280 Living October 2023

‘Ribbon warrior’ ‘Ribbon warrior’

Breast cancer survivor part of group that began Grandview support program

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

Pam Cannon said she thought she was the girl who would not get cancer. She ate healthy, played tennis, walked regularly and got her mammograms every year. However, there was a family history on her mother’s side, as two of Cannon’s aunts passed away from breast cancer in the 1970s.

“I learned in 2020 that cancer is no respecter of persons,” Cannon said. “You can do all the right things, and still cancer can still manage to find you.”

After finding a lump on her left breast, Cannon called her gynecologist, and two weeks later (due to the Covid pandemic), she went in for a mammogram and sonogram.

See WARRIOR | page A28

Oak Mountain High School opens

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

As the band and choir programs at Oak Mountain High School have grown over the years, so has their need for more space. Approximately one-third of Oak Mountain High’s student population participates in the fine arts programs — a

percentage that continues to rise.

The recently completed $8 million fine arts building is the first expansion for OMHS since 2005 and will serve students for years to come.

See ARTS | page A30

Eagles seniors embrace special bond after four years with volleyball coach Grace Burgess.

THE

CORRIDOR, HOMEWOOD, HOOVER, MOUNTAIN BROOK, TRUSSVILLE AND VESTAVIA HILLS

Construction continues on the new Oak Mountain High School Performing Arts Center on Sept. 18. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Pam Cannon, a breast cancer survivor, is one of the founders of the Ribbon Warriors cancer support group that meets at Grandview Cancer Center on the first and third Thursdays of the month, both in person and virtually Photo by Erin Nelson.

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 Women’s Health Specialists of Birmingham are here to help answer them – and with new providers, including Alexia Novara, M.D., 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 205-583-1819 or visit WomensHealthGrandview.com

Alexia Novara, M.D. OB/GYN

About Us

Editor’s Note By Leah Ingram Eagle

Since I’ve been editor of 280 Living, I always make sure to do a breast cancer awareness story in October.

In case you didn’t know, breast cancer affected my family in a huge way. My sister was diagnosed in April 2012, and after it metastasized to her liver, she passed away in November of that year.

While she was 15 years older than me, she was only 47 when she was diagnosed. It was found on a routine mammogram, and we had no family history.

At my next OBGYN visit, I began getting yearly mammograms.

Last year, I finally gave in and did the BRCA genetic testing, which will tell you whether or not you’re a carrier of the cancer gene. Thankfully, I was negative for that gene, but with a family history, I have a 30% increased risk of developing breast cancer. Last year, I began seeing a breast health specialist, and now I get a

breast MRI in between my yearly mammograms. Through this experience, I always encourage everyone to get their yearly mammograms. So much can happen in a short amount of time, and early detection is key.

I am honored to tell Pam Cannon’s story on this month’s cover.

She shared her cancer journey and her instrumental role in the beginning of a cancer support program created at Grandview Medical Center.

I stopped by their first meeting in September and met a wonderful group of women. Some were just beginning their cancer journey, and others had already finished treatments. Their group is open to anyone with any type of cancer, so if you or someone you know are going through cancer and need support, I highly encourage you to join this group or find a similar one to get involved in. Just remember — you are not alone. Blessings to you all.

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ARC Realty (B3)

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Ascension St. Vincent’s Health Systems (B1)

Bedzzz Express (B1, B20)

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PHOTO OF THE MONTH

One Man & A Toolbox (B16)

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Pak Mail (A16)

Parrot Structural Services LLC (B19)

Piggly Wiggly (B2)

Renew

Dermatology (A29)

Rockett’s Bug Juice Gardens (B6)

Royal Automotive (B7)

Samford University (B11)

Secret Garden - Dreamscape Landscape Development (A23)

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Client Success Specialist: Business Development Exec: Business Development Rep: Operations Specialist:

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Eagle

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P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253

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

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Find Us

Pick up the latest issue of 280 Living at the following locations:

► Alabama Outdoors

► Cahaba Ridge

► Chiropractic Today

► Chelsea High School

► Chelsea Library

► Cowboy’s

► Danberry

► Edgar’s Bakery

► Edward’s Chevrolet

► Ground Up Coffee & Smoothies/

Snider’s Pharmacy

► Lloyd’s Restaurant

► Mt Laurel Library

► North Shelby Library

► Oak Mountain High School

► Spain Park High School

► 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 Dan Starnes at dan@ starnesmedia.com.

The Oak Mountain student section cheers during a game at Pelham High School’s Bobby Haynes Field on Sept. 1. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Editor Leah Ingram Eagle with her sister Paula Ingram Duncan in October 2012.

Chelsea FY24 budget comes in at $15.2m total revenue

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

The Chelsea City Council passed the fiscal 2024 budget during the Sept. 19 meeting, and Mayor Tony Picklesimer said it’s the largest budget ever offered for approval.

With over $15 million in revenue and a $700,000 surplus for future projects, Picklesimer said the budget is a very healthy one and he’s excited about that. That’s up from $14,525,971 in the previous year’s budget. The projected expenditures for FY24 are $25.6 million.

“Not only does this give us an opportunity to do some of the things we need to do, but also to save some money for some future capital items,” he said.

Picklesimer thanked the department heads for their work during the process. He said the budgeting process brought out some highlights regarding the exemplary operation of the library, fire department and parks and recreation department.

Fire Chief Joe Lee said the city has been very generous and he will continue to make the Chelsea Fire Department better every day.

“We are so fortunate to have the quality of people working in our city that we do,” Picklesimer said.

REVENUE HIGHLIGHTS

► A projected increase in lodging tax after the opening of the city’s first hotel, LaQuinta Inn

► Anticipated use of ARPA federal funding totaling $826,829

► The remaining capital project proceeds of $2 million are dedicated for council discretionary projects

EXPENDITURE HIGHLIGHTS

► $7,785,615, from the educational sales tax and related bond issue, dedicated toward school projects, donations and activities

► $350,000 dedicated toward the completion of the ABC Distribution Center project

► $400,000 dedicated for the completion of the additional community center gym

► A 2.5% raise for majority of city employees

► Fire and Rescue employees will receive

2-9% raises based on position

There were increases in the fire department budget (7%) to $5,495,000, up from $5,120,400 in FY23, and in the Park & Recreation and Chelsea Community Center budget (24%) to $2,084,000, up from $1,672,760 in FY23.

Along with the FY24 budget, the city’s holiday calendar was adopted.

The mayor and council were in the midst of conducting the third round of interviews to fill the vacant city council spot. Council member

The city of Chelsea will have a projected $15 million in revenue for FY24.

Scott Weygand said they hope to make an announcement of the new member at the first meeting in October.

UPCOMING DATES

► Oct. 3: National Night Out

► Oct. 3 and 17: Council meetings

► Oct. 9: City Hall closed for Columbus Day

► Oct. 28: Fall Craft Fair, Chelsea Community Center

► Oct. 29-30: Bikes 4 Kids rodeo

Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.

Residents ask for more trails, greenways

Other desired projects include a skate park, pickleball courts and historic preservation areas

By JON ANDERSON

Expanding trails and greenways should be the top priority for Hoover parks and recreation officials, according to public feedback given for a parks and public spaces plan the city is creating.

That was consistently ranked as the biggest need for city parks and recreation offerings, said Mindy Wyatt, a strategic analyst with the city’s Office of Economic and Community Development who is serving as project manager for the plan.

Improving the maintenance and condition of existing parks, updating amenities at existing parks and creating new opportunities for recreation also were seen as important, Wyatt said. Some recurring suggestions for new amenities and projects included a skate park, more pickleball courts and taking steps to preserve historical sites in places like Bluff Park and the Brock’s Gap area, she said.

The city recently wrapped up the public engagement phase for the parks and public spaces plan after holding several town hall and focus group meetings and conducting an online survey. More than 770 people attended the town hall meetings, and 3,542 people took the survey, including 2,874 residents and 540 people who live outside Hoover, Wyatt said.

Survey participants indicated their favorite parks in Hoover to visit are the 350-acre Moss Rock Preserve nature park, Aldridge Gardens and Veterans Park. The Hoover Metropolitan Complex and Finley Center were the top-visited sports facilities.

Survey participants said their top existing park amenities were trails, gardens, scenery, playgrounds and community events, and the amenities they would most like to see added or expanded are paved walking loops, play equipment, hiking and unpaved trails, blueway

access and fishing.

Their top existing park and recreation programs were rock climbing, running and walking events, playground events, soccer progams and weightlifting, while programs or events they would most like to see added or expanded were markets and festivals, hiking and outdoor clubs, concerts and performances, arts programs and outdoor movie nights.

With a $10,000 contribution from Signature

Homes, the city now is conducting a regional trail feasibility study, said Jeremy Vice, a member of the Hoover Parks and Recreation Board. The goal is to create more opportunities for walking, jogging, hiking and biking and to connect Hoover’s various communities together as well as with other points of interest and trail networks in adjacent communities, Vice said.

The goal is to have the regional trail study done by Thanksgiving and incorporate it into

the overall city park and public spaces plan, he said.

There were more than 750 comments about the need for a skate park in Hoover, Wyatt said. A group called Skate Alabama has been pushing for a skate park to be built in Hoover for about three years. The group two years ago announced it wanted to build a 20,000-squarefoot park for skateboarding, inline skating and BMX biking at the Hoover Met Complex, and a year ago the estimated price tag was $800,000 to $1 million.

Former Hoover City Administrator Allan Rice said then that if the skateboard community could raise the money to build a new skate park, the city would allow it to be built at the Met Complex and would oversee and maintain it. However, fundraising has been difficult.

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato said the city almost daily receives calls from people wanting more pickleball courts.

The city in August held a ribbon cutting for six pickleball courts that were created out of tennis court space next to Simmons Middle School, with Hoover City Schools covering one-third of the $67,000 cost, officials said.

Also in August, construction began for eight new pickleball courts and 45-50 new parking spaces at Veterans Park. The city is spending $900,000 for that project, and Shelby County is chipping in $400,000, for a total of $1.3 million.

The city also has had the Goodwyn Mills & Cawood architectural firm drawing up plans for 12 to 24 new pickleball courts at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex and has received a $500,000 grant through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs for that project, but that project is not yet fully funded, Council President John Lyda said.

The full report on public feedback is available at hooveral.org/1036/Future-Hoover.

With its tree-lined streets, broad sidewalks, and plentiful green spaces, Mt Laurel is a sustainable neighborhood that offers residents a relaxed pace of life. It’s a place with a unique identity, formed by three core values: community, respect for nature, and a commitment to the future.

Kenya Harris and Brandon Lockett look at the trail map at the Moss Rock boulder field as they decide on a path to take for a hike in March 2021. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Birmingham, AL - Located on Highway 280 at 4700 US-280 Suite 13, Capella Pizza has quickly become a go-to destination for pizza enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Italy. With most of their ingredients imported directly from Italy, including their wood-fired oven that reaches scorching temperatures of up to 900°F, Capella Pizza is known for its Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked to perfection in just 90 seconds. Offering not only incredible pizza but also Italian gelato and desserts, this family-owned business has captured the hearts and taste buds of Birmingham locals.

Capella Pizza is a labor of love for the owners, who happen to be brothers and cousins. Their commitment to delivering an exceptional dining experience shines through in every aspect of their operation. From the imported ingredients to the wood-fired oven, every detail is carefully considered to ensure customers receive a truly authentic and unforgettable taste sensation.

"Our goal is to transport our customers to Italy with each bite," says one of the owners. "We want to recreate the experience of enjoying a traditional Neapolitan pizza in the heart of Birmingham. That's why we import the finest ingredients and cook our pizzas at such high temperatures. It's all about capturing the essence of Italian cuisine."

The centerpiece of Capella Pizza's kitchen is their wood-fired oven, which not only adds a

4700 US-280 E, Suite 13

Birmingham, AL 35242

205-438-6108

Next to Fresh Market on 280

Capella Pizza: Authentic Napoletana-Style Pizzeria Brings A Taste of Italy to Birmingham

Family-Owned Business Delights Pizza Lovers with Wood-Fired Perfection

distinct flavor to the pizzas but also allows for rapid cooking times. The intense heat of the oven ensures that pizzas are cooked to perfection in just 90 seconds, resulting in a thin and crispy crust that perfectly complements the mouthwatering toppings.

To maintain the highest quality, Capella Pizza prepares all their ingredients daily, using only the freshest produce and finest imported Italian products. This dedication to freshness guarantees that every pizza is bursting with flavor and authenticity.

In addition to their exceptional pizzas, Capella Pizza offers a delightful selection of Italian gelato and desserts. From creamy gelato that transports taste buds to the streets of Rome to traditional Italian desserts that satisfy any sweet tooth, Capella Pizza provides the perfect ending to a memorable meal.

The success of Capella Pizza has not gone unnoticed, and the owners have exciting plans for expansion. They recently announced their intention to open a second location in Trussville by the end of the year, spreading their passion for authentic Italian cuisine to a new community.

"We are thrilled to bring Capella Pizza to Trussville," says one of the owners. "We believe in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where customers feel like part of our family. We can't wait to share our love for Italian pizza and desserts with even more people."

As the year comes to a close, Trussville residents can look forward to the arrival of Capella Pizza and the opportunity to experience

the flavors of authentic Neapolitan pizza. The expansion has generated a buzz of excitement among locals, who eagerly anticipate indulging in the delectable offerings and warm hospitality that Capella Pizza is known for.

Capella Pizza is more than just a pizzeria; it is a culinary journey that captures the essence of Italy. Whether you are a pizza aficionado or simply seeking a delightful dining experience, Capella Pizza promises to transport your taste buds to the streets of Naples and leave you craving more.

