Reimagining the landscape
Hoover’s dream to make ’80s office parks into 21st-century work spaces
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
Imagine a U.S. 280 full of green, walkable communities, workers riding bikes to the office and old office parks revitalized into new multi-use communities.
The idea that stretches of U.S. 280 could be transformed from acres of asphalt to idyllic spaces for living and working is one the city of Hoover hopes to achieve.
Last year, the city announced they would be commissioning a study that would examine the feasibility of what the city called a “tech corridor” — looking at attracting tech-based jobs to the city. That study was completed this summer, with a set of recommendations the city hopes to implement. The study focused on Meadow Brook, but Jackson Pruett, economic development coordinator for Hoover, said the city looked at Alpharetta, Georgia, Brentwood, Tennessee, and Sandy Springs, Georgia, for inspiration.
See TECH CORRIDOR | page A20
Susan DuBose, third from left, presents the North Shelby Library Board with a $15,000 check at its September meeting. At the same meeting, the board adopted new policies in an effort to comply with state regulations.
North Shelby Library changes policies in line with state code; changes affect policy at heart of 2023 controversy
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
The new board of the North Shelby Library made significant policy changes at its September board meeting to comply with new state guidelines, including changing a policy that led to local legislators taking control of the library board earlier this year.
In June 2023, a display of
children’s books in the children’s section of the North Shelby Library celebrating Pride month divided the library community. The board at the time voted down a policy change that would allow the board to instruct the head librarian on what could or could not be displayed.
The new policies change that.
“The Board of Trustees holds
the final approval for the display of library materials and/or resources, but the Director of Library Services and librarians may choose display topics for the area of the collection they are responsible for,” the new policy states.
See LIBRARY | page A22
Stephen Springfield plays with his dog, Riley, while eating lunch in the back of his car in Meadow Brook Corporate Park off of U.S. 280. Springfield commutes from Homewood, so he relies on the presence of green spaces to spend time with Riley on his break. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.
Rep.
Photo by Taylor Bright.
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ABOUT US
U.S. 280 has been a source of fascination and exasperation for those in the metro Birmingham area for a long time. In this month’s edition, we take a look at how the 1980s influenced the corridor and the vision the City of Hoover has to transform properties designed for a 1980s work environment to attract more jobs to the area by adding more amenities for the modern worker. Speaking of Hoover, we have a story about the attempts to cut the city’s sales tax, after what was supposed to be a smooth process derailed. And, further down the road, we have a story about the City of Chelsea’s efforts to beautify the intersection of U.S. 280 and
County Road 47 after they expanded the intersection.
As always, if you have news, please contact me at tbright@starnesmedia. com.
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Chelsea Council approves improvement plan for busy 280 intersection
By LOYD McINTOSH
The Chelsea City Council is moving forward with beautification efforts to a key U.S. 280 intersection after trees were taken down to expand the intersection.
Councilman Chris Grace said the intersection of County Road 47 and 280 is essentially the gateway into the city, and it has been a sore spot since the existing landscaping was removed following enhancements that were intended to ease congestion at the intersection. He added that the council is asking GMC to design a comprehensive plan to add
landscaping, lighting and new signage at the intersection, and the city council may eventually ask GMC to consider a comprehensive plan for the entire city.
“Highway 47 and 280 is kind of the centerpiece of Chelsea. When you think of Chelsea, that's the intersection you think of," Grace said. "Unfortunately we had to dispose of some of the crepe myrtles that existed there and some of the landscaping there, and it doesn't look great.
The intersection was approved for widening in June to add another turn lane from 47, which leads to City Hall, onto U.S. 280. The city had said traffic was backing up from people
wanting to turn left on to U.S. 280.
The widening of the intersection was a joint effort between the city, Shelby County and the State of Alabama, costing more than $500,000, but the cost only covered the expansion.
"That contract did not include landscaping services, so we're going to take this opportunity to try to improve it, refresh and update it. We've talked with GMC about an overall concept for all of the intersections across the city, but we have to start somewhere and we're going to start with 47. We really hope we can put a fresh face and a fresh brand on the City of Chelsea."
The council passed a resolution in October
that authorizes design discussions with Birmingham architecture firm Goodwin Mills Cawood (GMC) for the improvements at the intersection of U.S. 280 and 47.
Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer expressed his support for the project and acknowledged the City Council’s leadership on the issue. Following the meeting’s conclusion, he also stated his desire to see improvements along the entire length of U.S. 280 in Chelsea, as funding becomes available.
“We'd like to see it happen all the way from Tractor Supply to Highway 51,” Picklesimer added, “but that's a lot of money."
Left: The Chelsea City Council has approved a plan to beautify the intersection of U.S. 280 and County Road 47 after the intersection was expanded earlier this year. Photo by Savannah Schmidt. Right: A map showing the intersection of U.S. 280 and Shelby County 47. Map by Melanie Viering.
Legislators seek to remove restrictions for grocery tax reductions
By JON ANDERSON
Some state legislators say they are working to amend state law to allow the city of Hoover and other municipalities and county governments to reduce their local sales tax on groceries without having to meet certain requirements put in place last year.
When the Legislature in June 2023 passed a law to cut the state sales tax on groceries from 4% to 3% on Sept. 1 of last year, it also allowed cities and counties to cut city and county sales taxes on groceries, but there were conditions.
If a city wants to cut its sales tax on groceries, it can only do so by 25% at a time, and that city’s general fund must have grown by at least 2% in the previous year, according to the law passed by the Legislature.
Those requirements were not initially in the bill, but they were added at the request of the Alabama League of Municipalities and the Association of County Commissioners of Alabama, said state Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, who sponsored the legislation in the Alabama House of Representatives.
There was concern that if the state reduced the sales tax on groceries, it would put pressure on local governments to do the same, and local governments tend to be more heavily dependent on sales taxes for operations, Garrett said.
Garrett said while he didn’t really favor adding those limitations into the bill, he did so as a compromise to help get the bill as a whole passed. Now, he’s ready to remove those limitations because he believes local governments should be able to decide for themselves whether to reduce the sales tax on groceries or not.
He plans to introduce an amendment to the 2023 law in the next legislative session, and state Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre, who sponsored the original legislation in the Senate, is supportive of
the amendment as well, Garrett said.
The Hoover City Council voted in October 2023 to reduce Hoover’s sales tax on groceries from 3.5% to 3% on Oct. 1 of this year. However, the state this summer informed Hoover its ordinance did not comply with state law because a reduction from 3.5% to 3% was not a 25% reduction. A 25% reduction would put Hoover’s sales tax on groceries at 2.625%.
However, Hoover also did not qualify to reduce its tax this year because its general fund did not grow by at least 2%, after transfers to
funds
said.
consideration,
State Rep. Mike Shaw, R-Hoover, said removing the limitations that were added into state law last year will “put the power in the cities’ hands, which is where it should be.”
Hoover Councilman Casey Middlebrooks said he doubts the city will be in a position to lower the sales tax on groceries anytime in the near future because of obligations the city has taken on since its vote a year ago. Tax breaks
and incentives for projects such as Riverwalk Village in Riverchase have obligated the city to payments, he said.
Lowering the city sales tax on groceries from 3.5% to 3% would have cost the city an estimated $2.5 million to $3 million in revenue, but lowering the tax to 2.625% would cost the city $3.5 million to $4 million, he said.
The reduction in Hoover sales taxes on groceries, at the time it was approved, was expected to save the average Hoover resident $17.65 per year.
other
were taken into
Hoover Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Cornett
Chris Patel checks out at the Desi Brothers Farmers Market in The Plaza at Riverchase shopping center in Hoover.
Photo by Jon Anderson.
Nowlin & Associates celebrates 50 years of service
As Nowlin & Associates celebrates its 50th anniversary, founder and CEO emeritus Charlie Nowlin reflects on the journey from 1974 to 2024, recalling the struggles and growth that have marked the wealth management firm’s history.
Starting in Homewood, in a world far different from today, Nowlin’s firm has thrived by adapting to constant industry and economic changes.
“When we began, the services and products we offered were much simpler,” Nowlin said. “We started with life insurance, annuities, and disability income policies. Then, in the late ‘70s, equities became a major player, and we all had to adapt. Over the decades, financial planning evolved, and we evolved with it, thanks to the great people we have.”
Nowlin attributes the firm’s long-standing success to having the right people on the team, emphasizing that no single person can be an expert in every facet of financial services. “You grow with motivated people who understand the business, and that’s how we survived and thrived.”
Nowlin’s career in the financial world began after graduating from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in his hometown. After a stint in the Army, where he became a tank commander, Nowlin entered the corporate world before finding his true calling in life insurance. In 1974, he came
to Birmingham to manage an office, and what was initially a career move became a lifelong commitment to the community and people he served.
“We grew a family here, and Birmingham became a part of our lives,” said Nowlin. “I had opportunities to go back to Memphis, but Birmingham was home.”
Nowlin & Associates serves clients across Central Alabama and beyond, helping people build their wealth and secure their futures through strategic
plans customized to meet their goals. “It’s important for people to know who you are, what you represent, and how you’re involved in the community,” said Nowlin. The firm’s approach has always been to build relationships and help people protect, grow and enjoy their wealth.
