280 Living February 2018

February 2018 | Volume 11 | Issue 6

280LIVING.COM

THE 280 CORRIDOR’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE

bond the

of brothers Mutual respect for one another fosters natural chemistry on court for pair of Oak Mountain juniors

By K Y L E P ARM L EY

D

rew unn and Chris ayweather have their moments.

They have moments when they loo unstoppable, as the Oak Mountain High School boys basketball team’s leading scorers. Dunn is a point guard and lefty sharpshooter, while ayweather is a versatile player who can score from anywhere on the court. Together, they average nearly 30 poi nts per game for the Eagles.

See BROTHERS | page A29

Drew Dunn, left, and Chris Mayweather are both juniors and leading scorers on the Oak Mountain basketball team. The pair has developed a strong bond despite their competitive natures. Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

Ci t i e s s o w g r e e n in v e s tm e n ts w ith ‘ Tr e e Ci t y’ p l a n s

INSIDE Sponsors ........... A4 News................... A6 Business ...........A10 Chamber...........A14 Gift Guide .........A18

Events ..............A20 Sports ..............A24 School House ....B7 Calendar ........... B17 Medical Guide.....C1

By ERICA TECHO

Pre-Sort Standard U .S. Postage PAID Tupelo, MS Permit # 5 4

facebook.com/280Living

Hitting New Heights Atlanta-based adaptive climbing group establishes first Alabama chapter in Birmingham.

See page A26

The state of Alabama has 82 communities that hold the title of “Tree City U SA.” These communities have a tree commission, tree care ordinance and community forestry program, invest in tree maintenance and planting, and observe Arbor Day each year.

They’re the ones that provide a voice for their cities’ trees. “A tree’s not ever going to call the mayor’s office. The tree’s not going to do that, so we have to think about the trees,” said Dale Dickenson, urban forestry coordinator for the Alabama Forestry

See TREES | page A30

A Hoover Urban Forestry worker helps a child move dirt onto a newly planted tree during Hoover’s Arbor Day on March 3 at Aldridge Gardens. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Gregory.

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280 Living

280Living.com

February 2018 • A3

A4 • February 2018

280 Living

About Us Editor’s Note By Erica Techo If you read my January Editor’s Note and were concerned about me making it through the month, don’t worry — I made it. So far, that makes one New Year’s resolution a rousing success.

On Jan. 13 , eight months of planning and six years of dating culminated in our wedding, and looking back, a part of me is sad it is all over. People warned the day would y by, and it did.

Between the time we said our vows and the time we left the venue, it felt like life was on fast forward and there was no way to grasp every single moment.

At the end of the day, though, I knew only one thing mattered: I married my best friend.

Even with the stress that came from planning, I’m glad we brought together friends and family for such as special day.

The following Monday, we both jumped back into day-to-day life. went to the office, and he spent the day studying. ( Of course, I brought leftover wedding

cake and shared wedding stories with my coworkers.)

After six years together, it felt like not much changed after going through the official process of getting married, but even that slight change was a good one.

This month, you’ll notice a slight change in our papers as well. At the end of the paper, we’re bringing you a Metro Roundup. These articles come from our six sister papers and will include information on new restaurants, businesses, city decisions and other things we think will interest our readers, even if it’s not happening in your backyard. L et me know what you think of our new section, as well as if there’s anything you’d like to see in the section at erica@ starnespublishing.com.

Please Support Our Community Partners Abundance Yoga (B4) Advanced Turf Care (A6) Alabama Allergy & Asthma Center (C12) Asbury United Methodist Church (A23)

Birmingham Internal Medicine (C1)

Greater Alabama Council (A21) Brandino Brass (A28) Brea Sexton, Re/MAX

Contributing Writers: Rick Watson Kari Kampakis

Legals: 280 Living is published monthly. Reproduction or

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

Please recycle this paper.

Margie Beth Shaw, Keller Williams (B16) Outdoor Living Areas (A17) Pak Mail (A7)

Budget Blinds (B17)

Pastry Art Bake Shoppe (B16)

Buff City Soap Company (A20)

Pitts & Associates Mental Health Professionals (A20) Quevity (A3)

Cahaba Glass (B4)

RealtySouth (A32)

Cardiovascular Associates (C11)

Regenerative Medical Institute (C9)

Carpet Warehouse Galleria (A9)

Revive Vitality (C13)

Case Remodeling (B7)

Revolve Kitchen (B8)

Cathy Rogoff, ARC Realty (A12)

Royal Automotive (B20)

Children’s of Alabama (C16)

Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (C8) Skye Connect (A8) Somerby at St. Vincent’s

Closets by Design (A11)

One Nineteen (C7)

Double Oak Community

Southeastern Jewelers and Engravers (B11)

Driver’s Way (A13)

Southpoint Bank (A10)

Encore Rehabilitation (C15)

Southtown Mortgage (B8)

ENT Associates of Alabama (A21)

Spain Park High School

Everyday Pet Styles (A25)

For advertising contact: dan@starnespublishing.com

LIST Birmingham (B12)

Bromberg & Company, Inc. (B7)

Church (B15)

Published by: Starnes Publishing LLC

Lakeman Family Dental (B6) Liberty Park (B10)

Specialists (B9)

Advertising Manager: Matthew Allen Account Manager: Layton Dudley Sales and Distribution: Warren Caldwell Don Harris Michelle Salem Haynes Rhonda Smith James Plunkett Eric Clements Vicky Hager Ellen Skrmetti

Kirkwood by the River (B2)

Boy Scouts of America -

Choice Home Care

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

Southern Homes (A9)

Las Trojas Cantina (B3)

& Restoration (A1)

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

Jeff Jones, DGM Real Estate Pros

Blue Rain Express (B1)

Cabinetry Refinishing

Community Reporters: Jon Anderson Jesse Chambers Lexi Coon Emily Featherston

Issis & Sons (A18)

Kete Cannon, RE/MAX

Southern Homes (A26)

Dan Starnes Sydney Cromwell Kristin Williams Sarah Finnegan Erica Techo Kyle Parmley Alyx Chandler Melanie Viering

Insurance Place (A24)

Bellini’s Ristorante (B11)

Chiropractic Today (B2)

Publisher: Managing Editor: Design Editor: Director of Photography: Community Editor: Sports Editor: Digital Editor: Page Designer:

Hutchinson Automotive (A25)

(A15, A23, A29, A31)

Hearing Associates (C15)

Local climbers compete in the Southern Grit iti ens’ Open on Jan. 6 at High Point Climbing and Fitness off U.S. 280. Photo

by Sarah Finnegan.

Fitness (B13)

Bedzzz Express (A5, B1)

Birmingham Speech and

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

High Point Climbing and

Theatre (B9)

Expedia CruiseShipCenters (A7)

Spiro Salt Room/Family

EZ Roof & EZ Restoration (A27)

Share Massage (A8)

Fancy Fur - Paws and Claws (A20)

St. Vincent’s Health Systems (A19)

Five Star Painting (A28)

Standard Air, Plumbing

Focus MD (C14) Gardner Landscaping (A6) Grandview Medical Group (A30) Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce (A24)

& Insulation (A1) Terry Crutchfield, Re/MAX Advantage South (B5) The Highlands Community (A14) The Maids (A26)

Greystone Tire & Automotive (A2)

TherapySouth Chelsea (C5)

Growing Up Pediatrics (C14)

UAB Honors College (B3)

Guin Service (B19)

Urgent Care for Children -

Harris Doyle Homes (A16) Healthy Smiles of Birmingham (C10)

Birmingham (C3) Weigh To Wellness (C6) Yoga and Therapy Center (C13)

280Living.com

February 2018 • A5

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280 Living

280 News Chelsea council approves funding to repair damaged fire engine Tax-free weekend for severe weather preparedness supplies will take place Feb. 23-25.

Staff photo.

By ERICA TECHO On the second day of 2018, Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer told the Chelsea City Council it was time to get back to work.

After the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, Picklesimer said he was ready to get started on new projects and other items in the upcoming year.

“It’s time to get back to work. We’ve got several projects we hope in 2018 to get kicked off,” Picklesimer said to council members as the Jan. 2 pre-council meeting adjourned and councilors made their way into the regular meeting.

The night’s agenda held several items, including one resolution for needed repairs to one of the city’s fire engines.

The proposed resolution declared the damage to fire engine No. 39 as “an emergency affecting public health, safety and convenience” and authorized up to $60,000 for the repairs.

Engine 39 was damaged in a single-vehicle accident, Picklesimer said, which resulted in some cosmetic damage as well as damage to the vehicle’s undercarriage. The council unanimously passed the resolution.

Also on the agenda were two proposed ordinances. Prior to considering the ordinances, the council approved a motion to suspend the rules and to immediately vote on the ordinances.

The first ordinance was regarding a property annexation on Chelsea Road. Miranda Kirby submitted the annexation request for a 3.04 acre property at 10468 Chelsea Road, and the council approved the annexation.

The second ordinance was in regard to tax exemptions for covered items for the 2018 Severe Weather Preparedness Holiday. Similar to the tax free holiday for school supplies, this holiday is for severe weather preparedness

supplies. The city has approved the holiday and exemption in the past, Picklesimer said, but by considering it as an ordinance the participation in the holiday will carry from year to year. If at any point the council chooses to not participate, it can do so through another ordinance, he said.

This year’s tax-free weekend will take place Feb. 23-25.

The council also received a rezoning request from Shafig Samji of Evolution Holdings LLC.

Evolution Holdings owns multiple Shell service stations in the area, Picklesimer said, and the request to rezone from B-1 commercial to B-2 commercial is the first step toward potentially expanding to include a used car lot at the gas station on the corner of Highways 36 and 11.

“They’re expanding the business,” said council member David Ingram.

The need for rezoning, Picklesimer said, is because a used car lot is not allowed under the

B-1 zoning.

No action was taken on the rezoning request, and the council will hold a public hearing regarding the matter during the Feb. 6 meeting. If the rezoning request is approved at that meeting, council member Scott Weygand said Samji would come back before the planning commission for final changes to the property.

“This is just step one of several,” Weygand said.

280Living.com

February 2018 • A7

Commissioner Robbie Hayes, left, and Sheriff John Samaniego, right, accept plaques from Jim Price, a representative of the Sons of the American Revolution, who attended the commission's Jan. 8 meeting to recognize the county for proper display of the American Flag at county buildings. Photo by Erica Techo.

Commission names 2018 as Shelby County bicentennial

By ERICA TECHO t its first meeting of the year, the Shelby County Commission too time to recogni e 2018 as the year of Shelby County’s bicentennial.

The commission recogni ed the county’s 200th anniversary in a resolution at its an. 8 meeting. ccording to the resolution, Shelby County was established Feb. , 1818, even before labama was established as the 22nd state in ecember 1819.

The county was named for ssac Shelby, a Revolutionary ar hero and the first governor of entuc y. “ hereas, the Shelby County Commission recogni es 2018 as the icentennial year for the County as a unique opportunity to celebrate and uplift the County during this historic time, the resolution read, adding that cities and communities within the county “are encouraged to ac nowledge and celebrate the icentennial during 2018 to educate our residents and visitors on all our County has to offer and to promote lasting initiatives while celebrating our 200th year.

The commission previously discussed the county’s bicentennial at its ec. 2 meeting, after Commissioner Lindsey llison said someone brought the upcoming anniversary to her attention. lso during the meeting, the county was recogni ed by the Sons of the merican Revolution. im rice, representing the Sons of the merican Revolution, presented the commission and Sheriff ohn Samaniego with certificates

ac nowledging the county’s proper display of the merican ag.

The county has several installations that follow the guidelines for displaying the ag, including eeping it lit at night, if it remains up throughout the night. rice presented certificates regarding the ag installations at the courthouse, sheriff’s office and license office. lso during the meeting, the county approved two resolutions regarding right-ofway acquisitions. The two resolutions, one regarding the intersection at Shelby 52 and 93 and the other regarding Shelby 52, permitted the county engineer and attorney to ta e necessary actions regarding obtaining rights of way, said County Engineer Randy Cole.

The second resolution relates to a right-ofway acquisition that is necessary for an upcoming project the replacement of the existing bridge and the construction of a new bride over the Cahaba River on Shelby 52. “ t’s a very old bridge, Cole said, after Commissioner Elwyn earden noted a new bridge was needed in that area. lso at the meeting, the commission Heard an update from water services manager ichael Cain, who said upgrades to the county’s SC system are underway. Cain said some wor has already been completed, and they’re loo ing to see what needs to happen and how to complete that with as little downtime as possible. pproved minutes from the ec. 2 meeting. pproved bills, requisitions, chec register, government funds and proprietary funds.

A8 • February 2018

280 Living

New city lobbyist Beth Chapman brings wealth of connections The city of Hoover hired former Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman to represent the city on issues in state and federal government that impact Hoover. Photo courtesy of Beth Chapman.

By J ON AN D ERS ON The city of Hoover has some new eyes and ears in Montgomery and Washington, D.C. The City Council recently hired former Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman as a lobbyist to represent the city on issues in state and federal government that impact Hoover.

Council President G ene Smith said the council and mayor had plenty of lobbyists to choose from but were looking for someone who is very invested in the city of Hoover.

“We wanted somebody who is going to wake up thinking about Hoover and go to bed thinking about Hoover,” Smith said.

Chapman, a Hoover resident, fit that bill well, he said.

Plus, she has a wealth of experience in state government and relationships that should serve the city well, he said.

Chapman served four years as state auditor from 2002-06 and was twice elected as secretary of state in 2006 and 2010. She resigned in August 2013 with more than a year left in her term to begin work in government and public relations.

As secretary of state, Chapman was close to a large number of legislators from both the state Senate and House of Representatives, Smith said. “And she has a great relationship with the governor. That always helps,” he said.

Prior to serving as state auditor, Chapman served as the state executive director for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, appointments secretary for former G ov. Fob James and press secretary for former L t. G ov. Steve Windom.

She also has relationships with Alabama’s representatives in Congress and spent some time in the District of Columbia as secretary of state, she said. She was president of the National Association of Secretaries of State.

Many of the lobbyist candidates whom Hoover officials considered wanted to wor either in Washington or Montgomery, but not both, Smith said. Chapman was the only one willing to do both and did not ask for additional

expenses because of the dual role, he said.

Chapman will be paid $7 7 ,4 00 per year.

“I just think, in my mind, she was the entire package,” Smith said.

Mayor Frank Brocato said he tried to stay out of the lobbyist selection process and deferred to Smith’s judgment because of his past experience in dealing with lobbyists. However, he said he supported Chapman as the choice. “ thin eth was a good fit for our community,” Brocato said. “She’s a Hoover citizen. She’s just got an incredible amount of respect throughout the state. Her experience is phenomenal.”

Brocato said the city needs a lobbyist to help the city get money allocated for road projects, such as the new Interstate 4 5 9 interchange the city wants to get built just south of South Shades Crest Road.

Also, Brocato is interested in Hoover getting its own zip code. Right now, the city is suffering in a lot of ways because it doesn’t have a zip code with the city’s name attached to it, he said. fficially, most of the ip codes in the city limits of Hoover ( 3 5 216, 3 5 226, 3 5 24 2, 3 5 24 3 and 25 24 4 ) list Birmingham as the city associated with that zip code. Other zip codes in the Hoover city limits are associated with Bessemer ( 3 5 022) , Helena ( 3 5 080) and Pelham ( 3 5 124 ) .

But none of them is considered Hoover zip codes. Brocato said he is concerned the city may lose out on some revenue from online sales because of that, even though the city’s Revenue Department does audit Birmingham’s Revenue Department to combat that.

Chapman also may be able to help the

city as it works with other municipalities to address the loss of municipal revenue due to internet sales, Brocato said.

Smith also thinks Chapman can help the city obtain more grants through agencies such as the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

Chapman said she considers it an honor to represent Hoover and looks forward to helping the city progress, adding that it’s one thing to represent a client and another to push for things that impact your friends and neighbors.

“I think my heart’s really in it,” Chapman said. “Hoover has a lot of growth, and with growth comes issues that need to be addressed. … We are the sixth largest city in the state, and we need to have someone at the table in Montgomery. I think it’s good insurance for the city of Hoover.”

280Living.com

February 2018 • A9

onstruction or ers ma e progress on the five baseball so tball fields being built ne t to Hoover Metropolitan tadium on an n the oreground is the natural tur field that is scheduled or completion by May Photo by Jon Anderson.

he city o Hoover’s ne baseball so tball comple being built ust est o Hoover Metropolitan tadium and the inley enter includes one natural tur field ield and our artificial tur fields ields Rendering courtesy of Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood.

field ase all soft all comple coming to oover

By J ON AN D ERS ON The five-field baseball and softball complex under construction next to Hoover etropolitan Stadium is on schedule, city officials said.

The natural turf field that is to be a mirror image of the field at the stadium is on target to be completed in time for the 2018 SEC aseball Tournament, scheduled for ay 22-2 , said Tim esthoven, the city’s chief operations officer.

The city promised to have the extra field ready in time for this year’s SEC tournament as part of its agreement to eep the tournament in Hoover through at least 2019 and perhaps through 2021. s of mid- anuary, noticeable progress had been made on construction. rading for the field was complete, and wor ers already had the

bac stop netting poles in place, slab poured for the press box, and dugouts under construction.

Still to come were the light poles, fencing and concession stand.

The turf for the natural turf field should be completely installed by mid- pril, giving it time to settle in before the SEC tournament, said Spencer Norrell, an assistant project manager with the rasfield orrie construction company building the complex.

The natural turf field, situated the same direction as the field at the Hoover et stadium, is to be used for practice by SEC teams during the tournament and could be used for a ma eup game if needed because of a weather delay, city officials have said. rasfield orrie also will have an access road leading from Stadium Trace ar way to the baseball and softball complex and one

of two par ing lots next to the complex paved in time for the SEC tournament, esthoven said.

The remainder of the access road, which will lead to Hoover High School, will be gravel at that time but should be fully completed by mid-September, he said.

The four artificial turf baseball and softball fields, which also will be si ed to meet NC standards for baseball, are slated to be completed by ug. 4, Norrell said. ass excavation has started for the rest of the outdoor sports complex, which will include five NC -si e soccer lacrosse football fields, a 16-court tennis complex with a pro shop, splash pad, playground and more par ing lots to the south of the Hoover R ar . ll of that portion of the complex is scheduled for completion in early anuary 2019,

Norrell said. eanwhile, the oodwyn, ills Cawood architectural and engineering firm has been reviewing plans for the 333,20 indoor climbing wall at the Finley Center. That feature originally was expected to be open in arch, but now the goal is ay or une, said onty ones, general manager for the Hoover etropolitan Complex.

Erin Colbaugh, the city’s events coordinator, said city officials are ma ing a strong push to get the climbing wall completed in time for the SEC aseball Tournament. s of mid- anuary, the city also was still in the final stages of contract negotiations with the labama Sports Foundation, which plans to open a sports performance, training, rehab and education facility in more than ,000 square feet of space in the Finley Center.

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Liberty Pkwy

280Living.com

February 2018 • A11

Now Open

the Business of the Year.

9590, b i m ap c .c om

U r ge n t Car e f or Ch i l d r e n , 500 C ahaba Park Circle, Suite 100, held a ribbon-cutting in December. The facility provides after-hours and weekend urgent care services to pediatric patients.

84273, c h i l d r e n s u r ge n t .c om

Bu f f Ci t y S oap s , 5361 U .S. 280, Suite 105, w as honored by the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce as the New Business of the Year.

73091, b u f f c i t ys oap .c om

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U r b an Bar n Cl ot h i n g C om p an y, 16618 U .S. 280, Suite 102, has opened a location in Chelsea.

Relocations and Renovations Cr e at i ve D og Tr ai n i n g, 3190 C ahaba Heights Road, is moving to a new location, Creative Dog Training - Summit, 381 S ummit Blvd. Drop-off/ pick-up schedule will be affected but not disrupted until planned moving day around spring break.

87310, c r e at i ve d ogt r ai n i n g.c om

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News and Accomplishments 4

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Hirings and Promotions M so e s & M os e s , P .C ., 300 C ahaba Park Circle, Suite 100, is pleased to announce attorney Wm. Randall ( Randy) May joined its firm an. 1. Randy is a registered patent attorney and specializes in probate matters, bankruptcy, commercial and corporate law, intellectual property and contract law. He has been practicing law for more than 35 y ears.

967091, m os e s p c .c om

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Closings 7

Bu n c h Bak e s h op , 4647 U .S. 280, Suite , closed an. 26 following the owner’s retirement.

S t . V i n c e n t ’ s On e N i n e t e e n , 7191 C ahaba V alley Road, was honored by the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce as

Business news

to share?

Now Open Coming Soon

Relocation Expansion Anniversary

If you are in a brick and mortar business along the 280 corridor and want to share your event with the community, let us know.

280 Living neighborly news & entertainment

Email dan@280living.com Email matthew@starnespublishing.com

A12 • February 2018

280 Living

‘Lifestyle longevity’ club opens 1st location

By ERICA TECHO Just in time for the new year, the 280 corridor got a new way to work out.

Q uevity, a self-described “lifestyle longevity” club, opened in the V illage at L ee Branch on ec. 15. The fitness center gets its name from what owner L arry G urney said he believes a health club should be: something that fuels “The Q uest for L ongevity.” urney has wor ed in health and fitness for 3 5 years, founding programs including 24 Hour Fitness and The RU SH Fitness Complex.

Q uevity focuses on health from different angles, said L iz Harrop, Q uevity’s wellness director. When members join Q uevity, Harrop said, they work to develop a lifestyle plan for them — something that they can use to hit “total body wellness” through actions in and out of the gym.

“We know right now people are kind of bombarded with health and wellness information,” Harrop said, adding that they work to make plans easy to understand and implement.

L ifestyle plans focus on time and stress management, nutrition and fitness goals, she said.

Members can complete a health and longevity assessment and lifestyle analysis, and then receive G PS — goals, pathways and strategies — poi nts for a lifestyle plan.

