280 Living December 2024

By SAVANNAH SCHMIDT

“I’m just gonna go for it” is an unlikely phrase to come to mind when confronted with the danger of fighting fires.

However, 22-year-old Brooke Burback’s words encapsulate the intelligence, fearlessness and strength needed to become the first female firefighter in Mountain Brook in over 10 years.

Born and raised in Chelsea, young Burback was enamored by her father’s childhood wish to become a firefighter. “We used to be so nosy,” Burback laughed, remembering how she and her father drove behind fire engines to watch them work.

“I remember knowing everyone in Chelsea. It was a very small town feel,” Burback said.

“I spent my whole life playing sports, always outside, always working hard,” she added.

“During Christmas break, I would go to the batting cages in Chelsea at midnight with my dad.

One last Christmas for trees at Lloyd’s lot

By EMILY REED

Every Christmas for the last 27 years, Chelsea resident Eric Turner has made the drive up U.S. 280 to the lot next to the now-closed Lloyd’s Restaurant to buy his Christmas trees.

“For me, it is important to know the people I buy things from,” Turner said. “When my family moved to Chelsea years ago, we needed a Christmas tree, and we stopped by the Christmas tree

lot at the old Lloyd’s Restaurant on 280, and that is how it all started.”

Turner has been buying his family’s Christmas tree from Bobby D’s Christmas Tree lot since 1997.

“We became friends with the Daniels family and just really liked them,” Turner said.

See TREES | page A26

Brooke Burback completes a search-and-rescue exercise at the Over the Mountain Regional Training Center in Mountain Brook on Oct. 1. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

The Lloyd’s Restaurant tree lot on U.S. 280 is the last stop for Bobby D’s Christmas trees after a long journey from their roots in Boone, North Carolina.

Photo courtesy of Bobby D’s Christmas Trees.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Encouraging your team to give back

Community involvement continues to be a core value for many brands. Through corporate social responsibility efforts, companies seek ways to support their community and encourage their employees to give back as well. At Valley, we have a culture of volunteerism and most of our branch managers here in Alabama serve on local nonprofit boards, using that involvement to share expertise and create meaningful change in their communities.

I serve on two boards: The Arc of Shelby County, where they empower individuals with developmental disabilities and Alabama Microenterprise Network, a statewide nonprofit association that exists to bridge the divide between microbusinesses, the entities that serve them, and the communities that benefit from them. Both organizations do great work in the community and align with my personal and professional passions.

Whether your team can give your time, talent or money, here are four main benefits of encouraging your team to volunteer.

Build community engagement

Volunteering with a local nonprofit offers professionals a unique opportunity for community engagement and fostering meaningful connections. Even if you’re just giving your time, this involvement strengthens professional networks and enhances personal growth by providing a deeper understanding of community needs. Contributing to meaningful causes and experiencing their positive impact is rewarding, too. Recently, our team volunteered with the local United Way chapter to learn more about nonprofits and help allocate donations.

Increase teamwork experiences

Another great benefit of volunteering is the team bonding experience. Most companies take initiative to bring the team together, whether hosting a company retreat, luncheon or pizza party. Still, volunteering is arguably the most effective method for team bonding.

Volunteering as a team brings opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration and allows team members to see their colleagues outside of work. In the spirit of teamwork, we recently volunteered at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama in Birmingham, where we were able to grow as a team and connect with people in the community who needed our help.

Provide networking and professional development

In my experience, volunteering with a local nonprofit is a powerful platform for individuals to connect with influential community members and collaborate with others who are passionate about making a difference. It’s a unique networking opportunity that levels the playing field. When you’re out in the community, you aren’t an entrylevel employee and a senior director; you’re two people working together for a common cause.

Serving on boards or in leadership positions further enhances this impact, enabling individuals to use their skills to drive positive change and strengthen the community.

Create skill sharing opportunities

One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering is sharing your experience and passions with the community. Recently, my team volunteered with Junior Achievement of Alabama to bring financial literacy to inner-city schools.

As a banker, this gave me the opportunity to share my talents with young minds and show them a path forward in the financial field. Not only was it rewarding for me, but it truly makes a difference for my community. No matter what field your career is in, there are opportunities for you to connect with the next generation for educational outreach.

For me, volunteering comes back to the question, “If not me, then who?” Nonprofit organizations can’t survive without community involvement and it’s our responsibility as professionals in Alabama to be involved. If you don’t know where to start, give me a call and I can connect you with one of the organizations mentioned above.

Joe Taunton is a Market Manager for Valley Bank, based in Birmingham. He has been in the banking industry for over 10 years.

Make Every Second Count

Amazing care happens in Grandview Medical Center’s fast ER. We keep hearts beating, keep lungs breathing, stop strokes, mend broken bones, and we’re always ready to care for a multitude of serious injuries and illnesses. If it’s a heart attack, remember that fast care can stop heart damage and let healing begin. Act quickly to seek care, and know that we’re ready in a heartbeat.

For more information, visit GrandviewEmergencyRoom.com or scan the QR code.

ABOUT US

Editor’s Note By Taylor Bright

Since it’s our December edition, we have a winter holiday-themed story on the final year of the Christmas tree lot tradition at Lloyd’s restaurant.

If you remember, Lloyd’s closed last year. For the last 30 years, the Daniels family has been coming down to Birmingham from North Carolina to sell Christmas trees in the lot next to the restaurant. Fortunately, Christmas trees will be at the lot for one last year before the family moves to a location on Alabama 119. Also, fortunately, the Daniels family farm was not harmed by Hurricane Helene, which devastated much of Western North Carolina, where the family has its farm. Our reporter Emily Reed talked to Josh

Daniels, who has taken over the family’s Christmas tree operation.

We also have an inspiring story about Brooke Burback, a Chelsea native and softball standout, who will be Mountain Brook’s first woman firefighter in the last 10 years. Savannah

Schmidt talked to Burback about the challenges of becoming a firefighter and the determination she has to follow her dream.

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Tattersall Park zoning case set for Dec. 9 hearing

By JON ANDERSON

Ebsco Industries has had its eye on the Tattersall Park property near Greystone since the 1980s.

The company bought the vacant land from Daniel Corp. in 1989 with covenants on the property that required the land to be used for commercial purposes only.

Ebsco got approval from the city of Hoover to add residential uses to the mix in 2002, but when the economy soured and nothing was done, the mixed-use zoning that had been approved went away and the property reverted to its previous zoning, which did not allow for residential use.

This October, Ebsco asked the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission to alter the plans again and allow more than 300 multi-family residential units as part of a mixed-use plan for 33 acres of land left undeveloped in Tattersall Park, but nearby residents in Greystone and some other communities objected, saying they prefer the property be used for commercial purposes.

At the request of Ebsco and development partner CR-Endeavors, the zoning board continued the case to give the developers time to meet with opponents and try to reach a more satisfactory plan.

The case was scheduled to come back to the zoning board on Nov. 12, but developers sought another continuance until Dec. 9 to give more time for revisions and discussion.

A modified plan for 33 acres in Tattersall Park calls for 170 apartments for people age 55 and older and 120126 other multifamily units, 30 to 36 of which would be condos. The plan also includes a 125-room hotel, 7,000 square feet available for retail stores, likely three restaurant spaces and 7 acres of green space. Map courtesy of the city of Hoover.

In mid-November, the developers shared a modified plan. It called for 170 apartments for people age 55 or older, but the number of other multifamily units was reduced from 137.5

units to 120 or 126 multifamily units, and 30 to 36 of those units would be condos instead of apartments, spokesman David Davis said.

Ashley Lovell, a Greystone resident

who has led opposition to Ebsco’s plan thus far, said developers told her that if the units now proposed as condos sell well enough, the developers might consider converting more apartments

into condos.

Also, she said a parking study was pending, but developers indicated some other proposed commercial space may be reduced to provide additional parking and that one of the proposed buildings might house a Hoover Public Library branch.

A planned 125-room hotel likely would be five stories tall, and condo buildings would be three to four stories tall, Lovell said. There would be 7,000 square feet available for retail stores and likely three restaurant spaces, she said.

Lovell said that, for her, the revisions are not enough and that she is not in favor of the traditional apartments proposed. However, she is sharing the revised plan with residents of Greystone and other nearby communities and wants residents to voice their thoughts about the revisions in a new survey.

She and others have created a website called Greystone.org that has a Tattersall Park tab with additional information about the status of the Tattersall Park plan, as presented to residents by developers. A link to that survey will be on that website, she said.

The zoning case is slated for consideration by the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Hoover City Hall. The zoning board also has a work session at 5 p.m. that is open to the public, but decisions don’t come until the action meeting at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to ask questions and comment.

City

of Chelsea gives local schools $100,000

By LOYD McINTOSH

The Chelsea City Council approved a $15,000 education grant for an outdoor classroom at Chelsea Middle School during its regular meeting on Nov. 12, bringing the total amount of grants given recently to $100,000.

“As a granddad of three students at the middle school, I’d like to say ‘thank you’ to the council for all that you’ve done,” said Mayor Tony Picklesimer. “We just got through with approving a big round of [education grants] for all four of our schools, and I’m certainly happy to see this one.”

With council members Arthur Fisher and Casey Morris unable to attend and Chris Grace,

whose wife, Gina, is on the faculty of Chelsea Middle School, recusing himself, the vote to fund the project was cast by Scott Weygand, Cody Summers and Picklesimer.

In their Oct. 15 meeting, the council approved motions which gave Chelsea Middle, Chelsea High, Forest Oaks Elementary and Chelsea Park Elementary grants to the tune of approximately $85,000.

The City of Chelsea has previously contributed $5 million to Chelsea High School for the upgrade of its athletic facilities, including a new visitor’s stand and jumbotron. It also has a grant program in place for local teachers, which has given them resources like Chromebooks and other classroom supplies.

Construction of the new classrooms and gymnasium at Chelsea Park Elementary School last year. The project was funded in part by money from the Chelsea City Council, which gave more money to local schools last month. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.

More Bible classes could be coming to schools in north Shelby

By TAYLOR BRIGHT

A group that facilitates Bible education classes says students in several Shelby County schools will be able to take Bible classes as part of their initiative.

The group, School Ministries Alabama, headquartered off of U.S. 280 near Brook Highland, said students are allowed to use free time in their days to leave school and attend events as part of the Alabama Extended Learning Opportunities Act passed in 2021.