Justin Craft, who joined the company in 1997 and now serves as president, plays a vital role in continuing that mission. Nowlin sees continuity and adaptability as key to its ongoing success.
Nowlin & Associates
• Where: 2718 20th St. S. in Homewood
• Call: 205-871-9993
• Web: nowlinwm.com
“What worked 10 or 15 years ago may not work today,” Craft noted, “but as long as we keep building relationships and adapting to change, we’ll continue to serve our clients well.”
Nowlin’s pride in his company’s legacy shines through, especially when he talks about the people he’s worked with and the clients he’s helped over the years. “We’ve built a family here,” he said. “And I’m just delighted with the team we have, both past and present.”
As Nowlin & Associates marks this milestone, the firm’s focus remains on providing ethical, client-centered financial solutions — ensuring that, in another 50 years, it will continue to be a trusted partner for those seeking financial security.
Is it ever too late to start?
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago,” Craft said with a smile. “The next-best time is today.”
Nowlin & Associates can be reached at 205-871-9993 and is located at 2718 20th St. S. in Homewood.
SCHOOLHOUSE
Shelby schools keeping COVID-era programs after learning gains
By TAYLOR BRIGHT
When the COVID pandemic swept across the world more than four years ago, schools faced an unprecedented challenge. Students were falling behind in learning, and high rates of absenteeism and lower test scores plagued schools nationwide.
Congress passed several funding bills that were designed to help instruction in schools during the pandemic. One of those programs was the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), which gave money specifically designed for student instruction.
On Sept. 30, the ESSER funds ran out, but that has not stopped Shelby County Schools from continuing the beneficial programs that the federal funding originally brought with it — all aimed at helping students in the classroom.
“They all benefit students individually,” said Lynn Carroll, the deputy superintendent and assistant superintendent of instruction for Shelby County Schools. “Everything that we have — the ability of having those funds and that we are continuing — is because we found benefits to our students, and that’s what we’re all about.”
The school system will now use local money to keep the programs that ESSER had funded because it believes the programs have contributed to learning gains.
Carroll said the programs were all a part of a formula that has been successful. She used the filling of a box as a metaphor.
“We thought, ‘We don’t want to take anything out because we like the results that came out of the box,’” she said.
The programs include:
► Funding for interventionists, a tutor-like role that helps students who may be struggling with reading.
► A program that installs audio speakers in classrooms to allow students to hear teachers better.
► Equipping all students in the district with Chromebooks.
► Mental health assistance available on-location in the schools.
Carroll said the system now has 15 interventionists in all of their elementary schools and three in the secondary schools, with a plan to add more in the secondary schools.
The audio program began when teachers were
regularly wearing masks in the classroom and students had trouble hearing them. The school system found the speakers helped to keep students engaged even when the teachers weren’t wearing masks, Carroll said.
The mental health assistance program created a network of third-party counselors that give aid to students in their schools.
Melissa Youngblood, the assistant superintendent of student services, said they have been able to contract with 15 mental health professionals to serve the district’s students.
Youngblood said the mental health services
Taylor Colburn, an interventionist at Forest Oaks Elementary in Chelsea, gives extra reading assistance to students. Shelby County Schools are funding successful learning programs which were introduced during the pandemic.
not only help students adapt but also cut down on discipline issues and time missed at school.
“When kids miss school, it takes a lot for the teacher to go back and reteach the skill or provide some additional support,” Youngblood said.
But, she said, having personnel outside of the school system creates a comfort zone that some students may not have with staff. The goal is to give the students skills they may not have had before to help them deal with adversity.
“We want to help them develop those skills so they can transition off and self-advocate for themselves,” Youngblood said.
Photo courtesy of Shelby County Schools.
In the Classroom
GET TO KNOW
Oak Mountain High Principal Andrew Gunn
By STAFF
Andrew Gunn has been the principal of Oak Mountain High School since 2021.
Q: What inspired you to work in education?
A: I always had great teachers as I was growing up. They led me down a path that I really wanted to give back myself, and once I got involved in it, I really enjoyed it. I felt it was something that I fit well to, and I’ve enjoyed it for 21 years now.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: That’s easy. It’s seeing the kids be successful. It’s supporting amazing teachers doing great things that, in part, support the students that we serve. Every day I come into work, I feel rewarded. I feel like this is the greatest job that you could have, largely because of the people we support and the way they support our kids.
Q: Tell us something about you that people might not know.
A: I’m pretty much an open book, it’s hard to say. But I’m extremely busy, work really hard. I have a lot of family to take care of and a big school to run. But I enjoy it. It’s a lot of hard work, but I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I absolutely love it.
Q: Tell us about an educator who was important to you while in school.
A: I had so many. I think the first one that would come to mind would be — I went to a small school, so I had the same math teacher for a couple of classes — Ms. Howard.
ACCOLADES
Oak Mountain High debate team sees success; Chelsea Middle names SGA reps
By STAFF
The Oak Mountain High School debate team competed in the Hoover High Ria Shah Memorial Tournament, with three Public Forum teams of two.
Mary Walker and Robert Bou earned first place. In addition, all of the Oak Mountain debate teams won a majority of their rounds at the competition on Sept. 14.
Oak Mountain High’s Public Forum competitors are: Robert Bou, Miya Brooks, Mithun Kanakaraj, Haarika Nammi, Jameson Sewell, Jai Varikuti and Mary Walker (team captain). Michael Johnson is the team’s coach.
Chelsea Middle School elected its student government representatives for the 2024-25 school year in late September.
The representatives are:
► SGA president: Grayson Smith
► SGA vice president: Levi Polk
► Eighth grade representatives: Maddie Fant, Maddox Thienpont
► Seventh grade representatives: Dillon Lewis, Jackson Martin, Ariana Martinez
► Sixth grade representatives: Cade Halsey, Raylen Lee, Connor Paul
Chelsea Middle School also announced its 2024-25 Beta Club officers in September.
They are:
► President: Brock Epperson
► Vice president: Mackenzie Long
► Secretary: Anna Lee
► Historian: Jackson Jeffries
► Treasurer: Cannon Deloach
I’M LEAVING A
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE, ONE LEGACY AT A TIME
Entrepreneur, artist, and author of the inspiring book Why Not Win, Larry Thornton is a trailblazer who believes in paying it forward. That's why he is investing in Birmingham's future by leaving a legacy gift to the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.
Larry has been a servant leader throughout his career, providing opportunities for others to succeed and build a stronger community. "When you are as blessed as I have been, what better place to share the bounty than in the community that made it possible," he says.
Trusting the Community Foundation with his legacy was a natural step for Larry because he knows our work is vital to building a better future for years to come.
Visit cfbham.org/legacy to learn how you can join Larry and create your lasting legacy.
Oak Mountain High School debate team members Robert Bou and Mary Walker wear their first-place medals at the Hoover High Ria Shah Memorial Debate Tournament. Photo courtesy of Oak Mountain High School.
Andrew Gunn, principal of Oak Mountain High School. Staff photo.
Business Buzz
BUSINESS HAPPENINGS
NOW OPEN
Hair by Kim Laslo Alternative Hair Solutions recently opened in September, next to GameStop in the River Ridge shopping center. The salon is designed for customers that need alternative hair solutions, including wigs, toppers, extensions and other non-surgical hair replacement options. Hair By Kim is a private salon for men and women, and customers are required to book an appointment to be seen. Appointments can be scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 205-767-3371, kimlaslo.com
The Big Drip Auto Spa is now open at 210 Atchison Parkway in Chelsea. The drive-through car wash offers customers five exterior wash options, along with vacuums, clean towels and cleaning solutions for their car interiors. Locally opened and operated, the Big Drip was officially founded this past year. This location is the first for the company. Stop by for a car wash daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday. 205-605-3444, bigdripautospa.com
Trampled by Tacos recently opened at 5363 U.S. 280, Suite B 101, in the space previously occupied by Little Donkey. The menu offers a variety of tacos, burritos, bowls and fresh-squeezed lime margaritas. Customers can expect a large outdoor seating area boasting an outdoor bar, and a casual atmosphere. The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 659-219-8698, instagram.com/trampledbytacos
Dr. Emily Rehberg has opened Lung Care And at 501 Doug Baker Blvd. She offers medical care in pulmonary medicine and more. 256-401-0390, lungcareand.com
COMING SOON
Phenix Salon Suites, which already has three Alabama locations, will be adding two new local shops. One salon will be located at 624 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia, and the other at 3411 Colonnade Parkway, Suite 400, in Birmingham. They are currently undergoing renovations and plan to be open within the next four to six months. The Phenix Salon Suites franchise offers salon professionals a space to establish their business, by providing necessary equipment, space and facility maintenance for a monthly fee. The franchise has locations in 34 states.
