280 Living December 2023

December 2023 | Volume 17 | Issue 2

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THE 280 CORRIDOR’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE 280LIVING.COM | STARNESMEDIA.COM

Widening the funnel ALDOT ready to add lanes to US 280 in 2024

By JON ANDERSON

R

unning 392 miles, U.S. 280 goes from downtown Birmingham to Blichton, Georgia (near Savannah), but traffic congestion sometimes makes it feel like you’ve been on the road long enough to travel 392 miles between Birmingham and Chelsea.

The Alabama Department of Transportation hopes to ease the congestion by widening a 4½-mile stretch that takes travelers through Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Birmingham.

The state in 2024 plans to begin adding an extra lane on each side of U.S. 280 between Lakeshore Drive and Perimeter Park, just east of Interstate 459. That would make four dedicated through lanes on each side of the highway along that stretch of road.

See U.S. 280 | page A24

Motorists travel east and west on U.S. 280 between Perimeter Park and The Summit. The portion of U.S. 280 from Lakeshore Drive to Perimeter Park is slated for expansion to four through lanes on each side. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.

Holiday happenings around the corridor

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE ‘Tis the season, and there are plenty of holiday events planned for December.

If you’re ready to get into the spirit of the season, 280 Living can fill your calendar with festive finds from around the area.

SANTA AT THE SUMMIT

Float riders wave at the crowd during the 2018 Chelsea Christmas Parade.

Staff photo.

Summit through Dec. 24 at Santa at The Summit. Along with Snaptastic Photos, Santa will be on hand for several weeks to spread holiday joy. Visits and photos may be booked in advance online, and walk-ins are welcome. Santa is located next to Woodhouse Day Spa, near Saks Fifth Avenue, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. For more information, go to thesummit birmingham.com/event/santa-at-the-summit-2023.

Need a photo with Santa? You can find him at The

INSIDE

See HOLIDAYS | page A26

Sponsors .............. A4 City ........................ A6

Business ............... A8 Chamber ............. A12

Community .........A14 Schoolhouse .......A18

Events.................. A22 Sports.................... B4

Opinion................. B12 Real Estate.......... B14 facebook.com/280living

Head Start

280 Hoops

Hoover school system starts a new Barbering and Cosmetology Academy.

See how high school basketball teams are preparing for the upcoming season.

See page A18

See page B1

A2 • December 2023

280 Living

280Living.com

December 2023 • A3

New year, new you, new budget - are your finances ready for 2024?

This year has presented some financial challenges for everyone from the interest rate hikes, inflation and the increased costs to borrow businesses have been faced with many economic challenges in 2023.

With what we know now, how can we prepare for what’s to come?

As you settle down around the holidays and take some time off to be with loved ones, I like to encourage people to also take a look at the coming year. I’ve created a list of key financial areas to focus on below. Take some time to examine your spending and saving habits and be sure that you are ready for 2024.

1. EVALUATE YOUR EXPENSES. Have everybody sit down and look at what you’re spending versus what you have coming in. I often see situations where one spouse pays all the bills and the other has no clue what goes in and out of the accounts. It makes it all that much easier for things to slip by. Are you and your spouse both paying for a music subscription service? Are you using that $19.99/month streaming service? The little things add up, so make sure you’re not throwing money away on them.

2. EXAMINE YOUR CASH FLOW. In examining your finances, identify if you have enough cash to support your lifestyle and upcoming expenditures, considering the current market and inflation. If you have a child entering college or a wedding expense, for example, start planning well ahead of time. Once you’ve evaluated your expenses, look forward to 2024 and decide what you should be planning for.

3. CREATE A SAVINGS STRATEGY. Once you have a handle on your income and expenses, it’s time to determine what you can save, how you want to save, and if there’s anything you need to save for. A good place to start is with a “nest egg” in a high-interest savings account consisting of about three months of expenses. This is typically enough to get you through unexpected life events such as a substantial loss of income or major change.

4. DETERMINE YOUR TAX STRATEGIES. Take time to review your year-end withholding amounts. It’s a point of debate among many. Some people like getting a big refund each tax season, but I’d rather pay at tax time and not have the government holding my money beforehand. Adjust your withholding amounts to match your needs in the coming year.

5. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT YOUR BANK HAS TO OFFER. I can often tell when one of my customers is struggling. Small changes start showing up - maybe they’re late on payments or there is some other warning sign. At that point, I’ll reach out and try to solve the problem with them. Right now, we have a number of credit card options for those who qualify, and I am helping some clients transfer balances to try to get a handle on debt they have accumulated this past year. See what your bank is offering now and consider how these tools can help.

Don’t know where to start? Not to worry, that’s what your banker is for. If you are ready to take control of your finances, reach out to your current banker or give me a call. Let’s get you prepped for 2024.

Stacey Thompson is a Vice President Market Manager for Valley National Bank in Alabama. She has more than 26 years experience in banking and is currently based in Wetumpka.

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, accounting or professional advice. You should consult our personal tax, legal, accounting and professional advisors for advice before engaging in any transaction. ©2023 Valley National Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. Equal Housing Lender. All Rights Reserved.

A4 • December 2023

280 Living

About Us Editor’s Note By Leah Ingram Eagle As you are receiving this issue, we’re heading into the last month of the year.

You may still be eating Thanksgiving leftovers and working on putting up Christmas decorations.

We celebrated Thanksgiving with my parents on a little smaller scale this year as my mom had a pacemaker surgery the week before Thanksgiving. While I would have been fine with something simple like spaghetti, my mom insisted on making some of her traditional dishes for us.

The holiday season seems to go by so fast, I think because my kids (and all the other students in Shelby County

for another 19 days.

I’m going to try to take care of all my Christmas shopping by Dec. 15 and save myself some stress.

At our house, we make lots of cookies, watch all the Christmas movies (“Elf” and “Home Alone” 1 and 2 are the most frequent) and enjoy days with no alarms or packing school lunches.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season full of blessings.

Schools) are out of school for a week at Thanksgiving, go back for 13 days and are out again for Christmas break

PHOTO OF THE MONTH The Oak Mountain marching band performs during halftime of a game against Spain Park on Oct. 27 at Heardmont Park. Photo

by Todd Lester.

Publisher: Dan Starnes

Published by:

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Starnes Publishing LLC P.O. Box 530341 Birmingham, AL 35253 (205) 313-1780 dan@starnesmedia.com

dan@starnesmedia.com Please submit all articles, information and photos to:

Community Editors: Leah Ingram Eagle Jon Anderson Sports Editor: Kyle Parmley Design Editor: Melanie Viering Photo Editor: Erin Nelson Sweeney Page Designer: Ted Perry

Please Support Our Community Partners Adams Homes LLC (A15) Ascension St. Vincent’s Health Systems (A16) Bedzzz Express (B1, B16) Bellini’s Ristorante (B5) Birmingham Orthodontics (A1) Birmingham Zoo (B10) Bromberg’s (B13) Budget Blinds (B15) Cardinal Roofing (A19) Children’s of Alabama (A26) Chiropractic Today (B2) Christian Brothers Automotive / Tattersall Park (A8) Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham (A15) Compact 2020 (B12) Cremation Center of Birmingham (B13) Danberry at Inverness (B11) Element Wellness (A22) Etc. (A3, A21) Fancy Fur - Paws and Claws (A10) French Drains Pro (A20) Gardner Astroturf (A6) Gardner Landscaping (A7) Healthy Smiles of Birmingham (B2) Hearing Solutions (B13) Luckie’s Pinestraw (A1) M&M Jewelers (B10) Mr. Handyman of Birmingham (B11) Oak Tree - RangeWater Real Estate (A13) One Man & A Toolbox (A12) OrthoAlabama Spine & Sports (A12) Pak Mail (A17)

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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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Parrot Structural Services LLC (B7) Piggly Wiggly (B1) Prime Smile Dental (A14) Renew Dermatology (A25) Rockett’s Bug Juice Gardens (A27) Rooks Construction Services LLC (A10) Royal Automotive (B9) Shelby County Chamber of Commerce (B5) Shelby County Commission (A17) Sikes Children’s Shoes (A18) Southeastern Jewelers and Engraving (A22) Southern Blood Services (B12) Southern Home Structural Repair Specialists (A27) Space Cadets (A21) Spiffy Design (A14) The Neighborhood Plumber (A26) The Spot @ 280 (A9) TherapySouth Corporate (A28) TrustMark Bank (B3) Valley Bank (A3) Vapor Ministries/Thrift Store (A23) Virginia Samford Theatre (A6) Vulcan Termite & Pest Control (A20) We’ll Do It (A5) Western Sales and Service (A17) Wild Birds Unlimited of Birmingham (A18) Window World of Central Alabama (A11)

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You can also find copies at a variety of locations throughout the community. For a list of pick up locations, scan the QR code below or go to 280living.com/about-us.

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December 2023 • A5

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A6 • December 2023

280 Living

City

Council approves over $104K in education grant funds

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE The newest member of the Chelsea City Council, Arthur Fisher Jr., was sworn in before the council’s Oct. 17 meeting. He was approved at the prior meeting but was unable to attend due to contracting COVID. During the meeting, the council approved Nick Grant education funds approved for each of the four schools, totaling over $104,000: ► Chelsea Park Elementary: $21,468.68 for seven ViewSonic panels, a Spheros, robotics kits and STEM items. ► Forest Oaks Elementary: $27,556.76 for a trolley cart, iPads and cases, a library curriculum set, sensory room items, decodable readers, two interactive panels, a SOLO hovercam, a BrainPop subscription, a Reflex Math subscription and reading materials. ► Chelsea Middle: $27,734.08 for Gizmos Licenses, Samsung tablets and cases, an audio enhancement system, iRobots, sensory items, two ViewSonic panels and a MacBook Pro, camera and accessories. ► Chelsea High: $27,765.45 for ELA books, shelving storage, a camera, a hydraulic patient lift and sling, a greenhouse with supplies and irrigation materials, auditorium A/V upgrade (lighting and sounds), a ViewSonic panel and auditorium A/V upgrade (lighting).

“I know our teachers and administrators at our schools will appreciate

The mayor and members of the Chelsea City Council approve agenda items during the Oct. 17 meeting. Arthur Fisher Jr., who was inducted into the council before the meeting, is second from right. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.

that,” Mayor Tony Picklesimer said.

Picklesimer said City Clerk Crystal Etheredge and council members Cody Sumners and Chris Grace

served on the grant committee.

The council also voted to approve Amanda Hardy to complete Arthur Fisher Jr.’s term on the Chelsea

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Planning Commission.

“Thank you for your willingness to serve the city on our planning commission,” Picklesimer said.

He added that Hardy was one of the applicants for the city council position and described her as a delightful person.

280Living.com

December 2023 • A7

Commission receives recreational programs grant

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE The Shelby County Commission was recently selected by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to participate in the Recreational Trails Program project to construct 12 miles of multi-use trails, creating connections to existing trails and promoting a system of interconnecting loop trails at Double Oak Park.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs grant program is limited to funding a maximum of 80% of the proposed cost of the project, which is estimated at $571,429. The county will accept the funding assistance provided, totaling $350,000, from Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and will match with 38.75% of the cost, totaling $221,429. Those funds will come from the county’s lodging tax revenues and/or in-kind labor services from Shelby County and the project partners.

“We are utilizing federal funds coming to the feds, through the state, then to us,” County Manager Chad Scroggins said during the Oct. 23 Shelby County Commission meeting. “[Development Services Director] Christie Hester has worked her magic once again.

Scroggins said Double Oak Park opened about a year ago with “a spine of a system that’s been heavily used.” Trey Gauntt, the chief of facilities management, and trail builder Jack Aured have designed a system that will use these new funds to create better flow and quality of life, Scroggins said.

The main part of Double Oak Park is located on Shelby County 43, but it does connect over Dunnavant Valley Park, Scroggins said. It will have trails to the top of the ridge, with scenic views. Another trail will start at the bottom of the Shleby County 43 side and go up a creek, bridge over and come back down the creek.

Commissioner Kevin Morris said that once this grant was awarded, because his name was on it, he got a lot of feedback from the

A view from the high point of Double Oak Park. Photo courtesy of Kendall Williams.

legislative group, including the state House and Senate, congratulating the commission and thanking them for the county’s partnership at the state level with them.

“They were head over heels thanking us for continuing to look for these resources to expand the areas that really matter to our local citizens,” Morris said.

JUVENILE COURT UPDATE

Erin B. Welborn, Shelby County’s juvenile court judge, addressed the commission during the Oct. 23 meeting and gave an update since taking office nine months ago.

“It’s important for me to share something

positive in our community with our leaders and to share what we’ve been able to do and accomplish,” Welborn said.

The caseload was originally over 2,000 cases, and Welborn has gotten the caseload down to 788. That includes all juvenile issues such as dependency and delinquency. She has also taken over the minor-in-possession docket, about one-fifth of the domestic relations docket, all child support cases and half of small claims.

“Our numbers are really low, it’s very manageable and we’re getting a lot of good positive feedback,” Welborn said.

She shared about the newly formed

accountability court for truancy, to identify those kids and their families by partnering with the school system to intervene. It’s a 36-week program where the students come to the court every week for a check-in on their attendance and grades.

Welborn added that since school started, there are children in the program who are showing up for school and passing every class for the first time.

“We couldn’t shine this brightly without your support, your partnership with us,” Welborn said. “I appreciate all that you do, and we are making the best of the resources that you do afford us and we are appreciative of all of it.”