Oak Mountain Intermediate School is already participating in the program, with Chelsea Park Elementary School, Mt Laurel Elementary School and Forest Oaks Elementary School set to participate, said WInston Greer, director and executive secretary of the School Ministries Alabama Board of Directors.

The 2021 law had a propulsive effect on the group, Greer said. Instead of trying to persuade local school boards that the classes were within the bounds of the law, they were able to make formal applications to the officials for consideration, and acceptance.

“The Extended Learning Opportunities Act is what really helped springboard us,” Greer said.

Greer said while School Ministries Alabama has been helped by recently relies primarily on a 1950s U.S. Supreme Court decision, it also has the legal support of two Alabama state laws authorizing releasedtime education.

The group said similar classes have been held nationally for more than 100 years, but it is a recent concept in Alabama. Greer credits the misunderstanding of the program to the often-taught concept of separation of

church and state.

“Most Americans become concerned when government administration, whether federal, state or local, appears to somehow be involved with ‘establishment of religion’ in violation of the First Amendment,” Greer said. “This is especially true when government oversight is somehow involved in a constitutionally permissible free exercise of religion.”

Greer cautions the ability to take the classes is not a right that can be demanded from a local school system or individual school, but an addition that may be offered by a school or system.

School Ministries Alabama said its goal is to help facilitate the classes and does not teach the classes — that decision is made by the school system or individual school, also known as local education agencies (LEAs), working with third parties to make sure regulations are being followed.

“This includes reviewing applications or petitions from parents, students or releasedtime Bible education program providers, such as School Ministries Alabama, to ensure alignment and compliance with LEA-adopted policies or practices regarding released-time education,” Greer said.

Kasey Burleson, president of School Ministries Alabama, said the classes may be the first opportunity for some students to have exposure to the Bible with their parents’ permission and within state law.

“School Ministries Alabama works within the legal boundaries of the U.S. Constitution and Alabama state law to offer an opportunity for public school students to receive, with the permission of a parent, Bible education during the structure of the school day, and at no cost to the school,” Burleson said.

Oak Mountain Elementary students play Bible bingo.

School Ministries Alabama takes children to First Baptist Church at Indian Springs for released-time Bible education on Nov. 7. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

an Instant Classic

That’s the face of joy! Heather Joy Robinson loved her 2020 Buick Envision for years, but recently she came to the corner of I-65 and Highway 31 looking for an upgrade. Buick has made great strides in connectivity, curb appeal, and luxury; after checking out her options, Mrs. Robinson clearly agreed! She went with a new 2024 model of her beloved Envision and never looked back. For every upgrade there’s Royal.

The 2024 Envision encompasses everything you want in a compact SUV. Nearly 53 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded adds versatility to its luxurious interior. A suite of advanced safety and driverassistance technologies* help you keep eyes on everything happening around you in real time. The largest in its class** Ultrawide 30” diagonal screen makes your experience behind the wheel beautiful. Test drive yours where I-65 meets Highway 31 in Vestavia.

Mrs. Robinson upgraded her 2020 Buick Envision for a new 2024 model!

SCHOOLHOUSE

In the Classroom

GET TO KNOW ACCOLADES

By STAFF

Spain Park High School hosted the 23rd Annual Academic Letter Awards Ceremony to honor the students who demonstrated “outstanding academic performance” and ranked in the top 10% of their class during the 2023-24 academic year.

The award is the school’s most prestigious academic honor, recognizing both academic achievement and commitment to excelling in a challenging college environment.

First-year recipients were awarded a medal, second-year honorees received a trophy and third-year recipients were presented with a framed Spain Park letter.

“This event highlights and celebrates our students for their pursuit of academic excellence,” said Amanda Esslinger, Spain Park’s principal. “So many of these students are also involved in many extracurricular and/or co-curricular activities. As a school community, we are proud to recognize the students’ hard work, dedication and achievement.”

In addition to their academic accomplishments, students earning their second or third academic letters and holding letters in athletics, fine arts or community service were presented with the prestigious Crossed Swords Award.

The Spirit of Cahaba, the Oak Mountain High School marching band, won several awards at the 44th Annual Pell City Marching Band Festival. They earned straight Superior ratings in all caption awards. The majorettes and color guard won Best in Class awards for the Open Class. The overall band was also recognized with the final award for having the highest music score of the competition.

By STAFF

Roberta Dunnaway is a paraprofessional at Oak Mountain High School

Q: What inspired you to work in the education industry?

A: I love the students, and I wanted to make a difference in my local community with kids. I started out subbing, meeting all the students and meeting the teachers, they hired me on with working in a special education department.

Q: What is something great about your school?

A: I love how the teachers really focus on each student's individual needs. I have noticed a lot at Oak Mountain High School where the teachers look at the students and their individual learning style and their individual needs and really focus on what will be the best to help them succeed.

Q: Tell us something about you that people might not know.

A: For a long time, I was a stay-at-home mom and focused on my kids, and now that I'm working in education, I'm working using my degree and hoping to make a difference with other students that I learned from my kids. They might think that I've been at the school forever, but I've only been at the school for a year.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of

your job?

A: The most rewarding thing that I see is the students blossoming and growing and maturing and becoming independent — even the students that are non-verbal in our class — just to watch them become independent and do things on their own is very rewarding.

Photo courtesy of Roberta Dunnaway.

From left: Michael Ritchey, George Ritchey, Nathan Byrd, Elijah Blair, J.D. Bonamy and Zachary Erickson gathered together after the Academic Letter Awards Ceremony. Over 120 Spain Park students were named Academic Letter Award recipients. Photo courtesy of Spain Park High School.

Business Buzz

BUSINESS HAPPENINGS

NOW OPEN

The Lloyd's Christmas Tree Lot has recently opened for the 33rd year of business on U.S. 280. The lot features Fraser fir Christmas trees, freshly cut from the forests of North Carolina and delivered to Alabama. The Daniels family offers customers trees of all sizes, freshly cut wreaths and garland, plus an experienced crew to help carry, cut, trim and load the tree onto your vehicle. The lot was planning to open this year in a new space at 6930 Cahaba Valley Road, located on Alabama 119, due to the closing of Lloyd’s Restaurant and that property being for sale. The new location was not ready in time, so the Lloyd’s Restaurant lot owners allowed the Daniels family to set up the red-and-white striped tent there one last time. Customers can stop by from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

828-387-0976, facebook.com/p/Lloyds-Tree-Lot

The Clotherie boutique is now open in Hoover in the Inverness Corners shopping center. This is the second location for the boutique, with the flagship store located in Alabaster. Customers can find clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry and more. Business hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. 205-983-3940, shoptheclotherie.com

Academy Sports + Outdoors has recently opened the franchise’s 16th Alabama store in the River Ridge Shopping Center on U.S. 280. Customers can expect to find outdoor gear; apparel for men, women and children; and sporting equipment. Shoppers can stop by the store Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

659-284-3810, academy.com

BAM's Coin Laundry is a laundromat equipped with large capacity washers and dryers, detergent dispenser, bill changer and free Wi-Fi. Located at 190 Chelsea Corners, Suite 109, BAM’s is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 205-618-9096, bamscoinlaundry.net

COMING SOON

BOSS, a German fashion brand, is coming to the Summit Birmingham by the end of the year. The store will be between Warby Parker and Bath & Body Works. The store will carry casualwear, suits and denim for men and women. No official opening date has been set, but follow “The Summit - Birmingham, AL” Facebook page for updates.

205-967-0111, thesummitbirmingham.com

PERSONNEL MOVES

Ronnie Smith, head of the corporate banking group for Regions Bank, plans to retire at the end of the year following more than four decades of service to Regions and its predecessor banks. Brian Willman, head of commercial banking for Regions, will succeed Smith in the corporate banking group, and Nikki Stephenson, head of credit products for Regions, will be elevated to serve as head of commercial banking. Smith began his career in 1981 at Deposit Guaranty National Bank in Mississippi, one of the banks that would ultimately combine to become Regions. Smith held numerous leadership roles before he was named head of the corporate banking group in 2018. Willman joined Regions in 2009 as community banking executive serving Georgia and South Carolina. He was later elevated to further leadership roles and became head of commercial banking in early 2020. Stephenson joined Regions’ capital markets division in 2008 from SunTrust Bank and has held a number of leadership roles throughout her tenure.

1-800-734-4667, regions.com

ANNIVERSARIES

The Taco Mama franchise is celebrating 13 years in business. The restaurant’s original location opened in November 2011 in Mountain Brooks’s Crestline Village. Since then, the restaurant has expanded to 10 locations including Alabama 119 and off U..S 280 in The Summit. Taco Mama is known for “build your own” tacos, quesadillas, burritos and bowls, plus an extensive margarita menu. The Alabama 119 and Summit locations are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 8 p.m. Sunday.

Alabama 119: 205-705-3333, Summit: 205-977-7792; tacomamaonline.com

The Chelsea location of American Family Care has been open for one year at 12375 Chelsea Road #100. Patients can receive flu shots, physicals, primary care, routine checkups, urgent care, vaccines, wellness physicals, X-rays and more. AFC has other local clinics throughout the area, including in Greystone. The Chelsea clinic is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 205-677-6401, afcurgentcare.com/chelsea

Frances Valentine is celebrating two years at The Summit. The store specializes in women’s clothing that promises to be mood-boosting and friendship-inspiring. Frances Valentine is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. 205-538-5276, francesvalentine.com

Johnny Was is celebrating their two-year anniversary at The Summit. The store carries bohemian clothing, accessories and more and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

659-599-7054, johnnywas.com

Do you have news to share about a business along the U.S. 280 corridor or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

280 Living is spotlighting local businesses in print and online. Submit your business for consideration here: go.starnesmedia.com/business-spotlight

Pandora is celebrating their two-year anniversary at The Summit. The store offers a wide selection of charms, rings, earrings and watches. Pandora is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. 205-203-0062, us.pandora.net

Next Day Access Birmingham, located at 12585 Old Highway 280, Suite 107, in Chelsea, is celebrating one year as a provider of accessibility and mobility solutions. The business offers wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, grab bars and more. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 205-974-6891, nextdayaccess.com

Moores Mill Monograms has been open in the Chelsea Creek Crossings shopping center for one year. They specialize in embroidery and can add personalization to purchased items. Store hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

205-618-9190, instagram.com/mooresmillmonograms

Valley Tax Partners is celebrating 11 years in business at 2271 Valleydale Road, Suite 305. The company offers tax services for individuals and businesses. The business is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Potential clients can send a message on their website.