“We want to recreate the experience of enjoying a traditional Neapolitan pizza in the heart of Birmingham.”

“Thin and crispy crust that perfectly complements the mouthwatering toppings.”

Business Happenings

NOW OPEN

Renew Dermatology’s Greystone location is now open for business. The office is located at 2827 Greystone Commercial Blvd. in Hoover, next to Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ. This is Renew Dermatology’s second location, their first location is at 1651 Independence Court, Suite 211 in Homewood.

205-580-1500, renewdermatology.net

Iron City Dance Factory recently opened. The new dance studio at 7350 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 103, has classes for all experience levels and all ages, including adults.

205-444-1058, ironcitydance.com

Lit Cards and More is now open in the shopping strip on the U.S. 280 side of Tattersall Park, at 5413 U.S. 280, Suite 101. According to their Facebook page, the store will be a “one-stop shop for graded sports cards, boxes and clothing for all ages.” litcardsandmore.com

Primo’s Pizza and Pasta, a new restaurant in Chelsea, is open in the former Chicken Fry’d location at 16064 U.S. 280 and serves a variety of pizza and pastas. They are open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 205-677-2034

Warby Parker, an eyeglasses retailer, is now open at The Summit.

205-813-5895, warbyparker.com

COMING SOON

First Bank plans to open a new branch in the new Cahaba Pointe commercial area in the 5300 block of U.S. 280, across from the Walmart Supercenter, according

to Brian Harris, who was representing the Terra Equities development company at the September Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. firstbankonline.com

Chipotle plans to open a new location in the new Cahaba Pointe commercial area in the 5300 block of U.S. 280, across from the Walmart Supercenter. chipotle.com

NEW OWNERSHIP

The Barbershop of Chelsea, 10699 Old Highway 280, has reopened under new owner Kimberly Cunningham The Barbershop of Chelsea serves the entire family and offers hair extensions, braids, dreads, hair retwist, silk press and acrylic and gel nails. 205-677-5027

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Winn-Dixie stores at 500 Inverness Corners and 150 Chelsea Corners Way are being purchased by Aldi as part of a larger deal for Aldi to buy about 400 Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s Supermarket locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Aldi said it plans to convert some stores to its own brand and continue to operate the rest under their own banners. 205-991-0230, 205-678-5600, winndixie.com, aldi.us

PERSONNEL MOVES

Tonya Youngblood has joined the RealtySouth office in Chelsea at 331 Chelsea Corners Way, Suite 101, and Iris Hendricks Jamie Fallin and Chris Nelson have joined the RealtySouth office at 109 Inverness Plaza, Suite 4800. realtysouth.com

ANNIVERSARIES

Ming’s Cuisine will be celebrating its 35th anniversary in October. Located at 514 Cahaba Park Circle, the restaurant has been family-owned since 1988. 205-991-3803

The Secret Garden is celebrating their sixth anniversary. The locally owned and operated garden shop and learning center is located at 7854 County Road 11 in Chelsea. 205-678-2411, secretgardenalabama.com

Haley Hays and the staff of Haven Space

Salon are celebrating the third anniversary of their Inverness hair salon, 5291 Valleydale Road #125. 205-582-2600, havenspace salon.com

Business News to Share?

Do you have news to share with the community about a business in Chelsea or the greater Birmingham area?

Let us know at starnesmedia.com/ business-happenings

WHAT WE DO:

Identify juveniles who are either at high risk for or already involved in substance misuse and provide them resources to make better choices for a healthy lifestyle while promoting mental wellness.

PREVENTION:

Compact’s Community Coalitions educate, engage, and empower their communities at the local level to prevent substance misuse and provide resources to those impacted.

INTERVENTION:

Our Intervention Team works to educate parents and students as well as locate youth who are at risk of, or involved in substance misuse or addiction, and provide them help and resources.

What to know about Private Banking

As your financial wealth and assets grow, what you need from a financial institution changes. Through Private Banking, Valley Bank provides specialized services to protect and optimize your asset growth and meet your needs as you grow.

Private banking is a general banking term for services designed for high-net-worth individuals with assets typically from $2-5 million. Valley Banks provides affluent individuals with exclusive high-end banking services.

If you’re new to private banking or looking to move your assets to a new private banker, then keep reading for some tips on what to look for and what Valley Bank has to offer.

WHAT IS PRIVATE BANKING?

Private banking gives you access to all the usual banking services but they’re brought to you by a banker who is specially equipped to handle large amounts of assets. Your private banker will have additional training and licensing to provide quality services for high-net-worth people.

At Valley, our private banking services bring customized banking services and programs unique to your needs. They bring you benefits like the best pricing and rates on all your accounts, such as certificates of deposits. They cut through the red tape and make your banking experience easier. This service is often described as “white glove” because of the care and attention your banker gives your account.

WHY DOES PRIVATE BANKING EXIST?

In short, private banking exists because there are few financial services designed for someone who has $1 to $10 million in assets.

A private banker will provide guidance and a holistic approach to financial planning. From your checking account to your investments, a private banker will be involved in all your monetary affairs to help you achieve financial success.

WHEN DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED A PRIVATE BANKER?

Eligibility requirements can vary but if you meet the financial requirements and are looking for a holistic approach to your monetary needs, then a private banker may be for you.

Keeping all your financial transactions in one place has benefits. For example, as you look towards retirement, a private banker can help optimize your cash flow with relatively low risk and prepare you for life after you retire.

From preferential rates on deposit accounts to financial planning and loans, Valley’s private banking offers a multitude of services.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN YOUR PRIVATE BANKER?

Private banking is a unique skill and it’s important to find a banker who can add value to your portfolio. Ask yourself, “Does this banker have deep experience in the area I need the most help in?” An experienced private banker can be of tremendous help, whether it involves equity investments, financial planning or other specialized financial services.

At Valley Bank, you have access to your private banker when you need them, and they will become deeply familiar with your accounts and financial needs. We even offer an easy transition service if you’re looking to move assets to a new private banker where we take care of all the heavy lifting.

Private banking is not just one service – it’s a way for a banker to offer a wide range of best-in-class services with a high level of customer care to high-net-worth clients. It’s important to make sure the private banking service you choose is right for your needs.

Marc Pershan is a First Vice President serving the Alabama market for Valley Bank’s Private Banking Services. He has been in private banking for more than 35 years and is currently based in Alabama and Chicago.

PhysioBaby offers newborn, child-focused physical therapy

By GRACE THORNTON

Dr. Katie Dougherty said she thinks of PhysioBaby as her third child.

For starters, it was “born” at the same time as her second son. But it has also been a labor of love for the Greystone resident because she’s passionate about assisting families who feel like they’re not thriving, only surviving.

That’s the mission of her practice, which offers therapeutic services to support physical, mental and emotional development for babies and children. The goal is to meet a family right where they are, at a “delicate time where there can be many unknowns,” said Dougherty, who is the chief pediatric physical therapist and founder of PhysioBaby.

Those “unknowns” can take a wide variety of forms, she said.

“It could mean an infant who’s colicky or dealing with reflux, or a baby who has issues with eating or head shape or motor delays, who’s getting a ‘wait and see’ from other providers,’” she said. “We’re the people you can go to and say, ‘What can I do in this stage for this little person in my life?’”

The idea for PhysioBaby started when Dougherty, who was born and raised in Inverness, moved to Houston after finishing her doctorate in pediatric physical therapy.

“I worked at Texas Children’s Hospital for 10 years and had two babies, and after I was on maternity leave with my second, I had a desire to open a practice,” she said.

Dougherty began to ask herself what she would want that practice to look like if her own children were the patients. Not too long after, in 2019, she opened PhysioBaby in Houston.

“I call this practice my son’s twin, because they were born together,” she said. “It was born out of wanting to serve families in a better way.”

At first, Dougherty thought she would be a one-woman show, but she kept getting referrals

and began bringing on more specialized staff. Then, when she and her husband decided to move their family back to the Birmingham area a couple of years ago, she started a second PhysioBaby in her hometown.

It started as a concierge service offering home visits. Earlier this year, PhysioBaby opened a brick-and-mortar clinic at 201 Cahaba Park Circle, Suite 400.

“We want to make people feel empowered

to take on things that aren’t quite right in their children’s little lives,” said Dougherty. “We spend 45 minutes to an hour with each patient weekly, so our patients know us, our parents know us and we develop a relationship of trust and get to watch them grow.”

In addition to treating babies, PhysioBaby also provides support with situations such as mothers who struggle with breastfeeding or an issue like back pain or neck pain.

“We partner with a lot of different providers in the community like chiropractors, dentists, pediatricians and lactation consultants,” said Dougherty, noting that PhysioBaby aims to assemble a highly specialized team that can serve families holistically. “Our number one goal is to let them know, ‘You can do this, and I’m in your corner to help you do it better.’” For more information about PhysioBaby, visit physiobabypt.com.

Katie Dougherty, PT/DPT and founder of PhysioBaby, works on the head and neck of a 3-month-old as Samantha Newcomb, PT/DPT, works on the baby’s hips and lower spine during an appointment at PhysioBaby on Sept. 15. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Liberty Park resident starts candle company after

By GRACE THORNTON

Karen Williams is careful about the ingredients that go into Blue Feather Candle Company candles.

For one thing, she wants them to be great candles for everyone — clean burning, made with high-end fragrances and leaving minimal soot.

But she’s got another reason. She wants to help her husband, Mark, have safe air to breathe, because for the past several years, they’ve fought a war for his sinuses — and for his life.

At first the Williamses, who live in the Cotswolds neighborhood off Sicard Hollow Road, thought it was just a sinus infection, but over time, they found out it was something much bigger.

“This all started in December 2019. They misdiagnosed him,” Karen said, noting that soon after, he was also diagnosed with and treated for kidney cancer. “We went through six months with the doctor just kind of blowing us off and saying it [the sinus infection] was just going to take time to heal.”

But it didn’t heal. The pain in his head got worse, and they finally were referred to a doctor at UAB who told them he had osteonecrosis, or bone death.

“He told Mark, ‘You have catastrophic damage to your face,’” Karen said, explaining that her husband’s sinus cavities and upper jaw were completely destroyed. “It took our breath away.”

The surgeries began, and while doctors tried to figure out what had happened, they put him on an IV antibiotic to help clear up any infection that might be present. About eight weeks later, an infectious disease specialist at UAB called and said she’d put the puzzle together Mark had an extremely rare fungus with a high mortality rate. His doctors admitted him to

the hospital immediately, explaining the danger of the situation.

“They said, ‘If there’s one spore left, it will continue to do damage, and if it travels to the brain, it will be deadly,’” Karen said.

But they got it all out and used the fibula from his left leg to rebuild his cavities and upper jaw. In total, he went through 11 surgeries in those two years. He also did speech therapy and relearned to talk and eat.

“God’s been with us every step of the way,” Mark said. Karen agrees.

“He’s a miracle. He should be dead,” she said.

“We feel so compelled to tell the story. We’re ordinary people; we don’t deserve this miracle.”

That’s how the Blue Feather Candle Company was born. It started as a distraction for her in the darkest parts of their journey, and it ended up being a way to share their story.

The name came from a Bible verse, Psalm 91:4, which says God “will cover you with his feathers; you will take refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.”

The original six scents — the Journey Collection — are named for different aspects of that season, Karen said. For instance, “Stormy” is for

the two and a half years of storm they walked through. “Kindred” is for the people who prayed for them and took care of them. And “Gracious” tells the story of God’s grace in their life all the way through.

Since then, they’ve expanded to offer a Southern Collection and seasonal scents.

Karen said Blue Feather’s candles are made with carefully selected, high-end ingredients and are hand poured locally.

“I chose coconut wax because it’s a clean-burning wax,” she said. “After what we had been through, I wanted to make sure it could be as toxin-free as possible.”

The Williamses will be selling Blue Feather Candle Company candles at local shows this fall, including Merry Missions at Bethel Baptist Church in Pleasant Grove, the Junior League of Birmingham’s Market Noel and the Holly Jolly Market in Moody.

For more information, visit bluefeathercandle company.com or follow them on their Facebook page or on Instagram @bluefeather_candleco.

Christopher Radko Ornaments

I chose coconut wax because it’s a

wax. After what we had been

it could be as toxin-free as possible.

KAREN WILLIAMS

Mark and Karen Williams are the owners of Blue Feather Candle Company. The business name was inspired by a Bible verse, Psalm 91:4, which says God “will cover you with his feathers; you will take refuge under his wings.” Photo by Grace Thornton.

Finding a ‘calling’ in helping clients navigate complex healthcare challenges

LifeCare Solutions is the leading care management service in the Birmingham area and specializes in helping families care for older adults, or people of any age, who need help navigating serious health and lifestyle challenges.

Older people have numerous health needs, both mental and physical, and others (including young people) may face complex care challenges they don’t know how to navigate.

They all need someone they can trust to help them find their way through a bewildering maze of healthcare challenges.

LifeCare Solutions is there with a holistic, client-centered approach.

The caring, well-trained staff at LifeCare Solutions can assess the client’s current needs and help create a plan.

They can also help educate carepartners; help clients and families plan for crisis care; and get clients connected with local resources and providers, including help with legal and financial matters.

“We help our clients navigate their care journey, and we cover basically everything they need help with,” said Taylor McElmurry, Director of Marketing at LifeCare Solutions. “We recommend all kinds of outside resources, from caregiving, home health and physicians to counseling, hospice and living facilities.”

Founder Christy Baynes started the company in 2012 when her professional and personal experience showed her the need for true continuity of care focused on the whole person.

“Care is our calling, not our job,” Baynes said. “Our own families and loved ones have endured many of the same hardships and challenges that our clients face.”

LifeCare Solutions marked its 10th anniversary recently and has helped more than 600 clients manage their care and life situations.