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A8 • December 2023

280 Living

Business

Business Happenings NOW OPEN The new American Family Care practice at 12375 Chelsea Road, Suite 100, in Chelsea held a grand opening on Nov. 15. It will be open seven days a week and services include flu shots, physicals, primary care, routine checkups, urgent care, vaccines, wellness physicals, X-rays and more. afcurgentcare.com/chelsea

specialize in embroidery and can add personalization to purchased items. Store hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

205-618-9190, instagram.com/mooresmillmonograms

dine-in and take out options, the restaurant is open for lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner Monday through Saturday 5-9 p.m.

205-438-6209 Central State Bank has opened a new branch in the Greystone area at 6801 Cahaba Valley Road. The branch manager is Abby Oney.

205-668-0711, centralstatebank.com

COMING SOON

Popbar, a company that makes handcrafted frozen gelato, sorbetto and yogurt treats on sticks, has opened its first Alabama location in the same location as Baba Java Coffee at 1801 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 121B. A grand opening was held Nov. 11. All treats are made inhouse daily with all-natural ingredients. There are more than 80 flavors offered on rotation along with dips and toppings, and the business also provides a variety of vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and soy-free options.

205-747-0685, pop-bar.com Moores Mill Monograms — an upscale children’s clothing and gift boutique — recently opened a new location in the Chelsea Creek Crossings shopping center. They

Next Day Access Birmingham, 12585 Old Highway 280, Suite 107, is a local provider of accessibility and mobility solutions, such as wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, grab bars and more. They will focus on providing accessibility and mobility solutions to individuals of all ages across the Birmingham metro area. The business is owned by Amy and Scott Riley.

205-974-6891, nextdayaccess.com Steel City Realty Group is excited to open their newest branch location on U.S. 280.

205-905-9609, steelcityrealtygroup.com Saffron Indian restaurant, located in The Terrace at Greystone, recently opened in the former spot that housed Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine. Saffron will serve authentic Indian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Offering

Super Chix has signed on to open a location at 5357 U.S. 280. The chain has another Hoover location at Stadium Trace. The Texas-based restaurant specializes in made-to-order chicken dishes and features gourmet toppings, as well as frozen custard. Perla Chavez will operate the location, which will share building space with Cookie Fix. superchix.com

Meet the Manager AJ Fink

General Manager AJ has experience in all levels of the automotive industry. Starting as a Honda technician, he graduated to all makes and models.

Now the General Manager of Christian Brothers at Tattersall Park, he leads an exceptional staff of service advisors and certified master technicians.

Our staff strives for excellence in diagnostics, repair, and unrivaled customer service.

Aj is the father of three (Aiden, 9, Marshall, 6 and Sylvia, 3 Months) and husband to Jana Fink for nine years. He enjoys baseball with his sons, muscle cars, cooking, fishing, and nights out with his wife when time permits.

Jana is a phenomenal mother, artist, photographer, host, and speaks three languages fluently. Jana and AJ met at Auburn University, and settled down (after several moves) in the Oak Mountain community.

Tattersall Park cbac.com | 205.598-3106 | 6612 Tattersall Ln, Birmingham, AL 35242

280Living.com

RELOCATIONS AND RENOVATIONS ENT for Kids has moved to a new location. They are equipped with new technology to help aid in diagnosis and treatment of children’s ear, nose and throat issues.

205-874-9436, entforkidsalabama.com

The Arbors at Cahaba River Apartments complex at 50 Cahaba River Parc (off Cahaba Park Drive between Vestavia Hills and Birmingham) is under renovations.

The renovation work includes new breezeway floors, a renovated office, renovated movie room, new pickleball court, new year-round pool, two fire pits and a new dog park, according to renovation manager Demetrick Harvell and assistant manager Diamond Wiley with the Pegasus Residential property management company.

205-656-3682, arborscahabariver.com

NEW OWNERSHIP Prime Smile Dental Care is now in the former dental practice of Dr. Donald Reed on Cahaba Valley Drive.

They provide innovative, minimally invasive, individualized dental care using state-of-the-art technology. Their services range from routine cleanings or deep periodontal treatments for the whole family to dentures, Invisalign/clear braces, implants, root canals, extractions, snoring, TMJ and CPAP alternatives.

205-981-0000, primesmiledental.com

NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Chelsea-based Phoenix Nutrition (formerly Phoenix Wellness) is back up and running at 16700 U.S. 280, Suite A-305, offering a new online TeleMeds service for weight loss injections, including semaglutide. Owner Al Lamoureux Jr. said they are the only local business in Shelby County offering this kind of service.

855-642-6725, phoenixnutritioninc.com

December 2023 • A9 DSLD Land Management Company’s vice president of engineering, Fred DeLeon, has been appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors for a fiveyear term. The board reviews applications, develops and administers the state-specific licensing examination, licenses qualified applicants and regulates the professional practice of engineering and surveying licensees throughout the state of Alabama. DeLeon holds professional engineer and geologist registrations in various states and is also a licensed attorney in Alabama. DSLD is located at 1200 Dunnavant Valley Road.

205-437-1012, dsldland.com Grandview Medical Center recently earned an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group. The new grade for fall 2023 is a national recognition for patient safety. The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care and assigns grades A-F to general hospitals across the country, based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

205-971-1000, grandviewhealth.com

PERSONNEL MOVES Mollie Eck and Bobbie Jo Wright have joined as real estate agents at the RealtySouth office at 331 Chelsea Corners Way, Suite 101, and Robert Lenoir has joined as a real estate agent at the RealtySouth office at 109 Inverness Plaza.

205-991-6565, realtysouth.com

Buff City Soap is celebrating one year at its location in the Village of Lee Branch, 300 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 300. They specialize in fresh, handmade soaps, bath bombs, lotions, laundry soap and gifts. They are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m..

205-730-9199, buffcitysoap.com The Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux at 6401 Tattersall Drive is celebrating four years on Dec. 9.

205-538-2700, walk-ons.com Frances Valentine will celebrate their one-year anniversary at The Summit location. They specialize in women’s clothing that inspires and energizes with vintage flair.

205-538-5276, francesvalentine.com

CLOSINGS Lloyd’s Restaurant location in Sylacauga will be closing its doors on Oct. 29. They plan to open a new Birmingham location in late 2024.

ANNIVERSARIES Valley Tax Partners, 4958 Valleydale Road, is celebrating 10 years in business.

205-518-8850, valleytaxpartners.com Pandora at The Summit is celebrating their one-year anniversary. They offer a wide selection of charms, rings, earrings and watches.

205-203-0062, thesummitbirmingham.com Johnny Was is celebrating their one-year anniversary at The Summit location. They offer stylish bohemian clothing, accessories and products for the home.

659-599-7054, johnnywas.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

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A10 • December 2023

280 Living

API CEO shepherds both politics and seven children

By KATHARINE ARMBRESTER For those who believe that being a full-time mother and the CEO of an organization is impossible, Stephanie Smith proves them wrong. She has been a voice and driving force in Alabama politics for 25 years, and in the meantime she has been the mother of seven children.

Smith is the president of the Alabama Policy Institute, located along the U.S. 280 corridor in the Brook Highland area. The API is a conservative think tank and is the only one of its kind in Alabama. Congressman Gary Palmer and Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Parker were instrumental in creating the API in 1989.

For nearly 35 years the nonprofit, non-partisan organization has strived to “inform the general public about good public policy so that they are equipped to engage in the political process.”

“We believe that the policy decisions our leaders make have a huge impact upon our daily lives; it is our goal to impact those making policy decisions for the betterment of the state,” Smith said.

The Alabama Policy Institute protects fairness, freedom, and families by investigating, informing about, and initiating positive public policy, is the stated mission of the API. Informing the public about their policies and equipping people to participate in the political process of our state is one of their main goals.

While the organization is not affiliated with any political party, Smith states that their mission is the “promotion of limited government, economic freedom, and the promotion of the family.” The last tenet of her

organization’s mission is particularly important to her.

“In my 22 years as a mother, I've been a full-time employee, a stay-athome mom, a small business owner, and now a non-profit leader,” says Smith.

“I think we all have to strive to find a good balance between work and home, but I'll admit I do regularly feel the pinch that many working mothers feel.”

Smith believes that part of her success at balancing a large family and a career is due to the support she has received from the API’s board, donors, and the organization’s commitment to protecting families.

The API is the only organization in Alabama that is the designated affiliate of the State Policy Network, which serves as a network for conservative and libertarian think tanks in the United States.

There are 68 State Policy Network affiliates in our country, and only five of them are led by women. Smith acknowledges that female CEOs are unusual in her field, and she is the first female CEO for the API. Smith is dedicated to the principles of her organization and hopes that it will continue to find ways to educate Alabamians about public policy and get them involved in improving their communities. Her service to both her family and to the state is proof that the two commitments are achievable.

“I believe that providence and my 25 years of experience in Alabama politics led me to the exact right place at the right time,” says Smith, and she is grateful for the backing she has received from her organization, as well as the loving support of her family. “Running our family is a team sport and we're all passionate about the mission of API.”

Stephanie Smith serves as the president of the Alabama Policy Institute, a conservative think tank that is the only one of its kind in the state. Photo courtesy of API.

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280Living.com

December 2023 • A11

Left: Saisaki Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar features teppanyaki-style dining. Right: Primo’s Pizza and Pasta, in the former Whataburger building, offers Italian favorites.

Photos by Leah Ingram Eagle.

Chelsea adds 2 new restaurant options

By SARAH GILLILAND The city of Chelsea has grown by two — two new restaurants, that is.

Saisaki Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar and Primo Pizza and Pasta are the newest eateries to open in the city. Both restaurants are located in the shopping center across from the Chelsea Walmart on U.S. 280.

SAISAKI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR

Since its opening in August, Saisaki Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar has become a

WINDOWS

go-to destination for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts in Chelsea. The restaurant offers a menu that showcases Japanese culinary traditions in a warm, relaxed setting.

Saisaki specializes in teppanyaki-style dining, where chefs showcase their skills by preparing meals on grills at the customers’ tables, incorporating knife tricks and food flips into the show.

Aside from teppanyaki, Saisaki also offers a sushi bar, where guests can sample a wide variety of sushi rolls, including classic favorites like California rolls and the spicy tuna crunch roll.

Owners Tem and Ann Gancayco have been

in Chelsea for over 15 years and also own Las Mesas Mexican restaurant.

Saisaki is open for dine-in and takeout Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

DOORS

SIDING

PRIMO’S PIZZA AND PASTA

Located in the former Whataburger building on U.S. 280, Primo’s Pizza and Pasta specializes in Italian cuisine.

Primo’s uses fresh ingredients on top of a thin and crispy crust, fired in a traditional brick oven. The restaurant’s menu includes a

traditional Margherita pizza and a specialty barbecue chicken pizza.

For pasta fans, Primo’s offers favorites like spaghetti carbonara and shrimp scampi with linguine.

Primo’s offers special deals for any order placed online at primopizzapastatogo.com, including 10% off a guest’s first online order or $5 off every $100 spent through the website.

Primo’s is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to dine-in, Primo’s offers takeout and delivery through DoorDash.

ROOFING

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A12 • December 2023

280 Living

Chamber Shelby County leads state in multiple categories

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Shelby County Manager Chad Scroggins provided an update on Shelby County to a sold-out crowd at the Pelham Civic Complex on Oct. 25.

The luncheon, presented by The Shelby Chamber of Commerce, included an 86-slide presentation highlighting recent trends in Shelby County, county staff and plans for the future.

The county, which was on the verge of filing for bankruptcy in the 1990s, has come a long way in a short period of time, Scroggins said.

“It had to do with the leadership that stepped forward in the 1990s, that led us out of where we were to where we are today,” he said. “That, along with comprehensive planning in the early 2000s. I’m thankful that our staff has the ability to stand on the shoulders of all the work that was done in the ‘90s.”

Shelby County is the only county in the state that has nine county commissioners.

The districts are broken up by about 25,000 people in each district.

“This gives us a more diverse array of thoughts of how we want to better manage the county and drive it into the future,” Scroggins said.

The county boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the state (1.8%), along with the highest labor participation rate. The county also leads in every category from per capita income ($42,106), median household income ($82,592), highest rate of college degree attainment (44.8%), median home price

By the Numbers ► Budget revenues projected for FY24: $86 million ► Public safety (sheriff’s office, EMA, juvenile development services, volunteer fire): $41,544,559 ► Highway department (county roads and bridges): $24,913,937 ► Water services: $21,082,499 ► Landfill: $9,198,427

($235,500) and first in health outcomes (how healthy the population is). Shelby County has the least amount of people without insurance and people in poverty.

“We have a lot to really be proud of, and it takes everyone to meet these numbers,” Scroggins said. “This makes delivering the state of the county to you very easy.”

The county is first in Alabama, but the state doesn’t lead the nation. Scroggins said the goal is to try to be the best the county can be statistically, not in Alabama, but among all of our peers in other places.”

Since the October 2022 State of the County report, Shelby County has: ► Approved its comprehensive plan in March 2023 ► Qualified for Community Development Block Grants to receive the Urban County

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A sold out crowd listened to Chad Scroggins as he spoke on the state of the county at the Oct. 25 chamber luncheon. Photo courtesy of The Shelby County Chamber.

designation ► Increased the Park and Recreation grant program to $500,000 ► Initiated the most expensive highway project in its history with partners Alabaster, Calera and 58 INC., to expand the Interstate 65 from exit 238 in Alabaster to exit 231 in Calera ► Awarded the second largest building project in county history, a $27.5 million expansion project at the Shelby County Jail ► Opened Double Oak Park (879 acres)

► Added 24-hour ATMs for tag renewals ► Assisted in turf and track projects at Oak Mountain High School and Chelsea High School ► Recruited or enhanced dozens of projects through the county tourism department Scroggins said that what makes Shelby County different is that it’s managed on a cash basis and there is no debt associated with any projects.