205-518-8850, valleytaxpartners.com

As of December, WDI Enterprises, located on Valleydale Road, will be celebrating four years in business serving the Over the Mountain area. WDI, or We’ll Do It, started as a personal concierge business but found its niche in construction and home renovations. Currently with an active home builders license, they specialize in deck, screened-in porches, bathroom renovations, kitchen renovations, additions, etc. WDI Enterprises is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. 205-460-1537, wdial.com

Buff City Soap is celebrating two years at its location in the Village of Lee Branch, 300 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 300. The store offers handmade soaps, bath bombs, lotions and more. 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

Saffron Indian restaurant, located in The Terrace at Greystone, has been serving customers for one year. The restaurant serves authentic Indian cuisine, with 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 5-9:30 p.m. 205-438-6209, saffronbirmingham.com

Popbar has been serving handcrafted frozen treats for one year on Doug Baker Boulevard. Customers can choose from more than 80 flavors on a rotating menu, along with dips and toppings. Popbar is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 205-747-0685, pop-bar.com

Willman

Stephenson

Smith

By STAFF

Abby Leib, the owner of Rosegate Design, talked with 280 Living about her home interior design store on Cahaba Valley Road and her new Christmas pop-up shop.

Q: Tell us briefly about your business.

A: We are a retail interior design store. One of our main purposes is we carry fabric for draperies, upholstery, bedding, pillows, different things like that. But then we also have furniture, accessories, art, lamps, rugs, everything else for the house. And then we do have our design services on top of all of that. And then we do a large Christmas business.

Q: What would your customers say they like about you?

A: We’re very what you see is what you get. You know, we’re not very pretentious about things, and yet we love to do beautiful things. I think it’s a very accommodating atmosphere. It’s very welcoming. We try, you know, we try to be a little Mayberry, like we want to know your name. We want to remember you. We want you to feel at home when you come in.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add that might be unique or interesting about your business?

A: I mean, I will say Christmas is unique about our business. Since we’re doing it in December, we do a massive Christmas business. And this year, because our Christmas business is so good, we did a pop-up shop. We now are on the left side of Bellini’s and the right side of Bellini’s. So we’ve taken in an

Holiday Boarding

By STAFF

Dirty Dog’s Car Wash, which is opening soon on U.S. 280, sets itself apart with a friendly, community-focused approach.

Since the founding of the chain of car washes in 2018, Dirty Dog’s has dedicated itself to being a part of the community. It has already held events at Cahaba Fire Department, Birmingham Fire Station No. 32, Inverness Elementary School and Greystone Elementary School, providing firefighters and teachers with free lunches.

They also offer a program called Helping Heroes, where they support veterans, first responders and educators with meals, donations and more than $400,000 worth of free car washes.

The company also has a live mascot dog, called Rescue, that it brings to events.

The car wash is located at 100 Resource Center Parkway, near Inverness. They will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Sunday, when their hours will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dirty Dog’s also has invested in modern technology, including a new conveyor belt system that allows a full-service interior cleaning in 15 minutes. The company will offer concierge services at its U.S. 280 location.

There are several options for memberships, including Unlimited Memberships, which include full-service options that are customer favorites for keeping their cars pristine, and 5-for-1 Membership, which provides five washes per month for the price of one.

For more information on Dirty Dog’s Car Wash, visit dirtydogscarwash.com and find them on Instagram at @dirtydogscarwash.

From left: Dr. Campbell, Dr. Tate, Jett, Dr. Allison, Dr. LeBlanc, Dr. Wood, Dr. Dodgen

Abby Leib, owner of Rosegate Design, stands in the store with her husband, Ryan Leib. Photo courtesy of Abby Leib.

Sips and Bites

Barry O’Hare, owner of Craft Burger

By STAFF

Barry O’Hare is the owner of Craft Burger, which first opened on Caldwell Mill Road in 2017. In July, he opened a second location on U.S. 280 in Greystone.

Q: Tell us briefly about the restaurant.

A: We're a burger place. First, we use the best beef possible. We use certified Angus beef, you know. And it is literally the best that you can get. I pay for it, but that's fine, because it makes a great burger, and I also use a great bun. It's a nice potato roll, which is a nice, soft, gooey bun, and that's one of the nice things about the Craft Burger itself. It's what makes the Craft Burger delicious, in my opinion, is the ratio between the meat, the cheese and the bun.

Q: What's your favorite item on the menu?

A: It has to be the Craft Burger with bacon. It was the burger that won the 2019 Birmingham Burger Battle down at Avondale. I guess I'm still the reigning champion, because they haven't had the contest again because of COVID.

Q: Is there anything new or upcoming for menu changes or specials that we should know?

A: The only thing that we're going to be adding now is catering. And that's just to get the word out in these offices. And when they

try our catering, then they look us up and they say, “Oh, well, they have a brick-and-mortar over here. Let's go try them out.”

Q: What's your favorite part about working in the industry?

A: The people, by far.

By STAFF

Trampled by Tacos is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant with a full bar. It opened on Sept. 8 and is located near the intersection of U.S. 280 and Alabama 119, where the former Little Donkey was located.

The restaurant features authentic recipes created by co-owner Alvaro Rivera, who was born and raised in Mexico. Some staff favorites include the barbacoa taco and the Tan Line Taco, which is the restaurant’s fish taco with mahi.

The restaurant’s popular meals include John the Baptist, a pork taco; Walking on Sunshine, a taco with shrimp; and the Yo Adrian, which is a Philly cheese steak taco.

Trampled by Tacos also has burritos and burrito bowls. Their Rednexican, which has steak, grilled vegetables, rice and black beans, is popular as a burrito or bowl, according to staff.

Trampled by Tacos also offers popular margaritas. Their Tip Top Margarita is their topshelf margarita with a premium silver tequila and Grand Marnier. All of their margaritas are made with freshly squeezed lime juice. They also have a skinny margarita that's made with freshly squeezed lemon, lime and orange juice and agave nectar.

The restaurant’s other drink specials include frozen margaritas, frozen mojitos and Bushwackers, a mix of rum and Kahlua in a milkbased frozen drink.

The restaurant is located at 5363 U.S. 280 and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. Find out more information on their Facebook page.

John the Baptist tacos from Trampled by Tacos featuring al pastor pork, pineapple pico de gallo and queso fresco. Photo courtesy of Trampled by Tacos.

Barry O’Hare, owner of Craft Burger on U.S. 280 stands in the front of the restaurant. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Recently sold homes along U.S. 280 Corridor

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• DRIVE-THRU: 280’s only drive-thru!

• TASTINGS: Join us every 2nd and 4th Friday evening of the month for tastings.

EVENTS

Critter Filled Christmas returns to OMSP

By SARAH GILLILAND

There may not be reindeer or three turtle doves, but Oak Mountain State Park is inviting the public to learn about some of the park’s animals at its second annual “A Critter Filled Christmas.”

The family-friendly event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The “Scales and Tails” program will be the highlight of the event. Hosted by park interpreters, this program allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of the critters that call Oak Mountain State Park home.

“We have some amphibians like our salamanders and frogs. We have some lizards. We have some birds of prey, tortoises and all kinds of turtles,” said Oak Mountain State Park naturalist Lauren Massey.

The interpreters will teach visitors all about these creatures’ habits and habitats. Live animal presentations are scheduled at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Massey said that visitors who may be a little anxious about the animals can view them from afar if they’d rather not get up close and personal.

The goal of the program is to offer a seasonal opportunity for education and to raise funds for the animals that live at the interpretive center. Massey said needed items will be listed on the Alabama Parks website and the Oak Mountain State Park Facebook page. In the spirit of giving, the park is

also inviting visitors to create holiday bird feeders. Guests will make Christmas tree-themed bird feeders that can be taken home and hung in their own yards, providing a festive snack for neighborhood birds. This activity, designed for all ages, not only gets everyone into the holiday spirit but also contributes to citizen science by supporting local wildlife during the colder months.

“They’ll be able to take it [their bird feeders] home, or we have an enchanted fairy garden right outside adjacent to the interpretive center. They're welcome to hang feeders in

the garden for the birds that are here,” Massey said.

Another creative opportunity will be the Christmas card station. Kids and adults alike can design and decorate their own Christmas cards or write a letter to Santa. The park will provide all the supplies needed to make these festive creations, and visitors can choose to mail their card themselves or leave it with the staff to mail to Santa at a later date. There will also be a seasonal, family-friendly movie playing during the event.

Massey said the interpretive center was looking for donations to offset the

cost of taking care of their animals.

“These animals worked so hard, and it helps ease some of the cost that we're having to continue to have free programs as much as we can,”

she said. For more information, visit reserve. alapark.com/register/a--critter--filledchristmas or contact the park at 205-620-2520.

Above: Bri Gray, a former interpreter at Oak Mountain State Park, holds Hank the corn snake at the Critter FIlled Christmas last year. Right: Acer, an Eastern screech owl, greets kids at the 2023 Critter Filled Christmas event. Photos courtesy of Oak Mountain State Park.

Homewood’s go-to place for fun, top-quality toys and hobby items

If you’re shopping for top-quality toys and hobby items this holiday, look no further than Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop. Located in the heart of Homewood with plenty of free parking, Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop has been family owned and operated since 1950 and is the oldest store of its kind in metro Birmingham.

After all, why fight the crowds at the big-box stores, and why shop online when you can buy local?

Homewood Toy & Hobby has everything you need, from cutting-edge innovation to nostalgic charm.

The store carries a wide array of fun, top-quality brands, including many that are hard to find at most retailers.

Toy brands include Hape Toys, Corolle Dolls, Lego, Brio, Playmobil, Green Toys and Ravensburger.

Hobby brands include Horizon Hobby, Traxxas and Arrma, Revell and Lionel Trains, and the store stocks a great selection of HO, O and G scale trains and accessories.

“We carry the largest selection of remote-controlled items in Birmingham, including trucks, boats, planes, drones and Traxxas cars,” said long-time store owner Tricia McCain.

One popular item this season is a remote-controlled, battery-powered drone made by Jupiter Creations.

“We’ve been flying it around in the store,” McCain said.

Of course, some of the most popular items at the store never change.

“There are things that kids like to play with that never go out of style, such as board games, wooden puzzles, puppets and dress-up clothes,” McCain said.

Homewood Toy & Hobby has a warm, personal touch you won’t find online or at the big-boxes.