“It’s their roadmap for how they reach their goals,” Harrop said.

Q uevity has several therapies focused on wellness, including cryotherapy, an infrared

Above ercise e uipment at uevity the ne fitness club that opened in December in the illage at ee ranch includes ettlebells eight benches and stairmasters elo uevity’s salt therapy room aims to help alleviate health problems associated ith breathing respiratory issues and stress Photos by Erica Techo.

sauna, a salt room, drywave massage and other options. n addition to expected fitness equipment such as treadmills and weights, Q uevity also has small group training classes that use equipment such as yoga slings and elastic bands that give a low-impact, highly effective workout, said Donna Meyer, Q uevity’s group training

director. The tools make the workout easier on the body and joints, Meyer said, without sacrificing results.

“At Q uevity, our motto is just, ‘ L ive life better,’” said Dana Hamon, manager of the club’s -fit studio. “So we are ta ing a holistic approach to just better quality of life and the body as a whole — the mind, the body, the soul, the stress relief.”

-fit includes “signature classes that are circuit-style and use “fun props and equipment, Hamon said. This equipment can’t be found elsewhere in the Southeast, she said.

“Our goal is for our members to have fun and for it to always be changing. We don’t want for our participants to come to the point where they plateau, so we’re going to try to continue to make the classes different,” Hamon said.

Classes use heart rate monitors, which allow the individuals working out to track their ideal

heart rate and thereby not overtrain and become injured, Hamon said. At the end of a workout, Hamon said, her goal is for everyone to leave feeling successful and like they can do anything.

“I have found over the years, when I’m teaching group classes, that if someone leaves a class feeling unsuccessful, they generally don’t come back. And that’s the last thing I want,” Hamon said. “I want someone leaving feeling empowered and like they can do anything they put their mind to. That’s our goal for every person who walks through those doors, no matter what their fitness level is.

The location on U .S. 280 will hopefully be one of several locations nationwide, Hamon said.

Q uevity is located at 220 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 100. For more information, go to quevity. com.

280Living.com

February 2018 • A13

Holistic pet store Whiskers and Wags opens

By ERICA TECHO Taking care of a pet with special needs can be tricky, but it is something Kim McCulla is familiar with.

The Chelsea resident has worked with animal rescues for several years and in turn has taken in animals that need additional attention, special food or innovative toys.

“I have a border collie that has cancer, I have a golden [ retriever] -Aussie mix with fear issues, and those are both high-energy breeds and very smart,” McCulla said. “That leads me to really understand nutrition, what types of food they need, what types of situations not to put my golden-Aussie in, but it also leads me to discover puzzles and toys like that to keep them entertained.”

That experience, coupled with her love of animals, led McCulla to open her Chelsea pet boutique, Whiskers and Wags, in November.

The store caries holistic pet food and treats as well as healthy and helpful toys and puzzles.

“One of the nice things about being locally owned, and me owning this, is that I get to hand pick the products,” said McCulla, who formerly worked at a pet boutique in Atlanta. “Either my staff – their animals – will test products, or my animals will test products.”

While there are other pet boutiques in the Birmingham area, McCulla said she thinks her location is a convenient destination for people who don’t want to battle .S. 280 traffic. They also aim to offer different products, she said, which aren’t found at other shops.

As she looks for items, McCulla said she looks for high quality materials. For example, all treats and chews are 100 percent digestible, she said, and all items are things McCulla would or does give to her animals.

“I look for the best, but that doesn’t mean that everything is expensive,” McCulla said.

The store also carries “boutique” pet clothing, including items like wool coats or bomber jackets for small dogs.

As a shop that carries some more unique or

Owner Kim McCulla poses in her new storefront. Whiskers & Wags, a new pet boutique in Chelsea, features a variety of pet items from ood to outfits and toys Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

harder-to-find items, cCulla said she also aims to help families solve “problems” they may face. These can include a hyperactive dog that needs a way to drain its energy or being in the “puppy stage” where it’s chewing on everything.

“We just want to help you bond and help you solve those problems with your pets and become that trusted adviser [ for pet owners] ,” McCulla said.

If customers come back with happy stories,

like telling McCulla that their pet has stopped chewing up items, seems to be better behaved or has fewer health issues thanks to a new food, cCulla said she will feel they are fulfilling their goal.

“We really want people to also think our staff is knowledgeable and our customer service is out of this world. Because, to me, that’s the key to business anyway,” she said.

McCulla also hopes to give back through the store. This month, they plan to host a Mardi

Paws event on Feb. 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The event will include food, prizes and adoptable dogs, as well as photo shoots to benefit eace, L ove and Dog Paws Rescue. McCulla said she plans to make events such as this a regular occurrence.

Whiskers and Wags is located at 16618 U .S. 280, Suite 100. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6: 3 0 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information, go to facebook.com/ WhiskersNWagsPet.

A14 • February 2018

Preview of

February Luncheon

The Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce’s February “Community Luncheon” on Feb. 28 will feature a “State of Our Communities” presentations.

The meeting, presented by Sain Associates and co-sponsored by SouthWest Water Company, will be held in the banquet hall at the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena.

Doors will open at 11 a.m. for business networking, and the program will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m.

During the program, mayors from throughout Shelby County will have the opportunity to share their thoughts about what lies ahead in 2018 for their communities.

The cost is $20 per person for Chamber investors and $30 per person for “future” investors and includes a luncheon buffet. Reservations requested by noon on Monday, Feb. 26.

For more information, contact the Chamber at info@shelbychamber.org, by telephone at 663-4542 or register online at shelbychamber. org.

280 Living

Chamber Local representatives provide update on state legislative actions Rep. April Weaver opens the discussion at the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Jan. 12. Photo

by Lexi Coon.

By L EX I COON Only a few days after the Alabama L egislature entered its annual session, local legislators joined the G reater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce for a luncheon Jan. 12. This gave area business owners and community members the chance to interact with and learn more from their representatives.

During the luncheon, present representatives — Jim Carns, R-District 4 8; Dickie Drake, R-District 4 5 ; Allen Farley, R-District 15 ; Matt Fridy, R-District 7 3 ; Corley Ellis, R-District 4 1; Arnold Mooney, R-District 43; and April Weaver, R-District 49 — and Sens. Jim McClendon, R-District 11; Jabo Waggoner, R-District 16; and Cam Ward, R-District 14 ; discussed plans for the session.

Rep. Weaver — chairman of the House Health Committee — opened the discussion by noting G ov. Kay Ivey has declared a state of public health emergency in light of the widespread u outbrea .

“I’m pretty sure in a public health state of emergency, it is OK to breach business etiquette.

You don’t have to shake hands,” she said, noting other forms of greeting are acceptable.

She also said because Medicaid had an amount of money “rollover” from its budget last year, they will not be needing an increase of funds this year.

“And that’s an exciting thing for all of us,” Rep. Fridy said later in the luncheon.

Other representatives addressed the budget, too, with many adding that both the G eneral Fund and the Education Trust Fund look to be in good shape this year. Ward said,

however, that because of a federal mandate, the state will spend $30 million on top of the Department of Corrections allocated $4 13 million to address the state of mental health and health care services in prisons. This is part of the $1.9 6 G eneral Fund budget for 2018, and he expects another $50 million to be allocated next year.

Ward also said the state needs to create initiatives and put money back into local programs so people can get the help they need “before they’re in the adult correction system.”

Some of the representatives are looking to introduce bills during this session as well, although Waggoner said he doesn’t expect to see many.

New bills that were discussed aimed at making broadband available in rural Alabama declaring child traffic ing a capital offense; creating the program “Parks for Patriots,” which would allow veterans free access to state par s all year raising the fine to $10,000 for attorneys who call victims of

car accidents ( the penalty is currently $500) and making accident reports only available to those who need them.

McClendon also plans on introducing a bill that would institute a “winner take all” system for elections, which is aimed at filling legislative seats that are vacant for one reason or another in one race. “The idea is to eliminate the expense of the elections, but more importantly, the idea is to get a representative or senator back in that spot [ to represent his or her constituents] ,” he said.

Carns brie y spo e of a bill he expects to be passed that will allow U ber and L yft, ride sharing companies, to operate in Shelby County, as well as the recent commitment of Jefferson County to a $3 0 million stadium complex in downtown Birmingham.

He said this development will not only attract visitors, but also aid area businesses and help increase the local economy.

“I feel very, very positive about 2018,” he said.

280Living.com

February 2018 • A15

South Shelby Chamber presents Diamond Awards

By L EX I COON

developmental and intellectual disabilities the services they may need to live successful, independent lives.

Founded in 19 4, the organi ation has grown and in 2017 the ARC served 1,5 4 3 individuals.

“The ARC of Shelby County has expanded to meet the growing needs in our community all while ensuring a commitment to quality in each program or service provided,” the nomination said.

The organi ation is also the largest provider of early intervention services focusing on children in Shelby County.

Other nominations included: My Sister’s Place and Heavenly Smiles.

As part of celebrating the New Year at their January luncheon, the South Shelby County Chamber of Commerce honored members of the community who helped make an impact during 2017 . On the docket for the event were awards for Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Public Servant of the Year, Nonprofit of the ear and Citi en of the ear.

After presenting nominees — who ranged from individuals to businesses to organi ations — for each category, emcee April Stone announced the following winners:

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

The South Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award was given to St. V incent’s One Nineteen Health and Wellness Center, for facilitating a collaboration with Shelby County Schools and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation. Through the collaboration, the organi ations were able to help Oak Mountain High School senior Kyle c ee, who uses a motori ed wheelchair and has communication difficulties, wor towards independence, the nomination said.

“Kyle has severe challenges to overcome, but because of their commitment to Kyle’s goals … he has achieved skills in communication far beyond the expectations of many people know him well,” the nomination said.

Other nominees included: Seventh Heaven, Simply Infused, Mundy Motors, Shelby Baptist Medical Center, NAPA Auto Parts of Columbiana and Douglas Built of V incent.

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

After starting in Tennessee in 2013 , Buff City Soaps Company expanded to Alabama in 2017 and was named the New Business of the Year for chamber. The soaps they produce are plant-based and all of their products are environmentally-conscious.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Don Armstrong, center, was named the 2017 Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Public Servant of the Year during the Jan. 11 luncheon. Photo by Lexi Coon.

“It is a great place, even greater products, and they are just really nice people to deal with; always eager to help out,” the nomination said.

Other nominees included: Clint Neville Farmer’s Insurance Agency and Columbiana Tractor Company.

PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR

Don Armstrong, Shelby County Property Tax Commissioner, was named the South Shelby County Chamber Public Servant of the Year for 2017 .

He has served as the property tax commissioner since 2005 , and before that he was on the Shelby County Commission for 15 years.

“Don helped lead the county from a time of financial straights to a time of financial freedom,” the nomination said.

He is also credited with “moving the property tax commissioner’s office to the next level of customer service.”

Other nominations included: Kirk Mancer, Robyn James, Peg Hill, Bridgette Jordan Smith, Dr. Jay Crimson and the Chelsea Citiens on atrol.

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR

The Shelby County Chamber Nonprofit of the Year was awarded to The ARC of Shelby County for providing individuals with

Frances L okey “Skeet” Phelps — a 9 4 year old Navy veteran and resident of Wilsonville was named the 201 Citi en of the ear. helps was the first female mayor of ilsonville, where she still frequents city council meetings today. She is also a member of the Silver Hair L egislature, attends meetings in Montgomery, helps with her niece’s beauty parlor when called upon and works with the Wilsonville Methodist Church.

“She is a ‘ Jill of all trades,’” the nomination said. “There is nothing this woman will not attempt and more often than not, be successful at it.”

Of her many accomplishments and awards, Phelps said: “L et me say, any of you can do it, if you just live to 9 5 and over.”

Her presentation of the award was met with a standing ovation. The only other nomination was for Shawn Callahan, Jason Spin s and Carol and Ric Clar with id Outdoors.

The Chamber also named V icki Everett of Juice Plus+ as the 2017 Chamber Ambassador of the Year.

A16 • February 2018

280 Living

Conquering the Yellow Brick Road

“

Lt. Clay Hammac brings knowledge back from FBI National Academy

It really is humbling to think back that I had a chance to be part of that.

By ERICA TECHO The Wizard of Oz might not be the first thing individuals relate to law enforcement, but three times a year, agency leaders gather in uantico, irginia, to follow and conquer the ellow ric Road.

These 200 or more law enforcement executives are ta ing part of the F National cademy, an 11-wee program that offers training in communication, leadership and fitness.

The ellow ric Road, a 6.1-mile obstacle course, is a physical challenge that participants ta e part in at the conclusion of the program.

Shelby County rug Enforcement Tas Force Commander Lt. Clay Hammac graduated as part of the National cademy’s 2 0th class on ec. 15. pon returning to wor ec. 2 , Hammac said he loo s forward to applying what he learned in uantico.

“The entire intent and design of the academy was to foster a greater partnership between federal law enforcement and state and local law enforcement, Hammac said.

The 2 0th class included officers from around the world and provided an opportunity to build on their experiences and learn from an academic curriculum designed by the F , Hammac said. Topics included 21st century policing theories, models of community policing and media relations, and leadership theory and practice.

”

LT. CLAY HAMMAC

Lt. Clay Hammac poses with mementos from his participation in the FBI National Academy. Along with his diploma is a yello bric hich signifies his completion o a mile obstacle course as part o the th National Academy class. Photo by Erica Techo.

n Hammac’s “Essentials of Law Enforcement Executives class of about 50 students, he said everyone discussed case studies and past experience in order to share tactics they could bring bac to their communities. ta eaway for Hammac was loo ing at law enforcement as a service to the community, with the community being a customer.

“There are some community-oriented policing theories and ideas that

we were able to ta e away, and ’m eager to implement here with the rug Enforcement Tas Force to be more engaging with our community, Hammac said. long with those ideas, Hammac said he will bring a networ of resources and individuals bac to Shelby County. “ guess if you as any graduate from the National cademy what their greatest strength is, that they’ve ta en with them from the

academy, thin a lot of them would overwhelmingly say the networ , Hammac said. This networ can offer input on new challenges and provide solutions based on collective experiences, he said. n addition to academics, they also endured wee ly physical challenges, all i ard of themed, which served as preparation for the ellow ric Road.

The culminating obstacle course gets its name from the pathway

of painted yellow roc s it follows. ndividuals who successfully complete the course receive a yellow bric to signify the accomplishment.

“That’s one of those cherished mementos thin a lot of national academy graduates before me display in their office, said Hammac, whose bric rests atop a boo case in his office. “ t really is humbling to thin bac that had a chance to be part of that. articipating in the academy was an honor, Hammac said, and involved a nomination and vetting process as well as bac ground chec . hile the application process was laborious, he said support from the Sheriff’s ffice and irmingham F field office was helpful.

Support from the Sheriff’s ffice command staff, his family and church also helped in the 11 wee s he spent away from home. “ will always be humbled and grateful for this opportunity to have represented Shelby County, Hammac said. “ loo forward to getting bac to wor and serving alongside the hard wor ing men and women of the rug Enforcement Tas Force.

280Living.com

February 2018 • A17

Faith Life Actually By Kari Kampakis

Social filters: Think it or say it?

It’s a really exciting day when your child begins to speak.

If you’re like me, you tried to catch it on videotape. You may have asked them to repeat the beautiful word you just heard.

“Ma-ma. Da-da. Bye-bye. Ba-ba.”

As your child’s vocabulary expanded, the excitement continued. Before you knew it, they could form a little phrase.

They could express themselves verbally.

They could articulate an observation that made you wonder if you had a prodigy on your hands.

And then one day, the unthinkable happened. Your prodigy made a comment that was rude, mean or hurtful. Maybe they called a pregnant lady fat or told a waiter he had a funny face. With red cheeks and a pit in your stomach, you tried to salvage the situation. You realized the urgent need to teach your child something imperative. social filter.

It isn’t easily done, because the truth is that even adults lac social filters. Even adults make hurtful comments that stop the conversation. We blurt out things we shouldn’t. We say things we regret. We share an observation — and then realize we’ve offended someone by seeing the

reaction on their face.

The good news is there is a motto that can help everyone ( children and adults) choose words more wisely. I learned it years ago when my second-grader’s substitute teacher, Bethany McCandless, used it during a morning meeting that parents could observe.

Mrs. McCandless’s lesson, adapted from the school’s speech and language pathologist, centered on the importance of words.

With her class circled around her, she read two books: “My Mouth is a V olcano” and “Being Frank.” U sing humor, these books teach kids how to control their tongue, be kind with their words, and think before they speak.

Mrs. McCandless also introduced a fun game called “Think It or Say It? ” The kids laughed and cackled as she threw out statements a second-grader might make and then asked for opinions on whether those statements were appropriate.

“I like your shirt.” Think it or say it?

“You smell gross.” Think it or say it?

“Your ears are big.” Think it or say it?

“You’re a fast runner.” Think it or say it?

“How much money do your parents make? ” Think it or say it?

This simple exercise got the point across.

The class eagerly participated and correctly answered every question. Even my youngest daughter, Camille — age 4 at the time and observing the meeting with me — found this game hilarious. Our family has played “Think It or Say It? ” ever since, using it as a reminder that not every thought needs to be voiced.

It saddens me how our world today has low standards for speech. People are snarky, harsh and blunt. They speak recklessly and carelessly, giving little thought to impact or tone.

But words really are powerful. Words can build people up or tear people down.

They can make people smile or reduce them to tears. And while we may not remember what we say, people do remember what comes out of our mouth — especially when a comment stings.

This is why it’s crucial to teach a social filter early. hile some adults are way too stubborn to change their habits of speech, children can be trained. Children aren’t set in their ways, and when they do speak out of line, it can lead to teachable moments about impulse control and choosing the right words.

There’s a time to state an opinion and a time to bite your tongue. There’s a way to speak the truth with gentleness and grace.

And if you have a child at home — especially one articulating their thoughts — I encourage you to try the “Think It or Say It? ” game. It won’t take long for them to catch on and have fun applying the phrase.

Our world would be much kinder if social filters were more common. f we all made it a priority, we could easily turn the tide. Kids need constant reminders that what they say matters, and so do adults. As we share this lesson with them, we should take it to heart ourselves, setting an example we’d like them to follow through the words we purposefully choose.

Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is a Birmingham-area mom of four girls, columnist and blogger for The Huffington Post. Her two books for teen and tween girls — “Liked: Whose Approval Are You Living For?” and “10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know” — are available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. Join her Facebook community at “Kari Kampakis, Writer,” visit her blog at karikampakis.com or contact her at kari@karikampakis.com.

A18 • February 2018

280 Living

valentine’s day

For the

NATURE LOVER

gift guide

Potted Cyclamen Cyclamen $8.99 Planter $17 Leaf & Petal 2817 Cahaba Road 205-871-3832

For the

PAMPERED VALENTINE Valentine's Gift Box $30 Soaps, shower oil, shampoo bar and whipped body butter.

Buff City Soap 5361 U.S. 280, Suite 105 205-730-9199

For the

HYGIENIC HONEY Hydro Floss $100 A great addition for an effective home hygiene program.

For the

COUPLE LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE

Healthy Smiles of Birmingham 100 Heatherbrooke Park Drive, Suite A 205-209-4265

Learn the ropes at High Point Birmingham Members $15 Non-members $30 This Basic Belay Class will get you and a partner started with some of the most important skills every climber must master.

After the class is completed, climbers will have access to double the amount of climbing terrain and will receive a FREE 2-week membership to High Point Birmingham!

For the

High Point Climbing and Fitness 4766 U.S. 280 205-981-9190

Magnolias Gift Shop 48 Chesser Crane Road, Suites A&B 205-618-9800

JEWELRY LOVER Eternity Knot Necklace $56 Available at Magnolias along with other Brighton jewelry and handbags.

280Living.com

February 2018 • A19

For the

ONE WHO STOLE YOUR HEART Costa Del Mar Bloke polarized sunglasses $229 Tough, durable sunglasses for the man who would rather be casting a rod than doing anything else.

For the

NATURAL BEAUTY

Narrows Family Eye Care 13521 Old Highway 280, Suite 249 205-980-4530

Skin Wellness Center VIP Card $299 Give the gift of beautiful skin with a VIP Membership that entitles recipient to more than $4,000 in savings and free services.

For the

LOVER OF ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL

Skin Wellness Center of Alabama 398 Chesser Drive, Suite 6 Chelsea, AL 35043 205-678-7518

Lollia Breathe Eau de Parfum $55 Lollia Breathe Perfume is an intoxicating fragrance of peony and white lily with subtle hints of grapefruit and orange.

PLUME Home & Lifestyle 611 Doug Baker Blvd., Suite 111 205-783-1594

For the

SOULMATE Roberto Coin Tiny reasure Puffed Heart with Diamonds in 18kt White Gold $780 Bromberg’s 131 Summit Blvd.

205-969-1776

For the

PET PARENT KONG cozies $9.99 KONG’s soft & cuddly pet toys that squeak to entice play.

Fancy Fur Pet Grooming & Boutique 5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 138 205-408-1693

A20 • February 2018

280 Living

Events Magical night on tap for Hearts and Harmony Gala

By JO N AN D ERS ON The Hoover Service Club is cooking up a magical night for the 2018 Hearts and Harmony G ala, the club’s primary fundraiser each year.

Close-up magician Matt Wilson is the featured entertainment for this year’s gala, set for Feb. 24 a t the Hoover Country Club.

The night begins at 6 p.m. with a silent auction, and at about 7: 30 p.m., guests will move into the main dining room for dinner, Wilson’s magic and a live auction, said L ynda Wasden, who is joining Martha Yielding as co-chairwoman of the gala.

Auction items this year will include a year’s worth of gasoline cards, a copper magician’s hat made by sculptor Robert Taylor, a 2018 Honda Indy G rand Prix of Alabama package, tickets to the 2018 Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament and jewelry from Steed’s Jewelers, Wasden said.

This year’s auctioneers are Hoover Councilman John L yda and ABC 3/ 40 meteorologist Meaghan Thomas.