“We save money until we have the funds to do the project,” he said.

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280Living.com

December 2023 • A13

SPONSORED CONTENT

Oak Tree offers luxurious single-family homes for rent

T

here is an exciting new residential development featuring two-story homes for rent in the Chelsea/Greystone area.

Oak Tree, conveniently located between Chelsea and Greystone, offers three-, four- and five-bedroom floor plans and is the very first build-to-rent community in the area.

“It’s something we think the area has needed for a while,” says Kristin Alverson of RangeWater Real Estate, one of the project partners. A Chelsea native, Alverson serves as community director at Oak Tree.

“For individuals who are building homes or waiting for the perfect time to buy a house, we offer them the leisure of home-style living without them having to adjust to an apartment lifestyle,” she says. “We are the perfect middle ground.”

Oak Tree was built by D.R. Horton, America’s Buider, and each of the homes has “the finest interior features and designer finishes,” Alverson says.

The development also boasts many cool amenities “that are highly desirable in any home,” she says.

For example, each home at Oak Tree comes with an attached two-car garage, a driveway and a private fenced backyard.

The homes feature upgraded lighting, luxury vinyl plank flooring, walk-in closets and open-concept floor plans.

Oak Tree offers smart home technology, upscale designer fixtures, washers and dryers, double vanity sinks in the main bathrooms and spa-worthy tubs and walk-in showers for ultimate relaxation.

The kitchens feature stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, side-by-side refrigerators and classic Shaker cabinets.

Residents enjoy community amenities like lawn care, pest control services and 24-hour maintenance, allowing them to enjoy a simpler, stress-free way of living.

The development is also pet-friendly.

In addition, Oak Tree’s location is “something special,” Alverson says. “It’s one of my favorite things about our community. We are nestled right off Old Highway 280 close to The Narrows. The neighborhood backs up to Oak Mountain State Park, and the views are beautiful, especially in the fall.”

Whether you’re cooking in your beautifully equipped

Kristin Alverson, community director, and Rasharious Thomas, marketing representative, for Rangewater Real Estate at Oak Tree in Chelsea.

kitchen, hanging out with friends and family in your private fenced backyard, or taking your dog on a walk through the neighborhood; you will be surrounded by quaint natural beauty at Oak Tree.

“Tucked away and surrounded by breathtaking foliage, we are far from the hustle and bustle of the city but also convenient to shopping and restaurants,” Alverson says.

Oak Tree is just a short commute from Mt. Laurel, Greystone, Pelham and Hoover.

Residents can spend their weekends unwinding at Chelsea’s Cat-n-Bird Winery, camping at Oak Mountain or shopping and eating in The Town of Mt Laurel.

They can head to Greystone to catch a movie or to play a round at a noteworthy golf course or shop at one of Chelsea’s many boutiques.

Running errands is a breeze, as well, with Publix, Winn-Dixie and Walmart all right down the road. At Oak Tree, everything a resident needs is close by.

The builder of Oak Tree certainly did not want to

do a typical, cookie-cutter apartment complex in the Chelsea and Greystone area.

“With DR Horton already having such a large presence in this market, with neighborhoods such as Chelsea Acres, Chelsea Park, and Chelsea Station, they were the perfect ones to bring this kind of community to this area,” Alverson says.

The builders “took so much pride in making this community the best it could possibly be,” she says.

The build-to-rent concept behind Oak Tree fills a void in the market “while keeping the integrity of the community very much in mind,” Alverson says.

“It’s comforting that the city has maintained its smalltown feel,” she says. “This area is truly a community and not just a place on a map. It is not a stop along the way type of area, it is more of a final destination. The community has done a wonderful job of bringing in new businesses while letting the local businesses flourish.”

The community has award-winning schools, a stateof-the-art community center, local shops and restaurants and many city events.

“The Greystone and Chelsea area is ideal for people of any age,” Alverson says.

Oak Tree’s first set of homes were delivered in May, residents began moving into their homes in June and all construction on the project was completed in September.

Of the 55 homes at Oak Tree, 41 have leased.

“We have had quite a bit of interest,” Alverson says.

“The Chelsea community, Greystone and surrounding areas have been receptive to us being here.”

Oak Tree is special because the folks who move in are made to feel very comfortable there.

“We have a great property management team here at Oak Tree and make it our number one priority to create an atmosphere where everyone feels a true belonging,” Alverson says. “We love to build and foster those relationships as people move in.”

“It has been very special to be part of the success of this community in my hometown,” she says.

Oak Tree is located at 1000 Oak Tree Blvd.

The office hours at Oak Tree are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.; and Sunday 1-5 p.m.

For more information, call 205-994-6405 or go to liveoaktree.com.

A14 • December 2023

280 Living

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

‘Small Stories’ with big impact

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Oak Mountain resident Billy Ivey spent 25 years in advertising, but it wasn’t until he wrote his first book that he realized he could also be an author.

“A Sea Between Us,” released in August 2022, took Ivey 16 months to write, but his second book happened much faster.

Ivey released “Long is the Way” in September 2023. Similar to the first book, it tells the true story of a man who faced obstacles and overcame them.

The idea for the book came about from a friend who knew the story of Alton Hardy, the pastor of Urban Hope Community Church in Fairfield, and knew Ivey was just the person to tell it.

“He said, ‘I just read your book and I was blown away by it,’” Ivey said. “He told me, ‘I didn't see you in this story at all.’ That's the best compliment I have been given about the book. He asked what I was going to do next and said he had a story for me.”

It turns out, Ivey had heard Hardy’s story years before, when he came to speak at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church. While Ivey said he remembered the message, he didn’t really know Hardy’s story.

Hardy’s life began in Selma, where he was one of 12 children in a sharecropper family. He moved to

Alton Hardy, left, stands with author Billy Ivey. Ivey’s latest book, “Long is the Way,” tells the story of Alton Hardy, the pastor of Urban Hope Community Church in Fairfield.

Photo courtesy of Billy Ivey.

Louisville at the age of 11 and “basically grew up on the streets of Louisville, Kentucky,” Ivey said. There were many twists and turns along the way, but Hardy eventually wound up back in Alabama just 12 years ago.

“His whole story has happened in my lifetime,” Ivey said. “He’s 56 and I’m 51. I learned so much and was overwhelmed with gratitude, but also shocked at how ignorant I am

to what's been going on even in my lifetime.”

During the writing process, Hardy and Ivey met every Wednesday for six months, and the two also took a road trip to Selma to revisit Hardy’s hometown. Ivey said the book is “more of a memoir written like a John Grisham novel,” and that the friendship he developed with Hardy has taught him a lot.

“We never left [our meetings] without him weeping throughout the story,” Ivey said. “Not from sadness, but overcome with emotion because of where he sees God has brought him from then to now.”

Hardy now focuses his entire message on peace, hope and reconciliation. He is the co-founder of Urban Hope Development and the visionary behind the Urban Hope Leadership

Initiative, a one-year intensive discipleship and training program for African American college graduates.

The friend who convinced Ivey to write “Long is the Way” is also the co-founder with him in his new publishing company, Small Stories Studio. Ivey said this new project is a place not only to publish the things he wants to, but also to provide that opportunity for other writers, creators, filmmakers and podcasters who either don’t know how to produce their project or want to go through the traditional means.

“When you feel called or led to do something, you gotta lean into it,” Ivey said. “There are so many stories out there, and I'm just very confident my desire to tell the stories is going to be matched by people’s need to hear them.”

He hopes the reach of his book is far, because the message interwoven throughout is one that he thinks will really change people and make them think a bit more about how far we need to go.

“The irony in the name of Small Stories is that small stories make big things happen, small stories make a big difference because we can relate to them,” Ivey said. “People have to be heard and seen and known.”

To find out more about “Long is the Way” and Small Stories Studio, visit smallstories studio.com.

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280Living.com

December 2023 • A15

I ’ M L E AV I N G A

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE, ONE LEGACY AT A TIME Guin Robinson wants to make an investment in the future of Birmingham that also pays tribute to the influence of earlier generations. That's why he has specified in his will that a legacy gift be made to the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.

"My family has always had a deep-rooted belief in giving back to the community, and I want to honor their values," says Guin.

"As an only child with no children of my own, leaving a gift to the Community Foundation ensures that my family's legacy will be honored for years to come."

Guin trusts the Foundation to manage his gift and honor his family's legacy based on our history, transformational work, and proactive approach to community challenges and crises.

Visit cfbham.org/legacy and learn how you can join Guin in creating your legacy.

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A16 • December 2023

280 Living

Jewish group hires lead clinician to focus on anxiety, depression

“

By GRACE THORNTON Mark Driskill said most people like to think that the COVID-19 pandemic is over, and in many ways it is.

But he said there are “some significant leftovers from COVID that have changed our society in many, many ways, and in terms of mental health, not for the better.”

His work at Collat Jewish Family Services is rooted in helping turn that around. As the new lead clinician there, Driskill — a licensed independent clinical social worker — is focusing on addressing the anxiety and depression that seem to be surging since the pandemic.

“Existing problems that people have that they were managing before COVID have been magnified since the pandemic, and people haven’t found a good way to overcome that yet,” he said.

Part of that is because of the social distancing that stopped the normal rhythms of life, Driskill said.

“We got used to being isolated during COVID, and a lot of us have found it easy to just remain more or less isolated and not rejoin the same social structures we may have had before the pandemic,” he said.

But Driskill said counseling can be a great step for people to take toward mental health.

“Just the idea of talking to someone, getting things off their mind, in terms of vocalizing it, can help,” he said, noting that specifically “speaking with someone who’s not emotionally involved in their life can be very beneficial.”

Driskill, a Birmingham-area native and graduate of Shades Valley High School, said numerous studies have proven that talk therapy is a valuable resource, particularly for people with the common struggles of anxiety and depression.

“One statistic says that probably 40% of the population at some point will struggle with anxiety,” he said.

Just the idea of talking to someone, getting things off their mind, in terms of vocalizing it, can help ... speaking with someone who’s not emotionally involved in their life can be very beneficial.

”

MARK DRISKILL

Mark Driskill is the lead clinician for Collat Jewish Family Services in Mountain Brook.

Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.

Collat Jewish Family Services, located at 3940 Montclair Road, Suite 205, sees that as a big need that it would like to help meet

with affordable, confidential counseling services. As a nonprofit agency, Collat Jewish Family Services accepts private insurance and

Medicare, and for those who are uninsured, they offer a sliding fee scale based on income.

Though many of services provided by Collat Jewish Family Services are geared toward older adults, their counseling services are designed for any adult, and clients don’t have to be Jewish.

Lauren Schwartz, the Collat Jewish Family Services executive director, said that’s long been a part of their mission.

“For the past 34 years, CJFS has tailored its programs and services to meet the changing needs of our community,” she said. “At this moment, in the wake of the pandemic and other cultural conditions, we know people are struggling and seeking healing. We want the entire community to know that our professional counseling services are here to help them face life’s challenges.”

For more information about counseling at Collat Jewish Family Services, call 205-879-3438, visit cjfsbham.org/our-mission/ professional-counseling or follow them on social media on Instagram @cjfsbham or on their Facebook page.

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280Living.com

December 2023 • A17

Leah Eagle practices at the shooting range during the Tactical Response Unit of the Citizen’s Sheriff Academy.

Photo courtesy of Deputy John Baggett.

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Citizen’s Sheriff Academy By Leah Ingram Eagle

More classes + target practice As I’m wrapping up everything for this month’s issue, I have completed six of my eight classes in the Shelby County Citizens Sheriff’s Academy.

Here’s what we did during October.

CLASS 4: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

This class covered topics that were tough to hear, including violent crimes, sex crimes (specifically crimes against children) and child abuse. Some of the things we learned about and the recordings we heard were really disturbing.

The class was taught by investigator Ken Prady, who is over the Criminal Investigations Division. He shared that in 73% to 79% of violent crimes, the person committing the crime is someone who is known by the victim. There is a multidisciplinary team in Shelby County that is made up of local law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, the Department of Human Resources, the Shelby County Board of Education and Children’s Hospital staff, who work together in cases involving crimes against children.

CLASS 5: SHELBY COUNTY JAIL AND TOUR

So, this wasn’t my first time at the Shelby County Jail. I wrote a story for 280 Living back in January 2020 and did a tour of the jail then. I felt better the second time around, since I knew what awaited me. And it’s not at all what you might expect.

Newly named Jail Commander Capt. Denver McCool led our group on a tour of almost the entire facility, from where inmates are brought in, through the booking process, the health care unit, kitchen, one of the inmates' pods and then to the central command area, with views of all the cameras throughout the jail. There were 476 inmates during our tour, 54 of which were federal inmates. That included Joran van der Sloot, who was in an isolated cell before he was sent back to Peru to serve another murder sentence there.

The Shelby County Jail was the first jail in the state to be accredited by the National Institute for Jail Operations (and has maintained that accreditation) and the first to have a canine in the jail.

Other interesting facts include that inmates are fed three meals a day on a budget of $2.25 and

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CLASS 6: TACTICAL RESPONSE UNIT (FORMERLY SWAT)

This class was super fun, and we got to visit the Sheriff’s Training Center in Columbiana. We learned about the Mobile Field Force, a team made up of 18 officers from the SCSO and Hoover Police Department who respond to riots or protests, handle high-risk transports and have a presence at large-scale community events. We also heard from members of the hostage negotiation team and the tactics they implement during those situations to reach a peaceful resolution.

We took a tour of the mobile unit that they work out of during these situations. A multi-jurisdictional response unit was created in July 2013 and open to all cities and municipalities, intended to protect and save human life, assist with hazardous search warrants and provide security and protection for high-risk transports and VIPs.