“We have great customer service, and our staff is very knowledgeable and experienced,” McCain said.

In addition, most of the store’s employees – including store manager Julie Marix – have been with Homewood Toy & Hobby for many years.

This means that customers recognize familiar faces when they come to shop.

“You go to a big-box store and you don’t know any of the employees,” McCain said. “People like seeing the same people over and over again.”

The employees at Homewood Toy & Hobby also love toys and hobby items and provide enthusiastic service.

“We love walking around the store with customers and helping them pick out toys,” McCain said.

Parents and grandparents love to come into the store with their kids, McCain said.

“It’s one thing to shop online as an adult, but kids love to come in and pick out what they want,” she said.

The store offers customers free gift wrapping on any purchases over $12, and

Homewood Toy & Hobby Shop

• Where: 2830 18th St. S.

• Call: 205-879-4444

• Hours: Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sundays now through Christmas from noon to 4 p.m.

• Web: homewoodtoy-hobby.com

they boast easily accessible customer parking in their own 44-space lot behind the store.

McCain takes pride in her family’s legacy at Homewood Toy & Hobby.

“Not many small businesses make it this long,” she said.

McCain assumed ownership of the store from her dad in 2012 and has been helping out there since she was a child.

“I’ve been working there ever since I could reach the cash register,” she said, laughing.

It’s fun building long-term relationships with customers, she said.

“There’s a lot of older men who shop in the hobby department who have been here my whole life,” McCain said. “They come in now with their children and their grandchildren, especially during the holidays.”

“It’s just nice to have that history,” she said.

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280 corridor events guide

Area Events

Dec. 1-24: Christmas Tree Farm at Old Baker Farm. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Old Baker Farm, 1041 Farmingdale Road, Harpersville. Bring the family to find and cut the perfect Christmas tree. Visitors can enjoy hot apple cider, candy canes and a hayride. The farm offers Virginia pines, Leyland cypress, Carolina and Arizona Sapphire, red cedars and Fraser fir trees. The cost begins at $30 and goes up depending on the size and type of tree. Tree stands are not included but will be available for purchase. For more information, visit oldbakerfarm.com/pages/christmas-tree-farm.

Dec. 7: Chelsea Community Christian Outreach Food Pantry. 10 a.m. to noon. Chelsea Church Of Christ, 10724 Chelsea Road. The food pantry is held on the first Saturday of every month for those in need of food items. Food will be distributed while supplies last. For more information, visit “Chelsea Community Christian Outreach” on Facebook.

Dec. 8: “Jingle All the Way” featuring Dolores Hydock and Bobby Horton. 4-6 p.m. Song Theater, 105 W. College St., Columbiana. Come enjoy a feel-good holiday show featuring a mix of traditional storytelling,

End of Life Care For Your Pets

Lindsay Floyd, D.V.M. Ross Scruggs, Ph.D.

humor and Christmas carols. Dolores Hydock is a nationally acclaimed storyteller. Bobby Horton will provide a live music soundtrack to her performance. Bobby is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist performing with Three On A String and composing and producing soundtracks for Ken Burns’ films. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at shelbycountyartscouncil.com/event-calendar. For questions, email info@shelbycountyartscouncil.com or call 205-669-0044.

Dec. 10: Republican Women of North Shelby County. Noon to 1 p.m. Inverness Country Club, 1 Country Club Dr. Join the Republican Women of North Shelby County at their monthly meeting. Sherry Burgess, wife of Rick Burgess of the “Rick & Bubba” show, will be the guest speaker and lunch will be provided. The cost is $25. Email rwnsclunch@gmail.com for reservations.

Dec. 14: A Critter-Filled Christmas. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, 200 Terrace Drive. Bring the family for an educational Christmas event. The Scales and Tails program will allow you to meet live animals up close. You can also make a Christmas treethemed bird feeder to take home, create a Christmas card, write a letter to Santa and watch a Christmas movie. The cost is admission to the park. Visit alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park/ park-events for more information. If you have questions, call 205-620-2520 or email lauren.muncher@dcnr.alabama.gov.

Dec. 14: Sean of the South Christmas Show.7:30-9:30 p.m. Song Theater, 105 W. College St., Columbiana. Sean of the South is back again with his one-of-a-kind Christmas show. Enjoy downhome entertainment featuring bluegrass, jazz and old-time traditional

Christmas songs. Sean will have friends as his “circle of pickers” playing a variety of tunes. Guests can also expect a mix of humor, storytelling and eclectic musical performances. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at shelbycountyartscouncil.com/ event-calendar. For questions, call 205-669-0044 or email info@shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

Dec. 21: Christmas Classic 5K. 9 a.m. Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr. Get ready for Finish Line Events and Catering’s Christmas Classic 5K. This race is child-participation-friendly and offers two finish lines. Contestants can choose the regular finish line for free, or opt for the Polar Plunge Finish Line for a donation of $20. All Polar Plunge proceeds go to the Alabama Wildlife Center. Participants will have a chance to meet some of the center’s critters and enjoy a post-race brunch, access to the Christmas Karaoke Aid Station, finisher’s medal and shirt, and a potential “Tacky Sweater” award. All race participants and guests must pay the $5 gate fee. Children 10 and under may participate for free but must have an adult present and waiver signed. For more information or to register

Locally owned and operated, we make the hardest time in a pet owners’ life a little easier by offering end-of-life services to allow you and your pet to remain in the comfort of your home.

Compassionate Crossings offers peaceful in-home pet euthanasia for the Birmingham area. We handle all cremation services with all of your selected memorial items hand-delivered to your doorstep. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

We’re here for you. You can learn everything by visiting our website or giving us a call.

A family-owned business since 1995. We specialize in high-quality customer service. We buy, sell, trade, and provide cash loans on gold & silver jewelry & coins, fine watches, tools, flatware, and various musical instruments.

online, go to runsignup.com/Race/AL/Pelham/ChristmasClassicK AtOakMountainStatePark.

Chelsea Public Library

Mondays: Dungeons and Dragons. 4-6 p.m. For ages 12 to 14 years.

Wednesdays: Tot Time.10:30 a.m. Storytime for toddlers.

Wednesdays: Dungeons and Dragons. 5-7 p.m. For ages 15 and older.

Thursdays: Musical Munchkins.10:30 a.m. Music and movement for toddlers.

Thursdays: Chess Club. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Fridays: Bring Your Own Craft.1 p.m.

Dec. 12: Adult Book Club. 11:30 a.m.

Dec. 13: Homeschool Hangout. 11 a.m. to noon.

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

Dec. 17: YA Gotta Read This! 5 p.m. Book club for young adults.

Dec. 24-25: Closed for Christmas Holidays.

North Shelby Library

Dec. 3: Christmas Wreaths. 10:30 a.m. For adults. Come join a Christmas wreath-making class.

Dec. 7: Animal Tales — Holiday Safari. 11 a.m. Children of all ages, with caregivers. Come learn about some amazing animals with our friends from Animal Tales.

Dec. 12: Mario Kart Tournament. 5 p.m. For teens. Join the library’s teen Mario Kart tournament, with fun for all skill levels. There will be prizes!

Mt Laurel Public Library

Dec. 3: Book Release Party — “Unraveled” by Shannon Messenger. 4 p.m. For teens. Celebrate the release of “Keeper of the Lost Cities” book 9.5 with trivia, treats and fun. One lucky patron will win the new book! Registration is required.

Dec. 5: Holiday Wreath. 9 a.m. This class is for adults. Marilyn Chiaramonte will teach

you to make a tied ribbon wreath. Registration is required.

Dec. 7: Animal Tales — Holiday Safari. 2 p.m. This Holiday Safari program will feature six animal ambassadors for a unique experience. All participants will have an opportunity to get “hands-on” during this special program. No registration is required.

Dec. 8: Tree Lighting. 6 p.m. Join the fun at Mt Laurel Library after the tree lighting

Photos by SAVANNAH SCHMIDT

The third annual Bikes for Kids (B4K) Rodeo put on a wild show in Chelsea to raise money to buy and build bikes for local children on Nov. 1-2.

Founder Charlie Bradford started the nonprofit in 2020 with the hope that every child would have a new bike each Christmas and birthday. The rodeo is one of many events Bradford puts on to give children the joy of cycling.

B4K brought in a lively array of vendors, food trucks, bouncy houses and musicians. Visitors snagged a fresh cowboy hat, some smoky barbecue and a ride on the mechanical bull before the rodeo commenced.

Guests watched in awe as cowboys hung onto the backs of bucking horses and bulls. Cheers rose as the cowboys and girls roped calves and jumped onto steers.

Members of the crowd got to test out their cowboy boots with the wild donkey races, in which teams of three rode and led a wild donkey around the ring and back, urging the uncooperative animal forward and holding on for dear life. Kids raced off their energy in the calf scramble, and the $50 prize was awarded to the boy who snatched the ribbon off of the calf’s tail as it ran from the herd of kids.

from page A1

We would just blast music.”

After attending University of Alabama - Birmingham on a full scholarship to play softball, she transferred to University of North Alabama and finished her sports career and marketing degree.

When Burback selected her major, she thought, “Oh everything needs it.” Yet, like many former athletes, Burback struggled to acclimate to the low-activity, 9-to-5 workday.

“I got my degree, went to the office, but I just couldn’t sit still for 9 hours a day,” she said. “I used to joke with my friends, ‘I’m just going to quit and go be a firefighter.’”

Burback remembered looking up to the firefighters who visited Mt Laurel Elementary School to demonstrate safety drills. Their presence at sporting events made a lasting impression on her.

While her dream started as a joke about escaping the slog of the office, a conversation with Chief Chris Mullins of the Mountain Brook Fire Department brought Burback’s fantasy to life.

Before she could start running into burning buildings, though, Burback was required to complete a challenging program with daily tests, physical training and education from certified firefighters. In August, she started the 10-week training program at Over the Mountain Regional Training Center.

Justin Baker, the lead instructor at OTMRTC, commented on Burback’s showing throughout the training camp. “She passed the assumption today, which was huge,” he said during an interview on Oct. 1. “She passed the spaghetti drill yesterday, which is another mandatory one.”

Burback reflected on the spaghetti drill, saying, “They take all these hoses and throw them all in the building and they’re all intertwined. The fire is going, there’s smoke, it’s pitch black. They hand you a hose line and they say, ‘Find your way out.’ So you can’t stop, and you’re about 200 feet in and you’re on the hose line and you’re second-guessing yourself. ‘Is this ... did I switch? Am I on the right line?’ But you have to block it out and keep going.”