The dinner menu will include filet mignon with grilled shrimp, potatoes, grilled asparagus, salad and dessert.

L ast year’s gala drew about 25 0 people and raised $47 ,400 for charities and scholarships, Wasden said.

The Service Club plans to give out $28,000 in scholarships to students from Hoover and Spain Park high schools this year and about

Wild About Chocolate guests meet Legacy the American Kestrel at the 2017 fundraiser.

Photo courtesy of Alabama Wildlife Center.

Magician Matt Wilson performs a trick with a kettle. Photo courtesy of Matt Wilson.

$19 ,000 to charities, including the U nited Way food bank at G reen V alley Baptist Church, Oak Mountain Missions, Aldridge G ardens, Hoover Helps, Hoover City Schools Foundation, Triumph Services ( to assist adults with developmental disabilities) , Hoover Parks and Recreation Department ( to assist low-income families with recreation needs) , Hope for Autumn Foundation, Bruno Cancer Center and Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama.

The goal for this year’s gala is $5 2,000, Wasden said.

Tickets are $125 , of which $5 2 is tax-deductible, Wasden said. Reservations can be made at hooverserviceclub.com or by calling Barbara Henry at 936- 0472 by Feb. 19. However, seating is limited and may run out prior to that date.

Sweet treat: Wild About Chocolate fundraiser a mix of desserts, raptors

By L EX I COON Everyone wants something special to do with their loved ones on V alentine’s Day, but how often do couples spend the holiday with chocolate and raptors?

On Feb. 10, the Alabama Wildlife Center is giving people the chance to do just that with its annual event, Wild About Chocolate.

Wild About Chocolate, the center’s biggest and most important fundraiser of the year, features both live and silent auctions that offer a variety of winning items ranging from African photography safaris to vacation getaways to original artwork.

Executive Director Doug Adair described the selection as “a wide range of exceptional items that folks can bid on, again while supporting the AWC.” The highlight of the night, however, will be the chocolate and the birds.

“We will have delicious food of course, and a lot of great chocolate and other desserts provided by some of … the Birmingham area’s best restaurateurs and caterers,” Adair said, in addition to savory snacks and beverages.

The center’s conservation education birds will also be present for meet and greets, and Adair said they’re hoping to introduce a new addition to their educational ambassador oc at the event: the bald eagle.

“That’ll be a really … neat aspect of the event,” he said. “We’re excited to be adding bald eagles to our conservation education program.”

Wild About Chocolate begins at 7 p.m. at The Harbert Center in downtown Birmingham with parking available in a deck across the street. Tickets, which are $7 5 , are available online at awrc.org/ wac or by phone at 663 7 9 3 0. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $100.

280Living.com

February 2018 • A21

alt Muller ill be the guest spea er at the eb 3 con erence at a Mountain High chool Photo courtesy of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding.

hoppers peruse children’s clothing in ebruary at iggles and race a semiannual consignment sale at Asbury nited Methodist hurch Photo by Erica Techo.

Giggles and Grace returns to Asbury UMC

By ERICA TECHO One of Asbury’s largest missions fundraisers of the year will return this month.

G iggles and G race, a consignment sale that overtakes Asbury U nited Methodist Church’s gym twice a year, will take place Feb. 9 -10.

Between 3 5 0 and 4 00 consigners are expected to participate, said Jennifer McInnish, and more than 1,000 shoppers are expected to attend.

“For our shoppers, G iggles and G race is a chance to purchase good quality children’s clothes, youth clothes, toys, books, shoes, baby furniture and many more items at lower than retail prices,” McInnish said. “Consignors are able to sell their children’s gently-used clothes and toys all in one weekend.”

Consigners receive 7 5 percent of the sale

price, and the remaining 25 percent goes toward Asbury’s children and youth programs, as well as other missions.

“As the sale has grown, we continue to use a portion to support these [ Asbury children’s and youth] programs in our church as well as offer support for many families in need with our voucher program and donate to many local community and statewide mission groups,” McInnish said.

The sale’s voucher program allows families in need to apply for vouchers and shop for needed items with the vouchers. Applications for vouchers are open until Feb. 5.

This year’s G iggles and G race consignment sale will be Friday, Feb. 9 , from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. to noon.

For more information, go to asburygigglesand grace.com.

Parenting conference comes to OMHS

By ERICA TECHO This month, three area churches are joining together for the Birmingham Parenting Collective — a one-day conference for parents of students of all ages.

The conference, which will take place at Oak Mountain High School from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 3 , includes guest speaker Walt Muller, president of the Center for Parent/ Youth U nderstanding.

C is a nonprofit, faith-based organization that aims to build strong families by bridging the cultural and generational gap between parents and teenagers, according to its website.

Muller has 35 years of experience working with teens and their parents, according to the site, and will give a keynote speech and participate in a Q & A session at the conference.

“I’ll walk you through how kids are growing up developmentally, how the culture is shaping them,” Muller said in a video promoting the Birmingham Parenting Collective. “We’ll

look at all sorts of cultural forces, and then we’ll look at biblically-centered responses that are hope-filled and very practical to help you guide your kids through the culture to life to the glory of G od.”

The seminar is open to “anybody who cares about and works with kids,” no matter their age, Muller said. It will include three sessions, called “Know Your Teen”, “Know Their World” and “Know Your Role”, which will cover information about how teens grow, develop and change; what are major cultural forces in today’s world; and guidance on how to increase parental in uence and lead ids into adulthood, respectively.

The event is sponsored by Asbury U nited Methodist Church, Double Oak Community Church and Meadow Brook Baptist Church.

It is $20 for one parent and $3 0 per couple, which includes lunch. Parents will also receive informational material to take home following the conference.

Registration is open through Jan. 28 at bhamparentingcollective.com.

A22 • February 2018

280 Living

Members of the Hoover Police Department won the costume contest with their take on “The Wizard of Oz” at the Polar Bear Plunge. More than 100 participants registered for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13. Photos by Lexi Coon.

POLAR PLUNGE

Bottom left: The water temperature came in at 45 degrees for the Polar Bear Plunge, which was still warmer than the 29 degree air temperature. Bottom right: Plunge participants run towards the water.

280Living.com

February 2018 • A23

A24 • February 2018

280 Living

Sports

Briarwood's Cade Dickinson (8) celebrates after an interception during a game against Mortimer Jordan on Sept. 29 at Lions Pride Stadium. Dickinson received a first-team nod for the All-State team. Photo by Jimmy Mitchell.

Running back JR Tran-Reno (9) carries the ball up the middle during the Lions’ Class 5A state championship game against St. Paul’s on Dec. 7 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Tran-Reno was one of six Lions to make the All-State team. Photo by Todd Lester.

Briarwood, Oak Mountain players secure All-State honors

By K Y L E P ARM L EY The Briarwood Christian School football team landed six players on the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 5 A All-State team after a stellar season that saw the L ions advance to the state championship game, where they eventually lost in bitter defeat to St. Paul’s.

Despite the title game loss, the L ions were the No. 1 team in 5 all season after the first week of games. They achieved that in large part to many key contributors.

Offensive lineman G arrett Bell, who stands

6-foot-4 and weighs 25 0 pounds, was coach Fred Yancey’s best offensive lineman all season and garnered a first-team selection. He was credited for much of running back JR Tran-Reno’s success, as Tran-Reno gained more than 1,000 yards on the ground last season.

Tran-Reno was also a first-teamer after a sensational junior season, in which he received snaps at running back, quarterback and even receiver at times. He totaled 2 touchdowns on the season.

Defensive back Cade Dickinson and linebac er abriel Russell also received first-team

nods. Dickinson came up with four interceptions on the year, and Russell was a tackling machine. Russell led the L ions with nine tackles in the state championship game and finished with more than 150 on t he year.

Second-team wide receiver Carson Eddy topped 1,000 receiving yards on the season and scored 10 touchdowns as quarterback Michael Hiers’ top playma er. Carson onnelly also made the second team, picking off a pair of passes and notching more than 80 tackles.

Hiers was named honorable mention, as he surpassed 2,5 00 passing yards in his lone

season to start at Briarwood.

A pair of Oak Mountain standouts was named to the Class second team. ffensive lineman Jacob Feenker was lauded by head coach Cris Bell as the best center he has had in his six-year tenure at Oak Mountain. Z ach Nelson was also honored, as he secured four interceptions and racked up 40 t ackles on the year.

Spain Park kicker Cole Starr and defensive lineman Cedric Tooson were named honorable mention. Starr made all 10 field goal tries on the year and converted 39- of-41 extra points.

Tooson totaled 8 tac les and eight sac s.

280Living.com

February 2018 • A25

After senior exodus, Eagles fill spots for a fresh start

Oak Mountain's Gene Hurst will take over as the staff ace for the Eagles, who are coming off an appearance in the Class 7A uarterfinals.

Photo by Todd Lester.

By K Y L E P ARM L EY n ame 3 of the Class quarterfinal series against estavia Hills last season, the a ountain High School baseball team’s starting defensive lineup consisted of nine seniors. t would be the final game for every one of them, as the Rebels noc ed off the Eagles, putting an end to a ountain’s season in the quarterfinal round for the second consecutive year.

That means heading into the 2018 season, every slot on the diamond needs a replacement.

“The last game of the year last year, we had nine seniors on the field, said ere rons, entering his third season as the coach at a ountain. “ ’ve told our guys that several times. There’s not anybody who’s going to start opening day that started that game last year.

The Eagles had high hopes last season, ones that included a potential run toward the state championship, which was eventually won by Hoover. ut the series loss to estavia did nothing to diminish the overall success of the year. “ e achieved some great things, some things that had never been done here before, rons said. “ n the big picture, winning 33 games, never been done before, bac -to-bac quarterfinal appearances, a lot to be proud of and hopefully building for this year and after that too. a ountain has enjoyed a resurgence over

the last two years, and the Eagles are now saddled with the welcomed weight of being one of the top teams in the area. rons said, “The 2016 team raised the bar, the 201 team raised it again, and that’s good to have these type of expectations. e’ve got to live up to it. rons is confident that the Eagles are going to be able to adequately fill the vacancies left by last year’s group of seniors. That will start on the mound with ene Hurst, who is expected to ta e over the role of staff ace from oseph Hartsfield. Hartsfield put together dominant junior and senior seasons, and was at his best in the playoffs. “ ene’s been a horse for us the last two years. thin he owns two or three career

records already, rons said. “ e’re not going to be a really experienced team, but he is very experienced on the mound. esley ennis and ac son imbrell are also expected to be fixtures near the top of the rotation. rons said there are “six or seven other guys that the Eagles would be comfortable throwing as well. “ thin we’re going to have more depth on the mound li e ’ve never had before as a coach, he said.

The catcher is another ey spot where a ountain hopes to find some stability. ason illiamson held down the job last spring and wor ed well the pitching staff. pair of juniors, ylan Fraser and acob Fit gerald, will battle for innings behind the plate.

side from the battery, Caleb ennedy and ndrew Heiberger are two others that rons singled out of a group of eight seniors. ennedy played occasionally last season, spending time in the outfield and as the team’s designated hitter. ennedy and Heiberger will both li ely loc down a pair of outfield spots. “ e’ve got several juniors who don’t have any varsity experience, but a lot of those guys have played the last two years and put together two really good seasons, rons said.

The Eagles open their season Feb. 19 against Stanhope Elmore and Homewood. a ountain also travels to Troy for the Terry Si es emorial Tournament, to the coast for the ulf Shores Classic, and plays Hartselle at xford’s Choccolocco ar .

A26 • February 2018

280 Living

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN Adaptive climbing group establishes 1st Alabama chapter

Volunteers help Amelia Stewart get set up in a climbing swing with an adaptive pull up bar during an adaptive climbing clinic at High Point Birmingham on Nov. 11, 2017.

The equipment was provided through Catalyst Climbing, an Atlanta-based organization that provides climbing experiences to individuals with physical disabilities.

Photos by Erica Techo.

By ERICA TECHO Rock climbing is known to be a challenging sport, one that requires coordination, strength in seldom-used muscles and puzzle-solving skills.

And for individuals with physical disabilities, it might seem like an activity that is out of the realm of possibility.

Catalyst Sports is looking to change that.

Catalyst is an Atlanta-based organization that looks to provide adaptive adventure opportunities to individuals with physical disabilities, according to its website, and those opportunities include adaptive climbing experiences.

In November, Catalyst launched a Birmingham chapter its first labama chapter and hosted an adaptive climbing clinic at High Point Climbing and Fitness. At the helm of the new chapter was L eigh Ann Norris, a new Birmingham resident who had volunteered with Catalyst during her time in physical therapy school in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“I’d been climbing for a while, and I’d see them at the [ High Point] gym [ in Chattanooga] ,” Norris said. She started to volunteer through PT school, and when she moved to Atlanta for three months, got even more involved.

“I got to know the founder of the organization and started to feel more attached to the organization,” Norris said. “So when I knew I was going to move down here [ to Birmingham, I wanted to keep that going.”

Even though she was new to the area, Norris said High Point’s existing ties to Catalyst meant setting up a Birmingham chapter was a smooth process. She knew a few of the people she needed to contact and was able to use the same

280Living.com

February 2018 • A27

“

Nathan Harris climbs a wall at High Point Birmingham on Nov. 11.

It means so much for us to have the opportunity to share this sport with the community and this program is only going to help open the door for more people to get involved in the world of climbing. People who, otherwise, might not get the chance.

”

TONY LEVY

model as the one in Chattanooga.

“We couldn’t be more stoked to have the privilege to help start and host the first Catalyst climbing chapter in labama, said Tony Levy, general manager at High Point Birmingham. “It means so much for us to have the opportunity to share this sport with the community and this program is only going to help open the door for more people to get involved in the world of climbing. People who, otherwise, might not get the chance.”

The first adaptive climbing day was held on Nov. 11, and like all clinics, was free to all participants. Equipment including a swing-like chair and adaptive pull-up bar that allows climbers to pull themselves up; harnesses with leg loops and weights attached to belay ropes was provided to adapt the climbing experience. V olunteers also helped guide climbers up the wall by climbing nearby and giving an extra push, or describing where certain holds were. “ t seemed li e everyone was excited to be

there and participate, and the volunteers seemed to enjoy themselves as well, Norris said, regarding the Nov. 11 climbing event. any of the participants had not climbed before, Norris said, and it is exciting to know they are helping introduce people to a new activity. For volunteers, she added, it’s a way to share their passion.

“Just the sense of being able to help someone is rewarding in its own way, she said. “ lot of the volunteers are also climbers, and it’s a sport they also enjoy, and they then get to share that with [ participants] as well.”

A goal of High Point is to introduce individuals to climbing and make it accessible to more people, said marketing and sales coordinator Lauren eseno, and partnering with Catalyst is an ideal way to do that. “ e’re really loo ing forward to getting individuals with physical disabilities in here to climb, eseno said.

High Point will provide training in basic safety techniques, including belaying and rope tying for volunteers, even those without climbing experience, and Catalyst volunteers can aid in learning the types of adaptive equipment and other techniques, Norris said.

Catalyst volunteers wor to troubleshoot climbing techniques to best fit the needs of new climbers, Norris said, which is somewhere her nowledge in physical therapy proves helpful.

Some people may loo at climbing and thin it is not possible due to their disability, but Norris said they can wor with a variety of impairments to ma e climbing a reality. “ thin the participants get to benefit in the way that they get to experience the activity of climbing with different adaptations and everything, and just the group of people they get to climb with,” Norris said. “… It gives the person who is participating another activity to express themselves.”

The next adaptive climbing day will be held Feb. 20 from 5 30- 30 p.m. For more information, email irmingham teamcatalyst. org, or go to teamcatalyst.org irmingham or highpointclimbing.com irmingham.

A28 • February 2018

Ba c k o n t h e r i s e

280 Living

Jags looking to return to postseason

By K Y L E P ARM L EY

The Spain Park High School baseball team took a big step in the right direction last spring.

After winning the Class 6A state championship in 2014, the ags had not qualified for the playoffs in the first two years of ’s existence. ut in 201 , they got bac over the hump and finished second with a 4-2 record in rea 6.

Their only two losses came at the hands of eventual quarterfinalist a ountain. “ e new that a ountain was going to be a very experienced team and a veteran team, and I felt like we played them really well twice,” Spain Park coach Will Smith said.

The ags too on rissom in the first round of the playoffs. G rissom took care of Spain Park with a two-game sweep, but the Jags made both games extremely interesting.

The first game of the series was a bac -andforth affair that Spain ar lost, 9- . rissom jumped out to a huge lead in the second game, but the ags scored six runs over the final two innings and had a chance to tie or win. G rissom held on to win the game, 8- , and the series, but Smith felt like the team accomplished a goal by getting back to the postseason.

While the Jags only return one starter from last year’s squad, which featured 12 seniors, Smith said the returners learned several valuable lessons from last year’s run.

“How you have to raise your level of play, he said. “ e tal about having four phases to the season: preseason, season before area play, area, then the playoffs. ou’ve really got to raise your level for every transition of those four phases.”

Smith said teams that “peak at the right time and navigate those transitions the smoothest have the best chance of playoff success. His way of ensuring that for the Jags is by playing a difficult schedule each spring.

That’s not hard to do as a Class team in the Birmingham area.

Spain Park seniors, from left to right, Jarrod Kennington, Tyler Greer and John Kennington are aiming to lead the Jags back to the postseason for the second straight year.

Photo by Lexi Coon.

“We kind of take pride in playing a tough schedule, because you’ve got to see who can get it done under fire, he said.

From last year’s team, three are now playing college baseball. Shortstop Jacob Rich is now at Snead State. Pitchers Will Battersby ( U AB) and Spencer raham evill State leave Spain ar with a large void to fill on the mound.

“There’s a lot of question mar s everywhere, specifically on the mound, Smith said. “That’s the first hole that we’ve got to fill

because we don’t have the experienced guys that we had last year.” n the mound, Tyler reer one of eight seniors this year will get a shot to carry the Jags pitching staff. Second baseman L ane illis returns as the team’s only starter. ohn and Jarrod Kennington are twins that should bolster the lineup as well. John Kennington catches, while Jarrod Kennington is an outfielder and contributes on the mound as well.

Noah Burns, Sam Dozier and Cooper

White are other players that Smith mentioned as guys that will look to loc down spots in the lineup. Even though several of the seniors don’t have significant varsity experience, this year represents their chance to produce. “ ost of the schools, a lot of ids don’t play until they’re seniors, Smith said.

The Jags open their season Feb. 19 with a doubleheader at Thompson, against the Warriors and Auburn.

280Living.com

February 2018 • A29

BROTHERS

CONTINUED from page A1 “It’s obvious they have played together,” Oak Mountain coach Chris L ove said.

“They’ve got a feel for each other and have a feel for where each other likes the ball and a feel for where they’re going to be in our motion offense.”

They also have moments when they have mental lapses. Dunn doesn’t always get back in transition defense as quickly as he needs to. Mayweather doesn’t always get as many rebounds as he’s capable of hauling in.

“They’ve both got to get better at doing the things that don’t involve scoring the basketball,” L ove said. Both players agreed with that assessment.

They have moments when they are on fire, seemingly unable to miss. Dunn is shooting nearly 50 pe rcent from 3- point range for the season, which is remarkable. Mayweather shot a grand total of three 3s last season — and didn’t make any of them — but has added that to his arsenal this season and is shooting above 35 pe rcent from deep.

“That’s pretty impressive,” L ove said.

Then, there are moments when they yell at each other on the oor. hile that may seem to reveal cracks in the relationship, it’s actually the opposite.

“They are both wanting what is best for us,” L ove said. “They’re just not afraid to call each other out if they’re not doing what they feel like is best for us.”

Dunn and Mayweather’s relationship hasn’t always been strong enough to endure that. hen the two juniors were in middle school, they rarely spoke. But once they ascended to high school, they began forming a bond that would manifest itself through a shared, fiercely competitive nature.

According to Dunn, that has been a constant from the day they met. And with the experience of playing together through middle school and a few years in high school, their cohesiveness as teammates has continued to grow.

“Me and him playing together now, I know where to find him, and he nows where to find me, ayweather said.

Dre Dunn above and hris May eather 3 right ant hat’s best or the team and aren’t a raid to call each other out agles head coach Chris Love said. Photos by Sarah Finnegan.

That chemistry on the court and respect for one another allows the duo to not hold back when expressing emotion in the ow of a game or practice. Sometimes that spills into an argument. Examples come to mind of all involved when discussing those moments.

Dunn recalled a time earlier in the season at the Birmingham vs. Huntsville Challenge at allace State Community College. ith the Eagles playing Bob Jones, he badly missed a shot and got an earful from Mayweather.

“That motivated me, and I just started playing harder,” Dunn said. unn went on to sin five 3-pointers in the game, and he led the Eagles with 17 poi nts.

L ove has had to step in between them a few times, and he has constant discussions with his leading scorers about the importance of body language on the oor. ut, he maintains, he wishes he had 12 players on his squad as competitive as those two.

“They may not like what they hear at the time, but they’ll hear it, take it in and move

on from there,” L ove said.

At the end of the day, it’s never personal between them. Dunn and Mayweather don’t let anything that happens in the heat of the moment fester beyond that moment on the hardwood. “ e’ll yell at each other, but we’re motivating each other at the same time,” ayweather said. “ hen we get off the court, we’re brothers.”

“It’s neat to see them grow to where they’ve formed a pretty good bond and are pretty good friends,” L ove added.

Dunn and Mayweather are deadly from beyond the arc and are two of Oak Mountain’s strongest on-ball defenders according to their head coach.

L ove also noted Dunn’s work ethic as exemplary. Dunn said he became more serious about the game of basketball after his freshman year, and that has begun to pay big dividends in games.

“Drew might be one of the biggest gym rats I’ve ever had,” L ove said.

Mayweather’s leadership has greatly improved during the past year, as well. hile seniors Carson Bobo, Josh Pierce and Z J Nelson are the Eagles’ unquestioned leaders, Mayweather’s vocal leadership is extremely valuable during games.