The company also rebranded in 2022, changing its name from the original LifeCare for Seniors, to reflect the company’s expanding client base.

“While geriatrics is still our specialty, we have been helping younger and younger individuals who need the same help as older adults, whether it involves a chronic illness, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse or mental health,” Baynes said. “We want to serve those of all ages, backgrounds and conditions no matter how complicated.”

LifeCare Solutions has grown to a staff of 15, including its Care Managers, who have about 200 years of combined experience working with people living in complex care.

“We choose team members with the right educational background, years of expertise in the industry, personal experience and most importantly the heart and passion to serve our clients and their families,” Baynes said.

The staff at LifeCare Solutions also works with a network of other professionals to broaden the services they can provide clients.

“A huge part of our role is providing expert recommendations to local resources based on each specific situation we are presented,” McElmurry said. “We have first-hand experience working with most of the resources we recommend. We also never take referral fees — we simply make these recommendations based on the need of our client.”

A client and their family may need caregiving, home health, a respite program or an attorney, or such everyday needs as housekeeping, plumbing and construction.

“A lot of our clients are still living in their homes, but can’t do things like lift heavy boxes or change a light bulb, so we created a Home Repair Concierge (HRC) service,” McElmurry said.

The HRC Coordinator is a Certified Home Safety Specialist®, and can conduct a Home Safety Assessment. The HRC team “can help you accomplish those everyday home maintenance activities which seem overwhelming,” she said.

People also still need and want personal, hands-on care, even in an age of technology.

“Aging or living with complex care is extremely emotional, and a big part of what we do is help our clients and their families work through these highly emotional situations,” McElmurry said. “We often say aging or being cared for is a very intimate process.”

This is why each client at LifeCare Solutions has just one Care Manager. “We want to build that relationship of trust

between the Care Manager, the client and the client’s family,” McElmurry said.

Maintaining continuity of care for clients is critical for LifeCare Solutions because they help people at all stages of care.

“Some individuals use our services for the short term, but for the most part, they use our ongoing services because situations progress and can change in a heartbeat,” McElmurry said. “Continuity of care is extremely important in order for us to make the most accurate recommendations for care.”

The Thoughtful Engagement® Specialists at LifeCare Solutions work with those suffering from dementia, loneliness or depression. The Thoughtful Engagement® Program features one-on-one personalized activities that “bring a client joy.”

For example, one woman with dementia loves to collect antiques so her Thoughtful Engagement® Specialist takes her estate sale shopping, McElmurry said.

“However, most of the time our clients just need someone to talk to and to be there spend time with them,” she said.

LifeCare Solutions is also the first Positive Approach to Care® designated organization in the state. The PAC® designation means their staff has been trained on dementia education and approach. They can also train client’s families, caregivers or the staff they work with at their facility.

The work at LifeCare Solutions is very gratifying for the staff.

“The majority of the time, our families come to us lost, overwhelmed or in crisis mode because the healthcare industry is so complicated, lacks unified communication or there are just too many decisions to make,” McElmurry said. “On top of all of that, caring for a loved one is difficult. We get to meet our clients at whatever stage they are in, and relieve them of their stress and burden so they can simply be family. Being able to see the relief that our service brings to our clients and their families makes LifeCare Solutions what it is today.”

LifeCare Solutions is both owned and operated by women. “We are so proud of the women that work with us, and the care and compassion they provide for our clients,” McElmurry said.

For more information, call 205-848-8400 or go to lcscaresolutions.com.

Specializing in skin: Naaman Clinic

By CANDICE N. HALE

Dr. Evans Bailey, owner of Naaman Clinic and surgical dermatologist, is no stranger to helping residents around the state of Alabama, with clinics in several communities throughout the state.

The first clinic opened in 2016 in Hoover on Riverchase Parkway, then other locations followed in Montgomery, Sylacauga, and Gadsden. In addition, Bailey works in conjunction with the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital to treat cancers of the eyelid.

The latest location, in Greystone’s Tattersall Park, opened at the end of August to serve individuals with their dermatological and skin cancer needs.

The Naaman Clinic specializes in Mohs Surgery (a method for treating skin cancer lesions), skin cancer and reconstruction, laser and cosmetic procedures, and medical dermatology services. Some of those include laser skin resurfacing, laser tattoo removal, facial injectables, and noninvasive body contouring. Routine skin checks and skin cancer treatments are available.

“Mohs surgery is the standard of care for skin cancers, with much higher cure rates compared to older surgical techniques,” Bailey said. “However, there are few fellowship-trained, board-certified Mohs surgeons in Birmingham, and limited access to Mohs surgery on the 280 corridor. We saw a need, and are excited to help meet that need.”

The new clinic in Tattersall Park will be home to five providers — three

physicians and two mid-level practitioners — who are all board-certified and two are certified in micrographic surgery.

Bailey is board certified by the American Academy of Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. He has over 15 years of experience practicing dermatology procedures techniques

How My Chamber Investment Works for

and training.

After attending Wheaton College, Bailey returned to Birmingham and completed his doctorate degrees and completed an internship in internal medicine at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

He trained as a resident at the University of Michigan in 2005. In 2010, Bailey returned to Birmingham and

worked as a co-owner with Surgical Dermatology Group until 2016 until opening his own clinic.

“Naaman is not an actual doctor in the clinic,” Bailey said. “We picked that name from the Old Testament because his skin was healed from the prophet Elisha. If one looks at our logo, then they’ll see it’s a washing in the Jordan River. I want others to see

— we are instruments in the process of healing.”

Bailey knows his patients may be nervous when they step into his office and he is there to help them understand.

“Healthcare is uncomfortable to understand, at times,” he said. “Melanoma is my specialty. We have great techniques and will walk them through the process. My foremost concern is putting them at ease.”

The most common appointments at the Naaman Clinic are for skin cancers of the face. 75% are cancer removals and reconstructions performed on the patients in one of the 15 operating rooms. Removals are sent to a modern microscope facility at the lab where Bailey and his team are able to see the tumor in a higher resolution detail, which is a significant advancement, while the patient is waiting.

The most enjoyable thing about working in dermatology for Bailey is getting to know the patients as he spends time communicating with them and their families.

“I will always use that time to get to know them and understand them and their families,” he said. “It’s extraordinarily rewarding.”

Naaman Clinic in Greystone is located at 6234 Tattersall Blvd. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit naamanclinic.com.

– The fifth paragraph in italics was worded incorrectly when the story first ran. This story is being rerun due to that and 280 Living regrets the error.

Dr. Evans Bailey excises a tumor using the Mohs technique to examine the tissue and cancer cells during a procedure at the Naaman Clinic in Riverchase. The Naaman Clinic is opening a second location at Tattersall Park. Photo by Erin Nelson.

Trail work on the track

By JON ANDERSON

The city of Hoover and Shelby County officially opened a new cross-country course at Veterans Park in August.

The part of the course that goes through the woods on the west side of Jaguar Drive was redesigned to combine old and new trails for a new experience for runners.

The trail work was handled by a crew from Shelby County, and the course they built adds new challenges and maintains Veterans Park as a tough place to run, said Michael Zelwak, the head cross country and track coach at Spain Park High School, which is immediately next to the park.

“This course was never fast,” Zelwak said. “The goal was to keep it that way, keep it true cross-country.”

However, the old course had developed numerous drainage problems over the years due to erosion, and this new design is a vast improvement, Zelwak said. The city of Hoover has constantly taken care of the course, but in recent years, runners could be knee deep in water when it rained, he said.

The new course also eliminates some of the soft, mushy ground that had made running difficult and provides more stable, safer footing for runners, Zelwak said.

That said, there are some new, sharper turns and elevation changes that could throw runners for a loop, he said. “If you’re not careful, it will really break your stride,” he said.

The old course was known for a monster hill

right before runners came out of the woods, he said, but the new one is designed to more “slowly grind you down.”

It’s a more technical course that will keep runners on their toes and requires a different approach, Zelwak said. Some of his former

New cross-country course opens at Veterans Park

cross-country perspective.”

Also, the direction of the course has been reversed, and the woods portion of the 3.1mile course is now in the first 1.5 miles, Zelwak said.

Zelwak thanked Erin Colbaugh and the Hoover Parks and Recreation Department for making some changes to plans for new pickleball courts to be built at Veterans Park, since the original plans would have negatively affected the cross-country course. The location of the courts was adjusted as much as possible to have less of an impact on the runners’ course, he said.

Spain Park runners have tested it and love it, he said.

There are faster cross-country courses with a lot of relatively flat, open running spaces in the state, but this one is designed to be tough, he said. “It’s going to be a lot more fun from a

Shelby County crews didn’t start on the new course until July 5, and Zelwak said he was concerned they might not finish in time for this cross-country season, but they got the job done with time to spare.

The first big group of races for the new course, Spain Park High School’s Cross-Country Twilight races, were held at the end of August, with lights strung up in the woods for a unique atmosphere.

Spain Park High School cross-country runners practice on the new cross-country course at Veterans Park in Hoover. From left are MD Moniruddin, Stephen Schneider and Allen Padgham. Photo courtesy of Spain Park High School.

MICHAEL ZELWAK

Citizen’s Sheriff Academy By Leah Ingram Eagle

What it takes to be a deputy

The night before this issue goes to press, I had my first class as a part of the Citizen’s Sheriff Academy, presented by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

I’ve been wanting to take part in this for the past several years and have decided to make the commitment to be a part of this eight-week program.

It’s open to any citizen of Shelby County and provides the opportunity to experience the real world of law enforcement and what it is like to be a sheriff’s deputy.

The program is designed to help the public better understand the mission, operations and functions of the Sheriff’s Office, heighten community awareness and improve communications between the SCSO and the communities it serves.

Through 18 hours of presentations and demonstrations from the department’s deputies, we will learn some of the techniques and resources they use to train for duty, from traffic stops to drug enforcement and tactical team response.

One of the cool things my classmates and I will get to do is see up close some of the weapons used by the SCSO and what it takes to use them effectively. What I expect to be my favorite is the opportunity to “ride along” on patrol with a deputy. (What if it turns into a real life “COPS” episode?!)

We’ll also see videos of real-life situations encountered by law enforcement officers that cause you to rethink what it means for a deputy to respond to any situation, and help you gain a realistic understanding of the knowledge and skills it takes to do the job of a sheriff’s deputy.

At one of the sessions, we’ll receive basic firearms safety training and will have the opportunity to use the Sheriff’s Office firearms range — exciting!

Over the course, the topics covered will include:

► Patrol Division Overview

► Alabama Firearms Laws and Safety Training

► Corrections

► Criminal Investigations

► Drug Task Force

► Laws and the Court System

► Sheriff’s Office Organization and Staffing

► Special Units

► Tactical Response Unit

I’ll be sharing a column about my experience in each issue of 280 Living over the next few months, so stay tuned!

Leah Ingram Eagle is an editor at Starnes Media.

Eagle

Schoolhouse

Helping behind the scenes

Meet the PTO presidents for the 2023-24 school year

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE and JON ANDERSON

280 Living caught up with the parent-teacher organization presidents of the schools along the U.S. 280 corridor to learn a little about them and their plans for the upcoming school year.

CHELSEA PARK ELEMENTARY

► Co-presidents: Ashley Spencer and Jennifer Kilgroe

► Email: CPESPTO2@gmail.com

► Children: Ashley Spencer: Lawson (second grade at CPES), Cale (ninth grade at Cornerstone Christian), Davis (2023 CHHS graduate) and two exchange students, Nele from Germany and Benz from Thailand, both in 11th grade at CHHS.

Jennifer Kilgroe: Emma Kilgroe (third grade)

► How long have you served on PTO, and what positions have you held? Ashley: This is my seventh year on the elementary PTO and my fifth year on high school PTO.

Jennifer: This is my second year on PTO. I was SnoCone co-chair last year and helped everywhere I was needed.

► What events/fundraisers do you have planned for this year? We have lots of fun activities and fundraisers planned for the 2023-24 school year. Some of those include: Charleston Wrap, Boosterthon, Holiday Shop, schoolwide dances, Art in the Park, Popcorn/PJ Days, Kona Ice Days and Spirit Nights. We are excited about serving the Chelsea Park Elementary School family and are looking forward to a wonderful year!

FOREST OAKS ELEMENTARY

► President: Sarah Worster

► Email: foespresident@gmail.com

► Children: Tyler (eighth grade), Aaron (sixth grade) and Lauren (fourth grade)

► How long have you served on PTO, and what positions have you held? I have been on FOES PTO for almost three years. I did one year as shaved ice coordinator, and this is my second year as president.

► What events/fundraisers do you have planned for this year? We started off with our popcorn/shaved ice passes and our school spirit wear shop that included FOES shirts. We just closed out our adopt-a-class where families and businesses have sponsored classrooms for the school year. This helps supply the teachers with extra money for classroom needs that come throughout the year. In October, we will start our Read a Thon “Abracadabra: A Magical Journey through Imagination” and our vice president, Erin Eggler, already has poured so much time in planning a great experience for our students. Kitty Shirley and Michelle Schoenfeldt will lead our Holiday shop “Peppermint Palace,” where the students can shop for their families. In February, Amanda Lee will head up our Hornet Hustle fun run where the students run while raising money for our school. All these fundraisers support so many areas of the school. This year we plan to spend funds on security updates, sound system upgrade, support of the teachers, copies, beautification for the inside and outside of our building and so many more things. Thank you so much for the support from FOES faculty, FOES families and Chelsea. Our PTO team is filled with some amazing moms who work so hard behind the scenes creating fun and lasting memories for our FOES students. It’s an honor to be a part of this team and pour back into a school that has done so much for my family.