While Burback entered the training without

prior firefighting experience, she felt confident that her athletic background had prepared her by embedding the desire to succeed into her conscience.

When her teammates in college said, “Let’s just relax, we have the day off,” Burback would counter, “Nah, let’s go to the field, let’s go hit, let’s do something.”

Burback’s discipline from waking up to go to weights, class and softball practice fostered the mental and physical strength that forced her to lock in when she was overcome with exhaustion.

“The physical hardest thing is doing everything on air,” Burback said. “You are not very conscious of the air around you when you’re just walking around. But when you have the SCBA [self-contained breathing apparatus] mask on, you’re very conscious of when you breathe in, that’s when you get your air. You have to be really conscious of how much intake you have, your breathing and the next station to get to.”

Burback received high marks for her efforts from Baker, pushing past each test with the end goal of her graduation in mind. Still, the mental wear and tear stuck with Burback throughout the camp as she realized that, unlike in softball, the fighting does not end after seven innings. The opponent will not back down without first taking her mind and body to its breaking point.

“Mentally, it’s pushing yourself harder than

ever,” she said. “I mean, I’ve done so many HIIT [high-intensity interval training] workouts, so many things in college where you’re just like, ‘Ugh, keep going, keep going, keep going.’ Here, it’s really like, ‘Keep going. You have to. You don’t get to stop.’”

At one point during the training camp, Burback could not help but be in awe of the power of the flames. “We did a flashover in the burn box,” she said. “We were all sitting in there as a class, all bunched up and you could see the flames just roll. I remember I told my dad, ‘Do you ever sit underneath a wave in the ocean and you just kind of watch it go over? It’s just like that but with flames.’”

In the intensity of those situations, a clear head and an awareness of the threat remain crucial to survival.

When asked if she ever felt afraid, Burback answered, “I think you’d be crazy not to get scared. There’s excitement, it’s fun and it’s interesting. But every now and then, you’re going to sit there and ask, ‘How much air do I have left? Am I good?’”

Increased breathing from overexertion or fear drains the SCBA’s limited oxygen supply, so Burback learned to rely on her tactics for mental regulation during softball games.

“When I used to go up to bat, I could feel myself shaking a little bit on the first step out of the day. Then I’d think, ‘Stop, breathe, reset. Hold five,’” Burback said.

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With new knowledge, strength and maturity in tow, Burback graduated from OTM-RTC in November. As the first woman to earn a firefighting role at Mountain Brook Fire Department in over a decade, there are some assumed disadvantages from her position in a male-dominated profession.

Burback, on the other hand, refuses to let others use gender as an excuse to distinguish her from her male coworkers. She maintains that women are more than capable of achieving this position.

“I love all the guys here. Physically, it’s just wanting to do as much as they do. You want to push yourself more to show the guys up. But everyone has their own challenges. It’s knowing your strengths with that, like I know I’m going to get through faster on the floor scooting through,” Burback joked.

“There’s the stigma that women are emotional, but I don’t see it a lot,” she said. “I had three older brothers, played sports, my dad was hard on me. I don’t see a big difference mentally or emotionally between the guys and me.”

While eyes may be on Burback to see how she matches up to her male counterparts, she holds to her inner confidence and pays no attention to the distractions that would prevent her from saving lives.

“My biggest thing is to know yourself,” Burback said. “You can have so many people talking and telling you, ‘You’re not going to be able to lift as much as them.’ And that’s OK. If you are wanting something that badly, go get it.”

For anyone stepping into a career where they feel underestimated or nervous, Burback had a final word of encouragement: “Go get it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too small, or you’re not strong enough or only men do this job. No. Nobody’s gonna stop you.”

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Above left: Brooke Burback gears up in her air mask for a rescue exercise at the Over the Mountain Regional Training Center in Mountain Brook on Oct. 1.

Above right: Firefighters, including Burback, pull a dummy out of a burn building. Photos by Savannah Schmidt.

Left: A Chelsea High School alumna, Burback played softball for the Hornets. Staff photos.

Helical Piers

Fraser Fir Tree Growing Cycle: From Seedling to Harvest

1-3 years: After 1 year, the Fraser fir seedling is still the height of a quarter

4-6 years: In the line-out bed, the tree begins to grow parallel branches

“We had a lot of things in common with them, and that is what really prompted us to keep returning. They are just good people to know. We have a large den area in our home and we like to always go buy an 11-, 12- or 13-foot tree.”

This year will be the last one at the lot where so many 280 residents have bought their Christmas trees, but the Daniels family, who owns Bobby D’s Christmas Tree lot, will continue to sell their trees at a location on Alabama 119.

Josh Daniels is the third-generation family member who currently works the family farm in North Carolina. His grandfather, Bob Daniels Sr., and father, Bob Jr., were the first to plant trees on their family farm.

“In this area, there were a lot of cabbage and potato producers,” Josh Daniels said. “My dad and grandfather grew cabbage, but they found out in the mid-’70s that our elevation was perfect for Christmas trees. They planted their first trees in the late ’70s, after my dad graduated from high school.”

The trees grow in the town of Newland in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where elevation is about 3,000 feet. According to the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association, the state provides 20% of the country’s Christmas trees.

Daniels said the trees on their farm are grown from seedlings, so customers who purchase a tree that is 6 or 7 feet tall are purchasing a tree that is roughly the same age as its height.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize that when they buy a tree, that tree has been around for a while,” he said. “If you buy a 10-foot tree, we have been growing it for about 10 or 11 years.”

Daniels, who was born in 1983, grew up with his family selling Christmas trees, and now he spends the majority of his time helping his father with the business.

“I started helping him, and he has gotten to an age where he wants to slow down and retire and I am taking the reins, but he is still the patriarch,” he said.

7-8 years: The tree in the field now starts to have a tapered shape

9-10 years: The next few years the tree will fill out and nearly double in height

11-13 years: After about 12 years of growth, the tree is 7-10 feet tall and ready for harvest

Daniels said the family first came to Lloyd’s to sell Christmas trees because Eli Stevens, the former owner of Lloyd’s, was a family friend. And, he said, his parents still enjoy coming to Birmingham.

“My parents go down to the lot and we just really enjoy interacting with the customers,” he said. “A lot of them we have gotten to know over the years and we always have a really good time during the Christmas season.”

With the passing of Stevens in 2020, the Daniels family worked with his family to continue selling the trees in Birmingham.

“We knew things would maybe be changing ... because Eli passed away, so we thought we were going to have to find a new location this year, but thankfully we have one more year in that location,” Daniels said.

The lot opened the weekend before Thanksgiving this year and will remain open until they sell all of their trees.

Hurricane Helene hit surrounding counties near the family farm earlier this year, but their

farm was OK, Daniels said, and was glad to be coming back for their final year at the Lloyd’s lot.

“We are really thankful for the Stevens family,” Daniels said. “They have been very gracious to my family over the years. They let us know in advance that they would be selling the restaurant and we would likely need to find another location, but because of leasing agreements and such, we were able to have the location for one more year.”

Next year, Daniels said the family will relocate to a location off Alabama 119 near Oak Mountain Elementary School.

While it is a tradition for the Daniels family to come to Alabama to sell their trees, it is an equally important tradition for the Turner family to buy a tree from Bobby D’s lot.

“My family goes every year after we finish our Thanksgiving meal to buy our tree,” Turner said. “I can’t imagine buying a tree from anybody else.”

Turner said oftentimes when his family tree

Fraser Fir Care and Safety Tips

► Make a fresh cut: Straight across the base of the tree, cut off approximately one half inch before placing tree in stand.

► Pick the right tree stand: Use a stand that will hold a gallon of water or more.

► Keep the stand full: Check the water level in the stand often. A tree may take up a gallon of water in the first 24 hours and a quart a day after that. Preservatives are not needed, just plenty of fresh water.

► Avoid heat sources: Place your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, television sets, and other heat sources. These elements can prematurely dry out your tree.

► Use safe decorations: Check all electric lights and connections before decorating. Don’t use any lights with broken bulbs or worn or frayed cords. Do not use lighted candles on your tree.

► Practice electrical safety: Do not overload electrical circuits. Turn off lights before leaving home or going to bed.

► Recycle your tree: Remove tree from your home promptly after Christmas and recycle it.

SOURCE: NORTH CAROLINA CHRISTMAS TREE ASSOCIATION

is all decorated, people who visit his home will ask to take pictures in front of it.

“We just love the tradition of going and buying a tree from a family that has become really special to us,” Turner said. “I think if they ever went out of business or decided to stop selling trees, I would just switch to buying an artificial one. But, of course, I hope that never happens.”

If you have news to share with the community about your brick-and-mortar business along the U.S. 280 corridor, let us know! Share your business news with us at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Bob Daniels Sr., left, and Bob Daniels Jr. of Bobby D’s Christmas Trees in Boone, North Carolina. These men are the first two generations of Bobby D’s Christmas Trees, with their grandson/son Josh being the third. Photos courtesy of Bobby D’s Christmas Trees.

Frasier fir trees growing in line-out beds on Bobby D’s Christmas tree farm.

SOURCE: NORTH CAROLINA CHRISTMAS TREE ASSOCIATION

Peace on Earth

Miss Alabama’s Teen living out dream to compete for national title

By EMILY REED

Ali Mims will be living out a dream when she heads to Orlando to represent Alabama at the Miss America’s Teen competition Dec. 31-Jan. 5.

“Being Miss Alabama’s Teen was always my goal, so being able to go to Miss America’s Teen is just icing on the cake,” said Mims, a Harpersville resident and senior at Chelsea High School. “I am not necessarily nervous about any of the on-stage competitions or interviews, but more so extremely excited to show America who Ali Mims is.”

Mims, who won Miss Alabama’s Teen as Miss Hoover 2024 in March, has a foundation called the Joyful Noise Foundation that raises money to put musical instruments in special needs classes throughout the state. The 501(c)3 nonprofit already has raised more than $35,000.

Mims first developed a love and passion for music and singing as a toddler, and music has played a big role in her life ever since.

“One word that describes me is ‘joy,’” she said, noting that’s also her middle name. “Ever since I was a little girl, I have always tried to embody the word and meaning behind joy. That is really why my community service initiative is called Joyful Noise.”

Mims’ talent at the Miss America’s Teen competition will be singing an opera song, “O Mio Babbino Caro.”