“Chris is probably our best leader in respect to communicating out on the oor and making sure everybody’s where they’re supposed to be and doing what they’re supposed to do,” L ove said.

They know there are still improvements to make in their games, though. Dunn is still working on his transition defense, and Mayweather is working to be more active on the glass. ith what’s left of their junior seasons and their senior seasons, the pair have a lot left to accomplish at Oak Mountain. During their freshman year, they watched as the Eagles advanced to the Class 7A Northwest Regional Final and were a last-second shot from reaching the Final Four.

“I just want to win,” Mayweather said.

A30 • February 2018

280 Living

Arbor Day celebrations near 280 corridor

An ACE Tree Service employee removes mistletoe, a parasite that can harm the tree, from a hackberry tree near Star Lake on Jan. 12. To keep the existing trees healthy, cabling systems ere installed to evenly distribute the branches’ eight Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

TREES

CONTINUED from page A1 Commission. “Being a Tree City U SA ensures we think of the trees.”

Hoover, Chelsea and Birmingham are three of Alabama’s 82 “tree cities,” and have been for around 20 years. Hoover and Chelsea have received the title for 18 years, with Birmingham receiving it for 24 ye ars.

Tree City U SA is a national recognition program sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U .S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters. The program turned 40 years old last year, Dickenson said, and has a goal of not only beautifying communities, but also educating and raising awareness about the importance of trees.

Former Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven said that from the beginning, he wanted Chelsea to focus on its environment.

“We have always been concerned with Chelsea being a green city, a clean city, and we know in order to do that you have to start out by having trees because that is a beauty part of the city,” Niven said.

The city joined the Tree City U SA program in 19 9 9 by establishing its annual Arbor Day celebration, its tree commission and creating an ordinance around tree care. Chelsea has since maintained the recognition by continuing to invest in its trees and environment, even under the new administration.

“The Tree City U SA program is part of the system to say, ‘ Hey trees are important. We care about our trees, and we think they should be funded,’” Dickenson said.

To maintain Tree City status, a community must spend 2 per capita on trees in a fiscal year. This funding not only supports “green infrastructure,” Dickenson said, but also signals that trees are important to citizens and, therefore, state and national funds should go toward trees.

Most calendars have Arbor Day listed as the last week in April, but that’s just the national celebration, said Dale Dickenson, urban forestry coordinator for the Alabama Forestry Commission. In Alabama, Arbor Week and Arbor Day is typically celebrated in late February, although the date varies by community.

“It would seem like we’d celebrate Arbor Day in February, and April would roll around, and people would celebrate it again,” Dickenson said.

“Well here’s the skinny: It [Arbor Day] started in Nebraska, so nationally, Arbor Day is celebrate the last Friday in April. … In Nebraska, they get a good bit of snow and the ground tends to freeze, so [April] is a good time to plant trees in Nebraska. In Alabama, it’s already getting warm [in April], and we may have spring rains.”

The difference in weather conditions, Dickenson said, leads to the difference in state and local Arbor Day and Arbor Week dates. Ideal tree planting time is between November and February in Alabama, he said, so most areas will celebrate then.

This year, Chelsea will celebrate Arbor Day on Feb. 24 with its annual

“That’s not $2 additional, and that’s not $2 that necessarily has to come out of the city coffers,” Dickenson said. “That’s $2 per person that has to be used on trees within the city limits.”

Even with a population around 84 ,000 — and a spending requirement of around $17 0,000 — Hoover has no problem reaching the number, said Colin Conner, urban forester for the city of Hoover. The salaries of two full-time staffers and the cost of tree plantings, landscape rehabilitation, hazard tree removal and other projects go toward that budget.

“We’ve always managed to exceed that

tree giveaway and sale at the sports complex on Shelby 39 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is always popular with the community, said former Mayor Earl Niven, and provides a community event for residents interested in the outdoors and forestry, Mayor Tony Picklesimer said.

“When we have Arbor Day, I bet there are 500 people that come out,” Niven said. “There is a huge, huge crowd.”

In Hoover, Arbor Day will be celebrated with a tree giveaway at Aldridge Gardens on March 3 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The program includes recognition of the winners of the Arbor Day essay writing contest, all of whom are Hoover City Schools students, as well as a tree giveaway and plenty of food, said Colin Conner, Hoover’s urban forester.

“Interestingly enough, I have met students at the Auburn School of Forestry, studying to be professional foresters, who were Hoover residents and grew up planting trees with me from schools, and from that took an interest in trees, and from that have tried to parlay that into a career,” Conner said.

- ERICA TECHO

budget requirement,” said Conner, who started working with the city in 19 9 8 and soon after made sure the city was involved in Tree City U SA. Chelsea’s budget is around $20,000 per year, which goes toward city landscaping projects, as well as beautification efforts around new construction, including the Chelsea Community Center and the new location of the Chelsea Public L ibrary, Mayor Tony Picklesimer said.

“I always want to be thrifty with all of the city’s money, so it forces me to find ways to use that money wisely, toward beautification

280Living.com

February 2018 • A31

Tree City USA requirements In order to become a community recognized by Tree City USA and to retain that title, a city must meet four standards: A tree board of department.

An entity must be legally responsible for the care of all trees on city- or town-owned property.

This can include a professional forester, arborist, city department, citizen-led tree board or some combination.

A tree care ordinance. This ordinance establishes the tree board or forestry department, or both, in addition to assigning the task of creating and completing a plan of work for annual tree care activities. Ideally, this would also include guidance for planting, maintaining and removing trees.

A community forestry program with a budget of at least $2 per capita. This can go toward planting, care and removal of trees as well as planning efforts for those actions.

An Arbor Day observance and proclamation. An annual Arbor Day ceremony should bring community members together, include an Arbor Day proclamation and can either be an all-day or all-week observation.

- INFORMATION FROM THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION

projects,” Picklesimer said. “… We also, as part of when we’re working with businesses getting ready to build, we also put emphasis on green spaces.”

The city’s tree commission, which received four new members in January, works to recommend locations for tree plantings and helps plan

ACE Tree Service employees work to trim a Southern live oak tree near Star Lake on January 12, 2017. To help maintain the health of the existing trees, workers remove some of the excess weight that could cause some of the tree branches to become too heavy and break.

Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

annual Arbor Day events.

Tree City U SA also requires an ordinance relating to tree care, which helps keep trees healthier and individuals safer, Dickenson said.

“The recognition, it makes sure people are aware and taking care of their trees — spending the minimum amount to keep people safe — and information,” Dickenson said. “’Right tree in the right place’ is, in urban forestry, what you hear said a lot.”

Planting trees in the right place can help the trees be healthier and keep the surrounding area safer — the trees won’t grow into sidewalks, disrupt sewer lines or cause other issues, he said, and they will be stronger and thereby less likely to fall in the event of a storm.

Ordinances can also help cities step in, in

instances of development. Chelsea and Hoover each have ordinances that require green space or landscaping in new developments, ensuring that trees are either replaced or kept intact.

“In order to have a beautiful city with sufficient tree canopy, you have to get ahead of development,” Dickenson said. “It’s extremely difficult and costly to go bac and retrofit.

While the city’s ordinance has been on the books since 1996 — three years before it became a Tree City U SA — Conner said it has been strengthened over the years. By updating it, he said, the city is able to keep up with trends and ensure greenery is preserved.

Hoover’s Tree City U SA involvement isn’t widely publicized, Conner said, but trees are an important topic in the community. The

conversation has grown, he added, with recent developments.

“I have heard more talk and more concern with trees and our growth than maybe I’ve heard in the past,” Conner said.

Niven said the title of “Tree City” is something that creates a sense of civic pride, and he is glad the city’s new administration is continuing to work toward the recognition.

“I think starting out, the old-timers were the ones who recognized and were proud of [ being a Tree City U SA] , but now I think the new people who come in recognize that we have a tradition that tries to advance the beauty of our city,” Niven said.

For more information about Tree City U SA, go to arborday.com/ treecityusa.

SECTION

B FEBRUARY 2018

Community B4 Opinion B7 School House B7 Metro Roundup B14 Calendar B17

Faith, fraternity and fellowship Sheriff’s office, chaplains find mutual benefit and growth from partnership

By ERICA TECHO

Morningstar United Methodist Church pastor Mark Puckett sits with Matt Caicoppo in a police vehicle. Various chaplains will occasionally ride along with deputies to help better understand the obs police departments do as well as provide support for the officers and any members of the public they may come across. Photo by Sarah Finnegan.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s ffice has a little nown resource, and if residents don’t face a tragic event, they might never now it exists.

The Shelby County Law Enforcement Chaplains ssociation is a group of Shelby County ministers who wor to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of SCS employees, their families, victims and the families of victims.

The association was formed in the early ’90s after then-Sheriff ames ones got a call informing him that his son died in an automobile accident in Texas.

“Not a very good way to learn of the death of a loved one, said Capt. i e eHart, who serves as the SCS chaplain liaison. “So he vowed at that time that as long as he had anything to do with it, nobody in Shelby County would learn about the death of a loved one from a phone call.

Sheriff ones too on the tas of personally delivering death notifications, but as the county grew, so did the number of death notifications and the sheriff’s need for help. Chris Curry, who served as Shelby County sheriff after

See FELLOWSHIP | page B12

B2 • February 2018

280 Living

Your Health Today

By Dr. Irma L eon Palmer

A clean home provides a much-needed sanctuary from the daily grind. We assume commercial cleaning products are safe to use because they’re notorious for killing bacteria growing in the corners of countertops and bath tubs, along with leaving a pungent, “clean” smell. However, these commercial cleaning products are extremely toxic to our health and will cause precarious health issues. With springtime coming up, let’s prepare in advance with nontoxic cleaners to avoid putting chemicals in your home environment.

One of the authors from Experience L ife! magazine, Jesse Sholl states, “The average household contains about 62 toxic chemicals that we’re exposed to routinely - from phthalates in synthetic fragrances to lethal fumes in oven cleaners.”

Phthalates ingredient is found in fragranced household products, such as air fresheners, dish soap, surface cleaners, and laundry detergent. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, meaning, this ingredient can totally disrupt the normal function of male and female hormonal and reproductive systems. “In a 2003 study conducted by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Harvard School of Public Health, men with higher phthalate compounds in their blood had majorly reduced sperm counts! This chemical is also linked to impaired ovulatory cycles, polycystic ovary disease, breast cancer in women, enlarged prostate glands, and decreased dysgenesis syndrome ( undescended testicles) in men. “Exposure to phthalates occurs during inhalation, and through skin contact with scented soaps,” explains Dr. Alicia Stanton, author of Hormone Harmony.

U nfortunately, the skin has no defenses against toxins.

Chemicals immediately infiltrate our bodies, are quic ly

He a l t h i e r S p r i n g Cl e a n i n g

absorbed, and go straight to the organs.

“Antibacterial” soaps contain triclosan. It’s an aggressive carcinogen chemical which is a substance that can cause cancer in living tissues. Triclosen is included in most liquid dishwashing detergents and hand soaps. According to Dr. Sutton, “The American Medical Association has found no evidence that these antimicrobials make us healthier or safer.” ryer aids such as quarternary mmonium Compounds, or “Q U ATS” are found in fabric softeners/ sheets, household cleaners that are also labeled as “antibacterial.” Q uats are another antimicrobial li e triclosen, but instead, quats breeds antibiotic- resistant bacteria. Furthermore, it’s a skin irritant. ne 10-year study of contact dermatitis found quats to be one of the leading causes. According to Dr. Sutton, they’re suspected as a culprit of respiratory disorders similar to breathing issues and asthma.

Another dangerous chemical, 2 – Butoxyethanol, is found in window, kitchen, and multipurpose cleaners. This is the main ingredient in window cleaners and gives them their characteristic sweet smell. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s website, high levels of glycol ethers ( 2 – butoxethanol) overtime can contribute to narcosis, pulmonary edema, severe liver and kidney damage, and sore throats when inhaled. Sadly, federal regulations do not require 2 Butoxethanol to be listed on the product’s label. mmonia is found in polishing products for fixtures, sinks, and jewelry that is a “powerful irritant,” claims Donna Kasuska, chemical engineer and president of ChemConcious, Inc. “The people who are affected by ammonia are those who already have asthma, and elderly people with lung

and breathing issues. Individuals who get a lot of ammonia exposure, such as housekeepers, will often develop chronic bronchitis, and asthma.”

Scouring powders, toilet bowl cleaners, household tap water, mildew removers and laundry whiteners all contain chlorine, a serious thyroid disruptor. Kasuska states, “You’re exposed through fumes and through the skin when you clean, however, because it’s in city water to get rid of bacteria, your skin is absorbing it when you shower.” This is why it is so important to invest in a home water purifying system. eficiency and toxicity are the thieves of health, because toxins are responsible in the spike of chronic disease along with an inactive and deficient healthy lifestyle. However, there are safe options you can try to save money and protect your health. Distilled white vinegar is considered a wonderful natural cleaning agent because of its antimicrobial properties. ou can ma e a spray bottle and fill the bottle half way with vinegar, then add in half cup of water. For a fragrance, add 15 drops of your favorite essential oil. This cleaner can be used on bathroom sinks, kitchen counter tops, stove tops, inside microwaves, leather furniture, and dining room tables. t can be used as oor cleaner on laminate, tile and hardwood ooring, too. Ta e a Swiffer Sweeper just the sweeper stic attach a microfiber cloth to the bottom, and spray white vinegar solution on oor, and sweep away Bottom line, there is no need to resort to toxic products that decline your health. Instead, take gradual steps towards a health-oriented life. Once you enter the world of natural cleaning, you’ll be satisfied nowing your home is fresh, clean, and nontoxic.

280Living.com

February 2018 • B3

B4 • February 2018

280 Living

Community Left: Sara Beth Gilbert assists her daughter Victoria, 4, in completing a cartwheel Dec. 27 at Sara Beth’s Gymnasts inside the Chelsea Community Center. Photo

by Sarah Finnegan.

Far left: Gilbert teaches a child to walk across a low balance beam. Photo

by Sydney Cromwell.

Gymnastics program starts at Chelsea Community Center

By S Y D N EY CROM WE

L L

Sara Beth G ilbert is bringing gymnastics closer to home for kids in Chelsea who want to learn tumbling, balance and more.

In January, G ilbert started Sara Beth’s G ymnasts at the Chelsea Community Center to teach beginning gymnastics to kids up to 13 years old. She said the idea started while teaching swim lessons over the summer, when her students’ parents said they would like more gymnastics options in their area.

G ilbert, who moved to Chelsea in June, began learning gymnastics at age 5 and began teaching younger kids at age 12. She continued as a gymnast through college and then began coaching and teaching recreational gymnastics and cheer classes. She achieved her U SA G ymnastics

rofessional Coaching certification and safety certification, and she coached routines and skills for gymnasts competing up to L evel 9 on uneven bars, oor and balance beam.

“I know how much gymnastics did for me. It helped me build my own integrity and set my own goals and motivate myself. All those really powerful things you need to just survive in life and do well, I feel like I developed most of that in gymnastics, swimming and G irl Scouting,” G ilbert said.

G ilbert said she knew gymnastics was something she wanted to keep teaching throughout her life. She left the field for a few years to pursue technical writing, but decided she wanted to get “out from behind the desk” and return to more physically active work when she had her twins, Z achary and V ictoria. This led

to teaching swimming lessons and now gymnastics, where the 4- year-old twins are among her first students.

G ilbert has set up mats, a low balance beam and spring board in one room of the Chelsea Community Center. They’re limited on space for now, but G ilbert said she wants to expand in the future and add more apparatuses, such as a high beam or bars, if interest grows.

“I know that it’s small, but we have to start somewhere. I want to make sure that we’re able to grow our program so we can keep adding to it,” she said.

The high beam, ilbert said, builds confidence, coordination and balance as students learn to perform routines about 4 feet in the air.

“That’s tall. Once they learn they can walk and jump and spin on that, and handstands and

cartwheels, it builds a lot of confidence, ilbert said.

She also plans to renew her U SA G ymnastics certification if Sara eth’s ymnasts is successful.

G ilbert said her approach to teaching young gymnasts is to be “gentle but motivating” as she teaches them new physical skills as well as the confidence to try new things.

“I learned at a very early age that the pace and skill level is determined by the students, and the best way to get them to learn new things and expand their opportunities is to build their confidence first, ilbert said. “They have to believe in themselves before they’re going to take any risks or try new things.”

L earn more at facebook.com/ SaraBeths G ymnasts.

280Living.com

F e a n n sc h o c a n

ld m a n o u n c e s o l b o a r d d id a c y

ragan Feldman officially announced her candidacy for the Shelby County School Board, Place 1, in January. Feldman attended Shelby County Schools and graduated from Chelsea High School.

Feldman went on to get her bachelor’s degree in communication from Auburn U niversity, with concentrations in business and political science. Feldman is a Chelsea resident, and her husband Z ack Feldman is a Shelby County teacher. Their two children, G rier and Barrett, are in Shelby County Schools.

“As the daughter of a retired Shelby Feldman County teacher, the wife of a Shelby County teacher, mother of two in Shelby County Schools and a business woman heavily vested in Shelby County, my heart has always been in our education system,” Feldman said. “I see this as an opportunity for me to serve my community and our schools.”

Feldman has worked in media relations with the Cleveland Indians organization, interned in ov. ob Riley’s media office, interned with NBC 13 sports, publisher relations and Main Street Alabama. She is the administrator for Meadow Brook Baptist Church’s School of Fine Arts.

For more information, email Feldman at braganfeldman@ gmail.com.

Submitted by ragan Feldman.

February 2018 • B5

TU SKEG EE AL U MNI CL U B HOSTS HOL IDAY PARTY The Shelby County Tuskegee Alumni Club met Dec. 17 at Hampton Inn & Suites - 280 East for its annual Christmas party. The celebration took on a new meaning for the club by collecting new clothing, donations and toys for a 6-year-old boy who lost his mother in February 2017. Present were club President William Mathis, center rear, Chairperson Anthony Weston and wife Jennine, left front, and alumni Mazetta Lee, right rear.

In addition, current Tuskegee University students Joshua Silas, Kaci Coleman, Dashon Howard, front row, and Alex Mitchell Club, back row, took part in the celebration. Special invitations were extended to several area high school students, including Chrishna Howard and Constance McKnight from Thompson High School, front row end, and Gillian Bryant from Chelsea High School, right front, who are planning to attend the university this fall. Photo courtesy of Shelby County Tuskegee Alumni Club.

Inspired Home in Mt Laurel raises more than $4,900 for library

The exterior of the Southern Living Inspired Home. Photo courtesy of the town of Mt Laurel.

After eight weekends of tours, the Southern L iving Inspired Home in Mt L aurel recently closed.

More than 5 00 visitors from across the state toured the home, and all admission fees for the tours benefited the t Laurel ublic L ibrary. The tours raised more than $4 ,9 00, which was presented to the Friends of the Mt L aurel L ibrary.

“We were proud to show off this gorgeous home and our town to so many visitors,” said Julianna V ance, Mt L aurel’s marketing and community relations manager. “Moreover, the benefit for the t Laurel Library will have a lasting impact on our community. The library serves as a community hub — a place to engage, learn and socialize.”

Ann Price, chairman of the Friends of the Mt L aurel L ibrary, said the organization was glad to partner with Mt L aurel in hosting tours of the Inspired Home.

The funds, she said, will be used to purchase five new laptops for the library, in addition to establishing educational programs that utilize the laptops.

New programs will include ABC Mouse for preschool, Minecraft challenges, middle school and teen coding classes, Hue Animation, 3 -D print design, and teen and adult database training. L aptops will also be used in the library’s regular programming, and they will be available for use within the building, according to a release.

– Subm itted by the tow n of M t L aurel.

B6 • February 2018

280 Living

Swimmers represent Birmingham well at meet The Birmingham Swim L eague was well represented at the 2017 AHSAA swimming and diving championship meet in Auburn on Dec. 1-2.

Two BSL swimmers, who were representing their high schools, picked up state titles in the 5 00-yard freestyle. Mason Mathias ( Briarwood) won the Class 1A-5A race with a time of 4 minutes, 4 4 .62 seconds. Ward L ockhart ( Spain Park) won the Class 6A-7 A title with a time of 4: 38.88. L ockhart' s time set a new high school state record. Mathias also finished third in the Class 1 -5 200 freestyle, while Loc hart finished second in Class 6A-7A 200 freestyle.

The top SL finisher in the girls was eyton sborn who finished second in the Class 6 200 freestyle and fourth in the 5 00 free. Other notable finishes in the Class 6 - division G i r l s 2 0 0 IM : Ariana Z amani Staff members from Birmingham CA meet in their year-old office space in ovember.

The organization moved in after building owner David Brogden offered the space, Metro Director Bill Gray said, and has since allowed for more opportunities for FCA. Photo by Erica Techo.

Hoover , fifth deline Carroll estavia , ninth sabel lish Homewood , 15th.

Bo ys 2 0 0 IM : Justin Z hang ( Spain Park) , 10th.

G i r l s 50 f r e e : race ldrich estavia , seventh Erica Han Hoover , 10th.

Girls 100 butterfly: sabel lish Homewood) , 13t h.

G i r l s 50 f r e e : eyton sborn, fourth riana amani Hoover , fifth Carson uir Spain ar , ninth atherine Lightfoot Shades alley , 16th.

G i r l s 1 0 0 b a c k s t r o k e : G race U ldrich estavia , eighth.

Bo ys 1 0 0 b a c k s t r o k e : Justin Z hang ( Spain Park) , eighth.

G i r l s 1 0 0 b r e a s t s t r o k e : Adeline Carroll estavia , ninth.

– Subm itted by Birmingham Sw im L eague.

COU NTY CL ERKS HOST L U NCHEON

FCA hoping to expand in new year

By ERICA TECHO n 2016, Fellowship of Christian thletes of Jefferson and Shelby County didn’t have an official space. “ nywhere that had i-Fi was where we’d meet,” said Bill G ray, metro director for the irmingham Fellowship of Christian thletes.