CHELSEA MIDDLE

► Co-presidents: Stacey Carmack and Lindsey Davenport

► Email: chmshornets.pto@gmail.com

► Children: Stacey: Bryson (CHS graduate), Kaleigh (11th grade), Brennan (10th grade), Kellen (seventh grade).

Lindsey: Jayden (CHS graduate), Gavin (eighth grade), Emma (seventh grade), Logan (seventh grade), Charlotte (third grade)

► How long have you served on PTO, and what positions have you held? Stacey: I have spent seven years in PTO positions at Mt Laurel Elementary, Chelsea Middle and Chelsea High: secretary, staff appreciation, counselor liaison, vice president/fundraising, food and concessions. Currently Co-president at CHMS and staff appreciation at CHHS.

Lindsey: I have served on Chelsea Middle PTO for two years and assisted with corporate sponsorships.

► What events/fundraisers do you have planned for this year? We have already done our annual Back to School Bash, which was a huge success as well as a Spirit Day T-Shirt fundraiser. Upcoming fundraisers include

Charleston Wrap, Spirit Nights at Buffalo Wild Wings and Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. We will sell Chelsea clothing merchandise in October and end the year with our annual Spring Fling.

We have already provided funds for scientific calculators, contributed to new choir folders, purchased a money counter for the bookkeeper, painted the front office wall to hang the new sign PTO purchased last year, contributed to updating the graphics and color scheme in the cafeteria, stocked the teachers with cleaning supplies and the girls restrooms with feminine products and provided meals for teachers and staff, with more to come throughout the year. Our goal for this school year is to continue to support all of the students and faculty at Chelsea Middle School.

CHELSEA HIGH

► President: Emi Burton

► Email: Chelseahighschoolpto2@ gmail.com

► Children: Madison (12th grade)

► How long have you served on PTO, and what positions have you held? I have been on a PTO Board for 13 years and held positions as a class coordinator, vice president,

staff appreciation and president for the last two years.

► What events/fundraisers do you have planned for this year? This year the CHHS PTO has focused on partnering with local businesses to help support our new Corporate Sponsorship Program. (We are so thankful for all of our sponsors!) We also started the school year with several other fundraisers of merchandise including Chelsea tumblers, cooling towels and spirit merchandise to all of our fans. In addition, we offered senior yard signs to our senior parents to celebrate their class of 2024 seniors. We plan to continue our fundraising efforts throughout the year. One hundred percent of all the funds raised through our fundraisers goes directly back to the school and helps provide teachers and staff items and support that is needed to help make our children’s education experience at Chelsea High School the best it can be. We would like to thank the Chelsea parents and community for all of their support.

INVERNESS ELEMENTARY

► President: Mandee McDonald

► Email: PTO.Pres.Inverness@gmail.com

► Children: Blake (second grade)

► How long have you served on PTO, and what positions have you held? This is my third year working with PTO. I’ve chaired a few committees my first year and acted as co-president last year, and the previous president taught me so much.

► What events/fundraisers do you have planned for this year? We are in the middle of Boosterthon now and are hoping to raise enough to finish our playground. Scarecrows on the Hill are being planned by our wonderful room moms and will be completed by Oct. 11 for our community to enjoy as they pass our school. Spring Fling is a new event we are planning for March of this school year. We are always working on ways to support our amazing faculty and staff all year long. I was a teacher before becoming a mom. I always had wonderful support from room parents and PTO. I’m so glad I get to pay it forward now. Our schools — kids, teachers, staff and families — deserve the best!

OAK

MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY

► Co-presidents: Lauren Warren and Heather Spivey

► Email: ptooakmountain@gmail.com

► Children: Heather: Tucker (second grade) and Annie (3K).

Lauren: Emma (10th grade), Scott (sixth grade), Bromleigh (sixth grade) and Leighton (third grade)

► How long have you served on PTO, and what other positions have you held? This is Heather’s second year on the PTO board, and she previously served as assistant treasurer. This is Lauren’s 10th year on the PTO board, and she has served in many different positions.

See PTO | page A20

Ashley Spencer and Jennifer Kilgroe, Chelsea Park Elementary PTO co-presidents

Stacey Carmack and Lindsey Davenport, Chelsea Middle PTO co-presidents

Mandee McDonald, Inverness Elementary PTO president

Lauren Warren, Oak Mountain Elementary PTO co-president

Sarah Worster, Forest Oaks Elementary PTO president

Emi Burton, Chelsea High PTO president

Heather Spivey, Oak Mountain Elementary PTO co-president

From left: Jena Green, RN, BSN; Addy Hoezee, PA-C; Danette Bentley, MD; Elizabeth Chase, MD; Evans Bailey, MD, PhD; Abby Melton, PA-C; Jennifer Samson CRNP.

► What events/fundraisers do you have planned for this year? OMES has a Fan Fun Fest set for Oct. 14, and Boosterthon will be held in the spring. We also have a ham and turkey fundraiser in November for Thanksgiving. There is a Holiday Shop in December, the Father-Daughter Dance in January and mother-son bowling in the spring. Follow our social media at “OMES PTO & Parent Connection” on Facebook and @OMES_PTO on Instagram to keep up with events.

OAK MOUNTAIN INTERMEDIATE

► President: Reagan Rutland

► Email: omispto1@gmail.com

► Children: Dalton (ninth grade), Daniel (ninth grade) and Brantley (fifth grade)

► How long have you served on PTO, and what positions have you held? This is my second year. Last year I was on the decorating committee at OMIS, and I was the secretary at OMMS.

► What events/fundraisers do you have planned for the year? We just finished up our Charleston Wrap fundraiser, which was a great success. We will have our annual Boosterthon in October followed by a silent auction in February. In between, we will have some fun Spirit Nights. I am a boy mom (which I love), and I’m a hairstylist. My husband and I uprooted our boys two years ago and moved to Oak Mountain from Auburn without much knowledge of the area. We can now say that we absolutely love the Oak Mountain community and schools. As a newbie to the community, it is an honor to be able to serve as PTO president at OMIS this year!

OAK MOUNTAIN MIDDLE

► President: Amber Ross

► Email: oakmountainpto@gmail.com

► Children: Wyatt (seventh grade) and Savannah (third grade)

► How long have you served on PTO, and what positions have you held? I have had the pleasure of serving on the PTO board for several years at multiple OM schools prior to accepting my role as President of OMMS PTO and am in my second year as president.

► What plans/fundraisers do you have planned for the year? We have a lot of exciting events planned for our school year! We have already had a huge Back to School Bash, and are looking forward to our annual Halloween Gala. We’re thrilled to announce plans for a Silent Auction in February. Of course, we also love supporting our OMMS faculty/staff with luncheons and activities throughout the year as well. “We love the partnership that our PTO has with our school and we look forward to an amazing school year working together to support our students.”

OAK MOUNTAIN HIGH

► President: Marci Hackbarth

► Email: omhscrest@gmail.com

► Children: Graham, Sarah Katherine and Eli (all OMHS graduates); Drowdy (12th grade)

► How long have you served on PTO, and what positions have you held? At some point in time, I’ve been the PTO president of

every school in Oak Mountain except for the intermediate school. My favorite role, though, would be chairing an event. Any time I could head up one of those, I jumped in. This is my third year as the PTO president of the high school, but I’ll be working this year to transition that role over to someone new.

► What plans/fundraisers do you have planned for the year? All the PTOs of all schools in our area worked to bring together Christmas on the Mountain last year. Looking forward to another magical moment on Nov. 30 at Heardmont Park!

GREYSTONE ELEMENTARY

► President: Susan Hays

► Email: greystonepta@gmail.com

► Children: Hudson (eighth grade) and AJ (third grade)

► How long have you served on the PTA, and what positions have you held? I have been on the PTA for six years and have previously served as Spirit Night coordinator and vice president of student programs. This is my second year as president.

► What plans/fundraisers do you have planned for this year? In August, we had our Back to School Bingo night to kick off the school year. It is a fun-filled night with food trucks, a DJ and lots of bingo. We have our annual fundraiser, Leave a Legacy, set for October. We have monthly luncheons planned for our faculty and staff. In the spring, we have Young Authors and Enrichment week. We are

so thankful for the support of parents and for our wonderful faculty and staff. We are looking forward to a wonderful year!

BERRY MIDDLE

► President: Misty Phillips

► Email: mistybluephillips@icloud.com

► Children: Hudson (second grade, Greystone) and Macie (eighth grade, Berry)

► How long have you served on PTO, and what positions have you held? This is my second year in PTO. I was president-elect last year, and this is my first year as president.

► What plans/fundraisers do you have planned for this year? We have a new fundraiser this year called The Berry Strong Fundraiser that begins the first of October. We have quite the wish list we’re trying to accomplish this year! We hope to transform an outdoor courtyard to create a functional outdoor classroom, provide several teachers grants, love on all Berry staff with delicious meals and treats, and our biggest goal this year is to assist with a new sound system for our practice gym which hosts all indoor sporting events, theater productions, choral and band performances, assemblies, award ceremonies, the list goes on. Our main objective this year is to leave Berry better than we found it. Our board is committed to raising record funds to help make Berry Middle School a roaring success!

SPAIN PARK HIGH

► President: Christen Causey

► Email: spainparkptso@gmail.com

► Children: Emma Catherine (12th grade) and Bailey (10th grade)

► How long have you served on the PTSO, and what positions have you held?

I’ve served on PTO/PTSO for 12 years at Riverchase Elementary, Berry Middle School and now Spain Park High School. I have served in various roles, including president at Riverchase, vice president of communications, historian, treasurer and Armchair Fundraiser Committee. I also served as president of the Hoover Parent Teacher Council. This is my first year serving as president of the Spain Park PTSO.

► What plans/fundraisers do you have planned for this year? Spain Park is unique in that we do not have any school fundraisers. We raise all of our money through dues and donations given by our parents and faculty members. My goals include making sure the faculty members and staff feel supported and valued during the year through our quarterly teacher appreciation events and a luncheon at the end of each semester, and also to fund as many grants as possible. Last year we gave out $6,000 in grants, and this year we increased our grant budget to $6,700. The teachers at Spain Park have great and innovative ideas, and we want to help them pursue their goals. I also hope to build a sense of community between the faculty and staff, students and parents throughout this school year!

Susan Hays, Greystone Elementary PTA president

Reagan Rutland, Oak Mountain Intermediate PTO president

Amber Ross, Oak Mountain Middle PTO president

Marci Hackbarth, Oak Mountain High PTO president

Misty Phillips, Berry Middle PTO president

Christen Causey, Spain Park High PTSO president

Chief Financial Officer John Gwin addresses the Shelby County Board of Education about the FY24 budget on Sept. 12. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.

SCBOE approves FY24 budget, capital plans

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

During the second public hearing for the fiscal year 2024 budget on Sept. 12, the Shelby County Board of Education unanimously approved the FY24 budget.

For FY24, the system-wide expenditures totaled $343,047,752.80. The largest share of that budget, 46%, goes to instruction, totaling $156,419,973.05. The remainder of the year’s expenditures are broken down as follows:

► Instructional support: $46,313,871.08 (13%)

► Capital outlay: $40,839,428.80 (12%)

► Auxiliary: $38,814,897.81 (11%)

► Operations: $30,531,676.89 (9%)

► Other categories include debt services (5%), administrative (3%) and other (2%)

For the general fund, building additions make up $9 million (37%), followed by city athletic projects at $4 million (16%), paving at $3.5 million (14%), interior renovations at $3 million (12%), exterior renovations at $2.5 million (10%) and roofing, equipment, small construction and vehicles encompass the remainder.

Shelby County has 31 schools and projected enrollment is 21,030 students and over 3,000 employees for the 2024 fiscal year.

SCS Chief Financial Officer John Gwin said he and his team begin working on the budget in February and work up until time for approval.

“We start from zero and ask, ‘What do you need to accomplish your goals for this year?

What are the things we need to do or don't need to do next year?’” Gwin said.

During the Sept. 12 meeting, the board also approved $33,000 in community partner grants for 2024:

► Owen’s House, $14,000

► D.A.Y. Program, $14,000

► Family Connection, $5,000

A memorandum of agreement was approved with the D.A.Y. Program for the 2023-24 school year in the amount of $445,497, to be issued in monthly installments of $37,124.75.

Other items approved by the board include:

► A softball batting practice pavilion for

Chelsea High School ($209,813)

► New canopies for bus riders at Chelsea Middle School ($121,065)

CAPITAL PLANS

The Shelby County Schools’ five-year capital plan was approved and features the following projects for schools in the 280 Living coverage area:

► Inverness Elementary: Build walls and hang doors to create hallways and upgrade security measures in POD areas ($50,000)

► Oak Mountain Elementary: Vinyl composition tile, lighting and ceiling upgrades in special education restrooms ($50,000)

► Oak Mountain Middle: The last phase of window replacement ($50,000); renovation and addition of space for the fine arts programs in 2025 ($500,000)

► Oak Mountain High: Renovation of the old fine arts areas to accommodate locker rooms, drivers’ education, athletics and PE ($1 million); adding vinyl composition tile to 15 classrooms ($100,000); canopy addition to connect the commons and awning to the new fine arts facility ($65,000)

► Forest Oaks: Classroom addition in 2025 ($3 million)

► Chelsea Middle: New flooring for front office, classroom painting and new lights and ceiling in bandroom ($100,000); gym expansion and auxiliary floor replacement in 2025 ($250,000)

► Chelsea High School: New stadium bleachers ($1.5 million); expanded parking and additional paving ($2.5 million); fieldhouse and concession stand ($2.5 million); new entrance/facade ($2.5 million)

NEW TRANSPORTATION SUPERVISOR

Jay McGaughy was approved as the new transportation supervisor for Shelby County Schools during the Sept. 12 board meeting. McGaughy has over 20 years of experience as an educator teaching history, coaching and serving as athletic director. He has most recently served as the assistant principal at Oak Mountain Middle School.