205-422-5661, phenixsalonsuites.com
RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS
The Humidor Room Cigar & Scotch Bar is planning to move from its location at 5511 U.S. 280 to downtown
Birmingham next year. Owner Saeid Morshedi said that the lease will not be renewed when it is up in the spring. Morshedi previously purchased the property at 2115 Seventh Ave S. in downtown Birmingham, known as Our Place, an LGBTQ-friendly bar. It is still unknown if the Humidor Room will move to that location or choose another option. For now, customers can still visit the Greystone Park location to enjoy the full bar and a wide variety of fine cigars. 205-995-4481, humidorroom.com
Yum Yai Street Thai, at 5426 U.S. 280 #9, closed on Aug. 1 for renovations. After reopening, the restaurant will have an updated look and offer customers more dine-in options. Yum Yai serves traditional Thai foods with a modern twist. This includes a variety of fried rice dishes, wide rice noodles, curry dishes and much more. Follow Yum Yai on Facebook for updates on an official reopening date. 205-637-6352, yumyaibham.com
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Justin Scarsella, owner and master instructor at Master Scarsella’s World Class Tae Kwon Do, has been honored as one of the 2024 Birmingham’s Finest by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The distinction was given to Scarsella because of his “leadership, professional successes and philanthropic spirit.” He and other Birmingham honorees have committed to raising funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The honorees and their fundraising efforts will be recognized at a ceremony on Nov. 12. Master Scarsella’s World Class Tae Kwon Do has two locations, with one in Inverness at 268 Inverness Center Drive and one in Hoover at 3417 Old Columbiana Road. 205-981-9636, alabamatkd.com
APCO Employees Credit Union renamed its branch at 6400 Tattersall Park Drive to honor longtime employee and CEO Derrick Ragland Jr. Earlier this year, Ragland was named Alabama Professional of the Year by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions. The board of directors for APCO Employees Credit Union chose to honor Ragland for his 42 years of service to the credit union and its members. The Tattersall Park location opened in the summer of 2020. 205-547-9400, apcocu.com
PERSONNEL MOVES
Macall Underwood Riley Underwood and Scott Underwood have joined the RealtySouth office at 109 Inverness Plaza #4800, and John Welsh has joined the RealtySouth office at 331 Chelsea Corners Way, Suite 101. Macall Underwood: 423-605-8829, Riley Underwood: 205-983-4888, Scott Underwood: 205-965-3631, John Welsh: 205-527-2074; realtysouth.com
B.A.S.S., headquartered on Blue Lake Drive, has recently announced that Phillip Johnson, the executive vice president, was promoted to chief operating officer
Do you have news to share about a business along the U.S. 280 corridor or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
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(COO). Johnson will now manage Bassmaster Tournament operations as well as implement processes aimed at improving and expanding the organization’s business operations. For the past two years, Johnson oversaw marketing, content strategy, events and communications. B.A.S.S. is the world’s largest fishing organization. bassmaster.com
ANNIVERSARIES
Rest and Digest Wellness has been providing services in Southlake Village for one year. The business offers deep relaxation services that “aid in achieving the Rest and Digest response of the parasympathetic nervous system.” These services include massage therapy, infrared sauna, LED light therapy, wellness packages and more. Customers can go online to book an appointment on Monday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 205-739-1160, rest-digest.com
The Taco Mama franchise is celebrating 13 years in business. The restaurant's original location opened in November 2011 in Mountain Brook's Crestline Village. Since then, the restaurant has expanded to 10 locations, including Alabama 119 and off U.S. 280 in The Summit. Taco Mama is known for “Build Your Own” tacos, quesadillas, burritos, bowls and an extensive margarita menu. Find the business hours for the restaurant closest to you online. 205-977-7792, tacomamaonline.com
The Yogurt Mountain location in the Colonnade is celebrating one year in business. The frozen yogurt shop offers customers 16 rotating flavors with something for everyone. Customers can find low-fat, gluten-free, custard-style and dairy-free frozen yogurt options, along with more than 50 toppings to satisfy your sweet tooth. The store is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 205-238-5385, yogurtmountain.com
The Lee Branch location of Sanpeggio's Pizza has been serving customers for one year now. The original Sanpeggio's location opened in Chelsea in 2000, and the local chain now has five other locations. Every pizza is hand-tossed and made to order, complete with homemade sauce, quality meats and cheeses and locally sourced veggies. Diners can stop by the Lee Branch location Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 205-709-8585, sanpeggiopizza.com
Customers have been enjoying JaWanda’s Sweet Potato Pies for one year at the bakery off Valleydale Road. Owned by JaWanda Jackson, the business is family owned and operated. JaWanda’s sells sweet potato pies in 15 flavors, along with various pound cakes, cobblers and other seasonal items. Customers can find select items from the bakery at local stores including the Cowboys convenience store on U.S. 280, the Piggly Wiggly in both Crestline and Homewood and at American Kolache in Vestavia Hills. The bakery also has a food truck that makes stops during the week around town. The only time to visit the bakery itself is on Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205-874-9880, jawandasweetpotatopie.com
Williams Sonoma is celebrating one year since reopening at The Summit. The national chain offers professional quality cookware, bakeware, home kitchen essentials, table linens, serveware and more. Customers can stop by the store daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., except for Sunday, when the store closes at 6 p.m. 205-986-0578, williams-sonoma.com
CLOSINGS
Mikey’s Grill permanently closed its doors in Southlake Village on Sept. 28, after almost 15 years in business. The owner announced the closure on the restaurant’s Facebook page on Sept. 23. The owner did not give a specific reason for the closure, but he said ,“The time has come to close this chapter. I'm putting down my knives, turning the grill off and giving up the chef title.” Mikey’s was known for steak and seafood with a Cajun flair.
Clotherie Boutique
B Photo owner John Kirkpatrick
By STAFF
By STAFF
John Kirkpatrick is the owner of B Photo, located in The Village at Lee Branch, and coordinates transportation at Briarwood Christian School.
Q: Tell us about your business.
A: We are a photo printing, photo restoration and a photo framing business. The businesses all complement each other. The prints that we can print out for you are from 4 by 6 to pretty much 40 by 60, unlimited sizes in between. We can print on canvas, fine art paper, standard E-surface print paper. We also do copies for artists, where we can go in and replicate their images for production. We do framing for artists. And so we’ve built our business mostly around that, any other photograph-related item we’ve tried
to cater to, and we do try to cater to our local photographers. We want to cater to our local decorators and designers from the framing standpoint, and we’ll support our other local businesses through our services and our community.
Q: How long have you been at this location?
A: 2 ½ years.
Q: What are the biggest rewards of owning your own business?
A: That’s just satisfaction, that knowing that I’m in control of what I do, taking pride in it and serving my community. I could choose what I do and where I build my business, and I take great pride in that, because I know many of the people in this area through Briarwood, so know who they are and what they expect, and I enjoy serving them.
in on any
John Kirkpatrick, owner of B Photo, stands inside of his framing store at Lee Branch.
Photo by Taylor Bright.
BUSINESS
Metro Diner manager Misti Cooper Sips and Bites
By STAFF
Misti Cooper is the new managing partner at Metro Diner, located at Inverness Plaza along U.S. 280.
Q: Tell us about the restaurant.
A: We are a small, locally owned franchise where we value our team members and guests alike. We want everyone who walks in the door to feel a part of the Metro Diner family, and we spend time getting to know them as if they were family. We’re where the locals eat since we serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working in the industry?
A: People celebrate wins, special occasions, losses; they catch up with old friends; they spend time with their loved ones, all around food. There’s something special about serving someone a great meal. That has to be my favorite part of the industry.
Q: What is your favorite item on the menu and why?
A: The Bissell Breakfast all the way. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory. It’s a two-egg breakfast with all the trimmings and a short stack of pancakes.
Q: What sets you apart from your competitors?
A: Our local feel. We have two Birmingham locations, so we aren’t too big to spend time getting to know our guests. It allows us to connect to people on a more personal level. And, our variety of menu options also allows us to cater to just about any craving
Big Bad Breakfast on 280 grows into successful chain
By STAFF
Chef John Currence’s lifelong passion for breakfast led to the creation of the highly successful Big Bad Breakfast restaurant chain, including the location on U.S. 280 in Greystone, which played a pivotal role in the chain’s history.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Currence’s early experiences with food revolved around breakfast, from family meals to iconic spots like Commander’s Palace. In 2008, he decided to claim a niche in the culinary scene: elevating breakfast to the most important meal of the day.
what has now become a chain of 20 restaurants across the South.
He opened Big Bad Breakfast, which aimed to recapture the flavors of his childhood with homemade biscuits, sausages, and meticulously sourced ingredients. His vision resonated with customers, leading to rapid success and expansion.
Currence partnered with Nick Pihakis in 2013, who was part of a restaurant group that owned Jim ‘N Nick’s, among other restaurants, and refined the Big Bad Breakfast concept at its Greystone location. It was the second in
“The first Birmingham location became our ‘laboratory’ store, with Nick overseeing operations, and under the guidance of our local operating partner and chef, we began to hone the edge of this young concept and turned it into an unbelievably well-oiled machine. Service was tuned up and the food exploded with vision and ambition. In two years we covered as much ground as we had in the first five,” Currence said on the restaurant website.
Big Bad Breakfast is located at 5361 U.S. 280 and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Big Bad Breakfast’s U.S. 280 location in Greystone was used as the “laboratory store” for the popular chain in its early years. Photo courtesy of Big Bad Breakfast.