SPECIAL ACTIVITY: RANGE DAY

I wasn’t able to make it to the Saturday class with my group, so I got approval to do a makeup class, which was a one-on-one firearms safety course from Deputy John Baggett at the Sheriff’s Training Center.

I had only shot a gun once in my life, more than six years ago at a tactical center. So, total gun novice here. During this course, I learned all about different guns, gun safety and spent some time at the firing range trying out a few. The SCSO also offers a citizen firearm safety course, to Shelby County residents over age 21 who pass a background check and have no criminal record.

I learned the four rules of firearm safety: know the status of the weapon at all times; don’t point a weapon at anything you’re not willing and prepared to destroy; keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are aligned and you’re ready to fire; and know your target — what is in the foreground, background and flanks.

I learned that I am a better shooter with a gun that has the red target to aim at, and my best shot was with a Glock 17.

Next month, I’ll share about our final class and graduation, along with some comments from some of my classmates about their experience and dates for the next Citizens Sheriff’s Academy opportunity.

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Our existing partnership with the Chamber and other training partners going forward will give our students “real world” experience. Through hands-on learning, developing potential solutions to actual business problems and internships with major business and industry, we will reap huge workforce dividends presently and in the future.

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A18 • December 2023

280 Living

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

New barbering/cosmetology academy gives students head start

By HARPER HARWELL Ellory Fenton, a senior at Spain Park High School, has wanted to go into cosmetology for years, so when she heard the Hoover school system was starting a Barbering and Cosmetology Academy this year, she was quite excited.

Fenton is one of 97 students from Hoover and Spain Park high schools enrolled in the new academy at the Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3).

The academy began in August, and RC3 in September opened a new $577,000 lab workspace where students can practice. Students can choose from several courses, including barbering, natural hair styling and straight hair styling.

The program is designed to last three years, with students starting in 10th grade and completing their training upon graduation.

Debra Walker Smith, the executive director of career and technical education for Hoover City Schools, oversees the academy. She said she is excited that the cosmetology academy is finally open after receiving a high interest level from students and industry workers.

“What we try to do is see what the need is in industry and see if student interest also supports that,” Smith said. “We do surveys, and we talk to our industry partners, and we try to find areas that are high demand and high need.”

Students do not have to pay extra tuition to attend courses for the academy, but they do have to purchase their own materials for the classes. The cost is $50 a year ($25 per course), which the academy tries to communicate to students one course at a time so students are not discouraged to apply.

All students must undergo an application

Nyel Settles, a senior at Hoover High School, drapes a mannequin during her cosmetology and barbering class at the Riverchase Career Connection Center on Oct. 19. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.

process to be considered for the cosmetology program. Students must answer essay and career interest questions, as well as questions about their grades, attendance and any disciplinary concerns.

“RC3 is a simulated workplace, so the goal of the application is to get students in the mindset of, ‘When I start to apply for positions in employment or colleges, these are some of the

things that I’ll be required to do,’” Smith said.

“We feel like it’s very important to give them that opportunity.”

After graduation, “the next steps for them would be to sit for the state board exam in order to become a licensed cosmetologist,” Smith said. “What we do is we try to cover all the state-required standards and give them as many contact hours performing things in our labs …

so that they can develop their craft.”

Le’Neka Smith, one of the two cosmetology instructors at the academy, has been licensed in cosmetology since 2002 and has her own salon, called The Cut Up, in Oxford.

“I’m so excited to be here to help bring everything that I’ve learned over the past 20+ years to help the next generation of leaders in this industry,” she said.

She appreciates that the academy is providing students with hands-on experience, she said.

“It brings excitement to them that somebody values them enough to simulate a space as RC3 has to get them ready for their career in the industry,” Smith said.

Fenton said she plans to go to college to get a business degree first and then go into cosmetology school. She eventually would like to have her own salon, so she wants a good understanding of finances, she said.

Fenton said she appreciates that the instructors at the academy take the students seriously and are investing in helping them improve their craft.

“I think that the RC3 environment as a whole has been really inviting. All of these girls are new, and it’s been really nice to see people in actual work environments,” she said. “This isn’t a work environment that everybody always respects, so I think it’s really nice that we’ve had the opportunity to be taken seriously.”

RC3 now has six career academies to help prepare students to enter the workforce. The others are the Culinary and Hospitality Academy, Cyber Innovation Academy, Fire Science Academy, Health Science Academy and Skilled Trades Academy.

Learn more about RC3 at www.hoovercity schools.net/domain/1741.

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280Living.com

December 2023 • A19

The Hoover City Schools flag flaps in the wind outside the Farr Administration Building.

Photo by Jon Anderson.

Hoover school district YOU DESERVE ranks 5th best in Alabama EXCEPTIONAL

By JON ANDERSON The Hoover school district recently was ranked as the fifth best school district in Alabama for 2024 by niche.com, a prominent school and community ranking and review website.

Homewood was the No. 1 school district in the state, followed by Madison, Auburn, Vestavia Hills and Hoover, with Saraland, Mountain Brook, Alabaster, Trussville and Hartselle rounding out the top 10.

The 2024 Best School Districts ranking is based on an analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews from students and parents. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality and public school district ratings. Scores from the SAT and ACT college entrance tests were removed from this year’s rankings because of “a general de-emphasis on test scores in the college admissions process,” niche.com said.

Hoover’s overall grade from niche.com was an A+. The district also was graded in various categories and received an A+ in clubs and activities, college preparation and sports; an A in academics, teachers, administration, food, resources and facilities; and an A- in diversity.

Fifty percent of the overall grade was based on academics, and the data used by niche.com showed Hoover as having a 66% proficiency rate in reading, 45% proficiency rate in math and a 95% graduation rate.

Other key statistics showed the district having 13,606 students, with 24.4% receiving free or reduced-price meals due to family incomes. However, enrollment had dropped to 13,172 as of early September, with 32.8% of students qualifying for free or reduced-priced meals.

The niche.com data also showed Hoover as having a student/teacher ratio of 16:1, an average teacher salary of $60,536 and 21.8% of teachers being in their first or second year of teaching. The average expense per student was $13,366, with 61% of that going to instruction, 34% to support services and 5% to other expenses.

Hoover also was ranked as the No. 1 school district in the state for athletes, the eighth best place to teach in Alabama, No. 25 among districts with the best teachers and No. 33

Top School Districts in Alabama 1. Homewood 2. Madison 3. Auburn 4. Vestavia Hills 5. Hoover 6. Saraland 7. Mountain Brook 8. Alabaster 9. Trussville 10. Hartselle SOURCE: NICHE.COM

on the list of the most diverse school districts in Alabama.

Spain Park and Hoover high schools both were ranked among the top 15 best public high schools in the state, with Spain Park coming in at No. 10 and Hoover at No. 13.

All three of Hoover’s middle schools ranked among the top 10 public middle schools in Alabama, with Bumpus coming in No. 3, Berry in No. 9 and Simmons No. 10.

Two Hoover elementary schools made the Top 10 list for public elementary schools in Alabama. Brock’s Gap Intermediate was No. 3 and Deer Valley was No. 6. Hoover’s Rocky Ridge Elementary made a significant jump from No. 33 to No. 13 on the elementary list (out of 721 public schools).

Nationally, Hoover ranked No. 156 among 10,932 school districts compared and was No. 28 on the best school districts for athletes and No. 718 on the best places to teach list.

“We are excited that Hoover City Schools has been recognized by Niche as one of the top five districts in Alabama,” new Superintendent Kevin Maddox said in a news release. “This accomplishment is a tribute to the dedication and effort put forth by our students, teachers and administrators throughout the district. Moving forward, Hoover City Schools will maintain high expectations and foster a climate of academic excellence.”

The complete list of 2024 rankings, methodologies, and data sources can be found at niche.com.

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A20 • December 2023

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280 Living

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Shelby County Schools names 2023-24 teachers of the year

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE Pruitt

Maines

Shelby County Schools in the 280 Living coverage area recently announced their 2023-24 teachers of the year.

All of the teachers will now complete the Alabama Teacher of the Year application, and in December, one elementary and one secondary teacher will be chosen to represent Shelby County Schools at the state level. The Alabama Teacher of the Year program identifies exceptional teachers, counselors, librarians and other certified educators from across the state.

The educator selected as the Alabama Teacher of the Year will serve as a full-time ambassador for the teaching profession during the 2024-25 school year.

OAK MOUNTAIN SCHOOLS

► Inverness Elementary: Holly Browder, kindergarten Bisch

► Mt Laurel Elementary: Rebecca Newman, fifth grade ► Oak Mountain Elementary: Jill Vaughan, first grade ► Oak Mountain Intermediate: Dana Furman, gifted resource teacher ► Oak Mountain Middle: Catherine Acton, English language arts ► Oak Mountain High: Taylor Korson, special education

CHELSEA SCHOOLS

► Chelsea Park Elementary: Karen Pruitt, first grade ► Forest Oaks Elementary: Mary Maines, first grade ► Chelsea Middle: Brittany Bisch, sixth grade math ► Chelsea High: Leslie Stephenson, ninth grade pre-AP English

Stephenson

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December 2023 • A21

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A22 • December 2023

280 Living

Events

280 Corridor events roundup Dec. 2: Music with DB Cooper Duo and Food with American Kolache. Noon to 4 p.m. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11661 Old U.S. 280, Chelsea. Live music and fresh food. cat-n-bird.com.

Dec. 5: Moms INC. 9:30 a.m. to noon. Mt Laurel Community Building, Room C22-23, 112 Olmsted Street. Find community with a prayer group welcoming moms of all ages and stages of life. Childcare provided with registration. For more information, contact Courtney Szollosy at cszollosy@doubleoakcc.org.

is $5 per person ($2 for seniors). Contact Randall Adkins at 205-3176969.

N. Shelby Library

Dec. 12: Republican Women of North Shelby County.

Noon to 1 p.m. Inverness Country Club, 1 Country Club Drive. A speaker and lunch will be provided. Tickets are $25 each. For more information and reservations, please email rwnsclunch@gmail.com.

CHILDREN Dec. 1: Monthly Craft Kit-to-Go. Grab a mouse mitten craft or crystal ornament kit while supplies last.

Dec. 2: Animal Tales: Holiday Safari. 11 a.m. All ages.

Dec. 5: Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night. Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mellow Mushroom, 920 Inverness Corners. Come join other trivia enthusiasts for an authentic trivia quiz, modeled after the pub quizzes in Ireland and the U.K. Bring a team of up to six players or come on your own. Winning teams get bar cash and other prizes. No reservation required. For more information, visit geekswhodrink.com.

Dec. 3: 5th Annual Holiday Ornament Craft: Make and Take. 2-4 p.m. Enjoy holiday refreshments, make an ornament for the library tree and one to take home.

Dec. 5 and 12: Tech Tuesday. 3:15-4:15 p.m. A tech-based activity for all ages with adult assistance.

Dec. 16: 29th Annual Meadowbrook Runs. 9 a.m. 1100 Corporate Parkway. A $15-$20 voluntary contribution can be made for the entry fee. Register at meadowbrook-runs.org.

Dec. 16: Music with Common Ground and Board in Birmingham. Noon to 4 p.m. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11661 Old U.S. 280, Chelsea. Live music and delicious food. cat-n-bird.com.

Dec. 21: First Priority of Alabama Network Event — North Shelby County. 11:30 a.m. Metro Diner, 180 Inverness Plaza. For more information, contact Debbie DeBoer at debi@firstpriorityal.com.

Dec. 9: Music with Will Paustian and Crazy Matt’s Pizza. Noon to 4 p.m. Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11661 Old U.S. 280, Chelsea.

Live music and fresh pizza. cat-n-bird.com.

Dec. 23: Music with Stuart Douglas. Noon to 4 p.m.

Cat-n-Bird Winery, 11661 Old U.S. 280, Chelsea. Live music and food. cat-n-bird.com.

Dec. 10: Southeastern Outings Second Sunday Dayhike.12:45 p.m. Oak Mountain State Park office parking lot. Ages 8 and older. Hike will be a moderate difficulty 4-mile hike. Park admission

Dec 30: Music with We Are Wolves. Noon to 4 p.m. Catn-Bird Winery, 11661 Old U.S. 280, Chelsea. Live music and food. cat-n-bird.com.

Dec. 5: Baby Tales. 10:30 a.m. Birth to 18 months. A short story time designed for little ones. Registration required.

Dec. 6 and 13: Storytime Friends. 10:30 a.m. Children up to age 5 will work on pre-literacy skills and have fun. Registration required.

Dec. 7: PJ Storytime — Cookie Tales. 6 p.m. Fun for all ages, with cookie-themed tales and more. Wear pajamas and snacks are included.

Dec. 9: La Hora del Cuento Sábad. 10 am. Todas las edades.

Se require registro. Ven con tu familia a escuchar cuentos, cantar y divertirnos en español! Esta evento es para niños de todas las edades.

Niños menores de 12 años deben estar acompañados de sus padres.

Los esperamos! Para más información vaya a northshelbylibrary.org.

Dec. 9: Boston Tea Party. 11 a.m. The Daughters of the American Revolution, the Cahaba-Coosa chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and North Shelby Library present a patriotic tea party for patrons. Enjoy drinks and treats as a family, a patriotic craft for children and a photo opportunity with George Washington. Registration required.

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280Living.com

December 2023 • A23

Dec. 9: Spanish Club. 2 p.m. School-aged kids and teens can learn the Spanish language. Registration required.

Dec. 12: Jan the Science Lady — Snowy Science.