The

Shelby County teacher, Chelsea student honored for recent book

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

The Shelby County Schools Journey Shaper awards are given to individuals in the district who have gone above and beyond to serve students.

Instructional Technology Resource coach Ashlee Elliott and Chelsea High School senior Jayla Coleman were recently recognized as Journey Shapers for their work in writing and illustrating a book, titled “The ABCs of Computer Science.”

“It’s really a great collaboration, and we will be using the book for digital literacy within the schools,” Superintendent Lewis Brooks said while presenting the award at the Aug. 24 Shelby County Board of Education meeting.

In September 2022, Elliott said she started to work toward a longtime dream of publishing a children’s book. She had tucked the dream away many times, she said, because she lacked both drawing skills and an idea for the book’s subject.

While working on a project with elementary computer science teachers to implement digital literacy and computer science standards, Elliott said she saw a collective need to understand computer science vocabulary.

“This was my newfound vision for a children’s book, and I immediately got to work on the content, the book. I then began to ponder ideas for an illustrator, and the idea I came up with is probably my favorite part of the entire project,” she said.

She wanted to find a student to illustrate the book and launched a district-wide illustration contest for 11th and 12th graders. Those who entered were provided with a page of the book and manuscript and asked to create an illustration that would relate to children.

“It was evident from the start that I had found a gem,” Elliott said. “Upon meeting Jayla, I found out it was her career ambition to illustrate children’s books.”

After seven months of working together,

the dream became a reality.

“Her innovation and creativity truly set this book apart, but more importantly, her dedication to the project spoke volumes to her character,” Elliott said of Coleman, adding that the book “will forever remind me of the beauty of collaboration and the impact of empowering students to do great things.”

All proceeds from “The ABCs of Computer Science” will go to the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation to fund a computer science classroom grant.

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AWARD PRESENTED

Three teachers received the OwensYoung Technology Innovation Award at the Aug. 24 meeting: Angela Mitchell of Vincent Elementary, Whitney Howton of Oak Mountain Middle and John Milton of Oak Mountain High.

The award was developed in honor of two former members of the SCS technology department: Denise Owens, a technology resource teacher, and Michael Young, a technician. Both passed away several years ago, and the award recognizes teachers who are innovative with technology in their classrooms.

NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL NAMED FOR CHELSEA HIGH

Monica Hubbard was approved as a new assistant principal at Chelsea High School. Hubbard has 20 years of experience in public education and previously taught 6th- through 12th-grade English. She has spent the last 13 years at New Directions.

“It’s been a long time coming, and I’m very excited about joining the CHS leadership team,” Hubbard said. “I will miss my people at New Directions, but at the same time I want to thank the administration who have led me on this journey for so many years. I look forward to making a difference at CHS.”

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Ashlee Elliott, left, and Jayla Coleman accept their Journey Shaper Awards from Superintendent Lewis Brooks. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.

Events

280 October events guide

Oct. 12-15: STOMP Muni-Fest. Oak Mountain State Park. This mountain unicycle festival averages over 50 participants per year. With special guest Lutz Eichholz. stompmunifest.blogspot.com.

Oct. 13: FARM Fest. FARM Haus Fitness, 203 Narrows Parkway, Suite C. 5-8 p.m. Free event featuring live music, local food trucks/drinks, games, face painting, a bouncy house, small business vendors and more. Free admission. farmhausfitness.com.

Center. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring over 50 vendors, food trucks and giveaways. cityofchelsea.com.

Oct. 28-29: Old Baker Farm Festival Weekend. Old Baker Farm, 184 Furrow Lane, Harpersville. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Shop vendors and enjoy live music and all the farm has to offer. oldbakerfarm.com.

Oct. 3: National Night Out Liberty Baptist Church, 11050 Chelsea Rd. 6-8 p.m. Presented by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. shelbyso.com.

Oct. 5: Taste of Hoover. Aldridge Gardens. 5-8 p.m. Tickets $45-$55. An annual event at Aldridge Gardens that highlights the many unique restaurant and catering choices in the city. aldridgegardens.com.

Oct. 7: 4th Annual Butterbean & Bourbon. Simply Infused Olive Oil Shop, inside The Mercantile, 5287 U.S. 280, Suite 249. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. simply-infused.com.

Oct. 7: Music with Eric Watters. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11661 Old Highway 280. Noon to 4 p.m. Food by Hawg Tide BBQ. cat-n-bird.com.

Chelsea Library

ALL AGES

Oct. 14: Lego Day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oct. 20: Homeschool Hangout. 1 p.m.

Oct. 28: K.Z.T. Hands on Steam. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PRESCHOOL

Wednesdays and Thursdays: Tot Time. 10:30 a.m.

CHILDREN

Oct. 10: Music & Books Club. 5:30 p.m.

TEENS

Mondays: Dungeons & Dragons. 4-6 p.m. Ages 12-14.

Wednesdays: Dungeons & Dragons. 4-6 p.m. Ages 15 and up.

Fridays: Teen Theater Club. 2 p.m

Oct. 9: Teen Book Club. 5 p.m.

ADULTS

Fridays: Bring Your Own Craft. 11 a.m. to noon.

Oct. 12: Thursday Book Club. 10 a.m.

Oct. 16: Self Defense Class. 6 p.m.

North Shelby Library

STORYTIME

Wednesdays: Storytime Friends. 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 14: OMSP Annual Harvest Festival. Oak Mountain State Park. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring hay rides, inflatables, local artists, food trucks, pony rides and more. alapark.com/parks/oakmountain-state-park.

Oct. 14: Music with Patrick Barnett. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11661 Old Highway 280. Noon to 4 p.m. Food truck TBD. cat-n-bird.com.

Oct. 21: Music with Shayla Carter. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11661 Old Highway 280. Noon to 4 p.m. Corazon Mexican Food Truck. cat-n-bird.com.

Oct. 27: Boo Bash 2023. Pinspiration, 201 Cahaba Park Circle #500/600. 6 p.m. The studio will transform into a haunting-themed walk-through for party-goers to enjoy Halloween crafts with games and treats. For ages 3 and up. Tickets $45. birmingham.pinspiration.com/events.

Oct. 28: Fall Craft Fair. Chelsea Community

Oct. 3 and 17: Baby Tales. 10:30 a.m.

CHILDREN

Tuesdays: Tech Tuesdays. 3:15-4:15 p.m. No registration. All ages with adult assistance if needed.

Oct. 5 and 12: Family Fun Nights. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Oct. 9: A Living History with Betsy Ross and George Washington. 4 p.m.

Oct. 10: Jan the Science Lady: Spooky Science. 10:30 am.

Oct. 12: First Chapter Book Sneak Peaks. 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 18: Homeschool Hangout: A Living History with Betsy Ross and George Washington. 1 p.m.

Oct. 18: K-5 Homeschool Art Craft Kit. 1 p.m.

Oct. 19: BYO Pumpkin Drop-In Decorating. 4-7 p.m.

Oct. 26: Snuggle with a Baby Goat. 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Oct. 31: Trick or Treat at the Library.

TWEENS

Oct. 2: Spookcraft: A Creative Minecraft Challenge. 4 p.m.

Oct. 16: Tween Book Club. 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 23: Tween Leadership Council Meeting. 4:30 p.m.

TEENS

Mondays: Teen Dungeons & Dragons. 6 p.m

Fridays: Teen Open Gaming. 3 p.m

Oct. 2: Spookcraft: A Creative Minecraft Challenge. 4 p.m.

Oct. 5: Teen Manga Club. 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 21: Teen Smores & Stories Night. 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 28: Music with Common Ground Duo. Cat-nBird Winery, 11661 Old Highway 280. Noon to 4 p.m. Chino’s Taco Stop food truck. cat-n-bird.com.

Nov. 4: Mt Laurel Fall Fest. Mt. Laurel Community. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Celebrate fall in Mt Laurel and enjoy a day shopping at their street fair and eating dishes from local food trucks. mtlaurel.com.

ADULTS

Oct. 2: Social Crafting. 10 a.m.

Oct. 3: True Crime Book Club. 6 p.m.

Oct. 10 and 24: Language Club. 5 p.m.

Oct. 10: Spooky Bookshelf — Watercolor. 10-11 a.m.

Oct. 17: School Days with the Traveling Schoolmarm. 10 a.m.

Oct. 19: NSL Book Club. 10:30 a.m. Discussing “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus.

Oct. 21: So You Think You Want to Write: Tools and Rules for Taking on the Writing Profession. 10-11 a.m.

Oct. 21: Save The Story (No Sagging Middle) — Writing Workshop by Carla Swafford. 11 a.m.

Mt Laurel Public Library

CHILDREN

Oct. 6 and 20: Ukulele Storytime. 10 a.m.

Oct. 13: Tie-Dye Teddy Bear. 4 p.m.

Oct. 14: Crafty Saturday. Make a craft or take it to go.

TWEENS

Oct. 27: Tween Tie-Dye T-shirt. 4 p.m.

ADULTS

Oct. 5: Mt Laurel Book Club. 1 and 7 p.m. Discuss “The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocumb.

Oct. 9: Mt Laurel Knitting Group. 2-4 p.m.

Oct. 18: Lunch and Learn. Noon. Join Rep. Susan DuBose to discuss local and national issues.

By Sean

I was watching cable news today. They said this was the most challenging time in our national history. They said that circumstances have never been this bad. They said we’d be lucky to make it through these hard times in good enough shape to bury.

They said a lot of things.

Well, I got to thinking about “they” today. Who are “they,” anyway? “They” are everywhere. You can’t get away from “they.”

They are always talking at you. They are always making predictions. They are always telling you about things that are going to happen.

They are your invisible critics who love telling you what you can and cannot do. They are the voices that make quick judgments and pretend to know the score. They’re everywhere, and they never shut up. You’ve heard them before.

“They say not to eat eggs.”

“They say to avoid butter.”

“They say you should sing ‘Happy Birthday’ three times while washing your hands in the sink…”

“They say, with your kind of cancer, your chances of survival are bad.”

“They say you might never get your life back after the big mistakes you made.”

“They say you’re done for.”

“Hold up. Wait a second. Now they’re saying butter and eggs are good for you.”

They, they, they.

You can’t get away from them. Their voices penetrate your brain from every angle. And if you ever start to actually concentrate about what they’re saying, you’ll discover something important:

They are full of beans.

They have no idea; they don’t know you, they

don’t know how you’re made or what kind of uncharacteristic strength lies within you. In fact, they don’t know jack diddly.

They said that Gerald would never recover from the chemo treatments that nearly killed him. They also said he was going to die before age 40. Gerald is 89 today, and healthy. And I wonder what “they” would have to say about that.

They were also wrong about Rachel, whose children and grandchildren abandoned her because they said she was a “drunk old woman.”

They said her family was ruined, they said Rachel would never see her grandkids again.

Today, Rachel celebrated her 19th year of sobriety, and she just attended her grandchild’s 30th birthday party last week. She is closer to her family than ever before. They severely underestimated her.

They said Donald was going to die of a rare autoimmune disorder. He couldn’t keep weight on, he was severely malnourished. He was withering into oblivion, and he kept getting worse. Until one day — snap — it all changed. There were no logical explanations; nobody knows what brought the change. They can’t explain it.

It might have been all the prayers. Or it could have been that Donald finally quit listening to “them.” Either way, Donald is fully recovered

now. He is at a healthy weight, and he is a personal trainer who can bench press a Buick Roadmaster.

They said that there was no way Mikayla would ever walk again. Due to a host of health problems after a car accident, Mikayla was using a wheelchair and losing use of her feet. Her cognitive skills were affected, and they said she might be in a vegetative state one day.

But that didn’t happen.

Somehow, Mikayla took a turn for the better. Again, I don’t know what the magic bullet was. I don’t know why the course of her destiny changed. I only know one thing: “they” were flat wrong about her.

And here’s the thing. They will often be wrong. In fact, they usually are. Which is why I want you to know something.

They can’t tell you what will happen in your life. They cannot see what the future will bring. And above all, they cannot tell you what you cannot do. So don’t let their voices in. Don’t listen to their falsely confident tone. Don’t let them boss you around. Don’t pay attention to them.

One day, you’re going to get through whatever private mess you’re going through. Someday, you will be surprised at how far you’ve come. And this transformation you undergo will not only blow your mind but, mark my words, it will blow “theirs,” too.

For once in their lives, “they” will be speechless.

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

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Holy Moly Motherhood By Alana Smith

Trick or Treat

Gosh, Halloween was so much fun as a kid. Dressing up, eating too much candy and staying up way past your bedtime always made for the best night.

We had a good trick-ortreating neighborhood too: flat roads, lots of kids and not too much traffic. My brother and I would get dressed in our costumes and wait for the dark. We’d sit out on our porch, holding our empty Halloween bags, waiting on our friends across the street so we could all head down the road together. Those minutes would pass so slowly and I can still feel the anticipation.

Smith

When everyone was finally ready, we’d take off at a sprint to the first house with its porch lights on. Our parents trailed way behind, yelling, “Make sure to say thank you!” and “Let your brother go first!” We were thrilled when the owners of the house opened the door in costume with a good “BOO!” or exclaimed, “aren’t you the best witch I’ve ever seen!” The good neighbors made all the difference.

When we had more candy than we could carry, or when our parents were tired of walking, we’d head on back home. We had already eaten several of our favorites (Reese’s Cups and Kit Kats) as we walked, but we would dump our haul of candy in the middle of the living room floor to count and sort and generally be in awe over.