The Retirement You Deserve
Recently sold homes along US 280 Corridor
► ADDRESS: 3404 Crossings Glen
► BED/BATH: 4/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,290 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Caldwell Crossings
► LIST PRICE: $439,900
► SALE PRICE: $476,750
► ADDRESS: 5516 Heath Row Drive
► BED/BATH: 3/3
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,667 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Meadow Brook
► LIST PRICE: $419,990
► SALE PRICE: $420,000
► ADDRESS: 3050 Highland Lakes Road
► BED/BATH: 5/4.5
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,854 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Highland Lakes
► LIST PRICE: $659,900
► SALE PRICE: $659,900
► ADDRESS: 612 Cherokee Circle
► BED/BATH: 4/3
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,166 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Broken Bow
► LIST PRICE: $419,900
► SALE PRICE: $419,900
► ADDRESS: 5120 Stratford Road
► BED/BATH: 4/3.5
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,131 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Meadow Brook
► LIST PRICE: $625,000
► SALE PRICE: $610,000
► ADDRESS: 795 Fish Camp Road
► BED/BATH: 4/2
► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,774 sq. ft.
► NEIGHBORHOOD: Chelsea
► LIST PRICE: $319,900
► SALE PRICE: $319,900
SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE
At the heart of the proposed “tech corridor” transformation are the vacancies that sit within the city limits of Hoover: the Meadow Brook Corporate Park and Inverness Center.
In the late 1970s and 1980s, developers bought up large swaths of land up and down U.S. 280, coinciding with the expansion of the highway to four lanes. What had been a two-lane road that would be considered rural just a few years before was booming with new construction.
Developers were able to fill their office buildings. Rust International, a large engineering firm, called Meadow Brook home but was bought by Raytheon in 1996. Raytheon ultimately left the park. Inverness also saw one of its largest tenants, Southern Company Services, leave in 2018 for the Colonnade.
Combined with the downturn in occupancy of commercial real estate after the COVID-19 pandemic, the city has been looking for ways to attract businesses along U.S. 280.
“We have all of this empty office space, so we need to attract office tenants and specifically technology companies,” Pruett said From Grandview Medical Center down to Mt Laurel, there is approximately 4 million square feet of office space in the city, and 20% of that is vacant, he said. Pruett said the city’s vacancy rate was 3 to 4 points higher than the national average.
City officials have been looking to transform the area for several years, but last year they commissioned a study for $150,000 from the Waymaker Group, which specializes in technology-based economic development, to look at revitalizing Meadow Brook.
The city received the recommendations from the group this past July.
The city tasked Waymaker with taking inventory of regional assets for attracting businesses, quantifying the existing strengths of the surrounding area for the tech industry and to “revitalize Meadow Brook for top regional prospect attraction.”
The group identified several sectors that are growing and would lend themselves to being targeted by economic development recruiters: telecommunications, nano technology and software publishing.
The city already attracted McLeod Software, with more than 600 employees, to Meadow Brook, which moved to the park in 2018 and then expanded last year.
When it came to real estate, Waymaker recommended working with property owners to create an improvement district, with new events and activities to take advantage of existing common areas, and integrate a trail system in the area.
Greg Knighton, the economic development manager for Hoover, said the city was concentrating on U.S. 280 not only because of the vacancies left at the office parks, but also because it’s where the workforce is.
“I think one is certainly the vacancy. That’s a given,” Knighton said. “The other is that from a talent [perspective,] that zip code — 35242 — has one of the strongest concentrations of technology talent in the metro area, so if you put that talent close to the
workplace, it’s a winning combination.”
For those who moved into the area, Meadow Brook provided an attractive site with room to improve.
Hunter Strickler is the vice president for OHD, which tests respiratory safety masks for fit. The company moved into Meadow Brook at the end of September, buying a building at the park.
He said the company had mapped where current employees lived, which gave them a target area of where to move. They then began talking with the economic development team at the city of Hoover.
“They had sort of given us a little bit of a picture of what their vision for Meadow Brook is in the future. The building that we’re in now ended up being really kind of a great match in terms of size. It’s a standalone building. It was for sale. We ideally preferred to purchase instead of lease, and so it all kind of came together at the right time,” Strickler said.
Pruett said companies are looking for different types of workplaces, reflecting the change of work not only since the 1980s, when Meadow Brook was built, but also since the pandemic and the ascent of remote work.
“Especially for an environment where you’ve got flexible and distributed work, where people can work remote or work anywhere, if you’re going to have an office, it’s got to be highly amenitized,” Pruett said.
That could mean more parks and walking trails or repurposing office parks to a mix of business and residential.
“When we started talking to some of these companies that have moved over there or other companies that we’ve recruited who have considered moving over there, they want a lot of the amenities that you have in more urban settings,” Pruett said. “Frankly, they want walkability. They want the change to go get a cup of coffee from a neighborhood coffee shop or go get a beer after work. And so really what that looks like is a mixed-use environment coming into a traditional office environment.”
It’s an appraisal Strickler shares.
“There are a lot of nice spaces popping up in various suburbs around the Southeast that are multi-use, and you can work, play, even live in the same general area. And I think there’s a quality-of-life element to that that is really powerful,” Strickler said. “You don’t waste a ton of time in traffic, and your commute is lower, and you can get everything right in your backyard, so to speak. And I think that’s an attractive thing for young workers and young families.”
There is some room for improvement, Strickler said. For instance, he would like a trail system that would connect their building to other parts of the park. Pruett recognizes the challenges and says any transformation will take time.
“We’re seeing people want to move there, but we have a long way to go in creating that environment because it hasn’t really changed that much. It’s still office buildings, and some of these owners have invested a lot of money
There are a lot of nice spaces popping up in various suburbs around the Southeast that are multi-use, and you can work, play, even live in the same general area. And I think there’s a quality-of-life element to that that is [...] an attractive thing for young workers and young families.
HUNTER STRICKLER
in the interiors of the buildings. But you walk around and it’s a nice lake, and it’s a nice place, but it can be something a whole lot different,” Pruett said. “And that’s kind of our long-term vision.”
Pruett said the city is also concentrating on other areas like Inverness, where there they will be adding more mixed-use space to the area vacated by Southern Company, including 350 new multi-family housing units.
“So even though we kind of first started out as Meadow Brook being the center of some of this new reinvestment, Inverness is actually the first to see it, which is great,” Pruett said. “We need that in all of these office parks.”
The vision will take time, Knighton said, but they see progress in achieving their vision.
“We know it’s going to take time, but you’re already seeing it happen from the companies’ standpoint,” he said.
Above: Stephen Springfield’s dog, Riley, plays in Meadow Brook Corporate Park off of U.S. 280.
Left: The entrance of Corporate Park in Meadow Brook off of U.S. 280. The businesses established in this area include several successful tech companies.
Photos by Savannah Schmidt.
CONTINUED from page A1
Under the old policy, there was no specific provision for displays. Instead, it gave the director “ultimate responsibility for programming.”
A similar change was made to who decides what books are housed at the library.
Under the old policy, the selection of materials at the library was delegated to the library director. Under the new policy, those decisions “may be reviewed by the Board of Trustees to determine compliance with NSL policies.”
The changes put the library in line with the new policies adopted by the Alabama Public Library Service, which distributes state and federal revenue to libraries across the state.
While libraries across the state receive the money, local funds are the primary funding source for each library. The North Shelby Library receives a tax paid by every resident and business in the library district but also receives grants and revenue from state and federal sources.
The APLS has had a transformation over the last year after attracting attention from state leaders, including Gov. Kay Ivey. Ivey had written to the board to encourage the APLS to adopt policies that would restrict certain books to certain areas of the library. Shortly after, the board elected Republican Party Chairman John Wahl as the head of the board and withdrew from the American Library Association. All board members are appointed by the governor. Ivey removed board member Virginia Doyle after Doyle criticized a plan by legislators to cut funding for the service.
At its September board meeting, the North Shelby Library board said it was adopting the policies to fall in line with state requirements.
“We want to certainly make sure we’re in compliance with any state requirements,” said Sam Gaston, a board member and the city manager of Mountain Brook. “So that’s going to be our goal.”
One of the changes is a tiered system for patrons under the age of 18.
“The default card will be a restricted card,”
said Rebecca Johnson, who serves on the policy committee of the library board, “which will allow juveniles to check out books only from juvenile departments of the library.”
But, Johnson said, parents and guardians may come to the library and authorize an exception to the card that will allow their child broader access to the library.
At the heart of the controversy are books that contain or may be sympathetic to LGBTQ+ identities, said Craig Scott, the president of the Alabama Library Association, which has been critical of the changes that have been passed by the APLS.
The state, he said, is purposefully conflating pornography with books tied to LGBTQ+ subjects.
“There are so many more important things that could be focused on other than porn in the
kids’ sections that doesn’t exist,” Scott said.
The state and those who support the changes say they are concerned with any sexual material in the children’s department.
“Materials with content that include any depictions of sexually explicit content will not be purchased for located in the children’s department,” Johnson said.
Other changes struck out language that had come from the American Library Association, which the APLS disassociated with in January, including references to the ALA in the mission statement of the North Shelby Library.