10:30 a.m. Engage in STEM fun with Dynamic Education science about snow.

Dec. 13: Homeschool Hangout — Cotton Ball Cloud Art. 1 p.m. Learn about different types and shapes of clouds and create fun cotton ball art. Registration required.

TWEENS

provided. Registration required.

Dec. 14: Tween Leadership Council Meeting. 5 p.m. Ages 8-12. Tween leaders will meet for socializing, program planning and a service activity. Registration required.

Dec. 18-21: Teen Holiday Hangout. 4 p.m. to closing daily.

Games and holiday movies. Registration required.

ADULTS Dec. 5: Yeti Painting. 10 a.m. Join in for a fun painting of a yeti.

Dec. 14: Family Fun Night — Make a Gingerbread Home. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Supplies provided.

Dec. 5 and 19: Language Club. 5 p.m. Practice and learn languages with other individuals who all want to improve their language education. Registration required.

Dec. 15: Get Yeti to Read Winter Challenge. Begin your challenge to read 310 total minutes through Jan. 14. Each participant that reaches their goal will receive a small goodie bag, and one winner will be drawn to receive a gift basket fit for a yeti. Sign up online.

Dec. 12: Blue Bottle Vase — Watercolor Painting. 10 a.m. Come and paint a vase with Gayle Jones. All supplies provided.

Registration required.

TWEENS AND TEENS

Dec. 12: True Crime Book Club. 6 p.m. The club covers true crime books and documentaries. Provide your email in registration for a Zoom invitation.

Fridays: Teen Open Gaming. 3 p.m. Play the Switch, XBOX One, Wii, board games and card games with friends. All games must be rated E, E10 or T and approved by the librarian.

Dec. 4: Tween Dungeons and Dragons. 4:30 p.m. Ages 8-12. Registration required.

Dec. 7: Teen Manga Club. 4:30 p.m. Talk with other teens about manga, watch anime and have Japanese snacks.

ADULTS Dec. 7: Mt Laurel Book Club. 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Discussing “The Candy House” by Jennifer Egan.

Dec. 13: Homeschool Art and Craft Kit — Snow. 1 p.m.

Pick up a kit to make homemade snow.

Mondays: Teen Dungeons and Dragons. 6 p.m. Weekly Dungeons and Dragons campaign.

Dec. 8: Wood Block Painting. 4-5 p.m. Paint a wood block holiday decoration. Registration required.

Dec. 11: Mt Laurel Knitting Group. 2-4 p.m. Bring your knitting, crocheting or embroidery to work on. Group hosted by Jamie Skripnik.

Dec. 14: Cookie Decorating. 7 p.m. Adults 18 and up. Kelly from Burley Girl Bakery will be teaching cookie decorating. $10 per person. Registration required.

Chelsea Library Dec. 5: Christmas Movie “Prancer.” 11 a.m.

Dec. 21: NSL Book Club. 10:30 a.m. Discussing “The Keeper of Lost Things” by Ruth Hogan. Registration is only required if you plan to join via Zoom.

Dec. 9: Santa Pictures and Storytime. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Mt Laurel Library

Dec. 15: Homeschool Hangout. 1 p.m.

Dec. 3: Tree Lighting. 6 p.m. After the Bryson Square tree lighting, head over to the library for hot chocolate, crafts, balloons and face painting.

Dec. 12: Christmas Movie “Elf.” 11 a.m.

Dec. 19: Christmas Movie “White Christmas.” 11 a.m.

PRESCHOOL Wednesdays: Tot Time. 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 7: Magical Felt Ornaments. 5:30 p.m. Craft a cute Hedwig-like owl for the holidays.

CHILDREN

Thursdays: Mini Music. 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 8: Teen Leadership Council Meeting. 4 p.m. Monthly meeting with a service activity.

Dec. 1 and 15: Ukulele Storytime. 10 a.m. For ages 19-36 months. Caregivers and siblings are welcome. Stories, music and bubbles make up the 30-minute program.

Dec. 9: Tween Among Us IRL. 5 p.m. Ages 8-12. Complete tasks the librarians set for you, while watching out for the imposter.

Snacks provided. Registration required.

Dec. 2: Animal Tales — Holiday Safari. 2 p.m. This program features six animal ambassadors. All will have the chance to get handson during this special program.

Dec. 11: Tween Book Club. 4:30 p.m. Ages 8-12. Book discussion and activity. Each child chooses a book they like to share. Snacks

Dec. 9: Crafty Saturday. Visit during library hours to make or take a craft to-go.

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

Wednesdays: Dungeons and Dragons. 5-7 p.m. Ages 15 and up.

Dec. 11: Teen Dinner and a Book Club. 5 p.m.

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A24 • December 2023

280 Living

U.S. 280

CONTINUED from page A1 To make that happen, the state will have to replace the Pump House Road bridge over U.S. 280 in Mountain Brook because there is not enough room for additional lanes with the current bridge structure.

The state also plans to add a third left-turn lane from westbound U.S. 280 onto I-459 and make repairs to the I-459 bridge deck, said DeJarvis Leonard, the lead engineer for ALDOT’s East Central Region.

Additionally, the project includes repairs on the existing U.S. 280 Leonard roadbed between Lakeshore Drive and Rosedale Drive in Homewood and repaving of the stretch between Perimeter Park and the Cahaba River, Leonard said. That makes the total project cover about 5.8 miles.

It’s clear the project is needed, Leonard said. Currently, there are an estimated nearly 100,000 vehicles per day traveling U.S. 280 at I-459, he said. The stretch of road in question is operating at a D or F level of service during peak traffic times (roughly 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 4:30-6 p.m.), he said.

In traffic design lingo, a D level of service equates to “approaching unstable flow,” and an F level of service means “forced or breakdown flow,” in which travel time cannot be predicted and generally there is more demand than capacity.

“We’re pretty much at full congestion,” Leonard said.

Adding an extra through lane on each side of the highway should improve the level of service to a B or a C, Leonard said. A B level of service means “reasonably free flow,” and a C level of service means “stable flow, at or near free flow.”

The planned road changes should take five to 10 minutes off the travel time between I-459 and the Red Mountain Expressway, Leonard said.

“We’re excited about the project and think it should be a win-win for everyone,” he said.

Motorists travel east and west on U.S. 280 between Pump House Road and The Summit. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.

COST AND TIMELINE

The expected cost is $25 million to $30 million, but the project is still in the final design stage, and construction bids probably won’t be taken until March, Leonard said.

Construction should start in early May and take 18 to 24 months to complete, he said.

The bulk of the work will be scheduled at night and on weekends so as to minimize disruptions to weekday traffic, Leonard said.

There will be some traffic interruptions, especially during bridge construction, but the public will be notified in advance about major traffic flow alterations, he said.

This project has been in the planning stages for three to four years, Leonard said.

Originally, it was a smaller project that involved new lanes being added only between Lakeshore Drive and Pump House Road — a stretch of about 2.1 miles, Leonard said. However, it was such a small job that it didn’t attract the attention of a lot of contractors, and the bids received were high, he said.

ALDOT decided to broaden the scope of the job and believes that will attract more bidders and help bring the cost per mile down, he said.

The project already has been approved by the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Organization and added to the state’s transportation improvement plan, Leonard said.

It will be funded by the state, including state and federal tax dollars, he said.

The city of Birmingham is making adjustments to improve the entrance to The Summit shopping center from U.S. 280 in conjunction with the ALDOT project, Leonard said.

State and Birmingham area officials have looked at numerous ways to improve traffic flow on U.S. 280 over recent decades, including an option to build an elevated roadway in parts of the corridor. However, there was enough opposition from cities and communities in the corridor to eliminate that idea from consideration. Among

the concerns, residents said they feared an elevated roadway would be unsightly and add noise and light pollution, hurting their property values.

COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Regarding the new plan to add lanes to U.S. 280, Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch said he believes it will help move traffic through the area faster between downtown Birmingham and I-459.

Some Mountain Brook residents two years ago expressed concerns during a public meeting that the elimination of an acceleration lane from Overton Road onto U.S. 280 will make traffic back up too long on Overton, causing a logjam there.

Leonard said ALDOT needs to turn that acceleration lane into a through lane because there is not enough room for both to exist due to the terrain. He understands that would make it more difficult for traffic

from Overton Road to merge onto U.S. 280, but in response to resident concerns, ALDOT plans to alter the traffic light timing to give dedicated time for right turns from Overton onto U.S. 280, he said.

Welch Welch said that should help compensate some for the removal of the acceleration lane.

“I know they’re going to try to address the problem as best they can with the timing of the lights, and hopefully it won’t get too bad,” he said.

People would be surprised how much traffic can flow through an intersection in 20 seconds, he said.

“I think ALDOT’s doing the best they can to solve a problem that’s a pretty tough problem,” Welch said.

Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry said he definitely views the additional lanes on U.S. 280 Curry as a positive. The traffic volumes on U.S. 280 have far surpassed the original projections for the roadway, he said.

The additional lanes on the highway will help more traffic more efficiently, he said.

“I don’t think there’s any way it would do anything but help us,” he said. “It’ll be safer.

It’ll be quicker.”

While that stretch of U.S. 280 isn’t in the Hoover city limits, it will affect many Hoover residents as well, especially those who live in the Greystone or Inverness areas.

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato said he knows that U.S. 280 is a difficult problem to solve and that ALDOT has studied the situation.

“I’m grateful they’re actually putting new lanes on 280 to help the problem,” Brocato said. “I think that eventually that will be the solution as it moves out through Chelsea as well.”

About 10 years ago, ALDOT implemented a change in traffic patterns at the intersection of U.S. 280 and Valleydale Road, for drivers on Brocato westbound U.S. 280 who want to turn left onto Valleydale and drivers on eastbound U.S. 280 who want to turn left onto Cahaba Beach Road.

Those drivers now must go through the traffic light at Valleydale Road and make a U-turn and then a right turn instead. That took some adjustment by drivers, but the changes did help move traffic quicker, Brocato said.

The U.S. 280 corridor is vital to a number of cities, including Hoover, Brocato said.

“We certainly want to support anything ALDOT does to help move traffic through there safely and efficiently and at the same time gives our communities the opportunity to continue shopping on 280,” he said.

280Living.com

December 2023 • A25

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A26 • December 2023

280 Living

Left: Lights glisten against the evergreen tree as people gather at Hoover City Hall during the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony in December 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson. Right: An Alabama Wildlife Center talks to guests about a red tailed hawk, one of the center’s education birds, during an unveiling of the center’s new bald eagle in December 2018. Staff photo.

HOLIDAYS

CONTINUED from page A1

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Christmas tree fans can enjoy the city of Hoover’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. in the Hoover City Hall parking lot. Shades Mountain Elementary School’s choir will sing holiday songs, and the Shades of Blue jazz ensemble from Spain Park High School will also play. Santa is scheduled to arrive on a Hoover fire truck and make his way to the Hoover Library Plaza, where he will be available for photos with children. For more information, visit hooveral.org.

CHRISTMAS ON THE MOUNTAIN

The Oak Mountain community will host its second annual Christmas on the Mountain on Nov. 30 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Heardmont Park. The event, which began in 2022 as an

idea from the Oak Mountain PTO presidents to bring the community together, will include a Christmas tree lighting, Santa, entertainment from children of all ages, a Tinsel Trail, petting zoo, food trucks, inflatables and more. For more information, find “Christmas on the Mountain” on Facebook.

HOLIDAY ARTISTS MARKET

Looking for local handmade gifts? Shop the Holiday Artists Market on Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Shelby County Arts Council, Columbiana. At the event, guests will find a variety of fine art and crafts created by local artists and makers, from door hangers and paintings to pottery, jewelry and more. This year, the Holiday Artist Market will feature artists in the Grande Hall and the SCAC EBSCO Fine Art Gallery.

Free admission. For more information, visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

BIRDMAS

For the birds! The Alabama Wildlife Center

will host Birdmas on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center is located on Terrace Drive inside Oak Mountain State Park. Birdmas promises a day brimming with activities, education, and the spirit of giving. Share in the joy of the season while supporting the Alabama Wildlife Center’s mission to conserve and protect the state’s wildlife. Children and families can take pictures with Santa and AWC’s educational ambassador birds. There will also be Raptor Chats, a craft and bake sale and a behind-thescenes tour of the facility. For more information, visit alabamawildlifecenter.org.

OLD BAKER FARM CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

If you want to celebrate Christmas on the farm, head down U.S. 280 east to the Old Baker Farm Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Old Baker Farm is located at 1041 Farmingdale Road in Harpersville. The event will feature a live nativity, magical hayride, visit with Santa, food trucks, crafts and more.

Admission is $10 per person and free for ages 2 and younger. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to oldbakerfarm.com.

COLONIAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHES

Take a holiday trip back in time. American Village will host Colonial Christmas Lunches on Dec. 4-8 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.

Located at 3727 Alabama 119, Montevallo, guests can celebrate the holiday season during the 18th century. Tickets are $40 per person and include a catered lunch hosted by Eliza Hamilton, the wife of Alexander Hamilton, and a tour of the American Village decorated for Christmas.

Guests can also see several vignettes by the Village’s staff of costumed historical interpreters.

Call 205-665-3535, ext. 1031, for reservations.

WALK THROUGH NATIVITY

Want to experience a live drama of the night of Jesus’s birth? Head to Briarwood Presbyterian Church’s Walk Through Nativity on Dec. 6-8 from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. nightly and take a

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280Living.com

December 2023 • A27

Left: The Old Baker Farm Christmas Tree Lighting will feature a live nativity, magical hayride, visit with Santa, food trucks and crafts. Photo courtesy of Old Baker Farm. Above: Briarwood Presbyterian Church’s Walk Through Nativity will be open for viewing Dec. 6-8. Photo courtesy of Briarwood Presbyterian Church.

stroll through 14 Christmas scenes, with narrated drama using live actors and animals. This free family event will take place at the church, 2200 Briarwood Way. For more information, visit briarwood.org/nativity.