She’s been preparing not only for that performance but also focusing on her mindset. She spends many days practicing mock interviews and modeling, spending time at the gym preparing for the fitness portions and making sure her

wardrobe is complete, with clothes provided to her by Clothes Tree by Deborah.

Mims will spend 11 days in Orlando with multiple parties and events, each requiring a different outfit.

“I am most excited about my competition clothes,” she said. “I had the most fun and unique experience of designing my dream evening gown for Miss America’s Teen with Jovani at The Clothes Tree. It brought tears to my eyes because I have been waiting for this moment since I was a little girl and because I was truly able to pour unique style and glamor into this evening gown. I cannot wait to show everyone the gown on the Miss America stage.”

Mims’ sponsor for Miss Alabama’s Teen, Anita Walker, said Mims already has been offered $239,200 of in-kind tuition scholarships to several universities in Alabama and won $8,400 in cash scholarships at the Miss Alabama’s Teen competition and now has a chance to win more.

“Ali is a versatile and talented vocalist, and she is very passionate about her personal community service initiative,” Walker said.

Mims said she’s looking forward to meeting the other contestants.

“I think it is so cool that after competing at Miss America’s Teen, I will be able to say that I have a friend from every state in the United States,” Mims said. “After getting to know these girls for a few days and form sisterhood bonds and relationships, we are getting to go to Universal together for a day. This will be the most fun experience, and I truly cannot wait to make lifelong friendships with likeminded young women.”

Miss Alabama's Teen 2024 Ali Mims tries on a dress at The Clothes Tree by Deborah in Hoover. Mims will be competing at the Miss America's Teen pageant in Orlando at the turn of the new year. Photo by Savannah Schmidt.

Your health today

written

by Dr. Palmer

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, around 10 million people over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. An additional 43 million have low bone mineral density, putting them at risk for full-blown osteoporosis.

Unfortunately, osteoporosis is referred to as the “silent disease” because it doesn’t present any symptoms until you suffer a fracture. However, there are some gradual changes to look for in advance. These may include decreasing in height, rounded shoulders, developing a hump in your back, your head begins to protrude forward, and lastly, intermittent to constant upper back, middle or lower back pain. The cause of this silent disease is, as we age, our body breaks down bone tissue faster than it replenishes. This process is influenced by various factors. An example is our diet, whether you’re getting the appropriate minerals or not. Next, your level of physical activity, hormonal changes and any medications, like proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), that cause bone loss. Also, unhealthy habits such as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption will affect your bone health.

When it comes to promoting bone health, addressing nutrient deficiencies that contribute to weakened bones is key. A great starting point is increasing calcium. 98% of this mineral is found in your bones. Your body constantly needs calcium because

your bones are continuously remodeling themselves. The best sources of calcium are milk and dairy products, preferably from grass fed cows. Yogurt, cheese and kefir are great choices. Drinking raw milk by itself is another great option, if you can get it.

Another vital piece is optimizing your vitamin D levels. Research has shown, vitamin D plays a role in helping with calcium absorption, and that boosting vitamin D levels helps improve bone mineral density. Therefore, by getting regular sunlight exposure, ideally during solar noon when UVB rays are at their peak, is the best way to boost your vitamin D and help your bones.

Other nutrients needed to combat osteoporosis are magnesium and vitamin K2. Research has shown that magnesium deficiency leads to brittle, fragile bones that lead to micro-fractures. Therefore, add magnesium bc it’s needed to stimulate bone growth activity.

As for vitamin K2, studies have shown that it directs your body to promote more healthy bone formation. Getting magnesium and vitamin K2 from our diet is ideal. For magnesium, ideal sources include vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli and carrots. And, for vitamin K2 consider fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, cheese and yogurt.

Osteoporosis and Bone Health

As discussed in the previous article, our bodies need protein and collagen, including our bones. Amino acids, which are synthesized into protein, form the building blocks of our body. The human skeleton contains plenty of protein, particularly collagen for its elasticity. Adequate collagen provides our bones “cushion,” helping them bend and yield to external forces instead of fracturing. For optimal bone health, we need a balance of muscle meat and collagen amino acids. Red meat contains very little of the health-promoting amino acids, which means that relying only on muscle meat will be insufficient for building strong connective tissues and maintaining bone strength. Additionally, while the three primary amino acids in collagen are associated with anti-inflammatory and other health benefits, those found abundantly in red meat actually promote inflammation. It is recommended to get one-third of your protein intake from collagen or gelatin because solely focusing on meat alone will have a negative effect on your bone health. The best way to get more collagen into your diet is by making your own bone broth from organic grass-fed animal bones.

Next, don’t underestimate the importance of exercise and bone health! For this upcoming new year, ADD exercise to your lifestyle and stick to it because it’s a foundational way to strengthen your bones and overall health. Noted in

a 2022 study published in Frontiers in Immunology, “exercise exhibits a positive effect on osteoporosis. Specifically, the impact felt by your bones causes them to adapt, remodel and strengthen themselves”. The researchers also noted that resistance training, as well as aerobic training, positively benefits bone density by stimulating hormonal reactions to promote stronger bone reformation. The intensity factor of exercise matters. Exercise must be dynamic, and placing a load (such as weights) generates forces that will have a strong and consistent positive effect on bone development.

If that’s not your vibe (ha) consider whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy as another way of combatting osteoporosis. Essentially, it’s a method wherein vibrations are sent throughout your body in small, controlled doses. This causes positive effects on your body, including increased bone mineral density. Researchers noted that WBV therapy exhibited positive effects by boosting bone mineral density with knee osteoarthritis as well as with postmenopausal women and reduces the risk of bone fractures in healthy adults. Elderly people who intend to use a vibration plate to manage their osteoporosis will also enjoy other benefits, such as increased cognition. Bottom line, protecting and promoting bone health early in our lives is key for longevity. We are here to help your wellness journey.

Helping teens adopt a happy,

Drug abuse and addiction are increasingly serious problems among students and young adults in the United States today. This includes the misuse of both legal and illegal substances.

Beginning in 2016, leaders in Shelby County came together to find a unique, proactive approach to this problem and its often-deadly consequences. They created a program called Compact, which is managed by the Shelby County District Attorney, the Shelby County Manager and the Shelby County Sheriff.

Compact is designed to address the full spectrum of substance abuse through prevention, intervention and education, while also promoting mental wellness for young people.

The Compact program seeks to connect Shelby County families with the community resources and up-to-date information they need to help their teens adopt a happy, healthy, substance-free lifestyle without entering the juvenile justice system.

In addition to its efforts to educate parents and students, one of the most important things the Compact team does is to directly assist families who have children involved in substance misuse, experiencing a mental health challenge, or who are exhibiting high-risk behavior. With no cost to the families, they can utilize Compact as a resource and attend a family interven-

substance-free lifestyle

tion meeting at the Compact office.

As parents talk to the Compact investigator, their child will meet in a separate room with a mental health counselor from Central Alabama Wellness and receive a mental wellness screening. After the child has met with the counselor, all parties meet together to discuss ways to navigate their situation.

Every Compact investigator is a parent or has worked with children in the capacity of being a School Resource Officer. The information and support received in these meetings has helped numerous families gain a better understanding of what their child is going through and provided them with community substance abuse and mental wellness resources that assist them

in developing a plan of action.

Compact also partners with Vineyard Family Services to provide teens an opportunity to join Vineyard’s mentor program, which has been very helpful to many single-parent or grandparent caregiver households.

To view the aforementioned community resources, parents can visit compact2020.com. The website also provides families with information and tips regarding the prevention and treatment of substance misuse.

Some of the topics parents can explore at the website are signs and symptoms of substance misuse, drug slang code words, vaping facts, underage drinking, dangers of fentanyl, digital safety, and suicide prevention.

If parents need to talk to a Compact investigator, they can call the main office line at 205-605-1824 or the Parent Talk Line at 205-605-1827.

Teens can also talk to a Compact team member by calling the Teen Talk Line at 205-605-1830.

SPORTS

Local teams hopeful as season begins

By KYLE PARMLEY

The high school basketball season is a long one, beginning in November and rolling all the way through the first week of March for the teams fortunate enough to make it all the way. Briarwood, Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park are clamoring to be among those teams to make deep postseason runs, and here’s an outlook on each squad heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

JAGS TO KEEP ROLLING UNDER BLACK

DJ Black could not ask for a better situation to inherit as the new head coach of the Spain Park High School boys basketball program.

The Jags are the furthest thing from a program needing a rebuild or change of direction.

Chris Laatsch took Spain Park to three consecutive state final fours from 2021 to 2023, and Black was hired after Laatsch took a job at Orange Beach High. Black was previously the head coach at Thompson.

“It’s been a blessing being here,” Black said. “You don’t have to teach effort, knowing how to play or the culture. You can just kind of hit the ground running. The program was very healthy when I took it over, so I’m excited to grow on that.”

Senior guard Josh Fonbah is the returning player with the most experience. His season was cut short last year due to injury, so he is back and eager to prove his caliber.

Garrett Gorman — who transferred to Spain Park from Oak Mountain — Walker Coxhead, Crawford Blevins, Lee Guthrie, Zach Erickson and Noah Hendrix are the team’s seniors.

Harrison Stewart and Sam Fox are two juniors Black expects to take on big roles, with Cooper Gann, Quinn Davis, Jackson Fixler and Riley Kent being the other juniors ready to make their mark.

Black mentioned Tommy Morrison, Jonathan Fonbah and Andy McQueeney as sophomores who have bright futures in the program.

“We’ve got to [get] better each day, each week, month, and then by January and February, you want to be that nobody wants to play,” Black said.

HORNETS GOING FOR SECOND STRAIGHT PLAYOFF RUN

The Chelsea boys know better than anyone the importance of getting hot at the right time.

In a difficult Class 7A area last year, the Hornets dropped their first five area contests before ripping four straight wins, including two to win the area tournament. Those wins vaulted Chelsea into the regional tournament for the first time in eight years.

This year, the Hornets have dropped back down to 6A but have visions of making a repeat run to the postseason.

In order to do so, they will rely on a largely unproven group of guys. Aiden Owens is the returner with the most experience, as he was a key player for Chelsea last season as well. In the words of Chelsea head coach Nick Baumbaugh, “As he goes, we go.”

There is a cast of players supporting those efforts who got some experience last season.

Demarquis Floyd, Jordan Garcia, Camden Harper and Tyler Wells played some last year and will all be asked to step into bigger roles this winter.