The policy removed the phrase “Relevant to today’s world, reflecting problems, aspirations, attitudes and ideals of society” from the Guidelines for Evaluation and Selection of Library Resources section, instead adding, “Relevant to establishing a well-rounded and
Craig Scott, president of the Alabama Library Association, speaks at the Read Freely event at the North Shelby Library in October. Scott has been a critic of new state library policies.
educated background on a variety of subjects, past and present.”
While the new policies have been adopted, they may be revisited, said Board President Kasandra Stevens. Stevens said she had had feedback from the library community about the new policies.
“I feel like it’s going to be a process that the first policy that was put forward, it may not be the end policy,” Stevens said. “That’s what was done at that meeting. We had to have something by the deadline. We had to make our revisions to meet the APLS guidelines for state funding for next year. So, we put something in place. I hope we get feedback from APLS, I hope we get feedback from the community. I hope we get feedback from the staff, and then the policy will probably come up at another board meeting.”
CALLING ALL 5TH GRADE TEACHERS! CALLING ALL 5TH GRADE TEACHERS!
Brought to you by the Birmingham Water Works, the ‘World Without Water’ school program is tailored for 5th grade students across the BWW service area.
Meet BWW Engineers, engage in exciting experiments, and participate in our poster contest where you could win some very exciting prizes!
Contact Birmingham Water Works today at 205-244-4224, email us at publicrelations@bwwb.org or fill out the form now by scanning the QR Code and we will reach out to you to schedule your school’s visit!
Photo by Taylor Bright
Mail-order maven
Birmingham native shares Alabama goods through gift-box business Byndel
By EMERY AKIN
Madison Murphy, born and raised in Birmingham, said the longest she’s been away from the city was for a 30-day family trip. Using her knowledge of and love for Birmingham, Murphy now owns her own business that curates items made in the area — from downtown to down U.S. 280 — to create unique gift boxes.
Growing up, Murphy attended Briarwood Christian School and was then homeschooled. During that time, she poured her energy into piano, and at 17 she began teaching students to play. Murphy, who didn’t attend college, continued to teach for the next 10 years, until 2020.
“I loved all the students that I taught … But I knew I didn’t want to do it forever,” said Murphy, who still attends Briarwood Presbyterian Church.
In 2016, while still teaching piano, she started her own grocery delivery company, Full Pantry, that is still in operation today. But by 2018, Murphy was already drafting up a new business idea.
“I had toyed through Full Pantry with doing little Christmas deliveries, and it went
really well. I thought it would just be a onetime thing. Then I was like, ‘This was really fun,’ and there’s really nobody in Birmingham that’s doing only-Birmingham things in gift boxes,” Murphy said. “So in October 2018, I launched Byndel. It was going to be called Parcel, [but] there was a Parcel that did the same thing I did in Oregon.”
One weekend, on the way to the beach, Murphy opened up a dictionary and began flipping through it, searching for the oneword name she hoped would fit her new giftbox business. Finally, she landed on it.
“Byndel is the Saxon spelling for bundle, and … I love the definition for bundle, [which] was ‘a number of things put together,’” Murphy said. “And I was like, ‘That’s what I’m doing. That’s it.’”
Now, six years after its inception, Byndel has blossomed into something big.
“My business has grown leaps and bounds this year,” Murphy said. “Finally, I’m seeing it pay off, which has been so encouraging.”
Murphy designs her boxes to fill several categories of gift-giving.
For a taste of the state, the Alabama box features blue grits by McEwen & Sons, tea from Piper & Leaf, a dish towel from Stately Made and honey from Bee Creek Farm. For morning refreshment, the Pick Me Up box comes with a mug made by Civil Stoneware, tea from Piper & Leaf, coffee by Cala Coffee and honey from Bee Creek Farm. Others, like the Southerner box, feature Jim ‘N Nick’s cheese biscuit mix alongside unique tasters like Medders Family Farm’s S’mores Peanut Butter.
“Gifting can be a huge way for a business to get more business,” she said. “I’m not selling you something that has no value to
you and is frivolous, but I really do think it can help businesses keep themselves front of mind with their clients.”
We’re excited to announce that Chelsea Orthodontics is now part of Birmingham Orthodontics! Dr. Page and her team have the experience to help you start your smile journey. Schedule an appointment at our newest location at BhamSmile.com.
Madison Murphy, owner of Byndel, offers gift boxes from businesses across the metro area. Photo by Dawn Gagye, courtesy of Madison Murphy.
Your health today
written by Dr. Palmer
The New Year is around the corner, let’s plan ahead NOW by adding more protein. So many people, nutritionally, are toxic and deficient. Meaning, too much of the bad things and not enough of the good things. So, let’s start with adding some basics, protein and collagen.
Dietary protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscles and organs. It’s also required for the proper functioning of enzymes, hormones, and your immune system. Proteins are made up of amino acids which serve as the building blocks of your body. While there are hundreds of amino acids in nature, humans only use about 20 of them to make the proteins our bodies need. Five of them are considered nonessential amino acids because your body can make them, although you can also get them from foods. Another six are described as conditionally essential because your body can make them if you are healthy. However, there are nine essential amino acids, which you must get from food as your body cannot make them. These include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Dietary sources for these essential amino acids include meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, as well as some plant-based options like legumes.
Protein, especially animal based protein, is essential for optimizing muscle mass and
longevity as well as muscle maintenance and muscle building. In terms of diet, skeletal muscle requires high-quality dietary protein, again ideally animal protein, to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Skeletal muscle requires branched-chain amino acids which are most abundant in meat. Unlike plant proteins, animal sources also provide nutrients like vitamin B12, retinol (vitamin A) and creatine, bioavailable iron, carnitine, and carnosine, all of which are important for muscle growth and health in general. Animal-based protein sources also contain taurine, a semi-essential amino acid that is important for healthy brain function, heart health, healthy muscle function, to just name a few.
So, what’s the ideal amount of protein for adults? As mentioned before, most adults need about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of ideal body weight (the weight you would ideally be, not necessarily the weight you are now), or approximately 0.36 grams of protein per kilogram. In general, protein should make up about 15% of your daily calories. For example, if your ideal weight is 135 pounds, your protein requirement would be 49.09 grams. Divided into two meals, that would be 24.54 grams per meal. For reference, there’s approximately 7 grams of protein in each ounce of steak, so a 5-ounce steak would give you 35 grams of high-quality protein.
Protein and Health
Once you have calculated your overall protein requirement, make sure one-third of that is in the form of collagen. Collagen is the most common and abundant of your body’s proteins, accounting for about 30% of the total protein in your body. One of its primary purposes is to provide structural support and strength to your tissues, such as skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage by allowing them to stretch while still maintaining tissue integrity. So, approximately one-third of your daily protein intake should be in the form of collagen.
For all the carnivores out there, red meat cannot provide all the protein you need because the primary amino acids in collagen, (glycine, proline and hydroxyproline), make up the matrix of connective tissue and red meat contains very little of these amino acids. Therefore, eating only muscle meat will not provide enough amino acids to allow you to build strong connective tissue and maintain bone strength. Unfortunately, red meat is a double edge sword bc its collagen contains higher amounts of specific amino acids with antiinflammatory tendencies and other healing properties, yet, it also is higher in amino acids that promote inflammation.
The ideal collagen source is homemade beef broth. With a pressure cooker, bone broth can be made in as little as two to four hours. Start with choosing bones
not from animals raised in concentrated animal feeding operations. These tend to be contaminated with heavy metals which will leach out in the cooking process. Other sources of collagen are chicken feet and the knuckle bones (knee joint) of cows. These are particularly high in collagen and are therefore excellent choices for making bone broth.
Your take away, dietary protein is crucial for building and repairing body tissues, influencing everything from muscle growth to the function of enzymes and hormone. We need nine essential amino acids from our diet because our body cannot synthesize them. Animal proteins provide not only essential amino acids but also nutrients that are essential for health, such as vitamin B12, retinol and other key nutrients, which support brain, heart, and muscle function. Adults generally need about 0.36 grams of protein per pound of their ideal body weight daily to support optimal muscle protein synthesis. Lastly, consume collagen, which makes up about 30% of your body’s protein. It’s essential for maintaining the strength and flexibility of tissues like skin, bones and joints. At the end of the day, HEALTH IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET. Protect it like a child, nurture it back and optimize it so you may be a blessing to those around you. We are here to help, always. Resources: Mercola.com
A better way to navigate Medicare
The spice of life
Mt Laurel Fall Festival delights visitors, vendors
Photos by SAVANNAH SCHMIDT
On Oct. 12, the community gathered at Mt Laurel’s Fall Festival to enjoy fall foods, shopping and activities.
Businesses like Mt Laurel Dentistry spruced up their storefronts with spooky decor and pumpkin-picking boxes. While visitors munched on kettle corn and barbecue, they walked the rows of seasonal decorations and prime picks for the upcoming gifting holidays.
For many artisans, seasonal change inspires them to create new products. M2K owner Monica Rory was excited to showcase specialty jewelry for the festival. “Fall is my favorite time of year,” she said. “I get to use earth tones in the jewelry.”
Porshia Franklin, the owner of South and Oak Company, brings college football gameday signs and holiday jewelry to fall festivals.
