0735 • oakhighland.decoratingden.com

The excitement of Fall is upon us with all the anticipation of football rivalries, family gatherings and cooler weather. And, as the heat of summer fades, we look forward to seeing all the wonderful change of colors in the trees. The mood created by these lively colors are so important to our wellbeing — it can make us feel bright and vibrant; it can bring us peaceful warmth and coziness. These essential colors are what give us a sense of balance in our homes.

Angelia Spraberry of Oak Highland Design/Decorating Den Interiors is a local designer that understands the importance of using color to anchor and balance interior spaces. In recent visits to showrooms at Market, she is seeing significant changes in added bursts of colorful accents in pillows, accessories

and furniture fabrics. “Bright colors are in play. For the less daring, more muted earthy hues reminiscent of sunsets and fall colors are good space anchors too.” she said. If you want to dive into this trend, it does require thoughtful planning to make sure color and texture choices work together to compliment your home.

So, where do you start? How can you take your vision and bring it to completion? Angelia will be eager to help guide you through that process. “My role as a Designer is blending your personal tastes with emerging trends tailored to your budget.” Bringing joy to her clients is Angelia’s favorite part of her business.

At Oak Highland Design, the first visit is complimentary. Visit her website oakhighland.decoratingden.com for more information.

Nature One Landscape Design can help make your outdoor dreams come true

Nature One Inc. • 205-314-5780 • info@NatureOneInc.com

Since 2000, Nature One Inc. has been a landscape contractor providing highly recommended, reliable and reasonable landscape services to the “Over the Mountain Area” of Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County.

Nature One Inc. carries an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We are proud of our reputation as a highquality landscape company, and we would love to work with you.

With customer service and satisfaction at the heart of our business, we continue to grow and build our company.

Our highly qualified team is made up of skilled professional employees and expert subcontractors that carry the passion and skill set to design, install and maintain custom outdoor living for our clients. No project is too big or too small. We know that we can provide you with the highest level of satisfaction in our work and help to make your outdoor dreams come true. Kevin Thienpont,

owner and licensed landscape designer of Nature One Inc., is always in control of the entire project and team.

Our pledge to you:

At Nature One Inc., we assure our clients the highest level of service and professionalism. We have an intelligent, professional and respectful staff, strong management and a clean appearance. We promise and deliver reliability.

Starting Their Journey With the

We were touched when Jordan and Kelsey told us they drove all the way from Florence to shop the superior selection here at Royal Volkswagen. We couldn’t send them home with anything less than the best; that’s why we matched them with VW’s largest offering to date, the spacious, powerful Atlas SUV. We just know this first VW won’t be their last! For every first step, there’s Royal!

The VW Atlas is defined by its imposing stature. Boasting nearly 97 cubic feet of cargo space, the Atlas is outstandingly adaptable. An available panoramic sunroof opens up the interior with an enviable view for all three rows. An impressive array of tech comes standard, like the VW Digital Cockpit, which puts driver information front-and-center in an elegant HD display. Find or reserve an Atlas of your own at the corner of I-65 and Highway 31 in Vestavia.

31

3010 Columbiana

Jordan and Kelsey Smith with their new 2022 Volkswagen Atlas.

Scan with your phone’s camera to go to our specials page.

OPEN MON - FRI 10AM - 7PM SAT 9AM - 6PM • SUN 1PM - 6PM

Alabaster 621-7010 Gardendale 631-2322

Greystone 408-0280

Homewood 802-8888 Hoover 979-7274 Hoover 982-8006

Hueytown 744-4948

Inverness 739-2339 Leeds 699-7000 McCalla 426-1833

Mountain Brook 956-8033 Pelham 663-2337

Trussville 661-6200

Trussville 655-6906 Vestavia 978-3068

Bedzzz Express Outlet Greystone 408-1250

Bedzzz Express Outlet Pelham 664-0096

(including

0% APR for

or

except

months financing

and

purchases

Group credit

not

to

pay

is issued by

Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms apply to qualifying pur chases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the pro motional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accu rate as of 9/14/2022 and is subject to change. For current infor mation, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 108/10/2022.

**** Free base offer applies to Queen set purchase of $799 and above or King set purchase $999 and above. King base applies to either one horizontal King Base or one of two TXL bases.***** Free Delivery on mattress sets $699 and up, Local area.