While only a sophomore, Garcia is a player who appears capable of supplying a consistent secondary scoring load to Owens. Floyd will receive the bulk of the point guard minutes.

Owens, Floyd, Harper, Kyle Brown, Tyler Wells and AJ Malone are the seniors for this year’s squad.

“They’ve been biding their time, being great teammates, waiting for their moment,” Baumbaugh said.

Evan Moller, Brandon Griffith, BJ Nathan, Jack Flowers, Andrea Fiorini and Joseph Kindall are the team’s juniors.

Baumbaugh believes this year’s Hornets team can get back to the postseason. The team’s success hinges on being resilient in tough situations, with an ability to adapt to whatever is thrown its way.

LIONS LOOKING FOR STEADY GROWTH

The journey of the season will tell the story for the Briarwood boys this winter.

Their schedule, which features plenty of tough competition, should test the Lions on a nightly basis. Each passing game should also add to the cohesion and toughness of the team. If the Lions progress as head coach Jeremy Mears hopes, they will be in the mix come February.

Drew Mears is back for the Lions, after leading the team in scoring a season ago. He will be transitioning to the primary ball handler after playing off the ball last year.

Briarwood has a pair of seniors who will be

a big part of things as well, with Eli Stubbs and Brayden Robertson in the fold. Stubbs was the Lions’ second leading scorer a year ago and gets plenty of shots up each game. Robertson has not played basketball in a few years, but at 6-foot-6 and fresh off the football field, his presence underneath the basket will certainly help the Lions.

The addition of Robertson will help out junior forward Garrett Witherington, a promising football prospect, down low with rebounding and rim protection.

Zeke Witt played much of last season on the junior varsity team but is expected to take a big leap this year. Eli Thompson is an exceptional defender and someone Jeremy Mears said can change the game without scoring a point.

Charlie Caldwell is a left-handed shooter who could find his way into the starting lineup at times this season. Sophomore Sam Canale is looking to carry over his breakout football season onto the basketball court as well. Mears also mentioned players like Tory Smith, Parker Jackson and Jake Van Dixhorn as others who could make an impact.

EAGLES AIMING TO CONTINUE SUCCESSFUL RUN

When Oak Mountain boys coach Joel Floyd says to expect several players to contribute to the

scoring load each game, he is telling the truth. The Eagles could easily have four or five different players reach double-figure points in each game. There is no ball-dominant player, but rather several guys who can score with ease. That should be a positive for Oak Mountain as the season gets going.

Seniors will be leading the way for Oak Mountain this winter. Take a player like Chris Kunard, who is a returning point guard and commands the offense and defense on a nightly basis. There are other seniors like Chase Lamey, who was already a great shooter and has added more aspects to his game.

Will O’Dell is coming off a terrific season as the Eagles’ quarterback and will be a leader for the basketball team. Gray Plaia is another player who contributes each game, while Will Patterson, Will Burgess and Blake Benson are all in the mix as well.

Oak Mountain has been to the postseason each of the last five years, a run that includes the Class 7A state championship in 2020-21. But the Eagles have been put out in the regional tournament each of the last three seasons.

It will be tough, as it always is in 7A basketball. But Floyd said he and his guys are ready for the challenge.

“It’s going to be a dog fight come January,” he said.

Spain Park’s Josh Fonbah (0) is expected to be one of the Jags’ top players this season, coming back from an injury that cut last season short.

Oak Mountain’s Chris Kunard (23) is shown in a regional tournament game last season. Kunard is a returning point guard for the Eagles and will play a big role this year

Above: Briarwood’s Drew Mears (1) is shown in a game last season. Mears is likely to be the Lions’ leading scorer once again this season, but will be handling more of the ballhandling duties this season. Photos by Erin Nelson Sweeney.

Chelsea’s Aiden Owens (21) is shown in a game last season. Owens is back as the Hornets’ leading returning scorer and has the most experience on the team.

SPORTS

Teams back on the hardwood for 2024-25 campaign

By KYLE PARMLEY

The high school basketball season has returned, with the likes of Briarwood, Chelsea, Oak Mountain and Spain Park eager to put together successful campaigns. For some teams, a state championship is perhaps within reach. For other teams, simply getting better each day and making continual progress is their current status.

LADY HORNETS HAVE BIG GOALS

The Chelsea girls are expected to be one of the top Class 6A teams in the state this year, for good reason.

The Lady Hornets spent the last two years competing very well in 7A and are back in 6A, with much of the nucleus returning from last year’s regional final team.

Last season, Chelsea started 17-0 and only lost six games all year. Four of those were to Hewitt-Trussville, a team that went on to finish as the state runner-up.

This year’s team returns the likes of Haley Trotter and Sadie Schwallie, who enter their fourth season on the varsity team. Caroline Brown and Olivia Pryor are back as well, giving the Lady Hornets four of their five starters back on the floor.

Juliann Bass, Kamryn Hudson, Sydney Carroll and Allie Scott are among those expected to have big years for Chelsea. Bass is a sophomore who started some last year. Hudson is coming off a strong junior varsity season and will be a key part of the rotation. Carroll is a Mississippi State University softball signee, but her 6-foot-2 frame gives her a commanding presence in the paint. Scott is a versatile player who will see time at multiple positions.

Lemmie Floyd, Lyric Landers, Kelsey Simmons, Ava Lovingood and Michaela Toney will also have plenty of opportunities throughout the season to step in and produce.

Head coach Jason Harlow is looking to his seniors — Trotter, Schwallie, Scott and Carroll — to lead the team this year and believes the Lady Hornets could challenge for a deep postseason run with consistent effort, energy and production throughout the year.

LADY LIONS SET UP FOR SUCCESS

The Briarwood girls program is hoping to hit the sweet spot this year.

Everyone on the Lady Lions’ roster returns with varsity experience, but there are no seniors on this year’s team. That should set them up for a couple years of sustained success, if things go according to plan.

Emma Kerley and Ann Tatum Baker are the most established players, as each has been a vital part of the team the last few years.

Four years ago, Briarwood introduced a freshman point guard to the fold. Mary Beth Dicen took hold of that role and thrived in it for the

entirety of her high school career. This season, the Lady Lions are doing something similar with Grace Garrett, a freshman taking over as the primary point guard.

“It’s been fun to watch Emma and AT through the years, knowing they were eighth graders in the role Grace is in now,” Briarwood head coach

Lorie Kerley said. “Now, they’re the mom taking care of her and the JV players. It’s been fun to watch those two go through the different stages.”

Clara Crawford and Sarah Travis have earned roles as starters on this year’s team at the outset.

Sasha Munikar, Julia Thompson and Claire Anderson are role players Briarwood will count on throughout the season as well.

Kerley believes the team has great potential and said she enjoys every day at practice. She emphasized the need for the Lady Lions to remain healthy this year, along with having the confidence to win the big games.

LADY EAGLES BUILDING EXCITEMENT

The Oak Mountain girls program is not that far removed from being a regular in the regional tournament.

Aimee Harris takes over the program this year, knowing that success is certainly possible for the Lady Eagles.

Harris said she is trying to inject excitement

into the program and wants to help build Oak Mountain basketball from the ground up, starting with the youth programs and translating that all the way through the high school level.

“I’ve got girls that are excited, coaches that are engaged and believe in what we’re trying to do,” she said. “It’s just going to take time.”

Caroline Kester is the team’s top returning player, as she is now entering her junior season.

Marley Brown and Zy Walker are among the players Harris expects to step into the limelight this year and become key players that other teams will have to account for. Joy Damron and Addison Green are sophomores that got some experience last year and will be counted on to do more this season.

Harris commended Elizabeth Butler and Meredith Renfrow for being senior leaders to help set the foundation for the future of the Oak Mountain program.

Kristen Rogers, Sophie Hammett, Lucy McKeown, Jillian Lind, Nylah Cook, Jules Walker and Audrey McClain are also among the players on the varsity roster this year.

LADY JAGS STILL BUILDING

John Hadder knew it was going to take time to build things back up for the Spain Park High School girls basketball program.

His Lady Jags stuck together last season,

weathering a 1-13 start to the season before winning five games in a row and finishing with nine wins on the year.

Hadder, in his first year as head coach, threw guards Nylah Calhoun and Ava Leonard into the fire as seventh graders. He knew there would be tough moments but hoped they would pay dividends in the long run.

As eighth graders, both appear destined to take the next step in their development.

There was only one senior on last year’s team, so the roster features many of the same players this time around. This year’s team has seven seniors, with about half of them entering the year with previous varsity experience.

Jordyn Corey and Tori Flournoy are returning starters. Trinity Daniels, Brooke Bentley, MC Hunter, Campbell Busby and Brooklyn Fortney are the other seniors. Hunter has established herself as the first guard off the bench to spell either Calhoun or Leonard.

Junior forward Teagan Huey is a standout softball player but has carved out a solid role on the Lady Jags’ basketball team, too.

Lindy Easterling is another junior and is in her first year with the program after coming over from Briarwood. Kamia Dawsey and Zadi Thompson-McWhorter are the two sophomores, while Abby Whatley is a freshman on the varsity team as well.

Above left: Briarwood’s Emma Kerley (32) dribbles the ball in a game last season. Top left: Oak Mountain’s Caroline Kester (23) dribbles the ball in a game last season. Kester is the Lady Eagles’ top returner this season. Above right: Briarwood’s Ann Tatum Baker (3) shoots a free throw in a game last season. Baker has stepped into a critical role as one of the leaders of the Lady Lions team.

Above: Chelsea’s Haley Trotter (23) is shown in a regional tournament game last season. Trotter is a senior and a recent Shelton State Community College signee, and is poised for a big final season. Right: Chelsea’s Sadie Schwallie (21) takes a shot in a regional tournament game last year. Schwallie is also in her fourth year on the varsity team and will take on a bigger role this season. Photos by Erin Nelson Sweeney.

SPORTS

Under the Lights

CALENDAR

BASKETBALL

BRIARWOOD

Dec. 3: @ Woodlawn. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 5: @ Hartselle. Girls at 5:15 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 10: @ Helena. TBD.

Dec. 11: Girls vs. Homewood. 7 p.m.

Dec. 13: vs. Montevallo. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 14: Girls vs. Ider. Decatur Heritage Academy. 3 p.m.

Dec. 14: Boys @ Indian Springs. 3 p.m.

Dec. 19-21: Smokey Mountain Classic. Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Dec. 27-28: Leeds Tournament. Leeds High School.