“I try to bring items that people can leave up for multiple holidays,” Franklin said. “That’s why neutral colors are very popular.”
For festival-goers in search of signature fall scents, Dana and Gary Phillips of Southern Soapworks sold a variety of coconut and hemp wax candles. They create an ornate cement bowl for the wax and add scents like pumpkin spice and coffee.
Mt Laurel Fall Festival also continued its long-standing tradition of providing fun for all ages. Children rode carnival swings, college students snatched up new outfits and dorm decor, and adults indulged in a local beer from Area 41 Pizza Co.
Children stopped by the Cahaba Valley Fire Department’s bouncy house, where the firefighters conducted fire safety lessons, passing out stickers to those who participated in the educational activities.
Above left: Southern Soapworks displays their holiday candle selection at the Mt Laurel Fall Festival. They debuted pumpkin spice and coffee scents for the holiday season market.
Above right: Kids and their parents enjoy a swing ride.
Right: A young girl looks into the pumpkin boxes.
Below: Customers enjoy a pop-up book store.
Death by 5K returns to Oak Mountain this November
By EMILY REED
If you’ve ever had a running “death wish” — or running in the dark woods in the middle of the night in November on no sleep appeals to you — the Death by 5K race at Oak Mountain will be for you.
The race is a 24-hour challenge where participants run a series of 10 races, with each 5K spaced 2.5 hours apart.
This will be the third year the event has been held at Oak Mountain, with roughly 200 individuals already signed up for the Nov. 23 event. The race had 130 runners last year.
Event organizer Jeremy Jungling, who is also the head coach of RunStrongLLC in Brandon, Miss., said the race is unique for a number of reasons.
“It is challenging in a way that appeals to a wide variety of fitness levels,” Jungling said.
The first 5K begins at 8 a.m. and the last race is at 6:30 a.m. the next morning.
“Ultimately, it is an ultramarathon, but the way it is set up allows people who don’t normally run ultramarathons to participate. We often get people who run often but not ultramarathon lengths, along with Crossfitters, body builders, cyclists, hikers, and more,” Jungling said. “The structure of running a 5K followed by a break allows people to take on a distance that is normally out of reach and makes it possible. More experienced runners will often try to run each 5K at a pace that is challenging for them.”
This challenge is designed to test participants mentally and physically with fatigue, sleep deprivation and running in the dark.
Headlamps, headlights or some other form of illumination for participants is required.
Jungling said there were roughly 100
participants in the first year of Death by 5K, and the event has continued to grow each year.
He said Oak Mountain is the perfect place for the event because there is something available for everyone.
“For our event, the space reserved for our use is absolutely perfect,” Jungling said. “We have a green space for tent camping, a ton of parking, pavilions with power and water and a fireplace, and plenty of bathrooms, including showers. The trail we use for our race is challenging but manageable, and gives runners the feeling of being deep in the woods while staying close. We always stay a few
extra days after the race to enjoy the beautiful park.”
For those interested, in between each 5K, participants will have the option to sleep in their vehicles in the parking lot or to set up a tent in the grass camping field across the road from the parking lot.
There will be five meals offered over the course of the event at various times throughout the races.
All participants will receive an event shirt, and finishers of the race will receive a custom-made miniature coffin.
For more information, visit deathby5k.com.
Death by 5K
► Where: Oak Mountain State Park
► Date: Saturday, Nov. 23
► Hours: First race begins 8 a.m.; last race begins 6 a.m. Nov. 24
► Details: Participants run 10 races in 24 hours, with each 5K spaced 2.5 hours apart
► Web: deathby5k.com
The finishers of the Death by 5K will receive a wooden coffin with a skeleton figurine to commemorate their accomplishment.
Photo courtesy of Jeremy Jungling.
EVENTS
280 corridor events guide
Nov. 2: Fall Craft Fair. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chelsea Community Center, 11101 County Road 47, Chelsea. Bring the family to enjoy food trucks and vendors selling crafts, candles, clothing, handmade gifts and more. Admission is free. Find more event information at facebook. com/communitycenterchelsea. Call the community center at 205-6772052 for questions.
Nov. 2: Chelsea Community Christian Outreach Food Pantry. 10 a.m. to noon. Chelsea Church Of Christ, 10724 Chelsea Road. The food pantry is held the first Saturday of every month for those in need of food items. Food will be distributed while supplies last. For more information, visit “Chelsea Community Christian Outreach” on Facebook.
Nov. 3: Out of the Darkness Walk. 1 p.m. Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road. Walk begins at 2:30 pm. You can walk in this annual event to prevent suicide and assist families that have lost a loved one to suicide. There is no fee or fundraising minimum, but participants are encouraged to share fundraising links to raise as much money as possible. For questions, contact Meesha Emmett at 205-778-8284 or by email at memmett@afsp.org.
Nov. 8: The Wildflowers — Tribute to Tom Petty. 7:309:30 p.m. Song Theatre, Columbiana. Come enjoy a night of live music with one of the nation’s most popular tribute bands. The Wildflowers will give an energetic performance of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers’ most popular songs. Tickets begin at $35 and can be purchased online at ci.ovationtix.com/36023/production/1211813. For more information, call 205-669-0044 or email info@shelbycountyarts council.com.
Nov. 12: Republican Women of North Shelby County. Noon to 1 p.m. Inverness Country Club, 1 Country Club Dr. Join the Republican Women of North Shelby County at their monthly meeting. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth will be the guest speaker and lunch will be provided. The cost is $25. Email rwnsclunch@gmail.com for reservations.
Nov. 16: Lessons on the Longleaf. 11 a.m. Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, Oak Mountain State Park. Join park naturalists to learn all about the Alabama state tree and one of the most important habitats in the South. See longleaf pines for yourself and learn why these trees are so important to save. State park admission fee is required, but there is no additional cost to attend the event. For more information, contact Lauren Muncher at Lauren.muncher@dcnr. alabama.gov or by phone at 205-620-2520.
Nov. 16: Act of Congress. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Song Theatre, Columbiana. See a local favorite live in concert. Act of Congress has been voted one of the “Must See Live Acts of Alabama” and has completed five tours as U.S. cultural ambassadors, led by the U.S. State Department. Tickets begin at $35 and can be purchased online at ci.ovationtix.com/36023/production/1211814. For more information, call 205-669-0044 or email info@shelbycountyartscouncil.com.
Nov. 23: From Highlands to Hollers — Celtic Influence on Old Appalachia. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, Oak Mountain State Park. Come learn about the influence that Scottish and Irish natives had on Appalachian culture. This presentation will take you on a journey through some of the ancient traditions that are still in practice today. End the day with creating a Brigid’s cross to hang in your home. State park admission fee is required, but there is no additional cost to attend the event. For more information, contact Lauren Muncher at Lauren.muncher@dcnr. alabama.gov or by phone at 205-620-2520.
Nov. 28-Dec. 24: Christmas Tree Farm. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Old Baker Farm, 1041 Farmingdale Road, Harpersville. Bring the family to find and cut the perfect Christmas tree. Visitors can enjoy hot apple cider, candy canes and a hayride. The farm offers Virginia pines,
Leyland cypress, Carolina and Arizona Sapphire cypress, red cedars and Fraser fir trees. The cost begins at $30 and goes up depending on the size and type of tree. Tree stands are not included but will be available for purchase. For more information, visit oldbakerfarm.com/ pages/christmas-tree-farm.
Chelsea
Public Library
Mondays: Dungeons and Dragons. 4-6 p.m. For ages 12 to 14.
Wednesdays: Tot Time. 10:30 a.m. Storytime for toddlers.
Wednesdays: Dungeons and Dragons. 5-7 p.m. For ages 15 and older.
Thursdays: Musical Munchkins. 10:30 a.m. Music and movement for toddlers.
Thursdays: Chess Club. 5:30-6:30 p.m
Fridays: Bring Your Own Craft.1 p.m.
Nov. 11: Closed for Veterans Day.
Nov. 18: Beyond Books — Tinsel and Trivia. 6 p.m. This program is for adults. Registration is required.
Nov. 28-29: Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday.
North Shelby Public Library
Nov. 2: NaNoWriMo Workshop. 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. For teens. In honor of National Novel Writing Month, come join a dual session fiction writing workshop/seminar. You will learn about plotting with Emma Fox, and character development with Alejandra Delgado Mendoza. Prior registration is required at nsyoungadult@shelbycounty-al.org.
Resort-Style Retirement Living
Nov. 7: Mommy and Me Music Group. 10:30-11 a.m. For ages birth to 5 years. Kim Hamrick from Heartstrings Creative Co. will be leading a Mommy & Me music group with instruments, movement, familiar songs and more.
Nov. 12: Fall Leaves with Chris Cruz Designs. 10:30 a.m. For adults ages 18 and older. Come enjoy a mixed media program with local artist Chris Cruz.
Nov. 12: Teen and Tween Writing Workshop. 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Two local authors will host writing workshops for teens and tweens interested in creative writing, in celebration of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Snacks and drinks will be provided. Registration is required. Visit nsyoungadult@shelbycounty-al.org.