They would meet where they could, G ray said, but that led to limitations on how they could grow their staff. That changed in January 201 , when the rogdon roup offered FC a space in their building off of Resource Drive.

Since they moved in, G ray said, the space has felt like home, providing a solid foundation on which they hope to grow.

Moving to a building meant they had proper storage for all of their resources, said area representative Teresa Chamblee, and allows for a meeting place for not only staff, but also

school representatives. The central location, off U .S. 280, also makes for convenient travel between their 90 campuses in the greater Birmingham area.

“Being here on 280 is such a good space because of how many schools where we use 280 to get to them,” Chamblee said.

They have a staff of five including ray, Chamblee, U AB campus/ area rep Tavon Arrington, U AB campus rep Sarah Witkowski and area rep Sarah G ackle, but G ray said they hope to double their team in order to reach more students. The building offers room to grow, G ray said, and they are thankful to have the space for fellowship.

“This space is a tremendous blessing, first and foremost,” G ray said. “… We’re very thankful.”

For more information about irmingham FC , go to fcabirmingham.org.

The annual Shelby County City Clerks Christmas Luncheon, hosted by Indian Springs Town Clerk Joan Downs, was Dec. 14 at Indian Springs Town Hall. The luncheon was sponsored by DeLoach, Barber, & Caspers, PCA. Pictured, from left: Joan Downs, Indian Springs; Danielle Filmore, Leeds; Stacy Walkup, Harpersville; Amanda Traywick, Helena; Teresa Amos, Helena; Connie Payton, Calera; Becky Landers, Chelsea; Margie Handley, Hoover; Joy Marler, Vincent; and Kay Ray, Wilsonville. Photo courtesy of Becky Landers.

280Living.com

February 2018 • B7

Opinion My South By Rick Watson

Reconnecting by the river A few weeks ago, I stopped by cherry tree in the corner of our the forks of the river in Sipsey on yard. Well, helping him build the the way home. Normally, there boats might be a bit of bluster. I handed him a hammer, nails and are several people there sitting a bucket of tar when he needed in folding chairs, shooting the bull and watching time pass at them. Mostly I sat on a sawhorse the speed of a slow-moving river. and watched for hours on end.

But on this day, I had the place When I started to high school, to myself. I enjoy the company I helped my dad build a small of my buddies who gather there, fishing cabin on the lac arbut it’s also nice to have the rior River. And soon after that, place to yourself every now and he bought a 14 -foot V -bottom then. fishing boat with a Super 10 Watson Turning my truck around and Evinrude motor. backing down close to the edge, I was driving that boat long I switched the engine off and stepped out of before I was old enough to drive a car, though the cab. At the back, I dropped the tailgate and I started driving early, too. used it for a bench.

There were times in the spring and early The sun was warm for January, and if I’d summer we’d launch the boat and be on the brought a pillow, I could have taken a nap right water before sunrise. When the warm air and there in the bed of my truck. I’ve been known cool water met, a morning mist hung over the to do that at times. It’s a trick I learned from emerald water like a thin gauze curtain. ur fishing excursions too us miles down my dad when I was a kid. He could take a nap anywhere and anytime. the river. fter we got tired of fishing, we’d turn Just then I heard an outboard motor off in the the boat around and snake back up the winding distance. fisherman would be slowly ma ing river toward home. When Dad would wave me his way back to the boat launch before the sun back to take control, I knew it was his naptime. went down. t first, the motor sounded li e He’d lay across the middle bench seat, pull his the drone of a bumblebee, but it got gradually cap down over his eyes and let the gentle ride louder as it puttered closer to the dock. upstream rock him to sleep.

The boat was a at-bottom that loo ed as if So many of my fondest childhood memories it had been painted with a pine top. It reminded are connected to boats and this old lazy river. me of the boats that most people used for running trotlines and bream fishing when was R ick W atson is a columnist and author. H is growing up. latest book, “ L ife C hanges,” is av ailable on I remember as a child helping my grand- A mazon. com. Y ou can contact him v ia email daddy ap build at-bottom s iffs under a blac at rick@ rickw atson-w riter. com.

School House This rendering shows what the Covenant Classical Schools and Daycare location near Greystone will look like when completed. The 22,000-squarefoot facility is in the Tattersall Park development off Alabama 119 and Greystone Way. Rendering courtesy of Covenant Classical Schools and Daycare.

New preschool and day care near Greystone plans August opening

By J ON AN D ERS ON Construction on a new Covenant Classical School and Daycare near G reystone is well under way, with a goal of being complete and open by August, the school’s CEO said.

The school and day care is located in the Tattersall Park development off Alabama 119 along G reystone Way. It will cater to children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old, CEO John L aBreche said.

This will be the third Hoover location for Covenant Classical Schools and Daycare, joining others in Trace Crossings and on V alleydale Road near Southlake, L aBreche said. The school also has sites in Homewood, Pelham and Trussville, as well as two existing schools and a third under construction in the Huntsville area.

When asked why Covenant Classical wanted to open a site near G reystone, L aBreche said he has always lived in the G reystone area and coached soccer at the G reystone YMCA for the

past 10 years or so.

“I just like that community and felt like there was a good demographic need,” he said. “This site just had everything we were looking for.”

He particularly felt that area needs a preschool and day care with a Christian perspective and strong focus on academics, he said.

“We push the Bible pretty aggressively,” he said, noting his schools teach the Ten Commandments, Beatitudes and Biblical character traits and have daily Bible sessions.

The 22,000-square-foot school being built off G reystone Way should be able to accommodate up to 280 children, though it may ta e some time to get to that student population level, L aBreche said. As of mid-January, more than 3 5 children were signed up, he said.

The school will have 18 classrooms, with children being split up by age group, L aBreche said.

He anticipates having 40 to 50 faculty and staff when the school reaches full capacity, he said.

B8 • February 2018

280 Living

for the love of

LEARNING Shelby County Education Foundation gives thousands for local classrooms

By ERICA TECHO

Above: Oak Mountain Intermediate Library and Media Specialist Sarah Dozier, left, hugs Shelby County Education Foundation Director Kendall Williams after she was presented with a $3,654.96 grant on Dec. 14. Below: Williams presents Mt Laurel Elementary School ice Principal Tina eighbors right with a grant to be used for the school’s Building Bricks of Learning program. Photos by Erica Techo.

A few days before winter break, schools throughout Shelby County got a surprise gift.

On Dec. 14 , Shelby County Education Foundation Director Kendall Williams stopped by Chelsea Middle School, Mt L aurel Elementary, Oak Mountain Intermediate, the Career Technical Education Center and the Shelby County Schools Technology Department to deliver the gift — a grant from the foundation.

Teachers and students throughout the county applied for grants from the foundation, explaining projects they hoped to implement at their schools or within the school system. Applications were scored based on the project directly supporting student learning, the application describing specific student outcomes and a complete budget.

IMPACT the Journey grants support projects that aim to empower, energize and enrich the school, according to the foundation’s website.

OAK MOUNTAIN INTERMEDIATE – TRAVELING MEDIA CENTER

n her first year as the library and media specialist at Oak Mountain Intermediate, Sarah Dozier decided to apply for a grant to help fund traveling media centers. This project aims to increase student collaboration, motivation and

ownership of learning, according to the grant application, and each unit will include a G oogle Chromecast, a Chromebook and a mobile television display cart. former fifth-grade teacher at S, o ier said she applied for the grant to help students become 21st century learners and to be able to better present their ideas and show their learning.

“By providing opportunities for students to use a variety of innovative technologies in the collection and sharing their learning, the media centers help students become motivated, active participants and take ownership of their learning,” according to the application.

Dr. Pat L eQ uier, principal at OMIS, said they are fortunate to have Dozier as their media specialist, as her experience as a classroom teacher helps her have an eye for which resources are most helpful to teachers and to students.

“It will be put to multiple purposes, outstanding use,” L eQ uier said, regarding the traveling media centers.

Dozier said she was surprised and thankful to receive the grant, as she knew there were several other teachers with great ideas throughout the county.

“I am blown away by their generosity and that they see this as important as I do,” Dozier said.

While Dozier applied for a $2,4 3 6.64 grant to purchase the supplied for two traveling media

280Living.com centers, the Foundation awarded $3,654.96 — enough to fund three.

Williams said they were impressed with the application and believed three could help better benefit the school.

MT LAUREL ELEMENTARY – BUILDING BRICKS OF LEARNING

As a way to help students learn to collaborate, problem solve and “think divergently in the areas of S.T.r.E.A.M.” ( science, technology, writing, engineering, art and math) , Mt L aurel Elementary School applied for a grant to fund Building Bricks of L earning for all grades.

This would be an addition to the school’s Innovation L ab, bringing in a hands-on learning environment that crosses multiple subjects, according to the school’s grant application.

Building Bricks of L earning is aligned with national standards and can help students learn about working in small groups, communicating and becoming 21st century learners.

“Building Bricks of L earning allows students the opportunity to truly become leaders of their own learning,” according to the grant application. “Students will be active participants in their learning process.”

The whole school will benefit from the addition, V ice Principal Tina Neighbors said.

“ML ES plans to create an innovation lab called Bricks for L earning, which will provide hands-on STrEAM activities for all students indergarten through fifth grade, Neighbors said. “Teachers are excited to utilize this space to allow students to explore and deepen their knowledge in a creative manner.”

The Education Foundation funded the requested amount of the grant, which was $4 ,84 1.7 7 for BrickL ab curriculum sets, a G ears! G ears! G ears! Building set, an iPad Mini, animation kits, the Stop, Motion Pro app and a Kids Fort Building Kit. “We are very blessed to have the Shelby County Education Foundation,” Neighbors said. “The members work diligently to acquire funds for the school grants. These grants provide students with engaging experiences, utilizing soft skills, which will prepare them for the journey after high school graduation.”

February 2018 • B9 CHELSEA MIDDLE SCHOOL – LOUNGE LEARNING SEATING

Chelsea Middle School student Sydney Bridgeman took the initiative to apply for an Imagine the Journey Student G rant. With the $1,000 from funding, Bridgeman said she hoped to purchase items for a project titled “L ounge L earning Seating.” The area would affect between 75 and 100 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade student each day, according to her application.

“Our project is more comfortable seating for the library,” Bridgeman wrote. “With a grant of $1,000 we will be able to purchase pillows and cushioned chairs to ensure students in [ the] study hall area [ are] able to work and study together comfortably.”

The seating would allow for more productive results when working in the library, the application said, as more comfortable seating will help motivate them. Success for the project, she said, would be seen through an increased number of students utilizing the study area.

SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS – FULL STEAM AHEAD!

Throughout the county, Shelby County Schools students will receive new resources through the Full STEAM Ahead! project.

Applied for by the school system’s technology department, this project would provide checkout technology kits to elementary schools throughout the school system. These kits would include programmable devices that teach concepts of coding and problem-solving skills.

“One of our goals is to empower teachers to bring STEAM activities into their elementary classrooms,” the grant application said. “This will prepare our teachers and students for the new Alabama Digital L iteracy and Computer Science Course of Study to be implemented next year. Through the ‘ Elementary STEAM kit,’ our students will learn to think logically, problem solve, persevere in difficult situations, collaborate with others and communicate effectively, all while having fun.”

While supplies for the project would total to $8,570, the technology department applied for $5,000 a nd received that full amount.

Above, from left: Kendall Williams, Sarah Dozier and Oak Mountain Intermediate School Principal Dr. Pat LeQuier. Below, from left: Leanne Craft, Williams and Mt Laurel Elementary Vice Principal Tina Neighbors. IMPACT the Journey grants support projects that aim to empower energi e and enrich the school according to the foundation’s website.

B10 • February 2018

280 Living

Ch e l s e a M i d d l e S c h o o l s t u d e n t s k n i t h a t s f o r Ch i l d r e n ’ s Ho s p i t a l

Students from aty Thompson’s eighth-grade visual arts class hold up the hand-knit caps they made for Children’s Hospital patients.

Photo courtesy of Katy Thompson.

V isual Arts students at Chelsea Middle School worked to give back this Christmas.

The eighth-graders in Katy Thompson’s visual arts class recently learned about the history of weaving and learned to create hats using a round loom.

Rather than keep the caps for themselves, however, the class donated the hats to

OMMS students participate in Opelika robotics competition Several Oak Mountain Middle School students had success this past December at the SMS Robotics Competition in Opelika.

OMMS team 107 4 0G , which includes Khaled Z uaiter, Ismael Choucha, Aaron Pendry, Henry Meads ( not present at the competition) and Cade May, took home two awards: The Excellence Award and the Teamwork Challenge Award.

“This competition experience was amazing,” May said. “After a break lasting since Worlds in April ( for competitions) , this competition really catapulted me back into the high energy of robotics.” “This year has a lot in store for our team ( 107 4 0G ) , and I hope to make it to and do well at Worlds once again this year, as we placed sixth place last year. Sometimes, I think our robotics

Oak Mountain Middle School students saw success during the SMS Robotics Competition in December. Three teams of students will advance to the statewide competition.

Photo courtesy of Cade May.

program is vastly overshadowed by our school’s focus on athletics, but I believe after these many successful years in the robotics program, people will soon appreciate what we’re doing for the name of Oak Mountain.”

The Excellence Award is a top overall award that factors in the design, teamwork challenge and STEM project portions of the competition. The Teamwork Challenge Award is given based on the main game of the season. oth awards qualified the team for the V EX IQ Alabama State Championship in March.

Team 107 4 0W, an all-girls team from OMMS including Elizabeth Shaw, Piper Watson and Rebecca Ehrbar, won the Design Award and Teamwork Challenge ward. The team also qualified

for state.

Team 107 4 0E — L ogan Camp, Ethan Forrest, Carter Price, Mark, Emma, Chris, Nathaniel and Julius — won the STEM Project Award, thereby qualifying for the state competition.

“There is nothing I love more than a robotics competition,” Shaw said.

“They' re full of energy and excitement. I like the smaller competitions, but sometimes I wish that more friends who aren' t involved in robotics would come, such as with sporting events. We, team 10 40 , qualified for State at our first competition of the year and hope to qualify for Worlds at the State competition. I can' t wait to see where this year takes us! ” Submitted by ade ay ak ountain iddle School student.

Children’s Hospital.

The week before Christmas, Thompson gathered the caps and donated 5 hand-knit hats to Children’s. The hats ranged in size from newborn to young adult.

Thompson said she hopes to make this activity an annual event with her students.

– Subm itted by Katy T hompson.

HIL L TOP 2ND-G RADER WINS BEE

Hilltop Montessori School hosted a schoolwide spelling bee Jan. 8. Arnav Kumar, a second-grade student, won the entire bee. He competed against students at Hilltop in grades 1-8.

The winning word was “Bollywood.” Photo courtesy of Michele Wilensky/Hilltop Montessori.

280Living.com

February 2018 • B11

Shelby County Schools Superintendent Randy Fuller announces his retirement Randy Fuller, who has served for three consecutive terms as superintendent of education for Shelby County Schools, has announced he will retire at the end of his current term in office this ecember.

Fuller has been an educator for more than 4 0 years, serving in many capacities including teacher, coach, administrative assistant, assistant principal and principal. He began his administrative career as an assistant principal at ardendale High School for a short time before being named principal of Oak G rove School and c dory High School in the efferson County School istrict.

Fuller was hired by Shelby County Schools in 1998 as principal of a ountain High School, where he oversaw construction of the new school. fter serving as HS’ principal for eight years, Fuller was elected superintendent of Shelby County Schools on uly 18, 2006, and too office Nov. 1, 2006. He began his third term as superintendent an. 1, 2015. uring Fuller’s tenure as superintendent, the Shelby County school system faced multimillion dollar shortfalls in state funding due to proration and historic recession. He developed a four-component organizational vision to direct the system toward continued success.

This four-part plan provided a path to follow that allowed the district to still meet the expectations of being an exemplary school district even in times of continued economic crisis.

These four components of the plan are: Continuous School Improvement ( CSI) , which seeks improvement in all aspects of a school; long-range strategic planning; leadership development to enhance and grow current and future leaders in the district; and instruction — a unified -12 effort to design curriculum and instruction through the development of strategic initiatives and priorities targeting various grade levels and evaluating results.

This four-part plan has helped to ensure that the Shelby County school district has been one of the top school districts in the state for student achievement and academic performance. n ecember 2016, Shelby County was one of 16 school districts across the state to receive an “A” on Phase I of the Alabama State epartment of Education’s “ -F report card.

Fuller also helped steer Shelby County Schools through its first districtwide accreditation process. The district was deemed a “model school district by the dvancEd uality ssurance Review R Team. The Q AR Team noted several strengths for the district, including superintendent leadership, organizational structure, strategic planning and continuous improvement planning, among several others.

Fuller also implemented a five-point safe school plan entitled the Safe Schools Initiative, which was developed as a collaborative partnership with local law enforcement, first responders, government leaders, community leaders, social service networks, parents and students. The mission of this plan is to provide

Shelby County Schools Superintendent Randy Fuller speaks to the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce in April 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Columbiana. Photo courtesy of Shelby County Schools.

safety and security in a welcoming learning environment free of violence, intimidation and fear.

As superintendent, Fuller has been recognized with numerous awards including the niversity of ontevallo ermit . ohnson Outstanding Superintendent Award; the Alabama School Communicators Association’s Superintendent of the ear ward the Marbury Technology Innovation Award for Central ffice Leaders at the 2011 labama Educational Technology Conference and the

Lifetime Commitment to Education ward from the niversity of ontevallo.

Fuller is a member of the School Superintendents of Alabama and was nominated for School Superintendent of the ear in 2016. He is a charter member of the Superintendents’ Leader Networ .

Two candidates had announced their intent to run for superintendent as of 280 Living’s press time. For more information, go to 280living.com.

– S ubmitted by S helby C ounty S chools.

B12 • February 2018

280 Living

FELLOWSHIP

CONTINUED from page B1 ones, helped deliver death notifications for a time.

During the time they shared that responsibility, DeHart said, there was a weekend with a high number of death notifications to deliver, and they reali ed a change was necessary.

“They reali ed there was a need here for something more than what we’re doing,” DeHart said. “That and, ‘ We need some help,’ quite honestly.” n 1994, ones reached out to pastors around the county, and that formed the foundations for the chaplains association.

“That small group started out basically with the purpose of delivering death notifications, eHart said. The chaplains would go with deputies to deliver notifications and be there to support the survivors and help establish a support system, but since 1994, those duties have expanded.

The chaplains must have five years of experience as a pastor, be fully ordained and live in the county, among other requirements. They also undergo training from the nternational Conference of olice Chaplains, arrive on scene for major accidents, go on ride alongs with deputies, act as a community liaison for religious leaders and provide spiritual support for the sheriff’s deputies, as well as other tas s. “ ur job is to help with the officers as a whole, at keeping them whole, and trying out best to provide for them an outlet, said onny cton, senior pastor at New Hope Cumberland resbyterian. cton has been with the chaplain’s association since it was formed. “ ecause critical stress, it can be a chronic thing that builds up over time, and so our job is to be there for them, first and foremost, and secondly to be there for the community. y providing a trusted group in which deputies can confide, cton and ar uc ett, pastor at orningstar nited ethodist Church, said the chaplains help protect the sheriff’s office’s greatest resource its people. eputies deal with high stress situations and oftentimes run from one call to the next without an opportunity to decompress.

Capt. Mike De art speaks at a gold tournament benefiting the chaplains at Timberline Course in ctober 2 7. Photo courtesy of Debbie Sumrall.

“Chaplaincy is about building a relationship with employees so that when they find themselves in a time of crisis, whether that’s dealing with the stress of a job, whether that’s dealing with a family issue or personal issue, then that foundation has already been laid for that employee to reach out to a chaplain and as for help,” DeHart said.

The chaplains’ training helps them deal with the emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual effects of a high stress position, and the goal of that communication is to allow the officer to have a successful career and to retire from that career enjoying life. s they wor with deputies, uc ett said, the pastors and their congregations also benefit. “ ur role is not to proselyti e, uc ett said. “ ur role is to be the hands and feet of esus,

olf

and being part of the things that happen in the community, it’s given us an opportunity when someone has lost something in an accident to be able to provide things we otherwise wouldn’t even now about. ou just never now how G od’s going to use you to do something through the average call. “ t opens up avenues of ministry that you otherwise would have never seen, cton added, saying that riding in the deputy’s cars and arriving on scene opened his eyes to a lot he otherwise would not have experienced.

“I would tell a minister who spends 3 0 hours a week preparing a sermon, ‘ G o ride six hours with a sheriff’s deputy. ou’ll learn more in that time, of the practical aspects of theology, and learn about your community,’ cton said. “ ou get to see the underbelly of society, in a lot of ways, and as a minister too often we’re

out of touch.

Encountering the communities through places and people ministers wouldn’t typically encounter, cton said, allows them to expand their theological perspective. They can learn more about their communities and also how to minister to more individuals who need it.

Chaplains also wor with the community on scene of incidents where emotions run high or there has been death or injury. n these situations, the roles of chaplains and law enforcement officers complement each other. “ f deputies respond to the scene of a crime where someone has died or been killed, or some crime li e that where you might already have family members on scene, having a chaplain there to be with the family it cares for the family members who were there, but it also allows the law enforcement to do their job without being distracted or encumbered by emotional family members or family members with questions,” DeHart said. hile both groups wor with people, cton said, they typically deal with different aspects of a person on the job.

“The firemen on the scene or the policemen on the scene, they have to get in there in situations that are gruesome. try to stay away from them they can’t, but can pull bac and be with the family, cton said.

Having someone who can handle a family’s emotions while the first responders deal with the scene, eHart said, helps ensure the human aspect is ta en care of, and no part of the job has to be neglected.