JINGLE BELL RUN

If you’re in the mood for a more active holiday, sign up for the Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 9 at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road. The Arthritis Foundation is hosting its annual event to raise money for the foundation and give people an opportunity to exercise and show holiday spirit at the same time. Day-of registration and packet pickup will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony at 8 a.m. A costume contest for individuals, groups and pets will be at 8:30 a.m., followed by a warm-up at 8:45 and the race begins at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $45 with a timing chip or $40 without a timing chip. The cost increases by $5 after Dec. 8. To purchase

$100 and available on ticketweb.com.

tickets, go to events.arthritis.org.

‘O, COME LET US ADORE HIM’

Enjoy watching ballet? Briarwood Ballet presents “O, Come Let Us Adore Him” on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Briarwood Presbyterian Church Worship Center. Briarwood Ballet is committed to offering classical ballet and dance education within a Christ-centered environment. For more information, visit briarwood.org/ballet.

RECAPTURING THE WONDER OF ADVENT TOUR

Pastor and best-selling author Levi Lusko, along with Bible teacher and theological scholar Lisa Harper, will be at Metropolitan Church, 2800 Metropolitan Way on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. They will present a family-friendly evening to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas, shrugging off the busyness and weight of the season to experience a spectacular encounter with joy. Tickets are $25 to

CRAFTY CHRISTMAS BASH

Do your kids like to get crafty? Sign them up for the Crafty Christmas Bash on Dec. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. Pinspiration Birmingham, located at 201 Cahaba Park Circle, Suites 500 and 600, will transform into a Christmas-themed walkthrough for guests to enjoy holiday crafts, reindeer games, sweet treats and a hot cocoa bar. A special guest appearance from Santa will take place at 8 p.m. For ages three and up. Tickets are $45 per child (no tickets needed for adults).

Pajamas are welcome and encouraged. Reservations are required. pinspiration.com/locations/ birmingham.

CHELSEA CHRISTMAS PARADE

Enjoy the annual Chelsea Christmas Parade on Dec. 16 starting at 10 a.m. The parade officially begins at Chelsea Middle School and ends

at Winn-Dixie, and it will feature the Chelsea High School band, parade floats and more.

Following the parade, head to Melrose Park Splash Pad at the Chelsea Community Center for Splashing with Santa from noon to 3 p.m. cityofchelsea.com.

BRIARWOOD CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Briarwood Presbyterian Church has a lineup of holiday events. Their Briarwood Christmas Festival: “Hallelujah! The Light Has Come” will take place on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. and will feature the Briarwood choirs, orchestra and dramatists, with special guest Sandra McCracken. briarwood.org/hallelujah.

If you have a Christmas event you’d like to submit, we can add it to this story online at 280living.com. Email Leah Eagle at leagle@ starnesmedia.com.

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December 2023

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HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS PREVIEW

Local teams ready to take on new year

By KYLE PARMLEY The 2023-24 high school basketball season is officially underway. Every team begins the year with high hopes, aiming for this season to be one with many victories and a deep playoff run.

While not guaranteed, the likes of Briarwood, Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park always have the potential to do something special.

Here’s a brief look at each squad as the campaign gets going.

JAGS EMBRACING JOURNEY OF NEW SEASON

The Spain Park High School boys basketball team is on quite a run of late.

The Jags have advanced to the Class 7A final four each of the last three seasons, advancing to the state semifinals and playing on the state’s biggest stage in Birmingham.

Could the Jags make it four trips in a row with another successful season? Sure, but head coach Chris Laatsch is not looking at it that way.

“Every year is [unique],” Laatsch said. “You have to develop new roles and identities. I love that. It’s exciting because we have a ton of spots that nobody has grabbed yet.”

Spain Park lost six players from last year’s roster, meaning the makeup and identity of this year’s team will take on a different look.

“That’s what I get excited about every year, is a new journey,” Laatsch said. “You see if you can get these individual parts and make it a

good-looking puzzle, and figure out the best way for this group to play.”

Korbin Long returns as the team’s point guard, and will be in his third year on the varsity team. He is someone the Jags will rely heavily on this season.

TJ Lamar will have an expanded role playing in the post this season. Lamar is only playing organized basketball for the third year and is “raw, but has a high motor.”

There are eight seniors on this year’s Jags team, with Chapman Blevins, Parker Chase, Josh Helms, Alex Buchanan, Nick Richardson and Jackson Bradley making up a large portion of the roster.

Josh Fonbah is a junior, and the Jags have three sophomores in Harrison Stewart, Quinn Davis and Cooper Gann.

Spain Park’s schedule features plenty of topnotch teams, including Scottsboro, Enterprise, Huntsville, Baker, Hoover and Vestavia Hills.

The Jags play in Class 7A, Area 6 against Oak Mountain, Chelsea and Hewitt-Trussville.

LADY JAGS BEGINNING REBUILDING PROCESS

John Hadder built the Vincent High School boys basketball program into a perennial contender. Hadder took Vincent to 12 area titles in the 14 years he coached there, advancing to the state final four twice and finishing as the state runner-up once.

See HOOPS | page B6

Spain Park’s Korbin Long (2) attempts a 3-pointer during an AHSAA Class 7A boys state semifinal game between Central-Phenix City and Spain Park at Legacy Arena at the BJCC on March 2. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.

B2 • December 2023

280 Living

Magnesium, Diabetes & Heart Disease Magnesium is involved in more than 600 different biochemical reactions in your body, a deficiency can contribute to significant health problems, including diabetes. The reality is there are two common pathologies associated with magnesium deficiencies, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

According to research scientist and author Andrea Rosanoff, PhD, “low magnesium may actually be the greatest predictor of heart disease”, from a scientific review at New Hope Network.

As well noted in a 2018 scientific review published in Open Heart journal, a “vast majority of people in modern societies are at risk for magnesium deficiency” due to “chronic diseases, medications, decreases in food crop magnesium contents, and the availability of refined and processed foods.” According to this review, most fail to meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium; 48% of Americans do not get sufficient magnesium from their diet. Among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, the rate of magnesium deficiency is 84%. Type 2 diabetics also tend to be more prone to magnesium deficiency, and magnesium depletion has been found in 75% of patients with poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes, the review states.

Magnesium and your Heart Low magnesium has been linked to a higher risk for high blood pressure, stroke and sudden cardiac death. According to the Open-Heart study authors, “most people need an additional 300 mg of magnesium per day in order to lower their risk of developing numerous chronic diseases,” and this includes heart disease and diabetes. Magnesium supports healthy heart function and helps prevent heart disease by combating inflammation, thereby helping prevent hardening of your arteries, normalizing blood pressure, and improving blood flow by relaxing your arteries and preventing your blood from thickening, allowing it to flow more smoothly.

Magnesium also plays an important role in diabetes. Low magnesium levels have been linked to a higher risk of insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, as it impairs your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, which is important for the prevention of Type 2 diabetes.

Most recently, a study published in October 2019 in the online issue of Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice again linked low magnesium levels with both diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.

As reported by the authors, “the presence

of hypertension significantly increased the probability of diabetes along a wide range of low serum magnesium. A low intake of MRDP [magnesium related dietary pattern] was also positively associated with diabetes and high HbA1c.”

Magnesium supplementation not only can lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes, but also has been shown to improve your condition if you already have full-blown diabetes. This was demonstrated in a 2018 study in the journal Nutrients. Type 2 diabetics who took 250 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day for three months saw a significant improvement in insulin levels and HbA1C (hemoglobin A1c, which is a marker of long-term glucose control) compared to controls.

As noted by the researchers, “The results of this study matched previous studies that concluded that daily oral Mg supplementation substantially improved insulin sensitivity by 10% and reduced blood sugar by 37%.”

The best way to ascertain your magnesium status is to do an RBC magnesium test, which measures the amount of magnesium in your red blood cells, along with tracking any signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency, such as: “charley horses” or spasms in your calf muscle that happen when you stretch your leg, and/or eye twitches, numbness or tingling

in your extremities, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias and/or coronary spasms, increased number of headaches and/or migraines, and low energy, fatigue and/or loss of appetite to name a few. A more exhaustive list can be found in Dr. Carolyn Dean’s blog post, “Gauging Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms,” which will give you a checklist to go through every few weeks.

This will also help you gauge how much magnesium you need to resolve your deficiency symptoms.

For now, if your veggie consumption is low, consider including more magnesium-rich vegetables in your daily diet.

Dark-green leafy vegetables lead the pack when it comes to magnesium content, and juicing your greens is an excellent way to boost your intake. Other foods that are particularly rich in magnesium include raw cacao nibs, unsweetened cocoa powder, avocados, pumpkin and sesame seeds, and herbs like chives and basil. Another way to check your daily magnesium intake from foods is to use a free online nutritional tracker such as cronometer.com. Supplementation is as well an easy way to increase your magnesium. We are here to help. Give us a call or visit us on line. References: Mercola.com.

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280Living.com

December 2023 • B3

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B4 • December 2023

280 Living

Sports Luke Miller (17): Hit field goals of 28 and 39 yards vs. Hewitt-Trussville.

Nick Sulenski (13): Caught TD passes vs. Hoover and Hewitt-Trussville.

UNDER THE LIGHTS Cooper Higgins (13): Combined for 3 TDs (2 rushing, 1 receiving) vs. Calera.

By KYLE PARMLEY The high school football regular season has come to a close. Spain Park finished strong, while Chelsea and Oak Mountain had difficult seasons in Class 7A, Region 3, although all three missed out on the playoffs. At press time, Briarwood was beginning its postseason run.

Stay tuned to 280living.com for playoff coverage.

Here are some highlights from the last few regular season contests.

Photos by SEAN BOWLES, TODD LESTER, DAVID LEONG and JAMES NICHOLAS

Reggie Jackson (2): Finished with 77 receiving yards and a TD vs. HewittTrussville.

Drowdy Hackbarth (17): Threw a TD pass vs. Spain Park.

280Living.com

December 2023 • B5 Brock Bradley (5): Completed 26-of-33 passes for 408 yards and 4 TDs vs. Hewitt-Trussville.

Briarwood defense: Forced two Calera safeties.

Le’Kamren Meadows (6): Scored a rushing TD vs. Thompson.

Jonathan Bibbs (3): Had 194 receiving yards vs. HewittTrussville and 200 yards vs. Pelham.

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B6 • December 2023

280 Living Briarwood’s Caleb Keller (2)

Spain Park’s Jordyn Corey (23)

Briarwood’s Mary Beth Dicen (2)

Photos by Erin Nelson Sweeney.

HOOPS

CONTINUED from page B1 When he retired following last season, he didn’t know what would come next. Until he got a call from Spain Park, asking him to take on the task of leading the girls program.

Although Hadder had not previously coached a girls program, he accepted the job and took over a program that won a Class 7A state championship as recently as 2020, but has since fallen on hard times.

Spain Park won state titles in 2017-18 and 2019-20, but the Lady Jags won just one game last season and Hadder has been tasked with rebuilding the program.

“Even though there have been a lot of challenges, I enjoy it,” he said. “I enjoy getting here every morning.”

Like many coaches inheriting a situation requiring a rebuild, there is always the difficult balance of attempting to win now versus building for the future. The Lady Jags have a pair of seniors this season in Zyian Heyligar and Indiana Gannett, although Gannett will miss the season with an injury.

“We’re dedicated to getting this thing turned around, but it’s going to be a process,” Hadder said. “It’s going to take a few years. We’re just going to build toward that. We can get better as the year goes on.”

The roster has several juniors, headlined by Jordyn Corey and Tori Flournoy, who played key roles last season as well. Trinity Daniels, Mary Cothran Hunter and Campbell Busby are part of that group as well.

Spain Park will even have a pair of seventh graders playing a big part this season, with guards Ava Leonard and Nylah Calhoun showing plenty of promise and potential.

Adriana Britt, Teagan Huey, Kamia Dawsey, Alyssa Cole, Zadi Thompson-McWhorter and Lynlee Franks are also on the team this year.

Over the first two months of the season, the Lady Jags will challenge themselves with teams like Vestavia Hills, Helena, Pell City, Clay-Chalkville, Hoover and Mountain Brook.

Games like that will certainly serve to help the team improve.

“I’m hoping that by the time January rolls around, we have started to jell to where things are second nature. How that translates into results, I can’t speak to that, but if you do those things well [operate offensively and play strong defense], it gives you a chance to find success,” Hadder said.

The Lady Jags will take on Chelsea, Hewitt-Trussville and Oak Mountain in Class 7A, Area 6 play.

MEARS TAKES OVER LIONS

Jeremy Mears has been a head basketball coach before, but that was nearly 20 years ago at Sherwood Christian Academy in Georgia.

For the last 18 years, he’s been an assistant at Briarwood Christian School in different capacities, serving under head coaches Chris Laatsch and Bobby Kerley.

“Those are two guys that know a little bit

YOUNG LADY LIONS SEEKING TO MAKE SPLASH

Chelsea’s Haley Trotter (23)

Chelsea’s Aiden Owens (21)

The Briarwood Christian School girls basketball team is quite young, compared to most of the teams the Lady Lions will play throughout the season.

Briarwood has point guard Mary Beth Dicen as its sole senior, no juniors, a bunch of sophomores and a freshman.