Mt Laurel Public Library
Nov. 8: Tween Potato Stamp Tote Bag. 4 p.m. Tweens will share a snack, design a potato stamp and then paint a tote bag. Registration required.
Nov. 21: Fall Cookie Decorating. 7 p.m. For adults 18 and up. Burley Girl Bakery will be back to teach cookie decorating. Registration required at mtlaurel@shelbycounty-al.org.
Nov. 26: Soup in a Jar. 2-4 p.m. Make a soup jar to keep or gift to someone else. There is a two-jar limit per family. Registration required at mtlaurel@shelbycounty-al.org.
Spain Park QB: ‘I want to change this place’
By GARY LLOYD
Brock Bradley had to head downhill just to climb.
Bradley was a Berry Middle School eighth grader when Tim Vakakes was hired as the Spain Park head football coach, and when he requested a one-on-one meeting with the new coach, he had to descend that hill from Berry Middle School, cross Jaguar Drive, and end the walk at Spain Park High School.
He wanted to learn more about the former Jackson-Olin head coach, to plan for their futures together as coach and player.
“I told him from the jump, ‘I want to change this place,’” Bradley said. “’I know you want to change this place, but I want to help you do that.’ It’s been really cool over the years working with him. He’s pushed me in so many different ways on and off the field.”
Bradley grew up a Spain Park kid. He played every offensive skill position, as well as linebacker and safety on defense. But in eighth grade, he started to lock in on his future as a quarterback, likely a topic he discussed in that first meeting with Vakakes.
“It’s my passion, and just feeling like you’re leading guys and being the guy that if someone’s not lined up right or can’t get a formation right or something like that, you’re the calm in the storm, as Coach V would say,” Bradley said. “That’s really the coolest part for me, just being that leader on the field, kind of that player-coach.”
Spain Park posted a 3-7 record in Vakakes’ first season in 2022. Last season, the Jaguars finished 7-3 in Class 7A and just missed making the state playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Spain Park has only fielded a team since 2002 but has reached the state championship game
twice: the Class 6A game in 2007 and the Class 7A championship in 2015. The Jaguars came up short in both.
But it’s been different lately. Spain Park won its final five games of the 2023 season, with four of the five wins in Class 7A, Region 3. Back in Class 6A this season, the Jaguars have been one of the best teams in Alabama. They beat Hoover for the first time since 2015, breaking an eightgame losing streak against the Bucs. They are a playoff team again for the first time since 2017, looking for their first playoff win since 2015.
“Just a 1-0 mindset every week has been big
for us, and I just feel like this team is different this year,” Bradley said. “We really expect to win every game we play. We have that championship mindset. It really speaks volumes to what Coach V has been able to do for us and this coaching staff, and I think the biggest difference this year is just the community. It feels like they’re so involved, and you can really feel it when you walk through the halls Monday through Friday. Any time you have a community behind you like that, it makes my job and the players’ job a little easier.”
Bradley earned a scholarship offer from
Clemson University on Aug. 15 and committed six days later. It might seem a quick trigger, but Bradley has attended football camps there since sixth grade.
“I think that’s what led me to be able to make that decision so early,” he said.
Thinking back to his first interaction with Vakakes, Bradley said he walked out of that meeting knowing the duo’s future plan. That future is now.
“So far, we’ve executed that plan, and it really feels like we’re changing this place,” Bradley said. “And we’re not done yet.”
From left: Dr. Campbell, Dr. Tate, Jett, Dr. Allison, Dr. LeBlanc, Dr. Wood, Dr. Dodgen
Spain Park QB Brock Bradley (5) attempts a pass during a game between Spain Park and Helena on Sept. 13, at Husky Stadium in Helena.
Photo by Todd Lester.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Lakeshore Foundation’s Sports Science and Performance Center offers world-class training for every athlete
In January, the Lakeshore Foundation opened its newest addition, the Sports Science and Performance Center (SSPC), with one goal in mind: to create greater disability equity in the sports industry.
SSPC offers a variety of services to help each athlete reach their goals. This begins with their Sports Performance Assessments, which includes body measurements and advanced body composition scans, metabolic testing, cardiorespiratory tests, power assessments and sport-specific assessments.
Lakeshore’s SSPC also offers strength and conditioning packages, with both in-person and remote options. Additionally, they provide personalized nutrition plans and mental performance packages that focus on building a pre-performance routine, concentration and confidence.
According to Terry Schrimscher, the Associate Director of Communications, SSPC serves anyone looking to reach the next level in sports performance.
“It’s tailor-made training for athletes who come in — and they come in from all over the world,” Schrimscher said.
Recently, Schrimscher said a man who was both an X Games and paralympic athlete came all the way from Minnesota, to train at their facility.
“Athletes with disabilities, whether they are training to compete or just wanting to be healthy and active, don’t always have access to the best equipment or access to lot of the advances in science and technology,” Schrimscher said.
“We built this lab with people with disabilities in mind. It’s built around custom training that’s the best available on the market, but it’s open to everyone. So now, every athlete, whether they’re disabled or non-disabled, has access to the same equipment and equal access to it.”
Liz Baker, Team USA paralympian and seven-time world paratriathlon event medalist, visited the new
facility earlier this year. She was there to help her friend, seven-time paratriathlon world champion Aaron Scheidies.
Scheidies was working on filming a TRX video for the blind and visually impaired at SSPC. Since Baker is a visually impaired athlete herself, her teenage son drove her to Birmingham.
While at SSPC, Baker underwent strength testing, balance testing, resting metabolism tests and a Dexa Scan. For athletes with an impairment trying to compete at the highest level, Baker said “there’s nothing like it.”
Lakeshore Foundation
• Where: 4000 Ridgeway Drive
• Call: 205-313-7400
• Web: lakeshore.org
“Their new sports performance section has all of the bells and whistles and the latest technology to help you reach your goals,” she said.
Later, Baker also had a “lunch and learn” in the nutrition lab.
“[It’s] probably the coolest nutrition lab I’ve been in and I’ve been to all of the USOPC centers,” she said.
“This one stands out.”
While Baker and Scheidies worked, Baker’s son received testing, too.
“My son doesn’t have a visual impairment; He’s non-disabled and he plays soccer, and those tests for him were amazing,” Baker said.
Baker encouraged parents of non-disabled children to bring their kids to the facility and support what SSPC is doing, which in turn could open up new avenues for SSPC to fund athletes.
“When you’re talking about being a visually impaired athlete, and racing internationally, if you can’t reach the criteria to make the national team, you’re funding it all for yourself,” Baker said.
“So, [for] places like SSPC to be able to make that an opportunity for you and you still get all that testing … it’s really an asset.”
The Lakeshore Foundations’ SSPC is located at 4000 Ridgeway Drive in Birmingham. They are open weekdays and work by appointment. For more information, go online to lakeshore.org/ sports-science-performance-center.
Under the Lights
By KYLE PARMLEY
► Shelby County Championships: Oak
Mountain’s John Shoemaker and Chelsea’s Ty Cason were winners in the Shelby County Championship cross-country race on Sept. 28. Shoemaker won the boys race by more than a minute, crossing the line in 14 minutes, 59 seconds. Cason also won the girls race by more than a minute, running the race in 18:19.
► Briarwood RB Luke Reynolds: Returned from injury to go for 168 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries in a win over Leeds on Sept. 27.
► Briarwood RB Eli Thompson: Notched a 54-yard reception to set up the Lions’ game-winning touchdown in a 21-17 win over John Carroll on Oct. 11.
► Oak Mountain QB Will O’Dell: Threw for 292 yards and rushed for 61 yards in the game against Vestavia Hills on Oct. 11.
► Chelsea RB Chase Stracener: Ran for 207 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries in a win over Paul Bryant on Sept. 27.
► Chelsea RB Caden Summers: Scored a rushing and a receiving touchdown in a win over Paul Bryant on Sept. 27.
► Spain Park RB Dakarai Shanks: Ran the ball 19 times for 134 yards in a win over Chelsea on Oct. 10.
► Spain Park RB CJ Cowley: Scored a
Chelsea’s Ty Cason and Oak Mountain’s John Shoemaker were winners in the Shelby County Championship cross-country race on Sept. 28. Submitted photo.
couple touchdowns in a win over Pelham on Oct. 4, going for 89 yards on nine carries.
► Spain Park WR Corey Barber: Caught six passes for 175 yards and a touchdown in a win over Pelham on Oct. 4. He’s gone over 200 yards multiple times as well, including 202 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Benjamin Russell on Sept. 20.
► Spain Park TE Ryan Breazeale: Caught four passes for 28 yards and a couple touchdowns in a comeback win over James Clemens on Sept. 27.
Running back Luke Reynolds
By STAFF
Q: What’s your favorite thing about
A: Probably hitting people and just being out there with my buddies.
Q: What’s your favorite pregame meal?
A: Grilled chicken from Taziki's on top of double rice and roasted potatoes on the side.
Q: What’s the most interesting thing about you outside of football?
Q: Who is your favorite sports team and why?
A: My favorite college team is Alabama. Always been a big Bama fan. I grew up going to games and spending a lot of time in Tuscaloosa. My favorite pro team is the Dallas Cowboys. I'm a big Cowboys fan. I've been to a few Cowboys games, so I'm really hoping that they can win the Super Bowl soon.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: My dad told me that I don't need to have any regrets after this season, so just leave it all out there on the field, give it my all because this is my last year playing football in high school.