The Chaplains ssociation has also benefited the state, DeHart said, as SCSO hosts a yearly Chaplains cademy that trains according to C C’s 12 courses of chaplains. ny interested pastor can reach out to eHart to find out more information and potentially join the training, he said. “ e’ve touched on some big things, but there’s so many other small things the chaplains do, eHart said, noting it can range from a coffee shop meeting or donuts at roll call to opening their church for a meal on a holiday. “ t’s just so broad and beneficial not only to the officers or deputies themselves, but to their families and to the community as a whole.

It’s tremendous.”

280Living.com

February 2018 • B13

B14 • February 2018

280 Living

Metro Roundup VESTAVIA HILLS

BOE narrows superintendent search

By EM IL Y F EATHERS TON While schools were closed due to the threat of winter weather, the V estavia Hills Board of Education still held a specially-called meeting Jan. 16 to take care of time-sensitive business.

The first item was the Brought to continuation you by our of the search sister paper: for V estavia’s new superintendent. vestavia BOE Presvoice.com ident Nancy Corona began the discussion by walking the board and audience through the steps the body has taken over the last month since the Alabama Association of School Boards announced the four finalists. n anuary, the board wrapped up four days worth of public interviews of each candidate, along with day-long tours and meetings throughout the district.

At the meeting, board members made motions to look further into two final candidates atric artin of G ardendale City Schools and ichael Todd Freeman of Sylacauga City Schools.

Corona noted that just because the candidates were nominated or

The Vestavia Hills Board of Education discusses the next steps in the superintendent search during its snow day meeting Jan. 16. Photo by Emily Featherston.

discussed in a certain order doesn’t mean the board favors one candidate over the other at this point.

Board member Steve Bendall made the motion that artin move along in the process, and fellow board member David Powell moved for a closer loo at Freeman. owell said that to him, artin’s

focus on collaborative vision and a personal and professional learning environment stood out, along with his commitment to transparency, engagement and student-focused decision making. “ hich, thin , are all things we’d like in a superintendent,” he said. ith regard to Freeman, owell

said he was impressed with how Freeman too his interactions with students and faculty during his informal interviews and applied them to the questions for the board. “ t’s clear that he had listened all day long,” Powell said.

Powell added that he also li ed Freeman’s appreciation for

Elizabeth Roberts, co-owner of Lamb’s ars in Crestline, recently started her own granola company, Market 46 Bakery. The name is borrowed from Roberts and owell’s former vintage furniture and tableware rental business, Market 46 Rentals. Photo

by Sydney Cromwell.

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Lamb’s Ears co-owner begins granola venture, Market 46 Bakery

By S Y D N EY CROM W

EL L

f Eli abeth Roberts needed confirmation that she was onto something with her granola recipe, it came when she introduced her salted caramel and dar chocolate avor. n the first two days the new recipe was at L amb’s Ears, it sold 20 bags.

Brought to Roberts and her sister you by our Julie Howell have owned sister paper: L amb’s Ears, at 7 0 Church St., since 2011.

Roberts has been ma ing granola for her husband villageliving and as gifts, but in early online.com 2017 she decided to turn it into a business and create ar et 46 a ery.

The name is borrowed from Roberts and Howell’s former vintage furniture and tableware rental business, ar et 46 Rentals. The sisters’ parents, Eddie and Elizabeth G ilmore, were married in 1946 and Roberts said she had a “fairytale upbringing.”

When she decided to create the granola business, Roberts wanted to use the name that already had an emotional connection for her.

“That name was meaningful, being learned to cook at my mother’s apron strings,

extracurricular activities.

The board also authorized Corona and nterim Superintendent Charles ason to move into further due diligence of the final two candidates, including additional records and background checks, interviews and visits to the candidates’ current and former school districts. n other business, the E etermining that the ec. 8 snow day does not need to be made up, as the district has more than enough instructional hours to meet the state minimum. pproving an agreement with Jefferson County and the City of V estavia Hills for improvements to the baseball field at resham Elementary School. ason emphasi ed that efferson County still owns the property, and no assumptions are being made, but that this will allow V estavia to move toward having adequate field space for the ninth grade baseball team and the city for parks and recreation needs in a timely manner. pproving an owner-architect agreement with L athan Associates Architects for design and engineering work for the improvements to resham. Hoar rogram anagement project manager Brennan Bell said the design process from beginning to end should take about 60 days.

so to spea , Roberts said.

So far, Roberts has sold her granola through L amb’s Ears and email orders, though she will be a 2018 epper lace summer mar et vendor and is finding other local stores to carry her products. She makes a regular granola and the salted caramel and dar chocolate avor, as well as a cranberry orange mix that she offered during the holidays. ar et 46’s products don’t contain preservatives, so Roberts ma es them a couple batches at a time to make sure they’re fresh when customers buy a bag. The core ingredients include oats, coconut, almonds, pumpin seeds and sun ower seeds, plus spices and sweeteners.

The ba ing process is not difficult, Roberts said, but time-intensive, and she has to find the right balance so the granola turns out slightly crunchy and baked into large clumps. “ t’s been important to me to eep it fresh, Roberts said. “ t’s an all-night process.

Roberts said it too about nine to 12 months to perfect her granola-making process before she even considered making it into a business.

Her husband was her first taste tester, and now Roberts said selling the granola at Lamb’s Ears is her chance to do market research. “ t’s a great hostess gift, it’s a great neighborhood gift, it’s a great teacher gift,” Roberts said.

t can be a challenge balancing ar et 46 with her desire to be a hands-on co-owner at Lamb’s Ears. f the granola business becomes popular enough, Roberts said she eventually wants to move to a more professional kitchen, add avors and even consider expanding beyond granola.

Roberts’ mother began ma ing sourdough bread in 19 8 and gave her some of the original starter, which Roberts has used to ma e bread and cinnamon rolls for 25 years. f she expands beyond granola, Roberts said sourdough goods will be at the top of the list. rder from ar et 46 a ery at Lamb’s Ears or by emailing ar et46 a ery gmail.com.

280Living.com

February 2018 • B15

DOWNTOWN

QUICK HITS

Runners take off from the start line of the 2017 MercedesBenz Marathon in downtown Birmingham.

Photo courtesy of MercedesBenz Marathon.

BrickTop’s to fill former Mountain Brook Inn site

Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend back for 17th year

By JE S S E CHAM BERS

“We’re also known for our Southern hospitality,” G illikin The Mercedes-Benz Marasaid, citing the Jim ‘ n Nick’s thon Weekend, one of the SouthBar-B-Q Post-Race Party & east’s premiere running events, Awards Ceremony at Boutwell returns to L inn Park downtown, Auditorium, with food, beer Feb. 9- 11. and live music.

The event, in its 17 th year, The weekend raises money ironcity.ink draws about 13 ,000 particifor The Bell Center in Homepants to five races the erwood, which works with young cedes-Benz Marathon, Half children at risk for developMarathon and Marathon Relay, as well as mental delay. the Regions Superhero 5K and Kids MerThe St. V incent’s Health System Health cedes- en arathon according to race and Fitness Expo & Packet Pickup will be director Kim G illikin. held at the BJCC on Friday and Saturday.

This variety makes the weekend special, Saturday events include the 5 K and the Bell according to G illikin. “That sets us apart Center Children’s Run. from some of the normal marathon SunThe marathon, half-marathon and maradays,” she said. thon relay take place Sunday.

The full marathon draws runners from For details, including a complete schedother states and foreign countries, accord- ule, call 87 0-7 7 7 1 or go to mercedes ing to G illikin. marathon.com.

Brought to you by our sister paper:

HOMEWOOD – Brought to BrickTop’s restaurant you by our has announced plans sister paper: to open in June at the former Mountain Brook Inn property, on U.S. 280 near Office thehomewood Park Drive. star.com This is the first Alabama location for the regional franchise.

The menu includes steak, chops, seafood, sushi, sandwiches, salads, bar snacks, cocktails, brunch and more.

Property owners and developers Graham & Co. have said that BrickTop’s will take up about a third of the property, and the remainder will become a mixed-use development.

Consultant: Canterbury closure reduced traffic MOUNTAIN Brought to BROOK — As part of you by our the ongoing roundsister paper: abouts project for Mountain Brook Village, a small portion of Canterbury Road villageliving — between Cahaba online.com Road and Village Circle — has been closed since late summer to determine if this would mitigate possible traffic issues feeding into future roundabouts.

In order for the project to proceed, the modification needed to prove

effective.

Sain Associates reviewed their traffic counts from before and after the holidays, and at the Mountain Brook City Council meeting Jan. 9 said the modification reduced traffic for southbound Canterbury Road.

While Sain proceeds with environmental impact studies for the roundabouts, the council voted to extend the Canterbury Road modification until a later date.

2 specialty ice cream shops join community HOMEWOOD/ Brought to HOOVER — A new you by our style of ice cream is sister papers: rolling into Birmingham.

8 Fahrenheit, located in the Colonial thehomewood Promenade in Hoover, star.com and Lucky Cat Rolled Creams, on 18th Street South in Homewood, both specialize in hooversun.com rolled ice cream. The sweet treat is made by pouring ice cream on a cold steel pan, adding toppings, cutting the ice cream with metal spatulas, rolling the slices up and serving them in a cup.

Lucky Cat hopes to serve beer, wine and liquor and offer treats that blend ice cream and alcohol, but the request for an alcohol license must first go before the Homewood City Council.

8 Fahrenheit is part of a regional franchise that started in Atlanta, and the Hoover store opened this winter. Lucky Cat planned to open this winter as well, as of our press time.

B16 • February 2018

280 Living

280

Real Estate Listings MLS #

Zip

Address

Status

Price

803813

35242

3920 Bibury Circle

New

$328,000

803947

35242

681 Provence Drive

New

$435,000

803857

35242

331 Highland View Drive

New

$989,900

803823

35242

1014 Eagle Mountain Lane

New

$549,900

803794

35242

1309 Deerhurst Court

New

$679,900

803782

35242

632 Springbank Terrace

New

$699,900

803768

35242

4624 Guilford Cove

New

$219,900

803758

35242

1196 Bristol Way

New

$414,900

803772

35242

1155 Kingswood Road

New

$489,900

803572

35242

5072 Greystone Way

New

$659,900

803512

35242

2741 Drennen Circle

New

$359,900

803482

35242

6165 Eagle Point Circle

New

$355,000

803443

35242

4553 Little Ridge Drive

New

$249,900

803394

35242

5178 Red Fern Way

New

$244,900

803379

35242

New

$965,000

803931

35043

117 Greenbriar Place

New

$289,900

803807

35043

479 Lake Chelsea Way

New

$314,900

803645

35043

220 Chelsea Station Drive

New

$248,900

803491

35043

1044 Kingston Road

New

$374,900

803848

35043

125 Lakeland Ridge

New

$329,900

200

a efield ircle

Real estate listings provided by the Birmingham Association of Realtors on Jan. 11.

Visit birminghamrealtors.com.

3920 Bibury Circle

6165 Eagle Point Circle

280Living.com

February 2018 • B17

Calendar North Library Events CHILDREN Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Hedgie Hello. 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 11:30 a.m.

Wednesdays. Stop by to say hello to our pet hedgehog, Oliver. All ages welcome.

Wednesdays: Family Storytime with Mr. Mac. 10:45 a.m. Stories, puppets, and lots of music for every member of the family. All ages.

Thursdays: PJ Story Time. 6:30 p.m. Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All ages.

Through Feb. 9: Valentines for Children’s Hospital. Decorate a Valentine for children at Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital.

Feb. 1 and 15: Baby Tales. 10 a.m. A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to talk and share with each other. For birth to 18 months. Registration required.

Feb. 5, 12 and 19: Toddler Tales. 10 a.m.

Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Ages 19-36 months. Registration required.

Feb. 10: FebruBEARy Ice Cream Social.

2 p.m. Children of all ages and their plushie pals are cordially invited to a “beary” delicious social with ice cream, music, and a craft. Non-teddy bear plushie pals are welcome too.

Feb. 13: Picture Book Club. 10 a.m.

Join us for stories, games, crafts and snacks featuring Hervé Tullet’s books “Press Here.” All ages welcome. Registration required.

Feb. 21: Teen Homeschool Hangout. 1 p.m. Registration required.

Feb. 21: Teen Homeschool Art Club.

2:30 p.m. An hour of creativity. Registration required.

Feb. 22: Break Out! 6:30-7:30 p.m. Try to escape the room in one hour. Registration required.

Feb. 24: Teen Volunteer Day. Help the library and earn community service hours. Sixth-12th graders can sign up for 1-2 hours of service.

Feb. 28: Teen Tech: Oculus Rift. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Spend 15 minutes in virtual reality using the Oculus Rift. Sixth-12th graders. Registration required.

Feb. 21: Homeschool Hangout. 1 p.m.

Come join us for STEAM learning and fun. Registration required. Ages 7-12.

Feb. 1: Home Lawn Weed Control. 10 a.m. to noon. Presented by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at the AGITC Facility. Register by calling 669-6763.

Feb. 26: Garden Gates. 4 p.m. NSL garden club for kids. Learn some gardening basics and leave with three plants for your windowsill garden. Ages 5 and older. Registration required.

Feb. 3: Take Your Child to the Library Day. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Snacks and a journey around the Children’s Department. All ages with parent help.

TEENS Feb. 2, 9 and 16: Open Gaming. 3:30-5:45 p.m. Join us for games: board, card, Minecraft, XBOX ONE and Wii. Participants must have a parent permission slip on file to attend.

Feb. 6, 13 and 20: Tech Tuesdays. 3:30-

preview sale.

Feb. 17: Indoor Yard Sale. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Friends of North Shelby Library present their annual indoor yard sale and book sale benefiting the library’s summer reading program. Items may be dropped off during library hours until 4 p.m.

Feb. 15. For more information, call 439-5540 or email kguerin@shelbycounty-al.org.

Feb. 15: Teen Leadership Council Meeting. 6 p.m. Discuss upcoming programs and projects.

Feb. 20: Sensory Storytime. 10 a.m.

Snack-free storytime for children with special needs with caregiver support, featuring fun picture books and songs, along with fine and gross motor movement activities. Registration required.

Feb. 2: Preschool Kitchen Science.

10:30 a.m. Come see some enchanting science featuring Disney Heroes and Villains! Preschool age. Registration required.

Feb. 3: Lego Club. 10 a.m. Families are welcome to drop in to build creations that will go on display in the Children’s Department. All ages.

4:30 p.m. Drop by and try something new each Tuesday. All ages.

ADULTS

Feb. 8: Color Therapy. 6-8 p.m. Pages, colored pencils, light refreshments and relaxation provided. Registration required.

Feb. 15: NSL Book Club. 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Discussing “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi.

Feb. 16: Indoor Yard Sale Preview Event. 6-8 p.m. Friends of the Library are invited to a special preview sale. You can buy a membership at the door for $25. Join online or in person at the library. Wine and hors d’oeuvres served at the

ADULT COMPUTER CLASSES Each class requires a $5 deposit payable at the Reference Desk. The deposit will be refunded when you attend class or cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Feb. 7: Introduction to Microsoft Word (2007). 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to create a simple document, edit and format text, correct spelling errors, and adjust the margins. Registration required.

Feb. 13: Internet for Beginners. 10 a.m. to noon. The basics of navigating and searching the Internet for those with little to no experience.

Registration required.

Feb. 14: Introduction to Microsoft Excel (2007). 10 a.m. to noon. This class will cover entering text and numbers, formatting text and performing mathematical calculations. Registration required.

Feb. 27: Computer Comfort. 10-11:30 a.m.

An introductory class covering the computer and various basic functions such as computer components and Windows navigation. Registration required.

B18 • February 2018

280 Living

Mt Laurel Library Events CHILDREN Feb. 2 and 16: Toddler Tales. 10 a.m.

Stories, songs, fingerplays, and more make up this 30-minute program designed especially for short attention spans and their caregiver. Registration required. Ages 3 and younger.

Feb. 2 and 16: All Ages Storytime.

11 a.m. Stories, music and more for the entire family. All ages.

about edicare.

library provides the Legos, the kids provide the imagination and creativity. Families can drop in build creations which will be displayed in the library.

TWEENS Feb. 1: Tween Fairy Garden. 4 p.m. reate your own miniature, magical fairy garden with the help of arol of yers Plants and Pottery. Registration required.

ADULTS

Feb. 10: Crafty Saturday. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. rop in to make a craft at the library. All ages with parent help.

Feb. 20: Picture Book Club. 4 p.m. elebrate Rosemary Wells with stories and crafts. All ages welcome. Registration required.

Feb. 24: Lego Club. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The

Feb. 1: Mt Laurel Book Club. p.m. iscussing “Love, Life and Elephants” by aphne Sheldrick.

Feb. 5: Medicare Seminar. 1 p.m. Jeff ennedy of ennedy Advisory roup, a Financial Services Business, will answer all your questions

Feb. 6: Native Plant and Landscape Collection Reception. 5 p.m. rop in for a wine and cheese reception featuring the new gardening collection and to also get inspired to create a natural landscape this spring with native shrubs, trees and wild owers. Registration requested.

Feb. 19: Mt Laurel Knitting Club. 6-8 p.m. ome to the t Laurel nitting lub for learning, sociali ing, and new ideas. Registration requested.

Feb. 22: Garden Terrarium. 6 p.m. Bring your own sealable glass container and oin arol of yers Plants and Pottery as she e plains all the elements needed for a self-contained garden and then helps you to create your own terrarium.

Registration required.

Chamber Events Feb. 1-May 3: GriefShare. -8:45 p.m. Faith Presbyterian hurch. rief support group for those who have lost loved ones. Join any time during the 14-week series. isit griefshare.org groups 63460.

Registration Fee: 0 includes workbook and refreshments .

Feb. 2: Greater Shelby County Chamber Tourism & Recreation Group. 8:30 a.m. Location varies. isit business.shelby chamber.org.

Feb. 2: Greater Shelby County Cham-

Chelsea Library

ber Health Services Work Group. 8:30 a.m. Location varies. isit business.shelby chamber.org.

Feb. 16: Entrepreneur Roundtable 1.

8 a.m. Location varies. isit business.shelby chamber.org.

Feb. 7: Greater Shelby Chamber Career Readiness Work Group. 8:30 a.m. reater Shelby hamber of ommerce, 1301 ounty Services rive, Pelham. isit business.shelbychamber.org.

Feb. 16: Greater Shelby Chamber Small Business Mentorship Group. 8 a.m. reater Shelby hamber of ommerce, 1301 ounty Services rive, Pelham. isit business.shelbychamber. org.

Feb. 7: Greater Shelby Chamber Ambassador Work Group. 4 p.m. reater Shelby hamber of ommerce, 1301 ounty Services rive, Pelham. isit business.shelbychamber.org.

Wednesdays: The Tot Spot. 10:30 a.m. A 30-minute story time for Preschoolers. We read, sing, dance and craft.

Feb. 20: Entrepreneur Roundtable 280.

8 a.m. Location varies. isit business.shelbychamber. org.

Fridays: BYOC - Bring Your Own Crochet.

10 a.m. Audio Reading room.

Basketball SPAIN PARK Feb. 2: @ Hoover. :30 p.m.

BRIARWOOD Feb. 2: vs. Mortimer Jordan. :30 p.m.

Feb. 3: vs. Montevallo. :30 p.m.

CHELSEA Feb. 1: @ Tuscaloosa County. 1:30 p.m.

OMHS Feb. 2: vs. Helena. :30 p.m.

St. Vincent Events Wednesdays: Baby Café. 10 a.m. to noon.

We invite breastfeeding moms to oin us for our lactation support group meeting at St. incent’s One Nineteen. oms will have the opportunity to meet with a lactation consultant, as well as network with other breastfeeding moms. This event is free, but please call Rosie at 930- 80 to reserve your space.

Feb. 3: Lupus Support Group. 10 a.m. to noon. This group supporting lupus patients and their families will meet the first Saturday of every month at St. incent’s One Nineteen. all 1-8 865-8 8 for more information.

Feb. 12: Supersitters. 4:30-6 p.m. Supersitters is a class that covers basic babysitting information including bathing, feeding, changing diapers, appropriate games and activities for certain age levels, and safety. For ages 11 and older.

The cost is 10 per person. all ial-A-Nurse at

280Living.com

February 2018 • B19

939-7878 to register.

Feb. 13: Blood Pressure/Body Mass Index Screening. 8-11:30 a.m. A representative from Wellness Services will be screening for blood pressure and BMI in the front entrance at St. incent’s One Nineteen. This is a free service.

Feb. 15 and 20: Wake Up to Wellness.

9-11 a.m. To promote healthy living and to highlight the wide range of services and offerings here at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, we will offer education at the front desk.

Feb. 15: Cuisine at One Nineteen.

6-7:30 p.m. Bring your special someone or friend to a belated Valentine’s dinner as Willy Moulin, former chef for the Pritikin Longevity Center, prepares a heart healthy but elegant dinner. Bring a bottle of wine, but a glass of sparkling wine will be offered for your enjoyment. The cost is $25 per person.

Please call 408-6600 for reservations. Limited seating available. Childcare available with advanced specified reservations.

Feb. 22: Breakfast with the Expert: Joint Pain Seminar. 8-9 a.m. Join Dr. James Bowman, III, MD, PhD, orthopedic surgeon with St.

Vincent’s Orthopedics, for a free joint pain seminar where he will discuss hip and knee osteoarthritis and both surgical and non-surgical options, as well as recovery and a joint pain program. This event is free, but please call to register 408-6600.

Feb. 22: Comprehensive Diabetes Education. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have diabetes or are at risk, this seminar at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen is a must. A physician’s referral is required.

Pre-assessments given preceding the class time.

Please call 939-7248 to register.

Feb. 26: Wellness Screenings. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To stay abreast of your numbers, cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference screenings will be held by appointment at St. incent’s One Nineteen. The cost is $20 for members and non-members. Please call 408-6550 to register.

Feb. 27: Cooking with Heart. 11 a.m. to noon. Come learn delicious and heart-healthy recipes that you can add to your repertoire. Join Registered Dietitian Donna Sibley for this informative cooking class during American Heart Month.