My dad would always say, “Give me a Snickers. Gotta make sure it’s safe, you know,” and he would confiscate one from each of us. We’d pile up all the chocolate and Skittles and Smarties and then push aside

the Twizzlers and Bottlecaps and strawberry-wrapped hard candy for someone who didn’t like the good stuff. And then we ate. We ate and ate and didn’t care if we ended up with a stomach ache. My mom would say, “That’s enough,” and we’d say, “But it’s Halloween!” and then we’d eat some more.

I think I even slept in my costume once.

So now, as a parent, Halloween is really special to me.

I think it’s more fun now watching it through my children’s eyes than it was as a kid, honestly. My husband doesn’t love the Halloween tradition, but I think it’s because his memories of it aren’t as comforting as mine.

So, I do my best to make it memorable for my boys. We go all out on costumes and decorations. We carve the pumpkin even though I hate the insides. We eat all the candy. We stay up late watching “Hocus Pocus.” We leave the porch light on and trick-or-treat until the bags are full or someone’s too tired to walk. And I can’t wait to do it again this year.

So, here’s to trick-or-treating ‘til you drop and having the best Halloween with your family!

Happy October, y’all!

Alana is a nurse anesthetist, writer and boy mom (ages 8 and 3), 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 Facebook and Instagram), where she takes on all things motherhood and marriage.

WARRIOR

CONTINUED from page A1

“The next morning, as I was standing in my kitchen drinking coffee, my doctor called me at 8:15 a.m. with the results,” Cannon said. “I knew this could not be good due to his early morning call.”

Cannon had a large tumor surrounded by smaller tumors in her breast. The next step was a biopsy at a breast imaging center, and as the technician probed under her left armpit for a lengthy amount of time, she said she knew in her heart it wasn’t good.

A few days later her doctor had a video call with her and gave her the results: HER2-positive, stage three breast cancer. Her doctor described it as “highly treatable and highly curable.”

“I held on to those words for the next 12-18 months and as the song goes, I truly learned to take one day at a time [sweet Jesus],” Cannon said.

After her second treatment, Cannon said she fell to her knees in utter exhaustion due to the fatigue caused by chemo and told God she couldn’t do this. She said she immediately thought of the Bible verse Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

With help from her daughters, along with other family and friends, Cannon said she watched as God orchestrated every single step of her cancer journey. She said for the first time in her life she believed that “God was telling me to slow down, be still. I have a plan and you're going to have to just wait.”

As she went for her infusions every three weeks, she said that the doctors and nurses at Grandview Cancer Center quickly became a significant part of her family. After her second or third round of chemo, she told her oncologist to let her know of any other women going through cancer and that she would be glad to provide encouragement and advice.

“He said, ‘Funny you should ask, because we don’t have a cancer support group here at Grandview and I’m wondering if you’d be willing to start one.’ I know full well the reason God allowed me to have breast cancer is so that I could walk beside women like myself and give them hope even in the midst of the raging storm.”

Following six rounds of chemo and a bilateral mastectomy, in December 2020 Cannon was declared cancer free. The next month she began taking Herceptin, another form of chemotherapy, and had reconstruction surgery in May 2021.

Less than two months later, Cannon, along with a few other patients and two

other Grandview staff members, began the Ribbon Warriors cancer group at Grandview.

Kristi Denny is the breast health & genetic navigator at Grandview Cancer Center and Christian Cockerham head up the program.

Denny has been in breast imaging for over 25 years, and in her role at Grandview, she takes care of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients by getting them in with the team of doctors. As one of the co-founders of the group, her initial reaction was panic. She prayed about it and trusted that even though she didn’t feel equipped for the role, God

must have wanted her to do it.

“I took a leap of faith and just ran with it,” Denny said. “Sometimes the greatest blessings come from trusting that you are put in a place for a bigger reason than yourself and getting out of your comfort zone is fruitful. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I have a unique perspective for those I serve. While I work in this field, I am also a patient.”

The group welcomes anyone going through cancer, no matter the type, and guests do not have to be a patient at Grandview to attend the meetings. They are held

the first Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. and the third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at Grandview Oncology/Radiation Center on the first floor. Their motto is Isaiah 41:10, “fight without fear,” and group members receive bracelets with the verse on them.

Being open to anyone with any kind of cancer is what makes the Ribbon Warriors so unique.

“Cancer can be a daunting journey and people need different things,” Denny said. “Some need a friend, some need an ear, some need more palpable things like assistance with transportation or food. Our members are givers and it is truly amazing to see how God uses them all differently to help others who come our way.”

“It is so amazing how people will walk in [to the group] and be a little timid at first, then they realize it's a safe place and the other people are relating,” Cannon added. “You’re having all these issues you’re dealing with and we’re just walking this with you.”

Denny said one thing about cancer survivors is that they deeply want to give back, and the group does that in unique ways. One member makes quilts to give out to newly diagnosed patients, and they have a small library of faith-based books provided by a ladies ministry. She added, “Small things make a huge difference in the life of someone walking through cancer.”

The Ribbon Warriors group recently celebrated its two-year anniversary and continues to grow. Cannon said that she’s happy when a new person joins the group, but also sad because it means someone else is struggling with cancer. She said her participation in this group is one of the greatest joys of her life.

When Cannon retired in 2021, she said she didn’t like it at first but is grateful for the time she now has to work with the cancer support group and serve at Church of the Highlands — Greystone. One of her new mottos is, “Sometimes you find your calling, but sometimes your calling finds you.”

For Denny, the group has become a ministry. She said she has always prayed to find a palpable way to be used to truly impact others, and this is it.

“The thing I didn't think I could ever do is the thing I am most passionate about,” she said. “This year we lost three of our members, and that was so very hard on me mentally and emotionally. I realized as I walked through my own grief in that situation, that I was showing others how to deal with that loss as well. For any cancer patient, regardless of where you are in the journey, losing people to cancer brings back a lot of fear. I am so grateful we all get to lean on each other and walk through that together.”

Above: Stella White, center, speaks with her peers during a meeting of the Ribbon Warriors cancer support group at Grandview Cancer Center on Sept. 7. Photos by Erin Nelson.

Above: Pam Huff, a longtime news anchor at ABC 33/40, shares her story about her diagnosis and recovery process from breast cancer. Below: Christian Cockerham, a co-founder of the Ribbon Warriors cancer support group, speaks.

ARTS

CONTINUED from page A1

BACKGROUND

The fine arts building project was approved by the Shelby County Board of Education in October 2021 as part of a capital projects campaign to address the need for more instructional spaces in county schools, where student growth has already exceeded the buildings’ capacity to accommodate them.

However, David Calhoun, assistant superintendent of operations for Shelby County Schools, said that while the capital projects at most schools consisted of the construction of additional classrooms, a different need was presented at Oak Mountain High School.

“At OMHS, building more standard classrooms wasn’t the most pressing need at the present time,” Calhoun said. “The most pressing need was for additional instructional space to support the growing student participation numbers in the fine arts elective courses of band and choral music.”

The bids were opened on Jan. 11, 2022, and Blalock Building Company of Trussville was the lowest bidder. After months of planning, school board members and OMHS administration broke ground on the project May 4, 2022. After 16 months of construction, the 15,000-square-foot building will soon be completed.

Choir director Michael Zauchin said the new building will allow for continued growth as a department.

“Every single year we seem to be attracting more and more students, and I think that goes hand-in-hand with the production value that we have been putting on, real concert-like shows,” Zauchin said. “If they can be a part of making something like that, then they want to be a part.”

THE NEW BUILDING

Upon entering the lobby of the new fine arts building, there will be trophy cases along the left side of the wall to feature awards for both the band and choir programs. Lights on the walls resemble the black keys on a piano, and the ceiling will have four chandelier-type lights that resemble piano keys to light up the space.

The ensemble room will be a shared rehearsal space between the band and choir programs. The plan is that the choir will utilize this room during the first half of the day and the band will utilize it the second half. It will feature a piano

and repurposed speakers from the band room. For band, it can be used for small sectionals, and for choir, students can break into groups by singing parts or use the space for two choirs at once.

Across the hall is the choir room, which is 20% larger than the former choir room and is one of the largest in the Birmingham area. It features a large rehearsal space with a massive mirrored wall on one side.

The upstairs mezzanine will serve a dual purpose with room for extra choir storage, but also multiple window cut-outs to watch the rehearsals. A sound and lighting table will be inside for the technical crew, and the choreographers can see the ensembles from a higher level.

The new choir room features roll-up doors to the outside in order to easily load trucks for choir competitions. It will also have windows for the first time in the history of the school.

Four directors' offices will provide two spaces each for the choir and band directors. A faculty restroom with a shower is also included for those long rehearsal days without breaks. A conference/break room is just steps away from the offices.

The new band room is 20% larger and the ceiling is six feet higher. The space has a divider in the middle that can slide out to split the room into two spaces.

Features include a percussion room for storing drums, a uniform room with cubbies for the hats and rolling hangers for the jackets and pants, which can be rolled out into the bandroom for band members to get ready for performances.

Seventeen instrument hanging racks are located around the room to hold tubas and sousaphones. A built-in instrument repair station sits along one of the walls, and a large music library room will house music for both the band and choir.

Instrument storage includes 410 lockers, which provides extra space as the band continues to grow. A chair and stand storage room can hold 200 chairs and stands on racks, to create an open space in the band room for winter guard and majorettes to practice and have enough room to toss their flags.

The large and small mezzanines will provide an additional 2,000 square feet of storage and the inside balconies will provide a high-level view for the 10 marching band staff to see everything from above.

With all the new amenities, assistant director of bands and fine arts chair Travis Bender said the loading dock with external roll-up doors is his absolute favorite part.

“Now, we don’t have to deal with the hydraulic lifts on the trucks,” Bender said. “Instead, two 27-foot trucks can fit in the space and the instruments can be rolled straight out of the band room and onto the truck. With multiple ways in and out of the facility, you won’t have long waits, which is the thing that holds us up the most with loading and unloading.”

Zauchin added that it’s safer for both the kids and the instruments.

On the floors, luxury vinyl tile lines the rehearsal spaces, carpet in the offices and ensemble rooms, polished concrete in the hallways and epoxy flooring in the bathrooms.

Outside of the bandroom is an 800-foot concrete pad that will provide a space for the band or choir to rehearse or a place to eat before the games.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER FACELIFT

The current performing arts center is already twice the size of any other in the Shelby County school system, and the space will get a small facelift and some needed repairs.

“The space just needs to be spruced up,” Zauchin said. “They did a very good job on it when building this school.”

The PAC, which seats 950, will get a new paint color scheme that will change the walls from tan to gray with black accents that will match the green seats.

The stage floor is set to be replaced in November and will be locally funded through money from the band, choir and theater programs.

“The stage is a vital spot to practice, and we have to use it almost every single period,” Zauchin said.

Barbara Snyder, the coordinator of facilities and maintenance for SCS, said their department is excited to see this project come to completion.

“We have enjoyed working alongside the Blalock Construction group, Lathan Associates Architects and the administrative and fine arts teams at OMHS,” Snyder said. “We appreciate our district leadership for developing this plan and our board members, past and present, for approving and supporting it. We are unified in the desire to serve the students in our district, and we believe this facility will be a wonderful blessing for the Oak Mountain community for years to come.”

Zauchin said he is very excited and very thankful for the community support to invest in their programs. Bender said he appreciates the support of the board of education and Oak Mountain stakeholders.

“In recognizing the continued growth and success of the band and choral programs and education in the Oak Mountain community, we look forward to many years of a continued performing arts presence within the community,” Bender said.

In the second construction phase, the former music wing will be converted into additional sports facilities. That item is in the Shelby County Schools five-year capital plan for 2025, with a budgeted cost of $500,000.

Above: Kayla Ownby, head drum major for the Oak Mountain marching band, and Drew Sears, brass field captain, talk about the different improvements to the band room in the new fine arts center at Oak Mountain High School as construction continues Sept. 18. Below: Ownby and Sears stand inside the ensemble room that will be shared between the band and choir departments Photos by Erin Nelson.

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Eagles seniors embrace special bond

By KYLE PARMLEY

This year’s senior class is the first to navigate all four years of high school with Oak Mountain High School volleyball coach Grace Burgess.

Burgess has coached the group of Saiya Patel, Lauren Schuessler, Mabrey Whitehead, Ava Heath, Ella Pierce, Jenna Burson and Emma Hawkins since they were freshmen.

Hawkins transferred to Oak Mountain as a junior, but one would never know. She has been friends with much of this group since early childhood.

“I’m not ready for them to be seniors,” Burgess said.

These seven have helped Burgess build the Oak Mountain program into a contending program. The Eagles had a breakthrough last fall, upsetting Chelsea in the area tournament to earn a spot at the North Regional.

The Eagles tasted a little success in 2022, and they want more this season. They have effectively put their name in the hat for best team in the area. At the time of press, Oak Mountain had already notched area wins over Spain Park and Chelsea, with a few more area matches still to be played.

The seniors talked about some of the lessons they have learned over the years, particularly what it took to win that postseason match last fall.

“We went in with full confidence,” Pierce said.

As a woman, you have unique care needs that change over time. You know yourself best and know when something is different with your body. That’s why every visit with a doctor at Ascension St. Vincent’s starts with a compassionate conversation. Listening to your concerns helps your doctor get to know and understand you, to deliver the care that’s right for you.

Our doctors provide:

• Annual well-woman visits

• Screenings, including mammograms, Pap tests, colonoscopies and low-dose CT lung scans

• Heart care, including screenings, diagnostics and monitoring

• OB care, including OB emergency care, lactation consultants, maternal-fetal medicine, and NICUs where mom can be close to her baby while they both receive advanced care

Getting the care you need should be easy. And at Ascension St. Vincent’s, you can make an appointment that fits your schedule. We have flexible hours, same-day and next-day care and virtual visits when you need them.