But there is an abundance of varsity experience in a few spots, at least. Dicen is entering her fourth year as a varsity starter. Sophomores Emma Kerley and Ann Tatum Baker will be third-year starters as well.

Head coach Lorie Kerley said the Lady Lions backcourt is a bit undersized, but they make up for that with speed, quickness and shooting ability. The offense is set into motion by Dicen.

“Mary Beth loves to push and play fast in transition,” Kerley said. “I like our speed and our on-ball defense, with girls that can put pressure on the ball. It’s fun to coach girls that can put a lot of pressure on the ball and make things happen on defense.”

Emma Kerley will handle a heavy portion of the scoring and rebounding load, while Baker is one of those tough on-ball defenders that her head coach loves.

Claire Anderson, Clara Crawford and Sasha Munikar are also sophomores on the team.

Sarah Travis is a freshman that will contribute to the Lady Lions this season as well.

Briarwood will compete with solid programs in Helena and Pelham in Class 6A, Area 8.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how January turns out,” Lorie Kerley said. “It could be any of us.”

HORNETS SEARCHING FOR CONSISTENCY

about basketball and a little about coaching young men. I was really blessed to work alongside them,” Mears said.

He believes that experience has prepared him for this time. In addition to that, Mears has a special connection with this particular group of players at Briarwood, as he has two sons on the team and has watched them all grow up playing together.

“I’m excited about this new step,” he said.

“If you can get buy-in with these guys and create that brotherhood and sense of unity, it’s going to give us a chance to be successful and reach our potential.”

This year’s team has seven seniors, with five of them returning after playing in the program

last season, but the Lions lost a few key pieces from last season’s team.

Caleb Keller will start at the point guard slot for the Lions and does all the things a coach likes from that position. He’s a smart player, brings leadership qualities and knows what Mears expects.

Drew Mears is back and will be asked to score the ball quite a bit. Both post players are back for the Lions, as Luke Schultz and Garrett Witherington, who double as linemen on the football team, will be counted upon as well.

Josh Thompson and Eli Stubbs are two other players.

The Lions will play in Class 6A, Area 8 with Pelham and Helena.

Chelsea High School boys basketball coach Nick Baumbaugh sees the potential in this year’s squad. He has seen it show up in practices, in summer games and in other avenues.

He just needs to see it on a more consistent basis if the Hornets are to achieve their goals this season.

“There’s times we’re not playing well, and there’s times we’re playing really well,” he said. “We’ve got to be more consistent or you’re going to get beat.”

Chelsea has no shortage of older players on the roster this year, with nine seniors leading the way. Gavin Collett was a starter last year and set the program record for charges taken.

Braden Macon and Will Lee both came off the bench, but the guards are expected to contribute heavily this season.

Cohen Hester transferred into the program and will be an impactful senior. Avery Futch and Christen Whetstone were heavy contributors last year and will be once again. Jonathan Laughlin and Jaxon Shuttlesworth are both tall forwards who give the Hornets a different dimension. Aidan Cockrell serves as the team’s manager as well.

Aiden Owens will be a third-year starter for the Hornets, while freshman guard Jordan Garcia could make a splash. Chelsea is carrying 14 players on the varsity roster this season.

280Living.com

December 2023 • B7 Oak Mountain’s Raegan Whitaker (10)

Oak Mountain’s Kevin Jasinski (2)

Baumbaugh said his team will be able to put more pressure on teams defensively this year.

As opposed to simply playing a 1-2-2 zone defense most of the time, he thinks his team will be able to mix up defenses effectively and cause issues for the opposition.

Chelsea plays in Class 7A, Area 6 with Hewitt-Trussville, Oak Mountain and Spain Park.

“We’ve got the potential to be really good,” Baumbaugh said. “Multiple coaches like what they see from us, we’ve just got to be consistent day in and day out and game in and game out.”

LADY HORNETS LOOKING FOR NEW LEADERS

Chelsea High School’s girls basketball program enters the season on a five-year streak of playing at the regional tournament, including one trip to the state final four.

The Lady Hornets graduated seven players last season, but head coach Jason Harlow feels like his team is in a good spot, considering how much adversity last year’s team faced

along the way.

As the team worked around injuries to two of its best players, that allowed plenty of room for a player like Haley Trotter to step into a starring role. Trotter returns for her junior season and is already one of the top players in the area.

Olivia Pryor started as an eighth grader last season and is back with a varsity year under her belt. Sadie Schwallie and Caroline Brown are in their junior and sophomore years, respectively.

“We’ve got pieces this year,” Harlow said.

“It’s just up to us to bring it along over the course of the year and continue to improve.”

There are two seniors on this year’s team: softball players Madeline Epperson and Baylor McCluney. Epperson is a returning starter.

“They do everything the right way,” Harlow said. “They’re vocal, work hard, gritty and a great example to the other girls.”

Harlow said freshman Juliann Bass will play a key role this season, and he is excited about the likes of Sydney Carroll and Allie Scott emerging from the junior varsity team to add height to the team’s front line.

The Lady Hornets will play in Class 7A, Area 6 with Hewitt-Trussville, Spain Park and Oak Mountain.

EAGLES CONTINUING WINNING TRADITION

The Oak Mountain High School boys basketball team put together a strong season in Joel Floyd’s first at the helm.

Taking over for Chris Love, who led the program to great heights for many years, is no small task. But Floyd believes that things are moving in the right direction as he enters his second season.

“They’re all bought in and understand and know what to expect from what we want,” he said.

The Eagles lost seven seniors from last year, and there are six seniors stepping into big roles this year. There are also seven juniors that will give the Eagles a big group of upperclassmen.

The biggest of those losses on the scoreboard is Matthew Heiberger. Figuring out who the Eagles will go to when they need a basket late

in games is a process that will work itself out along the way.

“One of the great things for us this year is we’ve got multiple guys that can do that,” Floyd said. “We have multiple guys that can get us a bucket when we need it and can knock down a shot.”

Kevin Jasinski, Grey Williams and Emanuel Johnson are returning seniors who played key roles last year. Sawyer Smith, Cameron Channell and Camden Spangler were all on varsity last season as well and will be asked to step up.

Chase Lamey and Chris Kunard are two juniors to watch out for.

The Eagles play in Class 7A, Area 6 along with Spain Park, Chelsea and Hewitt-Trussville.

Lady Eagles aiming for regional return The Oak Mountain High School girls basketball team is hoping many of the lessons learned from last year’s struggles will reap benefits this season.

“I’m feeling really encouraged,” Lady Eagles head coach Beth Parmer said. “Last year, we had a lot of youth and we had a learning curve.”

Oak Mountain finished with an 8-23 record last season, snapping a three-year streak of advancing to the regional tournament.

“We’ve been very close to being in the elite eight, and that’s where I would love for them to get,” Parmer said. “I want great things for them, because they’ve worked so hard.”

Ella Holt and Raegan Whitaker are the team’s two seniors this season. Whitaker has been a key player for the Lady Eagles for the last several years.

“Raegan has been our constant,” Parmer said. “She’s been our backbone.”

Parmer is also encouraged by the junior class. There are freshmen with promise as well.

“We’ve got a lot of girls that are finally going to get their opportunity this year. They’re eager to prove that they can play,” Parmer said.

Holt said she feels like the team’s physical nature and its ability to get up and down the court at a quick pace will be strengths.

Oak Mountain plays in Class 7A, Area 6 with Chelsea, Spain Park and Hewitt-Trussville.

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B8 • December 2023

280 Living

Briarwood’s Anna Reid Frost (3) hits the ball over the net in a match against Helena in the Class 6A, Area 8 tournament at Pelham High School on Oct. 18.

Photos by Erin Nelson Sweeney.

Lions seniors remembered for on-court production, off-court relationship

By KYLE PARMLEY The Briarwood Christian School volleyball seniors share a common opinion.

They think quite highly of their comedic abilities and believe everyone should be able to experience what the rest of the team has heard on a daily basis throughout the season.

“We are funny,” senior hitter Anna Reid Frost said confidently. “If you mic’d us up, you would laugh.”

Even their head coach, Carly Cline, can do nothing to counter that assertion. Along with Frost, Colleen Lehane, Stella Helms, Caroline Jones and Lindsey Butler kept things light on a daily basis.

“Each one has a great sense of humor,” said Cline, who has known the group since their junior high days. “I cry laughing at practice at least once a week.”

Several of them have played volleyball together in various capacities since third grade, so the familiarity is certainly there. Their bond has only strengthened over the years, and it was on full display each day at practices and in matches.

“We have very different personalities, but they all go together so well,” said Lehane, who moved to setter this season.

There is no telling what kind of jokes are told regularly in their group chat, but they also know when to flip the switch. Briarwood’s varsity volleyball team put together an impressive season, finishing second in Class 6A, Area 8, posting a runner-up finish in the area tournament and qualifying for the South Super Regional for the second straight season.

“The fact that they all get along, they all love each other, they have a mutual respect, it has trickled down to all the other girls. That has made them be a better team than anyone expected them to be,” Cline said.

The Lions won the silver bracket championship at Homewood’s Margaret Blalock Tournament in the last weekend of the regular season and were playing their best volleyball toward the end.

“We keep going up,” Jones said. “Usually, you’ll peak early and go down, but we’re still getting better every game.”

The Lions come together after scoring a point.

There were plenty of milestones for this year’s senior group as well. Helms and Jones surpassed 1,000 career digs, while Lehane cleared 500 career assists.

When asked about the relationship amongst the five of them, the seniors exchange glances that seem to indicate their realization of the bond they share.

“I’ve never been so close to people,” Lehane said.

“I trust y’all,” Jones added.

“Things would be a lot different if we weren’t so close,” said Frost, who was also Briarwood’s

homecoming queen this fall.

“It’s been one of my favorite seasons,” Helms said. “I have so much fun. I look forward to coming to practice.”

They have played different sports over the years. A few played basketball. Frost was a gymnast. Butler was on the track and field team at one time and lists show choir among her additional activities.

Four of them are headed to Auburn University next year, meaning they will keep trying to make people laugh a little longer. As for Helms, she’s still mulling her options.

During the senior night match, all five were on the court at the same time, something that doesn’t happen often because of rotations.

Butler laughed and suggested they let the opposing team score a few points in a row before ending the match because they enjoyed it so much.

“It was so fun,” she said.

They know they will miss playing with each other, but the 2023 season was one that they will most certainly remember for their on-court production and off-court relationship.

“I love them so much,” Cline said.

280Living.com

December 2023 • B9

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B10 • December 2023

280 Living

Sports Editor’s Note By Kyle Parmley

Let them celebrate

Spain Park’s Megan Ingersoll (7) hits the ball at the net in a Class 7A state quarterfinal match against Enterprise at the Birmingham CrossPlex on Nov. 1. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.

Jags finish season at state

By KYLE PARMLEY Spain Park overcame plenty of obstacles this fall but managed to reach the Class 7A state tournament.

Spain Park fell to Enterprise in a highly competitive match in the opening round of the state tournament, held at the Birmingham CrossPlex on Nov. 1. The Jags won the first two sets, before Enterprise rallied to take the final three. Megan Ingersoll had 27 kills and Cailyn

Kyes added 40 assists.

The Jags finished the season with a 21-20 record, but they won the Class 7A, Area 6 tournament and finished second at the North Super Regional. Head coach Kellye Bowen said “grit” was the defining reason the Jags were able to make a strong push toward the end of the season.

“A lot of people counted us out three weeks ago,” she said.

As someone who covers plenty of high school sports throughout the year, I get the great opportunity to see many, many teams be crowned champions.

Area champions, regional champions, state champions. There are so many trophies handed out during the course of all the seasons.

For example, if you go to the Super 7 high school football state championships, you’ll see eight state titles awarded over a three-day period.

I can easily see how you become numb Parmley to that, if you work a large number of championship events. You see the same movie unfold over and over. Team A wins and rushes the field in a bundle of elation and claims a trophy for its efforts. Rinse, repeat.

I’m often frustrated at how the teams that win these championship events are stifled in the immediate aftermath of victory. After a very brief explosion of joy, players and coaches are shuffled back to their places so that the mundane and repetitive awards ceremony can commence.

For the high school athletic teams in this state, they are told that reaching these championship events is the pinnacle of their seasons. But too often, they are only allowed to celebrate for a single moment and then moved out of the way for the next title game.

What gets lost so often is the context each team carries at the end of a season. The teams fortunate enough to win a state championship have logged countless hours, days and months with each other, achieving triumphs and persevering through struggles along the way. They didn’t just show up at the end ready to win it all.

These coaches and athletes have dedicated their lives for a portion of time to ensure that their particular team has a chance at glory.

While those of us who are fortunate enough to cover these events regularly can always come back next year, many of the players and coaches get one shot at claiming a state title. The least we can do is allow them to bask in the moment of reaching the mountaintop of their sport.

It’ll be OK if the next game starts a few minutes later than planned. The teams deserve at least a minute or two to soak up a championship moment.

Let them enjoy it!

Kyle Parmley is the sports editor at Starnes Media.

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280Living.com

December 2023 • B11

Varsity Sports Calendar BASKETBALL

al. Pelham High School.

BRIARWOOD

Dec. 19: @ Spain Park. 6 p.m.

Dec. 6: Girls @ Childersburg.

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 20: Patriot Scramble.

Homewood High School.

Dec. 8: vs. Woodlawn. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Mountain High School.

Homewood High School.

Dec. 15: vs. Sylacauga. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 15: vs. Mountain Brook.

Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 19: Boys @ Hueytown.

4 p.m.

BOWLING

OAK MOUNTAIN

Dec. 18-20: Girls at Lady Eagles Christmas Classic. Oak Mountain High School.

Dec. 18-20: Boys at Helena Tournament. Helena High School.