The cost is $12 per person. To register, please call 408-6550 by noon on February 26.

Area Events Feb. 1: Birmingham Revealed, Washington & DuBois: Two Opinions, One Goal. 5:30 p.m. Vulcan Park and Museum. $10 non-members, $8 members. Visit visitvulcan.com.

Feb. 1-3 and 8-10: “Nunsense.” Terrific New Theatre. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m.

Sunday. Tickets 5. isit terifficnewtheatre.com.

Feb. 1-3 and 8-10: “Eurydice” by Sara Ruhl. 8 p.m. Theatre Downtown. Tickets; $20 adults, $12 students. Visit theatredowntown.org.

Feb. 1-4 and 8-11: “Chicago.” Virginia Samford Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $15-$40. Visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Feb. 2-3: AHSAA Indoor Track & Field State Championship. Begins at 8 a.m. each day. Birmingham CrossPlex. $10 admission. Visit ahsaa.com.

Feb. 2-3: Birmingham Bulls hockey vs. Fayetteville. Pelham Civic Complex. 7:30 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets $15-$30.

Visit bullshockey.net.

Feb. 2-18: “The Color Purple.” RMTC Cabaret Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tickets start at $19. Visit redmountaintheatre.org.

Feb. 3: Southeastern Outings Dayhike in DeSoto State Park. 9 a.m. Free. Visit seoutings.org. Feb. 3: Sing to Freedom - Music and Stories of the Underground Railroad. 2 p.m.

Alys Stephens Center. Tickets $15 adults, $10 child/student. Visit alysstephens.org.

Feb. 3: Birmingham Winter Beer Fest.

3-7 p.m. BJCC Exhibition Hall. Tickets $40-$85.

Visit bhambeerfest.com.

Feb. 3: Beaker Bash. 5-8 p.m. McWane Center. Annual fundraiser. Theme is The Great Outdoors. Family activities. Tickets $30 21 and younger, $50 22 and older and family four pack $150. Visit mcwane.org/join/give/beakerbash.

Feb. 9-10: Birmingham Bulls hockey vs. Peoria. 7:30 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday. Pelham Civic Complex. Tickets $15-$30. Visit bullshockey.net.

Feb. 10: Southeastern Outings Dayhike in Lake Guntersville State Park.

10 a.m. Free. Visit seoutings.org.

Feb. 10-11: Birmingham Children’s Theatre presents “Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.” 2:30 p.m.

BJCC Theatre. Tickets $10-$28. Visit bct123.org.

Feb. 10: Lalah Hathaway. 8 p.m. BJCC Concert Hall. Special guests Raheem DeVaughn and Leela James. Tickets $30.50-$70.50.

Feb. 11: David Finckel and Wu Han. 2 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Tickets $10 students,

$35 balcony and $55 on-stage/VIP reception. Visit alysstephens.org.

Feb. 13: Birmingham Bulls hockey vs. Pensacola. 7:30 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m.

Saturday. Pelham Civic Complex. Tickets $15-$30.

Visit bullshockey.net.

Feb. 14-17: Southern Athletic Association Swim & Dive Championship. 9 a.m. Birmingham CrossPlex. Visit swac.org.

Feb. 15: Southeastern Outings Weekday Hike at Tannehill State Park. 8:30 a.m. Meet at McDonald’s across from Galleria. Day use park admission $3-$5. Visit seoutings.org.

Feb. 15-16: SWAC Track & Field Conference Championship. 9 a.m. Birmingham CrossPlex. Visit swac.org.

Feb. 17-18: Conference USA Indoor Track & Field Championships. 8 a.m.

Birmingham CrossPlex. Visit conferenceusa.com.

Feb. 17: Southeastern Outings Dayhike along the Locust Fork River. 10 a.m. Free. Visit seoutings.org.

Feb. 17: Birmingham Bulls hockey vs. Evansville. 7 p.m. Pelham Civic Complex.

Tickets $15-$30. Visit bullshockey.net.

Feb. 19-20: Southland Conference Track and Field Championship. 9 a.m.

Birmingham CrossPlex. Visit sunbeltsports.org.

Feb. 21-22: Sun Belt Conference Track and Field Championship. 9 a.m.

Birmingham CrossPlex. Visit sunbeltsports.org.

Feb. 23-24: American Athletic Conference Track and Field Championship. 9 a.m. Birmingham CrossPlex. Visit theamerican.org.

Feb. 23-24: Dvorak’s New World Symphony. 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Friday; 8 p.m.

Saturday. Alys Stephens Center. Presented by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Tickets start at $24. Visit alabamasymphony.org.

Feb. 23-24: The Illusionists - Live on Broadway. BJCC Concert Hall. 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets $23-$76. Visit theatreleague.com.

Feb. 23-25: RV Super Show. BJCC Exhibition Halls. Noon to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Adults $10, children 12 and younger free. Visit bkproductions. biz.

Feb. 24: Southeastern Outings Dayhike to Barton’s Beach and Perry Lakes Park. 10 a.m. Free. Visit seoutings.org.

Feb. 25: Michael McDonald. 7 p.m. Alys Stephens Center. Tickets $10-$85. Visit alysstephens.org.

SECTION

C FEBRUARY 2018

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BIRMINGHAM INTERNAL MEDICINE 7191 Cahaba Valley Road Suite 300 Q: Tell me about Birmingham Internal Medicine Associates.

A: The practice started in 2001 and we are located on the 280 corridor at the St. Vincent’s 119 Health and Wellness enter. e have 0 hysicians and five nurse practitioners.

Q: What services do you provide?

A: We provide primary health care to our patients including long-term preventive care and acute care. In addition, we provide sports physical screenings for children and youth, weight-loss programs that we’ve been focused on to help people with weight-related issues, standard adult immunizations and in-house diagnostic testing.

Q: What is unique about your practice?

A: We really focus on providing a seamless and streamlined patient experience. We are very technologically focused, primarily when it comes to communicating with our patients electronically, to be able to have an

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bimapc.com

ongoing relationship with them during their visit and after their visit. We really try to make it a relationship. The move to the 119 facility provided a great benefit to our atients because we have access to a full range of diagnostic testing. One particular thing we’re proud of is our low-cost heart scan called a Coronary Calcium Scan. It’s an affordable test to non-invasively screen people for heart disease, which allows us to identify people with heart disease who may not be expressing symptoms.

Q: How do you offer more to your patients besides primary care?

A: We strive to become a “medical home” for our patients, where they can come and get all their long-term care where everything is under one umbrella. This makes us different than other places such as walk-in clinics or urgent care clinics. There are certain accreditations where you actually get designated a medical home and we are actively working towards that certification.

C2 • February 2018

280 Living

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

URGENT CARE FOR CHILDREN 500 Cahaba Park Circle Suite 100

848-2273

childrensurgent.com

Q: Why did you create Urgent Care for Children?

A: This is the first hysician owned ediatric urgent care in Alabama and the co founders include hysicians and entre reneurs from irmingham. The idea came to the co founders from the ma or need of ediatric after hour care in the community. octors are eo le and they need a life after wor and on the wee ends but at the same time that doesn t sto life and children still get sic when your ediatrician isn t available. ence we came u with the idea of an after hours urgent care center catering s ecifically to ediatrics which is uni ue in the area. Since our staff all has s eciali ed training or a bac ground in ediatric care it ma es everything easier on your child com ared at a regular urgent care. Urgent are for hildren is not intended to re lace rimary ediatric ractices that are successful in the city but to su lement them in roviding care for your child around the cloc .

Q: What can an urgent care treat?

A: An ediatric urgent care is intended for all illnesses and in uries that need fast treatment but aren t life threatening to re uire an emergency room visit for the id.

These include ever ough old u or stre sym toms araches Allergies or asthma S rains inor in uries ruises acerations nsect bites or stings omiting or u set stomach iarrhea irst degree burns Rashes and other ediatric illnesses e treat children from newborns to age 2 . There is always a ediatrician on staff to cater to your child s healthcare needs.

ractitioner to diagnose their in ury or illness and create a treatment lan. art of the advantage of an urgent care is that we value your time and strive to ma e a uic in uic out visit. e rovide most basic lab tests on site including u test ra id stre test mono test blood count urine analysis blood glucose test and regnancy test. ore advanced lab tests can be obtained but are outsourced. Our staff includes ediatricians nurse ractitioners nurses medical assistants atient service coordinators and office manager. e welcome wal ins and do not re uire any referrals for treatment. owever you can also lan ahead by using the Save our S ot Online ortal on our website childrensurgent.com to claim an a ointment time in advance and be seen more uic ly. ou will really feel a difference versus other doctor s offices in irmingham.

DR. ALLURY ARORA, MD CO-FOUNDER OF URGENT CARE FOR CHILDREN

Q: How do you supplement care from my regular pediatrician?

A: Urgent are for hildren is o en when most regular ediatric ractices are closed for the day ee days 2 0 .m. and wee ends from 0 a.m. to 8 .m. new hours . hen you bring your child to Urgent are for hildren we want to ensure seamless continuity of care. e fa a summary of your visit to your rimary ediatrician com leting the loo of care and ma ing sure your doctor s office is aware of any ongoing needs.

Q: Describe the experience of visiting Urgent Care for Children.

A: e try to bring hos itality and medical care under the same umbrella. hen you wal in the door you ll be greeted by our front des staff who are e erienced in ediatric care and will offer you snac s coffee or uice to ma e your time in the waiting room more comfortable. e understand that having a sic or in ured child is stressful for your entire family and that staying in the waiting room can otentially leave your child vulnerable to illnesses from other atients. After answering ust a few uestions on our digital ios you ll be seen first by a nurse or medical assistant to begin ta ing your child s vitals and medical history. our child will be seen by a ediatrician and ediatric nurse

Q: Why should I take my child to a pediatric urgent care rather than an emergency room?

A: Our staff s eciali es in ediatric care while emergency room doctors treat a broader range of illnesses and in uries for atients of all ages. ou may still get good care in a general emergency room but Urgent are for hildren rovides greater e ertise in children s needs.

There are many illnesses such as a rash or cold that need fast treatment but are not life threatening and shouldn t be evaluated and treated in an emergency room. Our urgent care bridges the divide between a regular ediatric ractice and emergency rooms.

At Urgent are for hildren you will only have to ay a regular co ay for your visit rather than the ty ically more e ensive emergency room co ay. Our motto is less waiting for uality care and we lan to o en more Urgent are for hildren locations around the area and the state soon. hen your child is sic every minute is im ortant.

280Living.com

February 2018 • C3

C4 • February 2018

280 Living

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THERAPYSOUTH CHELSEA GREYSTONE PATCHWORK FARMS Q: What do physical therapists do, and how can they help with an injury?

A: As physical therapists, we primarily deal with musculoskeletal injuries or ailments. Anything from overuse, such as those weekend warriors or those playing softball or basketball that tweak a shoulder or knee or twist an ankle. We can treat those non-surgical issues. We see a variety of post-surgical patients including knee replacements or ACL injuries. We also deal with a large portion of people just seeking wellness services. This is new in Alabama, and while insurance doesn’t cover wellness, we offer a private pay fee schedule with set charges.

Q: Does someone need to have a referral to come to your practice?

A: No, our patients do not have to have referral. As of about five years ago, the direct patient access was passed, which allows patients to see physical therapists without a physician referral. Some people think they don’t have a choice, but they can choose to go wherever no matter what the doctor refers them. e can see a atient first and identify what they have going on and send them to the doctor if necessary. We can facilitate quicker movement through the medical system. To get people to the place they need to be for treatment sooner, that’s our goal.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about physical therapy?

A: The no pain, no gain adage doesn’t always apply. A lot of people think they

100 Chelsea Corners Way, Suite 100

678-7272

therapysouth.com

2823 Greystone Commercial Blvd.

408-1713

therapysouth.com

3056 Healthy Way, Suite 116 (across from Lifetime Fitness) have to put themselves through pain to get better. The pain is there for a reason.

There are times we will make people sore when we are pushing them to do things that are hard for them to do on their own. Most times we tell our patients no soreness, no gain.

Q: Are all physical therapists the same?

A: Many people feel all physical therapy is all the same, but it’s not.

We have multiple therapists that have various niches and specialties within our practice. Every clinic has someone to do special services. We have orthopedic clinical specialists, women’s health specialists including those who specialize in women s oor disorders. A lot of people don’t realize that physical therapy can be very a specialized profession.

Q: How many TherapySouth locations are there in the Birmingham area?

A: We have 18 locations in the Birmingham area, and 25 total. All are in Alabama except one in Athens, GA. We started in 2006, so we’re a little over 11 years in. Most of us have worked together in some form or fashion prior to starting the practice. We currently have over 200 employees. We are locally owned and operated.

Q: How does TherapySouth differ from other similar clinics in the area?

A: One thing is that we are PT owned.

All of our partners are all treating clinicians. We aren’t sitting behind desks, we are seeing patients. We are the true

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therapysouth.com

sense of independent. e are not affiliated with any one group of doctors or hospitals.

Q: What type of treatments do you offer?

A: We are a heavily manually based practice. We get our hands on our patients by stretching joints, and performing skilled joint mobilization.

We also utilize things like dry needling and various forms of taping. We use traditional electrical stimulation and use therapeutic exercise to teach patients how to exercise in the proper manner for their condition. A lot of education goes into our visits. We want our patients to know how to take care of themselves.

Q: Why should someone choose TherapySouth over other similar facilities?

A: Our mantra is hands on care close to home and work. That’s why we have so many locations to be convenient. It’s a friendly work environment and we don’t have a ton of turnover. Some patients we have seen for various things throughout the years and they continue to see the

same therapist. Just as people have their dentist, or primary care doctor we are trying to get people to see their need for a physical therapist.

Q: What specialty is offered at the 280 locations?

A: We offer dry needling in which we use a monofilament needle which is commonly confused with acupuncture.

While it’s the same tool, it’s a completely different procedure. It has gained popularity in all of our clinics.

280Living.com

February 2018 • C5

C6 • February 2018

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

280 Living

WEIGH TO WELLNESS 4704 Cahaba River Road Q: What is Weigh to Wellness?

A: A medically supervised weight loss clinic offering a customized approach with various options including nutritional guidance, protein supplements/meal replacements, prescription medications and injections among many other tools. Our program is uniquely individualized based on your health characteristics, lifestyle and weight loss goals. Whether a patient is looking to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds, we have a plan for you!

Q: Who is on the Weigh to Wellness staff?

A: Owner Leslie Ellison has acquired a wealth of knowledge with over 21 years of experience in the industry. Dr. Timothy H. Real is the medical director and is board certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine. We also have fulltime Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists. Our staff is able to recognize many psychological and genetic factors that cause obesity and design processes s ecific to each of our atients for the best results.

Q: What results do patients typically have?

A: Patients typically lose an average of 2-5 pounds weekly. It is inspiring to see how excited our patients get when they see great results. It keeps them motivated and focused! Since opening in

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DR. TIMOTHY H. REAL AND LESLIE ELLISON

June of 2014 we have celebrated over 15,000 pounds lost!

Q: How much does the program cost?

A: A medical evaluation which

includes an EKG, lab tests, body composition analysis and a physical with Dr. Real is required to start any program — the fee for the medical evaluation is $130.

aplanforme.com Programs can range from $13-$100 weekly. Costs vary depending on if the patient chooses to use any meal replacements, protein snacks, prescription medication (if applicable) or injections that may enhance weight loss.

Everything is a la carte!

There are NO CONTRACTS and NO SIGN UP FEES. Q: Does the program have one-on-one counseling that will help develop healthier habits?

A: Yes. Patients are typically seen on a weekly or biweekly basis for one-on-one counseling and behavior modification.

Accountability and structure is key to every patient’s success.

Q: Do I have to follow a s ecific eal lan or kee a food diary?

A: There are many options offered, but the patient picks and chooses the aspects of the rogram that best fits their lifestyle. enefits to ee ing a food diary are detecting food intolerance, controlling portion sizes, keeping you mindful of nutrition and often identifying triggers to unhealthy eating.

Patients who keep a food journal typically lose twice the amount of weight of those that don’t.

Q: Do I have to buy special meals or supplements?

A: No, but Weigh to Wellness does offer convenient meal

replacements and protein snacks. Most patients love these healthy options because they are great for grab and go!

Q: Does the program provide ways to deal with such issues as social or holiday eatin chan es to ork sche les lack o oti ation and injury or illness?

A: Yes. There is no perfect time to diet. Our experienced staff is used to working around any of these issues. We encourage each of our patients to think of it as a lifestyle change, not necessarily a diet! : ill r eal ork ith my health care provider if needed (for example, if I lose weight and my blood pressure medications need to be adjusted)?

A: Absolutely. We are happy to follow up with your primary care doctor or specialist at any time with your consent.

Q: Does the program include a lan to hel e kee the weight off once I’ve lost weight?

A: “I can’t think of one thing I love that I don’t have to maintain — the oil in my car, the grass on my lawn, the paint on my home,” Ellison said.

Yes, we offer a FREE lifetime maintenance program and it is the most important part of the program. Patients can continue to come weekly, biweekly or monthly for maintenance and there is no charge!

280Living.com

February 2018 • C7

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SOMERBY ST. VINCENT’S ONE NINETEEN 200 One Nineteen Blvd.

Q: What is life at Somerby like?

A: Most of our residents say it’s one of the best moves they’ve ever made because of their newfound freedom, enhanced security and expanded options for activities and engagement.

In fact, many have compared it to living on a cruise ship! It’s a place where our associates know you by name and everyone is friendly.

Q: Tell us about your partnership with St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.

A: Through our partnership, we are able to offer our residents exclusive, complimentary memberships to One Nineteen Health and Wellness Center.

Residents also have full access to the aquatic center there, which includes therapy, lap and aerobic pools, as well as a whirlpool.

Q: The Somerby Spark is referenced often throughout the community.

What does it mean?

A: We look for ways every day to inspire and delight our residents and their families. All of our programming is designed to help residents discover their spark through spirituality, purpose, activity, knowledge and relationships. We want our residents to have opportunities to try new things and continue lifelong learning.

Q: What types of living options are available for residents?

A: We offer several types of living and care options because seniors’ needs vary from person to person. Those options include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite Care and Therapy. Our residential offerings come in several styles, and we offer spacious, open-concept apartment homes and one-,

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two and three bedroom oor lans. ith these multiple living options, once you become a resident of Somerby, you can remain one even if your health or housing needs change.

Q: The food is probably something many people ask about. Are there different dining options available, as well?

A: We believe our dining options are second to none. There’s white linen service at the Château Restaurant, casual cuisine at Café One Nineteen, a daily hot breakfast buffet, champagne brunches on Sundays and O’Henry’s coffee.

somerbyseniorliving.com

Q: How are residents able to foster meaningful relationships at Somerby?

A: We encourage and support positive life choices for our residents and encourage families to visit their loved ones on a regular basis. We even provide some ways to make that easier for everyone, such as offering guestsuite accommodations at a reasonable price. We also encourage our residents to e lore grow and find some fun along the way. They meet people who share their interests form friendshi s and find ways to share their talents with everyone.

Q: How do the associates factor into

creating a memorable experience at Somerby?

A: We have processes in place to assure that we consistently recruit, hire and retain the right people, such as our fantastic nursing staff. Our associates have the resources and support necessary to provide the best service and care for each individual resident.

When you visit a Somerby community, ask to meet some of our residents or even a few of our associates. They can give you further insight into how and why they made the decision to move to or work in one of our communities.

C8 • February 2018

280 Living

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SKIN WELLNESS CENTER 398 Chesser Drive, Suite 6, Chelsea

650-1419

skinwellness.com

Q: Can you tell us about your new membership program?

A: Absolutely! We’re excited to announce our new LUXE Membership, a three-level program clients can join for unprecedented access to Skin Wellness procedures and products. We want our clients to love their skin, and LUXE allows them to have the best dermatology treatments around for a discounted price.

Q: What’s included in the three levels?

A: Our first level is only a month and it includes your choice of a 30-minute facial, dermaplane, a su erficial eel or an eyebrow and eyelash tint. Members will also receive ercent off our roducts. Our second level includes your choice of two blue light acne treatments, a longer facial, microderm or a deeper peel and 20 percent off our products. You can also become a Level 3 LUXE member, which includes 2 ercent off our roducts and your choice of a medium depth peel, the Clear + Brilliant laser treatment, Exilis skin tightening treatment or IPL treatment. : hat is the i est enefit of joining the LUXE membership program?

A: Aside from the expert treatment and affordable prices, I’m excited that LUXE will give patients the opportunity to receive frequent, regular skin care. We see the best results when patients can maintain their treatment schedule for an extended period of time and this way is an amazing way to do it. We want all of our patients to have healthy, beautiful

skin year-round. With LUXE, they have access to a team of dermatological experts every month to keep them looking and feeling great.

Q: Is there a way to get introduced to popular Skin Wellness treatments without committing to the monthly program?

A: Skin Wellness actually just

revamped our VIP card. Our VIP Card now comes with over 000 in savings on all our favorite Skin Wellness procedures. This is a great route to take if you’ve never had any aesthetic services or know you’ll be doing several different procedures throughout the year since you get several free services as well as savings on things li e oto filler and laser treatments. It’s a no brainer really.

At 2

it instantly ays for itself.

Q: What if I don’t know which Skin Wellness cosmetic procedures are for me?

A: We would love to have you for a cosmetic consult. This is a great way to get Dr. Hartman’s ear and expertise on what he thinks are the best tools to get your desired results.

280Living.com

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

February 2018 • C9

REGENERATIVE MEDICAL INSTITUTE 1849 Data Drive, Suite 1, Hoover, AL 35244 Q: What is Regenerative Medicine?

A: RM is the practice of medicine that uses alternative and advanced medical techniques to enhance our body’s own natural ability to repair damage caused to our cells, tissues and organs all without the use of drugs! It offers amazing promise and hope for millions of people who suffer from conditions like arthritis, previous injuries, and neuropathy which cause debilitating pain.

RM can be applied to almost every area of medicine and offers amazing results for anyone seeking to heal and restore their body without surgery.