Looking for compassionate, personalized care for women’s health?

See VOLLEYBALL | page B6

Oak Mountain's Ella Pierce (1) hits during a match between Oak Mountain and Tuscaloosa County on Aug. 28 at Oak Mountain High School. Photo by Kyle Parmley.

Last month marked the 128th anniversary of the Chiropractic profession, a baby in comparison to other health care professions. Here’s a little history about the chiropractic profession where it was then and where it is now. It was founded by Daniel David Palmer in 1895. D.D. Palmer, often referred to as the “father of chiropractic”, is credited with the development of chiropractic as a distinct healthcare discipline. He performed the first chiropractic adjustment on a patient named Harvey Lillard, who had complained of hearing loss after a back injury. Palmer’s approach involved manipulating the spine to correct what he termed “subluxations,” which are what misalignments of vertebrae are called, causing health issues.

In 1897, D.D. Palmer established the first educational institution called, Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa which is still in operation today. This marked the formal beginning of the chiropractic profession. Now, chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals in many countries and play a role in managing musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those related to the spine, through manual adjustments and other techniques.

Since its founding, the educational program of the chiropractic profession has evolved significantly. Chiropractors undergo an extensive educational process to earn their Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and become licensed healthcare professionals. Here’s a brief overview of the education and training required

that most in our society may not be aware of. Chiropractors must typically complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, or a health-related discipline. This usually takes about four years of undergraduate study. After earning a bachelor’s degree, individuals interested in becoming chiropractors enroll in a chiropractic program, which typically lasts four years. These chiropractic programs are offered by accredited chiropractic colleges or universities. These programs provide a comprehensive education in chiropractic care, including coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, radiology, chiropractic techniques, and clinical experience. Once the chiropractic students are in the program, they gain practical experience by working in supervised clinical settings, where they manage and perform the chiropractic adjustments on patients under the guidance of licensed chiropractors. This hands-on training is an essential component of their education.

After completing their chiropractic program, graduates must pass national and state licensing exams to become licensed chiropractors. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) administers the national exams, which assess their knowledge and skills. State licensing boards also have their own specific requirements and exams. As with many healthcare professionals, chiropractors are typically required to engage in ongoing continuing education to maintain their licenses. This ensures that they stay up-to-date with the latest

Chiropractic Conception To Present

developments in the field and maintain their competence as healthcare providers.

While many people find chiropractic care beneficial for managing pain and improving their overall well-being, there are still some false stigmas and misconceptions associated with our profession. One of the most persistent misconceptions is that chiropractors are “not real doctors”. As noted above, chiropractors are healthcare professionals who undergo rigorous training and education to earn their Doctor of Chiropractic degree. We are trained to diagnose and provide care for various musculoskeletal conditions.

Next untruth is “we are not evidence-based”. Some people believe that chiropractic care lacks scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. While the research on chiropractic care is ongoing, and may not be as extensive as that for mainstream medical treatments, there is ample evidence suggesting it can be beneficial for certain conditions, particularly back pain and neck pain. Another misconception is chiropractors only “crack backs” which in fact that’s just one aspect of chiropractic care. Chiropractors also use a range of other techniques, such as soft tissue therapy, exercise, and lifestyle counseling, to help patients manage their conditions and improve their overall health.

The reality is that many individuals still think that chiropractic care is only for back pain. True, we are often sought out for neck and back pain however, we can also provide care for a

wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including headaches, migraines, joint pain, and sports injuries. If one is considering chiropractic care, it depends on their individual health needs, goals, and specific conditions. Chiropractic care is often chosen by individuals who prefer non-invasive and drug-free treatment options.

Most don’t know it’s very common for pregnant individuals to seek out chiropractic care to alleviate discomfort and support overall well-being during pregnancy. In fact, there are even some chiropractors that specialize in prenatal care and provide safe and gentle adjustments for pregnant women. Additionally, there is a specialized field within chiropractic for children and infants. Increasingly, parents are seeking chiropractic care for their children to address issues like colic, ear infections, or musculoskeletal problems.

Ultimately, your health and wellness goals should drive your decision regarding chiropractic care. Some people seek chiropractic care as part of their overall wellness strategy, even when they do not have specific musculoskeletal complaints. Whether or not you should consider chiropractic care is a decision that should be made on an individual basis. If you are interested in chiropractic care, check out our office www.chiropractictoday.com. We provide complimentary consultations to see if chiropractic care is right for you. Ultimately, we will provide a tailored option for your needs.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

By KYLE PARMLEY

The high school football season has begun, and the true identity of each team is beginning to emerge. For Spain Park, the Jags won their first two games in dominant fashion, before losing a tough game to rival Hoover. Briarwood struggled in its first two matchups before prevailing against region foe Chilton County. Chelsea and Oak Mountain each have a win under their belts through the first three games as well.

Here are some highlights from the first few Briarwood, Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park games.

Photos by GARY COSBY JR., DAVID LEONG, TODD LESTER, ERIN NELSON, JAMES NICHOLAS

Jaxon Shuttlesworth (17): 9 catches for 102 yards vs. Calera

Luke Reynolds (8): Interception and blocked punt vs. Spain Park

Jared Smith (1): Interception vs. Hoover

Ethan Carr (27): Recovered fumble vs. Clay-Chalkville

Darakai Shanks (20), left photo, and Derick Shanks (6), above: Combined 5 TDs vs. Calera

Le’Kamren Meadows (6): 117 rushing yards vs. Northridge

Will Clark (3): 86 rushing yards vs. Chilton County

Marty Myricks (1): Over 100 total yards vs. Pelham

Emerson Russell (1): 285 rushing yards and 4 TDs vs. Calera

Jonathan Bibbs (3): 8 catches for 123 yards, TD vs. Hoover

Bo Jones (0): 2 rushing TDs vs. Briarwood

VOLLEYBALL

CONTINUED from page B1

“That was one of our best matches,” Heath said.

“We were playing for each other in that match,” Schuessler said.

One thing is apparent while talking to the seven of them: they love being around one another, on and off the volleyball court.

“I really like playing with all of them. Our bond is great,” Patel said.

That’s one reason the 2023 season has

gotten off to such a strong start, they believe.

“Our togetherness is such a strength for us,” Burson said. “We’re so close.”

Another thing the Eagles have focused on is the ability to finish matches. The first match of the season against Bayside Academy provided a perfect teaching moment for Burgess. Oak Mountain won the first two sets of the match, before Bayside rallied to win the next three.

“We had a little bump in the beginning, but we’ve had some wins that have boosted our confidence and that’s been a big thing for us,” Heath said.

With seven seniors and seven juniors on the roster, the seniors have made it a point to make sure all 14 are pulling in the same direction. The seniors know this is their last chance to play together, and it very well could be the last indoor volleyball season for all of them.

“We’re loving every moment and enjoying it and leaving a legacy for the juniors and the younger ones, to hopefully keep it going,” Hawkins said.

When the Eagles got to the regional tournament last season, they were wide-eyed. They had never been to that stage and a few players were battling sickness, and they lost in the

first round.

If they are fortunate enough to return to that stage, they want to make some noise this time.

“There’s no pressure. It’s now. This is what we’ve worked for,” Heath said.

Burgess has high expectations for her players, and the seniors have been ingrained in her system for four years now. She has seen them develop into the leaders and strong players that she knew they could be from their first days at Oak Mountain.

“It’s almost like a mom letting her baby birds fly,” she said.

Left: Oak Mountain’s Lauren Schuessler (16) sets during a match against Tuscaloosa County on Aug. 28 at Oak Mountain High School. Right: Oak Mountain’s Saiya Patel (2) plays the ball over. Photos by Kyle Parmley.

Truckin’ Into Fall

We’ve got a feeling this autumn is going to be awesome for David! He came to the corner of I-65 and Highway 31 in search of his perfect new pickup. We matched him up with this rugged GMC Sierra 1500. We love helping our hardworking neighbors truck into fall in style! For every ride there’s Royal.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is a feature-rich truck where power, performance, and technology peak. Sierra 1500 offers the most traileringassistance technologies in its class*. Take your pick of a 5.3L V8 gas engine, an available enhanced 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, or available 6.2L V8. Over 40” diagonal of combined driver-focused digital displays keep you in control intelligently. Explore all that and more at Royal Buick GMC, where I-65 meets Highway 31 in Vestavia.

David Cowan with his brand new 2023 GMC Sierra 1500.

Local teams conclude region play in October

By KYLE PARMLEY

The month of October is the last opportunity for high school football teams to rise up in the region standings and claim a playoff spot. Briarwood, Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park all missed out on the postseason last fall but are looking to change that in 2023.

Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park are all fighting for playoff berths in Class 7A, Region 3, while Briarwood competes in Region 3 of 6A.

Spain Park takes its open date in the middle of the season, leading into the second half of the year. The Jags begin October with a trip to Tuscaloosa County on Oct. 6. They suffered a 38-28 loss to the Wildcats last year.

Spain Park then returns home Oct. 13 to play Chelsea. The teams have faced off three times previously, with the Jags winning all three, including a 35-21 win in 2022. Next for the Jags is a trip to Hewitt-Trussville on Oct. 20 and rounding out region play at Oak Mountain on Oct. 27.

Hewitt took down Spain Park 35-10 last fall and has won the last three meetings in convincing fashion. The Jags have historically had more success against Oak Mountain, with a 14-7 edge in the series, but the Eagles have won the last three meetings, including last fall’s 9-3 loss.

The Jags wrap up the regular season on a Thursday, as they host Pelham on Nov. 2. A great performance last fall against the Panthers, a 35-14 win, propelled the Jags into an optimistic offseason after the first season under head coach Tim Vakakes.

Spain Park is looking to finish the season strong and make the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Chelsea hosts Vestavia Hills on Oct. 6 to begin the month, as the Hornets play three of four games at home to round out the region and regular season slate. Last season, the Hornets fell to Vestavia 52-10 in the first meeting between the two teams.

The Hornets’ last road game of the year is at Spain Park on Oct. 13, as Chelsea will be looking to earn its first ever win over the Jags.

That matchup will be followed by home games against powerhouses Hoover and Hewitt-Trussville. The Hornets fell to both teams last season — also the first time they had played either program.

Chelsea takes an open date Nov. 3, as does Oak Mountain, with both teams wrapping up the regular season a week early.

Oak Mountain travels to Hoover on Oct. 6,

looking to get the first win in program history over the Bucs. The Eagles are 0-21 in previous tries against one of the state’s top programs.

The Eagles host four-time defending state champion Thompson the following week. Thompson has won seven straight in the series and now holds an 11-9 edge all-time. Oak Mountain then travels to Vestavia Hills on Oct. 20, looking to avenge a 42-21 loss from last fall.

Oak Mountain wraps up the regular season Oct. 27 against Spain Park.

Briarwood will play four region games in

October before wrapping up the regular season Nov. 3 at Fairhope. The Lions travel to Helena on Oct. 6 and play at Calera on Oct. 13. In the first meeting between the programs last fall, the Lions fell short 31-21 to Helena. They fell in heartbreaking fashion to Calera as well, 31-28 in double overtime.

Briarwood wraps up the home schedule with games against Benjamin Russell and Homewood, teams the Lions lost to on the road last season.

FOOTBALL

Oct. 18: Area tournament. TBD.

Oct. 25-26: North Regional Tournament. Von Braun Center. TBD.

OAK MOUNTAIN

Oct. 3: vs. Thompson. 6 p.m.

Oct. 5: @ Auburn. 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 10: vs. Hoover. 5 p.m.

Oct. 12: @ Mountain Brook. 5 p.m.

Oct. 13-14: Margaret Blalock Tournament. Homewood High School.

Oct. 17: vs. Helena. 5 p.m.

Oct. 18: Area tournament. TBD.

Oct. 25-26: North Regional Tournament. Von Braun Center. TBD.

SPAIN PARK

Oct. 3: @ Mountain Brook. 6 p.m.

Oct. 5: @ Chelsea. 6 p.m.

Oct. 10: vs. Hazel Green, Bob Jones. Hazel Green High School. 4 p.m.

Oct. 12: vs. Bayside Academy. 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: Area tournament. TBD.

7 p.m.

Oct. 27: @ Oak Mountain. 7 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL BRIARWOOD

Oct. 3: vs. Jasper, Homewood. Jasper High School. 4 p.m.

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

Oct. 6-7: Shrimp Festival Tournament. TBD.

Oct. 10: vs. John Carroll. 6 p.m.

Oct. 13-14: Margaret Blalock Tournament. Homewood High School.

Oct. 16: @ Chelsea. 6 p.m.

Oct. 18: Area tournament. TBD.

Oct. 25-26: South Regional Tournament. Cramton Bowl. TBD.

CHELSEA

Oct. 3: @ Tuscaloosa County. 6 p.m.

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

Oct. 10: vs. Homewood. TBA.

Oct. 11: @ Vestavia Hills. 6 p.m.

Oct. 13-14: Margaret Blalock Tournament. Homewood High School.

Oct. 16: vs. Briarwood. 6 p.m.

Oct. 25-26: North Regional Tournament. Von Braun Center. TBD.

FLAG FOOTBALL

OAK MOUNTAIN

Oct. 3: @ Homewood. 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 10: vs. Vestavia Hills, Hoover. Hoover High School. 5 p.m.

Oct. 17: vs. Spain Park. 5 p.m.

Oct. 24: vs. Spain Park, Helena. Helena High School. 5 p.m.

SPAIN PARK

Oct. 3: vs. Vestavia Hills, Hewitt-Trussville. Vestavia Hills High School. 5 p.m.