CHELSEA

Dec. 6: @ Oak Mountain. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 9: @ Mountain Brook. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 10: Boys @ Sylacauga. 7 p.m.

Dec. 12: vs. Hueytown. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 13-14: Girls at Maserati Classic. Vestavia Hills High School.

Dec. 17: Boys vs. Sylacauga. 7 p.m.

Dec. 19-21: Boys at Fort Payne Christmas Tournament. Fort Payne High School.

Dec. 19-21: Girls at Big Orange Classic. Hoover High School.

Dec. 27-28: AL-TN Border War Challenge. Athens High School.

Dec. 30: Girls @ Northridge. TBD.

OAK MOUNTAIN

Dec. 3: vs. Homewood. Boys at 2:05 p.m., girls at 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 5: Girls vs. McAdory. 6 p.m.

Dec. 6: vs. Chelsea. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 9: Girls vs. Huntsville. 6 p.m.

Dec. 10: Boys @ Pelham. 7:30 p.m.

Looking for more Under the Lights? Scan the QR code (or go to qrco.de/under-the-lights) to follow us on social media, subscribe to the newsletter and listen to the podcast.

Dec. 12: @ Spain Park. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 13: vs. Gardendale. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 17: @ Hueytown. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 19-21: Boys at Helena Tournament. Helena High School.

Dec. 19: Girls @ Huntsville. 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 20: Girls vs. Leeds. 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 21: Girls vs. John Carroll. 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 26-28: Boys at Big Orange Classic. Hoover High School. SPAIN PARK

Dec. 3: vs. Clay-Chalkville. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 vs. Hoover. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 9: Girls vs. Westminster-Oak Mountain. 7 p.m.

Dec. 12: vs. Oak Mountain. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 13: @ Homewood. Girls at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 16: vs. McAdory. Girls at 5:30 p.m., boys at 7 p.m.

Dec. 19-21: UMS-Wright Tournament. UMS-Wright Preparatory School.

Dec. 27-28, 30: Girls at Jag Challenge. Spain Park High School. Dec. 27-28, 30: Boys at Metro Tournament. Homewood High School.

ACCOLADES

Local athletes star at state cross-country meet

By STAFF

Several athletes from the area put forth great efforts at the high school state cross-country meet, held in Moulton on Nov. 9.

From Briarwood Christian School, Mary Grace Parker and Lena Anne Parker earned all-state honors in the 6A race, as they placed 10th and 11th, respectively.

Mary Grace Parker ran her race in 19 minutes, 4.14 seconds, while Lena Anne Parker crossed the line in 19:05.5.

Allie Hale finished 16th overall with a time of 19:15.42, as the Briarwood girls finished fourth as a team with their performance.

Spain Park’s girls team had an impressive race, placing fifth as a team. Remy Richards posted a time of 18:15.55, good for second overall. Madison Harvey joined her in the all-state ranks, placing eighth by running 18:48.81.

Kolby Day led the Briarwood boys’ effort, finishing 51st with a time of 17:09.25.

The Chelsea boys finished 11th in the 6A race. Conner Campbell and Hudson Williams were all-state runners to lead the way for the Hornets. Campbell ran the race in 15:58.35, good for eighth overall. Williams was 10th with a time of 15:59.34.

Oak Mountain finished fifth in the boys race and sixth in the girls race in 7A, behind a consistent all-around effort.

John Shoemaker, an Ole Miss signee, crossed the finish line in third place, running his race in 15:26.52. Cooper Jeffcoat, Sam Trammell, Zack Joyce and Luke Marvin were also in the top 50. Ava Fields finished 10th to lead the Oak Mountain girls, as Catarina Williams, Chloe Jeffcoat, Faith Scardino and Hayley Datema also finished in the top 50.

Bug Juice Gardens

Ava Fields

John Shoemaker

From left: Allie Hale, Lena Anne Parker and Mary Grace Parker.

Faces of the 280 corridor

Boba baristas form dream team at Teaspoon

Photos by SAVANNAH SCHMIDT

While Birmingham’s boba stores may be few and far between, the sunny presence of Zoe Phothisane and Atiana Carbajal has put Teaspoon at the Summit on drink lovers’ maps.

The pair became acquainted when they lived in Montgomery together, but since working at Teaspoon, they have become inseparable. The energy of their friendship preserves the sweet, stress-free atmosphere of the store.

“It’s like a family. I have not had one significant bad interaction here,” Phothisane said. “We have regulars we know, and we just make their drinks when they come in.”

“We get lots of compliments on our music,” Carbajal said.

The pair expect an influx of orders throughout the holiday season, especially with the popularity of their crème brûlée foam topping. In the face of shopping crazes and increased sales at Teaspoon, Phothisane believes the relaxed atmosphere will carry over.

“I’ve learned communication goes a long way,” Phothisane said. “We have set roles and already know how to work together.”

Both members of the dynamic duo are studying marketing at UAB and run Teaspoon’s TikTok account. The videos promote a variety of flavors with humor and internet trends, welcoming both seasoned and novice boba drinkers.

Outfitting Birmingham’s children for over 70 years

Above: Employees Atiana Carbajal, left, and Zoe Phothisane with the Black Sugar Assam and the Dirty Ube drinks at Teaspoon, a boba tea shop at the Summit.

Above: Zoe Phothisane and Atiana Carbajal decorate for the holidays. Below: Zoe makes a Dirty Ube boba tea.

Life along the 280 corridor

BACK WHEN GET TO KNOW

Chelsea artist Ashley Palladino

By STAFF

Ashley Palladino is an artist who lives in Chelsea. One of her specialties is making custom Christmas ornaments and nutcrackers. You can find her work at her store, Ashley Palladino Art, at 10945 Chelsea Road.

Q: Who are some of your influences?

A: I want to say myself, but also my children. I have always been a stay-at-home mom. I suffered from postpartum depression when my 15-year-old was born, and that’s how this started. I’m a completely self-taught artist, and I’ve always just kind of struggled, and I’ve been a server who started this business with my server money. I’m kind of inspired by just being a better version and showing my kids that you really can do something.

Q: When did you first discover you had an artistic talent?

A: I don’t know. I’ve never really considered myself incredibly talented. It was always something that just made me happy. I think probably, ironically, with my Christmas ornaments about three years ago, I realized that there was something a little more there than just people being nice to me and buying the art that I created.

Q: What’s something interesting about you that people might not know?

A: I think in this community because I do enjoy it and do so much art with children and

art in the community, and I’ve been a server for so long, and I’m such a people person out in the public, I’m really actually kind of quiet, into myself and nervous a lot of the time.

Principal of Berry Middle School Melissa Hadder

By STAFF

Q: What’s the story behind this photo?

A: The attached photo is my sorority composite photo from college, circa 1991. I was an ADPi (Alpha Delta Pi) at Troy State University back then, majoring in K-12 music education.

Q: What was going on in your life then?

A: In 1991, I was super excited to be preparing for a career teaching K-12 music and band. I was active in my sorority, the Troy State Band Program, and enjoying living in Alabama.

Q: If you could go back in time to that day, what would you tell your younger self?

A: I would tell my younger self that sharing content with students would be fun and a joy, but that my actual passion would become impacting students as people. I would tell my younger self not to worry so much about small details and striving for perfection in life. I would tell myself to slow down, not live in such a rush all of the time, enjoy each moment and stay fully engaged.

Q: What might people be surprised to learn about your younger self?

A: I was very introverted when I was younger. I was often reserved and slow to share my opinion or assert myself in large group settings. I could never have imagined that I would one day lead a school in a community as amazing as Hoover.

Ashley Palladino stands by a tree with ornaments she has made in her art studio in Chelsea. Photo by Nicole Mitchem.

Melissa Hadder, principal of Berry Middle School in Hoover, poses in her college sorority photo at Troy State University.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Hadder.

On the Mainstage

Dance South teaches every type of dancer

By STAFF

Dance South Studio, located just off of U.S. 280 in Chelsea, has been serving the Shelby County community with excellence in dance education for over 35 years.

Established by Nena Maniscalco in 1989, Dance South began as an after-school program at Inverness Elementary School. Due to the increased demand for classes after just a few years, Maniscalco built a permanent facility in Chelsea.

Over the years, the dance company has grown tremendously. Their 9,100-square-foot facility has three large studio rooms featuring sprung floors, which provide safety and shock absorption to dancers; professional marley vinyl flooring, which is softer for dancers; and advanced audio equipment. Dance South offers a wide range of disciplines, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, acro and musical theater.

Dancers at Dance South Studio in Chelsea practice their ballet. Photo courtesy of Dance South Studio.

While most instruction takes place at the Chelsea studio, there are also classes avail-

recreational dancers and competitive teams, with some students also pursuing opportunities in local theater and school dance teams. Dance South’s annual recital, held at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, showcases its students in a professional, family-friendly production, emphasizing age-appropriate choreography, music and costumes.

GET TO KNOW

Sarah Gilliland, author

By STAFF

Sarah Gilliland is the author of “Perfect Day Alabama” and a resident of Inverness.

Q: Tell us about what you do.

A: By day, I am a travel writer and a chauffeur to my three kids, who are actively involved in Hoover City Schools.

Q: Tell us about your book.

A: So, my book is called "Perfect Day Alabama." The premise of the book is, What if you only had 24 hours to spend in one of the great cities that I list in my book? What would you do? Where would you go? What would you eat? So, my book aims to answer those questions for folks, and I have featured 29 different cities throughout the state.

Q: How did you start writing?

A: Well, I started writing a long time ago. I have 13-year-old twin girls. I started writing a blog when they were like six or seven months old. I just felt like I needed a creative outlet to express myself, share my stories, share about them and how they were changing growing up, and slowly that writing evolved into something more.

Q: What advice would you give someone who is interested in publishing a book?

A: If you want to publish a book, you need to know that it is a lot of work, especially if it is a nonfiction book and especially if it’s about a state or a city.

– Editor’s note: Sarah Gilliland is a contributing writer for Starnes Media, including 280 Living.

Author Sarah Gilliland poses with her new book, “Perfect Day Alabama,” at a book signing Oct. 5 at DeDe s Book Rack in Trussville. Photo courtesy of Sarah Gilliland.

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Stars of the season

Cheer and band shine during football games

Photos by Shawn Bowles, Frank Couch, David Leong, Richard Force, Todd Lester, James “Nick” Nicholas, Savannah Schmidt and Barry Stephenson.

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