Q: What types of services do you offer?

A: At Regenerative Medical Institute, we specialize in treating neuropathy and in ammatory conditions such as chronic joint pain. Most chronic joint pain is caused by conditions like osteoarthritis, previous surgery and injuries. The areas most commonly affected by chronic joint pain are the knee, lower back, hip and shoulder.

We also treat tendonitis and muscle tears commonly caused by sports injuries. Lastly, we offer regenerative medicine treatments for aging skin and hair loss.

Painful Neuropathy:

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euro athy is a difficult to treat condition that causes symptoms of pain, numbness, loss of balance and altered sensations to the hands and feet. Neuropathy is commonly caused by diabetes, chemotherapy, drugs such as agent orange and unknown causes. Our groundbreaking treatment protocol offers a 87% success rate in treating these conditions without the use of surgery or steroids. Many of our patients have reduced their pain medication use.

• We use a well-established, safe and effective

regenmedclinics.com

treatment called Combined Electrochemical Therapy or CET. This technology uses a sensory nerve block and electrical cell stimulation using an advanced anti in ammatory medical device which stimulates damaged nerve endings to heal and regenerate.

• Additionally, we offer stem cell and platelet rich plasma or PRP therapy. These cellular therapies are natural ways to regenerate tissues by decreasing in ammation and introducing concentrated cells which contain growth factors to help the body heal itself.

Call today for a comprehensive evaluation at no charge to you.

Anti-Aging Facial and Hair-Loss Treatments: We offer microneedling facial treatments to stimulate the growth of new collagen from skin cells. This is an amazing way to smooth texture, enhance tone and correct facial blemishes. t hel s im rove fine lines, bumps, blemishes, dark spots and sun damage.

• Microneedling is also a proven method to encourage production of new hair follicles.

Q: How soon do patients show results after treatment with stem cells?

A: We have had reports of

improvement within one to four days after treatment. As the cells divide and make new cells there is continued healing and repair for several months after injection.

Q. Where do you get the stem cells used in your treatments?

A: At RMI, we only use stem cells from your body or donated stems cells taken from the umbilical cord and amniotic tissues from live, healthy births.

Q: How do microneedling facials work?

A: Microneedling is a safe, in office minimally invasive procedure that requires little down time. Microneedling lifts the facial tissues and helps im rove the a earance of fine lines, wrinkles and scars. It is safe for light to dark skin and the outcome is beautiful looking skin. Results are generated from the skin’s natural remodeling process.

We also offer the vampire facial treatment which uses microneedling with platelet rich plasma taken from your own blood. It is rich in growth factors fibroblast and collagen.

When applied to the face and scalp it stimulates repair of the skin. This anti-aging procedure corrects skin texture, scars, pigmentation and damage from lasers and sun. Call today for a comprehensive evaluation at no charge to you.

C10 • February 2018

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

280 Living

HEALTHY SMILES 100 Heatherbrooke Drive, Suite A Q: Dr. Lester and Dr. Garner, what is the best advice you can give someone to maintain healthy teeth and gums?

A: Our best advice for maintaining healthy teeth and gums is Only oss the teeth you want to keep!” All kidding aside, brushing your teeth twice a day and ossing with either conventional oss or the new water ossers is the best way to remove debris from between your teeth. Diet also plays a major role in your dental (and general) health. Sugary foods and drin s cause in ammation throughout the body as well as decay in the mouth. Seeing your dentist on a regular basis keeps little things from becoming big problems.

Q: Recently there has been an increase in cosmetic dentistry. What are the most popular cosmetic dentistry services?

A: Our most popular and most conservative cosmetic dentistry treatment is teeth whitening, and we have both in office and at home methods for bleaching teeth. Also, with recent advancements in minimally-invasive dentistry, we offer no-prep and minimalprep porcelain veneers for a complete smile makeover without the removal of natural tooth structure.

991-9535

healthysmilesofbirmingham.com their CPAP because they are uncomfortable or noisy. Oral appliances are easier to wear, transport on business trips or vacations and ad ust. e can check the effectiveness of an oral appliance non-invasively before referring our patient back to their sleep physician for an additional in-lab sleep study.

DR. PAIGE LESTER AND DR. JOE GARNER

Q: What are some of the recent advantages of technology in dental care that you offer your patients?

A: There have been great strides in technology for dental care in the last several years. Patients love our CEREC machine that produces “same-day crowns,” so they can receive their crown within an hour or two with no messy impressions and no temporaries. Another advancement available is digital X-ray technology, which

produces far less radiation exposure than conventional film rays. e also have the capability of taking 3D images to see the teeth and jaw in a way that we never could before the dental CT imagery came about. Tekscan computerized bite analysis is also available in our office for atients who have TMJ and headache issues.

Q: Your provide sleep apnea and snoring appliances, what are the enefits o these versus the traditional CPAP masks?

A: Treating sleep apnea and snoring is one of our favorite services to provide to our patients, and we follow the guidelines from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Sleep and Breathing Academy.

Mild and moderate sleep apnea can be treated in the dental office with oral a liances if the patient is a candidate.

Although CPAP machines are the traditional gold standard for treatment of sleep apnea, statistics show that around 75 percent of patients don’t use

Q: What are the costs for someone to be evaluated to see i they can enefit ro a sleep apnea appliance?

A: As part of our regular exams in our patients’ cleaning appointments, we are evaluating them for signs and symptoms of sleep apnea along with our oral cancer exam. If we suspect an undiagnosed problem, or if the patient or their spouse reports snoring or breathing issues, we can send the patient home with a device to screen for sleep breathing issues. There is no charge for the screening and based on the findings we send the patient for additional testing with a sleep physician who can diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. For new patients, our sleep apnea consultation is complimentary. Our goal is to make sure our patients are getting the restful, restorative sleep they need as well as helping them maintain good oral health.

280Living.com

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

February 2018 • C11

CARDIOVASCULAR ASSOCIATES 3980 Colonnade Parkway Q: Based on my family history, am I at risk for cardiovascular disease?

A: You can be, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Women are protected by seven to 10 years compared to their male counterparts.

Also, if your family member had habits that increased their risk like tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle or poor diet, and you live healthily, then you may not be at the same risk.

On the i side if you eat out all the time and your family member never did, you may have raised your risk. People will develop heart disease with age, so a family member who developed heart disease later in life is unlikely to be a risk factor for you unless you’re nearing that age.

Q: Can you help me quit smoking?

A: Of course. When you’re ready, it’s a partnership we can help the person who is making the effort themselves.

Q: Is my blood pressure within the normal range? If my blood pressure is high, can you help me reduce it?

A: Women often want to explain away high readings by ‘rushing’ or ‘being under stress’.

The fact is most of us are often rushing or under stress. If your blood pressure is up, your physician will ask you to check it at home as well and will determine with you if it’s elevated. If elevated and borderline, then lifestyle measures may be all that is needed to hel it. f significantly elevated, it increases your risk of heart attack and stroke and may need to be treated with medicine along with your lifestyle changes.

Q: What unique risk factors do women have?

A: Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which are perhaps more common in women, are now recognized as risk factors for heart disease.

Depression and bipolar affective disorder are also risk factors that perhaps women have more often than men. Pregnancy-associated diabetes and hypertension increase risk for both of these

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conditions for women later in life. Both are risk factors for heart disease so if you had either during pregnancy you should be alert to being vigilant for developing these risk factors later in life.

Q: I smoke and have high blood pressure. Is it OK for me to use hormone therapies like an IUD, birth control, or hormone replacement for menopause.

A: When you have high blood pressure and/ or you smoke, your risk of stroke is markedly increased when compared to someone who doesn’t do these things. Make sure your physician knows you smoke (if you do) and has checked your blood pressure before any discussion about using hormone therapies including IUDs. Q: Do my cholesterol levels put me at risk for cardiovascular disease?

A: They do, but not in a vacuum. Cholesterol levels are just one risk we take into account while calculating risk. A young person with high cholesterol may be at much lower cardiac risk than a older person with normal cholesterol levels. Age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status, diabetes status and level of blood pressures are all input into a calculator to determine your overall cardiac risk. When you sit down with your physician, ask that they calculate your risk and don’t just rely on your cholesterol numbers to determine this risk. Once your risk has been determined it can be decided if you need to work on your cholesterol through lifestyle changes and sometimes, if your risk is quite high, medication.

Q: If I exercise a lot does it balance out what I eat?

A: Exercise is so important but it doesn’t correct for if you are eating unhealthy. The importance of eating healthy and following a Mediterranean diet, in conjunction with regular exercise, is the best approach to reducing your risk of heart disease.

cvapc.com

DR. ANURADHA RAO, MD, FACC

C12 • February 2018

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

280 Living

ALABAMA ALLERGY AND ASTHMA CENTER 16691 U.S. 280, Chelsea Q: Tell me about Alabama Allergy and Asthma Center.

A: Since 1966, Alabama Allergy and Asthma Center (AAAC) has striven to provide each patient with leading allergic and respiratory care.

Each facet of our team, including physicians, nurses, front office staff financial counseling and patient care representatives, works handin-hand to make sure that your visit with us goes uently.

Q: What is often misunderstood about allergies?

A: In the past, allergy and immunology has been considered as “hokey.” As we continue to move forward with scientific advances and discoveries, society is realizing that this field has scientific merit. Recently, there have been advancements in medicine for conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis, which had previously been stagnant for so long. We continue to move forward with these types of advancements, striving to provide the most current forms of care to our patients.

Q: Why should someone see an allergist?

A: All of our allergists with Alabama Allergy and Asthma enter are certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.

Their advanced training allows

them to provide the absolute best care with regards to allergic, immunological and respiratory diseases. We also strive to offer the most up-todate services and treatments available. These include food allergy desensitization with our new program, The Food Allergy Treatment Center.

The goal of this program is to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis after exposure to peanuts and

871-9661

tree nuts. We also offer RUSH and Cluster immunotherapy, allowing for patients to go through the process of allergy immunotherapy quicker.

Q: How are you staying ahead of the curve through research and clinical trials?

A: The Clinical Research enter of Alabama an affiliate of AAAC is on the forefront of upcoming medications.

This includes biologics for the

alabamaallergy.com

treatment of asthma, eczema and nasal polyps. These new medications are the next wave of new treatments for these conditions. Our physicians at AAAC play an integral role in the research process as principle investigators. Our goal is to provide the best care throughout the clinical trial process and to help develop and bring new exciting treatments to the attention of

the public.

Q: What makes Alabama Allergy and Asthma Center accessible to people across Central Alabama?

A: Our six locations (Homewood, Hoover, Chelsea, Trussville, Alabaster, Cullman), make it easy for those across central Alabama to receive care and treatment. We also have individuals that travel from neighboring states such as Mississippi, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. Regardless of where you come from, we want to make sure that you are given the best possible care.

Q: How are you staying involved in the community?

A: AAAC tries to be as involved as possible within our community. We participate in multiple health fairs throughout the year such as “Take a Child to the Doctor Day.” One of our biggest events every year is Peanut Free Night with the Birmingham Barons. We partner with the Barons to plan a night during their season where the entire stadium is cleaned of any peanut remnants. This allows children who have peanut allergies the opportunity to watch and cheer for the local team without fear of suffering from a reaction to peanuts. We love our community and hope to continue to participate in all the wonderful events that happen here yearly.

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YOGA AND THERAPY CENTER 3000 Eagle Point Corporate Drive Q: What advice would you give someone suffering from chronic pain?

A: Find a way to get yourself moving! ust five minutes of range of motion exercises sitting in a chair combined with deep breathing is a great way to start.

I always suggest adjusting your diet to include mainly whole foods and remove all in ammatory and rocessed foods li e sugar, gluten, and dairy.

Q. How long have you been offering dry needling and what are its enefits?

A: I started my dry needling training in 2013, which was a few years before other PT clinics in the area realized its potential for healing. Dry Needling is a safe, effective, and relatively painless way to reduce areas of muscle tightness and pain in the body. Many patients e erience results after the first treatment!

Q: Tell us about other alternative health therapies you offer.

A: Our alternative therapies promote overall health by reducing in ammation pain, and chronic illness in the body: physical therapy, dry needling, health coaching, all types of massage therapy and body wor electromagnetic thera y with the Bemer Mat, ionic foot detox sessions and various sound and vibration therapies. Our therapists have years of experience and advanced therapeutic training and are well respected in the community — something I am very proud of! We also offer private therapeutic yoga instruction and restorative reformer pilates for those who need more individualized assistance learning how to move through pain or dysfunction.

Q: Are any of your alternative therapies covered by insurance plans?

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REVIVE VITALITY 3425 Colonnade Parkway, Suite C Q: What services does Revive Vitality offer?

A: We are the premiere men’s wellness and vitality clinic. Our specialty is the treatment of men’s sexual and overall health, including erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual performance, decreased libido, premature ejaculation and low testosterone.

A: Many insurance plans cover physical therapy services. I do not bill insurance directly for my services but can provide the necessary codes and invoices to file a manual claim for reimbursement.

Q: You have the only Yoga Wall in the State of Alabama. What is a Yoga Wall?

A: The Yoga Wall is a prop system of straps and harnesses that has been used in yoga practice for many years. This system allows students to experience proper body alignment with movement while reducing stress on the muscles and joints. It can also be used to decompress the spine to reduce pain.

Q: Does someone have to be healthy an fit to o yo a?

A: If you can breathe, then you can do yoga e ma e each class accessible to every O by roviding ro s li e chairs bolsters blan ets bloc s and the yoga wall to help support the body during movement.

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Q: What does the 14-minute, free consultation entail?

A: You’ll get a one-on-one with our professional medical provider who will answer any questions about treatments and services we offer.

Q: How does the process work?

A: A medical evaluation is performed by our health care provider, who will assess your candidacy for treatment based on an examination and any necessary testing. Based on your on-site results, the provider will then recommend a care plan. : an ha e y o n har acy fill my prescription?

A: ou can if you li e however we offer at home delivery for your convenience.

Q: What if my medications don’t work?

A: We offer therapies that treat

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essentially everyone. We include follow-up visits and treatment plan adjustments to satisfy all of your needs.

Q: What form of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) do you offer?

A: The TRT treatment o tion we now to be most effective is intramuscular testosterone cypionate. Our clinic regularly monitors blood levels to ensure excellent, safe results.

Q: What is the mission of Revive Vitality?

A: Revive Vitality is a specialty provider for men’s sexual and physical health. We are committed to delivering the cutting-edge, world-class medical and scientific treatments to return men to the lifestyle and performance they desire and deserve e ta e ride in our ability to discretely treat our patients at the most convenient location in Birmingham. Most of our services are in-house, and we even deliver to your door! Our mission is quality, compassion, convenience and vitality!

C14 • February 2018

GROWING UP PEDIATRICS 200 Riverhill Business Park, Suite 250 Q: How often should my baby be eating?

A: f it s ossible for you to breast feed breast milk is the best food for babies.

Expect your newborn to feed about every two hours. eeding can last anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes on each side.

The more the infant nurses from the breast the quicker your milk will “come in” and the more milk you will be able to produce.

Su lementing with formula can sometimes hinder successful breastfeeding.

Q: How do I know when to start feeding my baby solid food?

A: The practice of introducing solid foods and liquids other than breast milk or formula during the first year of life has varied over time and across cultures.

The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that solid foods be introduced around 6 months of age. henever you start your child on solids begin with foods such as mashed bananas or rice cereal.

Q: My child/baby has a fever — Now what do I do?

A: More than almost any other condition fever causes arents to worry.

Because many types of infection do not

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DR. DONNA KENTROS

tolerate elevated tem eratures fever is nature s way of fending off disease. or this reason it is not necessary to get your child s fever bac to normal when they are sick. The important factor with fever is identifying the underlying cause for the fever and addressing this problem properly.

If you have questions about what to do when your child has a fever you should call your pediatrician and follow his or her advice.

FOCUS-MD BIRMINGHAM 2700 Rogers Drive, Suite 208, Homewood

769-0649

adhdbirmingham.com

Q: What services do you specialize in?

A: We are a medical clinic that specializes in Attention eficit isorders or A for short. Our hysician Dr. Tanikqua Moore is an and that s the hallmar of the Focus-MD network. e re the ste ing stone between primary care and a psychiatric practice when it comes to Attention eficit Disorders.

Q: What is commonly misunderstood about ttention eficit Disorders?

A: The most commonly misunderstood thing is that it s caused by a DR. TANIKQUA MOORE, MD lack of discipline or by bad arenting. Attention eficit isorders are not a single atho hysiological Q: What sets Focus-MD apart from entity and appear to have a complex other treatment options? cause. There are multi le genetic and A: Primary care physicians offer environmental risk factors that act com rehensive care and sychologists together to create sym toms of A .

These are factors that can t be controlled and psychiatrists focus on mental health conditions as a whole while we by disci line or arental teaching. specialize exclusively in the treatment Q: Why is the treatment of of Attention eficit isorders using the ttention eficit isor ers chronic care model. t s not always an important? easy process and can be time-intensive A: ong term studies have shown that at times es ecially when it s not the atients who have untreated A have focus of the care provided or when higher rates of ob turnover financial there are comorbid conditions that must difficulty auto accidents inter ersonal be considered. owever we are well relationshi roblems divorce and e ui ed to diagnose and manage A . substance abuse and misuse. Overall f the diagnosis is not A we will hel having well monitored closely managed guide the atient to the a ro riate care rovides the best long term next step. outcome for the patients.

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February 2018 • C15

ENCORE REHABILITATION OF INVERNESS 5291 Valleydale Road, Suite 113 Q: Many youth athletes seem to be suffering from stress fractures of the low back. What causes this?

A: “Spondylolysis” is the medical term for a stress fracture that involves spine, and is most common in the low back (lumbar region).

The vertebrae essentially have a attened area that is a weak spot and does not MARC R. handle stress very well. This area becomes overloaded during activities that involve repeated extension/rotation of the trunk and spine, which ultimately results in small fractures.

Q: What sports is this most commonly seen in?

A: To be honest, it can occur in any sport, as they all typically involve skills that involve extension and rotation. The sports that are most at risk are those resulting in the greatest amount of extension (gymnasts, cheerleaders and linemen in football due to blocking) or extension with rotation (soccer, baseball and volleyball).

Q: What should a parent do if their child has low back pain?

A: If the pain lasts more than a week, they should contact an orthopedist for evaluation. The challenge with this condition is that there aren’t any clinical tests that are very accurate for detecting this injury, and X-rays often will not show the fracture (especially early). If X-rays are negative, the physician may order further diagnostic testing such as a bone scan or MRI. If the history strongly suggests a fracture despite the negative

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BERNIER, DPT, MPT, CSCS X-ray, the physician may forego further testing and treat the athlete as if they had a fracture.

Q: Are there any concerns if the athlete tries to play through the pain?

A: Absolutely. The stress fracture is usually present on only one side; however, because this can make the area less stable, it can cause a fracture on the other side as well (if the athlete continues to play). Once this occurs, the vertebrae can then “slip” forward, resulting in Spondylolisthesis.

Q: What is the treatment for stress fractures?

A: Research shows that the three most effective treatments (especially when implemented together) are: rest from the sport (to eliminate the stress on the vertebrae), use of a lumbar brace and physical therapy. Physical therapy will usually focus on strengthening the core muscles to help control the amount of extension during sports, addressing e ibility deficits es ecially hi e ors posture reeducation and modalities for pain control.

BIRMINGHAM SPEECH AND HEARING fice ar Circle Q: How are you different from other similar practices in town?

A: Birmingham Speech and earing Associates is the first private practice speech and hearing clinic in Birmingham. We are familyowned business and have been here for over 37 years. We are the only practice in the state of Alabama that is an exclusive NFL-PA provider and offers four-year warranties on most hearing aids. Our providers are highly experienced doctors of audiology rather than hearing instrument specialists. n addition to our in office customer service, monthly consultations are provided for residents at area retirement communities, free of charge.

Q: What are common speechlanguage problems you can resolve?

A: Our experienced, Master’s level Speech-Language Pathologists

bir ingha s eechandhearing c provide evaluations and treatment for articulation (speech sounds), stuttering, apraxia, voice disorders, expressive language, pragmatics (social language skills) and receptive language disorders. Should parents have concerns about their child’s development, our SLPs can give direction regarding what is normal and what areas may need attention.

Q: When should patients come to see you about speech or hearing i fic lties?

A: Research indicates that it may be as long as seven years between the time a erson first reali es that they have a hearing problem until they actually make an appointment to get some help. Changes in hearing are typically gradual and the person may not even reali e how their hearing loss is affecting their activity level and social life.

C16 • February 2018

MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTORY • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

AMERICA INSTITUTE OF REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 1 Independence Plaza, Suite 810, Homewood 2006 Brookwood Medical Center Drive, Suite 302 Q: What makes America Institute of Reproductive Medicine unique from other reproductive medical practices?

A: AIRM’s staff is composed of professionals who have many years of experience in the re roductive medicine field and our clinical staff goes above and beyond to support families insuring their needs are fulfilled to the best of our abilities. Dr. Cecil Long has 30-plus years of experience in treating infertility issues along with one of the best embryologists in the world Dr. Marius Meintjes. In addition r. ong consults each patient personally u on their visits whereas that is not the case for other infertility practices.

Q: When should a couple seek help for infertility issues?

A: It is recommended that couples seek help after trying for six months and being unsuccessful. Also societal factors may delay the desired time to start a family and age is a critical factor for females. There are many studies showing that women’s ability to produce fertile eggs declines exponentially around the age of so cou les should seek help as soon as possible.

Q: What are some misconceptions

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DR. CECIL LONG

about infertility treatments?

A: A common misconception is that all infertility treatments are financially straining. Many infertility issues can be resolved by ma ing minor ad ustments and those treatments are covered by most insurances. Rarely do we have to resort to advanced treatments such as n itro ertili ation. Also the ris of conceiving twins tri lets or more are significantly decreased due to the current trend of IVF treatments only transferring one embryo.

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