Oct. 5: @ Gadsden City. 5:30 p.m.

Oct. 17: @ Oak Mountain. 5 p.m.

Oct. 19: @ Hoover. 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 24: vs. Oak Mountain, Helena. Helena High School. 5:30 p.m.

CROSS-COUNTRY

Oct. 7: Jesse Owens Invitational. Oakville Indian Mounds Park.

Oct. 14: Randolph Invitational. John Hunt Park.

Oct. 21: Husky Challenge. Hewitt-Trussville High School.

There’s lots of landscapers in the Birmingham area, but few measure up to Gardner Landscaping in Hoover.

The talented Gardner Landscaping experts, all of whom are licensed and insured, have provided top-quality residential and commercial service since 2006.

“We have the people and resources to get your project done in a timely manner,” owner Grant Gardner says.

The company also seeks to provide clients with project quotes within 24 hours.

Autumn is a perfect season to have Gardner Landscaping beautify your property.

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

However, you need help picking the perfect plants for you.

Many factors come into play, Grant says — sun exposure, soil type, landscape slope and your own preferences.

“We enjoy creating a plan that meets the needs of each customer and landscape,” he says.

The company staff specializes in beautiful landscapes but they’re also “very good at developing outdoor play

and entertainment areas,” Grant says.

The team stays abreast of the latest design trends and can satisfy any client’s taste with either traditional or unusual plant materials.

“More customers are spending more time around their homes,” Grant says.

“We have the best prices locally on large and small trees and shrubs to create privacy screens, shade and curb appeal.”

Gardner Landscaping also does clean ups, drainage projects and landscape borders.

“We can get your property where it’s managed correctly,” Grant says.

Gardner Landscaping works with all types of budgets and projects in Birmingham, Auburn, Dadeville, Alexander City or Lake Martin.

For details, call 205-401-3347 or go to gardnerlandscapingllc.com.

Brandino Brass creates a standard

supplying

Brandino Brass offers a huge selection of top-quality decorative and architectural door and cabinet, as well as interior and exterior lighting.

Brandino Brass also designs custom brass shelving, gate hardware, mailboxes, fireballs, barn door hardware and more.

Brandino Brass is the go-to place for homeowners, architects and designers who are updating, renovating or building new.

The team at Brandino Brass help guide customers through an array of options to find just the right selection for your space.

Adria Tortorigi is one of the latest customers to enjoy the company’s selection and service, working with Renee Genereux. Renee Genereux and Jessie Isom are owners, along with Eric Brandino, grandson of the store’s founder.

Tortorigi and her husband, Joseph, spent about 18 months remodeling their Mountain Brook home.

The owner of La Farre, a gourmet market in Trussville, Tortorigi has a strong sense of style and had a clear vision for the remodel.

“I wanted to create a luxurious environment so people would enjoy being in our home,” she says.

Tortorigi saw the value of high-quality indoor hardware. “I wanted to elevate my home’s interior style,” she says.

“Adria certainly wanted her hardware to be the jewelry of her home,” Genereux says.

Tortorigi was drawn to high-end British manufacturer Armac Martin, which

Brandino Brass carries.

“It’s a luxury cabinet hardware you don’t see a lot of, and it’s crafted with elegance,” Tortorigi says.

She obtained a wide array of Armac

Martin products, including door knobs, door hinges, cabinet pulls and decorative cabinet grilles.

“It was a bit tricky as Armac Martin fabricates these in England, and Adria

has a curved cabinet door that these were being inserted in,” Genereux says. “She was able to have her contractor make a template which we measured and ordered a rectangular piece from England. Once the grilles arrived at Brandino Brass, we used the template to cut the curve for seamless installation.”

Brandino’s showroom is “full of choices,” Tortorigi said. “They were my one-stop shop.”

Genereux made the process “very easy,” Tortorigi says. “She was very knowledgeable about the styles and colors available.”

“Adria was a pleasure to work with due to her great taste and knowledge of what she wanted,” Genereux says.

At Brandino Brass, clients come not only for the extensive collections but for the customer service and product knowledge.

“There’s always a lot to coordinate with cabinet hardware and cabinetry, and certainly with door hardware and custom doors or door manufacturers,” Genereux says. “We pride ourselves in asking the right questions to have a successful installation.”

Brandino also found hinges for custom 12-foot-tall doors the Tortorigis ordered from Italy and provided hardware for the doors in two window walls the couple created.

“It was lots of fun to work with Brandino Brass,” Tortorigi says. “They’re always ahead of the curve in understanding luxurious components and design.”

Need some new window coverings this fall? Steve Thackerson is ready to help you have beautiful window blinds, shutters, solar shades and draperies that you can control from anywhere. They’re easy to use and easy to afford, he said.

“Motorization is a big thing now. There are ways you can tie motorized window coverings into your home’s automation system,” said Thackerson, owner of Budget Blinds of Birmingham.

With a touch of your phone — even when you’re not home — you can raise or lower your window coverings, or you can tell Alexa to do it for you. Your Budget Blinds can also open or close at a preselected time of day or night.

“We can usually tie our product into any system you might have,” Thackerson said. “We take pride in providing style and service for every budget.”

At Budget Blinds — your local window covering expert — they take the time to understand you and your unique needs to deliver the best custom window covering solution designed for the way you live.

They do any kind of custom window covering. As far as blinds go, they offer wood and faux wood, aluminum, vinyl, composite and vertical blinds or vertical blind alternatives. They also offer shades of all kinds: roller, Roman, cellular, bamboo, woven wood, pleated, sheer, graphic and solar.

And they can get your interior plantation shutter needs taken care of with wood or composite.

“Shutters and woven wood shades are our top two sellers,” Thackerson said.

You can see a gallery of recent projects on their website to get a feel for what they can do for your home or office, or

visit their showroom in Vestavia at 2130 Columbiana Road.

“We install them, so anything that’s purchased from us, we’ll custom measure your windows and professionally install them,” Thackerson said. “We don’t subcontract that out. We control everything from setting up the appointment to the final installation.”

They also have better warranties than their competitors, he said. “Our manufacturers may also sell to our competitors, but they don’t give them

the same warranties they give us. That sets us apart. We get the same products but better pricing and better warranties because we are the largest retailer of custom window coverings in the world.”

That comes with their national presence and the long relationships he and his wife have built in their more than 30 years in the business. He also has two salesmen with decades of experience.

“They are veteran employees who have been with me a long time,” Thackerson said.

The highly trained design consultants at Budget Blinds put their heart and soul into creating the perfect answer to your window fashion needs. They even bring their entire showroom to you with their free in-home design consultation.

They also really enjoy serving their many wonderful customers in all of Birmingham and surrounding areas.

To learn more, call them at 205-824-3300, go to budgetblinds.com/ birmingham or come visit the showroom today.

Get organized and enjoy life with custom closets that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle

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

There’s nothing worse than trying to live or work in clutter.

That’s why Kim McBrayer founded Space Cadets in 2001 — to help customers get organized and create elegant, cost-effective storage solutions for their homes.

McBrayer, the company’s owner and CEO, says that she was “a recovering messy person” at the time, one who had finally discovered the life-changing value of organization.

“I refined the organizing processes with everyday application in my own life,” she says.

McBrayer also had the realization that “organization is not about just alphabetizing and sorting things,” she says. “It’s really about accomplishing a better satisfaction with your life.”

McBrayer created Space Cadets to share her new skill set and insights.

Being organized “facilitates the process for you to enjoy yourself and have a better quality of life,” she says. “Whatever your role in life — mother, father, employer, employee — you can do it better if you’re organized.”

Space Cadets has a team of professional organizers who can organize or declutter your house. The company also specializes

in custom closet design and installation, with solutions ranging from built-in closets to adjustable systems.

Customers can browse the Space Cadets retail and design center in Brook Highland Plaza for a wide variety of organization products for closets, kitchens and garages. There’s a solution

for every budget, from $5 to $50,000.

McBrayer and Marissa Wilkins, Space Cadets general manager, stay abreast of the newest, coolest products, in part by attending events like the Inspired Home Show in Chicago and the Closet Summit in Savannah, Georgia.

“We have a lot of new, exciting things from such vendors as IDesign, Spectrum and YouCopia, and we have OXO as a totally new vendor for the store,” McBrayer says.

Space Cadets works with builders of new construction and remodels to offer custom closets. “This is something that

homeowners are requesting as a standard in the home these days,” McBrayer says.

Space Cadets urges customers to call them in the early stages of home remodels or construction to get in the pipeline for ordering and prepping closets and shelving.

The company is also growing its footprint across Alabama. Space Cadets opened its first satellite retail store in Alexander City at The Square on Main Street in May, and they are now offering custom closet design in the Auburn and Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area as of September with other areas in the works, McBrayer says.

The fall is a great time for cleaning and organizing your stuff, she says. “As our focus turns to the holidays, we want to be ready to welcome and entertain guests."

“It’s a great time to take advantage of the cooler weather and clean out a garage, and we’re inside more and can clean out some closets and just get the house ready,” she says.

McBrayer is on a mission to help decrease clutter and stress in peoples’ lives so they can find more peace, order and enjoyment.

“Everything we touch touches the rest of our lives,” she says.

For every space in your home...

Whether you are wishing you had more storage in your current home or wanting to maximize every square inch of new construction, Space Cadets can help you develop a plan to make the most of all your spaces with our CUSTOM CLOSET SYSTEMS and our PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING SERVICES. With over twenty years in the industry, we have been able to help thousands of people overcome the challenges of clutter.

Our team will help you sort and purge the stuff you no longer need, design and install a new storage system, and even reload and organize the space for you. With our retail shop, we also have all the organizing accessories to complete the project.

With Space Cadets, you will have everything you need to Organize Your World.

Are you a homeowner who is sick and tired of your grass not growing?

Would you like to stop spending thousands of dollars sodding your lawn over and over again?

Are you tired of incurring all of the expenses in mowing, watering and fertilizing your grass?

If so, you should call the skilled professionals at Gardner Astroturf and have Astroturf installed at your home.

You’ll be joining a growing trend, because the popularity of artificial grass has grown tremendously in the past decade.

Artificial turf has even attracted positive attention recently from such trendy media outlets as House Beautiful and Architectural Digest.

Consumers should be aware that artificial grass looks and feels much closer to real grass than it did in the past, thanks to improvements in technology

and manufacturing.

They can save lots of money on maintenance of their lawns if they choose Astroturf.

Astroturf is also very versatile and is often used not just for whole lawns, but for children’s play areas, decks, patios, putting greens and other spaces.

The skilled professionals at Gardner Astroturf deliver top-quality service to homeowners with a friendly, personal touch.

“We give individualized attention to our customers the big companies can’t,” owner Grant Gardner says.

The company’s employees are “some of the best in the business,” Gardner says, with knowledge, experience, attention to detail and a passion for customer service.

“We want our customers to have an enjoyable experience,” he says.

For details, call 205-401-3347 or go to gardnerlandscapingllc.com.

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.

Realtor Carrie Lusk treats her clients ‘like friends and family’

Carrie Lusk, Keller Williams • 205-427-5591 • carrielusk.kw.com

As a sales associate at the Keller Williams–Vestavia real estate agency, Carrie Lusk enjoys what she does, especially working with clients.

“I’m an extrovert who truly loves helping people,” Lusk says. “I treat everyone like friends and family. My philosophy is that relationships are more important than transactions. I try to keep the people who are going to be my neighbors happy.”

Lusk became a Realtor in 2018. She has been at Keller Williams since April and formerly worked at RE/MAX Southern Homes.

A Mt Laurel resident since 2004, Lusk specializes in properties in North Shelby County, including Chelsea, Shoal Creek and Greystone. Since 2020, she has sold or listed more than twenty homes in Mt Laurel alone.

Lusk says she “loves the energy” at Keller Williams, located at 595 Grandview Parkway. “The staff and support, the training and continuous education with the recognition are incredible.”

Her previous career was staffing and recruiting, and she notes some similarities in her new vocation.

“I thrive on getting to know people and their stories,” Lusk says. “I matched people with jobs and careers. Making a big life decision with a job or with buying

Door Restore can keep your door looking its best

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.”

or selling a house is a similar process.”

Lusk often partners on listings with veteran Keller Williams agent Kimbo Rutledge who says she tries to make buying or selling “as easy and seamless” as possible.

Carrie states, “We provide education up front, explain how the process works and give the clients lots of helpful checklists and other information,” she says.

“I try to take as much stress off my clients as I can,” she says.

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

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.”

Capstone Village: Active living with a campus connection

Capstone Village • 800-799-5099 • capstonevillage.ua.edu

Tuscaloosa’s Capstone Village is a luxury retirement community for active retirees.

Capstone Village offers worry-free living while encouraging lifelong learning and healthy activities.

Located on the historic campus of The University of Alabama — the vitality of collegiate life is brought right to your doorstep.

“We take full advantage of our location at UA. Residents are provided with many opportunities to pursue fun, vibrant, active lifestyles.” said Jana Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing for Capstone Village.

The residents at Capstone Village enjoy university amenities — athletic and cultural events, access to campus libraries, auditing of classes and access to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Many Capstone Village residents are volunteer instructors and OLLI members.

Capstone Village emphasizes health and wellness for residents by offering onsite fitness classes, including yoga, dance and strength training. Residents also receive memberships to the well-equipped student recreation center located directly across the street. “The special relationship between the University and Capstone Village is something our residents cherish. Most of them worked on campus, attended school here or are huge Alabama fans,” Smith said.

Residents enjoy having UA students from various departments and sports teams volunteer at Capstone Village. Students present musical concerts, host health clinics, facilitate special events, socialize with the residents and even work on research projects.

For more information or to request a tour, call 855-406-8242 or go to capstonevillage.ua.edu.

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