A: There's really nothing that interesting about me. I like to hang out with my friends, hang out with my family a lot. I like to fish a little bit, play golf here and there. But other than that, I don't really do too much.
Briarwood RB Luke Reynolds (8) runs the football during a game against Leeds on Sept. 27 at Lions Pride Stadium. Photo by Todd Lester.
Luke Reynolds is a running back and linebacker on the Briarwood Christian School football team.
football?
Faces of the 280 corridor
Barista Grant Austin spreads warmth at Baba Java Coffee
Photos by SAVANNAH SCHMIDT
As your summer iced coffee order changes to a cozy, warm drink for fall, barista Grant Austin of Baba Java Coffee in Meadowbrook is there for the seasonal shift.
After working as a machinist for three years and experiencing several work accidents, Austin decided to pursue another life-long passion: coffee. Baba Java offered him the opportunity to embark on an extensive coffee education.
“Baba Java trains baristas and gives them an in-house certification,” Austin said. Even if regular coffee buyers don’t always notice the barista’s knowledge, he is consistently pushed to meet high daily standards.
“Consistency is difficult with coffee since it's a natural product that we do not have control over,” Austin said. “So, we learn to have a non-biased palette. For example, we change our preconceived notions that bitter coffee equals strong coffee.”
Baba Java has new fall flavors like the Harvest Oak Latte, which is Austin’s favorite, and his role behind the counter allows him to engage with others about the coffee they enjoy.
“Coffee is something that people can associate with on personal levels. I like to figure out their relationship with coffee,” he said
Baba Java Coffee is located in Meadowbrook at 1801 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 121, and is open 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Grant Austin, barista for Baba Java Coffee in Meadowbrook, demonstrates the making of a Harvest Oat Latte, one of Baba Java Coffee’s fall drinks.
Life along the 280 corridor
Photographer Beau Beard
By STAFF
BACK WHEN GET TO KNOW Chelsea librarian Dana Polk remembers her first story time
Dr. Beau Beard is the co-founder and clinic director of The FARM, located on U.S. 280 in The Narrows. He is also an accomplished photographer.
Q: When did you first discover you had a talent for photography?
A: I first maybe found out I had a talent with this when I started taking pictures in Colorado — Telluride, Colo., and Alaska. It's hard to say you have talent, it's hard to talk about stuff like that. But, you know, photography is all about perspective and what's in the eye of the beholder, and I think I have a good eye for things and kind of pulling out different perspectives, whether it's black and white or a full-frame color.
Q: Where can people see your work?
A: People can check out my work on beaubeard.com, so I have a little gallery there, I have a few prints up for sale. And @ beaubeardphotography on Instagram, and it's just a spattering of the work that I've done over, gosh, now at this point, almost the last 20 years. And hopefully I'll have a few local shows coming here actually. Might have one this fall, and then looking to do another one possibly in the spring in the Birmingham, Shelby County area.
Q: What’s something interesting about you that people might not know?
Something interesting people might not know about me, especially being interested in photography as a side hustle, if you can call it that, is I'm actually color blind — color deficient.
By STAFF
Dana
Polk,
library director at the Chelsea Public Library, shared a picture of her first story time.
Q: What’s the story behind this photo?
A: The library was opened in 2001 ... A daycare called [and said], “Hey, you’re a librarian, can you do a story time for our kids?” And I’m like, “OK,” so I just pulled something together, and all these kids showed up, and we just kind of sat around and I read two or three stories. We didn’t do anything else, ... but it was the first. It was the largest group we’d ever had in the library at that time, and it was the first story time I ever, ever did.
day, what would you tell your younger self?
A: You’re not going to believe what you’ve started. I never could imagine where I am right now. You’ve got no idea where you’re going to be in 20 years.
Q: Tell us about you then. What was going on in your life?
A: I still drove a school bus. I had started driving a school bus in ‘95, I think it was, and I was happy, you know. I had my morning route, my afternoon route, and I was free in between.
Q: If you could go back in time to that
Q: What might people be surprised to learn about your younger self?
A: I was very shy. I was so shy. I remember as a little girl, somebody knocking on our door at home, and I ran and hid behind the curtains. And I guess people talking to me now are like, “No way.”
A:
Local photographer Beau Beard displaying his work at Cheers to the Coosa in 2022. Photo courtesy of Beau Beard.
FREE COMMEMORATIVE GLASS 13oz Belgian. See website for 2024 Design. presented by
Dana Polk, library director of the Chelsea Public library, reads her first story at the library. Photo courtesy of Dana Polk.
On the Mainstage
GET TO KNOW
Musician Rob Thorworth
By JON ANDERSON
Rob Thorworth is a musician from the Inverness part of Hoover who plays regularly in Vestavia Hills, Mt Laurel and Birmingham and also tunes organs and pianos.
Q: How would you describe your music?
A: I guess you’d call it roots music. I used to do more blues stuff. … I’m from Mobile and went to [the University of] Alabama and was in a band called The Newboys in the ’80s. And then in the ’90s, I was fronting a band called Gravy. … We had an independent record on Kudzu Records, which was local out of Birmingham, and we traveled all over the country and back a few times and had some decent success and played with a lot of blues greats. We were middle-class white guys trying to be blues boys. All of that kind of fell apart at the end of the ’90s, and my wife and I moved closer to her family [in Baltimore] temporarily. … I’ve only been back for a couple of years now. … I play a mix of some of my own material, and then I kind of play ’70s classic rock and some blues, and I’m kind of dipping my toe into the country pool.
Q: Who are some of your favorite singers?
A: There was a time, when I was doing the blues thing, that I was listening to nothing but blues stuff and kind of missed out on the ’90s grunge revolution, because I was listening to all the old blues greats and really wanted to be
a guitar slinger and all that. Now, I listen to a lot of jazz. … I’ve kind of gone from Kiss to Dave Brubeck, so somewhere in between.
Q: Tell me some of the places that you play.
A: The Hillside [Music & Que in Vestavia Hills], and La Paz over in Mt Laurel gives me a gig a couple of times a month, and I play downtown at Southern Kitchen about once a month. I play The Club. I play out at Lake Mitchell at Lake Mitchell Marina. I play at Cat-n-Bird Winery [in Chelsea]. Anybody that will give me a gig.
SPOTLIGHT
Asbury
By STAFF
music conservatory provides lessons for all ages
The Conservatory of Music is part of Asbury United Methodist Church, offering private piano, voice and guitar lessons to children, youth and adults in the Shelby County area.
The conservatory has operated for 10 years at the church which is on Cahaba Valley Road near the intersection of Alabama 119 and U.S. 280.
Led by Director Nancy Beard, the conservatory’s mission is to “offer quality instruction in piano, voice and guitar to the community of North Shelby County.”
Students enrolled in the program have a 30-minute private lesson each week. They operate on a semester basis, with a 15-week semester that begins in August and ends in November and another 15-week semester that begins in January and ends in April. There is a recital at the end of each semester where students are able to perform for their families and friends
The school says it measures success by encouraging students to develop their musical talent.
“We believe that music can provide a hobby
for an entire lifetime,” the conservatory said.
There are many opportunities for children, teens and adults to develop a love of and praise God through music, according to the conservatory.
There will be an opportunity to see the students perform on Sunday, Dec. 15, when the choir and orchestra will perform their annual cantata during the church’s Traditional Worship services at 8:30 and 11 a.m.
For more information about the conservatory, go to asburybham.org/music or follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @asburybham.
John David Covington, an instructor at the conservatory, instructs student Justin Leavell on piano. Photo courtesy of Conservatory of Music at Asbury United Methodist Church.
Inverness resident and musician Rob Thorworth plays blues, classic rock and country in the greater Birimingham area. Photo courtesy of Rob Thorworth.
A Generational Leap for the Cubelic Family
We recently had the pleasure of helping Mr. Tom Cubelic, father of our main man on WJOX 94.5 FM, Cole Cubelic! Tom came to the corner of I-65 and Highway 31 with his mind on one SUV from a particular brand. He even thought he would never be interested in a Volkswagen! But it’s not every day you’ve got access to check out 19 unique truck and SUV models on one lot. After taking a look at this black-on-black 2024 Atlas SEL Premium, he fell in love with it. The rest, as they say, is history! For every ride there’s Royal.
More About the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas
The 2024 VW Atlas features refreshed design inside and out. This large SUV is a bona fide beast of a daily driver with nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. It doesn’t skimp on space for precious cargo, either—Atlas features bestin-class 3rd row legroom.* All the while, IQ.Drive driver assistance technology enhances safety by keeping an eye out ahead and behind. Test drive a 2024 Atlas where I-65 meets Highway 31 in Vestavia! *Based on manufacturer’s data available at time of publication comparing 2023 Wards Auto’s Large Cross/Utility segment vehicle class. For every ride there’s Royal.
L-R: Aaron Hawk, Blake Harper, Matt Robertson and Tom Cubelic with Mr. Cubelic’s new 2024 Atlas SEL Premium.