SPAIN PARK

OAK MOUNTAIN

Dec. 5: Tri-match vs. Oak

Dec. 20-22: Boys at Woodlawn Christmas Tournament. Woodlawn High School.

Dec. 28-30: Boys at Big Orange Classic. Hoover High School.

Dec. 28-30: Girls at Alabaster City Classic. Thompson High School.

CHELSEA Dec. 1: vs. Thompson. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 5: Boys @ Helena. 7 p.m.

Dec. 7: @ Pelham. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 8: Boys @ Thompson.

7 p.m.

Dec. 12: @ Northridge. Girls at 6

Dec. 18-20: Girls at Lady Eagles Christmas Classic.

Oak Mountain High School.

Dec. 27-29: Boys at Athens Tournament. Athens High School.

OAK MOUNTAIN Dec. 1: @ Helena. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 4: Girls vs. Cullman. 6 p.m.

Dec. 8: @ Vestavia Hills. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 11: Girls @ Huntsville.

6 p.m.

Dec. 15: Girls vs. Thompson.

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 18-20: Girls at Lady Eagles Christmas Classic. Oak

Dec. 29-30: Scott Rohrer Invitational. Finley Center.

Mountain, Vestavia Hills. Chel-

Dec. 4: vs. Hoover. Vestavia Bowl.

3:30 p.m.

Dec. 1: Girls @ John Carroll.

6 p.m.

Dec. 1: Boys @ Hoover. 7 p.m.

Dec. 5: @ Thompson. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 8: vs. Homewood. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 9: vs. Huffman. Oxford High School. 10 a.m.

Dec. 15: vs. McAdory. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

sea High School. 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 5: vs. Spain Park, Pelham.

Oak Mountain Lanes. 4 p.m.

Dec. 15-16: Pelham Invitation-

Dec. 7: vs. Helena, St. Clair County. Oak Mountain Lanes. 4 p.m.

Dec. 21: Indians Invitational.

WRESTLING

Dec. 29-30: Scott Rohrer Invi-

al. Pelham High School.

Wetumpka High School.

tational. Finley Center.

Dec. 5: Tri-match vs. Oak Mountain, Vestavia Hills. Chelsea High School. 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 19: Girls vs. Gardendale.

5 p.m.

Dec. 8-9: Spartan Invitational.

Mountain Brook High School.

Dec. 20-22: Boys at Mako Classic. Orange Beach High School.

Dec. 28-30: Metro Tournament.

SPAIN PARK Dec. 5: Home match. 6 p.m.

Dec. 8-9: Swede Umbach Invitational. Auburn High School.

Dec. 12: Home match. 6 p.m.

Dec. 13: vs. Hewitt-Trussville.

6 p.m.

Dec. 21: Girls vs. Bessemer City. 6 p.m.

Mountain Brook High School.

Dec. 6: vs. Calera. Oak Mountain Lanes. 4 p.m.

CHELSEA

Dec. 18: Girls vs. Westminster-Oak Mountain. 6 p.m.

Dec. 8-9: Spartan Invitational.

Dec. 19: vs. Chelsea. 6 p.m.

Dec. 15-16: Pelham Invitation-

Dec. 30: @ Hoover. TBA.

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B12 • December 2023

280 Living

Opinion Sean of the South By Sean Dietrich

The Soloist I was 11. I was invited to try out for the Christmas community choir. A lady visited our church to conduct the auditions.

I had been practicing for three weeks, learning the lyrics to “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

My father, the welder, took me to the audition after work. Before it was my turn to sing, he gave me a pep talk.

“Knock it outta the park,” he said.

“Like Mickey Mantle, you hear?”

I sang for the lady in the wire-rimmed glasses who held the clipboard. She was less than impressed with me.

“Stop singing!” she shouted, interrupting my song. “We’re looking for something else, I’m sorry. Next please?”

My father stormed forward from the back of the church. He looked like he was on his way to pick a fight with an umpire.

“Now wait a minute, lady,” he said. “I demand you let my boy finish his song.

He’s been working on it for weeks. What kind of heartless woman doesn’t let a kid finish his song?”

The woman’s mouth dropped open.

She looked at my father like he’d lost his mind.

She sat down and asked me to sing it again. I cleared my throat. I sang. I did much better than before. It wasn’t a home run, per se, but more like an outfield triple.

I got the part.

I was 15 feet tall. Until that day, I’d never done anything special with my life — unless you counted the noises I could

make with my armpits.

Daddy.

I was a chubby kid with “You’re gonna be fine.” awkward features. I was “But what if I mess neither handsome, nor up?” athletic.

“You won’t.”

But now, I was a soloist.

“I gotta puke.”

It took months of prepa“Listen to me,” he said. ration to get it right. Each “Singing is just like baseday after school, I would ball, you stand at the plate, rehearse for my mother you relax, you hit the ball. in the kitchen while she Now you’re gonna go knock that ball outta the made supper.

On the night of the park, got it?”

Dietrich performance, my father I almost lost my lunch arrived home an hour late. on his boots.

He wheeled into our driveway, kicking The chapel was ornate. I have never gravel behind his tires. seen so many people crammed into one My mother flew off the porch, carrying place — there must’ve been three counmy choir robe on a hanger. “You’re late!” ties in attendance. A small community she shouted at him. My mother gasped orchestra played. The choir sang. Then when she saw my father. came my solo.

And …

“You’re filthy!” she said. “You can’t go like that!”

I choked.

His denim clothes were stained, he I missed my cue. Maybe it was because smelled like diesel, his skin was painted of the large audience, or the three-story with soot. stained glass, or the beautiful choir. I “The boss made me work late,” he said. opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

“Ain’t got time to change.”

The music came to a screeching My mother wished me luck with a kiss halt. The choir director almost passed a on the forehead and stayed behind. My kidney stone. Everyone knew something father sped through the night. was wrong. The silence of the hall was We arrived at a Presbyterian church deafening. with lots of cars in the parking area. FamThis is how I would die, I thought. On ilies were walking into the chapel dressed a stage, wearing a starched robe. in Christmas finery.

Then, I saw him.

“I think I’m gonna be sick,” I told He was in the back of the room, a mile

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away. The sooty man, sitting in a pew surrounded by people in fancy clothes.

People who had scooted away from him.

And that look he wore. It was pride. His boy was on the platform.

Suddenly, I was less worried. I forgot where I was. The audience disappeared.

The next thing I knew, I was singing.

By the second verse, every voice in the audience had joined me. Hundreds of voices, following mine. And from the back of the chapel, candles were being lit, one by one, until the place was illuminated with a million lights.

When the concert finished, my father met me backstage. His eyes were raw and red. There were tear-trails on his dirty cheeks.

The choir director congratulated me.

Then, she shook my father’s filthy hand.

“Merry Christmas,” she said.

But he couldn’t seem to speak. All he could manage to say was, “That’s my boy.” Then he said it again.

He took me into town to eat a chili dog.

We ate on the tailgate. We stayed up late.

We laughed.

That was our last Christmas together.

If you get a chance today, tell your kids how proud they make you.

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.

280Living.com

December 2023 • B13

Holy Moly Motherhood By Alana Smith

Eternity in a personally meaningful place

Christmas Morning I like to do Christmas If you like to do it up morning big. Nothing on Christmas with lots of extravagant, but usually a gifts, don’t feel bad about it. There are only a few fun, large gift and several short years where your smaller toys, books and candy. I really want the children will be old enough excitement and the “Look at to remember believing in this! Oh wait, look at this!”

Santa, so give whatever reaction from my boys. amount works for your Some mommas like to family. They have their give three presents, just like entire lives to be practical.

Jesus. That’s probably the And, if you crave a more most practical and humble simple Christmas, then Smith simplify away. Don’t let way to celebrate, and I think that’s wonderful. anyone make you feel like Some moms are just doing their best to you aren’t doing enough. Christmas mornget one thing for each kid this year. And ing is a feeling, one that you create with momma, if this is you, they will love what- excitement and love, and the joy of Christ.

There’s no right or wrong way. ever you have under the tree.

I think the way we celebrate Christmas is We are stretched so thin around the hola reflection of our childhood — either you idays that it’s easy to let the magic pass us yearn for nostalgia and do it the way your by. So this Christmas Eve, when you finally family did, or you want a totally different hit your pillow, close your eyes and rememexperience. ber that childhood excitement — searching Some of us wrap nothing. Some wrap the sky for a sleigh, listening for Santa and everything. Gifts may be under the tree or thinking to yourself that there’s only one laid out on the couch or floor. more sleep ‘til Christmas! And know that Some have everyone in matching family joy is coming in the morning. pajamas on Christmas morning, and some Merry Christmas to you and yours! are lucky to get anyone in their pajamas With love, at all.

Holy Moly Motherhood Some of us want a fancy meal on Christmas night, and some want to eat breakfast Alana is a nurse anesthetist, writer food and Reese’s Cups all day long. and boy mom (ages 8 and 3), who lives I imagine there are spousal disputes on in north Shelby County with her huswhich way is right. However you choose band, kids and Boxer, Sam. When she’s to celebrate, I hope it brings you joy. If it not writing or chasing little humans, doesn’t, change it. she can usually be found in the aisles of If traveling on Christmas Day is stress- Target. She shares her writings at Holy ing you out, well, don’t travel. Feel free to Moly Motherhood (on Facebook and just lounge in the afterglow of your morn- Instagram), where she takes on all things motherhood and marriage. ing festivities.

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B14 • December 2023

280 Living

Real Estate

By the numbers: October 2022 vs. 2023

119 119 65

35243 35242 35242 65

3522665

35242 65

35216

35043 35043

Note: Data provided by the Greater Alabama Multiple Listing Service on Nov. 7, 2023

Recently sold homes along U.S. 280 Corridor

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► ADDRESS: 5583 Double Oak Lane ► BED/BATH: 4/4.5 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,406 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: North Shelby County ► SALE PRICE: $645K

► ADDRESS: 7017 Inverness Green Lane ► BED/BATH: 3/2 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,040 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Inverness ► SALE PRICE: $510K

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► ADDRESS: 3047 Madison Lane ► BED/BATH: 3/2 ► SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,997 sq. ft. ► NEIGHBORHOOD: Chelsea Park ► SALE PRICE: $325K SOURCE: GREATER ALABAMA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

280Living.com

December 2023 • B15

Metro Roundup HOOVER

Council OKs $1.8 million in tax breaks for BioCryst

By JON ANDERSON The Hoover City Council on Nov. 6 approved $1.8 million worth of tax breaks for BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, for a $22 million expansion project the company plans to undertake in Riverchase.

BioCryst plans to add about 20,000 square feet Brought to of lab space at its Disyou by our covery Center of Excelsister paper: lence in the Riverchase Center office complex in Riverchase Corporate Park, said Paul Kenhooversun.com drick, a construction project manager for the company. The expansion should boost the company’s total footprint there to about 49,000 square feet. It also will add about 70 Ph.D.-level jobs over the next two years, Kendrick said.

Greg Knighton, the city of Hoover’s economic development manager, told the Hoover City Council those jobs should pay an average salary of $172,000 per year, adding more than $11.5 million in annual payroll, which should be an economic stimulus for the community.

While the company is getting a 10-year break on non-educational property taxes and a break on construction-related sales and use taxes, the expansion project should boost property taxes paid to Hoover City Schools by about $97,000 a year, which is nearly $1 million over the 10-year period, Knighton said.

Also, building permit fees for the addition and other renovation work should generate another $252,000 in revenue for the city,

BioCryst researchers work in the lab at BioCryst Pharmaceuticals in Hoover. The company plans to expand its lab facilities in Riverchase. Photo courtesy of BioCryst Pharmaceuticals.

he said.

“This is just a home-run project,” Knighton said, noting that it falls within one of Hoover’s target growth industries — life science.

The total amount of tax abated that would have gone to the city of Hoover is estimated to be about $753,000, while the county and state taxes abated are estimated at a little more than $1 million, Knighton said.

Sherry Hiett, associate director of business operations for BioCryst, said the company is excited to see the continued growth of the

biotech community in Hoover.

BioCryst was founded in Birmingham by two biochemistry professors at the University of Alabama - Birmingham in 1986 and opened its drug discovery center in Riverchase in the 1990s, Knighton said.

The company’s headquarters is now split between Durham, North Carolina, and Dublin, Ireland, and it has many regional offices around the world, but all of the company’s research and development is done in Hoover, Kendrick said.

Hiett thanked the Hoover City Council for

both partnering with BioCryst and creating communities that are desirable for people pursuing careers in the biotechnology industry.

“As a company with deep roots in Alabama, we greatly appreciate the support of the city in helping us to go faster to discover, develop and deliver potentially life-changing therapies to patients both locally and around the world,” she said.

BioCryst develops oral small-molecule and protein therapeutic drugs to target difficult-to-treat diseases.

“The medicines we discover and develop at our Discovery Center of Excellence in Hoover can help people living with rare diseases who are in need of new treatment options,” BioCryst President and CEO Jon Stonehouse said in a press release. “In Hoover, we can attract worldclass talent at a lower cost of investment compared to other areas.”

Hoover Council President John Lyda said the city is thankful to have been a part of BioCryst’s growth, and “we look forward to future growth as well.”

Mayor Frank Brocato said BioCryst is truly one of Alabama’s great innovation success stories, and he is thrilled the company is continuing its growth in Hoover.

“This development marks a milestone in our journey towards fostering an innovation and biotech ecosystem,” Brocato said in a news release. “The cutting-edge drug development happening at this facility holds the potential to transform the landscape of health care and improve countless lives across the globe. We are honored to support this company and their expansion.”

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